)Z9h ^^./|S /-\ THE HISTORY - FREEBURG 1 LL IM^ IS. ^ G^^ ^' L I E) R.AFLY OF THE UN IVER5ITY or ILLI NOIS !lLraO!SHIST0!?!CAL£!JRyE1f AERIAL VIEW OF FREEBURG 1 FREEBURG'S CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION August 13-14-15-16 FEATURING DRAMATIC HISTORICAL PAGEANT ''HERITAGE OF OUR PEOPLE'' Thursday through Sunday August 14-15-16 Nightly 8:30 p.m. New High School Gymnasium PARADES EACH NIGHT \MLD WEST RODEO AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITS FIREWORKS INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITS DANCING (Old Time, Square, Ball Room) HORSE SHOW CROWNING OF QUEEN BEARD JUDGING CONTESTS RIDES MUSIC CONCESSIONS GAMES — Synopsis ~ ''HERITAGE OF OUR PEOPLE'' Freeburg Centennial Pageant PROLOGUE ACT I: THE TAMARAWAS Their legend atid tales. ACT II: EARLY FRENCH — 1700 The influefice of the French on the Indians. ACT III: THE AMERICANS — 1797 First settlers from the East and their manner of living. ACT IV: THE FIRST SCHOOL — 1808 The concern of the early settlers for education. ACT V: GERMAN IMMIGRATION — 1833 Their culture and customs. ACT VI: CITY OF FREEBURG — 1859 Early conditions. ACT VII: EARLY CHURCHES Religiom background of the people. ACT VIII: THE RAILROAD — 1870 What it meant to Freeburg. ACT IX: LAMPLIGHTING — 1895 A nostalgic era that has passed. ACT X: COAL INDUSTRY — 1904 The economic stability that it brought. ACT XI: THE MEMORIAL IN THE PARK A salute to all nvho served in the wars. ACT XII: FINALE ''HERITAGE OF OUR PEOPLE'' Freeburg Centennial Pageant Cast ACT I THE TAMARAWAS Ethyl Baye, Virginia Baumgarte, Ruth Callaghan, Janis Fritz. Mrs. Kenneth Kamper. Isabelle Moore. Rosie Freivogel. Judy Baumgarte. Jean Baumgarte. Pat Callaghan, Rita Callaghan. Janice Garland. Jeanelte German. Dave Garland. Roger Kammler. Larry Kammler, Laura Kay Kamper. Tom McDonald. Mark Winterbauer, and Tim Kehl. tom-tom. Dancers: Dennis Ashcraft. Kenny Browning, Robert Darm- stetter. Douglas Eldon. William Eller. Stephen Fritz. Gary Joseph, Kent Lannert, Gordon Stone. Tom Tritt, and Charles Vogel. ACT II EARLY FRENCH — 1700 Priest — Donald Rauth. Lucille Da\ is. Elvira Frederick, Mrs. Elmer Gauch, Mrs. Harry Gauch, Ethyl Kessler, Mrs. Donald Kossler, Mrs. Clifford Lannert. Virginia Baumgarte, Carolyn Davis, (Carder), Judy Baumgarte, Jean Baumgarte. ACT III THE AMERICANS — 1797 Carol Casperson. Dorothy Frcdciick. Mr.s. Hilmar Groth. Mrs. Orville Groth, Mary Lou Herrin, Mrs. John Heatherly. Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Lannert. Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Stellhorn. Mrs. Anita Weber. Mrs. Ralph Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Elroy Bar- kau. Mr. and Mrs. George Gloeckler. Raymond Ross. Fiddler. Husking Bee: Judith La von Andersen. Martha Ruth Borger, Paula Sue Brown- ing. Janice Fritz. Rita Heberer. Barbara Jo Kessler, Lois Ann Koesterer. Judy Lynn Lanter. Norman Nold, Dave Renner, Floyd Germann, Sandra A. Mulkey, Jane Mc- Donald. Sharon Lee Scheid. Karen Schneider. Nancy Lou Seibert. Phyllis Ann Viel- weber. Jeanette Marie Walthes. Mabel Dorthea Weiss, Dave Favre, William Moore, Roald Casperson, Chris Heiligenstein. ACT IV THE FIRST SCHOOL — 1808 Carl Hafley. schoolmaster. Glenda Sue Anderson, Ronnie Bruehl. Gary Bruehl, Colleen Hafley, Linda Herman, Stanley Herman, Steve Jackson, recitation. Dean Lannert. Donna Lannert. Bruce Morgan. Steve Morgan, Laura Ogle. Jo Ann Nast, Perry Nation. Ann McDonald. Mary McDonald. Maries Reiohert. Ronnie Stellhorn, Donna Tewell. Sheila Tewell, Janis Tritt, Melody Valentine, Marilee Valentine, Anna Marie Wisnewski, Carolyn Davis. ACT V GERMAN IMMIGRATION Hazel Baehr. Tommy Bauer. Patty Bauer, Mrs. Ophelia Etling, Miss Phyllis Etling. Ina Frerking. Erma Franzlau, Mrs. Dave Favre. Mrs. Floyd Germann, Mrs. Larry Heiligenstein. Florence Koerber. Freida Reiniger, Mary Schoen, Helen Schles- inger. Sabie Wild. Myrtle Yurges. Laverne Yeske, Martha Borger, Martha Ruth Borger. Eileen Brandenburger, Eva Bell Mrs. Clem Borger, Mrs. Mitch Browning, Mrs. Grover Carr. Sharon Carr. Linda Carr, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Green, Mrs. William Groh, Mrs. James Havel. Dance — Polka. ACT VI CITY OF FREEBURG Harry Favre, Cordelia Favre, Carl Fritz, Cora Fritz, Sally Herman, Doris Valen- tine, Gordon Kamper, policeman, Mrs. Wilmer Kaiser, Mrs. Barbara Kaiser, Judy Wolski, Joe Fritz, Pamela Kaiser, Michelle, Davida, Jo Dee, Robin Favre, and David Harry Favre. ACT VII EARLY CHURCHES Mr. and Mrs. Armin Becker, Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Etters, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Full- er. Mrs. Margaret Frieman, Lillian Heberer, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Joseph, Gladys Joseph, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Jackson, Ann Kessler, Jeanette Lewis, Martha Lewis, Maybelle Lehr, Mrs. Wallace Loesche, Wallace Loesche, Edna Mahlnan, Mr. and Mrs. Olaf Ovrebo, Marjorie Skaer, Ida Mae Skaer, Tresa Borger, Cheryl, Steve, and Lisa Jackson, and Joy Ovrebo. Russell Classen, traveling preacher, and Clarence Teter, song leader. ACT VIII THE RAILROAD Bobby Bauer, O. W. Etters, Armin Forcade, Mrs. Armin Forcade, Robert Franz, agent, Mrs. Robert Franz, Opal Klingenhoeffer, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Martin, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Maxey, Mr, and Mrs. Armin Meier, Mrs. Arthur Miller, Mr. and Mrs. George Obernagel, Marjery Smith, James Schneider, Ethel Skaer, Ruby Wild, Mrs. Henry Weik. Orville Weik. Karen Martin, Barbara Martin, Donna Meier, Maria Smith, Shirley Skaer, Frances Skaer, Michael Walsh, Billy Walsh, Robert Walsh, Bruce Weik, Anna Wisnewski, and Janice Meng, Mrs. Neal Gerfen, Rita Heberer, Evelyn Heiligcnstein. Lucille Klein, Rose Marie Kasper, Marie Kasper, Kenneth Kamper, Sharon Kruse, Lulu Kammler. ACT IX LAMPLIGHTING Quintet: Louis Darmstatter, James Darmstatter, William Pitts, Isadore Frieder- ich, Arthur Friederich. Arthur Bender, lamplighter. ACT X COAL INDUSTRY Edward Baehr, Irvin Lannert, Armin Meier, Gary McDonald, Kenneth Schnei- der, and Richard Sanders. ACT XI THE MEMORIAL IN THE PARK Bobby Baumgarte, soldier. DANCERS: Mr. and Mrs. George Munier and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Nichols. GERMAN BAND: Faith Ovrebo, Jane McDonald, Herschel Parrish, Gordon Carr, Jim Schneider, Tim Tritt, Vern Antry, director. LIGHTING: Richard Bartelbort, Howard Davis, John Dittman, Jim Bay. PAGEANT CHORUS Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Jordan Marie Wisnewski Johanna Steinberger Shirley Heberer Delorcs Ackermann Jean Ackermann Mrs. Florence Kehl Mrs. Harold Carpenter Gloria Germaine Judy Kehl Nancy Ogle Dorothy Smith Mary Heberer Barbara Kessler Marie Wiltshire Marian Rohm Michele Middleton Sharon Lanier Donna Nation Faith Ovrebo Judy Wolski Sandra Laflen Barbara Krauss Pat Stookey Charlcne Stookey Madeline Krieg Cynthia Mueller Marianne Mueller Charlene Mueller Sheila McDonald Jane McDonald Judy Waeltz Joyce Etling Margaret Schweiger Sue Dittman Karen Powell Joyce Etling Helen Wolski Alice Classen Fleta McDonald Paula Browning Delores Wisnewski Jean Wisnewski Kenny Joseph Robert Culli Richard Boeving Gary Joseph Gordon Carr Grover Carr Les Herman Carl L. Schweinfurth Olaf Ovrebo Wilma Browning Delores Middleton Dora Teter Becker Mrs. Irvin Lannert Fern Tritt Mrs. Henry Lannert Jean Zipfel Donna Kamper Mary Lou Herrin Mrs. Verlan Kamper Sharon Sheid Sandra Mulkey Marilyn Bisoux Judy Lannert Elaine Kamper Barbara Clark Virginia Weber Mrs. Elbert Carr Betty Helms Edith Rittenhouse Ruth Barber Janice Munier Rose Ann Munier Herbadine Krauss Sandra Burns Donna Havel Penny Heiligenstein Evelyn Kalert Martha Kalert Eleanore Kalert Katherine Kalert Janet Imming Jane Gill Kathy Hacker Marjorie Braeutigam Karen Schneider Lou Ann Hinrichs Marian Heimrich Joyce Schubert Doris Schubert Trudy Shoemaker Henry Lannert Irvin Lannert Harold Carpenter David Sheid Charles Mulkey Bill Bender Carl Barton Clarence Teter Russell Classen Phillip Lannert, Jr. Howard Tritt Robert Davis Edward Baehr Roy Krauss Irvin Baumgarte Paul Smith Schedule of Events THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 6:30 P.M. Old Timer's Parade — Awarding of prizes. 8:00 P.M. Crowning of Centennial Queen — Presentation of visiting dignitaries — Judging of beards and awarding of prizes — Free, Old time and square dancing, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hermann, callers — Ballroom dancing, Hal LeRoy and his orchestra — Industrial, antique, and rural exhibits open — Concessions, rides, games, refreshments, open. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 6:30 P.M. Western Parade — Awarding of prizes. 7:30 P.M. Horse Show — Smithton Horse and Saddle Club — Presentation of awards. 8:30 P.M. Historical Pageant, "Heritage of our People" — New High School Gym- nasium. 10:30 P.M. Fiddler's Contest — Western Music — Free, Old time and square dancing, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hermann, callers — Ballroom dancing, Tommy Ryan and his orchestra — Industrial, antique, and rural ex- hibits open — Concessions, rides, games, refreshments open. SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 Rural Good Neighbor Day 12:00 Noon Industrial, antique, and rural exhibits open. 2:30 P.M. Wild West Rodeo, includes novelty contests featuring local people (Greased pig — Hog calling — Milking) 5:30 P.M. Giant Float Parade — Outstanding floats, bands, corps, etc. 8:30 P.M. Historical Pageant, "Heritage of our People." 10:30 P.M. Singing by Barber Shoppers and Adelines — Free, Old time and square dancing, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Herman, callers — Ballroom dancing, Al Ross and his orchestra — Industrial, antique, and rural exhibits open — Concessions, rides, games, refreshments open. SUNDAY, AUGUST IG Attend church of your choice. 1:30 P.M. Joint band concert, Freeburg Elementary and High School Bands. 2:30 P.M. Wild West Rodeo, includes novelty contests featuring local people (Greased pig — Hog calling — Milking) 5:30 P.M. Giant Float Parade — Outstanding floats, bands, corps, etc. 8:30 P.M. Historical Pageant, "Heritage of Our People." 10:30 P.M. Mammoth fireworks display — Ballroom dancing, Walt Schlemmer and his orchestra — Industrial, antique, and rural exhibits open — Concessions, rides, games, refreshments open. 11:00 P.M. Public Beard Clipping Exhibition. 1:00 P.M. Drawing — Awarding of Thunderbird and other prizes. THE HISTORY OF FREEBURG Compiled by Mrs. Lucille Wilderman Davis for FREEBURG CENTENNIAL 1959 LUCILLE WILDERMAN DAVIS Author of Historical Booklet Born: June 6, 1915 in Freeburg. Illinois. Parents: Loren E. and Ada M. Wilderman, nee Huber. Husband: William Howard Davis. Education: Freeburg Elementary School. Freeburg Community High School. B.A. Degree, University of Illinois. Occupation: Housewife. Presently serving: Lay Leader. Illinois Commission on Children Training Staff. Kaskaskia Council Cub Scouts. Illinois Citizen's Education Commission. Life Member, Illinois Congress of Parents and Teachers. Coordinator, Television Evaluation for National Parent-Teacher. Associate Matron, Order of Eastern Star. Member. Board of Education, Freeburg Community High School. Adult Sunday School Teacher, Westview Baptist Church, Belle- ville, Illinois. Member, Training Union and Mis- sionary Committee, Westview Baptist Church, Belleville, Illinois, Past Activities: Past President, Parent-Teacher Associ- ation, Freeburg Elementary School. First Past President, Parent-Teacher Association Freeburg Community High School. Den Mother, Boy Scouts of America, Cubbing Program. Vice Chairman and Secretary, Freeburg Community High School Citizens Committee. CARL L. BARTON, General Chairman, Executive Committee LUCILLE WILDERMAN DAVIS, Author ol Historical Booklet CARL L. BARTON, General Chairman Born: December 14, 1915 in Esther, Missouri. Parents: Lytle Leeman and Lula Mae Barton, nee Burns. Wife: Nola Velera Barton, nee Shannon. Education: Elementary and High School, Esther, Mis- souri, A. E. Degree, Flat River Junior College, Flat River, Missouri. B.S. in Ed. Degree, Southeast Missouri State College, Cape Girardeau, Missouri. M.A. in Ed. Degree, Washington University, St, Louis. Missouri. Completing requirements for Ph.D., Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois. Occupation: School Superintendent. Presently serving: Vice President, St. Clair County Teacher's Association. Legislative Chairman: St. Ciair County Teacher's Association, St. Clair County School Administrator's Association, Edu- cation Council of 100, Incorporated, Carbondale, Illinois, Freeburg Parent-Teacher Association. Educational Consultant, Illinois Citizen's Edu- cation Committee. Member, Executive Committee, Southwestern Illinois Council on Higher Educa- tion. Member, Executive Committee, Kaskaskia Council, Boy Scouts of America. Institutional Representative, Troop No. 30, Boy Scouts of Amer- ica and Explorer Post No. 30. Member, Execu- tive Committee, KETC, Channel 9, Educational Television, St. Louis, Missouri. President. South- western Illinois Educational Television Council. Presently listed in Volume XVIII (1957-58) Who's Who in American Education; is also to be in- cluded in Volume XIX (1959-60). Past Activities: Vice President, Illinois Elementary School Association. President, Rotary Club of Freeburg. Instructor, McKendree College, Leba- non, Illinois. Republican write in candidate for County Superintendent of Schools, 1958. 10 Executive Committee of Freeburg Centennial Association, Incorporated. Front Row Kaiser, Carl L. Barton, Harry Favre. Back row, Ervin Vogel, Russell Classen and Dale Wilmer Miller. ERVIN H. L. VOGEL, Secretary Born: April 4. 1917 in Belleville. Illinoi.s. Parents: Herman and Lulu Vogel. Education: Graduate of the Belleville Grade School, Junior High School. Belleville Town.ship High School. Hemphill Diesel School of Engineering of Chicago, and attended the American Institute of Banking in St. Louis. Occupation: The Cashier and Director of The First Na- tional Bank of Freeburg. Presently serving as: President of Freeburg Chamber of Commerce. Vice President of St. Clair-Monroe County Banker's Federation. Secretary of Board of Freeburg Community High School District No. 77. Secretary-Treasurer of Freeburg Centennial Association. Chairman of Troop Committee of Freeburg Scout Troop No. 30. Member of E.xecu- tive Committee of Kaskaskia Council Boy Scouts of America. Past Activity: Past President and Treasurer of Rotary Club of Freeburg. Scoutmaster of Freeburg Scout Troop No. 30. HARRY LOUIS FAVRE, Advisory Born: November 15. 1903 in Coulterville. Illinois. Parents: Aime and Mary Elizabeth Favre. noe Etienne. Education: Coulterville Public Schools. Occupation: Implement Dealer. Presently serving as President of the Freeburg Village Board. Past Activities: President Freeburg Chamber of Com- merce. 1944-45. President of Rotary Club. 1943-44. Freeburg Village Trustee. 1950.53. President Free- burg Board of Education (Elementary) 1945. DALE D. MILLER, Advisory Born: September 2, 1932 in Freeburg. Illinois. Parents: John and Olivia Miller, nee Paule. Education: Freeburg Grade School, Freeburg Commun- ity High School. Belleville Junior College, South- ern Illinois University. Occupation: Laboratory Tester, Shell Oil Company. Presently Serving as: Commander of American Legion. Member of the Village Board. Past Activities: Senior Vice-Commander of Legion Post No. 550. Sergeant-at-Arms of Legion Post No. 5.50. WILMER A. KAISER, Advisory Born: April 23, 1917 in New Athens Township. Illinois. Parents: Andrew and Clara M. Kaiser, nee Meng. Education: Rural school and New Athens High School. Occupation: Retail Electrical Appliance Dealer. Presently serving: Fire Chief, Freeburg Rural Fire Dis- trict. Past Activities: President. Freeburg Chamber of Com- meice. Secretary-Treasurer L.P. Gas Association. Treasurer, Rotary Club of Freeburg. RUSSELL H. CLASSEN, Legal Advisor Born: December 3. 1903 in Freeburg, Illinois. Parents: Edward A. and Margaret Classen, nee Helms. Mrs. Classen died in December 1909. Mr. Classen was then united in mariage to Miss Lydia Rip- ley on January 22. 1913. Education: Freeburg Elementary and Freeburg Com- munity High School. Graduated from Western Military Academy at Alton. Illinois. Received B.L. Degree from College of Law, University of Illinois. Graduated from the Command and Gen- eral Staff School. Fort Leavenworth. Kansas; also from Contract and Termination School of the United States Air Force. Dayton, Ohio. Occupation: Attorney-at-Law. Presently serving: Lt. Colonel in Air Force Reserve. Judge Advocate of the 9644th Squadron of the St. Louis Air Reserve Center. Director. First Na- tional Bank of Freeburg. Public Administrator of Estates by appointment of Honorable William G. Stratton. Governor. Legal Counsel for the cities of Freeburg. Caseyville and Marissa. Past Activities: Staff member of Eighth Air Force Fight- er Command. Director of Belleville Chamber of Commerce. President. Freeburg Chamber of Com- merce. President. Rotary Club of Freeburg. Public Administrator of Estates by appointment of Hon- orable Dvvight H. Green, Governor. Republican candidate for Congress in the 25th Congressional District of Illinois. U 12 Dedication This Historical Booklet is dedicated to those rugged pioneer souls who migrated to this area during the early period of our coun- try's history. These, our forehears, endured the rigors of climate, the adversities of Indian onslaughts, crop failures, sickness and dis- ease, hut their perseverance and fortitude have resultetl in the devel- opment of the many advantages which we enjoy in our modern day Freeburg Community. Me also incliule in this dedication those present day community leaders who have inherited a goodly portion of the early pioneer spirit from their ancestors. These people work tirelessly toward the goal of attaining that degree of perfection most adequately ex- pressed in the old American maxim "Bigger and Better". W ith (jod's help, may we continue to grow and prosper and he exulting in our pride as citizens of Freehurg. 13 JOHN TOLIN LEMEN 14 Biography of JOHN TOLIX LEMEX John Tolin Lemen was born January 28, 1810, the son of Ro- bert Lemen and Hester Tolin Lemen. His grandfather, James Lemen, Sr. and his grandmother, Catherine Ogle Lemen, were among the earliest settlers in this area, and were interested in form- ing pioneer churches and promoting the Baptist movement. John Tolin Lemen married Patience ^^'ilderman, a native of this area, on August 30, 1932. George C. and Robert W. were sons of this union. Robert W. married Barbara E. Stookey in 1856 and they had a son Walter \\ . ; \\ alter \\ . Lemen married Elizabeth Darrow in 1881. Their only child, a son Robert Ford Lemen, re- sides in Belleville with his wife. John T. Lemen was a farmer and mine operator. It was not his skill in these occupations, however, that causes us to pause and revere his memory. It was his platting of the town of Urbanna, changed in 1859 to Freeburg, that causes us to pause during this Centennial Celebration and remember his foresight and philan- thropy. It was on November 11, 1836, that the town was laid out with eight blocks surrounding a square. This square was donated by John Lemen to be used as a park. John T. Lemen served as a director of the Belleville and Ur- banna (Freeburg) Plank Road Company in 1856. It was the same year that he was elected president of the St. Clair County Agricul- tural Society which conducted the County Fairs. 15 Biography of PATIENCE LEMEN Patience E. Wilderman, his wife, was a charter member of the First Baptist Church. John T. Lemen united with this church soon afterward and served as a trustee. The Lemens resided south of Freeburg, and a mine close to the railroad located on the Ben Hartman farm was known as the Lemen Mine. Near here, on the William Baltz farm, was the Lemen School. Farther south about three miles was a railroad stop known as Lementon Station. John Lemen died December 23, 1875, but his memory will live on forever in the minds and hearts of the citizens of Freeburg, Illinois. He will be remembered as the progenitor of our present heritage and for whatever the future may hold in the way of en- larging upon that heritage. 16 Geographical Setting and Natnral History Freeburg. Illinois is located in an area blessed by God. "And God saw everything that he had made and behold it was veiy good" — Genesis 1:31. Among its blessings is the fact that it is located near a great waterway — the mighty Mississippi. From the raging floodwaters of this great river, Freeburg is protected by the high "bluffs." Near us are the great Mississippi flood plains, often called the American Bottom, with Iheir sandy loam soil. In this area there are also rich deposits of loess (wind deposited soil I which is fine sediment picked up by the wind and placed on the upland earth that has been leveled and filled by gla- ciers. Many valleys are fertile with the accumulation of the alluival deposits from swollen streams. The soil was the dominant factor which attracted settlers to this area. Turkey Hill, north of Freeburg. is one of the high- est points in St. Clair County. It can be seen from the east for about forty miles. From this vantage point one can overlook a vast stretch of prairie named Prairie Tamarois for the Indians who once hunted in this im- mense area. This great prairie south of Freeburg is now called Twelve Mile Prairie. Various grasses and plants grew luxuriantly here to feed buffalo and deer. In the area around Freeburg may be found many springs. Silver Creek, a local waterway, was so named because of an early belief that silver could be found along its banks. Jack's Run is another creek northeast of Freeburg which lends itself to a wildlife refuge and a bit of scenery. The plants growing here were of many species and were essential to the settlers for medicine, farm im- plements, furniture, houses, and food, as well as beauty. Most of these early plants are here today — the maples, both sugar and silver, the box elder, the buckeye, the paw paw, the red bud, hackberry, black cherry, and choke cherry, hawthorn, hazelnut, dogwood, the many varieties of hickory, the many kinds of ash, the wa- hoo, the walnut, butternut, mulberry, sycamore, Cot- tonwood, quaking aspen, wild plum, crab-apple, the many varieties of oak. the various willows, sassafras, elderberry, black haw, black and honey locust, bass- wood or linden, and the many kinds of elm which are now dying and may soon be extinct. Raspberries, blackberries, grapes, gooseberries, and currants, as well as strawberries, were plentiful for the barefoot boys and girls, but they are now found mainly in gardens. Not only was our land rich in plants for the sett- lers but al.so very rich in wild animals since they had abundant vegetation to feed upon. No longer do the elk. deer, buffalo, and bears feed here, but many a settler was frightened by the black bears near Free- burg. Many bones and horns have been found, and buffalo wallows are in existence to this day. The cun- ning fox, the mink, the skunk, the woodchuck, the muskrat. raccoon, the different kinds of squirrels, and the rabbits continue to furnish food and sport for the marksmen of today as they did for our ancestors. Many animals perished or fled with the oncoming of civiliza- tion, but many found the living good and adapted themselves to the change. Jack's Run and the Kaskas- kia (Okaw) Bottoms remain a retreat for much of our wildlife. Among the game birds which were plentiful was the wild turkey. Many of our grandparents can tell of hunting wild turkeys on Turkey Hill when food was needed, for the turkeys were exceedingly large, and thrived well on the abundance of food around them. Thus, we see clearly how Turkey Hill, our earliest dis- tinctly American settlement, received its name. Other game" birds were the grouse and the quail of which we have only the quail today. Many water birds and songbirds are no longer with us. Ducks, geese, and swan furnished food for the early hunters as well as the present day hunters. We were blessed with an abundance of fish which were of many species— cat, bass, sunfish, perch, pike, buffalo, and carp. What can afford more sport than catching bass! As the potential of this area has been great, as the setting has been beautiful, so our history has been rich. To appreciate our heritage, we need to delve into the pages of history. INDIANS IN THE AREA Even before the time of the Indians there was a culture located between the Mississippi, Wabash, and Ohio Rivers called the Mound Builders. Much mystery surrounds them; were they the ancestors of the North American Indian, or were they the ancestors of the Az- tecs or Incas? The largest dwelling place of these Mound Builders seems to have been in the low fertile land of the American Bottom in St. Clair County. The larg- est of these mounds, pyramidal in shape and called "Cahokia Mound", covers sixteen acres and is more than one hundred feet high. It is often called Monk's Mound because it was occupied by Monks of LaTrappc who came in 1810. The Indians were found here in 1673 when the first actual possession of Illinois was established by Marquette and Joliet. It was soon after the discovery of this continent that three European governments started to settle, colonize, and civilize North America. Illinois became subject to claims of title by all three — Spain, France, and England before its acquisition by Virginia and the United States. The Illinois Confederacy (known as the Illini) was composed of fi\e tribes: the Kaskaskias, Peorias, Ca- hokias, Tammarois and Mitchigamies living mainly along the Illinois River. The Illinois was one of the constituent tribes of the Algonguin Confederacy in- habiting the central section of the Mississippi Valley. Like all Indians they were somewhat migratory. In 1680 the Iroquois Indians attacked the chief Indian village and many Tammarois were killed or impris- oned. They moved south. Eventually, the remainder of the Tammarois and the Cahokias settled at Cahokia and the Mitchigamies at Fort Chartres, probably, be- cause of efforts of the Jesuits. By 1800, the Kaskaskias and Peorias, the only surviving Illinois tribes, could boast only one hundred fifty warriors. Our area was rich in Indian lore. Turkey Hill was for many generations an Indian camping ground. Many tales are told of the Indians of this area — some of which need recording: "When wild turkeys were found in abundance on the high wooded ridge of Turkey Hill (named by the Tammarois Indians and known to the French as "cote de dinde" which means, piece of turkey), a legend says that the Tammarois Indians had a large town on Tur- key Hill many years ago. The Great Spirit sent an old Indian, who was very wise and good, with vegetable seeds and instructions on how to plant and cultivate them. He gave much good sensible counsel on how to 17 maintain peaceful relations with the rest of mankind. For a time this advice was much heeded and the Tam- rnarois enjoyed an extended period of peace and pros- perity. At length they grew careless and belligerent and suffered the consequences — they were wiped out by the Shawnoes." Another legend which was handed down by some- one tells of the old Indian trail that went from Twelve Mile Prairie, through the Park, and followed Jack's Run to Turkey Hill. Many times the early settlers be- came afraid when the different Indians were on the v,-ar p-ith and sought refuge in forts. It is alleged that one of tliese v.-as near Freeburg and one on Turkey Hill. The mothers would gather up their children and seek safetv at the fort. Aside from legend, we have some evidence of camp sites and battle grounds in our area where one can still see pieces of arrow-heads and also chips of flint. Around an old spring on the Eckert farm at Turkey Hill, many flints and arrow-heads have been found. This place gained renown as a trading post. On the John Joseph farm south of Freeburg is a spring around which many Indian relics have been found. This may have been a camp site. One mile north of Freeburg can be found evidence of an Indian camp on a hill. These Tammarois were an agricultural tribe thriving on hunting and raising vegetables. These Indians sel- dom molested the early American settlements in St. Clair County. Coming of the White Man and Early History of the Area The first coming of the white man to our area was when Marquette floated down to Kaskaskia in 1675. There in the midst of several thousand chiefs, warriors, women, and children, he established the mission of the Immaculate Conception. Marquette died on his way home. It was in 1677 that LaSalle was sent to explore the Mississippi Valley. Because of Indian Wars between the mini and the Iroquois it took him five years to reach the Gulf of Mexico. Because of this expedition France claimed the Mississippi Valley which LaSalle called Louisiana in honor of the King of France. Because of the constant harassments from other Indians, the Missionaries persuaded the Kaskaskias to move south and establish the new Kaskaskia between the Missi.ssippi and Kaskaskia Rivers about seven miles north of Chester. LaSalle returned to the new Kaskaskia and made it the seat of French government in America. After this, Cahokia was established, then Prairie-du-Rocher and Prairie-du-Pont. These were the first white settle- ments in Illinois, dating around 1718. and the total population approximated three hundred. In 1718, Fort Chartres was built between Cahokia and Kaskaskia. Here the French Governor lived, and here also was the base used by the French against the English in the French and Indian wars. When the English de- feated the French in these wars, the forts were taken over by the British. All French lands east of the Missis- sippi became the property of England by the treaty of 1763. When the American Revolution broke out, a young Vn-ginian named George Rogers Clark, who had mili- tary duty along the frontiers of Kentucky, persuaded Patrick Henry to send him against the British power m the west because he realized the importance of the Illmois Territory. Through this expedition Kaskaskia. Cahokia, and Vincennes. were captured and Virginia had undisputed claim to Illinois. A legislative provi- sion was pa.ssed by Virginia in 1778. naming this land west of the Ohio River the "County of Illinois". In 1781 .settlers started coming from Virginia, and by 1784 Vir- ginia added the Northwest Territorv to the United States. In the "Ordinance of 1787", passed by act of Congress, provision was made for a governor, who was designated to the militia and also had power to lay out counties and townships. Another provision of this Ordinance which was to affect Illinois and St. Clair County very much was one which stated that there should be, "neither slavery nor involuntary servitude except as a punishment for crimes." Another Article which provided the foundation of for our splendid system of education was in this or- dinance. "Religion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to a good government and the happiness of mankind, schools, and means of education, shall for- ever be encouraged." Great is our heritage when we think of these principles which were set forth as a guide. LAND GRANTS FOR SERVICE The soldiers who accompanied George Rogers Clark were promised grants of three hundred acres of ground for their service. After the expiration of their enlist- ment in 1781. they started to come to Illinois to claim their grants and thereby became true American pio- neers. The spirit of patriotism was great during the years of 1783-1790. During this period, militia men were ac- tivated to defend their homes from Kickapoo Indian raids and from other people. The Ogles, Ben and Jo- seph, Sr.. James Lemen, John Porter, and D. Draper were active militia men. In 1788 General Arthur St. Clair was appointed governor of this new territory, and he established a county in 1790 which he named for himself. This coun- ty covered about one third of the state. People moved into the area at that time, bringing different religions and different customs. In 1787 a Baptist preacher from Kentucky, by the name of James Smith, moved to New Design, a settle- ment south of Waterloo, and his arrival meant the beginning of Protestantism in Illinois. Smith was the first evangelical preacher to enter the territory that is now the State of Illinois. Smith is reputed to have said that he worked at blacksmithing for a living and preached for a good conscience. He held a series of meetings in the New Design area in which Shadrach Bond, the first governor of Illinois, James Lemon, and Capt. Joseph Ogle and their wives were converted. Joseph Lillard, a Methodist missionary, started the Methodist movement in Illinois. In 1796, Reverend Hosea Riggs, a Methodist minister from Kentucky, came to Illinois and in 1803 settled at Turkey Hill. At that time, the Turkey Hill Settlement whicli consisted of the William Scott family and a few others; the Ogle settlement on Ridge Prairie about one and one-half miles west of O'Fallon; and a few other families, com- prised nearly all of the American settlers in St. Clair County. At this time St. Clair County was a large part of the State of Illinois. Among the early families of our area were: the William Scotts, his wife and seven children, James, 18 JA.MES MO.XJiOE. PiTsidnit of tlio T^nitrd Sfafrs of America, fiWOJr IE. TliMl -^...y. ^..v ^ly,^.^..:.: ... A-.ty/^^-. '■ by lln- Acts ol' Congress, relative to the disposal of llic public Lands in ]EllinOt!C>» 'VWV.UV. \!s tiU.A.VTV.H. I)v tlie liiited St:ites. 'ii piir-iiamc of tin- Aels of Cinijrriss in Unit < asr provided, unto ''•. '.i/S"V., /.'^.,ithr y^.xt^„,«^''.f^^./i., r! sectioruof Land ...:.;. -..^i.,... / 7 aljovi- described: i^O ')J, A^t .j/ settionji'f Lund, wiili the Appurtenances, unto the saM ^ 0^1.,^ /J'-T^'.v',, ,, ,>..., ,'...^.., ,/,/.^,,„ ^^. .*" „,.«r ?J /"/■.„ hcir» and assipis forever. In Hstiinonp UllirriOt, I ktn rutted Itmr t^Ur>tit^tut>tt r.iTK.^T. mi tkt ««'<./ f», UliNtRAL I. VND OFPICK r. h- Arrraaf* •tfLr^J. .gjt) »§( :;%'tfs4iii:m. yx< .<^ -r • /. - liccmucuf. i,.,c .- P,r^( ! f I ' ^ ■^Z' ■ <-^ 9- y. ' ^^^^-Xomniiisiuncr „J thi Gmeral Lare and Ch=: Ls a dealer in frimirure and repaired fumimre. Philip id one of the earliest drug ; and Beckers Drug Stores. mr f> *- i^ SATDOBT'S DRUG STORE Conrad Sorg -s-as listed in IST-i as a hoiise and sign painter, but he would also do graining, glaang. and paper hanging. At this time we had four physicians and surgeons: namely. Dr. Fred Koeberlin. the grand- father of Mis. Theodore Seibert; Dr. Alexander Woods. S!«irrE'£ Dr.VC- STCKE who was agent for the Freeburg Coal Company: Dr. iL S- Carr: and Dr. Henr>- HerteL E. W. and John T. Lemen were proprietors of the E. W. Lemen and Company. They were miners and dealers of coal in St. Louis. AUssourL Freeb-JTE had a creamery legated on the east side UNKMOWN STOBE IK FBEEBUEG of town which was called the Freeburg Cooperative Creamery. It was in 1SS.5 that Huber and Seibert buHt a scale on New Athens Street west of Adam Seibert's Saloon. This same year Charles Frank, a blacksmith received sixty-five dollars for building a hook and ladder wagon for the fire department. 48 CHAilLES FHANK'S BLACKSMITH SHOP "The Freeburg Tribune" was esTablished La 1S96 by F. N. Hickman as editor and A. C. Hickman as publish- er. This publication continues under the same n a m e to this day. Among the owners have been Lucius Stuntz. Chapman. Doran Charles Sexton. Quido Herman, and Walter Smith, the present owner. In 1904. the Freeburg Tribune was voted as the official publication of the Village of Freeburg. tNTEHIOH OF FHEEBXTHG THIBTUTE In 1S97 Reichert Mill was granted per- a railroad switch on the north side c; town was still in need of additional fao:.. F. 5. Heiligenstein offered to lease ground for zunerv- nine years without charge, upon which was built a pond, that served as a reservoir. The cost of the dam was six hundred ninetv-eigfat dollars and three cen3. SCENE AT FEEEBUKG LAKE By 1S9S the -American Telephone and Telegraph Company was given permission to erect poles along the Village streets. Freeburg Milling Company was given free village water while building their mill at a cost of fifty thou- sand doUars in 1906. The Heiligenstein Brothers were the investors in this mill which had a capacity of about two hundred barrels. The name of their brands of flour were "Sweet Locust" and "Freeburgs Best." There were two lumber yards in Freeburg during the 13Cr-5. was Washington Street, inis ousiness was estanusr.ea m *2Tfi \fT' ci3>seT! had ?^T7r his ?on E. A Oaf^stf^n to penters. c, feet of his .■ -. - — . - --: .-- . . - — ■ — - supplies from me weatJier. BLACKSMITH MADE TOOLS The English pioneer settlers and the G^trra" im- migrants were searciiing for fertile soiL "-•;:■' ".f'f. pride in their farms and they found that t.- - Tpe of land they wanted to live on. The - iJiA the carpenters manuiacrared the agr.. — __. .jzLple- ments in the early days. Charles Brown had sis wagon shop and Ch2r!es Fra^ik ha'i = b'a-'kFTri^h ?n"p w^=r of Huber'5 5" : " and man.: street wa.- Arras. He too. wai a — ri-..fa>:t^ar gi ricultural implements. Peter C. Hill - said that he manufactured Black's imp.-. ; . -_. - _. . • and Prairie Lark Fanning MHL He was a leaier m ail kinds of ti.rrr.vr.i IrnpleE!;'??!" '^'x^ns arid '-"rs^Ies. There wer- ' ~ ~ ~ Msver. ar. 3CEGEH^ BLACKSMTTE SH C? :.NG EAHL AlTD HEHBEST SJCTE 49 10 " " " ' " - r - r -"' "~? harrzier on the anTil. and ■w-aich- ii:; on the fire. Oh. to see the smithy fcrr_ ^ -£hT befrr? ^heir eyes' ~;-'-- i:r:r le— -i-ts we: ' '^e flail, the early plo'w. the harrxTw. :r. By 1S55 hcrse power threshers ari . : - .essened the work cjf produciiig crops. By litCO. Si. xZiaii County raised LSTT OOT bashels of com. 497.000 bushels of oats. ZKK) bn?--^ -" - : 1.45S.OO0 bushels of wheaT and 86S.000 b-_-- - iToes- 7 _ inge. even the c3Wjs grcfsm by f armers. At ccni ~~ - H-iber's General Merchandise Stare bought and shipped ninety car-loads of potatoes in one year. EASLY DAYS OF SOTBEAHS Another p'- - ~ 5= ir airiculrjre -^'rdch can be ac- credited- in a Ts-ay. 10 Freeburg w^as the development of the soybean and its use as a grain. Loren E. Wilder- TTiar. ~i5 the first fanner tr. thts srea to grow and es- pf : - - • -. soybeans. ? : - early as 1514. Ee UiiiveEsny or IISncHS. He rect. : riismg soybsans after he had read in some magazine that the 5------- -■-' —^ -~z.- i- --i -- --otein in the diet of : .md a seed house i err. at! -nar-fePT. He stration plot ■which was the beginning of the soybean industry in this part of the state He wrote many arneles for national laim magazines and spoke at many places as he developed new varieties and new phases of har- vesting, production and inoculation. No one would buy the frrsT soybeans, but finally D. I. Bushnell Company, a seed house of St. Louis, bought some as a novelty in 151S. The first variety that proved satisfactory here was the Illinois 13-19. Few realize that this abundant and profitable grain crop has developed from a nonentity to one of the firs': ranking grains. FAEM SCENE OF 1895 WITH GuESTS AEEIVING Cthers in the 's^iciniiy who have brought a name to this area in agriculture were the Helms' families. who have promoted fine livestock through the years. the A. O. Eckert who pioneered in fresh tree ripened iroit^ COAL ABUKDANT HEBE !!vatxiral resources which have greatly contributed t: the progress of our area were the clay for brick and . r r :-h supply of coal Coal was first historically men- in this region of Illinois in 1673. ha\Tng been r-; e-ed by LaSaHe's expedition from Canada. Gov- =zzz.z-z Reynold in his "Sketches'", published in 1S57 stat- ei. "sorrie one in the American Bottom discovered smoke issuing from the ground for weeks which attracted his =,rtention- He saw the coal in the bluff on fire and sup- P'Dsed it had caught from the dry roots of a tree, that the prairie had set on fire The fire communicated to the coal from the burning wood." Soon after this, the coal trade began about 1S23. Even in the old records, much is recorded of the foal vein at Freeburg. One says that. "The thickest coal seam is perhaps that at Freeburg. which is found to reach a TbirV-negg of ele\"en feet." Another quotation. "About three miles south-east of Freeburg. surface ' - 1 seven feet thickness is presented. Beyond its re it is covered to the depth of two feet with a 7 c^ale. SotJth a f?^ miles, this seam is worked ■ '-'. drifts or " --" .vas one : t g industries of otir ._ _.-- r:iany piers:- - able to recall the — any xnining settlements oerween Belleville and Sew -.then? most of them located on the St. Louis. Alton ' - ~- -- Eattroad which later was purchased - tral Eailroad. The weKare of Freeburg a large degree upon the coal mining ^i.i_£tr» '.vhiih is in part responsible for the existence of the village. It is said that the "Drum" mine on the plank road was the first mine in operation having been opened in IS® by Jacob EeicherL Another old mine in Freeburg - t-;=-in Mine across from the Depot, owned by Sr. This mine was later owned by Jacob r - i the Consolidated Coal Company; it was 50 5«Bl mhk^ was kBOBH 6w tae namp at then, lo itr. Wlcherr. tracks, we ecrre to rr JCae on the crssenr : As we ^r^-"^' TT'--- TTTTTTP- was 5esi canifc; SL ■mig' ic" Cr MV13J ^ce. -aos trie s" known aisQ by tj.i ~.:~i; -- r_.L=;- -i: i Mine tiere was a serrieirreii!: wtrii i icteL well Prtxreecing scrtrL we ccme tc tire H« OB tie Heirss farsj. Aztocier secti«rr