1882 History
Chapter 21 - Raymond Township
BOUNDARIES — EARLY SETTLEMENT — SCHOOLS — CHURCHES — BUSINESS INTERESTS — THE FIRE — SECRET SOCIETIES
By G. N. Berry.
RECURRENCES to the past, with the recollections and associations which make it pass, in life-like review, before our mental vision, will continue to be, as of yore, a source of satisfaction, especially when they connect themselves with incidents reflected back from our own experiences. These reminders vanish with the life of the participants, when no landmarks remain to save us the pictures faintly delineated on the tablets of memory, the impressions of which are only retracings from the modelings of others. To preserve these from forgetfulness before they have lost their distinguishing originality is the work devolved upon the writer of history. History fails in its mission when it fails to preserve the life features of the subjects committed to its trust. Local history, more than any other, commands the most interested attention, for the reason that it is a record of our own, with the experiences of others, who, in times gone by, traveled the thorny pathway of life as our companions, acquaintances, friends and relatives. The township of Raymond, to which this chapter is devoted, is an excellent body of land, composed of thirty-six sections, situated adjoining the county line and Harvel Township on the north, Rountree Township on the east, Butler Grove on the south, and Zanesville Township on the west. It was named in honor of Thomas Raymond, at one time Vice President of the St. Louis Division of the Wabash & Pacific Railroad. The surface of this township is considerably varied, being rolling, and, in certain places in the southern and western parts, along the different water-courses, broken and somewhat hilly; while in the central and northern portions the land consists of a broad stretch of level prairie, interspersed with numerous small groves, both natural and artificial, at different places. The West Fork of Shoal Creek, with its tributaries, and Blue Grass Creek, are its water- courses, along the banks of which, for considerable distances, the land is covered with a goodly growth of timber, the most prominent varieties being elm, oak, walnut, maple, sycamore, etc. Previous to the year 1830, the country along the southern boundary was in the main a dense forest, containing much valuable timber, the greater part of which has been worked into lumber, rails, etc., and much of it ruthlessly destroyed by the early settlers. The soil, like that found in other parts of the county, differs in different places; near the streams the sandy element predominates; on the high grounds, it is of a clay mixture; while the lower portions and level prairie lands in the central and northern parts is a deep, rich black loam. Generally speaking, it is a choice body of land, very fertile, and capable of producing, in a high degree, all the cereals raised. Fruits of all varieties common to this latitude are grown in abundance, as are also vegetables, small fruits, grass, etc., etc.
The date of settlement by the whites goes back to the year 1830, when the first pioneers came into the township and commenced to improve farms. Pioneer life in all time has been characterized by incidents peculiar either to the locality or the make-up of the pioneers themselves. Western pioneer life has been subjected to conditions common to the experience of all early settlers. The primary elements in the composition of those who have taken their lives in their hands and battled successfully with the privations and hardships incident to settlements in the wilderness, without companions, save their "household gods," away from the echoes of civilization, depending for subsistence upon their own good right arms — were will-power, physical vigor and energy. Thus endowed, the brave pioneer boldly cuts loose from the moorings of civilization, turns his face toward the wild, unknown West, and, after days and weeks, perhaps months, of weary journeying over trackless prairies, tangled woodland, rocky steeps and through rushing torrents, at last determines the spot where his future home shall be, at once makes a start by erecting a little cabin, breaking a small patch of ground. Soon he is joined by others, and the little settlement becomes the foundation of those communities which are to-day the pride and boast of our country. But we are digressing from the more specific part of our subject. The first permanent settler to brave the solitude of nature in Raymond was Butler Seward, who came to Illinois from Ohio in the year 1829, and located near Seward's Grove, in Butler Grove Township, from which place he moved into what is now Raymond the following year. The place where he settled in this township is known as Seward's Point, near the southern part, and is now in possession of Elias Miller. Several descendants of this excellent man still reside in the county, among whom can be Darned Oscar Seward and John Cass, the oldest living settlers of this township. Shortly after Seward had located and commenced to improve, he was joined by Matthew Mitchell, who entered a tract of land in the vicinity on Section 30. Mitchell came from Ohio also, and was a man of prominence in the little community. He sold the land on which he settled to David Scherer, another pioneer, shortly after the first improvements were made, and moved to another locality. The farm is now owned and occupied by Fred Mundhenk Seward and Scherer having done so well in their new home, others were induced to follow them, and the next year saw several families moving into the little community, among whom were James Baker and a man by the name of Conyer. Baker improved the farm where Oscar Seward now lives, in Section 30, while Conyer selected his home near by, in Section 33, on a place which he afterward sold to John J. Cass. The foregoing were the only permanent settlers in the territory of Raymond up to the year 1833. In that year, John Cass moved into the township and purchased the Conyer farm, on which he resided until the year 1836, at which time he died. He was an industrious, exemplary man, and true Christian, who carried his Christianity into the actions of everyday life. Two daughters and one son are living at the present time. The latter, to whom we have already referred, is one of the leading citizens of the township. Oscar Seward, son of Butler Seward, can be called an early settler, as he came here as early as the year 1835, and has been a prominent resident ever since. He purchased the Mitchell farm of David Scherer, which property he still owns. He is the oldest settler now living in Raymond, and has seen many wonderful improvements wrought by the busy hand of time. (For further particulars concerning Seward, we refer the reader to his biography, which appears elsewhere.) John Huffman and family were among the settlers who came in the year 1835, as were also a number of others whose names were not learned by the writer. Huffman settled in the southeast corner of the township, near the Irving boundary line. The prairies in the central and northeastern parts were not taken up until several years had elapsed from the first settlements along the southern border. Among the first settlers on these prairie lands were Thomas Thompson, David Huffman and Brookston Lewis, all three of whom settled on land near the present town of Raymond. Samuel Quinton settled north of Raymond, on the Ishmael McGown farm. Simpson Finley bought the land on the opposite side of the road from where William Bowles now lives, a short distance northwest of Raymond. William Gray was an early settler, having purchased a tract of land near the Chapman farm a short time after it came into market. Among those who came in at an early date and shared in the privations and hardships of pioneer life, but whose dates cannot be correctly ascertained at present, were John W. Guthrie, Lemuel Mays, William Costley, Morgan Costley, R. W. Grimm, John W. Hitchings and Orson Young. One of the prominent settlers near the town of Raymond was William Chapman (see portrait and biography), who bought the place where he now resides about the year 1851. He was one of the chief movers in the organization of the township, and can be classed among her well-to-do and wealthy farmers.
This comprises the early settlement of Raymond Township as far as we have been able to learn its history. The early struggle of the pioneers with hardships, trials and other objects calculated to deter them is but a repetition of those experienced by all other settlers in a new and uninhabited country. Many daring deeds by many unknown heroes have passed into oblivion, and many of nature's great men, who won signal victories in the hard-fought battles with nature in the wilderreso, now lie in obscure and uuknown graves. The first year was generally the most difficult, as the little stock of provisions frequently gave out, and many hardships were endured in order to obtain the necessaries of life; but after the first crop was harvested, there was generally a sufficiency for home consumption stored away and husbanded with scrupulous care. The deficiencies were procured from older settlements. The forests and prairie generally supplied the meat from the bountiful store of game, in quantity and quality according to demands. As settlers increased in numbers, a common cause was made in meeting the wants of each other, helping for help again. The idea of assisting another for a pecuniary consideration never obtruded itself into the mind of the pioneer in those early days. No greater insult could have been offered than a hint that money was to pay for a neighbor's help. If a cabin was to be raised, all the occasion demanded of the neighbors far and near was a knowledge of the time and place; distance was nothing, and other less pressing engagements had to succumb in order to render the needed assistance. Those old days are gone, buried in the dead past, but with them are gone a world of happy memories. The sentiment expressed in the old ballad, repeated in the writer's hearing by an early pioneer,
"For I am one of the olden times, and may be thought too
slow,
But give to me those good old days of fifty years ago,"
is the sentiment entertained by all the frosty-headed veterans whose early lives were passed amid the stirring scenes of those early times. The first impulse of the people, upon whom devolved the responsibility of giving form and character to society in primitive Raymond, was to inaugurate a system of education which should in the future insure a safe foundation for permanent prosperity. Hence, schools were established at an early date, well sustained and patronized. The first sessions were held in private dwellings, but, as the population increased, more roomy buildings were required, and a number of log schoolhouses were erected in different localities.
The first term of school was taught by Mrs. Martha J. Cass, mother of John Cass, in a room of her residence, in the year 1835. This school numbered perhaps eight or ten pupils, was supported by subscription, and lasted about two and a half months.
The first building set apart especially for school purposes was a small structure, which stood on Oscar Seward's farm, and had formerly been used by his family as a residence. Seward fitted up the house, furnished and donated it, and for several years it was the only school building in the township. The second schoolhouse, according to the most authentic information, was built a short distance northeast of the town of Raymond. It was built by Ishmael McGown and William Ault but the date of its erection was not ascertained. This was, we believe, the first frame schoolhouse in the township. It is still standing. At present there are a number of good frame schoolhouses in the township, in which schools are taught the greater part of the year. The results of the teaching done in the schools have been immense, and is the pride of the people. There is one large graded school building, two stories high, in the town of Raymond, but of this building and schools taught therein we will speak more fully further on in these pages. Among the early industries of the township were several saw-mills, located at different points on Shoal Creek, which were in operation until nearly all of the best timber was sawn into lumber. These mills have been removed long since, and at the present time there are no mills of any kind in the township outside the town limits of Raymond. The first settlers obtained their flour, meal, etc., from Hillsboro and the mills situated in different parts of the county. There were no early flouring-mills in Raymond.
Amid the toils and privations of pioneer life, the first settlers found time to look after those higher and holier duties which they owed to their Creator. Pure religion and fervent piety flourished in those times in a very marked degree, long before any religious society had an organization, but, as soon as time and means would permit, church edifices were erected and societies of various denominations established, so that all could worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences. The original settlers in the southern part of the township were nearly all members of churches in Butler Grove, Litchfield and Irving Townships, farther south, and it was not until many years afterward that a permanent religious organization was effected in what is now Raymond. The Methodists had a flourishing society about one mile south of the town of Raymond, which was, according to the best information at hand, the first church organization in the township. This was a number of years ago, but, as the early records could not be found, but little satisfaction was obtained in looking up its early history. Public services were held at this place until about eight or ten years ago, when the congregation decided to remove the organization and building to the town of Raymond, which was accordingly done. Previous to its removal, the church was known as Ashery Chapel, and numbered about eighty members. The building was moved and remodeled at a cost of about $S00. It is now a handsome edifice, capable of seating 350 persons comfortably, and is valued at $1,500. The following pastors have, at stated times, ministered to the congregation: __ Barrett, John Roberts, E. M. Pitcher, __ Alkier, A. D. Beckhart and John Slater; present pastor is Elijah Haley. In connection with the church services is a large, flourishing Sunday school, at present under the efficient superintendency of David Colvin, with an average attendance of over one hundred scholars. The church membership at present exceeds one hundred, among whom are some of the best and most highly respected citizens of the town and surrounding country. The United Baptist congregation, known as the Blue Mound Church, was organized in a schoolhouse situated about three miles southeast of Raymond, in the year 1871, Elder John Barbee officiating at the first meeting. The original membership was about twenty, but quite a number of others were added to the church during the meetings which followed its organization. The present edifice which the congregation occupies is situated near the place where the church was organized, in Section 19. It is a frame building, and was erected in the year 1870, at a cost of $1,000. Among the regular pastors and stated supplies of this church may be mentioned Thomas Jones, __ Culp, __ Hanks. There are now about forty-five names on the church records. George Fry is Superintendent of the Sunday school, which is in good condition and well attended. Rhodes Chapel M. E. Church dates its history from the year 1872. Their house of worship is a neat frame building, situated near the Blue Mound Church, in Section 19, and was built in the year 1876. The church has continued, with varied success, from its organization until the present time, the membership now being about forty. A Sunday school is maintained during the greater part of the year, and is reported in good condition. The present Pastor of the church is Rev. Elijah Haley. The remaining churches of the township are in the town of Raymond, and will be spoken of in connection with the history of that village further on in this chapter. The first ground consecrated to the burial of the dead was laid out on the farm belonging to John Cass, and is still known as the Cass Graveyard. The first interment made in this cemetery was in 1852. The name of the person buried was James Crosse. The St. Louis Division of the Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railroad runs through the northwestern corner of the township, intersecting the northern boundary about two miles from the Pitman line and the western boundary at a point near the west central part of the township. This road has been a decided advantage to the farmers of this section of the country, furnishing them an easy means of transportation for their farm products and live stock. The township's development has been very marked since the completion of this road. The town of Raymond is situated on this road, about one mile east of the Zanesville line, in the western part of the township, and is one of the live business places of Montgomery County. Its population is estimated at about nine hundred. The ground on which the principal part of the town stands was formerly owned by Ishmael McGown and Nimrod McElroy, who had it surveyed into lots in the year 1870. The lines were run by an experienced civil engineer by the name of Bass. The first house in the place was a residence erected by James Sanders, shortly after the survey was made. A few weeks later, another house was in process of erection, belonging to Thomas Fahey. A business house was erected the same year, by David Hoffman, and rented to Messrs. Van Dorn & Van Evor, who stocked it with a general assortment of merchandise, and did a large, flourishing trade for three years. This building is at present occupied by the dry goods and grocery store of Brown & Co. In connection with their mercantile business, Van Dorn & Van Evor built a large warehouse near the central part of the village in the fall of 1870, and handled an immense amount of grain during the next two years. Encouraged by the success which attended the business venture of the foregoing, other business men came to the village shortly afterward, and, finding it a safe place for capital, several stores and different kinds of shops were started.
The second store building was erected in the western part of the town, in the spring of 1871, by Charles Davis, who did a good business for four years, when he disposed of the stock to W. P. Carter. The latter continued the business at the same stand for three years, when, meeting with several financial reverses, he concluded to retire from the store, which resolution he put into effect a short time afterward.
In the fall of 1871, a third store was started, by Parrot & Scott. Like other stores in the place, their stock consisted of a general assortment of merchandise. The name ' of the firm was afterward changed to that of Scott & Nevins. The entire stock was finally pm-chased by Nimrod McElroy, who for some time conducted a business with a stock representing several thousand dollars. One of the first merchants of the town was A. W. Marshall. The first brick building was erected in the year 1876, by John O'Bannon. This was a large storeroom. A. Henn erected a brick store-house the same year, also. D. J. Parrot built the large elevator near the railroad crossing in 1874, and still operates it. This is one of the largest and most extensive elevators on the line of the St. Louis Division of the Wabash road, and many thousand bushels of grain of all kinds are handled and shipped yearly. Another elevator was erected in the year 1880, by E. R. Carter, who sold it soon after.
Frank Hicks was the first physician of the town. He located here shortly after the town was laid out, and is still one of the practicing physicians of the place. Dr. Barton came next. Dr. Hermon was one of the early physicians of the township, where he has a large and lucrative practice. He moved into the town several years since, where he still resides. Drs. Easley, Wheeler and Blevins are located here, all of whom are regularly graduated M. D.'s of the different schools of medicine.
The Raymond Post Office was established in the year 1871, with Charles Davis as Postmaster. The office is now kept in the hardware store of Thomas Kissinger. The first blacksmith to locate in the village was Will iam Develin, who started a shop in the year 1871. W. H. Pepper built the second blacksmith shop the same year. The citizens, realizing that " 'tis education that forms the common mind," turned their attention, during the early days of the village, to the necessity of erecting a schoolhouse large enough to meet the demands of the increasing population. A building was erected in the year 1874. It is two stories high, contains four large-sized, comfortable rooms, all of which are well finished and furnished, and the building, as a whole, does credit to the town and township. It is situated in the northeastern part of the town, and surmounted by a large bell-tower, from the top of which an extended view of the surrounding country for many miles can be obtained. The first schools in this building were taught by Misses Hattie Wood and Bettie Street, in 1875. The next Year, the schools had so increased in size that a third teacher was required, when they were placed under the able supervision of Prof. James Young, who gave a new impetus to the educational interests of Raymond. Prof. S. A. Moore had charge of the schools during the years 1877 and 1878; George Bowers, in 1880. The present corps of teachers consists of the following: Prof. C. E. Cook, Principal; C. J. Lapp, Louisa Watson and Hetty C. Doer, assistants. The schools have been brought up to a high standard of usefulness under the successful management of the different Principals, and are now enjoying well-earned and well-merited prosperity. The Board of Education is composed of the following gentlemen: William Bowles, President; D. J. Parrott, Vice President; P. J. Hermon, Clerk. The schools last eight months of the year, and have an average attendance of about two hundred pupils.
The Raymond Steam Flouring-Mill was built in the year 1875, by Montgomery Range, and has been operated by him ever since. It has three run of stone, and a capacity of about thirty barrels of flour per day. George H. Hooser built a steam merchant mill in 1880, at a cost of $6,000. This mill has three buhrs, and does a large and lucrative business.
The first hotel in the place was erected by John Brusaw, in 1872, and by him sold to James Sanders six months later. It is known as the Central House, and is at present kept by T. J. Kissinger. B. R. Hubbard built a hotel in 1875. It was purchased by Mrs. Pallard, who kept it about three years, when it was completely destroyed by fire in the general conflagration which visited the town in 1881. The Raymond House was built in 1881, by Louisa Chism, and is at present under the management of her brother, Robert Chism, who keeps one of the best hotels in the county.
A small sheet, the Raymond Reporter, was started in the year 1877, by T. M. Snedley, and issued semi-monthly for about six months. The Raymond Independent, a weekly newspaper, was established by J. W. Potts in the year 1881. It is conducted with considerable energy and success, and has reached a circulation of over five hundred. The office and composing rooms are the best in the county, and the editor, Mr. Potts, has won many favorable opinions from his brethren of the quill for the fearless and able manner with which he treats the subjects of the day. The paper is in every respect independent, and promises to remain one of the permanent fixtures of the town.
The Raymond Bank was established in 1881, by John Green. It is an individual concern, and, for the amount of capital invested, is doing a flourishing business.
The town was incorporated in 1871. The first officers elected were the following: R. M. Van Dorn, President of the Board; E. A. Hanna, Clerk; and W. P. Carter, Treasurer. The present officers are: William Fitzgerald, President; E. R. Day, Clerk; W. A. Maxey, Treasurer; P. J. Harmon, George Hooser, D. C. Kelley and D. J. Parrott, Trustees.
A most destructive fire visited the town in the month of August, 1881, during the progress of which the best part of the improvements were completely burned to the ground. The fire originated in the livery stable of Noah Moore, on the east side of Main street, from which it spread to the west side, and caught in the butcher-shop of Paul Zink. From this building the flames leaped with lightning- like rapidity from house to house, and, before the fire could be checked, all the buildings in Block 13, with the exception of two small structures situated in the northwest and southwest corners respectively, were a smoldering mass of ruins. Every effort that could be desired was resorted to in order to check the devouring element, but all attempts were futile. The buildings destroyed by the conflagration were the following: Barber shop and family residence of Paul Zink; livery stable belonging to Noah Moore; hotel of Susan Chism; store and restaurant belonging to the Harvel heirs; storeroom and stock of goods of George Zimmerman; Frank Grainer's saddler shop; Zink's meat-shop; Colvin & Son's store: Costley's livery stable; agricultural warehouse of E. R. Day; store building occupied by "William Fitzgerald; Maxey & Roberts' grocery store; Anderson's restaurant; Piggot's blacksmith shop; dwelling and ice-house belonging to George Zimmerman; barn belonging to David Huggins; and the store and stock of Deer, Morrison & Co The loss caused by this devouring tire is estimated at $35,000, of which amount $11,000 were realized by insurance. The citizens soon rallied from the effects of this terrible visitation, and many new buildings were pushed rapidly forward. The large and elegant brick buildings situated on the east side of Broad street, and known as the Union Block, were erected the latter part of the year 1S81, as was also the fine storeroom belonging to Paul Zink, situated on the opposite side of the street. The present business character of Raymond may be estimated from the following list: There are five dry goods and grocery stores, two hardware stores, one cabinet and furniture store, two drug stores, two stores that make groceries a specialty, two boot and shoe stores, two barber shops, one harness shop, two millinery establishments, one agricultural store, two lumber yards, two blacksmith shops, one cooper shop and one wagon shop.
There are four religious organizations, with as many houses of worship, the oldest of which is the Raymond M. E. Church. Its history we have already given in a previous page.
The Presbyterian Church was organized in the year 1871, by a committee appointed by the Alton Presbytery, of which Rev. Thomas E. Spilman was Chairman. This committee met in the office of Dr. Ira Barton, and the following names were recorded as members: John H. Barton, Mary N. Barton, William P. Hamilton, Mary B. Hamilton, William Kennedy and Dr. Ira Barton. At this meeting, the following Elders were selected: John H. Barton and William P. Hamilton. The first public services were held in the Independent Schoolhouse. The house now in use is a frame building; is the first one erected by the congregation, and will seat about three hundred persons. It is a nicely furnished edifice, and is valued at $1,500. The first minister was Rev. R. Walker. The following ministers have had charge of the church at different times: Revs. E. R. Rankin, A. H Parks, — - Reynolds, Adam Simpson, James Lafferty, Solomon Dickey, and M. C. Butler, the present pastor; present membership, about thirty; Sunday school is under the charge of S. A. Merriwether.
The Raymond Christian Church commenced its history in the year 1874, with a membership of thirty, who assembled at times for worship in the vacant storeroom belonging to W. D. Moore. The organization was effected under the energetic labors of Elder Corwin, of Macoupin County. The first regular Pastor was Elder J. W. Balinger. In the fall of 1874, the congregation bought a lot, and, shortly after, commenced the erection of the present church edifice, which was dedicated in the spring of 1875, the dedicatory sermon being delivered by Elder J. H. Garrison, of St. Louis. The building is frame, and, as it stands, is valued at $2,200. J.. W. Balinger labored earnestly for the congregation one year, and was succeeded by L. L. Norton, who exercised a pastorate of five months' duration. H. R. Trickett and S. B. Lindsley were the next pastors. J. J. Cathcart preached one year. Elders Standley and Van Hoosier conducted a series of meetings in the year 1881, during the progress of which twenty-one additions were made to the congregation. At present, the church is without a regular pastor, although devotional exercises are conducted each Lord's Day. The membership is about one hundred and fifteen. Their Sunday school is large and well attended, with an average of 120 scholars, and is under the efficient management of D. J. Parrott. Superintendent.
St. Raymond's Roman Catholic Church was organized about the year 1S73. It was re-organized in 1880, by Rev. Father Virena, and the present handsome building erected. This edifice is the largest house of worship in the town, and can be ranked among the best in the county. Its dimensions are 34x56 feet; will comfortably seat 400 persons, and cost the sum of $5,000. The number of members is estimated at five hundred. Public services are held every third Sunday, by the pastor, Rev. John Gezenhauser, of Bartholto. There are two flourishing secret societies in the town — Masons and Odd Fellows.
Raymond Lodge, No. 692, A., F. & A. M., was established under dispensation in 1871. Their charter was granted in 1872, by De Witt C. Cregier, G. M. On this charter appear the following names: George A. Vannever, Robert M. Van Dorn, J. R. M. Wilder, Samuel S. Peebles, Edward Grimes, William Chapman, S. S. Wertz, James R. Williams, John King, E. A. Hanna, Osman White, D. J. Parrott, P. J. Hermon, Isaac Eldridge, John G. Moore, Alvis Sharpe, C. P. Kerns and John Dowdle. First officers were:
George Vannever, W. M.; Robert Van Dorn, S. W.; J. R. Wilder, J. W.; William Chapman, Treasurer; S. S. Peebles, Secretary; E. A. Hanna, S. D.; O. White, J. D.; Isaac Elledge, Tiler. Present officers: John Kidd, W. M.; John Green, S. W.; F. C. Hitchings, J. W.; Jacob Guller, Treasurer; James A. Bradley, Secretary; Edward Grimes, S. D.; Harrison Sharpe, J. D.; Sylvester Keplinger, Tiler; D. J. Parrott, Chaplain. Membership, at present, thirty-two.
Raymond Lodge, No. 476, I. O. O. F.. was organized October 8, 1872, with the following charter members: Norris Crane, Nimrod McElroy, G. W. McAtee, Elias R. Day, George A. Vannever, James N. Guthrie, Wal-. ker Gunn, James Sanders. The first officers of the lodge were the following: James Sanders, N. G.; Norris Crane, V. G.; G. A. Vannever, Secretary; Nimrod McElroy, Treasurer. The different offices are filled at present by the following: F. B. Wood, N. G: J. F. Laller, V. G.: M. G. Sisson, Secretary: W. A. Maxey, Permanent Secretary; R.N. Long, Treasurer; A. H. Johnson, Warden; B. F. Query, Conductor; Corder Jones, Chaplain; W. S. Richie, I, G.; James Norris, O. G.
The hall in which these lodges meet is owned jointly by them. Both organizations are reported in good working order.
The part taken by Raymond in the great war of the rebellion does credit to a township of her population. Scarcely had it been announced that Sumter had been fired upon before the spirit of war commanded the thoughts and actions of her citizens. The response was as ready as the impulse was determined, and the history of the part taken by our brave boys in the various encounters that mark the progress of the war presents a record as creditable, perhaps, as that of any other township in the county. We would gladly give a list of the boys in blue who went from Raymond, but the limits of our space forbids.
For information concerning the early history of the town and township of Raymond the writer is indebted to Ishmael McGowen, Dr. P. J. Hermon, E. K. Carter, William Chapman and John Cass. They have his most sincere thanks for the courteous and gentlemanly manner with which the desired information was given.
Extracted 14 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from History of Bond and Montgomery Counties, Illinois, published in 1882, pages 340-349.
