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 28
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in the county, periodically; to examine the plans for any new school buildings and modify the same when necessary; to hold meetings of the presidents of school districts, and make a report to the state superintendent.
W. J. Herdman was the first to fill this new position, being elected thereto in the fall of 1859, and held the same for nine years, being elected his own successor several times.
C. H. Knapp, was the next incumbent of the office, being elected at the regular election of 1867, and served the people in that capacity for six years.
W. II. Lynn was elected to the office of county superintendent of schools of Jersey county in the fall of 1873, and was re-elected in 1875, serving four years.
William H. Lynn was born in Cin- cinnati, Ohio, Dec. 14, 1836, his parents being Samuel and Frances W. (Wilson) Lynn. His early life was spent in Kentucky, where he received an aca- demic education. In 1857, he, with his parents came to Illinois, and served as a clerk one year in Carrollton. He then gave his attention to teaching, and was afterwards elected county superintend- ent of schools, and served as such four years. Politically, he is a democrat.
Lott Pennington, the present incum- bent of the office, was first elected in 1877, and has filled it ever since, being elected regularly his own successor, on the expiration of his term of office.
Lott Pennington, county superintend- ent of schools, is a native of New Jer- sey, born July 22, 1842. He is a son of James and Elizabeth (Richards) Penn- ington, the former, a native of New Jer- sey, the latter born in Wales, but brought
to this country in infancy. James Penn- ington was a farmer, and Lott was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1857 he came to Illinois, and stopped first at Bunker Hill. He came soon after, to Jerseyville. In 1860, he entered Mount Morris Seminary, and continued a stu- dent there, three years. He then fol- lowed teaching during the winter, and farming during the summer seasons, in the vicinity of Jerseyville. In the fall of 1877, he was elected county superin- tendent, and was re-elected in 1882. He is well qualified for this responsible position, and his popularity is well at- tested by his re-election to the same. In Nov., 1863, Mr. Pennington was married to Rebecca Rue, a daughter of George S. and Ellen Rue. They have six children-George, Herbert, Birdie, Jes- se, Frank and Edith.
EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPEMENT.
In the pioneer days in Jersey county, in common with all new countries, good schools were like "angels' visits-few and far between;" and it was consid- ered very fortunate, indeed, if any opportunity was offered for obtaining even the rudiments of a common school education. Some of the scattered set- tlements could not afford to employ a teacher, and were therefore compelled to do without, or send their children across the prairie or through the timber to some more fortunate settlement, where a school was in operation. Many instances are mentioned where children have been sent a distance of from three to six miles, walking the entire way morning and evening of each day, that they might avail themselves of the chance of acquiring knowledge, and thus fitting themselves for life's duties.
·
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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.
How different now ! In every town- ship there are several schools in success- ful operation; competent teachers are employed, many of whom have spent years in fitting themselves for their voca- tion, and every convenience afforded for the education of the rising generation. In those early days a log cabin or shanty, probably 10x12 feet in size, was erected on some of the old settlers' land. Fre- quently these huts had but one window, a small doorway cut through the logs at the most convenient place, while the furniture consisted of slab seats for the scholars and a three-legged stool and a hazel or hickory rod for the teacher. As for books, but few were needed-the less the better, as the teacher could get along the more readily.
The school statistics of the county are a profitable study, and many items here presented will show more conclusively and accurately the standing of the county in this respect.
From the last report of the county superintendent, Lott Pennington, for the year ending June 30, 1884, a number of items have been compiled, which will best show, in tabulated form, the pres- ent condition of educational matters in Jersey county.
Number of males in the county between the ages of 6 and 21. 2,662
Number of females. 2,391
Number of districts in the county 61
Number of graded schools.
Number of ungraded schools 64
Number of male teachers employed. . .
42
Number of female teachers employed .. 56
Number of males enrolled in graded schools 736
Number of females. 642
Number of males enrolled in ungraded schools .. 1,394 Number of females 1,255
Whole number enrolled. 4,027
Number of brick school houses 7
Number of frame school houses
Number of school houses built during the year. 3
Number of districts having libraries. : Number of volumes in same. 260
Average monthly wages paid male teachers 53.78
Average for female teachers.
42.25
Amount of district tax levy for schools. 33,296,38
Estimated value of school property 132,985.00 Estimated value of school libraries. 534.65
Estimated value of school apparatus 1.826.00
Number of first grade teachers' certifi- cates issued. 15
Number of second grade.
Number teachers' certificates to males 29
Number to females. 34
Number of male applicants rejected. ...
: Number of females. 5
First grade certificates renewed during the year 6
Second grade certificates 10
FINANCIAL STATISTICS.
As to the financial condition in school mat- ters, below is presented the account of the various township treasurers with the school distriets, for the year ending June 30, 1884:
RECEIPTS.
Balance on hand June 30. 1882, .$15,664,98
From distribution of trustees.
6,724.02
Special district taxes received. 33,743.88
From loans paid in. 372.47
Tuition fees 528.75
From sale of school property. 41.00
From district bonds for building.
1,295.00
From treasurers of other townships. 1,143.03
Fees of transferred pupils.
62.72
Total.
$59,576.75
EXPENDITURES.
Amount paid to male teachers in
graded schools. $ 4,079.10
Amount paid to male teachers in un-
graded schools.
8,074.92
Amount paid to female teachers in
graded schools
5,231,25
E
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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.
Amount paid female teachers in un- graded schools ..
8,468.00
Amount of interest paid on district bonds 443.15
Paid for new school houses, built or purchased
2,216.34
Amount paid of principal of district bonds. 400.00
Paid for school house sites and grounds
88.50
Paid tuition of pupils transferred ... 94.18
Paid for repairs and improvements. 1,509.96
Paid for school furniture.
1,719.79
Amount paid treasurers of other townships. 1,218.00
Paid for school apparatus.
32.95
Paid for fuel and incidental expenses
4,260,54
Total $20,252.09
CHAPTER XVI.
THE WAR FOR THE UNION.
The institution of slavery was always a source of trouble between the free and slave-holding states. The latter were always troubled with the thought that the former would encroach upon their rights, and nothing could be done to shake this belief. Compromise meas- ures from time to time were adopted to settle the vexed question of slavery, but the fears of the slave-holders were only allayed for a short time. Threats of secession were often made by the slave- holding states, but as soon as measures of a conciliatory character were passed, no attempt was made to carry their threats into execution. Finally came the repeal of the Missouri compromise and the adoption of a measure known as the Kansas-Nebraska bill. This bill opened certain territory to slavery, which, under the former act, was for- ever to be frec. About the time of the passage of this act, the whig party was in a state of dissolution, and the great body of that party, together with cer- tain democrats who were opposed to the
Kansas-Nebraska bill, united, thus forming a new party to which was given the name of republican, having for its object the prevention of the further ex- tension of slavery. The people of the south imagined they saw in this new party not only an effort to prevent the extension of slavery, but one that would eventually be used to destroy slavery in those states in which it already existed.
In 1860, four presidential tickets were in the field. Abraham Lincoln was the candidate of the republicans, Stephen A. Douglas of the national democrats, John C. Breckenridge of the pro-slavery interests, and John Bell of the union. The union party was composed princi- pally of those who had previously affili- ated with the American or know-noth- ing party. Early in the campaign there were threats of secession and disunion in case of the election of Abraham Lin- coln, but the people were so accustomed to southern bravado that little heed was given to the bluster.
On the 20th of December, 1860, South
Amount paid clerks of dist. boards. . 120.10
23:
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.
Carolina, by a convention of delegates, declared "that the union now existing between South Carolina and the other states of North America is dissolved, and that the state of South Carolina has resumed her position among the nations of the earth as a free, sovereign and independent state, with full power to levy war and conelude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do."
On the 24th Gov. Pickens issued a proclamation declaring that " South Car- olina is, and has a right to be, a free and independent state, and as such has a right to levy war, conelude peace, and do all aets whatever that rightfully ap- pertain to a free and independent state."
On the 26th Maj. Anderson evacuated Fort Moultrie and occupied Fort Sum- ter. Two days previously he wrote the secretary of war, follows :
" When I inform you that my garrison consists of only 60 effective men, and that we are in very indifferent works, the walls of which are only 14 feet high, and that we have within 160 yards of our walls sand hills which command our works, and which afford admirable sites for batteries and the finest coverts for sharp-shooters; and that besides this there are numerous houses, some of them within pistol shot, and you will at once see that if attacked in force, headed by any one but a simpleton, there is scarcely a possibility of our being able to hold out long enough for our friends to come to our succor."
His appeals for reinforcements were seconded by Gen. Scott, but unheeded by President Buchanan and entirely ig- nored by Secretary of War Floyd.
On the 28th South Carolina troops occupied Fort Monltrie and Castle Pinck- ney, and hoisted the palmetto flag on the ramparts. On the 29th John B. Floyd resigned his place in Buchanan's eabi- net, charging that the president in re- fusing to remove Maj. Anderson from Charleston harbor, designed to plunge the country into civil war, and added : "I cannot consent to be the agent of such a calamity." On the same day the South Carolina commissioners presented their official eredentials at Washington, which, on the next day, were declined.
On the 2d day of January, 1861, Geor- gia declared for secession, and Georgia troops took possession of the United States arsenal in Augusta and Forts Pulaski and Jackson.
Gov. Ellis, of North Carolina, seized the forts at Beaufort and Wilmington and the arsenal at Fayetteville. On the evening of the 4th the Alabama and Mississippi delegations in congress tele- graphed the conventions of their respec- tive states to secede, telling them that there was no prospect of a satisfactory adjustment.
On the 7th the conventions of Ala- bama, Mississippi and Tennessee met in secession conclave. Secretary Thomp- son resigned his seat in the cabinet on the 9th, on the ground that, contrary to promises, troops had been sent to Major Anderson. On the same day, the Star of the West, carrying supplies and re- inforcements to Major Anderson, with her flag at her mast-head, was fired into from Morris Island, and obeying in- structions turned homeward, leaving Fort Sumter and its gallant little band of heroes to the mercy of the rebels and traitors. On the same day, also, the
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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.
ordinance of secession passed the Mis- sissippi convention. Florida adopted an ordinance of secession on the 10th, and Alabama on the 11th. On the latter day the rebels seized the arsenal at Baton Rouge, and Forts St. Philip and Jackson, at the mouth of the Missis- sippi river, and Fort Pike at the en- trance of Lake Pontchartrain. Pensacola navy yard and Fort Barrancas were sur- rendered to rebel troops by Colonel Armstrong on the 13th. Lieutenant Slemmer, who had drawn his command from Fort McRea to Fort Pickens, defied Armstrong's orders and announced his intention to "hold the fort" at all hazards. The Georgia convention adopted an ordinance of secession on the 19th. On the following day Lieu- tenant Slemmer was besieged by a thousand "allied troops" at Fort Pick- ens. Louisiana adopted an ordinance of secession on the 25th. On the 1st of February the rebels seized the United States mint and custom house at New Orleans. The peace convention assem- bled at Washington on the 4th, but adjourned without doing anything to quiet the disturbed elements. On the 9th a provisional constitution was adopted at Montgomery, Alabama, it being the constitution of the United States "re-constructed" to suit their purpose. Jefferson Davis, of Missis- sippi, was chosen president, and Alex- ander H. Stephens, of Georgia, vice- president, of the "Confederate States of North America." Jefferson Davis was inaugurated on the 18th, and on the 25th it was learned that General Twiggs, commanding the department of Texas, had basely betrayed his trust, and had surrendered all the military posts, an-
munition and arms to the Texas au- thorities.
Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated March the 4th, 1861, in front of the capitol, the ceremonies being witnessed by a vast concourse of people, Before taking the oath, Mr. Lincoln pronounced in a clear, ringing voice his inaugural address, to hear which there was an al- most painful solicitude; to read which the whole American people and civilized world awaited with irrepressible in- terest. With that address and the ad- ministration of the oath of office, the people were assured. All doubt, if any had previously existed, was removed. In the hands of Abraham Lincoln, the people's president, and himself of the people, the government was safe.
Traitors were still busy plotting and planning. Troops were mustering in all the seceded states. On Friday, April 12, the surrender of Fort Sum- ter, with its garrison of 60 effective men, was demanded, and bravely re- fused by the gallant Robert Anderson, the heroic commander. Fire was at once opened on the almost helpless gar- rison by the rebel forces, numbering several thousands. Resistance for any length of time was useless, and, at last, out of ammunition, and seared and scorched by flames from their burning quarters, the little band of heroic men were compelled to give up, and the na- tional colors were hauled down and by traitor hands were trailed in the dust, the dirt and the mire not defiling them half as much as the Judas touch of ar- rant rebels. On Sunday morning, the 14th, the news of the surrender was re- ceived in all the principal cities of the Union. That was all, but that was
235
HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.
enough. A day later, when the news was confirmed and spread throughout the country, the patriotic people of the North were aroused from their dreams of the future-from undertakings half completed-and made to realize that, behind that mob, there was a dark, deep and well-organized purpose to des- troy the government, rend the Union in twain, and out of its ruins erect a slave oligarehy, wherein no one would dare question their right to hold in bondage the sons and daughters of men whose skins were black. Their dreams of the future-their plans for the establish- ment of an independent confederacy -- were doomed from their inception to sad and bitter disappointment.
"Draw forth your million blades as one; Complete the battle now begun; God fights with ye, and overhead Floats the dear banner of your dead. They, and the glories of the past, The future, dawning dim and vast. And all the holiest hopes of man Are beaming triumphant in your van. "Slow to resolve, be swift to do;
Teach ye the False how fights the True; How buckled Perfidy shall feel
In her black heart the Patriot's steel; How sure the bolt that Justice wings; Hlow weak the arm a traitor brings; Ilow mighty they who steadfast stand For freedom's flag and freedom's land." On Monday, April 15, President Lin- coln issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, The laws of the Cuited States have for some time past, and are now, op- posed and the execution thereof obstructed, in the states of South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas, by combinations too powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary course of judicial proceed- ings, or by the power vested in the marshals; now, therefore, I, Abraham Lincoln, president of the United States, by virtue of the power in me vested by the constitution and the laws.
have thought to call forth, and hereby do call forth, the militia of the several states of the Union, to the number of seventy-five thou- sand, in order to suppress said combinations, and to cause the laws to be duly executed.
The details for this subject will be immedi- ately communicated to the state authorities through the war department. I appeal to all loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and to aid this effort to maintain the honor, the integ- r ty and existence of our National I'nion, and the perpetuity of popular government, and to redress wrongs already long endured. I deem it proper to say that the first services assigned to the forces hereby called forth will probably be to repossess the forts, places and property which have been seized from the Union; and in every event the utmost care will be observed, consistently with the object aforesaid, to avoid any devastation, any destruction of, or interference with property, or any disturbance of peaceful citizens in any part of the country; and I hereby command the persons composing the combinations aforesaid, to disperse and retire peaceably to their respective abodes within twenty days from this date.
Deeming that the present condition of pub- lic affairs presents an extraordinary occasion. I do hereby, in virtue of the powers in me vested by the constitution, convene both the houses of congress. The senators and repre- sentatives are therefore summoned to assemble at their respective chambers at 12 o'clock. noon, on Thursday, the fourth day of July next, then and there to consider and deter- mine such measures as in their wisdom the public safety and interest may seem to demand.
In witness thereof. I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, on the fif- teenth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, and of the independence of the United States, the eighty-fifth.
By the president.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WILLIAM II. SEWARD, secretary of state.
The last word of this proclamation had searcely been taken from the elec-
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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.
tric wire before the call was filled. Men and money were counted out by hun- dreds and thousands. The people who loved their whole country could not give enough. Patriotism thrilled and vibrated and pulsated through every heart. The farm, the workshop, the office, the pulpit, the bar, the bench, the college, the school house-every calling offered its best men, their lives and fortunes, in defense of the govern- ment's honor and unity. Party lines were for a time ignored. Bitter words, spoken in moments of political heat, were forgotten and forgiven, and join- ing hands in a common cause, they re- peated the oath of America's soldier statesman: "By the great eternal, the union must and shall be preserved !"
Seventy-five thousand men were not enough to subdue the rebellion. Nor were ten times that number. The war went on, and call followed call, until it seemed as if there were not men enough in all the free states to crush ont the rebellion. But to every call for either men or money, there was a willing and ready response. The gauntlet thrown down by plotters of the south was ac- cepted; not, however, in the spirit which insolence meets insolence, but with a firm, determined spirit of patri- otism and love of country. The duty of the president was plain under the constitution and laws, and, above and beyond all, the people, from whom all political power is derived, demanded the suppression of the rebellion, and stood ready to sustain the authority of their representative and executive offi- cers to the utmost extremity.
Settled as Jersey county was by many from the southern states, it is in no wise
derogatory to her that in the breasts of many of her citizens beat hearts in sym- pathy with the cause of the southern confederacy, and that a feeling of ill- will should prevail against the radical abolitionists. But to their honor be it spoken, that many of these, who looked upon the movement of the south as hav- ing just grounds, with a noble patriot- ism, sank all sectional and political feelings in their devotion to the cause of the Union, and the "star gemmed flag" of their country. Many of the citizens of the county of Jersey, and among them many of the most influential and respected ones, used every honorable means to defeat the election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency, deeming it to be the best interests of the country. But others worked equally hard to ele- vate the favorite son of Illinois to the executive seat, although a no less dis- tinguished citizen of Illinois was one of his opponents. The vote, in Novem- ber 1860, best shows the number of those who favored the election of Lin- coln and who favored his opponents: for Lincoln, 910 votes; for Douglas, 1,291; for Breckenridge, 11; and for Bell, 105. In the minds of all it seemed impossible that the south would secede, and that this glorious republic would be disrupted, thinking that when the excitement of the political canı- paign had passed away, peace and pros- perity would continue. But when the sad news of Anderson's surrender was made known throughout the land, no greater indignation, at the outrage to our flag, was betrayed anywhere than in Jersey county. Political rancor was hushed, partisan feeling was swept away, and pure patriotism animated the
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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.
whole people. Nobly did the people of the county respond to the calls for men in the foregoing proclamation, and at each succeeding call.
All throughout the long years that the dark cloud of war covered our country, the enlistment of men, the forming of new companies, the constant stir and excitement was kept up, and men, young, middle-aged and old, pressed to the front. Many brave and gallant sons of Jersey county represented her in the ranks of "blue-coated national defenders," men who stood in the red front of lurid battle, and always took a prominent part. Numbers of thein laid down their lives upon the altar of their country, and their bones enrich the soil of nearly every southern state. From the Potomac to the Rio Grande, from Albemarle sound to the Rocky mountains, have their drums beat, and the ground re-echoed to their tread, and no more heroic soldiers led the van in many a stricken field than did the representatives from this section of the state.
While they were away upon the tented field, the patriotic men and women at home were not idle. Although impos- sible to get the county to do anything in an official way for the relief of sol- diers' families, many, as private citi- zens, thought it not only a duty but a blessed privilege to render all the aid in their power. During the entire four years of war, we think but little actual suffering was experienced by any at home on account of the absence of their natural protectors, who were serving their country. Fairs and festivals were held for the purpose of obtaining sani- tary supplies for those in the field, and
soldiers' aid socicties were continually investigating and relieving the wants of the needy at home.
ROSTER.
The following is a complete roster of the citizens of Jersey county, who, in that trying hour of a nation's need, left wife, children and comfortable homes, and, shouldering the musket, went to the front in discharge of the patriot's duty. These are compiled from the adjutant general's report, and other official and authentic sources. If there are any inaccuracies of spelling, or omissions, the historians hope that they will be pardoned, as the rolls have been followed as nearly as possible, and none has a higher appreciation of the "boys in blue," than the writers of these annals:
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