Bloomington City Township (part 3 of 5)

Our sketch merely hints at a few of the attempts that have been made to organize different churches in Bloomington. In fact, we have no doubt these sectarian efforts could be numbered by scores, and, if all were hunted up and catalogued, a very interesting chapter would be the result. We have referred to a few in order to bring prominently before our readers the fact that strenuous efforts have been made to cultivate the religious field. Of the good seed planted in the past, we are proud to record the evidences of the proper maturing of a fair proportion.

It is impossible to give even a tolerably correct sketch of the different churches of this city. In many cases the history of these institutions has- not been preserved, and in others there have been such changes, suspensions, consolidations, divisions and removals that we despair of doing justice to the great subject. We give merely a few fragments, beseeching the charity and good-will of all who have ever attempted work of this character. The founders of Bloomington left no effort untried to affect favorably the morals and religion of this community. From their little means, needed so much for daily wants and improvements, they freely gave liberally toward building and supporting churches. They were inspired with zeal in the cause of the Master, were aided by the most active and self-denying ministry, and could see a promise of better days when the town should become more fully peopled with families of wealth and culture. Each denomination made great efforts for supremacy. All were equally active, and at this time we see the good results of the hard labors of the early Christians.

The pioneer of Christianity in this locality, was, of course, the Methodist Church. Mr. John Hendrix, who came to Blooming Grove in 1822, was a consistent, devoted Methodist, and for a long time his house was the preaching-place of the neighborhood. It appears he invited Rev. James Stringfield, who was visiting at Randolph Grove, from Kentucky, and this gentleman preached the first sermon in the limits of the town of Bloomington, in 1823, at Mr. Hendrix's cabin. Some think that Rev. Jesse Walker, the regular supply of the Peoria Circuit, should be entitled to the honor of preaching the first sermon, he having preached at Mr. Hendrix's house in 1824. Blooming Grove was made a preaching-place, in Peoria Mission, as early as 1824, during which year, at the house of John Hendrix, the first Methodist class was formed, which contained about ten members. This class was the Methodist Church of Blooming Grove, for several years. In 1831, preaching was commenced in the then new village of Bloomington, at the schoolhouse at the corner of Olive and Main streets, where the marble-shop now stands. Rev. William Crissey preached here in November, having previously delivered at least one sermon in the limits of Bloomington, which was on the 9th of October, 1831. There appears to have been a class organized here in Bloomington about the close of 1831, and until the year 1837, Bloomington and Blooming- Grove were two distinct charges, when, under Rev. S. W. D. Chase, they were united. The two charges united in building a church at the southeast corner of Olive and Main streets, in 1836, when a plain building, 32x44 feet was built, under the charge of Rev. Zadoc Hall. Methodism grew and prospered at this location, until the year 1851, when the brick church, corner of Washington and East streets, was finished. This was a very large church for the times. Thomas Williams was contractor. This was occupied by the denomination from that date until 1875. About 1870, it becume apparent that this building was altogether inadequate for the accommodation of the rapidly-increasing congregation, and plans were made for the construction of the present church-building. On September 29, 1873, the corner-stone was laid with imposing ceremonies, under the direction of Bishop Wiley, of St. Louis. In October, 1875, the basement auditorium was completed, and appropriate dedication exercises were conducted by prominent ministers from this and other States, in the presence of an immense congregation. As an example of Methodist liberality, 89,000 were raised by subscription in less than two hours, at these exercises. This msignificent church-edifice, as it now stands, completed, is one of the beauties of Bloomington ; it is a model of architectural symmetry and beauty. The main auditorium is a spacious room, easy of access, with seating capacity for 1,250. It is handsomely decorated with appropriate designs. The basement auditorium is conveniently arranged, neatly finished and has seating capacity for 700. In addition to these, there are classrooms and various other apartments for the accommodation of the communicants. The society has recently purchased and placed in position an immense organ. It is the largest in the State, outside of Chicago. The total valuation of the church building and lot was estimated, three years ago, at $55,000. The total member - ship is something over 800. Its present Pastor is Rev. Mr. McElroy.

The University Methodist Church was organized October 7, 1867. It worships in the chapel of the University - a fine room, with capacity for 800, or with the gallery, which can be used if needed, an audience of 1,500 can be accommodated. There are about 250 church-members. Rev. J. A. Kumler is the Pastor in charge. This Church is a great convenience to the lay population in the north part of the city, especially to the students of the college.

The German Methodist Church is well established; is situated on Center street, between North and Market. It was organized iu 1854, by Dr. J. Schmidt, of Quincy, 111. It is one of the earliest of any of the Grerman organizations of Bloomington. Rev. J. H. Thomas is Pastor, and there are 110 members.

The African Methodist Church is on North Center street. It was organized in 1847, by Rev. P. H. Ward, and contains 100 members. Its first church-edifice was built in 1848. and, in 1859, it was removed to the side of the lot and has since been used as a parsonage. A new church was built in that year, which was considerably enlarged in 1871. Its cost was about $3,000. Rev. C. S. Jacobs is the Pastor in charge.

The First Presbyterian Church was organized January 26, 1833, by the Rev. Calvin W. Babbett. Its house of worship was not erected until about 1840, when the division between the Old and New Schools occurred. This Church was attached to the Old School, though it was not until 1855 that a New-School Church was formally organized.

The First Church has been the parent of Orthodox Congregationalism and Presbyterianism in Bloomington. At least three difiierent churches have sprung from this organization, though only one has become permanent. During the pastorate of the Rev. H. R. Price, an addition was made to the old building, and its seating capacity increased to about five hundred. When the Old and New Schools were united, a few years ago, the First Church took the title to which it was entitled by seniority. For many years, it was known as the Old-School Presbyterian Church of Bloomington, and was a pioneer in deed and in truth. The Rev. J. B. Thayer is the present Pastor of the First Church.

The First Church, as originally built, was quite small. In 1855, the rapid growth of the city made an opening for more churches, and on the^®l3CSS«*nhfcry, 1855, the New-School or Second Presbyterian Church was organized, in Major's Hall, corner of Front and East streets. This hall was at that time in the third story, since removed, and was very large and pleasant. Rev. Alfred Eddy was the Pastor. Here, the congregation worshiped until about the time the building was used by the State Normal University, in the fall of 1857. In 1856, the Church commenced their new house of worship, which was finished in 1857. Its total cost has been over $20,000, including the recent addition, which has increased its seating capacity to 650. This Church has been very fortunate in its Pastors, having had but four different ministers in the course of the twenty-four years of its life. Originally of the New School, it has now become the Second Presbyterian. This Church possesses a very fair proportion of the education, talent and wealth of the city and may be called established. Its present Pastor is the Rev. J. W. Dinsmore.

The Third Presbyterian, generally called the North Church, was organized Apri^ 26, 1875. Their house of worship is on East Locust street, near Main, and is a very comfortable and tasteful building. The value of church property, including buildings and srounds, is nearly §10,000. The membership is between seventy and one hundred. The Baptist is one of the pioneer churches, having been organized in 1837. About this time, their first church-building was erected upon two lots donated by James AlUn, at the northeast corner of North and West streets ; afterward, moved to Madison between Front and Grove, where the church used it several years. In 1857, the large building at the corner of Madison and Jeiferson, now occupied by the society, was commenced, and so far completed as to be used in part in the year 1858. The old church on South Madison was sold to the German Turners, who now use it as a hall. The present membership of the Baptist Church is about 550, and during its existence, over 1,600 persons have been members. The pastors of this church have taken a leading place in the history of Bloomington, and one of them. Rev. H. J. Eddy, was Chaplain of the Thirty - third Regiment Illinois Volunteers. The membership has always been among our best inhabitants, and their zeal and devotion to the cause of their Master have been remarkable. At one time this Church maintained two mission Sabbath schools, one of which, the West Mission, has now developed into a German Baptist Church, with a settled pastor. It is located at 1,302 West Locust street. Rev. Henry Wernicke is the Pastor; it contains thirty-three members. The South Mission is on Boone .street, between Hardin and Fremont, and is sustained by the Baptist Church. The present Pastor of the Baptist Church is Rev. 0. B. Stone. This Church assisted in the organization of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church (colored), which was started in 1866. Its first Pastor was the Rev. Thomas Reasoner. Its place of worship is on South Lee street, where it possesses a comfortable church, erected in 1869. Rev. Mr. Harrison is its present Pastor, and there are between ninety and one hundred members.

The Christian Church, comprising the followers of Alexander Campbell, with others of similar views, is also a pioneer, having been organized in 1839; and, like its predecessors, the Baptist and Presbyterian, was organized in the old Foster Seminary on East Olive street. Its first house of worship was built in the hard times of 1841, on East street, in the rear of Major's Block. William T. Major was its first Pastor. About the year 1856, the present Christian Church building, at the corner of West and Jeft'erson. was erected ; and, for a time, there were two vigorous Christian Churches existing in this city. Before the year 1864, the two churches were united; the old church was sold to the Lutherans ; removed by them to the corner of Olive and Madison ; and the united Christian Church has become one of the most powerful in the city. It is one of the leading churches of this denomination in the West. It is now under charge of Dr. A. I. Hobbs. Olive Mission, corner of South Grove and Vine streets, is in charge of this Church. Outside of the city there are two churches of this denomination. Grassy Ridge Christian Church, organized 1854, is near the .south line of the township, under the charge of Rev. Mr. Berry, who also has the care of the church at Shirley. The (irassy Ridge Church has about seventy members. Blooming Grove Christian Church has a neat building, erected in 1873, at a cost of about $1,300. It is in the Cox and Orcndorff neighborhood, the true historic center of Bloomington, at the east side of Blooming Grove. Its members number about one hundred.

The Free Congregational Church was organized August 14, 1859. Among its first members we find the names of Jesse W. Fell, K. H. Fell, C Wakefield, E. Barber, Robert Thompson, W. Perry, F. K. Phoenix, H. N. Pearse, Jesse Bishop, E.

M. Prince, C. P. Merriman,^ John L. Routt, M. Pike, 0. Barnard, Francis Barnard, William Rowley and others. These gentlemen were willing to unite in a declaration of views which committed the new society to the platform of Liberal Christianity. Though not strictly a Unitarian Church, it comes, perhaps, nearer to that denomination than any other. The church-building is owned by stockholders in rather a different manner from the method which is most common. Rev. Charles Gr. Ames, of Minneapolis, Minn., was the first minister. He was a man of great force and power. He has been succeeded generally by able men. Probably about four hundred people attend this Church. The church-edifice was erected about the year 1866 ; it will seat nearlyfive hundred persons. Its present Pastor is the Rev. J. S. Thompson. St. Matthew's Episcopal Church was organized July 31, 1853. In 1857, a lot was purchased at the southeast corner of Prairie and Jefferson streets, and plans were adopted for a church, but the financial crisis of that year was the reason for abandoning the enterprise and the lot was sold. After worshiping in different halls, the parish purchased in 1865, the old Congregational Church, corner of West and Washington. In July, 1874, the Vestry purchased the lot at the northwest corner of Jefferson and Prairie streets, where, in the year 1876, the present fine structure was erected. The building will cost when completed, about $20,000. There are about one hundred and sixty communicants of the Church, and the congregation will number about four hundred. The church is large enough to seat about six hundred persons.

The German Lutheran (Trinity) Church is at the corner of Olive and Madison. About one hundred and twenty-five families - all of them among the most worthy and industrious of our citizens - attend upon the ministrations of the Pastor, Rev. E. Riedel. A day school has been connected with this Church much of the time since its organization in 1858.

The Swedish Lutheran Church is newly established, having erected its house of worship at 804 West Olive street, in the summer of 1877. Its Pastor is the Rev. P. J. Brodine. The regular membership is about eighty. The Church was organized December 8, 1872. with thirty-eight members. It joined the Augustan Synod in 1873.

The Roman Catholic Church was organized in 1855 by Father Bernard O'Hara It was called Holy Trinity - now the Church of the Immaculate Conception. At first it purchased and used the old M. E. Church, corner Olive and Main streets, but it very rapidly outgrew its accommodations.

In 1869, a new building was being erected at the site of the present cathedral, when a gust of wind, nearly equal to a tornado, leveled the structure to the earth. Its walls were up and the roof on, and the damage was over $20,000. Undaunted, the congregation persevered with the work on a much more expensive plan, and now have the satisfaction of worshiping in an elegant building, which, when finished, with its 208-feet-high spire and everything as designed by the architect, it will be one of the most beautiful ornaments of which Bloomington can boast.

The new cathedral is a magnificent piece of architecture, in the Romanesque style. Its dimensions are 213 feet in length and 80 feet in width. The estimated cost, when fully completed, is about $150,000. It will be one of the finest cathedrals in all Illinois. For several years back, the society has occupied the basement auditorium as a temporary place of worship, but, within the past year, the outer walls have been completed and the roof placed in position, thus inclosing the main audience-room. This is a spacious apartment, 213 feet in length, 80 feet in width, and 52 from the floor to the ceiling. It is provided with a large octagonal chancel and two large galleries. It will have ample seating accommodation for 2,500 persons. Father McDermott is in charge of the Church. The total number of members of this Church, with their families, is not far from six thousand.

The German Catholic Church was built about the year 1871. It is situated on North Water street, which is in the southwest part of the city. W. J. Revis is in charge. This is a growing Church. It is known as St. Mary's German Catholic Church.

Bloomington Sabbath Schools

At the time Bloomington was first settled, Sabbath schools were a new thing all over the country. Like the temperance movement, it was not quite clear whether they were to be an educational improvement mainly, or to partake of a moral as well as of a religious character. The conservatism of the community naturally arrayed itself against Sabbath schools, as against everything that was new and novel, and the labors of the originators of these institutions were, at times, severe as well as unappreciated. We have requested a statement on this subject, which was kindly furnished by that veteran in the good cause, Mr. A. C. Washburne :

" April 8, 1832, I went to the schoolhouse (a log cabin) to attend Sabbath school, agreeable to an appointment made by Mr. Latta, a local preacher of the Methodist order. But few were present. A question arose as to the manner of conducting the school. Previous to this, for a short time, a gentleman of intelligence, but not a professor of religion, had met a few children on the Sabbath, and instructed them in reading and singing. Some desired a school of a more decided, religious character, while others preferred the present arrangement. A meeting was appointed for Monday night to settle this question.

" April 9. Meeting was held, agreeable to notice, and, as a result, I was appointed Superintendent, and the entire management of the school placed in my hands.

" April 15. Commenced a Sabbath school upon strictly religious, but not sectarian, principles. For some months I had no assistance, and the attendance of pupils was from twenty to thirty. At length, I obtained the assistance of two young ladies. Misses Durley and Kimler, who did eflBcient work in the school. To show the state of society at that time, permit me to say that the employment of these ladies in the school caused considerable low gossip in U)wn, although they belonged to respectable families, and were of irreproachable character.

*' I continued this school until the spring of 1833, when, about to visit the East, I left it in charge of Mr. McGeoh, a Presbyterian clergyman, who had recently located in Bloomington. I returned in the fall of the same year and found the school broken up, Mr. McGeoh having died in my absence. Very soon I made arrangements to revive the school, and have it meet at our residence, as the most convenient place for the winter. With the assistance of my wife, we had what was, to me, a very interesting school.

" When I returned from the East, I brought out a second-hand library, and the books were read with avidity. One bright-eyed little girl took a book, and, on returning it, was asked if she had read it through. She replied, ' O yes ; I read it through a heap of times.'

" Tn the spring of 1834, the Rev. L. Foster and wife located in Bloomington, and I gave the school into their hands. During the summers of 1834 and 1835, 1 was away most of the time. In the spring of 1836, I was again chosen Superintendent, and had charge of the school for two years. During this time, the first colored family having children of suitable age to attend school, settled in town. I invited them into the school, which caused quite a little excitement. I could get no one to teach them, therefore I did it myself, giving all the time to them I could spare from other duties. Prejudice against them was so high that some left the school, but I do not think it sustained any great loss.

"In the spring of 1838, a Mr. Barbour was chosen Superintendent. In 1839, the Methodists organized a denominational school, which drew large numbers from the other, which had up to this time been called a union school, although managed mostly by Presbyterians. From this time forward, the old organization took on a denominational character, and, with slight interruptions, has been continued to the present time - 1879 - so that the Sabbath school of the old First Presbyterian Church may rightfully claim direct lineal descent from the first Sabbath school organized in Bloomington. Thus, from a very small beginning it has grown, I trust, to a healthful, yet ever increasing, institution for the promotion of religious knowledge.

From and after this time, or from 1839, all the churches began to establish their own Sabbath schools, and the history of each individual church may be assumed to include the history of its own Sabbath school without doing much violence to history ; hence we shall not pursue the subject.

We have stated elsewhere that the first cemetery laid out in the township of Bloomington, is the one in the Orendorfi" neighborhood, started in the year 1825. This is oldest cemetery in the county.

Shortly after the town, now city, of Bloomington, was established, a cemetery was opened on the north side of the ample grounds now known as the Bloomington Cemetery. Here we find that the first burial was that of Mrs. Remington, about the year 1832. This tract is included within the same inclosure with the Bloomington Cemetery, and contains some land owned by the city and used as a public burying-ground. As the town grew and it became evident it would be a place of considerable size, efforts were made in 1856 to establish a cemetery on a larger and more appropriate scale, and the result proves the good taste, wisdom and judgment of those interested.

The Bloomington Cemetery Association was organized April 1, 1857. David Brier, Esq., was elected President, and L. Graves, Secretary and Treasurer, which position the latter gentleman has ably filled and is filling to the entire satisfaction of all ; while the former gentleman held the presidency until he removed from the city, when Judge 0. T. Reeves was elect to that position. The Cemetery grounds are located at the east end of Fremont street, and contain forty acres, and are sufiiciently remote from the business center and every-day life as to render the place a fitting abode of the dead. The site chosen is a beautiful one. Its rolling ground is pleasing and is interspersed with a natural growth of trees and shrubs, making its landscape beauty unsurpassed for the purpose designed. It is a beautiful, secluded retreat, well adapted as a sacred spot for the reception of the dead-, where monuments to their memory are preserved andT cherished as a solace to the living. Many monuments and other valuable improvementsare being made, which add beauty to and adorn the grounds, making it really a city of the dead.

The Catholic Cemetery is under the care of the Church. It is situated on West Washington street, near the city limits. This Cemetery, like the other, is fast filling up with tasteful monuments, which indicate a degree of civilization and culture greatly to be commended.

The Jewish Cemetery was laid out in 1874. It contains one acre of ground, near city limits, on the Springfield road. The President of the Association is M. Heilbrun, who first proposed the idea of a cemetery.

Franklin Park

Bloomington has reason to be proud of the beautiful square called Franklin Park, which is in the northern part of the city. It was donated in 1856, by David Davis, W. T. Flagg and William H. Allin, who were owners of the land included in the Durley Addition. They presented it to the city to be perpetually used as a public park. At that time, there were no residences in its vicinity, and the idea of the public ever obtaining any benefit from a park in that desolate region was the theme of much ridicule on the part of the wits of the time. The rapid growth of the city in its northern portion has proved the wisdom and far-sightedness of the donors of Franklin Park. In the spring of 1858, the City Council approi^riated money for planting trees, and the work was mostly superintended by Milo Chatfield, then Alderman. The trees were mere poles, and their wretched appearance again started the flood-gates of ridicule. These trees have now become a beautiful forest, and the place begins to be prized by our citizens, and will, no doubt, soon be improved with walks, drives, seats, iron fences, statues and fountains.

It can already boast of one of the noblest ornaments of McLean County, the Soldiers' Monument, which was erected by vote of the people of the entire county. The vote was taken in 18G6, and the monument was dedicated June 17,1869. In some parts of the county, votes were cast against the proposition, on the ground that it wa» supposed the monument was to be placed in the Bloomington Cemetery, but there never was any intention of such a location.

The monument was designed and built by J. S. Haldeman, of this city. The fallowing is a detailed sketch of its size and general appearance : The lower base is built of Lemont limestone, thirteen feet in diameter ; the marble haae on the top of this is finished with a heavy carved molding, on which stand four octagonal disks, in the shape of a cross. On these disks are the names of about seven hundred soldiers that died in the service. On the top of these disks is an elaborately molded cap, with the inscription, "McLean County's Honored Sons; Fallen, But Not Forgotten," engraved in large letters. On this cap, and directly over each of the four disks, stands a .statue of a .soldier, representing first, Infantry, second. Cavalry, third, Zouave, fourth, Marine. These statues surround a large octagonal disk, with heavy relief covering. On the four corners there are flags, accoutrements, etc. Above this disk is a second disk surrounded with a finely-carved festoon of laurel. From this disk starts the main shaft, which is eighteen feet high, tapering gradually to the top, and surmounted with a

Soldiers Monument

and a life-size figure of a colonel resting on his sword, holding in his right hand a field-glass, and facing the south. The whole height of the monument is forty-nine feet from the ground to the top of the colonel's head. It cost $15,000.

We have already alluded to the fact, that Bloomington was a center of the projected railroad system of the Internal Improvement scheme of 1836. The Illinois Central, as then proposed, might pass a good way to the east, or a long distance to the west of our city, but men like A. Gridley, Jesse W. Fell, David Davis, J. E. McClun, and others were watching the project, determined that the line should touch Bloomington, if they could have influence. Circumstances favored Gen Gridley, who was in the State Senate in 1851, and he secured the line where Bloomington most wished it to be located.

Our citizens began to feel, in 1850, when legislation and the progress of railroading made it probable the road might be built in a few years, that it was vitally important to obtain the line. The Senatorial contest in this district, in the fall of 1850, was hotly contested between A. Gridley and John W. Ewing - the former a Whig, and the latter a Democrat. Both men were in favor of Bloomington's becoming a point on the road, though the respective political parties aifected to doubt the soundness of each other's candidates. Mr. Gridley was elected from the counties of McLean, Tazewell, Logan, Macon and DeWitt, by 249 majority. During the session of the Legislature of 1850 and 1851, the Illinois Central charter was passed. The only points located in the charter are the termini, and a point not far from the southeast corner of Bloomington Township. After a severe contest with rival routes, Mr. Gridley secured the insertion of this one intermediate point, which gave Decatur, Clinton and Bloomington the road with little further trouble.

The Senate, this moment, by a vote of 23 to 2, has passed the Central Railroad bill. The only point made on the Central road, between the southern terminus of the canal and Cairo is, that the road shall be constructed within five miles of the northeast corner of Township 21 north, Range 2 east of the Third Principal Meridian. This provision secures the road to Bloomington, Clinton and Decatur beyond all question, and secures the construction of the great Central road through the three counties of McLean, DeAVitt and Macon. The great diiBculty has been in determining the points to which the road should be constructed ; and inasmuch as there has been but one point fixed in the whole State (except the termini as fixed by the act of Congress;, I think the citizens of said counties are fortunate that by the provisions of this bill this ^reat road is secured to them.

By reference to the map, as the road will not go east of the northeast corner of Town 21, Range 2 east, you will see that Bloomington is in a direct line from four miles west of said northeast corner to La Salle, or the termination of the canal, which secures the road to Bloomington.

The Legislature will adjourn on Monday, the 17th. I am also of opinion that the bill (which some days since passed the Senate) extending the charter of the Alton & Sangamon Railroad Company to Bloomington, will pass the House and become a law ; in which event I am assured by the agent of the Company, that the road will be constructed and completed in two years. I take this earliest opportunity to advise you, and through you to advise my fellow-citizens of McLean and other counties of the Eleventh Senatorial District, of the progress of the Legislature upon the subject of railroads, well knowing their deep and abiding anxiety therein. Trusting that my feeble efforts in their behalf may meet their approbation, I am.

When the engineers came to locate the line of the Illinois Central, a public meetin'' was held, offering the right of way to the company providing a certain line was adopted, it being almost the exact route which was afterward followed. There was a plan to take the road about three miles east of Bloomington, but it was defeated. The line was located as it was built and its building, commenced in 1851. During the year 1852, work was going on along in this portion of the State, and, it being the first railroad ever built here, it of course attracted a great deal of attention. At one time, there was a scheme for locating the railroad-shops here, but for the reason that the company itself did not own land enough at this point to reap a harvest from the sale of town lots, it preferred to build a town of its own at Wapella. The cars ran from La Salle to Bloominirton May 23, 1853. It is stated by those who were living at the time, that no event has ever created such profound excitement as did the arrival of the first railroad train from La Salle on the Illinois Central Railroad. Bloomington and the surrounding country turned out en masse, waiting at the depot for the new-fangled machine that dispensed with the aid of horses. There were large numbers present who had never seen an engine before, and to all, even those to whom it was no novelty, the event was one of the deepest significance. Bloomington, after nearly twenty years of watchin", working and waiting, had now a railroad, and was about to enter upon an active career. To the minds of all who were present on that occasion, it was the dawning of a new era of prosperity for our city, and the result of twenty-six years of railroad advantages is sufficient proof that the spectators of that event were correct in their anticipations.

About this time - 1850 to 1853 - several other railroad projects were before our people. One was the " Peoria, Bloomington & La Fayette " and another the " Bloomington & Wabash Valley." The former really became the Peoria & Logansport through El Paso and Chenoa, after Bloomington people had been rather tricked out of the line by the actions of Peoria. The names of the gentlemen who were mentioned in the act of incorporation of the " Bloomington & Wabash Valley " road are given below, and we insert as a remark of our own, that the most of these same men have been found aiding every road that Bloomington possesses to-day : David Davis, John Moore, Isaac Funk, John E. McClun, James Miller, Jesse W. Fell, A. Gridley, K. H. Fell, E. H. Didlake, J. H. Robinson, R. O. Warriner, A. Withers, John W. Ewing, W. F. Flagg, W. H. Temple, W. H. Holmes and W. T. Major.

These two roads mentioned, however, have substantially been secured by the Indianapolis and La Fayette routes, which have lately been built on nearly the same lines as were projected in these early times. These years - 1850 to 1853 - were fruitful in "projects" for railroad.^, and, in fact, fruitful in results. October 15, 1853, by a vote of 340 to 5, the city of Bloomington voted to take stock to the amount of $50,000 in the " Bloomington & Wabash" road, but for some reason the project failed at that time, to be revived again under another charter at a later date. Its line has since been occupied substantially, by the present Indianapolis & Bloomington road, who.«e later history is given below.

The "Alttm & Sangamon," or -- Chicago & Mississippi" Railroad, alluded to by Gen. Gridley above,- succeeded in getting its charter extended to Bloomington, and very soon our citizens began to hear of the location of the Springfield & Bloomington Railroad. Surveys were made, the line put under contract, and in due course of time

- October 16, 1853 - the cars were running from Springfield to Bloomington. For several months, trains connected with the Illinois Central at the Junction which is now Normal, and passengers from Springfield could reach Chicago via Bloomington and La Salle. At that time, the line which is now the Chicago & Alton, advertised in a Bloomington paper to take passengers to New York in " only sixty hours."

This new road came quietly, compared with the Illinois Central ; the latter had been talked of ever since 1836, and the former was comparatively unknown to the general public until its contractors were at work all along the line. When it arrived, it almost took the town by surprise. As the road reached Bloomington late in the fall, it was not able to finish its northern end until the following summer ; and the Joliet & Bloomington Extension - as it was called - was ready for use during the summer of 1854. The portion nearest Bloomington was built first, and wa& so far along that an excursiontrain ran to Lexington on the 4th of July, 1854. The Joliet & Chicago Railroad had been built previously, and we believe the Chicago & Alton Railroad, from Chicago to East St. Louis, has been built under at least five different charters, each authorizing only a portion of the present line.

When the Illinois Central depot was located at the eastern side of town, the idea of locating the other at or outside of the western edge was advocated by Jesse Fell and others, and though not popular at first, it was soon thought that if the two depots were thus situated, the town would be spread out wide and in the end might be benefited.

By donations of land and assistance in other ways, these gentlemen also secured the building of the railroad machine-shops in 1852 and 1853, which, in the end, have become so highly important to the prosperity of Bloomington, which owes a debt of gratitude to these far-seeing gentlemen. The location of the shops made Bloomington x a convenient point for the starting of the Jacksonville branch in 1867, and then the - V building of this branch made it comparatively easy for Bloomington to obtain the rebuilding of the machine-shops after the fire in 1867, when, but for the fact of the junction here, we should have been compelled to pay much more than $55,000 in competition with Chicago, Lincoln, Springfield and Joliet. When the Jacksonville branch was built in 1867, Bloomington was obliged to vote $75,000 in aid, which was given, \ half by the city and the balance by the township of Bloomington. Nearly three hundred votes were cast against this proposition, but the majority in its favor was several hundred, our voters seeing so plainly the advantages of the road that they did not dare risk its loss by an adverse vote. It is almost certain that the line would have run directly north from Delavan to Washington, had Bloomington and the towns intervening voted the project down.

It had now become the ambition of Bloomington to be a great railroad center, and it needed no argument to convince the public in 1867, that our interests would be subserved by building any road that might be projected. The plan for a railroad from Pekin through Bloomington, Le Roy, Urbana and Danville, had been proposed as early as 1836, and at about that time twelve miles were graded east from Pekin. This was a failure, owing to the crash that involved all these enterprises before 1840, and the project was nearly dormant until 1866, though it was revived in 1854, and again in 1856, a meeting having been held January 24, 1856, at Mackinaw, to. aid the matter, and another a little later, on the east end of the line, which was then called the Danville &

Bloomington Railroad. A charter in aid of the east and west line was obtained February 11, 1857, and during the year, meetings were held at various places between Pi'kin and Danville. A proposition to grant $100,000 from the proceeds of alternate sections of McLean County's swamp-land, was voted down in this county November 5, 1857, the vote standing 1,570 opposed and 1,166 in favor. The crisis of 1857, no doubt affected the whole project unfavorably, as we find nothing definite was accomplished until after the beginning of 1866. During that year, a meeting was held at Urbana, another, a little later, in Bloomington, and others at Le Roy, where, August 27, 1866, an organization was effected, and the work was pushed ahead, though Bloomington did not voce in aid of the plan until the spring of 1867, when, at a special election, a vote was taken on the question of giving $100,000 in township bonds to this line and as much to the La Fayette, Bloomington & Mississippi Railroad. Both propositions were carried with less than a dozim votes opposed. There never was any opposition to this road, or to the other. Every one saw plainly the value of both lines ; but while it was doubtful which line might be first voted upon, there was a little danger that the jealousy existing between the special friends of each might endanger both. Dr. E. Conkling is entitled to a good deal of credit for assisting this enterprise, aided by such men as Judge McClun, J. W. Fell, A. Gridley and others, who have always favored every I'ailroad. The vote to issue bonds to the amount of §] 00,000 in aid of the La Fayette, Bloomington & Mississippi Railroad, and an equal anxjunt to the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western, then called the Danville, Urbana, Pekin & Bloomington Railroad, was taken at a special town meeting, June 3, 1867, and resulted in a vote of 90-4 for and 6 against the former road, and 913 for and 6 against the hist-named route.

The unanimity of this vote is sufficient proof of the state of public sentiment at that time ; though now we are paying the cost of these improvements, some feel as if they are too expensive. Still, were the vote taken over again to-day, there is no doubt a good majority would favor the same projects that were voted on June 3, 1867.

The La Fayette, Bloomington & Mississippi Railroad, running directly east is a favorite line. It was built between 1869 and 1872, and is the result of the energy and " push" of A. Gridley, A. B. Ives, J. H. Cheney, J. E. Mc(^lun,0. T. Reeves, Charles M. Holder, and a few others. These gentlemen labored incessantly to secure the road, and at one time its success was so doubtful that probably had either one of them ceased his efforts, the road would not have been finished. It runs from Bloomington to La Fayette, Ind., where it connects with the La Fayette, Muncie & Bloomington Railroad, and affords the shortest line from Bloomington to Buffalo and Eastern points. Its grades are easy, and it is rarely obstructed by snow. The original company is now dissolved, and the line is operated by a Receiver. Its Treasurer is Mr. J. H. Cheney, of this city, who represents Bloomington's interests in this line, or, rather, is the only official of the road who is a Bloomingtonian.

The Indianapolis & Bloomington road was finished May 1, 1870, and the La Fayette road in 1872 ; giving our city railroad routes diverging in eight different directions, like the spokes of a wheel from the hub, and enabling our merchants to ship goods at as favorable rates as competing cities. A retrospective story of what has been accomplished since }ust after the "deep snow" in 1831 - the Commissioners located a county seat at " the north end of the Blooming Grove" - would read like a fable, did we not have the evidence of men still living vp^ho have seen all these wonderful changes as ithey have occurred from year to year. Blooming Grove - from having been a desolate wilderness in 1821, unknown save to bands of predatory Indians, whose trails crossed other at this point, has become an educational, a moral and religious, a commercial -and a great railroad center. In the natural course of events, more schools and colleges will center here ; more commercial and manufacturing enterprises will have their headquarters at this city, and other railroads will center here or connect with our present Toads in such a manner as to become practically Bloomington roads. During the year 1878, the Chicago & Alton Railroad has built an extension from Mexico, Mo., 162 miles, to Kansas City, which will add immensely to the business of the line, of which Bloomington will reap many solid advantages through its machine-shops, whose capacity mil thereby be still further developed.

In the near future, Bloomington may see a railroad running northeast, to intercept the Illinois Central's new line at Chatsworth, a northwestern line to connect Washington and Peoria with Bloomington, and a line to the southeast to connect with the Rantoul narrow-gauge road. Other roads now unprojected will yet center here. May our citizens, in the future as in the past, lend a helping hand to whatever, when well considered by our ablest citizens, promises to advance our best interests.

Our Telegraphs

In August, 1853, Hon. John D. Caton, the pioneer of the Western Union Telegraph Lines, came to this city. He told Gen. Gridley that if Bloomington would take $1,000 of stock his company would give our city a telegraph office on the line then building from Chicago to Springfield. It does not appear to have occurred to our citi- :zens that the telegraph business of the place would of itself justify the company in keeping an office open, and so they took hold with their usual energy and subscribed the amount. As a part of the history of the telegraph, we give the list of subscribers :

The poles were soon here, the wire was in place, and on the 24th of January, 1854, an office was opened in Bloomington. The files of the Pantagraph show that paper's first message, which was from the Illinois Journal office at Springfield, as follows :

Springfield, January 28, 1854. C. P. Merriman : May the new communication by telegraph, so auspiciously opened, continue for ages. S. Francis.

Matthew L. Steele was the first telegraph operator at the Bloomington office, which was opened, in 1854, in what was known as Major's Block, on Front Street. He was followed in 1866, by Arthur T. McElhiney, who is the present manager of the Bloomington office, thus making a quarter of a century with only two different officials in charge of what is a very important office. The Pantagraph and Coal Company possess a local-line from Bloomington to Normal, to the coal-shaft, and to various points, making nine miles of wire, upon which there are, at least, thirty private instruments and a number of telephones.

There are important offices at the headquarters of the C. & A. R. R. Company, "at its shops in Bloomington, where a large force of operators constantly direct the running of trains, while the other railroads have one or more telegraphers constantly on duty ;. 80 that, in all. twenty operators are employed in this city, on regular salaries, not to mention those who use the wire as an incident of their daily business, as is the case with the patrons of the Pantagraph and Coal Company's line, as well as several of the other patrons of the different lines, who have instruments of their own.

The Bloomington Ohserver (weekly) was the first newspaper published in Bloomington or in the county, and was established January 14, 1837, by Messrs. James . Allin, Jesse W. Fell and A. Gridley, and was edited by William Hill, afterward, for a short time, by Mr. Fell. In 1838, the Ohserver espoused the side of the Whig party in politics. The name was changed, not long afterward, to the Western Whig, and it was conducted by Charles P. Merriman. In 1852, the name was again changed to the Bloomington JnteUi'gencer, the paper again passing under the management of Mr. Jesse Fell, who sold out in a year or two after, to Mr. Charles P. Merriman, and the sheet wasbaptized anew as the Pantagraph. The Dailtj Pantagraph was started June 19, 185-4. It was sold, in 1856, by him to William H Foote, who published it until 1861, E. J. Lewis being the editor. It is now owned and published by William 0. Davis.

This paper has become well established, being one of the best known in the West. The peculiarity of its name has attracted much attention, many critics and scholars appearing to confound it with the word " pentagraph," which is thus defined by Webster: " Pentagraph, see pantagraph." Under head of pantagraph," he says, "a mathematical instrument for copying; written, also, j9a«^oyrorp/i, and, less correctly, ^enios^ grajthy Mr. Charles P. Merriman, a fine Greek scholar, gives the following as the meaning of the word ; and as his explanation is satisftictory to the best classical students, we insert it here, in hope it will thus go into permanent history, and set the question at rest. Mr. Merriman was the originator of the word, as well as the founder of the Pantagraph :

" ' Panta ' is the neuter accusative plural of the Greek adjunct pas, and ' graph ' is from the Greek verb grapho, here used in the imperative mode ; the name ' Pantagraph ' - write all things - is a perpetual injunction upon its editors to dip their pens fearlessly into all matters of human interest."

Other journals have been established at various times and flourished for a brief period, to give place, in turn, to others; but none of them have survived any length of time. Among them may be mentioned the Evening Argus, Nafional Flag, afterward the Illinois Statesman, Illinois Central Democrat, Bloomington Times, Ant i- Monopolist, McLean County Democrat, Bloomington Republican, Illinois Schoolmaster, the Advance, and others of less repute.

The fire of editorial controversy, it may be assumed, waxed high at times, as we find in an old number of the Intelligencer a brief item, to the effect that an article had appeared in the Flag containing a long array of abusive epithets against the editor of the former sheet, of which " (hustardly wlielj), " " scoundrel," etc., were a great deal the mildest. " This, of course, brought on a personal encounter," continues the " responsible "^

The history of the ups and downs of newspaper life received an addition in the sudden-, demise of the Bloomington Times, which came to an untimely end at the hands of the Ninety-fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteers, a McLean County regiment. The paper had become obnoxious to so many of the citizens, by reason of its Southern proclivities and expressions of sympathy for the States in rebellion, and the excitement became so great as to lead the soldiers, abetted by prominent citizens, to destroy the office and press, since when the paper has not been revived.

There are now two daily papers, the Morning Pantagraph and the Evening Leader. The Weekly Leader was started by Scibird & Waters, November 15, 1868. and the Daily, February 22, 1870, and is now owned by M. S. Leland, publisher. Beside these, the city can boast several weekly papers - the Democratic News, Sunday Eye and the Banner of Holiness. The Bloomington Journal (German) was founded by F. A. Schmidt ; present proprietor, H. Meyer. It is a paper of much influence, as is also the McLean County Deutsche Presse, of which John Koester is editor and proprietor.

The Bloomington Library

The institution now known as the Bloomington Library Association is one of the most deserving in the city. It has become endeared to the public by the great work it has accomplished, by its valuable collection of books, and by its promise of future benefit to posterity. Its early history is of much interest. The first trace discovered is a. well-written communication in the Pantagraph of May 21, 1854, signed G. L. K., ur»ing the formation of a library and reading-room. Bloomington's halcyon days were in 1854. At that time, it boasted 4,000 inhabitants, 12 churches, and seats in them for nearly the total population. Possibly, this was more of a boast than a reality, but as our city has grown, our church accommodations have not kept pace, though in the matter of seat-room in the public schools, we have reversed the situation compared with twenty-five years ago. But we merely wished to remark that those who were at the helm in 1854 to 1858 planned largely for the public good. They built churches, they reformed our public schools, they endowed or founded colleges, and they did not foro-et the need of a public library. We are reaping the harvest from the good seed then sown and in no one department were the early laborers more faithful than in that now under consideration. The need of a library, and the condition of public opinion in relation thereto, stimulated the ladies of our city to make an effort, which has resulted in the foundation of our Bloomington Library. Among those particularly worthy of mention are Miss Rebecca A. Rogers, now Mrs. G. W. Parke, and Miss Hannah M. Snow. The ladies obtained quite a number of subscriptions from persons who were willin» to assist, and, on the 2d of October, 1856, a public meeting was called at Major's Hall for the purpose of organizing the " Ladies Library." At this meeting, which was well attended, the ladies reported subscriptions to the amount of #417. A committee was appointed to draft a constitution and by-laws, to report at a future meeting. This committee was Rev. F. N. Ewing, Dr. W. C. Hobbs, David Davis, W. H. Allin and John E. McClun. After one or two preliminary meetings, the permanent organization of the " Ladies' Library Association, of the City of Bloomington," was eff"ected at the First Presbyterian Church November 13, 1856.

The ladies alone were eligible to office during the first six or eight years. The first officers were : President, Mrs. S. B. Brown ; Vice President, Miss A. Warriner ; Secretary, Miss Caldwell ; Corresponding Secretary, Miss H. Parsons ; Treasurer, Miss Rebecca A. Rogers ; Librarian, Miss Hannah M. Snow. The first Board of Managers was composed of the following ladies : Mrs. D. Davis, Mrs. F. N. Ewing, Mrs. T. Pardee. Mrs. H. Spencer and Mrs. W. H. Allin.

On the 28th of February, 1857, the Library was opened in a room on Center street. At the next meeting, Judge Davis oifercd a room on Main street free of rent, which oifer was very thankfully accepted. The Library remained in this room for six or seven years, rent free, and, during all this time, it was taken care of and fostered by the ladies with a zeal and enthusiasm that gained it a high position among the worthy institutions of Bloomington. Its growth was gradual but sure. The catalogue from the bcinning has always exhibited a large selection of valuable books, and it has been one of the educational institutions of our city.

In the year 1867, it was thought best to organize under an act of the Legislature, which was obtained February 23, 1867. The Library changed its name to the " Bloomino'ton Library Association," and gentlemen were made eligible to office, but its main features were unchanged. By the act of incorporation, tlie Association is able to own real estate, manage an endowment fund, to go onward and forward in the good cause, and take such rank and position as the public or its wealthy members may in the future see fit to award. Probably the time will come when this Association will possess a permanent building of its own, and an endowment fund which will render it selfsustaining. The first officers under the new organization were elected March 2, 1867. David Davis was President ; E. M. Prince, A^ice President ; Sarah D. Robinson, Recording Secretary: W. H. Stennett, Corresponding Secretary, and W. M. Hatch, Treasurer. The Board of Managers were composed of ladies and gentlemen as follows : Mrs. Maria Everly, B. F. Hoopes, I. J. Bloomfield and Mrs. J. A. Jackman. The Trustees were John Magoun, George W. Parke and John M. Scott.

The last report of the Librarian, presented at the annual meeting on the 1st day of March, 1879, shows that there are in the Library 7,464 volumes. During the year, books were used etjual to taking out 26,000 diiFerent volumes. The Reading-room has been well patronized, giving the public access to about 150 periodicals. This evidences the great value of the Library and Reading-room, and its managers should go forward in the good work, trusting to the future for further additions and the permanent endowment so earnestly desired. The present officers are: Dr. C. R. Parke, President; Dr. H. Conklin", Vice President; Fi. F. Hoopes, Treasurer; Charles L. Capen, Corresponding Secretary; Lewis E. Ijams, Recording Secretary; Mrs. H. R. Gralliner, Librarian. The Board of Managers consists of Mrs. Charles Shackleford, Mi.ss Sarah E. Raymond, Messrs. Peter Folsom, 8. R. Brodix and J. H. Burnham.

Wesley An Univeksity

In the year 1S50, a number of the leading citizens of Bloomington began to agitate the question of founding a university complete in all its department's. Illinois was plainly growing in importance and no portion advancing more rapidly in all the elements of strength, nor developing m?re steadily its material resources, than the central part of the State ; hence the citizens of this city were anxious and determined that here, educational advantages should be of the first order. To accomplish this end, the first Board of Trustees effected an organization under the general laws of the State on the 2d of December, A. D. 1850.

It was decided that the University should be placed under the management of the Methodist Church. This was not done for the purpose of making it a sectarian institution, since science can never be rendered sectarian, but it was felt that the University should be placed in careful hands and under good management, and since the Methodist Church was then, as now, noted for its earnestness in the advancement of all the interests of education as well as for careful management and influence, to its care the new University was confided. It was intended that its influence should be of a Christian character, but that students of all denominations should find a home within its halls. This idea has been faithfully carried out. In the winter of 1850 and 1851, the school was organized under the superintendency of Rev. R. Andrus, A. M., in the basement of the Methodist Church.

Immediate measures were taken for the erection of a suitable building, which, after many discouragements, was completed and school opened in it in 1857. In July, 1851, at the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, Rev. John Dempster, D.D., of Concord, N. H., was elected President. The first Annual Commencement was held on the 7th of July, 1853, and the first class graduated.

Rev. John Dempster having removed to Evanston, Rev. C. W. Sears, a formet* professor in the institution, was chosen President and a part of the new building occupied; but, shortly afterward, owing to the uncertain condition of State finances and the stringency of the times, the institution was for a time closed. Its friends, however, did not despair, and, after securing the services of Rev. Charles W. C. Munsell a.s financial agent, at once set about raising the necessary funds to complete the building, liquidate the debt and re- open the school.

The institution was re-opened by the Trustees, who elected Rev. 0. S. Munsell, A. M., as President. In the year 18GG, the Methodist Church in America celebrated its first centennial anniversary, and including the amount of 810,000 given by the family of Isaac Funk as the first installment tor the endowment of the Isaac Funic Professorship of Agriculture, the friends of the University subscribed over $70,000 for endowment. The steady increase of students now made a second building necessary, and the Trustees proceeded at once to obtain subscriptions and erect an appropriate building, and, as a result of these labors, a fine building was erected, which is capable of accommodating 500 students.

This structure was so far completed, that graduating exercises were held here in June, 1872, though it was not occupied by the classes for daily recitation till the spring of 187H. The upper portion of this building is not yet fully finished, nor has the entire cost of the University building been met, there being a debt upon the same which the Board of Trustees will doubtless soon attempt to liquidate.

The new college building is beautifully located in the northern portion of the city, surrounded by an area of nearly ten acres of luxuriant greensward, dotted here and there with clumps of forest and ornamental trees, making all in all a most picturesque effect. The main building is a splendid example of architectural beauty and symmetry, of imposing dimensions, 70x140 feet, five stories in height, and erected at a cost of nearly $70,000. Ii is pronounced by competent authority as unsurpassed by any similar structure in this State in point of external elegance and internal convenience. It is the finest looking building in Bloomington. The first floor is divided into eight large recitaticnrooms, arranged and furnished after the usual style of such apartments. The second floor is occupied by the library, which contains a large and carefully selected list of valuable volumes. This apartment is also used a.s a recitation-room. The museum contains a varied and intert'sting collection of specimens of minerals, insects, birds, reptiles, etc. Rare and valuable additions are conistantly being made to the already extensive list. The entire eastern half <if the second and third floors is occupied by Amie Chapel. This is so arranged that it may be converted into one of the largest auditoriums in the city, by removing a temporary partition, thus throwing open the galleries, giving a seating capacity of 1,200. Regular Sabbath services are conducted in this chapel by the University Methodist Episcopal Church. The halls of the Munsellian and Belle Lettres Literary Societies occupy the third floors. The halls arc equal in size and similarly furnished, in a neat and appropriate manner ; their walls are hung with pictures of society members, the Faculty, graduates, etc. The fourth floor and basement are as yet unfinished. The old college, which stands just north of the main building, is brought into requisition as a boarding-hail for young men, with accommodations for forty. The commodious old Major College building, further west, has been rented, remodeled and furnished for a dormiUjry and dining-hull for the ac(tommodation of young lady students. This

In 1873, Rev. 0. S. Munsell having resigned, Rev. Samuel Fallows, D. D., was -elected President and entered upon the discharge of his duties in January, 1874.

The Trustees now added a Law Department and elected a Law Faculty, which -entered immediately upon their duties, and, at the Annual Commencement of 1875 was graduated the first class in the department of law.

At the annual meeting of the Board of Trustees in 1874, they adopted the plans similar to the London University of Non-resident Students and Post-Graduate Examinations which had, during the year, been matured by the Faculty and were now for the first time laid before the Board for adoption.

Ma.Ior College

The announcing of a definite course of study in both undergraduate and postgraduate work for non-resident students, publishing of plans for examinations, and holding examinations and conferring degrees only on examinations, mark an era in the history of the University in advance of all other universities of the West. The appreciation of the plan has been shown by che increasing numbers of gentlemen eminent in scholarship and literary reputation, who annually avail themselves of the opportunity thus offered, and, after a thorough examination, have received from the University the highest honors known to any university on this continent. The year of 1870 was rendered memorable on account of the admission of women. The question, after some discussion, passed in the Faculty. The resolution to open the doors to ladies passed the Board of Trustees, and was seconded by the patronizing Conferences, so that during the first college term of the same year a large number enrolled their names and entered the several classes. The number has steadily increased and now many women are numbered among the graduates at the Annual Commencements.

Literary .Societies

Three literary societies have, since their first organization, been well attended, and have each attained a good reputation for oratory and elocution. These societies, at a. cost of some 84,000, have fitted up and furnished their halls with the finest carpets and appropriate furniture.

Courses Of Study

Two courses of study are pursued - the chissical and scientific. These re(|uire after entering the college the same length of time for completion, namely, four years.

In 1875, after the resignation of Rev. Samuel Fallows, D. D., the Board of Trustees called to the chair of the presidency, Rev. W. H. H. Adams, D. D.

During the year 1874, a society was organized and chartered by the women, under the name of the Women's Educational Association of the Wesleyan University. The object is to aid young women striving for an education, and second, to endow a chair of the same name in the University. The results of this organization are the opening of a commodious hall on the Mt. Holyoke plan, and the securing of a considerable amount for endowment. During the year 1875, a gift of $10,000 was made by Hugh Meharry, Es(|., of Indiana, to apply on the endowment of the President's chair.

The growth of the University has been steady, and now its halls are crowded with students, and its honors sought by numbers of the first scholars of the land, whilst the btiundless resources of Central Illinois and the growing liberality of a generous and wealthy people afford great promise f >r the future that the growing wants of the University will receive ample aid ; and, on the broad foundation which has been wisely laid, will be built up and sustained a university of the highest standing in all the departments of art and .science.

Literary Department College Of Music

The Faculty of the University is now composed of teachers of large experience, many of whom have occupied their chairs for a series of years, and now bring to their work a ripe scholarship. The University, under their direction, has reached a degree of influence and importance scarcely anticipated by its early founders and patrons. During the year 1878, an art department was added. Mrs. Prof. Moss was placed in charge. This department, though the last added, is steadily growing in favor and importance.

Old Wesleyan University

Another department, that of medicine, is about to be added to the institution, making it more thoroughly deserving the name of University. During the month of April, 1879, a medical college was organized, of which Gen. A. Gridley was elected President of the Board of Trustees ; President Hewitt, of Normal, Vice President ; W. H. H. Adams, of the Wesleyan, Secretary, and Dr. T. F. Worrall, Treasurer. This college is to be attached to the Wesleyan on a similar footing to that of the law school. The regular term will be during the months of November, December, January and February. The course of study will occupy two years. There is little doubt of the success of the new institution. The following Professors were appointed April 24,

1879, and will, probably, the most of them, accept of the positions : Theory and Practice of Surgery - W. Hill, M. D. ; Theory and Practice of Medicine - W. A. Elder, M. D. ; Anatomy - J. L. White, M. D. ; Physiology - T. F. Worrall, M. D. ; Materia Medica and Therapeutics - J. Little, M. D. ; Obstetrics - C. T. Orner, M. D. ; Mental and Nervous Diseases - A, T. Barnes, M. D. ; Diseases of Women and Children - R. Wunderlich, M. D. ; Demonstrator of Anatomy - A. H. Luce, M. D. ; Chemistry - C. Owen, A. M. ; Emeritus Professors - A. H. Luce, M. D., George W. Stipp, M. D.

Temperance

Bloomington is entitled to the credit of being one of the first places in the West to organize a temperance society. The town was but little over one year old when the movement was made. Mr. A. C. Washburne, who organized the first Sabbath school here, took the first step in the great work. With the assistance of those friendly, he <-alled a public meeting November 17, 1832, at 4 in the afternoon, at the schoolhouse. At the apjiointed hour, the small room was well filled with an interested assemblage. One of the two physicians of the place made rather an excited speech against the movement. He complimented Mr. Washburne by remarking that he had no great fear of the weak movement now being made in itself considered ; but there was something behind the curtain which he feared. He said the people " away down East" were sending their agents out West and all through the country to form Sunday schools and organize temperance societies, and these were all tied to the East as with a big, long cartrope, and the Ea.stern people thought by these means to get control of the country, unite Church and State, and then woe to any who thought and acted different from them ! He was glad of the opportunity to express his views. A speech of this character was not anticipated, and the temperance movement came near being strangled at its birth, as the public genei:ally sympathized with the objections thus eloquently set forth. Mr. Washburne had prepared a constitution and by-laws for the McLean County Temperance Society, and also a temperance pledge. In his quiet, unobtrusive manner, he circulated thi.s pledge, and obtained nine names; but there was too much excitement to organize, and this was not accomplished until December 15, 1832. Mr. Washburne was the first Secretary. Among the first to assist in the temperance movement were Benjamin Depew, David Trimmer, Solomon Dodge, and their wives.

The first temperance lecture was delivered February 3, 1833, by Rev. Neal Johnson, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His text was, " Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God." Ten more signatures were then obtained to the pledge, and the temperance bark was fairly launched in Bloomington, as the Society .soon numbered two hundred members. This Society lived and prospered, doing a good work, until the time of the great W:ushinglonian movement, about the year 1840, which took its place, bringing to the temperance cause an army of new workers, carrying its banners higher up the walls, where they have ever waved triunaphantly. Among those who gave vigorous assistance in the latter movement, we may mention Jes.so W. and Kersey H. Fell, Dr. John F. Henry, Dr. W. C. Hobbs, A. J. Mcrriman and many others.

This Washingtonian temperance movement created great interest and accomplished a vast amount of good. It was succe.s.sful in appealing to men by moral .suasion, and is always referred to as that era of the temperance reform which has been entirely free from all objections.

In the early part of 1842, this Washingtoaian movement was at its full height ; ^nd at this time there was formed a juvenile temperance society, which included nearly all the children in Bloomington. It appeared to the adults as if the nest generation would most certainly do away with the traffic in intoxicating drinks, inasmuch as, if the children ^stood firm, there would be none who would demand these indulgences. On the 4th day -of July, 1842, the juveniles had a celebration and picnic at the grove, where is now the corner of Center and Wood streets, which was an occasion of great public interest. Among the boys of that day who took part, we have the names of John L. Routt, Robert A. Miller, John W. Allin, Charles Lander and John W. Haggard. The effect of this juvenile movement, added to the regular Washingtonian influence, lasted for several years, and carried the temperance banners high up on the walls of morality and reform ; but, in time, these lost their novelty, and society must be acted upon in a different manner, though, in the interim, the cause was greatly depressed.

About the year 1848, the Sons of Temperance, a secret organization, with Dr. W. Hobbs as the first Worthy Patriarch, commenced the great work which was kept up for a good many years. Among those who took a prominent part in this, were Rev. George W. Minier, Dr. E. Thomas, A. T. Briscoe and John M. Scott. Through the labors of the members of this order, a large number of drunkards were reformed, and in various directions the temperance movement was kept alive and in good hands. In the year 1850, there was not a saloon in the city of Bloomington, showing us they were up and doing.

We do not profess to write a full history of the temperance work of Bloomington, as our space is too limited. The materials exist for an history of this matter that shall be of intense interest, and of great local, we may almost say of great national, importance, as here in Bloomington have originated several highly important projects in the good cause, whose carrying-out became of national interest. Furthermore, while these materials of history exist, they are very difficult to obtain. The cause of temperance is like that of the Christian religion in this respect, that it is found in a great variety of shapes and methods ; in other words, it has taken upon itself the most remarkable forms in the way of organizations. But unlike Christianity, which is historically traced through the various sects and societies - the cause of temperance seems to run through the most wonderful changes. As soon as one particular form of labor has lost its interest to the public, the friends of temperance re-organize, and are found laboring in a different manner. Hence, we find it impossible to trace properly, in the short space allotted us, the history of the different forms and shapes in which the friends of temperance have been organized. We have mentioned a few of these, but we cannot dwell upon the Temple of Honor, an Order rather higher than the last-mentioned, or trace the history of all the various temperance societies intervening between the years 1832 and 1879.

We should mention that when the Maine Law excitement swept over the land in 1854 and 1855, it found Bloomington people ready to take hold and do their share in the movement. Society here was stirred deeply, and every means possible was resorted to, in order to secure what the friends of the movement believed would be to the best interest of the cause. These efforts culminated in 1855, by the election of a full antilicense City Council, with Franklin Price for Mayor. A strong prohibitory ordinance was passed, and a tremendous effort to enforce it was made for several months. Saloons were raided by the city officers ; liquors poured into the streets, and a series of legal prosecutions ensued that were very expensive to the city, as well as vexatious and pro-- voking to all concerned. In the end, the city government adopted the license system and adhered to it for many years. In all probability the anti-license ordinance would have been sustained, and Bloomington would have remained permanently on that side of the question, but for the immense increase in population which took place here during these days - from 1854 to 1856 - whon the newcomers were, many of them, persons who were little in sympathy with the jieople who had long been living here, and who had been laboring together in the temperance cause. About the year 1857, the order of Good Templars was organized, and again there was something of a revival of temperance eflfort. During the war, this order was allowed to disband, but before its close it again re-organized, and from the year 1865 to 1876, it was a tremendous power in Bloomiiigtun, and it is even yet in a good condition for future usefulness. At one time, there were several different lodges, at least three being in operation ; while at the same time, as in truth we may as well state, was the case from the time of the organization of the first se:ret temperance lodge in 1848 - there were in existence powerful societies of a public nature, all laboring in the same good cause.

While Bloominglon people were at work in the local temperance field, they did not forget that in this, as in the cause of Christianity, " the field is the world," and they took part in wider enterprises. We furnish from the pen of John W. Haggard, a history of our city's connection with the organization of the National Prohibition Party.

On tue 12th of December, 1868, a mass State Convention met at Bloomington. for the purpose of considering the status of the case, and, if possible, to adopt some additional and better modes of action than had heretofore been employed. This was one of the largest and most enthusiastic temperance conventions ever held in Illinois. After discussing the question nearly a whole day, it was decided to go into political action, and they proceeded at once to appoint a State Central Committee, and provide all the machinery of a modern political party.

The National Prohibition Party was first organized at Chicago, September, 1809. On the 22d of February, 1872. the second National Convention met at Columbus, Ohio, and put in nomination for President and Vice President, .James Black, of Pennsylvania, and .lohn Russell, of Michigan. The ticket received about seven thousand votes.

The third National Convention met May 17, 187f'), at Cleveland, Ohio, and nominated Green Cliiy Smith, of Kentucky, and Gideon T. Stewart, of Ohio. They received about thirty-five thousand votes, notwithstanding old party lines were closely drawn, and the party lash more vigorously plied than for many years past, whereby thousands of Prohibitionists were led to believe it their duty to vote one or the other ticket for the purpose of "saving the country."

In the fall of 1877, we had State tickets in eight or nine States, and polled about sixty thousand votes, showing a healthy steady growth from the beginning. The same ratio of increase will in ten years from this date give us control of the National Government an<l a majority of the Stales.

A complete organization exists in the following States, to wit : Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Michigan. Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri, with several otliers yet to follow this year.

Tiiat God will hasten the dny when the liquor traffic shall be overthrown, is the prayer of every consistent temperance man ami woman in the land.

On the Kith of March, 1874, the Woman's Temperance Jjeague was organized in Bloomington. Mrs. Jennie F. Willing was first President, Miss Mary Dean, Secretary, and Mrs. M. D. Mar<|uis, Tn-asun-r. The above-named organization co-ojicrating with the Good Templars, and with all temperance bodies in Bloomington, obtained a vote of the

This action was taken by the Woman's Temperance League after careful thought and prayerful deliberation. They marshaled their forces and managed the campaign with great ability, even to sending delegations of representative ladies to each votingplace in the different wards. The majority for " no license " was 159. The election took place on the 20th of April, 1874. One half of the newly-elected Aldermen were opposed to license, but as one-half the Council held over from the election of 1873, and this portion were mostly in favor of license, the Council contained a majority of the latter class. Its " prohibition " ordinance, voted in accordance with the wish of the people, was not such an ordinance as the real friends of temperance desired. It left dealers at liberty to sell under the State law in quantities of one gallon. A weak effort was made to enforce this " gallon " ordinance, and, after a few months, the city returned to the old system of license. Even as it was, the statistics of the Police Department show that for this year the number of arrests for drunkenness was 30 per cent less than in the following year.

In the latter part of the summer of 1874, a call went out from Bloomington for a meeting of the temperance women of Illinois, and the result was that in October the State Woman's Christian Temperance Union was organized here. Our ladies who were engaged in the narrow field of Bloomington did not forget that there was a larger sphere of labor, and they assisted in organizing a more comprehensive Society. The Woman's Temperance League here now became a sub-organization of the State Society, which soon had a foot-hold in most of the prominent towns in this State. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Bloomington is the mainspring of the Temperance work in Bloomington, and keeps a watchful, steadfast, prayerful guard over the cause. Its present President is Mrs. Crego ; its Vice President is Mrs. G. H. Read ; Mrs Merchant is its Secretary, and Mrs. James Winslow is Treasurer.

In 1875, this Society organized a very large number of the children of the city into the Star Temperance Union, and, in all, nearly two thousand boys and girls have hecome members. These all take the triple obligation - abjuring intoxicants and tobacco, and refraining from profanity. The strength of this society is such that, as in 1842, it seems as if the next generation might be a temperate people. The first President or this Society was Mrs. Gr. H. Read, and Dr. Sitherwood now holds that position. From this Society there is now a uniformed company of boys, called Temperance Cadets, who make a beautiful appearance.

In May, 1875, occurred at Bloomington a Good Templars' Meeting of the Grand Lodge of the World. It was an event long to be remembered. There were in attendance delegates from thirty-three States of the Union, and several of the provinces of the Canadian Dominion were represented. There were a number of delegates from England, New Zealand, Bermuda and other foreign countries. This meeting indicates plainly that the temperance people of Bloomington have a world-wide reputation. It was in session on the 26th, 27th and 28th days of May,

We must repeat our observation as to the impossibility of obtaining or publishing a full history of the different organizations of the temperance movement. We are even in danger of overlooking the fact that among our Irish citizens there are several powerful temperance organizations. The Father Mathew Total Abstinence and Benevolent

Society, and the Sfc. Patrick Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society, are both strongorganizations, and are doing, perhaps, as much good as any others in our city.

We will close our sketch with a brief mention of the " Washingtonian Club," which was organized May 25, 1876. This Club is a very remarkable institution. Its success in rescuing drunkards and moderate drinkers from their impending fate, ha& endeared it to the hearts of our citizens. The society leaped into life and power with wonderful rapidity. In the fall of 1S7U, it rented the auditorium of the old Methodist Church, and there it holds weekly meetings, frequent social gatherings, and constantly meets for Sabbath-afternoon lectures. It has saved hundreds of the victims of intemperance, and has accomplished a wonderful amount of good. As far as the human eye can see, this organization is entitled to stand at the head of all agencies for good now in operation in Bloomington, not excepting our churches or other organizations.

From this society influences for good have radiated in all directions. Other clubs have been formed in this State, organized upon a similar basis, and under the same name. The Bloomington club is known as the Washingtonian Club No. 1. Mr. A. B. Campbell, one of its prominent members, has devoted the past two years to lecturing and laboring throughout this State. He is a powerful speaker, and has acquired a very enviable name.

Our Club has increased so that it is one of the largest in the world. Its membership is now 5,460. The President is Joseph 0. Pullen ; First Vice President, M. Mclntire ; Second Vice President, J. H. Sprague ; Treasurer, G. H. Read ; Secretary, B. W. Mason. Its Trustees are William W. Ives, Henry M. Waite, Arthur J. Means and N. N. Winslow. Its Chaplain is R. A. Curtis. Its first President was Dr. George S. Smith; Vice President, Mrs. C H. Waite; William Munger, Secretary; Mrs. Hattie Aliin, Assistant Secretary ; John Magoun, Treasurer. Mr. Magoun gave the organization of this Club his hearty co-operation and assistance ; and, but for his aid, it might not have become established. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union are entitled to much of the credit for the inauguration of thi.* movement, over which they have kept a watchful care ever since its organization.

In all the years that have passed sjnce the organization of the McLean County Temperance Society at the little log schoolhouse in 1832, the cause of temperance has passed through most wonderful changes. Whenever a particular form of orgauization has lost its charm ; when the novelty has left it, we find the movement has taken another shape, and the f^reat cause has on the whole gone forward and upward better than ever before. This historical record should be an incentive to all who are now engaged in the work. From it they can see their way clear to labor unceasingly in the g((od cau.se - confident of final success.

As early as 1848, fruit trees were sold in Bloomington by Robert Fell, and about the .same time by Nelson Buck. There may have been .somcthini^ done before this on a small scale, but it was not until after this that Bloorainp;ton became widely advertised as a tree-growing point. Dr. Schneder was perhaps the first to make his busines known to the outside world, more j)articularly in the line of grapes, which were not cultivated in thi.s nei<:hhorhiiod with much success, until he made the public aware that the climate would admit of the production of the grape. Dr. Schra-der was one of the earliest to advertise Bloomington as a nursery town, and his circulars, advertisements articles in newspapers, and his enthusiasm at horticultural and pomological conventions contributed largely to make known the fact that Bloomington was the center of the business. He deserves to be classed among the foremost in this branch of Bloomington's development.

In the year 1854, Mr. F. K. Phoenix, then from Delavan, Wis., made a beginning of the famous nurseries that have so long been a credit to his energy and an advertisement to Bloomington. He saw that the completion of the two new railroads then building would give Bloomington shipping facilities that rendered it an important point for the business. He embarked his means and carried on his transactions on a gigantic scale. At times he employed over two hundred men ; and during the height of hi& business, from 1866 to 1870, his sales were immense. He had as many as six hundred acres under cultivation, and engaged in the sale of nursery stock, both at wholesale and retail, including seeds, plants, trees, and everything that could be desired in this line of business. Other nurseries were owned here by different parties, amounting, in the aggregate, to almost as much more, and Bloomington became known all over the United States as the "Rochester of the West." Probably no one single business has carried the name of Bloomington to as many homes, as did that of Mr. Phcenix, advertised in nearly all the publications of the land.

Orders were received here from all the countries where the English language is spoken, and often from other parts of the world. It was a heavy loss to Bloomington and Normal, and a source of public regret, when this business began to fall off in 1873 to 1879, and it is feared we shall never see it as flourishing again. The rapid increase of nurseries in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri, explains the changed state of affairs. The Phoenix nurseries. Dr. H. Schroeder's, F. A. Bailer's, J. D. Robinson's, and several others are still engaged in the business, which is even yet one of considerable importance. What has been stated in relation to the Phoenix nurseries, applies to Normal Township, as they are in that town ; but from having been called the Bloomington nurseries so long,, it seemed best to speak of them in the history of the latter corporation.

Coal

The first blacksmith's coal used in Bloomington was teamed from Danville, Peoria,, or some distant point. No one dreamed of finding coal under our soil until scientific geologists conceived the idea from their knowledge of the formation of the crust of the earth, taken in connection with what science taught from the appearance of the coalbearing strata, at places where coal was mined on the surface, as at Danville and places along the Illinois River. For a long time, science made but little headway in convincing our citizens where to look for coal, and train-loads of the article arrived from Duquoin from Peoria and La Salle. Lecturers on geology, among whom was Prof. C. Wilber, for many years in charge of the museum at the Normal University, continued to teach the public, and the newspapers aiding them, it was finally decided to bore for coal. The first attempt was made in 1863, in a field west of the Chicago & Alton Railroad shops, where dwelling-houses have since been constructed. The City Council spent $2,000, and quite a sum was raised by private subscription, all under the superintendence of Eliel Barber. The men who did the boring could run a machine of that sort, but could not tell what their auger passed through. After going down over five hundred feet, the most they could report was having passed through a black shale slate, and in which it could not be possible coal existed. The trouble seemed to be that their auger mixed the coal, sand, clay and other material most inextricably, and there was no such thing as ascertaining what was discovered. Of course our citizens were dis- by the result, and coal was still imported at enormous figures. There were many of our people who were firmly of the opinion that coal would be found by boring -with suitable tools, and another effort was made in 1866, this time entirely by private subscription. The following is a copy of the subscription paper :

Bloomi.notox, 111., May 28, 1866. We, the undersigned, agree to pay on demand, to .John Magoun and C. V>. Holder, or order, the sums set opposite our respective names, for the purpose of prospecting and boring for coal in or near the city of Bloomington, said work to be commenced within ninety days from this date. The amount so collected and paid to .John Magoun and C. W. Holder to be by them disbursed for the securing of the above object. If coal is found in paying quantities, the company formed for mining purposes shall re-imburse the subscribers by giving them stock, money, or coal as they elect. If coal is not found in i)aying ((uantities, the money shall be lost by the respective subscribers.

There were many other suhscribers who gave money, amounting to $1,700, of -which about §1,200 was paid. Boring was commenced at once, near the present city -well.

November 15, 1866, when at the depth of 160 feet, the drill was lost, all attempts to recover it having proved fruitless ; and it is an historical fact that the auger still remains in that " bore." The money was expended ; the tools lost ; the public generally took a very desponding view of the situation ; coal continued to be shipped into Bloomington at the rate of 20,00(» tons per year, and the coal-mine owners at points then supplying Bloomington were in great spirits.

But a few energetic young men, whose names deserve to be written among the benefactors of our city, who had been watching the operations with careful attention, conceived the idea that, with proper care on the part of those who managed the auger, after the experience gained in the two former attempts, success would be almost certain, and they boldly undertook the third trial, in the face of an almost despairing public sentiment, asking no aid from any and using their own money. Their operations were conducted with great care, at an expense of SI, -^00, and the result was that coal of a good quality was discovered, at a depth of 302 feet, on the 27th day of February, 1867. These gentlemen were Thomas J. Bunn, Jud.son L. Spauldin'jr, Dr. H. C. Luce and James L. Ridelhuber.

History compels us to add that they never made any money out of the North Shaft Coal Company, which they organized in June. 1867 - another reason why their names should be held in grateful remembrance.

Before this coal company had been long in existence, a second was formed, in 18(i7, and a shaft put down near the crossing of the Chicago & Alton and the I., B. & W. R. 11., where the McLean County Coal Company is in successful operation. Their shaft 18 now 540 feet in depth, and they employ 200 men. During the past winter, this company has furnished coal of a good quality, at the shafl, at the wonderfully low price of 81.5<( per ton. This company is an immense advantage to Bloomington and to all the surrounding country, and should be encouraged in every possible manner. It is one of our most worthy enterprises, being, in fact, the employer of a larger number of men than any company in the place, except one, to say nothing of the great advantages it gives in keeping the price of coal down to such remarkably low figures.

Could our first settlers have imagined the day would ever come when coal would bo mined under their feet, and sold at such prices, they would have had vastly more faith in the future of this rich country, of which the worst that could then be said was that it contained little fuel, and that on that account it would sustain but a small population. This company raises as much as five hundred tons in twenty-four hours, on extra occasions, though its average daily out-put is about two hundred tons. During the year, its sales amount to over sixty thousand tons, and its pay-rolls in the winter sea- .son often exceed $10,000 per month.

Water

For many years after the settlement of Bloomington, no one supposed the town -could ever obtain a supply of water for public purposes. Rival cities with a visible supply of muddy river-water, have delighted in taunting Bloomington with its condition in this respect. Various were the expedients devised and talked of for obtaining a supply of water sufficient to meet the public demand. One engineer, eminent in his profession, with a national reputation, proposed the most feasible scheme that was devised, which was nothing less than a pipe all the way from the Mackinaw River to the high ground north of Normal, where a reservoir could be made that would force the water all over the city of Bloomington. Another project was to "impound" the water of the low ground northeast of the city, by building a dam and thus retaining the surface water in a pond that might answer all purposes, similar to the Jacksonville plan. This would, of course, render the neighborhood of the pond unhealthy ; would be very expensive and would not insure good drinking-water. The dry year of 1854 caused great distress for water in this part of the State, and Bloomington people were very much exercised with fears that the location and building of their rapidly-growing city might after all, have been a serious mistake. We find that a public meeting was called July 23, 1854, when Mr. J. W. Fell ofi'eredthe following resolutions which were unanimously adopted Etfter a discussion, in which the mover. Judge Davis, Dr. Freese and others, participated.