USA > Illinois > Williamson County > Williamson County, Illinois, in the World War : containing a brief review of the World War-complete history of Williamson County's activities-photographs and service records of Williamson County's soldiers, sailors and marines > Part 35
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In August, 1901, it was decided to open a branch yard in Marion and Fred Stotlar, then a young man of twenty-two, was designated to take charge of the enterprise. Marion was undergoing such rapid development that Fred
soon found more than he could well take care of and accordingly called for E. M. Stotlar to come to his assistance and before October had arrived they were launched in a trade that took the builders' supplies faster than they could get shipments to fill orders. Much of the lumber was unloaded directly from the cars to the building sites and car- loads were sent directly to the mines.
In 1902 a branch yard was opened at De Soto and Harry Stotlar was designated to be manager of that plant. Though there was a fair trade in that vicinity there was not suffi- cient demand for building materials to justify the investment and in 1907 the yard was discontinued.
In 1903 C. C. Stotlar, who had been man- ager of the Johnston City branch became a stockholder and so continued until 1908, when he gave up his interest for the newly acquired yard at Carbondale, then being managed by his son, John Y. Stotlar, for Chas. Reith.
In 1905 the Snyder-Klotzer yard at Chris- topher was taken over with Mr. Snyder hold-
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ing a partner's interest, and on account of the heavy trade coming on at once because of coal development, Harry Stotlar was called from the De Soto yard to help organ- ize the business there.
In 1904 Paul Herrin, who had become manager of the Herrin 'yard, sold out his interest in the company to the other stock- holders, and Fred Stotlar was called to take charge of the business at that point owing to the failing health of the president, W. N. Stotlar.
In 1905 the company suffered its first serious reverse when a general conflagration swept the entire business district of Johnston City, burning the entire plant of the company there. However, before the embers had quit smoking wagons commenced to arrive from Herrin and Marion with new framing lumber for a new yard building. Cars of material that were on the road for other yards were immediately diverted to this point and the contractors who were depending upon the yard for their material were being supplied . in a few days as if nothing unusual had transpired. As it was, the company lost the savings of over two years' accumulation that was not covered by insurance.
In 1907 a new yard was opened at Pitts- burg, Ill., a new town just promoted six miles northeast of Marion, and S. W. Webb, who had been left in charge of the De Soto yard, was made manager of the new yard. After five years of precarious existence the yard was discontinued and that vicinity was without further accommodations for builders' supplies.
During this year two of the best yards of Benton were bought and consolidated and Harry Stotlar was called from Christopher
to the management of it. The impulse given to building because of the new coal develop- ment in Franklin County made trade lively for several years and the further develop- ments of mines to the south led the company to purchase the yard of the Frisco Lumber Company at West Frankfort in the autumn of 1908.
The acquirement of West Frankfort yard completed a chain of yards over Williamson and Franklin Counties. D. C. Jones was called to the management of this yard and has since continued in that capacity. Some of the most remarkable developments of the coal industry for southern Illinois has taken place around West Frankfort. In order to finance building operations and promote home ownership a Building and Loan Asso- ciation was early organized and a large per cent of the present home owners has come through the Loan Association.
Since then yards have been placed at Buckner, Valier and Pershing.
Perhaps one of the most phenominal cam- paigns of building ever launched in southern Illinois, was that conducted through the man- agement of the company with their estab- lishment of a new yard at Joseph Leiter's town of Zeigler. The city was owned entirely by Mr. Leiter and he conceived the idea of disposing of his residence and business prop- erty and selected the Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Company to carry forward the campaign of home ownership. The result was that over two hundred residences were constructed and more than three hundred home owners were located there in less than two years. Instead of a city of rampant radicalism it has been transformed into an orderly home-loving community of permanent citizens. The recent
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completion of what is said to be the largest mine in the state in the midst of the finest body of coal in the state makes this one of the most promising of communities and the rapidly increasing number of home owners assures this once riotous community the peace and permanence of the best industrial settlement.
At this writing, November, 1919, the Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Company controls ten retail yards located in Williamson and Franklin Counties. Wherever their yards are located, they have had to do more or less financing the home owners and have always been very patient with the fellow who is struggling to possess his own home.
During the years most of the earnings of the company have been put back into the extended business. In 1908 the capital stock of the corporation was increased to $100,- 000.00 and the lines of goods carried have doubled and trebled many times since the beginning. For example, when the business was started, it was a fair order to purchase for the trade ten bags or three barrels of Portland cement, which was imported by builders' supply houses from Germany. Now, it is a common and frequent item to order carloads of six hundred to eight hundred bags for each yard, and frequently the trade is so heavy that it is necessary to have more than a carload on hand at a time. Then, nails were purchased by the ten to twenty keg lots; now, carload lots are handled by all the main yards of the company. Then, there was no such item as prepared roofing; now, this item is handled in car lots. Then,
fence posts were an unknown stock item; now, several of the yards handle six to ten carloads of cedar fence posts per year.
The personnel of the company has under- gone some changes in that the older members of the firm have retired or passed away and the younger members of the family are en- tirely in charge. The president is Fred Stotlar, living in Marion; his brother, Harry Stotlar, living in Benton, is vice-president; E. M. Stotlar of Marion is secretary-treasurer and the other stock is held in the W. N. Stotlar estate. The daughter, Mrs. Ruby Herrin, will ultimately assume charge of this interest, although she has entrusted her mother with that detail since her father's death. The personnel of the company is somewhat unique in that the stockholders are all double cousins except, of course, the rela- tion of brother between the president and vice-president.
It has been the constant endeavor of the company to keep everything needed to build a house or barn. By this policy the con- tractor or home builder is enabled to secure his whole supply at one place avoiding shop- ping around from place to place to secure his supplies. Standard items of builders' requirements are constantly maintained in stock and of the best qualities for the grade. Absolute honesty and square dealing is the constant caution of the management. Errors or mistakes when made are always cheer- fully righted and the theory of a "satisfied customer" is attributed as one of the chief contributions for the large trade enjoyed by the company.
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James P. Mooneyham
TUDGE JAMES P. MOONEYHAM, who repre- sented thiis senatorial district in the General Assembly at the close of the war period, is almost as well and as favorably known in Williamson County as in Franklin, where he was born nearly forty-eight years ago, son of John Mooneyham, a pioneer from Tennessee, who came to Illinois in 1838, and in the Civil War assisted in organizing the 31st Illinois Volunteer Infantry (Logan's Regiment) and was made first lieutenant of Company I, later lieutenant Company F, 15th Illinois Cavalry. His mother was a Minerva J. Mannering, also of a pioneer family.
Rounding out his preliminary edu- cation at Ewing College and later at the State Normal at Carbondale, he turned to reading law while still a young man and was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-five. The same year he was an unsuccess- ful Republican candidate for states attorney of Franklin County. From 1897 until the fall of 1901, he served the State Hospital at Anna, as chief
clerk, appointed by Governor Tanner, leaving this position to practice law in Benton. The next year the Republicans elected him county judge. In 1918, he was elected to the General Assembly. In the legislature, he has proved a good Solon and gives excellent account of the stewardship entrusted him to the extent that merits the approval of his con-
stituents. His attendance was almost perfect and he gave careful attention to the busi- ness.
In fraternal circles, Judge Mooney- ham is quite prominent, being Royal Arch Mason, K. of P. and Eastern Star He is regarded as a progressive and enterprising citizen with an interest in the civic welfare of his community always. He gave of his time and means very liberally during the war, assisting in the vari- ous drives for the Red Cross, Y. M. C. A. and other work of a similar nature.
Judge Mooneyham married Miss Anna Spangler of Dongola, Illinois, November 15, 1899, and they reside at 519 N. Main Street, Benton, Ill.
Murphysboro Telephone Company
NO, single industry in Williamson County has contributed more to the growth and development of this County in recent years as that service provided by the Murphysboro Telephone Company, which serves almost ex- clusively this County and adjoining Counties, annihilating distances and bringing the far outlying mining camps right to our door for business and social purposes.
The Company came into this field as soon as the mining industry began to develop. It has kept apace with other developments and has been held back only when labor and materials to work with were not available. The many settlements and towns springing up all about the County has taxed the ca- pacity of the system and with the war com- ing on, serious problems had to be faced by the Company.
The Murphysboro Telephone Company accom- plished a feat during the war period equalled hy no other corporation doing business in this end of
Illinois. Despite the steady and ever increasing cost of maintenance and operations, this Company never increased its rate one penny. It bore its burdens, which were many, loyally and with the spirit of a real patriot. Its officers and entire operating force faithfully performed their duty tirelessly and pa- triotically. This is a record that it well can be proud of.
At present the Company has upwards of Thirty- five Hundred Subscribers in the County. All service in the County is free and only in going outside of the County is there a toll charge. The property consists of some Eight Hundred Miles of Line and Exchanges are established in practically every city and town in the County.
"Please the people all the time," is the motto of the Company.
A. B. Minton of Murphysboro has been President and General Manager for a number of years; Judge O. A. Harker, Vice-President; A. J. Phillips, Sec- retary; John G. Hardy, Treasurer; and Walter Alexander, Auditor.
The same system extends into Jackson, Saline, Franklin, Perry, Union, Johnson, Massac, Alexander and Hamilton Counties and is one of the most extensive in this end of Illinois.
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Robert O. Clarida
ROBERT O. CLARIDA is of Irish, Scotch, Eng- lish parentage, born near Crab Orchard, Wil- liamson County, Illinois, July 19, 1868. His father was a native of Virginia and his mother of Ten- nessee. He was reared and educated in Williamson County and lived on the farm until 1902. His father, Archihald Clarida, died while Robert was quite young and to his mother belongs the credit of his rearing and ambitious training.
He began teaching school at twenty and continued for fourteen successive years, completing a four-year course at Crab Orchard Academy in 1896.
In 1902 he was elected county superintendent of schools and served twelve years, declining a fourth term. During his term the county doubled in population, likewise the teaching body. When he left office the county had a uniformity of text books and four high schools on the accredited list of the State University, with a uniform course of study. He pro- moted a higher equalification of teachers and encouraged a better
school equipment and rural life conditions. He was president of the Farmers' Institute, of County Sun- day School Association, and later of the Williamson County Fair Association. Upon retiring from office, he became president of the Citizens' Trust and Banking Company, which position he held until 1919.
In May, 1917, he was elected to his present posi- tion of secretary of State Teachers' Pension and Retirement Fund, affiliated with the State Supt. of Public Instruction.
On May 27, 1891, he was married to Miss Dora Wilson of Crab Orchard, Ill. They have six children, three boys and three girls.
During the war Mr. Clarida tried to enlist for special military duty, but was rejected on account of his age. He, however, was arranging to go over as a secretary of the Y. M. C. A., when the armistice was signed.
He is an active member of the M. E. church, also A. F. and A. M .; I. O. O. F .; K. of P .; Red Men; Woodmen; Mystic Worker and B. P. O. E. lodges
L. G. Binkley
OF the young men of this generation who have climbed the ladder with safe and sure footing and gone out into the world and continued to make good, no better example is offered than the career of L. G. (Roy) Binkley. "Bink," as he was known among the fellows not many years back, gave early evidence of business ability. He was affable to begin with, knew how to mix and get along in the world and learned early the art not only of making friends but the finer art of cultivating their esteem and holding them. No wonder is it now that in Chicago, where he took up his residence some three years ago, that he is vice-president of the Midland Engineering & Construction Company, a cor- poration of nation wide repute.
Mr. Binkley was born in the country some three and a half miles north of Marion, Illinois, March 28, 1882. He attended the Marion High School and was graduated in
the class of 1899, and afterwards attended college at Ohio Wesleyan, Delaware, Ohio. He returned to Marion in 1901 and for four- teen years was connected with the Egyptian and Equitable Powder Companies, whose plants were located near Herrin, Alton and Fort Smith, Arkansas, in various official ca- pacities. He went to Chicago in 1916 with Mr. F. S. Peabody of the Peabody Coal Com- pany, and in conjunction with him and others organized and was president for two years of the Railway & Mine Supply Com- pany. In 1918 he left this organization to become vice-president of the Midland Engi- neering & Construction Company, which posi- tion he now occupics. Still counting his years safely this side of forty, he has achieved a success and position in life that rarely comes to few men with any more oppor- tunities than he had when he started out in life. His success is inspiring.
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Charles Curren
CHARLES CURREN has represented this senatorial district in the General As- sembly so well and so long that his constitu- ents only trouble themselves to remember when his term expires that they may return him to office. He has been succeeding himself by handsome Republican ma- jorities since his first election in 1912. He enjoys the rare dis- tinction of seeing every bill he has introduced become a law. During the last session of the legislature Mr. Curren was chair- man of the committee on farm drainage and served on the fol- lowing important committees: appropriation, insurance and in- dustrial affairs. He is attentive to all business coming before the general assembly and especially watchful of matters that concern
his district, never neglecting the business of his constituents.
In local affairs in his home town of Mound City, he is not without honor, but for the past consecutive twenty-eight years has been a member of the city council. He is engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Mound City.
He was born there July 16, 1864, and was compelled to con- tribute to the support of a large family early in life.
While still a boy he was able by strict economy and thrift to enter business for himself a few years after the death of his father and is now one of the leading business men of the community.
In 1889 he married Miss Kate Cummings, and they have a family of five children.
John M. Dodd
A MONG the men who have been prominent in the public life of this county and are still kindly remembered is John M. Dodd of Marion, who served the county continuously for a dozen years as county clerk, but now residing in Springfield, where he has a state position in the office of the State Auditor. Mr. Dodd has had unusually good training for public life and especially for the impor- tant post he occupies at present at the state capitol. He began working at an early age as agent for the Illinois Central Railroad at Thompsonville, Illinois, and later was trans- ferred to New Athens, Illinois, where he re- mained four years, leaving there for Marion in 1887, where he served as railroad agent for fifteen years, finally retiring upon the entreaties of Republican friends to run for county clerk in 1902, to which office he was elected and returned to office two consecutive
terms. Upon his own volition, he retired from the office of county clerk to accept a position with the Marion State and Savings Bank as assistant cashier which he held until January 20, 1917, when he accepted a position at the state capitol under the Hon. Andrew Russell, Auditor of Public Accounts, which position he assumed in February that year.
He has been generally prominent in city affairs in Marion, serving as member of the board of education, clerk of the Modern Woodmen Lodge, secretary of K. of P., and I. O. O. F., all of which positions he held a number of years.
Mr. Dodd served most successfully as chairman of the Republican County Central Committee for the last six years that he was county clerk. He proved a thoroughly effi- cient organizer and always rolled up big majorities at each election.
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F. WOLLARD POLICE MAGISTRATE.
...
-
PETE WEIR ALDERMAN.
HARRY A. COWAN ALDERMAN.
J. S. LAYMAN ALDERMAN.
JOE GRIZZELL ALDERMAN.
C.C.MURRAH CITY ATTORNEY,
J. A. WARD ALDERMAN.
W.A. PERRINE ALDERMAN.
DR.T. M. TREECE ALDERMAN.
CITY HALL, HERRIN. - ERECTED A.D. 19/3
ELECTIVE OFFICERS
1919-1921.
C.J.TURNER CITY TREASURER
WYLIE STORME CITY CLERK.
WILL MILLER ALDERMAN.
GEO. E.PARSONS, Mayor.
City of Herrin Official Roster
1919
Elective Oficers, Term 1919-1921
WYLIE STORME, Clerk
GEORGE E. PARSONS, Mayor CHARLES C. MURRAH, Attorney G. J. TURNER, Treasurer FRANK WOLLARD, Police Magistrate
ALDERMEN
Ward One- W. A. PERRINE J. S. LAYMAN
Ward Two-
J. A. WARD
Ward Three-
H. A. COWAN
.
PETE WEIR
J. E. GRIZZELL
Ward Four-
DR. T. M. TREECE
WILLIAM MILLER
Appointive Officers POLICE DEPARTMENT
A. M. WALKER, Chief
ED NESTLER, Ass't Chief.
E. C. FRICK, First Special
WATERWORKS DEPARTMENT
JAMES BESHEARS, Ist Pumpman PERCY HALL, 2nd Pumpman
LIBRARY BOARD
MISS EDITH BLAIR, Librarian
MRS. GERTRUDE CRICHTON, Secretary
JOHN HERRIN, Treasurer
MRS. JAMES GORE MRS. JAMES BAILIE
REV. E. SENESE
CHARLES SPILLER
MRS. STELLA ELLES
MRS. O. E. SPILLER
BOARD OF HEALTH
SAM NAUSLEY, Ist Ward T. B. STOUT, 2nd Ward HEZZIE MOORE, 3rd Ward ED MORNIN, 4th Ward
BOARD OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
MAYOR GEORGE E. PARSONS
J. E. GRIZZELL
J. A. WARD
FIRE DEPARTMENT
CEMETERY
STREET COMMISSIONER
FRANK BRANSON, Chief
M. VEACH, Sexton JAMES STOLTAR
City Council in War Period
1917-1919
GEORGE K. CRICHTON, Mayor JOHN D. PERRINE, Clerk
WILL R. KEE, City Attorney
TOM C. KEARNS, Treasurer
FRANK WOLLARD, Police Magistrate
ALDERMEN
Ward One-
JOE M. BOND
Ward Two- PETE WEIR
W. A. PERRINE
J. A. WARD
Ward Three-
H. H. MURRAY
H. A. COWAN
Ward Four-
DR. T. M. TREECE
CHARLES LINTER
HERRIN CITY COURT
A. D. MORGAN, Judge MISS AFTON WOLLARD, Deputy Clerk ORVILLE WOLLARD, Clerk HAL W. TROVILLION, Master-in-Chancery
MISS DELILAH HARMON, Reporter J. S. LAYMAN, Deputy Sheriff
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HORACE G. BARNHILL, Supt.
ROBERT W. HOPPER, President
Brief History of City of Herrin
TTERRIN, the largest soft coal mining city in the United States, situated within the whistle sound of thirty-five large shipping mines, was incorporated as a village April 26, 1898, and adopted city government May 16, 1900. The official census in 1900 was 1,576; in 1910 it was 6,864, and the official census taken by the city in June, 1917, was 10,402. The population at present within the corporate limits will exceed 11,000. No other city in Southern Illinois has had the magic growth that has attended this place. Today the city enjoys the distinction of being the best wage city in the Mississippi Valley, furnishing a greater number of working days the year around and a higher wage for the working man than any other city in the state and probably the Middle West.
Herrin has all the facilities of a modern city. Its shipping facilities are unequalled. Two lines of the Illinois Central, the Bur- lington and the St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railroads and Coal Belt Electric Railway enter the city. The total freight earnings will reach $6,000,000 annually.
The city has three banks with a total re- source (official report September 12, 1919) of $3,201,039.62. There are excellent schools, public, a township high school and a paroch- ial school, with a total attendance of close on to 2,900.
The city owns its waterworks system and . filtration plant constructed at a cost of $150,000. All the business district of the city is paved and two new paving districts have just been established in the residence section. There are thirty miles of granitoid sidewalks built by the city at a cost of $75,000, and an adequate sewer system which cost $60,000. The city hall was erected in 1913 and cost $22,000.
Postal savings deposits amount to $10,000. Post office money orders business for the fiscal year ending June, 1919, was a quarter of a million dollars.
Throughout the war period Herrin meas- ured up one hundred per cent on every war fund drive and exceeded its quota every time. It had the distinction of raising more money for the first call for funds by the Red Cross of any city in Egypt.
No sooner had peace been declared than the new administration took up the problem .of pushing local improvements. A large sidewalk district has been laid out and a paving district in the residential section on the south side and both confirmed by the city council and contracts are to be let soon.
No city in the entire Coal Belt of Southern Illinois has a brighter business outlook than Herrin, known everywhere now as the liveliest place in Southern Illinois.
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5
5
The Herrin Improvement Association
Slogan -"Boost Herrin"
AT a mass meeting held at the City Hall February 11, 1919, the Herrin Improve- ment Association was organized. Its purpose is to boost every interest that pertains to the welfare and growth of the city and espe- cially to encourage the construction of hard roads. It is the common council where the laboring man, the banker, the business and professional man meet on the same level and consider propositions that pertain to the common welfare of the city and community. It has accomplished a great deal of good and lasting benefit in the short time it has been organized, giving great assistance to work incident to the wind-up of the war. This organization was the first to give a Home- Coming reception and banquet for the re- turning soldier boys. It entertained in the same fashion this spring the basket ball team which made such a good showing at the University of Illinois interscholastic contest for state championship.
The committees have made several trips out of town in behalf of propositions that mean much to the commercial and business interests here in Herrin.
There is no regular time of meeting for the entire membership of the association, but meetings are subject to the call of the presi- dent. The business is transacted largely
through the executive committee which meets fortnightly in the directors' room of the State Savings Bank building.
The membership will exceed three hundred and fifty. The minimum annual dues are fixed at one dollar a year.
The officers chosen for a term of one year at the organization last February and who are now serving are as follows:
A. T. PACE, President
W. C. KRIECKHAUS, Secretary
JOHN HERRIN, Treasurer
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
R. A. KARR, Chairman
O. W. LYERLA, Secretary
A. K. ELLES
W. J. SNEED
A. D. MORGAN
L. V. CLINE
GEO. K. CREICHTON
CHARLES C. MURRAH
HUGH WILLIS
JOE GUALDONI
MAYOR GEORGE E. PARSONS
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