Morgan County, Illinois - The whole text, 1878 (part 10 of 21)

Lodges, Associations, And Societies

A. F. and A. M. Harmony Lodge, No. 3, was chartered April, 1840. Present membership, 108. Meets first and third Mondays in each month. Jacksonville Lodge No. 570, was chartered October, 1867. Present membership, 100. Meets first and third Thursdays of eacli month. Jacksonville Chapter, No. 3, was chartered October, 1850. The present membership is 150. Meets second and fourth Mondays in each month. Jacksonville Council, No. 5, was chartered September, 1855. Present membership, 75. It is under the control of the Chapter officers. Hospital Commandery, K. T., No. 31, was chartered October, 1869. Its present membership is 102. Meets first and third Tuesdays in each month. All of the Masonic bodies meet in Masonic Temple, on West State Street.

/. 0. 0. F. Illini Lodge, No. 4, was chartered July, 1838. Present membership, 175. Urania Lodge, No. 234, was chartered August, 1850. Present membership, 140. Ridgley Encampment, No. 9, was chartered 1850. Present membership, 140. These bodies meet in Odd Fellows Hall, north side of the square.

A. 0. U. W. The Ancient Order of United Workmen, No. 19, was chartered October, 1876, their present membership is 75. Lodge room, Music Hall, south side square.

K. of H. ' Knights of Honor Lodge, No. 828, was chartered Dec. 26, 1877. They have a membership of 40, which is rapidly increasing. Place of meeting, Music Hall, south side square.

Military. The Militia consists of two companies of young men, sworn in under the militia law of the State, for a term of five years. The Morgan Cadets, Co. I, Fifth Regiment, I. N. G., number 56 men, and were organized July 26, 1876. They are commanded by Captain Wm. Harrison, who served as Captain of Co. A. Thirty-ninth Regiment, Illinois Volunteers, during the war. The Light Guards, Co. K, Fifth Regiment, I. N. G., was organized in 1876, and number 50 men. Their Captain, James M. Swales, served during the war as Lieutenant of Co. A, Tenth Regiment. Illinois Volunteers. Both companies are uniformed and equipped ; and did good service at East St. Louis, during the Summer of '77, aiding in the suppression of the railroad strike. Both companies meet for drill on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, of each week. The Cadets occupy Odean Hall ; the Light Guards, Osborne Hall.

Y. M. G. A. This society was organized in 1874. It was an outgrowth of a revival held by Mr. E. P. Hammond, so well known in religious circles. About twenty persons joined the association. Dr. H. A. Gilman was chosen president, which position he held until 1876, when he resigned, and Mr. R. D. Russell was chosen to fill the position. Their first meetings were held in a hall on the north side of the square, afterward they occupied a room on East State Street, where they opened a soup house and reading room. From this place they removed to their present rooms in Ayers' block. There are now about 150 members. The association corfducts a Sunday school, on South Main Street, and a night school at its rooms, during the winter. They also conduct a young people's meeting, every Sunday afternoon.

and Library Association was organized in April, 1874, by members of the Jacksonville Library, acting with members of the Woman's Temperance Union. A board of seven managers was elected, a subscription paper circulated, and a free reading room opened.

At this stage the Odd Fellows of Jacksonville offered their library and bookcases, containing nineteen hundred volumes, to the Board of Managers, for six hundred dollars. Another subscription-paper was circulated, the necessary amount was subscribed and collected, and the library bought and opened to the public in connection with the reading room.

One member of the Board of Managers goes out of office on the first of each year. The vacancy so created is filled by the nomination by the mayor, and the ratification by the board, of a person to that office.

The use of the papers on the tables, and of the books in the cases, is free to all persons within the room. Those who draw books for home reading, pay twenty-five cents per month for the privilege.

The annual expenses of the Reading Room and Library have been about five hundred dollars. Two hundred dollars of this sum has been met by fees paid for the use of the library. The remainder has been received as donations, or as proceeds of public lectures or entertainments.

Owing to the liberality of Col. Chambers, and of M. P. Ayers & Co., no rent has ever been paid for the use of the rooms occupied by the reading room.

The Library and Reading Room is kept open every day and evening in the week except Sunday, and on Sunday it is open from 2 till 6 o'clock p. m.

The Jacksonville Medical and Scientific Association has placed its books and periodicals in the library, subject to the rules and regulations of the reading room.

The Jacksonville Horticultural Society has also adopted the same plan with its five periodicals, and its special library of one hundred and fifty volumes.

Owing to the prudence and catholicity of the Board of Managers, all disturbing questions have been avoided in its management, and the reading room is one institution in Jacksonville to which all wish the greatest prosperity.

The Jacksonville Library Association was organized in January, 1871, and was incorporated under the State law (of Illinois) in December, 1871. The ownership of the books and other property of the Association is represented by certificates of stock, which are transferable, and the present par value of which is the amount of the original assessment and all subsequent ones. The number of stockholders is limited to fifty. The affairs of the Association are managed by a board of seven trustees', elected annually by the stockholders.

The library now contains nine hundred volumes, representing an actual cost of eighteen hundred dollars. An inspection of the catalogue will indicate, in some measure, the character of the books, and the care which has been exercised in their selection. Additions will be made twice a year, or as often as the funds of the association permit. A department consisting of standard works of reference, such as encyclopaedias and dictionaries, has been commenced, and will be enlarged as soon as practicable. In periodical literature, the library receives regularly the British, Edinburgh, London, Westminster and North American Reviews (quarterly), the International Review (bi-monthly), Blackwood's Magazine, and the Popular Science Monthly. It is the design of the trustees that on all subjects the library shall furnish standard information to inquirers, students, and the reading public generally.

A full participation in the use of the library is now offered to any person for the sum of one dollar and twenty-five cents per quarter, or five dollars per year. Certificates of stock can be obtained, and subscriptions for use of library made at the office of Hon. E. P. Kirby, in the court house, or at the library room, where the librarian attends on AVednesday from 2 to 3 p. m., and on Saturday from 2:30 to 4 p. m.

The Art Association of Jacksonville was organized in 1873, chiefly through the efforts, and at the instance of Mrs. Ella O. Browne, and was incorporated under the general law of the State, in March, 1875. Its aims and objects are the study and appreciation of the fine arts, especially the arts of design, by the formation of a public collection of art treatises, pictures, engravings, photographs, casts, models, and such other material as may aid in this purpose ; and furthermore by lectures, essays, and discussions on art subjects. It holds monthly meetings, chiefly of a literary character, at which various topics pertaining to the history, theory, and practice are freely discussed. There is also a fortnightly meeting for the more particular study of certain branches of art.

Four annual exhibitions have been given, made up of works by home artists, or from private collections, with several valuable paintings loaned by artists in Chicago, St. Louis, and neighboring cities. These exhibitions have not only proved pecuniarily successful, but have had an excellent and pervasive influence upon the whole community, in educating their tastes, and cultivating their perceptions of the truly beautiful. The association is in a prosperous condition, with a small collection of works of art, and a goodly balance in the treasury, available for further purchases.

Jacksonville Literary Union. This societ}' was organized fourteen years ago. Its object, as stated in its constitution, is to promote useful knowledge and correct taste among its members, and to devise plans for the good of society.

The number of members is limited to twenty, and its ranks are always full. It includes law\Ters, doctors, ministers, teachers, and others, of every shade of political and religious belief. Including the acting

The exercises are introduced in a conversation, a debate, an essay, or a select reading. After the topic is introduced, each member is at liberty to express his views on the subject. In this manner three hours a week are usually spent in instructive and entertaining discussion.

At each meeting any member can propose topics for consideration, and if there is no objection they are entered on a topic book, subject to future selection. In this manner a list of 1,170 topics has been recorded. Two hundred of these were added during the past year. More than half of these topics have been discussed, at different times, before the Union.

The Club is a voluntary association of gentlemen residing in the City of Jacksonville, for the purpose of mutual entertainment and instruction. It was organized at the house of ProfessorW. D. Sanders, September 17, 1861, by sixteen gentlemen adopting a constitution and signing their names to the same. Any gentleman may become a member by being proposed at any regular meeting, and at a subsequent meeting receiving the unanimous vote of all the members present. The number was originally limited to seventeen, but afterward increased to twenty, besides a few who, for special reasons, have been placed on the emeritus list, and excused from regular attendance. The club meets twice each month, on the second and fourth Monday evenings. The place of meeting, leader, and topic, are designated at the meeting previous to the discussions.

Meetings are held at the houses of the members by invitation. The following are the names of the gentlemen who originally signed the constitution: J. M. Sturtevant, Henry Jones, Samuel Adams, David A. Smith, Rufus C. Crampton, Andrew McFarland, Wm. G. Gallaher, Marshall P. Ayres, D. H. Hamilton, Wm. D. Sanders, E. Wolcott, C. H. Marshall, Rufus Nutting, jr., Edward P. Kirby, J. B. Turner, W. S. Russell. At this first meeting E. Wolcott was chosen secretary, and continued in the active service of the club nearly eleven years. Of the sixteen original signers, ten are still members of the club. Three have died, and three moved away. James Berdan was admitted at the second meeting. Since the organization the following persons have been admitted : David Prince, Henry E. Dummer, Isaac L. Morrison, C. M. Morse, H. V. D. Nevins, H. E. Storrs, S. M. Morton, M. Grosvenor, W.W. Harsha, Eli Corwin, D. W. Fairbank. These are all still members. Besides these, nine others have been admitted, some of whom have died, and the rest removed. Since Mr. Wolcott, three have acted as secretaries, James Berdan, H. E. Storrs, and Mason Grosvenor.

The Plato Club is an association of ladies and gentlemen for the discussion of Plato and his writings. Meetings are held every Saturday forenoon, at the house of Joseph O. King, Esq., at which time interesting K discussions are held. The club has been in existence for a period of sixteen years, during which time the meetings have been presided over by Dr. Hiram K. Jones.

Jacksonville Horticultural Society. This society was organized July 3, 1869, having for its object the advancement of the horticultural interests of Morgan Co. The following officers were elected to serve for the term of one year : E. Lambert, president ; R. Reynolds, vice-president ; E. Mason, secretary ; Mrs. E. Walcott, treasurer. The third article of the constitution reads as follows :

" Its members shall consist of all persons who have paid an annual fee of one dollar, and subscribed their names to the constitution ; and of such honorary members as the society may unanimously elect at any regular meeting. The wives of members shall be members without fee."

Forty persons paid the necessary fee, and became members of the society. The regular meetings occur upon the first Saturday of each month, at such place as the society may designate. These meetings have been held regularly during the past nine years. The proceedings have been published in the local papers, and their influence has been very valuable and widespread. Exhibitions have been held annually, and the rapid increase in their popularity proves that the people are not slow to appreciate an organization which labors unceasingly for the advancement of their welfare. The interest awakened in the cultivation of house and bedding plants alone, has built up and liberally patronized two large establishments for their propagation here in this city. Twelve standing committees, each consisting of three practical hoiticulturists, whose duty it is to study the different branches of the art and report the result of their investigations, are appointed annually, and have been the means of developing many interesting and valuable facts in connection with their different fields of labor. Through the zeal of its early officers, and the liberality of the citizens of Jacksonville, the society was enabled to accumulate an excellent library, comprising the choicest scientific and practical works upon horticulture now extant. It has been transferred to the Free Reading Room, where it is accessible to the general public as well as to members of the society. The officers for the current year are : Hon. Ed. Scott, -president ; Charles Catlin, vice-president ; Dr. H. W. Milligan, corresponding secretary and librarian ; A. L. Hay, recording secretary ; Miss M. E. Catlin, treasurer. Any questions upon horticultural subjects will be cheerfully answered by the corresponding secretary, through the press or by mail, if desired.

The Jacksonville Natural History Society was organized in 1871. The number of active members is limited to twenty. Meetings are held twice a month at the houses of members. The object of the society is to extend and improve the knowledge of the different departments of natural history among its members and the community. During the first two years of its existence the society was engaged in the study of geology. While Professor Dana was followed as a text, every obtainable authority was consulted and discussed. The next two years were devoted to the study of botany. Professor Gray was considered the text in this branch, but the discussions often took a wide scope, involving the economic and social relations of plants to man. The next two years were given to zoology. In this department Professor Tenney's classification was followed. The whole animal kingdom, from zoophytes to man, was discussed, and the functions, structure, relations, and classification, discussed. The society next took up Darwin's " Origin of Species " as a text, and is now busied with the problems of " Natural Selection," and the " Survival of the Fittest."

Sorosis. This society, composed entirely of ladies, was organized November 30, 1868. It object is the moral, mental, and physical culture of its members. Its meetings are held on Friday evenings of each week, at the residences of the members. The exercises consist of essays, debates, readings, discussion of authors, and social conversation. The maximum membership is twenty-five.

The Microscopical Society. On the 20th of January, 1887, Dr. H. K. f Jones, Dr. David Prince, Prof. H. E. Storrs, W. O. Pollard, Esq., and Dr. G. V. Black, met at the residence of the lalter, for the purpose of forming a society which should have for its object the advancement of microscopical science and its allied branches. A constitution was adopted which provides that the number of members shall not exceed fifteen, and that the officers shall be a president, vice-president, and secretary. At each meeting some one member is responsible for a suitable subject for discussion and illustration, and is responsible for specimens directly illustrative. The regular meetings of the society are held on the first Friday evening of each month, when there are generally several interested visitors present. The officers of the society are : Dr. H. W. Milligan, president; Miss Alice Rhoads, vice-president, and Miss Louise Fuller, secretary.

The Morgan County Medical Society, was organized in 1866. It is composed of doctors throughout the entire county. Meetings are held monthly, at which time papers are read, and discussions are held on various topics relating to the medical profession. The design of the society is the promotion of knowledge among its members, and to cultivate a more intimate acquaintance one with another. The officers are: Dr. E. D. Wing, president ; Dr. G. V. Black, secretary, and Dr. W. H. H. King, treasurer.

The Jacksonville Medical Club, was organized in March, 1878. It is composed of physicians living in the City of Jacksonville. The object of the club is similar to that of the Morgan County Medical Society. Its meetings are held bi-weekly, and are well attended.

P. E. 0. This Chapter was organized in this city in 1870, by the young lady graduates of the Presbyterian Academy. The object of the society is for the mental culture and social improvement of its members. The meetings are held two Saturdays of each month, at the residences of its members. The membership is gradually increasing. The officers are : Miss Ida Harsha, president ; Miss Julia Lathrop, secretary.

The Churches

The First Presbyterian and Central Presbyterian Churches were organized as one on the 30th day of June, 1827 - over fifty years ago - with twelve members, five male and seven females. It was then called the *k First Presbyterian Church of Morgan County," b.eing the first of that denomination organized in the county, and the first to erect a house of worship within its limits. The names of these pioneer founders constituting this church appear on the record as follows : " John Leeper and Fidelia his wife, Edwin A. Mears and Sarah his wife, James Hears and Polly his wife, and Harvey McClung, all from the Shoal Creek Church ; James Kerr and Janet his wife, from the First Reformed Church in the city of New York ; Wm. C. Posey and Sarah his wife, from Winchester and Paris churches in Kentucky, and Hector C. Taylor from Hindsbury, Vermont." The organization took place at the house of John Leeper, about one mile south of town, in a grove directly east of where the Asylum for the Insane now stands. " This little Christian community," says the Rev. L. M. Glover, in a sermon preached at the quarter century celebration of the First Presbyterian Church, and from which these items are taken, "took for their name ' The First Presbyterian Church of Morgan County.' In 1837, the style became ' The Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville;" and subsequently," after the division of the Presbyterian Church into the Old and New School Assemblies, " the name it now bears." Among the constituent members, Mr. Posey seems to have been the leading spirit. Rev. W. W. Harsha, pastor of the Central Church, in a sermon preached at the dedication of their present house of worship on April 19, 1874, and from which extracts are also made, says of him : " He was a son of the first Territorial governor of Indiana. He had been a merchant in Kentucky, but desiring to better his condition, made a journey on horseback from that State to Missouri. Not pleased with what he saw there, he decided to return to his former home and remain. When in the Mississippi bottom he missed his path, and instead of taking a southeasterly direction, he went northeasterly, and was far on his way toward Morgan County before he discovered his mistake. Making then some inquiry as to the character of the country before him, he received such glowing accounts of this region of Illinois from the early settlers along the road, that he concluded to see Jacksonville before returning to his former home. He came, he saw, he was captivated. He returned to his family, and as, soon as his affairs in Kentucky could be arranged he moved to this place, settling on the land he had purchased, one and onehalf miles southeast of town. His first concern, as appears from his diary, was to secure a church, where he and his family could worship the God of their fathers.

" The Rev. John A. Brich, a Presbyterian missionary, was present and presided at the organization. Wm. C. Posey and John Leeper were elected and ordained ruling elders. Mr. Brich continued to act as Stated Supply for about one year, when, in 1828, Rev. John M. Ellis was called and installed as the first pastor. Mr. Ellis remained and labored efficiently with the church until December, 1831, when at his own request he was released. For four years the church was without a settled pastor, when, in December, 1835, Rev. A. H. Dashiell, was installed. Mr. Dashiell remained but about one year, when he resigned, and in December, 1837, Rev. Ralph W. Gridley entered upon the pastorate, and was in the active exercise of his ministerial functions, when the division of the Presbyterian Church in the United States took place, resulting in what was known as the Old School and New School Assembles.

"The Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, like many others throughout the land, was rent in twain by this division. There were three elders in the church at that time: Wm. C. Posey, David B. Ayers, and Daniel C. Pierson. Mr. Posey and a minority in the church sympathizing strongly with the Old School Assembly, adhered to that body, and carried their cause before the Synod of Illinois, which met in Peoria in September, 1838. The Synod after hearing the case took the following action :

" On motion resolved : In accordance with the act No. 1, and its sections, of the late General Assembly, that the minority of the session and church of Jacksonville, be and they are declared to be the session and church of Jacksonville.

The majority of the church with its elders, were, of course, recognized by the courts adhering to the New School Assembly, and thus there were here in existence two churches, each tracing its origin to the original act of organization, and having a common history from 1827 to 1838. The records and property were surrendered without litigation to the party which adhered to the New School Assembly. This church retained the old name, The Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, until 1870, when, upon the re-union of the two Assemblies, it took the name of the "Central Presbyterian Church," the other church having adopted some years ago the name of the " First Presbyterian Church." In June 1877, the semi-centennial celebration of Presbyterianism in this county was held in Jacksonville. The Journal of Friday, June 29th, contained an excellent resume of the history of that denomination in the county, which we here quote. Speaking of the First Church, the paper says :

" At the time of the separation the majority, probably about one hundred, of the Jacksonville church adhered to the New School Assembly, and with Rev. R. W. Gridley, pastor, and a majority of the session, continued to occupy the old church, on West State Street, where the Central is now located. The first edifice upon the present site was built in 1847 at a cost of $10,000. It was a brick structure, 45x70 feet in size. This church just after having been refurnished in 1861, was totally destroyed by fire, December first. The congregation occupied Strawn's hall (now Opera House), until the present commodious and comely structure was erected at a cost of $60,000. The corner stone was laid August 4, 1864, and the completed church dedicated January 6, 1867.

Rev. R. W. Gridley continued as pastor only about two years, dying in office February 2, 1840. Rev. William H. Williams succeeded, being installed in May 1842. He resigned in September, 1853, to take charge of the Jacksonville Female Academy. Rev. Chauncy Eddy was installed June 30, 1844, and remained until the Spring of 1848. In October of that year, Dr. L. M. Glover, the present pastor, entered upon his labors in connection with this church, and has continued them until this date.

The Central Church was found, after the division, to contain fortytwo members. They secured the services of Rev. Andrew Todd, of Flemingsburg, Ky., who entered upon his labors in the Autumn of 1838.

They worshiped first for a few months in a frame building which stood on the north end of the lot now occupied by the Parkfhouse. The use of the building was given by Governor Duncan. Afterward the Congregational church was secured, at a nominal rent. In the meantime preparations were made for the erection of a sanctuary for themselves, and in the year 1840, about two years after the division of the church, the frame building on West State Street was completed - the lot having been donated by Colonel John J. Hardin, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars, as his subscription. In this sanctuary the congregation worshiped for nearly thirty years, leaving it only a few months before entering the lecture room of the present building, in 1871.

Since the division in 1838, this church has had four settled pastors. Rev. Andrew Todd, from November, 1838, until failing health compelled him, in the Autumn of 1849, to seek a warmer climate. He continued to fail, until on the second day of September, 1850, in the fifty-first year of his age, he fell asleep in Jesus, at Casa Bianca, near Monticello, Florida.

After the death of this gifted man, Rev. J. V. Dodge was called to the pastorate. Mr. Dodge continued his labors but four years and a half, from the Autumn of 1850 until the Spring of 1855, when wholly at his own desire, the pastoral relation was dissolved. He still lives, at Evansville, Indiana, a highly respected minister of the gospel, in connection with the Presbyterian Church.

After the resignation of Mr. Dodge, the Rev. John H. Brown, D.D., afterward pastor for some years of the First Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Illinois, acted as stated supply for one year. From September, 1856, until the following spring, the pulpit was supplied by different persons, chiefly by Rev. Dr. Bergen, of Springfield. In 1857, Rev. R. W. Allen, formerly pastor of the Pisgah Presbyterian Church, of Kentucky, took charge of the church as stated supply. Having received a unanimous call to the pastorate, Mr. Allen was installed December 5, 1858, and continued his faithful labors until May, 1867, when he resigned. After Mr. Allen's resignation, the church was without a pastor for two years, during which time they were dependent upon transient supplies for preaching, with the exception of six months, when they enjoyed the very efficient labors of Rev. R. J. L. Matthews, formerly of Vandalia, Illinois.

In 1869, the present pastor, Rev. W. W. Harsha, D.D., was called from the South Presbyterian Church, Chicago. He was born in West Hebron, Washington County, N. Y. He received his collegiate education in Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. He studied law, but shortly after entering upon the practice, changed his profession and entered the ministry, in connection with the Associate Presbyterian Church. Joined the Old School Church in 1854. He commenced his ministry in Galena, in 1846. His pastoral charges have been at Galena, Hanover Savanna, Dixon, Chicago, and Jacksonville. He took charge of his present Church in May, 1869. Received the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1872, from Fulton College, Missouri, of which institution Rev. Dr. Price was at the time President. Ongoing to Dixon, in 1855, he founded the Presbyterian Institution, known as the Dixon Collegiate Institute, and acted for some years as its President.

During the thirty-nine years - and including since June, 1877 - that this church has maintained a separate existence, about eight hundred persons have been received into its communion. Its present house of worship was completed in 1874. Its cost, including the lot, was thirtythree thousand dollars.

Referring to the Westminster Church, the Journal continues : This is the youngest of the English speaking Presbyterian Churches of the city. It was founded by thirty-four members of the First Church in the Spring of 1860. A plain brick house of worship was erected that year on Westminster Street, the present site. Dr. David H. Hamilton was installed as the first pastor in October, 1860, and continued as such until January 1, 1872. Dr. H. V. D. Nevins was next called. His pastorate continued until his resignation, early in 1874. The present pastor, Rev. S. M. Morton, was installed in October, 1874. The church and lot originally cost seven thousand dollars, with extensive improvements in 1866 and 1875.

In reference to the Portuguese Presbyterian Churches, the paper says : In addition to three English churches, there are three Presbyterian congregations among our Portuguese fellow citizens. In November, 1849, a company of about four hundred of this nationality, reached this section of the State, settling in Waverly, Springfield, and Jacksonville. They were religious exiles, mostly from the island of Maderia, and having been under the spiritual guidance of a Scotch Presbyterian clergyman, they naturally allied themselves with that denomination in this country. Churches were formed in Springfield and this city. From the latter sprang, in May, 1858, a second church. In 1872 the latter organization was again divided. In the three churches there are now some four hundred members. They occupy two substantial frame buildings on Jordan and North Streets. The last formed congregation are using the court house for worship at present. The pulpits are supplied now by Rev. Henry Vieria, Rev. Charles Barton, and Rev. Emanuel Pires.

Within the present bounds of Morgan County, outside of the citjr, there are three Presbyterian Churches which joined in this semi centennial celebration, as follows: Murrayville, Pisgah, and Unity. Besides these there are five others, located within the boundaries of Morgan County in 1827, when the church on the Leeper farm was formed, viz.: Manchester, Winchester, Beardstown (German), Virginia, and Little Indian.

The Baptists. This denomination have two churches in the city. The first was organized in 1841. In 1856, they dedicated their present house of worship. At their organization Rev. Alvin Bailey presided, the meeting being held in the Christian church. Rev. Mr. Bailey remained four or five years, when failing health necessitated a change and he resigned. The congregation occupied the market house a year or more, and then built the present German church on West State Street. Among the constituent members were John and M. C. Goltra, J. D. Rawlins and wife, Mrs. Bibb, and Mrs. Ellen C. Spencer. The present house of worship cost $15,000. The membership is about two hundred.

The other Society is the colored church, with over one hundred members. It has been in successful operation since its organization, and maintains an excellent Sunday School.

eight members, among whom were John Knollenberg, Fred. Walker, Edward Beer, Henry Bachlefel and Joseph Kackmann. The organization was effected in the Christian church, then situated on North Main Street. They met for divine services in various places, until 1863, when they completed their present house of worship. This was used until 1877, when they purchased their present church, selling their old one.

The Q-erman M, JE. Church was constituted in 1856, with thirty-two members. They met in the Grace M. E. church, where they held divine services about six months, when they purchased a church of the Baptists, which they now occupy. They have now about forty members.

The Catholic Church has at present a very large membership. In 1851 the Rev. Gifford, the priest at Springfield, came to Jacksonville and finding four or five families professing that faith, held divine service, and appointed George Eberhard, Edward Keyes, and Henry McDonnell as collectors to raise funds and assist in the establishment of a church here. The meetings for services were held in a private house at first, but soon the increase of the congregation demanded more room and the old court house was occupied. Murray McConnell donated the society a lot near the railroad depot, on which a house of worship was erected. This, however, became too small, and during the war the present fine structure was commenced. It was completed about 1866, and including the school and convent property is worth about $65,000. The church was dedicated by Archbishop Purcell, of Cincinnati, Ohio. The parsonage, now used for the school, was built about two years after the completion of the church. The school is under the control of the Sisters of the Order of St. Dominic and is supported by the congregation. It is conducted ten months in the year.

The Soule Congregation is small at present and does not support a regular ministry. Among its constituent members were E. B. Hitt, S. S. Spurgeon, Silas Veitch, Mrs. Becraft, James Cravan, and D. C. McCoy. The congregation has a very neat house of worship on East College Street which cost about $5,000.

The Church of Christ was organized in January, 1832, with seventeen members, prominent among whom were Josephus Hewett, John T. Jones, Jacob Cassell, and Peter Hedenberg. Of these Mr. Hewett became the first preacher. In October, Fred. B. Stone was instrumental in effecting a union of this and a similar organization which had been organized some time previously. In 1835, Elder Gates, of Louisville, became pastor. The next 3rear their first house of worship was erected, and from this date until 1850 some of the prominent ministers were D. P. Henderson, John T. Jones, Jerry Lancaster, Bryson Pyatt, and Elder Trimble. In 1850, a larger house of worship was erected on North Main Street. The first pastor here was Elder A. J. Kane, now at Springfield. His successors were Elder Jonathan Atkinson, W. S. Russell, John Underwood, Dr. Cox, and Enos Campbell. The Congregation began to hold meetings in its present church, on East State Street, under Elder Campbell, who remained until 1873, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. J. W. Allen. The membership is now four hundred and fifty, and the Sunday School two hundred and fifty.

them were Workman Curley, L. B. Ross, Charles E. Russell, and Hiram Smalley, and their families. Rev. J. E. Wright was the pastor, and continued to serve them until 1869, or 1870. They occupied the court house until the completion of their present house of worship, on South Main Street, in 1868. The pastors succeeding Rev. Wright were Revs. J. J. Summerbell, C. W. Garrutte and P. W. Sinks. They are without a pastor at present. They have now a membership of near seventy.

The Centenary Methodist Church is now the oldest congregation in the county. It was organized in 1822, by a few persons who held their meetings for worship in the large log cabin of "Father" Jourdan. It stood just back of the old Berean College building, and was erected here before Morgan County was created. Its members were scattered about over the country, many of them coming several miles to attend divine service. When the city was platted, in 1825, they were holding meetings in this cabin, and continued to occupy it until the completion of the log school house in which Judge Thomas taught the first school in Jacksonville. They worshiped in this log structure when not occupied by other denominations, until about 1830, when they erected a brick church, which stood on East Morgan Street, near East Street. This was the first brick church in the county. They worshiped in this building until 1838, or 1839, when they sold it to be used as a chair factory, and erected a more commodious church on the south side of East State Street, where the marble front now stands. This church was dedicated by Peter Akers, D.D., who preached the dedication sermon from the words, " This is the house of God, this is the gate of heaven." This house they occupied until the centennial year of Methodism in America, 1866, when they dedicated their present house of worship, at a cost of $35,000.

The congregation, small at first, grew in numbers during all these years, and it was known as the Methodist Church of Jacksonville. When the Grace Church was organized, being on the West side of the city, it was called the West Charge, and the church of which we are writing was called the East Charge. By this name it was known until the erection of the present church, when it was, in commemoration of the year of its erection, called the " Centenary Methodist Church."

The first regular minister here was the Rev. Mr. Starr. Among his successors have been Revs. J. S. Barger, John T. Mitchell, Wm. M. Grubbs, Thomas Chandler, Chauncy Hobart, Wm. J. Rutledge, James Corrington, and others. The present pastor is Rev. English. This church is now one of the largest and most influential in the county.

Trinity Episcopal Church. - The parish of Trinity Church, Jacksonville, was organized on the llth of August, 1832. It was the first parish belonging to the Protestant Episcopal Church that was organized in Illinois. In June, 1833, by invitation of the Wardens and Vestry, the Rev. John Bachelder, of Providence, R. I., accepted the rectorship of the parish. The church edifice stands upon a beautiful lot of ground donated for the purpose by Dennis Rockwell, Esq., lately deceased. The corner-stone was laid June 9, 1834, by Rt. Rev. Benjamin Bosworth Smith, Bishop of Kentucky, and now Presiding Bishop of the House of Bishops. The rectorship of Rev. J. Bachelder terminated June 4, 1838, from which time until August 16, 1840, there was no regular minister.

From that time the following have been the rectors of the church : Rev. William Grant Heyer, Rev. Edward J. Daiken, Rev. John Stamer, Rev. John T. Worthington, Rev. T. N. Morrison, D.D., Rev. I. L. To \vnsend, Rev. Joseph Cross, D.D., and the Rev. John D. Easter, D.D., the present rector of the church. In 1867, the church edifice was remodeled and greatly improved, at a cost of some $16,000, by the addition of a recess chancel at the south end, and an addition of thirty feet, with tower and spire, to the north end, stained glass windows, and heightening of the roof and ceiling. In 1875, the church premises were surrounded by a neat and substantial iron fence, and in 1876, the inside of the church was improved, and an elegant organ, of twenty-six stops, was placed in it. The church has about two hundred members, and is n a prosperous condition.

The Congregational Church was organized December 15, 1833, in the M. E church on East Morgan street, that society having kindly offered the use of their house of worship for that purpose.

The names of those who composed the church at its organization were Timothy Chamberlain, Abraham Clark, Melisent Clark, Elihu Wolcott, Jeremiah Graves, Mary Ann Graves, Benjamin Allyn, Cynthia M. Allen, Edwin A. Mears, Sarah Mears, Maro M. L. Reed, Elizabeth L. Reed, Daniel Mann, Benjamin B. Chamberlain, Asa Talcott, Maria Talcott, Salem Town, Joseph Town, Eliza Town, Jesse R Clark, Ralph Perry, Robert B. Lord. James K. Morse, Edward Schofield, George B. Hitchcock, Elizabeth Scott, Mary Chamberlain, Abigail Chenery, Eliza Hart, Lucy Town, Frances J. Wolcott, Abigail Graves, and on December 18, 1833, George T. Purkitt and Calvin S. Beach.

The first meetings of this society were held in the house of Elihu Wolcott, which stood on the block at the southwest corner of the public square where the Athenaeum now stands : afterward in a log building on West State street, where Ayres block now stands. The society at this time was building a large frame church (on the east side of the square, where the stores of W. B. Johnson & Son and James T. King now stand), which was dedicated in September, 1835, and was considered the best edifice in the town, at that time. The Church was abundantly blessed from its organization, and members were added on every Communion Sabbath, which occurred monthly, for several years; and more than twenty young men of its number were licensed to preach. The building was sold in 1858 to aidin the erection of the present edifice, and was known long after as " Union Hall," and was burnt in December, 1876. The building now occupied by this Church is situated on West College avenue, and was dedicated in December, 1859. This Church was the third Congregational Church organized in the State, the other two being organized the same year in Adams County, and were at that time the only Congregational Churches within five hundred miles. These were the pioneer enterprises of Congregationalism in the Northwest.

The pastors have been William Carter, Truman M. Post, D.D., Edwin Johnson, Charles H. Marshal, James Roberts, D.D., William H. Savage, and Eli Cor win, D.D., the present pastor.

The Grace M. E. Church, first called M. E. Church of West Jacksonville, was organized in the Fall of 1850, with five classes ; James L. Crane was appointed first preacher. Rev. W. D. R. Trotter was the first presiding-elder, Joseph Capps and William Thomas, stewards. First rented the old frame church built by the Presbyterians, on the northwest corner of Church and West State streets, building afterward owned by Universalist Society. Central Presbyterian church now stands upon the spot. Removed to the southwest corner of same streets when the Brick church was completed, which cost $6,000. While undergoing repairs, six years ago, a strong gale of wind blew down the west gable and damaged the building so much that it was taken to the ground and an entire new edifice was erected, at a cost of about $17,000. The new church, is built in form of a cross, and is finely frescoed and is provided with handsome stained glass windows. Present membership 320.

Grace M. E. Church

The Brooklin M. E. Church was organized in the Fall of 1867, with about seventy members. First held preaching in a private house, afterward in the school-house, until the brick building now occupied by them was completed, in 1868. First preacher, Rev. John M. Lane, followed by S. R. Harshman, Harden Wallace, George Barret, W. W. Roberts, J. M. Sinnock, and W. H. H. Moore. Present membership 120.

The City Schools

The present system of public schools in the city, has been in operation eleven years. During this period they have advanced to the front rank, and are among the best in the State. In another portion of the history of Jacksonville, will be found a letter from Judge William Thomas, in which he gives his experience as a teacher, during the Winter of 1826 and '27. He states that at that time there was an unfinished log house, situated in the south part of town, which had been built for school purposes, and which in the month of November was completed. Here, on the first Monday in December, the Judge, then a young lawyer, opened his school. He most fitly describes this school, in the letter referred to. With the exception of a short term taught by a young man named Carson, in the court house, Judge Thomas' school was the first taught in the town of Jacksonville. The young man Carson, opened a subscription school in the old court house, in the Summer of 1826. Not being adapted to his profession, his efforts were unsuccessful, and after about two weeks' trial he dismissed the school.

The old log school house in which the young lawyer taught his school, was used for school and church purposes several years. The Methodists and Presbyterians alternately held services therein, and undoubtedly ministers of other denominations proclaimed the gospel within its walls. When Dr. J. M. Sturtevant came to Jacksonville, in 1829, he preached his first sermon in the growing village, in the old log school house. This primitive educational structure occupied a lot of ground on the south side of East College Avenue, nearly opposite the old third ward school house. The doctor very accurately describes the old log church and school house, in a sermon preached in later years, and which is quoted elsewhere in these pages.

When Illinois was admitted into the Union, in 1818, a large provision for the education of its youth was made by Congress, in providing that the ^proceeds received from the sale of ever}r sixteenth section of land should ! be set aside as a permanent school fund. /In 182^, Governor Duncan 1 drew up a bill for the establishment and maintenance of common schools throughout the State. This bill was adopted by the General Assembly and became a law that year. It was, however, in advance of its time, and though containing most excellent provisions, was by subsequent legislation repealed. No further attempt to the establishment of a permanent common school system was made by the General Assembly until about 1839, when Judge Wm. Thomas framed a bill which is the foundation of the present school system in this State. This bill, which became a law at that session of the legislature, has received various amendments, but to it the citizens of Illinois owe an unbounded debt of - gratitude./ On January 22, 1829, the General Assembly passed an act providing for a Commissioner in each county to sell each sixteenth section therein, that fund for common school purposes might be established. In accordance with the provisions of this act, Judge Thomas was appointed Commissioner for Morgan County. This duty the Judge faithfully discharged. About 1833 or '34, a public meeting of the citizens of Jacksonville was held to take action in regard to the establishment of a school in their midst. This being prior to the act of 1839, and no provision being made for township organization, it was decided to support the school by private subscription. This method of support was used for some time. Several schools existed in the city at different times, among which was one taught by a Mr. Robertson, of Kentucky, and another by Mr. Devore. None of the schools of this time were under any organized system, and any one could teach a school who could gather together the necessary pupils and find a room in which to instruct them.

It was not not until i860 that the first public school house was built and a school opened therein, under the district organization. This was what has always been known as the " West District School/' The building was used at first as a school house, the upper story being used by the Masonic fraternity as a lodge room. When the growth of the district demanded more school room, the Masons withdrew from the room occupied j by them, and it was used for school purposes.

A few years after the erection of this building, the east district, or that part of the town lying east of the public square, built two school houses, in which school was at once opened. Under the formation of these two districts the schools of Jacksonville were maintained until the adoption of the city charter in 1867. When the buildings already mentioned became too small for the school population of the growing town, rooms were rented in various parts of the town, so that all who desired the benefit of a free school could be accommodated. Private schools were also opened at different times, and were generally well patronized. The Illinois College, the Jacksonville Female Academy and Methodist Female College, the Young Ladies' Athenseum, the Berean College, the Parochial School of the Catholic Church, all furnished excellent means for the education of the young, and all were well patronized.

By 1867, the growth of the town had reached such proportions that a better form of government, and a better system of schools, became necessary. Under the city charter, granted that year, the present system of graded schools was adopted. The city was divided into four wards, and a school located in each. Mr. Israel Wilkinson was appointed superintendent, which office he held until 1869, when he was succeeded by Mr J. M. Alcott, who held the office one year. He was followed by Mr. D. H. Harris, the present superintendent. Each ward maintains a separate district school, the grades in all being the same. The Washington High School is situated in the Fourth ward. Its course of instruction is thorough and complete, and fits the pupil for the actual duties of life. Mr. Harris, in his report for the year 1877, gives an interesting resume of the schools for the past ten years, which we here append :

" Jacksonville has long been known as an educational center of great reputation, whose influence is felt far and wide. The early establishment of the public schools is due to the earnest efforts of two of our citizens - the late Gov. Duncan and Judge Win. Thomas. The latter survives to witness the success of the cause which he so ably advocated.

" The honor of first popularizing the public schools in Jacksonville belongs to the well-known educator, Hon. Newton Bateman, who, for several years, was principal of the West Jacksonville school.

" Judge E. P. Kirby, of our city, immediately succeeded as principal of the same school, which he conducted three years with eminent success ; following him Michael Sanderson, Esq., nobly sustained the well-deserved reputation of the school for three years, when, in his valuable life-work, he fell at his psst.

" Before the schools of Jacksonville were organized into a system under the present city charter, there were several independent schools, sustained in part by the general school fund of the State. A male teacher was employed as principal and superintendent of each of these distinct schools. The course of study in each of these schools therefore comprised not only the common branches, but also Latin, Greek, Natural Sciences, Higher English, and Mathematics. The new school charter, in

1867, at once introduced a new regime which centralized the general supervision in one superintendent, and abolished the extravagant idea of sustaining four high schools of small classes by organizing one central high school for the accommodation of the entire city, which was found to be a great improvement in a pecuniary and educational point of view. The success of this system has led to a more economical expenditure by the gradual introduction of female principals into the ward schools. The new organization also led to a more careful and thorough classification of pupils, a more uniform course of study, resulting in a more efficient preparation of the pupils in the advanced studies."

The condition of the schools shows a steady progress and increasing efficiency of the public schools as an educational force in the community.

Illinois College

Illinois College is, in many respects, singularly fortunate in its location. Jacksonville is a beautiful, half rural city, of twelve thousand people. Beyond any other city of equal size it is adorned by fine church edifices, and by large public and educational buildings.

In 1829, before any college had been established in the State, Illinois College was founded here. It became the nucleus around which clustered the Jacksonville Female Academy, Illinois Conference Female College, and later, thev Young Ladies' Athenaeum and Illinois Conservatory of Music. The trustees of the college have also under their control Whipple Academy and Jacksonville Business College. At an early day, such character was given to the place that it was selected as the home of the great charitable and educational institutions of the State, for the insane, for the deaf and dumb, and for the blind. In the midst of these schools of literature, science, art, and commerce, Illinois College is surrounded by most favorable social influences.

The college campus is a beautiful inclosure, of about twelve acres, on College Hill, at the west end of the city. It is elevated ninety feet above the general level of the highly cultivated farms of rolling prairie around it, and is unsurpassed for healthfulness.

The college buildings are shown, some of them poorly, in the accompanying cut. They are in good repair, well warmed and ventilated, and and well adapted for the uses for which they were built. The original building, erected partly in 1829 and partly in 1830, is now occupied by the halls and libraries of the two literary societies, the Sigma Pi and the Phi Alpha, by the college library, the cabinet of natural history, and the Greek recitation room.

The dormitory building, completed in 1874, contains twenty-eight suites of rooms, with excellent accommodations for fifty-six students. The rooms are heated by steam and lighted by gas. Each study-room is furnished with a large study table, and each bedroom with a woven wire mattress bed.

The building erected for Whipple Academy, now occupied by the Business College, is three-fourths of a mile from the college, and near the business center of the city.

The philosophical and chemical apparatus is extensive, and adequate to full courses of experimental lectures. The college library contains eight thousand volumes, and the society library about three thousand more. A reading room, free to all, is maintained by the members of the Sigma Pi Society. A very creditable beginning has been made in the cabinet of mineralogy and* natural history.

These are the externals of Illinois College. They present a goodly appearance, but it is hoped that soon other buildings will adorn the campus, and additional appliances serve the uses of scientific education.

The first board of trustees was elected December 5, 1829, at a meeting held in the first college building, then nearly finished. This meeting represented two separate efforts in the cause of the higher education. One of these efforts originated in the Christian zeal and public spirit of a few individuals residing in Illinois, prominent among whom were Rev. John M. Ellis, Rev. Thomas Lippincott, Col. Thomas Mather, William Collins, Hon. Samuel D. Lockwood, John P. Wilkinson, and William C. Posey. Of these the three last named were elected trustees. The remaining seven of the original trustees represented an association of theological students in Yale College, who had resolved to make some one of the Northwestern States their future home and the field of their evangelical labors. Becoming acquainted with the plans of Mr. Ellis and his friends, they agreed to unite with them in founding Illinois College at Jacksonville, and to furnish, through their eastern friends, $10,000 in aid of the project. Their names were Theron Baldwin, Julian M. Sturtevant, Mason Grosvenor, John F. Brooks, Elisha Jenney, William Kirby, and Asa Turner.

Application for a charter was made to the legislature in the Winter of 1880-31, but a charter was refused, on account of prejudices then existing against institutions with educational, charitable, or religious aims. Four years later the application was renewed, and at this time the friends of Illinois College were joined by those who had just founded Shurtleff College, at Alton, and McKendree College, at Lebanon. Like charters were granted to all at the same time. The names of John G. Bergen, John Tilson, and Gibeon Blackburn were added to the trustees of Illinois College*

It is natural that the character of an institution of learning should be determined by the spirit and aims of its founders. These were men of the purest piety and patriotism. They were trained under the social and educational influences of New England. They regarded learning as an handmaid of religion, and the Christian religion as the most efficient promoter of learning. They intended that Illinois College should do for Illinois what the colleges of New England have done, are doing, and are destined to do for her. But neither had they, nor have their successors, ever had any thought of making the college an instrument of denominational propagandism.

Those who co-operated in founding Illinois College, and in sustaining it during the early years of its history, attained greater usefulness than commonly falls to the lot of man. They were among the foremost of those L strong men who gave such character to the then rising State. Theron Baldwin, D.D., was the first principal of Monticello Female Seminary, and was largely instrumental in founding it. He was afterward, for many years, secretary of the Society for the Promotion of Collegiate Education at the West. Rev. Mason Grosvenor, after a long life of varied usefulness, now gives a portion of his time to the college of which, in his youth, he was almost the originator, as Professor of Moral Philosophy. Edward Beecher, D.D., was the first president. Appointed in 1832, he resigned in 1844. His ability and his history are well known to the American public. J. M. Sturtevant, D.D., LL.D., was the first instructor in Illinois College, and has spent his entire life in its service. He is well known throughout the country as a man of the purest life, of vigorous and independent thought, and of eminent ability. To his unwearied efforts and self-sacrificing devotion the college owes very much of what it is and of what it may become in the future. He was appointed president in 1844. Having resigned that office in June, 1876, he still renders most valuable service as instructor in studies of the senior class. Early associated with him in the work of instruction was Samuel Adams, A.M, M.D., a man of great learning and worth, long ably filling the chair of Chemistry and Physics ; Truman M. Post, D.D, now pastor of the First Congregational Church of St. Louis, and J. B. Turner, now so well known as a leading agriculturist and reformer.

These men, both trustees and faculty, were wise master-builders. They and their associates laid well the foundations of the present and future greatness of the State. To them is largely due the pre-eminence which Illinois has long enjoyed among her sister States of the Northwest. And no small part of their work was done through Illinois College. Her students and graduates, in all parts of Illinois, and in many instances in neighboring States, have been leaders in thought and action, both in church and civil state. Hon. Richard Yates, the first graduate, as a most patriotic and efficient governor during the war, won laurels for himself and great honor to our Commonwealth.

Richard Yates was born January 18, 1818, on the banks of the Ohio River, at Warsaw, Gallatin County, Kentucky. In 1831, his father removed to Illinois, and, after stopping at Springfield, settled at Island Grove, Sangamon County. After attending school awhile, Richard joined the family here. Subsequently, he entered Illinois College, at Jacksonville, where, in 1835, he graduated with first honors. He chose for his profession the law, and began at once its study with General John J. Hardin as instructor. Gifted with a fluent and ready oratory, he soon entered the arena of political life, and being an ardent admirer of Henry Clay, he joined the political party of his leader. In 1840, he engaged with great ardor in the "hard-cider campaign," for General Harrison. Two years after, he was elected to the legislature from this county, then a Democratic stronghold. He served four years here, and in 1850 was elected, after an exciting contest with Major Thomas L. Harris, to Congress. At the expiration of his term, he was re-elected, and coming into the political field the third time, was defeated by a small majority, owing to his decided stand against the repeal of the Missouri Compromise act, and his strong anti-slavery views, which, in a speech of great power and brilliant oratory, he advanced, and which gained for him a national repu- taticm. Six years afterward, he was elected to the chair of State, and during the most critical period of the nation's history, held that important place. Here his true patriotism shone with a brilliancy and strength of will, and saved the State in the threatened crisis. He, like Governor Morton, of Indiana, earned the title of the " War Governor." The fate of the nation was involved in the destiny of the State. Governor Yates was equal to all emergencies ; and when a Democratic House attempted to thwart his purposes, and place the State where many of its members wanted it, he promptly squelched that body by his famous act of prorogation. His loyalty was as undoubted as true, and through all the long and bitter contest he was a close and intimate friend of President Lincoln, and one of his most earnest supporters. What Illinois did in that great conflict, can be partially learned by the reader in the history of the State, elsewhere in this volume, though volumes could be written on this subject, and yet not exhaust it. Morgan County's record is shown in the names of her volunteers, also printed in these pages.

Governor Yates' public career briefly resumed, shows : " Six years in the Legislature of Illinois, four years in the Congress of the United States, four years governor of Illinois, and six years senator of the United States ; twenty years in political public life, with few men his superior, in any field of duty." He died in St. Louis, on November 28, 1873, at the age of fifty-five years. He had been viewing the Cairo and Fulton Railroad, as one of its commissioners, having been appointed to that important position by the government. He had been to Little Rock, Arkansas, and was on his way home, when, becoming too weak to travel, he stopped to rest in St. Louis, where, in the midst of his many friends, he quietly passed away. His remains were brought home the next evening, and, after being viewed in the parlor of his own house by thousands, were carried to the grave, followed by an immense assembly.

Newton Bateman, LL.D., for eight years Superintendent of Public Instruction, did more than any other man for our noble system of public schools, and is now the second of the graduates of Illinois College to become president of Knox College. But space will not permit even the mere mention of names to show how much the college has done to make Illinois what it is. The good work already accomplished would amply repay its friends for all their labors and self-sacrifice in its behalf.

But the college has not yet completed its first half century. The best of our American colleges have not been the creation of a day. They have had their origin with the communities in which they were founded. They have often struggled for existence while material prosperity was being developed around them, until accumulated wealth should flow into them. This college is no exception to the rule. With the struggles of the past we are now concerned no further than to know that they are safely passed, and that future prosperity seems well assured. Aside from grounds, buildings, and other appliances, the invested endowment fund is about $110,000, with from $10,000 to $15,000 available in the future.

The present faculty consists of ten earnest, faithful men, each of marked ability and experience in his department, fully alive to the increasing demands of the times upon those who would be found worthy to represent the higher culture.

The standard of attainment for admission to the classical course is not so high as in Yale or Harvard, but it is the same as in the majority ofj Eastern colleges. The work of instruction is done entirely by professors, and throughout the whole course the students come into close daily contact with teachers of experience and of enthusiasm, who take a friendly personal interest in their pupils. Habits of good order and industry prevail, and cases of serious discipline are extremely rare. The faculty regard it of prime importance to maintain a high standard of scholarship. The student is required to pass through examinations, for the most part written, on all the studies required for graduation. The graduates of Illinois College, in respect to mental culture and intellectual ability, do not suffer in comparison with those of the older Eastern colleges. The present number of students is one hundred and thirty-seven.

The Scientific Course. - The true American college seeks to lead public sentiment in all matters pertaining to education. It would be very gratifying if all who desire to avail themselves of the advantages of the college could be induced to pursue, in full, the classical course. But in a country comparatively new, there are many young men who have not time and means for such an education. They want the best education they can get in three or four years. In none of our high schools or academics can they enjoy the benefits of a faculty of experienced teachers, of apparatus, and other appliances that are found in the college. To meet the wants of these, our scientific course is a necessary and useful adaptation. For admission, the student is examined in the common-school studies, and in algebra to quadratics. The course embraces all the studies of the classical course, except Greek. It includes three years' instruction in Latin, and adds special studies in history, German, geology, meteorology, and the higher mathematics. Physics are taught by recitations and full courses of lectures. It is in contemplation soon to require for admission, physical geography, four books of geometry, and one year of Latin.

Whipple Academy. - Every Western college finds a preparatory department a necessity. In 1869, Dr. S. L. Whipple founded the academy, by a donation of $10,000. At present it is carried on in the College buildings, with a separate study hall, and with a principal whose whole time is devoted to its care. He is assisted in the work of instruction by some of the College faculty, who hear recitations, each in his own department.

The College Club, for the boarding of students who room in the dormitory, is an exceedingly well-managed and successful part of the college machinery. The dining-room is pleasant, the tables well furnished, and good board is had for $2 to $2.25 per week.

The entire annual college expenses of a student who rooms in the dormitory, for board, tuition, room-rent, fuel, gas, and text-books, are less than $175.

The faculty seek to pervade the entire institution with a strong moral and religious influence - utterly free, however, from all sectarian bias. All students are required to attend morning prayers and the Sabbath afternoon lecture. This is conducted by Dr. Sturtevant, whose pungent and powerful discourses produce lasting impressions. A weekly prayermeeting is maintained by the students.

The following is the present faculty of the college: Rufus C. Crampton, A.M., acting president, and Hitchcock professor of mathematics and astronomy ; Julian M. Sturtevant, D.D., LL.D., professor of mental science and science of government ; Mason Grosvenor, D.D., professor of moral philosophy and evidences of Christianity ; Hiram K. Jones, A.M., M.D., lecturer on anatomy and physiology ; Edward A. Tanner, professor of Latin language and literature ; - - Collins professor of the Greek language and literature ; Henry E. Storrs, A.M., PH.D., Hitchcock professor of natural sciences, and instructor in German ; George W. Bailey, A.M., instructor in Greek ; S. S. Hamill, A.M., professor of elocution, rhetoric, history, and English literature ; Alfred H. Sturtevant, A.M., principal of Whipple Academy, and instructor in mathematics ; Charles B. Reynolds, instructor in English studies and mathematics : Henry B. Chicken, instructor in business penmanship.

The entire number of graduates is three hundred and forty. Of this number forty-six are in their graves. Many of them became prominent in state and national affairs, and many are now holding eminent positions in life.

Jacksonville Female Academy

Jacksonville Female Academy grew out of the home missionary spiri^ which, some fifty years ago, began its beneficent enterprises in Illinoi8 and other Western fields. Rev. John M. Ellis, the first pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville, came to this State in the year 1828, and his mind was full of the idea of planting, not only churches, but institutions of learning. To him is due the inception of Illinois College and of Jacksonville Female Academy. During his pastorate here, of three or four years, his excellent wife opened, in their own house, a school for young ladies, which may be regarded as the germ of this institution, the first organized one of the kind west of Ohio.

From the first record, it appears that "a meeting of gentlemen favorable to the establishment of a female seminary in the Town of Jacksonville, was held at the house of Mr. J. P. Wilkinson, September 29, 1830. A committee, consisting of Hon. S. D. Lockwood, Rev. John M. Ellis, and Rev. J. M. Sturtevant, was appointed to report on the subject, which they did at an adjourned meeting held October 2, 1830, as follows : the blessings of education to all classes of American citizens are felt and acknowledged by all enlightened patriots and Christians ; and whereas, the power of female influence over the intellectual and moral character of the community must ever be too great for any or all other causes entirely to counteract, commencing, as it does, with the first dawn of infant intelligence, and forming, perhaps, the most important and certainly the most desirable part of that character, before any other causes can begin to act upon it, and accompanying it through all the subsequent stages of its development ; considering, too, that in the present important crisis of our beloved Republic, not one effort ought to be withheld which can tend to give permanency to its foundations, the intelligence and virtue to the people, therefore,

" Resolved, That an academy ought to be immediately established in this State, to be devoted to female education ; and that Jacksonville, in Morgan County, is, in our opinion, a situation highly favorable for successful operation of such an institution."

This was adopted, and a board of trustees immediately appointed, consisting of the following persons, viz. : Bezaleel Gillett, Dennis Rockwell, Ero Chandler, John P. Wilkinson, Julian M. Sturtevant, Joseph Duncan, John M. Ellis, Joseph M. Fairfield, Samuel D. Lockwood, David B. Ayers, Elihu Wolcott, James G. Edwards, Ignatius R. Simms.

At the same time a lot of land in Jacksonville was donated by Dr. Ero Chandler, on which to locate the institution, and the gift was accepted. In due time a small brick edifice was erected, and the school formally opened in the year 1833.

From 1833 to 1844 no classes were formally graduated, though many young ladies passed through full courses of study. Classes have been regularly graduated from 1845 to the present time.

During the past year the names of the graduates, so far as they could be obtained, have been collected from the record, and are now for the first time published in the annual catalogue.

At the close of the last school year, the following card was issued and sent to the alumnae, to which a large number have made a generous and hearty response :

" To the Cf-raduates of Jacksonville Female Academy : At the close of the last academic year there was formed an Alumnse Association of Jacksonville Female Academy. In view of perfecting the organization you are requested to send to the secretary, Miss Ellis, any information you may possess respecting the name, residence, marriage, or death of your own class-mates, or of other graduates of whom you may have any knowl-

" Your influence is also solicited in behalf of the present and future interests of the academy. This is now the oldest institution in Illinois for the education of young ladies, and it is the purpose of its managers to make it the best. All the arrangements for supervision and instruction are now thorough and complete, and unsurpassed by any school in the West. The teachers are all distinguished by a long and successful experience and an enthusiastic devotion to the work of instruction. It is believed that this time-honored institution is now entering upon a term of greater usefulness and prosperity than it has ever known before.

" Will you now actively identify yourself with its friends, and do what you can to aid the institution that has conferred its highest honors upon you ? Will you heartily commend it to parents who have daughters to educate ? By so doing you will do a large service to the old academy and to the cause of Christian culture." This circular was signed by

The alumni and friends of the institution are requested to furnish any information that will aid in perfecting the list of graduates, or that may add to the general interest of the Associate Alumni.

The whole history of the institution has been quiet and unobtrusive, marked by steady growth, advancing reputation, and healthful prosperity. Multitudes have enjoyed its advantages, and its beneficent fruits are widely scattered. It is now under the management of skillful and

It makes no display to deceive, no large promises it can not fulfill. Its whole policy is open and honest, its whole workings quiet and earnest, and its high aim to confer all the benefits of a thorough course of study, to educate to a true womanhood, and to adorn with all the graces of a refined and Christian culture.

For the year 1877 there are eleven prospective graduates. The whole number of graduates according to this table is two hundred and eighty -seven.

Board of Instruction. - E. F. Bullard, A.M., principal, mental, moral, and political sciences; Miss Mary A. V. S. Sprague, preceptress, Latin, French, rhetoric, and English literature ; Miss Lizzie J. Lindsley, mathematics and natural science ; Miss Sophia E. Dwight, preparatory and primary ; Prof. H. Bretherick, Miss Linda R. Mathews, * department of music ; Mrs. M. J. Stearns, painting and drawing ; Miss Lizzie J. Lindsley, penmanship ; Miss Sophia E. Dwight, German.

Illinois Female College

In 1846, the Illinois Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church appointed a committee, whose duty it was to superintend the establishment of a female college. This committee consisted of the following named gentlemen : Rev. Peter Cartwright, Rev. Peter Akers, Rev. W. D. R. Trotter, Matthew Stacy, Esq., Nicholas Milburn, Sr., Judge Wm. Brown, and Hon. Wm. Thomas. They met on the 10th day of October, 1846, and selected as a location a piece of ground on the south side of East State Street, in Jacksonville. The work of securing the necessary funds by donation and subscription had progressed so successfully that, in the Fall of the following year, the contracts for erecting the college building were let.

About the* same time the school was opened in the basement of the Methodist Church, with N. S. Bastion, M.D., as principal. He filled the position until August, 1848. The building was completed in 1850 ; it was built of stone and brick, substantial and commodious - one hundred feet in length, fifty feet in width, and four stories in height. To this was added, in 1855, a wing of similar proportions. In 1862, this wing was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt the following year. In Februan-, 1870, the main building was destroyed by fire ; but it has been replaced by a building of superior architectural preten- sions. On the resignation of Dr. Bastion in 1848, Rev. J. F. Jaques was appointed principal, which position he held with marked success until June, 1855. From this date till 1858, the position was rilled successively by Rev. Reuben Andrus, D.D., and Rev. H. S. McCoy. In 1858, Rev. Charles Adams, D.D., was elected principal, and continued in that capacity until his resignation in 1868, when Rev. Wm. H. DeMotte, LL.D., was appointed to the vacancy. Prof. DeMotte continued in office until July 1875, when he resigned to accept the position of Superintendent of the Wisconsin Deaf and Dumb Institution, which position he now occupies. Rev. W. F. Short, Presiding Elder of the Jacksonville District of the Illinois Conference, for a number of years, was appointed to the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Rev. DeMotte, and still fills the office.

There has been graduated from the college about three hundred and twenty young ladies. The school is in a very prosperous condition, and is a credit to its founders, some of whom are still living, and may well feel proud of this noble institution of learning. The course of study is as extensive and thorough as that usually pursued in first-class schools for young women, embracing all the branches of a solid and ornamental education. It is so arranged that the student will have three studies each term, which, with her other college and society duties, is as much literary work as should be attempted. This arrangement will give every one sufficient time to devote to some of the ornamental branches, as instrumental and vocal music, drawing, painting, wax work, or other branches of art. Every young lady should give attention to this part of polite education, both for the pleasure and profit of herself and her friends.

In order to meet the demands in the department of music, a corporation has been formed, under the statute relating thereto, under the name of The Illinois Academy of Music and Art. A course of musical study has been arranged similar to that of like institutions.

The rooms devoted to this department (fifteen in number), are of good size and convenient location, under the same roof with the literary department ; and the pianos and organs are sufficient in number and quality to meet the demands of a large class. Musical recitals are frequently given in the chapel of the college, in the presence of the teachers, students, and friends of the college. Diplomas are given to those who complete the prescribed course.

It may truthfully be said of the art of design, as of music, that it has passed into the useful. The increasing demand for skill and excellence in the use of the pencil and the brush, renders provision for the broadest and most thorough instruction not only a matter of expediency, but of necessity. Free-hand drawing, object lessons, studies from casts, models, and nature have taken the place of the old superficial system of copying from flats ; and the object aimed at is not picture making, but the development of artistic talent, the cultivation of taste, and the creation of an independence of ability and skill, which will be of permanent advantage to the pupil after she has left the studio and the care of teacher.

Lectures and conversations are conducted by competent persons upon such practical subjects as health, including the influence of diet, and habits of life in promoting and preserving it ; the importance of food and dress in their relation to it ; and the care of the sick. Esthetics, the cultivation of taste and skill in dress, the arrangement and keeping of rooms, etc. Etiquette - the reasonable demands of society, and how to meet them properly.

The number of competent ladies connected with the school, and the large college "family" afford ample means and opportunities for treating these subjects, both theoretically and practically ; all students will be admitted to the advantages of this department without extra charge. Sufficient time is given each day for physical exercise, and a class of light gymnastics is kept up.

To meet the demand for competent and trained teachers, as also, the necessity of young ladies whose circumstances will not allow them to complete the collegiate or English course, a normal course has been arranged, which includes such branches as will prepare them for teaching in the public schools of the State. Multitudes of students, who received their education in this institution, rank among the best educators in the country. Provision has been made for lectures and attendance at teachers' institutes, for the benefit of those in this department.

Students are required to attend service in one of the churches of the city every Sabbath, in company with the president or one of the teachers.

They also attend a Bible class, conducted by the president or some one whom he may select, in which such a course of study is pursued as is calculated to qualify them for effective service in the Sabbath school work. Other religious meetings are held under the direction of the faculty.

The faculty of the college consists of the following persons: Rev. W. F. Short, A.M., president, professor of mental, moral and political sciences; Miss Mary S. Pegram. preceptress, teacher of mathematics and

Macdonald, teacher of Latin and modern languages ; James B. Smith, professor of natural sciences ; Miss Lottie D. Short, teacher of preparatory department; Department of Music, A. E. Wimmerstedt, director, professor of instrumental and vocal music, and harmony and composition ; Mrs. Marion Phillips Wimmerstedt, teacher of instrumental and vocal music ; Mrs. Kate Murdock Smith, teacher of instrumental and vocal music ; Art, Mrs. Mary S. Vigus, teacher of painting and drawing ; matron, Miss Sarah B. Short.

To meet a want, long and widely felt in this region, the Jacksonville Business College was founded by Prof. R. C. Crampton, in May, 18(36. The college was located in Chambers' Block, north side of Public Square, and was there successfully conducted for several years, sending forth hundreds of young men well qualified to act their part among the busy throngs of men in all the regions of the great West. Many of the youths

From the very first, the patronage of the college has been steadily increasing, and its popularity among men of business, more and more decided. Since the college was founded, it has instructed nearly three thousand students, and by them is honorably represented in the various industrial and commercial pursuits, all over this broad land, from Mexico to Maine.

The design of this college is to fit young men and women for the active duties of successful business life. The aim is not to send out mere book-keepers or clerks, but the course aims at symmetrical development, and is calculated to strengthen the mental power, and give a broad and substantial business training.

In the Summer of 1869 the ownership of the Business College passed into the hands of the Trustees of Illinois College, and for several years it occupied part of Whipple's Academy building, a few blocks west of the Public Square.

In 1?76 the number of students had become so great that enlarged facilities became an absolute necessity, since which the college has been conducted upon an enlarged plan, occupying the entire building, with its commodious halls, recitation rooms and office.

Prof. G. W. Brown, who has been connected with the college for nearly twelve years, first as instructor, but of late years as managing principal, has recently purchased the institution, including its building and grounds. The rooms are to be enlarged and improved, new and valuable features will be added to the course of study, and every effort will be put forth to make this institution, in the strictest sense, a business college, which shall thoroughly train its students for the practical affairs of life.

No business college in America has a better array of talent in its faculty of instructors and lecturers than this. The departments of the college are: 1, The English training school; 2, the theoretical business department; 3, the actual business department; 4, the special penmanship department ; '5, the telegraphic department. Each department is in charge of a specially qualified teacher, by which arrangement the highest grade of instruction is insured in all parts of the course of study.

The course is short, practical and reasonable. It is just what every man needs and will use, no matter what his calling or profession is to be.

In the number, experience, and ability of its teachers, in the excellence of its course of study, in the healthfulness and beauty of its location, and in its moderate expenses, this college is equal to any in the land.

The annual catalogue just issued, shows an enrollment of two hundred and fifty students for the year just closed. During the last four years the institution has graduated more than one hundred and fifty students, representing ten different States.

The thirteenth year of the college began Sept. 2, 1878. An elegant catalogue giving full information will be mailed free on application. All persons wishing information, catalogues or circulars in regard to the college should address the principal, G. W. Browii.

The Young Ladies' Athenaeum

This institution for the education of young ladies was established in 1864 by Rev. W. D. Sanders, then a professor in the Illinois College. He is one of the most successful educators in the West, and has done an immense amount of work during his lifetime.

Mr. Sanders is a native of Huron County, Ohio, a son of the celebrated surgeon, Dr. M. C. Sanders, and graduated at the old Western Reserve College in 1845. The three years immediately following he spent in conducting the Richfield Academy in Summit County, Ohio, after which he entered the Western Reserve Theological Seminary, to fit himself for the ministry of the Presbyterian Church. During the period of his theological studies, the seminary passed through a severe financial crisis, and the trustees prevailed upon him to act as their agent in obtaining funds, which were absolutely necessary to save the institution. The wisdom of their choice was shown by the fact that he succeeded in raising $100,000, a sum far in excess of their most sanguine expectations. Completing his theological studies in 1851, he was then assigned to the charge of a congregation at Ravenna, Ohio, where he remained for three years, until called to the chair of Rhetoric, Elocution, and English Literature in Illinois College, at Jacksonville, where he remained until June, 1869. In 1864, Mr. Sanders founded the Young Ladies' Athenaeum. This institution, early in its career, banished sectarianism. By its organic act of incorporation, it was determined that of its twenty-one trustees, not more than three should ever be members of the same religious denomination. When it is considered that it began its career in a region containing many schools, and in immediate proximity to two old institutions (the Methodist College and the Female Academy), and in temporary rooms, with few external or material attractions, this unprecedented success can be accounted for only upon the theory of the great and recognized superiority of the Athenseum system over other methods. The following are among its chief peculiarities :

1. It prescribes no arbitrary and inflexible course of study. While it offers instruction in all the studies required in Yale or Harvard Colleges, it does not force the pupil to attempt the mastery of studies which she may have neither the talent, the time, nor the strength to master. Its higher English course embraces all studies of Yale or Harvard, except Latin or Greek. Its full classical course embraces all these, together with a good knowledge of Latin. But neither of these are required. It permits each pupil to take that special course, embracing many studies, or few, which is, all things considered, the best for her.

2. It classifies on a new system. It organizes no technical classes for recitation purposes. It puts together in each study those who are together, and who, in that study, can keep together. It thus puts each upon her own merits. The slow are not compelled to be superficial in order to go on with the quick, and the quick are not held back by the necessities of the slow. The time required to complete any course of study will thus depend entirely upon the pupil herself. The aim is an actual education, and not a sham ; an absolute mastery of each topic, and not a mere going over it in a given time. It prefers home life to boarding- school life. It locates its pupils from abroad in carefully selected families. Family influence is far more healthful to body and mind than any system which separates the pupil from contact with family and social life. The family is the nursery and sanctuary of all womanly excellence.

3. It is not sectarian. 'Its arrangements for instruction are unusual. Both in the number and qualifications of its teachers, it has few equals.

This institution was founded by Mr. Sanders in 1872. It is well patronized at present and becoming extensively known. The influence of such an institution can hardly be estimated. Each year widens its sphere, and each graduating class is an index of its character.

Jt is well known to those at all familiar with the subject, that the prominence of Italy, France, and Germany, in the "divine art," is largely due to the influence exerted by the great European conservatories. The imperial and royal conservatories of Paris, of Brussels, of Leipsic, of Naples and Milan, have been among the most potent of the influences which have inspired and sustained that love for the highest and best in musical art which has characterized these continental countries. Similar combinations of artists, for the same purpose, have recently been attempted in London and in Dublin, and with promising results. In our country, "the New England Conservatory" has been in operation some six years, and has been eminently successful. It is believed that Jacksonville is a peculiarly favorable point for an institution that shall do for Illinois and the Great West what this institution has attempted for New England. Instruction is given in classes of two, three, or four each. This is not done to the exclusion of private lessons to individual pupils ; but class instruction is a characteristic in all conservatories. By division of labor in the various departments of instruction, a conservatory secures to its pupils the highest order of skill in each department. It furnishes in each separate department of musical study the skill of an expert, of a teacher who has made some one instrument or some one department a special study. Thus (e.#.), in piano instruction, one professor may confine himself to technics or mechanism alone, and another may confine himself to style. Among the numerous teachers of a conservatory the pupil may thus find the excellence that he can not expect to find all combined in any one professor. The conservatory thus affords the very best instruction on piano, or organ, or violin, or guitar, or flute, or cornet, or any other musical instrument, and the very best instruction in singing in all its departments. Class lessons operate as a powerful stimulus to the interests and ambition of each pupil. Experience on this point is a demonstration. Pupils trained in classes acquire a confidence in playing before others, and a steadiness and reliableness not so easily acquired by the usual method. Each pupil's knowledge and taste are cultivated by the criticism made upon other members of the class. As each minute error in technics, or in phrasing, or in expression, is pointed out by the professor, the other members of the class are benefited almost as much by the errors as by the success of the player. A conservatory affords ample facilities for the study of harmony and composition. A mastery of grammar is not more indispensable to the accomplished orator than the mastery of harmony is to one who would excel in music ; it must underlie all sound musical culture. As a flourishing conservatory brings together a large number of musical students, it affords opportunities for valuable general exercises - exercises in reading at sight, in analysis of pieces, in glee singing, and in oratorio practice. A crowning characteristic of the conservatory method is its extraordinary cheapness. It brings the very highest order of instruction within the reach of those to whom it would otherwise be wholly inaccessible. Instruction, which in the great cities costs four dollars to five dollars per lesson, will here be furnished at a merely nominal cost. While, therefore, a conservatory offers to the wealthy the best advantages money can procure, it also offers to those of limited means the same advantages at a rate which brings them within the reach of the humblest. A common adjunct of a conservatory is a department of languages. So large a portion of the best musical literature is written in the Italian, French, and German languages, that a knowledge of these languages is very desirable to the musical student. There is, therefore, a department of languages in which the best instruction is furnished at a moderate cost.

The director of the conservatory received his musical education at the great Imperial Conservatory of Paris and in Vienna, and has himself had several years' experience in conservatory teaching. His first assistant is an artist who is a Fellow of the London Royal Society of Musicians, whose favorite instrument is the cornet, but whose specialty has for several years been singing. A third professor has been secured who has had nearly twenty years' experience in teaching, and has an established reputation as a skillful and thorough teacher.

As a result of these admirable arrangements the conservatory is now by far the largest musical school in the West, and claims unsurpassed facilities in ever}'- department. The average attendance now is about two hundred.

The Orphan'S Home

About 1853 or '54 the Christian denomination began the erection of a building known as the Berean College. A charter was received dated Feb. 12, 1855, soon after which the building was completed, and the following year school was opened, with Dr. Jonathan Atkinson as president. The school was opened under very favorable auspices, and for several years was continued very successfully. The college received its name from " Berea," a place mentioned by the apostle Paul, in the seventeenth chapter of the book of Acts, where the following language is used : " And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea : * * * * these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." The college continued until about 1858 or '59, when a division in the church occurred, and soon after the school was discontinued. A few years after, the property was sold to Mrs. Eliza Ayers for twelve thousand dollars. Its original cost was over thirty thousand dollars. Mrs. Ayers has since deeded the property to a board of trustees, to be used as an Orphan

Home and City Hospital. The frame building immediately in the rear of the college is occupied by the orphans, while the college itself is used as the hospital. The frame building was formerly the home of Col. John J. Hardin, so well known throughout this portion of the State, and who lost his life at the battle of Beuna Vista. The home is conducted on the " Muller plan," by Rev. Dr. Passavant, who has charge of eight similar institutions in different parts of the United States.