Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 128

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130

USA > Illinois > Knox County > Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois > Part 128

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factor to the country and the world, for the planter is known largely the world around. The soldier who goes to battle and conquers nations is entitled to great praise, but the man whose application of me- chanics produces such a great labor-saver gives to the world that which will benefit toiling men. The company was incorporated in 1880, with a capital stock of $300,000. Geo. W. Brown, President ; I. S. Perkins, Vice-President ; Loren Stevens, Secre- tary; James E. Brown, Treasurer; M. T. Perrin, Superintendent ; Edward Hebbard, Bookkeeper. This year (1886) there will be a change of officers of the corporation, the Vice-President, Mr. Perkins, and the Secretary, Mr. Stevens, retiring.

In the mechanical department, A. M. Hill is foreman of the woodwork-shop; Frank Olesen, fore- man of the blacksmith-shop; Daniel Spence, foreman of foundry ; A. Abrahamson, foreman of paint-shop; M. D. Hebbard, foreman of lumber department. A. O. Peterson is the foreman of the machine-shops, having been with Mr. Brown for the last 20 years ; he is considered one of the best mechanics in the State. He has been Chief of the Galesburg Fire De- partment for three terms. A branch house has been established in Kansas City under charge of O. B. Folger.

NOVELTY MACHINE WORKS,

by G. D. Colton & Co. These works are the product of a venture away back in pioneer days. In the spring of 1838 G. D. Colton, just out of his appren- ticeship as a cabinet-maker, arrived in the embryo city of Galesburg, erected himself a little shop on the northwest corner of block 20, and commenced the manufacture of furniture. He had nothing but man- power to begin with, driving the lathe and mortise machine by treadle-power. In a few years a horse- power was added. His business increased and a new shop was needed with better machinery, which was put up on the southeast corner of the Public Square. The establishment continued to prosper, and about the time of the coming in of the railroads the shop was moved to its present site near the depot, and converted into a planing-mill and plow and cul- tivator factory.

In 1865 Mr. Colton took in Mr. Cheeney as a partner, who added to the establishment a foundry and machine-shop, under the name of the " Novelty Works." After the death of Mr. Cheeney, C. S.

Colton purchased an interest in the establishment, and the business was largely increased. One feat- ure of these works is the manufacture of the check- rower and corn-planter combined, called the " New Deal," an invention of O. J. Colton. This invention is highly spoken of. The death, last July, of C. S. Colton was a sad loss to this establishment. Present officers-G. D. Colton, President; Francis Colton, Vice-President, and O. J. Colton, Secretary and Gen- eral Business Manager.

FROST MANUFACTURING COMPANY.

These works were established by J. P. Frost, in 1855, with W. S. Bellows and Andrew Harrington as partners, under the name of J. P. Frost & Co. Mr. Frost came from Henderson, where he had located as early as 1837. He first put up a saw-mill in Hen- derson Grove, which he run about six years. He then commenced farming, and while engaged in farming he did machine work at Galesburg and vicinity.

After running for several years under the above name it was organized into a joint-stock company, under the name and style of "Frost Manufacturing Company." It was for many years the leading es- tablishment in the manufacture of all kinds of iron- work connected with steam engines, mills and heavy machinery. They also manufacture the spiral knife stalk-cutter, which was invented by R. H. and C. M. Avery, and the corn-planter. After Mr. Frost's death the business of this establishment was greatly diminished. The business has been increasing of late, and they now are having quite a sale for the Frost Elevator Engine and outfits. These are shipped as far as Dakota and to Nebraska, while they are largely patronized in this and adjoining States. A new feature has been introduced into their manufactory, and that is the clay-crusher. They employ from 30 to 40 men during the year.

GALESBURG PRESSED BRICK AND TILE COMPANY.

This extensive manufacturing company was char- tered April 4, 1883, with a capital stock of $50,000, which was subsequently increased to $150,000. A. C. Calkins, President ; Charles R. Calkins, Treas- urer; J. H. Calkins, Secretary ; and Joseph Stafford, Superintendent. The present officers are A. C. Cal- kins, President and Manager; J. H. Calkins, Secre- tary; H. M. Wheeler, Treasurer; and J. M. Bushong, Superintendent. This company has by ownership

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and lease 130 acres of clay-beds, which extend be- low the surface some 65 feet. In these beds are de- posited the best kind of terra cotta clay. They have also a fine coal-bed down about 60 feet.

They manufacture pressed brick, facing and or- namental brick and tile. Their pressed brick are of fine texture, with smooth and close-grained surface and attractive color. Some Soo,ooo were used the past year in street and sidewalk pavement, and so far they have been found to be very durable. Brick are shipped by this company to Chicago, and also to Peoria, where they have a large contract for street pavements. In December last a fire broke out, destroying their drying-room, machine-shop and shafting. These were immediately rebuilt and of a more substantial character. One great advantage the company have is in their drying-sheds, where artificial heat is used, which prevents exposure of the brick to weather. Some $80,000 has been ex- pended by the company in fitting up their works, which gives them now a complete plant for carrying on their business. They employ from 60 to 75 men, and expect to turn out during the year 1886 from 11,000,000 to 12,000,000 of brick. This is one of the industries that make trade and build up cities, and Galesburg should feel very proud of it.

GALESBURG BRICK AND TERRA COTTA COMPANY.

This company was established in the fall of 1884, with a capital stock of $50,000, and is incorporated. The officers of the company are L. L. Scott, President; John Bassler, Secretary ; Albert Hurd, Treasurer, and Joseph Pine, Superintendent. The works are located east of the city, and since they started have made decided progress. They employ from 40 to 50 men, and have a capacity of 20,000 brick per day, which they propose to increase the coming season so that they will be able to supply foreign markets. They have good beds of clay which makes a paving brick claimed to be equal to stone. They have 50 acres of ground, with clay de- posits extending down 50 feet. Their brick has been used for paving and has proved very durable.

With this and other brick-manufacturing com- panies, Galesburg ought to be well paved, as she will have right at her door a cheap and durable pav- ing material.

INDUSTRIAL MACHINE-WORKS.

This factory, which is owned by T. W. Peterson, is

doing a good business. He makes a special feature of manufacturing brick and tile machinery. The Galesburg Brick and Terra Cotta Company was fur- nished with boiler, engine and clay-crusher from these works. Mr. Peterson is working on a machine, or a steam press, for making tile and sewer pipe ranging up to two feet in diameter. All kinds of foundry-work up to two-ton castings can be done here. In the manufacture of light engines, ranging up to 20-horse power, the works have been very suc- cessful, and all such engines sent out are giving sat- isfaction. Under the skillful management of Mr. Peterson these works are growing and are useful ad- juncts to the city.

COLVILLE & BRO.

This firm has a bookbinding establishment, which was established in 1856. They do all kinds of book - binding, jobwork, make blank books, etc. They also publish the Galesburg Directory, which they issue every two years.

THE DYE-WORKS.

A very important addition to the industries of Galesburg are the Dye-Works established by Kraft & Chase. To start their works they first erected a fine brick building at a cost of $6,000, into which they placed $8,000 worth of machinery, all adapted for superior work. In the dye-room are 20 large vats for dyeing cotton goods, four dye-vats with steam-reel attachments for coloring, on a large scale, woolen goods, silks, velvets, plushes, etc. The latter vats have a capacity of 500 yards each per day. After dyeing. the goods are transferred to the second story to go through the finishing process. In this story is a steam-press, with a capacity of 40 tons pressure. All the machinery is worked by steam-power, a 15- horse power engine being one of the features of the works.

Since these gentlemen started their dye-works, which was only a few months ago, they have estab- lished an enviable reputation for their dye works, and, in consequence, are securing a large patronage, which is not confined to Galesburg or Knox County. They perfectly understand their art, and are pains- taking, which is the secret of their success. They employ now about 15 hands.

BOYER'S BROOM FACTORY.

This factory was established in 1867 by Mr. Boyer.

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He bought a lot on South Prairie street, upon which he erected a small building. Upon this lot, also, he moved an old frame building, which he converted into a factory and commenced the manufacture of brooms, employing six men at the start. His busi- ness increased rapidly and his factory was enlarged. In 1870 the factory with stock and machinery was burned, with a total loss, he having no insurance. He was not discouraged by this loss, but bought an additional lot and, within a month, had a new two- story frame building erected and again began his business, which increased rapidly. In 188r another fire destroyed his works, involving a loss of $7,000. Profiting by his former experience, he was this time amply insured. This enabled him to rebuild and to put up a substantial factory. Subsequently he added steam-power and put in new and improved machine- ry. His business has constantly increased until it is now one of the fixed establishments of Galesburg. He removed his old dwelling and upon its site he erected a fine brick house at a cost of $4,000. Mr. Boyer's success has been remarkable, he having been blind from boyhood. His success shows what energy. toil and perseverance will do. He employs from 25 to 35 men. The broom corn is obtained from Knox and adjoining counties. His market is mostly in the State.

COLLEGE CITY SOAP FACTORY.

This factory was established in the spring of 1885 by Pease & Bro., young and enterprising men, who propose to supply the people of the county with as good an article of plain or toilet soap as can be pur- chased anywhere. They have now a capacity of about 1.500 pounds daily, and intend to increase it. They use pure materials in their factory, and with their improved machinery and conscientious pride in their business, cannot but make a soap that will prove acceptable to all.

ACME MILLING COMPANY.

There is no article the manufacture of which is more beneficial to a community than good flour, and in this particular Galesburg is especially blessed. This mill was built many years ago, and after passing through many ownerships was organized into the Acme Milling Company, which was incorporated. The new proprietors rebuilt the mill, and reconstructed it on a larger plan ; took out the old machinery and put in the most approved roller system.

The building is 30x60 feet, four stories high, and contains ten pairs of rollers. It has a capacity of 75 barrels of flour per day, besides meal and feed. A pure grade of flour is made by the Acme Mills, which is largely increasing its patronage. Wheat is shipped them from Minneapolis and Southern Illinois, from which they make their finest grades of flour. They also manufacture graham and rye flour. D. L. Pe- terson is President, and Miss Minnie Peterson Secre- tary and Treasurer; A. R. Stoner is the Superin- tendent and Manager ; E. M. Warfel, head miller.

GALESBURG PLATING-WORKS.

These works were started in 1884, and have rap- idly increased in business since. They were started by E. J. Tyler and Walter Gucker, who are thoroughly experienced in their trade. This estab- lishment is completely equipped for all branches of work in the plating line, which is done to the entire satisfaction of its patrons. They make a specialty of new work, which they sell at wholesale prices. The people of Galesburg and vicinity can now have their plating done without going to foreign cities.

Banking.

HE first banking house opened in Gales- burg was by J. F. Dunn, in 1853. It was located south of the Square, in the second story of W. J. Wood's building. Here in a 7×9 room, in which was an iron safe propor- tioned in size to the room, the first bank of the city of Galesburg was opened. These quarters soon became too small for the business. In 1857 Mr. Dunn erected on the southeast corner of Main and Prairie streets a building known as Dunn's Block, and occupied the corner room as his banking office. It was not a bank of issue, but Mr. D. occasionally issued scrip as a convenience. During the war, in 1863, on Thanksgiving Day, the bank was closed up and the business was continued by D. H. Frisbie.

In July, 1855, what was known as Reed's Bank- ing House was opened, with A. D. and Horatio Reed and E. L. Chapman as proprietors. The building first occupied was located on the south- west corner of the Square and Main street. Subse- quently they removed to the northwest corner of the Square and Main street.

In 1857, having organized under the general bank-

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ing law of the State, it became a bank of issue. During the hard times, when many of the banks of the State went down in the general panic, this bank reared its head above the dark waters of ruin and remained firm. Its paper was at par.

In 1860 Mr. Reed erected a new building and moved into it. Here he remained until he moved to Chicago. This building is now owned and occupied by the Second National Bank. About this time the banking house of Sidney Meyers & Co. was opened. This firm was succeeded by the "Knox County Sa- vings Bank," which was of short life.

In 1855 T. S. Mackay opened a large packing house in the southern part of the town, near the track. Subsequently he opened a bank, which was nominally located in Brownsville, Neb., but in reality in Galesburg. He built for its accommodation the building now owned and occupied by the city for offices. The bank was called Nemaha. It was a bank of issue, the bills of which circulated quite freely, and were found in many pockets after the doors of Nemaha were closed against them.

To meet the expenses of the Rebellion, a new circulating medium was introduced, a new system of banking was established, and the old " wild-cat " cur- rency disappeared from the country with the opening of National Banks. The first opened in Galesburg was the First National Bank, which was organized in January, 1864, with a capital stock of $100,000. Subse- quently it was increased to $150,000. Its first offi- cers were C. H. Mathews, President ; F. Colton, Vice- President ; E. L. Chapman, Cashier. In 1866 they erected their new banking house, which was on the site of the " Old Academy,"

This bank has had a large patronage, and is one of the substantial banks of the country. Pres- ent officers : Francis Fuller, President ; Asa A. Mat- teson, Vice-President; Joseph Hoover, Cashier ; W. H. Bigelow, Teller.

In May, 1864, the Second National Bank was or- ganized with a capital stock of $60,000, which was afterward increased to $100,000. The first officers were : David Sanborn, President ; Edwin Post, Vice- President ; Albert Reed, Cashier. Geo. W. Brown, David Sanborn, W. S. Bellows, Josiah Babcock, H. Hitchcock, Alfred Knowles, E. Post, M. W. Gay and A. G. Watkins were the first Board of Directors. This has been a very successful banking institution, never failing to pay liberal dividends.

The Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank was estab- lished in 1870, with a capital of $100,000. A savings department was attached to this bank, which was continued until 1880. The first Board of Directors were: E. R. Adams, C. S. Colton, A. S. Hoover, C. E. Grant, W. H. Little, Marcus Belden, H. S. Hurd, John B. Colton and O. T. Johnson. C. S. Colton, President ; C. E. Grant, Vice-President; W. Little, Cashier, and P. F. Brown, Teller. This bank has had but four presidents since its organization-C. S. Colton, John Becker, Francis Colton and James L. Burkhalter, the present incumbent. This has been one of the popular banking institutions of Gales- burg, and has been continually prosperous. Present officers : James L. Burkhalter, President ; W. Sea- cord, Vice-President; P. F. Brown, Cashier ; I. G. Dieterich, Teller.

The city of Galesburg has a cause of great pride in her banking institutions; none have ever de- faulted, and no blemish casts its shadow upon them.

Churches.

HERE is perhaps no city of its size in the State more favored with religious societies than Galesburg. Almost every member of the colony which located here in 1836 was deeply rooted and grounded in the faith of the Gospel of Christ, and one of their first acts was to provide a place of worship. The following congregations have houses of worship here :

First Church of Christ. This church, which has been appropriately called the " Mother of Churches," had its inception at Log City soon after the first in- stallment of the Galesburg Colony arrived, or during the winter of 1836-37. Rev. Geo. W. Gale was the first clergyman to preach to this congregation, and was assisted by Rev. John T. Avery. A series of meetings was held during this winter, and several conversions were made among the youths of Log City. On the 25th of February, 1837, an organization was perfected, with 82 members. On this occasion Rev. Messrs. Gale and Waters officiated, assisted by Rev. Mr. Noel, of Knoxville, who represented the Schuyler Presbytery. The church is Presbyterian in its name and also in its ecclesiastical relations, but with a strong Congregational element pervading it, out of deference to which the modes of administering its

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affairs were to some extent modified. During the summer of 1837, Galesburg village having been started, and many of the families moved in from Log City, public worship was held alternately at these places. The first room used for holding services in Galesburg was a store-room, built by Duncan M. Chambers, which was afterward used for a store. In the winter of 1839 the first academy building was used for holding services, and continued to be used until the summer of 1846, when a house of worship was so far completed as to permit the holding of meetings in it. This edifice was not finished until the early part of 1848, when it was dedicated. For some three years subsequent this was the only house of worship, and on Christmas every denomination in the village would worship together here. In 1851 a lecture-room was added to the building. The same year in which this church held its meetings in the academy was one of great spiritual prosperity, and probably the most interesting period in its his- tory. Revs. G. W. Gale and J. Waters served as acting pastors of the church for the first three years. It was then supplied for one year by Rev. Mr. Foote. Mr. Gale then resumed his pastoral duties for a year, and was followed by President Kellogg, who was stated supply for two years. For the next year the pulpit was supplied by Revs. Marsh, Waters and Hollister. From May, 1844, to May, 1845, Rev. Mr. Parker was acting pastor. Mr. Kellogg was at this time installed as pastor, and served till his health gave way, in the spring of 1847. President Blanchard succeeded him as pastor, and he in turn was succeeded by Mr. Bascom, in December, 1849, who served till May, 1856. Rev. Charles Tyler then took charge, remaining three years, when he retired and Mr. Barnard was a supply for about six months. Rev. F. T. Perkins then took charge, remaining un- til 1868, when he was succeeded by Willis J. Beecher. In 1871 Mr. Beecher retired and Henry M. Tyler was called to take charge, serving until 1872, when he was succeeded by F. Bascom, who only remained till December of that year. After Mr. Bascom came Henry S. Huntington, who remained until November, 1876. In April, 1877, Alex. R. Thain assumed the pastoral duties, and is the pres- ent pastor.

In 1845 the church government was modified and a compromise plan adonted, securing to both Con- gregationalists and Presbyterians their preferences,

and giving the church a double ecclesiastical connec- tion. In 1856 the term Presbyterian was dropped from its name, and it has since been known as the First Church of Christ, having withdrawn from the Presbytery previous to this action.

In 1854 the Second Presbyterian Church was organized, with 30 members, who withdrew from this church for that purpose. During this same year 18 members withdrew from this church and, with others, formed the Old-School Presbyterian Church. In 1855, another limb was taken from it for the or- ganization of the Congregational Church.

While from this church members have been taken to form others, it still remains numerically one of the strongest in the city. It has a membership now of 503, with a large, flourishing Sunday-school of 250 members. The building is a plain, substan- tial one, and while, since its erection, costlier and more stylish edifices have gone up, there is none in which there is more true Christianity.

First Methodist Episcopal Church. This church was organized in the year 1847 by Rev. J. J. Hed- strom. The membership was small, and for sev. eral years it met for worship in a school-house and at the homes of its members. Galesburg church at that time was simply an " appointment," and was embraced within the bounds of the Knoxville Circuit.

In 1851, at the corner of Kellogg and Tompkins streets, a small wooden church building was erected. Peter Cartwright, of sainted memory, preached the dedication sermon.

In 1855 the Galesburg Church became a " sta- tion," and Rev. Milton S. Haney .was appointed as its pastor. Rev. John P. Brooks next served as pas- tor, from the fall of 1856 to that of 1858. Rev. Jo- seph O. Gilbert followed him from 1858 to 1860. Rev. W. H. Hunter from 1860 to October, 1862. It was during his pastorate that the church building was enlarged and greatly improved. Rev. L. B. Kent, the following pastor, remained until the con- ference of 1864; under his labors many were con- verted and added to the church. Rev. A. Magee received the next appointment, and served acceptably for three years, or until the fall of 1867. Rev. M. F. Havermale and Rev. D. H. Gray, the first for one year, and the latter, owing to failing health, for only one year and a half, the last few months being sup- plied by Rev. M. S. Haney. Rev. G. W. Arnold served for three years, retiring in 1873. It was dur-

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ing his labors that the first steps were taken toward building, and work commenced on the new and pres- ent beautiful church edifice.

Rev. Selah W. Brown, a nephew of Hon. George W. Brown, followed with three years of noble work, doing much to advance the cause of Christ, and aid- ing greatly in the financial interests of the church. In October, 1876, Rev. Geo. W. Brown, a brother of Selah W. Brown, succeeded the latter for three years, also doing the church lasting benefit. From 1879 to 1882, Rev. R. G. Pearce filled the pulpit with honor to himself and greatly blessing the church. From 1882 to 1884, Rev. Wm. M. Collins was pas- tor, being succeeded by Rev. H. D. Clark, the present worthy incumbent.

As before mentioned, in 1872, during the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Arnold, the present church structure was erected on the site of the old one, costing, together with a new parsonage, about $40,000, the corner- stone being laid in July of that year, Rev. R. M. Hatfield officiating at the ceremony.

In January, 187 3, the basement or lecture-room, be- ing completed, was dedicated by Bishop Bowman. The people occupied it for worship and all church meet- ings until Feb. 27, 1876, when the auditorium, being ready, was dedicated by Bishop Harris, and for the past ten years has been a source of comfort and pride to its people. The present membership of the church is about 400.

A flourishing Sabbath-school, with an average at- tendance of 250 scholars, meets every Sabbath in the lecture-room.

The church has become a power in Galesburg, and its influence is being felt for good throughout Knox County Under the administration of the present pastor, Rev. H D. Clark, the interests of the church are being carefully watched and the cause of Christ advanced.

Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church of Galesburg was organized in 1851, by Rev. J. J. Hedstrom. They had no regular pastors until 1857. During the previous year they erected their house of wor- ship and completed and dedicated it in January, 1857. The first regular pastor was Rev. A. J. Anderson, who took charge of the church in the early part of 1857, remaining two years. The following-named pastors followed in the order named : Revs. P. Newberg, one year; L. Lindquist, three years ; N.

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Portrait and biographical album of Knox county, Illinois, Part 128

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company Number of Pages: 1130

Author: Biographical Publishing Company, Buffalo and Chicago; Chapman Brothers, pub
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical publishing company
Number of Pages: 1130