McDonough County Orphanage

Claude

Ray

McCormick’s

Orphanage

& Boy’s School

1. McDonough County Orphanage

Aunt Josie Westfall (1873-1941)

In 1911, Macomb had no public facility for the care of orphaned children. Some children were housed at the County Poor Farm, but the place was really not suitable for children. Limited other private facilities were available in the community. When two orphans became the focus of the community's concern, Josie Westfall took on the task of caring for them. Within her life time, Josie would become the protector of hundreds of the community's orphans.

"Aunt Josie" Westfall was born in 1873 in Macomb, Illinois. She did not marry and worked as a dressmaker. Josie began her career as "mother" by taking just 2 children into her home in 1911. Before a single year had passed, she was providing a home for 19 children. The county board of supervisors agreed to supply $25 per month to assist Josie in the children's care.

In 1913, an Orphanage Board was appointed. The County purchased a 12-room house at 415 N. Madison Street in Macomb. An addition was soon added to the home, as the number of children grew to 67. Although the funding was increased, money was always in short supply.

One of the more unusual donations came from the Stevens family, owners of the Stevens' hotel in Chicago. They donated over 12 dozen new dishes

During the 1920s, the existing orphanage building became inadequate and funds were collected for a new building. The community responded with money, building materials, and furnishings..

The children moved into the new building on East Jefferson Street in 1933.

During her career of thirty years as an orphanage matron, Josie provided guidance, food, shelter and care for over 500 children. She was not paid for her services, although she was provided with a place to live. In 1940, an illness forced Josie to retire from her work. She died in June 1941 at the age of sixty-seven. The orphanage building was occupied by the Salvation Army and later sold as an apartment building.

2. Chaddock Boy’s School

Chaddock College

Quincy Illinois 1853

Methodist Episcopal

Present Day Chaddock School

Founded as German & English College; name changed to Chaddock College to honor the benefactor Charles Chaddock of Astoria, IL; on September 12, 1900 the name was changed to Chaddock Boys School; it served as an orphanage for periods of time and also served many girls; in the early 1920's became a military school; the military curriculum was eventually phased out; photos from the mid-1950's show children in military uniforms; in 1960 the focus officially changed to become a home for dependent neglected boys; in 1982 the program was updated to include residential treatment for girls and it became Chaddock, officially dropping "boys school" from the name

Chaddock Boy’s School evolved from Quincy College. History of Chaddock Boy's School:

Bibliography

1. Macomb Heritage Days Souvenir Book. 1982.

2. Hallwas, John E. (1990) "Women at Work", in Macomb: A Pictorial History, G. Bradley Publishing, Inc., St. Louis, MO.

3. Jani, Shanti (ca. 1985) "Aunt Josie" reprinted in Macomb Heritage Days Souvenir Book. 1985.

4. Nichols, Katherine. She sheltered the children: Westfall opened her heart - and her doors - to those in need. Macomb Daily Journal pp. 1E, 4E, July 28, 1996.

5. Scott, Judge Keith F. "McDonough Bar History Described", Macomb Daily Journal, Macomb, IL. May 6, 1976.

Contributing Library:

Macomb Public Library, Macomb, Illinois