USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough county, Illinois, its cities, towns and villages with early reminiscences, personal incidents and anecdotes and a complete business directory of the county > Part 61
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At a special term of the County Commissioners' Court, held March, 1836, a plat of the town was adopted, by which the lots were to be 60x120 feet. At a special term held in April following, the order was revoked, on petition of citizens, and another plat was adopted, which is now on record on page six, Record of Deeds, in the office of the Circuit Clerk, and marked plat number one. By this one, the lots were made 60x174, and twelve lots to the block. This last plat was made by J. M. Campbell, after the pre- cise plan of the town Frankfort, Kentucky, Mr. Campbell's native place-the only town with which he was acquainted, and which he supposed a perfect model. Had he been aware that it could have been done, we have no doubt the location of the streets run - ning east and west would have deen different, and streets would have been run each side of the square on the north and south, as on the east and west sides. James Vance, one of the County Commissioners, was opposed to any change in the plat, and en- tered his protest on the records, but withont avail. Lots 60x120 feet were large enough in his estimation.
John J. Keaton was appointed to make a survey of the town, according to the plat adopted, for which he was to receive thirty- five dollars. David Clarke and John Baker were employed by the County Commissioners to carry the chain, for which they were allowed fifty cents per day.
Keaton's survey proved unsatisfactory ; and in 1834, J. W. Brattle, for many years County Surveyor, was employed to make a new one, and also to make out and file a new plat, according to the survey which he should make. Mr. Brattle performed the
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work to the satisfaction of the Commissioners, who received and adopted his report, a copy of which is recorded on page 428 Record of Deeds, as plat No. 2. Mr. Bratthe found many of the corners wrong, and they so remain till this day, the County Com- missioners at that time being afraid to alter, as it would invalidate ths sales of lots already made.
In the early days, court week was the time chosen by the yeo- manry of the county to come to town and have a little fun. By way of preparation, the grocery keeper laid in an extra supply of the "ardent" for the occasion, as he expected a run of custom, the profits of which would last him for some time, the whisky then, as now, having the effect of making some quiet, others jovial, and some " roaring mad." Fights were of frequent occur- rence, but generally of a friendly character-that is, after the fight was over, and one of the parties vanquished, no further ill- feeling was allowed, and the defeated party treated the crowd.
The advent of a circus always brought a crowd. People came from every nook and corner of the county, and while broad smiles played upon their countenances at the prospect of listening to the funny sayings of the clown, they spent their hard-earned money. Who can say they did a wrong? Without newspapers, without telegraphs, without railroads, with a thinly settled country, with none of the means of enjoyment afforded at the present day, their life was indeed hard, and the necessity of a little relaxation and amusement, even if only that afforded by the silly jokes of the professional harlequin, was an absolute necessity.
Until the year 1841, the town of Macomb was governed by the Board of County Commissioners. In this year an act of incor- poration was passed by the Legislature granting legislative pow- ers to a board of five trustees. The limits of the town were made one square mile, with the public square of Macomb as its center.
The first school houses in the town were erected in the year 1846, James M. Campbell securing subscription from the citizens for the erection of one west of the square, and William S. Hail one east of the square. The houses were eighteen by twenty- eight feet, and built of brick. The one in the west was on the present site of the Baptist Church, and the other where the Third Ward school house now stands. Schools had been held previous to this for many years, but these were the first buildings erected exclusively for school purposes. Mr. Campbell built the third
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house in the following year on West Jackson street, near where it is crossed by the railroad.
W. & II. Ervin built the first brick store. Lawson, Parrott & Co., built the first three-story brick, on the site of the First Na- tional Bank building. Campbell & Garrett the third, the one now occupied by Loven Garrett as a grocery store.
The Methodist Episcopal brethren erected the first church building, in 1836.
In 1857 cholera raged for a time in the town, striking terror to the heart of many. Men, strong and hearty in the morning, laid in the embrace of death before night. Had it not been for a few brave, strong hearts the death rate would have been far greater than it was. These meu, at the risk of their own lives, went to the house where death had entered and quietly removed the corpse and buried it without giving notice of the sad event to the terri- fied citizens. In this way the fears of the people were kept within bounds. This, we believe, was the only real epidemic that has ever visited this town.
Macomb was incorporated as a city in 1856, by the adoption of a charter similar to that of the city of Quincy. The first election was held on the eighth day of November in that year, and re- sulted in the election of John O. C. Wilson, as mayor, and James M. Campbell, alderman first ward, Joseph McCroskey in the sec- ond, William II. Randolph in the third, and Samuel G. Cannon in the fourth. These gentlemen were elected for six months, or until the annual election, the first Monday in May. It has now been twenty years since its organization, and in that time no city of its size has made more permanent improvement, aud none en - joys a better reputation. Its credit has always been first class, and its bonds would doubtless command a premium in the mar- kets of the east. We learn from the Mayor that he is constantly in receipt of letters of inquiry from the capitalists of the country in reference to its bonds, but he has only one answer to make and that is it has none in the market, that the city is governed on the principle "pay as you go." No bonds have ever been issued by the city, save in the instance of the erection of the high school building in the second ward, and of these only about $4,500 are now outstanding, and these would be redeemed if presented for payment. Not being due the parties prefer the interest which they draw to the face of the bonds. This shows conclusively
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that the financiering of the city fathers has been excellent. A glance at the list of officers given in this article will show a good reason for this state of affairs.
Notwithstanding the city has never been prodigal in its ex- penditures, it has yet never been niggardly. Improvements are constantly being made. During the past year (in 1875) gas has been introduced and lamp posts have been erected at all the prin- cipal corners and crossings adjacent to the business part of the city. A regular police force was organized in 1874, since which time there have been but very few instances of house-breaking in the city and two hundred dollars will probably cover every loss from this cause. More than one incipient fire has been stopped, and in the whole time but one fire obtained such headway be- fore discovery as to be impossible to extinguish it. The loss in this fire did not exceed $200, it being the burning of a small barn.
One of the duties of the police has been the arrest of all sus- pieious characters. None are allowed to remain in the city more than one night. Should a tramp make his appearance in the city he is at once escorted to the calaboose if night is approaching, or is immediately warned away if in the early part of the day. During the year over three hundred were provided with lodging and hurried off bright and carly the next morning. In one night during the past winter twenty-one of this genus were entertained with food and lodging. The care given this class will account in a great measure for the safety of our citizens from the visits of burglars.
One important thing the city yet lacks, and that is a well or- ganized fire department. It has so far in its existence been very fortunate in escaping the ravages of the fire fiend, but there is always danger, and that danger should be provided against. Business men more than pay each year in additional insurance the cost of maintaining an excellent and well-officered company.
The sanitary condition of the city has always been excellent- no epidemic, save the one mentioned, ever visiting it. The Board of Health has usually consisted of three physicians, repre- senting various schools of medicine, with the mayor as an ex- officio member.
The city works over thirty miles of street, and nearly the same in sidewalks, and has a large number of bridges and culverts to build and keep in constant repair.
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The average expenses for all purposes are about $17,000, $9,000 of which are for the schools, and $8,000 for all other expenses. During the past year, $21,000 were collected, $4,000 of which were to be applied to the payment of bonds then dne. As there is an assessment amounting to $1,500,000, this will make a little less than one and one-half per cent., which is the highest rate ever paid in the city.
In relation to the standing of the city, we may say it never has to go abroad to borrow money. Capitalists at home are ever ready and willing to advance all that is needed. No bond has ever yet been presented that was not promptly paid.
Although but one railroad passes through its limits, the city has ever been willing to aid every practicable railroad project. In 1857, at the annual election, $25,000 was voted to the Rock Island and Alton Railroad; but as the road was never built upon the line projected (making Macomb a point), the money was never called for. A road giving an eastern outlet, or competing line east, would doubtless secure considerable aid from the city.
Some of the peculiar advantages presented by the city of Ma- comb may be summed up as follows :
Public Buildings .- No city of its size in the west can present finer public buildings. Among others we may mention the court house, which was completed in the year 1870, and which stands in the centre of the public square, and can be seen from every high eminence in the county. The building is of red brick with limestone trimmings, and is fire-proof throughout. From its dome a view of the surrounding country is had as far as the eye can reach. Next, we mention the business houses. These are superior to those of any city of its size in the State. Brick blocks almost entirely surround the square, many of them possessing a very handsome exterior and interior appearance, and all of good size and adapted to the trade of the place. Among the number is a handsome opera house capable of holding about twelve hundred persons. The school houses are the pride of the city, there being two large and handsome structures, with accommodations for about fourteen hundred pupils. One of these is situated in the Second Ward, and the other in the Fourth, or in the eastern and western parts of the city, and both known as high school build- ings. The eastern one cost complete, including furniture, some $30,000, while the western one, built at a later day, when material and labor was cheaper, about $20,000. The first was erected in
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Y
FOURTH WARD SCHOOL BUILDING, MACOMB.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
1865, the city issuing its bonds for a term of years for $20,000 of the amount. Of this only about $4,000 remains outstanding. The second building was erected in 1874, and every dollar of the entire amount paid, the city creating a sinking fund for that pur- pose, and having in the treasury every dollar before the comple- tion of the work. Two large hotels grace the square, one on the east and the other on the west. The Baptists, Congregationalists, Presbyterians, Universalists and Methodists have each good church buildings, the others being of but little value.
Mercantile Trade .- The mercantile trade of Macomb is greater than any city or town of like size and character in the State. In dry goods, as large and varied stocks are kept by the dealers as those in cities five times its proportions. The reputation en- joyed by the dealers for selling their goods at bottom figures, is such that their trade extends for miles around, even taking in por- tions of the adjoining counties. In groceries the same can also be said. We would here call attention to the business notices of some of the leading firms elsewhere found in this work. Statis- ties of the trade may also be seen.
Stock Trade .- There have been shipped in the last four years an average per year of 237 cars of hogs and 125 cars of cattle from this place, which we regard as a very good showing, considering the many shipping points around it.
Grain Trade .- There are about 300 cars of grain shipped per year, or an average of one car per working day.
Manufactories .- A goodly number of manufacturing establish- ments are in the place, affording employment'to a large number of hands, and doing much to advance the interests of the place. These manufactories are noticed under appropriate heads else- where.
Public Schools .- This is another matter in which the citizens of the place take an especial pride. In 1866, on the completion of the high school building in the second ward, Prof. H. HI. Smith was employed by the Board of School Directors, as Principal, at a salary of $1,500, per year, to take charge of our schools. This was a new departure, and bitterly opposed by some of our citizens, who thought it an outrageous sum to pay a man for only six hours work per day, as they said. When Mr Smith began his work he introduced the graded system, and also effected an almost entire
II-39
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change in the text books then in use. This compelled the purchase by many of a number of new books, and the setting back of many scholars in some of their studies, in order that they might conform to the grade. This created additional excitement, each parent denying the right of the teacher to set his child back, thus compelling a review of a study already gone over. Many complaints were made to the professor, and for days he was interviewed hourly by indignant parents. The expense of the purchase of new books was said to be enormous, when it was an undeniable fact it cost the majority of parents less money to buy the entire new outfit than it would have done had the old series of text books been retained-the new having been introduced at half price. But Mr. S. continued on the even tenor of his way, "being reviled, he reviled not again," knowing that in due time the system would be approved by all. The wisdom of his course has now been fully shown. For ten years the system has been tried and with the best results, and there is not a parent in the city that has given the subject any thought but will acknowledge it is the better way. There has been an average of twelve or fourteen graduates each year since the third, and the greater part of the teachers now employed in the schools of the city, or that have been employed for seven years, have been graduates. The course of study has been as thorough as in any of the academies of the country. Prof. HI. H. Smith continued as Superintendent for three years, succeeding in the perfect organization of every de- partment of the public schools. He was succeeded by Professor M. Andrews, who occupied the position for five years, resigning the same that he might accept a like situation at Galesburg, in this State, at a higher salary. Mr. Andrews, without doubt, is one of the most efficient Superintendents in the State, and success cannot but crown his efforts wherever he goes. His absence has been deeply felt in this city. Professor Shedd next succeeded, serving two years. IIe was followed by Professor C. C. Robbins. Professor Robbins has long been a resident of this city, but for several years past has occupied a like position in the public schools of Rushville, Knoxville, and other places, positions which he has filled to the satisfaction of his patrons.
Churches .- There are ten Churches in the city, each endeavor- ing to point out the way of salvation ; the religious influence of the community is, therefore, of the best. The denominations represented are as follows : Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Cath-
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olie, Christian, Congregationalist, Universalist, Presbyterian and Lutheran. The Cumberland Presbyterians had formerly a fair congregation of believers, but for some years have held no service. The combined value of the Church property is about $50,000. The membership is about 1,300. Connected with their Sunday Schools are about 1,000 scholars. The schools of the city have quarterly conventions at the close of every quarter of the Inter- national Sunday School Lessons, the meetings of which are quite interesting and profitable. Other statistics, under this head, may be seen in another chapter.
Description of High School Building in Second Ward .- This building was erected in 1865, at a cost of $29,000. It is situated on the north side of Calhoun, between Dudley and Madison streets. The architectural design is plain throughout. The plans were drawn by G. P. Randall, of Chicago, and the work done by the city, superintended by W. O. Thomas. The building is 53x94 feet, two stories, with basement, and contains six rooms 26x33 feet, a chapel 48x50 feet, library room, closets, and halls. It is heated by steam, the engine for that purpose being in the base- ment. There are two entrances to the building, one each in the center of the south and north sides. These entrances open into a hall, from which a stairway leads to the second story. The recitation rooms are each thirteen feet in height, while the chapel is sixteen feet, and all are well ventilated. The basement of the building is constructed of limestone and the main walls of red brick. A belfry arises from over the main entrance, in which is placed a bell weighing twelve hundred pounds. Although the building is not showy, it presents a neat, substantial appearance, and is an honor to the city. The accompanying illustration will give one a very good idea of its appearance.
Description of School Building in Fourth Ward .- This building stauds upon the corner of Washington and Johnson streets, and was erected in 1874 by W. O. Thomas, of Macomb, who was likewise the architect. Its entire cost, including furniture, &c., was about $20,000. It is quite showy, and yet neat and well pro- portioned. The basement is of limestone, while the main walls are of red brick. It is in height two stories, with basement. A finely proportioned belfry surmounts the main front, in which is placed a bell weighing 900 pounds. There are three entrances- one each on the cast, north and south sides. The recitation rooms, of which there are six, are in size 25x33 feet; those on the
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first floor being in height 14 feet, while those on the second floor are 16 feet, each being provided with the best modern school fur- niture, and every appliance that would aid one in acquiring knowledge. The ventilation is well provided for, which will cer- tainly be acknowledged of great importance. The basement is used for storage, fuel and heating purposes, an engine being placed therein which heats the entire building. Everything in connection with the building is in good taste, and reflects great credit upon the city and its architect, W. O. Thomas.
The record book, containing the proceedings of the Board of Trustees of the town of Macomb, is either mislaid or lost, so we have been unable to obtain the names of all the officers of the town. In looking over the old papers we discovered the poll books of several annual elections, and give the names of such of those we could find who were elected Trustees, and the year each served :
1849-Wm. HI. Randolph, A. S.Bonham, C. A. Lawson, T. J. Beard, John P. Head.
1850-Wm. H. Franklin, Richard W. Stephenson, John P'. Head, Wm. L. Broaddus, Joseph E. Wyne, Chas. Chandler, Wm. T. Head.
1852-B. R. Hampton, C. A. Lawson, J. M. Major, J. P. Updegraff, C. W. Dallam.
1853-Thompson Chandler, J. E. Wyne, J. L. N. Hall, W. S. Hendricks, J. M. Martin.
1854-J. L. N. Hall, J. M. Martin, J. E. Wyne, Thomas J. Beard, C. A. Lawson.
1856-Abraham Rowe, J. E. Wyne, T. J. Beard, J. L. N. Hall, Garrett Bonham.
The following named gentlemen have served the city of Ma- comb in the offices named and for the years given. We begin the list with the city's organization, and include each year to 1877 :
1856-Mayor, John O. C. Wilson. Aldermen-J. M. Campbell, First ward ; Joseph MeCroskey. See- ond ward; W. H. Randolph, Third ward; Samuel G. Cannon, Fourth ward. Clerk-H. E. Worsham. Attorney-II. E. Worsham. Marshal-G. L. Farwell. Treasurer-F. D. Lipe.
1857-Mayor-J. P. Updegraff. Aldermen-James Clark, First ward ; Wm. L. Broaddus, O. F. Piper, Second ward ; Wm. II. Franklin, Third Ward; T. J. Beard, Fourth ward. Clerk-Carter Van Vleek. Attorney-C. Van Vleck. Assessor and Collector-II. E. Worsham. Marshal-G. L. Farwell. Treasurer -- G. W. Smith.
1858-Mayor-J. P. Updegraff. Aldermen-Chas. Chandler, First ward ; O. F. Piper, P. Hamilton, Second ward; W. E. Withrow, Third ward ; W. P. Barrett, Fourth ward. Clerk and Attorney -L. H. Waters. Assessor and Collector-J. H. Cummings. Marshal-W. L. Broaddus. Treas- urcr-G. W. Smith.
1853-Mayor-James D. Walker. Aldermen-Joseph Burton, First ward ; Joseph E. Wyne, Second ward ; George M. Wells. J. L. N. Hall, Third ward; Samuel G. Cannon, Fourth ward. Clerk and Attorney-George Wells. Assessor and Collector-J. H. Cummings. Marshal-G. W. Smith. Treasurer-J. B. Cummings.
1860-Mayor-Charles Chandler. Aldermen-W. II. Neeee, First ward; R. II. Broaddus, Second ward; J. L. N. Hall, Third ward ; H. F. Chase, Fourth ward. Clerk and Attorney-George Wells. Assessor and Collector-C. M. Ray. Marshal-G. W. Smith. Treasurer-W. W. Provine.
1861-Mayor-J. B. Kyle. Aldermen-John Knappenberger, First ward ; Iverson L. Tywman, Sec- ond ward ; T. M. Jordan, Third ward ; Loven Garrett, Fourth ward. Clerk and Attorney- George Wells. Assessor and Collector-C. M. Ray. Marshal-G. L. Farwell. Treasurer-W. W. Provine.
1862-Mayor-B. F. Martin. Aldermen-J. II. Baker, First ward ; Elisha Morse, Jr., Second ward ; Lorenzo Clisby, Third ward; Wash Goodwin, Fourth ward. Clerk and Attorney-George Wells. Assessor and Collector-C. M. Ray. Marshal-John Q. Lane. Treasurer-W. W. Pro ving.
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1563-Mayor-Edward A. Floyd. Aldermen-Alexander MeLean, First ward; R. L. Cochran, O. F. Piper, Second ward; W. E. Withrow, Third ward ; S. F. Laney, Fourth ward. Clerk and Attorney-Geo. Wells. Assessor and Collector-John L. Anderson. Marshal-J. P. Updegraff. Treasurer-W. W. Provine.
1864-Mayor-T. M. Jordan. Aldermen-Joseph Durr, First ward ; James Anderson, Second ward; Lorenzo Clisby, Third ward ; John Penrose, Fourth ward. Clerk-W. E. Withrow. Attorney- C. F. Whent. Assessor and Collector-Chauncey Case. Marshal-Chauncey Case. Treasurer- M. T. Winslow.
1865-Mayor-T. M. Jordan. Aldermen-J. W. Blount, First ward; R. L. Cochran, Second ward ; J. P. Updegraff, Third ward; James Brown, Fourth ward. Clerk-W. E. Withrow. Attor- ney-C. F. Wheat. Assessor and Collector-John E. Lane. Marshal-John E. Lane. Treasu- rer-M. T. Winslow.
1866-Muyor-J. M. Martin ; Aldermen-S. G. Wadsworth, First ward ; W. F. Bayne, Second ward; W. S. Hail, Third ward ; R. J. Adeock and E. B. Hamil, Fourth ward. Clerk-W. E. With- row. Attorney-C. F. Wheat. Assessor and Collector-John E. Lane. Marshal-John E. Lanc. Treasurer-M. T. Winslow.
1867-Mayor-T. M. Jordan. Aldermen-J. W. Blount and G. II. Bane. First ward ; R. L. Cochran, Second ward ; Wm. Venable, Third ward ; E. B. Hamil and John Shutes, Fourth ward. Clerk-W. E. Withrow. Attorney-Asa Matteson, Assessor and Collector-T. B. Maury. Marshal-Thomas Galfrey. Treasurer-M. T. Winslow.
1868-Mayor-J. P. Updegraff. Aldermen-W. II. Hainline, First ward ; O. F. Piper, Second ward ; Edward Wells, Third ward ; J. W. McIntosh, Fourth ward. Clerk-W. E. Withrow. Attor- nicy-C. F. Wheat. Assessor and Collector-H. W. Gash. Marshal-G. L. Farwell. Treasurer --- J. II. Cummings.
1869-Mayor-Geo. K. Hall. Aldermen-J. T. Adcock. First ward; C. N. Harding, Second ward; Wm. Venable, Third ward ; T. L. Kendrick, Fourth Ward. Clerk-W. E. Withrow. Attor- ney-Asa Matteson. Assessor and Collector-J. W. Blount. Marshal-James A. Chapman. Treasurer-M. T. Winslow.
1870-Mayor-J. E. Wyne. Aldermen-T. Chandler, First ward ; J. H. Cummings, Second ward; A. B. Chapman, Third ward ; J. Durr, Fourth ward. Clerk-S. F. Lancy. Attorney -- L. A. Simmons. Assessor-J. W. Westfall. Collector-C. C. Chapman. Marshal-John Scott. Trea- surer-C. V. Chandler.
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