Knox County, Illinois - The whole text, 1912 (part 21 of 56)

The Sunday school was organized in 1855, Hon. Samuel W. Brown being its first superintendent. Dr. Standish succeeded him in 1860, filling the office for nearly twenty years. Others who have served the church in this capacity are Otis Jones, Rev. Eben H. Chapin, William Mecorney, James W. Carney, Hon. T. J. Hale, John W. Grubb, Mrs. C. E. Nash, Dr. E. N. Nash and Edson Reifsnider. The present superintendent is J. S. Adams, and he is bringing the Sunday school up to a high standard.

A Young People's Christian union has been maintained by the young people of the church and of the college and a Junior league has at times been a feature of the work of the church.

The Ladies' Aid society has for many years been an active, efficient organization and has been of great service in the work of the church. It was organized in 1866, under the able direction of Mrs. Dr. Balch. This organization paid $i,- 500 to the building fund of the new church and since its completion has maintained an organist and choir for the church services, and helped to meet other church expenses, the past year having raised for church expenses the sum of $1,478. Mrs. Chas. A. Webster is now the president, Mrs. Edson Reifsnider, secretary, and Mrs. Howard Knowles, treasurer.

Under the pastorate of Rev. Albert R. Fiske, the church has been open daily for the service to those who might need its help. A very successful Girls club was conducted in its parlors for some months, while in the office of the church for two seasons an employment bureau has been maintained, and here the needy have been helped by gifts of food, clothing, and temporary loans, and employment for those out of work has been found free of cost to the applicant.

This is a step in the line of work which many churches are now seeking, the keynote of which is service to others. The maintenance of the Girls club has recently been undertaken by the civics department of Galesburg Woman's club and will soon be recognized as one of the permanent institutions of Galesburg. A very successful Boys club was conducted in the church for some months, and now it is expected that a parish house will be erected where not only the Boys club but other kinds of social service may find a home. The Universalist church leads in this kind of work in Galesburg.

A feature of church life for this parish under the pastorate of Mr. Fiske is the church Bulletin which is issued monthly. It contains not only such announcements as are of interest to the congregation, but a sermon which is adapted to missionary work for the Universalist church.

For nearly sixty years this church has ministered to its people in this community, teaching the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of all men and that all souls will finally be harmonized with God. Its growth cannot be measured by what appears in this history, but the influence it has had in spreading the principles of this beautiful faith to all churches and all peoples in the communitv.

The Seventh-Day Adventist denomination was developed by the great Advent movement which swept over the world from 1834 to 1844. This movement stirred the world, as the message of the soon coming of Christ was proclaimed in all the leading countries of the earth by men who, without a knowledge of one another's work, went forth to sound the same message.

The basis of this proclamation was the prophetic periods of the eighth and ninth chapters of Daniel and the fourteenth chapter of Revelation, the slogan being, "The hour of His judgment is come." Thousands from all denominations accepted the message and for a time believed in the soon coming of Christ ; but not realizing the fulfilment of their hopes so soon as expected most of these abandoned their belief and returned to their former faith.

A few, however, still clung to the idea that there was a great truth in that movement though but dimly comprehended at the time, and these searched the word for further light on the prophecies, the proclamation of which had been attended by such wonderful manifestations of divine power. ;

They soon discovered that the hour of His judgment is a brief though indefinite period just preceding the second coming of Christ - court week - at which time the cases of all are investigated before judgment is passed. That during this time we are to look for the signs given in the Word of God as tokens of the end, which they believe is near, but do not set any definite time for that event.

As they continued searching the word light was revealed on other points, prominent among which was the fact that the seventh day of the week is still the Sabbath as required by the fourth commandment of the law of God, and that in the last days there is a special call to reform on this point and to return to the Sabbath of the Bible.

These two truths - the belief in the near advent of Christ and the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath - have given them the name of Seventh-day Adventists.

The fundamental idea which has served as the actuating impulse and the creative principle of this movement is loyalty to the plain teachings of the Word of God, rather than to tradition or creed. United with this is the recognition of the fact that God gives light upon the scriptures for the proclamation of special truths due to the world at any special time.

Thus, when the time came for the first advent of Christ, God raised up John the Baptist, charged with a divine message based on the fulfilment of prophecy. This forerunner of our Lord proclaimed to rulers, priests and people the truths they needed to know in order to be ready to receive the Saviour. - Just so, as the great prophetic periods recorded in scripture had either come to a close or were nearing fulfilment and the specific signs marking the last generation were appearing, the providence of God raised up the great second advent movement. This movement is proclaiming to the world the speedy second coming of Christ in power and glory, and with special emphasis urging upon all repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ, and obedience to His Word as a preparation for that event. >.«.;..,-..-. . \ i : .,

2. In salvation from sin through faith in the merits and atoning work of Christ - "righteousness by faith," the original Protestant doctrine; also that faith without works (obedience) is dead.

8. In the separation of church and state and in granting to every man freedom to believe or not to believe, to worship or not to worship, according to his own choice. They are especially active in opposing the efforts made to enforce religion by law.

9. They believe in and practice temperance in the strictest sense, and are putting forth earnest efforts in the temperance cause. They use no tea, coffee, tobacco, nor alcoholic drinks. Vegetarianism is advocated and a large proportion of the members practice it.

10. That the best method for the support of the gospel is that which God has established, and have therefore adopted the tithing system for raising means to carry forward their work.

11. That the divine commission to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature is still in full force, and to this work Seventh-day Adventists are devoting their means and their lives.

Seventh-day Adventists have not set aside or modified any of their first principles of faith ; but as the Word is searched and new light revealed it is accepted and added to what they already have. One truth never contradicts another but only adds to and strengthens its meaning.

Seventh-day Adventists were not organized as a separate denomination till i86i, when the rapid growth of the movement made such a step necessary.

It was first suggested in 1859 that each state hold an annual meeting in which careful planning of the work should be made. This suggestion really looked forward to the formation of state conference organizations.

During the summer of 1860, the subject was discussed at length in their paper. The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, and in a general meeting of representatives from different states held in Battle Creek, Michigan, October, 1860, there was a candid consideration of the subject and a full and free discussion of legal organization which was gradually perfected.

In October, i86i, the Michigan conference was organized by the election of a chairman, a secretary, and an executive committee of three. By vote of the conference, it was recommended that the believers enter into church organization adopting the following as a church covenant:

"We, the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together as a church, taking the name Seventh-day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." ... .- .-

At this conference it was first decided that credentials should be granted to all Seventh-day Adventist ministers in this state who were in good standing and that ministers should carry papers consisting of a certificate of ordination and credentials signed by the chairman and clerk of the conference, which credentials should be renewed annually.

Here, for the first time, was presented the idea of receiving churches into conferences, as members were voted into churches. As seventeen churches in the state had already been organized, these were, by vote, taken into the conference and all members of these churches, who were present, were accepted as delegates.

It was at this conference too that the plan was adopted of paying ministers a certain sum per week for services rendered. This plan of organization was unanimously adopted by the other states, and in May, 1863, the general conference held its first session in Battle Creek, Mich. May 2ist a constitution was adopted by the general conference and on the same day a constitution was recommended to the state conferences which was soon adopted.

Thus, step by step, as necessity required, order was established in the work. The same principles adopted in the organization up to 1864 were incorporated into the work as it enlarged and extended to other countries and nationalities.

As the movement advanced, the following general organizations were formed, the officers of which were elected at the regular sessions of the general conference :

The General Conference association - a legal body of twenty-one members to hold the title to the property of the various institutions in America and ether countries. - ^v.-' v-::; >;.-,--,,:

The International Tract society - whose province was the distribution of reading matter and correspondence, seeking to open up new missions.

The Religious Liberty Association - its special field being to aid those persecuted for conscience sake and to circulate literature on the principles of religious liberty.

The International Sabbath-school Association - the object of which was the building up and advancement of the Sabbath-school work in all fields.

The Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association - its work relating to the training of physicians and nurses, the conducting of sanitariums, homes for orphans, the aged, etc.

The Young People's Missionary Volunteer society - the purpose of which is to foster the missionary spirit among the young people of the denomination.

In the Seventh-day Adventist denomination just as the members are united in a local church so the local churches are united in local conferences and the local conferences are united in a union conference, consisting of from three to five local conferences; and the union conferences form the general conference.

The General Conference acts only in an advisory way in organized fields but has direct supervision in unorganized territories, mainly now in heathen lands. ^..

The statistical report of 1910 shows a membership of 104,562, with io6 organized conferences, 2,769 church buildings, 74 sanitariums located in different parts of the world devoted to the treatment of the sick and to promote the principles of health and temperance, believing that the true gospel has healing for the body as well as for the soul. In these sanitariums there are employed about 2,000 skilled physicians, surgeons and nurses, who treat their patients without drugs and endeavor to correct improper habits of living and to bring them in harmony with nature's laws.

In these institutions are utilized all the established remedial measures including scientific hydrotherapy, massage and Swedish movements, electrical treatments, sensible dietetics, regulated physical culture, and modern surgery. The assets of these institutions are over $3,368,000. . -; '

Aside from the sanitarium work for the benefit of mankind, the denomination is carrying on a complete system of education which combines the training of head, hand and heart, believing that the only true education is a three-fold development. They have 86 colleges and academies and 594 primary schools, with an enrollment of 20,526 ; assets of over $2,000,000.

Another important feature is the publishing work. They have twenty-eight publishing houses devoted exclusively to the publication of Christian literature, which is issued in 67 languages in the form of 363 bound books, 315 pamphlets, 12,000 tracts, 126 periodicals. This literature is circulated in all parts of the world.

Seventh-day Adventists are a missionary people and are working on the basis of "The gospelto all the world in this generation,'' believing that when this is accomplished the end will come as stated by Christ in Matt. 24:14.

They are now contributing over $2,000,000 annually for evangelistic work. The per capita for 1910 was $21.27. The per capita for foreign missions from communicants in the United States for 1910 was $6.58, and for the world $5.44. The Sabbath schools are contributing over $2,000 a week for foreign missions.

Of the 57 countries in which missions are sustained by the Protestant missionary societies, throughout the world. Seventh-day Adventists have entered 47. They have also entered a large number of countries not entered by any other Protestant society ; so they are now carrying on missionary work in more than 70 countries. .,.;.:..-..;-; V

The church of this faith in Galesburg was organized in 1897 in American Hall on East Main street, with a charter membership of i6. The first Seventhday Adventists in Galesburg were Charles Newberry and wife, of Monmouth boulevard, they having come here from Michigan in the early eighties.

, $16,350 for evangelistic work, aside from building their church and sustaining the local work. They are also putting forth earnest effort in this city to encourage the study of the Bible, and to hold up Christ as the only Redeemer : and Saviour of men. - -\' ;--,;.: ; I

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE REORGANIZED CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST, OF LATTER DAY SAINTS, AND OF ITS RISE AND --- :/:.<,; GROWTH IN KNOX COUNTY, ILLINOIS. , | ,- ; v

-^ I have carefully read the following article, and it meets my approval. The facts pertaining to the general history of the church are correct. 1 , - ' '' . r-:vir; ^ - - . HEMAN C. SMITH,

Since the history of no people is complete without it take into account the religious principles that have governed in the lives of its citizens; and since there have been in the past, and are now, those citizens dwelling within Knox county who adhere to the doctrine of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ, of Latter Day Saints, we, briefiy as may be possible, endeavor to set forth what those principles are; what the source of inspiration claimed by its founders; and to chronicle some of the more important events in the lives of its leaders.

We have gathered our information from the accredited standard records of this church, and have received the approval and sanction of the general church historian, Heman C. Smith, of Lamoni, Iowa. Therefore, we submit the article as authentic.

Joseph Smith, the man whose name is most familiar in connection with what the world is pleased to call "Mormonism," was born in the town of Sharon, Vermont, December 23rd, 1805,

When but ten years of age, his father moved his family to Palmyra, New York, and four years later to Manchester, a town in the same county. While living at this latter place, Joseph Smith says "there obtained an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became general among all the sects in that region of country ; indeed, multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, 'lo, here !' and some, 'lo, there !' "

Joseph Smith's family were not unaffected by all this excitement. But his mother, sister, and two brothers joined the Presbyterian church. Joseph, himself, thought seriously upon these matters and became inclined to unite with the Methodist church.

But the conflict between the various claimants as to which was the right :': church was so great that he grew uncertain in mind and knew not whom to believe nor what to do. Often he said to himself, "If any of these are right, how shall I know it?"

It was at this juncture that he was reading his Bible, one day, and came to the book of James. He read the 5th verse of the ist chapter. "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Thrilled with a strange and new sense of the significance of the statement, and of its application to his present need, he determined to put the matter to the test, and sought God for counsel.

When he related this remarkable experience to some of the preachers of the neighborhood, his story was greeted with contempt and unbelief. But, notwithstanding this, it excited the most bitter persecution, which grew and multiplied as the days went by.

But Joseph Smith was deeply impressed with the vision, and ceased not to bear testimony to the knowledge received. He continued in the common avocations of life for the next few years, until September 2ist, 1823, when there was another visitation from the messenger of God. After describing the personal appearance of his heavenly visitor, Joseph Smith relat';s the occurrence

- deposited was so plainly shown, in the vision, that he had no trouble to go directly to the spot the next day. The entire vision was repeated three times, successively.

- ' him in the vision and found the plates with the Urim and Thummim exactly as . - stated by the messenger. He was not permitted to come into possession of them, however, for four years, or until September 22, 1827, when the work of translating the book began. The work of translation occupied the greater part of the next two years so that the first edition was not issued until 1830. In this work,

V.j he was greatly assisted by Oliver Cowdery, who acted as scribe, and by Martin Harris, who assisted with his means. These two, together with David Whitmer,

..:/ true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven and brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates and the engravings thereon ; and we know that it is by the grace of God, the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these

. ' things are true ; and it is marvelous in our eyes, nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it ; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God we bear testimony of these things. And we

: know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment seat of Christ, and shall

Martin Harris

'The Book of Mormon is the record of God's dealings with the inhabitants of the American continent, of the ministry of their priests, and the teachings of their prophets, of the reign of their kings, and the rulers of the land. It covers historically twenty-six centuries, from the dispersion from Babel, 2200 B. C., to the hiding of the records, about 400 A. D.

The book derives its name from the compiler. Mormon, a Nephite prophet and general, who prepared metallic plates, by the instruction of the Lord, and engraved thereon the abridged history of the Nephite and Lamanite nations. T While the translation of the Book of Mormon was being carried on, from 1827 to 1830, another equally important, if not a greater work, was being instituted; and that was the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth. The everlasting Gospel was once again taught among men, in fulfillment of the prophecy uttered by John, the Revelator, upon the Isle of Patmos, recorded in Rev. 14 :6. The angel had come ; the gospel was preached.

Making claim to a restoration and not a reformation of the gospel, the organization included the same officers as were mentioned in the "apostolic" church of New Testament history, namely - apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, elders, priests, deacons, bishops, etc.

(5th) Resurrection of the body; that the dead in Christ will rise first, and the rest of the dead will not live again until the thousand years are expired. Job 19:25, 26; Dan. 12:2; I Cor. 15:42; i Thes. 4:16; Rev. 20: 6; Acts 17:31.

(6th) Eternal Judgment, which provides that men shall be judged, rewarded, or punished, according to the degree of good or evil they shall have done. Rev. 20:12; Eccle. 3:17; Matt. 16:27.

Further, the church believes that no man has the right to minister in the ordinances of the church, "except he be called of God as was Aaron" and authoritatively ordained to the office in which he occupies. ^ :'-

Relative to marriage, the church has always' taught that the law of God provides for but one companion in wedlock for either man or woman, except in cases of death, or where the contract is broken by transgression. Upon this matter the Book of Mormon is very explicit, reading, "Wherefore, my brethren, hear me and hearken to the word of the Lord, For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife, and concubines he shall have none. For, I, the Lord God delighteth in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me, saith the Lord of hosts." Jacob 2:6, 7.

Such is the organization, faith and doctrine held now by the re-organized church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints which claims to be the successor to the original church.

This claim has been sustained by the decision rendered by Judge L. S. Sherman of the Court of Common Pleas, Lake county, Ohio, in the "Kirtland Temple Suit" ; and by Judge John F. Phillipps of the Circuit Court of the United States for the western district of Missouri, western division, at Kansas City, Missouri, in the celebrated "Temple Lot Case."

: . From the place of its organization at Fayette, New York, the main body of the church moved westward, settling in Ohio, and there building a temple at Kirtland. This temple is standing today in a good state of preservation, and is visited annually by sightseers from all over the world. From here, emigration carried the greater number to Missouri where large numbers settled in Jackson county with headquarters at Independence, near where Kansas City now stands.

The same spirit of persecution which had very early been manifested by those -, who opposed the message and mission of Joseph Smith and his associates, f ol- :'' lowed them here and was much increased by the fact that the Latter Day Saints, without exception, were opposed to slavery. Without entering into the details of those terrible times, when "might" seemed to make "right," we will only state that during the winter of 1838-39, the saints were forcibly driven from their homes and most of them compelled to leave the state. Large numbers crossed the Mississippi river into Illinois and many found a temporary shelter with the kind hearted people of Quincy. Among these were the families of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Here, in April, Joseph Smith came, and in May, 1839, they moved on to the little town of Commerce. This place was a village of some half dozen houses , situated on the Mississippi river. The land was literally a swampy wilderness, when purchased by the refugees. They were joined by others and the village grew into a thriving town within the next few years.

But they were not allowed to dwell here in peace. Continued and unceasing efforts were made to destroy the lives of the leaders ; they were repeatedly charged with crimes of which they were never proven guilty. In the year 1844, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, together with several others, were charged with "riot." Fearing the violence of the mob spirit so prevalent, they crossed the river into Iowa, where they were secure for the time being. But upon receiving assurance from Governor Ford that they would be protected by the state militia, they returned, went to Carthage, and gave themselves into custody.

On June 27, 1844, the jail was surrounded by a mob of from 150 to 200 men (the greater part of the guard had been withdrawn) and Joseph and Hyrum Smith were shot and instantly killed. And as is ever the case, the blood of the martyr but strengthens the cause for which he dies.

It seemed to have been generally conceded that young Joseph Smith, the son of the slain president, should occupy his father's place, but he was only a lad of 12 years of age. What to do until he should reach an age to fit him for the responsibility, was the grave question that confronted the church. In the preceding 14 years since the church was organized at Fayette, in New York, with but six members, there had been a remarkable growth made. Despite all the fierce opposition encountered, they now numbered between 150,000 and 200,000 members. Only about 30,000 of these resided at or near Nauvoo.

In the decade that followed the death of the prophet and president of the church, many would-be leaders arose. The members that were at Nauvoo, were scattered in various directions, some going with one, some with another. They were indeed as sheep without a shepherd.

A portion of these at Nauvoo followed Brigham Young and his associates out across the western plains, and it is largely owing to the conduct of this faction that the name of Latter Day Saint came to be regarded as synonymous with evil.

But the major part of the church remained faithful to the original doctrine and teachings of the prophet and waited for the time when God should raise up faithful men to again unite them under one banner, and that, the unchangeable message of the gospel, leader. Since the year 1852, the church has been known as the Re-organized

Gradually this was accomplished. In April, 1860, Joseph Smith, son of Joseph Smith, martyred, was formally accepted by the church as its prophet and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The reason is quite evident.

And from that date until this present writing, the church has made steady progress in membership and in the esteem of all honorable men. '. And now we come to the time when these people became identified with the history of Knox county.

Prior to the year of 1860, there had moved into Knox county several families who were members of the church in the days of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. Among these was Zenos H. Gurley, a man very intimately associated with the reorganization of the church ; one who was not only an active local preacher, but who also labored for many years under general church conference appointment.

Through his efforts, together with those of others no less zealous, a flourishing branch (congregation) of the church was soon built up and established at Henderson and long known as the "Henderson Grove branch." To the original number, many more names were added by conversions. During the year of 1870, a chapel was built and for many years was the gathering place for not only the resident members, but the quarterly conferences were often held at this place in the years that followed. ^: -iv - -

Possessed of the "missionary spirit" to an unusual degree, the elders of the Henderson Grove branch were very active in promulgating the doctrine of their church and preached their faith in all the surrounding territory. Since they went without hire, and their only reward was the joy . of sharing with others the consolation of a "heaven-born" faith, we must credit them with sincerity, at least. Laboring in the field, the shop, or at the bench during the day, they would drive or walk for miles at night or on Sunday in order to preach in schoolhouse or church. Such efforts resulted in other branches being established.

At Abingdon, a branch existed for a number of years. They reported but ten or eleven members in 1862, but the next year their report read "membership over forty, with great interest manifested."

About this time, several families belonging to the church were residents of Galesburg. And here, on November 15, 1863, was held a meeting, or council, which was the beginning of the organization of the several branches in northwest Illinois into what is now known as the "Kewanee district."

The following ministry from Knox county attended this meeting, and participated in its deliberations : Zenos H. Gurley, Edwin Stafford, Lorin Page, C. M. Brown, Thos. Allen, W. A. Moore and Eli Atkinson.

At the beginning of the '7os and as a direct result of the labors of Elder M. T. Short, there was a small branch established in the eastern part of the county at Truro.

A similar effort was made at Victoria by other elders and resulted in the work being rooted here in an organized branch composed of some twenty or more members. -

At Viola, likewise, a small nucleus was organized. But all three of these congregations made but an indifferent growth, and after an existence extending over some twenty years, they ceased to live. The membership was largely scattered ; some of them later being instrumental in establishing the church at Dahinda.

Long ago, death and removals had depleted the numbers at Abingdon, and where there was once a growing congregation, there was no longer any branch.

But Henderson Grove branch lived and grew. They continued to send representatives to the district conferences, and reported to the same until in the early part of 1900. Then this congregation, like the others mentioned, was affected by death and removals. The little chapel was sold, and the scattered membership largely enrolled elsewhere.

But at no time since 1860, has there been a date when the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ has not been represented in Knox county by one or more congregations. The last one to be organized and the only one now extant within the county is the one at Dahinda, Illinois, known as the Dahinda branch.

In 1896, the saints living near Dahinda made an effort to build a chapel for church services at that place. Helped along by favorable friends they succeeded in doing this and the building was ready to occupy in May. It was not dedicated, however, until in June, 1904, when Elder J. W. Wight, missionary-in-charge of the Kewanee district, preached the dedicatory sermon at a session of the district conference.

Beginning with but eleven names, this branch has made a steady growth, and have added to the original number, by baptism, sixty-one names. Additions by letter have swelled this number to over eighty, but death and removals have decreased the list until today there is a membership of about sixty. Some of these members are the descendants of the early-day Latter Day Saints, but a went without hire, and their only reward was the joy of sharing with others the consolation of a "heavon-born" faith, we mtist credit them with sincerity, at least. Laboring in the field, the shop, or at the bench during the day, they would drive or walk for miles at night or on Sunday in order to preach in schoolhouse or church. Such efforts resulted in other branches being established.

At Abingdon, a branch existed for a number of years. They reported btit ten or eleven members in 1862. but the next year their report read "membership over forty, with great interest manifested. '

Alx)ut this time, several families belonging to the church were residents of Galesburg. And here, on November 15, 1863, was held a meeting, or council, which was the beginning of the organization of the several branches in northwest Illinois into what is now known as the "Kewanee district."

The following ministry from Knox county attended this meeting, and participated in its deliberations : Zenos H. Gurley, Edwin Stafford, Lorin Page. C. M. Brown. Thos. Allen. \\'. A. Moore and EH Atkinson.

At the beginning of the '/os and as a direct result of the labors of Elder M. T. Short, there was a small branch established in the eastern part of the county at Truro.

A similar effort was made at \ ictoria by other elders and resulted in the work being rooted here in an organized branch composed of some twenty or more members.

At X'iola, likewise, a small nucleus was organized. But all three of these congregations made but an indifferent growth, and after an existence extending over some twenty years, they ceased to live. The membership was largely scattered ; some of them later being instrumental in establishing the church at Dahinda.

Long ago, death and removals had depleted the numbers at Abingdon, and where there was once a growing congregation, there was no longer any branch.

But Henderson Grove branch lived and grew. They continued to send representatives to the district conferences, and reported to the same until in the early part of 1900, Then this congregation, like the others mentioned, was affected by death and removals. The little chapel was sold, and the scattered membership largely enrolled elseuhere.

But at no time since 1860, has there been a date when the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ has not been represented in Knox county by one or more congregations. The last one to be organized and the only one now extant within the count\ is the one at Dahinda, Illinois, known as the Dahinda branch.

In 1896, the saints living near Dahinda made an effort to build a chapel for church services at that i)lace. Helped along by favorable friends they succeeded in doing this and the building was ready to occupy in May. It was not dedicated, however, until in June, i<p4, when I-'lder J. \\'. Wight, missionary-in-charge of the Kewanee district, preached the dedicatory sermon at a session of the district conference.

r>eginning with but eleven names, this branch has made a steady growth; and have added to the original numl)er, by baptism, sixty-one names. Additions by letter have swelled this number to over eightv, but death and removals have decreased the list until today there is a membershi]) of about sixtv. Some of these members are the descendants of the early-day Latter Day Saints, but a

There is a scattered membership residing at Galesburg, Victoria, Henderson and elsewhere in the county, but only at Dahinda is there a local organization with regularly appointed weekly services. The church here is in charge of the local ministry.

Dahinda branch reports to, and is under the supervision of the Kewanee district, and the district makes report to the general church conferences held annually.

The official headquarters of the church, herein described are at Lamoni, Iowa. From the publishing house located at this place, is issued the official paper of the church, "The Saints Herald," together with various other publications, tracts, books, etc.

The aged president and prophet of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints lived at Lamoni for many years until recently, when he moved to Independence, Missouri, where he now resides.

The work of the ministry, or priesthood of the church, may be classed under three general heads, namely, that of the pastoral, the missionary and the financial.

The entire church is presided over by a president, assisted by two counsellors. These are appointed by revelation, but are acknowledged or received by the voice of the church.

The missionary line of the priesthood is composed of the twelve apostles, the seventies of elders; also the high priests, elders and priests when laboring in missionary work. The entire missionary work, that is presenting the gospel to those who are not members of the church, is in charge of the twelve apostles. The seventies are sent under their direction and report their labors direct to them.

The finances of the church are in charge of a presiding bishop, assisted by two counsellors, assisted by other bishops. The families of the ministry are sustained from the church treasury, which is supplied by the tithes and offerings paid in by the members. Each member contributes according as he has been prospered, and each family receives according to their needs and requirements.

The Latter Day Saints believe in a God that never changes ; in a Gospel that never changes, but is the same in all ages of the world, that obedience to the same law will always produce the same effect, and hence the same "gifts and blessings" accompany the obedient believer today as in former times.

They believe in a religion that will enable the individual to develop a character fit to associate with the Divine One. It must prepare man "to live," not

In conclusion, we say in the words of Jesus (John 7-17), "If any man will do his will he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God or whether I speak of myself." . , .. . ,- I-

The Christian Science church was founded in 1879 by Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer of Christian Science and author of its text-book, "Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures." The church was organized "to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing" (Church Manual). In 1892 the church was reorganized as The First Church of Christ, Scientist, known as The Mother church, in Boston, Massachusetts. The present officers of The Mother church are : President, Judge Clifford P. Smith ; clerk, John V. Dittemore ; treasurer, Stephen A. Chase; directors, Archibald McLellan, Allison V. Stewart, Stephen A. Chase, John V. Dittemore, Adam H. Dickey. , i

All Christian Science churches and societies, of which there are now 1,260 in the United States and 135 in foreign countries, are branches of The Mother church. Lesson-sermons compiled from the Bible and "Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures" are read at the services in Christian Science churches. There are about five thousand Christian Science practitioners regularly devoting their time to the practice of Christian Science mind healing.

Mrs. Eddy founded The Christian Science Journal, Sentinel, Quarterly, Der Herold der Christian Science and the Christian Science Monitor (a daily newspaper), all of which are published by the Christian Science Publishing society in Boston.

There is in connection with the Christian Science movement an official board of lectureship designed to furnish the public correct information concerning the fundamental teachings of Christian Science. Lectures given by members of this board are free to the public.

There are in the state of Illinois ninety-two Christian Science churches and societies. All of these churches hold public services and maintain free reading rooms where the public may have access to all authorized publications on the subject of Christian Science.

Christian Science was first introduced in Galesburg about 1886. Services were held at the home of one of the Scientists, and the interest gradually increased uritil the year 1909, when it seemed best to purchase a church home. Accordingly the Hale property on the corner of South and Cedar streets was purchased and the building remodeled into a large audience room, which accommodates about two hundred. Services are held every Sunday morning at lo 130 and Sunday school at 1 1 145. Wednesday evening testimonial meetings are held at 8 o'clock. There is also a reading room in the building, which is open daily except Sundays and legal holidays from 12:30 to 4 p. m. The public is welcome to this reading room, and Christian Science literature may be read or purchased there.

Three former residents of Knox county who are prominently identified with the Christian Science movement are Alfred Farlow and Willis F. Gross of Boston and John H. Wheeler of Kansas City.

George Shaw Cook

In nearly every township of this county there are a few members of this church, but Galesburg, having the only branch church within the county, the outside members have to come to Galesburg when they attend church. Members from Knoxville are often visitors at the church in Galesburg. - Editor.

Because of the fact that the story of Ireland's golden age is comparatively unknown, and because of another fact, that the coming into the knowledge of that age is a great source of pleasure to the Irish especially, we have woven some of it into our work on the county, for which liberty we trust that our readers will f>ardon us.

"To begin wid," Knox county bears the name of an Irishman. It has been 'A; ; estimated that one- fourth of the officers in the Revolutionary war were of Irish birth or parentage. Among that number was General Henry Knox, the distinguished soldier, statesman and confidential friend of the great Washington. In the naming of the many counties of the Military Tract it was planned to do honor to the heroes of the revolution, and thus it came about that these twenty townships of the fairest land in all Illinois have become a lasting monument to the memory of Henry Knox. Stark, Sullivan and Wayne are the names of sister counties that in like manner give lasting testimony to the high per cent of Irish blood that officered the American revolution, while we make but passing ^' ;:- reference here to the quantities of that blood which fired the veins of the rank ;,r and file of the Colonial army.

You know then that the Irish were here early in colonial history and that as an integral part of the growing population of the eastern states they drifted westward on the tide of a pioneer people and with that people took root where they lodged. You do not know, perhaps, just how the Irish came to be in and of this country and why it was that they left their island home in such myriads during certain decades ; the climax of emigration being reached in the unprecedented exodus that took place during the third quarter of the nineteenth century, when Knox county was making its most rapid growth. ;.

We introduce this historical sketch with a spotlight picture of the Irish nation in that glorious and now almost forgotten period that lies between the conversion of Ireland to Christianity by St. Patrick in the fifth century and its sub-

This island was the most potent factor in the refinement of Europe and the civilization of the world. The classics, the arts and the sciences flourished in the Emerald isle when qamelopards and tigers bounded in the Roman amphitheater. These Irish apostles, Columba to Scotland and England, Columbanus to the banks of the Rhine, in Switzerland and in Italy, Fursa to Belgium, Virgil

: to Austria, were among the missionaries who went in companies, taking with them their books, those beautiful manuscripts for which Ireland is justly noted. Excelling in religious and classical learning, they were also skilled in music, painting and carving. This enthusiasm for teaching flowed from a sincere and abundant culture at home. The fame of her schools and universities went abroad and students flocked to Ireland from all the neighboring countries, especially from England, coming thence in fleet loads. From kings and nobles down to the poorest students all were received, cared for and taught free of charge. Where? In Ireland. St. Finian's school at Oonard had 3,000 pupils and the ' school at Bangor had almost as many. Well might Ireland be called the bridge over the dark ages. The Roman empire fell, swallowed up by the tide of northern savages, Gaul was overrun by the Franks, Spain and Italy by the Lombards, Britain by Angles, Saxons and Danes, Austria was swept by Asiatic nomads, all Europe was submerged by a deluge of heathendom. Ireland was the one exception, the ark of safety for the old wisdom and beauty of the classical days. Ireland was the bridge over the dark ages, and as soon as the flood of heathen invasion ebbed light and hope crossed the bridge and were carried by Irish teachers and preachers to all the new formed countries of Europe.

of almanacs. Have you heard of the penal laws? Far from being a joke, they were in force from the days of William and Mary down through two centuries and up to the days of our own fathers, when the history of Knox county begins. , These laws lie back of Irish emigration, for they were the means of converting into utter misery the lives of the happiest natured people on earth. They obliterated even the footprints of learning and education and by strangling to an early death every native trade and industry, these same laws converted into a barren, neglected waste the fertile and entrancingly beautiful island home of the Irish race.

just as much suffering among the Presbyterians of the north and the other nonconformists to the English church. Each law struck a two-edged blow, first at the ancient religion of the Irish, second at his ancient thirst for education. "Catholics were strictly forbidden to teach either in private or in public, and parents were forbidden to send their children out of Ireland to be educated. This meant absolute lack of education for Catholics. The eldest son of a Catholic landowner, if he went over to the legal church, could straightway oust his father and take all his possessions. No Catholic could buy land or lease it for a long term. He could not inherit an estate under a will. No renter could make a profit greater than one-third of the rent. Of course he could not sit in parliament. He could not hold civil or military office. Besides this tithes had to be paid to the Anglican clergy, who collected them rigorously. Catholic and Protestant suffered alike." Finally the English parliament passed an act in 1699 P''^' hibiting trade relations between Ireland and all external ports, thus deliberately killing that which had been the subsistence of the masses. Ireland's best single commodity was wool. Like the Irish linen of to-day, Irish wool was then famed all over Europe, finding a large market and bringing high prices. The English merchants, fearing the competition, demanded its complete destruction. Nothing was left the Irish but starvation or immigration. Great numbers of the Presbyterians and non-conformists left at once and found their way to New England, where they straightway gave great impetus to the weaving industries that have since made New England rich as well as famous. -'

Jonathan Swift, Protestant, a noted writer and dean of St. Patrick's, Dublin, who has left us full accounts of the distress of the times, tells us that the poverty and misery caused by the destruction of all these trades brought famine and pestilence in their wake.

During the eighteenth century the peasantry of Ireland, the most wretched in all Europe, were reduced to a state of misery, from which they have not fully recovered to-day. In considering this legislation it must be borne in mind that a similar state of affairs existed in other lands at the same time. Only in Ireland, however, did a small minority try to suppress the religion of a whole nation on whose confiscated land they lived and whose revenues they enjoyed.

What stamps the Irish penal laws as particularly infamous is that they represented not only religious bigotry, oppression and cruelty, all three common enough in those days, but also a broken promise, a violation of the solemn promises of the treaty of Limerick. Under the provisions of that treaty the Irish leaders had consented to end the war and dismissed the army of relief which had already reached Limerick from France.

Relief came from an unexpected quarter. Across the open Atlantic to the westward providence flung wide the doors to the English colonies of the new world and there a young people might work out its destiny and at the same time ward off outside interference. Into that colonial life the Irish entered heart and soul, and when the war for independence gathered and broke there were minute men and Green Mountain boys in plenty whose speech was tinctured with the brogue, who exercised especial zeal in the prompt and efficient delivery of powder and ball to the red-coated ranks of England. That the Irish in America, like the Irish elsewhere, have been a military people goes without saying. From Major Mollie Pitcher on the plains of Monmouth to Bucky and Sheas have been to the front in every generation. They were all in the battle of Lexington, and the same names appear on the death list of the ill-fated Maine."

Beginning with the prisoners of war exported to America in the days of - Cromwell and including the Presbyterian weavers who fled to these shores in the seventeenth century, there were always fresh relays of Irish coming to the ; colonies and later to the United States. These were rapidly absorbed, and in a few decades became difficult of detection among the masses of the population. In contrast with these there was the constant influx of the late arrivals,

- simplest of the simple and greenest of the green apparently, but every one equipped with a willing hand, a bright, observing eye and an unfailing sense of humor - a three-round ladder that leads to the top of any situation.

With him came Henry and Austin Matingly, William and Henderson Hogan, Hamilton O'Man, Joseph, Marcellas and Lawrence McKeiman, John Gallet, George Tippet, Thomas Livers and Patrick H. Smith. There were men of English and French extraction in this party, but as many of the names given are pure Irish and most of the families seem to be related we give the entire roll.

These men established the Catholic church in St. Augustine, and became important owners of land in Fulton and Knox counties. As to their sterling and kindly qualities, we have the interesting testimony of the venerable Mrs. Mary Barber Roe, of Garfield avenue, Galesburg. Mrs. Roe is herself a native of New York, and came to St. Augustine in 1841. Her mind is bright and active at the advanced age of ninety-seven. Of the pioneers mentioned above, she says, "I tell you those were good people. No matter what church the sick or the needy belonged to, they would take them right in and care for them."

From Pennsylvania, by way of the Illinois river, came the families of Thomas and Michael Dougherty, in 1854. They were soon followed by about fifteen other families, among them were Patrick O'Pray, Edward, John and Barney Larkins.

The following with their families came in the '5os : Nicholas Crow, Thomas and William Burke, James and John Fogerty, John Keams, Peter Mack, Lawrence Clay and M. Condon. ^.- . ';

A group that formed almost immediately after the St. Augustine colony was that of the Presbyterian Irish of Salem township. These sturdy pioneers came from the counties of northern Ireland, and landed most of them at Philadelphia. From 1839 to 1850, they were entering from the government small pieces of land in the township where their descendants now own entensive tracts.

The Mathews, William and John, were emigrants from County Tyrone. The late Robert G. Mathews was a son of John Mathews. For six years R. G. Mathews served on the county board of supervisors and was chairman of that board while the court house was being built. For a term of eighteen years he served the county in the offices of sheriff and deputy sheriff alternately. In that capacity also he rendered valuable service to the county. Charles H. Mathews, father of Mrs. J. Grant Beadle, who at his death, in 1883, was rated as the wealthiest man in Galesburg, was the son of another John Mathews, also an emigrant from County Tyrone.

The Sloans, John and Solomon R., were emigrants from County Antrim and County Derry respectively. The former is known as the Hon. John Sloan, having served on the county board of supervisors from 1869 to 1878, after which he was sent to the state legislature, where he served several terms as democratic representative. His son, Hugh Sloan, has long been a prominent member of the county board.

The McKeighans, Alexander and James, were emigrants from County Antrim. Alexander H. McKeighan is a son of the former and for many years has been proprietor and publisher of the Yates City Banner.

The office of W. S. Gale, in the year 1851-52, was a meeting place for the / . directors of the Central Military Tract Railroad Co. These promoters, one ' ^ Patrick Dunn among them, were using every means to attract the prospective ;- //::; railroad through Galesburg. Their gigantic efforts brought gigantic returns. . :- :; Their every hope was realized and some things unthought of as well, for at that -; - very time, as we have shown, events across the sea were loosing the unparalleled ;;'. - flood of immigration that swept into the land during the '5os and '6os. The heads ^. : . of nearly every full blooded Irish family in the county came in by stage or along tlie new laid rails of the "Q" during those two decades, first perhaps, as roister- ' ; ;^ ing, high spirited lads plying the pick and shovel in the construction gangs that - : pushed the glistening steel into the waiting west, often as raw farm hands and .. ; ' ; untrained house maids stepping from immigrant trains with scanty bundled belongings. A few years, and they came as better trained artisans, having been ; ' apprenticed in the towns of Massachusetts and New York, where they had lingered : for a short time before pushing west. - -. :

In Columbia county. New York, the Shaker settlements were flourishing in / - the '5OS. Many of the immigrants took the stage at Albany and obtained employment in and about Lebanon, The Tilden family of that place, as well as : ; the Shakers, were large employers; and just over the line in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Barker Brothers, manufacturers of drugs, added many other Irish to their - .. ; pay roll. There, at Lebanon and at Pittsfield, many a lad and lassie from opposite counties of Ireland met for the first time and either married outright or plighted ' : their troth until they should lay up a little and meet again on the plains of / , Illinois, for this stop in the Mohawk valley was merely to get their bearings and . earn the price of a railroad ticket to the state where it was rumored the Gales, : -- Moshers and Ferrises would pay higher wages and so open the door to larger -; opportunities.

When Samuel J. Tildeii was elected by the people to the presidency, in 1876, and lost by one historic vote in the heated contest that followed, there was many a democratic vote polled in Knox county that carried with it an extra measure of good will, because of personal memories of Lebanon and the Tildens.

Many families came to Galesburg from the old country directly, such as the Connertons and Keefes. Mr. Connerton used to twit his pious little wife with having said to him fifty years ago when preparing for their wedding trip, "Tom, I will go any place in the west with you and live on two meals a day if you will settle near a church." "We lived next door to St. Patrick's church, first oa one side and then on the other," said Mr. Connerton, "but all these forty-seven years I have noted she likes her three square meals a day." The home of this pioneer couple was rendered sacred to many a Galesburg family as the place where "father and mother" were united in matrimony before the completion of St. Patrick's church.

Most of those mentioned in the preceding groups made permanent homes in Galesburg, while a high percentage took up land at the earliest opportunity and became prominent and permanent farmers in their respective townships.

Henderson creek was a sizable prairie stream. Along its banks stretched heavy patches of timber, and these miniature forests have become historic -in Knox county as "Henderson Grove," or briefly, "the grove." (We are indebted to Mrs. Eliza Minehan, of Arthur avenue, and to the family of Mr. Michael Huston for most of our data concerning the Grove colony.)

This timber land was obtainable by the early settlers in fifty acre tracts. The price was low, but mountain high to the penniless. At the cost of heavy and prolonged manual labor, any able bodied man might become a landlord. The Milans, Boylstons, Minehans, Coffeys, Penderghasts, Shays, O'Briens, Powers, Donahues, McGraths, Cofields and Slatterys here obtained their first square foot of land and were well established as tillers of the soil at the outbreak of civil war. In many cases two brothers would take up fifty acres between them, fell the trees and grub out the stumps by their combined efforts. Fuel and building material were to be had for the hacking and splitting. Log houses were quickly rolled up and housekeeping began with the briefest of ceremony. One great advantage of living in the Grove was the diversity of labor obtainable when the farming season ended. Wood could be cut at fifty cents per cord and hauled to Galesburg. Coal mines were being opened here and there along the creek, while Brow's brick yard was rapidly converting timber clay into building material. Blazed trails led from cabin to cabin and each new comer from Lebanon or far off Ireland was given the heartiest of welcomes by each hearthstone where he listened with open mouthed pleasure to the bombastic measures of "the praises of Henderson Grove," as sung in the wailing cadences of a genuine Celtic "Come All Ye." This poetic gem was composed by one Nicholas Lawrence, a roving Irish wood chopper who sat himself down one day on a newly sawed log and made himself the wonder of the community by the careless ease with which he wrote off the rolling stanzes. .;-=-,:

; The trees in the Grove are the best in the nation. They answer each purpose our wants do require. With walnut and oak we build our habitation, . Good hickory and maple we chop for our fire, /v' -

- The linns and the elms are tall beyond measure, ' - They clatter their leaves midst the thunders of Jove. The Swedes and the Irish are vying with each other Purchasing farms in Henderson Grove. . ..\ .

The blackbirds and thrush in concert each morning. At night we are charmed by the sweet whip-poor-will. There are pigeons and prairie hens here beyond number. Besides the wild partridge and sweet turtle dove, :-,

At Williamsfield the first Irish settler was Patric Grady, who made himself memorable in that section by using as a building material for his house quantities of pebbles from the banks of the Spoon. . /

Peter Morgan arrived soon after. Peter gave up the seafaring life for that of a farmer. We are told that he crossed the ocean seventeen times.

From Limerick, in 1852, came the Welsh brothers, Richard and Michael, accompanied by James Murphy. They landed at New Orleans on Christmas day of that year. The father of these elder Welshes raised horses for the fox chase in the old country. Owing to this circumstance his sons struck up an acquaintance at first sight with the driver of an especially fine team of horses on the streets of Peoria. The driver was Simpkins of Maquon. As a result of this chance meeting the wanderers located at Williamsfield. The Welsh brothers had had the opportunity of college training at Dublin. Michael, generally known as Squire Welsh, filled many offices of trust during his long life in Elba township. The squire was justly proud of his title and resented from his old associates the familiarity with which some of them addressed him as "Mike." Michael Grimes was riding home from Williamsfield with him one rainy day, and in his conversation frequently and emphatically addressed him as "Mike." The squire chafed inwardly and at length protested. "Why don't you call me squire, that's me title ?" "Faith, I'll never call the likes of you squire," was the answer. Arguing the point they reached the banks of the angry Spoon. The squire stopped his horses and seemed greatly concerned as to the condition of one of the traces of the nigh horse. "Will you get out and fasten that trace. Grimes ?" "I will that," said Grimes. He had scarcely cleared the wheel when the squire struck his spirited horses a resounding crack with the whip. They plunged headlong into the river and before the astonished Grimes could draw a second breath, the tail board of the wagon was far beyond his reach. He realized he was beaten. He said severak things to Mr. Welsh in loud tones. It was only when he began pleading, "Please, Mr. Squire, won't you come back?" that Mr. Welsh's hearing -returned. v'^ -^.

Other pioneers of the vicinity of Williamsfield were Philip Brenan, John Malone, Dennis Murphy and Michael O'Connor. These in their day and gen-, eration acquired fine farms which have passed on to their descendants.

In Sparta township on the rough land bordering North creek, which is a tributary of Spoon river, settled a number of immigrants, chiefly from County Waterford.

Mr. Patrick O'Connor, of Wataga, gives the following account of early settlers at Barefoot. Mr. James O'Connor with his sons, Patrick and Thomas, took up land there in 1855. Antedating them several years was Solomon McCIeary of Scotch-Irish descent. . -,-

' -- Following the O'Connors came Peter O'Hern, Michael Murray, John Mangon, William Butler, James Torticil, Thomas O'Brien and Ed Kennedy, known throughout the community as "the king." He was considered final authority on all matters pertaining to law and justice.

These men, by their industry and perseverance, converted timber land and virgin prairie into productive farms, which in many cases are still operated by their sons or grandsons. The dwellers along North creek were quaintly termed in an early day "the Barefoot Nation." There, as elsewhere throughout the county, expensive shoe leather was reserved for wear on Sundays and state occasions. Sometimes there was but one pair of shoes in a family and he who was most speedy in dressing stood the best chance of securing the family shoes to complete his toilet.

There was a lovesick swain in the North Creek community who felt his heartstrings drawn in the direction of Henderson Grove. Being a little bit slow, perhaps, or possessed of more than ordinary good nature, he found that Sunday after Sunday he was losing his turn at the coveted footwear. He must have been stout of heart, as well as calloused of sole, for, nothing daunted, he covered regularly the long miles that intervened between him and the object of his affection. The people of the Grove took notice of the young man's courage and devotion and, overlooking their own bare toes, which were quite the correct thing when one was at home, humorously termed their friends of the North Creek locality, "The Barefoot Nation," which in time became abbreviated to "Barefoot."

: As early as 1855 ^ number of Irish were already settled within a radius of a few miles of what is now the village of Oneida. Among the first were the Sullivan brothers - Owen, Michael and Daniel. A few years later came the Swift brothers - Martin and John; the Barry brothers - James and Michael - came in 1857: Joseph and James McGovern, Simon, Clark and Owen Conley settled in the locality since known as Dublin. Other early comers were Dan Faloon, Pat Mead, Locke Feely, Timothy Hannon, Thomas Huston and Patrick Nash.

The breaking out of prairie sod, the digging of coal, the quarrying of stone and the making of brick were the chief occupations of the new comers to Ontario and Sparta townships. A brickyard was kept by Tom Quinn and Tom Ryan near Oneida. John Dimsey conducted one of the first butcher shops there.

Mr. Timothy Hannon opened a shoe shop in 1857 in this village. During the fifty-five years that have since elapsed Mr. Hannon has shod two generations of Oneida's inhabitants. In front of his store stands a splendid hard maple that was planted by him and his good wife on their wedding day fiftythree years ago. His most distinguished patron was one that walked into a shop which he operated in Springfield previous to his coming to Oneida. That patron was Abraham Lincoln, for whom Mr. Hannon made a substantial pair of shoes.

Michael Courtney was an early resident of Oneida, a colonel in the Civil war, and, like the others of his family, influential in the life of the community. George Courtney was a road foreman of engines for the C., B. & Q. R. R. at the time of his death by accident in 1889. ..... , . ,

John Sheahan took up a quarter section of land in Lynn township in 1864. His brother-in-law, Richard Goodman, came to Lynn in 1865. The Story family, James Graham and John Hagarty came a few years later. Patrich Sheahan and his family took up land in Walnut Grove township in 1866. The Welsh brothers, Patrick, James, John and Thomas, with their brother-in-law. Henry Locklin, were pioneer owners of land both in Rio township and over the line in Henry county.

These early settlers by their untiring efforts and keen business insight became, all of them, substantial citizens, and some of them owners of extensive tracts of land, which to-day means wealth and independence for their children. But few of the emigrants from the old country were so daring as to embark at once on the stormy seas of a business career. The following did so and were highly successful :

Daniel Farrell was a pioneer in the clothing business in Galesburg, and those who knew him best are enthusiastic in their appreciation of all that he did in the old days of religious and political dissension as mediator. He lived to a ripe old age, always at his post of business, a dignified and lovable figure in the community. Edward Houston conducted a grocery store in Wataga for years. He was postmaster of that place during both of Cleveland's administrations. Mr. Thomas Keefe was in the grain business first at Wataga, then at St. Augustine and for the last twenty-five years has been a leading lumber merchant in Galesburg.

An amusing incident of Mr. Keefe's boyhood is the fact that when his father decided to leave the old home in Roscommon and try his fortune in the new world he deliberated long and earnestly over the chances of his youngest children securing an education in America. Depressed by reports of scanty schools in that wilderness, he left the young Thomas and his brother, still younger, to attend the school kept by their uncle in Ireland. The father and the rest of the family proceeded to New York. Four years passed before the younger children were permitted to come on and join their elders in "York state."

Mr. James O'Connor, now in the real-estate and insurance business, has been actively associated with the growth and development of Galesburg from early manhood. Timothy Hannon, pioneer shoe merchant at Oneida, has been mentioned previously.

There is a tendency to regard the Irish as merely an element of the rank and file, while the truth of the matter is, their work has been structural. At first they had nothing to offer but labor, and labor was what Knox county needed in her early days. In the clearing away of timber, in the breaking up of prairie sod, in the building of railroads and in the construction of solid masonry, the handiwork of the Irish laborer was everywhere. That laborer had had but the briefest of schooling in the newly established national schools of the old country. In many cases he could barely write his name and just spell out the headlines in the weekly paper. Most of them, however, were well able to peruse that paper from end to end and were soon deeply interested in every live question of the day. That laborer, being Irish, was the best of good fellows (often to his undoing). He was fluent of speech, a persuader of men by birth and a leader of causes by inheritance. Fate and the lack of education left him a worker with his hands. He raised large families, and to his children he gave the education for which he had thirsted and with it his native gifts of magnetism and persuasion. The second generation took to the professions, to business and to public life like the duck to the quiet pool.

From many generalities we have at last come to the winding path of continuous personal mention. As your g^ide on the long journey that we have come together, we must warn you of many abrupt turns from this person to that and of very sudden leaps from one calling to another in no way connected with it.

Hon. M. J. Dougherty represents the second generation of the St. Augustine group. The father of Mr. Dougherty came to this country at the age of five. With his parents he boarded the first ship that sailed out of Lxjndonderry harbor after peace was declared and it was known in that port that the War of 1812 was over. News traveled but slowly in those days, and we know that the battle of New Orleans was fought after peace was declared. It is interesting to learn that the above mentioned ship was given a lively chase, all of one day, by an American privateer. How much of wit and good-fellowship the Knox county bar would have lost had one of those death-dealing cannon balls taken effect ! Landing at Philadelphia, they went west by ox team and steamboat until Mr. Thomas Dougherty cast in his lot with the St. Augustine colony. The younger Mr. Dougherty has been for years a prominent member of the bar. He was postmaster for the city of Galesburg during Cleveland's administration and has represented this district in the state legislature for a number of terms.

John Keefe, the eldest son of Thomas Keefe of Galesburg, left St. Augustine for Sioux City, Iowa, where he has long been a prominent and respected citizen. Mr. Keefe is a member of the firm of Flynn and Keefe, street pavement contractors. :^' ' . . r" ?- : I ->^ '.';'-:'

We have already mentioned two representatives of the second generation of the Salem group, R. G. Mathews and Hugh Sloan. James Wasson, the attorney, belongs to that group.

Representatives of the Henderson Grove group are James Minehan, editor of a paper at Geddes, South Dakota ; W. H. Coffey and the Slattery brothers. Mr. Coffey is justice of the peace in Galesburg. Dr. W. H. Slattery is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Dr. George N. in New York city.

From Williamsfield came those able attorneys Judge J. D. Welsh and his cousip, James J. ; also Dr. Thomas Murphy, a prominent physician of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Of the Oneida barefoot group Harry A. Nash, son of Patrick Nash, represents the second generation. Mr. Nash is a leading citizen of Perry, Iowa, where he follows the business of real estate, insurance and investments. The Torticell brothers, sons of James Torticell, are both in business in Kewanee, James L. in the plumbing, and Will dealing in hardware. Dan Hannon, son of Timothy Hannon, is auditor for Adams Express Company in Denver, Colorado.

and ear specialist, the Maley brothers, Dr. W. H. and Dr. George, Dr. Thomas Birmingham and Dr. Frank Flynn. Attorneys, the late J. C. Stephens, Edward McTiernan, of Chicago, Will Brown of Bellingham, Washington, W. H. Sullivan and J. E. Maley. In mercantile pursuits are M. J. Buckley, grocer ; John Huston, grocer; George Farrell, one of the partners in the clothing store founded by his father Daniel Farrell; J. B. McAuley, contractor; the O'Connor brothers, Mart and J. D., contractors ; Miss Jean Halpin, beauty parlors ; Miss Mollie Morrissey, ladies' supplies; Daniel Nolan, of the blacksmithing firm of Dewine & Nolan, Joseph Sullivan, laundry business; Bernard Ryan, banker and lumber merchant at Neleigh, Nebraska; the Hurley brothers, Myer and Exiward. Edward Hurley is president of the Hurley Machine Company of Chicago. Through the successful management of a newly invented pneumatic tool he leaped into the millionaire class. Mr. Myer Hurley is proprietor of a fiardware store at Marseline, Kansas, and holds an important position among the officials of the B. of L. E. Miss Kathryn Ryan is proprietor of a dry goods store at Black Foot, Idaho. Mr. Edwin Daugherty, son of Honorable and Mrs. M. J. Daugherty, is in the wiring business at Riverside, California. "

Among the adopted sons of Galesburg are Dr. W. O'R. Bradley, Dr. John Bohan and Dr. Fred Gurley, J. P. Foley, undertaker; J. P. Quigley, plumber.

Knox county has contributed these names to the roll of the clergy : Rev. Wm. Graham, son of James Graham, theological student at Rochester, New York ; Rev. Edward Welsh, of Keithsburg, son of Thomas Welsh; Rev. J. J. Burk, of Peoria, son of Thomas Burk, of St. Augustine.

Less than twenty years ago Knox county adopted that genial clergyman. Rev. John Phelan, who came direct from the Royal University at Dublin to open Corpus Christi lyceum. Of a retiring nature, he has endeared himself by the charm of his personality not only to the students in his charge, but to the various communities which they represent.

From the first, the Irish have been intimately associated with the railroad. Mr. James Clary, of South Chambers street, retired from active service ten years ago. He was for forty-seven consecutive years a section boss on the Quincy branch and gives many interesting pictures of the floating population that made up his gangs through all that period. Mr. John Sullivan entered the employ of the Burlington in 1860. He was made division road master in 1871, which position he is acceptably filling today. v ;

Of the second generation in railroad life are the following: Michael Franey, who was called from the Galesburg shops to become master mechanic and superintendent of shops at Collinwood, Ohio, for the Lake Shore railroad. Will Graham comes from a family of railroaders, his father and five uncles being well known conductors. Mr. Will Graham is road master at Superior, Michigan. Maurice Daley is superintendent of a western railroad with headquarters at Seattle, Washington. His brother, James Daley, is state boiler inspector of Montana, with headquarters at Helena. Frank P. Dolan, son of John Dolan, of North Cedar street, won distinction in the railroad world at an early age. Bom and educated at St. Augustine, he became a dependable operator at the age of fourteen. He rose rapidly to the general superintendency of the Rock Island, with his headquarters at Topeka, Kansas.

Patrick H. Morrissey has made Galesburg his home for a quarter of ,a century. Entering the railroad life as a call boy, he is now president of the American Railroad Employees and Investors Association. His national standing is best attested by the following extracts from lengthy articles concerning him in our best magazines. The Saturday Evening Post of January 8, 1910, says: "Mr. Morrissey is a diplomat of long experience and approved skill, a man of fairness and moderation." He is justifiably proud of a letter written him by a recent tenant of the White House, in which he is assurred "That mighty few men have helped me as much as you have." In the Outlook of August 5, 1911, Mr. Roosevelt says of a speech made by Mr. Morrissey to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, "It sets forth such good doctrine that I wish it were possible to quote it in full. I cordially agree with Mr. Morrissey's views on this matter." These quoted words are much more forcible and expressive than would be any comments of ours. ; ...;-,;

George Davis, for twenty years treasurer of Knox College, was a native of County Lietrim, Ireland. The splendid new building just dedicated to science at Knox IS a lasting monument to his name. A large donor to that building was J. T. McKnight, a son-in-law of Mr. Davis, a trustee of Knox, and a most influential citizen of Galesburg. Although a man of means, Mr. McKnight is also a man of affairs, active in every interest of the community. Mr. McKnight is the son of an immigrant from County Monaghan.

The late Alfred M. Craig was one of Knox county's best known sons, both as jurist and banker. He served on the supreme bench of the state for twenty-seven years. Judge Craig was the grandson of an immigrant from Londonderry.

Dr. Thomas McClelland, for the past twelve years president of Knox College, is a native of Colraine, North Ireland. During his administration the endowment of Knox College has been raised $350,000. Two handsome buildings have been erected during this term which have greatly enhanced the usefulness of this progfressive college.

Professor W. L. Steele is the son of an immigrant from County Antrim, his father being twenty years of age when he came to this country. Mr. Steele has devoted a life work of incalculable and lasting value to the county, first as superintendent of county schools and later as superintendent of the public schools of Galesburg. He has given these schools a reputation that is state wide for excellence and efficiency. By the introduction of the outline of study for the country schools and the institution of the yearly township examination, he brought order out of chaos and gave to the whole system a solid basis of well graded work.

Rev. Joseph Bell, the present superintendent of the Galesburg district of the Methodist Episcopal church, informs us that his four grandparents were natives of the County Down.

Others of more remote Irish descent are W. F. Boyes, county superintendent of schools; Judge R. C. Rice; the Hardy brothers, of the law firm of Hardy, Welsh & Hardy, and Attorney B. E. McLaughlin; John George, a pioneer farmer of Galesburg, whose sons, C. and E., are ranked among the prominent

Patrick H. Morrissey has made Galesburg his home for a quarter of a century. Enterin.ij the railroad life as a call boy. he is now president of the American Railroad Emi)loyees and Investors Association. His national standing is best attested by the following extracts from lengthy articles concerning him in our best magazines. The Saturday Evening Post of January 8, 1910, says: "Mr. Morrissey is a diplomat of long experience and approved skill, a man of fairness and moderation." He is justifiably proud of a letter written him by a recent tenant of the \\'hite House, in which he is assurred "That mighty few men have helped me as much as you have." In the Outlook of August 5. 1911, Mr. Roosevelt says of a si)eech made by Mr. Morrissey to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, "It sets forth such good doctrine that I wish it were jiossiblc to quote it in full. I cordially agree with Mr. !Morrissey's views on this matter." These quoted words are much more forcible and expressive than would be any comments of ours. 'I

George Davis, for twenty years treasurer of Knox College, was a native of County Lietrim. Ireland. The splendid new building just dedicated to science at Knox IS a lasting monument to his name. A large donor to that building was J. T. McKnight, a son-in-law of Mr. Davis, a trustee of Knox, and a most infltiential citizen of Galesburg. Although a man of means, Mr. McKnight is also a man of affairs, active in every interest of the community. Mr. McKnight is the SDn of an immigrant from County Monaghan.

The late Alfred M. Craig was one of Knox county's best known sons, both as jurist and banker. He served on the supreme bench of the state for twenty-seven years. Judge Craig was the grandson of an immigrant from Londonderry.

Dr. Thomas McClelland, for the past twelve years president of Knox College, is a native of Colraine. Xorth Ireland. During his administration the endowment of Knox College has been raised $350,000. Two handsome l)uildings have been erected during this term which have greatly enhanced the usefulness of this progressive college.

Professor \V. L. Steele is the son of an immigrant from County Antrim, his father being twenty years of age when he came to this country. Mr. Steele has devoted a life work of incalculable and lasting value to the count\', first as superintendent of county schools and later as superintendent of the public schools of Galesburg. He has given these schools a reputation that is state wide for excellence and efficiency. P)y the introduction of the outline of study for the country schools and the institution of the \early township examination, he brought order out oi chaos and gave to the whole system a solid basis of well graded work.

Rev. Joseph Bell, the present superintendent of the Galesburg district of the Methodist Episcopal church, informs us that his four grandparents were natives of the County Down.

Others of more remote Irish descent are \\'. E. Boyes. county superintendent of schools ; Judge R. C. Rice : the Hardy brothers, of the law firm of Hardy. Welsh & Hardy, and Attorney B. E. McLatighlin ; John George, a pioneer farmer of Galesburg, whose sons, C. and E., are ranked among the prominent business men of Omaha ; Captain F. A. Freer, for many years postmaster of Galesburg, who came of a Huguenot family that emigrated from France to Ireland. There the original name Frere took on its present form. J. C. Stuart, father of Mrs. F. W. Wolf and Miss Maud Stuart, was mayor of Galesburg for three terms. The grandfather of Mr. Stuart was a native of Ireland.

Our list ends with the name of Galesburg's present mayor, George Sanderson, who is a grandson of Patrick Dunn, one of Galesburg's first bankers, and our history of the Irish in Knox county will close with the following series of incidents and stories, which are true in every detail. --;

Patrick Reddington was an unknown nabob among his fellows, arriving here from Pittsfield with six hundred gold dollars, earned in the employ of Barker Brothers, sewed in the lining of his belt. This was in the very time when barrels of wildcat money were being rolled from McCoy's bank in Galesburg and burned on the public square. Two hundred dollars of Mr. Reddington's belted hoard made up a trust fund belonging to his sweetheart. He went to work on a farm where there were frequent wrestling bouts among the men, and it became a matter of great concern to Patrick lest his treasure be discovered. His employer was taken into his confidence and offered to care for the money. The offer was accepted and Patrick treasured carefully the piece of paper that recorded the exchange. The heartbreaking panic of '57 came on, and among its sorrowing victims were Patrick and his young wife. There was but scanty consolation in the possession of a doubtful note that represented the solid earnings of six long years. A decade later Patrick was a rising landowner and raiser of stock. He determined to avail himself of the neat profits of the middleman, and when his first carload of stock was ready for market he ventured to Chicago alone. Nervous and with beating heart he heard the comments of the dignified buyers, fearful lest he should have to reship his cattle tp Galesburg. But not so. His stock brought the highest price on the market. Regaling himself with a simple breakfast of fruit eaten in front of a pretentious barroom, he was interrupted by the gruff voice of the pompous proprietor, who ordered him to gather up the peelings and move on. Stung by the indignity of the tone and realizing the size of his substantial check, Patrick thought, 'Til show him." Squaring himself, he walked past the proprietor and casually displayed his check as he stood at the counter. He studied the wet goods with critical eye and coolly ordered a quantity of the very best imported liquor in the place. He stated that he would call for it later and declined every advance of the transformed proprietor, who was more than anxious to attend to the cashing of the imposing check. Mr. Reddington neglected to say how much later, but proceeded straight to the statiori with a merry twinkle in his eye, and to this day of our Lord he has not yet returned for his purchase.

James Phillips was a notable wag and a good fellow known far and near. A temperance lecture was being preached at St. Patrick's, and James, in response to invitation, was there, but, perhaps foreseeing trouble, pulled away from his escort sufficiently to pass beyond a portly lady of great dignity and so secured an end seat with his back against the wall. The missionary father was a powerful speaker, and before he concluded dozens were crowding forward to sign the pledge. Every man around Mr. Phillips went up and signed, but he sat immovable. His brother and sisters, nephews and nieces could not reach him, but they appealed with eye and hand. But his eyes were riveted upon the speaker. At length one and then another of the relatives leaned toward the woman next to Mr. Phillips and whispered her to urge James forward. At that the object of all this interest sat up with great dignity, rolled a reproving eye at the whole group and whispered loudly : "Can't ye let this woman alone? She looks like a sober woman."

Nearly all the Irishmen that came over during the '50$ and '6os cast in ' '" their lot with the democratic party, the reason being that that party welcomed immigration rather than opposed it.

The "Know Nothings" were an extreme branch of the republicans, and they voiced the bitterest of prejudice against the newcomers. In the east convents, schools and churches built by the Irish were fired by fanatics allied to the Know Nothings, and this, of course, had the immediate effect of swinging the newly naturalized to the other party with a vengeance. -^ .

In Knox county, as elsewhere, in those days political feeling ran so high in contrast with our times that a rally of to-day looks like a Sunday school picnic in comparison. We are coming to a story of the redhot campaign of 1856, in which figures a wild Irishman of Goliath bulk and build and with ultra David gameness.

''Big Bill" was in the employ of Mr. Wm. Ferris and was quite a favorite : with his employer, who found him willing always and quite tractable. The townspeople had opinions of their own concerning him. Mr. Ferris owned a -:. team of most fractious mules which were as wild as Bill. He was the only person who could handle them. Bill would tear down Main street from one end to the other, mounted on one mule and leading the other, singing and yelling at : the top of his voice, while those on foot were privileged to look out for them- ,; selves. The village policeman grew quite indignant at his repeated failures to stop Bill. One evening when the watchman was in good sprinting trim he managed to get the front mule by the halter. Did Bill or the mule stop? Not they! They rolled the representative of the law in the dust, neatly hurdled him and then tore up Academy street to the Ferris barn. It was a short walk to 220 North Academy, and the dusty, boiling, indignant watchman soon arrived, lantern in hand. Straight upstairs to where he knew the Irish boys slept he went, and, with lantern held high in shaking hand, he scanned their beds. Doc lay on the outside, Mike in the middle and over next the wall was Big Bill, deeper in sleep that the other two, for every muscle was relaxed and loud, regular snoring pulsated from his open mouth. He was a perfect picture of sleeping innocence. The irate watchman stopped, influenced by the fact that two other able-bodied sons of Erin lay between him and the object of his wrath, as Bill intended they should. He prudently turned on his heel and went downstairs to vent his wrath on Mr. Ferris, ordering him to discharge the whole gang on general principles if nothing more. Mr. Ferris indignantly refused, declaring that the boys were all right and that Bill in particular would jump to obey his least wish, day or night. "Let those fellows alone and they won't make you any trouble."

One evening about this time a string of teams was on its way home. Big Bill mounted on one of the mules in the lead. The boys in the rear twitted

Bill with having to open the gate for the rest. But that dauntless hind had no such intention and with a dig of his heels, a rattle of the reins and an encouraging, threatening "Ah - ^ha. Jack, Jennie," leaped his team over the gate and went on in triumph. V .

The democrats scheduled a rally, but, being in the minority, their parade was broken up. The republicans were to have a rally, and the democratic boys were anxious to get even and enlisted in their service Josiah Gale, a brother of W. Selden Gale, and, unlike his better known brother, a staunch democrat. He placed at the disposal of the boys a spirited team of young driver. According to plan, the horses were to become unmanageable at the head of Main street just as the procession was about to start. The streets were thronged with excited, hotblooded partisans. The smoky glare of the torchlight and the dazzling gleam of fireworks lit up a sea of faces intent on the exciting spectacle. Gaudy floats, high waving banners, gallant republicans forming in serried ranks and mounted marshals galloping up and down, all were watching for the signal that meant the final start. One village band and then another struck up the strains of "The Star Spangled Banner." Up near Seminary street a dreadful commotion broke out, which swelled and grew to a frightful clamor. The procession wavered and broke, rolling the crowd of spectators back over the boardwalks up dark stairways and streaming into side streets. The music died in a discordant wail, and the rattling sound of clattering trumpet and horn followed, for the Morgans with distended nostrils and eyes starting from their sockets, smarting and resentful under the lash of their daring driver, availed themselves of an undisputed right of way down Main street. There was no stop until the Gale farm was reached, where Jack tossed the reins to a faithful accomplice, leaped to the back of a fresh horse, and, leaving the mounted police far behind, disappeared in the direction of the south timber.

Meantime on a side street things were happening. Insulting remarks were directed at two Irishmen. A fistic combat started. Big Bill, speeding to the aid of his friends, was gathered in with them by the police. Doc was a spectator and told me about it. "Bill knocked the first policeman down wid wan blow of his fist. Another stud between him and the door. Bill grabbed him by the coat collar and hurled him clean over his shoulder. Oh ! a fine big sthrappin' fellow was Bill! In front of the lockup Bill prepared for more trouble by taking a buildin' brick in each hand. Officer Heroune came running up, and by the same token it would have been betther for him to have stayed away. 'Stand back!' -says Bill in a terrible voice. 'Stand back,' he says a second time. A third time 'Stand back!' Heroune didn't know Bill. He came on till he met the brick. Then he stopped, wilted on the flat of his back. It was six months before he was around again. A big, tall butcher named Brinkerhoof held Bill till he was overpowered and locked up.

"Hogan and I left the crowd yelling and cheering and making threats outside the jail, and we went home. We barricaded the door good, for we heard that the republicans were going to hang the whole gang of us up at Ferrises. Hogan took the ax, I took the spade, and I never shut an eye all night. About three o'clock I heard a noise on the stairs and something heavy struck the door a terrible blow. I thought it was all up. I called Hogan and found he was sound asleep. I gave him a vicious jab wid me elbow, for how he could sleep

.. Bill.' 'You are right,' says I, for I heard his voice. We opened the door quick to stop the pounding. Bill bounded in and began bundling up his clothes. He had broken jail and looked like a Zulu. In two seconds he was gone, and it was many a day before we saw him again, for he stayed hid in

: Henderson Grove till Heroune was well out of danger. Then he again went to work for Mr. Pitcher, who liked his help so much that he settled for Bill with the court for $50." . . - ; , ' ': "