Franklin County, Illinois - The whole text, 1920 (part 5 of 8)

The body of Walter Z. Baker, a private in the Marines, who died in Brest, France, had arrived several days previous, but had been retained in Nolan & Jacobs' undertaking parlors, until the military arrangements could be made.

The casket lay in state in the court house yards during the morning. As had been announced, promptly at 2:15, with military dispatch, the procession formed on the public square and repaired to the cemetery. The six pall-bearers were composed of two soldiers, two marines and two naval men. The honorary pallbearers were divided the same, except there were four of each. The escort and firing squad, composed of exmembers of Co. F under command of Sgt. Stanley Mundell, occupied a prominent position. Two hundred and fifty men in uniform helped form the parade which was made up of the Benton Concert Band, Civil War veterans on a truck, Spanish-American soldiers. Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows and citizens in automobiles, which more than reached from the square to the cemetery. The number was exceptional, considering the threatening weather and actual downpour of rain during the formation of parade and march to the cemetery.

The memorial services at the cemetery were taken charge of by Rev. J. L. Meads, who acted as chairman. Rev. Geo. R. Goodman, of the M. E. church, delivered the invocation. Rev. Meads then delivered a short address as an introduction to Hon. Joseph A. McHatton of Robinson, who made the address of the day. It was full of good things, well rendered and highly appreciated by all who heard him. The music was furnished by the Christian church choir. The benediction was pronounced by Rev. S. E. Fisher of the Christian church, after which the interment of the body took place.

As it was lowered into the grave, after prayer by Rev. Meads, and as the band played "The Star Spangled Banner," three volleys were fired over the grave by the firing squad, and Joubret Webb blew "taps."

Left to right - Lon Fox, President of Sub-District 9, of District 12; D. C. Cobb, Vice-President of Sub- District 9, of District 12; John Black, Secretary-Treasurer of Sub-District 9, of District 12; Tom Jones, Board Member of District 12.

The call for more coal went up from every industrial center. Coal was needed in increased quantities for the transportation of soldiers and supplies. Factories were kept going day and night and needed a double supply of coal. The usual amount was needed for domestic purposes also. The government, through its fuel administration went to every center of coal mining and urged every operator and miner to do their utmost in the production of coal. So through this campaign for the production of coal every agent for the government, who were mostly returned soldiers, visited every coal center throughout the land and appealed to both employer and employee to do their utmost to produce more coal, urging its great need and that without it we could not win the war.

Southern Illinois, because of its quality and quantity of production was appealed to strongly by the government to increase its production if at all possible. Notwithstanding the fact that our young men were taken out of the mines in large numbers for active military service this was done.

Franklin county can well be proud of its record in response to the call of the nation. The increased production during the war reflects favorably upon every person who was connected with the business. The United Mine Workers of America deserve mention on account of the unswervable loyalty and true devotion of their officers and membership in the most critical period.

The coal reports show that more coal was produced during the war than in any other time. This was due to the efforts the miners put forth for the boys at the front.

The miners bought liberty bonds and contributed to the other war activities such as the Red Cross, Salvation Army, Y. M. C. A., Knights of Columbus and war savings stamps to the amount of over $1 ,200,000.00. Every local union in Franklin county conducted its own individual drive and in every instance went over the top. There was a friendly rivalry between local unions to see which local union would excel in the great work.

Notwithstanding the great number of socalled foreigners the miners were I00r^ Americans as is shown by their magnificent record in the increased production and the purchasing of Liberty Bonds and War Savings Stamps and in war drives.

The officers of the miners were staunch workers of the government and while their own work was at times arduous they devoted all their spare time day and night in addressing meetings and serving on committees in the interest of backing up the boys in France and Flanders.

The miners of Franklin county furnished over 1 200 soldiers in the selective service and among the volunteers. This quota was made up of practically every nationality. When it came to patriotism all classes regardless of color or nationality showed their true blue patriotism in their devotion to their Country.

When the government needed men to serve in responsible positions the miners answered the call to duty and served with credit to themselves and distinguishing themselves to the American government.

For these and many other reasons the miners of Franklin county deserve everlasting praise for their humble part in winning the war in order that the world might be made safe for free people. The record can be handed down to posterity with pride and self-satisfaction by those who were in active service as an accomplishment of the mining industry in Franklin county in the time of our Country's need.

THE author and compiler of "Franklin County War History" and "Williamson County in the World War," has since thirteen years of age been connected with some department of the newspaper business. Born in Fairmount, son of Thomas Baird, a Civil War veteran, grew to maturity in Vermillion county, where he was editor and publisher of a newspaper at twenty years of age. Desiring to learn the newspaper and printing work in all its varied branches, he at twenty-two years of age left the country for city work. Not satisfied to tie himself to one particular job, he was constantly changing from city to city, always learning something new or taking up the work in a new department, and during the next fifteen years held positions up to superintendent of the largest printing plants, advertising agency work and newspaper and magazine editorial work. During the war period, being exempt from active military duty, and not desiring a "swivel chair" appointment he engaged in many special publicity campaigns for interest of the home activities. After the armistice, receiving a call from the Herrin News to assist in the compilation of the Williamson county history, but knowing that no great financial compensation would be possible he accepted the offer for the purpose of creating an enduring monument to southern Illinois soldiers. After the completion of the Williamson county work, October, 1919, he was married to Miss Nadine Bowei, of Evansville, Indiana. The many creditable comments on that history caused him to readily accept a similar offer for the Franklin county history. On account of the large expense of compiling such books, Mr. Baird does not hope to gain financially by his two year's work in southern Illinois, but the satisfaction of creating the best and most complete histories in Illinois, and thereby erecting a monument to his own ability is of itself a sufficient reward. The people of Franklin and Williamson counties are pleased with his efforts and are liberal in their commendation of his untiring efforts.

TODAY Franklin County is one of the most important coal-producing counties in the United States. No equal area produces more coal than is produced here. There are within its boundary twenty-four shipping mines with a total annual tonnage of 20,000,000 tons. All this development has come within a period of twenty years, due largely to the ision and enterprise of one man - Joseph Leiter.

About the year 1900, Mr. Leiter, through A. F. White, of Marion, familiarly known as "Zi" White, negotiated with Charles Carroll of Shawneetown, for the purchase of a tract of about three thousand acres of coal land, lying North of the city of Herrin. Most of this tract was in Williamson county, but about eight hundred acres extended up into the edge of Franklin county. Because of a failure to reach an agreement as to the price to be paid for this tract, Mr. Leiter decided he would go across into Franklin county, along the Big Muddy River and acquire an option on a tract of land, and prospect, what was then a field in which no coal had been discovered. It is true that W. P. Halliday, of Cairo had done some prospecting in Six Mile Township a number of months before, but had never given out the information as to the discovery of coal, and died without the public knowing of the rich discovery that he had made. So, Mr. Leiter's prospecting first brought to the attention of the public the rich deposit of coal existing in that part of the County.

After thoroughly prospecting the coal measures and after riding horse-back with Mr. White over the surface to apprise himself of the value of the land and timber, he acquired by purchase from the various owners a tract of about eight thousand acres.

He saw at once the great possibility of this territory as a coal producing center and made plans for development on a large scale on the area purchased.

He secured the services of Robert W. Hunt & Company, engineers, who sent to take personal charge of this work, L. V. Rice, the Engineer who built the Ferris Wheel - of World's Fair fame, and the Eads Bridge across the Mississippi River at St. Louis. A mining plant capable of producing a tonnage of four thousand tons was designed and a town was laid out - the present city of Zeigler - and the plans were laid for a system of railroads to bring this property within reach of the Mississippi Valley.

The mine was constructed, and the city was laid out and built; but before the construction of his railroad - The Chicago, Zeigler & Gulf - had proceeded beyond the point where it furnished the necessary track and switching facilities for the mine and town, the railroads had become aware of the importance of the enterprise and insisted on building to the town of Zeigler; and three trunk line railroads - the Illinois Central, the Missouri Pacific, and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, in the order named, built branch lines into this property.

When Mr. Leiter declared that he would, with Franklin County coal, replace the Dock coal in the Northwest, and Hocking and Anthracite in Chicago, the wise ones laughed. They would not believe it was possible for an Illinois coal to take the place of these high grade coals from the East. But they knew nothing of the superior quality of the Franklin County coal; nor of the tremendous enterprise of Joseph Leiter, who at that time was a new figure in the coal trade. He began an extensive advertising campaign, sending his coal on guarantee all over the West and Northwest, and his vision and faith are justified, and his dreams as to the commercial possibility of the Franklin County coal fully realized; for today this coal, which twenty years ago was not known, is now in common use in fourteen states of the Mississippi Valley, and is

Mr. Leiter's early plans included a large battery of coke ovens, which because of the growing demand for this coal for domestic and industrial use, he temporarily abandoned. But he declares that he yet expects to see this part of his plans fully realized, and it has already, been conclusively demonstrated that the Franklin County coal can be converted into coke suitable for metallurgical purposes.

For a considerable time Mr. Leiter continued to operate the mining plant himself, but later leased to the Bell & Zoller Mining Company, who continue to operate it, and who have added Mine Number Two, a larger and more modern plant than the original.

among the miners by allowing them to own their own homes; and he has sold many of the original houses, and has built a great many more which he is selling to the miners on time payments at practically cost, and is also selling to them lots upon which they can build their homes.

He has donated parks, school and church sites to the City and citizens. The water system was also installed philanthropically as the low rates are not sufficient to meet the cost and upkeep. W. H. Buchanan is the local manager of the properties and takes an active interest in all civic affairs, being a member of the City Council and a counsellor in the building of Zeigler into one of the important cities of the County.

Mr. Leiter's vision is equally broad concerning the possibilities of Franklin county from an agricultural standpoint. He has set out a large apple orchard of 640 acres; has built modern dairy barns, and has acquired a herd of 70 pure bred Short Horn Durham dairy cattle; and by the use of lime and phosphates he has increased the fertility of the soil so that the results have been an inspiration to all the farming community around. By the soil improvement a diversified crop of hay, corn, oats, wheat, alfalfa, beans and peas is raised. There are twenty tenant houses, occupied by the farm help. Eight tractors besides four mule teams are necessary for the general farm and dairy work.

An incident of recent occurrence shows the fixed purpose of Mr. Leiter for the fulfillment of his idea in southern Illinois The Charles Carrolls tract which he originally desired to purchase, was later acquired by James Pease, the Chicago politician and coal man, for the Chicago & Carterville Coal

Local Manager

Notwithstanding his large and varied interests that draw heavily upon his time, Mr. Leiter has never lost interest in his Franklin County proposition, and makes frequent visits to Zeigler, for the purpose of inspecting the mines, and that he may give his personal attention and direction to the large general store which he operates in Zeigler, and to the herds, and farm lands in which he takes a keen delight. In recent years he has added very greatly to the original area, and now has about fifteen thousand acres of this choicest coal property.

The large store is called the Zeigler Store Company, and is under the management of J. S. Gauvey, an experienced mercantile and business man. It was the first store in Zeigler and has advanced with the town. Eight departments are operated with a bakery. The merchandise is complete and varied and of the best quality, probably the most complete stock in southern Illinois.

Store Manager

Company, of which he was president. When this company's properties were in 1918 acquired by the Chicago, Wilmington & Franklin Coal Company, Mr. Leiter renewed his negotiations to acquire this valuable tract of land, and purchased from the Chicago, Wilmington & Franklin Coal Company at a price far in excess of that originally made by Mr. Carroll, over two thousand acres of the Carroll lands.

Franklin county owes much to other men for the subsequent development of the coal field, but the greater obligation will always be to Joseph Leiter, and his early recognition of its possibility, and his determination to see the plans first made, carried out, and his faith thereby justified.

The estate is operated under the name of the Zeigler Coal Co., of which Mr. Leiter is president; W. J. Warr, secretary and treasurer. The general offices are in Chicago, which the local office is in charge of Mr. Buchanan.

THE entry of the United States Fuel Company into the coal mining industry of Franklin county, was an epoch in the history of the county. The resources of this large corporation, which is a subsidiary of the United States Steel Company, means that their large holdings of coal properties will be improved and extended to the limit and therefore of vast benefit to the industrial growth and prosperity of Franklin county.

The only mine in Franklin county now operated by the Company is the Middle Fork Mine, located about one and one-half miles east of Benton. This mine was purchased in December, 1916, from the Middle Fork Coal Co., which company was composed of Benton capitalists. Almost immediately improvements were started that increased the capacity from 500 tons per day to 3000. The most modern electrical equipment for all operations were installed and the largest coal washer in the world constructed. More than two million dollars has been expended for improvements, which will be continued whenever possible to improve facilities and working conditions.

The water supply necessary for the mammouth washer was solved by the construction of an immense reservoir on their property, about three miles northeast of Benton. The water in this reservoir covers more than 250 acres, creating a water supply of over 500,000,000 gallons. To create this reservoir it was necessary to build a concrete dam a quarter mile long. The water capacity is controlled by a spillway, and by increasing the height of the spillway it is possible to obtain 5 feet more water, which means twice the present capacity - this with absolute safety. Water is pumped from the reservoir to the washer, a distance of two miles, at the rate of 600 gallons a minute.

The United States Fuel Company owns the coal rights to many thousand acres of coal in Franklin and Williamson counties, most of which is in Franklin county. They also own the surface of almost two thousand acres, which is guarantee that their operations will be extended. The coal from these holdings is of the highest test for bituminous coal and is used largely in the making of coke for the manufacture of steel. The needs of the United States Steel Company for coal in their industry is only partially supplied by the many mines they own in the Central and Eastern coal fields.

The general offices of the Company are located in Chicago, while the general superintendent, Thomas Moses, is located in Westville, where the Company owns other mines; the local superintendent, Wm. R. Brinely, who moved from Westville to Benton soon after the Company acquired the present mine, is in direct charge of the Franklin County operations. Mack Taylor, assistant superintendent, and Barney Crosgrove, mine manager, are also local officials who have assisted in the building and direction of this modern mine.

The Company, in 1919, completed fiftyfive modern homes for their employees, which has added to the population of Benton. It seems to be the policy to never slight the home or working comfort of its employes. For many years previous to the State compensation law, this company was one of veiy few who maintained a voluntary relief fund, the rules of which provided even greater relief than now required by law.

I 'At Wright

THE many ideal club and camping sites surrounding Lake Moses, owned by the United States Fuel Co., created the desire on the part of many of the officials and employees of the Company for a Club and picnic grounds for family outings for the outdoor period. During the early summer of 1920, the Sunnyside Club was formed, the membership being restricted to the officials and employees of the United States Fuel Co. The Company furnished a Cottage which the Club members remodeled and furnished as a club house. Here are held many parties and family gatherings during the summer. The men are looking forward to the duck season each year, as the club house will be ideal during this season.

The liberal policy of the company and club toward the public makes the lake and the spacious grounds popular for the entire public - fishing and bathing being permitted with the exception of a small portion immediately adjacent to the club house.

THE Chicago, Wilmington & Franklin Coal Company, whose general offices are 407 McCormick Bldg., Chicago, are rather new operators in the Franklin county field, beginning such operation with the famous Orient mine in December, 1914, when the mine had just started production. Later operations in the county were the formation of the Benton Coal Mining Co , taking over the holdings of the old Benton Coal Co. and the Hart & Williams Coal Co. The company also operates mines in Virden, Thayer, South Wilmington and mines "A" and "B" at Herrin.

6776 tons in eight hours. This mine is one of the most modern in the world and is very popular with miners on account of the best working conditions and the large storage capacity of 45,000 tons which permits several days work even when a shortage of cars exists. The other Franklin county mines, Benton No. 1 and No. 2, are being rapidly improved and brought up to date, and as these mines are located just out of the city limits of Benton, the increased capacities of these mines will bring more miners to Benton.

C. W. & F. Coal Company Honor Roll

henry wilker john huber william huber everett shires bert reed leslie reed john pastor joseph cholck joseph dombrosky walter laxe john guxter george farr leonard dial wm. muscoyitch stanley berry Mckinley glenn seba marshall john h. c. oysten robert luke

Prudent

Old Ben Coal Corporation is now a corporation of the State of Delaware, authorized to do business in Illinois and engaged in the mining and marketing of coal. D. W. Buchanan is president and Gordon Buchanan, vice - president, and J. W. Colliver, secretary. The main office, including the sales department, with hundreds of employees, is at Chicago; also the publicity department in charge of Dr. John E. Beebe, and the land department in charge of W. S. Burley. George Campbell of West Frankfort, has been and is general manager of the operating department since 1913, and Gordon Campbell, at the same place, in charge of the compensation department for injured employees; and Judge William H. Hart of Benton, now of the firm of Hart & Hart, attorneys, is the local attorney and has been since activities of this company and its allied interests first came to the county ; and Charles W. Stilley, since 1913, has been local representative at Benton, in the acquirement of lands and payment of taxes and like service.

The company has operated under various names: Wilmington Star Mining Company, Ohio Valley Mining Company, Old Ben Mining Corporation of Illinois, Old Ben Coal Corporation of Illinois, and Old Ben Mining Company of Illinois, and now Old Ben Coal Corporation of Delaware. The history of the growth and development of this company in Franklin county has been phenomenal. In 1908, D. W. Buchanan, the president of this company, had his attention directed to the character and possibilities of Franklin county coal and under his direction, leases were taken to about 1500 acres of coal south of West Frankfort and the mine known as No. 8, was rapidly developed under these leases. Following this in 1912, strong financial connections were established and 13,000 acres of coal adjoining No. 8 were purchased and mine No. 9 was sunk and put into operation.

Later, in 1916, two developed mines of Christopher Coal Mining Company at Christopher were purchased and later in 1917, two of the United Coal Corporation at Christopher and one at Buckner were bought with their entire acreage, and soon thereafter further acreage was acquired southwest of West Frankfort at Pershing and a new mine known as No. 15 was developed. Then the mine of the Sesser Coal Company and its acreage at Sesser, was acquired, making nine developed mines, among the largest in the State and the world, in Franklin county. A few months ago the two mines of the Johnston City & Big Muddy Coal Company in Williamson county and its entire acreage adjoining Franklin county properties were bought; and now this Old Ben Coal Corporation is the largest producing coal corporation in the State of Illinois, with an acreage of approximated 50,000 acres - a daily maximum tonnage capacity of more than 30,000 tons in Franklin county alone, (exclusive of its interests in Williamson county and at Coal City, Illinois), employing more than 5,000 people, with a maximum pay roll every two weeks of approximately one half million dollars. Local offices in operation for compensation payment and rendering of first aid to employees at West Frankfort, Sesser, Christopher, Buckner and Sesser in Franklin county, in addition to its offices elsewhere.

J. Gus Ganx

THE mines of the Zeigler Coal Company have been operated since 1908, by the Bell & Zoller Mining Company, with general offices in Chicago. This mining company has for many years been considered among the leaders in coal operations and sales. The officers are: H. E. Bell, president; W. G. Zoller, treasurer; R. H. Zoller, vicepresident and general manager and O. M. Gordon, secretary. The Zeigler mine has always been considered one of the most modern and while the capacity was only about two thousand tons at the time this firm began operations a record capacity has since been reached of 5710 tons. During 1917, the firm started to sink Mine No. 2, which is yet in the development stage and a few hundred tons per day hoisted, it is

The local offices are maintained in the "administration building," shown in the Zeigler Coal Company's review. The local officers are Joseph Yearly, superintendent of Mine No. 1 , who has been the local representative of the company for more than seven years, and A. L. Berger, superintendent of the new mine - No. 2.

The hospital shown here is part of the plant operated by the company. This hospital was for many years used by all the mining companies of the county, but since other hospitals have been started in the nearby cities, it is principally for employees of the company and citizens of Zeigler.

Nelson Winemiller

THE modern mine here pictured is another instance of the determination of Benton business men to take the initiative in developing the coal fields surrounding Benton. As has been stated in other reviews, Benton capital has taken the initiative in the development of all the mines in the immediate vicinity of Benton.

Shortly after the sale of the Middle Fork mine to the United States Fuel Company several of the principal stockholders immediately prepared to continue the development of the field.

Work was started on sinking the mine early in 1917 and the hoisting of coal was started in January, 1918. The work was under the direct supervision of J. M. Seymour, who has developed more mines in the Franklin county field than any other mining man.

The Franklin County Mining Company has coal acreage to over 3000 acres and the mine with a capacity of 2000 tons daily is rapidly being developed into a very profitable enterprise. It is located about one and one-half miles northeast of Benton.

The officers of the Franklin County Mining Co. are: J. M. Seymour, president; F. Gascaigne, vice-president and sales agent at Chicago; R. D. Kirkpatrick, vice-president; Robt. R. Ward, treasurer; and W. C. Ludwig, secretary. The directors other than the officers are: W. B. Martin, A. Carraher, W. W. McCreery, J. T. Chenault and C. A. Jackson.

The mine was too young at the beginning of the war period to have many employees in the service, but the company and employees were active in all local war activities and assumed their portion of every obligation.

Which Hangs In Their Chicago Office

EDWARD E. DENISON was born at Marion, Illinois; graduated at Baylor University, Waco, Texas, rece ving the B. L. (Bachelor of Literature) and A. B. (Bachelor of Arts) degrees; graduated at Yale University Law School, receiving the A. B. degree, and at Columbia University Law School, receiving the L.L. B. (Bachelor of Laws) and L. L. M. (Master of Laws) degrees. Admitted to the bar at Springfield, Illinois, and practiced law at Marion, Illinois, first in partnership with Judge W. W. Duncan, under the firm name of Duncan & Denison ; then alone, and afterwards with Judge Ed. M. Spiller, under the firm name of Denison & Spiller. He was elected to the Sixty-fourth Congress in 19 14, defeating Hon. R. P. Hill, then Congressman, majority 2,330; was re-elected to the Sixty-fifth Congress, 1916, defeating A. J. Rendleman, majority 3,880; was re-elected to the Sixty-sixth Congress in 1918, defeating D. T. Woodward, majority 7,886. Since coming to Congress he has served on the Committee of Labor, and Committee of Mines and Mining, and is now a member of the Interstate & Foreign Commerce Committee, one of the most important committees of the House. He supported every preparedness measure for increasing the army and navy during the period immediately preceding the war and supported every war measure and every war appropriation bill during the war.

While representing a far down-state district, Congressman Denison is held in highest regard by his contemporaries in Illinois and the nation as well. He keeps in as close touch with the action of congress as any member and never neglects his duty on his committees. His attentiveness to his constituents was proved over and over again during the recent war. No letter from a soldier or soldiers' friends or relatives was received but got the promptest attention.

It has been many a day since this congressional district has been represented by a man as strong as Congressman E. E. Denison. Even those who do not vote the Republican ticket have no hesitancy in admitting this. When not in Washington, Congressman Denison spends his time in Marion, where he maintains a law office in the State and Savings Bank Building. He is unmarried and lives with his aged mother on West Main street, Marion. This year, 1920, he was elected in the primary without opposition, and of course subsequently elected for the ensuing term of two years.

THIS large and flourishing wholesale grocery company was established in October of 1912. The enterprise was experimental in this territory, and was therefore started with a small capital, the investment being $25,000.

The company's first building covered a floor space of only two thousand square feet, located on South Main street, Benton. The business was conducted here a few months after which it was necessary to acquire additional warehouse room and a lease was taken on a large warehouse located on the Illinois Central railroad. The business was conducted from these two buildings for two years, when the present handsome building, located on East Main street and the C.& E.I. tracks at Benton, was erected. The building was equipped with all modern facilities including an automatic sprinkler system and their own railroad tracks. The floor space is twenty thousand feet.

The territory in Franklin and adjoining counties was worked and the merchandise supplied from the Benton house. The growing business soon necessitated larger quarters and in 1916a branch house was established in West Frankfort, and later branch houses were established in Johnston City, Christopher and Herrin. The business has continued to grow until at the present time the various houses have a floor space of more than fifty thousand square feet, and more than $500,000 in capital is employed in the business. The company has fifteen traveling salesmen who are under the supervision of J. A. Dalby, the sales manager. The combined force of employees is nearly onehundred.

A portion of the buying is done from each of the branches, but the large orders are placed through the home office at Benton, bulking the orders of the different branches and buying in larger quantities, thereby giving the merchants the benefit of a large combined buying power. All branch houses are under the direct supervision of the

It is the policy of this company to build up their business by conducting their affairs on strictly business principles, and selling only the very highest grade lines of merchandise. Notwithstanding the establishment of competing houses, the business continues to grow. At the present time the company is carrying the largest stock of any wholesale grocery house in southern Illinois, and it is stated that there are not more than three wholesale houses in the city of St. Louis that carry as large. Customers numbering over two thousand are the result of this large organization.

During the World War this company was called on by our State and Government in many instances to render them services in various ways for the conservation of food supplies, and assistance in impressing the retail merchants and consumers, the necessity of conserving food supplies, especially the essentials such as flour, sugar, fats, etc. which was necessary to the winning of the war. How well they succeeded in this work is indicated by the various compliments from both the National and State government for the conduct in fulfilling the Government's rules and regulations.

The company is made up of ten stockholders who are practical wholesale grocerymen and active in the business, each of them being an official in charge of the house in which he is interested. The officials of the company are: F. H. Stamper, president, and W. W. McCreery, treasurer, of Benton; George A. Meyer, of St. Louis, is vice-president. Local branch house managers are: G. R. Ellis, West Frankfort; E. Mclnturf, Christopher; C. W. Jageman, Herrin, and W. W. Higgerson, Johnston City.

The company owns their own buildings at Benton, West Frankfort and Christopher, and have purchased the site in Johnston City on which the expect to erect a modern whole sale house, in the near future.

THE Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Company was organized and incorporated in May, 1901 , at Herrin, Williamson County, Illinois, with two yards at Herrin and one at Johnston City, Illinois. The incorporators were W. N. Stotlar, Thomas Stotlar, Paul D. Herrin, E. M. Stotlar, Fred Stotlar and Harry Stotlar. C. C. Stotlar later became a stockholder.

In August, 1901 , the company built a yard at Marion, and in the same year bought the Walker-Albon yard at Desoto, which was discontinued in 1907.

In 1903, C. C. Stotlar took over the Chas. Reith yard at Carbondale and disposed of his interest in the Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Company to the other stockholders, equally.

In 1905 the company came into Franklin county and purchased the Snyder-Klotzer yard at Christopher. In 1907 they purchased the W. W. McCreery and L. T. Clem yards, of Benton, and consolidated them. Also in this year they opened the yard at Pittsburg, east of Marion, which was later discontinued. In 1908 they purchased the yard of the Frisco Lumber Company of West Frankfort, and since that date have opened yards at Frankfort Heights, Buckner and Pershing, also at Zeigler, where, within two years, over three hundred families have bought their homes, and instead of a little mining camp of radicals, it is now a real city of substantial citizens. The last yard, at Valier, makes eleven yards now being operated by the Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Company, eight of which are in Franklin county.

The company took over the Paul Herrin interest in 1904 and the Thomas Stotlar interest about 1906, leaving Fred, E. M., and Harry Stotlar, and Sarah Stotlar who holds the W. N. Stotlar interest, each holding one-fourth interest.

The capital stock of the company was increased in 1908 to $100,000.00. Fred Stotlar of Marion, is president; Harry Stotlar, of Benton, is vice-president and E. M. Stotlar, of Marion, is secretary and treasurer.

One of the principal interests of the members of the company has always been that of Building and Loans, which, worked in connection with the lumber business, has enabled everyone who so desired to build a home and pay for it in payments, which has been the means of creating more houses in Williamson and Franklin counties that any other way or means devised.

During the war they used their entire force in taking and helping to place the Williamson and Franklin county quota of Liberty Bonds, Red Cross, Y. M. C. A. and Salvation Army subscriptions.

NO single industry in Franklin County has contributed more to the growth and development of this county in recent years as that service provided by the Murphysboro Telephone Company, which serves almost exclusively this county and adjoining counties, annihilating distances and bringing the far outlying mining camps right to our door for business and social purposes.

The company came into this field as soon as the mining industry began to develop. It has kept apace with other developments and has been held back only when labor and materials to work with were not available. The many settlements and towns springing up all about the county have taxed the capacity of the system and with the war coming on, serious problems had to be faced by the company.

The Murphysboro Telephone Company accomplished a feat during the war period equalled by no other corporation doing business in this end of Illinois. Despite the steady and ever increasing cost of maintenance and operations, this company never increased its rate one penny. It bore its burdens, which were many, loyally and with the spirit of a real patriot. Its officers and entire operating force faithfully performed their duty tirelessly and patriotically. This is a record that it well can be proud of.

At present the company has upwards of thirty-five hundred subscribers in the county. All service in the county is free and only in going outside of the county is there a toll charge. The property consists of some eight hundred miles of line and exchanges are established in practically every city and town in the county.

A. B. Minton of Murphysboro has been president and general manager for a number of years ; Judge 0. A. Harker, vice-president ; A. J. Phillips, secretary; John G. Hardy, treasurer; and Walter Alexander, auditor.

The same system extends into Jackson, Saline, Williamson, Perry, Union, Johnson, Massac, Alexander and Hamilton counties and is one of the most extensive in this end of Illinois.

During the year 1920, the Public Utility Commission allowed the Company an increased rate which permits many improvements over their entire system. The exchanges in larger cities in the county - Benton and West Frankfort, in the order named, are being refitted with new and modern switchboards. Many trunk lines are being strung from city to city, which will give an improved and uninterrupted service to all outside points.

THE spirit with which the citizens of Franklin county are indued is shown in the building of the Franklin County Fair. Active construction work was started on Sept. 3, 1915, and the opening of the Fair was scheduled for Oct. 5th. With only a month to complete the many buildings and streets, full cooperation and the greatest efficiency from workers was necessary. The opening date found everything completed and the success of the first season is best indicated by the fact that the receipts were $8388.06 and the disbursements were $6571.74, leaving a net profit of $1816.32.

The Franklin county fair grounds covers forty-four acres, known as the Riley Moore farm, twenty acres of which are in the city limits of Benton. The track is the regulation half mile, surfaced with clay, and well drained, with substantial fences on

The amphitheatre js 242 feet long by 50 feet wide and is arranged to seat 6000 people. Spacious floral hall, cow, horse, sheep and hog barns make the building equipment complete for the accommodation of the many exhibitors. The stalls for the race horses are very modern.

Streets 40 feet wide, which are surfaced with cinders, encircling the track, giving free access to any portion of the grounds, with the buildings accessible from the streets. Ample hitching and automobile grounds are provided on the east side, about twelve acres being allotted for this purpose.

THE J. V. Walker & Sons Clothing Company, one of the oldest clothing firms in Southern Illinois, with stores in Carterville, Herrin, Christopher, Johnston City and Benton, is the result of a steady growth of a business founded by J. V. Walker in 1884-

Mr. Walker was born in Williamson County in 1858. The first years of his life were spent on the Walker farm between Carterville and Marion. He was successful from the start in the mercantile business in Carterville and lived to see his three sons, Fred, Carl and Join business, operating stores under his direction at Carterville, Herrin and Christopher. Incorporating in 1910, the stockholders included members of the J. V. Walker family, Ben E. La Master, Claude Brown and N. N. McNeil, with J. V. Walker, president; Fred S. Walker, vice-president; Carl S. Walker, treasurer, and Jo V. Walker, secretary. The business was directed by Mr. Walker until his death in October, 1913.

The progressiveness of this firm is plainly evident in that their stores have always kept ahead of the development of southern Illinois. The Herrin store is one of the most modern in the state and has an extraordinary beautiful front. Each store is equipped with the same style New Way Grand Rapids fixtures.

The year 1916 saw Ben E. La Master placed at the head of a Walker store in Johnston City. The four stores were operated through the great war with the loss of Jo from the Herrin store and Carl from the Christopher store. During this period the Herrin store was in charge of Noah McNeil and the Christopher store in charge of Albert

C. Gibson. Jo served in the United States Navy and Carl with the American Expeditionary Forces with the railway engineers in France. Both returned in the summer of 1919 in good health and anxious to get back to selling clothing.

With the full united force again after the war and an opportunity in Benton for a Walker store, Mr. Brown of the Carterville store was sent to Benton, and is now operating successfully in that place.

The success of this popular firm is due principally to three reasons: First, the concentration of purchases. The stores are now selling the same standard lines of merchandise selected by Mr. Walker back in the early days of the business, such as Hart Shaffner & Marx clothes, W. L. Douglas shoes, Stetson hats, Manhattan shirts, Cooper's underwear, and Black Cat hosiery. Second: Selection of the right men and maintaining them. Mr. McNeil has been with the firm fourteen years, Mr. Brown fourteen years, Mr. La Master ten years, Albert C. Gibson, seven years, and John M. Powell, who is responsible for the beautiful windows at all the stores, has been with the firm six years. Third: Unshaken faith in the future of Williamson County and Southern Illinois.

Mr. Walker was always optimistic about this section of Illinois and was never afraid to borrow money and invest in a home proposition. After his death, with the eldest son, Fred, at the head of the business, it continues to have the same belief, and the Walker firm has advanced right along with the development of Williamson and Franklin Counties.

Judicial Department

F. L. SKINNER, Mayor, has resided in Benton since 1912, being station agent at the I. C. depot for two years and then employed as bookkeeper and general manager of the Benton Coal Company for five years. At the time he was elected mayor he was, and is now, manager of the general operating office of the C. W. & F. Coal Company.

BARNARD COSGROVE, Street and Alley Commissioner, came to Benton in 1905. He was formerly mine manager for the Benton Coal Company, Benton, and later superintendent of the John A. Logan Coal Company at Logan. At the time of his election he was, and is now, mine manager for the United States Fuel Company.

ROY E. ADAMS, Commissioner of Health and Safety, was born and reared in Benton. He has spent his entire life, since grown, in the mercantile business.

WESLEY L. PAYNE, Commissioner of Public Property, came to Benton from his farm in Northern Township, in 1867, and has lived here continuously since. He was engaged in the lumber business for several years and spent several years contracting and building.

W. F. BURKITT, Commissioner of Finance, taught in the public schools of this county for several years, coming to Benton in 1898. He was Circuit Clerk and Recorder for two terms, and has since been engaged in the abstract business.

CHAS. B. TEAGUE, City Attorney, taught in the public schools of the county for twelve years, coming to Benton in 1900. He served as Police Magistrate four years, Justice of

QUINCY E. BURGESS, City Clerk, was born and reared in this county; educated in the common and city schools of Benton, supplanted with three terms select schools, and taught school for a number of years; served as Deputy County Treasurer, 1894-98, elected County Treasurer 1906-10, Deputy Treasurer 1910-14, re-elected 1914-18, now Deputy Treasurer and serving second term as City Clerk.

WALTER W. WILLIAMS, Corporation Counsel, very prominent in all activities for the civic and industrial upbuilding of Benton and Franklin Counties; complete biography in another section of this history.

OSCAR C. SMITH, Judge of City Court, has taken a very prominent part in the military history of the County and received the honor of election to the office of City Judge in 1919; full biography and military record in another section of this history.

W. S. RUSHING, Clerk of City Court, born in Pinckneyville, 1898, and came to this County in 1912; graduated from Benton Township High School, 1918, and entered mercantile business; appointed Clerk of the City Court in 1919.

ARTHUR L. ESKEW, City Treasurer, came to Illinois from Tennessee in 1890 and entered the mercantile business in Benton and is now one of the city's leading business men. Serving his third term as City Treasurer.

THE commercial and industrial activities of Benton during the last few years have been promoted principally by local capital. A few years ago Benton was a small countyseat town of less than two thousand population and while large mining activities were being promoted in the surrounding towns by mostly foreign capital there seemed to be a lack of such efforts directed towards the field surrounding Benton. The citizens of Benton began to organize on their own initiative and the mines now located near Benton are the direct result of the efforts of enthusiastic citizens who used their own financial resources in such work. This is the spirit that is at present incorporated in the Benton Commercial Club which was organized October I, 1919. The Club has a membership of over two hundred, representing practically every line of business endeavor and profession of the City.

Directors are: C. E. Seeber, E. B. Nolen, P. F. Holmes, D. M. Parkhill, W. B. Martin, F. H. Stamper, A. L. Eskew, F. L. Skinner, W. W. Williams, W. A. McKee, Dr. J. B. Moore, Harry Stotlar, G. C. Cantrell, T. G. Lewis and S. C. D. Rea. The original officers and directors have continued to the present time with the exception of Mr. Holmes, whose death created a vacancy on the Board of Directors and was filled by the selection of D. J. Carrol.

The Club is at all times ready to help promote any other worth while improvement and industry that will affect the general prosperity of the City.

The officers and board of directors form a compact organization and have the confidence of the entire membership. This compact working organization solves many problems with a greater facility than if submitted to the entire membership.

THE oldest living war veteran in southern Illinois, Sgt. Major William Mooneyham, whose photograph at the age of onehundred years and ten months appears here, was born in White county, Tenn., Dec. 4, 1819, son of Shadrach and Lucretia (Ogle) Mooneyham, who came to Franklin county in November, 1832.

William Mooneyham was twice married - in 1841 to Sally Ann Moore, who died Oct. 4, 1882; and in 1888 to Margaret Tyrrell, who died in Jan. 1907.

In 1844 he cast his first vote and has always taken an interest in the affairs of the Government, a heritage perhaps, his paternal grandfather and great uncle, Shadrach and John Mooneyham and maternal grandfather, Harkless Ogle, serving in the Revolutionary war. At the age of nineteen he was made captain of the militia; elected sheriff 1 854 and 1855; has been a Mason since 1 863 ; volunteered in Union army Aug. 16, 1862, leaving a wife and eight children at home; was attached to 8 1 st 1 11. Inf. as sergeant major, until mustered out May 31, 1865;aG.AR.since its organization and a Baptist since 1841.

The Mooneyhams have been a military family when their country needed their services: William Ogle, maternal uncle, served in the Black Hawk war; a brother, Hezekiah lost his life in the Mexican war; Daniel anc* Thomas Mooneyham, a major and lieutenant in the Mexican war; Daniel, John and Shadrach also in the Civil war; the descendants of Major Mooneyham who served in the World war are: Capt. Stanton Fitzgerrell, Lieut. R. J. Webb, Ross Hill, Edward Webb, Xantrell Webb, Webb Phillips, Wendell Phillips, Capt. Ross Mooneyham, Capt. Hal Mooneyham and Herman D. Karnes. For more than three quarters of a century he has stood for righteousness and Godly living and has lived through the vast thrilling times of our Nation's history, endeavoring to be on the right side of all questions - religious, political and social.

Major Mooneyham has had one hundred and twenty-eight descendants, nineteen of whom are deceased ; thirty - two grandchildren; seventy-five great grandchildren and fourteen great great grandchildren. The line is unbroken for five generations. As his children gather about him to celebrate his natal day they thank the wonderful Providence for such an ancestor who has an untarnished history as father, citizen and soldier. His life's work revealing that he has assisted in creating forces that have aided in the uplift of the world. Major Mooneyham always possessed prodigious energy. Courage, frankness and honesty have been his special characteristics. A proud man by nature, but never haughty, with polite genial greetings for all, sharing his joys but keeping his sorrows to himself. These characteristics have made him a citizen that his county have been proud to honor on many occasions.

Franklin Couis

HISTORY has given us the names of many heroes who sacrificed much to the good of their Country. Not stopping to think of personal loss or danger but offering themselves to the cause of liberty and through their efforts the foundation of this Country was laid. Prominent among the veterans of the great Civil War of Franklin County and one of the pioneers of this part of the State is Captain Carroll Moore, who has seen the Country in the wonderful changes that the last half century has brought. He has seen the County pass through panics and hard times. He has watched the growth of the early agricultural districts and the still more fruitful fields of business of business of the State and lent his wisdom and grasp of complicated situations to the building up of a stable institution and management of affairs.

Carroll Moore was born in Franklin county on the first day of September, 1837, whither his parents had come three years before. His father and mother, Joseph and Mary both natives of Tennessee, came to Illinois in 1834 and camped for a time on the banks of Jordon Fort until they were able to take up a tract of land for cultivation. When they got their homestead it was heavily timbered. With typical energy they cleared the acreage and continued to manage and farm it. They made their permanent home in the County and remained here the rest of their lives. Joseph Moore has a most valorous record for service in the Black Hawk War.

Carroll Moore, the immediate subject of this short personal record, spent his early life on his parent's homestead and received his education at the community schools of the County. He was still a boy at the breaking out of the Civil War, but though young he had a man's enthusiasm and interest in the cause and in 1861 he helped to raise a company - Company I, 31st Illinois Infantry, enlisting on August 15th, 1861. He was promoted to Sergeant September 1 0, and second Lieutenant March 29, 1862, and a short time later to Captain. He was in a great many serious engagements and many times distinguished himself as a commanding officer. He was present at Belmont, Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson and led his company through the Vicksburg and Atlanta campaigns and was with Sherman on that never-to-be-forgotten march from Atlanta to the sea. On the 22nd of July, 1864, during the serious encounter at Atlanta,

Georgia, Captain Moore was wounded but continued to hold his place not even leaving his command to go to the hospital. At the close of the war he returned to Illinois and started life on the old farm; but that he left in the fall of 1865 to become deputy internal revenue officer and in this capacity he served the government until his election in 1867 to the office of Sheriff. As Sheriff he served two years, meantime buying a great deal of land. In 1872 he decided to enter the merchandise field and accordingly went into the dry goods business with W. R. Ward and continued to be thus engaged until 1875, when he and his associate established the Ward & Moore Bank, the first bank to be established in Southern Illinois and the only monetary institution of the county for about twenty years.

In January, 1898, Mr. Moore and his associates organized the Benton State Bank, W. R. Ward being its president and Mr. Moore its vice-president. The

In 1863, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Narcissa Layman, daughter of John D. Layman, one of the early stalwart pioneers of the County. She passed away three years later survived by one child, William E. Moore, now a prominent merchant of Benton. In 1873 he was united in marriage to Miss Dora Snyder, daughter of Soloman Snyder. She died in 1893, the mother of the following children: Mary, Harry, and Cicel. In 1898 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Moore to Helen A. Hickman, daughter of Dr. Z. Hickman, one of the early physicians of the County and a surgeon of the Civil War. To this union have been born two children, Madge and Carroll. It is interesting to note that Mr. Moore has been a member of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons for over forty-five years and is a charter member of the B. P. O. E. and G. A. R.

Mr. Moore at present devotes a great deal of his time to his enterprising farming interest for he is keenly interested in scientific farming in Illinois. He is not only one of the wealthiest but best liked public spirited men in Illinois and his name has been associated with almost every large undertaking that has led to the betterment of conditions in this region for over forty years.

THE life histories of veterans of the Civil War, are at times interesting for their historical and uplifting influences. Of the many conspicuous veterans of Franklin county, active in all things that are of a patriotic and civic nature, none are more prominently identified with such than Capt. Elisha Dillon of Benton.

Capt. Dillon was born on a farm near Parish, the son of Capt. Wm. Dillon; enlisted as private in Co. I, 56th 111. Vol. Inf. on Dec. 16, 1861 ; (organized by his father, who served as Captain until attacked by typhoid fever, compelling him to resign his commission and return home) promoted sergeant Feb. 27, 1862; 2nd Lieut., Aug. 18, 1862; Capt. Aug. 31, 1862. He served in several hard fought battles, the principal of which were the sieges of Corinth and Vicksburg. At the battle of Corinth, on Oct. 3, 1862, he was hit with a minnie ball. He was one of three brothers to survive the war - James, being mortally wounded at Shiloh, and John dying soon after the close of the war of illness contracted while in service. During the Spanish-American war, Capt. Dillon organized a company and was commissioned Captain by Gov. Tanner, but the armistice was signed before the company was mustered in the service. After his return to civil life, Captain Dillon went to DeWitt county, where he bought one hundred acres of land, making the first payment with a few hundred dollars which he had been able to save. Rapidly developing into a successful and progressive farmer he made one of the finest farms in the county; later selling his holding for the highest price ever paid for land in that county and returning toBenton in 1883, established a mercantile business. Not

In Jan., 1862, shortly after enlistment, he married Miss Laurenda Maddox, who died in 1863 while he was in service, and during the same year he married Miss Olive Martin. Mrs. Dillon died May 12, 1888, leaving one son, John S., who was 2nd Lieut, of Co. F, 9th 111. Inf. during the Spanish-American war, now a successful newspaperman of Alabama. Capt. Dillon's third marriage occurred Jan. 15, 1893, when he was united with the widow of his cousin, Capt. W. J. Dillon, who was killed at Shiloh.

Capt. Dillon is an Odd Fellow and a member of the Sovereign Grand Lodge of the State, a charter member of the Benton B.P.O.E.. and Commander of the Southern Illinois Soldiers Reunion Assn. of Illinois - the largest Civil War veteran organization in the United States.

Capt. Dillon bought the first automobile that was owned in Franklin county. He drove Col. W. J. Bryan in it to Ewing from Benton and threw mud on him. The Commoner smiled at the incident and asked: "Capt., what are your politics?'' "I am a Republican, and a mud slinging one,'' he replied. Col. Bryan, not so easily headed off, said: "well it is not the first time a Republican ever slung mud at me." "The Captain replied: "I voted for Abraham Lincoln and have followed that line on down to the present time, so you got the genuine stuff this time."

Always conspicuous and an active party man, he has been delegate to many conventions, chairman of the County Central Committee and never hesitates in using his every resource for his party.

FIGHTING life's battles against discouraging odds, surmounting obstacles that would test the most courageous, handicapped by an environment that ruins the best resolutions and through tne inspiration of the inner soul being encouraged by patriotism and higher ambition, Oscar C. Smith has been victorious.

Born in Sullivan county, Ind., our subject received a common school education and being unable to take up the higher studies, perfected his education at odd times and taught school in Crawford county for two terms, 1893-1895, and then enlisted in the Regular Army, August 5, 1895, receiving his discharge Dec. 12, 1896. Coming to Franklin county in March, 1897, he ran a saw mill engine in the Middle Fork bottoms during the summer and taught school in the winter.

The military spirit of our subject again became paramount, and he actively engaged in organizing Co "F ', 9th 111. Vol. Inf. for service in the Spanish- American war. He later enlisted in Co. "C ", 5th 111. Vol. Inf. and was promoted Artificer May

26, 1898, and mustered out with the company Oct. 16, 1898. Occasion for military activity arising in the Philippine Islands, he enlisted on July 6, 1899 in Co. "L", 30th Vol. Inf. and with forty-seven local members of the newly organized Co. "F , N. G., served through the Philippine campaign, being discharged Oct. 12, 1900, with the grade of sergeant.

Returning to civilian life he was city attorney of Benton from 1902 to 1904, and later read law while working in the coal mines, being admitted to the bar in 1913; asst. State's Attorney 1914. Keeping alive the military spirit of the county, he organized and mustered in Co. "F", 111. N. G. on May 22, 1913. In June, 1916, with the war clouds again threatening, he recruited his company to full strength, serving on the Mexican border until March, 1917. When the call came to register for the World War, he conducted the registration of tne county for tne Sheriff and County Clerk and again recruited Co. "F" to war strengtn, but received an appointment as Asst. Judge Advocate with rank of Major, and was attached to the 33rd Division until March 8,

1918, and was then appointed Judge Advocate of the 90th Division for overseas service, but before the severe engagements of St. Mihiel and the Argonne requested to be relieved from his duties as Judge Advocate for active service at tne front and acted as observer in tnese battles, being severely gassed on Sept. 15, 1918, and is the only Judge Advocate entitled to wear a wound chevron. Was promoted to Lieut. Colonel on Nov. 11, 1918, and was officer in charge of civil affairs in Germany until Jan..

1919. Returning from overseas service he entered the race for City Judge of Benton and was elected July 9, 1919, but was not discharged from military service until July II, 1919. The affairs of the Home Service Section of the Red Cross needing the volunteer work from one familiar with the needs of returning soldiers, he took up this work in connection with his judicial duties and law practice. Under his direction this department has handled more than 8,000 claims.

Judge Smith is a Republican and is ever active in the interest of his party. In every campaign he is working constantly for his party's advancement.

ONE of the most prominent and brilliant lawyers of the State, not one is more versatile, talented or well equipped for a national career than is Hon. Walter W. Williams, who maintains his home and business headquarters in Benton. Mr. Williams was born in Williamson county, January 18, 1873, and is a son of John G. and Louisa M. (Harrison) Williams, the former a native of Posey county, Indiana, and the latter of Williamson county.

Walter W. Williams received his early education in the common schools of Williamson county, and in 1890 entered the Southern Illinois Normal, which he attended one year. He then taught school two years and returned to the Normal for two years for further training, after which he became principal of the schools in Carterville, later teaching history and English literature in the High School at Greenville, and was then superintendent of schools at Benton for a year. He then entered the law department of the State University at Urbana, from which he graduated in 1903, and in April, 1904, was admitted to the bar. He immediately returned to Benton, where he entered into partnership with W. H. Hart, an association which soon became one of the prominent legal firms of southern Illinois.

The coal industry of Williamson and Franklin counties, being a fertile field for organization and development work, our subject at once began to show his ability as an organizer and executive with marked capacity for big problems. With the coal properties on his mothers farm as the beginning, he bought and optioned large tracts of coal land. He assisted in getting the coal lands together, which were sold to

"Joe" Leiter and he is now the attorney for the Leiter interests in southern Illinois. Associated with J. R. Williams, P. A. Pierce and W. H. Hart, he opened the Benton Coal Mining Company, mine at Benton, and later the Hart & Williams mine at Benton. In 1915, his firm closed the largest deal in coal lands ever made in southern Illinois, selling to the United States Fuel Company forty-thousand acres of coal land in this county. Mostly in the Benton field.

The varied interests of our subject needing undivided attention the partnership of Hart & Williams was dissolved in 1916, and Mr. Williams rapidly added other achievements to his long record, and is now attorney for the Chicago, Wilmington & Franklin Coal Company, Bell & Zoller Mining Company, the Zeigler Coal Company, the Southern Gem Coal Corporation and other important corporations, in this territory. He has associated with him Thurlow G. Lewis and Geo. C. Coffey, under the firm name of Williams, Lewis & Coffey, and this firm, in addition to its corporation work has built up a large general practice. And since the acquisition by the Diamond interests of the W. C. & W. railroad, he has been made general counsel for that road.

On June 27, 1906, Mr. Williams was married to Miss Mary V. Moore, daughter of Capt. Carroll Moore. She died in 1909, leaving two children, Margaret Eudora and Mary Louisa. In 1914, he married Miss Grace Elizabeth Moore.

A stalwart Democrat, active in the interests of his party, Mr. Williams was elected in 1904 to represent the fiftieth District in the legislature, and this year has received the nomination for lieutenant governor of the state.

THE bench and bar of Southern Illinois is an able one, and ranks high in the character and attainments of its members, in its standard of legal ethics, in progressive and enlightened methods and in an intelligent and discriminating use of the experiences of other jurisdictions. A gentleman who combines in himself all the qualities is Judge Charles H. Miller, circuit judge of the second judicial district, whose home is Benton. By his scholarly attainments, close study and practice of these principles which must be developed from a natural aptitude for the profession, he has won for himself the reputation of being the youngest and one of the most brilliant judges in the history of Southern Illinois. His life record began on August 26, 1884, in Union county, his parents being Andrew J. Miller and Allie (Phillips) Miller, prominent citizens of Cobden, Illinois.

Until seventeen years of age our subject attended the public schools of Cobden and then a preparatory course of four years at the McKendree college at Lebanon, 111., and he is at present one of the

Trustees. While a student at McKendree he won first in the oratorical contest of the Brown Oratorical Contest. At the age of twenty-one he entered Harvard University in the law department of that noted college he received his legal education. Returning home he was admitted to the bar in December, 1910; and in April, 1911, came to Benton and entered into a partnership with W. F. Spiller. Shortly after this he was appointed United States Commissioner which he held 6 years. His thorough familiarity with the Law, gained by an exceptional course of study by the best masters in the United States, soon won for him deserved recognition as one of the best trial lawyers and counsellors, and these facilities, coupled with a genial nature soon placed him high in the ranks of the Republican Party, in which he has always given his political allegiance, with the result that he soon became a leader, and in 1915 was honored by the nomination and subsequent election on June 7th, 1915, as circuit judge of the second judicial circuit of Illinois. As a representative of the higher branches of justice, he has shown his knowledge of life and its developments that form a foundation for right decisions when based upon an impartial application of the law. On July 24th, 1915, Charles H. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Lillian R. Snyder, daughter of S.O.Snyder and Ida (St. Clair) Snyder, who are prominent citizens of Benton. To this union was born Mary Virginia, June 19th, 1916, and Joan, January 17th, 19 2 0. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Christian Church and take an active part in all affairs for the upbuilding of the best for the home and country. Judge Miller has received all the Masonic degrees, is a member of the Elks and Knights of Pythias.

During the World War he held prominent places in all the war activities, including Liberty Loan, Red Cross, Y. M. C. A. and other drives, besides serving as a four minute-man and upon the legal Advisory Board.

On May 8th, 1920, Judge Miller was elected state central committeeman of the twenty-fifth congressional district, which was not of his choosing but permitted from a desire to promote political harmony in the district. Always active for his party, his services are in demand in every campaign.

COMBINING the legal and commercial instinct and thereby creating a wide reputation as an attorney and business executive, William H. Hart, former county judge, is probably one of the best known corporation attorneys and executives in southern Illinois.

William H. Hart is a native of Williamson county, born Aug. 31, 1862. He is a son of William Jasper and Sarah Ann (Murphy) Hart, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Indiana.

Mr. Hart received his early education in the Franklin county schools and entered upon his career as a wage earner in the capacity of a teacher. For ten years he engaged in a pedagogical capacity, but during the most of that time he was arriving at the conclusion that he wanted to be a lawyer and later effected his preliminary studies. He taught school in several localities, and while engaged in his profession at Coulterville he met and married Mary Ward East, who came from a pioneer family of that locality. Mrs. Hart was also a teacher and received her educacation in the State Normal University at Carbondale. To this union a fine quartet of a son and daughters has been born, namely: William W., Marion M., Mary M. and Mabel E. The son, William W., is now the junior member of the firm of Hart & Hart, and also United States Commissioner, Marion M. and Mary M. are attending the State University at Urbana, and Mabel E. the High School at Benton. The family is always prominent in all local and national activities calling for manifestations of felicity to home and country - the honor roll section of the soldiers in this history showing the military record of the boys, and the home service section the activities of the other members of the family.

Mr. Hart attacked his Blackstone under the able direction of Daniel M. Browning with such good results that he was admitted to the bar in Feb., 1889, and entered the office of Browning & Cantrell and remained thus engaged until Mr. Browning was made Commissioner of Indian affairs under Cleveland's administration. He then formed a partnership with W. S. Spiller, and remained with that gentleman inactive and successful practice until elected county judge in 1898. He served one term and again began active practice and soon built up one of the largest clienteles in southern Illinois. In 1906, he formed a partnership with Walter W. Williams, and the new firm became identified with the developing of the coal industry of the county, opening up mines, buying and optioning coal lands for themselves and large corporations - the Zeigler Coal Co., Leiter estate, United States Fuel Company and Old Ben Coal Corporation, for which they acted as attorneys and agents, are monuments to their marked abilities as attorneys and executives. In 1917, the firm .of Hart & Williams was dissolved to give each member an opportunity of better catering to their individual interests.

Judge Hart at the present time has probably the largest corporation practice in Southern Illinois, being counsel for the Old Ben Coal Corporation, the largest owners of mines in the district, W. P. Rend Collieries Co., W. P. Rend Coal & Coke Co., Southern Gem Coal Corporation, Franklin Coal & Coke Co., Hiawatha Coal Co., Buchanan Coal Company, Valier Coal Co., Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, Benton State Bank, First National Bank, Christopher, and Benton Coal Company.

MEN that are architects of their own fortunes, and who have developed their characters and fortunes without outside assistance, economists claim are the only men worth considering. Experience seems to prove that it is such men as these who are self-reliant and purposeful and can be depended upon in any crisis that may come to their country or community. Benton is fortunate in having as citizens several selfmade men who are in this class, but none that stand out more prominently as builders of their own fortunes and at the same time developing their home and county than William W. McFall, who was born August 31, 1844, in Williamson county, a son of John and Jane (Cantrell) McFall.

Mr. McFall is a descendant of a prominent Southern family who were planters and slave holders in North Carolina, who decided to go to Tennessee and sold slaves and property, accepting state money, which upon arrival at destination was found to be worthless. Here the McFall spirit was shown - not disheartened the family began to build anew. John McFall, the father of our subject, was at this time a child, but when a young man, was engaged in the flat-boat business on the Cumberland river to New Orleans, but in 1 840 sold his interest and came to Williamson county, where he bought out an improvement and began to farm. In 1856 he moved to Benton and engaged in the mercant'le business. His wife was a daughter of Richard Cantrell, also from Tennessee and the progenitor of the well-known Cantrell family of Benton.

As a youth, William G. McFall was not given many educational advantages, although he attended the Benton school for some time, but most of his schooling was secured in the school of hard work. Early in his life he displayed marked business ability and the happy faculty of making money. His first venture of a business nature was in the woolen mill and cotton gin enterprise, in which he was successful, selling his interest in 1872 and engaged in the flour milling business with John Ward, with whom he built one of the first mills in the county. For eight years he engaged in the livery business with contracts for carrying mails; then engaged in lumbering with Ward & Moore. Later he contracted to furnish the timber for the construction of the C. & E. I. Railroad from Mt. Vernon to Marion, which netted him a handsome profit. In 1 897, he helped organize the McFall Hardware Co., mentioned elsewhere in this section. In 1902 he associated with others in organizing the First National Bank, for many years has been its president and was one of the leading spirits in the movement to erect its present fine home. In addition Mr. McFall owns a large amount of city property and farming land, and takes great pride in the achievements of his city and county. Everything with which he has been engaged has turned out successfully, but it has been the characteristics of the man which have made him, not the development of his surroundings.

In 1867, Mr. McFall was married to Miss Helen A. Denning, daughter of Judge A. Denning. Five children have been born to this union, namely: Hallie, Maude, Gussie, William and Pearl, of whom William is deceased. The four daughters are married to prominent business men.

AN example of a lover of his profession, pursuing the methods of a scholar of science - quietly, enthusiastically and industriously, William P. Seeber has by the highest intellectual qualities and attributes of character, won for himself an enviable reputation as one of the busiest and most dependable lawyers in southern Illinois.

Mr. Seeber is a native of Franklin county, born on a farm near Ziegler, Feb. 17, 1878, a son of William D. and Florence (Pope) Seeber, the biography of the former appearing on another page in this history.

William P. Seeber received his early educational training in the public schools of Benton, graduating from the Benton City High School in 1898, and immediately afterentering upon his chosen profession as law clerk in the office of Flannigan & Cantrell. While still a law clerk and only twenty-one years of age, he received the nomination for state's attorney, but in the ensuing election, in 1900, he was defeated by a small majority, in 1904 he was again the recipient of the nomination for the office and this time was elected, and while an incumbent thereof completed his law studies and was admitted to the bar. At this time Mr. Seeber formed a partnership with J. P. Mooneyham, and they soon built up a large and lucrative practice in all the courts. This partnership was dissolved in 1915, and Mr. Seeber has since moved into the largest and most commodious quarters in the new Bank building of Benton. Mr. Seeber is considered one of the brightest attorneys in southern Illinois, and he is also possessed of keen business judgment and honesty in all his dealings. He was the first attorney for the United Mine Workers' of America, in the sub-district consisting of Franklin, Williamson and Saline counties, serving for three years, 1916-17-18, after which he resigned. In this capacity he served the miners' organization faithfully and numbers among his friends the officers, as well as the rank and file of this organization.

He is enthusiastically in favor of those things that stand for the right and bitterly opposed to dishonesty and underhandedness, is ever interested in the welfare of his friends, gives unsparingly of his time and means for the interest of his country and community. He has the happy faculty of drawing men to him and enjoys the utmost confidence of those with whom he has come in contract. He is an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party and has served as a delegate to a number of county conventions and two State conventions. His many friends this year prevailed upon him to enter the race for State Senator of the fiftieth congressional district, but after his petition had been filed and prospects were good for his nomination and election, withdrew from the race to promote party harmony in the district. A recognized leader in his party, he will soon receive a befitting honor in some subsequent election. Fraternally he is a member of the Court of Honor, charter member of the Knights of Pythias, and member of the B. P. O. E.

In 1899, Mr. Seeber was united in marriage with Miss Elfie Harrison, daughter of Isom Harrison, veteran of the Civil War. Mr. and Mrs. Seeber are the parents of seven children: Earl, Charles, Doyton. William, Dorothy, Ruth and Lola - Doyton and William being deceased.

THE purpose of this department is to record the history of those who have been instrumental in building the civic and industrial life of the county. Seldom is the opportunity found to record the public services of a long and honored career as that of William D. Seeber, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Seeber was born in the Empire state in 1844, the son of W. M. Seeber, who came to America from Germany while yet a young man, settling in the state of New York, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Seeber came to Illinois at the age of seventeen and settled in the southwestern part of this county. He soon engaged in farming, winning himself a place among the substantial citizens of Franklin county, who, recognizing his ability in handling his own affairs and rightly surmising that he had the ability to handle matters of a public nature, elected him, in 1878, to the office of sheriff, he being the first Republican to hold that position. In 1881, he moved to Wayne county, living there until 1884, and during the time there was elected justice of the peace. He returned to this county and was elected police magistrate in April, 1899, selected deputy county clerk and served from June 1 , 1 898, to Nov. 1 , 1 902 ; elected county clerk Nov. 4, 1902, and relected 1906, '10 and '14, serving as clerk until 1918. In 1918 he was again appointed deputy clerk and also master in chancery, making in all, a record of twenty-two years of faithful and efficient service in the county clerk's office.

Mr. Seeber was married to Florence I. Pope, Sept. 16, 1869. Mr. and Mrs. Seeber are the parents of Charles Seeber and William Seeber, the former a prominent merchant and the latter a popular attorney, both mentioned at length on other pages in this section, and two daughters, Cora (Seeber) Jackson and Lillie Seeber.

ONE of the principal business and mercantile institutions of Benton is the general store of Charles E. Seeber, son of William D. Seeber, whose biography is also given on this page. As will be seen from the biographies of William D. Seeber and his sons, the Seebers have always taken an active part in the business affairs of the county, always making good in their particular line of endeavor. Charles E. Seeber was born October 1st, 1874, at Plumfield, Illinois, where Zeigler is now located. Attending the Benton schools until eighteen years of age he was then employed as clerk of Pope & McGuire, general merchandising store of Benton. He continued with this firm for eleven years and in 1902 opened a store for himself on South Main street, and at once began to demonstrate that he had mastered the intricacies of merchandising. He

On October 20th, 1901, there occurred the marriage of Charles E. Seeber to Miss Cora Hudleson, daughter of G. A. Hudleson. Mr. and Mrs. Seeber are the parents of two children, Leora and Joseph William. Although an ardent Republican and consistent worker for the success of his party, Mr. Seeber has never sought a political office. He always takes an active interest in the affairs of his city and county and is the president of the Franklin County Fair Association. As is his father and brother, our subject is an ardent Republican and has served as County Central Committeeman and delegate to different conventions for his party.

THE industrial history of Franklin county would indeed be incomplete without a sketch of the firm, and one of its principal members, that has been identified with practically all the development work of the county - Jesse Dimond, the head of Jesse Dimond & Company, came to Franklin county in 1905 from Rockford, Winnebago county, where he had been engaged in farming, real estate and the meat market business. He later located in Thompsonville where he purchased a farm and then tried real estate development work. There being no direct reason for the booming of Thompsonville this work showed very little results. About this time the mining industry surrounding Christopher had begun to show active progress. The instinct of Mr. Dimond for real estate development work at once decided that this was the place for his efforts and in partnership with

Thomas Horn purchased all available property in and around Christopher, establishing new additions and began the boom that soon placed Christopher among the largest coal mining cities of southern Illinois. It is noteworthy to mention here that the citizens of Christopher were not able to grasp the advantage that the mining industry would mean to their town. Many discouraging problems were met and solved in spite of the lack of co-operation of those who would benefit by such large development work in real estate. An instance showing the confidence in the future of Christopher possessed by Messrs. Dimond and Horn was the purchasing of three acres of land for several hundred dollars, which was conceded to be worth not more than three hundred dollars. Not long after Messrs. Dimond and Horn had started this work, D. M. Parkhill also became identified with the company.

It did not take the above gentlemen long to make headway in their development work at Christopher and their next field of operation was at West Frankfort which was also being rapidly developed as a mining center. They purchased considerable real estate and opened new additions in this town and then developed a mine of their own which was called the West Frankfort Coal Company or "West Mine" and this mine is today conceded to have the best working conditions of any mine in the county.

An office was opened in Benton in 1911, as it was believed that Benton would be the center of the mining industry of the county. Mr. Dimond constantly extended his field of operations, becoming interested in several mines and large acreages of mining land in this and surrounding counties and by his great ability as an organizer and promoter was able to carry the many projects of Jesse Dimond & Company through to a successful conclusion in spite of the panic during 1913, when his many friends and other financial interests were discouraged of the possibility of completing such large operations.

In September, 1919, Mr. Dimond effected a combination of the West Frankfort Coal Co., with mines at West Frankfort and Herrin, Crown Coal & Mining Co., Winkle, and the Modern Coal Co. at Sessers, with several thousand acres of coal land, and formed the Southern Gem Coal Corporation, with general offices in Chicago, where Mr. Dimond has taken up his residence, leaving the local company in charge of his son Ray and his copartners, D.M.Parkhill, Thomas Horn and H. W. Blough.

The most recent operation by Mr. Dimond, which shows his ever increasing capacity for large organization work, was the securing the control of the Wabash, Chester and Western railroad which runs through a large section of several thousand acres of coal land recently secured by the Southern Gem Coal Corporation, located near Waltonville and Sheller, in Jefferson county, about three miles wide and six miles long. The railroad will be used in developing the mining interest of the corporation in that county.

Mr. Dimond has two sons - Ray, mentioned above as being the present manager of Jesse Dimond & Company, and Jesse, Jr., the head of the Dimond Motor Sales Company. The Dimond boys are worthy descendants of their sire and are showing remarkable

FRANKLIN county has as citizens several men who took the initiative in the development that is responsible for its present position as one of the most rapid growth counties in Illinois. The subject of this sketch, D. M. Parkhill, has been, and is now, one of the most active of those who have created the opportunities for rapid development. He was born in Jackson county, near Shilo Hill, the son of a prominent farmer. At the early age of twentyone he became a land-owner, purchasing 1 60 acres from his father and an additional 40 acres from a neighbor. The instinct for progressiveness was at once shown as he began improving and modernizing his farm, creating in a short time one of the most modern farms in that community. In 1906, he sold his farm and moved to Christopher, where he entered the implement business and also bought and sold horses and mules. In 1910, the real estate and coal properties were ripe for active development work, and he entered into a partnership with Jesse Dimond and Tom Horn. This firm at once took the lead in developing real estate and coal properties, the most important cf the early work being the platting of the Horn, Dimond & Parkhill addition to West Frankfort, and then the sinking of the West Frankfort Coal Co. mine, which was under the direct supervision of Mr. Parkhill. After the mine was in operation he again turned his attention to disposing of the firm's real estate holdings in West Frankfort. In 1918, this work finished, he moved to Benton, where there was previously, in 191 7, purchased 388 acres of land, one and one-half miles north of Benton. He at once began the improvement of the property, creating valuable property from impoverished soil. The magnificent picture of the stock barn shows a partial group of the improvements. It is a demonstration of how impoverished and "run down'' farms can be builded into valuable properties.

Mr. Parkhill is vice-president of the Southern Gem Coal Corporation, director of the First National Bank of Benton and West Frankfort Bank & Trust Co., vice-president of Illinois Live Stock Co., and an active member of the Executive Board of the Franklin County Farm Bureau. Always giving his best in private business he still finds time to co-operate and assist in every movement for the benefit of his county.

He was married in January, 1899, to Miss Dora E. Bear, daughter of a neighboring farmer in Jackson county. The result of this union is three daughters - Helen, Lola and Pauline. Helen has graduated from the Benton High School and will this year enter Lindlewood College for Girls, at St. Charles, Mo. Lola is in her second year of High School, while Pauline is in the grade school.

THE history of the Dimond Motor Sales Company is epochal of the automobile industry of Franklin and adjoining counties. In 1911, the Dimond instinct for development work was directed toward the automobile industry in the person of Jesse Dimond, Jr., who with Noble Steves organized the Dimond Motor Sales Co. Mr. Steves, however retained his interest in the organization only about nine months. During the year of 1913, Ray Dimond came into the organization and from that time until after the war period, the business grew steadily with no particular efforts directed toward unusual or spectacular growth. As soon as the war ended and conditions became ripe for rapid business, the Dimond spirit for development work began to show in the increase of business and territory by the organization. In this line of endeavor, L. C. Rea purchased an interest in the company and was made manager of the Benton office which is the home office, thereby relieving Jesse Dimond, Jr., of the detailed work incidental thereto and permitting him to exercise the necessary guiding hand over the then contemplated additions to the organization. In 1919, the greatest activity was shown by organizing branch offices, sales and service rooms in Marion, Christopher and Herrin. At Marion, Elijah Lewis, Mayor of Marion, was placed in charge of the work and is rapidly advancing the interests there. The Christopher branch is under management of H. M. Rea, who became a partner in the organization in 1919. W'th the securing of the Chevrolet agency of Williamson county came the desirability of placing a direct branch of the Company in Herrin, which was accomplished in September, 1919, with H. L. Rea as manager. Another branch was opened in Carterville in February, 1920, with W. H. Allen as manager.

The Dimond Motor Sales Co. are perhaps the largest distr butors of Chevrolet automobiles in Illinois. Besides their own agencies, sub - agents who buy buy their Chevrolet cars from the Dimond Motor Sales Co., are located at West Frankfort, Sesser, Valier, Akin and Johnston City. The home office at Benton also has the agency for the Dort and Oakland cars. The principal efforts of the organization are directed toward the distribution of the Chevrolet, and since the agency for this car was secured in 1916, more than one thousand have been sold. The sales of other cars since 1911, will bring the total sales of the Dimond Motor Sales Co. to approximately two thousand. The reputation of the Dimond Motor Sales Company has been builded from the efforts of always making the buyer of one of their cars a satisfied customer and a booster for the organization. For the perpetuation of this reputation, carefully selected service mechanics are employed that the many drivers and owners of Dimond sold cars will always receive maximum use of their cars.

The directing head of the Dimond Motor Sales Co. is Jesse Dimond, Jr., a son of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Dimond. A sketch of Jesse Dimond's high development work will appear on another page.

Vice President

THE handsome six story bank and. office building shown on the opposite page, the highest and best building in Southern I Hi - nois,isthe result of genuine business sagacity and enterprise shown by the group of Benton's best citizens who have been identified with the success of the First National Bank since its organization.

The building is six stories and basement, the first story being nineteen feet to the ceiling. The first floor is occupied with the banking rooms and offices which is approximately 50 x 90 feet, and a restaurant room, 20 x 90 feet. Occupying small places in the lobby is the Western Union office and a cigar and tobacco stand. The banking room is handsomely decorated in beautiful blending shades with figures in oil. The wood work in the banking room is brown mahogany, paneled off with plate and prism glass, harmonizing beautifully with the interior decoration. The floor of the banking room is marble, in the center of which is a beautiful marble writing stand. The vault is concrete, reinforced with steel, equipped with a vault door which weighs 8'/2 tons, on which there is a triple time lock and in the vault are the safety boxes for the safe-keeping of securities. Above this main vault is one of the same size which the bank will use for storage. The entire building is modern and fire-procf, no wood being used in the construction of the walls, floor or roof. There are five floors of offices with nine suites to the floor, making forty-five suites in all.

The history of the First National Bank of Benton is a very impressive business story of the achievements of Benton's progressive business men.