Macoupin County, Illinois - Blackburn University, 1879 (part 2 of 2)

Bunker Hill, In 1841 a Methodist minister named Zimmerman organized a class of five persons, namely, John Rice, Jonathan Squires, Mary A. Squires, Abraham Cramp, Sarah Cramp. Services were held at first in Mr. Squires' cabin, once in three weeks, afterward in the village school-house, The circuit embraced Mr. Deck's house (near Alton) Highland, and Spanish Needle. In 1845 there was but one family in the place, that of George Sanders. In 1849 the class was reorganized with John Evans as class-leader. Just south of the Town Hall in 1851 was erected their first church, which was sold to the town in 1859.

During the pastorate of G. W. Waggoner, a revival of much power added to the church seventy-five members. This made ademand for a larger building, and a brick edifice was erected at a cost of $7,000. The church was blessed again with an abundant harvest in 1864, while Norman Allen was pastor. They have a flourishing Sabbath-school of two hundred and sixty, and a most regularly attended prayer meeting.

Chesterfield is one of the oldest churches in the county ; it was established during the pastorate of S. M. Otwell in 1831-2. The chureh was built in 1845, and is still in good condition. The first parsonage was erected in 1850, the second in 1859. Some of the early Local Preachers were Jesse Peebles, Wn. Hart, L. L. Harlow. Theearly class-leaders were Jesse Peebles, John Peebles, Jesse Reams. Pastors - Otwell, Springer, Blackwell, Woolard, Worthington, N. P. Heath, Robins, Chambers, J. B. Corrington, Faulkner, Holliday, B. Newman, Cassady, A. Bradshaw, Wm. Owen, A. Semple, Sterrit, Jesse Peebles, Baker, I. Emerson, Powers, Paxton, Meginnis, R. Honald, Franklin, Dillon, T. C. Wolfe, J. B. Meigs, Peter Slagle, P. Drake, G. D. Randall, S. T. Hawkins, A. Sloan, Wm. R. Carr.

Gillespie. The earliest record we have of the church at this place was in 1855. At that time it was a mission in the Alton District with an appropriation of one hundred dollars of missionary money. Rev. It. Randall was the first pastor. In 1856 the church numbered ninety-one members and nine probationers, and property valued at $450. With J. D. Gilham pastor, the next year, 1857, the church numbered 111 members and 15 on probation; with church property worth $600, and T. M. Boyle pastor, the membership continued to increase so that in 1858, the church numbered 193 members, and 24 probationers. That year the church was transferred to the Litchfield district, and T. W. Jones Pastor. The church has continued to grow in usefulness, members and wealth. A Sabbath-school was early established, which has been doing much good. Those persons who have officiated as pastor in addition to the above are: Revs. Asa Snell, J. S. Morrison, W. F. Davis, Geo. T. Weaver, C. J. Tolle, A. Bliss, 8. Walker, N. D. Shackelford, T. A. Eaton, S. C. English, 8. P. Grove, and R. H. Massey is the present pastor. At this writing the number of members is 200, and twenty-four probationers, and church property to the value of about $8,300. The present church edifice was erected in 1864. In 1862 this charge was transferred from the Litchfield to the Alton district.

Girard cirewit was organized in 1857. It comprises two appointments, namely, Girard and Everly. The latter was named after the Rey. John Everly, and was built during his pastoral supervision of the circuit. The church at each appointment has a very pleasant house of worship. At Girard there is a very commodious two-story parsonage. Pastors, OC. Arnold, J. H. Dimmit, S. H. Clark, N. Cloud, Leonard Smith, John Everly, H. (. Wallace, J. B. Wolf, J. C. Kellar, V.C. Randolph, A. Waggoner, A. M. Pilcher, who was appointed chaplain of the Joliet Penitentiary, June 1st, 1879. W.M. Johnson was appointed to serve the Girard Circuit, and is now pastor. Among the leading members are Samuel England, A. D. Holliday, John Hagler, J. F. Carter, Geo. Thompson, James Hagler, W. T. Bristow, who has been Recording Steward for more than twenty-one years, Wm. Ronsey, Geo. Holliday, Benjamin Cabal, Bros. Christopher, Smith, Cloud and others.

Niliwood, Bethel, and Rural are the three churches on the Nilwood Circuit that are in this county. The present Nilwood church was organized in Noy. 1857, by Rey. Holding, then stationed at Virden, Ills. The class or church numbered more than twenty members, with John Bennyworth as class leader, who was a most industrious and liberal Christian, at times giving as much as $200 for the pastor, and $150 for the missionary cause per year. In these days of much zeal in walking, it may not be out of place to say that sister Dumville often walked five miles to church, which is but one manifestation of her zeal for the Lord of Hosts.

The church was built in 1864. Revs. W. H. McVey and Adam Waggoner were launched on the restless sea of itinerancy, from this region. Four camp-meetings have been held within the bounds of this circuit. The pastors have been D. Bardwick, A. C. McDougal, W. P. Paxon, G. M. Crays, H. Wilson, W. H. Rayburn, G. B. Goldsmith, G. D. Furber,O H. P. Ash, A. Orr, G. W. West and A. Sloan, the present incumbent. The present Board of Stewards are H. Madison, M. Kellam, B. Boring, L. W. Dugger, W. Atchinson, J. Geberson, R. A. Fuller. A. M. Owens is a local deacon.

Palmyra eiveuit had its origin in a class formed in the fall of 1831, by James Caye, a local preacher, at his own residence, which then stood on his farm. The square of Palmyra is a part of that farm. The residence stood near the lone cottonwood, directly east of the front of Solomon & Martin's store. This class was united to the Carlinville Circuit, in the spring of 1832, by Rey. Stith Otwell, which consisted of James Cave, James Pocklington and their wives; also, Clara Rice, who lived a faithful member of this class until June, 1878. The cireuit now embraces five societies, or churches ; having four church buildings, and a good parsonage at Palmyra. There is a lively interest on this work in the Sabbath-schvool cause,

Pastors have been S. M. Otwell, Eli and Klihu Springer, J. B. Woolard, Solomon MeCall, Wm. Hinder Fairbanks, A. Don Carlos, McMurray, W. B. Barton, Elija Corrington, E. Rutledge, Wm. M. Evans, R. Clark, A. Garner, W. H. McVey, W.S. Clark, J. J. Gardner, D. H. Hatton, W. Stamrer, J. W. Helmick.

The local preachers now connected with the circuit are J. W. Drake, P. B. Solomon, V. E. King, T. J. Steidly. Stewards at present, R. Bramley, G. W. John, A. P. Landreth, R. Batty, J. W. Butler, R. H. Dowell and W. Chisholm.

Shipman M. E. Church was organized in 1834. Rey. Lewis Springer preached the first sermon at the residence of Aaron Arnold. The first church was built in the spring of 1836; the present house of worship was erected in 1858.

Staunton Circuit has four appointments ; the present pastor is L. C. English... Virden's first sermon was preached by the Rey. E. Rutledge, in the parlor of the tavern which was located then, and is now in the Northeast part of the town; it was in the year 1853. The same year a church was organized, and very soon a commodious house of worship was built, which was used for more than twenty years, when (1874,) the present church was finished, and dedicated by Bishop Thomas Bowman. The new church was erected at a cost of $7,000 ; it is 7030 feet, has a gallery, library room, and a study. Four or five hundred persons can be very pleasantly accommodated in the church. There is a well-attended Sabbath-school attached to this church, which has a very good library and a faithful corps of officers and teachers. Being pastor at this place, we know of many things that could be said of this church ; we will not say that they are free from faults, but we can truly say according to their ability they do exceedingly well.

The following have been pastors : - E. Rutledge, Wm. Owens - Baker - John Burgess, Robert Holding, W. D. Lemen, 'T. H. Clark, Jacob Little, D. Bardwick, C. Myers, H. Wilson, M. A. Hewes, C. A. Obenshain, T. J. Bryant, H. L. Parkhurst, W. M. Reed, M. M. Davidson and Jos. Winterbottom. The following are the present official members: Wm. Emerson, R. C. Brown, Lew Cowen, Wm. Burch, J. H. Shriver, Wm. Steed, F. W. Lilloway, J. A. Campbell, W. Eckman, John Blackburn, Henry Burch, Silas Woods. Lew Cowen is a local preacher. Lowden belongs to Virden charge, but is in Sangamon county.

We have given but an epitome of the planting, carly growth and present development of the M. E. Church in this county. We have been forced by the limited space to omit many incidents, and to be very concise, only giving what some will say are the dry facts. To show what God has wrought by this church in this county, look at the figures for the year, from October 1877, to October, 1878.

In addition to the above the twelve named charges in the same year gaye for our regular organized benevolences $1,137.59, for support of pastors, $8,448, for building and improving churches and parsonages $4,084.

The Protestant Episcopal Church By Rey. D. W. Dresser

The Episcopal Church in Macoupin county is small and weak. There are many individual members of it, scattered about in the various districts - some in almost every neighborhood - but the organized Parishes, or eongregations, number only four, under the names and titles, following : - St. Paul's Church, Carlinville, Christ Church, Bunker Hill, St. Peter's Church, Chesterfield, and St. John's Church, Gillespie.

As nearly as can be ascertained, the first service in the Episcopal church, held in the county, was by Rev. Mr. F. Southgate, in the Presbyterian church at Carlinville, in the year 1843. This gentleman was a younger brother of the now aged Bishop Southgate, of New York; at one time Mis- sionary to Constantinople. He, Rev. F. Southgate, was traveling through the county, and happening to be in Carlinville over Sunday, was requested to officiate by the two or three Episcopalians, then living in the place; who procured for his use the church building above mentioned. It is related that he hurriedly conducted the appointed service, and then taking his hat, most unceremoniously left the house and returned to the hotel, without delivering any sermon, or speaking any word of instruction or exhortation, very greatly to the disappointment and mortification of Messrs Enoch Wall, A. Mc- Kim Dubois, and others who had solicited his service. It is not wonderful that under such circumstances the church grew so slowly, and that the impressions made concerning it were not favorable.

In 1844 or 1845, Rt. Rev. Philander Chase, first Bishop of Llinois, in his journeyings through the state, officiated on one or two occasions in Chesterfield, and Carlinville; but there was no settled minister, nor were there any regular services, until 1849, when the Rey. John Loyd Johnston, was sent by Bishop Chase, to officiate in these two places, which he had himself visited ; and here in the same year the present parishes were organized.

The first congregation in the county, may be considered that of St. Peter's, at Chesterfield. As the Episcopal Church in the United States is derived from the ancient church of England, and so traces its descent from the apostles and the primitive church, - through the church of England, - thus it came to pass, that the English people in and about Chesterfield were the first to receive and encourage the ministrations of this church, being members of it in Nngland, and here accordingly, in Chesterfield, the first organization was formed.

Rev. Mr. Johnston, remained but a short time - about nine months, - baptizing, however, many persons, who are now grown up and _ heads of families. He was an earnest, and self-sacrificing man, worthy of all honor. When he left here, he went south, and died in 1851 or 52, while yet a young man, of yellow fever, in Mississippi, whither he had gone against the remonstrances of friends, to aid the sick and suffering in one of those dreadful epidemics.

So far as known, there were no more services of this church held in the county from 1849 until in the spring of 1856, when Rey. Dayid Walker Dresser, then a deacon just ordained, was sent to take the charge at Chesterfield in connection with Waverly, Morgan Co., as had been the case with Mr. Johnston, before him.

The Rey. Mr. Dresser, may be said to be the patriarch of the Episcopal Church in the county, - though now only 45 years of age - haying continued in the charge with some intermission, up to the present time, and has been connected, in some measure with either the formation or subsequent history of every parish in the county.

His first seryice in Chesterfield, was held in the upper room of the schoolhouse or " Seminary " building, which still stands and is used, as then for district schools.

Tn 1858-9 the church building was erected on a lot immediately opposite this school-house, at a cost of about 2,000 dollars, and was consecrated April 28th, 1861, by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Whitehouse, successor to Bishop Chase.

He was succeeded by Rey. Joseph Adderly, from the fall of 1867, to some time in 1871. Then Rey. Geo. W. Stickney had charge in connection with Carrollton, Greene Co., for six months in 1872. He is now doing duty in the Island of Edisto, South Carolina. Rev. Mr. Adderly is dead, and Rey. Mr. Trewartha, has been deposed from the ministry.

In October, 1872, Rey. Mr. Dresser, again took charge of St. Peter's, at Chesterfield, in connection with St. Paul's at Carlinville. The parish has no property except the church and the lot, which at present rates, may be said to be worth $1500. There are twenty-five communicants, thirty families and about one hundred individuals connected with the parish, and in the habit of attending the church. The Sunday-school numbers about forty children, and seyen teachers. The parish officers are : - Cap. Thos, S. Gelder» Senior Warden ; Robert Oliver, Junior Warden ; (both of whom have these offices for many years); Wm. Touse, Joseph Garlic, Wm. J. Finch, Samuel L. Berrymann, Henry Stamm and John J. Leach, vestrymen.

The St. Paul's Church at Carlinville, was organized in 1849, about the same time as the parish at Chesterfield, and under the same clergyman - as already stated.

After the removal of Rey. Mr. Johnston, there were no services until the fall of 1857, when the present Rector, Rev. D. W. Dresser, having given up Waverly, took charge at Carlinville, in connection with Chesterfield. His first service here was held in an old school-house, which stood where the present public school building now stands and which was afterwards destroyed by fire. This house was used as a place of worship for some years, and subsequently the congregation occupied the "Old Methodist Church," adjoining the school building and just south of the present Methodist Church. The church edifice - St. Paul's, was erected in 1865-6, on lots purchased for the purpose many years before by Samuel Welton, A. McKim Dubois, Thomas Shutt and Drs. Brock and Cook, the two first of whom are still living in Carlinville, and connected with the church. This church was completed at an entire cost of about $ 5000, in 1875. The Rectory or Parsonage was built in 1868.

At present rates the church property would be valued at probably about $2500. This parish has suffered much from removals and financial failures. There are now connected with it twenty families and about ninety individuals. The communicants are forty. The Sunday school has about sixty-five pupils, with six teachers. The officers besides the Rector, are - Dr. M. H. Head, Sen. Warden; Prof. J. D. Conley, Jun. Warden - who is also licensed, and conducts services in the absence of the minister. <A. McKim Dubois, Wm. Wright, John Plummer, Solomon F. Steidley, and KK. K. Smart, vestryman.

Rey. Mr. Dresser, of Carlinville, visited Gillespie, by invitation, and officiated in the public school building Jan. 23,1860. Prior to that date, the only service of the Episcopal church held in Gillespie, so far as is known, was by Rev. Dr. S. Y. McMasters of Alton, who chanced to be in the village on a visit. For several years the Rev. Dresser had charge of this point as a Missionary station, in addition to his other work, officiating usually on a week. day, about once a month till 1864, when Rey. Thos. W. Mitchell, an able but eccentric man, a native of Scotland, began ministrations, in connection with Bunker Hill. The St. John's Parish was organized in 1863, and the church built during the same year. The corner-stone was laid by Rt, Rey. Bishop Whitehouse, on June 26,1863. Rey. Mr. Mitchell, removed in 1865, and was succeeded by Rey. John Portmess, who also had charge at Bunker Hill, but remained only a short time. He was succeeded by Rey. Adrian Zimmerman; of whom the same can be said. The Rey. Phillip A. Johnson, began ministrations here in 1875, residing in Bunker Hill, and devoting to Gillesple, one Sunday in each month. This he has continued to do until near the present time, but now there is no regular service held. The families are fev ; many having removed from the place within a few years. The property, which consists only of the church and lot, may be valued at about $1000, An interesting Sunday-school is kept up under the direction of W: R. Blair, who with Messrs. B. L. Dorsey and S. H. Burton, constitute the officers of the parish. B. L. Dorsey is Warden.

Christ Church, at Bunker Hill, was organized in 1865. Prior to this occasion, services were held by Rey. Mr. Dresser, of Carlinville, in some church or school-house as opportunity might present.

It is believed that the first service of the Episcopal Church was held by him in the Congregational house of worship in the summer of 1862. Rev. Mr. Mitchell came to take charge here and at Gillespie in 1864, and from that time forward the ministers in both places have been the same.

Rev. Mr. Mitchell resigned in Sept. 1865. Rey. Mr. Portmess, succeeded him for one year, from June 1866. Rey. Mr. Zimmerman, then followed him for about six months in 1868; and he again in turn being succeeded by Rey. Mr. Johnston, who resigned July 1st, 1879, after having served four years of faithful and successful ministry. The church edifice was erected in 1875--6, after plans and workmen procured from St. Louis, at a cost of $3500, including the lot. The corner-stone was laid in Noy. 1875, by Rev. D. W. Dresser, Rural Dean, assisted by Rey. Mr. Chase of Alton and Rev. Mr. Johnston of Bunker Hill. An active interest in the church exists in Bunker Hill; probably more so than at any other point in the county. The officers of the parish are - William N. Buddand R. J, Hornsby, Wardens ; Wm. M. Dorsey, A. N. Yancey and T. H. Richards, vestrymen. 'The communicants are forty-four ; families twenty-six ; individuals who attend, or claim an interest in the church about one-hundred and fifty.

All the churches of this denomination in the county, are built more or less after the Gothic style of architecture. That at Carlinville, being the most complete in all its interior appointments, and that at Bunker Hill, especially elegant and attractive in appearance.

Its peculiar characteristics are, - order and solemnity in worship; and simplicity and sober conservatism in faith and teaching, and as things become

The Congregational Church By Rev. H. D. Platt

The Congregational Churches in this whole region of country, generally mark the places where the settlers were originally Independents from England, or Congregationalists from New England, or both. In many localities, they have carried to an extreme limit their love of Christian union, by giving up their preferences, even when they were a numerical majority, to join church organizations of other sorts. In other localities, they wisely formed churches of the faith and order in which they had been reared, and to which they were warmly attached.

I. The Woodburn Congregational Church was organized March 25th, 1838, by Rey. Robert Blake. About forty persons became members on that day, and about 360 in all have been connected with it. The present membership is 112. The clerk is Mr. Edward Hollister.

It has from nearly the first kept up an interesting Sabbath-school, has enjoyed many blessed revivals, and always maintained a warm fraternal spirit toward the other Christian forces, with whom union-protracted meetings have often been held.

In 1840, the name was changed to that of "the Congregational Church of Woodburn and Bunker Hill." This continued till 1842, when it was deemed expedient to divide the church, and the Congregational Church of Woodburn was re-organized on its original basis.

1. Rey. Robert Blake, from 1837 till his death in 1842. He was from England, was very highly esteemed during his life, and sorely lamented at his death. He is still tenderly remembered by the older members, and always as "Father Blake."

3. Rey. Geo. Spauding, from 1847 to 1852. He was a native of Massaschusetts ; had been engaged in teaching school, and developing a talent for preaching, was put into the ministry by Alton Presbytery. Woodburn was the scene of his early, if not his first ministry. He has since labored in Wisconsin, New Hampshire and Minnesota, and for a part of the time has been engaged in business,

4. Rey. Donatus Merrill, from 1852 to 1853. He was a young man, from the East, of good education and fine culture, whose heart was very deeply in his work. He died at Woodburn, at his post, after a very brief illness.

5. Rey. Charles B. Barton, from October, 1853, to May, 1864... This was the longest pastorate the church has known. Mr. B. was a member of the first class which graduated at Illinois College, and in which were distinguished men. His earlier labors were with the Presbyterian churches. Since leaying the pulpit at Woodburn, he has labored at Richview, II1., has been partly engaged in farming, and recently has been preaching to a Portuguese church, at Jacksonville, Ill., where he now resides.

6. Rey. Gideon Clark, from May, 1864, to July, 1869. A native of Connecticut ; his ministry has been mostly in Ilinois; partly with the Congregational, but mostly with the Presbyterian churches. Large numbers were added to the Woodburn church under his ministry.

7. Rey. Enoch N, Bartlett, from 1869 to 1872. Mr. Bartlett was a graduate of Oberlin College, Ohio; had spent some years as pastor in Missouri, and was a man of ripe experience and good judgment. He is now at Colorado Springs.

8. Rey. Geo. Macardle, from 1873 to 1875. He had labored at Pecatonica previously, and has since been employed at Olney, Pittsfield and Pecatonica, all in Illinois.

9. Rey. Charles Slater, from 1875 to 1879. Mr. Slater's early ecclesiastical connections were with the Wesleyans in England, and on closing his four years' labors with the Woodburn church, he has removed to a field in Minnesota, where he hopes to enjoy more vigorous health. The pulpit is now vacant.

As the Dram-shop business has never flourished at Woodburn, the people have been more thoughtful and far more inclined to be religious, intelligent and benevolent than uader the opposite conditions.

II. The Bunker HifleCongregational Church grew out of the Woodburn church, and dates its organization as a separate church, from September 18th, 1842. Father Blake preached the first sermon ever delivered in Bunker Hill. 'The early history of the church is closely connected with that of the Woodburn church.

From the imperfect records, and from the personal recollections of some of the older members of the church, it appears that their first minister was Rey. Wm. Fithian, during the year 1843. Mr. F. did not continue permanently in the special work of the ministry, but was for a time agent of the American Peace Society, and latterly was engaged as a Temperance Lecturer. He died a few years since in Missouri.

4, Rey. C. B. Barton divided his labors between the Woodburn and Bunker Hill churches, from May, 1854, for about three years, to 1857. Salaries were not large during those years. Bunker Hill raised $200.00 for their half of Mr. Barton's services.

5. Rev. Jas. Weller gave his entire services to the Bunker Hill church, from 1857 to 1866. Mr. Weller is a native of England; studied for the ministry at Mission Institute, Quincy, Ill., and at Yale Theo. Seminary ; had previously had charge of the Congregational church at Waverly for ten years, and has since labored successively with two congregations in New York State. His present charge is Danby, N. Y. During his ministry the salary rose to $800.00 per year.

6. Rey. Wm. E. Holyoke, from 1866 to 1868. Mr. Holyoke received his ministerial education at Knox College, and at the Union Theological Seminary, N. Y. city. He had preached at Farmington, and at other important places in Illinois, and his salary for the first year, in the pecuniary prosperity which followed the close of the war, rose to $1,600.00. He has since preached successively at Chicago, Byron, Dover, IIl., where his present charge is.

7. Rev. R. C. Stone, from 1868 to 1872. He had been a pastor for some years in New England, then a teacher, and later a business man in St. Louis. He came to them in a vigorous old age, and gave way for the settlement of a younger man.

8. Rey. G. W. Bainum from 1872 to 1879. Mr. Bainum spent his.early ministry and enjoyed a prominent place among the Wesleyan Methodists of this country. On joining the Congregationalists, he served for a time the Mayflower church, at Indianapolis, whence he was called to Bunker Hill. He has just accepted a call and removed to Streator, Illinois, leaving the pulpit temporarily vacant.

In connection with the Baptists, the Congregationalists built a substantial brick church, which was dedicated March 9th, 1849. The corner-stone was laid in August, 1847. This building was to be used in common by the two denominations, as long as should be deemed advisable, and then was to become the property of whichever church would make the highest bid for the other half. This joint ownership continued without serious friction for about eight years, when the Congregationalists bought out the Baptist interest in the house, and all was amicably arranged - one striking instance, where such a partnership did not produce a quarrel. In 1869 or 1870, the building was enlarged and improved, to its present imposing appearance and commodious arrangements. It now has basement rooms and handsome tower, and contains an excellent pipe organ. It is altogether one of the finest church edifices in the county, and with its grounds is valued at $9,000.00. Mr. W. W. Hays is the Clerk of the church and Superintendent of the Sabbath-school.

For several years this church, as well as the one at Woodburn, was connected with Alton Presbytery, on a plan of correspondence, provided for such cases.

Later, when the Southern Congregational Association came within reach, its relations were transferred to it, and a more satisfactory affiliation secured.

The recent failure of the Bunker Hill Bank has seriously crippled the church, financially, and brought pecuniary distress to nearly every one of its members.' Still there is grit and grace enough to endure the shock. The present membership is 157.

Ill. The Congregational Church of Chesterfield was organized March 6th, 1848, and was at first composed of 15 members. A part of these came from the Spring Cove Presbyterian Church of Summerville.

1. Rey. T. B. Hurlbut, who had been preaching to this people for some time preyious to the organization, and who continued his labors with the church for two years, till 1850, when he went to supply the Presbyterian Church at Upper Alton, where he has resided ever since, ministering to neighboring churches, as his strength and opportunities permitted. For some years the infirmities of age have been creeping upon him, and he is still maintaining a cheerful and serene spirit, waiting "till his change come."

2. Rey. James R. Dunn, from 1850 to 1854. Mr. D., had been but a short time in the ministry, and diyided his preaching between this and the Presbyterian Church of String Prairie (now Walnut Grove), Green county.

He built a residence at Chesterfield, doing a large share of the work with his own hands, which after he left was purchased by the church, and did good service as a parsonage, for many years after leaving Chesterfield.

He labored for many years at Wenona, in La Salle county, but has for several years been in the Real Estate business at Jacksoniville, [linois, and preaching occasionally in the vicinity. His ecclesiastical connection is and has been with Presbytery.

3. Rey. S. P. Lindley, a part of the time for one year, when he took charge of three Presbyterian Churches in the county for a time. Soon after, he lost his standing in the ministry, and later, joined the ministry of another denomination in another State, and died of paralysis, March, 1878.

+. Rey. G. W. Stinson, one year, from 1855 to 1856. He was just from the Oberlin College and Seminary; was ordained and married during that year, afterward spent a few years as Pastor in New Hampshire, and then removed to a parish in Missouri, where he very soon died.

5. Rey. J. C. Downer, for a few months in 1857. He was a Presbyterian minister, then financial agent of Blackburn University, but has since been preaching and growing fruit, at De Soto, Mo.

6. Rey. H. D. Platt, from 1858 to 1868, ten years and one month. A native of Connecticut; he had pursued his preparatory studies at Mission Institute (Quincy, Il.), and at Yale Theological Seminary ; had supplied the pulpit of the Presbyterian Church at Brighton for nearly seven years; was called from his charge at Chesterfield, to the position of Home Missionary Superintendent for Southern Illinois, in which he labored for three years. Returning to pastoral labor in 1871, he was with the Lincoln Church for one year, and with the Danvers' Church for five years, and now resides at Brighton, where he has charge of the Congregational Church.

7. Rey. H. N. Baldwin, from 1868 to 1870. He had recently been licensed to preach, had spent a few months at Danvers, McLean county. On account of failing health, he resigned at Chesterfield, and spent a year on a farm; then labored for some time with the church at Plano, IL, and afterward studied medicine. He is now a practicing physician in Chicago.

8. Rey. Elihu Loomis, from 1870 to 1878. He was called from the church at Littleton, Mass., and has now taken charge of the church at Memphis, Mo. He wrought much in the school-houses near, and was noted for efforts jn the cause of Christian union.

9, Rey. Calvin Selden, the present minister; came among them in the autumn of 1878, dividing his labors between that church and the one at Melville, Jersey county. He has had parishes in New England, in Jersey City, and different places in Illinois, and for several years been Agent of the American Bible Society, with headquarters at Aurora, IIl.

The Chesterfield Chureh was connected from 1850 to 1856, with Alton Presbytery - and since then, with the Southern Association of Congregational Churches. During the spring of 1855, a good house of worship was completed, which, including $250.00 of aid from the Church building fund, cost some $2,000.00. The church property is now worth $1,500.00.

An unusual amount of education and culture had been enjoyed by the early members of the church, which made society exceedingly agreeable. All but two of the original fifteen are dead or removed, and many have been added from time to time. The church has been noted for its kindness to its ministers, and for its liberal donations to benevolent objects. One hundred and sixteen members in all have been connected with the church. The present membership is 64. Rey. Calvin Selden is Clerk as well as Pastor.

IV. The Congregational Church of Brighton was organized by advice of a Council, June 6th, 1867. Some twenty-six of those uniting, brought letters from the Presbyterian Church of Brighton. It immediately connected itself with the Southern Association of Ilinois; - worshipping in a Hall for a year ormore. In Sept. 1868, a house of worship was completed and dedicated, - Rev. H. D. Platt preaching the sermon. Church-property is valued at $3,500.00.

1, Rev. John E. Wheeler, for a few months in 1867, He has had charges since in New England, and later in St. Louis. Is now without a charge.

2. Rev. Charles L. Tappan, from 1868 to 1870. He was a native of New Hampshire, had some experience as pastor and editor, had almost failed in health. Is now pastor of a Congregational Church at Sandwich, N. H.

3. Rey. Isaiah W. Thomas, from April, 1870, to July, 1876, a minister, till then, of the M. E. Church. He had recently returned from a prolonged tour in Palestine and the East, and his sermons and lectures were enriched by the scenes he had carefully observed. On leaving Brighton, he retired to a farm near Mulberry Groye, Bond county, Il.

4, Rey. H. D. Platt, the present minister, was called in April, 1877. He divides his labor between this church and one at Kemper, Jersey county ; Brighton, Congregational Church, has at present 44 members. Clerk is L. P. Stratton - S. S. Superintendent, E. Amass.

These four Congregational churches are and have been strictly orthodox in doctrine, evangelical in sentiment, heartily union in spirit, for the most part, harmonious in action, and useful in their generation.

The Holy Catholic Church

We have been disappointed greatly in our efforts to gather sufficient materials to enable us to give a full history of the rise and progress, in this county, of the great ecclesiastical organization, which numbers in its ranks nearly one-half of the professing Christians of the globe. The ministers of this, the " Old Faith,' who now reside here, have been here only for a short time, nor have the records of the church been accessible to us. We present the subjoined sketch, fully aware cf its deficiencies, but as the very best possible under the circumstances surrounding us during its preparation.

The first Roman Catholic church, built in Carlinville, was in the year 1859. There are now two churches of this denomination in the city. 'The English church, which was erected in 1867; and the German, erected in 1868. The former has about four hundred communicants, and the latter about three hundred and twenty-five.

Both edifices are new and beautiful structures. They are built of brick, and are large, commodious and substantial buildings, not only serving the purpose for which they were erected, but by their elegance and costliness add much in beauty to the city.

At Brighton the Catholics had no regular place of worship before 1869. The congregation now numbers about two hundred and twenty-five souls.

At Bunker Hill, "in 1854, the Catholics, numbering ten families, attended service at Ridgeley. A year later, Bunker Hill was made a station, Father Pennigrau visiting once each month. Under his pastoral care, the congre- gation rapidly increased, and he was appointed resident pastor. Services were first held at Mrs. James Carroll's house, and afterwards in the old town hall." In 1863 the first church was erected, Father Rinkers then being in charge.

It has subsequently been improved and enlarged, and a parsonage was erected in 1872. An elegant view of the church and parstoral residence may be seen in this work. Father Clifford subsequently was appointed to the charge, and he devoted his efforts mainly to the establishment of a parochial school. A fair was held in behalf of this object, and $800 realized. This sum was applied toward the erection of the present school building, which was opened in 1872, with forty-five pupils, under Miss Webster as teacher. Since that time the attendance has doubled under the administration of Mr. Kaltenbach.

In the same year the very neat and comfortable pastoral residence adjoining the church was erected. Father Cleaver succeeding to the pastorate, it was found necessary to enlarge the church building. With that liberality so common to our people, $1,000 was promptly subscribed, and a front addition, surmounted by a spire rising to a height of ninety feet, was commenced ; but before these improvements were completed, Father New (the present pastor), succeeded Mr. Cleaver and finished the work. A bell and organ were procured about the same time. The church is now nearly out of debt,

Evangelical Churches By Rev. George Goebel

There are three Evangelical churches in Macoupin county which belong to the German Eyangelical Synod of North America. This Synod strives for the unity of the Church based upon Ephesians iv. 3-6, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, &e. Especially does the Synod believe that there is not such great difference in the doctrines of the Lutheran and Reformed Church that they for this reason might not be united. Therefore it declares the- Lutheran and Reformed confession as its own xo far as they agree. In the few points of difference, such as communion, baptism, &e., it holds strictly to the Seripture relating to them.

The German Evangelical, St, Pauls Church, in Carlinville. This congregation was originally united with the Lutheran Church of this city, and_was at that time independent of any Synod. But as soon as the congregation reeciyed a minister of the extreme Lutheran Church, those more inclined to the Evangelical doctrine separated themselves in the year 1858, and organized a church of their own, and bought for their house of worship what was formerly the Methodist Church, next to the public school. This congregation was also at first independent of the Synod, and had the following: ministers; Messrs. Rehle, Buechler, Muenter and Ruether.

In 1868, Rev. C, Witte received a call from the congregation, which he accepted, and was therefore the first minister of the Evangelical Synod of North America who preached in this church. In the year 1870 the church received anew constitution, and became at the same time an active member of the Synod. In the same year there occurred a change in the pulpit, and Rey. P. F. Mensch became pastor, and remained with the congregation until January, 1875, when he was chosen for professor of the Synod's Seminary, which is located at Elmhurst, near Chicago, I].

The Rey. George Goebel, of Missouri, was then chosen as pastor, but not being able to comply immediately, Rey. F. Stoerker supplied the pulpit for three months, and on the Ist of April, 1875, Rev. Goebel arrived, and assumed the pastorate of the church, in which position he still remains. Since the Rev. Goebel has been pastor there has been erected a substantial new church, which is located opposite the court-house. It was dedicated in October, 1878. The old church is used for their parochial school, which is superintended and taught by A. Spiegel. There are usually from sixty to seventy scholars. The Sunday-school consists of sixty scholars and five teachers.

The Evangelical Church, in Brighton. This congregation was organized in 1870, and a church erected, which was dedicated April 10, 1871. The Rey. Luterman was the first preacher, and remained one year, after which Rey. Hotz accepted a call, and was pastor until April, 1879. At present

The Evangelical, St. Paul's Charch, in Staunton, was organized in 18098. Its original name was The Evangelical Lutheran Church. In 1875 it was reorganized and received its present name, and connected itself with the Evangelical Synod of North America. In consequence of this change fourteen members left the congregation and joined the Lutheran Church, and through this departure the remaining members held together more closely.

The first minister of the new organized church was Rey. John Nollaw, who remained until 1877, when he was called to St. Louis, and was succeeded by Rey. F. Schaer, the present pastor.

It has a Sunday-school consisting of forty scholars, superintended by the pastor, and also a parochial school with about the same number of scholars, also taught by Rev. Schaer.

German Evangelical Lutheran Church At Carlinville By Rey. B. Miessler

During the year 1854 and '55 several Lutheran families came and located in this city from St. Louis, Missouri. Here they united themselves and organized the Evangelical Lutheran congregation. The first minister to preach for the little congregation was Rev. F. Buenger, of St. Louis.

In 1856 the Rev. E. Multanowski was engaged, and was the first settled pastor. He officiated until 1860. Under his administration the congregation grew in membership, wealth and influence; the congregation erected a church building, adopted a constitution, wherein the church is named, the German Evangelical Zion church and congregation, unaltered Augsburg Confession.

Mr. Multanowski's suecessor was Rev. L. Geyer, under whose ministerial labors the congregation continued to grow. In 1869 a new church edifice of brick was erected at a cost of about twelve thousand dollars. Rey. L. Geyer continued his pastoral charge for sixteen years, and was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. B. Miessler. At the present time the congregation consists of fifty-six leading members, some sixty families, and two hundred and twenty communicants. The church also supports a parish school and teacher. Mr. G. Karder has officiated at this school for the last fourteen years. The number of pupils varies at times from sixty to eighty.

The German Evangelical Lutheran Church At

In the year 1847, Rey. F. Lockner, of Pleasant Ridge, Madison county, Illinois, visited this place and organized the church. At that time* there were but few Lutheran families residing in the neighborhood. Subsequently Rev. Pirkman-and Rev. Schliepsick occasionally preached here. The first settled pastor was Rev. F. Reisner, who took charge of the parish, January 1st, 1851. He died the same year while faithfully serving the Master. He was succeeded by the Rey. F. Besel, who remained in charge until March, 1855. His successor was Rev. Mr. Rennicke, who administered for a time faithfully to the religious wants of his flock, and was followed by Rey. C. Schliepsick, and he by Rev. R. Voigt, and his successor was Rey. L. Muckel, who officiated from May, 1865, until his death, which occurred in November, 1870.

On the 25th of January, 1871, Rey. T. M. Hahn was called and installed as pastor, and has remained as such to the present. He isa very faithful and efficient worker in the vineyard of the Lord. The parish numbers about seventy families. In the year 1864 anew church edifice was erected at a cost of $4,152. The congregation has also a parsonage which cost about $1,500. There is also a parish school in connection with the

Spring Cove Presbyterian Church

The following persons were elected elders: Samuel Tull, W. H. Carson, John Brown, John B. Carson and Grundy H. Blackburn. The original membership of this church was twenty. The ministers who have served this church as stated supply are Rey. Samuel E. Blackburn, Rey. Wm. Chamberlin, Rev. J. A. Ranney, Rev. Hugh Barr, Rev. Wm. T Bartel, Rev. J. R. Dunn, Rey. S. P. Lindley, Rey. Thomas Reynolds, Rev. H N. Wilbur, and Rey. Wm. R. Adams.

The present membership of the church is fifty-eight, and the whole number since organization two hundred and five. The present elders are J. M. Carson, John Ashill and N. Challacombe.

There has been a Sabbath-school in connection with the church ever since its organization, but no record has been kept until of late years. It has been held as a union-school in connection with the Baptist Church. 5

The original church building stood in what is now .Nicholas Challacombe's pasture, one-half mile east of his residence. It was constructed about the time of the organization of the church. The building was composed of posts set in the ground, weather-boarded with clap-boards, and a puncheon floor. It is the oldest Presbyterian Church in the county, the Carlinville branch having been organized afterward. The church was moved about 1844 to a location north of Macoupin creek, half a mile east of the Blackburn bridge.

The change of the location was made in order to hold the membership of the church, as several persons who lived in the village of Chesterfield were desirous to form another separate church at that place. The Presbyterians of Chesterfield, however, decided a few years later to form a separate congregation at that place, and took their letters from their church in 1874, and formed the Chesterfield Congregational Church.

Shortly afterwards the church was taken to pieces and moyed to Summerville, and now forms the church at that place, still known as Spring Cove Presbyterian Church.

The Spring Coye Church has been the parent of the Chesterfield Congregational Church, organized in 1847 ; the Presbyterian Church of Plainview, organized in 1851; the Nokomis Presbyterian Church, at Nokomis, in Montgomery county, which was organized by families who arrived from Macoupin county at Nokomis. The church has continued to grow, and is now in a healthy condition.

The church at Carlinville was organized June 30, 1834, by Rev. Gideon Blackburn, with the following original members: Ellen Moore, Lucy Stephenson, Julia A. White, Alice Good, Lucy M. Greathouse, Harlan Parks, Melyina Hoxsey, Edward Plant,' Elijah Harlan and James Parks, who were received by letter; John 8. Greathouse, Thomas D. Moore and Ruth Holton were received on examination.

The first elders elected and ordained were Elijah Harlan, James Parks, Thomas D. Moore and Edward Plant. John S. Greathouse was appointed clerk.

The first regular pastor was Rev. Samuel Emmons Blackburn, son of Dr. Gideon Blackburn. He preached until his death, which occurred soon after he assumed the charge. The pulpit was for a time thereafter filled by his father, Rey. Dr. Blackburn.

The next regular pastor was Rey. John G. Simrall, who assumed charge April 23, 1836. Hewas a Kentuckian by birth, and a man of considerable culture.

The first meetings were held in the old log court-house, afterwards in the old seminary building. The first church edifice was erected in 1836, and was a small brick structure. It stood on the lot occupied by the present church. The first sermon preached in it was by Rev. John G. Simrall, before the church was finished. The present handsome church edifice was erected in the year 1869, at a cost of $9,000, including the furniture. It is constructed of brick. In 1874, the congregation built a parsonage and chapel at a cost of $3,500.

There is a Sabbath-school in connection with the church, which was organized March 25, 1848. The most active person in organizing the school was Rey. J. S. Graves. It has prospered from that time, and now numbers one hundred and fifty scholars, with an average attendance of one hundred. The library contains about four hundred volumes. R. B. Minton is superintendent and Charles Nutting assistant superintendent.

Dry Point Presbyterian Church From Data, By J. C. Pentzer

"In pursuance of a resolution of the Presbytery of Kaskaskia, adopted on the 14th day of October, 1839, appointing Thomas A. Spillman and George Donnell a committee to visit Macoupin county, and if thought expedient, to organize a church; the said Thomas A. Spillman, according to notice previously given, met a number of persons at the court-house in Carlinville, on Saturday, the 7th day of December, 1839, and the names of sundry persons were enrolled as an incipient step towards the organization of a church."

After public worship at the same place, on the following day at 11 o'clock, A. M, the following persons gave satisfactory evidence of having been members of the Presbyterian churcb : George Harlan, Margaret Harlan, David Nevious, Jane Nevious, Rainy L. Berry, Mary Jane Berry, Sarah S. Barrick, Mary M. Fishback, Mary B. Parks, Elizabeth Brown, Julia Winchester, Lucy Stephenson.

'The above named persons, having expressed a desire to be associated in a church capacity, Mr. Harlan was chosen and installed as ruling elder.

By the report made to the Presbytery on April 1st, 1842, we find that the total number of members was twenty-three, and that up to and including that year, Rey. T. A. Spellman, remained as stated supply.

On the 10th of August, 1844, the minister in charge, Rev. A. Allen, met those of the members who lived south of Carlinyille, at the house of George Harlan, and organized a separate body known as Dry Point church, having ten members, with George Harlan, E. Harlan, and Henry Fishback as ruling elders. Rev. Allen was succeeded, as a minister, by Rey. P. D. Young in 1847, and in 1848-9 by Rey. V. Pentzer.

By report to Presbytery, April Ist, 1849, the total number of members was fourteen. The place of meeting was held at the house of George Harlan, or in the neighboring school-house. If the weather was pleasant and the congregation large, temporary seats and a stand were placed in the grove where services were held.

Great credit is due these early pioneers for their perseverance in an effort to establish and maintain a branch of their church under such discouraging circumstances. They were struggling hard to make homes in a new country, and were without many of the conveniences of life, yet a portion of their time and means were given to this cause. The solemn earnestness of the people, the able discourse of the minister, the fervent prayer and the sacred song, in which they expressed their faith and piety, were well caleulated to make a lasting impression. This sketch would be incomplete without a tribute of respect to the memory of the founder of the church, Mr. George Harlan, who died May Ist, 1851. He moved to this county, and settled in Gillespie township in 1833. He not only possessed all the qualities which make a good citizen, but was ever ready to assist in any work that would be a benefit to his community. No call, in case of sickness or distress among his neighbors, was ever unheeded. He was ready to encourage by kind words or to assist with material aid any who stood in need of his services. Although many years have passed away since his death, his memory is still cherished by his neighbors and friends as one who lived a consistent life, and of whom it may truly be said he was a good and true man.

During the time that Mr. Hassinger was minister, the place of meeting was changed from Mr. Harlan's neighborhood to the school-house near the farm of Mr. Giles Adams, and afterwards to the school-house near where

Tlalin Ofs

Mrs. Parks now lives, both being in what is now school district No. 2. The records are so incomplete that it is almost impossible to give a correct list of the clergy.

Rey. W. L. Mitchell served the church during the years 1861-62. He was succceded by Rev. A. N. Denny, of Moro, Hlinois. During the year 1867, a building partly built by the Christian church at Baylesstown, was bought by this church, and completed at a cost of about $1,000. It has since been their place of meeting. W. P. Teitsworth was minister in 1868, and the membership was twenty-nine. At present the church is practically (lisorganized, having neither minister nor elder.

Of those who organized the church in 1839, Mrs. Mary P. Parks is the only one, after a lapse of forty years, whose name still stands on the records

Presbyterian Church Of Shipman By J. J. Green

The First Presbyterian Chureh of Shipman was organized August 3d, 1856, by Rey. A. T. Norton of Alton, with the following members: Joseph Rogers Mrs. Dorothea Meriwether, Mrs. Mildred Floyd, Mrs. Jennie Law, Miss Elizabeth Law, Mvs. Frances Pollard, Mr. A. F. Pope, Mrs. Margaret Jane Pope, John J. Green and Mrs. Virginia T. Green. J. J. Green and A. F. Pope were elected elders, the former as clerk of the church. Rev. Mr. Barton was the first pastor.

In the vear 1867 C. A. Preston, was elected elder. Rey. E. W. Tylor was then chosen pastor, and continued for three years, and was followed by Rey. W. R. Adams, who was installed as pastor of the church for four years.

In 1874, Aaron Myrex was elected ruling elder, In 1875, Rev. G. C. Clark became pastor. During the year 1878 Rey. Mr. Nutting, of Blackburn University, supplied the church most of the time.

Since the till of 1878, Rev, W. R. Adams has been pastor. There is but one elder left, J.J. Green. The number of members is twenty-six; the value of the church building is about $2,500.

The First Presbyterian Church of Plainview was organized as "The Union Church," at the house of P. Brown, January 27, 1851, by Rey. Geo. Spaulding, by appointment ofthe Alton Presbytery. The organizing memhers numbered nineteen, with four elders, viz.: Halliburton Parks, Ephraim M. Gilmore, Henry Merriwether and Peter Brown, clerk. Mr. Brown resigned the clerkship in 1860,

The Presbyterian Church at Shipman isa branch of this church. The value of the church building is $1800, and the parsonage is yalued at $1200.

Presbyterian Church Of Virden By Rey. W. L. Tarbet

The Presbyterian Church in Virden was organized June 3d, 1854, by Rey. John G. Rankin, Josiah Porter, A. M. Dixon and Elisha Jenny. The original members were John I. Beattice, his wife, Lucy, and his daughter, Letitia, from the Presbyterian Church in Carlinville; Rufus W. Lend, his wife, Jane, and his daughter, Elizabeth Jane, now Mrs. Coultas, from the Presbyterian Church in Winchester, Ill.; Mrs. Lucy D. Hardin, her daughter, Emily, from the Second Presbyterian Church at Springfield, and from the church in Chatham. These eight persons were organized into a church, to be known as the First Presbyterian Church of Virden. John I. Beattice and Rufus W. Lend were elected and ordained as ruling elders in this church.

Preaching was supplied until the spring of 1859 by members of the Illinois Presbytery, among whom may be mentioned Albert Hale of Spring field, Rev. Joshua Porter of Chatham, Rev. John C. Donner of Carlinville, and others whose names have not been preserved.

In the spring of 1859 the Rev. W. L. Tarbet, from Bethany Church, Giles county, Tennessee, became the stated supply. He preached his first sermon in Virden, May, 1859. The number of members were forty. In April, 1860, the Presbytery of Illinois sent a committee consisting of Albert Hale, Edward McMillan and John G. Rankin, to install Mr. Tarbet pastor over this church. Mr. McMillan preached the sermon; Mr. Rankin gave the charge to the pastor, and Mr. Hale charged the people. During my ministry up to 1876 there were added to the membership of this church 214 members; 87 by letter and 127 on examination, being an average of thirteen per annum.

The elders who have served this church since its organization, ave: Rufus' W. Lend, until his removal to Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1871; John I. Beattice, from the beginning until the present; Oliver T. Peabody, from May, 1860, until his departure to the Baptists, in 1866; George W. Simons, from 1865 until the present. In 1870 Messrs. Lumsden, Johnson and Brown, who had been elders in other churches, were requested to serve this church as ruling elders, which they consented to do, until 1874, when the following were elected: John I. Beattice, Nathan Johnson, George W. Simons, W. W. Post, Richard Ball and W. Wilder, Messrs. Post and Wilder have removed to other places, leaving the present bench of elders to consist of John I. Beattice, N. Johnson, R. Ball, and George W. Simons.

In the autumn of 1866, the first move was made towards erecting a house of worship ; the church having been allowed the use of the Methodist and Baptist houses. The building was finished Dee., 1857, and the church was dedicated March 24th, 1858. The ceremony was conducted by W. D. Sanders, D. D., of the Illinois College and Rev. Wm. G. Galleher, of Jacksonville. The entire cost of the building was $4,000.

Presbyterian Church At Brighton

On the first Sunday in January, 1847, meeting was held in the Baptist church at Brighton, for the purpose of organizing a Presbyterian church. Rev. Wm. Chamberlain presided. At that time there were sixteen persons of this faith in the village, viz.: Nathan Johnson, L. B. Stratton, Wm. Reed, J. W. Gilson, John J. Green, Henry Boulter, Thomas A. Brown, M.D, and their wives and Mrs. Mary Cunningham and Mrs. Barbara David. Nathan Johnson, J. J. Green and Henry Boulter were chosen elders, and L. P. Stratton clerk. The first four couples above named were then members of the church at Monticello Seminary, and five of the number were providentially hindered at the time of the organization, but joined three months later. Rev. George Spaulding soon became minister, and was installed pastor of the two churches - Brighton and Woodburn. He moved to Bunker Hill in 1849, and in April, 1851, Rev. H. D. Platt took charge and remained with the congregation until 1858. During 1858 and '59 the pulpit was supplied by Rey. Samuel K. Sneed, Rev. Joseph S. Edwards and Rev. T. B. Hurlburt.

till October, 1865, when he was succeeded by Rev. George E. Tucker, who resigned in April, 1867. Soon after, Wm. R. Adams received the charge, and continued for three years. In October, 1870, Rey. David Dimond, D. 1Dix was invited to the pastoral charge and installed May 25th, 1871. The whole number of members received has been about 200. The largest number at any one time, about eighty. Dr. T. A. Brown, J. W. Gilson, L. P. Stratton and Edwin Amos have served as elders. The choice of a church clerk above noted was a departure from the regular Presbyterian order. Henry Boulter was installed elder April 18th, 1867, and Hezekiah C. Clark and Wm. Boulter were installed in 1872, and are the present elders.

In April, 1867, a large number of members separated from this church for the purpose of forming a Congregational church, which is now prosperous and useful by their side.

Early in the history of the church, steps were taken for the erection of a house of worship, and a small brick edifice costing about $800 was built and dedicated in 1851. The Rev. Thomas Lippincott performed the ceremony. Rey. Lippincott supplied the church during the first years of its existence, hoth before and after the pastorate of Rev. Spaulding.

In 1868 measures were taken to erect the new edifice, which was dedicated, in Aug., 1869, by Rey. Bailey, D. D., of Carlinville. The house is 36x56 feet, with projections in front and rear. The tower rises to the height of ninety feet. The church cost $6,400, and is the most beautiful structure in the village.

Christian Church

The Christian church of Palmyra * was organized in the fall of the year 1858. The first members were Samuel Lair and wife, Isaac Strait, James Lair and wife, John Richardson and wife, W. L. Patterson and wife.

At the time of organization, Samuel Lair, John Richardson, and Isaac Strait were elected elders, and W. L. Patterson, deacon. The first regular pastor was Samuel Strait. He was succeeded by Elder G. M. Goode. The present pastor is Elder W. H. McGinnis, who has entered upon the fourth year of his labors. Elders Sweeney, Patterson, Jarrot, Corwin, Goode, and others have held successful protracted meetings. This was also for many years the home church of Elder Robert Foster, widely known in this and other states for his brilliant and successful ministerial labors.

The Sabbath-school was organized in 1868. Dempsey N. Solomon has been its faithful and efficient superintendent from the beginning. The school is now in a flourishing condition. The present church officers are D. N. Solomon, J. W. McPherson, John Richardson, John Ridgeway, and J. W. Butcher. The church numbers at present about seventy-five members, who haye a fervent desire for the epread of primitive Christianity. There is also a Christian church near Vancil's Point in North Palmyra.

Christian Church At Girard

The Christian church edifice was erected here about the year 1859 or '60, and Dr. Jesse H. Smith preached the first sermon. Prior to the building of the church, services had been held in Wolf's Hall, on the north-west corner of the public square ; afterwards services were held in the Universalist church, until the congregation built the church edifice as above stated. The last regular preacher was Elder 5. M. Conner.

Is located near the north-west corner of section 35, and was an outgrowth of the Sulphur Springs organization of Nilwood township. The church edifice was erected in 1866; and the first preacher in charge was Elder J. S. Sweeney. The following clergymen have had charge in the order mentioned: A. P. Steward, R. Foster, J. B. Corwine, who remained until 1876, since which time they have had no regular preacher. The number of members with their families approximate about one hundred and twenty, and the Sabbath-school numbers sixty scholars, and has an efficient corps of teachers.

Cumberland Presbyterian Church By Rev. Thomas Potter

Bethesda (now Palmyra) congregation was organized by the Rey. Gilbert Dodds, on the 24th of March, 1832. In the organization the following names were enrolled, Thomas Hampton, Jacob Rohrer, Artemisia Rohrer, Mary Rohrer, John Crawford, Margaret Crawford, Elizabeth Ashlan, Rebecca Cherry, Cynthia Cox, Mary Chandler, James Shook, Nancy Shook, James Young, Hannah K. Young, Newton Berry, Polly Berry, Hugh Smith, Elizabeth Smith, Rachel Berry, Elizabeth Berry, Margaret Berry, John Hamilton, Mary P. Clevenger, John Berry, Jemima Robison, George G. Hamilton, and Eleanor Hamilton. The first ehureh edifice was built of logs, in township 12 range 8, on section 34, in the year 1840. It is now used as a stable by Newton Berry. The "supplies * op pastors of this church are as follows, Gilbert Dodds, Thomas Campbell, J. G. White, A. H. Goodpasture, Adam Beard, G. W. Reynolds, A. W. Lausden, J. R. Lawrence, John Barclay, John M. Berry, Ww. C. Bell, J. W. Carter, F. Bridgman, Wiley Knowles, W. C. Roach, J. H. Viney, 0. F, Bettis, Thomas Potter, and Rey. Thomas Potter is the present pastor,

The first ruling elders were John Hamilton, James Shook, James Young, and John Crawford, The present ruling elders are Newton Berry, T, WwW. Chiles, Wesley M. King, G. F. Riddle, Wm. H. King and J. H. Roach. This church now numbers ninety-three members. In the year 1858, a church-house was built in the old town of Cummington. In the fall of 1878 the house was moved to the village of Palmyra, and improved and repaired. It is valued at $3,300.

This congregation from an early day, has labored assiduously in the Sunday-school cause: first in the log school-houses and subsequently in their own church and churches. This church has sent out from her menibership and from her conyerts with two exceptions, the following ministers: John R. Smith, J. B. Lawrence, J. E. Roach, W. D. Wood, W. C. C. A. King and W. Patchin. in spreading the gospel.

Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Girard was organized July 16th, 1854, by Rey. W. C. Bell. The following were the first members, W. T. Jones, Nancy Jones, Jesse Cox, Cynthia Cox, Margaret A. England, Benjamin Biggerstaff, Ann and Nancy A. Biggerstaff, Thomas Sanford, Mrs. I. Sanford, Richard Sanford, Clarissa Jones, Mary Jones, Lyda Frizell, Elizabeth Stewart, J. F. Roach, Martha Roach, G. C. and A. P. Shackelford, and Moses M. Morrison. This church has been supplied by the following ministers: Rey's. W. C. Bell, F. Bridgman, J. C. Van Patten, H. W. Eagan, 8. Y. Love, W. C. Roach, Thomas Potter, S. K. Shull, C. A. Kine, and Rey. O. F. Bettis, the present pastor. '

The church was erected in the year 1855. The first elders were W. T. Jones, George Shackelford, and Jesse Cox. The present elders are L. A. Foster, J. F. Roach, G. King, and David Foster. In 1857 the Sundayschool was organized; the church now numbers a membership of forty-tw », and the value of church property is $1,800.

Pleasant Hill Church was organized by Rev. W.C. Bell, in the year 1857, The first members were Robert McClusky, John Smith, Sandy Wiggins, Elvina Wiggins, Winny S. Wiggins, Matilda E. and Lucinda E. Wiggins. The first ruling elders were Sandy Wiggins, Robert McClusky, and John Smith; the present elders are Robert McClusky, A. J. Kincaid and Daniel Hayden. This church has been supplied by the following pastors, Rey's. W. C. Bell, John N. Viney, E. R. Rodgers, O. F. Bettis, W. C. Roach, H. ©. A. Viney, Willis Patchin, and C. A. King. The congregation has at present no church-house. The number of members is ninety-one. There is also a Sabbath-school in connection with the church.

Universalist Church At Girard From Data By F. J. Woolley

The Journal of the Universalist Society of Girard, shows that the society was organized December 6th, 1856. The first officers elected were,

Ezra Magoon, Moderator; Nathan Savage, Clerk; Finance Committee, A. C. Teel, J. W. Woodroof, and Adam Teman. Trustees, - Chas H. Fink, A. C. Teel, J. W. Woodroof, Williard Magoon, and A. H.Cornman. A building committee wax also appointed at the same time, consisting of Amon keels J. W. Woodroot, C. H. Fink, and Ezra Magoon.

Thix Society has numbered forty-two members. Soon after its organization, meetings nate held in Wolfe's Hall, and such a degree of interest was minnigected, that the building of a church became necessary; ways and means were provided, and the result was the building of a neat chureh in 1859, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. Up to 1877, regular preaching was held therein; at present it depends upon those preachers, who make it convenient to stop with us. A Union Sunday-school is held each Sabbath, which has a good attendance. 'The present trustees are: J. W. Woodroof, J. ©. Beeby, Adam Teman, T. P. Bradly, and F. J. Woolley ; the last named is clerk of the society.

The Church Of The Brethren, Or German Baptists By Daniel Vaniman

This denomination originated near Swartzenaw, Germany, in the year 1708. Their first minister was Alexander Mack. They were soon driven from Swurtzenaw, by persecution, and located in Friezland, from whence they were again compelled to remoye, and in 1719, they emigrated to America, scttling near Germantown, Pennsylvania; and from this organization have ~prung all the churches of this denomination now in the United States.

They repudiate all creeds ; and recognize the New Testament as the only infallible rule of faith and practice. They maintain that the sovereign, unmerited, unsolicited grace of God is the only source of pardon, and that the vicarious sufferings and meritorious works of Christ, are the only price of redemption. That Faith, Repentance and Baptism are conditions of pardon and hence for the remission of sins. That immersion or dipping the candidate three times face-forward while bowed upon his knees in the water, is Christian baptism, That feet-washing, as taught in John 13, is a divine command to be practiced inthe church, that the Lord's Supper, is a full meal, and in connection with the Communion, should be taken in the evening, or after the close of the day. That the salutation of the Holy Kiss, or Kiss of Charity is-binding upon the followers of Christ. That War and Retaliation are contrary to the spirit and self-denying principles of the religion of Jesus Christ. That a non-conformity to the world in dress, customs, and conversation is essential to true holiness and Christian piety. That in public worship, or relivious exercises, Christians should appear asdirected in 1 Cor. iv. 5. That' the elders should anoint sick members with oil in the-name of the Lord, when eulled on by them, as directed in James y. 14.

They never go to law one against another, but settle their own troubles among themselyes according to Math. 18. Neither are they allowed to join secret oath-bound societies, nor swear with an uplifted hand when called before magistrates ; because taught both by Jesus and James "to swear not at all," &c. In short they believe in strictly observing all that Christ and his Holy Apostles have commanded regardless of what a gainsaying world may say. -

The Churches of this denomination now in Macoupin county, were established as follows: - In the year 1828, a small congregation was organized on Sugar Creek in Sangamon county, by elders John Dick and Joseph Roland, from scattered members, living mostly in Sangamon and Morgan counties. In 1830 this church came under the leadership of elder Isham Gibson, then living in Morgan county. In 1848 elder Gibson came to Macoupin county, settling near Stirrup Grove, where he soon gathered around him a band of members, and organized what was known as the Otter Creek Church. The church gradually increased both in membership and wealth, and in 1865 they built a commodious house of worship, 40 by 65 feet, near Stirrup Grove, at a cost of five thousand five hundred dollars, which is known as the West Otter Creek meeting-house. Still increasing in number, a second church was erected and dedicated in 1867, at Pleasant Hill, three miles south-west of Virden. This building is 44 by 82 feet, and has in connection with it three and a half acres of ground, a pool walled in with rock, which is used principally to immerse candidates ; and a cemetery, the whole costing the church upward of six thousand dollars. In a few years the congregation became too large for convenience, having a membership of over three hundred, and the territory was divided into two separate districts, and a church organized on the north in Sangamon county, and the other on the east in Christian county. The Otter Creek Church still retained all the church property in this county, and a membership of about two hundred, under the oversight of elder John Crist until his death Oct. 6,1871, when the church came under the care of elder Isaac Naff, of Sangamon county. In April, 1876, the church again became too large, having over three hundred members, seven of whom were ministers all liying in this county, viz: - C, C. Gibson, Joseph Harsbarger, Jonathan Brubaker near Girard, D. R. C. Nead and J. Gibson near Stirrup Grove, David and Daniel Vaniman near Virden. - And as is the custom of this denomination when their membership becomes too large for convenience, to divide the territory over which the members are distributed into districts - it was agreed upon, April 10, 1876, to divide the territory of Otter Creek Church into three parts, which was done by running two lines north and south; one between the two meetinghouses and another along the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis R. R. ; the eastern division to be known as the Macoupin Creek, the middle as Pleasant Hill and the west as West Otter Creek.

The West Otter Creek Church own the church property near Stirrup Grove. Its membership numbers about one hundred and thirty, and is under the care of D. R. C. Nead. Has regular meetings, and a -successful Bible School, which was organized in June, 1878, with ten teachers and ninety-two scholars.

The Pleasant Hill Church own their property. It has about one hundred and forty members, and is under the pastorate of elder Joseph Harsbarger.

and development of the township and city of Carlinville present many features that are interesting. A retrospection of just half a century would carry us back to the time when the city was first laid out, and a few years prior to that time would carry us beyond the time when the first white settler had trodden upon its site, to the time when it constituted part of a dreary wilderness, before civilization had penetrated its solitary bosom, or the voice of the pioneer echoed amid its timbered shades. It was first settled by a hardy race. That it was successful, was owing to the dauntless and persevering energy of the first pioneers; for it was no enviable task to clear the forest and to undergo the hardships incident to genuine pioneer life.

This township, which lies south of South Otter, west of Shaw's Point, north of Brushy Mound, and east of Bird Township, comprises the congressional town of 10 N. R. 7 west. The south-west corner lies on the exact center of the county. The chief stream which waters and drains the township is the Macoupin creek, which runs through the south-east corner, and is spanned by a durable iron bridge. Other streams are the Hurricane, which flows through the township in a general direction from! north to south, and the small tributary of the Macoupin which drains the north-eastern part of the township, and mingles its waters with the Macoupin on the eastern verge of the township. It is well timbered, and the soil is fertile; and the surface is sufficiently rolling to carry off the rain fall. The Chicago and Alton railroad passes through the township from north-east to south-west, and affords to agriculturalist and manufacturer, a market for their products and

Early Settlers

In writing the history of a county and its constituent townships, recapitulation in some degree is unavoidable, and to avoid it as much as possible, we must refer our readers to the general history of the early settlements of the county, as they were largely made in the vicinity of Carlinville. It is probable that the first settlers in the township were the Lairs, Samuel and Charles, who came in the years 1821 or 1822, and settled within the limits of the township, on the fine property now belonging to the Burke heirs. Joseph Borough settled on the east side of the township at a very early day.

Ezekiel Good was the first settler in Carlinville. He came with his wife, in an ox-wagon, and stopped about where the house of A. McKim Dubois now stands, They slept in the wagon and cooked and ate out of doors, until he could put up a small cabin, afterwards used as a smoke house. John Gray built the second house in the place. Some writers say that the latter built the first house in the place, but this is clearly erroneous. Mr. Good was a farmer, and frequently entertained persons at his house who came to spy out the land.

The original proprietors of the town were Ezekiel Good and Seth Hodges, who donated 30 acres to the county, in order to secure the location of the county seat.

Much of the history of Carlinville has been given in the chapter on " Early Settlers," and need not here be repeated. The first store was owned by Maj. Winchester and William E. Starr, of Edwardsville. William Barrett conducted it, and sold dry goods, groceries and whiskey. The first minister was Stith M. Otwell, and he preached the first sermon in the log tavern in 1831, to an audience of four women and as many children. At the time a horse race was in progress outside. Mr. Otwell was one of nature's noblemen.

The first marriage was that of Mr. David McDaniel to Miss Rebecca Wallace, in April, 1832. There seems to be some confusion in recollections of old settlers, as to whom was the first school teacher. Some say that Abner B. Beauchamp was. He wasa Kentuckian. Others that the one entitled to that honor was a Mr. Cooley, and that the second was old father Williams.

The first child born was Thomas, son of Ezekiel and Alice Good, in October, 1830. The first death was that of the first wife of William Brown, in 1829.

The growth of the town was slow until 1844. Ezekiel Good was the first post-master in the county ; the post-office was a candle box, and it was never full. In 1844, there were five stores in Carlinville, viz.: Brice & Mayo, Walker, Phelps & Taggart, Jarrett Dugger, Drs. Robertson & Oliye, and two or three saloons.

The town was named for Thomas Carlin, afterward Governor. 'The first school-house was built by Weatherford, and cost the munificent sum of $40. It was 18 by 20 feet in size, and contained a large fire-place, with clay and stick chimney, and rock hearth. The door was of clapboards, nailed to cross pieces, and the chimney was made like the door. We are informed that the wolves crawled under the house and frightened the children. It is said that the first teachers - Mr. and Mrs. Cooley, and Miss Almira Peck - would turn the children back as often as they reached a certain point in their studies.

The first Sunday-school was organized by Jarrett Dugger, who was elected the first Superintendent. The first mill was known as the Old Red Mill, and stood where the Weer Bro's. mill now stands.

Other early settlers were: Bennett Noland and family. Old Grandma Tennis came into the township in 1824. She was accompanied by her children, as follows: Alice, William, John, Samuel, and Andrew Tennis. They settled not far from the place where Thomas Davis lived, on section 29. Thomas Loveless and family were also early residents of this township. Larkin Richardson and family came to the township in 1825. Mr. Richardson died of cholera in 1851. Howard Finly and family settled on a piece of land about two miles east of the town in 1828. Abram 8. Walker and family came here in 1830. Mr. Walker was a Tennesseean. His business was that of a blacksmith. His shop was located on the south-east corner of the square. He subsequently became a merchant, and was a man of considerable enterprise. Robert and Thomas Moore, with their families, came to this township in 1832, and first settled on sections 23 or 24. In the fall of 1829, John S. Greathouse, an attorney, removed to Carlinville, from Edwardsville, and bought out Joseph Borough's improyement, which were among the first houses built here. The same year, 1829, P. H. Winchester and family came to Carlinville. He was a lawyer, and a man of learning and ability ; had previously lived in Edwardsville, Madison county. M. M. Anderson was also an early settler. In 1834, came Col. James Anderson, father of C. H. C. Anderson; he was a useful man, and very popular. Among the early settlers of the county now living, may be mentioned Oliver resident of this township; Hon. C. A. Walker, then a boy, came with his father; in 1831, came Mrs. Mary B. Wright; two years later, 1833, Dr. John Logan became a resident of the county; Joseph Howell, James A. McClure, 1835. Subsequently came the following persons: William Wright, Wm. M. Maddox, Hon. T. L. Loomis, Gen. John I. Rinaker, Milton McClure, A. McKim Dubois, J. L. Plain, W. W. Freeman, Major F. H. Chapman, and others, whose names are mentioned elsewhere in this work. FIRST LAND ENTRIES were made by the following persons: on the 11th of March, 1828, Ezekiel Good entered 160 acres in section 28, and John Harris entered 80 acres in seetion 35, March 26th, 1829. Seth Hodges entered eighty acres in section 28, on the 23d of April, 1829. The land entered by Good and Hodges is now embraced within the corporate limits of Carlinville. It was in this township, at the house of Joseph Borough, that the 'first election was held, also the first session of the county court.

(More extended mention of these events is made in other chapters of this work, and hence it is unnecessary to repeat them here; we refer the reader to chapters on Pioneers, Civil History, Bench and Bar, Press and Ecclesiastical )

The City Of Carlinville

Thix is the metropolis of the county, and also its capital. It was laid out in August, 1829, and surveyed by Joseph Borough, for which he received 817.50. Its streets are laid out at right angles, and are generally broad. They are shaded by maple and elm trees. Its public squares lend additional ornamentation to the city. The elegant and beautiful court-house, handsome churehes, public school building, and attractive private residences speak well for the culture and enterprise of its citizens. Here is also located Blackburn University. In 1853 the population was 790. In 1879 the population approximates closely to 5,000 souls. The city is situated on the C. and A. R. R., sixty miles from St. Louis, 224 miles from Chicago, and forty miles from Springfield.

In April, 1865, it became incorporated as a city. The following were the first officers: John M. Woodson, mayor; Robert W. Glass, city clerk ; W. R. Welch, city atterney ; Victor Achilles, treasurer; Hugh Colton, police magistrate ; Mark Crowder, city marshall, and William H. Rider, street inspector. The members of the city council were, Bernard Lorenz, John T. MeConnell, C. H. C. Anderson, George H. Holliday, J. W. Hankinsand R. B. Minton. The efficers for 1879 are, George J. Castle, mayor; Charles E. Glass, city clerk ; Wm. W. Steward, city attorney; J. M:-Cohlepp, city treasurer; W. W. Freeman, police magistrate; Mark Crowder, Philip Murphy, street inspector. City council: Frank KKeas, Hf. M. Kimball, 'Thomas R. Mckee, J. C. Thomas, August Krommer, Charles Gilman, James W. Battise and Edward Worth.

Fin Department. There is a well-organized volunteer fire department, with W.W. Freeman as chief. They have a good-engine, hook and ladders, hose, and all the necessary apparatus for extinguishing fire. There are two public cisterns belonging to the city on the public square.

The City Culuboose 8 a one story brick building, capable of accommodating about twenty persons; it is located on the south side of North street ; its cost, including the lot, was about two thousand dollars.

This city is adorned with several fine church edifices, the most prominent of whieh are the German and Irish Catholic, Evangelical Lutheran, and Lutheran, and Presbyterian, all of which are fine brick structures. The other churches are the Episcopal, Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, and the Second Baptist, colored.

Carlinville Industries And Manufactures

The depth of the shaft to the top of the vein is 266 feet - the vein is six feet in depth - and the quality of the coal is good. It was sunk in 1867 by the Weer brothers. About 500,000 bushels are hoisted in a year, and the mine gives employment to 45 men in good times.

IT, Shaft of Walters, Gray and Lorenz. The depth to coal is 280 feet, and the shaft was sunk in 1869. The vein is between six and seven feet in thickness. Employment is given to about 35 men. Nearly 500,000 bushels are hoisted in the course of a year. Asin the case of the Weer shaft, the coal is sold: upon the home market to railroad companies; and shipped to neighboring towns. The quality of coal is the same as that of the average Illinois coal.

III. South Shaft Coal Mine, owned and operated by Bartles & Son. The hoisting here is done by horse power, while steam is in use for that purpose at the other two pits. The shaft was sunk in 1869, and the depth to coal was found to be only 230 feet. Ten men are employed, and the yearly product of the mine is about 80,000 bushels. They sell only to the home market.

I. Carlinville Mills. The first mill on the site was built by Henry Fishback, in 1845, and burnt in 1864. It was a three story frame building. The present structure, which is enduring and solid, and admirably adapted for the purpose for which it was constructed, is an imposing one. It was erected in 1864 of stone and brick, with slate roof. The cost was $45,000. This is beyond question one of the best mills in the state, and contains the most improved modern machinery. The capital invested is $100,000; and employment is afforded to fifteen men. There are four run of burrs, and the mill has a large grinding capacity. Their flour is chiefly marketed in Boston and New York. It is owned and operated by Weer Brothers.

IT, The Grove Mills. This is another excellent mill. It was built in 1865, three and a half stories high, of stone and brick. It is conveniently situated on the line of the C.& A. R. R. The grinding capacity is about 150 barrels per day, and employment is afforded to tenmen. The operating capital is $10,000. This is a good mill, but no fancy brands of flour are manufactured, but only grades demanded by the trade, and meeting ready sale.

ITT. The Diamond City Mills. F. J. Faltus & Co. This mill has been established ten years. The present management took charge in February, - 1879. The capacity is 25 barrels per day, and seven men are employed. The capital invested is $6,000. ona:

Carlinville Custom Mill, Joseph Willman, proprietor, was established in 1877, and doing only custom work, gives employment to five men. It has two run of burrs.

Carlinville Brewery. This well-known beer manufactory was established in 1859, by Steel and Lebherz. George P. Deible assumed control in 1869. He was experienced in the business, having learned his trade in Germany. He died in the winter of 76-77; George P. Deible & Bro., his sons, haye since carried on the business. The amount of capital inyested is $15,000, and the brewing capacity is 175 barrels per week. Vast cellars have been extended far back under the hill at an immense cost. The barley used comes from Canada, California and Wisconsin; the hops from California and New York state. 500 tons of ice are used ina year. The beer made is preferred by many to the Milwaukee and Cincinnati, and finds a market in Macoupin county. Employment is given to seven men.

Curlinville Machine Shops and Foundry. This large establishment .since 1868, has been conducted by George Siegel, and gives employment to from 25 to 35 men. Here are manufactured agricultural implements. The manufecture of riding plows is made a specialty. Mr. Siegel has found it necessary to purchase additional machinery, and enlarge the capacity of his manufactory. It is located on the west side, near the depot.

Thomas & McSherry do general repairing, and manufacture fine carriages, buggies and wagous. The large brick building which has been leased by the above firm cost $6,000, and the total capital invested is $10,000. Ten men are employed. The main building was erected by Mr. Mills. <A large addition was built in 1870.

Gordie & Meyers have been established twelve years, and also do a large business. They manufacture carriages, buggies, wagons and agricultural implements, and do general repairing. They give employment to nine men.

Macoupin County Marble Works, established by G. W. Dugger & Co. This firm was bought out by Hayes & Bro. R. Hayes & Co., succeeded. W. W. Hayes is now in the same business at Bunker Hill. From three to five men are employed, and work of beautiful design and finish is turned out. Carlinville Brick Yard, John Lancaster, proprietor. Here is manufactured all the brick used in Carlinyille and vicinity. From fifteen to twenty men are employed.

Gas Works

The city of Carlinville was first lighted by gas in December, 1869. The works, which are substantial and well finished, were erected by an incorporated stock company, the capital stock being $31,500. The first board of directors were John Logan, M. D., William Farrell, Charles W. Weer, Morris Hezel and Henry Daley. The first officers were as follows: Charles W. Weer, president ; Samuel B. Dugger, secretary; and John T. Rogers, treasurer.

C. H. C. Anderson is the present president, and also acts as treasurer. The present board of directors are James K. Furber, Henry Daley, John Dohany, J. B. Keeler, George Castle (mayor and ex-officio member) and C. H. C. Anderson. The entire cost of the works has been $50,000, and the cost of improvements $7,000. The investment, for the stockholders, has not proved profitable, the income having been largely needed for improvements and repairs. But as public-spirited citizens they must feel gratification in reflecting that they have added much by their investment to the comfort and happiness of the people.

Carlinville Public Library

CARLINVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY. There is a free circulating library containing a large list of the works of the best English and American authors. The elevating influences it exerts xu hardly be oyer-estimated.

Leading Business Houses, Trade Of 1879

First National Bank, Doex a general banking business. Milton McClure, president; M. R. Flint, cashier. Also the private banking house of C. H. GC. Anderson is one of the substantial institutions of the city and county. James IX. Furber, cashier.

Hardware

First in the list of hotels we have the Loomis House, William Siemens, proprictor ; is supplied with all modern improvements - reading-room, elegant parlors, ete., ete. Travelers who stop here may be sure to be well lodged and fed. Other hotels are, Pennsylvania House, C. H. Slagel, proprietor; O'Neil House, Mrs. Whalen, proprietress ; there are also the Feine and Halderman Houses.

Dealers In Cigars And Tobacco

Among the leading dealers in this staple article is V. H. Siegel, whose store is located in Loomis House Block. The gentlemanly proprietor has built up a large trade, and keeps censtantly on hand the finest brands of cigars. Other tobacconists are Herman Weiser and Samuel Blauer.

Lumber Dealers Livery, Sale And Feed Stables

and Steidley Bros., who keep always on hand, for the convenience of the public, handsome turnouts, including barouches, phaetons, buggies, ete., etc.

Leading Physicians

are: Drs. John Logan, J. P. Mathews, J. W. Hankins, A. ©. Corr, M. H. Head, A. P. Bettersworth, C. H. Holliday, Robt. A. Hankins, and Drs. Fisher, Berry and Ottlesberger.

Public School Building

PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING. This solid and commodious structure is built of brick, three stories in height, with a mansard roof; erected at a cost of about $35,000, with accommodations for 600 pupils.

Benevolent Societies

Odd Fellows - Trumbull Encampment, No 42, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 30, 1857, with eight charter members; its present membership is twenty-three.

Macoupin Lodge, 197, I. O. O. F., was organized in 1852, with Dr. J. W. Hankins as N. G. - and five charter members. The Lodge is in a flourishing condition, and now comprises a membership of forty-five.

Knights of Honor. - Silver Lodge, No, 924, was organized March 1st, 1878, with fourteen charter members. The Lodge is gradually increasing in membership and influence, and now numbers twenty-four.

A. F. & A. M - The charter was granted to Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., December 10th, 1849. Charter members were Beatty T. Burke, James McLearning, Joseph Liston, William Wright, John Williamson, William Truer, Sr., and Daniel Wadsworth.

Beatty T. Burke was the first W.M. The Lodge has grown steadily, and now numbers sixty-nine members. At the present, W. H. Chaffee is W. M., and A. G. David, secretary.

Town Clerks Commissioners Of Highways

Tn order to show the wealth and resources of Carlinville township, we annex the following statistics from the Asssessor's Books for this year:

It seems proper here to mention the Agricultural, Horticultural, and Mechanical Association of this county, which has done much to improve the stock and introduce better methods of farming. The ample grounds of this society are located in this township, adjoining the city of Carlinville on the west.* It was organized in 1854, and has therefore been in operation a quarter of a century.

The first fair was held on the Public Square, in Carlinville. Maj. Lofton was the first President and Mr. Dews the first Secretary. Samuel Welton and Wesley Dugger were the first exhibitors of oxen, Mr, Welton taking the first premium. Henry Fishback and Samuel Welton were exhibitors of Milch cows, Mr. Fishback taking the first premium. Dr. Delano, now a resident of Bunker Hill, exhibited a calf said to be the finest ever shown in Macoupin county. Peter L. Denby and Robert Purviance were exhibitors of butter ; at this fair there were only shown horses, oxen, cows and butter, no vegetables or grain. The next two succeeding fairs were held in Capt. Welton's pasture, west of the city. At these fairs more articles were exhibited. The fourth annual fair was held on the grounds now known as the late residence of Major B. T. Burke.

The first movement to secure a permanent place of holding the fair was a proposition made by Capt. Welton to Maj. Lofton after the fourth fair was held, that he would head a subscription with $25.00; this proposition was made in the law office of John A. Chesnut, Major Lofton being the second to sign, and Mr. Chesnut third, and Mr. Challacombe or Mr. Denby fourth, thus making one hundred dollars, after which Capt. Welton took one paper and canvassed the west half of the county, and received nearly all the entire amount that was necessary, and Major Lofton secured some little in the east part of the county ; with the money received from this subscription, the present grounds were purchased of Jarrett Dugger. The society subsequently purchased more land. John Tunnell was secretary after the first few years for eight or nine years, proving to be a very efficient officer.

The executive officers of the association for 1879, are George J. Castle, President; John Carr, Vice-President; B. P. McDaniel, Secretary ; J. B. Liston, Treasurer. Directors are C. T. Prouty, B. H. Dorsey, Thos. A. Jones, G. M. Chedister, Robert Horton, R. O. Wood, D. S. Macknett, John Hounsley, R. P. Miller, Wm. M. Chiles.

The association holds an annual fair on their beautiful grounds west of the city. The premiums offered are liberal, and the fairs are worthy of thegreat'county of Macoupin