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 67
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For three years Mr. H. continued to manufacture the brick, but in 1865, for some cause, he failed to engage in the work; but in the year following, we find him engaged in the manufacture of drain tile in connection with brick, having made a small hand machine for that purpose. During this year it was with difficulty that he disposed of 1,000 feet, which did not increase for three years.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY
The first tiling sold was for draining cellars only, it being impos- sible to persuade a farmer that it would benefit his land to have it drained. The Power that made the land and sent His rain upon the just and unjust, knew better than he what was for the best, and no one could improve His handiwork. Shortly after beginning the manufacture of tiling, Mr. Horrocks made a proposition to Rutherford MeClure, Esq., who lives near Colchester, to furnish him with tiling sufficient to properly drain five acres of land and agreed never to ask him for his pay until Mr. McC. was satisfied that is was of benefit to him and should order more. Mr. McClure replied, "Horrocks, you are a poor man, and I don't want to take advantage of you, and I know you cannot improve my land in that way." But time passed, and this gentleman desired to ar- range some way in carrying water from a well from one part of his place to another, for the purpose of supplying his stock. He went to Mr. Horrocks and asked him if he could ditch and lay tiling from the well which would answer the purpose. Mr. H. told him that he could, but that it was unneccessary to drain the well as he could get all water he wished without going there. Mr. MeClure scouted the idea : it was preposterous. He there- fore ordered the tiling laid in the direction of the well. The work was commenced, but the well never reached, there being as predicted by Mr. HI. more than enough water rushing through the drain from the pores of the earth for all his purposes ! The success attending this work pleased Mr. McClure so much that he stated he would not take a thousand dollars for the improvement, and immediately ordered another drain made, which led through a meadow; but he wouldn't do much, as he didn't think it would help the quality of the land any ; that couldn't be made better in that way. The drain was made, and when he came to plow the meadow the following spring, lo, and behold, that part which he thought would be too wet to break was in prime order! What was the cause ? The drain was suggested. Well, if that was the cause, it would surely kill the hedge fence, and Horrocks would have to be sued for damage ! But the fence was not injured but rather bettered, and Mr. McClure was a thorough convert to the principle and benefit of subsoil drainage. Ile now thinks he is going to have the best farm in McDonough county, the result of scientific and systematic drainage. Thus was one convert made -by practical experience.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
Some time after beginning the manufacture of drain tile, Mr. Horrocks shipped one car to T. J. Beard & Co., Macomb, then en- gaged in the hardware trade, to sell on commission. Mr. Beard was considerably provoked about it, and told Mr. Horrocks that he never could sell them in the world, but happily before Christ- mas every piece was disposed of, and Mr. Beard tried to engage a quantity for spring delivery. From this time forward the trade began to increase, and by the year 1874 it required nine hands to do the work. Orders began to come in from different points, and it was with difficulty that all could be filled.
During nearly all this time E. D. & J. W. Stevens, then engaged in the mercantile trade at Colchester, had been watching the course of events, and concluded that here was a good opportunity for in- vestment, that no better opportunity could be offered for develop- ing some of the wonderful resources of MeDonough county. On consultation with Mr. Horrocks, it was found that satisfactory ar- rangements could be effected for forming a new company and en- larging the works. In some way it was learned by the parties that a superior quality of clay had been discovered near Bardolph, and while arrangements were being perfected for the formation of the new company, experiments were being made with it, and the conclusion was arrived at that here was the place for the estab- lishment of the new works.
In March, 1874, the co-partnership was formed between A. Horrocks, E. D. Stevens and J. W. Stevens, under the firm name of Horrocks, Stevens & Co., and arrangements perfected for re- moving the works to Bardolph. The capital stock invested was $15,000 in three equal shares.
Mr. E. D. Stevens at once proceeded to Bardolph to arrange for the erection of the works. It was thought a shaft might be sunk near the town which would strike the seam of clay from which they had been experimenting, which had been obtained some two miles from town from the farm of David Holler, and thus obviate the necessity of hauling it that distance. A shaft was imme- diately sunk some thirty-two feet, fourteen feet of which was through quicksand. Of course this had to be abandoned. An- other was sunk a depth of seventy feet, when it was suggested that a small augur be used for boring, as it was thought the seam should have been reached ere this. After boring a few feet water began to come up very rapidly, and in a few minutes' time
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
there was eighteen feet of it in the shaft. It was with difficulty the men could be got out before being overwhelmed. This like- wise had to be abandoned, since which time no further attempts have been made to obtain their clay in that way. It is now, and has been from the first, hauled from Mr. Holler's place.
Between the months of March and May, 1876, an engine house and machine shop were erected at Bardolph, and in this latter month the works at Colchester were abandoned and all the fix- tures removed to their new location. About this time, or shortly after, the capital stock of the company was increased to $30,000.
. To give a faint idea of the extent of the works we will say that the main building for drying purposes is 204 feet long, 36 wide, and two stories high, to which is attached the engine house and machine shops, 50x36 feet, two stories high. In addition to this they have four sheds, each 150 feet long by 20 wide, or a total shed room of 600x20 feet, and also three large kilns for burning the brick and tiling, each constructed with a downward draft, which gives double the heating capacity of the upward. The engine used is 20-horse power, but from the way it is geared it is equal to a 60-horse power. With the exception of some extra large brick, everything is made by machinery. The clay is ground (for some purposes as fine as flour), and moulded into proper shape by machinery. It is truly wonderful to notice to what extent the science of mechanism is carried.
During the first year after their removal to Bardolph, the com- pany turned their attention more especially to the manufacture of fire-brick, but for the past two years they have given their attention more generally to drain tile, the sale of which has con- tinually increased, and is destined to increase steadily year by year. They now employ about twenty hands, exclusive of the teamsters, and manufacture two cars of tiles and brick per day. The principal sizes of tile sold are three and four inches, though a great many six and eight inches are made and quickly disposed of. Their trade in tiling extends principally throughout central and western Illinois, while in fire-brick it extends west to Colo- rado and east to Chicago and beyond.
In July, 1877, R. C. Pointer purchased the interest of J. W. Stevens, and the firm is now composed of A. Horrocks, E. D. Stevens and R. C. Pointer. Any information desired will be promptly given by the firm. Address Horrocks, Stevens & Co., Bardolph, McDonough county, Illinois.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
Cleveland & Son .- The history of pottery, if it could be written, would extend as far back as that of man. History speaks of its existence 2,000 years before Christ, and it probably extended even farther than that. The molding of clay as a useful and decorative art has long been known. The senior member of the firm of Cleveland & Son-Mr. William Cleveland-has been engaged in this line of trade for nearly a third of a century, first beginning in Ripley, Brown county, Illinois. At that place there are at present seventeen potteries, the entire population of the village being interested in that business. One seen without mud on his person woold be considered by one of the inhabitants as a " bloated-aristocrat." The junior, Mr. II. A. Cleveland, also learned the trade in Ripley, and is considered one of the best workers in elay in this country. Desiring to give his family greater advantages than they possessed in Ripley, Mr. Cleveland came to Macomb, in this county, and purchased property with the intention of locating there. About this time, experiments were being made with clay upon the farm of David Holler, near Bardolph, and the citizens of that village made a proposition to Mr. Cleveland to locate with them, for the purpose of prosecuting his business, which proposition was thought to be fair and satis- factory, and was accepted by him. This was in the fall of 1870. Steps were immediately taken to erect shops and a kiln for that purpose, and soon the business was in successful operation. The firm is composed of William and H. A. Cleveland, under firm name Cleveland & Son. The clay used by the firm comes from Holler's banks. They manufacture, on an average, about 8,000 gallons of ware per month, requiring for that purpose, 48,000 pounds of clay. Seven men are constantly engaged in the works as turners, teamsters, &c. There is nothing that can be molded from clay but what can be turned out by this house. In addition to all the common ware, such as crocks, jars, jugs, vases, &c., we notice in their ware rooms many articles that it would seem im- possible to mould from clay, such as fish, dogs, sheep, and other animals, etc., etc. A fine line of vases, yard ware, hanging bas- kets, etc., are always on hand, or will be made to order. The sales of this house extend throughout Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Illinois.
J. M. & S. Work .- Among the best breeders of stock in this state is the above named gentlemen who commenced breeding fine stock in 1865, with a few young hogs bred by the "Illinois
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
Importing Company." In 1871 they began to import for them- selves, securing during that and the following year, six fine head of hogs. In 1874 they imported the thoroughbred boar "Tandy" from Gloucestershire, England, and in 1876, "Kings Toombs," bred by Edwards Toombs, Oxfordshire, England, at a cost of about $200. This last importation was made at the importer's risk when the boar was but four or five months old. Messrs. Work Bros. have made uniformly good success in this business, and their breeds are obtaining national reputation. They have exhibited their stock at many county and state fairs, and have taken more premiums than any breeders in this western country. In 1873, at the State fair at l'eoria, they competed with the best herds in the United States and Canada, and received five blue and one red ribbon. They have one sow, named "Queen," who has taken premiums wherever exhibited, and is as fine an animal as can be seen. At St. Louis she has been exhibited twice, receiving the blue ribbon each time. During almost the entire time in which Messrs. Work have been engaged in the business they have had no cases of cholera on their premises, which certainly proves that they bestow great care upon their stock. They have a stock specially adapted to the purposes, and they now regularly ship pigs to all the western states and territories. They are good and true men, and can be relied upon. Any information desired will be answered by addressing J. M. & S. Work, Bardolph, Illinois.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
BARBER.
Weaver, Harvey, Broadway.
BLACKSMITHS AND WAGON MAKERS.
Danley, W. L., Elm Street.
Gordon & Wilson, corner of Chesnut and Elm Streets.
Purman, Wmn., corner of State Road and Elm Street.
BOOKS AND DRUGS.
Porter, Wm. N., Broadway.
BOOT AND SHOE MAKERS.
Coats, S., Broadway.
Parvin, S. R., corner of Elm and Broadway.
CLOTHING.
Jackson & Bro., Broadway near Elm Street.
DRY GOODS, NOTIONS, BOOTS AND SHOES.
Jackson & Bro., Broadway near Elm Street.
MeElroy, J. A., corner of Broadway and Green Street.
FIRE BRICK, TILING, ETC.
Horrocks, Stevens & Co., west of town.
GRAIN DEALERS.
Norris, J. F., Broadway.
l'elley, J. M., elevator, corner of Green & Broadway.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
GROCERIES.
Bennie, Wm., Broadway. Jackson & Bro., Broadway near Elm Street.
McElroy, J. A., corner of. Broadway and Elm Street.
Porter, Wm. N., Broadway.
HARDWARE.
Fluke, A. W., (also Stoves and Tinware) corner of Broadway and Elm Street. Jackson & Bro., Broadway, near Elin.
McElroy, J. A., corner of Broadway and Green.
HOTEL.
Jackson House, N. H. Jackson, proprietor, corner of Broadway and Elm.
LUMBER DEALER.
MeCandless, W. F., Broadway.
MEAT MARKET.
Bennie, Wm., Broadway.
Falkner & Vincent, Broadway.
MILLINERY AND DRESS MAKING.
Hendrickson, Mrs. E. A., Broadway.
Porter, Mrs. Mattie, corner of Broadway and Green.
MILL.
Merritt, W. J., corner of Green and Chestnut.
POSTMASTER.
Parvin, S. R., corner Elm and Broadway.
POTTER.
Cleveland & Son, Green Street.
PHYSICIANS.
Knapp, J. B. (alopathic), Broadway.
Sikes, H. B. (alopathic), Eim Street.
RESTAURANT.
Dunlap, II., Broadway.
STATION AGENT.
Hendrickson, J. E.
SECRET SOCIETIES. MASONIC.
Bardolph Lodge No. 572, A. F. & A. M., Ilall over Jackson & Bro's Store.
ODD FELLOWS.
Bardolph Lodge No. 371, I. O. of O. F., hall corner of Broadway and Green.
MISCELLANEOUS SOCIETIES.
Birdolph Literary Society, mneet in school house. Bardolph Cornet Band, eleven pieces ; 11. L. Booth, leader; T. A. Jackson, Secretary. Ladies' Temperance Union, meet at private houses.
CHURCHES.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Jackson Street. Methodist Episcopal Church, Jackson Street ; Rev. J. E. Taylor, Pastor. Presbyterian Church, Elm Street.
PUBLIC OFFICES. VILLAGE TRUSTEES.
President, HI. A. Maxwell ; E. D. Stevens, J. B. Knapp, J. M. Pelly, Lewis Wilson, J. F. Norris; Clerk, T. A. Jackson.
POLICE MAGISTRATE.
Thomas Rabbitt.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND NOTARY PRBLIC.
N. II. Jackson, office on Broadway near Elm Street.
N. H. Jackson.
TREASURER.
CONSTABLE.
E. A. Clark.
PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, COLCHESTER.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
CHAPTER XLVI.
COLCHESTER.
Just before the completion of the Northern Cross-now Chi- cago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad-Mr. Lewis II. Little, the owner of the northeast quarter of section thirteen, Tennessee township, determined to locate thereon a new town, and for that purpose had the tract surveyed by a Mr. Chester, then in the em- ploy of the railroad company. In honor of the surveyor he named the town Chester, but on learning of the numerous towns in the country by that name, he prefixed the term "Col" to the same, making it Colchester. The term "Col" may be said to be an abbreviation of the word "coal," then beginning to be an import- ant product of the county.
Mr. Little made no public sale of lots, but placing them upou the market, they were disposed of rapidly, and the new town was soon under full headway. D. W. Campbell purchased the first lot and erected the first house in the new town, and also brought the first stock of groceries to the town. He is yet a citizen of the place, and for many years has occupied the position of town constable or deputy sheriff.
The first building erected for hotel purposes was built by John Shults, and is yet used for that purpose, being a part of the Ches- ter house now owned by the old pioneer, J. C. Hobart.
The first stock of dry goods and general merchandise ever brought to the town was by Smithers & Atkinson, but the first building erected for that purpose was by Major John Patrick, who was engaged in the mercantile trade in the town for many years. The building erected by Major Patrick is now occupied by the firm of A. J. Smith & Co., who are doing a very extensive business.
1-43
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
Since the laying out of the original town there have been three additions made to it : the first by Charles E. Gilchrist, the second by - Canotes, the third by the Quincy Coal Company. Gen- eral Gilchrist made the first and only sale of public lots. At private sale the first lots sold from $20 to $60 each, and all soon passed out of the hands of the original proprietor. On the com- pletion of the railroad the town grew very rapidly for about two years, when no further apparent growth was made until the time of the war, when immigration again was attracted to the place. As may be inferred, the class of citizens by which the town was settled was principally miners, hard-working, intelligent men and women. Further on we shall make additional remarks in refer- ence to this class and to the coal interests of the place.
In the month of April, 1857, a publie meeting was held for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of organ- izing the town under a special charter. The question was dis- cussed pro and con, and it was determined to submit the matter to a vote of the people. In May the vote was taken, fifty-eight voting for and two against incorporation. So the town was in- corporated, and a Board of Trustees, consisting of five members, was duly elected. The following are the names of the first Board : John Patrick, Thomas W. Hunt, John E. Jackson, William Cowan, and W. L. Whitson.
Colchester, like all other towns, has had its seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversity. Its most rapid growth was in the years 1856 and 1857, just after the completion of the railroad. From that time until the years 1863 and 1864 but little was done; then the town began to improve again, but soon fell back to a state of apathy, which continued until the past year, when it began to take on new life. We now find it rapidly improving ; new houses of the most substantial character are being erected, and the sup- ply of tenement houses does not equal the demand. The town now contains a larger number of inhabitants than ever before. Many houses have two or more families in them, living in this way until better provisions shall be made for them.
Colchester has many advantages not possessed by other towns of the county. The face of the earth not only yields its fruit to the work of the hands of her people, but the underworld is com- pelled to yield up her treasures, which go to enrich mankind and minister to the comforts of the race. Even should a drouth occur,
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
these people have a mine of wealth in their coal-beds that cannot be affected by it.
The demand for the products of this underworld has never yet been less than the supply ; therefore, while other places may feel from time to time the effects of a monetary crisis, Colchester does not suffer in comparison with them.
The coal interests of this place have never been fully appreciated by the citizens of the county, while none realize the vast treasures which are underneath their very feet. We have spent much time in gathering items in relation to this work, and with pleasure sub- mit them to our readers. Until the year 1855 but little had been done in this field of labor. A little coal had been taken out of the drifts, but no systematic work had been undertaken. The first coal ever taken out and used for fuel, is said to have been by the Mormons between the years 1840-46, In 1853, James Roberts, now President and Superintendent of the Colchester Coal Con- pany, came to this county, bought land in the Welch settlement, and began mining on a small scale, continuing the same until the neigh of the iron horse was heard in the distance, when he en- larged his works, and by the time the road was completed in the spring of 1855, to Camp Point, he was ready for active operations. Securing about adozen teams he began to ship to Quincy, hauling to Camp Point, and from thence by rail. This was the beginning of what has since developed into a great business enterprise, bringing into our county annually thousands of dollars. From the time he first struck a pick in 1853, Mr. Roberts has continued in the business of mining.
About the year 1855 a partnership was formed under the firm name of Roberts & Co., soon changing to Roberts & Bros., then Morris & Roberts, then Morris & Co., then back to Roberts & Co., and then Morris & Spencer, and finally the company dissolved, its members forming two separate organizations under the names of Quincy Coal Company and Colchester Coal Company, the latter now being owned and controlled by James Roberts & Sons, the former by gentlemen living in Quincy and Colchester, with Mr. Thomas Rundle as the efficient superintendent of the mines, and HI. S. Osborne, of Quincy, its able president. These two com- panies do an immense business, the Quincy Coal company in its mines employing one hundred and thirty men and sixty boys, and the Colchester company having forty men and ten boys. In addi- tion to this there are nearly as many more engaged in neighbor-
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
ing mines, or, in round numbers, a total of about four hundred engaged in the work. The pay roll of the two companies to their regular hands is about $11,000 per month.
During the past six years there has been shipped from this sta- tion an average per year of 6,828 cars, or 22 cars per day ; which reduced to bushels would be for the year, 1,707,000, or 136,560,000 pounds. This gives one but a faint conception of the magnitude of the trade. It may here be remarked that Colchester coal is acknowledged by all to be the best in the State of Illinois. As a general thing matters have always run smooth between the va- rious companies and their men, the latter receiving good wages at all times, far better than could be obtained in any other trade. An industrious man it is said, can make from $75 to $100 per month at the rate paid-6 cents per bushels. At the present all seem prosperous and contented. An impression seems to prevail among many that coal mining is unhealthy, we therefore made special inquiry as to its truth, and found there is no class of persons enjoying better health than the coal miners, not even the farming community.
During the past five years there were shipped from this station an average per year of wheat, 1 car; oats, 6; corn, 15; rye, 3; cattle, 2; hogs, 13; coal, 6,828; other freight, 105. In the same time there were received of lumber, 21 cars ; agricultural imple- ments, 1; merchandise, 81; other freight, 60. These items make a very respectable showing for the town.
In the cause of education Colchester keeps pace with the rest of the county. A large briek school building was erected but a few years ago at a cost of $8,000, and a nine-months' school is held therein each year. A proposition was submitted to the peo- ple for or against keeping the schools open that length of time each year, and the proposition was carried almost unanimously to continne, thus showing the people are alive to their interests. Next to the church the school house is the great civilizer of the land. Good wages have always been paid their teachers, and usually the best have been employed. At present Professor Charles W. Parker is the efficient superintendent.
With respect to religious influences, the town has two good church buildings, represented by two denominations-Methodist Episcopal and Christian. Each of these have good congrega- tions.
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HISTORY OF M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
The question of license or no license is submitted each year at their annual election, and, like other towns, it sometimes is carried for and then against. The monetary influence is the great argu- ment brought to bear to create public sentiment in its favor. We believe the time will come when all will be made to see that the money obtained directly from this source is always paid out with usury to sustain paupers and criminals made by the use of the liquors drank.
The following named gentlemen have served the town as mem- bers of the Board of Trustees since its organization :
1857-John Patrick, Thomas W. Hunt, John E. Jackson. William Cowan and W. I. Whitson. 1858-J. II. Atkinson, John Patrick, Anson Underhill, Abraham Pearson and Thomas W. Hunt. 1859-William Edgerton, David Cowan. James Robinson, I. Ingals and I. B. Hunt.
1860-A. Milliken, W. Cowan, Eli Gertoide, J. B. Hunt and D. W. Huddleston.
1861-E. Gertoide, I. B. Hunt, W. Cowan, D. W. Huddleston and William Smith.
1862-Isaac B. Hunt, D. W. Huddleston, Eli Gertoide, William Cowan and William Smith.
1863 -- William Edgerton, Archibald Morton, Abraham Newland, Sr., Thomas Smith and Lewis II. Little.
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