USA > Illinois > Ford County > Historical Atlas of Ford County Illinois > Part 20
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The German Methodist Episcopal Society of Melvin.t-This society was organized in Peach Orchard Township in 1870 with ten members by Rev. E. J. Funk, of Chicago German Con- ference.
By J. H. Mowyer.
D. Thompson. B. T. D. Thompson.
The first class was composed of the following members: H. Duringer and wife, Ties Arends and wife, George O. Arends and wife, A. Hellman and wife, and Gerhard Defries and wife. Meetings were first held at farmhouses, then in schoolhouses. After the village of Melvin was started, they moved into town. In 1875, they bought the old schoolhouse which stood a half mile south of town, moved it up into town, fitted it up, and used it for church until 1881, when they built a new church at a cost of 81,850. It was dedicated November 20 by Peter Hinners, of Chicago.
They now have a flourishing society of forty-nine members. Rev. Peter Rech is pastor.
German Evangelical Church, Melvin .*- The name of the or- ganization is as above stated, but it is called St. Peter's congre- gation. This society was organized October 20, 1872. The original members were F. Beck, M. Otto, H. Schnelle, H. Spell- meyer, W. Fabel. H. Steinmann, M. Imm. O. Defries, W. Hafer, F. Bretting, J. Hinse, G. Beck, A. Loeinga, R. Freese, A. Mohr. These members erected a building in the spring of 1873, valued at 81,100.
From the time of organization till July 5, 1875, Rev. Simon Surj was minister of the congregation. From the latter date until April 7, 1878, Rev. H. Ilebler was the minister, and since that time Rev. H. Stachling has been the minister.
In the first years after this congregation was organized, some of our old members moved to other States, and it was a burden for the few members to uphold the duties of the church, but in the last six or seven years more and more people have joined us. At this time our congregation has thirty members or families. Our building is not near large enough, and we hope to erect a new building very soon.
ELLIOTT.
United Brethren Church, Elliott .- This church was organ- ized two and a half miles north from Elliott, at Samuel Todd's house, in the winter of 1"62. The original members were Sam- uel and Nancy Todd, Jackson and America Pitser, Peter Beatty and wife, John Wallace's family, John and Jemima Cooder, Jesse and Rosanna Todd, Messrs. Darg, Hawthorne, Trickel and their wives, John Keesey and wife, John McBride and wife and others to the number of forty.
In 1872, they erected a church in the village of Elliott at the cost of about 8',000.
The ministers who have served this charge are as follows : Revs. Orrin, " The Apostle of the Wabash," George W. Winer, J. W. Fisher, Samuel Zook, George Hall, S. Mitchell, John Mor- rison. J. I. Robinson, Mr. Blake, Mr. Corley, L. L. Rinehart, Mr. Scott and John Morrison. Rev. Orrin came in 1859, preaching in this vicinity and at other points as the title given to him would indicate.
The present trustees are John Keesey, William J. Wantz and S. W. Wade. This organization is one of the oldest in the coun- ty, and numbers among its membership some of the most promi- nent citizens of Elliott and Dix Township. Its Sunday school officers and teachers have been very active workers in that cause.
GIBSON.
The Catholic Church of Gibsont .- This church was organ- ized at Gibson in 1875. The original members were John Dela- ney, John Sutton, Thomas Tierney, Patrick Harty, Michael Harty, Con Hardigan, James Molloy, John Donnelya, Michael Donovan, Michael Ryan, John and Jeff New, John Graden and others to the number of twenty-five.
In 1876, the present church building was erected at a cost of 81,100. The priests who have had charge of this church are as follows : Fathers Fanning, Cahel, Kelley, Lewis and Flynn. The church is clear of debt, with money in the treasury. The membership now numbers about 100 and the number is steadily increasing. The church is in a very prosperous condition. It has a flourishing Sunday school, superintended by the pastor.
tReceived too late for insertion in proper pisos.
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TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.
PAXTON-THIE COUNTY SEAT.
The city of Paxton is laid out in Sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, in Range 10 east, in the township of Patton. Most of it lies in Sections 7 and 8. Nearly all the blocks, lots and streets are laid out parallel with the Illinois Central Railroad, or on an angle of about fifteen degrees. The original town consisting of thirty- five blocks, lying on both sides of the railroad, was laid off in the spring of 1857, by A. D. Southworth, Deputy County Surveyor of Vermilion County. The land was owned by W. H. Pells. R. R. Murdock, Leander Britt, Benjamin Stites and D. Donally. The next addition to the town was the Railroad Addition, laid out north of the original town, in the spring of 1858. for Joseph E. Austin. A. H. Reynolds, Hiram C. Todd, L. Britt, R. R. Mur- dock and W. H. Pells. This addition consisted of fourteen whole blocks and twenty-one fractional blocks.
In 1867, W. H. Pells laid out Pells Addition west of the Illinois Central Railroad, consisting of twelve fractional blocks, adjoining the original town on the west, and the same year James Mix laid out forty-three blocks lying north and west of the Railroad Addition.
The next addition to Paxton was Pells Addition, east of the Illinois Central Railroad, laid out in 1870, for William H. Pells, by H. J. Howe, County Surveyor. This addition joins the original town on the east, and contains nineteen blocks. A sinall addition was laid off by Surveyor Howe, in the fall of 1870 for J. E. Hall and George Schlosser, consisting of ono block, of fourteen lots, known as Hall's Addition.
In 1875, R. R. Murdock laid off twenty-nine lots, in the northeast part of town known as Murdocks Addition. In March, 1877, S. J. Toy and A. C. Thompson, owners of Lots 5 and 6 in Goodrich's Subdivision caused a re-survey to be made, laying them off into four blocks or thirty-five lots, known as Toy & Thompson's Addition.
THE NAME.
Paxton has not always been the name of this town. When originally laid out, it was called Prospect City, and before that time it was known as Prairie City, which was also the name of the township before being changed to Patton. It continued to be called Prospect City until September, 1859, when a petition was presented to the County Court, asking them to change the name of Prospect City to Paxton. The petition was granted, "and the place heretofore known as Prospect City shall here- after be known by the name of Paxton."
It is authoritatively reported that Sir Richard Paxton, of England was organizing a colony in that country to settle in Illinois, and it was thought that by naming this town Paxton, in honor of him, it might have some influence in inducing him to scttle here.
This gentleman has a name in history as being the archi- tect of the first Crystal Palace in London.
The change of name did not have the desired effect, but as the authorities saw no good reason for changing the name in consequence of this failure, the name is still Paxton, and down in history.
EARLY COMERS TO THE CITY PRIOR TO 1859.
William Goodrich, John P. and Samuel L. Day, Charles and Frod Cloyes, John Buell, Thomas Buell, James Buck, J. F. Hall, Charles Oakley, S. M. Brown, Benjamin Stites, B. F. Stites, R. R. Murdock, L. Britt, W. H. Pells, James Cloyes, A. Martin, J. T. Bullard, I. W. Shilling, J. Covalt, N. Simons, O. B. Taft, John and Martin Voss, Dr. P. Myers, Henry Barnhouse, Alexander HI. Hanley, John Hanley, Wheeler Bentley. Samuel L. Blain, Dr. John Mills, Dr. S. H. Birney, Dr. Way, Dr. Spen- cer, Dr. Camp, L. H. Tabor, William and Stacy Daniels, Thomas Lyon, A. McElroy, J. T. Nicholson, John J. Heckler, W. B. Swisher, Thomas Swisher, Paul Cooley, Dryden Donally, John S. Murdock, Ed. Seymour, William Seville, A. B. Morey, Daniel Elms, George Forbes. Squire L. Edgar, Arthur Camp- bell, William and Henry Schenk, Benjamin Smith, Howard Case, Thomas Daniel, Henry R. Daggett, John Ryan, Elihu Swisher, Thomas F. Townsley, Edward L. Gill and W. H. Bruyn.
PAXTON IN THE PAST.
The first house in Paxton was the house owned by William Goodrich, which was originally built on the west side of the rail- road, about one hundred yards south of Ottawa street, and occu- pied as a boarding house for men who were constructing the rail- road.
In the spring of 1854 this house was moved up to Ottawa street and occupied by Mr. Goodrich as a dwelling. He after- ward kept a store in the same building. This house was burnt about 1877. Previous to this, however, a building had been erected by B. F. & J. N. Stites, on the present site of the Glen
Cemetery, but this, properly speaking, was not in the limits of | ing for their children the benefits derived from the Collegiate Prospect City as afterward laid out. In the fall of 1854, John Murphy built the present Stites residence, and about the same and Normal Institute and High School. Paxton is conceded to have no superior as a town for the social and neighborly qualities of its citizens. The greatest harmony prevails and the interests of all converge to the welfare of this little city. time Stites Brothers put up a store building right opposite. Prospect City could not really be said to have had any boom un- til about 1857, the buildings erected previous to this date being those already mentioned, and 1. W. Shilling's boarding house adjacent to the Stites residence on the east, afterward removed; the residence of Thomas Daniels within the same inclosure as the boarding house, now used by Stites Brothers for a wagon house. Directly opposite the Daniels house stood the small octagon building which now stands just across the road from the old cem- etery. This building was occupied as a unecting place for the Spiritual Circle, their moving spirit being a certain Dr. Spencer. In 1856, the Stites Brothers sold out their store to Dryden Don- ally, who erected a residence between the store building and the one already mentioned as occupied by the Spiritualists. About this time, Stacey Daniels built a house on the site now occupied by Captain Shepardson's handsome residence.
In 1-57, a small hotel was built on the southwest corner of Block 13, original town, cast of the railroad, and called the City Hotel. This building was afterward moved up near the depot, on the northwest corner Block 4, enlarged and christened the Ben- nett House. This hotel was destroyed by fire. Closely follow- ing those already mentioned came the store of Henry Barnhouse, Patton's Block, and Abe Martin's store building, on the east side of the railroad; and on the west side was Cloyes Brothers' store, on Lot 1, Block 12, now Cooper's drug store; R. Clark's house, on Block 4, and the nucleus of the present Occidental Hotel. Our space will not warrant us to enter into a more general detail. Suffice to say, that stores, residences and offices rapidly multiplied from that time forward.
The first voting place was at Goodrich's residence, and after- ward at the City Ifotel.
First term of Circuit Court was held at the City Hotel, after- ward at Hanley's Hall, in a building adjoining the present Pat- ton Block on the west.
At an early date, the post office was kept by Henry Barn- house, at his store, nearly opposite the present residence of B. Q. Cherry, just west of Paxton on the Ottawa road, and our best in- formation is that upon his removal to Paxton. Mr. Barnhouse brought the post office with him. The name of the post office was Ten Mile Grove, and when he opened the office here it was changed to Prospect City. It is thought by some that before the latter name was adopted it was called Prairie City. The office was next kept in the store of Cloyes Brothers.
The first child born in this city was Milton B. Swisher, in 1857, in the house now occupied by the Stites family.
The first death was the wife of Stacy Daniels. She was buried in the old cemetery south of town.
The first marriage license issued in Ford County was by Nathan Simons, the Clerk, to Charles W. Searing and Miss Sarah Bowles. They were married July 8, 1859, by Rev. A. C. Edwards.
J. D. Wilson started a harness shop in 1865, in the building he now occupies just north of the Occidental Hotel. A Mr. Seeley opened the first shop here.
Messrs. Case & Williams started the first livery stable which stood on Block 12, opposite where Putt's livery and sale stable now stands.
Edward L. Gill opened the first butcher shop.
The first druggist here was J. McCormick, who had his store where Dahlgren's grocery store now stands.
IIenry Daggett had a tin-shop which stood on the corner of Block 4, where Clark's block now stands.
John J. Heckler was a shoe-maker and had his shop in a back room of Seymour's house.
Edward Seymour opened the first blacksmith shop just west of the store of Henry Barnhouse.
William Daniels was the first carpenter, and Stacy Daniels the first mason in the town.
In 1858, forty-two houses were standing in Prospect City, and during & heavy wind storm, twenty-two of them were blown off their foundation and had to be repaired.
James Buck built the first elevator, which stood where White Bros.' lumber yard now is.
Papineau & Martin had the first wagon-shop, it stood on Block 80, near where Mr. Hefner's house now stands.
BUSINESS INTERESTS.
Paxton was never in a more solid and flourishing condition than at present. Its citizens are prosperous and manifest a great interest in the prosperity of this town. During the past three years, a number of wealthy and substantial farmers have moved here froin the adjacent country for the purpose of obtain-
The banking business is conducted by the Ford County and First National Banks. The Ford County Bank is the first and pioneer bank of the county, and was opened for business in a house owned by A. McElroy on Market street, on the 1st day of January, 1866, by S. J. Toy, who came from Champaign County. In the spring of 1867, he moved into Pell's block. On the 1st day of August, 1868. A. C. Thompson, but recently from Pennsylvania, joined Mr. Toy in the banking business, putting in an equal amount of capital. In the spring of 1869. they broke ground for their new bank building, and in the autumn of that year moved into their new quarters, where they continued business together for about three years under the firm name of Toy & Thompson. November 1, 1871, S. J. Toy, A. C. Thompson, Robert Blackstock, Edwin Rice, and C. E. Hen- derson organized the First National Bank of Paxton, Ill., with a capital of 850,000. A. C. Thompson was made President, and S. J. Toy, Cashier. Mr. Toy held that position until the spring of 1874, when he sold out his interest to J. M. Clevenger, and Robert Blackstock was inade cashier. The bank continued business until the 10th of February, 187 ;, when they closed out by voluntary liquidation. After which, A. C. Thompson, Robert Blackstock and W. M. Blackstock organized the present Ford County Bank of Thompson, Blackstock & Co., successors to the First National Bank, which continued under their management until the 15th of April, 1883, at which time W. M. Blackstock withdrew from the firm, and on the 3d of May following Edwin Rice, a prominent and well-known business man of Paxton took a third interest in the bank, which is now running under the same firm name. These gentleman are well known for their obliging manners and financial responsibility. The First National Bank was organized in 1883, with S. P. Bushnell, President ; J. S. Wilson, Vice President, and J. B. Shaw, Cashier, and A. S. Bushnell, Assistant Cashier. They commenced business, May 7, 1883, with a capital stock of $50,000, and have already estab- lished a good reputation. In the full of 1883, Mr. Wilson with- drew from the bank, and John P. Day was elected in his place as Vice President. This bank is a successor of George Wright, who kept a private bank here for many years. This bank is doing a successful business, and enjoys the entire confidence of the people.
There are three dry goods stores, that of Harper & Son (James and William Harper) being the largest and carrying as fine a line of goods as is found in any city of this size." "They enjoy a large trade and may be classed among the prominent and successful business men of Paxton. A. J. Laurence is a gentle- man of enterprise, and from the very first of his engaging in the dry goods business here, he has prospered. Ilis line of goods is fully up to the demands of this locality. Rawlings & Mercer, successors to F. Telander & Co., are young men of ability and push, and justly entitled to their share of the patronage of the people.
There are two clothing houses, P. Larson & Co., carrying an extensive line of ready made clothing and gents' furnishing goods. In connection with this is a tailoring establishment, and suits made by " Larson & Co." have a wide reputation for excel- lence, quality and durability. John Nelson is an old and well- established dealer in the clothing line, and has an extensive trade.
The leading hardware merchants are R. Cruzen, in Clark's block, who handles all goods usually kept by every well-regulat- ed hardware store. In stoves and ranges, he has the latest im. proved styles, and constantly keeps a largo stock of shelf hard- ware. J. M. Hanley & Co., are active men engaged in business here, besides carrying a large stock of hardware, tinware and mechan- ics' tools; they are agents for the celebrated McCormick machines. In the drug business we find four stores .- P. Hanson & Co., on the corner of Market and Pells streets, are doing a successful and satisfactory business, carrying a large stock of drugs and drug- gist sundries. The firm is composed of P. Hanson and Oscar A. Swanson. Right opposite is S. D. Cooper's drug store. Be- sides a large stock of pure drugs, he has a large assortment of books, stationery, etc. The firm of McTaggart & Co., also do a large business and command their share of patronage.
The grocery trade is well represented here. The largest grocery house in the city is that of William M. Wilson, on the corner of Market and Polls strects. His large store is complete- ly stocked with first-class goods in the grocery line; has also a large assortment of crockery and glassware. In connection with this, he has a fine line of boots and shoes. Mr. Wilson commands the confidence and support of an appreciative public. On the
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68
FORD COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
opposite side of the street and little further south is the store of N. Younggreen, who is prepared at all times to supply customers, with any article usually kept in a well regulated grocery house, and at the lowest prices consistent with a safe business. George Schlosser deals in groceries and choice family provisions. Ifis store is situated at the lower end of Market street, and by court- eous attention and an accommodating spirit, he receives an extensive patronage. On the east side of the railroad is found the grocery store of A. Anderson, which is replete with fresh groceries and provisions. He has a large trade.
L. H. Rodeen, on Market street, has a large general store, and does a flourishing business. He is a young man of energy, and takes pride in the success of his business.
Messrs. Sheldon & Swanson, and James Berryman, are the only boot and shoe merchants in the city.
Cook & White and Charles H. Langford have complete sets of abstract books. Both firms are reliable, and can furnish ab- stracts of title to all lands in Ford County.
The St. Elmo Restaurant and Bakery has no superior in the city. Mr. J. L. Larkin is the popular proprietor.
The Arcade Restaurant, conducted by. Samuel A. Archer, is & popular place, and does a flourishing business.
The traveling public are accommodated by two hotels, the Blackstone and Occidental.
Other well-known business men of this place are White Brothers, general dealers in lumber, coal, lime, stone and paints. The firm consists of W. White, Circuit Clerk, and John White, Alderman from First Ward. George Grove, one of the most en- ergetic and enterprising young business men. of Paxton, is gen- eral manager of P. Whitmer's lumber yard. They keep a large assortment of all kinds of building material, doors, sash, blinds, stone, coal, etc., and do a flourishing business. Henry Pearsons is a contractor and builder, and has a thorough knowledge of his business, and has earned a reputation as a speedy workman.
Charles C. Putt & Co., importers and breeders of Clydes- dale horses have on hand fourteen head of these celebrated stallions, purchased from the best breeders in Scotland. Fred- erick T. Putt, a member of this firm, is one of the old settlers of this county, and at one time carried on an extensive farm a few miles southwest of Paxton. They also have a livery stable, and can supply teams and stylish turnouts at any time. They are a reliable and trustworthy firm.
A. S. Hopkins & Co.'s large agricultural warehouse on the corner of State and Market streets is filled with a large assort- ment of agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, paints, oils, steam engines, thrashers, etc. They handle only first-class goods, and do s successful business.
Gust Sandburg, manufactures carriages, wagons, and does general blacksmithing, is a representative of the sturdy Swede element of this place, and is well known for his mechanical abilities. Papineau's carriage and wagon factory representa an important manufacturing industry of Paxton.
N. Dahlgreen's plow works are worthy of mention.
B. F. Hill is the proprietor of the Paxton Flouring Mill, and also deals in coal and grain. He manufactures a fine brand of flour, and does a good business.
Edwin Rice is a grain dealer, owning the large elevator which stands at the junction of the railroads. He is also associated with the Ford County Bank.
The popular. auctioneer and stock salesman, Edward L. Gill, has few cquals. He is widely known.
George Dixon is the oldest barber in the place, and has no superior. He has a large custom.
William R. Trickel is one of the oldest settlers of Ford County, coming here in 1886. He is a gunsmith, and resides in this city.
The railroads centering here are the Illinois.Central and Lake Erie & Western, and they have a union depot which is presided over by R. S. Hall and G. E. Abbott. Robert S. Hall, the Central agent, is a gentleman of winning manners and social dis- position, and one who has made many friends by strict attention to all business affairs, and the most polite service to the traveling public. . He has been agent for many years.
George E. Abbott, the Lake Erie & Western agent, has for several years faithfully and acceptably performed the arduous duties of this responsible position, and earned the well-deserved record of being one of the most popular agents on the line of the road.
Probably the most extensive hay pressers in the county are Cruzen Bros. (George and Joseph). Their barns are located in Paxton. They annually press and ship to the South and East about 3,000 tons of the best tame hay.
Nor must we forget to mention T. M. King, one of the best Postmasters " Uncle Sam " ever employed.
THE PAXTON BUILDING, LOAN AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION.
The Paxton Building, Loan and Savings Association was or- ganized January 29, 1883, with a capital stock of $500,000, divided into shares of $100 each. The object of the association The census of Ford County for the year 1860 reveals the fact that Paxton at that time had only 275 inhabitants. As yet the little village had no corporate existence, but in the spring of 1861, as the records show, " the citizens of Paxton convened, pursuant to notice, in Patton's Hall, for the purpose of electing five Trustees for said town." At this election, which was held April 15, 1861, John P. Day, James G. Cloyes, L. H. Tabor, L. B. Farrar and Henry Barnhouse were elected Trustees of the village. is to afford its members a safe and profitable investment for their weekly savings ; to facilitate their acquiring homesteads and to secure to them the advantages usually expected from savings and co-operative institutions. The duration of the corporation is twenty-five years. The corporate powers are exercised by a Board of Directors. Its officers consist of President, Vice Presi- dent, Secretary and Treasurer. Each stockholder for each and every share of stock held by him, pays to the Secretary every Saturday, the weekly contribution of 12} cents on each share he At the first meeting of this board, John P. Day was elected President; R. S. Buckland, Clerk ; and Frederick Cloyes, Treas- holds, until each share reaches a value of $100, when such stockholder is entitled to $100 for each share owned by him. No | urer. At a meeting held May 1, Samuel L. Blain was appointed
member is entitled to more than fifty shares. Any member can withdraw at any time by giving due notice and be entitled to re- ceive the amount paid in by him, and such interest thereon or proportion of profits thereon as the Board of Directors shall pre- scribe, and not less than an amount equal to four per cent inter- est on the amount of dues paid in for the average time. The Directors of this association are Weaver White, Henry C. Hall, France L. Cook, Charles Bogardus, George Grove, Robert S. Hall, Charles M. Taylor, Henry Pearson, John M. Hanley. Oficers ! C. Bogardus, President ; C. M. Taylor, Vice President ; O. B. Talley, Secretary ; R. Blackstock, Treasurer ; F. L. Cook, Attorney.
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