USA > Illinois > Logan County > History of Logan county, Illinois : its past and present.. > Part 27
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 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62
1874 .- Mayor, Abram Mayfield; Clerk, C. M. Knapp ; Treasurer, S. Kahn ; Attorney, E. G. Hudson; Marshal, R. B. Fryar ; St. Com., H: M. Levally. Councilmen elected, First Ward, John Wyatt; Second, H. Sherman ; Third, W. H. Rigdon ; Fourth, John J. Russell. Supervisor, First and Second Wards, H. Abbott ; Third and Fourth, Israel McCord.
1875 .- Mayor, Abram Mayfield ; Clerk, C. M. Knapp; freasurer, S. Kahn ; Attorney, C. J. Forsyth; Marshal, Charles Phelps ; St. Com., H. M. Levally. Councilmen elected, First Ward, H. Simonton ; Second, S. Rock ; Third, J. B. Montague ; Fourth, George L. Oglevie. At the session of the legislature the winter previous to this election, the offices of the additional supervisors were abolished.
1876 .- Mayor, Silas Beason ; Clerk, C. M. Knapp ; Treasurer, S. Kahn ; Attorney, C. J. Forsyth ; Marshal; R. B. Fryar; St. Com., Isaac Acken. Councilmen elected, First Ward, John Wyatt; Second, James A. Hudson ; Third, Wm. Hargadine ; Fourth, John J. Russell.
1877 .- Mayor, Silas Beason ; Clerk, C. M. Knapp; Treasurer, S. Kahn; Attorney, M. W. Stokes ; Marshal, Wm. J. Pettitt; City Justice, P. B. Knight ; St. Com., Isaac Acken. Councilmen elected, First Ward, N. E. Pegram and Abram Mayfield ; Second, Simon Rock ; Third, James H. Russell ; Fourth, Charles White.
Of all the officers in the foregoing list, it will be observed that Mr. Solomon Kahn has held the office of treasurer since the first election.
The city was lighted with gas in the summer of 1873. In February of that year, Dr. A. M. Miller, S. A. Foley and D. Turnbolt formed a company with a capital of $42,000 for the manufacture of gas. The works were completed on the 6th of July, since which time gas has been regularly supplied to the customers. The post-office was first established
275
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
in a room on the sight of Pierron & Son's drug store. The postmaster was Michael Hinrichsen ; the second was Robert Leslie, now of Elkhart. He retained the office until after Lincoln's election to the presidency the first time. He was succeeded by J. S. Metcalf, who retained the office until the present postmaster, A. D. Cadwallader, was appointed.
EDUCATIONAL.
Previous to July, 1867, the public schools of the city were under the control of a Board of Directors, in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois ; the Superintendent of schools for Logan County, having general supervision over the same.
In October, 1866, the number of children, between the ages of six and twenty-one years, was found by the census to be 893. The aggre- gate attendance during the year ending July, 1867, was 619; and the average attendance during the same time was 353; and eight teachers were employed in the schools. At that time there were only five school buildings in the city, containing seven rooms, as follows : The Grammar school, one house in the first ward, and one in the second, with two rooms each, and one room in each of the third and fourth wards. The school- rooms were poorly seated, and very little furniture and conveniences for teacher and pupil were found in them.
On the first day of July, 1867, the city council passed an " Ordinance in Relation to Public Schools," thereby creating the " Board of School In- spectors,"and giving them exclusive control of the city schools, independent of the State and County organization. On the third Monday in July, the council appointed, as provided by said ordinance, the first Board of Inspectors, which consisted of :
A. M. Miller, first ward; J. F. Hyde, second ward; W. J. Ross, third ward ; D. H. Warren, fourth ward; G. S. Dana, F. C. W. Koehnle, city at large.
The first meeting of the Board was held on the 17th of July, at which time A. M. Miller was elected chairman, and the following stand- ing committees were appointed, to-wit :
On Examination of Teachers-Miller, Hyde and Dana.
On School Buildings and Grounds-Koehnle, Warren and Ross.
On Rules and Regulations-Hyde, Koehnle and Ross.
On Text Books and Course of Instruction-Dana, Hyde and Warren.
The Board adopted a set of rules, for the government of teachers and pupils ; a uniform system of text books, to be used in the schools ; and a course of instruction for a graded school, consisting of nine grades in three departments, as follows :
Grammar Department .- 1st and 2d Grades.
Intermediate Department .- 3d, 4th and 5th Grades.
Primary Department .- 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Grades.
The schools were opened on the first Monday in September, under the new organization, with eleven teachers, under the superintendence of J. F. Hyde.
The city council had, in the months of July and August, built a new house, in the 3d ward, and added a story to the 4th ward house (which was of brick), re-seated all the old rooms with good seats; furnished each
276
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
room with a clock, desk, bell, chairs, etc., for the comfort and convenience of teachers. During the first month, the schools became so much crowded, that it was found necessary to rent three rooms, and employ two more teachers (there being 440 pupils in six rooms, with eight teachers).
By the census of July, 1867, there were found to be 1,296 children between the ages of six and twenty-one years, and during the year clos- ing July, 1868, there was an aggregate attendance of 914, and the average was 487, showing a gain over the previous year of 48 per cent. in aggre- gate, and 38 per cent. in average attendance. Yet it appears that many who were eligible to attend school, as seen by the census, could not be admitted and receive that share of instruction which pupils ought to receive in public schools. However, there was a marked improvement in the schools. The superintendent was comstantly employed in visiting, and aiding the teachers in their work ; monthly meetings were held for consultation ; pupils manifested an interest in their studies, and all worked faithfully and harmoniously together, from day to day, during the whole year.
To remedy in part the want of sufficient accommodations, the city council caused to be erected two new buildings, in the summer of 1868, one in the First Ward, and one in the north part of the Fourth Ward.
The office of superintendent having been dispensed with, no general record of the progress of the schools was kept for the succeeding two years.
In the summer of 1869, preparations were made to erect a large cen- tral school-house. A lot of ground known as the Wright block, situated between Union and Maple, and Seventh and Eighth streets, in the central part of the city, was purchased at a cost of $5,000. The plan of the building furnished by T. F. Ladue, Esq., was adopted by the council, the building commenced and enclosed before the end of the year. This structure is sixty-four by ninety-five feet on the ground, three stories high above the basement, and seventy-five feet to the top of the dome, containing eleven good-sized school-rooms -four on each of the first and second floors, and three on the third -together with two recitation rooms, a large hall, and numerous wardrobes, closets, etc., for the con- venience of teachers and pupils. During the spring and summer of 1870, the house was finished and furnished with the most improved seats and furniture of the present day. The whole cost of the lot, building, furni- ture and heating apparatus (Ruttan's patent) is about $50,000, and is one of the best school edifices of its size in the state. It is an ornament to the city, a credit to the mechanics who constructed it, and a monu- ment of pride to the citizens generally, who have to defray the expense of the same.
The schools are divided into eleven grades, the eleventh being the lowest, and the first the highest grade. They are further designated as Primary, Intermediate, Grammar and High School departments.
The Primary consists of the eleventh, tenth and ninth grades; the Intermediate of the eighth, seventh and sixth grades; the Grammar of the fifth, fourth, third and second grades; and the High School of the first grade.
Pupils are not entitled to promotion unless they have taken all of the studies of their grade, and have passed a creditable examination in each.
277
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
At the beginning of the school year, September, 1873, it was found that, owing to circumstances which could not easily be controlled, chil- dren who properly belonged to the ward schools, had been allowed to attend school in the " High School " building.
Since then, the following plan has been adopted: No pupil, once admitted to the High School building, has been transferred to another school, except at his own request; but when pupils who have attended other schools, or new pupils, have applied for admission, they have been admitted in accordance with the following rules :
1. All pupils from the Second Ward.
2. Pupils from the First Ward who are prepared for any grade above the ninth.
3. Pupils from the Third Ward, except those living near the Third Ward school house. Of the latter, only those who are prepared for the " A" class, fourth grade, or any grade above the fourth.
4. Applicants from the Fourth Ward, living south of Ninth street, who are prepared to enter either the 'second. grade or the High School.
5. All pupils of the Fourth Ward, residing north of Ninth street, who are prepared to enter any grade above the fifth.
The school year is divided into three terms, the first beginning on the first Monday of September, and ending on Friday before Christmas. The second begins on the first Monday after New Year's, and ends the last Friday of March. The third term begins on the first Monday of April, and closes the Friday before the middle of June.
The attendance is now about 1,000. Twenty-one teachers are employed. Mr. W. F. Bromfield is the superintendent.
Mr. J. F. Hyde, teacher in the Fourth Ward, conducts a commercial school during the winter months. It is well patronized, and is a good school.
THE CHURCHES.
Lincoln contains fifteen organized churches, the oldest of which is the Methodist Episcopal. Prior to the survey of Lincoln, this denomi- nation had a class here, and conducted services, the charge being a mission of Mt. Pulaski. Their first preaching place was the First ward school house, which they occupied until 1857, when they erected a house of worship, now owned and occupied by the Presbyterians. Among the more prominent members at the organization were Dr. A. C. Wood, W. P. Randolph, Robert Leslie, G. W. Brady, and Henry Johnson. Their first pastor was probably Rev. W. B. M. Colt, some of whose successors have been Revs. J. B. Houts, Preston Wood, W. R. Goodwin, J. G. Little, M. A. Hews, G. W. Gray, and M. D. Hawes. The present pastor is Rev. George Stevens. After occupying their first church edifice until 1867, they found it becoming inadequate to the increasing demands of the membership, and sold it to the Presbyterians. They at once began the erection of their present house of worship, a large brick structure, which cost when completed $25,000. The corner stone was laid July 10, 1868, and in it were placed the following articles: A Bible, hymn book, the book of discipline, an almanac, the church periodicals, several pieces of coin, copies of the Lincoln Herald and Lincoln Intelligencer, photograph
278
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
of President Lincoln, copy of the emancipation proclamation, photo- graphs of Mr. and Mrs. George Parker, and a few other articles. The church was opened and dedicated by Rev. Hiram Buck, Sunday, December 27, 1868. The membership of this church is now about 300.
The Christian Church was organized in a warehouse, in the spring of 1857, with twenty-five or thirty members, prominent among whom were T. H. Denny and Hopkins Judy, who were at that time chosen elders. The congregation afterward leased Boren's Hall, and occasionally used the Methodist Church, until they had constructed their own house of worship so it could be used. This was done in 1857, but it remained in an unfinished condition several years. Among their prominent ministers have been Revs. J. M. Allen, J. S. Sweeny, Alexander Johnson, Allen Rice, Charles Berry, George Owen, H. D. Clark, B. W. Johnson, T. V. Berry, and Richard Johnson. The present pastor is Rev. T. T. Holton. The membership is now about one hundred and fifty.
The German and Irish Catholic Churches were at first one charge. As such they were organized in 1857. They at first held services in private houses. This year, however, they completed a house of worship, and continued as one congregation until 1867, when they separated. The German Catholics retained the building. The Irish Catholics at once erected their present house of worship. Each of the congregations support schools in connection with their churches, and are in a flourishing condition.
The A. M. E. Church was organized in 1868 or '69, with three members. These were Smelser Donegan and wife and Lucinda Allen. They met in Mr. Donegan's house about eight months, when they pur- chased the old High School building, which they still use for a church. They have now nearly a hundred members, and a Sunday school of fifty scholars.
The Baptist Church (colored) was constituted in the spring of 1874. During the summer of 1876, they erected their house of worship. They organized with about twelve members, and have progressed well since.
The Protestant Episcopal Church was organized as a parish July 3, 1871, under the name of Trinity Church, and occasional services were held from that time until May, 1873, when the Rev. Wm. Willson, of Connecticut, took charge of the parish. Regular services were held by him in Gillett's Hall, and immediate action was taken for the erection of a proper church building, on lots donated for that purpose by S. A. Foley, Esq. On September 12th following, the first service was held in the new edifice. The church, which is a neat Gothic structure, of wood, consists of a nave, with recessed chancel and two wings, which are used as vestry and library rooms, and is plainly furnished and carpeted through- out ; the windows are all of stained glass, and the building lighted with gas. The estimated cost is $3,500.
The Evangelical Church (St. John's) was originally organized by a union of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches, and increased quite rapidly until it reached 300 members. In 1873, some of the Lutheran members left and formed a church of their own. At that time the church was without a pastor for about six months, which somewhat retarded its growth. The present pastor, Rev. J. G. Ade, took charge of the congre-
279
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
gation in 1874. There is connected with this church a Woman's Christian Association, organized in 1874, which has at present over sixty members ; also a private school, for the purpose of giving instruction in religious principles and the German language.
The German Evangelical Lutheran Church, which was organized in 1872, purchased the Congregational Church, refitted the same, and pur- chased an adjoining house and lot for a parsonage, erected a commodious school-room on the premises, in which is maintained a private school for the instruction of scholars in the German language.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized on Saturday, Feb. 2, 1857, by Rev. Thornton K. Hedges, with sixteen members. Among these were Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Edgar, Mr. and Mrs. John Howser, Mr. and Mrs. John S. Medcalf, Mr. and Mrs. John Horney, Mr. and Mrs. John Crang, Mr. and Mrs. T. K. Hedges. G. W. Edgar, John Howser and J. S. Medcalf were chosen elders. The congregation erected the church now used by the St. John's congregation, which house they occupied until 1866, when they erected their present edifice. The pas- tors in order have been Revs. T. K. Hedges, James White, R. G. Carden, W. W. Medcalf, J. C. Van Patten and E. J. Gillespie. The present pas- tor is J. W. Poindexter, D.D. The membership consists of 250 active resident members, and about 100 hundred transient communicants. The Sunday-school numbers 250 scholars, under the superintendency of Prof. B. F. McCord. Dr. McGlumphy, D.D., was superintendent here ten years and did much for the prosperity of the school. At the laying of the corner stone of this church, in the summer of 1868, the following arti- cles were deposited in its cavity : One Bible, one copy " Confession of Faith," of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, one psalm and hymn book, one church record, one copy Western Cumberland Presbyterian, published at Alton, Illinois ; one copy same paper published at Waynes- burg, Penn .; one copy Lincoln Herald ; one copy Lincoln Intelligencer ; one copy Banner of Peace, and a copy of other church papers. The church was erected at an expense of about $10.000.
The Congregationalist Church was organized on March 12, 1869, in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The first meeting to consider the advisability of forming the church was held by those professing adherence to this church, in the house of S. F. Eager, Feb. 14th, previously. At the organization eleven persons presented certificates of membership and were received. They were : Stephen Barnum, John Crang, Samuel F. Eager, Wm. Hungerford, S. M. Hungerford, Elizabeth Crang, Priscilla G. Bar- num, Mary W. Carpenter, Elizabeth C, Eager, Fanny Eager, and Helen C. Barnum. They met for divine services at first in Musick's Hall. In the summer of 1863 they erected a house of worship, which they occu- pied until 1869, when they sold it to the German Evangelical Lutherans, and being unable to support a pastor, remained until 1875 without a house of worship. They erected a church that year, which they yet use. Their first pastor was Rev. H. W. Cobb, who presided at the organization. The succeeding pastors were Revs. R. S. McCord, H. S. Clark, A. E. Black- burn, H. D. Platt, and the present pastor, Rev. Seth M. Wilcox. The present membership is thirty-two ; the attendance at Sunday-school sixty- five. The Superintendent is Geo. A. Brown.
The Universalist Church is now unorganized.
280
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
The Protestant Methodist Church has been in existence several years, and is in a good condition.
The Baptist Society was organized April 19, 1856, with nine mem- bers. They were : J. C. Webster,C. B. Hukill, Geo. F. Stillman, Jane M. C. Stillman, Robert Snow, William Patterson, Margaret A. Patterson, S. Z. Millard and Robert Wilson. Of these, Robert Wilson and Margaret Patterson are now members ; the others having removed or died. Rev. Thomas C. Reese was the first pastor. A house of worship was erected in 1857, and in 1864 sold to the German Catholics. They then erected their present church at a cost of $6,000; $1,200 was paid for the lot. Rev. S. J. Goodsell became pastor in 1857, and remained till 1860, when his death occurred. Rev. C. Garrison was called to the vacancy that year, and occupied the pulpit two years. He was succeeded in June, 1862, by Rev. A. M. Bacon ; he by E. J. Cressey, and in 1867, he by Rev. Chaun- cey Wardner, of New York. He was followed by Rev. A. B. White, of Ohio, who remained two years. Rev. J. W. Icenbarger next occupied the pulpit, remaining about three years. The present membership is 185, and the attendance at Sunday-school, 120.
LINCOLN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION.
On the 18th of April, 1874, a public meeting was held at the C. P. Church, for the purpose of establishing a Public Library and Free Read- ing Room. At this meeting Col. R. B. Latham was chosen Chairman and Prof. D. M. Harris, Secretary. S. A. Foley presented a constitution, which was adopted. A committee of fourteen ladies was appointed to so- licit subscriptions to the capital stock of the association. At a meeting held ten days later, this committee reported one hundred and forty-four shares of ten dollars each subscribed, and the association was fully organ- ized by the election of the following officers : R. B. Latham, President ; M. Hinrichsen, Vice-President ; D. M: Harris, Corresponding Secretary ; P. P. Murray, Recording Secretary, and W. M. Dustin, Treasurer. S. A. Foley, F. Fisk, B. H. Brainard, Mrs. N. E. Pegram, M. W. Barrett and Mrs. D. M. Harris were made Directors, who appointed a purchasing com -. mittee, consisting of Dr. A. M. Miller, Dr. S. Sargent, Rev. L. P. Craw- ford, Mrs. J. A. Lutz. and Mrs. J. T. Hoblit.
A room for the use of the association was fitted up and the first purchase of books put on the shelves about the first of September follow- ing, when the library room was formally thrown open to the public. At this time there were 700 volumes belonging to the library, which number has been added to till it is now over 1,300. The leading periodicals of the country and some newspapers are kept on the tables.
The room is open every evening and Saturday afternoons, free to all. It is self-sustaining and is destined to be one of the permanent institu- tions in the town. It is well patronized by the public, 3,600 volumes being drawn from the room during the year ending April 1, 1877.
The present officers of the association are : F. Fisk, President; A. Mayfield, Vice-President; A. M. Hahn, Cor. Secretary ; L. M. Sims, Rec. Secretary ; W. M. Dustin, Treasurer; and Wm. C. McMasters, Librarian. Directors, S. A. Foley, M. Hinrichsen, F. B. Mills, J. C. Ross, J. A. Lutz and N. E. Pegram. Book Committee, Dr. A. M. Miller, Rev. L. P. Crawford, Mrs. T. A. Lutz, Mrs. S. A. Foley and Mrs. N. E. Pegram.
yours Truly. Hm W, Konser, Us,
281
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
THE PRESS.
The oldest paper in the city is the Lincoln Herald. It has had a continuous existence since its establishment in 1855. It was founded by Moudy & Fuller, who, in 1856, sold to Joseph Reed. He conducted it one year and sold to a joint stock company of twelve persons. These employed O. C. Dake to edit the paper, and under his management it was conducted until 1860, when A. B. Mckenzie purchased a controlling interest in the paper. He at once associated with himself Henry Sturges, £ who remained until Oct., 1861, when he went to the army. Mr. Mckenzie continued the paper until 1863, when he sold to J. C. Webster, former circuit clerk, and the first mayor of Lincoln. In January, 1866, he sold to Andrew McGalliard, now owner of the only exclusively job printing house in the county. Mr. McGalliard kept the Herald until January 1, 1873,- seven years, when being elected circuit clerk, he sold to Smith & Mills. This firm continued the publication of the Herald until 1877, when Mr. Smith retired, leaving Mr. Mills sole owner. It represents the interests of the Republican party, and is an ably conducted paper. This paper absorbed the Logan County Democrat, established almost as early as the Herald, by a stock company, who managed it until about 1864, when it was sold to Samuel Johnson, who changed the name to the Logan County Courier, and as such was purchased by Mr. J. C. Webster when owning the Herald, and by whom it was merged into the latter paper. In 1867, the Statesman was established by Thomas J. Sharp, who conducted it several years. In May, 1873, the Journal was founded by Wallace Nall, who in December sold to R. B. Forrest. About the same time Samuel Reed purchased the Statesman, and he and Mr. Forrest formed a partnership, uniting the papers, thereby forming the present Lincoln Times. In December, 1875, Wallace Nall and brother purchased the entire interest and have since managed the paper. In addition to the Times they run a German paper, the Logan County Volks- blatt. This paper was founded by these gentlemen in June, 1877. About the same time E. F. L. Rautenberg, established the Journal, a German paper, which in October, was purchased by the proprietors of the Times. By them it was merged into the Volksblatt.
In February, 1874, Sharp's Weekly Statesman was founded by Thomas J. Sharp .. He managed it until November, 1875, when he associated with himself Col. W. D. Wyatt. They started the Daily Statesman in con- nection with it. In April, 1876, Mrs. Anna Wyatt became owner, the name changed to Daily News, and Col. Wyatt remained as editor until August, when the office was leased to Samuel Reed, who conducted it till March 17, 1877, when it was purchased by Joseph B. Bates, who changed the name to the Republican, and is yet managing it. The paper is entirely published in the office here.
In addition to these papers enumerated, the Intelligencer was estab- lished in June, 1866, by Henry Sturges. In 1869, the paper was discon- tinued, and the office removed to Winchester, Scott County, where it was published by D. L. Ambrose, for some time a resident of Mt. Pulaski.
The Logan County Bee has just been established by Mr. George L. Shoals, editor of the Atlanta Argus. Its special feature is a weekly correspondence from every township in the county.
18
P
282
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
SECURED
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY.
The subjoined history of this college is from the pen of Mr. J. F. Hyde, teacher in the city schools, and compiler of the Lincoln Directory : The proposition to found a college here was first made by Revs. James Ritchey and Elam McCord, in the Synod of Indiana, at its meet- ing held in 1864; and was heartily advocated by Revs. Azel Freeman, D.D., A. J. Strain, and other members of the Synod. The proposition as made, was to include, in addition to the Synod of Indiana, the Synods of Sangamon, Central Illinois, and Illinois, in the State of Ilionois; and the Synod of Iowa; all of which espoused the cause with the spirit and enthusiasm peculiar to the ministry of those states.
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.