Henry County IL Archives History - Books .....Kewanee 1877
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/il/ilfiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 2, 2008, 8:27 pm

Book Title: History Of Henry County, The

KEWANEE.

    The traveler in 1853, had he passed from Dixon to Wethersfield, would have
found where now stands Kewanee, a modest and well-tilled farm, the property of
M. B. and J. P. Potter, on the west, and a broad, undulating prairie on the
east, the division line being then a township road, and now known as Main
Street. The unpretentious farm-house, now the residence of Harry Thompson, may
still be seen by the curious, standing directly north of the building known as
"Phillips Block." The first settlers of the land comprised in the township were
John Kilvington, Robert Coultis and Cornelius Bryan, who came in the Fall of
1836. In the month of February, previous, John King and _____ Pierce made the
first entries. They were followed by; Goodrich and Blish, whose entries bear
date May 7, 1836, and in July by Henry Kemerling. This same year twenty-one
sections-13,440 acres-were taken up by the Connecticut Association, and before
1850 almost every acre was entered.

    The advent of the C. B. & Q. R. R. in 1853 (then called the Military Tract
R. R.) decided the location of the village. Strenuous efforts were made by the
citizens of Wethersfield, one mile south, to secure the passage of the railroad
through their town. Owing to heavy grades and the crossing of a stream,
involving a large extra expense, this was not acceded to by the company, and
grading was commenced on the proposed route. Enterprising citizens of that day
saw the result, and quickly took advantage of the location to secure a town on
the railroad.

    Nothing particularly noteworthy took place until the railroad depot was
fixed on the northwest quarter of section 33. The company had at first decided
to place it on the northeast quarter of section 32, but a defective title
compelled a re-location. Matthew B. and J. P. Potter and Col. Blish owned the
site. The former, after selling five acres of their quarter section to Geo. A.
Morse and Silas Willard, traded the balance to Dwight Needham for his beautiful
farm a little farther south. Mr. Needham at once sold to Capt. Sullivan Howard,
Ralph A. Tenney- better known as "Ralph"- and Henry G. Little; and these
gentlemen sold a quarter interest to Nelson Lay. Willard and Morse's tract lay
on either side of the railroad, on Main street, and here they built a store and.
warehouse in 1853. This was known as the "Pioneer" store, and did a lucrative
business for nearly twelve months without opposition. The building stood on the
lot now occupied by the residence of Mr. Joseph O'Brien, and was, in 1863,
destroyed by fire.

    On May 1, 1854, the town was laid out by the following named gentlemen:
Sullivan Howard, Nelson Lay, H. G. Little, R. A. Tenney, Geo. A. Morse, and
Sylvester Blish, all of whom, excepting Col. Blish, are still living. At that
time all was life and activity. Wethersfield, which was then quite a thriving
village, suffered in a very short time a loss of nearly all of her business
houses, which were one by one put on wheels and moved to Kewanee.

    The survey was made by C. C. Blish, now President of the First National
Bank. The streets were at right angles. The lots contained from one-quarter of
an acre to four acres of land, according as they were more or less central. The
streets were generally four rods wide, though Main street is one hundred feet in
width. The first house erected on the town site was the Kewanee Hotel. It was
kept for some time by Tenney & Hutchins. In February, 1856, the present
proprietor, Mr. E. V. Bronson, whose portrait appears elsewhere, purchased the
property of R. A. Tenney, and for twenty-two years has successfully supplied the
gastronomical needs, of the public.

    It was probably the intention of the founders of the town, that Main street
should be the street, and in fact it was for some time. "Phillips Block," the
first store in the town proper was built thereon by Nelson Lay; J. D. Schriver
erected the old "Philadelphia Store" there; Davenport & Robinson their grocery
(now Miles & Minnick's); Dr. Pinney had his drug store where now stands the
Freewill Baptist Church, and on the corner next south was the dry-goods
establishment of Aaron Cooper. A few buildings only were built on Tremont
street, which was in wet weather very little short of a canal as far as
navigation was concerned. Yet the hotel and the depot slowly and surely drew the
trade center westward. C. N. Cutter erected, very early, the building now
occupied by Bennison Bros., and which for many years was known as "Cutter's
Hall," and considered quite palatial in those days. Residences sprang up rapidly
in all parts of the town, grain warehouses were built, and in eighteen months
the town boasted of a population of 1,500, including Wethersfield.

    Some of the early merchants were Fitch & Skinner, whose drug store occupied
the site of the present T. H. Phillips' brick block; Joseph Montgomery, whose
stock consisted of boots, shoes and clothing, and whose store occupied the site
of that now used by James Barker; Mr. James S. Howard who erected the house now
known as the MeConnell House, and therein kept the first furniture store of
Kewanee; and a hardware store which was built by Fred. Wild, the building now
doing service as the shop of Mr. MeConnell. All these were erected during the
Summer and Autumn of 1854, or soon after. Contemporary with them was the
residence of Mr. Dwight Needham, which is now the property of Mrs. Martha Pratt.
It was the first building of that character erected on the town plat. This same
Autumn a warehouse was constructed by the Pratt Brothers. Two years after, in
1857, it was set on fire by one William Whiteford, and totally destroyed. He
received a term of nine years in the penitentiary for his nefariousness. An
elevator was also built by the railroad company which is still used. When the
town was laid out, the proprietors gave it the name of Berien, in compliment of
Col. Berien, chief engineer of the railroad. He rather objected to this,
however, and being asked to name the town, suggested "Kewanee," an Indian name,
supposed to signify Prairie hen. This cognomen was readily accepted by the
proprietors, and on Feb. 14, 1855, was legalized by a special act of the
Legislature. The post-office was established in 1854, and given the name of
Kewanee. Col. Blish was appointed as incumbent of the office, who occupied a
portion of the store of Otis & Pinney for the discharge of his duties. It will
be remembered this building occupied the site of the Freewill Baptist Church. In
the Fall of 1855, Col. Blish died, and Mr. R. A. Tenney, who, among other
enterprising acts, erected the first brick residence in town, now occupied by
Dr. G. W. Fellows, succeeded him. Different administrations caused many changes
to occur in this office. It is now held by Capt. N. H. Pratt, one of Kewanee's
most estimable citizens, and the office ranks as third-class.

    The business interests of town have grown remarkably well. It is almost
twenty-three years since the Phillips Block was erected, and now there are a
large number of stores of all kinds; shops of every description, and artisans of
all trades, whose different articles of commerce find ready sale in the town and
surrounding country, and in some eases to other localities.

    The First National Bank was organized October 28, 1870, with a capital of
$75,000. The surplus is now $18,000, and the average daily deposits are over
$100,000. The officers are: Chas. C. Blish, President; S. W. Warner,
Vice-President; and C. S. Wentworth, Cashier. Messrs. D. L. and W. F. Wiley,
President and Cashier of the First National Bank, at Galva, on January 1st,
1876, established the People's Bank. It is a private affair, well managed, and
abundantly supplied with capital. Mr. H. L. Kellogg is Cashier.

    The success of any town depends largely on the manufacturing interests
therein and the ability to keep employed its citizens, thereby causing money to
freely circulate within its own borders. Kewanee is very well supplied in this
respect, having within her limits the O'Brien Manufactory, the Haxton Steam
Heater Company, the Kewanee Manufacturing Establishment, and that of H. H.
Perkins. The first mentioned of these was established in 1858, in Princeville,
Peoria County, for the manufacture of carriages and wagons. They remained here
until 1865, when they removed to Kewanee and continued their manufacturing.
January 1, 1874, a stock company, with a capital of $75,000, was formed, and the
facilities greatly increased. The O'Brien brothers are largely interested here,
and hold the offices of president, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Jas. O'Brien is
the first named officer, W. F. O'Brien the second, and Joseph T. the third. They
employ about fifty men, and make, on an average, per day, two wagons, two
carriages, and 100 harrows. These latter find ready sale throughout the entire
Northwest.

    The second manufactory mentioned was organized in April, 1875, with a
capital stock of $50,000. They make steam heaters, castings, and all classes of
steam material. Their sales will aggregate $60,000 annually. About forty men are
employed. W. E. Haxton is President, E. R. Kerr Secretary, and J. H. Pierce
Treasurer.

    The Kewanee Manufacturing Company was organized January 12, 1876, with a
capital of $50,000. They are in good condition, capable of doing excellent work,
and at reasonable prices. They employ constantly twenty-five hands, with a
probable increase. Their specialties are: "Kewanee" windmills, "Orr's" sulky
plow, and the "Centennial" harrow. In addition to these they do a large amount
of extra job work. The officers are: C. C. Wilson, President, and Josiah Keeler,
Secretary. Their implements find large sales through the West, and through some
portions of Pennsylvania.

    Mr. H. H. Perkins is at present making a new-formed riding cultivator. It
has the quality of being capable of raising and lowering the shovels, of giving
them a greater depth, and of a different slant, also of placing them nearly to,
or far from the row of corn-all without stopping the team or leaving the seat.

    Mr. H. H. Bryan, who opened the first wagon shop in Kewanee, is still in
business. He commenced his trade in Wethersfield, in 1850, and when Kewanee was
incorporated he removed his shop to its present location, where he has since
carried on a successful business, employing now from ten to fifteen men, and
enjoying a trade aggregating $15,000 annually.

    Aside from these manufactories mentioned, the town supports a goodly number
of shops of various kinds, whose products find a ready market in the immediate
vicinity.

    There are thirteen churches and five public school buildings, including the
high school. In 1874 the citizens of the town erected the building known as
Library Hall. The upper story is used for a public hall, in which concerts,
readings and lectures are given. The lower story is occupied by the office of
the Lathrop Coal and Mining Company (a notice of which is given in the
geological description of the county), by the First National Bank, the office of
the Express Company, and the office and rooms of the Library Association. This
hitter has a library of 1,300 volumes. It was opened to the public in the Spring
of 1875. It is managed by a board of six directors, and is open to the public
every evening, and on the afternoon of each Sunday.

THE COAL INTERESTS.

    At Kewanee much capital is employed in the coal trade. The Lathrop Coal and
Mining Company, whose principal banks are one and a half miles east of town,
employ over 200 men, and ship annually large quantities of this mineral. The
coal, which is of a superior quality, is reached at a depth of some 100 feet,
and, by an ingenious contrivance, is easily loaded on the cars when brought to
the surface.

    This company was organized in 1869, and they now represent a capital of
nearly $400,000. The president of the company is Hon. Sidney Bartlett, of
Boston, Mass. In addition to the shafts operated by this company, there are many
others owned by private parties.

    Coal is found in paying quantities at almost any point between Galva and
Kewanee, and is mined by many persons on their own property. The Geological
Report of Henry County, made in 1873, by direction of the State Geologist, by
Mr. James Shaw, contains many items of interest, and is well worth a careful
perusal.

THE CHURCHES.

    In Kewanee there are thirteen regularly organized churches. The oldest of
these is the Congregational, whose organization .was effected August 7, 1855, in
a school house, now a grocery store. During the Winter previous, meetings were
held in the Kewanee House and at a few private residences. The organizing
council was presided over by Flavel Bascom, D. D. Forty-four persons united,
many of whom had been members of the same religious body at Wethersfield. Their
names were: Clarissa Bassett, Jane Botterill. Hosea Bulkley, Robert Cook, Martha
R. Cook, Martha A. Cook, Mary A. Cook, Isabella Fell, Thomas D. Fitch, Harriet
W. Fitch, J. Francis Goodrich, Sarah H. Goodrich, Elizabeth A. Hawks, Sullivan
Howard, Elizabeth B. Howard, Horace M. Howard, Mary E. Howard, Harriet L.
Howard, James S. Howard, Martha Howard, Martha A. Hooker, Nelson Lay, Mariette
Lay, Frances Lay, Hiram T. Lay, Mary Jane Lay, Lemuel B. Leonard, Sarah Patrick,
Olive Lincoln, Harvey W. Lincoln, Nancy E. Lincoln, Henry G. Little, Fidelia M.
Little, Louisa S. Little, Mary M. Little, Francis Loomis, Fanny M. Loomis,
Joseph R. Loomis, Ruth C. Pinney, Harriet N. Tenney, Joseph A. Talcott, Mary L.
Talcott, Charlotte M. Talcott, Lucina Sykes. Of these persons, Sullivan Howard,
Elizabeth Howard, Hiram T. Lay, Olive Lincoln, Nancy E Lincoln (now Mrs. Dr.
Day), Ruth C. Pinney, Joseph A., Mary L. and Charlotte M. Talcott (now Mrs. T.
P. Pierce), and Lucina Sykes are still members here. The rest have removed or
gone to their reward.

    The church edifice was completed and dedicated March 11, 1858, having been
built the year previous. It was very much enlarged and beautified in the year
1871. The Rev. Charles H. Pierce was preaching to the congregation at the time
of organization, and remained until January, 1858. He was succeeded, as the next
pastor, by Mr. Charles C. Salter, who was ordained and installed April 20, 1859,
and was regularly dismissed .March 11, 1861. Rev. James M. Van Wagner was called
to the pastorate of the church in February, 1864, installed June 6. He remained
until April 6, 1868. Rev. James Tompkins was called June 1, 1872, installed
September 10, and is still filling the pulpit as pastor. During the intervals
between any of these pastorates the pulpit was filled by supplies. The
congregation is now in a good condition. The membership is 239. The
Sunday-school (Mr. O. H. Loomis, Superintendent,) has an attendance of 341.

    The Free Will Baptist Church was organized April 29, 1865, in the Protestant
Methodist Church, with eleven members. The organization council consisted of
Rev. S. Bartlett, Rev. H. J. Browne, and Rev. R. G. Broadfoot. The following is
a list of the original membership: Rev. William Bonar, Mrs. Mary Ann Bonar, A.
B. Palmer, Mrs. Mary Ann Palmer, D. W. Payne, Henry Malone, Mary Malone, S. W.
Warner, A. B. Gurney, Caroline E. Gurney, and C. H. Gurney-eleven persons. Prior
to the organization, services were held in the Swedish Methodist Church, in the
southwest part of town, and next in the Protestant Methodist - now Free
Methodist Church. They worshiped in this latter place until November, 1865, when
they removed to Cutter's Hall, where they remained until January, 1866, when
they again removed, this time to the Christian Church. This building is now a
dwelling. Here they met for religious exercises until January 16, 1870, when
they worshiped a few months again in Cutter's Hall. About May, 1869, they
commenced the erection of their present church building. It was completed June
1, 1870, when they immediately occupied it. It is a very comfortable structure,
and cost, including the lot, $6,800.

    The pastors of this congregation have been the following named persons: Rev.
William Bonar, from August 12, 1865, to March 7, 1867; Rev. O. D. Patch, from
April 1, 1867, to March 1, 1874; Rev. J.J. Weage, from May 1, 1874, to May 1,
1875. At that time the present pastor, Rev. H. J. Browne, was called to the
pastorate. The number of members is one hundred and two; the Sunday-school has
an attendance of about sixty. The superintendent is Mr. H. Blanchard. Mr. A. B.
Gurney, one of the original members, is clerk of the church.

    The Free Methodist Church was organized in a private residence in
Wethersfield about the year 1866 or 1867. Meetings had been held for some time
previous in the residences of different persons, and in the Swedish Methodist
house of worship. Also in a store-room in Wethersfield. About the year 1870,
they purchased their present church edifice of the Protestant Methodists, and
have since occupied it. At the organization, some five or six persons were
admitted as members. They have, at different times, enjoyed good seasons of
revival, and now number some twenty-four or five members. The first minister was
Rev. Jonathan Dick; next, Rev. William Cooley, whose wife occasionally
officiated at divine service. He was followed by J. G. Terrell, during whose
ministry the church was purchased, at a cost of $1,000. Next, Rev. George
Coffee, followed by Rev. W. W. Kelley; he by Rev. John Whiting; he by Rev. James
Thaxter, when the present pastor, Rev. James Kelso, took charge. The
Sunday-school, under the superintendence of Mrs. Robinson, numbers about twenty
pupils.

    The Presbyterian Church was organized in the Baptist Church by the Rock
Island Presbytery, March 26, 1872. A preliminary meeting had been held to invite
the Presbytery to this action in the house of S. M. Hurd, on February 21st
previous.

    At the organization the following persons were received as members: Daniel
and Mrs. Eunice Baldwin, William E. and Mrs. Sarah A. Haxton, R. A. and Mrs. L.
Little, Jacob W. and Mrs. Hannah Jones, S. M. and Mrs. Emily Hurd, N. H. and
Mrs. Lura Blakely, Effie Blakely, Mrs. C. H. Graves, George H. Lincoln, George
Kliner, Mrs. J. Powers, Mrs. P. Wright, Mrs. John Whiffen, Clark Bradish,
William W. Winter, and Mrs. Virginia L. Winter, and ____ Shanahan.

    During the Summer the church was erected. Including the lot it cost $5,000.
The Rev. N. D. Graves was pastor of the church about three years. Rev. Josiah
Milligan, of Princeton, preached for them for some time, when the present
pastor, Rev. J. D. Howey, was called. He has occupied the pulpit over one year.
There are now eighty-six members, and a Sunday-school of one hundred scholars.

    The Baptist Church. On the 9th of May, 1856, it was decided by a vote of the
members of the Baptist Church, at Wethersfield, to remove their place of holding
services to Kewanee, a more desirable location. There were at that time over one
hundred members. They worshiped for some time in different halls, and in some of
the other churches. On December 21, 1865, a building committee was appointed,
and steps taken towards the erection of a suitable church-edifice. This was
completed and occupied July 7, 1867, and cost, including the site, over $3,000.
There are now about two hundred and thirty-five members, and a Sunday-school of
one hundred and fifteen scholars. The pastor is Rev. P. P. Shirley.

    The following is a list of the pastors of this church and their terms of
service: At the removal Rev. S. P. Ives was pastor; Rev. H. B. Foskett, from
December, 1857, to August, 1862; Rev. J. La Grange, from October, 1862, to
September, 1863; Rev. A. D. Freeman, from March, 1864, to July same year; Rev.
William Storrs, from November, 1864, to May, 1865; Rev. A. Jones, from December
1, 1865, to March, 1867; Rev. K. W. Benton, from July, 1867, to July, 1872; Rev.
Carlos Swift, from November, 1872, to June, 1874: Rev. R. L. Colwell, from
September, 1874, to February, 1876, when the present pastor, Rev. P. P. Shirley,
was called. The church is now in a flourishing condition, and enjoying evident
signs of prosperity.

    The Methodist Episcopal Church at first met for some time in a school-house,
about one mile east of Kewanee, in a hall over the store of J. D. Schriver, and
in private houses. Some of the members had been connected with the same
religions body in Wethersfield, but desirous of building up a church in Kewanee,
came here to worship. They organized a class of thirty persons December 15,
1855, in the school-house referred to; being then under the pastoral care of
Rev. J. O. Gilbert. The principal members were: A. Thornton, William King, J.
Shipley, Erastus Johnson, W. S. Oliver, William Bowen, W. C. Kent, and John
Schriver.

    The corner stone of their church was laid October 23, 1856. The day was made
"one of gladness" by the members. In the stone the following articles were
deposited: A bible, hymn book, and description of the church; a paper on which
the following was written: "John Morley, Presiding Elder of Kewanee District,
Peoria Conference, Illinois; Joseph O. Gilbert, pastor of Kewanee; Arthur
Thornton, William C. Kent, Erastus Johnson, Joshua Shipley, William S. Oliver,
William Bowen and William King, Trustees. The first Methodist Church built in
Kewanee, October 23, 1856. Number of inhabitants in town, 1,500." There were
also placed in this stone two copies of the Kewanee Advertiser, one number of
the Fourth of July preceding, which gave an account of a great celebration of
that day; one number of the Henry County Dial; one number of the N. W. C.
Advocate; a copy of the Missionary Advocate; a map of Kewanee, given by R. A.
Tenney; one fifty cent piece in silver; one ten cent piece; one three cent
piece, and one five cent piece.

    This building has become old and inadequate to the growing demands of the
congregation, and during the coming Summer a new one will be constructed which
will cost $10,000. The parsonage was purchased in 1856. June following the
organization of the church a Sunday-school was organized. There were sixty
pupils in attendance.

    The pastors of this church have been Rev. J. O. Gilbert, from organization
until 1858; Rev. John Chandler, one year; Rev. E. Ransom, one year; Rev. J. S.
Cummings, two years; Rev. W. P. Graves, one year. During his ministry the
congregation became self-supporting. Rev. U. J. Giddings was next, remaining two
years; Rev. W. J. Beck, two years; Rev. Benj. Applebee, two years; Rev. John P.
Brooks, one year; Rev. M. P. Armstrong, one year; Rev. G. W. Arnold, two years;
Rev. B. C. Dennis, two years; and Rev. G. W. Arnold, again two years, when the
present pastor, Rev. M. Spurlock, was assigned to the pulpit, and is now serving
his first year. There are now three hundred and twenty members, and a
Sunday-school of two hundred and fifty scholars. During the month of January,
1877, over eighty persons united with this church.

    The Protestant Episcopal-St. John's-Church. On Sunday, May 13, 1855, a
Protestant Episcopal Sunday-school was organized in the Kewanee House. This was
the first religious organization in Kewanee, and the school met the following
Sunday for the first time at Odd Fellows Hall. There were twenty scholars, and
R. P. Parrish was Superintendent. The first full Episcopal service, with sermon,
was in the Summer following, by Rev. Porter, of Jubilee College. In October,
Bishop Whitehouse made a visitation, and held two services in the unfinished
Methodist Protestant Church. During the Summer and Autumn of 1856, Rev.
Philander Chase officiated occasionally in the same church. On the 13th of July,
1856, the church was organized, with the name of St. John's. The officers were
R. P. Parrish, Senior Warden; George A. Morse, Junior Warden; James B. Morse, J.
H. Howe, H. L. Sloan, Geo. W. Foote, and E. V. Bronson, Vestrymen; and L. D.
Bishop, Clerk. The first rector was Rev. George E. Peters, who commenced his
labors in 1857, and remained two years. A church edifice of the early English
Gothic style of architecture was constructed in the Summer of 1857, finished in
the Fall, and consecrated by Bishop Whitehouse, November 15, of the same year.
It is quite a neat church, and cost about $5,000. The first church-bell of the
town was rung from the belfry of St. John's.

    The Primitive Methodist. The persons adhering to this faith met for some
time, prior to their organization into a church, in Cutter's Hall and in the
Methodist Episcopal Church. The organization was made in the Spring of 1865, and
two years later, in the Autumn of 1867, the first board of trustees was chosen.
The principal members then were Joseph Garland, John Bennison, John Bradbury,
John Bamford, Moses Jones, William Bennison, and J. Breckon. The church edifice
was erected in 1873, at a cost of $2,000. The pastors of this church and their
terms of service are as follows: Rev. J. Hewitt, May, 1865 to May, 1867; Rev.
Chas. Dawson, 1867 to 1871; Rev. Thos. Butterwick, 1871 to 1873; Rev. William
Jacks, Jr., .1873 to 1876, when the present pastor, Rev. Chas. Dawson, again
assumed charge. There are now eighty members and a Sunday-school of eighty-seven
scholars.

    The United Evangelical-St. Paul's-German Church. About ten years since, some
of the German people living in this vicinity and professing belief in the
doctrines of this religious body, organized a church. For a short time they met
in a school-house, but at once commenced the erection of their present edifice.
Nineteen persons united at the organization-the pastor being Rev. Hilmer, who
remained about one year. Their church cost some $2,500. They also own a very
comfortable parsonage. Rev. Hilmer was succeeded by Rev. Rein, who remained five
years, when the present pastor, Rev. G. W. Reiger, was installed. The majority
of the members-now about fifty-live in the country. The Sunday-school numbers
some forty scholars. About one year ago another church was organized in the
country, three miles northeast of Kewanee. It is for the accommodation of those
living in that locality, has about thirty-five members, fifty Sunday-school
scholars, and is under the pastorate of Rev. Reiger, who preaches there each
alternate Sunday.

    The Church of the Latter Day Saints. The first meetings of this church were
held at Amboy in 1859. An organization was effected here of probably one hundred
members. From this place they were sent out to preach, and in 1862 effected the
establishment of the church here. In 1868, they erected their present church
edifice, locating it nearly one mile north of town. Regular services are
maintained here, the membership being one hundred and eighteen, with an average
attendance of sixty at the Sunday-school. They are in no way connected with the
Mormon doctrine, and do not believe in or practice its teachings. The presiding
elder of this branch is Thomas Charles.

    The Swedish Lutheran Church. Before their organization in 18G9, the members
composing this church met in private residences and in the Methodist Episcopal
Church. The organization was made in September of that year, with about sixteen
persons. In the Autumn of the following year they erected their present
church-edifice, at a cost of nearly f-3,000. There are now fifty-five members.
The Sunday-school contains about twenty-five scholars. The first minister to
this church was Rev. Lendholm, who remained but a short time. He was followed by
Rev. N. Nenrgren, who was pastor two years. The Rev. John Wingstrom, of
Princeton, is the present pastor, having succeeded Rev. Neurgren.

    The Swedish Methodist Church was organized at an early day in the history of
Kewanee. It is now, however, quite small, and does not sustain regular preaching.

    The Catholic-St. Mary's-Church was organized at the house of Matthew Joyce,
then occupying the site of the present church-building, in the early part of
1854. About thirty-five heads of families were admitted to membership at this
time. Some of the more prominent ones were Lawrence Hunt, Patrick Cavanangh,
Matthew Joyce, James Hunt (now deceased), James Gallagher, Thomas Caton, and
Edward Hunt (now deceased). The following year a church, eighteen by twenty-four
feet in dimensions, was erected. It has since been remodeled and enlarged. The
pastors of this church have been as follows: Fathers Lynch, O'Gara, Powers,
Dulhunty, Duggan, Hannigan, Kilkernny, J. M. Ryan, and the present priest, Rev.
John Ryan. The membership is now nearly eight hundred, but the reader will bear
in mind that all members of a family in this church are counted as members of
the church from their earliest infancy.

THE SCHOOLS.

    The first school in Kewanee was taught in a small frame building, built by
George A. Morse, and donated by him for educational purposes. It stood north of
the railroad tracks, on Main Street. School was held here for a year or two,
when this structure was removed farther into town, and placed on the lot now
occupied by the east school-house, and afterwards removed to that now occupied
by Parker & Merritt's store. The growth of the town demanding more room, the
trustees rented a building of Mr. Austin Sykes, and a room in the upper story of
Mr. Schriver's store. These were occupied till about 1858, when the building
known as the East School-house was erected. This was occupied during the Winter
of 1858. It contained two commodious rooms, and was ample for the demands at
that time. The pioneer school-room was sold, and for some time was used as the
office of the Henry County Dial; afterwards removed, and occupied as a Christian
Church, and is now a dwelling. In the year 1865, the East School-house having
become entirely inadequate, steps were taken for the enlargement of this
building and the erection of two others. During the vacation of 1866, the east
building was enlarged to double its former capacity, and the two brick
structures, known as the North and West Schools, were determined upon. They were
erected in 1867, and occupied January 1, 1868. Each contains two rooms. The
schools were thoroughly re-graded in 1866 by the superintendent, S. M. Etter,
now State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Mr. Etter was principal here
about three years, and laid the foundations of the grading of the schools now so
successfully carried out by Mr. W. H. Russell, present superintendent.

    The brick buildings were erected by William C. Loomis, and cost the city
about $6,000. In addition to these, the High School building, erected in 1856,
and a one-room building, are occupied. This latter is called the Northville School.

    There are now six hundred and eighty pupils enrolled. The average daily
attendance for January, 1877, was six hundred and twenty-one. They require the
services of fourteen teachers, including the superintendent. Their names and
positions are as follows:

    Mr. W. H. Russell, Superintendent.
    High School - Mr. E. S. Martin, Principal; Miss Lillian D. Riley, Assistant.
    Grammar School-1st room, Miss Anna Kellar; 2d, Miss L. A. Searle.
    East Building - Intermediate, Miss A. A. Johnson, Miss Alice Barker; 2d
Primary, Miss Esther Loomis; 1st Primary, Florence Gamble.
    West Building - 2d Primary, Miss Lizzie Lewis; 1st Primary, Miss Frank
Rockwell.
    North Building - 2d Primary, Miss S. Folsom; 1st Primaiy, Miss Jennie Halline.
    Northville-Miss Mary Bradbury.

    The Board of Education consists of the following named gentlemen: S. T.
Miles, President; Adolph Maul, Secretary; W. H. Day, W. W. Stevens, M. H.
Hinsdale, Jas. C. Blish.

    The annual aggregate expense of the schools amounts to $10,000, which is
abundantly repaid in the elevated tone of society, and the good morals attendant
upon such an outlay of money. The appended sketch of the High School is from the
pen of one of the pupils now connected therewith:

    "The High School was established in 1856. It grew out of a desire for a
higher grade of education than the village schools afforded at that day. After
some exertion on behalf of each of the villages of Kewanee and Wethersfield, in
the endeavor to secure its location in their midst, the matter was settled by
locating the building on the dividing line between them. Mr. James Elliott
donated two and a half acres for that purpose, and on this site the present
building was erected. Only the upper story was completed ready for school
purposes, the lower being used for lectures, lyceums, and a public hall. Among
the prominent persons who lectured here were John B. Gough and Horace Greeley.
School was opened under the principalship of Rev. Mr. Waldo, who was assisted by
Miss Atwood. At that time the school was furnished with rude pine desks and
benches, reaching half across the room, making but three aisles. The oldest
pupils occupied the rear row. Among the young ladies were: Laura Pratt, now Mrs.
Northrop; Lillie Bruns, now Mrs. Raymond; Nellie Little, now Mrs. George
Perkins; Libbie Cutter, Helen and Lucy Lyle, Fannie Lay, Ella Way, Addie Cheany,
Lottie Talcott - the latter now Mrs. T. P. Pierce.

    "There being no sidewalks in earlier years, it was almost impossible in the
winter to get to the school-house, and a large wagon was the general conveyance
for the scholars.

    "At the close of the second year Mr. Waldo resigned. His successor was Mr.
Blodgett, who was assisted by Miss Stocking. During his administration an
exhibition was held, and from the fund raised the school-room was properly
furnished.

    "Mr. Blodgett was succeeded by Mr. McPheran, who was succeeded by Mr.
Bradford. Greek and Latin were among the higher studies of the school at this
time, and pupils were fitted for college. Mr. James K. Blish, a lawyer of the
town, went from this school to Ann Arbor. Mr. E. B. Wight, the Washington
correspondent for a Chicago paper, went from the academy to Chicago University.

    "Mr. Bradford was succeeded by Mr. Tabor, who first graded the school, and
arranged a course of study which he had printed. He was followed by Mr.
Beckington, and he by Mr. Etter, present State Superintendent of Public
Instruction. Mr. Etter was succeeded by Mr. Russell, the present superintendent.
During Mr. Etter's administration eighty-three dollars had been raised at a
school entertainment, with which to purchase books for a library. This fund was
increased during Mr. Russell's time in a similar manner. With this fund a
library has been purchased. In September, 1870, the town of Kewanee purchased
the interest of Wethersfield in the academy, and has since had entire control.
Mr. Russell served a year or two as principal of the schools at Moline. During
this interval Mr. Gray and a Mr. Carver acted as principals. Upon the batter's
resignation Mr. Russell was again called, and is now superintendent of the
Kewanee schools. Mr. E. S. Martin, in 1875, was appointed principal of the High
School, which position he still retains. He is assisted by Miss Lillian D. Riley."

THE PRESS.

    The first paper issued in Kewanee was the Henry County Dial. The citizens
saw the necessity of a paper in their midst, and through the influence of some
of the more prominent ones, among whom were R. A. 'Penney, H. G. Little, Nelson
Lay, Geo. A. Morse and others, a subscription was raised, and the above
mentioned paper purchased.

    It was brought to the town Friday, August 15, 1855, its advent being
signaled by the firing of guns and the cheers of the populace. Mr. J. H. Howe
had been secured as editor for one year.

    The buildings occupied for some time were the Phillips Block and the old
school-house, the latter now a residence. It was continued until September 13,
when Mr. C. Bassett, present editor of the Kewanee Independent, who had come*
hither at the solicitation of some of his friends, purchased the entire stock
and fixtures. He was a practical printer, and assumed the business control, Mr.
Howe remaining editor for the balance of the year. It was conducted in this way
until June 12, 1850, when Mr. Bassett sold the office to Mr Howe and Mr. H. M.
Patrick. These gentlemen conducted the paper until November 18, when Mr. Howe
sold his interest to his partner, who associated Mr. O. White with himself as
editor, and under this management the paper was printed till January 8
following, when Mr. White retired. Mr. Patrick carried on the paper about one
year, when he sold the office to L. D. Bishop, who published the paper two or
three years. J. E. Wheeler, one of the original founders of the Chicago Tribune,
had charge of the Dial from 1858 or 1859 till December 8, 1866 - the longest
term of any one editor. He was a most estimable man, and one highly respected by
the citizens of Kewanee. He was considered one of the ablest editors connected
with the Dial, and died at his post. He purchased it, and leased the office to
Mr. O. White, who again became editor. He also published a paper at Toulon,
Stark County. He was succeeded in the editorial chair by Hiram Wyatt, who
associated with himself Mr. Shurtleff during the campaign of 1868. Mr. Shurtleff
was succeeded in a few months by Geo. W. Wilson, who purchased the office,
thereby becoming editor and proprietor. He almost immediately sold to N. W.
Fuller, who changed the name to the Kewanee Radical. He continued until May or
June, 1870, when he failed, and the paper was discontinued. On July 1 following,
the entire office and outfits were purchased by Mr. C. Bassett, who again
entered the sanctum. He started a weekly paper, calling it the Kewanee
Advertiser. After six months he changed the latter name to Independent, and as
such still issues an excellent county paper. He is the oldest editor in Kewauee,
and has been a printer forty-four years.

    On January 1, 1856, Tenney, Hardy & Co. issued a monthly, called Tenney,
Hardy & Co.'s Advertiser,-published it one year and sold it to Mr. C. Bassett,
who issued it as a monthly until December 13, 1863. The first copy of this paper
is in possession of Mr. R. A. Tenney, now a resident of Chicago.

    July 4, previous to his discontinuing the Advertiser, Mr. Bassett commenced
the publication of a weekly paper, called the Union Democrat. This he continued
to publish until November 24, 1864, when he discontinued it. April 26, 1866, he
issued the first number of his weekly, called the Kewanee Advertiser, which he
published until November 23, 1867.

    The Public School Messenger, a small, sprightly paper, was commenced in
January, 1870, under the immediate control of the Superintendent of Schools, Mr.
W. H. Russell, as editor. This was issued about two years, being published by
Mr. Fuller one year, and C. Bassett the remainder of the time.

    The Kewanee Courier was established March 22, 1876, by Mr. C. N. Whitney,
who brought the material for the office from Princeton, Bureau County, where lie
had published the Herald for nearly five years preceding. Although established
less than a year, the Courier has grown into a wide circulation, and is filled
with advertising patronage. The Courier office is the only steam printing
establishment in the county, and is well equipped with machinery and material.
It is an eight-column quarto, and takes a leading position in local journalism
in this part of the State.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

THE HISTORY OF HENRY COUNTY, ILLINOIS, ITS TAX-PAYERS AND VOTERS;
CONTAINING, ALSO, A BIOGRAPHICAL DIRECTORY; A CONDENSED HISTORY OF THE STATE;
MAP OF THE COUNTY: A BUSINESS DIRECTORY: AN ABSTRACT OF EVERY-DAY LAWS; WAR
RECORD OF HENRY COUNTY; OFFICERS OF SOCIETIES, LODGES, ETC., ETC.

CHICAGO: H. F. KETT. & CO., 15 LAKESIDE BUILDING.

1877.


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/il/henry/history/1877/historyo/kewanee215gms.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/ilfiles/

File size: 40.1 Kb