History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 73

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698

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There was also a preaching place at the house of Sylvanus Gaskill, about three miles north of the Zion church. Very nearly all of the original settlers and their descendants of this rich and beautiful part of Madison county are now deceased or moved away, and the present occupants of that region know nothing of the hardships of those carly pioneers.

Hogan visited and preached in almost, if not quite, every neighborhood and town in the county, and in conjunction with Thompson, added largely to the membership of the church. It is not extravagant to say he was a favorite with all classes, and perhaps, somewhat to his injury. Under his preaching, all the societies were increased and several new ones formed It was while he was on the circuit that the

church in Edwardsville was established. He preached in the old court-house, which would be filled with anxious and attentive hearers. In December, 1827, a society was formed of twenty-one members, and Rev. Richard Randle, the only survivor of the original society, was appointed leader. The society was composed of : Richard Randle, Washington C. Ballard, Elizabeth Ballard, Thornhill Ballard, Alexander White, Rebecca Atwater, Julia Ann Atwater, Mary Brooks, Susannah Kendall, Sarah Cotter, Joel Neff, Sarah Wright, Heiress Baker, Josiah Randle, Elizabeth Randle, Hosea Armstrong, Marilla Wilder, Samuel McNeil, Samuel A. Walker, Ryland and Mary Ballard. In February follow- ing, Alexander Miller and Eleanor Gay joined the society. In April and May, nineteen more, including : Hail Mason and wife, William P. MeKee and wife, Joshua Atwater, William and Catharine Miller, Thomas Kendall, Ann M. Randle, Thomas Gulliher, Alisworth Baker, Elizabeth Gib. son, Mary Adams, Lucretia Lusk, and others. The church now composed of 40 members, most of whom were leading and prominent citizens, met for worship sometimes in the court house and also in the library building, where the St. James hotel now stands.

In the spring of 1829, the society having continued to increase steadily, they determined to build a church. It was a frame building, 40 by 60 feet, where the present church now stands. Wm. P. McKee, Alexander Miller, William Ottwell, W. C. Ballard, Richard Randle, Barton Randle, Joel Neff, .were trustees. Two lots, where the church now stands, were donated by James Mason. The ser- vices were held in it during the sitting of the Conference, and the first sermon preached was by Elder George Locke, of Wabash District, Indiana, the father of Rev. Doctor John Locke, President of MeKendree College, Sunday, October 29th, 1829. Elder Locke became a man of prominence in the church, whose history may be found in " Sprague's Annals of the American Pulpit," also in " Me Clintock and Strong's Encyclopedia of Methodism in America." The society worshipped in this building until 1853, when a new brick church was erected, called Thompson's Chapel, in honor of Rev. Samuel H. Thompson. John Hogan was invited to dedicate the new church, but not being in good health at the time, invited Rev. D. R. McAnally to preach the sermon. Mr. Hogan was present, and gave an interesting account of the societies in Madison county, and the formation of the church in Edwardsville twenty-five years before.

Since the first organization of the church in Edwardsville, there have been regular religious services kept up, and amid all the changes which time and circumstances have wrought, there have ever been at her altars " those who have borne, and have had patience, and for the Master have labored and have not fainted ; who have a little strength, and have kept the Master's word, and have not denied His name."

I may here mention a revival which took place in the winter of 1857-8, under the ministrations of Rev. Carlyle Babbitt. Mr. Babbitt was a singular and rather remarkable man. He had been raised in Kentucky, and for several

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

years had preached among her hills and mountains. A man of impulse, which sometimes betrayed him into acts of doubtful propriety. He was of fine presence, good voice, genteel manners and winning address, but had no education and was no great preacher, yet his understanding of men and things was such that in almost every charge to which he went, there was a revival. His tact and management in getting up and carrying on a revival were superior to that of any other minister I ever knew. It was fully displayed on this occasion. During the progress of the revival, he secured the aid of the most effective help. Rev. Joseph Brooks, editor of the Central Christian Advocate and a dis- tinguished preacher, Rev. Joseph Earp, Prof. Mudge, and President W. R. Davis, of MeKendree college, Rev. Hiram Sears, Rev. Wm. Jerome, all fine preachers, rendered material service. He had also that which few ministers possess, the faculty to make each member of the church feel that they form an important part of it, and that their labor and influence was absolutely necessary in the accomplish- ment of certain ends. He had the faculty to utilize all the material within his reach better than any man I ever knew, and could be entrusted more safely with the manage- ment of a meeting. One hundred and forty-four persons made profession of religion and united with the church. As might be supposed in so large a number, and under the excitement of the occasion, some forgot their profes-ion and religious obligations, aud forfeited their church membership, whilst others remained true and steadfast in the profession they had made, and are valuable members of the church. The meetings were exceedingly interesting and enjoyable ; the preaching was very good, and there was that mingling of solemnity and pathos, joy and love, which crown human effort with b essed effect. The church in Edwardsville, since its organization, has had fifty-three pastors, including their assistants.

Rev. Dr. J. A. Robinson is the present pastor. Mr. Ilogan located in 1831, and settled in Edwardsville, and engaged in merchandizing, but continued to preach every Sabbath. In 1835 he removed to Alton, and soon after engaged in politics, and was elected to the legislature, and the next year was made Commissioner under the Internal Im- provement system of the State. In 1840 he was very actively engaged in the Presidential campaign, and was amongst the best political stump speakers in the State. He was appointed Register of the Laud Office at Dixon, Illinois, by General Harrison. Two years after he was removed by President Tyler, because of his friendliness for Mr. Clay. He then went to St. Louis, and was for some time engaged in mer- chandizing and manufacturing. Was appointed Postmaster of that city, and was elected to Congress. He still resides in St. Louis. For years he has taken a very active part in all matters pertaining to the interests of that city, and in the improvement of the navigation of the Mississippi and Mis- souri Rivers, and has very largely contributed to the passage of the bill in the Congress of this year for the improvement of those rivers. A man of extraordinary application and ability, of fine talent, and natural oratory, had he remained a traveling preacher there is every reason to believe he

would have arisen to the highest office in the church. He still preaches occasionally with the force of his early years.

The next year William Chambers and A. F. Thompson were the t vo preachers sent to the Circuit.

1829-30 .- The Illinois Conference, then including In- diana and Illinois, met at Ebenezer Camp Ground, a mile southwest of Edwardsville, October 18th, 1829. Bishop Soule presided, and had his room at the house of Joshua Atwater. Material changes were made in the district. Sangamon District was created, reaching from Lebanon to Galena. Peter Cartwright was Presiding Elder. Isaac Scarritt, of Scarritt's Prairie, was sent to Kaskaskia. John H. Benson, of Ridge Prairie, to Mt. Vernon. Smith L. Robinson, to Springfield. James Hadley, to Indiana. John Hogan, transferred to St. Louis. I mention these names, because they were Madison county men. Stith M. Ottwell, to Salem, Indiana. The name of this Circuit was changed to Lebanon Circuit, at the dictation of Cartwright, because McKendree Seminary had been started, and lo- cated at Lebanon. John Dew and Asahel Phelps were on this Circuit.

I have heretofore spoken of Mr. Dew, who was welcomed heartily wherever appointed. Phelps was a young man who had joined the Conference three years before, a little im- pressed with the dignity of a traveling preacher, but withal of fair talent and good promise of future usefulness; and became in after years, an able minister and valued member of the Conference. The addition in church membership this year was thirty-one. Society was undergoing some change in Illinois about this time. (See Ford's history of Illinois). The people were dressing better ; trade and com- merce in the State was more active than ever before. A material prosperity and business activity was very appa- rent. St. Louis and western Illinois were improving rapidly. Transportation by steam-boats was increasing, a better market for produce was being had, and better returns for labor. The people put forth more industry, and were more intent on making money and accumulating property.

It became a common thing now to hear the preachers speak against dress, and a love of money, and striving to get rich. I always thought this rather a waste of breath. 1 never noticed that it had much good effect. It may have had a tendency to make a lazy man better satisfied with himself, but had no influence with the industrious and en- ergetic. Besides, I never knew a minister who would not accept a good salary, or own property if honestly acquired. On this subject every one feels that in their case there is no danger of being hurt in that way.

There was a camp meeting held on the Ebenezer grounds during the session of the Conference, which was largely at- tended. Rev. Edward and Samuel Mitchell were present, and rendered good service. Rev. Samuel Mitchell preached a powerful discourse on the subject of Christian holiness, which had great effect, and many persons made profession of that grace. His three sons, John, James and Francis, made profession of religion at this meeting, each of whom became able and distinguished ministers. Also, a young man, E. R. Ames, who subsequently became a bishop. The

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

next year John Mitchell and Ames were recommended for license to preach. Mitchell. was readily accepted ; there were some doubts as to the qualifications of Ames, and the vote was close. Immanuel Wilkinson, a colored local preacher, father of Rev. Daniel A. Wilkinson now of this county, was a member of the Quarterly Conference, and was acquainted with young Ames, and voted to recommend him. It was the vote that elected him. He became one of the most eloquent and able ministers in the Methodist church.

This year, 1830, a church was built in Six Mile Prairie near the house of Thomas Gillham. The society became very strong. Thomas Gillham, Wm. Gillham, John Gill. ham, Thomas Y. Lofton, Moses Seeds, Joshua Delaplain, Wm. Snyder, O. W. Sims, Calvin Kinder, Peter Barco, and Ephraim Davidson with their families and many others were members, and it became a very important appointment. After this church became old and unfit for use, under the auspices of Calvin Kinder, a new brick two story building was erected for a church and district school-house. The upper story was used for a church, where the society wor- shipped until 1880, when Mr. Kinder and all the old fami- lies being deceased, and very few members left. the society sold their interest in the building and transferred their membership to Venice.

1830-31. Stith M. Ottwell and William S. Deneen were sent to this circuit. Ottwell had grown into an able preacher. I had known Mr. Deneen in 1829 when he first came to Illinois, and was on Salt creek Circuit, Sangamon county. He was not a ready speaker, but was of fine mind and studious habits, and a very able and interesting preacher. He subsequently settled in St. Clair county. His son, Samuel H. Deneen, has long been a professor of languages in McKendree College, and his ouly daughter married Hon. A. W. Metcalf of Edwardsville.

Mr. Deneen was the first stationed Methodist minister in Edwardsville, and was greatly beloved by the church here. He was a fine mathematician, and was for many years sur- veyor of St. Clair county. The societies prospered this year. Notwithstanding there was considerable excitement in the state caused by the Black Hawk war, there was an increase of sixty members.

1831-32. Conference met at Indianapolis, Oet. 4, 1831 Barton Randle of this county joined the Conference, and was sent to Shelbyville, Illinois. John Dew and W. R. D. Trotter were the preachers sent to this circuit. There was great excitement again this year about the Indian war in the northern part of the state, and an increase in church membership of sixty. There was a camp meeting at Ebe- nezer this year, largely attended. The next Conference was at Jacksonville, September 1832. Smith L. Robinson and Nicholas S. Bastion, both of Madison county, were sent to this circuit. They were young men devoted to their work, and industrious students. Robinson was in the habit of getting up at four o'clock in the morning to pursue his stu. dies. Mr. Bastion became a man of note, and was sent to Liberia as a missionary. His plans while there for enlarging the missionary work among that people, was considered rather visionary, which discouraged him, and he returned to

America, and was afterward sent to Alton The last I knew of him he had withdrawn from the church.

1833-34. Conference met at Union Grove. St. Clair county, Sept. 25, 1833. Samuel H. Thompson was sent to this circuit and James Hadley to Alton circuit. Elihu Springer, son of John Springer, joined the Conference and was sent to Carlinville. There was at this time no church in Alton and but little preaching. Sometimes there was preaching in the upper part of a small house not far from where the Baptist church now stands, in which Sunday- school was kept, by Mr. W. S. Gilman, superintendent.

There was this year, an organized plan of local preaching adopted, by which all the societies in the county had regular preaching every Sabbath, alternating in their appointments The plan worked well.

1834-35. Conference met at Mt Carmel, Oct. 1834.

John Vancleve and William W. Mitchell were sent to this circuit. Both of these men deserve a more extended notice than I can give them in these notes. They became well and favorably known throughout all Southern Illinois, and served the church as ministers as long as they lived. Mr. Mitchell died at Richview in 1867, and Vancleve in 1876. Mr. Vancleve was originally from Cincinnati, and com- menced preaching in 1828. He had a logical mind of more than ordinary ability, was studious, and rose to a prominent position in the church. Was frequently elected to the General Conference, deservedly made Doctor of Divinity, and was considered the ablest preacher in Southern Illinois Conference. He died full of years and honors, loved and lamented by the church.

W. W. Mitchell, was a younger man, son of Capt. Jas. Mitchell of Belleville. Had graduated at Yale College and studied for the law, and it was a great disappointment to his father when he became a circuit preacher. While at Yale College he and Trusten Polk, of Missouri, afterward Governor and U. S. Senator from that state, were class- mates in their studies, and whilst there belonged to a Meth- odist class formed by the students. After joining the Con- ference, his habits of study were continued, and he rose rapidly and soon became prominent as an able minister of the gospel. From the time he received his first appointment until 1867-68, when he received his last appointment, which was to Edwardsville, he was always prompt and ready for his work, whether it was on the circuit, in the station or on the elder's district. His sermons were well studicd and always extempore, short, full of fervor and models of excel- lence in style.

The chief and most prominent quality, and which charac- terized him most, both as a man and minister, was his extra- ordinary simplicity, faith, and holiness of life. In my inter- course with men and ministers, now somewhat extended, I have never known one whose faith in the Scriptures, and be- lief in the doctrines of the church to which he belonged, was greater than his, or who was more conscientious in living up to his sense of Christian duty. Every sermon was filled with the unction of the spirit of the Master. He died when only fifty-two years of age, yet ripe in all Christian charac- ter and experience. It was a pleasant year to this church

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

in Madison county, perhaps as much as any year in the ex- perience of the church. All the appointments were regularly filled; the quarterly meeting, which was an interesting feat- ure in the church services, were largely attended. There were about eight appointments and religious interests kept up in all the societies.

Barton Randle was sent to Alton Station, and J. II. Ben- son to Alton circuit, 1835-6. Conference met at Springfield, Oct. 1st, 1835. John H. Benson and G. Worthington, were on this circuit. Mr. Benson was a Madison county man, highly esteemed by all who know him, and an excellent preacher and very well received. Mr. Worthington was a young man, had just been received in the Conference, and was of moderate ability. Joseph Foueks was sent to Alton Circuit. and A. L. Risley to Alton Mission. There were 72 members in Alton Station, and 369 on Alton cireuit, which embraces Upper Alton. Scarritt's prairie and several societies in the northern part of Madison and southern part of Jersey county. There was a camp meeting at Ebenezer in the fall of 1835, at which much interest was manifested, and quite an increase of members in the church Nineteen additional preachers entered the Conference this year.

1836-7. Conference met at Rushville, Schuyler county. Thirty-five new preachers joined the Conference. Jesse Walker had died this present Conference year, and all mourned the death of this noble pioneer missionary. The Conference extended from the Ohio river in the South, to Green Bay, Prairie Du Chien and Milwaukee on the North, and from the Wabash to the Mississippi river. Charles Holliday was on Lebanon district. John H. Benson and Nor- man Allyn on this circuit. Simon Peter and Wm. W. Mitchell reported 295 members were at Alton. William Meldrum and Daniel Blackwell on Alton circuit 115 white, 10 colored. Alton circuit returned 295 members. Alton mission 125. Few ministers ever did as much or so effectual labor in Middle and Southern Illinois, as Norman Allyn, of very strong physieial constitution and untiring zeal and en- ergy, and of most loving heart and gentle manner he always succeeded in winning the confidence and affections of the members of the church wherever he went. He usually did the work of two men yet never seemed weary. Unfortunately his zeal caused him in his commeucement as a preacher to con- tract a habit of speaking at the top of his voice, and most of his sermons were screamed rather than spoken. He would preach at the top of his voice to an audience of 20 persons, and in rooms 20 feet square. It was a misfortune that he never corrected this error in his style of delivery, for other- wise his sermons were most excellent. In a revival meeting in Woodburn io the winter of 1866-7 which he attended, his pro- tracted and hard labor produced congestion, of which he died in a few days, a martyr to his zeal. There were eight or nine societies, the circuit having been made smaller, 607 church members. Mr. Benson salary was 8400. Mr. Allyn a single man $100, the presiding elder 840.00 Calvin Kin- der was this year licensed to exhort. He was born in Penn- sylvania, 1804, came to Illinois 1820. He at once took a leading position in the church, an earnest, devoted, con- scientious man, and most valuable member of the church and 37

of society. Outspoken sometimes to bluntness, but always desiring to think and act right. His earnestness and zeal he retained to the elose of his life. ITis decease took place in the winter of 1×80.

1837-38 Rev. W. Cumming was appointed to Edwards- ville circuit and Wm. L. Deneen, assistant. By an arrange- ment made, Mr. Dencen removed his family to Edwardsville, and it was made a station. N. P. Cunningham was at Alton. Upper and Middle Alton J. II. Benson and Nor- man Allyn.

Twenty eight new preachers joined the Conference this year Among them was John Gillham, son of Ryderus Gillham, of Salem. An unfortunate circumstance had taken place the year before while Conference was in session at Jacksonville, by which Rev. Simon Peter, of Scarritt's Prairie, then presiding eller, was expelled from the church. He afterward re-joined the church, and secured the confi- dence of his Christian brethren, which he retained to the close of life. Alton Station now had 224 white and 16 colored members as reported in Minutes of Conference, Vol. 1, page 503. Alton circuit 300.

This year the Society in EIwardsville had a valuable ac- quisition to its membership. Thomas Eaton, Wm. Pomery and II K. Eaton moved from Kentneky to Edwardsville, and with their families joined the church. Also Mathew Gillespie, who became a valued officer in the church, aud for many years superintendent of the Sunday school.

Matthew Gillespie, formerly a member of the Cumberland Presbyterians, also joined the Methodist Church in Edwards- ville. It was a prosperous year for the church. Since the days of Wm. P. MeKee and William Ottwell there have not been so efficient members of the church in Edwardsville as Gillespie and Eston. Men of fine mind, unquestioned piety, good culture, enlarged observation, gifted in the public exercises ofthe church, dignified in deportment, and of fine presence. They were influential and popular men in the county, as evinced by numerous public offices held by them. As a notice elsewhere of these two men will appear in this volume, I may refer to that, for a more extended history. of them. Mr. Gillespie died in March, 1871, and Judge Eaton in 1881.

1538, Sept. 12, Conference met at Alton, 22 additional preachers. John Dew was presiding Eller ; John S. Barger and J. H. Benson were the Circuit preachers. James B. Corrington, afterward a distinguished minister in Southern Illinois, joined the Conference. Alton City was a mission with 79 members. Upper Alton and Middle Alton 190 members. W. S. McMurray, a young man, and quite an orator, was sent to U'pper Alton, and David Blakwell to Middle Alton. N. P. Cunningham to Lower Alton.

1839-40. W. S. McMurray and L. D. Bragg were the men sent to the Circuit. McMurray was an eloquent preacher. It was a rich treat to hear him. He had the readiness and style of an Irish orator. I admired his preaching very much. Ile had a strong passion for the law and would have made a fine advocate. IIe died in 1844, of cholera, at Waverly.

1840-41. Conference was at Springfield, and Rev.

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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

Joseph Edmundson was sent to this Circuit. Ile commenced preaching in Missouri, and was far more than an ordinary man and preacher. Self-reliant, copying no man in style or argument, for conelusive and logical argument he stood in the front rank of ministers. Under his ministration the Churches prospered and increased in membership. It was a year, too, of great political excitement. The Harrison Campaign as it was called. Polities ran high and Gen. Harrison was elected President by a large majority.

In 1841-42, Mr. Benson was on the Circuit, but his health failing, there was no especial religious interest in the county, except at New Ebenezer, where Bro. Wm. Atkins had erected a neat and comfortable Church for the Society nt that place, which thereafter had regular Circuit preaching and an interesting Society.

1842-43. Joseph Elmundson and Asahel Brown were on the Edwardsville Circuit. The Circuit had been divided the year before, and the preacher's health having failed, there were 449 members returned in the Conference minutes.

It was during the latter part of the year 1-42 that the writer of these notes joined the Church and was made steward, which office he has since retained. Col. Jacob Judy, an early and prominent citizen, and his wife joined the Church this year.

Mr. Edmundson was again returned to the Circuit for 1843-44. The appointment was very agreeable to both preacher and the Church. Congregations were large, and frequent additions were made. But quite a change touk place in 1844, which was the year of the great flood of the Mississippi river. the waters rising higher than for fifty years before or have ever been since. The whole country west of the bluff was inuudated. Steamers plying from St. Lonis to Alton did not follow the river channel, but would steam through the wide waters and go through the timber land and over farms. I stood in the second story of Gay's store in St. Louis, the first story being under water) and saw a steamboat leave St. Louis and take a straight course east across fields and orchards and go to the bluff five miles east. It was a vast sheet of water five miles and in some places ten miles wide. It was this flood that de- stroved the ancient town of Kaskaskia. After the flood abated some of the settlers in the bottoms returned to their farms. Mr. Edmundson continued his travels in that part of the country, visiting all the families. It was an exceedingly sickly time, and contracting n malarial fever he died. His death was a great loss to the Church, for he was in the meridian of his manhood, and great good was anticipated from his labors.

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History of Madison County, Illinois With biographical sketches, Part 73

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co. Number of Pages: 698

Author: Brink, W.R. & Co
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Edwardsville, Ill. : W. R. Brink & co.
Number of Pages: 698