USA > Illinois > Tazewell County > History of Tazewell 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. History of Illinois Digest of state laws > Part 56
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And now the pen-picture is done ; the history, in much weakness,
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is given. In all these years that have come and gone, the Church has had its seasons of sadness and rejoicing. The record is made, and the Recording Angel hath it. The Pekin Methodist Episcopal Church will continue to stand. Blows which were meant to be death, have been struck at her vitals, but they fell harmless and powerless on the breast-plate which confronted them, and those who gave with the sword, were, in turn, met with the scabbard.
German M. E. Church .- This is the finest and costliest church edi- fice in Tazewell Co. It was erected in 1873, at a cost of $27,000. It is a large brick, 55 by 85 feet, with basement story. The congrega- tion was organized in 1842, and a building, which at present stands on Fourth street, near the I., B. & W. Raildroad track, was erected. Among the first pastors were Revs. Pleuel, Zimmerman, Holl, Fiegenbaum, and Holteamp. The present pastor, Rev. John Schlagenhauf, came in 1878. The present membership is 200. The congregation raise $2,000 per year. The Trustees are Luppe Imppen, H. Feltman, John Velde, Fred Schaefer. The Stewards are Luppen, H. Velde, Unland, Schaefer, D. C. Smith, Fred Smith, and U. Albertson. There is a large Sunday-school in connection with the Church, which is presided over by Supt. E. F. Unland. The average attendance is 360. The annual contribution amounts to from $350 to $400. The school has a well selected library of 450 volumes.
First Dutch Reformed Church .- The sketch of this Church is gleaned from an historical sermon preached by Rev. E. P. Livings- ton, Jan. 18, 1874, being the last discourse preached in the old church edifice. When Pekin was a small village, there was felt the pressing need of a Church. The desire for a Church assumed deffi- nite shape in the organization of a Sabbath-school. As early as Feb. 21, 1836, we find J. R. Crandell as Superintendent of the school. There were at that time four teachers and twenty-nine scholars. This school was short lived, however. Another sehool was organized Nov. 22, 1837. On the 26th of the same month a con- stitution was adopted, which, in the main, is the one under which the school now works, which makes this the oldest school in the city. Until 1844 or '45 it was the only one.
As it often happens in new countries and mission fields, the Sun- day-school became the parent of the Church. There was piety here, and as that was called out and developed by work in the school, it would not be satisfied until all the means of grace were enjoyed.
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Hence we find the Presbyterians making early efforts to establish a church. Indeed, Rev. Mr. Bascom was actually settled here for a short time. Through his efforts a church was organized under the title of the Presbyterian Church of Pekin and Sand Prairie. For some reason this church was soon disbanded, and the field again left open.
The next effort toward a church was made by Rev. A. D. Wilson, the energetic and persevering pioneer of the Reformed Church in the West. During 1842-3, this father in Israel pressed his way to this place to prepare the way for a church. In the spring of 1843, Father Wilson fell in company with Mr. Daniel Bailey, on a trip to St. Louis, and at once engaged in conversation with him in refer- ence to the prospect of a church at Pekin. At that time the propo- sition was made that if the citizens would raise $1,000, he (Father Wilson) would secure a like amount. This the people accepted, and accordingly, April 9, 1843, Rev. A. D. Wilson and George Sill came to organize the Church, which consisted of ten members. The Elders chosen were Charles M. Grimwood, David Bailey, and Henry Lew. Of the original members, Mrs. Olive S. Tackaberry is the only one living here. The first Trustees chosen were John W. Casey, Daniel M. Bailey, David Mark, Harlen Hatch, P. G. Thompson, and T. J. S. Fluel. A church building was begun and the corner stone laid July 24, 1843. The subscription in the village amounted to $1,500 instead of $1,000. The day of laying the corner stone was a gala day in Pekin. Business seems to have been sus- pended and they paraded the streets. Nov. 11, 1843, Rev. N. D. Williamson arrived and took charge as pastor. As soon as the building was enelosed and floor laid, services were held in this new church, the pastor using a dry goods box for a pulpit. The build- ing was not fully completed till 1847. It cost $6,000.
It was occupied for thirty years, an honor and ornament to the town. January 1, 1849, Rev. S. V. E. Westfall was called to take charge of the Church. He was an earnest worker, and remained with the Church until April 1, 1856. Over a year elapsed without a pastor when, May 24, 1857, Rev. A. Lloyd was called and re- mained until No. 1, 1860, when another period was passed without a pastor. July 1, 1861, Rev. N. D. Williamson was recalled as stated supply. Rev.U. D. Gulick took charge of the Church in Sept., 1862. The Church had experienced many seasons of pros- perity, but it was not permitted to enjoy an uninterrupted tide of
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prosperity. The deepest gloom often settled over it, but it became recognized on every hand as one of the strongest Reformed Churches in the West. In 1866 was the season of the greatest revival. As many as forty in one day were admitted. May 1, 1870, Rev. Gulick resigned and Dec. 1, 1871, Rev. A. Thompson assumed charge. In the meantime many of the wealthier members withdrew and were organized into a Congregational Church. Rev. Thompson's pastor- ate was short, when (Dec., 1872) the present pastor, Rev. E. P. Livingston, was called, and has remained with the Church since. The fine church edifice was erected under his pastorate. In the fall of 1872 the building of a new house of worship was agitated. The following spring it was begun, and just thirty years from the laying of the corner stone of the old church the corner stone of their new building was laid. It is a handsome edifice, and in every way in keeping with this age of culture and refinement.
Rev. Edward P. Livingston, the present pastor of this congrega- tion, is the son of Rennselaer and Rachel Livingston, and was born Dec. 5, 1831. He attended the common schools and then entered Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N. J. He was united in mar- riage, Feb. 5, 1856, with Minnie A. Kipp, at Newark, N. J. Two children have been born to them, to gladden and cheer their home. " Minnie A. was born in Sept., 1857, and Mary C., born in Feb., 1864. Mr. Livingston came to Pekin in Dec. of 1872, and took charge of the Reformed Church. As a speaker he is clear, forcible, and effective ; as a pastor exemplary in his daily walks, pleasant and genial, and watches with care and tenderness over those under his charge; as a husband and father he is kind and devoted, and as a citizen has the respect and esteem of all.
Second Dutch Reformed Church was organized July 26, 1876, by Revs. K. B. Wieland, John Miller, and E. P. Livingston, with fifteen members. The building was erected the same year. It is a good frame, 35 by 55 feet in size, and cost $2,500. It was dedicated the first Sunday in October, 1876, and since has made great ad- vances, and the pastorate of Rev. P. F. Schuelke, the present pastor, has been especially blessed, and the membership increased to 80. Rev. K. B. Wieland preceeded Rev. Schuelke, who came in May, 1876, and was the first pastor. The Elders are U. B. Johnson, and W. Diekman. Deacons; D. Greon, and D. Klok. The Sunday- school was organized with two teachers and twelve scholars. It now numbers 125 to 150 scholars in attendance. Henry Ploepot,
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Superintendent. Contribution, $75 per year. Salary of pastor, $700.
Pekin Baptist Church was organizd in 1850, by Rev. G. S. Bailey, with four members. These were Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Allen, Mr. Hall and Mrs. Haas. The congregation grew and prospered and in 1855, built a house of worship. A fine large brick, 40 by 70 feet, with basement, was erected. The audience room is reached by a short flight of stairs from an ante-room into a vestibule under the gallery of the main room.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church was organized in the Spring of 1850, by Rev. J. S. Chamberlaine. He was succeeded by Rev. Lloyd Johnson. Rev. G. Sayres took charge of the Parish during the fall of 1854, and remained pastor until 1859. In Feb. 1861, Rev. C. F. Loop was called and remained till 1863, when Rev. S. M. Steele succeeded him and he in turn was superceded by Rev. A. B. Russell, then by Rev. Hyde and he by Rev. T. N. Morrison.
A new church edifice was erected in 1874, on Buena Vista Ave. and Washington St. The foundation was laid in the fall of 1870, but as the society was unable to complete the church it was left thus until the spring of 1874. The structure consists of two stories proper, a brick basement and main auditorium. The building is of Gothic style of architecture and about 35 by 85 feet in size. It is neat and tasty and elegantly furnished.
Universalist Church was organized April 20, 1851, by Rev. G. C. Lemon, with fifteen members. A church edifice was erected in 1857, and was dedicated on the second Sunday in February 1858. The Universalist society no longer hold regular services. Their church building is occupied by the Christian Church.
St. Paul's German Evangelical Church is located on the corner of Seventh and Ann Eliza streets; was organized with thirty mem- bers, in 1857. The present edifice is a brick structure 45 by 82 feet, Gothic style of architecture, and cost about $12,000; have a parson- age and school building costing about $3,000. The first pastor was Rev. Wm. Lipp, who was succeed by Rev. Wm. Kisel, whose suc- cessor was Rev. Wm. Kampmeier, the present pastor. The Elders of the Church are Henry Voth and Gustav Vohlow. The pastor's salary is $750, and the Church raises for all purposes $1,600 annu- ally. The Sunday-school has an attendance of 250.
Christian Church .- On Friday, Sept. 29, 1876, a meeting was commenced in Pekin, under the auspices of the Tazewell County
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Christian Co-operation, Elder W. F. Richardson acting as their missionary. This meeting was continued until October 29th, and resulted in the organization of a congregation of thirty-four mem- bers. Officers were not elected, but T. J. Collins, Joseph Hiett, Rival Jones, and Job Hodges were chosen a business committee. The Universalist Church edifice was rented, which is retained to the present time. The congregation has had its trials, and they were severe tests, and shook the faith of some of its members in the ultimate success of the work, but it is at present in a prosperous condition. President Everest, of Eureka College, Eureka, Ill., is the present pastor. He devotes half of his time to the work here. They have a good Sunday-school, which is presided over by B. R. Hieronymus, Superintendent.
In connection with the history of the city we wish to speak per- sonally of some who have been and are making its history, and who are not mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
Lemuel Allen was born in the State of Virginia, March 23, 1818. His parents, James and Elizabeth (Lee) Allen, were also natives of that State. He came to Tazewell Co. in 1846. Previously he re- ceived a good education in Virginia and in Morgan Co., Ill., and adopted school teaching as his chosen profession. When he first came to Pekin, opened a school in the old Lindley Hall, corner of Court and Second streets. This was quite an historic old house in the early days of Pekin. This was a subscription school, as all schools here were at that time. About 1849, a brick building, yet standing in the rear of Smith's wagon factory, was erected as a school-house and Masonic hall; the Masons occupying the upper story ; soon the entire building was used for school purposes. Dur- ing the years from 1855 to '58, inclusive, he was Superintendent of Public Schools at Pekin, and for ten or twelve years served as County Commissionor of Schools. He was married Sept. 14, 1843, to Mrs. Margaret Pratt. He has been a member of the Baptist Church since 1841, and has been a Trustee and Deacon since the organization of that Church here. In politics Mr. Allen is a Republican.
William H. Bates is the son of Alva T. Bates, who was born among the Green Mountains of Vermont, and Elizabeth (Bowman) Bates, of New York. William was born in New London, Huron Co., O., April 28, 1841, and received his education at La Fayette Seminary, La Fayette, Ind. He learned the printer's trade, and at the first call for three year troops, enlisted in Co. H, 8th Mo. Inf., where he served with honor for over three years. At the close of his army-life, he came to Pekin, where he engaged in the printing and publishing business, and for many years edited the Tazewell
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Republican, where he showed himself to be a strong, forcible writer, advocating in a fearless and masterly manner, all the great political questions endorsed by the Republican party. Emulating the ex- ample of the best men of all ages, Mr. Bates loved and married. He dates his matrimonial bliss from Sept. 18, 1875, at which time he was united in the holy bonds with Miss Filmer Sluth, and four merry, romping children fill his household with the sweetest of all blessings.
Thomas K. Bemis, proprietor of the Bemis House, Pekin, is as well known, perhaps, as any man in the county, and as a landlord, throughout the State. He is a native of the grand old State of Massachusetts, and was born at the town of Spencer, Dec. 5, 1826. His parents were natives of the same State, where too, Thomas spent the early years of his life and received his education. At the age of 24, in 1850, Mr. Bemis was, united in marriage to Miss Amanda Fay, who lived only a few years thereafter. He came West and engaged with the Illinois Central Railway, as a passenger conductor, in which capacity he proved very efficient, taking rank with the best men on the road. In 1860, Mr. Bemis was married to Mrs. Dr. Ackley, and seven years later came to Pekin, where he purchased the Tazewell House of Wm. A. Tinney. The business of the house having run down, Mr. Bemis thought best to change its name, and, accordingly, christened it the Bemis House. The building was originally erected by Mr. Richard Snell, in 1849, be- fore the days of railroads in Pekin, and when the Illinois river was the great highway for travel. The hotel was therefore built on the banks of that great artery of commerce and travel. The Tazewell House, when built was the most imposing hotel structure on the Illinois river, and was intended for a first-class hotel, and since it came into possession of its present proprietor, thirteen years ago, it has taken rank, under the skillful management of a thorough-going hotel man, as a popular house, and is to-day, by far, the best hotel in the county, to which fact hundreds of traveling men and local patrons will cheerfully testify. The old-time friends and others, both in and out of this county, will be gratified to find in this vol- ume, a full-page portrait of Mr. Bemis, a man who has done so much to furnish the public with a hotel worthy of Tazewell county. In politics Mr. Bemis is a Republican, always voting with that party on all national questions.
Avon Boening, born in Hanover, Germany, Dec. 20, '51; is son of Simon and Elizabeth (Dieken) Boening; came to Pekin May 14, '67; was educated in the schools of his native country. He is agent of the steamer Isabell, on the Ill. river. Mr. Boening is a man of good business qualifications and has accumulated a fine property in Pekin. He was married Sept. 9, 1875, to Mary Heyl, and Prov- idence has brightened their lives with one cherub son, Oscar, born Aug. 21, '77. They worship with the Evangelical Christian Asso- ciation.
36
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Robert D. Bradley, M. D. The subject of our sketch came to Tazewell Co. in the spring of '73. He is a native of Green Co., Ills. His parents, Robert and Virginia Bradley, placed him in school at Jacksonville and afterwards sent him to Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1867, and in 1873 he began the practice of his profession in Pekin, where he now enjoys a fine practice. He served as captain, in the 6th Ill. Cav., in the war for the Union, leaving the service in '65, and five years later he wooed and won the accomplished Miss Lizzie Karr, and was united to her in the bonds of matrimony in Oct, 1870. Their only child, Robert C., a bright young lad was born July 12, '72. Doctor Bradley has filled, acceptably, the office of County Physician for Tazewell Co. for three years.
Peter A. Brower was born in New York city Dec. 3, 1818. He came to this county in 1835 with the Tremont Colony, of which his step-father, Col. Charles Oakley, was a prominent member. He has resided in the county since. In 1840, in company with a Mr. Coth- real, under the firm name of Brower & Cothreal, he embarked in the mercantile business at Pekin. For a number of years he was very largely identified with the business interests of this city. He dealt largely in grain, and packed pork extensively. He also engaged in steam-boating, owning and running a boat. He has been captain or clerk of several boats. For the past thirteen years, until last year, he was agent here for the St. Louis & Illinois River Packet Co. He has been three times married. The first time to a daughter of Capt. Wybray, of Tremont. The second time to Susan Buck. She was considerable of an authoress and poetess, and wrote much for the press. His present wife was Sarah Myers, of this city.
Levi W. Carter, physician, who came to this county in the fall of 1871. He is the son of Wm. and Susan (Wyatt) Carter, natives of Delaware, in which State the Doctor was born on the 9th of May, 1835. He graduated at the Hahnemann Medical College and Hos- pital, Chicago, and was married, Nov. 2, 1858, to Miss Mary S. Giles, of Wyanet, Ill.
Thomas R. Cooper was born in Morton township Feb. 21, '53. His parents, Thomas and Margaret Cooper, were early settlers in Tazewell Co. James was sent to school in his native township, and also attended Eureka College in Woodford Co. He resides in the city of Pekin, where he fills, acceptably, the position of Deputy County Treasurer. Is a Democrat in politics, and is a Sergeant in Co. G, 7th Regt. I. N. G.
Cornelius B. Cummings, whose name stands at the head of one of the largest dry goods firms in Central Illinois, was born in St. Law- rence Co., N. Y., in 1832, and came to this county in 1859, twenty years ago, and during all these years has been engaged in his pres- ent business, which has steadily increased in volume, and is now the largest in the county. His father, James P. Cummings, is a native of Vermont, and his mother, Clarissa (Wilson) Cummings, was born
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in New York. He was married to Harriett A. Cumings, in 1859. The union has been blessed with two children, Emma L. and Hattie Eugenia. His official duties consist in having served as Su- pervisor four years. He votes with the Democrats.
William Damm, a grocer of Pekin, came here in the spring of 1866, and one year before came to America from Kerhesson, Ger- many, where he was born on the 11th day of May, 1847, and where his parents, Henry and Elizabeth Damm, gave him an education, and instilled into his young mind the living principles of truth and sobriety, that have done so much in forming his character in mature years. He is an active member of the German Lutheran Church ; was married to Augusta Bertha Johannes, the union being blessed with two children, John H., born Sept. 4, '75, and Katharine M., Sept. 1, '77.
Geerd S. De Vries, a native of Germany, was born at Ostfriesland Dec. 2, '44. His parents, John and Margaret De Vries, gave Geerd a good education, which was completed at Peoria, where, at the Com- mercial College, he graduated. He came to Pekin in 1872, where he engaged in the grocery business, at which he is now engaged on South Fourth street. He was united in marriage, April 22, '73, to Miss Tena Roelfs, of Pekin, and their hearts and homes have been brightened by the advent of three children: Stephen G. born May 17, '75; Stewart G., Feb. 8, '76, and Louis C., Feb. 4, '79.
Henry Howard Fitch, a dental surgeon of Pekin, is a son of H. C. Fitch and Clara B. (Howard) Fitch, and a native of Mooers, Clinton Co., N. Y., where he was born April 10, '46. He received an academic education in Vermont, and afterwards took a partial course at Dartmouth College; was united in marriage, July 8, '71, to the widow of H. L. Beach, whose maiden name was Mary L. Foot. Their two children, Agnes and Alice, are bright little gems, born, respectively, July 23, '73, and July 2, '75.
Abraham Fuld, a clothing merchant at 421 Court street, and an American by adoption, was born in Germany, in 1828, of Jewish parents, Meyers and Gertrude Fuld, who gave him a good education in the schools of Germany. He came to Pekin in '66, where, six years later, he married Miss Bertha Glazowsky. Augusta, Ida and Max are their three children. Mr. F. was formerly associated in business with Mr. Sehradzki, but dissolving this partnership in '78 he established his present house.
Otto S. Gaither, son of William and Eliza (Garrett) Gaither, who were among the earliest pioneers of this county. Mr. Wm. Gaither is a man well and favorably known, and has served two terms as Treasurer of this county. The subject of this sketch was born at Tremont, this county, March 1, '47. He has since lived in the Co., and received his education here. While yet only twenty-one years of age he assumed the responsible duties of Cashier of the P., P. & J. Railway, which position he held until '73, when, owing to the declining health of his father, he resigned his position and took pos-
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session of his business affairs. Mr. G. has been actively engaged in the insurance business in Pekin for about five years. His religious views accord with those of the Baptist faith, and he is a member of the Baptist Church.
George G. Geiger, a native of the Buckeye State, was born at Marion, Ohio, Oct. 3, 1850, where, in the high school of his native town, he received a liberal education. His parents, Marion and Margaret (Holverstoll) Geiger, early instilled into the mind of young George the necessity of obtaining an education, such as would ena- ble him to successfully meet the adversities and buffetings of a busi- ness life. Mr. Geiger was formerly engaged in merchandising in Peoria, and is now pursuing the same business in Pekin. He has shown his devotion to his country by standing ready, at the first signal of danger, to strike a blow for her defense, he being Captain of Co. G, 7th Regt. I. N. G. He was married, Oct. 2, '78, to Miss Ida J. Bootz.
J. W. Glassgow is the oldest of six children of William and Mary (Clark) Glassgow. The subject of this sketch was born in Blair Co., Penn., April 10, 1805. He moved with his parents to Ohio when he was quite young. That portion of Ohio was at that time filled with roving bands of Indians. Mr. G. learned to talk the Indian language quite fluently, as his playmates were mostly Indi- ans. His mother died a few years after they arrived in Ohio. At the early age of eleven John W. was thrown on his own resources. He has always kept the good advice his father gave him on leaving home : "That he should never get into bad company." At the age of eighteen he went to Center Co., Penn., and there became an ap- prentice to learn stone-cutting, which, in various places, he followed for some five years. Mr. G. was united in marriage, Sept. 28, '26, to Miss Sarah W. Randolph, a native of Ohio. Their union was blessed with four children, only one of whom is now living, Isa- bella, who is the wife of D. T. Thompson, of Pekin. Mr. G. came to this county in April, 1849. In 1858 Mr. G. was elected to the responsible office of Justice of the Peace, in which position he has served for some nineteen years; in 1862 was appointed Deputy Col- lector of Internal Revenue ; has been Notary Public for some seven years ; in 1866 Mr. G. was appointed U. S. Commissioner. Mr. G. was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party, when he became identified with its principles, to which he has since given his unwavering support. He voted twice for the martyred Lincoln, and twice for Gen. Grant. We find much that is worthy of com- mendation in the career of this venerable gentleman.
George Greigg, a prominent business man and banker of Pekin, came to Tazewell Co. in the fall of 1841. He is the son of David and Agnes (Hackney) Greigg, of Scottish birth, and was himself born in Forfarshire, Scotland, in the year 1818, where, surrounded by the best influences of his mountain home, he formed his habits and established a character that has done much, in mature years, to
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