History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 78

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1096

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Hngh R. Colter, the first Cirenit and County Clerk, and the first Probate Judge, was an Irishman, well edneated, indeed a fine scholar and a man of great genins. He taught the first school ever held in the county in this town. Mr. Colter had the misfortune to lose one of his lower limbs, and as a substitute wore a wooden leg. Ho generally wore a boot upon this artificial limb. He married Miss Maria Ross, a sister of O. M. Ross, who died very soon after her marriage. Mr. Colter went to the lead mines at Galena about 1826, and for many years served as Recorder of White Co., Wis. He died at Lancaster, Wis., in 1876.

Thomas Lee Ross was another pioneer here. He was the young- est brother of O. M. Ross, and the first County Treasurer. He too went to Galena and lives at present near that place in Wisconsin.

Stephen Phelps, of New York, came from the Sangamo coun- try, as Sangamon county was then known, and settled at Lewistown. He is described by Col. Ross as a man of unusual business taet and ability. He rented a portion of a building which stood in the

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

southern part of the town, and opened a small stock of goods which he had purchased at St. Louis. The Indians were then numerous, and in trading with them he secured considerable means. He soon was able to erect a store-building of his own, which he did just north of the brick business building owned and occupied by Henry Phelps. Here he engaged in an extensive business. The style of the firm name was Stephen Phelps & Son. He died about 1840, after a life of unusual activity. After his demise the firm was changed to Myron Phelps & Son. Myron was an older son of Ste- phen, and about 1841 admitted to partnership his son, Henry Phelps, the present head of the firm. Mr. Myron Phelps died some two years ago. His religious convictions were strong, and toward the Church and business enterprises he was unusually liberal. During his life he laid by a certain portion of his ineome toward the inter- 'ests of religion.

William Proctor was also a noted character in early times. { He settled here as early as 1825 or 1826. He started the first tannery in the county during the first years of his settlement here. It was his custom to trade leather for green hides with the pioneers in this and adjoining counties. For the collection of hides he was com- pelled to travel from Sangamon Co. to what is now Bloomington ; thence to Fort Clark (now Peoria), Flint Hills (now Burlington), Lewistown, Havana and home. The first time he visited Canton was while making one of these trips, in the year 1824, from Fort Clark. Night coming on, and the prairie having been recently burned over, thus obliterating the track, he had to let his horses take their own course. They brought up at the cabin of Major Barnes, north of the present site of Canton. Mr. Henry Andrews, who was then a member of Major Barnes' family, remembers the incident. He also started the first boot and shoe establishment. He met with abundant success in his new enterprise. Later in life he became a farmer and money-lender. He died Jan. 24, 1879.

Dr. Newton settled in Lewistown in a very carly day, but re- mained only a short time. His successor was Dr. E. D. Rice, who came from Massachusetts. He was a young man when he came here, and was possessed of integrity, honesty and ability. These noble qualities soon gained for him a good practice in his profession. Ho assisted very materially toward the building and progress of the town, and became County Judge, or Judge of Probate and County Recorder. He died in 1878.

In 1847 Gen. L. F. Ross, now of Avon, and of whom we speak in connection with the history of Union township, was elected Pro- bate Judge, succeeding Stephen H. Pitkins, also a prominent carly resident of the place. Mr. Ross became pre-eminently identified with the business interests of Lewistown. He distinguished him- self as a soldier in the war of the Rebellion and in the Mexican war.

Truman Phelps was the proprietor of the first hotel in the place. It was a two-story frame building with a porch, and stood upon the site now occupied by the residence of T. F. Stafford.

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Another gentleman of prominence was H. B. Evans, who was a native of Virginia. He came to Lewistown in 1828 or 1829. For several years he was County Clerk, and, in connection with Nathan Beadles, entered actively into business. About 1856 he erected the large brick store building now ocenpied by Edwin Harris. Nathan Beadles came to the county in 1829, and in 1833 came to Lewis- town and engaged at his trade, which was that of a tailor, and was probably the first tailor in the town. In time he became an exten- sive dealer in live stock, and then began merchandising. He ac- cumulated wealth quite rapidly, and has done much to beantify the city and to advance its interests. In 1876 he, with others, erected Beadles' Block, in which is one of the finest publie halls to be found in any of the smaller eities of the State.

In 1834 came Martin Eichelberger, who is now a prominent mer- chant of Lewistown. He was born in Pennsylvania, and came to Lewistown without other capital than character, integrity and hon- esty. Shortly after his arrival he opened a small shop for the manu- facture of saddles, harness, etc. He transacted a fair business for a number of years and began merchandising with John Proctor about 1850. For a number of years he officiated as Postmaster and Mayor.

Major Newton Walker came in 1835. About his first business after his arrival was to superintend the construction of the present court-house. He wasa young man of great energy and took con- siderable interest in his work, and at its completion the new court- house was among the best, if not the very best publie building in the State. The plans and specifications were all drawn by Major Walker. During the time of its erection he built a large sleigh within the building, and upon completion the sleigh was found to be too large to be taken ont of any opening in the structure. At this, great merriment was excited and sundry measures were resorted to for its removal, but it was too big to be gotten out whole. The county officials formerly ocenpied a small frame structure which at present stands just in rear of the new printing house of the Lewis- town Democrat. Wm. McComb, of whom we speak at greater length below, was for a number of years Circuit Clerk.

D. J. Waggoner came in 1843, and for a number of years worked in a chair factory. He was Deputy Sheriff and for many years served the county as Sheriff and was always popular. He is still living at Lewistown, and a gentleman of unusual ability, energy and enterprise.

Dr. R. R. McDowell was also an early settler.

Col. L. W. Ross, in honor of whom the town was named, was brought to the place when nine years of age. During the autumn of 1832 he joined Major Bogart's battalion and traveled over the country between the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, then upon the outskirts of civilization, for the protection of frontiersmen. While at Galena he saw the great Indian chief, Black Hawk,

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

We could mention here a long list of familiar names, but as we give them in alphabetical order on subsequent pages, we will not repeat them here.

Since the original town was platted many additions have been laid out, as given below.

R. C. Simms, a farmer and land speculator, laid out an addition to the town of Lewistown, which was a subdivision of the original tract. Soon afterwards James Veils made an addition ; then J. W. Sann- ders made one south of the original town, which comprised 15 acres. W'm. Proctor also made an addition. Wm. Phelps made a 15-acre addition upon the eastern part of the town. The Seminary addition was next made. It comprises 20 or 25 acres. Peirsol's addition which is just east of the former, was then laid out by J. H. Peirsol. It comprises abont 8 acres. There is still another small addition, which was made by Nathan Beadles, comprising 2 aeres; and in the southern part of town Wm. Proctor laid out the second addition bearing his name, and in the northern part of town is Peirsol's second addition.

In 1823 a log court-house was erceted in the vicinity of the place where the present one now stands. This was used till about 1830, when the old frame structure was erected, and in 1838 the present building was built at a cost of about $10,000.

The first postoffice was located in the southern part of town, and Hugh R. Colter was perhaps the first postmaster. The mail was received once a week, and the long journeys the lone horseman would make through the wild country were not always pleasant ones.

The first child born in the town was Lucinda Ross, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. M. Ross. She was also the first child born in the county.

It would perhaps be uninteresting to follow the minutiae of the growth and progress of the town from its earliest infancy, as nothing of special note occurred. Immigrants came in and erected houses, embarked in various kinds of business and increased the wealth of the town, while some would leave and seek their fortune at other points. For some years the town grew rapidly, but it has suffered its seasons of adversity as well as enjoyed those of prosperity. At present it can truly boast of being as pleasant and prosperous as any town throughout the State.

We will now speak of the business, religious and educational in- terests of the city, past and present. School was first taught in the log court-house. The first building especially erected for the in- struction of the pioneer children was put up by the Masonie fraternity. It was constructed of hewn logs and occupied the present site of the Presbyterian church. When Mr. Ross laid out the town he donated several lots to the public for the court-house, jail and church to be erected upon. Upon this tract was built the Masonic building re- ferred to.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

The Methodists were among the first religions denominations to be established here. They worshiped in the. court-honse. The first pastor now called to mind was Rey. Jacob Ellis, who built the first water-mill in the county, and also the first cotton-gin. The produc- tive soil of Fulton county then raised considerable of this staple article. It is supposed that a man by the name of West was the first Methodist minister to preach here, but we cannot ascertain whether this is the fact or not.

The first church for regular worship was built by Wm. Proctor and was used by the Presbyterians. The Presbyterians of Fulton county organized a Church Sept. 13, 1828. There were eight mem- bers, and meetings were held at both Canton and Lewistown. This was the organization of the Presbyterian Church of Lewistown. The fine edifiee they now occupy, which is located upon the Square, is very largely the result of the liberality of Myron Phelps. Rev. J. F. Magill has officiated as Pastor for about nineteen years. The congregation is one of the largest in the county. Henry Phelps is Superintendent of the large and interesting Sunday-school.

The Methodist denomination have a good brick church edifice situ- ate at the northwest corner of the Square. The congregation is in a prosperous condition and under the pastorate of Rev. C. W. Ayling. L. B. Bays is the Superintendent of the Sunday-school.

The Christian Church have a pleasant frame building situated east of the Square two blocks. It is the last church structure that has been erected in the city. Elder M. Ingels is Pastor. The Sun- dav-school is under the superintendeney of H. C. Hasson.

The Episcopal Church at present have no regular services. The congregation has a beautiful, small church edifice in the north- castern part of the city. The parish was organized Monday, July 19, 1859, under the name of St. James Church. The following named gentlemen were elected Wardens and Vestrymen: S. C. Judd, Sen. Warden ; Dr. G. D. McManus, Jun. Warden ; and James M. Davidson, Wm. H. Graham, T. A. Boyd, Henry A. Long, De Witt C. Bryant and Isaiah C. Worley, Vestrymen.

The magnificent school building which stands in the northern part of the city was erected in 1869. It is constructed of brick and is one of the largest and finest school buildings in the county. It is presided over by Prof. Leroy S. Bates.

Manufacturing and Business Interests .- AAs early as 1824 Thomas L. Ross started a small factory for the manufactory of hats. He ran this factory until he moved, to Galena. His successor was Mr. MeCune, who made a fair living at his occupation, but was of a de- spondent disposition and one day took the suicide's short route to eternity. With him died the hatters' art in Lewistown. In a very early day John Wolcott began the manufacture of brick. Since then many enterprising men have embarked in this business. At present William Jones and J. C. Wilcoxen are engaged in making briek. Eastman Call was the first to open a blacksmith shop,

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especially after the town was laid off and building up. Ossian M. Ross brought a blacksmith named Nimon with him when he came to the county, who, with a shoemaker by the name of Swetling, and a carpenter, name not now remembered, were the first artisans in the county. Mr. Call's shop was located where the house of C. Proc- tor now stands. John Culver was the next to open a shop. He died some years ago. Martin Eichelberger was the first to open a saddlery and harness shop, which he did in the south part of town.

In 1841 or 1842 Wm. D. Kelly and Capt. Wm. Phelps erected a large flouring-mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1845. D. A. Burgett built the second mill, which also was destroyed by fire. On the site of the old one a larger mill was erected, which has enjoyed a big and successful run.

In the early history of the town a man by the name of Powers established a woolen mill which was only short-lived, as Messrs. Worley & Proctor erected an extensive mill for the purpose of man- ufacturing woolen goods and this overshadowed the smaller factory. This mill was destroyed by fire. In 1865 they began again on the old site, and now have a factory that will compare favorably with any in this part of the State. Mr. Proctor several years ago began the manufacture of wagon spokes and hubs in the eastern part of the city. This business soon failed, and now the premises are con- verted into a tile factory.

Over forty years ago Lewistown boasted of a saw-mill. Samuel Brown was the first to conduct a business of this kind. His sue- cessors were his sons. Samuel Brown and Samuel Duvall ran a mill for some time. The last one in the city was owned and occupied by John Routson, which was recently destroyed by fire. He trans- acted a large and lucrative business at this mill, selling large quan- tities of lumber to the C., B. & Q. Railroad. Messrs. Wysock & Phelps are manufacturers of carriages, buggies and wagons. These are the principal factories in Lewistown, although there are other men who display considerable enterprise in the manufacture of fur- niture, etc. Prominent among them are C. W. Beltz & Co.

Bank .- A bank was established about 1856 by John W. Proctor. He disposed of his interests to M. Turner. George S. King united with Mr. Turner and in 1871 organized a National Bank. It is lo- cated in Beadles' Block.

Merchants .- For many years there was a row of buildings in the open space between the court-house and Presbyterian church. These were used both as dwellings and business houses, but when the Presbyterian church was erected they were removed, and now a small open square remains. We will briefly refer to the leading business men of the city. Phelps & Proctor are large dry-goods dealers, and own the building they occupy. They also deal in lum- ber. Ross & Hinde began business in 1874. Eichelberger & Sons are also prominent merchants. A. L. Howe also deals in dry-goods. E. F. Stafford is a grocer and baker. Edwin Harris is engaged in

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

general merchandise. Wm. B. Judd deals in groceries and hard- ware. A. P. Munson keeps an elegant assortment of crockery and glassware. J. M. Wallace is largely engaged in the drug trade. Hasson & Son, Tompkins & Standard also haifdle drugs.' Hasson & Burgett deal in hardware. H. F. Ufford, a pioneer from the Em- pire State, handles clothing and gents' furnishing goods. W. W. Fox conducts the jewelry trade of the place. Misses E. and C. Phelps conduet the news depot and deal in books, etc. O. H. Bliss is engaged in general merchandising. A. Willison mannfactures and deals in saddles and harness, and in connection with this runs a livery. James Arundale also keeps a good livery stable. Mrs. K. Cunningham and Mrs. R. E. Griffith conduct the millinery trade. Burgett & Willcoxen are the millers. L. B. Bays controls the photographic trade of the city. George Mayer conducts a meat market, as also does Charles Ehrenhardt. Phelps & Foote deal in lumber. W. C. Slaton and R. E. Griffith are engaged in the man- ufacture of wagons. Besides these there are many other business establishments, such as restaurants, boot and shoe shops, ete., etc.

Hotels .- During the past summer Mr. John Gustine repaired and fitted up the brick building on Main street, one block north of the Court-house Square, and opened a hotel, which he is successfully conducting. This building was erected by Win. Proctor.

The Willison House is a hotel situated south of the Square, and is conducted in first-class style.

The Standard House, on the southeast corner of the square, the largest hotel in the city, was erected by Capt. Wm. Phelps. It was first thrown open to the public about 1854, with Capt. Phelps as landlord. His successor was JJohn Bliss, who in turn was sue- ceeded by Jeremiah Roberts., Wm. Standard for a number of years condnoted this hotel and gave it the name it bears now. A short time ago he disposed of the property to his son, George Standard.

Papers .- There are two excellent weekly newspapers published in the city,-the Democrat, edited and published by Mr. W. T. Davidson, and the News, by Mr. George Yarnell. We refer the readers to the chapter on the Press for sketches of these journals.

Professional .- Prominent among the professional gentlemen of the city are Judge S. P. Shope, Attorneys Henry L. Bryant, John A. Gray, Frank B. Gregory, Thomas A. Boyd, L. W. Ross, J. W. Bantz, W. S. Edwards, A. M. Barnett, N. C. Laws, Harry Wagoner, J. W. Dvekes, John S. Winter and H. W. Baughman.

The medical profession is represented by the following gentlemen : Drs Alex. Hull, H. P. Stipp, G. W. Johnson, W. G. Peirsol, John R. MeDowell, Dr. Talbott, E. T. Campbell, and W. S. Fuhr, dentists.

LODGES AND ASSOCIATIONS.

Masonic .- As we have before stated, the Masonic fraternity erected a building which was used as the first school-house. The lodge then organized is still in existence. and is known as No. 104.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

They own a portion of the building on the southwest corner of the Square, erected by Col. Ross in 1868, and meet in the third story. Among the members of this order here are found many men of prominence and wealth. It is one of the most powerful lodges in the State. Officers are E. T. Moore, W. M .; Frank P. Paull, See'y ; H. W. Baughman, S. W., and H. C. Hasson, J R.

I. O. of O. F .- Fulton Lodge No. 51 was organized as early as 1839. The lodge-room is over E. Harris' store. The lodge has prospered and has a large membership. The present officers are Jacob Smith, N. G. ; Frank Allison, V. G .; C. R. Jordan, See'y ; Joli'n Hunter, Treas.

I. O. G. T .- Fourteen years ago the temperance movement awakened considerable interest in Lewistown, and many of the more reputable citizens organized a society under the name and auspices of the Good Templars. Since its organization it has accomplished much good, and many persons addicted to the use of strong drink have signed the pledge and quit its use. The organization own the building they occupy, is out of debt, and their rooms are so attraet- ive that many are induced to leave evil associations and spend many of their spare hours there.

In 1877 the great ribbon temperance wave struck this part of the country and Lewistown was not behind in becoming awakened upon the great question of temperance. Her people had been aroused upon this subject before, but never were they so enthusiastic and de- termined to crush the hydra-headed monster as then. The Wash- ingtonian movement, which swept like a mighty tidal wave across the land, reached this county in the winter of 1840. Some eight or ten years later there was a general interest throughout the State upon the subject of prohibition. Meetings were held in Lewistown, and many of the old settlers well remember these movements. They well re- member some of the early temperance workers. Among them are Mr. Pease, the " Blind Apostle of Temperance," of Knox county, and Hiram S. Thomas, of Vermont, this county. The Sons of Temper- ance movement will also be remembered for the good it did. The great crusade wave, which in the winter and spring of 1874 swept over Ohio and the adjacent States was felt here, but the greatest temperance tidal wave seemed to pass over the entire country during 1877 and the early part of 1878. Everywhere temperance meetings were held. The blue, red and white ribbon were seen attached to every coat and adorning almost every lady. The grand wave was at full tide in Lewistown about this period. The intensest enthusiasm prevailed. The whole heart of the community, the cultured and re- fined, the degraded and depraved, rich and poor, one and all were actuated and moved by one mighty pulsation of common interest in the great work of temperance and reform. The rather conservative city of Lewistown was moved as it never had been before. The clergymen as a unit entered heart and soul in the work, and with glowing, anxious hearts, winning words and personal influence as-

J. S. Peisol M

(DECEASED)

LIDIAILY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS.

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HISTORY OF FULTON COUNTY.

sisted in the labor of love. Earnest work was the motto of all. Those who were moved by tender, loving sympathy in their hearts for fallen humanity, as well as those who had felt the pangs of in- temperance in their own experience, worked in harmony and unity side by side. All minor differences and distinctions were lost sight of, and on every hand men of all classes met as brothers laboring in a common cause.

Meetings have been kept up, and now every Thursday night a large audience gather at Beadles' Hall to witness the programme pre- pared by the Ladies' Temperance Society. These meetings are highly entertaining and greatly appreciated by the entire populace.

PERSONAL SKETCHES.

We will close the history of this city and township by giving personal sketches of the leading citizens and old settlers:

J. H. Arnett, farmer and stoek-raiser, sec. 24; P. O., Lewistown ; was born in Bath county, Ky., March 27, 1832 ; his father, Cleanthes Arnett, a farmer, was also a native of the same State, where he mar- ried Margaret Dean ; they have had 12 children, of whom J. H., the subject of this sketch is the 4th ; when 4 years of age the family emigrated to Sangamon county, Ill., and one year afterward came to Liverpool township, this county, where he bought land in 1836. In 1852 he married Elizabeth Yunt, daughter of JJacob Yunt, of Indiana, an early settler in this county and a soldier in the Black Hawk war. Mrs. A.'s grandfather organized the first Masonic lodge in this county. James H. Arnett began life here in moderate cir- cumstances, but has been energetic and has now a good farm of 200 aeres. He has had 10 children, 9 of whom are living,-William, Cleanthes, Rufus, Cyrus, Ida, - W., Alva, Mary, Sophia and Lizzie (deceased). During the war Mr. A. was U. S. enrolling offi- cer. Methodist. Repblican.

James Arundale, of the firm of Arundale & Brothers, proprietors of livery stable, was born in Fulton county, Ill., in 1844, son of Abel and Sarah (Harrison) Arundale, who emigrated to America in 1838 and settled in Putman township, where he (Abel) died in 1866. His wife survived him until 1875. James opened his present place of business in 1871. Was married in 1877 to Miss Mary Turner, a native of this county. Mr. A. is serving the second term as con- stable in this city. He enlisted in 1864 in 132d I. V. I., Co. E, and served 6 months.

J. W. Bantz, lawyer, Lewistown, was born in Loudon Co., Va., in 1850. His parents were John and Mary A. (Marchant) Bantz, natives of that State, where his father is still living; his mother died in 1870. J. W. commenced the study of law in 1868 at Clear- field, Pa., in the office of J. B. McEnally ; was admitted to the bar in 1872, and began practice in that city the same year; settled in Lewistown in July 1875, where he has followed his professional

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calling to the present time; is serving as Township Attorney and an officer in the I. O. O. F. He was married July 15, 1879, at Canton, to Miss Kate V. Craig.

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History of Fulton county, Illinois, Part 78

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co. Number of Pages: 1096

Author: Chas. C. Chapman & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Peoria : C.C. Chapman & co.
Number of Pages: 1096