Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 132

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

USA > Illinois > Knox County > Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois > Part 132

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The accompanying full-page lithographic view of

the building, chapel and surroundings shows the beautiful architectural design and harmony of each structure.

The following are the officers and teachers of the institution : Rev. Charles W. Leffingwell, D. D., Rector and Founder, Metaphysics and Elocution ; Rev. Edward H. Rudd, M. A., Chaplain, Latin, Natural Science, Mathematics; Rev. William B. Morrow, Mus. Bac., Sacred Music ; Nancy Meneely Hitchcock, Vice-Principal, German, Rhetoric, Litera- ture; Mrs. Rudd, Teacher of History; Harriette H. Post, English Branches; Mlle. Jeanne Bouvet, Teacher of French; Carl Laux, Professor of Music; Carrie M. Atkins, Assistant in Music ; Sophia M. Chase, The Study Hall, English Branches; Ellen Dewey, The Studio, Arts of Design ; Carrie B. Castle, Assistant in the Studio ; Blanche Smith, Vocal Music, Voice Culture ; Grace Warren, Assistant in Music ; Charles Lindoft, Violin and Cornet; M. A. McClel- land, M. D., Visiting Physician; Mrs. Leffingwell, Matron; Louise S. Nichols, Assistant Matron; John F. Somes, Curator and Librarian.

Ansgari College.

NE of the objects of the founders of this College was to provide for the education of the Swedes, who formed no inconsiderable part of the population of this and many other of the adjoining counties. It was the out- growth of a school known as "The Mission Institute," of Keokuk, Iowa. That school was first opened in 1873, in a chapel in that city. In 1875, Prof. Chas. Anderson, the Principal of this school, and subsequently the President of Ansgari College, made a visit to several localities, with a view to se- curing a suitable location on which to establish a school. While on this tour, he fortunately met with Hon. James Knox at Knoxville. After explaining the purpose of his visit to Mr. Knox, he was informed by the latter that he had long desired to establish an institution of learning in Knoxville. These two gen- tlemen were not long in forming their plans. Prof. Anderson was very much pleased with the location of Knoxville, and more so with the splendid donation of that philanthropic gentleman, Mr. Knox, who agreed to donate immediately $10,000. He subse- quently increased this amount by about $3,000.

18 19888

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL , KNOXVILLE, ILLS.

LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS

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Other donations were made, and on July 3, 1875, two months after Messrs. Knox and Anderson had met, ground was broken and the construction of the col- lege building commenced. By Aug. 1, 1876, the edi- fice was completed. The building is a four-story brick structure, with a mansard roof and # stone basement, 74 feet long by 44 feet wide, and contains 39 rooms. It was built and furnished at a cost of $22,000. The architecture is modern, well propor- tioned, and the building presents a fine, imposing appearance. It is located on a plat of four acres of ground on East Main street. It is conducted in the interest of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and is both secular and religious in its course of instruction. The collegiate course occupies four years, the theo- logical and academic course two years. The first Faculty was Prof C. Anderson, Rev. J. Anjon, Rev. J. A. Lowe and Miss S. Larkee. It contained a fine library of 1,000 volumes, which was furnished by the ladies of Knoxville. The original Trustees were : Hon. S. H. Tompkins, President of the Board ; Rev. Chas. Anderson, Secretary ; D. M. Eiken, Treasurer ; P. H. Sanford, J. H. Lewis, C. A. Linstrom, J. S. Holmes, A. Nelson, A. N. Anderson, Rev. J. Anjon, Lewis Palmquist, S. Peterson, Geo. Larkee, J. P. Lawson and P. Mattson.

This college did not prove a success, and a few years ago it was closed. Recently the building has been leased by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the United States, and a school is to be established here, to be called the Knoxville Academy and Normal Institute. It is to be changed from the Ansgari Synod to the Augustina Synod. It is expected that the school will be opened by the ist of September, 1886.

Public Schools.

NOXVILLE has a first-class High School, with a handsome school building. It was o W erected in 1876, at a cost of $18,500. Its architecture is attractive, and the interior is well arranged for school purposes, and the whole is very creditable to the city. J. H. Stickney is Principal; Miss Desdemona Root has charge of the Grammar Department; Miss Jennie Heagy, Second Intermediate ; Hannah Evans, First Intermediate ; Mary A. Parmenter, Second Primary ; Miss E. F. Tate and Eliza McCracken, First Primary.

Enrollment, 317. The following items are from the County Superintendent's report for 1885 :

" There is one graded school, the building of which is brick. The school property was valued at $23,000. " Of persons under 21 years of age there are 631, of whom 458 are of school age, 371 being enrolled.

" The highest wages paid male teachers were $122.22 per month, and the lowest were the same; the highest wages paid female teachers were $40, which was also the lowest.

" Tax levy was $5,300."

Knoxville Republican.

HIS journal was established by John S. Win- ter, an old and able editor, who for many years edited it. Its first issue appeared Oct. 8, 1856. It was a seven-column folio paper, neatly printed and ably edited. Mr. -- Winter was a forcible writer, soon acquiring a prominent place as an exponent of Republican prin- ples and progressive ideas. It was started during the hottest period of political excitement then known to our country. The Kansas outrages, the Kansas- Nebraska Act and the repeal of the Missouri Com- promise had wrought the minds of the people up to such a degree of indignation that a conflict then seemed almost unavoidable, and it was to save the country from anarchy, barbarism and ruffianism, that Mr. Winter again took up the quill to put his mite into the scale of liberty, reform and civilization. Within two years after it had been established, the circulation had increased to 1,200. A partnership was then formed, consisting of John S. Winter and R. M. Winans. In April, 1858, John S. Winter & Co. retired, and Beatty & Robinson became the pub- lishers. It is claimed that the Republican was the first to suggest the name of Abraham Lincoln as a presidential candidate for 1860. It exercised, during that memorable campaign, a powerful influence to- ward the election of the Republican ticket.

Zaccheus Beatty retired from the firm, and W. T. Robinson became sole proprietor and publisher. In 1875 it was purchased by F. A. Lanstrum, who con- ducted it for awhile, when O. L. Campbell became the publisher and editor, in which position we still find him. Mr. Campbell has clothed the Republican in a new dress, improving its appearance. It is ably edited, the young editor showing much journalistic

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talent, and is bright and newsy. It is as pronounced in politics as ever, and has a circulation of about 1,200. A good power press and a job-office have been added, and Mr. Campbell is prepared to do first-class jobwork.

Secret Societies.

Illinois Council, No. 1, R. & S. M., was organ- ized March r1, 1852, under a dispensation granted from Kentucky, and was organized by William A. Seaton, of Monmouth, Warren County. First officers, by appointment, of Illinois Council, No. 1, Royal and Select Masters, organized March 11, 1852 : Wm. A. Seaton, T. I. G. M .; Geo. C. Lanphere, Dept. T. I. G. M .; Harmon G. Reynolds, P. C. W. ; I. M. Wilte, I. G. C. G .; Isaac Gulihur, I. G. S. ; J. W. Spaulding, Recorder; Wm. McMurtry, Treasurer ; J. F. Mason, Steward; B. F. Hibbard, Steward.

Present members, 33. Present officers: D. M. Elder, T. I. G. M .; H. J. Charles, Dep. I. G. M ; R. Higgins, P. C. W .; J. N. Vangilder, C. G .; J. N. Nisley, Recorder; M. H. Collins, Treasurer ; L. Palmquist, Chaplain ; R. L. Evarts, Conductor ; J. R. Scott, Steward; T. T. Parmenter, Sentinel.

The Council meets in the Masonic Hall, and is in a good, flourishing condition.

Kabboni Chapter, No. 95, was instituted Oct. 5, 1856, with Alvah Wheeler, Adam Brewer, D. M. Eiker, James Boyd, T. T. Parmenter, Silas Bruce, A. W. Martin, John G. Smith, Thos. Cooper, Isaac Guli- hur, Geo. A. Charles, James McCracken, Geo. F. Smith and H. R. Perkins. James McCracken, H. P .; Alvah Wheeler, K .; Adam Brewer, Scribe.

The Chapter has a present membership of 54. Present officers: D. M. Eiker, H. P .; Samuel Calkins, K .; Isaac Gulihur, Scribe; Robert Higgins, C. H .; H. J. Childs, Treasurer; R. L. Evarts. Secretary; E. H. Stilson, P. S .; J. R. Scott, R. A. C .; Michael Collins, G. M. 3d V .; Lewis Palmquist, G. M. 2d V .; John Nisley, G. M. Ist V .; T. T. Parmenter, Sentinel. The Council is in good con- dition.

Knoxville Lodge, No. 66, was organized Oct. 3, 1855, by Harmon G. Reynolds, Cyrus Palmer, Isaac B. West and others. The lodge organized under dispensation, which was granted on petition April 28, 1849. Under the dispensation granted the member; proceeded to elect their officers : Geo. C. Lanphere, W. M .; Benj. Hebard, S. W .; Caleb Finch, J. W .;

Edward C. Johnson, Treasurer; Robt. L. Hanna- man, Secretary; Reuben Bailey, S. D .; Isaac Guli- hur, J. D .; J. F. Mason, Tiler. They built their hall in 1855 with their own funds. The lower floor is rented. An elegant hall and well finished. Present membership, 62. Present officers : D. M. Eiker, W. M .; J. R. Scott, S. W .; John Cook, J. W .; Lewis Palmquist, Treasurer; R. L. Evarts, Secretary ; Rev. J. Rugh, Chaplain ; Chas. Russel!, S. D .; Frank Godfrey, J. D .; John N. Nisley, S. S .; Edward Schwartz, J. S .; T. T. Parmenter, Tiler. This lodge is in good working order, is efficient in good words and works, and is growing rapidly into prosperity and popularity.

Pacific Lodge, No. 400, was chartered Oct. 5, 1864 This lodge was an outgrowth of the Knoxville Lodge. Its members first organized under dispensation March 3, 1864, electing for its first officers : A. M. Craig, W. M .; George A. Charles, S. W .; Alvah Wheeler, J. W .; R. White, Treasurer; B. Kersey, Secretary; S. Stephens, S. D .; Adam Brewer, J. D .; J. F. Stewart, Tiler. The ensuing fall they received their charter. The present officers are: E. H. Stil- son, M. W .; Thos. Barton, S. W .; W. S. Lessig, J. W .; E. Plummer, Treasurer; L. A. Jackson, Secre- tary; George O. Reynolds, S. D .; George Barton, J. D .; Lewis R. Walton, S. S .; J. A. Shawver, J. S .; Elkanah Moore, Tiler. The lodge membership at this writing is 54, and its meetings are held in the Knoxville Lodge hall, wherein they own a joint inter- est. They employ a financial agent, who manages the business for them. They are prosperous and in good working order.

Knoxville Lodge, No. 126, A. O. U. W., was or- ganized Sept. 30, 1878, with 17 charter members. The first officers were : J. A. Dillingham, P. M. W .; G. S. Chalmers, M. W .; A. M. Parmenter, Foreman ; James Boyd, Rec .; T. B. Tate, Financier ; R. F. Tate, Receiver; Joe Lander, Guide; N. Orump, I. W .; J. E. Hanson, O. W. The present officers are as follows: J. W. Tate, M. W .; H. W. Arms, Foreman ; I. E. Wallich, O .; J. S. Simpson, Rec .; J. D. Mc- Intosh, Financier; Thos. B. Tate, Receiver; Frank Buck, Guide; Thomas J. Scott, I. W .; J. S. Simpson, P. M. W. Present number of members is 55. A fine hall, 60x30, has been leased for five years.

Knox Legion, higher degree of A. O. U. W., with 20 members, has just been organized.

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CHURCHES.

Knoxville M. E. Church. One of the first relig- ious organizations in this part of the State was the Knoxville Methodist Episcopal congregation. One of the earliest pioneers of the Gospel in this section, Barton H. Cartwright, preached in a small tinshop as early as 1831. The congregation has had many pastors, some excellent and gifted, others of less brilliancy, but on the whole they have wrought a good work.

Christian Church. Elder J. H. Garrison, one of the prominent ministers of this denomination, came here in 1871, and meeting a few members-13 in nuniber-organized the Knoxville Christian congre- gation. The old Presbyterian Church, standing on Broad street, was purchased for $2,000, and a portion of Elder Garrison's services secured. The congrega- tion has enjoyed a steady growth.

Lutheran. As early as 1853, Rev. T. N. Hassel- quist, now President of Rock Island College, came to Knoxville and organized this church. Its proper name is the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church.

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Presbyterian Church. The present congregation of this body was formed in 1870 by the union of the Old and New School Churches. This was the result of a joint conference held on November 4 of that year. The new congregation took possession of the Main Street Church the Ist of January, 1871, under the pastorate of D. W. Bradford.

St. John's Episcopal Church. A meeting to or- ganize a parish to be called St. John's Church was

held Dec. 30, 1843, the record being signed by 19 persons. The next meeting was held Sept. 7, 1844. and was presided over by Rev. Dudley Chase. Occasional service was held by Mr. Chase until 1848. The next recorded meeting of this society was April 25, 1859. In April, 1860, the subject of building a house of worship was discussed, and it was decided to solicit subscriptions for this purpose. In May following, the Baptist Church building was leased for a chapel at a rental of $50 per annum, and a rector of Galesburg was appointed to take charge of the parish in connection with his own. The parish was re-organized April 23, 1867, and a church building was erected the same year. In 1869 Rev. C. W. Leffingwell became the rector. In 1873, the church debt being removed, the consecration took place. In 1876 Mr. Leffingwell resigned the rectorship, and was succeeded by Rev. E. H. Budd, who served un- til 1879, when Mr. Leffingwell again took charge and is still serving the church in the capacity of rector, but the services are not regular, nor is the congrega- tion strong or prosperous.

KNOXVILLE CEMETERY.

Just north of the town is the Knoxville Cemetery, which was laid off soon after the location of the county seat was made at this place. The grounds embrace several acres, and are pleasantly located and well cared for. The cemetery is adorned with beautiful shade trees and some very fine monuments, which show taste and culture.

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KNOX COUNTY.

City of Abingdon-

HERE a few years ago roamed the red man in pursuit of his wk favorite game stand popu- lous villages and cities. The beautiful little city of which we now write, and which is so pleasantly situ- ated, lies between the town- ships of Cedar and Indian Point, on the line of the Quincy Branch of the C., B. & Q. R. R. Its site is on a plateau which gently slopes back on all sides into the far-reaching prairies. Surrounding it is one of the best agricultural districts in the State. From every point the eye rests on beauti- ful and highly cultivated farms embellished with shapely dwellings, and shaded by handsome trees. To Abraham D. Swartz is due the credit of founding this town, by whom it was platted in 1836. Certainly Mr. Swartz had an eye for the beautiful when he conceived the idea of starting a town and a college here. It is reported of him that soon after he settled in this township he took his devoted wife, who was feeling somewhat sad on account of her solitude, out for a walk one fine day. Their walk led them up to where the college now stands, where they rested. A wide, unbroken prairie ex- tended all around them, reaching far away in the distance, now and then relieved by little groves. Only two or three cabins could be seen, and one of these was their own humble dwelling. After gazing long and earnestly upon the lovely country around him, he turned to his wife and said: "We will live to see a village here, and where we stand a college will be built." His vision proved a prophetic one.

Abingdon was platted by Mr. Swartz in May, 1836, on the southwest quarter of section 33, township 10 north, range I east. In 1849 an addition was made, which was called South Abingdon. This ad- dition was laid out by Frederick Snyder, April 2, and was located on the northwest quarter of section 4, in township 9 north of range r east, and immedi- ately south of the original town.

John E. Evans was the enterprising man who opened the first tavern in Abingdon. It was in a double log cabin and its doors were thrown open for the entertainment of man and beast in the fall of 1836. It was quite a noted hostelry in its day and was long remembered for its genial hospitality; un- doubtedly it gave more satisfaction to the traveler of that day than the present hotel does to the peo- ple of this. Mr. Evans was killed in Iowa by a run- away team.

Mr. Swartz named the town after the one he had lived in in Missouri. About the year 1845 it was in- corporated as a village. The records in this matter have been lost. The first store in Abingdon was opened by Curry & Green, in 1836, in a little log cab- in, which now would not be regarded large enough for a peanut-shop. This was opened in the spring. John C. Evans opened the second store in the fall. In 1837 another store was opened by Green & Bow- man. From this start the village grew quite rapidly and soon became a thriving town. Schools were opened, churches were established, settlers con- tinued to come in and other business houses were opened, and Abingdon began to assume the airs of a city.

By a special act of the Legislature passed April 21, 1857, Abingdon was incorporated as a city.

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The first officers were W. H. Gillaspie, Mayor; C. C. Lewis, Sidney Owens, Jesse Perdue and George In- ness were chosen Aldermen; Charles L. Summers, Clerk; Jesse Burr, Assessor ; Andrew Bradbury, Collector ; W. H. Gillaspie, Treasurer, and W. Mer- rick, Marshal.

To return to the early days. We find that in 1837 a public sale of lots was had, which netted quite a little sum. In the year 1838 the first school was opened in the village and was taught by A. Mcln- tosh. During this year Alonzo Reece was born, which was the first birth here. The first death here was that of a Mr. Duffield, in 1838. Abraham D. Swartz was the first Postmaster, receiving his ap- pointment in 1836. From this time to the present Abingdon has had the following Postmasters : 1). Reece, S. H. Richey, W. Shannon, B Bradbury, Jesse Chesney, W. D. Lomax and A. B. Cochran.

After her incorporation as a city Abingdon com- menced the erection of good school buildings, estab- lished a thorough system of public education, and secured the services of good instructors. Her schools were noted for their excellence. Among her teachers was Myron R. Brewster, who taught here at an early day. He was much beloved and respected by his pupils and all the people who knew him. He was the eighth child of Ezra B. and Joan S. (Reed) Brew- ster, and was born in Greene, Chenango Co., N. Y., Dec. 10, 1834. He was a gentleman of education and refinement ; pure in character, of modest bear- ing and retiring nature and a devout Christian. From Abingdon he went to Waukegan and took charge of one of the public schools there. Here he remained until the Rebellion, when, true to his patriotic instincts and ancestral traditions, he gave up his charge and enlisted in the cause of the Union, joining Co. D, 96th Ill. Vol. Inf. He was poisoned while in the service, was taken to a hospital and from there dis- charged as soon as he was able to return home. As soon as his health would permit he took charge of one of the schools of Evanston, that beautiful city on the shores of Lake Michigan, where he taught until his health and strength failed him, when he was obliged to give up his trust, and a few months after he died. He never recovered from the army sickness nor from the effects of the poison, and was a great, though patient, sufferer for many years prior to his death. The most able physicians in Chicago could give him but temporary relief, and no hope of

recovery. On the 19th of April, 1871, surrounded by his beloved and faithful wife, his loving children and a devoted brother, his pure spirit passed away to that summer land where there is no physical con- fict, no bodily pain. His remains were interred in Oakwood Cemetery, Waukegan, by the side of his parents and other kindred, and by the shores of that lake whose waves perpetually sing his requiem, and upon the blue waters of which he was wont to gaze with admiring eyes. He left a wife and five children --- Nellie, Otto, Lulu, Ernest and Perrin, all of whom are living at Rock Rapids, Iowa, except Perrin, who was drowned while out boating in the Vermilion River at Pontiac, Ill., June 1, 1879. His body was found three days after, and was placed by the side of that of his father in Oakwood Cemetery.

Otto and Nellie are married and are living at . Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Abingdon made a heavy stride forward when the C., B. & Q. R. R. completed its line through the place. This stimulated its business men to erecting substantial business blocks, and filling them with large stocks of goods. About this time the Hedding College was completed and opened, which placed Abingdon among the first towns in educational ad- vantages. In 1883 the Central lowa Railroad was completed through, which with the C., B. & Q. R. R. gave her abundant facilities for transportation and ready communication with all parts of the country. The business of Abingdon to-day rests on a substan- tial foundation. Its stores are first-class, well filled, and a fair business is done. It has two banks. As a shipping point for fine horses and cattle, it is unex- celled by any town of its size in the country. It has also made considerable advancement in its manu- facturing industries. Among these are two brick and tile factories, one owned by Messrs. Reed & Davis, and the other by that old and reliable citizen, F. P. Foltz. His factory is situated about two miles west of the city. He has a fine bed of clay, which is very accessible and comparatively inexhaustible. A first-class quality of tile is made and sold at reason- able rates.

Reed & Davis'brick and tile factory is situated just north of the town. This is a recent purchase by them. They have an excellent bed of clay, which they obtain from a shaft some 75 feet below the sur- face. Immediately above the clay-bed lies a two- feet stratum of coal, which they propose to get out and

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put on the market. There were many improvements here and a good deal of machinery when these gen- tlemen made their purchase, but they are addir g new and improved machinery, putting up new kilns and drying-houses, and largely increasing their man- ufacturing capacity. They have one kiln in process of erection which will have a capacity of 25,000 tile. The size of their tile ranges from three to eight inches. This is one of the institutions that help maintain and build up a town, and the people should give it every encouragment.

The Nordyke Mills, owned by Shoemaker & Mc- Conkle, are another industry of the city which is very creditable. They make a specialty of manufactur- ing graham flour, corn-meal and feed, and have al- ready established an extensive business.

With its beautiful location, its superior educational advantages, its industries and the rich agricultural country surrounding it, with the extensive stock farms, Abingdon cannot but be prosperous. Her streets are wide, well laid out, and bordered with beautiful shade trees ; her dwelling-houses average well, while some are elegant.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The fire department was organized in 1877, with C. E. Perdue, Marshal. The Hook and Ladder Company has 15 members. Officers : H. H. Bell- wood, Foreman; W. T. Phelps, First Assistant ; J. B. Davis, Second Assistant; J. J. Bradbury, Secy. ; C. Leigh, Treas.

Abingdon Engine Company (chemical) was or- ganized with 21 members. C. J. Lake, Foreman ; C. E. Perdue, First Assistant ; F. L. Stubbs, Second Assistant. Have 150 feet of hose; depend on wells and cisterns for water supply. Present officers : Fire Marshal, W. A. Jones. Hook and Ladder Co .: J. Merry, Foreman ; J. Bellwood, First Assistant ; Ed. Fox, Second Assistant ; Ed. Fox, Secy. ; J. Bellwood, Treas .; membership 21. Chemical Company : A. M. Hopper, Foreman; M. H. Best, First Assistant; W. H. Kibby, Second Assistant ; 15 members.

CHERRY GROVE SEMINARY.

.This seminary was at one time a very popular and well patronized institution of learning. It was founded by M. C. Bates and Jonathan Latimer, and was located about one mile northwest of Abingdon, on section 29. It was opened March 1, 1841, under the charge of Rev. Cyrus Haynes, who was a minis-

ter of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Haynes had charge of this school some eight years, and through his ability as an instructor and man- ager it became one of the noted institutions of learn- ing of this part of the country, and was very prosper- ous. In 1866 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church established a college at Lincoln, Ill., in consequence of which this seminary was discontinued.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 132

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 1130

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130