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 135

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 135

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The grocery store of Cyrus W. Shep- pard is on Palm street. He commenced in 1881.

Heaton & Dill are proprietors of a family grocery store, on the north side

of the square. The business was estab- lished in 1884.

W. J. Ferguson commenced the gro- cery trade in Roodhouse, in 1855. He is located in a building near the north- west corner of the public square.

Robert Craig commenced the grocery and queensware business here in April, 1885, and is located on the north side of the publie square.

L. A. English is the proprietor of a grocery store on the west side of the square. . He commenecd business in 1875.

The grocery store of G. P. Leighton, on the west side of the public square, was established in July, 1885.

Brickey & Watson carry a stock of groceries in their establishment, on the north side of the public square. They began business Sept. 1, 1885.

R. B. & W. A. Thompson carry on the grocery trade, and are also proprie- tors of the Roodhouse creamery. The former business was established by W. A. Thompson, in 1880, and in 1881, the firm assumed its present composition. In 1884 they erected a creamery.

John P. Slaten carries on the drug business for Dr. A. J. Bruner, in his store on Clay street. The business was established by Dr. Bruner, in Jan., 1881, and there has been no change in ownership since that time. The build- ing is of brick, two stories high, and 22×50 feet in ground size. The stock carried, consists of drugs, patent medi- cines, cigars, tobaccos, druggists' sun- dries, ete., etc., and will invoice about $2,500. Mr. Slaten attends to the busi- ness in a highly satisfactory manner.

John P. Slaten, Sr .. deceased was born near Newbern, Jersey county, at the

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

old Slaten homestead. His parents were George W. and Sementine Slaten, who are still living in Jersey county, in the same locality where they were early settlers, and where John, Sr., was raised. He resided with his parents until he was married to Mary Spalding, also a native of Jersey county. By this marriage he had one child-John P., who now con- ducts the drug business in Roodhouse. When the war came on Mr. Slaten en- listed in Co. K, 97th Ill. Inf., being mustered in at Springfield, and served with his regiment until reaching Louis- iana, and while on duty in that state, he was killed in a railroad collision between Algiers and Brashear eity. His remains werc returned to his family, and now Jie buried at the Salem cemetery, within a half mile of the place of his birth.

John P. Slaten, Jr., was born Dec. 12, 1862, at the same place where his father was born-the old Slaten homestead, Mississippi township, Jersey county, five miles from Grafton. His father, John P., Sr., was a member of an early settler's family. Our subject was reared and received his education in that vicinity. They moved to Woodville, Greene county, where he clerked in a store; after remaining there some time, they went to Carrollton, and 18 months later eame to Roodhouse, where he en- gaged in the drug business, carrying on the trade for his step-father, Dr. Bruner. At the election for municipal officers, held April 21, 1885, he was elected treasurer of the eity. Ile is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and has been the lodge secretary, and is also a member of the J. P' Slaten, Sr., Camp, No. 27, Sons of Veterans, which eamp was named in honor of his father; he is

one of the charter members, and holds the position of first lieutenant.

Dr. James W. Hosman, the druggist on Palm street, also carries a line of school supplies. He began here in 1876.

William Gerbing has a meat market on Palm street. He commenced busi- ness in 1882.

The meat market of Edward Scruby & Co., on Morse street, was established in 1884.

Smith & Epstein, clothiers, are lo- eated on Morse street. They com- meneed business in 1883.

The clothing store of M. S. Good is located on the west side of the public square. This business was established in 1875.

Wm. Hyndman conducts an estab- lishment on the corner of Palm and Morse streets, for the sale of elothing and gent's furnishing goods, notions, boots, shoes, ete., in which he carries a stoek that will invoice $5,000. He com- meneed the business here in 1883, and occupies a brick building, 20x60 feet in size.

William Hyndman, the prosperous and reliable clothier of this city, is a native of Scotland. He was born June 21, 1861. and is the eldest son of Thomas and Mary (Hunter) Hyndman, natives of Scotland. In 1863 they left their native country, to make their home in Canada, where they resided for some years. Later on, they came to Alton, Ill., where they lived a short time. Business at this time being brisk in Louisiana, Mo., they removed there, and subsequently, to Roodhouse, in 1879, where they are located at the present time. Thomas Hyndman has charge of

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

the blacksmith shop of the C. & A. R. R. Co., at this point. William se- cured the principal part of his education in the Louisiana schools. Upon the re- moval of his father's family to Rood- house. he entered the shops, as his father's assistant, and remained an em- ploye of the road long enough to acquire a small capital, with which he deter- mined to invest in business speculation. Mr. Hyndman was united in the bonds of matrimony, to Beena J. Rushworth, Sept. 25, 1884. Miss Rushworth was born in Bloomington, Ill. She made her home at Alton, with her uncle and aunt, Mr. Benjamin Rushworth and wife, until her marriage. She received her education in the Alton high school, and, at the age of 15, she removed to Roodhouse, with her uncle's family. Being tendered a position in the public school, she entered, as primary teacher, which position she held five years. She is a member of the C. P. church, of Roodhouse. Mr. and Mrs. Hyndman are the parents of one child-Daisy. Mr. Hyndman, although young, has a good talent for business, and his success thus far, has been most marked. His honest dealing and amiable manner are well deserving of a liberal patronage from our citizens.

E. S. Bundy, furniture dealer, began business in 1882.

Freeto & Bender, hardware dealers, are on the west side of the square. The business was established in 1875, by Freeto & Bullard. The present firm was constituted in April, 1885.

Wm. Simms, shoemaker, is located on the west side of Railroad street. He commenced here in 1884.

John Allen Kammerer carries on the

trade of boot and shoe making, on Palm street. He began in 1878.

Samuel Hendricks. harness-maker on Morse street, began business in 1879.

Carl Auberer has a bakery on Palm street. He has been in the business since 1875.

The millinery business is represented by-Mrs. Craig, who began in 1885; Miss M. A. Park, who commenced in April, 1881; Miss Mary Clark, who opened in the same year; and Mrs. M. A. Wood, whose initial business was done in 1882.

The blacksmithing industry finds an exponent in W. H. Taylor.

James Madden is another son of Vul- can. He commeneed in 1884.

A. D. Ruyle has been in the wagon- making business since 1880.

The news depot and candy store at the postoffice is conducted by W. C. Roodhouse, who commenced the busi- ness in 1882. He has a neat stock, and has a paying run of business.

Hal C. Worcester, the enterprising young lumber merchant of Roodhouse, established this business here in 1881. He entered into partnership with his father, Judge L. E. Worcester, of White Hall, under the name of H. C. Wor- cester & Co., they being the successors of Worcester & Bundy. The firm are now doing a heavy business, which fact is undoubtedly due to the energetic, at- tentive efforts of the manager.

Hal C. Worcester was born in White Hall, III., Nov. 26, 1859, and is a son of Judge L. E. and Luthera (Ladd) Worcester, the former a native of Ver- mont, the latter of Greene county. Hal C. received his education in the schools of this county, and immediately engaged in the lumber business, in

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

which he has since continued. He now carries a stock of oils, paints, cement, lime, etc .; also, pumps and agricultural implements of all kinds. Mr. Wor- cester is a member of the K. of P. lodge.

The livery stable of Gilmore & Ash, on the south side of the square, was built in 1878, by Carey Shaw, who con- ducted it about two years, when G. W. Colclaugh purchased it, and ran it three years. Jan. 2, 1884, T. H. Buriell and Jesse Ash purchased it, and continued until Sept., 1885, when W. P. Gilmore bought out the interest of T. H. Buri- ell, and the firm is now Gilmore & Ash. This firm is running a first-class, well equipped livery stable. They also deal in stock, buying and selling.

William P. Gilmore, one of the genial proprietors of the above livery stable, was born in Greene county, Ill., May 31, 1846. He is a son of John M. and Rachel (Stogdon) Gilmore, natives of Tennessee. They came to Greene county as early as 1828, and were here married. John M. was engaged in farming. He died in 1883. His widow is a resident of this city. William received his edu- cation in the common schools, and sub- sequently engaged in farming, until he was 35 years of age. He then moved to town, but continued the handling of stock and has carried it on ever since, part of the time in connection with other business. He took stock in a bank some years since, and was for a year and a half cashier of that institu- tion. In 1882, Mr. Gilmore was elected and served three years as county com- missioner of Greene county. He now owns two fine farins, one containing 200 acres, the other 562 acres. Though hav-

ing been in several kinds of business since coming here, he has always dealt considerably in stock, and but recently purchased the livery stable which he now manages. In 1866, he was married to Cassinda Barnett, a daughter of Wil- liam and Cassinda (Peters) Barnett, na- tives of Pennsylvania. They came to Greene county some years ago, and here William died, in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore have had eight children born to them, four of whom are now living- Anna C., Alma, Harry and Gertie. Those deceased are-Francis W., Fred- die, Maggie and Effie. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore and their daughter Anna are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Gilmore has been a member of the I. O. O. F. since 1868.

The livery stable of Sawyer & Knight is located on the north side of East Palm street. Mr. Sawyer and M. Pat- terson commenced the business in 1872. In two years Mr. Patterson sold out to his partner, who continued the business alone until 1880, when he took James M. Cobb into partnership. They bought out Wiley Gilmore, and continued to- gether about two years, when F. L. Knight purchased Mr. Cobb's interest, and the present firm was formed.

Lyman B. Fetter conducts a shop for the repair of watches and jewelry, on the east side of Morse street. He com- menced business in Dec., 1884.

W. F. Huge, merchant tailor, is lo- cated in a comfortable building, near the postoffice. He established his bus- iness here in 1883.

EDUCATIONAL.

The first school in Roodhouse was a private affair, taught by Lydia F. Swal- low, who began in 1865.

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY. 1139

The first school building was erected in 1868. It was a frame building, 26x36, and cost about $1,000. It is now used as a residence. The schools were not then graded.

The building at present used for edu- cational purposes is a three-story, brick structure, 75x75 feet in ground area. It was erected in 1877, at a cost of $6,000. The principals of the school from that time to the present have been: N. M. Mccullough, H. M. Anderson, Miss A. E. Lemon, Wm. M. Berry, W. J. Rob- erts, D. K. Starkey, L. W. Colwell and H.E.Starkey, the present principal. The first diploma was issued under the principalship of Mr. Roberts, to Jessie Shield. The school has about 500 scholars, and is in a highly prosperous condition. The corps of teacher is as follows: Principal, H. E. Starkey; assistants, Jessie Shields, Emma John- son, Mattie Young, Eva Cherry, Dora Johnson and Mamie Wieser. They have all done their best to increase the efficiency of the school.

The Oriental Laundry was started in 1884, by J. L. Boggess, who sold to Mrs. Sarah Gilson, June, 1885.

HOTELS.

The Phoenix hotel, located opposite the C. & A. passenger depot, is the principal hostelry of Roodhouse. Its erection was begun and completed in 1884, and it was opened Oct. 4, of that year. Though of frame construction, it is substantially built, and presents a very handsome and imposing appear- ance. It is three stories in height, and covers an area of 55x120 feet. It has a billiard room, sample rooms, a fine office and dining room, culinary rooms,

55 sleeping rooms, and can accommo- date, comfortably, 110 guests. The cost of the building was $10,000, and the furniture added $4,000 more to the ex- pense. Nothing is lacking to add to the comfort of the guests of the house.

F. M. Bateman, the present proprietor of the Phoenix hotel, was born in Au- rora, Ill., July 18, 1852. He is a son of H. M. and Mary M. (Warner) Bateman, the former a native of New York, and the latter of Ohio. His parents were engaged in farming, at Aurora, until Mr. Bateman was about six years of age, when they moved to Decatur. Ill., where they engaged in the restaurant business. They remained there eight years, when they removed to Bloomington, where Mr. Bateman and his father continued in the restaurant business, at the same time running a hotel, until 1878. He and his father then took charge of the Phænix hotel at that place, and also bought the dining room and lunch counter at Bloom- ington. His father still continues in charge of them, and also has charge of the Hotel Madison, at Alton, Ill. Mr. Bateman sold out his interest in the bus- iness at Bloomington, in 1880, and came to Roodhouse, where he bought the din- ing room and lunch counter, at the C. & A. depot, from E. C. Swan, Sr. He gave his entire attention to this business, until 1882, when he purchased the hotel formerly known as the Dacy House, from its owner, David Kirkland. This building was consumed by fire, in March, 1884, and Mr. Bateman then erected the present fine commodious building, since known as the Phoenix hotel. This he now conducts, in connection with the business at the C. & A. depot, previously mentioned. Oct. 9, 1880, Mr. Bateman

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

was united in marriage, at Bloomington, with Helen L. Budlong, a daughter of Albert and Sarah (Fairbanks) Budlong. This marriage has been blessed with two children-Bernice and Alice. Mr. and Mrs. Bateman are members of the See- ond Presbyterian church, of Blooming- ton, with which they united while they were residents of that city. Mr. Bate- man is a member of Worcester lodge, No. 113, K. of P., of Roodhouse. His political views are republican. By elose attention to business, and by his genial and obliging disposition, Mr. Bateman has secured the liberal patron- age of the traveling public, who are sat- isfied with nothing but the best, of which they are assured, by a visit to this excel- lent and flourishing hotel.

The Kirkland House is a brick struc- ture, which stands on the site of one destroyed by fire. In the fall of 1871, David Kirkland commenced the con- struction of a frame hotel building, and finished it the following spring. It was the first hotel in the city. It contained 22 rooms, and was two and one-half stories in height. It was destroyed by fire, Sept. 6, 1876, and soon the present building was commenced. In height it has two stories and a mansard, making three floors devoted to hotel purposes. The building is on Railroad street.

Ilcuberger's restaurant is finely lo- cated on Clay street, second door west of the postoffice, in a new briek build- ing, two stories in height, and 20x60 feet in ground area. On the first floor is a well lighted and pleasant office, a dining room 30 feet long, and back of that the kitchen, all of which are fur- nished with first class accommodations. The second story has nine sleeping

apartments in it. This building was erected by Mr. Ileuberger in 1885. Previous to moving into his present commodious quarters, Mr. Heuberger had carried on business on Palm street for about 13 years.

Joseph Heuberger, the well known proprietor of the above restaurant, be- gan business here in 1872, and has been feeding the hungry ever since. He is a native of Switzerland, and was born May 11, 1843. He is a son of Joseph Jacob and Anna Marie (Schupp) Heu- berger, both of whom died in their na- tive country, Switzerland. Joseph was educated in his native country, and there learned the trade of a litho- grapher. He was six months in the Papal army, and participated in the battle of Perugia, where he was taken prisoner and sent back to Switzerland. He then learned the trade of a barber, in which business he continued for four years. In 1863, he left his home, sailed across the ocean, and emigrated as far west as Jacksonville, where he worked four weeks and then enlisted in Co. C, 6th Ill. Cav., and served during the war. Mr. Heuberger was in the regi- mental band, and, when Forrest made his raid into Memphis, he took four of his men and went out to meet him, and by so doing, checked the approach of Forrest for some twenty minutes, which saved the camp and kept Forrest from entering the city. He lost only one man in his stand while engaged in the fight. He fired ninety-three shots, and says he took good aim. Capt. Forrest, a brother of Gen. Forrest, was mortally wounded in the fight. Mr. Heuberger was discharged in Alabama, and re- turned to Jacksonville, Ill. In Janu-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

ary, 1867, he went to Scott county, and remained four years, and, in 1870, came to Greene county, and in the same year was married to Anna Chaffner, a native of Prussia. By this marriage, there are two children living-Sophia and Katie. Mr. Heuberger is a member of the I. O. O. F. All his undertakings have inet with such success that he accumu- lated enough to erect the fine brick building previously mentioned.

The Globe hotel was built in 1882, by Roodhouse & Patterson, and was run as a hotel by Clark Bros., for one year, when they were succeeded by William Scott, the present landlord. The build- ing is brick, two stories high, the main portion being 24x75 feet in dimensions, to which an addition, 16x24 feet, was built, There is a basement under the whole building. It contains 23 rooms.

The Delmonico restaurant, Mrs. D. C. McIver, proprietress, is a first-class in- stitution. It is located on the north side of the square.

The St. Elmo restaurant is on Palm street. It was opened in June, 1885, by R. C. Hastings, the present proprietor.

ROODHOUSE BANK.

The financial institution which bears the above name holds a high rank among the commercial enterprises of Greene county. Its history dates back to 1874,in which year it was established by G. W. Armstrong. He started it in connection with his store, and the only indication of a bank, at that time, was the safe, as Mr.Armstrong at first trans- acted such business only for the accom- modation of customers. His business in this line gradually increased until,in 1876, a company was organized, com-

posed of G. W. Armstrong, E. M. Hus- ted and W. H. Barrow, with E. M. Husted as president. No changes were made in the composition of the company until Aug., 1883, when W. P. Gilmore was admitted to membership. Mr. Gilmore had been cashier of the Farmers' & Drovers' Bank, and his con- nection with the Roodhouse Bank dates from the time this institution bought out the Farmers' & Drovers' Bank. Mr. E. M. Husted was then again chosen president, which position he still holds. The other officers of the bank are: W. H. Barrow, cashier; C. T. Bates, assist- ant cashier; Harrie G. Moore, book- keeper. The capital stock of the bank is held in equal amounts by Messrs. Husted, Armstrong, Barrow and Gil- more. These gentlemen are all solid men of Greene county, and their bank has a high standing in financial circles. The resources of the bank consist of the entire worth of the stockholders, and the institution is known as a private bank.

When the Roodhouse bank was re-or- ganized, in 1876, they erected a building on East Palm street, which they occu- pied until August, 1883, at which time they purchased their present building from John Roodhouse and James L. Pat- terson. Its size is 24x60 feet in dimen- sions, two-stories in height. The bank is supplied with two time-lock safes, one of Diebold, Norris & Co.'s make, and one of McNeal & Urban's make. This building is very neatly finished and furnished. The ceiling and walls are papered with highly ornamented paper, being first canvased and papered over, which makes a very bright, flashy ap- pearance. The counter is highly orna-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

mented, and taking everything all in all, this is the finest furnished building in the city.

Edward Manferd Husted, among the prominent, representative citizens of Roodhouse, is a native of Addison county, Vt. He was born Sept. 9, 1830, and is a son of Lyman and Emily (Den- ison) Husted, natives of Vermont. Ly- man was engaged in farming during life. When Edward was but four years of age his mother died, leaving four chil- dren, of whom he was the third. His father married again, and in 1836 emi- grated west, coming by way of Chicago on water, and from there to Greene county via the Illinois river. They lo- cated on Apple Creek Prairie, arriving there on the 24th of June, 1836. Ly- man then took teams and returned to Chicago after his freight, an action which seems quite marvelous at the present day. While on the trip home he took the bilious fever, and in a few days after his return to Apple Creek, was called to his last home. Edward M. was educated in the common schools of this county, and was afterward cn- gaged in farming for many years. He still owns some 800 acres of land which he manages still. The farm lies adjoin- ing the city and it is one of the finest cultivated in the county, being thor- oughly hedged and also tile-drained. He has given much attention to the raising of stock and grain. His resi- denee is situated in the north part of the city, adjoining the farm, and is a handsome one, its surroundings show- ing the taste of its owner. In 1877, Mr. Husted was elected president of the Roodhouse Bank, and has since contin- ued in that position. He has been ac-

tively connected with every important interest in this part of the county. He was for several years justice of the peace and has held several minor offices. To him may be given much credit in getting the Kansas City branch of the C. & A. R. R. here. He has by much labor and good management acquired a competency, and, being blessed with good health, lives to enjoy his hard earnings. In 1850, Mr. Husted was united in marriage with Harriet M. Swallow, a daughter of Guy and Kath- erine (Bonnister) Swallow, natives of Vermont. By this union there was three children, two of whom are now living-Effie C., wife of A. J. Lee, of Carthage, Ill .; and Edgar M., now living at the old homestead. The one deceased is Emma. In the summer of 1864, Mrs. Husted died and Mr. Husted was again married, in 1865, to Augusta C. Bonnis- ter, daughter of Elisha and Olive (Hale) Bonnister, both of whom are now de- ceased. Her father was killed by a train, June 20, 1882. Her mother died in August, 1885, and both lie side by side in their long resting place. Mr. Husted is a member of the White Hall Hall lodge, No. 80, A. F. & A. M., of Carrollton chapter, No. 50 and of Hugh de Payen commandery, No. 29. He is, altogether, one of our most liberal- minded citizens.

INSURANCE.

The Great Western Workingmen's Mutual Aid Association was organized in 1882, and passed into the hands of the present strong management in 1884. As now constituted the officers are as follows: George W. Armstrong, presi- dent; T. M. Bates, vice president; W.

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

H. Barrow, general superintendent; E. M. Husted, general agent; C. T. Bates, treasurer; L. H. Clampit, medical di- rector; C. C. Van Doren, secretary. Those officers also constitute the board of directors. Nov. 7, 1885, occurred a change, which will be very beneficial to the old as well as the new members. It consists of consolidating the several classes and divisions so as to make the assessments uniform. The plan has been submitted to some of the best insurance companies of the state and elsewhere, and has been approved and commended by all. In the first year of the present company's management, the business has been very large and showed great increase over previous figures. The general office is in the Armstrong block, on Palm street, which is well fitted up for such a purpose. The office room is 22×60 feet in size. The company is a substantial one and decidedly a credit to the city of Roodhouse.

George W. Armstrong, one of the representative citizens of this city, is a native of Ellsworth, Me., and was born March 29, 1813. Ile is a son of John and Isabella (Atwell) Armstrong, na- tives of Boyhill, county Fermanaugh, Ireland. They left their native isle and sailed for America, in 1836, and came to Boston. Mr. Armstrong was employed in a tannery there, where he learned the trade. From that city they moved to Maine, and he there was em- ployed in the same occupation four years, and then engaged in farming until 1868, when he moved to Illinois, since which time he has retired from active labor. He is now a resident of this city. George W. was educated in the public schools of Maine, and

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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 135

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