Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 90

Author:
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 794

USA > Illinois > Warren County > Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county > Part 90

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BANDS.

The Monmouth Marine Band was first organized in 1869, with a small membership. These members,

however, were zealous and attached to the profes- sion, and determined to have a first-class band. They practiced regularly and systematically and finally became distinguished for the excellence of their playing. In 1878 they took the premium at the Fire Tournament in Chicago, and have since that time won honors in different parts of the State. They have a membership at the present time of 16, all .of whom are good musicians. . Prof. F. W. White, second E flat and Director; J. F. Saville, first E flat and leader; and J. A. Montgomery, bass drum and manager. There are not many bands in the country that can excel the Marine Band for the taste, skill and harmony of their music. Many a pleasant moment was spent during the past summer by the writer in listening to the sweet, melodious strains of music sent out on the warm evening air by this band, for which he takes this opportunity to express his grateful thanks.

The Cadet Band was organized about a year ago, with Frank Young as leader. It is composed of young men who are ambitious to distinguish them- selves in the musical world. They are in constant practice and are improving every day.

There is also a colored band in town which has been recently started. They are practicing with a good deal of zeal and it is expected that at no dis- tant day they will become quite proficient and dis- tinguish themselves as musicians. They certainly deserve a great deal of credit for their perseverance.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

The fire department of Monniouth consists of two engine companies, one a chemical, and two hook and ladder companies. H. A. Webster is. Chief and is an experienced fireman.

Monmouth Engine Company, No. I, has N. S. Woodward for Foreman, with 22 [members. This Company has one of Silsby's best nickel-plated en- gines, fourth size. It is a beautiful machine, costing $4,000. With it there are three hose-carts, and 2,400 feet of hose. This engine has the power of throwing 500 gallons of water per minute. Cisterns and wells are provided at different parts of the city for water supplies.

Mayor Holt Engine Company, No. 2, has a chem- ical engine with two 80-gallon tanks. They use a solution of soda and sulphuric acid. It is stationed at the freight depot. W. T. Hayes is Foreman,

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with ten members. A team is connected with this engine which is at all times ready for use.

Hook and Ladder Companies .- Rough and Ready, No. I, has a membership of 20, of which Oscar Henry is Foreman. The Alert, No. 2, has a mem- bership of 25, with John P. Gray, Foreman.

The Rough and Ready Hook and Ladder Com- pany, as well as the Alert, have won a National rep- utation for their activity in the drill and for their athletic performances; and have in their hall many trophies of their victories. The Rough and Ready Company won the first belt at the first annual tour- nament of the Illinois State Firemens' Association, held at Decatur, Oct. 12, 1876. The feat was to run 300 rods, raise a 20-foot ladder and place a man on the top. This feat they accomplished in 70 sec- onds, being the best time made. The belt, which is made of solid silver and very neatly and artistically designed, was to be given to the company that should be victorious in three annual contests. The second contest was at Galesburg, Aug. 30, 1877. They performed the great feat at this time in 55 seconds, making the best time. At the third contest of the annual Tournament of the Illinois State Fire- men's Association, held at Chicago, Sept. 5, 1878, two trials were allowed, their average time being 49 seconds, which was the quickest time made. This gave them the victory over all contestants and they were presented with the belt. This company has another belt, also made of solid silver, or this com- pany and the Alert, No. 2, who went out as the Nip and Tuck Company, which they won at the Illinois State Firemen's Tournament, held at Quincy, in 1881. . At this contest they made the time in 463/4 seconds, and took the belt from the Knoxville Hook and Ladder Company, who had won it at the tour- nament held at Monmouth, Sept. 3, 1880, when the time was made in 521/2 seconds This belt had been previously won by the Abingdon Hook and Ladder Company, at the Illinois State Firemen's Tourna- nament, held at Peoria, Sept. 4, 1879; time 491/2 seconds.

The Rough and Ready Company have also a beautiful firemen's lantern, which they won at the National Firemen's Tournament, held in Chicago, Sept. 5, 1878, time 49 seconds. This lantern was the gift of the National Firemen's Journal.

At the Annual Illinois Firemen's Tournament, held

at Quincy, the National Firemen's Journal offered a lantern as a prize, which was won by the Nip and Tuck ; time 463/4 seconds; this was a sweepstake prize. At this tournament there was also offered by Brunswick & Balke a prize, consisting of a fine bil- liard table, to be given to the best company in a hub and hub contest, distance 300 yards. This prize was won by the Nip and Tuck Company.

The fire department have a neat hall, where they hold their meetings. This hall is decorated with the photographs of the firemen in uniform, the engine, hook and ladder wagon, etc. In this hall they also have a well selected library, for the use of them- selves and their families.

SOCIETIES.

Monmouth Masonic Lodge, No. 37, was instituted Oct. 6, 1846; George C. Lamphere was W. M .; Samuel Webster, Sr. W. M .; John C. Young, Jr. W. M. This lodge now numbers 74 members ; present officers, W. S. Holliday, W. M. ; J. W. Gael, Sr. W. M .; A. G. McDowell, Jr. W. M., and D. D. Dun- kle, Secretary. They have a large, fine hall, which they own. It is neatly frescoed with emblematic illustrations of the order. The lodge is well equipped and in a flourishing condition. It is the first society organized in the county.

Warren Chapter, No. 30, R. A. M., was organ- ized Oct. 2, 1856. At the first organization David B. Rice was H. P .; Wm. A. Seaton, K .; Samuel Stanley, Scribe. This lodge numbers at present 80 members, and meets in the Masonic Hall .; present officers, D. D. Dunkle, H. P .; Levi Roadhouse, K .; Levi Page, Scribe, and A. C. McDowell, Secretary. The Masons met with some misfortune last spring, having had the roof of their hall taken off by the cy- clone that visited this place. Another roof, however, was put on and their hall is again in good condition.

Trinity Lodge, No. 561, A. F. & A. M., was or- ganized June 27, 1867, with 16 charter members ; first officers, Joseph Hill, W. M .; J. N. Reece, S. W .; E. C. Johnston, J. W .; S. Gamble, Treasurer ; G. R. Barbour, Secretary ; A. H. Swain. S. D .; L. Stansbury, J. D .; C. Coates, Tyler. Present officers, O. B. Wilcox, W. M .; L. F. Schusler, S. W .; John H. Hogue, J. W .; E. C. Johnston, Treasurer; Pey- ton Roberts, Secretary ; R. Dony, S. D .; J. H. Beeny, J. D .; H. T. Harkless, Tyler. This lodge

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has a fine farm, which is well equipped and in a good working condition.

Encampment, No. 87, was chartered Oct. 13, 1868, with seven members-C. W. Palmer, J. T. Wallace, G. A. Samson, R. S. Frew, Wm. M. Smiley, T. O. Hamsher and Jeremiah M. McGrew. This lodge is well attended and is also in a flourishing condition.

Warren County Lodge, No. 160, I. O. O. F., was instituted June 10, 1855, with C. W. Palmer, W. B. Jenks, Elisha Nye, George McGowan as the charter members. In 1871 the fire destroyed their building; the records were at this time also burned. In 1875 some 20 of the members of this lodge seceded and formed a new organization. In 1881 they completed and moved into their new hall. It is large, airy and elegantly equipped and beautifully decorated. Their furniture and regalia cost about $1,500. Financially they are in good condition, having something over $3,000 out at interest ; number of active members at present is over 117. L. C. Nott is the Noble Grand.

I: O.O. F., No. 577, Monmouth Lodge, was or- ganized May 18, 1875, with 23 charter members. The first officers were L. S. Holden, N. G. ; John B. Weir, V. G .; Isaac Mark, R. S .; Peyton Roberts, P. S .; Riemer Lahann, Treasurer. The membership at present is 127, with the following officers : Henry McIntyre, N. G .; Riemer Lahann, V. G .; E. W. Stevens, R. S .; L. S. Holden, P. S .; W. W. Brooks, Treasurer. This lodge has a fine, large hall, neatly furnished and elegantly equipped with all the para- phernalia of the order. It is out of debt, has money at interest, and is in a prosperous condition. Meetings are held by the Lodge every Wednesday.

Monmouth Lodge, I. O. O. F., Rebecca Degree, No. 128 .- This order was instituted November, 1853, with 54 members, and have increased their numbers since their organization to 60. Present officers, Mrs. A. E. McIntosh, N. G .; Mrs. Nettie Emert, V. G .; Mrs. Mattie Baker, R. S,; Mrs. E. W. Stevens, F. S .; Mrs. Almira Cottrell, Treasurer. They meet the second and fourth Fridays in each month.

Rebecca Degree Lodge, No. 122, 1. O. O. F., was instituted Oct. 11, 1870. They have quite an inter- esting lodge and meet - regularly, in the Warren Lodge Hall. Mrs. N. Y. Frew is at present N. G.

McClanahan Post, G. A. R. No. 330 was char- tered Aug. 27, 1883. First officers : J. P. Higgins, C; D. D. Dunkle, Sr., V. C .; J. G. Burchfield, Jr.,

V. C .; J. H. Hurdman, Adj't. There were 34 char- tered members in the organization. The Post num- bers at present 65, with the following named of- ficers : D. D. Dunkle, C .; W. T. Ramsey, S. V. C. : S. A. Hogue, J. V. C .; J. H. Hurdman, Adjt. They have a good large hall, 22x60 feet, which is niceły furnished. The Post is in a flourishing condition and hold their meetings twice a month. They have an altar tastefully gotten up, which stands in the center of the hall, erected to the memory of their fallen comrades.

Monmouth Relief Corps, No. 6. This is an aux- iliary to the G. A. R. Mcclanahan Post. It was chartered June 18, 1884, with 25 members. Mrs. E. J. Hurdman, President. They meet in the G. A. R hall. Considerable interest is manifested in this lodge by the ladies of Monmouth, and it is increas- ing in its membership.

A. O. U. W. Lodge, 192, was organized in Aug- ust, 1881, with 37 charter members. This society has been prosperous and has increased its member- ship to 68. They have a hall which they have fitted up for their meetings, and it is neatly furnished. Present officers : George M. Peters, P. M. W .; C. B. Bristol, M. W .; F. Ahlstrand, Foreman ; James Wilson, Overseer ; J. F. Coleville, Recorder; C. E. Blackburn, Financier; ; A, H. McGrew, Receiver ; M. Raims, Guide. This society has lost only two members since its organization. 1;

Modern Woodmen of America, Maple City Camp, No. 94. This camp was organized, April 22, 1885, with 19 charter members .; Officers : C. E. Black- burn, Counsel; A. W. Morton, Advisor; H. M. Put- man, Clerk; David Turnbull, Banker. They have now 20 members and meet regularly in the A. O. U. W. hall on the 2d and 4th Tuesdays of each month. Maple City Camp is new, but it is active, is steadily increasing in numbers, and is in a prosperous condi- tion.

- Order of Chosen Friends, Monmouth Council, No. 15, was instituted Aug. 7, 1883, with 25 mem- bers. Edward Parkinson was Chief Counsellor ; E. J. Clark, Secretary ; and H. M. Wright, Treasurer. This society ineets in the Odd Fellows' Hall, holding their sessions twice a month. Present membership is about 50. Present officers as follows; J. W. Smith, C. C .; Wm. B. Vorwick, V. C .; J. Chaffee, Secretary; E. C. Linn, Treasurer; J. H. Moore, P.

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C. C .; J. T. Piper, Prelate ; H. H. Reed, Warden ; G. H. Coaltrap,"Guard. This is an insurance order and a beneficiary one, with policies ranging from $1,- 000 to $3,000. Some of the cardinal features of this society are that it furnishes its benefits at cost. Its plans are equitable and just, and its fraternal obli- gations binding and forcible. It makes no distinction in regard to sex, and the season of old age is soft- ened and made bright by reaping substantial benefits at 75 years. When a member becomes permanently disabled, he receives one-half of his benefits. The sick are looked after and a home is found for the orphaned. It has for its foundation mutual aid ; for its superstructure reciprocity. This Order is grow- ing and it is in a prosperous condition. They pro- pose in the near future to have a hall of their own for their meetings.

Leiderkranz of Monmouth wasinstituted March 17, 1871, and was incorporated Feb. 1, 1875. The ob- ject of this society is to further the sociability and unity of the Germans. At the time of the incorpor- ation a beneficiary order was attached to it. The financial matters of each are kept apart and mem- bers of the Leiderkranz if physically disabled can- not be members of the Beneficiary Order. They as- sume the same charitable duties as most of the other societies, such as taking care of the sick and helping those that are in great need. Should a mem- ber be sick, or rather an invalid, 40 weeks, then his beneficiary claim ends ; his case is considered one of chronic illness, and he has no longer any claim upon the society. When a member dies, $30 is given to the family of the deceased for funeral expenses, and one dollar is assessed on each member for their ben- efit. They have a large hall fitted up for their use and have about 50 members. Their financialstanding is good and they are as a society, prosperous. Pres- ent ,officers : John B. Andrews, President; David Woelber, V. P .; German Leins, Secretary ; P. D. Good, Financial Secretary ; Reimer Lahann, Treas- urer.

Supreme Council, Order of the Golden Rule. This order had its inception in Monmouth and was incor- porated under the general corporation act, approved April 18, 1872, with the following officers : O. S. Barnum, S. P. ; John Troutman, S. S .; W. B. Young, S. T .; J. H. Wallace, S. M. D .; T. S. Stamps, S. D. As this is a new order it may not be inopportune to

mention its objects. Like most societies, it is se- cret in its government, with signs of recognition and insignia of office. It aims to unite all persons of a moral character into a social, benevolent and frater- nal society, with the principles of the Golden Rule as its foundation, and to aid its members in the struggles of life in any way that may be suggestive by common feelings of humanity. The Order also proposes to establish a fund by voluntary contribu- tion for the benefit of widows and orphans of de- ceased members. Another feature of this Order is the extending to women the privilege of meeting the men of the country in the halls of secret organiza- tions. It is beneficiary in its operations, afford- ing an opportunity to its members in case of death of leaving a very liberal provision to their families or heirs; also of receiving a certain annuity while liv- ing. Since this order was established there has been several organized in different parts of the State.

Order of the Golden Rule, Council No. I. This council was instituted March 20, 1884, with 92 char- - ter members. First officers were W. C. Norcross, C. H .; V. H. Webb, C. C .; D. C. Barnes, C. Capt. ; A. G. McDowell, C. G .; James Westerfield, F. G .; Frank Downer, S. G .; David J Parret, Sentry ; D. E. Ward, Secretary ; Wm. Glendening, Treasurer. This society meets at present in the Odd Fellows' Hall and has a membership of upwards of 100. It was the first local Lodge of this order organized. .

Citizens' League of Warren County. This League was organized in the spring of 1885, and was char- tered July 2d following. There are six directors who are named in the charter for the first year, to-wit : J. Ross Hanna, Robert A. Wilson, W. H. McQuis- ton, C. C. Secrist, Isaac Kirkpatrick and O. S. Bar- num. The objects of this League are to enforce the laws and ordinances enacted for the suppression of the liquor traffic. . Headquarters of this society is at Monmouth. Its charter extends for 20 years.

Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The first Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Monmouth was organized in June, 1872, under the name of the Monmouth Ladies' Temperance Society. Its objects were the education of the old and young in the im- portant truth that it is dangerous and morally wrong to use intoxicating liquors as a beverage; also the recovery of the fallen and the cultivation of sound temperance sentiment. Signing the pledge and

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paying 50 cents fee constitutes a membership. It was the first woman's temperance organization in the county, and was working efficiently 18 months be- fore the Woman's Temperance Crusade was organ- ized in Hillsboro, which was Dec. 23, 1873. When the Illinois Woman's .Christian Temperance Union was organized in 1878, it at once became auxiliary and has continued to be one of the most useful tem- perance organizations in the State. In April, 1879, another Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized in Monmouth, and by way of distinction this Union has been known as the First Woman's Christian Temperance Union. The Union elects- annually a President and Vice-President from each Church in the city, a Corresponding and Recording Secretary, Treasurer and Superintendent. The fol- lowing branches of work are recommended by the National and State Woman's Christian Temperance Union : Band of Hope work, Sunday-school work, scientific temperance work, evangelistic and press work, young woman's work, work among foreigners, colored people, prisons and jails, and temperance lit- erature. Present membership, 144. This organiza- tion has been useful in creating the strong temper- ance sentiment which exists in Monmouth.

The Crusade Society. This is another temperance organization, which was started May 10, 1879, with Mrs. A. J. Herbert as President; Mrs. L. M. Reed, Vice-President; and Mrs. H. J. Boyd, Secretary. Mrs. D. Babcock is the present President, and the Society has some 60 members. They hold their meetings regularly, and are very energetic in their endeavors to suppress the liquor traffic in the city of Monmouth.

CHURCHES.

The First Presbyterian Church. The Schuyler Presbytery, at their spring meeting in 1836, ap- pointed Rev. Silas Riggs to organize the Presbyterian Church in Warren County. - At the September meeting of the Presbytery, held at Monmouth some years later, the committee reported the organization of a society to be named the First Presbyterian Church of Warren County. This was the first Presbyterian organization effected in the county. In October, 1839, it took the name of Fall Creek Church. At this meeting of the Presbytery, when the report of the organization of the Church was

made and accepted, . Revs. Sill and Riggs were appointed to supply the Church as often as they could. The Fall Creek Church, with the consent of its members, was dissolved Aug. 26, 1873. Its mem- bership had run down to less than half a score, owing to the fact that other organizations had been formed, which supplied the wants of those living in their vicinity. This was the outgrowth of the Mon -- mouth First Presbyterian Church. The Presbyte- rian Church of Monmouth was organized Sept. 2, 1837, by Rev. L. G. Bell, who was appointed to the work by the Schuyler Presbytery, at its meeting in Macomb, April 12, 1837. It was organized with 16 members, all of whom being members of the First Presbyterian Church of Warren County, were dis- missed to enter the new Church. James P. Hogue and Hamilton Roney were installed as Elders. The following are the names of the first members : Nancy Jenkins, Margaret Montgomery, Margaret Hogue, Margaret Roney, James Brasselton, M. A. Marick, Lydia Talbert, Mary A. Hogue, Eliza Andrews, Thomas G. Hogue, Benjamin Hercules, Hamilton Roney, and George P. and James P. Hogue.

The Church had supplies until September, 1839, when they secured their first settled pastor, Rev. Samuel Wilson. Revs. L. G. Stewart, M. Hammer, James Stafford, W. K. Stewart and Jos. Gray were the supplies. Mr. Wilson's services were ter- minated by his death, which occurred Aug. 15, 1847. During his pastorate 67 members were added to the Church. Up to 1842 this society had no church building, but held their services in different places, sometimes in a store, sometimes in the old American hotel and at priyate houses. On the 17th day of April, 1842, Theodore Coburn and his wife gave a deed conveying to the trustees of the Church lot 6, in block 32, old town plat of Monmouth, upon which a church building was constructed at a cost of about $800. This they used as a place of worship until 1851, when the building was taken down and the brick sold to James Hill. In 1848 the Rev. William F. Ferguson became the supply of the Church, serv- ing it until 1851. It was very hard times in those days, but this zealous congregation was resolved to have a new house of worship. During the year 1851 many ofthe congregation, aided by their pastor, were engaged in hauling lumber from Oquawka for the new building. That season was a wet one, and it was impossible to get the lumber to their church

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building. During the construction of their new edifice they were tendered the use of the Method- ist building every alternate Sabbath. In the latter part of December, 1851, Rev. Robert C. Mathews, a talented young man from the South, was called and engaged to preach for them for three months. He was subsequently engaged and served the Church until death took him away, Nov. 15, 1879.7 (See bi- ography in this volume). Mr. Mathews did more to harmonize the discordant elements among the vari- ous Churches of this community, by his Christian spirit and his great devotion to his Master's work, than all the other clergymen together.

"In his duty, prompt at every call,

He watched and wept, he prayed and felt for all." In 1852 the edifice was so far completed as to en- able the congregation to hold their meetings in the basement. It was finished and dedicated in 1853. It cost about $3,000. In 1863 the church building was enlarged by the addition of 22 feet to the length of it, at a cost of $1,500. In 1876 the society de- termined to erect a larger and more commodious edifice, and for this purpose a building committee was appointed. They were unable to raise the nec- essary funds that year, however, but secured the lots for the building, for which they paid $1,350. The matter rested here until the early part of 1880, when measures were again taken to raise funds to go on with the work. A portion of the money necessary was raised, and in October the contract was let. The contract price was $14,700, the building to be completed by October, 1881. To give more room an additional lot was purchased, at a cost of $150. The building was completed and dedicated May 7, 1882. The total cost of the building, with lots, furniture, organ, etc., was $21,058.83. The pipe organ cost $1,350. The edifice is a large handsome structure of Gothic architecture; the walls are built of brick trimmed with stone, and rest on a stone foundation. The auditorium is 48x84 feet, and is very neatly fin- ished. In the basement there is a lecture-room, parlor, a Sunday-school room, a study and a kitchen. The whole building is heated by a furnace.

In 1881 the Rev. A. H. Dean, the present pastor, was called and took charge. The Church is now out of debt and is prosperous, having 350 members and a large and interesting Sunday-school. The latter was started in 1838. In 1864 it was divided into three departments, the Bible class, intermediate and

infant. Each department has its separate room. The total membership of the Church since its or- ganization numbers 987. From this Church and Sabbath-school 12 persons have entered the minis- try. Two of this number became Missionaries to foreign countries.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Monmouth .- As the organization of this Church was the com- mencement of Methodism in the county, and a great deal of the early history of the Church is con- nected with this society as well as the general early pioneer life of the county, a somewhat extended ac- count of the history of this Church is given. Abraham Swartz came into Warren County in April, 1829, and located near Monmouth. The county was then new and there were not more than a dozen families then residing in it, and Mr. Swartz and wife were the only Methodists; and as a few Methodists had settled in Knox County, Mr. Swartz and his wife, in order to be with his Church people, left Warren County and moved into Knox, which left the former without a Methodist. Field Jarvis settled at the head of Ellison Creek in the summer of 1829, and, in the winter following, John F. Eberman, whose wife was a Methodist, came in and settled near Mr. Jarvis. Daniel McNeil Jr., settled at what was then Yellow Banks (Oquawka), in 1830. Jonathan Buf- fun settled at Cedar Creek the same year. Nathan- iel Hopper, a young man, with his father, settled near by in the spring of 1831. Jacob Mills, a brother of Mr. Mills of the Methodist Episcopal Church, came from the East in the autumn of 1831, and rode through the counties of Knox and Warren for some three months, preaching wherever he could get a hearing. These were nearly the only meetings in Warren County of the Methodists until the au- tumn of 1832, when Elder Barton Randall was sent as a circuit preacher on the mission. The first quarterly meeting of the mission was held in Knox County, at which time Thomas Pearce and Daniel McNiel, Jr., were appointed as Stewards of Warren County. The second quarterly meeting was ap- pointed to be held at Thomas Pearce's residence, March 18, 1833. The weather was cold and blus- tering, and the Methodists were so scattering that no person attended, and the meeting was dismissed by the preacher.

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Portrait and biographical album of Warren County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, Part 90

Author: Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros. Number of Pages: 794

Author:
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Chapman Bros.
Number of Pages: 794