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 59

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 59

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There are a number of fine and sub- stantial brick buildings to be seen upon the business thoroughfares, and many costly church edifices and handsome residences in other parts of the city. An abundance of trees adorn the streets, which, in summer, afford a grateful shade, and enhance the beauty of the place. The location is healthy; the in- habitants of a class possessing rare in- telligence and culture, and hospitable to the greatest degree; and the society of the most refined and desirable character.

EARLY HISTORY.

On the question as to who was the first settler within the present limits of Jerseyville, and the exact place of loca- tion, there has been considerable dis pute. But a thorough investigation of the subject, with all the testimony bearing on the point, leaves no room for further doubt.

In 1822, John Ballard settled near the middle of the west line of the northwest quarter of section 21, and there built a cabin. This cabin has been destroyed for over half a century, and the place where it once stood is now surrounded by an apple orchard. The place be- longs to the widow of Abijah Davis, and is occupied by her and the family of her son-in-law, Nathaniel L. Kirby, as a residence property. For a long time after the old house had fallen to decay, a pile of stones, which had formed the

fire-place and chimney, and a little hil- lock, marked the site; but now there is not a mark of any kind to indicate the place where stood the first house of the fair city of Jerseyville.

Ballard was a typical pioneer, and was one of those who longed to be in ad- vance of civilization. He was, in ac- cordance with his backwoods training, of a superstitious nature, and he is remembered by some of the early resi- dents for the charms he would some- times wear to ward off "bad luck." At an early shooting match-a kind of pas- time indulged in at that time-he wore his vest wrong side out, and held tight to his gun all day, giving as a reason, on being questioned, that such was ne- cessary to enable him to win the prize. He left this location in 1825, removed to a point north of Jerseyville, on a creek, which took the name of Ballard's branch, but which is now known as Dorsey's branch. He remained at this place only a short time. Nothing is known by the early settlers, now surviv- ing, of Ballard's movements after leav- ing this region.

James Falkner, who had been living on section 31, in what is now Jersey township, came up and bought Ballard's Hickory Grove place in 1826, before the latter left it. He came up with his family, and took possession of the house. In 1827 he built what was known as the "Red House," which stood on the site of P. D. Cheney's ele- gant residence, on North State street. He then removed to this house. Hle left in 1830, going to Quincy, Ill. From there he removed to a tract of land on the "Platte purchase," near St. Joseph, Mo., where he died, in 1840. Andrew

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Sweeney and James Hamilton were the constructors of the "Red House."

A. L. Carpenter came to this place in 1830, and bought the "Red House" and other property from Falkner. When the town was laid out, in 1834, Carpen- ter was running the "Red House" tav- ern, and keeping stage station. Car- penter was from the state of Ohio. He removed to Macoupin county in 1839, Carpenter resided here about a year be- fore entering any land, which he event- ually did, on section 20.

N. L. Adams came to the present site of Jerseyville in Jan., 1833. He was a native of Windham county, Vt., born Feb. 3, 1796. lle was the son of Levi and Dolly Adams, both natives of Massa- chusetts. He was married and settled here on a farm in the south part of the city of Jerseyville. Ile followed various occupations, but made farming his principal business. He built the first steam mill in Jerseyville, in 1849, which had two run of buhrs, and, at the time of its completion, was considered the best in this part of the state. When he came here there was only one family living at Hickory Grove-that of A. L. Carpenter-Ballard and Falkner having moved away ere this.

The name of Hickory Grove attached to the little settlement in the early days, and even after the name of Jer- seyville was formally given, many of the old settlers were in the habit of speak- ing of it by its old appellation.

Lindsey H. English entered 40 acres of the land on which Jerseyville now stands, and in 1831, disposed of it to John Evans, of Carrollton, for $80, thus losing on the investment. Evans sold

this tract, in the spring of 1834, to Jon- athan W. Lott and Edward M. Daley, for $475. These gentlemen laid off a town on this tract, on the Ist of Oct., 1834. Lott was a New Jersey man, and when the question of naming the town was raised, he proposed that of Jersey- ville. A number of other names were offered by others interested, but so strong was Lott in his preference for a name in honor of his state, that "Jer- seyville" was agreed upon as its final appellation. Invitations to be present on this occasion were sent out to the farmers of the surrounding country, and nine of them were present, inelud- ing Col. Murray Cheney. Refreshments of a liquid nature were partaken of by those present who indulged in that form of pleasure. The place of procuring those beverages was at the old Red House. A. L. Carpenter, the occupant, kept a sort of tavern in the house, and across the stage road was the barn, for the accommodation of the stage horses. Mrs. Carpenter was not a believer in anything stronger than tansy for other than medicinal purposes, but this did not prevent her liege lord from having a moderate supply of something more ardent in the stable. And here, travel- ers were accustomed to get something to drink, as did those gathered on the oc- casion mentioned.

In the summer of 1834, Rescarrick and Enos Ayres came to the site of the new town, and the former, in company with Messrs. Lott and Daley, purchased 40 acres of land from A. L. Carpenter.

Enos Ayres, one of those mentioned, is now a resident of Chicago. Like Mr. Lott, the Ayres were from New Jersey, and, with him, they were in favor of the

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

name of Jerseyville. Col. Daley was from New York.

George W. Burke, now the oldest liv- ing resident among the old settlers of the town, came to that point in 1834 and located. A sketch of this gentleman is given in another place.

Soon after the survey was completed, Lott and Daley erected a building and started a store, which was the first in the town. Horatio N. Belt was the builder of this store. The firm did not continue long in the mercantile busi- ness, however, for, in 1835, they dis- posed of their stock of goods to George Collins and Benjamin Yates, who car- ried on the general merchandise busi- ness for several years, under the firm name of Collins & Yates.

Adam Clendennen and Edward Coles started a small store about 1837, but aft- erwards closed out the business.

The selection of Jerseyville as the county seat, on the setting off of the county, in 1839, gave a great impetus to its growth, and from that time to the present, its growth has been steady and substantial.

The first blacksmith to start a black- smith shop in Jerseyville was George W. Burke. He came here in 1834, find- ing at that time but six families. He has remained ever since, and has lived to see a prosperous city grow out of what was then scarcely a hamlet.

The second representative in this line was Stephen Herron, who commenced business in the latter part of 1835. He afterward removed to Grafton, and later died there.

The next blacksmith in Jerseyville was John M. Smith, who located here in 1836. He was born in Monmouth county,

N. J., Jan. 5, 1811. Ile came to White llall, Ill., in 1835, and worked at his trade there until coming to Jerseyville. In 1841 he removed to a farm east of the city, retiring from the further pursuit of his trade.

PRESENT BUSINESS INTERESTS.

The dry goods interest is prominently represented by B. C. VanDervoort. The business was established in 1859, in a frame building which stood on the pres- ent site of J. C. Darby's grocery store. He continued business at that place un- til 1867, when he erected his present edifice. It is built of brick, is 25x85 feet in ground area, and cost $7,500. At the time of changing the location, I. W. Beardslee came in as a part proprietor, remaining in the firm about three years, when he retired. Since that time Mr. Van Dervoort has been sole proprietor. He handles staple and fancy dry goods, carpets, curtains, boots and shoes, etc. His stock is valued at about $10,000.

B. C. VanDervoort, one of the leading dry goods merchants of Jerseyville, is a native of Somerset county, N. J., and was born Dec. 29, 1821. His parents were Benjamin and Anna (Ten Eyek) VanDervoort. The subject of this sketch was brought up upon a farm, and educated in the common schools. On attaining his majority he left the farm and went to Patterson, N. J., where he commenced mercantile life, as clerk in the store of his brother, with whom he continued seven years as clerk, then became a partner in the firm, and remained there until 1858. In that year he removed to Jerseyville, Ill. Here he at first purchased a farm, upon which he lived less than two years.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

In 1859 he abandoned farming and established his present business. Mr. VanDervoort was married in 1852, to Phebe Ann Beardslee, a native of Sussex county, N. J., where their mar- riage took place. Mr. and Mrs. Van- Dervoort are the parents of three chil- dren, only one of whom is now living- Emma J., wife of George F. Edgar. One died at the age of 12, and the other at the age of 18 years. Mr. and Mrs. VanDervoort are members of the First Presbyterian church. Ile is a republi- can in politics, and was a delegate to the state republican convention in 1856.

Smith & Warren, dealers in dry goods, notions, boots and shoes, etc., commenced business Sept. 9, 1881, and continued till April, 1882, when J. K. Smith, of the firm, died. The stock is valued at about $15,000, and occupies a store-room 25x85 feet, in the new brick block of G. W. Herdman.

Mark A. Warren, son of Hon. George E. and Hattie S. (Allen) Warren, was born near Jerseyville, III., Dec. 8, 1851. He remained with his parents until he attained his majority, being reared upon a farm. He was educated in the coun- try and city schools of Jersey county, and subsequently took a course at the business college at Jacksonville. He then, in the fall of 1872, began his bus- iness career as clerk in the dry goods store of Lovell & Smith, with whom he continued one year. The firm then dis- solved partnership, and Mr. Warren became associated in business with Henry Lovell, his brother-in-law and former employer. They carried on the dry goods business about three years. At the expiration of that time, Mr. War- ren withdrew from the firm and returned

to the employ of J. Knox Smith, who, soon afterwards, on account of failing health, sold the business to F. W. Smith & Co., for whom Mr. Warren clerked till Sept., 1880. At that date he formed a partnership with J. Knox Smith, and again engaged in the dry goods business, the firm being Smith & Warren. They occupied a store on the old Herdman corner. In April, 1882, Mr. Smith died, but his widow contin- ued to hold his interest in the business. In November, 1884, the store was de- stroyed by fire, and they carried on bus- iness in a small building till September, 1885, when they moved into a new store built by G. W. Herdman. They now carry a full and complete stock of dry goods, boots and shoes, and gents' fur- nishing goods. Mr. Warren was mar- ried in Sept., 1874, to Gracie Ferguson, of Jerseyville. They are the parents of two children-Fay and Harry. Mr. Warren is a republican in politics, but has no political aspirations, preferring to devote his time to business. The firm of Smith & Warren has an exten- sive trade, and conducts one of the lead- ing dry goods establishments of the city.

Trepp, Schmieder & Co. are leading dealers in dry goods, clothing, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc. The business was established by Gustav Trepp and Charles Schmieder, in Oct., 1882. In April, 1884, Renjamin Barnett was taken into the partnership, making the present firm. They have a large store, well stocked, and are known as enterprising business men.

Charles Schmieder was born in Ichen- heim, Baden, Sept. 5, 1852. His parents, John and Magdalena Schmieder,

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

resided upon a farm. Charles attended school until 13 years of age, then spent three years at college, receiving a lib- eral education. He then began his business career as a clerk in a general store. In June. 1871, he came to the United States, and settled in Jersey- ville, Jersey county, Ill., where he re- mained one year, engaged in clerking in a dry goods store. He then went to New York city, and there resided nine years. At the expiration of that period he returned to Jerseyville, and in partnership with Gustav Trepp, established their present business. Mr. Schmieder was married in New York city, in 1876, to Otelia Molinet, a native of that city. They have one daughter -Theresa. Mr. Schmieder is a member of the German Catholic church. His parents came to the United States in the fall of 1871, and settled near Fiel- don, in this county, upon a farm, where they still live. They have, besides the subject of this sketch, two other chil- dren-Joseph, a farmer, of Piasa town- ship, and Theresa, the wife of Peter Blaeser.

Among the prominent dealers in dry goods, notions, etc., in the city is the firm of D. G. and H. N. Wyckoff.

David G. Wyckoff, son of John and Eleanor (Gray) Wyckoff, was born in Schoharie county, N. Y., May 5, 1812. At the age of 14 years he went to the city of New York, where he learned the tailor's trade. He was married at Newark, N. J., in 1833, to Phebe Eliza Bonnell, a native of New York city. | Four years later he came to Illinois, and settled in what is now Jersey county, locating at Delhi, where he fol- lowed his trade till about 1840. He

then came to Jerseyville and continued working at his trade until 1849, and dur- ing the time also carried on merchant tailoring. At that time he formed a partnership with John E. Rundle, and established a general mercantile busi- ness, of which, in 1850, he became sole proprietor, and continued the same until Oct., 1865. His son, Horatio N. Wyckoff then became his part- ner, since which time the firm has been known as D. G. & H. N. Wyc- koff. They carry a full and complete stock of dry goods, boots and shoes. Mr. Wyckoff abandoned the grocery trade in 1861. The store is located on the same ground on which he located in 1843. The present building is the third built upon the same site, and was erect- ed in 1871. It is a brick structure, 17x53 feet in dimensions, and two stories in height. During the present year, 1885, another building is being erected near the first, of still more commodious dimensions, it being 25x75 feet. Mrs. Wyckoff died in 1851, leaving six chil- dren-Catherine E., Horatio N., Mary A., George E., Cornelia J. and Francis E.

Horatio N. Wyckoff is a native of Sussex connty, N. J., born June 29, 1836. He is a son of David G. Wyckoff. He came to Illinois with his parents when one year old, and has since that time bech a resident of Jersey county. In 1857 he commenced the study of law, under the tuition of A. L. Knapp, and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. He practiced his profession four years, at the expiration of which time he became a partner in his father's business. Oc- tober 2, 1866, Mr. Wyckoff was mar- ried to Elizabeth VanDorn, of New

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Jersey. They have four children living -Nellie G., Mary A., David A. and Theresa E. The firm of D. G. & H. N. Wyckoff is well known as being enter- prising and perfectly reliable, and is one of the oldest business houses in the city of Jerseyville.

Leon Engel is a leading representa- tive of the trade in clothing, gents' fur- nishing goods, hats and caps, etc. He commenced business Sept. 15, 1880, and has enjoyed prosperity in his trade. His salesroom has an area of 20x50 feet, in which he carries a stock that would invoice 88,000.

Leon Engel, a merchant of Jerseyville, was born in Prussia in 1858, being a son of Henry and Rachel (Harmetz) Engel, both natives of Prussia. Leon received a good education in the old country, and resided there until he was 20 years of age. In 1878 he came to America, land- ing at Boston, Mass., where he remained five weeks. He then went to St. Louis, Mo., and engaged as clerk in a gents' furnishing goods store, remaining in that city 15 months. At the end of that time he went to Carrollton, Greene county, Ill., where for 10 months he clerked in a clothing store. Sept. 15, 1880, he came to Jerseyville, and opened a clothing and gents' furnishing goods store, on Main street, which business he still continues. He is a genial and pleasant gentleman, and since coming here has built up a good and constantly increasing trade.

The Golden Fleece clothing and gents' furnishing goods store was opened in 1881, with James Levy as manager, in the store formerly occupied by Frank Smith. They carry a large stock of goods in the lines mentioned.

The clothing and boot and shoe busi- ness of S. A. Holmes, on the southwest corner of State and Pearl streets, was established by Conkling & Lipe, in 1869. In 1874, Mr. Conkling sold his interest to S. A Holmes, the firm thus becoming Lipe & Holmes. In 1884, S. A. Holmes became sole proprietor.

H. Scheffer & Son, dealers in boots and shoes, occupy two store rooms on North State street. The business was established in March, 1880, by the pres- ent firm. Besides their selling depart- ment, they also have a custom shop, in which boots and shoes of all grades are made to order. The latter department was instituted in 1860, by H. Scheffer. The salesroom has a floor area of 18x55 feet, while the shop has a frontage of 10 feet, and a depth of 40. A large stock of goods in this line is kept on hand, which will invoice $7,000.

H. Scheffer, boot and shoe dealer, was born in Prussia, April 20. 1827, his parents being Frederick and Eliza- beth (Kotter) Scheffer. At the age of 14 he was apprenticed to learn the shoe- maker's trade, and served three years, after which he followed his trade until he attained his majority, then entered the German army, continuing in the service three years. At the expiration of that period he resumed his trade and followed the same until 1858, at which time he immigrated to America, landing at New Orleans on the 26th day of May, of that year. He proceeded to St. Louis; thenee to Alton; thence to Jer- seyville, where he established the bus- iness in which he is now engaged. He was married June 6, 1858, to Mary Bertman, who was born in Prussia. They are the parents of three children-

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Frederick, who is a partner in his | sonic order, and an officer of the Grand father's business; Henry, who is a Lodge of the state. clerk in his father's store; and Lillie, Jacob Wagner is engaged in the gro- cery and provision trade. Krumpan- itzky Bros. opened the establishment about 1865, and continued till succeeded by Wagner, in 1879. living at home. Mr. Scheffer is the owner of his store building, a residence and two lots in the city of Jerseyville. He is a member of the Catholic church, of which he has been a trustee for two years.

Marston & Halliday handle, exclu- sively, groceries, provisions, crockery, cte. They established the business in 1873, on N. State street. Their sales- room is 23x60 feet in dimensions. They carry a stock representing a money value of $5,000.

Joseph G. Maistoon was born in the city of Philadelphia, April 15, 1837, and came with the family to Jersey county in 1842. He has been a resident here since that date, with the exception of three years. during which he attended school in Philadelphia. After finishing his education he began mercantile life as clerk, serving in stores in Jersey- ville, Otterville and Alton. In 1867 he located at Jerseyville, and, in partner- ship with C. M. Hamilton, engaged in the grocery business, the firm name be- ing Hamilton & Marston. In 1872 Mr. Marston withdrew from the firm, and in association with Henry T. Nail, suc- ceed J. C. Darby in the grocery trade. In June, 1873, Mr. Marston withdrew from this partnership and became asso- ciated with L. H. Halliday, establishing the present firm of Marston & Halliday. They carry a full and complete stock of groceries, provisions, queensware, etc. In 1868 Mr. Marston was married to Adaline Cadwałader. Mr. Marston is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery, in the Ma-

C. M. Boyle carries on three lines of trade-grocery store, ice trade and bot- tling business. He commenced the bot- tling business in 1868, and his grocery store was established in 1875.

M. C. Reynolds commenced the gro- cery business in May, 1885. His sales- room is 20x50 feet.

The "Famous" grocery store busi- ness was established in February, 1881, by Hall & Nevius. This partnership continued till February, 1885, when Mr. Hall retired from the firm. Henry Nevius conducted the business until Aug., 1885, when he sold to Fred Arm- strong, the present proprietor.

J. C. Darby, a leading representative of the grocery trade of Jerseyville, commenced the business in 1867, in a small frame structure which stood on the site of his present store edifice. In 1870, the present commodious brick structure occupied by Mr. Darby was crected by B. C. Vandervoort. It covers an area 25x85 feet. and is two stories in height. In the spring of 1872, the bus- iness was purchased by Marston & Nail. This firm continued one year, when Mr. Marston retired from it. After one year, J. C. Darby again became interested in it, purchasing a half interest from Mr. Nail. This partnership lasted two years, when H. T. Nail retired, since which time Mr. Darby has been sole proprie- tor. He carries an assortment of gro- ceries, which will invoice $3,000.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

John C. Darby, one of the oldest bus- iness men of Jerseyville, is a son of- William and Deborah A. Darby. He was born in Essex county, N. J., Nov. 9, 1829. His early life was spent on a farm, and later, in his father's grist mill. In 1850 he came to Illinois, and engaged as elerk in a store in Jersey- ville. In 1852 he became associated with A. B. Morean in the general mer- cantile business, the firm being styled J. C. Darby & Co. This partnership lasted until March, 1856, when Mr. Darby sold his interest in the store, and purchased a farm one mile east of Jer- seyville, on which he resided for the next cight years. He then sold his farm and returned to Jerseyville, and bought an interest in the grocery busi- ness of John E. Sanford, better known as Major Sanford, under the firm name of Sanford & Darby. This partnership continued two years, at the expiration of which, Mr. Darby sold his interest to his partner, but soon afterward, as- sociated with George Hodgkin, pur- chased the business of Mr. Sanford, and carried on the same one year. Mr: Darby then became sole proprietor, and continued in the business alone till 1872. He then sold out to Marston & Nail. In 1873 he established a new business on State street, which in 1874 he sold out, and purchased an interest in his former business, becoming the partner of Mr. Nail. Two years later Mr. Darby purchased the interest of his partner, and has since continued business alone. He was married in 1853, to Henrietta Whitehead. They have had four children, one of whom died at the age of seven years. Those now living are-Elva, wife of John

Lowe; Charlotte and Maggie. Mr. Darby was the first telegraph operator in Jersey county, having had charge of the office in 1853-4. He is a member of the First Presbyterian church, also of the I. O. O. F., and the Knights of Honor.

William Darby was born in Essex county, N. J., in the year 1804. IIe was brought up on a farm, and in 1828, married to Deborah A. Squier, a native of Morris county, N. J. After marriage, Mr. Darby continued to reside upon his farm until 1849, when he sold it and purchased a grist mill, which he oper- ated till 1853. In that year he came to this state to visit his son, and being pleased with the country, removed to Jersey county the following year, (1854.) He purchased 240 acres of land on section 2, Mississippi township, and engaged in farming. In the fall of 1854, Mrs. Darby died, leaving four children- John C., Jacob S., Levi R. and Chath- erine. Mr. Darby subsequently married Charlott Woodruff, of Essex county, N. J., and continued farming until his death, in March, 1873. His wife's death occured in 1884. Mr. Darby was in comfortable circumstances when he came to this county, and prospered in his undertakings here. Although no longer strong to accumulate wealth, he desired to live in comfort, and to give his children financial aid in starting out in life, which he was able to do. He was a man of simple habit, and one who gave little attention to anything outside of his own private affairs. He was for 40 years, a consistent member of the Baptist church.

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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 59

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