USA > Illinois > Christian County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Christian County, Volume II > Part 14
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AM Council and Wife V
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
latter, when she did not meet with the success anticipated, disposed of it to C. N. Walls, who moved it to Assumption.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
John J. Smith published the first number of the Christian County Democrat August 13, 1868, and remained editor and publisher of the paper until selling to Jonas Suttle, November 20, of the same year. The latter conducted the paper until September 17, 1869, when he sold the of- fice to S. P. Davis of Belleville and F. L. Powers of Decatur, the firm of Davis & Powers continuing to publish the sheet until February 11, 1871. The new owner was W. S. Martin, who, on May 21, 1874, changed the name to the Taylorville Democrat.
TAYLORVILLE DEMOCRAT.
On August 2, 1875, Mr. Martin sold a half interest in the newspaper to George W. Web- ber, this association continuing until June 1, 1877, when Mr. Webber retired. Mr. Martin continued the publication of the paper until January 1, 1880, when he sold to Benjamin A. and Philip A. Richards. Later owners were J. F. Harner, who bought the paper in 1884, and V. E. Foy, who succeeded to the owner- ship in 1886, and the latter after a short expe- rience sold out to a veteran newspaper man, C. N. Walls. This gentleman continued as its publisher and editor until some time in 1898, when, absorbed by the Courier Publishing Com- pany, it ceased to have a separate identity.
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CENTRAL ORIENT.
The Central Orient had a short and quiet career, not causing much of a flutter in circles journalistic. Its first number appeared June 20, 1866, at Pana, with J. F. Harner as publisher and C. S. Hilburn as editor, and gave its sup- port to Democratic policies and candidates dur- ing its brief life, lack of support causing its discontinuance in May, 1868.
PANA PALLADIUM.
Pana remained without a Democratic newspa- per from the time of the demise of the Orient until the birth, some time during the latter part
of 1869, of the Pana Palladium, issued with S. B. Rich as the directing head. On April 23, 1870, its destinies were transferred to the care of Messrs. P. A. and J. J. Farley, the former of whom retired after several years, while the latter continued his connection with the paper until March 15, 1877, when he turned the paper over to A. W. Chabin, who sold a half interest three months later to Jacob Swallow. Mr. Swallow's connection with the organ lasted over a period of three months, when Mr. Cha- bin again became sole owner, and continued so until March 10, 1879, when the office reverted to the brothers Farley, who, in turn, sold it to Mr. Swallow. The Palladium now (1917) enjoys the distinction of being the only paper published in Pana. It has a large circulation in Christian, Shelby and Montgomery counties and under the management of Jordan Brothers, has come to have a wide influence. It has al- ways supported the policies of the Democratic party.
ASSUMPTION INDEPENDENT.
The Assumption Independent was at first printed in the offices and with the presses of the Pana Gazette and was shipped from Pana to Assumption, R. M. Carr being the publisher and J. M. Birce the local editor. The first issue appeared April 22, 1871, and Mr. Carr contin- ued its publication until April 15, 1872, on which date he sold to I. V. Park sufficient equipment to continue the publication at Assumption. Six months later, when the notes became due, Mr. Park was unable to take them up, and the sure- ties then paid the notes and issued shares of stock in the forming of a printing company. John M. Marnell was placed in charge of the new enterprise as editor and manager, but he did not succeed in publishing the paper more than semi-occasionally, and in July, 1874, was succeeded by Richard Couch.
ASSUMPTION RECORD.
Under the management of Mr. Couch the name of the Assumption Independent was changed to the Assumption Record. He was succeeded by A. W. Chabin after one year, and the latter sold out nine months later to A. M. Anderson, who moved the presses and material to Shelbyville.
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IIISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
ASSUMPTION NEWS.
Following the removal of the Record there appeared the Assumption News, published with success for about six years by HI. E. Bixby, fol- lowing whose death it was continued by his widow and administrator until January 1, 1904, when it was absorbed by Ilodge Brothers.
PRAIRIE STATE TRIBUNE.
The successor of the News, the Prairie State Tribune, was long managed by Hodge Brothers, who came from Indiana to Assumption. This firm gained its first reputation by publishing several books of the Old Testament as a serial. The paper is now being published under the management of E. J. Foster, who has kept it, as it has always been, reliable, newsy and clean.
MORRISONVILLE TIMES.
On August 20, 1875, with Thomas' Cox as ed- itor and proprietor, there appeared the first issue of the Morrisonville Times. It was sold December 31, 1875, to M. J. Abbott, who re- mained as owner and publisher until May, 1877, when the firm of George H. Palmer & Sons be- came the owner, F. M. Palmer assuming edito- rial control. In the spring of 1878 F. Grundy became associate editor; the office was leased to Messrs. Said & Poorman, August 16. 1879; and October 2 of the same year Steen Brothers pur- chased it. Later the Times passed into the pos- session of S. W. Culp, who conducted an ener- getic, enterprising newspaper, alive to the in- terests of the community and a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. K. B. Lindsey is now the efficient editor of this long established, reliable publication.
THE INDEPENDENT.
The first number of the paper bearing the name of the Independent appeared at Taylor- ville, March 25, 1875, Messrs. Malloroy & Dan- ley being the proprietors and R. V. Malloroy the editor. Lack of support caused its death after its old editors had published thirteen numbers, but Noyes B. Chapman, of Stonington, continued the publication, first with C. F. Tucker as editor and later with M. A. Bates in that capacity, but it finally passed out of ex- istence Jannary 14, 1876.
FARMERS' JOURNAL.
The grange or greenback movement brought into existence the Farmers' Journal, March 2, 1876, with Messrs. Lewis & Brown as its first editors and publishers. On August 31 of the same year the office passed into the hands of J. F. Harner, who after about a year changed its political policy to Democratic, and following several changes in the management its name was changed.
TAYLORVILLE JOURNAL.
The successor of the Farmers' Journal, the Taylorville Journal, first appeared in 1880, its political policy being Republican, with a strong tendency toward a support of the greenback party. Messrs. Sanford & Kelley were its ed- itors at one time, and for a short time W. H. Kelley held that position, but in 1886 the paper passed into the hands of A. D. Webb as editor and publisher. It was Republican in politics, an outspoken exponent of good government, and a reliable, safe and thoroughly clean organ of the Grand Old Party.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY COURIER.
In 1894 the faction opposed to the manage- ment of the Taylorville Democrat founded the Courier Printing Company. The job office be- longing to A. O. Murphey and the material of the Illinois Republican were purchased, and the Christian County Courier began publication, after a new press and some type were pur- chased, with D. O. Witmer as editor and A. O. Murphey as business manager. It soon became the Taylorville Courier and absorbed the Tay- lorville Democrat, and since that time has de- veloped into one of the leading daily newspapers of the county, having a large and representative circulation. It is Democratic in politics. The plant is large and well appointed and the equipment is such that it is prepared to do all kinds of first-class printing work. A company composed of L. E. Martin, Ernest Hoover, Jos. Brockamp, L. D. Hewitt, John E. Hogan and Roy Johnston now owns the Courier. L. E. Martin is the editor and business manager and under his management it has attained a cir- culation and influence which is to be envied.
Oran J. Council
Olive & Council.
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
TAYLORVILLE NEWS.
About the year 1896 there was founded by several gentlemen from Pawnee and the vicin- ity a publication known as the Taylorville News, the first daily to be published at Taylor- ville. After less than a year the venture was found to be a failure financially. It was sold to Reed & Kelley.
TIIE BREEZE.
Messrs. Reed & Kelley changed the name of the Taylorville News to that of the Breeze, which has appeared regularly, daily and weekly, since its first publication in 1895, its editor and manager being Frank Reed, while its financial backing is found in a stock company. It is Republican in its political tendencies, has a good circulation, and is an exponent of clean and reliable journalism.
WEEKLY ARGUS.
The Weekly Argus was first published by A. W. Chabin, March 15, 1879, five numbers being printed at Shelbyville and then taken to Pana and distributed. After the fifth number Mr. Chabin sold a half interest to Col. J. A. Hay- ward, who purchased material and presses, and the partnership continued until June 1, 1880, when Colonel Hayward became sole proprietor and editor. He continued to publish this paper as a Democratic organ at Pana for several years and then moved the plant and office to another city.
PANA BEACON LIGHT.
Soon after Mrs. Weaver acquired the Gazette, as before mentioned, Mr. Childress, through the assistance of Mr. Hayward, bought new presses and type and commenced issuing a paper, both daily and weekly, known as the Beacon Light, at Pana. He was a forceful and courageous writer and established somewhat of a reputa- tion in the community, but sold the paper to E. O. Gilmer, an old newspaper man, who con- tinued its publication for several years with varying success. Arthur E. Paine & Company eventually purchased the Beacon Light and changed its name to the Pana News, under which name and management it continued to be published for a time with more success. It was
a Republican supporter, a promoter of public- spirited and beneficial movements, and was interesting and reliable from every viewpoint, but it ceased its existence some time ago.
EDINBURG HERALD.
As editor and owner, F. T. Kauerauf estab- lished the Edinburg Herald, at Edinburg, Christian County, May 1, 1883. A practical printer he had also considerable knowledge of the newspaper business, and from the start its affairs flourished and its circulation grew. He has endeavored to give the people an interesting sheet, and his efforts in this direction have been recognized and rewarded by both subscribers and advertisers.
OWANECO PROGRESS.
A practical printer from Taylorville, Clinton G. Griggsby, founded the Owaneco Progress in the spring of 1902. This was first published at Taylorville, but subsequently Mr. Griggsby bought material and continued the publication at Owaneco. There he secured a good subscrip- tion list and profitable advertising contracts, and issued a paper that was a credit to the conl- munity and a factor in its development for a number of years. This publication was later discontinued.
MOUNT AUBURN TRIBUNE.
The Mount Auburn Tribune was established in the fall of 1901 by P. T. Danford, but was soon thereafter purchased by C. O. Gates, who continued to publish a six-column quarto. Later Mr. Gates sold the publication to Fay D. Slate of Edinburg, who managed it with success for a number of years and finally sold it to Har- disty, the present owner and editor. This paper is firmly established and has gained the good will and patronage of its community. It is considered an excellent advertising medium.
PEOPLE'S CHOICE.
One of the papers of Christian County which had a short and unfortunate career was the People's Choice, which was published for a year or two at Palmer by H. E. Davis & Com- pany. Mr. Davis would no doubt have made a success of this venture, but was so unfor-
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
tunate as to contract tuberculosis, and was forced to leave his plant, discontinue his busi- ness and leave for another climate, in 1903. He has since passed away.
STONINGTON STAR.
About May 1, 1896, the Stonington Star was founded and the first issue printed by P. T. Danford & Son. Later the senior member of the concern withdrew, the management of the paper changing to the hands of the son, who continued its publication. It maintained an independent stand in political matters, gave its readers a reliable representation of all affairs of public importance, and had a hand in shaping the movements which made for the growth and advancement of the town.
SCHOOL NEWS AND PRACTICAL EDUCATOR.
In the field of educational journalism Chris- tian County may boast of one of the leading pub- lications of its kind in the United States. This is the School News and Practical Educator, an educational journal for teachers, parents and pupils, and for school officials. It was estab- lished in 1887 by C. M. Parker, and from a small beginning has grown to large and important proportions, being issued monthly, except in August. Mr. Parker died in August, 1916, and the management of the School News was as- sumed by his wife, Lenora Parker, under the name of the C. M. Parker Estate. That this journal will continue to hold the position of great influence which it has earned in the educa- tional field is the prediction of the writer. In connection with this paper, which has a large circulation in various states of the Union, the house publishes much school literature.
GENERAL REVIEW.
In reviewing the newspapers printed in Christian County since the founding of the Pana Weekly Herald in 1857, we find that all of the leading parties of a political character have been duly and capably represented. When new issues have come before the people, some of the papers have changed their policy to con- form to what they have believed have been the wishes of their subscribers, only to return to their original tendencies after the movement has spent itself and passed. In general, how-
ever, it is found that the most successful papers have been consistent in their policies, and that their main interest has been to secure for the people of their communities good government, good representation, business prosperity, civic improvements and the quiet and peace that is the inalienable right of every American citizen.
CHAPTER XII.
BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS.
ORIGINAL SCOPE- KINDS OF BANKS - FINANCIAL HISTORY-TURNER STATE BANK OF EDINBURG- CITIZENS' STATE BANK OF EDINBURG - EATON STATE BANK OF OWANECO-FARMERS' STATE BANK . OF STONINGTON-FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF STON- INGTON-H. M. VANDEVEER & CO .- FIRST NA- TIONAL BANK OF TAYLORVILLE-JOHN B. COLE- GROVE & CO .- TAYLORVILLE NATIONAL BANK- NATIONAL BANK OF TAYLORVILLE - FARMERS' STATE BANK OF MORRISONVILLE-JOHNSON & SON -FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF MORRISONVILLE- GROVE CITY BANK OF GROVE CITY-MT. AUBURN STATE BANK-MT. AUBURN FIRST NATIONAL BANK -ILLINOIS STATE BANK OF ASSUMPTION-FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF ASSUMPTION - KINCAID TRUST & SAVINGS BANK-PANA NATIONAL BANK -THE H. N. SCHUYLER STATE BANK-PALMER STATE BANK-FARMERS STATE BANK OF BULPITT -BUILDING & LOAN ASSOCIATIONS-FINANCES OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY.
ORIGINAL SCOPE.
Banks were primarily establishments for the deposit, custody and repayment on demand, of money, and the obtaining the bulk of profits from an investment of sums thus derived and not in immediate demand ; but today the scope of these institutions has so broadened as to far ex- ceed the original boundaries and their value to the country has consequently materially in- creased. The modern bank not only receives deposits either as a savings account, or subject to check, but acts as an agent in making collec- tions for its patrons ; accepts and discounts nego-
JAMES W. COX
ELLA R. COX
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
tiable paper; furnishes bills of exchange; issues and honors drafts; gives guarantees; makes in- vestments, and carries on the thousand and one operations which make big business possible.
KINDS OF BANKS,
There are two great divisions of banks, public and private, and the former are divided into state and national institutions. There are also some banks which are conducted merely as sav- ings banks for the accommodation of small ac- counts, but in the majority of cases, the regular banks carry savings departments. While there are a number of very reliable private institutions all over the country for the purpose of handling money, the majority of the banks are under either state or national supervision, and the tendency of the times is toward an organiza- tion of the private concerns into stock companies, governed by the laws of the commonwealth of the nation.
FINANCIAL HISTORY.
The banks of Christian County, with a brief account of their history and present condition is given below, the cities and villages being taken up alphabetically, as follows :
TURNER STATE BANK OF EDINBURG. B. A. Tur- ner went to Edinburg in 1887 from Taylorville and served as cashier of the George P. Harring- ton Bank until its suspension during the panic of 1913. Being encouraged and assisted by some of the influential citizens of Edinburg, Mr. Tur- ner organized the B. A. Turner private bank in April, 1894, and employed L. E. Swigert as cash- ier. This institution continued as a growing and prosperous bank until March, 1913. Then Mr. Turner associated with him Dr. C. A. Stokes, Dr. G. W. Milligan, J. L. Morris and G. C. Wil- kinson of Edinburg; F. W. Anderson, president of the First National Bank of Taylorville, and John W. Bunn, president of the Springfield Ma- rine Bank of Springfield, and organized the Tur- ner State Bank with a capital of $25,000.00. Mr. Turner, Dr. Stokes, Dr. Milligan, J. L. Mor- ris and G. C. Wilkinson composed the first board of directors. B. A. Turner was elected president, L. E. Swigert, cashier, and T. B. Williams, as- sistant cashier. In February, 1916, B. A. Turner died and was succeeded as president and direc- tor by his brother, W. E. Turner, who had been
cashier of the Farmers' National Bank of Tay- lorville for ten years. T. B. Williams resigned as assistant cashier in May, 1916, and was suc- ceeded by E. K. Turner, a son of former presi- dent, B. A. Turner. In January, 1917, Dorice D. Shumway of Taylorville bought a controlling interest in this bank. W. E. Turner retired as president to accept a position in the First Na- tional Bank of Taylorville. This bank enjoys a large patronage and is considered one of the strong financial institutions of the county.
CITIZENS' STATE BANK OF EDINBURG was or- ganized in 1892, and opened for business on Feb- ruary 22, 1893. George E. Walters was its first president ; W. H. Brownback, its first vice-presi- dent ; and L. C. Carlin, its first cashier. The present directors are : A. H. Vandeveer, W. M. Vigal, Alice Vandeveer, Minnie Cantrill and C. E. Cantrill. Its officers are as follows : A. H. Van- deveer, president; W. M. Vigal, vice-president ; C. E. Cantrill, cashier; and Roy L. Plummer, assistant cashier. This bank has the distinction of being the first state bank organized in Chris- tian County and is enjoying a prosperous busi- ness. Its deposits now approximate $200,000.
EATON STATE BANK OF OWANECO. In 1901 J. S. Eaton organized the firm of Eaton Bros., Bank- ers at Owaneco. They incorporated in 1910 as . the Eaton State Bank, taking into the partner- ship Cleveland Workman as the third stock- holder. The officers at present are as follows : J. S. Eaton, president; W. L. Eaton, vice-presi- dent; Cleveland Workman, cashier. The capital stock of this bank is $25,000. The last statement showed a surplus of $15,000 and deposits of $12,700.
THE FARMERS' STATE BANK OF STONINGTON was organized June 27, 1911, and opened for business July 1 of the same year with a capital stock of $25,000. The following men composed the first board of directors: J. W. Doyle, W. F. Short, L. F. Doyle, D. D. Doyle, F. A. Gleeson, J. C. Young, J. J. Dwyer, F. R. Zeigler and Fred W. Ernst. J. W. Doyle was president, W. T. Short and L. F. Doyle, vice-presidents, and Mike Hines, cashier. In 1917 Samuel Hargrave suc- ceeded Mr. Young on the board of directors. No other changes have been made in the officers or directors since the organization of the bank. On January 15, 1915, this bank moved into its new $12,000 brick and stone building which is one of the finest and best equipped banking houses in Christian County. It has done a thriving busi- ness from the time its doors were first opened.
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HISTORY OF CHRISTIAN COUNTY
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF STONINGTON. This flourishing bank was organized with a capital of $25,000.00 and opened for business June 1, 1900, with the following officers and directors : Warren Corzine, president ; Andrew Chapman, vice-presi- dent; J. Irving Owen, cashier; and Andrew Chapman, J. W. H. Chapman, Warren Corzine, A. B. Chapman, O. J. Owen, J. Irving Owen con- prising the board of directors. In 1901, A. B. Chapman, Jr., was elected president and served as such until March, 1904. During this period the capital stock was increased to $40,000. On March 1, 1904, the private bank of Housley & Drake, which was the pioneer bank of this city, being organized in 1893, and which was known as the Exchange Bank, was consolidated with the First National Bank and the capital stock of the latter was again increased; this time to its present amount of $50,000 and the following officers were elected : O. Z. Housley, president ; A. B. Chapman and Andrew Chapman, vice-presi- dents ; Cornelius Drake, cashier ; J. Irving Owen, assistant cashier. On October 2, 190S, O. Z. Hous- ley died and on October 13 Cornelius Drake was elected president and J. Irving Owen cashier, and in January, 1913, Irvin W. Larrick was elected assistant cashier. These officers have been re-elected annually since and are serving at the present time. The present board of di- rectors are Cornelius Drake, J. Irving Owen, J. W. H. Chapman, A. B. Chapman, Andrew Chapman, J. B. Owen, Elmo S. Drake, Irving W. Larrick. This bank has been a growing institu- tion from its organization and has served the people of this community faithfully and well, performing every function of a conservatively progressive bank. It has an earned surplus of $10,000 and deposits running well over $30,000. It has qualified as a U. S. postal savings de- pository and does an extensive business in ocean steamship tickets and foreign exchange. It is housed in commodious and convenient quarters in the two-story building owned by the bank, at the corner of Main and Third streets, where its officers are ever ready to give audience and coun- sel to all interested in the welfare and upbuild- ing of the community.
H. M. VANDEVEER & Co. The financial history of Christian County would not be complete with- out mention of this firm which was considered one of the strongest private banks in the United States. The banking house of H. M. Vandeveer & Co., was established May 1, 1868, just a few months after A. G. Barnes had opened the Chris-
tian County Bank. The original partners in the firm were H. M. Vandeveer and his son, W. T. Vandeveer. They began business in the building owned by them on the south side of the public square in Taylorville, on the same lot where the present building is located. On Janaury 1, 1875, H. M. Vandeveer gave all of his interests in the firm to his two sons, W. T. and E. A. Vandeveer, who conducted the business under the original name of H. M. Vandeveer & Co. until April 1, 1909, at which time they ceased to do a general banking business. Since that time the business has been conducted as a farm loan office, the name remaining unchanged. At the time they began to close out their banking business the firm had deposits amounting to over $750,000, a rec- ord that had not at that time been equalled by any other bank in Taylorville. To the casual observer it seems as if closing out such a thriv- ing business was the height of folly, but W. T. Vandeveer told the writer that in the light of subsequent events it had proved to be a wise act. E. A. Vandeveer, the younger of the two broth- ers, died November 11, 1915, and the burden of the great volume of business is now carried by W. T. Vandeveer, familiarly known to his friends as "Major," a title he gained by service in the Fifth Regiment, I. N. G., the last one in direct descent of this family which has occupied so prominent a place in the financial and politi- cal history of Christian County.
FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF TAYLORVILLE. In March, 1851, W. W. Anderson, then a young man. came from Montgomery County to Christian County, where he engaged in farming for three years. He then became clerk in the general store conducted by D. D. Shumway and remained in that capacity until 1856, when he purchased a half interest in the business. Two years later he purchased Mr. Shumway's entire interest and conducted the business until 1871, when he re- tired. While he was engaged in merchandizing, he conducted a private banking business, selling, exchanging and receiving deposits for the ac- commodation of his patrons. His banking inter- ests soon grew to such proportions that he closed out his other business and organized the private bank of W. W. Anderson & Co., in 1871, with D. D. Shumway as partner. This bank became the First National Bank of Taylorville in 1886, its first officers being W. W. Anderson, presi- dent; A. L. Augur, vice-president, and H. R. An- derson, cashier. The following men composed the first board of directors: W. W. Anderson,
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