Ford County, Illinois - The whole text, 1884 (part 4 of 7)

Anders Nilson, farmer on Section 28, Patton Township, near Farmersville, where he owns eighty acres. He was born the 24th of May, 1880, at Bjurkarna, in Vermland, and emi¬ grated 1858, worked on the railroads near Pontiac, Ill. Chopped wood at Vicksburg; had employment on a saw mill at Mo- Comb, HI., and went to Galesburg; when there, he received information that a party of emigrants, six from Vermland, had arrived in Chicago, and he went there to meet his brother's.fam¬ ily, his brother having fallen a victim of cholera at Quebec. From there he made a trip to Minnesota, but soon returned to Chicago, and found that his brother's family all had died of cholera, and that one Schneidau had been appointed administrator of the property ($1,400 in money the family left). Of this sum Nelson received for himself and his brothers in Sweden (who were the legal heirs), only $200, which Capt. C. M. Lindgren compelled Schneidau to pay him. Schneidau afterward trans¬ ferred his property to Ogden, in Chicago, and the balance dis¬ appeared. With the $200, he went with Capt. Lindgren to Tou¬ lon, and worked on the American Central Railroad, on which L. had contracted to ooroplete. He went in 1855, to Kewanee, and continued to the work on the railroad till 1858, when he went to Chayola, and retarded in 1859, to Kewanee; had various employ¬ ments until 1862, when he made a visit to Sweden, but returned the same year to America. In 1864, he went to the gold mines in Montana, and his efforts were fortunate and successful; returned from there in August of the same year. On this jour¬ ney, he and his oompany nad the misfortune one night to lose their horses, who were stampeded by the Indians, and suf¬ fered from hunger and cold, and had to continue their iourney afoot until they struck the trail running to Pike's Peak, when they were allowed to ride with returning gold-seekers to the Missouri. For a oouple of years he rented land, after his return in the settlement of Beaver, Ill. Bought in 1867, the farm he now resides on, and has sinoe lived there in quiet and peace. Married in 1854, with Anna B. Nelson, from Karlskoga, where¬ from she emigrated in 1854. Has three daughters and two sons; is a Lutheran and Republican. Post office, Paxton, HI.

Gustaf Erik Nelson, farmer on Section 32, Patton Township, owns 160. He was born at Hvena in Malmbhus Lin, 5th of March, 1830. Emigrated 1867, and located at Jamestown, N. Y., where he remained for seven years working around for farm¬ ers, and came to Paxton 1864. Bought at first eighty acres, and has since added eighty acres to it. Married, in 1862, with Anna Simpson from Perlunda. Kalmar Liln ; emigrated 1851. Have one adopted son (Gustaf Nelson). Lutheran and Republican. Post office at Paxton, Ill.

Gustaf R. Nelson, farmer on Section £9, Patton Township (Farmereville), owns eighty acres. Born at Odinsjb. Kalmarian, the 15th of May, 1852 ; emigrated in 1869; came at once to Pax¬ ton, but moved later to Henderson County, 111., where he farmed and returned again to Paxton in 1878, when he bought the farm he now occupies. Married, 1878, with Emma S. Nelson, from Matilla in Linaland, whence she emigrated in 1873. They have one daughter. Lutheran and Republican. Post office Paxton, Ill.

N. H. Pearson, born at Ousby, SkAne, the 4th day of Novem¬ ber, 1843. Emigrated in 1867, and arrived same year at Pax¬ ton, where he has lived ever since, following his trade as carpenter and builder, and been running a shop on his account during the past five years. Elected Alderman in 1878, and served two years, and was re-elected in 1880. Married with Anna Ljungdahl from Verstadin, Sm&land, whence she emigrated 1866. Have three children. Lutheran and Republican.

Gustaf Swenson born the 11th day of September, 1852, at Andershestra of JonkopingsUn, and came to America in 1871 ; has since been employed at farming and blacksmithing; is now in the employ of Nils Dahlgrcn. Lutheran and Republican.

A. E. Sheldon was born the 3d day of October, 1845, in N&ssjo Socken Ostergothland. He emigrated in 1873, and lived at first in Hoopeston one year, and has since resided in Pax¬ ton. He is a shoe-maker by trade, and has since 1875 been a member of the firm of Sheldon A Swanson, dealers and manu¬ facturers of boots and shoes. He was married to Augusta R. Anderson m 1878. They have one son. Ho is a Lutheran and a Republican.

Gustaf Sandburg was born at Lommaryd Sm&land on the 13th of November, 1845. He emigrated in 1868, and came the same year to Paxton, and found employment with a farmer and stayed with him for two years. He learned afterward the wagon-maker's trade, and after six yeare' experience embarked in business, and is now running an extensive wagon and blacksmith shop, and doing a prosperous business. He was married, in 1871, with Hilda Palm, from Frisby, in Jonkbpingslftn, whence she emigrated in in 1869. Two sons and one daughter have been born to them. He is a Lutheran and a Republican.

Peter Swenson was born at W&nga Vestergothland July 21, 1825. He emigrated in 1852, and lived at first in the Southern States, when he moved to La Salle, III., and resided there ten years, and engaged in farming, and came to Rankin, Vermillion Go., III., where he bought 160 acres of land and tilled it till 1878, when he moved to Paxton to live. He was married, in 1857, with Karolina Anderson, from Ljungarum, of Jiinkoping Liln, from whence she emigrated in 1852. They have four children. He is a Lutheran and a Republican.

Church History

The rapid development of this Western oountry and unpar¬ alleled increase of the population of the United States is a marvel among nations. But the genius and polity of the Methodist Episcopal Church has well adapted itself to this age of wonders; for, while the nation's population has increased from about three millions in 1784 to fifty millions or more in 1884, the growth of this denomination has been even more marvelous, increasing in the same time from 14,988 to 1,799,593, or about seven times as rapidly. Under her system "energetic, migratory, itinerant - ex tempore - like the population itself," as soon as the settlers stretched their tents or erected their cabins, they were furnished the privileges of the Gospel. Hence we would expect to see this church eany represented in the history of Ford County. There are thirteen organised societies in the county, viz., Pleasant Grove, Clarence, Paxton, Meharrv's Chapel, Elliott, Center S. H., Gibson City, Sibley, Kempton, Cabery, Piper City, Roberts and Melvin, with an aggregate membership of about eight hundred. There are six church buildings and three parsonages valued at $23,900; thirteen Sunday schools, and 1,274 scholars, and two union schools, in the work of which this denomination shares.

Pleaeant Grove . - The first Methodist Episcopal Society in this territory was organized in 1848, at Trickel Grove, in John Dope' log cabin, consisting of John Dops, class leader, Elihu Daniels, Mathew Elliott, Thomas Short and members of their families.

This was then an appointment in the Danville Circuit. Services were held regularly in this humble home until 1857. Flagg's S. H. was erected when that became the regular preach¬ ing place, and continued to be until the Pleasant Grove Church was built, 1869, very near the spot where Dops' log cabin stood. This society and that at Clarence forms a part of the Rankin Circuit.

HI., and on the first Sunday in May, 1857, Rev. Haunn organ¬ ized a society at the schoolhouse. There appear on the record the names of Mrs. Stites, still living and a member of the church, two of her daughters, Jonathan Co volt, P. W. Cooley and wife, Mrs. Howard Case, Jonas Randolph and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Olmstead, Henry Alvah and wife, and others.

In September, 1857, Rev. E. Dunham, father of J. C. Dun¬ ham, editor of the Paxton Regieter , was appointed to the Paxton Circuit, then composed of the following societies, viz., Paxton, Pleasant Grove, Loda and Patton's School house. At the first quarterly oonferenoe thero wore present Robert Blackstock, Francis Meharry, John Dope, Matthew Elliott, John P. Dops, Jonathan Covolt and Jonas Randolph.

Rev. Dunham did valuable service in 1857-58, and, having settled on a farm north of town, continued to bo an active and honorable member of the church until his-death. The circuit was served consecutively by Rev. W. H. McVey two years, Rev. M. Butler two years, Rev. M. M. Davidson two years. At this time, 1864, the law of the church was changed, extending the pastoral limit to three years.

eat, three years; Rev. W. H. Musgrove, again two years; Rev. J. 8. Akers, two years; Rev. J. Foxworthy, three years, and W. H. Wilder, the present p&stor, who is serving his second year.

During the pastorate of M. M. Davidson, in 1863-64, the present church edifice was erected, at a cost of $8,000. Its au¬ dience room furnishes about. 400 sittings, and the basement is well arranged into Sunday school and class rooms. This society has a resident membership of 200, fairly represented bv such men as Robert Blackstock, A. C. Thompson, Merton Dunlap, J. M. Hanley, J. N. Bondurant, John Spindler, J. P. McCracken, N. B. Day, F. and C. Meharry, James Mercer, R. S. Hall, H.

C. Rawlings, L. Corbly, E. F. Earl, and J. S. Webber and J. B. Con gram, local preachers. It sustains a Sunday school, un¬ der the direction of Merton Dunlap as Superintendent (he has held that position for eleven years), that will compare favorably with the best in enthusiasm and thoroughness of work. They have also a good parsonage property, well located, valued at $1,800, scoured under the Tabors of the present pastor.

Meharry Chapel . - There had been services occasionally at David Patton's residence. Ten Mile Grove, for some years pre¬ vious to 1857, when Stoner's Schoolhouse became the regular appointment until the erection of Meharry's Chapel, four miles west of Paxton, in the early part of the summer of 1864. This was the first church built in Ford County. It cost $1,400, which was principally contributed by Robert Blackstock and F. Meharry, who, it should be remembered, contributed also very liberally toward the erection of the church in Paxton about the same time. Services have been held here regularly every two weeks, the preacher in charge at Paxton having pastoral oversight.

Gibeon . - Like many railroad towns of the prairie, Gibson sprang up as if by magic. Methodism, however, was early on the ground, and has been as energetic and enterprising as the village. The first regular servioe was held in the depot, and af¬ terward in Gilmore's Hall, until the present church building was ereoted, under the pastorate of Rev. Job Ingram, in 1872, at a cost of about $2,500. Such has been the growth of the society that the present church building is too small to accommodate either its congregations or Sunday school. The membership of the society is 150, and it sustains the largest Sunday school in the oounty, largely through the efficiency of C. C. Oliver, its former Superintendent. The total value of church and parson¬ age property is not less than $3,500.

The writer is not able to give the names of the members of the present Quarterly Conference, therefore mention is made of only a few who are known to be representative men, such as M. T. Burwell, I. H. French, A. Crabbs, F. W. Beardsley. William Moyer, L. W. Crosthwait, Sunday school Superintendent, and

Sibley. - The Sibley society was organized in 1879. Rev. M. C. Wilcox was its first pastor, and the following names appear on the record as original members: W. A. Bicket and wife, W. A. Pawley and wife, John Smale, Sr., and wife, Robert Smale and wife, Miss Margaritte Smale and John Smale. It now has a membership of fifty-one, and supports an active Sunday school of ninety scholars. S. P. Alford is pastor.

Center Schoolhouse is located in Wall Township about four miles north of Meharry's Chapel in the midst of a well-to do'and intelligent farming community. While preaching services havo been held here for more than two years occasionally, it was not until in the latter part of the year 1882, I think, that the organi¬ zation of a society was effected by J. L. Miller, a very promising young man, who traveled the Loda Circuit under the Presiding Elder.

Roberts and Melvin. - The Roberts and Melvin Circuit repre¬ sents church and personal property valued at $5,700, a member¬ ship of 110, and two schools with 208 scholars enrolled. J. N. Anderson is pastor.

Piper City.* - The Piper City church is in a flourishing con¬ dition. It has 110 members, 100 Sunday school scholars, and church property valued at $2,000.

The societies at Clarence, Cabery and Elliott have no church property, but they have regular preaching and each sustains a good Sunday school.

First Congregational Churchy Paxton. - This church was or¬ ganized January 10, 1858. At this time the city of Paxton was called Prospect City. The church was organized in the name of the Union Church of Christ of the Middle Fork of Vermillion River. Both the namee of the church and the city were subse¬ quently changed. The one to the First Congregational and the other to Paxton. Rev. Charles Granger, of Urbana, Champaign Co., Ill., was invited by Rev. William W. Blanchard and others, to come to this new field and preach and labor to build up a church of the Congregational order. lie came in the spring of 18 <7, and labored faithfully and successfully, preaching in the schoolhouse, a small building, now finished into a private resi¬ dence, and also at different places on the south side of the Mid¬ dle Fork of the Vermillion River in private residences.

His labors resulted in the organization of the church above named. Owing to the extent of the field, all the friends inter¬ ested in the church were not present at its organization. But eight persons entered into covenant and constituted what is now the First Congregational Church of Paxton. The meeting was held at the house of William A. Goodrich. Rev. Charles Granger was moderator, and opened the exercises with religious services. The following are the names of the persons who entered into covenant: Charles Granger, E. Granger, William W. Blanchard, Elizabeth Blanchard, Charles Wall, William A. Goodrich, Betsy A. Goodrich and Loretta Goodrich. Mr. Granger continued to preach for about four years. His labors were blessed with precious revival influences, and quite a number were added to the church, some of whom are still valuable members of the church, and others of precious memory have left us to join the glorious church above. Mr. Granger was at¬ tacked with paralysis, which terminated his labors. He and wife are still members of the church; he is now over eighty years old and is living in peaceful retirement, often writing for Christian papers, and is respected by all who know him. The church was then left without preaching, and brother William W. Blanchard induced Rev. E. O. 'fade, of Loda, to preach for us once a month at 8 o'clock P. M., until we could make permanent arrangements. Mr. Tade was a very young man; his work was good and well received. Brother David Martin, who came to us from La Salle County, recommended Rev. George Schlosser, of Lockport, as an able and faithful minister. After some months' correspondence between Rev. William W. Blanchard and brother Schlosser, the church extended to him a unanimous call; he accepted and entered upon his labors September 1, 1868, and closed his pastorate August 19, 1866, lacking but little of three years. His pastorate was remarkably blessed ; his work was at¬ tended by several precious revivals, und from small numbers the church was greatly enlarged. Under his pastorate the present church edifice was built, and by vote of the church Rev. J. Blauchard, President of Wheaton College, preached the dedica¬ tion sermon. The occasion was one of genoral interest. This history would be defective, indeed, if some of its steadfast friends, who did much, were overlooked. J. P. Day and R. Clark and others have stood by it, and done for it, and given to it, and has greatly assisted it to do the good it has done.

After Brother Schlosser's resignation, Rev. William Kopp, Professor in Augustana College, was employed as a supply until u pastor could be obtained. Prof. Kopp was a man of unusual intelligence and amiability ; well did he fill his calling. There were none but respected and loved him. He died in Pittsburgh, soon after, a martyr to his faithfulness in the service of Christ. At this time Prof. Bliss, the singing Evangelist, who perished at Ashtabula, Ohio, who has a monument erected to his memory by the Sabbath school children who sung his songs, recommended Rev. Israel Brundnge. pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, Broome Co., N. Y., a suitable man for pastor, and available. It resulted in a correspondence, the extension of a unanimous call, and an acceptance. Brother Brundage com¬ menced his labors in April, 1867, and closed his pastorate Janu¬ ary 1, 1874, wanting but little of seven years.

Brother Brundage will stand in the first class of Christian pas¬ tors. His presence was a joy ; his influence a benediction ; his work a success. He buried his companion while here, who was greatly esteemed by the people. His youngest child was born and he was married a second time here. He is greatly endeared to this people. He was called to the Presbyterian Church in Rochelle hi the northern part of this State, through the influence of Horace Ilolcom, Esq., who was formerly a member of this church, and is now an Elder in the Presbyterian Church in Ro¬ chelle. Brother Brundage, during his ten years' absence, has several times visited us, and has twice been called to come and conduct the funeral services of ardent friends, and once to help install our present pastor. Such a passage in the history of our church we all love to contemplate, yes and angels may well do the same.

Soon after the-resignation of Brother Brundage, Rev. Theo¬ dore Clifton was called to supply the pulpit. He resigned his pastorate October 31, 1875, to accept a call to the Mayflower Congregational Church of St. Louis, Mo , where he still preaches. After quite a period had elapsed in which there was only occasional preaching, Rev. B. F. Sargeant received and accepted a call to become a pastor of the church Juno 20, 1877, and resigned his pastorate November 15, 1879, a little over two years continuance. It was Brother Sargeant's first charge. He was a young man of promise; he has now for several years been a successful pastor in Grand Rapids, Mich. Rev. B. F. Worrel, who was residing in Paxton, supplied the pulpit until the church could obtain a pastor. October 6, 1880, a call was extended to Rev. M. S. Crasswell to become the pastor of the church, and was accepted. He resigned September 17, 1882. But few churches are ever blessed with a more faithful and devoted pastor. There was a precious revival during his ministry. The church had quite an accession to its strength and numbers, and was left perfectly united and on lov¬ ing terms with the pastor, and our united prayers and kind feel¬ ings follow him to his present charge at Independence, Iowa.

December 10, 1882, the church extended a unanimous call to Rev. Edmund Y. Garrette, of Oak Park, to become their pas¬ tor. February 18, 1883, he accepted the call, and July 12,1883, was installed pastor, and has continued with the church until the present time to the entire satisfaction of the church and commu¬ nity.

Mr. Garrette has both culture and experience, having substanced the most responsible pastorates in leading churches, and with a divine blessing upon his labors, he will do us great good both as a church and a community of churches. This history will be closed with the remark that we can see the Divine hand leading the church through all the past, and trusting to the same guiding band, we hope to see it led down through the distant future, growing in grace ahd strength, and scattering blessings broadcast on all within its influence.

The names of those who have served as Superintendents of the Sunday school are as follows: Henry R. Daggett, Oscar H. Carr, Norman E. Stevens, and John B. Shaw, who is the present Superintendent. The other officials are : Deacons - O. H. Carr, George L. Thompson; Trustees - R. A. McCracken, Randolph Cruzen, A. L. Clark, J. P. Day; Treasurer - O. H. Carr; Clerk - J. B Shaw.

The United Presbyterian Churchy Paxton.* - Early in the history of Paxton (then Prairie City) some United Presbyterians, feeling the want of a public worship accord¬ ing to their own conscientious convictions, united their ef¬ forts, and, in 1856, secured the services of Rev. J. P. Smart (Associate Reformed), of Xenia, Ohio, who preached the first sermon in the grove called " Ten-Mile Grove " near the Hanley homestead. We sang at that meeting the forty sixth and one hundred and twenty-first Psalms. Mr. Smart remained and preached the next Sabbath at Loda in a schoolhouse. Mrs. Mar¬ garet Hanley, who was visiting, was present at both of these meetings. An effort was made at the meeting of our church board in 1857 to secure aid and supplies, but failed. Application was then made to the Bloomington Presbytery, and thev sent us an aged man, Rev. Pollock, who preached two Sabbaths fur us, and that was all the preaching we had till the spring of 1858, when Rev. Hugh McIIatten visited and preached for two Sabbaths, morning and night, in a little schoolhouse (the first in Paxton). Our town was now called Prospect City. During this year wo made application to the General Assembly for aid and for a min¬ ister, but again failed, though not at all discouraged. Again we applied to the Presbytery, and were supplied about one-third of the time until the last of the year. The supplies were Revs. Brownlee, Black, Jeffries and Pinkerton. At a called meeting of the Bloomington Presbytery of the United Presbyterian Synod of Illinois, held in Peoria August 23, 1859, J. W. Pin¬ kerton was appointed to organize our congregation at Prospect City, Ford County, III. On the first Sabbath of October, 1859, he preached by appointment, and on Monday, the 3d of October, 18 '>9, the organization took place at the resi¬ dence of Alexander Hanley, now occupied by Rodeen (groceryman). The following persons were admitted as members on certificate: Hugh Andrews, Ruling Elder, and Ruth An¬ drews, his wife; Eliza Law, their daughter, all from the United Presbyterian congregation of Xenia, Ohio; from the same congregation, A. H. Hanley and Elizabeth K. Hanley, his wife, Miss Ella Hanley (now Mrs. McElroy), his sister, Mre Mary £ McHrojr - .. - - -

Margaret Hanley, his mother, and Miss Belle Alexander, from the United Presbyterian congregation of Codarville, Ohio. Mr. Hugh Andrews was elected Elder. The following came into the church by profession, as they did not have their certificates in possession : Alexander L. Elliott. William McClelland, James Canning and Mary Canning, his wife. Then the following per¬ sons were chosen as Ruling Elders: A. II. Hanley, A. L. Elliott and William McClelland. At the next meeting of the Presby¬ tery, Rev. Pinkerton, our minister, was examined and ordained. Next Saturday, October 8, prior to communion, J. M. Ilsnley was admitted by examination. Rev. Hugh McIIatten was sent once a year to preach for us. This was now 1860. We re¬ ceived $250 from the board, and now held services and regular prayer meetings in Hanley's hall. Rev. McIIatten was an earnest, faithful minister. In March, 1861, we called Rev. R. McCracken; wo now had nineteen or twenty members. The church grew rapidly, and Juno 29 following we had thirty eight communicants and twenty two families. Rev. John Trusdalc was next called. The court house now being finished, we worshiped there till the present church edifice was built. We held union prayer meetings in those days. During Rev. John Trusdnlc's ministry the present church edifice was dedicated in 1867. The dedication sermon was preached by Dr. Wallace (now de¬ ceased), then President of Monmouth College. The audience was very large, and liberally assisted in wiping out a portion of the indebtedness. The original cost of the building was about $9,000, which was entirely erased during the ministration of Rev. E. D. Campbell. In 1871, Rev. Trusdale was released, leaving us with 175 members; we then had supplies till 1872, when a call was made to Rev. William Richie and accepted bv him October 8. He labored earnestly for us till 1877, begingining with 120 members, and leaving us with 116. Again we had supplies till a call was accepted by Rev. E. D. Campbell, who was our under-shepherd for about three years. A lecture room was built and furnished, where wo now hold our prayer meetings; it is used also by the infant Sunday school class. The audience room was newly carpeted, and various other improve¬ ments were made. Rev. E. D. Campbell and his amiable wife were zealous, Christian workers. He was reluctantly released in the spring of 1881, and again we had supplies till the. fall of the same year, when a call was unanimously made to Rev. T. G. Morrow and accepted by him. During last year, other improve¬ ments were made in and about the church, and we feel that his labors among us are being greatly blessed. He, with his estima¬ ble wife, are entering zealobsly into every work of the church, are seeking to save the lost, and to build up those already saved in a fuller experience of the Gospel of Christ, teaching them to be fearless/advocates of the truth. The only remaining member who was present at the first organization is Sirs. M. E. McElroy, who still occupies the pew used by her mother. The latter died in 1876. Wo have a live, working, self-supporting Sunday school, which, with the members of Hie church, subscribed and paid $1,000 to the United Presbyterian quarterly centennial fund during the year 1883. The ladies of the United Presbyte¬ rian Churcb have vory interesting missionary meetings held in the lecture rooms of the church on the last Saturday of each month. They all seem to be imbued with a true missionary spirit, and enjoy the fulfillment of the words of our Savior, " It is more blessed to give than to receive;" and though now our numbers are reduced by death and emigration we are not dis¬ couraged, but have abundant reasons to thank our kind Father for the many blessings of the past. May we hear His voice say¬ ing unto us, " Go forward, and let the church still pray for us that we may have grace given to continue in the way we have begun." This is a parent as well as a pioneer church. Three churches are largely indebted to it for their members - Loda, or¬ ganized September 18, 1867; Sugar Branch, November 13, 1867; and Hoopeston, May 5, 1872; and it still stands to do battle for a pure Christianity and a plain Gospel worship. This is her mission, and until this mission is accomplished our prayer is, " May peace be within thy walls and prosperity within thy palaces." Names of members Juno 29, 1861 : A. H. Hanley, Elizabeth K. Hanley, Margaret Hanley, Mary E. Hanley, John M. Hanley, Belle Alexander, Martha Hall, William McClelland, Catharine McClelland, Samuel Gray, Mary J. Gray, Mathew Templeton, Sarah Templeton, Ella Templeton, Robert McFar¬ land, Elenor McFarland, Alexander T. Elliott, Sarah Elliott, Elizabeth Lord, Mary Lord and Isabella Lord, John Love and Elizabeth Love, Joseph Smith, John Lynn, Martha Lynn, Jane Kirkwood, James Tibley, Elizabeth Parks, Samuel Gordon, Ma¬ ria Gordon, Robert Nelson, Mary Martin, Mary Morris, Marga¬ ret Wells, Rev. Robert McCracken and Elizabeth McCracken. The present officers of the church are: Trustees, William T. Westbrook, William Stewart, Mitchell A. Karr. Session, Sam¬ uel Baird, James S. Wilson, A. L. Cherry, Weaver White. Pas¬ tor, Rev. T. G. Morrow; Superintendent of Sabbath School, A. L. Cherry.

Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Churchy Paxton.* - In 1863, the Directors of the Augustana College and Theological Sem¬ inary concluded to remove that institution from Chicago, Ill. An offer from the I. C. Railroad Company, giving some inducements in lands, was accepted, and accordingly the above-named institu¬ tion was located at Paxton, Ill.

Soon after this the Swedes emigrated here very fast. On the 3d day of June, 1863, Dr. T. N. llasselquist called a meeting for the purpose of organizing a congregation, which meeting was held, and the organization accomplished.

Until 1865, the services were held in the public school build¬ ing. This building was finally purchased, and put in suitable order for the place of worship. As the membership increased rapidly, it was soon found to be too small, and, in 1872, the pres¬ ent church was built. This building is 45x100 feet, with a spire 100 feet high. The cost was over #10,000, with an* additional expense of $700 for scats. In 1884, a new pipe organ was pur¬ chased for $1 ,200. This is a very fine instrument. Besides the j regular church building, the congregation has a schoolhouse worth $1,000. The latter is used for the Swedish school, prayer meet¬ ings, business meetings, sewing society, etc. The congregation also has a parsonage on College Hill, worth $2,000. The hours of services are as follows: Sundays, Sabbath school, 9:30 A. M.; preaching 10:30 A. M.; teachers' meeting, 3 P. M.; evening preaching, 7:30 P. M.; also preaching Wed¬ nesday evenings and prayer meeting Friday evenings. The membership is the largest in the city, and in 1874 num¬ bered 513 communicants, and 851 baptized members. After 1874, when the Augustana College was removod to Rock Island, III., a large number of the Swedish citizens left Paxton for Rock Island.

This reduced the church membership, and three years later a few went out of the congregation, and started what is known as the Mission Church, so that in 1879 the members numbered only 800 to 400.

Tho founder of the congregation, Prof. T. N. Ilassclquist, was its pastor until 1874, at which time he was obliged to leave and follow the Augustana College and Theological Seminary to Rock Island, he being President of that institution for nearly a quarter of a century.

Dr. ilassclquist came to America in 1852, and wherever he has been pastor he has started new congregations and has built up large memberships before he left He is a highly educated man, and a hard worker, having been an ordained minister for nearly fifty years. His age is about seventy years. By his uprightness, steadfastness ana long experience in the Lord's service, he has won the hearts of the peoplo, and whenever spe¬ cial public services are to take place he is always called upon to be present. In his younger days, he was an excellent singer as well as speaker. The Swedish people in this country, and espe¬ cially the Augustana Synod are greatly indebted to him for the prosperity of the religious and educational interests.

In 1863, he started the college in Paxton with seven students, and the same institution to day has 200 students. The Augus¬ tana Synod, which came into existence in 1853, has a member¬ ship of 80,000. Notwithstanding his ago, he has charge of the congregation at Rock Island, also in charge of the theological department of tho college, teaching several hours every week. Ilo is also editor of the weekly paper, which is the organ of the synod. Besides all this he has much traveling to do.

IIis successor in 1874, as pastor of the church at Paxton, was Rev. N. Th. Winquist, who remained until 1878, whon Rev. A. Edgren, the present pastor, took his place.

The church officers are as follows: Deacons, A. W. Kjellstrand, G. Aspergren, C. J. Johnson, P. G. Peters, C. A. Ander¬ son ; A.J. Lawrence, Secretary; Trustees, F. J. Johnson, Peter Anderson, Samuel Engstrom ; Sexton, August Warner; Organ¬ ist, Miss Clara Egnell; Secretary Sunday school, Carl Nordgren; Treasurer, C. G. A. Kjellstrand.

The Swedish Lutheran Mission Church, Paxton - This church was organized in November, 1878, with a membership of seventy. Rev. A. P. Palmquist was the first pastor. For a time services were held in a hall until the present church lots were purchased at an expense of $600, and a church building was erected at an expense of $1,500. The members being compara¬ tively few in numbers, and at that time not wealthy, they re¬ ceived assistance from the Swedish Lutheran Mission Synod. The church was built in 1879, and in 1881 the members num¬ bered 140, with thirty Sunday school scholars.

The foregoing facta were furnished by the pastor. The church is evidently in a prosperous condition, and its membership in¬ cludes many of the leaaing business men of Paxton and a large number of prosperous farmers.

The Presbyterian Church,* Paxton. - This church was or¬ ganized November 1,1867, by a committee of the Presbytery of Bloomington, consisting of Rev. Alexander G. Wilson and Elder W. P. Pierson.

The organization was made in response to a petition from a number of the residents of Paxton, who, having been reared as Presbyterians, desired to continue in that faith and order. Twen¬ ty-three persons were received by letter from various churches, principally in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The Sabbath following,

Joseph E. Hall and Charles R. Strauss were ordained and in¬ stalled Elders of the new church, and Benjamin Q. Cherry and James D. Kilgore, Deacons.

The place of organization was Clark'9 Hall; and services were continued there until July, 1873, when the congregation moved into their new house of worship, erected on the southeast corner of Vermillion and Centre streets.

The two lots on which it stands were donated by Mr. William Pells, and the church, in addition to their own struggle with limited means, had the kindly assistance of several persons not members in the erection of the building. It is in the Gothic style, with rose-windows in the front and rear, and colored windows on each side, the latter the gift of individuals and of classes in the Sab¬ bath school, and of some of the sister churches in the town.

For the first year, preaching was enjoyed about once a month. In the spring of 1869, Rev. J. A. Calhoun was elected the first pastor, and continued his services one year. From July, 1870, to April, 1871, Rev. Mr. Noerr ministered to the people. Different ministers supplied in the interim between April, 1871, and 1872. In spring of 1872, Rev. J. L. McNair was elected pas¬ tor, and was with the church until April, 1875. Another va¬ cancy dependent on supplies, during which Rev. C. H. Blanchard supplied the church one year. Rev. A. F. Irwin served as pas¬ tor from April, 1877, to January 1, 1881. Tho ensuing year, Rev. E. B. Miner served as stated supply. In November, 1682, Rev. John Barbour commenced supplying tho pulpit, and re¬ mained with tho church until April, 1884 - from April, 1883, as pastor-elect.

Tho Sabbath school was organized May, 1869, at Clark's Hall. It numbers at present about one hundred attendants, an unusual number of these are adults in the Bible classes. Mr. C.

The Ladies' Aid Society has been a valuable arm of the church. To its energy and pluck it is largely due that the church has been entirely free from debt.

There are three missionary societies - the Ladies', devoted to the work of foreign missions; the Young Ladies', to that of home missions; and the Childrens' Society, sending on their pennies to the cause. The present enterprise of the church is the erection of a parsonage, which they hope to secure.

The present number of members is ninety. The church has been an active and devoted one, but has lost heavily by the de¬ parture of many families to the West. They have recently re¬ papered their beautiful church, thoroughly re-organized their financial system upon tho weekly plan, and are bearing right on undiscouraged. The same Divine Grace which has sent them more than one refreshing shower is confidently relied on still.

First Baptist Church , Paxton, was organized January 10, 1872, with sixteen members. The officers were: Benjamin Ferris and H. S. Reed, Deacons ; George Stamp, Clerk ; H. S. Reed, B. Ferris and George W. Emory, Trustees. During the summer of 1872, the church purchased and fitted up the old Swedish Lutheran Meeting House, now located on the corner of Pells and Union streets, ft cost with the lot upward of $3,000. Rev. I.

In 1877 and 1878, the church became much reduced, but in the winter of 1878-79, Rev. W. B. M. Colt held a series of very successful meetings. In March, 1879, Rev. D. F. Carnahan be¬ came pastor and received quite a large accession, mainly the re¬ sults of the preceding meetings. Elder Carnahan has continued in the pastoral relation, and now resides in Paxton. There have been received during his pastorate seventy-three members. The church now numbers ninety-six, and is very prosperous.

The church belongs to the main body of Baptists, of whom there are in the United States 2,374,339 members. The only peculiarity of this church is that an unusual number of its mem¬ bers profess what is known as the " holiness " or higher life ex¬ perience, but this does not affect their standing in the denomina¬ tion. The church belongs to the Gilman Baptist Association. Its officers are: Pastor, D. F. Carnahan; Deacons, Benjamin Ferris and H. B. Ferguson; Clerk, A. L. Ferris ; Trustees, B. Ferris. H. B. Ferguson, Curtis Steward. Sunday School Superintendent, B. Ferris; Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. D. F. Carnahan.

A Baptist Church by the name of Grand Prairie was organ¬ ized here in 1857. Thomas Townley, B. Ferris and O. P. Mc¬ Cain yrith their wives, and also Levi Jennings were members. Rev. A. C. Edwards was ordained and resided here. Rev. Mar¬ tin Blankinship also preached for the church. Meetings were kept up till 1860, but then all the members having moved away except Deacon Ferris and family, the church ceased to exist.

The foregoing history was written about two years ago, but there has been no material change since that time, except the de¬ parture of their excellent pastor, Mr. Carnahan. At the present time services are held only occasionally, except prayer meetings and Sunday school, which occur as usual.

Gibson

F. S. Church, Mrs. F. S. Church, Mrs. Mary Cornell, Mrs. Mary E. Davis, James Elliott, Mrs. James Elliott, Joseph H. Elliott, E. Haas, Mrs. E. Haas, W. T. Kerr, Mrs. W. T. Kerr, Mrs. William Moyer, Mrs. Lucy Robbins, Charles E. Wilson, Mrs. Charles E. Wilson and a few others composed the first membership. W. T. Kerr was the first leader.

N. L. Sears. Mrs. N. L. Sears, Austin Crabbs, Mrs. Austin Crabbs, M. T. Harwell, Mrs. M. T. Burwell, soon afterward united. The church edifice, valued at $2.01)0, was erected in 1873. It was dedicated by Rev. Samuel Fallows, D. D., Sep¬ tember, 1874.

The first Trustees were James Elliott, F. S. Church, W. T. Kerr, E. Haas, and Charles E. Wilson. The present Trustees (1884) are Austin Crabbs, F. W. Beardsley, William Moyer, Rev. II. M. Haff, L. M. Crosthwait, I. II. French, Fred Potts, E. S. Ross and M. T. Burwell.

The following in the order given are the ministers who have served the church: Rev. Job Ingram, Rev. A. C. Byerly, Rev. M. Auer, Rev. E. A. Hamilton, Rev. W. F. Gilmore, Rev. II. M. Haff, Rev. Joseph Long, Rev. T. M. Dillon and Rev. James C. Brainerd.

The Sunday school was organized March, 1873. The Su¬ perintendents have been W. T. Kerr, Jesse Hubbard, Miss Kubic A. Sears, Austin Crabbs, C. C. Oliver and L. M. Cros¬ thwait. It is now the largest and is considered one of the most flourishing and best conducted schools in Ford County.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church , Gi!>son , was or¬ ganized in 1877 by Rev. Aaron Ward. The original members were Mark Anthony, Melissa Anthony, Bettio Manson, Ellen Smith, Allen Spickard and wife. The church building was erected in 1879, the estimated value being $600. Rev. Henry Brown is the present pastor.

First Presbyterian Church , Gibson. - The organization of this church took place on Saturday, October 28,1871, in Union Schoolhouse, five miles northwest of Gibson. Rev. R. A. Criswell, of Normal, Elders O. Scott, of Farmer City, and Henry Rayburn, of Say brook, constituted the committee appointed by the Presbytery of Bloomington to effect the organization of the society. To the Rev. Crisswell belongs the honor of calling the attention of tho Presbytery to this field for the establishment of a church, and to his faithful labors in earlier years its existence is due. Tho original members were Fabius Fleming, Mary B. Fleming, Will¬ iam S. Graham, Ruth S. Graham, Ruth E. Gilmore, Martha Moyer, J. Wiley Moore, Isabelle H. Moore, Sarah E. McKecncr, David Newman, James Parr, Mrs. E. F. Parr, John W. Rodgers, Mary A. Rodgers, James M. Sudduth, Amanda Sudduth, Alice Sudduth, Sarah J. West, William Sudduth. Some time in July, 1874, the foundation for a Gothic frame, designed by G. P. Randall, of Chicago, was laid, but, owing to a threatened failure of the com crop, work was post¬ poned till September, when, the prospect looking brighter, work was resumed ; but various and vexatious delays prevented the completion till July, 1875. The building is valued at $3,500, and furniture at about $800. The Rev. R. A. Crisswell acted as pastor from the organization till October, 1875. Thereafter, for three years, the congregation was dependent upon temporary supplies - chiefly students from the Northwestern Theological Seminary. Rev. F. W. Iddings acted as pastor for about six months during this time, and Rev. R. M. Stevenson about one year. In the spring of 1878, Rev. T. F. Boyd was called as pastor, and served nearly a year. In the spring of 1879, Rev. H. Vallette Warren assumed pastoral chargo of the church, which relation he still sustains. The original Elders were J. Wiley Moore, Fab¬ ius Fleming. The former still acts as Ruling Elder in the church. Mr. Fleming served eight years, and until his depart¬ ure for the West. The Deacons were James Parr and John W. Rodgers, tho latter serving throe years, until his removal West. Mr. Parr still retains his office.

The present Board of Elders is composed of J. Finley Speers, Matthew Speedie, John B. Foley, Charles Saxton and T. B. Strauss. Trustees, William H. Guthrie, William J. Wilson, George W. Eggleston, T. D. Spaulding and T. B. Strauss ; Pas¬ tor, Rev. H. P. Fullenweider; Treasurer, T. B. Strauss.

It may not be out of place to mention here some of the diffi¬ culties which opposed the church in its early history, taken from a brief sketch written by Dr. J. M. Waters: "The congrega¬ tion was widely scattered through the country, the roads were new and frequently almost impassable, and thcro were so few members in town that it seemed impracticable to sustain a prayer¬ meeting. When there was preaching, it was only on alternate Sabbaths, and the minister was unable to spend much time be¬ yond the Sabbath with them. The Elders, like everybody else in tho new community, were busy with necessary secular work, and for a long time the congregation hardly knew such a thing as pa9ton*l care. The members meeting only on the Sabbath, and often prevented for long periods from this by unfavorable weather and bad roads, remained almost strangers to each other, and were slow to acquire that sympathy and confidence in each other which better acquaintance would have bred. For such causes they sometimes felt even weaker than they really were. The members were poor, almost all in debt, and these early years of the church were times of general financial stringency, becoming gradually worse. In the winter of 1876, men of good credit paid 18 per cent in bank for money.'*

Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Gibson. - The Cumber¬ land Presbyterian Church of Gibson was formerly organized un¬ der the name of the Hopewell congregation, at Drummer Grove Schoolhouse. one mile northwest of Gibson. The original organi¬ zation was effected December 19, 1868, by the Rev. J. R. Lowrance, now of Lincoln, 111., with the following members, twentytwo in all: James Houston, Matthew Speedie, Isabella Speedie, James M. More, James J. Houston, Jane J. Houston, Catharine Gilchrist, William S. Thompson, Agnes M. Thompson, B. II. McClure, James M. McClure, John T. McClure, Jane A. Mc¬ Clure, Susan E. McClure, Hattie N. McClure, Finis W. McClure, Francis McClure, Augusta McClure, T. B. Crigler, Sarah Crigler, Martha More, Ann Crigler. Under the care of Mackinaw Presby¬ tery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, yet without a set¬ tled pastor, the congregation continued to worship at the abovenamed schoolhouse until the winter of 1872, when the need of a church building more folly asserted itself. Accordingly, at a meeting of the congregation on the 14th of April, 1873, it was determined to enter at once upon the erection of a suitable house for worship, and three trustees were elected, subscriptions taken, and the work started. The names of the Trustees elected at this meeting were : John T. McClure, Winston Sleeks and T. D. Spaulding, and to this date the first named has continued to serve the congregation as one of its trustees. Agreeable to the genius of the vote of the meeting of April 14, 1873, the building now oc¬ cupied by the congregation, situated on North Church street, was erected at a cost of 62,600. The present value of the property is estimated at the same figure, $2,o00.

Pastors. - From the date of organization, December 19,1869, to March, 1873, the congregation was supplied with the preached word and means of grace by several ministers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, notably among which appears the name of Rev. S. E. Hudson, now of Lincoln, Ill.; but the first resident pastor in charge was the Rev. R. T. Marlow, who served the con¬ gregation from March, 1873, to June, 1875. Here we find an interval of two years, during which time the congregation was without a regular pastor. In April, 1877, an engagement was made with Rev. L. P. Deatherage, for six months, at the expira¬ tion of which time he was again employed for the ensuing year. In September, 1878, from some cause not named in session rec¬ ords, we find the pulpit again vacant; and an agreement was made soon thereafter with Rev. J. C. Van Patton to fill it once a month. This arrangement continued in force until the winder of 1879, when a correspondence was opened with the Rev. A. C. Biddle, then a student at Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tenn., resulting in his employment from July 1, 1880.

Officers. - At the organization of the congregation in 1869, the Board of Elders was as follows: B. H. McClure, Matthew Speedie, T. B. Crigler and James J. Houston; and the name of B. H. McClure appeare as its first representative in the sittings of Mackinaw Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. To this original Board of Elders were added other names, by election and ordination, as follows: John C. Wilson and William Gilchrist, October 4, 1874; James M. McClure, July 18, 1880.

Officers for 1884 - Elders, B. H. McClure, J. C. Wilson, J. J. Houston and J. M. McClure; Deacons, Robert Jardine, Nel¬ son B. Taylor, John M. Baily and C. H. Buckman; Trustees, John T. McClure, John H. Collier and Robert Talbot; Treas¬ urer, J. M. Baily ; Pastor, Rev. Madden, to take the charge July

United Brethren in Christ of Gibson. - The organization is of recent date. In the year 1875, the quarterly conference of the Elliott charge appointed a Board of Trustees, consisting of C. J. Buckner, J. C. Thornton, Petor Maine, Sr., Rev. L. L. Rine¬ hart, and John Wagner, Esq., to take under advisement the feas¬ ibility of building a church house for the United Brethren in Christ in Gibson. There was at this time no society of said church in Gibson, and only one of the newly appointed trus¬ tees lived here. In the following August Mr. C. J. Buchmer, seconded bv only a few friends, began the erection of what is now known as the " Brethren Church in Gibson," and on the 8th day of January following, 1876, it was finished and dedicated to the service of God. The building is forty-four feet long, thirty feet wide, and eighteen feet ceiling. It has a belfry and a vestibule, and cost $1,850.

This thenceforth became one of the appointments of the El¬ liott charge, the other three afore Elliott, Antioch Schoolhouse and the Wagner appointment. Rev. F. R. Mitchcl was the pas¬ tor, serving his second year on the charge. During the year 1876 he organized a United Brethren society, in Gibson, consist¬ ing of the following members: C. J. Buchmer and wife, Mrs. Mary Emmons, Peter and Elisabeth Maine, husband and wife, Mr. M. Kerr and wife, Rev. L. L. Rinehart and wife, and two children, Miss Hattie and Samuel, Howard Griffith, Elisabeth Griffith, Laura Griffith, Sidna Griffith and Maria Griffith, Mr.

Remaining a part of the Elliott charge until last fall, 1883, when it was made a station, it was favored with preaching, on an average, once in two weeks During this time it had tho follow¬ ing pastors: 1876, Rev. F. R. Mitchel; Rev. A. Wimsett, served part of the year 1877 ; 1878, in succession, Revs. J. Corley, A. Wimsett, and Miss Julia Potter; 1879, Rev. Z. T. Hatfield; in 1880, Rev. L. L. Rinehart; in 1881, Rev. J. Corley ; 1882, Rev. J. W. Moats; in 1883, Rev. A. C. Scott; 1881, Rev. P. H. Wagner. In the year 1882, Rev. J. Corley served as pastor on tho rest of the charge, and Rev. J. W. Moats preached to the Gibson society alone. During 1883, Rev. A. C. Scott served

' Tho officers of the society have been as follows: Leader, C. J. Buckner, has been the Class Leader consecutively since its organization, except one year, John Aaron, Jr., served.

Stewards - Only a partial list is here given in an irregular order ; Peter Maine, Sr., George Hawthorne, W. E. McMullen, O. Bruder, Rev. L. L. Rinehart, William Estico, Howard Griffeth.

Trustees - First board as given above. In 1880, C. J. Buch¬ ner, Peter Maine, Sr., O. Bruder; 1884, W. E. McMullen, O. Bruder and Samuel Emmons. The society at the time of its or¬ ganization in 1876, consisted of seventeen members. It has been blessed with liberal successive additions since, but these have been in a great measure offset by very numerous deaths and re¬ movals. It has been favored with some excellent revival seasons, and has maintained a reputation of being a live, spiritual society. Its present membership is seventy-one, of which seventeen were received during the past winter (January, 1884).

It is carrying on a good live Sabbath school, which has had a consecutive existence since 1876. Its first Superintendent was Rev. J. H. Mulholland, and its present one is Mr. C. J. Buchner. In addition to its Sabbath services, the Sabbath school has a weokly Friday night teachers' meeting. The school is amply supplied with literature, manned with a competent corps of officers and teachers.

The society stands identified, more or less intimately, with all reformative movements of the day, believing the Gospel to be the great corrector of all the wrongs and irregularities of human so¬ ciety.

Its meetings of various kinds are as follows: Preachings, Sabbath 11 o'clock A. M., 8 P. M. Prayer meetings, Wednesday night. Young people's Bible reading, Thursday night. Official meeting, monthly, second Tuesday in each month. Quarterly meeting every three months. Sabbath school 10 A. M. In its government, strictly republican. All its officers elected by a majority vote of society.

Piper City

The Methodist Episcopal Church , Piper City* was organ¬ ized by Rev. J. B. Dille wnile he was pastor of the Chatsworth charge about the year 1866, and was connected with that charge until the fall of 1870. Until then the Piper City class was served

Piper City charge was formed in 1870 by Rev. G. R. Palmer, then Presiding Elder of Onarga district, and embraced Piper City, a schoolhouse known as Mount Zion, about seven miles Bouthwest of Piper, and Mount Thunder Schoolhouse, seven miles northeast.

Rev. J. P. Coffman was sent to Piper City charge in the fall of 1870, and served two years. As a result of meetings held by him at a schoolhouse one mile north of La Hogue, a class of thirty members was formed, which became a part of the circuit, with T. J. Lannrv as Leader.

The class at Mount Thunder or Sand Ridge was organized about 1869 bv a located preacher known os Father Lewis, and contained at first twelve members. It increased to a membership of thirty-two in 1871, and in 1872 to forty-two. with John Winn os Leader.

During Rev. Coffman's ministry, a large school building in Piper City was purchased and refitted for use by the Methodists, who now numbered about forty in Piper City. Until this was done, the society had rented a room over Mr. John Clark's store, known as Clark's Hall, for $50 per annum. It was also occu¬ pied by the Presbyterians.

Rev. C. O. McCulloch succeeded Rev. Coffman in 1872 and remained three years. He received thirty on probation and some by letter, and the class in Piper City reached a member¬ ship of about seventy, with Edward Montelius as Leader.

About the same time the La Hogue appointment was changed to what is called the Black Schoolhouse, two miles southwest of La Hogue, and in 1877 numbered twenty-five, with Samuel Knowlton, Leader.

Rev. W. H. Flint came to the circuit in 1875, and remained three years, during which time ho received into the church on probation ninety-three persons.

About 1876 or 1877, the Sand Ridge class changed its regular meetings to the McTier Schoolhouse, one mile east and two south of the first place of meeting, and in 1877 numbered forty eight. In 1878, Rev. R. Crews was sent to the charge and continued one year. Rev. E. B. Boggess followed in 1879, remaining two years.

In the second year, the building occupied for church services in Piper City, since 1872, was sold, and a new church erected at a cost of $3,011, which was dedicated November 6, 1881, by Rev. Dr. W. H. H. Adams, of the Illinois Wesleyan University, of Bloomington.

Rev. Lewis Springer received his appointment to Piper City in the fall of 1881, and remained two years. Under his super¬ vision the Sunday school in Piper made marked progress.

-Her. Junta Irrln waatant aa Um Ant paator to PI par City Circuit, in the fall of 1N8, and aerrtd alz months. The laet half of theyear vat filled by Her. J. i). Blair.

house having been moved from its site one mile west to the Reed corner one mile east), and the La Hogue, appointment was changed from the Black to the Willow Twig Schoolhouse, two miles northwest of La Hogue, and finally to La Hogue, where a new schoolhouse had been built. During 1883, services were held there by Rev. W. R. Baldridge, of the United Presbyterian Church in riper City, and Rev. Springer, alternately and occa¬ sionally by Rev. W. C. Neely, Presbyterian of Piper City. In March, 1883, as a result of revival meetings in Piper City Meth¬ odist Episcopal Church, conducted by Rev. Springer and Rev. McLain, an Evangelist, there were sixty-six accessions to the Methodist Episcopal Church on probation, and some to other churches. In October, 1883, Rev. W. R. Warner came to the charge, and on Novomber 4 organized a class at La Hogue of seventeen members with Charles Dixon, Leader, it having become disorganized by changes in placo of meeting. January 6, 1884, there were fourteen more accessions to the La Ilogue society, as a result of special meetings. The class in Piper City now numbers about eighty-five full members and thirty probationers. The charge has 118 full members and 45 probationers. There is no parsonage.

Presbyterian Church , Piper City*. - The Presbyterian Church of Brenton, the name being afterward changed to Piper City, was organized by the Bloomington Old School Presbytery, September 19, 1862, by a committee consisting of Rev. George McKinley, John Thomas and Elder William P. Pierson. The meeting was held in a schoolhouse about two and a half miles south of what is now Piper City. The following persons bocarae members: Archi¬ bald McKinney, Elizabeth McKinney, Robert Hall, Elisa Hall, Mathow H. Hall, Mrs. M. C. Hall, John Marr, Elisabeth Marr, Henry Atwood, Mary E. Atwood, John McKinney, Mrs. Rachel Perry and Mrs. Caroline Barns. The session of the church was organized by the election of Archibald McKinney, Robert Hall and Mathew II. Hall as Ruling Elders. Rev. John Thomas acted as stated supply of the church for two years after it was organized in connection with tho Presbyterian Church of Onarga, and Rev. W. B. Marsh supplied the church during the years 1866-67. The Rev. William C. Neely commenced his la¬ bors on May 1, 1868, and was installed pastor in June, 1869, and is the present incumbent.

The church erected a parsonage, which was the first house built in what is now Piper City. For several years the congre¬ gation worshiped in a hall over a store owned by J. A. Monte¬ lius k Co. During the fall of 1873, the congregation built a house of worship, 56x32, at a cost of $3,600, which was dedicated free of debt November 16 of that year. At the present time the church is in a united and prosperous condition, with an active membership of over 100 persons, six of whom were among the organizing members.

United Presbyterian Congregation , Piper City, f - The pio¬ neer of the United Presbyterian Church was William Thompson, who came here in August, 1863, and settled within two miles of the present town of Piper City. He came from Monmouth, Ill., and brought with him his family consisting of wife and nine chil¬ dren. He was soon followed by several other families. The first sermon preached to these people was by Rev. Robert Mc¬ Cracken, of Paxton, Ill., in the year 1864, in a schoolhouse sev¬ eral miles south of the city.

The congregation was organized the 14th of May, 1867, by Rev. I. C. McRnight and Elders McCoy and Thompson, with a membership of thirty two. R. N. Thompson and James W. Holmes were the first Elders. On the first Sabbath of January, 1868, Rev. J. C. Bigham began his labors in the congregation, having previously received a call to become their pastor. Dur¬ ing the summer of 1869, they built their present house of wor¬ ship. The dedicatory sermon was preached the first Sabbath of August, 1869, by Rev. David Wallace, President of Monmouth College. Rev. Bigham resigned in October, 1873. The con¬ gregation was again supplied until 1876, when Rev. William Morrow became stated supply. His labors extended over a period of six years. During that time the congregation enjoyed the utmost peace and prosperity. His labors ended February, 1882. Rev. W. R. Baldridge became their pastor July 1, 1882, and was released September 12, 1883. At present the congre¬ gation is supplied. The membership is ninety, in a good condi¬ tion financially, not being burdened with any debt.

The church building is 60x40 feet, well furnished and in good condition. The Elders are C Jennings, A. L. Campbell and William P. Moore. Trustees. J. II. Ewing, David Thomp¬ son, Dr. S. D. Culbertson, M. S. Erskine, J. P. McDaniel. The Sabbath school numbers about seventy scholars. It is in fine working order. There have been 143 baptisms and twenty deaths, of those in full membership.

Catholic Church at Piper City.\ - This parish was organized July, 1880, out of that part of Chatsworth parish, east of Living¬ ston County line, and that part of Gilman parish, west of La Hogue, with the Rev. William O'Horn, of Chatsworth, as pastor. There was about $1,000 subscription list to commence with, much of which was lost by bad management. In July, 1880, Matthew Sonin went to Chicago and purchased the lot, 200x150 feet, of Samuel Cross. The lumber was purchased of Chase k Pate, of Chicago, the bill being secured by Mr. Soran till such times as the church could pay off the debt. The building is a frame, 66x 82 feet, posts resting on a stone foundation three feet high. It was inclosed by November 1, 1880, and remained in that condi¬ tion till the next spring. In February, 1881, Rev. William O'Horra was removed and Rev. Yan der llagen took his place as astor of Chatsworth, with Piper City as an outside mission, n May, 1881, the following committee was appointed to finish the building, to wit: John O'Connell, Peter Mister, Peter Gallahue, Thomas McDermatt and Matthew Soran. On July 4,1881, the ladies of the church gare a dinner for the benefit of the church, which netted $240. In September of the same year, they held a fair in Clark's Hull which netted $1,800. The balance of the money was raised by subscription. The debt is all paid but $200. Total cost of building and lot, $4,000 ; present mem¬ bership, 400. Rev. Dennis O'Dunavan, assistant to Rev. Van der Hagen, of Chatsworth, says mass every second Sunday at 10 o'clock A. M. in summer, and 11 o'clock A. M. in winter.

Congregational Church of Roberts .* - Until 1875, there was no Congregational Church in Lyman Township. Rev. Wilcox, father of M. II. Wilcox, preached at stated times in the Smith Schoolhouse in the northern part of Lyman Township, and the people generally attended the services regardless of denomination¬ al differences, but no organization exists.

The Congregational Church of Roberts was organized October 24, 1875, with the following exercises: Sermon and reading of covenant by the Rev. J. E. Ray. D. D.; prayer by A. D. Wyckoff, and right band of fellowship by Rev. J. J. Weage.

The membership at the time of organization was very small, consisting of only ten persons: A. D. Wyckoff, George H. Thompson, Mary E. Thompson, W. S. Larkin, Elizabeth Lar¬ kin, John Hummel, Sarah M. Hummel, Frank Butler, Lucy Larkin and Olive Larkin. Six of these are yet members of the church, and the other four have gone to seek homes in other parts of our great land.

George H. Thompson and his wife, Mary E. Thompson, are now in Kansas, where they are engaged in church and Sunday school work as earnestly as was their wont in the old home.

A. D. Wyckoff now labors in the Lord's moral vineyard in Nebraska, and Frank Butler has moved to La Salle County, III., where he, too, no doubt, has also found his work.

The first business meeting of the church was held at the house of G. H. Thompson October 31, 1875. At this meeting G. H. Thompson and John Hummel were elected Deacons. WT S. Larkin was elected Trustee of the church for three years, and W. A. Kearney and J. B. Meserve, respectively two and one years, were elected Trustees of the Congregational society. Frank Butler was elected Clerk. John Hummel has been a Deacon of the church since his first election.

On the 6th of November, 1875, C. Manton, who the following year removed to Texas, united with the church on profession of faith. This was the first accession*of the church.

This small body, in connection with the Congregational Church at Thawville, struggled on as best it could, receiving annually Home Missionary aid.

In March, 1877, the church received its second accession of membership, consisting of the following persons: G. B. Mahaffey, Walter Davis, E. M. Mahaffey, Nellie D. Mahaffey, Helen L. Wyckoff, Amanda Emmons, F. G. Lohman and Louisa Tapp.

From this small beginning the church has grown to a mem¬ bership of sixty, and since 1882 has been self-supporting, no longer requiring the aid of the Home Missionary Society.

In the fall of 1870, a church building, 40x55 feet, was begun. This building was completed in May, 1880, and dedicated to the worship of God May 16. 1880, free from all incumbrances.

Since its organization, the church has been blessed with earnest, efficient pastors, who considered the work of saving souls paramount to everything else.

Rev. J. J. Weage, two years; Rev. Breads, one year; Rev. F. J. Brobst, two years; Rev. J. B. Johnston, two years, and the present pastor, Rev. W. Wilson. At the last annual meeting, June 17, 1884, the following officers were elected :

E. Lyman and John Olsen, Deacons ; L. E. Bresale, Trustee for one year; F. G. Lohman, Trustee for three years; C. Anderson, Clerk and Treasurer for one year.

The report of Treasurer at this annual meeting showed a cash balance, $18.11. Credits other than cash, $59.50, with all past claims against the church settled. *

Zion Methodist Episcopal Church (German).^ - The Method¬ ist Episcopal Church organized German missions as early as 1868, with headquarters at Odell, Livingston County; later at Buckley, Iroauois County. Services were held at private houses, and then, as the membership increased, in the public schoolhouses.

When the village of Roberts came to be, it was resolved to build a church. The first Board of Trustees, consisting of John Grube, Frank Bastian, Henry Michaelis, John Wieting and Fred Haug, with their pastor, Rev. Fr. Meior, as Chairman, on the 18th day of February, 1873. passed a resolution to that ef¬ fect, and acted upon it accordingly, building a church, with spire, that cost nearly $2,400, being tne first house of worship erected in the village of Roberts. But its old and trusted membero have left - emigrated to Dakota, Iowa and Texas.

The Methodist Episcopal Church has a flourishing German society at Melvin, with a neat and commodious church, erected in 1882, the original members then being Teis Arends, George O. Arends, Fr. Steinmann, Ger. Defries and H. Duringer.

Methodist Episcopal Church , Roberts.* - This church was formerly a part of Pierce's Mission as described in the account of the Methodist Church at Melvin. The first preaching place was Graham's Schoolhouse, and was changed to Roberts in 1871. The members of the first class were Ole Johnson, Leader; Anna Johnson, Edward Van Steenbcrgh, Emily Van Steenbergh, Jennie Van Steenbergh, J. H. Sedore, Mrs. A. A. Sedore, Abraham Sedore, George P. Lyman, Helen Lyman, Alfred Smith, Julia Smith, Horace Lester, Hannah Lester, John Kcnward, Nancy Kenward, William Kenward, Julius Walker, Joel Westbrook, Patience Westbrook, Horace Snelling, Jane Snelling, Robert Hawthorn, Sarah Arnold, Thomas Darg, James English, Charles Koon, John Kenward, Jr., Hamilton Darg and Caroline Guise. They held their meetings in the public schoolhouse at Roberts until January 6, 1882, when they completed a very neat church at a cost of $2,800. This church was dedicated by G. W. Gue, Presiding Elder. The first board of trustees con¬ sisted of Thomas Wakelin, M. II. Rice, G. B. Gordon, G. P. Ly¬ man and E. Van Steenbergh.

- Zion German Evangelical Church. - Report of the Evangel¬ ical Association Mission work in Ford County: In the year of our Lord, 1865, the Illinois Conference of this denomination met at Washington, Tazewell County, Ill. This conference, at this session, created a new mission ih the counties of Livingston, Mc¬ Lean and Ford. Rev. F. C. Stuhwig was the first missionary, in this important mission, to carry on the Lord's work. He settled down with his family in the little station, Chatworth, Livingston County, Ill. The mission in Ford County began on the 7th day of June, 1865. The first visit was made at Brother Peter Pfaad's. Brother Pfaad came here with his family in the year 1858, from Lyons, N. Y. Mr. Stuewig then began to hold service every three weeks in the P. Russell Schoolhouse, and also in the house of Kathrine Althen. On his second visit he became ac-

? [uainted with the following persons: Kathrine Althen and iamily, Christian Moser, Annie Wilcoxson and other German eople, who lived in that community. The following winter he eld a protracted meeting with good success. On the 13th of February, 1866, he organized the first German class in this new mission, with the following persons as members: Peter Pfaad, Margret Pfaad, Kathrine Althen, Margret Leber, George Barreck, Louisa Barreck, Lydia Barreck, Cathrene Barreck, Chris¬ tian Moser, Annie Wilcoxson. Peter Pfaad was the first Class Leader. German people came to see the country, and being pleased with the prairie land, many bought homes and settled here. This was a help to the small society, its membership grew rapidly, and by the help of God they were able to build a church in the year of our Lord, 1873. The size of the church building is 32x50 feet, 20 feet high ; the steeple is 65 feet; cost of building, $1,000. The church was dedicated by Bishop J. J. Esher.

The preacher in charge at this time was Rev. J. Kurts. The first officers of Zion Church Evangelical Association were the following: Rev. Henry Baker, Daniel Raabe, Abraham Shaffer, Christian Stutsman, Peter Pfaad. The officers at pres¬ ent are: Daniel Waldschmidt, President; Charles Fellwock, Carl Burkhardt; Jacob Zahn, Treasurer; Rev. F. C. Stuewig, Secretary. The present missionary is Rev. C. F. Diessmeier; Presiding Elder, Rev. Augest Fesele. The present membership is ninety to one hundred

Union Methodist Protestant Church.^ - This society began its existonoe in Champaign County about one half mile south of where the church building now stands on the southeast corner of the north half of Section 31. The first services held in this county were in the Union Schoolhouse, one-half mile north of the church, under the pastorate of Rev. J. Krapps, in 1874. Among the original members were J. Cranston and wife, Mrs. J. Daniels, Mrs. J. Barker, Mrs. D. Metcalf and Mrs. G. Waggoner. After thepastoral term of Rev. Krapps, the Annual Conference sent Rev. R. E. Fox, who is the present pastor, and is serving his sixth year. The present membership is thirty-one. The erection of the > church building commenced in the fall of 1881, and was com¬ pleted and dedicated in the summer of 1882. The building cost about $1,200, and stands as a monument to the generosity of the entire oommunity. The first Trustees elected August 30, 1881, were M. W. Scott, J. G. Barker, Henry Shields, J. Dan¬ iels and William Day. The Trustees, elected October 13, 1882, were J. Cranston, J. G. Barker, J. H. Green, Mrs. J. Daniels and Mrs. G. Waggoner, all now serving except J. H. Green, whose place was filled May 31, 1884, by the election of James Barnes. This society holds its regular preaching services

The Norwegian Lutheran Church. - The first Norwegians to settle in this county were Chr. Reicrson and Henry Halvorson. They came hero from Otter Creek, La Salle Co., III., and located, some four or five miles northwest from Elliott, where they now live, the happy owners of a half section of land each. Our best information is that they came here about 1866. They were fol¬ lowed by Abel Hanson in 1871. Mr. Hanson formerly lived in or near Lisbon, Kendall Co., Ill. He at first rented lands, but, having succeeded reasonably well, he bought eighty acres one mile south of Elliott, where he is now enjoying the remainder of his life in comparative ease.

Tolleff Thompson, also from Lisbon, is the next in order. Like Mr. Hanson, he also rented lands to begin with, but a few years of hard work finds him the contented possessor of a fine farm four miles southeast from Elliott.

John A. Hattebcrg and Ole Natterstad bought land, and set¬ tled some three miles southeast from Elliott, in the year 1875. They are both well to do, and the first is especially the soul of every undertaking of a religious nature among this pooplo.

Ford County had by this time become famous to the people around Lisbon, Ill., and a general " exodus " to this county took place in the years that followed. Most of the Norwegians round about Elliott, numbering some 500, arc from Kendall and Grun¬ dy Counties, in this State. Perhaps one-fourth came direct from Norway. The Norwegians are of a very pious turn of inind. They are strictly honest, industrious and thriving. One of their number says that " with them the all-absorbing topics when they meet are religion, the weather and the crops.'' Their prosperity is surprising to a native American of the easy-going sort.

They had not been here long before they organized themselves into a congregation. The first step in this direction was made in 1876. Rev. Iverson gathered a flock of the faithful, and con¬ tinued to preach for them at intervals for a portion of the years 1876 and 1877. He was succeeded by Rev. G. J. Otnland, a graduate from the Norwegian Lutheran Evangelical Theological Seminary at Minneapolis, Minn., to which denomination this congregation belongs. Rev. Omland was their pastor from 1877 to 1881. He was followed by Rev. B. P. Strand, who is their minister at present. Their place of meeting had been, previous to 1881, in what are known as the Kleppa and Bunch Schoolhouses, Districts 6 and 7.

But in the year 1881 they built a modest structure on Section 25, Town 23 (bix), which has since been their customary place of worship. The building is 56 feet long, 86 feet wide, and 18 feet high, with a steeple towering 70 feet into the sky. The work was chiefly done by members of the congregation, gratis of course, superintended by Charles Johnson, Thor O. Thorson and the Seim Brothers. The total cost was $3,000, two thirds of which was raised immediately by voluntary subscription ; 1883 witnessed the erection of a neat and snug building for the pastor's residence. Total cost of this, including ten acres of land, was $1,200. The parsonage is one-half mile west of the church, on Section 26. The congregation is about $1,600 in debt, and has a membership of 350. Trustees for 1880 were Christian Volden, John II. Thompson and Gunder Stouge. We are greatly in¬ debted to Ilalward S. Peterson for the foregoing facts.

Other Churches. - At Farmersville, in the midst of a remarka¬ bly flourishing settlement of Swedes, is a prosperous church of Swedish Lutherans. The church building located on Section 30, Patton Township, is a commodious structure. There is also a well built parsonage. This church is in a very satisfactory condition.

At Gibson are two Swedish churches, one of them being of the Swedish Lutheran and the other of the Swedish Mission. These societies have houses of worship, but no resident pastors at this time. As the Swedes settle in and about Gibson, as they are doing, these churches will be rapidly strengthened.

Mt. Olivet Christian Church.* - From the earliest settlement of the locality now included in Button Township, the Christian denomination had its ministers early on the ground. In fact, some of these ministers were among the pioneer settlers. A brief sketch is given by Harmon Strayer in the chapter of remi¬ niscences. The several organizations or societies of this denomi¬ nation were in 1871 re-organized and united under the name given at the head of this article.

The church building was dedicated December 10, 1871, the dedication sermon being delivered by Elder R. M. Martin, of Danville, Ill. The membership at the organization numbered about forty. We are able to give noarly all of their names, which are as follows: Mareton Dudley, Milton Strayer, John M. Strayer, T. B. Strayer, William Walker, David Morehouse, W. H. II. Wood, J. A. Dudley, Ilcnry Correll, John Corrcll, Joseph Harris, John B. Harris, Daniel Allhands and their wives, also Sarah Button, Elizabeth Strayer, N. B. Spiceard, II. S. Strayer, Elizabeth Strayer, Mary E. Spiceard, F. L. Holloway, M. E. Dudley, S. J. Strayer, Dora Strayer, Mary Strayer, Sarah O. Walker, Oswell H. Walker, Mrs. Glotfelter.

Just north of the church and in the same inclosure is a cem¬ etery. Here are interred several of those whose names are given as the first members.

Nils Poison and Gust Fager were the first Deacons elected. Swen Anderson and C. L. Seaholm were the first Trustees, and Swen Anderson was the first Secretary, which position he still holds.

The congregation was organised under the leadership of Pas¬ tor 0. Tjamsland, and is under and within the Swedish Evangel¬ ical Lutheran Synod of United States of America.

We have no church building, owing to the members going from here to the Western States every year. We are using the old sohoolhouse building, in connection with the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, as our place of worship.

We have no pastor at present, Mr. A. Lindahl, a Deacon, from Farmersville, near Elliott, has been preaching the Gospel here from the beginning of 1880 and up to the present time.

Church of God. f - This church was organized September 26, 1869. The names of the original members are D. F. Breneisa, Peter Minich, Samuel Leopold, Joseph Leopold, R. C. Breneisa, Henry Kaufman, Joseph Imhoff, John Geen, Mrs. Susan Min¬ ich, Miss Emma Minich, Mrs. Sarah A. Leopold, Mrs. Anna Breneisa, Mrs. Catharine Leopold, Mrs. Mary Imhoff, Miss Kate Breneisa, Miss Fannie Breneisa, Mrs. Fred Falter.

Elder William A. Smith preached from October, 1869, to October, 1872; Elder J. M. Cassel, preached from October, 1872, to October, 1874; Elder W. B. Allen, preached from Oc¬ tober, 1874, to October, 1876 ; Elder George Cutler, preached from October, 1876, to October, 1877 ; Elder W. A. Smith, preached from Optober, 1877, to October, 1878; Elder A. J. Fenton, preached from October, 1878, to October, 1880; Elders John Burnard and Oscar Huston, preached from October, 1880, to October, 1881 ; Elder W. A. Smith, preached from October, 1881, to October, 1884. D. F. Breneisa, Peter Minich and Samuel Leopold are the Trustees.

This society reject infant baptism, and practice immersion, and the literal washing of the saints' feet as appointed ordinances, and believe in the personal reign of Christ. They reject all creeds and take the New Testament for their discipline.

The Church of God has at present over 1,000 ordained min¬ isters, and a membership of 65,000, and is at the present time building a college at Findlay, Ohio, at a cost of over $100,000.

The organization known as the Sugar Loaf appointment of the Methodist Episcopal Church was first effected in the fall of 1872, in what was called the Bute Sohoolhouse, in District No. 8, Mona Township. Previous to this time, there had been occasional preaching in that neighborhood by Rev. Michael Lewis, better Known as Father Lewis.

There were but few members at first, but these took hold in earnest, and soon others came in, forming a larger and more firm¬ ly established organization. The origins! members of this church were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Kelley, Mr. and Mrs. George Sherman, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Lewis, Mr. and Mrs. James Wade, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Heavisides, Mrs. Jackson Bute, Mrs. David Keighin, Mr. and Mrs. George Evans, Father Lewis and wife.

Until the town hall was built, the society worshiped in the Bute Schoolhouse, but after the completion of the hall in 1877 the meetings were held there. When the yiliage of Kempton sprang up in 1877, the place of worship was transferred to a hall in the yiliage. In the fall of 1881, steps were taken to build a house of worship in Kempton; the following spring the work was commenced, resulting in the erection of a neat ana commodious church edifice, costing about $2,000.

The first Pastor of the church was Rev. J. D. Calhoun, who preached one year; this was his first appointment He was fol¬ lowed by Rev. Rutledge, who was in charge a year. The next pastor was Rev. Woodward, who remained one year; his successor was Rev. J. A. Flowers, whose term lasted two years. Follow¬ ing him came Rev. Wilson, who preached two years. Rev. Joe Bell succeeded him, and was in charge three years. The present pastor is Rev. Charles David.

Robert Lewin, Thomas Heavisides, Andrew Stuart and Thomas Shaw have acted as stewards at various times, the latter being in office at the present time.

This appointment is in the Onarga Conference, of which Rev. G. W. Gne is Presiding Elder. The church at Kempton is now in a flourishing condition.

Methodist Episcopal Church , Melvin .f - This church was first organized in 1871, November 26. It sprung from what was known as Pierce's Mission. Father Pierce, an old Scotch local preacher living at "Olive Grove," came into Peach Orchard Township and established a regular preaching place at Grand Prairie Schoolhouse in 1869, which, with other similar preaching places in neighboring townships was called Pierce's Mission. When the village of Melvin was started, the Grand Prairie ap¬ pointment was moved to Melvin. Its name was changed to the Methodist Episcopal Church, with Rev. T. P. Henry as first pastor on a circuit of three appointments, namely, Melvin, Rob¬ erts and Bell Schoolhouse, Ole Johnson, James Dixon, Charles Phillips and T. D. Thompson being the first board of stewards, Charles Phillips, Mary Phillips, William Thompson, T. D. Thompson, Mrs. T. D. Thompson, Alexander Stevens, Mariah Stevens and Jane Ogden forming the firet class at Melvin, with Charles Phillips as Leader. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse and hall until the fall of 1879, when the society began the erection of a church, which was completed in the spring of 1880, at a cost of $2,400, and dedicated June 20, 1880, by W. H. H. Adams, President Wesleyan University of Bloomington, Ill. Thomas Fletcher, Alex Yarbrough, L. S. Heath, Henry Halver¬ son, J. H. Higgason, W. J. Hunt, J. M. Thompson and T. D. Thompson being the first board of trustees.

The German Methodiet Episcopal Society of Mehin.% - Th is society was organised in Peach Orchard Township in 1870 with ten members by Rev. E. J. Funk, of Chicago German Con¬ ference.

The first data was composed of the following members: H. Duringer and wife, Ties Arends and wife, George O. Arends and wife, A. Heilman and wife, and Gerhard Denies and wife. Meetings were first held at farmhouses, then in schoolhouses. After tne village of Melvin was started, they moved into town. In 1875, they bought the old schoolhouse which stood a half mile south of town, moved it up into town, fitted it up, and used it for church until 1881, when they built a new church at a cost of $1,850. It was dedicated November 20 by Peter Hinners, of Chicago.

From the time of organization till July 5, 1875, Rev. Simon Suij was minister of the congregation. From the latter date until April 7, 1878, Rev. H. Ilebler was the minister, and since that time Rev. H. Stachling has been the minister.

In the first years after this congregation was organized, some of our old members moved to other States, and it was a burden for the few members to uphold the duties of tlfo church, but in the last six or seven years more and more people have joined us.

At this time our congregation has thirty members or families. Our building is not near large enough, and we hope to erect a new building very soon.

Elliott

United Brethren Church, Elliott. - This church was organ¬ ized two and a half miles north from Elliott, at Samuel Todd's house, in the winter of 1*62. The original members were Sam¬ uel and Nancy Todd, Jackson and America Pitser, Peter Beatty and wife, John Wallace's family, John and Jemima Cooder, Jesse and Rosanna Todd, Messrs. Darg, Hawthorne, Trickel and their wives, John Keesey and wife, John McBride and wife and others to the number of forty.

The ministers who have served this charge are as follows: Revs. Orrin, " The Apostle of the Wabash," George W. Winer, J. W. Fisher, Samuel Zook, George Hall, S. Mitchell, John Mor¬ rison. J. I. Robinson, Mr. Blake, Mr. Corley, L. L. Rinehart, Mr. Scott and John Morrison. Rev. Orrin came in 1859, preaching in this vicinity and* at other points as the title given to him would indicate.

Thepresent trustees are John Keesey, William J. Wants and S. W. Wade. This organisation is one of the oldest in the coun¬ ty, and numbers among its membership some of the most promi¬ nent citizens of Elliott and Dix Township. Its Sunday school officers and teachers have been very active workers in that cause.

The Catholic Church of Gihson\. - This church was organ¬ ised at Gibson in 1875. The original members were John Dela¬ ney, John Sutton, Thomas Tierney, Patrick Harty, Michael Harty, Con Hardigan, James Molloy, John Donnelya, Michael Donovan, Michael Ryan, John and Jeff New, John Graden and others to the number of twenty-five.

In 1876, the present church building was erected at a cost of $1,100. The priests who have had charge of this church are as follows: Fathers Fanning, Cahel, Kelley, Lewis and Flynn. The church is clear of dent, with money in the treasury. The membership now numbers about 100 and the number is steadily increasing. The church is in a very prosperous condition. It has a flourishing Sunday school, superintended by the pastor.

The city of Paxton is laid out in Sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, in Range 10 east, in the township of Patton. Most of it lies in Sections 7 and 8. Nearly all the blocks, lots and streets are laid oat parallel with the Illinois Central Railroad, or on an angle of about fifteen degrees. The original town consisting of thirtyfive blocks, lying on both sides of tho railroad, was laid off in the spring of 1857, by A. D. South worth, Deputy County Surveyor of Vermilion County. The land was owned by W. II. Pells, R.

R. Murdock, Loander Britt, Benjamin Stites and D. Donally. The next addition to the town was the Railroad Addition, laid out north of the original town, in the spring of 1858, for Joseph E. Austin, A. II. Reynolds, Hiram C. Todd, L. Britt, R. R. Mur¬ dock and W. II. Pells. This addition consisted of fourteen whole blocks and twenty-one fractional blocks.

In 1867, W. II. Pells laid out Pells Addition west of the Illinois Central Railroad, consisting of twelve fractional blocks, adjoining the original town on tho west, and the same year James Mix laid out forty-three blocks lying north and west of the Railroad Addition.

The next addition to Paxton was Polls Addition, east of the Illinois Central Railroad, laid out in 1870, for William H. Polls, by H. J. Howe, County Surveyor. This addition joins the original town on the east, and contains nineteen blocks. A small addition was laid off by Surveyor Howe, in the fall ofl870 for J. E. Hall and George Schlosser, consisting of ono block, of fourteen lots, known as Hall's Addition.

In 1875, R. R. Murdock laid off twenty-nine lots, in the northeast part of town known as Murdocks Audition. In March, 1877, S. J. Toy and A. C. Thompson, owners of Lots 5 and 6 in Goodrich's Subdivision caused a rc-survey to be made, laying them off into four blocks or thirty-five lots, known as Toy k Thompson's Addition.

The Name

Paxton has not always boon the name of this town. When originally laid out, it was called Prospect City, and before that time it was known as Prairie City, which was also the name of the township before being changed to Patton. It continued to he called Proqpect City until September, 1859, when a petition was presented to the County Court, asking them to change the name of Prospect City to Paxton. The petition was granted, " and the place heretofore known as Prospect City shall here¬ after be known by the name of Paxton."

It is authoritatively reported that Sir Richard Paxton, of England was organizing a colony in that country to settle in Illinois, and it was thought that by naming this town Paxton, in honor of him, it might have some influence in inducing him to settle here.

The change of name did not have the desired effect, but as the authorities saw no good reason for changing the name in consequence of this failure, the name is still Paxton, and down in history.

Early Comers To The City Prior To 1859 Paxton In The Past

The first house in Paxton was the house owned by William Goodrich, which was originally built on the west side of the rail¬ road, about one hundred yards south of Ottawa street, and occu¬ pied as a boarding house for men who were constructing the rail¬ road.

In the spring of 1854 this house was moved up to Ottawa street and occupied by Mr. Goodrich as a dwelling. He after¬ ward kept a store iu the same building. This house was burnt about 1877. Previous to this, however, a building had been erected by B. F. k J. N. Stites, on the present site of the Glen

Cemetery, but this, properly speaking, was not in the limits of Prospect City as afterward laid out. In the fall of 1854, John Murphy built the present Stites residence, and about the same time Stites Brothers put up a store building right opposite. Prospect City could not really be said to havo had any boom un¬ til about 1857, the buildings erected previous to this date being those already mentioned, and 1. W. Shilling's boarding house adjacent to the Stites residence on the east, afterward removed; the residence of Thomas Daniels within the same inclosure as the boarding house, now used by Stites Brothers for a wagon house. Directly opposite the Daniels house stood tho small octagon building which now stands just across the road from the old cem¬ etery. This building was occupied as a meeting place for tho Spiritual Circle, their moving spirit being a certain Dr. Spencer. In 1856, the Stites Brothers sold out their store to Dryden Don¬ ally, who erected a residence between the store building and the one already mentioned as occupied by the Spiritualists. About this time, Stacey Daniels built a house on the site now occupied by Captain Shepardson's handsome residence.

In 1*57, a small hotel was built on the southwest corner of Block 18, original town, cast of the railroad, and called the City Hotel. This building was afterward moved up near the depot, on the northwest corner Block 4, enlarged and christened the Ben¬ nett House. This hotel was destroyed by fire. Closely follow¬ ing thoso already mentioned came the store of Henry Barnhouse, Patton's Block, and Abe Martin's store building, on the east side of the railroad; and on the west side was Cloyes Brothers' store, on Lot 1, Block 12, now Cooper's drugstore; R. Clark's house, on Block 4, and the nucleus of the present Occidental Hotel. Our space will not warrant us to enter into a more general detail. Suffice to say, that stores, residences and offices rapidly multiplied from that time forward.

First term of Circuit Court was held at the City Hotel, after¬ ward at Hanley's Hall, in a building adjoining the present Pat¬ ton Block on the west.

At an early date, the post office was kept by Henry Bam¬ house, at his store, nearly opposite the present residence of B. Q. Cherry, just west of Paxton on the Ottawa road, and our best in¬ formation is that upon his removal to Paxton. Mr. Bamhouse brought the poet office with him. The name of the post offioe was Ten Mile Grove, and when ho oponed the office here it was changed to Prospect City. It is thought by some that before tho latter name was adopted it was called Prairie City. The office was next kept in the store of Cloyes Brothers.

The first marriage license issued in Ford County was by Nathan Simons, the Clerk, to Charles W. Searing and Miss Sarah Bowles. They were married July 8, 1859, by Rev. A. C. Edwards.

J. D. Wilson started a harness shop in 1865, in the building he now occupies just north of the Occidental Hotel. A Mr. Seeley opened the first shop here.

In 1858, forty-two houses were standing in Prospect City, and during a heavy wind storm, twenty-two of them were blown off their foundation and had to be repaired.

Business Interests

Paxton was never in a more solid and flourishing condition than at present. Its citizens are prosperous and manifest a great interest in the prosperity of this town. During the past three years, a number of wealthy and substantial farmers have moved here from the adjacent country for the purpose of obtain¬ ing for their children tho benefits derived from the Collegiate and Normal Institute and High School. Paxton is conceded to have no superior as a town for the social and neighborly qualities of its citizens. The greatest harmony prevails and the interests of all converge to the welfare of this little city.