USA > Illinois > Illinois, historical and statistical, comprising the essential facts of its planting and growth as a province, county, territory, and state, Vol. I > Part 36
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51
With the tide of immigration which set in after 1832, came in increasing numbers the missionaries from New England. They were generally fresh from college, and had a much larger acquaintance with books, than with men and things. Their methods were not popular with Western people, who approved neither their precise manners, their correct mode of speaking, their wearing fine clothes, their extreme anti-slavery senti- ments, nor, least of all, their persistent and ever-recurring Sun- day collections. The people were accustomed to an animated, even boisterous style of preaching, and craved spiritual excite- ment. They believed in a demonstrative religion, induced by the stirring of the feelings to their very depths; and were but little interested in, or affected by, a sermon read from manu- script, in a low tone of voice. Still these devoted missionaries persevered, under great difficulties, and even hardships at times, in the establishment of churches-chiefly Presbyterian-in organizing Sunday-schools and Bible societies, and in securing funds for the building of houses of worship. Under their min- istrations, families no longer sat apart-the males on one side of the church and the females on the other, but were grouped together on one seat.
The most striking result of their labors, however, was seen in
397
SOCIAL INFLUENCE OF CHURCHES.
the prominence given to an intellectual over an emotional relig- ion. They sought to replace mere excitement by a sober conviction of duty, and it is not too much to say that the faith of their congregations was strengthened through the elevation of their minds to a higher plane of thought. While these missionaries were generally under the thorough influence of their creeds, they were self-denying and steadfast in their labors. And although they never succeeded in making much impression upon the western - country people, the churches established by them were well-founded and have continued to prosper and multiply.
By reason of the convergence of so many diverse forces and elements, which burst upon the young State, as it were, in a day, wonderful changes, transformations, and amalgamations took place in the habits and lives of the people.
One of the most marked results following the establishment of churches from Eastern material, was the impovement in church music. The education of the missionary himself had not been neglected in this direction, and through the efforts of the "singing-master" whom he invited and encouraged, a radi- cal reform in this respect was effected. The old patent-note singing-books, with their tunes generally in minor keys, were exchanged for the better and more modern collections of Low- ell Mason and others; and men began to see that for the pro- duction of harmonic effects in the mingling of voices, something more was required than mere noise. With the training which improved methods produced, more satisfactory results were accomplished. Indeed, among the influences at work, in mould- ing the character and forming the tastes of the young people of that period, the education of the singing-school, which gave a new direction to their attention, and afforded at once instruc- tion and enjoyment, was not the least important.
The impetus given to religious movements, as evidenced by the spread of churches and Sunday-schools which kept even pace with the increasing population, undoubtedly exerted a decidedly controlling influence upon the social no less than the moral well-being of the community. The people were brought together more frequently, and saw much more of each other and their new neighbors than they had theretofore. New ideas
398
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
of dress and of manners were acquired, emulation was awa- kened, and industry stimulated to attain better and more desirable ends. The old shanty gave place to a better log- cabin, the coon-skin cap for one made of wool, the linsey hunting-shirt to a coat made of cloth, the short, striped or cross-barred cotton or woolen frock to more stylish gowns made of calico or silk, and the deerskin moccason, to shoes of leather. And Sunday, which had been as other days, or passed in strolling through the woods and fields or in visiting, began to be looked forward to, especially by the younger peo- ple, with joyful anticipations, as a day on which to adorn them- selves in their bright new clothes, and as an occasion for meet- ing their acquaintances in the neighboring chapel or school- house.
And it was a fact which none could fail to observe, that in those communities where they had the best meeting-houses, where services and Sunday-schools were the most regularly attended, and the day-school well sustained, there was the best order, the most enlightened and progressive society; while in those neighborhoods where religion was ignored, where the Sab- bath brought no change, and ministers were unwelcome guests, the population was uncouth, ignorant, and retrogressive-if not vicious.
A better acquaintance resulted in the formation of closer relations between the old and new settlers, and the gradual attrition of the sharper points of difference. Each class became more willing to listen to and adopt important and valuable suggestions as to modes of living and trading. The settler from the East grew to be more liberal in his views, more frank and hearty in his demeanor, and more social in his intercourse with his neighbors; while the settler from the South learned habits of caution, industry, close farming, economy, and enter- prise. In fact, it came to be said that when a Kentuckian fairly set himself to the task of sharp trading he could put even a Yankee to the blush."
* A story is told of one of these who had impressed upon his own son the desira- bility of emulating in matters of business the example of his neighbors from the East. In the receptive mind of the youth the seed thus sown fell into fertile soil, and was well-cultivated. One day his father sent him to town to sell a calf, and how well he succeeded in the transaction was thus told by a neighbor who met him returning home. "Well, sir," he said, "what do you think? I'll be blowed if he
399
INFLUENCE OF LAWYERS.
The merchant, with his large stocks of goods, groceries and manufactured articles, including not only what might be termed necessaries, but even luxuries, tempted the pioneer to add very greatly to his hitherto meagre supplies, and extend his rela- tions with trade .*
No recital of the plastic influence at work in Illinois at this time would be complete, however, which failed to accord a posi- tion in the foreground to the lawyer. He was as ubiquitous as the "circuit-rider," whom he emulated in the mode and extent of his travels; except that the preacher went alone, while the lawyers went together. He followed the judge around the cir- cuit, and like his clerical prototype carried with him all that he had in the way of physical and intellectual outfit. As the number of circuits was multiplied, popular interest in courts of justice widened and deepened; the court-room was filled, not only with suitors, their witnessess and friends, but with a gaping crowd of onlookers attracted by their interest in local quarrels, who never tired of the exciting proceedings.
A jury-trial of this period not only supplied the place of theatres, the lecture and concert room, but formed a valuable agency in the education of the people, as well in regard to legal knowledge as in the broad fundamental principles which underlie the framework of civil government. The wit and eloquence of the advocate delighted, while the dignified bearing of the judge impressed them. The lawyers, appreciating the fact that suc- cess in their forensic tilts led to professional preferments, no less than to political advancement-and few of them were not politicians-were stimulated to put forth their best efforts.
Such at this time were the forces at work to evolve from the social chaos, incident to a new community, the civic order which characterizes that mighty aggregation of wealth, power, and influence which constitutes the Illinois of today.
did'nt have a respectable pony, nine dollars in money, and the identical calf he started with in the morning."
* It often happened that the useful and improved articles brought in and purchased were as strange as they were new. A farmer having seen for the first time in the Black - Hawk War a team driven abreast in harness sent for a set, but when it arrived he found himself totally unable to adjust it to the horses, and had to send ten miles for a man who knew how to put the harness, the horses and wagon properly together .- "Gabriel Jones' autograph letters. Vol. 19, Chicago Historical Society's Collections. "
CHAPTER XXVII.
Administration of Gov. Duncan-Ninth General Assembly -Election of United-States Senator-Abraham Lin- coln - Laws- Tenth General Assembly -Internal- Improvement System - Illinois - and - Michigan Canal -Removal of the Capital-Lincoln and Douglas- National Politics-Killing of Lovejoy-1834-1838.
TN 1834, there were four candidates for governor, namely, Joseph Duncan, James Adams, William Kinney, for the second time, and Robert K. McLaughlin, an uncle of Duncan, who had served four years as State treasurer, and six years in the legislature. Gov. Duncan remained at Washington attend- ing to his duties as a member of congress during the entire campaign, reaching his constituents solely through newspapers and by circulars-the only instance in this State of the election of a governor who had not been personally present, and actively engaged in making speeches or otherwise conducting the can- vass. Although formerly an ardent admirer of Andrew Jack- son and a strong supporter of his administration, he had become convinced that the policy which his adherents must endorse, was neither wise nor safe, and had accordingly allied himself with the opposition. Had the change in his views been cer- tainly known to the electors, the result might have been differ- ent; but although his defection was suspected and was charged against him, such was the confidence of the people in his fitness for the position, that he was elected by a flattering majority, the vote standing for Duncan 17,349, Kinney 10,229, McLaugh- lin 4,315, Adams 887.
At the same election there were three candidates for lieuten- ant-governor -Alexander M. Jenkins, who received 13,795 votes, James Evans 8609, and William B. Archer 7573.
Joseph Duncan removed to Illinois in 1818, from Paris, Ky., where he was born February 22, 1794. His father Maj. Joseph Duncan, of the regular army, had emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky in 1790, and had five sons, all of whom received a
400
401
GOV. JOSEPH DUNCAN.
collegiate education except Joseph. Capt. Matthew Duncan, also of the regular army, and a brother of the governor, came to Illinois four years earlier, and founded at Kaskaskia the first newspaper published in the State.
At the outbreak of the War of 1812, Joseph Duncan, true to the martial instincts and military fame of his family, was among the first to enlist; and, although young in years, soon attained distinction, and was promoted to a lieutenancy. In 1834, congress, by joint resolution, instructed the president to present him and other officers named therein each with a sword "as a testimony of the high sense entertained by congress, of the gallantry and good conduct displayed in the brilliant and memorable defense of Fort Stephenson." In 1823, he was commissioned as major-general of the Illinois militia, and in the following year was elected to the State senate. He began his service in congress March 4, 1827, and resigned his seat in 1834, to accept the position of governor .*
Upon assuming the duties of the executive office after a service of eight years in congress, Gov. Duncan found that as regarded population and enterprise, Illinois had undergone a marked change since the day upon which he had left the State senate. The counties of Greene, Morgan, and Sangamon alone con- tained more people than did the entire Territory when it applied for admission into the Union. But if the State had grown in population and advanced in the development of her material resources, the ideas of the governor had broadened in a cor- responding ratio. His congressional experience had afforded him not only a wider acquaintance with public men and a keener insight into public business, but it had also enlarged and enlightened his views on all questions relating to the successful administration of the internal affairs of a great commonwealth.
The first session of the ninth general assembly began Dec. I, 1834. James Semple of Madison County was elected speaker without opposition. David Prickett was for the third time
* Returning home he met his old friend John Reynolds who had resigned the governorship to take his seat in congress. After a cordial greeting, Duncan said, " Well, governor, we are changing horses here, ar'n't we? You are going from gover- nor to congress, and I am going from congress to governor." "Yes," said the old ranger, "and we are changing horses politically, too. You are riding the Yankee mule, and I am going to keep straddle of Old Hickory."
26
402
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
elected clerk of the house, Walter B. Scates, assistant clerk, Ebenezer Z. Ryan, engrossing and enrolling clerk, and William C. Murphy, doorkeeper. Leonard White was elected secretary of the senate, and Robert M. Gordon, sergeant-at-arms.
A majority of the senate were old members; among those now entering upon their first term were, Benjamin Bond, Cyrus Edwards, William J. Gatewood, John S. Hacker, Archer G. Herndon, James W. Stephenson, Edmund D. Taylor, and Wm. Thomas. The new members of the house who soon rose into prominence as leaders were, Milton Carpenter, Newton Cloud, Jesse K. Dubois, Jesse B. Thomas, jr., Edwin B. Webb, Orlando B. Ficklin, Charles Dunn, William Manly, and William Ross. Among these also was Abraham Lincoln.
In the message of Wm. L. D. Ewing, acting governor, the financial condition of the State was the chief topic discussed. In addition to its indebtedness of $100,000, called the "Wig- gins' Loan," the sum of $117,276 had been by this time diverted from the school and seminary fund-a forced loan used to defray ordinary expenditures.
The inaugural of Gov. Duncan was mainly devoted to the discussion of the benefits to be derived from the establishment of a system of public schools, which he strongly recommended, and the importance of constructing the Illinois-and-Michigan Canal. He indeed recommended the adoption of a general system of internal improvements, without specifically suggest- ing the manner in which it should be carried out. He was also the first to recommend in this address, the passage of a homestead-exemption law, remarking that "such an act would have a tendency to induce every family, however poor, to pro- cure a permanent home, and would further tend to make our population more stationary, and secure the families of the unfortunate against those casualties and misfortunes to which we are all liable." In the management of the affairs of State the governor commends this general policy, "nor is it desirable that the people should be entirely relieved from the burden of supporting the government, lest they might become indiffer- ent to its administration, careless in selecting their officers, and less vigilant in scrutinizing their public conduct. To keep the government poor, and the people rich, is a political maxim
403
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.
which ought never to be forgotten by those who are charged with preserving the purity of our institutions, and jealously guarding those principles in our constitution, which secure the rights, the power, and freedom of the people."
The two houses met in joint session December 20, for the purpose of electing a United-States senator. The candidates were Gen. Robinson to succeed himself, and Richard M. Young. The former was successful, receiving 47 votes to 30 for the latter.
This general assembly also witnessed at different periods the usual contests over the election of other officers as follows: for auditor, in which James T. B. Stapp was reelected; for treas- urer, in which John Dement was again successful; and for attorney general, which resulted in favor of Ninian W. Edwards. On January 14, the following circuit judges were elected- Stephen T. Logan, Sidney Breese, Henry Eddy, Justin Harlan, and Thomas Ford.
In the distribution of places on the committees, Mr. Lincoln was assigned to that on public accounts and expenditures. His first act as a member was to give notice that he would ask leave to introduce a bill limiting the jurisdiction of justices-of- the-peace-a measure which he was successful in carrying through. His next appearance on the floor of the house, was in making a motion to change the rules, so that "it shall not be in order to offer amendments to any bill after its third reading," which was not agreed to, although it has been long since adopted by all legislative bodies. His next motion was to take from the table a report which had been submitted by his com- mittee, which also met with a like fate. His first resolution, relating to a State revenue to be derived from the sales of the public lands, was denied a reference, and laid upon the table.
The failure of these several initiatory efforts seems to have had a depressing influence upon him, as his name does not again appear upon the journals, except in the roll-calls, where it was invariably recorded. It is said however by his fellow-members that on two or three occasions he arose in his place and spoke briefly upon pending questions, without giving any special promise, however, of ability as a debater or speaker. He seemed rather to be feeling his way, and taking the measure of the
404
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
rising men around him, with whom he might at no distant day come in contact.
Jesse K. Dubois, Mr. Lincoln's life-long friend, also a new member, took a more prominent part in the proceedings than he, and while they were personally friendly they ranged them- selves on different sides. Mr. Lincoln supported Young for senator, and Dubois, Robinson. Lincoln favored the canal while Dubois opposed it.
Among the laws passed at this session were the following: to incorporate the Bank of the State of Illinois; for the distrib- ution of the school-fund; and for the construction of the Illin- ois-and-Michigan Canal, in which provision was made for a loan of $500,000, and for a board of commissioners, who were authorized to contract for work thereon.
A law was also passed authorizing the school commissioners of Cook County to loan to the county of Cook for the purpose of erecting a court-house, twelve thousand dollars, at a rate of interest not less than ten per cent per annum.
When the legislature had completed its work, the members feeling doubtless that they had been faithful in the discharge of their public functions and ought to express their thanks therefor, as well as have their spiritual strength renewed, requested a minister who was present to close the session with prayer. He signifying that it would afford him pleasure to do so, the concluding minute on the journal records the fact that "the Rev. Mr. Hunter, then addressed a prayer to the Throne of Grace, after which the speaker adjourned the house."
The second session of the ninth general assembly was con- vened Dec. 7, 1835, in pursuance of a resolution recommending the same adopted at the first session -- the principal object being to apportion the State into legislative districts under the census of 1835. The governor in his message called atten- tion to the fact that the canal commissioners appointed under the law of the previous session, had failed to negotiate a loan and suggested a revision of the law.
The governor also referred to the demand for other internal improvements, observing that "while I would urge the most liberal support of all such measures as tending with perfect certainty to increase the wealth and prosperity of the State,
405
ELECTION OF UNITED-STATES SENATOR.
I would at the same time most respectfully suggest the pro- priety of leaving the construction of all such works wherein it can be done consistently with the general interest, to individual enterprise"-which advice, had it been heeded by the people's representatives, would have been the means of averting many serious evils which afterward befell the State.
A new act for the construction of the canal was passed, giv- ing enlarged powers to the commissioners and pledging the faith of the State for the payment of any loan they might be able to negotiate. Under this law a loan of $100,000 was secured by the governor, with the proceeds of which, work was begun the following June.
The new apportionment law provided for the election of forty-one senators, and ninety-one representatives.
The unexpected demise of Hon. E. K. Kane, which occurred at Washington four days after the meeting of the legislature, devolved upon that body the duty of electing his successor. A decidedly animated contest ensued, the principal candidates being W. L. D. Ewing, James Semple, and Richard M. Young, speaker of the house. It required eleven ballots to reach a result, Young having been dropped on the eighth, although he had more votes than Ewing on the first. Semple and Ewing were twice tied in the subsequent ballotings, the latter at last succeeding by the close vote of forty to thirty-seven. Mr. Lincoln, with nearly all the anti-Jackson men, voted for the successful candidate.
Gen. Ewing was born in Kentucky in 1795. He had for a number of years occupied responsible positions, as an officer and member of the legislature, having presided in both houses. He had also come out of the Black-Hawk War with consider- able credit as a brave and dashing commander. His personal appearance was altogether in his favor, and with agreeable manners, and fair ability as a lawyer, he was quite popular at the capital of the State, where he resided.
Party-lines of demarcation, from this time forward, became more clearly defined. Those who had been supporters of Adams and Clay, and in favor of a national bank, merging other political differences, called themselves whigs, while the followers of Jackson and Van Buren took the name of demo-
406
ILLINOIS-HISTORICAL AND STATISTICAL.
crats. Neither party accorded to the other the name claimed by it, and hence arose the nicknames of federalist for the one and locofocos for the other .*
The first national democratic convention for the nomination of a president and vice-president was held at Baltimore, in May, 1835; at which Martin Van Buren received the nomina- tion for the first office, and Richard M. Johnson for the second. No national whig convention for the nomination of a candidate to oppose Van Buren was held. Gen. Harrison was nominated by several state conventions, and Hugh L. White by the legis- lature of Tennessee, Daniel Webster by the opposition in Massachusetts, and Willie P. Mangum of North Carolina, by the legislature of South Carolina.
Resolutions endorsing the candidacy of Mr. Van Buren being introduced into the house, produced an exciting discussion. Among other questions entering into the debate, was the policy of adopting the "convention system," now first coming into vogue in this State, by which all candidates were to be nomi- nated by party-representative conventions, duly constituted, instead of being brought out by an unauthorized caucus, or by their own announcement. The democrats advocated the conven- tion, and the whigs, knowing themselves to be in the minority, and believing they had better chances of success by preventing the union of their opponents on one candidate, determinedly opposed it. As a result of the discussion, the resolution endors- ing Van Buren was adopted by a vote of thirty to twenty, and that approving of the convention plan, by the close vote of twenty-six to twenty-five.
The election of 1836 was the first popular expression under a new political era. The great popularity of Andrew Jackson, the founder and chief exponent of the democratic party, together with its superior organization and management, enabled Mr. Van Buren to carry the State by 2983 majority.
The tenth general assembly, which convened December 5, 1836, was one of the most remarkable bodies of law-makers
* This latter sobriquet originated this year (1835) in New-York City. One faction of democrats had put out the lights in a public hall to bring a meeting to an abrupt termination; the other faction, having anticipated this move, immediately produced candles, which they ignited with friction, then called locofoco matches, and, relight- ing the hall, continued the meeting to its successful close.
407
TENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
which ever assembled in the legislative halls of Illinois or of any other state. Not only in numerical strength did it sur- pass all preceding legislatures, but none of its successors has even approached it in respect of intellectual calibre, nor has the roll of any included so many names destined to become historic in the annals, not only of the State, but of the Nation.
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.