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 87

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 87

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William H. Tannehill, son of John F. and Althea (King) Tannehill, was born in Fort Madison, Iowa, in 1846. He came to McDonough county,and Sep- tember 1, 1871 was married to Ettie J. Matthews, daughter of Rev. Jacob Mat- thews,aminister of the Methodist Episco- pal church. Two children have been born to them-Anna M. and Harvey H. Mr. Tannehill owns a fine farm, containing 160 acres of land, all of which is im- proved, and is engaged in farming. He is a republican in politics, and ranks among the best class of McDonough county's citizens.

·Enoch Hall came to McDonough coun- ty 1861, and located then in Mound town- ship, where he remained till 1867. In

that year he removed to Bushnell town- ship. He has an excellent farm contain- ing 200 acres of land, all under cultiva- tion and well improved, He is a good farmer, everything about his place indi- cating thrift and comfort. Enoch Hall was born in Ohio, in 1832, and is a son George W. and Elizabeth (Gilham ) Hall, the former a native of Virginia, and the latter of Ohio. Enoch was married in 1853, to Elizabeth Linton, of Ohio, and by this union has eight children-Mattie J .. wife of Frank Leard, of Prairie city township; John P., in Bushnell town- ship; L. Allen, in Prairie city township; Gilham F., in the same place; Dora Olive, William H .; Ed. H. and Minnie . May living with their parents. Mr. Hall has been commissioner of highways, and is a republican in politics. George W. Hall died in Ohio in 1873. His wife, Elizabeth (Gilham) Hall, died in 1855.

PRAIRIE CITY.

This town is situated on a beautiful rolling prairie, surrounded by a country which, in fertility of soil, is not surpassed in the state of Illinois. The whole coun- try is dotted over with some of the finest and best improved farms in the county. Prairie City is truly a city of the prairie, and its founders could not have selected a more beautiful and eligible location, or a name more appropriate for the town. The place was laid out on the projected line of the Northern cross, now Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, in 1854, by Ezra Cadwallader, Anson Smith, Ezra D. Smith and Edwin Reed, men of excel- lent judgment and more than ordinary business qualifications. In the store- room of Parker & Barnes, Rev. Truman

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Grigsby, a Baptist minister, preached the first sermon in the town. Rev. Sam- uel Dilly, a Congregationalist minister, was next, preaching a short time there- after in the house of Ezra Smith. The town is laid out with streets running east and west, and north and south. The original town comprised only 40 acres, and lots were made 66x120 feet. Several additions have since been made to the town, and it now covers considerable ground; but the principal portion of it is located on the northwest quarter of section 1, of Prairie city township, 17 miles from Macomb. In 1855, a frame school house was built, in size 20x30 feet, on Clay street. The following year, (1856) the Presbyterians erected a church building, being the first in the town. Ezra Cadwallader erected the first build- ing for hotel purposes-the City Hotel.

In 1856, Alonzo Barnes, James R. Parker and Joseph Drake platted the first southern addition to the town, giv- ing a lot to any one who would build a house thereon, costing not less than $150. This had the desired effect,inducing many to come here and make their homes. The place now grew so rapidly that it became necessary to incorporate as a town. Ac- cordingly, on Saturday, January 10, 1857, a public meeting was held and the ques- tion voted for or against incorporation. Thirty-nine votes were cast for and five against. The proposition having been carried, an election was held on Saturday, January 24, at two o'clock P. M., for the purpose of choosing five trustees, when the following were elected: Daniel Neg- ley, L. H. Bradbury, J. B. Robinson, George Hittle and M. T. Hand. A. Fisher was chosen as the first clerk of the board.

HOW PRAIRIE CITY WAS NAMED.

The following is gleaned from an ar- ticle in the opening number of the Prairie City Bugle: "In the spring of 1854 only one house marked the spot where now stands Prairie city. It was in that year that the project of building the Northern Cross railroad through the Military Tract was talked of. The same year Alonzo Barnes, and Major J. R. Parker, of Canton, concluded to remove to those parts. A man named named Edward Goldsmith and his family occupied the only house, in what is now Prairie city. It was a frame, and stood on the west side of the railroad, and is now used as a barn by Daniel Marsh. Messrs. Parker and Barnes applied to the Goldsmiths for a room. They were looked upon with suspicion by this wor- thy family, who could not see what in the world they wished a room away out in the prairie for. They secured the room, however, Mr. Barnes returning to Canton, and from there to St. Louis to purchase goods, and the Major remain- ing to fit the room up as a store. By this time the road was completed. While purchasing goods, Mr. Barnes was asked where he desired them shipped. Here was a question that even puzzled the the squire. He knew that at the cross- ing of the old state road (now Main street ) and the Northern Cross (now C. B. & Q.) railroad, was the place he wanted the goods, but it had no name. Ezra Cadwallader, from Ellisville, had staked off a town on the north side of Main street, but had not named it. "Well," said the squire, "ship them to Prairie City, Illinois." The goods came, and the name, like Messrs. Parker &

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Barnes, stuck to the place. They suc- ceeded. Prairie city became a thriving village; new stores and dwellings were erected; churches and school buildings followed.

THE BEGINNING.

Edward Goldsmith and family were the first who resided on the present site of Prairie City. They had been there some time before the town was thought of. About 1862 the family removed to Fulton county, locating on Spoon river. They resided there until 1883, when they went out to Kansas, to live with two of their sons, who resided there. They lived there till March, 1885, when they returned to Prairie City. Here, in the very place where he was the first white resident, he died, within a day or two after his return from Kansas.

The next to come in were Evan Davis and family. Mr. Davis built the first dwelling house erected in Prairie City, after the site was chosen in the spring of 1854. It is now standing in the east part of town, and belongs to the Lyon's estate. It is occupied by Prof. Harris, principal of schools. Ezra Cadwallader and Ezra D. Smith erected the second house in the new town. The first busi- ness in the new town was done by Major J. R. Parker and Alonzo Barnes, in a room of Goldsmith's house, in the spring of 1854. They kept a general stock. Mr. Barnes, shortly afterward, erected ก store building and increased his stock, and in the spring of 1856, Alexander Fisher entered into partnership, the firm name being Barnes & Fisher. Mr. Barnes afterward sold out and engaged in the hardware trade, which he contin-

ued until 1882, when he removed to Lin- coln, Nebraska, where he still resides.

The next merchant was Joseph Drake. He built a store, and put in a general stock. The building which he erected is still in use, being occupied by the Prairie City bank. Drake remained in business here until about 1863, when he engaged in buying horses and mules for the army. After the war, he commenced hauling goods across the plains. He is now farming in Fulton county, south of Canton.

Davis Brothers built the next store, in 1855, opening up with a general stock in December, of that year. The post office is now in that building. In the spring of 1856, they sold out to Terpin and Brinkerhoff.

Charles C. Davis, also built a store about that time. His was also a general stock.

E. Cadwallader opened the first furni- ture store in Prairie City, in 1855, in a portion of the hotel building owned by him, and which was afterward destroyed by fire.

L. H. Bradbury engaged in the furni- ture business in 1855, on the west side of Washington street. He afterward added a stock of dry goods, which he continued a number of years, when he took his son into partnership. He af- terward retired from the firm and re- moved to Kansas. His son, Benjamin F., continued the business until the spring of 1883, when he disposed of the stock to W. F. Wilson & Co. This firm ran the business about a year, when they sold out to Jefferson Louk, who in turn sold to Scott & Scott, the present repre- sentatives.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Sanford and Babcock engaged in the sale of general merchandise during the year 1856, and continued the same until February 17, 1858, when they were closed up by the sheriff.

Vanloon and White opened a general store in 1856, which they continued two years, when they closed out the stock, Vanloon moving away. Mr. White is still a resident of Prairie City, and is a member of the dry goods firm of White & Foster.

M. T. Hand, also, opened a general store during the year 1856. He ran the same a couple of years when he closed out the stock and has since led a retired life, being still a resident of Prairie City.

Moses T. Hand was born in Essex county, New Jersey, on the 4th day of November, 1807. His parents, Henry and Sarah (Davis) Hand, were also na- tives of New Jersey. His father's an- cestors were natives of Holland, and his mother's of England and Holland. When Moses was but a child, his par- ents removed to New York city, and from there to what was then known as the Genesee country, now Genesee county, where they remained until Moses was 12 years old. They then removed to a point six miles above Mount Morris, known as "White Woman's Tract." There they lived about six years, then moved to Hu- ron county, Ohio, where his father died in 1831. In 1835, Moses went to Green- bush, Ohio, and resided in that township nearly 22 years, all of the time on one place. In the fall of 1856, he removed to McDonough county, Illinois, and lo- cated in Prairie City, where he now ranks among the early settlers, and where he has ever since resided. 'Mr. Hand

was married in Ohio, May 4, 1831, to Sarah Ann Squire, who died in Ohio, February 9, 1835, leaving him one child -Henry, now married to Catherine Buckner, and living in Shenandoah, Iowa, where he is engaged in the imported stock business. December 23, 1835, Mr. Hand was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Crawford, widow of Thornton Crawford, and daugh- ter of Alexander Stapp. She was born and reared in Nicholas county, Ken- tucky, where her father died. Her mother moved to Warren county, in 1835, and died near Greenbush, in that county, November 26, 1860. Mrs. Hand had two children by her first marriage-John and Sarah. John Crawford was married to Rebecca Morris, and died near Walnut Grove, in McDonough county; Sarah Crawford is the wife of Henry T. Park, and lives near Bushnell. Mr. and Mrs. Hand are the parents of seven children -Mary, wife of Richard Silver, living near Seward, Nebraska; Ann Eliza, wife of James F. Hartford, living in Warren county; Giles F., married to Eliza Jane Brink, and living in Fremont county, Iowa; Caroline, wife of John Cope, the hardware merchant at Prairie City; Jane, wife of R. P. Maxwell; Oscar, married to Mary Curtis, and living in Prairie City, and Elizabeth, married to William H. Ferguson, a son of Rev. James Fer- guson, a Methodist minister of Avon, Illinois. Mr. Hand has now retired from active pursuits. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hand have always been leading mem- bers of the Methodist church, and are now highly esteemed by all.

L. I. Washburn engaged in the sale of drugs on the south side of Main street, in the spring of 1856, which he operated

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

until 1866, when he disposed of the same to D. C. Folsom & Company, going to Gilson, this state,and afterward to Griggs- ville, where he later failed in business.

John Black came in 1856, being the first dentist in the place. He remained about three years, when he went to Rushville, and afterward removed to Cuba, this state.

The first doctor was Henry Kreider, who came in March, 1856. The next physician was A. L. Kimber, who also came in 1856. He entered into partner- ship with Dr. Kreider, continuing one year, although he lived in Prairie City, about three years.

W. W. Amos was the first painter. He now resides near Olathe, in Johnson county, Kansas.

The first carpenter was named Daniel Riggs.

Jack and Evans, and McFarland and Lancaster, opened wagon shops in the place in 1855.

BUSINESS INTERESTS.

In 1884, A. Mead erected a handsome brick building on the north side of Main street, in which he keeps a large and varied assortment of dry goods, grocer- ies, boots and shoes, carpets, curtains, etc. His building is a handsome struct- ure, 23x70 feet, and two stories in height, the upper floor being used principally for the storage of goods, and the lower floor for his salesroom. He commenced business here in 1867, in the building now occupied by A. P. Lanphere.

Alfred Mead came with his parents to McDonough county, in 1841, and settled in Walnut Grove township. He was born October 8, 1839, in Macon City,

Missouri, and is a son of Nathan and Nancy (Hand) Mead, natives of New York state. Alfred Mead was married November 26, 1865, to Ruth Holcomb, of Plymouth. Four children have blessed this union-Frank, Eva, George and Mabel. Mr. Mead is an ordained minis- ter of the Methodist Episcopal church and was on the circuit two years. He is now, church trustee and Sabbath school superintendent. He is prominent also in county and town affairs, being at pres- ent, one of the board of county supervi- sors, and has served upon the city board seven years, being chairman one year, and seven years school director. He has always been in sympathy with the repub- lican party and is an earnest advocate of the cause of temperance, favoring prohi- bition. He enlisted during the war of the rebellion, in October, 1861, in com- pany F, of the 55th Illinois infantry, and served three years. He acted as wagon- master of the 15th army corps, and par- ticipated in the battles of Shiloh, Rus- sell House, siege of Corinth and Col- liersville. He is the owner of consider- able real estate in Prairie City. Has been in business the most of the time since 1867, and is now handling a general stock of merchandise.

J. A. Hamilton occupies one of the handsome brick blocks on the north side of Main street, with a general stock. He commenced the business on the south side of Main street, in 1855, and contin- ued there until October, 1884, when his new store building was finished, It is 24x70 feet in size, and two stories high. He carries a large stock of clothing, gents' furnishing goods, hats and caps, boots and shoes, etc. He also handles

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

furniture and undertaking goods. Mr. Hamilton is well known as one of the leading men of Prairie City. Having been connected with the place during, nearly the entire period of its existence, he has always been in the front rank in all public enterprises, as will be seen by a perusal of these pages.

George A. Seeley, general merchant, is located on the north side of Main street, in the brick block. He began the business November 1, 1884. He carries a stock of groceries, hardware, boots and shoes, hats and caps, etc. His store room is 25x75 feet in size.

J. N. Fast, dealer in general merchan- dise, is located on the south side of Main street, the first door east of the railroad. His building is a two-story frame 20x40. He commenced business in 1882.

A. P. Lanphere, grocer, is located on the south side of Main street, in the first store building west of the railroad. He commenced business here in 1878. He has a well assorted stock of family gro- ceries, canned goods, flour, cigars, etc. His store building is 18x44 feet in ground area, two stories in height.

A. P. Lanphere is a son of Caleb P. and Lucinda Martin Lanphere, natives of New York. The subject of this sketch was born in Oneida county, New York, January 28, 1831. In 1842, he came with his parents to Monmouth, Warren county, this state, where he remained until 1857. In that year he removed to Whiteside county, where he remained until 1862. In that year he enlisted in company I, 112th regiment Illinois infantry, Col. Thomas J. Henderson, commanding reg- iment. He held the rank of first sergeant

and did gallant service for three years, during which time he, with the regiment, was in 18 general engagements and over 100 skirmishes. After the war closed, he came to Prairie City, this county. In 1866, he was married to Julia A. Barnes, one of the teachers in the old academy, in Prairie City, and formerly of Canton, Illinois. They have four children- Frank, Hattie, Albert and Laura. He is the owner of a fine residence and store building, and has been in the grocery business for over eight years. He was formerly in the carriage manufactory with F. A. Woodmansee, of this place. Himself and wife are Baptists in relig- ious faith, and he is a staunch republican in politics. He has been elected three terms as village trustee, and held one term as president of the board.

P. P. Rigdon, dealer in groceries and provisions, is located on the south side of Main street. He commenced busi- ness on the 1st of April, 1885. His build- ing is a two-story frame.

L. T. Drake, grocer and butcher, has his place of business on the north side of Main street. He commenced business in February, 1885. His building is 25x70 feet.

L. T. Drake is a son of Israel and Cyn- thia (Humes) Drake, natives of the state of New York. The subject of this sketch was born in the same state in 1850. At the age of 20 years he left his native home and came to Illinois, and settled in Avon, Fulton county, where he resided 10 years. In the spring of 1880, he re- moved to McDonough county, and lo- cated at Prairie City, where he is now a resident. He was united in marriage February 3, 1875, with Ida F. Sebree, a

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

daughter of Charles W. Sebree, of Ful- ton county. They are the parents of one child-Luther Harley. Although only a short time a resident here, Mr. Drake has manifested an interest in the growth and development of the young city which he has chosen for his home, and is an es- timable and worthy citizen.

J. R. May commenced business here in January, 1884. He handles groceries, queensware, etc. His store is located on the south side of Main street, and is 28x80 feet in dimensions.

Alfred H. Wagner, jeweler, is located near the corner of Washington and Main streets. He commenced business in the fall of 1865.

F. A. Woodmansee has the only livery and feed stable in Prairie City. It is lo- cated on the west side of Washington street, between the business center and the depot. Robert Coombs built the sta- ble and commenced business in 1874. He sold out to the present proprietor. His building is 80x44 feet in size.

H. W. Kreider, druggist, is located on the south side of Main street. The bus- iness was established by him in 1867 He handles drugs, toilet articles, patent medicines, druggists' sundries, books and stationery, paints, oils and wall pa- per. A sketch of Dr. Kreider will be found in the Medical chapter.

E. M. L. Brinkerhoff, druggist, com- menced business in Prairie City in No- vember, 1860. He is located on the west side of Washington street, in a building 20x60 feet in size.

W. T. Magee, dealer in, and manufac- turer of harness and saddlery, is located on the south side of Main street, and his building is the last business structure on

the east end of that street. He com- menced business in January, 1866. He has the only establishment of the kind in Prairie City, and receives a large pat- ronage.

W. T. McGee, the proprietor, is a son of Rev. A. McGee, of Prairie City. He was born in 1835, in New Concord, Muskingum county, Ohio. He came to Illinois in 1856, and settled at Farm- ington. One year later, he went to Livingston county, Illinois, where he resided two years. August 15, 1861, he enlisted in the 39th Illinois infantry, and was in the service four years and four months. On his return from the army, he came to Prairie City and en- gaged in harness making. He was mar- ried in November, 1866, to Carrie E. Conklin, of Canton, Illinois. They have two children-Andrew and Nina N. Mr. McGee is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and the I. O. O. F.

J. W. Cope & Company, deal in hard- ware, implements, furniture, and under- taking goods. They commenced busi- ness in January, 1884, in their present location, on the north side of Main street. Their building is 24x70 feet, and two stories in height.

The art gallery of N. C. Cox, is lo- cated on the south side of Main street. - He came here in March, 1885, and has already won a reputation as an artist. He is prepared to do all kinds of photo- graphing and enlarging.

N. C. Cox, son of Samuel and Jane (Hampton) Cox, was born in 1834, in the state of Kentucky. His mother was a sister of the Hon. Wade Hamp- ton. In 1865, N. C. Cox moved to Lo- gan county, Ohio, where he resided 20

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

years, coming to Prairie City, McDon- ough county, from that state, in 1885. He was married in 1854, to L. A. Nor- vill, a daughter of Rufus Norvill. They have two children-John G., and Albert C., Mr. Cox enlisted in 1862, in the 84th Illinois infantry, and participated in all the battles of his regiment, serv- ing as sergeant of company A. He is now a member of the G. A. R., at Ma- comb. Mr. Cox and all his family are members of the Christian church.

George C. Steach, wagon and car- riage maker, has his shop on the corner of Main and Center streets. He has facilities to make carriages and wagons to order, and does all kinds of repairing. His shop is two stories in height, and 18x50 feet in size.

The blacksmithing and repair shop of R. R. Steach, is located on the north side of Main street, west of the rail- road. He commenced business in 1872, He does horse-shoeing, repairs agricul- tural implements, and does general job work.

Robert R. Steach, a son of Adam and Julia (Shaw) Steach, was born in Franklin, Venango county, Pennsylva- nia, in the year 1836. He came to this state in 1855, and to McDonough county in 1869. January 1, 1863, he was united in marriage with Emily Boman, of Iowa. They are the parents of five children, three sons and two daughters-George, Carrie, Arthur, Grace, and Elden. Mr. Steach is a prominent citizen of Prairie City, and has been for the past four years, a member of the board of trus- tees, of Prairie City, and still holds that position. He is a supporter of the democratic party. He owns considera-

ble real estate in Prairie City, compris- ing two houses, a shop, and six lots, and other property.

Thomas E. Bivens, carriage and wag- on maker, has his shop on the south side of Main street, west of the rail- road. He commenced business here in 1863.

Thomas E. Bivens, a resident of Prai- rie City, was born August 26, 1833, in Franklin county, Pennsylvania. Heis a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (McClure) Bivens. Thomas E. Bivens came to this county, May 10, 1850. March 22, 1860, he was married to Margaret Games, a daughter of Richard S. Games, of Penn- sylvania. They are the parents of seven children-Catherine E., wife of Edwin Haw, of Prairie City; Florence E., wife of William Sherwood, of Fulton county; Arnetta V., wife of Robert Hoge, of Ava, Illinois; George S., Samantha J., Ros- coe B., and Anna Maria, living with their parents. Mr. Bivens enlisted July 14, 1861, in company C, of the 1st Mis- souri engineers, and served until Octo- ber 9, 1862. He participated in four battles. At the siege of Corinth, May 28, 1862, he had his right leg shot en- tirely off by the explosion of a shell. He is the owner of real estate in Prairie City, consisting of a dwelling house, shop and two lots. He is a republican and a member of the G. A. R.

Hugh Robertson has a blacksmith shop adjoining G. C. Steach's wagon shop. He does horse shoeing and gen- eral blacksmithing. This shop was es- tablished by J. B. Robinson shortly af- ter the town was started. He afterward removed to Peoria, where he subse- quently died ..

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Hugh Robertson is a native of Scot-' land, born January 9, 1834, and is a son of Robert and Janet Robertson. He em- igrated to America in 1855, and settled in St. Lawrence county, New York, where he remained until May, 1857. At that date he came to McDonough county, and located at Prairie City. On his arrival here he entered the employ of Matthew McComb, and continued working for him until January 1, 1860, when he be-

came a partner of Mr. McComb. July 1, 1861, this partnership was dissolved, Mr. Robertson then enlisted in company G, of the 1st Illinois cavalry. He served three months and nine days and was dis- charged while a prisoner of war. He was blacksmith of his company. He es- caped injury, with the exception of a slight wound received at the battle of Lexington, Missouri. After returning from the army, he bought out the black- smith shop of his former partner, Mr. McComb, and has, since that time, fol- lowed that occupation in Prairie City. He owns in addition to his shop, a dwell- ing house and 13 lots in Prairie City. In 1863, he was united in marriage with Hattie N. Lupper, a daughter of Joseph Lupper, of Crawford county, Pennsyl- vania. By this union there are six child- ren living-Joseph L., now engaged in teaching school in Fulton county; Ros- coe B., living on a farm in Prairie City township; Robert M., Starr B., Maggie M., and Leslie M. Four children, three sons and two daughters, are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Robertson are members of the Presbyterian church. He is po- litically, a republican, and an advocate of temperance. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and has been for three years

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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 87

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