USA > Illinois > Mercer County > Past and present of Mercer County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 20
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51
In October, 1866, a committee consisting of Graham Lee, Horace Bigelow and W. P. Strong was appointed by the Mercer County Agricultural Society to ask pledges of the candidates for the next Legislature to use their best endeavors for the immediate establish- ment of the industrial university or agricultural college which had been provided for by Congress in 1862, but which had been neglected by the Illinois Legislature. D. W. Sedwick, republican candidate for the Legislature, was communicated with by the com- mittee and he promised to do his best to secure the passage of a bill for the establishment of the agricultural college at the earliest day possible.
The fair of 1867 was successful. There was an excellent exhibit of all the usual animal and vegetable products. In this year Tyler McWhorter took the first prize at the state fair for the exhibit of the largest number of named varieties of apples-154. This was the third time he had taken a prize at the state fair. The drop in prices at this time was felt by every farmer in the county. One farmer had 1,000 bushels of wheat which he could have sold the year before for $3 a bushel, but it now was worth less than $1.50 a bushel. In Feb- ruary, 1867, hogs brought from $6 to $7.50 a hundred and cattle from $4 to $7.25 a hundred. In February, 1867, the bill for the agricul-
205
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
tural college passed both houses of the Legislature, was signed by the governor and became a law. This gave great satisfaction to the agri- cultural and horticultural interests of this county. In 1868 J. E. Harroun had one of the finest herds of shorthorn cattle in the state.
The fair of 1868 fell below the standard, owing largely to bad weather. There was only a moderate attendance, but the exhibits, though few in number, were almost as good in quality as in previous years. It was at this time that the first steps were taken to change the location of the fair grounds from Millersburg to some other por- tion of the county. In the spring of 1869 the agricultural society, after viewing various locations, finally bought twenty-seven acres for $100 an acre, a short distance southwest of Aledo. The land was purchased of D. V. Reed and was admirably located for a fair site. They advertised the fair ground at Millersburg to be sold at public auction on May 29th. It comprised about five acres, on which there were several substantial buildings. At once the executive board of the society undertook to devise means to pay for the new grounds. They called for subscriptions and received considerable assistance, though not enough to pay for the grounds. It cost a considerable sum of money to fit up the new grounds, but they were ready by fair time in the fall.
About this time the society began to offer special premiums for seed corn, school educational work, better results in domestic science and show novelties that would attract a large attendance. The first corn prize in 1869 was awarded to John P. Lemon, who raised 72 bushels per acre and was paid $10. The second prize of $8 went to Ed Moseley, who raised 6734 bushels to the acre. The total receipts in 1869 were $4,280.64. The premiums actually paid amounted to $4, 162.47. This was one of the best fairs thus far held, because it showed so many innovations, so much enterprise and so many improvements. The new grounds, though somewhat rough, were satisfactory and all acknowledged that it was the best fair that had thus far ever been held in the county. It was stated that on Thursday, the principal day, there was an attendance of 10,000 people. The receipts were larger by $600 than ever before. The exhibits of horses and mules were better than ever, but those of cattle and sheep were somewhat inferior to former displays. The hog and poultry displays were likewise excellent. The display of agricultural implements was perhaps better than ever before. Dairy and kitchen products were displayed in large quantities and showed growing interest in those departments. The fruit exhibit was superior.
206
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
It was the ambition of the agricultural society not only to make each fair better than its predecessor, but to make some decided im- provement in the exhibits and methods that would attract attention and engage the interest of the farmers. Thus the fair of 1870, as a whole, was made better than it had ever been before. The racing schedule surpassed that of all former fairs. However, the time made by trotters and pacers was not better than 2:50. Special premiums were offered for fast stock raised in Mercer County. This year the fair authorities overstepped the limits somewhat by giving too much latitude to games of chance and questionable exhibits and perform- ances. The result was much drunkenness on the grounds and some disorder. As usual, Thursday was the best day. The stock shown was the best ever exhibited in the county. Horses, cattle, sheep and hogs were fully up to the standard, if not somewhat in advance. Sixty-nine blooded cattle were exhibited, also fifty pens of hogs. The receipts were over twenty-eight hundred dollars. Monroe Willits took the first prize of $10 for the best managed farm. M. L. Wil- lits took the prize of $5 for the best orchard of over one hundred trees. G. A. Thornton took the prize of $5 for the best five acres of corn. A specialty was made of girls' and children's work gen- erally and many premiums were awarded. The flower show sur- passed any exhibit of the past.
At this time McWhorter & Hayes conducted the big nursery near Aledo. They made grape growing a specialty at this time. The vineyard when in fruit was a sight enjoyed by all the inhabit- ants. They showed Concords, Hartfords, Clintons, Delawares and other varieties. They also had a large orchard loaded with apples and other fruit. Large quantities of grain were shipped in 1870 and 1871 from the new railroad which had just been built and was in good condition. At Aledo in the spring of 1871 nearly two hundred head of cattle were shipped at one time.
In January, 1871, the famers near Windsor announced publicly that they desired the establishment in that locality of a cheese factory and would guarantee to such a concern the products of at least one hundred cows, and likewise promised to assist such factory with con- siderable financial aid if needed. T. Merryman was one of the promoters back of this movement. This creamery was finally estab- lished and at first did a good business, but a little later was abandoned for a better field in another part of the county. The fairs of 1871 and 1872 were good, though hardly up to the standard. In some departments they surpassed those of previous years. In 1872 the 17-year locusts killed thousands of fruit trees throughout the county.
207
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
Mr. Ives of New Boston lost about four hundred young apple trees by this insect. The nineteenth annual fair was held in October, 1872.
It was early in the 'zos that the farmers of the county began to organize lodges of Grangers in all parts of the county. In a short time every township had such organizations and the meetings were usually held in the schoolhouses. The county organization of the Grangers became very strong, not only as a means for dissemination of up-to-date agricultural information, but for the exercise of the farmers' love for political contests. The lodges were started by a convention which met at the courthouse in Aledo on January 8, 1873. This convention was called to meet by the following named persons : William Doak, Perryton; R. J. Cabeen, Abington ; W. H. Johnson, Preemption; B. W. Mclaughlin, Suez; W. A. Wilson, New Boston; Martin Bear, Eliza; Benjamin Lloyd, Keithsburg; B. F. Morey, Greene; Daniel Mowry, Richland Grove; T. S. Sheets, Duncan; H. N. Chandler, Ohio Grove; George P. Graham, Mercer ; A. J. Streeter, Rivoli; Richard Garrett, North Henderson; R. H. Day, Millersburg. There was a large attendance, notwithstanding bad weather prevailed. R. H. Day was made chairman of the meet- ing and delivered the first address. Judge Willard also delivered a speech. Both explained the nature of the Grange organization and predicted a great future for the order. D. M. Foster of the state Grange then spoke, and explained how the lodges were organized and the rules governing them. They were called the Patrons of Husbandry, and were a secret organization. S. J. Frew was ap- pointed deputy for Mercer County, and during the next two years he organized about thirty lodges in the county. This organization did much good while it lasted, but its participation in politics dwarfed in a measure its usefulness in the fields of agriculture.
Early in the 'zos special exhibits of animals were made in dif- ferent parts of the county. A colt show at New Boston was an important event. More than one hundred fine young animals were exhibited. The fair of 1873 was not up to the standard but was fairly successful. They ran in debt about seventeen hundred dollars, but in a large measure this was due to expenses in fitting up the grounds. By 1874 the county had gained an enviable reputation throughout the state for the ownership of fine stock of all kinds. James Feather owned a herd of registered Shorthorns and pur- chasers from all the surrounding states came here to secure stock animals. In seven months he sold seven animals for $1,092. He also made a specialty of pure-blooded Berkshires and sold seven animals for $155. His idea was that "the better the stock the better
208
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
it pays," and this maxim became the ruling guide of the whole county at that time. All farmers were intent upon improving their herds. It was at this time also that the farmers began to import blooded animals from Europe. L. V. Willits secured one of these splendid animals. A few persons in the county at that time began to extend their varieties of poultry. Cochins, Brahmas and game fowls were to be seen at the fairs. The fair of 1874 was, perhaps, the most successful for several years. The weather was ideal and the attendance was larger than ever before. It was estimated that ten thousand were present on Thursday, the principal day. For the first time all gambling was excluded from the grounds and no liquor was allowed within the fence. The receipts were $3,478.18. William Drury at this time was the owner of several imported horses. He owned a gang plow which was exhibited in a field near the fair grounds. It attracted great attention and all realized that the old- fashioned way of plowing on a large scale was almost at an end. The display of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs was as good or better than ever. The cattle displayed, though few in number, were excel- lent in quality. Two hundred and fifty pens of hogs were shown. The leading breeds were Berkshires, Poland-Chinas and Chester Whites. The poultry exhibit was better than ever before. The dis- play of farm machinery was up-to-date and attracted great attention. The exhibits of flowers, fruit, vegetables, domestic manufactures and the products of the dairy and the kitchen were as good or better than ever. William Lewis, of New Boston Township, took the first premium for the best kept farm of 160 acres in the county. Several games of baseball were played on the grounds during the continu- ance of the fair. The Icloris of Keithsburg played the Andes of Aledo and defeated them, winning the first prize, a bat, estimated to be worth $20. The sheep display was better than ever. There were shown Merinos, Cotswolds and Leicesters.
In 1875 J. E. Harroun became president of the agricultural society. In May John Whitsitt purchased in Chicago a fine lot of Durham stock. He secured seven head for $3,000 and laid the foundation of a splendid herd. Col. Robert Holloway at this time owned a fine herd of Shorthorn cattle near Alexis. He also about this time secured several Clydesdale horses from Europe. One animal weighed 2,440 pounds and cost $7,000. His farm was one mile west of Alexis. James Feather owned a herd of sixty-eight thoroughbred Durham cattle in Ohio Grove Township. All were registered and all were sold in the end for good prices. There were other herds of fine cattle and other stock at this time. The Mercer
209
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
County cheese factory betweeen Millersburg and Aledo was estab- lished about this time, with Charles Lee, owner, in charge. The fair of 1875 was pronounced still better than ever. There were several new departments and several novelties that attracted the farmers. G. D. Miller of Perryton exhibited blooded Shorthorn cattle. John Whitsitt, of Preemption, showed Shorthorn cattle and Southdown sheep. A. J. Streeter made an exhibit of Durham cattle. A specialty was made at this fair of the work of boys and girls. A prize was made to the boy under fourteen who had raised the best five acres of corn. Melvin Geiger took the first premium and Willie Goodhue the second. The departments of flowers, needlework, domestic manu- factures, dairy products and painting and drawing were fully up to the standard. J. E. Harroun's herd of Shorthorn cattle was likewise famous at this time. Among the novelties shown at this date was a "chicken hatcher," invented and manufactured by J. B. Hoag, of Alpha. It was a curiosity and was viewed by everybody with sur- prise. It was heated by a furnace with gasoline and made self- regulating by means of an electric battery, which kept up a uniform temperature of 100 . The hatcher had a capacity of 1,000 eggs, and it was declared that the time required to hatch healthy chickens was but eighteen days. This was probably the first incubator in the county.
In 1875 and 1876 the county lost nearly two thousand hogs by cholera. Henry Weidling lost 70; E. L. Emerson, 75; Jacob Beard, 80; and Richard Kiddoo, 100. In 1876 Mercer County raised more corn than any other county in the state-a total of 7,079,015 bushels. It was estimated that in 1876 the county lost 13 per cent of the assessed value of its hogs through cholera. The loss was estimated at $25,601.
At the fair of 1877 there was a large display in all departments. The total number of entries was 1,760. Two hundred fine horses were shown this year, of which twenty-five were owned by the Hollo- ways. There were also shown 55 blooded cattle, 146 sheep and 214 hogs; 49 of the latter were exhibited by S. H. Nichols of Millers- burg. At this fair James Feather took first premium on Shorthorn cattle. After the fair the winning animals were sold at auction on Mr. Feather's farm. There was sharp rivalry at this fair to secure premiums, because farmers had learned that animals which were successful at the fairs sold for two or three times as much money as ordinary animals. Colonel Holloway exhibited Clydesdale horses. One of the animals had cost him $8,000 and had been exhibited at the Centennial Exposition. S. H. Danner showed fine animals of
210
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
the Messenger stock. W. P. Collins exhibited a superior 3-year- old Percheron horse. J. J. Huston exhibited his well-known horse, Kenesaw. A fine animal was shown by Tim Noonan. Full-blooded cattle were exhibited by James Feather, A. J. Streeter, Isaiah Brown and B. F. Smith. They were mostly Shorthorns and Jerseys. The swine display was large and included Berkshires, Poland-Chinas and Chester Whites. As a whole there were too many grade animals with the expectation that they would secure large premiums. The trotting between horses owned in the county brought out entries by C. Drury, S. H. Davis, J. M. Smith and Joe Carter. Their respective animals were Lady Fox, first; Kitty, second; Cornell, third; and the Brown horse, fourth. The best time made by these animals was 2:43. At Mr. Feather's sale of fine stock this year the following animals were sold and prices secured : Princess, $400; Bluebell 9th, $335; Belle Boyd 5th, $300; Bluebell 16th, $240; Countess of Marl- borough, $225; Golddust, $210; Stossa Duchess 2d, $215; Clifton Princess, $200; Bluebell 10th, $200; Emma Spur, $200; Canada Lad, $180; Belle of New Windsor, $175; Bluebell 11th, $175; and others to the number of thirty-eight down to prices as low as $45. All brought nearly seven thousand dollars.
Hog cholera again prevailed in 1878. On the county farm ten large animals succumbed to this disease. Hundreds died elsewhere throughout the county.
The fair of 1879 was an unexpected success. Rain fell during the proceedings, but on Thursday it was estimated that nearly ten thousand people were present. The number of entries was 2,368 and the total receipts over thirty-five hundred dollars. Every depart- ment was filled with exhibits and had never been surpassed in point of excellence. It was stated by the Record that the exhibits of horses, cattle, sheep, hogs and poultry were the best in sixteen years. This statement was made by a citizen who had attended the fair every year during that period. The fruit exhibit was never better. The famous nursery of Bever & Son, a short distance north of Keiths- burg, comprising forty acres, made an excellent exhibit this year. It had been well known for many years and had supplied the orchards of the western end of the county with stock trees. The trotting and pacing this year was better than usual, because the premiums offered began to attract outside racing stock more than ever before. The entries of cattle numbered 72; horses, 217; sheep, 55; swine, 121; poultry, 77; trotting horses, 15; mechanic arts, 60; farm products, 278; fruits, jellies, etc., 982 ; fine arts, 61 ; textile fabrics, 387; miscel- laneous, 43. This fair was spoken of as "one grand gambling den,"
211
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
owing to the large number of games which were permitted. The fair realized $600 from this source. There were swings, chance games, dance halls, etc., usually found at the early county fairs. Immediately after the fair there were several public sales of blooded stock which had been on exhibition.
In 1880 Ives & Willits, of New Boston, did a very extensive shipping business in cattle and hogs. Aug. Muhlenberg was another extensive shipper. He grew over two hundred acres of corn alone. On one occasion he sold thirty-two cattle, which averaged over six- teen hundred pounds each. Ives & Willits also grew live stock as well as shipped them. On one occasion they sent off 200 head of cattle and 200 head of hogs.
Again it was declared in 1880 that the fair this year was better than ever before. This seems like a trite expression, but it tells the truth, because there was a steady improvement in the exhibits and in the methods of the fair authorities. The receipts amounted to $3,500, larger, in fact, than ever before. The crowd present was not quite as large as on several previous years, owing to threatening weather. Griffin Brothers showed tile of their own manufacture from their works, five miles north of New Windsor. M. Chamber- lain exhibited wagons of his own manufacture. His shops were at New Boston. Peter Bear, Taylor Gilmore, Mr. Tomlinson, S. H. Danner, L. S. Maddux and Tim Noonan exhibited splendid horses, nearly all of which had been imported from Europe. The sheep display was better than ever, not only in quality, but in number. The poultry exhibit was likewise large and fine. The hogs exhibited were not quite up to the standard of previous years. The cattle were excellent, but fewer in number than usual. O. A. Bridgford and J. H. Lafferty exhibited Shorthorns. F. C. Coningham showed several carriages and buggies of his own manufacture. John Seastone ex- hibited excellent wagons. The new floral hall was open for the first time under the management of the ladies. They planned its decoration and arrangement, and all were pleased with the order and taste displayed.
Early in 1881 Jacob Cool was one of the chief auctioneers for the sale of fine stock in this county. His services were required when large and important sales were to be made. It was noted by the Record that the average farm land throughout the county at this time was worth about fifty dollars an acre. Tracts nearer town com- manded higher prices, but $50 an acre was the ruling price out some distance from any village or city.
Again in 1881 the fair was pronounced better than ever. The entries were not quite so many, but the exhibits were superior in
212
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
quality. On Thursday the largest crowd ever on the grounds assem- bled. The receipts were about thirty-seven hundred dollars. The stock exhibits were of better blood-not so many grade animals as in former years. As a matter of fact, from year to year the stock exhibit had constantly improved in quality. Fewer grade animals were to be seen. The expenses were nearly one thousand dollars less than the receipts. The sweepstake prizes on live stock were unusually high. As high as $50 was paid as a premium on a few of the best animals. A $15 premium was the first prize on the ordinary classes ; $30 was paid for the best draft stallion and six of his colts. The Scientific Association made a fine display at this fair. This collection had accumulated for many years and probably was not surpassed in Western Illinois. The gate receipts amounted to $2,679.55. The rent of booths and stalls amounted to $524. The state appropriation was $100. An old debt of $400 was liquidated this year. The fol- lowing Mercer County men were on the awarding committees at the state fair in 1881: Shorthorn cattle, Joseph McCoy; thoroughbred stallions and mares, A. B. Swisher; sweepstakes Southdown sheep, David Calhoun; Polish fowls, Gideon Ives; trees for cultivation and ornament, D. H. Hayes.
The fair of 1882 was fully up to the standard already set by the county. It was called the twenty-ninth annual fair. The weather was cool and pleasant and the crowd was equal to the average of previous years. The cattle and hog exhibits were not quite up to the standard. The other live stock shown was even better than previous years. The new exhibition hall was occupied this year and pre- sented a fine appearance. The attendance, as a whole, was larger than ever before. A feature of this fair was the Ladies' Cornet Band, composed of young ladies of Aledo. The Western Theater Band also supplied music. The horse exhibit represented several of the finest animals that had ever been shown in the county. The garden products were better than ever before. The total receipts were $3,890. Other features that attracted much interest were the baby show and the baseball games. The trotting, pacing and running races were better than ever before.
The sale of imported horses by Robert Holloway, at Alexis, November 1, 1882, was one of the largest fine stock sales ever held in the United States up to that time. About one hundred and fifty head were sold at high prices, the highest being $1,650. Buyers were present from all parts of the country. The sales aggregated many thousands of dollars. It was about this time that a forcible seizure of horses was attempted at Mr. Holloway's farm. The Scottish
213
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
American Importing Company, with headquarters in Chicago, of which concern Mr. Holloway was a member, imported Clydesdale horses which, upon arrival in this country, were shipped to Mr. Holloway. In an attempted settlement between the members of this company an agreement could not be reached, whereupon Johnson, Buchanan and other members, with about one hundred men, came by special train and undertook to take forcible possession of the stock in dispute. The special train had two passenger coaches and sixteen box cars fitted for carrying the fine stock and arrived at Alexis about I o'clock at night and immediately marched out to Mr. Holloway's farm. They surrounded the house and stables, captured the night watchman and confined him in a box car, took possession of the horses and started for Alexis, intending to load them on the train and take them to Chicago. The news of this invasion spread like a prairie fire, and a large posse of citizens met them at the station and attempted to retake the horses, but were charged upon by the men on the horses and were thus forced out of the way. The Johnson- Buchanan forces took possession of the stockyards at the station and began to load the horses in the cars. In the meantime Mr. Holloway escaped from his guarded house, hurried to Alexis, and endeavored to send a telegram to the sheriff of Monmouth, but the operator refused to send the message. Mr. Holloway then dispatched a messenger on a fast horse to Monmouth and at the same time caused the arrest at Alexis of the train conductor, engineer and telegraph operator and took all possible steps to thwart the operations of the other men. So rapidly did the news spread that within a short time about five hundred people assembled around the train, determined to prevent its departure with the animals until the arrival of the sheriff, even if they had to tear up the track. The sheriff arrived about noon and at once served a writ of replevin upon Johnson, Buchanan and the railroad company, demanding the return of the animals, which were valued at about one hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. The station agent refused to recognize the writ of replevin until he could confer with his superiors. The result was the arrival of a special train from Galesburg, bearing the officers of the railroad company, who, after consultation, ordered the cars un- loaded, and the horses thus were delivered to Mr. Holloway and returned to his stables. Judge Drummond of the United States Court finally decided the case by directing Mr. Holloway to proceed as before with the sale of the Clydesdale stock belonging jointly to him and the Glasgow Exporting Company. This decision completely justified Mr. Holloway in the course he had taken. The animals Vol. I-14
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.