USA > Illinois > Macon County > Decatur > Past and present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois > Part 11
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
ported to the county clerk, who extends the same on the property valuation of the dis- trict.
The money raised for school purposes comes, principally, from direet taxation, fines and forfeitures in state cases, interest on the permanent township and county funds, the interest on the state school fund and a portion of the seven per cent dividend from the gross earnings of the Illinois Cen- tral Railroad.
From 1854 to 1902 the Illinois Central has paid into the state treasury over twenty million dollars. Last year it paid about eight hundred thousand dollars to the state.
The distribution from the state and county, made by the county superintendent of schools, is about ten thousand dollars per year.
THIE MACON COUNTY SONG.
Decatur, Illinois, Aug. 15, 1902. Since we have a state song. "Illinois," and a national anthem, "America," it seems to me we are entitled to the county song, "Macon," which I hereby submit and take pleasure in dedicating to the children of Macon county. JOHN G. KELLER,
County Superintendent of Schools.
Macon. Air: My Own Native Land. John G. Keller.
I. Oh the prairies of Macon, low dear to our heart, Where once gleamed the watch-fires alone,
Where our fathers kept guard o'er the clear ones they loved While they builded the pioneer home.
Chorus. Ilome, home, home, happy home; We love our Macon home.
2. In the cabins of Macon
Knelt mothers in prayer,
They prayed and they worked and they wept ;
The grasses have grown long ago o'er their graves,
But the homes that they made we have kept.
3. When the brave sons of Macon Heard Lincoln's first call, They answered so loyal and true, They followed the flag and they of- fered their lives While they fought for their homes and for you.
4. In the rich fields of Macon
Wave harvests of gold ; There's plenty for all and to spare, Prosperity reigns and sweet peace once again Fills the homes of our Maeon so fair.
5. How we love our dear Macon On Sangamon's shore.
God grant that it ever may be The birth-place of heroes, the good and the great, Born in homes that are happy and free.
Parochial Sehools.
In 1875 the members of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church established St. Theresa's Academy in a three-story brick building on East Eldorado street, where all the English branches ineluded in a collegi- ate course are taught, besides book-keep- ing, vocal and instrumental music.
For some time a boys' school and a girls' school were carried on, but of late years both boys and girls are admitted to the same class.
At present the school is incorporated and is in charge of the Ursuline Sisters. About four hundred pupils are in attendance.
The St. James German Catholic school on East Clay street is domiciled in a good
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
frame building, containing three school rooms, a large auditorium and a club room. The building is modern throughout, con tamig its own lighting and heating plant
Kes Father Lammert and Res. Father leppe were instrumental in revising the school system of the parish and making it possible to read the present beneficial re- sulis About one hundred and fifty pupils are now in attendance.
St Pauls Evangelical German Lutheran school, on bast Prane street, was estab hshed in 1870.
All the branches taught in the ward schools are taught in both English and fier mann, in addition to this the children are instructed in the Lutheran Catechism and biblical history.
About seventy five children are m attend ance in this school.
Si Johannes German Lutheran school, on the corner of Orchard and Lowber streets, founded m 1888, is domiciled in a three-story brick house of six rooms.
This building was erected in 18og at an expense of $0,00. The course of study is practically the same as that of the ward schools, while in addition, reading, writing. the Lutheran Catechism and biblical history are taught in German.
Brown's Decatur Business College. Io cated in the Colombia Block, on North Water street, is the only business college m the city and does as effective work as any in the state. Its enrollment is constantly on the increase and its reputation is spread ing over a very large territory.
Martyn H. Owen is the principal of the school.
The James Millikin University.
This university, located in the west part of the city, occupying the Oakland Park site, Is destined to do more for the city than any other institution yet promoted in imparting to it a literary status. It will af
ford opportunities for the young people to pursue courses in practical training in III dustrial lines that will prepare them for active business, an opportunity that cor tainly adds minch to Decatur's educational facilities.
It has been James Millikin's desire for a number of years to establish for Decatur an industrial school whereby young people who are inclined toward the mulustrial rather than the literary could receive a spe cial education.
About two years ago be offered the city Tens of Decatur a donation of $200,000 and Oakland Park. worth $250000, toward creet mg a college building, provided that the cit
Later it was suggested that Lincoln Um versus, of Lincoln, Ill .. be consolidated with the Decatur school, thereby benefiting beth schools, Lincoln working under a charter of a kind that cannot be granted
The Lincoln University being managed by the Cumberland Presbyterian church it was proposed that if the union could be made the church should raise $100,000 for the common fund.
Mr. Millikin accepted this proposition and further offered the Lincoln I mversity Spoon on condition that the people of that community raise $25.000. Later he pro posed that in the event that all of the money be raised and the two schools consolidated and established as planned. to transfer to the college commission of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, property that would yield in the neighborhood of $20,0 a year perpetually
In addition to the foregoing Mr. Millikin has endowed the university with $150,000. with the provision that the Cumberland Presbyterian church add $50,000 to this.
He Las furthermore assured the college $20,000 annually of his income during his lifetime, and after his death the entire in-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
come of his estate shall be at the disposal of the school.
The college building is an up-to-date structure, elaborate in its architecture, grounds, arrangements and furnishings ; sufficiently large to accommodate several thousand students.
The university was dedicated June 4, 1903, by Theodore Roosevelt, president of the United States. The ceremonies were very largely attended and graced by num- bers of persons who stand high in the church, city, state and in the nation. The school, without doubt, has an auspicious future before it. and it is to be hoped that it will be permitted to maintain the unusu- ally high standard with which it is ushered into its field of usefulness.
The school opened September, 1903, with President A. R. Taylor in charge.
The Church.
The history of nations demonstrates the fact that none are thoroughly civilized until, in the fullest sense, christianized.
The efficacy of our flag is constantly eulo- gized, and it well deserves it, but its in- debtedness to the christian influence which enshrines it must not be overlooked.
While there are many denominations of the church it does not follow that any one of these is the church. Each advocates a different dogma, yet all are engaged in the same laudable work-that of developing the moral side of human nature.
The pioneer is not to be classed with the idolater who has not even the remotest idea of christianity ; those inhabitating benighted countries do not possess an educated con- science, while on the contrary, the settlers of a new country have decided religious pro- clivities formed in childhood. Many de- nominations are represented, requiring only the organizing ability of capable ministers to bring into existence the various churches.
The pioncer preacher was, of necessity,
a man who could readily adjust himself to his environment. If it became necessary, which it frequently did, that he should, through his own efforts, add to his salary, he could lay hands on anything that pre- sented itself. When it required a more forcible argument than that given by word of mouth, he was usually ready with an alternative. The country at that time was not blessed with stained glass and cushion pew churches; private houses seated the worshipers. The ministers held service on any day in the week, the announcements being made days, and even weeks, ahead. The neighbors for miles around looked for- ward to those meetings with the greatest expectancy ; everybody who was able to at- tend was present on these occasions.
These sermons were not of the thirty- minute palatable variety, but were of sev- eral hours' duration, filled with the vigor and the zeal of pioneer interpretations, of eternal pleasure or everlasting punishment. As civilization and the general development of the country progressed the environments brought about a revolution in the demands of the ministry which eventually did away with the emergency minister, placing in his stead a cultured, college-bred man, who is in sympathy with the prevailing customs, ministering to his flock by virtue of the orthodox system of faith worked out by modern theological institutions. This change brought with it our modern church- house, which is a model of neatness, com- fort and adaptability.
Decatur, for its size, has as many good church buidings as any city in the state. A few years ago a period of rebuilding and remodeling came in vogne, which has made the churches convenient, modern and beau- tiful.
A meager statement regarding the organ- ization and promulgation of the churches and their work, including church buildings, seems advisable at this place.
PAST AND PRESENT ON MACOS TODAY
The First Presbyterian church was organ- red in the house of Samuel Powers, on the ist of May, 1852, by Rev. Robert H. Lilly. David Hopkins was installed first ruling eller, Kes. Augustus F. Pratt preached for them one year; Rev. David Manford. D. D., took the charge until 1854, and Rev. Erastus W. Thayer succeeded him, holding the work unul 1857. The congregation first worshipped in the old court house, then in the old academy, and in several other build- mgs previous to creating the church eli- tice on the corner of Church street and Prairie avenue, This building is of gray Stone, costing about $85,000. The capacity of the auditorium is Soo, and by throwing the Sabbath school room open 1,200 may be accommodated. Its membership is nearly *** ). Dr. W. H. Penhallegan is pastor. He has served the church very satisfactorily for a number of years.
The St John's Episcopal church was or- ganized in 1850. The first rector was Rev. S. R. Childs. This congregation occupies a church building at the corner of Church and Ellorado streets, which is antique in architecture and symmetrical in outline. It is constructed of gray hewn stone, costing S/0,00, 11- appointments are not sur- passed by any, and the seating capacity is spacious, accommodating nearly 500. Its rector is Rev. C. R. Birnbach.
The Congregational church is located just across the street west of St. John's. It is built of red pressed brick, laid upon a foun dation of cobble stones. The tower is also of cobble stones. It was created in 1800. through the untiring efforts of Rey W. C. Miller, at a cost of $20,00. Its capacity has been increased by half by an addition which, including the pipe organ, has neces sitated an outlay of $18,000. Rev. Horace 1 .. Strain, the present pastor, was instru- mental in bringing about this improvement.
The Salem church, five miles southwest of Decatur, was organized in 1846. The ceme
fory at this church, the oldest in the county, was established in 1820. Mr. Mangrin and his wife were the first buried there, being the first deaths of the county.
The first sermon preached for the Cum- berland Presbyterian church was by Rev. John Berry, in an old log school house, three and a half miles southwest of De- catur. on the P. M. Wikoff farm.
The Mt. Zion C. P. church, the oldest church organization of any denomination in the county, was established April 24. 1830, at the house of Res. David Foster. who was its first pastor. The first Sabbath school in the county was organized by Rev. David Foster, at this place, m 1831. The first superintendent was James Scott, his assistant was Andrew Wilson. This con- gregation has recently erected the finest and most commodious church in the county outside of Decatur.
The North Fork C. P. church was organ ized in April, 1855, by Rev. John C. Smith. at the Emerson school-house, now the Ex- celsior.
The first Sabbath school in the neighbor- hood was organized by Charlotte Emerson, sister of the late Judge Emerson, she be- ing its first superintendent. The organi- zation was effected in her father's yard in the year 1840.
The Bethlehem church was organized in 1850 by Rev. John C. Smith.
The Madison church was organized in 1854 by Rev. John C. Smith.
The First C. P. church of Decatur, at the corner of Monroe and West Eldorado streets, created in 1807. through the efforts of the late Rev. A. W. Hawkins, at it cost of $20,000, is one of the most modern church houses in the city. It is constructed of red pressed brick and trimmed in gray stone. Its capacity is about 1,000; its mem bership is 300. Rev. J. W. McDonald is its pastor.
There is also a C. P. church at Argenta.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
which was organized in the early forties, which now has a modern church building. erected upon a lot donated by the late Dr. R. F. Carr. This was the first church or- ganized in Friends Creek township.
The Baptist church of Decatur was organ- ized Sept. 14. 1843, at No. 442 North Water street, known as the J. C. Lake property. This was the first two-story frame dwelling house built in Macon county. At the time of organization this was the home of David L. Allen, one of the chief movers in the organization of the church. Rev. H. W. Dodge was moderator during the organiz- ing of the church. The first officials were : Lemuel Allen, deacon ; Thomas H. Read, M. D., treasurer ; S. C. Allen, clerk ; D. L. Allen, David Brett, Thomas H. Read, M. D., Edward L. Maddock and S. C. Allen, trustees.
Services were held at the home of David L. Allen, the court house, then a frame building, on the present site of the Wo- man's Club. From 1843 to 1848 they used this buikling. At the latter date they bought the adjoining room for $350. In 1853 the building was sold for $1.000. A tempor- ary house was now built and occupied until 1856. A building was then erected at the corner of North Water and East Williams streets, which was occupied until 1876, when the present church building at the corner of North Water and East North streets was dedicated. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. G. J. Johnson. The church property in its present condition is valued at $65,000.
March 21, 1856, thirteen members were dismissed to form a church in the Garver settlement. May 30, 1862, a church was organized at Harristown ; Argenta also has a strong church.
In 1800 the East Park Chapel was built by the Ladies' Aid Society. A Sabbath school was organized at about the same time that the church was organized, which
has grown to very large proportions. Among the workers in the school appear the names of M. Y. Givler, David C. Allen, G. F. Wes- sel. O. N. Bramble, F. W. Anderson, J. E. Saxton, W. J. Wayne and E. A. Gastman.
The present home of the congregation is built of red pressed brick. trimmed in stone. The auditorium is spacious and furnished with opera chairs; its appoint- ments throughout are modern. Its music is supplied by one of the most expensive pipe organs in the city. Its membership is 800. The present pastor is Rev. S. 11. Boyer.
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church was organized in 1854. The present church building was erected in 1863, which at that time was the most expensive church house in the county. This church, located on East North street, was thoroughly over- hauled, refurnished and provided with a new bell. Its membership is about 3,000. The first dean was Rev. Father Hickey; the present dean is Rev. Father Murphy.
The St. James German Catholic church, on East Clay street, is an up-to-date build- ing which, in connection with the adjacent school, has its own heating and lighting plant ; the congregation comprises about 500; its seating capacity is ample for the membership. This church was organized by Rev. Father Lammert, in 1877. Rev. Father A. Teppe is in charge and his work has resulted in much good.
St. Paul's German Lutheran church, cor- ner of West Wood and Edward streets, is a good brick building, which has just been thoroughly remodeled and newly painted on the inside : the seating capacity is about 300 ; its membership is about the same. The present pastor is Rev. M. A. Wagoner.
In 1891 the congregation of St. Paul's church was divided. The members living in the northeast part of town built the St. Johannes' German church on East Orchard street. This is a handsome brick, with a
PASTAND PRESENT || ||CON
Seating capacity of 850. The pastor is Kis. Willand Heyne
The First Evangeheal Lutheran church. at the corner of Man and William streets. Is it good, well constructed brick building. with a stating capacity of 500, 'Tls build ing Just $25,000. the membership is about 200, Kes HI Peters is the pastor.
The Christian church was organized in 1830, by Elder Joseph Hostetler The place of organization was the old log court house. which stand in the west side of the old square ; it may not be seen in the southwest corner of Fairlawn Park. The pastor was Joseph Hostetler. Its Sunday school was organizel in 1855. by 1. M. Nabb, who was it- first superintendent. Anjong its list of superintendents may be found the names of 1. L. Nelson and W. 1. Hammer, both excounty melges of Macon county. The Edward Street Christian church is among the oldest churches in the city. It is in an excellent residence section and is on a sound financial basis. The pastor is Res. F. Il. Burnham.
The Tabernacle Christian church, of North Church street, was built through the efforts of Res. George W. Hall. It is a large frame building, recently remodeled at cost of Spor; its seating capacity is 1, 80). The pastor is Rev. F. B. Jones.
The Edward Street church was vacated after the completion of the Tabernacle ; soon after. however, the congregation was divided and one of the organizations at enpiel the Edward Street church.
The first sermon preached in this county by a United Brethren minister was delivered by Rev. James Parks, in the spring of 1848. at the house of Res. M. P. Chen, five miles southwest of Decatur. The first class con Sited of Mrs. and Rey. M. T. Chew. The first church in Decatur was organized in 1850, in the old Masonic hall, by Res. MI Ambrose. In 1857 a church was built on the corner of Cerro Gordo and North Vam
streets 19 18;3 the church berght lots at a cost $ $2.350 on the corner of North Broadway and Last Eldorado streets, upon which was create la next frame building. this is known as the Centenary United Brethren church ; it has a large membership and a flourishing Sabbath school
the church of God was organized in May. 1857, In Felder A. J. Fenton, with cheven numbers The Church of God Bethel, at 505 North Water street, Is one of the old churches of the city ; it is a well preserved irane building of far size and presenting a good appearance. The pastor i- Kes. J. Bernard
The Universalist church was organized 1 1854 by Res D. P. Bonn. The early menbers were Joseph Spangler, Jr : Joseph Spangler. Sr. : Jacob Spangler. J. B. Hanks and wife, John Ricketts and wife, John tappa and wife the first minister. Res. 1). P. Bunn, served fourteen years.
Other churches are : Edward Street chapel. 405 hast Leafland avenne; Fast Park chapel, corner Third and Prairie ave- une. Alt Angels Episcopal church. 1250 Hast Eldorado street, I universalist church, 1.pt Fast Prairie Street. United Brethren Mission, 904 South Colfax street : Antioch Baptist, colored, mno Spring avenue ; Broad was Baptist. colored. 414 South Broadway ; St. Peter's African Methodist Episcopal, 530 Spring avenue, German Baptist, corner Pugh and North Mam streets, Sergeant Chapel. M. F., 802 South Broadway, Wc- les Chapel. M. F. 1807 North Church Street, College Street Presbyterian Chapel. neat structure just completed, 1075 North College street, Westminster Chapel, corner Macon street and Haworth avenue. In ad ditiến, the city has the Christian Science organization. the Railway Y. M. C. 1. organization, which owns an elegant build ing on the Wabash right of way, near the depo's, the Central S. M. C. A. organiza Hon, the \\ t 1. I organization
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PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COUNTY.
CITY OF DECATUR.
The following is a list of presidents and clerks of the city of Decatur during its government by a board of trustees:
1836-8, R. J. Oglesby, president ; Andrew Love, clerk. 1838-9, Joseph Williams and Henry Snyder, presidents ; Edmiston Mc- Clelland, clerk. 1839-40. Kirby Benedict. president; H. M. Gorin, clerk. 1840-1, Joseph King, president ; H. M. Gorin, clerk . 1841-46. Thomas P. Rodgers, president ; J. P. Post, clerk ; 1846-7, D. Krone, president ; Nathaniel P. West, clerk. 1847-8, J. H. EI- liot, president; N. P. West, clerk. 1848-50, Joseph Kaufman, president : N. P. West, clerk. 1850-51, Berry H. Cassell, clerk ; 1851-2, J. H. Elliott, president ; Berry H. Cassell, clerk. 1852-3. W. T. Stamper, presi- dent ; Berry H. Cassell, clerk. 1853-4, W. Prather, president ; Berry H. Cassell, clerk, 1854-6. Thomas H. Wingate, president ; Berry H. Cassell, clerk.
Presidents and clerks of Decatur during its government by city council :
1856-7, John P. Post, mayor; C. C. Post, clerk. 1857-8, William A. Barnes, mayor ; J. P. Boyd, clerk and attorney ; 1858-9, James Shoaf, mayor : S. S. Goode, clerk and attorney. 1859-60, A. T. Hill, mayor ; S. S. Goode, clerk and attorney; 1860-1, Sheridan Wait, mayor : J. R. Gorin, clerk and attor- ney : 1861-2, E. O. Smith, mayor ; J. R. Gor- in, clerk and attorney. 1862-3, Thomas O. Smith, mayor ; J. R. Gorin, clerk and attor- ney. 1863-4. J. J. Peddecord. mayor ; J. R. Gorin, clerk and attorney. 1864-5, J. J. Peddecord, mayor: K. H. Roby, clerk and attorney. 1865-6, Franklin Priest, mayor ; K. H. Roby, clerk and attorney. 1866-7, Franklin Priest, mayor: A. B. Warren, clerk and attorney. 1867-8, John K. War- ren, mayor : C. H. Fuller, registrar. 1868-9, I. C. Pugh, mayor : C. H. Fuller, registrar. 1869-70, William L. Hammer, mayor; C. II. Fuller, registrar. 1870-1, Franklin Priest, mayor; C. H. Fuller, registrar.
1871-2, E. M. Misner, mayor ; C. 11. Fuller, registrar. 1872-3. D. S. Shellabarger, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1873-4, Martin Forstmeyer, mayor ; George P. Har- dy, registrar. 1874-5, Franklin Priest, mayor ; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1875-6, R. H. Merriweather, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1876-8, W. B. Chambers, mayor : George P. Hardy, registrar. 1875-6, Franklin Priest, mayor; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1879-80, L. L. Haworth, mayor ; George P. Hardy, registrar. 1880-3, H. W. Waggoner, mayor : George P. Hardy, clerk. 1883-5, W. B. Chambers, mayor; C. M. Durfee, clerk. 1885-91, M. F. Kanan, mayor; F. C. Betzer, clerk. 1891-3, W. B. Chambers, mayor; L. F. Skelley, clerk. 1893-5. David C. Moffitt, mayor ; L. F. Skel- ley, clerk. 1895-7, D. H. Conklin, mayor ; F. L. Hayes, clerk. 1897-9, B. Z. Taylor, mayor; John A. Reeve, clerk. 1899-1901, George A. Stadler, mayor; Mont E. Peni- well, clerk. 1901-3, C. F. Shilling, mayor ; Mont E. Peniwell, clerk.
The Free Public Library.
The history of the library really begins with the presentation to the city council of a petition, signed by the ladies of the Ladies' Library Association and the De- catur Reading Room Association, asking for the establishment of a free public li- brary. The petition being granted the library was established Aug. 10, 1875.
The first library board consisted of Joseph Mills, president : J. L. Peak, William A. Barnes, Mrs. C. A. Ewing, Mrs. Judge Greer, Mrs. B. F. Sibley. W. H. Ennis, W. W. Foster and W. L. Hammer
Richard L. Evans was appointed first librarian and held that position until his death, Nov. 17, 1881. His wife, Alice G. Evans, was appointed his successor, and still continues to hold the position.
The library remained on the second floor of the Schroeder building. on East Prairie
PAST AND PRESENT OF MACON COLALY.
street, where it was when turned over to the city. Det. 5. INSt. It was next housed in the Orlando Powers building, over the Linn & Scruggs store. In 18Ng it was moved to its new quarters, in the build- ing erected by Roberts and Greene, known as the Library Block, on North Main street. Feb. 2. 1802, the building was destroyed by fire and 4.300 books, together with all of the furniture and fixtures, also the records of the Ladies labrary and the Decatur Reading Room associations
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