Past and present of Greene County, Illinois, Part 18

Author: Miner, Ed. (Edward), 1835-
Publication date: 1905
Publisher: Chicago : S.J. Clarke Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 666


USA > Illinois > Greene County > Past and present of Greene County, Illinois > Part 18


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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Michael Buchannan, hitherto mentioned,


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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY


was contemporaneous with Mr. Cress in Greenfield, having made his first appearance there in 1846, and resided a year or two in the "first hotel." This property, which was located on the site of the present Ma- sonic Hall, he bought for $400, and sold it to Rev. William Saxton. Here Mr. Sax- ton did the honors of landlord for some years. But finding at length that hotel life was neither so pleasant nor profitable as had been supposed, he retired to a farm some two miles east of town, leaving the "Saxton House" vacant, or occupied with interrup- tion, for some time, when at length it was burned down, leaving the entire corner it occupied bare for the erection of the brick block built thereon in 1867-8, known as the Odd Fellows' and Masonic Hall, with com- modious business rooms in the lower story.


In 1848 Thomas Ford settled on the open prairie northwest of town. David Lisles made his advent in Greenfield in 1850. Rev. Dunlap came in 1849 or '50 and bought what was known afterward as the "Harden land." just east and northeast of town. In 1851-2 the first institute of instruction, better known as the "Old Seminary," was erected through the energy and public spirit of the friends of education, prominent among whom were R. M. Booker, N. C. Wooley, George W. . \l- len, W. A. Secor. George T. W. Sheffield and others. This was built by voluntary subscription throughout the community at a cost of near $2.500. The institute was opened for students in the fall of 1852 by Professor Willer, and continued under his supervision until the introduction of the pub- lic school system of Illinois-a term of five years-when it was taken possession of by the district school directors, and no longer run as a private institution. . At the same time the Seminary was built, there was con-


structed a building known as the "Union church," afterward called the "town hall," built by the community at large, and deeded to a small Baptist organization, and a Cum- berland Presbyterian church, and occupied by these organizations as circumstances fa- vored, both for the worship of God and a va- riety of other purposes, for nearly twenty years.


L'p to 1869 Greenfield had suffered from the manifold disadvantages of isolation, the potent cause of its tardy growth and want of general prosperity, and longed to form con- nection with the outside worldl, as some of her neighbors had done. by means of a rail- road. It may well be conceived with what interest the proposition for the construction of a railroad from St. Louis through Green- field to Rock Island would be received by the community generally. This interest soon took shape in such action as rolled up a sub- scription in that part of the county of $100,- 000 in a very short period. With this sub- scription the road was speedily put under contract in many of its parts. The ground was first broken in 1857, and during the fol- lowing year a goodly portion of it was grad- ed and ready for the ties. But owing to the great financial stringency throughout the country generally, coupled soon after with the advent of the great Civil war in 1861, it remained in undisturbed repose until in 1869, when it was revived and the work pro- ceeded rapidly to an early completion-as far as Greenfield-in February, 1870. The road is now, and has been for many years, owned and operated by the Burlington system. The Chicago, Quiney & St. Louis road, running from Eldred to Litchfield, crosses the Burlington at the southern lim- its of Greenfield, thus giving the citizens two lines of railway.


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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.


The first banking house established in Greenfield was organized December 16, 1870, by Skilling Sheffield & Co., and was located under the Odd Fellow's hall, where it continued until the construction of the brick building on the southeast corner of the square, when it took up its quarters there, where it did business for many years. It is now located on the southwest corner of the square, in a well appointed bank build- ing. The style of the firm is Sheffield & Company. J. H. Sheffield is president, and Ralph Metcalf cashier. This is the only bank in the city at present and enjoys a large patronage, meeting all the business require- ments of the community in as liberal and ac- commodating a manner as is consistent with good and safe banking.


One of the most attractive features of society in Greenfield is her educational fa- cilities. Greenfield is justly proud of her public schools. Her school building is sit- uated on a hill in the eastern part of the city. Long bridges span the ravine and make the approach easy, and the yards are always dry and clean.


The buildings are two in number, each of brick, and well arranged for the comfort and convenience of pupils. In 1874, after the completion of the second building, H. H. Montgomery, A. M., was chosen superin- tendent and organized the school into de- partments as follows : First and second pri- mary, first and second intermediate, and grammar. In the fall of 1875 the higli school was inaugurated, and the course ar- ranged included, in mathematics, trigonom- etry (plane and spherical) completed; in languages, reading of Virgil ; in sciences, as- tronomy, chemistry and such others as are usually called for in examination for state certificates.


Under Mr. Montgomery's supervision the Greenfield schools made rapid progress on the up-grade, and maintained a high stand- ing among the schools in this section of the state.


How Mr. Montgomery was regarded as an instructor may be better gathered from the following card published by the board of directors at that time in the catalogue of 1878-79 :


OUR TEACHER.


In connection it may be well to state that we have again secured the services of Prof. H. H. Mont- gomery, who enters upon his fifth consecutive year as Superintendent of our schools.


It affords us pleasure to contribute our testi- monial of his high attainment and proficiency, excel- lent moral character and gentlemanly deportment.


He has superior executive ability and the faculty of easily imparting knowledge,-all of which place him among the best educators in the State.


It may also be said that we have employed an able corps of teachers, all of whom have had ample experience in teaching and have proved themselves well qualified.


DR. W. C. DAY, S. P. CAMERON, J. B. BRODMARKLE, Board of Directors.


Mr. Montgomery continued in charge of the schools until 1879. He was then ap- pointed superintendent of schools for Greene county to fill a vacancy, and served as such until the spring of 1881, when he resigned to take editorial charge of the Carrollton Ga- sette, in which he purchased a half interest. He was succeeded in the Greenfield schools by Professor D. O. Witmer. Mr. Witmer's sticcessor was Professor Russell, now Judge Russell of Bloomington ; he was suceeded by Professor Snyder, and Professor Snyder by the present incumbent, Professor H. G. Rus- sell. Mr. Russell has had charge as superin- tendent since 1897. His wife has served


1.45


PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY


as principal for the same length of time. Miss Jessie MeDermid is assistant principal. Teachers in other grades are Miss Minnie Booth, Miss Edith King, Miss Iva Amos, Miss Mabel Capps, and Miss Harriet Van- dlaver. Mr. W. G. Haven is director of mu- sic.


The income for tuition from outside pu- pils amounts to about $1,000 a year.


Mr. Russell is accounted among the best educators in the state, and he has brought the Greenfield schools to a point where they rank second to no similar institutions in Illi- nois. The Professor is not only a good school man, but takes deep interest, and lends a hand, in all enterprises that makes for the best interests of the city, socially. morally and commercially.


The Presbyterian church of Greenfield was organized in 1859 by Rev. George C. Wood, of Jacksonville, who for a time was its stated supply. Hiram B. Ellis and R. E. Wilder were its first ruling elders. The present pastor is Rev. F. P. Witherspoon, an able man and good pastor. under whose ad- ministration the church work in all its de- partments is in a flourishing condition.


The Baptist denomination seems not to have figured very largely in the early history of Greenfield and vicinity. Rev. Stephen Coonrod, who died in 1872, appeared as one of the first Baptist clergymen in the village. though at other points not far distant were Rev. Charles Kitchens. Rev. Thomas Lee and Rev. M. Browning, Rev. H. H. Witt and Rev. S. B. Culp, who ministered for a longer or shorter period to the Hickory Grove church, northwest of Greenfieldl. In 1829 Mr. Coonrod became pastor of the little Ratpist church in the village, at the same time living on and operating his farm. Hle


he had also. m the same time, charge .wy church on Taybr's Pourie, and more of str ensville. At first for four of love you lie held public services mi private da cihouse liny in 1834. a small log church building was erected on one corner of the graveyard 10 oh of town, which served as a place of jailific worship for about thirty years, when it give place to a more imposing structure ne the north part of town in 1855. This binbling served as the sanctuary for many years, go ing place to the present neat and modern structure located one block south of the square. This church, as now constituted, was organized in 1886.


Rev. F. B. Feary, an able young man of much promise is the present pastor. Mrs. J. 11. Diddle is church clerk.


As before mentioned herein. the Method- ists were the early pioneers in Greenfield; George W. Allen, George A. Cowden and Joel Edwards being among their number, and at whose residence public worship on the Sabbath was conducted by the early apostles of this faith. In 1828 the Illinois district and Apple Creek circuit embraced this point. with Peter Cartwright as presiding elder. and Isaac Scarrett and I. T. Johnson, as cir- cuit riders. The following year L. Bogart and 1. French were on the cirenit but in 1830. the district being changed to Sangamon. James Bankston appears to have been the first regular preacher in town, though others, both cirenit and local, paid occasional visits for some time before this. In 1831 Wilhan D. Trotter and William Haskins rode the circuit, and they were succeeded in 1832. by John Vancleve and Levi Springer. During these four years Peter Cartwright continued


9


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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.


presiding elder: but the district and circuit being changed to Carrollton, Simon Peter succeeded him in this capacity in 1833, with John Vancleve and William Petney as circuit riders. In 1834 A. E. Phillips and C. B. N. McCabe were placed on the circuit, and they were succeeded, in 1835. by Jesse Hale alone. In 1836, the district being then again changed to Lebanon, M. S. Taylor succeed- ed Simon Peter as presiding elder, with D. Cory and N. Allen on the circuit. In 1837 Charles Holliday followed Elder Taylor as presiding elder-Elijah Corrington being on the circuit this year, with A. Bird with him a portion of the year. In 1838 the dis- trict was changed to Alton and the circuit to Apple Creek, and William Chambers rode the circuit: but in 1839 the circuit was changed to Carrollton and J. B. Corrington was again placed thereon. In 1840 the Al- ton gave place to the Illinois District when Peter Cartwright became again elder with William Wilson on the circuit during this and the following year. Up to this time the Methodists had no church building, but had worshiped wherever temporary accommo- dations were furnished them: but in 1841 the society built its first edifice, as stated heretofore. Among the local preachers of earlier days in Greenfield we may mention Revs. J. B. Corrington, W. H. Askins, Amos Prentice. IIenry Davidson, Dr. Led- brook, William Saxton, William Batty and James Rives ; the latter being the father of the lamented Judge Rives, recently deceased.


The church in Greenfield at the present is the largest in the city, and its membership includes many of the foremost and financially strongest citizens of the community. The present pastor. Rev. T. J. Wheat, D. D., is an able man well endowed in the ecclesiasti- cal thought of the times. The Sunday school


and the various other auxiliaries of the church are in good healthy condition.


The Catholic society in Greenfield have as their pastor at present, Rev. Francis Ke- hoe, a good preacher, and said to be an able director of religious forces. The society has a large membership.


In the matter of societies and orders the sprightly little city is well represented.


Masons-The Masonic lodge is officered as follows: Hugh A. Shields, worshipful master; Dr. H. Converse, senior warden; B. M. Kinkaid, junior warden; Ralph Met- calf, senior deacon; C. T. Metcalf, junior deacon; M. T. Nichols, secretary; W. E. Robbins, treasurer.


I. O. O. F .- Officers : Albert E. Carter, noble grand: M. J. Smith, vice grand ; J. B. Brodmarkle, secretary: N. L. Mitchell, treasurer; T. L. Shade, warden; H. C. Smith, conductor.


Knights of Pythias-Officers: Dr. J. A. Cravens, C. C .: E. E. Burroughs, V. C .; W. H. Faith, Prelate ; T. L. Shade, K. of R. and S .; H. A. Shields, M. of F .; V. H. Ha- ven, M. of E.


Modern Woodmen - Officers : Hal. Howard, V. C .; Elvin A. Melow. W. A .; H. A. Shields, secretary : Charles Meng, banker.


Eastern Star-Officers: Winona Boul- ton, W. M .; Ralph Metcalf, W. P .: Bertha V. Bauer, associate matron : Elizabeth With- erspoon, secretary ; Effie Funnell, treasurer ; Elizabeth Metcalf. conductress: Catherine Bauer, associate conductress.


Court of Honor-Officers: G. B. Met- calf, chancellor : S. D. McPherron, recorder and treasurer; Ernest Wilhite, past chan- cellor : Mrs. Mattie Wylder, chaplain ; Ar- thur Shade, conductor.


Mutual Protective League-Officers : G.


1+i


PAST AND PRESENT OF GREECE COURS


B. Metcalf, president : Dr. Il. W. Gobble. secretary and examining physician ; Adam Koehm, treasurer.


Rebekahıs - Officers: Margaretta Kochm, N. G .: Mrs. Ida Witt. V. G. : Al- bert Carter, secretary ; N. L. Metcalf, treas- urer.


Commercial Club-Officers: II. G. Rus- sell, president : B. F. MeGrew, vice-presi- ‹lent ; Victor H. Ilaven, recording secretary ; C. R. Sheffield, treasurer.


The business interests of Greenfield are represented by the following firms and in- dividuals :


Dry Goods-J. T. Callaway. George P'. Bauer and E. E. Cameron, Frank C. Smith, W. T. Wilhite Estate.


Groceries- G. B. Metcalf & Son, W. G. Secor & Son: S. M. Wilhite & Son, Gibson & Synder. Henderson & Shade, Charles Meng & Son.


Hardware-J. B. Brodmarkle, Arnet & Collins.


Druggists-William A. Saylor, Luther C. Valentine, W. . \. Gray.


Bank .- Sheffield & Co.


Notions-Cooper & Temple, H. L. Goodell.


Furniture and Undertaking -C. P. Dannel, HI. . \. Shields.


Lumber-J. H. Entrekin, Robert Mitchell.


Buggies-A. D. Rollins, John 11. Bass ham.


Newspaper-"Greenfield Argus." V. 11. llaven.


Hotels and Livery -- A. D. Rollins, B. U. Bassham.


Hlouring Mill-B. 1 .. MeGren.


Shoes-Phillip Bauer. T. N. Knudson.


Poultry-Chinowtb & French, Milton C. Andrews.


Restaurmb V- Lille Felles, Barros Bros., James Bishop


Barber Shop- chine 1. Seal, Welles & Wade, Burghardt & Son


Photographer- Lewis 1 stell


Meat Market -George Holbach


Tailor shop-Capt. Thos. Doyle.


Dentists-R. E. Black. H. R. Powell, J. 11. Diddle.


Grain-E. D. Wooley, 1 .. P. Allen. Attorney .- Ilon. C. J. Doyle.


Postmaster-John Robards.


Physicians-F. A. Clement, H. W. Gobble. H. Converse. J. A. Cravens. . A. G. Kinkead.


CITY OFFICERS.


Greenfield was incorporated under the State law as a city on April 7. 1884. since which time the following persons have served as its officers :


1884-Mayor, James W. Hutchinson. Aldermen : First ward, George B. Metcalf. John Beaty : Second ward, Henry C. Myers, Henry M. Long: Third ward, Joseph J. Crouch, James H. Smith : Attorney, George W. Coonrod: Clerk, Jesse A. Drake: Treas- urer. Samuel M. Wilhite: City Marshal. John C. Berry.


1885-Mayor. Edward A. Belknap. A dermen : First ward. George B. Metcalf. Carter Drake: Second ward, Henry C Myres, Henry M. Long: Third ward. Jo seph J. Crouch, Richard C. Fisher : clerk. Vic H. Haven: Police Magistrate, John 1 . Roach: Treasurer. Jasper Johnsom. City Marshal, Mfred Walker.


1880 - Mayor, Edwin A. Belknap. V. dermen : First ward. Carter Drike, Gouge B Metcalf. Second ward. Henry AT Lag Henry M Omonth : Third work R d'air


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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.


C. Fisher, Phillip Bauer ; Clerk, Vic II. Haven: Police Magistrate, James Steidley ; Treasurer, Jasper Johnson; City Marshal, Alfred Walker.


1887-Mayor, Wilbur P. Ennis. Alder- men: First ward. George B. Metcalf, Al- pheus D. Rollins; Second ward, Henry M. Chinowth, Stephen B. Cole; Third ward, Phillip Baner, William T. Saxton; Attor- ney, William M. Wallace; Clerk, Vic H. Haven; Treasurer, Ralph Metcalf, City Marshal, George W. Adams.


1888-Mayor, Wilbur P. Ennis. Alder-


men : First ward, Alpheus D. Rollins, George B. Metcalf; Second Ward, Stephen B. Cole, William J. Slaughter ; Third ward, William T. Saxton, Phillip Bauer; Attor- ney, William M. Wallace; Clerk, Vic H. Haven; Treasurer, Ralph Metcalf; City Marshal, George W. Adams.


1889 - Mayor, Jasper Johnson. Alder- men : First ward, George B. Metcalf, Ed- ward J. Stock; Second ward, William J. Slaughter, James A. Piper; Third ward, Phillip Bauer, William Jayne; Treasurer. John B. Brodmarkle; City Marshal, George WV. Adams: Clerk, Howard E. Wilhite ; Night Police, James Reynolds.


1800-Mayor, Jasper Johnson. Alder- men : First ward, Edward J. Stock, Thomas C. Brown; Second ward, James .\. Piper, George W. AAdams; Third ward, William Jayne. Shadrach P. Cameron; Treasurer, John B. Brodmarkle; City Marshal, James Reynolds; Clerk, Vic H. Haven; Police Magistrate, Milton A. Kinkead; Night Po- lice, Curtis Scott.


1891-Mayor, George B. Metcalf. . \1- dermen: First ward. Thomas C. Brown, John W. Piper: Second ward, George W. Adams, Stephen B. Cole: Third ward, Shad- rach P. Cameron, Monroe G. Sisson: At-


torney, Edwin Woolley; Clerk, Harry C. Wilhite; Treasurer, William H. Johnson ; Police Magistrate, Milton A. Kinkead; City Marshal, John D. Shephard : Night Police, Curtis Scott.


1892-Mayor, George B. Metcalf. Al- dermen : First ward, John W. Piper, John B. Brodmarkle: Second ward, Stephen B. Cole, William J. Slaughter; Third ward, Monroe G. Sisson, Charles H. Barton ; Clerk, Harry C. Wilhite; Treasurer, Will- iam H. Johnson ; Police Magistrate, Isaac P. Barton; City Marshal, John D. Shep- hard; Night Police, Curtis Scott.


1893-Mayor, Frank A. Clement. Al- dermen : First ward, John B. Brodmarkle, John L. Stansbury ; Second ward, William J. Slaughter, John H. Sykes; Third ward, Charles H. Barton, William Jayne: Attor- ney, William M. Ward; Treasurer. George P. Bauer; Clerk, Joe S. Dixon; Police Mag- istrate, Isaac P. Barton; City Marshal, John D. Shephard; Night Police. Henry M. Chinowth.


1894-Mayor, Frank AA. Clement. Al- dermen : First ward, John L. Stansbury, John B. Brodmarkle; Second ward, John H. Sykes, William H. Faith ; Third ward, Will- iam Jayne, John Wahl; Attorney, William M. Ward: Treasurer, George P. Baner; Clerk, Joe S. Dixon: Police Magistrate, Isaac P. Barton; City Marshal, Robert H. Maxfield; Night Police, Joseph Chinowth.


1895-Mayor, George B. Metcalf. . \1- dermen : First ward, John B. Brodmarkle, John L. Stansbury; Second ward, William 11. Faith, Henry C. Myres; Third ward, John Wahl, George W. Cunningham ; Clerk. Joe S. Dixon: Treasurer, James .A. Piper ; Police Magistrate, Isaac P. Barton; City Marshal, Robert 11. Maxfickl: Night Police. Jos. Chinowth. Curtis Scott.


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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY


1800 Mayor, George B. Metcalf. Al Harvey Tenke J & Peg Siglo dermen : First ward, John 1. Stansbury. Charles W. Saylor ; Second ward, Henry C. Myres, William H. Faith; Third ward. George W. Cunningham, William Jayne ; Clerk, Joe S. Dixon: Treasurer, James A. Piper: Police Magistrate, Isaac P. Barton; City Marshal. Robert 11. Maxfield; Night Police, William MeCants.


1807 - Mayor, Frank A. Clement. VI- dermen : First ward, Charles W. Saylor, William G. Allen: Second Ward, William 11. Faith, Robert L. Wylder: Third ward. William Jayne, Joe S. Dixon : Clerk, Harry T. Madden; Treasurer, Carson T. Metcalf : Police Magistrate, Isaac P. Barton; City Marshal, Robert 11. Maxfield: Night Pohce. Charles S. Boring.


1808-Mayor, Frank A. Clement. \1- dermen : First ward. William G. Allen, Jesse B. Ash: Second ward, Robert L. Wyi- der, Henry C. Myres: Third ward. Joe S. Dixon, Elvid \. Melow : Clerk. Harry T. Madden: Treasurer, Carson T. Metcalf: Police Magistrate, Isaac P. Barton: City Marshal, Robt. H. Maxfield: Night Police. John Williams.


1899-Mayor. Ebert K. Metcalf. . \] dermen : First ward. Jesse B. Ash, Adam Koehm: Second ward, Henry C. Myres, Jas- per Johnson : Third ward, Elvir \. Melon. Ewen B. Smith: Clark, Henry C. Smith: Treasurer, Clyde R. Sheffield : Attorney. Cornelius J. Doyle : City Marshal. Robt. i. Wyldler: Night Police. John Williams.


1900-Mayor. Ebert K. Metcalf. Alder men : First ward, Adam Kochm, Frank F. Strang: Second ward, Jasper Johnson, l'. Joseph Madden: Third ward, Flvir A. Me- The only newspaper in the city ofde low. Fuen B. Smith: Clerk. Henry C. Argus, published by Vie H. H & m Smith: Treasurer. Clyde R. Sheffield; \t torney, Cornelius J. Doyle: City Marshal * Resigned


Kochm: Second ward. F Josele Million, 1. E. Henderson. Cleil. Hd Homan Treasurer, Carson T Mercdf Attonmy Cornelius J. Doyle, City Marshall Jame- R. Piper : Night Pohce, Wilham 11. 1 0th


1902 - Mayor, Edwin \ Belknap Vi dermen: First ward, An Kochen. For M. Kincaid; Second ward. A. G Scoop. 11. Clardy : Third ward, KIvir \. Mclow_ A. F. Henderson: Clerk. Ilal Howards Treasurer, Carson F. Metcalf : Attorney. Cornelius J. Doyle: Police Magistrate, Frell 1. Stock: City Marshal, James A Piper- Night Police, William H. Faith.


1903-Mayor, Harry W. Gobble. V dermen : First ward. Ben. M. Kincaid. Car son T. Metcalf; Second ward, George W Hammack, Hugh Clardy : Third ward, Elvir 1. Melon, Harry C. Wilhite; Clerk, 11. Howard : Treasurer, Clyde R. Sheffield, At- torney, Isaac P. Barton : City Marshal, Will- iam A. Green: Night Police, William Il Faith.


1904 -- Mayor. Harry W. Gobble \ dermen: First ward, Carson T. Metcalf. Ben. M. Kincaid: Second ward. George W Hammmack, Hugh Clardy .* S. B Oodle. Third ward. H. C. Willute." Oself Days. Ilvir A. Melow : Clerk, Ilal Howard Treasurer, Clyde R. Sheffield: Attorney. Isaac P. Barton : City Marshal. William \ Green : Night Police. Wilhan B Fadili


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PAST AND PRESENT OF GREENE COUNTY.


also its editor. It is a weekly journal and one of the best in the county.


CITY OF WHITE HALL.


For the following sketch of this thriving city, we are indebted to the courtesy of Mr. J. D. Rowe, the hustling real estate agent there. who kindly permitted us to copy from the advance sheet of a little booklet he has in preparation entitled "Greater White Hall."


LOCATION.


White Hall is located at the junction of the Chicago & Alton and Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy Railways, in Greene county, Illinois, and is 66 miles north of St. Louis, 241 miles from Chicago, and 257 miles from Kansas City. Carrollton, the county seat of Greene county, is ten miles south, Jack- sonville twenty-five miles north and Spring- field, the state capital, only sixty miles north- east, the way the crow flies. The Illinois river is twelve miles west. White Hall is surrounded by one of the richest and most fertile agricultural districts in the Mississ- ippi Valley, and her excellent railroad facili- ties give easy access to the leading markets of the Middle West.


INCORPORATION.


White Hall was founded by David Bar- row on Jan. 12, 1832. The town plat, which was recorded March 9, 1832. contained forty- eight lots and four streets, known as West street, East street. Main street and Church street.


By an act of the legislature. White Hall


was incorporated as a town in 1837. (Dates are conflicting. some giving 1833. others 1836 as official. ) As the original records were in some manner destroyed, it is not positively known who was president of the first town board. Under the law at that time the trustees appointed their own chairman and Archibald Clark and Chester Swallow are the only ones known to have been mem- bers of the first board of trustees.


In 1838 another charter was obtained which remained in force until 1869, when a new charter was granted, and Samuel Hig- bee elected president of the board, and Philip Brantzel, S. V. Villinger, J. Smith and G. S. Vosseller, trustees.


In 1884 White Hall was duly incorpor- ated as a city. S. D. Chapin was elected mayor; R. S. Worcester, clerk: Isaac Pow- ell, treasurer ; Thomas Henshaw, city attor- ney ; F. I. Vedder, marshal; T. P. Hackney, Superintendent of Streets; Robert Neece, Supt. Lamps ; Aldermen : First ward, F. F. Worcester, Alfred White; Second ward, D. Culbertson, A. O. Vosseller ; Third ward, M. C. Purdy, M. Brantzel.




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