History of Knox county, Illinois, Part 54

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co., pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : Blakely, Brown & Marsh, printers
Number of Pages: 732

USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 54

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There are also in the building, cabinets of geological specimens and fine collections of stuffed birds, etc. Among the relics is the working model from which the first river gun-boats of the world were constructed. This relic of American enterprise was presented by Captain James Laning, who assisted in the construction of the fleet, and commanded one of the ships on the Mississippi river. The school is well furnished with musical instruments, of the best make. There is a pipe organ, costing $1,000, and 7 pianos, costing in the aggregate

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL, KNOXVILLE.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

$3,000. In fact, the school is liberally supplied with everything requisite to make it successful and attractive.

During the past ten years it has received the commendation of bishops and clergy of the Episcopal Church, and the approval of patrons in various parts of the country. The location of the school is all that could be desired; for while it is removed from the excitement and interruptions of large cities, it is at the same time very accessible, being near the convergence of several great lines of travel. The aim of the school is to provide for girls of the West the best advantages

STUDIO, ST. MARY'S SCHOOL.

for thorough intellectual training, combined with social culture and Christian influence.

The course of instruction is comprised in seven departments, requiring four years for its completion, after the preparatory studies are finished. They are History, Literature, Language, Mathematics, Science, Sacred Studies, Music and the Arts of Design. These branches are taught by an able faculty, composed of the following, including officers: Rev. C. W. Leffingwell, D. D., Rector; Rev. E. H. Rudd, A. M., B. D., Chaplain; Nancy Meneely Hitchcock. Vice Principal; Anna Francis, Organist; Carl Laux, Professor of Music; Mary H. McCracken, Lucia W. Moore, Mary E. Weaver, Sarah Baker, Teachers; M. A. McClelland, M. D., Visiting Physician. Officers of the House-

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

hold: Mrs. Leffingwell, Matron; Louise S. Nichols, Assistant Matron; Marie Antoinette Bouvet, French Governess.

The following are the names of the twenty-six graduates who have received the Cross of Honor and the Graduates' Diploma: Jennie E. Hunter, Ada A. Runkel, Clara J. Wilson, Mary H. McCracken, Mary E. Winter, Theresa D. Woodruff. Alice Winter, Ida M. Burrows, Marion E. Grover, Edith J. Mosier, Mary E. Weaver, Helen Johns, Alice Overton, Anna Sanford, Emma Taggart, Cora I. Whitaker, Marion Winter, Frances Woodmansee, Florence Dukes, Ida Keightley, Lydia Mary Laning, Ethel R. Martin, Jennie Woolworth, Maude I. Burrows, Mary C. May, Helen M. Williamson.

To Rev. J. S. Chamberlain is due the inception of the plan of founding a Church school in Knoxville, he having made the first negotiation for the school property in behalf of the Diocese.

The following are the names of the gentlemen composing the Board of Trustees: Bishop McLaren, Rev. Dr. Harris, Rev. Dr. Locke, Rev. Dr. Leffingwell, Rector, I. P. Koons, Th. Gilbert, Miles Smith, R. L. Hannaman, Cephas Arms, P. H. Sanford, S. H. Tompkins, J. C. Cover, Henry Arms, Z. Cooley, P. D. Rogers, G. W. Ewing, G. G Weeks, C. E. Chandler, Dr. McClelland, J. H. Lewis, J. W. Carnes, C. Runkle, G. W. Heagy, John Eads.

ST.MARY'S SCHOOL.

"BLESSED ARE

IN HEART?'

THE

PURE

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

WESTERN BUSINESS COLLEGE.

The Western Business College is the junior member of the trio of colleges in the city of Galesburg. It was founded in the year 1860, by Prof. Hayes, and is consequently in its eighteenth year. This, like all enterprises which spring from the brain and hands of man, and only grow into proportions to benefit and bless society, had its ger- minal period and its season of infantile growth. But its roots were planted in the needs of the business world, and its practical value was soon demonstrated and appreciated. Prof. Hayes conducted the school until 1865, when Prof. J. B. Harsh, since a member of the firm of Harsh, Perrin & Co., bankers, Creston, Iowa, became the sole pro- prietor. During the year 1867, Prof. W. B. Richards was engaged to superintend the writing department; and being, perhaps, the finest penman and the best teacher in the West, placed the institution among the first of its kind in the country, and it numbered its students by hundreds. In 1869, Mr. Richards resigned his position. Prof. Poole became the sole proprietor in 1870, and conducted the college until 1871, when it was transferred to Mr. J. H. Snelling. He, after a brief and successful period, was obliged to suspend the school in Feb- ruary, 1873. The college halls now became vacant for the first time in eleven years, till July, when Prof. John M. Martin & Brother, former proprietors of Union Business College of Monmouth, became the proprietors. They re-opened it under rather unpropitious circum. stances; but they were young men, possessed of both energy and experience, and by careful attention to all the interests of the college and inaugurating a thorough and practical course of instruction, the school rapidly gained the prestige and prosperity of its palmy days, and may now be classed as one of the first business colleges of the land. The course of study embraces the science of accounts, penman- ship, business and general correspondence, telegraphy, arithmetic, orthography and English language lessons. The college rooms and appointments are ample and well arranged. The Western Business College included among its students of 1877, representatives from six different States. Under the judicious management of the Martin Brothers, this school bids fair to continue in the future, as it has been in the past, an institution of which Knox county may well be proud.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

ANSGARI COLLEGE, KNOXVILLE.

In Knox county the Swedish nationality is largely represented. In- deed the natives of that northern country and their posterity form an important element of the life, energy and enterprise of this county. Very early in the settlement of the county a few Swedes located here, and so favorable was their fortune and their freedom from all personal restraints so far as consistent with the rights of others, that through their influence many of their relatives and friends were attracted hither, until at present they are numbered by thousands. A large per cent. of the Swedish population, especially those who have adopted the manners and customs of the American people, are greatly infatuated with this country, and as adopted sons and daughters claim to be Americans in the broadest and fullest sense. As a class they are a religious, peaceable and generous people, possessing a vast deal of energy, with a rare degree of physical and mental ability. They have the tendency to elevate the moral tone of society rather than lower it, and to contribute vastly to the enterprise displayed in busi- ness circles, and to the improvement and cultivation of the soil.

Aside from Ansgari College, they have a number of church edifices, all of which reflect honor upon them as a people and their religious organizations, as well as credit to the county.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

Ansgari College is the out-growth of a school known as "The Mission Institute " of Keokuk, Iowa. In the year of 1873 that school was first opened in a chapel on the corner of 14th and Morgan streets in that city, removing from there to the corner of 7th and High streets. In 1875 Prof. Charles Anderson, the Principal of the Keo- kuk school, and since then President of Ansgari College, made a tour through various localities in search of a location for a college. In May of that year he accidently met with the Hon. James Knox in the bank at Knoxville. Mr. Knox had long desired to found an institu- tion of learning in Knoxville. The location and surroundings being favorable to Prof. Anderson, the two gentlemen readily co-operated in the work of building a college, Mr. Knox donating $10,000 im- mediately. The amount of his subscriptions was subsequently in- creased by $2,950. Some $10,000 more was added by other sub- seriptions, D. M. Eikn, J. H. Lewis and Prof. Anderson being instru- mental in securing this amount.

July 3, 1875, two months from the time Mr. Knox and Prof. An- derson first met, ground was broken for the construction of the college building, and August 1, 1876, the edifice was completed. The alacrity with which all the business affairs, as well as the mechanical labor, was carried on, has scarcely a parallel, especially when we con- sider it an institution founded by subscription. The cost of building and furniture has been over $22,000. The building is a four-story brick structure on a cut limestone basement, and with French roof. It is 74 feet long by 44 wide, and contains 39 rooms. In the base- ment story is a spacious dining-room, a kitchen, pantry, cellar, laun- dry and other rooms. The first story is devoted to school purposes. The rooms above are occupied by students. The architectural design of the building is modern, well proportioned, and presents a neat and pleasing appearance. The accompanying engraving is a good repre- sentation of the exterior. It is situated on a plat of 4 acres of ground on East Main street, Knoxville.

The college is conducted in the interests of the Evangelical Luth- eran church. It is both secular and religious in its courses of in- struction. Connected with it is an academic department, having a two years' course. The collegiate course of instruction occupies four years and the theological course two years. The instruction in the latter department is conducted in the Swedish language. The num- ber of students has varied from 40 to 60. The expense of the students is very reasonable, being for board, furnished room and tuition about $110 for the entire year.

While the college building was being constructed, a preparatory

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

school was opened in St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oeto- ber 1, 1875. The Faculty was: Prof. C. Anderson, Rev. J. Anjon, Rev. J. A. Lowe and Miss S. Larkee. The Faculty remained the same during 1876, and at the close of this year it consisted of Rev. Charles Anderson, Rev. J. Anjon, Oscar M. Esterday and L. P. Cravens. The college library, which was furnished by the ladies of Knoxville, was opened August 1, 1877. It contains 1,000 volumes. Connected with the college are two literary societies, "The Phreno- kosmian " and "Societas Demosthenis.", The former is an English, and the latter a Swedish society.

One noticeable feature is that during the existence of the institution at Knoxville there has not been a single case of sickness among the students.

The original Trustees were Hon. S. H. Tompkins, Knoxville, Pres- ident of the Board; Rev. Charles Anderson, Knoxville, Secretary; D. M. Eikn, Treasurer; P. H. Sanford, J. H. Lewis, C. A. Lindstrom, J. S. Holmes, A. Nelson,. A. N. Anderson, Rev. J. Anjon, Lewis Palm- quist, S. Peterson, George Larkee, J. P. Lawson, P. Mattson.

KNOX AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL.

In educational interests Knox county ranks among the leading counties in the Northwest, and she is destined to have another insti- tution of learning added to her half-dozen prosperous colleges. The liberality of the Hon. James Knox, of Knoxville, was often mani- fested during his active business life, and his generosity was almost boundless. He gave freely to all proper charities ; but the most munificent gifts were devoted to educational enterprises. He gave liberally to St. Mary's School, to Ansgari College, and to other insti- tutions. The largest gift, however, was the bequest he made for founding " Knox Agricultural School." He had long considered the feasibility of building such an institution during life, but over-burden- ing business cares prevented him from putting into execution his long-cherished plans. Death came, relieving him of the cares of life and robbing the county of a beloved benefactor. Previous to this, how- ever, he made the necessary arrangements for the execution of the plans entertained in life. For this purpose he bequeathed a magnifi- cent sum, the residue of his large estate after liberally providing for his relatives. The gift, which amounts from $90,000 to $100,000, was conditional. Desiring to have the county pecuniarily interested in the enterprise, and to liave a larger endowment, he made the gift as the will reads, " on condition that citizens of Knoxville and Knox county should, within six months after death, pledge and subscribe at

Galaxy Pub. Co. Phila®

Jamel Knox

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

least $40,000 for like purpose." In case the amount was not pledged within the stated time, $40,000 fell to Yale College, Connecticut, and $40,000 to Hamilton College, New York, and the remainder to St. Mary's School, Knoxville.

Two months passed after his demise without an effort to raise the required amount. But four months remained, and the hardships of winter naturally prevented many contributions; but with a stronger determination, and the possibility of losing almost the entire amount, greater efforts were made, and before the expiration of the six months $43,061 was subscribed. This subscription was presented to the executors of the will and the bequest claimed. Immediately, how- ever, Yale and Hamilton Colleges commenced suit to prevent the gift being used for an agricultural school and to obtain it for themselves, claiming that the will was not complied with fully. The case is now pending in the United States Court. The Trustees, however, enter- tain no doubt but that a decision will be rendered in their favor.

After the necessary amount had been contributed the institution was organized and chartered by the State June 5, 1877, with the fol- lowing Trustees: A. M. Craig, A. C. Clay, J. H. Lewis, William Swigart, William P. Parker, R. W. Miles, Frank Wilson, Samuel McFarland, George A. Charles. The officers are: A. M. Craig, President of the Board of Trustees; R. W. Miles, Vice President; J. H. Lewis, Secretary; George A. Charles, Treasurer. There were thirty-six incorporators, who reside in all parts of the county.

The amount raised in the county was contributed from each town- ship. The city of Knoxville and Knox township led the van in point of liberality, giving nearly $20,000, and many of the citizens of that city deserve much credit for the interest manifested toward securing the school, which, according to the will, is to be located at or near that city, and the subscriptions were made with the understanding that it would be within a radius of one mile and a half of the city.

It is understood to have been the wish of Mr. Knox to found a practical training school, and not an expensive college; but a school where young men under good influences, and withdrawn from the temptations of the city; might be prepared for an active and useful life. Especial attention would be given to agriculture, and to the sciences and mechanical arts related to it. However, all branches of literature and science would be taught. The young men would be instructed in all departments of farm work, composition of soils and fertilizers, drainage, road and bridge-making, stock-raising, plain and ornamental gardening, fruit culture, etc. Under such a course of training, combined with a moderate amount of actual work, there

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

would be no danger of turning out mere "theoretical book farmers," or young men broken down by dissipation and spoiled for work by the false views of life so often imbibed in youth. This school will not, to a great extent, compete with the existing colleges of the county, for its students for the most part are those who without such aid as will be afforded at this school would secure but a limited education.

It is calculated, if possible, to furnish tuition and room rent free to all students from Knox county. Under the management of the efficient Board of Trustees it is expected that at the earliest possible time the wishes and plans of Mr. Knox will be transformed into a veritable institution that will alike confer honor upon them, and the county, and perpetuate the memory of its generous benefactor.

GALESBURG PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

In the year 1861 the public schools of the eity of Galesburg were organized accord- ing to the graded system, which has since proven so highly beneficial both in econo- mizing the labors of the teachers and in the progress of the pupils.

Rufus B. Guild was the first Superintendent of the city schools. He continued in office but a short time, and was succeeded by Junius B. Roberts, under whose efficient supervision, extending through many years, the schools took rank among the best in the State. After twelve years of service Mr. Roberts resigned, at the elose of the school year, in June, 1875. He was followed by Matthew Andrews, the present Superintendent. These schools employ thirty-four teachers, all ladies. The High School building, situated on the corner of Broad and Simmons streets, was erected in 1866, at a cost of $60,000, and is the oldest permanent school structure in the city, and one of the best school-houses in the State. It has ten school rooms, besides a chapel, office, recitation and museum rooms.

There was a time within the memory of those now living when one little wooden building furnished ample accommodations for sehooling the youth of Galesburg, and when the only school tax was a cord of wood to supply the school-house fire.

The thirty-four teachers engaged in these schools have been employed various periods of time, as follows: One for 15 years, 1 for 11 years, 1 for 10 years, 2 for 8 years, 1 for 7 years, 3 for 6 years, 3 for 5 years, 2 for 4 years, 4 for 3 years, 3 for 2 years, and 13 for 1 year.

The Central Primary School is situated on the corner of Broad and Tompkins streets. The building is a one-story wooden structure containing - rooms. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 85; girls, 104; making a total of 189. The average daily attendance was 171.

The Third-Ward School is situated on the corner of Cherry and Selden streets. The building is a substantial brick structure of modern style, containing four school rooms, two on the first and two on the second floor, with fine broad halls from front to rear, and double doors at each end. It was erected in 1875; is two stories and basement in height; has a seating capacity sufficient to accommodate 432 pupils, and is one of the neatest, best arranged school-houses in the county. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 114; girls, 103; total en- rolled 217; average daily attendance, 195.

The Fourth-Ward School is located on the corner of Mulberry and Day streets. The building, which is two stories, with basement, was erected in 1869. It is constructed of briek with stone foundation, and contains four school rooms, two on each floor, with halls and stair-ways well suited to the convenience of its oeeupants. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 127; girls, 146; total enrolled, 273; average daily attendance, 241.

The Fifth-Ward School is a two-story briek building with stone basement; is located on the corner of Academy and Second streets; contains two school rooms on eael floor. Its internal arrangement is convenient, and its external appearance creditable. The enrollment of pupils for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 90; girls, 115; total enrollment, 205; average daily attendance, 184.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

The Sixth-Ward School is located on the corner of Clark and Losey streets. The building is neatly and substantially constructed of brick, with stone basement, and was erected in 1877. It is two-stories high, with two school rooms on each floor, and is heated by steam. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 80; girls, 63; total enrolled, 143; average daily attendance, 127.

The Seventh-Ward School is situated on the corner of Seminary and Third streets. The building is a two-story brick, with stone basement; is neat and substantial in construction, and contains two school rooms on each floor. It was erected in 1876. The number of pupils enrolled for the month of April, 1878, was: Boys, 124; girls, 127; total enrolled, 251; average daily attendance, 216.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXV.

RELIGIOUS.

The early establishment of religious institutions in new settlements is a prominent feature in the history of this county. With the very first settler came good old Elder Gum, who preached almost every Sunday in some of the cabins at Henderson. It is, evident that a com- munity in which the school-house and church find a special recognition will always be selected by those seeking homes, in preference to tlie one in which they are not found. Men of the world recognize the fact that educational and Christian institutions are the handmaids of general thrift and prosperity. Improvements in the manners, tastes and moral status of the people follow closely the preaching of the gospel. These facts and the love of the gospel prompted the early settlers to erect churches.

The following sketches of the various congregations are as full as space in these pages will allow, and as reliable and authentic as patient inquiry and exhaustive research can furnish. While a few of our readers may deem them too brief, we believe they contain all the important facts.

THE OLD-SCHOOL PREDESTINARIAN BAPTISTS.

This is the oldest existing religious organization in the county. It is known as the " Henderson Church," and was constituted at Hen- derson Grove August 14, 1830, by Elders Stephen Strickland and John Logan. The church building is located on the southwest corner of the northeast quarter of section 28, Rio township. Present membership number 45. Elder J. M. Brown is present pastor.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL.

Knoxville M. E. Church .- Knoxville was made an appointment on the Henderson Mission as early as 1831. It is understood that Bar- ton H. Cartwright preached the first sermon in a small tin shop, when Knoxville was but a small village. The present church edifice was erected in 1865, at a cost of $4,460.

Abingdon M. E. Church was organized in 1833, by A. D. Swartz and wife, and 5 others. House built in 1846 or '47. The congrega-

FIRST M. E. CHURCH, GALESBURG.

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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.

tion now owns and occupies a large, handsome building costing near $20,000.

Victoria M. E. Church .- This church was organized about 1841, by Rev. J. Anthony, and at that time stood in connection with the Salem society, which was organized by Rev. Z. Hall in 1836. This church; with its branches, numbers about 175 members.

Oneida .- The Methodist Episcopal church of Oneida was erected in 1863 at a cost of $3,500. The society was organized by Rev. R. N. Morse in 1845. The present membership numbers 125. Valuation of church building $2,500, and of parsonage, $1,200.

Galesburg .- The First Methodist Episcopal Church of Galesburg is located on the northwest corner of Tompkins and Kellogg streets. This church is the finest in the county; is built of brick and neatly trimmed with stone, of Gothic style of architecture, and is alike an ornament to the city and a credit to the denomination to which it be- longs. It was erected in 1872 at a cost of $40,000. The accompany- ing engraving of the edifice is a fine representation of its exterior. The Methodist Episcopal Church society was organized in Galesburg by Rev. J. J. Hedstrom in 1847.

For several years this church was included in the Knoxville circuit,

. but in 1851 the first edifice was erected on the ground where the pres- ent beautiful structure now stands. It was dedicated by Peter Cart- wright. From the very first there has been a gradual increase of membership. In 1855, when the church became a " station," Rev. Mil- ton L. Haney was its pastor, and G. W. Brown is its present pastor. The basement of the present church building was completed soon after its erection, and all the services of the congregation were held in it until February 26, 1876, when the whole edifice was entirely completed and dedicated, Bishop Harris presiding over the impressive services. The present membership numbers 500. Present valuation of church building, $37,000; parsonage $3,500. Average salary for pas- tors, $1,650. Amount raised each year for all church purposes, $4,- 000. Number of scholars in Sabbath school, 375; contributions for all purposes, $150.

Altona .- The Methodist Episcopal Church in Altona was organized August 14, 1853, by Rev. J. B. Quinby. The church has had a steady, healthy growth, and has been blessed with many revivals. The num- ber of members has increased from the original 13 to 160.

Victoria .- The Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church building was erected in 1854, there having been preaching in the village some time previous, under the direction of Rev. Jonas J. Hedstrom. This church also has a branch society six miles southeast, in the same

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History of Knox county, Illinois, Part 54

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co., pub Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Chicago : Blakely, Brown & Marsh, printers Number of Pages: 732

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co., pub
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : Blakely, Brown & Marsh, printers
Number of Pages: 732