History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 78

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084

USA > Illinois > Sangamon County > History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens > Part 78

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The college commenced operations April, 1852, in the building formerly occupied by the Mechan- ics' Union, and now used as a church by the German Lutherian Church. A new edifice was at once placed in process of construction, occu- pying a beautiful and commanding site about one mile northeast of the public square. The spot selected is high and healthy, having an elevation of twenty feet above that of the old State House. The edifice as originally designed was to be of brick, four stories in height, the main centre being 70x65 feet, with wings on each side 41 feet wide, or a total frontage of 152 feet, the whole to cost $35,000. Only the main centre was ever completed.

The trustees in their first annual announce- ment thus addressed the public:

" The trustees, animated by a patriotic desire to render the institution to which their cases are devoted, alike the honest pride of the State, and honorable to themselves, are resolved to do all in their power, not only to furnish suitable build- ings, but also to supply the most accomplished and experienced instructors, and the best means for the literary and scientific improvement of the students. It is designed to carry into effect, as soon as possible, that provision of the charter which authorizes the trustees to establish separate departments of the learned professions, the science and arts, including, besides the usual departments of Theology, Medicine and Law, a department of Mechanical Philosophy, and also of Agriculture. The object to be attained is the establishment of a University fully capable of furnishing to all the great interests and pursuits of man, the rich blessings which learning, science and skill can impart. But the trustees do not venture to make this statement of their purposes and wishes for the sake of conveying an impres- sion that they are already in possession of the pecuniary means which such an enterprise re- quires. On the contrary, they desire to be un- derstood rather as making an appeal to the pub- lic for liberal and generous donations to enable them to carry forward to successful completion an undertaking which necessities of an intelli- gent and rapidly increasing community urgently demand. It will be perceived, also, that the trustees have a just appreciation of their respon- sibilities, and of the wants which the public mind expect them to supply. In order to fulfill their mission by a proper discharge of their legal incorporation, they must rely on the intelligence and philanthrophy of their fellow man for the requisite funds and other needful co-opera- tion."

The first session of the college occupied but a part of the year. Seventy-nine students were enrolled. The second year, ending June 29, 1853, witnessed an enrollment of one hundred and forty-four students, a gratifying increase. The Mechanics' Union Building was still occu- pied, the new edifice not being completed. Dur- ing the summer of 1853, President Springer and Professor Harkey were engaged in collecting funds to finish the building.

For the coming year the faculty were the same as the year previous, save Rev. Daniel Garber, A. B., was substituted for Rev, C. B. Thummel, as Professor of Latin and Greek Lan- guages.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

The summer of 1854, found the college build- ing still uncompleted, but it was finished in time for occupancy that fall. The number of the students for the year 1853-4 was one hundred and sixty.

In the year 1855, on account of a disagree- ment in some matters, President Springer re- signed, and Rev. S. W. Harkey performed the duties of President. In the fall of 1856, the faculty was composed of the following named: Rev. S. W. Ilarkey, D. D., President, pro tem, Professor of Theology, Mental and Moral Science, Belles Lettres and the German Lan- guages; Rev. Edmund Miller, A. M., Professor of Mathematics; Rev. Benjamin C. Suesserott, A. M., Professor of Latin and Greek Languages; Alexander Pollack, Professor of History, and Principal of the English and Business Depart- ments.

In the summer of 1858, the Faculty elected Rev. William M. Reynolds, D. D., President, and he was inaugurated and delivered an excel- lent address July 29, 1858. The faculty was then composed as follows: Rev. W. M. Rey- nolds, President, Professor of Intellectual and moral Philosophy; S. W. Harkey, D. D., Pro- fessor of Belles Lettres and German Language and Literature; Rev. B. C. Suesserott, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages; Rev. L. P. Esbiorn, Professor of Scandinavian Languages and Literature, Chemistry; H. Croll, A. M., Pro- fessor of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy; Alexander Pollock, Principal of the English Department and Assistant Professor of Mathe- matics; J. G. Auglade, Professor of French and Spanish.

After this time the University did not seem to prosper so well, but it continued to struggle along until 1867, when it ceased to be run as a University. But there has never been a time when a school of some kind has not been in existence in the building. The deed conveying the land requires that a school shall be main- tained, or the title to the property shall revert to the original heirs of the donor, Pascal P. Enos.

Between 1867 and 1874 the title in the prop- erty was vested in Rev. Mr. Passavant, of the Pittsburg Synod, and by him transferred to the Missouri Synod of the German Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Rev. Francis Springer, D.D., the first Presi- dent of the Illinois State University, was born March 19, 1810, at Roxbury, Franklin county, Pennsylvania. When a young man he learned the business of sign and ornamental painting. He received his literary education in Pennsyl-

vania College, and his theological studies were pursued at the Theological Seminary of the Lutheran Church, both located at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He also studied under two dis- tinguished ministers, one at Otsego, and the other at Schohaire, New York. He paid his ex- penses by occasionally working at his trade and teaching school. He was licensed to preach by the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Maryland, October 18, 1836, and was ordained by the same body, October 17, 1837. He was married April 11, 1837, to Mary Kriegh, at Clear Springs, Washington county, Maryland. He taught school and preached in that vicinity from Octo- ber, 1836, for about two and a half years. They moved to Springfield, Illinois, arriving May, 1839. In 1847 he moved to Hillsboro, Illinois, and in 1855 moved back to Springfield.

Rev. Francis Springer commenced teaching soon after his arrival in Springfield, and contin- ned to teach and preach until 1847, when he moved to Hillsboro, Illinois, as President of Hillsboro College. That institution was moved to Springfield in 1852, as Illinois State Uni- versity. These were both under the direction and patronage of the Lutheran church. He re- signed in 1855. He was afterwards school com- missioner of Sangamon county, and was Super- intendent of Schools for the city of Springfield, which position he resigned, and became chaplain of the Tenth Illinois Cavalry, soon after the be- ginning of the rebellion in 1861. A short time after the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas- December 7, 1862-he united with Dr. James Johnson in raising a loyal regiment in Arkansas, of which he became chaplain. It was the First Arkansas Infantry. He was appointed in 1863 post chaplain at Fort Smith, which he held until 1867, when he resigned, and returned to his family, at Springfield. In 1870 he moved to Ir- ving, Montgomery county, Illinois, and contin- ned preaching until the fall of 1873, when he was elected superintendent of schools for Mont- gomery county, with his office at Hillsboro, Illi- nois.

In the summer of 1881, Mr. Springer returned to Springfield. He continues to preach as op- portunity offers, believing the minister of God should always be faithfully employed. Rev. Francis Springer is a man of lively sympathy with the rest of mankind, without regard to race, color, nationality or religion. He has large faith in the perfectability of the human race by means of the labors and experiences of the life that now is, and the hereafter. His orthodoxy, as a religious man, does not descend to the min-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

ute particulars of a creed, but confides mainly in the cardinal fact of Christianity, that the only true enobling of the race must be wrought out under the recognized leadership of the world's Redeemer "the Christ of God."

The degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- ferred on Rev. Francis Springer in 1869, by Wittenburg College, Springfield, Ohio.

GERMAN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONCORDIA SEMINARY.

This institution of learning, the successor of the Illinois State University, is the outgrowth of a similar institution started in Fort Wayne many years ago.

In 1838 Wyneken came from Germany to America and settled in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he was subsequently ordained a minister in the German Evangelical Lutheran Church, and as such for several years acted as a mis- sionary in Ohio, Indiana, and the southern part of Michigan, traveling almost constantly, preach- ing the word wherever he went.

In 1844 he put in practical operation a scheme he had for the education of young men and pre- paring them for the sacred ministry. Two young men placed themselves under his instrue- tion that year, and traveled with him wherever called, studying as the opportunity was afforded them, and receiving the instruction of the zealous missionary. This was the beginning of the flourishing Concordia University now in exist- ence in Fort Wayne. The two young men thus instructed became zealous and efficient workers in the Master's cause. One of them died a few years since, the other yet labors "in season and out of season" in preaching the "glad tidings of salvation."

In 1845 Mr. Wyneken was called to the pas- torate of a church in Baltimore, where he re- mained five years. In 1850 he was called to St. Louis, and soon after elected President of the Joint Missouri Evangelical Lutheran Synod, and as such removed to Fort Wayne, a more central location, from which place he visited the churches throughout the bounds of the Synod, and where good could be accomplished. In this office he served for several years with profit to the people and churches within his charge. In 1864 he accepted a call from a church in Cleveland, Ohio, where he labored for eleven years. On account of failing health the congregation sent him to California in 1875, where it was thought he might be restored to health and future usefulness. Early in May, 1876, he made all arrangements to return home,

and on the morning of the 4th, while dressing himself, he fell over on the bed and soon ex- pired. His last work on earth was done, and he was called to his reward.

In addition to the institution of learning in Fort Wayne, which grew from the humble be- ginning as stated to the rank of a university, the Missouri Synod opened a school in the interior of Missouri, which was subsequently moved to St. Louis, and became the present German Evangel- ical Lutheran College. Students in both these institutions became so numerous they could not be accommodated, and the property of the old Illinois State University being for sale it was thought advisable to purchase it. Preparatory to this end, early in January, 1874, about sev- enty-five pupils were transferred to this place, under charge of Professor Kroening. In Octo- ber, 1874, the deed to the property was transfer- red to the Missouri Synod, under whose charge the three institutions are conducted. Professor Kroening remained in charge until the fall of 1875, when all needful preparations had been made to carry on a successful school. The fac- ulty as organized at this time consisted of Pro- fessor A. Cramer, Director, who for twenty-five years previous had been connected either at Fort Wayne or St. Louis; Professor H. C. Wyniken, second theological Professor, and Professor G. Kroening, in the Preparatory Department. These gentleman yet remain in the institution, and in addition in the fall of 1881, J. S. Simon, for twenty-eight years teacher in the senior class of the parochial school of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation at Monroe, Michigan, was called as assistant Professor in the Preparatory De- partment, and entered upon the discharge of his duties, November 1.

Since the property passed into the hands of the present operators, the buildings and grounds have been greatly improved, four new residences for the faculty have been built, and other good work accomplished. As fast as means are secured other improvements will be made.

The college is supported by donation through various German Evangelical Lutheran Churches throughout the United States, and a student upon entering must state his firm determination to become an espouser of the doctrines to which the church adheres, and must have had a three years' course in a preparatory college situated at Fort Wayne, Ind. Its future is easily to be seen, with an attendance of nearly one hundred and twenty-five students, and yearly growing in proportion, it promises in the near future to rank among the first of its kind in the State,

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and it is, in reality, to be hoped that these most sanguine expectations will be verified. Let the good work commenced procced and bear its fruit.

Rev. A. Cramer, D. D., Director of Concordia Seminary, was born in Germany.

Rev. H. C. Wyneken was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, December 15, 1844. Ile is the son of Rev. Mr. Wyneken, a sketch of whom has already been given in connection with this article. The younger Wyneken went with his parents to the various places already mentioned, save California. While living in St. Louis, he attended the German Lutheran Parochial School, and also the English High School. He entered Concordia College, in St. Louis, in 1858, and subsequently was transferred to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he graduated in 1865. He then entered the Theological Seminary of the Ger- man Evangelical Lutheran Church in St. Louis, and pursned a three years' course, graduating in 1868. He was prepared to accept a call from some congregation, but on account of ill health was sent to Europe, in January, 1869, where he remained nearly two years. On his return he was called as an assistant pastor to his father, from the church in Cleveland Ohio, and was duly ordained December 18, 1870. He remained at ('leveland until his removal here in January, 1876.

Professor Wyneken was united in marriage with Miss Couradine Schilling, of Bremen, Europe, June 29, 1871, by whom he has had five children, four of whom are now living.

Like his father, Professor Wyneken is a thor- ough worker, and in addition to his labors in the school room, acts as a missionary among the Germans in the neighborhood of Springfield, and among the colored people of the city. He has managed for some time a Sunday School for the latter in the College chapel, having some thirty to forty pupils in attendance

Professor G. Kroening was born in Martin- ville, Niagara county, New York, March 3, 1851. He is of German descent, his parents emigrating from the latter country, and settling in Martins- ville, in 1845, 'When ten years of age, he com- menced attending the common schools of Mar- tinsville, where he continned for five years, and then spent three years in assisting his father in agriculture and other pursuits, at the expiration of which time he entered Concordia Seminary, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he remained six years, and entered the Concordia College at St. Louis, and studied theology for two years. In January, 1874, he accepted the professorship in

the Seminary, and was immediately sent to Springfield as already stated.

BETTIE STUART INSTITUTE, SPRINGFIELD.

This institution, though drawing pupils from all parts of the Union, may from its influence be emphatically called a home school, was organ- ized by Mrs. M. McKee Homes, a lady well and favorably known throughout the West as a suc- cessful instructor of young girls. The building that she first occupied being inadequate to her wants, and a number of her patrons recognizing her executive ability and superior fitness for conducting a Young Ladies' Seminary, made ar- rangements to provide for her a suitable build- ing. To accomplish this, in 1879, a Board of Trustees was incorporated under the general State law for academies. The names of the in- corporators were: Hon. John T. Stuart, J. Bunn, Hon. J. C. Conkling, Hon. John A. Chestnut, John Williams, and C. C. Brown.

The residence of Mr. C. C. Brown was pur- chased, added to and remodled. The institution was named "Bettie Stuart Institute," in honor of the memory of the late Mrs. C. C. Brown, the lovely and accomplished daughter of the Hon. John T. Stuart. So far as the educational work of the school is concerned, it has been under the sole control of Mrs. Homes, who has done her work faithfully and thoroughly. She has called to her aid the best teachers in every department of study. Some of the most efficient she found in Springfield, others have come from the best schools of this country and Europe. A characteristic feature of the Board of Instruc- tion is a union of feeling, and a concentration of interest in the work they have undertaken to accomplish.

A high grade of scholarship has been estab- lished and maintained in every department. A diploma from this school entitles the holder to a high degree of respect. It signifies that she has attained, in all the varied studies of a four years' course, a satisfactory proficiency; that her at- tendance during that time has averaged well, and that her deportment has been above re- proach. Considering the fact that the institu- tion has been, thus far, self-supporting, its suc- cess and efficiency are wonderful. The annual average attendance has been over a hundred, and it has already graduated sixty-four young ladies, several of whom are sustaining a high reputation as teachers, while many more are presiding with dignity over their own households. To show how important a factor this school is in educa- tional matters, we quote (from memory) the

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

words of a distinguished divine, formerly of Springfield, uttered in a sermon preached to his people: "Few realize how much Springfield owes to Mrs. Homes' school. It has raised the standard of scholarship and laid the foundations for a broad culture, and where it has taken one pupil out of the Public Schools, it has put twenty in, by awakening a more wide-spread interest in the subject of education. Among the graduates are the daughters of many whose names are in- dissolubly connected with the history of the State in its various interests, military, political, financial and religious. Indeed, the school rep- resents in its patronage, all the professions and industries. Its founders and supporters are a class of people calculated to give added tone and dignity to its character, and it will doubtless be cherished with pride by the State, as it is now, by its capital city-Springfield.

The following-named compose the present Board of Trustees: Hon. John T. Stuart, John A. Chestnut, Colonel John Williams, Hon. Shelby M. Cullom, Hon. J. C. Conkling, Dr. A. W. French, Jacob Bunn, Hon. Milton llay.

The following named comprise the faculty of the institution for 1881-2:

Mrs. M. McKee Homes, Principal, Morals and Metaphysics.

Miss Margerie Constant, History, Rhetoric, and English Literature.

Miss Clara II. Page, Mathematics.

Miss Lucy A. Du Bois, Latin and Natural Sciences.

Mrs. Mary S. Wolcott, Natural Sciences and Intermediate Department.

Miss Kate Constant, Principal of the Pri- mary Department.

Miss Margaret Leeds (part of the year), Pri- mary Department.

Miss Lucy M. Latham (part of the year), Pri- mary Department.

Miss Marion Hall Drawing and Painting.

Professor B. Meissner, Vocal and Instru- mental Music.

M'me Kaufmann, German.

Miss Mary L. McKee, Elocution. Mrs. M. McKee Homes, French.

The graduates of the institution residing in Sangamon county are as follows:

Emily G. Canfield, 1871 Letitia Brown, 1872 Mary E. Haynie, 1872 Elma L. Keuchler, 1872 Kate Lewis, 1872 Emma Burkhardt, 1873 Sarah E. Fassett, 1873 Ilia French, 1873

Minnie H. Post, 1875 Mary E. Watts, 1875 Clara M. Brown, 1876

Ella M. Kimble, 1876

Kittie Cora Clark, 1877

Leonora Huntington, 1877 Mary Lewis, 1877 Martha Hyde Lord, 1877

Anna E. Keyes, 1873 Carrie Post, 1873 Flannie Stuart, 1873 Mimie Whitehurst, 1873 Sallie I. Bunn, 1874 Katie J. Chatterton, 1874 Alice Conkling, 1874 Ella G. Conkling, 1874 Lina K. Darnielle, 1874 Ella C. Foster, 1874 Eva C. Greene, 1874 Emma B. Hickox, 1874 Ida May Brasfield, 1875 Ella Cullom, 1875 Carrie Cullom, 1875 Jessie M. Day, 1875 Fannie French, 1875

Mary Steele Bradford, 1878 Katharine L. Fox, 1878 Lydia C. Hampton, 1878 Mary N. McRoberts, 1878 Sallie B. Perkins, 1878 Carrie L. Wickersham, 1878 Mary Farnetta Zane, 1878 Annie Broadwell, 1879 Adelia, Dubois, 1879 Sonora French, 1879 Eloise Anna Griffith, 1879 Mary Herman, 1879 Bertha E. Merriman, 1879 Judeah M. Robinson, 1879 Arabella L. Seaman, 1879 Jesse L. Palmer, 1880 Fannie Matheny, 1881

The Bettie Stuart Institute is situated on Fourth street, near the Executive Mansion, and' in the most beautiful and eligible part of the city. The grounds are ample, and the building is large, commodious and well ventilated.

No better recommendation of the school can be desired than the record of the past thirteen years. In this time it has graduated more than sixty young ladies, whose symmetrical develop- ment of intellectual and moral character fits them equally for society and the responsibilities of life. While aiming at thoroughnesss, the personal peculiarities of pupils are also studied, and the course of instruction adapted to indi- vidual needs. The highest advancement of scholars must ever be dependent upon an intel- ligent and sympathetic analysis of individual character.

All the pupils of this school have written examinations the first Wednesday of each month, and oral at the close of each term. The pupils are not only made familiar with the con- tents of their text books, but are taught to apply the principles there learned and to reason inde- pendently. A special advantage of the Bettie Stuart Institute over boarding schools in general, is its home-like character. Not content with mere intellectual development, special attention is given to the social and moral culture of the pupils. A symmetrical Christian womanhood is the end desired in the system of education pursued. Parents may feel in leaving their daughters at the Bettie Stuart, that none of the home comforts will be missed by them; that their health will be carefully watched over, and that loving interest will be given them.

ST. AGATHA'S SCHOOL.

This institution of learning commenced oper- ations in 1881, and is under the supervision of Rt. Rev. George F. Seymour, D. D., L. L. A., Bishop of the Diocese.

HELENEnEn

56-

BOND-CHANDLER

BETTIE STUART INSTITUTE, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

St. Agatha's School is admirably situated in the central part of the city. It is on the same street with the State House, and is in the midst of a beautiful lawn and garden of over three acres in extent, affording the advantages of the country in the very heart of the city, securing the best air and opportunities for exercise for the pupils. The house is large, dry, well ventilated, and ev- ery attention paid to the health and comfort of the pupils. Misses Murdoch and Dusinberre give careful attention to the thorough education of those confided to their care; and the disci- pline firm, though gentle. All the usual branches are taught, and it will be the constant aim of the Principals to sustain a high standard of scholar-

ship. The Primary Department receives care- ful attention; and in it, French and drawing are taught without extra charge. Unusual advant- ages are enjoyed for the study of Natural Sci- ences, and an experienced and accomplished teacher has been secured for that department. St. Agatha's School will not only afford its pu- pils a thorough course in the ordinary branches of education under experienced and efficient teachers, but it will do this under the eye of the Church, and in connection with that moral and religious training which is of the very first im- portance in the formation of a true and lofty womanhood. The school will embrace three courses-Primary, Academic and Collegiate.

HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

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CHAPTER XXI.

ILLUSTRIOUS AND PROMINENT DEAD.

" Earth to earth and dust to dust" is the com- mon lot of all men. Neither rank nor station in life will exempt one from a call from that grim monster, Death. His calls are made to suit the pleasure of none. He comes unbidden, and often chooses the fairest and the best. In this chapter are given a few, and but a few, of the illustrious and prominent men of Sangamon county who have been summoned to a brighter world, and whose meinories are cherished by those who re- main this side the "valley and shadow of death."

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History of Sangamon County, Illinois, together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history, portraits of prominent persons, and biographies of representative citizens, Part 78

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1881 Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company Number of Pages: 1084

Author: Interstate publishing co., Chicago. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1881
Publisher: Chicago, Inter-state publishing company
Number of Pages: 1084