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 127

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 127

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his grandfather, in Morgan county, Illi- nois, until reaching his 12th year, when he attended school at Knoxville, remain- ing there until 1859, with his father. For the next year he attended school at East Hampton, Massachusetts. When the civil war broke out, it fired Albert's patriotic heart, and he enlisted in com- pany C, 51st Illinois infantry. He en- listed as a private, but was immediately chosen as second lieutenant, and, before reaching his 21st birthday, he was pro- moted first lieutenant and served as such until February, 1865. In Feb- ruary, 1864, he received severe in- juries from a fall, and in July, 1864, was detailed as a military conductor, from Nashville, Tennessee, to Hunts- ville, Alabama. He was taken prisoner During the month of September, 1864, and was exchanged in the November fol- lowing. In February, 1865, he resigned and then returned to Knoxville, Illinois. during the fall of 1865, he took a course of study at Eastman's Business college, in New York, and in 1866 and 1867, he was engaged in merchandising at To- peka, Kansas. In 1868, he came to Ma- comb, where he carried on the dry goods business for two years. For the next few years he gave his attention to a farm which he had previously purchased near the city. In 1776, he entered the Union National bank as a book-keeper, and now holds the responsible position of cashier in said institution. On the 28th of Jan- uary, 1868, Mary C. Tinsley, a daughter of N. P. Tinsley, became the beloved wife of Mr. Eads. They now have one child-Lizzie E. Mr. Eads is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian church, and is a Royal Arch Mason, having served as

Due from approved reserve agents ..

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master of the Blue lodge for 11 consec- utive years. Politically, he is a dem- ocrat, but has had no ambition for polit- ical preferment.

EXPRESS AND TELEGRAPH.

The agency of the American Express company was established in Macomb in the latter part of 1855, or early in the' year 1856, with John Brown as the first agent. It was then located in Mr. Brown's dry goods house, on the south side of the square, but has occupied vari- ous buildings since that time, and is now located in the Odd Fellows' block, on the north side. J. S. Gash is the present agent.

Macomb, has a branch office of the Western Union telegraph located in the business portion of town. Previous to its establishment, the business was all done at the depot. On the 14th of March, 1884, the present office was in- itiated in the second story of the Stocker block, where it is at present lo- cated.

HOTELS.

The pioneer hotel, as has been men- tioned, was reared by James Clarke, in 1831. It was a large hewn log edifice, a story and a half high. Here he re- mained for many years. Later he built a fine brick addition in front of this. He was the landlord until succeeded by George Head. Silas French afterwards purchased the property, and built an- other story to the brick part, and made other additions. After running it some time, he rented it to Thomas A. Brook- ing, in 1850. He was the landlord for several years. After this, it passed through several hands, became known as

the St. Elmo, and has been torn down to make room for improvements.

The Park house was built in 1856, by the county for a jail, and was used as such until the latter part of November, 1876, when the new jail was completed. At that time the old building was sold, and was remodeled and altered into its present form, and opened by Richard Williams as a hotel, under the name of the Williams house. In August, 1882, he was succeeded by Thomas J. Jolly, the present proprietor. The structure is of brick, 60 feet square, two stories high, and contains 10 sleeping rooms, besides the usual other rooms of a hotel. The name, Park house, was given it by its present owner, as it lies just south of the city park.

Thomas Jarvis Jolly, landlord and proprietor of the Park hotel, at Macomb, was born in London, England, Septem- ber 13, 1841. He is a son of Thomas and Susan (Jarvis) Jolly, both natives of England. Thomas Jolly, Sr., was, during the latter portion of his life, a wharfinger at the East India docks, Lon- don. Previously, he had been a reliev- ing officer (here known as supervisor) in the employ of the Risbridge Union. He died in London in 1879. His wife died in Suffolk, in 1863. The subject of this sketch was educated in his native city, and on arriving at a suitable age, engaged as clerk in a dry goods estab- lishment, occupying the same position until he came to America, in 1867. He was married July 30, 1865, to Emma Hayes, a native of Somersetshire, Eng- gland. On coming to America, he came directly to Macomb, and commenced clerking in the old Brown's hotel, where

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

he continued a short time. He then en- tered the Randolph house as clerk, which position he occupied for 14 years, during which he gained a knowledge of hotel-keeping, and of the wants of the traveling public. In 1882, he engaged in his present business, in which he has met with abundant success, his house being full at all times. Mr. and Mrs. Jolly are the parents of seven children -Emma, now in Idaho; Albert, Arthur, Horace, Ethie, Rosa, and Chesterfield. The Randolph house, the largest hotel in McDonough county, was built by William H. Randolph. He commenced its erection in 1856, and finished it the year following. On its completion, it was opened by D. C. Flint, but he, pot meeting with the success anticipated, in 1858, Mr. Randolph, although having many other business interests and cares, assumed the position of landlord, which he kept until the 1st of November, 1864, when he was killed, as is detailed at length elsewhere. He was followed by his brother, Jacob Randolph, Mrs. W. H. Randolph, George Fay, Cuyler, and A. V. Brooking. In May, 1883, the hotel was rented by the present proprie- tor, Phineas J. Miller, who at once re- opened the caravansery. The building, which is a large, three-story brick build- ing, some 120 feet long on the front, and some 90 feet deep, contains about 40 sleeping rooms, a large and convenient office, a ladies' parlor, and a dining room · about 30x40 feet in size. The ground floor is occupied by five or six stores, and the office, etc., of the hotel are in the second story, a wide and commodious stairway affording ingress thereto. It is well furnished, and has a good trade.

Among the more prominent hotel men of the county, is Phineas J. Miller, the proprietor of the Miller house, a son of Joseph H. and Phoebe Ann (Janney) Miller. He was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on the 24th day of March, 1833. In 1846, the family removed to Illinois, and settled at Vermont, Fulton county, and engaged in agricultural pursuits. The parents died there, leav- ing a family of four children, of whom Phineas was the eldest. He assisted in tilling the soil until about 1855. Iň April, 1856, at Vermont, Illinois, he was united in marriage with Caroline E. Dray, a native of Allegheny City, Penn- sylvania, and a daughter of Moses and Eliza Dray. He then resided near Ver- mont, until 1864, at which time he re- moved to Pekin, Illinois, and engaged in the livery business, following the same until 1871. During the next nine years he acted in the capacity of book-keeper in a Pekin distillery. Mr. Miller, in May, 1883, removed to Macomb, Mc- Donough county, where he has since been the proprietor of the Miller house, formerly known as the Randolph house. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have reared a fam- ily of six children-Fannie J., a teacher in the Galesburg schools; Louis, a printer by trade, and at present work- ing on the Minneapolis Tribune; Mag- gie, who graduated at Pekin, and is now a teacher in the Galesburg schools; Harry H., a telegraph operator, at Chi- cago; Edwin J. and George P. Mr. Miller is finely educated, is an excellent accountant, and a genial, whole-souled gentleman. Mrs. Miller, his wife, is a lady who is highly esteemed by all who have the honor of an acquaintance with

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HISTORY OF' MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

her. She is a kind mother, and is ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy.

The Williams house was built by Richard Williams, the present proprie- tor. It is located on North Randolph street, about a block and a half north of the public square. It is a neat frame building, 36x68 feet in ground area, two- stories high, with a porch or veranda running the whole length of the front of the building. It contains besides office, dining room, etc., about 20 sleep- ing rooms, and has a liberal patronage. The house cost about $4,000.

Richard Williams, proprietor of the Williams house, is a native of Missouri, where he lived until 10 years of age. He then came to Illinois, and lived for a few years in Mason county, thence to Fulton county, where he lived upon a farm. Here moved from the latter county to McDonough, in 1858. He was, for a number of years after coming here, en- gaged in carpentering, in the city of Macomb, helping to build the Randolph house, a school house, and other build- ings. He then worked 14 years in the mill located in the south part of the city, after which he began keeping hotel at the Park house, then the Williams house, where he continued until he built the house which he now occupies. The Williams house is favorably known to the traveling public, and has the rep- utation of being well and neatly kept. Mr. Williams receives fully his share of the public patronage, and is a deserv- edly popular landlord. He was mar- ried October 5, 1859, to Elizabeth Ben- nett, daughter of George W. Bennett, of Fulton county. They have one daugh-

ter-Alice. Mr. Williams' parents were John and Elizabeth (Johnson ) Williams, natives of Tennessee.

BOARD OF TRADE.

The Macomb board of trade was established by F. A. Thomas, in 1883, in the small frame building next to the Scott block. He continued to operate this until November 26, 1884, when it was purchased by the present proprie- tor, S. L. Hawkins. Previous to this, however, on March 4, 1884, it was re- moved to its present location, in the second story of the Stocker building. Mr. Hawkins does a regular commission business through Chicago, in the various commodities sold on the board of trade of that great center, wheat, corn, oats, pork, lard, flour, etc.

GREENHOUSE.

The Macomb greenhouse and market garden is operated by 1. L. Pillsbury, who built one of the conservatories, which is 14x30 feet in dimension, in 1882. In 1883, he built the other, which is 11x60 feet in size, and added the hot beds. He has in all, about 2,500 square feet of glass. He devotes to the busi- ness of market gardening upwards of five acres of land, and is doing a fine business, supplying a large part of the county, although he does some shipping. One of the greenhouses is largely de- voted to raising of blossoms, as cut flowers is a specialty with him.

FLOURING MILLS.

The North roller mill, of Macomb, was built by N. P. Tinsley, in 1857. He sold it, in 1881, to David Scott, who is

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

the present owner. 'It is located in the extreme northern portion of the city, and is a fine large structure, tliree- stories and a basement in height, and has, in addition, a grain warehouse, with a capacity of holding 10,000 bushels of grain. The mill cost Mr. Scott some $8,000, and he has made additions and repairs, in the shape of new machinery, to the extent of $8,000 more, and is a complete piece of property. It is fully equipped with four sets of buhrs, and seven sets of rollers, all driven by a 60- horse power engine. The mill is both a merchant and exchange mill, and does an immense business.

The Center mill was built in the spring of 1879, by David Scott and John Penrose, at a cost of $12,000. The co- partnership of these parties lasted for about two years, when Mr. Scott bought the interest of Mr. Penrose, and run it up to a short time since. The mill is a good one and in good repair. It con- tains four sets of buhrs and a complete set of rollers. ' The motive power is furnished by an engine of 50-horse power, which is located in the basement. The building is 40x60 feet in ground area, and is located on lot 1, block 25.

In 1849, N. P. Tinsley built a mill in the southern part of the town of Ma- comb, which he operated until 1856, when he sold it to Clisby & Trull. This mill was afterwards removed to Col- chester, and in connection with the annals of that place, a history of it is given in full.

MACOMB TILE AND SEWER PIPE COMPANY.

The company with the above name, was incorporated in the spring of 1883,

with a capital stock of $50,000. The establishment of it was largely due to the efforts of Dr. W. F. Bayne, Jesse H. Cummings, J. C. McClellan, G. W. Bai- ley and Andrew H. Allison, who were appointed by the secretary of state, as commissioners, to open the books of the company and to receive subscriptions to the capital stock to the amount above given. As soon as the stock was all taken, and the articles of incorporation completed, they purchased five and one- half acres of land adjoining the city cor- poration line on the west, and built what is now the main building. This is 50x200 feet in ground area, with an L, 50x100 feet in size. The basement of the edi- fice is built of stone and the superstruct- ure of brick. The latter is three stories high, and is fitted up with all the neces- sary machinery of the most approved and improved kind. The building was completed, and manufacturing began in March, 1884, since which time they have turned out an immense amount of ware.

At the first meeting of the stock-hold- ers, the following gentlemen were chosen directors of the company: Dr. W. F. Bayne, J. H. Cummings, J. C. McClel- lan, J. M. Keefer, J. W. McIntosh, An- drew H. Allison and G. W. Bailey. This board met and elected the following of- ficers: Dr. W. F. Bayne, president; G. W. Bailey, secretary; J. H. Cummings, treasurer. The officers at present are as follows: W. F. Bayne, president; Sam- uel Frost, secretary; Albert Eads, treas- urer; W. F. Bayne, J. M. Keefer, J. B. Venard, G. W. Bailey, Andrew Allison, J. H. Cummings, Albert Eads, directors.

The business proved very successful from the start, and a good trade was es-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

tablished and the works were in contin- ued operation until January, 1885, when they were closed down until March 1, to make some repairs and additions, look- ing to an increase of capacity and trade. The following is a list of the stock-hold- ers of the company, among whom are some of the most enterprising. citizens of Macomb and the surrounding coun- try: J. M. Keefer, G. W. Bailey, A. H. Allison, J. M. Kelley, Charles Shevalier, Martin & Son, W. E. Odell, J. H. Baker, T. F. Willis, J. S. Sosman, C. W. Dines, W. F. Wells, C. G. Chandler, Albert Eads, M. C. Eads, A. Binnie, N. Camp- bell, T. C. Yard, Blount Bros., J. L. Bai- ley, J. W. McIntosh, J. T. Adcock, Amos Scott, J. W. Scott, G. C. Gumbart, J. B. Venard, W. F. Bayne, J. H. Cummings, Peter Hesh, J. T. Applegate, F. Jacobs, Samuel Frost, Edgar Bolles, C. N. Ross, S. L. Sommers, P. H. Garretson, I. M. Fellheimer, L. Stocker, William Ward and Lucinda Allison.

EAGLE POTTERY.

In the year 1875, A. W. Eddy and J. M. Forest began the erection of a pottery works on the ground formerly occupied by the brick yard of Perry & C. N. Hard- ing. They, at first, simply remodeled the kiln used for the making of bricks and in it burned the ware made by them. This firm of A. W. Eddy & Co., contin- ued in active operation for about two years, when Mr. Eddy withdrew and J. S. Patterson became a partner, and the firm name and style altered to that of J. M. Forest & Co. In the fall of 1879, Mr. Forest sold his interest to A. W. Fauckentaugh, when the firm name be- came J. S. Patterson & Co. They en-

larged the works considerably, and in- creased the business to a large extent. In 1881, Mr. Fauckentaugh disposed of his interest to William M. Ragon and Asher Blount. At that time the com- pany was formed and took the name of the Eagle Pottery. They have added to the capacity of the works, putting in a new kiln, steam pipes and crusher, so that now the works have a capacity of turning out 9,000 gallons of first class ware per week; ware that has a wide reputation for its quality and finish. In 1883, Mr. Ragon became sole proprietor of the institution and remains so at the present writing.

BUCKEYE POTTERY.

Among the other industrial institu- tions of Macomb, of this nature, is the Buckeye, which is located on Carroll street, near the railroad track. This was established by the present proprietors, Joseph Pech & Sons, in 1882, they erect- ing the necessary buildings at that time. They have a capital of $20,000 invested here, and afford employment to some 20 hands. Most of their ware, which is of a superior quality, made from clay found within the limits of the county, to Ne- braska, Iowa and other western states.

Joseph Pech came to this county from Ohio, in 1882. He is a native of Bohe- mia, born June 15, 1827, and came to this county about the year 1852. His parents were agriculturists, and upon the farm Joseph remained until 12 years old, when he was sent to Vienna, and there remained 12 years, four years being spent as apprentice to the trade of pot- ter. According to the custom of the country he worked from place to place a

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1099

number of years, or until leaving his na- tive land. With his father he settled at Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and engaged in farming. That was at that time a new country, and under their management a farm of 160 acres was improved, then sold, and the family removed to the city of Madison. Mr. Pech then concluded to work at the business and trade with which he was familiar and to that end, formed a partnership and commenced making stoneware. The quality of clay at that point proved unfit for the busi- ness, and the project was abandoned in consequence. He then went to Ohio and settling at Atwater, in Portage county, engaged in teaching school, and followed that occupation about one year. He then went to Atwater of the same county, worked at his trade about 15 years, accu- mulating some money, with which he purchased a farm in that county, and after a time he moved on to it, and made a business farming together with the pot- tery trade, having an interest in a manu- factory in Atwater. He retained that interest until 1877, when he sold out and engaged exclusively in farming. He there lived until 1882, when he came here as before stated, and engaged in his pres- ent business, owning with his sons the Buckeye pottery, a history of which ap- pears elsewhere. He was married May 4, 1854, to Anna Sterba, a native of Aus- tria. They have had six children, two boys and four girls, all of whom are liv- ing-W. J., married to Lucinda Stocker, living at home with his father, with whom he is in partnership, and having one child-Arthur; Frank, also living at home and a member of the company; Anna, Clara, Josephine and Flora, twins.

W. J. Pech is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F. F. M. Pech is a member of the I. O. O. F. and both are, politically, republicans.

CARRIAGE MANUFACTORIES.

J. L. Gribble, the leading manufac- turer of and dealer in carriages, buggies and spring wagons, in Macomb, com- menced operations in 1864, in that city, and with the exception of about a year and a half has continued ever since. The building at present occupied by him, was mostly erected in 1871, and the main part is 24x120 feet in ground area, with a car- riage repository of 18x120 feet. The workshop is two stories in height, the upper one being used as a paintshop. Mr. Gribble is doing a business of about $10,000 per annum, selling his goods principally in this vicinity. He also, does all kinds of painting, repairing and trimming of all kinds of light vehicles, and all kinds of wood work, such as threshers and other agricultural im- plements. He employs from four to six men all the time. He also, keeps on hand a stock of the best class of eastern made vehicles, and intends increasing this branch of his business.

John L. Gribble was born in Tennes- see, March 20, 1834, and is now among the active business men of Macomb, owning and operating a wagon and car- riage manufactory. He came to this county in 1857, and first settled on Spring creek, and there working at the trade of carpenter. He commenced the wagon making business in the vicinity of what was called Clark's mill, and there fol- lowed the trade until coming to Macomb. Thus from a small beginning a business

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

of considerable importance has grown up, a history of which appears above. Mr. Gribble was married October 18,1859, to Caroline Osborn, a native of Missouri. They have five children-William L., now working in the paint shop of the carriage factory; James L., Walter H., Arthur L. and Bertie.

A. K. Lodge, the popular manufacturer of, and dealer in, carriages, located at Macomb in 1871, at which time he en- gaged in his present business, in con- nection with B. F. Gill. In 1877, Mr. Lodge became the sole proprietor, and is now doing an immense business.

Mr. Lodge is a native of New Jersey, and was born in June, 1840. His father followed agricultural pursuits, and thus A. K.'s early life was spent in tilling the soil. But life on a farm was too dreary for him, and so, after reaching his majority, he bade adieu to the farm, and for the succeeding nine years fol- lowed sailing on inland waters. At Philadelphia, on the 31st of December, 1867, Mr. Lodge was united in marriage with Amanda Thompson. They are now the parents of one son-Howard Thompson. As before noted, Mr. Lodge located at Macomb in January, 1871, and engaged in business. By good manage- ment, close attention to business, and turning out nothing but first-class work, he has succeeded in building up a large trade, which keeps constantly increasing. It is to such men as him that cities are indebted, in an eminent degree, for their growthı.

THE MACOMB WAGON WORKS.

Was organized in 1882. The old build- ing they occupy, on the corner of Cal-

houn and Campbell streets, was originally used for the manufacture of sorghum evaporators, and afterwards as a foundry. The first to engage in the wagon manu- facture on this site, was the firm of Wiley & Fisher. J. M. Price afterwards purchased the interestof Mr. Wiley, and the firm became Price & Fisher. They were succeeded by Stewart & Price, who ran the business about three years. J. M. Price & Son then operated here for about the same length of time, when the present organization was effected. The officers are: J. M. Price, president and superintendent; D. G. Price, secretary; and C. V. Chandler, treasurer. An addition to their works was built, shortly after the formation of the company, of brick, 90x24 feet in size, and also a warehouse for storage .purposes. They furnish employment for from 12 to 15 men, and sell about 200 wagons annually. They do heavy work almost exclusively, in the line of farm and freight wagons, busses, drays, etc.

William L. Imes, the oldest wagon manufacturer in Macomb, removed to that city in 1849, and located on what is now the corner of Carroll and Edwards streets, where he has been conducting business ever since. When he first arrived, he entered into a partnership with C. W. Dallam, and engaged in the manufacture of threshing machines, and, during the fall of 1849, built one of the first, if not the first, threshing machine which was operated in the state of Illi- .nois. The first trial of the machine was had on the farm of Benjamin Head, near Macomb, and it was subsequently sold to a man living in Hancock county.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

During the next few years, several ma- chines were built, all of which did good work. Mr. Dallam sold his interest in the business to Nelson Updegraff, in' 1856. At Mr. Updegraff's death, which occurred in 1860 or 1861, Mr. Imes be- came the sole proprietor. He then gave his attention to the manufacture of plows, cultivators, harrows and other agricultural implements, which he con- tinued until 1870, since which time he has given his time and attention to the manufacture of carriages, light and heavy wagons, etc. William L. Imes is a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, and was born April 20, 1821, his parents being Isaac and Elizabeth (Lowry) Imes. At an early day, he commenced work as a carpenter and millwright, and in 1844 went to Iowa, where he worked on a flouring mill at Bonaparte, on the DesMoines river. He then went to Memphis, Tennessee, spent the winter, and then returned to Ohio. In 1847 he worked on a mill at Brookville, Indiana, then followed house-building at Coving- ton, Kentucky, for one year, and, from the latter point, came to Macomb. On the 25th of February, 1852, at Macomb, W. L. Imes and Ann Ferguson were united in marriage. They are the par- ents of seven children-Charles I., Wil- liam T .; Eliza A., Lewis E., Mary F., George F. and Laura B. Mr. Imes is a democrat, and is a member of the In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows, both subordinate and encampment, and served four years as a representative to the grand lodge.

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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 127

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