St. Clair County, Illinois - Chapter 28, 1928

Chapter 28

County, Illinois. He was educated in the country schools, the Preparatory Department of Monmouth College, and Ohio Wesleyan University, from which he was graduated in the class of 1890, receiving the degree of A. B. For one year he was principal of the high school in Dixie, Kentucky. In 1891 he was elected Professor of Greek and German in McKendree. At the end of two years of successful work he decided to leave McKendree to enter some university for the purpose of earning a doctor's degree. But this plan was not immediately carried out. Instead, he sUud another year as president of the college.

Professor Barr became President of McKendree in 1893 under very unusual circumstances. He did not ask for the place, but through the influence of his student friends, it was offered to him. He was under thirty years of age and was probably at that time the youngest college president in America. William A. Quayle had formerly held that distinction, having been president of Baker University at the age of twenty-nine. But he soon passed on to wider fields. Professor Barr had come to his place on a wave of popularity and therefore much was expected of him. That made his position unusually hard to fill. He immediately took the field to make a canvass for new students. He spoke at the Epworth League conventions and visited some of the more prominent churches, as well as the less prominent ones whenever he or his friends thought there was a chance to get students. He spent the most of his vacation in this way and made a faithful effort to increase the attendance at McKendree. But when September came, the college opened with about the usual number of students. At the end of the year, the total enrollment in all departments was two hundred and eight, which was a gain of six over the previous year. The gain was in the Preparatory Department, but it was so slight that it did not indicate that the young people were flocking to McKendree in any considerable number because there was a young man at the head of the institution. Of course there was much disappointment in cert.nn circles, probably more than was ever expressed by any of the friends of the institution, for even those who were disappointed were ready to admit that President Barr had done his best and that it was not his fault that the student body had not made a great increase. The year's work was ordinarily successful, but as usual the most of the enthusiasm of commencement week which carried him into a diflicult situation had vanished into thin air before college opened in the fall, but of course it left him in that situation. He made the best of it, worked hard, and accomplished results as great as his employers had a right to expect. The debt that was hanging like a pall over the institution was neither increased nor diminished during the year. The Board was careful to see that it did not increase by strictly observing the resolu' tion mentioned above in regard to the salaries of the faculty. And President Barr did not feel well enough acquainted with the constituency to undertake to raise money, even if his talent had lain in that direction. However, one important improvement was made in the physical equipment of the institution during his one year in charge. The old study hall was divided up into three rooms and devoted to the uses of the Science Department. A laboratory and two lecture rooms was more than the department had ever had before, and additional equipment for the laboratory was also secured. The credit for this advance belongs to President Barr and Professor Waggoner. They both devoted much of their vacation in the summer of 189J to this important expansion of the Science Department, which in later years led to still greater expansion of that department. Of course that ended the plan of holding chapel services in the old study hall. From that time on they were held in the chapel. It was not many years later that a steam heat plant was installed and that made the chapel habitable even in cold weather. Another good thing President Barr did for McKendree was to secure the services of Professor Edwin P. Baker to take charge of the Latin and German work in the fall of 189J. He has been in charge of the German Department ever since that time, except one year that he spent in Germany perfecting his knowledge of the German language. At the end of the year President B.irr felt that he should not delay his graduate work any longer, and therefore decided to leave

McKendree, and by several years of thorough university training, make further preparation for his educational career. Accordingly he entered Johns Hopkins University. But before completing the work leading to the doctor's degree, he accepted a position as professor of English in the high school at Newark, New Jersey. In this city he has given over thirty years to the cause of education, and is still in the service. At present he is Head Assistant of the Barringer High School in Newark, which was the third pubhc high school to be opened in the United States; and also Principal of the Barringer Evening High School, a fully accredited secondary school.

The year that President Barr was McKendree's chief officer. Miss Olive E. Harrison was in charge of the Department of Instrumental Music. She afterward became Mrs. Morris L. Barr.

Mrs. Kate G. Broaddus was the vocal teacher, as she had been for several years before. She taught voice in St. Louis for some years before she came to McKendree, but afterward moved to Lebanon with her family. One of her sons became a Captain in the Salvation Army.

Dean Edwin P. Baker, Ll. D.

DEAN EDWIN P. BAKER, LL. D. Edwin Percy Baker was born at Mechanicsville, Ohio, October ij, 1868. His parents were Rev. Edwin S. and Maria Anne (Norton) Baker, who were both native Americans. His father was a member of the East Ohio Conference of the Methodist Church and served continuously for twenty-seven years in the pastorate until his retirement in 1902. His death occurred only two years later, in 1904. Edwin attended the public schools in the various communities where he lived, the Preparatory School at Austinburg, the Canfield Normal College, and Ohio Wesleyan University, where he was graduated in 1893 with the degree of A. B. In the following September he became a member of the faculty at McKendree as Professor of Latin and German. In the summer of 1896 he attended the Amherst College School of Languages, and in the autumn he went to Europe for a year of travel and study. He spent the year chiefly in Berlin, where he was perfecting his knowledge of the German Language. He also visited Rome and other important cities. The following year he resumed his work in McKendree with German as his principal subject of instruction, and in this department his work has been continuous to the present time. After his year in Europe, McKendree conferred upon him the degree of A. M., and in the Centennial year that of LL. D. In addition to his teaching, he served many years as secretary of the faculty. In 1917 during Dr. Hurt's administration. Professor Baker was made Dean and Acting President of the college, which position he held for two years. During the first of these. Dr. Hurt was Nominal President, but was not present at the institution. He has continued in the office of Dean under the presidency of Dr. McCammon, and later under Dr. Harmon, to the present time.

Dean Baker was married in December, 1897, to Miss Mary S. King, of Canfield, Ohio. She was his efficient helpmeet and cheerful homemaker for the remainder of her life, which closed with her untimely death in June, 1919. She was educated in the Normal College, at Canfield. In Lebanon she was an active worker in the Methodist Church and the various organizations connected with it. She left one son, Lee Robert, who is now a Junior in McKendree. Dean Baker's mother, after the death of her husband, made her home with her son for a period of more than twenty years, until her death in December, 1927. Dean Baker has always shown a commendable public spirit, and is ever ready to lend his assistance to any community enterprise that is of the useful sort. He has been a member of the official Board of the Methodist Church for more than a quarter of a century. He served a term in the City Council and is a prominent member of the Masonic Fraternity.

The Class Of 1,S94 Rev. William C. Babcock

THE CLASS OF 1,S94 REV. WILLIAM C. BABCOCK William C. Babcock was born July 11, i860, at Cape May, New Jersey. He was educated in the public schools and Pennington Seminary, which prepared him for entrance to Princeton. At the age of eighteen, he held teacher's licenses in three counties. Later he became the author of two text-books for secondary schools. He received the degree of A. B. in 1882, and several years later enrolled for postgraduate work in McKendree, receiving the degree of A. M. in 1893 and Ph. D. m 1894. He also took a course in the study of law but has spent his professional life in the work of the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He became a member of the church at twelve years of age and joined the Baltimore Conference in 1886. He was married June II, 1889, and has two sons - Homer Eugene and Paul Milton. He is a member of the order of A. F. &? A. M. and of the Knights of Pythias. Besides his regular work in the ministry he has attended special lectures at Johns Hopkins University, and has done tutoring work in preparing stu- dents for entrance to Johns Hopkins, Goucher, Allegheny, Cornell, and University of Virginia. He has been a Ufelong total abstainer and an active worker in the cause of Prohibition.

Prof. George V. Buchanan Lemuel L. Cramp

George Victor Buchanan was born February 4, 1859, near Bellmont, Wabash County, Illinois. His parents were Hiram B. and Helen (Blood) Buchanan. He graduated from the Southern Illinois Normal University while Dr. AUyn was president. Some years later, after completing a non-residence course in History and Philosophy, McKendree conferred upon him the degree of A. M. in 1894. At that time he was Superintendent of Schools at Sedalia, Missouri. After fifteen years in this position, he occupied a similar one at Joplin, Mo. for five years, and was then elected Superintendent of Schools of Oklahoma City, Okla. He is a member of the Methodist Church, a Knight Templar, a Master Mason, and Scottish Rite Mason; he is also an Elk. He is a charter member of the National Society for the Scientific Study of Education, an active member of the National Educational Society, and the National Superintendents' Association. He was married in December, 1887, to Miss Hattie Starr, daughter of Judge C. R. Starr, of Kankakee, Illinois. They have two sons and five daughters. LEMUEL L. CRAMP

Lemuel L. Cramp, son of Rev. Lemuel and Susanna (Reed) Cramp, was bom at Mason, Illinois, September 29, 1867. He entered McKendree in 1888, and after attending at intervals as circumstances permitted, he graduated in 1894, receiving the degree of LL. B. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. After having studied law, he did not find the practice of it a congenial occupation. He was engaged for some years in mercantile pursuits, but for several years past has been engaged in teaching in the west. He is married and now lives in Colorado.

George E. Crosby

George Edward Crosby was born near O'Fallon, Illinois, July 18, 1869. He is the son of George T. and Hannah Crosby, who formerly conducted a nursery farm between O'Fallon and Lebanon. After attending the public schools, he entered McKendree and completed the Scientific Course in June, 1894, receiving the degree of B. S. He was a member of the Philosophian Society. Since his graduation, he has been for a great portion of the time in the employ of the International Coal and Mining Company. He was married November 9, 1907, to Miss Meta Ochs. They reside in O'F.iUon.

REV. JOHN W. CUMMINS, D. D. John Wesley Cummins was bom on a farm in Johnson County, Illinois, September i, 1866. He is a son of Daniel Thomas and Elizabeth Cummins. His father's people came from Wales to Virginia in an early day, and from there emigrated by way of Kentucky to Illinois. His mother's people came from England. As a boy, he attended the public schools. As a youth, before entering college, he began to exercise his gifts as a preacher. In fact, it seems to be a family characteristic. Five of his mother's sons are ministers of the gospel. He entered McKendree in 1888. After completing the Academic and College Courses, he graduated in 1894 with the degree of B. S. He was a member of the Pk' tonian Literary Society. He was married November 10, 1891, to Miss Katie Key, of Mayfield, Kentucky. Their two daughters have already passed on to the better world. Their three sons are Wendall, Wallace, and John. Mr. Cummins joined the Southern Illinois Conference in 189J. He had already served several charges before his graduation, among them Grayville and Enfield. After finishing his college course, he served the following important charges in the order named: McLeansboro, Olney, Mt. Carmel, and East St. Louis. He is now in the ninth year of a successful pastorate at Marion. In both Mt. Carmel and East St. Louis, he has entertained sessions of the Annual Conference. He is a member of the Masonic Fraternity. In 1910 his Alma Mater conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Dr. Cummins is in demand as a baccaleaureate preacher, Chautauqua lecturer, and other similar lines of service. He has been for many years Chairman of the Board of Examiners of the Southern Illinois Conference, and Dean of the Conference School of Theology, which meets at McKendree each summer.

William R. Dorris

WILLIAM R. DORRIS William Robert Dorris was born at Greencastle, Missouri. He IS a son of August and Elizabeth Dorris, the former being a native of Bremen, Germany, and the latter of Tennessee. He entered McKendree in 1888 and graduated in the class of 1894, receiving the degree of B. S. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He was married December 28, 1899, to Miss Alice Louden, of Lebanon, who was also a student in McKendree for some years. Their only son died in infancy. Mr. Dorris taught in the rural schools of St. Clair County from the time of his graduation till 1898. He was principal of the Okawville Schools for one year; and then became principal of the O'Fallon Schools, which position he held till 1903,, when he became cashier of the First National Bank of O'Fallon, where he is still employed. He was for some years a member of the O'Fallon Board of Education, and has been president of that body. He has for many years been secretary of the O'Fallon Building and Loan Association; and has been president of the O'Fallon Commercial Club. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He belongs to the A. F. 6? A. M., the R. A. M., and the I. O. O. F. lodges. He and Mrs. Dorris spent a summer touring Europe a few years ago.

Judge Leander O. Eagleton

JUDGE LEANDER O. EAGLETON Leander Oscar Eagleton was born February 22, 1868. He is a son of William and Sarah Eagleton, both native Americans. His father is of Scotch descent, and his mother's ancestors were Hollanders. He became a student in McKendree in 1890, and graduated in 1894, with the degree of B. S. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. In 1897 he graduated from the Law School of the Northwestern University, receiving the degree of LL. B. Mr. Eagleton was principal of the public schools at Enfield one year, but entered upon the practice of law in 1897, in the city of Peoria, which has been his business ever since. He was elected to the office of Supervisor in 1900, and Probate Judge in 1906. Judge Eagleton is now associated with Congressman Stone in the practice of law. He is a member of the Arcadia Presbyterian Church, the Masonic Order, K. of P., D. O. O. K., M. W. A., Court of Honor, Mystic Workers, L O. O. F., Creve Coeur Club, and Peoria Bar Association. He was married to Miss Minnie Pierce, who graduated from McKendree in the same class with him, June 14, 1894, just a few days after they had received their diplomas. They have four sons - Benjamin, William, Lee, and Clifford.

REV. ELLIS F. FOWLER, D. D. Ellis Frankhn Fowler was born in Newark, New Jersey. In addition to his general education, he received technical training in civil engineering and followed that line of work for a time. He also served as instructor in telegraphy and has held positions as mechanical engineer and locomotive engineer. Later he became a minister of the gospel, which profession he has followed for the past thirty years. He has been a member of the Newark Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the last twenty-five years. He received the degree of Ph. B. from McKendree in 1894. He also received from other institutions the degrees of Ph. D. and D. D. He was married November 12, 1879, to Miss Sarah D. Nichols. They have two sons, Elwood F. and Albert K. Dr. Fowler is a thirty-second degree Mason and a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Harry F. Gadeky Frederic B. Harding

Harry F. Gadeky was born at Trenton, Illinois. His parents were Louis and Alice Gadeky. He entered the Law Department of McKendree in 1892 and graduated in the class of 1894. receiving the degree of LL. B. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He was married January I, 1907, and has one daughter, Margaret, who was born April 6, 1909. After his graduation he was engaged for some time in mercantile business; was several years editor of the "Lebanon Leader." After that he went to CaUfornia and engaged in the real estate business. For a number of years he has been located in Los Angeles. He is a member of B. P. O. E., and the "Loyal Order of the Moose." FREDERIC B. HARDING

Frederic Benjamin Harding was born at Belleville, Illinois. His parents, William and Elizabeth Harding, were of English nationality. They were residents of Lebanon when Fred entered McKendree College in the fall of 1889. He graduated in 1894, receiving the degree of B. S., and in 1897, M. S. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. While still a student he took great interest in civic reforms and in 1890 was a candidate for Congress on the Prohibition ticket. He took a law course in Washington University and received the degree of LL. B. from that institution. He practiced law for some years in East St. Louis, and was a member of the firm of Harding Brothers, real estate dealers in that city. He was married in 1900 to Miss Mary E. Gohn. They have one daughter, Marion E. Harding. He died in E. St. Louis in 1924.

Walter C. Harding

Walter Charles Harding was born in Belleville, lUinois, January 14, 1873. He was a son of William and Elizabeth Harding, who were natives of England. He entered McKeO' dree in 1889 and graduated in 1894, receiving the degree of B. S. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society, and was full back on the McKendree foot ball team. After his graduation, he obtained a position as clerk in Danville, Illinois, which he held until the summer of 1897, when he was stricken with typhoid fever, which after a lingering illness proved fatal. His funeral was held at the First M. E. Church, Belleville, on Sunday, August 29, 1897. The interment was at Green Mount Cemetery.

Robert H. Harding

ROBERT H. HARDING Robert Henry Harding was born at Belleville, Illinois, January II, 1871 He is a son of William and Elizabeth Harding who were natives of Tomsbury, England. He became a student in McKendree in March 1889 and graduated in

June 1894, receiving the degree of A. B. In iSgi, on completion of the law course he was granted the degree of LL. B. and in 1897, A. M. He was a member of the Philosophian Literary Society. He was married March 8, 1898 to Miss Nina Theresa Jepson of Lebanon, also a graduate of McKendree in the class of 1893,. They have three children, Harold W., Nina Ruth (deceased 1925), and Robert J. Mr. Harding practiced law in East St. Louis from 1895 until 1902. Since that time he has been engaged in the real estate business as a member of the firm of Harding Brothers 6? Company. He has been an active worker in the cause of prohibition. In 1902 he was a candidate for the office of Clerk of the Supreme Court of Illinois, on the Prohibition ticket. From 1904 to 1908 he was a member of the State Central Committee of the Prohibition Party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcc pal Church.

Judge John E. Hillskoetter

JUDGE JOHN E. HILLSKOETTER John E. Hillskoetter was born at East Framington, Polk County, Wisconsin. His parents were natives of Germany. He became a student in the Law School of McKendree College in 1892 and after completing the course received the degree of LL. B. in 1894. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He was admitted to the bar and began the practice of law in Edwardsville, Illinois in 1894. He held the office of City Attorney of Edwardsville for two terms. In 1902 he was elected County Judge of Madison County and was re-elected in 1906 and 1910 by large majorities. He has held the office of president of the Association of County and Probate Judges of Illinois. He is a member of the following lodges: Masons, Odd Fellows, Red Men, Elks, and Knights of Pythias. He is a Republican in politics; and a member of the Edwardsville Commercial Club. He was married June 2j, 1903 to Miss Medora A. Judd. Their home is in Edwardsville.

REV. GEORGE E. McCAMMON, D. D. George Edward McCammon was born at Metropolis. Illinois, March 18, 1867. He is a son of M. E. and Mary E. McCammon who are both native Americans of Scotch' Irish descent. He entered McKendree in the fall of 1891 and graduated in 1894 receiving the degree of A. B. In 1910 he received the honorary degree of D. D. He was a member of the Platonian Literary Society. He has been for many years a member of McKendree's Joint Board as a Conference Visitor and in 1913 he was elected a Trustee of the college. After his graduation he, having already been received in full membership in the Southern Illinois Conference, was appointed pastor at Mound City where he continued for five years. He then spent a year at school in Garrett Biblical Institute. Then beginning 1900, he served the following charges: Du Quoin three years; Carbondale five years; East St. Louis one year; and Mount Vernon four years. In 19 13, he was appointed field secretary of the Wesley Foundation to provide for the religious welfare of the Methodist students at the University of Illinois. He was married to his present wife September 20, 1901. They have five children. He was elected president of McKendree in 1919. He will be further mentioned in the account of his administration.

Mrs. Minnie Pierce Eagleton Prof. Erwin H. Runkwitz

MRS. MINNIE PIERCE EAGLETON Minnie Augusta Pierce was born at Mt. Vernon, Illinois, November 9, 1870. By reason of having attended other schools, she was able to take advanced standing when she entered McKendree in 1892. and therefore graduated in 1894 with the degree of B. S. She was a member of the Clionian Literary Society. A few days after graduation, she wa= married to her classmate, L. O. Eagleton, June 14, 1894. PROF. ERWIN H. RUNKWITZ

Erwin Herman Runkwitz was born on a farm near Lebanon, where he now lives, February 16, 1872. He is the son of Herman Runkwitz, who died in 1897 and Aurelia Budina who lives in California. Mr. Runkwitz attended the country schools when a boy and then the Carbondale Normal for a time, after which he was a student in McKendree for several years, and a member of the Philo Society. He graduated in the class of 1894, receiving the degree of B. S. Three years later he received the degree of Master of Science from McKendree. Since 1895, Mr. Runkwitz has spent his life in educational work in the vicinity of his own home. For as much as a quarter of a century he has taught in the schools of O'Fallon, though for a while he taught in Lebanon. At present he is a member of the faculty in the O'Fallon Township High School. In his years of educational work, more than eight hundred pupils have come under his instruction. During all these years he has also supervised and managed his form which has been his pet' manent residence. He is a lover of nature and has made a number of interesting collections, such as birds" eggs, miner' als, etc., scientifically classified.

Prof, Andrew D. Warde

Mrs. Runkwitz was formerly Caroline Reuss, a daughter of Julius and Sophia (Engelman) Reuss, both of whom are still living at the old Reuss homestead. Caroline was born April 20, 1878, went through the public schools and attended McKendree College. She was graduated from the Music Department of McKendree in 1897, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Music. She was married to Prof. Runkwitz, July 20, 1898. Their three children are Alice, Erwin Herman, Jr , and Julius. The first two are both graduates of McKendree and the youngest has attended McKendree for one year. PROF, ANDREW D. WARDE

Andrew Daniel Warde was born at Hartwick, New York, January 20, 1864. He received his preliminary edu, cation in his native state, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1892. He did graduate work in McKendree, receiving the degree of M. S. in 1894 and some time later. Ph. D. He married Mary Ida Amos of Chicago. They have one son. Professor Warde has devoted his life to educational work, having taught for twelve years in his native state, several years in Scio College, and in recent years in Buena Vista College at Storm Lake, Iowa. He is a member of the Episcopal Church.

Fletcher Lummis West was born in the State of New Jersey m the year 1861. He is one of the four sons of John and Rebecca M. (Read) West, who were both both Americans. He took a teachers' course in a New Jersey State Normal School and spent some years in teaching.

In the early eighties, he came to Illinois. In 1884, he joined the Southern Illinois Conference. It was after he had preached several years that he took his courses at McKendree. He received the degree of B. S. in 1893 and later the degree of M. S. and Ph. D. He was for many years a member of Mc, Kendree's Joint Board of Trustees and Visitors, and served long as secretary of that body. He was an honorary member of both the Philosophian and Platonian Literary Societies, having been elected while he was pastor of the Lebanon M. E. Church. Other important pastorates were East St. Louis, Centralia, and Mt. Carmel. At the last named place he secured the erection of one of the best church buildings m the conference. He was also secretary of the Southern Illinois Conference. While still holding this position he was transferred in 190 1 to the Newark Conference. He entered the retired relation in 1927. He was married in 188s: to Miss Laura J. Howell. Their only son died in early childhood. REV. DR. CHARLES W. WYNANT

Mrs. Clara Zerweck Mason

Charles Wesley Wynant was born at Urbana, Ohio, October 2, 1862. He was the son of Rev. John Wesley and Hannah Wynant. He received his college education principally at Denison University, Granville, Ohio, a Baptist Institution. But the last year of his college course was taken at McKendree and he received the degree of B. S. in 1894. He was converted and joined the Baptist Church at the age of eighteen; but when he was twenty-three, became a member of the Methodist church, and after teaching several years he entered the ministry. He was a member of the Southern Illinois Conference six years. In May 1899, ^^ was transferred to the Northwest Kansas Conference and gave the remaining ten years of his life to the service of God and the church in that field. He was appointed by Bishop Joyce, presiding elder of the Concordia District. He was m his fourth year on the district when death ended his labors while at Ocean Grove, N. J., where he had gone as a member of the committee on the Ecumenical Conference, July 24, 1909. MRS. CLARA ZERWECK MASON

Clara Lee Zerweck was born at Lebanon, Illinois, February J, 1874. She is the eldest daughter of Louis and Mary E. (Thomas) Zerweck, who are both native Americans. Her father was born in Cleveland, Ohio. After passing through the pubUc schools of Lebanon she entered McKendree in 1889. She graduated m 1894, receiving the degree of B. S. She was a member of the Clionian Literary Society. She taught music for some years, and in January, 1909, she was married to Mr. L. W. Mason of Mayfield, Kentucky. They have one son. Lew Wallace Mason, Jr. Mrs. Mason is a member of the Presbyterian church and the Rebekah Lodge of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Mason has been for a number of years a teacher m the Lebanon Public Schools. Her son is a pupil in the high school.

The members of Dean Edwards evening classes in East St. Louis, which at that time constituted a regular division of the Law Department, were members of the graduating class of 1894 and all received the degree of LL. B. They all resided in East St. Louis at that time. Their names were as follows: J. Leon Benwell; Jesse W. Blythe; William Bott; Charles T. Gibson; William K. Hays; Andrew E. Henderson; Anthony A. Hunt; W. Fish McGinnitie; Thomas C. McHale; Maurice F. Tissier; Daniel G. Wuersch.