USA > Illinois > Madison County > Centennial history of Madison County, Illinois, and its people, 1812 to 1912, Volume I > Part 83
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Of the early educators of Upper Alton none are held in more loving remembrance than Rev. Hubbel Loomis and the twin brothers Washington and Warren Leverett of Shurt- leff College. Rev. Hubbel Loomis, the first president, gave the institution life and vitality. Closely allied with them, as trustee and benefactor, was Hon. Cyrus Edwards, son-in- law of Father Loomis, and B. F. Edwards so closely associated in planting the institution in Upper Alton. These great and good men made an impress on the community which time cannot efface. And there were others like them, such as Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers, who, in that early day, laid the foundations of religion and education, and whose work is still advancing. It is pleasant to know that they have left descendants worthy of their sires who have added lustre to the names they bear in professional life, in patriotic ser- vice in the realm of industry and in the up- building of the social and civic fabric.
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HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY
INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESS
An early industry in Upper Alton was a pot- tery established in 1820 by Nathaniel Pinck- ard and William Heath. They manufactured all kinds of earthenware for household use. This business was later carried on still more extensively by another firm that moved from Edwardsville and was continued, later on, in more varied lines, by Merrill & Son. The shale for the pottery was obtained from the vein near North Alton. Upper Alton was, some forty years ago, extensively engaged in cooperage, but that industry gradually de- clined being absorbed by larger shops in lower Alton more favorably located.
The Lowe family of Upper Alton was very prominent and influential in early days. M. A. Lowe, a pioneer settler, was an eye witness of the Pro-Slavery riot. He died in 1909, at an advanced age, probably the last survivor of those who witnessed the tragedy. Capt. Wil- liam R. Wright, who settled in Upper Alton in 1829, and served in both the Mexican and Civil wars, survived until 1910.
Upper Alton has only such business houses as are necessary to supply the wants of its people, but maintains several fine stores carry- ing large and varied stocks of goods. Its am- bition is to remain what it has been for many years an attractive and desirable place of res- idence. Prior to its annexation to Alton in 19II, it had several miles of paved streets, two street railroads, a water works system, extended from Alton, electric lights and other metropolitan utilities. It has now, in addi- tion, ample fire protection, and a comprehen- sive sewerage system is now being planned by the city. No saloons existed in Upper Alton, prior to annexation, owing to a provision in the charter of Shurtleff College forbidding the sale of liquor within one mile of the college. This wholesome provision is not altered by annexation and it remains a beautiful and ideal residence district.
The population of Upper Alton in 1880 was 1,535; in 1890, 1,803; in 1900, 2,273; in 1910, 2,918, and about an even 3,000 at the time of merging its political identity with Alton.
The members of the town board, at the time of annexation were: Hon. S. G. B. Crawford, president; Prof. J. D. Pace, John Marshall, George Fielden, Arthur Wightman, Dr. L. I .. Yerkes. Theodore Scovell, also a member of this board, died in office.
BETHALTO
This flourishing town was established soon after the building of the Alton & Terre Haute Railroad. It lies partly in Wood River and partly in Fort Russell townships. Its orig- inal site is in section 1, but with additions the plat now lies in sections 1 and 12 in Wood river and 6 and 7 in Fort Russell. It was laid out by Joel U. Starkey and the town plat re- corded June 23d, 1854. It was incorporated as a village April 19, 1869, and reorganized under the general law, April 23, 1873. The first president of the board of trustees was Jacob Huppert. Capt. John A. Miller was the first justice of the peace. Under the gen- eral law the first president of the board was S. A. Albro. It was originally called Bethel, after the first church located in that section, but when the first post office was established it was necessary to change the name. Brink's History claims that the name Bethalto was created from two names Bethel and Alton- Bethalto. But an old friend of the writer, Eugene Day, claimed that the name was formed from two words, Bethel, meaning place of worship and the Latin word altus, high, and that the combination means, "place of high worship."
The principal industry of Bethalto for many years was milling. It is surrounded by a rich agricultural country which marketed its grain in that village. The President Mill and Ele- vator was established in 1859 by James Neim- rich. The capacity of the mill was 100 bar-
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rels of flour per day. It was rebuilt and en- larged in 1877, by Meyer & Guye, with a capa- city of 500 barrels per day. In 1881 it was purchased by John W. Kaufman who in- creased its capacity to 600 barrels. After a prosperous career it was destroyed by fire in March, 1896. As it employed a large force of hands its destruction was a great disaster to the village. ,The effect was shown by the shrinkage in population. In 1890 the vil- lage had a population of 879; in 1900 it was 477, and in 1910, 447. After the President mill burned John Weidmer, who owned it at that time, did not rebuild it but started in the grain business, as his elevator had been saved. Shortly after Jacob and John Kauffman bought him out and operated the elevator un- der the name of the Kauffman Milling Com- pany. The Farmers' Elevator Company was formed next. This company bought out the Kauffmans but later sold out to B. C. Mun- day, in June, 1911, who now owns the eleva- tor.
Another mill, the Bethalto Custom and Merchants Mill, was established by J. E. Ewan, in 1872. C. H. Flick was at one time a partner, the firm being Ewan & Flick. Mr. Ewan died in 1906. The mill was then pur- chased by Tobias Brothers who still conduct it. Bethalto has several stores and minor in- dustries, including coal mining, and a bank with a capital of $25,000. It was founded by B. C. Munday in 1903 and later reorganized as a State bank. The officers are : B. C. Mun- day, president; George Richards, vice pres- ident; Ed. Starkey, cashier, and Herb Star- key, assistant cashier.
EAST ALTON.
East Alton, originally known as Alton Junc- tion, then as Wann Station, and now East Al- ton, had a population of 454 in 1910. It has since grown rapidly. It is the junction of the main line of the Big Four with the Alton branch, and the southern terminus of the Il-
linois division of the C. B. & Q. It is con- nected with Alton by the Alton, Granite City & East St. Louis traction line. Its transpor- tation facilities are excellent. It has become an important industrial center and its outlook for the future is most promising.
Adjacent to the town, on the line of the Big Four, is the plant of the Stoneware Pipe Company, manufacturers of sewer and culvert pipe, flue lining, chimney pipe, drain tile, etc. The product is made from the vast deposits of fire brick clay there available. This plant is an Alton enterprise which has flourished for many years and won a wide reputation. J. W. Koch is president and treasurer ; M. H. Boals, vice president, and George E. Foster, secretary. Jas. D. Lehmer, is manager.
The plant of the Equitable Powder Com- pany, located here is one of the most exten- sive in the country. It was established here by Eastern capitalists. The plant is modern in all respects and its many buildings are iso- lated over a large acreage. The extent of its activities may be judged from the fact that its annual product amounts to $500,000. The officers of the company are F. W. Olin, presi- dent ; Richard Stout, secretary and treasurer.
The Western Cartridge Company's plant is located adjoining the Equitable Powder Com- pany. It, also, is a mammoth concern and the ammunition it turns out wins first prizes all over the country and has been awarded orders from the United States government. In the tests for accuracy recently conducted by the war department the ammunition manufac- tured at Western proved to be superior to that of all other makes and was adopted as the "official ammunition for the national re- volver matches." The demand for the pro- ducts of this industry has so increased of late that a branch plant has been opened at Alton on an extended scale. F. W. Olin is president of the Western Cartridge Company and A. J. Norcum is secretary.
East Alton was incorporated as a village
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May 4, 1894, according to the record of the day, president; J. G. Munday, vice president Secretary of State, but on Sept. 19, 1893, ac- and W. M. Carey, secretary. cording to the village record, D. G. Tomlinson The village is also now installing a system of electric lights and also water works and sewerage. was the first president of the board of trustees, and James Luddike, clerk. The present presi- dent of the board is Ben Picker, and Ray Mc- Millen, clerk. Charles J. Ferguson is the present efficient postmaster. He has two as- sistants under him and three rural route car- riers. The first postmaster was William Evergum who was also station agent. The office was a small affair and there be those
A drawback to the still greater expansion of East Alton has been the periodical over- flow of Wood river, caused, it is claimed by some, at least in part, by embankments of the Big Four, north of town. This has caused the Equitable Powder Company to bring suit against the railroad company for $50,000 dam-
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WOOD RIVER PUBLIC SCHOOL
who say that the postmaster then carried the office in his pocket.
East Alton has two churches, Baptist and Methodist, and a handsome public school building. Adjoining East Alton are the su- burbs of Blinn and Niagara, established by H. J. Bowman, and Silver Ridge, platted by Z. Silver. Niagara is directly opposite the old town of Milton, now extinct, on the east side of the river.
East Alton has arrived at the distinction of sustaining a banking institution known as the People's Bank. Its officers are: C. B. Mun-
ages, a case now pending. A great drainage project is now before the County court for ratification involving the straightening of the channel of Wood river, which has more wind- ings than the ancient Meander, between East Alton and the Mississippi. The project is a gigantic one but will be of incalculable value, although its cost will be several hundred thou- sand dollars.
WOOD RIVER AND BENBOW CITY
Two new villages of the township are Wood River and Benbow City. The former com-
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prises the recently consolidated corporations of Wood River and East Wood River. It is now a flourishing community boasting a bank, several long stretches of graniteoid sidewalks and a splendid modern school house costing $40,000, of which Pfeiffenberger & Son of Alton were the architects. It illustrates the wonderful progress of the community. The village has also a neat Union church. The village is growing rapidly. In 1910 it had a population of 484 which is now twice as large. Wood River is the seat of the immense re- finery of the Standard Oil Company, the lar- gest business corporation in the world. This plant, costing several million dollars is a stu- pendous enterprise. The tract it occupies in- cludes some 800 acres with a mile of river front. In addition to the numerous refinery buildings where the different grades of oil are turned out, together with the various by- products, are some 150 immense storage tanks with a network of underground pipes connecting them with the refinery buildings. Whole train loads of oil, in tank cars, are shipped from the refinery daily all over the country. In addition a pipe line has been ex- tended to the river and oil is shipped in bulk, in barges, to any point desired on the western rivers. The crude oil is brought from the wells near the Wabash river by means of a pipe line 150 miles long.
Wood River, although young in years, is already supplied with banking facilities by the establishment of the First State and Savings Bank, with E. M. Clark as president; H. K. Whitlaw, vice president, and H. E. Bartlett, cashier.
The village is lighted with electricity and has just let the contract for a complete water works and sewerage system.
Benbow City adjoins Wood River and shares in its prosperity and expansion. It was founded by Hon. A. E. Benbow who is President of its board of trustees. Mr. Ben- bow has represented this county in the Legis-
lature. He is the son of one of the earliest pioneers of Upper Alton. Benbow City has appropriated $5,000 for expenses of the cur- rent fiscal year.
Other great industries of Wood River town- ship are the Federal Lead Works and the Al- ton Box Board and Paper Company.
The Federal Lead Works is a part of the Guggenheim system and is the largest reduc- tion plant of that great corporation. Its plant covers several acres of buildings filled with costly and intricate machinery. Its out- put in pig lead is immense. The crude ore is brought here from the company's mines at Flat River, Mo. Rudolph Porter is the effi- cient manager. The Box Board Company, lately established as a new industry in this field, is likewise on a gigantic scale. The mill is equipped with all the latest appliances known in the business, and is one of the larg- est and finest in the country. It is provided with a machine which is the largest in the world. It is over 400 feet long and turns out a sheet eleven feet wide. The ma- chine is equipped with 83 drivers. Lo- cated in the center of the winter wheat belt, this plant is a great boon to the farmers of this and adjoining counties. It takes all of their wheat straw, formerly almost a waste product, and pays therefor from $5.00 a ton up, according to quality. Crawford Fair- banks brother of the former Vice President of the United States, is President of the com- pany. The capacity of the mill equals one hundred tons of its product per day or five carloads. The great Fairbanks organization includes five large plants, in other places, be- sides that at Alton.
Factory No. 3 of Beall Bros Company manufacturers of miners' tools and miners' supplies, is located in East Alton, the other two factories being in Alton. The East Alton factory makes a specialty of heavy hammers, railroad track tools, etc. The officers are J. W. Beall, President; A. M. Beall, Vice Presi-
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dent ; E. H. Beall, Treasurer ; Charles L. Beall, Secretary and Manager of East Alton factory; Edmund Beall, chairman board of directors. This company is spoken of further in the sketch of Alton. The product of the three factories equals a million dollars in value annually.
All the factories in Wood River township have connection with the C. & A .; the Big Four; the C. B. & Q .; the C. P. & St. Louis; the Illinois Terminal (Wabash), and connec- tion, via the Alton bridge with the M. K. & T., and the Burlington Western. The advantages of Wood River township, in the way of trans- portation facilities by river and rail, cheap and abundant fuel supply and topographical fitness have drawn into the township, without bonus, five or six plants of the greatest indus- tries of the United States. Its hundred years of history is a remarkable record of manu- facturing expansion.
THE ASSASSINATION OF HON. D. B. GILLHAM
The most sensational tragedy that ever took place in Upper Alton was the assassination of Hon. Daniel B. Gillham which took place on March 17, 1890. He was shot down at his home, in the middle of the night when con- fronting a burglar who had entered his apart- ment for the purpose of robbery. The bullet entered his body, below the lungs, but he lin- gered with surprising vitality until the even- ing of April 6th when he died from internal hemorrhage. The burglar fled on firing the fatal shot. He had two accomplices on the outside. The alarm was at once given by the aroused family and a physician hastily sum- moned. As he entered the room Mr. Gillham exclaimed, "It is a death wound, Doctor!" and so it proved. He was attended through his illness by Dr. T. P. Yerkes and Dr. E. Guelich, both old army surgeons, skilled in treating gunshot wounds.
The tragedy caused the wildest excitement in the Altons, the prominence of the victim,
the esteem in which he was held and the cold- blooded character of the murder, added fuel to the flame of popular indignation and hor- ror at the revolting crime. The authorities were baffled, but the perpetrators were at length discovered through the persistent ef- forts of Willard L. Gillham and Warren W. Lowe, son and son-in-law, respectively, of Mr. Gillham. The murderers proved to be George Starkey, of Bethalto, John Brown and a sewing machine agent named James R. Wyatt, of Alton. They were tried, found guilty and sentenced to thirty years' imprison- ment, each, in the penitentiary. Starkey died in prison. Brown was subsequently released on parole and was killed soon after by being run over by a railroad train. Wyatt com- mitted suicide in prison.
Daniel Brown Gillham was born at Wanda, Madison county, April 29, 1826. He was the son of Rev. John Gillham, of South Carolina, and Phoebe Dunnagan Gillham. During his boyhood he worked on a farm and attended the district schools, and later spent two terms at McKendree college. He adopted farming as an occupation and developed into one of the most advanced agriculturists in the state. His model stock farm, known as Valley Ridge, became famous. In 1866 he was elected a member of the State Agricultural Society; was president thereof from 1874 to 1878, and vice president from his congres- sional district until his untimely death.
He was elected to the lower house of the legislature in 1870 and served as state senator from 1882 to 1886. In politics he was affi- liated with the Democratic party. In 1872 he removed from his farm and made his home in Upper Alton. He was a member of the Baptist church of that place and a trustee of Shurtleff College. His funeral on April 9th, 1890, was a day of mourning in Upper Alton. All stores were closed and business suspended. The faculty, trustees and students of Shurt- leff attended in a body. Governor Fifer was present as well as many other state officials.
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The directors of the State Board of Agricul- ture were the honorary pall bearers. The services took place at the Baptist church and were attended by an immense throng of sincere mourners. The sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. A. A. Kendrick, president of Shurtleff, and Rev. Thomas Young, son-in-law of the decedent, took part in the services.
Mr. Gillham was thrice married. His first wife died early leaving one child; his second wife left six children. His third wife sur- vives and resides in Upper Alton.
A KNIGHTLY SOLDIER
No knightlier figure fared forth to the war from Illinois than Captain Wilberforce Love- joy Hurlbut of Upper Alton. He was the only son of Rev. T. B. Hurlbut. He was a young man of brilliant talents. He entered the army
in February, 1862, as senior aid-de-camp on the staff of Major General Richardson. His General said of him, "a braver man never lived." He participated in over twenty battles of the army of the Potomac. He commanded the Fifth Michigan regiment at the battle of Chancellorsville and lay for three days wounded on the bloody field of Gettysburg. He laid down his life in the dread battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864, while leading on his men, though for some time his fate was uncertain.
Captain Hurlbut was born in Upper Al- ton, July 20, 1841, and was nearing the close of his senior year at Shurtleff when he went to the front. He was tall, soldierly and com- manding, genial, gentle and chivalrous, "a man without fear and without reproach." The civil war claimed no nobler victim.
Vol. I-40
ADDENDUM
MINING VILLAGES NOT OTHERWISE MENTIONED
NORTH ALTON
North Alton, originally known as Green- wood, was platted by James C. Tibbett in 1853. Across the township line, in T 6, R IO, stood the Buck Inn, built in 1837. Nearby a post office had been established in 1868 with P. J. Melling as postmaster. The office was known as "Buck Inn." William Hall succeeded him and the office was removed to his store within the present limits of North Alton. Hall was succeeded by George F. Long, a veteran soldier, and he by George F. Barth. In De- cember, 1875, the original plat of Greenwood and additional territory was incorporated and given the name of North Alton. In 1908 the village was annexed to the city of Alton. Fifty years ago Buck Inn and Coal Branch con- stituted an important coal mining district, the residence of pioneer operators of the county, as detailed in chapter XXIV. The vein, how- ever, was thin, only 28 inches, and when thicker veins were discovered in the central and eastern parts of the county the industry declined, and in 1910 only two small mines were in operation.
GLEN CARBON
Another coal mining village of later date is Glen Carbon in Edwardsville township. It is a picturesque village situated on the bluffs and
on the sides of a valley which opens onto the American Bottom. The location is a beautiful one and the outlook from its heights one of the finest in the county. Two railroads pass through Glen Carbon, the Toledo, St. L. & Western and the Illinois Central. The Madi- son Coal Corporation operates two mines here. The coal report for 1910 shows that mine No. 2 hoisted the previous year 195,218 tons and employed 234 hands. Mine No. 4 produced 187,983 tons and employed 250 hands. The population of Glen Carbon in 1900 was 1,348, and in 1910, 1,220. It was incorporated as a village in 1892, on June 6th.
A mile distant is the railroad station of Peters, where is still standing the old residence of Col. Judy. It is the oldest brick house in the county. It was built in 1807 of brick made on the premises. It is still in good preserva- tion and is occupied as a farm dwelling.
MARYVILLE
Maryville in Collinsville township is another flourishing coal mining centre. It is located on the Illinois Central railroad. Mine No. 2 of the Bonk Bros. C. and C. Co. is located here. The coal report for 1910 gives its output for the previous year as 373,900 tons, employing 467 hands. Value of product $323,885. It had a population in 1910 of 729. It was incor- porated as a village June 4, 1902.
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