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 45
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The town contains six churches. The Congregational was organized June 15, 1836, by J. M. Sturtevant, D.D., having but ten members at the time ; they were: Cyrus Tanner, Joseph A. Tanner, Asa Eastman, Theodore E. Curtiss, Elisha S. Tanner, Mrs. Ora Tanner, Lucy Swift, Lucy Tanner, Hulda L. Tanner, and Susan E. Tanner. The Church was organized in a private house, after which the seminary was used. Rev. Elisha Jenney came in 1837, and was pastor of the church until Novem- ber, 1839. The next pastor was Rev. C. G. Selleck, who came in January, 1842, and remained until November, 1845-three years. In January, 1846, the following year, Rev. Rollin Mears was installed, and resigned in 1847. Rev. Alvin M. Dixon was next chosen pastor; was installed in January, 1848, and resigned April, 1850. The following January, 1851, Rev. James Weller was installed, remaining until May, 1856, when he resigned. The installation of Rev. William D. Sanders took place in September, 1856 ; he was pastor of the church for over two years, resign- ing in March, 1858. Rev. Henry M. Tupper next supplied the pulpit ; was installed January, 1859, and resigned about the year 1860.
The present pastor is Rev. Charles W. Clapp, who was installed in October, 1871; the church has a membership of about one hundred and seventy ; there having been about four hundred and sixty-two persons connected with it since its organization. The congregation used the seminary until the present church was erected. It was completed early 1851, and on the 5th of February in that year was dedicated, Rev. J. M. Sturtevant preaching the dedicatory sermon.
The Baptist Church was organized August 11, 1855, with twenty- nine members, at the house of Willis E. Meacham, by Rev. J. M. Wells. For a while they held divine services in the seminary and in the Episcopal Church. The latter edifice they occupied about three years. In the Fall of 1863, they began the erection of a house of worship, which they completed in the Summer of 1866, and dedicated in June of that year. Rev. Wells was the first pastor. His successors have been the Rev's D. Ketzmiller, A. S. Denison, David Lewis, F. C. Hart, George R. Guild - under whose pastorate the church was erected - J. H. Spann, J. W. Place, J. W. Wells, M. C. Davenport, M. C. Clark, and Rev. Davenport, who is now pastor. The membership is now one hundred and twenty, more than four hundred having been connected with this church since its organization
The Episcopal Church is one of the oldest in Waverly. In 1838, Rev. Charles Dresser, of Springfield, an Episcopal clergyman, came to the town. He found a few members professing the principles of this
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denomination. He at first found S. G. M. Allis and Mrs. Anna Phelps. When the church was organized-shortly after his first visit- the com- municants were: Theodore Watson, Owen Maynard, Stephen G. M. Allis, Ann C. Allis, George Knapp, Susanna Knapp, Fanny Roct, Anne Phelps, Sarah Ann Barker, and Sophia Watson.
Soon after the organization of this church a house of worship was erected, which is yet occupied. The congregation has at times only been able to support a regular pastor, and now sustains but an irregular ministry.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized about 1840. The circuit riders of this denomination were among the earliest white men in this part of Morgan County, and held services in the cabins of the settlers several years before Waverly was contemplated. Soon after the town was laid out they were here occupying the religious field; for a while they used the seminary and the Episcopal Church -built about 1845 - and in 1846, before the erection of their own house of worship. It was sufficiently finished in 1848 to accommodate a congregation, and was completed a year or two after. This house of worship they used until 1867, when, becoming too small for the growing congregation, it was sold to the Catholics. They then entered their present large brick church, which they had just completed. It was dedicated by Rev. Thomas Eddy; is the finest church in Waverly, and is well attended; the congregation is the largest in town, the present membership being two hundred and fifty.
The Catholic Church comprises a membership scattered throughout the township. Until 1867 they had no organization, though nearly twenty families of this denomination were within church-going distance of Waverly. That year, through the efforts of their leading members and the Bishop at Alton, a congregation was organized, and they purchased the Methodist house of worship. This, they they still use, supporting monthly services.
The Christian Church has been in active existence about twenty-two years. As its early records are very imperfect, but little can be learned of its history. The first minister was Rev. D. P. Henderson. The church is succeeding well at present, and sustains a regular ministry.
The Press. The Gazette was established in Waverly on or about the first of June, 1869, by M. J. Abbott and W. D. Pemberton ; Mr. Pember- ton selling his interest to Mr. Abbott in the Fall of the same year. The paper was continued by Mr. Abbott in his own name, until July, 1870, when he sold the press and material to Mr. Richard Ballenger, of Virden, who re- moved it to that place. In April, 1872, Mr. John H. Goldsmith purchased the press and material of Mr Ballenger, removed it back to Waverly, and on the 2d day of May, 1872, issued the first number of the Waverly Times. The publication of the Times was continued until November of the same year, when it suspended until August, 1873 ; then it was again resuscitated by Mr. Goldsmith, and had a short existence of only three months. On or about the first of May, 1874, Mr. W. T. Lakin purchased the Times material, and published fifty-two numbers -retaining the former heading -when it again suspended, Lakin leaving the press and material to fall back to the parties from whom he purchased. On the 24th day of May 1876, Mr. R. V. Mallory bought the material, and on
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the 9th day of June issued the first number of The Morgan County Journal. On the first of December, 1876, Mr. M. M. Meacham, the present proprietor, purchased one-half interest in the paper of Mr. Mallory, and came into full possession of the office July 9, 1877.
The Journal has a circulation of about seven hundred, and is gradually increasing; it circulates principally among the farming communities of Morgan, Macoupin, Sangamon, Scott, and Greene Counties. It is a first-class advertising medium, now entering its third volume ; neutral in politics, and is published on Saturday of each week at $1.50 per year. Milton M. Meacham is publisher and proprieter, and John H. Goldsmith, editor.
MURRAYVILLE
Is twelve miles south of Jacksonville, on the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Railroad. It was surveyed and platted January 4th, 1858, for Samuel Murray, Esq., by Wm. McPherson, who was, at that time, county sur- veyor. The location of a town here first originated in the mind of Wm. Purcell, who was at the time of the building of the C. & A. Railroad one of the contractors of the road. In 1858, Mr. Purcell erected the first dwelling house in the town. The second house was built by Mr. Thomas Cunningham, who opened a grocery store in his house, the first stock of goods in the town being hauled on a wagon by Mr. John Murray, son of the founder of the town. The first building erected for a store was by James McKean, who has done much toward the building up of the town. A post-office was established here in 1859. Mr. Mckean was appointed postmaster, at the same time being merchant, and depot agent. In 1859, Mr. Henry Whalen moved to Murrayville and opened a blacksmith shop, which from time to time has been enlarged. Mr. Whalen continues to follow his trade. The business of the town increasing, the railroad com- pany built a large depot and warehouse in 1863, and soon after estab- lished a telegraph office. About this time the shipping of live stock from this place became quite an item, and Mr. Samuel Murray established yards for the better facility of loading and unloading stock. Dr. G. S. Smith, of Jacksonville-now residing in Bloomington-opened a drug-store here in 1863. He at the same time practiced his profession, and was the first physician in the place. About this time an effort was made to change the name of the town to "Iatan," and by this name it was known for some time, but its first name was the one by which it was better known and which is now retained. Geo. M. Quackenbush opened the first sad- dle and harness shop, in 1865, and continues in business. The first brick building here was erected by Joseph Hornbeck. The store has had dif- ferent occupants. In 1867, W. D. Henry opened a drug-store and was doing a good business when his entire stock and buildings were lost by a fire which destroyed the business of the young merchant. I. G. Beadle & Son opened a dry goods store in 1865, and are still in business. Mr. C. N. McEvers, in 1873, opened, for the accommodation of the traveling public the McEvers House, which is the present hotel. In 1874, Mr. Robert McNeal opened a large agricultural implement wareroom and in connection with it a blacksmith shop. Mr. Wm. Davis, in 1867, opened a furniture and undertaking establishment, and is still doing a good busi- ness. In May, 1877, Mr. Worcester, of Greene County, opened a private
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
banking house, which is doing a good local business. The present Jus- tice of the Peace is Esquire Alexander McClung, who was elected in 1860, and held the office continuously since that time. The town gov- ernment is vested in a Board of Trustees. In 1860, the Presbyterians erected a house of worship. The first pastor was the Rev. Noah Bishop, who afterward removed to Ironton, Missouri, where he preached for sev- eral years, and died there at a good old age greatly beloved by all who knew him. In 1868, the Methodist Episcopals and the Baptists erect- ed two handsome churches, Messrs. John and Wm. Murray being the contractors for their erection. For the first few years in the history of this town the children attended school at an old building a short distance north of town, but at the close of the war, a number of wealthy farmers settled in Murrayville and the school population was increased suffi- ciently to warrant the erection of a new school building. This house was opened in the town in 1866, and the attendance since that time has been good. There are now in school about one hundred and fifty pupils.
FRANKLIN
Is one of the oldest settlements in Morgan County. It was laid out by Wm. Woods, John Wyatt, and Walter Butler, April 7, 1832. The first houses were of the kind in vogue all over the country at that time. Mr. Manning Mayfield kept a general stock of goods, the first in the place, in a small log building, erected for the purpose. As the town grew, this primitive affair gave way to a frame structure in which Mr. A. C. Woods, of the firm of Woods, Simmons & Co., of Jacksonville, opened a stock of goods and continued in business for sixteen years. Messrs. Hinrichsen & Reinbach erected a small brick store for the sale of general merchandise, and transacted business together for several years, when Mr. Reinbach purchased the interest of his partner and continued the business until his decease, in 1845. A large grist and saw mill was erected by Joel Lankton, who in after years sold it to McCollough, Coons & Kincade. It is doing a good business. In 1850 Waller, Mansfield & Co. erected a flouring mill. After several years, changes in the firm were made; the present firm being Mansfield, Bro. & Hustin. In 1865, they built a large brick mill, and in connection with it, a wool carding room. The first tavern was kept by Colonel J. P. Wright, who began business in a log cabin, as early as 1836. He continued as landlord for thirty years, improving the style of architecture of his house, as time went on. In 1871, the Jacksonville, Northwestern and Southeastern Railroad, was finished from Jacksonville to Franklin and shortly afterward to Virden, thereby giving to Franklin railroad communication, which gave fresh impetus to the growth of the town.
There are now three dry goods and grocery stores, kept by Langly & Pulling, J. M. Coons, and Geo. Hart, which are all doing a fair busi- ness. There are two boot and shoe shops, kept by J. M. Hocking, and Robert Lowry. The drug-store of the town is owned by Messrs. A. H. Wright & Co. Mr. Jacob Dickinson, one of the oldest settlers in the town, has a merchant tailoring establishent. Mr. Dickinson is also postmaster. The four physicians of the place are, Drs. Smith, Tandy, Clark, and Hill. The first school in Franklin was taught by Rev. Newton Cloud. Mr. Wmn. Woods afterward became teacher of this school, which in after years
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
became quite a feature of the town. At present there is a neat school building for school purposes. The pupils in attendance number about one hundred. About the time the town was platted, tlie Methodists erected a log church, which was used until 1840, when it was torn-down, and a neat brick structure erected in its place. This house was destroyed in 1860, by a gale of wind, and the present frame building took its place. It is not now remembered who was the first preacher, in the log church. After the erection of the brick build- ing, in 1840, Rev. John Mathers -in after years one of the mayors of Jacksonville - became the pastor, and continued as such for several years. On the completion of the frame building, in 1860, Rev. W. J. Newman became pastor. He has been followed by Rev's Jos. Lane, R. C. Nor- ton, Robert Clark, G. W. Bates, J. C. Hobbs, J. Dickens, Adon Carlos, and S. H. Clark. Franklin is sixteen miles east of Jacksonville. It is situated in the midst of a fine agricultural region, and ships large quan- tities of grain.
WOODSON
Is situated on the Chicago and Alton Railroad about seven miles south of Jacksonville. It was laid out May 2, 1859, for Richard Henry and Joseph Adams, at which time the farming community experienced con- siderable trouble in taking their produce to market, and it was this fact, chiefly, that led to the laying out of the town. At this date the road-bed of the Chicago and Alton Railroad, then the Jacksonville and St. Louis, was completed, and the residents were gratified over the fact that ere long trains of cars would be passing through the proposed town.
At this time Judge D. M. Woodson was president of the proposed railroad, and in honor of him the village received its name. In 1858, prior to the laying out of the town, Dr. E. B. Buckner located here, but afterward married and removed to Missouri. Dr. Geo. W. Miller appears to have been the next physician here, locating in 1872. Heis still a resident of the town.
The first lot in Woodson was sold by Richard Henry, Esq., to Mr. B. L. Hatcher, for $50. On this lot Mr. Hatcher erected a building which lie occupied as a dwelling, and in which he opened a store. Columbus Hairgrove, a wandering Kentuckian, opened, in a little cabin in the south part of town, the first store in the village. His principal commodities were bacon and molasses ..
In 1863, the government established a post-office, and appointed Mr. John T. Henry postmaster. Early in 1864 Mr. Henry built a depot and was appointed railroad agent. He still retains both positions.
In 1865, an Englishman, Mr. Charles Bosomworth, opened the first blacksmith shop in the village. In 1869, Mr. Smith Ball erected, and began work in another shop, the second in the town.
With the rapid increase in population the "old log cabin " school house, with its crude puncheon floor, and rough benches, the relics of long ago, were thought to be inadequate to meet the wants of a well-reg- ulated and efficient school. In 1867, a building sufficiently large to meet the wants of the growing school population was erected. The board of directors consisted of Messrs. J. H. Self, Josepli Adams, and W. D. Henry. A good school has since been regulary sustained.
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
In 1869, the "Christians " built a neat church edifice, Elder E. G. Rice preaching the dedication sermon, and Elder Osborn officiated during the first year as pastor.
A grain elevator was erected in 1869 by J. H. Self, Esq., an enter- prising stock dealer and farmer. The business proved unremunerative and was discontinued in 1873.
Woodson precinct was formed in 1868 for the convenience of voters living in its vicinity. The judges of the first election were : J. H. Self, Jesse Henry, and John H. Reaugh. M. J. Clarihan, Esq., an Irish Repub- lican, cast the first vote. At this election E. R. Henry, Esq., was elected justice of the peace. He still retains that office.
In 1877 a tile factory was established by Mr. Loyd A. Craig, and Mr. H. Bahne. In the latter part of the year the firm dissolved part- nership, Mr. Craig continuing the business.
Woodson contains about two hundred inhabitants. It is surrounded by a good farming community and does a good business in the shipping of grain and live stock.
CHAPIN
Was laid out by Lyman and Horace Chapin, April 13, 1858. Previous to this date, the Wabash Railroad Company made' a stopping-place here, but there was at this time no houses at the place. At that time it was known as "Concord Station." The first building erected here was a grain warehouse, by Messrs. Chapin & Cooper, in 1857. The first store was a grocery and dry goods house, the proprietors being Turner & Dan- iels. They bought the lot on which they erected their house of the Messrs. Chapin, paying for it $100. The founders of the town built several tenement houses, which they rented, and in this way a town was started. Dr. D. K. Burnham moved to Chapin and erected a dwelling, and began the practice of his profession shortly after the town was laid out. Mr. Patrick Daly opened the first blacksmith shop in the town, and Mr. Frank Hogan the first hotel. Shortly after the building of the warehouse, Mr. Cooper disposed of his interest in it to his partners, and opened a dry-goods store, which store was burned during the Winter of 1877-8. Mr. Cooper has since erected another building, and has taken his son into the business with him as partner. Mr. J. N. Ebey began the manufacture of pottery-ware in Chapin in 1859, but not meeting with success, he moved to Winchester, where he is now engaged in business. The firm of Neely & Co. opened a coal-shaft in Chapin in 1872, and after meeting with success for a time, the business was abandoned, as the vein of coal was not of sufficient depth to justify working it. There are several
stores, a wagon shop, meat market, and a few other business houses, in Chapin, but its trade mostly goes to Jacksonville, ten miles east. In 1870, the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad was completed, crossing the Wabash road at Chapin. This road gives direct communication with St. Louis and Chi- cago. In 1858, a school house was built a half-mile north of the town, on the land of Samuel French, Esq., but the demand for more room was such, that in the following year a larger and better building was erected in the town. This school is now in successful operation, and has a good attendance.
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
The Congregationalists, in 18 ;9, erected a church edifice, which they afterward sold to the Christians. It is still occupied by the latter denomination. The Protestant Methodists built a house of worship in 1870, where they continue to have services. Of the founders of Chapin, Mr. Horace Chapin removed to Jacksonville, where he was for a time proprietor of the Daily Journal. . Mr. Lyman Chapin still resides on his farm, on the outskirts of Chapin. This being the junction of two rail- roads, it is quite a shipping point ; large quantities of grain being annually sent to market from here, and some live stock, though not so much as in former years. No better land is found in the county than that in the vicinity of Chapin.
CONCORD
Is situated in the northwestern part of the county, on the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad. About 1844, members of the Con- gregational Church living in this part of the county, began to consider the expediency of erecting a house of worship for their use, and selected the site of the present village for its location. It was then simply a cross-roads, the adjacent fields being under cultivation. A church was built during the summer and autumn of that year, and not long after- ward, a parsonage was erected. Prior to the building of this church, meetings for divine worship were held in the houses of different mem- bers. When it was completed, Mrs. Samuel French, who had taken a deep interest in its erection, suggested that the name of the new church be "Concord," in remembrance of her native place, Concord, New Hampshire. Rev. Mr. Alvord was the minister at this time. His wife taught school in their house soon after their arrival. The church and school formed a nucleus around which a town gradually gathered. In 1850, Mr. Wilder D. Fairbanks erected a store on one of the corners, and soon after a blacksmith-shop was built on another. These and the par- sonage and church occupied the "Four Corners," which name gave way to that of the church, by which the village has always been known. On June 1st of the same year that Mr. Fairbanks opened his store, Mr. David Fuller laid out the town, still retaining the old name. For a time the place grew well. One or two stores were also built, a shoe-shop, another blacksmith-shop were added, some dwellings were erected, and the place began to assume an air of village life. The town has not grown much of late years. The Methodist, Presbyterian, and Christian denominations have erected comfortable houses of worship, and now sus- tain regular preaching. In 1864, the Congregationalists disposed of their church-which is now used as a store-and erected one on "Joy Prairie," where they still maintain regular religious services.
The Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad was completed in the Summer of 1870, and gave to the village a better mode of communi- cation with other portions of the country. The growth of the village was little augmented by the advent of the railroad. Its trade is with the surrounding country. Considerable grain is shipped thence to the markets of Chicago and St. Louis.
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HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.
LYNNVILLE.
Is a small town in the western part of the county, five miles from Jack- sonville. It was laid out Nov. 3, 1831, by Nimrod Funk and James Holmes, on land which belonged to them. The first store in town was opened by Edward Shirtcliff. The first postmaster was William Gordon. His successors have been James Gordon, Thomas Beaty and John Gor- don, the latter being the present incumbent. Other storekeepers have been Wm. Smith, Wm. Gordon and Thomas Swales, all of whom kept stores characteristic of their tinies. One year before the town was laid out a tread-mill for grinding grain was erected by Adam Allison. The same year a school house was built in this vicinty. Before the erection of the school building William Brisbine had taught at his own home in this neighborhood. The old school house, built in 1830, has been superseded by a more modern structure in which the village school is now taught. The first preacher in this vicinity was Peter Cartwright, who visited this settlement at an early day. In 1839 the Christians erected a house of worship. They still maintain a good congregation. About 1843 the Methodists built a church in the village and still maintain religious ser- vices. The Rev. William Rutledge of Jacksonville, preached in this vicinity for many years. At Allison's Mound, a short distance north of Lynnville a settlement was made in the Spring of 1820, by Dr. Caldwell and Mr. Olmstead. At the former's house the first court in Morgan County was held. Early settlers in the township in which Lynnville is situated, were H. M. Liebe, William Coultas, and Wm. Gordon. The first child born was Elizabeth York. The first marriage was that of Charles Harrell to Miss L. Caldwell. The first death was that of the wife of Charles Harrell. The town contains about two hundred and fifty inhabitants. It has enjoyed its share of local trade, and at one time was doing a good business. The village derived its name from the Linn grove near where it is situated.
PRENTICE.
This town lies twelve miles north of Jacksonville, on the Chicago and Alton Railroad. It was laid out June 27, 1857, for Mr. Pat- terson Hall and James G. Fox, and his brother. In an early day Mr. Hall's father bought an old horse mill, near this place, and, after remodeling it, run it for many years. To this mill settlers came from all parts of the country. The old mill, after good service, wore out, and was replaced by one more modern, which was used until February, 1878, when it was destroyed by fire. The farmers about Prentice and other parts of the county, have, for many years, made stock feeding their principal occu- pation. Within the last year or two they have changed from this to the raising of corn, and as a consequence there will be shipped from Prentice, by Mr. Wash. Graff, a grain dealer, "about one hundred and fifty thou- sand bushels of corn the present year.
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