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 99

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 99

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).

An autograph letter of encouragement and congratulation from Pope Pius IX.

A scriptural picture, fifty-two by thirty-six inches, done with the pen by T. D. VanGehder, of Amsterdam, Holland.

A library containing fifteen hundred volumes. A cabinet containing five hundred specimens. A Correggio.

A fine steel engraving of West's "Christ Re- jected."

Several very fine tapestry pictures.

A piece of composite statuary representing "Death of St. Joseph."

Some very fine paintings in oil and water col- ors, by the ladies of the Institute.

A curious little work of art repesenting the first Convent of the Order in Quebec, founded by Mother Mary, of the Incarnation; surnamed by Bossuet the "Teresa of New France." The Con- vent and surroundings are made of the bark of an old elm, under the shade of which the saintly lady taught the children of the Iroquois and and Algonquins Indians as early as 1680. The

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

tree having been struck by lightning, its remains were preserved as valuable relics.

RELIGIOUS.

Springfield can boast of some handsome church edifices, though none of them very costly, and probably has as many regular church-going people as any city of its size. In this connection are given historical sketches of nearly all the congregations. Imperfect records sadly interfere with the historian's work.

FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL.

A society was organized in this city some time in 1821, by Rev. James Simms, a good man in every respect, and possessing the quali- ties that made men popular at that early day. The society was small, and its meetings were held in the cabins of its members.

Among the first Methodists who settled here was Charles R. Matheny, who arrived here in the spring of 1821. His house for several years was a preaching place and home for Methodist itin- erants. The organization of the church was kept up from the commencement -- the circuit preachers filling the appointment every two weeks. Rev. Peter Cartwright preached quite often in 1825. There being no regular place of worship, the society did not grow very rapidly until the summer of 1829, when the old log school house was built.

In 1829, the members of the society determined to make an effort to erect a church, and a sub- scription was started for that purpose and circu- lated among the citizens generally. Pascal P. Enos subscribed $50, and told the trustees they could take their choice between that amount of ready money and two city lots, the same now occupied by the church on the corner of Monroe and Fifth streets. The trustees were divided in opinion, some thinking it best to take the money and others the lots, having no idea that the lots would be worth more than $50 in a few years. It was finally decided to take the lots, which were accordingly donated to the society by Mr. Enos. A frame church was erected upon one of the lots in the summer of 1830 and dedi- cated the following winter. It was used until the completion of the present building.

In 1833, under the ministration of Rev. Smith L. Robinson, quite a revival took place, and a large number of persons were converted. This was a marked era in the history of Methodism in Springfield, for the influence of the revival was such as to place the society upon a perma- nent basis. Up to this time the society had been supplied with preaching by the circuit preachers,

in connection with the Sangamon circuit, but feeling themselves strong enough to form a sep- arate charge, it was so formed in 1834. Rev. Joseph Edmundson was the first minister after the charge was organized, with the following named Stewards: Edmund Roberts, Charles R. Matheny, John Dickey, Jacob M. Early and Edward J. Phillips. Mr. Edmundson is kindly remembered by old settlers at this day. He re- mained in charge one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Hooper Crews, who remained two years, and whose labors were attended with great suc- cess-the church nearly or quite doubling its members during that time. He was followed by Rev. Peter Akers, who left at the end of his first year, and was succeeded by Rev. John T. Mitchell, who left the church prosperous. Rev. Orceneth Fisher came next, and remained one year.

In the fall of 1841, Rev. Jonathan Stamper became the pastor. Ile remained two years dur- ing which time an interesting revival took place. Rev. W. S. Crissey was the next preacher, being succeeded at the expiration of one year by Rev. John P. Richmond, who remained the same length of time. His two immediate successors were Revs. Chauncy Hobart and John S. Bargar.

In 1847, Rev. James F. Jacquess became pas- tor of the church. Under his preaching an ex- tensive revival took place, and many were con- verted. He was returned in 1848, but left before the expiration of the year to take charge of the Female College at Jacksonville. The remainder of his term was finished by Rev. W. T. Bennett. During the next three years Revs. Calvin W. Lewis and Robert E. Guthrie were pastors of the church. The last named was followed by Rev. Thomas Magee in October, 1852, up to which time the old frame church, built in 1830, had been used for divine worship. An addition to it was built during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Stamper, but those who worshipped in it in 1852 considered it somewhat of a reproach to Meth- odism, and thought the time had arrived for it to give way to a larger and more appropriate building. Soon after the arrival of Mr. Magee a subscription was started, and a sufficient amount was subscribed to justify the society in the erection of their present house of worship. Its original cost was about $10,000. It had a very handsome spire, which was much admired when in its proper place, but it was finally re- moved by a strong wind and placed in the yard below. Rev. Mr. Magee was returned to the pastorate a second time, and gave all his spare time to the erection of a new edifice, but he did

Peter of arteuregrit

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

not remain long enough in this world to witness its completion. He visited Bloomington in March, 1854, and contracted a disease which soon terminated his life. His last hours were peaceful and happy, for he had followed the golden rule in his intercourse with his fellow men, and given the energies of his life to the cause of Christ. The vacancy caused by his death was filled by Rev. James E. Willson, who was followed by Rev. J. L. Crane, who remained two years and left with the regrets of his con- gregation. He was succeeded by Rev. C. W. Sears.

In 1858, Rev. James Leaton was appointed to the charge.

In 1866, Rev. J. S. Davidson was appointed to the charge, and remained three years, being succeeded by Rev. Mr. Phillips, who also served the same length of time. In 1872, Rev. W. H. Webster became the pastor, and remained also the full time permitted by the rules of the church. In 1875, Rev. R. M. Barnes was sent by the Conference, but only remained two years, greatly to the disappointment of the congrega- tion, Rev. J. H. Noble was then sent, and re- mained three years. In 1880, the present pastor, Rev. T. A. Parker, began his labors, and under his charge the congregation is in a most flourish- ing condition, its membership active and zealous.

SECOND METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

The Second Methodist Episcopal Church, of Springfield, Illinois, was organized September 11, 1865, under the following conditions:

The city was then notably and remarkably ex- tending in the direction of the north, and it was thought that this circumstance, combined with the southern location and over-grown condition of the First Methodist Episcopal Church, was a Providential call for Springfield Methodism to move out and occupy and "possess the land" in the northern half of the city. Accordingly, a noble and self-sacrificing band of brethren and sisters from the First Church, in a most peace- able and amicable manner, withdrew from the former fold and constituted themselves the Sec- ond Methodist Episcopal Church, Springfield.

They fully conformed to the law of the church in the details of their organization, and when completed, they reported the same to the Illinois Annual Conference, and asked to have a preacher sent to them. To this request the Conference replied by naming Rev. W. S. Prentice as their first pastor.

The names of the first members of this church, as transferred from the old church, so far as can be ascertained, are as follows:

Nancy J. Akard, Margaret Akard, Alvira Ayers, George W. Bolinger, Margaret T. Bolin- ger, E. J. Bronson, Adeline Bronson, Adolphus Bell, William Bolinger, Belle Bradford, Hester J. Benson, John L. Burke, Jane Burke, Asenath Bradford, Charles Camp, Annie J. Camp, Lucy Camp, Hannah B. Camp, Mary Connelly, Julia Connelly, Sarah C. Connelly, John Carpenter, Sarah J. Carpenter, Mary E. Carpenter, Eliza- beth Crane, W. S. Curry, Nannie J. Curry, Sarah DeCamp, Matilda Edmonson, Rosanna Fosselman, Savilla Fiske, Metella F. Goodman, Mary A. Goodman, Adelbert Goodman, Sarah E. Gibbs, J. C. IIenkle, Pamelia Henkle, Re- becca Herndon, R. F. Herndon, Charlotte Kidd, Anna D. Kirkendall, Mary H. Logan, N. W. Matheny, Elizabeth J. Matheny, Aleta Moseby, Priscilla Megrady, William A. Nixon, Anna Nocker, Priscilla Newman, Sarah E. Nixon, Amelia Osborn, Mary Owen, Lucy A. Pride, Sarah E. Pride, Martha A. Prentice, Ella Pren- tice, Hemy C. Porter, A. R. Robinson, Eliza Robinson, Joseph M. Rippey, Mrs. J. M. Rippey, M. O. Reeves, Nancy Reeves, Hon. William M. Springer, Rebecca Springer, Sue E. Sell, War- field Staley, Mary A. Staley, W. P. Saddler, Su- sanah Saddler, James H. Saddler, Sarah C. Sad- dler, Alvira J. Saddler, Martha Spong, William Troxell, Louisa Troxell, James C. Thrall, Dud- ley Wickersham, Margaret Wickersham, Amelia Wilson, Catharine Wood, Nancy J. Waddle, William Wallace-a total of eighty-three.

This church bought the house of worship for- merly used by the Presbyterians, and which stood on the northwest corner of Sixth and Monroe streets. This building they moved to the spot it now occupies on Fifth street near Madison, improved it, and occupied it about October 1, 1865. The church has been remodeled and repaired from time to time, and is now in excellent condition. In 1877-8, the society erected a commodious parsonage on the lot south of the church. The whole property is now valued at $10,000, and is free from debt.

The house now used, has sittings, in main audience room, for 250 persons, by means of sliding doors the lecture room can be added to this, seating in all nearly or quite 400.

The names of the various pastors since the organization of the church, are as follows:

Rev. W. S. Prentice, appointed September 25, 1865, and serving three years.

Rev. J. L. Crane, appointed September 28, 1868, and serving one year.

J. B. Ford, September 22, 1869, one year. E. D. Wilkin, September 21, 1870, one year.

70 --

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IHISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

W. J. Rutledge, September 21, 1871, and serv- ing two years.

W. H. Reed, September 24, 1873, one year.

M. D. Hawes, September 26, 1874, and serving two years.

J. F. Stout, October, 1876, and serving three years.

W. S. Matthew, the present incumbent, was appointed September 17, 1879, and is serving his third year.

The church is in a prosperous condition. The membership is now two hundred and nineteen, and during the two years last past it has had a net growth of fifty members.

The Sabbath school numbers one hundred and seventy-five, and is doing an excellent work. The present efficient superintendent, R. F. Hern- don, was elected in 1865, and has been re-elected fifteen times.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN.

Rev. John M. Ellis organized the Sangamon Presbyterian Church, now the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, on the 23d day of Janu- ary, 1828. The organization was kept up during the next spring and summer, but no particular interest was manifested till the arrival of Rev. J. G. Bergen, of New Jersey, who, in November of the same year, became the first pastor of the church. He took the right course to render him- self and the church popular by making himself "at home" with the people generally, and in a short time he had more hearers than the log school house would comfortably hold. The school house was built in the summer of 1828 on the corner of Second and Adams streets. Its builders, the principal citizens of Springfield, in- tended it for school and religious purposes, and it was used until the completion of the church built by the Presbyterians in the fall of 1830.

The first elders of the church were John Moore, John N. Moore, (his son) Isaiah Stillman and Samuel Reid. Elder Moore and his son lived twenty miles north, Mr. Stillman ten miles north- east, and Mr. Reid three miles west of Spring- field. The first members were John Moore, John N Moore, Andrew Moore, Elijah Scott, Mary Moore, Margaret Moore, Phoebe Moore, Catharine Moore, Jane Scott, Samuel Reid, Jane Reid, James White, William Proctor, Isaiah Stillman, Olive Slater, Elizabeth Moore, Mary R. Hum- peries and Ann Iles.

When Mr. Bergen took charge of the church there were but six members of it living in Spring- field-five women and one man, the school teacher. Soon after Mr. Bergen's arrival he ap- pointed a sacramental meeting for the little

church, and requested the members and all others interested in the cause of religion to attend. At the preparatory meeting on the previous Satur- day, the following resolution was passed:

" Resolved, That the citizens of this place be invited to meet in the school house at early candle lighting to take into consideration the expedi- ency of undertaking to build a Presbyterian meeting house, and that Rev. Mr. Bergen give the notice."

At the called meeting of the citizens it was re- solved to undertake the erection of a church building, and the following named persons were appointed trustees and a building committee: John Todd, Gersham Jayne, Washington Iles, David L. Taylor, John Moffett, Samuel Reid and Elijah Slater. The idea of building a meeting house was well received by the citizens gener- ally, but many of them looked upon it as some- what chimerical, and it is said that some who signed the subscription paper considered the whole matter a pretty good joke. They signed readily, for they did not intend to appear less liberal than their neighbors, but while pledging themselves to pay the sums set down opposite their names, they considered their money per- fectly safe.

There was some question as to whether the building would be of wood or brick. Some con- tended that wood was good enough for the occa- sion, and that a frame church would last until the place became sufficiently old and wealthy to warrant the erection of a different and more expensive building. Others said that a brick building would last longer and look better than a wooden one, and after a short but animated discussion, they carried their point. The next important question was how to get the brick, and some were puzzled to know how the church was to be built after the brick had been obtained. Clay was considered by the advocates of wood, rather a scarce article, and though nearly every male resident of the place knew how to build a brick chimney, none had confidence enough in themselves to suppose they could build a house of the same material. The summer of 1829 was spent in making preparations for building, and the church was completed in the summer of 1830. It was dedicated November 20th, of the same year. Thomas Brooker, of Belleville, superintended the brick-work and manufactured the brick. The entire cost of the building was about $1,000. It was twenty-eight by forty feet in size. The church still stands on the southeast corner of Third and Washington streets.

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

The corner-stone of the second spacious build- ing occupied by the members of the First Pres- byterian Church was laid in 1842, and the building erected, and basement used during the ensuing winter and summer. The main audience room was completed in the fall of 1843, and dedicated in November of that year. The cost of the building was about $12,000. In 1858, the church was enlarged and otherwise improved. After laboring for twenty years, spending a great deal of his time in the missionary work of the Presbytery, Dr. Bergen resigned the charge of the First Church, and Dr. James Smith, of Shelbyville, Kentucky, was elected pastor.

Dr. Smith was an eminent Christian divine of rare ability as a preacher and a controversialist, and the church greatly prospered under his ministry, and during the years 1854 and 1855, especially, the records show a large number of additions upon profession of faith. His pastor- ate continued for nearly seven years. He re- signed, and the pastoral vocation was dissolved in 1856.

Rev. John H. Brown, D. D., was elected pastor. Dr. Brown was a native of Kentucky, and was pastor of the McCord Church, of Lex- ington, for twelve years. He served the church with great ability and faithfulness till 1864, when he resigned, and Rev. F. H. Wines was elected the pastor, who continued his ministry for four years, resigning in 1869, when the present pastor, Rev. Ja'nes A. Reed, was chosen. He was called and commenced his labors in 1869, and has now been pastor of the church for eleven years. Soon after he was called the necessity of a new building became apparent, on account of the limited capacity of the old one, and its near proximity to the railroad. Steps were about to be taken in this direction, when an overture came from the Third Presby- terian Church, with reference to the purchase and occupancy of their new and spacious build- ing, which was then heavily encumbered with debt. Arrangements that were satisfactory were made, and the building now standing on the corner of Capitol Avenue and Seventh street, became the property of the First Presbyterian Church. This church originally cost about $90,- 000 ; has a fine pipe organ, and is heated by steam. It has now a membership of four hun- dred and fifty, and has two missions. It has a bench of thirteen acting elders, viz: C. C. Brown, D. C. Brown, James P. Bryce, R. H. Beach, E. P. Beach, A. M. Brooks, R. W. Dil- ler, John Dalby, T. S. Henning, W. W. Hayden, George Hemingway, George White.

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN.

This church was organized on the 26th day of May, 1835, and recognized by the Presbytery of Sangamon, June 8, of the same year. It con- sisted at its organization of thirty members, all of whom had been members of the First Pres- byterian Church. The congregation had no reg- ular pastor for nearly a year after its organiza- tion. Rev. Dewey Whitney was elected to the pastorate, on the 25th of March, 1836, and com- menced his labors on the following day. He re- mained till February, 1839, when he resigned. His labors were very acceptable to his congrega- tion, and his departure was generally regretted. The relation between him and the church was formally dissolved by the Presbytery at the spring session of 1839. He was a native of one of the New England States, but had lived in Kentucky some years previous to the commence- ment of his ministerial duties at this place. Some years after leaving Springfield, he was killed in one of the Southern States, while visit- ing near relatives. He was riding a horse, which, becoming frightened, threw him. His foot caught in the stirup, and he was dragged a considerable distance. He survived his injuries but a short time.

In the summer of 1839, the congregation in- vited Rev. Albert Hale to become its pastor. He accepted the invitation, and preached his first regular sermon here on the 15th of Novem- ber following. Hewas installed on the first day of July, 1840, and remained as pastor until Jan- uary, 1867, a period of twenty-seven years. His pastorate was a pleasant and profitable one to the congregation, and he only resigned on account of increasing age, believing that a younger than he might minister more accept- ably. He still remains a citizen of Springfield, and worships with the church over which he was so long a pastor.

The elders of the church at its organization were Samuel Reed, E. S. Phelps, Joseph Thayer, Thomas Moffett, and John B. Watson. Its present elders are E. B. Nawley, R. Pope, Jas. C. Conkling, Geo. M. Brinkerhoff, Clinton L. Conkling, William B. Baker, Fred. Wilson, and Bobert Smilie.

Some one thousand two hundred and fifty members have belonged to the church since its organization, about eight hundred of whom united during Mr. Hale's pastorate. Its mem- bership is now three hundred and eighty. Sev- eral revivals of religion have taken place in the church since its organization, a very important one being in the winter of 1840-1. The church

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HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY.

was crowded at every meeting, and the revival resulted in the conversion of about one hundred persons. Rev. James Gallagher assisted in this work.

Two church edifices have been erected by the congregation, the first of which was commenced in 1839 and finished in 1840. Its cost was in the neighborhood of $12,000. It was situated on the northwest corner of Monroe and Fourth streets, a very eligible situation.

On the 21st of April, 1867, Rev. George H. Robertson was installed as pastor of the church and continued as pastor until September 22, 1871. During his pastorate one hundred and twenty-four persons were admitted as members.

Rev. Charles D. Shaw succeeded him and commenced his labors January 7, 1872, was installed June 2, 1872, and resigned July 1, 1874. Sixty-five members were admitted during his pastorate.

He was succeeded by Rev. George H. Fuller- ton, who began his work December 17, 1874. His pastoral relation was dissolved by Presby- tery June 26, 1879. One hundred and thirty- four members were admitted during his pastor- ate, of whom about ninety were by profession.

On November 9, 1879, Rev. L. G. Hays ac- ccepted a call from said church, and continued to be its pastor until February 15, 1881, when his resignation took effect.

TILIRD PRESBYTERIAN.

This church was organized February 7, 1849, with between fifty and sixty members, who with- drew from the First Presbyterian Church for that purpose. The pastors under this organiza- tion were Revs. Richard V. Dodge, C. P. Jen- nings, G. W. C. Burch and Rev. H. M. Payn- ter. The building now occupied by the First Presbyterian Church was erected by the Third and sold to the First in 1871.

The Third Church was re-organized March 30, 1873, under the pastoral of Rev. H. M. Paynter, with forty members. November 1, 1875, Rev. J. J. Gulick was called to the pastorate as a licentiate Previous to this time, however, the present church edifice, occupied by the society, wał erected, being completed in October, 1875, and dedicated on November 1, 1875.

In 1877, Rev. A. K. Bates was called and in- stalled pastor. In April, 1877, Rev. F. M. Bald- win was elected Stated Supply, and October 14, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. E. S. Mc- Michael to become pastor. The membership of the church is seventy-five. A Sunday school meets every Sunday at 2 p. m., under the super- intendency of Edwin A. Wilson.

CENTRAL BAPTIST.

On the 17th of July, 1830, a few members of the different Baptist Churches met in Springfield and adopted articles of faith in accordance with the sacred Scriptures and the belief of the Bap- tist denomination, and eight persons were publicly recognized, by a regular council, as the First Baptist Church, of Springfield. Rev. Aaron Vandeveer was called as the pastor, and on the 21st of August commenced his labors. He re- mained about five years, and there were added to the church ten by baptism, sixty by letter, ten by experience-total, eighty.

In June, 1834, the church made an effort to build a place of worship, and purchased a lot for the same. In June, 1835, Elder Vandeveer re- signed, and in 1836 Elder Mariam became the pastor of the church. During his ministry their first house of worship was erected, and seventy were added to the church by baptism and twenty by letter. The Lick Creek Church was also formed by the dismissal of twenty-six members from this church. He closed his labors with the church November 1838, and was succeeded in October, 1839 by Rev. O. C. Comstock, who labored one year, during which time four were added by baptism and eleven by letter.

On the 22d of November, 1840, Rev. H. W. Dodge became pastor of the church, and when he had preached about three years, he asked and obtained leave of absence for six months, but did not return to the pastorate. During his ministry Rev. Thomas Powell assisted him in a protracted meeting, which resulted in a large addition to the church. During his pastorate seventy-one were baptized, eighteen received by letter, and four by experience. Within the same period, eleven members were dismissed to con- stitute the Baptist Church in Decatur.

On the 24th of April, 1844, Rev. A. Edson became pastor, and preached to the church one year. There were two added by letter.

In October, 1846, Rev. G. S. Bailey commenced his labors as pastor of the church, and termina- ted them in October, 1849. The additions to the church were thirty-five by baptism, nineteen by letter, and one by experience. Measures were taken during this time to erect a new house of worship, in which Elder Bailey manifested a lively interest, traveling east to raise funds to secure this object. At the time he resigned his charge the house was nearly completed. The German Baptist Church, of Springfield, was also constituted during his pastorate, by the dismissal of members from this church.

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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 99

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