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 90

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 90

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Saturday, June 1, it was organized under the name of Ilickory Grove church by Elders Graham Jackson, Charles Kitchen and Aaron Smith. On July 1, Geo. M. Wright, Thos. Lee and Sam- uel Close were appointed messengers to the association. Saturday, June 1, 1831, Stephen Coonrod was chosen pastor and Abel Moore first deacon.

April 1, 1834, Meshach Browning was chosen pastor and Dudley Brannan was chosen second deacon. The first church house was built in 1841 by Thos. Wright, Sr., for the sum of $225, the size being 30 x 46. Rev. Browning con- tinued to faithfully break the bread of life to this church for seven years, when death closed his work. H. H. Witt was called in 1842 to the charge, which place he filled to the satisfaction of both saint and sinner, for the space of eleven years, when God called him home. Eller Samuel B. Culp was chosen pas- tor in 1853, and he remained 29 years. In 1882 Elder D. P. Deaddrick was called to the pastorate, which place he filled for two years. In 1884 Elder T. N. Marsh was chosen pastor, which place he fills at this time. This church is now in its 56th year, and is the larg- est country church in the county, with nearly 300 members. For peace, har- mony and good will, it stands at the head of all, and financially is second to none.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH.

At an early date, a Baptist clergyman by the name of Jackson, held religious services at the house of Henry Cook in this neighborhood but no church orga- nization was formed there. At the res- idence of Aaron Reno, farther south- west, however, regular appointments were held until the building of the neat church edifice by this congregation, on a lot donated by William N. Ashlock. He also gave two acres of land for cem- etary purposes. The church was built on the south side of the farm of that gentleman, in the timber. It was used until the new building was put up. This latter was erected at a cost of $1,200 and was dedicated by the pastor, Rev. Albert Farron, of Medora, who was con- nected with the church for about 20 years. He was a native of Kentucky. He removed from here in 1884, going to California, but has since gone to Oregon, where he now resides. He is said to have been one of the ablest ministers in the county. The membership at pres- ent is about 50. The present officers are the following named: Howard Ash- lock, clerk; James Hankins, George K. Ashlock and George Sccor, trustees.

ALL SOUL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, WHITE HALL.

The erection of the church edifice owned by this congregation was com- menced in the autumn of 1883, and was so far completed in the following spring that it was used as a place of worship. The fund for its construction was raised by subscription among the members, who all responded freely in the cause of religion. The original contract for the building was let for $3,500, but an

additional sum was expended on it, and together with the lot upon which it stands, makes it $4,000. The edifice is 40x65 feet in size, with a 22 foot ceiling. The spire when finished, will have an elevation of 85 feet above the side walk, and presents a fine appear- ance. The entire structure is built of brick. Father Metzler, of Brighton, was the first pastor. He was succeeded by Father Dietrich, of Jacksonville, and he by Father Halloran, of the same city. Services are held on the second and ‹ fourth Sundays of each month. About 35 families are connected with the church. The condition of the society is excellent, although the debt on ac- count of the erection of the building is not entirely liquidated, nor the structure completed. The church is located on the west side of south Main street, be- tween Franklin and Carlinville streets.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, CARROLLTON.

This congregation was organized in the year 1832, under the able ministry of Elder B. W. Stone. It commenced its career with something like 120 mem- bers, and for some years, enjoyed a sca- son of prosperity under the ministration of Elders Stone, Huitt, Osborn, Ely, Challen, Graham and others, but after a time, dissension crept in, death re- moved some of the members, some immigrated to other climes, and from these causes and others, in the carly part of 1841, the church passed out of ex- istence. In December of the same year, however, Elders B. W. Stone, John T. Jones and D. P. Henderson addressed themselves to the task, and a re-organi- zation of the church was effected, with some 28 or 29 members. D. W. Ken-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

nett was chosen elder, and W. R. Mon- tague and J. H. Marmon, deacons. From that time on the church has had a comparatively prosperous existence, having been under the ministration of some very able men, among whom may be mentioned, Elders E. V. Rice, E. L. Craig, John Harris, John McPherson, and J. A. Berry. These are not all, but all that could be remembered. The church is still in a flourishing condi- tion, and doing most excellent work in this portion of the Lord's vineyard.

BAPTIST CHURCH, KANE.

This religious body was organized at the house of Judge Jehu Brown, in what is now Jersey county, Nov. 3, 1823, when there were but 200 or 300 Baptists in the state, and not a church building of this denomination. The original members were-Joseph White, Enoch Backus, Major Dodson, Amy Dodson, Penelope Brown, William Johnson, and Lydia Johnson. It was organized through the instrumentality of Elders Joseph Lemen, and John Clark, as the Macoupin Baptist Church of Christ, and belonged to that branch of the church known as "Friends of Humanity." Al- though Elder Lemen preached here fre- quently, there was, in all probability, no regular pastor here, or regular ser- vices held for ten years. In 1832, Rev. Moses Lemen became pastor, and re- mained in that connection until 1838, when he was succeeded by Rev. Wil- liam Hill, who had labored part of the time here with Mr. Lemen. In 1839, both of these gentlemen labored here. These were followed by the following elders : Joel Terry, William Jerome, and Moses Lemen. From 1847 to 1851,

Joel Terry preached nearly all the time. In November, 1851, Rev. T. A. Morton became pastor and preached half the time, alternating with Joel Terry, J. S. Chilton and others, until Feb. 14, 1852, when Mr. Morton was engaged for three quarters of the time, and the other quarter was filled by resident ministers. Mr. Morton, however, did not remain long, and was succeeded by Elder Wil- liam Roberts, who was engaged for half of his time, and Ezekiel Dodson the other half. From October, 1852, Rev. B. B. Hamilton preached nearly a year. From the month of September, 1853, Elder Joel Terry preached until March, 1855, when Elder Farnham came to the little flock. In April of the same year, however, the church called Rev. Alvin Bailey, who preached here until Sep- tember following when his health failed. Ezekiel Dodson and Joel Terry then took up the Lord's work. In 1858, Hen- ry Manning was employed half his time, with resident and itinerant minis- ters to fill up the balance. In 1859 the same gentleman was employed part of the time, and Stroud Keller part. Mr. Manning was ordained while employed here and became the regular pastor. In 1861 he resigned and became the cap- tain of Co. E, 61st Ill. Inf., and served until March 26, 1864. Joel Terry died in 1861. Rev. Albert Keene, assisted by Elder Ezekiel Dodson ministered to this people, until 1865. Elder Coley succeeded them and remained until 1868. In December of the latter year Rev. Justus Bulkley became the pastor and remained until March, 1871, when Rev. Mr. Howard took up the good work. In 1872 Rev. D. Hutchins came to the church, remaining until April,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

1873. Rev. Joseph B. Werman was pastor from Feb., 1875. Rev. B. B. Hamilton came to the church again in 1876. In 1879 Rev. M. C. Clark preached about five months, and was succeeded by F. M. Mitchell. Rev. E. S. Sage came in 1881, remaining one year. In the following year Rev. F. M. Mitchell again became the pastor and acted in that relation to the church until the spring of 1885, when Rev. E. S. Sage, the present pastor again was called to this field of labor. W. H. Hunter is the present clerk, and John T. Williams and James Brooks, deacons.

The first church edifiee was erected by subscription in 1837 and 1838, on the site of the present school-house in Old Kane. This building, long past its days for church purposes, was moved to the town of Kane, in the summer of 1882, and is used by W. C. Reinecke, as a drug store. The present structure in which this congregation worship, was erected about 1870, at a cost of about $3,600. In Nov., 1873, this church cel- ebrated its semi-centennial anniversary, and Rev. B. B. Hamilton, the then pastor, declining to deliver the address, Dr. Peter Fenity, gave an original his- torical essay, giving the history of the church from its organization. The so- ciety is in excellent condition and has no debt.

BAPTIST CHURCH, WHITE HALL,

Was organized in Oct., 1826, by David R. Chanee, with seven members: Sam'l Rogers, Elizabeth Lee, Sally Hicks, Abigail Daggett, Abraham James, Polly Rogers and Abigail Lee. Aaron Hicks and Chauncy Lee were received at this meeting as candidates for baptism, and

they were baptized soon after. They came from Marion county here, and were visited by Elder Chance, who gathered the new organization under the name of the Henderson Creek Bap- tist church. Elder Sear Crane, and Anna, his wife, joined here, but were dismissed to help organize the church at Carrollton. The North District, now Carrollton Baptist Association, was or- ganized here in 1827. Elijah Dodson preached some time for the new church, and resided near the present cemetery. Alvin Bailey, after removing from Up- per Alton to Carrollton, preached as a missionary at White Hall.

In 1834, a meeting was held here, and the Illinois Baptist convention was organized, J.M. Peck, the Lemen broth- ers, Jon. Sweet, and others, taking a part in the organization.

In 1838, Calvin Greenleaf preached for the church, and a building was be- gun and finished in time for its dedica- tion, in the latter part of Dec., 1839. This is the house now owned and oc- cupied by the Baptist church. Chauncy Lee, Aaron Hicks, John and William Kistler, Christian Harper and Vincent Higbee, were among its prominent members. Joel Sweet became pastor and resided in the village of White Hall, for some time. Wm. H. Briggs, a recent graduate of Shurtleff College, became pastor in 1844. Removals and deaths thinned the ranks of its mem- bers, and but little was done in the way of progress for a number of years. In 1850, when the association resumed its missionary work, the church was almost extinct. In 1852, Elder H. T. Chilton came and gathered the few surviving members, and in March, 1853, a meet-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

ing was held in which a very considera- ble number were added to the church. Another meeting was held in the fall, "and another in the fall of 1854. In these several meetings, some 70 or more united with the church. In 1858, B. B. Hamilton came to make his home in White Hall, and has preached for the church more or less, ever since. In the spring of 1867, Elder Thos. W. Greene held a meeting in which some 46 were baptized, and in the spring of 1883, Elder Wm. Greene ' held a meeting, which resulted in some 60 additions, and the present membership is reported at 122. Its Sunday school has been well sustained for a period of some 18 years, and the outlook is more hopeful than ever before in its history. At present, B. B. Hamilton is pastor; W. W. Carter, clerk; J. E. Higbee, G. W. Trask and C. Vanderhuyden, are dea- cons.

ST. MICHAEL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHI, GREENFIELD,

Was incorporated March 12, 1880, by Right Rev. P. J. Baltes, bishop of Alton; Very Rev. J. Janssen, vicar- general of the diocese; Rev. J. D. Metz- ler, pastor, and l'. Peuter and P. J. Madden, lay-trustees. These gentle- men also acted as the first officers of the newly organized congregation. Three lots, at the corner of Chestnut and Sheffield streets, were bought March 21, 1880, with the intention of erecting thereon a church edifice. Plans were furnished by Lucas Pfeiffenberger, of Alton, and the contract of building was awarded to James Shields, of Green- field. The pastor, Rev. J. D. Metzler, by commission of the Right Rev.

Bishop, of Alton, laid the corner-stone, on Sept. 2, 1880. The church is a brick structure, in the Celto-Gothie style of the 14th century. The building is 37 feet wide in front, 67 feet long, and it has a chancel of 20x10 feet, to which is attached a vestry-room on either side. The sidewalls are 18 feet high; the roof is self-supporting; the height inside from floor to ceiling is 24 feet. In the front, at the southwest corner, a tower with belfry is erected, which rises to the height of 70 feet. The furniture of the church is in striet harmony with the building. Up to the end of 1885, the members had expended about $5,600 for grounds, edifice and furniture. The first service in the church was held by the pastor, April 24, 1881. The solemn dedication of the building to the service of God, took place on June 17, 1885, Right Rev. P. J. Baltes, bishop of Alton, officiating, who also administered the sacrament of confirmation to 81 persons. At the present, there are 50 families, with about 300 individuals, attending the church. The pastor is Rev. J. D. Metzler, who is also in charge of the Brighton mission. The trustees are l'. J. Madden, treas., and O. L. Siegel, sec., who have served with great energy for several years.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WHITE HALL.

This was the first church of this kind in Greene county. It was organized in the court house at Carrollton, III., May 4, 1823. The original members were Z. Allen, Elizabeth Allen, Ruloff Stevens, Elizabeth Stevens, Anthony Potts, John Allen, Polly Allen, Thomas Allen, Mar- gery Allen, William Morrow, Jean Mor-

767

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

row, John Dee, Franeis Bell, Elizabeth Bell, William Allen, Sallie Allen, C. Link, Fannie Painter, Lucretia Brush, Lavinia Redel, and Lucy Thomas. The first elders were Zachariah Allen, Ru- loff Stevens, Anthony Potts and John Allen, The church was long without a settled pastor, or a shelter of its own. Services were sometimes held in the court house and sometimes north of Apple creek, where a large part of the members lived. In time the church came to be known as the Apple creek church, and so stands on the records of the Presbytery, when on April 11, 1840, the name was changed by the Presbytery of Illinois, to White Hall Presbyterian church. In 1842, Henry Tunison and John Morrow were elders, and Rieh. Fulkerson was elected such in 1844. Some years later the church became a partner in a Union church building, but in time, the other partner managed to get control, and turned them out to shift for themselves. September 11, 1870, the church was re-organized as the first Presbyterian church of White Hall, 111., by Revs. S. H. Hyde and A. T. Norton. Jas. Cochrane, J. B. Steere and J. C. Tunison were chosen elders. The following were the first members: S. B. Steere, Margaret Steere, J. C. Funi- son, Mrs. Tunison, James Cochrane, Eliza Cochrane, Mrs. Stubblefield, Mrs. Milne, Miss Rachel Hull, Mrs. Mary A. Davis, Mrs. Anna Nesbit, Mrs. Lucy Chapin, Mrs. Vosseller, Mrs. Anton, John S. Voorhees, Mrs. A. McGuire, Mrs. Margaret Barr, Mrs. Arnec, Mrs, Strang, Miss Emma Strang, Mrs. Pauline Terhune, Paul Theo Lange. Steps were taken at once for the crection of a house of worship, and

on Oct. 29, 1871, the present edifice was dedicated, which cost about $8,000. The church was supplied for a short time by Rev. Jos. S. Edwards, of Cleveland, O. The first Sabbath of Oct., 1872, Rev. Hugh Lamont was installed as pastor. Rev. P. S. Van Nest supplied the pulpit from Feb., 1877 to Oct., 1878. The pres- ent pastor, Rev. D. R. Thompson, entered on his labors June 3, 1880. The church now has a clear membership of 86. The following are the present otfieers: Jas, Cochrane, Ed. Connett, Dr. H. W. Chap- man, elders; Wm. W. Arnold, Jas. Cochrane, Ed. Connett, Dr. H. W. Chap- man, John Wolforth, trustees.

BAPTIST CHURCH, ROCKBRIDGE,

This church was organized in 1837, and was a branch of the Providence Baptist church, being composed of mem- bers of that church. It was then called the Taylor's Creek Baptist church. The original members were : Thomas Carlin, W. H. Cannedy, Aaron Reno, Mrs. Aaron Reno, Jacob Rhoads, and others. Rev. Abner Hill was the first minister. This church endured until about 1842, when a division arose, partly growing out of a Mrs. Hubbard, who sought the membership, and partly brought about by a sehism ealled the " soul sleeping doctrine," In consequence of this, a considerable number of the members withdrew and formed a new church, known as the Apple Creek United Bap- tist, in connection with which, in 1856, the New Salem church, of Rockbridge, was organized. In 1873 the church was re-organized by Elders A. Few, S. F. Wright, A. Hankins and W. M. Rhoads. The members were at this time: A. Taylor, who was elected clerk; Steplien

768

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Taylor, J. H. Elkinton, E. R. Davis, Elizabeth Stephens, Candace E. Taylor, Anne E. Dowdall, Nancy Dixon, Ma- hala Tites, Maria Allen, Elizabeth A. Taylor, and W. M. Rhoads. This congregation worshiped in the old school house, on the site of the present one, until 1875, when they determined to build an edifice for their use. A building committee consisting of the following gentlemen was appointed : A. Taylor, Stephen Taylor, J. H. Elkinton, E. R. Davis and W. M Rhoads. These gentlemen erected a building 30x40 feet on the ground, at a cost of $1,100, in which the society now hold services. There is a present membership of 113. William Cannedy is the present clerk.

PLEASANT POINT BAPTIST CHURCH.

This society was organized Oct. 18, 1856, with the following members: H. Drake, G. W. Cameron, W. W. Smith, W. Chaney, C. A. Wooley, J. T. Barnard, N. Drake, M. A. Cameron, M. A. Smith, M. Chaney and M. Phillips. H. L. Johnson and C. P. Johnson were the presbyters, and A. J. Johnson, the clerk. The first meeting was held in a grove, near the site of the present church building, where Rev. C. P. Johnson, their first minister, held forth. A union church was put up by this congregation and the Methodists that same fall, money enough being raised by subscription to warrant it. This structure is 30x40 feet in size, and is located on the southeast corner of section 9. There is a present member- ship of 100, under the ministry of Rev. Win. M. Rhoads, who has been pastor for about seven years A flourishing Sabbath school is held in connection

with this church, of which S. W. John- son is superintendent.

BAPTIST CHURCH, WRIGHTSVILLE.

This church was organized in Feb., 1880, by Rev. B. B. Hamilton, of White Hall, and James Haycraft, of Medora, with the following members: Henry Stout and wife, A. J. Wright and wife, Jerry Bethard and wife, James Bethard, William P. Parker, and Andrew Cage. The first officers of this little society were Jerry Bethard, deacon, and James Bethard, clerk. Rev. John Bush was the first minister, and remained until in Sept., 1882, since which time Rev. J. P. Alexander has been the pastor. A. J. Wright and Jerry Bethard are the present deacons, and Francis Bell is clerk. At present the membership amounts to about 30. They meet in the Temperance hall, which was built in the spring of 1880, at a cost of $965, and is 24x40 feet in size.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WALNUT GROVE.

The Presbyterian church of Walnut Grove, originally known as String Prairie church, was organized at the house of Morris Lee, on the farm now owned by Coonrod Kahm, the house standing very near the present residence of Mr. Kahm. The date was Oct. 20, 1833, and the officiating clergymen were Rev. Thomas Lippincott and Rev. Mr. Brich. There were nine members, one of whom, Mrs. Morris Lee, of Carlin- ville, Ill., is still living, aged 84 years. The location was about midway between the two settlements of Cook's Prairie and Kincaid's point, where meetings had been previously held for several years, by ministers of that order. Soon

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

after the organization, the neighbors and friends of the cause erected a large double log building on the northeast corner of Mr. Lee's farm, and furnished it in primitive style. They ealled it a meeting house, and it did service until 1848, when the church erected a frame building on the southeast corner of the farm now owned by Win. B. Robinson, at a cost of 84,000. In 1861, the same building was moved to its present site at Walnut Grove, remodeled and en- larged, and by request of the presby- tery, the name of String Prairie was changed to Walnut Grove, by which name it has continued to be known.

In 1866, the church and congregation having increased in numbers and benev- olence, they purchased of Mrs. Mary Miller five acres of ground at $100 per acre, and erected thereon the well ar- ranged and comfortable buildings known as the parsonage, the plans and specifi- cations being furnished by Rev. J. R. Armstrong, who was the first minister to oeeupy the new church home. The cost of the ground, buildings, and fencing was about $3,000, which was paid by those directly interested and the many others who were working harmoniously together and making sacrifices to build up a church here.

From its first organization, for a num- ber of years the church was both finan- eially and numerically weak, yet it managed to have some preaching ser- vices every year. In Sept., 1861, Rev. J. R. Armstrong took charge of the church and continued his labors until April, 1869, which efforts were greatly blessed, building up and strengthening the church in gospel work and doing much good in the community.

METHODIST CHURCH, WALNUT GROVE.

There had been occasional Methodist preachings at the house of Aaron Reno, near where the Providence church build- ing now is, previous to 1828. That year Mr. Amos McPheron settled on the land where he has continued to reside to the present time, and built a large, log dwelling house, which was one of the Methodist preaching places for many years. Services were also held at Daniel Kirby's and John Legg's, until the society was established at the Walnut Grove school house and church, where they continued to worship until 1866. In this year the church erected a neat and commodious house of worship on land obtained from Dr. Mason, one mile west of the Grove, at a cost of $2,500, and known as Aker's chapel. The or- ganization commeneed in 1830, with three members. viz. : Mr. and Mrs. McPheron and Mrs. Morris. From that small beginning it grew into a large working society. By reason of deaths and removals, there are but few mem- bers left, yet they manage to keep up regular preaching appointments.

BAPTIST CHURCH, BLUFFDALE.

A protraeted meeting, out of which grew this branch of the church militant, was commenced Oet. 12, 1832. Elder Elijah Dodson, had preached here occa- sionally before this, but on the opening of these meetings he ealled in the assist- ance of Elders J. M. Peck, Sears Crane, Bower and Moore. A council was held Oct. 23, 1832, at which Elder Peek acted as moderator, and Elder Dodson, as elerk, and with the assistance of Elder Crane and some visiting brethren from Carrollton, a church was organized

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

with the following members : Joseph Sweet, John Russell, Richard Robley, Joshua C. Harvey, Hiram Brown, David W. Thurston, Elizabeth Spencer, Zimri Brown, Laura A. S. Russell, Nancy Hawley, Catharine Holden, Rhoda Brown, Hannah Brown, Rebecca Thurs- ton and Erepta McCormick. That meet- ing was held at the old school-house. Elder E. Dodson was the first minister. The church never was very strong, and, since 1857, there has been no regular meetings.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH, ATHENSVILLE.

The society known as the Christian church of Athensville, was organized in Dec., 1879, by Elder M. L. Anthony, with the following original members: Jesse Morrow, William Cooley, G. W. Morrow, W. H. McCracken and A. R. Morrow. Oliver A. Morrow was the first clerk and treasurer. They wor- shipped at first in Union hall, but that building burning down in the spring of 1880, they commenced the erection of the present neat and tasty edifice, where they meet to hold services. The con- gregation is growing slowly, and the society is in a flourishing condition.

RICHWOODS UNITED BAPTIST CHURCHI.

The religious society known by the above name, was organized on the fourth Saturday in Sept., 1857, by Elder H. Cain. W. F. Hlicks was the moderator of the meeting. The original members of the church were W. F. Ilicks, Joseph Moore, James R. Spencer, Major Spen- cer, Simeon Munday, William Barnett, Albert Goacher, Joel Mitchell, and their wives, Mrs. Schauntz and Frank Nich- ols. The first clerk was Joel Mitchell, and the present one is Jas. F. Cannedy.

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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 90

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