USA > Illinois > Massac County > History of Massac County, Illinois > Part 10
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The description was in keeping with the town in 1842, for there were only about a dozen houses in Metropolis, mostly of log. (6) The only entirely- frame building in the county stood where Elliot's furniture store now stands. In 1848 or 1849 there were three or four stores.
The first town election was held March 7, 1858. William V. McGee was elected as the first Mayor, John B. Hicks as Magistrate, and J. Dayhuff as Marshal. There were three wards and ward mem- bers first met in the office of Hicks. Metropolis was first incorporated on February 18, 1859. It was re- incorporated March 6, 1873. (10)
William A. McBeane (later McBane) was a bachelor and lived with his aged mother until her
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death. He was then a recluse. He was an agnostic, but had many sterling qualities, especially that of charity to the poor. (6) He died in 1873 and lies in the Masonic Cemetery where a large monument was placed about 1906.
J. H. G. Wilcox, Sr., had come to Fort Massac as commander in 1806. He had two sons, Isaac Dow and J. H. G., Jr. Isaac, about 1817, filed claim for the fort and 1000 acres of adjacent land. Later he assigned the land to J. H. G., Jr., who received a patent to the land. He had operated a ferry before McBane had come. Later, he sold out to McBane, moved to a farm a few miles up the river, and later died there. (6) (10)
What claims to be the original Wilcox house stands at the northeast corner of Girard and Second Streets, and is occupied by James E. Hard. Another old building is located at the northeast corner of Ferry and Fourth Streets, now occupied by a motor- cycle shop. It is here that Robert G. Ingersoll taught school when a mere youth, in 1852. (63) (64) Called the old Cedar House, it was built in 1848. (11)
In early days Metropolis was pre-eminently a river town. Its original character has faded but new links of interests have been forged. It is still closely connected with the South by ties of consanguinity, climate, and interests, which gives it its famous Southern friendliness. Its growth has been slow but steady : 4655 in 1910; 5570 in 1930; 6093 in 1950;
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and 7784 in August 1954. Metropolis is a trading center for many more thousands.
Business and industry have found much in Metropolis that is good. Power, transportation, labor, and locations are ideal. In few other places in Egypt will there be found a larger percentage of firmly-based establishments. To an ingrained con- fidence will be found the aggressiveness brought on by the "Miracle of Joppa." Aiding and promoting the continued development of Metropolis will be found the local Chamber of Commerce.
Business and industry alone, however, do not complete a community. There is the social life. Metropolis has four good grade schools-Central, Clark, Washington, and Lincoln-and the Com- munity High School. A Junior High School was opened in 1951. Superintendent since 1928 is C. J. Ramsey. Metropolis has 20 churches representing more than a dozen denominations. The various social organizations and service clubs promote civic and cultural improvement.
At one time Metropolis grew so many roses that is was called "the city of roses". Beautiful lawns may be found all over the city. Here one may find the magnolia. The four parks are prominent features of the city and provide space for various recreational activities. As has been said the location of the city is unsurpassed. The pellucid Ohio is ever beautiful. From the river there is a gradual rise for nine blocks until a high point of 89 feet above low water mark is
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reached. There is then a gradual decline in the opposite direction. This provides natural drainage so that even before gravel streets came, mud and water were rare. Less than one-half of the city was under water in the 1937 flood. With prophetic vision William McBane saw ahead and laid out the two principal streets 100 feet wide, and the others 70 feet. Traffic congestion is not yet a problem. Five miles of street paving were completed by 1928. Five miles more were added up to 1936. Since then an- other five miles has been paved. Other streets are of good native gravel. (10)
Metropolis takes pride in its municipally-owned water and light plant, which has been recently ex- panded. The household rate is eight cents for the first 20 KWH, and three and one-half cents for all over 180 KWH. On March 24, 1927, the first "white way" lights were turned on. Fifth Street lighting was completed in the fall of 1929, and other streets subsequently. Water comes from two deep wells and is 99.9 per cent pure. What is fortunate is that there is usually plenty of it. The fire protec- tion equipment is of the best. Two men are on duty full time at two fire stations and 13 men are on part time, all of whom are paid a fixed amount annually. The per capita fire loss is only 30 to 50 cents. H. Lester Craig resigned as Fire Chief in September, 1954, to be succeeded by Rass Owens. Natural gas is supplied by the Trunkline Gas Company. The influx of new workmen to the AEC projects caused
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an upsurge in law-breaking, but an efficient, well- equipped police force has been able to cope with the situation admirably. The two-way radio was first turned on May 31, 1953, and has proved its effective- ness. The spacious City Hall was dedicated July 13, 1931. The county fair grounds adjoin the city to the east.
It was appropriate that in 1939 Metropolis should celebrate its centennial. (65) It was held May 28 to June 4 and was a complete success. Every seg- ment of the population had a part, the hard labor of carrying out the program falling, of course, to the ten committees. On Friday night, June 2, a particu- larly impressive pageant was enacted by the colored people. The last day (Sunday) the largest crowd in the history of the city attended the Legion and Centennial parade. The estimated attendance was 40,000. (10)
Metropolis had twelve plattings from 1839 to 1919. The fourth platting, July 25, 1896, closed the gap between Metropolis and Massac City, to the east. Subsequent additions were called Fairview, Fairmount, Glove Factory, McBane, and Greenlawn Terrace. (10) The construction boom began in March 1951, although there had been some construc- tion in the suburban Hilanoa in 1949. A city zoning commission was appointed in May 1951. In succes- sion were annexed the Northern Heights, Lindsey- Oakes, and Gothbawn Mead additions. In the same period three Federal housing projects were finished
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and three private companies were building scores of homes.
The mayor of this new growing Metropolis is Barney Beane, who has served since January 1941. Wid Matthews, on a visit here in 1952, just about summed up the true sentiments of Metropolitans when he exclaimed, "Everything about Metropolis is wonderful !"
Although not within the city limits, Fort Massac is an integral part of Metropolis. Its early history has been given in previous chapters. It now remains to say something about the old fort today. Writers seem to differ as to how or when the site came into private hands, or whether the fort itself ever did. Be that as it may, the State acquired the site in 1903. To the original 20 acres enough has been added to bring the present size to 456 acres. It was Illinois' first State Park. A monument was dedicated in 1908. A statue of Clark to replace it was dedicated in 1932. The first keeper was George W. Evans, appointed in 1905. The sea wall was built in 1921. (10) Byrd Stewart is present custodian.
The George Rogers Clark Sesqui-Centennial celebration June 28 to July 1, 1928, brought thou- sands to Fort Massac. Some of the notables were Honorable Louis L. Emmerson, Senator Deneen, Legion Commander Spafford, Otis H. Glenn and Thomas Williams. There were speeches and parades. On the night of the 29th the D.A.R. presented the Historical Pageant of Fort Massac. The vast tent
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was crowded to capacity. Almost 600 home ama- teurs took part and it was presented three times. It was a noteworthy celebration. (10)
In 1941 and 1942 archaeological research was con- ducted by the State with the aid of WPA labor. From the evidence gathered the old fort has been partially reconstructed.
Fort Massac State Park has seen many large crowds. It is popular for conventions, family re- unions, and picnics. On "I am an American" Day, May 22, 1941, there were 7000. On August 10, 1952, there were 11,000 reported.
Recreational facilities are excellent at the park. There are picnic areas well equipped. The latest development is along Massac Creek. Sites for pub- lic camping are available without cost, only a permit being required from the custodian. There is ample playground equipment for children. Finally, there is the great scenic beauty of the place.
CHAPTER XIX
BROOKPORT AND JOPPA
The history of Brookport has been gleaned from various books, newspaper clippings, and interviews. It is far from complete, but as facts cannot be seized by ledgerdemain so gaps must remain.
During the late fifties there were many so-called wildcat banks. Paper money would be issued to the value of the lots in the new towns. A good example of this practice is found in the early history of Brookport. Land had been entered by Enoch Fleece on August 6, 1821. The town of Brooklyn was plotted in 1855 by Charles Pell and a Captain Davis. The village being "laid off", a map of the same was drawn, and the wild-cat money was issued from the banks. In 1819 one lone cabin marked the spot where the later Brookport was to appear. This part of the river bank was called the Davis Landing, Captain Davis, an early river man, having owned the land when it was platted. The town was char- tered by a special act of the Legislature on February 15, 1855. (6)
The village operated under the charter until
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1867, when it became dormant until July 9, 1887. With the coming of the Illinois Central Railroad in 1888 came the "boot-legger". ". The good citizens proposed to stop lawlessness and break up the gang that made the nights hideous. Accordingly, a special charter was obtained and the place incorporated on November 10, 1888, under the name of Brooklyn. On July 8, 1901, the name was changed to Brook- port. It was incorporated as a city on October 20, 1903. Dr. John D. Young, after serving six months in the Andersonville prison hell, returned from the Civil War, and later became the first mayor of Brookport.
In postal history Brookport was established under the name Pellonia, October 1854. It was named for Mitchell Pell, who came to the place be- fore 1850. The postmaster was John W. Blackwell. The name of the office was changed to Brookport on March 12, 1901, with George Rush as postmaster. The name Brooklyn is derived from the analogous relation between Brooklyn, N. Y. and New York City, and Paducah and the town (being near) of Brooklyn. The name was changed to Brookport because a town in Schuyler County already had that name for its post office.
The original town of Brooklyn comprised eight blocks : five blocks on the river front; three blocks where the bank stands; one block at Kerr's Dry Goods Store; and one block at Dr. Gann's, the dif- ference in the total being according to the arrange-
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ment of the blocks. The rest of the city has been added to by several additions, beginning in 1867.
Several names stand out in the history of Brook- port, among them being Benjamin J. Delavan, a justice of the peace, who had a wealth of information pertaining to the city's history. James Smith and Samuel Caldwell surveyed the city. Under the able administration of John Black, Brookport, between 1903 and 1905, got its waterworks and sidewalks. John Chapman and O. H. and Jasper Margrave were responsible for the Margrave-Chapman addition in 1898. The Margraves furnished from their mill over 50 per cent of the lumber for the frame buildings. In 1905 the entire Block No. 3 burned.
Brookport has had its ups and downs. Wild-cat banks provided a boom; it went down and was not revived until the Civil War; again the town started downhill and continued until the railroads came. Brookport is the second largest city in the county, but in speed of growth surpasses all. The popula- tion more than doubled in the three years following the railroad. Later figures are 1900-865; 1910- 1443; 1930-1336; 1950-1119. Baptist Town or Robinsville has had as many as 200 colored people.
The bank came in 1903 ; the Irvin Cobb Vehicular bridge in 1929; the paved highway in 1934; the City Hall in 1936; and the flood wall in 1938. The oldest business is the dry goods store of A. T. Kerr, founded in 1898.
Formerly there was much river traffic. For one
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hundred years there was a ferry. Early trains trans- ferred across the river by ferry. The area was densely wooded which gave impetus to the tie in- dustry and sawmilling. As late as March 1934 Brookport shipped out 100 carloads of ties. It once had excellent barge-rail terminal facilities. A button factory operated for years, until the 1937 flood. Steamboats took on or discharged merchandise. As many as 32 steamboats have been moving about the wharf at once. Gone, at least temporarily, are those halycon days. The surrounding rich farming com- munity and a type of pushing business man has pre- served much of Brookport's former prosperity. The newest piece of construction is the Federal housing project, now completed. A noteworthy civic project was the War Memorial which was unveiled May 30, 1951. A special honor has come to Brookport through Gordon E. Kerr, who is serving his third
BROOKPORT WAR MEMORIAL
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term as State Representative. Virgil Flowers is City Mayor.
As for local industry, Brookport is in the dol- drums. Some are hopeful; the majority are opti- mistic; and a few are highly optimistic. Presently, the government plants (AEC) are a great help since the commuting distance is not too great. And it may not be long until industry moves in or water terminals spring up.
The Copeland brothers owned Copeland's Land- ing early in the history of Joppa. There had been a ferry not too far down-river in 1821. Sometimes there would be a store owned by one or another of the brothers, but often there would be no store at all. In 1854 Joppa had a store kept by Dick Venable for Sam Copeland, of Vienna. During the Civil War, John R. ("Cigar") Jones owned a big store on the hill at or near where Judge Oakes' house stood. Even then, such a place as Joppa was never thought of. Much of the trading was done when trading boats stopped, which had stores upon them.
A. J. Kuykendall owned much of the land when Jesse Baccus, in the spring of 1871, moved a saw and grist mill on the river bank, on land which he had bought from Kuykendall. There was much vir- gin timber and shingle-making was a big industry. Timber was cut from anyone's land without having to ask permission. Deer were as plentiful as rabbits are now. Squirrels and droves of wild turkey were abundant.
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Kuykendall and Baccus got together and decided to lay out a small town. Accordingly, the land was surveyed from the river to the hill, not more than an ordinary one-half city block. Kuykendall, who was probably a Bible student, suggested "Joppa" for a name, likening the hauling of timber out of the country to the river bank to build the town, to the hauling of cedars for the building of Jaffa or Joppa of Biblical times. The word signifies "beauty".
John, Joshua, and L. W. Copeland (later Major) were early Joppa citizens. The grandfather, John, was an educated Virginian. He kept records when he was justice of the peace, as well as many other records. Jesse Jones (to whom we are indebted for much of the early history of Joppa) found this record book, and presented it to the Copeland family many years ago. John Copeland is probably buried in the family cemetery, eight miles below Joppa.
L. W. Copeland had a large store but had started with scarcely a wagon-load of goods. He would buy anything from an egg to a steamboat. His store burned. At one time he had 1,900,000 shingles and often bought 30,000 a day. He also secured the es- tablishment of Joppa post office on January 5, 1874, and was postmaster for many years.
In 1853 Mrs. Jesse Jones' parents came to Joppa on a trading boat. There was no church or school closer than Macedonia. The Jones built a log struc- ture upon arrival which served as a community center for many years. It was the birthplace of the
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Joppa Methodist and Christian Churches and was the first Oak Grove School.
The Dr. Pierce Medical Company ran the first automobile over Joppa streets. It was in the winter and a fire was built under it and kept there for one- half day to get it started. It went to Metropolis on a boat. A Mr. Neihouse owned the first automobile in Joppa.
The C. & E. I. Railroad came to Joppa in 1900 and paid for itself the first year it is said. Joppa was then in the hey-day of the tie business. The village was incorporated on October 28, 1901, and a charter issued January 29, 1902. The population in 1910 was 734; in 1930-462; in 1950-513. The present estimate is 1000. The Mayor is Logan Wood.
The river-and the railroad until 1912-provided Joppa with economic prosperity. Then river traffic died and the river-to-rail and rail-to-river movement declined. Population declined despite the timber processing plant. There just were not enough jobs. In 1944 the major industry, the Republic Creosoting Company, burned but was not rebuilt. Suddenly, in December 1950 Electric Energy Incorporated an- nounced that it would build a huge power plant. (See Chapter XXIV). Joppa awakened from its bad economic dream.
Undeniably Joppa has many desirable features. The harbor is the best on the Ohio; there is plenty of underground water; industrial sites are ample; transportation by rail or water is available ; Joppa is
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flood-free; and there is a surplus of willing labor.
Other assets have been added as well since EEI arrived. There is the Trunkline Gas Company and its pumping station. A water system costing $180,000 has been built. The C & E I Railroad has barge handling facilities and plans another one. Mayor Wood thinks the terminal will help the county as much as any other thing. When the steam electric station gets into operation it alone will require from two to three millions of tons of coal annually. Drew Pearson, in December 1951, predicted that Joppa would become the coal capital of the Midwest. Other assets of the new Joppa are the schools which have enough space for the work- ers' children, the many new homes, new businesses and other civic improvements. Development of the EEI came so unexpectedly that housing was inade- quate, hence Vanmeter and Carson Homeland trailer courts sprang up, while other people had to com- mute from other towns.
On the night of August 19, 1952, Joppa com- memorated the fiftieth anniversary of its incorpora- tion by giving a free barbecue and street dance. Industrialists and politicians joined in the fun, which was followed by a number of speeches.
As Joppa never quite gave up in those dark days following the 1944 disaster, so may it with confidence and renewed spirit face the future, and welcome the great development which it is sure to have and which it so well merits.
CHAPTER XX
TWO FOREIGN WARS
"Remember the Maine" was the cry echoed in the country following the sinking of the battleship Maine on February 15, 1898. Many Massac County men were anxious to serve.
Company I of Robart's Provisional Regiment was organized here, with S. Bartlett Kerr as Cap- tain, O. J. Page as First Lieutenant, and George Sawyer as Second Lieutenant. Sawyer drilled the men around the Armstrong Building. The company was tendered to Governor Tanner, and made avail- able for immediate mobilization, but it was not needed. Copeland's Provisional Independent Cav- alry Squadron was also organized here. L. W. Copeland, of Metropolis, was instrumental in raising it, for which he held a commission as Major. Ernest P. Copeland was Quartermaster. (66)
The records fail to give us complete data on the part our men took in the war, and only a few vet- erans are living now. The following are only ex- amples of services, but to all is due equal honor. William D. Harrington was in Co. E of the 9th
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Illinois Volunteers. Taylor Wentzell was in Co. D of the same. Louis Thane enlisted in Minneapolis and served two years in the Philippines. Lark D. Richardson enlisted in Paducah and was in Co. K of the 3rd Kentucky Volunteer Infantry. He served in Cuba, the Philippines, and China. Ed Wade was cook and later, assistant doctor. William Cross, of New Columbia, served in the Philippines. Other men were W. P. Bunn, Joe Holt, George Grace, Dave King, and Joe Bellemy, the last from Hiller- man. Several county men were in the 8th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, among them being Jacob Crim. Several colored men served honorably in the war, at least one, Lawrence Michaux, having died in the service.
Paducah and Mound City were the two nearest recruiting stations.
America declared war against Germany on April 6, 1917. By war's end Illinois had furnished 343,604 men, and Massac County almost 500.
The county was in the Eastern District, Division No. 1, of the District Draft Board, which included 22 counties. Metropolis was No. 69 Unit, of Divi- sion 1, State at Large, of the Volunteer Training Corps, June 1918. Unlike during the Civil War, when no men were drafted in the county, the draft was employed in 1917-18. There were three draft calls but many volunteered. The gross quota of the county under the Federal Conscription Act was 139. The men already in the National Guard and enlisted
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in the Regular Army, however, brought the net quota down to 32. (56)
The official registration of the Massac County Local Draft Board follows : June 5, 1917-1203 men ; June 5 and August 24, 1918-108 men; September 12, 1918-1564 men; or a total of 2875 registrants. The induction reports give, for total called, 384; for inducted, 336; for accepted 278; and for total re- jected, 57. (67)
At the opening of World's War I Metropolis was a unit of the National Guard. Company M of the 8th Illinois Infantry was organized here and was made up entirely of colored men, mostly from Mas- sac County. It consisted of four officers and 129 men. The captain was Arthur Williams and the First Lieutenant was Horace Burke. Many of these men had had prior service, some as far back as the Spanish-American War. Company M reported for duty on July 25, 1917. Upon its induction it became the 370th Infantry of the 93rd Division. Williams and Burke were promoted to the respective ranks of Major and Captain.
A number of men had enlisted for service on the Mexican Border previously. These men were among the first to go to Europe. The 84th Division was organized August 1917 at Camp Taylor, Kentucky, and included many men from Southern Illinois. The author's father was first in this Division, but was transferred to the 33rd in Texas. The county fur- nished 21 men for the navy and 27 for the Naval
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Reserve. These men served in various waters. It is impossible in these few pages to tell properly of the county's part in the war. Nor is it easy to determine the precise number who enlisted or to which county or unit some men should be credited, for in this war geographical identification rarely existed.
Including naval men, 133 colored men, and 331 white men (according to available data-some few remain unrecorded), the total number of Massac County men in the war was 464-"nearly 500 boys in Khaki".
The local men were sent to various training cen- ters, such as Camp Grant, Camp Taylor, Jefferson Barracks, Camp Shelby, and others. The first group of drafted men departed on September 5, 1917. Some of the young men left wives and small children, but each of them went forth bravely to do his duty to his country.
The first Americans arrived in France on June 26, 1917. They were in the trenches for the first time on October 26, 1917. On November 11, 1918, the men had ended their work. Twenty-seven of our soldiers died in the service. They merit ever- lasting honor. They are :
Ray Stegall, Virgil Kellum, Finis Anderson, Clarence Hawkins, William Hausman, Hollis Her- ron, Eury Johnson, Overton P. Morris, James Las- siter, Robert Farris, Altamont Armstead, N. W. Long, Earl Houchin, Ed Schwegman, Harry Ed-
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wards, Theodore Woodard, Herman Hinners, Carlos Baker, John Crabtree, Bryan Randolph, James Neeley, Dillie Marthel, Moses Perkins, Wesley Truley, John Banks, Coy Crawford, Aaron Black- well.
At least six men received the Distinguished Serv- ice Cross: Chester Triplett, Merritt May, Lester Fossie, T. M. Rutledge, Charles Mahaffee, and Luther Summers. A report came through on Oc- tober 10, 1918, that Captain Tom Smith, son of Judge W. F. Smith, of Metropolis, had distinguished himself by killing two Germans and capturing sin- gle-handedly 28 others. He was decorated with the French Croix de Guerre. Apparently, some of the last boys to come home-October 2, 1919-were Earl Armstrong, Ira Rankin, and T. M. Rutledge. The entire Co. M had arrived from overseas by February, 1919.
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