USA > Illinois > Kane County > Elgin > The history of Elgin, Kane County, Illinois, 1835 to 1875 > Part 7
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
was nine ; number of teachers employed, ten; the average attendance dur- ing those years was, respectively, 427, 420, 410, 420, 474, 440 and 468. In 1860, there were 754 children in the city, between five and twenty-one years of age ; in 1862, 1,096, and a total population of 3,012; in 1864, 1,221, and a pop- ulation of 3,201. In 1866, Rev. N. C. Clark became superintendent. A. S. Barry was appointed principal of the high school, and N. E. Leach prin- cipal of the north school, west side. Mr. Barry failing to accept the appoint- ment, J. Thorp became principal, with Mrs. Wing as assistant. Jan. 7, 1867, Mr. James Sly succeeded Mr. Thorp, and Mary E. Raymond Mrs. Wing. The next term, April 15, Mr. W. H. Brydges, an accomplished scholar and a thorough teacher, became principal, at a salary of $1,000. He remained the following year at $1,200. Mr. C. E. Lee took charge of the grammar school in the old brick, and Miss S. F. Lawrence began, for the first in this city, her labors in the primary department, north school, east side, at a salary of $300. She is now principal of the grammar school in the old Baptist church. Jennie C. Cox (Jennings), began her labors in 1862. She has taught much of the time to the present. In 1864, Helen M. Keogh (O'Neil), who is still teaching, was employed. In 1865, Nellie Lynd engaged in the work of the teacher, but retired in 1873. Cecil C. Harvey, who is still remembered among our teachers, began in 1866, during Mr. Clark's superintendency. About 1867, two new school-houses were built, one in the First ward and the other in what is now the Sixth ward. The two would accommodate ninety-six pupils. In the fall of 1867 Sanders' old readers were exchanged for his new Union Readers, and Warren's Geographies were adopted, thus securing a greater uniformity of text books. A fuller and more definite course of study was prepared for all the schools. In the high school a three years' course was adopted, which included all the branches usually taught in high schools.
In the summer of 1868 Rev. H. Slade was appointed superintendent, and Mr. C. F. Kimball principal of the high school, with salary of $1,200 per year, and Miss Emily J. Brigham assistant, salary $500, which positions they filled till the summer vacation of 1869, when Mr. Kimball was appointed superintendent, but still remained principal of the high school (salary $1,400), continuing as such till the summer of 1873.
During the summer vacation of 1869, Mr. Kimball was directed by the trustees to take the enumeration of the children, for school purposes, to which he added a complete census of the city, with the following results :
White children from 6 years to 21 years. 1,545
Colored .. 66
.6
30
Total number of children 1,575
The white population of the city was. 4,804
91
" colored 66 66
Grand total of all was. 4,894
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
The schools were regraded during the year and a more systematic course was adopted, including a two-years' course each for the primary and inter- mediate departments, a three-years' course in the grammar school, and a four-years' course in the high school. As thus organized the pupils made good progress. More school room was needed, and the old stone, or Baptist, church was purchased by the city council for $5,000, and three schools were opened in 1870, enrolling nearly 200 children, forming a primary, inter- mediate and grammar department. Mrs. A. S. Wing was employed as principal of the grammar school, which position she held till the close of the fall term of 1871, when she resigned.
In September, 1871, Mr. W. W. Kennedy was employed to teach vocal music in the schools, with a view of making it one of the branches of educa- tion. Although at first many doubts were expressed as to the feasibility of teaching young children to read music, and to sing by note, yet a fair trial has been given, and he has continued his work with good success, teaching in all the grades, from the primary to the high school.
In 1872 the course of study was revised, and published in pamphlet form ; also a " Syllabus of Oral Lessons " for primary and intermediate schools. As revised, there are eleven grades from the primary to the high school. The first, second, third and fourth compose the primary department, the fifth, sixth and seventh the intermediate, and the eighth, ninth, tenth and eleventh the grammar department. Two courses of study were adopted for the high school-the English course and the classical course, each requiring four years for its completion. At the close of the school year of 1872, the first class of three young ladies, Misses Helen C. Kimball, Euphemia A. Martin and Julia A. DuBois, graduated from the high school. The exercises were held at DuBois opera house, June 27th. Each graduate read an essay, and received a diploma from the superintendent.
At the municipal election held in March, 1873, the question whether the schools should be organized under the general school law of the state or remain under the control of the city, was submitted to a vote of the people, the result in favor of the change.
At a subsequent election held in April, M. B. Baldwin, J. B. Newcomb, E. S. Joslyn, A. S. Barry, W. F. Lynch and A. S. Moxon were elected a Board of Education, who came into power the following]July. During the summer vacation, the new board erected a two-story school building, adjoin- ing the high school, to be used for primary and intermediate schools. Mr. Kimball was re-employed as superintendent, and Miss A. A. Clement prin- cipal of high school, which positions they still hold. A class of five young ladies graduated from the high school June 28, 1873. In the graduating class of 1874 were six young ladies, and one young man-Edward S. Doney-he being the first male graduate from the high school. This year (1875) a class of ten-seven ladies and three gentlemen-will graduate. At present, there are connected with the schools a superintendent, and a corps of twenty-two teachers, and an enrollment of 1,103 pupils.
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
We close this article by referring briefly to our school buildings. How- ever much we may prize our graded course of instruction, we must acknowł- edge that our school buildings are very inferior, and lack the capacity to accommodate all the children. But we are glad to chronicle the fact that the school board are taking steps to procure the erection of suitable build- ings, and we trust that when the next History and Directory shall be pub- lished, this city can boast of as good school accommodations as any in the . state.
BAKER
THE ELGIN ACADEMY.
BY PROF. A. G. SEARS.
The original charter of Elgin Academy was granted to Solomon Hamil- ton, Colton Knox, George McClure, Vincent C. Lovell, Luther Herrick, Reuben Jenne, and Burgess Truesdell, by an act of the general assembly of the state of Illinois, approved Feb. 22, 1839. In 1843, an unsuccessful attempt was made to erect a building and establish a school under this char- ter, as appears from the records of that date.
In 1848, the Free Will Baptists laid, on the grounds now occupied by the academy, the foundation of a college, to be called the Northern Illinois College. This property was purchased in 1855 by a stock company, organized under the charter of 1839, as amended.Feb. 14, 1855, with the following board of trustees : B. W. Raymond, B. Truesdell, Wm. C. Kimball, A. J. Joslyn, O. Davidson, M. C. Town, A. Adams, Solomon Hamilton, John Hill and Dr. Joseph Tefft.
This amended charter still remainsin force. Its liberal spirit is manifest from some of its provisions :
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
"SEC. 7. The said institution shall be open to all religious denominations, and the profession of no particular religiou faiths shall be required, either of Officers or pupils."
That it contemplated a school of a high order may be inferred from an ex- tract from Sec. 2: "The corporation shall have power to confer on such per- sons as may be worthy, such academical or honorary degrees as are usually conferred by similar institutions in like cases."
The initiatory steps toward the above mentioned transfer, were taken in 1854, as is seen from the report of the proceedings of the trustees, at a meet- ing held at the Waverly House, Aug. 12, of the same year :
"On motion,
" Resolved, That a committee of three, consisting of A. J. Joslyn, Dr. J. Tefft and O. Davidson, be appointed to examine the propositions made by the trustees of the Northern Illinois College, to transfer their property to this board.
"On motion of A. Adams, A. J. Joslyn was appointed agent to procure subscriptions of stock.
"O. DAVIDSON, Sec'y."
To the subscriptions thus obtained were added the smaller contributions of those who, thinking such an institution almost a necessity in the commu- nity, made willing sacrifices in its behalf. Yet a claim (since extinguished) of nearly three thousand dollars incumbered it, as late as 1858. The school was opened for students Dec. 1, 1856. Robert Blenkiron, a ripe scholar and successful teacher, was its first principal. He was followed in succes- sion by James Sylla, Clark Braden, C. C. Wheeler, Dr. Nutting, W. T. Brydges, B. C. Cilley, A. S. Barry and A. G. Sears.
Though the frequent change of principals, made necessary sometimes by death and at others by failing health, has been a serious obstacle in the way of the prosperity of the school, yet the useful and responsible positions in life filled by many of its graduates are the best possible evidence that it has been in the hands of earnest and able educators.
Its war record, comprising, as it does, seven commissioned officers, six non-commissioned staff-officers, twenty-one non-commissioned officers, and twenty-three privates, is alike honorable to teachers and students. Nine of its volunteers sealed their devotion to their country with their blood.
In 1872 the law, known as the " new school law," was passed, requiring teachers to be examined, in addition to the common English branches, in " The Elements of the Natural Sciences, Physiology and Laws of Health." Elgin Academy introduced into its previously established normal depart- ment these studies, making them a specialty, and has sent out, since that time, a large number of teachers-a fact shown by the records in the county superintendent's office, and also recognized in the state superintendent's report for 1874.
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During the years 1873-4, the grounds were graded, a front fence built, walks constructed and new rooms fitted up, at an expense of nearly $1,500. These more recent improvements, as well as the payment of the debt of 1858, are due to the determined efforts of the trus tees (who have, from the first, in addition to the ir contributions of money, given freely of their time and labor, with no compensation but the knowledge that they were furnish- ing to the youth of Elgin and the surrounding country increased facilities for obtaining an education), aided by the friends of the institution, both in the city and in the country. The board of trustees now (Feb., 1875,) con- sists of Dr. Joseph Tefft, president ; O. Davidson, secretary ; M. C. Town, Wm. C. Kimball, Hon. S. Wilcox, Wm. G. Hubbard, B. W. Raymond, A. B. Hinsdell, Henry Sherman, I. C. Bosworth, Henry Bierman, and Col. John S. Wilcox.
The courses of study are as follows : Preparatory, Normal, English, Classical, Latin Scientific, College Preparatory, and Business.
The present number of students (winter term 1874-5) is 247.
Since Sept. 5, 1870, A. G. Sears has been principal.
THE NEWSPAPERS OF ELGIN.
BY E. C. KINCAID.
A history of Elgin would be incomplete without mention being made of the names and fate of the various newspapers published. In no country in the world as America does the press wield so large and effective an influ- ence. Neither is a town considered located and established until it contains a paper, especially adapted to its wants and devoted to its interests. The mission of the newspaper man is an important one, and it is but justice to say that, in most American communities, he is a welcome guest and receives a fair reward for his labors. Elgin is no exception to this general rule, and the press of the city has usually been so conducted as to be a subject of legitimate pride to the citizens.
The first issue of a paper in Elgin was in 1845, when the Western Christian was established. It was edited by Spencer Carr, Rev. A. J. Joslyn, and Rev. Wareham Walker. In political belief, it advocated the most advanced anti-slaveryism, and in religious opinion it was strongly Baptist. The paper was subsequently removed to New York state, and after various mutations, was legitimately succeeded by the Baptist Weekly.
About 1847 the Elgin Gazette was issued, and never failed to appear weekly until March, 1874, when it lapsed and was merged in the Advocate.
The Fox River Courier appeared as a Whig paper in 1851, and after a brief and troubled existence, sped away.
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
In 1853, the Elgin Palladium was started by a Mr. Hough. It was after- ward published by John H. Rowe & Bro. About 1855 or 1856, it was changed to the Kane County Journal, and published by Lyman & Smith. This was Henry M. Smith, who has since been managing editor of the Chicago Tribune, and now occupies the same position on the Brooklyn Union.
The Gazette, however, outlived them all, and was edited, at various times, by E. Owen, E. S. Joslyn, Prof. Blenkiron, A. J. Joslyn, Gershom Martin and Birney Hand, until, in 1865, it was purchased by E. C. Kincaid and L. H. Post. The partner of Mr. Martin in the publication of the Gazette, was Mr. E. W. King, who came here in 1854, and is now the oldest practical printer in the place. In 1868, F. T. Gilbert and L. H. Post succeeded the old firm of Kincaid & Post, and about six months after Mr. Gilbert purchased the interest of his partner. In 1871 the Watchman was consolidated with the Gazette and a stock company formed, consisting of Z. Eastman, F. T. Gilbert, G. H. Daniels and E. C. Kincaid (the latter being proprietor of the Watchman at the time). In 1873 F. T. Gilbert purchased the whole concern, and the following year it was sold out and succeeded by the Advocate, owned by S. L. Taylor, who had established the latter paper in 1871.
The Advocate has one of the best appointed offices in the state outside of Chicago, and is in a very flourishing condition. S. L. Taylor is proprietor and chief editor, and is ably assisted by R. P. McGlincy, who officiates as city editor.
In 1858, a campaign democratic paper was established by the late Col. Thomas Grosvenor and F. B. Wilkie, now of the Chicago Times.
In 1865, the Second District Democrat succeeded, published by B. W. Staniforth, and edited by sundry persons.
This was succeeded by the Elgin Chronicle, edited by Ed. Keogh, and finally purchased by E. C. Kincaid, and changed to the Watchman.
In May, 1872, the Lady Elgin, a monthly paper, was started by operatives in the watch factory, and for about two and a half years edited and publish- ed by Bertha H. Ellsworth, Alida V. Ahle and Lydia A. Richards, when the senior partner withdrew. In March, 1874, a one-third interest in the paper was purchased by the Watch Factory Company and donated to the opera- tives. The paper represents these operatives, and is an honor to them. Its present circulation is about 1,500.
The Elgin Times was established in 1874, by Ed. Keogh, and still lives.
In the fall of 1874, the publisher of the Dundee Citizen issued an edition in this city, called the Elgin Republic. It was commenced as a daily on the 17th of October and changed to a weekly on the 26th of November.
During the winter of 1874-5, Dudley Randall, of Aurora, started the Daily Bluff City. The problem of its existence is still unsolved.
Elgin has always been well supplied with Chicago dailies, fresh from the 9
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
press, and their aggregate circulation is nearly 600. The Journal leads them all, it being delivered here at 6 p. m. and carriers distributing it throughout the city.
The Elgin press has done much to benefit the community, and as years roll on will probably continue the good work.
THE RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF ELGIN.
BY REV. C. E. DICKINSON.
Most of the first settlers of Elgin were Christian men, who aimed to plant Christian institutions in the new settlement. The four or five families who were here during the summer of 1835, met every Sabbath at the house of Deacon Hezekiah Gifford for Bible class and prayer meeting.
The family of James T. Gifford arrived in September of the same year. The first Sabbath after their arrival services were held in his house, Miss Harriet E. Gifford reading a sermon. This small log house, consisting of one room, was the place of Sabbath worship for three years.
The religious character of the settlers was so well known in the vicinity, that when a stranger once asked an inhabitant of a town a few miles down the river about religious privileges, he was told that he must go to Elgin to find such things.
The first sermon preached in Elgin was during the latter part of the year 1835 by an itinerant Methodist preacher (name unknown). The second was February 14, 1836, by Rev. John H. Prentiss, then of Joliet, and the third February 15, 1836, by Rev. N. C. Clark. The first revival meeting in Elgin was held in a large tent, July, 1837, conducted by Rev. Ralph W. Gridley and Rev. Chauncy Cook. Several hopeful conversions resulted. The religious character of the settlement was quite marked for many years.
In 1854 a city charter was secured from the legislature, one of the leading objects of which was to prohibit the sale of intoxicating liquors. This was made an issue in the vote upon adopting the charter, and also in the first city election. A prohibitory law was passed by the council in June, 1854, and slightly amended in September of the same year. This law was enforced during the two years of the administration of Dr. Joseph Tefft, the first mayor. During this time no liquors were publicly exposed for sale in the city. It was thus clearly demonstrated that the affairs of a city can be well managed without saloons. Soon, however, men were elected to the council who were pledged to the liquor interest. The year following Dr. Tefft's administration, saloons again began to appear, and in May, 1858, a license ordinance was passed. During most of the time since that date licensed saloons have cursed our city. These must always meet the decided disap- proval of the religious element of the people.
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
Several of the Elgin churches are among the most flourishing of their denomination in the state. (See history of each church.)
The Elgin Bible society, organized in 1847, and still in existence, has, like the temperance work, been a bond of union between the churches, and has raised an aggregate of nearly $8,000 for the dissemination of God's word, besides an annual visitation of families in the city and township.
During the year 1858 the Elgin Christian association was organized, and for several years did very efficient work in the city and surrounding country. The annual report presented May, 1861, shows that during the year religious reading had been distributed every month to about 700 families. Over 8,000 tracts and 10,000 religious and temperance papers were thus distributed. These, together with books loaned from the library, made an aggregate of 200;000 pages of religious reading circulated during the year. The cash expenditures for the year were $133.36, which was raised by the different churches.
During the years of our civil war the sympathies and efforts of the people were turned into other channels, and this organization was given up. But the stores and supplies which found their way to the camps and hospi- tals during those years, told our boys in blue that the hearts of the Christian people of Elgin had not lost their sympathy nor their hands their skill.
During the fall of 1866 the Elgin Young Men's Christian association was organized, and for a time was a very effectual element in the Christian work of the city. It revived the work of tract distribution, organized several mission Sabbath schools and neighborhood meetings, and sustained a young people's prayer meeting, which was well attended and productive of good. This, like too many other religious organizations, fell a victim to poor finan- cial management. January 1, 1873, this association was so far resuscitated under its efficient president, J. S. Adams, that it opened a public reading room, which was well sustained till it was merged in the Elgin public library and reading room.
Though the ascendency of the religious element is not now so marked as in the early years of the settlement, owing to the increase of population, Elgin is still a center of Christian influence in the various denominations here represented.
It is to be hoped that the efforts now being made by Christian men and women to reform inebriates and close the saloons, may be so successful that saloons and drunkenness may be banished, and the principles of the religion of Jesus Christ prevail in our beautiful city.
THE ELGIN BIBLE SOCIETY.
The present Elgin Bible society is not the first one of its name. For some time previous to 1847 one had existed here, auxiliary direct to the American, and not to the county, society.
The treasurer of this society was Burgess Truesdell, who, in the early
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
days of Elgin, was prominent in the religious and benevolent enterprises of the place, but has since gone to his reward. How long this society had been in operation or what it had accomplished, is to the writer unknown.
In the summer of 1847 a meeting was held in the basement of the Congre- gational church, at which a Bible society was formed for Elgin, auxiliary to the Kane County Bible society, which took the place of the previous one, and has lived until this time. It is the oldest benevolent society at present existing in the place. Other benevolent and reformatory societies have existed here for a few months or years at a time, and then died from unmerited neglect. The Elgin Bible society has outlived them all, and for twenty-eight years has not only diffused blessings in the city and township, but made its influence felt in other parts of our country, and on other conti- nents. It is an institution which is sustained by most of the religious denominations of the place, and serves a good purpose as a bond of union between them. Its aggregate receipts amount to some $7,000 or $8,000, and its circulation of Bibles and Testaments here and elsewhere to many thousands.
Its present officers are : W. G. Hubbard, president ; D. C. Scofield, John S. Adams, Henry Bierman, Geo. Sears, vice presidents ; E. S. Gilbert, sec- retary ; H. H. Denison, treasurer and depositary.
THE CHURCHES OF ELGIN.
THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
BY R. W. PADELFORD, CLERK.
This church was organized on the 14th day of July, A. D. 1838, in the log cabin of Bro. Hezekiah Gifford, one of the two pioneers of Elgin.
The constituent members of this church consisted of thirteen persons, five of whom hold their church relationship at the present time, to wit : Hezekiah Gifford, Abel D. Gifford, Harriet E. Gifford, Clara J. Kimball, and Nancy Kimball. Three are identified with other churches, and five have passed into eternity.
The Sunday services of the church were held in a barn and in private dwellings for several months, and afterwards, until 1843, in a small frame building called the Elgin chapel, which was owned and occupied conjointly by the Congregationalists and Baptists.
From 1843 onward it was owned and occupied solely by this church until the erection of their cobble-stone edifice in 1849, which was their church home for twenty-one years.
About the first of June, 1870, their present church edifice was com- menced and pushed with such vigor as to enable them to occupy the base-
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HISTORY OF ELGIN.
ment for worship on the' 18th of December following, and was fully com- pleted, furnished and dedicated on the 5th of October, 1871, at a cost of about $35,000.
During the period of their church history, embracing about thirty-seven years, they have enjoyed a good degree of spiritual and temporal prosperity. Five hundred and twenty-four persons have been added to the church by baptism, and 508 by letters from other churches.
Twelve ministers of the gospel have been sent forth from their member- ship, to declare the unsearchable riches of Christ. Seven pastors have served as under-shepherds of the Lord, as follows : Rev. Joshua E. Ambrose, five years and a half, from 1838 to 1843. He baptized sixty-three, and received by letter sixty-three. Rev. Adoniram J. Joslyn, eleven and a-half years, from 1844 to 1855. He baptized 198, and received by letter 194. Rev. Levi Parmely, about four years, from 1856 to 1860. There were baptized in the time, thirty-four, and received by letter, sixty-one. Rev. Benjamin Thomas, one and a half year, from 1860 to 1862. Fifty-two were received by baptism, and twenty-six by letter during his pastorate. Rev. Charles K. Colver, four years, from 1863 to 1867. He baptized seventeen, and received by letter sixty. Rev. Wm. P. Everett three and a half years, from 1869 to 1872. He baptized eighty-five, and received by letter sixty-six. The present pastor, Rev. Leo M. Woodruff, commenced his labors in September, 1872. He has baptized seventy-five, and received by letter thirty-eight.
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