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 62
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1871-Mayor-J. M. Martin. Aldermen-B. F. Martin, First ward; John MeMillan, Second ward ; Thomas Gilmore, Third ward ; J. W. McIntosh, and S. F. Lancy, Fourth ward. Clerk-H. R. Bartelson. Attorney, Ira G. Mosher. Assessor, J. S. Gash. Collector-S. G. Wadsworth. Marshal-John Hillyer. Treasurer-C. V. Chandler.
1872-Mayor-Charles N. Harding. Aldermen-T. Chandler, First ward ; J. H. Cummings, Second ward ; William Venable, Third ward; James Gamage, Fourth Ward. Clerk-William E, Withrow. Attorney-William J. Franklin. Assessor-J. S. Gash. Collector-Willis I. Twy- man. Marshal-John Hillyer. Treasurer-C. V. Chandler.
1873-Mayor-Alexander MeLean. Aldermen-S. Ross, First ward ; R. L. Cochran, Second ward ; F. R. Kyle, Third Ward ; W. J. MeClellan, Fourth ward. Clerk-E. P. Pillsbury. Attorney- E. P. Fillsbary. Assessor-Hugh Ervin. Collector-T. J. Martin. Marshal-G. Cheatham, William A. Greer. Treasurer-C. V. Chandler.
1874-Mayor-Alexander MeLean. Aldermen-John W. Cook, First ward ; J. H. Cummings, Second ward ; William Venable. Third ward ; James Gamage, Fourth ward Clerk-Hugh Ervin. Attorney-E. P. Pillsbury. Assessor-Ilugh Ervin. Collector-Henderson Ritchie. . Marshal- Karr MeClintock. Treasurer-C. V. Chandler
1875-Mayor-Alexander MeLean. Aldermen-William E. Martin, First ward ; J. E. Wyne, Second ward; C. N. Harding, Third ward; D. M. Graves, Fourth ward. Clerk-O. F. ; Piper. Attor- ncy-E. P. Pillsbury. Assessor-J. C. Reynolds. Colector-Robert Brooking. Marshal-Karr MeClintock. Treasurer-C, V. Chandler.
1876-Mayo .- Alexander MeLean. Aldermen-E. F. Bradford, First ward ; J. H. Cummings, Second ward ; D. Scott, Third ward ; James Gamage, Fourth ward. Clerk-(). F. Piper. Attorney- J. F. Franklin. Assessor-HI. W. Gash. Collector -- J. M. Martin. Marshal-Karr MeClintock. Treasurer-C. V. Chandler.
1877-Mayor-Asher Blount. Aldermen -- William Martin, First ward; Joseph E. Wyne, Second ward ; John McLean, Third ward; W. O. Thomas, Fourth ward. Clerk-Lewis E. Wyne. Attorney -- J. H. Franklin, Assessor-Hugh Erwin, Collector-Henry Shetterly. Marshal- Karr MeClintock. Treasurer-C. V. Chandler.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
From the McDonough Independent of Friday, February 27th, 1852, we extract the following :
A SIDE GLANCE AT MACOMB.
As there seems to be of late a spirit of rivalry springing up in different sections of this State, and especially so in regard to the growing prosperity of villages and county xeats, we deem it not out of place to give a statement of the different branches carried on in our town, which certainly cannot be excelled by any seats of justice, notwithstand- ing other neigboring villages call it a "one horse town." The population at present is estimated to be about 1,000. The citizens are mixed-persons from almost every State in the Union ; we have a few Irish, English and German citizens among us, however : the majority of our citizens are natives of Kentucky and Virginia. In regard to the liberality of our people, we not only challenge the State. but creation to excel them.
We have here four Benevolent and Charitable Institutions, all in a prosperous condi- tion, viz. : One Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, one Union, Daughters of Temper- ance, two Divisions of the Sons of Temperance, and one section Cadets of Temperance. In regard to religious and intellectual advantages, we are not far behind others of our neighbors. There are several different denominations of Christians here, having three churches, one college with one hundred students, three day schools averaging one hundred scholars, one female seminary, having forty pupils, nine dry goods stores-average capital invested, about $100,000 yearly-one drug store, one drug and book store, one hotel, several boarding houses, two clothing establishments, two family groceries, six practicing physicians, several attorneys, two general land agency offices, one steam card- ing and fulling establishment, one bakery and confectionery establishment, one segar and tobacco manufactory, one steam flouring mill, two saw mills-one steam and one horse power-two extensive lumber yards, lots on hand, one tannery, three harness mak- ing shops, two shoe and boot shops, two tailor shops, two merchant tailoring establish- ments, eight blacksmith shops, two plough-making shops, one carriage and wagon estab- lishment, seven carpenter shops, one furniture and cabinet shop, one chair manufactory. one bedstead manufactory, one wholesale and retail stove and tin store, one threshing and saw mill manufactory, one hat manufacturing establishment, one cooper shop, one printing office, with a large and extensive book and job office attached. NO BARBER SHOP at present. There are in full growth and cultivation, in and near town. four extensive nurseries, containing choice collections of fruit trees.
By examining the above list of establishments in this place it will be readily perceived that our advantages are superior to many other and older inland towns, and, should the contemplated railroad be completed-taking the location of the county, the salubrity of the soil and healthy location-there will be no town in the military tract able to come in competition with us. In bringing up this statement we are actuated by no will of boasting, but merely to state facts asthey are, and, if in our power, humble as it may be, of inducing mechanics and others to " seek first their own interests" and act accordingly. We have ample room yet left in our village, and we are confident that property holders here and throughout the county will dispose of land at a fair and reasonable rate to those wishing to buy.
There is in connection with our town mail facilities, many of which are not afforded to other towns in Illinois. We have four weekly mails-two semi-weekly and two tri- weekly, and as honest an old " Boss " to superintend the post office department as can be " scared " up in the union. Macomb is situated in the centre of the county-the limits extending twenty-four miles across, and is equi-distant between the Illinois and Missis- sippi rivers, thus affording great inducements to travellers to visit us, and of receiving communications from distant friends.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
We intend in future, if able to procure the necessary statistics, of publishing a true statement of the rise and history of McDonough county from its first survey and loca- tion, and also of giving statistics of each town within the county, population at present, manufacturing and mechanical advantages, etc., which each possess.
In 1867 the city was made a Supervisors' District, and given two members of the County Board of Supervisors. Up to this time the city's vote was divided up into the four townships on which it is situated-Macomb, Emmet, Chalmers and Scotland. By an act of the Legislature this was changed, with the result as stated. The following named gentlemen have served on the board : D. G. Tunnicliff, James B. Kyle, B. R. Hampton, C. N. Harding, James M. Campbell, William Ervin, C. V. Chandler, W. HI. Hainline, Thompson Chandler, James Gamage.
The two eastern wards of the city elect a Supervisor, and the two western wards an Assistant Supervisor. The eastern part of the city being strongly Republican, always elects one of that party to represent them on the Board. The western part, being Demo- cratic, sends one of that faith as their representative. The fact that several of the foregoing gentlemen have served two or more terms will account for the small number of names given.
In the new City Directory, compiled by James W. Beasly, we find recorded 1,224 names ; counting three and one-half to each name, which is a very small estimate, we have 4,284 inhabitants in the city. There are twenty-four Smiths ; seventy-six whose names begin with Mc; 164 beginning with S; 149 beginning with WV ; 147 beginning with M, and 112 beginning with C.
Among the live firms in the city we would call attention to the following :
Thomas Philpot .- This gentleman first established himself in business in this city in 1863. In company with D. W. Hawkins, Esq., he opened a gallery on the southeast corner of the public square, and almost from the first his success was established ; and from that day forward there never has been a time when he could not find plenty to do in his chosen profession. In 1871 he sold the gallery to another party, and removed to Galesburg, but only remained there a few months. Disposing of his interests there, he looked around for another location; visited several good towns and good cities throughout the West, and, finding he could do no better, returned to Macomb and fitted up a new gallery on the north side of the square, over the clothing store of S. P. Dewey, and in one of the best locations in the city. Here his old patrons
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IIISTORY OF M'DONOUGHI COUNTY.
returned in great numbers, and in a very short time he again en- joyed a run of work as large as ever. The secret of his success lies in the fact that he is a No. 1 artist, and has pride in the work which he does, whether it be a small gem or a large photograph finished in water color or in oil. No better work is done in any gallery, east or west, and satisfaction is guaranteed in every in- stance. Occupying a suite of rooms in the most eligible part of the city, we find them fitted up in a handsome manner, good taste being displayed in all things pertaining to their internal arrangement. It is really a treat to take a look through the gallery, examining the various specimens of work on exhibition ; whether a card photo or one of life size, excellence is written thereon. Mr. Philpot, as we remarked before, takes pride in the character of his work, and desires to give satisfaction to every one-and he will give it. Special attention is given to copying and enlarging old pictures. Mr. Philpot has made a specialty of this class of work for some years, and can take any kind of picture, however old or worn, and re-touch, copy and enlarge to any size from 8x10 to 22x26 inches. Those desiring this class of work should not fail to call and see specimens and learn prices. Pictures finished in India ink or water colors, and at prices far below those of other galleries for the same grade of work. Visitors to the city should make it a point to drop in, see specimens, and leave their order. Gallery on north side of square, over Mcclellan's clothing store.
Joseph T. Adcock .- Everybody knows Joe, one of the most pop- ular dealers in the city of Macomb. Coming to this city about the close of the war, and as soon as he recovered from wounds re- ceived in that "little onpleasantness," he opened a stock of gro- ceries and provisions, and from that time to the present he has engaged in the same line of trade, and, we are pleased to add, success has crowned his every effort. He is now on the east side square, corner East Jackson street, and has in stock one of the finest stocks in the city. Joe always has his eyes and ears open and knows what is going on in the world, and everything in the grocery and provision line that the market affords can always be found in his establishment. Clover, timothy and other grass seeds are a specialty with him. Remember Joe T. Adcock when in want of any of the above named goods, and when having any- thing in the provision line you want to sell.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
Welch & Thornton .- Few men, in the same length of time, have become better known and made more friends than the above named gentlemen. The senior member of the firm, Mr. George S. Welch, is a son of one of the first settlers of the county, but who only came to this city in the fall of 1874. Having previously had a taste of the book business, he desired again to embark in that line of trade, and at once purchased the stock and good will of J. C. McClellan, Esq., then in business on the northeast corner of the square. With characteristic energy he began to push, and soon had a run of custom of which he had reason to be proud. It was his determination that his establishment should be the "boss house." How well he has succeeded, let his numerous patrons testify. In 1876 he received as a partner Mr. Anthony Thornton, who for two years past had filled the position of County Treasurer in a very acceptable manner, and a man as much respected as any in the county. With capital increased the firm branched out more extensively, and in the spring of 1877 purchased the large brick building which they now occupy, on the northeast corner. Their stock is at all times large and com- plete and worthy the attention of all.
Martin & Sons .- The senior member of this firm began business in Macomb as a cabinet maker, and for a number of years manufactured all the furniture that he sold. That his work was first class many of the old settlers of the county will testify, and the well preserved specimens of his work, in silent language will speak no less clearly and unmistakably. He brought to the town the first general stock of furniture, since which time he has been constantly engaged in the trade. He afterward received as a partner, his son, William E. Martin, since which time the firm has been known as B. F. Martin & Son. The stock and trade of the firm has been constantly increasing from that date to the pres- ent time, even while the financial affairs of the county were much depressed. The firm now occupies a room in the Opera House block, near the northeast corner of the square, the main sales- room of which is 20x60 feet with storage room in the rear the same size, while on the second floor they occupy two rooms, 40x60 feet, and every inch of the room above and below being crowded with a stock of goods equal to any in the Military tract.
Venable Bros .- In 1860, John Venable came to Macomb, and on the southwest corner of the square opened a stock of woolen goods and engaged in the purchase and shipment of wool. The
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
location not being suitable, he soon moved to the north side on the site of his present handsome brick. Adopting for his motto, "Good goods, quick sales, and small profits," he began a business career which has been very honorable and we trust profitable to himself. IIe has since built a large brick store room thirty by sixty feet, and disposed of his interest in the trade to his sons, William, James C., and John W., who now compose the firm of Venable Bros. For a number of years the firm dealt exclusively in woolen goods, gaining a reputation to be envied for the su- perior quality of manufacture which they offered for sale. The senior Venable had many year's experience in the manufacture of woolen goods and therefore was well qualified to judge whether an article offered him was "shoddy" or not,and never permitted him- self to purchase the former at any price. The reputation gained by the father is well maintained by the sons, and the knowledge of the fact that an article came from Venables is a guarantee of its good quality. The firm added to their line of woolen goods a complete stock of staple and fancy dry-goods, and notions, and to-day car- ry a stock second to none. The same uniform good quality is maintained in this department as in the line of woolens. While the firm never suffers itself to be undersold, it has always carried a line of the best goods in the city.
Kenner & Brooking .- This firm has been in existence but a few months, and is composed of William L. Kenner and A. V. Brook- ing, the latter of whom is as well known as any man in McDon- ough county, being an old settler and having done business here for many years. Mr. Kenner, though not so well known, has many friends, and is a pleasant and agreeable man to deal with. For several years past he has engaged in farming, and in that business been eminently successful. He now returns to the city and engages in a trade in which he has had several years' exper- ience. The firm are successors to the well known clothiers, Major & Trotter, who made an excellent reputation and had a good run of custom, transacting their business in the only honorable way- one price to all. Boy and man were treated just alike, and one could buy just as cheap as the other. The new firm propose to continue the same style, believing it will be more satisfactory to customers, as it is well known that "one price" must be the lowest price. All are invited to visit their store and examine stock and prices. You will find gentlemanly waiters and goods always at bottom prices.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
W. M. Lipe .- This gentleman is another old settler of this county, and is as well known and has as many friends as any in it. We speak of him as being an old settler, which is true, but it does not necessarily follow that he is an old man. Far from it; he is in the prime of life, and doubtless will live many years. Mr. Lipe came to this county with his father in 1834, and lived upon a farm for a number of years, then becoming a resident of this city, and the greater part of that time being engaged in the retail grocery trade. His first experience in that business in this city was on the old Campbell corner, and after trying his hand in other locations he has again returned to the old corner, where he has, in a very short time, built up a trade second to none in the city. Should we be asked the reason for his success, we should reply that he keeps a good, clean, fresh stock of goods, he is never undersold, and is pleasant and accommodating to all. Occupying one of the most eligible locations in the city, keeping his stock full, and treating all alike, it is therefore not to be wondered that he does a thriving business. May it never grow less, but increase as the days go by.
A. P. Wetherhold .- A business career of nearly a quarter of a century will either bring a man to ths front or send him far to the rear. In business there can be no middle ground for a man to occupy, he must either go forward and keep abreast of the times, or be distanced in the race by his more enterprising neighbors. Day by day we see dropping out of sight those who were once thought to be enterprising business men, but who neglectful of the opportunities presented to them, failed to secure that success which seemed to be within easy reach. The gentleman whose name heads this item has for many years been a resident of this city, and in various enterprises has become identified with its growth and prosperity. Although a good business man, and one that looks closely to his own interests, he yet does not allow his mind to become wholly absorbed in these matters, but in other things in which the people are interested, he takes an active part, and in this way he has brought himselt into notice and secured the affection and good will of thousands throughout McDonough and surrounding counties. But it is as a business man we have to deal with him in this article. As remarked, it has been nearly a quarter of a century since he first began business in this city, his first location being on the east side of the square, corner of east Jackson street and the square. Here he remained for some years,
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
when he removed to the north side, and from thence to the north- east corner, where he established a splendid trade. It has been but a short time since he removed to the south side, in Cottrell's block, where he may now be found, and where has been fitted up for him rooms especially adapted for his trade. He occupies here two floors, the first as a general salesroom, and the upper for the display of his carpets and general storage. A word with refer- ence to the trade of Mr. Wetherhold. The stock consists of etaple and fancy dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, carpets, etc., and in each department he designs to carry a line of the best goods, and his reputation for superior goods has been made known far and wide. In the carpet department he carries the largest stock of any house in the county, making of this line of goods more of a specialty than any other house. Housekeepers should by all means examine his stock before purchasing. In other depart- ments will be found the best of all goods which there belong, and at prices that will satisfy the closest buyer. Remember A. P. Wetherhold, south side.
T. B. Smith .- This gentleman is well known throughout McDonough county as a contractor and builder, and can exhibit some of the finest work we have. Among the jobs lately com- pleted by him is the fine residence of Thomas Gilmore, Esq., one of the neatest and best pieces of work in the county. While Mr. Smith is capable of doing any work in his line, he is ever willing to work at reasonable prices, believing in the motto, "Live and let live." Those designing to build, or having carpentry work of any kind to be done, should first receive an estimate from Mr. Smith.
James Gamage .- This gentleman came to Macomb in 1862, and has since been a resident of the city, and engaged in one line of trade-that of a market for the sale of fresh meat, fish, oysters, etc. From the first he secured a good run of custom, which in all the years has never forsaken him. Other markets have arisen and vanished away, but the old "Macomb Market" still exists, and will as long as Mr. Gamage remains at its head. Few men in the city have a firmer hold upon the masses of the people, and, when in nomination for office, he invariably runs ahead of his ticket, receiving the votes of many of the opposition. Mr. Gam- age has served for some years as a member of the City Council of the City of Macomb, and at present is a representative in that body, and also is a member of the Board of Supervisors. In the
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
discharge of his publie duties he brings to bear upon every ques- tion a liberal mind, capable of observing both sides of every question, and acting for the best interest of all. While he would study economy, he does not believe in being niggardly in expen- ditures for public good, realizing the old maxim that one can be " penny wise and pound foolish." In his private business he exercises the same general care of all details, and therefore has been reasonably successful in his work. He is at all times in the market for the purchase of choice beef cattle, for which he pays the highest market price in cash. He also purchases hides, pelts and tallow. Call at the Macomb Market, Campbell's corner, Macomb, Illinois.
J. M. Martin & Sons .- The senior member of this firm has been for twenty-seven years engaged in contracting and building in this city and county, and some of the best and most subtantial work to be seen was by his hands. The junior, Mr. E. P. Mar- tin, is a natural mechanic, and in some classes of work has no supe- rior. For two or three years he was engaged with one of the largest firms in Chicago in stair building and other fine work. The firm is at all times ready to contract and build, and will guar- antee satisfaction in every instance.
J. M. and T. H. Downing .- The senior member of this firm came to Macomb in October, 1869, from Quincy, Illinois, having left his native place (Downingtown, Chester county, Pennsylvania,) for that city, where he pursued his studies in dentistry. On ar- riving in this city he purchased the office and good will of Dr. E. B. Hamil. During the first year he had a fair run of work and succeeded in making many friends and acquaintances ; since which time the business has gradually increased until now the firm have the largest dental practice enjoyed by any in this part of the State. In 1874, rooms were secured in Cottrell's block, south side, and arranged especially for the business, and we have no hesitation in saying they have the best fitted rooms in the city or county. In 1873, Mr. T. II. Downing commenced the study of dentistry, and was admitted a member of the firm the past year. This gentleman, as well as the senior members of the firm, is an excellent workman, and is now making regular trips to Blandins- ville and Bardolph, in this county, and Plymouth, Hancock county, and we are pleased to chronicle the fact that he has met with uniform good success in each of the three places he visits. The firm is the only one in this part of the state prepared to do
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
dentistry in all its branches, particularly in gold plate, rub- ber and celluloid, and none enjoy a better reputation for good work. In the manufacture of rubber plate they are regu- larly licensed by the Goodyear Rubber Plate Company. Their list of patients is constantly increasing. They are now using, when requested by the patient, nitrous oxide gas, a substitute for chloroform, having none of its bad effects. When given, teeth are extracted without pain, and from the time the application is made, the teeth drawn, and the patient fully restored to conscious- ness, it does not exceed three minutes. We take pleasure in recommending this firm to our readers as perfectly reliable in every respect. All can be assured that what they say they can do they can do, and what they say they will do they will do. We trust their patronage will continue to increase in the future as in the past, and we believe that it will, as "true merit always finds its reward."
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