Danville Township (part 1 of 5)

Danville Township

test of the fight, where they were actually "shooting balls." Captain Carnahan, recognizing his danger and not thinking that it was necessary to sacrifice a "war governor" that victory might be assured, advised the governor to get behind a fallen tree, and held his horse for him until the rebel attack was repulsed. Governor Yates felt grateful for the Captain's aid, and rapid promotion soon followed. When the regiment reinlisted as veterans, Captain Carnahan was assigned to the duty of filling up the regiment, and received the appointment of lieutenant-colonel ; was promoted colonel, and at the close of hostilities retired to private life after a short Indian campaign, as general. Somehow he connects his good fortune with that little incident at Port Gibson. In writing the " History of Livingston County " the writer failed to make proper mention of the services of one of her most gallant soldiers, for the reason that in the adjutant-general's report his residence was put down at Danville. Ignorant of the facts then, he desires here to make the only amends in his power to make. No truer soldier or more accomplished officer ever went into the service of his country from that county, and his comrades in arms unite in saying that his promotion was based upon better reasons than the accident of his saving a war governor from a chance rebel bullet. Livingston county having failed to take the credit of his loyal service, Vermilion county will assume it.

Ellsworth Coal Shaft Business

The Illinois Printing Company was organized under the laws of the state in 1874, - it being a continuation, so far as its business is concerned, of the printing firm of G. W. ETynn A: Co., and the "'Danville News." Capital, 850.000. Its business is the carrying on of the printing business, the publication of the ''Danville News," a daily morning paper with a weekly edition ; the printing and binding of county blanks and records, railroad printing, fair and show printing in all its forms, and everything pertaining to the '"art preservative.' G. W. Flynn is president and manager ; W. K. Jewell is vice-president and editor, and J. H. Woo dm an see, secretary and treasurer. The company has a fine building built expressly for the business, and is provided with all latest improved machinery for so large a business. They have the Taylor, Hoe, Gordon and Colter presses, employ about forty hands, and propose to conduct stereotyping as a branch of their business.

The "Danville Commercial" Company was organized under the state law by J. C. Short & Co., for the purpose of publishing the "Danville Commercial, " and earring on a general printing business. Several changes have been made in its officers, but its business has continued to be the same. It publishes the " Daily Commercial " and a weekly edition, carries on a regular printing business in all its branches, has a full supply of all that goes to make up a first-class printing house. In 1874, J. C. Short & Co. having disposed of what stock they still held in the company, a reorganization took place, and A. Harper was elected president ; Park T. Martin, secretary and editor, and later, Mr. A. J. Adams became business manager. Under the management of these gentlemen, who have had large experience in the printing and publishing business, a thriving business is being carried on.

The Great Western Machine and Engine Shops are at present being carried on by Mr. K. Pollard, doing a general machine and foundry business, steam and gas-fitting, and engine and boiler making. His buildings and shops are near the Wabash railway depot, and built of brick, with sixty-two feet front on Depot street and one hundred on the railroad, - the pattern shop being two stories. Frisbie & Williams began this business in 1865, and in 1869 J. V. Logue bought Williams' interest, and it continued under the name of Frisbie, Logue & Co. until ls74. During this time and until the "panic," a large and lucrative business Mas carried on in stationary and portable engines, castings, house-fronts, railroad work, and all the various branches of the trade. About thirty hands were employed, and often it was necessary to run night and day to fill orders. Thompson & Pollard purchased the works in 1874, and the business was becoming again prosperous and pressing, when Mr. Thompson's death, recently, made a change in the firm name only.

William Stewart is carrying on a general foundry and machine shop near the Junction. The foundry and blacksmith shop is 40X75, brick. The buildings were all burned but the pattern shop last year, and the machine shop has not yet been rebuilt, but will be another year, 60 X 80, of brick. Mr. Stewart is the successor of Reynolds & Stewart, has $5,000 capital invested in the business, and employs about fifteen hands.

J). Force commenced the carriage making business hereabout 1867. His shops are at the west end of Main street, where the town began. He makes only tine work - carriages, spring wagons and sleighs. He occupies seven shops, and employs on an average sixteen hands. His market is principally at home, although he has formerly found market for some in Texas.

William Whitehill, whose shops are in the same vicinity, carries on a similar line of business, and employs eleven hands usually, and like Mr. Force, finds sale for most of his work at home where it is best known.

J. Miller & Son are engaged in making cabinet, parlor and church organs. Mr. Miller has been engaged in the business thirtv years. In 1875 the firm built their present factory east of the railroad, and employ about eight hands. Their organs have stood the test of the most thorough trial.

.1. T. Amos has been carrying on the business of tile making for about two years, four miles west of town. The attention of farmers has been so generally called to the advantage of tile-draining that the manufacture of tile has become an important branch of industry. A. ( '. Garland commenced the manufacture of tile at his factory near the I. B. & W. depot, this spring, and will increase his facilities somewhat.

The " Grange Store " was one of the institutions which the " whirligig of time," or the "march of events," or the "stern logic of facts" brought into existence at Danville. It was a joint stock company with $3,000 capital, and proposed to do away with "middlemen," large profits," and all the ills that the farmers of Vermilion count}' were suffering under. Finding that more capital was necessary it was nominally increased to si 5.000, and the subscriptions to the stock were conditioned on the full amount of the $15,000 being subscribed. The store did a general business, - a general "trusting" business, - dealing in groceries, implements and every salable thing. AVhen it failed the stock subscriptions could not be collected on account of the stipulations, and notes that had been given had been changed so that thev were uncollectable. Mr. Charles Giddings was assignee and succeeded in paying about 45 per cent of the indebtedness. It was so fearfully mixed up that he begs to be excused from ever winding up another " reform " store.

Building Associations, Cemeteries, Etc

There are in Danville four associations formed under the act of the legislature approved April 4, 1872. " To enable associations of persons to become a body corporate, to raise funds to be loaned only among their members,'' having for their object the assisting of persons who have small means to secure homes at about the price which they would necessarily pay per week for rent.

" The Danville People's Building and Loan Association " was organized in 1873, with W; P. Cannon, president : Win. Giddings. vicepresident; Asa Partlow, secretary; P. A. Short, treasurer, and F. W. Penwell, attorney, who, with J. H. Miller. O. S. Stewart, W. J. Henry. Geo. Dillon. G. AY. Jones. J. P. Holloway and C. U. Morrison, constitute the board of directors. The capital stock is limited to 840u,000. The books were closed when 3,313 shares had been subscribed, at 8100 each. There are now only 775 shares in force.

The Mechanics' Building and Homestead Association of Danville perfected its organization November 22, 1S73, with W. W. P. "Woodbury, president : W. A. Brown, vice-president ; J. H. Phillips, secretary ; E. II. Palmer, treasurer, and J. W. Jones, attorney. The 2,500 shares of capital stock authorized was subscribed. Xo person is permitted to subscribe for more than 40 shares. There are still in force 790 shares. The pressure of the times has compelled the association to assume some of the property which its members had given security on.

The Danville Benefit and Building Association was chartered June 12, 1874. a few days before the act repealing the act authorizing such associations took effect. An organization was effected February 28, 1877, with J. G. Holden. president. S. H. Stewart, secretary, and T. S. Park.- treasurer, and twelve directors. The same officers have continued till now. The authorized capital is 81,000,000, in shares of $100 each.

The Danville Building and Savings Association, organized August 20, 1873, with Judge E. S. Terry, president; J. G. Holden, vice-president; V. Leseure, secretary; A. S. W. Hawes, treasurer, and J. P. Norvell, attorney. The capital stock was $250,000. The business of the company lias always been very safely managed, and in no case has there been any property thrown on its hands by foreclosures. Four hundred and sixty-eight live shares now remain. The officers are: J. G. Holden, president; Dudley Watrous, vice-president; B. E. Bandy, secretary; A. S. W. Hawes, treasurer; J. P. JSTorvell, attorney, who, with the following, compose the board of directors: V. Leseure, C. L. English, C. K. Miers, C. J. Palmer, J. B. Mann, E. E. Boudenott, J. W. Dale.

Like all new places, Danville had for several years various places for burying the dead. At first each country church had its " graveyard," and only those who from religious scruples or by church proscription were compelled to select some particular place which had been set apart by some form, were secure from having the last earthly resting place of their beloved dead interfered with by caprice or carelessness. The tract which was given by Mr. Amos Williams, and in which the remains of the donor and of his wife still lie, was never sufficiently guarded from various encroachments to which such quasi public grounds are ever subjected. These and other reasons caused those who had been recently called on to bury some loved one to look around for some more suitable place, and one which could be beautified by art; so that, so far as human hands could do it, the old-fashioned, foolish, "yawning" terrors of the grave might be banished. To Mr. J. G. English, more, perhaps, than to any one other man, the citizens of Danville are indebted for the present appropriate "city of the dead." Making known his views to Mr. J. C. Short, Dr. Woodbury, Mr. Leseure and A. S. Williams, an association was formed under the laws of the state, and fifty acres of land was purchased north of town, for which s2,000 was paid by these gentlemen, they undertaking the expense, expecting to be reimbursed by the sale of lots when the organization was perfected. April 28, 1864, the name of " Spring Hill Cemetery" was taken. Mr. English was elected president; J. C. Short secretary and treasurer, and Messrs. Woodbury, Williams and Leseure directors. To Mr. Bowman the labor was assigned of visiting other cities and deciding on the plan of laying out ; and this labor has been so acceptably done that very little more could be done to add to the appropriateness of the grounds. Mr. Bowman adopted the park or landscape style of laying out the land, giving here and there, as the make of the surface would suggest, a well-graveled road, a running stream or elegant lake to diversify the beauty of the peaceful place. Several thousand dollars have been expended in the work, and so well has it been received that most of the lots in the first fifteen acres laid out have been disposed of, and the first and second additions are under improvement. The business of the association is still in the hands of the same board of directors, with the exception of the substitution of Mr. W. T. Cunningham in place of Mr. Short since his removal from the city. The rules of the association provide against unsightly fences or inclosures, and any improper buildings, vaults or superstructures ; against cutting down the trees ; against the growing of unsightly trees or shrubs, and against improper monuments. The care of the grounds is provided for, and places are set apart for the resting place of soldiers and for a monument to the hero dead.

The justices of the peace have been Nelson Maddox, Milton Lesley, Benj. Stewart, A. E. Plowe, H. Cunningham, II. G. Boyce, George Hillary, Benj. Sanders, J. C. Prather, S. Stansbury, A. A. Dunseth, J. A/Bradley, Wm. M. Payne, G. W. English, J. M. Payton, J. W. Stansbury, E. H. McMillen, J. A. Prather, J. McMahan, John Green, H. C. Elliott, G. Klingenspor, James Bracewell, J. W. Parker, Wm. Morgan and Peter Wilber.

Those who have been elected commissioners of highways are S. L. Payne, J. G. Davidson, G. H. Graves, R. Ilootoii, W. M. Payne, E. G. Cross, M. Moudy, John Johns, L. T. Palmer, Benj. Crane, Nathaniel Henderson, J. L. Tincher, D. Kyger, George Hillary, J. Hinds, J. W. Miers, H. W. Beckwith, W. W. R. Woodbury, V. Leseure, J. Q. Villars, A. S. Williams, Geo. Rust, J. H. Andrews, M. Mitchell.

In the year 1865 Danville became entitled to an assistant supervisor, and J. L. Tincher was elected to that position, and continued to hold it until his death, in 1871, since which H. M. Kimball, Wm. Morgan, James Knight and J. Donnelly have served in that capacity.

Railroad Bonds And Special Votes

In 1857, at the town meeting, the question of forming a new county was voted on, and resulted in a vote of 36 for, to 252 against, such proposed division of the county. In 1859, when the proposition was voted on to erect the county of Ford, the vote was 287 for, to 4S against, such proposition. The same year a vote for or against the continuance of township organization resulted in 53 for, to 254 against, its continuance.

In 1863 a proposition was submitted to vote which was called "A System of Bridges" throughout the county. The vote was 515 for, to 2 against, showing that it was immensely popular at Danville.

In May, 1867, the question of levying a tax in aid of the Chicago, Danville cv. Vincennes Railroad, provided said road run east of North Fork and through the corporate limits of the city, resulted in 141 for, to 23 against, such levy. July 9 of the same year another special town meeting voted (the former not seeming to have been specific enough), by 500 to 23, in favor of said aid, "provided the main line run into the corporate limits, as prescribed by the act incorporating Danville, in force February 15, 1855." This proposition to be in lieu of all others that had been voted for previously.

To make this still more specific (it will be seen that the people were learning something all this time), another meeting was held, which voted on the proposition submitted in this form : " For or against giving 852,000 to the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes Railroad, provided the road is located and shall run into the city of Danville on a line between the North Fork of the Vermilion River and Stony Creek, and intersect the Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad north of the Vermilion River and within the city limits."' Upon this proposition the vote was 407 for, to 6 against. The vote on the proposition leaving out all after the word and was only 204 in the affirmative.

August 28 a special town meeting was held to vote for or against a subscription of 8100,000 to the capital stock of the Danville, Urbana, Bloomington tfc Pekin Railroad, under the terms of the act chartering said road, and on condition that the main track of said road be constructed in and to the city of Danville. The vote resulted in 285 for, to 30 against, the proposition.

August 25, 1868, a special town meeting was held to vote for or against a proposition to appropriate 820,000 additional to the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes Railroad, on terms exactly similar to the former one. The vote was 114 in the affirmative, and 11 in the negative. It will be seen that the voters were getting tired of voting.

December 11, 1869, a special town meeting was held to vote for or against a proposition to subscribe 825,000 to the capital stock of the Paris & Danville Railroad, " on the express conditions (1st) that said subscription is to be paid for by the bonds of said township, payable in fifteen years absolutely, or sooner at the option of said township, and to bear interest at the rate of ten per cent per annum ; and (2d) that said bonds are not to bear date, nor be delivered, nor to bear interest, until said railroad is completed, equipped with rolling stock and running in successful operation from Paris, in Edgar county, in and to the city of Danville, in Vermilion county, Illinois; and (3d) that no part of said railroad shall be located or built west of the North Fork of the Vermilion River in said city of Danville; and (4th) that said railroad shall be completed and in successful operation from Paris to Danville, aforesaid, within five years from this date.'' lTpon this proposition, thus hedged, as it would seem, with conditions of becoming caution, the vote was 460 for, to 225 against; showing plainly that the people were far from unanimous in regard to this additional debt. Future proceedings show that the caution which was displayed on this occasion was well taken. After the road was so far completed as to be able to run cars into Danville via the track of the Toledo, Wabash & Western Kailroad, the company became insolvent, and was placed in the hands of a receiver. From the point where this railroad made this intersection with the Wabash road, a track was built across the river and along the west side of the North Fork, and thence trains were run into the city over the right of way of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western Railroad. Then a demand was made upon the supervisor and town clerk for the bonds which had been conditionally voted more than live years before. The demand not being complied with, for the reasons that (1st) the road was not completed in and to the city of Danville writhin the five years specified ; (2d) that it was built west of the North Fork; (3d) that having no independent line into Danville it was not yet completed in and to the city, a suit followed, which, after various ups and downs, was decided in favor of the township, and it was released from any liability to the company.

A special town meeting was held July 20, 1870, to vote upon a proposition to give an additional sum of #75,000 to the Chicago, Danville & Vincennes Eailroad Company, upon the following very explicit terms and conditions : One-half on condition that Danville should be, and ever remain, the terminus of a running division of said road. The other half, that as soon as practicable, said railroad company should erect, and ever maintain, shops for the repair and building of cars and rolling stock of said company. These terms were accepted by the company, and the money was duly paid over. It resulted in a vote of 666 for, to 240 against. On the same day a proposition was submitted and voted on to contribute $25,000 to the Rosedale & Danville railroad, upon terms which have not been complied with, and cannot be. The vote was 597 for, to 254 against.

Under the old system of voting township aid to railroads, many towns were victimized by irregularity of proceedings or by the carelessness of officers; but Danville, while pursuing what must be called, with the present light, a very liberal course, has in every case got whatever was bargained for, and by the aid -of careful and competent officers, made every step a sure one. The rapid growth and development which has followed this railroad building is convincing proof that it was the course of wisdom to encourage their building in the only way it could be encouraged, - that is, by granting township aid. However much it may be condemned now by some, time will

Germantown

Germantown is a village in Danville township, lying northeast of the Junction. Soon after building the car-shops of the Illinois Eastern Railroad, the employes of the company began to build in that vicinity, and their numbers increased so considerably that it was found that corporate authority was necessary.

A petition was filed in the county court, June 25, 1874, asking that the court would direct the holding of an election to vote for or against village corporation, under the general law of the state, to embrace the territory within the following bounds, and setting forth that there were over four hundred people residing within the said limits, to-wit : Commencing at the point where the eastern boundary of the city of Danville crosses the road leading from Danville to Covington, thence north with said eastern boundaiy line to the northern boundary line of said citv ; thence west alono- the north boundarv line to where it crosses Stony Creek ; thence up said creek to a point where the road from Danville to Williamsport runs due east from said creek; thence east on said Williamsport road two hundred and thirty rods to a road running south ; thence south to the Danville and Covington road ; thence west to the place of beginning. The petition contained the signatures of sixty voters who resided in said limits. The court ordered an election to be held for the purposes set forth in the petition, July 6, 1874, and appointed George Rust, August Koch and J. L. Smith, judges. At such election 30 votes were cast for, and 1 against, incorporation. An election was held July 31 for six trustees to perfect the organization, the same gentlemen being appointed to act as judges. At such election 34 votes were cast, resulting in the election of the following trustees : F. Schlief, August Koch, J. Leverenz, E. Lowe, F. Hause and C. B. Davis. On organization, C. B. Davis was elected president. John L. Smith, clerk, and George Rust, treasurer. In 1875 sixty-one votes were cast. J. L. Smith was elected president; F. Schlief, L. W. Taylor, A. Rudolph, J. Leverenz and Fred Schoultz, trustees ; M. M.Woodward, police magistrate, and G.W. Davidson, clerk.

The present officers are : J. A. Thews, president ; D. 'Lynch. J. F. House, John Bahls, Fred Timni and Wm. Schultz. trustees: Alexander Field, clerk; L. M. Taylor, treasurer; M. M. Woodward, police magistrate.

As will be seen, the residents are principally Germans, and are an industrious, intelligent and worthy class of people, most of them being in the employ of the railroad company.

Cap-Shops

The machine and repair shops of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad Company are located near here, having located in this place by a vote of Danville township, giving to the company #75,000 on condition of their permanent location. The car-shop is 75x142, brick, two stories high; machine shop, 75x142, brick; ronnd-honse, with twelve stalls, is 210 feet in length, of brick and stone; the blacksmith shop, 50x100, brick; paint shop, 16x24, frame; office and store, 16x30, frame; oil room, 16x25, frame.

The business carried on here is largely the repair and rebuilding of cars, coaches and locomotives of the company, though new ones can be built throughout when occasion requires. The business has been so depressed that new rolling stock has been bought cheaper than it could be made here, - a condition of things not likely to remain long. The works are under the charge of A. Cook, who »has had many years' experience on various eastern roads. There are two hundred and seventyfive men employed, and the pay roll for labor alone amounts to $11,- 000, being an average of $40 per man per month.

South Danville

South Danville is that portion of the township which lies immediately across the river south of the city, where the coal mining operations of Mr. A. C. Daniel are carried on.

The village was incorporated in 1874. In February, John A. Lewis and thirty-five others, petitioned the county court to order an election to vote for or against incorporating under the general act, with the following boundaries: commencing at the Wabash railway bridge, thence southwest with said railroad to a point where the state road from Danville to Georgetown crosses said railroad; thence west to the Paris & Danville road (now Danville & Southwestern); thence north to the Vermilion River; thence along said river to the place of beginning. The petition set forth that there were five hundred persons residing within said limits. The election was held March 14, at which 77 votes were cast - 51 being for incorporation and 25 against.

An election was held April 22, for six trustees to put the organization into effect, at which 73 votes wrere cast. James Bracewell, James Hall, David Frazee, Joseph Anderson and M. C. Wilkinson were elected. B. T. Hodges and J. H. Lewis received an equal number of votes, and were in consequence summoned before his honor, Judge Hanford, to " draw straws." Lewis drew the short straw, and by this apparent game of chance, the dignity of a trustee of South Danville fell upon Hodges.

David F razee was elected president, and II. J. Hall, clerk. The Board of Trustees provided a set of ordinances for the government of the village, and set the wheels of government in motion.

In 1875 the following were elected trustees: Isaac Bracewell, Samuel Trisler, Hugh Graham, Joseph Robson, Lewis Bracewell, Philip Pusoy, and Francis Jones was elected clerk.

The present officers are Isaac Bracewell, president ; F. Jones, clerk ; II. J. Hall, police magistrate ; James Bracewell, treasurer; W. J. Brannock and Sylvester Royce, constables.

By ordinance, trustees receive one dollar for each regular meeting and fifty cents for each called meeting; treasurer and clerk, one dollar and twenty-live cents for each meeting. The citizens of South Danville are largely engaged in coal mining which is being carried on there.

Organization

There seems to be an undue amount of mystery thrown around the official life of the city of Danville. That it was early incorporated is generally known, but at a fire which occurred about 1867 all the records of the city were destroyed. Later, or about 1872, the clerk ran away, or for some other reason it became an object for some one to make away with the records, - or, to put it in the other form, there are no records in the city clerk's office prior to 1872.

In the year 1855 a new special charter was given by the legislature, which repealed the former one, and established the limits of the city which should contain all of the original town, and such additions as had been platted, or such as should farther be regularly platted and recorded as additions to it. In 1867 the old charter seems to have been worn out, or at least it was burned up with the records, and a new one was granted, under which the city operated until 1874, when it became incorporated under the general act of 1872.

Kike Department

Of the fire department of the city of Danville but little can be said up to May 6, 1867, at which time Lincoln Fire Company, No. 1, was organized. The company consisted of forty members, without pay, except the empty honors of serving the public - not for glory, but for pastime. They, however, did the best they could with the inferior apparatus at their command, which consisted of a kind of hook and ladder truck, bearing about the same relation to the modern hook and ladder apparatus as does the old flint-lock musket of a century ago to the modern Henry rifle. Of this company D. A. Childs was elected foreman ; M. Redford, assistant foreman ; Charles Eotf, secretary, and C. Y. Yates, treasurer.

In the year 1867, during the administration of J. C. Winslow as mayor, a second hand engine and 299 feet of leather hose was purchased for $1,200, and for the time the company felt proud of their machine and the people felt secure from the destructive element. But the former soon became tired of the toy, and lost interest as they found to their sorrow that instead of pastime it was real labor, plenty of curses and no glory ; and the latter began to feel less secure as here and there through the city a stable or a shed or a dwelling destroyed by tire gave evidence of the lack of means of effectually "fighting fire.'" However, things ran along after a fashion until 1872, when, during the administration of T. H. Myers as mayor, it was determined by the council to purchase a steam fire engine. The committee on fire and water at that time consisted of N. S. Monroe, W. H. Taylor and Win. A. Brown. To this committee was intrusted the selection and purchase of the engine.

After mature deliberation it was determined to purchase one of Messrs. Silsbv c*c Co's rotary engines, also an additional hose cart and 500 feet of best rubber hose. The purchase gave a new impetus to the fire department, and the company was reorganized on a more tangible basis. The number of members was fixed at sixteen, and salaries suitable to the services performed, and of the ability of the city to pay, given to each. Under the new organization the fire department began to rise in importance and efficiency, new water supplies were provided, and the citizens slept with a feeling of security hitherto unknown. As the city increased in size and number of risks, additional protection was found, if not an absolute necessity at least advisable, and an additional steamer was purchased in 1875 by the committee appointed for the purpose, which consisted of W. II. Taylor, P. Carey and Gr. W. Ilooton. After witnessing a severe test of several leading engines, the committee selected another of the Silsby engines. After the indorsement of a citizens' committee, appointed to report on the same subject, the council purchased the engine, and the city of Danville now justly boasts of a fire department and apparatus unexcelled by those of any city of its size.

Under the excellent supervision of W. H. Taylor, chairman of the committee, all the modern improvements have been introduced. These consist of a heater, by which the water is kept boiling continually, thus facilitating the raising of steam, and thereby saving time; a good team of horses for the engine and hose cart have been purchased, and all of the apparatus is kept in readiness to be used at a moment's warning.

Since 1871 little change has been made in the company, except the appointment of two engineers, one of which is on duty continually. In the year 1879 the company was reorganized, and the office of chief of fire department created. W. H. Taylor was appointed chief, and under his supervision the engines and apparatus have been put in the best possible condition. The following is a list of officers and members of the company, as constituted at this writing, with salaries attached :

Danville Turn-Verein

This peculiarly German society, established for the purpose of developing the muscle and thereby of conducing to the health of its members, was instituted March 22, 1874, with a membership of twenty- five. The first officers were: A. Sieferman, president ; A. Oberdorfer, vice-president ; John Bross, secretary ; E. Flemming, treasurer, and Henry Grube, leader of gymnastics. Active steps were immediately taken for the erection of a suitable building in which to practice the art of physical development, and in the following year a frame building was completed, and on the 25th of December was dedicated with fitting ceremonies to the use for which it was designed. This building, however, was destined to a short existence, for on the 9th of February. 1877, only a little over a year after its dedication, it was destroyed by fire. With that pluck and steadfastness of purpose bred, perhaps, in part by the exercises of the gymnasium, they went to work again, and a building much superior followed the same season. This, the present fine hall, is of brick, and is 35 x 90 feet in size, with an addition 1-1 x 30 feet. It was complete and dedicated on the 12th day of August, 1877. Its value is §1,000. The present membership of the society is about sixty, of which A. Schatz is president; John Seidel, vice-president; E. Blankenburg, first secretary ; F. Blankenburg, second secretary : Fred Theis, treasurer ; H. Grube, first leader of gymnastics, and John Molter. second leader.

Geoenseitige Deutsche Unterstutzungs Verein

This society, though it has to non-speaking Germans an unpronounceable name, is yet a very popular and well-patronized institution, established, as its name indicates, for the purpose of mutual aid among its members. It ranks high financially and otherwise among the societies of Danville. The society was organized February 7, 1872, with A. Sieferman as president; George Dudenhofer, vice-president; E. Blankenburg, secretary; W. Schatz, financial secretary, and Stacy Miller, treasurer. The meetings of the society are held in Turner hall.

The Book Trade

Nothing indicates more clearly the status of a community in culture and enterprise than the condition of its book trade, for it marks both the intelligence and liberality of a people to find in their midst wellsupplied book stores.

In 1868 Danville was just starting out vigorously in its new march of progress. It was about this time that Mr. Coffeen came to Danville and started the first exclusive book store in this place. Previously the book trade had been left to notion dealers and merchants carrying other lines of goods. Mr. Coffeen opened in a store-room belonging to C. K. Mires, now occupied Iry Elliott's dry-goods store. By enterprise and a proper appreciation of the wants of the growing city, he built up a very prosperous book trade, and afterward, in 1874, built the elegant storeroom on Main street opposite the court-house, where the book store of CofFeen & Pollock is now kept. An idea of this establishment may be obtained from the accompanying illustration :

Interior Of Coffeen & Pollock S Book Stoke

About the same time that Mr. CofTeen moved his book store to its present location, Mr. McCorkle opened out a store of similar character in the room now occupied by E. J. Draper's grocery store. This store continued until 1870. In the meantime L. B. Abdill started in the trade on the east side of Main street. Mr. Abdill has been quite prosperous, and his is one of the many excellent stores of the city.

The following extract from a sermon delivered by Ttev. A. L. Brooks on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Presbyterian church of this place, is a fitting tribute, not only to that particular society, but applies with equal propriety to the church in general :

'- We arrogate nothing when we say that it is a church of the living God, that it has been a pillar and ground of those great fundamental and vital truths by which the city in which it is located has been blessed and prospered. We do not hesitate to say that the influence of the church has been very significant and benign upon all the material and social and religious interests of the city. Her teachings have been in accordance with the wisdom and righteousness and love and grace of God. They have served to hold in check the tendencies to lawlessness and crime; they have enforced public morality, stimulated the desire for good government, for commercial integrity, for social purity. Conscience has been enlightened and its judgment enforced. It has carried the peace and piety of our holy religion into many of the homes of the city. It has restrained the youth from the follies and crimes that afflict the homes and communities where church influences are not in the ascendant. It has drawn to our city some of the best and most permanent of our business and social element. It has exerted a significant influence on the educational interests of our community. It has been the conservator of good order and peace, but especially and supremely has it exerted a mighty influence in maintaining these great and fundamental doctrines by which alone is it possible to lead men out from under the dominion and condemnation of sin. It has done a work for this city which no mere secular institution could have done. It has been more to the material, social and christian prosperity than any single industry could have been. It has been more to the happiness and welfare of our families than any or all of the worldly endowments of a gracious providence could have been without it. It has brought to us the best returns of all the investments we have made of our worldly substance, and it has brought us into the highest and noblest fellowship of the pure on earth and of the sinless in heaven. "

The Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian is the pioneer church of this city and of this part of the country. Though religious services had been held prior to 182!». no definitely organized society existed until the date named. This church was organized on the 8th day of March, 1829, by Rev. Samuel Baldridge, with the following eight persons as the original members: Dr. Asa R. Palmer, Josiah Alexander, Elizabeth Alexander, Mary Ann Alexander, Solomon Gilbert, Submit Gilbert, Lucy Gilbert, and Parmela Tomlinson. Of these Dr. Palmer was selected as first ruling elder. Of the eight named, but one, Lucy Gilbert, still survives. The names given will be recognized as among the most worthy and honored citizens of the city. Their work in the church was unselfish, 2:5 and their influence for good was acknowledged by all. Rev. Samuel Baldridge, who was instrumental in organizing the church, was also first pastor, officiating in that capacity, however, but a few months. The honors of the enterprise seem, however, to cluster around the name of the Rev. Enoch Kingsbury, who came to the church in the early part of 1831, and settled here permanently in the year following. Mr. Kingsbury is remembered as a patriot, a hero, a philanthropist, a christian and an enthusiast in the work chosen by him. He served the church as pastor faithfully and most acceptably for over twenty years, and gave up the pastorate after it became absolutely necessary from failing health. Afterward he was engaged in various religious and benevolent enterprises, and labored enthusiastically until 18G8, when he received the summons to " come up higher,'' with the approbation, ""Well done thou good and faithful servant/'

This church has prospered well, both financially and spiritually, under the labors of Mr. Kingsbury and his successors. The present membership numbers two hundred and eighty-seven, of which Rev. A. L. Brooks is present pastor. Under the pastorate of Mr. Brooks, extending from December, 1870, to the present writing, the church has been in a most flourishing condition, there having been received as members during that period two hundred and thirty-seven, nine,ty-one of whom have been on profession of faith.

Rev. A. L. Brooks was born in Madison county, New York, June 19, 1819, and is the son of Jesse and Olivia (Lyon) Brooks. His father was a native of Connecticut, and in his early life was a merchant, and in later life postmaster and magistrate of Mayville, New York. His mother was a native of "Vermont.

Mr. Brooks received the principal part of his education at Trenton. New York, where he graduated in 1842. He also graduated at Auburn Seminary in 1845. In 1846 he was ordained as a minister, and settled at Hamilton of the state named. In 1856 he came west and settled in Chicago, where he remained seven years with the Third Presbyterian Church of that city. From Chicago he went to Peoria, remaining three years in charge of the Fulton Street Presbyterian Church ; thence to Decatur, as pastor of the New School Church of that city for three years; and finally, in 1870, to Danville, as already related.

During the first six years of the existence of the church, its meetings were held in the old log court-house, in private houses and vacant rooms in different places, as circumstances demanded or permitted. In 1835, by great personal sacrifice on the part of its friends, a house of worship was erected on the site of the present church. This is believed to have been the second Presbyterian church building in the east part of the state. This church building- proved to be really historical. It was used for many years for almost all public gatherings, Sunday-schools and other schools. The building was used until, on account of the great prosperity of the church, a new house of worship was an actual necessity. This was accomplished in 1S58, by the erection of the present commodious and convenient building. The house was dedicated to the worship of God on the 24th of December, 1865, the sermon on that occasion being preached by the Rev. Joseph H. Tuttle, president of Wabash College. The cost of the present building was a little more than $12,000.

A very interesting and joyful event was the holding, on the 8th and 9th of March of the present year (1879), the semi-centennial of the organization of the society. On that occasion Rev. A. L. Brooks, who, as before intimated, has been connected with the church during its most nourishing period, preached a historical sermon, and other members related interesting incidents, and laid before the society much other valuable facts relating to the church's history. These items have all been compiled and printed in a neat pamphlet, to which the reader is referred for a more detailed account of this historical church enterprise.

In connection with the church is a nourishing Sunday-school, -whose organization was almost coincident. The school at present writing is under the efficient superintendency of Mr. Park T. Martin.

Methodist Chukch

The first appointment made by the Methodist church at Danville was in 1829, though perhaps some meetings had been held a year earlier. This was then a portion of the Eugene circuit, and covered, also, appointments in Indiana and all of what is now Vermilion and Champaign counties. It was a four weeks' circuit, the preachers upon it holding services every day in the week. Rev. James McKain, a sketch of whose useful life and valuable services to the infant church is given more full}7 in Blount township, and Rev. J. E. French, of whom the reader will find further notice under the head of Elwood, were the first preachers on this circuit. After them, Rev. William Harshey and Rev. Cotton James appear to have been next.

In February, 1836, G. W. Wallace made a warranty deed to the county commissioners (in trust) for the lot upon which the church now stands. The deed was made to the commissioners for the reason that there seem to have been no trustees of the church at that time. In the meantime services were being held in private residences, in the old log school-house with greased paper windows, and on some occa- sions, when the narrowness of these quarters (on account of larger congregations) required more room, in the groves - God's first temples - adjacent to the village. The first class leader, as now remembered, was [saac McKinney. who resided near Kyger's mill. He walked to town and back for the purpose of holding the meetings.

Aiming the first members of the class and church were Samuel Whitman and wife, Harvey Luddington and wife, James Hulce and wife. Mrs. Mary Sconce and a few others.

About the time the deed from "Wallace was made for the lot. the building which now stands in the rear of their present house of worship, and now used as a blacksmith shop, was erected. The frame building alluded to cost about 8S00, and continued in use until the present building was erected. The new church cost $13,500, and at the time of its erection was considered one of the finest houses of worship in eastern Illinois. Indeed, for solidity and convenience it is vet hardly excelled, but its size, though at the time of its erection thought to be commensurate for all time to come, has not prevented several new organizations, which, like swarms of bees, have emerged from the parent hive and gone forth to work in other portions of the Lord's field.

A Sabbath-school was organized in connection with the church, almost coincident with the organization of the first church society. At first there were probably two dozen scholars. Xow. besides the large number attending other schools of this denomination in and about the city, the parent school has over three hundred members. The present superintendent is George Abdill. under whose wise supervision the school has attained a degree of excellence seldom enjoyed by schools <>f this character. The minister in charge of the North Street Church is Rev. F. A. Parker.

Kimber Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in February. 1 s»>9, and was so named in honor of the memory of the late Rev. Isaac C. Kimber. Xo suggestion of this society can be traced to a remoter date than a Sunday afternoon of the month above named. An independent Sabbath-school, under the management of Methodist people, held in a frame school-house in the northwestern part of the city, had been dismissed, when a number of officers and teachers tarried to gather up the books, etc., and while thus employed, incidentally and without premeditation the chorister of the school remarked that a church building was desirable for the accommodation of the school. This led to remarks by others, and it may be said that the church was born there and then. They who were present and took part in the conversation were Joseph G. English. Maria L. English, Jacob L. Hill,

Rev. Enoch Jones was employed to conduct services, and on the 18th of the month following he was officially appointed by Presiding Elder Sampson Shinn as pastor of the charge. He continued this relation until April of the same year, when he was succeeded by Rev. Nelson R. Whitehead, who ministered to the society until the meeting of conference, when the Rev. James C. Rucker assumed the pastorate. At the date of its formal organization the society had twenty members. Its first quarterly conference was held on Monday evening, June 7, 1869. A board of trustees consisting of John McMahan, John M. Lamm, Jacob L. Hill, George W. Hooton, Thomas Neely and J. G. English, who had been appointed by the society, was confirmed by the first quarterly conference. A board of stewards was also appointed, to wit: Thomas McKibben, E. C. Abdill, G. W. Hooton, T. Neely. J. L. Hill, J. M. Lamm, J. G. English and J. Moody. Mr. English was appointed recording steward.

Immediately following the organization of the society the erection of a meeting-house was undertaken, and the dedication occurred in November, 1869, by the Rev. Granville Moody, of the Kentucky conference. The appointment of pastors by conference have been as follows, to wit : Rev. James C. Rucker, two years ; Rev. George Stevens, three years; Rev. Win. S. Hooper, one year; Rev. Wm. F. Gillmore, two years, and Rev. W. H. Musgrove, who is now serving upon his second year.

The church property is appraised at $10,000, and its parsonage is said by preachers to be the best in the conference. The society's contributions to the missionary fund have averaged $300 a year. No pastor has left with the church in debt to him. The present membership is two hundred and sixty-one.

It is placed to the credit of the colored people that they are peculiarly a religious race. As a verification of the assertion we find the colored people of Danville fully up to their general reputation in this particular, and, as far as their ability warrants, emulating their white neighbors in good works.

An organization designated as the A. M. E. Church was effected in Danville in September of 1872, with G. W. Nichols and three or four others as original members, and Rev. Henry Pugh as pastor. The membership has increased to twenty at present writing. The society was without a church building until 1877, when they erected what is known as Allen Chapel, so called in honor of their first bishop. The building cost something over $1,200, is 30x46 feet in size, and is a very comfortable structure of its kind. The colored people sustain an interesting Sabbath-school in connection with their church, of which Mr. G. W. Nichols is superintendent. Rev. R. Holly is present pastor of the church.

The first meetings of Til ton M. E. Church were held in the schoolhouse at Tilton. Among the first members were 0. B. Scharer and wife, M. C. Smith and wife, Noah Morgan and wife and M. Founder. The present church was built in 1872, at a cost of over $1,100. The members of this church numbered at one time some fifty; but on account of many removals and some deaths the membership is at present only about fifteen. The church was dedicated by Dr. R. N. Davies. The present pastor is the Rev. S. H. Huber. The present superintendent of the Sunday-school is Mary Lewis; the number of scholars is about twenty-five.

The first meetings of the Mount Zion M. E. Church were held some twenty years ago in the old school-house now on Mr. X. Parish's place. The first members were J. W. Stine, Elizabeth A. Stine, Nathan Parish, Hannah Parish, A. Stine, Eliza Stine and Esther Rose. J. \V. Stine was the first preacher. In 1873 they built the present church, at a cost of $1,025 ; it was dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Davies. Since 1878 there have been no meetings held at this church.

German Methodist Church

It was in 1857 when Rev. G. Zeiser was laboring on the so-called Marshall Mission. His field included Marshall, Paris and Clarksville. He was the first one that was invited to come to Danville and preach to the Germans. One of his members, moving from Paris to Danville, invited him to come here. It was in the month of May, 1857. when he visited Danville. He visited the German families from house to house, and appointed a meeting in the second story of the house in which Mr. Jacob Schatz resided, and belonging to Dr. Porter.

The meeting was numerouslv attended. From that time Danville was considered as a regular appointment. In the fall after the next conference, Danville was given under the charge of Rev. C. Holtkamp, residing then at Urbana, until a man could, be found specially for Danville. Mr. Holtkamp came here every three weeks, fifty miles, on horseback, and preached to the Germans of Danville with a remarkable success. About Christmas time, in the same year, the first quarterly meeting Mas held in the basement of the North Street M. E. Church, by the Rev. Philip Kuhl, Presiding Elder of the Quincy District. On that occasion quite a number joined the church on probation, and the society was formally organized.

As they had no place of their own to hold their meetings in, permission was granted them to hold their devotional services in one room on the second floor of the old court-house. Joseph Bauer and wife, Fred. Loehr and wife, and John Bireline and wife were of the first members. Some of them have gone to their reward. Under the administration of Rev. Schwindt was the first little frame church built and completed in the summer of 1859. The building cost $700. The following conference was held in Danville, and as the dedication Sunday was very rainy, and consequently unfavorable, one Sunday evening was set aside on which Bishop Simpson preached a sermon in the English church for the purpose of raising subscriptions to free the little German church from debt.

The new brick church, with steeple, 38 x 60 feet, was erected in the summer of 1874, and dedicated November 30 of the same year by Dr. Fowler, then president of the Northwestern University at Evanston, 111. The church was built under the pastorate of Rev. Charles Stellner, and cost about $7,000. Under the administration of Rev. J. W. Roecker, their present pastor, the society enjoys a vigorous condition. Their present number is in the neighborhood of one hundred members. The prosperity of the society will undoubtedly be greater when the last obstruction, their burdening church debt, shall have been finally and completely removed.

The society appreciates very highly the kindness of the community, and especially their English friends, in their support and liberal contributions. The Sunday-school was organized in June, 1858. The name of the present superintendent is John Schmidt ; the number of scholars, seventy.

The present minister, John W. Roecker, M'ho was born in Adelshopen, Baden, Germany, December 18, 1835, came to America in 1848; located in Washington county, Wis., where he received his principal education. He was ordained as deacon by Bishop Aimes in 1860 ; as elder, by Bishop Baker in 1862. He was first appointed at Des Moines, Iowa; thence to Burlington, Iowra ; Crown Point, Ind. ; Manitowoc, Sheboygan, Oshkosh, Milwaukee, Wis. ; Laporte, Ind. ; and Chicago. In 1877 he came to Danville.

The first meetings of the Asbury M. E. Church were held at the residence of William Delay in about the year 1830. Among the first members were William Delay and wife, Father Boston and wife, Mr. Yillars and wife, Mr. Howard and wife, George Dillon and wife, Samuel Roderick and wife, and Mrs. Rigdon. The meetings of the society continued to be held at private residences and in the school-house until 1851, when their present house of worship was erected. It was named, in honor of one of the great lights of that denomination, Asbury Chapel. Among the first ministers who preached here were Revs. Mr. Lane, Win. C. Prentis and Oliver Mnnsell. The last named was afterward connected with the Wesleyan University at Bloomington as president. The pastor in charge at the present writing is Rev. G. B. Goldsmith. The church is in good condition and has an active membership of forty-eight. A good Sunday-school, with a fail- attendance, is also sustained.

The first services of this denomination were held in the city of Danville by Rev. Mr. Osborn, of Chicago, who preached occasionally during the years 1863-4. The founding of the church was brought about by E. J. Purdy, late of Logansport, Ind., who held services here December 10, 1865, and on the next evening called a meeting for the purpose of definite work. At that meeting Mrs. Win. Hessey, Mrs. Henry S. Forbes, Miss Matilda Holton, and Messrs. John Donlon, J. C. Winslow, Charles Caton, J. R. Baker and R. W. Hanford were appointed as a committee of general extension. At the organization there was only one communicant in town, and though the building up of a church of this faith has been a constant struggle, they have, with a steadfastness of purpose peculiar to that sect, pursued the even tenor of their way, and to-day finds them with a pleasant house of worship, 27 x 50 feet in size, capable of seating comfortabl}' over two hundred persons, a good conoreffation anc] a nourishing- Sabbath-school. Rev. F. W. Tavlor is rector and superintendent of the Sabbath-school.

United Brethren In Christ

The first preaching service held by this denomination in Danville was at the old German church in the winter of 1870. The church was organized with the following five members : George Holycross, Isaiah Smutz, Mary Smutz, G. W. Vangordon and Robert Wilson, the first named being the leader.

The first quarterly meeting was held at the residence of G. W. Barlow in June, 1871. The work of erecting a house of worship was undertaken in April, 1871, and completed the same year. The size of the original building was 32 x 44 feet, and cost $1,250. Four years later the building was taken down and removed to North Vermilion street, where it was rebuilt and twelve feet added to the length, at an additional cost of §1,630. Thus the Brethren have a very neat and commodious building for the purpose for which it was designed.

The German United I5Rethren In Christ

Held their first meetings at private residences, but their first meeting for organization and to receive members was held in the German Methodist church, at which time and place ten persons - Philip Steube, John Buy, Philip Timm, J. Schoultz and Carl Leverenz, and their wives - united, thus founding the church, since established at the corner of Hayes and North streets. Messrs. Buy and Schoultz were appointed as first trustees. In about the year 1862 they built the little chapel on the corner next to their present building at a cost of about $600. This building they occupied for about ten years, when, in 1871, they erected a more commodious building, at an outlay of $3,033. The small building is now used for school purposes.

Over one hundred members now belong to the organization. Rev. Mr. Aessel is the present pastor. A good Sunday-school is sustained, of which J. Schoultz is superintendent.

Baptist Church

The Baptist church of Danville was organized in 1873, holding its first meeting for that purpose on the first Sabbath of the year named, in Robert McDonald's hall, over Freese & Bayle's store, on Main street. Though this was the first organized effort of this denomination at this point, it was not the first religious service held by them, as the Baptists - at least a branch of that church - were really pioneers in religion, not only here, but all over this part of the state. At the date to which allusion has been made, Rev. E. S. Graham preached a sermon, after which he advised the brethren and sisters present to organize a Baptist church. To this call E. F. Graham, Mrs. F. B. Freese, Mrs. M. F. C. Wilber, Mrs. K. Bayle, Mrs. H. L. Hoi ton, Mrs. S. Kimball, J. W. Parker, Mrs. J. W. Parker, E. Wilkinson, Mrs. E. Wilkinson and Mrs. Eliza Davis responded by affixing their names to the covenant and adopting the articles of faith.

The church then called Rev. E. S. Graham to be their pastor, which position he has ever since held. The church has prospered well, both financially and spiritually. In the short period of its existence there have been received into its fold by letter, 104 members; by baptism, 38, and by relation, 15, making a total of 157. Of the original eleven members, eight are still connected with the church.

Christian Church

The Christian Church of Danville was organized January 13, 1873. During the month named Rev. John F. Rowe held the first services, in the hall in the third story of the Leseure block. The meetings finally resulted in the founding of the society as stated. The church soon after called Elder W. R. Jewell, present pastor, and also editor of the Danville "Daily News," to take charge of the society. The enterprise, though begun under some inauspicious circumstances, has prospered well, and to-day numbers over one hundred and twenty members. The next year after the organization they concluded to erect a house of worship. A very neat and commodious building 34x55 feet in size was erected at a Cost of $3,500.

In connection with this church is an interesting Sabbath-school, which was organized in 1874, Mr. H. A. Coffeen being the first superintendent. From a small beginning, with about thirty members, the school has increased to nearly one hundred. At the present writing, the school is under the superintendence of Elder W. R. Jewell.

The Christian Church of Tilton, by some known as the New Light Church, was erected in 1872, at a cost of about $1,400, and was dedicated by Elder Wilkins. The first pastor in charge was Rev. John Green, the present preacher. Among the original members of the society were S. Hodge, Benjamin Hodge and wife, William Hodge and wife, John Green and wife and William Butler and wife. The society is in a very flourishing condition and the membership is quite large. A good Sabbath-school, under the superintendence of John Radliff, is also sustained.

Catholic

The first meetings of the Irish Catholic Church were held in private residences. In 1852 Father Rhian, who was the first preacher, held services in what is known as Thicker Town, in a building near the I. B. & W. railroad bridge. In 1858 they built the present brick church, situated on Chestnut near Elizabeth street. The cost of the building was about $1,500. The first pastor of the church was Father Lambert, and the first bishop who ever preached in Danville (in 1871) was Bishop Foley, of Chicago. This church has perhaps the largest membership of any in Danville, and is in a nourishing condition. In fact, the present building is entirely too small for the congregation. They are now (1879) taking subscriptions for a new church edifice, which is intended, when complete, to be the finest building of that character in this part of Illinois.

The German Catholic Church, at the corner of Green and College streets, was built in 1868. Previous to this date the congregation held their services in the Irish Catholic house of worship, and it was in that place that their first meetings were held. Indeed, the two branches, prior to the date named, had been under the same charge and organization. The German branch, however, being desirous of having services in their own language, withdrew from the parent church and erected for themselves their present edifice. The building was put up at a cost of $4,570, and was formally dedicated by the Rt. Rev. John W. Luers, bishop of Fort "Wayne. The first priest in charge was Rev. A. M. Reck, and the board of trustees, as first selected, consisted of George Fuchs and Lawrence Little. George Meyer, T. Young, F. Senger, Michael Schroll, Joseph Clements, Frank Stengleberger, August Foeher and John Kneidal were also some of the first members.

The church has prospered well, and now numbers fifty-three families. In 1871 the church erected a school building for their own use, at a cost of $1,500.* They also have a comfortable parsonage, valued at $1,300. The whole establishment is under the charge of Rev. Peter Schmal. Father Schmal is a native of Prussia, from whence he came to this country in 1871. In 1877 he came to Danville, and has been in charge ever since.

German Lutheran Church

In November, 1802, Rev. H. Schoenberg, from Lafayette, Indiana, met a few of the German people of the faith -under consideration at the house of J. Hacker, and at that meeting were held the first regular services of this denomination in Danville. Occasionally thereafter the people were called together for the same purpose, until in February of the^following year it was decided to enter into an organized effort for the purpose of establishing a church of their own choice. Among those who entered into the organization at the first were W. Hubb, M. Heinrich, J. Hacker, F. Hacker, C. Friedrichs, E. Klingenspor, C. Wendt, C. Schultz and F. Anders. The first minister appointed to the charge was Rev. G. Markworth.

In 1865, though a very unfavorable time to begin the erection of a church building, owing to the very high price of materials and labor then prevailing, with an energy for which the German people are justly noted, they went to work and erected a building, at a cost of over $7,000 and capable of seating four hundred persons. Besides their church enterprise they also sustain a private school for the purpose of

The Welsh Independent Church was organized in South Danville March 10, 1872. Prior to the date named the United Brethren had erected a church building (the one now occupied and owned by the Welsh church) at a cost of $1,800. The brethren, however, disbanded at this place and sold out their property in 1875 to the present owners for $500. The organization of the church under consideration took place at the residence of Mrs W. Watkins, and consisted of twenty-two members. The organization was effected by the Rev. Roderick W. Williams, of Cincinnati, Ohio. The first regular pastor of the church was Rev. John Price. The church did not seem to prosper well for a number of years, and from a statement made to the Superintendent of Home Missions in September, 1878, we learn that the membership had dwindled down to two persons. At the date last mentioned Rev. John A. Griffin was put in charge of the feeble organization, and through his strenuous efforts new life and energy have been infused, and at this writing thirty-nine active members belong to the societv.

In 1872 a Sunday-school was also organized, but, like the church, it had been neglected. An excellent school under the superintendence of John A. Lewis is now sustained, and it is largely due to his efforts that it has attained its present high standard.

In connection with the Welsh church the organization known as the South Danville Temperance Union is kept up. The Union is in a very flourishing condition, and has already done a great amount of good for this community. It numbers about three hundred members, of which Benjamin Dean is president and Joseph Robinson is secretary.

Secret Societies

Danville soil seems to be quite well adapted to the growth of such organizations as practice their peculiar rites and ceremonies with none to behold but the All-Seeing Eye and those who have been so fortunate as to be admitted behind the veil of secrecy. To say that in a quiet and unostentatious manner - fulfilling the command of the Great Master to let not the right hand know what its fellow-member is doing

- they have performed many acts of benevolence, is to say only what many who have been the recipients of their benefactions would testify. They desire no praise - preferring to let their works recommend them

- therefore we will only add that as far as this city is concerned, their reputation, which is based wholly upon what they do and not on what they say, is of a character becoming those who profess the principles of friendship, love, morality, truth and relief.

The Masons are entitled to the credit of being the pioneers, they having established themselves in an organization as early as 1840. At that time Danville was but a small village of five or six hundred inhabitants, with six or eight stores and but little business of any kind. Railroads and telegraphs had not and did not seek out this locality for another decade, yet the principles of the order were even then here.

Olive Branch Lodge, No. 38, A. F. & A. M., is comparatively one of the "ancient" lodges of the state, there being but a few that have preserved a continuous existence for more than fort}7-three years. The Grand Lodge of the state was organized in 1840, only six years prior to the granting of Olive Branch charter, and as the charters of all the earliest lodges date from the establishment of the Grand Lodge, and as several of the primary lodges have surrendered their charters or have been merged with other lodges, it gives to the institution at Danville quite a flavor of antiquity. Danville contains but few inhabitants now who witnessed the ceremonies of institution or who were even residents of this locality.

W. E. Russell, John Payne and John Thompson were the first principal officers, being Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden, respectively. From a small membership at the time of organization this mother lodge has been the progenitor of a large number of other lodges in the county, besides establishing on her own territory other orders of a higher character. t The membership of the lodge at present writing is 155, of which George W. Hooton is W.M. ; W. J. Calhoun, S.W. ; E. R. Dan forth, J.W. ; H. P. Boener, S.D. ; G. F. Tincher, J.D. ; D. S. Pheneger, Sec'y; R. W. Ilanford, Treas., and J. T. Culbertson, Tiler.

By 1805 the order at this place had greatly increased in numbers, having kept pace with the growth and importance of the city itself, which had grown to number nearly a thousand to the hundred of 1840, and Vermilion Chapter, No. 82, R. A. M., was chartered, with D. R. Love, J. C. Winslow, John L. Smith, J. T. Culbertson and sixteen others as charter members. This order is not confined in its limits to the city of Danville, but embraces territory occupied b}r several other lodges in the county. The membership has grown to number about 125 members. Of this order A. S. Bixby is present H.P. ; H. P. Boener, K.; L. P. Norvell, S. ; E. R, Danforth, C. of H. ; C. V. Guy, P.S. ; T. B. Castleman, R.A.C. ; John Treteline, George Probst and C. M. Smith, Masters of Vails; J. B. Samuels, Sec'y; A. L. Webster, Treas., and J. T. Culbertson, Sent.

A Subordinate Council was also (previous to 1877) in operation at this place, but by order of the Grand Bodies all Councils being- merged into the other orders, Danville Council, No. 37, has ceased to exist.

Athelstan Commandery, No. 45, of Knights Templar, was chartered October 28, 1874. There being but about fifty societies of this order in the state, Danville is one of the few localities favored with an occasional sight of the imposing evolutions of these somber soldiers and representatives of the twelfth century.

Rev. N. P. Heath was the first Commander at this point. J. B. Mann, W. P. Cannon, J. T. Culbertson, James Knight, P. McCormack, D. Watrous, A. S. Bixby and J. C. Probst were also charter members.

At present writing A. S. Bixby is Eminent Commander; J. P. Norvell, Gen. ; B. Brittingham, C.G. ; W. J. Calhoun, Prel. ; A. L. Webster, S.W. ; J. V. Logue, J.W. ; B. E. Bandy, Rec, and D. Watrous, Treas. The membership numbers sixty-four. Rev. N. P. Heath, first Commander of Athelstan Commandery, since his removal from this place has held the office of Grand Prelate of the Grand Commandery of Illinois. He has since been a resident of Champaign, at which place he recently died. John P. Norvell, present Generalissimo of this place, has also been honored with offices in the Grand Bodies for the past four years.

The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows were granted a charter for the purpose of performing " mystic rites," and for the purpose of practicing the principles of F. L. & T. in their own peculiar manner, July 25, 1850. The charter members of Danville Lodge, No. 49, were John L. Tincher, Samuel Frazier, J. B. Gilbert, Joshua Holingsworth and H. J. C. Batch.

The order has prospered well both in number and financially. It has numbered among its membership some of the solidest citizens of Danville and vicinity, and, like the Masonic order, is the parent of a number of other lodges in different portions of the county. The membership at the present writing is 105, of which F. Wortman is N.G. ; Elias Good, V.G. ; F. C. Hacker. Treas. ; S. Goodman, R.Sec, and S. Leaverton, P. Sec. John McMahan, F. W. Penwell, Elias Good, Geo. Dillon and S. Leaverton constitute the present board of trustees. An organization of the highest order of Odd-Fellows was established at Danville by charter from the Grand Encampment, December 16, 1857.

The charter members of Marsh Encampment, No. 46, were Robert Y. Chesley, John McMahan, J. D. Hartzler, L. H. Sconce, J. P. Brown, Thomas McKibben, G. H. Brown, H. T. Downing and J. II. Davis.

In 1872 the German Odd-Fellows of this city being desirous of an organization authorizing lodge-work in their own language, petitioned for a charter for the institution of Feuerbach Lodge, No. 499, and in October of that year such authority was granted to Charles Hesse, George Dndenhofer, Michael Kohler, Otto Bein, George Waltz, L. H. Kahn, Kilian Knell, Jacob Schorr, Anselm Sieferman, E. Blankenbnrg and F. B rand en ber o-er. Georo-e Dndenhofer was first N.G. ; Ott<> Bein, Y.G. ; L. H. Kahn, Sec, and Kilian Knell, Treas. The lodge has been quite prosperous, and now numbers, - according to the last Grand Lodge Reports, - sixty-three members, of which John Zuhn is KG. ; Theodor Ott, Y.G. ; Gottlieb Maier, Sec: A. Oberdorfer, P. Sec, and John Shultz, Treas.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, No. 1, was chartered in 1873. The objects of the order are of a charitable nature, and in some respects is intended to fill the place of the secret orders which are not countenanced by the Roman Catholic church. It is not secret, but its membership is confined to Catholics and is under the supervision of the clergy. The officers are : P. Carey, president ; P. Burns, vice-president; D. Moore, financial secretary; Win. Ryan, treasurer; P. Gerrety, county delegate ; M. J. Hogan, corresponding secretary ; John Buckley, marshal; P. Monahan, sergeant-at-arms ; W. Dougherty, doorkeeper. The priest in charge acts as chaplain. The order is in good standing and in prosperous condition, having $600 in the treasury.

Under this head we propose to give extended biographies of a large number of the leading citizens of Danville Township, not only of early settlers, but also of the more modern. Many of them have already been mentioned incidentally in the preceding pages, but we think it will add vastly to the value of the work as a book of reference and as a basis for the future historian, to give to this department the most minute detail. As far as practicable, they have been arranged in chronological order, or rather in the order of coming to this township or county.

Perry O'Neal, Danville, farmer, is one of the" old settlers. He was born in Vermilion county, Illinois, one-half mile east of Westville, on the 16th of January, 1825, and is the son of Thomas and Sarah (Howard) O'Neal. Thomas O'Neal was born in Nelson county, Kentucky, in 1792, and there learnt the trade of a tanner and currier. He moved from his native state to Indiana, and located in Madison, Jefferson county, where he was engaged in working at his trade. He remained

Illinois, and located in Vermilion county near what is now known as Westville. He first entered eighty acres of land and set out in tanning ; here he erected a tan-yard which consisted of a large shed, 30x30, and ground his tan-bark with a large round stone by horse-power. This tannery was the first in Vermilion county, and was located about fifty yards southeast of the home of Perry O'Neal. The old log cabin is still standing in the rear of Mr. O'Neal's house. Thomas O'Neal followed the trade of a tanner, and operated the tan-yard for several years, and then spent some time in farming, - he owned at one time five hundred and forty acres of land. He was coroner of Vermilion county for over twenty years; was elected in 1840 and held office until his death. He and his son Samuel O'Neal were both in the Blaekhawk war of 1832. His son William was a blacksmith at the salt works at an early day - probably the first blacksmith in Vermilion county. Thomas O'Neal was a man that was known and respected perhaps as well as any man in Vermilion county. He died in 1861, and thus passed away one of Vermilion county's old and honored citizens. His wife was born in Kentucky, in 1794 ; she died in 1863. She was a kind and good woman. < )f the O'Neal family four children are now living. James O'Neal, who was born in Vermilion county on the 20th of April. 1822, one of the first white children born in the county. Perry O'Neal, Nancy (now the wife of Lewis Ballah), and Cynthia Ann (wife of Joel BatesV Perry O'Neal, the subject of this sketch, was brought up as a farmer, and this he has through life followed on the old homestead, with the exception of a few years on the prairie. He has never been married.

George Martin, Danville, retired farmer. This gentleman is one of the pioneers of Vermilion county, having made his home here in 1827. He was born in Brown county, Ohio, on the 18th of October, 1810, and is the son of Hutson and Martha (Lacock) Martin. His father was a native of Virginia, and followed farming; he was a soldier of the war of 1812, and died in Oregon, near Fort Vancouver, in 1851, at an old age. Mr. Martin remained in Ohio until he was six years old, when he moved with his parents to Ripley county. Indiana, where he remained until 1827, engaged in farming. He then, with his parents, moved to Illinois, and located in Newell township, Vermilion county. His father came here with wife and ten children, and now only three girl- and Mr. Martin are alive. Mr. Martin, in 1S54, moved to Marion county, Illinois, where he was a resident about nine years, at the expiration of which time he returned as;ain to Vermilion county. He married in Vermilion county to Mary Mdvee, who was born in Fleming county.

Kentucky, in 1812, and is a daughter of William and Hester (Adams) McKee, who moved to Vermilion county in 1832. They came to this county with eleven children, and only four are now living. William McKee was born in Pennsylvania on the 17th of January, 1783, and died in Vermilion county on the 21st of February, 1872. Mrs. Hester McKee was born in Kentucky on the 12th of August, 1785, and died (in the 1st of December, 1816. Mr. Martin had two sons in the late war: George M. enlisted from Indiana for one year; he did good service and was honorably discharged. John H. enlisted in the 125th 111. Vol. Inf., Co. A, for three years, as corporal ; he did good service and participated in some of the leading battles: Perry ville, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta and Jonesboro, where he was wounded in the left shoulder ; he was in the Atlanta campaign to Kichmond, and was captured at Black River, North Carolina, and taken as a prisoner of war to Richmond, Virginia, where he remained about eight days, and was then paroled, receiving his final discharge at Springfield, Illinois. Mr. Martin states that he and Mr. Norton Beckwith made the first brick in Vermilion county.

Rev. John Villars' grandfather was from England and his grandmother from Ireland. His father was born on the 28th of July, 1774, and his mother was . born on the 23d of March, 1770 ; her maiden name was Rebecca Davison. They were married in Jefferson count}', Pennsylvania, on the 19th of April, 1796; to them were born five boys and three girls; five were born in Ohio. John, the eldest, was born on the 14th of February, 1797; the names of the others were Mary, James, William and Rachael. They moved to Ohio in April, 1806, and there were born to them George, Rebecca and Hiram. In 1*26 the parents and children were all members of the M. E. Church. John joined in 1821 and in 1823 was licensed to exhort ; he came to Illinois and settled in Vermilion county in 1830, about four and one-half miles east of Danville; in 1833 he was licensed by the M. E. Church to preach, but in 1S38 he joined the United Brethren in Christ, and remained a minister in that church until his death, on the 14th of March, 1858. From Illinois, in 1852, he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, remaining until 1853, when he returned to this county and remained until 1857. He then moved to Nemaha county, Nebraska, and remained there until the 14th of March, 1858, when he died. Rev. John Villars was married to Elizabeth McGee, his first wife, in Ohio on the 14th of March, 1816. She was born on the 25th of September, 1797. To them were born ten children, - six sons and four daughters. Jane was born March 10, 1817; James, November 28, 1819; William. May 22, 1822: Mary, February 14, 1825; Rebecca.

September 7. L827; John Q., May 1. 1830; George, October 16, 1832; Elizabeth, December 14, 1834; Hiram E., November 25, 1837 ; Jona, November 10, 1842. Elizabeth yillars died on the 22d of April. 1848 : she was a member of the M. E. Church, and her parents were Baptists. John Yillars was married to his second wife, Elizabeth Campbell, on the 10th of October, 1849; she was born in what was then known as Harrison county, Virginia, on the 2d of September, 1816. Her father was from Ireland and her mother from Scotland; they were members of the Presbyterian Church. Rev. John Yillars, by his second wife, became the father of two sons and one daughter : Josephine R.. born July 31, 1S50 ; John B., born February 15. 1853, and Henrv B.. born February 26, 1857. Mr. John Yillars was a lifedirector in the American Bible Society from the 20th of September, 1856, and at his death gave over sti.ooo to that society. Elizabeth Yillars, his second wife, has been a life-member of the same society from the 8th of December, 1856. Rev. John Yillars was a man well to do, at one time owning over twelve hundred acres in this county, besides other property in Iowa ; he always gave each one of his children a good start when they embarked in life for themselves.

Wm. Fithian, Danville, physician. Dr. Win. Fithian is one among the oldest settlers of Vermilion county, and a man who has been identified with as much of the development and improvement that has been made in the county since 1830 as any of the pioneers of Danville. He is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, and was born in the year 1800. In 1S22 he began the study of medicine with Dr. Joseph T. Carter, of Urbana, Ohio, and was in time granted a diploma by the board of censors. He practiced two vears at Mechanicsbnrgh and four years with Dr. Carter, and in ls3<> came west, arriving at Danville on the 1st of June. 1S30. Before leaving Ohio we may mention the fact that he built the first house in both the city of Springfield and Urbana, Ohio. In 1S34 he became quite interested in politics, and for several terms was a member of the legislature and afterward of the senate. He was also a soldier in the Blackhawk war. He has been very active in the movements which resulted in bringing several railroads to Danville. In 1871 he gave to the I. B. tfc W. road the right of way through a large tract of land in Oakwood township and five acres of land. The village of Fithian on this line of road was founded and named by the company in honor to the Doctor. He is a member of several of the medical associations, and is one among the oldest practicing physicians <»f the State of Illinois.

Mr. Villars, with his parents, came to Illinois and located in Vermilion county in 1830. Here Mr. Villars has resided ever sjnce. He has been engaged in fanning from the time he was able to hold the plow. He has held several offices of public trust, overseer of highways and school director of Danville township. He married on the 1st of January, 1851, to Miss Itachael Olehy, who was born in Vermilion county and whose parents came to this county at an early day. They have five children, Mary E., James W., William D., John P. and Rebecca J., all born in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Villars are members of the M. E. church. He owns one hundred and eighty-four acres of fine improved land.

Abraham Draper, Danville, retired farmer. The subject of this sketch is one of the old pioneers of Vermilion county. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of February, 1804; his parents were James and Mary (Peden) Draper; his father was a native of Delaware and his mother of Pennsylvania. When Mr. Draper was but five years old he, with his parents, moved to Ohio and located on a farm in Clermont county, where he remained until 1830 engaged in farming. lie married in Clermont county on the 21st of October, 1827 (fifty-two years ago), to Miss Eliza Porter, of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. She was born on the 17th of January, 1805. In 1830 Mr. Draper, with his wife and one child, came to Illinois and located in Vermilion county, near the present homestead here in Danville township, which has now been his home for forty-nine years. A tree stands on his farm that he remembers of noticing in 1830. Mr. Draper came here very poor, having borrowed a horse and hired a wagon to bring himself, wife and family here from Ohio. He settled on congress land, and with hard labor and good management paid for the place in five years. His first one hundred pounds of flour was obtained on the other side of Attica, Indiana, and the second hundred weight was gotten on the other side of Covington. He found a market for his grain at Terre Haute and Chicago, and hauled it there in wagons. With hard work and economy he accumulated six hundred acres of land. He has given land to each of his children. He had two sons in the late war, Alexander S. and Abraham I., who did good service and were honorably discharged. Mr. and Mrs. Draper have been members of the Baptist church for the last forty-four years.

Eben H. Palmer, Danville, cashier First National Bank, was born in Danville, Illinois, on the 10th of August, 1830, and is the son of Dr. A. R. Palmer, who was born in South Coventry, Connecticut, on the 9th of March, 1783. He, with his parents, moved to Vermont when he was very young, where he remained until he was about eigh- teen years old; he then moved to the Black River country, in New York. At Moscow he commenced the study of medicine, and graduated from a medical college, where he received his diploma and commenced the practice of medicine in about 1824 or 1825. In 1826 he, with his wife and three children, came west to Indiana, coining down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh in a flat-boat and then up the "Wabash River, and located in Vermilion county on a farm, where he was engaged in farming and the practice of medicine, which extended to a circuit of forty miles. In 1828 they moved to Danville, Vei*milion county, Illinois, where he was engaged at his profession and in the drug business in company with his son, E. F. Palmer, thus forming the firm of E. F. Palmer & Co., which was perhaps the first drug store in Danville. It was located on the corner of Main and Walnut, in the house now occupied by Mr. Woods, the hatter. Dr. Palmer continued his practice of medicine for a number of years, his circuit extending throughout Vermilion county. He was married three times ; twice in the east, and his third wife, Delia Hawkins (the mother of E. H. Palmer), he married in Vermilion county, Indiana. She was a native of West Bloomfield, New York, having come west with her parents at an early day : she died in 1851, and Dr. Palmer died in August, 1861. Thus one by one the old settlers of Vermilion county are passing beyond the shore of the unknown river. By the marriage of Dr. A. R. Palmer and Delia Hawkins they had eight children ; of this family only three are now living, Clara, John J. and Eben Ii. Our subject at fourteen years of age commenced clerking in a drug store; at twenty-five years of age he entered, in company with S. A. Humphreys and P. Partlow. the dry-goods business, which continued about two years. He then was appointed school commissioner, to fill the vacancy left by his uncle. X. D. Palmer, who died. In 1859 he entered the private bank of English & Tincher as clerk and book-keeper, which position he held until the organization of the First National Bank of Danville, when he was elected cashier, which position he has held ever since. In 1854 Mr. Palmer married Fannie B. Xelson, of Pennsylvania ; by this union they have four children. Mr. Palmer is a member of the Presbyterian church, of which his father was one of the founders and elders.

Sarah Ann ( Mehy. Danville, was born in Kentucky on the 11th of October, 1822, and is the wife of the late Dennis Olehv, who was born in Ohio, on the 12th of October, 1802. In about 1830 he, with his mother (his father having died in Ohio) and one brother, came to Vermilion county and located on the farm where Mrs. Olehv now lives. Here he set out in farming, first building a place out of rails in which they might live. This served until they could find better quarters, which he afterward built with a linn tree, making a puncheon floor, a door and a table for the cabin. They came here very poor, he having but ten dollars in his pocket. His first clearing and farming was done with one horse, on a forty-awe farm very thick with timber and hazel-brush. He worked hard and faithfully, and before his death had accumulated two hundred and sixty acres of land. He married his first wife, Elizabeth Glaze, in Vermilion county. She lived some sixteen years after marriage. He then married, on the Oth of May, 1S47, to Miss Sarah Ann Jones, the subject of this sketch. He had eleven children - three by the first wife and eight by the second. Mr. Dennis Olehy died a good Christian, being a member of the Baptist Church for a number of years. He died on the 2d of March, 1877. Thus one by one the old settlers of Vermilion county are passing away.

Edmund P. Jones, Danville, fanner, was born in Vermilion county, on the 13th of January, 1830, and is the son of William and Jane (Martin) Jones. His father was a native of Kentucky, and came to Vermilion county with his wife and family at an early day, locating on a farm and commenced farming, which he followed up to his death. William Jones was born on the 24th of February, 1700; died on the 30th of October, 1859. Jane (Martin") Jones was born on the 15th of April, 1795 ; died on the 10th of September, 1807. They were married on the 25th of January, 1810. Edmund P. Jones was brought up on the farm, engaged in farming, and to-day he owns a good improved farm of one hundred and seventy-six acres, made by his own industry. He has twice been married : First to Sarah Cox, of Vermilion county, on the 19th of October, 1854; she died in 1858. He married the second wife, Mary E. Villars, on the 21st of February, 1801 ; she was born on the 11th of December, 1840. They have four children living. Mr. Jones is a member of the Christian Church.

Joseph T. Ross, Danville, retired farmer. The above-named gentleman is, perhaps, one of the best known and most respected citizens of Vermilion county. He was born in Mason conntv, Kentucky 'on the 30th of May, 1810, and is the son of John Ross, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Kentucky at an early day, when there were plenty of Indians. There he remained until 1830, and then, with his wife and ten children, he came to Illinois and located in Vermilion county, on Stony creek. Here he died a respected and good citizen, leaving a wife and family to mourn his loss; his wife died on the farm. Mr. Joseph T. Ross has been engaged in farming from the time he was able to hold the plow until some years ago. He at one time owned eight hundred and fifty acres of fine land, and gave to each of his children a tine farm. Mr. Ross made a trip from Vermilion county to New Orleans, Louisiana, on a flat-boat loaded with produce. He had two sons in the late war. James and Hiram, who enlisted in the 125th 111. Vol. Inf. for three years; both did good service. James served three years and was honorably discharged ; he died* about 1871 with the heart disease and lung fever, contracted principally while in the war. Hiram, on the account of sickness, was honorably discharged; he is now farming in Danville township, near his father's home. Mr. Ross has been married three times. His first wife was Minerva Ticknor, a native of New Hampshire and a daughter of James Ticknor, who came to Vermilion county with a family in about 1824 or 1825. He then married A. J. Black, a native of Kentucky: his third wife is Olivia Ann Morton, of New York ; he is the father of five children living - four by his first wife and one by the second.