USA > Illinois > Mercer County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 91
USA > Illinois > Henderson County > History of Mercer and Henderson Counties : together with biographical matter, statistics, etc > Part 91
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945
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
ness of Oquawka, for this road and the railroad graded from Sagetown to Oquawka, amounts to about $31,000. The failure in the plank-road investment was probably due largely to the failure to secure the expected Peoria & Oquawka railroad.
STORMS.
Limited space will not allow the recording of all storms, but perhaps the severest may find room. The Oquawka "Spectator," of 1850, says : "May, 27, the town was visited by one of the severest storms that we have ever experienced. During the middle of the day dark clouds of threatening appearance lay along the horizon to the northwest. At four o'clock the gathering storm came rolling up, accompanied by heavy peals of thunder, and soon broke upon us, forcing man and beast to seek shelter from its merciless peltings. The air was filled with the falling hailstones, from smallest size to those larger than hen's eggs. Nearly every pane of glass on the north side of the buildings in town was broken. From our office (Spectator office) and dwelling 167 panes were broken, and others were scarcely more fortunate. All the glass on the exposed side of the court-house and church (Presbyterian church) were broken. To the growing crops the damage cannot be great, as they are not as yet sufficiently far ad- vanced. The storm was far worse in the southern part of Warren county, destroying the young fruit, etc. In some parts of the state timber trees were blown down, fences prostrated for miles, houses unroofed, hogs, large and small, killed in great numbers, fruit trees broken and bruised. It was death and general desolation to the fowls, cranes, plovers, and prairie chickens." The writer might recall the tornadoes of 1872 that demolished the Methodist church, and that of 1876 that despoiled the Moir brick block, but others must be passed by.
FLOODS.
Few there are, even in the state, who remember the exceeding high waters of the Mississippi and its tributaries in 1828. The waters were again flooding in 1844, and again in 1849, spreading over the bottom lands and lower parts of the town, but not to an extent to destroy as did the flood of 1851. This can not be better described than by quot- ing directly from the "Spectator's" special issue of June 3 of that year, which is given in full, with head lines. It was issued from the second story of the brick building used as an office. The little brick still stands in defiance of even the father of waters. The special reads :
" Tremendous overflow ! The rise of 1828 surpassed ! Immense destruction of property ! Dwellings deserted ! Disastrous effects of
946
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
the foods above and below ! The channel of the Mississippi probably changed ! The waters are upon us !- We write amid a scene of con- fusion and excitement seldom witnessed. All the business portion of our town, except one or two houses, is covered with water deep enough to afford passage for steamboats. The condition of affairs is beyond description, and can only be realized by being seen. The flood of 1844 was nothing in comparison with the present, and as nearly as it. can now be ascertained, the memorable rise of 1828 failed of reaching the present mark. On Thursday last the water commenced flooding the lowest portions of the flats and the report was brought us by Capt. Harris, of the Dr. Franklin, of a very heavy rise coming down. By Friday morning the water had risen several inches and every exertion was made to secure the grain and other property from any injury that might result from the continuation of the rise. The water, however, rose so rapidly as to canse the destruction of large quantities of pro- duce. Many of those suffering from the effects of the flood are farmers who had grain stored here in sheds and who, in spite of every exertion, have sustained heavy losses. Throughout the whole of Saturday the work of salvage was carried on with renewed activity. During the evening and night the river commenced rising more rapidly than ever, while a heavy thunder storm, roaring and crashing around, added to the already gloomy prospects. On Sunday the town presented a. scene of bustle and activity. Families, driven from their tenements by the encroaching waters, were deserting their homes and seeking refuge in the upper part of town, for in this case the homestead exemption law failed to secure them in the undisturbed possession of their property. On Monday the water was still coming up and it was found necessary to remove all the household goods and considerable quantities of mer- chandise to higher ground. Wagons, skiff's, and rafts were occupied all day in conveying men and merchandise from point to point.
"At this moment (Monday evening), the entire bottom presents a spectacle of devastation. From the bank of where the river used to be, to the foot of the sand ridge, the water is from four to five feet deep, and is standing from ten to fifty inches deep in the houses west of the east side of Second street, south of and including "Spectator row," and the whole of the flat south of the postoffice. In our press room the water is over twenty-five inches deep. The farms along the bottom of the ridge are completely inundated, and many of the fences have disappeared. Several hundred cords of wood have been washed down stream. The distilling premises are under water and operations. suspended. Messrs. Moir will sustain quite a loss by damaged corn.
"Just as we are putting up this hurrygraph a flat boat is passing up
947
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
First street, laden with several hundred sacks of grain, and others are loading at different warehouses. Lumber yards are being floated inland, or staked down to hold them fast ; rafts and boats are plying everywhere, and men are wading, shoulder deep, from house to house. (Tuesday morning). The river is still rising, though more slowly, having risen only three inches during the last three hours, while for the twenty-four hours ending at eight o'clock yesterday morning, it rose over sixteen inches. The Oswego is loading from the second story window of the warehouse of S. S. Phelps & Co. Large quanti- ties of lumber and shingles have been noticed floating by since day- light. Water hip deep around our press ; and we are compelled to issue this by hand. Hope the water will go down soon. Reports from above and below report a similar condition of affairs." A week afterward the river was only four inches lower.
The "Burglington Telegraph," commenting on his neighbor, says : " Our near neighbor appears to be a severe sufferer by the floods. Our friend, Col. Patterson, of the 'Spectator,' is said to enter his office through the roof. His press is entirely under water." Of course the "Telegraph " spoke with the liberty of the press.
The losses of Oquawka were estimated at about 17,000 bushels of corn, several hundred bushels of oats, considerable salt, sugar and merchandise, together with loss from total suspension of business for a long period. The highest point reached by the Mississippi river since was in the fall of 1881 and spring of 1882, flooding the flats. The town did not suffer, partly from the fact that the lower portion of it has filled to such an extent that the sidewalk in front of the door of the Phelps brick store building, once so high that the wheel hub of wagons would touch it, is now on a level with the ground. The high water mark is chiseled on the stone door casing of the Phelps brick store.
OQUAWKA HISTORICAL AND GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY.
Oquawka had long felt the need of some literary institution higher than the school, where men of study and thought might meet and dis- cuss science and study literature. Accordingly an informal meeting was held at the office of J. Simpson January 2, 1860, for the purpose of taking steps toward the organization of a society having for its object the collection of a cabinet of geological specimens and curiosi- ties, the purchase of a library of books embracing standard instruct- ive literature, and the securement of lecturers of talent. J. Simpson was appointed chairman of a committee to draft a constitution, etc. January 9, 1860, at a meeting, R. W. Richey, Esq., pre- siding, the report of the committee was received and a constitution
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
adopted christening the society "The Henderson County Historical and Geological Society," setting forth the objects of the society as above indicated, and providing the offices of president, vice-president, recording secretary, corresponding secretary, treasurer, librarian, and three regents. The following persons signed the constitution : Dr. Cephas Park, J. A. Caswell, W. M. Graham, E. H. N. Patterson, Luke Strong, Jr., James Cunningham, Sylvester Meguire, Samuel Wadleigh, Robert Moir, H. Hanson, R. W. Richey, John Edwards, Hugh L. Thomson, James Peterson, Jonathan Simpson. Others be- came members and the promise was good. Soon, however, war rent the nation and absorbed the attention of the public mind. All institu- tions trembled and all felt the shock. The association felt this more because of its infancy. The doors were closed for years. In 1864 and 1865 some meetings were held, but the war virtually proved the death of the society.
The ladies of Oquawka, desirous of entertainment and improve- ment, organized a reading club, meeting in different parlors for the enjoyment of literary study. This was effected in 1873. The officers of the body were : Mrs. HI. N. Chapin, president ; Mrs. J. A. Pence, secretary; Mrs. Mary Barton, treasurer. Other members were Mrs. J. A. Caswell, Mrs. William Stockton, Misses Cora and Ada Caswell, and Miss Cora Simpson. A room was soon procured and furnished. The use of the books belonging to the Historical and Geological Society was procured. Interest increased in this direction. Entertainments and sociables were had. As funds allowed, books were purchased.
In 1881 it was decided to consolidate the Library Association and the Historical and Geological Society, which was done July 9, 1881. The officers elected were : Mrs. J. A. Pence, president ; Mrs. J. A. Caswell, vice-president ; Mrs. W. N. Boden, secretary ; Mrs. Mary Barton, treasurer, and Miss Mary Caswell, librarian. Three directors were also provided.
The Oquawka Library Association, as consolidated, now has a pleasant room and about 532 volumns of the best literature. There are about forty members of the society proper and quite a number of reading members. About 1,000 books are read each year. One dol- lar initiation to the society and fifty cents yearly dues. Those who read the books are charged $1.50 per year for their use. Thus a good library is at hand for a small amount of money. The growth of such an institution ought to be permanent and substantial.
Marcus truly,
951
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
ODD-FELLOWS.
The principles of brotherly love, relief and truth are as eternal as the Supreme Master himself. Out of their depths have sprung the societies having for their object the love and care of the great human family. No nobler theme can occupy us, no nobler object prompt us to our duties as a common brotherhood.
It was for this purpose that Odd-Fellowship was instituted. Born under an American sky, nourished by American succor, the Inde- pendent Order of Odd-Fellows has grown to such proportions that wherever a few are gathered together the order is represented. Its birth-place was Baltimore, its birthday April 26, 1819. Its founders were Thomas Wildey, John Welsh, John Duncan, John Cheatham, and Richard Rushworth. They declared their object to be "the aid and protection of brothers in sickness and on travel, and for the pur- pose of benevolence and charity," and the motto they adopted was: "We command you to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead, and educate the orphans."
The only creed it requires of its candidates is a belief in the one living and true God. All men of good moral character, of whatever party, sect or creed, are alike open to its responsibility and entitled to its benefits. All brothers, whatever their rank, social, political or financial, in the world at large, meet each other as equals, feel safe in each other's care, free to ask aid and ready to grant it, sympathize, console and enjoy all without fear of exposure and ridicule.
Such motives and objects prompted the few who instituted and the many who have perpetuated Tranquil Lodge, No. 193, Oquawka, Illinois. This lodge was instituted under a dispensation from the grand lodge December 19, 1855, Warren Lodge, No. 160, assisting. The charter members, who were elected to the principal offices, were : W. B. Linell, Noble Grand; Z. D: Fanning, Vice-Grand ; G. S. Hig- gins, Right Supporter; N. A. Chapin, Permanent Secretary ; and B. F. Ramage, Treasurer; and -. Libbey. This meeting occurred in the day time in the masonic hall of that day. Another session was held in the evening, when the following parties were initiated : F. A. Dallam, P. S. Linell, F. Garternicht, J. McFarland, O. S. Bearce, W. W. Collins, Dr. J. R. Snelling, N. A. Chapin. After an hour's interim the session was resumed, when O. S. Bearce was appointed Warden; F. Garternicht, Outside Guard ; J. McFarland, Inside Guard ; -. Libbey, Right Supporter to the Noble Grand ; W. W. Collins, Left Supporter to the Noble Grand; P. S. Linell, Right Scene Supporter ; Dr. J. R. Snelling, Left Scene Supporter. The lodge set apart Friday
54
952
HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
evenings for its sessions It expended immediately for incidentals and regalia $282.31.
The lodge enjoyed a prosperous career. To January 1, 1860, seventy-two had united with the order, including the charter members. Where are the seventy-two now? But seven of them are now con- nected with Tranquil Lodge, joining in the order in which they occur in this series: F. Garternicht, J. McFarland, E. I. Jempson, M. A. Frasell, James Cunningham, Samuel Mickey, and Capt. J. R. White.
When Sumter's cannonry called for brave men to crush rebellion, Tranquil Lodge became participant in the Union's battles, in her blood, and in her victory. George Boyer died December 25, 1863, from a wound received from a shot from the shore while he was pass- ing down the Mississippi river on business. James M. Phelps was killed at the battle of Fort Donelson; George W. Collins was killed at Chickamauga ; Fred Kaiser died in 1864; Rev. David Pershen died 18 -; Charles M. Ammerman died November 3, 1871 ; and J. M. Best died in 1874. George D. Carpenter was killed in Kansas by a runa- way team in 1879. Some others have died, but not while in this lodge. Many have united with other lodges, and are doing their good work.
After the war Tranquil Lodge rallied from her struggles. Till the spring of 1867 the room had been occupied by both Odd-Fellows and Masons. At that time the Masons withdrew. Nothing was left (rightly) but bare walls and floor. Tranquil Lodge immediately re- paired the hall in good style and substantially, expending for the pur- pose $594.16. The hall is 30×60 feet, neatly and well furnished. During the existence of the lodge 167 have been members. The present number in good standing is forty-three. The society has cash in the treasury $900, and hall fixtures and regalia worth about $500. The past grand officers at present connected with this society are: F. Garternicht, Capt. J. R. White, E. I. Jempson, J. M. Akin, B. Alleman, S. Allen, George Bell, James Cunningham, M. A. Fra- zell, J. H. Frazell, J. Kessel, S. Mickey, C. Stripe, W. F. C. Schell, U. Stephenson, A. A. Goempler, W. Odendahl, J. W. Pence, H. N. Patterson, R. Cooper.
The officers of the present (May, 1882), are: S. Collins, N.G .; C. Stripe, V.G .; J. M. Akin, Sec .; C. F. W. Schell, Treas .; E. I. Jempson, W .; J. W. Brock, Con .; A. A. Goempler, I.G .; T. C. Allen, O.G .; J. R. White, R.S.N.G .; C. Radmacher, L.S.N.G .; James Cunningham, R.S.V.G .; W. P. Herbertz, L.S.V.G .; Martin Walters, R.S.S .; James Thomas, L.S.S.
The old war-horses of twenty years ago are still faithful to the ship.
953
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
The Rebecca members of this lodge have numbered about forty-three, of whom but sixteen remain. It is needless to speak of the charities bestowed on deserving brothers and their families, and of the special cares sustained by mutual labor.
MASONIC.
Oquarrka Lodge, No. 123, A.F.A. M .- The society of Masons is probably the most ancient social institution in the world, though the old myth that masonry was coeval with creation, or that its birth was as far back as the age of Noah, has long since been exploded, and all such superstition is repudiated by intelligent Masons. No order is so universally represented in the world as that in consideration. Oqnawka Lodge was organized in the old brick school-house, in 1851, in August, in pursuance of a dispensation from the Grand Lodge, C. G. T. Taylor, M.W.G.M., present; John Curts, W.M .; James Scott, S.W .; II. Stewart, J. W. The first meeting under the dispensa- tion was held October 7, 1851. Besides the above-named persons, W. K. Talbot, J. R. Davis, A. D. Frazell, Gen. Hiram Rose, and E. H. N. Patterson were elected members under dispensation. The worshipful master appointed Hiram Rose, S.D .; W. K. Talbot, J.D .; A. D. Frazell, Treas .; E. II. N. Patterson, Sec .; and J. R. Davis, Tyler. October 7, 1851, John S. Peaseley and E. P. Mason became identified with the lodge. November + following, a constitution and by-laws were adopted. John S. Pollock, I. N. Smith, C. C. French, and James N. Smith became very early members; also J. Simpson, R. W. Crane, and Israel L. Stocton. The lodge continued to hold session in the school-house till some time in 1853, when they rented the hall now used by the Odd-Fellows, both lodges meeting in the same hall till 1867. In 1867 the Masons rented their present hall. It is neatly furnished. The lodge has an active membership of thirty-eight. A few times the lodge has performed the sad duty of burying the dead. War deprived the lodge of some noble lives. The lodge has been honored in the state senate by Gen. Hiram Rose ; in the legislature by J. Simpson and James Peterson ; on the bench by J. H. Stewart. The worshipful masters of the lodge have been John Curts, A. D. Frazell, J. H. Stewart, John M. Wilson, J. Simpson, R. C. Cabeen, J. A. Caswell, James Scott, John E. Bosler, H. N. Patterson. The present worshipful master is James Peterson, who has filled that position ten non-consecutive terms. Other present officers are : M. H. Mills, S.W .; J. R. White, J. W .; James Cunningham, Treas .; J. W. Tolman, Sec .; A. M. Smith, S.D .; John Kessel, J.D .; H. F. Patan, Tyler.
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
CHURCHES.
CONTRIBUTED BY REV. HEZEKIAH HANSON.
The First Presbyterian church of Oquawka, (old school), was organ- ized June 13, 1840, by a committee of the Schuyler Presbytery, con- sisting of Revs. Samuel Wilson and George Stebbins. The record of the organization is as follows : According to an order of the Presbytery of Schuyler at their sessions held in Monmouth, in April, 1840, a com- mittee appointed to organize a church at Oquawka, consisting of Revs. Samuel Wilson and George Stebbins, proceeded to the duty assigned them on June 13, 1840. James Jameison, and Mary, his wife, Mrs. Ann Mckinney, (widow), Esther W. Stebbins, Thankful Day, Sarah Jameison, wife of Joseph Jameison, Daniel Linn, and Daniel Richey, having presented certificates of good and regular standing in other churches, and having expressed a desire to be constituted as a church of Jesus Christ, were accordingly organized as a church in connection with the Presbytery of. Schuyler. James Jameison, formerly a ruling elder in the Fall creek Presbyterian church, in Warren county, Illinois, was elected and installed the first elder of this church on the day of its organization. On the same day, Orinda Eames, Hannah Lancaster, Elvira A. Francis, and Charles A. Furin, were received into the church. Of those who were organized as a church, all are dead ex- cepting Mrs. Abner Short (then Sarah Jameison), who now resides in Biggsville, in this county, and is at present a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian church of that place. On November 7, of the same year, Mrs. Mary Cousland was received into the church. On July 17, 1841, two persons were received : David B. Rice, from the church of Macomb, Illinois, on certificate, and Miss Isabella H. Phelps, of Oquawka, on profession of her faith, December 4, 1841. In 1843 seven were received : six by certificate, and one, Miss Caroline Woods, February, 1843, on profession of her faith. On March 11, 1843, David B. Rice and Marvin Tyron were elected elders. Mr. Tyron declined to accept, and D. B. Rice accepting, was then set apart as a ruling elder, and installed as an elder of this church. The first dismission from this church to another church was on July 16, 1843, given to Mrs. Mary Cousland to the Fall creek church, belonging to the Salem Association of United Baptists.
May 25, 1844, Marvin Tyron was again elected as an elder, and- then accepting was set apart to that office and installed as such. Rev. George Stebbins was the first stated supply of this church, beginning with the organization. The last record of his presence with this church is that of July 16, 1843. The sessional records show that on May 25,
955
OQUAWKA TOWNSHIP.
1844, Rev. Samuel Wilson was present as moderator. In 1844 there were four persons received into the church. The first record of any deaths in the church is as follows: "Departed this life, at Jack's Mills, July 24, 1844. Miss Caroline M. Woods, aged about twenty years. She was esteemed and beloved by all who knew her, and loved as a christian while alive, and lamented in death. Mrs. Arabella Smiley, died March 20, 1845. Mrs. Isabella II. Rice (daughter of S. S. Phelps), April 5, 1845. These were all three regular teachers in the Sunday school, and the only members of our church that were teachers. They were likewise regular attendants upon the different ordinances of God's house. Thus in a small church like ours, we deeply feel their loss." The Rev. W. K. Stewart, of Macomb, supplied this church at times. The first record of his presence is March 22, 1845. October 1, 1845, W. Perkins (then a licentiate), was engaged as a stated supply for two- thirds of his time, the other part was given to the Congregational church at La Harpe, in Hancock county, Illinois. Mr. Perkins was ordained to the gospel ministry in October, 1846, and remained as the supply of this church until May, 1847. In 1845 eight persons were received into the church by certificate. May 3, 1846, Samuel Gordon was elected, ordained and installed as a ruling elder. For several years the supplies of this church held monthly services at White Oak Springs. The Rev. Samuel Wilson supplied frequently, and in 1847 he preached the last two sermons of his life. He was taken ill while supplying this church, and on returning to his home in Monmouth died. Rev. Mr. Ferguson, of Macomb, supplied this church at inter- vals from May 27, 1847, to June 24, 1849. May 31, 1849, Robert M. Patterson and Dr. J. A. Maury were elected, ordained and installed as ruling elders in this church. During the year 1847, the session of the church discussed the propriety of receiving Mr. D. E. Roberts as a member of this church on account of his being engaged in the distill- ing business, and after referring the case to Presbytery, who refused to advise, they permitted him to withdraw his letter. In 1849 he was, however, received on his letter, but no record is made of how the matter was settled.
The next minister who statedly supplied this church was the Rev. W. K. Talbot, who began his service April 7, 1850, and finished his labors March 1, 1854. On November 14, 1851, Mark Graham, Thos. W. Kinsloe, Jno. Welch, R. Mathews, and Thomas Lowther, were elected as ruling elders. During the latter part of the ministry of Rev. W. K. Talbot difficulties arose which greatly weakened the church, and was the occasion of several troublesome cases of discipline. The Rev. Obediah J. King was the next stated supply. He began his
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HISTORY OF MERCER AND HENDERSON COUNTIES.
labors September 30, 1854, and continued them up to August 1856. On October 5, 1856, the Rev. Hezekiah Hanson, a member then of Carlisle Presbytery of Pennsylvania. preached his first sermon in this church, and was at once engaged to supply for three months. During this time the congregation issued a call for him as pastor of the church, which was presented to him through the Prebytery of Schuyler, at a meeting held in Oquawka on May 5, 1857, at which time he was installed as the first pastor, and has continued to be the pastor ever since. On May 7, 1882, he preached his twenty-fifth anniversary sermon of his installation, and at that date was the second oldest installed pastor in the Presbyterian church in Illinois.
The Sunday school in connection with this church, was organized as it now is in 1841, through the special efforts of Rev. W. Perkins. Mrs. Salome Phelps and Mrs. Osborne secured the first contribution for purchasing books for the school, amounting to $25, and for years Mrs. Phelps continued to see that the school was supplied with the necessary books. Previous to the erection of the church building the Sunday school was held in the old school-house, as was all the religious services of the place, now standing near the Methodist Episcopal church, and used as a wagonmaker's shop. On June 3, 1842, William Phelps and wife, and Myron Phelps and wife deeded the lot on which the church building stands, to the church. The first trustees were J. B. Patterson, Alexis Phelps, and James Jamison. The church building was erected during the years 1842-3. In July and August, 1857, the church was repaired, the gallery in the church was taken down, the vestibule removed, the very high pulpit and high backed pews were lowered, and the church furnished by the ladies with a chandelier and . carpet. The organ now in use was substituted for the melodeon, which had been in use for some years. Watt's psalms and hymns were laid aside, and "The Hymnal" was introduced in their stead November 3, 1867. In May. 1869, the church was repainted and refurnished by the ladies, with carpet, sofa, and communion table. In June and July, 1876, the church was again repainted and other repairs made at a cost of over $200. In March, 1876, the church received a legacy of $500 from Mrs. Jane Dorr, of Springfield, Illinois, who had been at one time a member of this church. On May 13, 1876, The Presbyterian Hymnal was introduced instead of The Hymnal. In 1878 the church had a new roof put on at a cost of $85. During the months of September and October, 1881, the church building was completely overhauled, taking out the windows and replacing them with new gothic windows and blinds, plastering the ceiling, repapering the church, carpeting the entire church, and furnishing it with new pulpit,
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