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 131

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 131

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OAKWOOD CEMETERY.

During the year 1856, W. H. Ran- dolph laid off, for a public cemetery, a tract of land just north ofthe city, com- prising 11 acres, which he christened Oakwood cemetery. For years the town had felt the want of a suitable place for

the burial of the dead. The old ceme- tery, west of town, was too small and very inconvenient to the citizens of the place, and with his accustomed liberality and public spirit, Mr. Randolph selected the prettiest and most eligible spot ad- joining the town, for this city of the dead. This adjoins the city limits. On the 7th of June, 1877, the city of Ma- chased the unsold lots for about $1,000, and an additional three-acre lot within the city limits for $350 more. It is nearly all neatly fenced, handsomely laid out and well improved, and is one of the most beautiful resting places for the hallowed remains of loved ones in this section of country. The first burial here was a man by the name of Moore, who died in the summer of 1857. Two or three years afterwards, his body was disinterred and removed. The second burial was that of Lucy E. Perry, on August 5, 1857. J. H. Cummings was the chairman of the first committee hav- ing it in charge. The present committee are the following gentlemen: J. H. Cummings, S. L. Sommers and M. T. Winslow. John Axford, the present sexton, has been in that position about three-fourths of the time since it was first laid out.

What was long known as the old cem- etery was laid out by the county com- missioners in 1830, Robert Garrett do- nating the land, in trust, for that pur- pose. The first burial therein was Tru- man Bowen, who died in 1831. The second interment was of a child of L. F. Temple, who died of some injuries received, and was buried there in 1831. This was not used after the laying out of Oakwood.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Among other public institutions of which the citizens of Macomb can justly pride themselves, is the Macomb City Library. For several years previous to 1881, sundry efforts looking toward the establishment of a library had been made, but without success; but in the fall of that year, a petition of the citi- zens being presented to the city council, they passed the necessary legislation, and appropriated the sum of $1,000 for the purpose. On the 10th of November, 1881, Mayor William Prentiss appointed the following board of directors: B. R. Hampton, Miss Mary Pillsbury, Dr. W. O. Blaisdell, Mrs. P. H. Garretson. Dr. J. M. Downing, Alexander McLean, Miss Ella Whitson, A. K. Lodge and Mrs. W. S. Bailey. On the 23d of November, 1881, a meeting was held at the office of Drs. Downing & King, and an organiza- tion formed with B. R. Hampton, chair- man, and Miss Mary Pillsbury, secretary. Books were purchased, and a library formed, which was duly opened to the public on the 8th of April, 1882, with Miss Mahala Phelps as librarian, a po- sition which she has held continuously ever since. The library is now in full running order, contains over 1,600 vol- umes for general circulation, and about 150 of reference, all of which are of the highest class, manifesting the care and excellent judgment displayed by the board in their selections of literature for the rising generation. A room in the city hall is handsomely fitted up for the accommodation of the library, and an. air of order, method and neatness per- vades the apartment. The present offi- cers are as follows: B. R. Hampton,

president; Mary Pillsbury, secretary; J. M. Blazer, vice-president and treas- urer; these, with the following named, constitute the board of directors: Mrs. P. H. Garretson, Jacob L. Baily, Alex- ander McLean, Mrs. Asher Blount, Mrs. W. S. Bailey, and A. K. Lodge. The library is free to all citizens of the city, and is open twice a week for the purpose of issuing books. The last three months, the average each day has been: 199 books issued, which shows to what an extent the library is patronized.

SOCIETIES.

Macomb lodge, No. 17, A. F. and A. M., was organized under a dispensation granted January 30, 1843, to Charles Hays, Resin Naylor, James Chandler, Jr., John Anderson, Thomas J. Smith- ers, Alexander Simpson and O. M. Hoag- land. The first meeting was held on the 24th of February, 1843, when there were present, Levi Lusk, S. G. W. and W. M. pro tem., and the following pro tem. officers: Charles Hays, S. W .; James Chandler, Jr., J.W .; John Ander- son, S .; Joseph M. Walker, T .; Resin Naylor, S. D .; Thomas Smithers, J. D .; George H. Rice, tyler, and Thomas A. Brooking. The first regular officers in- stalled, were Resin Naylor, W. M .; Charles Hays, S. W .; James Chandler, Jr., J. W. Cyrus Walker was. initiated at this meeting. At a meeting held February 25th, petitions were received from P. H. Walker, William Ervin and Joseph E. Wyne, and the second and third degrees were conferred upon C. A. Lawson. It received its charter in the following fall, that important document bearing date of October 2, 1843. Since

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

its organization, the following have held the position of worshipful master of the lodge: James Chandler, Jr., Joseph E. Wyne, Pinkney H. Walker, William Ervin, Thomas Brooking, James B. Kyle, J. L. N. Hall, C. N. Harding, C. S. Churchill, Albert Eads and J. H. Fuhr. The present officers, are A. K. Lodge, W. M .; W. C. Johnson, S. W .; Charles Garrett, J. W .; E. McDonough, T .; S. P. Brewster, S .; F. J. Farley, S. D .; R. W. Bailey, J. D .; J: W. Wyne, S. S .; H. Oldknow, J. S., and B. F. Whit- son, tyler. The present membership is over 100, and the condition of the lodge most excellent. They own the beautiful block wherein they have their lodge room. This building was erected in 1881, and is in size 26x80 feet, three- stories high. They let the two lower rooms, and occupy the third for lodge room. The lodge room, which is one of the finest in the state, is handsomely frescoed, both walls and ceiling, with emblems of the order in each panel, and the ceiling in azure studded with gold stars. The gas fixtures are neat and chaste in design, and a beautiful bronze statuette adorns the master's desk. Overhead, in the east, is a well- proportioned arch, with appropriate symbols and motto, and the general tout ensemble of the lodge room is complete, both as regards adornment and furniture. The room is 26x60 feet in size, with ante-room and two examina- tion rooms, and is well ventilated and lighted.

In 1867, sundry of the brethren of of this lodge, deeming the work too mo- notonous, wished to make some inno- vations, which were not permitted, so

headed by Drs. J. B. Kyle and Ham- mond and L. A. Simmons, quite a num- ber petitioned to be allowed to set up an altar of their own, which was granted, and Kyle lodge started. After an exist- ence of some 10 years, it surrendered its charter to the grand lodge and ceased to exist, most of the members joining the older one, Macomb, No. 17.

Morse Chapter, No. 19, Royal Arch Masons, was organized under a dispen- sation in August, 1854. The first meet- ing was held August 28th. The follow- ing is a list of the original members: G. M. Huggins, William Ervin, J. L. N. Hall, James B. Kyle, Cyrus A. Law- son, I. M. Westfall, Thomas I. Garrett, Ralph Harris, O. M. Hoagland, Charles Hays and D. G. Tunnicliff. Of these, but four or five are now living, most of them have been transported to the tem- ple and fitted into their proper nichies. The first officers were: Ralph Harris, M. E. H. P .; James B. Kyle, E. K .; Cyrus A. Lawson, E. S .; G. M. Hug- gins, C. H .; J. L. N. Hall, P. S .; Wil- liam Ervin, R. A. C .; I. M. Westfall, M. F. V .; Charles Hays, M. S. V .; D. G. Tunnicliff, S .; Thomas I. Garrett, G. The chapter has at present a member- ship of over 80, and is in a flourishing condition. The present officers are: Charles W. Mapes, M. E. H. P .; George Gadd, E, K .; F. R, Kyle, E. S; Joseph W. Kyle, C. H .; Albert Eads, P. S .; Ed. McDonough, T .; James M. Martin, S .; John H. Fuhr, R.A.C .; Finley Chandler, M. T. V .; W. C. Johnson, M. S.V .; J. M. Keefer, M. F.V .; B. T.Whitson, G. The charter of the chapter was received at a meeting held October 24, 1854.

Military Tract lodge, No. 145, I. O O.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

F., was organized under a charter dated October 12, 1854, having for its original or charter members, the following named gentlemen: I. M. Westfall, I. M. Ma- jor, Abram Rowe, V. H. Weaver, James Stuart, Samuel Bunker and J. B. Pier- son. Only one of them, I. M. Westfall, is now in the land of the living. The lodge has a present membership of 72, and is in a most excellent condition, and outside of the debt of about $4,000 on their building, do not owe anything. They have just finished building a handsome brick edifice on the north side of the public square, at a cost of $10,000. This is three stories high, 22x70 feet in ground area, and was com- pleted in October, 1884. In the third story is a fine large lodge room, fur- nished in good shape. The present officers are the following: P. H. Mc- Clellan, N. G .; R. T. Quinn, V. G .; J. B. Russell, R. S .; William L. Imes, P. S., and who has held that office for 22 consecutive years; Thomas Philpot, T ; I. M. Martin, P. N. G .; James P. Karr, S. W .; John Ralston, conductor.

Washington encampment, No. 39, I. O. O. F., was instituted, at Macomb, March 25, 1857, by A. C Marsh, P. C. P. with the following charter members: Isaac M. Westfall, A. G. Burr, William S. Bailey, Charles W. Dallam, W. L. Imes, Benjamin F. Broaddus and J W. Atkinson. The first officers were: I. M. Westfall, C. P .; J. W. Blount, H. P .; B. F. Broaddus, S. W .; C. M. Ray, J. W .; J. W. Atkinson, S .; A. G. Burr, T. The first initiates were Joseph W. Blount, Joseph Head, V. H Weaver and C. M. Ray, Since its organization, some 91 have joined this camp, which is, at

present, in excellent condition. Four of it members have been called to a higher lodge since this was started-B F. Broaddus, in November, 1859; J. W. Ellis, August, 1861; C. M. Ray, Septem- ber, 1867, and Nathan J. Graves, June, 1880. The present officers are as fol- lows: W. E. Martin, C. P .; John Mc- Millan, H. P .; J. P. Karr, S. W .; J. A. Smith, J. W .; D. Knapp, S .; W. L. Imes, T .; S. P. Brewster, O. S., and represen- tative to the grand encampment.

Montrose lodge, No. 104, Knights of Pythias, was organized in May, 1882, under a dispensation. On October 18th, of the same year, a charter was granted them, which bears the names of the fol- lowing gentlemen as charter members: C. V. Chandler, A. K. Lodge, C. H. Whitaker, J. M. Downing, I. N. Pear- son, G. H. Wyne, C. Mapes, R. Leach, J. E. Lane, George Trubel, George Gadd, Z. W. Willis, C. Mustain, E. A. Lane, W. E. Martin, W. F. Wells, G. W. Howard, R. T. Quinn, Fred Newland, C. N. Ross, William Ragon, D. McLean, R. Lawrence, G. C. Trull, W. Venable, J. S. Gash, P. H. Garretson, B. F. Ran- dolph, Isaac Fellheimer, J. Bailey, M. P. Agnew, D. M. Graves, J. M. Ervin, T. Philpot, D. Ray, J. L. Wilson, C. J. James, G. W. Bailey, M. O'Meara, F. Ralston, and C. W. Dines.

The lodge, which has at present a membership of 75 knights, is in a flour- ishing condition, both financially and otherwise, and is growing with a more healthy growth, and with more rapidity than any other lodge ever organized in Macomb. They have a fine lodge room in the third story over the store of Vena- ble Bros. The officers at present are the

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

following mentioned: Charles I. Imes, P. C .; H. W. Gash, C. C .; R. W. Bailey, V. C .; F. Ralston, P .; D. M. Graves, M. of E .; George Fentem, M. of F .; N. H. Kendrick, M. at A .; W. D. Newton, K. of R. and S .; Edgar Aldredge, I. G,; John St. Clair, O. G .; A. K. Lodge, spe- cial deputy.

McDonough post, No. 103, Grand Army of the Republic, was organized at the court house on the 8th of August, 1881, by E. A. Sherbine, mustering of- ficer, assisted by J. L. Richardson, J. L. Bennett, E. A. Walcott, and L. C. Welch, of post No. 28; and L. S. Lam- bert and C. B. Hyde, of post No. 45. The following were the original mem- bers: J. B. Venard, T. J. Martin, G. L. Farwell, R. Lawrence, W. A. Chapman, J. E. Lane, J. C. Emmons, R. R. Mc- Mullen, William Venable, J. C. McClel- lan, Samuel Frost, Karr McClintock, W. G. McClellan, J. T. Russell, J. M. Hume, E. A. Lane, J. A. Gordon, Fred New- land, F. A. Luthey, James Foster, T. J. Farley, I. C. Hillyer, and M. M. McDon- ald. The first officers were: William Venable, C .; R. R. McMullen, S. V. € .; T. J. Farley, J. V. C .; S. Frost, chaplain; R. Lawrence, Q. M .; G. L. Farwell, O. D .; W. A. Chapman, O. G .; W. G. Mc- Clellan, adjutant; J. M. Hume, S. M .; T. J. Martin, Q. M. S. Since its organi- zation, William Venable, R. R. McMul- len, C. V. Chandler, and G. W. Reid, have occupied the position of post com- mander. This is one of the largest posts in the state, and has a membership of 160, in good standing. They have mus- tered in some 235, but many have dropped off by death, removal, and the organization of the post at Colchester,

the latter of which caused the loss of about 30, they living in the neighbor- hood of that town. T. J. Martin and R. Lawrence are the only ones that have died. The post has a beautiful room, 25x80, on the west side of the square, which is neatly and appropriately fur- nished, and fitted up for the purpose. The present officers are the following: G. W. Reid, C .; Amos Scott, S. V. C,; L. R. Collins, J. V. C .; W. G. McClel- lan, Q. M .; H. W. Gash, A .; A. K. Tullis, chaplain; B. I. Dunn, S. M .; T. J. Farley, O. D .; W. H. Hainline, J. A .; I. C. Hill- yer, O. G .; Jesse Liggitt, Q. M. S .; and J. B. Russell, S. M.

Council No. 18, Golden Rule associa- tion, was organized February 14, 1885, with 14 members, at Macomb, by T. S. Stamps, S. D. The following is the list of original members: G. W. Bailey, Dr. E. Bolles, W. A. Chapman, J. H. Grigsby, D. H. Hampton, R. E. Harris, I. M. Martin, J. T. McFarland, E. O. McLaren, J. K. Seem, M. C. Shumate, M. H. Scott, W. S. Perry and H. K. Smith. The first officers were: M. C. Shumate, chief patriarch; J. K. Seem, chief councillor; D. H. Hampton, chief captain; I. M. Martin, secretary; H. K. Smith, treasurer; W. A. Chapman, cap- tain of the guard, M. H. Scott, first guard; R. E. Harris, second guard; J. H. Grigsby, sentry. Present officere are: I. M. Martin, chief patriarch; J. K. Seem, chief councillor; R. E. Harris, chief captain; M. C. Shumate, secretary; H. K. Smitlı, treasurer; D. H. Hampton, captain of the guard: J. H. Grigsby, first guard: W. S. Sperry, second guard; W. A. Chapman, sentry; G. W. Bailey, chaplain. This is a benevolent order,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

offering insurance to both sexes; who are both eligible to membership.

Macomb lodge, No. 29, of the Ancient Order of United Workmen, was orga- ized November 23, 1876, by D. D. G. M., M. W. Newton, of Quincy, with the fol- lowing charter members: W. F. Bayne, B. J. Head, W. J, Boyd, I. N. Pearson, J. B. Venard, N. Bucher, James Knapp, A. V. Brooking, Charles Kline, E. A. Hail, W. S. Lowe, D. Knapp, Joseph S. Gamage, Alexander McLean, L. W. Scott, Virgil McDavitt, W. H. Shatterly, Thomas Philpot, Leroy Cannon, S. P. Brewster, H. A. Tuggle, B. T. Whitson. Truman W. Willis, W. F. King, Henry K. Smith, Henry H. Smith, Leslie A. Ross, Clayton N. Ross, A. L. Stowell, James P. Karr, Manning H. Case, J. W. Yeast, Charles C. Hays, Leonard A. Hoops, Alexander Holmes, Cornelius F. Westfall. The first officers were the following: W. F. Bayne, P. M. W .; Alexander McLean, M. W .; Charles Kline, Fore .; Joseph S. Gamage, O .; I. N. Pearson, Rec .; David Knapp, Fin .; B. J. Head, Rec .; J. B. Venard, O. W .; L. W. Scott, I. W .; A. V. Brooking, V. McDavitt and W. H. Shatterly, trustees. Since its organization the following have. held the office of master work- man, in the lodge: Alexander McLean, J. B. Venard, S. P. Brewster, M. H. Case, H. S. Thornburg, Thomas Philpot, William Russell, A. Holmes, B. T. Whitson, B. B. Russell, A. T. Vawter, George W. Bailey, J. C. McClellan, E. H. Black and T. W. Willis. In the office of recorder, the following have served: I. N. Pearson, one term; C. N. Ross, one term; J. W. Yeast, three terms; T. W. Willis, eight terms; J. H. Provine,

H. C. Agnew and E. H. Black, each one term. David Knapp, at the organiza- tion of the lodge, was elected financier, and J. H. Head, receiver, and both have been elected by acclamation, at every election since. Alexander McLean, was elected trustee of the grand lodge, in 1876, and in 1878, was grand mas- ter workman of the grand lodge of Illi- nois, and since 1881, has acted as grand receiver of the same lodge and has held other high offices. The follow- ing are the present officers: H. C. Ag- new, P. M. W .; G. W. Hoskinson, M. W .; P. H. McClellan; foreman; R. Leach, overseer; T. W. Willis, recorder; B. J. Head, receiver; D. Knapp, financier; B. B. Russell, guide; W. F. Willis, inside watchman; Luther Meek, outside watch- man. The deaths in this lodge since its start, have been: Leroy W. Cannon, died August 21, 1877; H. H. Whissen, Au- gust 10, 1879; W. H. Shatterly, April 2, 1881; Henry Beckhaus, August 11, 1883.

Macomb lodge, No. 410, of the Inde- pendent Order of Good Templars, was duly organized August 1, 1883, with the following charter members: C. W. Ayling, W. T. Ball, Carrie Carr, Jessie Carr, Carrie Coats, James K. Coats, C. E. Crissey, Frank Friend, Nina Friend, Edith Garrett, Allie Henton, B. O. In- gram, Belle McElrath, Minnie Martin, William Meek, Edna Meek, C. E. Mitch- ell, John Robinson, Frank Robinson and James W. Brattle. For several years before this, a lodge of this order has ex- isted here but had died out previous to the institution of this one. The lodge has now a membership of about 60, with the present officers in the chairs: James Coats, W. C. T .; Eliza Goodwin, W. V. T .;

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY. 1131

Clara Coats, W. S .; George Snyder, W. F. S .; Effie Smith, W. T .; Bert Gesler, W. M .; Edna Meek, W. C .; Henry Har- mon, W. I. G .; and Jessie Carr, P. W. C. T.

FIRE DEPARTMENT.

On the 5th of March, 1883, the city council of Macomb, purchased a hook and ladder truck as the nucleus of a fire department. This was bought of C. G. Carleton & Co., of Chicago, for the sum of $500. In the fall of the same year, an organization of the Salamander Hook and Ladder company was effected. The first meeting was held October 5th, when con- stitution and by-laws were adopted. Fred Ralston was chosen foreman, A. W. Eddy, first assistant, L. E. Imes, second assist- ant. The following were the first mem- bers: Fred Ralston, L. E. Imes, R. T. Quinn, B. F. Whitson, E. Sprague, Joe Beltzer, James Gribble, S. R. Westfall, Frank Martin, Frank Miles, Charles McClellan, Harry Collins, Charles I. Imes, D. McCaughey and Herman Voughtlander. The company have done excellent service whenever called upon to save property and are appreciated at their full worth.

On the 5th of May, 1884, the council of the city of Macomb passed an ordi- nance establishing a fire department in that place. It made an executive depart- ment of the municipal government of the city to be known as the fire depart- ment, which embraces one fire marshal, one first and one second assistant fire marshal, and such other officers and men as were necessary to operate the differ- ent apparatus' provided and to be pro- vided, and passed good and sufficient laws for the government of the depart-

ment. Fred Ralston was chosen the first fire marshal and still retains that posi- tion.

In July, 1884, the city further increased the efficiency of the fire department by the purchase of two Holloway chemical engines at an expenditure of $1,640. Two companies were at one formed known as engine company No. 1, and No. 2.

Engine company No. 1, is composed of the following members: W. D. New- ton, foreman, R. W. Bailey, Charles Mc- Cluhan, W. C. Sutton, Henry Kerman, W. O'Meara, Lawson Wilson, F. Gilmore and Arthur Simpson.

No. 2, of R. T. Quinn, foreman, R. E. Harris, Oscar Gash, Thomas Hoskinson, Joseph Beltzer, N. Bowman, G. G. But- terfield, J. Minium, Charles Harding, R. N. Kellough and John Owens.

CORNET BAND.

Prior to the days of the war, during the campaign of 1860, Macomb had two excellent bands, but no record of them remains at present. In the spring of 1871, steps were taken to organize a new cornet band that met with great success. Among the earliest members were: Ira D. Twyman, Charles Stevens, Nelson Brooking, William Thomas, Geo. Hard- ing, Samuel Fox, William Hampton, J. E. Russell and John Broaddus. This band grew in number and efficiency and in 1876, Centennial year, had the follow- ing membership: William Harker, Eb and leader; W. Stoffer, Eb; J. E. Russell, Bb; E. C. Pierce, Eb clarinet, John Ar- genbright, Bb clarinet; W. R. Hampton, solo alto; W. Thomas, alto; Charles Frost, alto; G. C. Trull, baritone; Joseph Sos- man, tenor; J. M. Ervin, tenor; Ira D.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Twyman, tuba; Thomas Lusk, snare drum; and Al. Myers, bass drum.

Constantly changing membership, it ran down until the need of reorganiza- tion became apparent, and in the spring of 1884, the present band was formed. It contains the following gentlemen: J. E. Russell, solo Bb and leader; Elsa Bowen, 1st Bb; R. W. Bailey, Eb clari- net; Jacob L. Baily, Bb clarinet; Arthur Brooking, solo alto; Bert Smithers, 1st alto; Harvell Shannon, 2d alto; Charles McLean, Ist tenor; Frederick Gilmore, 2d tenor; B. H. Hickson, baritone; Ar- thur Simpson, tuba; Frank Lane, bass drum; and George Patterson, snare drum.

OTHER LEADING PEOPLE.

Many of Macomb's prominent citizens are mentioned in connection with her business interests, and many more in the different general chapters; but following. will be found the biographical sketches of retired merchants and others whose names are now more prominent in the county for other reasons than their con- nection with the trade interests of the city. Some of those here mentioned at length are not now living, but they were far too eminent to be passed by without notice in this place:

In the Island of Call, in 1807, there was born one Hector McLean, who, at the age of 18 years, removed to Glasgow, Scotland. He there learned the trade of a stone mason, and, subsequently, was a builder and contractor. In 1847, he re- ceived an appointment in the internal revenue service of the English govern- ment, which position he held for two years, and, in June, 1849, emigrated to the United States, and settled in Mc-

Donough county, Illinois, in August of that year. He again resumed his trade, and also farmed some, which he continued until 1869, at which time his death oc- curred. He was married in Scotland to Catherine McMillan, who survived him some six years. Mr. and Mrs. McLean were the parents of five children, three of whom are still living-Alexander, Duncan and Isabella. Two of their chil- dren-John and Hector, have died. Mr. McLean declared his intention to become a citizen of the United States, as soon as he arrived in the country. He at first associated with the whig party, and af- terwards with the republican party, and continued so to affiliate up to the time of his death. As a citizen, he stood high in the community in which he lived, be- ing a good neighbor, and a kind-hearted, benevolent man, and his death was a sad blow to his family and to his many friends. Mr. McLean was one of the principal members of the Congregational church of Macomb, and was a Free Ma- son for many years.

Alexander McLean, the eldest son of Hector and Catherine (McMillan) Mc- Lean, was born in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, September 24, 1833. After reaching a suitable age, he attended a private school, where he remained until he was 13 years old. With his parents, June 5, 1849, he bid farewell to the land of his birth, and took passage for the United States, with the intention of mak- ing that country his future home. On the 17th of the July following, the fam- ily arrived in New York, from whence they started for their objective point, McDonough county, Illinois, and arrived on the 14th of August, in the vicinity of

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1133

Camp creek, near Macomb, where they had friends residing. They remained here until the following spring, when they removed to the town of Macomb. Alexander here worked with his father for several years at the stone-mason's trade. He had an excellent memory, was well versed in the literature of the day, was possessed of good conversational powers, and, consequently, secured the attention of those who were in a position to advance his interests. He was selected as a deputy by William H. Randolph, then circuit clerk, and gave entire satis- faction, not only to Mr. Randolph, but to the members of the bar and the peo- ple generally. At the expiration of Mr. Randolph's term of office, he, with Mr. McLean and others, opened an office for the purchase and sale of real estate, un- der the firm name of McLean, Randolph & Co. For several years the firm did an extensive business in this line, but Mr. McLean withdrew from the firm in 1858. In February, 1864, he left Macomb for New York city, having received the ap- pointment of clerk of a large real estate dealer, engaged in dealing in western land, and the knowledge acquired by personal dealing enabled him to be of great assistance to the firm in the selec- tion of lands. From 1864, to 1871, he was a citizen of either New York city or Brooklyn. While living in Brooklyn, together with his beloved wife, he united with the Clinton Avenue Baptist church, in December, 1867. Shortly afterwards he was elected superintendent of its Sun- day school, and officiated in that capacity for two years. In 1871, he returned to Macomb, and was chosen to fill the same · position in the Baptist Sunday school of

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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 131

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