History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 122

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens > Part 122

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Among the settlers of 1834, there was no one more prominent than Thomas A. Brooking, who was the second son of, a family of 11, eight daughters and three sons, and was born in Nottaway county, Virginia, near Richmond, the 20th day of January, 1795. His parents were Thos. Vivian and Elizabeth (Sherwin) Brook- ing, the latter being the daughter of Colonel Samuel Sherwin, of revolution- ary fame. But little is known of his

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

early history, save that every opportu- nity was given him to obtain such edu- cation as would fit him for a useful sta- tion in life. He attended a good class- ical school in Chesterfield county, Vir- ginia, under charge of Prof. Ferguson, a noted teacher in his day, and after- ward under Prof. Smith. He then went to Manchester, Virginia, and entered a school under charge of Prof. O'Reily, one of the best classical scholars in the state. When he completed the prescribed course in this school, he returned to Richmond, Virginia, and entered the law office of Alexander McRae, one of the most talented lawyers in the city, where he pursued his studies for a suffi- cient length of time to enable him to pass a satisfactory examination and obtain admittance to the bar. On receiving his diploma, he removed to the state of Ken- tucky for the purpose of engaging in practice, but for some cause he aban- doned the idea of making the legal pro- fession a life business, but the knowl- edge obtained through his reading was beneficial during life. A few months before reaching his majority, he removed to Kentucky, and settled in the town of Versailles, where he engaged in the mer- cantile trade. Here he formed the ac- quaintance of Mary Louisa Threshly, which soon terminated in love, and the offer of his hand and heart in marriage. Accordingly, on the 25th day of January, 1816, the young couple were duly mar- ried. The tie thus formed remained un- broken until severed by the death of Mr. Brooking in 1858. Thirteen children were they blessed with, six of whom have passed on to that other shore, seven yet living to fill responsible stations in life.

One of the number, Edward Brooking, lost his life in the service of his country, as a member of the 137th regiment, Illi- nois volunteers. Of the number now living-William is a large farmer, living north of Macomb; A. V., is a farmer and stock dealer; R. S., is a trader; Mrs. Jane Randolph, widow of the late William H. Randolph, who lives in Macomb; Mrs. Augusta Palmer who lives in Palestine, Texas; Mrs. Lucy Snyder lives in Car- rollton, Missouri; Mrs. Julia Randolph, wife of J. H. Randolph, of Fort Scott, Kansas. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Brooking returned to Richmond, Vir- ginia, where he remained three years, after which he located in Union county, Kentucky, where he leased the celebrated Sulphur Springs, continuing in its charge five years, when he removed to Prince- ton, Caldwell county, remaining there until the fall of 1834, when he made his final removal to McDonough county, set- tling in the town of Macomb. By a series of unfortunate ventures in Ken- tucky he lost his entire fortune, and came to this county a poor man but with a determined will and the intention of re- trieving all. On his arrival here he en- gaged as a teacher of a select school, continuing the same until the following spring. For two seasons following he engaged in the manufacture of brick, north of town, on the site of Oakwood cemetery, after which he removed to the old farm now owned by his son, William T. Brooking, where he remained until the spring of 1850, when he purchased the old hotel on the west side of the square, which he carried on for some years. On the 25th of February, 1858, he died, and was buried on the old home-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

stead with Masonic honors. Mr. Brook- ing was one of the men who have helped materially to develope this county.

In the month of March, 1834, Joseph P. Updegraff came to Macomb, and en- tered upon his business of builder. He has followed that line of trade and sev- eral others in Macomb ever since, and is numbered among the substantial men of the town.

Joseph P. Updegraff, one of the old settlers of McDonough county, and one of her prominent citizens, was born in Hardin county, Virginia, May 27, 1813, his parents being Ambrose and Catha -. rine (Robinson) Updegraff. About the year 1816, the family removed to Jeffer- son county, Ohio. Here Ambrose Upde- graff was associated in the manufacture of hats, but his time was principally oc- cupied in attending to the duties of offices of trust, which he held continually. Joseph P. resided with his parents until 1833, when he came to Illinois, and, in March, 1834, settled in Macomb, thus becoming one of the pioneers of McDon- ough county. Here he at first followed the occupation of a builder and manu- facturer of brick, and, in 1834, took the contract to build the court house, which was really what brought him to the county. He followed the occupation of a builder for some 10 years, when he en- tered a tract of land three miles north of Macomb, and settled thereon. One year later, found him again in Macomb, en- gaged in merchandising. He subse- quently purchased another farm west of Macomb, in Chalmers township, and re- sided there about five years, since which time he has been a resident of Macomb most of the time, following various mer_

cantile pursuits. Mr. Updegraff has been twice married. September 16, 1835, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Brooking, a daughter of Thomas A. Brooking. She died in Octo- ber, 1872, two children surviving her- Imogene, now the wife of J. A. Gates, of Oswego, Kansas, and Joseph Atherton, of the same city. Mr. Updegraff was again married, June 19, 1833, to Mrs. Caroline Head, the widow of- Horace Head. She has been a resident of the county about as long as Mr. U., and was always a warm friend of the family. Politically, Mr. Updegraff is a republi- can, and was formerly a whig. He has served as mayor of Macomb three terms, and has also filled various other local offices, in each of which he gave full sat- isfaction to the people.

Among the arrivals of 1834, in the vil- lage of Macomb, was B. F. Martin, who was then 20 years of age and an adept at the trade of shoemaking, but who soon dropped that trade and took up that of carpentering and cabinet making. He is still among the business men of Ma- comb, mentioned further on.

David F. Martin, also a cabinet maker, a brother of B. F., came at the same time and worked at his trade. After a few years he purchased a farm on Spring creek, where he died in the fall of 1845.

In 1833, Thomas Pickett came to Ma- comb and engaged in the business of cabinet making.

Dr. James B. Kyle, one of the pioneer physicians of the county, settled in the rising city, in 1835. A sketch of this gentleman is found in the chapter de- voted to the medical profession of the county.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Among others who arrived in 1835, was William H. Randolph, who, on ar- rival, opened up a small stock of gro- ceries. An extended sketch of Mr. Ran- dolph appears in the chapter entitled "National, State and County Represen- tation," to which the reader is referred.

Major John M. Walker, one among the early settlers of McDonough county, died Sunday, July 9, 1876. He was born in Tazewell county, Virginia, July 2, 1800, and was, therefore, a few days over 76 years of age. His father removed to Tennessee at an early day, where the de- ceased remained until the year 1834, when he removed to McDonough county, where he resided until the day of his death. For many years he was engaged in the land business, and sold much of the land in the county upon which now are valuable farms. Of late years he was engaged in farming. In the days of the whig party he was an active, work- ing member of that organization, but upon its demise, he became identified with the young democracy, where he re- mained steadfast during all the political changes which have taken place in the last few years.

Many others now flocked in, in fact too rapidly to note, but some of the more prominent are given to convey the idea of the class of citizens of this locality in the early days.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

As has been mentioned, the first store in the city of Macomb, and in the county of McDonough, was instituted by James M. Campbell, in the spring of 1831. This was in a small hewn log cabin, 18 feet square, with puncheon floor, which stood

at that time in the middle of what is now Jefferson street, about the width of a lot and a half west of McArthur, and about 20 feet south of the cabin of John Baker, which was located on the west side of lot 11, in block 24, of the original town of Macomb. The building had a board roof, but roughly laid on. Mr. Camp- bell, who was at this time clerk of the circuit court, clerk of the county com- missioners' ' court, county recorder, notary public, and postmaster of Ma- comb, put in a stock of dry goods, gro- ceries, hardware, etc., such as is usually kept in all new settlements, and spoken of as general merchandise. Mr. Camp- bell, who was an active, energetic, thor- ough-going specimen of a man, as all who know him testify, attended to his multitudinous duties, and ran this store, the only one in the county, for about a a year, alone, when he admitted a part- ner in the person of John A. Chenoweth, and under the firm name of Campbell & Chenoweth, it continued three years. Mr. Campbell then withdrew, placing in his place his brother-in-law, Joseph L. Hempstead, and the firm name changed to that of Hempstead & Chenoweth, and so continued for two years, when it was wound up, Mr. Chenoweth leaving with a larger share of the institution than rightfully was his. In this connection it will be proper to state that, previous to Mr. Chenoweth's connection with the store that Mr. Campbell had erected a frame building on the northwest corner of Lafayette and Jackson streets, oppo- site the public square, into which he had moved his goods. This building was afterwards moved to another lot in block 27, on east Jackson street, east of Camp-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

bell, it having been sold to Rev. W. K. Stewart, a Presbyterian minister, and is still standing, a monument of pioneer days.

Shortly after Mr. Campbell had started in business, Moses Hinton and Lawson H. Robinson, built a store room on the northeast corner of the square, on the lot now occupied by the Union National bank. Here they opened the second stock of goods in the county, and carried the usual assorted goods, as in all new settlements. They remained in business for several years, when they closed out.

Mr. Hinton remained here a few years after that, and died in Macomb. L. H. Robinson left for some southern expe- dition, and died while away. His widow, who has re-married, is still a resident of the city.

Shortly after that, Baker, Bogart & Company opened a store. These gentle- men were John Baker, a Baptist clergy- man, and Samuel Bogart, a Methodist minister. They remained in trade about a year, when Mr. Baker moved to Crooked creek, and in company with William Mc- Donald, ran a mill.

W. W. Bailey, in the year 1833, opened a general store, which has survived to the present day, being represented by the dry goods establishment of his son, George W. Bailey.

Atkinson & Vaughn were the next to · engage in the general merchandise busi- ness in Macomb, coming here from Springfield about the year 1834. Their store was just north of the Bailey build- ing, on the east side of the square. They ran about a year when the firm was dis- solved, the business being run by John Atkinson for a short time. In 1835, he

was succeeded by N. P. Tinsley, who was one of the most successful and prominent business men of his day.

From this time out merchants began to come in, too fast for memory to recall them; all kept for years, what were called general merchandise stores, but about 1860, the various lines began to separate, and the city put on metropoli- tan airs. The following is the history of

THE PRESENT BUSINESS HOUSES.

George W. Bailey is one of the lead- ing dry goods merchants of Macomb, as well as the representative of the oldest house in the county. This business was established in 1833, by W. W. Bailey, the father of the present proprietor, who erected a frame building, on the site of the store now occupied by Geo. W. This building was one story and a half high, 40x60 feet on the ground, and was used as a store building and resi- dence. The elder Mr. Bailey ran the store for many years, and was succeeded by W. S. Bailey, and he by the present proprietor, in 1860. The present hand- some brick edifice occupied by Mr. Bai- ley, was erected by him in 1877, and has a fine store room upon the ground floor, 21x80 feet in size, in which a fine and well assorted stock of goods, that will invoice about $10,000, is carried.

George W. Bailey, son of W. W. and Elizabeth M. (Walker) Bailey, was born on the 21st of August, 1838, on the very spot where he has been carrying on bus- iness for the past 25 years. He was ed- ucated in the public schools of Macomb, with the exception of one year spent in the Monmouth college, at Monmouth, Illinois. He was brought up to a mer-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

cantile life, and, in 1860, engaged in bus- iness for himself, as before mentioned. In February, 1861, Mr. Bailey was uni- ted in marriage with Eliza M. Worthing- ton, of Rushville, a daughter of Dr. R. M. Worthington. They have reared three children-Rowland, Annie L., and James W. Mr. Bailey was one of the original stock-holders of the Union Na- tional Bank, of Macomb, and is one of its directors. He was also one of the original stock-holders of the Macomb Loan and Building association, of which he has been a director continually, and was one of the prime movers in estab- lishing the Macomb Tile and Sewer Pipe company, and is one of its direc- tors, being one of its original stock-hold- ers. In fact, Mr. Bailey is one of Ma- comb's most enterprising inen, being al- ways among the first to take hold of any- thing looking to the advancement of that city's interests. He built his present store building in 1877, it 'being a two- story brick structure, 21x80 feet in di- mensions, and having a metal roof. He had previously, in 1872, built the two store buildings adjoining him on the north-they being two story front, and one story rear-which he has leased to other parties. The building now owned and occupied by B. R. Hampton as a printing office, was also erected by Mr. Bailey. He votes with the republican party, but his extensive business inter- ests always prevented him from taking an active part in politics, even if he felt so inclined. The A. O. U. W., and the I. O. M. A., societies claim him as an honored member.

Among the leading dry goods dealers in Macomb, and in the county, is that

of Ross & Holland. This place was es- tablished by S. A. M. Ross, in 1861, and continued, alone most of the time, by him until 1876, when he associated with himself, his son, C. N., as a partner, the firm name being changed to S. A. M. Ross & Son. In 1879, J. B. Stapp be- came a partner, and the firm changed to Ross & Stapp. The latter put in no cap- ital, but business knowledge and work, so as to take the load of business cares from the shoulders of the elder Mr. Ross. In 1883, Mr. Stapp withdrew from the firm, and the store was run un- der the name of C. N. Ross, until in March, 1885, when Frank L. Holland purchased an interest in the business, and the firm name changed to its pres- ent form. They have recently enlarged their business and added carpets to their other trade. They carry one of the heaviest stocks in the county.

C. N. Ross, one of the leading mer- chants of Macomb, is a son of S. A. M. and Sophia A. Ross, and was born in Herkimer county, state of New York, on the 4th day of March, 1853. His parents removed to McDonough county, Illinois, in 1861, and settled in the city of Ma- comb. Here C. N. Ross received his ed- ucation and was bred to mercantile life in the store of his father, with whom he afterwards became associated as a part- ner in the business. Endowed with a natural ability for mercantile pursuits, he has been eminently successful. In the month of April, 1881, Mr. Ross led to the hymeneal altar Mary W. Matteson, of Galesburg, Illinois. In politics, he is a republican, but, as his business re- quires his whole time and attention, he gives but little of his time to political

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

matters. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the A. O. U. W.

The dry goods establishment of Wyne Bros., was instituted in the fall of 1874, by J. W. Wyne and J. B. Stapp, under the firm name of Stapp & Wyne. They continued together until February, 1879, when by the withdrawal of Mr. Stapp, Mr. Wyne became sole proprietor. Until April, 1882, he remained alone in the business, but at that time he associated with him, his brother, H. C., and the present firm was formed. They carry a large stock and are doing a first-class business. Their store is on the east side . of. the square, and is one of the hand- somest in the city.

J. W. Wyne, one of the firm of Wyne Bros., was born in Macomb, February 27, 1850. After receiving his education he commenced mercantile life as a clerk, and, in 1774, engaged in the dry goods business with J. B. Stepp. In Septem- ber, 1876, J. W. Wyne and Alice Ervin, a daughter of William Ervin, were united in marriage. They are the parents of

two children-Ervin and Mary.

Mr.

Wyne is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

H. C. Wyne, of the firm of Wyne Bros., is a son of J. E. and Clarinda Wyne. He was born in the city of Macomb on the 7th of March, 1852, and was educated in the public schools of that city. When he was but a mere lad he entered the postoffice as a clerk, and served as such at different intervals for several years. In 1876 he went to Washington territory and was there engaged in the dry goods business until 1881, when he returned to Macomb, and, in April, 1882, became a member of the present firm of Wyne Bros.

Venable Bros., dealers in general mer- chandise, commenced business in 1866. The dry goods department of their busi- ness was established by their father in 1861. The present firm, James C. and John W. Venable, carry a stock of about $14,000, and their annual sales foot up from $30,000 to $33,000. Their sales- room is 24x80 feet in size.

Charles Mapes commenced business in August, 1881, in partnership with D. M. Graves. On the 1st of February, 1885, the latter retired from the firm and the business was run by Mr. Mapes alone. Graves & Mapes purchased the stock, fixtures and good will of Churchill & Twyman. This establishment dates from an early day, and many changes have occurred since its inception. It is be- lieved that William Bell, in 1839 or 1840, was the originator of the stand.

Charles Mapes, one of the leading dry goods merchants of the city of Macomb, is a native of Bureau county, Illinois, born April 19, 1856. His parents are Elder G. W. Mapes and Martha (Denì- son) Mapes, who now reside near Mon- tezuma, Iowa. The subject of this sketch went to Eureka, Woodford county, Illi- nois, in 1873, and there attended Chris- tian college two years. He subsequently taught school in that county. In 1876, he came to Macomb, and entered the law office of William H. Neece. Three years later he was admitted to the bar and be- gan practicing his profession. He con- tinued it however, but a short time, then engaged in the dry goods business in partnership with H. C. Twyman, the name of the firm being, H. C. Twyman & Co. In September, 1881, D. M. Graves purchased an interest in, and H. C. Twy-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

man retired from the firm. February 1, 1885, Mr. Mapes bought the interest of Mr. Graves, and is now conducting the business alone. Charles Mapes was mar- ried April 19, 1880, to Belle Twyman, daughter of H. C. Twyman. Three chil- dren have been born to them, only one of whom-Lucy, is now living. George H. and Martha are deceased. Mr. Mapes is a member of the Masonic blue lodge and chapter, also of the Knights of Pythias.

The dry goods house of Stapp & New- ton was established by that firm on the 8th of March, 1884, in a new brick build- ing on the north side of the square. They carry a stock of about $6,000, in a sales- room 22x70 feet in floor measurement.

A. P. Wetherhold established a dry goods store during the year 1862, and un- der that gentleman it throve exceedingly well. On February 1, 1885, Mr. Weth- erhold formed a partnership with H. H. Smith, and the firm name changed to that of Smith & Co. Their salesroom which is on the east side of the square, in Bailey's block, is 20x90 feet in size. They carry about $8,000 in stock.

J. C. McClellan & Son, dealers in clothing, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods, are the representatives of a busi- less that was established in 1872 or 3, by S. P. Dewey. In 1875, the latter dis- posed of it to J. C. McClellan, who, in 1882, admitted his son to a partnership. They occupy a store building 24x80 feet in ground area, on the north side of the square, and carry a stock of from $6,000 to $10,000. They have a merchant tail- oring department in connection with their other business.

The clothing house now operated by I. M. Fellheimer, was established in

1866, by Strauss & Co., who continued it until 1868, when .John Strauss be- came sole proprietor. In 1877 he as- sociated with himself S. P. Wilson, as a partner, and the firm name changed to that of Strauss & Wilson. In 1878, I. M. Fellheimer purchased the interest of Mr. Strauss, and under the firm name of Wilson & Fellheimer, the business was carried on until 1882, when I. M. Fell- heimer became the sole proprietor. He carries a large and carefully selected stock, and does an immense business.

W. S. Kenner, a representative of the clothing business, commenced business in 1877, in company with A. V. Brook- ing, under the firm name of Brooking & Kenner, they purchasing the business of Major & Trotter, who had established the business about four years previously. In August, 1878, Mr. Brooking with- drew from the firm, since which time Mr. Kenner has operated the trade singly.

W. L. Kenner, clothier and gents' furnisher, of Macomb, was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, July 24, 1838, his parents being L. W. and Mary H. (Bell) Kenner, both of whom are natives of Kentucky. In 1864, they came to McDonough county, but only remained two or three years, then re- turning to Kentucky, where they still reside. W. L. Kenner received his ed- ucation in private schools, and was early initiated into a business life, his father being a merchant tailor and also a general merchant. On the 11th day of February, 1862, Mr. Kenner was united in marriage with Emma. T. Myers, and in February, 1863, removed to Homer, Indiana, and engaged in gen-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

eral merchandising, and also, for a time, followed agricultural pursuits. In Oc- tober, 1865, he removed to Macomb, and for one year acted in the capacity of clerk, at the Randolph house. He then engaged in farming in Scotland town- ship, where he purchased 320 acres of land, which he still owns. In 1874, he returned to Macomb, and was engaged in general speculation until 1877, when he purchased, in company with A. V. Brooking, the clothing business of Ma- jor & Trotter. In August, 1878, Mr. Brooking sold his interest to his partner and withdrew from the firm, since which time Mr. Kenner has been the sole pro- prietor. Mrs. Kenner died September 3, 1882, leaving six children-J. B., Mary C., Mattie R., Willie and Ollie, twins, and John. One child, James, a twin brother of John, died at the age of 11 months. February 25, 1883, Mrs. Anna B. Garrison, nee Seward, became the wife of Mr. Kenner. He is a demo- crat, but has no political aspirations. Mr. and Mrs. Kenner, and two of the children, are members of the Christian church.

J. H. Phelps, merchant tailor, estab- ·lished business in Macomb, October 1, 1877, in the Bailey block, on the north side of the square, upstairs. He after- wards removed to the east, and then the south side of the square, and in Febru- ary, 1882, removed to his present loca- - tion, in the Opera House block. Here he has a room 20x65 feet in size, in which he carries a stock of about $3,000 worth of goods in his line. He fur- mishes employment to some four men.

J. H. Phelps, the leading merchant tailor of Macomb, is a native of this

county. He was born February 14, 1847, and nearly all his life has been spent in Macomb. He learned the trade of tailor when 17 vears old, which has always been his business. He now has a good trade established, and is a genial, accommodating gentleman. He was married in May, 1869, to M. K. Shrier. They have had three children, two of whom are now living-Willie and Orrin.

George Milligan, merchant tailor, com- menced business in Macomb, in 1873. His present place of business is in the First National bank building, up stairs.

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History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 122

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150