USA > Illinois > Marshall County > Old Sandy remembers: Evans Township, Marshall County [history] > Part 6
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All three of Wenona's hotels went up in smoke and to-day the town is without much of anything in the way of hotel accomodations but with- in a dav or two perhaps several places will be fitted up so as to rive the people something to eat and a place to sleep.
The lot owners in the block have all agreed to set the line of their lots back eighteen feet which will increase the width of the street that much, and put the buildings back to within twelve feet of the brick block line all, of which was a wise thing to do.
A remark we heard during the fire had much good sound sense to profit from. While the "faithful few" were tugging with chains, axes, etc., and the many were standing around with plenty of advice, one of the workers said, "Here, you fellows who ain't working can carry the water!"
Sunday was a day of absolute forgetfulness of self in Wenona. Dinner hour was postponed till late in the afternoon, then families straggled in one at a time to eat hurriedly and away again to help the unfortunate people collect, sort out and move their goods to some temp- orary abiding place.
Mike Sullivan had lumber on the ground long before noon Monday for a temporary building in which to do business until something better can be put up at which time the temporary structure is to be moved back to the rear end of the lot for a barn or shed. Mike's family moved into the A. Miller residence.
Uncle Charley Parker's safe did not stand the fire test and the contents came out in bad shape Tuesday when the safe was opened, among the contents was about $50 in bills, including a couple issued by the First National Bank of Wenona. The remnants of the bills will be sent to Washington for redemption.
The Howe & Tisdale elevators were in a decidedly warm place for a time. The fire was far the hottest on the North elevator, and the fact that it is covered with iron is no doubt the only thing that saved it. A slight change of the wind to the west just at the proper time had a tendency to carry the heat west instead of east and that also aided in saving the elevator. Even under these circumstances the new elevator had a very close call.
Thomas McGrath's loss on his brick building -- three first floor rooms and the building used for the Whitaker Hotel, -- was very heavy and he didn't have any insurance on it. Tom was even out of town when the fire occurred but returned that evening, and on Monday telephoned to McShane Bros., of Lostant to come to Wenona. Before evening he had contracted with them for 66,000 bricks for use in rebuilding. Mike Sullivan, who also had no insurance, and others have their eye on a sim- iliar move, and from all indications several brick structures may be erected before cold weather. That's the sort of men and enterprise that makes a good town.
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CHAPTER VIII
LUCY DARNELL -- FIRST BURIAL IN CUMBERLAND CEMETERY
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LUCY
Dau.of Benj & Fanny Darnell DIED Dec. 18, 1829 AGED 12 y's. 11 ms. 12 da's 1
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LUCY DARNELL, daughter of Benjamin and Fanny Darnell, died on December 18, 1829, at the age of 12 years, 11 months and 12 days.
Expert craftsmanship was needed to make the casket for her remains. A fine workman with crude tools cut a black walnut tree, split it into suitable pieces, carved and fashioned the log into a cas- ket of respectable appearance. In this Lucy Darnell's body was placed for burial.
A grave was dug on a little knoll near the house and this was the first burial in what later became the beau- tiful Cumberland Cemetery. The spot is designated by a white marble marker upon which is engraved her name, age and . date of death.
Beg E arp
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FROM CUI.BERLAND CEMETERY RECORDS
Cumberland Cemetery is one of the oldest in this part of Illi- nois. It is situated in the northwest part of Evans Township, Mar- shall County, Illinois. The natural beauty of the setting and its wooded background present a quiet and peaceful spot the year around, Its history dates back to 1829 when the first grave was dug. Fort Darnell, a refuge for early settlers during the Black Hawk war, stood near this location.
At a public meeting held on the 19th. of October 1875 near the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Sandy, the following citizens ap- peared to form a cemetery association: A. G. Martin, Peter Defen- baugh, Alfred Judd, Dominiq Thierry, Benjamin Judd, Martin Wilson, Wm. Dillman, F. F. Thierry, Robert Mann and Thomas Judd. Benjamin Judd was appointed chairman and Aaron Martin secretary of the new organization. It was declared that it hereafter be known as "Cum- berland Cemetery Association on Sandy." And have perpetual existence.
Dea. 16 & 17, 1875 -- At the first meeting of the Board of Directors it was resolved to buy as an addition to the old cemetery, all terri- tory west and southwest to the road of Robert Mann and David Wilson, the former at $50 per acre and the latter at $25 per acre; to have a fence built around the whole, and to have the addition surveyed, re- corded and plotted .-- Thomas Judd, President.
Jan. 21. 1876 -- Lots sold at auction: No. 1 lost $40; No. 2s $35. Sept. 30, 1878 -- Robert Mann was appointed to purchase lumber, fix fence and make boxes for use of cemetery.
Oct. 28, 1881- Motion carried that widows holding deeds or widows of deceased husbands who held deeds shall be entitled to vote. Mo- tion carried that because of universal custom of setting one day each year for decorating graves, the board-elect meet at cemetery on 2nd. Saturday in May nest to put grounds in order and make arrangements to aid in said decoratior;
Oct. 24. 1885 -- Motion carried to send circulars to lot owners ask- ing their opinion as to pasturing sheep in cemetery to deep down weeds and grass. May 1, 1886 -- Lot holders' letters read: 4 against and 24 in favor of pasturing; 26 not heard from. Will pasture sheep. May 8, 1891 -- Cherry Point Church, Sandy, 2 p.m. Petition received signed by 10 members praying association not to pasture sheep in the cemetery. Members will vote on this at annual election in fall.1892.
Oct. 17, 1892 -- Price for digging graves for persons over 12 years of of age raised to $5; under 12 $3.75.
Oct. 20. 1896 -- Receipts for year $127.59; expenditures $2.75.
Oct. 16. 1916 -- Treas, reports $1188.06. Wilbur Mann is to use his judgment about letting vehicles in cemetery when muddy.
Oct. 20. 1920 -- M. J. French is to get design and prices for signs on posts over each gate.
Dec. 14, 1931 -- Trustees to settle matter of Wilson heirs removing the old church. Ada Kreider, President.
Dec. 14, 1938 -- All favored Mr. Carithers having old Presbyterian church if he pay cash for same. Action vested in trustees.
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Nov. 17, 1942 -- Annual meeting at home of Ethel Stateler. County Judge Donald Gregg explained obligations relative to incorporating the association. He will assist. Motion carried to incorporate.
EVANS TOWNSHIP CUMBERLAND CEMETERY ASSOCIATION
May 4, 1947 -- Granted Cemetery Authority License June 14, 1948. First officers and trustees: Edith Gants, Pres; Virgil Mann, V-P; Ethel Caldwell, Sec; L. Ada Kreider, Treas; Ruth Davis, Minnie Ken- nedy, Edith Judd, Trustees. Chilly, windy day -- met at cemetery.
May 2, 1948 -- Pres. E. Gants said several parties were interested in buying churchyard land. All seemed to favor selling with certain limitations except Ethel Caldwell who felt, since it had been pur- chased by Alfred Judd and given to cemetery many years ago, we should rent same for $10 per year. Carried to rent.
May 1, 1949 -- One year's use of churchyard given to Wilbur Mann for care of same. F. Griffin to experiment with weed killer. Oct. 13, 1943 -- Letter of appreciation to be sent Community Club for their efforts in holding Memorial Day services here each year.
Jan. 25, 1947 -- After 72 years of existence, Cumberland Cemetery As- soc. will transfer all funds, deeds, etc. to new Evans Twp. Cumberland Cemetary Assoc., of Wenona, Illinois.
May 5, 1953 -- Appreciation voiced by officers and trustees for the splendid work and care of cemetery by Virgil Mann and his family.
Aug. 23, 1954 -- Tribute read at Miss Edith Gants ' burial: "There's an open gate/At the end of the road, /Through which each must go a- lone./And there is a light we cannot see/Our Father claims His own./ Beyond the gate our loved one/Has found happiness and rest. /Our com- fort is in the thought/A loving God knows best." We shall miss "Miss Edith" our president. She performed her duties faithfully and her every thought was that Cumberland be made more beautiful. We shall cherish her memory and strive to do as she would have done. June 21, 1955 -- Special meeting to consider joining Cherry Point and Riley Cemeteries in petition to voters of Evans Twp. to levy a tax for care of these cemeteries.
ARCH GATE-In 1928 movement began to erect arch gate at south en- trance of cemetery; brick and stone posts at west gate. Mrs. Wilbur Mann and Cora Dickey worked hard to see this project completed. On May 6. 1956 a motion carried that Arch Gate should be widened as cars are wider today; also to repair pillar at west gate. New fence along north side of cemetery. Money for posts and wire donated by Florence Gants. Labor donated by Art Wilson, Joe Hawk, Elmer Davis, Harold Beckwith, Don Stith, Noah Caldwell and Virgil Mann.
THE PROGRESSIVE COMMUNITY CLUB has, through the years, been res- sponsible for memorial services at Cumberland and Cherry Point ceme- teries. The meetings of this organization and the interests of the women in it have centered around Wenona and the fields and wooded groves through which Old Sandy flows. They took an active part in Evans Township's Centennial observance in 1930. In May each year, now as in the past, they plan memorial programs and place American flags and flowers on graves of those who served our country and now rest in Cherry Point and Cumberland cemeteries ... "lest we forget." This Club organized in 1916 and has been active ever since.
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FT. DARNELL 1832 BLACK HAWK WAR 600 ft. S.E. Stood Log Stockade for Protection of PIONEERS Erected by Darnell and Judd Descendants 1951
This marker faces the east, from whence our people came, and each new day always comes from the east, bringing new hopes, new joys and new sorrows. So it was with the pioneers who 130 years ago came in ox drawn, covered wagons, bringing all their worldly possessions. Their hopes were high for the future welfare of their families, they endured hardships during their long journey, they were determined and they succeeded in this fertile land. Because of all they endured, we descendants have erected this marker that future generations will remember the dangers of all the people who lived in this vicinity during the years 1832-1833.
First mention of a marker came to me (Gertrude French) during my close relation with Charles Darnell during 1933-34 when he was writing his book, "Benjamin Darnell, Ft. Darnell, and Early Settlers of Marshall County." He remarked, "I hope I shall live to see a marker on the site of this fort." In 1938 committees were appointed at the Darnell reunion at Plano and the Judd reunion in Wenona. It was not until 1951 when the committee at the Judd reunion, namely Roland Judd of California, Lura Gants Hawley of Tonica, Roscoe Judd and Garnet Judd Griffin of Wenona, stated, "We are going to have a marker." Contributions came from far and near; the Darnells like- wise contributed generously, also friends near the site of the fort. Donations amounted to enough to erect this marker and flag pole and landscape it with evergreens.
The marker is of Wisconsin Mahogany Granite and was purchased from Breen Monument Co. of Lacon. The "die" measures 12"x22" and its height is 31" with a base 16"x26". Sealed in a box at the base is a "History of the Fort," a copy of the June 21, 1951 issue of The Wenona Index, names of donors, Indian head 1903 penny (70 years af- ter the fort was vacated), an Indian arrowhead found on Sandy 1933, also several commemorative stamps.
The location was not easily nor quickly decided upon. The fort actually stood on the farm of Wilbur Mann, now recently deceased. Mr. Mann was never too busy to show the many people who called where the fort stood and many drank from the well now in use. The commit- tee decided it would be more conveniently located on this spot; the lot was purchased from the Cumberland Cemetery and the deed given. Some dozen or more people who lived in the fort are buried here.
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FCRT DARNELL MARKER DEDICATED
Impressive dedication speech given by Miss Gertrude French of Chicago:
We are assembled here today to dedicate the marker commemorating the building of Ft. Darnell in 1832. Within the confines of this stockade our pioneer ancestors brought their families and livestock for protection when an Indian attack loomed as a possibility during the Black Hawk War. History records that Black Hawk and his warriors did not cross the Illinois River to the north as had been expected, and the only Indian to visit the fort was one weak from hunger.
The erection of this fort, however, indicates the steadfastness of purpose of these sturdy pioneers. They did not forsake their plans when danger and even death seemed inevitable. They had emigrated to a new country, and they accepted the responsibilities. They built Ft. Darnell for protection and went on establishing their homes and fami- lies, planning for schools, churches and local government. The selec- tion of the location of this lovely cemetery, while a mission of sor- row, shows their love of nature in the choice of these rolling hills on which to place their loved ones who could not survive the rigors of pioneering.
There is a purpose in having this memorial, with its flag waving high. It is a reminder to us today of our heritage and the debt we owe to those sturdy, God-fearing forefathers who pushed the wilderness farther back in order to establish this community -- Evans Township, in which to live.
In dedicating this memorial to our ancestors, let us not forget those of our contemporaries no longer with us, who had envisioned this marker: Leslie Kemp and Edith Gants who had both given it careful thought; Garnet Judd Griffin, Roscoe Judd and Roland Judd who carried on the project to completion; and Ethel Judd Caldwell who has faith- fully served as family historian for so many years.
And so, let us dedicate this marker to the community in the name of those who sought freedom and opportunity, and were willing to make sacrifices for their goal, that those who came after might continue to enjoy peaced and freedom.
Black Hawk won the respect and admiration of his white enemies when he said, "Rock River was beautiful country. I like my town, my cornfields, and the home of my people. I fought for them." And we can say Evans Township is beautiful country. We like our town, our cornfields, and the home of our people -- and some of us have fought for them.
* * * *
Miss Eleanor Bussell accepted the marker in behalf of the Mar- shall County Historical Society and stated that a bronze plaque from the Society will be fixed to the marker. The program concluded with benediction by the Reverend H. Dovenspike.
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DEDICATION OF THE WILLIAM HUNT TREE Cumberland Cemetery
More than 200 people drove to Cumberland Cemetery in Evans Townshin on Sunday, September 15, 1963 for the dedication of the William Hunt tree which was arranged by Maxine Tomlinson and other Wenona members of the Marshall County Historical Society. A de- lightful fall day added color to the rural setting.
The Hunt tree has stood on this same spot for the last 100 years. It was planted to protect the dead body of the Hunt's in- fant son, William. A hundred years ago dead bodies were dug up and sold by persons to medical scientists for research purposes. To safeguard the body of their child the Hunts planted this Norway Spruce on his grave to camouflage it against the inhumane practices of those times. The tree is of the coniferous family. It was typed by forestry authorities as a Norway Spruce. These trees were probab- ly introduced to this area by the Quakers. It was customary to bring Norway Spruce from the eastern states by covered wagon. Years later a marker was placed on the grave and the spruce grew around it.
This tree was dedicated in remembrance of the courage and faithfulness of early settlers in Evans Township. Printed programs bore a photo of the tree, its history, and names of participants in the dedication :
Marshall County Historical Society -- Myna Swanson, President. Rev. John C. Roberts -- Wenona United Presbyterian Church. Wenona Men's Octet -- C. Christen, Wenona H.S., Music Director. Alic Logan -- Peoria, Illinois; composer of Memorial Tree Poem. Marian Brown -- Wenona, Illinois.
Cliff Stateler -- Wenona, Illinois.
Wenona Post No. 8 -- American Legion
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, Trops No. 27-189-69-74. Troop Leaders-Anthony Naler, John Evan, Charles McKrosky, John
Johnson, Al Gude, Fred Garrels, Margaret Ricca, Mary Besowshek.
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MEMORIAL TREE
And years beyond the time of need The great tree stands, (And if trees perhaps remember) Perhaps remembering
The perilous early time that was;
The cycle of growth of those
Whose fellow lay, his cycle ended,
In the earth at the foot Of the guardian tree.
And if trees remember,
This one remembers springtime --
Children and flowers, young men and maidens,
Old men in the sun;
Always the same
To the one there in the earth;
And summers and summers
Bright and hot, noisy with children
Playing through the pleasant days,
All growing older
(Save the one) And autumn burning colors
Against the coming cold
Year after fading year:
And winters following winters
With windsung lullabyes Soughing the branches Of the protecting troe.
Now the children have grown (Save the one)
And the young men are gone
Since the sapling was set;
But still the great tree grows
And towers still;
And if trees remember,
Remembers all the cycles of time
Endured through God's goodness by some, Spared the one at the foot Of the Memorial tree.
Alice Logan September 15, 1963
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A KINDLY MAN
There is a kind of immortality that no one can deny and that is the effect those who are gone still have on us who live. Like ripples in the stream of life, their influence never completely vanishes and we are finer because of them.
Such a man was the Reverend George Flug who held the pastorate of Wenona's Presbyterian Church from 1920 until April 1933 and re- turned at retirement in 1937 to spend his remaining years among cherished friends.
It was a real privilege to sit in the study of this gracious, kindly pastor and listen as he recited from memory poems or prose composed by himself or by others, renowned or unknown. Henry Van Dyke's "Zest of life" was one of his favorites. "Crossing the Bar" was another, often requested.
Who could remain untouched as this man of God stood bare-headed beside the bier of a departed friend at Cumberland or nearby ceme- teries, a breeze riffling the pages of his open Bible as he read comforting scriptures, and with deep feeling spoke the immortal words of Lord Tennyson?
Sunset and evening star And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark;
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar.
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CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ON SANDY CREEK 1868
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LOOK AT THE GALLERIES
Sermon delivered at Cumberland Memorial Service - May 23, 1965 By The Reverend Thor E. Bogren, Jr.
Paraphrasing a Biblical text from Hebrews 12, it would suggest to us this day: "Look at the galleries!" Look at the evidences of those around us whom we remember today. They are filled with eager and expectant spectators watching you run the race of life. They ran the course before you and their race is continued in you. They are not simply pleased in your doing well, or disappointed in your failure. It is a kind of relay race; they win or lose in your vic- tory or defeat. Each Sunday, but especially Memorial Day, is a time to look at the galleries and remember those who have run the race of life before us.
1. First, there are those named by the writer of Hebrews -- Abraham, Moses and the rest. But in centuries since, many have joined them -- saints and martyrs of the Church.
2. One is a stalwart figure in garments of the 16th. century: A man who braved the perils of his day to lead a reformation of the Church -- Martin Luther, one of the founders of Protestantism. At the present time there seen to be no risks, or should we say there is the greatest risk of all -- the risk of indifference and neglect ? 3. Another is Roger Williams, early leader in American religi- ous liberty. He helped carry the torch of freedom still further. Are we holding too cheaply the religious liberty for which he and others like him struggled? Is liberty less valuable because it is so commonplace? How are we using the freedom secured at such cost ? Someone has even suggested that religious liberty is a person's free- dom to choose which church you may stay away from!
4. A fourth group is khaki-clad or in sailors' blue or Airforce brown -- the dead of two world wars and several unofficial wars! We are frightened and discouraged -- peace has become almost a dirty word. But we dare not lose our interest or cease our efforts toward peace.
5. Then there are faces which watch expectantly and with indes- cribable love and tenderness. They are the host of friends and loved one. Some of them are far away, some very near. But they are there in the galleries. I see parents who watched us grow from infancy, cared for us when we were ill, lay awake nights until we came home, saw us off to school, prayed for us, believed in us.
6. I also see one among you and all these here who is like you, yet so different ... This is your letter self, patiently waiting for you to claim him as your own.
7. If this expectant gallery is not enough to inspire you to do your best, there is yet one more. His brow is thorn-crowned and his hands bear the print of nails. He called you to this race and vic- toriously ran the course ahead of you. He is still keeping his prom- ise, "Lo, I am with you always. " And so, on this Memorial Day we re- member to look to the galleries of all those who have gone on before us, as we also look to Jesus Christ.
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Chapter IX
Churches
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF EVANS TOWNSHIP
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church on Sandy was orgainzed by Rev. Patton Mitchell, in 1835 or 136. The Society when first organized consisted of John S. Hunt and wife, J. Morley and wife, and ---- Gates and wife. J. S. Hunt was the first Ruling Elder elected by the Society. In the winter of 1836-7 the Society was strengthened by the addition of Samuel Cox and wife, George Beatty, Anna Paget, James Caldwell and wife, Wm. Swarts and wife, and Bowman joined the Society, and Albert Bowman was elected an Elder in the church. Mr. Mitchell was in charge of the Society for three years, and was then succeeded by Archibald Johnson.
The first camp meeting ever held in the Township, and perhaps in the county, was under the administration of Mr. Johnson, in the summer of 1841, and was held on the Adams farm, then owned by Samuel Cox. Robert Taylor succeeded Mr. Johnson, and in the summer of 1842 held another camp meeting on the same ground. These meet- ings and other special occasions were attended by Cornelius Johnson, a brother to Archibald Johnson, and a man of much more than ordinary ability. At the camp meeting in 1842, Mr. Taylor at the close of a very earnest sermon drove the people all from the encampment under a preemptory order for all to retire to the woods for prayer. While the sinners began to scatter for their homes, the faithful obeyed the order, and in a few minutes in every direction was heard the voice of earnest supplication. Toward the close of the same meeting Mr. Taylor chose for his text: "Rejoice, O young man in thy youth, and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart and in the sight of thine eyes." He began by telling the people that he had been trying to tell them how to get to heaven, but they were not dis- posed to hear him, and now he proposed to tell them how to go to hell.
The Sandy Cumberland Presbyterian Church was erected in 1868, under the administration of John J. Houston. The latest recorded pastor, Mr. Roger, served that Church in connection with the Society at Clear Creek.
Mrs. Lola Smith relates the following: On Memorial Day my father, Marion French, and I would get up early in the morning, load a barrel in the back of the wagon, fill it with water from the well and take it over to the church yard, tie two tin cups to the barrel and that was the drinking water for the day. At nine we decorated the soldiers' graves at Cherry Point. Boys and girls were lined up in pairs, one given a wreath, the other a bouquet. As the first couple in line decorated a soldier's grave it went to the end of the line until all graves were decorated. At eleven o'clock the same
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