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 96

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 96

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not far from Dixon, the six were killed, and he only, escaped. General Taylor ordered the captain to proceed, collect and bury the dead, and go on to Galena (Captain Snider, of Belle- ville, was a brave man), but the frightened men disobeyed the orders and returned to Ottawa, helt-r-skelter.

" General Atkinson was anxious to get all the information possible of the whereabouts of the Indians, by the time the new troops were ready to march, and selected my company, which was ordered on the trip, and to report to Colonel Taylor. He ordered me to proceed, collect and bury the dead, and go on to Galena, making a careful search for Indian signs, to see if they were aiming to cross the Mississippi below Galena, and gather all possible information from inhabitants at Galena.

" On our route we saw signs of Indians, but not in large numbers. Fifteen miles this side of Galena, the inhabitants were in a fort, the day before we got there they stole some horses and shot at some of the citizens. We then went to Galena and got all the information we could on our trip. All the houses were vacant and on our return all were burned.

"I married Malinda Benjamin in 1824; we had two children, Louisa E. and Thomas Iles. My daughter died in 1857, my wife died in 1866 and my son died in 1877. After the death of my wife, I felt mentally and physically used up and quit all business, as much as I could."

SPRINGFIELD HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS.

" It is better to give than to receive;" so said One " who spake as man never spake," and a blessing is bestowed upon everyone who bestows even a cup of cold water upon the thirsty soul. In every community may usually be found one or more who are willing to render all the aid in their power to the poor and unfortunate of the land. Springfield is no exception to this rule.

In the winter of 1862-63, Antrim Campbell applied to the legislature for an act to incorpo- rate a board of lady managers for an institution to be known as the "Springfield Home for the Friendless." The act was duly passed and ad- proved February 12, 1863. The ladies named in the act, who were to serve as managers until the first Monday in January, 1864, were Mrs. Eliza Pope, Mrs. Mercy Conkling, Mrs. Louisa Draper, Mrs. Susan Cook, Mrs. Lydia Williams, Mrs. Elizabeth Bunn, Mrs. Harriet Campbell, Miss Ann Eastman, Mrs. Maria Lathrop, Mrs. Mary Hay, Mrs. Catherine Hickox, Mrs. Mary Ann Dennis, and Mrs. Elizabeth Matheny. The

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

act of incorporation made S. H. Treat Presi- dent; George Passfield, Vice President; George P. Bowen, Secretary; Jacob Bunn, Treasurer.

The object of the Home, as stated in the char- ter, was for "relieving, aiding, and providing homes for the friendless and indigent women and children." It was provided that any person might become an annnal member by the pay- ment of $1, and a life member by the payment of $10 at one time. The corporation is anthor- ized to receive and hold, either by gift, purchase, devise, bequest, or otherwise, any real or per- sonal estate, in aid of its objects. The Board of Managers is the legal guardian of all children placed in its charge, according to the charter, and may bind them out to any honorable trade or employment. The father, if living and crip- pled, may surrender his child to the Home. If he has absconded, or is otherwise incapable, the mother can make the surrender.

The first meeting under the act of incorpora- tion was held at the residence of J. C. Conkling, on the 9th of March, 1863. At this meeting, both Judge Treat and Mr. Passfield declined the offices for which they had been named in the charter. Thereupon, S. H. Melvin and James Campbell were elected President and Vice Pres- ident, respectively.

On the organization of the Board, steps were at once taken for procuring ground and build- ing. Elijah Iles donated an entire square on South Grand Aevnue, between Seventh and Eighth streets. A subscription was started, among the citizens, and $5,620 obtained. This was supplemented by a contribution from the city of $2,000, and by the county of Sangamon of $5,000.

In the spring of 1864, a building committee was appointed, consisting of Antrim Campbell, John Williams, John S. Bradford, J. S. Vred- enburg, John Armstrong and John A. Chesnut. At the request of this committee, E. E. Myers, architect, prepared a design and drawing for the building, which was duly approved. A descrip- tion of the building may be found elsewhere in this work.

On the first of May, 1864, the managers opened "The Home" in a rented house on North Fifth street. Mrs. Nancy M. Britton was the first matron. About sixty children were received and most of them placed in homes during the first year. As soon as the building was com- pleted, which was early in the year 1865, "The Home" was removed to it. The value of the ground was estimated at $8,000, and the entire cost of the building about $20,000.

In the year 1868, Mrs. R. E. Goodell asked and obtained leave to lay out the grounds into walks, and to ornament them with shrubbery- all of which was handsomely done. She was assisted in this good work by other citizens.

The Home of the Friendless is now under the management of a superintendent.

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH.

The first message received by telegraph in the city of Springfield, was in the year 1848. Then the business was in its infancy, and none real- ized the extent to which it would eventually grow. William Kelchner, agent of the Western Union Telegraph Company, took charge of the office in 1867, as the successor of John G. Con- nor. The predecessor of Mr. Connor was Fred G. Smith. The business has materially increased since Mr. Kelchner assumed management in this city. At that time there were but two wires terminating here, and four passing through, or six in all. The company then employed seven operators for general and railroad work. There are now twenty-one wires terminating or passing through the city, and twenty-six operators are actively engaged, twenty of whom are on rail- road work, and six in the general office. Then they delivered from twenty-five to thirty mes- sages per day; now they deliver from one hun- dred to one hundred and twenty-five, and send about as many. In 1867, it cost $6.40 to send a message to San Francisco; now it costs $1.00. Then it cost $2.40 to New York; now a message can be sent for twenty-five cents. A million words of press matter are sent from this office now in one year; then it would not aggregate more than fifteen thousand to eighteen thousand words per year. The business of Springfield has nearly doubled in two years, and it now ranks as the third office in magnitude of busi- ness in the State.

UNITED STATES EXPRESS COMPANY.

An office was established in 1850 in this city by the United States Express Company, S. M. Tinsley being the first agent. Mr. Tinsley occu- pied the position two years. He was then suc- ceeded by Simeon Holliday, who was the first to make it an exclusive business, as Mr. Tinsley, being a merchant, did the express business as in- cidental matter. Both these gentlemen are now deceased. Mr. Holliday held the position until his death, which occurred February, 1868. The bus- iness was all done by the agent in Mr. Holiday's time, excepting that he employed Patrick Daily, still a resident of the city in the private express

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

business, to haul the express matter in a hand cart in the early part of his connection ; but after a year or two it became necessary to employ a horse and wagon. The express business has since grown until now it requires six horses, four wagons and nine men to do the work. Express matter is handled from eighteen trains every twenty-four hours.

AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY.

A local office was first established in Spring- field by the American Express Company in 1871, when the present Illinois Central Railroad come into the city. The company now operates over the Illinois Central and Ohio & Mississippi Rail- roads, and the business is now larger than ever before. The company now employs six men and run two wagons which connect with eight daily trains. The office ranks third in the State for the business of the company. Montgomery G. Hall is the local agent, and he has filled the posi- tion since December 1, 1879. Previous to that time he was assistant Superintendent, and had charge of the Springfield branch and main line of the Illinois Central and the St. Louis Division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and the Ohio & Mississippi, which position he held five years. He has been connected with the company in various capacities since 1869. He was born in Chicago in 1848. That city was chiefly his home till he came to Springfield. In 1879 he was married to May Garland, a native of Springfield, in the latter city. He is a mem- ber of Capital Lodge, Number 14, Knights of Pythias, and was Master of Exchequer in 1880.

SCHOOLS.

The Public Schools of Springfield will com- pare favorably with any other city in the State, while its private schools are not surpassed; but such was not always the case. In the earlier days, when its population was small and when the people were possessed of but little wealth, the educational facilities were not of the most magnificent description. No palatial school houses then reared their stately fronts within its borders; no School Board supervised the move- ments of the educators of youth, and no army of patient, toiling instructors were here.

The first school in Springfield was taught by Andrew Orr, in 1821. Erastus Wright followed him, and he was succeeded by Thomas Moffitt. The school at that time numbered about fifty pupils. His last term was in the old original court house. In 1828, a school house of rough logs was built near the corner of Adams and Sec- ond streets. This building also served for a 68-

church and other public purposes. John B. Watson taught here until 1834. In 1830, John Calhoun conducted a school in another part of the city. After that time several small private schools were established. Beaumont Parks taught a private school from 1840 to 1853. Harry C. Watson, in an article on the Public Schools, published in Power's History of Spring- field, in 1871, says of Mr. Parks: " One of the earliest teachers who initiated those boys into the mysteries of reading and writing, and led them through the dark, mysterious ways of arithmetic and grammar, was Beaumont Parks, Esq., ( forever sanctified be his memory.) Plain and simple as the most artless boy under his direction, he was one of the best, most honest, and conscientious of teachers. Filled with a love of his profession, imbued with a strong de- sire to instruct the heart and mind of the youth committed to his control, that they might walk aright the pathway of life, he labored faithfully and diligently to discharge his duty. Possessed of a fine cultured mind, and of attainments de- cidedly rare in those days, he pursued his unos- tentatious calling, asking not for publie praise or high sounding plaudits, but only for the satisfac- tion of knowing he had discharged his duties faithfully and well. Some of our most influen- tial and prominent citizens were his pupils, and the powerful influence of his teachings have been exerted, indeed, for good. Only a few weeks ago and he was called hence, full of honors and of years. And although he lives not, his deeds remain."

Mr. Power in his "History of the Early Set- tlers of Sangamon County," has this to say of Prof. Parks:

" Beaumont Parks was born January, 1775, in Norwich, Connecticut. He was an orphan at twelve years of age, and resolved to educate himself. In order to obtain the means to do so, he began trading with the French Canadians and Indians. He worked his way out, in company with his brother-in-law, Rev. Mr. Bacon, father of Rev. Leonard Bacon, D. D., of New Haven, Connecticut, through the rivers and lakes from Vermont to the region of the Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. As winter approached he com- menced building a house with the intention of remaining in it until spring. He was discovered by Colonel Dunham, commander of the United States Fort, at Michilimacinac. Colonel Dun- ham was astonished at seeing a boy of fourteen or fifteen years preparing to winter alone in that inhospitable region, and inquired what he was aiming to do. On being told by young Parks

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IHISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

that he was trying to raise money to defray the expense of an education, Colonel Dunham of- fered him a home in his own family, with the promise of assisting him in his purpose. He ac- cepted the kind proposition, went to the Fort and remained there between three and four years. During that time his savings amounted to about $80. Expressing his determination to set out for college, Colonel Dunham sent some friendly Indians to accompany him a portion of the dis- tance. He traveled in a birch canoe through the upper lakes and portions of Canada, and thence east. When he had gone about two- thirds of the distance, he was taken sick with small-pox, and was compelled to travel alone until he could find shelter, although he was then in a part of the country more or less settled by white men. At Montreal, a French Canadian took him in and nursed him for nearly a month, until he was able to pursue his journey. His savings were now reduced to about thirty dol- lars, but his hospitable friend would not receive anything for his trouble. His exhausted condi- tion required the expenditure of more money, and when he arrived at his destination his money had all vanished. Notwithstanding so much time was lost, after a journey of one thousand six hundred miles, he found himself at Dart- mouth College, a stranger, and destitute. Yet he boldly knocked at the doors of that institu- tion of learning for admittance. That was about the year 1798. By diligent study while in the family of Colonel Dunham, he was enabled to teach the lower branches. He then made ar- rangements to continue teaching in summer and attend college in winter, and prosecuted his studies while teaching, so as not to fall behind in his class. He was thus enabled to defray his expenses, with some aid furnished by Colonel Dunham, and in that way went through college on equal terms with Daniel Webster, Levi Woodbury-the latter of whom was his class- mate- and other world-wide celebrities. After passing through college he entered the law office of Judge Slade, of Middleburry, Vermont, and in due time was admitted to the bar. He was married in 1811, at Windsor, Vermont, to Nancy Conant. He soon acquired a large and lucrative practice, which he held for about ten years, when -however others might think-he became convinced that it was impossible to be a success- ful lawyer and a thoroughly honest man. That, with other causes, induced him to abandon his practice and move west. He left Vermont, and, in August, 1821, landed at Madison, Indiana, where he opened an academy for the education

of young men, which was one of the earliest in- stitutions of the kind established west of the Allegheny mountains, and probably the first school in the State of Indiana where the Greek and Latin languages were taught. It was at- tended by many who have become distinguished at the bar, on the bench, and in the councils of the Nation, such as the Hendricks, Sullivans, Brights, Sheets, Cravens, and many others. After ten years' success in Madison, he was appointed Professor of Languages in the Indiana State University, at Bloomington, and was in that po- sition about seven years. He came to Spring- field, in the autumn of 1840, and at once opened a private school or academy, which was generally supported by all the leading citizens, and many of the students have become distinguished in the learned professions, in politics and business. When the city schools of Springfield were or- ganized on the present plan, he was the first su- perintendent, and continued teaching in Spring- field for nearly twenty years, when old age caused him to relinquish his chosen field.

" Professor Parks continued active till the day of his death. He died April 8, 1870, without an hour of sickness, at the residence of his son, Judge S. C. Parks, in Lincoln, Illinois, and was buried in that place."

Iu 1829 but one school had been sustained in the place. During that year Miss Jane E. Ber- gen opened a school in her father's house, which she continued until the fall of 1832. At that time, a fatality, not entirely unknown to modern female teachers, overtook her-she was married. The school was continued under charge of a Mr. Chase, who was at the same time rector of the recently established Episcopal Church. He re- mained in the school about two years, and was followed by Mr. Clark, who continued until the summer of 1836. Thus, for six years, two very good schools had been sustained, each number- ing about sixty pupils. John Waters taught a school for a term, and also Caleb Williams, in 1838. About this time, several smaller schools were started by young ladies ; among others, one for misses, by Miss Chapin.

Thus far all schools had been sustained by individual effort. No good school house had been erected, and no attempt made to establish a permanent institution. It was evident that the growing wants of the community, its safety at home and its reputation abroad, demanded better educational advantages. Many of the prominent citizens felt this want, and deter- mined to meet it. Accordingly, a joint stock company was organized, and an act to incorpor-

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

ate the Springfield Academy was approved March 1, 1839. In accordance with that act, the following named constituted the first Board of Trustees: Washington Iles, F. Webster, Jr., S. T. Logan, John F. Rague, N. H. Ridgely, Robert Allen and Charles R. Matheny.

Under the auspices of this association, the Academy building was erected. Messrs. Town and Sill opened a school in this building before it was fully completed. They did not remain long, however, but were succeeded in the fall of 1840 by Rev. J. F. Brooks. For two years the school was open to both sexes, and then for a few months, until Mr. Brooks' connection with it ceased, only to females. From the spring of 1843 until the fall of 1853, this school was ex- clusively for females; first under the charge of Mr. Allard, and then of Mr. Kimball. In 1844, Rev. Francis Springer took control of the school, on his own responsibility. He continued in charge until 1847, when he was succeeded by A. W. Estabrook. In the meantime, in the fall of 1844, Mr. Brooks had established a school for young ladies, at his own residence, on south Fifth street.

PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

By the amended charter, approved March 2, 1854, the city of Springfield was placed in the Springfield school district, and the City Council authorized to establish and maintain free schools for the education of all white persons between the ages of five and twenty-one. The council was also empowered to "appoint seven inspectors to be denominated as the Board of School In- spectors, and to prescribe their duties."

In accordance with this charter, an ordinance was passed, August 21, 1854, defining the powers of the School Board, and dividing the city into school districts.

Lots had already been purchased in each ward for school purposes, and the initiatory steps taken for the erection of school buildings in the First and Third Wards. These buildings were completed in the spring of 1856.

April, 1856, the Board of School Inspectors issued the following circular :

" The Board of School Inspectors take pleas- ure in announcing to the public that the schools in the First and Third Wards will be opened on the 14th of this month, and that they are now ready to receive applications for the admission of pupils, according to the ordinance of the city in relation thereto. By order of the City Council, the First and Fourth Wards are con- stituted one district, to be styled the First

District, and the Second and Third Wards another, styled the Third District. Those who are desirous of gaining admission for pupils, in their respective wards, must obtain certificates for that purpose from members of the Board."

On the 14th, the schools commenced-the one in the First Ward, under charge of Rev. Francis Springer, and that in the Third Ward, under A. W. Estabrook.

During the first term of the schools, which was the last term of the school year, there were registered seven hundred and thirty-nine pupils. At the close of the term the Principils, and most of their accociates, were elected for the ensuing year. Additional accommodations for schools were provided, in the basements of the Baptist and First Presbyterian churches.

According to the report of the Secretary of the School Board, there were enrolled during the year 1856-7 eight hundred and seventeen pupils.

At a meeting of the Board, held July 16, 1857, it was determined to confine instructions in the ward schools to the common English branches, and to recommend the establishment of a central high school, in which the higher English branches and the languages should be studied.

For the year 1857-8 Volney Hickox was elected Principal of the First Ward, A. W. Estabrook, of the Third Ward, and Beaumont Parks of the High School. February 6, 1858, Mr. Hickox presented his resiguation to the Board, and A. M. Brooks was elected to fill the vacancy. During the last term of that year there were enrolled eight hundred and fifty-three pupils.

In the spring and summer of 1858 buildings for the ward schools were erected in the Second and Fourth Wards, at an expense of $10,000 each, and on the 20th of September, 1858, free schools were opened in each of the four wards of the city. Twenty-two teachers were employed.

In November, 1858, on recommendation of the Board of School Inspectors, an ordinance was adopted by the Common Council creating the office of School Superintendent. S. M. Cutcheon was appointed to fill the position.

The first annual report of the Superintendent was made in the summer of 1859. It is very full and complete, and his recommendations wise and beneficial. From the report it was learned that there were enrolled one thousand four hundred and seventy-six pupils, with an average number belonging of nine hundred and eighty- seven, and an average attendance of seven bund- red and ten. The following were the salaries of

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IHISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

teachers recommended by the Board to the City Council:

Assistants, primary department, Second and Fourth

wards . $275 Principal, primary departments, Second and Fourth

wards . 350 All other female teachers. 300 Principals of grammar department. 800

Principal of High School.

900

The salary of female teachers who might be retained was to be increased $25 per annum for four years. The salary of each male teacher who might be retained was to be increased $50 per annum.

The cost of the schools for 1858-9 were $18,735.45.

S. M. Cutebeon was re-appointed Superin- tendent for 1859-60, and his second annual report shows a gratifying increase in attendance, there being enrolled one thousand six hundred and thirty-nine, against one thousand four hun- dred and seventy-six the year previous, while the average number belonging, one thousand one hundred and ninety, against nine hundred and eighty-seven in 1858-9. The accommoda- tions for pupils was altogether insufficient.

Rev. Francis Springer was appointed Superin- tendent for the year 1860-61. In his report for the year he made many valuable suggestions, and gave the following account of the buildings then in use:

"The First Ward school building is situated on Mason, between Twelfth and Thirteenth streets. The lot is 320 feet fronting on Mason, by 157 feet each on Twelfth and Thirteenth. The building is of brick and two stories high. The lower floor contains four good school rooms, capable of accommodating in all one hundred and eighty pupils. The second story embraces one large hall, two recitation rooms, and two small rooms suitable for library and apparatus. Its capacity is for the accommodation of one hundred and forty-four pupils, making for the entire building, accommodations for three hun- dred and twenty-four pupils. Cost of ground and improvements, about $12,000.

"The Second Ward school house is also on Mason street, between First and Second streets. The lot is three hundred and fifty feet fronting on Mason, and one hundred and fifty-seven feet, each, on First and Second. The building is of brick, and is three stories high. When com- pleted, its capacity for pupils will be about four hundred. Cost of grounds and improvements, about $12,000.

"The Third Ward school house, situated on the corner of Edwards and Spring streets, occu-

pies a lot measuring three hundred and twenty feet on Edwards, and one hundred and fourteen on Spring street. This building is in all respects after the same pattern as that of the First Ward, and, together with its grounds, cost about the same amount of money.

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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 96

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