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 59
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He turns out 1,000 pumps annually, separate and apart from the other lines of manufacture that engage his attention, and does a business of not less than
& a Babcock
FREEPORT.
477
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
$25,000 yearly, employing an average of twelve men, at a weekly compensa- tion of $100.
Waddell Brothers' Planing-Mill-At the corner of Spring and Liberty streets, is one of the leading manufacturing industries of the city. The firm, which consists of J. R. & T. L. Waddell, who have been residents of Free- port since 1846, was established in 1877, when these gentlemen became the successors of C. M. Shaffer & Co., largely engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, moldings, brackets and all kinds of building mater- ials. At that date, the present firm purchased the Shaffer interest for $17,000, and have added largely to their purchase since. The business is conducted in a commodious brick building 44 x60, two stories high and equip- ped with new machinery of the latest and most approved pattern. The first floor is occupied by a boiler and engine room contained in fire proof apart- ments, the balance of the story being devoted to the manufacture of dressed lumber, doors, blinds, etc., and furnished with planers, saws, stickers, smooth- ing machines, etc. The second floor is used for finishing, polishing and details. This contains jig and rip saws, smoothers, mortising and blind-slat machin- ery of large capacity, for work in every department.
The firm turn out an aggregate of 3,000,000 feet of dressed lumber annually, together with immense quantities of every grade and variety of manu- factured mill work, which find ready sale in all the suburban county towns within a radius of forty miles of Freeport.
They employ a force of ten men, requiring the weekly payment of $70, and do a business of $20,000 annually.
The investment is valued at $15,000.
D. C. Stover's Experiment Works-Located in the old Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Walnut and Stephenson streets, have been recently established by Mr. Stover, who is an old citizen and identified with mechanical interests of the West for many years. Mr. S. is the inventor of a wind-will bearing his name, barb fence wire machinery, and other patents made practicable; he first came to Freeport in 1866, and became connected with the establishment of Jere Pattison, then with Stiles & Jenkins, machinists and engine builders, and finally opening works at the place above designated. His line of work will consist of originating and completing plans and improvements in machinery, which will be patented, tested and sold, the manufacture of which will be car- ried on elsewhere by the purchaser or assignee. The works are at present writ- ing far from completed, but their readiness for business will not be delayed beyond early in the fall. When running to full capacity, Mr. Stover will employ a force of six hands, and anticipates carrying a large stock.
J. W. Henney & Co., Carriage and Buggy Manufacturers .- The present extensive business of this firm is the result of a small beginning made by the senior partner eleven years ago at Cedarville, one of the thriving suburban towns that light up and beautify the landscape of Stephenson County in the neighborhood of Freeport. In 1869, Mr. Henney opened a shop in that vil- lage for the "building" of wagons and other qualities of rolling stock with " one fire " and three men.
Seven years of apprenticeship to the needs of the purchasing public had brought Mr. Henney into close communion with the requirements of the mar- ket, and enabled him to turn out a superior quality of workmanship which created a demand that has increased with years, and, at present, is found difficult to supply. In 1876, he increased the capacity of his works at Cedar- ville, and formed a partnership with John Wright, at the same time opening a
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
repository for the storage and sale of his goods in the Germania Hall, on Galena street, city of Freeport. Business increased, as was expected, and, in 1878, Mr. Henney purchased "Saladee's Eclipse Spring," the substitution of which for the elliptic and other springs previously used in the manufacture of his buggies, Mr. H. thinks has contributed materially to the success which has attended his business.
On the 1st of December of the same year (1878), he removed his manu- factory to the city, locating at the corner of Stephenson and Adams streets, and increasing his laboring force to forty men, when O. P. Wright became a partner by the transfer to him of one-half the interest held by John Wright. The orders during this and the following year became so numerous, and the amount of stock it became necessary to carry so large, that, in 1879, the build- ings erected for the convenience of the Huber Carriage Works, at the corner of Bridge and Adams streets, were obtained, and a final move made thereto. In these enlarged premises a vehicle is begun in the rough in one portion, and sent out from the shipping room complete in every detail, and as handsome in finish as a bit of choice furniture. The manufacture of the firm includes extension phaetons, carriages, wagonettes, coal box, whitechapel, piano box and other styles of road wagons, together with coaches, landaus, cabriolets, democrats, etc., etc., supplied with the eclipse spring, which is said to be an outgrowth of the Dexter and Triple springs, combining all known improvements on the extension springs, possessing durability, and rendering the ease of riding superior to that furnished by the elliptic and other springs.
The firm manufacture 600 vehicles of the choicest descriptions annually, consuming 3,000 yards of broadcloth and 1,000 hides in their work, employing forty men, under the supervision of Frank Northrop, at a weekly cost for wages of $300, and doing a yearly business estimated at $100,000.
Kline's Carriage and Wagon Factory-Situated at the corner of Van Buren and Bridge streets, was founded by Jacob Kline, in October, 1858, and is the oldest enterprise of the kind, established and carried on by the same person, in Freeport. His business, at first limited, has increased to large proportions, and the small, contracted and inconvenient quarters originally occupied, have gradu- ally developed into a commodious manufactory.
In 1860, he razed the frame premises that then occupied the present site, substituting therefor a handsome brick edifice, which received additions in 1871, and again in 1875, until to-day his establishment is one of the most prominent on the street. His line of manufacture embraces buggies, carriages, spring and farm wagons and other vehicles of travel, and his business each year foots up a total of $15,000.
Ten hands are employed requiring the sum of $125 weekly, and his invest- ment is represented as worth $10,000.
Novelty Carriage Works-Located near the corner of Chicago and Bridge streets, are conducted by J. L. Robinson ; turn out a superior quality of work, which has met with more than ordinary demand throughout the county. The business was commenced at Ridott, in 1873, by Mr. Robinson, where he remained for three years, supplying the calls of customers, which gradually increased in numbers, until they became too numerous for the comparatively limited resources to be there obtained, when he removed to Freeport and estab- lished himself in the brick building he at present occupies, erected especially for his accommodation. Here he has every facility for the manufacture of vari- eties of buggies and wagons, the construction of which is under the supervision of skilled mechanics, whose efforts are directed to excellence in the product.
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
The patronage received is merited and aids largely not only in encouraging home industries, but also in building up and benefiting the city.
Mr. Robinson employs an average of eight hands at a weekly compensation aggregating $100, and does a business of $14,000 annually.
The investment is valued at $10,000.
Carriage Works of T. L. J. Klapp-Located at the north end of Chicago street, was established in 1857 by John Klapp, at the corner of Chicago and Galena streets. Here he remained, building up a business and acquiring prom- inence and reputation, until some time during the war, when his enterprise was overtaken by fire and entirely consumed. Soon after this calamity, he erected a portion of his present establishment, which. with additions since made, is now 90x44, three stories high, built of brick, and favorably adapted to the business for which it was designed.
In 1873, Mr. Klapp retired from active participation in the affairs of the works and was succeeded by his son, the present proprietor, who has enlarged the facilities, and is to-day constantly occupied in the building of every descrip- tion of vehicle, from a skeleton to a double-seated carriage, employing ten hands at a weekly expense of $75, and doing a business of $20,000 per year.
The investment represents a valuation of $10,000.
Carriage and Wagon Factory of John Wertman -Was' established in Freeport twenty-two years ago, one of the earliest, if not the original, under- taking of the kind begun in the present city. His establishment first material- ized in a hollow on Bridge street, between Clay and Van Buren streets, where he began in a small way and with but moderate encouragement. In 1856, he removed to his present quarters, where, with one or two exceptions, he has since remained. His manufactures embrace every grade of buggies and spring wag- ons, employing five hands, and doing an annual business of $2,000.
Mr. Wertman's shops are on the ground occupied by the first schoolhouse erected in Freeport.
Emmert's Churn Factory-Situated on Manufacturer's Island, near the foot of Adams street, was established in 1868, since which time an extended business has been built up, and a permanent success guaranteed. Prior to this date, Mr. Emmert was engaged in the hardware business on Stephenson street, in the house at present occupied by Burchard & Scott, where he was more prominently identified with the trade than any other dealer of the kind in Free- port. Early in 1868, having perfected certain improvements in the ordinary churn, combining simplicity, durability, etc., he began their manufacture, and placed them on the market under the name of the "Climax" churn. His first beginning was made in a small, unpretentious building at the corner of Chicago and Spring streets, where, with three men, he sought to gladden the hearts of dairymen and women throughout the land by the building of a churn which should effect a revolution in the art of butter-making. He remained here for about one year, when the limited room afforded for work compelled a removal to the third story of a building on the site of that at present occupied. In 1870, Mr. Emmert's business was temporarily suspended by a visitation of the elements, in which the premises were destroyed by fire, his net loss being $8,000. The place was rebuilt at once, however, Mr. Goddard, the owner of the same, substituting a handsome two-story brick for the ancient building burned down, into which Mr. Emmert moved in 1871, and has since occupied. His manufactures embrace the "Climax" churn, "Emmert" windmill, "Emmert" step and extension ladders, "Emmert" patent elastic check ease, and tread-powers, employing an average of twelve hands, at a weekly cost of
480
HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
$120, and doing a business of $50,000 per year. His investment is quoted at $10,000.
Taylor's Tannery-Located on the east bank of the Pecatonica ; was established in 1864, on Jackson street, near the gas works. Here Mr. Taylor operated a total of fifty vats, requiring the services of ten men, and doing a large business until January 8, 1878, when his establishment was destroyed by fire, entailing a loss of $12,000.
Immediately upon being rendered " homeless " by this visitation of the ele- ments, Mr. Taylor erected his present establishment, of which, within the year in which his tannery on Jackson street was burned, he took possession and was again at work. The building is of brick, 120x55, three stories high, containing forty vats, and giving employment to nine hands, from whose labor he turns out 8,000 pieces annually.
In this connection, Mr. Taylor carries on a manufactory of horse-collars, at his store on Stephenson street, where he employs five hands, placing 750 dozen collars on the market per annum, which find ready demand in Wiscon- sin, Illinois, Iowa and the Territories.
The tannery consumes 300 cords of bark annually, and for stock to sup- ply this and the collar factory necessitates the expenditure of $34,000 each year.
Hoover's Soap Factory-Conducted by D. Hoover, was begun in the first instance during the year 1866, on Galena street, opposite Turner Hall. He remained here until the fall of 1873, when he removed to his present site, on the Cedarville road, three-quarters of a mile north of the city, where, after experiencing the total loss of his establishment by fire twice, once January 28, and the second time on February 20, both in the current year (1880), he com- pleted his building, and is once more engaged in business. The last factory built is of frame, 24x55, two stories high, and, though far from being a Sala- mander, the proprietor indulges the hope that he has provided such safe-guards against future attack, that he will be spared a repetition of his previous losses.
He manufactures 100,000 pounds of laundry soap each year, which finds a market throughout the State, employs a force of four hands, at a weekly com- pensation of $30, and does an annual business of $15,000.
The investment is valued at $2,500.
The Copper Scroll Lightning Rod Company-Was organized in the year 1861 by Oscar Taylor, a resident of Freeport since 1842, and one of her enter- prising spirits. Upon completing arrangements for the manufacture of his commodity, Mr. Taylor leased the premises at the corner of Bridge street and Galena avenue, where for many years he carried on the trade, employing a large force of men and consuming immense quantities of raw material.
In 1867, the present company was incorporated, with a capital stock of $25,000. D. H. Sunderland was elected President, with Oscar Taylor, Secre- tary, and the capacity of the establishment was largely increased, turning out some years 210,000 feet of rod, in the manufacture of which 30,000 pounds of copper were utilized. In 1873, the hard times and stringency in the money markets induced the company to contract its trade and limit its manufacture to the demand of responsible customers, and since that date it has been so employed in a business, which, though not so extensive as heretofore, is eminently remuner- ative and safe. The manufactory now occupies quarters in the basement of the German Insurance Building, and is constantly operated under the management and direction of Oscar Taylor, the original founder.
Soda Water Factory-Maintained by Galloway & Snooks, occupies a building near the corner of Jackson and Walnut streets, erected forty years ago
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
by Benjamin Goddard, when it was one of the first hotels known to Freeport, and as such furnished food and shelter to many who came West at that early day to grow up with the country.
The present business was established in 1872, as the successor of Crotty Brothers, and includes a patronage extending throughout the city and adjoin- ing country.
The line of manufacture is soda water, champagne cider, root beer, etc., of which an aggregate of 2,000 gross are put upon the market annually, furnish- ing employment to four men, at a monthly cost of $125, and doing a business of $3,000 per year.
The investment represents a valuation of $5,000.
John Jacob Himes' Cooper Shop-One of the largest enterprises of the kind west of Chicago, has had a local habitation and name in Freeport for up- ward of a quarter of a century. Mr. Himes first came to the city of his adoption and future home from Pennsylvania in 1850 a practical cooper, and entered the service of Jacob Smith, where he remained about one year. In 1851, he established a shop near the corner of Liberty and Washington streets, and, unaided by adventitious circumstance or exterior influence, laid the foundation for that extensive business with which he has for many years been so intimately associated. In 1853, he became associated with the son of his first employer in the West, and, in 1857, removed to his present site. He purchased the lot for $100, which was drained and raised to a level with the street at great expense, and erected a commodious shop, supplied with all the equipments his then large and growing business demanded. Soon after, he put up a store-room on the same premises, 118x24, which was subsequently re-modeled into a machine-shop for the manufacture of materials. At that time he employed a force of twenty men, and turned out a total of 25,000 barrels, made up for flour, pork and whisky. Here he continued until 1868, when business stagnation and limited demands for his product influenced him to remove to Boscobel, Wis., where he added largely to his fortune in the manufacture of staves, hoops, etc., for the Mil- waukee and Chicago markets. After nine years' experience in his new field, he returned to Freeport, re-establishing himself in his old quarters, and began the manufacture of barrels for the sirup company, in which he is still en- gaged.
He employs a force of thirty men, with a weekly pay-roll of $250, turning out 25,000 barrels annually, and doing a business of $30,000 per year.
His investment is rated at $10,000.
Freeport Lime Works-Were established in 1868 by Bernard Hunke- mier and Anton Behring, and have since been attended with a successful experience. They consist of three large kilns, erected in the year mentioned, at a cost of $2,500 each, and with a combined capacity of 720 bushels per day of a superior quality. These gentlemen conducted the business, with an office in Chicago. until 1873, when Mr. Hunkemier disposed of his interest to Elias Perkins, after which the firm was known as Behring & Perkins, and so continued until 1877, when Mr. Behring assumed entire control.
The works are located in an immense quarry west of the city, on the line of the Illinois Central Railroad, complete in every particular, and turn out what is conceded to be a superior quality of lime, thoroughly burned, and with a very small percentage of waste.
In November, 1878, Frederick Gund and others obtained control of the business, paying $6,750 for the improvements, though Mr. Behring remained in charge until January 1, 1880, when the present firm of Lawless Wohlford
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
& Co. rented the works for one year for a consideration of $545, and are now operating the same.
The firm employ a force of seven men, at a weekly salary of $100, and anticipate the business will foot up $10,000 during the period of their tenancy.
Freeport Brick Company -- Was established in 1872 by Thomas and Pat- rick Grant, incorporated in June, 1873, and offers superior inducements to citi- zens contemplating the erection of any kind of buildings. The yards are located at the corner of Galena avenue and Wissler street, consisting of ten acres, the soil of which is peculiarly adapted to the business, and equipped so completely that the firm is able to mold 20,000 per diem, or 3,000,000 during the season of five months devoted to work. These include pressed and common grades, and find ready sale throughout Stephenson and adjoining counties, some of the promi- nent edifices in Freeport, including the Baptist Church, being constructed of this product, which, by the way, was awarded the first premium at the State Fair holden at Peoria in 1873.
The Grant Brothers have been residents of Freeport for the past twenty years ; are identified with the interests of the city, and are shrewd, enterprising, liberal-minded citizens, who have built up an enormous business by the exercise of tact, industry and reliability.
They employ a force of eighteen men, at a weekly cost of $100, and value their investment at $10,000.
Truncks' Brick Yards-Owned and conducted by Frank and Oliver Truncks, are located on Galena avenue, corner of Foley street, where they were established in 1872.
The brothers manufacture a total of one million five hundred thousand brick of common and superior grades per annum, employ an average of eight hands, and do a business of $5,000 each year.
Edwin Perkins' Brick Yard-Located on five acres of ground at the eastern extension of Adams street, was established in 1855, by the gentleman whose name heads this notice. During the season, which extends from May to November, Mr. Perkins manufactures a total of seven hundred and fifty thou- sand brick of various grades of excellence, which are sold in all parts of the county. He employs eleven men, at a weekly cost of $80 ; does a business of $3,000 annually, and regards his investment as worth $5,000
ROCK GROVE TOWNSHIP
occupies the northeast corner of the county, contains upward of 16,950 acres of improved land, which, with regard to its quality and agricultural resources, is not surpassed by that of any township in the county. An abundant supply of valuable timber is to be found scattered over the township, notably at Rock, Walnut and Linn Groves, suitable for building and other mechanical purposes, and the water facilities are equally desirable. There are no large streams, but a multitude of excellent springs, which form the head-waters of Rock Run and Cedar Creek, and, with their branches, are distributed quite generally through- out the township.
The farms, which are usually large, are under a high state of cultivation, and cultivators harvest generous returns for the care and labor bestowed to de- velop and enrich them. Corn, wheat, oats, rye, and the fruits peculiar to this section, are grown in abundance, while hogs, sheep and cattle are raised in large numbers. The schools and churches afford means of temporal and spiritual education, and its only village of "Rock Grove" is inferior to none in the
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HISTORY OF STEPHENSON COUNTY.
county as a place of retreat from the cares of business, or residence where hap- piness and comfort must be prime factors in man's daily life.
As near as can be ascertained, no permanent settlement was made in the township earlier than 1835, though prospectors and transients came previous, but tarried only long enough to rest and recuperate, when they, as a rule, pushed on to more distant points.
About the summer of 1835, Albert Albertson, accompanied by Jonathan Corey, made their way into the county from the East, and, having pursued their journey as far as the Grove, pitched their tent and decided to remain. Each entered claims in Section 36, and made some improvements during the summer, which were used by Eli Frankeberger upon the latter's reaching their site. He came with his family from Champaign Co., Ohio, and settled in the present town of Rock Grove during December of the same year. Hardly had he located before his wife was confined of a daughter, who was christened "Louisa Frankeberger," and is remembered as the first birth in the township.
The winter of 1836 was one of hardship and trial to the new-comers, who persevered, however, and have left the result of their labors to keep their mem- ory green forever and ever. Josiah Blackamore is reported to have come in the same year.
In 1836, there were few, if any, who selected Rock Grove as an abiding- place, but in 1837 they came more numerously and with beneficial results, as the sequel proved, to the county. Among these were Joseph Musser, settling in Sections 19 and 20, Thomas and Samuel Chambers, William Wallace, etc. Samuel Chambers settled in Sections 19 and 24, while Thomas built his home in Sections 25 and 26, Mr. Wallace in Section 36 ; a Mr. Moon entered a claim on the east side of the Grove the same year, in Sections 31 and 32, as also did Joseph Osborn ; he opened a farm in Section 35 and entered a claim to timber lands, located in Section 30. Samuel and Daniel Guyer "squatted " in Section 31, where the village of Rock Grove now is; in fact the original plat of the village included " Guyer's Addition."
The first marriage is said to have occurred during the winter of 1836-37, though this question is in dispute. Josiah Blackamore is reported as having been one of the "noble army of volunteers," who aided in expediting the depart- ure of the Indians when the removal of these residents was decided upon by the Government. While en route to the frontier, so goes the story, Blackamore became smitten with the charms of Miss Wallace. When the cruel war ended, he returned to Rock Grove and, settling, plied his suit so successfully that the young lady, unable to resist his entreaties, accepted the overture made, and they ere accordingly married at the time quoted, which allegation, however, is without foundation in fact. Miss Wallace and Mr. Blackamore were married in Green County, Wis., at the time stated.
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