Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 58

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1228

USA > Illinois > Adams County > Quincy > Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois > Part 58

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The State Course of Study has been in nse in the county since about 1890, however, it is only within the last eight years that it has been generally adopted and used in a sys- tematic way. The first county commencement, graduating pupils from this course, was held in 1900. In 1902, Supt. Smith inaugurated a county school rally, including field day ex- ercises, in connection with the annual com- mencement exercises.

The high schools at Clayton. Camp Point, Mendon and Payson each have excellent four-

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year high school courses, which answer, amply, college preparatory requirements. Good graded schools are maintained at Ursa, Loraine, La Prairie, Golden. Liberty, Coatsburg and Fowler.

OUR CITY AND COUNTRY NEWSPAPERS.

To trace the history of all the newspapers which have existed in Quincy or other parts of Adams county during the eighty years' life of the city and county, would be a task im- possible of complete fulfillment without such research as would not justify the labor and time required.

Quiney's oldest newspaper is the Quincy Ilerald, first established as the Bounty Land Register, whose history is thus epitomized in the Ilerald of April 18, 1905:

"In a quiet way the llerald is today cele- brating its seventieth anniversary as a Quincy newspaper. It was originally established under the name of the Bounty Land Register, and, according to the reminiscences of Capt. Henry Asbury the first number was issued April 17th, 1835. Some of the archives of the Illinois State Historical Society place it back in 1834, but there is no reliable evidence on that point, and the early files of the paper were destroyed by fire. The original publishers were C. M. Woods and Dunbar Aldrich, who were both practical printers. Judge Richard Young had editorial charge at the time. On November 15th, 1836-one week after the election of Martin VanBuren as President of the United States- the paper was transferred to John H. Pettit, of Cincinnati, and became the Quiney Argus and Illinois Bounty Land Register. At that time the entire vote of the county did not exceed 800. Editor Pettit wrote an article descriptive of the "boom" in Quiney at that time. Imagining himself wielding the inspired pen of a prophet he declared that within ten years Quiney would be the largest city on the Mississippi river with the exception of St. Louis. The census of 1840-some four years later-gave Quincy a population of only 2,319, but in 1850 the population reached 6,902, which was a remarkable advance for the decade. Galena and Dubnque were ahead of Quiney at that time and St. Paul had just reached 1,000 sonls. Now Dubuque and Quincy are neck and neck. Galena has disappeared from the contest and St. Panl and Minneapolis are at the top of the ladder.

"In 1841 the name of the Argus was changed to The Ilerald and in 1850 it was first issued as a daily paper. Under the editorial man- agement of Anstin Brooks the paper possessed a national reputation.

"The Herald is the third oldest paper in the state. Its seniors are the Springfield Journal, which appeared November 10, 1831, and the Galena Gazette, which was established in 1834. "The Herald has had a long and somewhat adventuresome career. It has known prosperity and has faced adversity. It has passed through the hands of a hundred or more of editors and publishers. The present management assumed possession September 21st, 1891."

The stockholders of the company are E. M. Botsford and II. I. Eaton of Quiney, and C. L. Miller of Rockford, III. Mr. Miller's relation is not active. Mr. Botsford is the managing editor and Mr. Eaton the business manager. The present owners bought the paper of Morris Bros., who bought of Dowing, Hinrichsen & Case.

The Qniney Whig was established May 5, 1838, Major II. V. Sullivan being the publisher, and N. Bushnell and A. Johnson editors. Ang. 18th of the same year, S. M. Bartlett and Major Sullivan became the sole proprietors, the former editor and the latter as publisher, thus continuing until the firm was dissolved by the death of Mr. Bartlett in 1852. In the fall of 1852, John F. Morton became editor and he and Sullivan conducted the paper till 1854, when Sullivan's interest was bought by Henry Young. The first number of the daily was issued March 22. 1852. Mr. Young died in 1855, when his interest was bought by V. Y. Ralston. A year later. F. S. Giddings bought an interest. In 1858, the Quincy Republican, a daily which had been started about a year, and the Whig were consolidated, the new name be- ing "The Whig and Republican, " Morton and F. A. Dallam being the owners. The successive managements included James J. Langdon. Charles Holt, Messrs. Bailhache & Phillips, Porter Smith and others. Col. John Tillson was the editor from 1869 till 1871 and was sneceeded by Paul Selby. January 1. 1874, the establishment was bought by Daniel Wil- rox, whose sons, Chester A. and David F. Wilcox, were later admitted to partnership. and who succeeded to the business on the death of their father, May 19, 1878. In July, 1898, Messrs. Wilcox sold to a stock company and Louis F. Schaefer became business man- ager, and Il. M. MeMein managing editor of the Whig. In October of that year, the stock was bought by Robert Ransom and the late J. B. Ellis. In February. 1899, the interest of Mr. Ransom was bought by Mr. Ellis, whose widow owns most of the stock. Perry C. Ellis is managing editor, and Walter W. Miller, the business manager.

The Quincy Daily Journal was established

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Sept. 11, 1883, by Hiram N. Wheeler and JJohn D. Weaver, the former being managing editor and the latter business manager. December 19, 1885, C. Il. Meyer became business man- ager. Mr. Wheeler having bought Mr. Weaver's interest. In 1899 the Journal com- pany bought the Daily Evening News, which was consolidated with the Journal under the latter's name only. Mr. Wheeler owns prac- tically all of the stock, and continues as man- aging editor, Mr. Meyer being the business manager.

The Quiney Germania, a German daily and weekly, dates from 1874, when it succeeded the Westliche Press and Tribune. Dr. G. C. lloffman was managing editor of the Ger- mania until his death, January 4, 1888. He was succeeded by Henry Bornmann, who had been assistant editor and who is still the man- aging editor. Fred C. Klene is business man- ager, succeeding Henry Ording, Jr .. in that position in 1895.

The Quiney Daily News was established in 1877. Its absorption by the Journal has been noted.

The present weekly newspapers in Quincy, in addition to the weekly issues of the Herald, the Whig and the Germania, are as follows:

The Enterprise, in its twentieth year; pub- lished by the Enterprise Publishing Co., II. 11. Reckmeyer, editor.

The Farmer's Call, in its twenty-fifth year; John M. Stahl and A. Otis Arnold, editors.

The Journal of Industry in its twenty-first year ; Fred P. Taylor, editor and publisher.

The Quiney Optie, in its twentieth year; published by the Optie Publishing Co., C. F. Perry, editor.

The Quiney Labor News, in it twelfth year; W. Il. Hoffman, publisher: E. J. Northup, editor.

The Quiney Record, in its eighth year ; Frank M. Stahl, proprietor, and Julia D. Robbins and Frank M. Stahl, editors.

The Western Catholic, in its eighth year; John F. Ridder, editor and publisher.

The monthlies are The Apple Specialist : The Catholic Record ; The Home Seeker; The Home Instructor: The Poultry Keeper, and The Re- liable Poultry Journal. There are also a mm- ber of school, church and fraternal publiea- tions.

Among the Quiney newspapers which have ceased to exist are: The Quiney Commercial Review, which was established in 1871 and quit in 1904; The Modern Argo; The Evening Call, conducted by T. J. Heirs about six years ; The Daily Journal, condueted about four years by the late T. M. Rogers: The Courier, (Ger-

man) which lasted during 1857-8; and a num- ber of more transient publications.

Following are the present newspapers in the county outside of Quincy : The Camp Point Journal, at Camp Point, was established in 1873, by the present editor, George W. Cyrus and Thomas Bailey. The latter retired from the paper in 1876, selling his interest to Mr. Cyrus.

The Clayton Enterprise, at Clayton, in its twenty-sixth year; J. L. Staker, editor and publisher.

The Mendon Dispateh, at Mendon, in its twenty-seventh year ; Urech & Son, proprietors.

The Messenger, at Plainville, Rev. J. W. Madison, editor and publisher.

The Golden New Era, at Golden, in its four- teenth year, published by JJohn P. Beckman.

The Times, at Payson, in its ninth year; E. P. Maher & Sons, publishers.

CHAPTER LHE

QUINCY AND ADAMS COUNTY DURING THE CIVIL WAR-THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.

By Ilon. W. H. Collins. CONFLICT OF OPINION.

Quiney and Adams County shared in the confiet of opinion which culminated in the war between the states. A large part of the population were immigrants, or the descend- ants of immigrants, from south of the Ohio river. Many of them believed in the theory of state sovereignty and the condition of slavery for the negro, as a normal form of social order. They hated anti-slavery agita- tion, and inclined to yield to every demand of the pro-slavery leaders. These men had determined to nationalize slavery, to preserve, propagate and perpetuate it. For this end they had secured the "repeal of the Missouri eom- promise," the "Dred Scott decision" and the enactment of the "Fugitive Slave Law." They constantly threatened to withdraw from the Union unless their demands were granted. In order to placate the pro-slavery leaders, Sena- tor Douglas had taken the position that the question of admitting slavery into new terri- tories should be decided by a vote of the in- habitants of the territory. This was called "Squatter Sovereignty." and was regarded by his large following. as a wise way of settling the question.

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Ont of this agitation came the great debates between Lincoln and Douglas. One of these discussions was held in Washington Square, and was attended by thousands of people. Mr. Lincoln advocated that there should be no extension of slavery into new territory. Mr. Donglas held that "he did not care whether slavery was voted up or down." He said, "I hold that a negro is not and never ought to be a citizen of the United States. I hold that this government was made on the white basis. by white men for the benefit of white men and their posterity forever, and should be admin- istered by white men, and none others. I do not believe that the Almighty made the negro capable of self-government." This probably expressed the opinion of a large majority of the Democrats of Adams county.

As indicative of the spirit of a large and influential portion of the people the Quincy Ilerald on April 10. 1861, used this language: "The slave states have gone out of the Union, or. those that have not already done so will most likely do so soon,-when that takes place, the republicans will not be able to rally the thousands of deluded men that have followed them with the ery of 'no more slave territory or no more slave states, or down with slavery.'" In its next issue, it assumed the success of secession, and, consequently that custom houses would be established on the boundary lines of the confederacy, and "con- gratulated the farmers of Adams county, that all agricultural productions usually shipped from Quincy, would be duty free." It was not without good reason, that southern leaders expected a "solid south and a divided north."

After the "great debates," though Mr. Lin- coln received a majority of the popular vote, Mr. Douglas was elected by the legislature to the senate. A majority of the voters of Adams county were Donglas democrats.

After the election of Mr. Lincoln to the presideney in 1860, the pro-slavery leaders derided to lead their states to secede from the Union. In this crisis. Senator Douglas stood firmly for the Union. To him, probably, more than to any other man, belongs the honor of inspiring his party with a patriotie purpose to support the president in his efforts to maintain the Union by military force. He made power- ful appeals, in his brilliant and effective speeches. He said : "I deprecate war, but if it must come. I am with my country under all circumstances and in every contingency." He said: "I stand by Mr. Lincoln and will sup- port him in every effort to put down re- bellion." Inspired by this leadership, demo- erats joined with republicans, forgot partisan differences and responded with enthusiasm to

the call for troops to maintain the Union. The moral energy of patriotie devotion and the pro- found conviction that the Union was in danger of destruction, called out, organized and direeted the military power of the city and county. Before the war ended, ont of a pop- ulation of about 41,000, 2,300 men had en- listed in the army of the Union.

QUINCY AS A STRATEGIC POINT.

Quincy next to Cairo, was the most import- ant military point in the state. Measured by longitudinal lines, it is seventy-five miles farther west than St. Louis. Situated thus on the extreme western edge of Illinois, projecting into the state of Missouri, it was of great strategie importance.

The line of military effort between the loyal and the slave states reached from the Potomac river westward across West Virginia and Ken- tueky to Cairo, thence bent northward to the lowa line and thence westward to Nebraska and Kansas. After Cairo was occupied. the next movement was to secure the control of Missouri. In a general way the operations of the Union army was a "left-wheel"' pivoted upon the Army of the Potomac. The extreme right wing began its forward movement from the lowa line. Quincy was the point at which the national army, made their rendezvous, effected their organization, and from which, they crossed the river to take possession of the northern part of Missouri, co-operate with forces sent ont from St. Louis and thus take military control of the state.

Quiney became a center of great military activity. Companies gathered here from various parts of the state to be organized into regiments. Steamers passed down the river loaded with soldiers from Jowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Mechanies in the city were busy in making munitions of war, from a leather box for "caps" to steel cannon. The reernit- ing drum was heard day and night. Orators made patriotic speeches and pastors preached patriotie sermons. Regiments with bands par- aded the streets. Women organized to make provision for the sick and wounded in hospital and eamp.

The effect of the shot fired at the flag at Fort Sumter is indescribable. That shot united the north. The question of slavery was for- gotten. The only thought of every man, wo- man and child was, that the insult to the flag should be avenged, and the I'nion maintained.

Readers of local history may enjoy a de- tailed summary of the events of this period gathered mainly from the files of the con- temporary . daily papers.

Immediately after the proclamation of the

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president calling for troops, the Adjutant Gen- eral of the State notified the commanders of the various military organizations, that they would be called upon to enter active duty. At this time, there were two companies in Quincy, commanded by Captain Jas. D. Morgan of the "Guards," and Captain Schroer of the " Rifles."

A meeting of "the citizens of Quiney and vicinity" was called at the courthouse. All were invited "who without distinction of party were determined to stand by the flag of their country and sustain the government. The courthouse was packed to its ntmost capacity. Addresses were made by Dr. Stahl. Barney Arntzen, I. N. Morris, O. H. Browning and Jackson Grimshaw. No epithets were bandied by democrats against republicans or by repub- lieans against democrats, for the first time in Quincy. Parties forgot their patisanship in their patriotism." Reerniting was begun by the "Guards" and within twenty-four hours, more than one hundred men were enrolled. The Savings Bank tendered a loan of twenty thousand dollars to the State. On Sunday, April 21, two companies left for Springfield, on their way to Cairo. Captain B. M. Prentiss was in command. Captain Morgan whose leg had been broken while packing ice the previous winter, accompanied the command on crutches. Before their departure, they were given an ovation. A vast crowd assembled in Washing- ton park, Rev. Il. Foote and Hon. O. H. Brown- ing made speeches. A flag was presented to Captain Prentiss. M. B. Denman led in sing- ing "My Country "Fis of Thee." Rev. Mr. Jaquess offered prayer, and the exercises were closed by singing the Doxology. Ten thousand people accompanied the volunteers to the rail- road station. A train decorated with flags was ready for them. The immense crowd sang the "Star Spangled Banner," and cheered by the sympathetic multitude, they left for Spring- field. At Clayton they were joined by thirty recruits making a total of two hundred and one nien. At JJacksonville a large assembly of people met them at the depot to speed them on their way. The writer heard the speech Prentiss made on this occasion, and remembers that his main point was in refutation of the charge that a "Yankee wouldn't fight." Ilis point was that for "just cause, he would fight as well as any man God ever made." A move- ment was made to organize a company in each ward of the city. There was much military ac- tivity across the river. Green and Porter were industriously organizing companies for con- federate service. Union men were being killed, others were driven ont of the state. It was

quite possible that a raid might be made upon the city.

It was the work of a few days to raise six companies as follows: First ward, Captain Benneson, 107 men : Second ward, Captain W. R. Johnson, 148 men : Third ward, Captain .J. A. Vandorn, 158 men: Fourth ward, Captain Joshua Wood, 130 men: Fifth ward, Captain I. S. Penfield, 115 men: Sixth ward, Captain S. M. Bartlett, 108 men. In addition to these, Captain William Steinwedell reported a com- pany of 71 men. These companies elected as regimental officers, James E. Dunn, Colonel ; Wm. R. Lockwood, Lieutenant Colonel, and William Shannahan, Major. The "Quincy ('adets" became enthusiastic, and gave re- newed attention to drill.

Women showed a zealous patriotism, and on the 24th of April, a call was issued for a meeting "to organize to help the men in the field." Two societies for this purpose were formed, one was called "The Needle Pickets." the other "The Good Samaritans." They ar- ranged to meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week, "to pre- pare lint, bandages, articles of comfort and convenience, and in every way, add their mite to aid and comfort the brave men of our land." They industriously "solicited Hannel, linen and all kinds of material which could be made useful to the soldier."

These noble women deserve an honored place in local history-Mrs. Almira Morton. Mrs. Eliza Bushnell, Mrs. John Moore. Mrs. Rittler, Miss Nellie Bushnell Parker, Mrs. Anna MeFadon. Mrs. Electa Finlay, Sarah Baker, Mrs. Joseph, Mrs. Phil Bert, Mrs. Ganshell, Mrs. Amanda Penfield, Mrs. Elizabeth Charles, Mrs. Warren Reed, Mrs. Geo. Burns, Mrs. Jonas. Mrs. Alica Asbury Abbott, Miss Maertz, Miss Lina Church, Miss Kate Cohen, Miss Abbey Fox, Mrs. Pinkham, Kate Palmer, Mary Palmer, Mrs. John Williams, Mrs. Lorenzo Bull. Mrs. C. H. Bull, Mrs. F. Neike, Mrs. Baughman, Mrs. JJohn Seaman, Mrs. Fred Boyd and Mrs. James Woodruff. This is but a par- tial list of those noble workers. Among those who belonged to the "Good Samaritans" were: Mrs. John Cox, Mrs. Joseph Gilpin, Mrs. I. O. Woodruff, Miss Theresa Woodruff and many others. On the 12th of July they had a mem- bership of 148 - 114 women and 34 men.

Ex-Governor John Wood was appointed by the Governor. Quarter Master of the Illinois Militia. Another call for troops was made by the Governor and mass meetings were called to promote enlistment.

On the 24th of April, a meeting was held to organize a company of cavalry. Speeches were

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made by D. P. Allen, Captain Dunn and Col. W. A. Richardson. Chas. W. Mead was made captain of the company. On the same date a dispatch was received ordering a six-pounder brass cannon, which was in the city, to be for- warded to Springfield. On the 30th, Judge Douglas made a speech before the legislature, which greatly encouraged and united the loyal element of the country. Recruiting was greatly stimulated. Meetings were held from Lima to Kingston and Beverly, addressed by Dr. Stall, I. N. Morris, Barney Arntzen and Dr. M. M. Bane.

A company was formed known as the "Union Rifle Company :" Charles Petrie was made captain. About this time there was some question as to how far W. A. Richardson sup- ported the administration in its war policy. and Dr. Bane addressed him a letter in the publie prints to seenre his views. He replied. "every citizen owes it as a solemn duty to obey the law, to support the constitution, repel in- vasion and defend the flag." A company was formed called the "Quiney National Zonaves:" Joseph W. Seaman was made captain. A "Marine Corps" was also organized intended to enforce the recent act of the legislature forbidding the exportation of arms and muni- tions of war from the state. It had been dis- covered that powder, caps, and other military supplies were being bought in Quiney and taken to Missouri.

On the 12th of July, Col. U. S. Grant ar- rived in Quincy, and went into camp at West Quincy. Robert Tillson delivered a lot of ac- rountrements and Col. Grant kept the tally of them himself, in the absence of the Quarter Master. It is worthy of record that the "Needle Pickets" sent a pillow-case filled with lint and bandages to the ferry for the use of the regiment. Mrs. C. H. Morton carried it to the boat and delivered it to Col. Grant. Hle thanked the ladies through her, and putting the pillow-case under his arm, walked aboard the boat. Thus in this simple and ancere- monions way, did the great general of his time enter upon hostile territory.

On July 15th, Col. Turchin arrived with the nineteenth infantry, and went into camp on Sunset Hill. Gen. Hurtburt soon arrived to take command of the brigade and made his headquarters at the Quiney House. Col. Mulli- gan's regiment arrived on the 17th, camping at Sunset Hill. Sickness began in the camps and the chair factory on the corner of Fifth and Ohio was leased as a hospital. Qniney became a rendezvous for companies from the adjoining counties. Camps were established southwest of Woodland cemetery at the Fair Grounds, at

Sunset Hill north of the city, and on Alstyne's prairie east of Twelfth street. The companies first arriving were organized as the Sixteenth regiment of Illinois Infantry.

The regiments of Colonels Good, Scott and Palmer had been ordered to Quiney, and the Fourteenth had arrived on the 19th of June. James W. Singleton was offered the Colonelcy of a cavalry regiment, but he deelined the honor. The various "Home Guards" engaged in target shooting. Hays and Woodruff had a large force of men engaged in making knap- sacks. Robert Tillson made seabbards and cartridge boxes, and Greenleaf's foundry was manufacturing cannon. The "Needle Pickets" gave a Union supper netting $95, the Four- teenth regiment band supplying the music. On the Fourth of July there was a grand parade. The procession was led by the Fourteenth regiment, then followed the "Quiney Guards," ('aptain Penfield; the "National Rifles," Cap- tain Steinwedell: "Quiney Cadets." Captain Letton : the Quiney Mounted Gnards, Captain Charles W. Mead. These were followed by various civic societies. In the afternoon, a military pienie on Alystyne's prairie closed the exercises.

On the 5th of July, word came from the town of Canton, in Missouri, that Captain Howell of the Home Guards had been shot by a secessionist, and that the town was about to be attacked by a confederate force. Six hundred men of the Fourteenth regiment were sent up on the steamer Black Hawk, but their services were not needed for no attack was made. W. R. Schmidt, without any "posters or newspaper appeals and speeches" raised a company and left for Camp Butler where he joined the 27th infantry.

Special efforts were made to raise an Adams county regiment. On the 16th of July, Dr. M. M. Bane published this notice: "The Adams county regiment will be accepted under the first call for troops. Commanders will fill up their ranks and be prepared to enter service immediately." This regiment was mustered into the United States service September 12, 1861. M. M. Bane was made Colonel: William Swarthont, Lt. Colonel: Geo. W. Randall, Major. William Hanna was captain of Com- pany E. Their first service was along the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad. This regiment had a brilliant and conspicuous career. On the 26th of July, Edward Prince published a call, proposing to raise a cavalry company. He was appointed Lt. Colonel of the Seventh Ilinois Cavalry, and made drill master of cavalry at Camp Butler. The three months' volunteers returned from Cairo on the

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Past and present of the city of Quincy and Adams County, Illinois, Part 58

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1905 Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1228

Author: Collins, William H. (William Hertzog), 1831-1910; Perry, Cicero F., 1855- [from old catalog] joint author; Tillson, John, 1825-1892. History of the city of Quincy, Illinois. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago, S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1228