History of Iroquois County, together with Historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources, Part 76

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1180

USA > Illinois > Iroquois County > History of Iroquois County, together with Historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources > Part 76

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

There were, as in all places, members of the Methodist persuasion here, and meetings were irregularly held for some years before the appointment of Mr. Havermale to this circuit in 1869. Rev. Mr. Stubbles is believed to have been the earliest preacher here, and was followed by Rev. Messrs. Hill and Gray. Rev. George R. Palmer also preached, but the society was in an unorganized condition until Mr. Havermale's appointment. The first services were held in the school-house near Mr. Peck's, and later in Mann's hall. March 19, 1872, A. J. Alexander, James Tobias, F. P. Van Valkenburg, J. H. Allen and A. J. Ross were elected trustees, and May 13, W. M. Scott, J. P. Bassett and H. A. M'Caughey were added to the board of trustees, and they proceeded to build the church. It is brick, 40×70, two stories, and yet unfinished in the upper story. In 1877 the roof was partially blown off during a severe gale, but was re- placed with no damage to the walls. The building cost about $8,000. Each attempt made to dedicate the building has been interfered with by severe storms on the day appointed. Rev. M. F. Havermale was appointed to this charge in 1869, and served here three years ; Rev. J. I. Webb in 1872, one year; Rev. G. W. Burns in 1873, two years; Rev. C. O. McCulloch in 1875, three years ; Rev. F. H. Cumming in 1878, one year. Rev. M. C. Eignus is the present preacher. The church numbers about eighty members. Mr. Parsons and wife and Miss Walker collected the children together in a Sabbath school in Mr. Feagin's house as early as 1858. For a time and down probably to about 1869, the school was conducted irregu- larly. Sometimes it was known as the Mission school, under the superintendency of H. C. Bushnell; but about that date took the distinctive name of the Methodist school. James Tobias, H. Houghton and Dr. Van Valkenburg served successively as superin-

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY,

tendent. D. L. Parker, J. H. Allen, William Scott, Miss Scott, Mrs. George Leaf and Mrs. J. R. Capron have aided actively in the work. Isaac Bailey is the present superintendent ; the membership is 130, with an average attendance of about 110.

The Lutheran church was organized in 1867, by the election of Charles Layer, Fred. Laub and Charles Meyer, trustees. Rev. Mr. Johnson of Danforth, preached here two years, and Rev. Mr. Hunzinger and Mr. Hartman of Ash Grove, served the church for a while. The edifice was erected in 1873. It is 24×46, with spire, and cost $1,800. Rev. Robert Falke served the church for a year and a half, and Rev. Carl Schuchard is the present pastor. In addition to those above named, Albert Olms, Mr. Rosenburg, Conrad Scharpf and John Klaefft have served as trustees. The church numbers about 40. A Sabbath school has been maintained for ten years, the preacher usually acting as leader. Charles Meyer is superintendent. The average attendance is from 50 to 70.

The Evangelical church was organized about 1865, The first preaching services were held in a school-house at John Shule's farm. Afterward services were held in Wenger's hall and at other places in town. This is known as Gilman circuit, and embraces appointments at Danforth, Wilson's Settlement and Ash Grove. It formerly embraced Chatsworth and Roberts. The church was built in 1875, is 24×46, and cost about $3,000. Mr. John Shule was the largest contributor to the cause. The church here numbers 38. Rev. Mr. Musselmann, Mr. Knight, Mr. Wagner, Mr. Eigelout, John Cutts, John Webner, Mr. Wingert and Mr. Lintner have in turn ministered to this people. Louis Eppelsheimer is superintendent of the Sabbath school.

The Baptist church was organized in 1871 with 15 members. Rev. J. M. Whitehead of Kankakee was present to aid by his advice and counsel. The church has not had regular pastors, and has no church edifice. Elder Palmer, Elder Knapp and Elder Jordan have preached here. Rev. Mr. Barker of Watseka preached here a portion of the time during the year 1868, and Elder Beebe of Chatsworth is supplying the pulpit in the same way this year. The church now numbers 18 members. G. N. Hawley is clerk, and W. P. Gardner has been chosen since its organization. Meetings are held regularly on the Sabbath in Mann's hall, and prayer and missionary meetings in the same place Friday evenings. Sabbath school has been maintained irregularly. H. C. Bushnell was one of the first promotors of the cause, and was early the superintendent. Mr. Hawley is the present superintendent.

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DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP.

SOCIETIES.

Gilman Lodge, A.F. and A.M., was instituted October 6, 1868, with the following charter members : A. J. Alexander, W.M. ; Elias Wenger, S.W .; F. P. Van Valkenburg, J.W .; James Hamilton, J. D. Leland, M. J. Henry, T. J. Laney, Albert Dickerson, B. F. Brown, Isaac Hills, I. B. Calder, L. G. Remer, George C. Coxshall, John C. Knecht and W. H. Otis, Secretary. J. S. Forsythe acted as master one year, and Dr. Wenger the remainder of the time. He also built the lodge and furnished it, giving the rent free the first year. It was dedicated by the late William Rounsville. The lodge meets the second and fourth Saturdays in each month. The present officers are : E. Wenger, W.M .; O. R. Morey, S.W .; R. H. Miller, J.W .; F. G. Schmedt, S.D .; Charles Meyer, secretary ; W. H. Cassady, treasurer ; Thomas Fitton, tiler.

The Gilman Grove, No. 50, of the Ancient Order of Druids, was organized January 20, 1875, with the following charter members and original officers : Albert Olms, A.A .; Paul Meyer, W.A .; H. Bark- meyer, secretary ; Anton Nagel, warden ; Joseph Schalkle, treasurer ; and Guenther Rosenburg. It numbers twenty-one, and meets in Masonic Hall Tuesday nights. The family of each member dying receives from its fund $500. It is in a flourishing condition. The present officers are : J. Schalkle, A.A .; George Althans, W.A .; C. Layer, secretary ; R. Sheable, treasurer ; John Shule, warden.

Gilman Lodge, No. 648, I.O.O.F., was instituted November 12, 1877, with the following charter members and original officers: F. Macdonald, N.G .; Geddes Simmons, V.G .; J. R. Flynn, secretary ; . Charles Meyer, treasurer ; R. N. Foster, lodge deputy ; Lewis Anson, Julius Kahle, E. Skeels, J. Schalkle, and three others. The lodge numbers forty-two, and meets Monday evenings. Dr. J. W. Snyder served one year as N.G. The present officers are : Charles Meyer, N.G .; C. C. Stone, V.G .; Jolın Flynn, treasurer ; F. Macdonald, sec- retary ; R. N. Foster, deputy.

Star Lodge, No. 202, I.O.G.T., was instituted by G.W.C.T. Uriah Copp, Jr., November 23, 1877, with fifty-two charter members, and with the following officers : Ed Rumley, W.C.T .; Mrs. Rumley, W.V.T .; A. J. De Long, secretary ; J. A. Wilcox, financial secretary ; James Rugg, treasurer ; F. Wilcox, marshal ; Jennie Kerr, guard ; J. J. Rugg, sentinel ; Mrs. F. Wilcox, deputy marshal ; Kate Lameraux, assistant secretary ; Mrs. A. J. De Long, R. H. supporter ; Mrs. J. A. Wilcox, L. H. supporter; S. B. Howard, chaplain. The lodge num- bers eighty-eight members, and is a live and energetic institution, doing good service in behalf of temperance. The present officers are:

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

G. W. Shute, P.W.C.T .; E. Rumley, W.C.T .; Mrs. J. A. Wilcox, W.V.T .; Charles S. Cavis, secretary ; H. Johnson, financial secre- tary ; Miss Lizzie Mann, treasurer, L. Edmuns, marshal ; Miss Gertie Bucklin, deputy marshal ; Miss Jennie Cassady, guard ; W. A. Mann, sentinel ; Miss Belle Hudson, assistant secretary ; Mrs. Fowler, R. H. supporter ; Mrs. W. H. Mann, L. H. supporter ; G. N. Hawley, chaplain.

The Gilman Library Association was organized February 8, 1870. It is organized under the laws of the state as a joint-stock association, the stock being 100 shares at a par value of $10 each. The first officers were D. L. Parker, president; A. Dickerson and H. C. Bush- nell, vice-presidents; L. A. Chase, secretary ; Ed Rumley, librarian ; Dr. E. Wenger, treasurer; W. H. Mann, S. S. Cone and Isaac Beyea, directors. The interest in the society is kept up and its funds im- proved by entertainments of different kinds, lectures, plays by home talent, etc. On the 22d of February each year the society has its annual dinner, which is an enjoyable feature. No officer receives any salary but the librarian. The association owns its building, and 1,256 volumes, embracing many of the standard works in all the departments of literature, and is out of debt. The shares of stock are now worth $30. Non-stockholders are charged $2 per annum for the use of the books. The present officers are : Mrs. W. H. Mann, president; Mrs. Fannie Potter, secretary and librarian ; George H. Potter, treasurer.

The first school building was put up by Isaac Beyea, two blocks north of Wenger's Block, in 1860. Previous to this, school was held in a building which stood north of where Harwood lives. The school- house was 22×48, and was used until 1869, when it was moved to the center of town, and is occupied by S. V. West as a drug store. In 1869 the main part of the present school-house was built. It is 35×75, two stories high. The west wing was built in 1879, 30×40, two stories. The school is graded to four departments, primary, sec- ond primary, intermediate and senior, and is in charge of Mr. E. Bru- maghiin, a graduate of the Albany (New York) High School, with Miss Annie R. Brumback in charge of the intermediate, Miss Phillips of the second primary, and Miss Mattie Beach, primary. The average attendance is 275. Misses Crooks, De Land and Mosher are the direc- tors. The " Model " series of arithmetics are used ; independent read- ers, Montieth's geographies, and Green's grammars.

CITY ORGANIZATION.

Gilman was incorporated as a town in 1867. At the first election the following officers were elected : T. Spalding, president; Dr. E. Wenger, D. Harwood, Mr. Layer and J. Mulvaney, trustees ; Joseph

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Armstrong, clerk; E. Wenger, treasurer. The limits, as fixed by the incorporating act, included the S.W. ¿ and S. } of N.W. ¿ of Sec. 31 (27-14), the E. ¿ of the S.E. } Sec. 31 (27-11), and the N. ¿ of the N.W. ¿ of Sec. 6(26-14), and permission was given the trustees to extend the limits a half mile each way ; afterward the limits were enlarged by being extended half a mile each way. This organization was under a special charter, as was the custom before the act of 1872 took effect. Under the latter, city organization was effected, March 11, 1874, by the election of Thomas Spalding, mayor; C. Howard, E. Wenger, J. D. Watkins, G. H. Potter, Isaac Beyea and L. W. Kennedy, aldermen ; J. Armstrong, clerk ; S. S. Cone, attorney. These officers served until the regular election under the general act, April 21, when the follow- ing were elected : J. D. Watkins, mayor ; T. Spalding, treasurer; S. S. Cone, attorney ; J. Armstrong, clerk. Aldermen : first ward, A. W. Beery, Thomas Fitten ; second ward, John Mulvaney, L. L. Reams ; third ward, J. H. Allen, L. W. Kennedy. At present writing the officers are : C. P. Kinney, mayor ; J. Armstrong, clerk ; D. L. Parker, treasurer ; J. D. LeLand, attorney ; W. M. Scott, J. Mulvaney and A. J. DeLong, aldermen.

License for the sale of strong drink has been the rule in the city until the present year, i.e. under the election of 1879, when the anti- license policy prevailed. License has usually been $300 per annum. The city's protection against fire consists of six Babcock extinguishers and an efficient hook and ladder company.

The cemetery is owned by the city. It consisted of ten acres which was laid out into eight blocks, containing in all about 600 lots. A portion of the ground was transferred to the Catholic church, as under the rule and custom of that faith, grounds for burial are sacred to the use of their own people, and are under the charge of the church. Con- siderable has been done in the way of beautifying the grounds, by the authorities and by individual purchasers, making the grounds pleasant, according to the taste of the modern idea in regard to places of burial, which marks the higher civilization of the age.

NEWSPAPERS.

The first newspaper established in Gilman was the "Journal," a local six-column folio, by Matthias Custer, in 1868. It was independ- ent in politics, and fairly represented the local interests of the young town. Its publication continued two years.

On May 21, 1870, Mr. Ed. Rumley began the publication of the " Gilman Star," which has brightly twinkled during ten years of pros- perous existence. Mr. Rumley had acquired, by a considerable experi-

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

ence in newspaper publishing an education, which, coupled with a native aptitude in that line, peculiarly fitted him for managing a local paper. As early as 1864 he had published the "Advertiser " at Onarga, which in 1865 was changed to the "Review." He had also published the "Fruit Grower," a publication which, as its name indicated, was de- voted to the important fruit interests of this locality. The "Star". was started as a six-column folio, and has grown into a triple sheet, or twelve pages, now the largest paper in this part of the state. It has always been successful financially, independent in politics, but radically in earnest as an advocate of temperance, and has a large circulation all over the county. Patronage was scant at first. The first number contained advertisements of J. H. Allen, dealer in dry-goods; D. L. Parker & Co. and J. Wilson & Son, bankers; W. H. Mann & Co., nursery ; A. Dickerson, insurance ; H. Bushnell & Son, lumber, and a flaming advertisement of Cyrus Shinn, the redoubtable real-estate and excursion agent. A single number of the "Star" lately has contained thirty columns of advertisements.

Mr. D. Harwood was the first to enter into any business enter- prise in Gilman, and Mr. D. L. Parker was the first to open a full stock of goods, in the store now occupied by Charles Layer, in the spring of 1858. It was supposed at first that business would not be drawn to the railroad crossing, and it seemed more comfortable to be away from the smoke and noise of trains. Mr. Parker continued to carry on the mercantile business until 1861, when he went into the railroad office for six years, after which he engaged in banking business. J. F. Wright engaged in mercantile business the same year. Isaac Beyea was one of the first here. He lived just north of the town and carried on his trade, that of mason, and did his full share to build up the town. He divided the time between the pressing duties of his vocation and the more exciting duties of the chase. It was beautiful hunting here for at least ten years after the railroad was built, and Beyea's education, on the hillsides of southern New York fitted him for the joys of the chase. He has, however, steadied down and become a justice of the peace. It is supposed to require a good hunter to make an acceptable peace officer. Jonathan, David and Aaron Wright were early here, carrying on the carpenter trade. Matthew Lynch opened the saloon business early in 1858. The town is the most diffusely scattered, probably, of any town of like population in the state. It would be very difficult to tell which is the center of the town. Dr. Wenger's endeavor to centralize the business on the high ground west of the railroad was a worthy one, and the buildings he put up' there would necessarily liave tended to that result, but other interests were

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DOUGLAS TOWNSHIP.

drawing in other directions. With railroad facilities of the very best and a fair start in inannfacturing, Gilman can hardly fail to draw to it the men of capital and enterprise, together with the energetic and liberal men who have her interests in charge, to make it a point of commercial and business importance.

An attempt was made by the citizens to call the town Douglas, but the railroad seems to have got the start in naming, and would not con- sent to change. It seems strange in this particular case that there was an unwillingness to make the change, for if there is any honor in hav- ing a town named after a man whose public acts have been devoted to the interests of a great public enterprise, no one was more entitled to such remembrance thian Stephen A. Douglas, whose enterprise, skill and great tact originated and carried through congress the wise and statesman-like measure, which made it possible to reduce this grand prairie from wilderness to magnificent farmns and thriving cities.

Warren E. Esty was the first postmaster; after him, D. L. Parker, Oliver Clark and Albert Dickerson, and W. H. Mann is the present one.

The brick block west of the railroad, known as Wenger's Block, was built by Dr. E. Wenger and A. W. Beery in 1870. It includes six two-story and basement brick stores, four of which were built by the former and two by the latter. The block is 129 feet long and 70 feet deep, and cost $18,000. Dent & Mosher built the two stores south of the railroad in 1867. A joint-stock company, composed of men who had business interests in that portion of the town, built the two-story brick store south of the railroad in 1870. D. L. Parker built the one- story brick block just north of the railroad, occupied by the bank and stores, and the building where the post-office is, in 1872. The Crooks Brothers built the one-story and basement brick store occupied by tliemn in 1878. It is a very neat one, 25×85, and cost about $3,000. E. H. David & Son built the planing-mill in 1871, and run it as such four years, when they renewed the machinery and put in three runs of stone for a grist-mill. They do custom work only. It cost about $3,500. Mr. C. Cross built the small custom mill west of the railroad in 1877.

La Hogne is a station on the Peoria road, four miles west of Gilman, where considerable business is done in buying and shipping corn. Miles Brothers of Peoria, Durham & Doe of Onarga, and G. C. Beckwith are engaged in buying grain. John Zea has a store and is postmaster. The hay business at La Hogue is an important one. The ground here is well adapted to raising grass, and large quantities are cut and pressed for the Peoria market. The work is done by tlie

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HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY.

recently introduced steam-power press. The population of Douglas, which then included Danforth, in 1870 was: native whites, 1,801; foreign-born, 598 ; total, 2,399.

BIOGRAPHICAL.

David C. Wright (deceased), was one of the first settlers of this part of Iroquois county. He was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, and was a soldier of the war of 1812, belonging to the Light Horse Cavalry. He was married, about 1818 or 1819, to Ede McCowen, who was born in Green county, Pennsylvania, in 1801. Her father, James Mc- Cowen, was a soldier of the revolutionary war. Mrs. Wright is one of a family of eleven children ; she is the only one living of the family. In, about 1829, David C. Wright, with his wife and six children started for the Far West, and arrived in Terre Haute, Indiana, where they remained about two or three years. From there they came to Iroquois county, and located on a farm four miles from Gilman, on Spring creek. They were among the first families in this part of the county. He engaged in farming. David C. Wright died October 27, 1852, and thus passed away one of the old and honored settlers of Iroquois county. After the death of Mr. Wright, Mrs. Wright moved to Gilman, where she has remained ever since. They had eleven children. One son, Jonathan Wright, was in the late war and did good service.

Matthew Lynch (deceased), was one of the first settlers of Gilman. He was born in Ireland, and emigrated to America with his brothers and sisters when he was very young. His mother and father both died in Ireland before they started for America. Mr. Lynch came direct west to Illinois, and first located in Naperville, and from there he went to St. Charles, and in 1850 was married to Margaret C. Ponsevy, who was born in Ireland, and came to America when young. From St. Charles, Mr. Lynch and wife moved to Chicago, where they remained about five years. From there they moved to Galesburg, where they remained until 1847. During his residence in Illinois Mr. Lynch was a railroad engineer. He engineered on the Galena, Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy, and Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroads, and was known as a good engineer, always performing his duty faithfully. In 1847 Mr. Lynch and wife moved to Gilman, and there were but two houses in the place. The first house was occupied by Matthew Lyon, and the other, a shanty, was used as a section house, consequently Mr. Lynch built the third house in Gilman, which stood in the rear of the Park Hotel. Their house was used as a hotel, and was known as the Rail- road House. Matthew Lynch took an active part in organizing the Catholic church, and the first meetings of this church were held at his

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house. He was a faithful member of the church, and a friend to the schools of Gilman. He was made school director. Matthew Lynch died June 9, 1870, at thirty-nine years of age, and thus passed away one of the old and highly respected citizens of Gilman, leaving a wife to mourn his loss. Mrs. Lynch was married to her present husband, Christopher Ennis, July 31, 1876, by the Rev. Father Fanning. Mr. Ennis was born in Ireland. Some twenty-four years ago lie was employed with the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad as a section-boss. From that he gradually built his way up, and to-day is road-master of the Toledo, Peoria & Warsaw railroad. He is a man that is well thought of from one end of the road to the other.

D. L. Parker, banker, Gilman, was born in Orleans county, New York, April 29, 1836. He remained a resident of his native county until he was about fifteen years of age, when he came west to Illinois and located in Chicago. Here his father, Warren Parker, was engaged in running an omnibus line in Chicago. Mr. Parker, the subject of this sketch, was engaged in the omnibus business with his father, and remained a resident of Chicago about five years. He then came to Iroquois county and was farming one year near Gilman, and in 1857 moved to Gilman, where he has been a resident ever since. He entered the real-estate business, and the general merchandise business, he being the first grocer and general merchant of Gilman. From that he was employed by the railroads as general agent at Gilman. In 1869 he entered the banking business, the firm being D. L. Parker & Co. In 1873 he formed a partnership with J. H. Allen, the firm becoming Parker & Allen.

William P. Gardner is " the pioneer furniture man " and one of the first settlers of Gilman. He was born in New London county, Ver- mont, December 27, 1812, and is the son of Isaac Gardner, who was a soldier in the revolutionary war, and who was born on the same ground on which the subject of this sketch was born. Mr. Gardner's ancestors were among the Mayflower pilgrims. Mr. Gardner was raised on the farm, where he remained until he was about twenty-four years of age, with the exception of two years when he was a resident of New York. In 1836 he was married to Sarah E. James, of Rhode Island, and they moved to Pennsylvania and located in Gibson, Susquehanna county. He engaged in farming and remained there until 1857, when he came . west to Illinois and located in Gilman. He commenced the erection of his residence, the first in Gilman, which is now owned and occupied by Dr. E. Wenger. In 1858 Mr. Gardner moved his family to Gilman, and engaged in farming. In 1865 he moved to Kankakee county, Illinois, and remained until 1870, when he returned to Gilman, where

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he has been a resident ever since. In 1872 he embarked in the furni- ture and undertaking business. This business he has gradually built up until to-day he is doing a leading business. He occupies two build- ings, one size 18×40 feet and one 20×36 feet. He keeps constantly on hand a full line of goods. Mr. Gardner has hield the office of con- stable of Gilman for four years with honor and credit. He had one son in the late war. Bur Gardner was a soldier in the 113th Ill. Vol. He was a brave soldier and did good duty, and was honorably mus- tered out on account of sickness. Mr. Gardner lost his first wife. She died in 1872 and was buried in the Gilman cemetery. He subse- quently married Mrs. Hunt. Mr. Gardner is a member of the Baptist church, having been a member of this churchi since he was eighteen years of age.

William E. Knibloe, farmer, Gilman, was born in the town of Sharon, Connecticut, February 17, 1820. His parents, soon after his birth, removed to Dutchess county, New York, where he learned the trade of cabinet-maker. In April, 1842, he married Miss Mary A. Dakin, of North East, who was born December 22, 1821. In 1843 Mr. Knibloe removed with his family to Chicago, where he continued to follow his trade until 1858, when he removed to Douglas township, Iroquois county, and commenced farming. This business he has since successfully prosecuted. They have had three children, two of them now living. The daughter, Harriet, is married and living in Gilman. The son, Walter E., is teaching in the public schools of Champaign. The family are directly descended from a distinguished Scotch ancestry, some of whom were employed in translating King James' version of the Bible, and one of whom assisted in founding Yale College. Mrs. Knibloe is a member of the M. E. church.

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History of Iroquois County, together with Historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources, Part 76

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903 Publication date: 1880 Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co. Number of Pages: 1180

Author: Beckwith, H. W. (Hiram Williams), 1833-1903
Publication date: 1880
Publisher: Chicago : H.H. Hill and Co.
Number of Pages: 1180