Illinois, Crawford County historical and biographical, Part 131

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1058

USA > Illinois > Crawford County > Illinois, Crawford County historical and biographical > Part 131

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

schoolhouse in Oblong Township was built in the early '30s, on Oblong Prairie near North Fork. The name of one of the first teachers was James Smith, the identity of his contemporaries hav- ing been lost in obscurity. The second school- house, a hewed-log structure, was built about 1837, and the first man who taught in. it was named Fithian. Succeeding him were Samuel Crumpton, John M. Johnston, Levi James, J. H. Price, and Peter Long. The place lapsed into disuse in 1863. The first frame schoolhouse was built in 1850, and was used twenty-six years, its location being in the northeast corner of the township. In 1851 the school lands were sold and a school fund was formed which re- sulted in the erection, during the next thirty years, of nine frame schoolhouses and one of brick, the latter being in Oblong.

FIRST SCHOOLS IN MARTIN TOWNSHIP .- The first schoolhouse in Martin Township, a small hewed-log cabin, stood just south of Hardins- ville, and the first term was taught in 1842. Soon afterwards the cabin was moved to the village, being long occupied for school and of hewed logs, was built about the year 1846, . on the Bethel Martin farm north of Hardin- ville, the first teacher being William Cunning- ham. who had twenty scholars. Schools became more numerous after this date and the educa- tional facilities of the township have been great- ly increased.

653

CRAWFORD COUNTY

THE FIRST PAPER IN THE COUNTY, ESTABLISHED AT HUTSONVILLE-NUMEROUS CHANGES AND BRIEF CAREERS OF ITS SUCCESSORS-THE RU- BALIST AND CRAWFORD BANNER HAVE A BRIEF EXISTENCE-THE ROBINSON GAZETTE AND PALES- TINE YELLOW JACKET EARLY DEMOCRATIC AND REPUBLICAN ORGANS- OTHER JOURNALS OF AN EARLY PERIOD-CRAWFORD COUNTY PAPERS OF THE PRESENT DAY.

The following quotation from an anonymous source furnishes a fitting introduction to a brief history of the. early newspaper press of Craw- ford County : "The local paper is not only a business guide, but it is a pulpit of morals; it is a kind of public rostrum where the affairs of state are considered ; it is a supervisor of streets and roads; it is a rewarder of merit; it is a social friend, a promoter of friendship and good will. Even the so-called small matters of a vil- lage or incorporate town are only small to those whose hearts are too full of personal pomposity." We venture also to quote in this connection the following from the pen of George W. Harper, one of the early editors of the town of Palestine : "It is very important if some schoolboy or

a piece, or sings well a song, or stands high in the classroom, that kind mention should be made publicly of such success, for more young minds are injured for want of cheering words, than are made vain by an excess of such praise. In the local papers, the marriage bell tolls more solemu- ly than in the great city dailies. The rush and noise of the metropolis take away the joy from items about marriages, and detract from the solemnity of the recorded death; but when the local paper records a marriage between two favorites of society, all the readers see the hap- piness of the event; and equally, when the columns of such a home paper tells us that some great or humble person has gone from the world. we read with tears, for he was our neigh- bor or friend."

The first newspaper published in Crawford was independent in politics, and was styled the Wabash Sentinel. Hutsonville was the place of its issue in 1852 by George W. Cutler, formerly of Evansville, Ind., whence he brought the equip- ment for the new office. About a year later, the plant became the property of Ethelbert Calla- han, at that time a teacher in Hutsonville, but subsequently one of the most prominent lawyers

in his section of the State. The name of the paper was changed to the Journal, and in the course of a year, it was sold and moved to Clark County. The next newspaper enterprise was the Ruralist, founded in Palestine by Samuel R. Jones, in 1856. Mr. Jones came from the Old Dominion and had been a religious pupil of the famous Alexander Campbell, and was himself a lawyer, preacher, doctor and editor. Under his management. the Ruralist was non-political, but devoted to the idea of "reform" in connection with all issues needing reform according to tbe editor's views. George W. Harper was employed to attend to the printing of the Ruralist, early in the winter of 1856, and soon afterward the con- duct of the paper devolved upon him, and its field was changed to that of literature and local news. The enterprise was abandoned in tbe fall of 1857.

The Crawford Banner, an independent pa- per of Hutsonville, was published by W. F. Rubottom from July 1, 1857, to October 1858, when it was discontinued.

The earliest newspaper in Robinson and the first political organ in Crawford County, was the Gazette which was issued December 12, 1857, schoolgirl reads a good essay, or speaks well . by G. W. Harper from the plant of the Ruralist which he had moved from Palestine to Robinson. It continued until 1858, strongly advocating the interests of the Douglas Democracy.

A Republican paper under the title of the "Yellow Jacket." under the management of Dr. A. Malone and E. Logan was launched at Pales- tine in December, 1859, and made a local sensa- tion in the campaign of 1860, suspending about two years later.

The Crawford County Bulletin. a Democratic paper owned by Hon. John C. Allen of Pales- time. was started at Robinson in July, 1860, under the direction of Horace P. Mumford, and was published until the fall of 1862. Mumford had entered the army in September. 1861. be- coming a dashing cavalry officer, and rising to the rank of Major.

The Monitor and the Bulletin, were two short- lived enterprises, each of which had an existence of about six months at Robinson. In 1863, John Talbot bought the equipment of the Bulletin; and started the Constitution at Robinson. an able Democratic paper, which he published about three years, then relinquishing the control to bis son Henry. The latter scon died, and the father again took charge in Jannary, 1868, final-

654

CRAWFORD COUNTY

ly yielding the management to his son Richard, who sold his interest in 1879 to Thomas S. Price, then County Clerk. In 1880, the Constitution again passed into the control of Richard Talbot.

The initial issue of the Robinson Argus, under the management of George W. Harper, occurred December 10, 1863, and finally developed into one of the most influential and valuable newspapers in Southeastern Illinois. The town had less than 800 population at the time of tbe establish- ment of this paper, which was printed in a small room. containing but one window, measuring 10 by 12 inches.

The Real-Estate Advertiser, an interesting monthly publication, under the management of Andrew E. Bristol, was started in October, 1871, at Palestine, but was discontinued after its second issue by reason of Mr. Bristol's deatb.

In 1874, a small paper called the Palestine Neus was started and. in the course of six months, was removed by its publisher, N. M. P. Spurgeon, to Hutsonville. where it was given up in a short time.

The Crawford Democrat, which had but a brief existence, came out in Robinson in May 1879, Ira Lutes being its owner and editor.

In July, 1880, W. E. Caruthers, formerly con- nected with the Argus, issued a vivacious little paper under the name of the Palestine Saturday Call, also printing an edition for circulation in Hutsonville. called the Herald. These were "set up" in the Argus office and they lasted three months.

The following is a list of papers issued in Crawford County in 1908 :

Robinson Argus (Republican), George W. Har- per, editor and publisber.

Constitution (Democratic), F. W. Lewis, editor and publisher.

The Crawford County Republican, established in 1897 and conducted for some years by Max- well & Baker, seems to have ceased publication between 1905 and 1907.

Hutsonville Herald (Independent), established in 1891, Franklin Kopta, editor and publisher. 1907, having succeeded F. G. Apgar.

Oracle (Democratic), established at Oblong, 1894, J. Sheets editor and publisher.

Palestine Reporter, established in 1897, H. K. Alexander, editor and publisher, came under the management of C. F. Burridge & Co., with Cecil F. Burridge as editor previous to 1908.

All of the above list of papers are weekly ex-

cept the Palestine Reporter, which is issued semi- weekly, and the "Robinson Argus," which is is- sued both daily and weekly.

CHAPTER XII.

CRAWFORD COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.

FIRST ATTEMPT TO ORGANIZE A SOCIETY IN THE EARLY 'SIXTIES-NAMES OF THOSE WHO TOOK PART IN THE MOVEMENT-A RENEWED EFFORT IN 1874 PROVES ONLY TEMPORARILY SUCCESSFUL- PRESENT . SOCIETY ORGANIZED IN 1880-FIRST OFFICERS AND SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS -- WHAT THE SOCIETY HAS ACCOMPLISHED FOR CRAWFORD COUNTY.

The first attempt to organize a medical society in Crawford County was early in the 'sixties, between 1861 and 1863. Dr. S. D. Meserve, Dr. Bringle, Dr. Watts, Dr. Taylor, and a few otbers met in Robinson in the early summer and effected the organization of a medical society. Dr. S. D. Meserve was honored by being cbosen President, and Dr. Taylor, of Porterville, was Secretary.

This society soon collapsed, and it was not until 1874 that the attempt was again made to organize a permanent society, Dr. S. D. Meserve being again elected President, Dr. J. S. Tbomp- son, Palestine, Secretary, and Dr. A. G. Meserve of Robinson, Treasurer. This society was also short-lived and collapsed from lack of interest, after a few meetings.

Tbe present Crawford County Medical Society was organized as the result of a call issued by Drs. T. N. Rafferty and J. S. Thompson, both of Palestine. This meeting was held on the second Thursday in July, 1880, and was well attended. Dr. J. S. Thompson was elected Presi- dent, and Dr. T. N. Rafferty Secretary, and these two officers were empowered to prepare a Con- stitution and By-Laws, and also a Fee-Bill. Proof that this work was well done is furnisbed in the copies of these still in existence. At a meeting of this society held in November of the same year, which was reported at length in

、

Henley

655

CRAWFORD COUNTY

the "Robinson Argus," Dr. M. C. Mendenhall and Dr. C. Barlow were appointed a committee to procure a book for the Secretary's reports of the meetings, to be kept as a permanent record of the society. This was evidently a serious and difficult task, as it was not until 1883 that the book was secured and records began.

At this meeting of the society in November, 1880, a Banquet was given at the old Robinson House, by the proprietor, J. U. Grace, which presumably was fully appreciated, as "The Ar- gus" says a "vote of thanks was heartily ten- dered."

It is to be regretted that the records of all the medical meetings of the county previous to 1883 have been lost, as they would, no doubt, contain much information and many names of interest not only to the medical profession but to all residents of the county.

However, since the date mentioned, the old Secretary's book contains a faithful record of every meeting held up to the present time, and is now a volume of much interest to both the old and the newer physicans.

The society has missed very few regular meet- ings, which are held every second month, and are always well attended, and are regarded as the support and backbone for the profession of the county.

And if Crawford County is blessed with a modern and progressive medical fraternity, as she evidently believes she is, it is due in great measure to the active work and the ever-present guidance of one of the best county medical so- cieties in the State of Illinois-"THE CRAW- FORD COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY."

CHAPTER XIII.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY AND FAIRS.

RANK OF CRAWFORD COUNTY IN STATE HISTORY- A COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY ORGANIZED IN 1842-STORY OF TWO EARLY FAIRS-CONSTITU- TION AND BY-LAWS, WITH LIST OF MEMBERS OF THE EARLY SOCIETY-A SECOND SOCIETY OB- GANIZED IN 1856-LIST OF FIRST AND LATER

OFFICERS WITH HISTORY OF SUCCESSIVE FAIRS- THIS SOCIETY GOES OUT OF BUSINESS IN 1893- THE GRANGERS' ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED DURING THE LATTER YEAR AND HAS SINCE HELD BEGU- LAR FAIRS-THE ROBINSON HORSE FAIR ASSOCIA- TION.

(By William Swaren.)

Crawford County was one of the early or- ganized counties of Illinois, and there are few people now living in our county who would be- lieve that it was one of the first to organize and hold a County Fair. Nevertheless it is true that a County Agricultural Society was organ- ized in 1842, and before the county-seat was re- moved to Robinson two fairs were held at Pal- estine, which was then the county capital. It was by accident that we obtained the old Con- stitution and By-laws of this early organization. Its members embraced the heads of families of our first pioneers, and were from all portions of our county then settled.

At that time the county was sparsely settled west of Robinson, hence the members of this or- ganization were largely from the eastern por- tion. Of the sixty-seven signers of the Con- stitutlon of the first Agricultural Society, not one is living today, but their descendants are scattered all over the county. What a grand body of men they were, embracing, as they did, men in almost every station in life, from that of Governor down. But we shall have occasion to speak of them later on.

There are no records left showing a record of their Exhibits, nor any record telling of their finances. We are told that they held two falrs about a mile west of Palestine on ground belong- ing to the Wilson family, and they were quite successful and enjoyable occasions, bringing to- gether as they did the early settlers of the county. At the request of many of the citizens of the county, we give the Constitution and the By-laws, and the names of the signers in full.

CONSTITUTION OF CRAWFORD COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.

PREAMBLE.

Agriculture being the very foundation of our national and individual prosperity and happiness, the Mother of Commerce and Manufactories, and in our county, at least, the basis of all true Independence, we will endeavor to elevate her to that high and dignified statlon she so richly deserves.

We will cultivate ourselves. or encourage

656

CRAWFORD COUNTY

others in cultivation, all branches of domestic industry and all such mechanical, chemical and scientific experiments as shall tend to improve the husbandry of the State and of this county in particular, and aid the United States Agricul- tural Society in her admirable and laudable efforts to advance agriculture to such a state of perfection as will make our country the ad- miration of the world.

CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE 1 .- We, the subscribers, citizens of Crawford County and State of Illinois, agree to form ourselves into an association to be styled the Crawford County Agricultural Society, grant- ing the right of membership to all citizens of the adjoining counties, or of the West, on the same terms with ourselves, viz .: That of paying the sum of fifty cents annually to the Treasurer of the Society, and conforming to its Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE 2 .- The sole object of this society shall be to encourage home industry, the agricul- tural interest and the improvement of agricul- tural implements and stock in the County of Crawford.

ARTICLE 3 .- As soon as thirty persons have en- rolled themselves as members by signing this Constitution, the Society shall be organized by the election of Officers which shall consist of one President, three Vice-Presidents, one Treasurer, one Corresponding Secretary, one Recording Sec- retary, and an Executive Committee to consist of twelve members who, together, shall form an Executive Board. They shall be elected annu- ally and hold office until their successors are chosen, and perform their respective duties with- out charge to the Society.

ARTICLE 4 .- It shall be the duty of the Presi- dent or, in his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents, to preside at all meetings of the Board and of the Society ; through the Corresponding Secre- tary call special meetings, giving at least two weeks notice previous to such meetings; shall draw all drafts on the Treasurer for premiums or other expenditures of the Society, which drafts shall be countersigned by the Recording Secretary, and shall deliver, or have delivered, an address at the annual meeting of the Society.

ARTICLE 5 .- It shall be the duty of the Vice- President to assist the President in the per- formance 'of his duties and they shall form a Board of inspection to conduct the annual elec- tion of officers.

ARTICLE 6 .- It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and collect the annual sub- scription from the members and donations in aid of the Society, to pay out the same for premiums or other expenditures of the Society on the order of the acting President ; shall render a written account as often as required to the Board of the amount of the Society's funds in his hands, and a report to be read at the annual meeting containing the items of the annual re- ceipts and expenditures of the Society.

ARTICLE 7 .- It shall be the duty of the Record- ing Secretary to keep a full record of the pro- ceedings of the Society in a plain and intelligent manner, its election of officers, list of premiums offered and awarded, together with the names and residences of the persons offering the same, the prices for which they will sell the same or similar articles to members of the Society or others, and the kinds of home manufacture or produce, if any, that will be received in ex- change; shall furnish each of the officers of the Society a copy of the Constitution and By-laws and a list of the articles for which premiums are offered; the records to be at all times free for the inspection of any member of the Society.

ARTICLE 8 .- It shall be the duty of the Cor- responding Secretary to hold correspondence with the officers and members of the Society and with other Societies, to keep a record of all ex- penditures ordered by the Board and prepare such proceedings of the Society for publication as may, by the Executive Committee, be required.

ARTICLE 9 .- It shall be the duty of the Execu- tive Board to make appointments of the time of holding the Annual Fair or Exhibition, to make out as early in the year as practicable a list of crops, stock and other articles for which pre- miums will be offered ; to procure the premiums for presentation, appoint the different committees of judges (which shall consist of three mem- bers each) to inspect the articles and stock of- fered for exhibition and award the premiumns and certificate offered by the Society. The Board shall also give timely notice of the place of holding the Fair and make all necessary arrangements for conducting the same; shall avail themselves of all the means in their power to become acquainted with the agricultural im- provements in other counties, or State, for the benefit of this Society; may, if consistent with the means of this Society and if approved of by a majority of the Society present at any meet- ing, introduce from other States or counties whatever they may think materially calculated to improve the agricultural interest of this county, whether it consist of improved stock, seeds, farming utensils, additional articles of cul- tivation or improved modes of culture, and make such disposition of the same for the benefit of this Society they may think proper. Shall visit the members of the Society at their residences in their respective neighborhood at least twice a year, for the purpose of consultation, imparting information or deriving knowledge from them for the benefit of the Society at large.

ARTICLE 10 .- The Executive Board, when as- sembled in their official capacity, shall represent the Society and may pass what by-laws they may deem necessary for the better regulation of the Society not incompatible with this Constitu- tion, and their will, expressed by a majority present, shall govern this Society in all matters except altering or amending the constitution.

ARTICLE 11 .- The President, or one of the Vice-Presidents, the Corresponding and Record-

657

CRAWFORD COUNTY

ing Secretaries, or, in the absence of either of the Secretaries, one appointed pro tempore, and seven members of the Executive Committee shall form a quorum to do business; provided, such notice as is required in the fourth article has been given the other members of the Board or when they meet pursuant to adjournment.

ARTICLE 12 .-- The annual election of officers after the first shall take place on the last day of the Fair. The vote shall be given by ballot and a regular record of the same kept by the Recording Secretary. The person having the highest number of votes for President shall be President; those having the second, third and fourth highest numbers of votes for President shall be the first, second and third Vice-Presi- dents. Those having the highest number of votes for the other offices shall be considered duly elected, their duties to commence immediately after the election. Three of the present mem- bers shall be nominated to act as judges, and two as clerks of the first election, after which said duties shall be performed by the Vice-Presi- dents and Secretaries.

ARTICLE 13 .- No alterations or amendments of any part of this Constitution shall be made but at the annual meeting of the Society, two months regular notice being given of such proposed alterations or amendments, and to effect which two-thirds of the members present shall con- cern (vote).

ARTICLE 14 .- All the Officers of this Society shall be citizens of the County of Crawford, and none but members of the Society will be al- lowed to compete for premiums offered except such ladies as belong to the family of a member. Ladies may, however, become members by the payment of one-half the sum required from others, be entitled to all the privileges of other members and have the additional privilege of voting by proxy.

The annual exhibition may be held at any place the Board may direct in the County of Crawford and at least six months notice shall be given of the crops, articles and animals for which premiums will be offered.

Approved September 17, 1842.

NATHAN MUSGRAVE, Chairman.

C. H. Fitch, Secretary.

A sufficient number having signed the consti- tution, an election was held the same day and, on the 29th, for officers, which resulted as fol- lows :

President-John Houston. Vice-Presidents- Wm. N. Steel, Wm. Wilson, Nathan Musgrave, Treasurer-Findlay Paull. Corresponding Sec- retary-C. H. Fitch. Recording Secretary-W. B. Barker. Executive Committee-James B. Trimble, J. S. Otey, Robert C. Smith, R. C. Mor- ris, Wm. Highsmith, Nelson Hawley, Frederick

Mail, Eli Adams, David Meskimmons. John New- lin, Jr., J. D. Shepherd, Jonathan Purcell .

The following citizens are signers of the Con- stitution and became members of the Society :

John Housten,

F. Mail,

P. O. Wilson, Harriet Vaughn,

Jonathan Purcell, T. V. Swearingen,

J. H. Wilson, Elisha Fitch.

G. U. Smith,

E. S. Young,

Nancy Alexander, Joel Minnick,

A. M. Nuttall,

Wm. Mitchel,

John B. Harper,

A. P. Harness,

Jas. B. Trimble,

W. B. Baker,

W. T. Grimes,

James Bradberry,

Edwin Fitch,

Eli Adams,

D. Meskimmon,

Wm. Wilson,

J. M. McLain,

B. H. McDowell,

A. C. French,

Isaac Walters,

S. Goodridge,

John Newlin,

Wm. Highsmith,

R. C. Wilson,

J. D. Shepherd,

Nelson Hawley,

David McGahey,

Thos. W. Boring,

G. B. Wilkins,

D. J. Martin,

John Newlin, Jr.

Allen McGahey,

W. M. Hurst,

T. F. Boatwright,

John Knight,

John Harness,

Richard G. Morris,

A. L. Brubaker,

W. N. Steel,

H. Hager,

James S. Otey,

E. G. Cozins,

I. O. Harness,

David Logan,

Jesse Vaughn,

R. C. Smith,

J. M. Logan, Joseph Sweringen,

P. C. Barlow,

C. H. Fitch, Findley Paull,

Osmond McGahey,

Abigail Phelps.

Jacob Walters,

P. H. Nuttall,

Nathan Musgrave,

John Buntain.

This constitution was a model of excellence and was written in the neat hand-writing of Chester H. Fitch, an old and respected citizen of this county, who held the office of Surveyor. Augustus C. French was twice Governor of Illi- nois. Col. John Huston, its President, was an old and respected citizen, who held many posi- tions of trust in our county. Several of the members of the Society were officers of the coun- ty and all held high positions in Society.

No other Fairs were held in our county until 1856. The following account will be interesting :

A large number of citizens of Crawford County met at Robinson on the Sth day of March, 1856, for the purpose of forming a County Agricultural

W. McDowell,

658

CRAWFORD COUNTY

Society, the object of which would be to ad- vance the industrial interest of the county in all its Departments. Isaac Wilkins, Esq., was called to the chair and J. R. Whitaker was chosen Secretary protem. The object of the meeting was briefly stated by W. H. Sterrett, Esq. On motion of Samuel Park the following resolution was adopted :

"Resolved, That all persons feeling an interest in the object of this meeting are invited to par- ticipate in its deliberation."

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Illinois, Crawford County historical and biographical, Part 131

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn Publication date: 1909 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1058

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn
Publication date: 1909
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1058