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 17
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De Soto Circuit was formed in 1858, and has continued a self-sustaining work. In the county there are at present four pastoral charges; in these charges there are ten local preachers and seven hundred and thirty commu- nicants. All these charges are self-sustaining. There are Sunday-schools in connection with these charges. There are in the county ten Methodist Sun- day-schools, and in these schools there are seven hundred and twenty scholars. There are in the county seven church edifices, valued at nine thousand five hundred ($9,500) dollars.
Carbondale Circuit-J. A. Lowe, Pastor. OAK GROVE M. E. CHURCH.
This vigorous organization is in Makanda Township. Rev. J. A. Lowe is the minister at present. The membership is sixty with twenty proba- tioners. It is constantly growing in effectiveness, and increasing in power.
ZION CHURCH.
This is second in importance in Carbondale Circuit, which organized in 1860. Its membership is forty-five, and the members who sustain the pro- bationary relationship to the church, twelve.
MAKANDA CHURCH.
This is also in the Carbondale Circuit, and is a growing church. The members who are in full connection with the society is twenty-five.
MOUNT MORIAH.
This is the most feeble organization of the circuit, it having only teu mem- bers, and one in addition, who is on probation.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO'.
This is said to be the oldest of the religious societies of the capital of this county. It is not possible to give full particulars of its first organization. In 1856 the members determined to have a building in which to worship, and their earnest efforts resulted in the erection of a small frame edifice. In 1857 D. Lingenfelter was appointed pastor in charge. The future of the church seemed assured.
The great question of slavery which ranged men on either side presented itself in the church at Murphysboro'. Disagreement could not but result, and the infant church became divided. This disagreement was radical, and being based upon principle, could not be compromised, and finally resulted in the separation of a portion of the members of the society, and the organiza- tion of a Southern Methodist society in Murphysboro'. It was very un- fortunate that this took place. The society was none too strong when all stood shoulder to shoulder, when divided it was indeed weak.
The original society struggled on in face of many discouragements and with varied success from the separation until the year 1869, when the annual conference made Murphysboro' the centre of a new work, embracing Murphysboro', Mount Carbon, and Grand Tower. Rev. G. W. Butler was appointed to this circuit, and labored earnestly, and with some degree of suceess for three years. Mr. Butler was followed in the year 1872, by Rev. R. Z. Fahs, who by his earnestness, both in and out of the pulpit, and a per- sistence in his pastoral work that never faltered, succeeded in greatly im- proving the society in numerical strength and influence.
Rev. C. J. Honts was the next pastor, and he, in addition to his other work for the society, succeeded in having a comfortable parsonage erected.
In 1874 came Rev. M. P. Wilkins. For the greater part of another year Murphysboro' was supplied by the two preachers of Carbondale Station, Rev's Hiram Sears, and C. B. Holding.
In 1876 G. W. Butler was reappointed to the circuit, and again in 1877. At the present writing he is the pastor. The society numbers fifty com- municants.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF M. E. CHURCH, SOUTH.
The history of this denomination in Illinois, reaches back but a short dis- tance into the past. Indeed, the first effort in the religious movement, that
54
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
resulted finally, in the organization of an Annual Conference, under the jurisdiction of the M. E. Church, South, in the State, was the calling of a meeting for consultation, at Lacon, Marshall County, Illinois, January 21st, 1864. The appeal was directed to " all who desired the means of grace, un- mixed with politics." An organization was formed, taking the name of Illi- nois Christian Association.
About the same time, an organization was formed in the southern portion of the State, which took the name of Evangelical Church.
On September 26th, 1865, these united, under the name of the Christian Union Church, and elected messengers to bear fraternal greetings to the General Conference of the M. E. Church, South, which met at the " Crescent City " in May, 1866. That General Conference, after receiving and hearing the fraternal messages from the Christian Union Church of Illinois, appointed. Bishop J. H. Linn, D. D, of Louisville, Ky., Fraternal Messenger to the " Christian Union " Council, to meet at Clinton, Illinois, Sept. 12th, 1866. Bishop D. S. Doggett, was selected to accompany Dr. Linn. The former of the delegates, only, appeared at Clinton, Bishop Linn being prevented from attending. A plan for a union with the M. E. Church, South, was adopted, and arrangements made to call a convention, to consummate this union, to meet at Clinton, Illinois, June 7th, 1867.
The convention met on the day appointed. Bishops Doggett and Marvin were present.
A resolution was passed with but one dissenting voice, receiving and fully adopting the Doctrine and Discipline of the M. E. Church, Southı, after which, Bishop Doggett, in a most solemn manner, reccived that body of Christians into the communion, and under the jurisdiction of the M. E. Church, South. Done the 8th day of June, 1867.
The first session of the Illinois Annual Conference was held at Nashville, Illinois, October 16th, 1867. Nine ministers answered to the roll call. There were reported 16 local preachers and 2504 members, also 1080 scholars belonging to Sunday-schools.
A Conference met at Nashville, Illinois, September 19th, 1877. 5749 members and 3,000 Sunday-school pupils. The church property is valued at $118.565.
This much has seemed necessary, by way of introduction, to the history of the M. E. Church, South, in Jackson County, and of explanation of the fact of the comparatively recent organization of churches of this form of faith, and with these brief preliminary observations, we proceed to sketch the history of each of the organizations of Jackson county.
The first organization of this body in the county, was called the " M. E. Church South, of Manning's Prairic," and was formed in 1866. Dr. J. Ditzler was chiefly instrumental in bringing about its organization. Davis Cox was steward and class-leader, and has been from the first, a prominent and influential member.
The name of this Society was changed in about a year to " Bethel," by which name it is now known. The place of meeting has also been changed. A house of worship has been built ncar David Cox's farm and near the line separating Somerset and Vergennes townships. This was crected in 1868. The pulpit has been supplied chiefly by. Rev. A. L. Davis.
This society is making a steady growth and its influence for good is felt widely.
M. E. CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO,' ILLINOIS.
This was organized in the year 1867. It is a strong and influential organ- ization.
It owns a substantial and commodious edifice which is a credit to the lib- erality and taste of the members, and which is one of the very best church buildings in the entire county and was erected at a cost of nearly $4000.
Murphysboro' gives its name to the circuit, which includes four appoint- ments, viz: those at Murphysboro' Station, Poplar Ridge and Carbondale. Rev. J. H. Garrett is the minister in charge of this circuit.
POPLAR RIDGE CHURCH.
This society is the most important, whether we consider numbers, wealth, or zeal, in the whole county. Its existence dates from the year 1868. It was organized by Rev. Benjamin R. Hester. As stated, its pulpit is now supplied by Rev. Mr. Garrett. The church building is south from Murphys- boro' six miles.
Among the prominent members at the time of its organization we mention the following : Mr. Cartwright Davis, Mr. James Ozburn, Mr. James Hooker and family, and several members of the Black woods.
The church has on its rolls more than 100 members, and is in every way a prosperous, united, and useful church. Eternity alone will reveal the great amount of good accomplished for the cause of- morality and religion by the M. E. Church South of Poplar Ridge.
DE SOTO CHURCH.
The date of the formation of this was 1866. The first meetings of the society were held in the school-house, and were addressed by the Rev. David Myers.
Among the original members of this society were the names of Joseph and Wesley Beasley and families, Dr. Hunter and family (now residents of Murphysboro'), Alexander Stubblefield and family, and A. L. Davis and family.
It was not until 1868 that the work of erecting a house of worship began ; and then was undertaken jointly by the Free-Will Baptists and Southern Methodists. The building is of brick, and was built at an outlay of more than $2,500. Rev. A. L. Davis supplies the pulpit regularly for the Metho- dists. The Baptists are at this time without a settled pastor.
CARBONDALE CHURCH.
This society has a comfortable house of worship, which was erected at a cost of about $1,000, in 1870. We give the names of the pastors of the church since its organization. Father Tucker was in charge when the house of worship was built. In 1875, Rev. John Threlkill was the pastor, and in 1876, Rev. Harris Beagle. Other ministers who have officiated are-Rev. Ragsdall, Rev. Crandall, Rev. Nance, Rev. A. L. Davis, and the present incumbent, Rev. Garrett.
Mr. J. H. Crandall, John M. Glenn, and James Hill have held, or now hold, the offices of class-leaders and stewards.
The church is healthy and vigorous.
PLEASANT GROVE CHURCH.
This religious society has a house of worship about three miles west of Carbondale, and their pulpit is supplied at stated intervals by the minister of the circuit, Rev. Mr. Garrett. It was organized in or near 1870. It is a growing and useful organization.
SKETCH OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
"' Ye purifying waters swell !' In mellow tones rang out a bell ;
' Though faith alone in Christ can save, Man must be plunged beneath the wave, To show the world unfaltering faith In what the sacred Scriptures saith : O swell ! ye rising waters, swell ?' Pealed out the clear-toned Baptist bell:"
The history of this church is, for sufficient reasons, not so complete as we would like to present. That this is so is no fault of ours. Letters addressed to different parts of the county in search of information have in not a few cases been unanswered.
The first minister of this denomination of whom any record survives, was the Rev. William Davis, who preached in the county prior to 1824. Whether he is identical with the William Davis, son of James, who settled in the north part of the county at an early day does not appear.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS.
This society was organized on the 13th of October, 1861, in Crowell school-house, near Carbondale, after an appropriate sermon had been deliv- ered by the Rev. Mr. Lisle. The following persons were at this time en- rolled as members : William Lamer, Jonathan Wiseman, Thompson Wil- liams and Julia C. Williams.
The first meeting of the feeble infant church after its formation, was held on the 9th of the following month, when there was added four members.
At a meeting of the church, May 11th, 1862, Thompson Williams was elected deacon, and was ordained on the 13th of July. This office he held till his death.
William Hook was the first to fill the office of church clerk.
55
HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
For several years after the organization of the church, they possessed no house of worship, but held their meetings in Campbell's Hall, and other public halls. In December and January of the winter of 1862-3 a series of meetings were conducted by the pastor, Elder T. Clark, assisted by Elder Morton, and resulted in the accomplishment of much good and in quite a number of additions to the church. The total membership at this time was about twenty-five.
On January 21st, 1868, the following persons were chosen as trustees : Ralph Rayborn, Henry W. Coughanower and Peter Crossley. At this time lot 74 of the plat on the north-west side of the square, which was one of four set apart by the proprietors of the land on which Carbondale was laid out, for churches desiring them, was chosen, in conformity with the act setting it apart, and arrangements were made for the erection of a building.
The effort to raise sufficient means was successful, and the present build- ing was erected.
The early completion of the building was largely due to the unselfish and untiring efforts of deacon H. D. Coughanower, who assumed all responsi- bility, and, when necessary, advanced his own means for the work.
The church has steadily gained during all these years, and now ranks as one of the strongest societies of its faith in the county.
It has been ministered to by nine different pastors. The first was Rev. Mr. Lisle.
STONE FORT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was organized in February of 1863. It owes its origin largely to the zeal of Deacon John Hunter, who in 1856 became a citizen of Ma- kanda. There had been for some time before the organization of the church, a station at the Rendlcman school-house, where clders Parker, Kelly, Butler, and Richardson had occasionally preached to the people. The number of original members was nine, their names were as follows: John and Rhoda Hunter, Sarah Markham, R. S., and Amelia Baldwin, B. F., and Mary H. Kelly, Nancy J., and Francis H. Kelly.
The first pastor, was the Rev. David Butler, and R. S. Baldwin was elected Clerk. The church has grown since its formation, and 169 members have been received into its fold, 111 of whom have received the ordinance of baptism at the hands of its pastors. The house of worship of this church is in the town of Makanda. It was erected in 1868 conjointly with the Ma- sonic lodge of Makanda. Rev. John A. Rodman is the pastor, and C. B. Foster is Clerk. There are four deacons, viz. : John Hunter, John Rendle- man, S. P. Bingham and William Gentry. The trustees are John Rendle- man, William Rendleman and William Gentry. Among the members, is one ordained minister, Dr. F. M. Agnew, and one licentiate, A. M. Lee.
SKETCH OF THE FIRST UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO', ILLINOIS.
This was organized in June 27th, 1869. It was not, however, until the following year. that they began the erection of a building. Work suspended November, 1870. It has never been entirely completed. The building cost about $3,500. The society not being satisfied with the location of their building finally concluded to sell it, and accordingly it was sold on the 15th of July, 1873, for about $2,200. The greatest number of members belong- ing at any one time was sixty-four.
GENERAL BAPTIST CHURCH.
On Camp Creek, in Levan Township, is located the church building of the General Baptist Church. The building of this society was erected in 1865. The first sermon was delivered by the Rev. Henry Gordon.
The Baptists have in this township also a society known as the
PLEASANT HILL CHURCH .- (See engraving.)
This was organized about 1842. The first elders were Robert P. Gen- try and Ignatius O. Daniel. This church for more than a generation, has exerted its elevating and purifying influence upon society. It is now vigor- ous, and enrolls many citizens of worth and standing on its register.
FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF KINKAID.
This dates its existence from the winter of 1838-9, and owed its existence to the energy, and labors of Simon Hiller and William Lindsay.
In this township also is an organization of
UNITED BAPTISTS
Which was organized but a short time after the above, and during the same winter, through the zeal of Robt. P. Gentry and James Ferrell, of Union County.
LORNEY SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH, CAMPBELL HILL.
This is a strong church, and its building which is of brick, not entirely finished is the only temple of worship in Ava. Rev. George Gordon is pastor.
UNITED BRETHREN OF COX'S PRAIRIE.
This society does not at present, have stated services. Rev. Mr. Brock occasionally supplies their pulpit.
In Ridge Township, there is a Baptist organization which for many years was under the charge of Simon Hiller. They hold some doctrines which are peculiar, and are sometimes called " Hillerites." The association is vigorous.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
" Not faith alone but works as well, Must test the soul, pealed forth a bell ;
' No fetters here to clog the soul : No arbitrary ereeds control The free heart and progressive mind, That leave the dusty past behind. Speed well, speed well, speed well, speed well !' Pealed forth the Christian Church bell."
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS.
This was organized in the year 1865, through the instrumentality of Clark Braden and Isaac Mulkey. The organization was effected in Illinois Cen- tral Rail Road grain house.
The first members were as follows :- George Yost, Daniel Gilbert, J. M. Campbell, Stephen Blair, James and Willis Spiller, Clarke Braden, Isaac Mulkey, Dr. McDonald, Prof. Brown, E. S. Robertson, and Lawrence Whar- ton. All of the above were married except the last, who is now an eloquent and prominent minister in the City of Baltimore, Maryland. Their families also united in great part with the church.
The commodious and substantial edifice of this society is " beyond com- pare " the best church building in Carbondale. It stands near the south- east corner of the Public Square, on one of the four lots set apart for church purposes, by the wise, liberal and God-fearing men who founded the City of Carbondale. Many persons contributed cheerfully of their means towards the expenses of its erection which were heavy, as war-prices still prevailcd, but there were two men, without whose powerful aid and liberal gifts, in- deed the enterprise would have been a failure, who are especially deserving of remembrance by the friends of the church, and whose memories will ever be gratefully cherished. These were J. M. Campbell and Elias S. Rob- inson.
The growth of the church has been steady and uniform, and the number now belonging to it is 85.
The Sabbath-school which convenes in the building from Sunday to Sun- day is large, prosperous, and interesting, and is doing a noble work in train- ing up the youth of the church to habits of right living.
BUCHANON CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF DEGOGNIA TOWNSHIP.
This was the first religious organization in the township, and we may add the only one. It is in a healthy condition and its services are well attended. Its influence for good has been great in that portion of the county, and will increase as it gathers strength with years.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF ELKVILLE, ILLINOIS.
This society owes its formation, very largely, to the unselfish efforts of El- der Trickett, the Evangelist. It was organized in 1877, and has as yet no house of worship. The services are held in the school-house, and here the
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HISTORY OF JACKSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
people gathered to listen to the instructive words of Mr. Trickett. The so- ciety is young, but yet it numbers some wealthy and influential citizens on its roll.
DE SOTO CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
This society has been been in existence some years and possesses a good house of worship. It is in a healthy condition.
HISTORY OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH.
We have been disappointed greatly in our efforts to gather sufficient mate- rials to enable us to give a full history of the rise and progress in our county of the great ecclesiastical organization, which numbers in its ranks nearly one-half of the professing Christians of the globe. The ministers of this, the " Old Faith," who now reside here, have been here only for a short time, nor have the records of the church been accessible to us. We present the sub- joined sketch, fully aware of its deficiencies, but as the very best possible under the untoward circumstances surrounding us during its preparation. The number of organizations in the county is two, and the number of com- municants is near 140.
We are indebted to Mr. John Devine, of Grand Tower, for the data from which has been composed the history of the
ST. GREGORY CATHOLIC CHURCH OF GRAND TOWER.
This was organized in the year 1870, but it was not until the next year that the lots on which the tasty church edifice now stands were purchased by the trustees of Mr. Jolin Devine. Father Hermann Jungman was the first pastor of the congregation.
The trustees first chosen were Anton Hoch and Stephen L. McAtee. The number of members at its organization, or soon thereafter, was cighty. The members consulted together, and decided that a church building in which to worship was a necessity, and a movement was started to solicit subscriptions for a building. The members chiefly furnished the amount considered necessary, being aided some, however, by public-spirited citizens of different beliefs.
The estimated cost of the building, which was to be of brick, trimmed with stone, was $3,000. The contract for the stone and brick work was let to Mr. Henry Ginity. Mr. William Merrill had the contract for the wood work and painting. In February, 1872, the corner-stone was laid with the usual appropriate ceremonials, and the erection of the structure began. The work progressed satisfactorily, and early in the spring of the following year was ready for occupancy, to the great joy of the youthful society.
The building is substantial and handsome in appearance, and the interior is well and conveniently arranged.
In May, 1877, the faithful pastor, Father Junginan, of whose abilities and services all speak in terms of loving praise, removed to Effingham, Ill. He was succeeded by Father Reason, who remained but a short time, and was in turn succeeded by the present incumbent, Rev. Father Poulus.
SKETCH OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO'.
This society dates its organization from December, 1868. The society has erected a church edifice at a cost of $1,100. They also have built a school- house, costing $500, on a Iot which cost a like sum. In addition to this a residence for their pastor has been built, costing $1,600.
Rev. Father Poulus is the present pastor. The names of a few of the prominent and influential members are-Medas Lucier, Henry Barggus, and John Harpen.
The society is strong and prosperous, and the youth belonging to its families are properly trained up in accordance with the doctrines of the church. The pastor of this society also ministers to the St. Gregory Catholic Church at Grand Tower.
CONCLUSION.
It will be seen from the above array of churches that the people of this county are a religious, a Christian people. Undoubtedly there are orginiza- tions that have been omitted. It has not been possible to gain all the infor- mation that was sought for. Some, through indifference, failed to respond when requested to aid in making the histories complete.
In addition to the churches named above, there are in the county at least six churches of colored persons.
The African M. E. Church has a large organization in Carbondale, as
also have the Free-Will Colored Baptists and the Missionary Baptists. In Grand Tower the colored race have two churches-one of the African M. E. Church and one Free-Will Baptist.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE PRESS OF JACKSON COUNTY.
THE JACKSON DEMOCRAT WAS THE FIRST NEWSPAPER ESTABLISHED IN THE COUNTY -MURPHYSBORO' SENTINEL-CARBONDALE TRANSCRIPT-CARBONDALE WEEKLY TIMES-THE OBSERVER-JACKSON COUNTY ERA -THE INDEPENDENT - GRAND TOWER ITEM-AVA REGISTER-THE CARBONDALE DEMOCRAT.
satesman.
HE progress of the Press, now conceded to be one of the mightiest agencies of our modern civilization, has been most marvelous, and its power, which is vast and continually augmenting, has en- gaged the attention of the essayist and the poet, the orator and The daily paper of the present is a miracle of labor and of skill. You look into its columns to find there concentrated the news of the globe. The progress of the war between Russia and Turkey may there be traced. The condition of the Pope's health up to within a few hours is told you. No subject is too momentous or elevated for its consideration nor any too minute to escape its Argus-eyed attention. It is in truth
A map of busy life. Its fluctuations and its vast concerns.
On every topic. which is the subject of contemplation or anxiety amongst men, its voice is heard in trumpet tones which give forth no uncertain sound. The world under its influence is drifting towards cosmopolitanism. Each man, as he reads its columns, containing news from all quarters of the earth begins to be interested in the welfare of realms beyond the seas. He watches anxiously the changing lines of the combatants that are ranged on the side of truth and error. Every lover of liberty becomes his countryman and brother. He becomes a citizen of the world.
But few papers were taken in early tincs. The first paper published west of Cincinnati was the Vincennes Sun, established in 1802. The next was the Missouri Gazette in 1808, since merged into the well-known Missouri Repub- lican. The first paper established within the limits of Illinois was Illinois Herald at Kaskaskia, by Matthew Duncan, who was early a citizen of Jackson County. Some discrepancies exist as to the date of its establishment. Governor Reynolds in his Pioneer History of Illinois says it was founded in 1809, the year of the organization of the territory, but it is probable that this is too soon. The press was bought at this time but for some years was only used for public printing. Duncan sold out in 1815 and came to this county . This afterwards became the Illinois Intelligencer and followed the change of government to Vandalia, in 1820. It was an ably conducted paper. In 1818 Henry Eddy and Singleton H. Kimmel, who also thereafter moved to Jack- son County-established the Illinois Emigrant. This was the second paper in Illinois. The name of this was changed to Illinois Gazette. The next year the Spectator was founded by Hooper Warren, at Edwardsville.
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