USA > Illinois > Randolph County > Memoirs of a French village : a chronicle of old Prairie du Rocher, 1722-1972 > Part 2
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It was a sad day for the French in Mid America. Fort Chartres was the last place in America to fly the Bourbon flag of France, the three golden fleur-de lis on a background of blue. When the Bourbon flag was hauled down and the British flag hoisted in its place, an era had ended. Great changes were in the making.
The royal church of Ste. Anne was abandoned and soon fell into disrepair. St. Joseph chapel alone survived, and became the parish church for the area, supplanting, or rather, continuing the mother church of Ste. Anne.
In 1767 the records and sacred vessels of Ste. Anne were transferred to St. Joseph at Prairie du Rocher. The few remaining French at Nouvelle Chartres demanded them back, and a civil suit was entered in the British court. The court awarded them back to Ste. Anne. But by that time the church was without roof, and no priest was stationed there, and for safekeeping these priceless treasures were returned to St. Joseph at Prairie du Rocher, where they remain to this day and are the marvel and admiration of historians.
St. Joseph's Church - Prairie du Rocher
MR. AND MRS. JOHN P. ELLNER
Among the more prominent farmers inhabiting the region of Prairie du Rocher is Mr. John Peter Ellner of Rural Route #2. He'is a native of the State of Missouri, where he was born in the town of Herman on August 18, 1872. However, his parents were of an ad- venturous disposition and not satisfied with the opportunities offered by our neighbor state, removed, in 1876, to Horse Prairie and later, in 1881, to Ruma, Ill. Here the family at length found a pleasant home and remained in that district. Here Mr. Ellner received his education by attending both the public and parochial schools.
His schooling over, he entered upon a busy and eventful life, Fate had not cast him into the lap of luxury, nor ordained that he should live a life of idleness and security. On the contrary, his life is a record of constant application and unremittant effort, as the man climbed ever higher and arrived at last at the very pinnacle of success. After leaving school Mr. Ellner worked on the farm of his parents until his twenty-second year. Then he spent four more years working as an assistant to several other farmers. Finally he saw himself able to become the manager of a farm, and in the year 1900 he rented a farm of 120 acres. This farm it has been his sole ambition to improve and make a model for all who behold it.
In the same year he was married. Mrs. Ellner was the daughter of Joseph Myerscough
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of Hecker, Ill. In that town she was born March 6, 1876. At the early age of 11 years she began to work for her subsistence, and continued to be thus employed until her marriage. The couple have two children, Albert John and Cecilia M. C. Ellner. They have applied themselves to such purpose that Mr. Ellner was able to purchase the farm in a few years. It was in 1916 that he became the proprietor. He says that this remarkable success is due to the fact that work is his hobby.
Mr. Ellner is affiliated with the Republican party. His wife is a member of the Alter Society.
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Ellner
St. Joseph Church, the village of Prairie du Rocher, and Fort Chartres are the only liv- ing remnants of the attempt at a French empire in Mid America. Founded under the royal patronage of the Bourbon Kings of France both parish and town have survived the Bourbon kings themselves, the British rule, and finally the founding and development of the United States of America.
St. Joseph Church venerable in its antiquity and the village of Prairie du Rocher are the only living monument of the French power in Mid America. The sacred vessels inheri- ted from the mother church of Ste. Anne are the only usable relics of a colorful epoch that ended on a note of tragedy.
The present church building dates from 1850, and was inspired by the churches of Rome. Two residents of Prairie du Rocher, returning from the Holy Year of 1850, agitated for a new church. The foundations were laid to the right of the old log church, but in 1851 came the great flood. It seemed imprudent to continue to build the new church there, for the floods had surrounded the site, cutting off access from the rest of the village. So the foundations were abandoned, and the church built at this present site. The Romanesque style, especially the flat ceiling, were copied after the famous basilicas and churches of Rome. The corner stone was laid July 19, 1858. St. Joseph was never an Indian Mission but was for the French from the Start. It is thus the only truly French parish in the diocese.
A careful examination of the parish registers reveals various important data besides the simple narrative of baptisms, marriages and deaths. The entries are all made in French. It is regretted that only three badly tattered leaflets remain of the first parish register extending to October, 1743. These pages record merely baptisms, which are signed by the Jesuit Fathers, Ignatius Le Boullenger and Nicolas Ignatius de Beaubois. Le Boullenger appears to have been the founder of the parish, and Charlecois states that in 1721, when he visited the Illinois County; Father Joseph Francis de Kercben, S. J., assisted him. Beaubois was stationed at Kaskaskia. The Jesuits probably remained in charge of the parish until Father J. Gagnon assumed the postulate in 1743.
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Priests Who Served St. Joseph Church, Prairie du Rocher
Ignatius Le Boullenger, S. J. 1721-1726
Nicholas Ignatius de Beaubois, S. J. 1726 J. Gagnon, Pretre Miss. Apost. 1743-1755 Nicolas Laurenz, Pretre Miss. Apost. 1747; Pierre Mercier, V. G. Philibert Watrin, S. J. 1744 and 1760 (of Quebec, 1749) Forget Duverger, Fr. Miss. Apost. 1757-1759 Francis John Baptiste Aubert, S. J. 1758-17-59 Hypolyte Collet, Recollect Miss. 1757-1764 Luc Collet, Recollect Miss. 1762-1765 Sebastian Louis Meurin, S. J. 1765-1777, V.G.
Pierre Gibault 1770-1791, V.G. of Quebec
De · St. Pierre 1785-1792, Cure de Ste. Genevieve
De Valinierre 1786-1788, V.G.
Le Dru 1789-1792, Cure des Kaskaskias
Levadoux, V.G. 1792
Gabriel, Richard 1793-1798 C. Lusson 1798 H.F. Didier 1798
J. Fr. Rivet, V.G. of Baltimore 1798-1799
Donation Oliver 1798-1827
John Timon, C.M. 1826-1827, later Bishop of Buffalo
Pierre Vergani, C.M. 1827-1828 Francis Cellini, 1827, 1830 P.J. Doutrelluingue, C.M. 1829-1830
Vital Van Cloosterell, 1832-1854
A. Mascaroni 1830-1831 John Francis Regis Loisel 1830 Fr. Borgna 1830 Victor Paillaison 1830, 1831 J.N. Odin, C.M. 1832
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E. Dupuy 1832
P. Lefevre 1833
N.J. Perrin 1855-1859
Francis Recouvreur 1860, 1862
J.A. Jacque 1861, 1862
Henry Fredrick Frohboese 1864-1876
Anthony Vogt 1876
Charles Krewet 1876-1902; James Gillen 1899-1902
Charles Eschmann 1902-1911
William Van Delft 1911-1940; Stephen Freund 1940
Raymond L. Harbaugh 1940-1948
Elmer J. Holtgrave 1948-1956
Theodore Siekmann 1956-1968; Walter MacPherson & Ralph Haas
Jerome B. Ratermann 1968-1971
Eugene Bungay 1971-
H
Church and Rectory as originally built in 1858 and 1868 Respectively.
MR. AND MRS. GEORGE J. SEITZ
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George J. Seitz, the well-known liquor dealer, was born August 11, 1870, in Ste. Gene- vieve, Mo. After attending the public and parochial schools, learned the trade of butcher and at the age of 20 went to St. Louis, working at his trade for some time; then he returned to Ste. Genevieve, and in 1894 he went to Prairie du Rocher, working for Mr. Hauck, the butcher. From 1906 to 1910 he conducted a hotel and two years later, in 1912, he started a saloon and has conducted it ever since.
Mr. Seitz is a Democrat, and is popular. He acquired considerable property, and is the owner of a 260-acre farm, besides saloon and residence property.
Mr. Seitz was president of the school board for nine years and served as member of the village board for six years. He is also a member of the Prairie du Rocher band, playing the trombone. He was married to Mary E. Menard April 27, 1905, and to their union were born three boys, George L., Walter E., and Valentine M. Seitz, and two girls, Melba M. and Genevieve G. Seitz.
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Mr. Seitz is fond of hunting and fishing, and is well-known in this section of the country.
Mrs. George J. Seitz, who is the daughter of Edmund E. Menard of Prairie du Rocher, Ill., was born here March 21, 1873, and is a grandniece of Pierre Menard, the distinguished pioneer settler of Illinois, also first Lieutenant governor. Her first husband, John Brickey, to whom she was married in 1894, died in 1903. There were no children to this union. Her husband was a son of F. W. Brickey, the well-known mill proprietor.
George J. Seitz
Mrs. George J. Seitz
Residence of George J. Seitz, Prairie du Rocher
JOSEPH EICHENSEER
Joseph Eichenseer, farmer, was born September 17, 1870, in Madonnaville, Monroe County, Ill. His present address is Red Bud, Randolph County, Ill., Rural Route No. 3. He attended the parochial school, after which he worked for his father until 1902.
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On November 9, 1898, he was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Mary Vogt, The family was blessed with three children, all boys, vix: Henry A., Albert G. and Emil W. Eichenseer.
Mrs. Joseph Eichenseer is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Vogt, and was born June 11, 1878, near Red Bud, Ill. After attending the parochial school she assisted her parents in the household duties until her marriage.
His present farm of 100 acres was willed to him by his father, Joseph Eichenseer.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Eichenseer
SOCIAL LIFE OF EARLY SETTLERS
* LA-GUI-ANNEE*
Prairie du Rocher is the only place in Illinois that will on New Year's eve celebrate a French custom which was brought to Illinois in 1699 and has been performed yearly by the residents of their native countrymen since the middle ages.
The French, who settled in the Prairie du Rocher-Kaskaskia-Cahokia area, surrendered themselves with all the religious, political and social customs of their native France. Among their social customs relating to the new year was La Gui-annee.
The celebration of La Gui-annee had been a social custom in France 500 years before these people brought it to Illinois, and in that early day was an answer to certain social conditions of the time. The performers were the poor who sang with sacks in their hands and hopes in their heart of a gift of food for their New Year's feast.
From the records of old St. Louis, La Gui-annee was being sung there in 1804. However, there was no pressure of poverty at the fort but the singers were in costume and carried baskets as well as sacks. They were using the occasion to collect food and wine for serving at a masked ball which was the next social event of the new year.
At Prairie du Rocherk La Gui-annee is strictly a social event. The residents turn on their porch lights to invite the singers. The performers are costumed and sing one verse outside the house; the house-holder invites them in and they start their song over. After it is finished, the singers and those present exchange New Year's greetings and the hos- tess serves refreshments.
To imagine how it was, let us go back. It is 7:30 P.M. New Year's Eve in Prairie du Rocher
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GEORGE EICHENSEER
George Eichenseer, farmer, was born September 11, 1878, in Madonnaville, Monroe County, Ill. He attended the parochial and public schools and then worked for his father up to the present time. On April 16, 1907, he was married to Miss Mary Anna Hoef. One son was born to them, Karl Joseph Eichenseer.
Mr. Eichenseer is the owner of a 140 acre farm. His wife was born October 25, 1885, in Prairie du Rocher, Ill. After receiving her education she assisted her parents in house- hold duties until she was married. Mr. Eichenseer is a hard worker and has many friends.
George Eichenseer Karl Mrs. G. Eichenseer
John Eichenseer
Mrs. J. Eichenseer
JOHN EICHENSEER
John Eichenseer, who gets his mail through Red Bud, Ill., Rural Route No. 3, was born March 3, 1863, in Madonnaville, Monroe County, Ill. After leaving the parochial and and public schools he worked for his father until his marriage, which took place October 28, 1890. Miss Mary Wierschem was his bride. Then he bought a farm of eighty acres, and hås lived here ever since.
Mr. Eichenseer reared a family of ten children - four sons, Vincent A., Leo William, Herman A., and Bernhard F; six daughters, Ida E., Christina A., Theresia A., Veronica F., Anastasia M. and Angela M.
Mr. Eichenseer is a Democrat and is well known in the community.
Mrs. Eichenseer (nee Wierschem) was born July 19, 1870, in Madonnaville, Ill., and af- ter her school days assisted her parents until her marriage.
You are waiting on a residential street not too far from the business district-all the houses have their porch lights on-as you look up and down the street, you see the houses bright and cheerful, still wearing their Christmas decorations. You are standing with a group of people, they too are waiting-you hear the distant murmur of voices and looking in the direction of the sound, see a shadowy group of people-you watch as they walk up the street toward you, the lights of a passing car falls upon them and you can see that they are in costume-there is someone walking ahead, leading them up the street.
The scene excites you and you find yourself trying to visualize how it would have looked two hundred and seventy three years ago -- log cabins, candles flickering in the windows-a sleigh going down the street; but you have no time, you must watch to see which of the houses they will choose for their first call.
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They turn from the street and go through an opening where once hung a wrought iron gate, and up the walk-they stop and stand at the edge of the porch.
You notice that everyone has become quiet - it is the strange silence of anticipation - you see him raise his arm, and you hear a cane tapping time on the porch - you say to yourself, this is La Gui-annee. The musicians start to play and sing the first verse. As they finish, the musicians start over; this time the costumed group behind him repeats the verse.
The householder, with a flourish of surprise, throws open the door and invites them in. After they enter, you again hear the music and the song. This time they will sing it in its entirety to the "Good Master and Mistress of the house and lodgers all."
You lean on the wrought iron fence, close your eyes and shutting out the words you cannot understand, listen to the music. It is folk music, plaintive and simple. Such music, you realize, always remains interesting and delightful - the song is ended.
JOHN SHEA
John Shea, farmer, of Red Bud, Illinois, Rural Route #3, was born June 20, 1858, in Randolph County, near Prairie du Rocher. He attended the public school and then worked for his father, Michael Shea, until 1880, when he rented a farm near Prairie du Rocher, and in 1885, he moved to the present location, where he still resides.
On September 25, 1883, he was united in the holy bonds of wedlock to Miss Katherine Faherty. Six children came to bless the family ties - two sons, William M. and Harry J .; four daughters, Mary C., Julia A., Ellen S. and Gertrude C. Shea.
Mrs. Shea died April 21, 1915.
Mr. Shea was a trustee of the Ruma Church for nine years. He is well known through- out this section and is very popular.
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Mr. and Mrs. John Shea
ANTON SIEGFRIED
Anton Siegfried, whose address is Red Bud, Ill., Rural Route #3, was born in Elsass, Germany, July 26, 1852. After leaving school he worked for his father on a farm until 1872, when he emigrated to America, direct to Red Bud. For a while he worked on a farm, and in
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1876 rented a farm. In 1888 he became a dealer in cattle and hogs. In 1891 he went to Ruma and opened a meat market. Seven years later he also opened a general merchandise store. Mr. Siegfried did not confine his buying to live stock, but also bought and sold farm lands. In 1910 he turned the meat market over to his sons and devotes his entire time to his merchandise business.
Mr. Siegfried was married August 22, 1878, to Miss Mary Melly. Eight children were born to them, Arnold J., Leo J., Emil A. and Max M. Siegfried.
Mr. Siegfried is a Democrat. He was a member of the school board for three years, and president of the Village of Ruma for two years. Besides owning the store he also owns a 120 acre farm.
Mrs. Anton Siegfried is the daughter of Mike Melly. She was born May 29, 1852, in Belleville, Ill. At the age of 7 years her parents moved to Red Bud, Ill.
* LA GUI-ANNEE*
Bon soir la maitre et la maitress Et tout le monde du logis Pour le dernier jour de lannee La Guiannee vous nous devez
Si vous ne voules nous rein donne dites nous le,
Nous vous demondous suelemant one echinee,
Une echinee n'est past gran-chose Elle n'a que quatre pieds de long; Et nous enferens une fricassee De quart-vingt-dix pieds de long
Si vous ne voluez nous rein donne dites nous le.
Nous vous demandons seulement la fille ainnee:
·Et nous lui ferons faire bonne chere nous lui ferons chauffer les pieds
Quand nous fumes aux milieux des bois nous fumes a lombre,
J'ai attendue le coucou chanter et la colombe; Et le rosignol du vert bocage L'ambassadeur des amoureaux, Va aller dire a ma maitresse Qu'elle ait toujours le cour joyeux
Qu'elle ait tourjours le coeur Joyeux, point de tristesse Mais ces jeunes filles qu'ont pas d'amants comment font elles Ce sont les amours qui les revillent Et qui les empechent de dormir
Good master and mistress of the house And the lodgers all, good night to you For the last day of the ending year The Lạ Gui annee is to us due.
If it is nothing you will give then let us know,
We ask only a pork back-bone you should bestow.
A pork back-bone is no great prize 'Tis only four feet long, in size
With it we make fricasse, That ten and eight feet in length shall be.
If you don't want to give us anything please let us hear,
We only ask the oldest daughter to appear. With jolly good chear we will her greet and we will warm her chilly feet.
When we were in the midst of the woods in shaded groves
We listen to the cuckoo sing and the turtle dove, And the nightingale of the bower green, As herald of love will go and say
That every my heart is joyous gay My heart is ever filled with joy and sorrow not.
But all the young girls that are loveless; what is their lot? It is love's effects that keeps them wake,
And will not allow them rest to take.
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Nous suppliant la compagnie D'vouloir bien nous excuseer Si nous avous fait quelque folie C'etait pour nous deennuye.
We supplicate the Company it was for our recreation If we have committed any folly to be willing to excuse us.
You hear the clamor of happy voices and laughter, as greetings and good wishes for the New Year are exchanged. You look past the Christmas wreath in the window, and see the hostess with her tray; the faces of the people tell you that La Gui-annee is a warm and friendly occasion.
Soon the jovial group, accompanied by their observers, will stop at another house and repeat this performance. Thus goes La Gui-annee about the town and into the early hours of the new year.
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A look into the past of the character of the early French settlers shows that they were not ambitious for wealth or knowledge, but, as one historian describes them "were con- tent to take the world as it came and endeavored to extract all the enjoyment possible out of life and to avoid its unnecessary cares. All were devout Catholics and punctual in the discharge of their religion duties. They were eminently a social people. Instead of settling on separate farms, like the American pioneers, they clustered together in villages so that they might have the greatest opportunity for social contacts. Their physical wants were easily supplied and the great part of their lives was given to pleasure. The young people delighted in the dance, and this cheerful and innocent diversion was actually carried on under the eye of the Priest and the aged patriarchs of the village who frequently sympa- thized with the spirit of the gay assemblage. Old and young, rich or poor, met together in good feeling and with merriment. It was the usual custom to dance the old year out and the new year in. The numerous festivals of the Catholic church strongly tended to awaken and develop the social and friendly disposition of the people. On the morning of the Sabath they were always found at church, but the rest of the day was devoted to social past times and hospitality and generosity were common virtues.
"Their costume was peculiar. Blue was their favorite color and handkerchiefs of that hue usually adopted the heads of both men and women. No genuine French-man in early times ever wore a hat, cap or coat. The "capot", made of white blanket, was the univer- sal dress for the laboring class of people. In summer the men wore a coarse blue material and in the winter, buckskin. The women wore deerskin moccasins and the men a thicker leather. With that natural aptitude for dress, which seems to belong peculiarly to their nation, the women caught up with the fashions of New Orleans and Paris with great en-
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thusiasm and adopted them, as far as they were able. Notwithstanding their long separa- tion by immense wilderness from civilized society, they still retain all the suavity and politeness of their race. It was said that the roughest hunter, or boatmen among them, could at any time other gay assemble, with the courage and behavior of a well-bred gen- tleman. The women were remarkable for the sprightness of their conversation and the case and elegance of their manners.
"The French were on friendly terms with the Indians and they could easily adapt them- selves to any circumstance, making themselves at home by the camp fires of the savage. When with modes of life and dressed like them.
A Festive Day in 1799
On a certain day in January, 1799, (the exact date cannot now be ascertained) the little village of Prairie du Rocher was all aglow with excitement. A party of soldiers had ar- rived. It was a detachment under the command of Col. George Rogers Clark, and they de- cided to spend the evening at the hospitable home of Captain Jean Baptiste Barbeau, (Barber.). Col. Clark tells of this hospitable reception and the "ball" that followed: "We went cheerfully to Prara De Ruch, 12 miles from Kaskaskia, war I intended to spend the Eavening at Capt Barbers."
"The Gentlemen & Ladies immediately assembled at a Ball for our Entertainment; we
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spent the fore part of the night very agreeably; but about 12 o'clock there was a very sud- den change by an Express arriving, informing us that Governor Hammilton was within three miles of Kaskaskia with eight hundred Men, and was determined to attack the Fort that night
Col. Clark at once ordered his horses daddled in order, if possible, to get into the Fort before the attack could be made . Clark's brave conduct inspired a number of young men of Prairie du Rocher to saddle their horses and accompany their intrepid leader. But the great attack never occurred. The fact, however, remains, that Col. George Rogers Clark danced with some of the belles and mesdames of old Prairie du Rocher on the night of a certain day in January, 1799.
The early French settlers of Prairie du Rocher were neither all good nor all bad, nor were they all intermarried with savage women, nor were they all "coureurs de bois". Most of them knew little more than to read and write, and their accounts, if any, were some- times carved with a pocket-knife into the doorstep or window casing.
Les File a Fleurs
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Village de & Philippe.
Sauvages Casaquia
Française
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la Saline
Cap de. Boche
Partic du Cours dwu
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Fleuve s. Louis ow Mississipi
Depuis La Riviere d'olio jusqua Celle des Ilinois,.
The Illinois Country From The Illinois To The Ohio
C. J. KRIBS
The best teacher, it is said, is experience. C. J. Kribs, circuit clerk of Randolph County, has had varied experiences. He was born February 19, 1867, in Belleville, Ill. He attended the parochial and public schools, after which he learned the trade of harness maker in St. Louis. After a residence of five years in this city he went to Chicago and worked for four years as assistant store-keeper in the Illinois Steel Works. Then he went to Prairie du Rocher, and after a short stay went to St. Louis, working for the Metropoli- tan Insurance Co. He was promoted and made superintendent of the Alton district. It was in Alton that he met his wife, then Miss Susan Elizabeth Bissinger, to whom he was mar- ried November 10, 1892. Later they moved to St. Louis and in 1894 to Prairie du Rocher, where he opened a harness store; then added a full line of farming implements and general merchandise. In 1904 G. A. Reifel became a partner, the firm being named C. J. Kribs & Company.
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w. Smart, adelakis.
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In 1912 he was elected circuit clerk and a year later moved his family to Chester, the county seat, where the family, Mr. and Mrs. Kribs and four sons - Harold A., Lewis J. A., Charles A. and William Kribs reside.
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