USA > Illinois > Franklin County > Franklin County, Illinois, war history, 1832-1919; containing a brief review of the world war--complete history of Franklin County's activities--photographs and service records of Franklin County's soldiers, sailors and marines--industrial and biographical review of business and professional firms who have made this history possible > Part 40
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In 1903, Christopher was incorporated as a village, being named in honor of Christopher Harrison. The original corporation lines were the same as at present except that the east line was some half mile east of its present location. In 1905 the United Coal Mining Company and the Zeigler Collieries Company began preparations for opening the East and Old North Mine and Thomas Horn and Jesse Dimond bought fifty-six acres from Dr. F. O. Harrison and made their first addition to Christopher. In 1906 the East and Old North Mine were sunk and Christopher was started on its remark- able growth. The population of Christopher at this time was about three hundred. Since this time the City of Christopher has grown by leaps and bounds until now it is a thriving and modern city of almost seven thousand population with another two or three thousand population rightly belonging to them but immediately outside the limits. There are four of the most modern coal mines for which Christopher has the advan- tage of being the shopping center of the employes and the home of most of the three thousand coal miners who make from six to eighteen dollars a day for eight hours work.
The Christopher schools are of exceptional high grade and have the most modern school buildings with ample facilities for thorough
teaching of the large influx of population which is constantly increasing the number of pupils.
In 1918 the high school was placed on the accredited lists with a four year course.
The religiously inclined are able to find the church of their faith in Christopher as there are the Christian, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Catholic churches which are all well attended.
The stores and business houses of Chris- topher compare favorably with those of any other city and it is a great satisfaction to the citizens that the stores are aggressive and constantly making efforts to increase their trade, compelling competition between the various stores thereby giving the popu- lation the advantage of the competitive efforts of the merchants. Two first-class banks, the First National and Christopher State Bank give the city exceptional banking facilities.
Christopher is constantly growing. Many new business blocks and homes are being erected every year. About 60 per cent. of the wage earners own their own homes; a larger percentage, perhaps, than in any other city. This is attributed to a prosperous building and loan association and the public spirit practiced by its citizens.
There is a live organization of business men called the Christopher Booster Club, being made up of the business men who are constantly striving to boost their town, working for the upbuilding and betterment of all civic and industrial lives.
The city improvements are many and varied, there being a complete system of concrete walks throughout the entire city, with many blocks of good paving. The city water works is efficient, and the city administration uses every effort to protect the good name, lives and property of the population.
It is a growing city with many advantages and a new-comer will receive a hearty welcome.
1919
1
359
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
O.N. Harris, Alderman.
C.E.Van Slyck. Alderman.
J.S. Williams, Mayor
Fred. E.Jederer, Alderman.
Ray Spurrier, Alderman.
William Edleman, Alderman.
John Cook, Alderman.
CHRISTOPHER CITY HALL.
Everett Lewis, City Attorney.
B.J. Aiken, Water Sup't.
D. S. Sullivan, City Treasurer.
Harl Farmer, City Clerk.
Chas. Lutes, Chief of Police.
J.H. Parks, Police Magistrate.
360
× 1832 AT- 1919
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL WAR HISTORY.
City of Christopher
J. S. WILLIAMS, MAYOR
HARL FARMER, City Clerk EVERETT LEWIS, City Attorney B. J. AIKEN, Water Supt.
D. S. SULLIVAN, City Treasurer
J. R. BIBY, Police Magistrate
J. H. BARKS, Police Magistrate
CHAS. LUTES, Chief of Police
Aldermen Ward One RAY SPURRIER JOHN COOK
Aldermen Ward Two ORVILLE HARRIS WM. EDELMAN
Aldermen Ward Three F. E. LEDERER C. E. VAN SLYCK
Advantages of Christopher
C CHRISTOPHER now has a population of over 6000, directly traced to the demand and influence of the four coal mines they have at this time. The towns of Buckner and Valier in shopping radius, bring the direct shopping population to over 8000.
The coal mines at Christopher are among the best in southern Illinois and employ over 2000 miners, who make from seven to twenty dollars a day. The approximate payroll is about $200,000 every two weeks, under full working conditions.
Two railroads, the Illinois Central and C. B. & Q., give the city many advantages, as these railroads give direct travel facilities in all directions.
The City has been alive to the advantages of good water and sewage systems-these systems are modern and give full and com- plete service at all times. The business
section of the city is paved with brick, and other paving additions will soon be added.
The social life of Christopher is pleasing- strangers and new citizens will find a social intercourse that is sure to please them. All principal religious denominations are represented, which permits one to worship in the church of their choice. First class theatres and large lodges of the various fraternal and social organizations, and several pleasure and civic clubs give one an opportunity for a varied amusement and social program.
The schools and school buildings are second to none-graded schools with an accredited high school. The course of study of the high school is identical with the best in southern Illinois. Pupils com- pleting this course are permitted to grad- uate from any of the State Normals in two years.
361
* 1832-
19194
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
First National Bank of Christopher
DENTIST
THIS Bank was organized in August, 1906, shortly after Christopher began to be recognized as having a future as a mining center. The original capital was $25,000.00 but the present capital is $60, 000.00. The Bank has been identified con- stantly with the growth of the City and has been long recognized as one of the important financial institutions of the County.
The officers of the Bank are: Nelson Browning, president; W. T. Silkwood, vice- president; George W. Ward, cashier, and Ethel Harrison, assistant cashier. Directors other than the officers are: S. A. Harrison, F. O. Harrison, J. G. Gillispie, L. T. Pulliman and S. M. Rea.
The last statement of conditions issued at the close of business on June 30, 1920, showed a capital and surplus of $85,000.00; deposits of $645,300.60 and total resources of $748,206.65. The Bank is a member of
the Federal Reserve Association, having a nice amount of stock in the Federal Reserve Bank.
The history of this Bank would not be complete without giving a short biography of the one man who has been identified with the Bank ever since the organization- Nelson Browning. He is a descendant of the pioneer Browning family, being born January 4, 1857, son of E. W. Browning, who was the son of the original Gilbert Browning, one of the first settlers in the County. Nelson Browning spent his early life on the farm and was for a short time part owner in one of the first stores in Christopher, in 1896, his partner being Harvey Jones. This was at the time when Christopher was a village of one hundred fifty population. He assisted in organizing the Bank and was its first president.
In 1880, Mr. Browning laid one of the most important corner stones in the founda- tion of his success by his marriage to Mary A. Jones, daughter of B. S. Minor, an early settler of Franklin county and a very suc- cessful farmer and stock raiser, known all over the country. Of the children born to their union, two sons are living, Ernest and Fred, the former a World war veteran now employed in the bank.
Mr. Browning has always taken an interest in the upbuilding of his town and was the mayor from the time of the incorporation of the City and continued so for sixteen years; and has held several terms as township supervisor. During the world war Mr. Browning was one of the most earnest workers for the success of all the home activities. He was chairman of the Chris- topher Red Cross and County Chairman of the Liberty Loan Organization.
362
1919
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL WAR HISTORY.
D. W. Davis
THE Davis family was one of the very early families to settle in the western part of the county-Tyrone township, which joins Perry county on the west. Mulkeytown sprang into existence in a very early day as a trading point and the first store was started here in 1835. West of this town near the county line the Davis family settled, and our subject, D. W. Davis, was born on February 23, 1859. Living the average life of the farmer boy at that period, but having the opportunity of a better education than the district schools afforded he attended the Ewing college, and it was during his attendance there that he decided to enter business life and at nineteen years of age began clerking for W. R. Browning, general merchant of that place. He later was employed with Bowman Bros. at Thompson- ville and then with J. M. Browning at DuQuoin. During these years of clerkship he was acquiring the foundation and saving money for his own business, and while in the employ of Browning & Co. at DuQuoin he purchased an interest in a store in Mulkeytown and the firm of Burkett & Davis was formed. He retained his position and did not take an active interest in the store until seven years later. In 1901, the firm was changed to Cook, Burkitt & Davis,
a combination of the firm of Cook Bros. and Burkitt and Davis being formed. Four years later the Burkitt interest was pur- chased by Mr. Davis and the firm changed to Cook Bros. and Davis. In 1907, the firm started a store in Christopher. Believing that the different stores could be better managed by the partners giving their whole attention to one or the other stores, the firm was dissolved October, 1911, the Cook interests retaining the parent store at Mulkeytown and Mr. Davis the Christopher store. Since the dissolution of interests the Christopher store has been known as D. W. Davis, general merchant. The store has been located in the present building since 1909. The business, through the thorough knowledge of merchandising possessed by Mr. Davis, has constantly increased until now the store is perhaps the largest and most liberally patronized of any general store of Christopher.
Mr. Davis was married in June, 1888, to Miss Clara Patterson, of DuQuoin. They are the parents of five children: William E., Vera, Fay, Phil and Lester. William and Phil served their country in the late war. They are valuable assistants of their father in the business and are popular and active members of the American Legion.
363
1919
FRANKLIN COUNTY. ILL. WAR HISTORY.
The Christopher Progress
N JEWSPAPER work is especially tran- sitory in its nature. The newspaper article that may be read with most absolute interest today by the thousands and to- morrow forgotten by eager people, as it is then no longer "news" and some more recent event has taken its place as the center of people's attention for a few brief hours. Consequently the newspaper article possesses none of the stability of other literary effort. Rarely is it kept for general reference except in the files of the news- paper office itself. It is read, makes more or less of an impression for a time, and is then superseded by the next issue and thrown aside. To make a permanent impression upon this particularly kaleidosco- pic field of the world's work requires some- thing more than mere talent; it requires abso- lute genius, and the fact that a publisher and editor can make a deep and lasting impression upon the public con- science, an imprint that influences public opin- ion and acts as a factor in determining the out- come of large issues, shows him to be pos- sessed of that genius. Walter W . Sims, editor and proprietor of the Christopher Progress, is an example of the typical newspaper man who by inheritance and early training has developed such a talent. Born at Sioux City, Iowa, August 27, 1891, the son of W. W. Sims, a printer and publisher of wide exper- ience, who came to Illinois in 1899 and entered the newspaper business at Anna, and later bought the Pinckneyville Advocate. At Pinckneyville our subject was "broke in' as city editor and acted in such capacity until 1913 when his father purchased the Chris- topher Progress and Walter was sent there as editor and manager. He held this position until 1915, then moved to Percy and edited the Percy Signal for a year, after which he
returned to Christopher and again took up his work on the Progress until February, 1917, when he received a state appointment under Louis L. Emmerson, secretary of state, and was a resident of Springfield for about eighteen months. His early training had been too well developed to be contented long in other work, and in November, 1918, he resigned his state position and purchased the Christopher Progress from his father. During the eighteen months that our subject has been in complete charge of the Chris- topher Progress it has developed wonderfully in patronage and pres- tige-37% more bus- iness than under any previous management.
The Christopher Progress is Republican when the great issues of the day are paramount, but depends upon an unbiased discussion of local events for its local prestige, and at all times gives its customers and subscribers a square deal. The subscription price of this up-to-date weekly paper is now $2.00 per year, which is the highest priced weekly newspaper in Southern Illinois, and is the pioneer of $2.00 weekly newspapers at this writing but many others are now con- templating this price.
Mr. Sims takes a very active part in all the municipal affairs and upbuilding of Christopher, being very active in the local Booster Club, and thoroughly believing in the future growth of his town.
Walter W. Sims was married to Miss Verna Haggard, of Pinckneyville, on August 30, 1913, daughter of Mrs. Louisa Haggard. Mr. and Mrs. Sims are the parents of two sons, Wayne, aged four, and Leonard, aged eight months, and one daughter who died in infancy. Mr. Sims is an active fraternal worker, being a member of the Masons, K. of P., L. O. O. M. and B. P. O. E.
364
1832
1918
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
Christopher State Bank
RISTOPHER STATE BANK.
RIEFFERTILLAR
CHAS. L. PIKE .
ALBERT E. PIKE.
THE Christopher State Bank was organ- 1 ized April 11, 1912, to meet the needs of greater banking facilities for the rapidly growing City of Christopher. It was organ- ized with a capital stock of $35,000.00. This capital has been continued although the present large resources of the Bank would warrant a much larger capital. The first officers were T. P. Harrison, president; C. S. Walker, vice-president; H. M. Rea, cashier.
On June 11, 1915, Albert E. Pike, who had come to Christopher to build and organize the local electric light plant, after finish- ing this work decided that the town of Christopher had many opportunities and therefore invested in the stock of the Christopher State Bank and was elected president. Mr. Pike was born in Degognia, July 27, 1865. The Pike family were pros- perous farmers of the locality, but like many
farmer boys Mr. Pike believed that he would be successful in other lines of endeavor. He taught school for several years and was employed in St. Louis for a while, and then located in Ava where he established himself in the electrical business. He was also for several years director of the State Bank of that place and was one of the popular citizens of that City,-a civic leader and mayor. On October 30, 1901, he was married to Hattie M. Redi- field of Campbell Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Pike are the parents of one child, Mary E., born May 6, 1907. He is a member of the Masons, Elks and Oddfellows.
Chas. L. Pike, the cashier, is a brother of Albert E. Pike and came to Christopher shortly after his brother and for a time was book- keeper at the Zeigler Colliery Co. He was elected cashier of the Bank on June 11, 1915. Before coming to Christopher he had been cashier of the State Bank at Ava. He was married to Miss Eva Allais on November 21, 1915. They have one child, Charles Lewis. Chas. L. is also a Mason, Elk and Odd Fellow. The vice - president of the Bank is R. Teffertillar, a prominent contractor of Christopher, who was elected to this office on May 11, 1917.
The assistant cashier is Miss Lea Allais, former bookkeeper for six years, being elected to this office January 1, 1920. The directors other than the officers mentioned are T. P. Harrison, F. G. Rea, H. Edelman and H. McCarley.
The total resources at the close of the fiscal year, May 4, 1920, were $579,324.99. An example of the wonderful growth of this Bank is shown by the comparison of the deposits at the beginning of each calendar year: 1913-$71,568.61; 1914-$116,324.62; 1915 - $128,395.64; 1916-$138,919.24;
1917 -$192,445.48; 1918-$287,264.40; 1919 - $458,590.42.
365
418
1919
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL WAR HISTORY.
Reid, Yemm & Hayes
THE GLOBE THEATRE AT CHRISTOPHER
D URING the year 1919 there were many changes made in southern Illinois in the way of establishing theatres of the better class. Several chains of theatres were established by companies who were financially able to give the public the very best attractions possible. . Among the group of companies operating several thea- tres, which became immediately popular by their high class bookings, is Reid, Yemm & Hayes, who operate theatres at DuQuoin, Christopher, West Frankfort, Marion, Sesser and Zeigler. This company began operations with a theatre at DuQuoin, and entered the Franklin county field January 23, 1919 by the purchase of the new Globe theatre at
Christopher and the Opera House at Sesser These theatres were new and modern in every respect and the company soon placed them in a class where the best attractions were secured and shown at popular prices.
The company's largest theatre is at West Frankfort, where they also have just finished remodeling the Rex theatre, which gives them two theatres in that city. The West Frankfort section will give a complete description and history of these theatres.
The Sesser theatre is under the manage- ment of Wm. Keigley, and is a credit to the community deserving the best patronage and co-operation of all who desire attractions that are dependable.
366
* 1832 Mm 1919
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
Reid, Yemm & Hayes Continued
SATURDAY
BIG
DOUBLE
HEADER
HARRY CAREY.
TONIC
SATURDAY
THE OPERA HOUSE AT SESSER
The DuQuoin and Christopher theatres are under the management of members of the firm, T. A. Reid and T. E. Yemm, and are consequently conducted in the highest class possible. Messrs. Reid and Yemm by their ability as theatre operators and co- operative business methods have won for
themselves many friends and the unstinted patronage of the theatregoers of Christopher and vicinity.
The Zeigler theatre was purchased in September of this year (1920), and will be brought to the same high standard of excellency as the other theatres.
THE ZEIGLER THEATRE
367
> 1832
1919
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
Christopher Ice & Bottling Co.
THIS large industry is directly credited to the organization ability of Fred E. Lederer, the present manager, who came to Christopher from DuQuoin about eight years ago and engaged in the retail ice business. Deciding that Christopher was an ideal location for a large manufacturing industry he promoted the present business, which in 1917, was formed into a stock company of local and foreign capital.
The picture above is the interior of the machine room showing the modern ice mak- ing machinery. The plant has large storage facilities which makes it a very valuable industry for the City. The company is also manufacturers of "Perfection" ice cream, all kinds of soda water and ginger ale and are jobbers of all fountain supplies.
A branch plant of the company is located at Zeigler, with John W. Campbell, a veteran of the world war, as manager. Two other
service men, Lester Hileman and E. R. Pyles, are employed at the Christopher plant.
Mr. Lederer is directly responsible for the popularity of this firm. He is a man that begets and retains friendship and gives much of his time in civic and industrial work for the benefit of his community. He is at present alderman, and has served as City treasurer and is now secretary of the Christopher Booster Club. He takes an active interest in fraternal work, being a member of the Elks, Odd Fellows, Redmen and Modern Woodmen.
368
919 %
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY. --
1915
Bacon Motor Company
THE Ford automobile has been the origination of some very wonderful suc- cesses in the building of large and permanent business institutions demanding special mechanical and business qualifications. The motor industry brings to the front the best materials and quickly develops or breaks the aspirant for such honors. An example of successful aspirants for honors in the automobile industry is The Bacon Motor Company, owned by Dwight and Thomas Bacon, farmer boys who entered® this business March 1, 1918, purchasing the Walker-Rea Motor Company. The firm was conducted under this name until September, 1919, when the name was changed to the Bacon Motor Company. Dwight and Thomas Bacon are the sons of J. P. Bacon, a prominent farmer living near Christopher. Dwight Bacon's picture and service record
will be found in the honor roll section of this history.
The Bacon Motor Company are dis- tributors of the Ford automobile and Ford- son Tractors for Christopher, Zeigler Royalton, Mulkeytown, Coella, Buckner, Valier and one-half of Rend City. They have a large stock of all Fordson parts and accessories, and have in their employ expert mechanics for service work on Ford cars and Fordson tractors.
The spirit of patriotism for home and county prevail at the Bacon Motor Company -the loyalty to Christopher and interest shown in public affairs by the proprietors of the Bacon Motor Company have created for them a reputation for progressiveness and public spiritedness. Automobile owners and tourists will find this company a reliable headquarters where every courtesy is shown.
369
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
Karr Drug Company
"HE popular meeting place for the citi- zens of Christopher is the Karr Drug Company. People have formed the habit of saying "Meet me at Karr's." The Karr Drug Company is a co-partnership of R. A. Karr of Herrin and F. Hindman of Christopher and it was estab- lished in February, 1911, by Mr. Hindman who had previously been employed by Mr. Karr at Herrin. Mr. Hindman was born in Benton, October 29th, 1889, and moved with his parents to Herrin at the age of twelve years and in 1903 became an employee of Mr. Karr and contin- ued in his employ for several years and then entered the University of Illinois, department of pharmacy at Chicago, graduating with the degree of P. G. in 1910. He opened the store at Christopher as above mentioned. He was married to Miss Della Mulky, May 15th, 1915. He is an Elk and Mason. Mr. Hindman has made wonderful
strides in his short business career, establish- ing the Hindman Drug Co. in Sesser in 1917, and also a store at Valier in 1918. He is the vice-president of the Stotlar-Hindman Motor Co., the Dodge distributors for several cities in Franklin county.
E. J. Jackson
A "citizen from choice" is the way E. J. Jackson, a native of Baltic province, Russia, likes to describe his citizenship of the United States. He was born in Russia, May 22, 1887, and came to this country when about twenty-four years of age. His first business experience was that of traveling salesman with headquarters in St. Louis. In this capacity he was constantly on the lookout for a permanent location to es- tablish a business for himself. He picked Sesser, establishing himself in that hustling town in 1908. He is now the oldest business man in Sesser-others have either retired or moved to other locations, but Mr. Jackson is well satisfied and contented with his business, home and city.
Mr. Jackson was married July 1, 1906, to Miss Rose Warshaw of St. Louis. Mrs. Jackson is an active assistant in the store and a real helpmate to her husband.
During the war period no citizen was more active in all activities for the soldiers than was Mr. Jackson-chairman of the United War Fund drive and a tireless worker in other charit- able work.
He is treasurer of the Sesser Loan and Improvement Asso- ciation and active in everything that tends to benefit the citi- zens or build his town.
Mr. Jackson is of the class of citizens of foreign birth that native Americans are proud of.
He is ever active in all the affairs that mean a larger and better Sesser.
370
1832
FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILL. WAR HISTORY.
DIRECTORS ·
Dr. I.A.FOSTER.
GEO.W. HUBBARD.
M A. GURLEY.
Zeigler Building Loan Association Capital Stock, $300,000.00.
GEO. P. BAGGOTT, PRESIDENT.
L. L. JONES, VICE- PREST.
D. T. ASHBY, TREASURER .
O. F. HARRIS, SECRETARY.
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