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 134

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 134

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A SAW AND GRIST MILL

Was erected in 1875, at a cost of about $1,000. It was built by C. F. Bruce, its present owner. One set of machinery runs both departments.

TILE FACTORY.

About 1876 the tile factory was erected by C. F. Bruce and A. J. Ashley, who, after running it about three years, sold out to J. W. Smith, who operated it about two years, and then sold to parties at Roodhouse, when it was moved there.

A blacksmith shop was built in the spring of 1870. The first was James M. Ashlock, who ran it until 1883, when A. Haney bought it. He now carries on the business.

Albert Haney was born in Scott county, Ill., Oct. 19, 1857, his parents being James and Mary (Hoots) Haney, natives of Tennessee. His father is now dead; his mother is yet living, and resides in Schuyler county, Ill. Albert was reared on a farm, remaining at home until 12 years of age, when he started in life for himself, and being homeless and friendless, worked around from one place to another until 22 years of age, He was then married, and located about a mile and a half west of Barrow, on a farm, where he remained three years. In 1883, he removed to Barrow, and purchased a house and six lots, having accumulated enough money to buy a homestead. He also bought a black- smith shop, and commenced to learn the trade, acquiring most of what he knows about the business himself, he being very apt at almost any trade. He does all kinds of repairing and wood- work. He was married, Sept. 2, 1880, to Lillie J. Thomson, daughter of Wil- liam and Lockey (Bandy) Thompson. They are the parents of two children, both of whom are dead. His shop building is 30x42 feet in dimensions. Mr. Haney receives a liberal patronage, and is a good workman, both in black- smithing and wood-working.

A boot and shoe shop was established about 1875. G. B. Dunn then came here, and conducted a shop of this char- acter for three or four years. Several others have run it for a short time, since then.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

J. B. Hayes was the first physician to locate here. He came in 1876, and re- mained about three years, then moved away.

Next came Dr. J. B. Bowman, in 1879. Ile remained a short time.

Dr. Lynfoot, another physician who located here, died about two years after his arrival.

A broom factory was started in 1885, by E. A. Cotter & Co., who do a good business.

EDUCATIONAL.

In 1877, district No. 1 was divided, and a new building erected at Barrow, at a cost of about $1,000. Its size is about 24x36 feet. It is a very neat building, and comfortably arranged. Its average attendance is about 30 pupils. The present teacher is J. W. Chapman.

Alfred Barrow, the enterprising gen- tleman after whom Barrow Station was named, was born in Greene county, Ill., Ang. 16, 1834, his parents being Joseph and Elizabeth (Taylor) Barrow, his father a native of Kentucky, his mother of Anderson county, Tenn. His parents had come to this county several years previous to their marriage, on July 13, 1826, and his father, who had come to Greene county about 1820, had en- tered 80 acres of land on Sec. 11, T, 12, R. 12. Here he built a little log cabin in which he lived until the time of his death in 1839. Being among the early settlers of the then almost wild country, his mother, having been left with six small children, had to endure many hardships, but by industry and good management she succeeded in keeping her children together, and also in giving them a good education for these times. In 1869 she was called hence by the

hand of death. At the age of 18 years, Alfred was employed as clerk in the store of A. Reno, at White Hall, and his success in this position may be judged by the fact that one year later he was admitted as a partner. During the money panic of 1857-8, this firm sold out, and paid up, and thus Alfred was left with nothing but his credit. For about 10 years afterward he was en- gaged in various ways and places, trad- ing in stock and grain, merchandise, etc., generally succeeding very well, and keeping up through all the convulsions of the country, and the ups and downs of business life. In 1868 Mr. Barrow purchased and improved a half section of land near Cameron, Mo., afterward trading it for the farm where he now lives, and on which he has erected a fine, commodious residence, at a cost of $3,000. In 1870 he laid out and platted the town of Barrow, crecting several dwellings, etc., besides assisting his neighbors in building two houses of worship, a warehouse, and some other public buildings. Some years later he erected several good business buildings in Roodhouse, which he still owns, be- sides his snug little farm of 400 acres, thus being insured of a comfortable living the balance of his days. Mr. Barrow has gone through a good many severe struggles, and hard times, but he manages to keep clear of debt, and ex- pects to remain content, where he now resides, during the rest of his days.

POSTOFFICE.

The postoffice at Barrow Station is kept in the store of Hubbard & Hanks. It was established at this point in 1873, when John Williams was appointed

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

postmaster. He was succeeded by W. A. Thompson, and he, by G. W. Man- ley. J. J. Short is the present post- master. He was appointed in 1882. Henry Hanks is his deputy, and trans- acts the business of the office in the store, in which he is a partner.

James Jimison Short, of Barrow, Greene county, was born in Morgan county, Ill., March 26, 1829, his parents being James and Mary Ann (Burnett) Short, natives of Virginia. James and Mary Ann, his parents, emigrated from the state of Virginia to Kentucky, at an early day, thence to Indiana, where they remained only a short time. In 1824, they immigrated to Illinois, and settled on the head of Indian creek, in Morgan county, where his father, James, entered 120 acres of land, and, as was customary those days, built a small log cabin, and commenced improvements. He remained here until his death, about 1834, which was caused by being thrown from a horse, being found un- conscious, alongside the road, and died shortly after. His mother is yet living, and resides in Springfield, Ill. Our subject was reared on a farm, until the death of his father, after which he went to live with his uncle, Rev. Levy Springer, also a farmer, of Virginia, Cass county. He remained with him until 18 years of age, when he went to Sangamon county, Ill., where he worked around from one place to an- other by the month, for two years, re- ceiving from $6 to $9 per month for his services. He made rails there for 40 cents per 100, and cut cord-wood for 40 cents per cord. After the expiration of two years hard labor there, he went back to Virginia, Cass county, Ill., and

rigged out two teams of oxen, consisting of eight yoke, bought plows and fol- lowed breaking tough prairie in Sanga- mon, Cass and Morgan counties for about five years. He was then married and engaged in farming, in Cass county, for himself, renting land for two years. He then bought a small tract of land there, and remained on it until 1868, when he removed to Scott county, III., and purchased 120 acres of land, and remained there until 1873. At this date he removed to Barrow Station, Greene county, purchased town property, and engaged in merchandising with John Williams, they continuing as partners for two years. In 1875 he sold out his interest to his partner, and built a large, two-story frame business house, 18x40 fect in dimensions, with a large hall which was used for some time as the town hall. He put in a stock of family groceries and continued the business until 1877, when he sold out and re- sumed farming and buying stock, which is his present occupation, principally. He was married Aug. 31, 1854, to Naney McDonald, daughter of Jonas and Martha McDonald, of Cass county. Mr. Short owns seven lots and three build- ings in Barrow. Mr. and Mrs. Short are members of the M. E. church. He was ordained a local minister in Danville, Ill., and is the present local preacher of the M. E. church of Barrow. He is the president of the Greene County Sunday School Association, and is now serving his second term as such. He has held the office of constable four years, and township trustec four years, and school director 10 years, all in Cass county, and is now serving a four years term as notary public. Heisalso postmaster at

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Barrow, and reporter for two newspapers. Mr. Short is a man who lends a helping hand to all public enterprises and takes a great pride in the welfare of his county and its people.

RELIGIOUS.

The United Baptist church at Barrow Station was organized in June, 1874, at a meeting held for that purpose. At this meeting, James Doss was elected clerk, and Elder S. B. Culp was chosen as pastor. The constituent members were; L. J. Patterson, Charlotte Bent- ley, S. H. Patterson, Henrietta Ed- wards, J. T. Doss, James Doyel, Henri- etta Doyel, H. T. Hubbard, Elizabeth Hubbard, Laura Smith, John Smith, James Smith, Lucy Edwards, Louis Doyel, Thomas Edwards, Serena A. Edwards, William Smith, Harriet A. Smith, J. F. Doyel, Nathan- iel Robinson, Malinda Robinson, Ma- linda Williams, A. J. Ballard, Philemon Reno, Matilda Reno, Jane Edwards, Wm. Ballard and Lucretia Ballard. The society is in a prosperous condi- tion.

The Union Regular Baptist church of Barrow was organized Sept. 1, 1830, in a school house, by Aaron Smith, James Smith, and Charles Kitchens, with the following members : R. Asher, John Rose, James Megeehe, Elizabeth Penalton, Jane Megeehe, Wm. Thompson, Elizabeth Thompson, Peter Barrow, John Thompson, Winna Thompson, Walter Taylor and Susanna Taylor. The first deacon chosen was Walter Taylor, and the first minister ordained was James McBride. They held meetings at the different houses until June, 1845, when service was held in a church, which they had just built

on land given by John Taylor. In 1878, a new church, 28x40 feet in dimensions, was erected at Barrow Station, into which the congregation moved and have since worshiped. The present clerk is Samuel Baird, and the membership is about 75. The name of Regular Baptist church was assumed in 1840.

COAL BANKS.

Campbell's coal bank was first opened in 1867, but very little attention was paid to it at that time. In 1884, they sunk a shaft, and have been working it ever since. They are now engaged in sinking a new shaft. They employ six miners, and take out about 200 bushels daily, and, with the aid of an engine, which they are now preparing to put in, they hope it may prove a valuable mine. It is said to be excellent steaming coal. The state geologists have asked for a specimen.

SOCIETY.

Star grange No. 1581, was organized May 12, 1875 with the following charter members: J. V. Staats, Luke Chap- man, Amburgh Campbell, J. P. Hunt, P. A. Rawlins, J. T. Rawlins, . Wm. H. Davis, Albert Stewart, Preston Taylor, S. J. Hopkins, Noah M. Stone, William Smith, P. G. Edwards, Chester Coates, Sarah Campbell, Eva Hunt, Mrs. A. M. Davis, Mrs. Sarah E. Davis, Mrs. May C Davis, Mrs. Sarah C. Crist, Lizzie Stewart, Thonuda Chapman, Angeline Stone, Henrietta J. Smith, Mrs. Nancy Edwards, and Mrs. E. J. Coates. The first officers were: Amburgh Campbell, M .; J. V. Staats, O .; S. J. Hopkins, L .; Albert Stewart, S .; P. A. Rawlins, A. S .; N. M. Stone, chaplain; Luke Chapman, treasurer; J. P. Hunt, secretary; Wil- liam Davis, J. K .; May Rawlins, C .;

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Sarah Campbell, P .; Lizzie Stewart, F .; Eva Hunt, L. A. The present officers are: P. A. Rawlins, M .; J. R. Baker, O .; C. J Crist, L .; George Hopkins, S .; Anderson Everett, A. S .; Zach Everett, C .; Luke Chapman, treasurer; Thomas Bandy, G. K .; Lula Harp, C .; Emma Bandy, P .; Flora Campbell, L. A. S .; Morton Campbell, secretary. The men)- bership is now about 34, and is in a prosperous condition.

ROODHOUSE.

This, the most northerly of the cities of Greene county, is certainly entitled to rank as one of the most flourishing and enterprising of its towns, or for that mat- ter, in this portion of the state, as none have shown a greater growth in so short a length of time. Some points in its early history have been so well compiled and written by other hands, that they are given here as an introduction to the history of the town:

When the Jacksonville branch of the C. & A. R. R. was extended as far as White Hall, in 1862, a small depot was built, around which Roodhouse after- ward grew up. John T. Rawlings, who took a prominent part in building up the town, thought there should be a depot near its present location, and, after some trouble, succeeded in obtain- ing the permission of the railroad com- pany to erect a building on its land. George Wildeborn was the carpenter. In this, the first depot, James Arm- strong served as agent and telegraph operator, furnishing his own instru- ments. The trains stopped only when flagged. Mr. Armstrong also conducted a small trade in lumber, tinware, and family supplies. Subsequently, citi-

zens of the place, being in danger of losing the telegraph office, built a depot, which was afterward used as a school house, and now serves as a dwelling house. One of the first residences erected in the town was put up by Adam Shearer, who was also the first black- smith of the town. He sold liquors at his residence for some time. Soon after James Thompson obtained a barrel or two of sugar and some coffee, with which he opened a grocery store, in an old log hut. He afterwards sold out and butchered a few beeves. The lay- ing out of a town was already talked of, and some surveys made, but nothing definite was as yet done. A meeting was held about this time, in Rawlings' warehouse, to consider the propriety of building a church or lecture room. A small school house, or public building, was erected in consequence. A Sunday school was at once organized, the teach- ers and superintendent coming from White Hall.

Among those who settled in the vil- lage during its infancy, the following may be mentioned: Charles Adler, now deceased, built a small edifice in which he kept a boot and shoe shop. Sim- mons & Thompson erected a storehouse and transacted a general merchandising business. Each member of this firm built a comfortable residence. Adam Shearer built an addition to his house, in which he sold groceries. Mr. Shearer was also the postmaster for some time. John and William Sitton also arrived and built residences. They were both contractors and carpenters, and put up a number of buildings. John B. Mc- Intosh was the first tailor in the town. He purchased the school house and

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

moved his family into it. When the Peter Thompson property was burned down, Norman Lange bought the site and built upon it. John T. Rawlings was the second postmaster, and was at the same time proprietor of a pros- perous general business.

In April, 1866, John Roodhouse, the original owner of the land upon which the greater part of the little settlement was built, laid out the town named for him. The original plat contained 40 lots 66x130 feet, and 75x150 feet. Ad- ditions have since been made to the town as follows: John Roodhouse, three; William Cobb, three; Cobb & Mitehell, one; J. C. Cobb, two; P. J. Sharp, one; L. E. Worcester, two. Its growth for a number of years was very slow. White Hall was but four miles distant on the south, and Manchester equally near on the north, and being much older towns had every advantage. Still, new comers continued to be attrac- ted to the young village. Dr. D. B. Moore opened the first drug store. Ilarmon Wales kept the first hotel, in a building which now constitutes a part of the St. James IIotel, owned by Patkrick Lennon. The Kirkland House was put up soon after, just opposite the depot, by David Kirkland. This build- ing was burned in 1877, whereupon Mr. Kirkland at once erected the commo- dious and substantial brick structure which now occupies the site.

Besides those mentioned Humphrey Armstrong, Frank Armstrong, Charles Savage, William Lorton, John Cole, Mrs. Martha Wallace, I. E. Cobb, Wil- liam II. Barrow, Adam Chapman, Thos. McMahon, James Long, Hoff Bridges, and Dr. Veatch were early settlers.

In 1871, the Louisiana branch of the C. & A. R. R., which was built to con- nect the Jacksonville branch of that road, with Louisana, Missouri, and so furnish an outlet to the far west, was approaching completion, and the ques- tion where a connection should be made with the Jacksonville branch must be settled. A strong influence with the officers of the road was brought to bear in favor of Jacksonville as the place for the junction. White Ilall, however, was nearer the natural point, and since she had secured the crossing of the C. & A. with the Rock Island road, now began to consider herself foreordained for a railroad center. Meanwhile some of the more enterprising spirits at Rood- house conceived the idea that it would be a very nice thing if the junction could be secured for that town. The leading men of White Hall laughed at their presumption, and ridiculed the idea of an effort to build up a town out on the prairie. They considered it a foregone conclusion that White Hall was to swallow up all the surrounding villages, and laughed at the idea of lit- tle Roodhouse overcoming the wealth and influence of White Hall. But at a point then known as Dutch Mills, a few miles west of White Hall, the work came to a stand still until the location of the junction should be decided. The matter was earnestly discussed by lead- ing men of the new town, and finally a letter was sent to T. B. Blackstone, president of the road, asking what would be required to secure the junction at Roodhouse, and signed by John Rood- house, John T. Rawlings, J. M. Arm- strong, and Simmons & Thompson. The following reply was received:

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

"JOHN ROODHOUSE AND OTHERS-Gen- tlemen : I have received your letter of the --- , and carefully considered its contents, and ordered a survey to be made of the route which you have men- tioned, and if found as favorable as you seem to think, I will then give what in- formation you desire.

Respectfully yours, T. B. BLACKSTONE."

As soon as the survey commenced, White Hall became alarmed, and sent a delegation to Chicago to turn the current in her favor. Meantime a meeting was held in Mr. Rawlings' store at Rood- house, and a committee, consisting of John Roodhouse, John T. Rawlings, and E. M. Husted, was appointed to go to Chicago to see President Blackstone. In order to hasten their arrival they took a hand-car as far as Jacksonville, that they might catch an early train from that city. Here they were met by the assurance that White Hall had secured the prize, hut determined never- theless to hasten on to Chicago, in the hope it was not too late. An interview with President Blackstone developed the cheering fact that if the citizens of Roodhouse would secure for the road the right of way from the Illinois river to that town, and deed to the company 10 acres for depot grounds, within a week, the junction would be made at that point. On the return of these gen- tlemen, a subscription paper to secure funds for purchasing the right of way was at once drawn up. Messrs. Rood- house, Cobb, and J. T. Rawlings, each subscribed $1,000. Messrs. Simmons, Husted, Armstrong, and P. A. Rawlings each $500, G. W. Thompson, $250, and others like sums. Many persons of

very small property gave liberally, and the result was, that the road was secur- ed. E. M. Husted was president and treasurer of the committee to secure the right of way, and conducted this part of the enterprise with great skill.

After the road was secured, the growth of the town became very rapid, and one brick block after another was added, in the business portion of the town. Live business men came here to locate and engage in trade. So fast were the arri- vals, that it would be tedious and unnec- essary to follow each in the order of its succession; so we will let the history of the past give way to that of

THE PRESENT.

The dry goods store of Wm. H. Ains- worth, is located on the northwest cor- ner of the public square. He com- menced business here in 1881.

Strang & Murray, dealers in dry goods, etc., are situated at the north- west corner of the square. The busi- ness was established by Strang, Murray & Co., Oct. 8, 1883. In July, 1884, T. F. Williams entered the firm as partner, but, in two months, sold to Mr. Strang. Tho firm then took its present title.

J. W. Campbell's dry goods and gro- cery store is located on the northwest corner of the square. He began busi- ness in 1882.

E. 11. Sawyer, one of the most enter- prising merchants of Roodhouse, is the proprietor of two groceries. He started in the grocery business in 1876, and has niet with such liberal patronage that he found it necessary to add store after store to his business, now having the largest trade in the city. One store is located on the south side of Palm, be-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

tween Morse and East Railroad streets, the building being 22x54 feet. Here may be found a line of staple and fancy groceries, notions, stationery, etc., and also a stock of hardware, the total value being about $3,000. The other grocery is situated on the north side of the square and occupies two store rooms, each 22×50. In one room Mr. Sawyer carries a stock of flour and feed, and in the other groceries and queensware, invoicing about $1,500. This grocery was established in December, 1884, by E. H. and G. N. Sawyer, who still con- tinue in partnership.

E. H. Sawyer was born in Wolcott, N. Y., June 18, 1845, and is a son of Nathan and Loretta (Moore) Sawyer, the former a native of Windsor county, Vt., the latter of the state of New York. In 1858, his father came to Illinois, af- terward locating in Alton, where he died in August of the same year. In 1860, Mr. Sawyer came west, and lo- cated at Godfrey, where he remained some 13 years. He then removed to Greene county, where he was engaged as a salesman, for some four years, at the expiration of which time he engaged in his present business. In 1884, Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Phyllis Shields, a daughter of Frank and Maggie (Miller) Shields, natives of Scotland, who immigrated to America many years ago and are now residing in Greene county. In 1864, Mr. Sawyer enlisted in Co. D. 144th Ill. Inf., and served his country until the close of the war. He was promoted to the posi- tion of corporal during that time. After Lee's surrender, he was discharged at Springfield, and returned home. Mr. Sawyer is a member of the A. O. U. W.

and G. A. R. societies, and has held most of the offices in the gift of the lodges of which he is a member. He has also held the office of mayor of the city, and is one of our liberal public spirited citizens.

George N. Sawyer, the popular and enterprising grocer of Roodhouse, is a native of Oneida county, N. Y., born Nov. 18, 1839. He is a son of Nathan snd Loretta (Moore) Sawyer, natives of New York. Mrs. Sawyer's father built the first house ever erected in Rochester, N. Y. He was born in Ireland, from where he emigrated to America, locating in New York state. Nathan Sawyer came from Vermont, so that from Puri- tan and Irish ancestors, George N. has descended. His parents came to Illi- nois some time between the years 1859 and 1861, locating in Alton where his father practiced law for some years. He died there in 1870, and Mrs. Sawyer's death, which was caused by a railroad accident, occurred in 1872. George N. received his education in the schools of his native place, and from there subse- quently came to Madison county, Ill., where he was employed at farm work for a time. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. D, 10th Ill. Inf. under Col. James D. Morgan, and was in the service four years. He was promoted to the rank of a corporal against his wishes. He participated in all the battles in which hia regiment took part, that being some 34 severe engagements. At the close of the war he received his discharge at Chicago. He then came down to God- frey, where he obtained a situation in the store and postoffice, in which he contin- ued six years. In January, 1871, he came to Roodhouse, where he soon re-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

ceived an appointment as postmaster, which position he held 11 years. In the meantime he purehased a half interest in a general merchandise store, soon after becoming sole owner of the business which he conducted seven years. He then sold out and devoted his entire time and attention to the postoffice, until January, 1882, when he engaged in the insurance business for some two years, at the expiration of which time he went into the mercantile business with his brother, where he is still to be found, ever busy, and through courtesy, hon- esty and close attention the firm has se- cured a liberal patronage. In 1871, Mr. Sawyer was married to Denice P. Bre- ton, a native of Paris. She came to the United States with her parents in 1848. They located in St. Louis and there spent the balance of their days. By the above marriage there are five children- Fannie B., Helene D., Clara C., Lillie May and George. Mr. and Mrs. Saw- yer are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Sawyer is a member of White Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M., of White Hall lodge, No. 227, I.O.O. F., of the A. O. U. W., and G. A. R. socie- ties. He held the office of treasurer of the A. O. U. W. for three terms and of Master, for two terms, and has held most of the offices of the various societies to which he belongs. He has also been treasurer of the township board, of which he was a member. He is a liberal, pub- lic spirited man, and is generally re- spected.

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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 134

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