Livingston County, Illinois - Chapter 16: Hospitals, Benevolent and Reformatory Institutions, 1909

Since Date Of Organization

THE KEELEY INSTITUTE - RECORD OF DR. LESLIE E, KEELEY, ITS FOUNDER - BENEFICENT RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED IN CURE OF THE DISEASE OF DRUNKENNESS - OFFICERS OF THE INSTITUTE - ST. JAMES HOSPITAL, PONTIAC - ITS FOUNDERS AND PRINCIPAL PROMOTERS - MENNONITE HOME FOR THE DEFENSELESS - THE COUNTY FARM - DESCRIPTION OF ALMS HOUSE BUILDING - ILLINOIS STATE REFORMATORY - HISTORY AND SCOPE OF THE INSTITUTION - PRINCIPAL OFFICERS SINCE DATE OF ORGANIZATION,

What seems almost beyond the realm of posstbility, probability even, has been effected, a remedy discovered, and its efficacy indisputably proven, for drunkenness, that curse of all ages since Noah's sons scoffed at their father when he forgot himself and lost his senses from overindulgence in wine. Two thousand years ago the source of such a discovery would have been attributed to Divine intervention, and the discoverer worshipped; two hundred years back he would have been burned as one who held communication with spirits infernal; fifty years ago the world would have laughed and pointed significantly to their foreheads, had anyone been brave enough to assert that such a remedy did exist; but today the public are more intelligent and appreciate that, although there may be "nothing new under the sun," new hiding places- for wonderful scientific facts are being constantly discovered, and that because of this, old burdens of doubt, dread and superstition are rolling away.

While Illinois furnished a Lincoln to the nation, this State has rendered another far-reaching service to the world; for, as it fell to the lot of Abraham Lincoln to free the millions of black slaves bending under the yoke of their white taskmasters, so Leslie E. Keeley was raised up to break the shackles which bound millions of white slaves in a servitude equally revolting, to drink and drugs. Abraham Lincoln promulgated his Emancipation Proclamation and the black slaves were free. Leslie E. Keeley, through his one sentence, "DRUNKENNESS IS A DISEASE AND I CAN CURE IT," freed those white slaves whose bondage was so much more pitiable. The black man knew no real liberty; the white man, bending under his load of sorrow, had once been upright, able to look the world in the face, and to hold his place in the world among his equals. Little by little he had fallen a victim to the hardest taskmasters the world knows, until he was shackled hand and foot.

For centuries denunciations had been thundered against the man who had looked upon the "wine when it was red," who had forgotten that "wine is a mocker and strong drink is raging." The clergy had always declaimed against it, the physician had doctored the ills drunkenness occasioned, and the lawyer legislated and litigated because of the evil deeds that were its outcome, but it remained for an obscure country doctor to discover the greatest truth given to mankind since the Sermon on the Mount, "DRUNKENNESS IS A DISEASE AND I CAN CURE IT."

Dr. Keeley had a large country practice, and during the course of it he often was called upon to attend those who were suffering directly because of over-indulgence in liquor or drugs. Little by little the idea grew upon him. He differed from his fellow practitioners in that he did not believe a man incurable because he had lost his will power. He also saw many times over that it was entirely useless to tell a man whose will had been held in subjection for years, to call upon that will to free him from the most abject condition of slavery. His experiments along other lines taught him that, if the blood be cleansed of impurity, it is no longer diseased but whole. He recognized the fact that, because a patient has once had smallpox is no argument that he must forever be attainted. He, as a good Christian, admitted the moral regeneracy of a sinner. Suddenly he realized the truth that drunkenness was a disease as much as any set down in the pharmacopeia, and he sounded his tocsin that has been heard the world around.

Prior to his wonderful discovery, Dr. Leslie E. Keeley practiced at Dwight; after that he practiced the world over, and his great work will never end, although he himself has passed from the scene of his earthly activities. No history of Livingston County would be complete without mention of its most important claim to hold a place in the records of great places of the world. The Leslie E. Keeley Company of Dwight, Livingston County, Il, U. S. A, is a name which, seen from one pole to the other, from the Oriental shores of Asia across the three continents, two of the oceans back to China and Japan again, brings memories that hold deepest gratitude towards the one who made possible so much.

Few families there are that have not some member afflicted with this pitiful "disease," for just as the appetite for drink prevails. so will drunkenness, and happy may he be who escapes. For centuries moral suasion was tried. There were cases, fortunately many of them, where the "invalid" was brought under the influence of a will so much stronger than his own, that he had strength to keep up the constant struggle. Still there was no surety that a relapse would not occur at any time. There was no real, permanent cure, for the diagnosis was incorrect. AS well try to cure typhoid by appealing to the will power as to seek health for the drunkard through the will power.

Dr. Leslie E. Keeley began his investigations upon the theory already given, and argued that he was right; for, as is admitted, disease is caused by imperfect circulation, impure blood, disorganized nerves and a consequent derangement of one.or more of the delicate and complicated organs of the human body. Working upon this premise he knew that, having decided that the disease existed, a remedy could be found. The discovery of this remedy became his life work, and his success was but the natural result of intelligent effort directed along scientific lines. Not only was it his task and pleasure co discover this remedy, but to devise some method by means of which "patients" could be given its effects without any loss of time. After years of patient research, deep study and countless experiments, success crowned his efforts and the results are almost beyond any description.

Of course, like every other great reformer - for truly Dr. Keeley must be regarded as one of the greatest reformers the world has ever known - he was forced to endure great humiliation and submit to be held up to the scorn of those many of whom afterwards very gladly became his patients. Never for a moment did he allow himself to be discouraged, but kept steadily on, repeating his astonishing declaration and sticking to it. At that time there was a great newspaper in the great city of the Central West, edited by Joseph Medill, a broad-gauged man who simply, because he did not understand, did not condemn. The world well knows of the historic test Mr. Medill made of the remedy and through it the proof of Dr. Keeley's contention. Five men selected by the great editor were placed under treatment, and the great discoverer and humanitarian was vindicated, for each one of these men was cured and lived to see many years of happy usefulness.

This was a quarter of a century ago. Since then so many have profited by Dr. Keeley's discovery that the entire viewpoint with regard to drunkenness has changed. Before he lifted the burden, freed the bound, the drunkard was a pariah, an outcast, constantly humiliated and shunned. His wife gradually withdrew from her social connections. Then she began going to church early in the morning, and later in the evening, first through shame and later because, oftentimes, she had no appropriate clothing, for, as the drunkard sunk lower, his powers of earning diminished. His children grew able to de tect his staggering step and thickened tongue, and avoided his bloodshot eyes. Where once they had given respect and love, they now were forced to feel disgust and shame. Among other houses on the street, the one occupied by the drunkard could be distinguished because of its run down appearance. When, at last, wasted by disease, crushed by the terrible burden. the drunkard sunk into an untimely grave, he was not truly mourned; and yet he had been martyred, sacrificed to the ignorance of those who ought to have known better, the medical profession.

to create the disease of drunkenness, is not allowed by the enlightened to grow dangerously "il," but is quietly taken to one or other of the Keeley Institutes which are conveniently situated all over the country, and through scientific treatment he is once more brought back to health and moral tone, From tbe home institute at Dwight has grown the magnificent system which includes one or more institutes in nearly every State in the Union, two in Canada, one in Mexico, one in England, and plans are being effected to establish them in other countries. The Parent Institute and its branches have restored to health more than 350,000 men and women.

Unfortunately for the human race, drunkenness and the use of drugs is not confined to the stronger sex, for women, too, have been thus "diseased" from earliest days, although owing to popular prejudice they have never been as open about their drinking as men. Soon after he began to treat men, however, Dr. Keeley recognized the fact that women needed his help also, and he accordingly made arrangements for their treatment under circumstances satisfactory to them and their families,

The beautiful little town of Dwight is the home of the parent institute, and is proud of the fact. Through the agency of one great man it is known the world over, and many who are not in need of the Cure, flock to see the surroundings of that system which gives back to the world those deemed lost as far as this life is concerned. The setting of the scene is beautiful. Stately buildings are set in the midst of the charming town, undefiled by any smokebearing chimneys of manufacturing plants. The most beautiful of these buildings is the new Livingston Hotel, named in honor of the County, which was rebuilt to take the place of the hotel destroyed by fire in February, 1902, On June 3, 1908, when it was completed, the management was distinguished in a way perhaps never accorded another hotel establishment, for President Roosevelt pressed the button which formerly opened it to the public, and it is worthy of the honor done it, for it is without doubt the finest hostelry in Central Illinois. No expense or pains have been spared upon it. On account of the fire, although no one was injured or suffered any loss, the management decided to provide against a similar accident in future when all might not be so fortunate, and built this new structure entirely fireproof. Where tile or marble has not been used, the floors are of monolith, which is entirely fire proof. The other materials are brick, stone and steel, and the general effect is not only entirely safe, but charming and comfortable. As many of the relatives of the "patients" accompany them, the Livingston affords them all a delightful, homelike resort where, surrounded by congenial society, invigorated by the cheerful atmosphere, encouraged by physiclans and attendants, the sufferers and their loved ones gain in mental and physical health, and go back home feeling as though many years had been lifted from their shoulders. One of the points of interest at Dwight is the water works tower marking the spot of the artesian water, which is alone used at the Livingston.

The laboratory and office adjoin the hotel, and are much admired, and certainly are points of interest to those who realize what an effort for good the remedy manufactured in the laboratory has had. In the second story are the club rooms, reading room and auditorium, and here are to be found "patients" from all classes of life, and of all ages. Experiences are freely exchanged and encouragement given.

This much famed Cure is, after all, simple. It consists of regular doses of remedy taken Internally in liquid form, and hypodermic treatment at the treatment hall at 8 A. M., 12 M., 5 and 7:30 P. M., and living according to specific hygienic rules, From the beginning the "patient" realizes that he is going to be cured. He knows that, as have the thousands before him, he is going to be released from his disease and made whole once more. He is not reproached, reproved and urged to "be a man." He is not deprived of liquor or drugs until he is able to get along comfortably without them.

The question is often asked, "Is the patient really cured?" The answer comes surging back from pulpit, bench, bar, and physician's office. It gathers force at the chair of the college professor, the desk of the captain of industry, the merchant prince, It rings true and tried from the throats of soldiers and sailors, from clerks and mechanics, from rich and poor, old and young, from men and women, and it is, "Yes!" The man, who has suffered for years from some once-called incurable disease, knows if he is free of it. He realizes when Its terrible symptoms are gone, and he rejoices in his deliverance and goes back to his old life with renewed vigor, with hope for the future and charity to-

J. R. Oughton is President of the company; Dr. Milton R. Keeley is Vice-President; while Major Curtis J. Judd is Secretary-Treasurer. Major Judd and Mr. Oughton were associated with Dr. Keeley from the inception of the company, and to their business sagacity is due much of the present success. Mr. Oughton is the chemist of the company and purchases all the drugs himself, All of the remedies used at the different institutes are compounded under his supervision. Dr. Keeley died February 21, 1900, at Los Angeles, Cal.; and, although his loss was deeply mourned, his death was not entirely unexpected, and it did not interrupt the business of the corporation. Dr. Milton R. Keeley is a nephew of the late Dr. Leslie E. Keeley and under his instruction and supervision, was thoroughly established in the Keeley work.

While the citizens of Livingston County have provided generously and well for the spiritual and intellectual wants of all who choose to live here, they haye not forgotten the physical welfare of those whom sickness or poverty or old age has made helpless or miserable. With churches and schools in abundance, a splendid home for the poor was built by the county, a home which stands as a monument to the wisdom and foresight of the men who planned it, as well as to the generosity of the citizens in general.

But with the growth of the county in population and wealth it was felt that there was still needed an institution where the sick could be cared for. More and more it was seen that this county should have a modern hospital, centrally located, where the afflicted could receive skilled care and at the same time be near their friends and relatives. Several attempts had been made to provide such an institution, but success was not attained. However, the efforts of those who had labored in behalf of the project were not to be in vain, for a favorable public opinion was created which was to bear fruit more abundantly than was ever expected.

In the summer of 1904 a resolution was adopted and signed by thirty physicians and surgeons of the county, emphasizing the need of a hospital, and inviting the Franciscan Sisters of the Catholic Church to establish such an insti- tution, at the same time calling upon the citizens of the county to give the movement their encouragement and financial assistance. At their June meeting of the same year the members of the county board of supervisors approved the plan.

The matter was brought to the attention of the Right Rev. J. L. Spalding, Bishop of Peoria, who at once commissioned the Rev. James A. Dollard, assistant pastor of St. Mary's church, Pontiac, to take charge of the matter. Father Dollard, assisted by a committee of Catholic ladies, began the work of securing a bonus from the citizens of Pontiac and other parts of the county. The members of this committee were Miss Cora Bond, Miss May Bradley, Mrs. A. J. Braunberger, Mrs. J. E. McCarty, Miss Anna McManus, Mrs. Michael Menton, Mrs. James Murphy, Mrs. A. J. Renoe, Miss Ella Scanlan, and Mrs. J. W. Thornton. The sum of twenty thousand dollars was raised.

The site chosen for the hospital was the beautiful property on East Water street, owned by Mrs. Mahala Bradish. It was at one time the home of her uncle, Major Cairns. It is conceded by all to be the most desirable property in Pontiac for hospital purposes. The price was $12,500.

The hospital was nobly befriended at this time by the late Mrs. Mary Gaylord and her husband, Dr. Edwin Gaylord, who purchased the site for Father Dollard and held it until the following year, when they deeded it to the Sisters at the same price and without interest.

The Franciscan Sisters of Peoria, Ill. accepted the invitation to take charge of the hospital in the autumn of 1906, and on January 29th, 1907, they moved into the old mansion and began their work of mercy. They gave the new institution the name "St. James" in recognition of the work which the Rev. James A. Dollard had done in its behalf.

Plans had been prepared for a new and Jarger building by R. A. Young, an architect of Pontiac, and the contract was awarded to W. H. Sipe, also of Pontiac. The corner stone of the new building was laid July 21st, 1907, by the Rt. Rev. P. J. O'Reilly, auxiliary bishop of Peoria. The exercises began with a parade from the city hall to the hospital grounds, in which the city and county officials, clergymen, members of the hospital committee, the G. A.

R., and the W. R. C, Company F, I. N. G., and several fraternal societies took part. At the hospital the ceremonies were very impressive and were witnessed by more than two thousand persons. Addresses were delivered by Bishop O'Reilly, the Hon. J. M. Lyon, Mayor of Pontiac, Mr. Thomas Walsh, chairman of the board of supervisors, Dr. J. D. Scouller and E. A. Simmons, Esq.

The new building is a handsome structure, four stories in height, built of buff pressed brick and red sandstone. The interior is finished in red oak, with metal ceilings and white maple floors. It is up to date in every particular, having a splendid operating room, which was furnished by the physicians of the county, an electric elevator, a system of call bells and house telephones, gas and electric light, a hot water heating system, and bright rooms, many of which have been luxuriously furnished by individual citizens and societies. Ten of the rooms have private bathrooms attached. Sister M. Alberta, O. S. F., is in charge,

Besides caring for the sick, the new hospital will provide a comfortable home for old persons of both sexes, who can here pass their declining days in sweet peace and quiet. their wants attended to by the gentle Sisters.

For the great good that it will do in the years to come, for the money which it will save to the citizens by enabling them to avoid long journeys in times of sickness, for its architectural beauty, which makes it an ornament to our already beautiful county seat - for these reasons, and many others, St. James Hospital is an institution of which all the citizens of Livingston County may well feel proud.

Livingston County has become the home of the Defenceless Mennonite Church of North America, the articles of incorporation having been filed for record in the office of the circuit clerk at Pontiac. The incorporators are Benjamin K. Slagle, Nicholas B. Stuckey, Andrew Roth and David N. Claudon, all residing in Nebraska Township, with headquarters at Flanagan. The purpose of the corporation is, given as "the support of religious worship by the promotion and maintenance of home and foreign missions, religious schools, seminaries, orphanages, old people's homes, and other church institutions, including church and Sunday school literature." The control and

IM management of the corporation is under the control of nine trustees, of whom the following were the first: Benjamin K. Slagle, Andrew Roth, Moses Roth, Nicholas B. Stuckey, Silas J. Mills,

The records show that as early as 1859, Livingston County made provision for an almshouse for the incurably insane and unfortunately poor by procuring a farm of 160 acres in Eppards Point township, four miles southwest of Pontiac, for that purpose, and providing a house which was at that time ample for the purpose. As the years went by, otber frame buildings were added, but it became evident that the unfortunate of the county were not provided for in a way at all suitable to the wealth and precedence of the county, and further, that should fire break out, there was every prospect that a holocaust would ensue. The increasing population of the county made greater the number of incurably insane, and the need of new quarters for these was imperative. These matters were frequently discussed by the Board of Supervisors and others, the newspapers of the county advocating new buildings, and at the February meeting of the Board in 1894, the commitee on Poor House and Farm, in its annual report, urged that action at once be taken toward providing new buildings. The committee making this report 'was J. E. Morrow, W. E. Thompson and Archibald Crabb. At this same meeting of the Board, ChairmanMichael Cleary appointed a special committee to obtain plans and proceed at once with buildings to cost from $40,- 000 to $50,000, this committee consisting of J. E. Morrow, Michael Cleary, W. E. Thompson,» J. W. McDowell, and Archibald Crabb, and the work was at once begun. The committee started out on a tour of inspection and was not long in settling upon a plan. The committee secured the services of an architect, and a plain but substantial, yet sufficiently ornamental building, of brick, was planned. Out of eleven bids, the contract was let to W. H. Hamilton, of Kankakee, for $36,250. This included all but heating and furnishing. By the date of the July meeting of that year the work was under way.

Morrow, chairman of the special building committee. Most of the members of the Board of Supervisors were present, beside the county officials and 500 residents of the county. The exercises were opened with prayer by Rev. Fr. P. Lyons of Pontiac. The principal address was by Hon. G. W. Patton, who gave an eloquent portrayal of the great work of philanthropy in the past and present. Short addresses were made by Hon. A. E. Harding, Rev. D. K. Campbell, E. A. Sweet, and Superintendent Kerr of the McLean County house.. At the opening of the exercises, Mr. Morrow gave a brief historic sketch of the efforts in county house building in this county. The first was erected in 1859. Thirteen years later the second building was erected and in 1878 the third was built, the latter being for the insane.

The structure is a substantial three-story brick building with general shape of a T. The ell runs to the rear and forms the insane department in the second and third stories. The exterior is of La Salle pressed brick and the roof is of slate. The interior finish is of hard pine in natural grain and white walls. Every room and hall is supplied with ventilation and registers and radiators for heat. The front part, as the visitor ascends the steps, is for the Superintendent and family, with his office on the second floor, bed rooms above the third and kitchen and dining room below on first. The laundry, general kitchen, bakery and store room are located on the first floor of the rear wing. At the left of the main part, first floor, are the men's dining and sitting rooms, while at the right are similar rooms for the women. On the second and third floors of the right main part are the dormitories for the men, while at the right are those for the women. The second floor of the wing is for insane women and the third. floor for insane men. Each of these departments has a dining room, well lighted halls, comfortable settees, and the rooms are provided with every necessary comfort. In each of the several departments are lavatories, bath tubs and closets, while the building is lighted by electricity furnished by the plant at Pontiac. Within the past year, a portion of the insane ward has been transformed into a hospital.

The power house contains fuel, boiler and engine rooms, and also the fan. There is also a standpipe as part of the power house, and the whole building is supplied with hot and cold water, and also plugs and hose for fire protection. The laundry machinery is run by a tenhorsepower engine and the plant is very complete. The furnishing of the main building is plain, but substantial and comfortable. The entire cost of the building was $57,636.08, but since it was first built, improvements amounting to many thousands of dollars, have been made. The building was first occupied on December 10, 1895, the superintendent at that time being N. J. Myer. Mr. Myer died in 1908, when he was succeeded by Clay .D. Parker. Mr. Hamilton, the contractor, became financially embarrassed before the building was completed, and it was finised under the direction of the special building committee.

THE County FARM. - Superintendent Clay D. Parker, of the county farm, and the matron of the same, Mrs. Parker, have not found the work at that institution by any means light during the year 1908. The farm is a big institution, and as it is conducted at present, requires much time and attention. On December 31, there were fifty-two persons being cared for there by the county. The largest number there at any one time was in November, when there were 55, and the smallest number was 49, the total running down to the latter number about the middle of the Summer. During the year there occurred eleven deaths at the institution. Nineteen persons were received and eight discharged. There is one person at the farm 107 years old.

Illinois State Reformatory

By an act of March 5, 1867, the General Assembly provided for the establishment of the institution known as the "State Reform School," and authorized the Governor to appoint a board of seyen trustees to select a site and construct the necessary buildings. The trustees selected Pontiac, as the site in 1869, proceeded with the construction of the buildings, and on Wednesday, October 12, 1870, appointed George W. Perkins, former warden of the state penitentiary, as the first superintendent, and in his charge the school remained until 1872, when Dr. J. D. Scouller was appointed superintendent, who continued in charge until 1891, Until that year, the institution was for boys under 16 years of age. By an. act of June 18, 1891, the institution was reorganized, a board of managers substituted for the old board of trustees, and the legal designation changed to the Illinois State Reformatory. Un- der the act of 1891 the age of admisslon was raised to 21 years, resulting in a great increase in the number of inmates and necessitating an entire reorganization of the institution and an enlargement of its operating plant,

B. F. Sheets was the first general superintendent and was succeeded in 1893 by R. W. Me Claughrey, who was in turn succeeded by George Torrance, who held the office until July 1, 1901. The present superintendent is M. M. Mallary. The institution is under the control of a board of managers, consisting of five members, appointed by the Governor. The general superintendent is ex-officio secretary.

Special attention is given to the educational feature and inmates are required to attend school during one-half of each school day. The schools are equipped with the latest and most approved appliances and are conducted by ten teachers under the charge of a superintendent. The curriculum includes all the branches of a common school education. Industrial training includes instruction in printing, bookbinding, blacksmithing. carpentering, baking, cooking, electrical engineering, knitting, masonry, laundry work, tinwork, barbering, tailoring, cabinet making, paper hanging, farming, gardening and photography. At the session of the Legislature in 1904, $10,000 was appropriated for the establishment of a regular manual training school. This department is used principally for the boys between the ages of 10 and 16 years.

The operations of the various departments are carried on in 26 buildings, with an aggregate floor space of 425,000 square feet. The buildings, except those connected with the farm, are contained in an enclosure of twenty acres, which also includes drill and parade grounds and playgrounds for the younger inmates, A regular military organization is maintained and the inmates are carefully drilled in United States army tactics and enrolled in the reformatory regiment. In addition to the regular military drill, about thirty minutes of instruction Is given daily in calisthenic exercises.

All clothing worn in the institution is manufactured by the inmates. The library contains several thousand volumes. The administration building contains the dining room, and the chapel, which seats over 1,000. In this chapel, Dr. Morron, the chaplain of the institution, presides each Sunday. A band, the members of which

Cell Block, Illinois State Reformatory, Pontiac Main Building, Illinois State Reformatory, Pontiac

The farm is located south of the buildings. It consists of 200 acres, but unfortunately only a limited number of inmates can be worked on so small a tract. The reformatory also leases seyeral hundred acres of neighborhood land.

Surrounded by beautiful lawns which are shaded by great trees, the reformatory is the handsomest spot in Pontiac. It heads one of the main residence streets of the town which is shaded by a quadruple row of fine shade trees and the institution as viewed from this avenue, with its wide spreading lawn, strung with electric lights used for the lighting of the grounds in the summer, is most attractive. For all of its handsome appearance, however, the reformatory is a prison. The buildings themselves form two sides of a great quadrangle. The other two sides are enclosed by a rude board fence topped with barbed wire and guarded at intervals by board shacks, in which sit guards with rifles. Outside of the stockade lies the institution farm on which the "trusties" and farm hands are worked. With this exception, however, the lives of the inmates are spent in the buildings, which form the quadrangle and are contained in it. They sleep in locked cells at night, though in the day time the fact that they are all working, receiving instruction or engaged in military drill, gives them more freedom than the average prisoner receives. The life. however, is one of enforced regularity, and so closely are the boys guarded that escapes are rare. From the time the youth enters the barred door of the institution, passes the guard, leaves his clothes and receives the reformatory uniform, he is not only a ward of the state, but the state has him under lock and key. The world, made beautiful by parks and lawns, lies just witheut and often in sight of his longing eyes. Perhaps the fact that only his long continued good behavior can get him through the barred gates to freedom again, may account for the remarkable records made by some of the boys.

Saunemin, Cornell, Forrest, Odell And Long

SAUNEMIN, CORNELL, FORREST, ODELL AND LONG POINT - DATES OF ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS - WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS - SONS OF VETERANS - ARMY NURSES - PONTIAC BIBLE SOCIETY - YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION - ITS HISTORY - -BUILDING AND OFFICERS - FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS BY TOWNSHIPS.

The following is a list of Posts of the Grand Army of the Republic and related organizations ir Livingston County, with dates of the organization of each:

DwicHt. - Dwight, No. 144, organized November 10, 1889. Past Presidents: Margaret Leach, Kate A. Dustin, Hattie A. Fox, Lizzie Huey, 'Lucie Lewis, Alice Howe.

ARMY NURSES. - Mrs. Elizabeth Blackmore, nurse with Haughtaling's Battery, First Illinois Light Artillery from October, 1861, to August, 1862; Mrs. Addie Emery. nurse at general hospital at Jefferson, Ind. Commissioned August, 1863; honorably discharged, October, 1865. Both reside at Pontiac.

Pontiac Bible Society

The following report of the first Bible society organized in the county is taken from the original record book now in the possession of A. W. Cowan, one of the early settlers of Pontiac:

"At a meeting of the citizens of Pontiac held at the court house on the first day of September, A. D. 1851. for the purpose of organizing a Bible Society for the County of Livingston, State of Illinois, on motion of Rev. Mr. Day, C. H. Hart was called to the chair and Jerome P. Garner chosen secretary. The meeting was opened with prayer by the Rey. Mr. Day.

A motion was made by Mr. Syms to organize a county Bible society, to be called the Livingston County Bible Society, auxiliary to the American Bible Society.

"Voted that Samuel C. Ladd be appointed to draft resolutions explaining to the executive committee of the La Salle County Bible Society the reasons of the executive committee of the Livingston County Bible Society in appointing the Rey. Mr. Day as our agent," ete.

There is no record in the book of any meeting of the society after the dates above mentioned until August 21, 1852, at which meeting Thomas G. McDowell, Nelson Buck, Jerome P. Garner, Samuel C. Ladd and Rey. Mr. Day were present. The only business transacted was the following report which was presented by the Rev. Mr. Day:

Bibles and Testaments sold, $28.07; Bibles and Testaments given away, $7.93; sold and given, $36.00; number on hand, $13.87; Bibles and Testaments paid for, $22.17; Bibles and Testaments not paid for, $5.90; subscriptions amount to, $110.40; subscriptions paid, $9.95; total cash received for Bibles and Testaments paid over to association, $32.19; twenty-four days spent in canvassing, for which we allow $1.00 per day, $24.00; number of families canvassed, 348; number of inhabitants, 1,736; number of Bibles, 488; number of Testaments. 415; number of families without Bibles, 13; number

No more proceedings of the society were written in the book, and it is not known whether the society lasted very long after the meeting held on August 21st, but the report of the Rev. Alva Day shows at that time there was a healthy religious sentiment existing in the county.

One of tbe buildings in which Pontiac citizens take delight, and which attracts much attention from visitors, is that of the Young Men's Christian Association of Pontiac, located at the corner of Main and Howard streets. The track of the Bloomington, Pontiac, and Joliet Electric Railroad passes in front of the building, the city hall is just across the street to the west, St. Mary's Catholic Church to the north, while the public library occupies the corner to the northwest.

The building itself is of Streator pressed brick faced with Joliet stone, and presents a most substantial appearance. It is two stories high with a good roomy basement, and covers a space sixty feet by one hundred feet.

In the basement is a swimming pool fifteen feet by forty feet, with a depth of water of four feet at one end and eight feet at the other. Here also are located two bath tubs and seven shower baths. Fifty lockers are provided for the use of the members of the association. Adjoining the rooms just mentioned and in the northeast corner of the basement is located the steam heating system of the institution. This plant also furnishes the heat for supplying warm water for the natatorium, baths and wash rooms.

Here are arranged tables with an abundance of well-selected magazines and newspapers, and opportunity is afforded indulgence in such games as chess, checkers, dominoes and other similar amusements.

Comfortable chairs and settees are provided for members and visitors, and the association parlors are a favorite place for the meeting of friends for a social time, and for business engagements.

Just east of the reading room on the north side of the building are the offices of the General Secretary and the Physical Director so located that they may see and greet all who may enter.

A gallery extends entirely around the gymnasium, which serves not only as a running track, but as a place from which to view games of basket ball, indoor base ball, and all other forms of athletics.

Under the direction of Mr. Roy Horton, the first physical director of the association, considerable interest was awakened in this feature of the association work, and this interest has not only been maintained, but widened under the capable direction of Mr. L. A. Pottinger, the present deservedly popular physical director.

The greater part of the second floor is occupied by the dormitory rooms - consisting of fourteen well-appointed rooms together with tub baths.

These rooms are well lighted, well ventilated, comfortably furnished, and being conveniently located are in great demand by young men of moderate means, who desire to enjoy comfortable quarters under congenial and whole some surroundings.

From the beginning the educational classes have been under the immediate direction of Mr. W. W. McCulloch, whose ability and faithful work as an educator have been most helpful to those who have turned their attention to this feature of the association work.

The religious meetings held Sunday afternoons have been under the direction of the general secretary. These meetings have been most interesting and helpful, and have contributed

Historical Sketch

The revival services conducted by Rey. Willfam A, Sunday in Pontiac, in the late fall of 1904, resulted in the conversion of more than one thousand persons, and the Christian people of the city were confronted with the question as how best to surround the young people (and especially the young men) with the most helpful influences. Many were convinced that a Young Men's Christian Association, or some, similar organization, was imperatively needed. Among these was Miss Anne Lord. who felt called upon to present the importance of such work to Mrs. Harriet Humiston. Mrs. Humiston had for some time been seriously considering how she could best invest a portion of her means for the benefit of the community, and the presentation made by Miss Lord and Rey. Mr. Sunday, who had been called in to advise on the subject, appealed strongly to her. After getting such information as she could, she took the matter under consideration and shortly thereafter authorized the announcement that she would give $20,000 for the erection of a Young Men's Christian Association building, providing the citizens of Pontiac would furnish a suitable site and equip the building. Subscriptions were accordingly taken for this purpose and on December 6th, 1904, under the direction of A. M. Bruner, of the State Association, a temporary organization was effected with C. E. Legg, W. F. Van Buskirk, A. L. Cook, G. D. Lockie, H. J. Clark, Robert Sass, W. H. Church and C. R. Tombaugh as members of the Provisional Committee. The Young Men's Christian Association of Pontiac was "permanently organized on February 16th, 1905, and the members of the Provisional Committee, together with A. F. Mette, A. H. East, E. H. Phillips and E. M. Johnson, were elected directors of the association.

G. W. Hartley was selected as general secretary on December 28th, 1904, and entered upon his duties January Tth, 1907. Temporary quarters were soon thereafter opened in the Tate building on North Mill street; reading matter was provided; educational Bible classes organized; a boy's cadet corps formed and such other work undertaken as was deemed advisable under the circumstances,

Religious meetings for men have been held in the city hall each Sunday afternoon and for several months similar services for boys have been conducted alternately in the Baptist, Methodist, Christian and Presbyterian churches.

After considerable discussion the R. W, Babcock property on North Main street was selected as the location of the association building and R. A. Young was chosen as architect. The general contract for the building was let to Johu H. Michel; that for the brick and stone work to Henry Davies, and for the plumbing and heating to G. H. Miller.

The corner stone was laid August 17th, 1905, The cost of the lot, building and needed equipment has been approximately $40,000, a sum considerably greater than the first estimates. Mrs. Humiston has donated several thousand dollars in addition to her first subscription.

Change Of Secretaries

After being connected with the assoclation about two years, and having labored earnestly in its organization, General Secretary Hartley tendered his resignation to take effect February 15, 1907. After mature deliberation the board of directors selected as his successor Mr. O. E. McLaughlin of Galva, Ill., who entered upon his duties immediately upon the retirement of his predecessor, and who has since served the association most acceptably.

Mr. McLaughlin is thoroughly in love with his work, he believes in young men, and has a happy faculty of winning their confidence and esteem and of impressing them with the importance of Y. M. C. A. work, as it relates to them individually.

Fraternal Societies

Pontiac Lodge, No. 294, A. F. & A. M. was instituted in October, 1858, the charter members being Aaron Weider, J. R. Wolgamott, William Manlove, Samuel B. Norton, S. C. Ladd, A. E. Harding, I. T. Whittemore and George P. Olmstead. The first officers were: Master, Aaron Weider; Senior Warden, S. C. Ladd; Junior Warden, William Manlove; Secretary, A. E. Harding. Their present quarters are located on the third floor of the Rathbun building. The meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

Pontiac Lodge, No. 262, I. O. O. F. was instituted in October, 1858. The charter was granted to Rufus W. babcock, Jacob Streamer, Benjamin W. Gray, John A. Fellows, Ferdinand H. Bond. In 1870, their lodge room was destroyed by fire. Their present building is a brick structure, thirty by eighty feet, three stories higb. The first story is used for a store room, the second for other secret societies, and the third is their lodge room.

Vermilion Encampment, No. 54, I. O. O. F. was instituted in 1864, the charter members being George Wolgamott, Alexander Hinsey, J. B. McCleary, Ferdinand H. Bond, Peter Johnson, W. W. Stinnett, and others.

Pontiac Chapter, No. 310, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized August 6, 1895, the charter members being J. E. Colburne, George E, Warren, Fred Duckett, J. J. Pearson, G. W. Patton, L. B. Stinson, Lora Dunn, Mesdames Mary Duckett, Fannie Colburne, Kate Kay, Minerva Linscott, Mary E. Pearson, Flora Patton, Eliza Stinson, Cora Scrivens, Margaret Swygert, Misses Jeanette Duckett, Effie Dunn, Elva Swygert. The Chapter has a membership of 124, Mrs. Mary E. Pearson was the first Worthy Matron.

were Aaron Weider, Henry L. Marsh, J. B. Hulsey, O. P. Ross, S. C. Roberts, Robert Rumbold and Henry Remington, Mr. Rumbold, now of Chatsworth, is the only surviving charter member. The first meeting was held in Mr, Remington's house. The lodge hall was burned March 29, 1875. They later built a two-room two-story brick building.

Fairbury Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M. was instituted at Fairbury, October 6, 1866, J. W. Peck was the first High Priest and Henry Remington the first Secretary.

St. Paul Commandery, No. 36, Knights Templar, was chartered at Fairbury, October 26, 1870. Dr. J. J. Wright was the first Eminent Commander and John Zimmerman the first Recorder.

Livingston Lodge, No. 290, I. O. O. F. of Fairbury, was organized August 15, 1860. The charter members were John F. Blackburn, John J. Young, W. H. Strevelle, John T. Bowen and John Zimmerman. The lodge has the finest building in the county.

Odell Lodge, No. 401, A. F. A. M. was organized October 5, 1864, The charter members were Z. Supplee, E. G. Putnam and L. H. Cordry, who "were the first three principal officers. Odell Chapter was organized October 7, 1870, the charter members being Z. Supplee, A. E. Gammon, John E. Williams, A. P. Wright, A. P. Dunlap, James Martin, C. H. Ellenwood, R. G. Morton, J. Ford, Charles Finefield, E. Williams, A. G. Goodspeed, J. B. Garwood, H. H. Hill and R. B. Harrington.

Odell Lodge, No. 464, I. O. O. F. was instituted October 10, 1871, by N. J. Pillsbury of Pontiac, deputy grand master. The charter members were James A. Hunter, E. P. Utley, Jeremiah Clay, I. H. Scobell and W. Dalley, B. F. Pound was the first Noble Grand.

Chatsworth Lodge, No. 539, A. F. & A. M. was organized October 1, 1867. The charter members were D. W. Hunt, Charles L. Wells, W. H. Jones, E. L. Nelson, George R. Wells, D. E. Shaw, E. A; Simmons, A. E. Anway, James Davis, J. H. Dalton, Ira W. Trask and J. $. McElhiney. D. R. Wells was the first Master.

Cornell Lodge, No. - , A. F. A. M. was instituted in December, 1877, the charter being granted to John P. Guernsey, H. M. Cornel', Eben Norton, J. J. Reeder, A. K. Brower, H. H. Brower, Philip Arman. I. P. Santee, John Green and H. Bolt.

Beacon Lodge, No. 618, I. O. O. F. was instituted June 23, 1876. In 1907, the members erected a two-story brick building, the upper floor of which is used for lodge purposes.

Sannemin Lodge, No. 738, A. F. & A. M. was organized October 23, 1875, and chartered October 11, 1876. The first officers were: W. W. Porter. Master; Samuel McGoodwin, Senlor

Livingston Lodge, No. 371, A. F. & A. M. was organized March 1, 1862, and received its charter October 2, 1862. The first officers were: E. N. Jenks, Worshipful Master; W. L. Gross, Senior Warden; J. W. Rockwell, Junior Warden; C. S. Newell, Secretary.

Dwight Lodge, No. 513, I. O. O. F. was instituted May 22, 1873, and is probably the richest and strongest society in Dwight. The first Noble Grand was C. C. Gilbert, and M. W. Tambling, Secretary. In October of the same year a charter was issued to the following charter members: C. C. Gilbert. W. S. Sims, M. W. Tambling, John L. Clark, Thomas Weldon, Hugh Stevens and E. P. Utley.

. Hebron Lodge, No. 175, Knights of Pythias, was instituted January 18, 1888, with twentyfive charter members, Eugene Flagler was the first Chancellor Commander.

Long Point Lodge, No. 552, A. F, A. M. was organized in 1866. This order was organized at Ancona and was known as Ancona Lodge. The lodge was removed to Long Point, in 1873, and in 1877, its name was changed to its present one. Abel Bradley was the first Worshipful Master.

Good Will Lodge, No. 379, I. O. O. F. was instituted January 9, 1869, by J. W. Ellis, Grand Master, and Samuel Willard, Grand Secretary. John A. Fulwiler was the first noble grand and Stephen A. Hoyt the first Secretary,