History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 29

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

USA > Illinois > Macoupin County > History of Macoupin County, Illinois > Part 29

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The first ruling elders were John Hamilton, James Shook, James Young, and John Crawford, The present ruling elders are Newton Berry, T. W. Chiles, Wesley M. King, G. F. Riddle, Wm. H. King and J. H. Roach. This church now numbers ninety-three members. In the year 1858, a church-house was built in the old town of Cummington. In the fall of 1878 the house was moved to the village of Palmyra, and improved and repaired. It is valued at $3,300.

This congregation from an early day, has labored assiduously in the Sunday-school cause: first in the log school-houses and subsequently in their own church and churches. This church has sent out from her men- bership and from her converts with two exceptions, the following ministers: John R. Smith, J. B. Lawrence, J. E. Roach, W. D. Wood, W. C. Roach, C. A. King and W. Patchin. The church still continues to do good work in spreading the gospel.

Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Girard was organized July 16th, 1854, by Rev. W. C. Bell. The following were the first members, W. T. Jones, Nancy Jones, Jesse Cox, Cynthia Cox, Margaret A. England, Benjamin Biggerstaff, Ann and Nancy A. Biggerstaff, Thomas Sanford, Mrs. I. San- ford, Richard Sanford, Clarissa Jones, Mary .Jones, Lyda Frizell, Elizabeth Stewart, J. F. Roach, Martha Roach, G. C. and A. P. Shackelford, and Moses M. Morrison. This church has been supplied by the following ministers: Rev's. W. C. Bell, F. Bridgman, J. C. Van Patten, H. W. Eagan, S. Y. Love, W. C. Roach, Thomas Potter, S. K. Shull, C. A. King, and Rev. O. F. Bettis, the present pastor.

The church was erected in the year 1855. The first elders were W. T. Jones, George Shackelford, and Jesse Cox. The present elders are L. A. Foster, J. F. Roach, G. King, and David Foster. In 1857 the Sunday- school was organized; the church now numbers a membership of forty-two, and the value of church property is $1,800.

Pleasant Hill Church was organized by Rev. W. C. Bell, in the year 1857. The first members were Robert McClusky, John Smith, Sandy Wiggins, Elvina Wiggins, Winny S. Wiggins, Matilda E. and Lucinda E. Wiggins. The first ruling elders were Sandy Wiggins, Robert McClusky, and John Smith; the present elders are Robert McClusky, A. J. Kincaid and Daniel Hayden. This church has been supplied by the following pastors, Rev's. W. C. Bell, John N. Viney, E. R. Rodgers, O. F. Bettis, W. C. Roach, H. C. A. Viney, Willis Patchin, and C. A. King. The congregation has at present no church-house. The number of members is ninety-one. There is also a Sabbath-school in connection with the church.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH AT GIRARD. FROM DATA BY F. J. WOOLLEY.

The Journal of the Universalist Society of Girard, shows that the society was organized December 6th, 1856. The first officers elected were,

* For the History of the church at Palmyra we are indebted to Elder W. H. McGinnis.

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Ezra Magoon, Moderator; Nathan Savage, Clerk; Finance Committee, A. C. Teel, J. W. Woodroof, and Adam Teman. Trustees,-Chas H. Fink, A. C. Teel, J. W. Woodroof, Williard Magoon, and A. H. Cornman. A building committee was also appointed at the same time, consisting of A. C. Teel, J. W. Woodroof, C. H. Fink, and Ezra Magoon.

This Society has numbered forty-two members. Soon after its organization, meetings were held in Wolfe's Hall, and such a degree of interest was manifested, that the building of a church became necessary; ways and means were provided, and the result was the building of a neat church in 1859, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. Up to 1877, regular preach- ing was held therein; at present it depends upon those preachers, who make it convenient to stop with us. A Union Sunday-school is held each Sabbath, which has a good attendance. The present trustees are: J. W. Woodroof, J. C. Beeby, Adam Teman, T. P. Bradly, and F. J. Woolley ; the last named is clerk of the society.

The Southern Association of Universalists frequently meets at Girard, and is always attended by a large concourse of people.

THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN, OR GERMAN BAPTISTS. ( Vulgarly called Dunkard.) BY DANIEL VANIMAN.

This denomination originated near Swartzenaw, Germany, in the year 1708. Their first minister was Alexander Mack. They were soon driven from Swartzenaw, by persecution, and located in Friezland, from whence they were again compelled to remove, and in 1719, they emigrated to America, settling near Germantown, Pennsylvania ; and from this organization have sprung all the churches of this denomination now in the United States.

They repudiate all creeds; and recognize the New Testament as the only in- fallible rule of faith and practice. They maintain that the sovereign, un- merited, unsolicited grace of God is the only source of pardon, and that the vicarious sufferings and meritorious works of Christ, are the only price of re- demption. That Faith, Repentance and Baptism are conditions of pardon and hence for the remission of sins. That immersion or dipping the candidate three times face-forward while bowed upon his knees in the water, is Christian baptism. That feet-washing, as taught in John 13, is a divine command to be practiced in the church, that the Lord's Supper, is a full meal, and in connec- tion with the Communion, should be taken in the evening, or after the close of the day. That the salutation of the Holy Kiss, or Kiss of Charity is bind- ing upon the followers of Christ. That War and Retaliation are contrary to the spirit and self-denying principles of the religion of Jesus Christ. That a non-conformity to the world in dress, customs, and conversation is essen- tial to true holiness and Christian piety. That in public worship, or reli- gious exercises, Christians should appear as directed in 1 Cor. iv. 5. That the elders should anoint sick members with oil in the name of the Lord, when called on by them, as directed in James v. 14.

They never go to law one against another, but settle their own troubles among themselves according to Math. 18. Neither are they allowed to join

secret oath-bound societies, nor swear with an uplifted hand when called be- fore magistrates ; because taught both by Jesus and James " to swear not at all," &c. In short they believe in strictly observing all that Christ and his Holy Apostles have commanded regardless of what a gainsaying world may say.

The Churches of this denomination now in Macoupin county, were estab- lished as follows :- In the year 1828, a small congregation was organized on Sugar Creek in Sangamon county, by elders John Dick and Joseph Roland, from scattered members, living mostly in Sangamon and Morgan counties. In 1830 this church came under the leadership of elder Isham Gibson, then living in Morgan county. In 1848 elder Gibson came to Macoupin county, settling near Stirrup Grove, where he soon gathered around him a band of members, and organized what was known as the Otter Creek Church. The church gradually increased both in membership and wealth, and in 1865 they built a commodious house of worship, 40 by 65 feet, near Stirrup Grove, at a cost of five thousand five hundred dollars, which is known as the West Otter Creek meeting-house. Still increasing in number, a second church was erected and dedicated in 1867, at Pleasant Hill, three miles south-west of Virden. This building is 44 by 82 feet, and has in connection with it three and a half acres of ground, a pool walled in with rock, which is used principally to immerse candidates; and a cemetery, the whole cost- ing the church upward of six thousand dollars. In a few years the congre- gation became too large for convenience, having a membership of over three hundred, and the territory was divided into two separate districts, and a church organized on the north in Sangamon county, and the other on the east in Christian county. The Otter C'reek ('hurch still retained all the church property in this county, and a membership of about two hundred, under the oversight of elder John Crist until his death Oct. 6, 1871, when the church came under the care of elder Isaac Naff, of Sangamon county. In April, 1876, the church again became too large, having over three hundred members, seven of whom were ministers all living in this county, viz :- C. (. Gibson, Joseph Harsbarger, Jonathan Brubaker near Girard, D. R. C. Nead and J. Gibson near Stirrup Grove, David and Daniel Vaniman near Virden .- And as is the custom of this denomination when their membership becomes too large for convenience, to divide the territory over which the members are distributed into districts-it was agreed upon, April 10, 1876, to divide the territory of Otter Creek Church into three parts, which was done by running two lines north and south ; one between the two meeting- houses and another along the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis R. R. ; the east- ern division to be known as the Macoupin Creek, the middle as Pleasant Hill and the west as West Otter Creek.

The West Otter Creek Church own the church property near Stirrup Grove. Its membership numbers about one hundred and thirty, and is under the care of D. R. C. Nead. Has regular meetings, and a successful Bible School, which was organized in June, 1878, with ten teachers and ninety-two scholars.

The Pleasant Hill Church own their property. It has about one hun- dred and forty members, and is under the pastorate of elder Joseph Hars- barger.

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TOWNSHIP AND CITY OF CARLINVILLE.

HE history of the early settlement and the subsequent progress and development of the township and city of Carlinville pre- sent many features that are interesting. A retrospection of just half a century would carry us back to the time when the city was first laid out, and a few years prior to that time would carry us be- yond the time when the first white settler had trodden upon its site, to the time when it constituted part of a dreary wilderness, before civilization had penetrated its solitary bosom, or the voice of the pioneer echoed amid its timbered shades. It was first settled by a hardy race. That it was suc- cessful, was owing to the dauntless and persevering energy of the first pio- neers; for it was no enviable task to clear the forest and to undergo the hardships incident to genuine pioneer life.

This township, which lies south of South Otter, west of Shaw's Point, north of Brushy Mound, and east of Bird Township, comprises the congressional town of 10 N. R. 7 west. The south-west corner lies on the exact center of the county. The chief stream which waters and drains the township is the Macoupin creek, which runs through the south-east corner, and is spanned by a durable iron bridge. Other streams are the Hurricane, which flows through the township in a general direction from north to south, and the small tributary of the Macoupin which drains the north-eastern part of the township, and mingles its waters with the Macoupin on the eastern verge of the township. It is well timbered, and the soil is fertile; and the surface is sufficiently rolling to carry off the rain fall. The Chicago and Alton railroad passes through the township from north-east to south-west, and affords to agriculturalist and manufacturer, a market for their products and wares.

EARLY SETTLERS.

In writing the history of a county and its constituent townships, recapitu- lation in some degree is unavoidable, and to avoid it as much as possible, we must refer our readers to the general history of the early settlements of the county, as they were largely made in the vicinity of Carlinville. It is pro- bable that the first settlers in the township were the Lairs, Samuel and Charles, who came in the years 1821 or 1822, and settled within the limits of the township, on the fine property now belonging to the Burke heirs. Joseph Borough settled on the east side of the township at a very early day.

Ezekiel Good was the first settler in Carlinville. He came with his wife, in an ox-wagon, and stopped about where the house of A. McKim Dubois now stands. They slept in the wagon and cooked and ate out of doors, until he could put up a small cabin, afterwards used as a smoke house. John Gray built the second house in the place. Some writers say that the latter built the first house in the place, but this is clearly erroneous. Mr. Good was a farmer, and frequently entertained persons at his house who came to spy out the land.

The original proprietors of the town were Ezekiel Good and Seth Hodges, who donated 30 acres to the county, in order to secure the location of the county seat.

Much of the history of Carlinville has been given in the chapter on " Early Settlers," and need not here be repeated. The first store was owned by Maj. Winchester and William E. Starr, of Edwardsville. William Bar- rett conducted it, and sold dry goods, groceries and whiskey. The first minister was Stith M. Otwell, and he preached the first sermon in the log

tavern in 1831, to an audience of four women and as many children. At the time a horse race was in progress outside. Mr. Otwell was one of nature's noblemen.

The first marriage was that of Mr. David McDaniel to Miss Rebecca Wallace, in April, 1832. There seems to be some confusion in recollections of old settlers, as to whom was the first school teacher. Some say that Abner B. Beauchamp was. He was a Kentuckian. Others that the one entitled to that honor was a Mr. Cooley, and that the second was old father Wil- liams.

The first child born was Thomas, son of Ezekiel and Alice Good, in Octo- ber, 1830. The first death was that of the first wife of William Brown, in 1829.

The growth of the town was slow until 1844. Ezekiel Good was the first post-master in the county ; the post-office was a candle box, and it was never full. In 1844, there were five stores in Carlinville, viz. : Brice & Mayo, Walker, Phelps & Taggart, Jarrett Dugger, Drs. Robertson & Olive, and two or three saloons.

The town was named for Thomas ('arlin, afterward Governor. The first school-house was built by Weatherford, and cost the munificent sum of $40. It was 18 by 20 feet in size, and contained a large fire-place, with clay and stick chimney, and rock hearth. The door was of clapboards, nailed to cross pieces, and the chimney was made like the door. We are informed that the wolves crawled under the house and frightened the children. It is said that the first teachers-Mr. and Mrs. Cooley, and Miss Almira Peck -would turn the children back as often as they reached a certain point in their studies.

The first Baptist preacher was Rev. Elihu Palmer, now an honored citizen of Carbondale, Ill., and a brother of Gov. Palmer.

The first Sunday-school was organized by Jarrett Dugger, who was elected the first Superintendent. The first mill was known as the Old Red Mill, and stood where the Weer Bro's. mill now stands.

Other early settlers were: Bennett Noland and family. Old Grandma Tennis came into the township in 1824. She was accompanied by her chil- dren, as follows : Alice, William, John, Samuel, and Andrew Tennis. They settled not far from the place where Thomas Davis lived, on section 29. Thomas Loveless and family were also early residents of this township. Lar- kin Richardson and family came to the township in 1825. Mr. Richardson died of cholera in 1851. Howard Finly and family settled on a piece of land about two miles east of the town in 1828. Abram S. Walker and family came here in 1830. Mr. Walker was a Tennesseean. His business was that of a blacksmith. His shop was located on the south-east corner of the square. He subsequently became a merchant, and was a man of con- siderable enterprise. Robert and Thomas Moore, with their families, came to this township in 1832, and first settled on sections 23 or 24. In the fall of 1829, John S. Greathouse, an attorney, removed to Carlinville, from Edwardsville, and bought out Joseph Borough's improvement, which were among the first houses built here. The same year, 1829, P. H. Winchester and family came to Carlinville. He was a lawyer, and a man of learning and ability ; had previously lived in Edwardsville, Madison county. M. M. Anderson was also an early settler. In 1834, came Col. James Anderson, father of C. H. C. Anderson ; he was a useful man, and very popular. Among the early settlers of the county now living, may be mentioned Oliver W. Hall, who came with his father in 1823, and some years later became a 85

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HISTORY OF MACOUPIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

resident of this township; Hon. C. A. Walker, then a boy, came with his father ; in 1831, came Mrs. Mary B. Wright; two years later, 1833, Dr. John Logan became a resident of the county ; Joseph Howell, James A. McClure, 1835. Subsequently came the following persons: William Wright, Wm. M. Maddox, Hon. T. L. Loomis, Gen. John I. Rinaker, Mil- ton McClure, A. McKim Dubois, J. L. Plain, W. W. Freeman, Major F. H. Chapman, and others, whose names are mentioned elsewhere in this work.

FIRST LAND ENTRIES

were made by the following persons : on the 11th of March, 1828, Ezekiel Good entered 160 acres in section 28, and John Harris entered 80 acres in section 35, March 26th, 1829. Seth Hodges entered eighty acres in sec- tion 28, on the 23d of April, 1829. The land entered by Good and Hodges is now embraced within the corporate limits of Carlinville. It was in this township, at the house of Joseph Borough, that the first election was held, also the first session of the county court.

(More extended mention of these events is made in other chapters of this work, and hence it is unnecessary to repeat them here; we refer the reader to chapters on Pioneers, Civil History, Bench and Bar, Press and Ecclesiastical )

THE CITY OF CARLINVILLE.

This is the metropolis of the county, and also its capital. It was laid out in August, 1829, and surveyed by Joseph Borough, for which he received $17.50. Its streets are laid out at right angles, and are generally broad. They are shaded by maple and elm trees. Its public squares lend additional ornamentation to the city. The elegant and beautiful court-house, hand- some churches, public school building, and attractive private residences speak well for the culture and enterprise of its citizens. Here is also loca- ted Blackburn University. In 1853 the population was 790. In 1879 the population approximates closely to 5,000 souls. The city is situated on the C. and A. R. R., sixty miles from St. Louis, 224 miles from Chicago, and forty miles from Springfield.

In April, 1865, it became incorporated as a city. The following were the first officers : John M. Woodson, mayor; Robert W. Glass, city clerk ; W. R. Welch, city attorney ; Victor Achilles, treasurer; Hugh Colton, police magistrate; Mark Crowder, city marshall, and William H. Rider, street inspector. The members of the city council were, Bernard Lorenz, John T. McConnell, C. H. C. Anderson, George H. Holliday, J. W. Han- kins and R. B. Minton. The officers for 1879 are, George J. Castle, mayor; Charles E. Glass, city clerk ; Wm. W. Steward, city attorney ; J. M. Coh- lepp, city treasurer ; W. W. Freeman, police magistrate; Mark Crowder, city marshall ; Philip Murphy, street inspector. City council : Frank Keas, H. M. Kimball, Thomas R. McKee, J. C. Thomas, August Krommer, Charles Gilman, James W. Battise and Edward Worth.

Fire Department. There is a well-organized volunteer fire department, with W. W. Freeman as chief. They have a good engine, hook and ladders, hose, and all the necessary apparatus for extinguishing fire. There are two public cisterns belonging to the city on the public square.

The City Caluboose is a one story brick building, capable of accommoda- ting about twenty persons; it is located on the south side of North street ; its cost, including the lot, was about two thousand dollars.

CHURCHIES.

This city is adorned with several fine church edifices, the most prominent of which are the German and Irish Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, and Lutheran, and Presbyterian, all of which are fine brick structures. The other churches are the Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, and the Second Baptist, colored.

CARLINVILLE INDUSTRIES AND MANUFACTURES.

I. The Weer Coal Shaft, operated by the Carlinville Coal Company, T. L. Loomis, manager, C. L. Hamilton, lessee.

The depth of the shaft to the top of the vein is 266 feet-the vein is six feet in depth-and the quality of the coal is good. It was sunk in 1867 by the Weer brothers. About 500,000 bushels are hoisted in a year, and the mine gives employment to 45 men in good times.

II. Shaft of Walters, Gray and Lorenz. The depth to coal is 280 feet, and the shaft was sunk in 1869. The vein is between six and seven feet in thickness. Employment is given to about 35 men. Nearly 500,000 bushels are hoisted in the course of a year. As in the case of the Weer shaft, the

coal is sold upon the home market to railroad companies, and shipped to neighboring towns. The quality of coal is the same as that of the average Illinois coal.

III. South Shaft Coal Mine, owned and operated by Bartles & Son. The hoisting here is done by horse power, while steam is in use for that purpose at the other two pits. The shaft was sunk in 1869, and the depth to coal was found to be only 230 feet. Ten men are employed, and the yearly pro- duct of the mine is about 80,000 bushels. They sell only to the home market.

MILLS.

I. Carlinville Mille. The first mill on the site was built by Henry Fish- back, in 1845, and burnt in 1864. It was a three story frame building. The present structure, which is enduring and solid, and admirably adapted for the purpose for which it was constructed, is an imposing one. It was erected in 1864 of stone and brick, with slate roof. The cost was $45,000. This is beyond question one of the best mills in the state, and contains the most improved modern machinery. The capital invested is $100,000; and employment is afforded to fifteen men. There are four run of burrs, and the mill has a large grinding capacity. Their flour is chiefly marketed in Boston and New York. It is owned and operated by Weer Brothers.

II. The Grore Mills. This is another excellent mill. It was built in 1865, three and a half stories high, of stone and brick. It is conveniently situated on the line of the C. & A. R. R. The grinding capacity is about 150 barrels per day, and employment is afforded to ten men. The operating capital is $10,000. This is a good mill, but no fancy brands of flour are manufactured, but only grades demanded by the trade, and meeting ready sale.

III. The Diamond City Mills. F. J. Faltus & Co. This mill has been established ten years. The present management took charge in February, 1879. The capacity is 25 barrels per day, and seven men are employed. The capital invested is 86,000.

Carlinville Custom Mill, Joseph Willman, proprietor, was established in 1877, and doing only custom work, gives employment to five 'men. It has two run of burrs.

Carlinville Brewery. This well-known beer manufactory was established in 1859, by Steel and Lebherz. George P. Deible assumed control in 1869. He was experienced in the business, having learned his trade in Germany. He died in the winter of '76-'77 ; George P. Deible & Bro., his sons, have since carried on the business. The amount of capital invested is $15,000, and the brewing capacity is 175 barrels per week. Vast cellars have been extended far back under the hill at an immense cost. The barley used comes from Canada, California and Wisconsin ; the hops from California and New York state. 500 tons of ice are used in a year. The beer made is preferred by many to the Milwaukee and Cincinnati, and finds a market in Macoupin county. Employment is given to seven men.

Carlinville Machine Shops and Foundry. This large establishment since 1868, has been conducted by George Siegel, and gives employment to from 25 to 35 men. Here are manufactured agricultural implements. The manufacture of riding plows is made a specialty. Mr. Siegel has found it necessary to purchase additional machinery, and enlarge the capacity of his manufactory. It is located on the west side, near the depot.

Thomas & McSherry do general repairing, and manufacture fine carriages, buggies and wagous. The large brick building which has been leased by the above firm cost $6,000, and the total capital invested is $10,000. Ten men are employed. The main building was erected by Mr. Mills. A large addition was built in 1870.

Gordie & Meyers have been established twelve years, and also do a large business. They manufacture carriages, buggies, wagons and agricultural implements, and do general repairing. They give employment to nine men. Blockberger & Son do general blacksmithing and repairing.

Another well-known firm is that of Keas & Son, who are in the same business.

Macoupin County Marble Works, established by G. W. Dugger & Co. This firm was bought out by Hayes & Bro. R. Hayes & Co., succeeded. W. W. Hayes is now in the same business at Bunker Hill. From three to five men are employed, and work of beautiful design and finish is turned out.

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History of Macoupin County, Illinois, Part 29

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

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