Adams County, Illinois - Biographical sketches, 1879 (part 15 of 16)

The Soldiers' Monument

Elsewhere in this volume proud mention is made of the existence and glorious work performed by those organizations of the patriotic women of Adams county, known as the " Needle Pickets," and " Sisters of the Good Samaritan,'' during the late civil war. How those grand women - of the upper stratum society - with hearts consuming with love of country and sympathy for its suffering defenders, stepped forward in eager response to the appeals from hospitals and tented fields of carnage for aid, and in solid phalanx planned and labored and toiled unceasingly and without stint, giving amateur theatrical entertainments, old folks' parties, sanitary fairs, oyster suppers, ice-cream and strawberry festivals; and how they took Government contracts to furnish sanitary stores, realizing therefrom, by careful management and hard work, generous profits which were applied to the cause; how they pressed into the service tobacco factories, furniture factories, and Methodist seminaries, converting them into hospitals for the sick and mangled soldiers, having as many as five large hospitals in Quincy at one time, where thousands of the poor boys in blue were provided for and nursed with motherly and sisterly solicitude and tenderness; and how, beside their multifarious duties in caring for these hospitals at home, they manufactured clothing and solicited and purchased thousands of dollars worth of supplies and forwarded them to the front, need not be discussed at length here. Let it suflice that after all this expenditure of money during the years of the war at its close a fund of several thousand dollars was left in the treasury of the " Sisters of the Good Samaritan Society." After using a portion of it for the relief of soldiers' needy families, it was resolved by the unanimous voice of the society that having done what it could for the living patriots it would now make an effort to commemorate the honors of the dead heroes. To this end it was voted to expend the rest of the funds of the society in erecting a soldiers' monument in the beautiful Woodland Cemetery, situated on the bluff' in the southwestern part of the city of Quincy. The society, as had been its wont, at once reduced resolution to action, and making its wish known to Mr. C. G. Yolk, of Quincy, an artist and architect of national celebritj^, he furnished a design which was accepted and a contract made with him to execute and erect the monument. It was " consecrated, A. 1)., 1867, by tiie Sisters of the Good Samaritan, in duty, affection and reverence, to the memory of the faithful soldiers of Adams county, who gave their lives that the nation might live." A grand parade of civilians and military took place, directed by General John Tillson, as Marshal of the day. Appropriate addresses

The United States National Military Cemetery of Quincy, was established in 186S. Four monuments (cannons) were placed in position in 1874. Interments, 242; known 236, unknown 6.

The^ monument stands on the highest point on the crest of the bluff overlooking a magnificent landscape of'^nany miles of the Mississippi audits environs, as it rolls along oceanward with majestic sweep and quiet dignity, two hundred feet below its base. An antique mound, the burial place of some prehistoric hero of ruder race, some six feet in height, a beautiful flattened cone, forms the basis upon which the marble pile rests. The base of the monument is of Joliet stone, of a light drab color. The shaft is of the finest white Vermont marble, from the Rutland quarries; is twentyeight feet in height, crowned with an exquisitely wrought figure of the American eagle, with wings partially spread, and "^looking to the east and south over a preserved Union. The cost of construction of the monument was $3,000, exclusive of the iron railing, set in stone base, which surrounds it. Toward these becoming environments ex-Governor John Wood, with his characteristic magnanimity, contributed a considerable sum.

The original intention was to have engraved upon the monument the name of every soldier who lost his life in the service from Adams county, but finding it impossible to procure a complete list of them, the plan has not been carried into eflect.

Very early in the history of Adams county the benevolence of its pioneer citizens began to be manifest in the provisions made for the indigent and deserving poor within its borders. At first, and for a number of years, the paupers were provided for in the several localities wliere they resided. In tlie } ear 1847, the Board of County Commissioners deemed it advisable, as a matter of economy to the county, and for the better provision for these unfortunate objects of public charity, to purchase a farm to be devoted to their support, to which they could be removed and cared for in a body, and where those not entirely disabled might be furnished some employment, and thus in a measure become self-supporting. ^ Consequently, after some investigation, the Board bought the 80 acre farm owned by H. T. Ellis, parts of the northwest and the northeast quarters of section 16, of township 1 north, and 7 west, lying near the center of Honey Creek, the transfer bearing date March 16, 184Y, and the consideration being $700. The farm was under a fair state of improvement, and had a two-story frame house containing several rooms and a shed kitchen. A barn and other out-bnildings, and a blacksmith shop were on the premises.

The farm was under the supervision of a competent man, and the paupers were removed to it and Vere sustained there until May, 1855, when by order of the Board of Supervisors - the county having gone into township organization in 1849 - tlie county poor farm was sold to John White for $800, the Board reswving the use of the farm until the next year.

At a session of the County Board of Supervisors, held January 5, 1856, it was resolved to purchase about 200 acres of land for a poor farm, and a committee consisting of Wm. Langhlin, A. H. Doan and Baptist Hardy was appointed to select and make the purchase. On June 10th the Com- inittee reported to the Board that the}- had boucrht of John F. Battell 160 acres, the northeast quarter of section 11. in Gilmer townsliip, for $5,000. The committee also reported at the same meetin<^ the purchase of 50,000 brick and other material with which to erect buildings thereon. The following year, 1857, the farm was rented out and the ])aupers were hired, kept by contract at a specitied price per cajnta per week. Upon the completion of the buildings the paupers were removed to the county farm, where they have been provided for since.

In 1S74, the city of Quincy went into township organization, prior to which time tlie paupers of the city had been under the charge of municipal officers, one Alderman from each ward constituting the pauper committee, to which was added an overseer of the poor. Since 1874 the count}' lias had charge of its pauper expenses, the same as the other townships of the county. The adoption of the Quincy poor so increased the number of county dependents that the buildings on the farm were insufficient, and it became necessary to provide for them elsewhere. Accordingly, an agreement was made with the Charitable Aid and Hospital Association of Quincy to keep them during ten months, from July 1, 1874, to May 1, 1875, for $8,000, and 200 cords of wood; and for a year, beginning May 1, 1875, for a sum not to exceed $12,000, the sum actually expended being $10,400. During the latter year there were upon the books of the Association an average of 314 persons per month, representing 226 families.

A committee of the Board of Supervisors having been created and instructed to examine and report a plan for a new building to be erected on the County poor farm, it handed in its report at the July session of 1875, recommending that a building three stories high, 32 by 43 feet area, be built, at a cost of about $8,000. The report was approved and steps taken at once for its construction. It was finished in December, 1875, at a cost of $7,968. The building committee were Thomas Bailey, AVilliam AVinkelman, E. li. Turner, David Sheer, and Joseph B. Weaver. A steam heater was afterward put in to warm the buildings, at a cost of $1,290.

The last .report of the Superintendent of the county poor farm, as exhibited upon the records, shows the number of persons provided for to be an average of 83 per week. One hundred and seventy different persons were inmates of the County-house during the year, 97 of whom were there at the time the report was made out. The average cost per head of keeping them, less the income from the farm, was 86 cents per week March 1, 1878, and 67 cents a week for the year ending March 1, 1879. The farm is shown to be in a good state of cultivation and well managed. The estimated value of the entire pauper property owned by the county, including two small pieces of timber on other sections, is $25,000.

Each of the townships in the county and also the city of Quincy is expected to look after the needs of its resident paupers, to keep an accurate account of the expense thereof and report the same to the County Board of Supervisors a committee of whom audits them, and when approved they are paid out of the county fund. The footings of these accounts show the aggregate expenditure for the poor from March 1, 1877, to March 1, 1878, to be $23,729.72, and from March 1, 1878, to March 1, 1879, to be $24,- 883.37.

Of course, the greater proportion of the pauper expenses are incurred for the city poor, notwithstanding the utmost economy consistent with the faithful discharge of his unenviable position is exercised by Mr. Michael

Farrell, the efficient Supervisor at large for the present and past two years. The register reports the total cost of the city paupers for the year endino- March ^1, 18^8, to be $14,602.58, and the year ending March 1, 1879, a"? $15,487.61. But these figures exceed the actual expenditures for the city's resident poor by the amounts paid for feeding transient paupers and for railroad passes to transport them to more congenial climes - for the county. The sick paupers of the city are sent either to St. Francis, or the Blessing Hospital, as they or their friends prefer.

From the perusal of this brief sketch, it will be observed that the taxpayers of Adams county bear their full share of the burden in feeding the hungry and clothing the naked.

Temperance

The Red Ribbon temperance movement was started in the city of Quincy, Illinois, during the month of December, 1877, under the management of J. C. Bonticou, a temperance worker of more than ordinary energy and ability, who was induced to come here and commence the temperance work through the instrumentality of the Ladies' Cliristian Temperance Union.

The iirst of the red ribbon meetings were held in the old Coi\rt-house, which soon became too small. A large hall was then secured on 4th street, and the meetings continued nearly three weeks, with the most gratifying results. Fifteen hundred men signed the pledge and put on the red ribbon, and about one thousand women and children, who put on the white and blue ribbons, the women wearing tlie white ribbon and the boys the blue. In the month of January, 1878, Mr. Bonticou organized the Quincy Reform Club and finished his work in this place. The club, as organized and put in motion by Mr. Bonticou, consisted of about eight hundred men. The Red Ribbon Club then rented a three-story brick building; also a large hall in the adjoining building, situated on Maine street, in the business part of the city, and opened a temperance club house, with a public reading room, a hall for business and public meetings, and a game and smoking room; the latter room being a place of amusement for the boys who had been in the habit of spending their time in the saloons, gambling hells and dens of the city, of which class of boys there were a large number belonging to the club. This game and smoking room was a thorn in the side of some of the religious people, but it was conducted on as moral a plan as it is possible to conduct such a place, no gambling, drinking, or profanity being allowed in or about the place.

The expense of this club house and the other necessary expenses of the club amounted to $225 per month, which were, owing to mistakes, mismanagement and incompetency on the part of some of the officers and members of the club, very much larger than they should have been.

During the summer 0^1878 the Red Ribbon Club found themselves in a very discouraging condition financially, and turned the reading room over to the ladies of the White Ribbon Club, who, during the summer and fall, organized a library association, for the purpose of conducting the reading room, which they have conducted successfully, and at the present time have the " Free Reading Room," as it is called, located at the corner of 6th and Vermont streets, in a fine new three-story building, which they occupy in company with the Quiiicy Library. The room occupied by the reading room and Qaincy Library"is one hundred feet long by fifty feet wide, and is well filled with papers and books, and is an ornament td the city, of which not only the temperance people, but all our citizens, are justly proud. In the spring of 1879, Messrs. Palmer and Ardron, two temperance workers from New York City, came here and conducted a series of temperance meetings, with great success, several hundred men, women and children signing the pledge under their management.

It would be difficult to estinuite the amount of good that has been done by the Eed Ribbon Club in this community, and it will probably never be fully known.

There are at least one hundred men in this city who were drinking men when they signed the red ribbon temperance pledge, who have kept their pledge and are to-day an honor to themselves, their families and to the community.

Outside the city, all through the county, the ribl)on clubs have been formed, some of them being blue and some red ribbon clubs, and to the best of my knowledge there is not a village in the county but that has since had either a red or blue ribbon club, and in many of the school districts temperance clubs have also been formed.

There are some villages in the county where, since the temperance clubs have been started, the saloon keepers have been compelled to quit their business of selling liquor, and either try something else or go where the temperance sentiment was not so strong,

The first school in Adams county was tauglit in Quincy, in 1S27, l»y a Presbyterian clergyman named Jabez Porter, a native of Plymoutb, Mass. As time advanced and the various portions of the county were settled, the paramount impoftance of schools was not lost siglit of by the pioneers; and while opening up their farms and erecting their rude habitations, the log school house - the nucleus of civilization - arose among each group of cabins in all its primeval dignity. During the early years of the school history of Adams county the standard of the district schools here, as in all other new counties, was of a low order. The book knowledge of the pioneer pedagogue was usually limited to the three " R's," and his general information meager; while the poorly-lighted and badly-heated, round-log school house, with its rough puncheon floor and benches of the same material, was not the most propitious combination of circumstances for the frontier youth to ])rocure an education. Yet under these disadvantages have, in numerous instances, been kindled aspirations, and aroused into a sleepless activity the innate germ of a giant manhood, which has written in characters immutable the name of its possessor upon the hearts of a grateful people.

Gradually the educational standard of teachers and facilities for imparting instruction inq^roved, keeping abreast of the times, until now Adams county has as many and as high a grade of schools as almost any county in the State. In the city of Quincy are nine graded and one high school, all of the highest order, while Camp Point justly boasts of one of the finest public schools in the West, with an extended course, denominated the Maplewood High School, under the very efficient supervision of Prof. S. F.

Hall, who has no superior in that branch of the educational field in Illinois, if anywhere. Payson, Clayton and Mendon also have each a well conducted graded school in neat, ample and well-arranged school edifices The country schools are of the best class of public schools.

Quincy may indeed be regarded as an educational center of no little importance, when in addition to the facilities for teaching the young, which the public schools afford, the advantages of a thorough scholastic' course are offered at the other institutions of ^learning which are to be found in that city. Its colleges are already on a permanent footing, and the church schools under the management of the Eoman Catholics are among the best in the western country. The Catholics have laid the foundation ^for making the city one of the most important points in the Mississippi Valley, so far as education under churcli control is concerned, and, in fact, the schools they have inaugurated in Quincy are already bearing a wide reputation, and attracting notice throughout the country for their general excellence. Some facts concerning them and the institutions under collegiate organization in the city, will be found below:

Chaddock College

This institution, formerly known as Quincy College, was founded in 1856. For years a heavy debt embarrassed the College, and after several efforts to liquidate it," which proved sad failures, the people generally lost confidence and settled into a seeming indifference. Rev. E. W. Hall being elected President, three and one half years ago, found the trustees without a title to the property, the title being in special trustees to secure a debt of some $7,000, with several trust deeds to be subsequently satisfied, amounting in all to $14,000 when paid.

An opportunity presenting to sell the old property, Ex-Gov. Wood's palatial residence, erected at a cost of $200,000, was purchased in December, 1875, by the Methodist Society, against strong opposition by a faction of the trustees. In the face of predicted failure, bitter opposition and slanders, the friends have quietly and perseveringly held on until the heavy debt of $27,000 on the property has been entirely liquidated, a^d this magnificent building and grounds, the finest in the West, stand as a monument to the faithfulness of the few who would not abandon the enterprise. All this has not been accomplished without sacrifice, and it is due this community to know that President Hall carried the heaviest part of the burden. Coming here on a stipulated salary of $2,000 per year, he received on salary in the aggregate less than $1,000, for the lohole three and one-half years which he served as President, when his talents were in demand elsewhere. Rev. Peter Wallace was untiring in his labors, sparing no time and energy in advancing the interests of the College. Rodney Lambert, C. F. Weller and others, trustees of long standing, stood up like Spartans against opposition, now with a property paid for and the financial management of the College, recently twice investigated by invitation of the trustees and by the authority of tlie Methodist Church and twice vindicated. After so much sacrifice on the part of those who have saved the College, it behooves all to talk, work for and patronize the institution, and Adams county will soon have a college that will do honor to the "Gem City of the West." It is the intention to open it in September, under the direction of the Wesleyan

St. Fkancis Solanus College

This institution was organized in 1S5S, by the St. Franciscan Fathers, who subsequently erected a small building on what was known as "The Prairie," on the block bounded by Vine, Elm, Eighteenth and Twentieth streets, at a cost of $12,000, and started the school, its objects being to supply deficiencies of common school education, and to prepare young men for mercantile pursuits and for a professional life for which a classical course is necessary. The college, through the perseyerance of those in charge, attracted liberal patronage. Its growth was rapid, and in 1870 it was fnind necessary to provide better accommodations. A handsome edifice, TO X 90 feet, four stories in height, with a basement, was erected, at a cost of $32,000. The college was removed to the new building the latter part of the same year. The basement is occupied with billiard tables and a gymnasium, which are used for the pleasure of the students. On the first floor there are three rooms, besides the large dining hall. The study hall, with seats for 100 students, is on the second floor; also the class rooms and college library. On the third floor is the chapel, music room and professors' rooms. The infirmary, pharmacy and wardrobe are located on the fourth floor. After taking possession of the new building the institution made rapid progress, and it is now in a flourishing condition. There are three departments in the college adapted to the wants of young men - the preparatory, the commercial, and the classical. The course of instruction in each is 'thorough, and will compare favorably with the oldest and best educational institutions of the country. On its catalogue are young men from various cities of the Western States, in addition to a number of the younc; men of Quincy. Rev. Anselmus Mueller is president, and is assisted m conducting the institution by ten of the Franciscan Brothers and several lav teachers. The society has purchased the entire block bounded by l^ineteenth, Twentieth, Yine and Elm streets.

The flrst college building is now used as a parish school, taught by three Sisters and one secular teacher. The attendance ranges from 300 to -lOO,

The above institution for young ladies is located at Eighth and Vermont streets, one of the most pleasant situations for a school in the city. It was opened in 1867 by the School Sisters de ^otre Dame, its object being to educate young ladies in all the useful and ornamental branches. The school soon attracted the attention of citizens of other cities as well as Quincy, and became a success. A new and elegant building, 160 x 60 feet, was erected, at a cost of $50,000, to provide accommodations for the rapid increase in the attendance. The institute is noted for its efliciency, and particularly its success in teaching young ladies the useful arts. In music, painting and needle work by the pupils a handsome showing is made at the close of each year. The average attendance is 150. Sister Boniface has the charge of the institute and is assisted by twenty-two Sisters and ten candidates.

St. Boniface School

The St. Boniface school, connected with the St. Boniface Catholic church, is the largest and most prosperous educational institution in the city. The schop]_ was started in the year 1857, the school building on Maine street, adjoining the St. Boniface church, being completed in that year at a cost of $4,000. The attendance increased rapidly and in 1873 it was found necessary to provide additional accommodations. The Browning property, on Seventh and Hampshire, was purchased at a cost of $45,00l), and a large four-story brick edifice was erected in that and the succeeding year at a cost of $57,000. The school moved into the new building in 1876. Thedaily attendance averages about 500. Two men and seven' Sisters are engaged in teaching the different departments. The girls' school and theboys' primary department are under the supervision of the school Sisters de E^otre Dame. The school is well managed, is in a flourishing condition^ and is doing eflicieut service in the education of the young.

The school connected with the St. Peter's Catholic Church is located on Eighth street, between Maine and Jersey. It was established about the year 1863, when the school building was erected, at a cost of $3,500, having a capacity for more than 200 pupils. The average attendance is about 20(X The principal, with her two assistants, is doing a good work in the education of the young.

St. Aloysius School And Asylum

About 1859 an association, under the name of the St. Aloysius Orphan Society, was established in Quincy by an act of the Legislature. The members were identified with the German Church, and in" 1868 the corporation commenced building an asylum and school for the benefit of the young who are connected with the denomination. This institution, located at 20ih and Yine streets, is now in a flourishing condition, and offers to the destitute and orphan children of both sexes, without distinction as to religion, not only a good home, but a means of education. It is under the charge of a lady principal, assisted by two other Sisters of the order of Notre Dame, who conduct it with good judgment and a wise care for the interests of the little ones in the institution. The number in the asylum is nearly 200. The members of the association now number about 650.

The St. Mary's School is connected with the St. Mary's Church, and is located at Seventh and Adams. The school was started in 1868 and has been steadily growing ever since. The property used for the school is valued at $2,000. The average attendance of pupils is about 50. Two teachers are employed.

There are schools connected with the Salem Church, Ninth and State, and St. Peter's Evangelical Lutheran, Ninth and York, which are well attended and in a flourishing condition.

Gem City Business College

One of the most important of the many educational institutions of Adams county is Prof. Musselman's Gem City Business College, in Benneson block, on Maine street. The college, under the direct management of Prof. Musselman, has grown steadily since it was founded, and to-day is the most successful institution of the kind in the West, and equaled by few in the United States. But a tew 3'ears ago the institiitioii was hjcated in a small room with only a few students. Its progress lias been rapid, requiring, from time to time, additional room to accommodate the increase in the number who sought the institution to be prepared for active business life. To-dav the college occupies elegant and commodious rooms in the Benneson block, fitted up especially for a business educational institute. The attendance last year was larger than ever before, the students representing all portions of the West. Prof. Musselman has made for his college the reputation of being the most thorough and complete, and furnishes the best facilities for fitting young men and women for business life. A feature of the college recently introduced is a course of lectures during the year, by such celebrities as' Henry Ward Beecher, Prof. Swing and Will Carleton, and readings by Burbank. The course will be continued the coming spring. Another feature is a boarding house controlled by the institution, where young men are furnished day board at $2.25 per week.

Public Buildings

The number and character of the public buildings in Adams county will compare favorably with those of any other county in the great State of Illinois. First in importance comes tlie beautiful and imposing new courtliouse, elsewhere described in this work, without doubt the most magnificent superstructure ever built in the West for the money. This is the third temple of justice Adams county has constructed since its organization. Tlie first, erected on lot 6, block 11, on Fifth street, near the corner of Maine, was a hewed log building, 18x22 feet area; first story 8 feet, second story five feet, and was completed March 15, 1826. It served the purpose of schoolhouse and church, also, until the night of December 9, 1835, when it was destroyed by tire. It, like most people, was more honored in its death than in its life. Three months prior the site had been selected, lots 4 and 5, block 11, and a new court-house ordered. It was begun in 1836 and finished in 1837, at a cost of $15,000. It met with a like fate and went up in thin air on the night of the 9th of January, 1875. Its destruction was evidently a blessing in disguise, for the elegant new court house, so much needed, has not only succeeded the cramped and unsightly predecessor, but a magnificent new stone front block, one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the State, has just risen out of its ashes.

Of church, college and school edifices, this county can boast of some of the most ample and sightly in the West. The Academy of Music and Opera House are commodious with neatly and comfortably arranged auditoriums, well adapted to theatrical, concert and lecture purposes, and a credit to the " Gem City."

Benevolent Societies

The Wester)! Catholic Union is a beneficiary society, organized in Quincy, in November, 1878, under the sanction and approval of Bishop P. J. Baltes, of the xllton Diocese, as the following declaration by him to the officers, and published with the constitution and by-laws of the association, explains:

The officers and members of the Western Catholic Union, established at Quincy, in this diocese, having adopted and incorporated in the constitution and by-laws of their' society the laws and regulations of this diocese in relation to societies, I hereby approve of this Westeom Catholic Union, and earnestly recommend it to the Rev. Clergy and faithful people of my diocese.

The object of the society is for the mutual financial aid and social improvement of its members. In case of sickness or accident which disables a member, he receives a " sick-benefit," and upon the death of a member his legal heirs receive an amount equivalent to one dollar from each member of the Union, provided the amount does not exceed $2,000. For the social advancement of the members, libraries may be established, lectures delivered, and innocent amusements enjoyed.

Branch societies, of which tliere are already three in Quincy - the St. Nicholas, No. 1, St. Patrick, No. 3, and St. Michael, No. 4 - and one in Springfield, may be organized by complying with certain conditions imposed by the parent society, one of which is the payment of $25 into the treasury of the Central Union. The Central Union now contains 390 members.

Fieemen'S Beneyolent Association

This society was organized by the firemen of the city of Quincy for the purposes of mutual aid and protection of its members, in 1874. Although the original plan was to confine the membership of the order to firemetn only, the constitution was recently so amended as to permit others to join. The association now numbers 190 members. The present officers are:

Quincy Free Reading Room

One of the institutions which commends itself to every right-minded person of whatever nationality, religious sect, or political complexion, and one of which the noble women whose hearts inspired their brains to conceive and hands to execute the enterprise, may well be proud, is the Quincy Free Reading Room.

When that regenerated hero, Francis Murphy, hurled his thunderbolt of argument and sympathetic appeal into the great sea of humanity, from which rose the mighty temperance wave that rolled across the continent, smiting the hearts of thousands who were on the same skeleton-lined highway which he had so recently trod with conviction, and culminated in the formation of innumerable " Blue Ribbon" clubs in the East, and ''Red Ribbon" clubs in the West, the good people of the '- Gem City " reasoned that the true philosophy of temperance reform lay in counter-attraction for the habitues of the drinking places and haunts of vice. And a reading room, free, to which they might have access, " without money and without price" was'wisely suggested. ^ A union meeting was held where the subject was freely and ably discussed and a considerable sum of money donated for the establishment of such a place of resort, in conjunction with, and to some extent subject to the control of, the " Red Ribbon Club." The funds already raised were applied to renting and fitting up a commodious room; and, through the efforts of those who had the cause at heart, other money was donated, prominent citizens responding with subscriptions of two or three hundred dollars each. Other benevolent persons made monthly subscriptions for its support. Books, papers, stoves, etc., were contributed, and the reading room became an established fact. But throuo-h the various plans devised for forwarding the cause of temperance the treasury of the club became depleted. The people began to feel the restrictions'^ thrown about the reading room because of it being the property of a club, instead of belonging to humanity, and the permanency of the club's existence being in no wise assured, their confidence in and support of the reading room began to decline. At this juncture the ladies came to the rescue with their wonted zeal and fertility of resource, determined that the furniture and books they had been instrumental in procuring should not be sacrificed. An arrangement was made with the club by which they were to be turned over to them. A charter for a free reading room association was obtained in September last, an organization effected and a legal transfer of the property made to the association. Thus through the arduous and persistent labor of those women-patriots, who, by their organized "aid," nourished and nerved the " boys in blue " in their struggle for the Union, a free reading room for the city of Quincy was born, unencumbered, comfortably furnished and well officered.

In the latter part of March, 1879, it was removed to the large, airy and cozy room on the first floor of the new block on the corner of Sixth and Vermont streets. The new room embraces an area of more than 3,500 square feet, is neatly carpeted with matting, numerous large reading tables are interspersed at convenient intervals through the room, which are well supplied with the choicest current literature of the day, in the shape of monthlies, weeklies and dailies. The books, now nearly 500 volumes, are arranged in two large elegant walnut cases, and the room is thickly dotted with substantial and ( omfortable chairs. The room is in charge of Mrs. Carrie Musser, an efficient librarian. By special inducements the Public Library has become an occupant of the same room, and stipulations are on foot to give the visitors to the reading room free use also of the books on its shelves, which, accomplished, will be another triumph of those philanthrophic women. Altogether, the place is an attraction to the aspirant for knowledge and moral excellence which will impel him or her to make it a common resort in which to while away the leisure hours in the companionship of books, and in the elevating atmosphere that pervades it. The room is open for at least twelve hours in every day of the year, and the growing appreciation of its benefits is evidenced in the fact that more than 1,200 readers visited it during the month of May, 1879.

The present officers are as follows: Mrs. Sarah Denman, President; Mrs. J. R. Dayton, 1st vice-President; Mrs. I. O. Woodruff, 2d vice-President; Mrs. J. O. Bomgardner, 3d vice-President; Mrs. G. Follansbee, Recording Secretary; Mrs. N. Bushnell, Corresponding Secretary; Mrs. C. H. Morton, Treasurer. The Directors are Mrs. J. K. Yan Doom, Mrs. J.

K. Dayton, Mrs. J. H. Hoi ton, Mrs. E. W. Bowers, Mrs. J. H. Hamlin, Mrs. G. Follansbee, Mrs. J. C. Brickman, Mrs. Charles Miller, Mrs. J. W. Bomgardner, and Mrs. C. H. Morton ; Miss Cornelia Collins, Mrs. Thomas Benneson, Mrs. J. K. Van Doom, Mrs. A. E. Keller, Mrs. E. S. Houghtaling, Mrs. Z. P. Mason, and Miss Mary Chapin compose the Executive Committee. Thus it will be observed that the enterprise is conducted solely by the ladies. The society pays $400 dollars a year rental, besides gas and heating expenses, and the salary of the librarian, yet it is free from debt. It is sustained entirely by voluntary contributions, and the grand purpose for which it was founded, the marked success of its management and the inevitable results upon the morals and intelligence of the thousands who avail themselves of its benefits are or should be an overwhelming appeal to every well-to-do citizen to contribute liberally to its support.

Quincy Libkaey

On the evening of March 5, 184:1, a sufficient number ot persons having subscribed for the establishment of a public library in the city of Quincy, a meeting of said subscribers was held at the court-house with a view to arrange for and perfect an organization. Major J. H. Holton was called to the chair, and Lorenzo Bull was chosen Secretary. Captain E. J. Phillips stated the object of the meeting to be to provide for the organization of the subscribers into a Library Association. A committee of five persons was appointed to prepare a constitution and by-laws, which were reported, and adopted at a meeting held March 13, 1841, and at a subsequent meeting, March 20, over which Capt. E. J. Phillips presided, the following officers were elected: E.' J, Phillips, President; J. JN". Ealston, vice-President; Lorenzo Bull, Secretary, and C. M. Woods, Treasurer; Andrew Johnson, W. H. Taylor, J. E. Eandolph, ]^. Summers, and J. Lyman were selected for Directors. The library was first opened on the 18th of April, 1841, for the receipt and delivery of books. The charter of incorporation was granted to the association the 4tli of October, 1841. On February 19, 1867, the charter was amended: The first annual meeting of the stockholders was held in the court-house, on December 6, 1841, when the number of volumes reported in the library was 735.

There are two classes of membership; annual members, who pay five dollars a year, this being the value of one share of stock, and they are entitled to a vote on each share of stock and to all the rights conferred upon any member. No person is limited in the purchase of stock shares. On each share of stock is assessed a yearly tax of two dollars, payable semiannually, June 1st and December 1st. Life members pay twenty-five dollars in cash or thirty dollars in books, which constitutes them stockholders for life, without any additional cost, and entitles the member to one vote in the association and all the privileges enjoyed by any member while the person may live, but the membership is not transferable. Persons not stockholders can have access to the books of the library by the payment of two dollars for six months or three dollars a year.

The By-laws of the association restrict the number of books to be drawn out by one individual at one time to two, and he is finable for retaining them more than two weeks.

James JS". Sprigg, Secretary; Charles W. Keyes, Treasurer. The Board of Directors, K S. Benneson, George M. Janes, George N. Mills, Jr., Joseph Eobbins, and L. B. Boswell. Mrs. Lucy R. Kutherford is Librarian.

The Qiiincy Library has had a continuous existence for nearly forty years, and although it has not received the uniform endorsement ande nconragement from the whole people, which so worthy an enterprise merits, and has been a burden resting mainly upon the shoulders of a few, it has steadily but slowly grown, increasing from one to two hundred volumes a year, until it now contains 4,250 volumes of choice literature. For a number of years it has been located in the second story of the Welh building, on Fifth street, between Maine and Jersey; but in May, 1879, the library was removed to its present commodious and pleasant quarters, in the Free Reading Room, on the ground floor of the new block on the corner of Sixth and Yermont streets.

As a partial tribute to the worthy departed, it is meet to close this sketch with the mention of the deceased Samuel Jones, to whom, perhaps, more than any other person the Quincy Library owes its birth and youtliful life. He was one of its early members, and one of its first Presidents, a long time in ojSice, and was untiring in his zeal and labors in its behalf; and in the minds of those who wrought worthily with him in planting this tree of knowledge in the Gem City, his membry will ever be tenderly cherished.

The Young Men'S Christian Association

This society was organized about 1867, with about thirty-five members. They fitted up superb quarters in the Wells & McFadon block, known as the library building, on Sixth street, between Maine and Jersey, consisting of a reading and audience room. The reading room was nicely furnished and carpeted and supplied with the best periodicals and newspapers from all parts of the country. The auditorium, which connected with it by folding-doors, was carpeted with matting and seated wath chairs, and was both neat and commodious. For years the association held daily prayer meetings in their rooms, and on Sundays conducted religious services three times a day, usually in the open air when the weather was pleasant; and supported an active city missionary. It grew until it numbered a hundred members. The association's labors were the means of grace to many who are now pillars in the churches of the city, who date their first religious awakening to those daily and weekly meetings.

Another living witness to the good results of their zealous work is the Levee Mission Sunday-school, which has been for years under the superintendency of John Wessels, one of the charter members of the association, and has now an enrollment of a hundred members, and is accomplishing a grand work for the poor children in that quarter of the city where Christianizing influence is most needed.

Unfortunately, in its efforts to extend its influence for good, the society became heavily burdened with debt, which so crippled it that it relinquished its rooms, sold off its furniture and carpets, and suspended active work.

In 1876, an effort was made to reorganize, which resulted in the reestablishment of the prayer meetings, and a protracted revival effort continuing two weeks, conducted by Dr. Munhall, of Indianapolis, held in Pinkbam's hall. The services were well attended and a number of conversions resulted; but it burdened the association with another debt which ao^ain so crippled it that there has been little activity since. The association still has a nominal existence, and John Irwin is President; John Wessels, Corresponding Secretary, and L. M. Dort, Treasurer. It is now out of debt, and there has been a committee appointed to confer with the ministers of the city with reference to reorganization.

Charitable Aid And Hospital Association

This worthy charity had its origin at a public meeting held in the courthouse on the first day of December, 1869, on which occasion a committee, consisting of E. K. Stone, Henry Allen, C. M. Pomeroy, H. S. Osborn, Wra. Morris, M. B. Finlay, F. S. biddings, Daniel Stahl and Wm. B. Bull, was selected to raise money by subscription and devise means for the relief of the poor during the approaching winter. This committee was known as the Relief Association, and succeeded in raising over $5,00(i in money and supplies, on a general subscription, embracing nearly 400 subscribers. That they satisfactorily performed the work of relieving some 35') families, outside of the aid furnished by the city, was shown by the unqualified endorsement of a subsequent meeting held in the Opera House, Dec. 25, 1870, which reinstated them unanimously. The second winter's work was similar except that they had only $4,000 at their disposal. During the winter of 1871-2 benevolent ladies of Qnincy formed themselves into an association and undertook the work hitherto performed by the Relief Association. Little was accomplished by them, however, until the fall of 1873, when a majority of the members of the old Relief Association, together with others, twelve in all, incorporated themselves under the State law as the " Charitable Aid and Hospital Association," which had for its object both the relief of the poor and the founding of a hospital for the sick. Owing to the prevailing financial depression no steps were taken toward advancing the latter purpose, and only $3,700 was subscribed for the relief of the poor. The philanthropic ladies again came forward wtth united effort in the organization of the Woman's Employment Bureau, an auxiliary society, which rendered great assistance. The two following years, 1874 and 1875, the association took the contract to support the paupers of the township of Quincy for $8,000 and 200 cords of wood for ten months ending May 1, 1875. and for the actual cost not to exceed $12,000 for the year, ending May 1, 1876. During these years the number of poor provided for by the society greatly exceeded former years, numbering an average of 314 persons per month for 1875-6. While the association was under contract to supply the physical necessities for the poor, it also endeavored to generate a more healthy moral influence and to discourage pauperism, by exercising discretion in the distribution of its charities, turned its attention to bettering the opportunities of the children of the poor.

After the expiration of the association's contract to keep the city's pooi-, its attention was directed more toward caring for the sick and afla.icted. Its members realized the pressing demand for another hospital, in addition to St. Mary's Hospital, an institution doing a grand work under the control of the Catholics, on Broadway. Convictions and words took on the shape of action, which was so liberally seconded by the public that the building oi Blessing Hospital was put under contract in the fall of 1874, and ready for occupancy in May, 1875. The building and furnishings cost $12,000, all of which was raised by subscription and promptly paid, leaving the association free from-debt. The Hospital is situated on Spring street, between tenth and eleventh streets, on grounds ample for the purpose, and has accommodations for 30 patients. It is in a healthy location, has airy_ and cheerful rooms, with modern conveniences and skillful attendant physicians; and the management has good success in treating patients, the supervising si)irit being a'lady of large hospital experience, under the most favorable circumstances.

In April, 1S78, the hospital was turned over to a board of ten women managers, wdio are selected from an executive committee of thirty five ladies? The present officers consist of Mrs. Sarah Denman, President; Mrs. Wm. Marsh, vice-President; Mrs. Anna McMahan, Eecording Secretary; Miss Lucy Bagby, Corresponding Secretary, and Miss E. B. Bull, Treasurer. Mrs. George W. Brown, Mrs. Kodney Lambert, Mrs. Edward Turner, Mrs. Lewis and Miss M. E. Ohapin, compose the Managing Board. The association receives ali alike to its open arms of charity, regardless of race, creed or color, if there is any hope of their being benefitted, and provided they have no contagious disease which will endanger the other patients, and free to all who are unable to pay and need its services; but it is a hospital for the sick, and not an asylum for the aged and infirm. It has supported during the past year 30 charity patients, 21 provided by the supervisor and 19 pay patients, 70 in all, some of whom have been there for years. It is entirely sustained by private contributions, is out of debt, and owns the grounds, buildings and furniture.

The membership of the association is intended to embrace all forms of religious opinion in the community, and in this respect to be based upon a foundation as broad as our common humanity. Conscientious, large-hearted women have undertaken to carry forward this enterprise, which appeals through every groan of the afflicted and sufifering poor to the humanitarian sentiment of their more fortunate brethren.

About the year 1867 a delegation of Sisters of Charity known as the Sisters of St. Francis came to this city for the purpose of establishing a hospital, equal to the wants of the growing city. Ground was purchased on Broadway, between Fourteenth and Sixteenth streets, money was raised and the erection of the hospital building was commenced. The building was three stories high with cut stone basement and mansard roof, the structure costing $35,000. After the completion of the building the hospital was opened and the Sisters commenced their good work of ministering to the sick and relieving distressed unfortunates. All without regard to nationality or religion are admitted. The hospital is conducted by eleven Sisters of Charity, Sister Emerentia having charge of the institution. The year 1876 an addition was erected, at a cost of $11,000, to meet the increasing demands upon the charity of the hospital. During that year 345 persons were admitted. The number who have received the benefits of the institution the past year is greater than that of any year previous.

Quincy Workhouse

About the year 1865, the authorities of the city of Quiucy deemed it advisable to utilize the vagrant and petty criminal element of her citizens by erecting a workhouse, where law-breakers could be confined and at the same time become in a measure self-supporting by being compelled to work for their bread, as do the law-abiding people outside. Accordingly, steps were taken toward that end, which resulted in the purchase by the city of over seven acres of land, and the erection of a one-story stone building on Front street, not far from the southern boundary of the city. The purchase extends on to the bluff and embraces extensive limestone quarries. When these petty criminals are arrested and convicted of an offense whose penalty is either fine or confinement in jail, or both, the criminals are incarcerated in the Workhouse and put to work upon the stone pile, either at breaking for macadam, or dressing rock for crossings or guttering. They are under the supervision of a superintendent who sees they are kept at work and gives each one credit for $1 for every day's labor performed, the amount being applied toward liquidating the assessed fine, or shortening the term of confinement in jail. The experiment was found to work well in two ways; it has the effect to deter, in a measure, that somewhat numerous class of evildisposed indigent persons who have a holy horror of work, from committing the crimes which, upon conviction, necessitate them to labor; and it furnishes large quantities of material for street improvements, as is shown by the figures from the report of the Superintendent for the last fiscal year. He contracts with the city to board and superintend the prisoners for a specified sum; and the proceeds of their labor is the property of the city.

A number of years ago another more ample, two-story stone building was erected near the first. The number of pauper criminals thus rendering the municipality a valuable service at one time, by working their passage from the felon's cell to God's open air of freedom varies from one to twelve. And the results of the past year, as shown by the report, are: 1,472 loads of macadam, worth sixty cents per load; 92 loads of rock for crossing, worth a dollar per load; 376 loads of riprap, worth fifty cents per load; and 279 loads of gutter stone, worth a dollar per load, which shows an aggregate yearly revenue from this source of $1,442.20. L. M. Pittman is Superintendent; J. H. Cavolt, Assistant Superintendent.

Quincy is well supplied with liotels and boarding houses, many o. them first-class buildings and excellent in appointments and accommoda tions. The leading hotels are the Tremont, the Quincy, the Wilson, the Furlong, the Occidental, and the Pacific. According to the estimates made the arrivals at the hotels named foot up for the year over 55,000.

The Tremont, Louis Miller, proprietor, has recently been enlarged and improved. The house has 125 rooms and the employes number 75. The arrivals average thirty per day.

The Quincy was materially improved recentlj^, a large sum having been expended in repairs. It is under the management of Miller & Lee, experienced hotel men. It has 100 rooms and employs 27 persons, and averages twenty arrivals per day.

The Occidental, T. Rogers, proprietor, on Hampshire street, does an extensive business, receiving a large patronage from the country. Its register shows more arrivals than an/ other hotel in the city. There are sixteen employes, 84 rooms, and the arrivals average 75 per day.

The Wilson, owned by James Wilson, is conducted upon the European plan, the only house exclusively of that system in town. There are 26 rooms and fourteen employes. The arrivals average twelve per day.

The Furlong, James Furlong, proprietor, on Maine, near Sixth, is one of the popular houses of the cit3^ The arrivals for the 3^ear average ten per day. The building contains 25 rooms, and gives employment to fifteen persons.

The Pacific, H. Moecker, proprietor, is located on the levee, convenient to the depot, and offers excellent accommodations. There are 25 rooms and eleven employes. The arrivals average fifteen daily.

The Express Business

Two express companies, the American and the LFnited States, have oflices in the city, one agent, F. C. Fargo, managing the business for both corporations. The American does the express business of all the lines of the C, B. & Q., the H. & St. Joe, and the United States of the Wabash.

There is no subject more appropriate for the closing chapter of this volume than the manufacturing interests of the county, and particularly the city of Quincy. The " Gem City" stands in the front rank with the cities of Illin.jis in this feature of industry. As compared with other points Quincy possesses superior advantages for manufacturing purposes. It is abundantly supplied with water and fuel, and her extensive railroad system affords rare opportunities for collecting raw material and distributing the manufactured goods. There are four leading lines which are particularly prominent: the flouring mills, the stove foundries, the tobacco factories and the breweries.

Notwithstanding the Scripture declaration that man cannot live by bread alone, it is equally true that it forms an important ingredient of human diet, a fact which the early settlers of Adams county fully realized and provided for.

The first primitive grist mill was established as early as 1824. During the five or six following years several horse power mills were established in different parts of the county. In 1831 J. T. Holmes and N. Pitkin started the first steam flouring mill in Quincy, at the foot of Ohio street. So prosperous has the manufacture of flour nroven that the city now boasts of thirteen large flouring mills, besides a number of first-class flouring mills, throughout the county, prominent among which are the Casco Mills, at Camp Point and Clayton, the property of Wra. L. Oliver.

Eagle Mills, one of the oldest establishments in the city, is located on Broadway, between Olive and Second streets, and is conducted by the veteran miller, H. S. Osborn, ably assisted by Kod. Lambert and Henry Meisser. Daring the year they ground 223,811 bushels of wheat and manufactured 46,9S6 barrels of flour, for which they found a ready market throughout the country. They employ thirteen hands.

Castel Mills, Graves & Whitman proprietors, is another old and popular mill, located on Front street, just opposite the passenger depot. The mill has been running for a quarter of a ceutury or more. ' It has a capacity of 100,000 barrels annually.

Tellico Mills, owned and operated by Dick Bros., is located near the corner of Front and Delaware streets, and is one of the largest and best in the country, and has a capacity of 300 barrels of flour in 24 hours. Irs flour has gained a wide reputation througii the North, East, South ai^d West.

Center Mills, located on the corner of Jersey and Front streets, This is an old mill, and the name of Allen & Whyers, the proprietors, is a guarantee of the excellence of its production.

Quincy Mills, corner of ISTinth and Vermont street, Moenning Bros, proprietors, were in operation steadily the past year and ground 52,000 bushels of wheat, 3,000 bushels of rye, and manufactured 13,000 barrels of wheat and 600 barrels of rye flour. This mill has a fine reputation and the flour is eagerly sought after.

Broadway Mills. - Owen Thom & Co., proprietors of the above mills, have only been grinding wheat since March 1st, 1877, yet they manufactured 3,000 barrels of flour and handled 30,000 bushels of wheat. The firm make a speciality of corn meal, and have this year ground 5,000 barrels of meal, for which they find ready sale.

City Mills, corner of Eighth and Kentucky streets, KnoUenberg, Wavering & Co. proprietors, ground during the year 60,000 bushels of wheat and manufactured 12,500 barrels of flour. This mill has only been in operation about four years, but it has already gained a good reputation for making first-class fiour.

Gem City Mill, C. S. Gove & Son proprietors, was established in July, 1876. The firm make a specialty of fiour and meal, and ground 3,900 bushels of wheat and 3,000 bushels of corn, and made 680 barrels of flour and 150,000 pounds of meal.

The Royal Mill is located on South Seventh street, between Maine and Hampshire, and makes a specialty of corn meal and hominy. The mill ground 24,000 bushels of corn and manufactured 325,000 pounds of meal and 600 barrels of hominy in a single year. This is the only mill in the city making hominy, in which it has a large trade. This mill also deals largely in feed.

' Farmers' Mills. - This establishment, owned by Moenning & Weltin, located on Fourth street, between Maine and Hampshire, is well known, at home and abroad, for the excellence of the flour manufactured. The Farmers Mills' brands are quoted among the highest in the principal markets of the country and are always in demand. The mill was burned August 11, 1876, and was rebuilt and commenced operation again on the 10th of November, that year. They grind wheat, corn and rye in large quantities.

These mills draw chiefly upon Illinois, Missouri and Kansas for their supplies of grain, and ship the immense quantity of their products to all points of the compass, much of them going east and South and to Chicago.

This city was one of the fii-st in the Western country to engage in stove manufacturing. The first foundry was started in the year 1846, through the enterprise of Allen Comstock. The business flourished and the little pioneer Stove Works has grown into the extensive Phoenix Foundry, one of the first in the country. There are four firms, of which this is the parent, engaged in manufacturing, all doing a large trade.

The Phoenix stove foundry of Comstock, Castle & Co., leads in volume of business. About 20,000 stoves are manufactured a year, and the firm find the demand about equal to their supply. The value of the product of the year is nearly $250,000. One hundred and ten to one hundred and twenty-five men are employed at the works and make 200 tons of stoves and ware per month. Tlie Phcenix stoves come into competition with the best of other cities and never fail to come oflf with credit to Quincy.

Bonnet, Dufiy & Co., manufacturers of stoves, ranges and hollowware, now located on the corner of Fifth and Ohio streets, are one of the leading firms in the West. The house was established in 1866, by Bonnet & Duffy, and employed 28 men that year. They now employ over 70 men, 86 molders. They are just completing a large new brick building on the river bank. South Front street, containing a molding room, 86 by 125 feet area, and a warehouse, 40 by 120 feet, and five stories high, into which they will remove in July, when they expect to increase the volume of their business at least one-fourth. They melt 1,200 tons of iron a year.

Thomas White's Stove Works, on the corner of Fifth and York, was established in 1860, by the firm of Bonnet, Duffy & White. The latter became sole proprietor in 1865. The building is 100 by 165 feet, and three stories and basement. He employs 40 men and melts four tons of iron per day, turning out 9,000 stoves and ranges a year. His sales run about $80,000 per annum.

Excelsior Stove Works. - This well-known stove foundry, located on Delaware street, continues to hold its own. The works were started many years ago and established a reputation for excellence of work, second to none. The business the past year has been prosperous. A large number J of men were employed. It melts 800 tons of iron annually.

Tobacco

The tobacco manufacturing interest in Quincy having had its birth during the late war, has grown to mammoth dimensions, and yields an immense revenue to the city and furnishes occupation for a large number of laborers. The manufacturing is chiefly comprised in four larare establishments: The Gem City Plug Tobacco Works, the Empire Plug To-

The Gem City Plug Tobacco Works, the first in point of age and one of the largest plug tobacco factories in this country, was established in 1862, by Turner Yanhorn & Co. Their factory is located on South Front street; the building is 70 by 200 feet, four stories high. The first year the concern employed 60 hands and produced 300,000 pounds a year. The business has steadily increased, and they now work 250 hands and turn out 160,000 pounds per month, and are unable to fill their orders. Their sales aggregate $750,000 yearly.

The Empire Plug Tobacco Works, situated on Fifth street and Ohio avenue, and second in order of age, were founded by Daniel Harris and Albert Beebe, in 1867, though Mr. Harris had conducted the business in a small way since 1862. The business of the firm grew so rapidly that in 1876 they had 700 employes, a working capital oV $300,000, and produced 2,300,000 pounds of plug tobacco. The company paid the Government for stamps that year $750,000. The factory is now owned and run by T. J. Mackoy, who employs 150 hands and turns out 75,000 pounds a month.

The Empire Fine Cut Tobacco Factory, Wellman & Dwire proprietors, is situated on Payson avenue, between Fourth and Fifth streets. It s the only exclusive fine cut works in this part of the country, the largest west of Cincinnati, and was established by Harris, Beebe & Co., in 1875. The building is 60 by 100 feet, seven stories. It is suppKed with the most approved machinery, works 125 hand?, and produces 80,000 pounds of fine cut and smoking tobacco per month. In May of this year they turned out 160,000 pounds. Trade constantly increasing.

Joel Harris' Sons, Plug Tobacco Works, 29 and 30 North Front street, opposite the Union Depot, is the youngest member of the tobacco family, having been established January 1, 1879. It employs 200 hands and manufactures 80,000 pounds of plug tobacco per month. Their sales extend to the Pacific coast, and average about $30,000 monthly.

The brewing business of Quincy surpasses that of any city of its size in the country. The first brewery was started by Anton Delabar, in 1837, and was burned the same year. Others followed in succession, until there are now five firms engaged in the business in the city limits and one a mile north. The leading establishment is that of

Dick Brothers Quincy Brewing Company, situated on the corner of Ninth and York streets. It is one of the largest in the West, and has some hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in buildings and business. They employ a large force of men, and have a brewing capacity of 40,000 barrels of beer a year, though they make less. They ship their beer as far west as Colorado, and south to Texas, in their own refrigerator cars. Last vear's business was $150,000.

J. Luther & Co., Washington Brewery, John M. Ruths, Eber Brothers and F. X. Schill - a mile and a half above the city - have all brewing establishments of considerable capacity, producing from 1,400 to 3,000 barrels a year.

Machine Shops

The city is well supplied with foundries and machine shops. The establishments rank with the first in the count^-j, and compete in western work with the oldest and largest shops of the principal cities. John Williams & Co., Smith, Hajner & Co. and the Gardner works, will compare in extent and quality of work with any similar firms in the West,

One of the most complete machine shops and foundries is that of John Williams & Co., on Front street. The firm manufacture all kinds of machinery, but make a specialty of steam engines, railroad and bridge work, in which they compete with the largest establishments of the country. For 3'ears past they have filled large orders for railroads and bridges in Missouri, Kansas and other Western States. Their work has the reputation of being first-class. About seventy men are emj)loyed and the business will aggregate about $35,000 a year.

The foundry and machine shops of Smith, Hayner & Co., on Fifth street, near Ohio, is one of the oldest establishments of the kind in the city. The specialty of the firm is steam engines, in which they do a large business. Their work is of the best. The ag^areo^ate of the business for the year is about $75,000. Thirty men are employed in the works.

R. W. Gardner, known not only in this country but in Europe as the inventor and manufacturer of the celebrated Gardner Governor, the most important of all inventions for steam engines, has his foundry and shops at the corner of Fifth and Ohio streets, which give employment to 33 men. For the twelve months he manufactured pver 1,200 governors. The demand increases each year. The purchasers were from all parts ot the United States and abroad, some of the orders being from Australia. New machinery is being added to the foundry and he expects to manufacture more extensively the coming year than ever before.

Carriages And Wagons

One of the most important branches of manufacturing in this city is that of carriage and wagon making. The business is conducted on a large scale, one of the firms being one of the largest and best in the Union.

E. M. Mihler & Co. - One of the most extensive manufacturing establishments in the western country is the carriage factory of E. M. Miller & Co., on Sixth street. The firm occupy three large first-class brick buildings, erected by them, and carry on the business on an immense scale, running the year through. The business of the firm was started 21 years ago, in an old barn, employing ten men, and grew rapidly year by year. The firm make all styles of buggies and carriages, hearses and omnibuses. In the latter they probably excel any other manufacturers in the country. They fill orders for the Eastern States, for Canada, for the South and Southwest and do a large business in tlie Western Territories and in California. One hundred and fifty hands are employed.

Hynes & Co., southeast corner Fifth and Jersey streets, commenced business in a small way in 1869, on Sixth street, between Maine and Jersey, the firm at that time being Hynes & Moore, and continued under the same style until the death of Mr. Moore, which occurred recently. John A. Lenox, known to the trade for the past twenty-five years, is now connected with this house. They have a capacity of running seventy-five hands. They make a special point on the quality of the work whicli tliej turn out, and whether it be an elegant family carriage or a plain open buggy the material and workmanship will always be found to be of the very best. They have given considerable attention during the past season to the manufacture of the stylish side-bars. Messrs. Hynes & Co. are making all classes of family 'carriages, two-seated carriages, open and top buggies, phaetons, etc. This firm employ only the most skillful workmen, and many of their finer carriages and buggies are made from original designs. They are prepared to make any desired style of buggy or carriage to order on short notice. They have made a specialty of manufacturing vehicles of all kinds to order from special designs, and this feature forms an important branch of their business.

W. T. & E. A. Rogers own and operate a large wagon manufactory on the corner of Fourth and Oak streets and make a large number of wao-- ons annually. The Rogers wagons have been in good demand wherever they have been introduced, competing successfully with those manufactured elsewhere. The firm have the reputation of doing good work, their wagons being durable and light-running, and possessing advantages not found in those of other factories. One thousand wagons are manufactured and sold a year, the demand being about equal to the supply. From twenty-five to sixty persons are employed in the factory.

J. Koenig and Luhrs & Wayne are also engaged in the manufacture of carriages and buggies in the city, and turn out a considerable quantity of work.

The Vandiver Corn Planter Company Of Quincy

This company was incorporated under State laws in 1870, and have been conducting a very large and successful business since its organization. Its officers are Edward G. Castle, President; Joseph C. Barlow, Superintendent and Secretary.

The company manufacture the celebrated Yandiver, Quincy and Barlow Rotary Corn Planters. The latter planter, the invention of Mr. Jos. C. Barlow, combines entirely new features, such as showing the corn three hills in advance, etc.

Their products amount to between three and four thousand planters annually and one hundred men find employment at their extensive works, while their planters find sale in all parts of the United States and foreign countries.

The Whitney & Holmes Organ Co., established in 1868, and incorporated March, 1870, employes 40 men and turns out $150,000 worth of organs a-nnually. Has $50,000 capital invested in business with a large wholesale trade, extending to every State in the Union. The business of the company is under the management of August H. Whitney, the founder of the business of organ manufacturing in Quincy.

The Gem City Paper Mill

R. F. Newcomb proprietor, is one of the important manufacturing institutions of Quincy. Mr. Newcomb has been running the mill since March, 1872, and its business has steadily increased. Straw wrapping and board papers are the exclusive products, of which an average of ten tons per day are made, employing 50 hands.

Fubnituke And Chairs

The manufacture of furniture and chairs has become one of the leading branches of industry in Quincy. Several firms are engaged in the business and o-ive employment to a large number of men and boys. The trade reaches over $300,000.

F. W. Jansen & Co. have one of the largest furniture manufactories in the country. It is located on the corner of Washington and Front streets, and is" one of the most important factories ot the city. The factory o-ives employment to 125 persons, and turns out some of the finest work sold in the west. In the last few years the finer and better grades of furniture have been manufactured here, and Jansen & Co. have made a success in that line. The furniture of the new court-house all came from their manufactory, and is acknowledged by all to be a credit to the firm. Jansen & Co. have recently opened two branch houses, one at Dallas and the other at Sherman, Texas.

H. A. Vandenboom & Co., manufacturers of chairs and bedsteads, on the corner of Tenth and Vermont streets, have recently opened a branch house at Dallas, Texas, which is supplying that section of country. They employ sixty men constantly in the manufactory, and turn out a large amount of work. The chairs and bedsteads made by this firm are equal, if not superior, to any in the market.

W. C. Powers & Co., I^o. 602 Maine street are doing a splendid business both at wholesale and retail. This firm also does considerable in the manufacturing of fine goods and have a force of experienced hands constantly employed.

F. Duker is one of the old manufacturers of furniture, having been in business for many years. He employs six persons. He carries a good stock of furniture of all kinds.

Planing Mills

Quincy has six of the best and most complete planing mills to be found in the West. They are all filled with new and improved machinery, and turn out a large amount of work annually. They make a specialty of building material such as doors, sash, blinds, refrigerators, tobacco boxes, etc.

Mulliner & Beebe are located on South Fourth street, between Jersey and York, and are doing a large business. They furnish employment to 20 men and boys, and turn out large quantities of building material, tobacco boxes, together with their unequaled refrigerators, for which they have a high reputation.

Hauworth, Orr & Hodgdon, well-known contractors and builders, and proprietors of the Fourth Street Planing Mill. Manufacture doors, sash, blinds, etc., and annually turn out large quantities of material of all kinds. They furnish employment to a large number of men and boys.

Menke, Grimm & Co. are an old and long-established firm, having been engaged in the business for many years. Their mill is located on Hampshire street, between Eighth and IS^inth. They employ 30 hands. They manufacture the celebrated Eagle Eefrigerators, together with candy boxes, packing cases and building material.

Pfanschmidt & Co., lumber yard and planing mill on the corner of Fifth and Ohio Streets, employ 25 men, and have one of the best mills in the city. ^ They do a large business in tobacco boxes, sash, doors, blinds, and packing cases.

Larkworthy & Burge's shops and mill are located on Yermont, between Fourth and Fifth. They do a general planing mill business, and in addition are one of the largest contracting firms in the city, furnishing employment to a large number of men. They are the contractors who erected tlie new Adams County Court-house. They also erected the new Tremont House building on Hampshire street. The firm have taken a prominent place among Quincy contractors, and are increasing their trade annually.

Peter H. Meyer, another well-known builder, has a planing mill and shops located on Ninth street, between Ohio and Payson avenue. He is a large contractor, and erected a large number of fine residences and stores in Quincy during the past few years, among them the new Presbyterian church. He makes all his own sash, doors, etc., used in his buildings. He employs a large force of men, and has gained a reputation for doing good work.

Trunks And Satchels

Quincy now has two of the largest and most important trunk and satchel manufactories in the West. They employ a number of hands and do business amounting to $35,000 annually.

Brickmaking is a branch of industry extensively engaged in by a number of enterprising business firms who do a large business, running from 400,000 to 6,000,000 a year each.

Tinware

Several firms are engaged in the manufacture of tinware, who do an extensive business. The business gives employment to a large number of workmen. In work, the Quincy manufacturers compete successfully with the houses of other cities. Among the most prominent firms are J. Seymour Castle, 432 Maine street, who does a large business in tinware and stoves. He is one of the most extensive manufacturers of tinware in the West.

Saddles And Harness

The manufacture of saddles and harness is carried on in this city on a large scale. The firms engaged in it do an extensive and profitable business, supplying a large territory surrounding Quincy.

John B. Kreitz employs twelve men, and turns out during the year a large quantity of fine harness and saddles. A feature of his business was the manufacture of heavy truck harness, in which he had a large trade. His work recommends itself. Other features of his establishment are the fine English saddles, and what is known as the patent Guthrie saddle.

John L. Koch manufactures saddles, harness, collars, whips, etc., and is the agent of the celebrated Jacksonville drovers' whip. His work is first-class, and he makes it a point to satisfy his patrons .

W. H. Konautz, Maine, between Fourth and Fifth, gives employment to five men and devotes himself principally to fine carriage and buggy harness. His business includes horse clothing and whips. He did a large amount of fine work last year.

Crackers And Confectionery

In the manufacture of crackers and confectionery a number of firms are engaged, all of whom are doing a large business. They give employment to a large number of hands and, with the product of their establishments, supply a large region of country. The candies and confectionery from these houses are as pure and palatable as any made.

Clark & Morgan are taking the lead in this line of business. At present they employ thirty persons, wdth Ihree traveling salesmen. During the year they consume 2,200 barrels of flour and 1,700 barrels of sugar, and manufacture 440,000 pounds of their superior crackers, and 400,000 pounds of candy and confectionery. The goods manufactured by this firm have wide reputations for their purity and fine flavor.

John Wessels, manufacturer of crackers and confectionery by steam. He now employs twenty men and boys, and has three traveling salesmen. They now travel all over the States of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.

Brown Bros. & Co. are one of the largest manufacturers by steam of candy, crackers, etc., in the West. They have been engaged in the business for the past thirty years, and have a large trade.

Flavoring Extracts

F. H. Mason & Co., manufacturers of the celebrated Moss Rose baking powder, Royal dry hop yeast, flavoring extracts, liquid bluing, and inks, are among the firms of which the city may justly feel proud. For many years Quincy was compelled to go abroad for everything of this kind, but now, we are happy to sa}^, that this is no longer the case, as we have one of the largest manufactories of this kind right here at home. This firm was established in 1874, yet they have succeeded in building up an immense trade, and their goods may be found nearly all over twelve different States.

James E. Woodruff, another enterprising citizen, has recently opened a chemical laboratory at No. 303 Maine street, and is now manufacturing Good Luck baking powder, dry hop yeast, flavoring extracts, and liquid bluing, in large quantities. This house was established in 1876, and has succeeded in building up a large and rapidly increasing trade.

Bucket Factory

A new enterprise, the manufacture of wooden buckets and tobacco drums, was started by John Potter, on Lower Front street, the 1st of May, 1876. Fifteen persons are employed in the business. Mr. Potter has fitted up three large dry-houses for drying lumber, and has furnished the factory with the best of machinery. The establishment is an important acquisition to the manufactures of the city.

The only factory engaged exclusively in the manufacture of boilers is that of J . H. Michelman, on the corner of Spring and Olive. He employs an average of ten men. His factory enjoys an excellent reputation in and around Quincy, and his boilers rank with the best made. J. Williams & Co., on Front street, do a large business in boiler work, in connection with their foundry and machine shop.

Marble

Koakes & Bockenfeld's establishment is at the corner of Third and Main streets. Six men are employed in the business the greater portion of the time.

C. G. Volk, at 322 Maine, considering the general depression in business, did a good business for the year. The employes number four. There were 300 monuments and stones delivered to order. Mr. Yolk designed and erected the soldiers' monument elsewhere spoken of in this work.

There are other minor branches of manufacturing in the city and in the county which it is impossible to mention in the compass of our work. The most we have aimed to do is to make a brief summary of the leading manufacturing interests of this now wealthy and populous county, teeming with industrial activity.

Dry Goods

First in importance, perhaps, of the jobbing line in the city, is the dry goods trade, in which line the city has houses that can boast of business that is surpassed by but few houses outside of the East. New York may have her Stewarts and Claflins, Chicago her Field & Leiter's and Farwells, but Quincy has several houses that stand as high in the estimation of the public. These firms are composed of men whose business tact and energy bids fair to soon place them high in the list of of leading merchants in the western country. We have firms whose sales verge on to two million dollars annually. But few Chicago or St. Louis houses can say as much. First upon the list we have the great house of

Isaac Lesem & Bro., known all over the Southwest and West as one of the leading dry goods houses in the country. The firm occupy the magnificent building on the corner of Third and Hampshire streets. This house was established in Quincy in 1856 on a small scale, and began wholesaling in 1858. A few years ago they erected the magnificent building they now occupy, 44x125 feet, five stories high, but even this was found too small to accommodate their large and rapidly increasing trade. . They have leased the second and third floors of the building adjoining, and have fitted them up in the same style as the main building. Their business is nearly $2,- 000,000 a year. They give employment to thirty men, including eight traveling salesmen. They have a resident Xew York buyer, who keeps them well supplied with everything the market afibrds.

Julius Kespohl & Co., another of the leading dry goods and notion houses, is located on the northwest corner of Third and Hampshire streets in one of the largest, handsomest and most commodious business buildings in the western country. It is 40x92 feet, and four stories. It was built expressly for a dry goods house, and has all the modern conveniences for the transaction of business. During the past year a change has been made by adding a retail department. The house was established in 1864; opened the wholesale business in 1873. They carry a full and complete line of goods of all kinds, which have been purchased from first hands. They employ forty men, including traveling salesmen, who make frequent trips through the States of Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska.

Wholesale Notions

Jacob Meyer & Brother have the only exclusive wholesale notion house in the city. It was established in 1867. They keep from six to eight traveling salesmen on the road, and have the largest notion trade outside of Chicao^o and St. Louis in the West.

No branch of business in Quincy has flourished more successfully or increased with greater rapidity than the grocery trade. But a few years have elapsed since the wholesale grocery establishments were confined to two or three, whose annual sales did not aggregate more than a quart-er of a million; but now we boast of five wholesale houses and over one hundred retail houses, whose annual sales will foot up several millions. Among the leading wholesale houses may be mentioned the old reliable firm of

Meyer & Kespohl, established in 1869, occupying the elegant three-story building on Third street between Hampshire and Vermont. The firm have nine employes, including two traveling salesmen, who have large trades extending over the States of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. The firm carry a stock second to none in the West. They bny direct from first hands, and hold out superior inducements to buyers.

W. S. Warfield, another of the old houses, is located on Third street, just south of Hampshire. This is one of the oldest and most solid firms in the West, having been established for many years. He furnishes employment to fifteen men, three of whom are constantly engaged in traveling in the States of Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. In addition to a full line of staple and fancy groceries he carries a large stock of tobacco.

S. E. Seger, well known in this vicinity as the pioneer grocer of Quincy, having been engaged in the business as far back as goes the mind of the oldest inhabitant, is still enjoying a splendid trade. He employs seven men, including three traveling salesmen, who all have large trades through Illinois and Missouri. His stock of groceries and liquors is second to none. His store is one of the largest and most commodious in the West.

Austin & Manson are still doing a splendid business at 317 Hampshire street, wliere they have been located for many years. They employ five men but do no traveling. The greater portion of their trade lies within one hundred miles of Quincy, while their home trade is envied them by many of the larger houses. Their store room is large and commodious, and is well filled with an extensive and carefully selected stock of goods.

The Oriental Tea Company was established in the Dutcher Block, on Hampsliire street, the hitter part of November, 1876, and has succeeded in building up a splendid trade. The firm does business, both wholesale and retail, upon a strictly cash basis. They buy for cash, and sell the same way. By so doing they are enabled to ofier superior inducements to purchasers. The firm is a branch of a Chicago house.

Clothing

Qnincy has now some of the most extensive clothing houses of any city in the western country, and has merchants who have been engaged in the business for many years. They carry immense stocks with whrch to supply their already large and rapidly increasing trade.

J. p. Levy & Co. still head the list, and are among the very largest dealers in clothing in the western country. They are still occupying the large four-story building, corner of Hampshire street and Market Square. They employ ten men and five or six traveling salesmen. Their trade lies in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. The firm are not only large dealers, but are extensive manufacturers, having one of the largest factories in the East. They import all fine goods direct, and have an office at Leipzig, Germany.

Joseph Stern & Sons, have one of the oldest and best clothing houses in the city. They began business here many years ago, and soon gained a large trade, which they have been adding to ever since. The firm have a large jobbing trade in Illinois and Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Nebraska. Their traveling salesmen are rapidly extending their trade,

Joseph Meyer is among the heaviest jobbers of clothing in the city. His jobbing trade is largely distributed over the States of Illinois and Missouri.

Hats And Caps

In the hat and cap trade we have both dealers and manufacturers, who carry large and well-assorted stocks, that will compare with the first houses in the West. The merchants in this branch of business are both enterprising and energetic, and keep stocks fully equal to those carried by many of the eastern houses.

Wood Bros., the only exclusive jobbing house in the city, occupy the large storerooms in the wholesale block, Nos. 30 and 32 J>iorth Third street. The house was established in 1862. The}^ rank among the very first of our jobbing houses, and carry as full a line of hats, caps, and gloves as can be found anj'where. They employ eight men, including five traveling salesmen. Their trade lies mostly in Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, and IS^ebraska.

Peter & Schnarr, wholesale dealers in hats, caps, straw goods, furs, gloves and mittens, 34 and 36 Third street. This house was established in 1868, and, through fair and honorable dealing, have worked their way up from a small retail store to one of the leading houses, in their line, in the West. Since Jan. 1, their sales have been largely in excess of any previous season. Their goods are to be seen with the best merchants in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri.

Boots And Shoes

Quincy can boast of some of the largest and most complete boot and shoe houses of any city in the West, outside of Chicago . They are all of the very first order, carry large amounts of goods, and are directed by men having business experience.

Kingsbury, Blasland & Co., manufacturers and jobbers of boots and shoes, 30 and 32 Third street. Few cities in the West, Chicago and St. Louis excepted, can point to such an establishment as the wholesale boot and shoe house of Kingsbury, Blasland & Co., a firm consisting of A. B. Kingsbury, S. A. Blasland, and C. S. Wyckofi". The house was established in 1840, by E. K. Stone. In 1855, A. B. Kingsbury became connected with the liouse, the firm being E. K. Stone & Co. In 1866, L. E. Kingsbury succeeded Mr. Stone, and the firm was changed to Kingsbury Bros., which continued until after the death of L. E. Kingsbury, in 1873, when the present firm was formed. They sell largely in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas, and are doing a large and prosperous business. Sales run from $400,000 to $500,000 per annum.

IJpham, Gordon & Co., wholesale and retail dealers of boots and shoes, are located at 411 Hampshire street. This is the oldest boot and shoe house in the city, having been established by C. Brown Jr. & Co., in 1852. Mr. Gordon became a partner in the firm in 18Y1. They employ two traveling salesmen in the interest of the wholesale department. Sales, $150,000 a year.

Books And Stationery

Dayton & Arthnr, 426 and 428 Maine street, have the oldest, and the only wholesale book and stationery house in Quincy. It was established in 1837, by W. D. Skillman, and after having passed through several hands as a retail'store, it was purchased in 1850 by J. R. Dayton, the senior partner ot the present firm. It continued constantly to increase its business until 1868, when I. H. Arthur was admitted as a member of the firm, since which time the business has steadily increased. An extensive jobbing trade from Illinois and adjoining States, has made this house prominent among the business interests of tlie city.

Sommer, Lynds & Co., wholesale druggists, Third street, north of Hampshire, is one of the heaviest drug houses in Illinois. Mr. Sommer started in the business in 1857. The firm located at their point in 1875. Their business requires five floors of a building 40 by 100 feet. Their trade extends as far as Western Kansas, and runs $300,000 a year.

Rogers & Montgomery, opposite, the park, on Hampshire street, started in the business in 1854. Their trade has grown each year. The job' ing department was established in 1861. They have a fine store, and trade in both departments is heavy.

Hardware And Iron

So constant has been the growth of the West, and so unceasing is the demand for material, tools, implements, etc., that it has required no little efibrt on the part of hardware and iron merchants to keep pace with the march of trade. The Quincy jobbers and dealers, however, have been found equal to the emergency, and their supplies have at all times been equal to the demand. ISTot only do they carry the requisite quality, but their stocks have been so satisfactory to interior merchants that trade in this line has marked a steady increase,

Coxe & Coxe, wholesale and retail dealers in shelf hardware, nails, axes, and cutlery. They have not only succeeded in holding their own, but have extended the trade until their traveling salesmen can now be found selling all through Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska. At present they give employment to eleven men, three of whom are constantly engaged in traveling over the States above named. This is one of the oldest houses in Quincy, having first been established by L. & C. H. Bull, in 1833, and has been a hardware house ever since. They carry an assortment of goods second to none in the western country. Their four-story building with

G. J. Cottrell is among the leading johbers in the city. He employs nine men, two of whom are constantly upon the road and selling large quantities of goods in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, and Texas. He carries a full line of shelf hardware and tinners' stock.

Lemley Bros, is another of the solid houses of Quincy. Their place of business is 217, 219 and 221 Maine street. They make a specialty of iron, steel, wagon and carriage wood material, and are the only house in the city dealing exclusively in this class of goods. Their store is a model of convenience, having been built expressly for the purpose. There is a driveway entirely through the building, so that goods are handled but once instead of two or three times. They have everything necessary for the rapid transaction of business. They employ eleven men, including two traveling salesmen.

H. & J. H. Tenk, wholesale and retail dealers in hardware, are still doing business at 512 Maine street. They carry a full line of shelf hardware, cement, belting, etc. They have a good jobbing trade in Missouri and Illinois.

Fokk Packing

The first pork packer in Quincy was Capt. Pease, who in 1835 packed 3,000 hogs. From that time the business has grown until it has become one of the great hog markets of the West; and the business of packing and curing pork employs some of its most energetic men and a large amount of capital. About 75,000 hogs are packed in a season, distributed among five large concerns and some small ones. One firm alone, Smith & Farlow, kills 25,000 hogs a year.

Butteb And Eggs

A few years ago the enterprising house of W. L. Distin & Co. was first established in Quincj' as an egg and butter house. Many looked upon the enterprise as a foolhardy one and predicted an early downfall, but in this they were badly mistaken, for instead of going backward it has rapidly increased from year to year, until it now is among the very largest in the United States. A little later a consolidation was efiected between this and the house of S. P. Pond & Co., Keokuk and Burlington, making not only one of the largest, but one of the strongest firms in the country. Pond, Distin & Co. now have their large houses in successful operation and during the busy season will ship four to five cars loaded with nothing but eggs each day to the Eastern markets. During the year the Quincy branch of 'the firm shipped 400,000 pounds of butter, and 1,750,000 dozen eggs, or 25,000 barrels, together with several car loads of dressed poultry.

The house here is located at Nos. 17 and 19 South Sixth street, and is under the immediate supervision of Wm. L. Distin, a member of the firm and a gentleman of large experience in this business.