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 88

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 88

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treasurer of the lodge. Mr. Robertson is one of the sterling citizens of Prairie City, and enjoys the respect of all.

Heslip Phillips, who combines the business of painter and designer, with that of carpenter and builder, com- menced in these lines in Prairie City, in 1858. Heslip Phillips, the earliest set- tler of Prairie City, now residing here, was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, August 19, 1830. His parents were George and Susan (Lemon) Phillips, the former of English, and the latter of German descent. The subject of this sketch was reared in his native state,and came to McDonough county in 1853. He located at Virgil, a little east of Prairie City, where he resided till 1858, then removed to Prairie City, which has since been his home. July 10, 1861, he enlisted in the 9th Missouri infantry- the call for Illinois being full. The regiment rendezvoused at St. Louis. Their first service was at Cape Girar- deau, after which they returned to St. Louis, thence to Lexington, "Booneville, Springfield, after Price, culminating in the battle of Pea Ridge. He was then transferred to the 59th Illinois infantry, and reported to General Grant's army, at Corinth, where he took part in the engagement, thence to Shiloh, and was soon after transferred to the army of the Cumberland. On the 14th of April, 1862, he was appointed second lieuten- ant, his commission bearing the signa- tures of Governor Richard Yates, Sec- retary of State C. M. Hatch, and Allen Fuller, adjutant general of Illinois state militia, and read, "Promoted for merito- rious conduct at Pea Ridge, March 6, 7 and 8." After the battle of Shiloh, he

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

was in Buell's army of the Ohio, serving in Kentucky, and participated in en- gagements at Perryville, Stone River, Nashville, Franklin, and many others. He was honorably discharged July 10, 1864, and mustered out at Camp Chase, Ohio. He then returned to Prairie City. Mr. Phillips was married June 1, 1856, to Eliza Dunbar, and by this union, has three children-Hiram, living in Den- ver; Virginia, living at Hastings, Ne- braska, and Heslip. Mrs. Phillips died in Prairie City, March 1, 1875. Mr. Phillips is a member of the Grand Army post, and also of the A. F. and A. M.

S. P. Tobie, jeweler and watchmaker, commenced business in this city, in 1860. He handles watches, clocks, sil- verware, and sporting goods. His build- ing is 14x40.

The bakery business of Prairie City is carried on by Henry Trumpy. Henry Trumpy, a resident of Prairie City, is a native of Switzerland, where he was born in the year 1833. He came to this state in 1848, and settled at East St. Louis. In 1867, he removed to Mc- Donough county, and located at Prairie City, which has since been his resi- dence. Mr. Trumpy was married in March, 1855, to Mahala Cunningham, a native of Indiana. Their union has been blessed with five children-Fred- erick, living in Havana, Illinois; George, a resident of Avon, Illinois; Mattie, married to Robert Burden, and living in Prairie City; Sophia and Henry, liv- ing with their parents. Mr. Trumpy owns residence property in Prairie City. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., in which he now holds the office of past grand.

Crissey & Bostwick were established in the lumber business in Prairie City in 1878. They have a good trade, not only at home, but in the country sur- rounding, and are the only lumber deal- ers in the town. Besides lumber, lath and shingles, they handle lime and cement, and carry in stock, doors, sash and blinds.

George L. Bostwick, lumber dealer at . Prairie City, is a native of Warren county, Illinois, and a son of Alanson and Abigail E. (Crissey) Bostwick, na- tives of Connecticut. Alanson Bost- wick died in 1876, and his wife, Abigail, died in 1844. George L. came to Mc- Donough county in 1878, and located at Prairie City, where he is now a promi- nent citizen. The same year he was married to Minta L. Rounds, of War- ren county, Illinois. They have two children-Victor A. and Mabel. Mr. Bostwick enlisted in 1862, in the 83d Illinois infantry, and was in the service three years, holding the rank of corpo- ral. He participated in a number of engagements, and at the second battle of Fort Donelson, was wounded in the foot by a musket ball. He has been a member of the village board of trustees of Prairie City, for two years. Mrs. Bostwick is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Bostwick owns a half interest in the lumber yard, also a house and lot in this city.

GRAIN.

G. W. Barnett, of Galesburg, built an elevator in Prairie City, in 1878. It is now operated for that gentleman by H. M. Forsman. He buys grain from all the surrounding country, and ships

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

principally to Peoria and Chicago, The elevator building is located on the east side of the railroad track, and conveni- ently situated for loading and unloading.

H. M. Forsman is a native of Lycom- ing county, Pennsylvania, and son of Robert J. and Sarah (McCormick ) Forsman, both natives of that state. He was born October 4, 1820. In 1847 he went to Paris, West Tennessee, where he was engaged in manufacturing plows, until the breaking out of the rebellion. During the war he was employed by the United States government as inspector of arms, serving in that capacity from 1861 till 1863. The following year, 1864, he came to McDonough county, Illinois, which has been his home since that time. He resides in Prairie City, where he has a pleasant residence. He owns also, 200 acres of land in Fulton county. After coming to Prairie City he was engaged for 15 years, in buying and shipping stock. Mr. Forsman was married in 1855, to Ann Eliza McCor- mick, a daughter of Samuel McCormick, of Pennsylvania. They have four child- ren living-John W., Sallie, Jessie and Jennie. The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Fores- man is an Ancient Odd Fellow, and po- litically is a democrat.

HOTELS.

A hotel was erected by Westley Cope, in 1856, which was known as the Cope House, and run by J. C. Canfield. It was built on the north side of Main street, west of the railroad. It has been occupied the greater part of the time as a hotel, but is used as a private residence at present.

The first hotel was built by Ezra Cad- wallader, in 1854 or 1855, and was after- ward known as the McDonough House. Cadwallader occupied it at first, and it was afterward operated by several differ- ent parties. The building was destroyed by fire on the 14th day of November, 1870. Mr. Cadwallader also built an- other hotel near the depot, in 1857, which was known as the Eagle House. It was first kept by Daniel Bear, who failed, in November, 1858. The prop- erty was then sold to Samuel Hunter, who operated it as the Central House. The building is occupied at present as a private residence.

The hotel in Prairie City at present is known as the Transient house and re- ceives the greater part of the transient patronage, and is well fitted for the ac- commodation of guests. Isaac Weaver is the landlord and proprietor. He com- menced the hotel business in 1884. His building is 16x28 feet in dimensions, and two stories in height, with an ell 16x26, of the same height. It is located on the south side of west Main street. Mr. Weaver is known as an honorable and upright man in all his dealings, and is an accommodating landlord.

Isaac M. Weaver, son of William and Mary (Cornwell) Weaver, was born July 13, 1819,in Greene county, Pennsylvania. His parents were also natives of that state. He emigrated to Fulton county, Illinois, in April, 1835. He resided there until April, 1857, when he came to McDonough county, located at Prairie City, and engaged in the lumber and grain business, in partnership with Ezra Cadwalader and Milton Foster. This firm erected the first elevator in Prairie

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

City. He continued in the same busi- ness until 1870, when he engaged for a short time, in merchandising. In 1865, he was elected justice of the peace, and served in that capacity 16 years, also practiced law. He has been assessor, and commissioner of highways, several years, and a member of the county board four or five terms. In 1872, he was the republican candidate for county judge, but was defeated by a small majority, by J. H. Baker. Mr. Weaver was united in marriage in December, 1839, with Harriet C. Reeve, of Fulton county, Illi- nois, formerly of New York state. By this union there were five children- Eliza M., wife of George W. Beer, of Fulton county; Mary Emily, who died August 10, 1864; William R., living in Fulton county; Harriet C., wife of Sam- uel S. King, of Christian, Iowa, and Isaac F., living in Stuttgart, Arkansas. Mrs. Weaver died January 27, 1873, and is buried in a private cemetery in Ful- . ton county. Mr. Weaver was married February 2, 1882, to Mrs. Sarah Opitz, widow of Charles F. Opitz, of Prairie City, and daughter of Joel Nickols. She has one daughter -- Mina Opitz. Mr. Weaver is one of the most prominent and highly respected citizens of this county.

PRAIRIE CITY BANK.

This institution was first established in 1866, by H. W. Kreider & Co. It continued as a private enterprise until June, 1875, when it was changed to a National bank, with H. W. Kreider, president, and J. H. Wilson, cashier. In January, 1879, it went into voluntary liquidation, and no business was trans-

acted until April, 1879, when the institu- tion was re-opened as a private bank. G. W. McMahill is president, and J. H. Wilson, cashier. They make city col- lections a specialty.

James H. Wilson, a prominent citizen of Prairie City, was born in Pennsylva- nia, in the year 1830, and is a son of Fleming and Sarah (Ten Brook) Wil- son, also natives of Pennsylvania. He came to McDonough county in 1856, and located in Prairie City, where he has since been a resident. He is the owner of considerable real estate, in this city, including his residence, which is spacious and comfortable, and three other houses and lots. Mr. Wilson was married in 1856, to Alvina McCormick, daughter of S. S. McCormick, of Penn- sylvania, and by this union has had eight children-Julia E., living at home; Fleming McCormick, who is cashier of a bank in Templeton, Iowa; Elmer S., Samuel S., Alvina, Sadie and J. Waldo. Mr. Wilson is a democrat politically, and is at present serving as a member of the board of village trustees. He, with his wife and three children, are members of the Presbyterian church, of which he is an elder, and also superin- tendent of the Sunday school. He is a man of sterling qualities, on account of which he is deservedly held in high es- teem.

PRAIRIE CITY TILE WORKS.

In the fall of 1881, Robert Davis com- menced the construction of the Prairie City tile works, and had things ready to begin operations in the spring of 1882. He carried on the business for about one year, and in May, 1883, he sold the

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

plant to B. F. Bradbury, J. W. Cope and Thos. Leard. In January, 1884, Mr. Cope retired from the firm, Mr. W. W. Shoop taking his place. The firm name is Bradbury and Company. A capital of $24,000 is invested in the busi- ness, divided equally among the part- ners.

The dry house and engine room are in one building, which is 164x36 feet in ground area, and 16 feet in height. The kiln shed is 40x110 feet in dimensions, and 16 feet high.

There is also a coal and clay shaft op- erated in connection with the works. This shaft has been sunk to the depth of 130 feet. A vein of coal, 22 inches in thickness is met at a depth of 50 feet. Under this vein is found a bed of fire clay three and one-half feet in thickness At a depth of 100 feet below the surface another vein of fire clay is reached. This is 16 feet in thickness, but only eight feet of this is mined.

The works are supplied with two en- gines, each of 25-horse power. One of these runs the machinery of the works proper, while the other is used as a hoisting engine, for raising the coal and. clay from the shaft. The buildings were erected at a cost of $8,000. The expense for sinking the shaft was about $1,000.

When running to their full capacity, they employ a force of about 25 men, and manufacture an average of 1,040,000 feet of tile per annum. This article constitutes the bulk of their product. Their shipment to Illinois points are very extensive, and they have a large Iowa trade. They have an excellent quality of clay to work with, and

the excellence of their manufactured goods is shown from the fact that some farmers drive past other factories to get their tiling from these works. B. F. Bradbury is the business manager.

Levi H. Bradbury is a native of Ohio, where he was born in 1810. He was raised in his native state and came to Illinois in 1835. " He located in Fulton county and engaged in keeping a store in Troy. He afterwards followed farm- ing in that county. In the fall of 1855 he came to Prairie City, and embarked in mercantile business, which he con- tinued until the spring of 1876. He then sold out to his son, B. F. Bradbury, and went to Osage Mission, Kansas, and there engaged in banking. He is still living at that place, engaged in mercan- tile business. He was married, in Ohio, to Mary Turner, a native of Indiana. Five children were born to them- James Monroe, living in Texas; Wil- liam W., living in Fulton county; Na- than, who died at the age of 17 years; Benjamin F., and Jesse, deceased. The mother of these children died in 1849.

Benjamin F. Bradbury was born in Fulton county, November 4, 1844. In the fall of 1855 he came with his par- ents, Levi H. and Mary (Turner) Brad- bury, to Prairie City, where he grew to manhood, and received his education. He has always resided here since that time, and is now one of the leading busi- ness men of the place. He was clerk in his father's store seven years, then be- came a partner in the business, which he continued until 1875, when he pur- chased his father's interest, and became sole proprietor. He carried on general merchandising until January, 1883, then

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

sold out and engaged in the clothing trade. In the spring of 1883, he pur- chased an interest in the tile works, and in October, 1884, sold his stock of cloth- ing to A. Mead. He is now business manager of the tile works. Mr. Brad- bury was married October 15, 1865, to Sarah M. Winners, a native of New Jer- sey, and daughter of John Winners. They have four children-Orie, Harry, Earl and Marion. Mr. Bradbury is .a member of the Masonic fraternity and treasurer of the lodge. He has been a member of the town council a number of years, and still holds that office. He is the owner of 80 acres of land in Warren county, which he uses for stock pur- poses. He has held the office of road commissioner one year, and that of con- stable four years.

COAL.

About 1862 Dunham & Humphrey were seeking a well for their mill, and when they had reached a depth of 52 feet, they struck a vein of coal 22 inches in thickness. They then squared the well off for a shaft. They mined the coal for a few months and then aban- doned it. The shaft lay unused until 1875, when it was again operated by Peter McCann. He run it about one year, when Charles Millett bought him out. After one year he abandoned it.

On giving up the old shaft, Mr. Mil- let sank another one not far from it, striking the same vein at an equal depth. He used this shaft in his min- ing operations for six years, taking out between 24,000 and 25,000 bushels annu- ally. On the 5th day of April, 1882, he commenced sinking another shaft, and,

on completing it, used the last one as an air shaft. While engaged in sinking the last one, the locality was visited by some pretended experts, who, after bor- ing to a considerable depth, said they had struck a vein 43 inches in thickness. Mr. Millett had taken in two partners, each with a quarter interest, and the . firm was known as Millett, Emery and Stearns. They sunk a shaft 7x14 feet, to a depth of 1663 feet, but on reaching the vein promised by the prospectors, found it to be worthless. They drilled it 40 feet more, but found nothing save clay. So their mining was done from the 52 foot level. The work was done at a cost of $2,400, In May, 1883, Ed- ward Hart purchased the interests of Messrs. Emery and Stearns, and the firm is now Millett and Hart. They have now got their shaft in such shape that they can take out any amount of coal necessary to meet the largest de- mands on them, the estimated capacity . being 500 bushels per day. The hoist- ing apparatus is operated by horse power.

Charles Millett is a native of England, born in Cornwall, December 10, 1826. His parents were Adam and Catherine Millett. At the age of ten years he left home, and went to sea as cabin boy. He followed @seafaring life for 13 years, working his way up until he was a full- fledged sailor. He was in the coasting trade of England during the summer, and in the winter would sail up the Mediterranean. His last voyage was from Havre to New Orleans. After com- ing to America, he sailed on the lakes, twelve years. He then came to Warren county, Illinois, and bought 50 acres of

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

land, and engaged in coal mining. He remained there until he came to Prairie City, in 1872. Here he at once engaged in the coal trade, which he has continued ever since. He was married at Two Rivers, Wisconsin, July 17, 1856, to Margaret Rowlands, a native of South Wales and daughter of Edward Row- lands. Mr. Millett is a member of the Presbyterian church. He visited, in the course of his seafaring life, many parts of the globe, and has had much experi- ence and met with many thrilling adven- tures and hair-breadth escapes.

John E. Dunham sank a shaft in Prairie City in the fall of 1882, striking a 24-inch vein at a depth of about 52 feet. This mine gives employment to eight men, and furnishes coal for Prairie City, as well as for the general market.

OTHER LEADING MEN.

Following are sketches of leading men of Prairie City, not included in the bus- iness mention:

- G. W. Hamilton, a resident of Prairie City village, is a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was born in Bucks county, September 24, 1829. He is a son of Joseph A. and Mary A. (McCerren) Hamilton. He is of Scotch-Irish extrac- tion, his mother having been born on the "Emerald Isle," and his father of Scotch descent. He was brought up in the city of Canton, Fulton county, where he learned the cooper's trade, and early became familiar with agricultural pur- suits, working on a farm each summer. His residence in this state bears date from November 1, 1837, at which time he settled in Canton, Fulton county. He there remained until the spring of 1855,

when he came to this county, settling in Prairie City township, and engaging in farming, which occupation he there fol- lowed a number of years, then moved to the village. He was first married to Hannah Hays, a daughter of Samuel Hays, of Clinton county, Pennsylvania, in September, 1852. She died in July, 1878, and in April, 1881, he was again married to Mrs. Martha A. Cook, daugh- ter of Ephraim Foster, of Bedford county, Pennsylvania. He was a mer- chant in Prairie City for 10 years, three years in the grain business, and was among the best business men of the place. He is now retired from the more active scenes of life, and living in peace and comfort. Mr. Hamilton has three sons-C. W., of Clarinda. Iowa; W. A., living in Superior, Wisconsin; and G. F., a resident of Prairie City. Mr. Ham- ilton has held positions of trust. Among other offices he has held that of super- visor for five years, and chairman of the board of supervisors of McDonough county for two years. He is now presi- dent of the board of village trustees. He still owns a farm near the village, and considerable residence property. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and politically, republican.

J. M. Hamilton, a resident of Prairie City, is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in Morrisville, Bucks county, July 29, 1824. He is the eldest son of Joseph and Mary A. Hamilton. He is of Irish-Scotch extraction; his father was of Scotch parentage, and his mother, Irish. He learned the carpenter's trade in Canton, Illinois. He came with his father to Illinois, in 1836, one year be- fore the family moved west, and settled

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

in Canton. In the spring of 1855, he came to this county and settled in Prai- rie City, and commenced business as a grain and lumber merchant, being one of the first and most successful business men of the place. He was married to Martha A. Gilmore, daughter of Hamil- ton Gilmore, of Grant county, Wiscon- sin, April 16, 1848. Mr. Hamilton has two sons and two daughters-J. A., of Neola, Iowa; Robert E., of San Fran- ciso, California; Addie Trumpy, of Avon, Illinois, and Ella Turpin, of Prairie City. For several years he has been in the grain business in Chicago, retaining his residence, however, in Prairie City.

Rev. H. G. Woodworth is of New Eng- land stock, being a son of John and Chloe (Bridgman) Woodworth, both na- tives of Dorchester, New Hampshire. He was born in Cherry Valley, Ashta- bula county, Ohio, July 12, 1826. His parents, in 1822, emigrated from Saint Albans, Vermont, where they at first commenced house-keeping, to the West- ern Reserve, of Ohio. His father served as a soldier in the war of 1812, partici- pating in the battle of Lake Champlain. Both of his parents died in the Western Reserve, his father, in June, 1860, aged 84 years, and his mother, in August, 1831, aged 51 years. The subject of this sketch was brought up in Ohio, and ob- tained his education at his home, at Chester, Geauga, county, Ohio, and at Hillsdale, Michigan. He read theology as a private study. When in his nine- teenth year, he began teaching school. In 1852, he was ordained a minister of the gospel, at the LaFayette quarterly meeting, of the Free Will Baptists, held at Rush, JoDaviess county, Illinois. His

first pastorate was at Fayette, LaFayette county, Wisconsin, where he remained until April, 1855. He then received and accepted a call to Warren, JoDaviess county, Illinois, where he built up a good church and congregation. The follow- ing year he accepted a call to Hudson, Lenawee county, Michigan, and contin- ued there until 1859. His next charge was at Wheatland, Kenosha county, Wis- consin. In 1860, he returned to Warren, Illinois. In 1863, he enlisted in the 96th Illinois infantry, as chaplain. After a few months service he was discharged on account of disability. In September, 1863, he went to Vineland, Wisconsin, where he preached till May, 1864, thence to Hudson, Michigan. He came to Prai- rie City, first, in April, 1865, and re- mained till December, 1869, then went to Darlington, Wisconsin, thence in 1871, to Harvard, Illinois, then again, in 1874, to Prairie City, thence in 1875, to Hud- son, Michigan, thence to DesPlains, Illi- nois, thence in April, 1878, to Warren, Illinois, and in March, 1880, to DeSmit, Kingsbury county, Dakota, whither he went for his health, which was impaired. He came again to Prairie City, in Janu- ary, 1884, and has here presided over a congregation since that time: He was married in Fayette, LaFayette county, Wisconsin, in November, 1847, to Fran- ces J. Jurney, a native of Fayette county, Illinois .. They are the parents of 11 children, of whom six are living-Mary C., wife of L. B. Sanford, of Prairie City; Edson S., married to Hattie Lake, of Harvard, Illinois, living at Minne- apolis, where he is vice-president of the Citizen's bank, and engaged in shipping grain, flour and feed; James Grant, as-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

sistant general agent for the Union Pa- cific Railroad company, at Portland, Ore- gon; Benjamin Holland, book-keeper of Peavy & Co.'s elevator at Minneapolis; Walter Scott and Richard Paul, living at home. Mr. Woodworth is an earnest worker in the cause of the Master, and possessed of much zeal and ability.

Rev. S. T. Dodge, is a native of Har- din county, Kentucky, born August 18, 1830, and a son of Josiah and Ann (George) Dodge. When he was 10 years of age, his parents removed to Warren county, where he grew to man- hood. He was ordained a minister of the gospel, of the Free Will Baptist denomination, on the 26th day of Nov- ember, 1871. He had been preaching for two years previous to that time, as an evangelist. His labors, since his or- dination, have been mostly in Knox, Warren, Fulton, McDonough and Han- cock counties. He did much toward the building up of the Cottonwood church, also the church now known as the North Fandon church. He organized the churches at Webster, Hancock county, and Oak Grove. The latter has since been consolidated with the Prairie City church. Among the most noted reviv- als which he has conducted, are the fol- lowing: near Clarksburg, Kansas, where there were 30 conversions; Wood- burn, Iowa, where 80 were converted; Warren Chapel, Warren county, Illi- nois, with 40 conversions; Smithfield, Illinois, with 13, and Haynes chapel, Knox county, Illinois, where 90 were converted. Mr. Dodge was married in Macomb, September 18, 1856, to Mary Elizabeth Cope, daughter of Wesley and Elizabeth (Smith) Cope, who re-

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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 88

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