USA > Illinois > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson County, Illinois, 1810-1962 > Part 9
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Thursday, November 10, 1927, was "Emmerson Day" in Mt. Vernon. A great crowd of some five thousand friends and political Leaders in Central and Southern Illinois, representing, at least fifty counties, gathered in front of Secretary of State immerson's home to hear him make a statement concerning his candidacy for the governorship of Illinois. The great crowd and the tremendous ovation it gave liv. Emmerson was proof enough that this one time small town banken and business man was now the people's choice for governor of the great State of Illinois. Governon Small had served two terms and was a candidate again. Opposing Small in the primary election the Republican Fanty had two other men, Oscar E. Canlstrom, who was serving as attorney general, and Secretary of State L. L. Emmerson. In. Carlstrom finally withdrew as candidate for governor and decided to seek re-election as attorney general. This left a straight-out battle between Governon Small and hin. Emmerson for the nomination.
lin. immerson was the people's choice. They liked the program which this cuiet, unassuming man advocated. Furthermore, they had faith that he could and would fulfill his promises. At the polls he was given such an enormous majority of votes that he carried his entire ticket to victory with him. Thus, at the age of sixty-four, an age when many are considering retiring from the strain of our present society, Louis L. Emmerson was beginning his greatest work -- serving the people of the great State of Illinois as their twenty-seventh governor.
His administration started under most favorable auspices, but before a year had passed the great depression struck the country and
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the nation staggered under the blow. No state was hit handen than the great industrial state of Illinois, where hundreds of thousands were thrown out of employment almost overnight by the closing of hundreds of manufacturing plants.
As the panic continued month after month, the situation grew even more serious, and no public man in the country recognized the seriousness of the crises more quickly than the governor of Illinois. He was among the first governons to call upon his legislature for immediate and adequate relief measures to care for the thousands who had been made destitute by the unexpected business depression.
With food riots threatened in Chicago with its great number of foreign bonn, and with conditions almost as serious in other lessen industrial centers, there was no time for delay. There was not time to set up any such elaborate system of relief machinery as has since been put in operation. It was a time for quick action and for drastic measures, and under the Leadership of Governor Emmerson Illinois acted promptly and efficiently.
Always a humane and kindly man, the governor was deeply touched by the sad plight of many of the people of the state; and he worked night and day on measures to help them and to avert serious trouble. In his efforts to do this he forgot party politics and worked with local officials all over the state, standing shoulder to shoulder with the Democratic mayor of Chicago where the situation was most serious, in every effort to relieve a situation that was more terrible and menacing than many people of the rural sections of the state even realized. Frequently he was urged to mobilize the National Quand and send it to Chicago to avert the even present threat of bloody food riots, but this he steadily refused to do, declaring that some way must be found to save the situation without resort to such measures. Illinois fought its way through the darkest days of this national crisis, but they took a toll on the health of its governon from which he never fully recovered. Always a man of tremendous energy and vitality, he left the governor's office with his health broken but with the fight won. The people of Illinois owe him a great debt of gratitude for his courageous and timeless efforts in those days of trial.
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Louis L. Cmmerson's life as a banker, a business man, his time as Secretary of State and finally as governor is well known to thousands. Many phases of his life were less colorful in the eyes of the public -- yet these showed the true greatness which was his.
lin. Emmerson was deeply religious. He served as a deacon and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church and taught a Sunday School class there for many years. It was called the "100 Class" by the hundred men that composed it. He was a genuine student of the Bible just as he was a student of human nature. While serving as governon he made a special trip from Springfield to be present at the twentieth neunion of the men's bible class of which he was a chanter member and also formen teacher. In. Emmerson was the speaker of the evening.
We have already mentioned his active interest in civic and fraternal organizations.
Another phase of lin. Emmerson's life was in the field of sports and athletics. He was an andent sport jan and seldom missed an opportunity to attend all possible baseball and basketball games. He was also very fond of golf. V. Y. Dallman, writing for the Illinois State Register wrote, "I was wondering how the governor retains his girlish figure and keeps so young when, to my surprise, I was advised that he rises every morning at 5 o'clock, plays a round of golf before breakfast and after a cold plunge is all ready for a hard day's work at his desk by 8 o'clock. Here's another secret: The governor con, ided to me that he is a 'poon golfer' but that he shot a 96 for 18 holes this week. "
Perhaps his best loved sport was in the field of pishing. His skill with the nod won him considerable fame. The magazine, "Field and Stream, " has told of some of his exploits -- how he caught the largest kingfish even taken in the waters of the Honduras Coast. The magazine also carried his story of a 44-pound muskelonge catch which was perhaps the highlight of his fishing career.
lin. Emmerson was a writer o2 considerable skill. His maga- zine articles were enjoyed by hundreds of fishermen. He traveled widely and at every opportunity. One of the most interesting articles I have even read dealing with South America was his paper written upon his return from a visit to every South American country. His paper deals
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with "Cultivating Friendships." It is based on the assumption that South America is a Land of opportunity for us on for Europe -- for us if we make only a reasonably effective effort to meet them half way in trade relations.
In. Emmerson was honored in many ways. While serving as Secretary of State, the finest hotel in Southern Illinois was built and named in his honor. To have such a structure bear one's name is unmistakable proof of one's eminence.
He loved lit. Vernon. Here his two daughters, lins. Aline Wand and lins. Harold Watson, were born, spent their childhood and Later established homes of their own. Here his grandchildren were born. Here he was "Lou" to his countless friends and neighbors. He was never so happy as when at home, surrounded by his family, circle where he cast aside the canes of business and political Life. It was to this town and family circle that he returned at the close of his term as governor. It was here eight years later that he passed quietly away.
Edwin Rackaway, editon of the Register-News, summed up liv. Enmerson's passing so well when on February 5, 1941, he wrote:
Eight years have elapsed since Governon Emmerson Left the executive mansion to return to his home town, to take up the threads of life where he had dropped them years before to devote himself to a public careen, Who can say that these eight years, despite his illness, were not among the happiest of his life. It must have been a welcome quiet after the storm, and he spent his last years surrounded by those he loved best, the devoted wife of more than half a century, his child- nen and grandchildren.
This beautiful family circle, broken now after fifty years, suffers most in his peaceful passing, after a great and honorable career, but there are many others who are deeply grieved.
Citizens the stature of Louis L. Emmerson, men of his ability, and integrity ane nane, unfortunately. They cannot be easily spared.
The governor is gone and his home town has lost something of great value in his passing. It will probably be a long time before we see his like again.
EAST SALEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
The East Salem Missionary Baptist Church was organized in December, 1053, in the Duncan School House, and the first regular church
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service was held on January 19, 10'54. Services were held in the Duncan School building until the first church was erected in 18'60 on Land donated by Bluford ilanlow. This Large Log building is still standing. The land has never been out of the Harlow family since it was deeded to Aaron Harlow by the government in 1835. It is now owned by lin. and wins. Claude C. Hanlow.
The present church building was erected in 1882 on Land donated by Hiram Duncan for the church and cemetery.
The first person buried in the cemetery was Hiram Duncan's son, Nathaniel Duncan.
In lay, 1896, the church building was almost destroyed by a tornado and was rebuilt in the fall of 1896.
Additional class rooms and a basement have been added to the church in the last few years.
-lins. Claude C. Harlow
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FREE METHODIST CHURCH
The Free Methodist Church was organized by a convention of lay members and ministers which met at Pekin, Niagara County, New York on the 23rd of August, 1860. The first General Conference of the newly formed church met on the second Wednesday of October, 1862, at St. Charles, Illinois. This meeting organized the work of the Free Methodist Church in the state of Illinois. Because of trans- portation difficulties in those horse and buggy days it became necessary to divide the western group into smaller areas, and in 1885 the Central Illinois Conference of the Free Methodist Church was organized. This new area included Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County, Illinois, and it became a part of the church known as the Cowden Dis- trict.
The Mt. Vernon Free Methodist Church was organized at the turn of the century and was known as the Mt. Vernon-Wayne Circuit. Under the leadership of Rev. W. D. Cochran, District President, the church grew and prospered in its location on East Main Street between Seventh and Eighth Streets, its first paston being Rev. C. P. Ewing. The congregation met to decide on a relocation project, and the committee found a site in the Old Orchard Division located at Nineteenth and Logan Streets in the southwest part of the city of lit. Vernon, In 1912 construction began and was completed on the structure which still stands, and the present congregation worships in a fine and adequate building and facilities.
The program on organization of the Free Methodist Church extends to the far corners of the earth through its extensive missionary endeavor, assisted by the local members of the Women's Missionary Society under the leadership of its president, Mrs. Olive Duncan Lawrence. Its mission field, home and abroad, extends to twenty- two world areas.
The missionary program is extended to the entire listening world through the medium of radio. The "Light and Life Hour," now in its eighteenth year, sends its message over many continental and foreign stations in seven languages, including Russian and Latvian. Dr. lignon F. Boyd, the director, and his staff are now working on a program to the Chinese in their native language.
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The "Light and Life Men's Fellowship" is a world wide ongan- ization of the men of the church. They have adopted as their motto, "Illen "in bilen. "
An active, agressive and inspirational program is in operation for the youth group known as the "F.M.Y." (Free Methodist Youth. This includes a monthly contact list of all military service personnel of the church and any others desiring this service. The aim of this organization is to christianize the youth for better world social influence and to prepare them effectively to serve their fellow man. The program for the intermediate youth and juniors is carried on through a well organized educational program known as the C.y.C. (Christian Youth Crusaders). This program is set up to teach them better citizenship and to instruct them in the basic principles and fundamentals of the church. An award and merit system is set up in assisting the boys and girls in developing character.
The Church Study Hour (Sunday School), under the capable leadership of the superintendent, Opal Wemette, is set up with a definite evangelistic outlook,
Since the days of its beginning, the Free Methodist Church has had outstanding men who have faithfully pastored the church. Rev. J. Paul Taylor began his public ministry in this church, and today he is a bishop of the denomination. Rev. V. L. Parsons, still very active in the ministry, began his ministry here. Others we call to memory have entered thein blessed nest, among them Rev. Thomas Dulaney and Rev. C. E. Ring; Rev. Elmen Mckay, who became the church's outstanding evangelist, faithfully served God and the community. The work and labors of those who have gone on is carried on by the present pastor, Rev. T. J. "lemette, and the faithful members who stand by the principles of this fine church.
FIRST FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH
The First Free Will Baptist Church of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, would be considered as a rather young church as far as years go, being established thirty-two years ago on the present site on the corner of 11th and Jordan streets.
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After a sweeping revival beginning on February 23, 1930, and continuing for seven full weeks, conducted by the Rev. W. R. Burton and J. N. Allen, the church was organized with fifty charter members. Rev. W. R. Burton, of Whittington, Illinois, is considered by many to be the dean of the Free Will Baptist Churches throughout Southern Illinois, and we are very pleased to say that he is still on the semi-active list as a minister in our organization.
Immediately after the first revival services terminated, the church was organized and the first elected trustees were Arthur Owens, Arthur Raney, (). G. Williford and Rev. In. L. Baker. The first deacons were George Mazo, Tom Flannigan, Herbert Rea and Rev. I. L. Baker, In 1954 a revival conducted by Rev. Paul Sulcer and Rev. Oran Kersh continued for forty-two consecutive nights with the result of over a hundred decisions for Christ. The baptismal services for this revival were held in the First Baptist Church of Mt. Vernon.
With an ever-increasing membership, officers of the church realized the need for an expansion program for added facilities for the Sunday School which was in dire need of more space. On July 20, 1955, the church purchased a modern two-story brick building situated immedi- ately in back of the church, which had been the home of the Hanna Printing Co. This building was completely remodeled inside for class- rooms, with six classrooms on the second floor and a minister's study. The main floor was nemodeled fon a dining area and recreational pur- poses.
The Educational Building was dedicated in 1956 by the Rev. (!). R. Burton, the original founder of the church.
The present paston of the church is the Rev. Paul Sulcer. Deacons are Ralph Dethrow, Frank Carter, Felix Drennan, Walter Shelton, and Ben Thompson, Trustees are Arthur Raney, Ed Flota, Gale Flota, Otto Bayer, Hall Cherry and George Kink.
FARM BUREAU OF JEFFERSON COUNTY
The need for better farming was evident to a few of us who knew of some other counties hiring farm advisors who were agricultural graduates, and we decided we needed help in improving our farms and at
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the same time raising our standard of living. Je started a membership drive to secure three hundred members (that amount was necessary for the extension service to o. k. an advisor). After we secured the required number, we organized by electing w. T. Wooden president. I was a director, and I believe Xavier Kiefer was one othen, but do not remember the rest of the board. Je hired Bentham Honey, as our first advisor, and I. Marie legand as office secretary,
We started calling meetings on different subjects, and having speakers from the University of Illinois to speak on various subjects related to farm activity. We could almost always have at least the board members present, and sometimes six to twelve farmers present. fin. Abney worked hand to get interest stimulated in all lines of farm improvement.
.Je went along some time as a county unit, but later affiliated with the Illinois Agricultural Association and American Farm Bureau Federation.
Interest was picking up when liv. Abney left us and went with the Ford lioton Company Tractor Division. I think then we hired L. R. Caldwell as farm advisor. He was with us some time, then he went to Washington County. I believe we then hired a lin. Scott, who was there only a short time. Our next advisor, I believe, was in. Sidwell, then Charles Twigg, then our present Don Lee.
lily memory is so poor I cannot give all the information on our Farm Bureau, but Farm Bureau has done a fine work in aiding the farmers of Jefferson County to help themselves and will continue, I believe to be our best asset. I haven't said anything about its auxiliary services and organizations, but they are very important in the lives of our farmers.
- Aaron ¿. Drennan
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CHURCH OF GOD, SEVENTH STREET AND CONGER AVENUE
The Church of God with international headquarters in (Leve- Land, Tennessee, had its humble beginning in the mountains of North Carolina, when a group of people became dissatisfied with the churches with which they were affiliated. They felt they were becoming too modern and formal. Out of this dissatisfaction grew one of the largest Pentecostal churches in the world. The year 1961 marked its Diamond Jubilee year. (1886-1961)
In the year of 1918 only six churches were organized in the state of Illinois and all of them were in the southern section of the state. It was in this year that R. A. Fielden, a travelling evange- list, came to lift. Vernon and set up a tent on the Edison School yard and started a revival. The revival met with such success that the congregation decided to build a church building. They built on the corner of Fifth Street and Bell. Here they enjoyed some great revivals of the sensational onder. The building was often so well attended that the people stood in the yard and street to see what was going on.
At some laten time the congregation decided to move to a Tenth Street location. The church was maintained here until the year 1948, when under the leadership of Estel libone the congregation moved to the present location of Seventh and Conger. Not too much is on record of the activities of the church up until this time. With the new building erected, it became necessary in four or five years to purchase a house for the Paston. The building was bought at 1017 South Sixth Street. It was the parsonage until 1961, when the present paston relocated the Minister's Home to 604 South 19th Street. Real estate holdings of the church include the church site at Seventh and Conger, the parking lot immediately in front of the church building, and the parsonage at 604 South 19th Street, The total value of the property would be placed at perhaps $47, 000.
The Church of God has had many set-backs due to the type of people the church reaches. The church realized a well-rounded growth in every department until the year when the lit. Vernon Can Manufacturing Company closed. Since the majority of its members were working people, the church suffered seriously financially. lany of
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the people moved into other areas for employment. From the year 1954 until 1957 the church felt the sting of recession perhaps as keenly as any church in town. During this time, weekly attendance often was very low. The faithful few kept holding on and believing in the future of their church and their city. In September of 1957, the present paston moved into the parsonage. The church began to take on new life a little at a time. The Sunday School began to climb slowly, and before long the attendance had doub Led.
The membership of the church has tripled since 1957, and financially the church is as sound as it has ever been, according to the old timers of the church.
The church started its "Voice of Faith" radio program in September of 1959. This was a very wise move for the church. It has been stated that the "Voice of Faith" has one of the largest listening audiences of any program on the local station.
In August of 1959 the paston, along with the men of the church, saw the need of a religious book store. A building was nented and the opening day was August 31, 1959. The church still maintains the stone, which supplies all kinds of religious supplies for any church need -- except Sunday School literature. The Pathway Bible Book Store is the first associate-type book store operation in the Church of God.
This church maintains a Sunday School and Church bus which is intended to furnish transportation to people who otherwise would not be able to attend the church.
One of the noted things about the Church of God is its music and its singing. Many people remark of the enthusiastic singing done by the people of this church. Few have any musical training whatever. The singing receives a very large part of the worship time of the regular services. Several musical instruments are also a part of the musical aspect of the church.
The Church of God has a church designed with youngsters ranging from the ages of five to fifteen in mind. Every Sunday morning at 11:00 this service is under the direction of some one appointed for the work. This is in addition to the regular Sunday School.
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The youths of the church also have a service during the week under the name of Young People's Endeavor. The service is for the training of the young people.
The Church of God in Illinois has an annual camp meeting on its camp ground in Benton, Illinois. It has as its main governing body of assembly the General Assembly held biennially. Since 1952 until 1962 the meetings have been held in Memphis, Tennessee. The official weekly organ of the church is called the "Church of God Evangel." The official youth magazine is a monthly periodical called "Lighted Pathway. "
THE STORY OF THE GENERAL
(The General was in Mt. Vernon from June 18 to the morning of June 20, 1962. June 18, 1962, was exactly one hundred years from the day that seven of the men who participated in the chase described here were hanged as spies in public execution at Atlanta, Georgia. )
Jeff Cain, engineer on the Western & Atlantic Railroad, Let his locomotive, the General, noll to a stop at Big Shanty, Georgia, about six o'clock the morning of April 12, 1862. He and his fireman and the conductor started toward the nearby hotel for breakfast. , hoard the train a tall man with a black beard stood as the door closed behind Cain and casually started toward the door, and one man followed him. Both made an inspection outside, a signal was given, and eighteen other men in the coach rose and went outside also. They climbed down on the side opposite to the hotel, then moved silently along trackside toward the locomotive. The bearded man was James J. Andrews, a Union secret service agent, and of the nineteen men with him, all except one were Union soldiers dressed in civilian clothes. After the coupling pin was pulled behind the last freight can, sixteen of the men scrambled into one of the empty freight cars -- Andrews and three others climbed into the cab of the General.
Inside the hotel, Conductor Fuller glanced out the window and stared -- the General's wheels spun briefly, then the locomotive lurched forward with three boxcars trailing behind it. Fuller shouted, he and the engineer and foreman burst outside just in time to see the
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last car of the train disappear around a curve.
The Confederate front man from Memphis, Tennessee, to Alex- andria, Virginia. The purpose of the raid was to cut this front in two by crippling the vital nail supply link between Atlanta and Chat- tanooga, The plan was to commandeen a locomotive and en route north to set fine to as many as possible of the several bridges on the W. & A. Railroad, thus putting the railroad out of commission.
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