USA > Illinois > White County > History of White County Illinois > Part 54
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Jesse Coulter is another of the oldest living settlers of Gray- ville. He was born in Delaware, Sept. 28, 1797. In'1828 he came here and entered 160 acres of land on the west side of what has since been Grayville. He was a carpenter the earlier part of his life and subsequently a farmer. He has been Assessor and mem- ber of the Town Council several terms. Before coming West he married Mary Hopkins, a native of Delaware ; four of their seven children are now living-John, Lydia (widow of Green B. Lind- say), James S. and David.
Thomas Mathews, born in Ireland in 1814, is one of the oldest and most respected residents of Grayville. He came to White County in 1819, and ever since then has been prominently identified with the county's interests. He owns considerable property, and is en- joying a hale old age.
Those dilapidated buildings near the depot are not the most ancient in Grayville. Among the oldest houses here are these: One on the north side of North street, the second from Main, now used as a bakery. It is made of logs and weatherboarded. It was built by James Gray in 1835. Another, built by the same man about the same time, now stands next to Boord's drug store, on the west, and is now used as a saddler's shop. It is also made of logs, and was first used as a place for packing hogs. It has been moved from its original site. The oldest dwelling house is now Dr. Mill- iron's residence, corner of Main and Mill streets.
For many other interesting particulars concerning Grayville in early days, see Reminiscences by Hon. S. H. Martin, page 279.
ORGANIC.
Jan. 26, 1839, a popular meeting was held at the residence of Dr. L. M. Wilson, when James Gray was elected President of the assembly, and Robert D. Walden, Clerk. After deliberation, a vote was taken, resulting in an unanimous declaration by seventeen
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citizens in favor of the incorporation of Grayville as a village, to be controlled by a Board of Trustees. Those seventeen voters were the following: Daniel Ganoung, John White, Robert Oliver, Thomas King, Alexander Clark, Samuel Lincon, Willian Rearden, James Fackney, Abel Vaughn, Eldridge Hussey, Caleb Butler, L. M. Wilson, Silas Smith, William Walker, Elliott Kerney, James Gray and R. D. Walden.
The first Trustees were elected in February, 1839, namely : James Gray, Elliott Kerney, John B. Blackford, Alexander Clark and L. M. Wilson. James Gray was chosen the first President, George W. Hoke the first Clerk, and Robert D. Walden, Treasurer.
TRUSTEES.
Following are the Trustees, by years, with the dates of their election :
Feb. 1, 1840 .- John D. Blackford, T. J. Malone, Elliott Kerney, Alexander Clark and William L. Williams. Mr. Kerney was ap- pointed President, Mr. Walden, Treasurer, and Dudley Fuller, Clerk.
Feb. 1, 1841 .- James Gray, President; John White, John A. Tate, Thomas J. Malone and William Rearden. W. W. Gray, Clerk. At this date the meetings of the council were ordered to be held in the house of Gray & Walden, the first Saturday of each month.
Feb. 18, 1842 .- J. B. Blackford, President; T. S. Bunten, Caleb Butler, George Woodham and Elliott Kerney. Francis Fuller, Clerk.
Feb. 4, 1843 .- James Gray, President; Silas Smith, T. J. Malone, John Butler and W. L. Lemmons. W. W. Gray, Clerk.
Feb. 7, 1844 .- Silas Smith, John Butler, Thomas J. Malone, William Rearden and James Gray. Malone resigned subsequently, and Samuel C. Mills was appointed in his place.
1845, missing. May 8 of this year the following were found to be Trustees by the record: James Gray, President; John Butler, William Rearden, Samuel C. Mills and Silas Smith. During the year Daniel Bulkley was appointed in the place of Smith.
1846, missing.
Feb. 1, 1847 .- John Butler, Thomas Matthews, Samuel C. Mills, Josiah McKnight and John Williams.
April 9, 1849 .- Daniel Bulkley, President; I. H. Hamilton, John Butler, James Hall and Henry Hardin. J. B. Jolly, Clerk.
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Feb. 1, 1849 .- S. C. Mills, President; D. G. Hay, Henry Hardin, S. H. Martin and Daniel Bulkley. P. C. Bulkley, Clerk.
Feb. 1, 1850 .- Jeremiah Routh, President; Hugh Ronalds, D. G. Hay, John Williams and James B. Brown. W. W. Gray, Clerk.
Jan. 6, 1851 .- C. T. Hall, John Williams, Samuel R. Hall, John Butler and Gibson W. Harris.
Feb. 1, 1851 .- James Hunter, Thomas Matthews, John P. Will- iams, Gibson W. Harris and Abner Carey.
1852 .- John P. Williams, President. Before the close of the year George Williams was made President. A. A. White, Clerk. 1853 .- George Williams, John Butler, W. H. Ladd and J. B. Jolly. G. W. Harris, Clerk.
1854 .- George Williams, President; J. P. McIntire, J. B. Jolly and J. B. Williams. The last mentioned was appointed Clerk.
1855 .- George Williams, James Stephenson, J. B. Jolly, J. B. Williams and James P. McIntire.
TOWN COUNCIL.
By act of the Legislature of 1851 Grayville was to become an incorporated town May 5, that year, if the citizens on that day should vote for it; but it seems that they did not vote for it at that time; and March 4, 1855, an act was approved, incorporating the "town of Grayville, in the counties of White and Edwards," and granting the usual powers, duties and franchises of incorporated towns in this State. The act, if quoted in full, would cover twelve or fifteen pages of this work. According to the records of Gray- ville, however, it was chartered 'as a town Feb. 15, 1855. This charter was amended March 18, 1865, by the addition of several special provisions. It provided for the election of a president and six members of the council, who should appoint a treasurer and a constable, the election to take place on the first Monday of June each year.
June 11, 1855, occurred the first meeting of the Town Council, consisting of James Stephenson, President; John L. Webster, George Gilbert, Abner Carey, John B. Jolly, John M. Caldwell and Samuel Annable; J. B. Hinde, Clerk, and H. A. Woodward, Treasurer.
The present officers, elected in 1882, are: W. W. Gray, Presi- dent; Wm. Carothers, J. C. Lindsay, W. F. Baldwin, J. B. Bulk- ley, Pat. Ward and D. Negley. F. M. J. Boord, Clerk, and H. A. Blair, Treasurer.
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THE STREETS OF GRAYVILLE
are about "square with the world," are neat and well kept, and, the earth being sandy and rolling, they are never muddy. Some of them are graveled. Their names, commencing at the wharf, are in order as follows: Water, Washington, Main, Middle, Court; and still proceeding west, south of North street, are Walnut, Col- lege, Hunting; north of North street are, after Court, First, Second, Third, etc. North street is the main business thoroughfare, and runs westward from the mouth of Bonpas Creek. North of this street, and parallel with it, are Mill, South (being the southern- most street in Edwards County), Spring, Walnut and Plum, Syca- more, Vine and Martin. Walnut and Plum we name together, as they are almost in line with each other; so with Vine and Martin. South of North street, and parallel with it, are Elizabeth, Com- merce and Pulaski, Butler. Next the river, and south of Pulaski, are Hamilton, High, Walnut, Sycamore, Bishop; and east of Water, in the extreme southeast portion of town, are Warren and Oxford, almost in line.
The Wabash Railroad track runs mainly on Washington street, while the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville track is two to three rods east of this, opposite the business portion of town.
The county line between White and Edwards is on South street, the second north of North street.
INDUSTRIES.
Empire Mills .- These mills were first erected in 1855, by Abner Carey and Alexander Stewart, and were started into operation in September of that year, when Mr. F. M. Lanterman became a partner. The firm name was then Carey, Stewart & Lanterman until 1876, since which time it has been Lanterman & Stewart. The mill first started with four-run of stones, with a capacity of about 120 barrels of flour per day. Additions have been made of twenty feet on each side, making it now 84 x 50 feet; it is four stories high. There are at present five run of stones -three for wheat, one for middlings, and one for corn; two puri- fiers (Lacroix and Smith patents); two receiving scale hoppers with elevators and fans; apparatus for " patent-process " flour, and all the latest improvements necessary to the perfection of a flouring mill.
The well-known superior flour manufactured by the Empire Mills is found in almost every market in the country, mostly in
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New York City, under the brands "Magnificent," "People's Favorite," " Rosedale," "Shakspeare," etc. These mills are the largest in this section of the State, and have a wider and better reputation than any other. For custom work, for example, farmers thirty to sixty miles distant often leave the mills in their own vicinity and drive by others to come to Grayville and patronize the "Empire." These mills run night and day, and business is constantly, steadily and permanently increasing on the hands of the proprietors.
The first saw-mill in Grayville was built by Elliott Kerney, on the spot now occupied by the Empire Mills.
The "City (flouring) Mills," owned by J. T. Hill, used to do a flourishing business in Grayville, but they are discontinued. They had three run of burrs, and were chiefly devoted to the custom trade.
Blood & Vaughn's Saw and Planing Mill .- This mill was first erected in 1878, by S. H. Blood and S. D. Blair, and it is situated at the foot of Elizabeth street. In 1880 Mr. Blair sold his interest to J. S. Vaughn, and Mr. Blood disposed of his share to his son, John M The saw-mill has been enlarged, the engine now used being fifty horse-power, and it averages about 10,000 feet per day. The saw is a double circular, and the mill is fur. nished with all the equipments for manufacturing molding, lath, pickets, etc. Fifteen hands are employed in this mill. The planing-mill has also a fifty horse-power engine; was built in 1881, and its size is 80 x 44 feet. This mill employs five hands besides the umber haulers. Cost of this structure, about $2,000. The company ships to Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Peoria, etc. They have the largest lumber yard in Grayville, it being in two sections, one about the mill, and one on the hill, south of Carey & Son's. The mills run eleven hours a day, and aver- age five days a week.
In 1880 a fine, large photograph was taken of the saw mill and the nine men employed therein, sitting in front for the artist.
In the place of the saw-mill there formerly was a warehouse, owned by Agniel Bros., for the storage of grain and tobacco, pre- paratory to shipment on the river; and in place of the planing-mill there was a grist-mill, owned by Jeremiah Routh. then by Clark & Orange, and finally by Hill & Orange. It was burned down in 1880, with no insurance.
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Martin, Brissenden && Co.'s Saw and Planing Mill, at the foot of North street, was erected in 1874, by Wm. Gravett, now a resident of Carmi. These mills are as extensive as those just described, and the manufacturers ship to points as distant as Wisconsin, Iowa, etc. Their material comprises both hard and soft wood, which they obtain mainly from Indiana. S. J. Orange is the third party in this firm.
A. Carey & Son, manufacturers of staves, heading, and all kinds of hard wood lumber, have their mill and factory at the junction of the railroads in the southeastern corner of the town. The manu- factory was erected in 1876. There are two engines, twenty and thirty horse-power, and the boilers are seventy-five to eighty horse- power. About fifty hands are employed. The saw-mill is in the upper story, and the stave and heading factory in the lower. There are also two large warehouses, steam dry-kilns, etc. The company have also recently purchased the large furniture manufactory across the way from their office, and built by Coulter & Negley. The mills run usually about eleven hours a day, ten months in a year; and their capacity is about 4,000,000 staves a year, with heading to match. The wood used is elm, hackberry, cotton-wood, sweet gum, soft maple and sycamore; and in the lumber business the company deal also in ash, poplar, oak and walnut. Shipments are made principally to St. Louis, Mo.
A. Carey was formerly of the firm of Carey, Stewart & Lanter- man, millers, for twenty-two years.
The building in which Carey & Son's office now is was originally a tobacco factory, belonging to J. W. Lawrence; and William Records operated it also a part of the time. Prior to its occupa- tion by the present company it had been unoccupied for a period.
Empire Stave and Heading Factory .- This is located on the banks of the Bonpas, about the foot of South street, on the county line; and hence their buildings and yards are scattered over a por- tion of three counties. It is owned and operated by Robert Glover, who manufactures staves, heading, wagon material, plow beams, hard and soft lumber, etc. The first building was erected by Mr. Glover in 1866, in which he employed eight hands, with a fourteen horse-power engine. In September, 1863, the mill was entirely destroyed by fire, with no insurance. Six weeks afterward Mr. Glover had rebuilt and was running again, and he has kept the mill running ever since. There are now two engines, of forty-eight horse-power each, and forty to seventy hands are employed. There
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are dry-kilns, sheds, and additional buildings. Capacity of the mills in hard lumber, about 10,000 feet a day. They run day and night, making about 30,000 staves a day, with heading to match. Patronage at points all over the country.
Mr. Glover has left the management of the business mostly with his two sons, George and William, and is commencing the manu- facture of hand-made brick on a large scale.
W. W. Gray's pork-packing establishment and warehouse is a large, composite structure in the south western corner of the village, on the bank of the river, standing as a huge monument of past business, when shipments were made by the river. It was erected in 1858 or 1859, and continued in use until three or four years ago. The size of the main building is 50 x 200 teet, two and three stories high, and the L is 50 x 50, two stories high. Hogs were slaughtered here, 8,000 to 10,000 a year, and lard ren- dered. In the summer and fall the building was used as a ware- house for grain.
W. W. Gray's Bank, on Mill street and at the northern extremity of Court street, was established in February, 1882, and is doing a prosperous business in all the usual channels of private banking. Harry Gray, Cashier.
In 1855 or 1856 the "Bank of Grayville" was started in this village by St. Louis parties, for whom Mr. Clark was Cashier. It was a bank of issue, but on the arrival of the great panic of 1857 it was honorably wound up. Mr. Clark, who, by the way, was a highly esteemed citizen, was also Cashier of the "Southern Illinois," kept about the same time and at the same place. It was also a bank of issue, and was closed in the autumn of 1857. Grayville remembers these banks with considerable grace, as the corporation got $2,600 or $2,800 tax out of them, which was used for building school-houses.
The "Grayville Banking Company," recently started by William Gravett and John Pickering, has just closed, its business being assigned to J. B. Jolly. It was first kept where March's clothing store now is, and subsequently removed a few doors from that place. At first Mr. Gravett was President and Pickering, Cashier; but afterward it fell into the hands of Horace A. Woodward, who assigned to Mr. Jolly, Feb. 23, 1882.
R. H. Cooke's Opera House was built and opened in 1881, with a seating capacity of about 500. Messrs. March & Kries are the lessees.
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Grayville Hotel, kept by M. P. Mitchell, is the princip al stop- ping place for travelers. It is situated on Elizabeth street, east of Main, and southeast of the business center of the village, and was purchased by the present proprietor in February, 1882, who opened it in March following and has kept it running ever since. Tran- sient rates, $2 a day, but permanent boarders are welcomed. It has twenty-five rooms, and its locality is as eligible as any point in the place, overlooking the Wabash for many miles.
Butler House .- This house was built many years ago, and has been occupied by various parties and for various purposes, among them Wood, Caves and Listenberger. Mr. H. O. Butler conducted it as a hotel from 1872 to the time of his death, Oct. 25, 1881, since which time his widow continues at the place, employing John Fertman as presiding landlord. The hotel can accommodate forty guests. It is located near the corner of North and Main streets.
Rigall Hotel, Mrs. Mary B. Rigall, proprietress. The building was first erected for a furniture house and other business prior to 1843 by James Hall, who is now in Albion. John Rigall kept a store in connection with the building from 1866 to the time of his death, about 1871, since which time his widow has kept the hotel. During the war Mrs. R. kept the Butler House. About forty guests can be entertained at this hotel. It is situated at the corner of Main and Mill streets.
The Stokes Infirmary is a medical institute on the north side of Elizabeth street, between Main and Middle. Patients are received here to be treated and hoarded scientifically.
Navigation .- Steamboats have ascended the Wabash River to Grayville and points above from the first settlement of the country until 1880, when the P., D. & E. R. R. Co. built their bridge across the river two miles below.
Railroads .- Grayville is blest with two railroads, Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific, and the Peoria, Decatur & Evansville. For the history of the former, see Chapter X. The latter was commenced in February, 1881, and after a pause, was recommenced about the middle of April and rushed on to completion, without local aid. A branch runs to New Harmony.
Plank Road .- A plank road was commenced about 1850, lead- ing from Grayville to Albion, a distance of ten miles; but it was completed for a distance of only seven miles. This road did great service as long as it was kept in repair, but in about fifteen years it was suffered to go down. A toll-gate was established on
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it about a mile from Grayville. Alvin Kenner, Simon Johnson, Charles Aguiel and others, of Grayville, were members of the plank-road company.
SCIENCE AND LITERATURE.
Scientific Club .- This was organized in November, 1880, with a constitution and by-laws, and the election of the following offi- cers: E. A. Bryon, President; J. P. Davis, Vice-President and Corresponding Secretary. There were about a dozen members, and their object was original and comprehensive research in science, philosophy, literature and art. They sustained a free course of popular lectures during the two succeeding winters, securing the services of such men as Dr. O. A. Burgess, President of Butler University; Robert Allyn, Professor in the Southern Illinois Nor- mal at Carbondale; Dr. E. C. Hewitt, President of the Normal at Bloomington; Dr. McGlumphy, of Lincoln University; President Phillips, of McKendree College at Lebanon; Dr. H. C. DeMott, of the Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Ill .; Prof. Atwater, of the Indiana State University, and others. At the regular meetings of the association, papers and essays were read, and discussions engaged in by the members upon all the topics within the scope of their studies.
There are now ten active meinbers, four associate members, and no honorary members. Some of these have very fine private col- lections in archaeology, geology, paleontology, entomology, etc .; we may mention Dr. R. N. G. Carter, T. J. Mathews, J. E. O. Clarke, as having collections in these departments of science.
Grayville Literary Society .- This was organized in 1872-'3, under Prof. James H. Brownlee, who is now professor of elocution in the Southern Illinois Normal, at Carbondale. Prof. Brownlee was President, W. H. Hall, Vice-President, and G. A. Staley, Sec- retary. The club comprised about twenty-five or thirty membere, who met in the basement of the Christian church, and listened to readings, recitations, essays, discussions, etc. This club met two years, and was then discontinued, the last President being Mr. Staley, and Secretary, Ross M. Lanterman.
Grayville Literary Society (Popular) .- This was organized in November, 1875, with a constitution and by-laws, and upon a more popular basis than the preceding. F. M. Lanterman was elected President, and Leslie Durley, Secretary. Their meetings were beld in the basement of the Christian church, to which there was an
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admission fee of ten cents. The attendance was large, and great enthusiasm was manifested. This organization, however, existed but one season.
Bryant Literary Society .- A number of young people assem- bled at Band Hall, Dec. 11, 1877, for the purpose of organizing a literary society. Thos. J. Mathews called to the chair, and W. W. Coulter appointed Secretary. A committee was appointed to draft by-laws and constitution, and on the evening of Dec. 18, 1877, a permanent organization was effected and the following officers were chosen for a term of six weeks: Prof. S. A. Montgomery, Pres .; Miss Fannie E. Lanterman, Vice-Pres .; Ross M. Lanter- m n, Sec .; Chas. S. Carey, Treas .; Miss Laura Ellis, Chorister; J. L. O. Whitson, Sergt. at Arms. The exercises were orations, essays, declamations, readings, and debates. On Tuesday even- ing, June 25, 1878, the society held a memorial meeting in honor of William Cullen Bryant. This society had an average member- ship of about thirty-six members, and was characterized by the high order of its programmes, and frequently gave open meetings and entertainments, which were always well attended. The last meeting of the society was held Feb. 23, 1880, when it was dis- continued, after having made a good record, and prepared the way for a society calling for more original work and deeper study-the Grayville Scientific Club-which shortly afterward took its place.
Philharmonic Club .- This was organized in November, 1880, by the adoption of a constitution and by-laws, and the election of the following officers: J. W. Elder, President; Dr. R. N. G. Carter, Musical Director; and Mrs. Hallam, Pianist. W. W. Coulter was the principal active party in the organization of this club. The membership at first was fifteen, which afterward grew until it reached forty. The club is still active, with a membership of over twenty. At first they met in private houses, but for the past six months in the Opera House; meetings twice a month. During the last year they gave three public entertainments, one of which was rendering of the Cantata of Queen Esther. Present officers are: J. L. Streever, Pres .; Miss Ida Morey, Vice- Pres. ; R. N. Lanter- man, Sec .; Mrs. R. II. Cook, Treas .; Dr. R. N. G. Carter, Mu- sical Director, and Mrs. Hallam, Pianist. Miss Northrock has served as piano accompanist for a period. The society is now in a prosperous condition.
Ninth Regiment Band, Grayville, was organized November, 1879, by G. G. Morey and II. P. Bulkley, none of the members,
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excepting Morey and Bulkley, having any knowledge of music. Was known as "Our Boys' Band" until August, 1882, when Colo- nel Louis Krughoff, of Nashville, Ill., selected it as the Regi- mental Band of the Ninth Regiment Illinois National Guard. Name was then changed to "Ninth Regiment Band." Went to the Annual Encampment of the Second Brigade of the Illinois Na- tional Guard, at Springfield, Ill., in September, 1852, and received many flattering notices from the Springfield press. Have a fine uniform of dark blue, trimmed with buff and gold, helmet of United States new regulation, with falling plume; cost about $700.
Members-G. G. Morey, Leader, Eb Cornet; II. P. Bulkley, Assistant Leader, Eb Clarionet; J. F. Mathews, Bb Clarionet; Frank E. Clarke, 1st Bb Cornet; Wm. H. Weed, Bb Cornet; Lou Ronalds, 2d Bb Cornet; Wm. H. Glover, Solo Alto; Wm. E. Pruett, 1st Alto; Rienzi Jennings, 2d Alto; W. W. Coulter, 1st Tenor; Chas. F. Speck, 2d Tenor; J. E. Oscar Clarke, Baritone; R. S. Prunty and Geo. M. Pope, Tubas; Ed. D. Carey, Bass Drum; Chas. J. Ellis, Snare Drum; H. A. Stewart, Drum Major. Officers -J. F. Mathews, Pres .; Frank E. Clarke, Sec .; H. P. Bulkley, Treas.
SCHOOLS.
A statistical account of school progress for the last twenty years is given on a preceding page, under the head of Gray Township. With reference to the school interests of Grayville we add the following:
The old school-house, built in 1857, is a two-story brick, with two rooms in each story, and will seat about fifty pupils in each. It is heated with coal stoves.
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