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 131

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 131

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POSTOFFICE

The postoffice at this point was estab- lished with Beverly Holliday as post- master. He carried the mail in his hat, continuing this method about three years. At first he received mail once in two weeks. Elijah Lotts succeeded him, and held the position about four years, when L. E. Worcester succeeded · him. His commission was dated Nov. 11, 1843. He held the post until 1855, when he was succeeded by John N. Israel. After him came Aaron Reno, who was postmaster for a few months be- ing succeeded by Marcus Worcester, in April, 1861. Ile was succeeded by S. D. Chapin, in Aug., 1871. The present

incumbent of the office, Rev. B. B. Hamilton, was commissioned April 1, 1883. It was made a money order office July 1, 1873, and became a presidential office Jan. 1, 1879.

B. B. Hamilton, born at Yankee Prairie, New Design, Monroe county, Ill., Feb. 4, 1822, is the third son of Thomas MeClure Hamilton, born, in Rutland county, Vt., Jan 3, 1785, and Apphia (Brown) Ilamilton, born at Hartford, Washington county, N. Y., June 7. 1788. They were married in Athens county, O., in Nov., 1805, and moved to Illinois in the spring of 1818, under the territorial government. Thomas M. was quite a prominent man in his community, but moved to the south part of Greene county (now Jer- sey) in May, 1831. Ile died Dee. 9, 1844, his widow surviving by nearly 25 years, dying in September of the year 1869. B. B. received in his childhood only such advantages as the common school of the pioneers afforded, having an excellent memory, and a great thirst for knowledge, he was the champion in the spelling school, and an earnest debater, before he was 16 years old. He taught his first school at Pea Ridge, in Jersey county, in the winter of 1839- 40. After this he taught at various places in Jersey county, and in Monroe county, dividing his time between the school room and work on the farm until the spring of 1848, when he entered into partnership with his brother, Nathaniel, in merchandising at Grafton. In the fall of 1849 he returned to Otter- ville, and commenced business on his own account, which was continued with various degrees of success, until Nov., 1856. He had been elected school com-

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IIISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

missioner of Jersey county, in 1847, and appointed postmaster, and elected justice of the peace in 1849, holding these latter offices until 1856. He was married Dec. 21, 1844, to Mary Ann Chandler, eldest daughter of Hiram and Julania Chandler, born in Ohio, Sept. 14, 1825. Mr. Hamilton made profession of faith in Christ, in July, 1830, and was baptized into the Salem Baptist church, constituted Feb., 1828, by which body he was licensed to preach in May, 1839 He was ordained in the Union Baptist church, in May 1853. His business arrangements would not permit his taking charge of any church, although he preached with a good de- gree of acceptance, as he found oppor- tunity, until he closed out his business and moved from Jersey county, in 1856, into Marion county, Ill., where he re- sided for about two years. In Sept., 1858, he came to White Hall, Ill., where he has made his home ever since. He has been pastor of the churches following, ever since that dat( : White Hall, Manchester, Big Spring. Winchester, Otterville, Kane and Car- linville, in Scott, Greene, Jersey and Macoupin counties. He was agent for Shurtleff College, for about one year. He taught school at Grafton in 1860-61; at White Hall, in 1861-62; at Win- chester, 1865-66, and 1866-67; at Green- field, in 1867-68, and southwest Man- chester, in the winter of 1872-73. He joined the 61st Ill. Inf., in the field, Oct. 30, 1862, receiving the appoint- ment of chaplain, from that date. He was with his regiment at Bolivar, in West Tennessee, at the siege of Vicks- burg, at the capture of Little Rock, Sept. 10, 1863; and resigned at Mur-

freesboro, Tenn., March, 1865. In Feb., 1883, he was appointed postmaster at White Hall, Ill., which office he now holds. There have been born unto him- self and wife, nine children, of whom five are surviving-John Brown, now surgeon general United States Marine Hospital service, born Dec. 1, 1847; Flora Eva, born Aug. 21, 1852, married Dr. E. T. Cassell, now of Edgar, Neb .; Amy Eliza, born July 9, 1855, married John Leverett, of Upper Alton, Ill .; Henry De Witt, born Feb. 26, 1863, now a lawyer of New York city; Frank Chandler, born Feb. 23, 1868, now a junior in Shurtleff College. Those dying were-Arthur Lee, Apphia Ma- rie, Laura Adaline, and Ellen G. Mr. Hamilton joined the I. O. O. F. lodge, No. 53, of Jerseyville, in Feb., 1850, and was initiated into the encampment, No. 20, at its institution in June, 1853; was made a Mason, by Morning Sun lodge, at Jerseyville, in 1853, and was initiated into the Carrollton chapter, where he received the council degrees. His studies and familiarity with the history of current events are too well understood to need special mention in this connection. His first presidential vote was given to Binney, in 1844, and he has voted consecutively for each can- didate on the Republican ticket since 1856, exeept when Lincoln was a can- didate, in 1864, his duties in the field precluding him from the exercise of his right in that regard.

EDUCATIONAL.

It is currently believed that the first school in the town of White Hall was opened about 1835, and taught by a man by the name of Barton. Some have

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

thought that the date of this should le ' 1874 commenced attendance at college in 1836, which may be the proper one. This was in a small frame school house erected on Carrollton street. Some time afterward, the school was held in the unfinished church edifice started by the Methodists but never completed. Various other school houses were used, but in 1867 the present elegant school house was erected at a cost of $22,000. It is well ventilated and heated, and constructed according to scientific prin- ciples, and is a credit to the city and the board of education. The grades are-primary, second intermediate, in- termediate, grammar and high school. The present efficient corps of teachers having charge of this school, in 1885, are the following well known educators: High school-George M. Herrick, prin- cipal, and George W. Smith, assistant ; grammer department-Dwight Purdy and Mattie J. Black; intermediate grade -Laura Lowenstein and Emma Pritch- ard; 2nd intermediate-Fannie Adam and Mollie G. Beam; primary-Sarah Craig and Vinnie A. Vedder.

George M. Herrick holds the posi- tion of principal of the schools of White Hall. He is a native of Essex, Chittenden county, Vt., born March 21, 1856. His parents, Leonard E. and Susan B.(Coffren) Herrick, were natives respectively of Vermont and New Hampshire. They removed to Wis- consin, in 1857, and to Winnebago county, this state, in 1858. There they still reside, in Rockford, his father, who was formerly a farmer, now being re- tired from active pursuits. George M., the subject of this sketch, attended the West Rockford high school from 1869 until his graduation, in 1872, and in

Beloit, Wis., from which he graduated in the classical course, in 1878. After leaving college he was chosen principal of the Durand graded school, and held that position one year, when he gave it up to accept a similar one at Lena, Stephenson county, Ill. He remained in charge there three years, and then went to Chicago, where he accepted a position in the employ of Cowperthwait & Co., of that city. This he held one year, until he was chosen principal of the White Hall public schools. He then came to this city and has ever since held that position, this being his third year here. On Sept. 3, 1883, he was married to Julia A., daughter of Nicholas and Hannah ( Wilson) Pickard. Miss Pickard was a graduate of the Lena high school, and had been a suc- cessful teacher in the public schools there for several years. Both her pa- rents were natives of New York. They came to Illinois in 1850. Mr. Pickard, now deceased, was a physician. His widow now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Herrick, in this city. They are the parents of one child-Laura Hannah, born Feb. 3, 1885. Mr. Her- rick and wife are members of the White Hall Presbyterian church. The pro- fessor is the possessor of a state certifi- cate, granted in 1881. He also received the degree of A. M. in course, from Beloit College, in 1881, at which time he was chosen from his class to deliver the master's oration.

THIE WHITE HALL NURSERY

Was established in 1871, by the present proprietor, Henley Wilkinson, it being located at the west end of Franklin

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

street. While the local patronage has been very liberal, 90 per cent. of the stock grown for years past has found a market in other counties and states, he often shipping more stock in one day than Greene county would use in a year. This establishment is one of the permanent institutions of the county. Special attention is given to all new fruits of merit.

The White Hall green houses were established in 1881, on the grounds of, and in connection with the nursery. Business in this branch increased so rapidly that it was impossible for the management to anticipate the proper amount of extension, from year to year, until to-day it is the largest establish- ment west of the Alleghany mountains, in any city the size of White Hall, and, for age, individual enterprise and per- manent structure, it has no rival in America. Glass and putty have been purchased by the ton, 200 perches of stone has been used in the foundations, and 40,000 brick in the furnaces and cisterns. The reserve capacity for water- ing plants is 2,000 barrels. Pots from the factory are bought by the 100,000 at a single purchase. «

The present capacity for table plants is over half a million, bulbs and choice new plants being imported direct from England, France and Germany. The trade in this department is fast as- suming a national character. Plants are sent out from this place by freight and express, and by mail, from Ne braska to Florida, from Baltimore to Oregon. Special care is given to grow- ing flowers for funerals, parties, wed- dings and school commeneements; bo- quets, wreaths, crowns, crosses and all-

manner of designs, filled with the finest roses, carnations, etc., in the best and latest styles.

The catalogues issued by this estab- lishment are equal to those sent out by the best eastern growers. Parties visit- ing White Hall from midwinter to spring should see these green houses; in the summer, the flower garden is only excelled by the city parks.

Richard HI. Wilkinson, the father of Henley Wilkinson, was born and raised in the state of Virginia, and graduated at Winchester College. He came to southern Indiana in 1832, and was one of the pioneer Methodist ministers and was an active assistant in establishing the Greencastle University. In 1835, he married Julia A. Henley, who was born and raised in Clark county, Ind., and was a sister of Thomas J. Henley, who figured conspicuously in state and national politics, until the gold excite- ment in California, when he was ap- pointed by the U. S. congress to fill the position of postmaster at San Francisco. Later on he resigned this position to accept an Indian agency, which posi- tion he held at the time of his death. His son, Barkley Henley, is the young- est member of our present congress. Richard H. Wilkinson and wife moved from Clark county to LaPorte county, in the fall of 1835, and located on a farm, where they have remained for over 50 years, and are still in good health.

Henley Wilkinson was born Feb. 2, 1840, in Durham, Laporte county, Ind., and was the second son of Richard H. and Julia A. Wilkinson. He was edu- cated at Laporte, and remained on the farm with his parents until he was 21

Bewley Wilkinson

PROPR. WHITE HALL NURSERIES & GREEN HOUSES

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

years of age, when he associated him- self with Irvin L. Jessup, the leading nurseyman and florist of Laporte. In the fall of 1864, he came to Illinois and temporarily settled in Bureau county. April 25, 1865, he was married to Ella M. Owen. In 1867, he moved to Beards- town, III., where he established and operated a nursery of fruits and flow- ers. In 1871, he established a branch of the fruit tree department at White Hall and, in the spring of 1873, he moved with his family and permanently lo- cated in Worcester's west addition to the city of White Hall. IIe is a posi- tive actor on the stage of life, demo- cratic in polities and makes no profes- sion of religion, but aids all of the churches to the extent of his ability, advocating that morals are best pro- moted in the rising generation by the independence of the various churches, cach on its own adherents or followers. Ella M. Owen, to whom he was married, was a daughter of Allen and Margaret Owen, and a niece of Robert Dale Owen, of Indiana. She was born near Richmond, Ind., April 2, 1844. In 1853, she came with her parents to Il- linois, they permanently locating in Bureau county, where she was living at the time of her marriage with Henley Wilkinson, April 25, 1865. Nine chil- have been the result of this union- Allen H., born April 2, 1867; William G., born Aug. 14, 1869, died Nov. 18, 1869; Stella A., born Feb. 10, 1871; By- ron O., born April 26, 1873; Lloyd H., born Nov. 28, 1875; Ralph W., born Dee. 3, 1877; Tillie M., born Nov. 14, 1879; Leon Earl, born Jan. 26, 1882; Pansy May, born Jan. 2, 1884, died Jan. 8, 1884.

HOTELS.

The Commercial hotel was built in 1869, and was first kept by John Carr. proprietor of the building. He kept it several years, and then let it to others. Since that time it has had a varied his- tory. The present landlord, Thomas Dunean, took the house in Aug., 1882, and it has met with its first success un- der his management. This success has been well deserved, as Mr. Duncan is a bonifaec who spares no pains to make his guests comfortable. He and his estimable family are a welcome addition to the city of White Hall. The house contains 20 sleeping rooms, besides the other appurtenances of a good hotel, and has a liberal patronage.

Thomas Duncan, the present propri- etor of the Commercial, was born at Jonesboro, Eastern Tenn., March 1, 1821. Heis a son of James and Sarah (Hunt) Duncan, both natives of Tennes- see. He lived with his parents until he had reached the age of 25, being en- gaged in farming with his father. In 1856 he moved to this state, and bought land near Girard, Macoupin county, where he was engaged in farming nine years. He then sold his farm. and en- gaged in the grocery business at Girard, in which enterprise he was engaged for 11 years. He then embarked in the hotel business in the same place, taking charge of the Enterprise hotel, which. he conducted for about three years. From there he removed to White Hall, and took charge of the Commercial ho- tel. He was married, Aug. 7, 1856, to Elizabeth B. Kitzmiller, daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Carr) Kitzmiller. They are the parents of nine children, eight of whom are living-Martha M.,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

married to L. P. Smith, living at Pal- myra, Macoupin county; Mary E., Sarah E., Ella B., Laura A., Katie J., Birdie Irene and Ethel V. All of these, with one exception, have been endowed with a marked talent for vocal music. The one deccased was an infant, not named. The family are devout mem- bers of the Baptist church, the young ladies being leading singers in the choir. Mr. Duncan is a man honest and upright in the fullest sense of the words. Heis a republican, politically.

The leading down town hotel of White Hall, is the Brunswick. which is cen- trally located on the southeast corner of Main and Sherman streets. The build- ing was erected by George Dossel and Charles Gropp, in partnership, in 1882, at a cost of $10,000. The hotel business was carried on in this structure by its builders for two years, when Charles Naught purchased the interest of Mr. Gropp, in the business, in April, 1885. The building is handsome, both in archi- tectural appearance, and in its furnish- ing. It is two stories in height, and covers an area of 26x80 feet on the ground. In this building are six large and handsome sleeping rooms, and 12 other rooms, over Weitzel's clothing store, are also used for this purpose. They have a well fitted office, dining and sample rooms. In front of the office is a room in which they handle confectionery, cigars, etc. The proprie- tors of the building are Dossel & Gropp.

The Amos House is one of the old landmarks of White Hall. It was built in 1835, by Enos Ayers, who ran it for five or six years, and was succeeded by Ross B. Hughes. He ran it about four years. It has since changed landlords

a great many times. It is now owned by Mrs. Amos, who still accommodates guests. It is the oldest hotel in White Hall.

NURSERY.

In 1877 W. P. Bates & Co. established a nursery at White Hall, which was op- erated by them successfully. The firm was composed of the above gentleman and his father, P. J. Bates. The former removed to Arkansas in 1881, where he now operates a large nursery and fruit farm. They still carry on the fruit busi- ness on a somewhat extended scale in White Hall, dealing, principally, in strawberries and grapes, although all small fruits receive their attention.

James Brown established the city green house in 1884, and already it has become one of the institutions of this busy little city. It has a conservatory 18x70 feet in size, and nice grounds in which to bed his plants. He makes a specialty of roses, being an adept in handling that queen of flowers, although he keeps on hand nearly all the annual and perennial plants.

James Brown, Jr., was born Dec. 20, 1857, in Chester county, Penn. He is a son of James and Catharine (McKelvey) Brown, the latter a native of Ireland. The subject was educated in Chester county, Penn., and there began the busi- ness of life, at the early age of nine years, as a florist. He came to Illinois in 1883, and established the greenhouse which he now conducts witth success. June 8, 1882, he was united in mar- riage with Catharine Keenan, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. Brown and wife are members of the Catholic church.

DEPOTS. The C. & A. R. R. has had two depots

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

in this city. The first one was erected in 1863, and was 20x40 feet in size. It gave place to the present structure, which is 30x100 feet, in the fall of 1870. The first agent in the old building was Mell Leighton, and Geo. McFadden, in the new one. He was succeeded by W. K. Morley, and he by G. W. Secor, the present agent, who took the post in 1871.

The first depot of the C., B. & Q. R.R. at White Hall was built in the winter of 1870. It was destroyed by fire, Oct. 9, 1884. The work of rebuilding soon commenced, and the present structure was ready for occupancy in Dec., 1884. The old depot was 24x60 feet in size; the new one is 10 feet longer. The first agent was named Hesser. Thomas P. Raferty now manages the business of the company at this point in a gentle- manly and obliging manner. He suc- ceeded John Beaty in this position.

Thomas P'. Raferty was born at Sing Sing, N. Y., Nov. 13, 1855, and is a son of Patrick and Mary (McNawall) Raf- erty, natives of Ireland. They emi- grated from New York to Illinois, and located at Rock Island, where Thomas began the study of telegraphy, remain- ing with his parents until he had arrived at the age of 17 years. He then came to Greene county, and took the position of night operator at Rockbridge, where he remained nine months. He then came to White Hall as day operator and assistant agent to H. L. Pierce and J.T. Crapsey, which situation he held four years. He then took charge of the office at Medora, as agent and operator, where he was located one year, and at the ex- piration of that time returned to White Hall, where he entered the office of the

C., B. & Q. as agent, on Dec. 29, since which time he has ably performed the duties pertaining thereto. Mr. Raferty was married, June 19, 1878,to Henrietta Ayres, daughter of Alfred and Ann (Eoff) Ayres. By this marriage there are two interesting children-Leroy M. and Katie. Mr. and Mrs. Raferty are members of the Catholic church. Mr. Raferty is an energetic, careful mana- ger, well qualified to fill with credit the position he holds.

CORNET BAND.

The White Hall Silver Cornet Band was organized in the winter of 1865-6, and is the first band ever organized at this place. It was made up as follows: F. F. Worcester, leader and Eb cornet; J. A. Boehm, Bb cornet; - Geery, alto; Bruce Atwood, tenor; John Mills, Bb bass; M. H. Watt, tuba; Geo. Daw- son, bass drum. At present the band is made up as follows: T. J. Grant, leader and Eb cornet; M. J. Galhuley, Eb cor- net; Luther Markellie, Bb clarionet; Richard White, Bb cornet; George Hal- pin, solo alto; Melvin Black, 1st alto; John Fahey, 1st tenor; J. E. Adams, 2d tenor; F. F. Worcester, baritone; H. L. McFarland, Bb bass; Charles Black, tuba; William Dawson, bass drum; Greeley Vermillion, snare drum; Geo. Adams, drum major. The officers for 1885 are: M. J. Galhuley, pres .; F. F. Worcester, see. and treas .; M. J. Galhuley, T. J. Grant and F. F. Wor- cester, trustees. The organization is out of debt, and has some money in the treasury. They have paid out about $1,000 in the last five years for instru- ments and uniforms. Their hall and practice room is over the People's

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

bank. They have played for the trades' procession at St. Louis, two years, and for the Veiled Prophets parade, once.

SOCIETIES.

White Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M., was duly organized June 19, 1850, under a dispensation, receiving a char- ter Oct. 8, 1850. The list of the origi- nal members is here given: J. C. Winters, Henry Griswold, John B. McIntosh, Joseph Richert, N. Kendall, Asbury Davis, John Grant, Jas. Kelley and Arthur Axley. The first officers were as follows: J. C. Winters, W. M .; Henry Griswold, S. W .; J. B. MeIn- tosh, J. W .; J. C. VanOstrand, T .; Asbury Davis, S .; Joseph Richert, S. D .; Nath'l Kendall, J. D .; Arthur Ax- ley, tyler. There is a present member- ship of 96 brothers. The hall in which they meet was erected by them in 1873, and embraces the upper story of S. D. Chapin's building. It is constructed of brick, and is 24x65 feet in size, and was completed at a cost of about $2,500. The furniture, which is very handsome and complete, cost some $700, in addi- tion. The following have filled the office of W. M. of this lodge: J. C. Winters, J. B. McIntosh, E. M. Husted, J. W. Gregory, F. H. Clark, J. M. Perry, S. D. Chapin, W. P. Worcester, J. E. Higby, T. A. Smith, Isaac MeCol- lister. The present officers are : Isaac McCollister, W. M .; H. W. Chapman, S. D .; L. T. Prindle, J. W .; Charles Quigley, T .; C. W. Pritchett, S .; Wm. Winn, S. D .; Robert Dixon, J. D .; L. O. Bates and Charles Richert, stewards; S. M. Henderson, C .; and Edward Rix, tyler.

Benevolent lodge, No. 227, I. O. O.

F., was instituted under a dispensation granted April 3, 1857, upon which ap- pears the following list of petitioners: J. W. Adgate, Peter Parker, D. C. Banta, Thomas Lakin and Joseph B. Cook, The first meeting of the lodge which met for institution by D. D. G. M., W. L. Graham, was held May 14, 1857. The charter bears the names of the above petitioners. The first officers were: Peter Parker, N. G .; D. C. Banta, V. G .; J. W. Adgate, R. S .; Thomas Lakin, T .; J. R. Austin, W .; H. D. Moreland, C .; J. B. Cook, O. G .; W. M. Allen, I. G. Since the organization of this lodge they have initiated 264 members. The present membership is about 45, and much interest is taken in the work of the order. The hall in which they meet was built by the lodge in 1873, embracing the second story of the building only. It is 22x65 feet in size, and was completed at a cost of $2,500. The following is a roster of the officers in 1885: J. W. Turner, N. G; M. M. Fuller, V. G .; Zeno Stocks, R. S .; T. A. Smith, P. S .; J. D. Adams, T; S. B. Silkwood, W .; J. W. Bernthistle, C .; D. E. Culbertson, R. S. N. G .; Charles Quigley, L. S. N. G .; D. Cul- bertson, R. to G. L .; W. B. Beadnal, I. G .; and J. W. Scott, O. G.

Culver post, No. 512, G. A. R., was organized June 18, 1885, by T. G. Capps, D. S. M. O., with the following charter members-B. B. Ilamilton, J. C. Winters, J. F. Potts, W. M. Potts, G. W. Burns, T. E. Smith, E. J. Pearce, G. W. Winn, S. Culbertson, Levi Cul- bertson, J. S. Baker, M. H. Walker, D. W. Trask, Joseph Westnedge, G. W. Brown, Thomas Martin, W. II. Hender- son, J. F. Allen, George Strickland,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

V. C. Wright, L. N. Ballard, M. C. Wil- liamson, W. H. Dix, R. B. Winn and Squire Remer. The post, although a new one, is in fine working order, and now has a membership of 38. They meet once a month in the I. O. O. F. hall. The first and present officers are-T. E. Smith, C .; G. W. Trask, S. V. C .; Sam- uel Culbertson, J. V. C .; G. W. Winn, Q. M .; J. F. Potts, S .; B. B. Hamilton, Chap .; M. H. Walker, O. D .; G. R. Strickland, O. G .; R. B. Winn, Adj't, G. W. Brown, S. M .; Levi Culbertson, Q. M. 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 131

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