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 58
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
working order at a cost of $12,000. It is complete in all details, with a capac- ity of 300 bushels of grain, and 500 bushels of feed daily, and does an extensive business for farmers, store keepers and citizens of Stephenson County and vicinity. Three hands are employed, and the annual business is quoted at $30,000.
Webster & Serf-Millers and manufacturers of feed, occupy an establish- ment at the foot of Bridge street, said to be the first of the kind erected in the present city of Freeport. The business was begun during 1849 or 1850, by John Lerch, who put up a convenient brick edifice, and, furnishing the same with three run of buhrs, began to supply the local demand. The power employed to run the mill was water, obtained from the Hydraulic and Manufacturing Company, and still serving that purpose. Mr. Lerch, con- tinued in the business of milling for about two years, as near as can be ascertained, when a cyclone razed the premises and put a period to his operations. A short time after this circumstance, Jerod Sheetz succeeded to the good will of Mr. Lerch, purchased the water-power, and, erecting the pres- ent two-story frame on the site of the old brick, began operations with improved facilities and increased capacity for work. In time, however, Mr. Sheetz dis- posed of his interest to Jacob Riegard, who remained in possession and active operation until 1866, when he in turn sold to Thomas Webster and William H. Rhodes, who still own the property.
Under the management of the last-named firm, the mill was reconstructed throughout, and remains to-day one of the most complete enterprises to be found in the city. These gentlemen remained as operators until August, 1879, at which date the firm was dissolved, Martin Serf renting the share of Mr. Rhodes in the business, the latter removing to Kansas, where he recently died.
The investment represents a valuation of $25,000 ; three hands are constant- ly employed, and the business aggregates many thousand dollars annually.
BREWERIES.
Freeport Brewery-Situated at the corner of Adams and Jackson streets, and conducted by Baier & Seyfarth, was opened to the public, in 1849, as a supply depot for malt liquors by Calvin McGee, with a capacity of about 200 barrels per annum. A year's experience was sufficient to influence the sale of the premises, which were purchased by a Mr. Wade, who ran them until 1852, when a fire put a period to his proprietorship. They were rebuilt, and sold to E. Hetrich, who carried on a prosperous business for years, and died. His widow married William Beck, who perfected some valuable improvements, avail- ing himself of the advantages thus acquired for about four years, when Mrs. Beck was again widowed and succeeded to the business, conducting the same until 1869, when the present proprietors took possession.
These gentlemen made further improvements to those completed under the administration of Mr. Beck, including an ice-house, brewery building and malt house, the same costing in the aggregate fully $10,000, and are at present engaged in the manufacture of a quality of lager not surpassed in the State.
They employ eight hands, costing $250 per month, pay out nearly $1,500 for materials for the same period, turn out about 4,000 barrels of beer annually and do a business estimated at $30,000 a year.
Their investment is valued at $35,000.
Albion Ale Brewery-Is a comparatively recent acquisition to the material prosperity of Freeport, having been established in 1865. To Joseph and George Milner is due the credit of its origin, who, appreciating the demand for
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
pure ales, began their manufacture about the date above mentioned. The originators of the scheme built a roomy brewery, 120x30, on Chicago street, near Oak Place, supplied with every appliance necessary to a successful conduct of the business and the production of a superior grade of the beverage. In time, a wing 30x30 was added to the original structure, and the opinion is ventured that the premises will have to be still enlarged to accommodate the increasing demand for pale, stock and cream ales, and porter, bearing Mr. Mil- ner's brand.
During the fall of 1879, the firm began the manufacture of beer, which has met with favor by consumers.
The present capacity of the brewery is represented at 4,000 barrels annu- ally, though that amount is not produced every year. The trade is principally among farmers in this portion of the State, a very small proportion of the manufactured article being disposed of to saloons or retailers, and is quoted at about $10,000 per annum.
The investment Mr. Milner considers worth $20,000.
Yellow Creek Brewery-Is located on the old stage road from Freeport to Chicago, three miles from the city, and one of the oldest brewing establish- ments in the county, having been established in 1845 by M. Hettinger who, with John Hettinger, began in a small way and laid the foundation for a busi- ness that is at present of the most prosperous character. In 1856, Mr. Kachel- hoffer, who became a partner in 1852, retired from the firm, and Adam Aiker assumed charge of the interest thereby resigned (under this firm lager beer cellars were built), remaining until 1860, when his death created a vacancy, filled in the same year by Jacob Haegle, who purchased decedent's interest for $4,000. Immediately thereafter, additions were made to the origi- nal property, and, in conjunction with the original founder, conducted the busi- ness until 1869. During that year, Michael Roth purchased the Hettinger moiety for $7,500, when the firm became Haegle & Roth, and so remains.
In 1872, improvements were made of an extensive character, embracing an ice-house, warehouse, etc., etc., commodious and convenient, and fitted with the latest machinery. The brewery buildings occupy an elevated site in the center of a nine-acre tract plainly visible from the surrounding country, and valued at not less than $15,000.
The firm gives employment to four hands, manufactures a total of 1,500 barrels of beer annually, and does a business of $9,000 per year.
Western Brewery .- The origin of this enterprise dates back sixteen years, or to 1864. During that year, Michael and Mathias Steffen, residents of Free- port since 1853, erected two massive stone edifices, each 100x40, and two stories high, to be devoted exclusively to the manufacture of a superior quality of lager beer.
They began business under the most favorable auspices, and for many years occupied a prominent position in the trade, supplying dealers throughout the county with the very best brands of this delightful and exhilarating bever- age. They continued actively engaged until the latter portion of 1879, when the property, which consists of three acres of ground, together with the im- provements, was sold to Michael Huber, who is now in possession and carrying on the undertaking successfully.
At the present writing, he employs six hands, at a weekly compensation of $40, turning out about 600 barrels of beer per year, but when trade, tem- porarily limited, increases, he has the capacity for placing double that quantity of the product on the market.
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
He does an annual business stated at $15,000, and his investment is valued at two-thirds that amount.
Freeport Vinegar Works, located at the foot of Spring street, was estab- lished early in the sixties, and has been severally owned and operated by Harris & Co., F. E. Josel & Co, W. S. Lamb and Charles E. Meyer, who is the pres- ent proprietor, having acquired title by purchase in 1873, for a consideration of $8,000. Immediately upon taking possession, Mr. Meyer effected improve- ments, increased the number of generators, and the capacity of production from 1,200 to 4,500 barrels per annum, added to the buildings and accomplished other important changes. The premises at present consist of a three-story brick edifice, 100x50, with all the appurtenances indispensable to success in the business, located at a convenient point for shipment, and the headquarters of a thriving trade throughout Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin.
Mr. Meyer at present employs a complete and competent force of workmen, requiring the appropriation of $150 for their payment weekly, and does a yearly business of $35,000.
MANUFACTURES.
The Freeport Beet-Sugar Factory .- For many years prior to 1871, when this enterprise took shape and culminated in the erection of the factory build- ings, the subject of establishing an enterprise of the kind was thoroughly can- vassed by capitalists in various portions of the State.
As early as 1867 Jacob Bunn, who was operating a beet-sugar factory at Chattsworth, in Livingston County, made overtures to C. H. Rosenstiel, of Freeport, for a removal of the business to the latter city. The experience of Mr. Bunn at Chattsworth had demonstrated that success and profit were the at- tendant concomitants of manufacturing sugar from beets-but, owing to a variety of causes, the success at that point had not been of that pronounced character which might be attained elsewhere. In consequence of this the factory, which had about $70,000 worth of machinery, was compelled to seek a new location where the soil, water facilities and other requisites could be obtained. The question of encouraging the enterprise was mooted for some years, but definite action delayed until about March 12, 1871, when a meeting of the citizens of Freeport convened at the opera house and discussed the situation. On the evening of April 8, of the same year, an adjourned meeting was held for the consideration of the subject. Finally negotiations were concluded and arrange- ments made for the transfer of the machinery from Chattsworth to Freeport, where it was insisted that superior advantages existed; Prof. William Kull- berg, of Germany, and Prof. Clark, of Massachusetts, with other scientists, being unanimous in the opinion that land in the vicinity of Freeport was better adapted to the growth of beets, and other facilities for carrying on the busi- ness, such as the employment of labor, etc., abundance of water, etc., prompt- ing the removal.
The merit of establishing this additional power for the development of the resources of Stephenson County is due in a great measure to C. H. Rosenstiel, who, convinced of its utility, sources of wealth and other advantages, faltered not till he had accomplished his object. He, in conjunction with Jacob Bunn, of Springfield, and John I. Case, of Racine, Wis., held title to the venture, and, after the disposition of preliminaries incident to the business proper, ground was broken on a tract of seven acres one mile east of the city, donated by Mr. Rosenstiel, and work on the buildings practically begun on the 18th of April, 1871. The immense structures were constructed by contract, the laborers and artisans employed thereon being residents of Freeport, and prosecuted so suc-
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
cessfully that the same were gotten under roof during that year. Work was suspended during the winter, but resumed with the return of spring and con- tinued until completion in the summer of 1872.
These buildings are two stories high, the main building, 377x65, running east and west. At the extreme eastern point of the latter the bone-black house, 142x33, is located, adjoining which on the southwest stands the boiler and engine house, supplied with six boilers, which supply the power necessary to run ten engines of from ten to seventy-five horse-power each. Later in the same year, an addition 120x55 was made to the main building for the storage of beets, an office and residence on the main road for business and residence purposes, and five dwellings for employes east of the office were completed and ready for occupation. In August, the machinery and appurtenances thereto were placed. These consist of centrifugals, vacuum pans, filters, bone-black ovens, each supplied with thirty-two pipes, beet-grinders, copper kettles, etc .. etc., and twenty-two miles of pipe, costing, with the buildings, a total of $167,- 000, supplied by Rosenstiel, Bunn & Case. Still later in the same year, altera- tions and improvements were completed at an outlay of $50,000, and on the 25th of September, 1872, the work of manufacturing sugar from beets, em- bracing three processes, was commenced.
The beets are first macerated into fine pulp, and the juice pressed out by rapid centrifugal motion. This pulp is then subjected to a chemical process, in order that the sugar may be free to crystallize. This is done by mingling a certain proportion of the milk of lime, which seizes hold upon organic impuri- ties, iron, magnesia, oxides, and silica and phosphoric acids. The application of steam heat to the bottom of the tank, called the defecating plan, stimulates the formation of a thick scum, composed of impurities mingled with the lime. The liquid is then drawn off from beneath, care being taken to avoid disturbing this scum, and the juice is impregnated with carbonic acid gas, which absorbs the lime and albuminous matter remaining. The product is then filtered through animal charcoal, after which it is boiled down in vacuum pans, passing thence to the crystallization pans, freed from molasses by a second rapid centrifugal movement, and the raw sugar remains ready for refining, which, being com- pleted, is prepared for market. To do this work satisfactorily, required two sets of hands of eighty each, alternating day and night; sixty-five tons of beets, which undergo seventeen processes, and twenty-five tons of coal. The product varied, of course, but the capacity of the factory is about 200 barrels of sugar per diem.
The establishment was operated by Messrs. Rosenstiel, Bunn & Case dur- ing the seasons of 1872, 1873, 1874 and 1875, with indifferent results, owing, as has since been discovered, to the deficient means employed in carbonating the sugar. In the fall of 1875, some difficulties occurred as to the title of the several owners, which were settled by Mr. Rosenstiel gaining control, remain- ing in charge until the failure of Jacob Bunn, when that gentleman's interest was purchased by his surviving partners, who now own the property in the pro- portion of one-half each. It was operated as a beet-sugar factory until the fall of 1876, furnishing employment to a force of 200 men, at a monthly compen- sation of $7,000, and doing a business of $500,000 annually.
In November, 1876, the premises were leased to G. A. Colby & Co. for a term of six years, at an annual rental of $8,000, who changed it into a glucose factory ; this continued for about one year, during which 7,500 barrels of sirup were placed on the market, netting the proprietors, it is said, a profit of $26,000. Notwithstanding this alleged prosperity, Messrs. Colby & Co. reached
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
the end of their worsted at the close of the year. The profits accruing in the manufacture of an article, the consumption of which sustained life and promotd health, were sacrificed, it is said, in an effort to perfect a patent, the chief excellence of which was the security afforded in the care of man after death. In other words, what was made in developing the saccharine resources of corn juice was "dropped" in an effort to popularize an earthen burial case, rivaling all others in its capacity to resist nature's laws. The unexpired lease came into the pos- session of A. Collman & Co., bankers in Freeport, who in turn disposed of it for $12,000 to Veiller, Jayne & Co .- who are said to have established the first glucose factory in America, at Greenpoint, L. I .- commencing January 1, 1879, and continuing until January 1, 1883. They put in four new runs of stone, erected a warehouse, increased the capacity of the factory, etc., and to-day consume 2,000 bushels of corn each twenty-four hours, or 600,000 bushels annually, employing a force of 100 men at a monthly compensation of $6,000, and do a business of nearly $1,000,000 per year, paying for freights alone the sum of $150,000.
The investment represents a valuation of about $250,000.
W. G. & W. Barnes, Manufacturers, Jobbers and Dealers in Agricult- ural Implements, Machinery, etc .- Located in the square bounded by Mechanic, Stephenson and Bridge streets, and one of the most extensive of the kind in Northern Illinois. The firm is composed of Walter G. and William Barnes, father and son, who commenced business in 1865, at Nos. 91 and 93 Galena
street. In forming the partnership, the idea prevailed that it would continue many years, and, in the course of events, the father would be likely to retire before the son, hence it was thought best to place the name of the latter first. Mr. William Barnes, who had been engaged in commercial pursuits for years, removed from Pennsylvania to the West in 1857, and to Freeport, three years later. The son entered the army at the breaking-out of the war, and, barring a brief absence on account of ill-health, served with credit until the close of hostilities, when he returned to Freeport and entered as a partner in the pres- ent firm.
Business was at first of a local character, but increased in volume with each succeeding year, until finally, from small beginnings, it has extended throughout the West, and become a source of immense profit to its founders.
In 1874, so enormous had grown the demands of customers that it was found necessary to enlarge the capacity of their business. Thereupon, the old Montelius property, at the corner of Stephenson and Mechanic streets and extending to Bridge street, was purchased for $10,000, and improvements made thereon at a cost of $40,000. These latter consist of a warehouse and office, built of brick, one story high, 75x80, and containing every variety of agricultural implements, wagons, tools, etc., for sale. The machine shop is also of brick, three stories high, 60x40, supplied with machinery of every description, from the most powerful lathes and drills to the most delicate saw. Attached to this is the foundry, engine and boiler rooms, complete in every detail, repre- senting an investment of many thousands of dollars, and furnishing the means of employment to an aggregate force of sixty men, requiring a weekly outlay of $800 for wages alone.
The line of manufacture includes the Invincible and Triumph walking cul- tivators, Peerless and hand rakes, hand and power shellers, harrows, fanning mills, hay elevators, grapples, hooks, barows, etc. The firm are also agents for Aultman & Co., of Canton, Ohio, and the business controlled by the Messrs. Barnes extends all over the West. Their customers reside in Illinois, Wiscon-
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
sin, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska and California, and to supply their wants requires the employment of five traveling men, who are constantly on the road. The firm's business is stated at $250,000 annually, the largest of its kind in this portion of the State.
F. S. Taggart's Foundry and Machine Shop .- An extensive industrial enterprise first started in Freeport, at the corner of Mechanic and Stephen- son streets, in 1876, where Mr. Taggart began with $25 cash and five hands, his undertaking being attended by the cheerful predictions of sympathetic friends that in about three months he would be open to engagements. Mr. Taggart, however, was undismayed by the prophecies of these self-constituted Cassandras, and continued to realize abundant success, at the close of the year his business footing up over $8,000. In 1877, he removed his foundry for the purpose of securing more desirable quarters, but, after a short stay, was obliged to again remove for similar causes, when he de- termined to erect a foundry that should contain room and conveniences more harmoniously proportioned to his business. A lot at the corner of Mechanic and Spring streets was accordingly purchased for $1,500, and in the fall of 1878 ground was broken for the foundations of his present structures. These consist of a machine shop 100x40, two stories high, an engine house and foun- dry of smaller dimensions, each one story in height, all built of brick, and, when finished in 1879, a decided ornament to the eastern part of the city. They cost, complete and furnished, an aggregate of $10,000, were taken pos- session of in the spring of 1879, and have been run without intermission since, turning out immense quantities of stock, and attracting a wide-spread and remunerative custom.
The manufactures of the establishment include castings, building fronts, pulleys, hangers, sleigh shoes, iron kettles, etc., etc. Thirty men are employed, at a monthly cost of about $1,500 ; the business is quoted at $70,000 annually, and the investment at $25,000.
Novelty Iron Works-Occupy the corner of Chicago and Jackson streets, and are conducted by F. H. and Charles Morgan, composing the firm of " Morgan Brothers." The business was first established by the present firm in 1868, on the present site, in two small brick buildings, where a total of ten hands were employed in the machine-shop and foundry. In 1874, the old buildings, becoming too contracted, were torn away, and the present commodious quarters, consisting of a machine-shop, foundry, engine-room, and quarters connected therewith, substituted at an expense of $25,000. They are large, complete in all their appointments, and not surpassed in the city by any similar premises.
In 1877, J. P. Easter was accepted as a partner, and the firm began the manufacture of plows on a large scale, which was continued about one year, when the original firm name was restored, Mr. Easter retiring, and has since remained.
The business of the works, in addition to the usual class of castings turned out, include the Swords windmill, of which 300 are completed annually, farm pumps, store fronts, iron pavements, etc., etc., employing an average of twenty- five men at a monthly cost of about $1,000, with a business stated at $40,000 per year.
The investment at present represents a valuation of say $25,000.
C. A. Stiles & Co., Foundry and Machine-Shops .- Located on the river bank, between Stephenson and Bridge streets, were established October 1, 1876, though Mr. Stiles and W. S. Lamb, composing the firm, had been en- gaged in the business elsewhere, as also in Freeport, for many years previous
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-the former in Rockton, with Richard Griffith, in the manufacture of fanning mills, and the latter in Ohio. These gentlemen bring to the business a long experience, and every improvement, either in design or practical utility, com- pleted at the present time, and applicable to agricultural machinery.
Their manufacture includes cultivators of the "Favorite," "Peerless," and other brands ; the "Excelsior " fanning-mill, etc., etc., made of the best ma- terials and in the most thorough and workmanlike manner. In addition to the patterns cited, the establishment manufactures machinery to order; also, wind- mills, which are shipped to all parts of the West. Their business extends into the Territories, in addition to that transacted in Illinois and the Western States, requiring the services of twenty-five men, at a weekly salary of $300, to sup- ply the demand, and aggregating $40,000 per annum.
The foundry is supplied with hydraulic and steam power, both of which are employed in operating the machinery.
Freeport Machine, Boiler and Ornamental Iron Works-Was first estab- lished some years ago, by Walldorf & Wahller, but remained closed after this firm dissolved until July, 1880, when W. C. Siebert took charge, and is doubt- less at present operating the same.
Windmill and Pump Factory .- That of H. Woodmanse, at the foot of Galena street, was established in 1872. . As early as 1868, Mr. Woodmanse opened a depot for the sale of agricultural implements, in the Malburn Block, corner of Stephenson and Dock streets, devoting his attention particularly to handling the Marsh Harvester, 1,700 of which he disposed of in six years. At the date above mentioned he opened his present factory, which fronts on Galena, Dock and Railroad streets, possessing extensive facilities, and placing an im- mense amount of goods on the market each year. Latterly, he has confined his business to the manufacture of the Woodmanse Windmill, for which supe- riority is claimed over rival patents, and farm pumps, turning out 2,000 of each every year.
He employs thirty-five men, and does a business of $100,000 annually.
J. H. Snyder, Pumps, Ladders, etc .- Is located on the corner of Bridge and Adams streets, where it was originally established in 1862, by C. M. Shaffer and J. H. Snyder, and the business conducted under the firm name of " C. M. Shaffer & Co." At first the manufacture was confined to wooden pumps of various patterns, but, experiencing a demand for sash, doors, blinds and other house furnishings, included these in the articles they placed upon the market. Along in 1870, finding the unpretentious quarters in which they had begun business nine years previous, too contracted, the firm erected the present handsome brick structure, finished substantially and adapted to their wants, at a cost of $3,000. The building is 38x70, three stories high, and with its appurtenances occupies a prominent place on the list of Freeport enterprises. In 1871, Mr. Shaffer disposed of his interest to H. H. Upp, and under the ad- ministration of the firm of which that gentleman at that time became one of the interested factors, additions in the shape of buildings, machinery, conven- iences, etc., were made to those cited, and supplied the demand made by increas- ing business. The new firm remained in existence until January, 1876, when a dissolution was concluded, Mr. Upp retiring, his interest being absorbed by that held by his partner, who thereafter, and at present is engaged in conduct- ing the affairs solus.
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