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 125

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 125

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capacity until May, 1882, when he pur- chased the furniture business of B. F. Martin & Son, which he still owns and conducts, and has the principal trade in that line in the county. Mr. Winslow's past business experience has proven him to be an excellent manager. He affiliates with the republican party, and has served the people as city treasurer, as a mem- ber of the city council, and of the board of education, in each of which positions he gave entire satisfaction to botlı dem- ocrats and republicans. From his youth up to the present time he has been a faithful member of the Baptist church. M. T. Winslow and Sarah A. Wolverton were united in marriage in 1859, and six children have been born to them, four of whom are now living-J. Edward, Sarah Eliza, Ivy Dell and Walter M.

B. F. Martin & Son, the representa- tives of the undertaking business, are located on West Jackson street. They were engaged in the furniture business from 1861 or '62, until. May 1882, when they sold out to M. T. Winslow, and fol- lowed the branch of it as above. W. E. Martin, the junior partner, was the late mayor of Macomb. Prior to the for- mation of the present firm, B. F. Martin was engaged in the furniture business, being the first in that line in the city.

B. F. Martin, one of Macomb's prom- inent citizens, was born in 1814, near Georgetown, Kentucky, at which point he learned the shoe-making trade, at which he worked up to the time of his coming to Macomb, in 1834. He then discontinued his trade, and worked at carpenter and cabinet work, subse- quently becoming the first furniture dealer in Macomb, which business he

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has continued up to the present time. In 1861, he formed a partnership with his son, William E., under the firm name of B. F. Martin & Son, which partner- ship continued until May, 1882. In pol- itics, Mr. Martin is a republican, and has served as mayor, and as a member of the city council, but, personally, he has no admiration for official position. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have been the par- ents of nine children, five of whom are yet living-William E., the partner of his father; Amanda E., now the wife of W. J. Van Hoesen; John B .; Ida, now the wife of J. B. Blazer; and Minnie. Thomas J. Martin, the third child, died at the age of 35 years. Edgar, the next to the youngest child, died at the age of 20 years. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are mem- bers of the Christian church. He is a charter member of said church, organ- ized in 1845; was selected as one of the elders at that time.

W. E. Martin, late mayor of Macomb, is a son of B. F. and Margaret A. (Head) Martin, and was born February 3, 1842, in Macomb, where he received his education. At the age of 17 years, he commenced mercantile life as a clerk in a grocery store, and served in that capac- ity two years in Macomb. At the time of the breaking out of the war, he was at Marseilles, this state, and went to Springfield, with the intention of en- listing in the 16th regiment, but they had not arrived yet- from home. He then returned to his home, and his mother prevailed on him to wait until the next call for troops, but, as he soon afterwards, on the 21st of May, 1861, en- gaged in the furniture business, he did not enlist. Two of his brothers, John

B. and T. J. Martin, however, were do- ing service for their country. W. E. continued in the furniture business, un- der the firm name of B. F. Martin & Son, until the month of May, 1882, when the firm sold out to M. T. Win- slow. Since that date, Mr. Martin has been carrying on the undertaking busi- ness. In politics, he is a republican, and has served as a member of the city council two terms, and was the late mayor of Macomb. W. E. Martin and Albertine Hovey, a native of Urbana, Ohio, were united in marriage at Urbana, Ohio, the 5th of April, 1866. They have had five children born to them, four of whom are still living -- Charles, Samuel, William, and Edward. Ever since reaching his majority, Mr. Martin has been an honored member of the I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Knights of Pythias. He has met with deserved success in the different linés of business with which he has been associated, and, as an executive officer, has met with the approval of the citi- zens of Macomb.

The lumber firm of Blount Bros. is composed of J. W. and Asher Blount. In 1864, J. W. purchased the interest of Joseph Anderson, in the lumber firm of Anderson Bros., and 'under the firm name of Anderson & Blount, continued for two years. In 1866, Asher Blount purchased the interest of James Ander- son, and the firm became Blount Bros., and continued until 1875, when J. W. retired from the firm, but in Jan- uary, 1882, again came into it, and the old firm name was restored.

J. W. Blount, one of Macomb's sub- stantial citizens, and a resident of Illi-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

nois since 1844, was born in Ellisburg, New York, July 12, 1821, his parents being Ambrose and Betsy (Wood) Blount, both of whom were natives of the New England states, and who had four children born to them before re- moving to New York. J. W. Blount resided with his parents, assisting them in tilling the soil, and taught school, until he reached his 22d year, when he removed to Quincy, Illinois, there com- mencing mercantile life as a clerk. In April, 1847, Rebecca S. Randolph, of Macomb, a daughter of Benjamin Ran- dolph, became his wife. They have been the parents of six children, five of whom are yet living-Ivy E., now the wife of John S. Provine; Ida L., now the wife of Frank J. Blount; Junia A., wife of George Kerman; Ambrose B. and Nellie R. B. In 1848, Mr. Blount removed to Macomb, and followed mer- chandising about one year, then return- ing to Quincy, where he again entered the employ of S. & W. B. Thayer. He remained with this firm 12 years, with the exception of three intervals, when he came to Macomb on account of his health. In 1856, he became a perma- nent resident of McDonough county, and from 1857 to 1864, followed agri- cultural pursuits. In 1864, he succeeded Joseph Anderson, of the firm of Ander- son Bros., lumber merchants, thus be- coming half owner in the business. In 1866, Asher Blount succeeded James Anderson in the firm, the firm name then being changed to Blount Brothers, which partnership continued until Jan- uary 1, 1875, when on account of ill health, J. W.Blount retired from the firm, and engaged in the hardware business.

January 1, 1882, he sold his hardware interests and again became the part- ner of his brother in the lumber trade. Politically, Mr. Blount is a republican, being formerly a whig. He has been a member of the city council, as also of the school board, having served as pres- ident of the board for two years. Ever since 1847, the I. O. O. F. has claimed him as an honored member.

Asher Blount, of the firm of Blount Bros., lumber merchants, was born in Jefferson county, New York, May 27, 1819. He came to Macomb in 1866, and engaged in the lumber business with his brother, J. W., as noted above. Previ- ous to coming to Macomb, he had been engaged in agricultural pursuits and blacksmithing. In 1848, he was mar- ried to Roxanna Miles, who died in 1860, leaving three children-Mary, now Mrs. J. W. Hosman; Frank J. and Fred P. In 1868, Mr. Blount returned to New York, where he married his pres- ent wife, Cynthia S. Barney. They have two children-Harry and Myra. In politics, he is a republican, but, previous to the organization of that party, he affiliated with the democrats.

The lumber yard of J. S. Gamage originated with that gentleman in 1879. It is located on West Jefferson street. He carries about $5,000 worth of stock, and does a fair business.

The leading dealers in agricultural implements, who devote their attention to that line of trade exclusively, are Isaac Van Hoesen, and Sylvester & Morrison.

The farmer's agricultural implement house of W. J. VanHoesen, was erected by VanHosen & Son, in 1867. It is a

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

large warehouse, 24x108; located on the corner of Randolph and Calhoun streets. The present proprietor, W. J., the Son, of the former firm, handles a large line of agricultural machinery, among which may be found the Plano self-binder, threshing machines, etc. For a long time he made a specialty of handling the McCormick goods. Their sales will av- erage under favorable circumstances, about $40,000 per annum.

Isaac W. VanHoesen, who is well known throughout this county, came here May 2, 1856, from Mt. Vernon, Ohio, driving through with a team. He is a native of New York; born at Kinderhook Columbia county, October 1, 1804. He was brought up to manufacturing bus- iness, his father before him having been employed in that line of trade. From New York he removed to Ohio, and re- mained one year, then came directly to this county as before stated, settling at Macomb. His first employment here was work in the clerk's office, under Isaac Grantham. He then engaged in selling the McCormick machinery under the general agent for three years. In 1862, being familiar with the business, and a good salesman, he made a contract with the company, and secured the gen- eral agency for this county, and some other territory adjoining. He was suc- cessful in the business, and thus con- tinued until October 1, 1870. From that time until September, 1882, he was the local agent at Macomb, for the same company. In 1882, he sold out the bus- iness to C. R. Sylvester, and has since been living mostly a retired life, not being actively engaged in any business. He was married May 31, 1828, to Jane

Cornell a native of New York. By that union there were five children, three girls and two boys, all of whom are still living-Gertrude living at home, Mar- garet, who was married to Allen Miller, deceased, now the wife of T. J. Price, living at Macomb; Emily living at home; W. J., married, and living in Ma- comb; and Isaac N., married to Ritta Bagby, and living in Lawrence, Kansas. His wife died June 10. 1874.

W. J. Van Hoesen, the fourth child of Isaac and Jane ( Cornell) Van Hoesen, Was born in Kinderhook, New York, Au- gust 12, 1840. He came west with his parents, and engaged in business at Ma- comb. He was educated in the common schools of his native state, and always made his home with his parents until his marriage January 5, 1863, to Amanda E. Martin, daughter of B. F. Martin, of Macomb. They have had seven chil- dren, six of whom are now living- Willie, now in Des Moines, Iowa; Gertie, Nellie, Harry, at home; Jennie and Margie. Politically, Mr. Van Hoesen does not follow in the footsteps of his father, but is a democrat. He is now engaged in the agricultural implement and farm machinery business, at Ma- comb.

Sylvester & Morrison, dealers in agri- cultural machinery, are a new firm loca- ted on the south side of the square. The partnership was formed in 1885, and opened February 1, 1885, at this point for business. They carry a full line of agricultural implements and machinery, and have the exclusive agency for Mc- Cormick's harvesting machinery, and for the Springfield, Ohio, engines and thresh- ers. They are agents for the Weir,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Furst & Bradley and Buford plows. The store room they occupy is one of the best in the city, having been built for a dry goods establishment.

Charles R. Sylvester came to this county in 1872, from Louisiana. He was born August 23, 1834, in the state of Maine. His father was a mechanic, and Sylvester, possessing natural apti- tude in that direction, acquired in his youth considerable skill at that occu- pation. He remained in his native state until 22 years of age, then went to Min- nesota, there engaging in various occu- pations from 1856 till 1870. Three years of that time, however, were spent in the army. He enlisted in 1862, in company I, of the 7th Minnesota infantry. Among the engagements in which he participa- ted were, Nashville, siege of Vicksburg, and many others. From Minnesota, he he went to Louisiana where he was en- gaged in building a sugar house. He remained in that state only a short time, coming then, as before stated, to this county. He followed carpentering, prin- cipally, for some time after coming here, then engaged in the agricultural imple- ment trade, which he now follows. Mr. Sylvester was united in marriage, in October, 1863, with Rachel R. Elliott, a native of Maine. Mr. Sylvester's pa- rents died in Maine, his father in 1846, and his mother in 1842. He is a mem- ber of the G. A. R., and politically, a democrat.

Levi Morrison, one of the business men of Macomb, is a native of York county, Pennsylvania, born July 9, 1850. In 1866, he left his native state and came to Schuyler county, Illinois, re- maining near Astoria six months; he

then came to this county and settled in Scotland township, on a farm in section · 4. In 1873, he left the homestead, went to Oregon and settled in Marion county, where he remained till 1880, engaged principally in farming. He sold out there and came to Scotland township, this county, and made that his home un- . til 1884, when he formed a partnership with Charles Sylvester, in the farm ma- chinery and implement business. Dur- ing the summer of that year he moved to his present home in the city of Ma- comb. His parents are now residents of Kansas. Mr. Morrison was married to Elmira Taney, of Carroll county, Maryland, March 23, 1873. They have four children-Anna C., Andrew M., Bettie M. and Almira A.

George Gadd, a popular grocery and restaurant man, has his establishment on the west side of the square. This place of business was established by Peter Hesh and Gabriel Gesler, in 1875. In 1878, it was purchased by Mr. Gadd, of John Gessler, into whose hands it had come. The room occupied is 20x120 feet in size, and the stock is valued at about $3,000.

William Palmer, who keeps the res- taurant on the southwest corner of the square, commenced business March 6, 1885.

The city bakery of Tuggle & Gilfrey, is located on North Randolph street, in a building 20x70 feet in size. The pres- ent firm are the successors of Henry Beckhaus, and they have an investment of about $1,400.

The restaurant now run by W. B. Lane was established in 1873, by that gentleman and Garry Adcock. In about

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

six months Mr. Lane purchased the in- terest of his partner and continued the business in the same place, on the east side of the square. He carries a com- plete stock of confectionery, oysters, to- bacco, etc., to the value of nearly, if not quite, $1,000.

The restaurant and bakery in the opera house block, is operated by J. Gesler & Co., who, as the successors of. Twyman & Johnson, commenced busi- ness on the 27th of January, 1885. This place was established by A. P. Swanson, in the fall of 1872. Tke room they oc- cupy is 20x70 feet in floor area, and they carry a stock of about $1,500.

James Gesler, proprietor of a restau- rant in Macomb, is a son of David and Margaret (Griesheimer ) Gesler, and a na- tive of Chillicothe, Ohio, born November 26, 1854. The following year, David Gesler removed, with his family, to Ma- comb, McDonough county, Illinois. He was, by trade, a tinner, which occupation he followed after coming here, and in which he is still engaged, in the city of Macomb. James Gesler was reared and educated in this city, and in 1873, entered the bakery of Tuggle & Gilfrey, as clerk, and continued in the same business 11 years. January 27, 1885, he purchased his present business. Mr. Gesler was married May 18, 1882, to Laura E. Wolf, a daughter of Henry Wolf. Their resi- dence is upon North Lafayette street. Mr. Gesler thoroughly understands his business, having had years of experience, and being naturally a genial and accom- modating gentleman, is well- calculated for the trade of restauranter. He is well known in this city and county, having spent nearly all his life here, and numer-

ous are his friends and acquaintances, who can testify to the toothsomeness of his viands, and the excellence of his menu.

Among the leading representatives of the millinery business of Macomb, is Mrs. M. F. Jacobs, who established her business on East Jackson street, in 1858. She afterwards removed to the east side of the square, and to her present loca- tion, on the north side, July 10, 1872, in Bailey's block. The room she occupies is 14x80 feet in size, and the well selected stock she carries will invoice from $1,500 to $2,000.

Mrs. M. A. White established the busi- ness of millinery and dressmaking, on the north side of the square, in the spring of 1869. She removed to her present location, on the east side, in 1873. The salesroom is 20x80 feet in size, and the stock will invoice about $1,500.

In the spring of 1857, Mrs. A. Cary established the business of millinery and dressmaking, on the north side of the square, and in the following year moved to her present location, on Randolph street, a few doors south of the square.

Mrs. S. A. Askew commenced the busi- ness of millinery and dressmaking, in . August, 1878, on the south side of the square, as the successor of Mrs. Good, who established the business. She moved to her present location, on the northeast corner of the square, in Sep- tember, 1881. She carries a stock of millinery, fancy articles, etc., that will invoice in the neighborhood of '$2,000.

Mrs. L. C. Donaldson, since 1877, has been a dealer in dry goods, notions, boots and shoes, glass and tinware, at the store where she now is. Her store is well

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

supplied, and she is doing a large business.

Gary W. Adcock first entered into the meat market business in September, 1878, in partnership with his brother, Z. T., on the east side of the square. In December, 1882, they removed to the present location, and on the 10th of De- cember, 1883, Gary purchased the inter- est of his brother, and has run it alone, since. His salesroom is 20x70 feet in size.

The meat market on North Randolph street has been run by J. R. Hubbard ever since July 18, 1882, he succeeding the firm of Davis & Hubbard, until early in March, 1885, when he died.

D. S. Hampton, who runs the feed store on the south side of the square, in the building owned by the Cottrell estate, commenced business in March, 1879, in the building now occupied by Rost & Stinson. He removed to his present lo- cation in November, 1883. His room is 20x80 feet in size.

E. P. Dawson, cigar manufacturer, commenced business in 1865, on the west side of the square. He was the successor of a man by the name of Shufort, from Quincy, who, a week before, had pur- chased the same of F. M. Schaffer, who had established the first factory of this · kind in Macomb. The present location of this place of business is on North Randolph street, in the McDonough building, where they have convenient quarters. S. B. Dawson is the manager.

Thomas Smithers, the leading barber of the town, engaged in the business some time since.

William T. Smithers, son of Thomas T. and Sarah E. (Gunter) Smithers, was

born in Rushville, Illinois, May 28, 1851, but has been a resident of McDonough county since childhood. After he had attained the age of 14 years, he commen- ced the barber's trade, and has ever since followed the same, In 1871, he was united in marriage with Hannah Usher, a daughter of George Usher, of Colches- ter. They have had four children born to them, two of whom are now living. -Maurice and George. . The entire fam- ily have always adhered to democratic principles, politically, and those living and entitled to the right of suffrage, vote the democratic ticket.

Thomas Smithers; now deceased, was a native Kentuckian, being the son of Thomas Smithers. In 1833, the fam- ily removed to Illinois, and settled in McDonough county, engaging in farm- ing. His mother afterward died here, and his father continued to reside in the county, with the exception of a few years spent in Rushville, until his death which occurred in 1865. There were eight children born to them, seven of. whom are yet living-John B., of Ma- comb; Mary J., the wife of Jeffer- son Pennington; Susan, the wife of Ben- jamin Vail; Robert, of Galesburg; James, Joseph, and Thomas T. Thomas Smith- ers, Sr., was a soldier of both Mexican and Black Hawk wars.

Thomas T. Smithers, Jr., learned the cooper's trade after arriving at a suit- able age. In 1850, at Rushville, Illinois, he was united in marriage with Sarah E. Gunter, and now resides in the city of Macomb. He enlisted in company D, 28th Illinois infantry, and, after serv- ing one year was honorably discharged. He is at present engaged in making mor-

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tar for mason work; in fact, he has mixed the mortar for nearly every brick struc- ture in Macomb. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas T. Smithers were the parents of 13 chil- dren, six of whom are now living-Wil- liam T., Joseph, Susan, wife of George Upton; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of Frank Hohenadel; Charles B., and Edwin.

W. J. Wolf, barber, commenced busi- ness on the 6th of February, 1879, at his present location on the south side of the square. He operates three chairs.

C. Hall, another knight of the razor, commenced business on the west side of the square, in January, 1883, as suc- cessor of Leach & Hall. He runs one chair.

Leach & O'Neal are among the barbers of Macomb, and as a firm, commenced operations in March, 1884, as successors to Trip O'Neal, in the second story over W. M. Lipe's store. They have two chairs.

A. J. Thomas was the pioneer photo- grapher of Macomb, locating there in 1849. He afterwards formed a co-part- nership with Pearson, who sold out. to S. B. Danley, who is at present follow- ing the same line of business. Mr. Dan- ley came into possession of this place in August, 1863, and is, therefore, one of the oldest photographers now in business in the city.

S. P. Danley, the subject of this sketch was born in Miami county, Ohio, December 19, 1834. His father, Thomas Danley, was born in the state of Ver- mont, but his mother was a native of Ohio. Thomas Danley was by trade a carpenter, which occupation he followed in Ohio, until 1853, then removed his family to Illinois, and settled in Mc-

Donough county, and was here engaged in farming until his death, which took place in the fall of 1872. Mrs. Danley survived her husband several years. Of the twelve children born to Mr. and Mrs. Danley, seven are now living-Elizabeth, now the wife of Leonard Odenweller; William; Lucy, now the wife of Wesley Jones, resides in Kansas; S. P., Van M., Robert; and Mary, wife of D. K. Miller. S. P. Danley, learned his trade of wagon maker, and followed the same at Macomb until 1861. He then enlisted in company A, 16th Illinois infantry, and served as musician nine months, when he was dis- charged on account of physical disability caused by injuries received in a railroad accident. Returning to Macomb, he, in August, 1863, engaged in the photograph business and is now the oldest photo- grapher in Macomb. Mr. Danley has been twice married. In 1861, to Emma Fox; she died in 1862, leaving one child which died in infancy. In 1863, Mr. Danley was married to Amanda Duncan, daughter of William and Amanda Dun- can. By this union seven children have been born-Mary A., Catherine B., Lucy, Lamote, Harry, Rolla and Nellie. Mr. Danley is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R.

Thomas Philpot located in Macomb in August, 1863, and opened a gallery for the taking of photographs, ambrotypes, etc., and has been continually in that line of business, in this place, with the exception of about three months when he was located in Galesburg. He is one of the oldest in this line in the county.

The Patterson Brothers established a photograph gallery in Macomb, in June, 1881, and ran it very successfully until

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

in 1885, when Edgar Patterson became sole proprietor. The gallery is hand- somely fitted up, and Mr. Patterson ex- cels in this art. A sketch of Mr. Patter- son appears later on, in connection with a mention of his father.

H. W. Gates established a photograph gallery in August, 1884.

The business of livery stable keeping has three able representatives, Winslow H. Taylor, A. Monger and A. D. Tobin.

The livery stable now occupied by Winslow H. Taylor, originated with Silas French, who built the barn, which is lo- cated on Randolph street just south of the old Randolph house. Mr. Taylor purchased the business in 1880, and has continued in that line ever since. He has about 15 head of horses, and all neces- sary buggies, carriages and other appur- tences, and has a large patronage. The barn is of frame, 50x120 feet, besides sheds, etc. Mr. Taylor owns a beautiful hearse and does the principal business in providing for funerals.

The brick livery barn on east Jackson, now occupied by A. Tobin, was erected in the year 1869, by Alexander V. Brook- ing. In 1871, he built the back part and added one story to the older portion. He ran this place for some 16 years, when ' he sold out to A. Monger, but in a short time bought it back. He afterwards sold it to Robert Thomas who, in turn dis- posed of it to the present proprietor, A. Tobin, April 22, 1884. It cost about $4- 000, and is one of the old standbys in this line. Mr. Tobin keeps about eight horses and all the necessary equipment. He does a fair business.

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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 125

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