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 26

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 26

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A. Walbaum & Co 156,000

Mahannah & Dey. 125,000

W. A. Williamson 146,300

C. R. Underwood & Bro .. 159,250

Same (modified) . 141,000

Martin & Thomas 145,000

W. D. Richardson 140,000

Same (modified) 142,600

In none of these cases were the figures satisfactory, so the board, falling back upon its reserved rights, rejected them all. A strong effort was made to build the court house according to the plans and specifications of the architect, the county being its own contractor. After some discussion, a resolution to that effect was offered by L. G. Reed, of La- moine, but it was not adopted. Adver- tisement was again made for proposals, and the time set for the opening of the same was the 2d of February, 1869. On that day the board met and the following bids were received:

D. J. Silver $129,900

William Young 110,000

Wałbaum & Co . 129,000

Deakman & Messenger . 143,620

Johnson & Askew 137,000

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Richardson 138,750

Mahannah & Dey 136,000

Peter Burns . 137,000

Martin & Thomas

139,750

Underwood & Co.

143,800

A petition was presented at this meet- ing, signed by sundry citizens of the county, praying the board not to expend more than $75,000 in the erection of the court house. A committee was appoint- ed to act upon the same, who reported to the board, that recognizing the right of citizens to be heard, they would report it "inexpedient to go back on our work and open the door for new litigation," and that they were satisfied that a good fire-proof building, suitable for the pur- poses of the county, could not be built for that amount.

The bids being duly examined by the board, that of Walbaum & Co., of Chicago, was adopted as being the lowest and best.

Immediately upon the acceptation of their proposals, the above firm entered into contract with the county for the erection of the building, and proceeded with the work. L. G. Reid, was selected by the board, at a salary of $1,200 per year, to superintend its construction and entered zealously upon the discharge of his duties.

The contract called for the completion of the building by the 1st of November, 1870, but owing to unforeseen delays it was not finished until the summer of 1872. The building, which stands in the center of the square, in the center of the city of Macomb, is surrounded with a neat iron fence. The lawn around it is well sodded and planted with trees

and sets off the building to great advan- tage. A handsome illustration of this magnificent edifice is found in the first pages of this work.

The building is of modern style of architecture, and is three stories in height above the basement. The basement story is built of Sagetown limestone, which gives the structure the appear- ance of solidity, and is in beautiful con- trast with the red brick with which are built the exterior walls of the main and second stories. The openings and cor- ners of the building are also trimmed with the same kind of stone. The out- side walls of the fourth, or entresol, story are covered with slate and the roof with tin. The roof, which is Mansard, presents a neat appearance, and is ele- gantly trimmed with cast-iron trim- mings.

There are four entrances leading into the corridors of the main story, one in the center of either side, and one in each end. Each of these open from a portico constructed from iron and stone, and reached by fine, wide stone steps. Under each portico, except the one on the north, and directly below the main entrances, are openings leading into the halls of the basement. The building is sur- mounted by a fine belfry, which rises from the west end. It contains a large town clock, the bell of which, weighing 15,000 pounds, peels forth the hours as they pass. On four sides, and in plain view from all points, are large dials, with huge hands pointing to the hour and minute. The entire frame work of the belfry is constructed of wrought iron. From this belfry a fine view is obtained of the surrounding country for

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

many miles, it being the highest availa- ble point in the county.

The ground plan of the building is 114 feet long, by 72 wide. The front walls are broken by projections forming an ir- regular outline. Large halls pass through the basement and main stories. The floors of the halls in the basement are made of stone, while those in the first and second stories are marble tiling, 12 inches square. The partition walls, with few exceptions, are made of brick, upon which rests heavy wrought iron beams and joints for the support of the floors. The ceilings are of corrugated iron, painted white. The halls are wains- cotted throughout with black walnut and ash. The doors are large and heavy and made of ash, with black walnut trim- mings, while the inside window shutters and casings are of the same materials.

In the center of the south side, lead- ing from the basement to the fourth floor is a broad, iron stairway, while one in the west end of the building, south of the main entrance, leads from the base- ment to the third floor. Leading from the fourth floor to the balcony of the belfry is an iron spiral stairway.

In the basement is the room for the engine used for heating purposes, fuel and storage rooms, water closets and bath-rooms. The main floor has com- modious apartments for the county judge, county and circuit clerks, sheriff, treasurer, and school superintendent, with fireproof vaults for public records. On the third floor are several good offices, the private room of the circuit judge, office of the county surveyor, jury room, also the circuit court room, which occupies the eastern portion of the

second and third stories. This room is quite large, with ample provision for the bar, witnesses, jury and spectators, being seated with about 400 arm chairs. The rooms in the upper story are used prin- cipally for storage purposes. There are in the entire building 34 rooms, all of which are heated by steam, the principal rooms being provided, in addition, with fireplaces and mantles. Its ventilation is good and throughout it is supplied with all the modern. improvements. Take it all in all, the structure is one of the finest and best in the state, used for a like purpose, and every resident of the county feels a just pride of ownership in the edifice. Within its fireproof walls the many valuable public records are safe from the demon of fire, and security is felt on that score. The total cost of the building when completed, furniture and all, was as follows, al- though some money has been expended since in slight additions and repairs:

Contractor's price $120,000

Heating apparatus 5,650

Furniture 5,777

Fence 6,289

Drainage 2,608

Architect. 1,800

Superintendent.

3,427

Bell. 651

Lightning rods.

168

Total $155,370

As has been said, the plan was the work of E. E. Myers, of Springfield, the contractors, A. Walbaum & Co., of Chicago, but the humbler sub-contrac- tors should also be named in this con- nection. These were Martin and Thomas, of Macomb, carpenter and cabinet work;

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Frank Whitson, plasterer; Ingram and Argenbright, painters.

COUNTY JAIL.

No sooner was the county of McDon- ough well supplied with the political court house, that now adorns the square in Macomb, than the attention of the people was drawn to the dilapidated old structure that but partially answered the purpose of a jail. The structure first built by the county, mention of which has been made in the chapter relating to county government, was a log one, which was afterwards sold to the city of Ma- comb, and used by the corporation as a city jail or "calaboose." In 1856, this structure being found to be too small, the county court determined upon building a new one, and contracts were immedi- ately let, Hector McLean taking the stone work, W. O. Thomas & Co., the brick and wood work, and Ingram and Painter, the painting. The total cost of the build- ing when completed was in the neighbor- hood of $3,500, but it proved more of a nuisance than otherwise, as it lacked the necessity of security. Prisoners were continually breaking out, as it was no great effort to do so, and great expense was placed upon the county, as the inse- curity of the building necessitated an al- most constant guarding of those incar- cerated therein. For twenty years this was thus used, but at the expiration of that time, the subject for a new jail com- ing up for discussion, it was determined to build one. In the beginning of the year 1876, a committee was appointed to visit Knox county and inspect the jail of that county, and in making their report to the board of supervisors they recom-

mended the adoption of a similar plan to the jail they had seen, with some slight modifications and improvements. . This meeting the views of the board, adver- tisements inviting proposals for the erection were inserted in newspapers of the county, Chicago and Quincy, and in the month of March, the bids were opened and the lowest and best bid hav- . ing been made by J. M. Price & Co., of Macomb, the contract was let to him, he agreeing to turn over the finished build- ing for $23,000. Without delay, the work was commenced and soon finished. The entire cost of the jail may be sum- med up as follows:

Contractor's price $23,000 00 Lots on which it is built 900 00

Barns, fences, walls, etc . 1,722 99

Total $25,622 99

The edifice is one of the ornaments of the city of Macomb presenting in its front view the appearance of a palatial mansion of some railway magnate. This front part is occupied by the sher- iff and his family, the jail proper being in the rear. The entire building is in heighth two stories, with basement; the front portion, or sheriff's residence, is 35 x42 feet, the jail proper 35x40. The ar- chitectural design is modern, very neat and well proportioned, presenting, on the whole, a light, cheerful appearance. The basement is constructed of lime- stone, with the exterior surface rough; the walls of the main buildings are of red brick, the openings being trimmed with stone trimmings. In the sheriff's residence are eight pleasant rooms, with closets, wardrobes and halls. There are three entrances, all leading into this portion of the building. In the jail are

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

twenty-four cells, each 43x7 feet, and seven in height, the walls of which are of six-inch limestone flagging. The cells are arranged in six tiers, four in length and three in height, one-half opening toward the east and one-half toward the west, into corriders eleven feet wide. The upper cells are reached by stairway and balcony, which extends in front of each tier. Beneath each of the lower tier of cells are seven feet of solid concrete. In the north end is the prison dining hall, 12x35 feet. * Separat- ing the dining hall from the corridors are partitions of seven-inch iron grating, with an iron slide door, which is worked from the hall of the dwelling. The doors of the cells are all locked from the dining hall, so arranged that the sheriff or attendants are not required to come into contact with the prisoners. Above the cells are two large iron tanks, capa- ble of holding eighty barrels each, from which the prisoners are supplied with water for bathing purposes. In the din- ing hall is a force pump leading from the well, which supplies drinking water. Extending from the basement through the roof is a ventilating flue, 3x4 feet, with which each cell is connected, and affording ample ventilation. The outer door, leading from the dwelling to the dining hall of the jail, is solid wrought iron; the inner one a grated V iron door. The heating furnace and fuel rooms occupy the basement. In the rear portion of the second story of the dwelling are the female and debtor apartments, consisting of three large, well lighted rooms. There is also in , this part the sleeping apartment of the turnkey, and a large sized bath room.

The jail proper has a bath room also, for the accomodation of the prisoners. A large vault is in the main part, for the storage of stolen property recovered. The entire building is covered with a tin roof, A neat iron fence 'surrounds the lot on which it stands, which adds much to its general appearance. The jail proper was first occupied the latter part of November, 1876, four prisoners being taken there from the old jail. Sheriff Hays took possession of the dwelling on the first of January, 1877. All the work, done by Price & Co., was in a most excellent and workmanlike man- ner, and deserves great credit.

COUNTY CHARITY.

Although the heart of every man in the county beat in earnest sympathy with the poor and destitute that lay within his knowledge, and the hand of pity and help was never withheld, in time of need, from those who were in want, it was for many years after the or- ganization of the county ere its citizens felt it just to themselves and others, to provide a building to be used as a sanc- tuary for the poor and friendless. Many, having in mind the parish poor- houses and " unions " of the old coun- tries, shrank back with horror at the' idea, that any, in whom they felt an in- terest should be doomed to inhabit a place, within the cold and cheerless walls of such an asylum. The large and generous heart of the pioneer could not tolerate it. Little did they feel that many a waif. upon the broad and troub- led sea of the world's bitter experience, has hailed as a safe harbor, as a secure haven, the much dreaded almshouse.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Perhaps it was owing, partially, to these mistaken notions in regard to that noble charity that so long delayed the erection of the building. But let not those of this later generation think that their forefathers, and the early settlers here were a people wanting in brotherly char- ity. As early as 1836, measures were taken looking to the relief of the nec- essatious. The method of relief, the let- ting out of the care of the unfortunate. though not deemed the best now, went far toward mitigating the sufferings of the weary wight that had lost his all through force of untoward circumstances; the widow and orphan struggling for the daily crust of bread; the waif left to live or die, as best it may. For many years this system of relief was the only one practiced, and as but few needed it, it sufficed.

In 1855, the number of those seeking help of the county, having grown so large that a just regard for economy in- duced the county government to buy a farm on which to build an almshouse; land in Macomb township was pur- chased, and some improvements were made. In the beginning of 1856, the place was rented to John Scott, for one year, he to pay $250 rent, and agreeing to board and provide for all paupers sent to the place by the proper authori- ties. In September, 1857, on account of the large amount of repairs necessary to be made on the poor farm, an attempt was made to sell a part of it. After some time a little over eighty acres of it was disposed of at $30 per acre. In 1862 or 63, the county changed its plan, and kept the poor house on the plan usually adopted, under a superintendent.

For some reason, but little attention was paid to the county poor house by either the people or the officers, and it became dilapidated and almost ruinous, and was quite unsightly and an eyesore to those who took any interest in the county matters. The state board of charities having repeatedly referred to the mis- erable condition of the almshouse of McDonough county, the people were aroused, and in 1884 determined to wipe the reproach from off the bright escutch- eon of the county's honor. The state having appropriated some $5,000 toward the repair of the old almshouse, the board of supervisors took into considera- tion the advisability of building a new one entirely, and finally on the 12th of January, 1884, a contract was let to W. O. Thomas, of Macomb, for the erection of a fine new almshouse on the south- east quarter of section 7, in Scotland township, and work was at once com- menced. The contract recites that the building was to be finished by Novem- ber 15, of the same year, but on account of some changes in the plan and other causes, it was not completed until about a month later. The architect, F. M. Ellis, of Marshalltown, Iowa, was em- ployed as the superintendent or overseer of the work. The plan, which is entirely original with Mr. Ellis, is unique and elegant, and reflects great credit upon him and upon the board of supervisors who discriminated in its favor, among a number of others submitted to them.

The building, which is in shape, the half of a Greek cross, or of the letter L, with both arms equal in length. The two wings, which are each 30x56 feet in ground area, two stories high, are united

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

at the angle by a central part three stories high. In this loftier part is the main entrance, the superintendent's office, and a handsome suite of apart- ments for the use of superintendent and his family. 'The entire building which is built of pressed brick, with cut stone trimmings from the quarries at Joliet, with the unique roof, called after Queen Anne, presents a magnificent appear- ance, and reflects credit upon all con- cerned in its erection. At the first sight no one would imagine the use thatitis put to, but rather incline to the belief that it was some educational institution. The building, in general, may be divided into three separate, yet closely con- nected divisions, and by the aid of strong inner brick walls and heavy iron doors, in case of fire can be completely isolated one from the other. The basement, which is under the entire building, is built of blue limestone and is ten feet high and contains the kitchen, in which is a fine large improved range, pantry, two dining halls, four bath rooms, with hot and cold water, boiler room, water closets, laundry and ten cells for the in- sane wards of the county, four of these cells have heavily grated windows, and are otherwise fitted up for the reception of those too violent in their manical fury. Upon the next floor, is the super- intendent's office, private sitting room, kitchen, etc., in the central part, both wings being devoted to the paupers; upon the second story are the dormitories. It contains, in all, eighty-five rooms, and has accommodations for 75 inmates. Each room is well ventilated and heated by steam,the boilers, Haxton's base bur- ners, being placed in the basement. All

of the joists in the building are of first class 2x10 lumber, the floors of clear Alabama pine, and the finer woods used in the stairways, balustrade, newel posts, etc., of a species of redwood.

For ventilation, convenience, economy of space, elegance of appearance the edifice is not to be exceeded in the state. Several sub-contracts were let by Mr. Thomas, among which were the follow- ing, which are given here that all may have the honor due them for completing this stately pile: F. W. Menke & Co., of Quincy, contract for stonework; John Koneface, of the same place, for brick- work; E. Best, also of Quincy, steam fit- ting, plumbing, putting in range and boilers; Sandmeyer & Co., of Peoria, for iron work, roof and cornice; Morris and Leach, of Macomb, for painting. All did their part well. The brick, or most of them, of which it was built were man- ufactured on the spot. The building committee, who deserve to be compli- mented for their able efforts towards its completion, was composed of the follow- ing gentlemen: A. E. Barnes, of Bush- nell; W. Kinkade, of Industry; Hugh Watson, of Scotland, and H. A. Max- well, of Bardolph.

The house was erected at a cost of some $24,000, and is said to be one of the finest in the state.

In this connection it may be proper to state that it is owing to the exertions of A. E. Barnes, Hugh Watson, William Kinkade, H. A. Maxwell and others in the board ofsupervisors that the county of McDonough can pride itself upon so magnificent an edifice, for when the sub- ject of building it was first mooted, a strong opposition was developed. The

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

friends of the measure under the able lead of Mr. Barnes, rallied to its sup- port, and in the end carried the point and the result is now before the people.

R. B. Knowles, the present superin- tendent, is the best that this county ever had in that position, and, in fact, has but few peers anywhere. The cleanli- ness, quietness, order and system that prevades the house and grounds is re- markable and is due to the executive ability of that gentleman.

The following is the report of the number of the inmates of the county poor-house, made to the board of super- visors, at their meeting, March 10, 1885, by J. Kimble, county agent:

Whole number of inmates, 37; number of males, 22; number of females, 15; number of sane, 12; number of insane, 10; number of feeble minded, 15; number of deaths from March 6, 1884, to date, 3; average cost of maintainance per week, $1.49.

CHAPTER XII.

POLITICAL.

It is the design to group in this chapter all the items of interest con- nected with the political history of Mc- Donough county, the issues which occu- pied the attention of the people during the various campaigns since the organ- ization of the county, so far as can be learned, both general and local, and fol- lowing this, an abstract of the votes polled at every election. . There is always a fascination in the reading of the political history of a nation, state or country, and especially is this true in our own free land, where, in the eyes of the law, all are upon an equality; where it has been shown that even the humblest-the rail-splitter, the tailor or the tanner-boy-can attain the highest honor that can be bestowed upon an

American citizen. It is delightful to see merit thus rewarded, and we are well pleased with the onward progress of one from the humbler walks of life, as step by step, he mounts the ladder of fame. Even if we fail of reaching the highest pinnacle of fame ourselves, we flatter ourselves that possibly our chil- dren may.

There is an excitement about a polit- ical campaign which nearly all enjoy, and, although to the disgrace of the parties using, personalities are often in- dulged in, as a general thing all yield gracefully to the verdict of the people. This speaks whole volumes in favor of the American institutions.

The first election was held iu Mc- Donough county on the 3d day of July,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

1830, and was for county officers, to com- plete and carry out the organization of the county. Party lines were not drawn and the election hinged chiefly upon local issues. James Clarke, John Hard- esty and James Vance were duly elected county commissioners, William South- ward, sheriff, and Peter Hale, coroner.

Politically, McDonough county has always been considered one of the close or doubtful ones of the state, neither party being in sufficient strengtlı to claim it to a certainty. For the first ten years of its existence party lines were not drawn, the citizens of the · county exercising the rights of the elec- tive franchise as each thought best for his own interest, or the interest of the country. The whig party, in general elections, always carried the day, but in local elections the best men were gener- ally selected, regardless of whether they favored the one party or the other. In the selection of county commissioners locality had more to do than anything else; the county being divided into three districts, each desired to be represented.

There is no record of any party caucus or convention in this county, held pre- vious to 1840, unless it might be said that a meeting held in Middletown in 1838, by the democrats, in which an effort was made to concentrate their votes on Jesse Neece, one of their can- didates for sheriff, could be called one. At this election there were five candi- dates for the office of sheriff, three dem- ocrats and two whigs, and at this meet- ing in Middletown it was hoped to effect an arrangement by which Mr. Neece could get the combined party strength. The effort failed. The whigs generally

concentrated on William H. Randolph one of their candidates, and he also be- ing personally popular was elected, the first whig ever elected to office in the county.

In 1840, both the democratic and whig parties held regular county conventions, and nominated straight tickets, the first regular party conventions ever held in .. the county. This was the year of the "hard cider campaign," one of the most exciting political campaigns in the his- tory of this country. Mass meetings were held, in which the old log cabin, representing the lowly origin of the whig candidate for president, General Wil- liam H. Harrison, was carried around, and hard cider flowed like water. The same general interest and excitement that prevailed elsewhere, were exhibited here. Large gatherings of both parties were held in various parts of the county, and party feeling ran high. The whigs, on the 4th of July, held a mass meeting and barbecue in Macomb, and the dem- ocrats denounced the act as a desecration of the day, and a blight settling after- wards upon the grove in which the meet- ing was held, was said by them to be a judgment of the Almighty against their proceedings. The whigs charged the democrats witlı being likewise guilty of a desecration of the day, if it could be so called, in holding a public meeting in the vicinity of Spring creek. The democrats vehemently denied its being a political gathering, but only a meet- for the proper celebration of the nation's birthday. After a most exciting time, the whigs carried the county by majori- ties ranging from twenty-five to forty- five-Colonel W. W. Bailey, candidate

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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 26

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