USA > Illinois > Hancock County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Hancock County, Volume II > Part 14
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Among other things demanded was a copy of the notice of the election at which the issuance of the bonds was authorized. A copy of this notice had been reserved for this purpose, but upon diligent search it could not be found. Search for a copy was not confined to the county clerk's office, but was extended to the school- houses and crossroad trees where notices had been posted, but without avail. Supervisor Sco- field, as chairman of the committee for the sale of the bonds, and J. W. Westfall, the county clerk, spared no pains in making this search, for the time allowed was short and a copy of the notices seemed to be indispensable. Final- ly application was made to the printer of the notices in the eastern part of the state, but no copy was there. Thereupon the county clerk bethought himself of the fact that some of the notices had been printed at Quincy and the Quincy printer was communicated with by tele- phone. The response was favorable and a copy of the notice which had been preserved by the printer was forthwith sent to Carthage, and thus this demand of the attorneys for Devitt, Tremble & Co. was satisfied.
Another question raised by these attorneys related to the ability of the county to raise by taxation from year to year the amount nec- essary to meet the maturing bond and interest on the other bonds, without having submitted the question of such taxation to a vote of the people. The law authorized the county board to assess, without a vote of the people, an aggre- gate amount of taxes not exceeding a certain percentage of the valuation of the property of the county. The ordinary expenses of the county at this time were unusually large on ac- count of the county aid which was being re- quired from the towns of the county in building bridges which had been washed out or destroyed by the recent unprecedented flood, which is men- tioned elsewhere in this volume. There was a doubt as to whether provision for the payment of bonds and interest could be kept within the limit imposed by law and as to whether it might not be necessary to take a vote of the people
upon the question. By careful examination of the situation it was found that the amount which would be required in the future to assist the various towns in building bridges would be much less than the amount which had been ex- pended for that purpose up to that time, and so affidavits were prepared setting forth the facts, and showing that the county would be able to pay its ordinary expenses including con- tributions to towns' for bridges, and also the maturing bond and interest on the other bonds, year by year, without exceeding an aggregate tax authorized by law. This showing was fur- nished the attorneys of Devitt, Tremble & Co. and was accepted by them as satisfactory. Devitt, Tremble & Co. notified the committee that some difficulty was being experienced in disposing of the bonds and requested the county to permit them to take the bonds in installments as the money might be needed in the erection of the courthouse, but this request was not granted, and on July 1, 1907, Supervisor Scofield, as chairman of the committee, notified Devitt, Tremble & Co. that he had been instructed by the board of supervisors to advise them that the county did not feel justified in deviating from the terms of the contract, and requesting the purchasers to send the bonds ready for sig- nature as they had agreed to do, and stating that the bonds would be executed and delivered at Chicago at the place fixed upon by the con- tract.
The bonds were executed and delivered ac- cordingly and the money was paid over to the treasurer of the county, and this part of the transaction satisfactorily terminated.
Prior to that time, on June 29th, a resolution had been passed by the board reciting the authorization of the issue of the bonds by vote of the people, and providing that principal and interest should be payable at the First National Bank in Chicago and that the bonds should be divided into ten equal series of $12,500 each, each series to consist of twelve bonds of $1,000 each and one bond of $500, one series of bonds to become due on the first day of July in each of the years 1908 to 1917, both inclusive with option on the part of the county, to be printed on the face of the bonds, to redeem the same at any time after five years from their date, where- upon there was levied by the board a direct annual tax upon all the property of the county sufficient to produce the following sums in the years respectively indicated, each of such sums
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
being for $12,500 of principal and for interest on all bonds to that time:
For the year 1907. $18,750
For the year 1908. 18,125
For the year 1909 17,500
For the year 1910 16,875
For the year 1911. 16,250
For the year 1912
15,625
For the year 1913.
15,000
For the year 1914.
14,375
For the year 1915. 13,750
For the year 1916. 13,125
In the meantime the work on the foundation and walls of the courthouse had progressed so far that the board of supervisors felt justified in making arrangements for the laying of the cornerstone on Tuesday, July 30, 1907.
The following account of the laying of the cornerstone of the courthouse is taken from The Carthage Republican of July 31, 1907 :
"No fairer, rarer day ever dawned than July 30th, 1907, the day the cornerstone of the new courthouse was laid. The entire city had cleaned up and decorated and bunting had been draped in every convenient place in the business and resident portion of the city. A triumphal arch was erected over the north walk, through which the procession marched.
"Special trains from Quincy via the Wabash and from Keokuk, and regular trains on the C. B. & Q. with extra coaches brought the follow- ing commanderies : Almoner, Augusta, 34 swords; St. Omar, Burlington, 28 swords; Ma- comb, Macomb, 25 swords ; Delta, Ft. Madison, 14 swords ; Delphi, Clayton, 15 swords; total, 116.
"Nearly every Masonic blue lodge in this part of the state and Iowa was represented by dele- gations ; over 800 Masons alone registering, in- dicating over 1,000 Masons present and in line.
"Over 800 members of the following orders from Carthage and the county were in line : Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Modern Woodmen of America and Grand Army of the Republic.
"Marshal of the day, J. E. Helfrich, of Car- thage, and his assistants of Carthage, W. C. Hamilton and John F. Scott. Following was the order of march: Quincy band, sixteen pieces ; K. of P. lodges ; M. W. A. lodges; Ham- ilton band, sixteen pieces ; I. O. O. F. lodges ; Martial band, four pieces; Veterans; Dallas City band, sixteen pieces; Blue Lodge of
Masons; Augusta band, sixteen pieces ; Knights Templar, four commanderies; Carthage city council and officers in carriages.
Following the the grand lodge officers: Grand Master, C. E. Allen, Galesburg; Deputy Grand Master, A. W. West, Galesburg; S. G. Warden, C. C. Marsh, Bowen; J. G. Warden, E. Howard, Quincy ; Grand Treasurer, Dr. A. A. Whipple, Quincy ; Grand Secretary, Isaac Cutter, Camp Point; S. G. Deacon, Henry Whipple, Quincy ; J. G. Deacon, G. A. Lackins, Good Hope; Grand Chaplain, Rev. T. E. Newland, Carthage; Grand Orator, J. W. Williams, Carthage; Grand Stewards, A. Naegelin, Basco; 'I'. S. Carlin, Golden; W. T. Gillis, Bowen; E. Crain, Augusta; Grand Pursuivant, G. W. Cyrus, Camp Point; Grand Standard Bearer, W. O. Butler, La Harpe; Grand Sword Bearer, F. C. Noyes, Mt. Sterling; Grand Marshal, C. T. Holmes, Galesburg; Principal Architect, Jacob Zeli, Niota; Master of Oldest Lodge, George Levi, Quincy ; Grand Tyler, C. S. Gurney, Chi- cago.
"At the conclusion of the parade, the cere- monies of laying the cornerstone took place.
"After the grand officers had been escorted to their places, the visitors were briefly welcomed by J. F. Foley, of Plymouth, president of the day. Rev. Dr. F. L. Sigmund, president of Car- thage College, invoked divine blessing. J. H. Cross, chairman of the board of supervisors, then presented to the grand master a gavel hand made by L. S. Reeves, of Bowen, out of walnut from the judge's stand of the old court- house.
"The stone was then laid with the beautiful Masonic ritual, and amidst the hush of the mul- titude, the solemn voices of the grand officers, the low sweet music of the choir, the stone was lowered into place never to be lifted save by the ravages of time or. the hand of progress, it all furnishing an inspiring and impressive spec- tacle that will remain as long as memory lasts.
"After these ceremonies Judge Scofield de- livered one of the most able and interesting addresses ever delivered in the county.
"The music was furnished by the following special choir: Soprano-Mrs. A. C. Garard, Misses Helen Duffy, Helen Griffith, Floy David- son, Dorothy and Ellen Ferris, Ethel Sharp. Alto-Misses Nettie Wright, Anna Davis, Esther Hill, Jean Scott and Mesdames Louis Culkin and Wm. Gordon. Tenor-C. B. Newcomer, Jacob Palmer, Carl and Arthur Kirkpatrick, Dr.
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JOSEPH W. BOTTS
ORRILLA G. BOTTS
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HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
Runyon, Delos Cutler. Bass-Chas. Milborn, J. W. Campbell, Fr. Tate, Otis Springer, John Shepherd, Rev. Newland.
"The following music was rendered by choir during the ceremony of laying the cornerstone : Anthem-'Praise ye the Father,' by Gounod. Hymns-Duke Street, Pleyel's Hymn, Kipling's 'Lest We Forget,' and 'America.' Mrs. C. B. Newcomer, organist.
"Contents of cornerstone: The copper box 12 x 8 x 6 inches contains the following ar- ticles : Copy proceedings of Grand Lodge A. F. & A. M., 1906. Picture of Grand Master C. E. Allen. Statistical history of St. Marys township, given by John McKelvie. St. Mary's Academy catalogue. Spaulding Institute cata- logue, Nauvoo, Ill. Medals of St. Mary's Academy. History of Temple Lodge I. O. O. F., Nauvoo. G. A. R. Post badge, buttons, ribbons, etc., of Hancock County Soldiers' and Sailors' reunion. Business men's cards of Nauvoo. Statement of Nauvoo State Bank. Photograph Presbyterian Church, Carthage. Program of cornerstone ceremonies. Sample seed corn by L. L. Newton. Relic by Mrs. L. L. Newton. Jour- nals of actions and doings of trustees of school district 7 north, 6 west, presented by N. H. Doud, treasurer, by C. F. Bross, supervisor, Dur- ham township. Seal of county, 1850. Card of J. H. Cross. Circular giving lists of stone in Hancock county, issued by Ft. Madison & Ap- panoose Stone Co. Testament by C. F. Bross. History of Hancock Lodge A. F. & A. M. Copies of Keokuk Gate City, Constitution Democrat and all Hancock county papers, including The Carthage Republican cornerstone edition, giving a history of Hancock county, list of super- visors and county officers with photographs, all compiled by The Republican force and including a supplement issued at 10:30 a. m. of that day giving additional history and proceedings of lay- ing of cornerstone up to that hour.
"It has been estimated that 10,000 people were in attendance at the ceremonies. Probably 7,000 would be a fairer estimate. Fully 1,500 of these came by train. Had not the season been favor- able for harvest, 3,000 more people would have been here. They were in the harvest field and their families could not come. But it turned out to be, as Mag McClaughry expressed it, 'a magnificent outpouring of the people to honor an occasion historic in the annals of the county and a priceless and voluntary expression of loy- alty and good will and patriotism, of which
Carthage and all portions of the county may well be proud.'"
In the organization of the board in the spring of 1907 J. H. Cross of Chili was elected chair- man.
The matter of furniture for the new court- house came before the board for consideration on December 12, 1907, and the chairman appointed Supervisors Brown, Fleming, Frazer, Evans and Landis as a committee to purchase the furni- ture, and this committee reported on May 10, 1908, that the committee, in connection with the architect, Joseph E. Mills, had selected such furniture and fixtures as they deemed best, and had turned the matter over to Mr. Mills to com- plete the details and advertise for bids.
The furniture and fixtures were procured. and the courthouse, practically completed. was ready for dedication on Tuesday, October 20. 1908. The exercises on this occasion were appropriate and inspiring. The following account of these exercises is taken from the issue of The Car- thage Republican, dated October 21, 1908 :
"Eight thousand people assembled in Carthage yesterday to witness the ceremonies dedicating Hancock county's new courthouse. Train, car- riage and automobile brought visitors swarming to the city and by noon the streets were thronged.
"The program was given from a platform erected at the northeast corner of the square, and began at 1:30 promptly in spite of slight and intermittent showers.
"Senator O. F. Berry, mayor of Carthage, was platform manager and opened with an address of welcome in which he spoke warmly of the honest work put into the courthouse, that there was not one word of graft or boodling heard in connection with the building of this fine struc- ture, and gave great praise to all concerned in its plan and building. He then introduced the architect, Mr. Mills, of Detroit, who reiterated all that Senator Berry had said and in addition said he had never been associated with officers and supervisors who were so intelligent and pleasant to deal with.
"Mr. Phil Harwood was then introduced who bowed his thanks to the applause that greeted him.
"Mayor Berry then presented L. L. Newton, of Pontoosuc, chairman of the building com- mittee, who gave a complete and detailed ac- count of the items included in the building ex- penses and the cost thereof, showing that after
706
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
the heating plant, well, tunnel, etc., had been included the building cost $7,000 less than the $125,000 allowed by the voters and that with furnishing and all the total cost was $129,101.34. Mr. Newton and the others of the building com- mittee have been faithful and efficient in the service they have rendered the county. Mr. Newton's address was a great credit to him and was an epitome of his careful forethought for infinite details which made him so valuable a member of the building committee.
"D. C. Barber, of Denver, chairman of the board for that body, received the keys of the building from the building committee. He made a happy speech of appreciation and thanked the voters of this county who had made this fine building possible.
"Dr. F. L. Sigmund, president of Carthage College, then made the dedicatory prayer which was a classic in its beauty of thought and dic- tion.
"Letters of regrets from Supreme Judge Guy Scott and Circuit Judge Grier were read.
"Circuit Judge Gray was then introduced and in a brief speech eulogized the people of Han- cock county and the county officers, from the judge to the faithful janitor, Fritz Stepp.
"Judge Thompson congratulated the people of Hancock county on their fine new buildings and spoke of the judges who had presided over the courts in this county. He closed with an earnest appeal to the citizens to ever exercise their privilege as citizens and voters in further- ing the advancement of their country along all desirable lines.
"Major R. W. McClaughry, who was county clerk 1865 to 1869, was then introduced and held the close attention of the large audience throughout his eloquent address. He said in part, that words were but poor and common things by which to express one's emotion on this day of Jubilee. As in days of old, Israel gath- ered from time to time at Jerusalem to honor the law, so do you, God's favored people, gather to dedicate this temple of justice. Liberty regu- lated by law is the only liberty worthy the name. Our forefathers led us to this land of promise, which in its rich development outdid the Promised Land of old. When we note the standard of our schools and churches and see everywhere about us faces of intelligence, we realize that liberty has taken on a new mean- ing in this day and generation. The tribes, by townships, are gathered here today to do this occasion honor. 'I said the "tribes" have gath-
ered-and here they are! They come, from Augusta and Appanoose, La Harpe and Walker, St. Albans and St. Marys (and all the other saints are represented). While the green foun- tains of Fountain Green and the fierce wild cats of Montebello, pour forth their delegates to this day's gathering. Here are, also, the half tribes from Warsaw and Wilcox, from Dallas and Pon- toosuc-all forgetting that there ever was a question as to the location of the county-seat, and all rejoicing in an universal jubilee! Strife has no place here today ! Even political differ- ences are banned. Every man is assured that he can go away from here and vote for Bill --- Bill !- What's his name? Without having given the least cause of offense to his neighbor !'
"In 1829 Judge Young issued the papers which effected the organization of Hancock county. If any prophet or seer of old had stood beside Judge Young and portrayed the development in commerce, education, civics and science between that time and now, it would not have been be- lieved. Such a prophecy would have been the history of this county. Not the least of these events was that during that period human slav- ery was abolished and seems but a mythical and hideous dream to the present generation. The power of government extends its authority over every foot of soil in these United States and over every individual. When that authority was questioned and denied, patriots rose up in defense. From Hancock county 4,000 men took arms in defense of the government and marched over dusty road and rocky highway until the flag of our union was planted in every spot where rebellion had raised its head. It is there- fore a beautiful, a gracious and a fitting tribute that the people of the county have set aside a room in this new building by which to com- memorate its 4,000 soldiers and sailors who had rendered their full measure of devotion in pre- serving a free and enlightened government to those of this generation and to those who are to come. Better than any monument exposed to storm and weather, is this hall where relics of the great conflict may be assembled and where children can learn the lessons of patriotism they teach. Where also may the spirit hosts assemble in communion, to inspire and instruct and make this hall not only a patriotic temple but a memorial shrine."
(At this point the Carthage Republican ar- ticle referred to the address of Hon. Timothy J. Scofield of Chicago as one of the "best ar- ranged and most complete history sketches of
707
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
Hancock county ever compiled," and stated that the address would be published in a future issue of the paper. Mr. Scofield, only brother of the editor, was a Hancock county boy, afterwards one of the able and successful lawyers of Chi- cago, and was called to Carthage to make this address because of his former residence here. His popularity with the people at the time, and his continued interest in Hancock county af- fairs. )
"Asst. Adj. Gen. Chas. A. Partridge, Depart- ment of Illinois G. A. R., in a brief and eloquent speech received the memorial hall in behalf of the soldiers and sailors of this county and state.
"This closed the program and opportunity was then given to witness the illumination of the courthouse. The 8,000 visitors in this city surged all day unrestrained through the entire building and no comment was heard save of pleased surprise and delight.
"Thus has gone down into history, another red-letter day in the annals of Hancock county, illumined with a great peace, that was but the out-shining of the brotherly love of a common people."
On September 15, 1909, a report of the com- mittee on furniture and fixtures was made to the board, which report showed a total expendi- ture of $20,279.72. The report was received and the committee discharged.
On March 7, 1911, the building committee made a similar report as follows :
CONTRACT FOR COURTHOUSE
Complete Total Cost .. $117,828.30 Cement Walk in Courthouse Yard, Complete 2,897.05
1,330.40
2,365 Cu. Yds. of Dirt Filling Yard. Work Cleaning and Grading Yard. .. 1,061.07 Power House, Tunnel and Sewers, Complete 3,941.70
Plumbing and Material in Tunnel for Supplying Heat and Water for Courthouse from Power House to Courthouse 1,424.30
Electrical Wiring Connecting Power House and Courthouse with Car- thage Electric Plant, Extra.
100.00
Deep Well in Power House.
528.00
Pump in Deep Well.
Engine for Running Pump.
Litter Carrier for Ashes at Power House
50.00
"All of which settlement has been made and all the above bills paid. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the board of supervisors for the past favors given us during our work on the courthouse and surroundings.
"We also have a good feeling toward the officers and citizens of Carthage for the favors extended us while the work was in progress.
Lewis L. Newton, J. C. Crawford, John McKelvie, George Schafer, Geo. H. Hart, Building Committee."
The report of this committee was received and the committee was discharged.
The utmost of praise is due to the members of the building committee, who cooperated throughout in this important enterprise, ren- dering faithful service, without compensation, and so satisfactorily that no one has been heard to criticise their action or find fault with the result of their labors. Architect Mills and the contractor are entitled to the highest meed of praise.
(Note: On the occasion of the dedication of the new courthouse on October 20, 1908, Super- visor Newton stated that the building had cost $7,000 less than the $125,000 "allowed by the voters," that is, the bond issue authorized by the election for that purpose. The final report of the committee on March 7, 1911, shows com- plete total cost of $117,828.30, a trifle under $118,000, which corresponds with Mr. Newton's statement. Mr. Newton further stated that "with furnishings and all," the total cost was $129,101.34. This was not intended to include the fixtures and furnishings in the building. The total amount, outside of fixtures and fur- nishings, shown by the report of March 7, 1911. is $129,645.82, which is $544.48 more than the total amount stated by Mr. Newton on Dedica- tion Day. This final report was made nearly two and one-half years after the dedication, so that Mr. Newton's statement on Dedication Day was a wonderfully close approximation to the total expense, outside of fixtures and furnish- ings. The small additional amount of $544.48 would be accounted for by changes and addi- tions naturally occurring in the progress of the erection of any building, and especially in an undertaking of this magnitude. The total ex- penditure for fixtures and furnishings as shown
255.00
230.00
$
1
708
HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY
by the report of September 15, 1909, was a little over $20,000.
The bonds sold at a premium, and Carthage contributed $10,000, and the balance of the cost of fixtures and furnishings was paid out of the treasury in the usual way.)
The new courthouse consists of three stories. The first story is designated as the basement, the second as the first floor, and the third as the second floor. The basement is entered from the east and west on the level of the adjacent walks. The southwest corner of the building is the Memorial Hall, for the use of the G. A. R., and similar organizations. The northwest cor- ner is for the use of the superintendent of schools. In the southeast are rooms for the use of the surveyor and others identified with the county interests, while in the northeast are the assembly room for general use and a rest room for ladies.
In what is called the first story, that is, the story above the basement, are the offices of the principal county officials. The offices of the clerk of the circuit court and recorder are in the southwest corner, those of the treasurer in the southeast, while the courtroom for the ses- sions of the county court and the county judge's offices are in the northeast, and the offices of the county clerk, who is also clerk of the county court, are in the northwest. On the east, be- tween the rooms occupied by the county judge and those occupied by the county treasurer, is the office of the sheriff.
The second or upper story contains the super- visors' rooms in the northeast part of the build- ing, whereas the remainder of the space in that story is for the sessions of the circuit court, consisting of a splendid courtroom, witness room, jury rooms, grand and petit, library room and rooms for the judge, reporter and state's attorney.
The whole arrangement is admirable. This courthouse is used extensively by the people of all parts of the county as a place of resort, where they may feel at home, conscious that it is their building, when coming to the county seat for any purpose whatsoever.
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