People Who Knew Jasper Douthit

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H. H. Allen
J. M. Allen
J. A. Andes
Samuel Bailey

Today in History
Jesse Barker
Ira Barnett
Elder W. A. Bates
Rev. A. R. Beckett
W. R. Bivins
W. J. Boon
J. C. Calvert
W. T. Campbell
Wm. Carnes, Sr.
Henry C. Carpenter
Dr. T. L. Catherwood
Mrs. T. L. Catherwood
Mrs. George D. Chafee
A. Christman
J. F. Christman
Mrs. Josephine Garis Cochran
Chas. Compton
Abe Coplin
Isaac Coplin
B. W. F. Corley
Daniel Cross
J. F. Culp
Mrs. H. W. Davis
J. H. Dawdy
N. E. Deane
F. M. Douthit
L. N. Douthit
Wm. F. Douthit
T. C. Eiler
Thos. J. Elliott
James Ellis
Mrs. Mary Ellis
J. W. Fields
John D. Fortner
Marcus Fortner
A. G. Fox
Rev. W. J. Frazer
H. H. Funk
John Funk
Mrs. Funk
Abe Gallagher
A. F. Gardner
Mrs. G. B. Gill
John Goodrich
Agnes C. Gould
Mrs. L. A. Gould
"Auntie" Graham
G. W. Grisso
Thos C. Hadley
James Hagan
Wm. Hartsell
John Hennick
Thos. Sr. Hudson
Anderson Hunter
J. D. Hunter
Milton Hunter
Mrs. J. D. Hunter
J. T. Jones
Henry B. Kepley
Isaac Kesler
Peter Kesler
J. T. Killam
W. E. Killam
C. J. Kurtz
M. M. Lane
C. H. Laws
Isaac Longenbach
Moulton WCTU
Wm. F. Nehring
R. C. Noble
Hon. George of St. Louis Partridge
Rev. R. F. Patt
J. A. Patton
Mrs. J. A. Patton
Dr. E. Penwell
C. Peterson
J. H. Price
Samuel Pritchard
J. B. Reeve
"Grandma" Mahala Reid
J. W. Rhodes
A. Roberts
W. F. Robertson
Frank Roche
Philip Roessler
Samuel Roland
Wm. Roland
M. Rowdybush
Joshua Runkel
Col. Dudley C. Smith
W. D. Smith
John C. Snow
R. N. Stewardson
Wm. Stewardson
Wm. Stewardson, Jr.
W. J. Thurman
J. S. Tilley
L. G. Torrence
J. A. Truitt
J. L. H. Turner
Mrs. J. L. B. Turner
S. L. Warden
John Warren, Jr.
Rev. J. M. West
J. H. White
Mrs. J. H. White
Windsor WCTU
S. H. Wright
Samuel Yantis
Rev. Zeller

    The Jasper Douthit Project

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Lithia in The Chautauquan

A Sample of Many Testimonies.

Berea, Ky., Jan 27, 1895

Dear Brother Douthit:
I shall never, never forget the
peaceful, happy days at Lithia
Springs with all their delightful
associations.
Yours sincerely always,
Daisy Hubbard Carlock (Pollitt.)
Ex-Vice President
Illinois W. C. T. U. and
Instructor in Berea College, Ky.

(Daisy's brother was Elbert Hubbard,
founder of the Roycrofters)

Jasper Douthit was a polarizing figure throughout his life. He was labeled everything from "a crank" to a hero.

While it is unlikely someone so humble would ever have described himself as having a magnetic personality, it fits him well. As with a magnet, he sometimes repelled.

But those he attracted consisted of a singular crowd drawn to a part of Illinois where liberalism, social reform and suffrage were not the norm. Southern sympathies and conservatism on every front were part of the culture.

Into the midst of this, Douthit introduced nearly every social reform and progressive thinking in vogue at the turn of the century. Visitors to Lithia Springs today are seldom aware they are pitching their tent where Booker T. Washington once stayed and hiking across lands where suffragettes once exercised in their bloomers and studied social purity with staff from Kellogg’s Battle Creek San.

This project focuses on tracing footsteps from all walks of life that once strolled across the Lithia Springs property every year for decades. Come join the journey. According to 'Our Best Words' and other sources the list includes the following names. Contact us if you know of online background information about anyone listed here if you would like to contribute data.

These descriptions are from promotional materials and news articles published at the time of their appearance. They are NOT scheduled to appear at Lithia Springs today.

NOTE: not everyone listed here is Unitarian.

Rev. W. G. Archer

Member of the Executive Committee of the International Chautauqua Alliance (appeared 1901)

...of Old Salem Chautauqua, Petersburg, Ill., which is under the auspices of “The Cumberland Presbyterian State Chautauqua Association.”

Ex-Congressman George Everett Adams

Of Chicago (1899)

   George Everett Adams is one of the noblest citizens of Illinois and a prominent lawyer of Chicago.
   He served in the Illinois State Senate during the session of 1881. In 1882 he was elected a member of Congress and served four consecutive terms. While in Congress he was a member of the committee on banking and currency and the judiciary. He has always performed his official duties with marked ability.
   Mr. Adams is a member of the board of overseers of Harvard College, a trustee of the Newberry Library, a trustee of the Field Columbian Museum, president of the Chicago Orchestra Association, and a member of the Chicago Board of Education.

Prof. William D. Armstrong (appeared 1915)

"Mr. Armstrong was Musical Director of Shurtleff College, the oldest institution in the Mississippi Valley dating from 1827, in which a high standard of music is maintained, his associates being of recognized standard. He is organist at the Church of the Unity, St. Louis, and has there in the past six years played almost the entire reportory of Organ Music.
He was President 1899-1901 of the Illinois State Music Teacher's Association, also President of the Music Section of the State Teacher's Association." OBW 1915

Armstrong Orchestra (appeared 1915)

Bishop B. W. Arnett

Of Wilberforce University (1899)
According to "The World's Parliament of Religions," Arnett was a presiding bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for Arkansas, Mississippi, Indian Territory and Oklahoma; author of the bills abolishing the Black Laws of Ohio, and for teaching scientific temperance in the schools. He organized the U.O.O. F. and other societies.
Arnett spoke at the World's Parliament of Religions "on behalf of Africa."

Barbara Replogle Atkinson

Bachelor of Oratory from the National School of Oratory, Philadelphia. (1896, 1897)

This estimable woman is well known to White Ribbon workers in this and other States. She and her husband, W. D. Atkinson, will be at this August assembly. She will give recitations, hymns, songs and poems, all illustrated with beautiful and magnificent cycloramic views projected by an expensive stereoptica — Mr. Albert C. Folsom, illustrator.
Mr. W.D. Atkinson, who comes highly recommended, will also give some lectures.

Barbara Replogle Atkinson has held the chair of Elocution in Hedding College for about two years and has been constantly rising in the estimation of students, faculty and friends of the institution. Her marked natural ability, her mastery of the three years’ course of the “National School of Oratory” of Philadelphia, her large experience, and her freedom from objectionable traits unite their effects in her thorough and artistic work. —Rev. J. R. Jacques, A. M., Ph. D., D. D. (1896)

“It is a significant fact that many prominent chautauqua workers and popular lyceum talent did receive their first introduction to the Chautauqua world at Lithia Springs. We cannot now name all. But among them are...

...the late Mr. A. C. Folsom, the most efficient Secretary of the International Chautauqua Alliance.” OBW July 1915

Col. Geo. W. Bain

Of Lexington, Ky. with the Coit Lyceum Bureau (appeared 1899 and 1901)

...the golden mouthed Kentuckian.... Col. Bain receives more return calls than perhaps any other temperance orator in the world. To miss hearing him is to lose the opportunity of a life time.
Abebooks

Mrs. Bertha Kunz-Baker (appeared 1901)

"Mrs. Baker deals with literature, especially the drama, as a great playground for the human spirit, where we may find recreation and gain skill to play the game of life, and feels that it is the office of all Art to lead our sympathies beyond the experiences of individual life, to give us share in the joys, the sorrows, the hopes, the visions of our fellowmen, to reveal us unto our selves, and to give us to understand our true relation to Humanity, to Nature and to God... and let him enter the life Universal." "Mrs. Bertha Kunz Baker" Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries, p. 1.

Bertha Kunz-Baker played the role of Sarah in the 1937 Production "The Eternal Road." (a/k/a "Der Weg der Verheissung") at the Manhattan Opera House. She also performed in "Scenes from Schiller's Maid of Orleans"

Rev. & Prof. Henry H. Barber

Of Meadville Theological School (appeared in 1900, 1901)

...was settled as pastor at Harvard, Mass., 40 years ago, and gave the Baccalaureate sermon there before the Bromfield School last month. Has was pastor at Somerville, Mass., for 18 years; and for ten years was editor of The Unitarian Review, a monthly magazine.

Sometimes issues of the Unitarian Magazine and Review appear for sale online.

Mrs. Helen M. Barker

Treasurer of the National WCTU

Barker served on the Committee on Congresses at the World's Columbian Exposition in 1893.

Lou J. Beauchamp

The Original Humorous Philosopher with Redpath Lyceum Bureau

Robert M. Bell (1896, 1899)

Of Decatur, editor of the American Grange Bulletin and Scientific Farmer Livestock Department and president of the Illinois Wool Growers' Association

Wm. A. Bell, A.M.

President Bell of Antioch College, Ohio and Professor Mental, Moral and Political Science in that institution. (appeared 1891)

Prof. Arthur E. Bestor (1913)

President of the "Mother" Chautauqua and President of the International Chautauqua Alliance.

Mr. C. C. Beveridge

Singing Temperance Reformer

Mrs. C. C. Beveridge

Singing Temperance Reformer

Walter Binney (appeared 1918)

"Finest Boy Soprano in the State of Illinois"

Prof. Blair

University of Illinois Horticulture Department
"Several members of the University of Illinois faculty have given service to Lithia Springs enterprise. Prof. Blair of the Horticultural Department assisted by some of the students made a plat in the earlier days for improvements and drive ways in the park." OBW 1915

Rev. D. C. Blunt (appeared 1915)

Dr. Chas. Boaz of Mattoon, Ill.

...is one of the most earnest and successful Sunday-school Superintendents. He is also author of a popular Sunday-school singing book recently published.

The King's Message in Song; for use in the Sunday school, and all the services of the church, Mattoon, Ill., C. Boaz [c1901] 128 p. 20 cm.

Elder W. H. Boles (appeared 1891, 1899)

Few platform orators are better known throughout Illinois than this outspoken, eloquent minister of the Christian church. He was the first helper at Lithia. He has a wife and three children, all grown, and will be on the grounds at Lithia this summer. His daughter, Miss Clara Boles, is especially powerful as an elocutionist, and she and her father have drawn immense crowds over the state the past winter where they have been holding Gospel-Prohibition meetings.

C. E. Bolinger

Of Cowden, Ill.

Rev. W. R. Bonham

Of Cowden, Ill.

General Ballington Booth (1898, 1899)

Commander of the Volunteers of America, a national philanthropic movement.

Maude Ballington Booth (1899)

"Little Mother of Prisons"

Rev. Richard W. Boynton

Pastor of the First Unitarian Church of Buffalo

"Rev. Richard W. Boynton, pastor of the First Unitarian Church, Buffalo, writes among other things, as follows"

     The recent general conference held here was indeed an auspicious occasion.
   The part of the name of the conference referring to "Other Christian Churches" was given more significance than perhaps ever before. This was made possible by the ... warm-hearted attitude of the leading orthodox ministers of this community.
      I am happy to think that their splendid example has been widely commented upon, and may stimulate others to do likewise. It was a special pleasure to Mrs. Boynton and myself to have your son Robert in our home during the meetings. He was, you may remember, at the Meadville school when we were there together.
      We have often spoken of our pleasant sojourn at Lithia Springs. I rejoice to know that the Chautauqua has justified many of your hopes and has enjoyed a good degree of prosperity this last season.
                       —RICHARD W. BOYNTON

J. L. Brandt

....and the International Health Association at Lithia (appeared 1901)

John L. Brandt, said to be pastor of the largest Christian (or Disciples) congregation in the world.
The benevolent body of philanthropists and leading physicians of Europe and America will be well represented at our Assembly by a corps of instructors sent by the special direction of Dr. J. H. Kellogg, Supt. of the world famous Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich.

Miss Marie C. Brehm (1897)

...Superintendent of Franchise of the National W. C. T. U. and State Supt. of W. C. T. U. Institutes.
Marie C. Brehm (CA) was a suffragette and the first legally qualified female vice-presidential candidate.
Miss Brehm will conduct a School of Methods, or Institute, at the Assembly from August 8 to 15, inclusive. She will be assisted by Mrs. Mary Metzgar, of Moline, State Supt. of Law Enforcement; Mrs. M. K. West, of Edwardsville, President of this 18th District; Mrs. Ella Stewart, of Bloomington, (wife of Rev. O. W. Stewart), State Supt. of Temperance Literature; Mrs. Eva Munson Smith of Springfield, author of “Women in Sacred Song;” Mrs. Barbara R. Atkinson and Mr. A. C. Folsom, with stereopticon views, and Prof. Burchit as musical director. (July 1896)

Miss Bessie Brown

Of Shelbyville accompanist (appeared 1901)

Rev. George M. Brown

Field Secretary of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle and the "Mother" Chautauqua System of Education of the United States (1897, 1898, 1899)

(1899) will be the third season Dr. Brown has conducted the impressive Chautauqua Vesper Service at our assembly. Each time the crowd of those who respect and love him greatly increases, and this season the Field Secretary (of the Mother Chautauqua) will be greeted by a large class of CLSC which he organized last assembly.

The Brownies Whispers (1920)

W. A. Brubaker

Of Peoria, Superintendent of Prohibition Work in the Galesburg District (appeared 1901)

Hon. Wm. J. Bryan (appeared 1899 and 1918)

A popular orator who spoke at numerous chautauquas across the country.

“It is a significant fact that many prominent chautauqua workers and popular lyceum talent did receive their first introduction to the Chautauqua world at Lithia Springs. We cannot now name all. But among them are...

...Ex.-Sec. of State, William Jennings Bryan, made one of his first speeches to a Chautauqua Assembly at Lithia.” OBW July 1915

1918 report: "The program began with Hon. W. J. Bryan, June 30, 1918. He had an audience of between 1,500 and 2,000 despite muddy roads and threatening clouds. He made a great speech. Many who had heard him often said the best they ever heard him make." OBW Sept. 1918

Frank P. Burchit, A. B. (1897)

Principal of Ridge Farm, (Illinois) schools. Mr. Burchit’s brother, Rev. James A., served in the assembly very acceptably three years ago as the director of the Windsor Male Quartette. This brother, now pastor of the Methodist Church at Mason City, Ill., (and by the way a popular autoharp soloist and lecturer) tells us that Frank received instruction under his father, Prof. J. P. Burchit, who is one of the best teachers in Illinois, until he entered Central Normal College, Indiana, where he graduated, and has since earned a high reputation as one of the most successful young teachers of this state. He is also an excellent singer. He was first tenor in the famous “B. B’ Quartette, second tenor in the Central Normal College Male Quartette, tenor and director of The Burchit Quartette of Indiana, the tenor also in the “Burchit Family” of Illinois. He has been connected with a number of bands and orchestras, some of which he has directed. The brother James A., insists that Frank is the better singer and musician of the two, and this is saying a good deal, as many of our readers know. They are both Christian gentlemen, sociable and affable. We congratulate ourselves on having Prof. Frank P. Burchit with us (in 1896)

Mrs. Dr. Lulu Teachout Burden (appeared 1900, 1901)

Among the representatives of the Sanitarium at Battle Creek will be Mrs. Dr. Lulu Teachout Burden. Dr. Burden’s name was Teachout when at Lithia in 1900. She will be very pleasantly remembered by our campers. She is an able doctor, a Cooking School Teacher, and a member of the International Lecture Bureau for the Health Association. Dr. Burden will also act as physician for the guests on the ground.

Mrs. Anna Sneed Cairns

President of Forest Park University, St. Louis. (1897)

One of the high recommendations of this remarkable woman is the fact that she has been for 36 years president of this university, so widely known for the education of women. This magnificent school now has 22 professors. It gives a full college course as well as preparatory department, and is up to date in all science, art, literature, etc. Col. Sobieski’s only living child (a daughter) is one of the bright students there, and will accompany Mrs. Cairns in camp. Mrs. Cairns will give addresses on Educational and Prohibition Days.

Dr. J. W. Caldwell

Principal of LeClaire Academy of Edwardsville, Ill.(1897, 1898)

...while a man of modest pretensions is one of the most scholarly who has appeared on Lithia Springs platform. He has been a prime mover in social settlement work in St. Louis in other educational enterprises.

Prof. M. S. Calvin of Beatrice, Neb. (appeared 1900, 1901)

...has served as musical director and chorister in churches and schools. It is well known that Prof. Calvin created great enthusiasm in his class (in 1900) at Lithia. He will be our chorus leader (during the 1901) season also.

Rev. C. W. Caseley

Of Illinois, formerly of Kansas (appeared 1901)

Frank R. Cattern

Director of the Bureau of Extension of Chautauqua (appeared 1901)

...assisted by his wife, will give a stereopticon lecture at Lithia Springs, entitled as above. The lecture explains the history, growth and meaning of the Chautauqua movement and idea by “Picture and Story,” and is illustrated by over 150 beautiful views, many of them colored. Scenes of foreign travel, history, literature and art, which illustrate the studies of the CLSC courses, together with pictures showing Chautauqua books, diplomas, circles and graduating classes, are thrown on the screen to fine effect by a powerful lantern. Mrs. Cattern operates the lantern and intersperses several readings through the lecture. She is a graduate of the Emerson College of Oratory, Boston. All friends of the “Chautauqua movement” should hear this lecture, which comes to us with the official sanctum and endorsement of the original Chautauqua. Lithia Springs is greatly favored and feels honored by this visit and exhibit from the parent Chautauqua.

Senator George D. Chafee (appeared 1915)

"Everything, except the sordid aim to accumulate money, here has had its highest and best at Lithia Springs." OBW 1915

Miss Olivia Kate Chafee (appeared in 1898)

Shelbyville native studying at the New England Conservatory

Mrs. Laura Ormiston Chant of England (appeared 1901)

Chant spoke at the World's Parliament of Religions during the Columbian Exposition 1893 where she spoke on "The Real Religion Today." She read an original poem, "The World's Parliament: He Hath made of One All Nationso fthe Earth."

Rev. Almira S. Cheney

Universalist Minister, Abingdon, Ill. Also served the Greenup Circuit in Illinois.

"Rev. Almira S. Cheney Pays Tribute to "Hannah's" Memory at Lithia Springs"
In her remarks at the funeral (of Hannah Turner) Rev. Miss Cheney (Universalist minister of Abingdon, Ill.), in speaking of "Aunt Hannah's" good life and helpfulness to others, spoke of her service at Lithia as follows:
Another source of delight to her and another field of service was Lithia Springs and Chautauqua. You all know of her long connection with Lithia and the joy with which she served in that field of the Master's Vineyard. She knew by experience, from the very beginning of the Chautauqua, the mental and spiritual uplift to be obtained there and she was eager to have everyone enjoy its blessings. If she could speak to us today undoubtedly she would say that her life had been enriched at Lithia, that her mental horizon had been widened, that her knowledge of God and her sympathetic interest in people had been increased by her yearly sojourns at this shrine of truth and righteousness. And because she was conscious of its uplifting helpfulness she was always a true friend to Lithia. I shall never forget her kindness and generous hospitality extended to me at one of the assemblies when I was guest at her cottage.

Miss Anna Louise Chesney (appeared 1901)

Graduate of the Dr. William G. Anderson School (Yale University); studied under the late Mrs. Milward Adams of the School of Expression (Chicago).

Photos of her class are online in the Traveling Culture project.

...will again have charge of the Physical Culture Department. Her work has been so acceptable to our patrons for the past years that we have risked increased expense in order to secure her service this time. The tuition is very low for this class of work and our patrons should take advantage of it. In addition to her teaching she will give an exhibition of electric club swinging.

Miss Emily Chesney (appeared 1901)

Kindergarten Supervisor

“That Kindergarten conducted by Miss Emily Chesney, assisted by those nice young ladies, Miss Ada Burke and Miss Ione Davis, is the prettiest school at Lithia Assembly. the little ones seem so very happy! And then, they learn so many good things in morals and manners. O, why don’t more parents see that their little tots are in the kindergarten!”
The substance of the above remark has been often heard during years past on these grounds. The manager felt that this prettiest, best school at the assembly must be kept up, even at extra cost, and so Miss Chesney, the popular favorite of little folks, comes again for the third season.

Chicago Glee Club (appeared 1901)

Duncan Clark (appeared 1919)

Red Cross representative from Chicago

J. M . Clary, A. B., L.L. B. (appeared 1901)

President of Greer College in Hoopeston, Ill.

...a popular educator well known to many teachers and County School Superintendents of Illinois. As a lecturer he has excellent testimonials from the press and from Teachers Institutes. Dr. Clary comes to our Assembly for the 1901 season for the first time and will give his lecture on “The School House, New and Old.”

Father James M. Cleary (1896)

President of the Catholic Total Abstaince [sic] Society of America

Born in Dedham, Mass., in 1849. His parents moved to Wisconsin when he was quite young. He early espoused the cause of total abstinence and became a close friend and co-worker with the Most Rev. Archbishop Ireland.
Father Clearly is a grand man, now in his prime. He may be called the Father Matthew of the temperance reform in this country.
Cleary spoke at the World's Parliament of Religions at hte Columbian Exposition in 1893 on the topic of "Religion and Labor."

Prof. Camden M. Cobern, D. D. (1913)

Thoburn Chair of English Bible and Philosophy of Religion, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pa.
"Dr. Cobern is known on both continents as the man who discovered the "bricks without straw" which the Israelites made in Egyptian bondage. He was with the world's most famous excavator, Dr. W. M. Fliners Petrie, visiting him, while he was digging up several cities in Egypt and Palestine." "Camden M. Cobern," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Josephine Garis Cochrane

Thanks to trivia buffs, Josephine remains a historical fixture for having invented a dishwasher eventually bearing the KitchenAid name.

William Apperson Cochrane

When the time came to build the one and only Unitarian church in Shelbyville, Ill., the first person to come forward, the first person to sign the membership book and spearhead the building fund was William Cochran. He lived a long and fascinating life in spite of being crippled for life following a tragic accident when he left the safety of the prairie to seek his fortune during the Gold Rush.
Jasper Douthit spoke at Cochran's eulogy. The text of Cochran's obituary appears on the Shelby County Trail, compliments of The Jasper Douthit Project.

William A. Connelly (1898)

Arthur M. Conrad

Of Bloomington, Superintendent of Prohibition Work in the Bloomington District (appeared 1901)

Rev. John S. Cook D. D.

Of Galesburg, Ill. (1897, 1899, 1901, 1918)

...State Supt. of Gospel Work for Universalists and President of the Young People’s Christian Union of Illinois, will tent on the ground with his family, and lend a hand in all good work. We first met Dr. Cook when he was a youthful and much loved teacher of a district school in Southern Illinois. He became a popular physician and is now a leading gospel minister of the State and preaches even more eloquently by his daily conduct and character than by his words. To know Dr. Cook is to esteem and love him.
Rev. Cook conducted Nature Study Classes.
Lombard University, of Galesburg, Ill., did itself credit... in conferring upon Dr. Cook the title of Doctor of Divinity.

In 1918, "Dr. Cook's visit to the assembly was not anticipated. His coming was a happy surpise to the people. By urgent request he gave an impromptu and very instructive address, and strong plea for the protection of the birds. He said "to destroy all the birds in America would cause famine and bring ruin to the whole country."" OBW 1918

Rev. Chas. A. Crane, D. D. (appeared 1901)

...pastor of the...Saratoga Street M. E. Church, East Boston. Dr. Crane is one of the most powerful orators in the M. E. church. His speech on the temperance question before the New York City conference is said to have been surprisingly eloquent.

The Crystals, America's National Jubilee Singers led by George Goebel (1896)

William H. Dana (1899)

Dr. Eugene Davenport (1898, 1901)

...Dean of the College of Agriculture in the University of Illinois, will give a lecture of rare value to farmers. A gentleman of high position in our state who has known Dr. Davenport long and well, writes us that he is “a very intelligent and well-educated gentleman, a practical farmer himself,a nd at the same time a trained investigator and an excellent manager of men.” Every farmer in Central Illinois ought to become acquainted with this representative of the University of Illinois.
...(he is) Director of the (University of Illinois) Agricultural Experimental Station, is a practical farmer with a head full of good common sense. He is to be congratulated on his success in securing for our State University the much needed appropriation for greatly increased benefits to the farming interests of Illinois. The magnificent new agricultural building, dedicated May 21, 1901, is largely the result of this wise man's untiring efforts.

"Several members of the University of Illinois faculty have given service to Lithia Springs enterprise. Prof. Davenport, Dean of the Agricultural School has often lectured at the Chautauqua Assemblies on Farmers Day." OBW 1915

Davies Opera Co. (1920)

Rev. Chas S. Dean (appeared 1901)

Of Chicago, Superintendent of Prohibition Work in the Rockford District

B. P. Dearing (appeared 1901)

Rev. Dr. Austin K. De Blois

President of Shurtleff College (1897)

...Upper Alton, Illinois. Col. Sobieski introduced Dr. De Blois to the assembly last season as the youngest president of a college in America, he being then only 29 years old. (Shurtleff College is one of the oldest educational institutions in this state.) Nevertheless, President de Blois is one of the most mature scholars and graceful orators. His address on Christian Unity Day last season will be remembered as one of the most finished in rhetoric and broad and beautiful in spirit.

Decatur Herald Drum Corps (appeared 1920)

Father Jean Baptist de Ville (appeared 1918)

Prof. Samuel Dickie (1897)

...has held the office of National Chairman of the Prohibition party for nearly ten years. The ten years previous to that was Professor of Astronomy in Albion College. He is at present also Mayor of the city of Albion, Mich. He was elected to that office last year on the prohibition ticket by a good majority over the combined opposition of Republicans, Democrats and Populists.

Miss Mary Dickinson (appeared 1915)

Graduate of the School of Expression of Boston under a most competent teacher, Miss Marie Ware Laughton.
The past few years she has spent in valuable, practical experience on the platform as reader and second alto with Ariel Ladies' and the Boston Ladies' Quartettes, in which work she is most successful.

Brigadier General Frank S. Dickson (appeared 1918)

Adjutant General of Illinois

Senator Jonathan Prentiss Dolliver of Iowa

Lecturer with the Central Lyceum Bureau

"J. P. entered the (Morgantown, W.V.) schools... at thirteen he passed into the freshman class of State University (of West Virginia) and four years later he graduated. He read law and taught school, was admitted to the bar in 1878, came to Iowa in 1881 and settled at Fort Dodge. Since then his growing fame as an orator, and as a Congressman is part of the pride and present history of the state."

Dr. Earl Downer (appeared 1918)

Noted Red Cross War Surgeon.

Rev. Miss Anna Downy

Illinois State Evangelist of the W.C.T.U. (1896)

Mrs. S. E. V. Emery

Of Michigan author and leading labor reformer (appeared 1891)

...she was the first speaker to take the stage at Lithia Springs Chautauqua.

Ewing College Trio of singers (appeared 1901)

"Mike" Fanning

Irish labor orator

Miss Ivah Fear (1898, 1901)

Of Assumption, Ill. accompanist

Col. James Felter

Rev. & Prof. W. W. Fenn

Of Harvard University (appeared 1897)

Noted Unitarian divine of Chicago, Lecturer to Harvard University and non-resident Professor of Meadville Theological School.

William P. F. Ferguson

Editor of The New Voice, Chicago (appeared 1901)

He is managing editor of the leading prohibition weekly of the world, with 150,000 or more readers.

Ferguson's Dixie Jubilee Concert Company (appeared 1918)

Ulysses G. Fletcher, B. E.

Of Westfield College (appeared 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1918)

Teacher of Vocal Music, Expression and Physical Culture at Westfield College, (Fletcher) is a graduate with honors of the Ralston Health University of Washington, D. C.
He teaches more than 100 different exercises, all to the time of music, thus making very pretty class drills and splendid physical training.

Charles Montaville Flowers (1898, 1899)

Graduated Ohio Normal University, A.B. 1890 and A.M. 1893; graduated Cincinnati College of Music 1894; taught elocution and oratory in latter, 1893-4; in Cincinnati College of Law, 1894-5; organized and for four years served as Chairman of University Extension Courses, University of Cincinnati." "Charles Montaville Flowers," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Albert C. Folsom (1896, 1897, Served as General Superintendent in 1899)

There was never a more popular and instructive series of entertainments given in this region than Mr. Folsom’s stereopticon illustrations at Lithia Springs Assembly last August. Therefore he was one of the very first engaged by the manager for next August. There are no finer views in existence than those given by Mr. Folsom. They are projected by a powerful Drummund Calcium Light Dissolving Stereopticon, and give satisfaction to the immense audiences everywhere. Those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance last season need no introduction to Mr. Folsom.

Rev. Henry Wilder Foote, Jr. (1913)

Missionary Secretary of the Department of Education of the American Unitarian Association.

Rev. W. J. Frazer (1898, 1899)

Presbyterian minister from Brazil, Ind.

Miss Charlotte French (1896, 1898)

Violinist

Miss Lucy Page Gaston (appeared 1901)

Vice President of the National Anti-Cigarette League and Founder and Superintendent of the Chicago Anti-Cigarette League.

There are few names more famous to social reformers in Illinois than this one. Miss Gaston is most highly esteemed and loved by thousands of good people for her unselfish and heroic service to tempted humanity.
“There is little as yet worth telling of my life. My Huguenot and Revolutionary blood compel me to take a little hand in present day reforms. Besides standing out against the liquor forces at Harvey when an attempt was made to invade our prohibition territory, my principal work has been in helping crystallize sentiment on the cigarette vile.”
It was Miss Gaston who plead so eloquently and effectively with our legislators for an anti-cigarette law to save our boys. Shame on the few members who by some trick defeated the passage of that law.

Rev. David Gay (1896)

Of Decatur, Ill.

Dr. Carolyn E. Geisel (appeared 1900 but had to cancel in 1901; appeared in 1916)

Apostle of Health, Battle Creek Sanitarium; member of The Flying Squadron

"Dr. Carolyn E. Geisel, physician, surgeon, educator, philanthropist is a devoted lover of little children and sincere servant of her sex. Born in Michigan of German parentage, her father was her first tutor, and to him she owes the love of science as well as the large humanitarianism which led her into the study and practise of medicine.
Dr. Geisel is a regular physician, a graduate of the Medical Department of the University of Michigan, and, in addition to a liberal academic education, has received two other medical diplomas and has pursued advanced medical studies in the schools and laboratories of Europe.
In 1895, she accepted a place on the staff of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. From 1897 to 1900 she devoted herself to rescue work in the slums of the world's largest cities. In 1900 she began her lecture work. In 1912 she again added to the scope of her work by establishing in a Southern college for women a Chair of Health, to which she was called by the college." "Dr. Carolyn E. Geisel," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

By special request of the management, speaking for the hundreds of good people who learned to love and admire her (in 1900), Dr. Geisel is expected to return this season also.

“It is a significant fact that many prominent chautauqua workers and popular lyceum talent did receive their first introduction to the Chautauqua world at Lithia Springs. We cannot now name all. But among them are...

...Dr. Carolyn Geisel, M.D., of Battle Creek Sanitarium, Mich., was the first representative of any sanitarium in this country to speak from a chautauqua platform, and this was at Lithia Springs. Surely no one has done more good work here for the prevention of disease and sound health, and none more wanted to return. Dr. Geisel is continually in demand both winter and summer at chautauquas.” OBW July 1915

Evangelist Paul J. Gilbert (1899)

Clark E. Gilhousen Photographer (1897)

...a first-class Photographer of many years' experience. He will have a complete photographic studio at the camp and will be prepared to execute all kinds of work in that line in the highest style of the art and at reasonable prices. He will make a specialty of camp scenes and views as well as of groups and studio sittings.

Goodman's Band (appeared 1918)

Oldest incorporated band in Illinois, from Decatur, Ill. Formerly the 4th Illinois Regimental Band.

Gen. John B. Gordon

Senator and former general, representative of local Confederate Soldiers (1898)

... served as Georgia senator 1873-1880 and 1891-97. He served as Georgia governor 1886-1890.

Mrs. Helen M. Gougar (1896)

Hon. John Temple Graves (1899)

"In 1908, he was the candidate of the Independent Party for Vice- President. Beyond this he has never sought political preferment. But he has charmed and inspired hundreds of platforms of politics and literature and patriotism.
He is famous and beloved for his own exquisite gifts and graces — the magic of his pen which in the editorial chair of the great newspapers of the country has spoken daily for almost 20 years to nearly 20 millions of people and held them continually by his genius and character — for the entrancing charm of his eloquent tongue — for his information, for his philosophy, for his fervent patriotism — and for the golden heart of the man." "Hon. John Temple Graves," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Rev. Andrew Gray

...late of Boston, Mass. and pastor of Episcopal Church of Mattoon, Ill.

Mrs. Carrie L. Grout (1896, 1897)

Of Rockford, Ill., Vice President of the State W. C. T. U.

...one of the most talented, active and popular W. C. T. U. workers of the state. She (was) editor of the State organ, The Watch Tower. She was elected to succeed Mrs. Daisy Hubbard Carlock Pollitt as Vice-President of the State W. C. T. U.
... she is on the Illinois State Epworth League Lecture Bureau.

Attorney General Howland J. Hamlin (1895, 1896)

Hamlin and his wife were avid supporters of Lithia Springs and owned a summer cottage on the grounds.

Mrs. Howland J. Hamlin (1918)

Director of Bird and Mercy to Animals Day in 1918
Mrs. Hamlin was a Shelbyville resident.

Miss Helen Hamilton (appeared 1918)

Miss Hamilton, of Chicago, a playwright and art lecturer represented the Woman's Council of National Defesne in 1918.

"We were glad to learn that Miss Hamilton is a close friend of Miss Gertrude Sunderland, the daughter of Dr. J. T. Sunderland and Rev. Eliza Sunderland, both of whom have given services at Lithia which were most highly appreciated. They are both very pleasantly remembered here." OBW 1918

Rev. A. H. Harnly

Baptist Minister from Auburn, Ill.

Lecturer for the Anti-Saloon League of Illinois, was one of the "first and most welcome lecturers at Lithia Springs Chautauqua."

Capt. D. H. Harts

Prohibition candidate for governor of Illinois (1896)

Hawaiian Quintet (appeared 1918)

Rev. Fred V. Hawley (1900 and 1901)

Of Louisville, Ky.
Brother Hawley has...accepted a loud call to become pastor of the old Unitarian Church at Louisville, Ky., to which the saintly and learned James Freeman Clarke and our beloved John H. Heywood ministered for many years. Mr. Haley will speak at Lithia on “The Sanctities of Life.”

Miss Ruth Hemenway, dramatic reader (1913)

Miss Ruth Hemenway presents only those works which are worth while. Her "plays with a message" are selected from the best modern dramas dealing with the problems of the day in a popular manner.
Miss Hemenway has created more demand than she can supply for her "religious monologues" in place of the sermon in the church service. There are no more effective sermons than "The Sign of the Cross," "The Sky Pilot," "Black Rock" or "The Down of a Tomorrow." (OBW)

Knowles A. Hite

Tenor with the Big Four Quartet

Mrs. Clara C. Hoffman (1896, 1897, 1898, 1899)

Of Kansas City, Mo., Recording Secretary of the National Woman's Christian Union and president of the Missouri State WCTU.

Mrs. Hoffman stands among the leading women of power in the world today. She scarcely has a peer on the rostrum. With a great motherly nature and a long life experience she knows how to sympathize with and help all who have trodden the winepress of trial and sorrow. She is greatly loved by all who know her. Those who have met her at Lithia Springs will rejoice to greet her again and will bring many more with them on that White Ribbon Day. (1896)

Mr. Erving Homrighous (1901)

Of Shelbyville, Ill.

... local businessman who served as Sunday music director during Assembly.

Rev. H. H. Honeycutt (appeared 1915)

Baptist Pastor from Ahoskie, N.C.

Miss Helen Hood (1898)

Editor of the Watch Tower

Hoosier Male Quartette (1891)

Roland Schafer, Henry Backemeyer, Charles Daugherty and Francis Perkins.

Rev. George K. Hoover (Humane Society and Children's Day, 1896)

Of Chicago, General Superintendent of the National Children's Home

E. M. Hopkins

Of Shelbyville

...served as Music Director at Lithia Assembly in 1898 and Sunday music director during Assembly in 1901

Miss Georgie Hopkins (appeared in 1898, 1901, 1913)

Our Shelbyville CLSC study class, with Miss Georgia Hopkins, President, has the credit at headquarters of being one of the largest and most active in the country. With Miss Hopkins at Lithia, a very interesting time for all Chautauqua students is assured.
Miss Hopkins also served as piano accompanist for Lithia Assembly. When the Sparks College opened in Shelbyville, she became the first music school faculty.

“It is a significant fact that many prominent chautauqua workers and popular lyceum talent did receive their first introduction to the Chautauqua world at Lithia Springs. We cannot now name all. But among them are...

...Miss Georgie Hopkins of this city, who has done good C.L.S.C. and Round Table work for many years at Lithia and other places and is engaged this season by “Mother” Chautauqua." OBW July 1915

Clinton N. Howard (1910, 1913)

Prohibition Orator
"Clinton N. Howard comes of a long line of heroic Quaker ancestry, who were preachers, abolitionists, reformers and statesmen for many generations. He is descended from John Howard, the prison reformer, and Sir John Howard, Lord Treasurer, who commanded the British Army at Flodden Field, when the Scots were routed and James IV slain. Sir John Howard was a Progressive in his day, and suffered an imprisonment of three years in the Tower of London for advocating reforms disapproved by the crown.
"He has delivered over 50 lectures in his home city (Rochester, NY) in the last fifteen years, his audiences composed chiefly of men, overflowing the largest churches and auditoriums. He is officially related to the New York Civic League, the American Sabbath Association, the National Temperance Society, the American Civic Reform Union, the International Reform Bureau, and others." "Clinton N. Howard," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Gen. O. O. Howard (1898)

Representative of local Union Soldiers

Mr. A. O. Hunsaker (1897)

...the Singing “Christian” evangelist, of Liberty, Illinois, where he was born twenty-three years ago, and brought upon a farm. He has a natural genius for music, both vocal and instrumental. When only a child he could successfully perform on several instruments. He can play on anything. At fifteen years of age, he lead and played in several of the leading bands throughout Illinois. Studied two years in Quincy Conservatory of Music under the direction of Mary L. Adams, vocalist, of Boston. He is a fine tenor soloist as well as leader in song. He leads with the cornet.

John G. Iliff (appeared 1901)

Of Ewing, DuQuoin District Prohibitionist

Ambrose Jeffries (appeared 1915)

Ventriloquist and Monologist

Hon. W.R. Jewell (appeared 1901)

Editor of the Danville News

Hon. Hale Johnson (1896 and 1901)

...of Newton, Ill., is one of the honest and able lawyers of the country. He is an upright and straightforward man in every respect, and commands the high regard of his fellow citizens of all parties. He is an elder in the Christian Church and a most eloquent advocate of national reform.
Chairman of the State Prohibition Executive committee is a born leader among men, especially in temperance reform. He is about the most popular representative of the National Prohibition Party. As candidate for Vice-President on that ticket, he won high respect from men of all parties. An honest and very able lawyer, he is also a devout disciple of the great Master in morals and religion. He is an active member of the “Christian” church and an eloquent speaker.

"Pussyfoot" Johnson (1920)

Temperance Reformer

Dr. Jenkin Lloyd Jones

Dr. Jones at Lithia Sunday, July 26, 1915
Dr. Jones goes early in July to his Summer Home annual assembly, Tower Hill, Wis.; and from there he will come to Lithia Springs to give an address on Sunday, July 25th, under the auspices fo the Carnegie Peace Foundation. OBW July 1915

Rev. Sam P. Jones (1896, 1897, 1898)

Introducing Rev. Sam P. Jones to the Assembly (in 1895), Col. Sobieski said that somebody had divided humanity into three classes, namely (1) civilized; (2) uncivilized, and (3) Sam Jones. It is universally conceded that there is not another man like him in the world. Be he is, nevertheless, one of the noblest works of God—an honest man.
He promised us while at breakfast that last morning he was with us, to come again (in 1896) and ... thousands will hear him again gladly.

Mrs. Mabel Hooper-Keen (1898)

Vocalist from Mattoon, Ill.

Dr. J. H. Kellogg

...of Battle Creek Sanitarium agreed to appear but it is not yet documented that he appeared in person, although several of his staff conducted classes in healthy living

Dr. D. C. Kelly

Of Tennessee

Prof. C. E. Kemp (appeared in 1901 and at least twice before, 1918)

Of the Columbian School of Oratory in Chicago

He already stands high in his profession as instructor in elocution, reciter and impersonator. Mr. Kemp will give his popular monologue, “Seven Oaks,” adapted from J. G. Holland’s story of that name. This story is intensely interesting and abounds in quaint humor and tender pathos.

“It is a significant fact that many prominent chautauqua workers and popular lyceum talent did receive their first introduction to the Chautauqua world at Lithia Springs. We cannot now name all. But among them are...

Mr. Everett Kemp, who as a reciter and impersonator is now in great demand all over the land....” OBW July 1915

Ada Miser Kepley (Humane Society and Children's Day Aug 19, 1896)

Rev. Ada Miser Kepley, of Effingham, Illinois, was ordained by Jasper L. Douthit in the above church. You'll find her biography in the Dictionary of UU Biography.
The site of Kepley's farm is now known as Wildcat Hollow State Forest. Third-graders from Ms. Lewis' class in nearby Edgewood have created a Museum in the Classroom Project called Animals in Wildcat Hollow.

Hon. L. H. Kerrick (1899)

Of Bloomington, Ill.

Rev. Leander Keyser (1898)

Pastor of the College Church, Atchison, Kan.

...author of very popular books on birds. His “In Bird Land” and other works are highly commended by such periodicals as The Atlantic Monthly and The Journal of Education. D. Appleton & Co., N.Y., publish this season Mr. Keyser’s new book, “News from the Birds.” His lecture at our assembly on “The Charming Ways of Birds,” will be beautifully illustrated by stereopticon.

Mrs. Bertha Kunz-Baker (see Baker)

Mrs. Leonora M. Lake (1896, 1897, 1898, 1901)

Vice President of the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America
    No one has spoken oftener or is more welcome than this devout catholic sister.

"She married when quite young and was widowed within ten years. With three children looking to her for the necessaries of life, work was an imperative demand. Precipitated thus suddenly into an hitherto unkown field, she became deeply interested in the conditions under which toiled the great industrial army of our land and soon developed into a champion of woking women and children.
   The Knights of Labor... appealed forcibly to her... because of the plank in its platform principles demanding "equal pay for equal work." Under the auspices of this organization —which created for her the office of general investigator of the condition of wage-earning women and children — she was launched into public service. While an incumbent of this office she drafted the bill which afterwards became the Factory Inspection Law of Pennsylvania. This office of General Investigator of Women's Work (was) created for her by the Knights of Labor.
   ... For fifteen years she has been honored with official position in the Catholic Total abstinence Union of America, and four years ago the White Ribbon Women of Illinois honored her by making her an honorary member of the National body."
"Leonora M. Lake," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

“It is a significant fact that many prominent chautauqua workers and popular lyceum talent did receive their first introduction to the Chautauqua world at Lithia Springs. We cannot now name all. But among them are...

...Mrs. Leonora M. Lake as Vie president of the Woman Catholic Total Abstinence Society of America. She was the first Catholic woman, so far as the editor can learn, to speak on the chautauqua platform, and she first spoke at Lithia, where she has been recalled again and again and gladly welcomed by increased audiences.” OBW July 1915

Hon. James Lamont (1897)

...editor of that vigorous Illinois State Prohibition weekly, The Lever, of Chicago, one of the ablest reform papers in the United States. Mr. Lamont is the only man ever elected to the Illinois legislature on a straight Prohibition ticket. He is one of the wise statesmen, and popular qualities. He will be remembered very kindly as a camper and speaker at Lithia Springs when he was Prohibition candidate for Lieut. Governor.

Mrs. Mary T. Lathrop

President Leavitt

Of Ewing College

Hon. Robert M. Link

Founder of Ewing College and Prohibition candidate for governor of Illinois

Lithia Springs Orchestra (1898, 1899, 1900, 1901)

...included Shelby County residents Prof. W. H. Taylor, Director; Prof. J. E. Clavadetchser, cellist; Prof. Carl McKee and Prof. John Buechler, first violins; Chas J. Taylor, second violin; Milo Homrighous, clarinet; Otis Matheny, slide trombone; Robert Homrighous, basso and Miss Myrtle Taylor Piano.

Col. Sol L. Long (appeared 1915)

Attorney for the International Chiropractic Association and editor of their official magazine.
"He is a big-hearted man from of the people and a lover of nature. His subjects will be "Standing on a Dime," "Irish Poetry" and "The Gethsemane of Genius." OBW 1915

Dr. L. C. Lord

President of Eastern Illinois University (1899)

Governor Lowden (appeared in 1918)

Governor of Illinois

Rev. Dr. Carlos Martyn (1896 Humane Society and Children's Day, 1897)

Eminent writer, Author, Preacher, Reformer and Platform Orator. The Chicago Times-Herald for Monday, June 14, 1897, contains a finely illustrated page entitled: “New July 4th for 1897.” The page has pictures of six representative Americans with their best words for Independence Day. One of these six noted men is Dr. Carlos Martyn.

Rev. L. Walter Mason (appeared 1901)

...was the man (whom) the Unitarians of Pittsburgh, Pa., insisted must be their pastor to succeed Chas. E. St. John on his election as Missionary Secretary of the American Unitarian Association. A graduate of the Meadville Theological School in 1886, Mr. Mason organized and served the church at Union City, Pa., for about three years. He was afterward settled over the First Church of Brookfield, Mass., and then was minister for eight years to old First Church of Gloucester, Mass., organized in 1642, being about the oldest church in America. Mr. Mason is a man of most noble character and charming address, and a consecrated minister. The manager feels sure that everybody at Lithia Assembly will be pleased to know Brother Mason and to hear him speak... on “The Coming of the Year of Jubilee.”

Senator William E. Mason (1896, 1898, 1899, 1901)

Illinois Senator

Washington, D. C., June 1, 1897.
Rev. J. L. Douthit, Shelbyville, Ill.
My Dear Friend: — I most sincerely hope to have my arrangements made so I can be with you this summer. The work you are doing is simply grand noble. I never heard more unselfish and charitable words than I heard at your last Chautauqua. Each hour seemed full of new and interesting things, and so long as Col. John Sobieski is to be with you it is guaranty that everything will run smoothly and every one will have a fair show. I want to come and talk to you a little about Cuba, International arbitration, etc.
Very sincerely yours,
Wm. E. Mason

Prof. Shailer Mathews (appeared 1901)

Prof. Shailer Mathews is Dean of the Divinity School of The Chicago University, in the Department of New Testament: Literature and Interpretation. He has published several volumes: “Select Mediaeval Documents”; “French Revolution” (used by Chautauqua Reading Circle, 1901); “Social Teaching of Jesus”; “History of New Testament Times in Palestine”; (and with Prof. Burton) “Constructive Studies in the Life of Christ.” Our Chautauqua is very fortunate in securing Prof. Mathews.

See also "Shailer Mathews," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Mattoon Military Band (appeared 1901)

Bishop C. C. McCabe (appeared 1899)

Civil War chaplain and Methodist Episcopal bishop; in 1902, became chancellor of American University, Washington, D.C.

...or “Chaplain,” as thousands of people from east to west, love to call him, is one of the best known and most loved men in America. His services in the Civil War began a remarkable career of usefulness which few men can boast of. He that is now Bishop McCabe gave one of the first addresses ever made on the Fourth of July at Lithia; and this will be his third visit to these grounds. It was he who first suggested to the manager the idea for a great annual interdenominational summer assembly. Now in the greatness of his mind and heart, and in the spirit of Jesus he comes a third time to Lend a Hand with all people who would make that grand idea real and permanent for coming generations.

Prof. L. A. McIntyre (appeared 1915)

The Mendelssohn Male Quartette (appeared 1899)

J. Lincoln Newhall, Maldwyn Evans, Howard Stewart Barnett, Urban Leo Alkire

See "Mendelssohn Male Quartette and Chicago Concert Company: Frank Bennett, director," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Metropolitan Glee Club (appeared 1918)

Mrs. Mary Metzgar (1897)

Of Moline, Ill., WCTU State Supt. of Law Enforcement

Rev. Henrietta G. Moore (appeared 1891)

Of Springfield, Ohio

Prof. W. Blanchard Moore (appeared 1915)

"The world has stood aghast at the cruelty of Russia as practised upon her helpless subjects. Although Russia boasts of no capital punishment, yet the punishment in Siberian prisons is a thousand-fold worse than death. The pictures and graphic description of the hidden secrets of Darkest Russia have everywhere received the strongest commendation of both the press and public. Mr. Moore delivers his lecture dressed as a convict exile, wearing the clothing, chains, fetters and wig showing the right half of the head shaved, which distinguishes a murder from other criminals.
While in Russia Mr. Blanchard Moore was entertained as an honored guest at the home of the great Russian philosopher and writer, Count Leo Tolstoi.
While the visit of others was limited to a short interview, and they were fortunate to get one picture, Mr. Moore remained as a guest for four days and took fifteen pictures of the Count, his family and surroundings. As these pictures were taken shortly before the Count's death and are the only ones of his everyday life, they are very valuable." OBW 1915

See also "W. Blanchard Moore," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Mrs. Morrison (appeared 1918)

Equal Suffrage Association of Chicago, president.

Dr. S. M. Morton (1898)

Pastor of Presbyterian Church in Effingham, Ill.

Rev. E. C. Mullen (1916)

Pastor of Christian Church in Mattoon, Ill.

President C. Elwood Nash

Of Lombard University

N.O. Nelson (appeared 1899)

Philanthropist of St. Louis

    Perhaps no business firm in the west is better known than N. O. Nelson Manufacturing Co., St. Louis. The name N. O. Nelson is engraved on the plumbing goods, hydrants, etc., in Shelbyville and other towns where there are waterworks. The Company's headquarters is an immense five story building on the corner of 8th and Charles Streets, St. Louis. It has branch factories also at Leclaire and Mound City, Ill. Mr. Nelson is not only at the head of this among the most helpful manufactories of the country, but he is a most practical Christian and great friend of the working classes. Like Mayor Jones of Toledo, O., Mr. Nelson endeavors to practice the Golden Rule with his employees. In this spirit and under the inspiration and advice of Dr. Edward E. Hale, the Nelson Company founded the Social Settlement, a suburb of Edwardsville called Leclaire, in Illinois, 18 miles northeast of St. Louis. The village of Leclaire is built upon a tract of 125 acres of land.
   The St. Louis Post Dispatch of the 11th inst., has an illustrated page about N. O. Nelson and the Young Folk’s Garden Club of Leclaire, and tells of Golden Rule Jones’ recent visit to the place as the guest of Mr. Nelson. It was during this visit that Mayor Jones addressed a large audience of leading citizens of St. Louis on “How to Govern a Great City.” Mr. N. O. Nelson presided, and introduced Mayor Jones in a most happy speech.
   The managers of Lithia assembly have invited both these Golden Rule business men to a place on the program this year. Mr. Nelson replies: “Dear Mr. Douthit: Your work is after my own heart. I will cheerfully visit you in August and make you a speech, unless I should be called out of this region at this time.”

The Neoga Girls' Band (appeared 1920)

Miss Newlin (appeared 1918)

Chicago University public speaking instructor.

Illinois Lieut. Gov. W. A. Northcott (1897 - 1905), National President of Modern Woodmen (1896)

Illinois Lieut. Gov. Barratt O'Hara (appeared in 1915)

"Once in a while we find some person who has a broad enough feeling for humanity to feel that all are brothers and sisters. Such a man seems to be Barratt O'Hara. If his heart wasn't right he wouldn't be advocating what he is." — Streator Illinois Independent Times

Rev. H. H. Oneal, D. D. (appeared 1901)

...is one of the most scholarly and eloquent ministers of the great Methodist denomination, and for many years he has been pastor of the larger churches of that body in Illinois. His lectures before lyceum courses, and most notably his discourse on “The French Revolution,” are highly praised by many good critics. And best of all, Dr. Oneal is a most faithful minister of the religion he professes.

Mrs. Zoe Pearl Park (1913)

Music director

Hon. Robert H. Patton (1913)
Illinois State Chairman, Prohibition Party

W. M. Pease (1896)

Of Chicago
...musician and singer. Mr. Pease sang for seven years in the late Emma Abbott’s troupe, one of the most renowned in the world. He has sung in the largest halls in all the principal cities of America and in many cities of Europe. He was one of the most trusted in Miss Abbott’s company of seventy-five men and women and was named “Deacon” by her and so called by others, though, in fact, Mr. Pease is more full of fun that marked for piety. (1896)

Frances M. Perryman

A friend, admirer and member of the First Congregational Church (Unitarian) of Shelbyville, Oconee native Perryman wrote about Jasper Douthit and the Unitarian church in his charming “Pioneer Life in Illinois.” A plain text version of it is now a part of the Jasper Douthit Project. Library holdings of this out of print book may also be found at the University of Illinois-UC, Illinois State University, SIU Edwardsville, Western Illinois University, University of Illinois-Chicago and the Illinois State Library.

Mrs. Daisy Hubbard Carlock Pollitt

Sister of Elbert Hubbard, founder of the Roycrofters, Daisy was a faculty member at Berea College. Douthit described her as one of the early friends of Lithia Springs and was so fond of her he named a section of the grounds in her honor.

Dr. James Russell Price, M. D. (1897)

A prominent physician of Chicago...he will give lectures on How to Get Well and Keep Well. He will give examinations, diagnose disease and serve the sick when called on. His good wife is said to be an excellent singer.

See also "Dr. James Russell Price," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Prof. G. P. Randle (appeared in 1900, 1901)
President of Eastern Illinois Teachers' Association and Superintendent of the Shelbyville Public Schools

...one of the ablest and most popular teachers in the country. He is in great demand as instructor and superintendent in Teachers Institutes and County Normal schools. No one has ever done more satisfactory work in teaching than did Mr. Randle at Lithia Assembly last August.

Col. Nate A. Reed (1898)

Editor of the Banner of Gold (newspaper)

Rev. Curtis W. Reese (1915 Lithia Springs Chautauqua Platform Manager)

Reese was elected to the Board of Directors of the Meadville Theological School, which at that time was located at Meadville, Pennsylvania. Reese wanted the school to be relocated in Chicago; he therefore contacted Morton D. Hull, a wealthy businessman and an active Unitarian, and secured a pledge from him of $100,000 if the school should come to Chicago. At the next meeting of the Board of Directors in February, 1926, Reese told of the pledge and it was decided that Meadville would relocate in Chicago. Reese also worked out with Shailer Mathews "an associated relationship" between Meadville and the University of Chicago, as well as negotiating the purchase of the President's House and Channing House.

Along with his position as secretary to the Western Unitarian Conference, Reese was appointed president of Lombard College, a Universalist school located in Galesburg, Illinois. Apparently his appointment was an attempt to bring the Unitarians to the aid of the Universalists in saving the school from financial collapse. Carl Sandburg is perhaps the most distinguished alumnus of the school. However, Reese was president for only a little over a year; and with the depression the financial situation became impossible, so that the school became a part of the Meadville Theological School in 1933.

Rev. W. S. Reese, D. D. (appeared 1900 and 1901)

President of Westfield College
...a man of genuine character and one of the ablest educators in the United Brethren Church. Westfield College is doing a most useful work under President Reese’s administration. His visit last year to Lithia Assembly won him many friends who will be glad to greet and hear him again this season.

Magician Edward Rena (1913)

Mr. J. F. Renshaw (1901 season)

Of Shelby County
...is engaged to superintend the provision store and refreshment stand again; and his past experience will enable him to accommodate everybody even better than heretofore.

Frank R. Roberson (1896)

A beautifully illustrated tour in Palestine, Japan and India by the prince of exhibitors...new colored views of the least known parts of the world. Roberson always speaks from observation. He has been a world-wide traveler, and is a gentleman of culture and high character.

See also "Frank R. Roberson," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Mrs. R. J. Roberts (appeared 1901)

...to provide music instruction

Miss Lily Runais

one of the sweetest singers

Rev. Anna H. Shaw

President of the Woman Suffragists Association

"The Rev. Anna H. Shaw, though born in England, was reared in Michigan and in the pioneer days.
She was educated for the ministry — educated herself. She is a self-made woman. Young girls with their own destiny to hew out should go to hear the Rev. Anna H. Shaw and take courage. She studied medicine, prepared herself to doctor body and soul, was ordained, and preached for one parish seven years; and then she exchanged the small parish for a larger on — that, the world for her parish.
Miss Shaw has repeatedly spoken before Congressional and Legislative committees. Whenever women have a “case in court” — that is, a bill before a legislative body, they send for Miss Shaw to speak." "Anna H. Shaw," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Miss Eva M. Shontz (1896)

Of Chicago, White Ribbon Artist Reader

The Shouse Sisters (1920)

Hon. Jerry Simpson

Of Kansas

Slayton's Jubilee Singers (1899)

See "Slayton's Jubilee Singers," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Col. Dudley C. Smith

Of Normal, Ill.

...was a lifelong friend of Jasper Douthit's and he served on the board of Lithia Springs.

Today, the name Dudley Smith is more closely associated with the Dudley Smith Initiative at the University of Illinois.

Rev. E. C. Smith (appeared in 1915 and 1920)

Secretary of the Western Unitarian Conference

Miss Glenna Smith (appeared in 1901)

Instructor from the Columbian School of Oratory in Chicago

...a young lady of most excellent character and refinements. She will take her vacation at Lithia and during the Assembly will assist C. E. Kemp in some most delightful evening entertainments.

Mrs. Eva Munson Smith (1896, 1897)

...is a musical composer and writer of considerable note. The crowning work of her busy life—is “Woman in Sacred Song,” a splendid book of one thousand pages, quarto—the largest in the world on that subject. Her missionary drama, “The Field is the World,” has been given all over the United States and Canada, and in England and other European countries, and has netted her a sum which she donates to missions. She is a most devoted worker for the W.C.T.U., being one of the original crusaders, and also an active member of the Woman’s Relief Corps and other benevolent orders. She was invited, and gave one of the addresses at the World’s Fair in Assembly Hall of the Woman’s Building. She will be at Lithia Springs Assembly for the fifteen days, and will give special attention to the children (in 1896). Smith was from Springfield.

Mrs. M. J. Snyder (1898)

Of Danville

...provided daily Kindergarten services in 1898.

John Sobieski (1894, Master of Ceremonies 1896, 1898, Co-Master of Ceremonies 1899)

A Lineal Descendant of King John III of Poland
   Imagine, a Polish king in Central Illinois. Sobieski was a member of the First Congregational Church (Unitarian) of Shelbyville and, for years, served as platform manager at Lithia Springs Chautauqua. Douthit published the first edition of Sobieski's autobiography, liberally sprinkled with an endless account of his travels, his work, his political career, social reform and priceless stories of historic events.
   EcoLitGy Communications has just released the Annotated version with hyperlinks to fill in the blanks left behind when we weren't paying attention in history class! You will never view Shelby County, Illinois, in the same light again.
   "The Annotated Life Story and Personal Reminiscences of Col. John Sobieski" is now available in eBook format from EcoLitGy Communications.
   Visit the Sobieski Page for more information.

“It is a significant fact that many prominent chautauqua workers and popular lyceum talent did receive their first introduction to the Chautauqua world at Lithia Springs. We cannot now name all. But among them are...

...Col. John Sobieski, who has perhaps made more public speeches for National Prohibition in the United States than any other person now living.” OBW July 1915

Rev. Frank C. Southworth (appeared 1901)

...is an honored graduate of Alleghany College, the famous old Methodist institution at Meadville, Pa. Young in years, he served as pastor of the Third Unitarian Church, Chicago, (the church which Senator Mason and family attend) for several years, and then was elected to his present responsible post as Missionary Secretary of the Western Unitarian Conference, with headquarters in Chicago.

Chas. E. Sparks (appeared 1901)

...of West Point, Ill., Superintendent of Prohibition Work in the Springfield District

Ex-Gov. John P. St. John of Kansas (1896, 1916)

Abolitionist and Prohibitionist; last public appearance was at Lithia Springs Chautauqua in 1916

Rev. Chas. E. St. John

Missionary Secretary of the American Unitarian Association

Hon. John Meloy Stahl (1898, 1899, 1913)

Secretary of the Farmers National Congress and editor of Farmer's Call

Hon. John P. Stelle (1896 )

Of Mt. Vernon, Ill, editor of the Progressive Farmer publication of the Farmer's Mutual Benefit Association

Mrs. Zilla Foster Stevens (appeared 1915)

International Sunday School Association

Mrs. Ella Stewart

Of Bloomington, (wife of Rev. O. W. Stewart), State Supt. of Temperance Literature of the WCTU

Rev. Oliver W. Stewart (1896, 1897, 1898 Platform Manager, Co-Master of Ceremonies 1899)

Pastor of the Christian Church, Mackinaw, Ill., served as Illinois Chairman of the Prohibition Party

...editor of the Illinois News, and President of the Illinois State Christian Endeavor. He will be in camp for part if not all the time (in 1896)
In 1898, Stewart returned to serve as Platform Manager.

Fred M. Stone (appeared 1901)

... a leading Chautauqua manager says, “We find a ready, graceful and forceful orator in Mr. Stone. His lectures are both instructive and entertaining. The testimonials from press and people are of a high order.” Mr. Stone’s lecture on “The Weather” will be breezy and bright.

Mrs. Eliza R. Sunderland (1897)

...Scholar, Teacher and Platform Lecturer. She gave the great address at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago. (Her husband was Rev. Jabez T. Sunderland.) Eliza's biography is online in the Dictionary of Unitarian & Universalist Biography.

Rev. Jabez T. Sunderland (1898, 1915)

Unitarian minister and reformer best known for his support of the Indian freedom movement.
Rev. J. T. Sunderland was among the first who assisted in meetings at Lithia Springs, and will be welcomed by a large number.
"Dr. Sunderland was the very first preacher to join with (Jasper L. Douthit) in a service at Lithia Springs at the first religious meeting ever held there. It was before the wild woods were cleared of dense undergrowth. There were no improvements on the ground. A big log near by the Springs served for a pulpit and the people were seated on the grassy lawn. The editor's old schoolmate, Mrs. George D. Chafee of the Presbyterian Church, lead in the singing." OBW 1915

Dr. W. Xavier Sudduth

...is without question one of the highest medical authorities of the country.
   From 1894-’90, Dr. Sudduth was director of the physiological and pathological laboratory of the Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadelphia, and lecture on clinical microscopy and genitourinary diseases. In 1890 he was elected professor of pathology and oral surgery in the Philadelphia Polyclinic and College for Graduates in Medicine.
   Dr. Sudduth’s contributions to literature have covered a wide range of thought and experience. He was for seven years, 1887-’94, on the staff of senior editors of the Annual of the Universal Medical Sciences, Philadelphia, having the department of embryology, anomalies, and monstrosities. He has written extensively in dental and medical literature on strictly scientific subjects. Having devoted considerable attention to psychology in its relation to medicine, he is considered an authority on the subject. He contributions to the Union Signal on scientific temperance have been numerous and have been highly valued has its readers.
   Dr. Sudduth has given much time to photomicrography, and has discovered, in 1885, a method of reproducing the colors of the original microscopic specimen in the lantern slide, without hand painting.
   Dr. Sudduth is a fellow of the Royal Microscopic Society, London, and an active or honorary member of a great many other societies. He is now National lecturer on Narcotics for the WCTU.
Three days at Lithia Springs (1896).

Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage (1897)

1832–1902, American Presbyterian clergyman, b. near Bound Brook, N.J., grad. New Brunswick Theological Seminary (1856). His work in Brooklyn, N.Y., began in 1869 in the Central Presbyterian Church. The Tabernacle, built in 1870 to accommodate the great audiences attracted by his sensational style of preaching, was burned in 1872, as were two other large buildings erected by his congregation during the next 20 years. Between 1873 and 1902 Talmage edited in turn the Christian at Work, the Advance, Frank Leslie’s Sunday Magazine, and the Christian Herald. He made popular lecture tours in the United States and England. The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001–04. www.bartleby.com/65/.

Rev. C. B. Taylor (1896)

Of Lincoln, Ill., president of the Illinois Epworth League

Miss Myrtle Taylor (1898)

Shelby County resident, served as musical accompanist

The Temple Boy's Choir (appeared 1918)

Springfield, Ill.

Bishop J. M. Thoburn

"50 Years in India"

Miss E. Abbie Thomas (appeared 1891)

Whistling soloist

Ex-Senator Chas. A. Towne (appeared 1901)

Of Minnesota
...without doubt one of the most powerful orators in the nation. He made by far the greatest speech made in this region during the last campaign. He is under positive contract to speak at Lithia Springs on Democrat Day.

Richard F. Trevellick (1891)

Along with William Sylvis, founded the National Labor Union

The time has come to stand erect
In noble, manly self-respect;
To see the bright sun overhead,
To feel the ground beneath our tread;
Unled by priests, uncursed by creeds,
Our manhood proving by our deeds.

So began a poem often recited by Knights of Labor orator Richard F. Trevellick. Its defiant egalitarianism reappeared incessantly in music-hall songs, speeches to workingmen's clubs, and odes recited by children at lodge picnics. The poem concluded by blending its evangelical theme of self-improvement into that of struggle for social reform:

Let Agitation come; who fears?
We need the flood; the filth of years
Has gathered round us. Roll then on.
What cannot stand had best be gone.

"Labor in the Industrial Era" by David Montgomery, Department of Labor website.

Rev. Albert R. Vail (1915)

Pastor of Unity Church at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana

Prof. George E. Vincent

1864–1941, American educator, organizer, and sociologist, b. Rockford, Ill., grad. Yale, 1885, Ph.D. Univ. of Chicago, 1896; son of Bishop John Heyl Vincent. He was associated with his father in the Chautauqua movement and was president (1907–15) of the Chautauqua Institution. Always a popular lecturer, he became noted for his wit and clear thinking. Vincent taught sociology at the Univ. of Chicago from 1894 to 1911 and was dean of the faculty of arts, literature, and science from 1907. In 1911 he became president of the Univ. of Minnesota. From 1917 until his retirement in 1929 he headed the Rockefeller Foundation, which under him expanded its activities, especially in medical aid and research. He wrote An Introduction to the Study of Society (with A. W. Small, 1894) and Social Mind and Education (1897).

Rev. John Heyl Vincent (1904)

Co-founder of the Chautauqua Institution

When Vincent died in 1912, The Chautauquan magazine published Douthit's commemorative address in honor of Bishop Vincent.

“About twenty-five years ago I first enjoyed a personal acquaintance with Bishop Vincent, and from that day to this he has been very kind to me in more ways than I can mention here and now. In the twenty years struggle to establish Chautauqua center at Lithia Springs I have regarded him and Dr. Hale as my bishops in a sense; for they have been two of my constant, most inspiring friends and wise councilors.” (The Chautauquan, June 1912, vol. 67, no. 1 p 59-60)

Chas. L. Wagner (Daily Program Manager 1899)

See "Charles L. Wagner," Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries.

Booker T. Washington (1898)

Founder of Tuskegee Institute and board member of Lithia Assembly

Henry Watterson

Of the Louisville Journal

Hon. George R. Wendling (1898)

Mr. Wendling so widely known and famous as a Lyceum and Chautauqua orator, was born in this city (Shelbyville, Ill.) about 73 years ago. He was the editor’s schoolmate and also for a short time my pupil in the Shelby Seminary, A.D. 1855-56. He also generously helped in the early years of Lithia Chautauqua.

“Mr. Wendling is and has been for many years an Episcopalian. He had five years of college life at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and at Chicago University. At the latter university he won the orator’s prize, competed for by the entire freshman class and was president of the first literary society organized in the university. He is an honorary member of a number of college societies, including the famous American Whig Society of the University of Princeton. His Greek Letter Society is D.K.E., Kappa Chapter, Miami University. His winter address is the Cosmos Club, Washington, D.C. In the summer his address is Charles Town, W. Va.” “The Wendling Lectures,“ Redpath Chautauqua Collection, University of Iowa Libraries

Mrs. M. K. West

Of Edwardsville, President of this 18th District of the WCTU

John W. Wetzel (1913)
Yale University

“It is a significant fact that many prominent chautauqua workers and popular lyceum talent did receive their first introduction to the Chautauqua world at Lithia Springs. We cannot now name all. But among them are...

...Prof. John W. Wetzel of Yale College, about the best and most loved platform manager that ever graced a chautauqua. The bare mention of his name is enough to charm all Lithia patrons. Prof. Wetzel’s first chautauqua work was at Lithia.” OBW July 1915

John Z. White (appeared 1915)

Detective Owen A. Wiard (appeared 1915)

Rev. M. P. Wilkin, D. D. (appeared 1901)

... was among the first best friends and lecturers at Lithia Springs. He was born on a farm in Crawford County, Ill., 1846. Graduated at McKendree college in 1870, and has been teaching, preaching and lecturing every since. He has had remarkable success late years in founding and superintending Chautauqua Assemblies at Havana, Ill.; Allerton, Iowa; Beardstown, Ill. and Grayville, Ill.
Dr. Wilkin is at present City Librarian at Havana, and Superintendent of the Assemblies this year at Creal Springs, Piasa and Twin City. He modestly says of himself recently in answer to a request for some sketch of his life, “I am a member of the Illinois Conference of the M. E. Church. In a small way, Preacher, Lecturer, Reformer, Chautauqua Manager and Hustler at Large.”
He was among the first to warn us and promptly condemn the move to start a rival Chautauqua in Shelbyville. He refused even to help in starting an Assembly 40 miles away. No amount of money could bribe him to give hand or voice to any move to pull down Lithia Chautauqua.

Mrs. Geo. E. Wilkinson (appeared 1915)

"Mrs. Geo. E. Wilkinson is one of the most talented women of the age. Her experience and training fit her to direct the Round Table Discussions into a scholarly, practical and helpful channel. Mrs. Wilkinson is chairman of the governing commission of the Alton Vigilant Improvement Association, an organization of seven hundred of Alton's best women." OBW 1915

Alonzo E. Wilson (appeared 1897, 1901)

Prohibition Secretary and editor of The State Leader

...Secretary and Treasurer of the Illinois Prohibition Executive Committee, is very youthful in appearance of seeming frail body. He has been editor and writer for prohibition papers since he was eighteen years old, and at one time was assistant editor of that great daily, the Chicago Record. He was also Methodist preacher and class leader. A letter just received from Prohibition Headquarters, Chicago, tells us that Secretary Wilson keeps “three stenographers rushing and eight men in the lecture field and trying to arrange their appointments; he writes editorials, and besides is out in the lecture field himself one or two days each week.” He writes the manager to say: “We will rally all our district superintendents in Illinois at Lithia on Prohibition day. There will be at least six of them and several other able speakers. The Ewing college Trio, Franklin County, Ill., will be there to sing. One item on our public program will be a joint debate on the question, “The Prohibition Party is not Necessary to Destroy the Liquor Traffic.” N. J. Wright will take the affirmative and Judge Brubaker probably the negative. We will have a private conference of our state superintendents and members of the state committee with a regular program at some hour when it is convenient, but that will not be for the public. It will be a sort of training school for the field workers.

Miss Bell Winegar (appeared 1901)

Of Battle Creek, Mich.
...will have charge of the Cooking School. She is thoroughly competent, “all that can be desired in that department.” Thus testified Dr. Caroline Geisel (of the Battle Creek San), who was with us last year and gave such excellent satisfaction as a lecturer and doctor.

John G. Woolley (1897, 1899)

...is conceded to be the most eloquent temperance orator on earth to-day. He is speaking once or twice daily and thousands crowd to hear and applaud him. He is the special favorite of Christian Endeavor Societies and will speak at the assembly on Young People’s Day.

Rev. Noah J. Wright (appeared 1901)

Of Shelbyville, Superintendent of Prohibition Work in the Danville District

Hon. John W. Yantis

Shelby County Resident

Dr. Rachel S. Yarros (appeared 1920)

Able Health Talks

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