USA > Illinois > Madison County > Centennial history of Madison County, Illinois, and its people, 1812 to 1912, Volume I > Part 45
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BENJAMIN GODFREY, SIMEON RYDER, ETC.
Among the early financiers who cast their lot with Alton and stood by her through good report and evil report were Captain Benjamin Godfrey and Captain Simeon Ryder. It is a singular coincidence that both should have been born in Chatham on Cape Cod, Massa- chusetts, that both followed the sea and be- came captains of ships and that both should have come to Alton, Captain Godfrey coming from Mexico, via New Orleans, and Captain Ryder from New York. They each married twice, their second wives being sisters, the Misses Pettit of Hempstead, Long Island. Captain Ryder, when a captain at twenty-two, had his vessel, out from Cadiz, Spain, boarded by pirates and completely looted. Captain Godfrey in Mexico had all his savings taken from him by bandits. They each built a rail- road, among the first in Illinois, and to finance the building of those roads at that time was as gigantic a proposition as to finance a transcon- tinental line in this day and age. They were both successfully engaged in commercial pur- suits and their activities were not confined to the state and city alone but to the whole west- ern country. Captain Godfrey's life has been written many times and is well known. He left a lasting monument to himself in Monti- cello Seminary and to him belongs the honor
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of being one of the projectors of the Alton and Sangamon Railroad, now a part of the Chicago and Alton Railroad, and bringing it to a successful completion.
Captain Ryder went to sea as a boy and was captain of a ship before he was twenty-one. In 1830 he abandoned the sea and locating in New York City, he went into the commercial shipping business. At the end of four years his health failing, he sold out and in the fall of 1834 moved to Alton, Illinois, with a capital of about $50,000. Here he regained his health, built a large stone warehouse and went into the wholesale general merchandise business and was for twelve years one of the leading mer- chants of southern Illinois. He took the first steps to build the Terre Haute and Alton Rail- road, now a part of the Big Four Railway, completed it in 1854 and was its first president. He was also president of the Alton, Marine & Fire Insurance Company for seven years.
Winthrop S. Gilman, of the firm of God- frey, Gilman & Co., eventually removed to New York and engaged in the banking busi- ness very successfully. While in Alton he left his imprint on the commercial life of the city.
James S. Stone, for some years in the shoe business with E. L. Dimmock, removed to Boston and, engaging in the manufacturing and mercantile business, became a wealthy and prominent citizen.
Charles Phinney engaged in the grocery business in Alton, in 1838, and conducted a wholesale house until his death in 1904 at the age of ninety-four years, an active business career of sixty-six years, a period seldom, if ever, surpassed.
Isaac Scarritt was an early resident of Al- ton, merchant and banker, for many years an honored and prominent citizen.
General Semple and Major Hunter were active in the founding and upbuilding of Alton and their additions to the city still bear the names of Sempletown and Hunterstown. A
long roll could be made of those who achieved financial success and among them might be named Captain Joseph Brown, mayor both of Alton and St. Louis, who stated in an address that during the war he had made one thousand dollars a day for four hundred consecutive days.
ALTON NATIONAL BANK
The Alton National Bank and its predeces- sors have as long a continuous record of a banking business as can be shown by any bank in the state and we might say in the United States ; a record of safe conservative banking, always aiding in the upbuilding of this section as much as was consistent with such conserva- tism and with giving its depositors the maxi- mum of security. And it has been a family affair.
Dr. E. Marsh, the president of the Alton National Bank, and its predecessors for many years, came to Alton in 1832 and engaged first in the drug business and afterwards in bank- ing. Upon his death in 1877, he was succeeded in the presidency by Samuel Wade, who had been vice president. Mr. Wade came to Alton in 1831, engaging first in the lumber business and afterwards successfully engaged in pork packing. He was four times mayor of the city, an example to future generations of busi- ness men taking some interest in public affairs for the betterment of the community.
Upon Mr. Wade's death, Mr. C. A. Cald- well, Sr., became president, until his death in 1895. He also was mayor of the city. After Mr. C. A. Caldwell's death, Mr. E. P. Wade, son of the former president, became president, and Mr. C. A. Caldwell, son of the former president of the same name became cashier. Mr. E. P. Wade, during his long life, has been preeminently Alton's most valued citizen. He is very highly esteemed for his sound judg- ment, his moral and social virtues and for his punctilious fidelity in the discharge of his duties. But little need be said of the present
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cashier, save that he is the peer of the former officers of the bank and to those who have been acquainted with their personality, this speaks volumes.
The Alton Mutual Insurance and Savings Company was chartered February 12, 1853, and in September, 1859, also organized a banking business which became the First Na- tional Bank in 1865. It continued in business
ALTON'S FIRST BRICK HOUSE [ Built by Isaac Prickett in 1832. Birthplace of Ed- ward P. Wade, President Alton National Bank]
until 1882 when it sold out to the Alton Na- tional Bank. Mr. Daniel D. Ryrie was made secretary of the company in 1853. When it was succeeded by the First National Bank, he became cashier of the new bank, which posi- tion he occupied until his death. Mr. Ryrie was born in Wick, Scotland, and came to Al- ton with his family in the Fall of 1837. He first clerked in stores in Alton and St. Louis until 1848 or 49, when he went into the whole- sale grocery commission and forwarding busi- ness in Alton with his brother John A. Ryrie,
under the firm name of D. D. Ryrie & Com- pany. He died July, 1877, aged fifty-two years, and left behind him an enviable name.
THE MITCHELL AND DRUMMOND BROTHERS
The Mitchell Brothers, John J. and William H., came to Alton in early days and commenc- ing in a small and obscure way, made a name for themselves as masters of finance. They afterwards removed from Alton, John J. going to St. Louis and William H. to Chicago, where wider fields presented themselves for their activities, and died possessed of more than ordinary wealth. A son of William H. Mit- chell, also John J., is now president of one of the largest and most solid banking institutions in Chicago.
With the Mitchells was associated both here and in Chicago, William H. Reid, a nephew. Eminently successful in both places, he will be remembered for many generations as the donor to Monticello Seminary of the magnifi- cent Elinor Reid Memorial Chapel.
Two other brothers, James T. and John N. Drummond, made their beginnings in Al- ton in the manufacture of tobacco and estab- lished a fame for their brands, known all over the United States. James T. removed to St. Louis when they changed the location of their factory, but with the exception of a two years' residence in St. Louis, John N. continued a citizen until his death: Great success crowned their work. George S. Myers, who was their partner for a time, removed to St. Louis and engaged in the tobacco manufacturing busi- ness under the firm name of Liggett & Myers and died recently, many times a millionaire.
Arba Nelson and John E. Hayner laid the foundation of their success in the hardware business and when Mr. Hayner died he left a very large estate accumulated in the mer- cantile business, banking and manufacturing.
William Eliot Smith by his genius built up the largest manufactory of hollow glassware in the United States and the capital he had
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invested at his death was very large. H. C. Sweetser and H. C. Priest were very success- ful in the lumber business.
Nathaniel Hanson built up a very large busi- ness in the manufacturing of separators.
Among the lawyers, the name of Judge Henry W. Billings presents itself as the most prominent among them as being both a good business man and a fine lawyer. After grad- uating at Amherst, he studied law under Judge Foote of Cleveland, Ohio, and was admitted to the bar in that city. Coming west, he finally removed to Alton in 1845 where he lived until his death, which occurred April 19, 1870. He was fifty-five years old. As an attorney, Judge Billings ranked among the first of southern Illinois ; and there were lawyers in those days. As a business man, he amassed an ample fortune, every dollar of which was honestly earned.
In Edwardsville, the banking business of West & Prickett has stood for years preemi- nent for business success and business integ- rity. Their banking house was established in 1867, and after Mr. West's death the business was continued by Major W. R. Prickett.
RICHEST PER CAPITA TOWN
In the extreme southeastern portion of the county lies Highland, in Helvetia township. Highland, without doubt, is the richest town per capita in the county and this might also apply to the township. The town is sur- rounded by fruitful farms, owned and tilled by an industrious, money saving people and in the town itself are a number who can count their wealth in six figures and some are near the million mark, if they do not exceed it.
HELVETIA MILK CONDENSING COMPANY
The successful establishment of the Helve- tia Milk Condensing Company wrought wonders in the town. Disappointment after disappointment confronted them and ruin
stared them in the face, until after many trials the secret of successfully condensing milk was found and now the products of the company are known the world over. This success brought with it wealth to those interested.
Among the people of capital whom the town has claimed as citizens are Louis Latzer, presi- dent of the Helvetia Milk Condensing Com- pany, who was originally a farmer, starting with very moderate means. John Wildi, re- cently deceased, was formerly secretary of the Milk Company and organized the John Wildi Milk Condensing Company of Maryville, Ohio, with a paid up capital of $350,000. Selmar Pabst was formerly cashier of the First Na- tional Bank of Highland. He came to High- land fifty years ago and started as clerk in a general store. Louis Kinne is president of the First National Bank, also president of the C. Kinne Company, the largest mercantile establishment in the eastern end of the county. His father, Charles Kinne, was one of the pioneer settlers of Highland. George Roth, formerly in the hardware business, left a hand- some estate. Joseph Ammann, present cashier of the First National Bank, was formerly successfully engaged in the general merchan- dise business. The largest interest in High- land, next to the Milk Condensing plant, is the Highland Brewery, founded some sixty years ago by Martin J. Schott. It is the only brew- ery on the Vandalia line between St. Louis and Terre Haute. The business has grown to enormous proportions and their product is dis- tributed all over the nearby counties.
GRANITE CITY
Granite City, a flourishing manufacturing city, has had a marvelous growth in the last decade, but its capitalists have necessarily been non-residents. Unless all signs fail, when the next history of the county shall be written, it will show up a creditable array of resident men of money.
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OPULENT LAND OWNERS
The accumulation of wealth has been by no means confined to the banker, the manufact- urer and the merchant. The fertile acres of unrivaled soil have proved great wealth pro- ducers to their owners who, governed by their faith in the inexhaustible richness of the land accumulated large tracts which during the life- time of the owners afforded all the comforts of life and enabled them, in many instances, to leave large fortunes to their descendants.
The Suppigers and Solomon Koepflö of Highland, pioneers in that section, were large land owners., The three Hoxsey brothers, James, Alexander and Archibald, settled in the Silver Creek country in 1817 and entered sev- eral thousand acres of land, of which about two thousand acres are still in the hands of the family. Archibald Hoxsey was the grand- father of the daring young aeronaut, Arch Hoxsey, who lost his life in California while making a flight in his machine.
Governor John Reynolds' father and uncle were both large land owners, as was also Col. Rufus Easton, the founder of Alton. Guy Morrison died owning several thousands of acres near Collinsville. He not only developed his own land, but also loaned money to his neighbors, not for the mere sake of the in- terest, but also to aid them in making their lands more productive. The Mitchell brothers, John J. and William H., owned about four thousand acres near Mitchell station. They are entitled to great credit for developing by draining the wet prairie country, a section admirably adapated for duck and snipe shoot- ing, but hardly fitted in its then state for profit- able farming.
Benjamin L. and Nimrod Dorsey came
from Kentucky in 1836 and entered large tracts of land. One of them gave to each of his children one thousand acres of land during his lifetime. The heirs were great developers and did not allow their land to lie idle.
George Barnsback came from Kentucky prior to 1820. During his lifetime he gave each of his children a quarter section of the best land in the county, which they developed and a great part of it is still owned by his descendants.
The Gilhams were among the earliest set- tlers, who acquired large holdings which they developed. Isaac Prickett, the father of Major W. R. Prickett, was a large land owner at his death.
John T. Lusk, one of the first recorders of the county, came from Mississippi and was the owner of several thousand acres when he died.
William Montgomery, one of the earliest settlers, the Kinders and Z. B. Job, were great developers and builders-up of the farming sec- tions and died, each of them possessed of many acres. The Collins family, founders of Collinsville, were large land owners.
Gershom Flagg, an early settler, was also one of those who had faith in Madison county and showed it by accumulating farming prop- erty of extended acreage.
In our cities, towns and on the farms, are a large number of men, who after years of in- dustry and thrift have by their devotion to their business been enabled to retire from active life, to enjoy in their old age, the fruits of their labors, feeling sure that they can leave a goodly heritage to their children.
Madison county has truly blessed and in return has been truly blessed by many of her children.
CHAPTER XLI
MUSIC IN MADISON COUNTY
EARLY MUSICAL CENTERS-MONTICELLO SEMINARY-ALTON MUSICIANS-BANDS AND SO- CIETIES-SCHOOLS OF MUSIC-OTHER BANDS, ORGANISTS, ETC .- MUSIC IN HIGHLAND.
By Prof. W. D. Armstrong.
The early history of Art in Madison county, particularly in Music, reveals some very in- teresting facts which are worthy of record, for the reason that were it not for the in- fluence of religion, literature and music, this part of the middle west would not have devel- oped towards civilization and Christianity, and the people would not have enjoyed those blessings of home life, safety and the pursuit of happiness had not the itinerant preacher, teacher and singing master made their regu- lar visits, bringing with them the news and happenings of the more advanced east.
EARLY MUSICAL CENTERS
The country school house and church were the regular meeting places of the pioneer sing- ers. There were no pianos or organs in those days, so in the church some one would be called on "to raise the tune." In the singing classes the tuning fork, or the violin, was used to give the pitch, and, in some instances, an English accordeon. One early settler, George Parker, played on the flute, and he was in great demand wherever there was singing. The music teacher would come to a village or settlement, often being heralded for some months in advance, and give a course of les- sons which would usually conclude with a grand concert or some sacred cantata. All the people, both old and young, for miles
around, would attend these sessions, wore particularly the beaux and belles, and not a few country gallants selected their future companions at the old singing school. A fam- ily by the name of Peters moved from the south into the northern part of the county. They had some knowledge of the old "buck- wheat" notes, and could sing correctly from them. Different members of this family gave instruction from time to time and were, prob- ably, the first teachers. Later, or when Mon- ticello Seminary was built, Mr. B. B. Munson was engaged as musical director of the school. He immediately organized a singing class in the old Godfrey school house, using Lowell Mason's collection of songs as his text book. Mr. Munson was an enthusiast in his line and not only gave his attention to the Seminary, but in the church and Sunday school.
From this source emanated the musical life of the county. The preachers would carry the new songs to the different churches in their circuits, and the moving about of the people, scattered the love for the study and apprecia- tion of music into nearly every adjacent lo- cality. With the founding of more schools and colleges came a wider field of activity, until, within a period of one hundred years, we have come to be a musical people, capable of understanding and interpreting the best there is in the noble art.
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MONTICELLO SEMINARY
As has already been alluded to, Monticello Seminary, in Godfrey, always had a depart- ment of music, and some unusually good teachers have been in the faculty of late years. Miss K. L. Armstrong, Miss Eliza- beth Rowe, Miss M. S. Stackus, Miss Agnes Troy and others have been connected with the school. The strong point at Monticello has been the attention given to music, nearly all of the great artists have appeared there, also such famous organizations as the Mendelssohn Club, The Speiring Quartette and The Stein- dell Trio. The churches in Godfrey have vol- unteer choirs with the following organists now in service: Mrs. G. Hoots, Methodist; Miss Hattie Turner, Congregational; Miss H. Ma- son, Bethany Church.
ALTON MUSICIANS
In Alton among the first persons who made a special business of teaching music was Jo- seph Floss, who came there in 1865. Mr. Floss educated some of the best musicians of today and the impress of his labors still lives. He was not a great composer but a most suc- cessful teacher, giving lessons on the piano, organ and stringed instruments. He also was organist at the Catholic cathedral for some years. The Walter family were quite musical. Valentine had a music store at the corner of Third and Piasa streets. His brother, Bene- dict, was an expert theoretical musician and taught both harmony and composition. Mr. Joseph Gratian established an organ factory in the early sixties and built up a large busi- ness. He was an organist of ability, giving most of his time to the Episcopal church where he had a good choir. His son, William J. Gratian, succeeded him and has erected some fine instruments. He is also an expert organ- ist. Mr. B. H. Wortmann was for years or- ganist at the Catholic Cathedral and did much towards furthering the interest of music in Alton. He directed the Amphion Club of male
voices, the Alton Opera Company, the Sym- phonic Orchestra and many other local organi- zations. Mr. Wortmann was a good violinist and devoted much of his time to teaching. He now resides in Chicago where he has charge of the music in one of the large Catholic churches. Mr. Emil Trenchery came to Alton in 1836. He opened the first music store and was or- ganist at the Cathedral. He was a piano tuner and also gave lessons. He was a familiar char- acter on the streets for many years, being led by a boy, owing to a sad affliction-blindness. Mr. Trenchery lived to a good old age and was highly respected. His children were all ex- cellent musicians and, with one exception, still live in Alton. His daughter, Miss Wilhelmina was not only an accomplished musician, but a successful teacher.
BANDS AND SOCIETIES
A brass band was formed in 1865 by Mr. William A. Murphy, called the Silver Cornet Band. In 1871 Mr. Reinhold Gossrau organ- ized a band bearing his name, and many of the members of the Cornet band joined his newly-formed organization. Mr. Gossrau was a born band leader, and also gave lessons on the violin. The following citizens were the or- iginal players in his band: Christian Wuerker, A. Maerdian, W. Fries, G. Mold, H. Wutzler, H. Winter, J. B. House, Fred W. Hoppe, H. O. Tonsor, A. Brueggemann, A. Tuemler, W. Oltman, Levi D. Yager, Joseph Holl, Eugene Lavenue and John Elbe.
The Emerald Band, under the leadership of J. B. House, existed but a short time. A Ju- venile Band, got together by J. B. Hoge, gave promise of being permanent, but, with the or- ganization of the White Hussar Band, most of its talent came over to it.
The White Hussar Band has made itself famous throughout the state. They have played at all the important functions and are always in demand. Mr. Edward Kleipeter is the present director and there are some thirty
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members. The German Maennerchor, founded in 1867, still holds its regular meet- ings. Mr. Joseph Floss, the first director, con- ductor, was succeeded by Mr. R. Gossrau, who is the present incumbent.
Various male quartettes have existed in Al- ton, among them the Apollo, Messrs. E. C. Smith, Ernest Schweppe, Louis Betz and F. H. Rabe. The Mozart, Messrs. A. C. Topping, C. Huskinson, L. E. Weston, W. D. Arm- strong. The Arion, T. Pepler, A. L. Daniels, R. A. Haight and John M. Logan. The Am- phion, C. D. Haagen, F. C. Pickard, H. Rum- sey, and E. Ingham.
The Dominant Ninth Choral Society has been in existence for about twenty years, and has performed many excellent works, among them Haydn's Creation, Mendelssohn's Elijah, Ros- sini's Stabat Mater, Liszt's St. Elizabeth and many others. Mrs. C. B. Rohland is the con- ductor, and is considered to be one of the best- posted musicians in America. Mrs. Rohland does some teaching; she, however, devotes most of her time to conducting and lecturing on music. There are about one hundred and fifty members besides a long list of patrons who support the Dominant Ninth Society.
Mr. W. D. Armstrong was born in Alton and is one of its native musicians. He has made a reputation as composer, teacher and organist. He established the school of music which bears his name in 1906, which has met with much success. Associated with Mr. Arm- strong are Mrs. C. B. Rohland, Mrs. G. G. Craig, Mr. E. R. Kroeger, Mr. W. E. Yates, Mr. D. E. Stoekel, and Mr. Paul E. Harney.
SCHOOLS OF MUSIC
The Alton Conservatory of Music was in ex- istence for some five years with Miss Ruth Mills as director. Miss K. V. Dickinson has charge of the Studio School of Music, which has connected with it the Camerata Chorus of Women's Voices. This organization gives con- certs yearly.
In the churches the choirs are mostly vol- unteers. The organists are Mr. W. J. Gratian, St. Paul's Episcopal; Miss Elizabeth Boyle, First Presbyterian; Mr. B. C. Richardson, Methodist; Mr. W. Montgomery, Twelfth Street Presbyterian; Miss May Wheelock, Church of the Redeemer, Congregational; Miss Emma Joesting, German Evangelical ; Miss May Foreman, First Baptist; Mr. W. C. Weyrich, Catholic Cathedral; Miss M. Jehle, St. Mary's Catholic ; Miss W. Pauline Guy is a successful teacher of today.
Upper Alton, now included in Alton proper, has the Shurtleff Conservatory of Music, in connection with the College. Miss Adelia Randall is the Director. There is also a chorus of fifty which gives a yearly recital.
The organists in the various churches are Mrs. Elsie Leverett-Owen, First Baptist ; Miss Eva Deem, Methodist ; Mrs. G. Worden, Pres- byterian.
OTHER BANDS, ORGANISTS, ETC.
At the Western Military Academy a good brass band is maintained under the leadership of Capt. W. E. Yates. This school encourages the study of music, and all its branches are taught. In the public schools vocal music is re- quired and credit is given for work done in vocal and harmony. Miss A. Jones is the pres- ent supervisor of music.
Bethalto has for years had a brass band which was organized in 1879 and called the Bethalto Cornet Band. Among its first mem- bers were: Irby Williams, E. H. Youngworth, J. G. Klein, W. H. Lawrence, J. Jones, W. H. Battles, Joel Williams, J. F. Kruse, O. F. Ban- gert, C. H. Montgomery, E. A. Stoutenberg, Christ. Langhorst, John S. Culp. The church organists are Miss Mayme Brown, Catholic; Miss Esther Thraikill, Methodist; Miss Doris Brown, Lutheran; Miss Sarah Owens, Baptist.
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