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 89

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 89

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After the death of Mr. Havens the Argus was continued by his son V. II., who immediately took charge, and who is still at the helm. The journal is a sprightly, seven-column folio, neatly and tastefully gotten up. In the issue of Jan. 3, 1885, the following notice ap- peared from the pen of V. II. Havens, the new editor:

"I will continue to edit and publish the Greenfield Weekly Argux, as here-

tofore, under the head of 'the Green- field Printing Co.' Hoping I may receive your hearty approval, and a liberal share of patronage, I remain, very re- spectfully."

WHITE HALL REPUBLICAN.

The enterprising, able newspaper known by the above name commenced its journalistic career Feb.24, 1877, with E. J. Pearee and C. L. Clapp, as pro- prietors. Mr. Clapp was then, as now, the editor of the Carrollton Patriot, and upon Mr. Pearce devolved the editorial work, although the paper was printed in the office of the Patriot. It was an extremely neat and well edited paper, showing care and workmanlike skill in both departments. Capt. Pearce in- dulged in the following salutatory to his friends and patrons:

"Having for some time known that White Hall needed a paper that would be more fully a representative of the place, both politically and in a business point of views, than the Patriot, being primarily a Carrollton paper, could well be, we have undertaken the task of sup- plying such a paper, and this, the first number of the White Hall Republican, is the result of our first attempt in this direction. The editor being a republi- can, and the town leaning very much in the direction of the same political faith, the paper will be republican, but never narrowly partisan. When we cannot find sound valid arguments in favor of supporting the grand republican party, we shall not seek to bolster up the cause by resorting to sophistry or political triekery. It shall be our aim to be candid, straight-forward and frank. The paper will not be for sale to any

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

party, clique or sect, but will strive to serve its readers in the direction in which the editor believes their best in- terests morally, politically and finan- cially lie. We are aware that we have undertaken a somewhat difficult task, one in which the work is usually vastly greater than the pecuniary compensa- tion, but we have counted the cost, and the public may rest assured that they will not lose a dollar at our hands. Those who regard the enterprise as a worthy and commendable one, will no doubt encourage it, and here we rest the case, content to abide by the verdict of the people."

The paper started as a seven-column folio, but with the issue of June 2, 1877, it was enlarged to an eight-column, the size it still maintains. Messrs. Pearce & Clapp continued the publishing of this journal until May, 1883, when Capt. Pearce became the sole proprietor. At that time he purchased the material and outfit of the White Hall Tribune, together with the list of that paper, and conso]- idated it with his journal, thereby ena- bling him to print the Republican at home. The following notice of the change is clipped from the issue of May 3, 1883 :

"Having consolidated the subscrip- tion lists of the White Hall Republican and White Hall Tribune, I have now a paper with a circulation that is equaled by few outside of the large cities, and I respectfully ask the public to favor me with such an extension of patronage as the increased importance of the paper merits. As an editor and publisher it shall be my aim to do my whole duty to the patrons of both papers. Those who have been taking the White Hall Repub-

lican need no assurances as to what the tone of the paper will be, and I trust that others will find that there will be no cause for complaint. The expense of bringing this entire business to White Hall is heavy, and I hope that patrons will appreciate the situation without further suggestions."

The Republican is still in the hands of Capt. Pearce, one of its founders, and bids fair to take a prominent place among the journals of this section of the state, if it has not already attained the front rank. Capt. Pearce is an able writer, and with a trenchant pen does not hesi- tate to probe any wrong to the quick. While not brilliant, still the paper has steady qualities that renders it a favorite among a large class of readers who appreciate true worth, and have no regard for froth and glitter.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN.

This daily venture upon the rough and stormy seas of western journalism, was launched in Sept., 1884, the first number appearing Monday evening, the 15th of that month. It emanates from the office of the weekly Republican, and is edited by Capt. E. J. Pearce. The following is his address to the friends of the enterprise in the initial number :

" Having been urged repeatedly to is- sue a daily edition of the White Hall Republican, we have finally decided to make the experiment. That a local daily will be a great convenience to the people of White Hall and vicinity, there can be but little doubt ; the only ques- tion is, will it pay ? This we cannot answer, except by saying that if it does not pay expenses we cannot afford to

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

run it. The matter is in the hands of the people. The paper is started and it is with them to say whether or not it shall be continued. We have little time to devote to soliciting subscriptions, therefore, must respectfully ask those who wish to subscribe to call at the office. Subscriptions should be made for short terms and paid in advance, as the labor of making weekly collections will add to the expense and to this ex- tent operate against the paper. To- day's edition is not a fair sample of what the paper will be in case it suc- ceeds, but it is large enough to contain a record of passing events at home, and this is about all that is expected of a local daily. The paper is not started for campaign purposes, nor as a cam- paign sheet. No one except the pub- lisher, not even the men in the office, knew prior to Saturday that it was to be issued. We had reached a point when it was possible to publish it, and here it is. Read it, and if you like it, pay in 15 cents and try it a week."'

The paper is a five-column folio, which form it has had ever since its birth, and is a newsy, bright, local, daily sheet, that reflects great credit to the office from which it comes, and the town which supports it.

WHITE HALL TRIBUNE.

A paper bearing the above name was established in the fall of 1882, at the enterprising city of White Hall, by Charles Weis. It was an eight-column folio in form, well edited and ably printed. The first issue bears the date of Oct. 18th, and contains the fol- lowing salutatory:

"For years past we have been urged

by our friends and acquaintances to establish in the town of White Hall, a job and news printing office, and in connection therewith, publish a weekly newspaper devoted to the interests of Greene county. We have yielded to the above solicitations, and this week place our sanctum in the Oswald block, and the finest and most complete job and newspaper office in the county. And in addition thereto we have boldly entered the journalistic arena, and with confidence sent forth upon its mission the White Hall Tribune, a weekly news- paper devoted to the eternal principles of truth, and pledged to the support of all worthy enterprises. Being a prac- tical printer and having had years of experience, in the newspaper business, we enter upon this enterprise with the full determination to devote our time, our money and our talents to the publi- cation of the best newspaper in this part of the state. We intend that the columns of this paper shall come to its readers laden with that pure, moral and useful journalism which shall make it a househould necessity and a welcome guest to every family circle. We ask the good people of this county to assist us by their friendship and patronage, and in return we promise that the White Hall Tribune will devote its en- ergies and influence to the upbuilding of Greene county's best interests, and that it will ever be found in the front ranks, exposing the wrong and battling for the right."'

This paper was continued by Mr. Weis, until May 1, 1883, when the material was purchased by E. J. Pearce, of the Republican, who consolidated it with the latter.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

ROODHOUSE SIGNAL.

During the year 1871, a paper with the above head was published at White Hall, by Henry Johnson, editor, Charles Johnson, publisher. It was the first paper with a Roodhouse head. It was an eight-column folio, and was simply a reprint of the Register, with the above title placed over it.

ROODHOUSE HEADLIGHT.

About the year 1872 a paper was pub- lished by George B. Price & Son, of Carrollton, with a Roodhouse head as above. It was a seven-column folio, and continued to fill the place of a local journal for about a year.

ROODHOUSE INDEPENDENT.

In the carly part of 1875, W. T. Lakin brought material for a paper to Roodhouse, with the exception of a press, and started the Roodhouse Independent, a six-column folio. He had the press- work done in White Hall, but only pub- lished a few numbers when he removed the material to White Hall, where he published the

GREENE COUNTY DEMOCRAT.

After a short time this paper was sold to James Smith, now a resident of Washington county, Kan. It was after- wards run by various parties. It was quite a paper for some time, and had an extensive circulation.

HARPER'S HIERALD.

In January, 1878, John S. Harper brought the material for an office to Roodhouse and established a paper with the above name. It was democratic and independent republican in politics;

was a five column quarto in form. He ran the journal for about six months, during which time it had a fitful career. The office was then sold to William H. Pogue and Morris R. Locke, of Jer- seyville, who removed the material to that city and started the Examiner.

GREENE COUNTY ADVOCATE,

A weekly greenback organ, was estab- tablished in Roodhouse in 1881, the first nuumber appearing May 1. It was a five column quarto in form. It ran until Jan. 8, 1883, when it was discontinued. Duncan C. MeIver was the editor and publisher and was the source of consid- erable revenue to the proprietor, it having a large circulation and a good advertising list. It came to an untimely end shortly after the institution of the Eye, as there was not room enough for three papers in the town.

DAILY MORNING JOURNAL.

In the fall of 1882, H. H. Palmer started the Daily Morning Journal, which met with a fair support till the fall of 1883, when shortly afterward its publica- tion was suspended. It was at first all printed at home, but in the spring of 1883, when W. J. Roberts became a partner, it was changed to a patent inside. It was a five column folio.

ROODHOUSE REVIEW.

This was the first paper in Roodhouse, the printing of which was done in that city, all previous ones having had the mechanical work done elsewhere. The first issue made its appearance on the 1st of Oct., 1877, at which time it was a five-column folio, 26x20 inches in size. At the head of this initial number ap-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

pears the name of W. T. McIver, as editor and publisher. At that time this energetic young man was but 17 years of age, but gave promise of the business ability that has marked his career here. In the initial number ap- pears the following salutatory :

"In presenting the initiatory number of the Roodhouse Review to the public, we do not appear in any spirit of obsequi- ousness, having no apologies to offer for our humble existence, but claim that the publication of our paper is simply in response to a want long felt in this place, for a home-organ that is willing and capable of representing the interests and needs of Roodhouse and vicinity. Our readers (especially those in this community) know that in the many of the so-called Roodhouse papers, heretofore published, and obtaining a limited circulation here, that not one was ever printed in Roodhouse, and that often they are filled up with local matter from everywhere else in the county ex- cept here.

"This is simply the play of Hamlet with Hamlet left out, yet the harmless fiction of a Roodhouse paper has been kept up and quite liberally supported several years, while in reality there has been none, except in name, and our friends have been paying out money and patronizing a rival town, and no doubt will be still asked to do so.

"Now, we propose to publish a paper in Roodhouse that shall distinctly repre- sent Roodhouse interests of every kind, and to that end we now carnestly bespeak the kind and liberal support of our Rood- house friends, for it is upon you that we must rely for success. It is true, that our first number, hastily issued, is

rather small and unpretending in appear- ance, but we ask nothing of our friends as a gratuity, but for favors extended to us in the way of advertisements and sub- scriptions we expect to give to all value received. "

In the second number the name of Duncan C. Melver, the father of W. T., appears as editor, he taking editorial management in connection with his law business, while that of the youthful printer still continues as publisher and proprietor. In December of the same year the paper was enlarged to a five- column quarto, and continued without missing a single issue until September, 1880. In 1879 W. T. McIver withdrew from the publication of the paper, leav- ing it in the hands of his father, D. C., who ran it alone, until January, 1880, when the latter sold a half interest in it to Frank M. Palner, and the firm so formed continued until September, 1880, when they disposed of it to John S. Harper, who changed the name to that of the

ROODHOUSE EAGLE.

He continued the publication of this for about six months, with fair success when he disposed of it to Hiram H. Palmer, of Jacksonville, who again changed the name to that of

THE ROODHOUSE JOURNAL,

and changed its politics to that of the democratic party, and continued it until 1882, when a half interest was pur- chased by W. J. Roberts, and in the spring of 1884, the latter gentleman became the sole owner and proprietor, and removed the material to White Hall, when it was consolidated with the White Hall Register, of which he was the edi-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

tor. A year previous to moving there, the White Hall Register had been bought by Messrs. Palmer & Roberts, the mate- rial sold, and the Register published in connection with the Journal, merely changing the head. After removing to White Hall, Mr. Roberts continued to publish the Roodhouse Journal until about June, 1885, when its publication was suspended. The material was burned a short time after removing to White Hall.

GREENE COUNTY UNION.

The first issue of the Greene County Union was published at Greenfield, March 8, 1882, by W. M. Wallace, where its publication was continued until March 26, 1885, the date of its first issue in Roodhouse. It was an eight- column folio, neatly printed. N. J. Ludi appeared as editor, he having purchased a half interest about 1884, and the other half before coming here. The following salutatory appeared in the initial number at Roodhouse:

"In establishing the Union at Rood- house, we are simply undertaking a business enterprise, in regard to which, we have no occasion at this time, to make extended remarks, but prefer, rather, that our works speak for then)- selves. The paper will be issued each week, until at least, there seems to be a greater demand for something more fre- quent than now exists. Opposed to the principle of saloon licensing, the Union will be strictly anti-license, supporting such measures and men only, as will best promote the interests of the city, and guarantee an administration of municipal affairs on the side of temper- ance, morality and sobriety. While we

shall aim to make the paper reliably republican, we do not propose to be the mouthpiece of any sect or faction, and shall use our influence for the elevation of party, men and measures, only so far as is consistent with the exigencies of the hour and the manliness of independ- ent action. In this we ask the support of the public generally, assuring them in return, that our highest ambition in the enterprise, is to advance the best interests of the city, and the moral and social welfare of the people of the com- munity."

The paper is one of the representative journals of the county, and still edited by Mr. Ludi, although it is published by the Uuion Printing Co.

ROODHOUSE DAILY UNION.

On the morning of April 15, 1885, a five-column folio daily sheet made its appearance upon the streets of Rood- house. It was a neat and tastily gotten- up sheet, and was edited by N. J. Ludi. It was anti-license in politics. In the initial number, the editor thus addresses his friends and the patrons of the new journalistic enterprise:

"At the time we engaged in the news- paper business in this place, we stated that until the demand was greater than it then appeared to be, we should con- fine our labors to the publication of a weekly newspaper only. Since then the demand has increased to such an extent that we feel justified in laying before our readers, this morning, the first number of the daily Roodhouse Union. As a champion of the anti-license cause, the daily Union will be published until after the spring campaign and election. Further than this, its future

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

publication will entirely depend upon the patronage with which it is received and recognized, and, should the demand continue, we shall, of course, aim to supply it. Trusting that our efforts in this direction may not be unappreciated, and that the Union may make for itself many friends and additional influence in its stand for principle and protection from the rum traffic."

This paper was continued until in October, 1885.

ROODHOUSE DAILY EYE.

On Thursday evening, June 22, 1882, appeared the initial number of the Roodhouse Daily Eye. This is a bright and sparkling sheet, owned, edited and published by W. T. McIver and J. P. Drennan, jr., under the firm name of McIver & Drennan. The following sa- lutatory appeared in the editorial col- umns of the first issue:

" In the few weeks which have elapsed since the Eye office was brought to Roodhouse, so many conflicting and sensational rumors have been circulated about the new daily, that it is, perhaps, well for the Eye to state definitely, at the outset of its career, what it expects to be and do, or, rather, what it will not be and do, as the proprietors prefer that as to its positive qualities, the paper should speak for itself.

" In the first place, then, the Eye is not a 'speculation' or an 'experiment.' A first-class office has been brought to Roodhouse, in which to print it. A first- class room has been found for its recep- tion. A first-class corps of printers have been secured for the mechanical department. Everything has been fixed for permanency, and, with its columns

as full of Roodhouse advertisements as they are to-day the Eye can safely say that it will be permanent.

"Second, The Eye will not be a re- publican paper, nor will it be a demo- cratic paper, and, we might add, that it will not be a greenback paper. It is to be independent in politics, strictly so. It will favor no men or measures be- cause they belong to one party or the other, but will, at all times, view all questions with an Eye unclouded by the mists of political prejudice and bigotry.

" The Eye was not established to sup- port any one's political aspirations. It is intended to be a Roodhouse paper, devoted to the interests and growth of our city, whose future prosperity the Eye hopes to have a share in. To this one aim, the efforts of the Eye will constantly be directed, and to its accomplishment it invokes the hearty assistance of all who desire a future for our lively little city.

"Eight years ago, the proprietors of the Eye started the first job printing office in Roodhouse, and, six years ago, they published the first paper ever printed in Roodhouse-the Review. To- day, not without some feclings of pride, they give to Roodhouse and Greenc county, with full confidence in its ulti- mate success, the evening Eye, the first daily paper in Greene county."

The Eye remained an independent sheet until the fall of 1884, when, on reviewing the issues of the day, it then declared for Cleveland and reform, and is now ranked among the leading democratic sheets of this section of the state, and is a credit to any community. It is a five-column folio, and mechan- ically is well and ably gotten up, while the spicy locals and judicious editorials,

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mark it as a model paper in every sense of the term.

WEEKLY EYE.

This paper was started by MeIver & Drennan, Aug. 10, 1882, as a five-column quarto, and ran in that form for about

two years, when it was enlarged to its present form of six-column quarto. It is all printed at home, and is one of the best papers in the county, being bright, newsy, and above all devoted to the in- terests of Greene county.

CHAPTER XIV.

ECCLESIASTICAL.

The little band of Puritans that landed faces to the setting sun, and with slowly upon the bleak and sterile shores of plodding teams or scarcely less rapid Massachusetts. upon that stormy Decem- . flat-boats journeyed into the new land ber day in 1620, brought with them and in the west, they carried with them the various religions, beliefs and creeds, and here in the wilds set up their altars, and, in time, built themselves houses of worship. To recount the origin and rise of these various churches is now the pleasure and duty of the compiler of these annals. As to which of the sects or denominations was the the first to have an organization, it little matters here, but the following, in giving the history of each organization, will suf- ficiently point the fact. planted in that first settlement on New England soil, the seed of the church. The oppressed and persecuted Friends, in their endeavor to escape the legal tribunals and prisons of bigots, in Eng- land, fled to the wilds of America and planted in the more congenial atmo- sphere of the new world their peculiar tenets of religious belief. The Caroli- nas, the asylum of the French Hugue- nots, driven into exile from their na- tive land for their Protestant belief, and Maryland peopled by the followers of Among the early preachers who made many stations in this county, were Father Breech, a Presbyterian ; Elder Van Cleve, a Methodist, and Elijah Dodson, Moses Lemen, Jacob Bower and Alvin Bailey, Baptists. All these preached here in the "twenties, " or early " thirties, " and are well remem- bered as pioneer ministers. the Calverts, for their Catholic faith, and many more of the seaboard states settled by refugees for faith's sake, have have all combined to make this United States, pre-eminently, a land of relig- ion and religious liberty. These and other causes have led the people of this great republic, children of sires who have suffered in the cause of Christ, great church people, and when the emi- ! grants from the older states turned their

The Mormon revival of 1830 to 1835, is well remembered. These were con- dueted by Elders McClelland and Parley

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P. Pratt in the west part of the county. Considerable excitement grew out of these meetings and some converts made. Elder Pratt was shot afterward near New Orleans for trying to induce a man's wife to leave him.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, WHITE HALL.

This religious society was organized in White Hall upon the 11th of March, 1883, with the following members : C. J. Bush, James Tunison, Mary Tun- ison, David Boone, Elizabeth Boone, Francis Fowler, Lucinda Fowler, Deli- lia Barrow, Amanda Henshaw, S. P. Dreon, Henry Porter, William Pritch- ard, Ann A. Pritchard, William Blair, Kate Blair, J. D. Boggess, Elizabeth Boggess, John Dunn, E. A. Dunn, W. E. Butler, and Mary Butler. Eller Jermane was the first to preach to this little flock, but Elder J. J. W. Miller was the first regular pastor. John Dunn and W. E. Butler were elected olders ; David Boone, James Tunison, W. H. Pritchard and Samuel Culbertson, dea- cons, and F. Fowler, clerk. The church is in a flourishing condition and is gain- ing strength in the community.

HICKORY GROVE UNITED BAPTIST CHURCHI.

The name was taken from a round grove of old shellbark hickory trees that stood on the southeast quarter of sec- tion 26, one mile east of the present church, which was a noted grove for travelers in early times, in this section of Illinois. The church was first organ- ized under the name of an arm of Tay- lor's Creek Baptist church, on Jan. 30, 1830, with John Finley, moderator and Ellis Davidson, clerk, and the follow- ing members: Ellis Davidson, Margaret

Davidson, John Davidson, Elizabeth Davidson, Geo. M. Wright, Cassandra Wright, Thos. Lee, Amos Lee, Charles Lee, Huldy Lee, Matthew Garrison, Mary Garrison, Abel Moore, Delila Moore, James Moore, Lucinda Coon- rod, Isaac Hill, Leannah Hill, Lucy Hill, Polly Grimes.

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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 89

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