USA > Illinois > Vermilion County > History of Vermilion County, together with historic notes on the Northwest, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and other authentic, though, for the most part, out-of-the-way sources > Part 43
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In 1850 the Danville Seminary was incorporated under the pro- visions of the law which was passed by the legislature in 1849, per- mitting citizens to become incorporated for the purpose of establishing and conducting institutions of learning. The plan originated with the members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their articles of in- corporation provided that a majority of the trustees should be mem-
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
bers of that church, and the teachers should be appointed by its an- thority. The first trustees were Eli Helmick, Benjamin Stewart, E. F. Palmer, Daniel Fairchild, James Partlow, James Dennison and J. H. Gilbert. They purchased two acres of land just north of the west end of Main street, and erected a two-story brick building, about 35 x 65, and employed (). S. Munsell as principal. This act, which was really the first organized effort to provide a suitable school for Danville, gave rise to a bitter controversy from its sectarian organization, which re- sulted in a sharp, closely-contested slander suit between two of the prominent citizens of Danville. The school prospered notwithstand- ing all this, and was a source of great advantage to the town. A cata- logne of the year 1852-3, which has been preserved by a pupil of that time, shows that in that year Rev. O. S. Munsell was principal and Mrs. Munsell, C. W. Jerome, Miss Sarah Whip and Miss Ellen Green were teachers. The roll of pupils numbered 206, and includes many names which have since become very familiar in the business and social circles of the county. Two courses of study were laid down-classical and scientific-which embraced all the studies of higher academic edu- cation. The seminary was conducted in a very successful and satisfac- tory manner for twelve years, when by common consent it became merged in the common schools and the building was used for several years for such purposes, the corporation still continuing to control the property and drawing rent therefor. Another law-suit has grown out of this, having for its object a testing of the legal right of such a corpo- ration to continue and to hold property for the purposes it now does. However people may, from the accident of their differing standpoint. view the propriety or legality of certain things which have occurred in connection with the history of the seminary, or however much some things may have been and still are regretted, there are no two opinions in regard to the grand educational results of the noble institution and the faithful labors of Messrs. Helmic, Fairchild and others of the board of trust. The corporation may be faulty in its legal essence, but the school itself was, at a time when no other first-class institution of learn- ing was or conld be established, the ontgrowth of sheer necessity-was established for a just and noble purpose, and its results have justified their judgment and their acts. Prot. Aaron Wood, Prof. P. B. Ham- mond, Mr. MeNntt and J. L. Dickinson followed Dr. Munsell as prin- cipals of this school.
The contests which the denominational character of the organization engendered resulted in the establishment of a rival, or, perhaps, rather of another seminary, by citizens who were not members of the church which controlled the first. Union Seminary, a joint-stock company.
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DANVILLE TOWNSHIP.
was organized March 15, 1851. The trustees were L. T. Palmer, J. A. D. Sconce, S. G. Craig, Guy Merrill and Hamilton White. They secured proper grounds (about three acres) in the northern part of town and erected a good building on it, and conducted a school nntil 1862. This seminary was, like the other, very successful in its day. All the branches usually taught in high schools and academies were conducted, and a very satisfactory standard of education was main- tained. Indeed, it is probable that the rivalry between the two tended to make the instruction in both more thorough and efficient. In the year 1862 the common-school system was for the first time adopted in this city. A levy of a state tax which was to be paid to each district in proportion to the number of pupils which attended the district school, drove all districts into supporting schools. It was well known that the seminaries could not be maintained in opposition to free schools. Both buildings were rented to the school directors, and Mr. J. L. Dickinson, who had conducted the seminary the preceding year, was employed by the district and remained principal with nine assistants. The following year Mr. Spillman was employed, and during his ad- ministration a new building was erected on the ground which the high-school build- ing stands on. The district was increased in bounds by taking in territory, and another school building was added there. Mr. Spillman was in charge four years' and during his service the schools steadily grew, not merely in num- bers, but in nsefulness. He was a strict disciplinarian and a very successful educator. He died here in 1867, just as he was about to commence another year's labors.
Mr. D. D. Evans tanght for a short time, after which Mr. J. G. Shedd, the present successful superintendent, was employed as princi- pal, after which Mr. Parker, of Chicago, served the district two years, and C. M. Taylor one, when Mr. Shedd returned, and has acted as superintendent since 1877.
Mr. Shedd was born in Madison county, Ohio, June 23, 1842, and is a son of the Rev. Ilenry Shedd, a native of New Hampshire, and a minister of the Presbyterian denomination : his mother, Lucretia (George) Shedd, is also a native of New Hampshire. Mr. Shedd graduated in 1865 from the Western Reserve College, of Hudson, Ohio, which at that time was a very prominent institution of learning. He was then engaged as teacher in an academy in .Warren county,
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
Ohio. Thence he removed to Chicago, where he was connected with a private school. In 1868 he came to Danville, Ill., and the following year he connected himself with the public schools of the city, remain- ing until 1874. He then went to Macomb, MeDonough county, Ill., where he took charge of the public school, and remained about two years, after which he returned to Danville, in 1877, and was made superintendent of public schools, which position he now fills.
The rapid increase in population within the past eight years has called for an enormous increase in the cost of the schools, in building and furnishing new buildings, and annually an increase of teachers. Four new buildings have been erected. The high-school building and the new building east of the railroad are splendid structures for the purposes for which they were built. The schools are divided into high school (4 rooms), grammar school (8 rooms), primary (18 rooms); total, 30. The number of teachers employed in the different buildings is : high-school building, 15; East Danville building, 8; South Danville, 3; Tincher school, 3; Backbone, 1; total, 30. The whole number of pupils enrolled in the different departments is: high school, 102; grammar department, 411 ; primary, 1,273 ; ungraded school, 38 ; total, 1,824. Average daily attendants, 1,152; total cost for each pupil en- rolled per annum, $10.42; number of children of school age in the district, 2,579 ; number of months school, 9; number of private schools in the district, 3: number of pupils reported in attendance on private schools, 317; number of teachers employed in such, 6; total number of teachers employed, 36; total number of children in schools, 2,141.
In the general management of the schools care has been taken not to let thorough scholarship be forgotten in form or in fact. Here, within these walls, under the care of the superintendent, are nearly two thousand children, whose daily business is study. Those parents who make it a care to look after the way their children are being controlled and educated are not by any means numerous. The labor and responsi- bility rests mostly on the superintendent and the teachers under him. Cases are not rare where parents find the end of their resources and patience in the care of one or two children at home, and feel thoroughly glad when school days come around, that their charges may be off their hands. A close inspection magnifies the work which is being done in these schools. Written examinations are held in all the grades above third each month, and it has not been thought best to complicate this work with term examinations.
M. A. Lapham is principal of the high school. D. S. Pheneger of the east school. L. P. Norvell of the south, and Miss Kate Tennery of the Tincher school.
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DANVILLE TOWNSHIP.
The first graduates from the high school were in the year 1872. The number graduating each year has been : In 1872, three; in 1873, six ; in 1874, seven ; in 1875, two; in 1876, seven; in 1877, eight; in 1878, four; in 1879, ten ; total in eight years, forty-seven. The value of school property now belonging to the district is $50,000; private school property, $15,000.
The entire course embraces twelve years, six of which comprise the primary, two the grammar and four the high-school courses. The latter of these embraces algebra, physical geography, zoology, analysis, phil- osophy, botany, chemistry, physiology, geometry, English literature, trigonometry, astronomy, science of wealth, civil government and his- tory, to which are added in the classical course Latin and Greek.
Though commencing at a later day than most of the cities of the state to develop a common school system, the citizens who have had the charge of the matter have been faithful and progressive, and the schools are to-day the pride of the city.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
Prof. E. Chilcoate, a graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University, occupies the building of the Danville Seminary, for conducting the Danville Normal and Academic Institute. The course of study in- chudes the higher branches usually taught in such institutes, to which music and drawing have been added. Prof. Vandersteen has charge of vocal and instrumental music.
The German Lutheran school is conducted under the authority of the church and congregation, and is under the charge of Prof. G. A. Alberns and an assistant. The school is kept up under the rule of the church in conformity to the old country doctrine that religions instruc- tion is a legitimate portion of school education ; in fact, that the first duty to the child is instrnetion in the religious doctrines of the church. The rule of the church does not require members of the congregation to send their children to this school, but it does require them to sup- port the school. The average attendance upon this school, which is carried on in a building adjoining the church, is about two hundred. The teacher is appointed by the congregation, and he must report to that body. The expense is annually about $1,000, and is borne largely by those who pay considerable taxes to support the public schools. All the English branches are taught in English, and reading, spelling and writing in German. The school is too crowded to be as prosperous as it otherwise would be. It has been in existence twelve years.
The German Catholic school has its location upon the east side of the railroad, and is supported by the church. The teacher is appointed
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
by the bishop of this diocese. It has been irregularly conducted for several years, that is, at irregular times, in consequence of this church being frequently left without a priest in charge. The large increase of German Catholie societies in this country renders frequent vacancies in the smaller churches necessary. The school building is 32×44, and the average attendance about fitty. It is under the charge of L. Hahn, who was educated at Aix La Chapelle, Germany. The primary branches are taught in the English language, reading in both languages. Religious instruction in catechism and the duties to the church are obligatory. Prof. Hahn is an accomplished teacher, and is making a good impression on the school and community. He has taught two years. Singing is always taught, Mohr's Cantata being used as the singing book.
ORGANIZATIONS.
The County Historical Society was organized under the general law for such associations, October 23, 1877, having for its laudable ob- jects " to collect and preserve samples of the agricultural. pomological, mineralogical, geological and other products of the county; also de- scriptions and pedigrees of the blooded stock, specimens of birds, fishes, insects, fossils and archeology ; and also to collect and preserve a library of historical, scientific and miscellaneous books, periodicals, pamphlets and manuscripts, to be examined, used and preserved under such rules and regulations as the society may adopt." Hiram W. Beckwith, W. R. Jewell and J. C. Winslow were selected as managers the first year. The board of supervisors gave the society the occupancy of the two southwestern rooms in the second story of the court-house, and Mr. Winslow, curator, has made considerable progress in seenring and arranging collections. Active, working standing committees were appointed on the following branches of the work of the society : 1st, lectures : 2d, library : 3d, botany, zoology and archeology ; 4th, geology and mineralogy : 5th, agricultural products.
The by-laws provide that an initiatory fee of $5 shall be paid on becoming members, and that the ladies of the families of mem- bers shall be entitled to all the rights of membership. The officers are J. G. English, president ; W. P. Chandler, vice-president ; H. A. Coffeen, secretary ; E. D. Steen, treasurer: J. C. Winslow, curator ; II. W. Beckwith, W. R. Jewell and C. M. Taylor, managers. Several cases have already been filled with books and articles which come un- der the various heads of their preserving care, Indian relics, antiquities and interesting articles of merit.
Vermilion county is exceedingly prolitic of things which will yet be found in the historical and antiquarian archives of this young society.
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DANVILLE TOWNSHIP.
The faces of men who have been prominent in her political, busi- ness or religious history would of themselves form a most interesting gallery. Early copies of newspapers, catalogues, sketches of the old build- ings which are now fast passing away, and hundreds of other interest- ing things. The researches which have been made in collecting the material for this " History of Vermilion County " have brought to light many interesting things which may be made useful in enriching the material of this society, and even the defects which may be found to exist in it may be made available, in so far as they may call atten- tion to certain corrections and additions necessary to perfect history.
The Danville Lyceum was organized July 4, 1878. Its objects are the mutual improvement of its members in literature and debate. It numbers forty members, and has the nucleus of a library. They hope to succeed in securing the benefit of the bequest of James M. Culbertson, who left at his death $2,000 to be expended in the purchase of a library, one half of which should be for the permanent benefit of the Presbyterian Church, of which body he had long been an honored member and officer, the other half should go into a public library whenever an equal amount should be raised for that purpose. The books were purchased by a committee chosen under the provisions of the bequest, and are now in the library room of the church, where they are practically free to all. The laudable object of the donor seems now to be in a fair way of being accomplished through the Lyceum. The meetings are held weekly. The officers are: J. D. Benedict, president ; W. L. French, vice-president : W. C. Johnson, secretary : A. Sommers, treasurer; W. Heater, marshal ; G. W. Whyte, librarian : W. J. Calhoun, J. D. Benedict, J. B. Samuels, P. E. Northrup, J. W. Whyte, directors.
Hacker's Band was organized in 1878, and is composed of the fol- lowing members and pieces : F. C. Hacker, leader; A. Watson, drum- major; A. Hutter, E-flat clarionet : S. Reams, E-flat cornet ; Joseph McAlefee, B-flat cornet; Charles Hacker, B-flat clarionet ; Charles Roke, solo alto; Charles Leverence, first alto; Christian Leverence, tenor; John Lewis. baritone: John Anders, B-flat bass; Theodore Poll, tuba ; C. M. Colter, tenor drum ; Christian Evert, bass drum.
The Danville Orchestra is composed of the following: F. C. Hacker, leader ; A. Watson, flute ; A. Hutter, clarionet ; John Lewis, violin ; S. Reams, violin, and Joseph McAlefee, bass viol.
The County Agricultural Society was organized at Danville in 1852. After its second fair it located grounds at Catlin, and a history of it will be found in the sketch of that township. Hon. J. H. Oakwood has been from the first one of its most determined and energetic promoters.
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
The Farmers and Mechanics' Institute was organized at Danville in 1859, and has held annual fairs since. Their grounds are adjacent to the city limits on the north, where they have sixteen acres, which are beautifully shaded and supplied with comfortable buildings, amphi- theater, floral hall, etc. The principal features of their annual fairs have been the mechanical displays and the large show of blooded stock which have been drawn by the liberal premiums offered. L. T. Dick- ason, president ; James Knight, vice-president; W. M. Bandy, secre- tary : W. S. McClenathan, assistant secretary ; V. Leseure, treasurer. This society has always been prosperous in its management, and. like the regular county society seems to merit public approbation.
The Moss Bank park was laid out by Hon. John C. Short, when he was proprietor of the property west of town. About eighty acres was laid out in drives and walks, the proprietor intending to make it a pleasant place for spending a shady hour, or a retreat from the dusty streets of Danville. It abounds in shade, and by nature is beautifully situated for such a purpose.
MILITIA.
Battery " A," First Regiment Illinois National Guards, was first organized in 1875. Captain, Scott; first lieutenant, A. P. Matthews; second lieutenant, E. Winter. It was reorganized March 17, 1876. Captain, E. Winter; first lieutenant, J. G. Field ; second lieutenant, S. W. Denny : first sergeant, H. J. Hall ; quartermaster's sergeant, . W. W. Woodbury ; commissary sergeant, C. D. Eoff; first duty ser- geant, J. Haptenstall ; second, S. Thompson ; third, Wm. Cummings. It numbers fifty-three men, rank and file: is supplied with two ten- pound Parrott guns, and with the United States regulation uniform. Its armory is in Bier's hall.
"The Danville Guards" was organized February, 1876. Captain, L. T. Dickason ; first lieutenant, Edgar C. Dodge; second lientenant, J. D. Benedict; first sergeant, Jacob Goth ; second sergeant, L. D. Gass; third sergeant, A. C. Bristow ; fourth sergeant, James Pate; fifth sergeant, J. D. Harrison. The company is the only organized militia company in the county. It numbers thirty-seven men, and is equipped and uniformed. Its armory is Hesse's hall.
COAL. 1
The coal interest has, since the railroads have opened up a market for it, proved one of the most important to the county. Though largely belonging to, so far as its locality is concerned, Danville town- ship, it appertains in a more general way to the county.
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DANVILLE TOWNSHIP.
It is a singular arrangement of nature, of which no very satisfactory explanation has yet been given, that eoal is generally only found along timber belts, or in close proximity to the streams which are an accom- paniment of these belts. As a rule, no coal has been found in this state five miles away from these streams and forests. It is no part of the duty of the historian to advance theories in explanation of this seem- ingly strange coincident. For several years after the settlement of the county, though coal was known to exist here, there was no demand for it beyond the small amount needed in blacksmithing, and hence there was no mining.
In 1855 the general assembly (February 14) incorporated the Dan- ville Coal Mining Company. Ward H. Lamon and others associated with him were by this act authorized as a corporation to engage in mining coal, iron, salt and other minerals, and the sale of salt, iron, lime and other mineral products. The time had not come, however, to carry on such business, and nothing was done under this charter. Before this date, however, coal was being mined or stripped in small quantities. Dudley Lacock, who in 1854 removed to Livingston coun- ty, owned a considerable tract west of Danville, where the extensive , coal mines are, and dug out some of it, which found slow sale. Cyrus Tennery early commenced the enterprise, which he continued for some years. W. Carruthers and Ball commeneed mining as early as 1853, and farther south Mr. Kirkland opened up the business. Chandler & Donlan were the first to engage extensively in mining, and were fol- lowed by Peter R. Leonard. Michael Kelley has for more than twenty years carried on an extensive business in stripping along the North Fork, and employs a number of hands in such business yet. Charles Dobbins has for some years carried on the same business, as have also Wm. Shaw and B. Bensel. In the Grape Creek region Wmn. Kirkland, Hugh Blakney and Graves and Lofferty have carried on the business ; while still farther south, along the streams which flow through George- town and Elwood, numerous parties have from time to time opened up small mines, and some continue to operate them. The "Carbon Coal Company," the Ellsworth Company, the Moss Bank Coal Com- pany and others have operated in corporate capacities more or less. In Catlin township several shafts were sunk, accounts of which, and of their failures and successes, more extended notice is made under the appropriate heading.
The fine body of coal lands lying just west of the city, and known as Moss Bank, was opened up and worked by J. C. Short & Co., and became the property of the Paris & Danville railroad, and with that road was transferred and became the property of the Danville & Sonth-
.
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HISTORY OF VERMILION COUNTY.
western Railroad Company. General R. H. Carnahan has been for some years past in charge of the mining operations of this company, and is carrying on a large business.
The Ellsworth Company's mines south of the river are now under the exclusive management of A. C. Daniel, Esq., who is successfully raising several hundred tons per day. Various parties have worked small mines or banks all over the coal tract.
The great depression which the coal interest has gone through has operated to reduce the amount of coal raised and the profits, which seemed to be assured, and many have seen the utter failure of their plans and prospects. A writer in 1870 made the following statement : "And when we call to mind that each aere contains ten thousand tons of coal, and that it is worth two cents per bushel to the proprietors when placed in the cars, it is apparent that the only financial ques- tion with them is to exhaust the coal, as at that rate the land will yield $5,000 per acre." This seemed like a very moderate estimate, and probably has been, and yet will be, exceeded. There is a wealth of great magnitude, not only in the value of the hidden mineral there. but in the labor which for ages to come it will afford hundreds of laborers in its mines, and thousands of artisans in the various indus- trial enterprises which it must draw around it. This does not alone give a profit to the proprietors and the tradesmen, but it spreads through every artery and enlivens every business. No community or state ever became strong, financially or intellectually, which depended alone on one branch of industry, however prosperous it may have been. It is the coal mines of England which have made her " Mistress of the Seas " and has made her Mother-queen Empress of India. The reader should not draw from this that the Moss Bank and South Danville mines will some time make General Carnahan or Mr. Daniel vice- gerents of the world. but they will give to Danville a permanent prominence of which nothing can deprive her.
Though changing the subject slightly, a little reminiscence of the war record of the "General of Moss Bank " must find a place here. When the general was plain Mr. Carnahan, residing in Fairbury, Liv- ingston county, he raised company K, of the 3d regiment of Illinois Cav- alry, which the Carr brothers led into the heart of "Dixie." While Grant was making that brilliant succession of masterly movements which resulted in elosing around Vicksburg, and fulfilling the promise that he " would give us Vicksburg by the 4th of July." Governor Yates went down to "see the boys " and to learn something more of the great leader whom he had given to the army. During the sharp engagement at Port Gibson, civilian like, he found himself in the hot-
Alo Daniel
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