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 68

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 68

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599

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Colchester has many advantages not possessed by other towns of the county. The face of the earth not only yields its fruit to the work of the hands of her people, but the underworld is compelled to yield up her treasures, which go to enrich mankind and administer to the comforts of the race. Even should a drouth occur, these people have a mine of wealth in their coal fields that cannot be effected by it. The demand for this product has never yet been less than the supply; therefore, while other places may feel from time to time the effects of a monetary crisis, Colchester does not suffer in comparison with them.

THE BEGINNING.

The first store building in the town of Colchester was erected in December, 1855, by D. W. Campbell, who put in a stock of groceries January 9, 1856. The building, which was 16x18 feet in ground area and constructed of pine lumber, is at present located on Coal street, and is occupied by William Wright as a har- ness shop.

The second building was the wing of the Chester house. Its construction was commenced about the same time as that built by D. W. Campbell, by John Tay- lor. Before its completion, however, Mr. Taylor sold it to John Stults, who finished and operated it as the Chester house. It was the first hotel in the place.

John Patrick opened the first general store in the early part of 1856. The building was the third erected in-Col- chester, and is now occupied by Consenes book store.

Atkinson & Gash were the next to build and open a store, which was in the

fall of 1856. They carried a general stock, and in 1858 sold to John Taylor & Son.

Samuel Greenwood was the pioneer blacksmith of Colchester. He estab- lished the business during the winter of 1855-6.

C. W. Wettengel opened the first shoe shop in Colchester, May 8, 1857. He rented a small building on the north side for about five months, and afterward operated a shoe store until 1866 where Newland's building now stands. He is at present operating a farm in Hire township.

The first to engage in the millinery business in Colchester, was Maggie Slo- cum, in 1863. This lady is now the estimable wife of S. D. Mills.

J. W. Webster was the first dealer in drugs in Colchester. He also handled hardware, and was the first in that line.

The first physician to locate at Col- chester was M. C. Archer, who came in 1857. Dr. W. H. Weir was the next physician, and is still a resident of the place.

John Whitson was the first station agent at this point.

The store now occupied by J. W. Hendle, druggist, was built by Martin Canote, in the fall of 1856, and rented for dwelling purposes.

The first house built for a private dwelling only, was erected about the same time by William Hopkins, who still resides in the same.

FIRST MERCHANT.

Daniel W. Campbell, who is now en- gaged in the insurance business, is the oldest settler in Colchester, and was its

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

first merchant. He was born in Jeffer- son county, Tennessee, on the 28th day of August, 1826, being the son of Daniel and Susannah (Goans) Campbell, both natives of Tennessee, and who were born on the same day of the month and in the same year, September 22, 1800. Mrs. Campbell is still living and resides in Colchester. In 1828 the family removed to Sangamon county, Illinois, and in the winter of 1829, came to McDonough county, settling in Tennessee township. In the spring of 1830, they moved on to section 10, where they resided until fall of the same year, when they located on what is now known as the Widow Har- rison farm. In 1832 Daniel Campbell, Sr., enlisted and served in the Black Hawk war, returning home in 1833, and in the following year was elected sheriff. In 1841 he went down the Mississippi and up the Red river, and as he was re- turning home, he was taken sick and died, August 9, 1842, in Greene county, Illinois. Daniel W. Campbell was reared and educated in McDonough county, and in 1841, engaged in farming with the family. In 1852 he moved to the village of Middletown, this state, and engaged in teaming, etc., which he followed until 1855, when he engaged in business in Colchester, at which point he has been connected with some kind of business in- terest ever since. He has been conduct- ing his present business, that of insur- ance agent, for the past 15 years, and has met with deserved success. The mar- riage ceremony which united the desti- nies of Daniel W. Campbell and Adeline - A. Jackson, a native of the state of Ken- tucky, was performed on the 9th day of November, 1854. Mrs. Campbell's death

occurred January 2, 1864. Three chil- dren of that marriage are now living- Frank M., Albert and Eva. Mr. Camp- bell held the office of constable from 1858 to 1879, and in 1870, was elected coroner, which office he held for two years. He has also served the people in the capacity of township assessor and col- lector several terms, and has been a school director for the past 15 years, and is at this time supervisor of Colchester township. .

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

The general merchandise business of Stevens Brothers, was established in 1869, by E. Stevens, and his son, E. D. They opened, at that time, with but $1,500 worth of goods in stock, and increased the same, as the trade developed. These gentlemen continued the business until 1872, when the elder Mr. Stevens was succeeded by another son, J. W. Stevens. During the year 1874, these gentlemen closed out the business, and two years later became interested in the firm of A. J. Smith & Company. Five years elapsed and then Mr. Smith retired from the firm and they then resumed the old firm name of Stevens Brothers. In 1881, J. W. Stevens, another brother, became a member of the firm, and in 1882, J. F. Stevens was admitted to the same honor, making the firm now consist of four brothers. They carry a stock of from $35,000 to $40,000 worth of the various lines of goods that go to make up what is known as general merchandise. It is claimed with a good deal of sincerity that they are doing the largest business of the kind in the county, and the claim is justified by the immensity of their stock

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

and the large number of their friends and patrons.

Edward D. Stevens, of the firm of Stevens Brothers, is a native of McDon- ough county, and was born on the 29th of August, 1848. His father, Socrates Stevens, was a native of the state of In- diana, being born in October, 1824. He came to this county in 1844, and followed school teaching as a profession. Amanda J. Stevens, the mother of Edward, was born in Indiana. Edward attended Abingdon college, at Abingdon, Illinois, for three years, having previous to that attended school in this county. When 18 years of age, he engaged in teaching school in Colchester, which profession he followed for three years,at the expira- tion of which time, he engaged in mer- cantile life. In 1874, he, in company with his brother, James W., and A. Horrocks, engaged in the manufacture of fire clay at Bardolph, Illinois, with which he was identified for some eight years, but did not take an active part in the manage- - ment of the same after 1881. On the 28th day of December, 1869, Edward was married to Jessie M. Cuyler, a native of Canada. Three children have been born to them-Ralph C., Edgar A., and Bertha C. Mr. Stevens is one of the most prominent of Colchester's citizens, and is the present treasurer of the city. He is a member of Bardolph lodge, No. 472, A. F. and A. M., also of the Morse Chapter, and of the Almoner Com- mandery, No. 32, of Augusta, this state. The firm of which he is a member, has by fair and honorable dealings, built up a reputation second to none in McDon- ough county, or in the counties adjoin- ing.

James William Stevens, the second member of the firm of Stevens Brothers, is a native of this county, and was born May 25, 1853. He was reared and edu- cated in the county, but attended the Abingdon college, at Abingdon, Illinois, for one term. In 1872, he engaged, with his brother, in mercantile business, but had, however, acted as a clerk with the former firm-E. D. & S. Stevens-up to the time of becoming a partner. In 1874, both he and E. D. Stevens, in com- pany with A. Horrocks, established the Bardolph fire clay works. In 1876, James W. returned to Colchester, and entered into a partnership with A. J. Smith & Co., under the firm name of A. J. Smith, which continued until Mr. Smith sold his interest to E. D. Stevens, in January, 1881, when the firm of Stevens Brothers was formed. James William Stevens and Jessie L. Smith were married on the 26th day of Febru- ary, 1874. Mrs. Stevens is the daughter of Albert J. and Francis A. (Cuyler ) Smith. By their union, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens have been blessed with two children-Raymond W .. and Ernest J. Mr. Stevens is one of McDonough county's prominent business men, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity.

John H. Stevens, also of Stevens Brothers, was born, October 12, 1856, in this county, where he was reared and educated. He remained on his father's farm, and followed the occupation of a farmer until March, 1879, at which time he began clerking for A. J. Smith & Co., of Colchester. He continued with that firm, and with its successor -- the firm of Stevens Brothers-up to the . time of becoming a member of the latter

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

firm, in 1881. His marriage with Anna Higbee occurred on the 27th day of Sep- · tember, 1877, his wife also being a native of McDonough county. Mr. and Mrs. John H. Stevens are the parents of two children-Edna and Clyde. Although comparatively a young man, Mr. Stevens' ability as a business man will compare favorably with that of many an older merchant. He is a member in good standing sf the Christian church, of Col- chester.

The youngest member of the firm of Stevens Brothers, of Colchester, is J Frank Stevens, who was born on the 22d day of August, 1861, in McDonough county, Illinois. He received his edu- cation in the county, and remained on his father's farm, where he followed farming until 1880. He then engaged with A. J. Smith & Co., of Colchester, in the capacity of a clerk, and continued in that position, with the same firm, until it became the firm of Stevens Brothers. In 1882, he became a member of the last mentioned firm. The marriage of J. Frank Stevens and Lizzie E. Fields was solemnized on the 22d day of January, 1882. One child, Bernice E., has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stevens. He is a member of the lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of Colchester, McDonough county.

Among the enterprising, wide-awake merchants of Colchester, may be men- tioned the general merchandise house of Parnall & Sons. This establishment owes its existence to John Parnall, Sr., and William Parnall, who started in 1880. In June, 1881, the latter partner died, and the firm name was changed to its present form, the sons, R. J. and

James, being admitted as partners by their father. They carry a full stock of the various goods usually found in stores of this kind, and valued at about $5,000.

John Parnall, Sr., of the firm of Par- nall & Sons, general merchants of Col- chester, is a native of England, being born there in 1818. He was there married to Eliza Williams, in August, 1843. They were the parents of seven children. William Parnall, their eldest son, was born in England in 1846, and died in Colchester, McDonough county, June 11, 1881; Richard J. Parnall was, also, born in England, on the 8th day of May, 1860, and was married November 19, 1884, to Ella F. Shirley, a native of Saginaw, Michigan; James Parnall, also a member of the firm, was born on the first of October, 1861, in England, and his marriage was solemnized December 25, 1884, he marrying Cecelia M. Rob- erts, a daughter of James Roberts. Richard and James became members of the firm in 1881. The Parnall family emigrated to America in 1871, and lo- cated in Colchester, McDonough county, Illinois. In 1877, John Parnall, Sr., es- tablished himself in business, by start- ing a flour and feed store. In 1880 the present business was established under the firm name of Parnall & Son ( mem- bers being John, Sr., and William.) Richard is a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge of Colchester, while James is a member of the Miners' Friendly so- ciety, and John, Sr., of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The general merchandise business op- erated by John A. Stookey was inaugu- rated in 1872, by Stookey & Park, then on the north side. In 1873, Mr. Park

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

retired from the firm, and with the ex- ception of a few months, Mr. Stookey has continued to run the establishment alone ever since. On the 16th of No- vember, 1881, this gentleman removed his stock to its present location in the Smith building. He carries a stock of about $3,500 worth of goods, and is doing a good business. John A. Stookey was born in Ross county, Ohio, May 22, 1841, his parents being Moses and Hulda (Goldsbery) both of whom were natives of the state of Ohio. In the fall of 1842 the family removed to McDonough county, where John A. was reared and 'educated. He remained on his father's farm until he reached his 17th year, when he engaged in clerking with Ed. McDonald, of Colchester, remaining with him one year, then going to Blandins- ville, where he followed the same voca- tion for four years. In 1868 he came to Colchester, and engaged as a clerk for one year, at the expiration of which time he engaged in teaming, which he fol- lowed until 1872, at which time he en- tered upon a mercantile career, at which he has been eminently successful. Mr. Stookey held the position of justice of the peace in Tennessee township from 1868 till 1872, and, since coming to Col- chester, has served both as city clerk and city treasurer, all of which posi- tions he filled with honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. John A. Stookey and Elizabeth Stevens (a daughter of Socrates Stevens, of this county, and a sister of E. D. Stevens, of this city,) were married on the 18th day of November, 1871. They have one child living, Bert J. Mr. Stookey is a member in good standing of the Metho-

dist Episcopal church, of Colchester, McDonough county.

The firm of Myers & Cowan, general merchants, commenced business in this place in November, 1882, and carry a stock representing about $5,000.

The grocery establishment of J. D. Trew was established by the same gen- tleman in August, 1877. He carries a nice stock of groceries, valued at over $1,000.

A. J. Smith & Son, who are extensively engaged in the clothing and gentlemen's furnishing goods business, established the same in the month of November, 1881. The building in which they are located, which was built by them, is 40x 80 feet in ground area, and two stories high. They carry a large and well as- sorted stock of goods in the various lines handled by them, that will invoice about $10,000, and although they are a new firm in this line, they still have succeeded in working up a most excellent trade. In 1871, A. J. Smith engaged in the general merchandise business, and remained in the same until 1881, when the present business was established. as above nar- rated.

Albert J. Smith, Sr .; of the above firm, was born in Lower Canada, on the 16th day of October, 1830, being the son of Joseph M. and Eliza ( Westover) Smith, both of whom were natives of Vermont. When Albert was 13 years of age, his parents removed to Franklin county, Vermont, where he received his education. In 1861, he came west and located at Plymouth, Illinois, where he remained until 1863, when he came to Colchester in the capacity of agent for the Chicago Burlington and Quincy rail-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

road company, which position he filled until 1879. He was also engaged in the coal business, and in 1878 took charge of the Union hotel, which he conducted for one year. In November, 1881, he established his present business, that of clothing and gents' furnishing, and by honest dealing and strict attention to business, has built up an enviable trade. Previous to engaging in this business he carried a full line of general merchan- dise. On the 10th day of March, 1856, Albert J. Smith and Frances A. Cuyler were joined in matrimony, and by their marriage they have been blessed with three children: Jesse L., Herbert W. and Eddie E. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and ranks among the substantial business men of McDonough county.

George C. Kratzer, commenced the making of boots and shoes, at this place, in 1875, and worked at that business un- til 1880, when he built the brick build- ing now occupied by him, and put in a stock of ladies' and gentlemen's foot wear.

G. M. Thompson & Co., are the pres- ent representatives of the drug business established by W. A. Wayland in 1872. He had a mixed stock at that time con- sisting of groceries and drugs. In 1874, the firm was changed to Wayland and Fields, but in 1875, they sold out to G. M. Thompson, who closed out the gro- cery department. On the 1st of Jan- uary, 1885, the present firm was formed.

The drug and stationery business of Robert M. Hendel, was established by M. B. Morey, in 1870. In the spring of 1874, Mr. Hendel became one of the partners in the new firm of Morey and

Hendel. In the year following the lat- ter gentleman purchased the interest of his partner and has since operated it alone.

Milton P. Agnew deals in hardware, stoves, tinware, agricultural implements, iron and steel in bar, etc. The stand was commenced in January, 1883, by Agnew & Price, who continued in part- nership until August, 1884, when the firm was dissolved by the retirement of Mr. Price. Mr. Agnew carries a clean stock of about $4,000 worth of goods, and has a good patronage.

Milton P. Agnew is a resident of Col- chester, Illinois, where he conducts a general hardware, house-furnishing and farm-implement business, carrying a full and varied stock of such goods as is usually kept in stores of this kind. Mr. Agnew is successor to the firm of Agnew & Price, by whom the business was established January 1, 1883, of which firm he was the senior member. As a result of enterprise and fair deal- ing the house now enjoys a large and profitable trade. The subject of this sketch was born in Rushville, Illinois, March 14, 1851, but has resided almost ever since in McDonough county. He received his education in the common schools of the county, with the excep- tion of a course in Baylies' commercial college of Keokuk, Iowa, from which institution he graduated in June, 1874. Before entering mercantile pursuits Mr. Agnew was a school teacher, in which capacity he became pretty gener- ally acquainted all over the county; was for several terms secretary of the county institute, and took a deep interest in all meetings of that association. For biog-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

raphy of his parents, see the sketch of H. C. Agnew, in the chapter relating to the courts of the county.

George F. Hartung is one of the enter- prising hardware merchants of the town. The business which he represents was established by Thomas & Erdman, in 1865. Some time afterwards it was run by J. M. Erdman, who sold out to La- Ront & Hartung, of whom Mr. Hartung is the successor. He occupies a store room on Front street which is 27x60 feet in size, two-stories high. He carries a well-assorted stock of heavy and shelf hardware, cutlery, stoves, tin and tinners' stock, etc., that will invoice about $4,000, and is doing a large share of the trade in his line, in the city.

G. F. Hartung is a native of Quincy, Illinois, and was born on the 7th day of October,1858. He was reared to manhood at the place of his birth. He came to McDonough county December 17, 1877, and located in the city of Colchester, where he worked at his trade, that of a tinner, until March, 1879. From there he went to St. Louis, then to Quincy, March 15, 1880. There he remained until January 1, 1881, when he returned to Colchester and entered the employ of J. S. LaRont, with whom he remained until August 18, 1881, when he became a member of the firm of LaRont & Hartung, dealers in hardware, stoves and tinware; this business having been established in 1865, by Thomas & Erd- man. This partnership continued until the year 1871, when J. M. Erdman bought out Thomas, and continued to run the business until December 17, 1877, when Webster & LaRont purchased the busi- ness of Mr. Erdman. They continued

to conduct the business until January, 1880, when J. S. LaRont purchased Mr. Webster's interest. This business was run by Mr. LaRont till August 18, 1881, when George F. Hartung became a partner with J. S. LaRont and con- tinued until January 1st, of the present year, when Mr. Hartung became sole owner of the business, which has in- creased until it it is now one of the leading interests of Colchester. The marriage of George F. Hartung and Hannah Bastert was solemnized June 17, 1884. Mrs. Hartung is a native of Quincy, Illinois, and is a daughter of Henry C. Bastert, of that city. Mr. Hartung is one of the prominent busi- ness men of Colchester, and is a mem- ber of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

William L. Consene, dealer in books, stationery, musical instruments, sewing machines, etc., began business in this city in April, 1878, with a small stock of books and stationery, four doors west of his present stand. He has gradually in- creased his business, and in March, 1880, removed to his present quarters. He carries a stock of about $5,500, and is the leading representative in his line.

Among the active merchants of Col- chester, must be mentioned William L. Consene, who engaged in business at this point in April, 1878. He is a na- tive of Oswego county, New York, hav- ing been born on the 7th day of July, 1848. He received his education in his native county, where he remained until reaching his majority, when he removed to Missouri, locating in Brookfield, where he engaged in the capacity of clerk with D. C. Strawbridge, with whom he re-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

mained some three years. At the ex- piration of that time he returned to his native state, where he resided until the spring of 1876, at which time he came to Colchester. He engaged in the book and stationery business, in a small way, in April, 1878, and his business has steadily increased until he now has one of the lead- ing business interests in the city. As is noted above, he has added other branchies to his original business. William L. Consene and Nancy Snyder, a native of Missouri, were married on the 10th of March, 1872. Mr. Consene is a member of Tennessee lodge, No. 496, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons.

Ole E. Wold, the present representa- tive of the jewelry business, commenced here in February, 1877, in the store of Samuel Parks. In the fall of 1881, he purchased the property on Front street, now occupied by him, and removed thither. This room is 16 feet 6 inches wide, by 36 feet long. He carries a very large and complete stock of jewelry, musical instruments, silverware, etc., which is valued at $10,000, and is doing the largest trade of any house in this line in the county. He deserves a great deal of credit for his success, as lie started with a stock of about $200.

Ole E. Wold, dealer in jewelry, musi- cal instruments and silverware, is a na- tive of Norway, and is the only repre- sentative of that nationality in Colches- ter. He was born in that country Jan- uary 3, 1853, where he learned the watch- making trade. In 1871 he emigrated to America, locating in Chicago, Illinois where he was in business at the time of the second Chicago fire, in 1873, and was so unfortunate as to lose his entire

stock in that fire. He remained there, working at his trade until 1877, when he removed to Colchester, and engaged in his present business. He then carried a $2,000 stock, but has steadily added to his stock until he now carries one valued at $10,000 and upwards, and is doing the leading business in his lines in the county. Ole E. Wold and Nancy Tay- lor were married on the 23d of Decem- ber, 1878. Mrs. Wold is a native of Missouri. They have two children liv- ing-Minnie E. and Inga. Mr. Wold is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and of the Knights of Pythias, of which latter lodge he has held the office of master of exchequer. He isone of the original members of the Col- chester band and of the Colchester or- chestra.

In the fall of 1881, C. A. and W. O. Stevens purchased the meat market owned by William Peck, and in the spring of 1882 they disposed of the same to Midrow and McCrelis, who con- ducted the business about six months. Stevens and Evans then purchased it, and run the same until the spring of 1883, when Mr. Evans retired and was succeeded by Mr. Simmons, the firm name becoming Stevens & Simmons. In March, 1884, the old firm of C. A. and W. O. Stevens again assumed control of the business and still conduct the same. They have a capital of about $4,000.

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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 68

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