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 60

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 60

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The Hamilton Grocer Co. is the name of one of the firms doing business in

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

Jerseyville. The business was estab- lished, on State street, by C. M. Hamil- ton, in 1859. In 1862 he removed to the location of the present store. He carried on the business alone for some time, when the title was changed to Hamilton & Locke. They were succeeded by Ham- ilton & Marston, and this firm by Ham- ilton & Son. After this E. A. Hamilton became the sole proprietor. The pres- ent company succeded to the business Sept. 15, 1884. Their salesroom is 19x50 feet in area, with additional stor- age room in the rear, 40x50 feet in size. The stock will invoice about $3,500.

Clarence M. Hamilton, a prominent business man of Jerseyville, was born in Franklin county, Vt., June 5, 1826. He is the seventh child of William and Lydia Hamilton. The death of Mrs. Hamilton, formerly Lydia Trask, oc- curred May 10, 1828. Mr. Hamilton, with his family of three sons, immi- grated west, in the fall of of 1830, and settled in the present limits of Jersey county, on the northeast quarter of Sec. 13, T. 7, R. 12, W. of the 3d P. M., where he improved a farm and followed that business during the remainder of his active life. He was an active, ener- getic man, and highly esteemed by all who were really acquainted with his virtues. His brother, Dr. Silas Hamil- ton, was also one of the pioneer settlers, who was noted for his philanthropy and liberal provision in behalf of the citi- zens of Otter Creek, now Otterville, and the educational facilities he fur- nished the settlement were not sur- passed in the early settlement of west- ern towns. William Hamilton died at the residence of Jeptha Dixon, in Cal- houn county, July 22, 1849. The subject

of this sketch received his early educa- tion in Otterville, this county. He fol- lowed farming in his early life, except one year, which time he devoted to min- ing, in the lead mines of Wisconsin. He began his mercantile career in the spring of 1847,at Gilead, Calhoun county, Ill. He sold out to his brother, W. D. Hamilton, in March, 1849, and for two years was engaged as deputy sheriff of Calhoun county. In the spring of 1857, he associated in the firm of Child & Hamilton, at Hardin, Calhoun county, in merchandise, officiating meanwhile, as county surveyor, to which office he was elected; and also, the same year, ap- pointed assessor of Calhoun county by the county court, and performed the duties of said office. He was the same year elected justice of the peace, and filled the office until his removal from the county. The firm of Child & Han- ilton was dissolved in the spring of 1853, and the following summer Mr. II. removed to Jerseyville, where he has since resided. He first engaged in the dry goods and grocery trade. After a short time he became a member of the firm of Bagley, Hurd & Co., in which business he continued until Aug., 1856, when he became a member of the firm of Johnson & Hamilton, in the livery business. He disposed of his interest in the mercantile house in the fall of the same year, and disposed of his in- terest in the livery business in May. 1857. About this time he was elected alderman, and also city clerk. During the summer of 1857 he settled his brother's estate in Calhoun county. In March, 1859, he was engaged in the firm of Hamilton & Jett, in the whole- sale and retail grocery business, which

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

he continued until June, 1860, when he became sole proprietor, continuing until June, 1865, when he accepted Morris R. Locke as a partner, and continued the business under the firm name of Hamilton & Locke, until Oct., 1866, when he bought out Mr. Locke, continuing the business alone until 1867. Mr. Hamilton accepted Joseph G. Marston as a partner, and continued in the firm of Hamilton & Marston until Oct., 1871, when he bought out the interest of Mr. Marston, and associated his son, Edward A. Hamilton, and as the firm of Hamilton & Son, continued business until 1873, when the firm was changed to E. A. Hamilton, the son becoming sole pro- prietor. Thus the business was contin- ued until 1884, when it became the "Hamilton Grocery Company," being incorporated under the State law, with capital stock of $5,000, divided in shares of $100 each. C. M. Hamilton is the president and treasurer, and his son, C. E. Hamilton, secretary. In ad- dition to his mercantile interests at Jer- seyville, Mr. Hamilton in 1861 opened a store at Otter Creek, now Otterville. Subsequently he associated in business with himself at that point S. R. Rogers, and under the firm name of Hamilton & Rogers continued in business there until 1875. Mr. Hamilton commenced pork packing at Jerseyville, on his own ac- count, in the fall of 1862, and has, since that time, made quite a reputation in that line of trade. In addition to his election in 1857 as alderman and city clerk, he was re-elected to both posi- tions in 1859, and elected alderman in 1871, and has since that time served in the same capacity one or two years. Mr.

and Mrs. Hamilton have had seven chil- dren, four of whom are now living-E. A., Emily E., Clarence E., Alta. Poli- tically, he affiliates with the republi- can party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and, with his wife, a member of the M. E. church. As a citizen he is benevolent and public-spirited, and stands among the best business men of the county.

The grocery business of L. D. Cory was established in 1874 by L. D. and J. E. Cory. In the spring of 1883, J. E. Cory withdrew from the firm, and L. D. then became sole proprietor.

John Wiley is a representative of the grocery trade. He carries a stock worth about $3,500.

Theo. F. Remer is a leading repre- sentative of the drug business of Jer- seyville. The business was established by B. M. Krumpanitzky and Theo. F. Remer, in the fall of 1873. The store was then in the old building of Wallace Leigh, on State street. In Feb., 1879, Mr. Krumpanitzky retired from the firm. and since that time the present proprietor has continued the business alone. He handles drugs, stationery, papers, etc., and has a very extensive trade, which has been steadily built up since the opening of the business.

Theo. F. Remer, son of Abram and Deborah (Nutt) Remer, was born in Morris county, N. J., May 15, 1844. In 1856, the family removed to Illinois, and settled in Jerseyville. Theo. F. Remer completed his education at the seminary of Mrs. L. M. Cutting, being the only boy in the school. In 1861 he started for the Pacific slope, and re- mamed there about two and a half years. He then returned to Jerseyville, and

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

engaged in mercantile life, as clerk in the dry goods store of William Shep- hard, with whom he remained until 1866. He then became clerk for White & Van Horne, druggists, serving in that capacity seven years. At the expiration of that period, he engaged in business for himself-first with B. M. Krumpa- nitzky as partner, but since 1877 has carried on business alone. Mr. Re- mer was married in Sept., 1868, to Elizabeth K. Voorhees, a daughter of Peter P. and Maria Voorhees, and a na- tive of Jersey county. Mr. Remer casts his vote with the democratic party, but takes little interest in politics. Ile is a member of the First Presbyterian church, also of the Masonic fraternity.

G. R. Smith & Co, are among the drug dealers of Jerseyville. The busi- ness was established in 1836 by Alex. B. Morean. He was succeeded by White & Ware. For a few years the firm con- tinued thus, when Mr. White dropped out. G. W. Ware, who then became sole proprietor, was succeeded, in 1882, by the present firm. Their building is 22 feet wide, by 6) in depth. 1t was erected in 1865, at a cost of $6,000. It is two stories in height. The stock car- ried is valued at $8,000.

Greg R. Smith, son of A. H. and Amanda (Robinson) Smith, was born at Kane, Greene county, Ill., July 1, 1857. He was educated in the schools of Car- rollton, and subsequently learned the drug business from his father and older brothers. In 1882 he came to Jersey- ville, and succeeded G. W. Ware in the drug business, the firm now being G. R. Smith & Co. His brother, Edward Smith, is his partner. They also have a drug store in Carrollton. Mr. Smith

is a member of the society of Knights of Pythias.

J. S. Daniels is one of the leading representatives of the hardware trade in Jerseyville. He conducts business in a strictly first-class manner, deals hon- orably, and hence has a large trade. He keeps stoves, tools, shelf and heavy hardware, guns, ammunition, etc., and carries the largest line of steel goods in the county.

Eaton & Crawford are also engaged in the hardware trade. The business was established by J. H. Ames, in 1865. He was succeeded by A. H. Barnett & Co., who, in April, 1885, disposed of the business to the present proprietors.

J. E. Cory commenced the hardware business in Sept., 1883.

Oscar Hill handles books, stationery, newspapers and other publications, and fancy goods. The store was commenced by Howard Cutting, about the year 1876. Two years later he was succeeded by W. S. Bowman, and in 1879 the present proprietor assumed control. His stock is valued at about 82,000, handled in a salesroom 16x40 feet in floor area.

Oscar Hill, son of Robert L. Hill, was born in Carrollton, Greene county, Ill., Dec. 28, 1836. In 1838 Robert L. Hill removed with his family to Jersey county, and settled on a farm near Jer- seyville. The same farm now com- prises a portion of the present eity of Jerseyville. Here Oscar grew to man- hood, and in 1860, was married to A. Lizzie French, daughter of Rev. D. P. French. In 1862 he removed to Green- ville, Bond county, Ill., where his father-in-law was principal of Almira College. Here Mr. Hill furnished sup-

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

plies for the school, and Mrs. Hill taught music. In Nov., 1864, Mrs. Hill died, leaving two children-Her- bert L. and Charles F. The elder is now living in St. Louis, but the younger, died at the age of two years. After the death of his wife Mr. Hill re- mained in Greenville, only until the elose of the term of school, then re- turned to Jerseyville, and resumed farming upon the homestead. May 20, 1870, he was married to Addie Miskell, daughter of J. H. Miskell. In 1873 his mother died, and as the homestead was then divided among the heirs, Mr. Hill removed to the village of Jerseyville, where he engaged in elerking until 1878. In that year he succeeded M. L. Hill & Co., in a book, stationery and faney goods business, which he still con- tinues. He had by his second mar- riage four children, two of whom are living-Nellie B. and Minnie C. Mr. Hill is a demoerat in politics, but takes no more interest than merely to vote. His religious connection has been with the Baptist church since 1855.

Max R. Beatty established a news- depot in the postoffice building, July 20, 1882, which he still continues.

II. A. Tunehorst commenced the handling of musical instruments and jewelry in 1877.

John E. Boynton, the leading jew- eler of this seetion, commenced busi- ness here in 1875. He carries a well seleeted stock valued at $5,000, of jewelry, silverware, elocks, ete. His salesroom is 18x50 feet in floor area, and is fitted up in excellent style. He does a large business, and is enjoying the result of a lifetime of steady adher- ance to strict business rules, straight

dealing, and rare ability as a mechanic in his line.

John E. Boynton, jeweler, is a son of Noah and Lucinda (Vinton) Boynton, both natives of Vermont. They reared a family of nine children-Andrew P., Eben V., Permelia, Harvey L., Samuel B., Louisa S., William N., Sophronia E. and John E. All of the sons learned the jeweler's trade, and each enlisted in the U. S. serviee, in a different regi- ment, some one of them participating in every battle of the civil war. John E. Boynton was born in Stephenson county. Ill., May 10, 1848. He eom- menced to learn his trade at the age of 12 years, following the same until 1862, when he enlisted in Co. H, 31st Wis. Inf., and served until the close of the war. Ile took part in all of the engage- ments of his company. He returned from the service to Galena, Ill., and finished learning his trade with his brother Andrew. In 1869 he went to . Manchester, Ia., and there worked with his brother William until 1872. He then went to Lincoln, Neb. In 1874, when the grasshoppers appeared in that state, he removed to Alton, Ill., from whenee he came to Jerseyville at the time before stated. He has twiee lost a portion of his stock by fire, and had no insurance. He is now located in the old Wyckoff store, where he carries the largest stoek of jewelry in Jersey county. Mr. Boynton was married in 1876 to Maria L. Beaty, daughter of John Beaty. They have two children-Wil- liam P. and John E. He is a republican politically, and a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity.

R. E. Mayer earries a stock of jewelry in the store room with Leon Engel.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

He commenced the business in May, 1883, removing to his present location in Nov., 1884.

Charles C. Borger also carries on the jewelry business, which he established in Sept., 1884.

S. M. Titus & Co., dealers in general merchandise, have been carrying on this business since Nov. 1882, the date of its establishment.

The livery stable of E. A. R. Myers, Jr., originated with Charles H. Bow- man, who built the present structure. On the 29th of July, 1880, it became the property of Myers & Brown, and sub- sequently, Mr. Myers purchased the in- terest of his partner and is the sole proprietor. The building, which is a fine brick one, is 44x100 feet in ground area, two stories high. Fifteen head of horses and buggies, carriages, etc., to correspond are used in the business.

E. A. R. Myers, Jr., son of E. A. R. and Caroline (Maning nee Vance) Myers, was born in Scott county, Va., May 21, 1850. When he was very young his parents moved to St. Louis county, Mo., and 15 years later, to Franklin county, of the same state, where they engaged in farming. The subject of this sketch in 1866, entered a grocery store as clerk, and during the four years following was engaged in the same capacity in a drug, and also a dry goods store. In 1870 he returned to Franklin county, and there farmed until 1878. At that date he came to Jerseyville, and here for two years followed farming. He then engaged in the livery business which he still con- tinues. He was married in Feb., 1878, to Celestia P. Brown, a native of Frank- lin county, Mo. They have had one child, now deceased. Mr. Myers is a

member of the Knights of Pythias so- ciety.

M. Cockrell has a well equipped livery barn on State street. He suc- ceeded Pat Herrington. When he took charge of the stable, in 1883, it was pretty well run down. At that time the equipment consisted of but five horses and four buggies. Now, however, there are twelve horses, and the barn is well supplied with buggies, barouches, etc., suitable for a first-class livery business. The stable was established by Henry Johnson, about 1850.

Moses Cockrell, son of Moses and Caty Ann (Utt) Cockrell, was born in Mississippi township, Dec. 31, 1854. His early life was spent on his father's farm. At the age of 17, he entered the employ of his brother Elias, who was then in the grain business in Jerseyville. After five years work by the month, he became a partner in the lumber busi- ness, the firm name being known as E. Cockrell & Bro. This partnership lasted four years. In 1880 he estab- lished a coal and lumber yard, at Kane, and succeeded Chas. Smalley in the coal business in Jerseyville. In 1882 he withdrew from the firm of E. Cockrell & Bro., and in 1884, sold his lumber and coal yard at Kane, to Jesse Cockrell. He is now in the livery, coal, and wire fence business in Jerseyville, having procured a patent on a machine for making wire fence. IIe is a live busi- ness man, and well known in the busi- ness community of Jersey and Greene counties.

The confectionery . and bakery of Wallace Leigh & Son was established by the first named in 1852, who conducted the same on State street, until the erec-

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

tion of the new building, in 1874, which they now occupy. In 1881, the present firm was formed, Austin going into part- nership with his father.

Philip Block is the lending merchant tailor of this city, in fact, is the only first-elass representative of that line of burness, who devotes his whole at- tention to it.

Philip Block, merchant tailor at Jer- seyville, established his present busi- ness in 1883, since which he has been a resident of this city. He was born in Austria, Jan. 30, 1847. He learned the tailor's trade in his native country, and there followed the same, until 1866. In the fall of that year he immigrated to America, landing in New York in October. He went at once to St. Louis, Mo., where he followed his trade about 18 months, then went to Centralia, Ill., and at first, worked for other parties. but later, formed a partnership with another gentleman, and engaged in merchant tailoring, continuing in busi- ness for a period of three years. At the expiration of that time, he came to Jerseyville, where he is now the oldest, and leading merchant tailor. Mr. Bloek was married in St. Louis, in 1868, to Elizabeth Klein, also a native of Austria, who came to the United States in the spring of 1866. They are the parents of seven children - Morris, Louis, Alexander, Joseph, Edna Rose, Philip R. and Nona E.

Mrs. C. A. Voorhees conducts a millinery and fancy goods store. Mrs. E. A. Terry commenced the business in March, 1872, and was succeeded by Mrs. ('. H. Durkee. The latter gave place to Mrs. Voorhees, Jan. 1, 1885.

Mrs. A. B. Allen, milliner, com-

menced business in 1875. In March, 1885, she removed to her present quar- ters.

F. W. Roerig commenced the manu- facture of harness in Jerseyville, in March, 1883, purchasing the business of William Stoop. The latter was succes- sor to Antoine Recappe, who established the business, in 1859.

Antoine Recappe is engaged in the sale of furniture and harness. He suc- ceeded Carr & Tindall, who established the business.

William Pilgar established himself in the harness business here, in 1864, and is still engaged in trade.

The Jerseyville Marble Works was established in 1869, by Haughtlin Bros. It is located on the corner of Jefferson and Arch streets.

Among the professional men of Jer- seyville are the two gentlemen who hang out their " shingles " as dentists -George S. Miles and Edward Flanni- gan. Both are well up, professionally, and doing good business, but Mr. Miles being much the longer established has the larger following.

George S. Miles. D.D. S., was born in Westminster, Mass., Oct. 13, 1832, being the eldest of the three children of George and Lucinda Miles, who were lineal descendants of the Puritans. George Miles was, by occupation, a far- mer. He died June 10, 1872. His widow died in January, 1878. The subject of this sketch received his liter- ary education at Westminster Academy, and was also a student at Hopkins Acad- emy, at Hadley, Mass .. At the age of 21 he commenced the study of dentistry with Dr. T. S. Blood, of Fitchburg, Mass., graduating in his profession

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about two years later. He practiced a short time in Salem Mass. In August, 1855, he came to Jersey county, Ill., and, immediately after, settled in Jer- seyville, where he has since resided, engaged in the practice of his profes- sion. Dr. Miles was married Aug. 2, 1859, to Mattie De Wolf Warren, a daughter of Hon. George E. and Hattie Warren. They have had six children, one of whom is deceased. Those living are-Herbert W., Clarence J., Chas. V., Clara G., and Harold B. Dr. Miles was president of the State Dental Society for the years 1874-5. He was one of the original stockholders and direetors of the First National Bank of Jersey- ville, and was connected with the same about three years. He then invested his money in real estate in the West and in Jersey county, and now owns 160 acres of land within a mile of the city of Jerseyville. Dr. Miles has been at- tended with success in the practice of his profession and stands among the leading dentists of the state. In 1867 the degree of D. D. S., was conferred upon him by the Missouri Dental Col- lege. He is one of the recognized lead- ers of the republican party in Jersey county, and in the campaigns of 1872 and 1876 was chairman of the county central committee. He is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraterni- ties, and at the present time is the rep- resentative of Jerseyville lodge, No. 53, I. O. O. F., to the grand lodge. Dr. Miles' son, Clarence, was married in June, 1884, to Flora D. Cory, daughter of Levi D. Cory, of this city, and is now living at Salmon City, Kan., where he is engaged as book-keeper in the Farmer's Bank.

BANKING.

The first bank in Jerseyville was es- tablished by A. M. Blackburn, in 1854. For a time he conducted the business alone, but in 1859 associated with him in the bank, William Shephard, Samuel 1. Magill, and Alex. B. Morean. The firm name then became A. M. Blackburn & Co. It was afterward organized under the state law as the Jersey County Bank. A. M. Blackburn being president, and George R. Swallow, cashier. This bank invested largely in Tennessee state bonds, and, on the breaking out of the war, the bonds depreciated to such an extent that it was compelled to sus- pend. The bank issued cireulating notes. All debts were paid at the time of closing business.

In 1859, Dr. Edward A. D'Arey and P. D. Cheney established a bank, and commeneed business under the firm name of D'Arcy & Cheney. Until the liquidation of the Jersey County Bank, there were two such institutions in Jer- seyville, but during the war D'Arcy & Cheney had the field to themselves. During those troublous times they were often in fear of raids by " bushwhack- ers," and the bank building was kept well supplied with guns and ammuni- tion, making a small arsenal. No such attack occurred, however.

In 1866 Hugh N. Cross and Col. George R. Swallow succeeded D'Arcy & Cheney. They were succeeded, in 1872, by H. N. Cross. A. W. Cross, and W. E. Carlin, and under the firm name of Cross, Carlin & Co., conducted the business until 1876, when the First Na- tional Bank was established. The fol- lowing were the principal stockholders, and also the original board of directors.

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HISTORY OF JERSEY COUNTY.

A. W. Cross, H. N. Cross, W. E. Carlin, John C. Barr, James A. Locke, George S. Miles, and John N. English. Sr. H. N. Cross was chosen president, and W. E. Carlin was elected cashier. A. W. Cross, although the largest stock- holder, accepted the position of assist- ant cashier. II. N. Cross served as president until his death, which occurred Nov. 21, 1883, when he was succeeded by his son, A. W. Cross, who still maintains that responsible position with ability and satisfaction to the di- rectors, and with eredit to himself. Of the original directors, the positions of H. N. Cross, John C. Barr and James A. Lock were vacated by death, and A. W. Cross is the only one of the original number, at present retaining the position of director. There are now 13 stoek- holders, of whom A. W. Cross retains a majority of stock. The present officers of the bank are as follows: A. W. Cross, president; Edward Cross, cashier; A. W. Cross, Edward Cross, John I. White, W. H. Fulkerson, Morris R. Locke, di- rectors. Jan. 8, 1884, the articles of the association were changed, reducing the number of directors from seven to five. During the same year a new fire-proof vault was built, which contains 50 special private deposit boxes, each pro- vided with keys, for individuals who lease them. The vault is also supplied with one of Diebold's steel, burglar- proof safes, seeured by a Yale time- lock. On organization, this bank had a paid-up capital of $50,000, with authority for an increase to $150,000; its surplus is now $11,000, and undivided profits of $8,707. It is a good bank, a credit to Jersey county, and to its officers and directors.

Hugh N. Cross was born Dee. 9, 1817, in Somerset county, N. J. His father, John L., was a native of the same county and state, and his ancestors had also resided there for many years. J. L. Cross was married twice; his first wife was Mary Kirkpatrick; by whom he had four children. After her death he was again married to Mary Nesbitt, by whom he had one child-Hugh N. Cross. The ancestors of Mr. Cross and wife were Seoteh-Irish. His occupa- tion was that of a farmer. In 1835 he removed with his family to Jersey county, Ill., loeating on a farm south of the present thriving town of Jersey- ville, Mr. Cross being over 70 years of age at the time of locating here. In 1850, he died at his residence, at the advanced age of 82 years, the death of Mrs. Cross occurring some two years previous. Hugh N. Cross was educated in the common schools of his native state, attaining a good business educa- tion for those times. He came with his parents to this county in 1835, and re- mained with them upon the farm until their death. When about. 25 years of age, he was united in marriage to An- toinette VanHorne, daughter of Col. Elijah and Mary Van Horne, who were formerly from New York, though they were early settlers in this county, hav- ing located here in 1833. Mrs. Cross was born in Schoharie county, N. Y. Mr. Cross and wife were the parents of five children, three sons and two daugh- ters. Our daughter, Helen, died under 10 years of age; Mary N., the deceased wife of W. E. Carlin; An- drew Wilson, Edward, and Leslie. When Mr. Cross commenced life he was comparatively poor, but being a

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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 60

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