USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, Illinois, Volume One > Part 31
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Lincoln began riding the old Eighth Circuit in 1840, but it was not until his term in congress in 1846, that he regularly came to Danville. After 1848, when his friend David Davis was elevated to the bench, he never missed a session until the fall of 1859. At court time there was sure to be a crowd around when Lincoln arrived, as he was known and loved by all. However, this popularity as a story teller and good fellow caused some who liked him best to doubt that he had the dignity to make a president. This view is reflected in the attitude of one of the two
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republican papers printed here at that time. Price Smith, in his Vermilion County Republican, advocated the nomi- nation of Solomon P. Chase for president and Lincoln for vice-president. But "Chickamauga Jim's" Vermilion County Press carried on a hot fight for the nomination of Lincoln for president and Simon Cameron for the second place. In the election Lincoln carried the county by six hundred and forty-four and the state by twelve thousand, but lost his home county of Sangamon to Douglas, by forty- two.
As a lawyer, his ability before a jury was unquestioned, but his knowledge of law was not profound.
He was popular with the people, however, and his serv- ices were always in demand. Judge David Davis is author- ity for the statement that at some of the court terms in this city, Lincoln would appear on one side or the other in every case on the docket. He always was on the alert to make friends, and incidentally, clients. At the various taverns on the circuit it was the custom always to seat Judge David Davis at the head of the table, and the vari- ous "Riders" vied with one another to get a place next the eminent jurist-that is, all except Lincoln. He would be found at the other end of the long table, where the pros- pective clients or jurors would be seated. There was no money in fraternizing with his fellow practitioners. But while his fees were many, they were for such small amounts that in the present day his charges would cause him to be disbarred. And sometimes his sole reward would be the knowledge of a kindly deed well done. This is illus- trated in the case of Reverend Enoch Kingsbury, here in Danville. A man sought his services to bring suit against the Presbyterian minister, when Lincoln replied :
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"I know Enoch Kingsbury, and I know he is an honest man. If your claim was a just one, he would settle.
Usher P. Linder, of Charleston, was not so squeamish and entered suit, whereupon Lincoln volunteered without pay, and vindicated the minister.
On arrival here he would put up at the McCormick house in West Main Street, and each evening during his stay, unless he was visiting with Doctor Fithian or Oliver Davis, a crowd was sure to be found either there or across the street at "Doc." Woodbury's drug store, with Lincoln the center of attraction. His inexhaustible fund of stories and his rare ability in their telling never failed to hold the crowd.
A warm friendship existed between the lawyer and Doctor William Fithian, and he was frequently an hon- ored guest in his home. This is the home now occupied by Charles Feldkamp and it was from the balcony of this building that Lincoln delivered one of the few impromptu political addresses in this city. His only planned political speech here was delivered in a grove near the site of Doug- las Park on September 22, 1858, the day following the appearance here of Stephen A. Douglas.
It was, however, at the home of Judge Oliver L. Davis, where Lincoln most often visited. Here, if the hotel was overcrowded, he was sure to find a bed, and here many pleasant evenings were spent playing Old Sledge with his host, Lamon and Judge David Davis. Their cottage stood on the lot now occupied by the post office.
When the local partnership with Lamon was formed, in 1850, they took an office in the old Barnum building, which stood on the site now occupied by the First National Bank. It was removed some years ago to a point in East Main Street, across the railroad tracks. For many years
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it was occupied by the War Museum saloon, until it was destroyed by fire. Judge Terry, with whom Lamon officed while attending court here, after his removal to Blooming- ton, also occupied a room in this building. The late Hiram Beckwith studied law there under direction of Lamon.
The finding of the papers in an old building in Ken- tucky a few years ago showed that Lincoln was at one time sued for the alleged misappropriation of funds collected for a client. It seems to have been a spite suit instigated by a brother-in-law, and never came to trial. It was of some local interest, as the papers show that Lincoln was attending court here when he received notification of the proceeding and his answer to the charges were written here and attested by the clerk of the Danville court.
It was also in Danville, in November, 1859, his last appearance in court here, when he definitely accepted the invitation for the Cooper Union speech in New York the following February. For this speech he received two hun- dred and fifty dollars and paid his own expenses. The New York Times in announcing the event said, "Abraham Lin- coln, a lawyer with some local reputation in Illinois."
His nomination and election to the presidency are too well known to need comment. There is some local interest in the fact that on election day in Springfield he was accompanied to the voting place by Ward Hill Lamon and Colonel Elmer Ellsworth, who was killed in Alexandria, Virginia, at the beginning of the war. Before handing in his ballot he showed them that he was only voting the state and county ticket, as he said his conscience would not permit him to even indirectly vote for himself by cast- ing a ballot for the republican electors.
Lincoln was in Danville for the last time at 12:12 p. m. Monday, February 11, 1861, on the special train enroute
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to Washington. The train did not stop, but moved slowly past the old Great Western depot. Lincoln and Lamon were on the platform of one of the cars, and the former asked some of the crowd gathered there, if Judge Oliver Davis was present. At State Line the train was held a short time, before being transferred to the other railroad. A number of our citizens drove there and bid their friend adieu. As the train slowly steamed out of sight, Lincoln was seen alone on the rear platform, sadly looking back toward Illinois.
The news of Lincoln's assassination and death reached Danville at ten o'clock April 15, 1865. There was univer- sal sorrow, and the gay decorations that had been put up a few days before in celebration of Lee's surrender were hastily torn down and replaced with mourning. Professor A. G. Draper of Washington, then a printer in one of the newspaper offices, says all business was suspended and within a short time the streets were deserted. It seemed that the old friends who had known and loved him wanted to mourn in secret.
Lincoln was dead, but the government at Washington still lived. He had attained the highest position within the gift of the people and had been faithful to his trust. No man of his time could measure up to him. Many of our statesmen, it is true, have been self-made, rising gradu- ally through struggles to the topmost round of the ladder, but Lincoln rose from a lower depth than any of them. As Stanton said, "He now belongs to the ages." And this is the man who a few years before had refused to be asso- ciated in a lawsuit with Lincoln because of his uncouth appearance.
CHAPTER XXXII
MISCELLANEOUS
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION - THE DANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
It was on April 19, 1910, that a formal organization was perfected and the Young Women's Christian Asso- ciation took up its home on North and Walnut streets, and Mrs. W. C. Rankin was elected president of the first Board of Directors. The other members were: Mrs. T. D. Allen, Miss Bertie Braden, Mrs. F. W. Butterworth, Mrs. J. G. Cannon, Jr., Mrs. E. S. Clark, Mrs. W. A. Connelly, Mrs. E. B. Coolley, Miss Georgia Dale, Mrs. W. G. Dobbins, Miss Martha Green, Mrs. J. M. Guy, Mrs. C. B. Hooton, Miss Minnie Lane, Mrs. Hannah Lysle, Mrs. Georgia Pal- frey, Mrs. Theo. Schultz, Miss Helen Payton, Mrs. George Wright, Mrs. H. H. Whitlock, Mrs. O. P. Yeager.
Miss Mary Hayes Watson was the first General Sec- retary, and many women can now recall the thrills and adventures of the numerous activities that were set in motion in those early days of the Association. Gymnasium classes and the food service have been maintained from the first. Classes in Bible, sewing, and hat making were held.
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Miss Jessie L. Marriner succeeded Miss Watson as General Secretary.
The movement changes to meet the needs of the time, the girl, and the group. Every year brings new demands, new responsibilities and new perplexities to women; the Association cannot stay static. It keeps its directions and principles, but changes its ways of doing things.
So as one looks back through the life and activities of this movement in Danville and sees certain clubs and classes superseded by others, it is but proof that this is a movement, and therefore change is inevitable. "The Fellowship Club," "Rain and Shine Club," "Geneva Club." and "Citizenship Club" will raise a thousand memories of work and play and comradeship that bore rich fruit in lives of those they touched. The Story Tellers League is one of the older groups which still meets in the building.
The World War brought to this Association, as to all others, a new responsibility. The needs of the Red Cross work became an absorbing feature as did the problem of recreation. This need was met in a generous and devoted way.
Workers in the Young Women's Christian Association of a decade ago, never fail to recount the experience of the "Fair Grounds Lunch Room." If such tales are true the number of pies consumed during the period of one of those Fairs would reach 'nigh unto the moon. Another item one always hears when listening to a well seasoned "Y" person, is that of the "Beauty Contest" which was conducted at one time, a contest that included the "stronger sex" as well.
In an hour of reminiscing such as this affords, the "known delights" of the old camps bring a look of hap- piness to the faces of all the girls who enjoyed the "smell
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of wood-smoke at twilight," and have with slow reluctance left the deepening splendor of the stars for the night's quiet sleep. The "Y of the Woods" that stood on the wooded slope near the Water Works, was the summer Mecca for hundreds of girls. The Camp cannot be passed over with- out a word for the ministration of Mr. Simons. A stranger would gather from the comments of many a guest at the old Camp, that Mr. Simons was advisor, guardian, swim- ming instructor, life guard and, best of all, friend, rolled into one.
At this time a residence was maintained on Walnut Street presided over by Mrs. West. The good done, as well as the good times, carried on at this place cannot be meas- ured by the number cared for.
Under the progressive and forward looking leadership of the women interested in the Young Women's Christian Association, the work outgrew the North Street rooms, and steps were taken looking toward a building, which should adequately take care of the work. In 1920, a campaign executive committee was organized, headed by M. J. Wol- ford. Mrs. E. B. Coolley was at this time president of the Board of Directors.
The work of raising three hundred thousand dollars was carried forward with zest during the month of May, 1920. It is with deep appreciation that the work of the subcommittee will always be remembered. Julius Hegeler, F. E. Butcher, Grant Holmes, and J. A. Meeks, who gave time and effort without stint to this cause, as well as the splendid work of all committees is attested by the present structure on the corner of Hazel and Harrison streets which is more than a Young Women's Christian Associa- tion building, it is a community center, for not only
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women's needs and women's organizations but many men's organizations and civic gatherings find shelter here.
This period of history cannot be passed without incor- porating the name of Miss Harriet E. Tenney, who was the general secretary during this time of tremendous ex- pansion. The imprint of her tireless work and consecrated effort are stamped on every page of this history.
The new building was dedicated in February, 1923, and thrown open to the public. All this equipment demanded added help in order that the greatest good could be derived from it. The huge gymnasium, the beautiful swimming pool, the club and class rooms, the Young Women's Chris- tian Association residence with a capacity for nearly half a hundred girls, its Cafeteria with every known equip- ment, brought a responsibility to the board of directors that only those who serve understand.
New avenues of work have been found with business girls and girls employed in the industrial plants. Study and discussion are encouraged, cooperation between em- ploying and employed groups are fostered. It is ever the purpose of the Association to direct life toward ideals which shall make the adventure of life richer. A prime requisite to a rich life is a sound, clean body that radiates good health.
The facilities for physical development and recreation through this department are many. The Athletic Asso- ciation, the Red Cross Life Saving Work, the splendid instruction in the art of swimming, are equal to those opportunities found in metropolitan cities.
A step in democracy in Association affairs is that all clubs are self-governing, and altruistic in purpose.
"The Blue Bowl" lunch room has been the work of the Business Girls League and deserves "honorable mention"
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among the undertakings. It is fulfilling a mission not unlike the place provided by in the First Presbyterian Church in the days of old.
Those who have served as presidents are: Mrs. W. C. Rankin, 1910-1912; Mrs. R. H. Sherwood, 1912-1914; Mrs. E. B. Coolley, 1914-1918; Mrs. O. J. Chapman, 1918-1920; Mrs. E. B. Coolley, 1920-1924; Mrs. W. A. Connelly, 1924- 1927; Mrs. D. E. Willard, 1927-1930; Mrs. O. H. Christ, 1930, present incumbent.
The general secretaries who have served are: Miss Mary Hayes Watson, 1910-1913; Miss Jessie Marriner, 1913-1915; Miss Harriet Tenny, 1915-1924; Miss Nellie S. Spencer, 1924-1928; Mrs. Edith Fisher Webber, Sep- tember, 1928, present incumbent.
THE DANVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Danville Public Library had its beginning in a collection of books given to the Presbyterian Church by its pastor, Reverend James Culbertson.
These, with others whose purchase was made possible by a trust fund left by Mr. Culbertson, were used by the pupils of the Presbyterian Sunday School.
The need for larger quarters and more books arose, which resulted in a meeting being called by Mayor L. T. Dickason, in July, 1882. It was here decided to form a free Public Library, for the use of all citizens of Danville.
The location of this organization was on the second floor of the McDonald Building on West Main Street, adjoining the First National Bank Building.
In 1883, this organization became known as the Dan- ville Public Library, which title it still holds.
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More room being needed, the library moved to what is now known as the Tobin Building, at 132-134 Vermilion Street, occupying the entire second floor.
It remained in this location sixteen years, when it was moved to the Fera Building, on the northeast corner of Walnut and North Street.
The next move was in 1904, to the present building, the money for which was given by Andrew Carnegie, the lot being purchased by the city.
Reverend James Coe, formerly Rector of the Holy Trin- ity Church, was the first librarian, serving for five years, when failing health compelled him to give up the work.
He was followed by Miss Altha B. Witte, who acted as librarian from 1887-1890, when she resigned to accept a position at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York.
Miss Josephine E. Durham succeeded Miss Witte and remained till the fall of 1920, when she gave up her posi- tion to go west.
Miss Sara Belle Seiwell, an assistant under Miss Durham, was appointed to fill the vacancy caused by Miss Durham's resignation and still holds the position with the following assistants :
Harriett Berger, Sarah Chestnut, Pauline Fecker, Ethel Young, Harriett Campbell, Vera Watts and Dorothy Thornton, who are in charge of the children's work, and Minnette Yeomans, hospitals and branch.
The first floor of the building contains reading, refer- ence, stack rooms, office and catalog room, also a small room housing the historical collections of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
A large addition to the stack room has recently been completed through the generosity of the late A. L. Webster, who left a sum of money for this purpose.
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This will double the capacity of the stack room, and will relieve the crowded condition of the shelves.
The children's room has a large south room in the basement, across from which is a lecture or assembly room. This is used by various clubs, High School students, etc.
The bound periodicals and newspapers are also on this floor, as well as rest rooms and mending rooms.
The librarian's report for 1929 gives the total number of volumes in the library as forty-eight thousand seven hundred and sixty-nine, eleven thousand one hundred and ninety of which are in the children's room.
The library maintains branches in six school buildings, a room on Illinois Street, known as the Oaklawn Branch, and stations in both hospitals.
Books are loaned to residents outside the city, but within the county, at a fee of one dollar per year. Last year one hundred and ninety-eight readers took advantage of this opportunity to borrow books.
The circulation for 1929 was two hundred seventy-six thousand eight hundred and eighty-eight-two hundred twenty-nine thousand seven hundred and two, main library; twenty-seven thousand three hundred and forty- five, schools; twelve thousand seven hundred and twenty- three, branch; seven thousand one hundred and eighteen, hospitals.
The library is supported by an appropriation from the city, and the following are members of the Board of Directors :
E. R. E. Kimbrough, president; W. O. Edwards, vice president; Thos. Conron, treasurer; Louis Platt, Mrs. F. M. Mason, Clint Tilton, W. J. Bookwalter, Percy Platt, Columbus Schatz, and W. R. Jewell.
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The library does a great deal of reference work for clubs and organizations of various kinds, the most, how- ever, is with High School pupils.
In the past ten years the circulation has more than doubled, and nine are on the staff in place of four in 1920.
BOUND BY
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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 977.365W67H C002 V001 HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY, ILLINOIS. T
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