WHO WAS JOHN MESSENGER? Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Reviewer Smith: As I have not heard from the cache owner within the requested time frame, the cache is being archived.

https://www.geocaching.com/help/index.php?pg=kb.chapter&id=38&pgid=56

"If a cache is archived by a reviewer or staff for lack of maintenance, it will not be unarchived."

Reviewer Smith

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Hidden : 9/28/2009
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

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Geocache Description:

Terrain is flat mowed grass except for last 2-3 ft

For years I have driven by this place, never knowing the wonderful information it contained. I have placed this cache with the permission of the St Clair County Historical Society in the hopes that others will discover the rich history that John Messenger so graciously left behind, for he played an important role in not only the history of Belleville, but also the history of the state of Illinois.

This cache is placed in a cemetery whose history dates back to Pre-Revolutionary War days. The cache is a small Tupperware container hidden along the perimeter of the cemetery away from the gravesites. Please be respectful of those interred here and do not disturb or touch the gravesites or headstones.

Remember, TAKE ONLY PICTURES, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS.

PLEASE: Drive only on the established roadway. Please take due care when turning around so as not to disturb the grounds, especially during rainy/muddy seasons. Use caution during winter months if snow is present as parking may be limited to the shoulder of the highway and visibility is limited.

Cache is available only during daylight hours.

I hope you enjoy this little bit of history as much as I did.

Messenger Cemetery and Veteran's Memorial

John Messenger, pioneer, noted local and state politician, and state surveyor is interred here with his wife and members of his family. Anne Lyon, Messenger's wife, was the daughter of Matthew Lyon, Revolutionary War soldier and US Congressman.

The cemetery also features a memorial commemorating American losses at Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941 and is believed to be the first such memorial established within the continental United States. It was dedicated on July 26, 1942, by John Messenger’s great grandson, George Engelbert Hoffmann.

Noteworthy Historical Dates:

1771 - John Messenger was born in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts.

1783 – He moved to Jericho, Vermont, where he learned the trade of carpenter and millwright. While in Vermont he became acquainted with the family of Matthew Lyon and later married Lyon’s daughter, Anne.

1799 - Matthew Lyon and his family, along with their new son-in-law John Messenger, migrated to Kentucky where Lyon founded the city of Eddyville, in Lyon County.

1802 - Messenger, seriously objecting to slavery, moved to Illinois. He landed at Fort Chartres, stayed there two years, then moved to New Design. He later bought a large farm north of Belleville which he named Clinton Hill, where he spent the rest of his life.

1802 - He organized the first Protestant church in St. Clair County and it became known as the Clinton Hill Baptist Church.

1808 – Member of Indiana Territorial Legislature

1809 - The Territory of Illinois was separated from the Territory of Indiana and Ninian Edwards was appointed its first governor, with Kaskaskia designated as the state capital.

1809 – Became Postmaster of Clinton Hill

1815 - He was appointed Deputy Surveyor of the United States

1818 - Illinois became a state of the Union and John Messenger was one of thirty-three delegates who met at Kaskaskia that summer to frame the first constitution.

1818 - When statehood was granted, he became one of the members of the first General Assembly and was elected the first Speaker of the House of Representatives.

1820 - He surveyed a tract of three and one-half acres and deeded it to the church as a burial ground which today is known as the Clinton Hill or Messenger Cemetery

1827 – Was a pioneer teacher at the Rock Springs Seminary

1846 – January 16th, John Messenger passed away at the age of 75.
He was buried at the side of his wife, who preceded him on October 16, 1842.

Near him are also buried some of his children and many of his friends and neighbors.

Above information was quoted and paraphrased from the following website.
(visit link)

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