USA > Illinois > Tazewell County > History of Tazewell county, Illinois ; together with sketches of its cities, villages and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; portraits of prominent persons and biographies of representative citizens. History of Illinois Digest of state laws > Part 54
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On the 1st of April, 1839, the town of Pekin acquired the title to the Ferry across the Illinois river, by a release of all the right and interest of Mrs. Lucretia Mount, administratrix of Sexton Mount. The fifth election for Trustees was held Aug. 12, 1839, when Harlan Hatch, Middleton Tackaberry, James W. Tharp, R. H. Snell, and John W. Casey were elected. Harlan Hatch was elected President by the Board ; Alden Hull, Treasurer ; and John Gridley, Clerk. On Aug. 26, M. Tackaberry was appointed Collec- tor and Street Commissioner.
At the sixth election for Trustees, held Aug. 10, 1840, Wm. S. Maus, M. Tackaberry, Benj. Wagenseller, Orlando F. Earnest and Joseph B. Worley were elected. The Board elected Wm. S. Maus, President ; Alden Hull, Treasurer ; and John Gridley, Clerk. The Board resolved, Dec. 29, 1840, that " An eagle of a quarter of a dollar of the new coinage, be adopted for a seal of the corporation of the town of Pekin."
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
On Jan. 20, 1841, Joseph Haines, Sr., Wm. H. Holmes, and Jno. Gridley were appointed Assessors for 1841. On Feb. 24, a tax of four mills on the dollar was levied, and Joseph Haines was appointed Collector. At the same time John Gridley, Town Clerk, was " Authorized to procure one fire ladder and two hooks for the cor- poration." We find no evidence to show that license was given to sell spirituous liquors until the 21st of April, 1841. On that day Lawrence Doyle and Henry Schwan were granted a license for that purpose, for one year, in consideration of the sum of $25.
The seventh election was held Aug. 9, 1841, resulting in the elec- tion of Wm. S. Maus, John W. Casey, Orlando F. Earnest, Benj. Wagenseller and Richard Snell. They organized by electing Wm. S. Maus, President ; and John Gridley, Clerk. On Nov. 16th, Wm. S. Maus tendered his resignation as a member of the Board, which was accepted, and David Mark elected to fill his place.
In December, 1743, a fearful epidemic overspread the town, spread- ing disease and death on every hand. It was erysipelas and malig- nant scarlatina. The physicians in attendance were Drs. William Rinehart, Wm. S. Maus, and Wm. Cromwell, and although they labored faithfully and earnestly to check the disease, it held its sway for four months, but finally disappered, after having attacked over five hundred out of a population of about eight hundred, and carry- ing fifty-two of its victims to the grave.
An ordinance was passed June 4, 1847, declaring the ferry across the river to be free, and authorizing the Street Commissioners to receive subscriptions from the citizens to defray the expenses of the same. The free ferry did not prove a success, however, for on the 28th of August following, the Trustees resolved that "from and after the 28th day of August, 1847, ferriage shall be charged at the ferry at Pekin." The ferry was sold in December, 1847, to B. S. Prettyman, for $1,575.
In 1848, a Division of the Sons of Temperance was organized, which flourished for some years, but finally died out.
On the 7th of August, 1849, the Board resolved "that the census of the town should be taken preparatory to a city organization," and John App was appointed census taker, with instructions to report at the next meeting. On the evening of the 9th Mr. App reported the census completed, which showed that the town contain- ed 1,500 inhabitants, the minimum number required by law for the adoption of a city charter. On Aug. 20, 1849, an election was held,
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pursuant to previous notice, and an unanimous vote polled in favor of city organization.' Thus Pekin became a city, and the first city election was held for city officers on the 24th of September, 1849.
The first calaboose was built by John S. Boone, in 1849, and in the summer of 1868 was set on fire by an inmate and destroyed.
A census of the city was taken in 1850, when it was ascertained to contain 1,840 inhabitants.
Early one Sunday morning in March, 1851, the citizens of Pekin were suddenly startled by a terriffic explosion, which brought them in crowds to the river, where they beheld one of the most sickening and heart-rending spectacles that could well be imagined. The boiler of the Prairie State had exploded just as she was about to land at the levee, and being loaded with passengers, many were pre- cipitated into the river, some never to rise again, while others lost some of their limbs, and nearly all were severely scalded, a number fatally. The sufferers were taken into houses near by, and every attention given to them that was possible. Many recovered, but some were so badly injured that they lived but a short time. Some of the survivors are still living in Pekin.
On April 2d, 1851, John Giblin was awarded the contract for grading the plank road on the opposite side of the river, and on Oct. 13, 1854, it was completed, having cost the sum of $32,000. It was a frail affair and soon abandoned, and in 1867 what remained of it was torn down and replaced by an embankment of earth, erected by J. A. and T. J. MeGrew.
In 1853, D. P. Kenyon and B. Kellogg, Jr., were appointed a committee to subscribe $100,000 to the Mississippi and Wabash Railroad, which they did in their individual names, and afterwards transferred it to the city ; and, on Oct. 23, 1856, the city voted to subscribe $100,000 to the capital stock of the Illinois River Rail- road,
The first rail was laid on the Illinois River Railroad on July 4th, 1859, and appropriately celebrated by the leading citizens of Pekin on the anniversary of the birthday of our nation's independence.
About ten o'clock on the night of March 22, 1860, the citizens of Pekin were startled by an alarm of fire, which had been discovered in the grocery store of E. Grondenburg. In a few minutes a large crowd of citizens had gathered to combat the fiery monster, but in spite of all their efforts it continued to gain headway, and soon the buildings adjoining, including the office of the Tazewell Register,
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
were enveloped in flames. All efforts to check the spread of the fire were unavailing, and in a short time the buildings on both sides of Court street were enveloped in flames, and it was not got under control until it had destroyed nearly all the buildings on both sides of the street, from Third to Capitol street, including over thirty of the principal business houses. This was a severe blow to the busi- ness interests of the city, involving a loss of over $150,000. But the enterprising citizens soon went to work to rebuild their business houses, and it was not long before Court street, on both sides, be- tween Capitol and Third streets, was rebuilt with substantial brick buildings. Mr. McDonald, of the Register, issued a small sheet to his subscribers until April 17th, when, having refurnished his office with new material, his paper was issued in its regular form.
Immediately after the fire above referred to, the people became enthusiastic over the formation of fire companies. A company was formed and sent in a petition to the council for the purchase of an engine, and desired it to be called "No. 1." Another company was formed, consisting of Germans, and sent to the council a similar petition. Two engines were ordered, and it appears the council was somewhat partial to the German company, for it recognized it as No. 1. The day of the arrival of the engines was a gala day in Pekin. They came on a boat, and the two companies marched down to the dock in fine style to get their engines. The German company found their engine all right, with "No. 1" conspicuously painted on it. Equally as prominent, on the other engine, was "No. 2," which was distasteful to the other company, and they marched away, leaving it, for they claimed their engine had not come. Thus, the original fire company of Pekin had but a momentary life.
In June, 1860, one of the Commissioners for taking the census of Tazewell county, reported the population of the city of Pekin at 5,023 ; the number of dwelling houses, 742; trading establishments, commonly called stores, 49; commission houses, 5; small establish- ments of productive industry, with less capital, 21; principal ho- tels, 4; drug stores, 6; printing offices, 2; lager beer saloons, 25; billiard saloons, 5; steam flouring mill, 1; churches of different denominations, 11; school-houses, 12; pupils in attendance, 503; taxable property, $1,900,570, paying a revenue of $29,370.
The call of President Lincoln for troops, at the breaking out of the Rebellion, elicited a prompt response from the citizens of Pekin, which furnished for the defense of our country as brave and noble
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a band of soldiers as any city of its size in the Union. It is but just that we should honor and revere the memories of these brave men, for many of them laid down their lives, while others suffered untold miseries in Southern prison pens, to perpetuate the freedom and unity of this great nation. Col. Frank L. Rhodes was the first to enlist in this city. He died at Shawneetown, Jan. 6, 1879.
The death of Stephen A. Douglas was announced to the council on the 3d of June, and, on motion of Alderman Harlow, appropri- ate resolutions of sorrow were adopted.
On the 16th of April, 1865, the sad news of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln cast a shade of gloom and sadness over the city. All business was practically suspended, crowds of citizens gathered along the streets, whose hearts were sad and sorrowful, and soon flags were to be seen floating from numerous business houses and residences, draped in mourning and displayed at half-mast. Busi- ness houses and dwellings were also draped in mourning, and a feeling of sorrow and sadness for the loss of one whom they loved, and to whose wit, wisdom and eloquence they had listened in years gone by, pervaded every heart. He had once been an honored member of the Pekin Bar, and his eloquence and large-heartedness had won for him a prominent place in the hearts of its citizens. The city council passed resolutions expressive of their regret and sorrow for the murdered President.
On the 15th of March, 1869, a new city charter was adopted by the city council.
On Feb. 28, 1870, the Pekin Agricultural and Mechanical Asso- ciation was organized, under the general law of the State, the society having for its object the development and encouragement of agriculture and the mechanic arts, fixing its capital stock at $50,- 000, divided into 2,000 shares, of $25 each. B. S. Prettyman was elected President ; Teis Smith, Vice President ; G. R. Cobleigh, Secretary ; Geo. Greigg, Treasurer; and Jas. W. Robinson, C. R. Cummings, J. H. Height, John Stoltz, Peter Weyhrich, H. P. Finigan and W. W. Sellers, Trustees. Eighty acres of land were purchased, enclosed with a fenee, and stalls, amphitheatres, etc., were erected. The first two or three years this enterprise was quite successful, but was finally abandoned on account of insufficient pat- ronage, although it was one of the finest and best located fair grounds in the State.
On the 7th of August, 1877, a meeting was held at Hibernia
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Hall, for the purpose of organizing a military company, and the following officers were elected: Captain, K. S. Conklin; First Lieut., Geo. G. Geiger ; Second Lieut., H. L. Koch. The company was styled the Celestial Guards. On the 20th of the same month, Captain Conklin was elected Major of the 7th regiment, by accla- mation, and on Oct. 26, following, Lieut. Geiger was elected Cap- tain, vice Conklin, promoted, and Wm. L. Prettyman was elected First Lieutenant, vice Geiger, promoted. On Dec. 27, 1877, the ladies of Pekin presented the company with a handsome silk flag. On August 29, 1878, the company competed with the Governor's Guards, of Springfield, and Morgan Cadets, of Jacksonville, defeat- ing them by several points, and winning the first prize of $150. At its organization the company numbered about forty members. Its membership has steadily increased, until now it numbers about eighty members. Captain Geiger has proved himself an able and efficient officer, and has contributed in a great measure to make the company one of the most perfect in the State.
Having thus given the most prominent events in the history of Pekin, for the data of which we have largely drawn upon the His- tory of Pekin, found in the City Directory, pulished by Sellers & Bates, in 1870, we will note some of the business interests of the city. Before, however, taking up this line of history, we wish to copy the following extract from that work, which describes the location of the city of Pekin :
" Beautifully situated on the east bank of the Illinois river, on an elevated plain, two miles wide before reaching the picturesque scenery of the east bluff, the location challenges a comparison with any in the West. On the west side it is bounded by the river, crowded, during the greater portion of the year, with steam packets, tow-boats, steam propellers, canal boats, barges and other water- crafts, while the beautiful lake to the northward is made alive of summer evenings with pleasure boats of every description. Sur- rounding the city on the other sides is a country teeming with every product that brings wealth and luxury to the people- the field, the orchard, the garden and the vineyard, vieing with each other in the richness and abundance of their yields. The city is located about midway between Chicago and St. Louis, with direct communication by rail with both, and, during the season of water navigation, by daily packet with St. Louis, and by steam propeller, via the Illinois and Michigan Canal, with Chicago and the lakes. As a railroad
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center it has no superior, having now daily communication by rail in every direction."
We have no doubt the reader will regard the above graphic description somewhat overdrawn, especially that clause relating to the river. We presume, however, that Pekin's former historian was of a poctie turn of mind, and, now and then, indulged in such bursts of phantasy.
Pekin has a population of about 8,000.
MANUFACTORIES.
Among the manufacturing establishments of Pekin, the first claiming our attention is that of T. & H. Smith & Co., corner of Third and Ann Eliza streets. The business of this firm, which has grown to such large proportions, was started in 1849, by the pur- chase of a small shop by Messrs. Teis and Henry Smith, from Mr. Alright. They established themselves, and with but a small capital, commenced business. Steam power was out of the question, with the means at their command, and many of the citizens can well re- member the horse which walked around the ring from morning till night, furnishing the power for certain mechanical operations. The business of the firm steadily inereased, and it soon became necces- sary to erect more commodious buildings. In 1850, Mr. Lupper came to the city and became one of the firm. As the business con- tinued to increase, other partners soon came in, and finally new branches were established in other parts of the city. The following firms are the outgrowth of T. & H. Smith & Co., in all of which that firm have an interest at the present time: Smith, Hippen & Co., grain dealers, organized in 1857; Smith, Velde & Co., dealers in hardware and agricultural implements, organized in 1858; Teis, Smith & Co., bankers, organized in 1866; the Smith Plow Com- pany, manufacturers of plows and cultivators, organized in 1875.
Just before the formation of the latter company, a fire broke out in the shops of T. & H. Smith & Co., totally destroying the build- ing and contents. Phoenix-like, it soon rose from its ashes, a larger and more imposing structure than before. The Smith Plow Com- pany was organized, and the manufacture of plows and cultivators transferred to another building, which was fitted up with machin- ery of the latest modern improvements, for their manufacture.
The firm of T. & H. Smith & Co., now confine themselves exclusively to the manufacture of wagons and buggies. Their
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business is steadily increasing, and by employing first-class work- men and using only the best material they have won a reputation second to no manufacturing firm of the kind in the United States.
Hon. Teis Smith, the original founder of the above works, was born in Hamswerum, Hanover, Germany, March 21, 1827. He was the first-born son of Conrad and Margaret (Velde) Smith, descendants of a long line of German ancestors. Conrad Smith had a strong love for his native country, but his love for his children, and his anxiety for their welfare, induced him to leave his Father- land and come to the New World, where better chances for their success and advancement in the road to fortune and honor were afforded. His decease occurred in June, 1850, and his wife died in April, 1851. Teis Smith was married to Miss Elizabeth Neef, a native of Germany, and daughter of Deiderich Neef, in the spring of 1852. They had six children, only one of whom, Maggie C., is now living. Mr. Smith became a member of the German M. E. Church about the time of his marriage, and took an active part in the erection of the German M. E. Church, in Pekin. He was a genuine and consistent Christian gentleman, and honored and res- peeted by all with whom he came in contact. His wife died in the spring of 1862. He was married the second time to Miss Dinah Neef, daughter of Frederic Neef, and a cousin of his former wife. By this union three children have been born to them, of whom one son and one daughter are living. In politics Mr. Smith was identi- fied with the Republican party. He was publie spirited, and was active and earnest in promoting the advancement of the interests of the city of his adoption, and the financial welfare of Tazewell Co. He was called away from the cares of earth on the 12th of Septem- ber, 1870, and was followed to the grave by a host of friends, who felt that in his demise they had sustained a loss which was practi- eally irreparable.
Luppe Luppen, manufacturer, another member of the firm of T. & H. Smith & Co., is a first-class mechanie and one of the sterling men of Pekin. He was born at Hamswerum, Germany, Aug. 20, 1823, and was educated in the common schools of that country. His parents were Peter and Juste (Lutjens) Luppen. He was mar- ried to Catharine Smith in 1846, and came to Pekin June 21, 1850, and in the same year united with the German M. E. Church. They have had four children - Margaret, born Sept. 18, 1849; Conrad, Dee. 6, 1851; Louisa, Aug. 11, 1852; and Peter, Nov. 24, 1855.
TEIS SMITH.
D.C. SMITH.
FRED SMITH
LUPPE LUPPEN
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
Conrad is the only one now living. Mr. L. has been financially successful, and now owns a fine residence on the corner of Fourth and Catharine streets.
Frederick C. Smith, another member of the above-named firm, was born in Hanover (now incorporated with Prussia), Germany, June 20, 1829. His parents were Conrad H. and Margaret (Velde) Smith. He was educated in the public schools of Germany, and came to this city in August, 1849, and afterwards became associated with the firm of T. & H. Smith & Co., manufacturers. On the 6th of May, 1855, he married Miss Louisa Grondenberg. Nine chil- dren were the fruits of this marriage, seven boys and two girls, as follows : Conrad, born Oct. 2, 1856, died Oct. 23, 1857; Fred. F., born Jan. 26, 1859; Conrad F., Aug. 29, 1861; Charlotte Louise, Oct. 1, 1863; A. Lincoln, Sept. 12, 1866; George A., March 8, 1869; Louis Teis, Aug. 13, 1871; Teis H., Dec. 30, 1874, and Maggie Centennella, Oct. 3, 1876. Mr. Smith became connected with the German M. E. Church in September, 1849. In politics he is a Republican. By untiring industry and strict attention to busi- ness he has been financially successful, and regards his coming to this country as a stepping stone to fortune, and is enthusiastic in expressing his gratitude to his adopted country.
Hon. Dietrich C. Smith, banker, a member of the firm of Teis Smith & Co., was born in Hanover, Germany, April 4, 1840. His parents, Conrad and Margaret (Velde) Smith, were also native Ger- mans. He came to Pekin with his parents and brothers in 1849. His education was obtained in Germany and at the college in Quincy, Ill. During the Rebellion Mr. Smith was Lieutenant of Co. I, 8th III. Inf., and was also Captain of Co. C. 139th Ill. Inf., and was wounded in the battle of Pittsburg Landing, April 6, 1862. He has held the offices of Alderman of the city of Pekin, Super- visor of Pekin township, member of the 30th General Assembly of Illinois, etc. He was married, in 1863, to Miss Carrie Pieper, by whom he has had six children - Walter, born in 1864; George L., in 1866; Ernest, in 1868; Mary in 1870; Dietrich, in 1872; and Carrie, in 1875. George L. died, the other five are still living. He has been financially successful, and is now the owner of a fine brick residence on the corner of Newhall and Willow streets. He is a member of the M. E. Church. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Smith is a public spirited man, and is largely interested in the I., B. & W., and other railroads in this county.
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
Weyhrich & Co. The firm of P. Weyrich & Co., manufacturers of the Weyrich Headers, employs a large number of hands in the manufacture of that machine. They run an 80 horse power engine at their works, and turn out from 600 to 700 machines annually, at an aggregate valuation of at least $100,000. On the 20th of May, 1879, they had one hundred machines in their yard, some of which were finished and packed ready for shipment, while the finishing touches were being put upon others, every one of which were already contracted for. The business of the firm is steadily increas- ing, and under its present management bids fair to surpass any other establishment of the kind in the West in the amount and excellence of its work.
BANKS.
The banking interest has for a long time been, and must always be, a very important factor in all commercial centers, and the large amount of money-transactions carried through without the inter- vention of coin or bank notes, in a country like ours, is inconceiva- ble to those not engaged in business pursuits. The manner in which these transactions may be effected without money would be at once apparent, if all persons in the same locality dealt with the same bank, and all banks throughout the country were branches of the same institution, and in reality, the business is managed by the operations of the clearing house, as if this were true. The checks, bills or other drafts which come into the hands of the banker, drawn on (that is, payable by) other banks, are set off and liquidated by drafts, which they have received, drawn on him. The balance or difference, only, is paid in money.
The largest banking house in the world-the Bank of England - was started by William Patterson, a Scotchman, and was char- tered in the year 1694, and since that time the banking business has steadily grown in volume and importance until now, it has reached such magnitude that the collossal business transactions of our coun- try could scarcely be carried through without the use of banks.
The first banking house in this county was opened under the name of the Shawneetown Bank, in 1839, and was a branch of the Bank of Illinois, with Col. C. Oakley as its President; Charles C. Wilcox, Cashier; and William C. Docker, Clerk. The bank was located on the southeast corner of Court and Second strects. This institution had but a short run, as the collapse of the great internal
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HISTORY OF TAZEWELL COUNTY.
improvement system, inaugurated in 1836-7, so effected its opera- tions that in June, 1842, it closed its doors. The old safe used by the bank is still in existance, and in possession of Peter A. Brower, step-son of Colonel Oakley. It is a quaint old relic of antiquity that the skilled burglar of to-day would delight to meet.
For many years after the close of the Shawneetown Bank the business men of Pekin were without a bank, and not until 1852, when Rupert & Haines organized the Platte Valley Bank, was this want supplied. This institution had a run of about nine years, when it went down, causing quite a flutter in business cireles in Pekin, depositors and others losing heavily by the failure. After the collapse of the Platte Valley Bank, Greigg & Smith did a bank- ing business just cast of the Bemis House, in a building now oceu- pied by George Greigg. On the 15th of March, 1866, the First National Bank was opened. This bank was organized by the Leon- ards, and did business as a bank of issue for about ten years, when it called in its bills and surrendered its charter as a National bank, and was then conducted by Leonard & Blossom for a short time, and is now known as the Banking House of F. W. Leonard & Co. About the time of the organization of the First National Bank the Banking House of Teis Smith & Co. was inaugurated. This bank is located in the block occupied by their extensive wagon factory, but is conducted as a distinct and separate enterprise. They do a gen- eral banking and foreign exchange business, with D. C. Smith as General Manager, and H. B. Whitefoot as Cashier and Clerk. The Farmers National Bank was organized June 9, 1875, with a paid up capital of $50,000, Jonathan Merriam and A. C. Hoblit being the principal movers in the enterprise. The bank opened with Jonathan Merriam, President, S. H. Jones, Vice President, and A. B. Hoblit, Cashier. Mr. Merriam still occupies the position of President, with C. R. Cummings, Vice President, and B. R. Hieronymus, Cashier. A large number of the solid business men of the county are inter- ested in this institution, which occupies one of the finest briek buildings in Tazewell county, creeted and fitted especially for it, and located on the northeast corner of Court and Capitol streets. Its fire-proof vaults and burglar-proof safes are of modern build and the very best make. The present Cashier, Mr. B. R. Hieronymus, is widely known throughout the county for his cour- tesy and fair dealing, and his known business qualifications and in- tegrity of character, so characteristic of the man, eminently fit him
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