Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County, Part 138

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286

USA > Illinois > Morgan County > Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County > Part 138

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The Library was kept in the Chambers room for about seven years, during which time Mrs. M. V. Hook served efficiently as Librarian. In 1880 the Library was moved to a room fitted up for the purpose on the second floor of the Y. M. C. A. Building, which had just been com- pleted. Mrs. Hook, having declined to act as Librarian, Julian S. Wadsworth was appointed, and the Reading Room was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois. The Library continued in the Y. M. C. A. building under these conditions for about six years, Mr. Wads- worth being followed as Librarian by Mr. Brooks, and Mr. Brooks by Mr. H. E. Rusk.

At the end of that time the Library was turned over to the Young Men's Christian As- sociation, which already possessed about 1,000 volumes and raised $2,000 for the purchase of more. About two years later, the Young Men's Christian Association being in straitened cir-

688

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

cumstances, J. H. Hackett, who was then Presi- dent of the Association, with the help of others, prevailed upon the City Council to take charge of the Library. So, in 1889, after a long strug- gle for existence, the Public Library and Read- ing Room obtained a permanent support from the city.

Mr. C. W. Alexander was the first Librarian, serving alone for the first year. In 1891 Miss Eleanor Thompson was appointed assistant. For seven years the Library was maintained in the west side of the Y. M. C. A. Building, and in 1897 was moved to the second floor of the Degen Building on South Main Street. Mr. Alexander having resigned the previous year, Miss Thomp- son served as Acting Librarian until J. H. Woods was appointed two years later. In No- vember, 1902, Miss Mabel Marvin was appointed Librarian, with Mr. Woods and Miss Thomp- son as first and second assistants.

During the lifetime of Mrs. David Prince she offered to furnish a site for a Library building if the city would raise $20,000 for its erection. The Library Board attempted to raise this sum by soliciting, but finding this method to be hope- less, allowed this offer to lapse. The Board had then begun to consider the proposition to ask the City Council to make a tax levy for the purpose of starting a building fund, when ef- forts to enlist the aid of Mr. Andrew Carnegie proved successful, and he offered $40,000 for the construction of the building, provided the city would levy a tax of $4,000 a year for its maintenance and furnish a site. The Council accepted the proposition, a lot was purchased on West College Avenue, and the present beau- tiful building was erected, being opened to the public Monday, February 23, 1903.

The total cost of lot, building and fixtures was about $53,000, of which $5,000 was for the lot, something over $40,000 for the building, and the remainder for fixtures. About $4,800 was avail- able from the estate of Mrs. Hannah Welch, who bequeathed $5,000 to the city for library pur- poses. So, after years of struggle for the barest existence, the Jacksonville Public Library has at last secured a beautiful and substantial home, made possible by the generosity of Mr. Andrew Carnegie.

Miss Mabel Marvin came to this city in No- vember, 1902, to take charge of the Library. Prior to that time she had been head cata- loguer and classifier in the University of Wis-

consin Library at Madison, Wis. Under her su- pervision, the books of the Library were thoroughly catalogued, and she in every way showed herself to be entirely competent to fill her position. Miss Marvin resigned and was succeeded by Miss Stella V. Seybold, who came May 20, 1903, from the Cincinnati Public Li- brary, and resigned May 2, 1905, taking a sim- ilar position in Davenport, Ia. She was suc- ceeded by Miss Jeannette M. Drake, May 3, 1905, who came from Madison, Wis., where she had been Librarian of the Wisconsin Free Library Commission.

Miss Eleanor Thompson, Second Assistant Li- brarian, has been continuously connected with the Library since 1891, and, during her fourteen years of service, has won a warm place in the hearts of the reading public by her pleasant and engaging manners, and her ready assistance to patrons of the Reading Room. Prof. J. H. Woods has been associated with the Library movement in this city from its inception; indeed, it might be said of him, probably more than of any other man, that he was the originator of that move- ment. In the days of the old Library Associa- tion, he contributed generously of his time and labor to secure its success, and year after year continued to struggle toward something better. We hope to see him for years to come at his post among the books, with which Jacksonville peo- ple have come to inseparably associate him. The struggle for a Free Library and Reading Room was hard fought, and of the many incidents in connection with it, Prof. J. H. Woods can say, "Inorum magna pars fui." To him more than to any one else is due the credit for the exist- ence of the Public Library of Jacksonville, hav- ing from the beginning of the movement been one of its most constant, active and efficient friends and promoters. The same appreciation is also due to Mr. W. E. Veitch, who was the first President of the Library Board after it came into the posession of the city. Under his efficient administration the present Library Building, made possible by the beneficence of Mr. Andrew Carnegie, was erected. Mr. Vietch and other members of the Board gave much time and attention to the plans and erection of that admirable building of which Jacksonville is justly proud. Dr. T. J. Pitner, who was for sev- eral years Secretary of the Library Association, and lately President of the Library Board, has been a long and ardent supporter of the Public

689

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

Library. His interest and public spirit were shown in the favorable terms on which the city purchased from him the site of the Library Building. The present officers are:

Library Board .- Andrew Russel, President; Carl E. Black, M. D., Secretary ; P. F. Alexander, Edward Bowe, M. D., George Franz, C. M. Brown, D. D., Mrs. Belle S. Lambert, J. J. Reeve, C. G. Rutledge.

Library Staff .- Librarian, Miss Jeannette M. Drake; First Assistant, Prof. John H. Woods; Second Assistant, Miss Eleanor Thompson.

Federal Building .- In 1905 the erection of a postoffice building was commenced. The site is bounded by East State, Southeast and East Morgan Streets. The appropriation by Congress for that purpose is sixty-five thousand ($65,000) dollars. Much credit for that valuable acquisi- tion to Jacksonville is due the late Postmaster, Colonel Edward C. Kreider, now deceased. The present Postmaster is John J. Reeve, Esq.

( NOTE .- A number of matters connected with city history, such as churches, schools, newspa- pers, public buildings, etc., are treated of under their appropriate heads in others parts of this work.)

CHAPTER XII.

RAILROADS-BANKS, ETC.

RAILWAY HISTORY-THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEME OF 1837-THE FIRST ILLINOIS RAILROAD A PART OF THE PRESENT WABASH SYSTEM-L.A. TER RAILWAY ENTERPRISES-MORGAN COUNTY NOW TRAVERSED BY SIX INDEPENDENT LINES-FINAN- CIAL INSTITUTIONS-EARLY BANKING HISTORY- BRANCHES OF THE SHAWNEETOWN AND STATE BANKS ESTABLISHED IN JACKSONVILLE HAVE A BRIEF EXISTENCE-BANKING ENTERPRISES OF THE PRESENT DAY-OTHER FINANCIAL ASSOCIATIONS -EARLY METHODS OF MANUFACTURING GRAIN PRODUCTS-MILLS AND THEIR FOUNDERS.

The railway system of Illinois may be said to have had its inception in what was called the "internal improvement scheme" adopted by the Tenth General Assembly at Vandalia in 1837. Although this imposed a burden of In- debtedness upon the State which paralyzed its growth for a time and threatened the common- wealth with bankruptcy without beneficial re-

sults, the phenomenal development in this line in less than sixty years is evidenced by the fact that today the number of railway corporations in active operation amounts to about one hun- dred and twenty-five, representing lines within the State aggregating in round numbers 12,000 miles, and exceeding the mileage of any other State in the Union.

Many persons have erroneously believed that the Northern Cross Railroad, now known as the Wabash, was the first railroad that was built west of the Alleghany Mountains. That dis- tinction belongs to the road built in 1833 from Frankfort to Louisville, Kentucky. Horses and mnules were used to draw the cars. It is a matter of historic interest and county pride that the beginning of the stupendous railroad enterprises in Illinois was in Morgan County. The account of the several railroads in the county is so fully given under their respective names in the preceding pages of the "Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois," that but little more is necessary in this place.

Wabash Railroad .- The work of railroad build- ing began at Naples May 11, 1837. Naples at that time was in Morgan County, Scott County not having been formed from Morgan until February 16, 1839. Some writers have incor- rectly stated that the work of building the rail- road was begun at Meredosia. The following statement of Mr. John Linkins, made to the writer January 10, 1904, may be accepted as essentially correct. Mr. Linkins located in Na- ples in 1835, and resided there continuously till his very recent death. During most of his resi- dence there he was a prominent business man, of high character, and filled various public of- fices. Though more than eighty years old at the time when he gave the statement, he still possessed remarkable physical and mental pow- ers. Mr. Linkins said that he saw the first locomotive taken from the steamboat in parts and put together on the railroad track at Na- ples. A Mr. Newell put up the engine on its arrival there. Mr. Linkins was present when the first ground was broken. The road was built east nearly to the present site of the town of Bluffs. For some reason the work of building the road was discontinued for a short time. When the work was again resumed a successful effort was made to take the road to Meredosia as a starting point from the Illinols River. That change was mainly due to the efforts of General

690

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

J. W. Singleton, then of Mt. Sterling but later of Quincy, Ill., with the view of having it extended to the latter place, which he finally accomplished. Hon. A. J. Thompson, who re- sided at Bethel at the time, confirms the state- ment of Mr. Linkins. On the 9th day of May, 1838, the first rail was laid at Meredosia. In a few years Naples became the main terminus of the road. The corporate names of the road at successive periods were the Northern Cross Railroad; Sangamon & Morgan Railroad; To- ledo & Illinois Railroad (for the Illinois di- vision) ; Toledo, Wabash & Western Railroad; Great Western Railroad Company; Wabash Railway; Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Rail- way; finally in 1889 taking its present name of Wabash Railroad. The road was completed to Jacksonville January 1, 1840. The original sur- vey through Jacksonville was on the present line. When the work of laying the track had nearly reached the town, for various reasons, the line of construction was changed and" en- tered on West State Street near the High School building, the station being located on the pub- lic square. The track was afterward extended through East State Street, making a curve northeasterly through the grounds where the School for the Blind is located, again entering the original line near the railroad bridge. In making the excavations for paving East State Street a few years ago a number of the old oak ties of the railroad were found in good condi- tion.

The road was completed to Springfield May 13, 1842. and was operated for a few years, when the only engine in use broke down and niules were substituted as the motive power for a time, when its operation was abandoned. Finally, on May 26, 1847, by order of the Legis- lature, the line was sold at public auction at the door of the State Capitol, being bid in by N. H. Ridgely and Col. Thomas Mather, of Springfield. According to one report the price paid for the line was $100,000, but Moses, in his "History of Illinois" (page 1045), places the sum at $21,100. The property was soon after transferred to New York capitalists, headed by Robert Schuyler, who organized the Sangamon & Morgan Railroad Company, and during the next two years (1848-49) recon- structed the line from Springfield to Naples, on the Illinois River, as the western terminus. Later a branch was again built to Meredosia,

and 1858-59, by the construction of what was called the Quincy & Toledo Railroad from Meredosia to Camp Point, and the use of right of way over the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy line, a connection was obtained with the city of Quincy. The construction of the Quincy & Toledo division was accomplished under the di- rection of Gen. J. W. Singleton as President or Superintendent of the new line. (For fur- ther particulars see Wabash Railroad, "Histor- ical Encyclopedia of Illinois," pp. 546-547.)

Chicago & Alton .- What is now the Jackson- ville & Kansas City branch of the Chicago & Alton Railroad was commenced at Jackson- ville in 1858, and completed to Manchester, south, and to Petersburg, north, in 1858. It was extended to Godfrey January 1, 1865, and was completed to Bloomington September 23, 1868. In 1871 the construction of the line from Rood- house to Kansas City, Mo., was begun. To Colonel C. M. Morse, of Jacksonville, the credit of that valuable extension is due. The com- pany is now building a branch from Murray- ville to Iles Junction, Springfield, Ill., run- ning in a northeasterly direction through Mor- gan County, passing a short distance north of Franklin and Waverly.

Peoria, Pekin & Jacksonville .- The Peoria, Pe- kin & Jacksonville Railroad was built first from Pekin to Virginia. In 1869 it was extend- ed to Jacksonville.

Jacksonville, Northwestern & Southeastern .-- The Jacksonville Northwestern & Southeast- ern Railroad was constructed during the sum- mer and fall of 1870, from Jacksonville to Wav- erly. It was subsequently extended to Drivers, effecting a junction with what is now the Louis- ville & Nashville. The first officers of the road were Marshall P. Ayers, President; Wil- liam S. Hook, Secretary and Treasurer; Edward S. Greenleaf, Superintendent. Great credit is due to these gentlemen for their enterprise and activity in promoting and the accomplishment of that valuable public utility. For a number of years the name of the road was Jacksonville, Louisville & St. Louis Railway. In 1903 the road was purchased by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, which built an extension to Concord in 1904.

Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis .- The Rock- ford, Rock Island & St. Louis Railroad, com- pleted in 1870, passes through the western part of the county, with stations at Concord and

Robert Leggins

691

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

Chapin, the latter being its point of junction with the Wabash Railroad. Under a long lease the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad has for a number of years operated this road.

St. Louis, Chicago & St. Paul .- The St. Louis, Chicago & St. Paul Railroad (known as the Bluff Line) is a line running from Springfield to Granite City, opposite St. Louis. It was in- corporated under the name of the St. Louis, Jerseyville & Springfield Railroad. It passes through the southeastern part of Morgan Coun- ty, with stations at Waverly and Rohrer. It has been operated for a number of years by the Chicago, Peoria & St. Louis Railroad Company.

(NOTE-The history of the numerous changes in the names and administration of the rail- roads in Morgan County is fully given under their respective names in the "Historical En- cyclopedia" part of this work.)

Banking History .- A complete history of bank- ing in Illinois would form a large volume, and to readers of the present generation would seem to be more a tale of fiction than a narrative of facts. It might form a foundation for an amusing comedy, with a brilliant cast of actors, if the subject had not been so serions in its effects upon the people while it was being en- acted. In various ways Jacksonville figured in the financial drama through prominent actors, and as a stage for the performance. In 1834 there was not a bank in Illinois. The United States Bank furnished the entire circulation of paper money in the State.

By an act of the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of the Illinois Ter- rltory, the Bank of Illinois, located at Shawnee- town, was incorporated. The act was approved Deceniber 28, 1816. At the second session of that Legislature, December 1. 1817, the banks of Kaskaskia and Edwardsville were incorporat- ed as branches of the Bank of Illinois at Shaw- neetown. The same Legislature incorporated the City and Bank of Cairo, as a part of a scheme that included the cutting of a canal across the narrow point of land, thus connecting the wa- ters of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, which would furnish an eligible site for a great city along the canal. The United States suffered a loss of $54,000 through the bank at Edwards- ville. The interval till 1834 was marked by many disastrous banking and other financial experiences throughout the country. In that

year Joseph Duncan, a resident of Jacksonville, was elected Governor of Illinois. He had pre- viously affiliated politically with the Democratic party, and had been an ardent admirer and supporter of Andrew Jackson until he vetoed the re-chartering of the United States Bank, which he characterized as a "gigantic election- eering machine." But Duncan's attitude on the subject of banks was carefully concealed dur- ing the campaign, and he was elected by a large majority. In his inaugural message to the Legislature he advocated the establishment of banks under the State law. The Legislature sympathized with the views of the Governor, and failing to profit by the disastrous lessons of the past, responded by chartering a new State Bank, and also authorized the forming of six branches. The old Territorial Bank of Illinois at Shawneetown, which had suspended business for upwards of twelve years, was revived. That Legislature was again convened in extraordi- nary second session December 7, 1835. In his message Governor Duncan called attention to the subject of banks and recommended the sub- scription by the State of one million dollars provided for in the section of the former bank act.

The Tenth General Assembly convened at Vandalia December 5. 1836. At that session were authorized all those extravagant measures of internal improvement which, in a few years, entailed upon the State a debt so vast as nearly to bankrupt it. By act of March 4. 1837, the capital stock of the State Bank was increased $2,000,000, the whole to be subscribed by the State in a manner provided. The capital stock of the Bank of Illinois, located at Shawneetown, was increased $1,400,000. The Shawneetown Bank was also authorized to establish three branch banks: one at Jacksonville; the other two at Alton and Lawrenceville.

The location of the Jacksonville branch was in a building on the site of the Hoffman store. on the southeast corner of the Central Park. Mr. Henry D. Town was teller of the bank. He robbed the bank of all its funds, which he hid in a hollow log in Diamond Grovc. Town was suspected, arrested and imprisoned. In some manner, never satisfactorily explained to the public. Town escaped and was not captured.

A branch of the State Bank was also estab- lished in Jacksonville at the same time, its

692

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

place of business being near that of the Shaw- neetown branch, on the Central Park. Both banks had a brief existence.

Ayers National Bank is the outcome of the oldest banking institution in Jacksonville and one of the oldest in Central Illinois. It was established as a private banking institution by the late Marshall P. Ayers, December 20, 1852, on the west end of the site now occupied by the bank, in a very small room then the rear of the Ayers Drug Store, fronting on West State Street. The title of the bank during many years was M. P. Ayers & Company. It became the Ayers National Bank May 1, 1901, with a capi- tal of $200,000. The officers of the bank are John A. Ayers, President; Edward S. Greenleaf, Vice-President; Charles G. Rutledge, Cashier; W. W. Ewing, Assistant Cashier. The present Directors are: John A. Ayers, Albert Crum, Ed- ward P. Kirby, John R. Davis, Charles G. Rut- ledge, C. F. Leach, Walter Ayers, William Brown and Edward S. Greenleaf. The bank also has a Savings Department.

Elliott & Brown .- In 1856 Messrs. E. R. El- liott and Judge William Brown established a bank in Jacksonville. Its location was in a small room in the east end of what is now Herman's Millinery Store, on East State Street. After a few years it was changed to Brown's Bank, the late Judge William Brown being the sole pro- prietor. It was afterward changed to W. & E. W. Brown. The name was again changed to the Central Illinois Banking and Savings As- sociation in January, 1867, as a stock associa- tion, with Dr. Lloyd W. Brown as President. The bank closed August 25, 1893.

The Morgan County Bank was the next bank in the order of time in Jacksonville. It was established about the year 1857 or .1858 by Messrs. Henry R. Read and J. W. Wright. It was located on the west side of Central Park on or near the site of Hatch's Drug Store. Aft- er an existence of only a few years it closed its business. Mr. Marshall P. Ayers, at that time in charge of the Ayers Bank, was appoint- ed to settle the business of the suspended in- stitution.

The First National Bank was founded in Au- gust, 1864, with a capital of $100,000, with Mr. Edward Scott as President and Mr. Felix G. Farrell as Vice-President. In 1898 the bank surrendered its charter as a National Bank and was organized as a private bank by F. G. Far- rell & Company.

Hockenhull-Elliott Bank and Trust Company .- In 1866 Messrs. Robert Hockenhull, Reynolds King and Edward R. Elliott established the Hockenhull, King & Elliott Bank. In De- cember, 1899, the name was changed to the present title. The present officers are: Frank Elliott, President; Robert M. Hockenhull, Vice- President; J. Weir Elliott, Cashier; Directors, Frank Elliott, J. Weir Elliott, Robert M. Hock- enhull, J. H. Osborne, William R. Routt, F. M. Doan and John A. Bellatti. The company is operated under the State law and has a capital of $100,000.

The Jacksonville National Bank was establish- ed in 1870. The present officers are: Julius E. Strawn, President; Thomas B. Orear, Vice-Pres- ident; Henry Oakes, Second Vice-President; John R. Robertson, Cashier; Charles E. Dick- son, Assistant Cashier; Directors, Julius E. Strawn, Frank Robertson, A. O. Harris, Thom- as B. Orear, James Wood, A. H. Rankin, Henry Oakes, Thomas Worthington and John R. Rob- ertson. Capital, $200,000.

Dunlap, Russel & Company, a private banking institution, was established January 1, 1891, by Messrs. Millard F. Dunlap, Andrew Russel and William Russel.

Other Financial Associations .- The Jacksonville Benefit Building Association was incorporated under the laws of Illinois and began business October 2, 1872. After a successful career of a number of years it closed its business.

The Loan and Building Association is in ac- tive operation.

The Security Savings and Loan Association is in successful operation.

The decline in the rate of interest has been unfavorable to the success of that class of in- stitutions.

Underwriters .- The Jacksonville Local Board of Fire Underwriters was organized about 1870. The first President was Joseph H. Bancroft, and the first Secretary Andrew N. McDonald. They filled those offices respectively for many years. The present officers are: John N. Marsh, President; Levi S. Doane, Secretary, and Al- bert G. Burr, Treasurer. The Local Board is affiliated with the State Board of Fire Under- writers.

Fire Insurance Company .- The Jacksonville Farmers' Mutual County Fire Insurance Com- pany was organized June 2, 1877. It has had . a prosperous business career. It now has over $700,000 of risks on Morgan County farms.

693

HISTORY OF MORGAN COUNTY.

Mills .- The settlers who came to Morgan County in the spring of 1820 brought with them a supply of provisions intended to last till fall, when the corn crop would be ripe. It happened, however, that Mr. James Deaton and son ex- hausted their supply of corn-meal and bacon sometime about the first of June, compelling them to travel a distance of eighty-five miles to Edwardsville, to renew their stock of provisions, the nearest mill at that time being there.

As the new corn began to harden it was made into coarse meal for family use by rubbing the ear on a tin grater until the grains were rasped off close to the cob. This meal made a bread very sweet and palatable, but the work of grat- ing was very slow and laborious.

Another contrivance for making meal was the mortar. This was made by burning or exca- vating the end of a stump or log. As the hole in the stump or log became deeper, it was nar- rowed until it came to a point. A pestle was made to fit closely into this aperture. In the end of the pestle an iron wedge was fixed. When the pestles were made of great weight they were attached to a sweep, made like the old- fashioned well sweep. By this means they could be raised and dropped into the mortars. Meal was made in this manner by simply breaking or pounding the corn until it was thoroughly pulverized, or sufficiently broken to be used as hominy. The mortar thus used in this coun- try was probably the invention of the Indians, as it was in use when discovered by the white men. The hand-mill is spoken of in the Bible. and is probably as old as the world. The hand- mill above described could be changed into a horse-mill by fixing it firmly between two posts and attaching a long lever or sweep to it.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Historical encyclopedia of Illinois and history of Morgan County, Part 138

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n Publication date: 1906 Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 1286

Author: Bateman, Newton, 1822-1897. cn; Selby, Paul, 1825-1913. cn; Short, William F., 1829- 4n
Publication date: 1906
Publisher: Chicago : Munsell Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 1286