USA > Illinois > Knox County > History of Knox county, Illinois > Part 57
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The liquor question was the cause of much local discussion, and every turn was taken by the friends of license that could possibly be
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
conceived to have granted saloon licenses. They found, however, that under the old charter nothing could be done; so the agitation of a new charter was commenced, and on July 17, 1876, an election was held in the city to vote for or against the city organizing under the general incorporation act. The main feature of the new charter over the old one was that its charter gave the city council power to regulate the licensing of saloons, where the old charter gave them no power what- ever in the matter.
Great interest was manifested by both the license and anti-license people. Indeed, it was one of the most exciting elections ever held in the city, for never before, save one year, 1872, had a saloon been licensed in the city. During that particular year the council took it upon themselves to grant license, but the following year, believing they had no power to do so, refused to give any legal right to engage in the liquor traffic.
There was another point at issue, although subordinate to the license question, which was the power granting to each ward the privilege of electing two aldermen instead of one, thus increasing the council to 14 members. Originally each alderman received $200 per year: the present charter allows $2 per meeting; and although the number of aldermen has been doubled, for 1877 the 14 were paid one-half what the seven formerly were.
Both parties fought hard for what they believed to be their right. The new charter was adopted by a majority of 220, there being 971 votes for, and 751 cast against its adoption.
The question of minority representation was also voted on at this election. This mode would have given to each ward three aldermen. It was almost unanimously voted down, there being but 12 votes cast for it, and 1,707 against, defeating the measure by 1,695 votes.
The new charter giving the council the privilege of granting licenses, that body shortly after the election exercised the power, and at present from its effects there are 16 licensed saloons in the city doing a thriving business; at least enough to enable them to pay $600 annually for the privilege of selling.
Early in the winter of 1854-5 railroad trains reached Galesburg. This was a season of joyous demonstration by her citizens. They liad labored long and earnestly for it. We speak at length of railroads in another chapter, to which we refer the reader.
From the earliest period of the history of Galesburg until slavery was crushed, there was no place in the liberty-loving North that took a more active part in breaking the chains of bondage and making free- inen out of four million of people born under our national ensign of
631
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
liberty, the stars and stripes. The first anti-slavery society formed in this section of the State was organized here the first winter after the arrival of the colonists. Here was a depot of the famous "under- ground railroad" which did such a thriving business in black freight; and during the dark and bloody days of the rebellion no city was more liberal in furnishing soldiers and money to fight for the cause they so early and earnestly advocated. She sent to the front 554 "boys in blue," besides the 100-day boys and about 25 colored troops, which would make over 600. Aside from these brave men, Galesburg gave thousands of dollars in money, both for soldiers in the field and their families at home. The amount given soldiers as bounty amounted to $24,000, and $25,000 was contributed toward securing supplies for sol- diers. The amount given to families of soldiers was $16,000. The Soldiers' Aid Society did a noble and wonderful work. For a fuller sketch of this worthy organization see chapter on " War-at Home."
Through enthusiasm the liberality of the citizens was almost bound-, less. They gave beyond any reasonable expectation. Even the pub -. lic officials, besides giving large sums for bounty and soldiers' families," gave liberally in other ways. Wednesday evening, November 18, 1863, the City Council offered $12 per month extra for recruits up to 40, who would enlist under the call made just previously. Certainly no . greater inducement was made by any town in the loyal States, con- sidering the large county bounty obtained, and the care taken of their families. This bill, however, never became an ordinance, as Mayor Dunn did not affix to it his official signature. It was found to be un- wise; but it showed the willingness of the people to do.
The city of Galesburg has several salient features, which combine to make it a most desirable place of residence. It has four railway arıns leading to the four points of the compass; has excellent public schools, with six large buildings, the high-school structure being one of the finest in the State; two colleges that are unsurpassed for thoroughness; a seminary for young ladies, with superior teachers in all departments; a commercial college of established reputation; with fine churches oc- cupied by all of the leading denominations; with pleasant parks and drives; delightful residences and streets; a good article of coal gas; cheap coal, and all desirable city features.
In 1872, October 12, the city bought of Knox College what is now known as the City Park. This park is bounded by Tompkins, Cherry, South and Cedar streets, and contains blocks 38 and 39 of the original: town. The city had the privilege of paying for it in twenty years. The last $14,000, however, was paid in 1877.
One-half of this park, the eastern portion, was given to the county
632
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
as an inducement to secure the county seat, on condition that the court-house should be erected thereon. The city gives the county the privilege of either erecting tlre court-house on this park or on the Public Square.
The city taxes are at present lower than in any other city of the State. For many years, during the war and the agitation of the re- moval of the connty seat, the city made large expenditures aside from supplying its regular and material wants. It cost the city in the neighborhood of $50,000 direct to secure the county seat, besides large sums incidentally expended during the past twenty years.
The first bonds issned by the city was in 1860, to fund the city in- debtedness. Bonds to the amount of $30,000 were issued for two and three years. Those that have been issued from time to time have sold at par, and generally taken by home capitalists. Previous to April, 1877, all bonds drew from 8 to 10 per cent. At that date all the bonds bearing the higher rate of interest were called in, and those drawing 8 per cent. issued.
Account of Galesburg's indebtedness from April 1, 1867, to April 1,1878:
April 1, 1867
$82,780 80
March 20, 1873.
$108,516 21
March 20, 1868.
83,606 21
March 20, 1874.
110,116 22
March 20, 1869.
75,236 59
March 20, 1875.
110,790 00
March 20, 1870.
103,798 21 March 1, 1876
104,865 00
March 20, 1871
107,148 21 March 31, 1877. 104,765 00
March 20, 1872.
94,166 21 March 31, 1878. 83,765 00
Gas Works .- Galesburg Gas Light and Coke Company organized with a capital of $100,000 in 1860. Nothing permanent was done to- ward forwarding the manufacture of gas until 1865, when the company began to prepare to supply the city. Since then, starting with three miles of mains, new ones have been laid each year, until at present there are eight miles of gas pipe in the streets of the city. The most distant main is about one mile in length.
This company is purely a home enterprise, having been organized, and stock taken, by citizens of Galesburg. Hon. R. H. Whiting, President of the company, was the most prominent man engaged in the enterprise. C. E. Carr was the first Secretary. The present in- cumbent is J. K. Mitchell. There are 12 mnen employed by the com- pany. The factory is on Cedar street, between Ferris and Waters.
There are 135 street lamp-posts in the city, costing annually $22 apiece to run them.
Eli F. Jackson has been connected with this company from the be- ginning in the manufacture of gas.
Water Works .- The water supplies for the city of Galesburg are
633
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
furnished from wells and cisterns. Of the wells there are, two, one located in George W. Brown's works, and the other. at the Frost Manufactory. The one at Brown's is 12 feet in diameter, and was dug as deeply as it could be for the influx of water. The city has con- structed a large reservoir on Seminary street, with a capacity of 1,100 barrels, and one on West street, holding 1,500 barrels. These are kept constantly filled from the wells. The water pipes extend only through the central portion of the city. At various points on thie mains are located 12 hydrants. The water is forced through these pipes by two large steam pumps, one at Mr. Brown's works, and one at Frost Manufacturing Company's works. Besides these wells the city lias made some 20 large cisterns.
Fire Department .- The first effectual move to have a Fire Depart- ment was made in 1856, when the Council ordered a fire engine, and the "Prairie Bird," with hose cart, was bought. The company was organized the same year, with H. R. Sanderson, Chief. It was com- posed of almost all the business men of the city. In 1860 went to Quincy, and took first prize in a tournament. In 1862 "Pioneer Hook and Ladder Co." was organized, but disbanded in 1863. In 1865 the "Erickson Engine Co. No. 2" was organized, with new engine, and also the " Marshall Hose Co. No. 2." June 25, 1873, the boys took engine and cart to the square, and made their farewell par- ade and play. In July, 1869, the " Rescue Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1" was organized by prominent men, who bought their own machine, and tendered their services to the city. "Steam Pump Hose Co. No. 3" was organized in 1870. It is located at Brown's shops. The "Tornado Engine No. 1,"' and the "Stewart Hose No. 1," located near the City Hall, was organized several years ago. The companies have won several prizes at State tournaments.
Galesburg Public Library .- In the "Centennial History of Gales- burg" prepared by Prof. George Churchill, he says, in giving an his- torical sketch of the Public Library:
"Either in 1857 or 1858, the 'Young Men's Literary and Library Association' was organized, but as the records of the association have been unfortunately lost, I am unable to give the names of the founders, the dates of organization or subsequent operations with as much accu- racy as would be desired. In the newspaper reports I find the names of Newton Briggs, J. W. Baker, J. C. Hurlburt, F. Colton, M. M. Clark, E. R. Adams and Prof. A. Hurd, as taking an active part in its early history. I find also numerous reports of debates and literary exercises held, in which many of our lawyers and leading citizens took part.
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
"In the winter of 1858-9 a lecture course was arranged, and Pres. H. Curtis, John Lyle King, Prof. A. Hurd, Fred Douglas and Geo. D. Prentice gave lectures. In the winter of 1859-60, the Lecture Committee was M. M. Clark, N. Briggs and [ J. W. Baker, who brought forward as lecturers, Doesticks, Rev. T. Starr King, R. W. Emerson, Rev. E. H. Chapin, Prof. Youmans and H. Greeley. I suppose these lectures proved financially successful, as on Feb. 1, 1860, the association had 400 volumes of standard works, and over $100 worth of furniture in their hall. At this time it was deemed best to enlarge the field of operation, and after due consultation the constitution was remodeled, its preamble setting forth that its object was 'The diffusion of sound knowledge among our citizens.'
"On June 15, 1860, the directors invited the public to attend their re-opening, and notice was given that thereafter the Library would be open for drawing books every Friday evening. The City Library, as thus organized, pursued the even tenor of its way, with ups and downs, yet nevertheless with a steady increase of books and interest, until the winter of 1873-74, when an arrangement was made by which, under the general law of the State, it became 'A Free Public Library for the city of Galesburg.'"
The number of books thus transferred was about 3,732. Since then by purchase and gift it has more than doubled. -
The present Board of Directors are T. J. Hale, Dr. G. W. Foote, Dr. C. E. Stone, P. M. Johnson, J. W. Cothren, Prof. Geo. Churchill, H. W. Belden, Wm. Davis and Dr. A. G. Humphrey. Mrs. F. A. Smith was chosen permanent Librarian, Oct. 21, 1874, which position she still retains. In the discharge of her duties she is prompt, affable and impartial. The following is her report for September, 1878:
No. of vols. drawn. 2648
Whole No. periodicals. 57
No. of tickets issued. 19 No. of books overdue. .. 19
No. of visitors .. 4802
Amount of fines incurred. $10 16
No. of dailies in reading room. 9
Amount of fines collected. 8 01
No. of weeklies ..
34
No. of books purchased. 14
No. of montlilies 14
Whole No. added. 14
An interesting and instructive feature is the collection of a museum. L. G. Conley, Esq., has presented an excellent collection of geologi- cal specimens. The great success attained is largely due to the per- sonal labors of Profs. Hurd and Churchill and Dr. Foote.
Health Institutions .- Galesburg is the oldest point west of New York State known as a health retreat, not because it is a healthier place than any other, but because the first " water-cure " in the West was started here. The first building opened in the city for the treat- ment of patients by the hydropathic and hygienic system was the one
635
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
erected by Theodore Jennings for the purpose on North street. It was opened May 1, Dr. John B. Gully, now of Geneva, Ill., being the physician. Although the patronage was all the institution could ac- cominodate, the hard times of 1857-8 caused it to be closed in the fall of the latter year.
In the fall of 1862 Dr. A. G. Humphrey and wife, both physicians, came to Galesburg, and in the following spring re-opened the old "Water-Cure " on North street. They had fair patronage until in 1865, when they sold out their interest to Dr. Henry McCall, and went to St. Anthony, Minn., taught a class in Dr. Trall's Hygeio- Therapeutic College for a short time, and in the spring of 1866 re- turned to Galesburg and established a health institution near Lom- bard University, which he has conducted ever since.
From 1860 to 1865 the name "water-cure" was dropped by most of the health reformers, as it was so inappropriate, the believers attach- ing far more importance to pure air, movements, rest, diet, tempera- ture, etc., than to water. The term "Hygienic" is now generally as- sumed.
Dr. McCall had excellent success and an extensive patronage until February, 1873, when the building was burned down by accident.
In June, 1877, Ewing Summers and wife, the latter a physician, came from Lansing, Mich., and took possession of the institute near Lombard University, retaining Dr. Humphrey as a partner, but in April, 1878, they removed up town and opened a "Health Institute" at 74 East Main street.
As a city, Galesburg has furnished these institutions a very large patronage, but patients are also received by them from all parts of the Northwest.
Sketches .- The first sketch of the town was prepared by its founder, Rev. G. W. Gale, in 1845. It was entitled "A brief history of Knox College," and contained 15 pages, 12mo. So closely were the town and college allied at that time that a history of one would necessarily in- corporate that of the other. This sketch was afterward bodily intro- duced into Sellon's History of Galesburg, which was printed by J. H. Sherman, Galesburg, in 1857. This is a pamphlet of 64 pages, and contains the history of Galesburg from the time it was founded in 1837 to 1857.
An " Historical Discourse" concerning Galesburg was delivered in the First Church, June 22, 1866, by Rev. Flavel Bascom, and a Statistical Paper, prepared by Rev Frederic T. Perkins, pastor of the First Church.
An entertaining and highly romantic story, entitled "Annals of Our
636
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Village," by Mary Allen West, ran through 15 numbers of Our Home Monthly, published in Philadelphia. This story commenced in the October number, 1873. Although the writer made no claims to pen- ning a history of Galesburg, yet the foundations of the highly graphic and romantic story were taken from the history of this city.
A Historical Paper, read by Mary Allen West before the Old Set- tlers' Association July 4, 1873, and published in the Republican- Register of July 29 and August 5, 1873.
In 1876 Prof. Geo. Churchill prepared by request a "Centennial History of Galesburg." This was by far the most complete and elaborate history ever published of the city. It is well written, and embraces the history from its inception to 1876.
The Union Hotel Block .-- This fine structure, which is shown in the engraving, stands at the north side of the Public Square, in the city of Galesburg. It is modern in style of architecture, substantially built of brick and stone, four-stories high, and has a frontage of 114 feet on the square, and a depth of 90 feet on Broad street, besides an ample two-story addition in the rear for kitchen and servants' rooms. It is the property of the Galesburg Hotel Company, which was organized - in March, 1869, with a capital stock of $300,000 in shares of $50 each. The site was purchased, and the erection of the original building- since burned down-was begun in the fall of 1869, and completed in October, 1870. The old block was, in all essential points, a duplicate of the present one. It had been finished and occupied but a few months when, from some unknown cause, it took fire on the evening of April 18, 1870.
It was resolved to rebuild; and by April 1, 1872, at a cost-lot and building-of about $100,000 the present structure was erected. The entire block was at once leased and occupied by prominent business firms.
The Union Hotel proper occupies a portion of the first floor and the entire upper stories of the block. A Western Union telegraph office in the main front hall furnishes ready means, with its myriad wires, for the transmission of thought to and from all portions of the civilized world. The house is lighted with gas and heated by steam. It has all the modern improvements and elegant appointments of a first-class city hotel.
The Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank was chartered March 31st, 1869, with an authorized capital of $200,000. Its banking office is located in an elegant corner-room of the Union Hotel Block. The bank room and parlor are conveniently arranged and neatly furnished. The massive vault was constructed after the great Chicago fire, and
Owy
UNION HOTEL
OEMLER
FARMERS + MECHANICS BANK
FARMERS & MECHANICS BANK.
FARMERS MECHANICS
BANK
-
UNION HOTEL, GALESBURG.
₩
639
HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
combines the latest improvements to guard against fire and burglary. Inside of the vault stands a new steel cash-box, made of 32 thicknesses of steel and weighing 6,000 pounds, secured by four combination and chronometer locks of the latest invention.
The following gentlemen are Directors: C. S. Colton, Capt. Charles E. Grant, E. R. Adams, Geo. V. Dieterich, Francis Colton, Wilkins Seacord, Wyrum Wiswell, Geo. C. Alden and Job Swift.
The officers of the bank are: Francis Colton, President; Charles E. Grant, Vice President; Wm. H. Little, Cashier; P. F. Brown, Teller; G. V. Dieterich, Clerk of Board.
George Bremler, druggist, an occupant of this Hotel Block, estab- lished his business here in 1872. By judicious management he has gained a prominent place in the drug trade of the city. With a large stock of all articles appropriate to his line, his fine location and ample experience, Mr. B. possesses facilities for supplying the wants of cus- tomers equal to any house in the country.
GALESBURG HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Antedating the Galesburg Horticultural Society there existed in Knox county a society which represented the combined interests of horticulture and agriculture, under the name of the " Downing Hor- ticultural Society." As early as 1857 there are extant records of the meetings and doings of a "Farmers' Club," of which Eli Farnham was President, and C. A. Hinkley, Secretary. In the latter part of that year the Downing Horticultural Society was organized, and for two years held its monthly meetings, at which interesting reports were read and topics discussed pertaining to the plants, trees and flowers of this locality.
The officers of the present year are as follows: President, Prof. J. V. N. Standish; Vice President, Mrs. T. J. Hale; Secretary, Albert J. Perry; Treasurer, Mrs. J. V. N. Standish; Executive Committee, T. J. Hale, Dr. A. G. Humphrey, R. W. Hunt, Mrs. J. W. Dieterich, and Mrs. J. V. N. Standishı. The membership now is over 200.
GALESBURG PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY.
The Philharmonic Society is a large and flourishing musical asso- ciation located at Galesburg. It has for its object the mutual improvement of its many members in the art and rendition of music, and the development of musical taste within the sphere of its influ ence. The Board of Management at present consists of five trustees and the following officers: President, Alonzo Wookey, Galesburg;
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
Vice President, F. G. Sanburn, Knoxville; Secretary, Milton E. Churchill, Galesburg; Treasurer, N. C. Woods, Galesburg; Musical Director, Prof. Carl Lanx, Galesburg.
"THE PIONEER RELIEF ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA."
This association was organized in the city of Galesburg, Ill., on the 22d day of Feb., 1878, by the following gentlemen, who are corporate members under a charter granted by the State, and who constitute the Board of Directors and officers of the institution, viz: Hon. Newton Bateman, President; Hon. Francis Colton, Vice President; Capt. Francis Fuller, Treasurer; Hon. O. F. Price, Attorney; A. P. Wil- loughby, Esq., Secretary. The remaining directors are J. C. Stewart, Geo. W. Brown, R. L. Hannaman, and Judge Dennis Clarke.
This association is strictly a benevolent institution, organized for the purpose of affording relief to the families or friends of the mem- bers, when disease or casualty shall disable such members. It is purely mutual in its operations. The well-known character and ability of the officers and directors, and the benevolent features of the institution have already made it popular and successful. The semi- annual statement just issued makes a very gratifying exhibit.
MAQUON.
The town of Maquon was laid ont on the northeast quarter of section 4 in Maquon township. The survey was completed October 24, 1836. The proprietors were Parnach Owen, Jolın G. Sanburn, William McGowen, R. L. Hannaman and Richmomd & Beers. Ben- jamin Cox erected the first building, a frame, to be used as a hotel. He kept it for a while; afterwards kept for 20 years by Nathan Bar- bero, and was known as tlie " Barracks." Matthew Maddox built the first store in 1839, expecting to occupy it for that purpose, but never did. John Hipple kept the first store in the place. Joseph Delay and Jacob Consor erected the two first brick dwellings in the summer of 1839. William McGowen was the first Justice of the Peace and tlie first Postmaster in the town.
There was no school-house built for 12 years after the town was laid out, and Mr. Nathan Barbero fitted up and furnished school- rooms for the accommodation of the pupils and kept them in repair, rent free. The first school was taught by Harriet Hamlin in 1839. The first school-honse was erected in 1848. The present school build- ing is of wood, 54 by 36 feet, contains 3 large school-rooms, was erected in 1866, at a cost of abont $9,000. Maquon was incorporated
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
March 19, 1857. The first Board of Trustees were S. A. Huber, Horace Jones, W. J. Lane, Samuel Longwell and Dempsey Capps. The first Police Magistrate was Anson S. Potter. The present Board of Trustees are: J. H. Wagner, President; J. G. Hamrick, G. W. Benson, A. C. Housh, L. J. Dawdy and A. J. Clayton. William Burkhalter is Clerk, and A. M. Maple Treasurer. Police Magistrate, J. L. Burkhalter. The estimated population of the town is now 800. It is an important point on the C., B. & Q. R. R., for the shipment of stock.
Milroy .- This place, which exists only in name, was laid out about 1837, or '38 by Conrad Leek, on section 33, Lynn township, and named Centerville. The first house was built by Simeon Ellis. The town grew and flourished for a time, but the railroads attracted trade and business to new towns, and Milroy remains only a fertile cornfield.
HERMON.
This town is located on section 19, Chestnut township, and was laid out by Archibald Long in 1840, on land owned by himself and Simon Markham. The surrounding country is settled by some of the best farmers in the State,-those who fully understand the theory and practice of the pursuit of agriculture.
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