Quincy Township (part 15 of 74)

In 1834.-5. Alton College (now Shurtleff), Illinois College and McKendreean College (later McKendree), each came before the legislature seeking a charter. The friends of these institutions, having gained wisdom, from previous experiences, consulted together, and on the suggestion of Judge Thomas, concluded to put in one bill instead of three, and that was drawn by Judge Thomas. These institutions were all sectarian, or. at lea.st. closely allied with the leading religious denominations, and there was a strong prejudice against sectarian intiuence and a fear that the in.stitutions might become large landed monopolies under the dominion of the clergy and the Yankees. From this and other causes the friends of the colleges were forced to admit two restrictions into their charters: one, that they should not hold more than 640 acres of land, and the other that they should not establish theological departments. They, however, took what they could get and bided their time (which came a few years later) to get rid of the limitations. The Educational Convention had. doubtless, some influence in favor of granting these charters. The bill, as passed, included Jonesborough College, in Union County, which was added to the other three named above while the measure was pending, as appears from the legislative record.

The iirst county meeting of teachers in this State, so far as can be learned, was "The Sangamon County Society for the Promotion of Education." formally organized Aug. 19, 1837, with Erastus Wright, president. It had a course of lectures, the following winter.

this: "The annual commencement of Jacksonville Colleges, Sept. 21, 1836, N. B. - A convention of teachers will be held on the afternoon of the preceding to concert measiires for the cause of education in this state."

The meeting was held, pursuant to notice on the afternoon of Sept. 20, 1836, and adjournment made to Thursdaj', Sept. 22, at 2 o'clock p. m., when the Illinois Teachers' Association was organized with Rev. Edwd. Beecher, President : Revs. John Bachelor and Lewis Coleby, Vice-Presidents: Rev. John F. Brooks, Secretary: ilr. R. A. Russell, Treasurer: Revs. J. M. Sturtevant, Theron Baldwin and John Bachelor, Committee of Arrangements for the next meeting.

At the regular session of the General Assembly of 1836-37, an act was passed permitting the people of any township to organize for school purposes, and having done that, to elect live trustees, who should have charge of all the school affairs of the township, employ teachers (but only such as held certificates), make reports to the school commissionei's, examine teachers and give them certificates. Had these trustees been given the power to levy taxes, to build .school houses and maintain schools, the law passed might have proved the foundation of a "township" system better in many respects than our present "district" system. Lacking this power the plan was fatally weak.

To the year 1837 belongs the first school journal printed in Illinois, The Common School Advocate, published at Jaelcsonville, by E. T. and C. Goudy, monthly, beginning with January. The editorial department was conducted by a few literary gentlemen who were doubtless Illinois College professors.

At the session of the legislature in 1838-9. Hon. 0. H. Browning, senator from Adams County, introduced a bill for a system of common schools, but any statement of the bill, which failed to pass, has not been found. The legislature at the same session passed a bill making country school commissioners elective: but the Council of Revision returned the bill with objections, and it was laid on the table. A bill to create the office of State Superintendent seems to have remained in the hands of the committee to which it was referred. Efforts in this direction were also made at the special session of the legislature. 1839-40, with the same general results.

The Sangamo Journal, Nov. 27. 1840, issued a call for an educational convention to be held in Springfield commencing Dec. 16. 1840. This convention met in the Hall of Representatives, in the evening of Dec. 16, and seem.s to have held ail evening session only. After temporary organization and addresses hy a number of prominent men, a committee was appointed to consider the propriety of a permanent organization and to report at a future meeting. This meeting was held in the Senate Chamber, Dec. 28, and the Illinois State Education Society was organized. At this meeting, or at a special meeting, a committee was appointed to prepare a memorial to the legislature. This was presented in the House Jan. 13, 1841. Doubtless as a result of the discussions in this meeting and the influence of the memorial, a bill was introduced Jan. 16, making provision for organizing and maintaining common schools. The act, as passed, has 109 sections, one of which repeals all previous acts. It made the county commissioner an elective officer, with a term of two years. The sale of school lands and the loaning of school funds at twelve per cent interest were carefully lu-ovided for. The inco}'poration of school townships and the organization of school districts was made possible, all over the state. The examination of teachers by tru.stees and directors was provided for, also penalties for failure to make reports. But no taxation for school purposes was permitted.

. In 1839, John S. Wright, Secretary of the Union Agricultural Society, who, in 1835 had erected at his own expense ($507.93) the first buildinu- for a school lioiise in Chicago, proposed ti) publish a paper iiiiiler the auspices of the Society - devoted to agi'icultural interests. Two advance numbei's were published in the fall of 1840, and in these he wrote at length upon the great need in the new county of good teachers, and proposed as the remedy that the State should at once establish a teachers' seminary and endow it with the college and seminary funds. So far as has been found this is the first definite proposition for a State Normal School in Illinois. \jr. Wright's paper was the Union Aurinilt ni'alist and Western Prairie Farmei-. whieh heeaiiK' the Prairie Parmer in 1843. Mr. Wright was very active in the cause of education for many years, not oidy tlu'ough the columns of his paper but by pei'soiially appearing before the legislature explaining and elucidating measures proposed for the organization of a better system of common schools. From the start until the Illinois Teacher was beuun in 1855, his paper, the Prairie Farmer, occupied the field of school journalism in Illinois. The school history of this period is largely written from its pages.

Common Schools, with nearly the same duties as the Superintendent now has, and the County Commissioner of School Lands was made exofficio County Superintendent of Schools, and was recpiired to visit schools and to give advice on all matters pertaining thereto, he was also recjuired, with the assistance of associates whom he shmild appoint, to examine all candidates for positions as teachers in his county and to issue certificates to such as were found worthy and well cjualified. School funds could not be paid to such teachei's as did not hold certificates. Trustees were equal in poAver with conniiissioners in the matter of the examination of teachers. The congressional townships were made school townships with a board of trustees elected, and with nearly the same powers as now. It also made it the duty of the triistees to district the townships and gave such (iisti'icts power to elect a board of directors 1() manage its schools as they now do. In fact it gave us the "district" system. A homeopathic dose of taxation was also permitted ; the legal voters of the district could vote a tax, for all school purposes, not exceeding fifteen cents on the hundred dollars. Of all these changes for the better, no one was of moi-e value than that Avhich gave supervision of the teachers and the schools. The quickening effect of the new law, and of the discussions which preceded and followed it, was felt in the organization of many teachers' associations. The Franklin Association inckided (ireene, Jersey, Macoupin and JIadison Counties, and was organized Oct. 12. 1S45. Adams and Marcpiette (afterwards absorbed in Adams) Counties formed an association. These were only two of the many associations formed.

The Northwestern Educational Society was organized at the Chicago Convention, which met Oct. 8. 1846, with Wm. B. Ogden as President: (i. W. ]\Ieeker, Recording Secretary, and John S. Wright, Corresponding Secretary, and a vice-president for each of the nine states represented in the convention. It held subsequent sessions in Milwaukee, July 25. 1847. and in Detroit, Aug. 17, 1848.

In Will County, Oct. 19, 1848, so far as appeai-s, the first county institute was held. In October, 1849, an institute continuing for three weeks was held in Ottawa, with sixty-two teachers |)resent. One in Pike County in 1850, of which till' Prairie Farmer gives a fiattering account, \\as in charge of Prof. J. B. Turner, assi.«ted by John Shastid. with fifty-five teachers present. By this time institutes had become common. There were twenty-five teachei's employe(l in the common schools of Chicago at this time, and in December, 1850, the com- mon council ordered that "the teachers in all the schools shall meet on Saturdays under the direction of inspectors, for their own improvement in teaching-. This in place of teaching half a day Saturday as they had been doing. This action had been suggested to the council by the board of school inspectors.

During twelve years beginning 1847. lion. Wni. Slade of Vermont, as agent of the Ohio Central Committee for the advancement of common school education, brought west about five hundred teachers, more than one hundred of them coming to Illinois. "Being ladies of culture and having had special training for this work as teachers, they did build up our .schools. ' '

Hon. Thomjjson Campbell. Secretary of State and ex-officio Superintendent of Common Schools, made the first State School Report (if we except a very brief report made by Levi Davis. Auditor, for the year 1837) in Januai-y, 1847. The statistics were reported to him in response to a circular sent to county school commissioners dated Sept. 3. 1846. Returns were received from 57 counties as follows: Schools. 1.592 : scholars. 46.814 ; persons under twenty years of age, 155,715 ; funds (township). $557,780: funds raised by tax. $8,763: school houses. 1.328; average wages of teachers per month, male and female. $12.90: district libraries, 21: teachers, male (56 counties), 1.051: teachers, female (56 counties), 484.

By act of Congress in 1850 eei'tain "swamp" lands were again given to the States formed fr(un the public domain. Illinois has received about 1,500.000 acres under this act. By an act of General Assembly approved June 22, 1852, these lands were granted by the State to the several counties in order that they might be used for drainage purposes. There was a provision in this act whereby any of said lands, the sale of which was not necessary to complete the reclaiming and draining the same, should constitute a pai-t of the school fund of each township, to be disposed of by the school commissioners of said counties, for educational purposes, in the same manner as the sixteenth section of each township. The amount added to the common school funds from this source in the several counties and townships is estimated at about $600,000.

Pursuant to a call signed by thirty-two educational men of the state, a convention met in the ilethodist Chiu'ch in Bloomington on the evening of Dec. 26. 1853. At this meeting was fairly organized the present Illinois State Teachers' Association. A charter was secured Feb. 14. 1855. under the name of Illinois State Teachers" Institute. It amended its constitution at the meeting of 1856, made the name, The Illinois State Teachers' Association. By act of Feb. 11, 1857. the legislature made this the legal name of the organization.

At the special session of the legislature in February, 1854, a law was passed providing for the election of a State Superintendent of Schools at the general election in November. 1855. and every two years thereafter (which was a blunder. 1854 being intended), and that the Governor should appoint a tit man to hold the office until the election. Hon. Ninian W. Edwards was appointed by Gov. Mattesou, and because of the blunder noted above, since then, there was no general election held in 1855. retained the office until January, 1857. There was other legislation affecting public schools by which a great impetus was given to the school work. The chief features of the law which helped the onward movement were the -'no-school-no-state-fund" clause and the provisions for local taxation.

The bill for a normal school was introduced in the General Assembly, that convened Jan. 6, 1857. It passed the Senate by a vote of sixteen to four, and the House by a vote of thirty-nine to twenty-ftve. The institution was styled a "Normal University," although what was established was in fact a normal school, and the question of location was shrewdly eliminated from the contest before the legislature by referring it to the trustees appointed in the "bill. The board advertised for proposals, and several cities and towns competed for the jirize. The bid of :\IcLean county ($141,725 in real estate and subscription pledges) was so far ahead of the others that the board located the university "on the 160 acres of fine rolling land within three-(iuarters of a mile from the jmiction of the Illinois Central and Chicago and Alton railroads." upon the condition that the full amount of the JilcLeau county subscription of $70,000 should be legally guaranteed within sixty days, in default of which the location was to be made at Peoria. They employed Abraham Lincoln to draw up a form f)f bond or guaranty to be signed by responsible citizens of Bloomington. The corner stone of the university building was laid on Sept. 29. 1857. but the financial crisis of that year caused the work to be temporarily su.spended. and hence the buildings were not thoroughly completed until the early part of 1861. The total cost of the buildings, with all the incidental expenses, books and furniture, was about $200,000. a large part of which was raised and utilized by the strenuous and persistent efforts of Gen. Charles E. Hovey. During the years while the great building was risini;- to completion the sehool work was carried on in a ci-aniped and inconvenient bniklinu' called Major's Hall. The first president of the nniversity was ('harles E. Ilovey. bnt at the beginning of the Civil War he entered the army as colonel of the Normal Regiment, which he had organized. .Nine of the iiistrnctors accompanied him as (jfficei-s. and a ma.jority of the male stndents as piivates. Dr. Richard Edwartls was presid<'nt from 1862 to 187() ; l)i'. Edwin C. Ilervett from 1S7G to 1891; Dr. John W. Cook from 1891 to 1899: Dr. David Pehnley is the present president (1905).

"Where was the fii'st fi'ec school established in Illinois.'" is a (piestinn not easily aus\vered. Hon. Ninian P^dwai-ds stated in an address before the State Teachers' Association in Deeattuin 1870, that it was established in Alton in 1821, under the law passed that year, and he repeats the statement in his "History of Illinois and Life of Ninian Edwai-ds," ]>. 19."). It is true that about this time a town was laid out near what is now Upper Alton, and that the proprietors gave one hnndred town lots, one-half for religions jiiu-poses and one-half f(n' school purposes, and that by an act of 1881, certain trustees therein named were vested with the title to those lots, and given power to levy a ta.\ of not more than seventy-five cents a year upon the lots in the town and re(|uired to establish and maintain a school free to all children, in the town, of a suitable age. After careful in(piii'y the weight of testimony seems to be that no school was established in Alton under this l.iw. and tliat Mr. Edw^ards inferred thai the liisl free school was established thei'e from the fact that a law was passed making such a thing possible.

In October, 183:^ a large part of the school section in Chicago was sold for !f;39,000; the interest on this fund went for the support of schools. Feb. (;, LSii,"), "An act relating to schools in Township thirty-nine north. Range fourteen east," M-as passed, vesting certain powers in the legal voters of that township, which was Chicago, Alton, in 1837, and Springfield and Jacksonville in 1840 were given power to establish and maintain schools, bnt it does not appejii- that either city exercised this powei- until a iiuicli later date. It is thus seen that the honor of having the first free schools in the State must b(> cmiceded to Chicago and the date placed as early as 1834. It is probable that the schools were first graded in C-hicago, since a beginning had been made as early as 1846, In 1844 "a good permanent brick school house, 60x80, two .stories," had been erected at a cost of about $4,000, and pi'csumahly this school was graded. The l)uildiug was thought by many to be too large for the needs of the city, and the J\Iayor. in his inaugural message, "reconnnended that tlie big school house be either sold or converted into an insane asylum.''

In A])i-il, 1847, for the first time the city of Onincy was organized into school districts \uider the control of the city authorities, by a law of the legislature. In June of the same year, ordinances were adopted by the council for the support and management of the public schools and the appointment of a superintendent. ]\Ir. I. ]\1. (hover was chosen for the position, and he served in that cajjacity for three years.

Dr. Hateman organized the West Jacksonville District School in September, 1851, with four departments - primary. intermediate, grannnar and high school - and, according to his own statements, all departments were made free to resident pupils some time before the free school act of 1855 went into force. The pupils of this high school were taken over a course of study sutficient to fit them for college, and it was the first genuine high school in the State which was a free school.

The Peoria high school was organized in 1856, with Charles E. Hovey lor principal. The Chicago high school followed in October of the same year, with C. A. Dupee as principal. The city eoiuicil of Chicago authorized tlie <ii)pointnient of a superintendent of schools with a salary of not more than .^1,500, in November, 1S53. The school board elected John C, Don, who was pi'incipal of the Boylston Grammar School, iloston, who accepted and enteretl on his duties in Jmie, 1854. Mr. Hovey became superintendent of schools in Peoria in 1855. It shoidd be mentioned here that neither the State Constitution of 1818 nor that of 1848 makes any special mention of education. The constitution of 1870, on the contrary has an entire article devoted to the subject and declares "that the (Jeneral Assembly shall provide a thorough and etticient system of free schools, whereby all children of the State may receive a good common school education." The first law providing for the establishment of free schools, as has been noticed, was passed in 1825. Many changes have since been made, some of which destroyed for a time the free school features of the system. Some of the most important laws passed and now in foi'ce, aside from that creating the separate office of State Superintendent, are deserving of notice.

The school law of 1865 provided that County Superintendents, instead of county commissioners, shoidd be elected in the legular election of November, the same year, and hold office for four years. He has supervision of the township treasurers whose bonds must be approved by him, and to whom he apportions the money from State and County funds: he examines their bonds, accounts, notes, etc.. annually and withholds from those districts, that have not made annual report to him, their share of funds. He must hold annually a teachers' institution, which must continue in session at least five days. The expenses of this institute are paid from what is known as the "institute fund," derived from the payment of a fee of one dollar from every applicant for examination for a teacher's certificate, and for each renewal of a certificate. Prior to 1885, the county superintendent visited schools only when directed to do so by the county board. Under the present law he must visit every school in his county at lea.st once a year. He is to spend at least one-half the time given to his office in visiting ungraded schools.

The business of the school township is done by three trustees, one of whom is elected on the second Saturday in Api-il annually, except, as is usually the case, where the boundaries of the school township coincide and are identical with the boundaries of the town, as established under the township organization laws when the election of school trustees is held at the same time as the annual town meeting. Their duties are. to appoint the township treasurer, to divide the township into districts or to change the same under certain conditions and to apportion and distribute the State. County and Township funds on hand and stdj.iect to distribution among the several districts which have kept school according to law.

Each school district has three directors, one being elected annually on the third Saturday in April at the district election. The directors have the management of the school in their district in the matter of prescribing rules for the school employing teachers, selection of text-books, etc., they may levy a tax within limits prescribed by law. at present not to exceed two and one-half per cent for educational and two and one-half per cent for building purposes, to defray the expenses of the schools in their districts. In school distiicts having a jxipulation of not less than 1,000 and not over 100,000 inhabitants, under the general law. instead of the directors provided by the law in other districts, a board of education, consisting of a president, six members, and three additional members for every additional lO.ODO inhabitants, is elected.

As has been noted, the oldest educational institution of the State is the X(n-nuil University, at Xormal. ilcLean County, established in 1857.

The institution is under control of the Board of Edvication of the State of Illinois. This board consists of fifteen members. The State Superintendent of Public Instruction is exofficio a member and secretary of the Board.

The University of Illinois, located at Urbana. Champaign County, was established in l(S(i7, utider the name of Illinois Industrial University. The change to University of Illinois was made in 1885. the fact that the word industrial is applied to charitable and penal institutions being the principal reason for the change. In 1862 congress provided for the apportionment, to such of the States as should comply with certain provisions within five years, of an amount of public land equal to 30,000 acres for each senator and representative in congress to which each State was entitled by the census of 1860. One of the provisions of the grant was that there should be established in each state desiring to obtain an apportionment of land at least one college in which the leading object should be to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and the mechanic arts. The present I^niversity of Illinois was established imder the provisions of this act of congress. It is controlled by a board of trustees, nine in numl)er. three being elected every two years. The (iovernor, the President of the State Board of Agriculture and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction are ex officio members.

The Southern Illinois Xormal University was established in 1869. It is located at Carbondale, Jackson County, and is controlled by a board of five trustees.

The Eastern Illinois State Xormal School, located at Charleston, Coles County, was established in 1895. It is controlled by a board of five trustees.

The Xorthern Illinois State Xormal School, also established in 1895 and controlled by five trustees, is located at DeKalb, DeKalb County. The Western lUinoi.s State Xormal School is at ilactnnb, JIcDonough County. It was established in 1899, and is controlled by five trustees.

1. School Fund Proper, being three per cent on the net proceeds of the sales of the public lands in the State, one-sixth part excepted. This fund amounts to $613,362.96.

viding- for the distribution of the surplus revenue of the United States, and by act of the Legislature, March 4, 1837, made a part of the common school fund. This amount is $335,592.32.

3. College Fund, being one-sixth part of the three per cent fund originally required by act of Congress to be devoted to the establishment and maintenance of a State College or university, $156,613.32.

4. Seminary Fund, being the proceeds of the sales of the "Seminary Lands" originally tlonated to the State by the (Jeneral Government for the founding and support of a State seminary, $59,833.72.

5. County Funds, created by act of the Legislature, Feb. 7, 1835, which provided that the teachers sliould not receive from the public fund more than luilf the amount due them for services rendered the preceding year, and that the surplus should constitute the principal of a new fund to be called the "County School Fund." total in all counties. $158,072.83.

6. Township Funds, being the net proceeds of the sale of the sixteenth section in each Congressional township of the State, the same having been donated to the state for common school purposes by act of Congress in 1818 and of additions thereto, total of all the townships, including value of school lands unsold, moderate valuation, $15,614,627.31.

7. University of Illinois P^und, before mentioned, including original sale of scrip, of lands, and v;due of unsold, Tinproductive lands, about $6()(),()()0.

The State Course Of Study

A in'operly graded course of instructinn is a very important factor in any system of schools. The Illinois State Course of Study, now generally recognized as the most complete course ever compiled for the schools of any state, has been in process of development during a period of about twenty-five years. Its evolution is d\ie to the realization, on the part of progressive superintendents, of the great need of some plan of country school supervision. John T. Trainer, formerly county superintendent of Macou County, was the pioneer in the use of a course of study in the country schools of Illinois. As early as 1875 or 1876 he issued a book entitled "A Graduating System for Country Schools." This work was widely circulated and the system was adopted in many parts of the country. The Knox County Outline of Study, prepared by Supt. W. L. Steele, of Galesburg and Co. Supt. Geo. W. Oldfather, of Knox Coiinty and the Chami)Migii County ^Manual and Guide, prepared by Co. Supt. Geo. R. Shawlian. followed soon afterward and were used also in comities nearby, the latter princijjally in the eastern part of the State. There were also other courses of study, individual c(uu-ses, in several counties. It is readily seen that so many courses of .study were a disadvantage in many ways. During the meeting of the Central Illinois Teachers' Association, held at Jacksonville in March, 1889, a luunher of enthusiastic county superintendents :iiid other friends of the plan, met in one of the hotels and discussed in an informal way the advantages of having a state course of study. As a result of this discussion, Hon. Richard Edwards, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, was asked to call a meeting of County Superintendents and leading teachers of the State to discuss the sub,iect, and if thought advisable to take steps to prepare a state course. The call was issued and the conference was held in Spi'ingtield, April 10, 1889. At the close of the day's conference a committee of five county superintendents was appointed to work out the course in detail according to conditions agreed upon. This committee consisted of the following comity su])ei'intendents: Geo. R. Shawlian, Champaign Co.; J. A. Miller, McLean Co.; (Jeo. W. Oldfather, Knox Co.; Geo. I. Talbot, DeKalb Co., and J. D. Benedict, Vermilion Co. The committee was a strong one and well chosen, the course was completed and ])ublislied in time for the opening of school in September, 1889. It contained 94 pages and continued in use five years, from 1889 to 1894.

Acting on the suggestion of ^Ir. J. H. Freeman, president of the State Teachers' Association, December, 1893, the association appointed a committee to revise the course. This committee completed the revision of the course in time for use in most of the annual institutes of 1894. This first revision of the State Course of Study contained 96 jtages and was used three yeai's. from 1894 to 1897.

At the annual meeting of the County Superintendents' Section of the State Teachers' Association, in December, 1895, it was suggested that there should be a standing committee on State Course of Study to revise the course from time to time. A committee of six was appointed with the under.standing that of the first committee one-third of the members were to serve one, two and three years, respectively, and in future members were to be appointed for a term of three years, except appointments to fill un-expired terms. The State Superintendent was to be a member of the committee by virtue of his office. In 1897 the committee put out the second revision of the course. In this revision the plan of alternation of studies was worked more definitely and extended, the work of the primary division was more fully explained and outlined to some extent, and new and valuable features were added, such as work in composition, vocal music, etc. This second general revision of the State Course contained 148 pages, and with two additions, a year's course in agriculture, in 1900. and second year's work in the same subject, 1901, was used six years, from 1897 to 1903. In the third general revision of the State Course, made in 1903, two new features were included, a course in household arts was added and several high school courses were carefully worked out on the principle of alternation. The 1903 revision of the course contained 218 large, closely printed pages, and is in use at the present time with varying degrees of success in nearly all the counties of Illinois. It has been officially adopted in five states and territories, and is placed in the hands of teachers in a number of counties in different parts of the United States.

5. The Course of Study has been the means of improving the methods of instruction of thousands of teachers who could not be induced to attend the normal schools.

The State Course has become so well established and is so far reaching in its influence that a new subject of study or an improved method of teaching may be published in it, and in a few months thousands of teachers and tens of thousands of pupils of the state will go to work earnestly to meet the new reciuirements. (We are indebted to C. M. Parker, Taylorville, 111., publisher of the State Course of Study, for information concerning its history, etc.)

The early history of education in this county is largely incorporated in the history of the townships and the city of Quincy. The obstacles in the way of pioneer endeavor and struggles, the hopes, the defeats and the victories which apply to what has been said of the

State, in securing needed legislation, were shared by the ambitious, progressive residents of Adams Comity. Where tardy recognition of the claims of public education was accorded, no county in the State more promptly presented the opportunities and advantages of the free school system to her boys and girls.

There are 182 school houses in the county, nearly all in good condition. Of these 129 are frame structures, 36 of brick, 16 of stone, and one only. Hickory Grove school house, in Liberty township, is of logs. There are seventeen private schools in the county.

The first county school commissioner is said to have been A. Tonzalin, from Feb. 21, 1854, to Dec. 1, 1857 ; but the first official i-ecord in the County Superintendent's office is that of A. W. Blakesly, from Dec. 1, 1857, to Dec. 1, 1859. The first teachers' certificates seem to have been granted by him to Hamilton Yomig and Mary Young, of Richfield, both bearing date of Dec. 9, 1857. The commissioners succeeding Blakeslv were: M. T. Lane, Dec. 1, 1859: Wm. Avise, 1860; Hope S. Davis, 1864. As a result of the school law of 1865, in November of that year Seth W. Grammer was elected first County Superintendent of Schools for a term of four yeai's. He was succeeded by John II. Black, who served from 1869 to 1881. In 1881, the County Board of Supervisors appointed S. S. Nesbitt County Superintendent for one year, in compliance with a law making a change in the time of election of certain county officers. John Jimison was elected to the office in the fall of 1882, and served from Dec. 1, of that year until his death in June 1893. Miss Ella "m. Grubb was appointed by the county board to fill out the remainder of his term, and in the election of 1894, A. A. Seehorn was chosen and held the office until Sept. 16, 1897, when he resigned to accept the position of city superintendent of Quincy schools. A. R. Smith, by appointment of the county board, filled out the remainder of Mr. Seehorn 's term, and in the fall of 1898 was elected to the position which he has held continuously since that time.

The State Course of Study has been in use in the county since about 1890, however, it is only within the last eight years that it has been generally adopted and used in a systematic way. The first county commencement, graduating pupils from this course, was held in 1900. In 1902, Supt. Smith inaugurated a county school rally, including field day exercises, in connection with the annual commencement exercises.

year high school courses, which answer, amply, college preparatory requirements. Good graded schools are maintained at Ursa, Loraine, La Prairie, Golden, ljil)erty, Coatsburg and Fowler.

Our City And Country Newspapers

To trace the history of all the newspapers which have existed in (Juiney or other parts of Adams county during the eighty years' life of the city and county, would be a taisk impossible of comi)lete fulfillment without such research as would not justify the labor and time required.

Quinc.y's oldest newspaper is the Quincy Herald, first established as the Bounty Land Register, whose history is thus epitomized in the Herald of April 18, 1905:

"In a quiet way the Herald is today celebrating its seventieth anniversary as a Quincy newspaper. It was originally established under the name of tlie IJounty Land Register, and, according to the reminiscences of Capt. Henry Asbury the first number was issued April 17th, 1835. Some of the archives of the Illinois State Historical Society place it back in 1834, l>ut there is no reliable evidence on that point, and the early files of the paper were destroyed bj' fire. The original publishers were C. M. Woods and Dunbar Aldrich, who were both practical printers. Judge Richard Young had editorial charge at the time. On November 15th, 1836 - one week after the election of Martin VanBuren as President of the United States - the paper was transferred to John H. Pettit, of Cincinnati, ami became the Quincy Argus and Illinois Bounty Land Register. At that time the entire vote of the county did not exceed 800. Editor Pettit wrote an article descriptive of the "boom" in Quincy at that time. Imagining himself wielding the inspired pen of a prophet he declared that within ten years Quincy would be the largest city on the Mississippi river with the exception of St. Louis. The census of 1840 - some four years later - gave Quincy a iio]iulation of only 2,319, but in 1850 the popnlatimi i-caclii'd (i,902, which was a remarkable advance For the decade, (ialena and Dubu(|ue were ahead of Quincy at that time and St. Paul had just reached 1,000 souls. Now Dubu()ue and Quincy are neck and neck. Galena has disappeared from the contest and St. Paid and Minneapolis are at the top of the ladder.

"In 1841 the name of the Argus was changed to The Herald and in 1850 it was first issued as a daily papei'. Under the editorial management of Austin Brooks the paper possessed a national reputation.

"The Herald is the third oldest paper in the state. Its seniors are the Springfield Jo\u'nal, which appeared November 10, 1831, and the Galena Gazette, which was established in 1834. "The Herald has had a long and somewhat adventuresome career. It has known prosperity and has faced adversity. It has passed through the hands of a hundred or more of editors and piddishers. The present management assumed possession September 21st. 1891."

The stockholders of the company are E. M. Botsford and II. J. Eaton of Quincy, and C. L. Miller of Rockford, 111. :\Ir. .Miller's relation is not active. Jlr. Botsford is the managing editor and Mr. Eaton the business maiu\ger. The present owners bought the paiier of IMorris Bros., who bought of Dowing. Hinrichsen & Case.

The Quincy Whig was established Jlay 5, 1838, Major II. V. Sullivan being the publisher, and N. Bushnell and A. Johnson editors. Aug. 18th of the same year, S. :M. Bartlett and Major Sullivan became the sole proprietors, the former editor and the latter as publisher, thus continuing until the firm was dissolved by the death of Mr. Bartlett in 1852. In the fall of 1852, John F. Morton became editor and he and Sullivan conducted the paper till 1854, when Sullivan's interest was bought by Henry Young. The first number of the daily was issued March 22. 1852. Mr. Young died in 1855, when his interest was bought by V. Y. Ralston. A year later, F. S. Giddings bought an interest. In 1858, the Quincy Republican, a daily which had been started about a year, and the Whig were consolidated, the lu-w name being "The Whig and Republican," ^Morton and F. A. Dallam being the owners. The successive managements included James J. Langdon, Charles Holt, Messrs. Bailhache & Phillips, Porter Smith and others. Col. John Tillson was the editor from 1869 till 1871 and was succeeded by Paul Selby. January 1. 1874, the establishment was bought by Daniel Wilcox, whose sons, Chester A. and David F. Wilcox, were later admitted to i)artnership, and who succeeded to tin- business on the death of their father. May 19. 1S7S. In July, 1898, Messrs. Wilcox sold to a stock conijiany and Louis F. Schaefer became business manager, and II. M. Mc]\Iein managing editor of the Whig. In October of that year, the stock was bought by Robert Ransom and the late J. B. Ellis, in February. 1899. the interest of JMr. Ransom was bought by ;\lr. Ellis, whose widow owns most of the stock. Perry C. Ellis is managing editor, and Walter W. Midler, the liusiness mnnagei-.

Sept. 11. 188:3, by Hiram N. Wheeler and John U. Weaver, the former bein^ managing editor and the latter busines.s manager. December 19, 1885, C. H. Meyer became business manager, Mr. Wheeler having bought 'Sh: Weaver's interest. In 1899 the Journal company bought the Daily Evening News, which was consolidated with the Journal under the hitter's name only. Mr. Wheeler owns practically all of the stock, and continues as managing editor, Air. Meyer being the business manager.

The Quincy Germauia, a German daily and weekly, dates from 1874, when it succeeded the Westliche Press and Tribune. Dr. G. C. Hoffman was managing editor of the Germauia until his death, January -t, 1888. He was succeeded by Henry Bornnuinn. who had been assistant editor and who is still the managing editor. Fred C. Klene is business manager, succeeding Henry Ording, Jr., in that position in 1895.

The monthlies are The Apple Specialist: The Catholic Record; The Home Seeker; The Home Instructor; The Poiiltry Keeper, and The Reliable Poulti'y Journal. There are also a number of school, church and fraternal publications.

Among the Quincy newspapers which have ceased to exist are : The Quincy Commercial Review, which was established in 1871 and quit in 1904; The Modern Argo ; The Evening Call, conducted by T. J. Heirs about six years; The Daily Journal, conducted about four years by the late T. M. Rogers; The Courier, (German) which lasted during 1857-8; and a number of more transient publications.

Following are the present newspapers in the county outside of Quincy: The Camp Point Journal, at Camp Point, was established in 1873, by the present editor, George W. Cyrus and Thomas Bailey. The latter retired from the paper in 1876, selling his interest to Mr. Cyrus.

Chapter Liii Conflict Of Opinion

Quincy and Adams County shared in the conHiet of opinion which culminated in the war between the states. A large part of the population were immigrants, or the descendants of immigrants, from south of the Ohio river. Many of them believed in the theory of state sovereignty and the condition of .slavery for the negro, as a normal form of soeiar order. They hated anti-slavery agitation, and inclined to yield to every demand of the pro-slavery leaders. These men had determined to nationalize slavery, to preserve, propagate and perpetuate it. For this end they had secured the "repeal of the Missouri compromise," the "Dred Scott decision" and the enactment of the "Fugitive Slave Law. ' ' They constantly threatened to withdraw from the Union unless their demands were granted. In order to placate the pro-.slavery leaders. Senator Douglas had taken the position that the question of admitting slavery into new territories should be decided by a vote of the inhabitants of the territory. This was called "Squatter Sovereignty." and was regarded by his large following, as a wise way of settling the question.

Out of this agitation came the great debates between Lincoln and Douglas. One of these discussions was held in Washington Square, and was attended by thousands of people. Mr. Lincoln advocated that there should be no extension of slavery into new territory. "Sir. Douglas held that "he did not care whether slavery was voted up or down." He said, "I hold that a negro is not and never ought to be a citizen of the United States. I hold that this government was made on the white basis. by white men for the benefit of white men and their posterity forever, and should be administered by white men, and none others. I do not believe that the Almighty made the negi'o capable of self-government." This probably expressed the opinion of a large majority of the Democrats of Adams county.

As indicative of the spirit of a large and influential portion of the people the Quincy Herald on April 10, 1861, used this language : "The slave states have gone out of the Union, or, those that have not already done so will most likely do so soon, - when that takes place, the republicans will not be able to rally the thousands of deluded men that have followed them with the cry of 'no more slave territory or no more slave states, or down with slavery.' " In its next issue, it assumed the success of secession, and, consec[uently that custom houses wo\dd be established on tlie boundary lines of the confederacy, and "congratulated the farmers of Adams county, that all agricultural productions usually shipped from Quincy, would be duty free." It was not without good reason, that southern leaders expected a "solid south and a divided north."

After the "great debates," though Mr. Lincoln received a majority of the popular vote, Mr. Douglas was elected by the legislature to the senate. A majority of the voters of Adams county were Douglas democrats.

After the election of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency in 1860, the pro-slaveiy leaders decided to lead their states to secede from the Union. In this crisis. Senator Douglas stood firmly for the Union. To him, probably, more than to any otlier man, belongs the honor of inspiring liis jiarty with a patriotic purpose to support the president in his efforts to maintain the Union by milit;ny force. He made powerful appeals, in liis brilliant and effective speeches. He said: "I deprecate war, but if it must come, I am witli my country under all circumstances and in every contingency." He said: "I stand by Mr. Lincoln and will support him in every effort to put down rebellion." Inspired by this leadership, democrats joined with republicans, forgot partisan differences and responded with enthusiasm to the call for trooi^s to maintain the Union. The moral energy of patriotic devotion and the profound conviction that the Union was in danger of destruction, called out, organized and directed the military power of the city and county. Before the war ended, out of a population of about 41,000, 2,300 men had enlisted in the army of the Union.

Quincy As A Strategic Point

Quiiu-y next to Cairo, was the most important military point in the state. ^Measured by longitudinal lines, it is seventy-five miles farther west than St. Louis. Situated thus on the extreme western edge of Illinois, projecting into the state of Missouri, it was of great strategic importance.

The line of military effort between the loyal aiul the slave states reached from the Potomac river westwaicl across West Virginia and Kentucky to Cairo, thence bent northward to the Iowa line and thence westward to Nebraska and Kansas. After Cairo was occupied, the next movement was to secure the control of ^Missouri. In a general way the operations of the Union army was a "left-wheel" pivoted upon the Army of the Potomac. The extreme right wing began its forward movement from the Iowa line. Quincy was the point at which the national army, made their rendezvous, effected tlieir organization, and from which, they crossed the river to take possession of the northei-n part of Missouri, co-operate with forces sent out from St. Louis ancl thus take nulitary control of the state.

Quincy became a center of great military activity. Companies gathered here from vai'ious parts of the state to be organized into regiments. Steamers passed down the river loaded with soldiers from Iowa, Wisconsin and ^Minnesota, ilechanies in the city were busy ill iiuddng munitions of war, from a leather liox foi' "cajis" to steel cannon. The recruiting drniii was heard day and night. Orators made pati'intic speeches and pastors preached pati'iotic sermons. Regiments with bands paraded the streets. Women organized to make ]>rovisiiui foi' the sick and wounded in hospital and camp.

The effect of the shot fired at the tiag at Fort Sumter is indescribable. That shot united the north. The question of slavery was forgotten. Tile only thought of every man, woman and child was, that the insult to the flag should be avenged, and the Union maintained.

Readei's of local history may enjoy a detailed summary of the events of this period gathered mainly from the files of the eontemporar.y daily papers.

pie.sitk'ut calliug for troops, the Adjutant General of the State notified the commanders of the various military organizations, that they would be called upon to enter active duty. At thi.s time, there were two companies in Quincy, commanded by Captain Jas. D. Morgan of the "Guards." and Captain Schroer ot the "Rities."

A meeting of "the citizens of Quincy and vicinity" was called at the courthouse. All were invited "who without distinction of party were determined to stand by the flag of their country and sustain the government. The courthouse was packed to its utmost capacity. Atklresses were made by Dr. Stalil, Barney Arntzcn, I. X. Morris, 0. II. Browning and Jaeksou (irinishaw. No epithets were bandied liy democrats against republicans or by republicans against democrats, for the first time in Quincy. Parties forgot their patisanship in their patriotism." Recruiting was begun by the "Guards" and within twenty-four hours, more than one hundred men were enrolled. The Savings Bank tendered a loan of twenty thousand dollars to the State. On Sunday, April 21, two companies left for Springfield, on their way to Cairo. Captain B. M. Prentiss was in connnand. Captain ilorgan whose leg had been broken while packing ice the previous winter, accompanied the command on crutches. Before their departure, they were given an ovation. A vast crowd assembled in Washington park. Rev. II. Foote and lion. O. II. Browning made speeches. A flag was presented to Captain Prentiss. M. B. Denman led in singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee." Rev. Mr. Jaquess ottered prayer, and the exercises were closed by singing the Doxology. Ten thousand people accompanied the volunteers to the railroad station. A train decorated with flags was ready foi' them. The immense crowd sang the "Stai- Sjiangled Banner." and cheered by the sympathetic multitude, they left for Springfield. At Clayton they were joined by thirty recruits nuiking a total of two hundred and one n.cn. At Jacksonville a large assembly (if peoi)le met them at the depot to speed them on their way. The writer heard the speech Prentiss made on this occasion, and remembers that his main point was in refutation of the charge that a "Yankee wouldn't fight." His point was that for "ju.st cause, he would fight, as well as any man God ever made." A movement was made to organize a company in each ward of the city. There was much military activity across the river. Green and Porter were industriously organizing companies for eonfederate service. Union men w'ere being killed, others were driven out of the state. It was

It was the work of a few days to raise six companies as follows: First ward, Captain Benneson, 107 men: Second ward. Captain W. R. Johnson, 14S men: Third ward. Captain J. A. Vandorn, 158 men; Fourth ward. Captain Joshua Wood, 130 men : Fifth ward. Captain U. S. Penfield, 115 men; Sixth ward, Captain S. :M. Bartlett, 108 men. In addition to these, Captain William Steinwedell reported a company of 71 men. These companies elected as regimental officers. James E. Dunn, Colonel; Wm. R. Lockwood, Lieutenant Colonel, and William Shannahan, ilajor. The "Quincy Cadets" became enthusiastic, and gave renewed attention to drill.

Women showed a /.calous patriotism, and nn the '2iXh of .\pril. a call was issued for a meeting "to organize to iiel]) the men in the field." Two societies foi- this purpose were formed, one was called "The Needle Pickets," the other "The Good Samaritans." They arranged to meet on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of each week, "to prepare lint, bandages, articles of comfort and convenience, and in every way, add their mite to aid and comfort the brave men of our land." They industriously "solicited flannel, linen and all kinds of material which could be made useful to the soldier."

These noble women deserve an honored place in local history - "Sirs. Almira Morton, .Mrs. Eliza Bushnell," ilrs. John Moore, Mrs. Rittler. Jliss Nellie Bushnell Parker, Mrs. Anna McFadon, Mrs. Electa Finlaj% Sarah Baker, Mrs. Joseph, IMrs. Phil Bert' ilrs. Gaushell, ]Mrs. Amanda Penfield. Mrs. Elizabeth Charles, ]Mrs. Warren Reed, ^Irs. Geo. Burns, Mrs. Jonas. ]Mi-s. Alica Asbury Abbott, Miss Maertz, iliss Lina Church, Miss Kate Cohen, Miss Abbey Pox, Mrs. Pinkham, Kate Palmer, Mary Palmer, Mrs. John Williams, Mrs. Lorenzo Bull. Mrs. C. II. Bull. Mrs. F. Nelke. Mrs. Baughman, Mrs. John Seaman, Mrs. Fred Boyd and Mrs. James Woodrutif. This is but a pax"- tial list of those noble workers. Among those who belonged to the "Good Samaritans" were: Mrs. John Cox, Mrs. Joseph Gilpin, Mrs. I. 0. AVoodruff, ]Miss Theresa Woodruff and many others. On the 12th of July they had a membership of 148 - 114 women and 34 men.

Ex-Governor John Wood was appointed by the Governor. Quarter Master of the Illinois ililitia. Another call for troops was made by the Governor and mass meetings were called to prt)mote enlistment.

made by D. P. Allen, Captain Dunn and Col. W. A. Richai'dson. Chas. W. Mead was made captain of the company. On the same date a dispatch was received ordering a six-ponnder brass cannon, which was in the city, to be forwarded to Springfield. On the 30th, Judge Douglas made a speech before the legislature, which greatly encouraged and united the loyal element of the country. Recruiting was greatly .stimulated. Meetings were held from Lima to Kingston and Beverly, addressed by Dr. Stahl, I. N. ]\Iorris, Barney Arntzen and Dr. M. M. Bane.

A company was fdrnicd known as the "Union Rifle Coiupany;'" Charles Petrie was made captain, .\boiil this time there was some question as to how far \V. A. Richardson supported the administration in its war policy, and Dr. Bane addressed him a letter in the public prints to secure his views. He replied, "every citizen owes it as a solenui duty to oliey the law, to suppoi't the constitution, repel invasion and defend the tiag. " A company was formed called the "Quiney National Zouaves;" Joseph W. Seaman was made captain. A "^Marine Corps" was also organized intended to enforce the recent act of the legislature forl)idding the exportation of arms and munitions of war from the state. It had been discovered that powder, caps, and other military supplies were being bought in Quiney and taken to Missoui'i.

On the 12th of .Inly. Col. U. 8. Grant arrived in Quiney. and went into camp at West Quiney. Robert Tillson delivered a lot of accountrements and Col. Grant kept the tally of them himself, in the absence of the Quarter Master. It is worthy of record that the "Needle Pickets" sent a pillow-case tilled with lint and bandages to the ferry for the iise of the regiment, ilrs. C. H. Morton carried it to the l)oat and delivered it to Col. Grant. He thanked the ladies through her, and putting the pillow-case under his arm, walked aboard the boat. Thus in this simple and unceremonious way, did the great general of his time enter upon hostile ten-itory.

On July 15th. Col. Tnrchin arrived with the nineteenth infantry, and went into camp on Sunset Hill. Gen. Ilurlburt soon arrived to take command of the brigade and made his headquarters at the Quiney House. Col. ^Mulligan's regiment arrived on the 17th, camping at Sunset Hill. Sickness began in the camps and the chair factory on the corner of Fifth and Ohio was leased as a hospital. Quiney became a rendezvous for companies from the ad.joining counties. Camps were established southwest of Woodland cemeterv at the Fair Grounds, at

Sunset Hill north of the city, and on Alstyne 's prairie east of Twelfth street. The companies first arriving were organized as the Sixteenth regiment of Illinois Infantry.

The regiments of Colonels (iood. Scott and Palmer had been ordered to Quiney, and the Fourteenth had arrived on the 19th of June. James W. Singleton was offered the (Jolonelcy of a cavalry regiment, but he declined the honor. The various "Home Guards" engaged in target shooting. Hays and Woodruff had a large force of men engaged in making knapsacks. Robert Tillson made scabbards and cartridge boxes, and Greenleaf's foundry was manufacturing cannon. The "Needle Pickets" gave a Union supper netting $95, the Fourteenth regiment band supplying the music. On the Fourth of July there was a grand parade. The procession wa.s led by the Fourteenth regiment, then followed the "Quiney Guards," Captain Pentield ; the "National Rifles," Captain Steinwedell: "Quiney Cadets," Captain Letton : the Quiney ^Mounted (Juards, Captain Charles W. Mead. These were followed by vari(nis civic societies. In the afternoon, a niilit.iry in<'iiic on Alystyne"s prairie closed the exercises.

On the 5th of July, word came from the town of Canton, in ^lissouri. that Captain Howell of the Home Guards had been shot by a secessionist, and that the town was about to be attacked by a confederate force. Six hundi'ed men of the Fourteenth regiment were sent up on the steamer Black Hawk, but their services were not needed for no attack was nuide. W. R. Schmidt, withoi;t any "po.sters or newspaper appeals and speeches" raised a company and left for Camp Butler where he .joined the 27th infantry.

Sjiecial efforts Avere made to raise an Adams county regiment. On the 16th of July. Dr. M. ^r. Bane published this notice: "The Adams county regiment will be accepted under the first call for troops. Commanders will till up their ranks and be prepared to enter service immediately." This regiment was mustered into the United States service September 12, 1S61. M. I\I. Bane was made Colonel; William Swarthout, Lt. Colonel; Geo. W. Randall. ]\[ajor. William Ilanna was captain of Company E. Their first service was along the line of the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad. This regiment had a brilliant and conspicuous career. On the 26th of July, Edward Prince liublished a call, proposing to raise a cavalry coniiiany. He was appointed Lt. Colonel of the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, and made drill master of cavalry at Camp Butler. The three months' volunteers returned from Cairo on the fifth of August. They were met at the wharf by Captain Penfield and Captain Rose with their infantiy commands, by Captain Delano with his dragoons and one company of the Fourteenth infantry. Captain T. W. Macfall left for Camp Butler with his mounted cavalry company on the 16th of August. About this time the '" Needle Pickets" gave a reception to Gen. Prentiss and Col. ^Morgan. They also made one hundred and seven needle-books for Captain Sheley's company. This company after its three months' sei-vice enlisted for three years and was Company C of the Tenth Infantry.

The troops which had crossed the river here had now taken possession of north ^Missouri. Bush whackers and guerilla bands wandered about the country, but aside from some skirmishing with these, the Union soldiers held the Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad entirely across the State, and with it, its military control. The extreme west wing of the confederate army was driven sottthward beyond the Missouri river. During the sitmmer and autiunn of this year, several events of interest occurred. An effort led by Joseph Kolker was made to raise an artillery company. Captain Powers and Dr. S. G. Black were authorized to raise cavaliy companies. The Tenth cavalry arrived in Quiney and paraded the streets eight hundred strong. Many steamboats, some with barges attached loaded with troops, passed down the river. Col. Williams' Sharp Shooters left camp for the front. The Fox river regi-- ment passed through Quiney for St. Louis,

Gen, Phillip St. George Cooke of the regular army passed through Quiney with his command six hundred sti'ong, with three hundred horses and six cannon. They came from Utah. Col. Glover with his command crossed into ]\Iissouri. In a few days he was at Paris, Monroe county, and levied a sum of $2,500 upon the citizens to repair the railroad which had been damaged by the confederates. On the 11th of November, Lietitenant Shipley of Company A. 27th Infantry, killed in the battle of Belmont, was buried in Woodland cemetery, with military honors. On the Sth of December, the C. B, & Q, railroad company presented a cannon to the local artillery company. About this date the bridges across the North and Fabins rivers southwest of Quiney were burned by confederates.

Col. W. A. Richardson was tendered command of a "Kentucky Brigade" to be organized at Camp Dtt Bois near Jonesboro, Illinois, Captain Delano's company of dragoons left for Camp Butler, and by the 9th of September, were in camp at Bird's Point on the river opposite Cairo. At the close of the year, most of the regiments which had been organized at Quiuej' and were in part composed of men from Adams county, had been sent southward and assigned to various brigades and divisions. The Tenth. Sixteenth and Twenty-seventh were at the fi-ont. The Fiftieth left Quiney January 26, 1862. ilost of the Adams county soldiers were with Pope's command, and participated in the campaign which resulted in the capture of New Madrid, and about 5,000 men near Tiptonville. The Fiftieth was with Grant of Fort Donelson. Subsequently they were all engaged in the movement under Gen, Halleck upon Corinth, Miss,

During the spring and early summer months, Quiney began to see the results of active campaigns, in sickness, wounds and deaths. There were two hospitals established, and numbers of sick and wounded soldiers were brought from the camps and battlefields. Rev. Horatio Foote and Rev. S. II. Emery were appointed chaplains. Dr. D. G. Brinton had charge of a hospital. Dr. I. T. Wilson served as surgeon. Other local iihysicians were assigned to hospital duty.

The Levy Of 1862

It re(iuired several bloody battles to convince many people that the South was desperately in earnest, and engaged in a supreme striiggle to dissolve the Union. On Julj' 2, 1862, the President called for more troops. This awakened all patriotic people to renewed efforts, to induce men to enlist. Quiney again became a center for the collection of reci'uits and the organization of new regiments. A Union war meeting was held July 21. A large number of leading citizens signed the call. Committees were formed to solicit funds for soldiers' families, to encourage enlistments and secure meetings throughout the county.

Prof. Roberts of the High School tried to raise a company. J. P. Steritt of Payson was authorized to raise a regiment. Col. Duff tried to raise a regiment, and subsequently, entered the artillery service with a ninnber of men. The pro.sjDect of a draft induced some men to enlist, some to hire substitutes, and others to hire substitutes to serve, even though they were not drafted. Large amounts of money were raised and bounties were given to encourage enlistments. Some recruits joined various commands according to their individual interest, and were not credited to Quiney or the county. But as the results of strong effort. Companies B, E, F, G and K, and part of Company D, were recruited in the county, and joined the 78th Illinois Infantry. W. H. Benne-

An effort was made dnring this year to establish a military college in Qnincy. It was hopefnlly announced by the press that it "wcnild soon take high rank in the west."" Another incident of the year was the retnrn of Gen. B. M. Prentiss, who had been taken prisoner at the Battle of Shiloh. He arrived on the Steamer Black Hawk, and was escorted from the wharf by the 119th Infantry. Jackson Grimshaw was Chief Jlarshal. The General was presented with a sword, a gold-headed cane and a silver pitcher.

In the autumn of 1862, the flnsh of patriotic enthusiasm which pervaded all parties had. with many, lieen chilled by the burden and horrors of war. Some M'cre discouraged by the uncertain issue of the struggle. Others felt that it was assuming anti-slavery features. It was sometimes stigmatized as an "abolition war." Soldiers of the T^nion armies were sometimes branded as "nigger thieves." The partisan press jirominnced the war to be "a failure"" and the volunteer soldier was called a "Lincoln hireling." Senator Douglas was in his grave. His ehMiuent voice was no longer heard. Some of his former followers forgot his words and his example. They shrank from the sacrifices which the last full measure of devotion to the T^nion called for. They began to ([uestion Ihe right .if the adnnnistration to coerce a rebellious state.

The result of the November election Avas to send representatives to the next (icneral Assembly who were bitterly opposed to the vigorous prosecution of the war. The representatives from Adams county voted for the socalled "Copper-head Resolutions," which denounced the war and called for an "armistice." This Assembly was prorogued by the Governor. The representatives fi-om Adams comity were elected by a majority of 1,796 votes. The political conditiou of affairs at houie, however, did not seriously impair the efficiency of the patriotic soldiers in the field. There were a few deserters. Some extreme partisans encouraged desertion. "Law and order" meetings were outspoken for the war, now denounced oi)position to the "draft." Some who in 1861 were out-spoken for the war. now denounced it. "(ien."" Singleton said he "was an opponent of the war, and never pretended anything else.""

The "draft" was sustained and added to the number ol soldicis in the field. James Woodruff was the Provost ilarshal, then Captain Henry Asbury, who was succeeded by W. H. Fisk. Not nuiiiy local events of military interest occurred diu'ing the closing period of lS(i2 and the s[)ring of 1863. On the 13th of December. 500 men of the Second Ohio Cavalry passed through Qnincy. The musical society, the i^opidar "Old Folks'" contiiuied to give successful concerts in the city and neighboring towns, including Jacksonville, Alton and St. Louis. They raised in this way several thousand dollars.

At this time there were about eight hundretl soldiers in the hospitals. Ladies from the adjoining townships assisted those of Qnincy in sewing garments and cooking delicacies for them. Eff'orts were made at this time to enlist negro troops. Black men from Missouri crossed the river and enlisted. This caused much agitation. The master of the slave jjursned him aiToss the ri\-er and insisted that he had the sanu^ right to him under the Fugitive Slave Law, as he had to his hog or his horse which might have strayed away. Thirty-six men were enrolled in the colored regiment of Col. Bross, some joined a Massachusetts regiment. Every one so enlisting was credited upon the draft in the district. Great demonstrations of ixipulai- joy were made after the battle of (iettysluirg and the fall of Vicksburg. The "Neetlle Pickets'" held a fair which lu^tted

In January 1S64, the lOth, 16tli ;iiid ."lOth regiments, having largely re-enlisted came home on veteran furlough, and were received with the booming of cannon, speeches of welcome and sumptuous banquets. They were largely re-inforced by new recruits diu'ing their furlough, and upon its expiration, rejoined the army at the frmit. The earnest and patriotic spirit of these veterans encoui'aged the loyal people, and deepened their determination to sustain the administration in jn-osecnting the war till the rebellion should be completely subdtu^'d.

and Iowa believing; that the I'ebellion was near its close, tendered the President a volunteer force of 85,000 one-hundred-day men, to relieve the veteran soldiers of guard duty at the forts, arsenals and along the railroads. In response to this call, the 137th Infantry was mu.stered in June 5th at Camp Wood. Ex- Governor John Wood was made Colonel. The citizens of Quiney. presented Colonel Wood Avith a fine horse, saddle, hostler's pistols, etc.. the outfit costing about .^4(10, as a testimonial of their pei'sonal regard. The regiment left Quiney June 9. A salute was fired of seventeen rounds and a flag was presented to them. They proceeded to Memphis. Tenn.. by boat. Assigned to picket duty on the Hernando road, it was attacked by Forrest's Cavalry and met with seven losses in killed, wounded and prisoners. After honorable service it was mustered out at Springfield September 24.

June 24. the 138th regiment of one-hundredday men left Quiney for Fort Leavenworth. The 29th colored regiment. Colonel Bross commanding, also left Quiney going to the east. They filled twelve coaches. Two companies were from Adams county. This regiment made a glorious record. Colonel Bross and many of his men fell in a desperate charge in front of Petersburg. An efl^ort was made to establish a Home for the children of deceased and disabled soldiers. Gen. Prentiss was made agent of the association, and made addresses in its behalf throughout the state. On September 5, a mass meeting was held to give expression to Union sentiment. O. II. Browning, Jackson Grimshaw and Gen. Prentiss made .speeches. A strong effort was made to adjust public sentiment to the pressure of the "draft." Quite a number of our citizens not liable for military duty, volunteered and hired able-bodied men to repi-esent them in the army. Individual subscriptions of from $300 to $1,000 were made to constitute a bounty fund. The supervisors met and proposed a tax of $2.30 upon the hundred so as to be able to ott'er a bounty of $300 to each man entering the military service. The year passed with noisy denunciations, but without serious or organized resistance to the enforcement of the conscription law.

The vote in the county in the presidential election gave the opponents of the Administi'ation 1,066 ma,iority. During the year local contractors were busy in making aceountrements for infantry, artillery and cavalry. The "Government Clothing Hall" used three hundred and sixty thousand yards of blue kersey, made two hundi-ed and fifty thoi;sand paii's of "pants" and drawers, shirts, etc., in like proportion. Quiney was a busy military center.

February, 1865. the 148th regiment was organized. Company D of this regiment was enlisted in Quiney. with Henry A. Dix as Captain. Enlisted for one .year's service, they were mustered out September 9th. In the spring months the draft was being made. The following is a specimen notice taken from the Whig. "The wheel turned again for Ursa and Lima. Recruiting is dull. Our turn will come soon unless volunteering becomes more brisk. There is plenty of money to pay bounties, all that is lacking, is the men."

On April 4. news came that Richmond was in the possession of the Union soldiers. The news created indescribable excitement and joy. Bonfires were kindled, speeches were made, houses were illuminated, pati'iotic music was sung by all who had a voice, flags were unfurled, bells were rung, whistles blown, and every imaginable demonstration of joy indulged in. !Meu who had been doing all they could to discredit the Administration and a vigorous prosecution of the war, were "converted" and gave outward signs of enthusiasm. One hundred guns were fired, stores closes, streets bloomed with flags. The fire depai'tment turned out, decorated with banners, bauds paraded the streets. Intoxicated with enthusiasm, some one set fire to a load of straw which happened to be passing the square.

The surrender of Gen. Lee stopped the draft. The 146th regiment was sent April 21 to Springfield to be mustered out. The barracks which had sheltered so many thousand soldiers, were di-smantled and the lumber sold. The local press expressed the hope that "now that the soldiers have vacated Franklin Sciuare. we trust that our authoi'ities will turn their attention to its embellishment." Quiney ceased to be a military camp.

In addition to the enlistments mentioned in this sketch, quite a number of men from this locality were on the muster rolls of miscellaneous commands, some of them credited to ^Missouri. Others served in the regular army.

As rapidly as they were mu.stered out of the service, the volunteers usually returned to their h(unes by the shortest route. About fifty of the 10th Infantry returned to Quiney with Col. Tillson. They were received with grateful feeling and enthusiasm. The 50th reached Quiney July 22nd. This regiment was the pet of Adams county. It had been nick-named the "blind half -hundred. " This was a vague name of no special significance, except that, in the spirit of humor, names are sometimes given exactly because they do not apply at all. The record of the 50th showed that it certainly was not "blind." but had eves to see duty and the way to do it nobly. The regiment began its service in Missouri, thence went to Cairo, thence to Forts Henry and Donelson. It was in the battle of Shiloh, when Colonel Bane lost an arm. It was engaged at Corinth, iliss., and in all the active campaigns in Tennessee and Alabama. For a time it served as mounted infantrv. It was in the bloody tight at Allatoona. when Col. llanna received a severe wound and the regiment lost 87 in killed and wounded. Going with Sherman to the sea, it was on the march through the Carolinas engaged in the battle of Bentonville, and participated in the grand review in Washington. Ordered to Louisville to lie musterecl out, it won the prize banner in a competitive drill with the 63d Illinois and 7th Iowa Infantry.

The volunteers who went from Adams county to the call of their country were the very flower of her youth. They became the ecpals of the best soldiers who ever made a campaign or stood in the fighting line in the shock of battle. There were those, who as students of history, anticipated that the return of large numbers of soldiers would endanger the peace of society. They had the Shakespeare ideal of the soldier:

"Full of strange oaths, and bearded like a pard. Jealous in honor, sudden and (puck in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation Even in the canon's mouth.'"

Rut the volunteer with his ideals raised rather than lowered by his years of patriotic service, came back to civil life better titted than ever to take up its duties and share its responsibilities. From camp and field they came to take again their place as citizens so modestly that there is nothing to distinguish them except the Grand Army button of bronze, and the comradeship which is conspicuously in evidence, on days of regimental "reunion." So many rendered glorious service and accomplished their full measure of duty, that it is impossible to give adecjuate notice of all meritorious achievement. Captain Prentiss, rising from connnand of a company to be brigadier general, won high honor at Shiloh, where he commanded a Division at what was called the "hornet's nest." He attained the rank of Ma.ior General.

Captain Morgan, a company commander at Cairo, attained to the rank of a ]Major General, and was in charge of the 2nd Division of the 1-tth Army Corps at the end of the war.

Colonel Bane survived his wounds received at Shiloh, and after a long period of service in the field, resigned to take a distinguished rank as a citizen.

Colonel Tillson commanded a brigade in the great march to the sea, was breveted a Brigadier General and was given a commission as captain in the regular army.

Colonel Hanna, Colonel Swartout, Colonel Prince are survivors, who respond to the roll call of men who did conspicuous service. F](|ually entitled to honor and grateful consitleratiou are the many less conspicuous, but not less deserving, those of the rank and file who were behind the guns.

Quincy Soldiers And The Spanish

On the 25th of April, 1898, Captain H. D. Blasland, commanding Company F of the Illinois Militia, received an order from the Adjutant General to report at the State Fair (iroxuids, to the regimental commander, for "service in war." Immediate preparations for departure were made. A meeting of citizens was held at the rooms of the Chamber of Commerce, and arrangements made to give the "boys" a fitting "send-ofi:'. " At five o'clock on the morning of the 27th, a procession was formed to escort the company to the Wabash station. First came a platoon of twenty-six liolicemen. The veterans of the civil war took their jilace behind them. Then came honorary members of the company. The post office emjtloyes came next, then Gordan's band with the Naval Reserves followed by Company P. Thousands of people thronged the sidewalks, and Front street about the station was packed with a dense multitude. Cheers and huzzahs Avith martial music, rang out on the air. Flags and handkerchiefs, a great wave of them, fluttered in hundreds of hands. Arriving at the station, the company went aboard the train, while the band played "Marching Through (ieorgia." There were many hearty "goodbyes" as Avell as tearful farewells. The train ])ulled slowly out of the depot on its way to Sjiringfield. It was mustered into the United States service on the fifth of May. H. D. Biasland was commissioned Captain ; H. D. Whipple, First Lieiitenant; J. McClellan, Second Lieutenant. F. B. Nichols, who had some exjierience in the English army, both in South Africa and in India. Avas made Major. Alfred Castle was commissioned Adjutant of the batallion. with rank of Lieutenant. Eugene Harding, who had achieved marked efileiency in the school of the soldier was selected Captain for Company E, from Hillsboro, 111.

Cliattaiiuogfi, Tennessee. Somewhat unlike the march of the ' ' boys ' ' in the civil war who were glad to get into cattle cars, these boys rode in Pullman palace ears!

They laid in camp for many weeks engaged in drill and earnest prej^arations for the field of war. They were impatient to go to the front. There was great rivahy between the various regiments in camp as to which should have orders to proceed to Cuba or Porto Rico. Political friends in the Senate and Congress were appealed to, to secure the requisite order. At last, after weary and anxious waiting, the company with its regiment took the cars at Ringgold, Georgia, for Newport News and arrived on the sixth of August. They were destined to disappointment. Thej' embarked on board a transport only to disembark again. The victory at Santiago and the destruction of The Spanish fleet led to speedy negotiations for peace and the end of the war.

The command was next ordered to Lexington, Kentucky. Here a vote was taken and the regiment voted to be mustered out of service. Returning to Springfield, they were paid oft' and disbanded. Company D arrived in Quincy, on the twelfth of September, and were accorded an enthusiastic welcome.

The Quincy Naval Reserves

The Quincy Naval Reserves were organized May 21, 1897. The first meeting was held at the Chamber of Commerce, when nearly 100 of the best young men of the city signified their willingness to form a new company and were jwoiii into the state service for three years by Coramander D. C. Daggett, of IMoline. Col. C. S. Hickman, who had served in the U. S. Navy during the civil war, and also as Lieutenant Colonel in the State Guards, was elected Lieutenant, commanding the division, with Roy A. ^lorehead as Junior Lieutenant, and Earl H. Toole and George Horton as Ensigns. New sailor uniforms and Lee rifles were duly received and in August the division went into camp near Chicago, on Lake ilichigan, where a very profitable week was spent in infantry and signal work, with boat drills, seamanship and gun practice on board the U. S. Ship ]Michigan, which was anchored in the lake.

The following fall Lieut. Hickman was promoted to the Captain's staff, and Ensigns Toole and Horton resigned. At an election held Dec. 20, 1897, Roy A. jMorehead was put in command ; W. A. Simmons raised to lieutenant jvmior grade, with Marion A. Krieder and Hugh E. King as ensigns, and these officers were in charge at the outbreak of the Spanish- American war. So great was the interest manifested that drills were held every night, and then came the word that the government could not take the Naval Reserves as an organization, but would enlist them as individuals. The residt was that fifty-eight men were enlisted in the regular service and were distributed on various ships. The cruisers Newark and Cincinnati received the most of them. These two ships were cruising in West India waters most of the time, and took pai-t in several bombardments. Three of the officers, Lieut. Morehead and Ensigns Krieder and King, received commissions as Ensigns in the Regular Navy, Morehead serving first on the Receiving Ship Franklin, and afterwards on the Gunboat Castine. Krieder was assigned to Lancaster, and King to the Caesar. The first two did not leave the I'nited States, but the Caesar was ordered to the West Ludies where she remained about six months, and was at San Juan. Porto Rico, on the 18th of October, 1898, when the United States took formal possession of the Island. The lltli Infantry U. S. Ai-my took possession of the city, the Spanish flags were ordered down and "Old Glory" raised on five of the most important buildings. To Ensign Hugh E. King, as a representative of the navy, was accorded the honor of raising the first American flag on the Intendentia Palace, while another former Quincy boy, Lieut. Castle, U. S. Army, a nephew of Col. C. H. Castle, officiated at the Governor's Palace. Other army officers M-ere doing like duty at the City Hall and Moro and San Christobal Colon Castles.

At the close of the war the officei's and men were honorably discharged and sent home with the thanks of the Government and two months extra pay to their credit.

Early in the summer of 1S99. the Quincy Naval Reserves were re-organized with Lieut. H. E. King at the helm. Lieutenant junior grade M. A. Krieder. Ensigns Samson C. Strau.ss and Wm. Burton as assistants, who took the division wp to Waukegan, for the week's camp and training on board the U. S. Michigan. In 1902. the U. S. Government gave T'. S. Ship Dorothea to the State of Illinois for a training ship to be used on Lake ^Michigan. A crew of the Illinois Naval Reserves, consisting of seventy-five men and ten officers under the captaincy of Lieut. B. T. Collins of Chicago, brought her from League Island Navy Yard at Philadelphia to Chicago, via the Gulf and River St. Lawrence and the Great Lakes. Lieut. King and several of the men of the Quincy Division formed a part of the crew. Since then the Naval Reserves take a cruise on the Dorothea each summer instead of going into camp.

In 1903, Lieut. King was promoted to llie rank of Navigating Oificer of the Battalion, and John F. Garner, elected Lieutenant ; S. C. Strauss, Lieutenant, junior grade, and Wm. Thesen and Wm. C. Powers, Ensigns.

During the summer of 190-1, Lieut. (4aruer took a part of tlie division to the World's Fair at St. liouis. going down in the 30-ft. t-utter, and later the whole Illinois Naval Reserve spent a week at the fair.

The Division is now in a very prosperous condition, having about seventy-five members. Garner has proven to be a very careful and efficient officer, and has kept the personnel and the record of the division up to a very high standard. Other Quincy men who have served in the Illinois Naval Reserves are Lieutenant Commander C. S. Hickman, executive office. '2nd ship's crew: Lieut. A. M. Simons, navigator. 2nd ship's crew: Rev. E. A. Ince, chaplain: M. S. Cabbel, chief engineer, and Dr. L. B. Ashton, surgeon.

Company I, Sth regiment Infantry Illinois Volunteers. Col. John R. ]\lai'sliall. which was under conunand of Captain Frederick Ball, Jr.. was enrolled at Quine.v, June 28, 1898, and mustered in at Springfield, Illinois, July 21, 1898. They left Springfield August 8. 1898, proceeded by rail to New York City, arriving there August 11, 1898. Embarked on board the V. S. Ship Yale, arriving at Santiago, Cuba. August 16. They thence proceeded by rail to San Luis de Cuba, where they performed Provost duty until March 10, when they were ordered back to Santiago. Embarking on the Steamer Sedgwick for Newport News, they arrived there ilarch 16, 1899. They were mustered out Api'il 3. 1899. The regiment to which this company belonged was the only one commanded by colorc<l officers in the service of the Ignited States.

Ciiat'Ter Liv

It is our design to present onl.y short sketches of most of the one hundred birds of this county, noticed from its organization to the present time. Instead of using technical terms to fuUv describe them, common or local names will be used for tiie better understanding of the general reader. We do not propose to keep to the beaten path but will go oft' into the brush more or less frequently just for the pleasure of the wild abandon of it all.

In the early days the Mississippi bottoms, al)ove and below Quincy, contained great numliers of Paroquets, or Parocpiites, really a small green parrot. It would seem that they passed away with the Indians, as they were still here when the red men passed through the town, going and coming for the annuities they received fro'i' *hb government at that time, about I.^-"' r.cit long after this the birds were not to be seen. It is said that they were in greater numbers soiitli of town than elsewhere. The Indians usually camped there also. It is not supposetl that the birds are extinct^ for they are tropical, and are probably still plentiful in warmer latitudes, having taken their de- |)artui-e from here for a locality more to their liking.

Wild Muscovy Ducks, much larger than the mallards, were often secured at an early day, but it is thought that none have been seen for fifty years. Very rarely do we find the l)lack duck, (uily three of them having been taken during that time.

The Green Head Mallard is now the game <liick of the open season, and it is a splendid liii'd for the talih\ as are also the pintail, blue and green winged teal, spoonbill, butter ball, lu'own head, fish duck, blue bill, or scaup, and ;i luuuber of others, equally delightfully to the sportsman. The beautifi;lly plumaged summei" duck, once so plentiful, is also gone.

A new and peculiar large Diver, as yet unnamed, has made an appearance, flying in pairs : its flesh is too fishy in flavor for food. The Little Diver, which has been here for so many years that the hunters have learned the uselessness of wasting ammunition, because it invariably dives before the shot can reach it. is still in evidence.

The Blue Coot, a bird with a bill like a chicken, a frequenter of shallow water lakes, not web footed, has left for other shores, or has been destroyed. They were quite common and tame some years ago.

Another fine bird, the Pineated Woodpecker, ciilled "Woodcock" but not related to the woodi'iK'k of the snipe family, almost black in color, with a small red tuft on its head, is probably extinct. The writer, when immature in years aiul experience, made a strenuous effort to add to its extinction by following one from tree to tree for a long distance through the woods at Fox Springs (Dick Springs), forty vears ago, but fortiuiately he was unsuccessful ill his endeavors to secui'e it, and lias not seen one since. It is very neai'ly it' not quite extinct. So says "The Citizen Bird," a book used as a text in the schools of new England.

The old reliable Ked Headed Woodpecker is an active worker, and stops the career of thousands of insects, in the embryo state, from further developing into pests of the soil, and from adding to the discomfort of mankind. Flying from one tree to the other with its red head, and white marked wings, it is easily seen. It is not a wild bird, and can be studied at pleasure. His near relation, the "Yellow Hammer" or "flicker" or "the high roller," of E. P. Roe, is another bird to study with reference to habits, etc., since they have many traits worthy of emulation, by the human family. The flicker and its mate will edge up to each other on the limb of a tree and go through more fantastic motions than any quixotic people. It would be hard to describe them, as they sit there, swinging back and forth in unison, their heads up and moving from side to side, and all the while chattering to each other something very interesting to themselves. At such times it does not take a very close observer to see that it is bird sentiment being expressed in its most amorous and innocent way. They mean every word they say, and lay it oft' so positively to one another that one can hardly help looking on and listening, and understanding just what they are talking about. It is interesting to have it made so plain that they are one in sentiment and agree so well in their out of door domestic life.

The so-called Sap Suckers are really a kind of woodpecker. There are two kinds, probably more in this locality, large and small, marked very much alike. As near as can be seen, their manner of life is identical, pecking into dead trees and peering under the bark for eggs of insects and worms. Like the red head it arrives early in the spring, and at times remains all winter, for when it is quiet in the timber in winter, and outside nature seems almost devoid of life, one can hear the peeking of this woodpecker. Black "Warblers and Wood Warblers look something like woodpeckers.

The flocks of blackbirds in the fall exceed in numbers tho.se of any other birds, and they are on the increase. Sometimes the flocks string out in their flight for .miles, taking nearly an hour to pass a given point. They make good use of their stay here, nesting and brooding. and do not seem to do much in.jury to the crops. The farmer folks do not exhibit any particular inclination to draw up preamble and resolutions against them, and not much ammunition is used to hinder their propagation. It is supposed that they carry some grain away, but the idea is advanced that a good many bugs and worms go with the grain diet, for the plow man can, at any time look back along his riding plow's freshly turned furrow, and count more blackbirds than any other bird among the feathered tribes, picking up their portion of the underground population which the plow share turns over and exposes to view. The blackbird walks, like the crow, and does not hop, although it does sometimes "walk as the robins do." Sometimes with a flock there are blackbirds with perfectly white heads and necks, a sort of half albinos.

The Red Eyed Wild Pigeons up to the 60 's, wei"e in such vast numbers as to break down large branches of the trees upon which they alighted and in their migrating they had a continuation of flight over Quincy, taking the course of the river bluft's in the spring and fall. The sun was sometimes darkened, as if clouds wei'e passing over, the long massive line extending into the woods north and south of the town, so that neither end of the line could be seen for hours. The last one observed was reported in a late bird book as having been seen at Lakeside Park, Chicago, and was supposed to have been shot before it got out of the city. Later, some were thought to have been seen in California, but the story was afterwards proven false. The "Penny iMagazine," a very old publication in England, one of the books distributed to members of the Old Citizens' Library Association of Quincy, when it disbanded, prior to 1850, states that a traveler who was going from Naples to visit the ancient temples of Paestum was impressed by the appearance of tall, slender towers, not much unlike Turkish minarets, built on the mountain side near the town of La Cava. On inquiring into the use of towers, he was informed by the natives that in the months of September and October, when the wild pigeons were migrating, these towers were used to catch them. White stones were collected and men, armed with these stones were stationed in the towers; warned by a blowing of a cow's horn, of the direction the pigeons were taking, the men would sling the stones in front of the flocks. The birds would descend after the stones and fall into nets spread for them among the trees in the valleys, and many were caught in this way.

A few years ago some wild pigeons were said to be in the vicinity of Venice, but upon investigation, they were found to be tame pigeons. Some give the cause of their rapid decrease as the loss of their proper food, the "mast," as it was called, of the forests, i. e.

the Mcorns of the oak trees. It -was seldom that small aeorns were not found in the crop of the bird when shot. Others think they were swept out to sea, in tlying across such large wastes of water during storms. Statements of all the bird books of authenticity intimate that the red eyed pigeons are extinct all over the world. Tame pigeons, common fan-tail, pouchers and others do not need any discussion here. Every boy and girl in town and country is familiar with tame pigeons and their habits. The Sand Hill Cranes used to alight in the wheat tields regularly for food when making their migratory Hight, - north in spring, when the tields were green, and south in fall, about wheat-sowing time. They stand nearly as tall as a man but they are never seen in this region any more.

A few scattering flocks of Pelicans with their ti.sh-laden pouches, so far ahead of their wings that they look as if they would turn topsyturvy at slight notice, make their flight as usual, but in not nearly so large numbers, nor do they comprise so many flocks as there were several years ago. This is the American White Pelican. Brown ones, very tame on Pacific Coast and frequently seen, swimming about the vessels, and making great splashes in the ocean in c[uest of fish, are .smaller.

The flocks of Plovers, with nearly always a few Kildeer among them, still fly from southwest to northeast and back again across country at the beginning and ending of the pleasant seasons. They were often taken for Avild pigeons, since they appear to the casual observer to fly so much like them. Never very ]ilentiful, they are growing less every year. The l)lover can swim, but is not considered a water bird. It has white flesh and is a fine eating bii-d.

The Kildeer is in form like the jilover. but it is darker in color. It gets its name from its cry of "Kildeer," uttered at intervals Avhen in flight. In the last decade, in our township, just five Prairie Chickens would show their presence at vai'ious times. And then there were two, and then none. Too bad ; what good company they were not so very long ago, when the snow was on the ground, and the roads were cheerless, what a welcome sight to the country boy hauling wood or crops, to see the rail fences for many rods, often lined with these birds - hundreds of them rising into the air from fence panel, and sailing deliberately off, whirring their wings, and then sailing without an efl'ort a little while, and then the whirr and the sail, over and over again, until a new cornfield entertained them to their satisfaction. The Prairie Chicken has dark meat, with the wild