USA > Illinois > Menard County > Past and present of Menard County, Illinois > Part 16
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Robert Clary. 1851 and 186]: D. T. Hughes. 1861: R. Woldridge. 1869: H. Warnsing. 1869.
COUNTY CLERKS.
Cornelius Rourke. from 1819 to 1865: Ho- bart Hamilton. from 1865 to 1869; A. E. Mick. 1869 to 18;3: Anson Thompson. from 1823 10 1882: E. W. Eads. from 1882 to 1886; Adam W. McGrachin, Trom 1886 to 1890: 11. W. Ley- ering. from 1890 to 1902: Albert W. Hartley. from 1902 to 1906.
CIRCUIT CLERK.
A. K. Riggin. from 1818 to 1860: Joseph Jonson. from 1860 to 1861: William J. Estill, from 1861 to 1812: Theodore (. Bennett. from 1822 10 1900: David L. Bennett. from 1900 to 1901: William F. Thompson, from 1901 10 1908.
STATES ATTORNEY.
Il. W. Masters. from 1826 10 18;9: Roub Stevens. from 1829 to 1884: S. H. Blane from 1884 to 1888: Charles Nusbain. from 1888 to 1896: John M. Smoot. from 1896 10 1901: T. .. Reep. from 1901 to 1908.
SCHOOL COMMISSIONER.
O. D. Clark. from 1853 to 185: : J. H. Pilk- bury, from 185; to 1863: Edward Laning. from 1863 to 1865.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS.
Edward Booth, from 1865 to 1869: William 11. Berry. from 1869 to 1813: K. B. Davis. from 1823 to January. USE : R. D. Miller. from January 3, 1832. to December 15, 1898; George C. Power. 1898 to 1903: R. D. Miller, from December 1. 1903. to December 5. 1901: T. E. Cantrall. from 1904 to 1906.
ASSESSOR AND TREASURER.
John Tice. from 185; to 1869: J. W. Choa- nev. from 1869 to 1821: Charles H. Thomas. from ISER to 1881: J. G. Strootman. From 1881 to 1886: Jasper N. Rutledge. from 1886 to 1890: E. R. Oljen, from 1890 10 1891; Henry Burfiend, from 1891 10 1898; Lew R. Golden, from 1898 to 1899 (died in office) : 1. Il. MeMichael. from 1899 to 1902: . I. H. Clary from 1902 to 1906.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS.
James Altig. 1821 to 1880: F. W. Duncan. from 1828 10 1880; Andrew Gaddie, from 1829
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to 1882: James Altig. from 1880 to 1883; Wood Greene, from 1881 to 1881: Andrew Gaddie, from 1882 to 1885: H. H. Schirding, from 1883 to 1886; Wood Greene, from 1881 to 1882: Andrew Gaddie. from 1885 to 1888; 11. 11. Schirding, from 1886 to 1889; Imley Hewett, from 1882 to 1890; JJohn C. Claypole. from 188 to 1891; 11. 11. Schirding, from 1889 to 1892: George W. Spears, from 1890 to 1893: „James K. MeAtec, from 1891 to 1891; 11. 11. Schirding. from 1892 to 1895; George U. Spears, from 1893 to 1896; James K. Me- Atce. from 1891 to 1892: John B. Gum, from 1895 10 1898; George U. Spears From 1896 to 1899: Kirby S. Johnson. from 1897 to 1900: Henry S. Houghton, from 1898 to 1901 ; W. E. Johnson from 1899 to 1902: 11. J. Mar- hold. from 1900 to 1903: Elias Watkins. from 1901 to 1904: Charles B. Groene, from 1902 10 1905: 11. J. Marbold from 1903 to 1906: Frank A. King. from 1904 to 1902.
CHURCHES OF MENARD.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PETERSBURG.
The Presbyterian church of Petersburg, Illi- nois, was organized by the Rev. Thomas Galt in December. 1839, in the old courthouse in Petersburg. Six men and four women went into the organization. Mr. Galt preached to them occasionally till 1812. Their services were held at first in the courthouse or in the hall over Mr. Bennett's store, which stood where the National Bank now stands. By the spring of 1812 they had built a neat frame church two blocks north of the northeast cor- ner of the square. This house was dedicated on the 15th of May. 1812. the sermon being preached by the Rev. J. W. Little from ? Corinthians. 6:10. 11. The first regular supply began September 1. 1816, by Rev. George Me- Kinley. In 1852 Rev. Mckinley resigned and Rev. John A. Pinkerton began his service at once. Mr. Pinkerton was a man greatly beloved by all. in and out of the church. After a very sueressful and efficient ministry. Mr. Pinker- ton resigned in 1820. Rev. Joseph Mahon be- gan to attend the church. as supply. in the month of February, 18: 1. He served only seven
months, when he resigned. and Rey. George (. Wood supplied the congregation until 18;2. In February of the year 1812 Rev. Maurice Waller began his pastorate, which lasted till 1828. Mr. Waller was a man that was uni- versally respected and loved and he did good service for the church. In the year 1823 the foundation of the present church edifice was laid, but the building was not completed till the year 18:4. On the 8th of November of that voar the house was formally given to fod. The Rev. W. W. Harsha. D. D., of JJacksonville, Illi- nois, preached the dedicatory sermon from 1 Timothy. 3:5. In the year 1828 Mr. Waller resigned and Dr. Nevins and Rov. F. M. Bald- win supplied the church till January, 1882, when Rev. A. J. Berger became pastor and served till July. 1883. The pulpit was then vacant till in September, 1881. when Rev. T. C. McFarland began his work. In 1886. during the pastorate of Mr. MeFarland. the lecture room was built and the audience room was re- frescoed in very tasteful siyle. In February. 1882. Rev. MeFarland resigned. and on the call of the church. in August. ISSt. Rov. Wil- liam Miller began his work as pastor of the church. He served faithfully and success- fully till August. 1891. when he resigned and was enerveded by Rey. W. E. Williamson, D. D. Dr. Williamson served the church most ac- ceptably for five years and resigned in 1896. He was succeeded, in August, 1896, by Rev. T. J. Stephenson, who in turn also served five years, resigning in August. 1901. During the pastorate of Rev. Stephenson the church purchased a very desirable residence property within a block and a half of the church. which is used as a parsonage. In August, 1901, Rev. D. J. Mitterling was called to the pastorate of the church and served them till August. 1901. when he resigned.
At this time ( December. 1901) the church is without a pastor, but is being supplied regularly and the probability is that the supply will soon be the regular pastor. This is a strong and wealthy church, enrolling among its members some of the best people of the city. and its influence for good is not to be calculated.
The Presbyterians have a strong congrega- tion. as is seen in the preceding history, at
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Athens. To them and Indian Point the Rov. D. G. Carson has ministered for a number of years. In Irish Grove, where there was for- merly a strong congregation. they now have no service, deaths and removals having reduced the congregation till they can not support preaching. They have there a good brick edi- tire. but it is not occupied.
At Sweetwater and Greenview they have com- paratively new frame churches and the Rev. Mr. Thomas preaches to the two charges. The writer made all due effort to get full statistics of all these churches, but failed. In the county this denomination has five congregations and six church houses. with a good membership. made up from the best class of people of the county. They have flourishing Sabbath-schools and keep up all of the enterprises of the work.
ROMAN CATHOLICS.
In the latter part of the year 1862 a society of the Roman Catholic faith was organized in Petersburg. The first services of this denomi- nation were held in the private residences of Cornelius Rourke, Adam Johns and John Lucas. As the meetings increased and as the attendance became larger and the interest be- came greater. the services were held in the schoolhouse or courtroom. In less than four years their numbers had increased to such an extent that a house of worship was neces- sary. So the money was raised and a house built in time to be dedicated in the fall of 1866. The house cost five thousand dollars and wa- dedicated by Rev. Father Mettinger, and at that time the society numbered about fifty adults. The following is a partial list of the priests who have had charge of the church: Fathers Quigley. Zobell. Jarnsen. Fitzgibbons. Costa, Clifford (the latter at the laying of the corner- -tone). Mettinger ( at the dedication ), Jaques. Clouse, Wegman, Sauer, Alme. Hogan. and Father Futterer, who is now ( 1905) in charge. The present priest in charge is very popular. not only with the Catholics, but with the Protestants as well. While he is a good Cath- olie in every respect, he is at the same time a man of good sense and reason.
resident priest. At Athens they have an or- ganized congregation and are erecting a splen- did church.
In Petersburg they have a first-class par-on- age and a schoolhouse, making their property very valuable. The Catholics of Petersburg owe a debt of lasting gratitude to Cornelius Rourke and Frank Luthringer for their zeal. energy and perseverance in securing this church. The congregation is now strong and prosperous.
GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This denomination has had a congregation and house of worship in Petersburg for a great many years, and. although representatives of the church are found all over the county wherever there are Germans. yet no other church was organized in the county, we believe. till about 1811 or 1828, when Professor Win- nekin, of the Theological Seminary of Spring- field. Ilinois, organized a congregation in the neighborhood of Tallula, and they later erected a neat but cheap house of worship. About this same time a large congregation of German Lutherans was organized in Greenview. Not long after being organized they built a very neat and comfortable church at a cost of ho- tween three and four thousand dollars. Rev. Mr. Hommer. now of California. served the Greenview and Petersburg churches for a number of years.
In the spring of 1861 the first German Lutheran church was organized in Petersburg. Among the original members were Harmon Scherding, John Scherding, Henry Mesinin. Henry Fischer. J. P. Bela. 1. 1. Stagemann, Jerry 11. Stagemann. Jerry Bonties and others. They at first bought a house used by Diedrich Fischer as a carpenter shop. which they litted up for a temple of worship, and there they met and hold service for a time without a preacher. They finally secured the services of Res. Paul Lorentzen as pastor, and purchased a parsonage adjacent to the church at a total cost for both edifices of one thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars. In 1863 Mr. Lorentzen was succeeded by Key. Peter Dahl and later he was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Schmidt and he by Rev. William H. Schmidt, who remained pastor till his death
The Catholics at Greenview have a church house and occasional service, yet they have no in 1812. Rev. Mr. Schmidt was succeeded by
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Rev. Dubiel, whose pastorate was only of a voar or two's duration, when Rev. Dr. John Karminsky was called to the pastorate. After a time Rev. Mr. Deichmann became the pastor. was succeeded by Rev. Charles Behrends and he by Rev. Mr. Conrad. who served them for some time. Mr. Conrad's ministry brings us to somewhere in the '80s, and here perhaps we miss the names of a pastor or two; when Rev. Mr. Hommer was called to take charge of the congregation. Rev. Hommer served them for a mumber of years, to the satisfaction and do- light of the entire congregation. Mr. Hom- mer was a scholarly Christian gentleman, re- spected by the entire community. On account of his health he removed several years ago to California. Rev. Mr. Weil was then invited to take charge of the church and has served them ever since, dividing his time between this place and Greenview, but living in Petersburg. The services are all in the German language. They have a flourishing Sabbath-school and a large congregation. Some twelve or fifteen years back they tore away the old church house, which was not large enough to meet their demands, and built a splendid house, of larger size and more modern in style.
There is another branch of the German Lutheran church which has a congregation in Petersburg. The writer is not informed as to the difference between these two branches of the church. This last named congregation is composed of some of the best people in Petersburg and it is a strong and prosperous body of people. They have a commodious house of worship and a parsonage located on a lot adjoining the church. They keep up all the regular services and these are well attended.
The Lutheran church is made up from the best class of Germans and they are an earnest. devout people, devoted to their church. and promptly and cheerfully respond to all the demands that it makes at their hand. Their services are simple and unostentatious and no people are more ready to respond to the calls of charity and benevolence than they.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Up to January. 1905, there is but one Prot- estant Episcopal church in Menard county.
Through the energy and untiring zeal of Mrs. Harris, reliet of the late Hon. Thomas L. Har- ris, this congregation was organized more than a quarter of a century ago. Soon after its organization the same earnest Christian lady raised funds to ereet a house of worship. She succeeded in building Trinity church, which is a substantial brick, of the Gothic style of architecture, with fine art windows and taste- fully Frescoed. It stands on the hillside. com- manding a most excellent view of the city and landscape across the Sangamon river. The first rector of Trinity was the Rev. Mr. Steel, who served the church very acceptably for a time. but gave up this charge to accept one in AAlton. Ilinois. After this they were served by different pastors and passed through the variety of ex- periences that come to all such organizations. Mrs. Harris has gone to her reward, but the fruits of her efforts are still being gathered. The membership of Trinity church is not large. but it embraces among its numbers representa- tives of the best people of the city. Just at this writing they have no rector, but as a rule they keep up regular service, with the Sunday-school and midweek prayer meeting.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN PETERS- BURG.
Rev. George Reed served the Petersburg church in 18:6-1. He was followed by Rev. W. O. Pect. then they came in order: Rev. R. G. Hobbs. Rev. J. D. Fry, then the beloved and revered Chaplain W. JJ. Rutledge. Rev. Peter Slagel. Rev. Edwin Ward. Rev. J. Scott Carr. Rev. S. H. Huber, Rev. John McPhail, Rev. A. Sloan. Rev. 1. L. Mitchell, then in 1896 the Rov. Theodore Komp came and soon began to agitate the subject of building a new church. They had a fairly good but old fashioned brick church, with a very nice parsonage on a lot ad- joining the church. Many hallowed memories clustered around this old house. Here the venerable Peter Cartwright had preached in the early days: those walls had echoed to the voice of Peter Akers: from this pulpit the lamented Barret. Hardin Wallace. Chaplain Rutledge and a host of others, now in heaven. told the "old, old story." but they needed a new church and Rev. Komp. with faith, zeal and
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perseverance, went into the work and sue- corded. In 1898 a new and modern house was erected and dedicated. It is modern in every respect-an ample basement, pastor's study, a lecture room, an auditorium of ample size with inclined Hoor and all modern furnishings. It is a brick building with slate roof and beau- tifully frescoed. The windows are large and of stained glass. The building cost a little over seven thousand dollars and is fully out of debt. Rev. Komp remained in charge till 1900, when he was followed by the Rev. R. A. Hartrick. who remained till 1903. In 1903 Roy. A. L. Plowman came and remained one year. Rev. S. N. Wakefield is now the active and efficient pastor, with prospect of great good before him.
Oakford Methodist Episcopal congregation remodeled their old church during the sum- mer of 1904 and now have a house of worship that would be an honor to any community, and the church is out of debt.
Athens Methodist Episcopal church has a neat and comfortable brick church and is in prosperous condition.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PETERSBURG.
The history of the Cumberland Presbyterian church in Petersburg is rather a brief one. Back in the early '10s. most likely. the Roy. A. Il. Goodpasture organized a congregation here and preached to it for a time, but it was short lived. In the latter part of the Gos the Rev. James Knoles formed an organization and preached to them for a time, but the little hand lost courage and for a time seemed exline !. till Rev. James White, about 1870 or 1822, col- lected the scattered fragments together and for awhile he preached to them, but again they lost heart and for several years there was no con- gregation of this people in the town. In 1826 Rev. R. D. Miller collected together a little band who desired to reorganize a church hero and formed them into a congregation. These charter members were Dr. H. A. Harris. C. L. Hatfield. W. R. Edgar. C. H. Thomas. D. M. Bone. T. E. Clark. Miss Anna Shepherd. Wis- Elizabeth Barclay and Mrs. Lucy Thomas. Harris. Hatfield and Clark were elected as ellers and C. H. Thomas, deacon. A: first
they held their services in the German Lutheran church, which at that time had no pastor. in a short time they had to give that up and they removed to the Baptist church. Here, in the winter of 1828-9. they had a very successful re- vival and the congregation was greatly strength- ened. Soon after this they were compelled to remove and went to a hall on the north side of the square. In a few weeks they removed to the courthouse and for three years their Sunday- school. prayer meeting and preaching services were all held there. It was generally crowded to overflowing. Dr. and Mrs. F. P. Autle united with the church, while the congregation worshiped in the courthouse. Mrs. Dr. Antle determined to build a church house. It was a gloomy prospect, but her indomitable spirit. the zeal of the membership and the help of the unconverted gave them success, To Mrs. Antle we owe thanks for the church, but the writer can not refrain from mentioning the material and moral aid given the enterprise by the ever- remembered Aaron Thompson, drecased. The house was enclosed and occupied in due time, but it was not fully completed fill some time later. Mr. Miller continued pastor of the church for nearly seven years, but having a large family and the congregation still owing something on the house, he felt that it would be better for him to resign and let the church employ a man without a family, one who could live on less salary and use the difference on the church debt. The session employed Rev. R. J. Beard, a single man, but paid him more than they had been paying the former pastor. Mr. Beard's pastorate continued two or three years, but the church was not built up. He was a most excellent man and a devoted Chris- tian. but did not succeed here. Mr. Beard was -neceeded by Rev. .. W. Elder, who served the church for two or three years. After him the session engaged the services of Res. J. M.
Johnston and his pastorate was of two or three years' duration. After this the pulpit was va- vant for quite awhile. but in 1893 or 1894 Rev. W. T. Ferguson became pastor. He served the church four years and left the congregation in a better condiion that it had been in for a num- ber of years. After Mr. Ferguson left Bes. W. G. AArcher was called to the chary. le came
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with a flourish of trumpets and for a time it seemed that all woubl bo well. He remodeled the church, put in a reading-room and intro- duced many modern ideas. He left after three years. under a dark cloud. but the presbytery later exonerated him. Rev. W. T. Olmstead was then called to take charge of the church. Ile remained for two years. faithfully perform :- ing his duties as pastor, but unfortunate di- visions come and he left the church in a state of terrible division. For some time they were without a pastor, but finally employed the Rev. M. C. Cockrum. He is struggling against a tide that will only be overcome by the lapse of years. Ile is an earnest, energetic pastor, striv- ing to do his whole duty.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF TALLUL.A.
We have not the full history of the organiza- tion of this church, but some detail is given in another place. The first church edifice erected in the village of Tallula was the Cumberland Presbyterian church, a frame, built in 1861, at a cost of about three thousand dollars. Rev. J. G. White, of anti-Catholic fame, was the tirst pastor. He served the church for a time and was followed by others. Many strong men have been pastor of this flock, among them may he named James White, Dr. Pendergrass and others. The congregation owns a parsonage adjoining the church, but both buildings are getting old and need repair. li has passed though many vicissitudes, but still survives. At present they are without a pastor.
LEBANON CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHL. NO. 1.
Lebanon congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian church was organized in 1821 or 1825. At first they built a log church house. but after some years they built a frame build- ing. which amply served their purpose till 1867. when under the lead of Rev. R. D. Miller a splendid brick building was erected. It still stands. the walls and interior as good as when first erected. For some years they have had regular preaching but a small portion of the time. At present they are without regular preaching, though they maintain a flourishing Sunday-school.
ROCK CREEK CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI.
This is one of the oldest church organizations in what is now Menard county. It was organ- ized by the Rev. John M. Berry, the pioneer preacher of this denomination in central Illi- nois. In 1821 or 1822 this society was formed. A short time before this Rov. Berry and Rov. John Simms, another pioncer Cumberland Presbyterian preacher had laid off a camp- ground and held two or three camp-meetings on the grounds before this society was formed. This congregation, now Rock Creek church, at first used the camp built by Berry and Simms as a place of worship. Later on they built a log "meeting house," which served their pur- pose for a number of years, after which they erected a frame house, which was occupied for many years. Later on another frame church was erected, a house more modern and more comfortable. This fully met all the needs of the congregation till some ten or twelve years ago, when they erected, at a cost of abont three thousand dollars. a building modern in every particular. It is a frame building, with base- ment, heated by furnace, with a Sunday-school room, opera chairs and all modern conveniences. The congregation also owns a neat and roomy parsonage, standing near the church, with all necessary conveniences. Rev. J. W. Elder is their present pastor, having been there some four or five years. They have a flourishing Sunday-school and preaching every Sunday at eleven o'clock a. m. This church has done a vast amount of good and it is to be hoped that her work of usefulness has but just begun.
CONCORD CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This congregation was organized in 1826 or 1822 by Rev. John M. Berry. The ground where Concord church now stands was for many years occupied as a "camp-meeting" ground. Here for a long period of years the people used to gather once a year for a camp-meeting of a week or ten days. From all over the country the people would come, move in and camp on the grounds to engage in nothing but the wor- ship of God. Every one who attended these meetings from a distance was fed and lodged
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free of all charge. The good accomplished by these meeting, will never be known till the great day shall come. A log church was built in the early history of the congregation, which served its purpose for many years. By and by a frame building was put up, which served them till 1864. when they erected a new one on the same spot of ground. This house was dedi- cated on the 19th of February. 1865, by the Rev. J. C. Van Patton, assisted by Rev. Wiley Knoles. This house was remodeled and modern- ized about four years ago. It is a neat. commo- dious and comfortable church. Rev. M. C. Cockrum. pastor of the Petersburg Cumber- land Presbyterian church. preaches for the Con- cord people on alternate Sabbath>.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF GREEN-
This congregation was originally organized in the long since extinct village of New Market and later removed to the "Knoles Schoolhouse." which was cast of the town of Greenview. In 1858 the congregation removed to the village of Greenview, and the same year built a house of worship. In 1813 the "Bethel" congrega- tion, as it was called while at New Market. was organized by Ress. J. R. Torrence and A. H. Goodpasture. The former served them as their first spiritual leader. The church house at Greenview cost one thousand two hundred dol- lar- when built. It has been repaired more than once, but they sorely need a new and modern building. They own a neat and comfortable parsonage on a lot adjoining the church, and the Rev. J. F. Rodgers is their present pastor. having served them in all some eight or ten years. It is rather a strong church minerically. keeping up the midweek prayer meeting and having one of the best Sunday-schools in the town. They will probably build a new house of worship in the near future.
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