USA > Illinois > Mercer County > Past and present of Mercer County, Illinois, Volume I > Part 38
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
386
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
to this town. As soon as it was certain that the railroad would be built in the near future, Aledo enjoyed a building boom. More than thirty new structures were planned and the most of them were erected, as an immediate result of this boom. The town had been laid out originally with the expectation of becoming an important point on the railroad. Thus after twelve years of waiting the hopes of the people were realized. On March 16th the first train of cars ran through the center of the town. The entire population were present to formally receive the train officials and celebrate the occasion. As the train drew up at the depot shout after shout rent the air and other manifestations of happiness and delight were exhibited. In fact, during the rest of the week the people continued to celebrate. Farmers came in from all directions and desired a part in the joyous cere- monies. On the 22d the first passenger coach arrived, and within a few days thereafter the telegraph line was in operation.
In the spring of 1869 the cemetery association, a private concern, deeded the cemetery to the town authorities, upon condition that they would at once fence the park and put it in better condition. This was agreed to, the deed was made, the property fenced and the grounds laid out and ornamented.
In May John S. Thompson offered one hundred choice lots in Aledo at public sale for one-third cash, one-third in one, year and one-third in two years, with 10 per cent interest. In 1869 the Mercer County Musical Association was organized at Aledo, also the Aledo Literary and Library Society. Both began active work, and for . few years were prominently identified with many advanced move- ments here. In December, 1869, Aledo had seven dry goods stores, seven groceries, three hardware stores, three drug stores, two bakeries, four harness shops, three shoe shops, three jewelry shops, one book store, one bank, two agricultural warehouses, three wagon and car- riage shops, three photograph galleries, two clothing shops, two furni- ture stores, one steam planing mill, two lumber yards, two elevators, one steam flouring mill, two livery stables, seven blacksmith shops, etc.
There are many interesting small items usually overlooked by writers in the history of a community which are of great interest to the people themselves. Having passed through those experiences, and having made such a part of their existence, they wish them pre- served, and, accordingly, in the following pages many small items will be noticed, with the expectation that the readers of this volume will take pleasure in reviewing the small items of the past. The first colored man to vote in Mercer County was Samuel W. Hedge, barber. He cast his vote at the school election in April, 1870. The
387
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
Congregational Church of Aledo was dedicated by Rev. J. E. Roy, D. D., of Chicago, in the spring of 1870. Many brick buildings were constructed this year. For many years Aledo had suffered by lack of proper connection with that portion of the county north of Edwards River. Finally in 1870 the city voted $2,500 to build a suitable bridge across that stream. It was finished and ready for use on August 20th. It was built by J. S. Pinkerton. At the same time the road from Aledo to the bridge was put in excellent order under the direction of the town authorities. Thomas A. Marquis conducted many singing classes in this town in early years. During the year 1870 there were erected a total of thirty new buildings, either wholly or in part. Four of them were brick structures, costing an aggregate of about twenty thousand dollars. Four were dwellings of much pretension, costing from $2,000 to $5,000. At this time the Mercer Collegiate Institute was conducted by Prof. S. E. McKee. The public schools had about two hundred and fifty scholars and the following religious societies were organized : Old School Presby- terian, United Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal, Congregational and Episcopal.
In December, 1870, J. L. Bentley and M. Cannum shipped from Aledo forty-two head of hogs, the average weight of which was 36734 pounds. It was one of the best lots ever sent from this portion of the county. S. G. Morris conducted a slaughter house here at this date. McBride's livery stable was destroyed by fire in May, 1871. The fire threatened other portions of the city, but was finally con- trolled. Professor Hanchett conducted an academy of music here in the spring of 1871. Alexander & Owen made brick on an extensive scale here at this date. In the fall of 1871 when news of the Chicago fire reached Aledo, the citizens promptly raised $500 and forwarded at the earliest possible moment two carloads of provisions. Meet- ings were held and committees were appointed to raise more funds. J. S. Poage was chairman of one meeting and Horace Bigelow, secretary. There were shipped from Aledo by rail during 1871, 26 carloads of wheat; 215 of corn; 77 of oats; 28 of rye; 265 of hogs; 61 of cattle; 13 of sheep. The numbers of each were estimated as follows: Wheat, 9,516 bushels; corn, 78,990 bushels; oats, 51,282 bushels; rye, 10,248 bushels; hogs, 13,250 head; cattle, 976 head; sheep, 650 head. The corn shipped was of the crop of 1870, which was a comparatively small one. The corn crop of Mercer County in 1871 was the largest ever raised up to that date.
In 1870 a no-license board of trustees was elected for Aledo. Within the next few months five cases were brought against Michael
388
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
R. Good for the violation of the temperance ordinance. He took a change of venue to Rock Island, but the judgment of the lower court was there affirmed. He was fined $100 in each case. Under the city authorities the cemetery was made beautiful by the summer of 1872. Walks and roads were laid out, flowers, shrubs and trees were planted and the site generally was most tasteful and attractive. Again in October, 1872, the question of incorporating Aledo as a city was discussed pro and con and there was manifest a determination to continue the struggle until this result was accomplished. There was much opposition from the element which enjoyed the presence of the saloons. J. McKinney, Jr., established a dry goods store about this time. Prof. H. R. Palmer of the Northwestern Academy of Music, Chicago, author of the "Song King," "Song Queen," etc., conducted a music school and convention here early in 1873. All the young people and the best singers of the city participated and the closing exercises were attended by the entire population. All enjoyed the beautiful music, the bright faces and the happy occasion. It was said that the largest assemblage in Aledo up to this time attended this convention.
The Fourth of July, 1873, was celebrated by Aledo in McWhor- ter's Grove, a short distance south of town. J. E. Harroun read the Declaration of Independence; Judge Willard, George P. Graham and A. J. Streeter were the orators. This was the time when the Granger organizations flourished and there was present a large caval- cade of that order, coming even from different portions of the county. The day was hot and the cool shade under the stately trees was enjoyed. An attempt to send up a balloon failed, but it was again tried from the courthouse square in Aledo and again failed, the great heat of the day, it was declared, preventing, in a large measure, the success of the operation of filling. However, the following week Professor Boley, who had the project in charge, ascended here over a mile high and descended in Perryton Township, three and a half miles away. A short time afterward he lost his life in an adjoining county.
During the panic of 1873, when banks everywhere crashed and went to pieces, A. M. Byers & Company of Aledo sustained the panic with success and came through without injury to credit or otherwise. During the most exciting weeks they refused to buy New York ex- change and took other precautions.
In January, 1874, E. D. Woods' Academy of Music, which had been conducted here for some time, gave a musical program at Byers' Hall. Forty-five students rendered a most attractive program. The
-
Photo by Carlson
CENTRAL PARK, ALEDO
389
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
orchestra class consisted of twenty-five members and had eight violins, three cornets, three brass horns and one bass viol.
At every election of the town trustees after the war the temper- ance question cut an important figure. There were invariably temperance and license tickets, and usually sharp contests ensued between the rival tickets. The election in April, 1874, was rendered much more important by the fact that the temperance wave which swept the country was here at that date. Both sides worked at the polls and fought every inch of ground. The temperance ticket was in charge of the reform movement. The result gave the temperance party a slight majority, five of their trustees and their clerk winning. Doctor Irwin claimed that his name was placed on the people's ticket as trustee without his knowledge or consent, but he received the vote of both parties. The result was as follows: Temperance ticket, E. Gilmore, 98; J. C. Thomson, 96; C. S. Richey, 95; G. L. Bitts, 95; H. P. Graham, 94. People's ticket, H. S. Senter, 99; J. M. Smith, 93; George Geiger, 93; John McKinney, Jr., 91 ; E. C. Hum- phrey, 89. The vote for clerk was as follows: Temperance ticket, Lewis D. Holmes, 102; people's ticket, O. P. Arthur, 86.
Early in 1874 the Aledo Literary Society was organized and by the middle of March had about three hundred and fifty dollars sub- scribed at ten dollars a share for stock. The first trustees were C. S. Richey, H. S. Senter and Tyler McWhorter. A quantity of books were secured and the library was opened in the hall over Richey Brothers & McGuffin's store. The membership was $2 a year. Mark Twain's latest book, the "Gilded Age," was received, among others, the last of April, 1874. In 1874 A. M. Byers planned to retire from the Aledo Bank, which he soon afterwards did, and was succeeded by John McKinney, Sr.
In February, 1875, Mercer Township collected and forwarded to the Kansas and Nebraska sufferers, twenty barrels of flour and cornmeal, forty-eight sacks of flour and cornmeal, one large box of clothing, one bundle of clothing and two bundles of dried meats. C. I. McIntire was a soliciting agent representing those who collected the materials. In 1875 the temperance excitement was almost as strong as in 1874. Two tickets again appeared, but this time the citizen's ticket won against the temperance ticket by an average majority of about fifteen. Every member of the citizen's ticket for trustee and the candidate for town clerk were elected. Soon after their election they fixed the license fee at $240. The seller was required to give a bond of $3,000 not to sell to minors nor to habitual drunkards, nor to sell any other kind of liquor than those specified Vol. 1-25
390
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
in the license. They were not permitted to have screens before their doors and were required to hold forth on the principal street.
The bank in 1875 was under the management of Byers & Gilmore. A little later the owners became Mckinney, Gilmore & Company. At this time there was formed under the state law the Farmers Bank by A. M. Byers & Company. It consisted of a limited partnership, under Chapter 84 of the Revised Statutes, and the capital was fixed at $48,000 and the term of existence five years. They were authorized to do in Aledo a general banking, brokerage and real estate business. A large safe and vault were secured. The following were the sub- scribers to the capital stock: A. M. Byers, L. B. Morey, A. J. Streeter, G. D. Miller, S. F. Everett, Martin Boyd, Martin Bear, Jacob Bear, O. A. Bridgford, R. J. Cabeen, D. M. Candor, A. W. Spicer, John Greenwood, Robert Blee, Joseph McCoy, James C. Wright, Tyler McWhorter, W. H. Holmes, E. Miles, William Rutherford, Samuel Lafferty and Josiah Candor.
Late in 1875 Schuyler Colfax lectured in Aledo, his subject being Abraham Lincoln. He came here under the management of Horace Bigelow. In the winter of 1875-6 the town secured a fire extin- guisher and organized to fight fires. J. M. Smith was foreman of the firemen. The force was divided into chemical, cylinder, pipe, hose, hand engine and extra men. At first the force consisted of approximately fifty men.
In April, 1876, there were four tickets in the municipal election, one strong temperance, one lukewarm temperance, one out and out liquor and one compromise ticket. The latter was successful. In January, 1877, a special census of Aledo was taken with this result: Males, 883 ; females, 943; total, 1,826. Of these 1,671 were Ameri- cans, 112 Swedes, 13 English and a few of others. The number of whites was 1,805; colored, 21. There were 286 frame and 9 brick residence buildings; 49 frame and 28 brick business buildings; 7 churches, 5 other public buildings. Total value of all buildings, $601,600.
In February, 1877, Fred Douglas lectured at Union Hall to the largest audience that ever greeted a public lecturer in the village up to that time. Six hundred persons were present. His subject was "Self-Made Men." A little later Robert J. Burdette delivered his famous lecture on "Rise and Fall of the Mustache."
In 1874 the Aledo flour mills were started by S. W. Garley, who continued the management of the same for many years. In 1877 the Aledo Manufacturing Company, a town stock concern, was organized under the presidency of A. F. Perrigo. About this time there was
391
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
another agitation of the city charter question. The total vote by village election in 1877 was 256. About 80 votes were cast in favor of license and 170 against it. J. F. Henderson was elected clerk.
In June, 1877, Aledo was visited by a destructive tornado. The storm did not reach the city in its full strength but did great damage as it passed. The following were the damages done: United Pres- byterian Church, steeple and cupola blown down and three-fourths of the roof torn off; the United Presbyterian Church was toppled partly over and damaged; Doctor Irwin's house was tipped partly over; the Aledo Manufacturing Company lost many windows and a portion of its roof ; the Severin building was damaged and the kitchen in the rear was lifted and set down bottom up on the other side of the woodpile; the tin roof on the Union Hall was partly blown off; Dr. W. K. Brouse's house was unroofed and the stable was blown down; windows in the Button House were blown in; the smoke- stack on Edwards & Son's planing mill was prostrated; the smoke- stack on the Aledo flour mills was left in a dangerously leaning condition; A. Bauer's hotel was damaged; the barn of Robert Blee, west of town, was blown away ; John Inqmire's barn was moved eight or ten feet and injured. Two horses inside were not hurt. Other objects were picked up in all parts of the town and scattered in every direction. The same storm in other localities was much severer than here.
In the '70s the newspapers began slowly to print more local news than ever before, so that by 1878 there were correspondents in many of the villages of the county for the Record and other Aledo papers. The public library in March was removed to the office of L. D. Holmes, over Lorimer's store. C. R. Wood was librarian at this date. The library authorities urged all citizens to become members at $2 each per year. In 1878 the Aledo citizen's ticket again won over two opposition tickets. O. P. Arthur was still editor of the Banner in 1878. In the spring of 1879 the temperance ticket was again successful for the first time in several years. In 1880 L. B. Doughty was connected with the Record as editor of the temperance department. There was a smallpox scare here in 1881. H. Bigelow was a prominent real estate dealer in 1881 and later. In June, 1881, it was planned to enlarge the cemetery and this was actually accom- plished a little later. In 1883 the authorities procured a hand brake fire engine and a hose cart with 300 feet of hose at a total cost of $835. Before this the city had only a chemical engine. The new engine weighed 1,400 pounds and the wheels were only four feet apart and thus the engine could be run upon the sidewalks. At this
392
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
date the town had this engine, the hose cart and a hook and ladder brigade. The Aledo fire department was wholly voluntary and consisted of the following members, January 1, 1883: Fire marshal, Joseph McDougal ; foreman, Lee D. Elliott; first assistant foreman, Charles Detwiler; second assistant foreman, Joel Harvey; treasurer, William Winders; secretary, Joseph F. Henderson, and the follow- ing firemen: Ben Cullison, Lee Eckman, George Gillespie, Dan Kennicutt, Ed Smith, J. M. Wright, Chris Thede, Frank Hebbard, William Yount, Elmer Law, A. Marquis, Ned Abercrombie, H. Morrison, Luther Bernhard, Harry Dean, W. C. Galloway, Harry Harbour, John McPherrin, A. McKinnie, John Harvey, Charles Dunn, James Jones, John Gilmore, A. Curry, Henry Smith, George Eames, Charles Finch and Thad Wright. With the new engine and other apparatus steps to secure fifteen more members were taken.
At the Aledo village election in April, 1883, two tickets were in the field, the anti-license and the citizens. The license element endorsed, worked for and voted the citizens ticket which was suc- cessful, the trustees being C. F. Durston, John F. McBride. Joseph Boyd, Charles Detwiler, and E. L. Wolff. Joseph F. Henderson for clerk was on both tickets.
Business of all kinds at Aledo on January 1, 1881 : Attorneys- Pepper & Wilson, J. H. Connell, Bassett & Wharton, L. W. Thomp- son, Holmes & McBride, Brock & Morgan, W. McK. Young. Agri- cultural implements-Spicer & Gilmore, R. Mentzer, E. L. Wolff. Boots and shoes-J. O. Lundblad, S. W. Gailev. Johnson & Wallen, H. Feltges, Thomas Palmer. Blacksmiths-Morrison & Curry, A. W. Cole, J. S. Gilmore, F. Davis, C. Thede. Bakeries-O. P. Maxfield, J. F. Pyles. Banks-McKinney, Gilmore & Company, A. M. Byers & Company. Books and stationery-J. M. Macy, Bas- sett & Yerty, V. K. Croson. Barbers-Cole, Eibing & Wade, B. F. Wade. Confectionery-Wash Boone, J. F. Pyles, G. M. Bauer, O. P. Maxfield. Groceries, clothing-A. O. McDonald, P. Ring- dall, M. Rosenfield. Carriages and buggies-C. F. Coningham. Cigars and tobacco-M. L. Brankamp. Dry goods-M. F. Felix, H. Maynard, J. F. Calhoun, Mrs. D. V. Reed, J. F. McBride, W. A. Lorimer, Shafer & Humphrey, Richey & Dunlap, J. Black. Drugs and medicines-W. D. Craig, J. M. Macy, J. M. Wallace. Den- tists-David & Coulson. Elevators- D. Fargo, E. L. Wolff. Fur- niture-H. R. Morrison, J. B. Moore. Groceries-L. F. Jobusch, Thomson & Edwards, H. Maynard, Boyd & Lemon, Richey & Dun- lap, J. Galloway & Son, J. F. Pyles, J. R. McCrea, McGuffin & McDonald, G. M. Bauer. Hotels-Aledo House, William Crosier;
393
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
Button House, John Button; Bauer House, G. M. Bauer. Insur- ance-J. F. Henderson, William Carroll. Jewelry-J. H. Ramsey, F. Lemon, A. Corken. Livery stables-Jo Carter, Low Brown, S. Marquis. Lumber-Edwards, Weaver & Company, E. L. Wolff. Millinery-A. M. Young, Bassett & Yerty, Mrs. Houk, Richey & Dunlap. Meat markets-Dunn & St. Clair, Winders & Hutchin- son. Marble works-A. H. Law, H. Wells. Newspapers-Record, Porter & Bigelow; Democrat, John Geiger; Banner, Peter F. War- ner. Organs and pianos-J. B. Moore & Son. Physicians-George Irvin, W. D. Craig & Son, J. M. Wallace, Thomas Shaver, J. D. Taylor. Poultry and game-M. S. Boice & Company, J. D. Rem- ington. Painters-F. C. Cunningham, G. B. Eames, J. W. Craw- ford. Photograph gallery- Luke Strong. Stoves and hardware- E. Detwiler & Son, W. H. Holmes. Saddles and harness-J. H. Abercrombie, R. J. Cabeen & Company. Sewing machines-Carroll Brothers, J. S. Bills. Soap factory-MI. S. Boice. Tile and brick- B. F. Townsley. Undertaking-H. R. Morrison. Variety store- M. S. Boice & Company, Holiday Fair, A. E. Mead. Wagon makers-J. M. Frazier, P. Killey, W. A. Russell, George McEowen.
The library did not meet the encouragement it deserved. Ac- cordingly, in April, 1883, the library association held an entertain- ment and netted $35.25. C. S. Richey was treasurer at that time. The library room was in the Parkman Block. In March, 1884, they received twenty-nine new books, mainly Sir Walter Scott's works. H. R. Morrison was president, W. C. Galloway, secretary, and W. H. Holmes, George Gillespie, Jesse Markee and D. M. Candor. directors. Other entertainments were held for the library and a considerable sum, probably one hundred dollars, was realized with which to purchase books by November, 1884. In the spring of 1884 the new creamery at Aledo went into operation.
In 1884 Aledo had three elevators, a flour mill, a carriage and wagon manufactory, a marble yard, brick and tile works, a big new brick schoolhouse, which cost $25,000; a soldiers' moument, seven churches, secret and benevolent societies, two newspapers, several good hotels, an opera house, fair ground, a new town hall, an engine house, the Aledo creamery and was otherwise prosperous, enterpris- ing and ambitious. In 1885 when the term of existence of the Farmers' Bank expired, the capital stock was increased to $7,000 under the reorganization. A. M. Byers still conducted it and was associated with W. N. Graham and Frank Evans.
On April 29, 1885, L. B. Doughty resigned his position on the local department of the Record. On the same date John Porter
394
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
and Horace Bigelow dissolved partnership in the ownership of that paper, Mr. Bigelow withdrawing permanently from connection with it. Mr. Porter was joined in its management by his two sons, Moses W. and James A. The last issue of the Times appeared February I, 1894. The new name, Times-Record, was given the paper and was under the ownership and management of the Times-Record Publishing Company. It was a consolidation of the Times and the Weekly Record.
On April 21, 1885, the voters of Aledo were again called upon to vote on the question of city government and to elect at the same time four trustees. The question was decided in favor of the sub- ject. The temperance people were successful in electing the first mayor by a majority of three and majorities against license were given in the First and Third wards, but license carried in the Second ward by a majority of one. The officers elected were as follows: For mayor-George Irvin (Temp.), 167; L. B. Morey (Lic.), 164. City clerk-S. D. C. Hays, 326. City treasurer-W. N. Graham, 323. Attorney-J. H. Connell, 323. Aldermen, First ward-Joseph H. Abercrombie, 106; Charles Detwiler, 108; Second ward-A. L. Craig, 57; Joseph Boyd, 69; J. R. McCrea, 48; G. M. Eames, 48; Third ward-A. W. Ransom, 67; J. E. Gilmore, 69; J. B. Felton, 48; J. F. Milligan, 47. Against license, 171; for license, 152. The salaries of the city officials per annum were as follows: Mayor, $40; city attorney, retainer, $50; city treasurer, $25; city clerk, $75; alder- men, each meeting, $1.50; street commissioner, per month, $40; night watchman, per month, $40.
The Chautauqua was organized in December, 1888, with Rever- end Brown, president, and Miss Merrill, secretary. They met in the rooms of the W. C. T. U., but were not successful in establishing a permanent entertainment. In December, 1888, a destructive fire occurred, the following being the losers: D. Cannum, $3,000; Mrs. Strother, $1,200; G. M. Bauer, $550; W. H. Holmes, $200; Doctor Johnston, $500; James McKinney, $350; Candor & Company, $50; Mrs. Reed, $500; V. K. Croson, $100.
At the city election in 1889 L. B. Morey was chosen mayor. This year the city waterworks were planned and put in course of construction. The contract was let in May to the United States Windmill & Pump Company, of Batavia, at $7,368. The works were duly constructed and a well was sunk to the depth of over three thousand feet. The water at that depth was not satisfactory and the bore was filled up practically to the level of the present water supply. The analysis of the present city water shows the fol-
395
PAST AND PRESENT OF MERCER COUNTY
lowing constituents : Total solid residue, 262.82; calcium sulphate, 57.88; magnesium sulphate, 25.50; magnesium carbonate, 15.37; silica (fine sand), 7.20; iron and alumina, 24.48; sodium and potas- sium chlorides, 132.39; carbon dioxide, 41.35; free ammonia, .008; albuminous ammonia, .0056; nitrates, .0425 ; nitrites, no trace ; in 100 parts water.
The waterworks established in 1889 were under the management of Mayor L. B. Morey. The well was drilled by A. K. Wallen and reached a depth of 3,115 feet. St. Peter sandstone occupied 1,000 feet of this depth. From that region the present water supply of the city was obtained.
The original street lighting contract given by the city to Lair & Marquis was continued fifteen years, with an option to the city to buy the property after the expiration of ten years. This time expired in August, 1900. In November, 1901, that company said they were willing to improve the plant if given a longer franchise. At first there were at every cross street incandescent lights and a total of fifteen arc lights were used at the most conspicuous places. By 1900 the Aledo Electric Light & Power Company had been in operation eight and a half years. I. R. Vincent and W. R. Lair were the owners in 1900, but Mr. Marquis took Mr. Vincent's place about this time. They had two large 50-horsepower boilers and a 110- horsepower engine. At this date about eighteen hundred incandes- cent lights were used in the city.
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.