History of Morgan county, Illinois : its past and present, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; a biographical directory of its volunteers in the late rebellion; portraits of its early settlers and prominent men [etc., etc.], Part 39

Author:
Publication date: c1878
Publisher: Chicago : Donnelley, Loyd & co.
Number of Pages: 792

USA > Illinois > Morgan County > History of Morgan county, Illinois : its past and present, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; a biographical directory of its volunteers in the late rebellion; portraits of its early settlers and prominent men [etc., etc.] > Part 39

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

After the resignation of Mr. Dodge, the Rev. John H. Brown, D.D., afterward pastor for some years of the First Presbyterian Church, Spring- field, Illinois, acted as stated supply for one year. From September, 1856, until the following spring, the pulpit was supplied by different per- sons, chiefly by Rev. Dr. Bergen, of Springfield. In 1857, Rev. R. W. Allen, formerly pastor of the Pisgah Presbyterian Church, of Kentucky, took charge of the church as stated supply. Having received a unani- mous call to the pastorate, Mr. Allen was installed December 5, 1858, and continued his faithful labors until May, 1867, when he resigned. After Mr. Allen's resignation, the church was without a pastor for two years, during which time they were dependent upon transient supplies for preaching, with the exception of six months, when they enjoyed the very efficient labors of Rev. R. J. L. Matthews, formerly of Vandalia, Illinois.

In 1869, the present pastor, Rev. W. W. Harsha, D.D., was called from the South Presbyterian Church, Chicago. He was born in West Hebron, Washington County, N. Y. He received his collegiate education in Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. He studied law, but shortly after entering upon the practice, changed his profession and entered the ministry, in connection with the Associate Presby- terian Church. Joined the Old School Church in 1854. He com- menced his ministry in Galena, in 1846. His pastoral charges have been at Galena, Hanover Savanna, Dixon, Chicago, and Jackson- ville. He took charge of his present Church in May, 1869. Received the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1872, from Fulton College, Missouri, of which institution Rev. Dr. Price was at the time President. On going to Dixon, in 1855, he founded the Presbyterian Institution, known as the Dixon Collegiate Institute, and acted for some years as its President.

371

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

During the thirty-nine years - and including since June, 1877 -that this church has maintained a separate existence, about eight hundred persons have been received into its communion. Its present house of worship was completed in 1874. Its cost, including the lot, was thirty- three thousand dollars.

Referring to the Westminster Church, the Journal continues: This is the youngest of the English speaking Presbyterian Churches of the city. It was founded by thirty-four members of the First Church in the Spring of 1860. A plain brick house of worship was erected that year on Westminster Street, the present site. Dr. David H. Hamilton was installed as the first pastor in October, 1860, and continued as such until January 1, 1872. Dr. H. V. D. Nevins was next called. His pastorate continued until his resignation, early in 1874. The present pastor, Rev. S. M. Morton, was installed in October, 1874. The church and lot origin- ally cost seven thousand dollars, with extensive improvements in 1866 and 1875.

In reference to the Portuguese Presbyterian Churches, the paper says : In addition to three English churches, there are three Presbyterian con- gregations among our Portuguese fellow citizens. In November, 1849, a company of about four hundred of this nationality, reached this section of the State, settling in Waverly, Springfield, and Jacksonville. They were religious exiles, mostly from the island of Maderia, and having been under the spiritual guidance of a Scotch Presbyterian clergyman, they naturally allied themselves with that denomination in this country. Churches were formed in Springfield and this city. From the latter sprang, in May, 1858, a second church. In 1872 the latter organization was again divided. In the three churches there are now some four hun- dred members. They occupy two substantial frame buildings on Jordan and North 'Streets. The last formed congregation are using the court house for worship at present. The pulpits are supplied now by Rev. Henry Vieria, Rev. Charles Barton, and Rev. Emanuel Pires.

Within the present bounds of Morgan County, outside of the city, there are three Presbyterian Churches which joined in this semi centennial celebration, as follows: Murrayville, Pisgah, and Unity. Besides these there are five others, located within the boundaries of Morgan County in 1827, when the church on the Leeper farm was formed, viz .: Manchester, Winchester, Beardstown (German), Virginia, and Little Indian.

The Baptists. This denomination have two churches in the city. The first was organized in 1841. In 1856, they dedicated their present house of worship. At their organization Rev. Alvin Bailey presided, the meeting being held in the Christian church. Rev. Mr. Bailey remained four or five years, when failing health necessitated a change and he resigned. The congregation occupied the market house a year or more, and then built the present German church on West State Street. Among the constituent members were John and M. C. Goltra, J. D. Rawlins and wife, Mrs. Bibb, and Mrs. Ellen C. Spencer. The present house of wor- ship cost $15,000. The membership is about two hundred.

The other Society is the colored church, with over one hundred · members. It has been in successful operation since its organization, and maintains an excellent Sunday School.

The First German Lutheran Church was organized in 1858, with

372

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

eight members, among whom were John Knollenberg, Fred. Walker, Edward Beer, Henry Bachlefel and Joseph Kackmann. The organization was effected in the Christian church, then situated on North Main Street. They met for divine services in various places, until 1863, when they com- pleted their present house of worship. This was used until 1877, when they purchased their present church, selling their old one.

The German M. E. Church was constituted in 1856, with thirty-two members. They met in the Grace M. E. church, where they held divine services about six months, when they purchased a church of the Baptists, which they now occupy. They have now about forty members.

The Catholic Church has at present a very large membership. In 1851 the Rev. Gifford, the priest at Springfield, came to Jacksonville and finding four or five families professing that faith, held divine service, and appointed George Eberhard, Edward Keyes, and Henry McDonnell as collectors to raise funds and assist in the establishment of a church here. The meetings for services were held in a private house at first, but soon the increase of the congregation demanded more room and the old court house was occupied. Murray McConnell donated the society a lot near the railroad depot, on which a house of worship was erected. This, how- ever, became too small, and during the war the present fine structure was commenced. It was completed about 1866, and including the school and convent property is worth about $65,000. The church was dedicated by Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio. The parsonage, now used for the school, was built about two years after the completion of the church. The school is under the control of the Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic and is supported by the congregation. It is conducted ten months in the year.

The Soule Congregation is small at present and does not sup- port a regular ministry. Among its constituent members were E. B. Hitt, S. S. Spurgeon, Silas Veitch, Mrs. Becraft, James Cravan, and D. C. McCoy. The congregation has a very neat house of worship on East College Street which cost about $5,000.

The Church of Christ was organized in January, 1832, with seven- teen members, prominent among whom were Josephus Hewett, John T. Jones, Jacob Cassell, and Peter Hedenberg. Of these Mr. Hewett became the first preacher. In October, Fred. B. Stone was instrumental in effecting a union of this and a similar organization which had been organ- ized some time previously. In 1835, Elder Gates, of Louisville, became pastor. The next year their first house of worship was erected, and from this date until 1850 some of the prominent ministers were D. P. Hender- son, John T. Jones, Jerry Lancaster, Bryson Pyatt, and Elder Trimble. In 1850, a larger house of worship was erected on North Main Street. The first pastor here was Elder A. J. Kane, now at Springfield. His suc- cessors were Elder Jonathan Atkinson, W. S. Russell, John Underwood, Dr. Cox, and Enos Campbell. The Congregation began to hold meetings in its present church, on East State Street, under Elder Campbell, who remained until 1873, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. J. W. Allen. The membership is now four hundred and fifty, and the Sunday School two hundred and fifty.

The Christian Church was organized in the old court house in 1866, by twelve persons adhering to that denomination. Prominent among

373

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

them were Workman Curley, L. B. Ross, Charles E. Russell, and Hiram Smalley, and their families. Rev. J. E. Wright was the pastor, and con- tinued to serve them until 1869, or 1870. They occupied the court house until the completion of their present house of worship, on South Main Street, in 1868. The pastors succeeding Rev. Wright were Revs. J. J. Summerbell, C. W. Garrutte and P. W. Sinks. They are without a pastor at present. They have now a membership of near seventy.

The Centenary Methodist Church is now the oldest congregation in the county. It was organized in 1822, by a few persons who held their meetings for worship in the large log cabin of "Father" Jourdan. It stood just back of the old Berean College building, and was erected here before Morgan County was created. Its members were scattered about over the country, many of them coming several miles to attend divine service. When the city was platted, in 1825, they were holding meetings in this cabin, and continued to occupy it until the completion of the log school house in which Judge Thomas taught the first school in Jacksonville. They worshiped in this log structure when not occupied by other denominations, until about 1830, when they erected a brick church, which stood on East Mor- gan Street, near East Street. This was the first brick church in the county. They worshiped in this building until 1838, or 1839, when they sold it to be used as a chair factory, and erected a more commodious church on the south side of East State Street, where the marble front now stands. This church was dedicated by Peter Akers, D.D., who preached the dedication sermon from the words, "This is the house of God, this is the gate of heaven." This house they occupied until the centennial year of Methodism in America, 1866, when they dedicated their present house of worship, at a cost of $35,000.

The congregation, small at first, grew in numbers during all these years, and it was known as the Methodist Church of Jacksonville. When the Grace Church was organized, being on the West side of the city, it was called the West Charge, and the church of which we are writing was called the East Charge. By this name it was known until the erec- tion of the present church, when it was, in commemoration of the year of its erection, called the " Centenary Methodist Church."

The first regular minister here was the Rev. Mr. Starr. Among his successors have been Revs. J. S. Barger, John T. Mitchell, Wm. M. Grubbs, Thomas Chandler, Chauncy Hobart, Wm. J. Rutledge, James Corrington, and others. The present pastor is Rev. English. This church is now one of the largest and most influential in the county.

Trinity Episcopal Church .- The parish of Trinity Church, Jackson- ville, was organized on the 11th of August, 1832. It was the first parish belonging to the Protestant Episcopal Church that was organized in Illinois. In June, 1833, by invitation of the Wardens and Vestry. the Rev. John Bachelder, of Providence, R. I., accepted the rectorship of the parish. The church edifice stands upon a beautiful lot of ground donated for the purpose by Dennis Rockwell, Esq., lately deceased. The corner-stone was laid June 9, 1834, by Rt. Rev. Benjamin Bosworth Smith, Bishop of Kentucky, and now Presiding Bishop of the House of Bishops. The rectorship of Rev. J. Bachelder terminated June 4, 1838, from which time until August 16, 1840, there was no regular minister.

374

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

From that time the following have been the rectors of the church : Rev. William Grant Heyer, Rev. Edward J. Daiken, Rev. John Stamer, Rev. John T. Worthington, Rev. T. N. Morrison, D.D., Rev. I. L. Townsend, Rev. Joseph Cross, D.D., and the Rev. John D. Easter, D.D., the present rector of the church. In 1867, the church edifice was remodeled and greatly improved, at a cost of some $16,000, by the addi- tion of a recess chancel at the south end, and an addition of thirty feet, with tower and spire, to the north end, stained glass windows, and height- ening of the roof and ceiling. In 1875, the church premises were sur- rounded by a neat and substantial iron fence, and in 1876, the inside of the church was improved, and an elegant organ, of twenty-six stops, was placed in it. The church has about two hundred members, and is 11 a prosperous condition.

The Congregational Church was organized December 15, 1833, in the M. E church on East Morgan street, that society having kindly offered the use of their house of worship for that purpose.

The names of those who composed the church at its organization were Timothy Chamberlain, Abraham Clark, Melisent Clark, Elihu Wolcott, Jeremiah Graves, Mary Ann Graves, Benjamin Allyn, Cynthia M. Allen, Edwin A. Mears, Sarah Mears, Maro M. L. Reed, Elizabeth L. Reed, Daniel Mann, Benjamin B. Chamberlain, Asa Talcott, Maria Talcott, Salem Town, Joseph Town, Eliza Town, Jesse R Clark, Ralph Perry, Robert B. Lord, James K. Morse, Edward Schofield, George B. Hitch- cock, Elizabeth Scott, Mary Chamberlain, Abigail Chenery, Eliza Hart, Lucy Town, Frances J. Wolcott, Abigail Graves, and on December 18, 1833, George T. Purkitt and Calvin S. Beach.

The first meetings of this society were held in the house of Elihu Wolcott, which stood on the block at the southwest corner of the public square where the Athenaeum now stands ; afterward in a log building on West State street, where Ayres block now stands. The society at this time was building a large frame church (on the east side of the square, where the stores of W. B. Johnson & Son and James T. King now stand), which was dedicated in September, 1835, and was considered the best edi- fice in the town, at that time. The Church was abundantly blessed from its organization, and members were added on every Communion Sabbath. which occurred monthly, for several years; and more than twenty young men of its number were licensed to preach. The building was sold in 1858 to aidin the erection of the present edifice, and was known long after as " Union Hall," and was burnt in December, 1876. The building 110w occupied by this Church is situated on West College avenue, and was dedicated in December, 1859. This Church was the third Congregational Church organized in the State, the other two being organized the same year in Adams County, and were at that time the only Congregational Churches within five hundred miles. These were the pioneer enterprises of Congregationalism in the Northwest.

The pastors have been William Carter, Truman M. Post, D.D., Edwin Johnson, Charles H. Marshal, James Roberts, D.D., William H. Savage, and Eli Corwin, D.D., the present pastor.

The Grace M. E. Church, first called M. E. Church of West Jack- sonville, was organized in the Fall of 1850, with five classes ; James L. Crane was appointed first preacher. Rev. W. D. R. Trotter was the first

375

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

presiding-elder, Joseph Capps and William Thomas, stewards. First rented the old frame church built by the Presbyterians, on the north west corner of Church and West State streets, building afterward owned by Universalist Society. Central Presbyterian church now stands upon the spot. Removed to the southwest corner of same streets when the Brick church was completed, which cost $6,000. While undergoing repairs, six years ago, a strong gale of wind blew down the west gable and dam- aged the building so much that it was taken to the ground and an entire new edifice was erected, at a cost of about $17,000. The new church. is built in form of a cross, and is finely frescoed and is provided with handsome stained glass windows. Present membership 320.

GRACE M. E. CHURCH.

The Brooklin M. E. Church was organized in the Fall of 1867, with about seventy members. First held preaching in a private house, after- ward in the school-house, until the brick building now occupied by them was completed, in 1868. First preacher, Rev. John M. Lane, followed by S. R. Harshman, Harden Wallace, George Barret, W. W. Roberts, J. M. Sinnock, and W. H. H. Moore. Present membership 120.

THE CITY SCHOOLS.

" There, in his quiet mansion, skilled to rule, The village master taught his little school. * * *

* * I knew him well, and every truant knew : * *

* Yet he was kind; or, if severe in aught, The love he bore to learning was in fault. The village all declared how much he knew, 'Twas certain that he could write, and cipher toc."-Goldsmith.

The present system of public schools in the city, has been in opera- tion eleven years. During this period they have advanced to the front rank, and are among the best in the State. In another portion of the history of Jacksonville, will be found a letter from Judge William Thomas, in which he gives his experience as a teacher, during the Win- ter of 1826 and '27. He states that at that time there was an unfinished log house, situated in the south part of town, which had been built for

376

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

school purposes, and which in the month of November was completed. Here, on the first Monday in December, the Judge, then a young lawyer, opened his school. He most fitly describes this school, in the letter referred to. With the exception of a short term taught by a young man named Carson, in the court house, Judge Thomas' school was the first taught in the town of Jacksonville. The young man Carson, opened a subscription school in the old court house, in the Summer of 1826. Not being adapted to his profession, his efforts were unsuccessful, and after about two weeks' trial he dismissed the school.

The old log school house in which the young lawyer taught his school, was used for school and church purposes several years. The Methodists and Presbyterians alternately held services therein, and undoubtedly ministers . of other denominations proclaimed the gospel within its walls. When Dr. J. M. Sturtevant came to Jacksonville, in 1829, he preached his first sermon in the growing village, in the old log school house. This primitive educational structure occupied a lot of ground on the south side of East College Avenue, nearly opposite the old third ward school house. The doctor very accurately describes the old log church and school house, in a sermon preached in later years, and which is quoted elsewhere in these pages.

When Illinois was admitted into the Union, in 1818, a large provision for the education of its youth was made by Congress, in providing that the proceeds received from the sale of every sixteenth section of land should be set aside as a permanent school fund. / In 1826, Governor Duncan drew up a bill for the establishment and maintenance of common schools throughout the State. This bill was adopted by the General Assembly and became a law that year. It was, however, in advance of its time, and though containing most excellent provisions, was by subsequent legislation repealed. No further attempt to the establishment of a permanent common school system was made by the General Assembly until about 1839, when Judge Wm. Thomas framed a bill which is the foundation of the present school system in this State. This bill, which became a law at that session of the legislature, has received various amendments, but to it the citizens of Illinois owe an unbounded debt of gratitude. / On January 22, 1829, the General Assembly passed an act providing for a Commissioner in each county to sell each sixteenth section therein, that fund for common school purposes might be established. In accordance with the provisions of this act, Judge Thomas was appointed Commissioner for Morgan County. This duty the Judge faithfully discharged. About 1833 or '34, a public meeting of the citizens of Jack- sonville was held to take action in regard to the establishment of a school in their midst. This being prior to the act of 1839, and no provision being made for township organization, it was decided to support the school by private subscription. This method of support was used for some time. Several schools existed in the city at different times, among which was one taught by a Mr. Robertson, of Kentucky, and another by Mr. Devore. None of the schools of this time were under any organized system, and any one could teach a school who could gather together the necessary pupils and find a room in which to instruct them.

It was not not until 1850 that the first public school house was built and a school opened therein, under the district organization. This was

MORGAN COUNTY COURT HOUSE, JACKSONVILLE.

378

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

what has always been known as the "West District School." The build- ing was used at first as a school house, the upper story being used by the Masonic fraternity as a lodge room. When the growth of the district demanded more school room, the Masons withdrew from the room occupied by them, and it was used for school purposes.

A few years after the erection of this building, the east district, or that part of the town lying east of the public square, built two school houses, in which school was at once opened. Under the formation of these two districts the schools of Jacksonville were maintained until the adoption of the city charter in 1867. When the buildings already men- tioned became too small for the school population of the growing town, rooms were rented in various parts of the town, so that all who desired the benefit of a free school could be accommodated. Private schools were also opened at different times, and were generally well patronized. The Illinois College, the Jacksonville Female Academy and Methodist Female College, the Young Ladies' Atheneum, the Berean College, the Parochial School of the Catholic Church, all furnished excellent means for the education of the young, and all were well patronized.

By 1867, the growth of the town had reached such proportions that a better form of government, and a better system of schools, became necessary. Under the city charter, granted that year, the present system of graded schools was adopted. The city was divided into four wards, and a school located in each. Mr. Israel Wilkinson was appointed super- intendent, which office he held until 1869, when he was succeeded by Mr J. M. Alcott, who held the office one year. He was followed by Mr. D. H. Harris, the present superintendent. Each ward maintains a sepa- rate district school, the grades in all being the same. The Washington High School is situated in the Fourth ward. Its course of instruction is thorough and complete, and fits the pupil for the actual duties of life. Mr. Harris, in his report for the year 1877, gives an interesting resume of the schools for the past ten years, which we here append :

" Jacksonville has long been known as an educational center of great reputation, whose influence is felt far and wide. The early estab- lishment of the public schools is due to the earnest efforts of two of our citizens - the late Gov. Duncan and Judge Wm. Thomas. The latter survives to witness the success of the cause which he so ably advocated.

" The honor of first popularizing the public schools in Jacksonville belongs to the well-known educator, Hon. Newton Bateman, who, for several years, was principal of the West Jacksonville school.

" Judge E. P. Kirby, of our city, immediately succeeded as principal of the same school, which he conducted three years with eminent success ; following him Michael Sanderson, Esq., nobly sustained the well-deserved - reputation of the school for three years, when, in his valuable life-work, he fell at his post.

" Before the schools of Jacksonville were organized into a system under the present city charter, there were several independent schools, sustained in part by the general school fund of the State. A male teacher was employed as principal and superintendent of each of these distinct schools. The course of study in each of these schools therefore comprised not only the common branches, but also Latin, Greek, Natural Sciences, Higher English, and Mathematics. The new school charter, in

G.A. BAUER DEL.Sc. ST. LOUIS

HIGH SCHOOL.

380

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

1867, at once introduced a new regime which centralized the general supervision in one superintendent, and abolished the extravagant idea of sustaining four high schools of small classes by organizing one central high school for the accommodation of the entire city, which was found to be a great improvement in a pecuniary and educational point of view. The suc- cess of this system has led to a more economical expenditure by the gradual introduction of female principals into the ward schools. The new organ- ization also led to a more careful and thorough classification of pupils, a more uniform course of study, resulting in a more efficient preparation of the pupils in the advanced studies."

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Morgan county, Illinois : its past and present, containing a history of the county; its cities, towns, etc.; a biographical directory of its volunteers in the late rebellion; portraits of its early settlers and prominent men [etc., etc.], Part 39

Author: Publication date: c1878 Publisher: Chicago : Donnelley, Loyd & co. Number of Pages: 792

Author:
Publication date: c1878
Publisher: Chicago : Donnelley, Loyd & co.
Number of Pages: 792