History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois, Part 21

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois > Part 21

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Ilaving, in the pulpit, expressed his views decidedly, twenty of the leading members withdrew and formed a Second Presbyterian church, connecting them- selves afterward with the southern gen- oral assembly. Mr. Edwards continued as pastor until December, 1858. During his ministry here the present parson- age was built at a cost of $2,400. He died at Cleveland, O., Oct. 17, 1876. Rev. Chas. II. Foote was invited to supply the pulpit for one year, begin- ning Dec. 1, 1858. Ile was installed pastor April 15, 1860, his pastorate of the church extending over a period of eight years and three months, and was, on the whole, prosperous. He resigned Feb. 17, 1867, and his death occurred June 28, 1880. April 7, 1867, Rev. Wm. W. Williams was invited to preach. He continued to supply the pulpit until the following September, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. Geo. I. King, D. D. The two branches of the Presbyterian church having united during Dr. King's pastor- ate, the church raised over $2,000 towards the memorial fund. During the year of 1872 the health of Dr. King failed and he visited New Orleans with the hope of receiving benefit. HIe sank rapidly, however, and died there March 12, 1873. Rev. James W. Stark entered upon his duties as pastor in November, 1873, as a successor of Dr. King, serv- ing the church in that capacity for about 10 years. On the 18th of Jan., 1880, the rotary system of eldership was adopted, as provided for by the general assembly, in accordance with which W. S. Ross was elected to the eldership in January, 1881; B. C. Van- dervoort in January, 1882, and Dr. A.

A. Barnett in January, 1883. The initi- atory steps for building a new church were taken during the year, 1880, the ladies of the congregation taking a leading part in the matter. To secure the co-operation of all, and to make the terms of payment as easy as possible, it was proposed to raise the sum of $12,000, by dividing the whole amount into 480 shares of $25 each, to be paid in three annual payments, namely, Sept. 1, 1881, Sept. 1, 1882, and Sept. 1, 1883, the whole to be collectable when the entire amount was subseribed. A soliciting committee was appointed to collect funds, which part of the work was delegated to the ladies. This com- mittee consisted of the following mem- bers: Mrs. Emily B. King, Mrs. A. A, Barnett, Mrs. W. S. Ross, Mrs. Cor- nelia J. Shephard, Mrs. S. A. Holmes, Mrs. W. H. Pogue, Mrs. Mary E. Jack- son, Mrs. B. C. Vandervoort, Mrs. Jane B. Pittman, Mrs. J. A. Cory, Mrs. R. I. Lowe, Mrs. Hugh N. Cross, Mrs. J. C. Darby and Miss C. A. VanLiew. The building committee was composed of the following named gentlemen and ladies: A. W. Cross, Wallace Leigh, T. F. Remer, Dr. A. A. Barnett, J. L. C. Richards, John I. Whyte, Mrs. B. C. Vandervoort and Mrs. Emily B. King.

The church is constructed of Graf- ton stone, with slate roof and stained glass windows and square tower 90 feet high, located on the site of the old church, at the corner of State and Car- penter streets. The corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies on the 12th of August, 1882, and on the 23d of August, 1883, the building was completed and dedicated. The edifice is what is known as modern Gothie in

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architecture, considerably ornate, yet not departing from a rigid adherence to the Gothic rules, and is one of the finest churches in this part of the state. In January 1883, Rev. Stark tendered his resignation as acting pastor of the church on account of continued ill health, which was accepted. However, with renewed health, he is now preach- ing in the Presbyterian church of Santa Fe, N. M. The present pastor, Rev. Ira C. Tyson, entered upon his duties as pastor of the church on the first Sabbath in June, 1883, and was in- stalled as pastor on the 25th day of September following. The church to- day is in a highly flourishing condition with a membership numbering about 250.

Rev. Ira C. Tyson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, has been a resi- dent of Jerseyville only since June, 1883, but in that time he has won a high place in the esteem and affections of his congregation. Jerseyville is his first charge in the West, he having been called here from New Hampshire. He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Montgomery county, on the 3d day of March, 1830. His parents were also natives of that county, and members of the society of Friends. His father was a farmer by occupation, but in his later years removed to Philadelphia, where he led a retired life until the time of his death, which occurred after he had at- tained his 83d year. His mother, Mary (Hallowell) Tyson, also died in Phila- delphia. Our subject was the fifth in a family of eight children, and was the oldest son. Four of the children are yet living, six having reached the age of maturity. Ira C. was reared to the

occupation of farming, receiving in the meantime, such education as was af- forded by the common schools of the neighborhood. At the age of 17 years, he commenced the acquisition of the printer's trade, in the office of the Tele- graph, at Germantown, Penn. In this office he was employed for 12 years, starting in as an apprentice, and ending as foreman of the establishment. While in Germantown, he was united in mat- rimony with Fannie L. Hunt, of that city, in 1853. She died, four years after their marriage. In 1856 he united with the Market Square Presbyterian church, of Germantown, and soon after this time he was impressed with the conviction that he must enter the minis- try. He commenced the study of the languages with the principal of the Ger- mantown Academy, and afterward under a private tutor in New York city, his practical knowledge as a printer supply- ing. to a considerable extent, the place of a college course. After two and one- half years spent in preliminary study, he entered the Union Theological Sem- inary, of New York city, in 1859, and graduated in May, 1862. Feeling the need of a more thorough classical train- ing than could be obtained in a printing oflice, he has continued with vigor the study of the languages up to the present time. In the month of June following his graduation, he received and accepted a call to the pastorate of the Presbyte- rian church at Hughsonville, Dutchess county, N. Y., and was ordained and in- stalled by the Presbytery of North River, O. S., on the 7th of Oct., 1862. In 1869, he was called to the Presbyte- rian church, at Bedford, N. H., and was settled over that congregation by the

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Presbytery of Londonderry, in May, 1869. He held the pastorate there till August, 1879. In September following, he was invited to take charge of the Presbyterian church, at Londonderry, N. H., and was soon after installed by the Presbytery of Boston, serving as pastor of that church until May, 1883, when he came to Jerseyville. In 1882, he attended, as a commissioner, the meeting of the general assembly, held that year at Springfield, this state, and while there met with Rev. James W. Stark, who was at that time the pastor of the First church, Jerseyville. They had been acquainted before, while fellow students at the theological seminary, and Mr. Stark invited Mr. Tyson to accompany him to Jerseyville, which he did. While here, he preached two sermons, soon returning to his charge, in New Hampshire. During the winter following, Mr. Stark's health declined so that he was obliged to resign his pas- torate here, and an urgent invitation was at once sent Mr. Tyson, to fill the expected vacancy. He took charge of the church here in June, 1883, and was installed as pastor by the Alton Presby- tery the following September. By the congregation he is given much of the credit for the rapid progress made in the welfare of this church since that time. During his early life, while in the print- ing office, he frequently contributed artieles to the newspapers, and read such works as those of Shakspeare, Milton, Sir Walter Scott, Gibbon, and other standard authors of English litera- ture, and the knowledge and experience thus gained have been of the greatest value to him in the preparation of his sermons, most of which are delivered

from his own manuscript. His thorough knowledge of Greek and Hebrew has enabled him to pursue his Biblical re- searches for himself, in a satisfactory manner. Since entering the ministry he has written only occasionally for the press, contributing, at intervals, articles for the New York Observer and other papers. Among his sermons which have been published, may be mentioned one on the teachings of the scriptures on total abstinence, and a historical ser- mon, delivered at Bedford, N. H. Mr. Tyson married his present wife, in New York city, immediately after graduation at the seminary, in May, 1862. Her nanie was Henrietta Sperling, a native of New York city. This union has been blessed with five children, four of whom are now living. Their names are: Louis J., Fannie A., Mary L., and Chas. W. Eddie, their first child, died at the age of 11 years. Mrs. Tyson has always occupied a high position in religious circles, and socially, wherever stationed. While in New England, he was stated clerk of the Boston Presbytery, and was chosen its historiographer. He had col- lected considerable material for a history of Presbyterianism in New England, but feeling that his great life-work was to preach the gospel, he was induced to relinquish this important work on re- ceiving a call to the west. In Oct., 1878, he read a paper before the New York Synod, on "The Scotch-Irish in New England," receiving a vote of thanks for the same. In October he was elected moderator of New York Synod, being the last moderator of that body prior to the reconstruction of the synod. Four times during his ministry he has been chosen commissioner to the gen-

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eral assembly-in 1867, at Cincinnati; in 1871, at Chicago; in 1878, at Pittsburg; and in 1882, at Springfield, Ill. Mr. Tyson has given considerable attention to the science of music, having given private instruction in music, and taught singing-school classes in various places. While prosecuting his studies in the seminary, his musical ability afforded him a partial support, by means of an engagement, on a stated salary, as a singer in the choir of one of the large churches of New York city,

OTTERVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This society was organized on the 19th day of March, 1855, with ten original members. The first elders of the con- gregation were Isham Finek and Sidney Noble. The services in the early days of the organization, were held in the old M. E. church south of Otterville. The first to officiate as minister was Rev. D. R. Bell. The officers of the church for 1885 are: W. I. Mears, Milo Landam and Wm. Noble, elders. The pastor is R. M. Smith. The congregation has a frame structure, which is 30x40 feet in ground area. Services are conducted by the pastor two Sundays in each month. Sabbath school is held regu- larly each week. The membership at present is about 30.

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF JERSEYVILLE.

As early as April, 1868, the Rev. C. S. Abbott, then rector of the St. Paul's church, Alton, IN., visited this village and held occasional services. During his charge there were five persons con- firmed and seventeen baptized. Rev. D. W. Dresser, also visited occasionally. Among the early workers and members

ofthe society were Allen Marshall, Cor- nelia Cockrell, Francis A. Knapp, Alice L. Titus, Elizabeth F. Van Horne, Mary A. Davenport, Elizabeth Goding- ton, Ann Londen, Cecilia K. Gibson- all of whom were communicants prior to January 1, 1869. In the spring of this year the Rev. George Gibson was appointed missionary.for this place and Carrollton, which charge he held for about two years. The Rev. H. G. Perry followed and served about two years. From that time until February, 1879, the services were almost entirely discontinued. Rev. P. A. Johnson, of Bunker Hill, did some work here early in the year, 1879, and on the 22d of February, the Rev. G. W. G. Van Win- kle came from New York city and as- sumed charge of the mission work in this place and Carrollton, to which he had been appointed in January, 1879, by Right Rev. G. F. Seymour, D. D., L. L. D. On the 22d of April, 1879, the congregation met and a petition was prepared, asking to be organized as a mission. This was sent to the bishop in May, and the bishop approving the action, appointed the following named persons as officers, which names were respectfully proposed by the congrega- tion: E. L. H. Barry, M. D,, S. W .; J. G. Blish, J. W,; II. N. Wyckoff, T .; John Fox, S. He sent a certificate signed on the 6th day of May, 1879, signifying his consent and approval, and making the appointment of the officers according to the canons. Im- mediately after this date steps were taken toward the erection of a church building, which resulted in the cash purchase of land enough to build the church edifice upon, and yet leaving

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room for a rectory, which the congre- gation hope soon to have erected. The building committee was composed of Dr. E. L. H. Barry, Charles Catt, John Fox, M. E. Bagley and the rector, Rev. G. W. G. Van Winkle, the corner stone of the new edifice being laid on the 22d day of July, 1880, with appropriate ceremonies. The edifice, which is neatly constructed of brick, was com- pleted at a cost of $2,900, besides an addition of $600 being expended for a lot.

Much credit is due Dr. E. L. H. Barry for the active interest he manifested du- ring the time the building was under the course of construction, as it was un- doubtedly due to his efforts more than any other that the building was ever attempted at that time. On the 2d day of June, 1881, being the octave of the Ascension, the new church building was ready for occupancy, and was opened with appropriate service, conducted by the Rev. G. P. Betts, of the Trinity church, St. Louis. The Rev. T. W. Haskins, of Alton, and Rev. William Elmer, of Jacksonville, were also pres- ent. The church, at times since its or- ganization, has experienced difficulties to retain life and existence, but at pres- ent is in quite a flourishing condition, with a membership of about 30. Rev. William T. Whitmarsh is the present rector. The present officers of the church are: John Fox, senior warden; J. S. Holmes, junior warden; A. A. Shobe, clerk; E. P. Bagley, treasurer.

DELAWARE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, KEMPER.

On March 13, 1870, a meeting was held of those interested in organizing a

Congregational church in this vicinity. This church gathering was held in the Delaware school house. At that meeting a committee was appointed, consisting of Orin Palmer, Elias Palmer and Luther Dodge, to draw up a consti- tution, articles of faith and a covenant, with instructions to report at a similar meeting to be held on Sunday, March 7, 1870. At the meeting held on that date, the committee reported favorably on organization, and brought in the covenant, articles of faith, etc., which were received, and acted upon favor- ably. On April 12, 1870, a council of neighboring churches was held, to take under consideration the advisability of organizing the Delaware church. This council passed favorably upon the idea. It was decided to postpone the election of officers for the time. The first mem- bers who entered into this organization were: Elias Palmer, Mrs. Phebe Palmer, Lora T. Palmer, Mrs. Martha J. Palmer, Mrs. Anna Twitchell and Mrs. Harriet S. Stowe. On January 4, 1875, officers were elected for the church, as follows: Messrs. Orin Palmer, clerk; Elias Palmer and Dennis Palmer, dea- cons; W. W. Larue, Orin Palmer and D. G. Twitchell, trustees. At the or- ganization of the church, Rev. H. D. Platt preached for the congregation, but there was no regular pastor until 1875. Services were presided over in that time, however, by Revs. H. D. Platt, R. M. Hall, William Harlan and E. Loomis. Rev. J. Scott Davis, a Pres- byterian preacher, was the first regular pastor, commencing in 1875. IIe was succeeded by Rev. H. D. Park, also a Presbyterian, who preached here till May 1, 1877, when he was followed by

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Rev. H. D. Platt. After his retirement, the pastorate was again vacant. Rev. I. W. Baker then came, remaining three months. He was succeeded by Rev. J. W. Phillips, who was pastor for two years. In March, 1884, the present pastor, Rev. P. B. Vest took charge of this flock. The first church edifice of this congregation was built where the present one stands, in 1878, the build- ing committee being J. C. Dannell, Den- nis Palmer and Orin Palmer. It cost about $3,500. Part of this sum was left by William Palmer, who set aside in his will 8500 for that purpose.

That building was destroyed by fire on the night of Dec. 25, 1879. The building proper was totally consumed, but the foundation was saved, as were also the doors, windows, seats, pulpit, etc. In the spring of 1880 the work of rebuilding was commenced, which was completed in the spring of 1881. The cost of the new building was 82,500, aside from what was saved from the fire. The building committee for the latter structure was composed of John C. Dannell, Dennis Palmer, Milo Stowe, and V. L. Dodge. The seating capacity, including gallery, is about 300. The membership at present is 69, and the church is in fair condition. There have been no changes in the of- fices of clerk or deacons. Olive S. Palmer is treasurer. G. D. Twitchell, Orin Pahner, and Mrs. Harriet S. Stowe are trustees. This church has a parsonage for its pastor, purchased in April, 1884, at a cost of $600.

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH, RUYLE TOWN- SIIIP.

The early records of this church have been lost or destroyed, and but few

dates are obtainable from which to write its history. It was organized on May 22, 1834, in a schoolhouse which then stood close to where the church building now stands. Revs. Moses Lee- man and Elijah Dodson guiding the or- ganization. The members of whom it was at first composed had formerly belonged to the Kane church, but for convenience, branched off, in order to hold services near their places of resi- dence. When the present school house of district No. 2 was erected, they com- menced to hold meetings there, and so continued until the present house of worship was built. This handsome structure is the free gift of Robert La- tham, a benevolent gentleman, now de- ceased. Work was commenced on it in 1880, and finished in 1881. The cost was about 2,000. The present officers of the church are: John Fink, R. W. Stroud and Enos Johnson, trustees; John Fink and Lewis Gilworth, dea- cons. The membership is about 73, and the church is in good condition, some 20 additions having been made the past winter. Rev. S. F. Rice, of Medora, is the present pa-tor.

LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH.

This society erected a church building in 1850. Among its first members were Samuel Erwin and wife, N. P. John- nessee and wife, Jonas Bradshaw and wife, John Vaughn and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Routh, Joseph Brown and wife. Samuel Erwin was the first deacon, and N. P. Johnnessee was clerk. The first minister was Rev. Jacob Rhodes, and preached the first sermon in the church. The church edifice was remodeled in 1872. The present officers

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of the church are: Samuel Erwin, D. E. Seago and Thomas Miller, deacons; J. G. Erwin, clerk. Isaac D. Crawford is the present pastor. The church has a membership of 54 in good standing.

FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, MIS- SISSIPPI TOWNSHIP.

Rev. John Clark organized a Baptist church in 1826, at the house of John McDow, which is known by the above designation. Among the first members were: John Lofton and wife, John Mc- Dow and wife, Josiah P. Askew and wife, Joah White and wife, Mrs. Mary McDow, Mrs. Matilda MeDow, and Samuel Lof- ton. They held meetings for a number of years, and finally built a church on the northeast quarter of Sec. 17. It was a frame structure, about 30x40 leet in size. It was blown down and com- pletely destroyed by a cyclone, and never rebuilt. The congregation was very large for that day.

OTTER CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH.

In June, 1855, the religious society known as the Otter Creek Baptist church was organized by Revs. B. B. Hamilton, Alvin Bailey, D. P. French, R. C. Ball, Aaron Dodson and Elder John Brown. Twenty persons were associated with the society at its organization Services were then held in the upper rooms of the old stone school house, which stood on the site of the present Otterville school. The first regular pastor was Rev. R. C. Keele, who officiated here six months. Then came B. B. Hamil- ton, who remained one year; George P. Guild and Aaron Dodson, who preached alternately, one year; A. Dodson, two years; H. T. Chilton, two years; A.

Dodson, three years; then J. W. Terry, six months; David Matlock, 11 months; Aaron Dodson, one year and six months; Rev. Lamb, six months; B. B. Hamil- ton, one year; Geo. W. Robinson, six months. He was succeeded by A. Dod- son, who still retains the pastorate. The church edifice of this congregation is constructed of brick, and is 34x56 feet in ground dimensions. It was com- menced in 1871, and finished in 1873, the total cost being about $10,000. Ser- vices are being held on alternate Sun- days, and Sabbath school sessions are hield each week. The present member- ship of the society is 41. The church building is located near the center of the village of Otterville.

ANTIOCH BAPTIST CHURCH, OTTER CREEK TOWNSHIP.

This society has its church building in the village of Otterville. It was erected in 1872 at a cost of $1,200. It is 24x36 feet in dimension, of frame con- struction. The edifice was dedicated by Rev. Butler, of Alton. The first pastor was Rev. Aaron Dodson. Rev. Isaac Crawford now administers to the spiritual welfare of the flock. When the church building was erected the membership was 65, but it has since fallen off to some extent, so that it is now 40. IIowever, the congregation is in a prosperous condition at present. The church building is located on the northeast corner of the southeast quar- ter of section 36.

COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH OF JERSEYVILLE

This church was organized about the year 1858, by Elder James H. Johnson. The first officers were: P. S. Brayden,

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W. M. Phillips and Samuel Evans, trustees; P. S. Brayden, clerk, and W. M. Phillips, treasurer. Among the first members were: Cynthia Brown, Hen- rietta Johnson, John Barton, America Barton, P. S. Brayden, W. M. Phillips and Samuel Evans. They held meet- ings for two or three years at private residences. About the year 1860 the present church building was erected. It is a brick structure 30x50 feet in ground area, and cost $1,500. The pas- tors of this church have been: Reys. J. H. Johnson, Jackson Robinson, G. M. Davis, S. J. Griswell, L. A. Coleman and J. W. Jones, the present pastor or elder. The membership at present is about 65. The officers of the church at the present time are: William Swan, clerk; Andrew Thomas, John Waddle, William Dillon and Joseph Hunter, deacons; P. S. Brayden, William Swan, John Brown, Andrew Thomas, John Waddle and William Dillon, trustees; Andrew Thomas, treasurer. There is a Sunday school in connection with the church, which has an attendance of about 20. William Swan is the super- intendent.

KEMPER BAPTIST CHURCHI.

This church was an offshoot of the Medora Baptist church. It was organ- ized April 1, 1876, with the following original members: Jas. W. Rhodes, Sarah Rhodes, John B. Rhodes, John Davis, Margaret Davis, Lewis Elliott, Serena Elliott, Benjamin Taylor, Mary Taylor, Arthur McDonald, Hezekiah Rhodes, John McCann, Chas. Beaver, Mary Snow, Delia Snow, James T. Elliott, Maria A. Elliott, Thomas B. Ruyle, Mary Ruyle, Alice Ruyle, Eliza-

beth Ketcham, Susan McCann. The trustees were: John B. Rhodes, John Beaver and Lewis Elliott. The first minister was William M. Rhodes, who occupied the pulpit until 1880. He was followed by Rev. B. Culp, who preached during 1881, being succeeded by Rev. John W. Bush, who is pastor at the present time. The church has its own building, and is in a prosperous condi- tion. B. C. Elliott is church clerk. The membership at present is about 60, a large portion being farmers living in the neighborhood.

FIDELITY BAPTIST CHURCH, OF FIDELITY TOWNSHIP.

This congregation was organized on the 4th day of Sept., 1853, by Elders Joel Terry, William Hill, J. Buckley and Ezekiel Dodson, the last named a licentiate. The following members were constituted into a church, to be known as the Fidelity Baptist church of Christ: John H. Reddish, Samuel Rich, David P. Pritchett, Samuel W. Sexton, Catharine L. Sexton, Emily Ilauskins, Mary Rich, Mary Reddish and Lydia W. Pritchett. They first met in the old school house, at Fidel- ity, and continued to hold their meet- ings there for some time. After giving up the school house as a place of wor- ship, they met in session with the Methodists. In 1869, they commenced holding meetings in Ruyle's National hall, Fidelity, where services were held until the present church edifice was erected- At a meeting held May 3, 1873, Brethren Tompkins, R. T. Rich and William Hooper were appointed to look up the feasibility of building a house of worship. On July 25, 1873,

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History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois, Part 21

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150