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 96

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 96

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F. L. Felter is engaged in the grocery business. This stand was established in Kane, by David Thompson, who mov- od it from the old town. It was at first a dry goods store, but about 1876, Wm. Enslow established the grocery busi- ness in the building. He was succeed- ed by MeClure & Enslow, who ran but a short time, when they removed to a building across the street. Edward Hamilton next conducted the business, soon taking Charles D. Warren as part- ner, but the latter finally purchased the interest of Mr. Hamilton, and operated it alone. In Jan., 1883, he was succeed- ed by Felter & Brooks, and one year later, F. L. Felter became sole owner. The building is 22x50 feet in size, in the main building, there being an addition of 22x12 feet in size. The stock will in- voice about $2,000.

Louis L. Roberts opened a grocery and provision store in Kane, in April, 1882, in the building formerly occupied by S. G. Gardiner & Bro., Mr. Roberts purchasing a portion of the stock of the latter firm on their closing out, and adding thereto about $1,000 more. He carries a stock of about $2,500, and does a good business. His clerks are Thos. W. Delicate and John Valentine.

Dr. Peter Fenity commenced the practice of medicine in Old Kane, May 18, 1857. Here he remained until July,

1866, when he removed to the new town and built one of the first dwell- ing houses in that infant city, where he has remained in practice ever since. He was, as will be seen, the first physician of the place. An extended sketch of this gentleman will be found in the Medieal chapter.

The first millinery establishment in Kane was started by Mrs. Mary Weir. It is now owned by Mary Varble, who bought it in 1882.

In 1867, Peter and William W. Fel- ter erected a brick building, the first in the village. This was 35x60 feet in ground area. On the lower floor was a store, and the second floor was fitted up as a hall, and in this was held the first religious services in the burg. Services continued to be held here until the M. E. church was built.

Jesse Cockrell commeneed the lum- her and coal business in April, 1883, in connection with M. Cockrell, of Jersey- ville, but in Oet., 1883, the latter with- drew from the firm, and the business has been under the control of the present proprietor ever since. He carries a full and complete assortment of all kinds of Inmber, lime, cement, coal, etc. The business will average not far from $8,500 per year.

Jesse Cockrell, a native of Jersey county, was born Dec. 26, 1840, his parents being Moses and Katie Ann (Utt) Cockrell. His father was born in Scioto county, O., was reared there, and in 1833 removed to Jersey county, locating in Mississippi township. Ilis death occurred April 15, 1882. Mrs. Moses Cockrell is living in Jerseyville. Jesse, the subject of this sketch, spent his youth in his native county, and in

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

1861 engaged in the grocery business at Alton. In 1862, like many other young men of the county, he enlisted in the Union service, selling out his business at Alton. He enlisted in Co. K, 97th Ill. Inf., on the 20th of Aug. The regiment rendezvoused at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Ill. From there they went to Cincinnati, and later were placed in the 13th A. C. at Memphis, under General John A. McClernand. They were in engagements at Chicka- saw Bluffs, Arkansas Post, campaign at Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Raymond, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, and siege of Vicksburg. They then went to Jackson, Miss., and thence to New Orleans, where the regiment was laid up for nine months on account of a rail- road accident, only 83 men being left for duty. After recruiting up, they went to Morganzia Bend, where they were engaged in a number of skirm- ishes, thence around to Pensacola, thence to Pollard and from there to Fort Blakeley. Mr. Cockrell was accidently wounded at Young's Point. He was mustered out at Galveston, Tex., and discharged at Camp Butler Aug. 9, 1865. He then returned to Jersey county and engaged in farming. In 1883 he moved to Kane, and engaged in the lumber, coaland grain business. Ile was married in Jersey county on the 27th of March, 1867, to Mary E. Hamer, daughter of John Hamer. They have one child- Stella. Mrs. Cockrell lost her eyesight from neuralgia, in 1877, which was the reason of their quitting farm life. Mr. Cockrell is quartermaster of the G. A. R. post at Kane, and was one of the charter members.

John T. Williams was the first to

build the necessary warehouse to carry on the grain trade, which he did shortly after the advent of the railroad here. In size this structure is 35x50 feet, and has the capacity of holding nearly 10,000 bushels. About that time Mr. Williams handled a great deal of grain, but in 1880 discontinued it, renting the warehouse to Jesse Cockrell, who kept it one year. Then D. A. Thompson rented it and ran it for a season, to be succeeded by Joseph Went. He ran it a season and then it was rented by H. C. Yeager, of the mill, and after his departure, Mr. Williams again took it, but has been doing but little lately, on account of the shortage in the wheat crop.

John T. Williams, a native of Bote- tourt county, Va., was born on the 11th day of Feb., 1811, and was a son of John and Elizabeth ( Rock) Williams. His mother was a member of the Rid- dlebarger family, was of German de- seent, and a native of Pennsylvania. His father was a native of Virginia, and was of Welsh descent. He engaged in farming. About the year 1873, he died at the age of 85. His mother died five years later, at the age of 90. In 1833 John T. left Virginia and came to ln- dianapolis, and there worked at the car- penter trade a year, when he returned to Virginia, and after a short stay came to St. Louis. He was engaged in the lumber business there, about one year, and then took a situation in a dry goods store, for a year. He then built a mill on Macoupin ereek near Wagoner's ford, close to the iron bridge, and there con- tinued in business until 1844, when the high water destroyed the mill-dam and all the improvements which he had

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

made on his farm adjoining. He then came to what is now Kane township and has since resided here. He built a handsome residence on his place in 1869, and since that year has been engaged in farming and stock-raising principally, and in the grain business, he being the first grain dealer in Kane. In Nov., 1836, he was married to Margaret Williams, a daughter of Lewis Williams, and a na- tive of Pickaway county, O. Her pa- rents were natives of Delaware. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are the parents of nine children-Elizabeth Jane, wife of H. W. Manning, who died when re- turning from the war, is now deceased; Annie MI., wife of Elisha W. Page, re- siding at Girard, Macoupin county ; Rachel Harriet, deceased, aged 13; Sarah Virginia, deceased, aged nine ; Lewis R., married Melissa Morris, liv- ing near Wellington, Kan .; Henrietta Catherine, wife of John S. Anderson, of Greene county; Mary Isabel, wife of John D. Anderson, of Greene county; Margaret Eliza, and Clara H., both de- ceased. Being an industrious and care- ful man, he has by his thrift and steady attention to business, accumulated about 1,770 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Baptist church.

In October, 1884, Jesse Cockrell and W. J. Pope formed a co-partnership under the firm name of Cockrell & Pope, in the grain trade, and are engaged in that line to-day. They handle corn and oats principally, having purchased this year, 1885, some 15,000 bushels of the former. The warehouse, that is used by them, is rented from H. C. Yaeger, of Carlinville.

The first butcher shop in the village

of Kane was kept by T. Early, in 1868. Ile was succeeded by Titus Claflin. George England ran it about three years and built the first slaughter house. Sev- eral parties have run it since that time, it changing hands every few months. In March, 1885, R. Huitt and R. Raines took charge of it. It is now operated by a Mr. Fresh.

The wagon and wood-working shop operated by Philo Adams, was opened in ISSI, by James Nutt, who ran it about 18 months, when it came under the con- trol of the present proprietor.

Henry Yahneke commeneed business in Kane in the fall of 1866. He still carries on a general wood-working estab- lishment which he founded at that early day in the town's history. His shop is 31x16 feet in ground area.

William Sunderland is engaged in the blacksmith business. This shop was opened during the year 1865 in Old Kane, in which Smith Gill, the pioneer blacksmith of Kane commenced busi- ness. He ran it for about three years, when he sold out to Cyrus Morris, who operated it but a short time. It lay idle then for some time, but in 1882, William Sunderland, a worthy disciple of Vulcan, rented the shop of Cyrus Morris, and opened his present business.

William S. Sunderland was born in Jersey county, Jan. 17, 1849, his parents being Lloyd and Sarah (Steinburg) Sun- derland, natives of New Jersey. They came to Illinois, locating in this county, where they have since resided. Wil- liam S. was raised on a farmi, remaining with his parents until he was 15 years of age. Hle then commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, but worked at it only a short time, when he enlisted m

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Co. F, 144th Ill. Inf., in 1864, and served until the close of the war. He was stationed as guard at the Alton penitentiary during the whole year. At the elose of the war he came to Jersey- ville, where he staid a short time, work- ing at his trade, that of blacksmith. In 1870 he went to Fieldon, where he finished his trade, under William Hutchinson, remaining there four years. Ile then returned to Jerseyville and worked for Robert Newton about eight years. In 1882 he came to Greene county, and located at Kane, where he started a blacksmith shop, and has since remained. He was twice married. First, to Isabel Moore, May 18, 1878, and to them one child was born- Maude B. Ilis wife died in 1881, and on the 14th of Nov., 1884, he was again married to Vina Erwin, daughter of Budd and Melinda Erwin. By this union they have one child-Eva P. Mr. Sunder- land is a member of the I. O. O. F., and also of the G. A. R. post, No. 410, of Kane. He is an intelligent, enterpris- ing citizen.

A. H. Kight commenced the black- smith business here in 1872, and has conducted it ever since. Ilis shop is 20x42 feet in size. Ile came from St. Charles, Mo., to Old Kane, and from there, here.

BANKS.

The bank was established and opened for business, in Sept., 1881, by S. F. Greene and George W. Witt. They have a capital of about $10,000. Most of their loans are made on personal security, and they are doing a fine busi- ness. The firm name is S. F. Greene & Co., but it is under the management of Robert W. Greene, to whom is due, in a

large measure, the popularity of the in- stitution.

There was a bank here prior to this, organized in 1874, by Dr. Casey, of Jer- seyville, and E. C. Leigh, which had a capital of about $5,000. They occupied a building owned by W. W. Felter, for a lime, and afterward removed to the building now owned by Dr. Fenity, which they erected. They continued business until 1878.

HOTELS.

The pioneer hotel of the village was opened in 1867, by Andrew Giles, who had just erected the necessary building. He has been the proprietor ever since. When he first put up the edifice, it was only a story and a half high, and 26x30 feet in ground area, but in 1878, he erected an addition to it, 18x32 feet in size, and two stories high. In 1882, he remodeled the original portion of the building, making it 26x30 feet in dimen- sions, and two stories high. It is very comfortably arranged, and accommo- dates about 25 people.

The Kane House was built in 1875, by William Parker. The first to keep this house was Louis Turner, who ran it but a short time, when he was succeeded by Dr. Weir. This gentleman remained about a year, when T. J. Enslow took charge, and kept it about a year. It has never been long under one proprie- tor, changing every few years. The last to keep it was William Pennell, who took it in 1881, and ran it until 1884. The Parker heirs own the build- ing.

KANE NURSERY.

This institution was established by S. G. Gardiner, the present proprietor, in the spring of 1875, and it has re-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

mained under his control ever since. It covers 11 acres of ground. The trade extends as far north as Menard county, and as far south as the state line. Mr. Gardiner employs from two to four traveling men, and sells a large amount of his stock by letter, besides. He grows, principally, apple, peach, cherry, quince and pear trees, besides all kinds of small fruit. Fancy and ornamental shrubbery enter, also, into the list of the productions of this place. The business will average some $3,000 a year.

Samuel G. Gardiner was born in Greene county, Ill., Sept. 23, 1829, and is the third of a family of six children, his parents being Christopher J. and Margaret Gardiner, early pioneers of this county. Samuel's birthplace was at the old homestead, where his father settled, on coming to this county, in Feb., 1819, and which is now owned by C. J. Gardiner, Jr. There Samuel was reared and received what education could be obtained in the district school. At the age of 16, he commenced learn- ing the saddler's trade, at which he con- tinued five years, remaining at home during all that time. His father then gave him a farm, on which he labored to raise two erops, but on account of the failure of these, he decided to quit farm- ing. This he did, and then engaged in the saddlery business, at which he con- tinued three years. He then engaged in merchandising at Old Kane, entering into partnership with Filley & Williams. In three months the firm dissolved, and Mr. Gardiner again resumed his old business, at which he was engaged for one year. Ile then purchased a stock of merchandise, and in partnership with his brother, carried on that business

until 1882, when he closed out. Mr. Gardiner has also been in the nursery business since about 1875, to which he has devoted most of his attention, his brother attending to the store. He has two pieces of land outside of town, but most of his property lies 'in the village, he owning seven buildings there. On the 3d of Oct., 1853, he was married to Sarah Morris, daughter of Marvil and Mary Morris. There were five children by this marriage, two of whom are liv- ing-Eugene M., married, and residing in Limestone county, Tex., where he has a sheep ranche; Clara V.D., now in the postoffice here. Mrs. Gardiner died Nov. 6, 1866. On the 28th of Sept., 1867. Mr. Gardiner was again married to Carrie Griswold, daughter of Elias and Lucinda Griswold. He has been a memi- ber of the Masonie order since 1850, having been initiated in the Morning Sun lodge, at Jerseyville. He joined the chapter at Alton, in 1862, and was one of the charter members of the chap- ter, at Carrollton. He is one of the trus- tees of the Methodist church, and is now the postmaster of Kane. Ile is a pleas- ant, companionable gentleman, and is esteemed by many friends.

LIME KILN.

This was started in the fall of 1882, by J. G. Weller, the present proprietor, who has continued in the business ever since. He makes an excellent quality of lime, the best in the county. It is recommended by all who have used it. He makes about 50 barrels per day.

RAILROAD.

The Jacksonville branch of the Chi- cago, Alton & St. Louis railroad passes

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

through the town of Kane, and has a depot here. The road was built through here in 1864 and 1865, and opened for business with the beginning of the fol- lowing year. Henry D. Fields was the first station agent. He was followed by C. E. Neeley, now in Arkansas; T. A. Hillman, D. C. Owens, now in Godfrey: W. H. Ogle, Henry Howell, C. E. Un- derwood, now at Carrollton; G. W. Quackenbush, now at Mt. Leonard; B. S. McGinnis, train dispatcher at Slater, Mo .; and L. C. Adams, the present agent, who entered this office May 14, 1585. The freight business at this point will aver- age $300 per month for freight received, while the freight forwarded will average about $200 per month. The passenger business will run from 8230 to $275 per month.

L. C. Adams was born on the 20th day of March, 1863, in the city of Jer- seyville, Jersey county, Ill. His pa- rents are Charles N. and Nancy Bell Adams. He was reared in Jerseyville, and there received his education, attend- ing school until he was 18 years of age. At that time, or in the year 1881, he commenced the railroad business, going in as night operator in the Chi- cago & Alton office at Jerseyville, after learning telegraphy. He held that position in the same office up to the time of coming to Kane, with the exception of two months spent at Mi- nier, Tazewell county. He was assigned to the position at Kane in the month of May, 1885, and attends to all the busi_ ness in that office. His parents are res- idents of Jersey township, Jersey county, and live near Jerseyville. His grandfather, N. L. Adams, erected the first steam mill that was built in that

city. By continuing as he has begun, Mr. Adams will secure the reputation of being an active, intelligent gentleman.

OTHER CITIZENS.

Henry L. Parker, deceased, was born in Hampshire county, Va., on the 22d of Dec., 1825, and is a son of Jacob and Mary (Ludwick) Parker. His father was a native of Virginia, and his mother, of Pennsylvania. Henry came with his parents to Greene county, Ill., in 1839, and his father located in Kane township, on section 23, where, after he had work- ed around and earned money enough, he purchased 80 acres of land and farm- ed for several years, or up to the time of his death. He died in July, 1871, having survived his wife several years, as her death occurred in July, 1867. When our subject was about 26 years of age, he purchased 80 acres of land, and by industry and frugality, added to this until he had 300 acres in one tract, on seetions 25 and 26. He lived on the farm about 17 years, and in 1866, he purchased property in Kane and moved to the village, where he spent the re- mainder of his days. He bought 200 acres more land on sections 19 and 30, north of the village, and so continued to increase his property until he was the possessor of $10 acres of land, all of which was obtained by vigilance, enter- prise and careful attention that Mr. Parker always gave to business. He also owned town property, consisting of his residence and two town lots. Fle was first married to Mary Thompson, in August, 1849. By this union there were six children, four of whom are living-Susan C., wife of Jacob G. Pope, residing on the homestead; Lucinda,

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

wife of Mitchell M. Leigh, residing in Trenton, N. J .; Anna M. and George T. Mrs. Parker died in Jan., 1866, and was buried at Kane. On the 13th of Oct., 1867, Mr. Parker was again mar- ried to Hattie E. (King) Armstrong, daughter of Lucian and Almira ( Lemon) King. There were three children by this marriage, two of whom are now liv- ing-Emma F. and Myra M. The one deceased was Hattie Grace. On the 26th of July, 1883, Mr. Parker was ealled away from this busy world to one of peace and rest, leaving a widow and seven children to mourn the loss of a true and faithful husband, and a kind and affectionate father. Mrs. Parker manages one farm herself, the others having been left to the other heirs. She is a member of the M. E. church.

Albert G. Hughes was born in Bel- mont county, Ohio, Dec. 8, 1847, his parents being Scott and Phoebe Hughes, His early life was spent upon a farm, receiving his education in the common schools. March 26, 1864, he enlisted in the 1st Ohio Ind. Sharpshooters, and served until mustered out at the elose of the war. The following document, dated at the headquarters of the mili- tary department of the Mississippi, St. Louis, July 17, 1865, speaks for itself and is as follows: "The general com- manding, tenders to the officers and men of the 1st Independent Ohio Sharp- shooters, his personal thanks for their long and valuable service near his person in the eventful campaigns, beginning at Chattanooga, on the first of May, 1864, and ending with the war. Ile commends them as a fine body of intelligent young volunteers, to whom he attributes his personal safety in the battles, marches

and bivouacs in Georgia and the Caro- linas. He wishes them a long life and a proud consciousness of having done their duty with a cheerfulness, precision and intelligence worthy the great cause in which they were engaged, and he be- speaks for them a kindly and generous welcome back to their old homes in Ohio." This document bears the sig- natures of W. T. Sherman, major gen- eral, and R. M. Sawyer, brevet colonel . and A. A. G., and bears the address, "For Private Albert Hughes." After being mustered out Mr. Hughes re- turned to Ohio, and in 1866 removed with his parents to Morgan, Mo., where they engaged in farming. In 1872, Al- bert went to St. Louis, where he served as city agent for the Missouri Republican two years, and was then engaged with the St. Louis Times for about a year. In 1880, he came to Illinois, locating at Kane, where he entered into the saloon business, and since June, 1885, has con- ducted a like enterprise at Carrollton. Feb. 4, 1883, he was married to Bridget Hanneghan, by whom two children have been born-Howard and Scott. Politi- cally, Mr. Hughes is a republican, and has taken an active part, and wields considerable influence in that party. He is a member of the I. O. O. F: and G. A. R. societies, and has good bus- iness qualifications, and is honest and honorable in all his dealings.

RELIGIOUS.

The first religious services were held in Felter's hall, by the Baptists and Methodists, in a union meeting, in 1867. It was not long after this however bo- fore a subscription paper was circulated to secure money to build a church edi-

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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

fice. . The people responded liberally, and the same year a house was put up, especially for the Methodists, but was called a Union church, and worship was held by various other denominations. were issued, and purchased by Stiger- walt, to raise money to erect a building; $200 was borrowed from the township treasurer; $500 was also borrowed of John P. Waggoner, all for the same pur- pose, The contract for the building was MUNICIPAL. let to Solomon Fales, of Carrollton. The town of Kane was incorporated April 5, 1869, with the following offi- cers: Henry D. Fields, president; Jas. B. Gardiner, John B. Enslow, S. G. Gardiner and J. II. Felter, trustec>: J. H. Felter, treasurer, and Joseph S. Carr, clerk. The foundation was put in by Joseph Stohr for $182. The edifice was com- pleted the same year and the school opened therein on the 7th of October, 1867, with E. H. Rennick as teacher. The building cost 82,250. It is a sub- stantial brick structure, with self-sup- On the 7th of May, 1883, on a peti- tion of 25 voters, a special meeting was held and the place organized under the general village laws. The officers for 1885 are as follows: L. L. Roberts, president; Silas Strond, Michael Hinkle, W. W. Felter, W. S. Sunderland and Joseph Strunk, trustees: F. E. Felter, clerk, and Ed. E. Culver, treasurer. porting roof, and presents a handsome appearance. In ground area it is 28x10 feet. In the fall of 1870 Mrs. Sly was appointed assistant teacher, the first employed. In the summer of 1874, an addition was made to the building. Mr. Rennick remained some years in connce- tion with the school. He is now in Texas. The present principal, 1885, is James W. Dewell, assisted by Mrs. EDUCATIONAL. Alice W. Bridges. The present direct- The town of Kane is included in ' ors are-C. J. Gardiner, president; C. school district No. 7, which was cut off S. Smith, secretary, and W. O. Tolman.

from district No. 1, of T. 9, R. 12, and No. 3, of T. 9, R. 11. For this purpose a meeting was held at the store of S. G. Gardiner, in T. 9, R. 11, Oct. 29, 1866, in accordance with a petition from the citizens of the new district, and on the 5th of November of the same year, the trustees of T. 9, R. 12, convened with the above, and acceded the division. On the 2d of March, 1867, William A. Tolman was elected director for three years ; Dr. Peter Fenity, for two years, and S. G. Gardiner for one year. The east half and the northwest quarter of lot 11, Hollidaysburg. was purchased for a school lot for $250. 82,000 in bonds

POSTOFFICE.

About 1830 a postoffice was estab- lished at Old Kane, of which Zenas H. Adams was the first postmaster, and was the only postoffice between Carroll- ton and Altonr The following gentle- men have filled the office of postmaster in this town : N. M. Perry, L. B. Filley, William Robinson, N. M. Perry, again, S. G. Gardiner, appointed March 1, 1862, and resigned in June, 1866; John Hudson, about one year. In May, 1868, the office was removed to the new town of Kane, and H. L .. Parker appointed postmaster, March 1, 1872, S. G. Gar-

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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 96

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