The History of Livingston County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., Part 29

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron
Number of Pages: 884

USA > Illinois > Livingston County > The History of Livingston County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c. > Part 29

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The M. E. Church was organized in 1861, but a class had been formed nearly ten years before, and, in 1858, they had built a house of worship. The old house, which has since been sold to the Catholic society, cost $2,600. The society, at its first organization, numbered sixty persons, and was under the pastorate of Rev. M. Spurlock. Under his preaching, and that of his success-

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

ors, the society grew rapidly in numbers, influence and wealth, until, in 1866, its demands were found to be largely in excess of the old building, and a new one, adequate to the wants and means of the congregation, was decided upon. This was the centennial year of Methodism in the United States; and, though building materials were never before nor since so high, a building worthy of the church and the year was founded, and, in due time, completed. The structure was erected at an outlay of $22,000, is forty-three by seventy feet in size, and will accommodate a congregation of 480 persons.

The society has increased steadily and rapidly, numbering at this time 265 members. In 1872, a neat and comfortable parsonage was erected at a cost of $2,000, thus making, in value, the largest church property owned by any one society in the county. The Sunday school, in connection with this church, was organized at the time the first class was formed, and consisted of about forty scholars, with Mrs. Sarah Remick as Superintendent. The school has grown to number, at present, nearly three hundred. J. F. Culver, present Pastor of the Church, is Superintendent, and has occupied the position for eighteen years.

As early as 1854, Rev. Washington Houston, a pioneer preacher of the Christian or Disciple Church, preached at this place, and organized a society of this denomination about a year later. The primary organization consisted of John Powell, William Perry, Dr. J. M. Perry, Wilson Hull, Robert Sample and their wives. Irregular services were held in the Court House and in the school house until 1865, when they united with the other denomination of Christians, sometimes called "New Lights," in the erection of a church edifice. The house was put up at a cost of about five thousand dollars, and occupied by both societies for a few years, when the latter abandoned their organization, and both societies, through financial difficulties, relinquished the building. The loss of the house proved to be a great discouragement to the society, and its organi- zation was in a measure discontinued. However, on January 1, 1874, through the efforts of a few of the members, the society was reorganized, and Elder Charles Rowe was chosen Pastor. He served in this capacity oneyear, and was then followed by Elder W. F. Richardson, who has since ministered to the Church. Although they own no church property, they meet in the building formerly occupied and owned by them. The society numbers about one hundred members. The Sunday school, under the Superintendency of John Bell, numbers about sixty.

Catholic services were held here for the first time in July, 1857, by Rev. Father Hurley, and occasionally thereafter Fathers Kennedy, Sherry, Cahill and Lonergan visited the town and preached at William Cleary's house. In 1866, the Catholic Church bought of the Methodists their house of worship for $2,000, and fitted it up for the use of themselves. The first mass celebrated in this house was by the Rev. Father O'Neill. Since this time, regular services have been held here by Revs. Quigley, Fanning, Hanley and the present priest, Rev. Father Finch.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

The Baptist denomination had held meetings here, with varying regularity, for a number of years before an organization was effected. Rev. Frederick Ketcham came and preached for them during the year 1861, and organized the society, and, in 1862, he moved to Pontiac and took charge of the public schools, and also of the church, as its Pastor. He continued to preach for the congregation until the year 1865; and during the last year of his ministry a house of worship was erected. The building is a neat frame, substantially con- structed and nieely furnished, and will accommodate about three hundred sit- tings. After its dedication, Rev. Geo. A. Simonson was called to the pastorate. He was followed in turns by Revs. William B. Watson,* C. E. Taylor and the present Pastor, J. W. Icenbarger. The Sunday school connected with the denomination is under the superintendence of Randolph Zeplı.

In addition to these, the colored people have two small places of worship. The colored Methodists occupy and own the building originally erected as an Academy of Music or Turner Hall. The colored Baptists worship in the old school house, which they have bought and fitted up for the purpose.

A Universalist Society was organized here about twelve years ago. They purchased and fitted up the Academy of Music for $1,000, and held meetings there for a few years. They finally sold their house to the colored Methodists, and dispensed with church services, though the organization remains intact.

A history of the press of Pontiae would not only be almost a complete his- tory of Pontiac, but a history of the county as well, as a paper was established here very soon after the town and county really began to grow. As a faithful record of passing events, in the succeeding issues of a newspaper, must con- tain everything of importance not only in the town, but in the vicinity, so files of such papers must be the most complete and reliable history obtainable. To these files we are greatly indebted for whatever worth these pages shall prove to be, as from them has been drawn, largely, the matter contained herein.

The first newpaper was established here in 1855, by J. S. France, a lawyer, from Ottawa. The first number made its appearance March 14, 1855. The paper was independent in politics, and was to be devoted to the interests of the community, regardless of seet or party. The publication, however, either laeked financial strength or editorial ability: for, within a few months, the enterprise was so involved that it was found impossible to proceed, and the sureties of the concern were obliged to turn it over to other parties. This date marks the advent of one of the very few successful newspaper men that have carried on the business at this point.

M. A. Renoe came to the place June 9, 1855; and he, with Philip Cook, took possession of the office. Reno had $100, which he invested, and Cook, having nothing, gave his note in an equal amount, and with this eapital the Livingston County News was again on its feet. The firm continued the publi- cation of the paper for several years, when James G. Albe came into possession,

* Mr. Watson's fast ministry was with this Church. He died during his last year's service.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

and continued its issue until the beginning of the war. The News, in the meantime, had become a Democratic paper, and during the war the popular feeling in this county being largely in favor of an aggressive prosecution of the struggle, and the News being quite conservative, it met but poor encourage- ment, and was abandoned.

In 1858. the Sentinel was started, by Cook & Gagan. Philip Cook had retired from the News, and William Gagan having recently arrivel, the two formed a partnership to start a Republican paper in opposition to the News. They continued the publication until 1860, when, Cook having been elected County Treasurer, they sold out to M. E. Collins. Collins was, two years later, also elected Treasurer, and the paper then passed into the hands of H. S. Decker and James Stont. Later, it was published by Stout & Denslow, and again by Stout alone.

In 1867, Henry Jones and M. A. Renoe commenced the publication of the Free Press, in opposition to the Sentinel. They afterward bought out the Sentinel, and merged the two publications into one, calling it the Sentinel and Press. A short time after, the latter part of the name was dropped, and the old name Sentinel only was retained ; and by this name it has been known ever since. In 1875, F. L. Alles. having bought out the establishment, took control as editor and proprietor.

In the meantime, quite a number of cotemporary papers had been founded, but none were entirely successful until the Free Trader was established. The first number of this publication appeared May 11, 1870. A national political campaign was approaching, and it was desirable that the Democratic party should have an organ to advocate the claims of that party in this county ; hence the Free Trader, with A. L. Bagby as editor, was established. The enterprise, however, was but partially successful, until it came into the hands of McGregor & Johnson. They came into possession of the office October 28, 1871. About this time, a great wave of feeling on the monopoly question began to sweep over the country ; and this county being in the midst of the flood, the time was auspicious, and the proprietors being possessed of both means and ability, the success of the enterprise was fully assured. After a short time, M. A. Renoe bought out McGregor, and the firm of Renoe & John- son published the Free Trader as an advocate of the Farmers' Movement. A little over a year ago, Renoe retired from the firm, and John Stuff became a partner.

Among the other papers established here since the failure of the News have been :

The Constitution, started in July, 1864, by E. B. Buck. It was a Demo- cratie paper, to support MeClellan and Pendleton.

The Pontiac Republican, started in October, 1865, by T. B. Harper.

The National Union was a Democratic campaign paper, published by J. W. Youman. It appeared in October, 1866.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

The Democrat was established at the request of the Democratic Central Committee, by Messrs. Milton & Organ. This was the Democratic organ until near the establishment of the Free Trader.

The Weekly Monitor was started July 29, 1870, by T. B. Harper, to advo- cate a county temperance ticket.

In the Spring of 1870, Thomas Wing issued a few numbers of the People's Advocate. This was to be a Prohibition paper, but it lasted but a few weeks.

The first number of Ford's Livingston County Democrat has just made its appearance. It is published by the authority and in the interests of the Dem- ocratic party of this county. The editor and proprietor is J. B. Ford, formerly of the Democrat, of Marshall County.

The subsequent movements of some of the persons connected with these enterprises will doubtless be interesting to many readers.

Philip Cook was from New York, and came to Pontiac to work for the assignees of the News. After the expiration of his term of office as Treasurer, he removed to California, where he has resided until the present. He is now connected with the paper known as the Evening Call, at San Francisco.

William Gagan was an acquaintance of Cook's in New York, and came to Pontiac to establish a Republican paper. After closing up his affairs at this place, he also removed to California, and published the Oakland Daily News. Ile continued its publication until a few years ago, when he died.

Henry Jones is a son of Judge Jones, and was raised in this county. After his retirement from the Sentinel, he went to Dallas, Texas, where he is engaged in the business of publishing.

James Stout, formerly from Ohio, came from Ottawa to Pontiac in 1855. He engaged for a time in farming, and betimes practiced his profession-that of a lawyer. Mr. Stout was an Abolitionist of the most ultra character, and at a time when it was anything but popular to promulgate the doctrine. After his connection with the Sentinel ceased, he received from the Government the appointment of Receiver of Moneys of Idaho Territory, and removed thither with his family.

Henry S. Decker was from Chicago, where he had acted as foreman of the Journal office. Decker was a man who sacrificed everything for his friends, and died in want. After his connection with the press of Livingston County had terminated, he returned to Chicago, just before the great fire, broken down in health, discouraged and poverty-stricken. He and his wife both died within a few days of each other, and were buried by charity. Decker was at once one of the hardest workers and the least appreciated of all who were connected for any length of time with the press of this city.

Pontiac Lodge, No. 294, A., F. & A. M., was instituted in October, 1858- The charter was granted to William Manlove, J. R. Wolgamot, Samuel B. Nor- ton, Aaron Weider, S. C. Ladd, A. E. Harding, I. T. Whittemore and George P. Olmstead, of which Aaron Weider was appointed first Master; S. C. Ladd,

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Senior Warden; Wm. Manlove, Junior Warden; and A. E. Harding, Sec. The successive Masters have been William Manlove, two years ; J. R. Wolgamot, three years ; E. R. Maples, three years ; II. H. Hill, six years : A. W. Cowan, three years ; J. E. Morrow. one year ; and E. E. Wallace, two years. A com- plete list of the present officers is as follows : E. E. Wallace, W. M .; P. M. Schwartz, S. W .; E. E. Kent, J. W .; A. W. Cowan, Sec .; A. Brower, Treas .; A. Babcock, S. D .; F. L. Alles, J. D .; E. M. Johnson, S. S .; D. Kavanaugh, J. S .; Jno. E. Bell, Tyler : J. F. Culver, Chaplain. The present membership of the Lodge is eighty-four. The regular meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

A charter was granted by the Grand Master of the I. O. O. F., to establish a lodge of that order in Pontiac, to be known as Pontiac Lodge, No. 262, in 1858. The charter was granted to R. W. Babcock, B. W. Gray, Jacob Streamer, John A. Fellows and F. HI. Bond. Prior to 1870, the Lodge had erected a neat and convenient hall for their use ; but in the year named, it, with a large number of other buildings, was consumed by fire. Immediately after its destruction, steps were taken to replace it by the present handsome and com- modious building. The structure is thirty feet by eighty, and is three stories high. The first story is used for a store-room, the second for offices, and the third is the Lodge room, used by this and other secret societies. The present officers of the Lodge are E. L. Wilson, N. G .: Thomas Bowden, V. G .; J. W. Daman, Rec. Sec .; Z. Winters, Per. Sec .: M. Dolde, Treas.

In 1864, an Encampment of this order was established here, and denomi- nated Vermilion Encampment. The charter was granted to F. H. Bond, J. B. McCleary, Peter Johnson, A. Hinsey, W. W. Stinett, G. Wolgamot and others. The present principal officers are E. L. Wilson, C. P .; Richard Smith, S. W .; C. C. Gilbert. J. W. : J. S. Lee. H. P. : H. H. Lucas, Scribe ; M. Dolde, Treas.

Company A., of Tenth I. N. G .. was organized at Pontiac in June, 1877. The company, at present, consists of seventy three men, including officers.

The officers' roster is as follows : B. E. Robinson, Captain ; R. J. Johnson, First Lieutenant ; J. C. Keach, Second Lieutenant ; James Fenton, Orderly. The company is nicely uniformed, and armed with breech-loading needle guns. The regimental headquarters are at Dwight, Col. J. B. Parsons, commanding.

Numerous and destructive fires in the city demonstrated the fact that Pon- tiac had not only suffered severely from a lack of efficient means of controlling the element, but from this her citizens realized the necessity of more thorough organization. A fire engine of excellent quality and fine powers having been purchased by the city authorities. a company to operate it was formed shortly after. The organization took place in February, 1874. James E. Morrow was chosen Chief Marshal; J. HI. Smith, Assistant ; John K. Clark, Foreman of the Engine, and R. D. Folks, Assistant ; James Bright, Foreman of Hose Com - pany ; Charles Bigelow, Foreman of Ilook and Ladder Company, and F. D.

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

Cannon, Assistant ; C. R. Wheeler, Engineer, and D. Kavenaugh, Assistant The whole number of men in the service at the time was about sixty. By June of the year named, the most of the men and some of the officers had dropped out of the organization, and in reality the companies had been almost disbanded.

On the 4th of July of this year occurred the most destructive fire in the history of the city, and this, with the proposition from the Council to grant privileges and pay, which the old company had not enjoyed, had the effect of bringing about a new organization. On the 9th of the same month, the new organization was effected, which, with immaterial change, has existed to the present. J. E. Morrow was elected Chief Marshal; J. II. Smith, Assistant ; John Clark, Foreman of Engine ; F. Armstrong, Assistant ; C. R. Wheeler, Engineer ; D. Kavenangh, Assistant.

No single instrumentality has had more to do with the appearance of the city than that of fires ; and, while they have entailed hardships on the individual owners of the property destroyed, their effect has, in the end, been to add greatly to the beauty and safety of the city.

The first fire of any considerable proportions was that which consumed the row of wooden buildings on the south side of Madison street, December 8, 1867. The fire originated in the office of the Pontiac Sentinel, and destroyed, beside this, Croswell's drug store, Schneider's meat market and several other buildings. The loss occasioned by this fire was estimated at about $20,000.

On the night of July 7, 1870, happened one of the most destructive confla- grations that have visited the city. The fire broke out in the store of Herbert & Son, which stood north of the place now occupied by the Odd Fellows' Hall, extending to the hall, consuming it, the City Hotel, and continuing its course to the corner of Mill and Madison streets, and thence west on Madison, more than half the length of the block. Twelve stores and other property, amount- ing in value to about $50,000, were swept away.

Where now stands a fine row of brick buildings, known as Union Block, stood prior to November 2, 1871, a row of ungainly wooden structures. On the day mentioned, these were burned. The loss was estimated at $10,000. As soon as the debris was fairly cleared away, a movement was set on foot to replace them with a fine block of stores and a hotel, that should be a credit to the town. The buildings were soon up and occupied, and the proprietors and the citizens felt almost glad that the fire had taken the old row away-certainly all felt proud of the new. However, their congratulations were of but short duration, for on the 4th day of July, 1874. they, too, with several other buildings, including the Court House, were totally consumed. It is supposed the fire originated from torpedoes, that were being thrown about promiscuously. This was doubtless the most disas- trous fire, taking into account the size of the town, that had occurred in the central part of the State. In the amount lost, the rapidity of the destruction, and the completeness of its devastation. it could hardly be equaled. The buildings

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

were new and had been but recently filled with new goods, and the hotel, which had just received its finishing touches, and was occupied, was furnished in a most elegant manner. In less than three hours. this, the finest part of the city, was entirely annihilated.

On the night of the 3d of July, 1875, a saloon and two other buildings on the corner of Mill and Washington strects were consumed. All of these, including the Court House, have since been replaced with structures of such a character as makes one almost cease to regret that the fires took place. The Court House, especially, had become an "eyesore," not only to the citizens of Pontiac, but to everybody interested in the safe keeping of the county records ; and in further consideration of the beautiful Temple of Justice which now graces the spot, but little sorrow is manifested for the misfortune.

The second Court House was built in 1856, at a cost of $30,000, and, at that time, was considered a very creditable affair, and such as would answer for many generations to comc. Many thought it larger and more expensive than necessary. It served for a long time, not only for Court House, but for post office, and most of the lawyers found room within it for their headquarters. Its hall, until the last, was used by those denominations of Christians without houses of worship, as a place to hold church services; and public meetings of various other kinds were accommodated here. In time, as the county grew in importance and population, it began to be realized that, at no distant day, it must be replaced by something more commodious and more in keeping with the wants and ability of the county.

It is the opinion of all who have examined, and have had opportunities for comparing, that the present structure is, without exception, the best for the money in the State of Illinois. The work of rebuilding was entered upon immediately after the fire, and within a year it was ready for occupancy.

The Committee on Building consisted of J. E. Morrow, C. G. Greenwood. Jacob Phillips and W. S. Sims. They employed J. C. Cochrane, of Chicago. as architect, and Colwell, Clark & Co., of Ottawa, as builders. The cost of the building was $63,466.00, and the architect's fees were $3,173.30, making a total cost of $66,639.30.

Contrary to the usual custom, even where officials arc honest, there has never been a hint that either committee or contractors " made anything" out of the job. On the contrary, it is supposed that the contractors lost heavily. Certain it is, that the splendid edifice which now adorns the Court Square is a credit to the committee, an honor to its builders, and a source of congratulation to the people of the county.

. Previous to 1866, the prisoners of the county had to be taken to other counties for safe keeping, as no jail had yet been provided. The jail lot provided for, by Weed and the Youngs, had been occupied only by a tem- porary building used by the town as a calaboosc. Thirty years had clapsed before the county authorities found the necessity of occupying the lot. In the

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HISTORY OF LIVINGSTON COUNTY.

year named, having realized the expensive method of caring for prisoners, and not being desirous longer of depending on other counties for such accommoda- tions, the Board of Supervisors erected upon the spot designed for the purpose a building eminently fitted for the purpose. It is a built of massive stone, thirty-five by fifty feet, and cost $32,000. It has been called a "model jail," and committees from various counties have been sent to examine it, with a view of making it a pattern for similar buildings.

Perhaps the case which has produced the greatest excitement-and on account of recent developments excites additional interest-that ever came before the courts of Livingston County, was a trial for murder committed in the vicinity of Pontiac, in 1858.

In October of that year, the body of a young woman named Mary Murphy was found near the railroad track, a short distance south of town. She had been missing about eighteen days, and certain suspicious circumstances occur- ring at the time led to the arrest of a colored man, who gave his name as Wiley J. Morris. Ile was brought to Pontiac and examined before Jacob Streamer, Justice of the Peace, and by him committed to jail to await trial. He was con- fined in the jail at Bloomington, where he lay until the Fall of 1860, when his trial came off.

It was shown on the part of the prosecution that Morris had been seen walk- ing on the railroad track, about a mile behind the girl afterward found mur- dered; that the rate at which he was walking, as compared with her pace, would cause him to overtake her at the point where the body was found ; and that he had just been in a murderous brawl in Bloomington, and was of desperate char- acter. The evidence was wholly circumstantial, but quite strong. He was ably defended by A. E. Harding, Esq., of this city, who, however, labored greatly under the disadvantage of a popular feeling, which then existed in the commu- nity, against the color of his client.

The jury, after an absence of an unusually long time, failed to agree, and the prisoner was again remanded to jail to await a new trial.

In the meantime, the counsel for defense made application for a change of venue, which being granted, the case was carried to Kankakee County.

The second trial came off April, 1861. In this trial he was still more unsuc- .cessful, and he was adjudged guilty of murder in the first degree, and con- demned to hang, in May of the year named.

The doomed man protested his innocence to the last, declaring that he was being murdered on account of prejudice against his race ; and on the scaffold, his last words were, "You murder me ! You murder me ! You murder me !".

Subsequent revelations show that probably Morris was an innocent man ; and, though otherwise a bad character, that he was not guilty of the murder of Mary Murphy.

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The History of Livingston County, Illinois : containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, &c., Part 29

Author: Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron Number of Pages: 884

Author:
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron
Number of Pages: 884