Bureau County, Illinois - Chapter 15: The Churches of the Ooonty, 1885

Chapter 15: The Churches of the Ooonty

A NATION'S destiny is shaped by its -£JL religious faith more than by anything else. The Christian religion, as we believe it, is the true God-given system of faith, and the one which this Government recognizes as a divine emanation. " In God we trust," is stamped on our dollars. We accept it, therefore, in its teachings and its practices, as that mighty, moral force which has impelled us onward and upward in our career of unexampled prosperity in civil, moral, intellectual and commercial advancement. We are but one hundred years old, and yet we surpass all other nations on the globe, in these respects, although most of them are older than America by a thousand years or more.

Compare the people who now dwell in this county, with those whose ancestors occupied these rich prairies for a thousand years before, we having had it but fifty. There is no comparison. We affirm that our superiority comes from our underlying religious faith. Their poverty and heathenism came from the want of it. This is without doubt true of all other nations and kingdoms of the world. The Christian religion lifts men and nations into light and knowledge, and into the possession of all the good that distinguishes them from other peoples. What nation or people now on the globe, except a Christian nation, ever had a railroad, telegraph, telephone, steamboat, or any of the ten thousand desirable possessions of civilization, until carried there by a Christian people?

When a people become permeated with Christian principles then a superior energy impels that people onward and upward, into everything grand and ennobling, like a divine impulse. Hence the wisdom of the early settlers, as they came to this wilderness country, here to make happy homes and a prosperous State. They planted first the church and the school. Here is a nut for infidelity to crack. Mark what a change came over these prairies in one short fifty years. Instead of the filthy wigwams of the red man, along the marshy bottom-lands, these prairies are dotted all over with splendid mansions, and these limitless landj scapes are one broad field of waving corn and wheat. The wild deer and the uncouth buffalo have given place to the fleet horse, the faithful ox, the patient cow, the profitai ble hog. The useful wagon, with glossy bays attached, take the place of the pony and his rider. We have the cooking stove, comfortable furniture, the piano and organ, and ten thousand other conveniences and comforts unknown to the heathen dwellers on this soil fifty years ago. Why the difference? The answer is at hand. They had no church or schoolhouse. We have. They had no underlying religious faith. We have. This solves the problem, and points the way from poverty to prosperity.

Let us, then, cherish our Christian faith , knowing by delightful experience the truthfulness of the promise of our great Benefactor, when He said: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."

Congregational Church. - The old Hampshire Colony Church or First Congregational Church, of Princeton, was organized in Northampton, Mass., March 23, 1831. Sermon preached on the occasion by Rev. Ichabod S. Spencer, from the text: ' ' Fear not little flock for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." The following named persons joined the church at this time: E. S. Phelps and wife, Amos C. Morse and wife, Elish Wood and wife, Samuel Brown, David Brown, Dr. Nathaniel Chamberlain, Levi Jones and wife, Alva Whitmarsh and wife, Elijah Smith, Sylvia Childs, Clarissa Childs, Jonn Leonard and Maria Lyman. After farewell meetings were had, and the preliminaries all completed, the little colony church commenced their journey to the land of promise.

The Hampshire Colony had been organized the year previous, and had sent forward two or three of their number to the "West to reconnoiter arid to locate the colony. The main body did not start until May 7, 1831. They embarked on a canal boat at Albany, with Cotton Mather as Captain. The first Sabbath found them in Buffalo. From here they took steamer for Detroit. They hired teams to take them from here to Chicago, starting May 25.

Mr. Jones had preceded the colony the previous fall and located temporarily at Bailey's Point, eight miles south of LaSalle, near the Vermillion River, where he had built a large double log- house to receive the colony, which arrived June 9, just five weeks and two days from the commencement of their journey. They all remained here some time to rest Finally, on the evening of July 4, they reached the camp of James Foristol, one mile North of Dover.

Thus far we have seen the church in the wilderness. Now they reach the promised land, and the first formal meeting the church held in Illinois was October 20, 1831, at the house of Elijah Smith, a little north of the present city of Princeton. The first business done was the election of Dr. Chamberlain as clerk in the place of Mr. Morse, deceased. This little colony was soon reduced in number by death and removal until there were but four members left, and these were soon constrained to seek safety in the older settle ments from the scalping-knife of the Indian. Both the colony and the church were now reduced very near the point of extinction. This was indeed the day of small things. It was the only church in Illinois at this time of the Congregational order. They were cast down but not forsaken. After about two years members began to return, and others coming in joined, and in February, 1834, the church held its first communion season, at which time six persons joined: Joel Doolittle, Lazarus Reeve and Nathaniel Chamberlain, Sr. , and their wives.

Lucien Farnham became their pastor about the close of 1833, and he reports that at their above meeting the house was full, and that Methodists, Presbyterians and others communed with them.

From this time on the church grew rapidly. In 1835 they began to build a meetinghouse, 32x44 feet, two stories high, and used the lower story for a schoolhouse. This was called the Princeton Academy, and commenced its first term in the summer of 1836, under the care of Alvin M. Dixon, who is still living in Edgar, Clay County, Neb. Mr. Farnham was a devout and able minister, but in the fall of 1838 he was obliged to desist from preaching on account of chronic laryngitis. During his ministry of four years the church increased to 141 members.

Rev. Owen Lovejoy was called to take tlie place of Mr. Farnham and commenced his labors as pastor of the church in the fall of 1838. We need not here speak of Mr. Lovejoy, or his labors at length, as his fame became world-wide. He was a man of clear, strong convictions. As a public speaker he was logical, energetic, impressive, magnetic and eloquent. As a platform orator he had no equal. lu social life he was genial and attractive. He early espoused the anti- slavery cause and preached an anti -slavery gospel until the people liked it, and then continued preaching it because they did like it. His pastorate continued until the close of 1855, after which he was elected to Congress, and continued to hold that position until his death, March 25, 1864. In 1848 a new church was erected, of brick, and larger, costing $4,000. Mr. Lovejoy was succeeded in his ministry by the following persons in or der of time: N. A. Keyes, S. D. Cochran, W. B. Christopher, Samuel Day, H. L. Hammond, D. H. Blake, F. Bascom, R. B. Howard and Richard Edwards, LL. D., who has just resigned and accepted a position with Knox College, and Rev. S. A. Norton, the present pastor. In 1869 the church was repaired, and added to at a cost of $8,000, and supplied with a fine pipe organ. A successful Sabbath -school has been kept up from the beginning of the church; also a weekly prayer-meeting. The pastor's salaries have increased from time to time from $400 to $3,- 000 a year. Present membership, 300; Sabbath-school, 200. In October, 1837, twentyfour members were dismissed to form the Second Congregational Church of Princeton - now the First Presbyterian Church of this city. In March, 1838, seven members were dismissed to join the Dover Congregational Church; and in May, 1840, a number took letters to the Congregational Church of Lamoille.

Methodist Episcopal Church, Princeton. - In the year 1832 Rev. Zadock Hall organized a charge called the Peoria Mission. His appointments in Bureau County were at the house of Joseph Smith, north of Princeton, on Bureau Creek; Samuel Williams', in Hall Town, at John Hall's in Shelby Town, and at Abraham Jones', two miles northwest of Princeton. The names of the members of this class were: James and Betsy Hayes, Abraham and Mary Jones, Barton and Susanna Jones, Robert and Mrs. Clark, Joseph and Mrs. Smith and Eliza Epperson. All of the above persons have gone to the better land.

In 1833 Rev. William Royal became the preacher in charge of the northern division of Peoria Mission called tho Ottawa Mission. In 1834 this Mission was divided and the west part called the Bureau Mission, and the Rev. S. R. Beggs took this charge and remained through the following year.

There were three appointments in the Bureau Circuit: At Abraham Jones', at John Scott's, Tiskilwa, and at John Hall's, Selby Town. His cash report this year was: Received $70 from 100 members. Rev. Denning arrived in Princeton in 1836, and became class-leader and remained so up to 1842, at which time he joined the Rock River Conference. The class meetings were held at the house of Abraham Jones until 1838, when they were afterward held at the house of Brother Demings, in Princeton. In 1836 an attempt was made to build a church, but the brick was spoiled in the making and the pledges were lost, so ended this effort. William Cummings was pastor this year. In 1837 the old pioneer, Zaddock Hall, was appointed to the Princeton Circuit. A church was finally built and occupied about Christmas, 1838. The preachers on the circuit at this time were Rufus Lumry and George Smith.

University Of Illinois

In 1840 the Conference was divided and Princeton became a part of Eock River Conference, and Jonathan H. Snow placed in charge, assisted in 1841 by Wesley Bachelor. ID 1842 Harvey Hudley and S. F. Doming were appointed. The latter filled the office of County Clerk during his pastorate. In 1843, Harvey Hadley and Simon K. Lemon; in 1844, J. Q. Whitcomb; in 1845-46, Leonard Whittaker. At this time the brick church was built, now Union Hall. O. A. Walker in charge in 1847-48; in 1849, George Levisee; J. H. Moon, in 1850; Martin P. Sweet, in 1851-52. Then followed John W. Stagdill, J. O. Gilbert, Silas Searl, Charles French, Thomas G. Hagerty, W. C. Willing in 1862- 63. During Brother Willing's pastorate the beautiful house now occupied was built on the northwest corner of Peru and Church Streets. The Board of Trustees at this time was Joseph Shugart, John Warfield, George H. Phelps, W. H. Jenkins, George Bacon, A. Swanzy, William Carse,H. A. Starkweather and Darius Fisher. The corner stone was laid with Masonic honors July 24, 1863; address by Rev. Charles H. Fowler at the court house. The builders were Allen Morse and W. W. Winters. Dedicated January 23, 1864; services conducted by Rev. F. M. Eddy, D. D., assisted by Rev. J. M. Vincent; cost of church, $12,000. Preachers in charge after this time were: N. H. Axtell, W. A. Smith, S. U. Griffith, J. M. Caldwell, W. D. Skelton, J. C. Stoughton, W. H. Gloss, John Ellis, James Baurn and W. D. Atchison, the present pastor. Present membership, 150. Sabbath-school, 120. The parsonage cost $2,000.

Rev. A. B. Church. Twenty-four persons - originally members of the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, formed this the second Congregational Church of this city. Of these only two are now living - Philinda Robinson and Henrietta R. Bryant. The first year they occupied the upper story of Epperson's store, the next year a church was built near their present building, of wood. This was occupied for a house of worship until their present commodious brick house was built in 1856. In 1844, by an unanimous vote of the membership, the church changed its name to the Presbyterian Church, and was received under the care of the Schuyler Presbytery. The first Board of Elders were Daniel Ralinson, Austin Bryant, Isaac Brokaw and Samuel Carey. The first pastor, A. B. Church, remained seven years, or until the church became Presbyterian, Ministers who succeeded him were: John Stoker, one year; William Pekins, two years and six months; Ithamer Pillsbury, seven years; Mr. Carson, a short time; I. C. Barr, eighteen months; I. Milligan, fifteen years and six months; I. C. Hill, eighteen months; D. G. Bradford, five years. The present minister, Rev. M. C. Williams. Present membership about 200. Cost of present church edifice about $15,000. The Sabbath-school numbers 150. The membership are mostly farmers living from three to five miles in the country.

The Baptist Church, of Princeton, was organized in 1836, with thirteen members, as follows: Stephen and Polly Triplett, Aquilla Triplett, Elizabeth Triplett, W. H. and Lucinda Wells, Isaac and Rebecca Spangler, Edward and Lucinda Triplett, Mr. Bagley and wife, and James Hamrick. The first meeting house was built in 1844, now occupied by the African Methodist Episcopal

Rev. F. B. Ives from 1856 to 1858. Up to this time the membership reached 160. For a time after this the members decreased in number, owing, in part, to the want of a suitable house of worship, frequent change of pastors, removals, and other causes, so that they were reduced to only thirty-five members. Their present house of worship was commenced in 1871, and on November 23,

1873, the next house was dedicated, free from debt, costing $10,000. Rev. Ives was again the pastor during these years of prosperity, and when he closed his labors, November 17,

1874, the membership had increased to eighty. Under the labors of Isaac Fargo the number increased to 106. The Sabbathschool numbers at present 125, and church membership 130. Ministers serving the church after Elder Fargo were: D. W. Richards, M. H. Worral, and R. Wallace, the present pastor.

The Christian Church, Princeton, was organized March 8, 1840, by John M. Yearnshaw. The original members were: James and Catherine How, Daniel R. and Rachel How, Jonathan and Eliza Ireland, Daniel Bryant, Clark and Mary Bennett, John M. Yearnshaw, Rachel and Juliett Radcliffe, Elmira Elston, Sarah Minier, Mary Hayes, John W. M. How and Margarett McElwain - seventeen. In October four more members were added: John How, Sarah Radcliffe (now Lomax), Mrs. Alice Yearnshaw and Charles S. Boyd. Their meetings were first held in a building near the present court house, called the County Commissioners' House. In 1846 they built a brick house on'tbe south side of the court house square, and occupied this until 1870, when the congregation built their present fine house on Main Street, costing $11,000, and dedicated by Rev. Isaac Errett, of Cincinnati. The following are the names of ministers who have labored with the church since its organization, for a short time, in protracted effort: P. G. Young, George W. Minier, Daniel R. How, John Errett, G. W. Mapes, C. W. Sherwood, J. Z. Taylor. The following labored as regular ministers for a definite time: JohnM. Yearnshaw, George McManus, Daniel R. How, Charley Berry, J. C. Stark, T. Brooks, James E. Gaston, Daniel R. How, T. Brooks, I. G. Waggoner, T. V. Berry, G. W. Mapes, A. W. Olds, A. J. Thompson, J. T. Toof, G. F. Adams, L. R. Norton, George Radcliffe, William Trimble. The church has been without a pastor for some time on account of the divided state of its members. Present membership about ninety, Sabbath-school, fifty.

Methodist Protestant Church of Princeton, was organized in 1837, by Rev. P. J. Strong. The organizing members were: Aaron Mercer and wife, Thomas Mercer and wife, Ellis Mercer and wife, Samuel Triplett and wife, Daniel Young and wife, William Mercer, i Brown, S. G. Lamb and F. Stringer, the present pastor. The church building is of brick, and cost $11,000, and was built in 1867, under the pastorate of Rev. Mayall. The Sabbath-school numbers 100. The first church was built in 1838, under the pastorate of Rev. P. J. Strong, and cost $2,000.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran, of the Augustana Synod, of Princeton, was organized June 16, 1854, by Rev. Larspaul Esborn. The original members were: P. Fagercranse, E. Wester, N. Linderblad, S. Frid, Niles P. Linguist, Jacob Nyman and

Larse Anderson. Present number, 415 communicants. Whole population attending church, 625. Names of ministers since the first : John Johnson, Aaron Lindholm, John Wikstrand, S. A. Saodahl, the present pastor. The church building is wooden and cost $3,500. A Sabbath-school of seventyfive members and fourteen teachers. Within the congregation are a Ten-Cent Society, a Five-Cent Society, and a Pauper's-Aid Society - all for benevolent purposes. Lovers of intoxicating drinks and members of secret societies are not allowed as members in this church. The church is in a prosperous condition.

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Mission Church of Princeton, was organized December 13, 1871, by C. P. Mellgren. The corporate members were: C. G. Swanson, Andrew Johnson, Rapp and John Pierson. Present number of members, 200. Ministers since the first, were: P. Wedin, A. E. Eckerbery, C. O. Sahlstrom and A. A. Mongenson. The meeting-house is of brick, and cost $7,000. A Sabbath-school of seventyfive. The church is in a flourishing condition. In 1882 Eev. C. O. Sahlstrom changed his views somewhat on some of the doctrines, and he, with some seven or eight others, withdrew or were expelled, and are now worshiping in a small hall south of the court house.

The First Swede Baptist Church of Princeton, was organized February 15, 1877, by Rev. John Ongman. Present membership thirty-six. Ministers' names since the first, as follows: C. Silene, A. B. Orgren, J. M. Flodin, A. P. Hanson.

The Roman Catholic Church of Princeton, was organized in 1865, by Rev. F. Fitzpatrick. Corporate members were: Michael Dolen, John Dolen, Pat Quinn, Edward Bunning, Michael Connery, John McGrath, James Bunning, John Glinn, Michael Mc- Grath, John Neagle, John Connery, John Smythe, John Quinn, William Griffin, George Rider, Michael Dorin, James Collins, Andrew Gosse, John Griffith, Pat Row, Edward Row and P. H. Griffith, twenty-two, all living in the corporation, and tax-payers.

Ministers since the first: F. O'Garry, F. Fitzpatrick, Rev. Murphy, Rev. Sweedberth, Rev. O'Farrel, Rev. Cobirn, Rev. Ryan, Rev. Smith, Rev. Lyons, Rev. Sheedy, present pastor. Church edifice of wood, and cost $2,000. A Sabbath -school of forty pupils.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Princeton,called the St. John's Church, was organized in 1874 by Rev. Meier. First members of the church were: William Eickneier, Hoffman, Pultz, Schulz, C. Pempke, Warming, Lohman, H. Torbeck, Geldermeister, C. Becker, C. Praefke, C. Schmidt, Frank Strahlendorf and others. The membership at present are: Families represented, 21; members of the church, 45 ; cost of meeting-house, $3,000. Ministers since the first are: E. Hantel. - Meier, Reinhardt and John Haerlin, the present pastor. The corporate members of this church were formerly members of Salem Church, of Princeton. Differing about some matters they withdrew and formed this church.

The German Evangelical, Salem's Church of Princeton, was organized in 1856 by Rev. C. Hoffmeister. Names of corporate members as follows: H. Oberschelp, H. Dremann, W. Dremann, F. Althoff, Dav Goetz, Jul. Schroder, Chr. Schroder, W. Kastroup, F. W. Pottcamp, W. Bruer, Charles Wolf, J. Schaefor. Present membership, 12. Names of ministers since the first: J. Ries, J. Zim-

The African Methodist Episcopal Church of Princeton, was organized in 1861 by Bev. Joseph Perkins. Present nembership about eleven. Ministers who have labored with this branch of Zion are the following: J. M. Darrich, J. W. Lewis, S. F. Johns, H. C. Burton, R. Knight, W. M. Williams and Rev. Roberts. The building is wood and cost $650. A Sabbath-school of twenty scholars. Their present pastor is Rev. L. M. Fenwick.

The English Lutheran Church of Princeton, was organized February 27, 1858, in Bascom & White's Hall. Twenty-five persons were admitted to membership. Lorenzo Kaar and J. S. Miller, Deacons; and George Kaar and J. Boyer, Elders. Rev. J. Richards and D. Harbangh preached to them before the formal organization, after which Rev. A. A. Trimmer was pastor. Mr. Trimmer was succeeded by Revs. S. Ritz, D. 'Harbaugh, D. S. Altman. In 1864 a church was erected at a cost of $1,800, Pastors following this time were: J. W. Elser, C. A. Gelwicks, J. W. Elser, W. L. Remsburg and A. J. B. Kast. A parsonage was purchased costing $1,200. They have a present membership of seventy and a Sabbath -school of eighty pupils. Since their purchase the church has been repaired at a cost of $1,200, and a parsonage at a cost of $1,800.

The Redeemer's Church of Princeton, Illinois, Protestant Episcopal, was organized February 20,1856. Rt. Rev. H. I. Whitehouse, Bishop of the Diocese, gave his official consent June 3, 1856, of the formation of the parish. The corporate members were : William Bacon, Robert J. Woodruff, Thomas M. Woodruff, James Thompson, John Cottell,

Henry A. Smith, John C. Smith, F. W. Waller, Lewis Gray. Present number of communicants, ten. Ministers serving the church were: Revs. F. B. Nash, Charles P. Clark, George C. Street, George F. Cushman, R. F. Page, R. N. Avery, Theodore L. Allen. Church building is constructed of wood and cost $5,000. No minister or Sabbath-school at present

Churches in Clarion Township. - The German Evangelical Church of Perkins' Grove, organized in 1850. Jacob Pope was leader of the first class. Meetings were held from 1843 to 1850 in the houses of some of the members; in the house of John Tauble, by Rev. S. A. Tobias; in 1848 in the house of Jacob Betz, who was an exhorter. In 1851 two classes were organized, and J. C. Anthes preached. The Sunday-school was formed in 1852. In 1853 the first church was erected and dedicated in 1854 by John Seybert, Bishop. The present church was built in 1865, at a cost of $3,000, and the parsonage was built in 1876. The membership comes from about twenty families, the Sabbath-school about one hundred.

The German Evangelical Church of Clarion, stands three miles east of Perkins' Grove. Organized in 1850, with twenty members. Their house of worship was built in 1851. Church organized by Rev. Young. His pastorate was followed by Rev. George Gibnor. Some of the early members were G. C. Betz and wife, John Betz and wife, Jacob Kepper, Charles Bitne, Daniel Erbes and their wives. There are now nearly seventy members.

The German Lutheran Church is three miles south of the last-named church. It was organized in 1857. Their house of worship is quite commodious. Some twenty- five families are in communion. The Rev. John Wittig is the present pastor.

Methodist Episcopal Church of Lamoille, was organized in 1850, by Rev. George C. Holmes; present membership 125, and the Sabbath- school numbers about 125. The first church edifice was built in 1852. The present house was built in 1883, at a cost of $3,200. The names of pastors of this church are as follows: D. A. Falkenburg, J. S. Wilson, P. S. Golleday, J. S. David, Thomas H. Hagerty, A. S. W. McCansland, W. M. Forman, T. C. Young, Stephen Roberts, E. Smith, W. H. Haight, J. S. David, W. A. Cross, R. Congdon, B. Close, E. Brown, P. S. Scott and John H. Bickford, the present pastor. The church is in a prosperous condition.

The Baptist Church of Lamoille was organized May 5, 1838, by Rev. Thomas Parnell, Rev. Henry Headly, Aaron Gunn and James Graw. The original members were John Hetzler, Timothy Perkins, Adam and Mary Spaulding, Joseph and Mary Fassett, Moses and Eliza Bowen and J. T. Holbrook. They worshiped in the sehoolhouse until 1850, when they erected a brick church, costing $2,000. In 186? they built a new chnrch at a cost of $12,500, and will seat 450 persons. The old church is now used as a smithshop. Ministers serving the church after Henry Headley were: B. B. Carpenter, S. S. Martin, W. D. Clark, A. Angier, N. G. Collins, J. Winters, I. Fargo, William Green, Henry Llewellen and the present pastor, Rev. E. P. Bartlett. The membership is nearly 200, with a Sabbath-school of 100. There have been additions to this membership since the first of 767 members altogether.

The Congregational Church of Lamoille, was organized May 12, 1840, by Rev. Owen Lovejoy, with fourteen members, viz. : Zenas Church, Julia Church, Benjamin Mather, Mrs. Francis Dodge, David Lloyd, Timothy Edwards, Mrs. Catharine Edwards, David

Wells, Asaph N. Brown. Lyman and Margaret Eastman, T. P. Rust, Hannah Dodge and Mrs. Maria Clapp. Their church was erected in 1849, at a cost of $1,500. The lower story was used for some time for a school room. In 1863 this building was taken down and another and more commodious one put up at a cost of $5,000. On Sunday morning, February 10, 1867, this building was burned to the ground, but with commendable zeal the congregation rebuilt a very good house costing $9,000. The membership is now nearly eighty. The pastors have been : Revs. Morrell, John Crep, Adams, L. E. Sykes, G. B. Hubbard, George Colman, Fitch Burns, L. Gore, Lightbody, M. Willett, L. F. Brickford, W. T. Blenkarn, N. H. Burton and Rev. Byrne, the present pastor.

The United Brethren Church, in the village of VanOrin, Lamoille Township, was organized in 1860, with the following members: V. O. Cresap, John and Barbara Keel, Joel Shirk, Elizabeth Williams, Daniel and Maria Shirk and Mary Wiley. Rev. J. K. M. Lucker organized the church in the schoolhouse in District No. 6, where the meetings were held until 1866, when the present church was built in the village at a cost of $2,000. The membership is nearly fifty, and the Sabbath-school nearly eighty. Ministers preaching to the church since its organization were: Revs. J. M. K. Lucas, Isaac Stearns, Ezra Palmer, G. B. Walker, William Jackson, R. L. Jameson, John Dodson, John Grim, J. W. Bird, C. Wendal, Gardner, and the present pastor is C. K. Westfall. The church has been repaired at a cost of $500 this year. They have a parsonage worth $1,200.

Conception Church of the B. V. M., was organized in 1868, by Bev. M. McDermott, Dan O'Sullivan, Michael Doran, John Murtogh and Hugh Johnson. Corporate members: Michael Dunn, Thomas Sheehan, Eichard Fanton, Hugh Johnson and Dennis Driscoll; present membership, 750; names of the ministers since the first: Revs. P. J. Gormley, S. O'Brien and John A. Tanneng. The church building is of wood and cost $15,000. The Sabbath -school averages ninety-three.

The Christian Church of Ohio, was organized January 24, 1852. Meetings had been held previous to organization in schoolhouses in the southern part of the township. The church was organized in Schoolhouse No. 2, and twenty-six members united. Joseph and John Ross were elected Elders, and Andrew Ross and Rodolphus Childs, Deacons. In 1854 they built a church on the farm of John Ross, at a cost of $1,800. This house was occupied until 1871, when they built a good house in the village of Ohio, costing $5,000. Elder Andrew Ross has ministered to this church most of the time since its commencement. The church is without a pastor at the present time. The membership at the close of Elder Ross' labors was about 100, and the Sabbath-school about the same.

The Methodist Protestant Church of Ohio, was organized in 1871 with twenty members. This same year they built a church, the pastor being Rev. W. H. Jordan. He was succeeded by C. Gray, W. H. Robertson, T. / Kelly, H. S. Widney and the present pastor, Rev. V. H. Brown. The church is in a flourishing condition.

The North Prairie Methodist Episcopal Church, on Section 24, Ohio Township, was organized December 10, 1859, by Rev. P. S. Lott. Corporate members were George Hammer, H. F. Cory, George Stephenson and others. Present membership, forty-two; average attendance of Sabbath-school, fifty. Ministers serving the church since the first are: A. W. McCausland, B. Lowe, T. C. Young, M. H. Plump, P. Horten, G. Levessee, Clement Combs, T. H. Haseltine, M. H. Averill, P. S. Lott, G. L. Bachus, James Bush. This church has been blessed frequently with spiritual outpourings. The church building is of wood and cost $3,000.

Churches in the Town of Walnut. - The Baptist Church was organized in June, 1858, by Rev. N. G. Collins, at the house of J. H. Sayers, with a membership of sixteen, viz. : W. H. Mapes, J. H. Sayers, E. F. Sayers and their wives, John Nelson and wife, and others. They worshiped in private houses and schoolhouses until 1871, when they built and dedicated a house of worship costing $3,800. Some of those who preached to this church were Rev. Mr. Sealey, C. First, J. B. Brown, B. F. Colwell and others. The membership is over fifty. The Sabbath-school numbers over seventy.

There is a Methodist Episcopal Church in Walnut Village which has been in successful operation for some years, even before the village was started a class existed here. They number somewhere near fifty, and have a Sabbath-school.

The German Evangelical Church of Red Oak Grove, in Walnut Township, was organized in 1863 by Rev. W. Goesele. Corporate members, C. Meishsner, Henry Nauman, Edward Genther, H. Genther, John Baumgardner. Present membership, 114; Sabbath - school, 165. First church building cost $1,000. The second one, built in 1880. cost $4,000, and is situated on northwest quarter of southeast quarter of Section 2, in Red Oak Grove. The ministers names who served this church have been: J. C. Shielman, C. Gagstether, George Messner, A. Knobel, T. Alberding, L. B. Tobias, F. Busse, M. Eller,

Churches in the Township of Oreenville. - The Methodist Protestant Church of New Bedford, was organized in 183*9 by Rev. Daniel Young. Corporate members were: John Whittington, J. M. Draper, John Vaughn, S. N. Davison, F. Jackson, Daniel Dixon. Present membership, six. Ministers serving the church since its formation, viz. : T. Rack, John Breck, S. M. Davison, W. S. Stubles, Isaac Wood, George Briden, Isaac Fradenburg and Joseph Duckworth, the present pastor. The church is a frame building, costing $2,000. The parsonage, $300. A Sabbath-school of fifty-five members. The church has been repaired this year at a cost of $120.

The Greenville United Brethren Church is situated about one mile South of New Bedford and was organized in 1852 by Rev. Clifton. Corporate members were Jacob Sells, Merrit Lathrop, Robert Gibson, Lucy McUne, and others. Present membership about forty, and a Sabbath-school of about thirty. The church is a wooden structure and cost $1,100. The principles of this church are anti-slavery, anti-rum, anti-tobacco, anti-secret society. The names of the ministers since the first are: Revs. Lugger, Starnes, Diltes, Boenwell, Lambert, Dunton, Brown, Bird, William Pope, J. H. Young, Chitty, Ezra Farmer, Bender, J. Lewis, Margeleth, Franc, and the present pastor.

The Churches of Fairfield Township. - The Swede Baptist Church, west of New Bedford, was organized February 18, 1881, by Rev. A. B. Orgeren. The members were N. Pierson, O. Johnson and John Nyman. Present number twelve. Ministers preaching to this church since its organization have been C.

Church of St. Paul, Fairfield Township, three miles south of York Town. The denomination is Evangelical Lutheran German, and was formed in 1876, by Rev John Witting. Names of first members are Fred Barenthin, Jacob Mathies, Casper and George Luckhard, Casper Ackermann, Jacob Wolf and others. Present number is eighteen families and some young men. Names of ministers since the first, viz: William Reinhardt, John Herlein, who is the present pastor. They have no church edifice yet, but meet in a schoolhouse. Have a Sabbathschool of twenty-five.

The Swede Lutheran Church is situated about two miles west of New Bedford, in the township of Fairfield. It was organized September 17, 1874, by the pastor Rev. Malmsbery. The corporate members were G. R. Carlson, A. Johnson, F. A. Wyberg, S. Youngdohl, Carl Anderson, J. Heurlin. Membership, 101. Ministers since the first, N. Nordling, P. J. Kallstrom. The church is of wood, and cost $925 The Sabbathschool averages twenty-five.

The Township of Gold. - The Methodist Episcopal Church in Pleasant Valley, was organized by Rev. A. Beeler in 1876. The church building cost $2,000. They keep up a Sabbath-school. The pulpit is supplied by the minister from Sheffield.

The Township of Bureau. - The Wesleyan Church connection of America on West Bureau, was formed in the winter of 1844, by Rev. Rufus Lumry. The corporate members were George Hinsdale, George Bennet, and

Mary Bennet, Samuel L. Fay, Mary Fay, Sarah Stratton, Flavel Thurston and Elanor Thurston. Present number, fifty. Names of ministers - Milton Smith, Simeon Austin, John M Ford, J. Pinkney, William Whittin, B. B. Palmer, R. Baker, H. T. Bessie, H. Hawkins, A. R. Brooks, William Pinkney, E. S. Wheeler, G. P. Riley, William Pinkney, present pastor. Church building is of wood and cost $2,625. A Sabbath -school of fifty. This church was founded in love for the slave and in hatred to slavery and rum and the lodge.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of West Bureau was organized in 1832. At the time of its organization there were nineteen members. Some have since moved their connection to Wyanet. Death and remoyal have reduced their numbers materially.

The organization, as it now exists, occurred in 1855, by Rev. Gilbert and T. L. Pomeroy. Names of the first congregation: Abram Stratton, S. S. Newton, Elizabeth Newton, William Carter, Susan Carter, Elias Carter, Rebecca Carter, Michael Carl, John Withingtou and wife, Nicholas Smith and wife, Lacey Belknap and wife, and Lyman Smith and wife. Present membership numbers twenty-two. Names of ministers since 1855: T. L. Pomeroy, 1856-57; A. S. W. Mc- Causland, 1858; J. S. David, 1859; Rev. Himebaugh, 1861, two years; J. W. Lee, 1862; William Foreman, 1866; N. Stoddard, 1868; Thomas Chitterfield andH. Latimer, 1869; J. E. Ribble, 1871; E. Gould, 1872; G. Chaivly, F. G. Davis, 1875; C. C. Lovejoy removed and charge supplied by T. L. Pomeroy, 1876; W. F. Meatz, 1878; MHurlburt, 1879; J. I. Clifton, 1880; A. B. Metier, 1881; A. Newton, 1883; J. B. Mc- Guffin's Sabbath-school numbers forty.

Rev. C. C. Lovejoy as appears by church minutes was appointed in 1875, was transferred to educational institution in the East, and Rev. T. L. Pomeroy supplied the work. In 1883 Rev. J. B. McGufiin was appointed to this charge in connection with Wyanet, but his health failing, Rev. Pomeroy was again called, and he is now in charge. In a note inclosing the above facts, Bro. Pomeroy adds the following interesting church items:

"Perhaps you will allow me to make some statements in regard to my connection with some of the early history of church work in this region. In the autumn of 1854 I preached the first Methodist sermon ever preached in Wyanet, and in the following spring I assisted Rev. Gilbert (then pastor of Princeton Circuit) in organizing the Methodist Episcopal Church of that place, being the first church there. In the fall of 1855 Princeton was erected into a "station," and I was appointed to this region as pastor, to organize and care for "Wyanet Circuit." Bishop Janes, of precious memory, in giving directions to my Presiding Elder, Rev. C. C. Best, said, "tell Brother Pomeroy to preach at Wyanet, West Bureau, Carter's Schoolhouse and the regions beyond." In penetrating the "regions beyond," I found Walnut Grove and delivered the first Methodist sermon ever preached there. During the following winter I held a protracted meeting and organized the Methodist Episcopal Church of that place.

The Friends' Church (Quaker) of West Bureau, is still in existence, and have occasioria preaching. Old Father Mowry is the father of that branch of Zion.

Churches in the Township of Dover. - The North Prairie Baptist Church was organized in 1859, in the Holliday Schoolhouse with about twenty members. They continued to worship in schoolhouses and in private houses until 1865, when they erected a church, costing $1,200. The church increased up to 1870, when it numbered 162. Since then death and removals lias reduced their number to not far from sixty. Their ministers have been: Revs. J. G. Johnson, S. Hulroyd, L Wilder, J. D. Pulis, H. C. First and J. B. Brown. They do not now sustain a continued pastor.

The Baptist Church of Dover, was organized April 28, 1841, at the schoolhouse. The original members were: John Durham, Silvester Brigham, George Puffer, Mary Bass and Lucy Brigham. Elder H. Hedley presided. They completed a church building in 1848. The ministers have been: Solomon Morton, G. W. Benton, Thomas Reese, F. B. Ives, L. L. Lansing, J. C. Berkholder, J. B. Brown, D. S. Donegan and Elder Prunk. This church is connected with the Baptist Church in the south part of Westtield Township, in the support of a minister. The membership is not far from seventy, and their Sunday-school will number forty.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Dover, was formed in the house of Dabney Ellis, in 1834, with six members - Dabney Ellis and wife, Peter Ellis and wife, Joseph Brigham and wife. For seven years meetings were held in private houses. In 1841 they erected a frame church. This was superceded in 1857 by their present church of brick. This church is connected with the Methodist Episcopal Church, at Maiden, in the support of a minister. Among their first ministers were: Stephen R. Beggs, Linslay Smith, Mr. Leman and Zaddock Hall. The church building was repaired in 1874. This people has enjoyed a usual share of prosperity since the first.

Farnham presided at the meeting. Nine persons constituted this church, having taken letters from the Congregational Church of Princeton, as follows: Eli O. Thorp, Lydia Thorp, Lyman Stowell, Amanda Stowell, Sylvester Brigham, Eliza Brigham, Joseph H. Brigham, Wealthy Pool, Oramel A. Smith. The first minister was Rev. Asa Donaldson, who commenced his labors next year after organization. For ten years this church worshiped in a schoolhouse. The present building was put up in 1850, and dedicated November 7. After Asa Donaldson their ministers were: Ami Nichols, Allen Clark, E. G. Smith, F. Bascom, S. G. Wright, O. F. Curtis, W. T. Blenkarn, W. E. Hoiyoke, A. Ethredge and Rev. Brown, the present pastor. First Deacons: Sylvester Brigham, Isaac Delano and Robert A. Leeper. Present membership, about 125. The entire additions to this church from the beginning has been over 400. It has always borne faithful testimony against slavery, rum, and other popular evils.

The United Brethren in Christ Church of Dover, in November, 1882, by Rev. William H. Chandler. Corporate members were : A. L. Williamson, Susan Williamson, Jacob Wyble, Elizabeth Wyble, Daniel Wyble, Laura Wyble, Mrs. Van Tress, Clara Van Tress, Jacob Miller, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Stoner, I. W. Keel, Mrs. Keel, Mrs. Forestall, W. H. Mason. Mrs. Mason. Present number is 74 in the charge. Rev. W. H. Chandler is still the pastor. They worship in the chapel room of the Academy. A Sabbath-school of thirty. The church began work in connection with the Dover academy, where excellent advantages are offered at very reasonable rates. The church takes advanced positions on questions of moral reform, refusing membership to distillers, users and venders of intoxicants, and adhering members of secret societies.

Churches in the Township of Berlin. - The Congregational Church of Maiden, was organized March 2, 1857, and is the oldest church of the place. The first meeting to consider the matter of forming a church was held at the house of George I. Porter, December 15, 1856. This meeting was attended by Albert Ross, Henry D. Steel, Pascall P. Turner, Orasmus C. Belden, Edward N. Page and George I. Porter. Twenty-seven persons united to form this church. The first meeting was held in Benjamin Smith's warehouse. The sermon was by Edward Beecher, D. D. , of Galesburg. ID 1857 Owen Lovejoy preached to this church. The church has grown to over 100 members and the Sabbath- school is large. Rev. Mr. Brown is the present pastor.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Maiden was organized in 1856 by the pastor Eev. Forrest, six persons united. They held their meetings in a schoolhouse until 1867 when they built their present house of worship, which cost about $6,000. This church has been blessed from the first with an increase, and has never been without the preached word. Its present pastor is Eev. W. A Willison, who also preaches to the Methodist Episcopal Church in Arlington.

There is a Presbyterian Church in Maiden. They have not had regular meetings for some years, and they have not furnished any statistics of their organization. A committee of Rock Eiver Presbytery - Rev. J. C. Barr and Rev. Josiah Milligan organized this church September 19, 1857. Fourteen persons united, and James Mclntyre and Samuel Corbett were chosen Elders. Their first house of worship was built in 1858, costing $1, 500. The second house was built in 1866, and cost $7,000.

by Eev. U. P. Golliday and E. S. Ballard, supply. The mission was part of a circuit including Arlington, Maiden, Dover, Lamoille, Sublette and North Prairie. The corporate members were: Lydia Ann Simpson, H. Marie Simpson, Julia A. Larkin, Tristram Foss, Sarah Glasenor, Julia A. Berry, Rebecca Brumback, Benjamin Parks, Charity V. Pearson, and James Simpson class-leader. Present membership thirty-eight. Ministers since organization: J. S. David, Thomas H. Hagerty, A. S. McAusland, William M. Forman, T. C. Youngs, Septer Roberts, T. L. Pomroy, E. Smith, W. H. Haight, W. A. Crogs, J. S. David, E. Congdon, B. Close, E. Brown, ; T. L. Pomroy and W. A. Willison, the pres ent pastor. The present church was built in 1859 at a cost of $2,250. A Sabbath-school of fifty members. The church is now in a flourishing condition.

The Presbyterian Church of Arlington, was organized February 21, 1859, with twenty members. The first Elders elected were William Morrison and J. S. Carrick. Meetings were first held in the old schoolhouse, afterward in Joseph Vanlan's carpenter-shop until the winter of 1859 and 1860, they completed their present house of worship, costing $4,000. The congregation grew and flourished for some years, but after a while began to decrease until regular service was discontinued for a few years. Eegular preaching is now kept up under the pastorate of Eev. McGee, a resident minister.

The Berean Baptist Church, located on the southeast corner of Section 31, in Westfield Township, is a flourishing church, and has many live men and women in its membership of over forty. The church was organ- ganized in 1859 by Rev. F. B. Ives, thirtytwo persons uniting. About one-third of the original members still remain. Death and removal has caused some diminution in their congregation. They have a Sabbath -school of thirty-five members. A church was dedicated in 1866, costing S3, 250. Ministers since the first: L. L. Lansing, J. C. Burkholder, G. B. Bills, J. B. Brown, D. S. Donigan. The church is harmonious and prosperous, but is now without a pastor.

Hall Township Churches. - The Methodist Protestant Church of Hall Town, is situated on the west side of Section 27. Their house of worship is called Union Chapel.

The Methodist Episcopal Church maintained a class for some time in a church building in Ottville, on the northwest corner of Section 29. They do not keep up regular service at the present writing.

Churches in the Township of Selby. - The St. John's Evangelical Lutheran German Church of Holwayville, was organized in June, 1854, by the first German settlers in Selby Township, whose names were Rudolf Hassler, H. Hassler, Charles Hassler, Sr., T. Hassler, A. Wagner, C. Wessenburger, T. Schneider, Ch. Stadler, L. Lehrest, T. G. May, T. Hopler, Sr., G. Heitz. Present number is forty-six. The church building is of brick, and cost $6,000. The names of the preachers since the organization have been, viz.: Rev. Frederking, Tobius Ritter, John Haerdsell, and L. E. Nabholry, the present pastor.

The German Lutheran Reformed Church of Selby, on the southwest corner of Section 14, Rev. Albert Bithob, pastor, is not reported in particulars. They have a good brick church on a high point of land. The church can be seen for many miles.

Hollowayville, was organized in 1858, by Rev. H. Zimmermann. Names of corporate members: Lor. Heintz, Fried Heintz, Lud. Merkel, Jac. Genzlinger, William Croissant. Present membership about sixty families. The ministers since the organization have been: Rev. Haak, Rev. B. N. Buhrig (was here four years), Rev. W. Jung (was here three years), Rev. F. Woelfle (was here two years and a half), Rev. Albert G. R. Bueton (has served nine years) . The church bui Idi ng is of brick, and cost $2,200.

The Methodist Episcopal Church has a house of worship called Ridge Chapel, in Selby town; a very neat and new building, near the residence of John Searl. Regular meetings were held in this house for some years, but deaths and^removals have reduced the class so much that they now fail in keeping up regular preaching.

The Township of Wyanet. - The Methodist Episcopal Church of Wyanet, was organized in 1859, by Dr. Forman. Corporate members are: William Frankerberger, Mr. Youngson, John Blake, Mr. McGifford, Mr. Hale, Solomon Sapp, William Waller, Amos Fisher, Obediah Weever and others, in all, about fifty; present number about forty. Names of some of the ministers serving the church are as follows: Revs. Forman, Yates, Fisher, Pomroy, Newton and John McGuffin, the present pastor. The church building is of wood, and cost $1, 100. A Sabbath-school from the first, and now numbers nearly sixty.

The Congregational _ Church of Wyanet, was organized September 27, 1866, by Rev. L. H. Parker, of Galesburg, who was sent here by the Home Missionary Society; Rev. F. Bascom, Moderator. Twenty-four persons, from ten different denominations, united to form this church. The original officers were: Rev. L. H. Parker, pastor; S. C. Sparks and O. W. Gills, Deacons; John

Latty, L. T. Cobb and F. Crittenden, Trustees; Hiram Hunter, Treasurer; and E. S. Phelps, Clerk. The church joined the Bureau Association October 9, 1866. Meetings were held in the Methodist Church for one year. When the new school building was completed they held their meetings in the hall. A church was erected, and dedicated June 14, 1868; sermon by Eev. J. E. Boy. Cost of the building $5,000. A Sabbathschool was organized February 16, 1868, J. O. Craid, Superintendent. Ministers serving the church were: Revs. L. H. Parker, E. H. Baker, S. F. Stratton, J. D. Baker, H. N. Baldwin, A. Doremus, Henry Wilson, Mr. Denny and their present pastor, Bev. N. T. Edwards. The church is in a prosperous condition.

Churches in the Township of Concord. - Hickory Grove Wesleyan Church. The denominational name being the Wesleyan Methodist Connection of America, was organized January 28, 1877, by Bev. G. P. Biley. The corporate members were: Ebenezer Strong Phelps, Ancil W. Phelps, Otto C. Phelps, W. J. Houghton, Mrs. A. Houghton, Mr. A. Houghton, S.W. Houghton, Mrs. S.E. Houghton, Miss Adelaid Houghton, Mrs. M. A. Maddison and Mrs. Abba Cook. Present number is seventeen. William Pinkney is the present pastor. The church is of wood and cost $1,600. Sabbath-school averages thirty-five. The church is located on the southwest quarter of Section 2.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Sheffield, was organized in the fall of 1854, by Bev. William Smith. The present membership is forty-nine. Sabbath-school numbers sixty-three. Names of ministers who served the church since it was organized are:

Bevs. William Smith, Wright, John T. Whitson, Harris, George M. Mowry, Linktorn, B. F. Kaufman, Theodore G. C. Woodruff, G. W. Brown. Jameson, S. S. Gruber, Williamson, A. E. Day, A. Beeler, T. L. Falkner, J. W. Cor, J. Hart, A. Brown and B. W. Ames, the present pastor. This is an active, growing, prosperous church.

The Danish Lutheran Evangelical Church of America, is located in Sheffield, and was organized by Bev. C. S. Clausen, October 24, 1869. The corporate members were: Christian Peterson, M. Peterson, Fredric Larson, Simon Peterson, John Jacobson. The church was reorganized March 22, 1879. Their house of worship was built and dedi- ] cated. September 12, 1880, at a cost of $2,700. The congregation contains about 150 confirmed members. The Sabbathschool has about eighteen pupils. The present pastor is Bev. V. A. M. Mortensen.

The Congregational Church of Sheffield, was organized July 15, 1854, by Bev. L. H. Parker, Asa Prescott and Addison Lyman. This meeting was held in the Sheffield House, there being no meeting-house at this time. Nine persons constituted the church. Bev. Lyman remained with the church as its pastor for thirteen years. During this pastorate the church received aid from the Home Missionary Society. In time of the next pastorate, that of Bev. John Adams Al len, the church became independent. The meetings of the church were held at first in private houses, and in the railroad depot. After the winter of 1854, they were held in the schoolhouse. In 1857 a church was built and dedicated, at a cost of $1,800. The Bev. W. I. Baker supplied the church pulpit three years - to 1876; then Bev. G. W. Colman; then came Bev. Abbot. The present pastor is Bev. Akeman. This church is a power for good in the community. It

There is a Free Methodist church, a Unitarian church, a Baptist and a Catholic church, in Sheffield,but their history has not been given to the writer.

The Congregational Church of Buda, in Co"ncord Township, was organized at the house of Joseph Foster, October 17, 1856, by Revs. Pierce, Todd, Prescott, Lyman, Bascom and Vaill, with delegates Goodrich, Sargent and Ensign. The first members were but five, as follows: Joseph Foster, Mr. and Mrs. William T. Randall, Franklin Foster and wife. This church was supplied with preaching from the Congregational pastor of Sheffield, more or less, for many yeara The following are the names of some of the ministers who have preached to this church: L. F. Waldo, L. H. Parker, S. H. Kellogg, J. J. A. T. Dixon, C. Seldon, C. Hancock, H. L. Boltwood, S. Webb, A. E. Arnold, J. A. Allen, G. W. Colman. The church is now in a prosperous condition. It has always stood firm and radical against all the evils of the day, such as slavery, intemperance and other immoralities. Cost of the church, $1,700. Church membership, fifty. Sunday-school, seventy.

The Union Church of Buda was formed at the house of Joseph Foster, in 1858, by the present pastor, Elder Covell, who has been its pastor to the present time. They built a church and dedicated it in 1859. The congregation has grown to nearly 200. The Sabbath-school numbers nearly eighty. This church holds no ecclesiastical connection with any sect.

The Baptist Church of Buda, was organized in 1856, by Rev. William McDermond, in a schoolhouse. The same year they built a church costing 13,000. Some of the early members were: William H. and Mary Patterson, J. W. and Mrs. Lewis, Thomas and Mrs. McMurry, William and Mrs. Crisman. The membership is now nearly seventy, and the Sabbath-school is larger.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Buda, was organized in 1851 in a schoolhouse. Among its early members were: Joseph Green, John Mason and wife, Thomas and Mrs. Stinson, Samuel and Mrs. Zink, George Kriger and wife, Elizabeth Stinson, Catharine Zink and Emeline Herbert. The church was completed and dedicated March 2, 1865. The full cost was $4,000. The present membership is ninety-five. The church supports a good Sabbath-school. The following have been pastors of this church: William Smith, C. W. Wright, James Linthicum, R. Kinney, William Leher, Elliott, A. A. Matthews, D. M. Hill, J. E. Rutledge,N. V. B. White, H. Tiffany, J. J. Fleharty, A. Fisher, B. E. Kaufman, R. Wood. The present pastor is Rev. Millsap.

The Church of God of Buda, sometimes called the Winebrennarian, was organized about fifteen years ago. They built a meeting-house and dedicated it December 12, 1875 - a very commodious church. They now have about sixteen members and a good Sunday-school. They are at times without a minister. Some of the first members were: George Thomas and wife, David Diltry, Sr., and wife, and David Diltry, Jr., and wife. The first preacher was Elder George W. Thompson, then J. M. Cassel and J. E. Boyer. George Thomas and Mark Anderson were Ruling Elders, and John Berkstresser, Deacon of the society. This branch of the church had its rise in 1830 at Harrisburg, Penn., by the followers of John Winebrenner, i a German reformed minister. They are evangelical, and practice immersion, and believe in carrying out literally the command to wash each others' feet.

The Free Will Baptist Church of Mineral, was organized in the schoolhouse in 1868. The first members were viz. : Thomas and Ann Conibear, Joseph and Minerva Johnson, Robert and Manda Price, James De Maranville and Mrs. C. Oehler. Rev. William Bonar preached the sermon at the organization, and was the pastor until 1870. This year they purchased and fitted up the schoolhouse for a church. Rev. A. F. Taylor, S. I. Mendell, E. E. Tibbott and others have preached for this church. There are times now when the church does not have a regular supply. The Sabbath-school is quite prosperous.

Churches in Neponset. - The Congregational Church of Neponset, was organized April 21, 1855, and reorganized December 4th 1856. The first organization was at Kentville, three miles south of Neponset. The second organization was in the village of Neponset. Of the eight who first united, none live in the village. But two retain their connection with the church, Hall S. and Margaret Wright, who now reside in Lombard. The church was organized by Rev. S. G. Wright, Ebenezer Kent, Charles Kent and Hall G. Wright, Trustees. The first members were: H. G. Wright, C. D. Wright, S. C. Dorr, C. C. Latimer, W. P. Bunnell,

D. Whaples. Present membership is eighty. Meeting house is of wood, and cost $2,000, and was built in 1863. The Sabbath-school numbers 100. Names of ministers who have served this church are: Revs. Loren Robbin,

The Baptist Church'of Neponset was organized March 26, 1864, under the ministerial labors of Rev. C. A. Hewitt. Names of corporate members are: Dr. J. L. Pashley, J. O. Weed, Levi Lewis, Benjamin Bogart and wife, Sarah Weed, Julia Shoap, Harriett Barett, S. P. Russell, and R. M. Russell. Present number of resident members, 35. No Sabbath-school at present. Names of ministers who have served the church are: Rev. E. L. Moon, O. P. Bestor, B. F. Colwell, J. Kissell, J. D. Cole. The church has been without a pastor since 1881. The church building is of brick, and cost $6,000, and is the most capacious meeting house in town. Will seat 300.

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Neponset organized a class a few miles north of the village. The members were: John Norton (the leader), Sarah (his wife), Mary Norton, George Norton and Mary Hall, and some others. The meetings were held here four years or more, when they were moved to George Norton's, half a mile south of town. Here the meetings continued until 1855, when a church was built in Neponset. This house was changed to a parsonage in 1864, when the present house was finished. The church has grown from its small beginning to over 100 members, with a Sabbath- school nearly as large.

A note from George Norton says: A class organized in 1841 of the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Brother Walter. It was named Brankley, afterward Brawby and now Neponset. When organized in 1841 there were but two houses in the township, and these were William Studley's and William Norton's logcabins. The first members were John Nor- ton, class-leader; Sarah Norton; George Norton ; Robert Norton ; Mary Norton ; David Bartram, local preacher; Elizabeth Bartram; Mary Ann McElroy; William Moorcroft, local preacher. They had no church building at that time, and held their meetings in private houses for four years, and then for nine years in the house of George Norton, a log-cabin. When Neponset was located, a church, the first, was built, cost $800. In 1866 it was changed into a parsonage and the present building erected, costing $4,500.

In 1868 a church was organized in Neponset, called the Second Advent Church, with thirty members. J. S. Heath, Samuel'Beetel, Stephen Carpenter, Mr. Guile and Mr. Turner were chosen Trustees. Services were held in the old schoolhouse and other places until the present house was built. Elder Heath has been the minister from the first organization.

Churches in the Township of Macon. - The Bunker Hill Church was organized in 1856, and worshiped in a schoolhouse for three years and then erected a house of worship costing $2,200. The original members were

Mr. and Mrs. Berkstresser, Elizabeth Berkstresser, John Casper, Catherine and Elizabeth Casper, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Celover, Mr. Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Longnecker and Mrs. David Fisher. For some years this church grew rapidly, but death and removals have diminished its members, until now not sixty remain. They call themselves the Church of God. The church is built on the northeast quarter of Section 16.

The Mount Pleasant Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1866, and built a house of worship the same year. It is located on the southwest quarter of Section 33. About twenty persons united with this church when organized.

' Old School Baptist Church. - The father of this pious and sincere branch of the Church of God, in this portion of Illinois, was the venerable and holy man, Elder James B. Chenoweth,who was born in Berkeley County, Va., June 27, 1800, and who died in Tiskilwa near the close of the war. Mr. Ferrell Dunn, father of the Tiskilwa Postmaster, was the instrumentality, in the hands of Providence, of bringing Father Chenoweth here. Ferrell Dunn had been a ranger, and had become perfectly familiar with all this portion of the country; and in 1835 was visiting friends in Danville, 111., and here he had many conversations with Elder Chenoweth about this part of Illinois and the great wants of his church here, and he finally prevailed upon him to come. They started from Danville May 12, 1835.

In 1836 the church, Baptist, was organized in Indiantown; Elder J. Root, Peoria, making a visit for the purpose of organizing and ordaining Mr. Chenoweth Elder. The members present at the ceremony of organization were: Sampson and Rebecca Cole, Stephen Triplett (formerly of Loudon County, Va.),

William Wells and wife, from Zanesville, Ohio. Jesse Sawyer and James Mason. The next morning after the organization, Elder Root ordained Mr. Chenoweth "by imposition of hands" as Elder, who at once entered upon the duties of his sacred office.

A young man named Henry Headley had come in company with Elder Root, and he laid claim to great piety, and professed to only desire that he might learn grammar enough to preach. He was sent to Princeton to be taught grammar, but the first thing the good Elder knew Headley had had himself ordained Elder, and claimed himself to be pastor of the Princeton Church, and co- pastor all around the country. Elder Chenoweth attended meetings in Princeton, and Headley marched into the pulpit and preached. Mr. Chenoweth was much surprised and humiliated. He asked for letters of withdrawal for himself and wife, and some of his members. This was refused. The end was a split, and the Princeton branch took Elder Headley, and attempted to build a church of their own. The effort failed. Elder Chenoweth then went to Ox Bow, and was made pastor of that church, where he met with the greatest success.

For years he was a member of the Spoon River Association. In 1850 a new association was formed in which were united the following churches: Sandy Creek, Pleasant Grove, Crow Creek, Zion Hill and Bureau. The Elders in this association were Ezra Stout, James B. Burch, Zachariah M. Masters and James B. Chenoweth.

Elder Chenoweth had many friends, and no minister of the gospel ever drew from his flocks and friends generally more sincere love and respect, or was more widely or deeply mourned than was this good man when the call from his great Master came for him to join the silent multitude, and go sleep in the city of the dead. When all of us who are now here shall have passed away and perhaps be forgotten, then may a remote and grateful posterity read this, and not forget that his beloved and noble memory is a sacred keep-sake, handed to them by this page of Bureau County's history.

The Churches of the Township of Indian - town. - The Baptist Church of Tiskilwa was organized April 18, 1858, in the Methodist Episcopal Church, twenty-three persons joining. It was' formed by the Rev. F. B. Ives, who was their pastor for eleven years. He was followed by Revs. W. R. Webb, C. F. Nickolson, E. James, and others. The following are the names of some of the original members: B. F. Allen, Mrs. L. Allen, Mrs. M. A. Owen, Mrs. Joel Colby, Mrs. J. M. Pratt, E. A. Sawyer, W. W. Carpenter, Alexander Benson, J. E. and Mrs. J. Williams, A. W. Blake, Mrs. J. F.Blake, Isaac Tebow, Mrs. D. Eeigle and Mrs. Sarah Tebow. This church occupied the Methodist Episcopal Church for a short time, and then the Union Sehoolhouse. Here they remained until they built and dedicated a house of worship, in 1859, at a cost of $2,300. The membership at this time was about seventy five. In 1867 the church was repaired, costing $3,000. They have usually maintained a large and flourishing Sunday-school.

The Catholic Church of Tiskilwa has a house of worship. It is not strong and does not have continuous Sabbath service. Occasionally priests from other places come and hold services here.

The Mennonites have a church organization and a house of worship, about four miles southwest of Tiskilwa, on the south side of Section 26. They have a flourishing church, and their preachers use the German language.

The Congregational Church of Providence, in the township of Indiantown, was organized June 22, 1841, with fifteen members. This church has had nine different pastors, including the present one, Rev. Paddock. Rev. David Todd served the church longer than any one other preacher. He preached to this church twenty five years. Their present house of worship was dedicated October 23, 1870. The church having been formerly connected with the Wyanet Church in the support of a minister, is now self-sustaining. Rev. Paddock, who has been their pastor for two years, has beeu greatly blessed in his labors. The church has received to its communion, in the last eighteen months, over 100 members, making it one of the strongest churches in Bureau County. They have a flourishing Sabbath-school, and have enlarged their house of worship this summer.

called St. Jude's Church - was organized by Rev. G. C. Porter, in 1853, with a membership of twelve persons. The present membership is thirty-two, with a Sabbath-school of eighty. The parish is reported to be in a more flourishing condition - financially, morally and religiously - than it has been for many years. In 1857 a rectory was erected, at a cost of $1,000, and in 1869 they commenced building a meeting-house (which was dedicated in 1870), at a cost of $5,500. The present pastor is Rev. Robert C. Wall. The following persons have preached to this church since its formation: Revs. G. C. Porter, F. B. Nash, G. C. Streat, Jo McKim, J. Cornell; R. N. Avery and J. S. Chamberlain.

In 1843 Bishop Philander Chase visited this county and organized a church about four miles southeast of Tiskilwa, calling it the Church of Christ of Errondale. Some years after this church was disbanded and merged in the Tiskilwa Church. Another church of this order was formed iu Providence, and after a brief existence it also was disbanded, and merged in the Tiskilwa Church.

Churches of the Township of Milo. - The Christian Church of Milo, located at Boyd's Grove, was organized April 23, 1855, by Elder George McManus. The names of the corporate members were :R. M. Keerns, Joseph Sutherland, George S. Downing, Caroline Downing, Margaret Sutherland, Matilda Sutherland, Darius Sutherland, and others. Present number is twenty-five. Names of ministers since the first are: Hiram Green, G. W. Sears, Phelps, Herman Reeves, Dr. J. Hough, J. L. Thornburg, L. Ames, A. Curb, J. W. Harvey and J. F. M. Parker. The church building cost $1,800. They maintain a Sabbath-school of thirty -five. Since the organization of this church 175 persons have been

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Milo, located one mile south of Boyd's Grove, was organized in 1851 by Rev. J. L. Wilson. Names of corporate members are : T. N. Shepherd and wife, W. W. Macklin and wife, T. B. Capperoone and wife, Rufus King and wife, Harvey Bacon and wife, Horris Berry and wife. Present number is fifty-four. The Sabbath-school averages fifty. The church building cost $2,100. A Bible society was organized here in 1850, and is in a flourishing condition.

Names of ministers since the first are: J. L. Pinkard, William Cummings, Mr. Erasure, William Calhoon, J. F. Whitson, J. Matthews, T. Watson, J.T. Linthicum,S.B. Smith, William Stuble, James Cowden, H. Tifney, G. J. Luckey, T. Hogland, J. W. Anterman, S. Wood, R. N. Morse, W. H. Hitchcock, H. K. Metcalf, E. C. Wayman and J. A. Riason. This church is doing a good work.

The Baptist Church of Milo has a church in Boyd's Grove. It is not known at this present writing that this church now keeps up any regular services. No report has been received.

French Grove. - Going back a little in time we find the following interesting items in reference to the first church movements in this place as follows: and was to be known as the " First Church of French Grove." This was composed of members of various denominations, and Rev. S. L. Julian was the first pastor. They adopted a constitution August 21, 1841. By consent of .all, Article 7: "We will not drink ardent spirits ourselves, nor allow them to be drunk in our families, nor furnish it to those in our employ, and will discourage its traffic in our community;" was adopted. They also agreed to immersion. Were neither Unitarian nor Trinitarian, but on the middle-ground, and the agitation of either subject would be a violation of the covenant. First members who signed the covenant, were: Jabesh Pierce, James Carroll, John Mason, Elizabeth Pierce, Abigail Mason, Elizabeth B. Foster, Ma Stevens, Malinda Stevens, Abraham Fry, Nathaniel W. Stevens. Rev. S. L. Julia and wife did not sign the articles till Nover ber 13, 1841. June 9, 1842, at a busine meeting of the church, they voted to do away with the previous church organization, and also gave letters of dismission to all who requested the same. June 14, 1842. a number of those who had been members of the previous church met and organized the " First Free- Will Baptist Church of French Grove," and the following subscribed to this organization: Rev. S. L. Julian and wife, John H. Stevens and wife, John Mason and wife, Augustus Lyford, Charlotte Lyford, Mary Emerson and Florinda Stevens. December 24, 1843, is the last record of this organization.

French Grove Sabbath-school Society was organized August 23, 1843, and constitution adopted and signed by the following: S. L. Julian, D. E. Brainard, Shallor Brainard, William H. Mason, Nathaniel W. Stevens, Joseph Foster, John Mason, Andrew Julian, Charles Townsend, John W. Mason, Jesse Emerson, D. E. Stevens, Albert R. Brainard,

Franklin Foster, N. L. H. Julian, Abigail Mason, Harriet Foster, Elizabeth Foster, Sally Brainard, Mary Stevens, Mary F. Julian, Angeline Brainard, Abigail Rowell, Julia Brainard. Soon after this the name was changed to Union Sunday-school, and has continued under the same form of organization to the present day, with an enrollment of about 100.

Perkins Orove Church (Zion Church). - German Evangelical. In 1843 Johannes Faubel came to the county from New York. S. A. Tobias preached in Faubel's house. In 1848 the meetings were held in Jacob Betz's house. In 1850 the members increased. Jacob Popp was elected class- leader and Jacob Betzas exhorter. In 1854 the circuit was divided. T. C. Anthes was the minister and Conrad Spielman was class-leader. In 1853 they built a brick church 28x36. In 1859 fifty persons were joined to the church.

Clarion Toimship Zion's Church. - German Evangelical Lutheran Church (only fourteen members.) It was founded September, 1857, by Eev. Johannes Koch. It was a branch of the German Evangelical Zion's Church built in 1851 by Unions and Lutherans. The number of members was twenty: Frederick Stanberger and wife, Nicholas Gross and wife, Adam Geuther and wife, Sebastian Puehlhorn and wife, John F. Meier and wife, George Schaller and wife, Henry Truckenbrod and wife, Peter Faber and wife, Adam Grosch and wife, Mrs. M. Barbara Heiman, John "Waid and wife, John Bauer and wife, Pancratz Gross and wife, George Platsch and wife, John Gruber and wife, John Schmidt and wife, Casper Fetzer and wife and Frederick Herr.

In September, 1858, a church was built - a frame - costing$l,200; now, since improved, $2,200. It was remodeled about 1874, and cost $2,200. The following is a list of ministers: John Koch in 1857; George Guebner 1858-60; Henry Ehlers of Bremen Seminary, 1860-67; George Schieferdecker, Saxony, 1868-74; John Wittig, 1874-84; the latter is a native of Hessen, Germany. He was educated in St. Sebald, Iowa. Most of the members are Coburger and Bavarians; all natives of Germany.

There is a German school attached to the parsonage, where they are taught all branches ; also has a German Sunday-school. Present members about fifty.

There is a branch of this church at Van Orin, in Lamoille Township, which was founded about 1876 by Kev. John Wittig. The meetings are held in the schoolhouse every month. It is called the Si Johns Church - nine members.