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 50
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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.
ter was installed pastor, and served for nine years. Following him were T. S. McClure, Rev. Richardson, J. H. Mor- gan, J. D. Foster. The first church building erected was burnt down, prob- ably the work of an incendiary. Another structure was erected on the same site. This building was removed · to Good Hope in 1875. Rev. J. Riley, of Danvers, was the last minister of the gospel who officiated here. At present the congregation has no preacher There are about 50 members enrolled on the church books. There is a Sunday school of about 60 scholars, of which Andrew Allison is superintendent. The value of churchproperty is about $3,500.
SUGAR CREEK, CUMBERLAND PRESBYTE- RIAN CHURCH.
Meetings of this congregation were held in the Foster neighborhood as early as 1836. In that year, at the residence of A. J. Foster, the Rev. William C. McKamy was ordained a minister of the gospel, being the first minister ordained in the county. ' Meetings were held off and on in groves, dwellings and school houses until 1865 or '66, when the pres- ent church structure was erected. It is a good frame, about 36x48 feet, and cost $3,000. It stands on section 2, of Eldo- rado township. The elders are Wm. D. Foster and Samuel J. Foster. I. N. Fos- ter is clerk. The membership at present is about 60. The present preacher is J. S .: Crawford.
FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, MACOMB.
In 1832, the famous pioneer of Meth- odism in Illinois, Peter Cartwright,
preached the first sermon in Macomb, according to the tenets of belief of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. The same year he succeeded in organiz- ing a society in that place, which is yet in existence.
Meetings were held in the old court house until 1835, when a very respecta- ble brick building was erected on ground given by Hon. James M. Campbell, on the site of the present church edifice, on Lafayette street, north of Carroll.
In 1847 the church building blew down, when services . were held con- jointly with the Presbyterians, in their church building. A very earnest union revival was held by the two congrega- tions, in this church, which resulted in bringing many into it. The church building was rebuilt in 1848.
In 1854, the circuit heretofore rather large, was divided, leaving Macomb only two appointments, viz .: Wolf Grove and Spring Creek. During this year the church building again blew down, but the faithful members were not discour- aged, only the more determined, and ·soon set about to erect another and lar- ger building. One 40x70 feet was built this time and dedicated in 1857. T. M. Eddy, editor of the Northwestern Chris- tian Advocate, delivered the dedicatory sermon. During the interval spent in rebuilding, services were held in the_ Christian church and in the court-house.
By 1858, the congregation had become so large as to require the undivided time of the pastor, and consequently Macomb was set off as a separate sta- tion.
The church building in 1875 was re- built and refitted at a cost of $4,076. A
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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.
very tall and beautifully proportioned steeple towered far above the building, but not long after the new edifice had been dedicated-Bishop Simpson preaching the dedicatory sermon-and during a most violent storm the spire was blown down, causing some damage to the front walls. Immediately the debris was cleared away, aud a cupola of less pre- tensions was erected. The value of the church building, which is a neat and commodious brick structure, is $10,000. A large bell is swung in the cupola.
On the corner of Lafayette and Cal- houn streets, and just to the north of the church, is the parsonage, a good frame residence worth $1,200. The following gentlemen have served as presiding el- ders in this circuit since the organization of the church: Revs. Peter Cartwright, Michael Taylor, Peter Atkins, N. G. Ber- ryman, John S. Barger, R. Haney, John Morey, Milton Bourne, H. Summers, A. Magee, W. H. Hunter, W. D. Under- wood, Henderson Ritchie, G. M. Irwin, B. E. Kaufman, G. J. Luckey, J. G. Bowlin, and the present incumbent, M. C. Bowlin. The following is the correct list of the various pastors who have had charge of this church: Rev. H. Sum- mers, T. N. Ralston, P. R. Boring, Wil- liam Window, D. B. Carter, Enos Thomp- son, John R. Richmond, Chauncey Ho- bart, E. Tracy, John Morey, R. W. Clark, William Hindall, Freeborn Haney, Sam- uel Pillsbury, H. Hadley, George White- more, Seth Ford, B. Courtwright, B. C. Swartz, B. H. Courtwright, J. B. Quinly, William M., Clark, S. S. Robinson, W. H. Jackson, James Taylor, C. P. Brooks, Allen Head, W. S. Smith, W. J. Beck, Milton Bourne, Benjamin Applebee, An-
drew Miller, P. T. Rhodes, William Wil- son, G. R. Palmer, A. D. McCool, Wil- liam Watson, J. H. Rhea, J. C. Rybolt, Henderson Ritchie, Peter Warner, Mr. Zimmerman, B. D. Dennis, L. B. Kent, M. A. Head, G. W. Arnold, C. W. Ail- ing and H. A. Tullis, the present pastor. The present officers of the church are the following mentioned: S. Smith and Alexander M'Kown, class-leaders; R. H. Broaddus, J. T. Adcock, P. McClellan, H. K. Smith, James Venable, C.W. Slade, D. H. Hampton, G. E. Kelley and Amos Scott, stewards; James Venable, secre- tary; H. K. Smith, treasurer; Alexander Holmes, A. T. Vawter, B. D. Ingram, A. K. Lodge, A. Munger, S. Smith, and C.' W. Slade, trustees.
In connection with this church is a large and thriving Sabbath school, of which the following is a list of the offi- cers: M. Kennedy, superintendent; A. K. Lodge, assistant superintendent; Mrs. G. E. Kelley, lady superintendent; Sadie Knapp, secretary; S. Smith, treasurer.
SECOND M. E. (COLORED ) CHURCH, MACOMB.
This society was organized in Septem- ber, 1876, by Rev. Jacob, of Galesburg, with the following members: Alexander Garner, Mrs. Shoots, Miss Rachel An- derson, Miss Walker and Milton Daniels. For some time meetings were held in the old Baptist church on North Lafayette street.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF PRAI- RIE CITY.
This class was organized in 1856. Ser- vices were held at first at the residences of Thomas Brinks and John Griffin. Then a school house was erected just
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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.
south of where the Presbyterian church now stands. Rev. George Havermail was the first pastor who preached in this place. The flock at first consisted of the following members : David,
Catharine and Margaret Griffin, Thomas and Nancy Brink, Mr. and Mrs. E. W. Goldsmith, Ebenezer and Sarah Sanford, D. K. Hardin and wife, Rufus and Samantha Benedict, Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Hoyt, John Carrier and wife, Erastus Carrier and wife, Andrew Burr and wife, Sylvester Davey and wife, and James Dickinson. Rev. Havermail, the first preacher, was a young man, who took his tools with him when he went to col- lege, and worked at his trade of carpen- ter while gaining his education. From 1856 to 1860, besides Havermail, Revs. Alexander Fisher, William Watson, N. Lewis and Jesse Craig served as pastors. Mr. Fisher was a popular minister, but he did not remain long in the pastorate. Mr. Watson was a young man, a faithful worker, and was much respected. Mr. Lewis did not serve long. Jesse Craig was a pleasant, agreeable man to all. He is now in Vermont, Fulton county. William Underwood came in 1861. He was well known in this part of the country. He was followed in October, 1864, by John C. Rybolt. He served one year, and was followed by A. Bower. He is still in this conference. He was a pleasant man, and a logical speaker. W. J. Beck came in 1867. He was a good preacher, and well liked. He is now connected with the DesMoines, Iowa, conference. He was succeeded by J. D. Heckard. Mr. Heckard was prob- ably the most eloquent preacher who ever presided over the congregation, and
was; besides, a very jovial man. While at Watseka, afterwards, he was kicked by a cow while milking, and died from his injuries. D. S. Main took pastoral charge in 1869. He is still in this con- ference. He was succeeded by A. Magee, in October, 1872. A sketch of him will appear in the history of Prairie City. A. S. Atherton was next, coming in 1875. He has since retired from the ministry, and is farming in Missouri. G. Wiley Martin came in 1877. He is now a pre- siding elder in a thinly settled portion of Nebraska. The next pastor was E. C. Wayman. He is now in Kankakee district, and has Zion and Verona churches in charge. J. H. Sanders be- came pastor here in October, 1881. He is now engaged in farming near Iowa Falls, Iowa, having been incapacitated from preaching on account of throat troubles. S. P. James, the present pas- tor, succeeded Mr. Sanford, coming in October, 1883. The church building was erected in 1858, at a cost of about $1,500. The amount was raised mostly by sub- scription. Among those donating: Moses Hand gave $200; D. K. Hardin, $200; David Griffin, $200; Alexander Fisher, $200; Rufus Benedict, $150; Ebenezer Sanford, $200; Sylvester Davey paid, in work and money, about $50. The amount first raised was not sufficient, and the donors increased their subscriptions, Mr. Hand giving altogether about $400. The ladies also raised money by holding entertainments and giving suppers, and paid a great deal towards the furnishing of the church. The parsonage was erected in 1859, at a cost of about $800. It is located across the street from the church. The tax-title to the land on
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449
HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.
which it stands, was donated to the society by Moses Hand. The first trus- tees were: Moses Hand, Andrew Burr, L. I. Washburn, D. K. Hardin and Alexander Fisher. The officers at pres- ent are: A. Mead, Milton Hay, S. Davey, John Kreider and J. N. Belleville, trus- tees; A. Mead, A. Magee, John Kreider and S. Davey, stewards; A. B. Cooper, class-leader. The church has hardly as many members as formerly, though a good degree of interest is manifested. A. Magee and A. Mead are local preachers, and speak alternate Sundays, the regular pastor only preaching at night. A Sabbath school was organized a short time after the building of the church edifice. Ebenezer Sanford was its first superintendent. A. Mead now holds that position, and has for a num- ber of years. He has the school in good condition.
Rev. S. P. James, who now fills the pulpit at the M. E. church, of Prairie City, was born in Baltimore county, Maryland, November 9, 1842, and is a son of A. F. W. and Rebecca C. (Price) James. His father removed to McDon- ough county in 1869, and died in Sciota township in 1880. S. P. spent his boy- hood days in Maryland, and in 1861 went to Washington, and was engaged in the quartermaster's department of the army. He was thus employed until 1864, when he came to this county, where many of his relatives resided. He lo- cated at Bushnell, and commenced the study of dentistry with his brother, J. A. After becoming proficient in the profes- sion, he formed a partnership with his brother. In January, 1866, he went to Vermont, Fulton county, and opened a
dentistry office. He became a local preacher there, and decided to give up his profession. He was a local preacher from 1870 to 1875, and in the latter year served as supply to the Macomb circuit. His ordination as elder occurred on Oc- tober 4, 1880, at Fairbury, Bishop Hurst presiding. His first charge, after filling the supply on the Macomb circuit, was at Pleasant Mound, this county. He was next assigned to Rarita, Henderson county. After this he served at Good Hope until coming to Prairie City, in October, 1883. He was married in Bal- timore, Maryland, on July 12, 1866, to Martha E. Lynch. They have two chil- dren-William A. and Walter G.
GREENWOOD METHODIST CHURCH, MACOMB TOWNSHIP.
The people of this denomination in this vicinity first met for worship at the Scottsburg church, in 1857. At that time they were under the supervision of Blandinsville circuit. In 1858, they were taken into the Pleasant Mound, circuit, and began to hold meetings in the school house of District No. 2. Ser- vices were held in that building till 1875, when the church of the United Brethren was erected. They worshipped in that edifice until their own was completed, later in the same year. On Sunday, De- cember 19, 1875, the dedication sermon was preached by Rev. J. G. Evans, presi- dent of Hedding college, Abingdon. The building is 32x48 feet in ground area, and was erected at a cost of $1,836.07. The first trustees were: Abram Switzer, D. Chidester, J. B. Bieber, A. C. Ford, H. H. McElvain and L. H. Shriver. The first preacher was Rev. Benjamin F.
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450
HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.
Applebee, a minister of good ability and highly esteemed. He formed the class, . consisting of 15 members, and labored one year with the flock. Since his time the following have preached: C. Springer, George Havermail, William Underwood, William Frizzell, Peter Warner, H. H. Crozier, -- Mark, Jacob Mayhews, D. S. Mains, A. Bowers, B. C. Dennis, J. Ferguson, J. W. Frizzell, B. E. Kaufman, H. K. Metcalf, J. Pugh, J. E. Taylor, Peter Garrison, Thomas J. Pearson, J. A. Sandess and Melton Haney. T. P. Henry is the present min- ister. O. M. McElvain has taken the place of J. B. Bieber as trustee.
M. E. CHURCH, EMMET TOWNSHIP.
The building of this congregation is located on the northeast corner of sec- tion 19, and was erected in 1865, at a cost of $2,500; size, 26x50 feet in ground area. The church was dedicated in Feb- ruary, 1866. The society was organized and held regular meetings in groves and school houses some 15 years previous. The land on which the present building is located was generously donated to the society by George Guy. The first regu- lar pastor of the congregation was Rev. Stephen Brink, who staid about two years. The following were among the first members: George G. Guy and wife, James Guy, Catharine Duncan, David G., B. F., Martha, Rebecca J., Harrietta and A. E. Guy, Eli Murray and wife, John B. Murray and wife, Ingabo and Martha Carmack, Riley P. Pennington and wife, James Bradley, Francis At- kinson, James Griffith and wife, Mrs. Emily Wilson and Mary J. Newell. George G. Guy was the first class leader,
and held that position for a number of years. He resigned in 1876, since which time his son, B. F., has been class leader. The present pastor is V. C. Randolph. A Sunday school has been carried on during the summer seasons, until recent years, since which time they meet both summer and winter. George G. Guy was the first superintendent, who was followed successively by Eli Murray, William Knight and the present incum- bent, R. T. Ballew. .
STICKLE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The congregation in Emmet township known by the above name was organized in 1845, with the following members: Abram Stickle, Sr., Susan Stickle, Jacob Stickle and wife, George Stickle and wife, William Stickle and wife, Abram Stickle, Jr., and wife, William Twitchell and wife, Nicholas Post and wife, An- drew Wyatt and wife, George Eyre and wife, Robert Fleetmiller and wife, Mrs. Mary Henley, Mrs. Elizabeth McCrary and Robert Stickle. They worshipped for about ten years in the school house, near the site of the present church edi- fice, which was erected in 1854 or 1855, on the southwest quarter of section 11. The building is 30x45 feet in ground area, and was erected at a cost of $1,700. It was named in honor of Abram Sickle, Sr., now deceased, who was the prime mover in the organization of the same. There is a present membership of about 50.
BLANDINSVILLE M. E. CHURCH.
The first religious services of a pub- lic character that occurred in what is now Blandinsville township were held
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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.
at the Hays school house, three miles east of the city of Blandinsville. Peter Akers, John S. Barger, Chauncey Hobart, John Morey, David Oliver, J. Kirkpat- rick, J. B. Quinby, W. J. Smith, U. J. Giddings and others held services here at various times. The first preaching in the town of Blandinsville was in a school house, since moved, and now occupied as the post office. It was at the Hays school house, however, that the first so- ciety of this denomination was formed. The following is a list of the various pas- tors who have filled the pulpit of this charge, from the organization of the church, in 1854. J. S. Cummings, 1854; W. J. Beck and J. Cowden, 1855; B. E. Kaufman, 1856; H. Presson and B. E. Kaufman, 1857; H. Presson, 1858; G. W. Miller, 1859-60; B. B. Kennedy and V. M. Dewey, 1861; B. B. Kennedy, 1862; H. H. Crozier, 1863; S. Brink, 1864-65- 66; J. C. Millington, 1867; John Luccock, 1868-69; B. E. Kaufman, 1870; B. E. Kaufman and T. J. Pearson, 1871; B. F. Tallman, 1872; B. F. Tallman and G. N. Dorsey, 1873; B. F. Tallman and A. C. Calkins, 1874; G. B. Snedaker and W. B. Alexander, 1875-76-77; T. P. Henry, 1878-79-80; B. C. Dennis, 1881; C. W. Ayling, 1882; W. W. Carr, 1883; C. Springer, 1884-85.
There is a membership of nearly 300 at this time connected with Blandinsville charge. The church edifice in Blandins- ville is a beautiful structure, in good repair, and reflects credit upon the con- gregation and community.
THE M. E. CHURCH OF BARDOLPH.
This church was first known as that of Wolf's grove, and was organized at the
house of Jacob Kepple, in the spring of 1837, by the Rev. Mr. Thompson, through the influence of William H. Jackson, a local preacher, one of those sturdy pio- neers who not only desired to open up this beautiful country for settlement, but to sow the good seed of the Gospel in the hearts of his neighbors and friends. The church or class, as originally formed, contained but five members: W. H. Jackson, Ann Jackson, Margaret Kepple, Elizabeth Kulp and Harriet Vincent. Mr. Jackson was elected class leader. Preaching was held at the log cabin of Jacob Kepple, once in four weeks, on week days, as the circuit was so large that the preachers had to preach every day in the week, and often twice a day, to make their rounds in four weeks. It was very often a very long time between ap- pointments, but these self-sacrificing cir- cuit riders rode horseback or traveled on foot, carrying their saddle-bags contain- ing their library and wardrobe. Their salary was very small, $100 being the usual salary allowed them, and often half of this was never obtained.
Religious services were held at the cabin of Mr. Kepple for some two or three years, and after that for six or eight years at the house of Wm. H. Jackson. After that, services were, at first, held in the school house, about a quarter of a mile south of the present site of Bardolph. After a few years the meeting place was removed to the school house on the south- west quarter of section 24, in Macomb township. Here it remained until about 1855, when Bardolph being laid out, the church was removed to the newly erected school house in that place, where it re- mained about a year or so. Its name
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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.
was changed about this time to that of Bardolph Methodist Episcopal society. The school directors, having objections to the holding of services in the build- ing, a room in the village was rented by the society, for the purpose of having services. This they held for a few months, when the members of the Presbyterian church tendered them the use of their church building, which they gladly ac- cepted.
In the autumn of 1866, the Cumber- land Presbyterians and this congrega- tion united in the erection of a church edifice, which was known by their united names,in which services were held on al- ternate Sundays. For 10 years this con- tinued, and finally, in 1883, the Metho- dist congregation purchased the interest of the Presbyterians in the structure, and now own and occupy it themselves. The building is a neat and commodious specimen of church architecture. Like® all other old churches of this denomina- tion, they have had a number of pastors, but it is believed that the following is a complete list, with the date of service, the first, however, being circuit preachers, with appointments at this place. Begin- ning with the first, we have Rev. Mr. Thompson, who served one year; Rev. Mr. Mobley, one year; Rev. C. Hobart, two years; Rev. Mr. Pitner, one year; Rev. Mr. Troy, one year; Rev. J. Wal- ters, one year; Rev. C. J. Houts, one year; Rev. T. J. Oliver, one year; Rev. B. F. Applebee, one year; U. J. Ged- dings, two years; Rev. Mr. Hindle, a part of a year which was finished out by Rev. Freeborn Haney; Rev. W. J. Beck, one year; Rev. B. F. Swarts, one year. The next was Rev. Barton Cartwright and
Rev. J. B. Quimby, who together had ap- pointments on this circuit. They were succeeded by Rev. John Morey, who served one year; Rev. Milton Brown, one year; Rev. James Taylor and Rev. John P. Brooks, one year; Rev. W. H. Jack- son and Rev. Sharrod Robinson, one year; Rev. Mr. Hadley, one year; Rev. W. J. Beck, one year; Rev. Mr. McCool, one year; Rev. B. F. Applebee, one year; Rev. W. F. Steward, one year; Rev. John Windsor, one year; Rev. Creighton Springer, one year, and Rev. Mr. Brown, one year. This brings it down to the building of the church in 1867. From that time forward the pulpit has been filled by Revs. B. E. Kaufman, D. S. Main, James Ferguson, A. P. Hull, Ja- cob Mathews, John Reed, P. S. Garret- son, J. W. Frizzell, T. J. Pearson, H. K. Metcalf, J. A. Souders, B. C. Dennis and T. P. Henry, the present pastor.
Special revivals have been held at va- rious times with wonderous results, among which may be mentioned some of the principal ones. One was held in the school house south of the site of Bar- dolph, in the winter of 1851, by Rev. James Taylor, the pastor, assisted by Revs. John P. Brooks and W. H. Jack- fon. Some 50 or 60 conversions were reported. A union revival was held therein shortly after the erection of the church building, by Revs. H. C. Mullen, John Windsor and W. H. Jackson, which resulted in some 70 making a profession of faith. In 1872, a revival held by Rev. Jacob Mathews resulted in adding 75 more to the fold. In 1880, a powerful wave of religious feeling swept through- out the community, and a revival at that time, under the direction of Rev. T. J.
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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.
Pearson resulted in the conversion of 130 souls. A revival in 1883, also, re- sulted in 30 more coming into the church. The officers of the society are at present, the following mentioned: J. E. Hen- drickson and George Switzer, class lead- ers; J. E. Hendrickson, John W. Booth, Mrs. J. Knapp, John G. Smith and John M. Jackson, stewards; Dr. J. B. Knapp, A. Hanson, H. A. Maxwell, J. W. Jack- son, J. W. Booth, J. E. Hendrickson and J. M. Jackson, trustees. John M. Jack- son, superintendent of Sabbath school. The church is in an excellent condition, and has a membership of 105 at the pres- ent writing, (1885.)
SCOTT'S M. E. CHURCH, BETHEL TOWNSHIP.
The congregation of this name was or- ganized in 1837. Rev. Tray, deceased, was the first pastor of the church. The first church edifice was erected in 1836, on the southwest quarter of section 30, and was also used for school purposes. It was a log structure, 12x15 feet in di- mensions. The growth and prosperity of the church has been gradual and sub- stantial, and at present there is a mem- bership of 50 or 60. Rev. Powell, the present pastor, has been laboring in the work and interest of the church at dif- ferent periods for the past 30 years. There is also a flourishing Sunday school in connection, with a membership of be- tween 150 and 200.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF BUSHNELL.
During the year 1856, although the people of the village were but few, the place having but just started, still there were some that wanted to found a church
of this denomination. After some dis- cussion, in that year; a class was formed of the following members: J. Cole and wife, E. Aller and wife, Herman Diltz and wife, Jacob Miller and wife, and Isaac Tharke and wife. This little knot of christians formed a nucleus around which gathered quite a congregation. They worshipped for a time in the build- ing erected by the German Methodists, in harmony with that body, but in 1863, they felt convinced that they should have a house of their own, so set to work and built one of frame, 36x56 in ground area, at a cost of $3,000. This they used until the spring of 1883, when it was de- molished, and on its site was erected the present stately edifice they use for wor- ship. This beautiful building is brick, 58x70 feet in dimension, well and sub- stantially built, elegantly finished and beautifully fitted up. Its cost was about $12,000, and it was dedicated to sacred uses in May, 1884. The present mem- bership is about 250.
THE GERMAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL . CHURCH OF BUSHNELL.
In July, 1857, a congregation of this denomination of christians was formed at the rising town of Bushnell, with the following members: Henry Weiser and wife, Michael Miller and wife, George Ludwig and wife, Andrew Ludwig and wife, Henry Bertz and wife, Henry Wil- masshans and wife, Christ. Wiseman and wife and John Ewald and wife. The first minister was Rev. Peter Hehner. No sooner was the society formed than they began to look around for means with which to erect them a house of wor- ship, and with this end in view elected
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