The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 41

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092

USA > Illinois > McLean County > The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 41

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This structure was so far completed, that graduating exercises were held here in June, 1872, though it was not occupied by the classes for daily recitation till the spring of 1873. The upper portion of this building is not yet fully finished, nor has the entire cost of the University building been met, there being a debt upon the same which the Board of Trustees will doubtless soon attempt to liquidate.

The new college building is beautifully located in the northern portion of the city, surrounded by an area of nearly ten acres of luxuriant greensward, dotted here and there with clumps of forest and ornamental trees, making all in all a most picturesque effect. The main building is a splendid example of architectural beauty and symmetry, of imposing dimensions, 70x140 feet, five stories in height, and erected at a cost of nearly $70,000. It is pronounced by competent authority as unsurpassed by any similar struct. ure in this State in point of external elegance and internal convenience. It is the finest looking building in Bloomington. The first floor is divided into eight large recitation- rooms, arranged and furnished after the usual style of such apartments. The second floor is occupied by the library, which contains a large and carefully selected list of val- uable volumes. This apartment is also used as a recitation-room. The museum contains a varied and interesting collection of specimens of minerals, insects, birds, reptiles, etc. Rare and valuable additions are constantly being made to the already extensive list. The entire eastern half of the second and third floors is occupied by Amie Chapel. This is so arranged that it may be converted into one of the largest auditoriums in the city, by removing a temporary partition, thus throwing open the galleries, giving a seating eapac- ity of 1.200. Regular Sabbath services are conducted in this chapel by the University Methodist Episcopal Church. The halls of the Munsellian and Belle Lettres Literary Societies occupy the third floors. The halls are equal in size and similarly furnished, in a neat and appropriate manner ; their walls are hung with pictures of society mem- bers, the Faculty, graduates, etc. The fourth floor and basement are as yet unfinished. The old college, which stands just north of the main building, is brought into requisi- tion as a boarding-hall for young men, with accommodations for forty. The commo- dious old Major College building, further west, has been rented, remodeled and furnished for a dormitory and dining-hall for the accommodation of young lady students. This

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institution is prosperous under the care of the Women's Educational Association, which is working in harmony with the University.

In 1873, Rev. O. S. Munsell having resigned, Rev. Samuel Fallows, D. D., was elected President and entered upon the discharge of his duties in January, 1874.

The Trustees now added a Law Department and elected a Law Faculty, which entered immediately upon their duties, and, at the Annual Commencement of 1875 was graduated the first class in the department of law.

At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees in 1874, they adopted the plans similar to the London University of Non-resident Students and Post-Graduate Exam- inations which had, during the year, been matured by the Faculty and were now for the first time laid before the Board for adoption.

MAJOR COLLEGE.

The announcing of a definite course of study in both undergraduate and post- graduate work for non-resident students, publishing of plans for examinations, and hold- ing examinations and conferring degrees only on examinations, mark an era in the history of the University in advance of all other universities of the West. The appre- ciation of the plan has been shown by the increasing numbers of gentlemen eminent in scholarship and literary reputation, who annually avail themselves of the opportunity thus offered, and, after a thorough examination, have received from the University the highest honors known to any university on this continent. The year of 1870 was ren- dered memorable on account of the admission of women. The question, after some dis- cussion, passed in the Faculty. The resolution to open the doors to ladies passed the Board of Trustees, and was seconded by the patronizing Conferences, so that during the

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

first college term of the same year a large number enrolled their names and entered the. several classes. The number has steadily increased and now many women are num- bered among the graduates at the Annual Commencements.

LITERARY SOCIETIES.

Three literary societies have, since their first organization, been well attended, and have each attained a good reputation for oratory and elocution. These societies, at a cost of some $4,000, have fitted up and furnished their halls with the finest carpets and appropriate furniture.

COURSES OF STUDY.

Two courses of study are pursued-the classical and scientific. These require after entering the college the same length of time for completion, namely, four years.

In 1875, after the resignation of Rev. Samuel Fallows, D. D., the Board of Trust- ees called to the chair of the presidency, Rev. W. H. H. Adams, D. D.

During the year 1874, a society was organized and chartered by the women, under the name of the Women's Educational Association of the Wesleyan University. The object is to aid young women striving for an education, and second, to endow a chair of the same name in the University. The results of this organization are the opening of a commodious hall on the Mt. Holyoke plan, and the securing of a considerable amount for endowment. During the year 1875. a gift of $10,000 was made by Hngh Meharry, Esq., of Indiana, to apply on the endowment of the President's chair.

The growth of the University has been steady, and now its halls are crowded with students, and its honors sought by numbers of the first scholars of the land, whilst the boundless resources of Central Illinois and the growing liberality of a generous and wealthy people afford great promise for the future that the growing wants of the Uni- versity will receive ample aid ; and, on the broad foundation which has been wisely laid, will be built up and sustained a university of the highest standing in all the depart- ments of art and science.

At this time, the Illinois Wesleyan University has, in its several departments, the following Faculty :

LITERARY DEPARTMENT.

W. H. H. Adams, D. D., President and Professor of Ethics and Metaphysics.

H. C. DeMotte, Ph. D., Vice President and Professor of Mathematics.

G. R. Crow, A. M., Professor of Latin Language and Literature.

J. B. Taylor, A. M., Professor of Natural Science and German.

Sue M. D. Fry, A. M., Professor of English Language.

R. R. Brown, A. M., Professor of Natural History and Physics.

S. Van Pelt, A. M., Professor of Elocution.

C. M. Moss, A. M., Professor of Greek and Hebrew.

COLLEGE OF LAW.

R. M. Benjamin, A. M., Dean. Elementary Law.

O. T. Reeves, LL. D., Torts and Equity.

O. W. Aldrich, LL. D., Contracts and Real Property.

L. Weldon. Pleadings.

A. G. Karr. LL. B., Evidence and Criminal Law.

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

COLLEGE OF MUSIC.

F. A. Parker, Dean.

Flora M. Hunter, Piano-forte and Harmony.

Laura B. Humphrey, Vocal Culture.

The Faculty of the University is now composed of teachers of large experience, many of whom have occupied their chairs for a series of years, and now bring to their work a ripe scholarship. The University, under their direction, has reached a degree of influence and importance scarcely anticipated by its early founders and patrons. During the year 1878, an art department was added. Mrs. Prof. Moss was placed in charge. This department, though the last added, is steadily growing in favor and importance.

BERNHARD -CO.

OLD WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY.

Another department, that of medicine, is about to be added to the institution, making it more thoroughly deserving the name of University. During the month of April, 1879, a medical college was organized, of which Gen. A. Gridley was elected President of the Board of Trustees ; President Hewitt, of Normal, Vice President ; W. H. H. Adams, of the Wesleyan, Secretary, and Dr. T. F. Worrall, Treasurer. This college is to be attached to the Wesleyan on a similar footing to that of the law school. The regular term will be during the months of November, December, January and February. The course of study will occupy two years. There is little doubt of the success of the new institution. The following Professors were appointed April 24,

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1879, and will, probably, the most of them, accept of the positions : Theory and Prae- tiee of Surgery-W. Hill, M. D. ; Theory and Practice of Medieine -- W. A. Elder, M. D. ; Anatomy-J. L. White, M. D .; Physiology-T. F. Worrall, M. D .; Materia Medica and Therapeutics-J. Little, M. D. ; Obstetrics-C. T. Orner, M. D. ; Mental and Nervous Diseases-A. T. Barnes, M. D. ; Diseases of Women and Children-R. Wunderlich, M. D .; Demonstrator of Anatomy-A. H. Luee, M. D .; Chemistry-C. Owen, A. M .; Emeritus Professors-A. H. Luce, M. D., George W. Stipp, M. D.

TEMPERANCE.

Bloomington is entitled to the credit of being one of the first places in the West to organize a temperance society. The town was but little over one year old when the movement was made. Mr. A. C. Washburne, who organized the first Sabbath school here, took the first step in the great work. With the assistance of those friendly, he called a publie meeting November 17, 1832, at 4 in the afternoon, at the schoolhouse. At the appointed hour, the small room was well filled with an interested assemblage. One of the two physicians of the place made rather an excited speech against the move- ment. He complimented Mr. Washburne by remarking that he had no great fear of the weak movement, now being made in itself considered; but there was something behind the curtain which he feared. He said the people "away down East " were sending their agents out West and all through the country to form Sunday schools and organize temperance societies, and these were all tied to the East as with a big, long eart- rope, and the Eastern people thought by these means to get control of the country. unite Church and State, and then woe to any who thought and acted different from them ! He was glad of the opportunity to express his views. A speech of this char- acter was not anticipated, and the temperance movement came near being strangled at its birth, as the publie generally sympathized with the objections thus eloquently set forth. Mr. Washburne had prepared a constitution and by-laws for the McLean County Temperance Society, and also a temperance pledge. In his quiet, unobtrusive manner, he circulated this pledge, and obtained nine names; but there was too much excitement to organize, and this was not accomplished until December 15, 1832. Mr. Washburne was the first Secretary. Among the first to assist in the temperance movement were Benjamin Depew, David Trimmer, Solomon Dodge, and their wives.

The first temperance lecture was delivered February 3, 1833, by Rev. Neal John- son, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His text was, " Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Ten more signatures were then obtained to the pledge, and the temperance bark was fairly launched in Blooming- ton, as the Society soon numbered two hundred members. This Society lived and prospered, doing a good work, until the time of the great Washingtonian movement, about the year 1840, which took its place, bringing to the temperance cause an army of new workers, carrying its banners higher up the walls, where they have ever waved triumphantly. Among those who gave vigorous assistance in the latter movement, we may mention Jesse W. and Kersey H. Fell, Dr. John F. Henry, Dr. W. C. Hobbs. A. J. Merriman and many others.

This Washingtonian temperance movement created great interest and accomplished a vast amount of good. It was successful in appealing to men by moral suasion, and is always referred to as that era of the temperance reform which has been entirely free from all objections.

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HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.

In the early part of 1842, this Washingtonian movement was at its full height ; and at this time there was formed a juvenile temperance society, which included nearly all the children in Bloomington. It appeared to the adults as if the next generation would most certainly do away with the traffic in intoxicating drinks, inasmuch as, if the children stood firm, there would be none who would demand these indulgences. On the 4th day of July, 1842, the juveniles had a celebration and picnic at the grove, where is now the corner of Center and Wood streets, which was an occasion of great public interest. Among the boys of that day who took part, we have the names of John L. Routt. Robert A. Miller, John W. Allin, Charles Lander and John W. Haggard. The effect of this juvenile movement, added to the regular Washingtonian influence, lasted for several years, and carried the temperance banners high up on the walls of morality and reform ; bnt, in time, these lost their novelty, and society must be acted upon in a different manner, though, in the interim, the cause was greatly depressed.

About the year 1848, the Sons of Temperance, a secret organization, with Dr. W. C. Hobbs as the first Worthy Patriarch, commenced the great work which was kept up for a good many years. Among those who took a prominent part in this, were Rev. George W. Minier, Dr. E. Thomas, A. T. Briscoe and John M. Scott. Through the labors of the members of this order, a large number of drunkards were reformed, and in various dircetions the temperance movement was kept alive and in good hands. In the year 1850, there was not a saloon in the city of Bloomington, showing us they were up and doing.

We do not profess to write a full history of the temperance work of Bloomington, as our space is too limited. The materials exist for an history of this matter that shall be of intense interest, and of great local, we may almost say of great national, impor- tance, as here in Bloomington have originated several highly important projects in the good cause, whose carrying-out became of national interest. Furthermore, while these materials of history exist, they are very difficult to obtain. The cause of temperance is like that of the Christian religion in this respect, that it is found in a great variety of shapes and methods ; in other words, it has taken upon itself the most remarkable forms in the way of organizations. But unlike Christianity, which is historically traced through the various sects and societies-the cause of temperance seems to run through the most wonderful changes. As soon as one particular form of labor has lost its inter- est to the public, the friends of temperance re-organize, and are found laboring in a dif- ferent manner. Hence, we find it impossible to trace properly, in the short space allotted us, the history of the different forms and shapes in which the friends of temperance have been organized. We have mentioned a few of these, but we cannot dwell npon the Temple of Honor, an Order rather higher than the last-mentioned, or trace the history of all the various temperance societies intervening between the years 1832 and 1879.

We should mention that when the Maine Law excitement swept over the land in 1854 and 1855, it found Bloomington people ready to take hold and do their share in the movement. Society here was stirred deeply, and every means possible was resorted to, in order to secure what the friends of the movement believed would be to the best interest of the cause. These efforts culminated in 1855, by the election of a full anti- license City Council, with Franklin Price for Mayor. A strong prohibitory ordinance was passed, and a tremendous effort to enforce it was made for several months. Saloons were raided by the city officers; liquors poured into the streets, and a series of legal

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prosecutions ensued that were very expensive to the city, as well as vexatious and pro- voking to all concerned. In the end, the city government adopted the license system and. adhered to it for many years. In all probability the anti-license ordinance would have been sustained, and Bloomington would have remained permanently on that side of the question, but for the immense increase in population which took place here during these days- from 1854 to 1856-when the new comers were, many of them, persons who were little in sympathy with the people who had long been living here, and who had been laboring together in the temperance cause. About the year 1857, the order of Good Templars was organized, and again there was, something of a revival of temperance effort. During the war, this order was allowed to disband, but before its close it again re-organized, and from the year 1865 to 1876, it was a tremendous power in Bloomington, and it is even yet in a good condition for future usefulness. At one time, there were several different lodges, at least three being in operation ; while at the same time, as in truth we may as. well state, was the case from the time of the organization of the first secret temper- ance lodge in 1848-there were in existence powerful societies of a public nature, all laboring in the same good cause.

While Bloomington people were at work in the local temperance field, they did not forget that in this, as in the cause of Christianity, " the field is the world," and they took part in wider enterprises. We furnish from the pen of John W. Haggard, a history of our city's connection with the organization of the National Prohibition Party.

On the 12th of December, 1868, a mass State Convention met at Bloomington, for the pur- pose of considering the status of the case, and, if possible, to adopt some additional and better modes of action than had heretofore been employed. This was one of the largest and most en- thusiastic temperance conventions ever held in Illinois. After discussing the question nearly a whole day, it was decided to go into political action, and they proceeded at once to appoint a State Central Committee, and provide all the machinery of a modern political party.

The National Prohibition Party was first organized at Chicago, September, 1869. On the 22d of February, 1872, the second National Convention met at Columbus, Ohio, and put in nomi- nation for President and Vice President, James Black, of Pennsylvania, and John Russell, of Michigan. The ticket received about seven thousand votes.

The third National Convention met May 17, 1876, at Cleveland, Ohio, and nominated Green Clay Smith, of Kentucky, and Gideon T. Stewart, of Ohio. They received about thirty-five thousand votes, notwithstanding old party lines were closely drawn, and the party lash more vigorously plied than for many years past, whereby thousands of Prohibitionists were led to be- lieve it their duty to vote one or the other ticket for the purpose of " saving the country."

In the fall of 1877, we had State tickets in eight or nine States, and polled about sixty thousand votes, showing a healthy steady growth from the beginning. The same ratio of increase will in ten years from this date give us control of the National Government and a majority of the States.

A complete organization exists in the following States, to wit : Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connectieut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri, with several others yet to follow this year.

That God will hasten the day when the liquor traffic shall be overthrown, is the prayer of every consistent temperance man and woman in the land.

On the 16th of March, 1874, the Woman's Temperance League was organized in Bloomington. Mrs. Jennie F. Willing was first President, Miss Mary Dean, Secretary, and Mrs. M. D. Marquis, Treasurer. The above-named organization co-operating with the Good Templars, and with all temperance bodies in Bloomington, obtained a vote of the

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people at the city election, in April, instructing the City Council not to grant any licenses to sell intoxicating liquors.

This action was taken by the Woman's Temperance League after careful thought and prayerful deliberation. They marshaled their forces and managed the campaign with great ability, even to sending delegations of representative ladies to each voting- place in the different wards. The majority for " no license " was 159. The election took place on the 20th of April, 1874. One half of the newly-elected Aldermen were opposed to license, but as one-half the Council held over from the election of 1873, and tlus portion were mostly in favor of license, the Council contained a majority of the latter class. Its " prohibition " ordinance, voted in accordance with the wish of the people, was not such an ordinance as the real friends of temperance desired. It left dealers at liberty to sell under the State law in quantities of one gallon. A weak effort was made to enforce this " gallon " ordinance, and, after a few months, the city returned to the old system of license. Even as it was, the statistics of the Police Department show that for this year the number of arrests for drunkenness was 30 per cent less than in the following year.

In the latter part of the summer of 1874, a call went out from Bloomington for a meeting of the temperance women of Illinois, and the result was that in October the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized here. Our ladies who were engaged in the narrow field of Bloomington did not forget that there was a larger sphere of labor, and they assisted in organizing a more comprehensive Society. The Woman's Temperance League here now became a sub-organization of the State Society, which soon had a foot-hold in most of the prominent towns in this State. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Bloomington is the mainspring of the Temperance work in Bloomington, and keeps a watchful, steadfast, prayerful guard over the cause. Its present President is Mrs. Crego; its Vice President is Mrs. G. H. Read; Mrs Merchant is its Secretary, and Mrs. James Winslow is Treasurer.

In 1875, this Society organized a very large number of the children of the city into the Star Temperance Union, and, in all, nearly two thousand boys and girls have become members. These all take the triple obligation-abjuring intoxicants and tobacco, and refraining from profanity. The strength of this society is such that, as in 1842, it seems as if the next generation might be a temperate people. The first President of this Society was Mrs. G. H. Read, and Dr. Sitherwood now holds that position. From this Society there is now a uniformed company of boys, called Temperance Cadets, who make a beautiful appearance.

In May, 1875, occurred at Bloomington a Good Templars' Meeting of the Grand Lodge of the World. It was an event long to be remembered. There were in attend- anee delegates from thirty-three States of the Union, and several of the provinces of the Canadian Dominion were represented. There were a number of delegates from England, New Zealand, Bermuda and other foreign countries. This meeting indicates plainly that the temperance people of Bloomington have a world-wide reputation. It was in session on the 26th, 27th and 28th days of May.

We must repeat our observation as to the impossibility of obtaining or publishing a full history of the different organizations of the temperance movement. We are even in danger of overlooking the fact that among our Irish citizens there are several power- ful temperance organizations. The Father Mathew Total Abstinence and Benevolent

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Society, and the St. Patrick Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society, are both strong organizations, and are doing, perhaps, as much good as any others in our city.

We will elose our sketch with a brief mention of the " Washingtonian Club," which was organized May 25, 1876. This Club is a very remarkable institution. Its success in rescuing drunkards and moderate drinkers from their impending fate, has endeared it to the hearts of our citizens. The society leaped into life and power with wonderful rapidity. In the fall of 1876, it rented the auditorium of the old Methodist Church, and there it holds weekly meetings, frequent social gatherings, and constantly meets for Sabbath-afternoon lectures. It has saved hundreds of the victims of intemperance, and has accomplished a wonderful amount of good. As far as the human eye can see, this organization is entitled to stand at the head of all agencies for good now in opera- tion in Bloomington, not excepting our churches or other organizations.

From this society influences for good have radiated in all directions. Other clubs have been formed in this State, organized upon a similar basis, and under the same name. The Bloomington club is known as the Washingtonian Club No. 1. Mr. A. B. Camp- bell, one of its prominent members, has devoted the past two years to lecturing and laboring throughout this State. He is a powerful speaker, and has acquired a very envi- able name.

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The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men, Part 41

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr. Number of Pages: 1092

Author: Le Baron, Wm., Jr. & Co., Chicago, Pub
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Chicago : W. Le Baron, Jr.
Number of Pages: 1092