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 41
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98
1852-20
1859- 5 1866-8
1873-19
1846- 4 1853-12
1860-3
1867-12 1874-20 1847-12 1854- 6 1861- 6 1868- 9 1875- 3
1848- 4 1855-12
1862- 4 1869-9 1863-13 1870-13
1876- 8
1849- 7
1856-3
1850-10 1857-4
1864-4
1871- 9
1851-12 1858-5
1865- 3
1872-26
For the year 1877 there are eleven prospective graduates. The whole number of graduates according to this table is two hundred and eighty-seven.
Board of Instruction .- E. F. Bullard, A.M., principal, mental, moral. and political sciences; Miss Mary A. V. S. Sprague, preceptress, Latin, French, rhetoric, and English literature ; Miss Lizzie J. Lindsley, mathe- matics and natural science ; Miss Sophia E. Dwight, preparatory and primary ; Prof. H. Bretherick, Miss Linda R. Mathews, *- depart- ment of music ; Mrs. M. J. Stearns, painting and drawing ; Miss Lizzie J. Lindsley, penmanship ; Miss Sophia E. Dwight, German.
ILLINOIS FEMALE COLLEGE.
In 1846, the Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church appointed a committee, whose duty it was to superintend the establish- ment of a female college. This committee consisted of the following named gentlemen : Rev. Peter Cartwright, Rev. Peter Akers, Rev. W. D. R. Trotter, Matthew Stacy, Esq., Nicholas Milburn, Sr., Judge Wm. Brown, and Hon. Wm. Thomas. They met on the 10th day of October, 1846, and selected as a location a piece of ground on the south side of East State Street, in Jacksonville. The work of securing the necessary funds by donation and subscription had progressed so successfully that, in the Fall of the following year, the contracts for erecting the college building were let.
About the same time the school was opened in the basement of the Methodist Church, with N. S. Bastion, M.D., as principal. He filled the position until August, 1848. The building was completed in 1850 ; it was built of stone and brick, substantial and commodious - one hundred feet in length, fifty feet in width, and four stories in height. To this was added, in 1855, a wing of similar proportions. In 1862, this wing was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt the following year. In February, 1870, the main building was destroyed by fire; but it has been replaced by a building of superior architectural preten-
* Another teacher to be engaged.
390
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
sions. On the resignation of Dr. Bastion in 1848, Rev. J. F. Jaques was appointed principal, which position he held with marked suc- cess until June, 1855. From this date till 1858, the position was filled suc- cessively by Rev. Reuben Andrus, D.D., and Rev. H. S. McCoy. In 1858, Rev. Charles Adams, D.D., was elected principal, and continued in that capacity until his resignation in 1868, when Rev. Wm. H. DeMotte, LL.D., was appointed to the vacancy. Prof. DeMotte continued in office until July 1875, when he resigned to accept the position of Superintend- ent of the Wisconsin Deaf and Dumb Institution, which position he now occupies. Rev. W. F. Short, Presiding Elder of the Jacksonville District of the Illinois Conference, for a number of years, was appointed to the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Rev. DeMotte, and still fills the office.
There has been graduated from the college about three hundred and twenty young ladies. The school is in a very prosperous condition, and is a credit to its founders, some of whom are still living, and may well feel proud of this noble institution of learning. The course of study is as extensive and thorough as that usually pursued in first-class schools for young women, embracing all the branches of a solid and ornamental education. It is so arranged that the student will have three studies each term, which, with her other college and society duties, is as much literary work as should be attempted. This arrangement will give every one sufficient time to devote to some of the ornamental branches, as instru- mental and vocal music, drawing, painting, wax work, or other branches of art. Every young lady should give attention to this part of polite education, both for the pleasure and profit of herself and her friends.
In order to meet the demands in the department of music, a corpora- tion has been formed, under the statute relating thereto, under the name of The Illinois Academy of Music and Art. A course of musical study has been arranged similar to that of like institutions.
The rooms devoted to this department (fifteen in number), are of good size and convenient location, under the same roof with the literary department; and the pianos and organs are sufficient in number and quality to meet the demands of a large class. Musical recitals are frequently given in the chapel of the college, in the presence of the teachers, students, and friends of the college. Diplomas are given to those who complete the prescribed course.
It may truthfully be said of the art of design, as of music, that it has passed into the useful. The increasing demand for skill and excellence in the use of the pencil and the brush, renders provision for the broadest and most thorough instruction not only a matter of expediency, but of necessity. Free-hand drawing, object lessons, studies from casts, models, and nature have taken the place of the old superficial system of copying from flats ; and the object aimed at is not picture making, but the devel- opment of artistic talent, the cultivation of taste, and the creation of an independence of ability and skill, which will be of permanent advantage to the pupil after she has left the studio and the care of teacher.
Lectures and conversations are conducted by competent persons upon such practical subjects as health, including the influence of diet, and habits of life in promoting and preserving it; the importance of food and dress in their relation to it; and the care of the sick. Æsthetics, the
+
H
ILLINOIS FEMALE COLLEGE.
392
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
cultivation of taste and skill in dress, the arrangement and keeping of rooms, etc. Etiquette -the reasonable demands of society, and how to meet them properly.
The number of competent ladies connected with the school, and the large college "family " afford ample means and opportunities for treating these subjects, both theoretically and practically ; all students will be admitted to the advantages of this department without extra charge. Sufficient time is given each day for physical exercise, and a class of light gymnastics is kept up.
To meet the demand for competent and trained teachers, as also, the necessity of young ladies whose circumstances will not allow them to complete the collegiate or English course, a normal course has been arranged, which includes such branches as will prepare them for teaching in the public schools of the State. Multitudes of students, who received their education in this institution, rank among the best educators in the country. Provision has been made for lectures and attendance at teachers' institutes, for the benefit of those in this department.
Students are required to attend service in one of the churches of the city every Sabbath, in company with the president or one of the teachers.
They also attend a Bible class, conducted by the president or some one whom he may select, in which such a course of study is pursued as is calculated to qualify them for effective service in the Sabbath school work. Other religious meetings are held under the direction of the faculty.
Two literary societies are in active operation. Their libraries contain several hundred volumes of choice books.
The college library is free to all students.
A reading room, well supplied with the best periodical literature, is maintained at a slight expense to the students.
Provision will be made for students to attend such public lectures and concerts as may be deemed beneficial.
The faculty of the college consists of the following persons: Rev. W. F. Short, A.M., president, professor of mental, moral and political sciences; Miss Mary S. Pegram, preceptress, teacher of mathematics and
astronomy ; -, teacher of higher English branches; Miss Mary A. Macdonald, teacher of Latin and modern languages ; James B. Smith, pro- fessor of natural sciences ; Miss Lottie D. Short, teacher of preparatory department; Department of Music, A. E. Wimmerstedt, director, professor of instrumental and vocal music, and harmony and composition ; Mrs. Marion Phillips Wimmerstedt, teacher of instrumental and vocal music; Mrs. Kate Murdock Smith, teacher of instrumental and vocal music ; Art, Mrs. Mary S. Vigus, teacher of painting and drawing ; matron, Miss Sarah B. Short.
JACKSONVILLE BUSINESS COLLEGE AND ENGLISH TRAINING SCHOOL.
To meet a want, long and widely felt in this region, the Jacksonville Business College was founded by Prof. R. C. Crampton, in May, 1866. The college was located in Chambers' Block, north side of Public Square, and was there successfully conducted for several years, sending forth hundreds of young men well qualified to act their part among the busy throngs of men in all the regions of the great West. Many of the youths
393
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
who attended the college in the early years of its existence, are already numbered among the most successful business men of the State.
From the very first, the patronage of the college has been steadily increasing, and its popularity among men of business, more and more decided. Since the college was founded, it has instructed nearly three thousand students, and by them is honorably represented in the various industrial and commercial pursuits, all over this broad land, from Mexico to Maine.
The design of this college is to fit young men and women for the active duties of successful business life. The aim is not to send out mere book-keepers or clerks, but the course aims at symmetrical development, and is calculated to strengthen the mental power, and give a broad and substantial business training.
In the Summer of 1869 the ownership of the Business College passed into the hands of the Trustees of Illinois College, and for several years it occupied part of Whipple's Academy building, a few blocks west of the Public Square.
In 1876 the number of students had become so great that enlarged facilities became an absolute necessity, since which the college has been conducted upon an enlarged plan, occupying the entire building, with its commodious halls, recitation rooms and office.
Prof. G. W. Brown, who has been connected with the college for nearly twelve years, first as instructor, but of late years as managing principal, has recently purchased the institution, including its building and grounds. The rooms are to be enlarged and improved, new and valuable features will be added to the course of study, and every effort will be put forth to make this institution, in the strictest sense, a business college, which shall thoroughly train its students for the practical affairs of life.
No business college in America has a better array of talent in its faculty of instructors and lecturers than this. The departments of the college are : 1, The English training school; 2, the theoretical business department; 3, the actual business department; 4, the special penman- ship department ; 5, the telegraphic department. Each department is in charge of a specially qualified teacher, by which arrangement the highest grade of instruction is insured in all parts of the course of study.
The course is short, practical and reasonable. It is just what every man needs and will use, no matter what his calling or profession is to be.
In the number, experience, and ability of its teachers, in the excel- lence of its course of study, in the healthfulness and beauty of its location, and in its moderate expenses, this college is equal to any in the land.
The annual catalogue just issued, shows an enrollment of two hundred and fifty students for the year just closed. During the last four years the institution has graduated more than one hundred and fifty students, representing ten different States.
The thirteenth year of the college began Sept. 2, 1878. An elegant catalogue giving full information will be mailed free on application. All persons wishing information, catalogues or circulars in regard to the college should address the principal, G. W. Brown.
394
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
THE YOUNG LADIES' ATHENAEUM.
This institution for the education of young ladies was established in 1864 by Rev. W. D. Sanders, then a professor in the Illinois College. He is one of the most successful educators in the West, and has done an immense amount of work during his lifetime.
Mr. Sanders is a native of Huron County, Ohio, a son of the cele- brated surgeon, Dr. M. C. Sanders, and graduated at the old Western Reserve College in 1845. The three years immediately following he spent in conducting the Richfield Academy in Summit County, Ohio, after which he entered the Western Reserve Theological Seminary, to fit himself for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. During the period of his theological studies, the seminary passed through a severe financial crisis, and the trustees prevailed upon him to act as their agent in obtain- ing funds, which were absolutely necessary to save the institution. The wisdom of their choice was shown by the fact that he succeeded in raising $100,000, a sum far in excess of their most sanguine expectations. Completing his theological studies in 1851, he was then assigned to the charge of a congregation at Ravenna, Ohio, where he remained for three years, until called to the chair of Rhetoric, Elocution, and English Literature in Illinois College, at Jacksonville, where he remained until June, 1869. In 1864, Mr. Sanders founded the Young Ladies' Athenæum. This institution, early in its career, banished sectarianism. By its organic act of incorporation, it was determined that of its twenty-one trustees, not more than three should ever be members of the same religious denom- ination. When it is considered that it began its career in a region containing many schools, and in immediate proximity to two old institu- tions (the Methodist College and the Female Academy), and in temporary rooms, with few external or material attractions, this unprecedented success can be accounted for only upon the theory of the great and recognized superiority of the Atheneum system over other methods. The following are among its chief peculiarities :
1. It prescribes no arbitrary and inflexible course of study. While it offers instruction in all the studies required in Yale or Harvard Colleges, it does not force the pupil to attempt the mastery of studies which she may have neither the talent, the time, nor the strength to master. Its higher English course embraces all studies of Yale or Harvard, except Latin or Greek. Its full classical course embraces all these, together with a good knowledge of Latin. But neither of these are required. It permits each pupil to take that special course, embracing many studies, or few, which is, all things considered, the best for her.
2. It classifies on a new system. It organizes no technical classes for recitation purposes. It puts together in each study those who are together, and who, in that study, can keep together. It thus puts each upon her own merits. The slow are not compelled to be superficial in order to go on with the quick, and the quick are not held back by the necessities of the slow. The time required to complete any course of study will thus depend entirely upon the pupil herself. The aim is an actual education, and not a sham ; an absolute mastery of each topic, and not a mere going over it in a given time. It prefers home life to boarding-
-
==
ATHENAEUM
manin Ca
ATHENAEUM.
396
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
school life. It locates its pupils from abroad in carefully selected families. Family influence is far more healthful to body and mind than any system which separates the pupil from contact with family and social life. The family is the nursery and sanctuary of all womanly excellence.
3. It is not sectarian. 'Its arrangements for instruction are unusual. Both in the number and qualifications of its teachers, it has few equals.
THE ILLINOIS CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.
This institution was founded by Mr. Sanders in 1872. It is well patronized at present and becoming extensively known. The influence of such an institution can hardly be estimated. Each year widens its sphere, and each graduating class is an index of its character.
It is well known to those at all familiar with the subject, that the prominence of Italy, France, and Germany, in the " divine art," is largely due to the influence exerted by the great European conservatories. The imperial and royal conservatories of Paris, of Brussels, of Leipsic, of Naples and Milan, have been among the most potent of the influences which have inspired and sustained that love for the highest and best in musical art which has characterized these continental countries. Similar combinations of artists, for the same purpose, have recently been attempted in London and in Dublin, and with promising results. In our country, "the New England Conservatory " has been in operation some six years, and has been eminently successful. It is believed that Jacksonville is a peculiarly favorable point for an institution that shall do for Illinois and the Great West what this institution has attempted for New England. Instruction is given in classes of two, three, or four each. This is not done to the exclusion of private lessons to individual pupils ; but class instruction is a characteristic in all conservatories. By division of labor in the various departments of instruction, a conservatory secures to its pupils the highest order of skill in each department. It furnishes in each separate depart- ment of musical study the skill of an expert, of a teacher who has made some one instrument or some one department a special study. Thus (e.g.), in piano instruction, one professor may confine himself to technics or inechanism alone, and another may confine himself to style. Among the numerous teachers of a conservatory the pupil may thus find the excel- lence that he can not expect to find all combined in any one professor. The conservatory thus affords the very best instruction on piano, or orgall, or violin, or guitar, or flute, or cornet, or any other musical instrument. and the very best instruction in singing in all its departments. Class lessons operate as a powerful stimulus to the interests and ambition of each pupil. Experience on this point is a demonstration. Pupils trained in classes acquire a confidence in playing before others, and a steadiness and reliableness not so easily acquired by the usual method. Each pupil's knowledge and taste are cultivated by the criticism made upon other members of the class. As each minute error in technics, or in phrasing, or in expression, is pointed out by the professor, the other members of the class are benefited almost as much by the errors as by the success of the player. A conservatory affords ample facilities for the study of harmony and composition. A mastery of grammar is not more indispensable to the accomplished orator than the mastery of harmony is to one who would
·
CONSERVATORY
×
CONSER
CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
CONSERVATORY I
FIRST NATIONAL BANK
EAMES. & CO
CONSERVATORY MUSIC STORE.
2
CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.
398
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
excel in music ; it must underlie all sound musical culture. As a flourish- ing conservatory brings together a large number of musical students, it affords opportunities for valuable general exercises -exercises in reading at sight, in analysis of pieces, in glee singing, and in oratorio practice. A crowning characteristic of the conservatory method is its extraordinary cheapness. It brings the very highest order of instruction within the reach of those to whom it would otherwise be wholly inaccessible. Instruction, which in the great cities costs four dollars to five dollars per lesson, will here be furnished at a merely nominal cost. While, therefore, a conservatory offers to the wealthy the best advantages money can procure, it also offers to those of limited means the same advantages at a rate which brings them within the reach of the humblest. A common adjunct of a conservatory is a department of languages. So large a portion of the best musical literature is written in the Italian, French, and German languages, that a knowledge of these languages is very desirable to the musical student. There is, therefore, a department of languages in which the best instruction is furnished at a moderate cost.
The director of the conservatory received his musical education at the great Imperial Conservatory of Paris and in Vienna, and has himself had several years' experience in conservatory teaching. His first assistant is an artist who is a Fellow of the London Royal Society of Musicians, whose favorite instrument is the cornet, but whose specialty has for several years been singing. A third professor has been secured who has had nearly twenty years' experience in teaching, and has an established reputation as a skillful and thorough teacher.
There are also several lady teachers of the highest standing as musical artists. The conservatory tolerates no second-rate teaching.
As a result of these admirable arrangements the conservatory is now by far the largest musical school in the West, and claims unsurpassed facilities in every department. The average attendance now is about two hundred.
THE ORPHAN'S HOME.
About 1853 or '54 the Christian denomination began the erection of a building known as the Berean College. A charter was received dated Feb. 12, 1855, soon after which the building was completed, and the following year school was opened, with Dr. Jonathan Atkinson as president. The school was opened under very favorable auspices, and for several years was continued very successfully. The college received its name from " Berea," a place mentioned by the apostle Paul, in the seventeenth chapter of the book of Acts, where the following language is used : "And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea : * * these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." The college continued until about 1858 or '59, when a division in the church occurred, and soon after the school was discontinued. A few years after, the property was sold to Mrs. Eliza Ayers for twelve thousand dollars. Its original cost was over thirty thousand dollars. Mrs. Ayers has since deeded the property to a board of trustees, to be used as an Orphan
399
HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
Home and City Hospital. The frame building immediately in the rear of the college is occupied by the orphans, while the college itself is used as the hospital. The frame building was formerly the home of Col. John J. Hardin, so well known throughout this portion of the State, and who lost his life at the battle of Beuna Vista. The home is conducted on the "Muller plan," by Rev. Dr. Passavant, who has charge of eight similar institutions in different parts of the United States.
The home and hospital are each well managed, and are institutions worthy the attention of the citizens of Jacksonville.
THE PRESS.
The office of the Journal has been twice visited with disastrous conflagrations, in which all the files and records of the paper previous to 1858, were destroyed, and it is therefore impossible to furnish any accurate statements concerning its early history. From fugitive papers preserved by old residents of the county, it appears that the Journal originated in the Illinois Patriot, which commenced publication about December 20, 1831, with James G. Edwards in the editorial chair. In 1837, after having undergone several minor changes, the name of the paper was changed to The Illinoisan, and Col. John J. Hardin and Mr. Buckner took editorial charge. Shortly afterward Josiah M. Lucas, now Consul to Burs- lem, Staffordshire, England, became editor and proprietor, and continued in such connection till about 1844, when the paper was changed to The Morgan Journal, with William H. Sigler and William C. Sweet as editors and proprietors. Subsequently the paper has been edited by Dr. E. R. Rowe, now United States Marshal of the Southern District of Illinois ; Paul Selby, now editor of the Springfield Journal ; William H. Collins, of Quincy ; Hon. H. J. Atkins, Wm. W. Jones, H. Barden, Ironmonger, and Mendenhall, Col. J. P. Smith, L. Beecher Glover, H. R. Hobart, and M. F. Simmons. April 14, 1866, Ironmonger & Co. purchased a steam press and commenced the publication of a daily, with G. P. Smith in the edito- rial chair, and Frank Mitchell as city editor; C. M. Eames succeeding Mr. Mitchell. In August, 1867, L. B. Glover became city editor, and in April, 1869, Chapin & Glover purchased the paper and published it with Mr. Ensley Moore as city editor. Mr. Glover was the editor-in-chief until April, 1864, when he sold his interest in the paper to Horace R. Hobart, who assumed editorial charge, with Chapin & Hobart proprietors. Geo. N. Loomis was city editor during Mr. Glover and Mr. Hobart's connection with the Journal, and continued as such under the partnership of Chapin & Simmons. In April, 1875, Mr. Hobart sold to M. F. Simmons, who became editor-in-chief. In March, 1876, Mr. Chapin sold his interest to Mr. Charles M. Eames, who assumed charge of the city department, and the paper came under the proprietorship of Simmons & Eames, by whom it is still published.
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.