USA > Illinois > McLean County > The good old times in McLean County, Illinois : containing two hundred and sixty-one sketches of old settlers, a complete historical sketch of the Black Hawk war and descriptions of all matters of interest relating to McLean County > Part 77
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His instruments are of the best kind and he is always on the alert to obtain the latest improvements.
Dr. Campbell makes the treating and filling of decaying teeth a spe- vialty, and practices the profession in all its branches. His work stands the test of time perfectly, and we judge this to be the cause of the great business activity at the Doctor's office.
To those who are troubled with their teeth, we consciensciously recon- mend the office of Dr. Campbell, No. 208 Centre St., West of the Square, as the place of their immediate relief.
A. B. GILLETT.
M. F. CASE.
GILLETT & CASE,
WHOLESALE DEALERS IN
WATCHES, FINE JEWELRY AND SILVERWARE.
Next Door South of Post Office, No. 219 Main St.
The firm of GILLETT & CASE commenced business in Bloomington in the winter of 1857-58. Mr. A. B. Gillett had previously to this time been engaged for about eight years in Warren, Ohio, in the retail trade. And in the winter of 1857-58 he was attracted by the situation of our " Evergreen City," and especially by its enterprising people, and con- menced business here with Mr. E. B. Steere, under the style of Gillett & Steere. In 1869 Mr. M. F. Case purchased the interest of Mr. Steere, and the firm was changed to Gillett & Case. The wholesale business was add- ed in 1872. By strict attention to business and straightforwardness in all their dealings, the firm has gained an enviable reputation, and is looked upon as No. 1 throughout Illinois. At their storeroom may be seen the finest display of diamonds, gold and silver watches, gold chains, bracelets, silver table sets and silver ware of every description ; also heavy plated goods and every other article belonging to a first-class jewelry store. They also keep a good assortment of clocks and watch material for the whole- sale trade. They have traveling salesmen for this branch of their trade, who call on customers far and wide in the interests of the house. Messrs. Gillett & Case are both practical business men of long experience, and employ Mr. Platt for repairing and engraving, who is considered to be- the first mechanic in that line in the country. Mr. A. Froehlich, their German salesman, has been with them some time. The prices of Gillett & Case are uniform, and they offer goods at such low prices that we strongly advise every purchaser to call at their establishment, No. 219 Main Street, next door south of the Post Office, Bloomington, Ill.
APPENDIX.
HAYES & EVANS.
The firm of HAYES & EVANS, contractors and builders, is widely known. Their establishment is situated on Centre Street, third block north of the Court House, Bloomington, Illinois.
The firm has gained an enviable reputation. Good work, straightfor- wardness in all transactions, and the fulfillment of any work contracted for, has been its motto ; and when such principles are the guide to busi- ness, success is sure to follow.
The firm commenced the business of contracting and building in the spring of 1856 with a united capital of about $500. The first contract they undertook was the building of what was known as the Landon House, which, (with the exception of the residence of Jesse W. Fell, Esq.,) was the first dwelling house of any considerable worth erected within the limits of Normal. In the same wear, Hayes & Evans built Major's Col- lege, and the second Presbyterian Church ; the latter building was finished in the early part of 1857. In 1857, as is well known, a financial panic broke out, but Hayes & Evans prospered in business in '57 and '58, for all that. In the spring of 1859 Mr. S. S. Parke entered the firm as partner, and a new planing mill (a frame building) was put up on the site of the present mill, and a general planing-mill business, and the manufacture of doors, sash and blinds, was added to the former business of contracting and building.
In 1859 the firm had the contract for building the fine residence of General Gridley, which is an ornament to the city of Bloomington ; and also a number of other contracts for stores and residences.
In April, 1860, the planing-mill was destroyed by fire, after having been occupied one week less than a year, and by this fire were swept away, in a few minutes, all the earnings accumulated by four years of previous hard work, including a large amount of costly work prepared during the winter for buildings under contract. Notwithstanding all these discour- agements and misfortunes, the firm soon commenced building their pres- ent planing-mill, a larger and much better structure of brick, and had it all completed and in running order before the summer was over. Since then, the business of this establishment has prospered and increased grad- ually and steadily until it has become the leading firm of Bloomington in this branch of industry.
In 1865 Mr. Parke sold out his interest to the original firm of Hayes & Evans, and the business has been conducted by these gentlemen from that time till now.
In 1866 a general assortment of building lumber was added to the busi- ness for the purpose of supplying all those who might feel inclined to give their patronage in that department. A survey of the stock will con- vince any one at once what the firm has done in this respect. Every foot of lumber is of the best quality, and well seasoned.
Besides the residences heretofore mentioned, Hayes and Evans have been the contractors for a large number of the finest dwellings in Bloom- ington and in the neighboring towns, including many public buildings. We will refer only to the residences of Messrs Chas. W. Holder, J V. Mil- ner, Dr. T. P. Rogers, Dwight Harwood, R. E. Williams and Mrs. Julia Allen. Of business houses, we may mention Royce's Block, Schroder's Opera House, four out of the five stores in Minerva Block, and a host of others, too numerous to be particularly mentioned. Of public buildings they have erected two of the school buildings of Bloomington. also a very fine school building in Atlanta, Logan County, and one in Delavan, Taze- well County, a fine court house for Warren County, Indiana, and the Wesleyan University, which is an ornament to the city of Bloomington. They have contracted for the new Catholic Church, Gothic in architecture.
It will be seen that these gentlemen have enjoyed in the highest degree the confidence and good will of the public, and still continue so to do.
B
APPENDIX.
INSURANCE-LIFE AND FIRE
AFTER many years of experience people now see clearly the importance of insuring their property. A leading newspaper while commenting on the business of insurance says: "Insurance distributes over the multi- tude a loss that would crush the individual. Many who read these lines will be able to recall the time when men argued that if it was a profitable business for companies, it might be the same for individuals, forgetting that the companies' risks are widely scattered, that the average could be predicted with tolerable certainty, and that the individual had no means of calculating chances, while his loss would in all probability prove his utter ruin." Persons engaged in the business of insurance calculate the losses by fire with the greatest accuracy and govern their rates for premi- ums accordingly. An active competition keeps the premiums as low as safety allows.
GREAT CARE
should be taken never to take a policy from a company which insures too cheaply, for exceeding low rates indicate either, that a first-class swindle is intended or that the company taking such policies is not doing business on a safe basis.
J. A. GUERNSEY & Co., Insurance and Loan Agents, represent relia- ble and well established companies, and the rates of insurance are as low as they can be placed on a sound basis They represent
THE NORTHWESTERN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF MILWAUKEE. The cash assets of this company are fifteen million dollars, and its respons- ibility and standing are unquestioned. Every father of a family, every man who cares for the welfare of his wife and children should be insured. Every young man who wishes to make a profitable investment of his earnings and who wishes to look out for the future, should be insured. The man who is in moderate circumstances should be insured, and the man of wealth should be insured, for he cannot know how soon the wheel of fortune may turn and leave him penniless.
J. A. GUERNSEY & Co. represent the LYCOMING FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF MUNCY, PA., whose cash assets are six millions. The LY- COMING has been in existence for thirty-four years and has always been noted for its prompt and honorable settlement of losses. Just after the Chicago fire the Pittsburg Real Estate Register said :
"Although the Eastern States contain splendid examples of strong companies, vet in the whole country a prouder and more consummate strength was never shown in a national financial strain than Pennsylvania gave in the golden soundness of that company, the LYCOMING of Muncy."
J. A. GUERNSEY & Co. represent the FARMERS' FIRE INSURANCE COM- PANY OF YORK, PA. Its cash assets are $900,000. It was organized twenty-one years ago and by the most careful and safe management it has obtained its present standing. While many others have gone down and sunk beneath financial disaster it has stood firm and strong.
J. A. GUERNSEY & Co. are agents for the LANCASTER FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY OF LANCASTER, PA. This company was organized thirty-six years ago. Its age and prosperity tell the story of its careful management and perfect soundness. Its cash assets are $350,000.
J. A. GUERNSEY & Co. represent the PENN FIRE INSURANCE COM- PANY OF PHILADELPHIA, a strong company, having capital and assets amounting to over $450,000.
J. A. GUERNSEY & Co. represent the PEOPLE'S FIRE INSURANCE COM- PANY, and the PLANTERS' FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, OF MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, the leading companies in the Mississippi Valley. These are all reliable companies. Persons dealing with us may be sure of honor- able treatment.
J. A. GUERNSEY & Co.,
No. 18, P. O. Building, Bloomington, Ill.
C
APPENDIX.
J. A GUERNSEY.
CHAS. HENNECKE.
J. A. GUERNSEY & CO.,
GENERAL
ife a
rance, and
Money to loan in sums of $2000 and upwards at 10 per cent. interest on common Bonds and Mortgages.
REPRESENT
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company of Milwaukee, Cash Assets, $15,000,000,00.
The largest life company west of the seaboard cities. Seventh in financial standing on the continent.
ESTABLISHED 1840.
LYCOMING FIRE INS. CO., MUNC Y, PA.
Capital and assets, Jan, 1st, '74 ... $5,770.154.54 Surplus. 5,365,011.54 Liabilities, including reinsur- ance at 50 per cent ... 405,143.00 Losses paid up to Jan. Ist, '74 .... 5,022,143.38
ESTABLISHED 1853.
FARMERS' FIRE INS. CO., YORK, PA.
Capital and assets, Jan. Ist, '74 ... $831.394.91 Surplus .. 675,939.91
Liabilities, including reinsur- ance at 50 per cent ... 155,455.00
Losses paid up to Jan. Ist, '71 .... 980,289.95
ESTABLISHED 1872.
PENN FIRE INS. COMP'Y, PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Capital and assets, Jan. Ist, '74 .. $413,298.97 Surplus 226,153.97 Liabilities, including reinsur- anee at 50 per cent. 187,115.00 ... Income during the year ... 373,933.00
Expenditures during the year ..
268,265.00
ESTABLISHED 1838.
LANCASTER FIRE INS. CO.
LANCASTER, PA.
Capital and assets, Jan. Ist, '74 ... $337,197.94
Surplus . 232,905,26
Liabilities, including reinsur- ance at 50 per cent .. 104,292.68
Income during the year .. 199,654.00
Expenditures during the year ..
145,447.00
ESTABLISHED 1867. PEOPLE'S FIRE INS. CO.,
MEMPHIS, TENN.
Capitaland assets, Jan. 1st, '74 ... $408,760.43 Surplus 362,495.71
Liabilities, including reinsur- ance at 50 per cent .. 46,264,72
Income during the year. 122,318.40
Expenditures during the year ..
67,444.00
ESTABLISHED 1869.
PLANTERS' FIRE INS. CO.,
MEMPHIS, TENN.
· Capital and assets, Jan. Ist, 74 ... $307,250.28 Surplus 227,209.83
Liabilities, including reinsur- anee at 50 per cent. 79,940.45
Income during the year 212,297.00
Expenditures during the year ..
133,726.62
CAPITAL REPRESENTED,
$23,078,057.07.
Insurance placed at reasonable rates and losses paid promptly.
Facilities for placing Large Lines at Short Notice.
D
APPENDIX.
MEMORY OF
THE HALDEMAN MARBLE WORKS,
S. W. COR. MAIN AND OLIVE STS.
· Bloomington, - -
Illinois.
This old and reliable house was established in Bloomington, Illinois, by the Haldeman Bros. in the spring of 1851, in a little one-story frame building on the southwest corner of the Court House Square, but was re- moved in '52 to northeast corner of Front and East Streets, and in '53 to 223 E. Front St., but owing to the steady increase of business were soon outgrown and another removal became necessary, and it was decided to purchase the old Catholic Church and grounds on the southwest corner of Main and Olive Streets, to which the works were removed in June, 1873, after having been fitted up in fine style with office, two mantle rooms, monumental rooms, cutting and polishing rooms, together with a large show yard, completing one of the finest and most extensive factories in the Northwest.
The work from this establishment is unsurpassed in elegance and beau- ty of design, symmetry of proportion, and excellence of finish.
The McLean County Soldiers' Monument, the finest county monument in the Union, is from these works, together with many of the finest in the Bloomington Cemetery, among which might be mentioned those of Col. Gridley, Judge J. E. McChun and Messrs. Dance, Townsend, McLean, Lowry, Smith, and Miss Jennie Rice and many others.
Many fine monuments from this house and to the beauty of the Cath- olic Cemetery near Bloomington, perhaps the one foremost in beauty of finish and design, is erected to the Lady Superior, M. Regina Farrell. At Funk's Grove stand two massive monuments, one to the memory of the late Isaac Funk and wife, the other to Robert Stubblefield. At Delavan stands a fine soldiers' monument ; at Eureka, one at the grave of Caleb Davidson ; in Leroy, one erected by Bonnett Bros .; in the Catholic Cem- etery one to John Toohey, and one to J. W. Hayes, in the Bloomington Cemetery. In fact, fine monuments and gravestones from these works beautify nearly every cemetery and graveyard in Central Iilinois.
In the celebrated Scotch granite an extensive business is done, import- ing direct from the factories in Scotland, having facilities unsurpassed. A fine monument of the red Scotch granite from this house stands in the Bloomington Cemetery to the memory of Mrs. M. Travis Also, one in Hudson to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lewis, deceased. And in White Oak Grove one to the daughters of Mr. M. E. Denmann.
In marble mantles these works are justly celebrated, having furnished some of the finest residences in Bloomington, among which are those of Col. Routt, Mr. Dodson, M. Swann, R. Krum and others.
From the above sketch it will be seen that no further commendation is necessary.
E
APPENDIX.
GERHARD FREESE, SADDLE & HARNESS STORE,
116 N. Centre Street, two Doors South of the People's Bank,
BLOOMINGTON, ILL.
The house of G. Freese, harness and saddle store, has never undergone any change. Mr. Freese came to America in the year 1850, having previously finished his apprentice- ship as harness maker, in Oldenburg, Germany. In 1853 he established himself in busi- ness in Bloomington. The first shop he occupied was at the corner where the People's Bank now stands. In 1870 the People's Bank Block was erected, and Mr. Freese secured one of the lots of that block, on which he built his store in symmetry with the edifice called the People's Bank. Mr. Freese, like most men twenty years ago, commenced his business on a small scale; and to what degree he has worked up his trade every citizen of Bloomington and every farmer in McLean County know. It is not necessa- ry to connt up the many good qualities which Mr. Freese possesses, as they have been the means of his success. Strict integrity, straightforwardness, and the supply of a No. 1 article, have gained the confidence of his numerous customers. Mr. Freese has turned out on an average two hundred and fifty spans of harness per annum. He has constantly on hand the greatest variety of harness, saddles, bridles, collars, whips, &c., and does all kinds of repairing nearly and with dispatch.
UNION FOUNDRY & MACHINE SHOPS.
This establishment is owned by N. Diedrich and Henry M. Koon, who transact business under the name of N. Diedrieh & Co. Their works are situated on the line of the I., B. & W. Railroad, at Nos. 407 and 409 South Centre Street, Bloomington, Ill.
Messrs. Diedrich & Koon are both practical moulders. The firm is provided with patterns of beautiful designs in house, fenee and bridge castings, and are prepared to do all work in their line in as good style and finish, and at as low prices as any foundry in the West. They are also manufacturing steam engines and every description of machinery. All kinds of repairing are also done with dispatch. The best material, and the most thorough workmen are employed in the different departments of the business.
In 1869 they commenced business at their present site, and they have since furnished the iron work for the greater number of new stores, dwel- ling houses and public buildings erected in Bloomington and neighbor- ing counties. In 1871 they prepared by sub-contract under E. Gehlman, the iron work of the State University at Champaign; the iron work of the store occupied by Harms & Wagenfuehr, at the Western Depot ; the front of the store occupied by Mr. Melluish, watchmaker, on east side of the Square, North Main Street; the hardware store occupied by G. H. Read & Brother, 205 N. Main Street ; the store belonging to John Magoun, occupied by J. H. Merrick, N. Main St. ; and the iron work of the Wes- leyan University under contract of Hayes & Evans. Also, during the same year, the bank building and two stores at Chenoa; and, besides, three stores, under contract of Fisk & Fox. In 1871 they furnished all the iron material for all the stores erected by Dr Crothers of Delavan. In 1872 they furnished the iron material for three new stores in Urbana; for a new bank and block at El Paso, under direet contract from Shure, Tomp- kins & Co .; for the iron work of a new hotel in Clinton, Ill., belonging to Magill & Co .; for the MeClun block (seven stores) on Main St., Bloom- ington ; for two stores on Madison Street, (Ives' Block) under contract of Hayes & Evans; for the National Bank in Clinton, Ill .; for the store in Davis Block belonging to Mrs. Allin, (occupied by Haggard & Hewett,) under contract of Hayes & Evans. In 1873 they furnished the iron work for four stores belonging to Swann & Smith, on North Main St., under direet contraet ; for one store engaged as a billiard hall, (by John Toohey up to the time of his death) belonging to M. X. Chuse, on N. Main St .; for two stores in Atlanta, belonging to B. F. Gardener ; and for a store belonging to Mayers & Son, on South Main Street.
Henry M. Koon became a member of the firm in 1873, when A. B. Ives retired. He is an important acquisition, in consequence of his well-earned reputation. Mr. Koon has made during the last six years all the car- wheels for the Chicago & Alton Railway Company. F
APPENDIX.
W. B. HENDRYX, Justice of the Peace, Coroner of McLean County, Notary Public
AND GENERAL COLLECTING AGENT,
Office in Court House Basement, BLOOMINGTON, ILL.
We direct the attention of our readers to the above card. Squire Hendryx, by his worth and reliability, has secured many friends. He is liberal in his opinions, and the decisions he has given in the most intricate cases brought before him, have given generally, great satisfaction. Squire Hendryx is in every respect worthy of commend- ation. He served three years and a half as a soldier during our late war-was deputy sheriff for five years, during the last year of which he also officiated as justice of the peace. Squire Herr, on his retirement as justice of the peace, placed all the unfinished business in his care, a true token of the confidence and trust which this old veteran has in him, &Collections of all kinds solicited.
Squire Hendryx's grandfather, John Hendryx, was the first settler in McLean Co. Squire Hendrix war immer ein Freund der Deutsehen.
LOUIS FLINSPACH. WAGON & CARRIAGE MAKER, COR. OAK AND MARKET STREETS, BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS.
MR. FLINSPACH is exceedingly careful in the selection of material for his carriages and wagons. His lumber is kept for several years before use, in order that it may be thoroughly seasoned. He is exceedingly rea- sonable in his prices and the quality of his work is unequalled. His car- riages and wagons have obtained a great reputation and are widely known for their good construction and perfect finish. He commenced business in 1860 and has continued with increasing success until the present time
FUNERAL OUTFITS.
FLINSPACH & DENEEN are also prepared to furnish Metallic, Mahog- any, Rosewood and Gloss White Caskets, and Coffins of every style and price. Their New Hearse, which is equal, if not superior, to any in the city, will be furnished on application, at the most reasonable rates.
Warerooms: Corner of Oak and Market Streets, opposite the old Gas Works, Bloomington, Illinois.
J. L. KECKLEY, DEALER IN HORSES
Also Proprietor of the LIVERY, SALE AND FEED STABLE, Vale's Old Stand, Front Street,
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS.
The best turnouts and buggies in the city. This commodious stable, which will ac- commodate one hundred head of horses, has, since Mr. Keckley has become the pro- prietor, undergone an entire renovation, and has become the great trading center of horses for McLean and neighboring counties.
The trading in horses is carried on under the style of Light & Keckley. They buy horses of any weight from one thousand pounds and upwards. Their shipments to Eastern markets amount to about one thousand horses per annum, or a carload week- ly. Those having horses to sell will here find purchasers at fair prices. Terms always cash. Mr. Keckley will also pay the highest market prices for oats, corn, hay . timothy and prairie,) and straw ; and farmers will find his stable the best place to feed horses in the city. Mr. J. O. Gurley, the noted Boston horse dealer, has made this stable his business place, where farmers can find him.
APPENDIX.
STROPE'S PALACE OF MUSIC.
PIANOS ORGANS
'The largest and best assortment of Pianos and Organs in Central Illi- nois, and at prices as low as can be offered.
Pianos and Organs sold on monthly instalments until paid for. Old Pianos and organs taken in exchange.
All kinds of repairs made promptly and at a moderate rate.
The best tuners are kept constantly on hand, and they call at any time in the city or country.
Every instrument is guaranteed.
Mr. Strope is the sole agent for the HALLET, DAVIS & Co. PIANOS. These are the best Pianos now in use and have won the admiration of the leading masters of music. The following are extracts selected from a large number of letters from German masters whose names are IMMORTAL and whose professional opinions stand for the HIGHEST MODERN AUTHOR- ITY in music :
"It is the most admirable instrument ever made."
FRANZ LISZT, First of living pianists. "I pronounce the instrument the best and richest in sonnd I have ever heard." PROF. F. R. RICHTER.
Composer and Teacher Leipzig Conservatory.
"The best pianos I ever saw in my life. They far excel all other manufactures." H. SARO, Royal Prussian Musical Director. "They perfectly satisfy every demand made regarding tonch, delicacy of expression and power of tone."
FRANZ BENDEL, Pupil of Liszt.
In addition to these explicit and coneise testimonials by foreign mas- ters, which would seem to place the HALLET & DAVIS PIANO above all question of precedence and superiority, similar professional endorsements of its general superiority are given in the written opinions of the leading pianists and organists of the United States, including the names of a thousand teachers and professors of music in our leading acadamies and seminaries.
These Pianos, both Grand and Square, can be seen in Bloomington in large numbers, with a variety of other manufactures, at the Piano and Organ Warerooms of Strope's Palace of Music.
Mr. Strope is agent for the
SMITH AMERICAN ORGAN CO. 150 First Premiums
HAVE BEEN AWARDED FOR BEST ORGANS.
60,000 ORGANS Have been Hade and are now in alse.
Illustrated Priced Catalogue sent free upon application.
Palace of Music, Davis Block, Main Street, BLOOMINGTON, ILL. H
MEAT MARKET.
COR. LEE AND MARKET STS.
JACOB STOUTZ
Came to Bloomington in the spring of 1854. During the first four years he was in the employ of the old pioneer, A. Washburn. In 1858 however he set up for himself at the above mentioned place, where by steady in- dustry, fair and upright dealing he has succeeded in building up a large business second to none in the city.
His shop is well known throughout the country and city, as he keeps only the choicest articles in his line. Farmers and dealers here find a ready market for stock, at fair prices.
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