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 130

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 130

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WHITE HIALL CHAIR FACTORY.

During the month of July, 1882, J. G. Kinder erected a building here and com- menced the business of cutting out chair and other furniture frame stuff, and shipping it, in the rough, to various points. In Oct., 1883, the firm of Kin- der & Moore was formed, and erecting large additions to their building, they commenced the manufacture of chairs. This they carried on until March, 1885, when the present company was formed. It is incorporated under the general laws of the state, and the present offi- cers are-S. D. Chapin, Pres .; Francis Fowler, Sec., and Isaac Fowler, Treas. J. G. Kinder is the general manager of the factory. They turn out no low-

priced goods, but make some 14 differ- ent styles of chairs, that can be sold for lower prices that can be had elsewhere. They employ about 40 hands, with con- stantly increasing business.

FLOURING MILL.

The steam grist-mill at White Hall was built by Kendall and Smith, about the year 1860. They continued to run it for some years, and were succeeded by several parties. Finally it became the property of Welch & Rector, who ran it for several years, and in 1878, A. D. Ruckel purchased the interest of Mr. Rector, and the firm became Welch & Ruckel. In June, 1879, O. F. Grant purchased the interest of J. E. Welch, and under the firm name and style, con- tinued the business until 1882, when O. F. Grant became the sole owner, and is running it now. The building is 50x80 feet in size on the ground, three stories high, built of frame and equipped with three run of buhrs, two purifiers, corn sheller, etc. The motive power is de- rived from a 40-horse power engine. This mill has a capacity of 100 barrel per day, and has a large local trade.

Oscar F. Grant, representative of the milling business of White Hall, was born in Newbury, Orange county, Vt., on Dec. 30, 1832, and is a son of Wil- liam and Finetta (Nelson) Grant. His father was born in Scotland, and came to the United States with his parents when a child. He learned the carriage- making trade, and followed it most of the time until his death, which occurred in Corinth, Vt., in 1867. His widow died ten years later. Oscar F. was ed- ucated in the common schools of his native state, and afterward learned the

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

trade of carriage-maker, with his father. He did not follow the trade, however, but went to Ohio and began the milling business. After becoming acquainted with its details, he remained in the em- ploy of the firm he had learned with, and was with them in all 15 years. After this he worked for another firm for eight years, and then engaged in buying grain. In 1879 he came to Greene county, and bought the flouring mill in White Hall, which he has con- ducted ever since with success. In 1859 he was married to Anna E., daugh- ter of Theophilus and Anna (Clark) Potter, natives, respectively, of Ver- mont and Ohio. She was born in Ohio, May 24, 1841. Mr. Grant is a member of Akron lodge, No. 83, A. F. & A. M .; and of the chapter in Akron, No. 25.

Among the leading representatives of the general merchandise trade in White Hall are the following firms: T. Abrams, W. W. Arnold & Co., and Vosseller, Cochran & Co.

The dry goods trade is represented by John H. Graves.

There are two first-class drug estab- lishments in White Hall, those of A. F. Vedder and O. J. Husted.

A. F. Vedder, dealer in drugs and groceries, is the representative of a bus- iness established in 1861, by Worcester « Vedder, who operated it for about a year, when the firm was changed to A. F. Vedder & Bro. For about two years this continued, when the latter disposed of his interest to A. J. Worcester, and under the firm name of Vedder & Worcester, it ran for some two years, when A. F. Vedder assumed the sole proprietorship. About two years after this, he took in, as partner, A. D. '

Ruckel. Continuing thus until 1880, it did a large business, but in that year, Mr. Vedder became sole proprietor, and so continues to this date. Ile carries a stock of about $7,000, in his store, which is 23x75 feet in size.

Aaron F. Vedder, the popular drug- gist and grocer, of White Hall, was born in the state of New York, Dec. 30, 1834, his parents being Albert and Susan (Lusk) Vedder, natives of New York. They came to Illinois in 1865, and located on a farm, where Mrs. Vedder died in 1870. Aaron received his edu- cation at Fulton Seminary, Fulton, N. Y., and at the age of 19 years, came to Illinois; here he engaged as clerk in a dry goods store at White Hall, and remained in that position two years. He then became mail agent between Chicago and St. Louis, and was thus employed two years more, at the end of which time he em barked in the drug businees in this city, and in two years afterward added to his business a stock. of hard- ware, and conducted it successfully for 10 years. He then sold out the hard- ware stock, and added a stock of grocer- ies, and still conducts the drug and gro- cery business, in which he has a large trade. Mr. Vedder is the oldest drug- gist in the city, and one of the most prosperous. In 1861 he was married to Jennie Drisch, daughter of Dr. and Martha Drisch, of White Hall. They were natives of Virginia, and both are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Vedder were the parents of two children, one of whom, Lena, is living. The one de- ceased is Virginia. Mrs. Vedder died in 1866. Mr. Vedder again married, in 1868, to Mrs. Nellie Bullock, widow of Joseph Bullock, and daughter of Nathan

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

and Almira (Goodhouse) Winters. By this union there is one child-Florence. Mrs. Vedder is a member of the Pres- byterian church. Mr. Vedderis a mem- ber of White Hall lodge, No. SO, A., F. and A. M., and is a liberal, enterprising gentleman.

O. J. Husted, deals in drugs and groceries. This business stand was established by this gentleman in Sep- tember, 1882. His salesroom is 19x65 feet in floor area, with a storage-room in the rear, of 16x30 feet in size. He car- ries a well assorted stock, which will invoice about $5,000.

O. J. Husted, the enterprising drug- gist and grocer, on Main street, was born in Greene county, July 10, 1851, and is a son of Henry L. and Lucetta E. (Post) Husted, natives of Vermont and Missouri, respectively. They came to Illinois many years ago, while the country was yet new and almost a wilderness. O. J. was educated in Platteville, Wis., and commenced life as a farm hand, being thus employed three years. He then secured a situa- tion as book-keeper in a bank, in which position he remained two years, after which time he commenced in the drug business, being engaged as clerk for six years. He then opened up in business for himself in this city, which he has been conducting for the past eight years, and through steady attention to the wants of his customers, courtcousness and untiring energy, he has secured the best trade in the city. Mr. Husted was joined in marriage, June 27, 1877, at Potosi, Wis., with Mary A. Scaton, a daughter of Hon. James W. and Amanda (Buscher) Seaton. By this marriage there is one child-Harry Seaton, born

April 9, 1883. Mr. Husted was bereft of his wife on April 13, 1883. She was a prominent member in the Presby- terian church, and had always taken a very active part in all work entered into by the different societies of the church. She was of Scotch descent, and was of such a disposition that she made hosts of friends wherever she went. Her hus- band so reveres her memory that he has crected a beautiful monument of Scotch granite over her remains, for which he sent to Aberdeen, Scotland, the home of her ancestors.

August Fischer, Charles H. Higbee, and Charles Dossel are the enterprising dealers in the jewelry line in the town. Mr. Dossel has a stock of jewelry, etc., in connection with O. J. Husted's drug store, and carries a stock of about $1,500.

Charles Dossel, the flourishing jew- eler of White Hall, was born in that city, Jan. 3, 1862, and is a son of Geo. and Catherine (Schremm) Dossel. He remained with his parents until the spring of 1876, receiving his education at the White Hall schools, at the same time assisting his brother, George, in the confectionery and restaurant. He subsequently proceeded to Winchester, Ind., and engaged in the jewelry busi- ness with Lewis Klamberg, with whom he continued two years, at the expira- tion of which time he returned home. He was again employed in assisting his brother in the confectionery, until 1880, when he returned to Winchester, Ind., and again engaged in the jewelry busi- ness, where he completed his trade, after a term of three years. He then left Indiana, and came back to Illinois, locating at Carrollton, where he was

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

employed by Loomis & Villinger for one year, after which he came to White HIall, and started in business for him- self. He is a young enterprising gen- tlemen, to whom we can wish nothing but suceess.

The first dealer in lumber in the town of White Hall was L. E. Worcester, who established a yard here about the year 1854. He operated for some time, sometimes alone, sometimes with a partner, until the firm beeame Cochrane & Worcester. These parties were sue- ceeded by L. E. Worcester & Co., in 1873. In 1885, the present proprietor, F. F.Worcester, became the sole owner. Ile carries a stoek of about $4,000, in- eluding lumber, salt, paint, etc., and is doing a handsome business.

Fulton F. Worcester, a prosperous lumber merchant of this eity, whose business is located near the C. & A. de- pot, was born at West Windsor, Vt., Aug. 22, 1847. He is a son of Alfred and Mary (Farwell) Worcester, natives of Vermont. In 1865, they removed from that state to Illinois, loeating in White Hall, where they spent the re- mainder of their days. Mr. Worcester dying.July 4, 1885, and Mrs. Worcester in 1880. Fulton F. was educated in the common schools of Vermont, and after removing to Illinois, learned the trade of a carpenter. He was engaged at that trade about seven years. and then en- tered into partnership with L. E. Wor- cester, in the lumber business. This firm continued until Jan. 1, 1885, when I. E. sold out his interest to F.F., who has since conducted it alone. In Feb., 1872, Mr. Woreester was united in mar- riage with Amanda White, daughter of Alfred and Elizabeth (Hubbard) White,

the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Kentucky. They are now residents of White Hall. Mr. and Mrs. Worees- ter are the parents of two bright ehildren -Alfred W. and Mary Elizabeth. Mrs. Woreester is a member of the M. E. church. Mr. Woreester is a member of White Hall lodge No. 80, A. F. & A. M. He is a live, honorable business gentle- man, and well deserves the success with which he has met, thus far in life.

Zeno Stoeks, dealer in lumber, lime, cement, paint, etc., has been engaged in this line of trade since June 1, 1879. He has, also, a saek depot, in connection with this business, and has about 6,000 saeks on hand. His entire stoek will invoice about $5,000.

Zeno Stocks was born in Pitt eounty, North Carolina, May 13, 1846, and is a son of John and Susan(Gwaltney) Stocks, also natives of North Carolina. In Pitt eounty lie buried the father, grand- father and great-grandfather of Mr. Zeno Stocks, in a family burying ground on the old homestead, which was orig- inally entered by the great-grandfather, whose name was also John. This land was entered on a permit from the British Crown, long before the Revolutionary war. In the adjoining eounty of Craven, in one cemetery, lie the bodies of Mr. Gwaltney, the father of Mrs. Stocks, and her grandfather. Zeno was educated in North Carolina, and began business as a school teacher in his native county, which he continued for about a year, when he came to Greene county, in 1870. Ile again en- gaged in teaching sehool, which he fol- lowed for 10 years, and then entered the lumber business, which he still continues, enjoying a good trade. He

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

was married, Dec. 15, 1880, to Louisa, a daughter of Adam and Margaret Koehm, natives of Germany, who now reside near Greenfield, this county, engaged in farming. By the above marriage there was one child-A. L., born June 9, 1882. The death of Mrs. Stocks oc- curred Aug. 18, 1883. Mr. Stocks was again married Oct. 7, 1885, to Amy A., daughter of T. J. and M. F. Baldwin, who reside near White Hall.

David Hutchinson, dealer in agricul- tural implements, farm machinery, bug- gies, wagons, etc., established his busi- ness here in 1865. He generally car- ries a stock of about $8,000.

David Hutchinson, dealer in agricul- tural implements, ete., was born in Bristol, Bucks county, Penn., Nov. 12, 1818, and is a son of Edward Church and Rebecca (Broodnix) Hutchinson, natives of Pennsylvania. David re- ceived his education in his native town, and afterward went to Philadelphia, where he learned the trade of a black- smith. He has worked at the trade for about 35 years. He came to this county in 1842, and has resided in White Hall since that time. On his arrival, he en- gaged in his present business, which has since increased to its present pro- portions. Dec. 25, 1848, he was mar- ried to Mary Jane Boomer, a native of Kentucky. By this marriage, there were two children, both deceased. Mrs. Hutchinson died Aug. 5, 1880. March 26, 1883, Mr. Hutchinson was again married to Amy C., daughter of Thos. and Althea (Linn) McGuire. Her par- ents were both natives of Pennsylvania. They came to White Hall many years ago, and are now deceased. Mr. Hutch- inson is a member of White Hall lodge,

No. 80, A. F. & A. M. Several times he has been chosen by his fellow-citi- zens as a member of the council of the city, each time serving with credit to himself, and satisfaction to them.

A. Nesbit is engaged in the bakery and confectionery business, which was established by himself in March, 1867. He carries everything that properly be- longs in his line, and, with a stock of about $1,000, does a nice business.

Archibald Nesbit was born in the northern part of Ireland, but was of Scotch and English parentage. He left his native country when a child, coming to America, where he landed at New York City. At the age of 14, he there commenced to learn the baker's trade, at which he was engaged for several years, when he proceeded to a location in Connecticut, where he had charge of bakery for three years, after which he came to Illinois, where he continued his business, in Chicago, for two years. He then removed to Bloomington, where he afterward commenced busi- ness for himself, meeting with splendid success for two years, when he was un- fortunately burned out, and from there he went to Knoxville, Knox county, and carried on business eight years, feeding the soldiers. In 1862, he went to the mountains, crossed over to Port- land, Ore., and again engaged in busi- ness for two years, when he sold out and returned to Illinois. He subse- quently settled in White Hall, engaged in business, and has since remained here, having been quite successful in securing a good trade, which fact is doubtless attributable to his skill and ability. In 1860, Mr. Nesbit married Annie M. Andrews, a native of Nor-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

way, but who was reared in the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Nesbit are mem- bers of the Presbyterian church, and are well respected citizens of this com- munity.

Christopher Weitzel is the only dealer in clothing.

The grocery trade is in the hands of W. C. Chapin, Fowler & Porter, Chas. Laurig, Lowenstein & Son, Mrs. E. J. Saxe, A. F. Vedder and L. C. Wright.

The hardware business is in the hands of the following well known firms: Brantzel Bros. and Gooding & Co.

Meat markets are run by E. C. Clement and Simonds & Wentworth.

The furniture business is in the able hands of Augustus F. Lange and Robert Dixon.

Hutchinson & Munger established the livery business in 1859 or 1860, in a building built for that purpose by Hutchinson & Munger. They were suc- ceeded by Perry & Munger, and Potts & Grimes. They were followed by A. J. Baldwin, and he by Samuel Potts. W. B. Grimes & Co. were the successors of the latter gentleman, and after operat- ing for a time the firm became W. B. Grimes & Co., then Grimes & Edwards. The latter firm came into existence in March, 1884. In October, of the same year, H. S. Edwards, the present pro- prietor, assumed sole charge. He keeps some 10 head of stock, and buggies, etc., in proportion, and does a good business.

Hale S. Edwards, proprietor of the White Hall livery stable, was born in Hickory county, Mo., on the 14th day of June, 1843. His father, L. B. Ed- wards, was born in Virginia, and her mother, whose maiden name was Annie

Strainer, was born in Kentucky. They located in this county in 1839, and after residing here some years, they removed to Missouri. There the father of our subject died, in 1876, his widow still residing in that state. Hale S. was edu- cated in western Missouri, and after finishing his schooling, followed farm- ing there until I883. He then came to White Hall, and engaged in the livery business, which he has since continued. In 1874, he was united in marriage with Annie Dowdall, a native of this county. They are the parents of three children -James L., Erith and Blanche. Mr. Edwards is a native of the Masonie fra- ternity. Mrs. Edwards belongs to the Baptist church.

Hiram Watson established a marble yard in White Hall, in 1850, and still continues at the head of the establish- ment. He has a frame building, 20x40 in which work is carried on. He man- ufactures all kinds of monuments, tombstones, and carried a stock that is valued at about $3,000.

Hiram Watson the enterprising vet- eran marble and granite dealer, of White Hall, Ill., is a native of Ken- tucky. He was born March 15, 1825, and is a son of John and Mary (John- son) Watson. His father was a native of Virginia, his mother, of Kentucky. When Hiram was a babe, his parents moved to Morgan county, Ill. When he was but five years of age, his mother died and his father broke up house- keeping, and Hiram and his youngest brother, William, were taken by A. Q. Lindsey, who cared for them as his own, until they grew to manhood. After the ‹leath of Hiram's mother, his father married again, and afterwards moved to

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Missouri, locating on, and clearing some of the land on which Kansas City now stands. He died en route to Santa Fe. Hiram spent his early life in Mor- gan county, and there received his ed- ucation. He then came to White Hall in 1842, where learned he the mason's trade, which he followed for several years. In 1846 he enlisted and took part in the Mexican war, in the regiment com- manded by Col. J. J. Hardin, in Capt. Fry's company. He was in the battle of Buena Vista. After the war he re- turned to White Hall, where he en- gaged in the marble business. In 1850, he started into the marble business for himself and has ever since con- tinued at it, having quite a large and remunerative trade, the result of his industry and ability. In 1860, he was joined in marriage with Mary E. Milne, a native of Maryland, and a daughter of William and Annie (Grant) Milne, both of whom are now deceased. By this marriage Mr. and Mrs. Watson are the parents of two children-Edwin D. and Mary E. Mr. Watson, has by thrift and good management, placed himself and family in very comfortable circum- stances.

And many other of the usual lines of business have their full representation in the town, most of whom are spoken of elsewhere.

Oliver A. Morrow, the photographic artist of White Hall, was born near Athensville, this county on April 29, 1863. His father, Jesse Morrow, was born in North Carolina. His mother, whose maiden name was Elvira Brad- shaw, was born in this state. Oliver A. was educated in Athensville, finish- ing at the high school in Carrollton,

Il1. Ile then commeneed life as a teacher, and after one year in that pro- fession, he was connected with a flour- ing mill for two years with his brothers. He then commenced the photographic business, which he has since followed. In connection with it he also does crayon work, and in both lines he has turned ont excellent work, and met with good success. Ile is a member of the Christian church.

Dr. Thomas W. Pritchett, the popular dentist of White Hall, was born in Greene county, Ill., May 7, 1841, his parents being Isaac and Sarah ( Holmes) Pritchett, the former a native of Ohio, the latter of Virginia. Isaac was a farmer; and also a manufacturer of mill buhrs. He died in this county in the year 1855, Mrs. Pritchett surviving him until 1862. Thomas W. was educated in the common schools of Greene county. In 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, 9Ist Ill. Inf., and served with that regi- ment until its term of enlistment ex- pired, that being nearly three years. He was discharged at Springfield, Ill. In 1866, he began the study of dentistry, with Dr. James M. Ball, of Indiana. In 1868, he proceeded to St. Louis, where he practiced with Dr. George H. Silvers, one year, and in 1869, came to White Hall, where he has since re- mained, and through skill, ability, and attention to business, has met with de- served success in the practice of his profession. In 1869, Dr. Pritchett was united in marriage with Naomi Allen, a daughter of Samuel and Ann (Clark) Allen, natives of Tennessee and Vir- ginia, respectively. They came to Illi- nois at a very early day, and Mr. Allen was extensively engaged in farming.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

He was the father of 12 children. He died in the year 1861, his wife surviv- ing him one year, she dying in 1862. Dr. and Mrs. Pritchett are the parents of two children-Charles and Ross. Dr. Pritchett is a member of White Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M.

BANKS.

The White Hall Banking Association, transacting business in this city, was established Jan. 1, 1877, as a private bank, in a frame building now occupied by Abrams' dry goods store, with the following officers : James Dowdall, Pres .; Isaac Powell, cashier; Jas. Dow- dall, L. E. Carter, A. S. Secly and Isaac Powell, directors. They removed to their present location in Sept., 1883. This building is a fine one 20x65 feet in size, and well fitted up. On its ineep- tion it had a capital of only $10,000, but it has increased to $100,000, making it one of the strongest monetary institu- tions in the county. The present offi- cers are : Linus E. Worcester, Pres .; Isaac Powell, cashier, W. P. Worcester, assistant cashier; James Dowdall and L. E. Carter and the above officers, direc- tors. The late A. S. Seely was one of the board of direction at the time of his death.

The People's Bank was established in 1867, by David Pierson, James and Albert Gregory, under the title of Pier- son, Gregory & Co. They conducted the business until April 1, 1875, when they were succeeded by John North, C. E. Wales and E. North, under the name of North, Wales & Co., until the title of People's Bank was assumed, Jan. 1, 1877. The company owns the building they occupy, which is 20x70 feet in size.

The first officers were: Peter Rood- house, Pres .; Ed. North, Cash .; John North, C. E. Wales, Edgar Griswold, Peter Roodhouse and Ed. North, direct- ors. A. Davis succeeded Mr. Roodhouse as president. Since the death of Mr. Davis, in 1881, there has been no presi- dent. The present officers are : Ed. North, Cash .; James Porter, Ass't Cash .; John North, Ed. North, C. E. Wales and James Porter, directors. The bank's capital is $50,000.

OPERA HOUSE.

This beautiful edifice was erected in 1867, at a cost of upwards of $20,000. It owed its inception and completion to a stock company, that was incorporated, however, but all were residents of the town of White Hall. It remained in the hands of this company for a number of years, probably seven or eight, when by mutual agreement it was sold at pub- lic venue, Simeon Ross being the pur- chaser. It is a handsome brick struc- ture, 45×87 feet in size, two-stories in height. The lower floor is divided into two-store rooms, each being 22x87 feet in size, with 14 foot ceiling. The opera house proper is in the second story has a very fine auditorium, with a capacity of about 500. The stage is 28x34 feet in size. There are about 300 chairs in the hall besides the seats in the gallery, and more can be added if necessary. When the building was put up, a shingle roof was put on, but Mr. Ross has replaced it with a more durable one of iron. The first lessee was A. F. Vedder. It is now under the management of Fowler & Martin, F. Fowler having personal supervision.

LIBRARY. The White Hall Library Association

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

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was organized Jan. 17, 1876, as a stock company, with 52 stockholders, a great many subscribing for more than one share. The first officers were: Ilugh Lamont, Pres .; E. J. Pearce, 1st Vice- Pres .; A. W. Foreman. 2d Vice-Pres .; Isaac Powell, Treas .; F. W. Pritchett, Seey .; G. B. Danforth, Geo. Hill, E. A. Giller and J. S. Judd, directors. In the purchase of books, and fitting up of library room. about $800 was invested. Shares are $10 each. and shareholders have access to the library. Those not having stock are entitled to the use of the library at the following rates: one month, 50 cents; three months, $1; six months, $1.50; one year. $2.50. The room used is on the second floor oppo- site the People's Bank, on Main street. There were, originally, 1,200 volumes on the shelves, but the income has not been sufficient to keep it in good condi- tion. The works owned by the associa- tion, however, is a very good collection, having been selected by good judges.

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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 130

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