USA > Illinois > Williamson County > Historical souvenir of Williamson County, Illinois : being a brief review of the county from date of founding to the present > Part 23
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He first entered into the hardware business here in the spring of 1897, but on leaving the road, assisted in organizing the Duncan and Baker Hardware Company. It is a cor- poration, of which he is the presi- dent, with $30,000 capital and a
branch at Johnson City. In April, 1901, he was appointed by Gov. Yates one of the commissioners of the Southern Illinois Penitentiary at Chester, and afterwards elected by the Board as its president, which of- fice he still holds.
In August 26, 1883, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Spiller, daughter of W. J. Spiller, by whom he has had three children. Nettie and Willie, both of whom are de- ceased, and Rose, now Mrs. F. G. Campbell, who lives in an elegant
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
new home near her parents. He is an elder of the Christian church and a member of the A. F. and A .M.
ALEXANDER HUNT, Pioneer.
Is the son of Abel Hunt and Elizabeth Bell, natives of Tennes- see, who lived to an advanced age among the mountains of Smith Co., where Alexander was born.
He was raised in his native state and did not come to Illinois until 1885. His first wife was Martha Parthel, to whom he was united in Tennessee, August 1, 1842. She gave birth to three children and died May 7th, 1896, in Lawrence County, Illinois, at the advanced age of 87. None of her children survive. His second marriage took place August 15th, 1897, to Mrs. Martha Caroline Cuttrel, widow of William Cuttrel. They are members of the United Missionary Baptist church, who have a house of wor- ship five miles east of Marion, near their place of residence.
O. G. CAMPBELL, Pioneer.
Is a native of Williamson County, and has spent his whole life within its borders. He is a son of Cyrus Campbell, and was born January 24, 1831. He was raised on a farm and has spent his life in farming and raising and dealing in live stock or other products of the soil. At one time he dealt largely in cotton and tobacco, and during the war he was engaged in furnishing the army with horses and mules. On the 21st of June, 1851, he married Miss Sid- ney Stewart, by whom he had five children. Two only survive, Cyrus and Arthur. His wife died Decem- ber 24, 1895. He is a member of the M. E. church south and a Demo- crat.
WYATT C. FERRELL, Pioneer.
The subject of this sketch was born in Smith County, Tennessee, June 25. 1829. His father was Wil- liam Ferrell, a soldier in the war of 1812, and fought under Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans. Ile died in March, 1867. His grandfa- ther was an Englishman, and fought under Cornwallis in the Revolution- ary War. In August, 1862, Wyatt enlisted in the 128th. Ill. as First Sergeant, from which he was trans- ferred in the Spring of 1863 to the 9th. Ill., where his regiment soon redeemed the unfortunate record of the "Bloody 128th." He fought during the whole period of the war and was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 9, 1865. He was made Captain of his company in 1864, and served as such until mustered out.
He moved with his parents from Tennessee to Williamson County and
settled near Sarahsville October 30,
1839. Until the war he followed farming, but after its close, went to St. Louis and learned the trade of gunsmith, which he followed for more than 45 years, and until his failing eyesight prevented.
His first wife was Sarah Jane Blackman, to whom he was mar- ried June 8, 1848. By her he had three children, two of whom are liv- ing: Ezra and John, both living in Saline County. His second mar- riage took place November 2, 1864, to Emmeline Edrington, by whom three children were born. They were Franklin M., now in Johnson County; Mrs. Emma Adams, and Mrs. Martha Francis. His second wife died April 25, 1891, and he took for his third wife Elvira Reid, October 15, 1896. One child, Claud, now seven years old, is the fruit of this union.
JAMES M. GENT, Farmer and Dealer in Live Stock.
This gentleman was born at Spil- lertown April 26, 1862. His father was D. A. S. Gent, who was in turn farmer, coal dealer and store-keep- er, and died October 17, 1884. His mother was Susan Spiller, through whom Mr. Gent is connected with the most of the prominent families of Marion. She died December 22, 1885, a little more than a year later than her husband. The elder Gent moved hls family to Carbondale when James, who was his second child, was an infant, and kept a general merchandise store for about fifteen years, when he returned to his farm and coal mines at Spiller- town when James was 15 years old. James lived at home with his pa- rents, assisting on the farm and in the mines, until after their death. He and his four sisters remained on the old homestead until his mar- riage three years later. This took place October 25, 1888, to Miss Belle Holland, daughter of Bazzel Hol- land. They have no children.
Mr. Gent received a common school education mostly at Carbon- dale. He has followed farming and stock raising until August of last year, when he bought the Otis Williams place and moved into Ma- rion. He still retains his old home in Northern Precinct, near Corinth, but is gradually devoting more at- tention to buying and selling live stock. He is enterprising and am- bitious, and not averse to investing in a good thing when he sees it. He is a large stockholder in the Crab Orchard Telephone Comapny and is its president. He is also a director in the Williamson County Agricul- tural Association, and at the last election of officers of the Williamson County Savings Bank was elected a director in it. He is a Republican in politics, and belongs to the Farm-
ers' Relief Association at Attila, in the eastern part of this county. He is not a member of any church, but Mrs. Gent belongs to the M. E. church at Corinth.
ROBERT C. NALL AND OSCAR M. WILLIAMS.
R. C. Nall and O. M. Williams formed a co-partnership in 1903, since when they have erected the following fine buildings: New Hyde Block on North Market St .; the fine brick store of Henry Brown on W. Main St., corner of Lilly curve; Ma- rion Pressed Brick and Tile Com- pany Works; the residence of S. H. Goodall on the southeast corner of North Market St. and the Boulevard; Newton Cripps, on South Market St .: Marion Bottling Company's fine new brick building; residence of J. C. Knight, in East Marion, and James Felts' residence, also in East Marion. This is a remarkable showing for the time spent, and places them in the very front rank among the builders of the city. A glance at the halftone illustrations which adorn these pages will amply justify their high standing in their profession in the good opinions of the owners.
EDGAR E. GILL.
Edgar E. Gill, a native of this County, is one of its most talented and successful builders, and young enough to give promise of reaching the top of the ladder in his noble profession. He began working at the carpenter's trade early, and in 1897 formed a partnership with Robert H. Pride, which still contin- ues. Four years ago his practical knowledge of the craft was supple- mented by a full course in architec- ture, in the International Corre- spondence Schools of Scranton, Pa. Many of the best buildings of the city are demonstrations of his tal- ent as an architect, he having drawn the plans for the following among others erected by himself and part- ner: the Denison, Goodall, Marion State and Savings Bank, over which is the City Hall: Benson Cline and Jones, New Goodall Bldg., and the New School buildings. He was the foreman of the Irish Village at the Exposition at St. Louis, spending the entire summer there. December 27, 1892, he married Miss Sallie Feator, by whom he has had three boys and one girl. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, and un- til lately, one of it official board, from which he recently resigned. While a Republican in politics, he has never "had a bee in his bonnet," and has never run for office. He be- longs to Williamson Lodge No. 392, I. O. O. F., and the Blue Lodge of the Masons.
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
THE ELLES STORE COMPANY.
No. 1. Is the original building in which the now extensive business of the Company originated. The floor space was 20x40 feet or 800 square feet, which has increased to more than 40,000 square feet and gives employment to scores of helpers.
ELLES STORE COMPANY.
In 1878, when Carterville was in its infancy, forests stood where now elegant brick structures adorn the street, and only one small mine in this vicinity, where now they can be counted by the dozens, Albert K. El- les and Ed A. Elles formed the co- partnership known for years as Elles Bros. Their stock then consisted only of a small quantity of mer- chandise, and their building was a one-story frame structure of 20x40 feet, which can be seen in view one, In this building. the business was conducted for years. In 1885 the first large addition was made to their now fast growing business. The ad- dition consisted of two buildings, one of 25x50 feet two story, one of 24x50 feet, one story, increasing their floor space 3700 square feet, nearly five times the amount of the original building. The co-partner- ship continued up to 1891, when the incorporation of Elles Store Co. was formed by the addition of new mem- bers to the company. In 1893 this company made another move toward the accommodation of their now large business by the erection of a brick building of 60x140 feet, with an addition of 62x110 feet, with a total area of 22040 square feet, and then embodied almost the first coun- try department store in this section of the State.
In 1898 another venture was made, which consisted of the Herrin Store. This has developed from a
small business until now it holds its parent business a strong second. In 1900 the Lauder ( now Reeves) Branch was opened, in 1901 the Ma- rion Branch and in 1902 the White Ash Branch. It now takes a floor space of more than 36,000 square feet to accommodate their business.
ods.
The business was built primarily upon the solid foundation of Reli- able Merchandise and Just Meth- For more than a quarter of a
century this Company has made a study of the needs of the community, and being large buyers are in a po- sition to supply almost everything needed to wear or consume at a uni- formly low price.
ED. A. ELLES
The present President of the El- les Store Co., has been associated with his brother, A. K. Elles, for many years, under the firm name of Elles Bros., and later as the Elles Store Co. On the occasion of A. K. Elles moving from the town, Mr. Ed. A. Elles was elected President, which office he has held ever since.
MR. A. K. ELLES
The Vice President of the Elles Store Co. and the real founder of the business, has been part of Carter- ville almost since the birth of the town. During all this time his faith in the final prosperity of Carterville has never wavered. He commenced the business in a very humble way, but under his management the busi- ness has grown, fully keeping pace with the marvelous growth of this favored County until now it stands perhaps second to none in this coal district.
MR. ARTHUR BAKER
The present Secretary of the Elles Store Co., has been connected with this Company since leaving the Car- terville public schools, some five years ago. He commenced in cleri- cal office work, and such was his aptitude for figures, his painstaking care in handling accounts, that he soon won the confidence of both cus- tomers and his co-workers, and to-
TK
No. 2. Erected in 1885 and used for eight years. This building wit- nessed the transformation of the Elles Brothers business into a strong incorporated company. The large building shown in the rear is now used as the Companies' Carterville barn.
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS,
No. 3. This half-tone shows the present building in Carterville un- der construction, while the business is going on uninterruptedly. The north half was built first and boarded up; business going on while the south half was erected.
day he is regarded almost infallible by those who know his work.
MR. ROBERT HOPPER
Present Manager of the Grocery Department at the Herrin Store, has been identified with the business some 18 years. coming as a small boy he has steadily forged his way forward, each year assuming a more and more responsible place until to- day his department stands easily first in the business. His splendid
memory, high business integrity and conscientious application to business have won him hosts of friends.
MR. G. W. BEVARDE
Has been with the Elles Store Co. some thirteen years, first as an out- side salesman, then a house sales- man, and for the last five years, as collector and judge of credits, which delicate and important position he has faithfully filled to the satisfac- tion of all concerne".
C. E. ANDERSON, Herrin, Ill.
Director and Manager of the Her- rin Branch of the Elles Store Co., was born January 13, 1877, at Raum, Pope Co., Ill., attended the public school at Carterville and graduated from the scientific conrse at the Northern Indiana Normal School in 1897. He enlisted for the war with Spain in the 4th Ill. Vol., Co. C., and went to Havana, but never saw actual service in the field and was mustered ont May 2, 1899. He entered the service of the Elles Store Co. February 21, 1901, and was rapidly promoted to his present position.
He was married September 25, 1900, 10 Miss Bertha Perry, the daughter of Dr. W. H. Perry, of Car- terville, by whom he has one child, Edward, 2 1-2 years old.
Mr. Anderson has a natural apti- tude for business, and is particularly skillful in the management of the interests committed to his care.
This little history of the Elles Store Co. would not be complete if we failed to speak of the work of two members of the board of di- rectors who have passed away, Mr. Charles F. Elles and Mr. Louis T. Elles, who, though gone, have left an indellible impression for good in the business.
M. W. ROBERTSON, Pioneer.
M. W. Robertson is the son of Henry Robertson and Mary Spiller, the daughter of William Spiller.
UNIFORMLY ZUM LACZ FEISTY
No. 4. Shows the Carterville main store as it now stands in 1905.
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
147
( HERRIN BRANCH ELLES STORE DO.
No. 5. Is the branch at Herrin in 1899.
They finally settled in Marion, where the father died in 1845 and the
mother in 1854. Martin W. was born on Phelps' Prairie July 18th. 1840. His early life was spent on the farm, but later on he went into the dry goods business at Marion, which he ran until 1869. He then sold out and established the first hardware store in Marion. He was a 2nd Lieutenant of the "Bloody 128" Ill., is a Royal Arch Mason, a Democrat and a member of the Christian Church. His wife was
Malvina,
daughter of Samuel and
Julia A. Dunaway, to whom he was united January 21, 1866. She was born August 11, 1846. Her children are Mrs. Ettie E. Browning, wife of Thos. S. Browning, of Benton, Ill .; Samuel Henry Robertson and John D. Robertson, who died in 1899.
ROBERT H. PRIDE, Pride & Gill, Carpenters, Contractors and Builders.
'Is a native and almost continu- ously a resident of Marion. A slight attention to the incidents of his life
will justify the estimate put upon him and his worthy mother by their intimate friends, when they affirm that, rich or poor, the County does not contain a citizen more worthy of the honor and esteem of his fellow citizens. He was born here October 24, 1864. His father was a native of Tennessee, but came to Marion when only 21. He was a carpenter, and Robert worked under him at the trade and on a farm until about 12 years old. He was the oldest of six children, and upon the death of his father when he was but 14, the sup- port of the family devolved largely upon himself. Guided and assisted by his mother, the two reared and educated the family without more help from others than is contained in a kind word occasionally. He is entirely a self-made man, and has no cause to be ashamed of his work either.
For ahout three years he and his present partner worked under the instruction of Isaac Rapp, perhaps the most successful builder in South- ern Illinois. They helped him erect the Southern Illinois Normal Univer- sity at Carbondale, the Logan Home at Murphysboro and many other prominent buildings. In 1897, he and Gill, after working together pleasantly for some years, formed a co-partnership, which continues to the present time. Together they have built nearly all the fine build- ings around the public square, the new school building and others in various parts of the city.
His school-days were few, but his schooling is continuous, and he is
ELLES
No. 6. Is the Herrin Branch as completed in 1900. New improvements and additions have been made and others are in contemplation.
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ELLES STORE COMPANY.
No. 7. Elles Store Company, Lauder Branch.
still a diligent student. In politics he is a Democrat, a member of the M. E. Church South, and for about eleven years now a member of Fel- lowship Lodge No. 89, Odd Fellows.
FRANCIS MARION SPARKS.
Mr. Sparks boasts of being the first child born in Marion, where he saw the light of day April 21, 1840. and where the major part of his life so far has been spent. He was the son of J. G. Sparks, whose portrait and sketch appear in this book, and now resides with his wife, Mrs. Mary J. Sparks, the talented poet- ess, whose portrait accompanies an original poem found on these pages. They and their four boys, Benjamin. Bert, Guinn and Harry, occupy a handsome home on West Main St. Mr. Sparks was but a boy of twelve when his father went to California. and as the father never again made his home in Illinois, the boy was reared by his mother and Isaac and Celinda McCoy, the grandparents of Mrs. Sparks, his wife. His first term of school was under the in- struction of Samuel Nowlin in the summer of 1$33, where he spent three months. Later on, nine months under Mr. and Mrs. McCoy completed his direct schooling. It is proper to state, however, that he lived for three years in the family of his wife's grandparents, and had the benefit of almost continuous course of instruction quite equal to that of an academy during that whole period. So that it may be said that his schooling was of a very uncommon Common-school sort, and gave him a very good prac- tical education. In August, 1855. when but fifteen years old, he began clerking in the general merchandise store of Hundley and Campbell. He
stayed with them a year and then spent the following year in the stores of Westbrook and Cook, James T. Goddard, and Goodall and Campbell.
He then opened a restaurant near where Mr. Burkhardt now has his store, and went into business for himself. In 1860 he rented a place of Samuel Dunaway, and in company with the Hon. J. M. Washburn, opened the first grocery store start- ed on the south side of the square. Two years after they took another partner, Dr. Lodge, a druggist, and bought from Isaac Lewis the corner where Bundy's store now stands. They then united the drug and gro- cery business. About a year later they bought out Dr. Lodge and in 1865 or '66 Mr. Sparks sold his share to Washburn. About this time he moved to Carterville, bought an adoining farm, built a store, and went to farming and selling goods on his own individual account. 1r 1872 he sold his farm and store in Carterville and returned to Marion, where he went into the grocery bus- iness with Hundley and Holland, where Mr. Cantor's store now stands. Two years later he soll out to his partner, and went to work for Thomas Dunaway in the general merchandise business at the old stand, where he remained, however, but a year, when he went to clerk-
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No. 8. Marion Branch of the Elles Store Company located on the east side of the public square, southeast corner of East Main Street, Marion, Ill. The New Goodall Hotel occupies the upper stories of the block. The grocery store of Campbell Bros. is shown at the right. The personell of the employes of the Company is as follows, counting from left to right: E. D. Roach, General Manager; Ira Davis. Charles Davis, Dry Goods Dept .; Ruth Jackson, Office Clerk; Florence Woodley, same; Ella Hill, Dry Goods Dept .; Mary Johnson, Queensware; Ira Cash, Grocery Dept .; T. F. McCartney, Grocery Dept .; O. C. Simmons, Grocery Dept .; Harry Roach.
SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
149
ELLES STORE CO:
-
No. 9. Whiteash Branch of the Elles Store Company.
ing for W. W. Robinson, January 1, 1879. Later they went into part- nership, and for six years were rais- ing and dealing in live stock of all kinds. He then bought a farm of two hundred and forty acres, about three miles west of New Burnside, Johnson County, which he sold after about three years, and returned to Marion in 1889. He then sold hard- ware for Harry Purdy until 1890. when he spent five months in Wash- ington Territory on a visit to his father. On his return he went to work again for Purdy, where he re- mained until the latter was burned out in 1894, when he began selling hardware for H. M. Parks & Co. After about a year spent with him. he clerked for Burkhart and Bink- ley until September, 1897, when he opened a grocery store on his own account at the southwest corner of the square, which he sold February 11, 1904. to Shannon Holland. December 24, 1862. he was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Pease, daughter of Dr. B. F. Pease, and four boys have blessed their union. While Mrs. Sparks has been busy with her household cares and the rearing and education of her boys, she has found time to render sub- stantial assistance to her husband in his business, and has given to the world a delightful volume of choice poems besides. Surely hers has been a busy hand and brain. Her vol- ume bears the words "Wayside Fan- cies" on the title page. and will amply repay a careful perusal.
T. J. ERWIN. Elevator.
T. J. Erwin was born in William- son County in 1840. He learned the milling business and followed it in Saline County for 15 years. Later he had charge of the Crab Orchard
Mills for several years, and then be- came manager of the Marion Ele- vator, which he has run for over ten years, and is still in charge. He was married June 25. 1863, to Miss Angelina Groves, a daughter of Wil- liam Groves of Marion. They have seven children, five of whom are still living. He is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. and one of its deacons. He joined the Ma- sonle Lodge when very young, and is now a member of Fellowship Lodge No. 89, Marion.
JAMES A. FELTS, Felts & Baker.
James A. Felts was born March 8, 1862. in Lake Creek Township.
about four miles north of Marion. His school days closed with two terms at Valparaiso, Ind. He then entered upon the profession of teaching, which he followed in the common schools of the County for ten years, closing 1894. In the fall of that year he was elected County Clerk on the Republican ticket and re-elected in 1898. In 1903 he en- tered into partnership with B. F. Baker, erected a fine brick building on a part of block 14, at the north- west corner of the public square, and opened a book and stationery store September 1, 1903. He was married November 6, 1895, to Miss Stella Sanders, by whom he has one boy. He belongs to Modern Wood- man Camp 5337.
JAMES V. GRIDER.
James V. Grider is a native of Franklin County. He was born November 3, 1840. and moved with his father's family into Williamson County in 1844, and into Marion in 1849. He enlisted early in the War of the Rebellion, and served for three years and until Lee's sur- render. He first went into the 128th Illinois, but was afterwards trans- ferred to the 31st. He took part in the grand march with Sherman "from Atlanta to the Sea," and was with his regiment only fifteen miles away from Rolla, N. C., when Gen. Jos. E. Johnson surrendered to Sher- man. He was mustered out in July of '65. He has never had the bene- fit of much schooling, but has always had a hand in politics, holding minor offices almost continually since 1869. when he was first elected constable. He has served as city marshall un- der Mayor Jackson, Holland and Dennison, receiving his present ap-
Residence of A. D. Roach, Manager of the Marion Branch of the Elles Store Company.
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SOUVENIR OF WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
ED A. ELLES. President of the Elles Store Co.
Carterville, Ill.
ROBERT HOPPER,
Assistant Manager of Herron
Branch of Elles Store Co.
ELI D. ROACH, Manager of the Marion Branch of the Elles Store Company.
pointment last May. In 1872 he was County Assessor, and in 1875 raised a company of militia, of which he became captain. In 1877 the com- pany became company F, 11th 1. N. G., of which he was elected captain. He is a Past Grand Master of Wil- liamson Lodge 392 I. O. O. F., and a member of the M. E. Church South. He was married November 24, 1867, to Amanda Davis, by whom he has eight children, all liv- ing. For his second wife he took Miss Martha Philips. They were married December 19, 1903.
JAMES W. WILDER, Photographer.
The subject of this sketch was born in White County, Tennessee, May 10, 1858. His parents dying when he was but two years old, he became the care of his grandpa-
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