Clifton, Illinois

Kogers was class-leader. Kev. A. G. Goodspeed, now located at Odell, was appointed to this work in 1866, and remained here two years, during which time, by his earnest personal labors, the fine church was built here and the infant church organization at Clifton was greatly strengthened. A subscription had been started by his predecessor. Mr. Goodspeed failed to raise the money to purchase material, but went to Chicago and bought the lumber, on three-months time, of an entire stranger, upon his own personal pledge of payment. He secured a reduction in freight, and hired Charles Martin to superintend the work, which was all done by the day. The building in this way was put up at a cost of $2,775, including all the furniture required, and bible, which was considerably less than any contract offered. It is needless to say, of course, that the people of Chebanse responded willingly, so that Mr. Goodspeed's pledge was made good without any inconvenience to him. The building is 32x55. The lot was donated by the railroad company. C. E. Howe is the present pastor. The other preaching points are at Leggett's and Warren's school-houses. The present membership is sixty. The parsonage was built about 1863. The Sabbath school is under the superintendency of Mr. Chapman.

Passage source: History of Iroquois County, Together with Historic Notes on the Northwest, Gleaned from Early Authors, Old Maps and Manuscripts, Private and Official Correspondence, and Other Authentic, Though, for the Most Part, Out-of-the-way Sources, published 1880.

Those contemplating the organization of the Congregational church met at the house of R. S. Laughlin, Esq., September 6, 1868. Mr. Laughlin acted as chairman, and H. C. Wycoff as secretary. A council was called to meet October 27, at which time the following delegates from sister churches were present : Rev. Mr. Brundage, of Paxton ; Rev. Mr. Watson, of Loda ; Rev. Mr. Beecher, of Kankakee ; Rev. Mr. Wycoff. of Monee ; and brothers Lyons, of Clifton, and Brown, of Pilot. Rev. Mr. Brundage was appointed to preach the sermon, and Mr. Beecher to extend the right hand of fellowship. The church was then organized with the following members : R. S. Laughlin, D. Roadifer, W. O. Roadifer, M. Elliott, H. G. Wycoff, Samuel Kingsbury, S. Robinson, Rhoda Roadifer, Lavina Kingsbury, Emily Laughlin, Harriet Laughlin, Helen Roadifer. Martha Elliott, Mary S. Robinson and Martha Burroughs. December 10 the following officers were elected : R. S. Laughlin, D. Roadifer and S. Robinson, trustees ; M. Elliott and W. O. Roadifer, deacons; H. G. Wycoff, clerk and treasurer. Rev. Daniel R. Miller served as pastor one year from December 1, 1868. The congregation worshiped half a year in Porch's Hall, then one year in the Baptist Church, and for a few months in the Methodist Church. A. J. Ford, D. Roadifer, James Flemming, J. M. Burroughs and F. J. Taylor were appointed a building committee. They purchased a lot and proceeded to build the church, 32x45, which is well seated and neatly furnished, at a cost of $2,400. Rev. George F. Chipperfield, of the seminary, commenced his labors here April 1, 1878, and continues to preach alternately here and at Clifton. Mrs. Burroughs is clerk of the church. The membership is 43. The church was dedicated in August, 1872, free of debt. The Sabbath school numbered sixty-four when organized. Mr. Rowell is superintendent.

Passage source: History of Iroquois County, Together with Historic Notes on the Northwest, Gleaned from Early Authors, Old Maps and Manuscripts, Private and Official Correspondence, and Other Authentic, Though, for the Most Part, Out-of-the-way Sources, published 1880.

The earliest services of the Catholics here were held in the house of William O'Rourk. Father Pernin had charge of the mission, though before him Father Yanderpool, who was the resident priest at L'Erable, said Mass here occasionally. The church (St. Mary and Joseph) was built in 1867 or 1868, while Father Pernin was here. It is 32x60, with cupola and bell, and cost $2,500. Father Schroudenbach was the first resident priest in 1870, for one year. 'After him Father Kukan- buch served the church here for two years, and since that Father Gonant for seven years. The church at Clifton is also under the charge of the same clergyman. The parsonage was built in 1873 at a cost of $1,300. There are about one hundred families within the bounds of this charge, who attend divine worship here, and a more numerous congregation at Clifton. The members of this church organized, April 7, 1878, the Chebanse Father Mathew Total Abstinence Society : Father Gonant, president; Frank Hennessy, vice-president; John Mahoney, second vice-president; Patrick Murphy, secretary; William Burke, treasurer. The society numbers sixty members, and has recently established a library. It is in efficient working order, and is accomplishing much good.

Passage source: History of Iroquois County, Together with Historic Notes on the Northwest, Gleaned from Early Authors, Old Maps and Manuscripts, Private and Official Correspondence, and Other Authentic, Though, for the Most Part, Out-of-the-way Sources, published 1880.

Machine-read from a century-old scan, so expect the errors a machine makes: misspelled names, dropped words, stray characters.

Read the whole chapter on Chebanse Township - it names this place 24 more 24 times.