History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 22

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co.
Publication date: 1879
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 440

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DANIEL ANDERSON,

HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Boards of directors or persons wishing school or office furniture may be sure of finding what they need, at fair prices, at the great establishment of this firm in Chicago.

The following is a list of the township treasurers in Macoupin county for the year 1879, together with the post-office address of each :

TOWNSHIP.

TREASURER.

POST-OFFICE.

CAHOKIA 8-6

H. W. WALL.

Staunton, Il1.

SHAW'S

10-6

... J. W. YOWELL

GIRARD 12-6

JOHN GRAHAM.

.. Zanesville, “

DORCHESTER 7-7.

F. L. THOMPSON

Girard,

GILLESPIE 8-7.

.JOSIAH SAWYER

.Staunton,

BRUSHY MD. 9-7.

.. W. H. STODDARD

.Carlinville,

SOUTH OTTER 11-7

ROBERT BACON

Buford,

BUNKER HILL 7-8

.. S. S. CLARK ..

. Bunker Hill,

HILYARD 8-8.

.. SAMUEL BROWN

Plainview,

POLK 9-8

.. W. E. SANDERS.

Macoupin Station, Ill.

BIRD 10-8

J. H. ARNETT.

Carlinville,

SOUTH PALMYRA 11-8 ..

.. D. N. SOLOMON.

.Palmyra,

NORTH PALMYRA 12-8 ........ IMRI B. VANCIL ...

... Vancil's Point,

BRIGHTON 7-9 ....

.EDWIN AMASS.

.. Brighton,

SHIPMAN 8-9

.E. G. RANDLE.

.. Shipman,

CHESTERFIELD 9-9

.N. CHALLACOMBE

Medora,

WESTERN MOUND 10-9.

J. R. WOOLLEY

... Greenfield,

BARR 11-9

HIRAM DRUM.

.Barr's Store,

SCOTTVILLE 12-9

.. J. H. ROHRER

.Scottville,

After the expiration of the term of the present treasurers, the law provides that their successors be elected for two years instead of one. They are required to give bond to the township trustees for twice the amount of funds placed in their hands, and to give additional security when required. We have given briefly the history of the public schools of Macoupin county and of such parts of the history of the public-school system of the state as relate to the county. No county in the state has made greater progress in its schools in the same length of time than Macoupin. Beginning with a rude system that would not be recognized to-day as of any merit, it has made rapid progress, until to-day our schools are so graded and conducted, that they offer ample facilities for a liberal education to all who have any desire for literary culture. It may be true that apathy and ignorance prevail in some quarters, and remissness in duty with some teachers and school-officers; yet a careful observer will be fully convinced that the existing evils are fast disappearing, and the whole people realize the importance of supporting none but good schools, and of employing none but good teachers. With all the liberal provisions for a thorough education of all the children, yet the system is by no means perfect. The grand enterprise is but in its infancy, and requires careful and judicious attention to secure the results desired. These should be such that they will prepare every one for the duties of a freeman, and to assist him in becoming an industrious, intelligent, self-sup- porting citizen.

CHAPTER XIII. BLACKBURN UNIVERSITY.

BY PROF. RUFUS NUTTING.

HIS, the most important educational institution of the county, and already numbered among the leading institutions of its kind in Illinois, adjoins the corporate limits of Carlinville on the north- east, occupying a magnificent campus of eighty acres. In the foreground are rows of well-grown forest trees of select varieties; as maple, ash, elm, buckeye and the like; while in the back-ground is an undulating park of great beauty, principally composed of native oaks.

The main building, shown in the accompanying plate, is of brick, and constructed in the most thorough manner, at a cost, for building and equip- ment, of about $60,000. Its frontage toward the west is 116 feet, and it has north and south wings carried back respectively 84 and 72 feet. With well- finished basement below, and high mansard, slate-roofed above, the building

BLACKBURN UNIVERSITY.

is practically of four stories, except the north wing, which is of five stories. All requisite accommodations are here furnished for recitation and lecture- rooms, chapel and general study-room, library and reading-room, and board- ing hall, with private rooms sufficient for nearly one hundred students. These rooms are well lighted and ventilated, and in all respects pleasant and attractive.

The other building appearing in the plate is soon to be erected, as author- ized by recent action of the Board of Trustees, and is to be about 45 by 60 feet, to be built of brick, and tastefully finished in style most approved for its special purposes. The first story is to be used for chemical laboratory and lecture-room ; the second story for museum, and the third story for society rooms of the Philomathean and Orthopatetic societies of the students. The cost of building and necessary furnishing are estimated not to exceed $10,000. A large portion of the special fund required for this purpose has been generously given by Dr. William A. Robertson, a leading citizen of Carlinville, and other citizens of the place are offering contributions to the same end.

At this date (1879) the property of the university amounts to about $150,- 000, about half of which consists of buildings and equipments, with campus, and about half consists of cash invested in interest-bearing bonds and mort- gages, with some lands still unsold. Its yearly income is at present about $9,000, of which less than one-third is derived from tuition.

The faculty is at present composed of seven instructors; viz. Rev. E. L. Hurd, D.D., Professor of Theology and of Mental and Moral Science, also President of the Faculty ; Robert B. Minton, A.M., Professor of Mathema- ties and Mechanical Philosophy ; Rev. Rufus Nutting, A.M., Professor of Latin and Greek Languages; John D. Conley, A.M., Professor of Chemistry and Natural History; Mrs. Kate Hopkins, Principal of Ladies' Department; Henry Merz, Instructor in German and French Languages; and Thomas E. Moore, A. B., Principal of the Preparatory Department.

As to course of study, this institution embraces three departments : prepa- ratory, collegiate and theological. The course of study in the first of these extends through two years, and is designed to give thorough preparation for the collegiate course, whether classical or scientific. The college-course (classical) extends through four years; and it is believed that it would be difficult to hit upon a course better adapted to the purposes of a complete and thorough education. It is substantially the same as that adopted in the best colleges east and west. Students who complete this course receive the degree of Bachelor of Arts.

The scientific college-course also extends through four years, including all the studies of the preceding course, except Latin and Greek, embracing, however. some other studies of special value. Students upon completing this course, receive the degree of Bachelor of Science.

Students who complete the studies of the scientific course, and also the Latin of the classical course, receive the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy.

There is also a collegiate and theological course combined, extending through six years, and containing the main studies of the preparatory and collegiate courses, and also the theological studies. By this briefer and tho- rough course, young men who could not enter the ministry through a nine years' course of preparatory studies, and who yet have characteristics fitting

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HONEY POINT 9-6

E. S. HOLME.

W. N. CULP.

Gillespie, Ill.

„Carlinville, Il1.

NILWOOD 11-6.

A. FREY

.. Gillespie,

CARLINVILLE 10-7 ...

.A. McKix De Bois,

NORTH OTTER 12-7 ...

G. A. W. CLOUD ....

.. Girard,

STAUNTON 7-6

HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

them for good service in the pulpits of the various Christian denominations, are enabled to secure the requisite training. Several of the alumni of Black- burn University, now doing good service in the field, are evidence of the wis- dom of this arrangement. Both courses afford thorough training in Greek and Hebrew languages and exegesis.

There is also a full theological course, following upon the full classical course, in this institution, and extending through three years. This course is substantially the same as that of the best theological seminaries elsewhere.

Constant attention is paid to composition and elocution in all the depart- ments and courses of study. Students who do not desire to pursue a full course of study, may select as they prefer in any of the established courses, and recite with the regular classes, if found qualified upon examination to do so profitably.

Special instruction is given in civil engineering. Competent teachers in music, both vocal and instrumental, will be provided, if desired.

A report of attendance, deportment, recitations and exercises of each pupil is made out at the close of each term, and sent to the parent or guardian ; and future advancement depends entirely on the proficiency of the pupil.

Catalogues with more particular information can always be obtained by addressing a card of inquiry to "Blackburn University," Carlinville, III. In accordance with the more liberal sentiment of this progressive age, young ladies are admitted to all the privileges and honors of this institution upon the same conditions that prevail in the case of young men.

Blackburn University owes its existence to the wise foresight and the per- severing exertions of Rev. Gideon Blackburn, D.D., from whom it has fitly taken its name. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was born in Augusta county, Ky., Aug. 22d, 1772, where were spent the first fifteen years of his life. Subsequently a resident of Tennessee, and at the age of twenty-two having been admitted to the gospel-ministry in the Presbyterian Church, he spent twenty-nine years in missionary work, at the same time instructing and superintending the studies of young men preparing themselves for simi- lar work. In 1823 he was called to the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church of Louisville, Kentucky. Four years later he accepted the presidency of Centre College in the same state, and then in 1833 removed to this part of Illinois. Becoming convinced of the future importance of this region, and also alive to the urgent need of additional facilities here for higher Christian education, he devised and carried into effect a scheme for the endowment of such an institution as seemed to be demanded. By personal application to benevolent men of means in the eastern states and cities, he obtained ad- vances of money from them to be used in selecting and lorating lands for them upon these fertile prairies. These advances were at the rate of $2.00 per acre. After paying the government price, which was but $1.25 per acre, and his own expenses, he was at liberty to use the surplus in entering lands which should serve as a basis for the establishment of his proposed seminary. He thus secured about 16,000 acres, which in 1837 he conveyed by deed to certain trustees, requiring them to use their best efforts to procure the passage of an act by the legislature incorporating an institution of learn- ing to be located at Carlinville, the object of which should be "to promote the general interests of education, and to prepare young men for the gospel- ministry." Not long after this conveyance was executed, his death occurred.

For certain reasons the contemplated charter was not obtained until 1857. In the mean time some of the lands had been sold for taxes, and other diffi- culties were encountered. But at length in 1858 a building costing $12,000 (a portion of the present building) was erected, and in 1859 a preparatory schoo! was there opened under the direction of Rev. J. C. Downer, which continued three years. Then, having been suspended one year, it was re- opened in the fall of 1862 under the supervision of Prof. R. B. Minton, A. M., who had already demonstrated his superior abilities as an instructor in another state. From that date the institution has steadily advanced, adding from time to time to the number of instructors, and expanding its range of studies, until several years since, as above intimated, a full collegiate and theological course had been added to its preparatory course. And in the future, additions will be made to the corps of instructors and to the general facilities afforded by the institution, as rapidly as its resources shall warrant.

Thus far, over one thousand different pupils have to a greater or less extent enjoyed its advantages, and the average number of students annually enrolled, as shown by the catalogues of successive years, has been about two hundred. Its first collegiate class, consisting of seven members, was graduated in 1870. Ten classes, including that of the present year (1879) have graduated from the institution, numbering in the aggregate eighty-five, and giving an aver- age of between eight and nine for each class. This is a most gratifying and

encouraging exhibit, as very few colleges in the United States have been able to show larger results for the corresponding decade of their history. One of the principal colleges in this state graduated on an average but six in each class for the first ten years; and to-day, after having celebrated ity semi-centennial anniversary, has but little more to show of permanent en- dowment or of buildings and facilities for its work than belong to this, its very young sister.

But since quality not less than quantity is to be taken into the account in a summary of results, it may be remarked that no more gratifying or con- clusive testimonial as to the character of the educational work here done could be asked for or offered than is to be found in the highly honorable position taken by the graduates of Blackburn University in the learned professions and in the responsible business avocations of the age. In enter- prise and ability it may safely be affirmed that as a class they fall behind the graduates of no other institution. Not only in our own state but in other states and territories, even in Utah, Oregon, Washington and Califor- nia they are to be found acquitting themselves in manly style, and earning an enviable reputation.

While so much has been accomplished in the brief past, the present cir- cumstances of the institution are such as to warrant on its behalf the most sanguine anticipations of a still higher future. A few of these may be noted.

1. It is free from debt.

2. It has come through the trying financial ordeal of the past six years with comparatively little loss of property.

3. It has a permanent endowment, substantially unimpaired, and securely invested, which assures the future existence of the University for all time to come.

4. Difficulties that had arisen years ago in its Board of Trustees and Faculty have been obviated, and at this time entire harmony prevails among all those to whom the interests of this important enterprise have been com- mitted.

5. It largely enjoys, as it deserves to do, the affection of its alumni and students, and in growing measure the confidence and good-will of the com- munity.

6. It is able to offer substantial advantages to those seeking an education. Its location is not only pleasant, but exceptionally healthful. Its rates of tuition, in pursuance of the liberal policy of its Christian founder, are from twenty to fifty or a hundred per cent. lower than in other similar institu- tions ; while in certain cases tuition may be wholly remitted. The cost of board, which in the families of the community is much less than in other similar communities, may be much farther reduced through the encourage- ment and aid extended by the trustees to the boarding department of the institution. Its faculty is composed of instructors of experience and proved ability. The community is socially an agreeable one, well supplied with churches, and with the varied appliances requisite for social enjoyment and improvement. The moral and religious tone of the institution itself is in keeping with its evangelical foundation and Christian aims.

It may be proper to remark that though Blackburn University is under the control of Presbyterians, it is designed in no sense to be a sectarian institution. It would indeed be known as distinctively and peculiarly a Christian institution, where the Bible is the controlling book, and Christ the highest teacher. True to the aim and spirit of its founder, it specially seeks the presence within its walls of those who would prepare themselves to be Christian workers, of whatsoever name. Skepticism and irreligion and vice it discountenances as hostile to its highest purposes. Yet all are welcome, without reference to any church relationship, who are morally correct, and who are sincere sockers after knowledge, and candid inquirers for truth. Various churches have been represented in the Board of Trust as well as in the Faculty, and slight stress is laid upon any distinctive peculiarities of ecclesiastical doctrine or usage. The right of private judgment and the authority of the individual conscience are here most freely conceded and fully respected.

Though the mere matter of the existence of Blackburn University has been settled and assured by the wise foresight and liberality of its founder, the question as to its growth and advancement, as in other like cases, must be decided largely by the community in the midst of which it is situated.

In an important sense it is for the community, and so belongs to the com- munity, and should naturally be cared for by the community.

Self-interest might well dictate as a wise policy, co-operation in so build- ing up such an institution as to make the most possible of it.

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

To a considerate mind, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars given and invested for the moral and intellectual benefit of the people, will hardly ap- pear a trifling matter.

As a demonstrable fact, the tuition of every student of Blackburn Uni- versity has actually cost, and will continue to cost over $100 per year. Three-fourths of this sum, by virtue of the above investment, is given as a gratuity to each pupil every year, and through the pupils to the public, and only one-fourth, or $25, paid by the pupil and the public. Thus an annual benefaction of the value of $10,000 to $12,000 is rendered to the public by the institution. The import of such a fact can hardly be over-estimated, or even duly appreciated. Multitudes of the sons and daughters of this region are thus encouraged and assisted to attain such an education as would other- wise be quite beyond their reach, and are so put upon a new and higher plane of efficiency and usefulness and respectability, for which they and their friends will ever after have cause to be grateful. And by this process continually repeated, an uplifting work is silently, yet constantly going on in the community, which when measured by a generation or two will be felt and seen to be most prodigious.

Yet besides the moral and intellectual benefits thus accruing from the presence of such an institution, the pecuniary gain to the community is by no means trifling. To the best class of immigrants seeking a home, the strongest of attractions that can influence the choice of a new location, is such an institution with its educational facilities and the community it has gathered about itself. It enhances the value of every acre of ground within reach of its influence. It disburses thousands of dollars annually among the mechanics, farmers, grocers, and merchants, by way of its salaried teachers and employees and students from abroad, all of whom, but for the institution, would be spending their time and money elsewhere. It saves annually to the citizens of the community who have children to educate, hundreds and thousands of dollars, which must otherwise be expended in boarding their sons and daughters at some distant school.

May not an institution that, besides all moral and intellectual benefits, has a pecuniary value to the community in which it is located, of $30,000 to $50,000 per year, and so in that low view is better than any factory or mill, or mine, properly ask and expect not only good-will, and patronage, but also some reciprocation of pecuniary benefits, when it has occasion to lengthen its cords and strengthen its stakes, that it may confer still greater benefits in the community in its future generations ?

Thoughtful consideration of this question, and a just answer rendered, will make a history for Blackburn University, of which the citizens of our county in future generations may well be proud. ,

CHAPTER XIV. PATRIOTISM OF MACOUPIN COUNTY.

BLACK-HAWK WAR, MEXICAN WAR AND THE WAR FOR THE UNION. B SEFORE entering much into detail of that war, its causes and results, we give to our readers a brief sketch of Black-Hawk, the celebrated warrior, who figured so conspicuously in those campaigns. Macuta Mahicatah is the Indian name for Black- Hawk. He was born in the Sauk village in the year 1767, and was an Indian of considerable talent and sagacity, shrewd and eloquent in council; he, however, deported himself in that demure, grave, and formal manner incident to almost all Indians. It is said he possessed a mind of more than ordinary strength, but slow and plodding in its operations. In comparison he could not be classed with the great Indian characters, such as Philip, Brant, Logan, Tecumseh, and such illustrious men. By the portraits of him now extant, the reader of character will readily observe in his large, high forehead and the lines worn by care in his face, massive jaws and compressed lips, a character indicative of more than ordinary ability. His ambition was to distinguish himself as a great warrior; yet he was merciful to the weak, the women and children. The only road for an Indian to distinguish himself and become a great man, is in war. So soon as he kills an enemy he may paint on his blanket a bloody hand, which will entitle him to a seat in the councils. In 1810 and 1811 Black-Hawk and comrades were "nursing their wrath to keep it warm," against the whites. A party of Sacs, by invitation, went to see the prophet at Tippe-

canoe. They returned more angry against the Americans. A party of Winnebagoes had massacred some whites, which excited for murder the Sac band headed by Black-Hawk. A part of his band and some Winneha- goes attacked Fort Madison in 1811, but were repulsed. Black-Hawk headed the Sacs in this attack.

In 1812 emissaries from the British arrived at Rock Island with goods, and secured Black-Hawk with five hundred warriors to go with Col. Dixon to Canada. When they reached Green Bay there were assembled there bands of the Ottowas, Pottawatomies, Winnebagoes, and Kickapoos, under the command of Col. Dixon. Black-Hawk and band participated in the battles of River Raisin, the Lower Sandusky, and other places, but getting dissatis- fied with the hard fighting and small amount of spoils, he, and twenty comrades, left for the Sauk village at Rock Island, where he remained for many years at peace, with the exception of a small battle on the Quiver river settlement in Missouri, in the present limits of St. Charles county, where one white man and an Indian were killed.

The principal cause of the Indian troubles in '31-'32, better known as the Black-Hawk war, was the determination of Black-Hawk and his band to remain in their ancient village, located on Rock river, not far from its junction with the Mississippi. The government having some time previously, by various treaties, purchased the village and the whole country from the Sac and Fox tribe of Indians, had some of these lands surveyed, and in 1828 some of the lands in and around the ancient village were sold; the collision between the two races for the possession of the property produced the first disturbance between the Indians and the government. Seeing that war was inevitable the Governor of Illinois made a call on the militia of the state for seven hundred men on the 26th of May, 1831, and appointed Beardstown, on the Illinois river, as the place of rendezvous. The call was responded to with that promptness characteristic of the early pioneers of this state. Their habits of life were such that all were familiar with the rifle. After marching eight days, the mounted militia reached a point a few miles below the Sac village on the Mississippi, where they joined the United States forces under Gen. Gaines, and encamped in the evening. The next morning the forces marched up to the Indian town prepared to give the enemy battle; but in the night the Indians had escaped and crossed the Mississippi. This ended Black-Hawk's bravado and his determination to die in his ancient village. The number of warriors under his command was estimated at from four to six hundred men. Black-Hawk and his band landed on the west side of the Mississippi, a few miles below Rock Island, and there camped. "Gen. Gaines sent a peremptory order to him and his warriors that if he and his head men did not come to Rock Island and make a treaty of peace, he would march his troops and give him a battle at once. * * * * In a few days Black-Hawk and the chiefs and head men to the number of twenty-eight, appeared at Fort Armstrong, and on the 30th of June, 1831, in full council with Gen. Gaines and Governor John Reynolds, signed a treaty of peace."

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History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 22

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co. Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Number of Pages: 440

Author: Brink, McDonough & Co.
Publication date: 1879
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 440