History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois, Part 123

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > Greene County > History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois > Part 123

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1038

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Oswald Jackson, proprietor of the Carrollton Machine Shop and Foundry, is a native of Rochford, Essex county, England, and was born July 23, 1854. He is a son of Edward Trotter and Mary Ann (Giles) Jackson. Mrs. Jackson died March 5, 1867. Oswald received his education in the grammar school at Forest Hill, England, and served an apprenticeship at the machin- ist's trade in Rochford, at the Essex Steam Plow and Traction Engine works. After learning his trade, he left his na- tive country and embarked for America, and, on arriving there, came next to Illinois, locating at Carrollton. Here he engaged as machinist for J. C. Bur- russ, with whom he remained a short time and then took the machine shop and foundry and engaged in business for himself. He is still conducting it with skill and energy, and is prepared to fill all orders in machine or foundry work in the most scientific manner and on the shortest notiee, making a spec- ialty of house-front work, such as eol- umns, steps, plates, window sills, etc. Although young, Mr. Jackson has the ability and experience of men who have been in business for years.

BANKING.

The history of banking in Carrollton dates from about 1848. At that time, David Pierson was engaged in general mercantile business, and occasionally accommodated his friends and neighbors by furnishing them exchange, which he continued to do until about 1854, when he closed out a part of his general busi- ness, and gave more of his attention to banking. In 1858, Mr. Pierson disposed of his outside business, and turned his

attention to banking alone. In 1859 he erected the building which has ever since been occupied by the bank. In 1860, having got in the new quarters, Mr. Pierson advertised, now, largely, and in 1861, notwithstanding so many banks failed, the "Exchange Bank" daily re- ceived deposits of merchants and oth- ers, carrying its customers all safely through the critical period, without the loss of a dollar. In 1864, Mr. Pierson associated in business his two sons, Robert and David D., but the name of the bank remained the same until 1878, when it was converted into the

GREENE COUNTY NATIONAL BANK.

This institution was organized with a paid up capital of $100,000. The fol- lowing were the stock-holders-Robert Pierson, David D. Pierson, Ornan Pier- son, A. B. Gregory, George Wright, H. W. Wright, John I. Thomas, Daniel Morfoot, John Brown, George W. Davis, James M. Davis, William D. Chinn, James T. Crow, T. W. Brace, F. M. Fishback, John Snyder, and John Rainey.

At the first meeting John I. Thomas was elected president; David D. Pierson, vice-president; Robert Pierson, cashier; Ornan Pierson, assistant cashier, and John I. Thomas, Daniel Morfoot, Rob- ert Pierson, James M. Davis, H. W. Wright, David D. Pierson and Ornan Pierson, directors. Jan. 1, 1882. Robert Pierson resigned as cashier, and Ornan Pierson was elected in his stead. A. B. Gregory has since been elected director in place of James M. Davis, deceased.

July 1, 1885, the bank, after paying its regular dividends, had a surplus of $11,000, and undivided profits, $11,500.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Thus it can be seen that the Greene County National Bank may well be num- bered among the most reliable moneyed institutions of the land.

Ornan Pierson was born July 17, 1839, at Carrollton, Ill., and is a son of David and Eliza Jane (Norton) Pierson. He lived with his parents until his majority. receiving his education in the common schools of Carrollton. He was married Jan. 31, 1861, to Maria Stryker, daughter of Henry, Sr. and Elizabeth Stryker. They are the parents of five children- Maria Louise, Joseph Henry, Albert L., Florence Eugenia and David O. Mr. Pierson was employed as salesman for Wright, Rickart & Co., for a period of about two years, and in the spring of 1862, formed a eo-partnership with Geo. Wright, in the dry goods business, the firm being known as Wright & Pierson. He continued in partnership until Jan. 1, 1865, when he purchased Mr. Wright's interest, and continued the business alone until 1872, when he sold out and made an engagement with L. M. Bates & Co., in the fancy dry goods business, at No. 351 Broadway, New York city. He remained with them one year, and then took a trip to Colorado in the in- terest of the firm, settling the affairs of a bankrupt firm. He then returned to Carrollton, and in 1875, entered the banking house of David Pierson & Sons, where he took an active interest in the business, working hard for its success. July 1, 1878, the business of David Pierson & Sons was succeeded by the Greene County National Bank, with a cash capital of $100,000. In making this change, it devolved upon Mr. Pier- son to visit New York and Washington to make the necessary arrangements.

In the new organization he was elected a director and assistant eashier. In 1880, Mr. Pierson was elected to repre- sent the 39th senatorial district, consist- ing of Greene and Morgan counties, in the 32d general assembly, in which he was chairman of the committee on banks and banking, and a member ef the com- mittees on finance, corporations and in- surance. In 1882, Mr. Pierson having received the endorsement of his county, was a candidate for re-election in the new district, composed of Greene, Jer- sey and Scott counties, and not until the third day's balloting, and after being voted for 471 times, was he defeated. His entire delegation stood by him to the end, and died in the last ditch. In politics, Mr. Pierson has ever been a re- publiean. In 1882 he was elected cashier of the Greene County National Bank, which position he now holds.

The Carrollton Bank was established in Aug., 1877, by a company composed of Benj. Roodhouse, D. Wright, J. Kaser, Jeduthan B. Eldred and Charles H. Hodges. The officers were Benja- min Roodhouse, president, and William Beatty, cashier. In the spring of 1880, E. B. Hobson was chosen eashier, in place of William Beatty, resigned, and has continued to act in that capacity since that time. In April, 1883, the bank was reorganized with new officers and directors. The bank is supplied with a fire-proof vault, which contains a burglar-proof safe, manufactured by MacNeale and Ervin, of St. Louis, with Yale time-loek for both safe and vault. The bank is a private institution, but the management guarantee security to depositors of at least $300,000, making it one of the most solid monetary insti-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

tutions in the county. The officers at present are, George W. Davis, presi- dent; James P. Morrow, vice president; Edward B. Hobson, cashier. The di- rectors are as follows: John Rhodes, George W. Davis, N. J. Sanders, J. E. Brace, J. P. Morrow, E. B. Hobson, W. M. Morrow, C. MeAninch and C. W. Keeley.

The private banking institution of John Long & Co., was established in Sept., 1866.

The Greene County Saving and Loan Association, was organized July 22, 1884, the first payment being made in August of that year. The officers are the following named. Conrad Kergher, pres .; C. A. Weimer, vice-pres .; F. M. Roberts, sec'y .; W. L. Armstrong, tres .; and a board of directors composed of the above officers, and Joseph Milnes, Chas. McAninch, J. E. Ferguson, S. Levy, M. L. Reed, T. P. Greene and L. Lynn.

LIVERY STABLE.

In the fall of 1871, James E. Fergu- son established his half brother, Abram Massey, in the feed stable business, but that gentleman dying soon after, Mr. Furgeson was obliged to take the busi- ness. He had but three head of horses, and no money, and thus began the liv- ery business on a small scale. In the fall of 1872, during the campaign, livery horses were scarce and in great demand by the politicians. Robert Pierson let ! Mr. Furgeson have a team, David Pier- son furnished a horse, and George Evans, four horses. These, and the horses which he had himself, he let out nearly every day at $5 per diem, and thus got a good start. Later in the same year, he and Jehosaphat Eldred

formed a co-partnership under the firm name of Eldred & Furgeson, and in 1873, they erected the fine stable on the west side of the square, into which they moved. This firm lasted until April, 1884, when Mr. Furgeson became sole proprietor. He now has a fine stable and stylish turnouts.

James E. Furgeson was born in Car- rollton, Ill., May 2, 1837, his parents being Edward and Sarah Furgeson. At the early age of 12 years he commenced working at the blacksmith trade. His father having died, he was bound out to V. F. Williams, a blacksmith, whom he served until he had attained his major- ity. He then worked with him several years more, receiving a salary for his services. Ife subsequently spent four years in Johnson county, Mo., and then returned to Carrollton and engaged in blacksmithing, running a shop of his own, which he conducted until 1871, when he established the livery business, as given above. Mir. Furgeson has been twiee married. In the year 1860, he was united in marriage, in Johnson county, Mo., with Clara A. Bowman. She died in 1863, leaving one son- Charles E. Mr. Furgeson was again married, Nov. 2, 1869, to Mary C. Brace, a sister of J. E. Brace. Politically speaking, our subject is a republican, but does not take any active part in pol- itics, preferring rather to devote his time and attention to the advancement of his business and the welfare of his family. He is a member of the K. T., and I. O. O. F. lodges, of Carrollton.

The extensive livery business of Ro- bards & Bridges was established in 1884. Ornan Bridges was born in Greene county, Ill., Sept. 17, 1838, and is a son

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 1041

of Archibald W. Bridges, who was an early settler of the county. Ornan was reared upon the farm of his father, and educated in the common schools of the eounty. His father was a dealer in horses, and Ornan, at an early age, de- veloped an attachment for the horse, and followed in the footsteps of his father. He resided upon the farm, which consisted of about 600 acres, until the death of his mother, when he re- moved to Carrollton. In 1884, with W. L. Robards, he established the livery business of Bridges & Robards. They have none but the finest of horses and buggies for the accommodation of the publie, and are doing a thriving busi- ness. In politics, Mr. Bridges is a dem- ocrat.

W. L. Robards, son of Jesse Robards, is a native of Greene county. His early days were spent upon a farm, and his education obtained in the schools of Carrollton. He remained upon the farm until 1881, when he engaged in the liv- 1 ery business at Carrollton, and in July, 1884, entered into partnership with O. W. Bridges, under the firm name of Bridges & Robards, which has continued ever since. November, 1871, he was married to Laura Carlin, a daughter of Thomas J. Carlin. They have two chil- dren living-Mazy and Douglas.

Edward D. Johnson, livery stable, commeneed business in April, 1885, renting of some of the heirs of Jaeob Hunt, who established the same many years ago, in a frame building on the present site, which building was de- stroyed by fire. In 1878, the present briek strueture, which is 50x180 feet in size, two stories high, was built, at a cost of $7,500. It is supplied with about

12 single and double rigs, with an aver- age of 10 or 12 head of stoek.

Edward D. Johnson was born in Jer- seyville, Ill., on April 22, 1852, and is a son of H. L. and Martha (Hutchinson) Johnson, the former a native of Eng- land, the latter of Ohio. His father has been, at various times, a miller, farmer, livery-man and grocer, and has aceunu- lated a handsome fortune. He is now residing in Carrollton. Edward received his education at Jacksonville, Ill., and subsequently commeneed business as a elerk in his father's groeery store, being thus engaged for 14 years. In the year 1885, he embarked in the livery busi- ness, and has his building stocked with the best of horses and finest of vehicles. In 1885, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage with Lottie English, a daugh- ter of J. W. and Eliza (Striker) English, residents of Jacksonville, Ill., J. W. English being an attorney of that city. Mrs. Johnson is a member of the Epis- eopal church. Mr. Johnson is an active, energetic and reliable business man, and his undertakings, we hope, will always meet with success.

Lyman S. Bushnell, dealer in lumber and all kinds of building material, in- cluding paints, hardware and coal, is also proprietor of the Carrollton Tile Works, and half-owner of the Enter- prise Iron Works of Carrollton, is a na- tive of Illinois, born in Greene county, May 11, 1838. He is a son of Lyman and Susan (Taylor) Bushnell, natives of Connecticut and Ohio. He has one brother and two sisters deceased, and two sisters now living. Lyman, Sr., practiced medieine many years in this county, serving several years as justice of the peace, performing marriage cere-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

monies, and holding court in one of the rooms of his dwelling, which was among the first frame buildings in the western part of the county. There was timber sufficient in the house and barn to build four or five modern frames. He also engaged in farming. He came as early as 1819, to view the land, and in 1822, arrived with father, mother, four brothers and two sisters, none of whom are now living, and located several eighties of land, in T. 10, R. 13. Lyman S. was educated in the common schools of the county, some of which were very excellent for the early day, and was oc- cupied at farming until 25 years of age, then enlisted in Co. G, 101st Ill. Inf., for three years, under Capt. MeKee, entering a drilling camp at Morgan county fair grounds, board being pro- vided at the Illinois Female College for a short time, and then at the camp. The regiment was ordered to Cairo, being quartered there a short time. From there it moved to Holly Springs, Miss., joining a part of Gen. Grant's command, marching en route to the rear of Vicksburg, where the regiment, after a few days, was ordered back to assist in guarding Holly Springs, where im- mense stores were accumulated, Gen. Murphy being commander of the post. Mr. Bushnell's company was one of those stationed along the railroad, north of the city. He, having been appointed regimental postmaster, remained in the city to care for the 300 to 500 letters re- ceived and mailed each day, while re- maining in camp; resuming the musket or cartridge-box, on the march, or field. Before many days, early one morning, pieket firing and awful yelling was heard, and the streets began to fill with

what proved to be VanDorn's cavalry raiders, numbering 7,000. Certain of the officer's quarters, and Mr. Bush- nell's postoffice, located in the court- house, were summarily dispensed with, under the influence of the ready carbine and revolver. The vast stores were quickly destroyed and prisoners paroled, as they were in too great haste to care for them, the Union army being too near and too strong. The four compa- nies, outside, with others, joined the 90th Il. Inf., escaping capture by suc- cessful maneuvering. and a bold front. Mr. Bushnell, with the paroled part of the regiment, was sent to St. Louis, Mo., and quartered in the fair grounds for six months, being part of the time at home on leave of absence. They were then exchanged, rejoined the regi- ment in Tennessee, and were quartered for a time at Union City, 30 miles from Columbus, Ky. Mr. Bushnell was placed in charge of the brigade mail, making daily trips by rail to Columbus, and passing out citizens' mail at stations, when occasion required. From this, the regiment was ordered to Louisville, Ky., en route for Chattanoogna, where large numbers of troops were concen- trating, and where the regiment was merged into the 20th army corps, under the command of Maj .- Gen. Hooker. Mr. Bushnell participated in the activ- ities around Mission Ridge, Dalton, Resaca, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, Atlanta, through to Savannah, Columbus, S. C., Raleigh, N. C., Rich- mond, Va., and Washington, D. C., where he was in the grand review of all the armies, and where the regimental colors of the 101st received special notice for its war-scarred appearance,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

they having marched over 1,200 miles," almost continuously. Mr. B. then came to Springfield, Ill., by rail, where he was mustered out, in 1865, and from there came to Carrollton, Ill., where he engaged with Henry L. Clay, lumber- man, remaining three years. Then forming a partnership with William R. Davis, he bought out Messrs. Clay & Price, and continued in the lumber bus- iness with him for five years, when Mr. D. was removed by death, and his son and daughter represented his interest in the business for one year, since which time Mr. Bushnell has continued the business alone. In 1866, he married Mary C. Pinkerton, daughter of Andrew H. and Nancy A. Pinkerton, natives of Kentucky and Ohio. Her father is now deceased, and her mother, brother and two sisters reside in Carrollton. Mr. and Mrs. Bushnell are the parents of six children, five of whom are now liv- ing-Emily M., Wm. L., Andrew H., Anna May and Lyman S. The one de- ceased, Elon A., was about 11 months old. The parents and three eldest children are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Bushnell's motto has al- ways been, "his own shoulder to the wheel," when necessary; living up to that rule energetically, has made him measurably successful in all his under- takings.

CARROLLTON ROLLER MILL.

In 1852, a grist mill, equipped with three run of buhrs, was built by Wright & Germain at a cost of about $10,000, at this place. In September, 1862, F. P. Vedder purchased the property of R. F. Germain, who had bought out his part- ner some time previous. In March,

1863, he disposed of it to David Pier- son. This gentleman ran it until Aug., 1866, when it was sold to Paris & John- son, of Jerseyville. In 1867, Mr. Paris sold his interest to David Pierson, who five years later, became sole proprietor. In April, 1881, it was purchased by Thomas Hough, who is now operating it. He remodeled the mill, putting in a full set of roller machinery, for making the best quality of flour the market affords. The additional machinery for making flour by this new process was put in at a cost of $6,000. The mill is operated by steam, an engine of 45 horse power furnishing the motive power. The building proper is 32x40 feet in ground area, three stories high, frame, with a two story addition on the west side, 24 feet square, and a ware- house, on the east side, 30x50 feet in size. The engine room is 30x32. The inill property is valued at from $12,000 to $15,000.

Thomas Hough, proprietor of the Car- rollton roller mills, has been a resident of the county since 1863. He was born in Yorkshire, England, Jan. 6, 1844, his parents being Thomas and Elizabeth Hough. At the early age of eight years he entered a cotton factory where he was employed 11 years. May 6, 1863, he left his native country and sailed for Quebec, Canada. In August of that year he came to Carrollton, where his unele, William O. Graves, resided, and immediately commenced work in the Carrollton mill, and there continued until he thoroughly understood the bus- iness. On the 6th of April, 1881, Mr. Hough purchased the mill and has since been the sole proprietor. In Septen- ber, 1867, he was married to Jane Wood-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

head, also a native of England. This union has been blessed with three chil- dren-Elizabeth Helen, James Carlisle, and Thomas Crispin. Mr. Hough is an industrious man who believes in always having his time occupied in doing some- thing useful. He commenced life poor, but by being frugal and energetic he has acquired a comfortable amount of this world's goods, and is entirely out of debt. He is honest in all his dealings, and courteous to all whom he meets, hence is highly esteemed for these ster- ling qualities. He is a student of astron- omy, in which study he takes much interest. He is a member of the Chris- tian church, and in politics is a repub- lican. Mr. Hough's mother died in England, in 1868, and in 1869, he pre- vailed on his father to come to this country, but within three months after his arrival in Carrollton, he was called to his heavenly home.

ELEVATORS.

There are two elevators in this city, one operated by R. H. Davis, the pres- ent member of the general assembly, and the other by Hussey & Co.

THE GREENE COUNTY CREAMERY.

This institution was established Oct. 2, 1885, and is located on Fourth street, in what is known as the old factory. It was established by a stock company, the officers being-John Kaser, presi- dent; A. J. Tunnell, vice-president ; F. M. Roberts, secretary; Wm. L. Arm- strong, treasurer; John Y. Sawyer, sup- erintendent. The directors are-John Kaser, A. J. Tunnell, Frank P. Greene, N. J. Andrews, Wm. D. Waltrip. The company is composed of 33 stockholders.

EDUCATIONAL.

As to who taught the first school within the limits of the city of Carroll- ton, Fame, otherwise correct, is silent. The matter is entirely lost in oblivion, and covered by the dead ashes of the years long gone. Probably about the year 1824, a school was opened here, as a subscription or private academy. The first public school in the town was not opened until 1850, in a rented build- ing, but in 1851 a school building was erected, and dedicated Jan. 3, 1852, with appropriate cercmonies. Prof. Wm. T. Bartle was the first principal. Prof. Russell was the second principal.

The school continued in charge of Professor Russell during the remainder of that year, when he was succeeded by Henry Bonfoy. It does not appear that at this time there existed what now is called a graded school. The plan seemed to be modeled after the old academy system, with a female depart- ment, but those who lived within the district received the benefit of the school fund. In 1855, David G. Peabody was was employed as principal. He orga- nized the school upon the graded basis, and the enrollment for that year was 220. He was assisted by his sister, Miss H. G. Peabody. He was re-em- ployed, and served six months of the, following year. In the fall of 1857, Charles K. Gilchrist was employed and served two years.

From this time on there was a change of principals nearly every year, no one serving longer than two years. Dr. Buckley taught a very large and well advanced high school for two winters. Among their successors were Alfred Harvey, for many years superintendent

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

of schools at Paris, Edgar county, Ill., and president of Illinois State Teachers' Association; Francis W. Parker, after- wards superintendent schools at Quincy, Mass., and of many others.

At last the school building became inadequate to the wants of the people, and it was voted to build a new school house. The board of directors, George W. Davis, Thomas Boyd, and Rev. E. L. Craig, pushed the matter forward with vigor, and during the summer and fall of 1870 the elegant and commodious school building was erected, which now forms the most striking object in the town, to the eye of the passer-by. The building is of brick, faced with stone, three stories in height with a basement. The upper story is a mansard, and the whole is set off by a square tower, which rises from the center of the build- ing in front, 80 feet from the ground. It is finished inside with alternate wal- nut and ash panels, oak floors, hard- finish walls, is well provided with blackboards, and is seated with An- drews' latest style of school desks. The original cost of the building, includ- ing the furnace, was $40,000. The directors were ably seconded by the principal, Joseph Dobbin, then serving his second year. In the first week of Jan., 1871, Mr. Dobbin transferred the pupils to the new building, and pro- ceeded to organize and grade the school. He was assisted by S. Alice Judd, Mary Pike, Anna Pike, Della Schenck, Miss H. G. Peabody and Nannie Pricc.

SOCIETIES.

Carrollton lodge, No. 50, A. F. & A. M., was organized under charter, Feb. 21, 1848, under the name of Fletcher

lodge, same number, with the following charter members-Henry Dusenberry, Edward A. D'Arcy, David M. Woodson, Isaac Darneille, R. S. Hollenbeck, E. Van Horne, D. B. Stith, and Dr. J. B. Samuel. The first officers were-J. B. Samuel, W. M .; E. A. D'Arcy, S. W .; and David M. Woodson, J. W. Shortly after its institution the name of the lodge was changed to that of Carroll- ton, but as the record from 1848 to 1851 is lost, it is not certain of the exact date when the change was made, except that it was prior to 1851. The following gen- temen have served as masters of this lodge-James B. Samuel, 1848-50; Cyrus A. Davis was elected in 1851, but died while in the chair; L. W. Link, 1851-2; J. B. Samuel, 1853-4; L. W. Link, 1855; D. M. Woodson, 1856; J. B. Samuel, 1857-8; Clinton Armstrong, 1859; James W. English, 1860; J. B. Samuel, 1861-4; James W. English, 1865-8; George W. Davis, 1869-70; William R. Davis, 1871; C. W. Keeley, 1872-3; John Hill, 1874-5; Albert G. Burr, 1876-7; G. W. Davis, 1878-9; J. T. Cameron, 1880; G. W. English, 1881; J. T. Cameron, 1882; John Hill, 1883. The present officers of the lodge, elected in 1884, are the following gentlemen-George W. Davis; W. M .; Thomas C. Jeffries, S. W .; C. A. Weimer, J. W .; James P. Morrow, T .; F. P. Greene, S.

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History of Greene and Jersey Counties, Illinois : together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of representative men, History of Illinois, Part 123

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical
Number of Pages: 1150