USA > Illinois > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of its scenery and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 15
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49
FILICES .- Ferns.
ADIANTUM-Maiden hair Fern. Pedatum. (Rich woods. Common). PTERIS Aquilina -- Common Brake. (Copses. Common ). CHEILANTHES -Lip Fern. Vestita. (Rocks. St. Clair County, Brendel ; and south- ward). Lanuginosa. Clefts of rocks. Near Galena, Brendel ; Pike County, Mead ; Jackson, French). PELL.EA. Atropurpurea. (On dry rocks. Infrequent). ASPLENIUM. Pinnatifidum. (On rocks. Jackson and Union Counties, French ; Pope, Schneck). Tricho- manes-Dwarf Spleen wort. ASPIDIUM-Shield Fern. CYSTOPTERIS -Bladder Fern. ONOCLEA. Sensibilis-Sensitive Fern. (Wet Places. Common.) WOODSIA-Rock Pally pod. Obtusa. Virgini- cum-Rattle-snake Fern. (Rich woods. Frequent). OPHIOGLOS- SUM-Adder's Tongue.
CHAPTER XII.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY.
BY REV. DAVID SPRECHER.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH-HISTORY OF PRES- BYTERIANISM-HISTORY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI OF CARBONDALE --- FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GRAND TOWER-MURPHYSBORO' PRESBYTERIAN VIFURCH-HISTORY OF METHODISM-OAK GROVE METHODIST CHURCHI-METHO- DIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO'-HISTORY OF M. E. CHURCH SOUTH -SKETCH OF BAPTIST CHURCH-HISTORICAL SKETCH OF CHRISTIAN CHURCH- HISTORY OF CATHOLIC CHURCH -SKETCHI OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF MUR- PHYSBORO'.
" No pope, no pope, to doom to hell !" The Protestant rang out a bell ;
" Great Luther left his fiery zeal, Within the hearts that truly feel That loyalty to God will be The fealty that makes men free. No images where incense fell !" Rang out old Martin Luther's bell.
HE first man who ministered to the scattered Lutherans of Jack- son county was Rev. Daniel Scherer. He resided in Hillsboro', Ill., and would make occasional missionary tours as far south as Jonesboro'.
Rev. E. B. Omstead, commenced his labors in Union and Pulaski Counties in 1838, and near the same time commenced preaching in Jackson, and in 1843 organized Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church, at what was known as Hall's S. H., a short distance west of where the church now stands. Mr. Omstead continued to serve this church until October, 1847. The original record has been lost, but the deficiency lias been supplied by Mr. B. F. Will. Among the original members, Hon. Peter Will and his wife, and a number of their children, Daniel Will, Sr., and wife, John G. Griffith and wife, were, without doubt, in the first organization; all the older members have gone, as we trust, to the Church triumphant.
The following is a list of the names of the original members of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church : Hon. Peter Will, Mrs. Mary Will, John Will, Garrett Will, Mrs. Rebecca Holiday, Mrs. Harriet Griffith, John Griffith, Mrs. Rebecca Schutz, Daniel Will, Sr., Mrs. Mary Will, Mrs. Mary Kimmel.
Rev. E. B. Omsted resigned his work here in the fall of 1847. The following sketch will tell why, etc .:
" Omsted, Pulaski Co., Ill., July 19, 1877.
Rev. D. SPRECHER,-
Dear Bro. : Your postal card of the 9th has been received. I regret ex- ceedingly that I have no record of the Lutheran Church, which I organized
in the Will settlement in Jackson County. I lived at Jonesboro', and had charge also of St. John's and Union, in Union County, and of Mt. Pisgah, in Pulaski, which latter I organized. I must have organized the Jackson County Church, about 1843.
The cause of my connection with the Presbyterians was this : There was a small church of that denomination at Murphysboro', supplied statedly, but infrequently, I think by the Rev. Mr. Bird, lately deceased. It was thought that the two churches with one supply could get aid from the American H. M. Society. I was encouraged by several members to attend the meeting of Alton Presbytery at Montealton, with that object in view. I presented the matter ; but the plan did not meet with favor, because it was alleged that the Lutheran Church has a H. M. Society of her own. I was invited to unite with them. I felt very solitary, and was discouraged, from the fact that no Lutheran minister was nearer to me than 140 miles ; and then, too, my ignorance of the German language unfitted me for the work in the Lutheran body, much more so than it would now. Under these circumstances, I obtained a dismissal from the President of the Synod of the West, Rev. F. Springer, and united with the Alton Presbytery at Jackson- ville, on the 22d of October, 1847-the Synod of Illinois being in session then and there." Mr. Omsted further adds: "I am not estranged from the Lutheran Church ; I revere the memory of the great and noble man whose name she bears, and I approve her doctrines and government. The Synod made a mistake when they sent me with my youth and inexperience to the wilderness of Southern Illinois.
But we have the assurance that all shall work together for good, to them that love God. I often think of the men with whom I was associated in the ministry in the Lutheran Church,-the Jenkins Brother, Scherer, Springer, Trimper, Miller, Lemanowski. and Abraham Rick, a man of God, who was my theological instructor. Some have ceased from their labors and have gone to their reward. May the blessing of heaven rest upon those who yet live.
I studied at Pennsylvania College, probably three years ; came West from Pennsylvania, of which I am a native, in 1836; studied with A. Rick at Indianapolis, and was licensed by the Synod of the West, at Corydon, Ind., October, 1838, and ordained by the same body, at Hillsboro', Ill., October 1839. From October, 1838, to October, 1847, I preached to Lutheran Churches in Union and Jackson Counties. Since then, with the exception of four years' services as pastor of Bethel Presbyterian Church, in Bond County, I have labored in this county. But wherever I am, or whatever I may be, I will cherish the memory of the venerable Peter Will and his ex- cellent wife, and the Griffiths, and the Kimmels, and Phineas Hall and his family, whose hospitality I have often enjoyed.
Your brother in Christ,
E. B. OMSTED."
I have given a full extract from Mr. Omsted's letter, so that all who know him might see how kindly he seems disposed to the old church. God bless him and his evermore.
There seems to have been a vacancy for 18 months, when Rev. John Krack commenced his labors in the spring of 1849, and served until the fall of 1851, possibly a little longer. The corner-stone of Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church was laid, Saturday, October 19, 1850. At this meeting the following ministers were present : Rev. J. Krack, Pastor ; Rev. J. Wood, N. S. Presbytery ; Rev. Mr. Walls, M. E. Church,
Mr. Krack was a good man, of considerable pulpit ability, preaching with almost equal ease in German or English. I think he was born in Germany. is still living, and must be near ninety years old. He was pastor, a second time, of this church. Rev. D. Jenkins took charge in the spring of 1851, and from the records seems to have retired in 1854. After resigning this charge, he located in Union County, Illinois. Then the Rev. Mr. Sloop, of Virginia, labored here three months, when he was compelled to resign in consequence of severe affliction, which finally terminated in mental derange- ment and premature death. Then Rev. J. Krack returned, and served this field perhaps two years, during which time the parsonage, a large and com- fortable house for the times, was built, and just when it was finished he re- tired from this charge, when the Rev. E. Schwartz received and accepted a call from Zion's Church. He moved his family from Hillsboro', Ill., in the fall of 1859, and served this church in connection with the De Soto Church five years, when he retired.
Rev. C. Thomas was successor to Rev. E. Schwartz at the end of his first five years' service in this pastorate, and continued in the pastoral work for two
49
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
years. He must have commenced in 1866, and resigned in 1868. The churches all seemed to prosper under his faithful labors. It was during his term of service that the Twin church, (now the Mt. Joy church) was organ- ized, 5} miles west of Murphysboro'. He was deservedly popular, and is held in high esteem in all the congregations. In 1868 Rev. H. M. Brewer accepted a call to this charge, and remained two years. Rev. E. K. Baker took charge in 1871, and remained one year.
In August, 1872, Rev. E. Schwartz took charge of the De Soto pastorate, and served two years, and in January 1st, 1875, and served as faithfully as the state of his health would permit one year.
After Mr. H. left, the church was vacant a short time. In March, 1866, Rev. D. Sprecher, the present incumbent, took charge. He is a native of Virginia, and was born May 25, 1825; spent some time at the Virginia Institute, then spent several years at Springfield, Ohio, in Wittenberg Col- lege, and was licensed to preach March, 1852, by the Wittenberg Synod of Ohio, and ordained in 1853 by the same body; and he has consequently been in the ministry more than twenty-five years.
The members constituting Zion's Church, have, in the main, come from Pennsylvania, and amongst these we find many of the best men of Jackson County. The Wills are a prosperous class of people; so with the Kimmels, and Reimans, and Heiples, and Millhouses, and Frudlines. They have made these churches what they are ; Zion was the mother church, and was much stronger before the others- De Soto, Mt. Joy, Murphysboro', and Oakland were organized. Zion was organized before De Soto was built or the I. C. R. R. was constructed. Now it would be better were the church in the Will settle ment, or Bousher neighborhood, as De Soto is only about three miles distant, has a church, and this has taken from Zion much valuable material.
IIISTORY OF MT. CALVARY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH,
located at De Soto, Jackson County, Illinois. This church was organized, July 21, 1855, by Rev. I. Short.
Hiram Millhouse was appointed the first Elder and James Hays the first Deacon. This church was a colony from the mother church, Zion; and among the original names we find prominent the Millhouses, Heiples, and Walkers. Alexander Mostoller and Mrs. Catharine Mostoller, Jesse Dunn and Mrs. Maria Dunn, Henry Chitty and Mrs. Chitty, Mrs. Catharine Alexander and others constituted the principal members.
During the early history of this congregation they worshipped in the School-house and in the M. E. Church, and for several years in the brick church; they then determined to have a home of their own.
But we have auticipated events and hence must return. Rev. I. Short served them for probably one year ; the record fails to state the exact time. After this the organization united with Zion's Church, and constituted a pas- toral charge from that time, the same minister served both churches. The next in order was Rev. Mr. Sloop, who, in consequence of ill-health, resigned and returned to Virginia, after spending only three months in the charge and soon after. died.
Then the Rev. J. Knack served one year. 'Then Rev. E. Schwartz served five years, and during this period a strong effort was made to build a house of worship, much of the material was on the grounds. The site selected to build on, was near the old S. House on the west side of the railroad, but some unfortunate misunderstanding arising, the undertaking failed, and Rev. C. Thomas was elected his successor, who served two years. After Mr. T. closed his labors here, Rev. Mr. Hill Brewer, served the church two years.
Then Rev. E. K. Baker, served them one year, from 1871 to 1872. Then Rev. E. Schwartz was recalled to the charge in 1872, and served two years. During this second term of service, the beautiful little frame church on the east side of the railroad was built, at a cost of about $4,000, and every dollar paid. The corner stone was laid November 22d, 1873.
The church was dedicated April 12th, 1874. Rev. C. S. Sprecher, of Dongola, preaching the consecration sermon.
Mr. Sprecher, closed his labors as pastor August 1874. Then in Jan. 1875, Rev. A. R. Hight, took charge and served one year, closing Jan. 1st, 1876. In Feb. 1876, Rev. D. Sprecher, then engaged as Evangelist, by the Synod of Southern Illinois, spent three weeks in a protracted effort, which united the church, and added fourteen members.
THE FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO', ILLINOIS.
The First Lutheran Church of Murphysboro', Ill., was organized by Revs. C. Thomas, H. M. Brewer, and D. Sprecher conjointly, on the 29th of De-
cember, 1867. At its organization there were but six members who united in it, viz .: George Kennedy, Hiram Millhouse, Peter Millhouse, J. N. Dodge, Mary Dodge, and Benjamin Speath. The officers-elect were: Hiram Mill- house and J. N. Dodge, Elders ; and George Kennedy and Peter Millhouse, Deacons. The church was for some time after its organization, as well as previously, visited and supplied, as a mission point, by Rev. C. Thomas, in connection with the De Soto charge, of which he was then pastor. Through the great kindness of the M. E. congregation, the services of the Lutheran churc'a were held in their house of worship until about May, 1869, when the pastoral care of the De Soto charge was resigned by Rev. C. Thomas. A call was soon afterwards extended to Rev. H. M. Brewer to become the pas- tor of said charge, during which pastoral relation, extending to April, 1871, the Murphysboro' church was supplied, as before, and was then considered a part of the De Soto charge. In April, 1871, the De Soto pastorate, being large, determined to divide and form two pastorates, the De Soto and the Murphysboro' pastorates. Mr. Brewer then accepted a call to the latter charge, and his pastoral relation to the same continued until April, 1873, when the connection was again severed, and he was called to some other field
Previous to the division of the De Soto charge, the congregation at Mur- physboro' decided to undertake the erection of a house of worship. Through their efficient labors, with Dr. F. C. Bierer as financial agent, sufficient means (about $1,400) was soon secured to begin the work of building. The work was successfully prosecuted by the efforts of this little band of Christians, almost alone, and on the 28th day of July, 1871, the substantial brick struc- ture, now known as the First Lutheran Church of Murphysboro', was solemnly dedicated to the service of the Triune God. Rev. Francis Springer, D. D., was present and preached the dedicatory sermon, and assisted in the consecration of the church. The entire cost of the church, including the cost of the bell, was $2,910. At the time of its consecration there rested upon this church a debt of more than $1,300, which remained until the spring of 1875, when by a noble cffort of the members, among whom were most prominent Dr. F. C. Bierer, Messrs. Stephen A. Holliday, George Kennedy, and Martin A. Ross, in connection with Rev. T. Earnheart, then pastor, the entire debt was liquidated, and the church placed upon a safe financial basis. The sum of $110 was also liberally contributed by the Gephart family, of Dayton, Ohio. No aid was received from the Missionary Board.
After the resignation of H. M. Brewer, Rev. T. Earnheart was chosen pas- tor. He began his labors in September, 1873. Owing to his inability to continue preaching, by reason of a disease of the throat, he tendered his resignation as pastor on September 1st, 1876. The church remained vacant but a few months, when Rev. Adolphus L. Yount was chosen as pastor, and assumed the duties of his office on the 11th of February, 1877. He was born near Hickory, Catawba county, N. C., July 28th, 1851. A course of instruc- tion preparatory to entering college was afforded him at " Hickory Prepara- tory Institute," and " Catawba High School," Newton, N. C., covering a period of about three years. He then entered North Carolina College, aud received the degree of "Artium Baccalaurei " in May, 1876. He attended a partial course of instruction in theology at the " Evangelical Lutheran Theo- logical Seminary, at Philadelphia, Pa.," after which he began his labors in the ministry of the gospel, as above noted, and continues at the present time in the discharge of the duties of his office as pastor at Murphysboro'. This completes the list of the pastors of the Murphysboro' church.
Since the organization of the congregation there have been connected with it eighty-seven members by letter and confirmation ; five haye been removed by death, twelve have been dismissed by certificate to other churches, leaving seventy names still on the record, some of whom have moved away without severing their connection with the congregation, whose names still remain. There are recorded twelve infant baptisms in the congregation. The church has connected with it a large and prosperous Sunday-school.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH AT OAKLAND, JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
This Church was organized in the fall of 1871, by Rev. E. K. Baker. We find in the original list, the names of Martin Whipkey, Mrs. Isabella Whipkey, John P. King, Mrs. Amanda King, Abraham Howard, Mrs. Mary Ann Howard, Joseph Heiple, Mrs. Charlotte Heiple, John Heiple, Jonathan Heiple, Mrs. Mary Ann Freidline, N. C. C. M'Clain, Mrs. Elizabeth McClain, Daniel Fagley, Mrs. Mary Ann Fagley, &c., 20 or 22 names. Mr.
50
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
Baker served this congregation one year, and was highly esteemed by the membership. The church was named Oakland, from the school-house in which they worshiped then, and do now. Rev. E. Schwartz, served this church two years, after which, Rev. A. R. Height, one year. After Mr. H. retired from the field, the church was vacant for a few months; during this time, Rev. D. Sprecher, then employed by the Synod of southern Illinois, as Evangelist, spent some days preaching for this church, which resulted in three accessions to the church, and in March, 1876, Rev. D. Sprecher took charge of the Oakland congregation in connection with the other churches constituting the De Soto charge. His relations with this church have been pleasant, and the Oakland people are making constant progress, not increas- ing in membership much, as those who have died, have reduced the list as much as those added, have increased it. They have for years maintained a Sunday school, on the union plan, and have had much the best school the past year, they have ever had, using the lesson leaves. Mr. Martin Whip- key is the present efficient Superintendent and is deservedly popular. The location of Oakland is about four miles east of De Soto. Mr. S. is still pas- tor of this church, Nov. 15, 1877.
MT. JOY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This church was organized Sept 5, 1868, by the Rev. C. Thomas, and was named Twin Church, from the title of the school-liouse in which the organi- zation was effected.
JOHN REIMAN AND Elders.
WM. HEIPLE,
THOMAS EVANS AND Deacons.
ALEXANDER IMHOOF
There were more members in the original church, than any other Lutheran church hitherto formed in Jackson county-38 in all.
During Rev. H. M. Brewer's administration, this church erected a good house of worship, at an expense of $1200. The house was consecrated July 2d, 1869. The name was changed to Mt. Joy, about the time the house or church was erected. This church supports a Sunday-school and uses the Lesson Leaves. Mr. John Reiman, is Superintendent.
On the 19th of August, 1877, this church organized a Missionary Benefi- cent Society, to meet the wants of the church in her financial operations. This association meets with public favor.
JOHN REIMAN, Pres. GEORGE HOLIDAY, Sec. JOHN WAYMAN, Trcas.
The sketches of the history of the several Lutheran churches in Jackson County, Illinois, are of necessity imperfect. Rev. A. L. Yount, has kindly furnished a history of the church, of which he is pastor.
In the years which have passed large numbers united with the several churches. Many of these have died, others united with other denominations, many have emigrated west, and yet there remain nearly 250 members in the English-speaking Churches of the county.
Of the twelve names kindly furnished by Mr. B. F. Will, son of the late Hon. Peter Will, as the persons who were the original members of Zion's church, only two survive, Mrs. Mary Kimmel, wife of Judge Kimmel, and John Will. I cannot close this sketch without a word of commendation of the noble service rendered Zion's church by Judge Phil. Kimmel, who united with the church under the Rev. Mr. Omstead, upwards of thirty years ago. He has been an office bearer, has often represented the church in Synod as Lay delegate, and in keeping the house in order, and in the work of the Sunday-school and seeing after the comfort of the minister's family. He stands the peer of his fellow-members. Soon the Master will say, " Well done thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." In these churches there are a goodly number who are helpers in the church work, and will be kindly remembered by all who have served them in the responsible relation of pastor. Permit me then to close. Numerous other duties must serve as an apology for the imperfections in the history here- with presented.
HISTORY OF PRESBYTERIANISM.
" Farewell ! farewell! base world, farewell ! In touching tones exclaimed a bell ; Life is a boon, to mortals given, To fit the soul for bliss in heaven ; Do not invoke the avenging rod, Come here and learn the way to God : Say to the world, farewell ! farewell ! Pealed forth the Presbyterian bell."
The history of Presbyterianism in our County embraces the histories of four organizations, as given below. Ministers of this influential denomina- tion undoubtedly passed through the county prior to the period when an ec- clesiastical society of this faith was organized at Murphysboro', and preached to the people the sublime truthis of the sacred word, but no authentic records are to be found until that time. The disciples of Christ who accept the in- terpretation of the Scriptures given by John Calvin, of Geneva, certainly cannot be accused of lukewarmness in spreading the Gospel to the inhabi- tants of earth, wherever they are to be found, in crowded city, in forest or on plain. Soon after the primeval forest began to bow before the echoing axe of the settler, there appeared an evangelist of this creed to speak consoling words to liis heart and point him from his home of danger to a place of rest and security in the skies.
The Presbyterian will find much of which to be proud, and for which to be thankful, in the annals of his church, as related in the following pages. He will also have reason for regret that this large County, containing a pop- ulation of 25,000, has but three churches of his faith.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CARBON- DALE.
By Col. D. H. Brush.
In November, 1852, the town of Carbondale was laid upon the line of tlie Illinois Central Rail Road, then in course of construction. Col. Brush, As- gill Conner, and Dr. William Richart, had selected the site of the town. Upon suggestion of Col. Brush, not at that time a member of any church, four lots were set apart for the use of that number of Christian denominations (one to each) that might first desire to build houses of worship, and these were designated upon the plat, "as reserved for churches," such lots being situated severally in each quarter of the town, equi-distant from its centre --- the Public Square.
The condition annexed to the donation and dedication of the lots was en- tered upon the plat in the following words : " The lots donated to churches as marked on this plat, are not to vest in said churches until a house of wor- ship shall be erected thereon of stone, brick, or frame, worth at least Five Hundred Dollars, and then to vest in fee simple in such church." Rev. Jo- siah Wood, a Presbyterian minister residing in Murphysboro', preached the first sermon in Carbondale in December, 1852. At the same time acting for and on behalf of the Presbyterian Church, made choice of lot No. 59, being the one in the north-western quarter of the town, reserved for church purposes as aforesaid. A subscription paper was drawn up and circulated, and some money secured, for the erection of a Presbyterian Church building upon the lot.
On the 13th of February, 1854, Rev. Josiah Wood, assisted by Rev. Ro- bert Stewart, of Greenville, Illinois, organized the ".First Presbyterian Church of Carbondale," the members being Rowland R. Brush, Frances E., his wife, Dr. William Richart, and Elizabeth, his wife, and Almira Dough- ty. Rowland R. Brush was elected Elder. In April following the church was taken in care by the Alton Presbytery. From this time on, for several years, the infant church had the varied experiences incident to new churches in the wilderness : having no regular preaching, nor place of worship. Oc- casionally a minister would come and dispense the word of truth, perchance under a green tree of the forest, or in some friendly carpenter's shop, or room of a private house of small dimensions.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.