USA > Illinois > Washington County > History of Washington County, Illinois > Part 13
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DUBOIS.
A few Presbyterians living in Dubois were organized into a Presbyterian church about five years ago, with Mr. Bunce as elder. Rev. G. W. Ash has been their stated supply for some time, but at present the preaching is only occasional.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SOUTH OF WASH- INGTON COUNTY.
BY REV. G. T. NICHOLS.
Rev. Lucileus Aspley, now of the St. Louis Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, may be said to have been the founder of this Church in Washington County. His first labor was in a grove, near the City of Nashville, in the summer of 1864. He soon organized a society of about thirty persons. The organization soon went down for the want of a pastor, and it was not until the winter of 1866, when Rev. B. R. Hester, formerly of the Louisville Conference, came to the county, and assumed charge of the work, that the organization showed any indications of growth or pros-
perity. In the spring of 1867, through the zealous efforts of Mr. Hester, their present church in Nashville was built. Mr. Hester continued in charge until the meeting of conference in Nashville, when Rev. M. R. Gohagan was appointed to succeed him. This was the first regular, annual conference of the M. E. Church South, held in the State. The following gentlemen served in the order named, in the capacity of pastor: Revs. T. B. Harben, J. H. Garrett, when Rev. Hester was again returned. His admin- istration this year was characterized by signal prosperity to the church, the year closing amidst a religious revival. Since then the following pastors have served : Revy. A. L. Davis, A. W. Smith and G. W. Gillmore. The aggregate membership at present is about 160, and the Church as well as the Sunday-school connected with it are in a prosperous condition.
Ashley Church. In January, 1867, Revs. Hester and John W. Westcott organized the first society of the M. E. Church South in the town of Ashley. During the summer and autumn the meetings were held in the grove adjacent to the town. On the approach of winter active steps were taken by Rev. Hester and others, which resulted in the erection of the commodious and neatly finished edifice in which they now worship.
The organization was made at the house of L. T. Templeton, and the original members were: Robert S. Brown, Mary A. Brown, Sarah Brouder, L. T. Templeton, Elizabeth Y. Templeton, Margaret T. Cooper, Sarah E. Blankenship and Ollie S. Brown.
Wesley Chapel. In January, 1868, a society was organized at this place by Rev. Hester. A commodious house of worship was erected in a very short time upon land donated by Major John White. It was dedicated soon after by Elder J. W. Westcott.
Rev. Hester officiated as pastor, for two and a half years; since then they have had the following pastors : Revs. T. B. Harben, J. H. Garrett, R. P. Jones, W. L. Corbin, A. W. Smith, W. B. Beugle, Joseph Metcalf, S. J. Catlin, and George T. Nichols.
Old Richview Church. This society purchased the brick Church building of the M. E. Church at Old Richview, and is now numbered as one of the standard appointments of the conference.
The present membership of the M. E. Church South in Washington County, is about 500; there are four church buildings, four Sunday-schools with about 300 scholars. The estimated value of church property is $8000. Whatever good results are achieved by this church in the county, the credit may mainly be ascribed to Rev. R. B. Hester. He organized the first society, organized or assisted to organize every society in the county. He has served them all in the capacity of Pastor, and has labored zealously in the cause of God and his church, in this county for thirteen years, and is now finishing up his fourth year as Presiding Elder of Ashley district. No man enjoys, more, the confidence of the people where he is known, and none are held in higher esteem as a Christian gentleman.
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
BY REV. FATHER BUSCH.
The first Roman Catholic Church, organized in this county was in Lively Grove Precinct, in 1867, when a substantial church edifice was erected at a cost of 82000.
At the organization, the membership numbered about twenty families.
Father Turck was the first Priest, to officiate for the church; he served for one and a half years. After him came Father Rosmoller, who . emained about five years. He was succeeded by the present Priest, A. Busch. The Church has a membership of about fifty families. Father Busch is a native of Westphalia, Prussia. He came to America in 1836, since which time he has been engaged in the ministry, at various places.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF ASHLEY.
BY J. W. HUDSON.
In the early history of the town of Ashley, religious services were occa- sionally held at the houses of the citizens by Rev. Dr. Finley of Salem, and later by Rev. Henry M. Phelps, both of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Afterwards and before they had any church buildings, the services were held in the Rail Road Depot buildings.
The M. E. Church building having been built by the aid of all the citizens, it was for a long time regarded as a "Union Church." All the Cumberland Presbyterians with all other denominations were permitted to
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
occupy it. The society was organized in 1860, with Samuel Jack, Sr., Wm. D. Mitchell and James P. Haynes, Ruling Elders; and a membership of thirty.
In the spring of 1863, Rev. C. Y. Hudson, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister removed to the vicinity, and was called to the pastorate of the Church. He ministered to the congregation until the fall of 1867, when he was called to a pastorate in Central Illinois. During Mr. Hudson's adminis- tration the Church prospered, the membership reaching forty-five, and at one time had sufficient funds subscribed to erect a church building, but from want of agreement among members as to the dimensions and style of the structure it was indefinitely postponed, and the project has never been consummated.
J. W. Hudson. Hiram Campbell, Henry Rudolff, D. T. Hill, W. J. Hale and Brownlow Logan have acted as Ruling Elders. The organization is still maintained, yet regular services are not held.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH, NEW AT MINDEN, ILLINOIS.
BY REV. M. EIRICH.
This Church was organized by Rev. C. Scholz, a native of Germany, in 1846. The organization comprised about a dozen families.
In the same year a small Church-building was erected. Mr. Scholz con- tinued his labors with this charge, until 1860, when he resigned to accept a call to other fields.
He was succeeded by Rev. F. Huesemann. The German-speaking popu- lation had by this time greatly increased in this part of the county, and consequently the accessions to the church had been numerous. The old church-edifice was found too small to accommodate the congregation, and a large and commodious building was built in 1861. This building is of stone and is 75 by 45 feet, with galleries on three sides. Its seating capacity is over 800. It has a large organ, and a bell that weighs more than 2000 lbs.
At the present (1879) its membership embraces about 160 families.
In 1864, Rev. Huesemann died, and in 1865 Rev. M. Eirich was appointed to the charge, who has served continuously ever since, and is the present Pastor.
Adjacent to and in connection with the Church is a large substantial brick school-house, the dimensions of which are 50 by 32 feet. The school is under the direction of the Church, and has an average attendance of 150 pupils. It was erected in 1878
THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, O. S. OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
BY REV. D. G. THOMPSON.
In 1831, the families of John and Archibald Hood, and James and Thomas McClurken, emigrated from South Carolina and settled in Elkhorn Prairie, Washington County. These families formed the nucleus around which was organized the first, and only Church of the denomination, named at the heading of this chapter.
They were for a considerable time after their settlement without a preacher, and their religious services consisted of social meetings held at each other's homes.
Their first Preacher, was Rev. Samuel Wylie, of Randolph county, who preached occasionally for some years.
In 1833 they were joined by three families of their brethren and former neighbors, from South Carolina. For more than a year after this they were without preaching.
In 1834, they were visited by Rev. David Steele, who was appointed to this charge by the Pittsburg Presbytery. This gentleman organized the congregation at the house of Archibald Hood in July, 1834. The elders were John and Thomas McClurken, and John Donnelly, and there were 19 members. In 1835 Rev. Samuel Mckinney was called to the pastorate of this congregation.
In 1836, after much labor, and self-denial, the congregation succeeded in finishing a plain, but commodious building, which they occupied for many years. The membership of the congregation increased under Mr. McKin- ney's administration to 120. He was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. Wm. Sloane, who accepted the call in 1840. During his adminstration a board of Deacons were elected, and the membership increased to 150 .. In 1858 he was succeeded by Rev. A. C Todd. During his pastorate the mem- bership increased to 220.
Upon the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Todd was chosen captain of a company of men, raised from his own congregation, and en- listed in the service of the Government, for three years or during the war. Many of them found soldiers' graves, on the fields of the South. The pul- pit was supplied during Mr. Todd's absence, in the field, by various ministers, and upon his return he resumed his pastoral labors.
In 1867, a new, substantial and commodious brick building was erected in the village of Oakdale, and the old structure sold to the United Presby- terian Church, a denomination that had recently been organized in the com- munity.
Its mouldering ruins can yet be seen two miles east of Elkton, on the Coulterville road; and many tears of sadness are shed, when memory re- calls the loved faces of brethren and friends, whose remains lie buried in that old church-yard, by the brethren who gaze upon all, that Old Time has left to tell of the sad, sweet story of when they loved and worshipped with the dear dead friends of long ago.
In 1871, Mr. Todd at his own request was released from the charge, and with a colony made up from the congregation removed to Evans, Colorado.
He was succeeded August 1st, 1872, by Rev. D. G. Thompson, the present incumbent of this pastorate.
About the first act of special importance after the installation of Mr. Thompson, was the taking by the congregation, of the American covenant, as prescribed by the Presbytery. Mr. Thompson was assisted in the adminis- tration of this rite by Rev. H. P. McClurken, of New Concord, Ohio, and Rev. D. S. Farris, of Sparta, Illinois. These ceremonies were solemnized on the 20th day of August, 1872; more than 150 took upon themselves the obligations, and subscribed to the Covenant.
Since the time of the "Covenant Renovation," eight members have been received, and about an equal number lost by deaths and removals to other congregations. The membership is now, 1879, 121, and a Sabbath-school of 120 scholars. This, as well as all other congregations of the Reformed Pres- byterian Church, O. S., are devoted and attached to civil and religious liber- ty, and to the fundamental laws of our country, yet they refuse to take any part in the political matters of the country, not even voting or holding office. This privilege is not exercised for reasons that are sufficient to them ; the principal one of which, is that the name of the Deity is not recognized in the constitution of the United States. They cheerfully pay their taxes, and consider it one of their highest duties to defend their country from foreign or domestic foes.
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HISTORY OF THE CITY AND PRECINCT OF NASHVILLE.
JASHVILLE PRECINCT is bounded on the north by Coving- ton, on the east by Hoyleton, Richview, Ashley and Dubois, on the south, by Perry County and Pilot Knob Precinct, and on the west, by Elkton, Plum Hill, and Okawville Precincts. Thesurface is undulating, and is composed principally of prairie lands. The soil is black, deep, and fertile, and is in a high state of cultivation. Of water courses there is little to be said, as its drainage, consists of a few small creeks, branches, etc.
The first settlers of the precinct, were, Samuel K. Anderson, John Morgan, London Park, (colored), Orcenith Fisher, David Ramsey, John D. Wood, Nicholas Darter, Charles McCord, Robert Burns, Samuel Y. Henry, Demp- sey Kennedy, Livesay Carter and L. D. Livesay, who settled at various periods, from 1818 to 1833.
As to the history of the Precinct outside of Nashville City, little can be said, in addition to what has already been said in another chapter of this work.
NASHVILLE CITY
Is situated on the St. Louis and Southeastern Rail-road, and was laid out by the proprietors, Robert Middleton and G. Brown, on the eighth day of June, 1830, and a report and plat of the city was filed with the commis- sioners, by A. W. Casad, County Surveyor, who had previously surveyed it.
The records show that the proprietors deeded a stipulated number of lots to the commissioners, for the use of the county, and reserved the others to themselves. David White, Joseph Whittenberg and Livesay Carter were the commissioners. Carter and Whittenberg being Tennesseeans, reverenced everything relating to that state, and by permission of the proprietors, christened the town "New Nashville." The "New" was soon dropped, and it has since borne the name of Nashville.
The first house in Nashville was built by Sam. K. Anderson. The pro- prietors offered as a prize, to deed a lot to the wife of the man who should build the first house in town. Anderson and O. Fisher competed, and Anderson won. The proprietor, however, decided that his little log cabin was not a house in the meaning of the offer, and decided in favor of Fisher who erected a fair story and a half frame house-which might truly be said to have been the first house in Nashville. The race between the men is described elsewhere in the book. First settlers of the town of Nashville were S. K. Anderson, John Morgan, O. Fisher, London Park, (colored), John D. Wood, Amos Watts and Z. H. Vernor. O. Fisher was the first preacher-after him came S. W. D. Chase.
FIRST SCHOOL-HOUSE.
For many years Nashville rented a building that had been built by the Presbyterians for an Academy to be run under the auspices of their church, on the site of the present school building. The schools were taught in this together with other rented buildings, until the year 1874, when the present, magnificent building was completed. The house and furnishings cost about $30,000. For convenience and comfort it is not surpassed by any similar structure in Southern Illinois.
It has the improved methods of heating, lighting and ventilation, and is furnished with all the necessary modern apparatus, etc. The enrollment in the various departments numbers more than 500.
The board of directors, under whose administration the house was erected, consisted of Hugh C. Adams, Justus Baab, and Frederick Hoffman, and the first principal to take charge of the schools, in the new building, was C. T. Stratton.
The present board of _i.ectors is composed of James Garvin, Hon. P. E.
Hosmer, Johu Huegley, P. H. Reuter, W. S. Hisey and Joseph W. Bur- gess.
Present teachers are, G. W. Atterberry, Principal; Assistants, Miss Tenie A. Barton, Miss Clara Watson, Miss Jennie Candee, Miss Rebecca Henson, Miss Cornelia Shepherd, Miss Edith Preston, Miss Alverta Peters, Mr. Rudolph Von Phleger and Miss Mary Krumsick.
The course of study consists of the branches prescribed by the laws of the state, and in addition thereto, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Rheto- ric, General History, the German Language and Latin.
MILLS.
The first mill built in Nashville, was owned by Murphy and Watts, and stood about a half mile south of where the Court House now stands. It was a custom grist mill, run by steam-power; afterwards had a saw added to it, .. nd was removed to Beaucoup Creek six miles south-east of Nashville. This mill furnished the lumber for some of the early buildings in Nashville. It was operated by different firms, at this point, until about the year 1845, when the machinery was removed to Nashville, and put up and operated for a time by Anderson and Mitchell, when it was transferred to Huegley and Reuter.
John Huegley's Mills .- On the 9th day of June, 1853, Mr. Huegley com- pleted a custom grist mill, of two run of stones, in Nashville, near where his present mill stands. In 1860, the large mill, now owned by Mr. Huegley, was completed and put in operation by Huegley and Reuter. It has eight run of stones, and a capacity of 200 barrels per day. The mill handles about 200,000 bushels of grain annually, and ships about 40,000 barrels of flour yearly. Employment is given in the mill, and the coopering establish- ment that is run in connection with it, to thirty-one men.
In July, 1871, Mr. Huegley bought out the interest of Mr. Reuter, and has since continued to operate it as sole proprietor.
Sawyer, Mc Cracken & Co .- This firm erected in 1867 the large mill now operated by them in the city of Nashville. The cost of the mill, at first, was about $70,000, which has since been increased to a little more than $90,000. At the beginning, had six run of stones, which has since been increased to eight, with a capacity of over 500 barrels per day. Have handled on an average, since commencing, 300,000 bushels of grain annually, and their average shipment of flour is between fifty and sixty thousand barrels annually. They employ in the mill and coopering establishment between thirty-five and forty men.
Their first experience, in the milling business, was a small custom mill, that stood near the site of their present mills, which was erected in 1858. In addition to being a grist mill, it had a saw attachment. The mill had two run of stones, and did little except custom work. The mill closed in 1866.
Frederick Hesemann & Sons .- This mill was built by the present proprie- tors in 1876. Is a custom saw and grist mill : has one saw and two run of stones.
BANKS.
The first bank organized in Nashville, was by A. D. Hay and sons, in 1869. The firm was afterwards changed to Hay Bros., consisting of Daniel and William Hay. In June, 1874, it was transferred to Sawyer, McCracken & Co., who run it to February, 1875, when the bank closed.
Washington County Bank of Hosmer, Huegley and Company, was organized in July, 1874. It is a private bank, consisting of twenty-five original partners, with a capital stock of seventy-five thousand dollars. P. E. Hos- mer, is the present president, and L. Krughoff cashier.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS.
J. L. Runk, manufacturer of wagons, plows and other agricultural imple- ments, began business in Nashville, in the spring of 1849. He is doubtless entitled to the credit of manufacturing the first successfully operated Sulky Gang Plow, made in the state. The plow was manufactured in 1863, and took the first premium at the State fair at Decatur, in the same year.
It is claimed also, that he made the first all steel mould board prairie breaking plow ever made in the state. The plow was made in 1852, for Wm. Forman, Sr., the father of Wm. S. and C. M. Forman.
He was the first to introduce into Southern Illinois the "thimble skeined" wagon, which was in the year 1855. This establishment manufactures between two and three thousand plows annually, besides wagons and other farm implements. He also does a general blacksmithing business.
Wagon Manufactory of J. Henry Duccker & Bro .- Began business in 1867. Does a general business in making and repairing farming implements, wagons, etc. Makes and sells on an average twenty wagons annually.
Has in connection with this a general blacksmithing bueiness.
J. M. Hassinger's Carriage Manufactory .- Began business in 1873. All kinds of light carriage work are done at these shops. Has about ten hands employed, and has an average sale of twenty-five carriages annually. He does a general blacksmithing business, and makes a specialty of manufactur- ing and dressing Mill Picks.
Altmanberger & Thies .- Wagon manufacturers and blacksmiths. Began business in 1878.
Erdmann W. Brenneke's Wagon and Blacksmith Shop .- Established in 1856. Manufactures on an average twenty-four wagons annually. Does a general business in plow-making, blacksmithing, etc.
Nashville Foundry and Machine shop, by Peter Peters, began business in 1877. All kinds of machinery made and repaired.
Furniture Manufactory of Wagenhals Bros., established in 1870. Steam furnishes the motive power for the machinery of this establishment.
STORES.
The first store kept in Nashville, was by Orcenith Fisher, in a little log cabin situated on lot 8, block 3. No shelving or counters were used; and the various articles of merchandise, were hung upon nails driven into the "ribs" in the roof of the house. He did business in the years 1831 and 1832.
The next store was owned by James Mitchell, a resident of Bellville, St. Clair county. His business manager here was Major John D. Wood, who afterwards became a partner. This firm did business for a time under the name of Wood and Mitchell, when Mr. Wood purchased Mr. Mitchell's interest and became sole proprietor.
A store was established in 1833, by John W. McCord, upon the site now occupied by Col. Krughoff as a residence. The building was a frame 10 by 12 feet. Mr. McCord soon sold out and quit the business.
In 1834, a store was kept by Lamb & Greenup. Theirs was a general dry goods store, and they did a respectable business.
HOTELS.
The first hotel in Nashville was kept by Joseph Dennis. It was situated on lot six, block two. The lot on which the hotel stood and the one adjoin- ing it, were purchased by Mr. Dennis for the sum of fifteen dollars. This was in the latter part of 1833.
The hotel was at first a log building, but additions were made until it became a house of fair proportions.
The next hotel was kept by Malachi Jenkins, in 1844, on lot five, block four. This was regarded as a first class hotel.
Present Hotels .- The present hotels in Nashville are the Buckeye House, W. A. Garvin proprietor ; German House, by Mrs. Catherine Bieser; City Hotel, H. Bielfeldt proprietor; South-Eastern Hotel by H. Horstmann.
FIRST PHYSICIANS.
The first resident physician was Maxwell D. Pepper, who came in 1831. In 1834 Dr. W. D. Courtney came, and in 1837, Dr. John Baker located in Nashville. Present physicians : Dr. W. T. Burgess, Dr. W. D. Carter, Dr. C. Burnreuter, Dr. J. J. Troutt, Dr. J. H. Means, Dr. H. D. Schmidt, and Dr. E. H. Henry.
The first Marriage in Nashville Precinct, was Rev. Horatio Burns, to Mrs.
Martha Morgan. The marriage was performed on the 22d day of Novem- ber, 1831.
The first marriage, of record, that occurred in the city of Nashville, was in February, 1835. The contracting parties were Mr. Champnees Ball and Miss Susan Wood, and the marriage ceremony was solemnized at the resi- dence of Major John D. Wood.
The first child born in Nashville, was a son to Mr. and Mrs. David Under- wood, soon after the town was laid out, probably in 1832. Joseph Wood, son of Major and Mrs. John D. Wood, was born in Nashville, December 21st. 1834, and was probably the next child born in the town.
The first Blacksmith shop, was kept by Zenas H. Vernor. It was opened in April, 1833.
The first Carding machine, or Woolen Mill, was established in Nashville in 1834, by Wood and Mitchell. The motive power was supplied by oxen, upon the "Tread Wheel."
The first Tannery in Nashville was established in 1833 by David Ramsey. Jacob Goodner operated one about the same time on the Shelton place, one mile west of town. Goodner purchased Ramsey's tannery, and transferred the business to town.
Cotton Gin. It may be of interest to state that in the early settlement of Nashville precinct, Stephen Gasten owned and operated, the first and only cotton gin ever in Washington County.
Of the citizens of Nashville, that resided here in 1833, none remain, except Judge Amos Watts, Mrs. John D. Wood, Mrs. Sarah Douglas, and Mrs. Zenas H. Vernor. (1879.)
The present Church Buildings in Nashville are owned by the Presbyte- rians; Methodist Episcopal ; Methodist Episcopal, South ; Methodist Episco. pal, German; Evangelical and Baptists, in each of which regular church services are held, and each of which supports a healthy and prosperous Sunday-school. A more detailed account of these will be found in our chapter on the ecclesiastical history of Washington county.
Below will be found mention of the commercial and other business in- terests of Nashville.
GENERAL STORES.
Sawyer and MoCracken, at the south-east corner of the Public Square, do an extensive business in the line of dry goods, groceries, clothing, boots and shoes, etc.
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