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 123

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 123

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Thomas J. Beard was the first to deal in hardware, exclusively. He was a tinner by trade, and on coming here in 1834 or 1835, did that kind of work. Later on, he put in a stock of goods and was the first to make a business of selling stoves. He died in Macomb, in April, 1878.

Scott & Brooking, dealers in hard- ware, agricultural implements, stoves, cutlery and lamp goods, commenced business in December, 1881, being suc- cessors to Cook & Scott, who had pur- chased the stock of C. S. Cottrell, some five years previously. The stand was established in 1856, by Cottrell Brothers. The present firm occupy the whole of the three stories of the brick building on the south side of the square, each of which is 24x170 feet in floor area. In addition to this. they have two ware rooms, one 20x70, and the other 20x40 feet in size, used for storage purposes. The firm, composed of Robert Brook- ing and J. W. Scott, carry a stock of about $12,000, and do a business of about $40,000, annually.

Robert Brooking, of the firm of Scott

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

& Brooking, Macomb, is the oldest son of Alexander H. and Laura ( Wayland) Brooking. He was born November 17, 1849, in this county. He remained on a farm until 1863, when he came to Ma- comb and entered the high school. In 1868, he removed to Mexico, Audrain county, Missouri, and remained four years,engaged in farming and merchan- dising. In the fall of 1872, he returned to McDonough county, and went into the hardware store of C. S. Cottrell, there he remained four years. Meanwhile the firm was changed to Cook & Scott, and for them he clerked five years. He then. bought Cook's interest, and, thus, Jan- uary 1, 1881, the firm of Scott & Brook- ing was established. He is a genial, ac- commodating gentleman, thoroughly un- derstands his business, and deservedly has a good share of public patronage. He was married June 12, 1871, to Addie Farmer, a native of Indiana. They have had two children-Frank A., and Ray E. He is a public spirited citizen; was collector of taxes in the city for 1876, and always takes an interest in public matters. He is a staunch republican, and frequently takes active part in the various political contests. Being an able speaker, his aid is much sought for during the political campaigns of the county, and he has thus, at different times, rendered valuable assistance to the party of his choice.

J. A. Smith has a general hardware establishment on the west side of the square. The business was originated by C. L. Stewart, who was succeeded by Mc- Intosh & Blount, who were followed by Blount & Smith. In August, 1881, it became the property of the present pro-

prietor. His sales room is 23x108, in which, and in a room in the second story, of the same size, he carries $10,000 worth of goods in his line.

Joseph W. Hays was born in Hire, township, McDonough county, Illinois, August 5, 1836, his parents being Wm. H. and Mary (Funk) Hays, with whom he resided on a farm and attended school until reaching the age of 15 years. He then spent one year in Wisconsin, then went to Pike's Peak, and from there to Henry county, Missouri, where he re- mained until 1863, at which time he re- turned to his native county, and has has since been a resident of Macomb. Here he served as a book-keeper for Thomas J. Beard for about 12 years, and in 1874, entered into partnership with C. L. Stewart, under the firm name of C. L. Stewart & Co., and engaged in the hardware business, which they con- ducted for two years. then selling out to J. W. McIntosh. In 1876, Mr. Hays re- ceived the nomination for the office of sheriff, on the democratic ticket, but was defeated with the rest of the ticket. In 1879, he received the appointment of deputy sheriff and served one term, since which time he has served in the capac- ity of clerk and book-keeper for J. A. Smith, hardware merchant. In 1867, Mr. Hays was united in marriage with Maggie Mitchell, a daughter of James Mitchell. They are the parents of four children-Lena, Jennie, Frank and Amanda. Mr. Hays is a Royal Arch Mason and a member of the A. O. U. W.

The hardware establishment now op- erated by Wells Bros., on the north side, originated with T. J. Beard, in 1871. He was succeeded by C. L. Stewart, who

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

sold to the present proprietors in 1875. They occupy both stories of the brick two-story building, owned by the Beard estate, and carry a stock of about $10,000 worth of goods.

George M. Wells, deceased, came to McDonough county, in 1856, and, in - partnership with Joseph Burton and W. W. Wells, engaged in the dry goods business in Macomb, the firm name be- ing G. M. Wells & Co. This partner- ship continued for about three years, when George M. Wells disposed of his interest and withdrew from the firm. He then retired from business, his death occurring soon afterwards, in Septem- ber, 1860. He was a native of Connecti- cut, and was born in 1822. While yet a small boy, he removed with his parents to Erie county, Ohio, and assisted in tilling the soil until he attained his majority, when he came to Illinois, and engage in merchandising in Schuyler county, and remained there until coming to Macomb. Mr. Wells was married in Rushville, Schuyler county, to Louisa M. Foss, and their union was blessed with seven children, two of whom died in infancy, and five are now living- Anna E., the wife of Dr. T. M. Jorder, of Chicago; Edward L., Louisa H., the wife of Frank R. Kyle; George P. and Wheeler F. The widow of George M. Wells, is still living in Macomb, and makes her home with her daughter, Mrs. Frank R. Kyle.

Edward L. Wells, of the firm of Wells Bros., hardware merchants, was born on the 18th day of January, 1843, in Brook- lyn, Schuyler county, Illinois, his par- ents being George M. and Louisa (Foss) Wells. With his parents, Edward L.,

came to Macomb, in 1856, where he was bred to mercantile life. In 1864, he en- gaged in the hardware business with Thomas J. Beard, and did business un- der the firm name of T. J. Beard & Co., Mr. Beard having established the busi- ness some years previous. This part- nership continued for some five years, when Mr. Wells disposed of his interest and retired from the firm. He remained out of active business from that time until 1875, at which time he, in com- pany with his brothers, George P. and Wheeler F., under the firm name of Wells Bros., succeeded C. L. Stewart in the hardware business. In the month of October, 1869, Edward L. Wells was nnited in marriage with Mary C. Baker, a daughter of J. H. Baker, and as a re- sult of that union, they now have two children-George M. and Edward B. Mr. Wells is a Royal Arch Mason, in politics is a republican, and always ex- ercises his right of franchise. He has had no ambition for political preferment, although he has been a member of the city council of Macomb.

George P. Wells, also a member of the firm of Wells Brothers, was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, December 23, 1848, and came to Macomb, with his par- ents, in 1856. In 1875, he became asso- ciated with his brothers in the hardware business, which they still continue. Mr. Wells was married December 10, 1873, to Mary L. Walker, a daughter of James D. Walker. They are the parents of four children-Mary, Walker, Charles and Nellie. Mr. Wells is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, in politics is a republican, and has served as a member of the city council.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

E. M. Farmer, a leading merchant in the boot and shoe line in the city, com- menced business in the Scott building, on the southeast corner of the square, in August, 1882. Previous to this he had been a member of the firm of Farmer & Ross, in the same line of trade, next door but succeeded that firm upon removal. His salesroom is 20x100 feet in size, and he carries a stock that will average in value about $10,000.

Ed. M. Farmer, boot and shoe manu- facturer and dealer, came to this county when but three years old, from Indiana, where he was born September 21, 1855. His parents were Charles and Elizabeth (Iceminger) Farmer. The former died in December, 1868, and the latter is still living. He came to this county with his parents and settled in Macomb. His father was a tombstone cutter, and came to his death in consequence of a collection of marble dust about the heart. Ed. M. worked on a farm most of the time until 17 years old, when he commenced learn- ing the trade of shoemaker. He was in- dustrious and worked at the bench for five years, then engaged in business on the east side of square. He then formed a partnership with Joseph Durr, which continued three years, when Durr's in- terest was purchased by S. A. M. Ross. The firm of Farmer & Ross continued three years, since which time Mr. Farmer has been sole proprietor of the business. He now has one of the best establish- ments of the kind in the city, and is an agreeable and accommodating gentle- man. He was married in November, 1876, to Ida M. Smith, a native of this county and daughter of John T. Smith. They have had three children all of

whom are now living-Walter, Roy and Della. Mr. Farmer received his educa- tion in the common schools, and his op- portunity was quite limited, by personal endeavor and application, however, he has secured a fair business education. He has been brought up in this county, and is well known throughout its bor- ders.

B. F. Randolph, boot and shoe dealer, commenced business about the year 1868, on the east side of the square, on the site of the present Masonic block. He was the successor of C. M. Ray, who es- tablished the same several years previ- ously. In 1872, Mr. Randolph removed the stock to his present location on the north side of the square. This room is 20x74 feet in size. His stock is valued at about $10,000.

Among the representatives of the boot and shoe firms, Kerman & Howard must not be missed. This establishment orig- inated with J. N. Brown, in 1869, who was succeeded by Lamon and Blount. Mr. Blount retiring, the firm name was changed to that of P. E. Lamon, and in August, 1880, the business was purchased by the present proprietors. They are located on .the north side of the square, where they carry about $8,000 in stock.

The pioneer drug store of Macomb was established by T. B. Maury, in 1849, and was by him continued until 1856.

The popular drug store now conducted in Macomb, by John M. Keefer, was opened in 1861 by George D. Keefer, in company with a brother-in-law as a silent partner, but three years later George D. bought out the interest of his partner, and continued the business alone until the winter of 1866-67, when John

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

M. Keefer bought an interest, the firm name then becoming George D. Keefer and Brother. This partnership contin- ued until the death of the senior member of the firm occurred, which was on the 14th day of July, 1879. The firm, by excellent business qualifications, and a thorough mastery of the drug profession, was eminently successful. John M. Keefer is now the sole proprietor of the business, and carries a full line of every- thing which is kept in a first-class drug store. On the 25th day of February, 1879, John M. Keefer and Lucy Beard, a daughter of T. J. Beard, were united in marriage. Two children have been born to them, one of whom, Ruth, is now living. Mr. Keefer, also, has two chil- dren by a former wife. In politics, he is a democrat, always exercising his right of franchise, but has had no ambition for political preferment. He is a Royal Arch Mason, having joined the order in 1865, and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. Keefer is one of Ma- comb's prominent and most successful business men, and takes an active inter- est in everything intended to benefit that city and vicinity. He is a stockholder and director in the Macomb Tile and Sewer Pipe company, and is, also, a stock- holder in the Macomb Building and Loan association. He is a native of the state of Maryland, and was born at Clear Spring, Washington county, Maryland, March 31, 1839, his parents being George and Susan (Fogwell) Keefer. When John M. was 14 years of age, his parents removed to Dayton, Ohio, and in the fall of 1854, to Canton, Illinois, where the father was engaged in the drug trade up to the time of his death, which occurred

in 1862. The mother still resides there, at the advanced age of 80 years. In 1861, John M. Keefer enlisted in the United States service, and served as hos- pital steward for three years. After his discharge, he went to Virginia City, Montana territory, and remained until the fall of 1866, at which time he came to Macomb, and engaged in the drug business with his brother, as heretofore mentioned.

E. A. Lane, the druggist on the east side of the square, under the Miller House, is the successor to Lane & Gore, who opened a new stock of drugs, medi- cines, etc., in 1877. Mr. Lane became the sole proprietor in April, 1878. The room is 18x60, and is well filled with a choice stock, valued at $2,000. In 1870, a drug store was established in this build- ing by Twyman Bros., who were suc- ceeded by McMillan & Ervin, in Decem- ber, 1871. These latter gentleman con- tinued about a year, when William Ervin sold to McMillan, but in about a month the latter was succeeded by Ervin & Kyle. In about a year this firm became William Ervin & Son, and the stock was removed to a building on the south side of the square.

Enoch A. Lane, proprietor of a drug store in Macomb, and a business man of the place, is a native of this county. He was born in Industry township, where his parents are old settlers. Enoch was brought up on a farm, and enlisted in the army, February, 27, 1865, in com- pany G, 49th Illinois infantry, and served until September, 1865, when he was dis- charged at Springfield, Illinois. After his army experience, he returned to this county, and attended the city high school

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

one and a-half years, after which he taught school one and a-half year in Chalmers township. He then entered the drug store of P. H. Delaney, where he continued for a little more than eight years. At the expiration of that time he established his present business. He was married December 23, 1875, to Mar- tha F. Benton, a native of Indiana, but at that time a resident of Bushnell. Mr. Lane is the owner of 160 acres in section 13, Chalmers township, the homestead formerly owned by his father. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Knights of Pythias, and the G. A. R. Mrs. Lane is a member of the Presbyte- rian church.

Ervin & Son, druggists, who are spoken of above, came into existence, as a firm, in 1873, and removed to their present location, on the south side of the square, in March, 1877. Their salesroom is 60 feet long by.18 feet wide, and is well filled with a choice assortment of fine drugs and fancy articles that will invoice nearly $3,500.

Frank R. Kyle, another leading dealer in drugs, medicines, paints, oils, etc., on the south side of the square, commenced business in February, 1862, purchasing the same of T. B. Maury, and con- tinued to occupy the building now used by Joseph Durr, until the spring of 1868, when J. McMillan purchased an interest, and remained in about a year, when he sold out to Mr. Kyle, who op- erated it until the fall of 1872, when he negotiated for his present building, into which he removed, in November of that year. In the spring of 1873, his brother, Joseph B. Kyle, became a partner in the business, remaining about a year, since

which time, Mi. Kyle has continued to run the store alone. His room is 20x80, and he carries a stock of about $3,000.

Frank R. Kyle established his present business in Macomb, in the month of February, 1862, and consequently, is the oldest merchant in his line in the city. He is a native of the state of Illinois, and was born on the 26th day of January, 1840, in the city of Macomb, his parents being James B. and Sarah P. (Rice) Kyle. He received his education in the public schools of Macomb, and, after reaching his 18th year, commenced mer- cantile life in the capacity of a clerk in the drug store of Dr. D. B. Rice, with whom he remained about two years. From that time until the month ot August, 1861, he acted as a clerk in a clothing store, and then enlisted in com- pany H, 2d Illinois cavalry, and served as a bugler for six months, then being discharged, on account of physical disa- bility. Returning to Macomb, he en- gaged in the drug trade, as the successor of T. B. Maury. He continued to run this store until the spring of 1865, when he sold it to Dr. Richie, and established his present business, on the south side of the square. Frank R. Kyle and Louisa H. Wells, a daughter of George M. and Louisa (Foss ) Wells, were united in marriage on the 9th day of June, 1869. As a result of this union, they are the parents of one son-Ralph B. Mr. Kyle is a republican, has been a member of the city council, but has no desire for political honors. He is a Presbyterian, and a Royal Arch Mason, having served as high priest of that order for several years.

L. M. Rost established a drug busi-

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1067

ness on the west side of the square, in August, 1881. In February, 1882, he was succeeded by the present firm of Rost & Stinson, of which he is a mem- ber. Salesroom, 20x60.

P. H. Delaney first commenced in the drug business in the spring of 1865, in the building now occupied by J. H. Ma- loney as a grocery store. He had, as a partner at that time, H. W. Gash, but in about a year, the interest of the latter was purchased by J. W. McCartney. In another year, W. H. Hainline became the owner of Mr. McCartney's interest, and shortly afterwards the stock was re- mnoved to a building on the site of the present Stapp & Newton store. After about two years of partnership, Mr. Hainline sold out to Mr. Delaney, who has run it ever since. . He has since re- moved to his present location, and has a fine salesroom, 20x130, in which he carries a large stock of fine drugs, paints, oils, toilet articles, and fancy ar- ticles, that will invoice about $4,000.

P. H. Delaney, druggist in Macomb, came to this county in 1865, from Nash- ville, Tennessee. He was born in Queens county, Ireland, June 22, 1841, and remained in his native county, until 1848, when, with his mother, he came to America, his father having died in Ireland. They landed at New Orleans, and went thence to Clarksville, Tennes- see, and there remained until 1849. He then went to Mississippi, and lived until 1857, clerking in stores, and attending school. His principal education, how- ever, was obtained by personal applica- tion and endeavor, when not in school, and so far as his business qualifications are concerned, he may properly be called

a self-made man. In 1857, he returned to Clarksville, Tennessee, and engaged in the drug business, continued two years, then read medicine with Dr. E. B. Haskins as preceptor two years. The medical education thus obtained, was subsequently supplemented by attend- ance on a course of medical lectures at Nashville, in 1859 and '60. From Ten- nessee, he went to Quincy, Illinois. During his stay at that place the civil war broke out, and in defense of the Union of his adopted country, he en- listed in company A, 16th Illinois infan- try, and served as private until 1863, when he was promoted to the position of hospital steward, and remained with the regiment until mustered out at Spring- field, in 1865. He participated in all the engagements during that noble inarch from Atlanta to the sea, including the battle of Bentonville, in which about one-third of his company were killed. At the conclusion of his army service, he came to Macomb, and bought a stock of drugs from Dr. Ritchie, on the west side of the public square, and formed a partnership with H. W. Gash. The business under that firm continued about one year, when Gash sold out to John W. McCartney, who subsequently died of consumption in Maryville, Cali- fornia. Then P. H. Delaney became sole proprietor, and is now engaged in that business on the north side of the square. In addition to the drug trade and office work, he is a taxidermist, and has numerous specimens of rare and beauti- ful birds of various families and climes. He was married in 1857, to Mary E. Lane, a native of this county. They have one child 16 years old, who is now

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

attending St. Francis college in Quincy, Illinois. Mr. Delaney belongs to all the fraternal societies, and is a genial, whole- souled gentleman.

The jewelry house of Stocker & Son was established by L. Stocker, in 1854, in the clothing store of J. R. Brown, on the west side of the square. A year later he removed to the south side in a small frame building. During the year 1860, he erected a brick building on the site of his present location, but which, in 1878, he tore down, as it was incon- veniently small, and built his present double brick store, two stories high. In 1879, the present firm was formed. They occupy a sales room of 18x80 feet in size, and carry a stock of jewelry, sil- verware, etc., which is one of the largest in the county.

L. Stocker, jeweler, has been a resi- dent of Macomb since 1854, in which year he came from St. Louis, Missouri, and established himself in the jewelry business, which he has continued to the present time, and has a good trade. He is the oldest jeweler in Macomb, and undoubtedly carries the largest stock in his line of any house in McDonough county. He is a native of Germany, having been born in Bavaria, on the 26th day of April, 1830. He learned the jeweler's trade in his native country, where he resided until 1851, when he emigrated to the United States, and set- tled in St. Louis, Missouri, there follow- ing his trade. The ceremony, which united in the holy bonds of matrimony L. Stocker and Miss M. B. Pechtold, also native of Germany, was performed in the year of 1851, Eight children have been born to them. One died in infancy,

one was drowned at the age of 10 years, and six are living-Edward, Amelia, Josephine, Herman, Lucinda, and Pau- line. Politically, Mr. Stocker is a dem- ocrat, but from 1856 to 1867, affiliated with the republican party. He takes only enough interest in politics to per- form his duty as a citizen. He is a mem- ber of the A. F. and A. M., and of the I. O. O. F.

Charles Kline, one of the leading jew- elers of Macomb, established his place in 1872. He carries a large and well as- sorted stock of goods in his line in his fine store building on the north side of the public square.

Charles Kline, one of the pioneer jewelers of Macomb, came to that city in 1859, and, in 1861, commenced work- ing for L. Stocker, and so continued until 1868. He then went to Milwau- kee, Wisconsin, and accepted a position in the wholesale jewelry house of his uncles, C. Preusser & Bro., which he re- tained for four years. Later, he returned to Macomb, and established his present business, in which he is meeting with marked success. Mr. Kline was born near Frankfurt-on-the-Main, on the 25th day of February, 1835. When only 13 years of age, he emigrated to the United States, alone, the journey across the Atlantic consuming 46 days. Arriving in New York, he immediately proceeded to Detroit, Michigan, where he com- menced his trade of a jeweler, with one of his uncles, all of his male relatives being jewelers. December 8, 1848, the store in which he was working was con- sumed by fire, and Charles lost all of his personal effects. The following year he went to Grand Rapids, where

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

he worked at his trade until 1852, then going to Columbus, Ohio, from there to Cincinnati, and from there to St. Louis, Missouri, at the latter place lie was un- able to procure work, so he proceeded up the river, and for about a year worked in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. After working in various other Wisconsin towns, we find him next at Hannibal, Missouri, then at Palmyra, then at Mus- catine, Iowa, next at Memphis, Tennes- see, and in 1859, in Macomb. In June, 1864, Sadie M. Pearce, a daughter of Jesse Pearce, became the wife of Mr. Kline. They have four children-Kit- tie, Charles A., Bessie and Florence. Mr. Kline is a democrat in politics, but las no political aspirations. He is a Knight Templar, has been a member of the I. O. O. F, since 1862; was one of the charter members of the A. O. U. W. lodge of Macomb, and also belongs to the I. O. M. A.

The jewelry and stationery store of T. B. Shafer, was established by him in 1879, in the place he now occupies, on the northeast corner of the public square. He carries a finely selected stock in both lines, of about $8,000, and does an annual business of about $14,- 000. General watch and jewelry repair- ing is carried on, and all novelties in wall paper, notions, fancy articles, silverware, jewelry, books, stationery, etc., kept on hand.

T. B. Shaffer, jeweler, is a native of Hancock county, Illinois, born in Ply- mouth, September 18, 1851. His parents are still living in that county. He re- ceived a good education, graduating at the high school. In 1879, he came to Ma- comb, having previously been engaged

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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 123

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