By Rev. J. Dunham

This article being written entirely from a memory extending back over a space of 30 years, and relying mainly on general information for facts previous to that, are necessarily brief and imperfect, and the writer craves pardon for any omissions or errors that may creep in. The traditions of this church state that in or about the year 1846, Revs. Daniel Porter, Josiah Terrell and others commenced preaching in Blandinsville, and formed a small society, consisting of Francis, John and Wesley Freeland, and their wives. William Blandin and others united with the congregation shortly afterwards. This little band continued to hold services and thrive, having a considerable religious influence. In 1852, the Illinois annual conference determined to build an institution of learning at this place, and, in furtherance of the scheme, appointed five trustees for the purpose. In that and the ensuing year, they erected a house in the village and gave it the name of the Blandinsville seminary. In 1855 a school was opened with a faculty composed of Professor Keller, of Indianam president, and J. C. Ross, professor of mathematics. This helped to strengthen the infant society, and when in 1854 the annual conference convened at this place it had a good influence on the status of the church of Blandinsville. At this conference it was determined to place at this station or mission, the Rev. J. Dunham, and under his ministry the congregation throve and grew until it numbered 100 members. The congregation worshipped in he chapel of the seminary until 1868, when the seminary building passed into the hands of the township officers, and has been used for public educational purposes ever since. The congregation, thus deprived of a house of worship, immediately set about the erection of a proper church building, and soon it was completed and dedicated to the service of the Almighty God. The number of members increased under the different pastors that from time to time supplied its pulpit, until death, the spirit of emigration, and other causes, commenced to weaken the ranks of this company of the christian army. The church, owing to its discipline prohibiting the reception of individuals who are members of any secret society, has become quite small, but still keeps up its organization. Rev. J. Dunham is the present pastor, and Rev. O. F. Smith, the presiding elder.

Rev. Joshua Dunham, pastor of the United Brethren church in Blandinsville, is a native of Ohio, having been born in Harrison county, September 16, 1820. His parents were William and Mary (Chanly) Dunham, both of whom are deceased. Joshua is the youngest of a family of 11 children, only three of whom are now living. His father was a farmer and Joshua remained at home and attended school until he was 14 years of age, when he went to learn the tailor's trade, and continued in this occupation until he was 23 years of age, when he emigrated to Illinois and settled in Pike county, near Pittsfield, and worked at his trade in connection with farming. In April, 1845, he was licensed to preach, and in 1847 he joined the annual conference; in 1852 was ordained. In 1854 he sold his possessions in Pike county and moved to Blandinsville, and bought some town property and entered the field as an itinerant minister of the gospel, which profession he has continued to follow to the present time. He has always enjoyed a large share of the confidence and esteem of his church, and has been honored with many trusts. He has been presiding elder at different times, agent of the Blandinsville seminary, and has been elected three times to general conference, appointed to circuits and districts which have necessitated much travel in his ministerial labor all over the Military Tract as well as central and eastern portion of the state of Illinois. In the fall of 1858, he again bought a farm in Pike county, and moved back, where he remained until the spring of 1863, when he was traveling as presiding elder east of the Illinois river. Sold his farm in Pike county, Illinois, and moved to Blandinsville. In the fall of 1864, his health failing, he discontinued preaching and engaged in merchandising in the village of Blandinsville, which he continued for two years. During this time he was elected police magistrate and served four years. Before his term as magistrate expired, he resumed preaching on Blandinsville circuit, and was again elected presiding elder. In 1872 he went to southwest Kansas and entered the cattle trade, thinking to improve his health. Upon his return he was again elected presiding elder, but was in poor health. In 1884, he was again called to the Blandinsville circuit, and, although in failing health continues his good and noble work.

History of McDonough County, Illinois, 1885, Continental Historical Co., Springfield, Illinois
Transcribed by Robin Petersen for McDonough County ILGenWeb

Copyright 1999, 2000 Robin L. W. Petersen; all rights reserved. For personal use only. Commercial use of the information contained in these pages is strictly prohibited without prior permission. If copied, this copyright must appear with the information.

 
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