USA > Illinois > Logan County > History of Logan county, Illinois : its past and present.. > Part 30
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1869-Mayor, Samuel H. Fields ; clerk, J. Henry Ball ; marshal, J. B. Ransel ; treasurer, L. James ; assessor and collector, S. D. Fisher ; attorney, W. E. Dir,also elected surveyor; street commissioner, J. Frinfrock. Aldermen : First ward, W. P. Hunt ; second, George Esterbrook ; third, E. Stuart.
1870-Mayor, G. I. Harry; clerk, Arthur Paullin ; assessor and col- lector, C. T. Rock; treasurer, L. James ; street commissioner, Dietrich Martin ; marshal, Charles Blessing. Aldermen : First ward, Andrew Turner ; second, R. A. Super ; third, E. Stuart.
1871-Mayor, Benjamin Bean ; clerk, Arthur Paullin ; assessor and collector, G. L. Parker ; street commissioner, Hiram Lawrence ; magis- trate, J. Henry Ball ; marshal, Charles Blessing. Aldermen : First ward, Seth Turner; second, Thomas Camerer ; third, S. D. Fisher.
1872-Mayor, William P. Hunt ; clerk, Andrew P. West ; marshal, L. C. Lambert ; street commissioner, Hiram Lawrence ; assessor and col- lector, S. S. Keigwin. Aldermen : First ward, Seth Turner; second, John M. Gallon ; third, Edward E. Beath.
1873-Mayor, E. Stuart ; clerk, Andrew P. West; justice, J. Henry Ball; assessor and collector, S. S. Keigwin; marshal, L. C. Lambert ; street commifsioner, Hiram Lawrence. Aldermen: First ward, Seth Turner ; second, Solomon Morris; third, F. J. Fields.
1874-Mayor, James Shores ; clerk, William H. Mason ; marshal, C. Hoblit ; assessor and collector, S. S. Keigwin ; street commissioner, Hiram Lawrence. Aldermen: First ward, Seth Turner ; second, Frank Hoblit ; third, E. E. Beath.
1875-Mayor, Andrew P. West ; clerk, B. A. Field ; marshal, L. C. Lambert; street commissioner, H. Lawrence. Aldermen : First ward, J.
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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
G. Reise ; second, Thomas Worthington ; third, R. D. Kesler, elected at a second election, the vote at the first being a tie.
1876-Mayor, Benjamin Bean ; clerk, M. H. C. Young ; marshal, L. C. Lambert ; street commissioner, Scott Martin. Aldermen : First ward, J. Q. McKinon ; second, H. C. Hawes ; third, E. E. Beath.
1877-Mayor, P. R. Marquart ; clerk, M. H. C. Young ; magistrate, Edmund Hill ; marshal, John Becker; street commissioner, Hiram Lawrence. Aldermen: First ward, J. S. Perriton ; second, Thomas Camerer ; third, Elias Harness.
At the same time the city charter was granted, the school, which had been in the hands of the town authorities, was organized under the state school law, and a board of directors, or inspectors, was elected to take charge of the affairs of the district. This form of management yet prevails, and has done very much toward the present town schools.
Atlanta contains about fifteen hundred inhabitants. The trade of the town is principally with the surrounding farmers, whom the town people furnish the necessaries of life, and in turn are furnished other equally needed necessaries by this class of citizens. The majority of the business houses are of brick, and in them will be seen excellent stocks of goods. There are two mills and two elevators. These latter ship on an average forty car-loads of grain per month, principally to the Chicago market. The Illinois Midland Railroad was completed in the autumn of 1872, and crosses the Chicago & Alton here, giving the town a northern and southern outlet, as well as an eastern and western. Its advantages are certainly of the best, and it only remains for its citizens to improve them to secure one of the best towns in Central Illinois.
EDUCATIONAL AND RELIGIOUS INTERESTS.
The old seminary building was erected early in 1853, when the whole number of houses in town did not exceed twenty. This part of the county was, however, quite populous, and at that time was almost always known as the "Four by Six." It had been obtained from De Witt County, and contains twenty-four sections, four wide and six in length ; hence the name.
A very good school was maintained in the village from its earliest existence. In February, 1855, the Atlantic Seminary was chartered, and a school of higher order immediately opened. This was still in the old frame building, which occupied the most eligible site in town. The first board of trustees were Samuel Bevan, Samuel Foster, James Tuttle, A. C. Rankin and R. T. Gill. This board had full power to confer academic degrees, erect buildings, purchase land, appoint teachers, regulate the course of study, etc. It was especially provided that the school should not be made denominational, and if in the opinion of the board its inter- ests could be advanced by converting it into a town school, the board could do so. The stock in the seminary was divided into shares of twenty dollars each, each share being entitled to one vote, and each stockholder liable to a tax of one dollar per share to pay debts. The first instructor was Rev. L. Foster. He was succeeded by Messrs. Atkinson and West. In May, 1856, Rev. W. M. Guilford took charge, and an era of prosperity at once began. . The four departments were all
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occupied. The course of instruction was comprehensive and thorough, and for two years the school's progress was constant. In 1858, it was decided by the board of trustees that the interest of the town children would be better served if the school was placed immediately under the control and maintenance of the town. Mr. S. A. Briggs was chosen principal this year, and had about the same number of assistants heretofore employed. The school was conducted under this management until 1869, when, at the organization of the city government, the school was also organized under the state school law as a graded school. The district was enlarged to include territory one mile each way from town, and a board of school directors were elected, who assumed entire control of the school. In 1870, the old seminary building was found inadequate for the accommodation of the school population, and measures were adopted to erect a larger building. The old seminary was removed to a corner of the lot, and used until the new one was completed, when it was taken to the farm of Augustus Reise, where it yet remains. The new building is three stories in height above the basement. It contains ten school- rooms, a spacious hall and an office. The building is surmounted by a tasty cupola, in which a large town clock, having four dials, is placed. These can be seen from any portion of the city, and are a great con- venience. The strokes of the clock can be distinctly heard in any part of town. This adornment cost $800 - raised by contributions. The contract price of the building was $24,485; to this, $500 was afterward added. The entire cost, including the clock and furniture, was $28,500, for which outlay the city of Atlanta has one of the best schools in the county. Nine graduates have finished the complete course here. The present principal is Mr. J. S. Cole.
The present Baptist Church of Atlanta was established in 1830, under the name of the Big Grove Baptist Church, by the Rev. M. Mann and Rev. H. Bowman. There were fourteen members at that time, from whom John Hoblit was chosen deacon, and Samuel Hoblit, clerk. Rev. Bowman was called as pastor, remaining with the congregation six or seven years. In 1839, the society built a house of worship in New Castle, and changed the name to the New Castle Baptist Church. They were then under the charge of Rev. J. D. Newel. From this date until 1855, the pastors were Revs. Johathan Merriam, Joel Hulsey, Lewis Morgan, N. Alwood, H. D. Mason, Z. Hall, and A. S. Dennison. About the close' of Rev. Dennison's pastorate, they sold the church in New Castle, and' removed their place of worship to Atlanta, and there assumed there pres- ent name. Here they erected a house of worship capable of seating five hundred persons. In June, 1856, they called the Rev. E. J. Thomas, who had charge of the congregation eleven years. In 1872, the church was" destroyed by fire, while Rev. Cole was pastor. Since that time, they have met for worship in the Congregational church. The present pastor, Rev. J. S. Primm, entered on his duties September 30, 1877.
The Congregational church was formed from the Mt. Hope Church, 'in 1840. Until 1853, they were served by different pastors, prominent among whom was Rev. S. Spencer, under whose pastorate the member- ship was greatly increased. In 1853, Rev. S. Foster was called, and that year the place of worship was removed to Atlanta, where they occupied Seminary Hall until the completion of their church, in 1857. Rev. Drake
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was pastor here for some time, and was succeeded by Rev Hubbard, the last regular pastor.
The Methodist Church was organized as a class, in the house of John Satoris, in 1854. There were then twenty-three members. The organ- ization was effected under the labors of Rev. James Newbegin, assisted by Rev. John l'reshaw. One year later, the organization was perfected by Revs. Benjamin Bartholow and William Mc Veigh. James M. Cantral, H. Maltby, Ezra Kenyon, A. J. Ludlow, A. J. Corthon and John Pallady were elected trustees. The erection of a house of worship was at once begun, and dedicated, in 1856 or '57, by Rev. Jonathan Stamper. Since then the following persons have filled the pulpit of this church as pastors :. Revs. Benjamin Bartholow, A. Semple, Preston Wood, G. R. S. McEl- fresh, A. Semple, James Shaw, C. D. James, John S. Barger, D. W. Eng- lish, J. B. Seymour, C. A. Obenshain, G. W. Bates, J. Miller, and the present pastor, Rev. J. C. Keller. During Rev. James Shaw's pastorate, the house of worship was badly damaged by fire ; but it has since been repaired, and the congregation is now in a prosperous condition.
The Christain Church was organized, in 1855, by Rev. George Minier, with twenty-four members. The next year, they erected their present house of worship, the steeple of which becoming unsafe, in 1869,. was torn down that year, and replaced by the present one. Their second pastor was Rev. W. M. Guilford, whose successors have been Revs. Leroy Skelton, John Lindsey, J. W. Monser, Samuel Lowe, T. T. Hol- ton, and the present pastor, R. D. Cotton. The congregation has pros- pered well all these years, and is now in excellent condition.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized about 1856,. but, the denomination having three or four houses of worship within a few miles of town, no building was erected in Atlanta until 1866. This building they yet occupy. For several years, Rev. Joseph Roach had . charge of this church, during whose ministry the house of worship was- completed. Rev. Bell afterward preached some time, but, the people being unable to support a regular minister, none have been employed since.
The Presbyterian Church has been organized several years, but, prior to 1867, worshiped in a hall rented for that purpose. That year they completed their house of worship, a comfortable brick structure, which they now occupy. Rev. Crissman was called to the pulpit of this church, which he filled very acceptably several years. He was succeeded by Rev. A. Bartholomew, who remained five years. Since his time, the congregation has been without a pastor, being unable to support one. They still maintain occasional services, and sustain an excellent Sunday- school.
SOCIETIES.
The city has one Masonic and one Odd Fellow Society, each in good condition. In addition to these it has the Agricultural Society, already noticed, and the Atlanta Anti-Thief Society. This latter was . organized in 1854, for a purpose aptly set forth in the preamble : " The citizens of Atlanta and vicinity have for a number of years been annoyed and subject to trouble and loss from thieves. Therefore, we, the people thereof,{have resolved to form an Association for the better protection' of
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our property." The Society was a great value to its members and the residents about town in bringing to justice some of the worst thieves in the country. In 1869 the laws of the Society were revised and printed, and more members added, until the number reached one hundred and three. At that date they had reported thirty-nine horses and mules returned to their owners, out of forty-two stolen, while a vast amount of merchandise had also been recovered. At one time nearly three thousand dollars worth of dry goods were stolen from the store of L. Eichburgh & Brothers, which was all recovered after a spirited chase, as well as the wagon and team of the thieves. Sixteen thieves have been captured. Of these, six broke jail, nine were convicted and sent to prison, and one suicided. The membership of the Society is now about seventy-five. The officers are John E. Hoblit, President ; S. H. Field, Vice-President ; Frank Hoblit, Treasurer and Secretary; Smith Stroud, Captain ; and Abel Larrison, Lieutenant. The very existence of this Society, its decisive mode of action, and determination to find the outlaw, is one of the strongest safeguards the city possesses.
THE PRESS.
The first paper in Atlanta has already been noted, viz., the Logan County Forum. It was published only a few years, and the enterprise abandoned by the proprietor. Afterward one or two other papers were started, but none continued successfully save the Atlanta Argus. It was established in May, 1869, by Albion Smith, who at first printed it in Bloomington. In 1870, F. B. Mills, present proprietor of the Lincoln Herald, became a partner, and under this management the paper was con- ducted until the spring of 1873, when they purchased the Lincoln Herald and removed to Lincoln, leaving the Argus to be managed by A. W. Briggs. In July he purchased the paper, and conducted it until August, 1874, when he sold to the present editor and proprietor, Mr. George L. Shoals, who is making a paper of the Argus equal to any in Logan County. He also publishes the Minier News, established in 1875, at Minier, Tazewell County. He has just established the Logan County Bee, at Lincoln, an excellent eight-page paper, whose especial feature is a correspondence each week from every township in the county.
THE ATLANTA LIBRARY.
About the year 1872, various funds arising from concerts and other public. exercises were set aside for the purchase of books for a public library. The library so formed was kept in Mr. Bean's store, and aug- mented from the same source until 1875, when the Library Association was formed under the general State law. The books were removed to the Argus office, and the editor, George L. Shoals, made Librarian. Since that date the fund received is about $100 per annum, out of which the Librarian is paid $25, and the remainder is used to purchase books. There are now 500 volumes in the library. It is open every Wednesday and Saturday, free to all residents.
ELKHART.
This village derives its name from the beautiful grove near which it is situated, and which was the scene of the first settlement of the county.
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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
As soon as the railroad had been completed to this point, an old horse- mill in Springfield, owned by Seneca Woods, was brought up by William Mozee, and placed here for a warehouse. This was in the spring of 1853. In 1855 the village was laid out by John Shockey, of Franklin County, Pennsylvania, who at once built a large frame hotel, on what is now known as the Elwood corner. The building is still standing, and is occupied by various stores. J. R. Saunders built about the same time a brick building for a store, in which he opened the first stock of goods in Elkhart. A few goods were for sale in the old ware- house prior to this, but no regular stock kept. Quite a number of houses were built this same summer, and until 1862, the town grew very rapidly. Captain Saunders was the first Postmaster and railroad agent in town, although his clerk, William Rankin, performed the necessary labor.
The town was for many years one of the largest shipping points on this railroad. Mr. John D. Gillett, an extensive farmer and stock raiser, resides near it, and is now engaged in shipping cattle to England. During the year 1856, nearly three hundred thousand bushels of corn were sold at this station.
Since 1862, the growth of the town has been slow. The trade is, however, good, and supports a number of excellent stores. Elkhart was incorporated Feb. 22, 1861.
A good union school is well sustained. The first school was held in a small district school-house, about 1853. In 1855 or 1856, it was brought into town. By 1865, the town demanded a better building. It was needed before this date, but not till that year was a new house built. It is still used.
There are three churches here. The Methodists had a class in this vicinity in the early days of the county. In 1863, they built a church in town, and still maintain a regular ministry.
The Christian Church was founded in Elkhart about 1865. The congregation erected a house of worship in 1867. They are yet occupy- ing it. The Catholics were formed into a congregation in 1870, and have now the largest membership in town.
MIDDLETOWN
is the oldest town in Logan County. Indeed, it was formed before the county existed. It was laid out by Hiram S. Allen, October 13, 1832, and consisted of sixty-four lots, each sixty by one hundred and twenty feet in size. Not long after the town was laid out, Smith & King opened a small store, probably the first enterprise of the kind in the limits of this county. Their stock of goods was small, and comprised only articles. actually needed by the few residents of the country. This firm only continued in business a few years. King died, and, in 1836, Smith left. He was at once succeeded by Colby Knapp, now a resident of Lincoln. Mr. Knapp had been a clerk in Baltimore, and, being anxious to better his financial condition and provide a home for old age, determined to come west. This he did soon after his marriage, the journey being performed by a stage, over the mountains to Pittsburgh, thence down the Ohio, up the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers to Pekin, where he- alighted, and went soon after to Middletown. Here he succeeded Smith
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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
& King in the mercantile business, shipping some goods from Baltimore, and procuring some in St. Louis. His first store was a frame building. He, in 1840, built a brick house, probably the first brick structure in the county. This was used as a dwelling as well as a store, and was at one time the largest store in this part of the state.
The town at first comprised only sixteen acres. In' 1836, Colby Knapp and William Glenn, Jr., platted the remainder of the eighty acres, and placed the lots on the market. Mr. Knapp was appointed post- master here, in 1837. Martin Van Buren was President, and Amos Kendall, Postmaster General. Prior to this time a post-office had been maintained in Irish Grove, in what is now Menard County. There was also a Presbyterian church built about 1833 or '34, and here the people in Middletown and surrounding country attended services. Mr. Knapp remained here till 1860. The brick store is yet used for the same pur- poses. One or two others have since been built. The town, being off the railroad route, never partook of the rapid advancement attained by others more fortunately situated. It now contains about two hundred inhabitants, and supports a good school and one church. The latter, the Methodist Episcopal, is a comfortable structure, and the congregation in a good condition. The school-house was built as early as 1844 or '45. It was afterward enlarged and repaired, and at present contains two rooms.
In the early days of Middletown, the merchants brought their goods from St. Louis to Pekin by water, unless the river was too low for boats to run, when they were compelled to haul from the city across the country. As the town was on the route from that city to Chicago, two mails were left here, and often when the rivers were high, over a wagon- load of mail matter would accumulate.
The advent of the railroad in 1853, put a stop to all hope for a large town here, and since that time it has about held its own.
BROADWELL.
A village of about two hundred inhabitants, some six miles southwest of Lincoln, was laid out in 1856 by Thomas C. Meyer, of New York, a Mr. Spencer, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a Mr. Blatchford, of New York, and the Morgan brothers, of Dwight, Illinois. The survey was made by Conroy Pierce, County Surveyor. The earliest settlers in this township were Samuel C. Foster, D. F. Wright, C. Wright, James Braucher, Samuel McGarvey, the Rankins, and others. The first settler in the ·village was Thomas Debety, who built the first house therein, and lived here a few years. The house is now the residence of Mrs. Harriet King. Wm. Sample built a stone store after the town was platted. The build- ing is now occupied by Abram Eisiminger, for the same purpose. Albert McCollister was the first post master in town, using for his office a small building now unoccupied. As soon as the town began to fill with resi- dents, Charles D. McCauley erected a second store, and George Barry, a blacksmith shop, the first in town.
The depot building was erected in 1856, and Thomas Debety ap- pointed agent. The next year a small frame school-house, now occupied as a residence by the family of Joseph O'Brien, was constructed. It was used for educational purposes until the commencement of the late war,
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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
when, becoming inadequate to the increased wants of the school popula- tion, it was sold, and the present two-story house built. It contains two rooms, and will accommodate about one hundred pupils. The first teacher in the little frame school house was a Mr. Wilburt, who was probably the first teacher in town. .
The Christians erected the first church in Broadwell. They yet occupy the house. Among their earliest ministers were Revs. Charles Berry and Allen Rice. They were followed by the Methodist Episcopal Church, who built a frame church near the school-house, which they now occupy. Among their early ministers was Rev. Simmons, who labored in various localities in the interest of his denomination.
The town enjoys a very good trade in grain and stock, nearly all being shipped to Eastern markets. There are at present two stores, three shops, two churches, and one school.
HARTSBURG,
in Orvil township, about eight miles north of Lincoln, on the P. L. & D. R.R., was laid out by Thos. G. Gardner, county surveyor, June 22, 1871. Mr. D. H. Harts was the owner of the plat, and for him the sur- vey was made, and from him the town took its name. The first merchant in town was E. R. Woland, who conducted the business for Henry Ruhack, of Pekin, proprietor. J. E. Miller opened the second store, in the building he yet occupies. The next was started by J. D. Hoyne, and the fourth by L. Nall. In 1874, A. W. Ray erected the present elevator, on the site of a small one he used a year or two previously. A good trade in grain is now maintained.
Mr. P. P. Brady erected the first dwelling in town, and J. A. Musick, whose parents were the first settlers in this part of the county, built the second.
Until 1876, school was conducted only in the district school-house, a short distance from town. This year, the need of one in their midst became apparent, and the present school-house was erected. It is so constructed that a second story can be added when necessary. The schools are yet under the township district control.
In March, 1875, the Christian congregation, then worshiping about two miles south of Hartsburg, moved their house of worship to town, and have since met there. The congregation was organized about seven years ago, and is now in a good condition. The number of members is over forty, while the Sunday-school has an attendance of one hundred. The present pastor is Rev. Isaac Stout.
Hartsburg now contains two hundred inhabitants, is growing well, and is becoming a good trading and shipping point on this railroad.
EMDEN,
a village of about two hundred inhabitants, is situated in the north part of the county, in Orvil township.
The village is the result of the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur Railroad passing through this township. It was completed in 1871, and on June 15 the town was surveyed, by Thomas G. Gardner, county surveyor, for John M. Gill, of Pekin, Illinois, the original proprietor. The land before
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comprised part of the farm of Mr. A. J. Snyder, and, at the date of the survey, two houses were standing on the plat. The first store was built by B. F. Burnett, the first postmaster and depot agent. It is now owned and occupied by P. J. Alberts & Co. During the summer of 1873, the first elevator in town was built by A. W. Ray. It is still occupied, and ships annually large amounts of grain. The second elevator was built, in 1875, by Smith, Kippen & Co., and is now controlled by Henry Wein- burg, and from December, 1876, to May, 1877, he shipped one hundred and fifty thousand bushels of corn. This is the staple article here, and forms almost the entire business of town. Emden is now the best grain depot on this railroad in Logan County, the shipments of corn alone aggregating fully a half million bushels annually. Stock is not shipped in as large quantities as from other places, the farmers preferring to sell the corn.
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