USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene county, Illinois: its past and present > Part 40
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Some four years before regular circuit preaching was enjoyed here, or even local, in 1828, the Illinois District and Apple Creek Circuit em- braced this point, with Peter Cartwright as presiding elder, and Isaac Scarrett and I. T. Johnson as " circuit riders." The next year L. Bogart and I. French were on the circuit; but the next year, 1830, the district being changed to Sangamon, James Bankston appears to have been the first regular preacher here, though others, both circuit and local, paid occasional visits to this point for some time before this. In 1831 Wm. D. Trotter and Wm. Haskins rode this circuit; but in 1832 John Van- cleve and Levi Springer succeeded them. During these four years Peter Cartwright continued presiding elder; but the district and circuit being changed to Carrollton, Simon Peter succeeded him in this capacity in 1833, with John Vancleve and William Petney as circuit riders. In 1834 A. E. Phelps and C. B. N. McCabe, were placed on the circuit ; and in 1835, Jessie Hale alone. In 1836, the district being again changed to Lebanon, M. S. Taylor succeeded Simon Peter as presiding elder, with D. Cory and N. Allen on the circuit. Chas. Holliday in 1837 followed Elder Taylor as presiding elder-Elijah Corrington being on the circuit this year, with A. Bird with him a portion of the year. The district being changed to Alton and the circuit to Apple Creek in 1838, Wm. Cham- bers rode the circuit this year; but the circuit being changed back to Carrollton next year, 1839, J. B. Corrington was again placed on the circuit. In 1840, the Alton gave place to the Illinois District, when Peter Cartwright became again elder, with Wm. Wilson on the circuit during this and the following year.
Hitherto they had continued to worship, not like the Jews, in tabernacles, but wherever temporary accommodations were furnished them ; but about this time, they built "an house of God," as before inti- mated. They now took a more distinctive form, introducing that peculiar system of church machinery which had been employed elsewhere with such successful results, and which constitutes the grand secret of their whole past history.
Being almost the exclusive occupants of the territory, here and for a large circuit around this point, they propagated, without let or hindrance, that form of religious faith known amongst theologians as Arminian. Hence its prevalence at this day. They organized and built churches at various points in a circle embracing a large extent of country around us, upon which conference was wont to place one or two of the traveling brotherhood who should dispense the Word of Life as often as their limited opportunities should allow. Thus has it continued, with slight modifications, to the present time; and, though other forms of religious doctrine have since intervened, which always attends the advance and
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march of higher grades of civilization and intelligence, this denomination is still largely in the ascendant, with encouraging prospects of a bright future.
As connected with the foregoing, it may not be out of place here to state that, along with the regular " circuit riders," we have always been favored with what is known among Methodists as "local preachers." Among the earlier of these were the Revs. J. B. Corrington, Wm. H. Askins, Amos Prentice, Henry Davidson, and others ; among the latter, Revs. Dr. Ledbrook, Wm. Saxton, Wm. Batty, and the Rev. James Rives. As this latter was a permanent resident here for many years, and filled a somewhat conspicuous place both in his church relations and in community, a brief notice of him, in this connection, may not be inappropriate.
A native of North Carolina, he removed from that State to Southern Kentucky in 1826, coming the whole distance in a one-horse cart with his wife and one child, our present Judge Rives. Here he labored on the plantations of Bros. Taylor, who were wealthy planters, for some seven years, during which time, by economy and persevering industry, he made enough, though paying more quarterage than either of his opulent employers with their fifty servants each, to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land at Rivesville, to which he removed with his family in 1834. Not confining himself exclusively to the cultivation of his farm, he very soon embarked into merchandising-a calling to which he was an entire stranger. But, with an aptitude peculiar to himself, he readily accommo- dated himself to his new vocation, as shown in the fact that, although at first he had to obtain credit of the Pegrams of Carrollton, he very soon had means and credit to purchase all he needed for his locality, at other points. Continuing upon his farm and in the merchandise business till the Spring of 1851, when he lost his wife, he sold out to his eldest son, and in the Autumn of that year, moved to town, purchasing the residence now owned by Uncle Jesse Keeley. Here he resumed his former mer- cantile business, forming partnerships successively with Wm. Tunnell, Abraham Miller, and James B. Carter.
But he lost no time in relieving the tedium of single life by marrying in 1852, Mrs. Julia Boyd, of Adams County, Ill .- a lady who came as near meeting the description of a virtuous woman, given by Solomon in xxxi. of Proverbs, as the best of her sisters.
He did not, however, confine himself exclusively to mercantile pur- suits ; for soon after coming to town, he purchased of Thomas Lofton the farm immediately north of town, comprising ninety acres-a farm originally entered by Rev. Wesley Meldrum, giving fifteen dollars per acre, on which he erected, in the Fall and Winter of 1852, the residence he continued to occupy till his death. Some years before this, however, he had retired from all connection with mercantile pursuits-devoting his whole energies to farming on a large scale-believing this a far more lucrative vocation
than selling tapes and ribbons. In this belief he was not mistaken ; for, prosecuting it with an indomitable energy, he became the Strawn of our county-adding farm after farm, till, at last they numbered some half dozen. All these he superintended in person, at the same time meeting his appointments almost every Sabbath, as had been his wont for years, while discharging multiplied other duties growing out of his various relations in life. But this was too much, even for his robust constitution.
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The tension of both mind and body was more than they could endure, . and, suddenly, one Sabbath morning, July 8, 1866, the silver cord of life was loosed and the golden bowl broken, and James Rives passed from our midst, leaving an example worthy of imitation of a man of tireless energy in all the activities of life, at the same time that he kept steadily in view the great interests that lie beyond. His widow survived him till March, 1875, when she too, of whom the world was not worthy, "was not, for God took her."
The Baptists .- This denomination appears next in the order of time. As a communion, they do not seem to have figured largely under this meridian nor in our immediate neighborhood. The late Rev. Stephen Coonrod who died in Dec., 1872, at his home north of town, appears among the first cler- gymen of this denomination, though there were others at points somewhat distant from this. Among these were Rev. Charles Kitchens, Rev. Thos. Lee and Rev. M. Browning who ministered, for a longer or shorter period, to the Hickory Grove Church, as also have Revs. H. H. Witt and S. B. Culp. Upon moving from this place to his farm in 1829, Mr. Coonrod became pastor of the little Baptist Church here, and continued to sustain that relation till his death-a long pastorate of 48 years. During half of this time, he had also, at the same time, charge of a church on Taylor's Prairie, and one near Athensville. At these and other points, he minis- tered through his entire ministerial life-at the same time carrying on his farm for the maintainance of a numerous family. At first, for some four or five years, like the Methodists, he held public service in private dwellings- his own, Thomas Finley's and others; but, as has been stated before, a small log church, erected in 1834 on the southwest corner of the present graveyard north of town, served as a place of public wor- ship for about thirty years, when it gave place to a more imposing struc- ture, built in the north part of town in 1855.
For many years Mr. C. belonged to what is known as the Regular Baptists and Apple Creek Association ; but his theology being tinctured too highly with Calvinism, for many of his brethren, a separation took place -the seceders being termed Wittites, but retaining the old family name ; while he and his followers were known as United Baptists, who formed a new Association called Concord. These are understood to represent the Hyper-Calvinistic School while the former are regarded as representing a more liberal phase of theology.
Another family of this denomination came into existence here in about the year 1850, known as " The Missionary Baptists." For their benefit the community had built and deeded to them in 1852 one half of what has been known as the Union Church - when Rev. H. T. Chilton became their first pastor, succeeded by others at different inter- vals. But, after maintaining a sickly existence for some twenty years, it " went the way of all the earth," selling out its claim to the building for the trifle of $250.
This denomination in none of its branches, though long in existence here, it seems to have attained much of the strength and prestige it has at other points ;- the philosophy of which is left to others to explain.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church .- A few of this branch of the church were organized here in, or about the year 1852. To them, as before stated, was deeded one half of what has been known since, as
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" The Union Church." Here they commenced their first operations, with the Rev. Wm. Bell as their stated preacher, and Wm. A. Secor and Maj. Geo. Shackelford, as their first elders - the former acting in that capacity till his decease in 1863-a faithful church official, a worthy citizen and of unquestioned piety ;- the latter, only till his removal to Girard, where he died some years after.
The church, however, continued its operations for many years, hav- ing different individuals to conduct their service. Among these may be mentioned the Revs. Daniel Bell, Lorance, Viney, etc .; but, keeping up public service only portion of the time, it did not seem to prosper as to make much progress ; and from this and a variety of other causes, like its Baptist comrade, after a struggling existence of some twenty years, it virtually ceased to be.
The Presbyterian Church .- Little, in addition to what has already been said in regard to this communion, need be stated in this place. Suf- fice it to say, that it had no corporate existence here, till the year 1859, when its first organization took place. Since this period, its progress has been moderate-there having been few located here of that denomina- tional family, and those few not having had the facilities requisite, till quite recently, to enable them to prosecute the appropriate work of a church organization. Now, however, with a new and commodious house of worship centrally situated, with a wide field for cultivation here, and with a favoring Providence to second their judicious efforts, it may be reasonable to suppose that they may yet attain to such prosperity as to be a power for good in their chosen field of labor. Hitherto they have had, as their clerical force, only what are termed stated supplies - the vener- able Rev. Joseph I. Gray, now of this place, being the only permanently settled Presbyterian clergymen in this entire section of country. When working, devoted and efficient pastorates are enjoyed, better results may be reasonably anticipated.
Other Denominations .- This community, like most others, have always had some belonging to other divisions of the Christian household, than those spoken of above; and such continues to be the case : South- ern Methodists, Episcopalians, Unitarians, Universalists, Reformers, Catholics etc., etc .; but, few in number, and lacking in that interest so essential to success in this, as in all other enterprises, they have never attained to any tangible existence here, but have lost, to a great extent, their individuality among those who have ; or have relapsed into that larger class generally spoken of as " The World."
TEMPERANCE.
In the earlier history of our community, there seems to have been no organized effort to resist the incroachments of the monster Intemperance. Our first settlers, however, do not appear to have been much annoyed by his presence in their midst. Frequently, as in most early settle- ments, an Irish wake or spree was indulged in occasionally, by those few whose appetites ran in that direction, only to be rebuked, however, by the greater number who were always found in the ranks of the tem- perance army.
With the advance of time and the increase of numbers, however, it became necessary to adopt some systematic plan to hold in check the
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insidious approaches of this prolific parent of all evils, Intemperance. Accordingly, as early as the year 1848, July 5th, a Division (109) of the Sons of Temperance was organized here, with twenty-six charter members. Two years after in 1850, such was its prosperity, that it was enabled to erect what has long been known as " The Temperance Hall " on the northwest corner of the public square, a two story structure, at a cost of nearly $1,000. It prosecuted after this, its appropriate work for some five years, having numbered on its roll during this period about 200 members. Then, however, in 1855, the order of Good Templars being organized here, its prosperity began to wane and continued to do so, till 1857, when its members numbered only eleven. Whereupon, it was decided to suspend all operations and go into liquidation; as its indebtedness had so increased as to make it quite burdensome for so small a number; and as the new organization contemplated laboring in the same field and that, too, with better prospects of success. This was speedily done and its effects distributed-the Odd Fellows obtaining their Bible, and the Good Templars, the regalia, wardrobe, &c.
This latter organization, though prosperous for a time, and useful as furnishing a visible protest in the community against the indulgence and traffic in ardent spirits, seems, for some reason, to have been short lived and to have left few items of importance requiring notice in this connec- tion. After its disappearance, as a living organization it has had no lineal descendent in the same good work here; and the people at large have been contented with resolving themselves into "a committee of the whole " to resist the inroads of the hosts of Bacchus. In this they have been so far successful, as to have kept alive a healthy public sentiment upon this subject. The iniquitous practice of drinking is frowned upon by the better class of the community; the traffic is quite effectively check- mated by bringing the civil law to bear upon the guilty head of him, who, in open defiance of a decided public sentiment, would still prosecute his infernal business under the shades of night and the darkness of the pit.
With a sleepless vigilance over the ballot-box the friends of temper- ance have hitherto kept this emissary of Tophet at bay ; and, though not entirely free from this curse of curses, can challenge a comparison with any other point in the State in regard to their temperance record.
EDUCATION.
Our early friends were not unmindful of this important factor as a prime element in every well ordered community. As substantial evidence of this, we find them building a log college, even before erecting altars to the God they worshiped. This they did in about 1854 immediately north of Valentine Caswell's residence upon the rising ground between this and the Rives farm. George A. Cowden prefers a valid claim to the honor of first wielding the scepter of the pedagogue within our Corpora- tion. Mrs. Jonathan Spencer, (nee Eliza Wilson) now of Rock Island, Ill., had also an opportunity of exercising " woman's rights " in the same direction. But Miss Matilda Worden, who presided here for three suc- cessive sessions, seems to have had more reputation than any other incumbent. This was owing to a great extent on account of her belief in, and practice of Solomon's doctrine in the management of the stub-
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born urchin : "Chasten thy son while there is hope, and let not thy soul spare for his crying." Should any one be inclined to dispute her claim in this direction, however, our neighbor Frank Miller, may be called to the witness stand, and he will give solid testimony that this " Yankee School marm " was a firm believer in the virtue of hickory. This model structure continued, for a number of years, to meet the requirements of this community for all school purposes. At length, however, being left open and unoccupied, as such buildings are wont to be, an irresponsible mover took possession of it for one night, during which it was fired and burnt to ashes -leaving the family houseless, and the people here destitute of any place wherein " to teach the young idea how to shoot."
This calamity, however, did not befall it until it had done excellent and varied service in other and closely allied directions; for in it the first lyceum was inaugurated where, we may suppose, Dr. Cooper, Geo. W. Allen, Esq., Revs. Saml. Culp and Wesley Meldrum and the redoubtable Booker displayed fervid and, perhaps, Ciceronian eloquence in the discus- sion of the stirring themes of that day. Here, too, was organized our first Sabbath School, that right arm of the church, engineered by Geo. W. Allen, ever found in the front of every enterprise promising good to his fellows; who could be seen, after the performance of his duties at school, returning home with the sum total of his Sabbath school library inclosed in his pocket handkerchief.
Here, likewise, for want of more commodious quarters, the minister at the altar proclaimed the grand truths of Inspiration to attentive auditors - a noble supplement to the purpose for which the structure was at first erected.
To remedy the misfortune which had thus happened to them, our friends pressed into service other buildings :- among which may be noticed the store-room now occupied by John Dryden. Here a Mr. Dickerman, a nephew of Nelson, and Ira B. Pickett, Esq., instructed many of our present resident citizens, among whom may be mentioned, Jefferson Coonrod, L. O. Edwards, Wm. Cannedy, Esq., G. T. W. Shef- field and others. Thus a " subscription school " was kept up in some form here and there as circumstances favored, till 1844, when quite a comfortable house was erected on the tract of land now occupied by the palatial Fifth Avenue residence of our neighbor, J. H. Gray. Here schools were taught by different individuals as the necessities of the community required, for some half dozen years, when the increased necessities and advancing public spirit on the subject of education required enlarged accommodations for this purpose. An appeal to the public was made in 1851, with this end in view, and a prompt response, in the shape of $2,000 or more, was the result. With this amount somewhat increased, what is now known as "The Old Seminary " was erected in this and the following year, and opened for the reception of students in the Fall of the latter. This proved a success and placed us on a vantage ground on the subject of education not enjoyed by our neighbors. For five years this continued to be a private Institution, when, on the introduction of the Public School System of this State, it was submerged in that, and virtu- ally taken for public purposes-being converted into a district school. Thus it was used for some seventeen years (and pretty well used up too,) when it was neither suitable, nor would meet the wants of a largely in- creased population.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
At present one of the most attractive features in Greenfield society is her educational facilities. To say that Greenfield public schools can compare most favorably with those of other cities and towns, is stating a fact well authenticated. The buildings are situated on a high hill in the eastern part of the town, long bridges span the deep ravines and make the approach easy, and the yards are never muddy. On the east, one overlooks the lowlands of the Rubicon; on the north, the public highway trailing up the valley below; on the west and south, the town in general -- all tending to make the scene beautiful in Summer and picturesque in Winter. The buildings are two in number, each of brick. One of them, two stories high, was of sufficient capacity until the year 1874, when more room was demanded. In that year a new building was erected, con- sisting of two stories and basement, and fully equipped with the neces- sary school furniture, an elegant organ, paintings for the walls, etc., etc. The rooms are all commodious, ventilated by the most perfect system and warmed by furnaces, which have stood the test when outside the mercury stood 15° below zero. The building cost about $10,000. The school consists of six departments ; first and second primary, first and second intermediate, grammar and high school. The enrollment has constantly increased, that of last year (1878) being 373, 38 of whom were non-resi- dents. The present superintendent, H. H. Montgomery, has filled that station for four years, and is making earnest effort to add a new depart- ment, in which drawing, penmanship and book-keeping will be made a specialty. This measure bids fair to succeed and will be the third depart- ment added under his administration.
The High School-The high school was inaugurated in the Fall of 1875, in response to the call of many who preferred that the full prepar- atory course of college be completed at home. The course arranged includes, in mathematics, trigonometry (plane and spherical) completed ; in languages, reading of Virgil; in sciences, astronomy, chemistry and such others as are usually called for in examination for State certificates. Each year the course is completed by a class of about ten, to whom the board and superintendent give a diploma. The board consists of direc-
tors chosen as required by law. They maintain a nine months school each year, pay their superintendent $125 per month, the other teachers $50, $40, $40 $40 and $40 respectively. The present board consists of J. B. Broadmarkle, Dr. W. C. Day and S. P. Cameron, energetic men and vigilant in the interests of the school. The tuition of non-resident pupils, for high school, is $21 a year. Last year $360 were realized thus, and this year it will amount to about $400.
From the foregoing statements, it will readily be seen that both those who early planted themselves here, and those who have succeeded them, have ever evinced considerable interest upon this most important subject -all of which furnishes cheerful promise that it will continue to be emphasized by their descendants, who thereby shall be trained to an intelligent discharge of their duties as citizens of this Great Republic, especially that growing out of their relation to the ballot-box.
LEARNED PROFESSIONS.
Although all the professions have been represented here from an early day, except that of law, yet not in great numbers, nor by many who have been especially distinguished in theology, medicine, law, or literature.
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Ministers .- The first churches were ministered to by such men as the exigencies of the times could furnish : plain practical expounders of God's truth, having none of the advantages of those times within college walls and theological seminaries, but not wanting in those higher adorn- ments acquired only in the school of their Divine Master. Hence, though comparatively unlettered, they did effectual service in His spiritual vine- yard.
Among those of greater celebrity than others may be mentioned the Rev. Peter Cartwright, who, both as preacher and Presiding Elder, had not only a sectional, but a national reputation. Of great eccentricity of character and not polished in his rhetoric, yet, in his better days, he was a son of thunder in the desk, moving the crowd that hung upon his lips by his sturdy logic and thrilling pathos.
Others, more or less representative men in the denominations they represented, might be noticed, did space permit. Suffice it to say that most of them have been useful in their spheres of labor.
Physicians .- At first medicine was not represented here at all - em- bracing a period of ten or more years; but, in the Winter of 1835-6 Tennessee sent us a surplus one in the person of the late Dr. M. A. Cooper. For a considerable time he was the sole representative of his profession here. As the population increased and necessities required, however, others followed ; among whom may be noticed, Drs. Metcalf, Maxfield, Holliday, Rice, Finch and Ledbrook, all of whom had located here by 1850 : since which latter period Messrs. Jayne, Dunn, Cash, J. S. Cooper, Hill, Culver, Chapman, Day, Jarvis, Mongomery and Stout, have filled or are filling the post of physician for a longer or shorter term. Dr. Finch is, at this writing, the oldest son of Æsculapius here -having been a practitioner something like a quarter of a century. Whether he has restored as many to health and life as the god he represents, or not certain it is, that Jupiter's thunderbolts have not as yet reached him ; but he bids fair to do a good deal of heavy work yet in the service of the Master he has so faithfully and so long served.
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