History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 49

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens > Part 49

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PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, DODDSVILLE.

The following sketch of this branch of the church militant was originally prepared by Henry Black, and published in a former history of the county:

By request, Schuyler presbytery ap- pointed Rev. William K. Stewart, James M. Chase and Elder Briscoe a committee to visit Doddville, and, if the way was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

clear, to organize a church. Accordingly, these brethren visited Doddsville, held services in the house of Andrew Walker, in that village, on the 29th day of July, 1843, and proceeded to organize a church of 17 members. The names of the orig- inal members are as follows: Andrew Walker, Ann Walker, Charles W. Walker, Rachel Walker, John M. Clark . and Mirah Clark, Margaret Hodge, Rebecca Clugston, Isabella Clugston, Jane Clug- ston, Hettie McCoy, John Scott, Rachel Scott, Sarah Black, Maria Black, Thomas Shannon and Elizabeth Shannon. An- drew Walker was elected ruling elder. The next day, Sabbath, the sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered, and the church established. Of the original members, eleven were from near Gettys- burg, Pennsylvania, four from near Ur- bana, Ohio, and two from Virginia. On the 17th of September, about seven weeks after the organization, Andrew Walker, elder, was called to his long rest. The following named ministers have served as supplies to the church: Revs. John Hoge, James M. Chase, John Marshall, Cyrus B. Bristow, Joseph H. Marshall, James T. Bliss, George A. Hutchison, Henry C. Mullen, Preston W. Thompson, and now, the Rev. H. C. Mullens. The Rev. Mr. Davis, a mis- sionary of the New School branch of the church, also preached a short time. These were all stated supplies, except Rev. Joseph H. Marshall, who was a reg- ularly installed pastor. The following persons were elected and served in the eldership: Andrew Walker, John M. Clark, John G. McGoughy, David R. Hindman, James McDavett, Elijah Hind- man, John McMillan, Hugh L. Mc-

Goughy, Thomas Conner, Thomas McCoy, Henry Black, William Pollock, and John Colleasure. James Colleasure was elected, and would have accepted, but died before ordination. The following named persons were elected and served as deacons of the church: George Bair, William H. Black, Samuel C. Hoge, John H. McGrath and James Colleasure. The old church, vacated in 1876, was built in 1851, as far as inclosing was con- cerned, when it was taken possession of, but was not completed until the summer of 1855, four years after, consequently it was never dedicated as a house of wor- ship. It cost about $900. The first re- vival was in February and March of 1858, under the ministry of Rev. John Mar- shall, when 28 members were received- 22 on profession and six on certificate. The second was under the ministry of the Rev. James T. Bliss, in January, 1867, when 11 members were received- nine on profession and two on certificates. The third was under the ministry of Rev. George A. Hutchison, December, 1867, when 11 members were received on ex- amination. The fourth was under the ministry of the Rev. H. C. Mullens, in union with the Rev. Mr. Garner, of the Methodist Episcopal church, when six members were received on profession of their faith. This was in March, 1873. The fifth was in October, 1874. This meeting was under the direction of the Rev. Neil Johnston, an Evangelist, when God was pleased to pour out his spirit most copiously, 35 being received to membership on the profession of their faith in Christ. The church was organ- ized with 17 original members. At the close of the Rev. John Marshall's minis-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

try the number was 70; run down again by deaths and removals until only 46 actual members remained. After the revival of 1874 there were reported 80 members to the presbytery, which was the highest number the church ever at- tained-70 being the present member- ship. As near as can be ascertained, about 200 is the full number of member- ships ever belonging to the church since the organization.

SHILOH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.

Shiloh Presbyterian church was organ- ized at the residence of Alexander Camp- bell, on section 16, in 1839, by Rev. James Chase, with 23 members, and was a branch of the Macomb church. For several years meetings were held alter- nately at the residences of J. G. Walker and Alexander Campbell. In 1852 a large school house, 22x32, was erected on section 8 of Walnut Grove township, which has subsequently been used for church purposes. When the township was re-districted into school districts, two miles square, the congregation pur- chased the building. The reason given for no church building ever being erected before this is, that the member- ship was so scattered that' no point con- venient for all could be selected. Mem- bers were living in Macomb township, as far north as the county line, and east and west several miles. At one time the church was prosperous, and had a large and interested membership, but when towns sprang up here and there in the surrounding country and new con- gregations organized, the members re- siding near, of course, left Shiloh and

united with the new church, nearer home. When the Bushnell church was organ- ized, the members living east and near the town united there; when Bardolph was started, those living south left Shi- loh and united there; and when Good Hope church was organized, but few re- mained in Shiloh church, so that in the spring of 1863, the membership being so small, the society disposed of their church building to John Pennell, for $87, and united with the society at Wal- nut Grove, under the name of Walnut Grove and Shiloh Presbyterian church. Meetings are held in the hall over Fair- man's store. The first elders of the Shiloh organization were Alexander Harris, J. G. Walker and Alexander Campbell. Among the first preachers were James Chase, Isaac B. Moore, David Monfort, P. W. Thompson and Joseph Platt.

PRAIRIE CITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This society was organized at the house of George Kreider, on the 19th of September, 1841, by a committee ap- pointed by the Peoria presbytery, con- sisting of Rev. William J. Frazier and Elder Parnack Owen.

The first members were: George Kreider, Barbara Kreider, Celinda Woods, Jane Jackson, Phebe Woods, James Reed, Samuel Mourning, Thomas Boyd, Mary Moore, Sophronia Schofield and Catherine Mourning.

The first officers were: George Krei- der, elder; Samuel Mourning, deacon. Meetings were generally held at the barn of George Kreider in those days. When the school house was built at Vir- gil, services were held there, and so con-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

tinued until Prairie City was laid out. At that time they had lumber and ma- terial on the ground at Virgil for a church. This was all removed to Prairie City, and the structure erected there, changing the name to Prairie City church. The building cost about $3,000. The regular pastors from the organiza- tion to the present time have been: Pres- ton W. Thompson, commenced in 1854; John S. Robertson, in 1868; John D. Howey, in 1871; Clark Salmon, in 1877; Wm. L. Boyd, in June, 1880. In No- vember, 1884, Rev. H. Magill took pas- toral charge of the congregation, and has continued to the present time.

The present officers of the church are: M. K. Sweeney, Chas. H. Kellough and James H. Wilson, elders; John E. Dunham, deacon. The trustees are: W. Kreider, Thomas Laird and Chas. H. Kellough. The present membership of the church is about 105, and the society is in a highly flourishing condition.

There is a Sabbath school in connec- tion with the church, with over a hun- dred attending members. It was organ- ized in 1856, and was for a time a union school, of the Congregational and Pres- byterian societies, held at the church of the latter. After a few years, the Con- gregationalists withdrew, and it has since been conducted solely by the Presby- terians. The first superintendent of the union school was J. M. Chapman. After the Congregationalists withdrew, J. H. Wilson became the superintendent. He has continued in that capacity, with the exception of one year, up to the present time, and is the present superintendent. There are nine classes in the Sabbath School, with the following teachers: Rev.

A. Magill, Mrs. A. E. Bates, Mrs. S. E. Dunham, Mrs. S. A. Morrow, Mrs. A. E. Forsman, Mrs. M. S. Marshall, Julia E. Wilson, Mary C. Evert and Jessie Fors- man.

The church has an organ, purchased at a cost of $140. Mrs. M. S. Marshall is the organist of the church, and Sadie Wilson of the Sabbath school.

EBENEZER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, SCOT- LAND TOWNSHIP.

The church known by the above name was formed in the early part of 1861, by a large number of those who had seceded from the Camp Creek congregation. For a time after the rupture there were no meetings held, but an organization was soon formed, containing the following members: George W. Provine, J. A. Provine, Mary Provine, F. Campbell, Lucinda Knowles, Jane Allison, James Walker, Nancy Walker, Jeremiah Sulli- van, Mary Sullivan, Jonas Lindsay, J. T. Lindsay, Margaret Cochran, A. H. Hill, M. C. Cochran, James Hill, Robert Mc- Nair, James McNair, Janet McNair Sr., Mary C. McNair, Elizabeth McNair, Milton Knight, Anna M. Knight, Sam- uel G. Henderson, Mary A. Henderson, Elizabeth A. Henderson, John Clark, Nancy Clark, S. K. Clark. Annie M. Clark, Jane Watson, E. F. Watson, M. C. Watson, J. F. Watson, M. H. Camp- bell, James Clark, Margaret Clark, James Littleson, Janet McNair Jr., Margaret Buchanan, Elizabeth Sullivan, Elizabeth Bailey, Alexander M. Campbell and John Littleson.

George W. Provine, John Clark, Jere- miah Sullivan and Robert McNair were chosen ruling elders, and G. W. Provine,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

clerk of the session. On the 3d of Au- gust, 1861, a meeting of the members was held, at which it was determined to build a church, and they went at it with a will, all giving according to their cir- cumstances. On the 13th of the same month the contract was let for the erec- tion of a building 56x36, and 18 feet to the square. A vestibule and gallery 11 feet wide across the west end was pro- vided for. The price agreed upon was $2,000, and the building was finished in the first part of November, of the same year. It was dedicated to the service of God, on the 21st of December, 1861, and Rev. James M. Chase elected to fill the pulpit of the little flock temporarily. In January, 1862, James Walker, James Clark and J. A. Provine were chosen deacons. On the 25th of September, 1862, Rev. Mr. Chase was duly installed as regular pastor of the church, and con- tinued in that relation until his death on the 10th of February, 1865. In the April following, James T. Bliss was elected stated supply, and occupied the pulpit until May, 1868, during which time a revival was held, and 30 members were added to the church.

In 1866, the society secured an addi- tion to the church lot and erected a par- sonage, two stories high, containing six rooms, at a cost of $1,500. A barn was afterwards added, in 1872, at a cost of $200. May 8, 1868, Rev. H. C. Mullen was installed as pastor of the church, at a salary of $800 per annum, and remained until the spring of 1880. In 1874, there was another great revival and 39 mem- bers were added to the fold. In 1880, Rev. J. B. Baker succeeded Mr. Mullen as pastor, and remaining but one year,

was followed by Rev. J. S. Rankin, the present pastor. With a full membership of 80, the church is in a highly prosper- ous condition, and is accomplishing a good work in this community among the people of this denomination.

Rev. John G. Rankin, pastor of Eben- ezer church, was born in Jefferson county, East Tennessee, March 31, 1821. At the age of 15 he. removed with his father's family to southern Indiana, and three years later entered Mill Creek academy and commenced a course of study, with the ministry in view. After two years the family removed to Iowa, and for one year he studied with the Episcopal clergymen of Burlington, Iowa. In 1843 he entered the sophmore class in the Mission institute, established by Dr. David Nelson, near Quincy, Illi- nois. He graduated from that institu- tion in April, 1845; entered Lane theol- ogical seminary in September, of the same year, and graduated May, 1848. He was licensed to preach by the pres- bytery of Cincinnati, May 5, 1847, and was ordained by the presbytery of Schuyler, September 13, 1849. He was first settled over the Presbyterian church of Warsaw, Illinois, in September, 1848, and remained in that relation nearly 18 years. He was also in Carrollton, Greene county, Illinois, 10 years, and at Monti- cello seminary, near Alton, between two and three years. One year at Fer- guson, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, and one year pastor in Centralia, Illi- nois. He commenced preaching to Eb- enezer church in May, 1882, removed his family into the parsonage in Novem- ber, 1882, and has since ministered to the church and is still its pastor.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,

MACOMB.

The church of the above denomina- tion in the city of Macomb, was organ- ized at a meeting held on the 7th of No- vember, 1851, by Rev. W. S. Campbell, in conjunction with Elders Levi Ham- ilton and John B. Stapp. At that time the following persons came forward as members of other churches, and signi- fied their wish to form a church of this communion: William Stapp, Hiram Russell, Elizabeth Russell, Sarah An- derson, Mary Cannon, Jerusha Garrett, Ann Jones, Margaret Hale and Mary Smithers. On due organization the congregation held services until Satur- day, June 19, 1852, when at a meeting held for the purpose, William Stapp and Hiram Russell were elected to the office of elders. The former, who lacked or- dination, had that rite administered by the Rev. W. C. McKamy, and received their charge from that gentleman. The first meetings were held in the court house. Among the clergymen that ministered to this congregation were many in its first years as irregular sup- plies, but in July, 1858, the congrega- tion procured the service of Rev. E. Can- aday, a regularly ordained minister, as regular pastor, This gentleman re- mained with the church, in the minis- terial capacity, until October 16, 1859, ' when he resigned. Brother J. H. Bates was employed by the congregation to preach to them once in four week, in March, 1860. After about a year this service ceased and the church depended on the various supply preachers until in March, 1862, when Rev. Samuel Rich- ards was called to the pastorate. This

gentleman was soon succeeded by Rev. J. W. Stapp. In 1866 Rev. J. W. Cleaver was the pastor. The church flourished greatly up to this time, but from some unexplained cause the congregation di- minished in numbers and finally dis- banded. The congregation had erect- ed a neat and commodious church edi- fice in the fall and winter of 1857-58, which was dedicated on Sabbath morn- ing, March 28, 1858. The record of the church says, in speaking of this inter- esting occasion: "The house was filled to overflowing, and many persons left for want of room. Before the sermon there was money enough raised by sub- scription and cash to pay off all debts against the church house. The dedica- tion sermon was preached by Rev. S. T. Stewart. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. John B. Hubbard; a solemn time. The sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered at 3 o'clock p. m. The attendance was very large, and great solemnity prevailed over the entire congregation. The ses- sion met and invited Rev. S. T. Stewart to act as moderator pro tem." The elders at that time present, were J. A. Chapman, Hiram Russell and P. Ham- ilton. When the congregation finally broke up in 1866 or 1867, the house was sold, and the denomination had no church in Macomb for many years. The church was reorganized in .May, 1884, as the record states: "After our harps had been hanging on the willows for over 20 years, during which time many of the members of this congrega- tion had removed from the field, while others had gone to their rewards above, leaving a few who would make spas-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

modic efforts for life." Rev. B. W. Mc- Donald,of Lebanon, Tennessee, preached two weeks during the month of March, 1884, but having to go away, Rev. Thomas Potter came by request, and continued preaching some seven weeks, when he was regularly employed as pastor. In November, 1884, he was succeeded by Rev. R. W. Norris, who is the present pastor. The present officers of the church are: R. W. Norris, moderator; Hiram Russell, T. J. Caldwell, Loven Garrett and Anthony Thornton; and A. Thornton, clerk.

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ARGYLE.

This church was organized January 19, 1834, by Rev. C. P. Jewel. The or- ganization took place at the residence of John McCord in the southwestern part of Emmet township. The first ruling elders were John McCord and E. Du- rant. Wm. McCord was appointed clerk of the session. The ministers who first supplied this congregation with preach- ing were men who were willing to make sacrifice for the cause of Christ, often traveling many miles from different parts of the state to reach their places of preaching.

Until recently this congregation was known as Bersheba but it is now changed on the presbyterial record to that of Argyle. The first camp meeting was held near the place where the church was organized, in the year 1838, and was con- ducted by Rev. Peter Downey, Cyrus Haynes, John Crawford and William McKamy. The church held its meet- ings at the place of organization until the year 1854, when it was transferred

to Argyle, its present location, in the southeastern part of Hire township. The church edifice which was erected in 1853, was held for several years jointly by the Cumberland Presbyterians and Baptist's, but now belongs to the former. G. W. Welch, one of the early settlers of Illinois, did more than any one else for the construction of this house of worship. Knowing well the value of religious influences in a community, he gave of his means liberally for the build- ing fund, and also for the support of the Gospel. He was one of the ruling eld- ers and held this office until his death. He also superintended the first Sabbath school, organized in the spring of 1855, at Argyle, in the new church. James C. Bowles, who came from the state of of Tennessee, and located near the church was the second superintendent of the Argyle Sabbath school. He held this position for a number of years and was an efficient worker both in the Sabbath school and church.

Among the numerous ministers who have labored at this place we mention here the names of T. K. Roach, Rev. Carter, J. W. Cleaver, John Crawford, J. L. Crawford, Milo Hobart, Frederick Naunce. Rev. J. W. Stapp was pastor of the church most of the time for 20 years and was instrumental in doing great good. He was very successful in revival work, and also in pastorial work. Many were converted under his ministry at Argyle and at various other points in Rushville presbytery. His life and work will live on to the end of time and his name will long be remembered by those who knew him, to be a true servant of the Lord.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Rev. David Hogan took charge of the congregation March 1, 1875, and re- mained for four years in which time the parsonage was built. C. P. Duvall had the pastorate of this congregation in 1883. Rev. J. L. Riley was the last min- ister who had charge of this congrega- tion; he began preaching in November, 1883, and continued until January, 1885. The present ruling elders of the church are Allen Murray, A. T. McCord, John W. Russell and Scott Rodgers; deacons, E. A. Welch and Albert Welch. Just east of the church edifice the cemetery is located where many loved ones are quietly resting in the silent city waiting the resurrection, at the last day. The old time honored church house is grow- ing older still and needs to be replaced with a new building, which we believe will be erected at no distant day. Many precious memories of the past are linked in with the history of old Argyle. The pure doctrines of the gospel have been extensively preached here and a wave of influence has been set in motion that is destined to go on through all time.

Rev. McKamy is the only one of the old preachers now living. He lives in Industry township.

Rev. J. T. Murray, of this church, was born in Marion county, Kentucky, on the 29th day of April, 1847, and when but one year of age, came to Illinois with his father. He was educated in the rudimental branches in the district schools, and labored on the farm until 1867, when he entered Lincoln univer- sity, Logan county, Illinois. In the spring of 1868, he returned to the farm, where he stayed until in October, of the same year, when he began teaching

school. The school where he played the pedagogue for the first time was in Ten- nessee township. In February, 1869, he made a trip through Kansas and Missouri, returning to his home in March, about a week previous to the death of his brother, W. D. In the fall of 1869, he entered the Normal school, at Macomb. In the spring following, he resumed his labors on a farm and in the school room, being engaged in agricul- tural pursuits in the summer, and in the winter teaching school. He entered the ministry, joining the presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, of Rushville, in August, 1877, and was licensed by that body in February, 1881, to preach the gospel. He took charge of the Point Pleasant congregation, Warren county, March 1, 1880, and con- tinued preaching there for four years. He is now engaged in the missionary work, a branch of church work, which he entered upon in the spring of 1884. Mr. Murray has enjoyed considerable liter- ary reputation, having, in 1876, written the "Voyage of Life," in four parts, viz: Childhood, Youth, Manhood and Old Age. He has also written and published in the various county papers, several meritorious poems, among which are those entitled, "Life on the Farm," "The Pilgrim Fathers," "The Bright Side of Farm Life," and "The Messenger Bird." "Meditations in the Graveyard," and the "Home of Love," were contri- butions of his two religious journals.

WEST PRAIRIE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTE- RIAN CHURCH.

This congregation was originally or- ganized at "Sixteen" school house, where

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. HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

meetings were held until the erection of the church. Meetings were also held in the school house of district number three, Eldorado township, by another little band. At the close of the rebel- ion, Rev. James Russell, who had served as a chaplain in the army, was employed by these and other congrega- tions, and by his earnest labor, he united them, and urged the building of a church edifice, which was done in 1867, at a cost of $3,300. The building is a neat frame, about 33x50. It is located upon the southwest corner of section 9, Eldorado township. Rev. James Russell was the first pastor. He was followed by Rev. McClellan. The present is Rev. J. M. Crawford.

INDUSTRY CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

This congregation was organized at the house of Thomas Adkisson, Novem- ber 3, 1843, with the following members: Nathan Compton, Sarah Compton, John Compton, Sarah Adkisson, William C. McKamy, Mrs. O. H. McKamy, Jane P. McKamy, Elizabeth McKamy, John McKamy, Margaret Campbell, Tom Pollock, Elizabeth Osborn, A. J. Os- born, Stephen Cockerham, Rachel Cockerham, Martha Bridges, Walter Mean, Joseph Peck, Martha M. Berry, and A. H. Berry. Nathan Campbell

- was then elected elder. The congrega- tion was first named Grindstone. Shortly after the organization, meetings were held in S. Cockerham's house. After this the camp grounds were used, which were on the farm now owned by Wash- ington Vail. In 1845, a union church house was erected, which, at present

stands unoccupied one mile and a half east of Industry. This building was used until the one occupied at present was erected. This structure is 36x51 feet in dimensions, and was built in 1857, at a cost of $2,500. It is located on the northeast corner of Hickory and Downing streets. This edifice was dedi- cated in 1859. The first occupant of the pulpit was Rev. John Carter. The trustees at that time were: T. J. Pen- nington, Dr. B. A. Duncan, J. C. Bridges, U. Begthol, and M. Baymiller.

GOOD HOPE, CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

The society bearing this name was or- ganized on the 28th day of April, 1838, at the house of Levi Hamilton, on sec- tion 5, Macomb township, by Revs. Peter Downey and Cyrus Haynes, and Elder John McCord, who constituted the committee of Rushville conference, ap- pointed for that purpose. Meetings were held at the house of Mr. Hamilton for several years, until a church build- ing was erected, not far from his house, about 23 miles southeast of Good Hope. It was then known as Walnut Grove church. The original members were Cyrus Haynes, Mahala Haynes, A. H. Berry, M. M. Berry, Michael Vincent, Levi Hamilton, Malinda Hamilton, Mary Stapp, J. B. Stapp, Corger Creel, Char- les Creel, Parthena Creel, John Camp- bell and wife, Durham and Mary Creel. For about twenty years its ministers served as stated supplies. Prominent among these were Rev. Cyrus Haynes, Peter Downey, Rev. Wier, William S. Campbell, E. Knowles, T. K. Roach and J. W. Stapp. In 1859, Rev. J. W. Car-

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History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 49

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150