Adams County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 10 of those read), 1879 (part 2 of 2)

The Berrian School was built in 1868, at a cost of $7,200. School was opened in the two lower rooms, the upper story not having been completed till the summer of 1869, when a third room was opened. The house contains four rooms, and is located within one block of the southern limits of the city, and by reason of such location the number of pupils attending does not increase very rapidly.

The Wash'mgtoniQX\Qo\-\\Qu^Q was erected in 1869, nearly on the same plan as the Berrian, at a cust of $7,619. The house is located in the north part of the city on the northwest corner of Cherry and Sixth streets.

The Webste7' was the third school organized in the city, and the house was built about the year 1855. It contains four large school rooms and two small recitation rooms. The internal part of the house had finally become thoroughly worn out, so that, in 1873, it underwent an entire remodeling. Nearly everything was torn out, leaving little beside the bare wails, and the house was so completely reconstructed as to make it practically a new house, though with not more seating capacity than before. It has always been a popular school, and, as a consequence, it has at all times been crowded. The ground upon which the school is located, at Maine and Twelfth streets, is one of the most beautiful spots in the city.

The Irving School is located on Payson avenue, between Eighth and Ninth streets. The house, containing four rooms, was built in 1864, at a cost of $3,413. School was opened in May of that year in the two lower rooms, and in the two upper rooms in October following. In 1873 an addition of two large rooms to the building was erected at a cost of about $4,000. This, liowever, included a thorough remodeling of the old building. The house now contains six school-rooms that are not inferior in any resjject to the best in the city. The number of pupils in attendance has been constantly increasing, and to such an extent finally that a room formerly occupied as a private school, within a few yards of the building, was leased, and a branch of the Irving primary established in it.

The Jackson School is located on the northwest corner of Vine and Eighth streets. The building was originally constructed for the purpose of a private school and was called the " Quincy Academy." It was purchased by the board of education in the month of July, 1866, for the sum of $12,000, and its name was changed to " Quincy High school." After the high school was removed from there it assumed the title of "Jackson school." In the early part of the summer of 1875, in the night time, a tornado swept over a portion of the city, and among other buildings blown down was the Jackson school-house. It was made almost a complete wreck. The house was immediately rebuilt at a cost of $6,000. It contains four large rooms, well ventilated and well lighted, and is in every respect a most desirable building for school purposes.

The Madison School is a small, one-story building located at the intersection of Maine and Twenty-fifth streets. The building and ground was conveyed to the board of education in 1867 by the directors of School District No. 4, Melrose township, in consideration of the promise and agreement on the part of the board of education that the children ot parents residing within the limits of said district, though they might be outside the city limits, should forever have the right to attend said school.

The Lincoln School has been devoted to the education of the colored children, and is situated on north Tenth street. It was originally established in 1861, but for some time previous to that year there was a small, one-story single room l)uilding located on or near the site of the present Lincoln school-house, which was used for the purpose of a colored school. In the al)ove stated year. Miss Louisa Alexander was appointed teacher at a salary of $200. In Februarj, 1862, it was ordered by the board of educatron "that unless the average attendance at the colored school during: the current quarter shall amount to twenty scholars, that said school shall be closed at the end of the quarter." It was closed at the end of the quarter, opened again in August, 1863, and closed again in the following April, "on account of the difficulty in procuring a competent teacher." On the 25th of May following it was again opened with Miss E. Y. Hancock, teacher. Since that time it has been steadily progressing. In 1872 an excellent four-room sch<;ol house was built at a cost of $6,200.

The High School was first organized in the Centre school building September, 1864; thence in the fall of 1866 removed to what is now the Jackson school, and from thence to the Franklin. At the latter period and up to 1870 the standard of this school was barely up to that of the grammar schools of to-day. The principals of the school from its organization till the present time are as follows: Mr. A. W. Starkey, who held this position at two different times; H. A. Farwell, C. C. Kobbins, and Rev. Wm. B. Corbyn, D. D., who was appointed in the month of June, 1874, and who has given the utmost satisfaction to the board of education and the patrons of the school. That gentleman is also principal of all other departments in the Franklin schuol building. The high school has a fine laboratory, and it is well supplied with apparatus and appliances. A large case of geological and conchological specimens has been collected, assorted and properly labeled. It has also the nucleus of a fine library.

The valuation of the public school property in the city, buildings and grounds, is estimated at $200,000, and the furniture at $15,000. Fiftyfive teachers are employed, four of whom are males, their salaries aggregating $28,500 annually. There are nine school buildings, with fifty-three school-rooms, besides five recitation rooms, as follows: Franklin, 15; Jefferson, 14; Washington, 4; Jackson, 4; Lincoln, 4; Webster, 4; Irving, 7; Berrian, 3; Madison, 2; total, 58.

The facts and figures relative to the condition of the public schools in Quincy have been obtained from T. W. McCall, the present efficient superintendent of schools.

The following table shows the attendance and general school standing for the last school year as compared with previous years, and is contained in the superintendent's last annual report:

St. Francis Solanus College

The St. Franciscan Fathers of the Province of the Holy Cross came to America from Germany in the year 1858. In the same year several members of the order established a house in Quincy, when they opened a high school and founded St. Francis Solanus College. The first location was on Maine street, but in the year 1860 the order built a church and monastery on Vine, between Eighteenth and Twentieth streets. The latter building was used as a school for day scholars only until 1870, when in order to accommodate the numerous applicants they erected the building now expressly occupied as the college. In 1873 the college was chartered and now has all the privileges of a university. Since the charter was obtained the average annual attendance has been 110, sixty-five per cent, of whom are students from abroad. In the course of instruction there are three departments, viz: the preparatory, commercial, and collegiate, each of which is complete in its own sphere. Twelve professors, mostly members of the order, ar« engaged in these departments, devoting their whole time to the instruction and welfare of the students.

In addition to the Catholic college above mentioned, very large and excellent schools are attached to the St. Peter's, St. Boniface, and the St. Mary's churches, also a fine convent seminary on the corner of Eighth and Yermont streets, entitled the Convent of Notre Dame.

Chaddock College

This institution was organized in the year 1853 under the name of Quincy English and German College. Among the trustees were George Leibrick, John Kinkil, H. Dills, W. Dickhut, and F. W. Jansen. The school was first opened in one of the school rooms of the old Yermont Street M. E. Church, and after their new building on Spring street, between Third and Fourth, was completed, the school was moved into it. J. F.

Jaqnes was elected president and acted in that capacity for about live years. The school grew to be a very prosperous institution under his management. In the later years the school became very much embarrassed. During the war the building was used as a military academy under Prof. Powell, and afterward used as a hospital. After the war the school was reopened and Rev. Mr. Andrus was elected president, who succeeded in making the college a success. He afterward was succeeded by Rev. George W. Gray as president, who also proved a successful one. W. C. Bourn succeeded Rev. Mr. Gray, but the school did not prosper under his management. The name was changed to Johnson College in 1874, the Quincy English and German College and the Johnson College of Macon, Mo., being merged into one institution, to be called by the latter name. Prof. E. W. Hall acting in the capacity of president. In 1S75 the building was sold to the Quincy board of education for $30,000, and the building known as the Gov. AVood mansion was purchased for the sum of $40,000 and the school moved out to that building the same year - 1875. In the fall of 1876 Charles Chaddock, Astoria, generously gave the institution the magnificent sum of $24,000, which lifted the college out of its embarrassment. In consideration the name w4s changed to that of Chaddock College, in honor of Mr. Chaddock. Prof. Hall resigning in 1878, J. G. Evans, of Hedding College, Abingdon, 111., was elected president. Under his management the college gave promise of success, but becoming embarrassed he was obliged to resign. The executive committee, T. D. Gamble, George Adams, and H. Reed, have the school in hand at present and propose to continue until the end of the college year, when arrangements will be made to have the VVesleyan University, of Bloomington, assume full control of the institution. Under this arrangement its success is assured.

The Academy Of Music

This place of amusement is situated on Maine street, between Third and Fourth streets. It is 144x60 feet, which includes the stage, auditorium, and corridors. The stage is 42x60 feet, and is furnished with all the modern appurtenances. The stage has direct communication with the street by means of an underground passage, and is separated from the auditorium by a brick proscenium wall, with arrangements in case of fire or accidents on the stage for the security of the audience.

The auditorium is horse-shoe shaped, the highes.t point of the dress circle being on a level with the sidewalk, the platforms for chairs being formed by sections of concave and convex circles, and each platform having a rise of six inches above the next in front. The parquette takes the shape of the circles forming the dress circle, with an incline toward the sta^e. The dress circle is intersected by three aisles, communicating with the corridor, the entrance to which is twenty feet in width, in which the ticket office is located.

The main corridor is separated from the section that connects with the three aisles of the auditorium, and two large llights of stairs lead to the gallery.

The arrangements of the gallery are the same as those of the dress circle, except that the incline is much greater, giving each platform for seating a much greater elevation than the next one in front. In the arrangements for ingress and egress the gallery has live doors provided, and besides the stairways mentioned there are two other laro;e flights of stairs, furnishing at the close of entertainments or in case of emergency direct communication with the sidewalk on Maine street.

In construction the gallery, like all the rest of the building, is substantial. The inner supports are iron columns, standing on pners of stone and brick, live in number, built especially for the purpose, making the gallery strong and durable.

The ceiling of the auditorium js broken at the angle of the side wall by a cove extending entirely around the auditorium. In the center the ceiling is broken by a circular dome twenty-four feet in diameter and sixteen feet high, arranged in the top for ventilation, as well as serving to improve the accoustic properties of the auditorium.

Odd Fellows Hall

Odd Fellows Hall, or as amusement goers know it, the Opera House, was built for the purpose of supplying the public with a place of amusement; and was erected in 1867. For the purpose of its construction the following gentlemen formed themselves into an " Odd Fellows' Building Association;'' Maj. Gen. J. D. Morgan, Maj. G. W. Burns, T. T. Woodruff, J. K. Yan Doom, T. Dewey Woodruff", James Arthur, Samuel Holmes, A. E. Wheat, I. O. Woodruff, and Henry Allen. Maj. Burns, President, and T. T. Woodruff, Secretary and Treasurer, of the Association. It had an original capital of $-10,000 which was increased before tht completion of the building. The ground, corner of Sixth and Maine streets, on which the Opera House was erected, was owned by the I. O. O. F., who determined not to sell the property until they could secure the erection of a public hall. The Odd Fellows Anally made an agreement with the building association to give them the ground whereon to erect a building containing a spacious hall, provided the association would give them a clear deed to one entire story for the use of the Order. The first design of the builders was much simpler than that which has been carried out, the present structure costing more than double the amount anticipated at the start. Some $15,- 000 of this increase was caused by the change of plans, whoreby a simple public hall was changed into a more costly and elegant Opera House.

The entire building occupies 70 feet on Maine and 123 feet on Sixth street, fronting upon the former. It towers up in four immense stories. Its entire height from sidewalk to apex of turret is ninety-two feet. The style of structure is the renaissance^ and, as is usual in buildings of that style, is surmounted by a mansard roof, 12 feet in height, containing three dormer windows in front and six on the side. This roof is covered with variegated slate, ornamental pattern.

The stone work of the building, above the water table, is of Joliet cut stone, while the walls are brick. The building is heated, and ventilated through flues and registers in the side walls. The cellar under the basement contains the furnaces. The first story is used as store-rooms for business purposes.

The Opera House proper is on the second story, reached by two broad stair-cases, a twelve foot staircase from the east front, and a seven foot one from the south. A hall eight feet wide runs the whole length of the west side and north side of the second floor. Two entrances from this hall open into the auditorium whose dimensions are 80x50 feet, and 35 feet high. The room is airy and nicely adorned. The woodwork is of a light straw color. The surmounting rail is of black walnut. The seats of the "dress circle " are arranged in a circular form, facing the stage, and will accommodate about 525, the seats in the " family circle " will hold 400 more, the orchestra chairs 250, and the proscenium boxes 25. Thus 1,200 people can be comfortably seated.

The parquette is 36 feet deep by 32 wide, containing 250 arm chairs. The " family circle" gallery is 11 feet higher than the main floor, and supported by 10 gilded columns, adding much to the tout ensemble of the auditorium.

The portion devoted to the stage and its appurtenances is quite large and well arranged. From the rear hall to the front of the stage is jnst 50 feet, 10 of this being in front of the drop curtain. There are eight or nine dressing rooms, several of them behind the boxes. The stage proper is 39.6x69.6; the drop curtain is 28x25 feet. The scenery is first-class, and consists of seventeen distinct sets besides many other parts required on a well stocked stage. The drop curtain is pretty in design and well executed.

Odd Fellows Hall is the general title for the third story. This floor is divided into three large halls and six ante-roonis. It belongs to the I. O. O. F., as before stated. The three halls have the same dimensions, 30 x60, the whole three being divided by folding doors, which can be opened and the three rooms thrown into one large, commodious and beautiful hall. The hall of the Odd Fellows (which is composed of the Quincy, Marquette, and Adams Lodges, and the Encampment) is frescoed by the same artist as the Opera House. Tliis story is 17 feet in height, and not supported by pillars below, but by iron rods from the truss work above.

Railroad Bridge

The great bridge which spans the Mississippi river at the city of Quincy, and connects it with the Missouri side, is one of the grand achievements which science has made in the department of bridge building. As early as 1855 the subject of bridging the river of Quincy was discussed as being one of the necessities which commerce demanded. In view of the great and extending interests of the western trade, the importance of an uninterrupted railway crossing of the Mississippi, which would overcome the difficulties of low water in summer and of the ice-blockade of winter, was long appreciated by the enterprising city of Quincy; and it was only a question of time and location, as to the construction of of a bridge. Quincy made an effort to obtain it, and for this purpose a charter drafted by Col. Sam'l Holmes, lately deceased, the earliest friend of the measure, and pressed by a large number of public-spirited citizens, was obtained from the State Legislature; the crisis of 1857 and the absorbing and protracted civil war which subsequently intervened, prevented, however, the success of the project, and the charter was suffered to expire b}' limitation. Ex-Gov. Wood, Chas. A. Savage, N. Bushnell, J. M. Pitman, Col. S. Holmes, and Thos. Redmond, still cherished the enterprising conception, and at the session of 1864-65, Mr. Redmond, at that time a representative from Adams county, succeeded in procuring a re-enacfement of the act of incorporation from the legislature of Illinois. The sanction of the National Government being deemed of the utmost importance, the task of securing it was appropriately devolved on ex-Governor John Wood. The incorporators under the act were John Wood, Samuel Holmes, James M. Pitman and N. Bushnell, and the charter thus obtained, was of the amplest character, granting equal privileges to all railroads, present or future, to avail themselves of any bridge constructed under its provisions on just and impartial terms, and also carefully guarding the important interests of navigation.

In determining upon the important point of the site of the bridge a thorough scientific exploration was made of both banks of the river for the distance of two miles, from the extreme northern to the southern limits of the city, which finally resulted in the present admirable location which is at the northern portion of the city at the foot of Spruce street. This location was selected from the fact that the bay and island divide the distance to l->e crossed into easy sections, the west bank being more elevated and desirable, while sounding established the fact that a solid rock bottom was to be obtained for the erection of the pivot pier on which the draw could turn.

The corner stone of the bridge was laid on Wednesday, September 25, 1867, and the ceremonies were conducted by the masons in the presence ot a large concourse of people.

We give a short description of the bridge: The great or main bridge, spanning the river from the island to the west bank, is 3185 feet in length. Its superstructure is of iron, of the Pratt truss, which years of trial has proved to be the best form for strength, durability or lightness. It rests upon nineteen piers of the best quality of first-class cut stone masonry. The foundation of all the water piers, except the center or pivot pier, is of piles driven to refusal and cut off eight feet below low water. The foundation for the pivot pier is the solid rock in the bed of the river. The foundation of the piers are thoroughly rip-rapped beyond possibility of accident from any change in the bed of the river by washing. The distance from first pier to second pier is 250 feet, thence 181 feet to third or pivot pier, thence 181 feet to pier JS^o. 4, thence 250 feec to pier I*^o. 5, then two spans of 200 feet to No. 7, thence 11 spans of 157 feet, and concluding with a span of 200 feet to the island on the east shore. The pivot is 362 feet in length, with a 30 feet turn-table, operated by stationary steam power, supported by the main pier, and its ends when open resting on an equi-distant outside pier above and below, the upper one of which is protected by an immense icebreaker. When the pivot is open, the space on each side of the center pier is 160 feet in the clear. The main bridge is connected with the east bank proper by an embankment across the island of 600 feet in length, elevated to grade, thence by a trestle bridge of 400 feet across Wood's slough, thence by 500 feet more embankment, thence over the bay by an iron drawbridge of the 13ollman truss, 525 feet long, comprising 6 spans, and with foundations and piers of same character as those in the river. It was completed in October, 1868, and cost $1,500,000.

Quincy City Guards

This organization was established in 1853-4. It was commanded by Capt. E. W. Godrey, who oftered his resignation in September, 1856, and the entire company addressed a communication to J. D.Morgan asking him to

Needle Pickets

The ladies of Quincy, imbued with patriotic feelings for the cause of the Union, formed an organization on the Sl'st of May. 1S61, known as the "Needle Pickets," whose object was to testify by deeds their devotion to the cause of American nationality.

At the expiration of three months, for which term the officers were elected, the military organization was dropped, and the society elected:

The work performed by the society consisted in relieving the destitute families of soldiers at home, and ameliorating the condition of the inmates of hospitals. The membership includes one hundred and two names.

At first the labors of the society were dedicated to soldiers in hospitals and on the field, but it soon became manifest that assistance should be rendered to the poor of the city, the families of soldiers, and other needy persons. Food and wearing apparel were thus given out to worthy applicants, and much suffering relieved at home, while the hospital stores sent to Cairo, St. Louis, Ironton, Pilot Knob, La Clede, Palmyra, Fort Henr^', Fort Donaldson, Mound City, Paducah, Savannah, Corinth, and other places, during the year 1861-2, did much good to the inmates of hospitals. During the first year of its organization, nurses were sent to Savannah, after the battle of Pittsburg Landing, with a large supply of hospital stores. The hospitals located at Quincy received the undivided attention of the members of this society. At one time, the hall where the society held its meeting, was transformed into a hospital for the reception of forty sick and'wounded soldiers, the Quincy hospitals being too crowded to admit them.

At the instigation of the society, the city council allowed the building formerly used as a poor-house, to be used as a home for convalescent soldiers. It was fitted up accordingly, and afforded a pleasant retreat for invalid soldiers. The annual reports of the secretary gave a detailed account of work performed.

The society furnished reading material, both English and German, for the soldiers confined in the four large hospitals at Quincy, besides carrying out the policy of the organization, of supplying onl}^ such articles as were not provided by the government. The value of stores furnished the first two years was estimated to be nearly $2,000. The greater part of the fund raised was through the exertions and enterprise of the societv, by means of amateur entertainments, lectures, fairs, and by generous donations from citizens of Quincy and elsewhere.

During the year 1863-4, in addition to the regular work of the society, assistance, in the shape of money, was sent to the Lawrence (Kan.) sufferers, Woodland Home, an orphan assylum of Quincy, and to the "Freedman's Relief Society," of Quincy. Two nurses were also sent, on a few hours' notice, to Yicksburg.

The total value of boxes of hospital stores, sent the third year, was $3,421.39, while the value of goods sent during the fourth year was some $9,000.

The efforts of this society, during 1864 and 1865 were mainly directed to the care of the five hos[)itals located at Quincy, where their work was appreciated alike by the inmates and the government. This work at home did not prevent the JNeedle Pickets from doing service elsewhere. During this year the society had three hundred and twenty-three families under its care.

At the time the last report was made. May 31, 1865, the societv had a balance in the treasury of $5,909.66. Since the close of the war the active work has been discontinued. The society, however, on the establishment of the "Blessing Hospital," of Quincy, furnished a room and endowed it.

Sisters Of The Good Samaritan

The Sisters of the Good Samaritan, a society formed for the purpose of supplying the brave soldiers with such articles as were considered necessary for their health and comfort, was organized in Quincy, July 12, 1861 at which time a constitution was adopted and officers elected. The officers were as follows:

The society numbered one hundred and forty-eight members - one hundred and fourteen ladies and thirty-four gentlemen. It had its meetings in the old Concert Hall building, from which place it moved on Oct. 8, 1862, to the basement of the Centre Congregational Church.

This society gave aid to the poor and needy of the city, but principally devoted its efforts in this direction to the destitute families of soldiers wha were on fields of battle. The work of assisting the soldiers was carried on by caring for the sick and wounded in hospitals all over the country, where such care was needed, in procuring nurses, and sending such articles of apparel as were required. The local hospitals at Quincy received the attention of the Good Samaritans. To their efforts may be attributed their improved sanitary condition. Hospital stores, including bandages, lint, edibles, and reading matter, were sent in large quantities to the places designated by the military authorities as being most in need of them, during the entire war.

The expenses of the society during the year 1861-2, were $660.02; and this amount was largely increased yearly as the war progressed, in carrying on their noble work.

The individual military organizations that received the benefits of this society were, Capt. Delano's Dragoons, the 50th Regiment, Col. M. M. Bane, Col. Glover's Regiment, Capt. Schmitt's Company, Lieut. Col. Pierce commanding. Col. Grant's Regiment, Yates' Sharp Shooters, Col. Mor-;an's Regiment.

The funds of this society were raised by individual donations, subscriptions, and by giving entertainments of various kinds. The society received assistance in their work from the ladies of adjoining towns and from the county.

The Good Samaritans continued the good work of taking care of the widows and orphans of soldiers, of the needy poor, of the wounded and sick soldiers, until the close of the war.

Bodley Lodge No. 1 was instituted in 1834 under the folio n^ing circumstances. We quote from Mr. A. W. Blakesley, who is at this writing still an honored citizen of Quincy:

'' Dec. 6th, 1834, a meeting of Masons was held at Quincy, and a petition for a dispensation to open and hold a lodge of Freemasons there, was signed by Daniel Harrison, D. Whipple, Henry King, Samuel W. Rogers, Joseph N. Ralston, Joshua Streeter, John Wood, Hiram Rogers, H. L. Montandon, Andrew Miller, Henry Asbur}-, J. T. Holmes, Xathaniel Pease, Michael Mast, Salmon Coggswell, Richard M. Young and Samuel Alexander.

" The petition was forwarded to the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, which ' at its annual communication, Aug. 31, 1835, granted a Dispensation to the petitioners hereinbefore named to open and hold a lodge at Quincy, 111., to be known as ' Bodley Lodge No. 97,' Daniel Harrison being named as first Worshipful Master." *****

This lodge continued to work under the Grand Lodge of Kentucky until the Grand Lodge of Illinois was organized in 1840. Of all the original petitioners of Dec. 6, 1834, only Henry Asbury and John Wood are now living.

Henry Asbury was once elected Worshipful Master. John Wood, although never in high official position in the order, has ever retained the respect of his brothers in masonry. He stands above reproach.

Bodley Lodge, No. 97, met in communication at Jacksonville, 111., April 6, 1840, and assisted in the formation of the Grand Lodge of Illinois.

originallv granted. Therefore Bodley Lodge, Qiiincy, became No. 1, and Columbus, Adams county, No. 6. Of this last, Abraham Jonas was master, and he was chosen Most Worshipful Grand Master of the State. Hiram Rogers, also of this lodge, was first Grand Junior Warden.

At the first annual grand communication, Oct. 20, 1840, Harrison Dills was elected Grand Junior Warden, and John Crockett was appointed Grand Junior Deacon, both of Bodley Lodge No. 1.

Of the thirt3^-two charter members only seven are now living, and only one, Harrison Dills, a member of the lodge. Harrison Dills, James H. Luce and John Crockett, received the lectures from Barney in 1845, and through them was perpetuated what was then, and is now, declared to be the work of the Grand Lodge of Illinois. Asa W. Blakesly is now one of the oldest and brightest members of the lodge. He came to them in 1848 from Hancock Lodge, and has been more than thirty years a member and ofiicer of Bodley, and twenty-four times held a seat in the Grand Lodge of the State. At present William M. Robertson is the master, and Thomas J. Bryant, secretary.

We give the other lodges of masons in Quincy according to their order, and would be glad to give further particulars concerning them, but those of whom we have asked historical information have been too busy to furnish it to us, and the records not being accessible we are obliged to mention them in brief.

Herman Lodge, No. 39, has now for its W. M. Geo. O. S. Burt and Philip Lauter, secretary. Quincy Lodge No. 296 has E. C. Sellick for Master, and T. J. Mackav, secretary.

Beausant Commandery, No. 11, of Knights Templars is officered by Edward S. Mulliner, Eminent Commander, and Wm. E. Avise, Recorder. Mr. Mulliner belongs to Quincy Lodge No. 296, where he has often been in the Master's chair, and although comparatively a young mason, has attained and kept a prominence in the order seldom reached by persons of his age.

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows began their existence in Quincy in 1845. Quincy Lodge, No. 12, was organized March 24, 1845. The charter members were John Cleveland, Senr., Thomas Goodall, Chas. Guru, Thomas Reid, Lewis M. Booth, Edward R. Wooters.

July 27, 1848, Marquette Lodge was initiated, and its charter members were: J. R. Hollowbush, Wm. H. Benneson, Ebenezer Moore, A. E. Savage, Ethan Allen. Jr., James A. Parker, William M. Goodwin, John Murphy, John Tillson, Jr., Henry Sage.

Oct. 13, 1858, Adams Lodge, No. 365, was instituted; the charter members were Frederick Wallett, Earnest Adam, H. H. Jansen, John Simon, B. Williamsdoffen, G. H. Mertz, F. W. Hoffman, Charles Petrie, John Doul.

Allen Encampment, No. 4, was instituted at Quincy, Oct. 14, 1857, and the charter members were: Thomas Elms, Charles Gurn, James A. Swazey, Thomas J. Goodall, Ethan Allen, Jr., J. D. Griffin, Thomas Reid, Ebenezer Moore.

The Odd Fellows of Quincy and of Adams county have reason to be proud of their record, and many of their individual members have been among the distinguished men of the county. Mr, James E. Dunn, who is now among the oldest members, still keeps his interest and familiarity with the order, and is a bright exponent of the doctrines of F. L, & T.

Other Societies United Ancient Order Of Druids

Socrates S. A. Chapter, No. 2, was instituted Oct, 28, 18^4, (German), Meets second Friday of each month, southeast corner Vermont and Sixth,

Excelsior S. A. Chapter, No, 5, was instituted Oct, 14, 1S73, (English), Meets on second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, southeast corner Vermont and Sixth.

The Knights Of Tythias

Independent Order of B'nai Berith: Zuleika Lodge, No. 99, organized June 28, 1867, meets second and fourth Sundays in each month, at Mar qi'iette Hall, on Maine street.

Quincy Lodge, No. 151, organized August 28th, 1870, meets every second and fourth Sunday in the month, at Harugari Lodge rooms, Maine street.

Great difficulty was experienced by the early residents of Quincy and Adams counties to secure railroad connections, as most all of the roads were to be built to other points on the Mississippi river, but were finally obtained for Quincy by the liberality and enterprise of the citizens of the city and county. A number of lines now center in the city, giving every facility for passenger and freight traffic.

The oldest railroad now making Quincy a terminus is the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy, which was completed in February, 1856. This road, between Quincy and Galesburg, was built by the old Northern Cross company, from which fact it was called the Northern Cross railroad. This branch was the result of the internal improvement system which was inaugurated in 1837, the Legislature prescribing various lines, among which was a line from Quincy, on the Mississippi river, via Columbus and Clayton in Adams county, Mt. Sterling in Brown county, Meredosia and Jacksonville, in Morgan county, Springfield, Decatur, Danville, thence to the State line. Tliis was known as the Northern Cross.

The State commenced the construction of railroads in various sections of the State, but in four years, after expending $8,000,000, it discontinued the work. It put in operation sixty miles of road, from Meredosia to Springfield, which is a part of the Northern Cross road, which the State managed for years, until finally it was sold at auction.

In 1849 the Northern Cross railroad company was incorporated, with J. M. Pitman, S. Holmes, John Wood, C. A. Warren, G. B. Dimock, Hiram Boyle, and I. N. Morris, of Adams county, and J. Brockman and J. W. Singleton, of Brown county, as incorporators, whose object was to build and use a railroad from the west bank of the Illinois river, opposite Meredosia, to the city of Quincy. The old Northern Cross railroad between the two points named above, was sold to J. W. Singleton, S. Holmes, H. S. Cooley, C. A. Warren, J. M. Pitman and I. N. Morris, for $1,850, payable in State indebtedness. On the road thus sold, $500,000 had been expended between Clayton and Quincy. At a meeting in 1850, $10,000 of the capital stock was subscribed. In the same year I. N. Morris, J. W. Singleton, J. M. Pitman, N. Bushnell and N. Flagg were elected directors, and I. N. Morris, president; E. Moore, treasurer; and S. Holmes, secretary. The company purchased the road of the proprietors, and prepared for active work. In 1851 the city of Quincy subscribed $100,000 in stock, payable in bonds, and the company was to have $20,000 of the stock as representing their interest. A new election took place, and N. Bushnell was elected president.

and even to Sterling, all ready for the iron, when the company failed to obtain the Brown county bonds, previously subscribed. Tliis in connection with the fact that the Sangamon and Morgan railroad company were hostile to the connection with the new road, satisfied the company tliat they could not build the road to Meredosia. At this time, having procured an act from the Legislature authorizing them to build a lateral road in the direction of Chicago, they entered into a contract with the Central Military Tract company, by which they secured a road through from Quincy to Chicago.

In 1853, having secured the influence of the Michigan Central, who controlled the Aurora brancli, running from Mendota to Chicago, the arrangements were perfected. Quincy made a furtlier subscription of $100,000, while the citizens also subscribed $100,000. In January, 1S56, the entire line, from Quincy to Galesburg, was completed, at a cost of ^3,600,000, and on February 14, the first through train passed over the road. The line from Galesburg to Chicago was completed in the same year.

The Toledo, Wabash & Western, or "AYabash," was built under an act in the Legislature, in the name of the Quincy and Toledo raih'oad. The line was the original route of the Northern Cross, which was abandoned by the then railroad compay. Subsequently J. W. Singleton obtained a charter, and proceeded to construct the road from Camp Point, Adams county, to Meredosia. The road met with many difliculties until completed. At Meredosia it connected with the Great Western railroad, which has since been joined in one company extending from Quincy to Toledo.

The Hannibal & St. Joe railroad has become part of the Quincy system of railroads, as it is joined to Quincy by the Old Quincy et Palmyra branch, which is now a pa^t of the road. This road runs from Quincy to St. Joseph and Kansas City, Mo. The Hannibal & St. Joe was originally built to make Hannibal, Mo., the Eastern terminus, but energetic citizens of Quincy built a short line from Quincy to Palmyra, tapping the St. Joe line at the latter point. The Quincy & Palmyra railroad company was organized in 1856, but did not complete the road until 1859. In 1856 it was purchased by the Hannibal & St. Joseph company.

In 1868 the Quincy, Missouri & Pacific was organized. It has constructed a line from Quincy to Kii'ksville, some seventy miles distant, and is still extending its line to the Missouri river, at a point opposite Brownsville, Neb. Municipal subscriptions to a large amount were obtained to the new^ road. The first directors were John Wood, C. A. Savage, Thos. Redmond, C. H. Bull, Thos. Jasper, T. R. Selmes, C. M. Pomeroy, Geo. Adams, of Quincy; and Jno. Winterbottom, W. C. Hillis, J. W. De France, W. G. Roseberry, and J. S. Church, of Missouri. The ofiicers were, C. A. Savage, president; Geo. S. King, secretary; C. H. Bull, treasurer; John H. Schermerhorn, chief engineer.

The Quincy and Carthage railroad was created in 1870, and Hon. O. C. Skinner elected President; J. W. Bishop, Secretary; and H. G. Ferris, Treasurer. The road runs North from Quincy, passing through Mendon and Keene townships, of Adams county; thence through Llancock county to Carthage, and from thdre to Burlington. It was soon completed, and is now a part of the C. B. tfc Q. company, who connected it with Burlington, Iowa.

The Quincy, Alton 6c St. Louis railroad was organized September 10, 1869, with J. W. Singleton, R. S. Benneson, A. J. F. Prevost, Wm. Bowles,

Member Of Congress Eleventh Congressional District

C. H. Curtis, Edward Wells, Eli Seehorn, Perry Alexander, and C. S. Hi^bee, as directors. J, W Singleton was elected president; T. T. Woodruff, secretary and treasurer. The road was completed so as to make connections with St. Louis, and is now a branch of the C, B. & Q.

The St. Louis, Keokuk & i^orth western railroad also connects Quincy with the North and Soutli, as it crosses the bridge at Quincy. The road is comDleting its route to St. Louis, and when completed will be a valuable orad to Quincy.

Other roads are projected from Quincy, as, for instance, connecting the Baltimore & Ohio with Quincy by a branch built from the city to Beardstown.

The Quincy Building Association

The Quincy Building Association was organized April, 1874. The founders were J. H. Schermerhorn and E,. L. Miller, the object being the accumulation of a fund by monthly contributions, fines, premiums, or loans and interest on investments, sufficient to enable the stockholders to build or purchase for themselves dwelling houses, or improve real estate, or make such other investments as they may deem advantageous.

All persons of the age of twenty-one years and upward may become Stockholders of this Association. Minors nvdj hold stock by guardian or trustee. Each Stockholder shall be entitled to a certificate for such stock held by him or her, to be issued in the name and under the seal of the Association, attested by the President and Secretary, which certificate may be transferred by assignment which shall be duly recorded upon the books of the Association.

The number of shares of stock to be issued by the Association shall not exceed ten thousand (10,000), and shall be issued in series as the Board of Directors shall determine ; but it shall be lawful for the Board of Directors to conclude the sale of stock in any of the series when one hundred shares shall have been subscribed. The value of each share to be one hundred dollars. Each stockholder, at the time of subscribing for said stock, shall sign his or her name to this charter.

The capital shall be paid in installments, at the rate of fifty cents per share per month, at the time provided for in the By-Laws, in default of which such fine shall be imposed as the By-Laws shall designate, and such payments shall continue until, with the accumulated profits, the whole stock (or each partfcular series) shall be worth one hundred dollars per share.

Each Stockholder, for each and every share of stock held in this corporation, shall be entitled to receive a loan of not more than one hundred dollars ; such loan to be disposed of to the highest bidder for priority of right, and shall pay one-half per cent, per month interest upon the whole loan, including the premium.

The repayment of such loan to the Association shall be secured by bond and mortgage on real estate, which shall be clear of all incumbrance (except in case this Association shall hold the previous incumbrance) together with a policy of fire insurance, if upon improved propert}--, assigned to the Association ; such security to be approved by the Board of Directors.

Those who daily receive the benefits of illuminating gas no doubt will be interested in an account of its introduction. Like other new enterprises of equal importance it was long talked of and agitated before active measures were adopted for its introduction. In the year 1853, a company was organized, and a contract entered into bv the corporators, John Wood, Lucius Kingman, Samuel Holmes, Thos. Redmond, Jas. D. Morgan, Samuel W. Rogers, Thos. C. King, Robert S. Benneson and Wm. H. Carlin with Messrs. A. B. Chambers and Thos. Pratt of St. Louis, who in consideration of $75,000 of the stock of the Quincy Gas Light and Coke company agreed to purchase suitable grounds, furnish all the materials and construct works of sufficient capacity to manufacture and store 55,000 cubic feet of gas daily, lay 3|^ miles of street mains, provide the necessary meters and erect 50 public lamps. At the same time a contract for fifty additional lamps, and the right of way in laying street mains was entered into. On the first of December, 1856, the contract for the erection of the works having been completed, and Messrs. Chambers & Pratt having purchased and erected 14 more lamps and furnished meters, seven pipes and other materials not specified in the contract, they were allowed an additional $5,100 in stock for extra labor and material. The whole stock of the compan}^ thus amounted to $80,100, and it commenced operating with one bench of three retorts, 64 public lamps and 139 private consumers. With the growth of the city the demand for gas has rapidly increased, and the company is now working eight benches of three retorts each to their full capacity, lighting 334 public lamps, suppljang 750 private consumers, and has over eight and one-half miles of street mains. In 1867 a new gas holder, 60x22 feet, with a capacity of 62,000 cubic feet, was completed at a cost of $21,516.58. Since then the retort capacity' of tlie company has been doubled, consisting of twelve benches of three retorts each, the old purifiers five feet six inches square, have been replaced by new ones ten by fourteen feet, and the old center seal of six inch capacity has been replaced with a new seal uf ten inch capacity. The six inch street mains have been replaced by ten inch pipe, and the change has added materially to the pressure and flow of gas.

The improvements at the works this year have been the introduction of new ten inch condensers with an exhauster andengine, at a combined cost of $6,610.76. The old gas holder was also repaired at a cost of $1,153, and is to be replaced the coming year by a new and improved one. Other improvements during the same period, including building, &c.. aggregated $1,- 741.10.

The annual consumption of coal at the gas works is 77,763 bushels, and of lime 2,957 bushels. The pay roll proper amounts annually to $14,- '100. This company has .now been in operation thirteen years, and although a majority of the stock is held in St. Louis, it has always been managed by Quincy men, who, while they have an interest in the pecuniary success of the company, have still a larger interest in operating it to the satisfaction of our citizens. Thus, while they have acted in good faith as directors and managers, they have never failed to add such improvements as seemed in their judgment demanded by the city and their patrons.

The enterprise exhibited b}^ the company the past two years in laying new street mains and increasing its manufacturing capacity, is an earnest that they are determined to keep pace with the wants of the community, and supply our citizens with an article of gas not excelled any where. In this connection it is proper to state -that there has been decided improvement.

The present officers of the company are: President, Jas. D. Morgan ; secretary. H. E.. Oorley; treasurer, C. M. Pomroy; superintendent, August W. Littleton.

The Roman Catholic cemeteries are located. on Maine near the corner of Eighteenth; on Broadway just east of Thirtieth, and on State east of Twentieth.

The "Woodland cemetery is located in the southern portion of the city, and is bounded by Jefferson street on the north, and Yan Buren on the south, and by Fifth street on the east and the river bank on the west. The city hospital occupies a position in the southeastern portion of the cemetery grounds.

Woodland cemetery is beyond question one of the most beautiful in the country. Its situation on the bluff is such that from it is secured one of the finest and most extended views to be found on the Mississippi river. Fronting on Fifth street is the tomb of Timoth}- Rogers, Esq., of Quincy. The work of building was in progress for more than a year, and was completed about twelve months ago. During the past season thousands of persons have visited the cemetery for the purpose of viewing this magnificent work of art.

Mr. Rogers determined, several years ago, to erect tlie tomb, his intention being to make it the finest in the United States, and equal to any in the world. The vault is located on Fifth street fronting Adams, one of the prettiest spots in the cemetery. The lot fronts forty feet on Fifth and runs back sixty feet. The front of tlie tomb is of Vermont marble, and including the tower is forty feet in height. The front is from four to six feet in thickness, the blocks being handsomely carved and ornamented with wreaths and other tasteful and appropriate designs. The tower which surmounts the front contains on its four sides a bust of Mr. Rogers, and is a handsome piece of work. The design is by the well-known architect, Mr. Banting, of Indianapolis. Over the door the name of "T. Rogers" is cut in the marble, and above the name appear the figures 1876, cut and bronzed.

The vault itself is of brick, laid in imported English cement, which was also used in the marble front. An idea of its dimensions may be obtained when it is stated that 112,000 bricks were used in its construction. The brick wall is covered with soil, and then sodded. The entrance is through massive double doors of solid marble. Inside the marble doors are doors made of iron slats, which are used when the heavy doors are left 0])en. The floor of the corridor is of marble blocks, with a black border running around the side and ends. On each side of the corridor, running the whole distance of the tomb, are the vaults or places for caskets, which number 112. The caskets rest on a marble slab, and marble slabs are placed in the openings after the caskets are deposited, and cemented. Tlie arrangements for ventilation are such that the tomb will always be free from foul air. A hollow wall connects with each vault and carries the air into a ventilating flue which runs above the tomb. As the vaults, as fast as occupied, are sealed up, there never can be any bad air in the corridor. Drilled holes through the marble doors admit fresh air when they are closed.

The interior is so arranged that in the future, if it should become necessary, 100 vaults can be added in the corridor, commencing at the west end. Mr. Rogers intends it for a family tomb, and expecting it to be used for hundreds of years, so designed it that a century hence vaults for his descendants may be erected there. It has been visited by citizens from all portions of the country, who pronounce it far superior to any work of the kind they ever saw. It is perfectly safe to say that it is by far the largest, finest and most costly ever built in America. As stated above, the marble was obtained from Yermont, and was dressed and finished ready to be placed in position before it was shipped. The marble filled twelve freight cars, each carrj'ing 20,000 pounds.

The entire work cost $20,000. Mr. Rogers is entirely satisfied with it, and takes pride in showing to his friends the marble temple, prepared by him for the resting place of his family and descendants. His enterprise has given Quincy a tomb finer, costlier and grander than can be found in any other city in the United States, and is deserving of high praise. Strangers in the city will find that a sight of the tomb ol Mr. Rogers will repay them for a visit to the cemetery.