Decatur Township (part 1 of 46)

Decatur Township

The history of a county and that of its county seat are so intimately connected thai It is difficult to speak of them separately; their interests are the same; that which advances one advances the other; that which retards the one retards alike the other. But we deem it necessary to devote a short space to the history of the city proper. We sometinTCS observe the town advance more rapidly

*NoTE. - Stephen Decatur - This city was named after that gallant commander Stephen Decatur, of whom it is proper in this connection to give a short sketch of his brilliant history, successes, triumphs and the unfortunate termination of his earthly career. This "Bayard of the seas" was born in Worcester county, Maryland, Jan. 5, 1779. At the age of nine years young Stephen made a sea voyage with his father, from which, no doubt, he received the impressions that determined his course of life. His early education was received in Philadelphia, where he returned soon after the evacuation of that city by the British. He was a leader in all the amusements at school, and was called "Capt. Dick." Henextwas sentto Pennsylvania University, where he remained but a short time.

We next find him assisting in the construction of the frigate "United States," which he afterwards commanded, and which became famous in our country's naval history. He went with Commodore Barry on board the United States on a cruise through the west Indies, to suppress the depredations of the French privateers. On this voyage several successful encounters were had with French vessels in the vicinity of Martinique, in all of which Decatur, then but twenty years of age, manifested the bold, daring disposition of his future life, and ren- than the surrounding country, and vice vei-sa ; but that has not been the case with Macon county ;ind the city of Decatur. They have kept step by step in their advancement in wealth, improvements, popuhition and general prosperity. Political demagogues are sometimes, for their own seltish purposes, disposed to array the city against the country or the country against the city, as the case maybe; but to the true obser\er their interests are one and inseparable, as a moment's reflection will demonstrate. The man that takes no interest in his countv town and its advancement is an dered signal services for wliich he was made lieutenant. He was next engaged in cruising along the coast from Georgia to Cape Cod, protecting our commercial interests. He then made two voyages across the ocean, after which a treaty of peace was declared between the United States and France, which put an end to the naval prospects of Decatur for the time being.

The United States soon after sent a squadron to the Mediterranean to stop the depredations of the Tripolines and Algerines upon our commerce. Decatur was commissioned first lieutenant under Capt. Bainbridge, on board the Essex, which was stationed to guard the coasts and port of Tripoli, where he remained until 1802, when the Essex was relieved by the Chesapeake, under Com. Morris, when he returned home. After spending a few weeks at home his restless spirit induced him to join the New York, under Capt. James Barrow, with whom he again set sail for the Mediterranean in Sept., 1S02. He remained but a short time and returned home, where he was put in charge of the Argus, on which he sailed to Gibraltar, where he assumed command of the schooner Enterprise, with which, on the 23d of October, 1803, he captured the Tripoline craft Mostico, with 70 prisoners. In the early part of 1S04, Captain Bainbridge, being a prisoner in the City of Tripoli, and the gallant old ship Philadelphia having been captured, which, with its forty guns, well manned, effectually guarded the harbor of Tripoli, it was determined that this ship should be burned, but who was to undertake the hazardous experiment.'' Decatur volunteered his services. With his little schooner hitrepid, with but a few guns, assisted by the Siren, he set sail for Tripoli, where he arrived July 4, 1S04. They cautiously approached the harbor where the Philadelphia lay anchored, and oh a dark night the Intrepid, with Decatur at the helm, came up to within a few yards of their coveted prize before being discovered. They lashed the Intrepid to the towering form of the Philadelphia and Decatur and his brave men jumped on deck of the latter, drew their swords and rushed upon the panic stricken crew, and in five minutes killed and drove them pell-mell into the water. The cables of the Philadelphia were cut and she was set on fire, floating at the mercy of the winds. "As the streaming flame circled around mast and boom, flinging its lurid glare over the waste of water, the old vessel floated along until her final explosion. The exultant shouts of her captors penetrated the prison walls of Tripoli and proclaimed speedy liberation."

enemy of his count}'; and the resident of the town that Hkewise disregards the interests of the surrounding- county, has studied but httie of tlie rehative demands of each, and fails to see their mutual interests, or his own interest even.

The land on which the original To%v)i of Decatur was located was entered by Parmenius Smallwood, Easton Whitton and Chas. Prentice, for which, at the time of the location of the towi;i, they had received no patent from the government. On the 2oth day of June, 1S29, they entered into bond with the then county commis-

A short time afterwards he commanded a division of gunboats at the bombardment of Tripoli, in which he was engaged in several hand-to-hand encounters and was wounded with a pike in the hands of the captain, who had assassinated his brother but a few minutes before. Decatur was now made post-captain, and received a sword for his gallantry displayed. At 25 he was in command of the Constitution, one of the finest vessels in the service. With this he proceeded to Malta, and in a short time peace was declared and Decatur returned home, where he was met with demonstrations of honor and esteem.

Soon after the close of the Tripoline war, England and France began their system of spoliation on our commerce, and Decatur was placed in command of a squadron on the Chesapeake. When the American embargo was declared, Decatur was placed in command of the frigate Chesapeake. More elaborate preparations were authorized by Congress. Among the vessels then put in preparation was the United States, the vessel he had assisted in constructing, and on which he started in his naval career. He was transferred to the squadron of Com. Rogers on June 21, iSii, and started on a cruise with a view of attacking a British tleet bound for Jamaica. The fleet captured six vessels and returned to Boston. On the 25th, he met, near the Island of Madeira, the English ship Macedonian, commanded bj the experienced and highly accomplished Capt. Corden. After a hard engagement, the latter surrendered, with 104 killed and Avounded and the whole crew prisoners. Decatur lost 12 killed and wounded. He then returned home. Great applause heralded his arrival. Resolutions and medals from Congress and state legislatures were voted, and he was everywhere proclaimed the champion of the American navy.

The Macedonian and Hornet were now added to Decatur's command, and he placed his squadron in Long Island Sound. In 1S14 he was again placed in command of tlie President. In January, 1815, he fell in with the British squadron, about fiitj miles east of Long Island, and after a bloody engagement was, for the first time in his career, compelled to surrender. He was sent to Bermuda, and thence home. In the meantime peace was declared.

He was not content with peace, however. The piratical Algerines had been creating havoc with our commerce, and Decatur was soon in command of a squadron en-route for Gibraltar, on arriving at which place the whereabouts of the Algerine fleet was ascertained, and he immediately started in pursuit and sioners, that after they should receive a patent they would convey to the commissioners a deed of gift for 30 acres of land, On which the town had been located on the loth day of April, previous.

" Ordered^ That Benj. R. Austin, county survevor for the county of Macon, be and he is hereby recjuired to lay off the town of Decatur, in said county, after the form of Shelbyville, and make and return to one of the commissioners of this court a complete plat of the. same, on or before the first dav of July next."

Under this order the survey was made and acknowledged on the 7th day of July following. At the same term of court the following order was also made hv the commissioners: soon overtook and captured a part of the squadron. He pushed on to Algiers and dictated peace to the frightened inhabitants, which closed forever the Algerine war and Algerine piratical thefts.

Notwithstanding the treaty made with the Tripoiitans, ensuing tlie war witli that power above referred to, they continued to harrass our commerce in connection witli the pirates of Tunis. Decatur left Algiers without autlioritv from his government, and proceeded to Tunis and forced an indemnity. Thence he proceeded to Tripoli, and the Bashaw, not willing again to meet the gallant Decatur, likewise agreed upon terms.

Decatur then returned home, where he met the same enthusiastic reception as before. He was appointed Commissioner of the Navy, which post he filled with credit, which concluded his brilliant naval career, which will be honored and respected as long as our flag floats over the seas.

The gallant commander's life was now shortly to close. We would gladly drop the pen at this period in this wonderful man's career. Unfortunately, at that period, the code of honor," that relic of barbarism was still tolerated. On the 22d of March, 1S20, he fell, mortally wounded in a duel with Com. Barrow, at Bladensburg. He fell saying: " I am mortally wounded, and I wish that I had fallen in defense of my country." He sank rapidly, beseeching his friends to look after his wife, whom he tenderly loved, and not to l)im.

The following notice heralded to the world the unfortunate occurrence : " A hero has fallen. Com. Decatur, one of the first officers of our navy, the pride of his country; the gallant, noble-hearted gentleman is no more. Mourn Columbia, for one of thy brightest stars is set - a son without fear, without reproach, in the fullness of his fame, in the prime of his usefulness, has descended to his tomb." His remains repose on a beautiful site overlooking Washington and the potomac.

" Ordered^ That a sale of lots take place in the town of Decatur, in this county, on the loth clay of July next, on the following terms, to-wit: a credit of twelve mcMiths will be given, and note with approved security will be required, and that the clerk of this court is required to advertise the sale in the paper printed in Vandalia until the day of the sale."

At the next term of court wc find that D. McCall was allowed $500 "for money paid to R. Blackwell, for warrants and advertising the sale of lots in the town of Decatur."

At the sale on the loth day of July, the first lot sold was lot No- 2, in block 3, where Priest's Hotel now stands, which being a " corner lot," was bid in by John Manly, for $53.50. The second lot sold was lot 6, in block i, where Armstrong's drug store now is, which was bid in for $12.00.

'The first house erected in town was by James Renshaw - "Uncle Jimm}' Renshaw," he was called - on lot 3, block 3, just north of Priest's Hotel. The second house erected was by Philip D. Williams, on lot 4, block i, where the store of Close & Griswold now stands. "Philip" kept a livery stable in those early days - or rather a place for the "entertainment of beasts." There was a very large log lying in north Water street, nearly opposite the entrance to the present court room. Upon this log boxes had been nailed or trenches cut in which the horses were fed. There was also a log lying in front of Renshaw's house, which we omitted to mention was a tavern - the first in Decatur - upon this log, in early days, card playing was carried on. It was the card table, and rather conspicuous, we should say. Whether any fortunes were lost and won, we are unable to say; but, judging from the court records, and the number of entries of "indictments for gaming," entered thereon, it appears that gaming was a very common pass-time, and the number of "convictions" would indicate that there was also playing " for money," and the names of the parties charged, would further indicate that the "heads of town" were accessories, if not principals, in the enchanting games.

* Died, f Resiijned. | It does not appear from the record that these last named trustees ever met, but that there was an election held on the 6th day of May, 1S39, under a special act incorporating the town of Decatur, at which election another board was chosen.

City Council

*i856. - John p. Post, Mayor. Aldermen: Frank Priest, 1st ward; E. O. Smith, 3d ward; J. R, Gorin, S. P. Ohr, 3d ward; J. J. Ballentine, H. Taylor, 4th ward. C. C. Post, Clerk and Attorney.

1861. - E. O. Smith, Mayor. Aldermen: F. Priest, long term, Chas. A. Tuttle, short term, ist ward; James Millikin, William J. Scanlan, 2d ward; W. H. Bramble, P. M. Wykoft; 3d ward; Joel C. Benton, long term, William A. Barnes, short term, 4th ward J. R. Gorin, Clerk and Attorney.

1864. - J. J. Peddecord, Mayor. Aldermen: C. A. Tuttle, D. L. Hughes, 1st ward; jNI. Y. Givler, James Millikin, 2d ward; M. Forstme\er, J. (i. Starr, 3d ward; Benson Henkle, long term, T. B. Albert, short term, 4th ward. K. H. Roby, Clerk and Attorney.

iS66. - Franklin Priest, Mayor. fCharles H. Fuller, S. F. Hawley, ist ward; W, J. Usrey, E. McNabb, 3d ward ; E.A.Barnwell, M. Forstmeyer, 3d ward; G. Howell, short term, H. Muller, long term, 4th ward. \A. B. Bunn, Clerk and Attorney.

Its Water Works

The Sangamon river furnishes ample facilities to the city of Decatur for fire protection and water privileges. It runs within a short distance of the southern limits of the city. At the most available point on the river, just above the crossing of the Illinois Central Railroad, and above the drainage and sewerage from the city, is located the city water- works. There has probably been no acquisition to the city, since the construction of the railroads, that has addetl more to its ad\ancemcnt and permanent improvement than the water-works. At the time of their construction there were a few grumblers opposeil to their construction, for reasons they no doubt thought were plausible, but at the present time it is safe to say that there is not any enemy to them. It is a remark often made that for fire protection alone more propert}', in value, has been saved by means of the watcr-woi-ks than the entire cost of - 29 their construction and operation. They were constructed under the direction of the city council, in 1S71, at a cost of $35,000, and the additional mains, machinery, and other incidental expenditures up to the present time amount in the aggregate to $130,000, which has been paid with the exception of the oriofinal debt. The works are constructed upon the holly system ; the engines being located at the river, and the water forced from that point to all parts of the city. Hydrants are placed at different points upon all the principal streets, so that by the attachment of hose to them, we have what is ecpial to a steam fire engine at the corner of almost every block in the city. The mains are tapped by persons desiring the use of the water for domestic, manufacturing and other purposes, and the revenues derived from this source are now about equal to the expenses of running the works, including labor, repairs, fuel, etc. There are about 81/2 miles of pipes laid, and 81 fire plugs, which are being extended from time to time, as necessity rec[uires. The capacity of the works is about eight hundred thousand gallons per day, which will be sufficient to meet the demand for years. The water furnished being filtered, is pure, and suitable for all domestic purposes, in fact is very much preferable to that obtained from the wells in the business part of town. The water is not impregnated to any considerable extent with lime deposits, which renders it suitable for manufacturing purposes.

Fire Department

In connection with the water works, it is proper to notice the Decatur Fire Department. It is, as at present organized, perhaps as efficient as any similar organization in the State. The companies, though unpaid, are prompt and energetic. The fire apparatus of the various companies is excellent, and kept in good condition, and is controlled by the companies with almost as much skill as is displayed by the regular paid companies in our large cities.

The Hook and Ladder Company was first organized, which was in June, 1868. Some of the meinbers of this company are among our most wealthy merchants and business men. At present it has a membership of fifty men, and is well uniformed, and has all the implements pertaining to such companies. Homes Cloyd, foreman; Enos Kepler, ist assistant; Chas. Fletcher, 3d assistant.

The department is under the control of a chief and two assistants, viz: H. B. Durfee, chief; William Dodson, ist assistant; John Ulrich, 3d assistant.

Maroa, Illinois

This is the largest and most important town, except Decatur, within the limits of Macon county, and is located 13 miles north of the latter city. It is situated at the junction of the Illinois Central and Illinois Midland Railroads. The original plat of the town was jointly laid out by the "Associated Land Company" and the "I. C. R. R. Co." The Illinois Central Railroad was opened to the public in 1S54, and that may be stated as the commencement of the town of Maroa. Mr. John Crocker was appointed the Hrst agent of the road, which position he held until 1S66.

The first house built in Maroa was in the fall of 1855, by G.J. Schenck, which was then, and still is used by him as a dwelling; part of it, however, has been used as a store-room.

The second house erected was also by Mr. Schenck, but was for Mr. Barndt, in 1S56; and Mr. Friedman erected the next two - a dwelling and a store-house. He started the first regular store in Maroa, and he has continued in business to the present, and is the oldest store-keeper in Maroa.

In 1S5S Wm. Greer erected the "Prairie Hotel," which was the first hotel, though prior, and even since that time, Mr. Schenck's hospitable home has alwas been a place open to the weary traveler. In the same year the first school house was erected in Maroa, and Robert Collins was the first school teacher. The present Maroa school house was erected in 1S66, at a cost of $7,000, and furnishes accommodations for 200 pupils.

Maroa Lodge, No. 102, Order of Patrons of Husbandry, was organized January, 1S73, with 27 members, with the following officers: J. B. Garvin, M.; Henry Jones, Overseer; J. B. Gardner, Lecturer; John Longstreet, vSteward; A. Wykoff^, Assistant; J. B. Parkhurst, Chaplain; W. P. Funk, Treasurer; Joseph Jones, Secretary; W. O. Williams, G. K.; Mrs. Emma Williams, Ceres; Miss Mary A. Garvin, Flora; Mrs. K. Cooper, Poma.

The Maroa Library Association was organized August 27, 1870, through the instrumentality of the Rev. J. A. Hood, and is at present organized under the State law. The library, though quite small, has been a source of impro\emcnt to its patrons, and no doubt will, in the course of a few years, become the nucleus of a library that will be an honor to its founders and the citizens of Maroa. - Among the liberal donors to this institution, as to all others that have the improvement of his fellow-citizens as their object and aim, we mention, specially, Elder John Crocker.

The Maroa Steam Flouring Mills were erected in 1866, by Conover Bros., >it a cost of from fifteen to twenty thousand dollars. It has a cajDacity of about fifty thousand bushels per year, and is regarded as one of the best mills in Central Illinois. It is at present under the management of W. J. Compton.

The Maroa Steam Elevator was erected in 1867, by J. W. Richards & Co., of Chicago, but is now under the management of Messrs. Crocker & Co., and has a capacity for storage of 14,400 bushels, 1 and can shell and load five hundred bushels per hour. We might mention still other business houses of Maroa, but space forbids. - We can truthfullv say, however, that the business men of this town, as a class, are energetic and successful. In fact, the tact of the business men of Maroa has made the town what it is to-day. As a town, it has had no more natural advantages than many others in

Central Illinois that it has outstripped and quadrupled in population and advancement. As a shipping point, there are few, if any other places along the entire line of the I. C. R. R., that excel it. There has been shipped from this point, in a single year, as high as 650,- 000 bushels of grain. It is the second town in size in the county - the population at present being about 1,500 - and has reached that point in business and commercial importance, which assures it a steady and onward progress. The town of Maroa was incorporated by special act of the legislature, March 7, 1S67. Job A. Race, John B. Cary, Henry Stauffer, Joseph Wilson and Henry Jones, being the incorporators. Mr. Race was the first President of the Town Board, and Mr. Cary, Secretary. Maroa has four churches, viz: Presbyterian, Methodist-Episcopal, Methodist-Protestajit, and Christian. The former was organized January 30, 1S50, by the Rev. A.J. Norton, and its church edifice erected in 1S67. It has a regular pastor, a large membership, Sunday school, etc. The Christian church was organized by Elder A. N. Page, May 4, 1868, and the present church edifice was erected the following j'ear. The membership is large, and the Sunday school well attended.

The Methodist-Episcopal and Methodist-Protestant churches are in a good condition, so far as membership and progress are concerned. Their church edifices are ample in size, and meet the demands of respective congregations.

Maroa and surrounding community has supported a weekly newspaper for several years. The first paper published was the /Vwc^v, in 1867; T.J. Sharp, editor. This was succeeded by the Tablet^ and that in turn by the Tribune^ in 1S68; A. H, Corman, editor. This paper was removed in 1S72, to Decatur, and was succeeded by the Nexus^ which is at present owned by Mr. Corman, and is an eight-page, forty-column sheet.

The City Of Macon

This place was incorporated as a city on the 19th of April, 1869. The first house built was commenced by Esquire A. J. Harris, one Sunday Morning in the spring of i860. The first store-house was built by Charles Williams and James Seamens, in the year 1S59. The first hotel was kept by the station agent, Mr. Ruby. After the incorporation of the town, the first officers were J. H. Mat- thews, Mayor; T. C. Drinkall, Clerk; and C. A.Turner, M. Dunlap, Charles Van Horn and Jacob Frick, Aldermen. Its present officers are C. A. Turner, Mayor ; J. W. Harrah, Clerk; and James L. Hight, Daniel Kalips, J. D. Peters and William Whitaker, Aldermen.

There are two large grain elevators in the town ; one owned by W. Harbert & Co., and the other by N. Failing. The former was erected in 1874, andjias a storage capacity of about thirty thousand bushels, and with its facilities can shell and load two thousand bushr els of grain per day, and in the shipping season employs four or five men. The firm owning this elevator are W. Harbert and C. Dunkel; the former has been a resident of Illinois since 1874, and the latter since 1S76. The "Macon" elevator was erected in 1867, by John Hatfield, Fletcher Miller, N. Failing and D. C. Webb, and is at present owned by Mr. Failing. This elevator has a storage capacity of twenty thousand bushels, and can shell and load five thousand bushels per day. This elevator and machinery cost in the neighborhood of twelve thousand dollars, and furnishes em-' ployment forTour men. Mr. Failing came to Macon from Rock Island in 1S63, and has represented his town in the board of supervisors for several years. He is a thorough and safe business man, and has done a great deal for the advancement of the interests of his town. Macon formerly was one of the best shipping points for grain on the I. C. Railroad, but the building of the town of Blue Mound, on the St. Louis branch of the T. W. & W., has taken from it onethird at least of its original shipping interest. The population at present is in the neighborhood of 650. The business men of Macon compare favorably with those of all our inland towns. It has four churches, viz: Methodist-Episcopal, Presbyterian, Catholic, and Lutheran- - all of which are well sustained. The church edifice of the former was erected in 1865; the Presbyterian and Catholic in 1867, and the Lutheran in 1871.

Source changes here: from History of Macon County, Illinois : with Illustrations Descriptive of Its Scenery, and Biographical Sketches of Some of Its Prominent Men and Pioneers, published 1880; 16,960 words in this source stream.

Decatur Township

Whereas David L. Allen, of Shelby county, Illinois, has deposited in the General Land Office of the United States, a certificate of the register of the Land Office at Vandalia, whereby it appears that full payment has been made by the said David L. Allen, according to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 24th of April, 1820, entitled "An Act making further provision for the sale of the public lands," for the west half of the northwest quarter of section fourteen, in township sixteen north, of range two east, in the district of land ottered for sale at Vandalia, Illinois, containing eighty acres according to the official plat of the survey of said lands returned to the General Land Office by the Surveyor General, which said tract has been purchased by the said David L. Allen.

Now know ye : That the United States of America, in consideration of the premises, and in conformity with the several acts of Congress in such case made and provided, have given and granted, and by these presents do give and grant unto the said David L. Allen and to his heirs the said tract above described, to have and to hold the same, together with all the rights, privileges, immunities and appurtenances of whatsoever nature thereunto belonging, unto the said David L. Allen and to his heirs and assigns forever.

In testimony whereof, I Andrew Jackson, President of the United States of America, have caused these letters to be made patent, and the seal of the General Land Office to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my hand and seal at the City of Washington, the sixteenth day of March, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine and of the Independence of the United States the fifty -third.

First Deed Recorded

This Indenture made this nineteenth day of December, in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and twenty-nine, between John Ward and Jane, his wife, of the county of Macon, State of Illinois, of the one part, and Benjamin Wilson of the same place of the other part. Witnesseth that the said John Ward and Jane, his wife, for and in consideration of the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars, to them in hand paid, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, hath granted, bargained and sold, and by these presents doth grant, bargain, sell and conform unto the said Benjamin Wilson, his heirs and assigns, all that tract of land being in the county and State aforesaid ; E i N. E. qr. sec. 33 T. 16 north, range one east, together with all and singular the premises with the appurtenances thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining, to have and to hold the land hereby conveyed with the appurtenances unto the said Benjamin Wilson, his heirs and assigns forever, and the said John Ward and Jane, his wife, for themselves, their heirs, executors, and administrators, the aforesaid tract of land and premises unto the said Benjamin Wilson, his heirs or assigns against the claim or claims of all and every person or persons whatsoever, the said John Ward and Jane, his wife, doth and will warrant and forever defend by these presents. In witness whereof the said John Ward and Jane, his wife, have hereunto set their hands and seals, the day and date first above written. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of

This day came before me, Daniel McCall, Notary Public for the county of Macon, John Ward and Jane, his wife, and acknowledged the above deed to be their free act and deed for the purposes therein mentioned, and the said Jane Ward, being examined by me, separate and apart from her said husband, acknowledged that she relinquished her said right of dower freely, willingly, and voluntarily without either persuasion or threats from her said husband.

First Will On Record

August first, 1830. - Be it remembered that I, Christopher Whitman, of Macon county, Illinois, seem weak in body but sound in mind and memory, do make this, my last will and testament : That every thing remain as it is until my just debts are all paid, then my property to continue in the possession of my wife so long as she - remains unmarried, and none of the property sold only in case of buying land ; but if my wife should, in the course of life, marry, the property to be sold, she to have one equal part with the heirs, and a horse and saddle to her part, and the balance divided amongst my heirs ; that my wife should administer on the estate with the assistance of James Miller, until Richard Whitman comes to this State, then he shall be the administrator ; but if he should not come my wife shall have the liberty of choosing of an adminstrator.

First Murder Trial

The trial of Samuel Huffman for the murder of Wesley Bohrer occurred on Friday, May 29, 1846, and the following was the verdict of the jury :

This day came the people, by the Attorney-General, and the defendant in his proper person ; and the defendant, being furnished with a copy of the indictment and a list of the jurors and witnesses, says that he is not guilty as charged in the indictment, and thereupon puts himself upon his country for trial, and the people " do the likes;" and thereupon came a jury, to-wit: Anderson Froman, Jacob Garver, Christian Garver, David Morris, Wesley Smawley, Micajah S Oxley, John Hanks, John Stickel, Andrew W. Iladdick, Isaac Howell, Samuel Widick and A.B Gilleland, who being duly sworn, well and truly to try the issues joined, after hearing the various proofs and allegations, for verdict say, they find the defendant, Samuel Huffman, guilty of man-slaughter, and sentenced him to confinement in the penitentiary for the period of five years, and that he pay the costs of this prosecution. It is further ordered that the sheriff of Macon county convey the said defendant to the penitentiary, and deliver him to the proper officer in charge thereof.

First Divorce Case

This day came the complainant, by his solicitor, Emerson, and the defendant, Susan Stuart, being three times called, came not, but makes default, and it appearing to the satisfaction of the court that notice of the pendency of this suit had been given, by publishing the same in the Sangamon Journal a newspaper printed in the State, for four weeks successively, the first publication being made at least six weeks before the first day of the present term of the court, and the defendant having failed to enter her appearance and answer said bill of complainant: it is, therefore, ordered and decreed, That the said bill of complainant be and the same is hereby taken for confessed, and the court having heard the proofs and allegations of said bill, and being satisfied of the truth thereof and that the said Susan had absented herself from her said husband for more than the space of two years before the filing of this bill, - it is, therefore, further ordered and decreed by the court, that the bonds of matrimony heretofore existing betwen the said William Stuart and Susan Stuart be, and the same are, hereby dissolved, and that the marriage contract between them be, and the same is, hereby canceled, annulled, and wholly vacated, and that the complainant pay the cost of this suit.

First Grand Jurors

At a county commissioners' court begun and held at the house of James Ward (blacksmith shop four miles south of Decatur) on Monday, the 3d day of August, 1829, it was ordered that the following named persons appear before the circuit court to be held at the house (blacksmith shop) of James Ward in said county on the first Thursday succeeding the first Monday after the fourth Monday at the hour of eleven o'clock, A. M., to serve as grand jurors, to-wit: Benjamin R. Austin, Francis G. Hill, Robert Foster, William Freeman, Lambert G. Bearden, James Ward, Jeremiah Ward, William D. Baker, Michael Myers, William Wheeler, Edmund McDaniel, William Miller, John Miller, sr., James Hanks, Isaac Miller, David Miller, Samuel Miller, William King, T. Cowan, Luther Stevens, John Miller, John Hanks and Jonathan Miller.

First Petit Jurors

At the same term of court the following persons constituted the petit jury : David Miller, Dorus Stevens, Hubbell Sprague, Parmenas Smallwood, James Owens, Winkfield Everett, William Ward, John Widick, Samuel Widick, James Taylor, James A. Ward, James Myers, John Mowry, Horace McMertery, James Finly, James McGinas, George Widick, Elisha Moore, Dempsey Pope, Jones Edwards, Berry Rose, John Ward, Smith Mounce, and Henry Carter.

The Second Grand And Petit Jurors

' Ordered , That the following named persons appear before the circuit court, to be held at Decatur on the sixth day of May next, at the hour of eleven o'clock, a.m., to serve as grand jurors, to-wit : Benjamin R. Austin, Francis G. Hill, Robert Foster, William Freeman, Lambert G. Bearden, James Ward, Jeremiah Ward, William D. Baker, Michael Myers, William Wheeler, Edmund McDaniel, William Miller, John Miller, sr., James Hanks, Isaac Miller, David Miller, (2d), Samuel Miller, William King, Thomas Cowan, Luther Stevens, John Miller (2d), John Hanks, and Jonathan Miller ; and that the following named persons appear at the circuit court, at the time and place above mentioned, to serve as petit jurors, to-wit: David Miller, Doras Stevens, Matthias

County Buildings The First Court-House

Was a log structure about 20x20 feet and a story and a half high. It contained two rooms one above the other and was heated by an old-fashioned fire-place. The building stood on the west half of lot four (4) in block four (4) of the original town of Decatur.

It was built in the latter part of the year 1829 and spring of 1830, and continued to be used as a court-house till 1838, when it was moved to what is known as the " Robert Allen Farm," where it is now used as a barn.

Second Court-House

The second court-house was a brick building about 40x40 feet, erected in 1838, on the southwest corner of the public square. As the population of the county became larger and the legal business increased, this temple of justice like its predecessor was at length found to be too small and the count}' in 1870 leased a part of Powers' Block which constitutes the present court-house. The second story is used as the court-room : the first floor contains most of the county offices, which, as well as the court-room, are pleasantly situated, spacious and commodious.

The First Jail

The first jail of Macon county erected in November, 1832, was a log structure built with hewed logs about twelve inches square. The building was about twelve feet square at the base, and contained two rooms, one above the other. It was situated on the northwest corner of Water and Prairie Streets. About the year 1836, it was moved to the north-west corner of Wood and Church Streets, where four years later it was burned down.

Second Jail

From the burning of the first jail to 1843, the county was without a jail. Iu the latter year a brick jail two stories high and containing two cells was erected on the site of the old one - corner of Wood and Church Streets - and was used for jail purposes till 1868, since which time it has been the city calaboose.

Present Jail

The present jail, which is fifty feet long by forty wide, was erected in the year 1868, on the south side of Wood Street between Water and Franklin Streets. Its walls are stone, and its interior is lined with wood and boiler iron. It contains, in all, twenty-four cells, two of which are on the second floor, and used to confine persons guilty of minor offences. Joined to it is the residence of the sheriff, which is 32x42 feet, and has two stories. The residence is of brick, with four rooms below aud five above, besides a commodious basement. The jail has all the modern improvements common to such iustitutions.

The original cost of the entire building was forty-five thousand dollars. There were in all one hundred and seventy-two prisoners confined in this jail during the year 1879. The present number is ten. Through the courtesy of Martin Forstmeyer, Esq., present sheriff, we are able to give the expenses of the jail for one year from June 1, 1879, to June 1, 1880, as follows :

This institution is located on the south half of section 25, in township 17, N. R. 2 east, of the third principal meridian. The farm itself contained 206 acres. The main building was completed in 1873, and was connected with another house built by the county; the two together having, in all, thirty rooms.

The cost of the poor-house, including the old and the new buildings, was upwards of seven thousand dollars. The original building purchased with the farm has been detached, repaired, and at present, has eight apartments for insane persons. The outbuildings, such as barn, crib, hog stable, &c., cost an additional sixteen hundred dollars. The farm is divided into three fields, besides the small lots and yards about the building.

Belonging to the farm at present are six head of horses, ten head of cattle, and one hundred and fifty head of hogs. Everything connected with the farm is in excellent repair, showing superior care and management. Ou the part of the authorities in charge.

Agricultural Statistics of Macon county for the year ending December 31st, 1879 ; as appears from the Assessors' returns, filed in the Clerk's office.

Probate Judges

Daniel McCall, appointed Probate Judge in 1830, served until 1835 ; Charles Emmerson elected in 1835, served until 1837 ; Kirby Benedict elected in 1837, continued in office until 1843; John G. Speer elected in 1843, served until 1846 ; Thomas H. Read elected in 1846, served until 1849.

County Judges

In 1848 the new Constitution of the State made a change, organizing a County Court with one Judge, having a probate jurisdiction and providing for two Associate Justices, all to hold office for four years. Under this law there were elected :

William Prather, County Judge, elected in 1849, Jacob Hostettler and John Rucker, Associates, elected in 1849, and served until 1857 ; John Pricketts, County Judge, elected in 1857, Jacob Spangler and W. G. Cameron, Associates, elected in 1857, and served until 1860. In 1859 Township organization was adopted, making another change in the county court, vacating the office of Associate Justices. Under this law there was elected, Samuel F. Greer, County Judge, elected iu 1861, re-elected as follows: in 1865, 1869, 1873, and 1877, whose term will expire in 1881.

Conclusion

The history of Macon county includes only about half a century. Beginning with its birth just fifty-one years ago we have followed its upward career until the present (1880.) We have made mention of those who assisted at its formation, and have since been honorably connected with its history ; we have wandered together by the stream of history as, for over half a century, it has meandered through old Macon, receiving its affluents here and there, and depositing in its banks relics of the past, which patiently, and we trust successfully, we have exhumed and brought before your vision, recalling the olden time and placing it in contact with the new. Standing on some jutting headland, we view the pauorama as it slowly passes by, unfolding the scene time has £>enciled thereon. Here coming up out of the misty past, is the Indian in full chase of the bounding deer. He passes, and before his form dies away in the distance we see the first settlers moving forward with the slowpaced oxen, bearing their household treasures into the openings of the Sangamon. A cabin of rude logs rises ; the pioneer's axe rings through the woods, the cumbersome plow turns the furrows ; the pioneer mill rises, and a new life has taken possession of the wilderness, and the hunting-grounds of the red man are no more before us, but have moved westward toward the setting sun. Another scene unfolds before us, and the rude school-house and chapel are seen, wherein gather the children of the pioneer for instruction, even amid the solitudes of the border ; and we hear the song of thanksgiving and the voice of melody rise upon the air and blend with the song of birds and the rustle of leaves as the summer zephyrs move the foliage of the woods. The stage-coach rumbles up to the door of the log hostelry, notes of the driver's horn making merry echoes through the old parks and startling the quail and partridge from their coverts by the wayside ; houses of more pretentious appearance begin to dot the landscape, which is fast assuming the aspect of a prosperous community. Church spires, sure indices of civilization and refinement, point heavenward, as if to lift the thoughts of the dwellers of the land from the soil, wherefrom hitherto their chief substance has been drawn, to other sources of life rather than " bread alone." Another picture comes before us as the parallel bands of iron converging into one in the dim distance expand into the railway track, along which thunders the cars of the several lines of road passing through the county, carrying its products to the outer world. The telegraph brings the news from the sea-board, and the days of slow-moving trade are numbered and laid to rest ; magnificent school-houses, wherein the youth are fitted for life's business, professionally or otherwise, stand before us, monuments to the wisdom of the founders of the system which has made them possible. Another series of scenes comes before us, and we see in dim and shadowy outline the pioneer shouldering his trusty rifle, and bidding wife and children good-by, going westward to intercept the approach of the savage before his bloody trail shall strike his own settlement. This moves on, and in its place we see the sons of these pioneers forming by squad and company and battalion and regiment, and going forth by hundreds, yes, thousands, to defend the flag of the country which has given them a government, under whose fostering care all these later scenes have been made accomplished facts. We look upon the serried ranks as they move forward, shoulder to shoulder, against the deadly blast of war. The cannon and musketry of traitors in arms thin their ranks, but forward they bear the colors of the Union, reflected in their bloodstains every step of the weary way from Bull Run to Appomattox. Homeward they turn when victory is secure and the Union has triumphed, their columns gaping from the havoc of shot and shell and the disease of the camp and prison-pen, and their colors ragged and torn, but proud and defiant as ever. One grand ovation to the living, a sad wailing requiem for the dead, and the remnant left of the brave thousands who went forth to do battle for the right settle back into the busy routine of the private citizen, and the war-clouds pass away and gentle Peace covers all with her wings. Well has the poet said : -

The Church of God was organized in the City of Decatur, May 1st, 1857, by Rev. A. J. Fenton, who continued pastor until April 1st, 1858. During the year 1858, the Church erected a building for divine worship. It was dedicated by Rev. John Winebrenner on the 17th of October the same year. The house was re-papered in the year 1866 by A. B. Bender, at a cost of one hundred and forty dollars. The present membership does not exceed one hundred, with quite a flourishing Sabbath-school under the control of Mr. Wm. Stare. The present spiritual and financial condition of the Church is good ; peace and harmony prevail. There are no debts hanging on the Church in any way whatever. The present pastor is Rev. I. S. Richmond. The church building is very pleasantly located on the corner of Water and Cerro Gordo streets.

Fairview. - The Fairview Chapel is located nine miles north of Decatur and two miles west of the village of Forsythe. The country is charming. The Church was organized March 14th> 1871, by Elder M. S. Newcomer. The original number of members amounted to sixty-five. The whole number admitted to the communion of this Church was 162. Many, however, have moved away, others have died, leaving the number at the present time 60. Its present pastor is Rev. D. S. Weigel, who was one of the original members. The Sabbath-school is quite an auxiliary to the Church. The average attendance about 75. The superintendent is its present pastor, D. S. Weigel. Valuation of Church property $2,000.

Belle Prairie. - The Church was organized in November, 1871, by Rev. M. S. Newcomer. The original number of members consisted of 12. There is no house of worship at this place; the congregation worship in a school-house.

Pleasant Grove, two miles east of Oreana. There is a small organization here. Rev. D. S. Weigel is its present pastor. The Church worship in a Union Meeting House. Rev. J. Schock, a minister of the Illinois Eldership, lives near by. The Church was organized by Rev. Gregory.

Warrensburgh. - The Church at this place was organized by Rev. I. E. Boyer, in the month of May, 1875. The original number of members was 8. The Church worship in a chapel belonging to Mr. S. Richey. The chapel is valued at one thousand dollars. The Church at this time numbers over one hundred members. The Sabbath-school of 120 scholars are under the efficient control of Mrs. Richey. The present pastor is Rev. S. D. C. Jackson.

Centre Bethel. - There is a flourishing organization at this point. But the statistics not an-iving in time I am unable to give them to the public.

United Brethren In Christ

The first service held in this county by a United Brethren preacher was some five miles south-east of Decatur, in the spring of 1848, at the residence of Rev. M. T. Chew, by Rev. James Parks, which resulted in the organization of the first United Brethren class in Macon county in the same year.

Decatur. - Through the labors and instrumentality of Rev. M. Ambrose in«1856, a society of the above-named church was organized in the old Masonic Hall. The members at the time of the organization were the seven following : S. B. McClelland, J. E. McClelland, Rachel McClelland, S. W. Hamsher, Sarah Hamsher, Jacob Bohn, and Mary Bohn. In 1857 the society succeeded in erecting a good substantial brick church on the corner of Cerro Gordo and North Main streets at a cost of $3,500, which they continued to occupy till 1873, when the church purchased two lots on the corner of Broadway and El Dorado streets at a cost of $2,350, and erected a new and commodious house of worship at a cost of

$5,000.00. The present membership is 122. A good and successful Sabbath- school of 100 scholars, with the requisite number of officers and teachers. Church sittings 400. Probable value of Church property $7,000.00.

Pleasant Hill. - This society is located five miles north-east of Decatur. Was organized by Rev. James Parks in the year 1850. In the year 1865 they built a neat though small brick house of worship, at a cost of $1,400.00. Was dedicated by Bishop J. Weaver, D. D. Church sittings 300. Present number of members 104. A good Sabbath-school numbering 100.

Union. - Was organized March 25th, 1866, by Rev. J. Blake. This society worships in a Union Church house, which is free to all, built by the people of the neighborhood in which it is located. Dedicated by Bishop J. Dickson, D. D., of the U. B. Church. There is a good Union Sabbath-school at this place quite largely attended. Present membership 43.

Fairview Chapel. - Rev. A. Wimsett, December 8, 1868, organized this society. They worshiped in a school-house till 1871, when they erected a neat substantial frame house, costing them $1,700 ; it was dedicated by Bishop D. Edwards, D. D. This house has a sitting capacity of 350. Present number of members 22' Good Sabbath-school with an attendance of 60.

Cherry Grove . - This society was organized by Rev. J. Herbert, Jan. 15, 1867. This Church is located on the line between Macon and Piatt counties. The house is a substantial brick, with sittings for 400, costing $1,500. Present membership 23. Sabbath-school with 30 attendants.

Newburgh. - The first U. B. Church in Friends' Creek township of Macon county, was at Newburgh, and was organized by the Rev. J. Murphey, in November, 1852. At its organization there were but five members. Present membership 33. A good church house worth t$900. A flourishing Sabbath-school with an attendance of 95, including officers and teachers.

Blue Mound. - The first organization of this Church in Blue Mound, for some reason unknown to us, after accomplishing much good, was dissolved. The present organization was formed in 1874 by Rev. J. Corley with a membership of 17. They erected a house of worship in 1875, and it was dedicated the same year by Bishop J. Dickson, D. D. Church sittings 300. Probable value of Church property $1,500. A splendid Sabbath-school, with the large attendance of 100.

Wheatland. - This society is located at Elwin, 6 miles south of Decatur, was organized by Rev. S. P. Hoy, in the year 1866. There is here a large commodious brick house and lot worth $2,000. A fine Sabbath-school with an attendance of 50. Church sittings 400. Present membership 26.

Oalc Ridge - was organized by Rev. M. G. Chew, Jan., 1879, with a membership of 17. Present number of members 30. A Sabbath-school conducted much to the credit of the neighborhood, numbering 40.

Casner Chapel. - This Church is located at Casner station on the I. D. & S. R. R. east of Decatur. Was organized Feb. 18, 1877, by Rev. J. H. Crowder, with a membership of 31. Present membership 38. Since the time of their organization they have erected a splendid Church house worth $1,600. They have a good, successful Sabbath-school with about 50 in attendance. Church sittings 400.

Mt. Pleasant. - Located eight miles north of Warrensburgh, was organized by Rev. L. D. Ambrose in 18(58, with about 30 members. Present membership 45. A good frame church valued at 81,000. A Sabbath-school in successful operation with an attendance of 40. Church sittings 300.

Center Chapel. - This society is located 5 miles north-west of Niantic ; was organized bv Rev. P. Flack, in 1873. Membership when first organized 6. Present number of members 18. In 1874 hey erected a frame chur ch house at a cost of 81,500, it was dedicated by Rev. A. L. Best. Their Sabbath-school here is well attended.

The Cumberland Presbyterian Church Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church

In an old-fashioned log school-house, situated at that time some four miles in a south-westerly direction from Decatur, the Rev. John Berry preached the first sermon ever delivered to this denomination in Macon county. On the 24th day of April, 1830, at the residence of Rev. David Foster, the Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized, and the following persons constituted the charter members : Andrew Wilson, Mary A. Wilson, Alexander W. Wilson, Nancy Wilson, Catharine Wilson, Robert Foster, Margaret Foster, David Foster, Anna Foster, Wm. C. Foster, Isabel Foster, Nancy Allen Foster, Allen Travis, Peggy Travis, Janies D. Campbell, Lovina Campbell, Andrew Davidson, Asseneth R. Davidson, William D. Baker, Marilla Baker, John Davidson, Rhoda Davidson, Rebecca Travis, David Davis, Polly M. Davis, John Smith, Peggy Smith, Elizabeth Bell, Alexander Bell, Nancy Jane Bell, Eleanor Davidson, Robert Smith, Nancy Smith, Samuel Davidson, Elizabeth Davidson, Nancy Davidson.

The pastors of this church in the order of their succession have been, Revs. David Foster, founder of the church, Neil Johnson, Daniel Traugliber, Samuel Ashton. John D. Cowan, J. T. A. Henderson, John C. Smith, R. T. Marlow, R. T. Lester, R. G. Carden, N. M. Baker and P. H. Crider.

The first pastor, Rev. David Foster, organized at Mt. Zion, the first Sunday-school of Macon county. This was in the year 1831. The first superintendent of the school was James Scott. The present membership of the church is about one hundred and eighty-five, and the Sunday-school eighty.

North Fork Cumberland Presbyterian Church

Was Organized in April, 1855, at the Emmerson school-house, Rev. John C- Smith being the founder. At the time of organization the number of members was fifty-four, forty-eight of whom had been connected with the Mt. Zion church. The several pastors in succession have been, Revs. Daniel Traughber, John C. Smith, Joseph R. Lawrence, G. W. Kinsoloing, W. P. Baker, M. Dillow, W. L. Bankson and N. M. Baker. The first Sunday-school in that neighborhood was organized by Miss Charlotte Emmerson, sister of Judge Emmerson deceased, the latter being superintendent .and teacher. This occurred in the year 1840, in a small building situated in her father's yard.

Bethlehem Cumberland Presbyterian Church

formerly belonged to the Mt. Zion and Mt. Carmel churches. The successive pastors of this church have been, Revs. John C. Smith, Abner Lansden, James Pantier, N. M. Baker, W. Pinckney Baker,

Gardner, J. R. Lawrence, T. G. Stansberry and W. L. Bankson. The present membership is about one hundred and five, and that of the Sunday-school connected with the church about seventy.

Madison Cumberland Presbyterian Church

This church, too, was instituted by the Rev. John C. Smith, the original members having formerly belonged to the Bethlehem and Mt. Carmel Churches. We have been unable to obtain the names of the pastors or the number of members. There are churches of this faith near Argenta, in Friends' Creek township; at Prairie Hall, in Mt. Zion township, and at Shady Grove, in Wheatland township, but of these we have failed to find the necessary data for historical sketches.

The Roman Catholic Church

St. Patrick's Catholic Church. - The first Catholic service ever held in Decatur was conducted by Rev- Father Pendergast, in July, 1853, at the residence of Mrs. Marvin, on west Main street. At the close of that service, Mary Phalin was baptized, she being the first child baptized in the Catholic Church at Decatur. Father Pendergast continued his labors as rector of the Catholic organization in Decatur one year. In 1854 Rev. Father Cussack was sent to Decatur, and remained rector of the church five years. Services were held in the court-house and at private residences till 1857, when Father Cussack raised money enough to erect a frame church on West Prairie street. This building was afterwards moved to east North street, and is now occupied for parochial school purposes.

In 1859 Rev- Father Voght was sent to be rector of the church, and remained in charge till 1870. The corner-stone of the present large handsome brick edifice was laid March seventeenth (St. Pat. rick's Day), 1863, and was occupied for worship the following winter.

Father Walsh succeeded Father Voght in 1870, and reniained rector till 1873, when Rev. Father Hickey became rector, and continued till November, 1876. Rev. Father Joseph Macken succeeded Father Hickey in 1876, and is still rector. St. Patrick's Catholic Church has established two flourishing parochial schools in this city, viz : the St. Theresa Academy for girls, and a separate school for boys, both of which are well attended. The former, a three-story brick building situated on El Dorado street, was founded in 1875, and at present is under the supervision of Mother Superior Theresa assisted by a faculty of seven Sisters. The curriculum of studies includes all the English branches found in a collegiate course, the German language, and vocal and instrumental music. The attendance last year (1879) was 180, which would have been much larger had boarding pupils been received. The boys' school, situated on North street, just east of St. Patrick's Church, had an enrollment last year (1879) of 120 pupils. St. Patrick's Church has about two thousand communicants. The value of the church property, including the schools, Ac., is $30,000.

St. James' Roman Catholic Church. - In 1877 Rev. Father Joseph Spaeth founded the St. James' Catholic Church of Decatur, and officiated as rector till July, 1879. He was succeeded by Rev. Father Lammert, who is still rector. The church is a commodious frame building, situated in the south-east part of the city. It has a seating capacity for about two hundred persons, and a membership of seventy-five families. The building and grounds are valued at $4000. The church maintains a parochial school for boys and girls which, at present, is conducted in a part of the church building. The course of study embraces all the ordinary English branches, and a thorough training in the German language. The school had eighty pupils in attendance last year (1879.) On a lot adjacent to the church is situated St. Mary's Hospital, which is under the control of the church. Sister Rosa is Superior of the hospital, and is assisted by five other Sisters of the order of St. Francis. Patients are received from all ranks of society, and the Sisters, when requested, visit the sick and suffering in all parts of the city. The value of the hospital and grounds is $3000. It will be regularly incorporated the coming year.

St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church. - This church was instituted at Macon in the year 1866. Rev. Anthony Voght was the pioneer and first pastor from 1866 to 1873. He was succeeded by the Rev. G. Schreiber, from 1873 to 1874. The Rev. Mauasses Kane succeeded him from 1874 to 1875. Rev. Edward McGowan, the present pastor, succeeded Rev. Kane in the year 1875.

The present church building, a handsome brick structure, was erected at a cost of eight thousand dollars, in the year 1868. The present number of communicants are about three hundred.

The Baptist Church

Decatur. - The Baptist Church of Decatur was organized by Rev. H. W. Dodge, in the house of Capt. D. L. Allen, Sept. 14th, 1843. The original members, who had formerly belonged to the Springfield Baptist Church, were as follows :

David L. Allen, Julia E. Allen, Thomas H. Read, Elizabeth Read, David Brett, Margaret Brett, Henry Riggs, Malinda Riggs, Lemuel Allen, Robert Allen, Margaret Pratt and S. C. Allen. The congregation worshiped at various places in Decatur, till 1857, when a church edifice was erected on the north-east corner of Water and Williams streets, and was dedicated December 27th, of the same year. In 1873, the church built a commodious brick chapel, on North street between Franklin and Water streets, and the same was dedicated April 4th, 1874.

The successive pastors, from the organization of the Church to the present time, have been, Revs. H. W. Dodge, Moses Lemon, B. Carpenter, C. H. Gates, N. Alvord, J. N. Tolman, B. F. Thomas, S. G. Miner, F. M. Ellis, F. G. Thearle, S. F. Holt, J. C. Bonham, W. G. Inman, and the present incumbent, AV. H. Batson. The church, which at present numbers 171 members, is in a flourishing condition. The Sabbath-school in connection with the church has a membership of over two hundred. The church property is valued at about $5,000.

Oreana Baptist Church. - This church, situated at the town of Oreana, eight miles north-east of Decatur, was organized under the name of the Friendship Baptist Church, March 20th, 1858, and was recognized as a regularly constituted Baptist Church, on the 23d day of the same month, Rev. J. N. Tolman, of Decatur, preaching the sermon on that occasion, and Rev. Charles Tinker, of Anawan, delivering the charge to the church. The names of the charter members were J. R. Bower, Olivia S. Bower, Martha A. Bower, W. D. Bower, Sarah J. Bower, Davis AV. Pulliam, Margaret Pulliam, Richard C. Pulliam, Maria C. Pulliam, Eliza Rutherford, Edward H. Rider and Eliza J. Rider. The first five converts were J. M. Bower, H. C. Bower, G. M. Bower, Joseph Pulliam and Sarah Pulliam. During the first year the church received fourteen additions by letter and baptism. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Jacob Bower, familiarly known throughout the state as " Father ' ' Bower, who spent more than sixty years in the Christian ministry, accomplishing much good, and died happy in the faith at the advanced age of 87 years.

For some time the church had regular services, only once a month, except as Revs. Maddock, Eli, and other traveling ministers occasionally filled the pulpit. In June, 1859, Rev. J. Z. Zimmerman was called to the pastorate and preached every fourth Sabbath. In December, 1860, Rev. David AVinslow took charge of the church, preaching every alternate Sabbath, till February, 1862. In March, 1862, Mr. A\r. H. AValters was ordained, and in May became pastor of the church, preaching only twice a month.

In the winter of 1863, the church made an effort to build a house of worship, but failed to raise the requisite amount. Another effort was made in 1865, with a similar result. In June, 1866, Rev. E. M. Brown became pastor, and remained in charge about a year, after which the church was for some time without a pastor. In November, 1867, Rev. J. M. AVells was called and took charge of the church. Under his ministrations, assisted by others, twentysix additions were made to the church by letter and baptism. He continued pastor about three years. In December, 1870, Rev. D. McArthur was called to the pastorate, and remained a year and a half. After this the church was again without a regular pastor till January, 1872, when Rev. F. AV. Jugmire took charge, preaching only once a month the first year, and afterwards every two weeks. In 1874, by the untiring efforts of a few of the members assisted by other ardent friends of the cause, sufficient money was raised to build the long-needed and much desired house of worship. The building was commenced in August, 1874, and having been completed at a cost, including seating, &c., of $2050, it was (free of debt) dedicated on the 15th of the following November, Rev. Justice Bulkley, D.D., of Shurtleff College, preaching the dedicatory discourse. About this time Rev. F. AV. Jugmire resigned the pastorate ; but the church kept up the regular weekly meetings and organized a flourishing Sabbath-school, which greatly prospered during the next three years. In March, 1875, Rev. R. R. Coon, Sr., became pastor of the church, and was one of the most faithful and devoted ministers it had ever had.

The village of Oreana having been established in 1875, the name of the church, to conform to that of the town, was changed from Friendship Baptist Church to Oreana Baptist Church.

In May, 1879, R AV. C. Roach was chosen pastor, and still occupies the pulpit every alternate Sabbath. Under his ministrations the church is increasing in strength, and is much encouraged. The building is in good condition ; the church lots are set with beautiful maple trees, and with the neat edifice, present to the visitor the idea of a high state of intellectual and Christian refinement.

There have been in all, upwards of three hundred names enrolled on the church register, but there have never been more than fifty active members at any one time since the founding of the church. Only two of the original members of the church now remain, and these were not among the charter members, but were received into membership at the first meetings of the church. The present membership is forty-five.

Salem Church ( Separate Baptist ). - This church is located five miles south-west of Decatur. It was organized in 1846, with the following members: John Burke, Micajah Burke, L. B. Ward, Elizabeth Ward, Coleman Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Ephraim Cox, Nancy Cox and Amos Walker. The successive pastors have been Robert Henson, J. W. Vaughan, John Turner, F. S. Randolph, S. B. N. Vaughan, and others. The membership at present numbers about 40. It has a Sunday-school of about 40 members.

The cemetery at this church, perhaps the oldest in the country, was commenced in the year 1829 or 1830. A Mr. Mangrin and wife were the first buried there.

Universalist Church

Rev. D. P. Bunn, with the following members : Joseph Spangler, Sr., Joseph Spangler, Jr., Jacob Spangler, J. B. Hanks and wife, John Rickets and wife, and John Capps and wife. The meetings were held in private houses, Rev. D. P. Bunn officiating, till 1854, when a brick church was erected on Prairie street and occupied by the society.

The auditorium is well seated ; the walls are frescoed, and the whole presents a very attractive appearance. The church was rededicated in June, 1876, and has since continued its regular Sunday services.

In 1854 a Sabbath-school was organized in connection with the church, and has continued without interruption to the present time, when it has a membership of seventy. The several pastors since 1854, in the order of their succession, have been : Revs. D. P. Bunn, (founder of the church and pastor for fourteen years,) S. S. Hebbard, S. F. Gibb, and M. W. Tabor.

capital of Macon county was named in honor of jphen Decatur, so famous in the naval annals of r country, a native of Maryland, born in 1779. jphen Decatur was educated in the schools of Philadelphia and at Pennsylvania University. His love of the sea dated from a voyage made with his father in his ninetysecond year. He was with Commodore Barry, on board the " United States," during a cruise through the West Indies against French privateers. He was made lieutenant for brilliant services and bravery. He was soon commissioned first lieutenant under Captain Bainbridge on the "Essex," one of the squadron in the Mediterranean, to protect American commerce from the Tripolitan and Algerine pirates, and to punish them for outrages committed. He came home in 1802 with his ship, but soon returned to the squadron, this time on the " New York." Remaining but a short time, he assumed command of the "Argus," and sailed for Gibraltar, where he was put in charge of the schooner " Enterprise," with which, in October, 1803, he captured the " Mostico," with seventy prisoners. His most brilliant exploit, and one of the most daring recorded in history, was his capture of the " Philadelphia," a U. S. man-of-war, in the harbor of Tripoli. He drove the Tripolitans that manned her into the sea and set her on fire, and brought off his men safely. His subsequent services were very distinguished, but space does not allow their mention. It is sufficient to say that he rose to the highest commands. Resolutions and medals were voted to him by the national and state legislatures, and he was everywhere proclaimed the champion of the American navy. His services in the war of 1812, and afterward with Algiers and Tripoli, were brilliant, and he returned home to meet, as he had met before, with an enthusiastic reception from the people and to be appointed Commissioner of the Navy. On the 22d of March t 1820, this gallant, noble-hearted gentleman fell mortally wounded in a duel with Commodore Barron, at Bladensburg. Like Hamil" ton, " he yielded to the force of an imperious custom," and " in the fulness of his fame, in the prime of his usefulness, descended to the tomb."

The land on which the original town of Decatur was laid out, was entered by Parmenas Smallwood, Easton Whitten and Charles Prentice, for which, at the time, they had not yet received a patent from the government. The commissioners appointed to select a site for the seat of justice were John Fleming, Jesse Rhodes and Easton Whitten. Mr. Whitten received ten dollars for his services, and the other members seven dollars and fifty cents each.

Benjamin R. Austin, the county surveyor, laid off the town in accordance with instructions, " after the form of Shelbyville," and for his services was allowed the sum of twenty-four dollars.

On the 20th day of June, 1829, Messrs. Smallwood, Whitten and Prentice entered into bond with the county commissioners, stipulating that, after they received their patent, they would convey to the commissioners a gift deed for the twenty acres of land on which the town had been located.

" Ordered, That a sale of lots take place in the town of Decatur, in this county, on the 10th day of July next, on the following terms, to-wit : a credit of twelve months will be given, and note with approved security will be required, and that the clerk of this court is required to advertise the sale in the paper printed in Vandalia until the day of sale."

At the next term of court we find that D. McCall was allowed $500 " for money paid to R. Blackwell, for warrants and advertising the sale of lots in the town of Decatur."

At the sale on the 10th day of July, the first lot sold was No. 2, in block 3, where Priest's Hotel now stands, which being a " corner lot," was bid in by John Manly for $53.50. The second lot was lot 6, in block 1, which was bid in for $12.00-

The first house erected in town -was by James Renshaw - " Uncle Jimmy Renshaw " he was called - on lot 3, block 3, just north of Priest's Hotel. The second house erected was by Philip D. Williams, on lot 4, block 1. " Philip " kept a livery stable in those early days - or rather a place for the " entertainment of beasts." There was a very large log lying in north Water street, nearly opposite the entrance to the present court room. Upon this log boxes had been nailed or trenches cut in which the horses were fed. There was also a log lying in front of Renshaw's house, which we omitted to mention was a tavern - the first in Decatur - upon this log, in early days, card-playing was carried on. It was the cardtable, and rather consjncuous, we should say. Whether any fortunes were lost and won, we are unable to say ; but, judging from the court records, and the number of entries of " indictments for gaming," entered thereon, it appears that gaming was a very common pastime, and the number of "convictions" would indicate that there was also " playing for money," and the names of the parties charged, would further indicate that the " heads of town " were accessories, if not principals, in the enchanting games. - Smith's History-

Ax, the time Decatur was laid off, one cabin stood on the twenty acres composing the town site ; but several more had been erected as early as 1824 and '25, on land included within the present limits of the city. The first store in Decatur stood on the site of the Priest House, and was kept by James Renshaw, who came from Shelbyville, and who has descendants in the county. The second merchant was Isaac C. Pugh, prominent in the history of the county and state, who came from Yandalia. These stores were established in 1829, and the goods were carted from St. Louis.

Samuel B. aud Joseph C. Dewees were next. They employed John Miller to burn a kiln of brick, and, being practical bricklayers themselves, erected the first brick building ever in the town or county, and, as soon as it was completed, stocked it with goods ; it stood just east of the St. Nicholas. The first school-house in town was built in 1842; it had two rooms, and was the lower story of the old Masonic building. The upper story was built by the Masonic Lodge. This building stands on the north-west corner of City Park, and is used as a marble shop ; before its erection, church buildings were used as school-houses. The first manufactory, the products of which went to a general market, was a ropewalk established by Senator Oglesby and Dr. King. They made a good quality of rope, but the enterprise was not profitable, and hence was abandoned.

The next was the plow manufactory of Augustus Hardy and E. O. Smith. This firm did a good business and made an excellent plow. It stood on the corner of Church and west Main streets, where business was carried on for several years.

The first horse-mill in the city or county, was built by Phillip D. Williams, where the Republican office now stands. In 1832, David D. Allen constructed a dam across the Sangamon, aud put up the first saw-mill in the county.

Wilson Allen, a man of some capital and energy, came to Decatur in the fall of 1839, and erected a steam grist and saw-mill and carding factory, the first steam-mill in the county. It did a large business, and added greatly to the prosperity of the town.

It was destroyed by fire on a Sunday in 1842. In 1839 a man named Kibby erected a steam distillery, where Imboden's spring is, near the cemetery. In 1840 Mr. Kibby left the county, and the distillery was closed. Before 1839 there were, however, several small copper-stills scattered throughout the county. In those days whiskey was cheap, selling for eighteen cents per gallon.

Decatur grew but slowly in the first years of its history, and in fact was little more than a hamlet, until 1836, when the state inaugurated the famous system of "Internal Improvements." Decatur was to be the crossing of the "Northern Cross" and Central railroads, and work was actually begun on both of these. Its growth from this year until 1842 was more rapid, and the population reached at least five hundred souls- In 1836 and '37 the spirit of speculation was rife. Town lots sold at fancy prices and additions were laid out. In 1842 all hopes of getting a railroad died out; and the burning of the steam-mill was a great blow to the prosperity of the place. From 1842 to 1852, when work was beginning on the Illinois Central R. R., it was at a stand-still. But from that time forward its growth has been continuous and substantial.

Municipal organization was adopted, under general law, in 1836, and Richard Oglesby, uncle of Senator Oglesby, was elected presi. dent of the first board of trustees. Prominent among the members of this board were Dr. Wm. C'rissey, and H. INI. Gorin. The clerk was Andrew Love, now one of the elders or bishops of the Mormon Church at Salt Lake City.

In the winter of 1855-6 a special charter was obtained, and on the 7th of January, 1856, an election was held under this charter for city officers. At this election John P. Post was chosen Mayor. The city then was divided into four wards. An act granting a new charter with enlarged powers was passed by the legislature, aud approved February 21, 1867.

This reduced the several acts of incorporation into one. This charter was amended in 1869 and approved by Gov. Palmer on February 23d of that .year. The Police force of Decatur consists of seven men, and is highly efficient. Its organization dates from the election under the special charter on the seventh of January, 1856, at which J. W. Hartley was elected marshal. The present marshal is Robert Baker ; J. S. Hewes is his deputy.

Decatur is a railroad centre of great importance, having no less than six railroads, and one of the really beautiful cities in Illinois. Within the corporate limits is included an area of 1,590 acres. It is situated on the north bank of the Sangamon, near the centre of the county, which is near the centre of the state, and is about equidistant from Quincy on the west, and Indianapolis on the east. It is 36 miles east of Springfield and 200 north of Cairo ; is 155 miles from Chicago and 113 from St. Louis. The site is beautiful and well chosen, being high and rolling, making possible and easy a good sewerage system. The streets are wide, being generally eighty feet in breadth, and are fringed with the elm, hard-maple and shrubbery. The city contains substantial business blocks, architecturally imposing, where the merchant displays his wares and the professional man has his office ; handsome school-buildings, where children gather with inquiring eyes to learn the way of wisdom, have been multiplied till there is room for all ; and temples of religiou, where all ages gather to learn the way of holiness, point with burnished spires towards the peace aud solemnity of the skies.

It is supplied with good hotels, the more popular of which are the St. Nicholas, Priest House, Zimmerman House and Central House. It is a city of pleasant homes. Some residences are elegant, and a few costly ; but many are abodes of comfort and taste. It has a system of water-works, and is well-drained by sewers ; is lighted with gas and rejoices in a fire-department and a streetrailway, a public library and a police force ; has a beautiful park for its living and an equally beautiful cemetery for its dead ; and in addition to all this, it possesses a hopeful and cheerful outlook for the future.

Gentlemen : I do not know how better to repay your kindness in electing me President of the Macon Medical Society, than by calling up some of the facts connected with its early history, and by offering pen sketches of a few of its first members.

I moved to Decatur May 28, 1854. There was at the time a population of about eight hundred, although it would have been quite a risk to his reputation for any citizen to have even supposed that there were less than twelve hundred souls in the growing city. There were no physicians then as there are now in the surrounding neighborhoods, and Decatur was as much looked to for medical advice and medical attention by almost the entire population of Macon county, as she was for legal advice by the demands of litigation. Friends' Creek township probably offered the only exception, Dr. Gurenne, residing at Dantown, attending to the " ills that flesh is heir to " in that locality. * * * * *

The Macon County Medical Society had its birth in the year 1853, and owes its existence to Dr. S. T. Trowbridge, who aloue urged its necessity aud patiently enforced its claims on the profession. Dr. Joseph King was chosen president, Dr. Trowbridge, secretary, and the other members were, Drs. A. Kellar, S. Y. Baldwin, Thomas Reed and E. J. Roberts.

Dr. Roberts was never engaged actively in the duties of the profession, having contented himself with the pleasanter and more profitable calling of druggist. Dr. Kellar, although engaged in a lucrative practice and commanding a good position among his peers in the profession, probably wisely, concluded to seek another location where a remunerative return could be more certainly had. He is now enjoying a good reputation and practice in an adjoining county. Dr. Baldwin early removed to Arizona, where he died and was buried among strangers. Dr. Reed, both on account of age and of priority of practice, claims first notice. He had been here almost from the location of the town, and having lived at Allen's, (now known as Moffit's) Mill, about one mile south-east of the court-house, he was the third physician in the county in point of time, having been preceded by Drs. Spears and Crissey, as pioneers. In 1854 the Doctor had very considerable and very deserved reputation in the treatment of children, more especially of that terror of mothers, and opprobrium of physicians, cholera infantum. Observation and much experience had taught him that in many cases it owes its malignity to malarial poison, and that in all cases it was more or less influenced by it, and he had judiciously and successfully applied the usual remedies appropriate for the one to the cure of the other. While the Doctor still enjoys excellent health and bids fair to outlive many of us much his junior in years, it will not comport with good taste to pronounce an extended eulogy. But I can and ought to say that no man in any occupation sustains a more unblemished reputation, and commands a more exalted character for honesty, probity and good demeanor, and his word is considered at all times as binding as an oath and as uuchanging as the laws of the Medes and Persians.

Though the Doctor has retired from the active duties of the profession, patrons who have for a whole generation trusted to his skill, will still exact reluctant attendance, being little inclined to rely on young men while a trusted friend and a tried physician, with the accumulated experience of a life-long practice, can be induced to lend a sympathizing ear to afflicted humanity. Long may the Doctor live, a monument of the virtues and skill of that class of hardy adventurers who devoted youth and manhood to faithful attendance on the widely-scattered families of the heroes who risked life and health in settling this far-off land ; and may his declining sun be made bright and cheerful by the Christian's hope so long possessed.

Dr. Joseph King at that time enjoyed the reputation of being par excellence the obstetrician. Patient and kind, lending a sympathizing ear to female anguish, and possessed of remarkable skill in the conduct of that trying hour of maternity, it is no matter of wonder that his aid was sought in almost every case of more than ordinary difficulty. With such a reputation, and with a skill that I had occasion to admire in many instances, it was a matter of no little astonishment to me that when I exjn-essed a preference for that field of science, I found in him one of my very best sujDporters, who, with a disinterestedness beyond any previous experience, was willing and did turn over many difficult and interesting cases to my care. ***** ]VIy first sight of Dr. King was a characteristic one. On inquiring for the physicians of the place, he was pointed out to me, sitting in a large covered buggy driving a large hoi'se that

He had a dog in his seat beside him, another at his feet, and several large, loose-jointed canines bringing up the rear. I now learned that his love for the dog was only equaled by his fondness for angling. Is ot finding him at his house, nor at his office, his patients were wont to institute search along the banks of the Sangamon, and strange if they did not find him -

'' Just near the dubious point wherewith the pool So mixed the trembling stream, or where it boils Around the stone, or from the hollowed bank Keverting plays in undulating flow ;

If found, now would come the tug of war ; duty insisting on seeing the patient, while an inviting play of the cork strongly tempted delay, and if his patient could be satisfied with a prescription, the case must be urgent or it would be given. With his many friends, I rejoice to see that, in his declining years, he is enabled to rear a palatial residence overlooking the city of his love, and that he has a prospect of an old age of quiet luxury.

Dr. Trowbridge, my worthy predecessor then as now, sought the field of surgery, which was not grudgingly withheld, but generously pressed on him by his competitors. Not having the same fear of inflicting pain, or jxrobably being incited by an intense yearning for pre-eminence in this unoccupied field, he gate devoted attention to the few cases demanding surgical skill. But as those were too limited to admit of exclusive attention, and as the necessities of life must be met, he engaged in a general practice. Having a physical constitution of remarkable toughness, and of almost ferruginous hardness, his labors were immense, and such as would not be courted by him now - although in the prime of life and vigor of health. I have known him not unfrequently to ride and drive as much as four hundred miles in a single week attending to the ordinary duties of the profession. Of his mental and moral qualities it ill becomes me to speak in detail, but I may be allowed to say that great intimacy will not permit me to adopt the adage, "familiarity breeds contempt." I have already given him the credit of originating this society - I may add that to him is due its life. After three years of struggle it went down with the wreck of 1857. He again resurrected it in 1858. When the war burst upon us in 1861, he was the first physician in Illinois to offer his services, and he received the very first commission as regimental surgeon given to any physician in this State or in the United States. After remaining three years and three months in the service, and passing unharmed through all the great battles of Donelson, (where he saved the life of John A. Logan, our Congressman-at-large,) Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Corinth, (at this last battle saving to us and the country our present Governor and townsman, R. J. Oglesby,) he returned to find the society without an existence, and at once solicited aid to build it up a third time. So that to him is due its present prosperity.

I have said this much of the first members of our society, with the hope of contributing my mite towards keeping alive the debt of gratitude due them and to repay, in a small degree, the many personal acts of kindness extended to me by these disinterested gentlemen during my struggle for position and independence."

Decatur Water Works

The cleanliness, comfort and health of a community are very largely dependent upon the possession of an abundance of pure water. Until population becomes dense, wells may be relied upon to supply this, but as population thickens they become in time inadequate for all needs and positively productive of disease.

The establishment of great manufactories, needing a large supply of water, and the growing importance of Decatur, caused the want of a better water supply to be seriously felt in the latter part of the years 1860-69, but it was not until the year 1870 that the water works were built, and mains laid. At first the water was supplied from an immense well, but it was soon demonstrated that the supply was not equal to the needs of the city, and works were

It was found that when the river was high the water was muddy, and therefore, in the fall of 1874 the city built a reservoir on the north bank of the Sangamon river, near the water works, by sinking a timber crib (100 feet long, 10 feet wide and 6 feet high, arched over with brick) into a stratum of gravel to a depth of about four feet below the bed of the river. This reservoir furnished a limited supply of excellent filtered water. Last fall this reservoir was extended four hundred feet up the river, at the same depth and width, and covered in the same manner, making in all a reservoir 500 feet long, ten feet wide and eleven feet high, including the arch, with the bottom four feet below the bed of the river, and in a stratum of gravel and sand the entire length. This reservoir was finished and has been in use since the first of October last, and has thus far proved to be all the most sanguine could have desired, furnishing an abundant supply of good pure water, and the indications are that it will prove sufficient for many years.

Inlet Pipe

It was deemed necessary, as a precautionary measure, to connect the reservoir directly with the river, so that if, in case of a long protracted fire or drought, or any other unforeseen emergency, the water should fail to filter into the reservoir fast enough to supply the demand, access to the river could still be had by such connection ; consequently a 24-inch cast iron conduit pipe, provided with a Ludlow Gate, was laid from about the center of the current of the river into the reservoir, resting on the river bed and falling one foot in 110 feet to the reservoir. One man can readily open and shut the gate at any time when an emergency requiring it arises.

The Ham

In the fall of 1878 it was found necessary, in order to increase the supply of water when the river was at a low stage, to build a dam across the river. The dam was therefore commenced at that time and completed last October, raising the river 41 feet at the reservoir and inlet pipe, giving it a permanent head of over eight feet to force the water into the reservoir.

* " Three pumps are in use, two of the Cameron, and one of the Holly pattern. The total cost of the works to 16th of February, 1880, was $141,500. The number of miles of mains of various sizes is 9t^j- The expenditures for the year ending February 16th, 1880, were $6,553.21." fThe fire department of this city was organized in July, 1872, consisting of the following officers and companies: Chief Engineer, Franklin Priest ; First Assistant Engineer, Joseph S. Hewes ; Second Assistant Engineer, H. P. Christie.

The department officers for 1880 are as follows : Chief Engineer, Joseph S. Hewes ; First Assistant, W. J. Wayne ; Second Assistant, Enos Kepler ; Secretary, A. H. Diehl ; Treasurer, J. H. Miller.

We subjoin the following extracts from the Annual Report of the Chief of the fire department, to the Mayor and City Council for the fiscal year, ending February 16th, 1880.

Fire Alarm Telegraph. - The fire alarm telegraph line is about three miles in length, with alarm boxes, located as follows : one at the council rooms ; one at No. 1 hose house ; one at No. 2 hose house; one at No. 3 hose house; one at the furniture factory; one at Haworth's check rower factory. All of which are in good condition. A new telegraph line has been put in from the water works to the Council rooms.

Officers Of Companies

Young America Hook and Ladder Co. - A. E. McClellan, Captain ; E. Young, First Lieutenant; Samuel Lyons, Second Lieutenant ; Charles C. Dempsey, Secretary. Membership, 53.

Decatur Gas-Light And Coke Company

The first charter was procured in 1857, and the incorporators of the company, were Henry Prather, Robert Forsythe, Charles A. Tuthill and Simon Speer. This charter was assigned to Charles H. Fuller, who associated with him, Franklin Priest and E. C. Emmons, and it was again assigned to Barnes, Davis & Co.

An act was approved February 16th, 1865, to form a new company, the iiicorporators of which, were William Martin, Henry Prather, I. S. Pugh, A. J. Gallagher, and E. O. Smith ; this was

The new charter as amended was assigned to Horace Barnes, representing Barnes, Davis & Co., who entered into an agreement to have the works completed within six months. On July 2d, 1868, the present company was formed, and to it the charter was assigned- The company was constituted of Edward 0. Smith, Henry Prather, Jasper J. Peddecord, Lowber Burroughs, William Martin, Fielding N. Ewing, Isaac Shellabarger, Horace Barnes and John Iv. Warren. For this company the works were erected in 1868, by Barnes, Davis & Co. Henry Prather was elected president, and J. Iv. Warren, secretary and treasurer.

On January 15th, 1869, the company were notified by the contractors that the works were completed, and ready to be turned over to the company.

On the death of Mr. Prather, F. A. Ewing was chosen President. When Mr. J. Iv. Warren moved to California, Mr. B. Iv. Durfee, was elected to the office of Secretary and Treasurer, which office he still holds. Mr. Ewing declined to be re-elected at the expiration of his term on account of ill-health, and Mr. J. Iv. Warren Avas elected President. The works are on Jackson and Wood streets. The capital stock is $81,400, divided into $100 shares, and represents the actual cost of construction. J. W- Butman is the Superintendent.

Decatur Public Library

The Decatur Public Library was opened September 1st, 1875, with sixteen hundred and fifty-seven books on the shelves. These and the furniture of the hall were donated to the city by the Ladies' Library Association, which had been in existence for about eight years, and had accomplished much good. R. L. Evans was librarian, which important office he still efficiently occupies. To him we are indebted for interesting facts and statistics relating to the library.

The board of directors consists of nine persons, three ladies and six gentlemen (one of whom must be a member of the council) appointed by the city council. The present board consists of W. A. Barnes, president, R. R. Montgomery secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Judge Green, Mrs. H. Bishop, Miss S. A. Murphy, J. L. Peak, W. L. Hammer, David S. Shellabarger and W. T. Wells.

The number of volumes at this time is four thousand and fiftyfive ; an increase of two thousand three hundred and ninety-eight since the city accepted control. The library is well selected, and while miscellaneous rather than scientific in character, comprises literary and scientific works, volumes on art subjects, histories, etc.