Effingham County, Illinois - Chapter 25, 1883

RUNNER TOWNSHIP -TOPOGRAPHY-TIMBER GROWTH, ETC. -THE SETTLEMENT -BINGEMAN, RENTFROW AND OTHER PIONEERS-WOLF HUNTS-CHURCHES AND CHURCH INFLUENcls-SCHOOLS-YILLAGE OF SHUMWAY-ITS GROWTH AND DEVELOP- - JIENT - RELIGIOUS AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES.

BANNER is a fractional township, lying in the north central part of the county, and was formerly included in the territory of Summit, from which it was separated in the year 1874. It is bounded on the east, south and west by the townships of Douglas. Summit and Liberty, on the north by Shelby County, and comprises the south half of Township 9 north, Eange 5 east. The principal streams by which it is watered and drained are the Little Wabash, Shoal Creek, and Moot's Creek. The first named flows through the southeast corner, and is a stream of considerable size and importance: Moot's Creek flows nearly east, through the central part of the township, uniting with Shoal Creek in Section 33, and finally emptying into the Little Wabash. Aside from those mentioned, there are several smaller streams that are nameless on the county map. The land is diversified between woodland and prairie, the latter predominating. The timbered districts are confined principally to the eastern and northeastern portions and the creeks, while the prairie occupies the central and southern parts, and comprise about three-fourths of the townships. The timber consists of hickory, ash, maple, elm, and sycamore, several varieties of oak and walnut in limited quantities. The prairies, when the first pioneers made their appearance, were covered with a dense growth of tall grass, so tall that a person riding through it on horseback could hardly be seen, and so dense that the sun's rays were wholly excluded from the ground, thus rendering the surface of the country damp and wet the entire year, and proving a prolific som-ce of malaria during the hot months of July, August and September. These facts caused the early pioneers to give this part of the country a roomy berth, and it was not until many years after the first settlements were made in the timber that any one was found foolhardy enough to ventm-e even a suggestion that the prairies could be cultivated. Years after, as the country became more thickly populated, and all the available timber land had been bought up, a system of drainage was adopted, and the land made comparatively dry. The prairie farms are now the best and most fertile in the township. This region is exclusively agriculttural, there being no factories of any kind, and but one flouring mill in the township.

The first settlement within the present limits of Banner was made in the timber along the little Wabash, about the year 1840, by John Bingeman. He had been a resident of the county several years before moving here, having located in Jackson Town'^hip at an early day, though this seems to have been his iirst permanent improvement. He moved to Southwestern Missouri in 1865 and died there ten years ago at an advanced age. Jefferson Rentfrow was a prominent pioneer of Banner and came into this psu't of the county in the year 1843, and located the farm uf)on which he still resides. About the time of their arrival, or yierhaps a few months later, a man by the name of Ramsey made some improvements iu the timber near Reutfrow's place and was prominently connected with the early history of the township; his death occurred about the year 1855. The place he improved is at present owned by George Section. Robert Shumard was an early settler also, and located near the timber, where he lived for a number of years. He disposed of his improvements about the year 1800, and went to the city of Mattoon, his present place of residence. Nathan Ramsey settled on land lying about one mile east of where Shumway now stands, about the year 18-49, where he lived until 1877, when becoming restive under the rapid advances of civilization, and thinking there were more congenial quarters for him further west, turned his face in that direction and is now a resident of the State of Texas. A son, William Ramsey, occupies the old place. The same year and about the same time that Ramsey settled here, Hugh Dennis came to the township and located near the present site of Shumway, on land now in possession of Henry Bernard. He afterward purchased a large tract of land, including the ground which the village now occupies, and sold it later to the Paducah Railroad Company when that route was first surveyed through the country. Dennis was a man of fine qualities, and like the majority of early settlers in a new country, came here poor, but by industry and frugality soon acquired a competency. His death occurred in this township about fourteen years ago. In the spring of 1850, Thonuis Robinson made his advent to this part of the county, and improved a farm adjoining the place where Shumard settled. He came from Ohio, as did manv of the early pioneers of northern Effingham, and by industry and energy soon reclaimed a fine farm from the wild prairie,-^- which is still in possession of his family. During the last named and following year, quite a number of settlers took up their residences in various parts of the township, prominent among whom were Samuel Crollard, John Draper. Brantley ( farrett and Frank Wetherell. The first named located in the northwest part and improved land lying in the prairie. Draper came

Bennius now lives. Garrett was a Tenuessean also, and selected for his home a tract of land adjoining the Nathan Ramsey farm. Wetherell made improvements about two miles east of the town of Shumway, where he resided until the year 1881. These were all successful fai'mers and accumulated during their residence in the townshij) a large amount of land, which was brought to a high state of cultivation and the majority of which is still iu the possession of their respective families.

WTien the first settlers came here the counti-y was full of game; the prairies abounded in large flocks of wild chickens, plover, geese, etc., while in timber were found turkeys, deer and some few bears. Wolves were numerous and very troublesome, often doing great damage to the settlers by carrying off pigs and poultry, and, when the winters were very cold, cattle and horses have been attacked and severely injured. The black wolf that infested the timber was larger, and more ferocious than the small prairie wolf, though not so numfirous. During cer- | tain seasons they became very savage, and have been known to attack man himself. As i the township settled up steps were taken to rid the country of these scourges, and sys- [ tematic hunts were planned in which all the neighbors for miles around would participate, and by this means many of the wolves were killed and the balance driven from the country. -

The nearest source of supplies to the early residents of the township was Shelbyville, at that time but a mere village, consisting of a a few dwelling houses and a few stores. Though at no great distance, the trip there was beset with many difficulties, the chief of which were the absence of roads, muddy condition of the prairies, and the countless millions of green-headed flies that swarmed over the country by day, so that traveling by night became a necessity. The principal crop to which the pioneer looked for support for his family and stock was corn, which, for a number of years, was about the only crop that could be raised in the country. It was ground a*^ the small horse mills of which there were several in the adjoining townships, though none appear to have been in operation in Banner. Wheat was not raised for several years after the first settlements were made, the ground at that time being in no condition for its culture. After the land had been drained somewhat, attempts were made toward raising wheat, which met with but indifferent success. Some grew discouraged, while others, more sanguine, persevered season after season, until finally they succeeded in harvesting good crops, after finding out how to prepare and treat the soil. Banner is now one of the best wheat-producing townships in Effingham County - a reputation it has sustained for years.

and Christian civilization, in a new country, is the establishment of churches. The religious history of Banner is co-equal with its settlement by white people. The first religious services, of which we learned anything definite, were conducted at the residence of Nathan Ramsey, by the Old- School Baptists. The preacher on that occasion was Elder Henry Shellenberger, a minister who came to the county at a very early period of its history, and, like all the pioneer soldiers of the Cross who preceded or followed in the wake of Western civilization, was a man of of untiring energy in the cause of Him whom he delighted to serve. The meetings at Ramsey's were held at intervals for several years, and served, not only as a means of spiritual refreshings, but as social events as well; for all met there on a common level, talked about matters in which all had a common interest, and enjoyed many pleasant recreations from their common lot of labor. Shellenberger established a church of his creed just west of the timber, on "Wall Creek, where a house was erected. A small congi-eeration worshiped in this building for a number of years, but does not appear to have gained much in numbers. The organization was afterward moved to a place about one mile north of the village of Shumway, and a house of worship erected, which is still standing, though not used for church purposes, as the society was abandoned manv years ago. The German Methodists established a church, north of Shumway, in the year 1869, which was afterward moved to the village.

The schools next claim our attention, and follow very appropriately the notice of the religious history, as both possess refining influences, and furnish the highest standard of civilization. The first schoolhouse was a small log structiu'e, that stood in the eastern part of the township, and F. M. Griffith taught the first term in it. The building was used for school purposes about twelve years, when, from some unknown cause, it took fire and was burned to the ground. A new one was erected in its place, a log bouse also, but much better fiu-nished and far more convenient. The first frame schoolhouse in the township was built prior to the year 1869, and stood a short distance north of the town of Shumway. The first public school was taught in this house by F. M. Griffith, now a prominent minister of the Missionaiy Baptist Church, and one of the oldest teachers of the county. Among other early teachers who wielded the birch at this place, can be mentioned Hester Ann Crollard, Maggie Means, Martha Means, Susan Small, Riley Walker, and J. A. Arnold, present Superintendent of County Schools. There are three good frame schoolhouses in the township, in which schools are taught about eight months of the year. The present township board is composed of the following gentlemen: William Rechter, John Breitzueiser and George Shumard, Trustees; Henry Bernard is Treasurer and Clerk of the board.

Like other divisions of the county, this township is well supplied with roads, the majority of which are regularly established and in good condition. The Paducah & Chicago Railroad, now a branch of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, passes thi-ough Banner, and has been a great benefit to the farmers of this section. Since its completion, the township's growth and development have been very marked.

The village of Shumway is situated in Section 33, on the land formerly owned by Hugh Dennis, one of the early pioneers of the county, and by him sold to the Chicago & Puducah Railroad Company, in the year 1863. The company surveyed the land into town lots and put them on the market in the year 1874. When the first sales were made, Henry Bernhard, Ed Meyer, M. M. Hemphill, Henry Metzler and Dr. J. N. Phifer being the first purchasers. These parties at once began improving their respective lots by erecting dwellings and other buildings, and by the close of the year quite a number of houses were completed and occupied. The first houses finished were the dwelling and blacksmith shop belonging to Fred Meyer, and quite an extensive building, situated ill the northern part of the village, and still occupied by Mr. Meyer. A hotel was built about the same time by M. M. Hemphill, and the large storeroom belonging to Henry Bernhard was completed in a short time afterward and stocked with goods. Metzler's dwelling and business house and the residence of Dr. Phifer were erected during the svimmer of 1874, and from that time the growth of the place has been steady and substantial.

Henry Bernhard opened a large stock of goods, consisting of and including all articles generally called for in a country store, from a grindstone to a paper of pins. He continued business with good success until the fall of 1878, when he disposed of the stock to James McNair in order to engage in the milling business. McNair replenished the stock and sold goods imtil September, 1881, when he sold to William Geiaeking & Son, who are the present proprietors. The second store in the place was started by Henry Metzler in the fall of 1874, and also consisted of a general stock, with groceries a specialty. Metzler continued the business but a short time, when he sold his goods at auction, fitted up his room for a saloon, in which business he is at present engaged. In 1875, a third store building was erected by Fred Hoese & Co. , who started a branch store here, their main stock being at the town of Stew- artson, Shelby County. These parties continued theii' business with varied success for several years, but finally rented their room and removed the stock to other points; their building is at present occupied by the millinery store of Mrs. Walterson.

The first physician to locate in the new village and probably the first in the township was Dr. J. N. Phifer, who as already stated erected one of the fii'st houses in the 'place, which he still occupies. The village has always sustained a reputation as a healthy place, yet, despite this discouraging fact the following physicians have at different intervals practiced the healing art hero, viz. , J. H. Carper, J. B. Johnson, John Vandervort and George Haummesser, all of whom were regularly graduated M. D.'s of the different schools of medicine.

A schoolhouse was built during the summer of 1875, and occupied the following fall and winter by Prof. J. A. Arnold, the present County Superintendent. Prof. Arnold still resides in the village, which fact may account for the fine reputation the schools here have always sustained. The present schoolroom is hardly sufficient to accommodate the constantly increasing number of pupils, and the propriety of erecting a building, more in keeping with the growth of the town, is now being discussed.

The Shumway Flouring Mill was erected in 1878 by Henry Bernhard, and is one of the best mills in the countiy. The main building is four stories high, with basement, and is 40x50 feet. There are three run of stones, which when run steadily will grind on an average of from fifty-five to sixty barrels of flour per day. The cost of the mills with additional improvements will aggregate about $13,000. Connected with the mill is an extensive stave factory and cooper shop, where all the material used in shipping flour

A large warehouse was moved to the village from the town of Dexter in the winter of 1874, thus bringing a good grain market to the very doors of the farmers of this part of the county, who prior to this time hauled all their grain long distances to the cities of Altamont, Teutopolis and Effingham. This warehouse was operated by H. A. Carter for some months and by him sold to Benjamin Walton, of Fairbury, who has a large and remunerative business ever since. A second grain house was built some time during the year 1875 and is at present managed by M. M. Hemphill, who handles many thousand bushels of grain annually. Mr. Hemphill is also the gentlemanly proprietor of the first hotel erected in the place, a business in which he has been engaged for a number of years, and which has returned him a handsome income. The following exhibit shows the present standing of the village from a business stand-point: Geisking & Son, general store, have a stock representing several thousand dollars, and are doing a flourishing business. S. F. Smith keeps a general stock of goods which is managed by two clerks, one of whom, Ignatz Helmerbacher, is the present Postmaster. Mr. Smith does not give the business his personal attention, being engaged in railroading and holding an important position on the Vandalia line. Rickets & Bowen keep a general assortment of merchandise, and in addition deal largely in lumber and timber, principally railroad supplies, etc. The millinery establishment of the village is kept by Mrs. Walterson. There are at present three blacksmiths in the town - Fred Meyer, already named, Fred Fischer and H. Schmidt. P.

Leismister keeps a wagon shop; G. Scliurz, boot and shoe maker; Paris GriiSth keeps a hotel - the Shumway House. The post office at this point .was established in the year 1874, with H. Bernard as Postmaster, and for several years went by the name of Tolerance, which afterward changed to Shumway while James McNair had charge of the office. There are in the village three religious organizations, with as many neat temples of worship, which ought to speak much for the morals of the place. The Lutheran Chui-ch, known as the Trinity Congregation, was organized in the year 1804, mainly through the labors of Eev. Mr. Ringer at the Buckeye Schoolhouse, and numbered among its original members the households of the following persons, viz.: William Raetz, Henry Keller, Henry Bernhard, Robert Fulte, Edmund Redloffe, Gotlieb Konrad, Fred Lane, Charles Dunteman, Louis Fulte, F. Quast, Louis Engell, Charles ' Lacherhouse, Gottlieb Weiss and Charles Heiden. The schoolhouse served as a meeting place about seven months, when a small house of worship was erected near by, where the congregation met at intervals till the year 1880, when steps were taken to erect a more commodious structure, and, as the village was thought to be the proper place, it was unanimously decided to build here. The house was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1880, and is the largest audience room in the town. The cost of the building, including furnishing and additional improvements, was about $3,500. The first regular pastor the congregation employed while they met in the first building was Rev. Charles Hartmann, who preached about four years. Rev. Dykoman was pastor one year. Rev. George H. Geickler succeeded Dykeman and remained three years, doing much during his pastorate toward establishing the church upon the firm footing it has since sustained.

Rev. Henry Pence, present pastor, commenced his labors in the year 1876, and has been the regular supply ever since. There are at the present time the names of about forty members in good standing on the church roll, among whom are some of the most substantial citizens of the township. The Sunday school is under the superintendency of the pastor, and is well attended.

The German Methodist CKiurch of Shiunway dates its organization from the year 186U, at which time Rev. Jacob Tanner came into the place, and being actuated by that zeal in the cause of his Master, characteristic of the true Christian, at once went to work and gathered together a little band of disciples, whom he organized into a class. Their names are as follows: John Bramstadt, Jacob Probst and wife, Joachim Futz and wife, Michael Schwadt and wife, and Matthias Beruyas and wife. For a little more than one year, the congregation met for worship at the schoolhouse, where the organization took place, but as their numbers increased, a larger place of meeting became a necessity, and a building was erected in the year 1871, about half mile north of the village. This house was used for seven years, when the church decided to move their organization to the town, and a new building was accordingly erected in the year 1879. This house is frame, will seat about 250 persons, and cost the congregation some $2,000. Since its organization this church has had the following pastors in the order named: Rev. Tanner served one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Cha»les Ghelert, who looked after the spiritual wants of the congregation throe years, and was in turn followed by Rev. F. H. Miller; Miller remained one year, as also did his successor. Rev. George Heiden; Henry Brinkmeier was pastor three years; Rev. William Simon preached three years; Rev. J. P. "Wilhelme two years; Rev. Charles Ghelert again took charge of the church in 1881, and has preached for the congregation ever since. There are at present about thirty-two members. Edward Meyer is Superintendent of the Sunday school, which is one of the most flourishing in the place.

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Shumway was organized in the year 1879 with a membership of about twenty-six families, at a place called Blue Point, one mile west of the village. A comraittee was appointed by the organization to determine on a place of building, and after much discussion, it was finally agreed to erect a house at Shumway, which was accordingly done in the fall of the same year. This building is a tine frame structure, 30x60 feet, well furnished and finished, and cost about $3,000 to complete it. Father Bonifacius was the first pastor of the church, and remained but one year, working hard dm-ing that time to build up the congregation, and much of the present prosperity of the church is due to his labors. Rev. Francis Hasse succeeded, his pastorate extending over a period of little more than four years. The next pastor was Father Fulgencius, who ministered to the church one year and six months, and was succeeded in 1881 by the present pastor Rev. Norbert Wilhelme, a man universally esteemed by all irrespective of church or creed, for his piety, learning and benevolence. Under his care, the congregation has been considerably strengthened, and became one of the strong congregations in this diocese.