USA > Illinois > Stephenson County > The History of Stephenson County, Illinois : containing biographical sketches war record statistics portraits of early settlers history of the Northwest, history of Illinois, &c. > Part 53
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Hettinger. Collmann Brothers & Co .- Private bankers, located on Chi- cago, between Stephenson and Galena streets, is one of the most substantial build- iug establishments in the State, Messrs. M. Hettinger, C. D. Collmann, A. Collmann, D. B. Schulte and F. Gund composing the firm, being men of respon- sibility and wealth.
The bank was organized May 20, 1876, with a nominal capital of $20,- 000, same to be increased as business required. During the years in which the institution has been operated, a very pronounced success has attended the labors of the firm, and the surplus profits have been added to the capital, which is now largely in excess of that originally invested.
The annual deposits are stated at $150,000, and the business, which is largely done with farmers and shippers, is equally as extensive.
Knowlton Brothers .- Also private bankers, located at the corner of Ex- change and Stephenson streets, was established in the fall of 1869, by the late D. A. Knowlton, one of the early settlers and wealthy men of Stephenson County, who associated his sons, D. A. Knowlton, Jr., and C. D. Knowlton, with
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
him, and conducted the business successfully to the day of his death, in the month of March, 1876. Thereafter, and up to the present time, decedent's sons and heirs have been carrying on the enterprise, under the firm name of Knowlton Brothers, employing a large capital and doing a correspondingly large business.
GERMAN INSURANCE COMPANY.
At a day in the history of Freeport, at present within the memory of those not included among the names of the proverbial oldest inhabitants, the city was known as the "Hartford of the West," from the presence of insurance compa- nies born in the immediate vicinity, and apparently leading a prosperous exist- ence. They were thick as lice in Egypt, to express it graphically, but many have met the fate allotted that pestiferous insect, which in ancient times infested men and beasts, when Pharaoh's heart was hardened. They have run the race set before them, and their corporate life has long since been rolled up like a scroll. This was due in some instances to bad management, in some instances to the preponderance in amount of liabilities over assets, in some instances also to the adoption by the Legislature of what is known as the law of 1869, the exacting provisions of which had a tendency to eliminate unsubstantial corpora- tions, from among those rated as solvent, and to confine the business to a class of operators whose means were available at all times, and liable for the corpo- rate obligation accepted in consideration of premiums paid for the benefit of the assured.
These companies began to be chartered as early as 1853, when the Stephen- son County corporation was chartered. In 1857, the Farmers' was incorporated, with D. H. Sunderland, A. P. Long, John Burrell and J. S. Emmert at its head. This company is still in existence, but quiescent, as it were. The Put- nam County Mutual, subsequently American, was removed to Chicago, in 1869, where it still lives. The Columbia, of Freeport, chartered February 20, 1861, survived its birth two years, and then departed from the scenes of active life. The Fire and Tornado, changed to the Continental, re-insured its risks in Chicago, and closed up. The State, chartered June 10, 1863; Citizens' Life, Citizens' Health, National, Relief, and Western World were all chartered in February, 1865, but declined business. The United States, chartered at the same time, succumbed, when the law of 1869 went into force; the Union two years previously, and the Mokena declined the privileges accorded it by the terms of its charter.
Probably the most celebrated among these were the Winnesheik and the Protection Life. The former was chartered February 18, 1861, and included among its stockholders B. F. Butler, Simon Cameron, J. Russell Jones, Per- kins Bass, U. S. Grant, W. H. Bradley, N. Corwith, J. B. Brush and John A. Logan. From the date of its incorporation, it made rapid progress, and during its existence issued not less than 50,000 policies. At first, its business was mainly transacted on what is known as the mutual plan ; this lasted until Janu- ary 1, 1867, when it was changed to the stock plan, and so continued until the law of 1869 stepped in and claimed the company as its own, which claim was con- ceded without resistance or demurrer. The Protection Life operated in Free- port until March 7, 1867, when its base of supplies and distribution was removed to Chicago. After two years of apparently fruitful labors, the Protection Life, as will be remembered by most every resident of Stephenson County, was described as hanging upon the verge of ruin. This cheerful picture was at first disputed by friends of the corporation, but claimants insisted such was the case,
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
and clamorously demanded an investigation. These demands were finally or- dered, and the examination made resulted in the discovery of facts which were not thought to have existed before. The institution was reported as not only on the verge of ruin, but so hopelessly in that condition as that its recovery was a question of chance rather than possibility. The law was appealed to to unravel the skein of circumstances, and ascertain what had become of the pre- miums presumably to the credit of the assured, but thus far without results. A Receiver was appointed, and other things done that seemed proper and right, but thus far nothing has been born of the proceedings but trials, troubles and vexations of spirit.
The German was incorporated February 16, 1865, under the name and title of the "Freeport Insurance Company," by A. H. Stone, E. W. Coleman, W. J. McKim, A. M. Lawver and George P. Kingsley. On June 23, 1866, Louis Ahsendorff, Richard Meyer, William Massenberg and D. Keuhner pur- chased the charter and franchise of the Freeport company from A. P. Long, and the following board of officers was elected : L. Ahsendorff, President ; William Massenberg, Vice President; R. Meyer, Secretary, and D. Keuhner, Treasurer.
On the 13th of July of the same year, Mathias Hettinger was elected Presi- dent in place of Mr. Ahsendorff, who resigned, and in the month of October follow- ing the first policy of insurance was issued. During the year ending October 31, 1867, 411 policies were issued. In the month of December of that year, Richard Meyer resigned the secretaryship, and F. Gund was elected in his stead, since when he has served continuously in that capacity.
The company does business in the following States : Illinois, Iowa, Wis- consin, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, and Dakota Territory, has over six hundred agencies, and its premium re- ceipts at present run over $1,000 per day. During the twelve years of its existence the company has issued 94,309 policies, upon which premiums aggre- gating $1,332,521.63 have been received ; and paid losses amounting to $429,- 975.31. The capital stock is $200,000, divided into shares of $100 each, and, with a continuance of its present success, it will not be long before it will take rank among the wealthiest corporations in the country. To-day the interest re- ceipts alone suffice to pay the regular annual dividends in addition to a large proportion of the expense incurred in its management.
The success of the company is due to the prudent and conservative man- ner in which the business has been conducted. The interests of the policy- holder have been carefully guarded, and, in addition to being the heaviest tax- payer in Stephenson County, the German has contributed largely to the pros- perity of Freeport.
The assets of the company exceed $600,000, and the present officers are : M. Hettinger, President ; J. Hoebel, Vice President ; C. O. Collmann, Treas- urer, and F. Gund, Secretary. H. Baier, C. Baumgarten, M. Bangasser, C. O. Collmann, A. Collmann, J. Erfert. J. Forcha, D. Franz, M. Hettinger, E. Heller, J. Hoebel, B. Huenkmeyer, D. Kunz, D. B. Schulte and A. Voel- kers, Board of Directors. The company's office is at the corner of Exchange and Bridge streets.
FREEPORT TELEPHONE EXCHANGE
was organized on the 1st day of April, 1880, by E. T. Keim, of Dubugue, acting on behalf of the National Telephone Company, with a capital of $10,000, and the following officers : L. Z. Farwell, President; W. G. Barnes, Vice President ;
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
F. Gund, Treasurer ; C. H. Little, Secretary. O. B. Sanford, J. I. Neff, L. Z. Farwell, E. B. Winger, F. Gund and C. H. Little, Board of Directors.
On the 10th of June following, work was commenced, poles erected, lines placed, etc., which were completed and ready for operation about the 1st of July. The instruments used are of the Bell pattern with the Blake transmit- ter, and with the magnets, bells and material, was furnished by the Electrical Manufacturing Company of Chicago.
The company began operations with about twenty-five miles of lines, and fifty subscribers, and the promise of an increased list when the undertaking is finally established. The instruments are " placed" in stores, manufactories, etc., and kept in order for $4 per month, and in private residences for a less sum, say $36 per annum. The main office is at No. 107 Stephenson street, where an operator, line-man and a force necessary to conduct the business is employed.
POST OFFICE.
The early settlers of Stephenson County were denied the privileges and mail facilities to which their descendants are accustomed, and which are now regard as indispensable to their happiness.
The first mail delivered in the county was during the spring of 1836, when Thomas Craine was made the recipient of letters and papers addressed to those residing in Freeport and vicinity, from the Frink stages, which he carried to the addressed, making his way on foot, and collecting the tariff for services thus rendered. This was continued until a post office was established in Free- port, and an official appointed to discharge the duties incident thereto.
Along in 1837, the demand for increased postal conveniences, induced the Department to rent a small room on Galena street to supply this want, and B. R. Wilmot was appointed to take charge. His duties were far from exacting or onerous, as may be imagined, but the location of the premises afforded a "central point " for the inhabitants to congregate at, and to promulgate such news as was then available for distribution. Mr. Wilmot was maintained in his position until about 1842, when L. W. Guiteau became the object of execu- tive confidence, and removed the office to the corner of Galena and Exchange (now Galena avenue) streets, where the mail was daily received. He was fol- lowed by the Hon. Thomas J. Turner, who established the post office in his private residence, on Galena, between Van Buren and Chicago streets, where he attended to his charge until December, 1843, when John Tyler appointed A. T. Green to succeed Mr. Turner. His base of operations was first at the corner of Van Buren and Galena streets, whence he removed to the corner of Chicago and Stephenson streets, remaining in charge until 1849. During the month of May of that year. President Fillmore nominated George Reitzell to succeed Mr. Green. The latter transferred the office immediately upon the confirmation of his successor, and retired to the lines of unofficial life. The office was again removed, this time to the corner of Van Buren and Stephen- son streets, where it was retained during the incumbency of Mr. Reitzell.
In 1853, F. W. S. Brawley was made Postmaster by Franklin Pierce, and established the headquarters of the office at the corner of Exchange (now Galena avenue) and Bridge streets. Charles S. Bagg succeeded Mr. Brawley in 1858, and remained in office until 1861, when he was relieved by the appointment of C. K. Judson. During Mr. Bagg's term of office the postal department was located at the corner of Bridge and Chicago streets. Under the administration of Mr. Judson, as also a portion of that of Gen. S. D.
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Atkins, who was appointed in 1865, the office was located on Chicago, between Stephenson and Galena streets, where it remained until its removal to the pres- ent site, corner of Van Buren and Bridge streets.
This last removal was accomplished after a contest by the owners of rival locations, who submitted proposals to the Department for its occupation by the offer of premises owned by themselves. Capt. J. E. Stuart, Superintendent of Mails at Chicago, was sent here to decide upon a location, and examined the inducements offered by Mrs. Helena Beck, who proposed to lease premises at the corner of Chicago and Galena streets for $600 per annum; by Horace Tarbox, for a lease of a portion of the Tarbox building, for $800; and those offered by Thompson Wilcoxon, for rooms back of the opera house, at an annual rental of $1,200 ; but, being unable to decide in the premises, the matter was referred to the Postmaster General, who, after some negotiation, decided to accept a subsequent offer made by Thompson Wilcoxon. That gentleman thereupon proceeded to erect the brick building at the corner of Galena and Bridge streets, which was completed in 1879, and taken possession of by the office in which it is now maintained and will remain during the continuance of the lease, which was made for a period of four years from the date of posses- sion, without consideration.
During 1879, from a partial statement made in that connection, the busi- ness of the Freeport office was as follows:
Received for stamps, envelopes, postal cards, etc., .... $11,388 93
Received for box rent. 1,510 30
Registered letters sent.
$ 839 00
Registered letters delivered
2,878 00
Domestic orders (money) issued
$3,559 00
Foreign orders (money) issued.
83 00
Amount paid for domestic orders
.$77,950 64
Amount paid for German orders.
402 80
Amount paid for British orders.
63 20
Amount paid for Canadian orders.
160 07
Total
$78,576 71
The expenses of the office are quoted at $1,400 per annum.
The present officers are : Smith D. Atkins, Postmaster ; T. S. Gemmill, Assistant ; A. S. Wurts, Money Order Clerk ; O. P. McCool, Mail Clerk, and Otto L. Schulte, Delivery Clerk.
FREEPORT CEMETERY.
To the west of Freeport and yet upon its confines, at the further end of Lincoln avenue, lies the city cemetery. The drive to its location is through pleasant shaded avenues, and the cemetery itself, with its improvements and ornaments, touches the landscape, presenting an appearance of beauty and symmetry exquisite beyond comparison.
The first cemetery established was that located along in 1838-39, at the foot of what subsequently was laid out as Summit street, between the foot of Adams street and the Cedarville bridge. This remained as a resting-place for the dead until the fall of 1852, when, the two acres comprehended in the terri- tory allotted to burial purposes becoming too small in consequence of the unprecedented mortality caused by the cholera that year, another location was determined upon. The selection then made embraced a piece of 10 acres, purchased of Temperance Foley, for $700, still used, and fronting on Lincoln
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
avenue. After a time, this, too, required enlargement, and on April 13, 1878, fifteen additional acres were purchased in the same plat of land for a considera- tion of $2,250, which has since been surveyed and laid out into eighty blocks of fourteen lots each, which command ready sale at from $10 to $25 apiece.
The grounds are gently rolling, constituting a fine natural site, without inequalities of surface, the lawns planted with forest and ornamental trees, flowers, etc., calculated to gratify the eye, kindle the imagination and fill the heart of all with pleasant thoughts.
The grounds are in the care of a sexton, who is employed by the City Council, which administers the trust, makes title to lots conveyed, and is responsible for keeping the grounds in order and repair.
PARKS.
The city contains two parks of measured dimensions and limited attrac- tions. One is located on Williams street, fronting 200 feet on that thorough- fare, extending thence 300 feet to Mary street. This property was donated by O. H. Wright and Judge Purinton, but beyond fencing the same, erecting a music stand and the distribution of benches, the city has done little to establish its title. The other park consists of about one acre of ground on Locust, between Pleasant and Broadway streets, donated by D. A. Knowlton. Both parks might be made delightful resorts, and, no doubt, will in time be meas- urably improved by the city authorities.
WILCOXON OPERA HOUSE.
When Plymouth Block, at the corner of Van Buren and Stephenson streets, was first erected, early in the fifties, the citizens of Freeport felicitated themselves and their city on the possession of this at that time remarkable result of the architects' and mechanics' combinations. Plymouth Block served the purposes for which it was erected, having in the mean time come into the possession of Thompson Wilcoxon, until the winter of 1868, when it was torn down, its site yielding place to the handsome edifice known to-day as the Wil- coxon Opera House. In the spring of 1869, the foundations were laid and the building completed entire during the following fall. The premises are built of brick and stone, having a frontage of sixty-six feet on Stephenson street by seventy-seven feet on Van Buren street, and are in all respects complete and desirable. They were built from plans furnished by Kinney & Adler, archi- tects of Chicago, and nothing was left undone that would contribute either to the elegance or substantiality of the work. The basement is occupied as the composing and editorial rooms of the Herald, the first floor by the First National Bank and commodious stores, the second floor by offices, while the third and fourth stories are devoted to the occupation of the Opera House audi- torium. This is 60x50, supplied with a stage, furnished with appropriate machin - ery, equipments, etc., and is the " base of operations " for the musical and dra- matic artists visiting Freeport. The interior of the auditorium is handsomely frescoed and otherwise adorned, and, with the gallery, will comfortably seat an audience of 800. In appearance, the building is one of the most attractive on the main street, occupying an elevated site and attracting many expressions of admiration from citizens and strangers. The property is valued at $50,000.
MUNN'S BUILDING.
One of the prominent and handsomely finished buildings of Freeport stands at the corner of Stephenson and Van Buren streets, on the site of the
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY,
old Pennsylvania House, a hotel identified with the earlier history of the city, now located two squares west on Stephenson street. Munn's building was commenced in 1862, and completed during the fall of that year, after plans furnished by the same architect who designed the Opera House and First Presbyterian Church. It is built of brick, with a marble front on Stephenson street, three stories high, 41}x90, and was finished ready for use at an outlay of $25,000. The first floor is rented by the First National Bank, the second story being devoted to offices, and the third floor entire is occupied by the Odd Fellows.
While the building was in progress of construction, the Masonic Order, which at that time occupied inconvenient quarters elsewhere, secured a lease of the third floor for society purposes, and the same was completed by Mr. Munn for their special accommodation. The Masons accordingly took possession, which they held for a term of ten years, but, when the order of the Scottish Rite was instituted, the hall was found to be too contracted, and removed to Fry's Opera House, where it has since remained.
Mr. Munn's building and lot are worth a total of $30,000.
FRY'S BUILDING.
One of the most prominent and imposing improvements in the city is located at the corner of Stephenson and Chicago streets, where it was erected, in 1865, by C. J. Fry, at a cost of $44,000.
During the spring of 1864, Mr. Fry determined to erect the building, for which ground was broken on the 5th of July of that year, and the foundations laid during that month. When these were completed, the superstructure went up, the same being built according to plans furnished by O. B. Wheelock, a Chicago architect, and the entire fall occupied in its erection. It was under roof by winter, and opened to public uses in January, 1865. The main build- ing is 633x90, three stories high, with an addition two stories in height, 30x40, both constructed of brick, and a decided ornament to the city. The first floor is used for stores, the second for offices, and the third story is appropriated to Masonic occupation.
Originally, the upper story was devoted to hall purposes, and was one of the finest in this portion of the State. But, in January, 1871, the Masons secured a lease of the premises, and where once audiences were edified with Shakespearean revivals, the festive goat and attendant concomitants of Masonic mystery are maintained.
BREWSTER HOUSE.
This hotel, located on the corner of Stephenson and Mechanic streets, was erected in the years 1856-57. The enterprise was first decided upon in March of the former year, during which the foundations were laid and the under- taking practically commenced by J. K. Brewster, an old resident of Stephenson County. On the 4th of December following, the building was inclosed, and when completed, was rented for a term of years to Sinclair & Baker. On Tuesday, August 27, the hotel was formally opened, and twenty-nine names entered upon the register of arrivals. The opening festival occurred on September 2, when the house was crowded with guests; the Great Western Band furnished the music; the Hon. M. P. Sweet, the Rev. Dr. Sunderland and others, delivered addresses, and a general rejoicing was indulged.
435
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
In time, Mr. Lyon succeeded to Mr. Sinclair's interest, and the firm changed to Lyon & Baker, so continuing one year, when Clark & Ferris took possession and remained in charge two years. In 1861, J. W. Humphrey took charge, and was followed by Corbin Brothers in 1864, and then S. Speer in 1865. In less than a year the latter disposed of his interest, and the house remained vacant until the spring of 1866. At that date a Mr. Howard, from Portland, Me., assumed the management, changed the name to the " Howard House," and remained for several years. J. F. Belcher acted in the capacity of Boniface until about 1870, when the house was closed for one year. At the expiration of that period, J. S. Gates and C. C. Burton assumed charge, their partnership continuing a year, when J. S. Gates became sole owner, and still continues.
The building is four stories high, sixty feet front on Stephenson by 155 on Mechanic street, constructed of brick with iron window-caps and sills, and balcony in front. The main entrance is on Stephenson street, opening into the office. On the second floor is located the parlors, dining-room and sample- rooms, while the third and fourth floors are devoted to the accommodation of guests, 250 of whom can be comfortably disposed of.
The original cost of the building was $75,000, but since its completion the edifice has been altered and improved at a large expense, and, while it is to- day in perfect order, the investment is quoted at about $40,000.
TAYLOR'S DRIVING PARK,
comprehending an area of eighty acres to the east of the city, and is owned by John B. Taylor. Along in 1873, Mr. Taylor, appreciating the needs of horse- men in the vicinity, and the valuable adjunct it would prove to Freeport, pur- chased the land, since occupied as a driving park, for that purpose. He at once began to improve the track, and expended large sums for that purpose, annually, from 1873 to 1877. These include fencings, accommodations for stock, club- houses, stands, etc., and what is pronounced, by those competent to judge, the fastest and most elastic track in the country. It was surveyed, constructed and laid out under the direction of L. Stanton, is 100 feet wide, and 5,280 feet to an inch, or a full mile in length, supplied with every convenience and security for fast time, and has, until recently, been patronized by the most prominent trackmen in America.
The track proper, with stables for stock, was completed in 1874, and dur- ing that year a season of races was given under the auspices of the Freeport Driving Park Association, with premiums to be contested for aggregating $10,000. The occasion attracted an immense field of horses, including such famous racers as Bodine, Pilot Temple, Amy B., Young Wilkes, Observer, Whalebone, Wolford Z., etc., as also a large attendance who witnessed the winner in " free-for-all " cross the score in 2: 24} at that time remarkable speed. The success of the meeting was so gratifying that a series was decided upon for the following year, which were held in June, August and October, at which premiums amounting to $15,000 were distributed. The success of these were not so liberal as that of 1874, yet the association ventured one more series, the same taking place in May and August, 1876. The meeting held in August is known as the " Centennial meeting," and was attended with circumstances so remarkable, that they are frequently quoted by horsemen to-day. At that gathering there were 147 horses entered, the largest number entered for races in the annals of the turf. On the second day of the meeting, in the race for horses with no record below 2:33, there were twenty-two entries, of which
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