Effingham County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 21 of those read), 1883

LUCAS TOWNSHIP - INTRODUCTORY - TOPOGRAPHY AND BOUNDARIES - PIONEER OCCUPATIONWHERE THE SETTLERS CAME FROM-THEIR EARLY LIFE HERE-GROWTH AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE COUNTRY^ - MILLS, ETC. - EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES - CHURCHES AND PREACHERS - VILLAGES, ETC., ETC.

FIFTY years ago the poi-tion of territory now known as Lucas Township was a wide, unsettled expanse, wild in every sense of the word, inhabited by wild men and in. fested with wild beasts. The lands now occupied by fertile, well-tilled farms, where the cereals and luscious fruits of all varieties grow in abundance, and where blooded stock loll and graze, were less than thi'eescore years ago a luxuriant wilderness, where the timid deer fled from its crouching foe, the panther, only to be pursued by that gaunt scoiu-ge of the prairie, the wolf. Fields now jocund with the merry song of the happy and contented farmer were once in the long ago lurid with the glare of the red man's camp fires or made hideous by the discordant yells of the savage war-dance. But these deep, fertile, prairie soils held abundant food for civilization, and needed but stout hearts, strong wills and sinewy arms to develop and set it free. The pioneers at length came, and stout-hearted, strong-willed and heavy-armed they were, both from nature and necessity.

Lucas is the southeastern township of the county and possesses a pleasant diversity of surface and soil. Large tracts of level and undulating prairie occupy the central, western and southern portions, which form a strik- ing contrast to the wooded and more broken surface that lies along the creeks in the north and east. The only water- courses of any note are Kamsey's Creek, which rises in Section 15 and flows in a westerly direction through the central part of the township, and Little Bishop Creek, a small stream that has its source in Section 3, from which it also takes a westerly course . These streams afl'ord an excellent system of drainage, and are necessities that Qpuld not easily be dispensed with. The only timber in the township, save a few scattering groves, is found skirting these water-courses, and consists mostly of walnut, ash, hickory, sycamore, elm, several varieties of oak and a dense growth of hazel and other undergrowths in the districts from which the larger trees have been removed.

Fifty years have served to change the appearance of these wooded tracts, the greater part of the timber having been cut and sawed into lumber by the first settlers. The attention of the farmer has of late years been called to the necessity of supplying himself with timber, as the native growths have disappeared, and artificial groves have been set out in different parts of the township. The soil of this section is a strong, deep loam, with a slight mixture of sand in some places and clay in the more elevated wooded portions.

territory presents as fine a tract of farm land as there is to be found in the county. As a wheat district, it is probably unexcelled, the peculiar nature of the soil being adapted to that cereal, though corn and all other grain crops are raised in abundance. The culture of fruit, also, has, of late years, received a great deal of attention from the farmers. The boimdaries of Lucas are St. Francis Township on the north, Union Township on the west. Clay County on the south and Jasper County on the east.

William Morris is believed to have been the first permanent settler within the present limits of Lucas Township. The date of his arrival is fixed at the year 1830, thotigh not given as definite. It is not known from what State he came, nor how long he remained a resident of the township. He settled on Section 18, and the place is known as Morris' field, and is at present owned by N. T. Catterlin Several transient settlers came into the counfry about the time Morris made his appearance, erected a few temporary shanties along Lucas and Bishop Creeks, where they lived for a year or so, when, becoming dissatisfied with the country on account of the prevalence of ague and fever, they harvested their little crops and departed for other localities. The next actual settler of whom we have any knowledge was a man named Marion, who came from Kentucky, and entered a piece of land lying in Section 17, near Lucas Creek, in the year 1831, where he improved about twenty acres in the timber. He was a true type of the pioneer, rugged, strong as a Here ales, and generous to a fault. The greater portion of his time was spent in hunt ing, in which he was a great expert and which he loved as he loved his life. For twenty years Marion lived where he first settled, and accumulated during that time a fine body of land, which was brought to a successful state of cultivation, chiefly by the labors of his two sons, " Wash " and Daniel. He died in the year 1849 at a good old age.

In the year 1831. Presley Funkhoiiser i-ame into this part of the county and made a temporary settlement in the timber on Lucas Creek, about one mile west of Waymack Merry's farm. Ho remained here but one or two years, and made no permanent improvements, nor does it appear that he made any entry of land. From this place he went into Jackson Township, and as the country grew older became a very prominent citizen, and seems to have been publicly identified with much of the county's development. A son lives in the city of Effingham and is one of the loading merchants of that place.

No other settlements were made here until about the year 1840, when James Holt and Thomas Stroud made improvements near the same place where the first-named parties located. Holt came from Indiana and made his first entry of land in the northern part of the township, in Section 4; he improved the place here and occupied it for about twenty years, when he sold out and purchased land in Union Township, where he still lives. Stroud located his home in Section 4, also, and occupied it about twelve years, when he sold to Joseph Barkley. The place is owned at present by Uriah.

The spring of 1845 saw the following persons, in addition to those mentioned, located in Lucas as permanent settlers: James Bonnifield, Elijah Poynter, Smith Elliott and George Barkley. The first named located in Section 17, where he improved about twenty acres of laud, which he sold about one year later to Edward Sanderson, and, with his family, moved to Indiana. Sanderson remained in the place about eight years, when he disposed of it to a man by the name of Russ, the present owner. Poynter came from

Kentucky and settled in the timber near the creek, but did not enter the hind. He sold his improvements to a man named Marion, and moved near the central part of the township, where he lived until his death, about teo years ago. Mr. Poynter was a man of unblemished character and a substantia] citizen. A son, W. H. Poynter, is the present Treasm'er of the township. Elliott settled south of the villaoje of Elliottstown, about one mile, and entered land in Section 5, where he resided until the year 1854, when his death occurred. Mr. Elliott was a man of much more than ordinary intelligence and a sincere Christian. Though dead, he still lives in the influence which he formerly exerted upon the community he was instrumental in founding. Daniel Merry, brother of Waymack Merry, was a prominent settler of Lucas, having come here when the pioneer cabins were few and far between. Mr. Merry came from Bond County, but was originally from Kentucky. He entered land in Section 17, which is now owned by his sons, John and George Merry. George Barkley was an old settler also, and the first blacksmith to work at his trade in the township. He settled in Section 5, where he improved land, and in addition to his farming carried on a blacksmith shop for a number of years. At the first election for Justice of the Peace, the honors of the office fell to him, a position he filled accej)tably for several consecutive terms. Among other settlers who came here in an early day may be mentioned W. C. Davis, William and Henry Lake, John L. Baty, Waymack Merry, Isaac McBroom, Tilton and a man named French. Davis came to the township about 18^6, and settled on land then owned by the Highland Companyj in Section 18. The Lake brothers came here from Clark County, about the same time, although the land on which they settled had been entered in their names several years before. Baty located in Section 6, where he lived until about sis years ago. Merry entered the laud where Elijah Poynter first settled, and is at present engaged in business at Elliottstown. McBroom carce from Indiana and settled where Joseph Lidy now lives, in Section 4, about the year 1845 or 1846. French made a temporary settlement in the northern pari of the townshij) at a very early day, and improved a few acres of ground, which were afterward pm-chased by Tilton. The last named was the first physician in this part of the county and practiced his profession for several yeai's among the sparse settlements of Lucas and adjoining townships. The pioneers of Lucas found no royal highway to affluence, but, like all settlers in a new country, had to brave many formidable obstacles, encounter many difficulties and experience many hardsuif>s, which would ajjpall their descendants whose lives have fallen in more pleasant places. The nearest markets where groceries, dry goods and other commodities could be obtained were Greenville, Terre Haute and St. Louis, and to reach any of these places, a long journey of several days was required, oftentimes a week or longer were consumed in the trip, if the weather proved wet, as the prairies at that time were almost impassable, owing to their muddy condition. The first plowing of the settlers was done by night, on account of the flies, which were so numerous on the prairies, and which rendered the stock almost frantic. Dr. Field says that in crossing the prairies a man would have to keep his horse on a dead run in order to leave tlie swarms of flies behind; that if they once lighted upon the horse he became unmanageable, and would in a shol't time lie down in agony and roll over and over to rid himself of his tormenters. From this and other causes, but small crops were raised during the early years of the country's settJement. Corn was the most practical crop; the early families iu fact had to subsist in the main upon this product variously prepared, and to which they added deer, turkey, prairie chickens and other game that thronged the woods and prairies, lish that filled the streams and honey that was obtained in large quantities from hollow trees in the forests.

The first mill patronized by the pioneers of Lucas was the small horse-mill that stood in Bishop Township, a little north of Elliottstown, and operated by a Mr. Armstrong. White's Mill, at Bishop's Point, was also extensively patronized by farmers of this section until better machinery was put in operation at Teutopolis. The nearest mill at present is the one at Georgetown, in Clay County, a distance of about fifteen miles.

It has been asserted, and wisely so, that the avenues of communication are an undoubted evidence of the state of society. Savages have no roads because they need none. The Indian trails through Lucas were the marks by which the fii-st highways were run. As time passed, the old routes were ' changed, and the roads properly established. The first thoroughfare through tliis township was known as the Teutopolis road, and ran almost parallel to the eastern boundary for several miles, when it angled toward the southeast. The original course has been greatly changed, the road improved, until now it is one of the most extensively traveled and best highways in the soiithern part of the county. Another early road run through the northern part of the township, from east to west, and is known as the Doutliard road. A road leading from EUiottstown south through Lucas was laid out and improved in an early day, but was not legally established until a few years ago. The greater number of highways which traverse the township in all directions have been established in recent years, and the majority of them are well improved and in good condition. Like the thoroughfares in all parts of Central and Southern Illinois these roads during certain seasons of the year became well-nigh impassable on account of the mud, but the porous nature of the soil is such as to cause this mud to diy up rapidly, and within a comparatively short time after the frost leaves the ground.

The first marriage that took place in Lucas was solemnized in the fall of 1846, the contracting parties being Jesse Marion, son of Richard Marion, and a Miss Greenwood. The first death occurred about the same tinje, but the name of the person was not learned.

In the early settlement of the county one of the greatest disadvantages under which the pioneer labored was the almost entire absence of facilities for the education of his children. When the question of keeping soul and body together had once been solved, the settler's attention was turned to the necessity of schools and means of supplying the want earnestly sought, and bitildings for the j)urpose were erected. The first school iu the tovmship was taught by Dr. Field in a little rude cabin that formerly stood on Section 5, and was for a term of three months. He appeal's to have given universal satisfaction, as he was at that time in the vigor of manhood, and could strike a blow that never failed to bring the most reckless pupil to speedy terms - main strength being in those days a requisite qualification in a teacher. The school generally commenced as early in the morning as teacher and scholars could get to their work, and closed when the sun went down. The second school was taught by James Gibs9n, about the year 1850, in the same building. The second house erected especially for school purposes was situated in Section IS, and was a small improvement on the one first mentioned, having been better finished and furnished. It was first used by John Hanly, who taught a three months' term in the year 1853. The first public school in the township was taught by Elizabeth Taylor about 1857. A frame house was erected in 1858 by H«nry Kershner, and stood in the northern part of the township. The first teacher who occupied it was Henry Russ. There are now five district schools taught anniially in as many good frame houses, and last from six to nine months of the year. During the school year of 1881-82, there was paid for tuition the sum of $800. The township board is composed of the following gentlemen: Noah Merry, Matthew McMurry and W. H. Poynter.

The old story of the Cross will ever be new from its first annunciation to the shepherds of Judea by the angelic choir that sung. " peace on earth, good will to men, " down through the ages to the present it has been a consolation and solace to the millions who have yielded to its gentle influences. It was first told in this township by Rev. George Monical, who conducted religious services at the residence of Edward Sanderson as early as the year 1846. He was a Methodist preacher, and had charge of a chui'ch at that time in Georgetown, Clay County. Alexander Ortrey was an early minister of the township, also, and held public worship for several years at the private residences of Daniel Merry and Edward Sanderson, both of whom were zealous Methodists and sincere Christians. These meetings were largely attended by the early settlers, who often came to them for several miles, and were the means of accomplishing a great amount of good in that community. The first church was organized at the residence of Edward Sanderson, about the year 1850, and for several years his house was the only preaching place. The organization was afterward moved to a neighboring schoolhouse, where public worship was held until the year 1866, at which time stops were taken to erect a more convenient structure, in keeping with the growth of the congregation. A log bouse was accordingly erected that year, and has served the purpose of a meeting-house ever since. The chm-ch is not in a very floiu-ishing condition at present, there being but fifteen or twenty names on the records, though at one time the congregation was very strong, and numbered among its members many of the best and most substantial citizens of the township.

Tlie Lutherans have a strong organization near the village of Winterrowd, and own in connection with their house of worship about twenty acres of land. Their building is a substantial frame edifice, and the membership will number probably sixty.

The Missionary Baptist Church at Elliottstown was organized in this township at the residence of Smith Elliott and afterward moved to that village; its history will be found in the chapter devoted to Bishop Township and Elliottstown. A small Presbyterian Church was in existence at one time in the town of Winterrowd, but was shortlived, having been disbanded after their pastor's death occuiTed, several years ago. There is, in addition to those already enumerated, a church organization in the northeastern part of the township, but of its history nothing definite was ascertained. The little hamlet of Winterrowd, scarcely aspiring to the dignity of a village, is situated in the southeast corner of the township, and consists merely of a store, post office, blacksmith shop, an unfinished church building and some ten or a dozen residences. It was surveyed and laid out in the year 1863 by Washington Winter- rowd, on ground that had formerly belonged to Thomas Scott. The only store in the place i8 carried on by James McCorkle, who keeps a very fair stock of miscellaneous merchandise and does quite an extensive business for so small a place; he also keeps the post ofBce in his establishment, where the citizens of the surrounding country get their mail daily. The physician of the village - Dr. Jayne - has a large and lucrative practice. The manufacturing interest of the place is represented by the blacksmith and wagon shop of Joseph Goslawn. There is one church building partially completed, where the Methodists hold services occasionally, though they have no regularly organized society.

The Eberle Post Office was established in the year 1867, and Dr. Allen appointed as Postmaster; it is now kept by W. H. Poynter, at his residence in the sonthwestern part of the township.

Lucas is the only Republican township in this strong Democratic county, and generally gives that ticket majorities ranging from forty to sixty at important elections. At an election held in the year 1863, one Democratic vote was cast, a fact so seldom heard of that we venture to give the lonesome voter's name. Mr. Baty will pardon us for making mention of him in this public manner.

Perhaps but few sections in the State manifested their loyalty during the great rebellion in a more substantial manner than did Lucas Township. The alarm of war and the cry that the country was in danger was but uttered when brave and true men were seen flying to the nearest recruiting office to proffer their services, and lives, if need be, in defense of the Union they had been taught to love. The idea that 75,000 could crush the rebellion in three months was soon found to be a very grave mistake, and no locality seemed more fully to realize this fact. Almost every man, whether able-bodied or otherwise, was inspired with the idea that his services were needed by the Government for this trying occasion. Farmers left their plows, workmen their shops and hurried to the front to assist in the great struggle that was to decide the nation's existence. The following list comprises the brave boys who donned the blue diu'ing the dark days of war:

Those of the above number who went but never returned - who laid dovm their lives to uphold the honor of an insulted flag will always be remembered. May the mold which covers their inanimate forms never again be disturbed by the tramp of soldier nor the iron hoof of war-horse.

The Gekmam Emighant. n^ETJTOPOLIS is not a full Congressional -*- township, but a part of the Congressional township of Douglas. In the year 1862, a strip of the east half of Douglas was cut ofi, being from east to west three miles, from south to north six miles, and it is designated as Town 8 north, Range 6 east, of the Third Principal Meridian. The name was derived from the village of Teutopolis, which is situated in the eastern part of the township.

The history of the formation of Teutopolis into a township is as follows: During the late war, this part of the old township had furnished a large number of volunteers for the army, and, as the Government was making a draft for soldiers, a just credit could not be given to this section, unless they were divided from the old township. Proper steps were taken for a change, and a new township was created. Another reason for the separation was, that this part of the township had a voting precinct, and when the county adopted township organization the voting precinct was set aside, all voters being required to go to Effingham, a distance of four miles, to vote. This was put forth as strong ground for a new township, which would give the people a voting place nearer home. After the township was set off, a proper dietri-

! bution of volunteers was made, and it was j found that the new township had more volunj teers than its ratio of draft called for, and hence no draft was made here.

Teutopolis Township is bounded on the east by St. Francis, on the south by Watson, on the west and north by Douglas, and has eleven thousand five hundi-ed and twenty acres; of this area about five thousand acres is timber land, running in a belt through the township, and is composed of white oak, ash, walnut, hickory, elm, burr oak, black oak, pin oak, Cottonwood, etc. The land, when cleared, is unexcelled for farming pivrposes. The soil is of a more durable nature than the prairie land, and many fine farms have been made by some of the tii-st settlers. Most of them settled in the timber under the impression that prairie land could not be cultivated, and that it would not produce crops. Through this belt of timber, two streams run - Salt Creek enters the township about a half mile north of the National road and flows west some three miles, thence south for about one mile, where it passes into Douglas Township; Willow Creek enters the township at the northeast part, and runs in a southwestern direction to the center, where it empties into Salt Creek. There are a number of other small streams which serve as a drainage to the low lands.

prairie land and adjacent to the timber. Most of the prairie is now under cultivation, and farms can be made at much less expense than in the timber. The prairie laud is well adapted to raising wheat, oats, corn, barley. The average yield of corn is forty-five bush els to the acre; of wheat, about fifteen bushels, and oats, thirty-five bushels. The average price paid for this land hj the early settlers was SI. 25 per acre. The price has steadily increased to $35 'per acre. More or less of the land is swamp, very low and wet, but of later years it has been reclaimed by a system of drains; when drained, which can easily be done, it produces better crops than the high land, and is equal to the timber soil.

The village of Teutopolis is situated in the eastern part of the township upon Sections 13 and 14. In tho year 1S37, it was laid out and incorporated, February 27, 1845, a company was formed by Germans at Cincinnati, consisting of the following members: Bernard Arusen, Henry Art, B. H. Brockmann, Joseph Bussmann, John F. Boving, Joseph Bockmann, Frantz Brinkmann, J. H. Buddeke, Joseph Beans, J. H. Bergfeld, Franz Borgmann, G. H. Berg f eld, J. H. Brummer, Joseph Brockmann, Franz Betentom, John Berus, Joseph Brockamp, J. H. Baving, B. N. Deters, G. N. Deters, H. Determann, John Frilling,

The members had to pay 1 10 each month until the sum of $10,000 was accumulated. A committee was appointed, consisting of Clem Uptmor, John F. Waschefort and G. H. Bergfeld, who were appointed to look out for a suitable locality. And on the 17th day of April, 1837, they started upon their mission. After making a tramp through Indiana, they came to Illinois, traveled over a considerable portion of the State, and finally selected this place. After they returned and made their report, they were instructed to buy the land. The committee had to guard against sharpers, who ondeav ored to find out where the land was to be bought, thus desiring to get ahead of them, buy the land and make them pay a profit on it. But by the shrewd management of Mr. C. Uptmor, who cautioned all those present in the meeting not to say a word as to the place of their selection, thereby completely outwitting the sharpers. Sixteen thousand dollars was the sum they had with them for this entry, ten thousand acres, paying for it $1.25 per acre, except eighty acres in the town, for which they had to pay $400. Upon their return, the land was laid off to each shareholder - a share being $50. Each member who had paid $50, and $10 for expenses, was entitled to forty acres and fom* lots in the village. There were one hundred and forty-two who onh' had one share of $50. and fifty-two who had two shares in addition to the one. The destribution was made by lottery. The total expense of this committee was not quite $400.

All the deeds were made by J. F. Waschefort to the members and the plot of the village was made in Cincinnati. The main street is on the old National road and is eighty feet in width, all other streets running with the main streets are sixty feet, as well as the cross streets. Blocks were forty-eight in number, and each block had nine lots of fifty feet front and five hundred and thirtythree feet in depth. Outside of these blocks are lots called garden lots and are of two acres each. This plat was recorded in the year 18:^8. About one-third of the village lie.s in the timber, and the land is of a rolling nature.

In the year of 1838, J. H. Uptmor, Henry Vormor, G. H. Bergfeld Niemann, Joseph Bockmann located here and were the first settlers. They came here in the fall, and in the following spring Mr. C. Uptmor came out. The first house sold was by J. H. Uptmor to his brother Clemens, and the price paid was $5. Mr. C. Uptmor settled in the town but the others settled upon the land and commenced farming.

The early settlers emigrated by wagon or by water; the most practical route then was by water from Cincinnati to St. Louis, Mo. , thence by wagon, it being only one hundred miles from St. Louis here. C. Uptmor made the trip twice on foot. Others came by stage. Some of the early settlers came directly from the old country by the way of New Orleans. They found it very hard to make a start. Teams were difficult to get. Horses were not thought of. The first horse was owned by J. Bockmann, and often he might be seen with'one ox and horse hitched to a roller wagon, going to mill. Plows were'made of wood, all except a small strip of iron put in front in place of share. Wagons were made ' from ends of logs cut off about six inches thick, as wheels, and without iron. Poultry had to be got in Marshall, some forty miles distant. Some of our early settlers got chickens from a place called Spring Point, east of here about fifteen miles, and had to carry them on their back, and when they came with them they presented a fine spectacle. All provisions and groceries had to be hauled in wagons from St. Louis. Mr. C. Uptmor, in the year 1839, started a small store; $50 was his invoice, and it is now often related that at that time this small stock was looked upon as greater than our first-class stores are at the present time. The nearest mill was at Newton, 111., a distance of twenty- one miles. Often the road was so bad that the jjeople could not get to mill by wagon (such as they had) and woiild go on foot and carry their grist on their back. When out of meal, they would crack corn with a hammer and make bread of it. But in the year 1842 Mr. C. Uptmor and his brother, H. Ujitmor, built a fom- arm windmill. This mill had only one pair buhrs. It had a bolt which had to be turned by hand. This added much to the convenience, and the settlers were happy when they could get their grinding done at home. But still sometimes there would be no wind to make the mill go. Then it was like Smith's mill in the poem:

And often in such cases they would run short of meal. To overcome this difficulty, Frantz Weber built a horse-power mill, but it was a slow way of grinding, five bushels of corn being a big day's work. This difficulty was removed, however, in the year 1857, when John F. Waschefort built a steam mill with a capacity of tift_y barrels a day. He also attached a saw mill to this, which is still in operation and doing a good business. In the year 18S2, G. Uptmor & Son built a large mill at a cost of over §40,000, and with a capacity of one hundred and fifty bushels a day. This mill is the best in the county; all of its machinery is of the latest improvement.

The first saw mill was built by Theodore Penner in 1848, and was an old-fashioned water mill, which would only run when Salt Creek was very high. There were built a number of other mills, but their dates cannot be given.

The first schoolhouse was built in 1840, and was of logs. Mi: C. Robe was the first school-teacher, and sis pupils was the largest number he had at one time. A new public schoolhouse was built in 1855, at a cost of $1,500. A fine schoolhouse and residence for the Sisters of Notre Dame was built in 18(38, at a cost of $15,000; and in 1879 a schoolhouse was built at a cost of $6,000. This building has a large hall in the second story, and at one end a tine stage. The hall is used principall}- for holding public meetings.

The St. Mary's Academy, under the supervision of the Sisters of Notre Dame, already alluded to, is a flourishing institution. The Sisters who came here in December, 1861, were Sister Margueretta Mueller, Mother Superior, and Sister Mauritia Ultzmann, and the candidate Marguerite Rudolph. Their number has increased from time to time, until at present they number eight sisters and one candidate, under the supervision of Sister Verena, Mother Superior. When they first came here, they occupied a large twostory log house, opposite the church, in which they taught school for six years. In 1867, the congregation built a large two-story brick, with basement and attic, oOxSO feet. Two of the lower and one of the upper rooms are used for the school; the others as a residence for the sisters, except one in the first story used for a chapel. The institution ie an academy for young ladies, taught by the sisters, in all branches, including music and fancy needle-work. Four deaths have occurred in the institution since it commenced, viz., three Sisters and one candidate. The building is situated on a fine lot near the church. The ground is highly ornamented with trees and shrubbery.

The princij^al Mother House is at Milwaukee, Wis., and all institutions like this are subject to it. The main support of the academy is from teaching. A certain sum is received from the School Directors; something is received from tuition of the boarders in the institution in young ladies' department, and from needlework, etc.

1861. The congregation of St. Francis, at Teutopolis, had been intrusted to Franciscan Fathers, sent to this country in 1858 by the Very Rev. Gregory Yanknecht, O. S. F., Provincial of the Westphalian Province of Saxony of the Holy Cross, Prussia, at the entreaties of Rt. Rev. Henry D. Junker, D. D., Bishop of Alton. In their zeal for the flock committed to their charge, the pious Fathers soon were convinced of the usefulness and necessity of a high school for the education of the growing young men of the congregation. Accordingly, under the auspices of Very Rev. Damian Hennewig, O. S. F., a committee was formed, consisting of Messrs. Clement Uptmor, John Wernsing, Diederich Eggermann and John Waschefort, for choosing a convenient bui Iding ground and for procuring the necessary funds for the erection of the college. An area of eighteen lots in the southern part of the town - partly donated, partly bought - was selected as a suitable site for the institution. A two-story brick house with basement was erected, and furnished with all the improvements belonging to an edifice of this nature; a beautiful garden and extensive play grounds were laid out, and the whole inclosed with a fence. The expenses were almost entirely covered by subscriptions.

The work so rapidly progressed that in the year 1862 the institution was opened by the Franciscan Fathers, under the direction of Rev. P. Heribert Hofmann, O. S. F., as rector, and was deeded to Rt. Rev. H. D. Junker, D. D., Bishop of Alton, for the benefit of the diocese.

The Bishop raised the institution to an Ecclesiastical Seminary, and sent his candidates for the holy ministry to Teutoiwlis, there to complete their course of philosophy and theology. Bat the number of Fathers was very small, and the few were besides engaged in preaching missions and in other pastoral duties, as the direction of congregations, etc. In consequence of these multifarious labors, they could not possibly give the necessary attention to the seminary, and they thought it proper to close it and to devote their energy to giving young men a thorough classical education and a good moral training. This plan was carried out at the accession of Very Rev. P. Maurice Klostermann, O. S. F., to the rectorship; a man renowned not only as an excellent musician, but also as a master in the art of instructinsr and trainiucr the young. The course of studies was divided into a preparatory one of two classes, and a collegiate one of four classes. Subsequently, a commercial coiu'se was introduced. The course of studies embraces the Greek, Latin, French, German and English Ian-' guages; rhetoric, poetry, history, geography, book-keeping, arithmetic, mathematics, natural philosophy, natural history, drawing, penmanship and instrumental and vocal music. The college has also a good library, to which students have access.

The number of scholars ever increasing, the building could no longer accommodate all those who applied for admission. For this reason, in 1877, the college was enlarged by an addition to the east side.

The fame of the institution spread more and more, so that parents even from a distance intrusted their sons to St. Joseph's College. Litei'ary institutions, also, to which students of St. Joseph's repaired for the completion of their studies, acknowledged its merits, not to mention that bishops who had their candidates for the ministry educated at Teutopolis, were highly pleased with the result. The institution numbers among its former scholars many priests, both secular and regular; and others, distinguished as physicians, teachers, merchants, and in other avocations. In fact, the aim of the institution is not only to cram the mind with bare facts and to develop the mental powers, but also and principally to give a moral training to its charges, to call forth and cultivate in them a relish for virtue - in a word, to form noble, honest, moral characters. To this efifect the students are always under the vigilant care of their professors and tutors, and form but one family with them. They are warned against the dangers peculiar -to youth, and ai-e strengthened by advice tor the time of temptation.

In the year 1881, Right Rev. P. J. Baltes, D. D., Bishop of Alton, had the college iucorporated as a Diocesan institution. Hereby it received the right to grant the academic degrees, A. B. and M. A. The following year, Very Rev. P. M. Klostermann, O. S. F. , compelled by dimness of sight, resigned the reetorate, and Rev. P. Michael Richards, O. S. F., was elected to succeed him.

In the current year, the number of students is over 100. The following gentlemen belong to the faculty: Rev. P. Michael Richards, O. S. F., Rector; R&v. P. Nicholas Leonard, O. S. F., sub-Rector; Rev. P. Francis Haase, O. S. F., Professor; Rev. P. Hugolinus Storff, O. S. F., Professor; Rev. P. Floribert Jaspers, O. S. F., Professor; Mr. Gerard Schuette, Professor; Mr. Henry Rolf, Professor; Mr. Peter Rhode Professor.

<S'/. Francis Conve/it. - This house is inhabited by the Franciscan Fathers or Friars Minor who came to Teutopolis September 23, 1858. It was then a branch of the "Province of the Holy Cross of Saxony," which province was erected 1221, during the life of St. Francis of ^ssisi, the founder of the different orders of Franciscans. The first members that arrived in Teutopolis came at the request of Right Rev. Dami an Junker,

First Bishop of the Diocese of Alton. Rev. Damian Hennewig (deceased December 12, 1865), Rev. Servatius Altmicks, Rev. Capistran Zwinge, and three lay brothers were the first Franciscans that came to this place. (They came from Warendorf, Westphalia, Europe.) On their arrival, they occupied a farmhouse of two rooms belonging to Mr. J. F. Washefort, till a small brickhouse, the pastor's residence, near the church, was completed. A two-story frame house, thirteen rooms, was built in 1859 in addition to it, which was moved south to give place for the present two-story brick building. In 1807, the east wing was built; in 1868, the north wing, fifty-eight rooms in the building, size, 24x84 and 24x70. November 26, 1859, the following members arrived in Teutopolis: Rev. Her ibert Hoffmanns, Rev. Ferdinand Bergmeier, Rev. Mauritius Klostermann, Rev. Raynerius Dickneite. At various times, new members carae from Germany, and the order obtained many members from this country. The number grew continually till 1875, when an unusually great niunber arrived from Europe, owing to the infamous May-laws, passed May, 1873, at the sviggestions of Bismarck. On the 3d of July, 1875, eighty members, and July 16, twenty-six arrived and sought shelter in Teutopolis,

Up to this time, the following convents sprung up from that of Teutopolis: Quincy, 111., 1859; St. Louis, Mo., 1863; college in Teutopolis. 1861; Cleveland, Ohio, 1808; Memphis, Tenn., 1809; Hermann, Mo., 1875.

As so many new members were addwd, the Franciscans built, in 1875, convents at Indianapolis, Ind. ; Chicago, 111. ; Radom, 111. ; Rhineland, Wis.; Mt. St. Mary's, Mo.; Columbus and St. Bernard, Neb. ; Jordan, Minn. ; Joliet, 111.; Chillicothe, Mo.; and Indian

The number had increased from the original (5 to 400 membprs, therefore a new province, under the title«of "The Sacred Heart," was erected April 26, 1879, a decree was issued by the Pope, and on the 2d July of the same year, the new provincial or superior was installed in Teutopolis.

Teutopolis is the mother-house, as it is called, of this branch of Franciscafl.s, contains the novitiate, where the aspirants are tried for one year to test their vocation for religious life. Also rhetoric is taught in the house as a preparation for ministerial duties, by Rev. Francis Albers and Rev. Richard Van Heek. The com-se of philosophy is taught in Quincy; theology in St. Louis. At present there are forty members in Teutopolis.

Superiors of this cjnvent were Rev. Damian Heunewig, Rev. Kilian Schloesser, (first guardian), Rev. Mathias Hiltermann, Rev. Francis Moenning, Rev. Gerard Becker, Rev. Damasus Ruesing, Rev. Dominicus Florian, Rev. Paulua Teroerde, the present Superior since July 13, 1881.

Volumes in library, about 6,000. Number of deaths of this branch, forty, of which twelve died in Teutopolis. The Franciscans have charge of the congregation of Teutopolis, Sigel, Pesotum, Neoga, Shumway, Altamont, St. Elmo, Bishop's Creek, Montrose, Island Grove, Lillyville, Big Spring, Green Creek.

Church. - A chm-ch building (log) built between Effingham and Teutopolis on Masquelette's place, 1839; another log church building in town near railroad track; third and present brick, 1850, consecrated by R. Rev. H. D. Junker. Addition to sanctuary of choir built 1872.

Teutopolis. Effingham, at the time called Broughton. 1859; Bishop, 1864; Sigel and Neoga, 1866; Lillyville, 1877; Island Grove, 1874; Montrose, 1879. Pastors were secular priests till 1858. At that time, the Francis- ' cans took charge, first pastor: Rev. Damian Hennewig, who was succeeded by Mathias Hiltermann, Gerard Becker, Damasus, Dominicus, and Paulus, the present pastor.

From its earl 3' days of settlement, Teutopolis has improved, and so has the surrounding country. It can be truly said that it is one of the most beautiful country villages in the State. In schools, we are vmequaled, having a good public school, a college and a female academy, also a tine church and convent, two first-class mills, four general stores, two hardware stores, one drug store, three shoe-makers, two eabinet-makers, two hotels, one livery stable, four saloons, one bakery, a brick yard, four blacksmith shops, two wagon-makers, two doctors, two grain merchants and one clothing store. The village has a population of 456, and the township 555 inhabitants. It has a St. Peter's men's society, which was organized in 1850 ; a St. Mary women's society, organized in 1855; a young men's society, organized 1857; a St. Rosa young ladies' society, organized in 1865; a reading society and a dramatic club.

The first village election was held under the incorporation law. the first Thiu-sday in April, 1846. There were then in the town only eight voters and all voted. The result of the election was Clemens Uptmor, President;

J. Rabe, Clerk; Theodore Pramer, Treasurer; Andrew B. Klausing, Trustees; B. Klausing, Justice of Peace, iind also Bernard Brockmann. There only remained one citizen who had no office. It has often been said that these Trustees had no trouble to keep order. The first Postmaster was C. Uptmor, who was in office for twenty-eight years, and there has only been made the following changes: J. Habing after Mi-. Uptmor, then G. G. Habing: these only held the office for a short time. Dr. F. F. Eversmann was the next, and held the office for twelve years. Frederick Thoele succeeded Eversman in the spring of 18S8. All of these Postmasters were strong Democrats, and up to this day there has not been a Postmaster biit what was a Democrat. This is owing to the fact that the town.ship is solidly Democratic, and the administration could not find any Republican timber in the township out of which to make a Postmaster. The township has a voting population of over two hundred and thirty-five votes, and the

The village is now incorporated under the general law; and the present officers are C. Eversmann, President: H. Sander, Treasurer; G. Kreke and E. Kolker, Street Commissioners; A. Brumleve and J. M. FuUe, Trustees; T. C. Thole, Clerk; and J. H. Wernsiag, Police Magistrate.

The Vandalia Railroad runs through the village, and has a fine depot in the town. The Effingham & South Eastern Narrow Guage runs through the township one mile south of the village. The township aided the Vandalia Railroad in building, by subscribing to its capital stock §15,000. The town gave its bonds payable in fifteen years at a rate of ten per cent per annum. The bonds fall due in the years 1884 and 1885, and the township will pay them off when due. The township has no other debts, and is in a flourishing condition.