Franklin County, Illinois - The whole text, 1920 (part 7 of 8)

A complete assortment of automobile accessories and all needed supplies for the autoist are kept for sale. The large garage building gives ample space for storage which is rented at a very nominal rate.

D.C.Jones W.A.Kelly

SOUTHERN Illinois has many large and prosperous building and loan associations, but the one association that stands in a class by itself is the West Frankfort Building and Loan Association, which was organized on July 1st, 1909, with an authorized capital of $2,500,000.00. It was just at this time that the necessity arose for a loan association to finance the hundreds of homes necessary for the large influx of population constantly streaming into West Frankfort on account of the large development of the mining industry. The initial steps for the organization of this Association must be credited to D. C. Jones, Harry Stotlar and W. A. Kelly, who were constantly striving to find methods of financing the huge building operation in which they and their companies were interested.

The Association has financed the building of about one thousand homes in West Frankfort. The membership fee per share is ten cents; monthly dues, fifty cents and one dollar; monthly interest on one hundred dollar loan, fifty cents and fifty cent premium. A series of stock is always open for borrowers and investors. Paid-up stock fifty-five dollars per share in class "C," forty dollars per share in class "D," seventyfive dollars per share in class "E." The first series matured in seventy-two months as was originally estimated and many people have saved their first one hundred dollars by paying one dollar per month.

The tenth annual statement of the Association showed the total assets to be $653,197.14. The business transacted by the company in 1919 showed a wonderful total of $451,079.88.

Of West Frankfort

THE growth of a small village into a rapidly growing city demands unusual banking facilities, and a bank that has met such demands is the First National Bank of West Frankfort which was organized in 1902, first as a private bank known as the Citizens' Bank, with W. H. Hart of Benton as president; G. D. Dimmick, cashier, and R. P. Blake, bookkeeper. The private company was organized with a capital of $25,000.00 and the first day's deposit was $2,500.00. The rapid growth of West Frankfort is shown by the fact that the deposits were soon $103,000.00 and the business of the bank outgrowing private banking facilities.

In 1905 the Citizens' Bank was incorporated as the First National Bank with G. D. Dimmick, president; W. W. Williams, vice-president; R. P. Blake, cashier and J. M. Willmore, assistant cashier. The principal officers were retained until January II, 1911, when J. L. Smith, a prominent lumber merchant, was elected president. In 1919, Mr. Smith retired from active participation in the bank on account of other large interests and R. P. Blake, the efficient cashier, who had been identified with the bank since its organization as a private bank, was made president. Mr. Smith is still chairman of the board of directors. W. R. Todd, who became identified with the bank in October, 1914, was formerly with the Old Ben Coal Company; a world war veteran with over-sea service and the present financial officer of the West Frankfort American Legion. O. S. Brown, the vicepresident, came to the bank in 1913 and had previously been cashier at the C.& E.I. station, coming to West Frankfort from Flora. L. S. Haff, assistant cashier, came to the bank in 1918 from Frankfort, Kentucky, where he had been identified with the Farmers' Deposit Bank for about six years. E. C. Akin and Walter Moss are both Franklin county boys, having been reared near Akin and both came to the Bank during the year of 1918. The other members of the organization are W. J. Fitzgerrel, director and secretary of the board of directors, a former vice-president of the bank and now in the automobile business in Benton, but still has financial interest in the bank, and Jesse Dimond, who has large financial interests in the bank and has been identified with most of the development work of Franklin county. The last financial statement issued May 4, 1920 indicated a wonderful growth of the Bank, the total resources being $928,330.39 with deposits of $795,998.62. Seventeen years of successful banking has given the bank its deserved growth.

This sketch would not be complete without a short biography of the one officer who has given all his energies to build up this institution, R. P. Blake. He was born in Franklin county near Osage, the son of J. S. and Ella (Perrin) Blake on May 30, 1879. He received his early education in the district school. He attended the State Normal at Carbondale for two years, after which he taught for two years. Desiring to enter business life he attended the Draughon Business College at St. Louis and after graduating in the commercial course was employed as bookkeeper for the bank as mentioned above. Mr. and Mrs. Blake are parents of three children: Thomas, Maxine, and Aileen. Mr. and Mrs. Blake were also actively identified with the home service work of the county's war activities. Another section shows their part in this work during the war.

THE power of the Fourth Estate is generally conceded to be the strongest influence in the United States, where the absolute freedom of the press is allowed as in no other country. The responsibility rests heavily, therefore, on the shoulders of those trusted with the moulding and direction of public opinion. An example of the progressive newspaper which has boldly met the different issues and has taken the initiative in the daily newspaper field of Franklin county, is the West Frankfort American, published as a daily and weekly.

As most newspaper successes, this newspaper was founded by a practical printer and newspaper man - B. W. Elkins, who was born in Benton on May 7, 1876, the son of A. J. Elkins, a veteran of Co. I, 110th Illinois Volunteers of Civil war. He was reared in Benton, attended the common school and later worked in a store for a short time. At the age of thirteen he became an apprentice on the Franklin County Chronicle, at Benton; and then worked as a journeyman on Benton papers for a number of years. In 1902 he came to West Frankfort and was employed on the "American" until 1913, when he, in partnership with Frank Boyd, purchased the paper. This partnership continued until 1918, Mr. Elkins then purchasing the interest of Mr. Boyd. At this period in the history of the West Frankfort American, the paper gained in its organization, W. A. Kelly, a very popular and influential business man who purchased a half interest. Mr. Kelly for many years has been closely identified with many successful business ventures that have been a great stimulus in the growth of West Frankfort. A more extended review of his activities will be found on another page.

After two unsuccessful attempts to firmly establish a daily paper, the American with its issue of July 1, 1919, was permanently confirmed, and at this writing has passed the first milestone, constantly growing stronger in prestige and influence.

The plant of the West Frankfort American is the largest and most complete of any printing plant in Franklin County. Two modern type-setting machines, large seven - column quarto news press, jobbers, and late automatic stitching machine i s part of the equipment. B. W. Elkins is editor and manager; P. R. Noll, city editor; Nell Elkins, society editor; Fred Greer, circulation manager; Henson Purcell, foreman, M. C. Page, linotype operator, and H. M. Fulmer, job compositor.

Mr. Elkins was married on May 7, 1897, to Miss Mary Cabaness, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Cabaness, of West Frankfort. Mr. and Mrs. Elkins are the parents of five children: Nellie, Lena, Tyke, Tim and Eugene - the first four are valuable assistants of their father in the newspaper work.

The West Franklin American is republican in politics, and in all elections its columns are used freely in fighting for party principles. As the proprietors are both active in party work, their paper bespeaks their sentiment on all occasions.

AS one of the representative business men and progressive citizens of Franklin county, W. A. Kelly, of West Frankfort, is eminently entitled to special recognition in this history. His special financial and business ability is shown in his connection with the organization and upbuilding of many important industrial enterprises, and through his active identification with the same he has gained precedent as one of the veritable captains of industry. He has won large and worthy success through his own ability and well directed efforts, while his course has been so guided and governed as to retain to him the unqualified confidence of those with whom he has come in contact in the varied relations of life.

\V. A. Kelly was born Jan. 24, 1864, on a farm near DuQuoin, the son of Thos. B. and Nanny B. (Fleming) Kelly, who were natives of Ohio, coming to Illinois in the last months of the Civil war. Obtaining the education possible in the graded schools of that period and later attending the DuQuoin seminary, our subject at an early age began a business career. His first position was with the Illinois Central Coal & Mining Co., and then accepted employment in a clothing store, gaining his first mercantile knowledge that was to prove valuable in later efforts. His first business experience as a proprietor was as a member of the firm of Kirk & Kelly, at DuQuoin. Not long after this partnership, the business instinct of Mr. Kelly directed him to the new Franklin county coal fields. He located in West Frankfort in 1905 and was bookkeeper for the Firsco Lumber and Hardware Co. until the business was sold and he became manager of the Witt Mercantile Co., which position he held until 1 909 when he was appointed postmaster. He served the government and community in this capacity until 1913. When the West Frankfort Building & Loan Association was organized in 1 909, Mr. Kelly was elected secretary which position he has held since. He was one of the organizers and incorporators of the West Frankfort same being organized in January, 1913. Served as cashier until 1916, when the business of the Loan Association became so extensive he resigned to devote more time to the Association. He has always been recognized as one of the important factors in the development of the large interests of the Association and Bank. Mr. Kelly has many insurance clients and represents the old reliable lines such as the Franklin, Aetna and Hartford. In 1900 he joined B. L. Elkins in the purchase of the West Frankfort American. He is a member of the firm of Hampton & Kelly, general merchandise; Kelly & Bartmes, Essex and Hudson automobiles; Carter & Kelly, real estate. Each of these business enterprises has the benefit of his guiding hand and leadership.

Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Anna Rogers, Sept. 3, 1890. They are the parents of six children: Mrs. Carrie Martmes, Lillian deceased), Helen, Mrs. Edith Hampton, Roger and Marion. Mr. Kelly has always been active in civic affairs and no citizen is more popular. Many home activities during the war had the benefit of his assistance and prestige. An active worker in the Republican party, he is the present central committeeman.

EVERY progressive city has one or more citizens that are directly responsible for its upbuilding. West Frankfort has been fortunate, in that citizens have used the necessary energy in building a hustling and bustling city from a small mining camp. This rapid building required considerable resourcefulness in financing, and the citizen directly responsible for bringing the necessary capital to West Frankfort, is D. C. Jones, the subject of this sketch. Mr. Jones is the son of Samuel S. Jones and Mary E. Ray. His father was a soldier in the Union Army during the Civil War. The Jones family came to southern Illinois from North Carolina by way of Tennessee; the Rays came from Tennessee. D. C. Jones was born on a farm in Williamson county, near the present site of Johnson City. This neighborhood, during his early boyhood days, was famous for the raising of tobacco and up to the time he was fifteen years of age he claims to have spent more hours working with the tobacco crop, either in the woods, the field or in the barn than in school, however, at the completion of the course of training in the public schools of Williamson County he made the best grade in the county in the final examination. At the age of eighteen he began teaching school in the winter, attending school at Carbondale Normal in the spring and selling books, life insurance or pianos in the summer. One summer he worked on the farm of Mr. Thomas Stotlar at Herrin's Prairie, which acquaintance possibly decided his life's occupation.

Mr. Jones taught school eleven years, altogether, being the first principal of the Carterville High School which position he held for two years, and was , then superintendent of the Ava schools for three years, retiring from school work in 1904, then engaging in the real estate, hardware, and furniture business. For the past twelve years he has been manager of the business of the Stotlar- Herrin^ Lumber Company in West Frankfort, and besides taking care of a large part of the general

For the past twelve years there has been no movement for the general up-building of West Frankfort in which Mr. Jones has not taken an active part. One of his ambitions has always been that his friends could know his side of any issue without consulting him. He has never withheld his time or money to help make West Frankfort a better place in which to live. He has been a booster for good churches, good schools, good roads and law enforcement since the day he came to town.

He was in West Frankfort but a short time when he organized the West Frankfort Building & Loan Association, which is today the largest building and loan association in southern Illinois, and has been president of the Association since its organization. He was one of the original stockholders in the West Frankfort Bank & Trust Company and has been one of the directors since its organization.

He was an original booster for our township high school. About eight years ago he had an election called to establish a high school district exactly as we have it now, but on account of sickness in his family he was away at the time of the election and because of lack of organization the proposition fell through and the district is now paying the penalty in building our present building on war prices.

One of the things of which Mr. Jones is most proud is what he has been able to do in helping bring the present Baptist church of West Frankfort from the small church with preaching once a month in a small house, with a small salaried preacher, to the present plant, which is one of the best equipped in Southern Illinois. He has taught in the Sunday School, has served in the capacity of church treasurer, choir leader and Sunday School superintendent and his attitude has always been to do that which needed to be done, no matter how small or how hard that task might be.

For three years Mr. Jones taught school at Bandyville, near the present city of Herrin, and the brightest girl in school was Miss Bessie Walker, who seven years later became Mrs. Jones, and in all his plans, whether business, church or social, she has been his constant inspiration and help-mate. Mr. and Mrs. Jones have three fine sons, Don C. Jr., Henry Charles and James Walker.

Mr. Jones was a willing helper in all the late war drives, and was chairman of the "United War Works Campaign" which came after the Armistice and was one of the most difficult propositions to put through, but thanks to the influence and energy of Mr. Jones and his helpers West Frankfort came up well with her part of the work.

PiK firm of D. C. Jones and Sons, furniture and hardware, came into existence on the I 1 th day of December, 1918, just thirty days after the signing of the armistice, when they bought the hardware stock of W. J. Fitzgerrel, located at 206 East Main street.

D. C. Jones, senior member of this firm, having come up from a farm boy without any opportunities excepting good health and lots of ambition, and being thoroughly imbued with the fact that a boy's time had better be spent in learning something useful than in playing on the streets, bought this store with the idea of providing useful employment for his three sons, Don, Henry and Walker, during vacations, afternoons and Saturdays, hoping that they would learn the business and that some member of the family would continue the store for many years to come.

It was not long after the store was purchased until the elder son, Don C. Jones, Jr., took it into his head to become a store man in fact, so to the great surprise of his parents and friends, he took for a wife Miss Ruth Campbell, daughter of the competing hardware merchant on the West Side, and settled down to give his entire attention to the store.

About this time the entire building, consisting of almost a quarter of a block, was purchased by the elder Mr. Jones, and another room was taken over and a stock of furniture was added. Since, other extensions have been built to the building and other rooms occupied.

As suggested above, it is the hope of the founder of this store that some member of the family will be running this store, under this name, at this location fifty years from today.

D. C.Jones

is best shown by the increase in deposits from in which they labored. It is public knowyear to" year: 1914 - $49,743.93; 1915 - ledge, and commented upon, that the West

THE wonderful growth of West Frankfort has been the occasion for the rapid building of several large mercantile institutions, but none that is more conspicuous than the West Frankfort House Furnishing Company, which has grown in a few years to be the largest furniture and house furnishing company in southern Illinois. In this large market place can be found everything to completely furnish the home - selections for the most elegantly furnished residence or the more humble home. Young married folks have formed the habit of first visiting the West Frankfort House Furnishing Company when ready to build their nest.

This large institution was organized February, 1913, and from its inception became a popular furnishing headquarters, but not until after a fire had destroyed the old building, on February 28, 1916, and a new home builded on August 1, 1916, across the street from the old location, did the firm become ambitious to lead in their line. From organization, the firm was fortunate in having as its manager, Clifford R. Thienes, who had by learning the business from the ground up, prepared himself for the management of such an enterprise.

The West Frankfort House Furnishing Company is a closed corporation - the stock being held by members of the Thienes family. The officers are Clifford R. Thienes, president; J. C. Thienes, vice-president, and Chas. Thienes, secretary and treasurer - the latter being mother and father of Clifford R. Thienes.

Clifford R. Thienes was born in Burlington, Iowa, January 21, 1890. Receiving his early education in the public schools of Burlington; at the age of sixteen he entered a preparatory school in California and after a two year course returned to Burlington with the determination to begin an early business career. He at once started working in a furniture factory to learn the business from the "ground up." In 1909, he started on the road as a furniture salesman, and while on his trips decided that West Frankfort was an ideal location for a retail house furnishing store, and in 1913 consummated the plans for establishing the West Frankfort House Furnishing Company.

Clifford R. Thienes was married to Miss Georgianna Moore, of Chatham, in Springfield on Dec. 29, 1915. Mr. and Mrs. Thienes were very active in all home work during the war period, and their names will be found conspicuously mentioned in the home work section of this history.

Mr. Thienes is identified with all the affairs for the betterment and upbuilding of West Frankfort. He has served as alderman for one term and is now secretary of the West Frankfort Chamber of Commerce.

THE rapidly growing city of West Frankfort has among its most enterprising and progressive citizens, one of the greatest examples of self-made business men, Joe Susman, proprietor of the ladies' and gents' ready-to-wear store pictured here.

Mr. Susman's rise to prominency in the mercantile history of southern Illinois, has been noted by most citizens It is here among the coal fields that the inspiration and incentive for his effort were developed - booming cities, small insignificant business firms developing into large commercial institutions were an inspiration for one who had spent his life in learning every angle of a business, to start and duplicate or exceed the successes of others. In the earlier days of the coal field booms of Franklin and Williamson counties, Mr. Susman was employed in different stores mastering the knowledge of the business in which he had previously gained much experience by traveling as a salesman and selling at wholesale such goods as his ambition would lead him to handle through a large retail store.

In 1909, Mr. Susman secured a long time lease on his present location and immediately began building the foundation for the present large business. The first room occupied was

32 x 80 - a little later 44 additional feet were added and also a wareroom 20 x 70. Other additions are to be added in the near future, making the store 96 x 80, with a new front that will conveniently display samples of the new arrivals in ladies' and gents' readyto-wear apparel constantly arriving at this home of the best merchandise procurable, which is always sold at prices that are right for such high class merchandise.

Always having the idea that his customers demanded the best merchandise has been the cause of Mr. Susman's careful selection of only well-known brands of merchandise, such as Kuppenheimer and Society Brand of men's and boys' suits and overcoats, Lions shirts, Knox and Stetson hats, Cooper's underwear, Stacy-Adams, Packard and W. L. Douglas shoes.

During the war period, Mr. Susman lent his strength and energy in the home work, and every drive for funds found him subscribing for his share and many times above his proportion.

Mr. Susman is one of the most active of the coterie of West Frankfort business men who are boosting and advancing the reputation and advantages of their city.

Cava Cri Cashier

WHEN West Frankfort began its growth from a small mining camp with prospects of soon building into a flourishing city, a group of business men of the solid financial type, saw the need of a strong financial institution that would at once become the banking center of the conservative business element of the community - advancing step by step and assuring themselves and depositors of a banking institution that would survive any panic.

The West Frankfort State Bank was organized May 25, 1905. The first president was Peter Wastier, who has continued in this capacity up to the present time. The first board of directors other than Mr. Wastier, was composed of J. E. Carr, Ed Duncan, W. E. Dawson, T. A. Henson, L. T. Clem and T. G. Puckett. J. M. Lockett was elected cashier, August 9th, 1905, and the bank opened for business, November 1 , 1 905. The first day's deposits were $6,750.80.

The bank had scarcely established itself when a devastating fire on November 18th, 1905, destroyed all the business houses from the bank to the railroad. An example of the safe and sane policy of the bank and the confidence of the public in its future, is shown that on May 2, 1906, only six months after the doors were opened for business and in spite of the handicap of the fire above mentioned, the deposits had reached $26,141.01. On this date, John M. Harris

For a period of little over a year, the bank made no advance in deposits, in fact sustained a loss of a few thousand, but a surplus was being accumulated. When the next change in officers occurred on August 28, 1907, the deposits were $23,518.28 with a surplus of $1,000 - C. W. Crim on this date was elected cashier.

The next change in officers occurred April 1, 1908, when W. C. Crim was elected assistant cashier. On April 9, 1910, E. R. Evans was also elected assistant cashier.

The last report, on October 7, 1920, shows that the West Frankfort State Bank has fulfilled the expectations of its officers and stockholders - deposits, $527,909.32; resources $630,000.00; capital stock, $25,000.00; surplus $26,000.00.

JUDGE William G. Mitchell has the dis- Jm tinction of being the youngest city judge in Illinois, which distinction has been gained by his untiring efforts as City attorney in the neighboring city of Eldorado and his immediate popularity after taking up in West Frankfort his residence and future home. He was born in Eldorado, January 1 , 1889, the son of T. G. Mitchell, a retired business man and banker. The Mitchell's pioneers of this vicinity, Col. George Marvel, his maternal grandfather was one of the first settlers of this county. During the rebellion he assisted Gen. John A. Logan in raising the first company of soldiers from this county, and served under this famous general for the period of the war and became one of his trusted colonels. Uncle Green Mitchell, h i s paternal grandfather, was born and reared in Cave township, being one of its first supervisors. For years he was engaged in business in Locust Grove, and being also an orda ned Methodist minister, his known as a gathering place for the circuit riders and other religious folks.

The judge's education was obtained in the publx schools of Eldorado, St. Charles Military Academy and the Northern Illinois College of Law, at Dixon, graduating from the latter institution with degree of LL. M. in 1913, being admitted to the bar in July of the same year - this in connection with a series of special studies under Judge Creighton, of Wayne county, completed his legal training. After admittance to the bar he returned home and began active practice of his profession. He was elected in 1913, to the office of city attorney of Eldorado by the largest majority ever received for that office and served until 1915. The official records show that during his regime the people were successfully represented in more cases than were tried in the three preceding administrations, and that he was especially active in prosecuting violators of the liquor laws.

Believing in the future of West Frankfort, and that it was destined to become one of the most flourishing cities of southern Illinois, he established himself here in 1915 and entered a partnership with J. L. Harmon. In 1 9 1 7 he opened a lawoffice of his own, and in 1919 became a candidate for the office of City Judge. His personal popularity and reputation as a forceful attorney, honesty in all his public and private undertakings were attested by the result of the election - a majority of 200, and within 21 votes of the combined vote of all opposing candidates. He at once began the task of working the City Court of West Frankfort, the tribunal of the community with the result that it is the busiest City Court in Southern Illinois - 150 cases on the docket at this writing. This year he established a grand jury system that all criminal cases could be tried in West Frankfort, eliminating the necessity of going to the county seat on local criminal cases

It is a difficult role for a man to establish confidential relations with all classes in a Cosmopolitan city, but the facts are that from his likable personality and sincerity of purpose, he has the confidence of the entire public. He shows an active interest in the man with a Union card, his natural sympathies being with ihe working people.

He was married Jan. 9th, 1915, to Miss Myrtle Hamilton, of Eldorado. Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell are the parents of one daughter, Nelle Musgrave, who died at the age of twenty months. He is a member of the Elks, Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen.

AS a type of the wide-awake, progressive and enterprising southern Illinois business man no better example could be found than Holla M. Treece, president of the Treece Lumber Company, of West Frankfort.

Mr. Treece was born near Wolf Creek, Williamson county, April 18. 1885. son of J. M. Treece, who was a blacksmith and wagonmaker, and who has since become a veterinary surgeon and located in Herrin, where he has an extensive practice in his profession and has for several years been identified with the civic life of that city as alderman and in other positions of trust. Rolla did not have many opportunities for an education but finished the grade school of Wolf Creek. Leaving the farm at eighteen years of age he started out in life for himself, working on public work or around the mines. Continuing this class of work for four years he saved enough money to start a fruit stand and small grocery, which he soon developed into a large mercantile business. Believing there were greater opportunities in the real estate business, he sold the store, reserving a small stock and the building. His initiative ability found a fertile field in the real estate business and the building of homes and finding ways and means for the less fortunate to build homes. His advice and counsel in home building for those who were compelled to buy and build on the payment plan, won for him many life-long friends as practically all the property he sold by these methods is now worth more than double the original investment. Enthusiasm for the real estate and building business forced Rolla to broaden his field of endeavors. West Frankfort at that time seemed to hold many opportunities for his work, and in 1913 he opened a real estate office and small lumber yard. He soon won the confidence and respect of other West Frankfort business men and he and some other West Frankfort boosters organized the Home Building and Loan Association, of which he has been a director since.

The Association has been very prosperous, and the stockholders are proud of their record of never losing a dollar on an investment or being compelled to close a mortgage - loans to date of over $200,000. Mr. Treece is one of the loan appraisers who are credited with this achievement.

The growth of Mr. Treece's real estate and lumber business was really sensational, and with due modesty he has always said he could not account for the rapid growth. His friends say that since he has been identified with the business interests of West Frankfort he has displayed those characteristics of industry, integrity and progressiveness that are bound to have a beneficial effect on the commercial activities of any community. Such a reputation would naturally create the public confidence essential to a rapidly growing business Believing that his business could be handled more efficiently as a corporation, in 1916 he reorganized The Treece Lumber Company as successors and incorporated the new company for $25,000 - Mr. Treece is president and Mrs. Ola B. Treece, his wife, secretary and treasurer.

On May 3, 1916, there occurred the marriage of Rolla M. Treece to Miss Ola B. Garrison of Mt. Carmel. Mrs. Treece at once became a valuable assistant and helpmate. Mr. and Mrs. Treece are popular in all social circles of West Frankfort with many friends and a wide acquaintance in southern Illinois. In home activities during the war period they were always active doing what they could to back up the boys at the front.

West Frankfort has no more loyal citizen than Mr. Treece - always a booster giving liberally of time and means for anything that will better his town or county. Besides the offices previously named Mr. Treece is president of the West Frankfoit School Board, a member of the Board of Education and a partner in the Treece 6c Brown Realty Co. He is a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner.

ONE of the latest industries to be established in Franklin county is the Plumlee- Pharis Wholesale Grocery Company of West Frankfort. It was incorporated March 1, 1920 with a capital stock of $100,000.00. This institution was organized by S. L. Plumlee and E. B. Pharis who while in different stores had for several years conducted similar business enterprises. By the combination of their interests and additional capital from other business men they were able to enter a field suitable to their business ability. The officers of the company are: S. L. Plumlee, president; E. B. Pharis, vicepresident; O. G. Plumlee, the son of S. L. Plumlee, secretary-treasurer. Directors other than the officers are R. P. Blake, president of the First National Bank; W. E. Pharis, a brother of E. B. Pharis, automobile business, and T. M. Silkwood, insurance business.

S. L. Plumlee came to West Frankfort about eight years ago from Mulkeytown, where he had been in the milling business for about seven years previous to which he had been a school teacher for about seventeen years. E. B. Pharis before entering the business field of West Frankfort was a former lumber merchant of Goreville and later was traveling salesman for the Eagle Lye Company of Milwaukee.

S. L. Plumlee is the father of Fernie Plumlee, a gold star soldier shown in that section of this book, who was killed in action in France near Vesle River.

From the past experience of the heads of this company and the large business which they have immediately created, a successful future is predicted for the Plumlee-Pharis Wholesale Grocer Company.

THE life of W. E. Pharis is both interesting and unusual, for his rise in life has been due entirely to his own undaunted efforts and an innate ability to accomplish whatever he has set out to do. He was born in Christopher, August, 1873, son of Bollivar Pharis, a farmer and merchant. During these early years Christopher was only a "cross road" trading point and the Pharis store was typical of the small general stores for such settlements. After Mr. Pharis' father's death the mother continued the store, with the assistance of the sons. On April 23rd, 1894, occurred the marriage of W. E. Pharis to Miss Lula J. Jones, a descendant of the pioneer Jones family from Browning Hill. Christopher seemed to hold no opportunities for the young married couple - this being before the coal operations started in the Christopher district - and in 1897 they moved to Marion. The West Frankfort coal fields began to be developed a little about that time and our subject decided to try to build for himself in this new field; opening a small restaurant with the active assistance of his wife, he began at once a career that in less than a score of years brought him to the top among the men of means in West Frankfort. The restaurant business was continued for eight years, and then having confidence in the automobile industry which was just starting he secured the agency of the Ford automobile, which business has since received his untiring efforts and business instinct and is now considered one of the most prosperous business institutions in West Frankfort.

Mr. Pharis' business judgment and influence have been sought in many directions, and several other business enterprises have had such benefit - since the organization of the West Frankfort Trust & Banking Company in 1 9 1 3 , he has served as vice-president ; he is also treasurer of the West Frankfort Building & Loan Association and director in the Plumlee- Pharis Wholesale Grocery Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Pharis are the parents of a son and daughter - the son, Paul M., born October 10, 1896, is a veteran of the World War and his picture and service record will be found in the Honor Roll section of this history; Juanita, the daughter, was born October 2, 1900, and is a popular member of the younger social set of West Frankfort.

The Pharis family all did their duty during the war period, the "home activity" section credits the family with being active in all such work.

FROM urchin on the street to a big corporation head is the record of Harry M. Zwick, president of the Zwick Mercantile Company of West Frankfort and Frankfort Heights. Mr Zwick came from the land of his birth in Russia to America and landed in New York City at the age of eleven years. That he began life under adverse circumstances can be best understood from the fact that he had no money and could neither read nor write his own name. It was while riding on a street car one day in New York City, with a number of other boys, on their way to a ball game, that he began state, taking up the route of his brother- M. P. Zwick, of Herrin, who had by this work succeeded in starting a small store in that place. After a short time at this difficult method of merchandising he was ready to take the next step in creating a large mercantile establishment, and came to West Frankfort, at that time a village of only a few hundred inhabitants, and opened a store to realize the value of an education. His companions were reading newspapers on the way out, and Harry was attempting to do the same, but it was all Chinese to the chap, and the boys noticed him perusing the columns with the paper upside down with no pictures on the page to look at. It was at the instigation of his companions at that time that he began a diligent search for an education. These boys in turn taught him the elementary rudiments of three R's - readin', ritin', rithmetic - and from that time to the present day he has let pass no opportunities where enlightenment could be gained by diligent study and research. His success along this line he attributes largely to the work of Benjamin Franklin, in that well known writing of the inventor of the printing press - "Poor Richard" and similar works of Mr. Franklin.

After selling needles and matches on the streets of New York City until near the age of fifteen he came to Illinois and for more than three years sold from a wagon and carried a pack on his back and "peddled" in various localities of this section of the for his brother, above mentioned. Later he acquired the store for himself and immediately began an active career as a business man "on his own hook." How well he has succeeded in these short fifteen years is best demonstrated by the rapid strides in the business fraternity that his thrift, untiring energy and keen business foresight have attained.

In 1918, Mr. Zwick opened the store at Frankfort Heights. On January 2, 1920, the two stores were incorporated for the sum of one hundred thousand dollars under the corporate name of the Zwick Mercantile Company of West Frankfort, the names included in the original incorporation were Mr. Zwick, Harry Lowenthal and Lewis Scheur, the latter has since resigned from the business, and Mr. Lowenthal as manager of the Frankfort Heights store has proven himself a business man far above the ordinary and entirely worthy of the confidence reposed in him by Mr. Zwick.

fulness, efficiency and industry of employees was to be recognized and invoked as a potent factor in the future destiny of the corporation, and they are to share in the future prosperity by liberal stock holdings that are to be accorded them on terms that cannot but appeal directly to the interest of the large number of employees whom Mr. Zwick realized had been instrumental in making possible the Zwick Mercantile Company, Inc. How well this plan has been carried through is shown by the present list of employee stockholders: Harry Lowenthal, Luther Harris, Martin Devlin, Miss Fern Bennyhoff, Mrs. Bessie Reynolds, Mrs. Eula Cochran, Walter Seyfert and S. H. Pickett. With the new incorporation was also completed arrangements for a wholesale establishment with offices in New York City, which gives new and unusual buying powers, with an output in many sections of the United States. That the corporation, with its able director and valuable assistants will succeed there is no doubt.

It can be said without flattery or the throwing of a single bouquet in the direction of Mr. Zwick, few have acccmplished the success he has achieved, even with an enlightened monetary beginning. He is a good business man and likewise a good citizen; enterprising and progressive, and has done much toward the advancement of West Frankfort as one of the principal commercial centers of the great Southern Illinois coal belt.

THE West Frankfort Bottling and Ice Cream Company is the result of business secured at West Frankfort by the Johnston City Bottling Company. About eight years ago this company was organized in Johnston City and by the installing of a very large and modern equipment, it was necessary to reach out to the surrounding cities for orders to take care of their capacity. West Frankfort being a fertile field was a very suitable place for an agency, but the business grew so rapidly that in 1916, the building herewith was purchased and the equipment for the manufacture of ice cream and soft drinks was soon installed.

The present manager of the West Frankfort Bottling & Ice Cream Company is C. M. Ielase, who has been with the company since its original organization at Johnston City, coming to West Frankfort in 1918

The officers of the Johnston City Bottling Company who are owners of the West Frankfort Bottling & Ice Cream Company are: Tom Colombo, president; Emiel Ottolini, vice-president and J. H. Colombo, secretary and treasurer.

THE history of the West Frankfort Lumber Company is analogous with that of J. L. Smith, president of the company. Mr. Smith is an example of the sagacious business man who has built a business monument for himself by principles which have gained for him not only a financial reward but the respect of his fellowman.

J. L. Smith is a native of Kentucky, born Jan. 23, 1872, whose parents were farmers in Lyon county. About the time he reached his maturity, he came to Illinois and engaged in lumber business in Thompson ville, with his brother, H. T. Smith, now deceased. In August, 1894, the firm of H. T. Smith & Bro. was formed in West Frankfort, which was a co-partnership of H. T. Smith and J. L. Smith. The merchandising instinct of Mr. Smith, in 1896, turned to different channels and he engaged in the general merchandising business in which he continued until 1906, when he sold out and again entered the lumber business by the organization of the J. L. Smith Lumber Co. In 1910 the firm was incorporated as the West Frankfort Lumber Co. with J. L. Smith, T. B. Griffin, L. T. Clem, and E. J. Summers as the incorporators, all of whom were practical business men of wide experience. With this organization, the business grew rapidly and the company became an important factor in the building of West Frankfort. The present officers of the company are: J. L. Smith, president; T. B. Griffin, vice-president and R. S. Hoff, secretary and treasurer. Mr. Griffin is the father-in-law of Mr. Smith and also a native of Lyon county, Ky.

Mr. Smith has for many years been identified with the many enterprises which have been necessary for the rapid building of a city the size of West Frankfort; for eight years he was president of the West Frankfort First National Bank and at present is the chairman of the board of directors ; he is also president of the Franklin County Building & Loan Association; president of the Benton Lumber Co. of Benton, and actively engaged in the real estate and insurance business.

On January 1, 1891, there occurred the marriage of J. L. Smith to Miss J. C. Griffin, daughter of T. B. Griffin as previously noted. The result of this union - Etheline, who died at two years of age; Gania, now Mrs. R. S. Hoff; Frances, the wife of C. J. Turner, secretary and treasurer of the Benton Lumber Co.; Louise, who enters the Jacksonville College this year; and Maxine, just entering High School at West Frankfort.

It is needless to add that a successful man in all his endeavors, is a valuable asset to his city; and that the social, patriotic and civil life of West Frankfort has valuable members in the persons of J. L. Smith and family.

WHEN West Frankfort was a small village with only a few frame buildings as the foundation for a wonderful booming city, there came from Evansville, Indiana, in 1905, Frank Opdyke, who established a bakery and made the first loaf of bread in West Frankfort. The rapid growth of West Frankfort and the business firms in frame buildings growing like mushrooms was hazardous, in that fire protection was almost unknown. In spite of the fact that several of the buildings in which he started business were destroyed by fire, the "sticktoitiveness" spirit of our subject never faltered and his business continued growing under many adverse conditions. In 1915, the modern brick building here shown was completed and was equipped with the most modern appliances for making bread and pastries. About this time our subject planned a loaf of bread containing the very highest standards of excellency and assumed the trade mark of "Table Pride." With this new bread his trade grew so rapidly until now he has one of the largest equipped bakeries in southern Illinois, and he is planning further increases by the installation of the most modern electric bakery system. "Table Pride" bread is the byword in West Frankfort and suburban towns for the house wife who always desires a dependable bread.

Our subject was born in Evansville, Indiana, May 15, 1885, the son of F. H. and Hettie (Tighe) Opdyke. His father being a baker, our subject mastered the many technicalities of this trade when very young. He was married August 18, 1904, to Miss Bessie Hartwell. Miss Hartwell, is the daughter of Albert and Armenta Hartwell of Johnston City. Mr. and Mrs. Opdyke are the parents of two sons, Frank, Jr., born September 27, 1909, and Jack Wallace, born November 5, 1919. Mr. Opdyke is an active and enthusiastic member of the B. P. O. E.

ONE of the most important hardware stores in Franklin county is that of Campbell Hardware Company of West Frankfort, which is housed in a very modern building pictured here, where everything in the hardware line can be secured. Here will be found one of the most complete lines of stoves and ranges - a stove for every purpose.

The Campbell Hardware Company is a co-partnership, the partners being S. F. Campbell and J. S. Campbell, the former being the father of J S. Campbell.

J. S. Campbell, the active head of the business was born March 18, 1875 in Williamson county and spent his early life on his father's farm; receiving his early education in the local schools and then deciding to become a school teacher he took a short course in Carbondale Normal and for nineteen years was considered one of the most successful and popular instructors in Williamson county, fifteen years of

In 1916 his father, and brother J. S. Campbell, now proprietor of the Campbell Hardware and Furniture Company of Benton, entering the business field of Franklin county, had expanded to the extent that J. S. Campbell decided to leave his school work and start a business career with his father and brother. His successful management of the Campbell Hardware Company has proved that he will be as successful and popular in business life as that of educator. In 1919 he was elected president of the West Frankfort Booster Club and is the present president of West Frankfort High School Board. He was married in August, 1900, to Miss Stella Aurry of West Salem, deceased April, [914; children by this marriage are Ruth and Lillian. In May 1918, he was married to Miss May Gallagher of Marion.

THE above firm is the successor to the Blake & Harris Motor Company which was established in 1915 by R. T. Blake and J. M. Harris as co-partners. September 1st, 1920, Mr. Harris sold his interest in the company to T. M. Silkwood.

R. T. Blake is the president of the First National Bank of West Frankfort and T. M. Silkwood, the other partner in the firm, is from Mulkeytown, and has for the last twenty years written insurance in Franklin county and for the past six years has always considered West Frankfort a fertile field for his work. He moved to West Frankfort with his family this year. The Silkwood's are one of the pioneer families of Franklin county. Basil Silkwood, progenitor of the Silkwood family in Franklin county, was first settler of the western part of the county. A short biography of Mr. Blake appears in the history of the First National Bank of West Frankfort,

The Blake & Silkwood Motor Company are the selling agents for the Buick and Haynes automobiles. The company is equipped to do complete service work on the cars they sell and also for rebuilding of used cars that they take in trade. As the owners of this company are thorough business men and have the honor and esteem of their fellowmen, there is no doubt but what the Blake & Silkwood Motor Company will long be numbered among the prosperous business institutions of the county.

Motor Company

A CONSPICUOUS example of merchandising instinct possessed by our best business men, who were born in Europe, is Sam Arsht, born in Poland, Russia, September 16, 1886. He had been employed with an uncle who was a clothing merchant, and later was in business for himself. He came to the United States at the early age of nineteen and while learning our customs and language worked in a shoe store in Lynn, Mass. ; and then deciding that the central west held more opportunities, located in Staunton, Illinois, and conducted a feed business for about four years and then entered the mercantile field at Benld, and then to Sawyerville for three years where he sold out and entered the clothing business at St. Louis - coming to West Frankfort in 1914, where he established himself in a clothing and shoe business which he conducted for about one year and then seeing an opportunity to establish a store in the new mining field of Orient he left West Frankfort for that place. During the four years in Orient he was constantly enlarging his interest and while there established the Rex Shoe Store in West Frankfort, retaining a large interest in the Orient store. He moved back to West Frankfort and established the "Fashion Shop" which soon began to be the popular shoppmg place for ladies' ready-to-wear. Not being satisfied to restrict his opportunities to West Frankfort and Orient he opened the Leader Department Store in Zeigler, in 1918, which was a successful business undertaking from the start. During 1919 he began the erection of a large theater building in Zeigler with a large store room which is now occupied by a clothing store - a picture of which building and an industrial sketch is in the Zeigler section of this book.

Mr. Arsht was married to Miss Ida Ritter of St. Louis, September 17, 1911. Mr. and Mrs. Arsht are the parents of one child, Raymond, born 1912.

Mr. Arsht has a very active assistant in his various business enterprises, Mrs. Arsht, who has a highly developed mercantile instinct and devotes most of her time to making popular the Fashion Shop.

ABOUT thirteen years ago there came from Greece, among the great number of immigrants of that period, Theodore Zougles, a native of Argos, Greece. Finding the opportunities in the United States were very favorable, he, a few years later, influenced his younger brother, Andrew, to also come to this Country. Andrew landed on January 1st,

1910, and he immediately went to St. Louis where his brother was employed and secured employment with his uncle in the candy and confectionary business. At the beginning of the Balkan war,

1911, Theodore returned to pay his debt to his fatherland. He served in the Greek army for four years and was twice severely wounded. After his term had expired he returned to St. Louis.

Andrew came to West Frankfort May, 1916, and opened the Columbia Candy Kitchen which he sold on November 29th, 1917, and opened the Moonlight Candy

Kitchen. At this time, Theodore joined him in his business enterprise and the two brothers soon built for themselves a large and flourishing business.

In January of this year (1920) Theodore opened the Moonlight Cafe in Benton and a division of interests was thereby formed. Andrew retained the management of the Moonlight Candy Kitchen of West Frankfort and Theodore assumed the management of the Moonlight Cafe in Benton.

The Zougles brothers will soon be full fledged American citizens. Andrew has his first papers and his second papers will make him an American citizen in April, Theodore received his first papers the Balkan war, but they were lost while he was in service; but determined to become a citizen he again applied for first papers, and will become a full citizen in February, 1921.

Interior Of Moonlight Cafe, Benton

PHE modern furniture and hardware A store shown here is the result of seventeen years of honest merchandising by N. J. Henson. The Henson Furniture Co. is a co-partnership of N. J. Henson and E. R. Henson. the partnership being formed in 1910. The Henson Brothers have been identified with the building of West Frankfort from the time that West Frankfort was just beginning its growth and was then considered a small mining camp. N. J. Henson, the elder brother, has always been considered one of the real boosters who have always pulled for the growth of West Frankfort. For four years he was a part owner of the West Frankfort American in partnership with Tom A. Sinks. He is the vice-president and has been an officer in the Home Loan Association for five years. He has been elected as alderman three different terms and prior to this was town clerk of Denning township for four years. For six years he was secretary of the City School Board. He is a member of the Masons, Elks, Oddfellows and Modern Woodmen.

E. R. Henson, before joining his brother in the Henson Furniture Co. was in the general merchandising business. He was always active in the affairs of the City and

The Henson Furniture Co. opened their Frankfort Heights store December, 1919, and for the short time this store has been conducted by the Henson Furniture Co., a really remarkable trade has been built up.

The Henson Furniture Co. have a complete line of stoves and everything necessary to furnish the home. It is the one store where the reliable Buck Stoves and Hoosier Kitchen Cabinets can be bought.

THE large and complete gents' furnishing and clothing store of "Joseph's"' in West Frankfort has as its efficient manager, Leo Krause. Mr. Krause is one of those young and enthusiastic business men who by their genuine public spiritedness has gained a host of loyal friends and many customers for the store.

12, 1889, and was reared and in the environments of Chicago and St. Louis, and at an early age began his business career by clerking in a gents' furnishing store in Chicago but came to West Frankfort in September 1914; and in the business world of that flourishing city began an active business life far different from that of Chicago, and his initiative and resourcefulness developed rapidly in a field fertile for such endeavors.

Samuels of St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Krause are the parents of one child, David Morton, born May 28, 1 920. They are popular members of the younger social set of West Frankfort. In the recent war work, Mr. Krause was an active and enthusiastic worker, and there were few committees on such work that did not include the name of Leo Krause as one of the members. A popular fraternal worker in the orders to which he gives his preference,

The Joseph Clothing Store first opened its doors for business in West Frankfort Nov. 1 , 1914, in the same location it now occupies, the Webb-Summers building on the south side of east Main street. Mr. Krause was selected as manager at that time and soon built up the business to a large gents' emporium.

THE above automobile sales organization is the successor of the Frankfort Auto Company which was organized April 1 7th, 1916, by R. M. Medill, R. B. Mitchell and H. E. Kirkpatrick. The firm was changed to the Automotive Sales Company in January, 1919, and Charles A. Newton, who had formerly been employed for the Johnston City State Bank, became president and treasurer, and H. E. Kirkpatrick, secretary. April 1st, 1919, a branch was opened at Johnston City and Mr. Newton became the manager, while Mr. Kirkpatrick remained manager of the parent organization of West Frankfort. Mr. Kirkpatrick was formerly employed in the Ernest Coal Company of Johnston City for three years and previous to that was a traveling salesman for several years. He was born in Mulkeytown, January 13, 1887, the son of I. M. Kirkpatrick, a descendant of the pioneer Kirkpatrick family, one of the first families to settle in Franklin county.

Charles E. Newton, the president and treasurer, is a former World War veteran, and the son of J. H. Newton, a prosperous retired farmer. The Automotive Sales Co. has in a short period developed into one of the largest dealers in automobiles in southern Illinois and while they have held the agency for several different cars, in the future they expect to restrict their sales to the Cadillac and Oldsmobile, and will be distributors for Franklin and Williamson county.

Interior Of American Candy Shop

ONE of the most popular firms identified with the upbuilding of West Frankfort, although engaged in business enterprises of an amusement and luxury class, is Davis, Howell & Henderson, who have so conducted their enterprises as to create for them a spirit of fellowship that makes them leaders in their city.

Vade C. Davis, the senior member of the firm, is a native of Tennessee, born in Union City on January 23, 1880. He came to Illinois in 1908 and engaged in the general mercantile business and later opened a billiard hall. Always taking an active part in community affairs and investing heavily in real estate, he has been honored by positions of a civic nature and for two years was alderman of West Frankfort.

W. A. Howell, is from DuQuoin, born in that city in 1872, the son of Welsh parents who came from Wales in 1865. Mr. Howell came to West Frankfort in 1914 and had previously been in the billiard hall business in Marion.

"The Smoke Shop" which was established by the partners in 1917, is one of the most popular amusement places in West Frankfort. As will be seen from the interior view here shown, it is large and handsomely equipped. The billiard tables are all modern and always kept in first class condition. The front of the hall is occupied by an up-to-date cigar and tobacco department - the largest and most complete in West Frankfort.

In June of this year (1920), the partners opened the American Candy Shop, the only American candy and confectionery in West Frankfort. As will be seen by the interior here shown, the shop is most handsomely equipped for the display of candies and confections and for the serving of soft drinks, creams and other iced dainties. While only in operation a few months, the American Candy Shop is taking a leading place as a popular resort of its kind, being patronized by the best citizens.

Interior Of Billiard Hall And Smoke Shop

THE large store shown above is the result of the efforts of E. R. Brown, who from a thorough business training has developed into one of West Frankfort's leading business men.

Mr. Brown was born Sept. 18, 1885, on a farm in Denning township, the son of G. A. Brown, a successful farmer. Living the average life of a farmer boy and attending the county schools, he later entered the Herrin High School, there being no high school in West Frankfort at this time. His studies at Herrin were mostly devoted to a business course, but before entering business life he taught school for two terms, and then started his business career as assistant manager of Witt Mercantile Company, now the Coalfield Stores, which position he held for seven years. In 1919, he resigned this position and entered the grocery and dry goods business for two years; and then receiving an offer as manager of the Witt Co., he returned to them for three years. In 1914, he bought the controlling interest of the L. C. Dorris Furniture Co., and soon purchased the entire holdings of Mr. Dorris and established the E. R. Brown Furniture Co. The business under the proprietorship of Mr. Brown has developed rapidly until it is a large institution where everything for furnishing the home can be secured at the lowest price and most liberal terms. Mr. Brown is also president of the Brown & Jones House Furnishing Co. of Zeigler and also a member of the real estate firm of Treece & Brown, of West Frankfort.

E.P.Brown Furniture

THE West Side Motor Sales Company was organized in the fall of 1918 by Allen M. Dillard. In September, 1919 the business was purchased by J. A. Lewis of Carrier Mills. To rapidly develop the business, Mr. Lewis, in May, 1920, formed a co-partnership with Rolla Treece of West Frankfort, and Cyrus Barnett of Opdyke. Mr. Lewis was born in September 5th, H. H. Lewis, dealer of that place. Mr. Lewis rapidly developed into a business man - after graduating from the Gem City Business College and entering the Citizens Savings Bank where he was assistant cashier for five years, and then entered into the automobile

The West Side Motor Sales Company is a popular tourist headquarters of West Frankfort, and besides having a force of dependable mechanics, has the agency for the Dodge and Nash automobiles.

The Strand Theatre

TO create better amusement facilities and guarantee the public the best possible attractions, the West Frankfort Amusement Company was organized and incorporated in November, 1919. The officers are W. R. Hayes, DuQuoin, president; James Clayton, secretary-treasurer; Sam Arsht, T. A. Reid, T. E. Yemm and N. B. Layman, directors.

When the organization was completed they purchased the Strand theatre from John Garden and the Rex theatre from Arsht & Stone and immediately the theatres were placed under the management of James Clayton, an experienced theatre manager who had been manager of the Orpheum theatre of Harrisburg for several years. Mr. Clayton had just been discharged from the army; his picture and service record will be found in the Honor Roll section of this book.

perhaps the most complete of any theatre in southern Illinois and has a seating capacity of 850 - feature pictures, vaudeville and legitimate plays are produced. The Rex has just recently been remodeled and modernized in every way - a seating capacity of 650 which is usually filled every night on account of the popular pictures shown.

The Strand and Rex receive a deserved patronage. The popular manager has won a permanent place in the hearts of West Frankfort theatre-goers.

The Rex Theatre Ice Manufacturing And Storage Building

ONE of the largest business and manufacturing institutions of West Frankfort is the West Frankfort Ice Company. This company was organized and incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, in 1915, the incorporators being A. L. Durst, president; C. A. Durst, secretary and C. W. Crim, treasurer. A. L. and C. A. Durst are father and son. The elder Mr. Durst for eighteen years was a general mechanic for the C. & E. I. railroad, several years of which were spent in and around West Frankfort. West Frankfort appealed to him as an ideal location for an ice plant and his thorough knowledge of mechanics was of great assistance in the planning of this enterprise. C. A. Durst, the son, previous to the organization of the West Frankfort Ice Company was engaged in the jewelry business. He is considered one of the popular young business men of West Frankfort, always assuming his portion of the civic work and obligations. For six years he was treasurer of the City of West Frankfort. He is an Elk and 32nd degree Mason. A. L. Durst is a Royal Arch Mason. C. W. Crim, the treasurer, is cashier of the West Frankfort State Bank - a biographical sketch of Mr. Crim appears in the history of that institution.

time as the business grew. At the beginning the plant had a capacity of twenty-five tons and no storage. In 1916, only a little more than a year from the organization, the plant was remodeled and the ice manufacturing capacity increased to thirty tons and a new building erected; in 1918, a new cold storage and ice storage warehouse were erected, with a capacity of three thousand tons ice storage and twenty thousand cubic feet of cold storage space.

The pictures here show a part of truck equipment necessary for the movement of the ice sales from the plant to consumers and to railroad cars, the company doing an extensive business in many cities in Illinois that are not as fortunate as West Frankfort in having an institution of this kind.

The Old Storage Building

YEARS AGO, before the Civil War the territory in and around Christopher was settled. Among the first settlers was L. S. Harrison, H. W. Harrison, Christopher Harrison, James Swofford, Sam Williams, Martin Williams, James Burkkit, William Burkkit and William Hodges.

Then the City of Christopher was covered with heavy black oak timber, a small part was prairie land, the same being void of timber. The first original town plat was made by Dr. F. 0. Harrison and S. A. Harrison in the winter of 1880 and comprises some twenty acres lying between the I. C. R. R. and a strip immediately north of Dr. F. O. Harrison's residence and between Victor and State streets. For a great many years practically all the town was located on this tract of land.

In 1903, Christopher was incorporated as a village, being named in honor of Christopher Harrison. The original corporation lines were the same as at present except that the east line was some half mile east of its present location. In 1905 the United Coal Mining Company and the Zeigler Collieries Company began preparations for opening the East and Old North Mine and Thomas Horn and Jesse Dimond bought fifty-six acres from Dr. F. O. Harrison and made their first addition to Christopher. In 1906 the East and Old North Mine were sunk and Christopher was started on its remarkable growth. The population of Christopher at this time was about three hundred. Since this time the City of Christopher has grown by leaps and bounds until now it is a thriving and modern city of almost seven thousand population with another two or three thousand population rightly belonging to them but immediately outside the limits. There are four of the most modern coal mines for which Christopher has the advantage of being the shopping center of the employes and the home of most of the three thousand coal miners who make from six to eighteen dollars a day for eight hours work.

The religiously inclined are able to find the church of their faith in Christopher as there are the Christian, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian and Catholic churches which are all well attended.

The stores and business houses of Christopher compare favorably with those of any other city and it is a great satisfaction to the citizens that the stores are aggressive and constantly making efforts to increase their trade, compelling competition between the various stores thereby giving the population the advantage of the competitive efforts of the merchants. Two first-class banks, the First National and Christopher State Bank give the city exceptional banking facilities.

Christopher is constantly growing. Many new business blocks and homes are being erected every year. About 60 per cent, of the wage earners own their own homes; a larger percentage, perhaps, than in any other city. This is attributed to a prosperous building and loan association and the public spirit practiced by its citizens.

There is a live organization of business men called the Christopher Booster Club, being made up of the business men who are constantly striving to boost their town, working for the upbuilding and betterment of all civic and industrial lives.

The city improvements are many and varied, there being a complete system of concrete walks throughout the entire city, with many blocks of good paving. The city water works is efficient, and the city administration uses every effort to protect the good name, lives and property of the population.

CHRISTOPHER now has a population of over 6000, directly traced to the demand and influence of the four coal mines they have at this time. The towns of Buckner and Valier in shopping radius, bring the direct shopping population to over 8000.

The coal mines at Christopher are among the best in southern Illinois and employ over 2000 miners, who make from seven to twenty dollars a day. The approximate payroll is about $200,000 every two weeks, under full working conditions.

Two railroads, the Illinois Central and C. B. & Q., give the city many advantages, as these railroads give direct travel facilities in all directions.

The City has been alive to the advantages of good water and sewage systems - these systems are modern and give full and complete service at all times. The business

The social life of Christopher is pleasing - strangers and new citizens will find a social intercourse that is sure to please them. All principal religious denominations are represented, which permits one to worship in the church of their choice. First class theatres and large lodges of the various fraternal and social organizations, and several pleasure and civic clubs give one an opportunity for a varied amusement and social program.

The schools and school buildings are second to none - graded schools with an accredited high school. The course of study of the high school is identical with the best in southern Illinois. Pupils completing this course are permitted to graduate from any of the State Normals in two years.

THIS Bank was organized in August, 1 906, shortly after Christopher began to be recognized as having a future as a mining center. The original capital was $25,000.00 but the present capital is $60, 000.00. The Bank has been identified constantly with the growth of the City and has been long recognized as one of the important financial institutions of the County.

The officers of the Bank are: Nelson Browning, president; W. T. Silkwood, vicepresident; George W. Ward, cashier, and Ethel Harrison, assistant cashier. Directors other than the officers are: S. A. Harrison, F. O. Harrison, J. G. Gillispie, L. T. Pulliman and S. M. Rea.

The last statement of conditions issued at the close of business on June 30, 1920, showed a capital and surplus of $85,000.00; deposits of $645,300.60 and total resources of $748,206.65. The Bank is a member of

The history of this Bank would not be complete without giving a short biography of the one man who has been identified with the Bank ever since the organization - Nelson Browning. He is a descendant of the pioneer Browning family, being born January 4, 1857, son of E. W. Browning, who was the son of the original Gilbert Browning, one of the first settlers in the County. Nelson Browning spent his early life on the farm and was for a short time part owner in one of the first stores in Christopher, in 1896, his partner being Harvey Jones. This was at the time when Christopher was a village of one hundred fifty population. He assisted in organizing the Bank and was its first president.

In 1880, Mr. Browning laid one of the most important corner stones in the foundation of his success by his marriage to Mary A. Jones, daughter of B. S. Minor, an early settler of Franklin county and a very successful farmer and stock raiser, known all over the country. Of the children born to their union, two sons are living, Ernest and Fred, the former a World war veteran now employed in the bank.

Mr. Browning has always taken an interest in the upbuilding of his town and was the mayor from the time of the incorporation of the City and continued so for sixteen years; and has held several terms as township supervisor. During the world war Mr. Browning was one of the most earnest workers for the success of all the home activities. He was chairman of the Christopher Red Cross and County Chairman of the Liberty Loan Organization.

THE Davis family was one of the very early families to settle in the western part of the county - Tyrone township, which joins Perry county on the west. Mulkeytown sprang into existence in a very early day as a trading point and the first store was started here in 1835. West of this town near the county line the Davis family settled, and our subject, D. W. Davis, was born on February 23, 1859. Living the average life of the farmer boy at that period, but having the opportunity of a better education than the district schools afforded he attended the Ewing college, and it was during his attendance there that he decided to enter business life and at nineteen years of age began clerking for W. R. Browning, general merchant of that place. He later was employed with Bowman Bros, at Thompsonville and then with J. M. Browning at DuQuoin. During these years of clerkship he was acquiring the foundation and saving money for his own business, and while in the employ of Browning & Co. at DuQuoin he purchased an interest in a store in Mulkeytown and the firm of Burkett & Davis was formed. He retained his position and did not take an active interest in the store until seven years later. In 1901, the firm was changed to Cook, Burkitt & Davis, a combination of the firm of Cook Bros, and Burkitt and Davis being formed. Four years later the Burkitt interest was purchased by Mr. Davis and the firm changed to Cook Bros, and Davis. In 1907, the firm started a store in Christopher. Believing that the different stores could be better managed by the partners giving their whole attention to one or the other stores, the firm was dissolved October, 1911, the Cook interests retaining the parent store at Mulkeytown and Mr. Davis the Christopher store. Since the dissolution of interests the Christopher store has been known as D. W. Davis, general merchant. The store has been located in the present building since 1909. The business, through the thorough knowledge of merchandising possessed by Mr. Davis, has constantly increased until now the store is perhaps the largest and most liberally patronized of any general store of Christopher.

Mr. Davis was married in June, 1888, to Miss Clara Patterson, of DuQuoin. They are the parents of five children: William E., Vera, Fay, Phil and Lester. William and Phil served their country in the late war. They are valuable assistants of their father in the business and are popular and active members of the American Legion.

NEWSPAPER work is especially transitory in its nature. The newspaper article that may be read with most absolute interest today by the thousands and tomorrow forgotten by eager people, as it is then no longer "news" and some more recent event has taken its place as the center of peoples attention for a few brief hours. Consequently the newspaper article possesses none of the stability of other literary effort. Rarely is it kept for general reference except in the files of the newspaper office itself. It is read, makes more or less of an impression for a time, and is then superseded by the next issue and thrown aside. To make a permanent impression upon this particularly kaleidoscopic field of the world's work requires something more than mere talent; it requires absolute genius, and the fact that a publisher and editor can make a deep and lasting impression upon the public conscience, an imprint that influences public opinion and acts as a factor in determining the outcome of large issues, shows him to be possessed of that genius. Walter W. Sims, editor and proprietor of the Christopher Progress, is an example of the typical newspaper man who by inheritance and early training has developed such a talent. Born at Sioux City, Iowa, August 27, 1891, the son of W. W. Sims, a printer and publisher of wide experience, who came to Illinois in 1899 and entered the newspaper business at Anna, and later bought the Pinckneyville Advocate. At Pinckneyville our subject was "broke in" as city editor and acted in such capacity until 1913 when his father purchased the Christopher Progress and Walter was sent there as editor and manager. He held this position until 1915, then moved to Percy and edited the Percy Signal for a year, after which he returned to Christopher and again took up his work on the Progress until February, 1917, when he received a state appointment under Louis L. Emmerson, secretary of state, and was a resident of Springfield for about eighteen months. His early training had been too well developed to be contented long in other work, and in November, 1918, he resigned his state position and purchased the Christopher Progress from his father.

During the eighteen months that our subject has been in complete charge of the Christopher Progress it has developed wonderfully in patronage and prestige - 37% more business than under any previous management. The Christopher Progress is Republican when the great issues of the day are paramount, but depends upon an unbiased discussion of local events for its local prestige, and at all times gives its customers and subscribers a square deal. The subscription price of this up-to-date weekly paper is now $2.00 per year, which is the highest priced weekly newspaper in Southern Illinois, and is the pioneer of $2.00 weekly newspapers at this writing but many others are now contemplating this price.

Mr. Sims takes a very active part in all the municipal affairs and upbuilding of Christopher, being very active in the local Booster Club, and thoroughly believing in the future growth of his town.

Walter W. Sims was married to Miss Verna Haggard, of Pinckneyville, on August 30, 1913, daughter of Mrs. Louisa Haggard. Mr. and Mrs. Sims are the parents of two sons, Wayne, aged four, and Leonard, aged eight months, and one daughter who died in infancy. Mr. Sims is an active fraternal worker, being a member of the Masons. K. of P., L. O. O. M. and B. P. O. E.

THE Christopher State Bank was organized April II, 1912, to meet the needs of greater banking facilities for the rapidly growing City of Christopher. It was organized with a capital stock of $35,000.00. This capital has been continued although the present large resources of the Bank would warrant a much larger capital. The first officers were T. P. Harrison, president; C. S. Walker, vice-president; H. M. Rea, cashier.

On June 11,1913, Albert E. Pike, who had come to Christopher to build and organize the local electric light plant, after finishing this work decided that the town of Christopher had many opportunities and therefore invested in the stock of the Christopher State Bank and was elected president. Mr. Pike was born in Degognia, July 27, 1865. The Pike family were prosperous farmers of the locality, but like many farmer boys Mr. Pike believed that he would be successful in other lines of endeavor. He taught school for several years and was employed in St. Louis for a while, and then located in Ava where he established himself in the electrical business. He was also for several years director of the State Bank of that place and was one of the popular citizens of that City, - a civic leader and mayor. On October 30, 1901, he was married to Hattie M. Redifield of Campbell Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Pike are the parents of one child, Mary E., born May 6, 1907. He is a member of the Masons, Elks and Oddfellows.

Chas. L. Pike, the cashier, is a brother of Albert E. Pike and came to Christopher shortly after his brother and for a time was bookkeeper at the Zeigler Colliery Co. He was elected cashier of the Bank on June 11, 1915. Before coming to Christopher he had been cashier of the State Bank at Ava. He was married to Miss Eva Allais on November 21, 1915. They have one child, Charles Lewis. Chas. L. is also a Mason, Elk and Odd Fellow. The vice - president of the Bank is R. Teffertillar, a prominent contractor of Christopher, who was elected to this office on May 11, 1917.

The assistant cashier is Miss Lea Allais, former bookkeeper for six years, being elected to this office January 1, 1920. The directors other than the officers mentioned are T. P. Harrison, F. G. Rea, H. Edelman and H. McCarley.

The Globe Theatre At Christopher

DURING the year 1919 there were many changes made in southern Illinois in the way of establishing theatres of the better class. Several chains of theatres were established by companies who were financially able to give the public the very best attractions possible. Among the group of companies operating several theatres, which became immediately popular by their high class bookings, is Reid, Yemm & Hayes, who operate theatres at DuQuoin, Christopher, West Frankfort, Marion, Sesser and Zeigler. This company began operations with a theatre at DuQuoin, and entered the Franklin county field January 23, 1919 by the purchase of the new Globe theatre at

Christopher and the Opera H ouse at Sesser These theatres were new and modern in every respect and the company soon placed them in a class where the best attractions were secured and shown at popular prices.

The company's largest theatre is at West Frankfort, where they also have just finished remodeling the Rex theatre, which gives them two theatres in that city. The West Frankfort section will give a complete description and history of these theatres.

The Sesser theatre is under the management of Wm. Keigley, and is a credit to the community deserving the best patronage and co-operation of all who desire attractions that are dependable.

The Opera House At Sesser

The DuQuoin and Christopher theatres are under the management of members of the firm, T. A. Reid and T. E. Yemm, and are consequently conducted in the highest class possible. Messrs. Reid and Yemm by their ability as theatre operators and cooperative business methods have won for

The Zeigler theatre was purchased in September of this year (1920), and will be brought to the same high standard of excellency as the other theatres.

The Zeigler Theatre

THIS large industry is directly credited to the organization ability of Fred E. Lederer, the present manager, who came to Christopher from DuQuoin about eight years ago and engaged in the retail ice business. Deciding that Christopher was an ideal location for a large manufacturing industry he promoted the present business, which in 1917, was formed into a stock company of local and foreign capital.

The picture above is the interior of the machine room showing the modern ice making machinery. The plant has large storage facilities which makes it a very valuable industry for the City. The company is also manufacturers of "Perfection" ice cream, all kinds of soda water and ginger ale and are jobbers of all fountain supplies.

Mr. Lederer is directly responsible for the popularity of this firm. He is a man that begets and retains friendship and gives much of his time in civic and industrial work for the benefit of his community. He is at present alderman, and has served as City treasurer and is now secretary of the Christopher Booster Club. He takes an active interest in fraternal work, being a member of the Elks, Odd Fellows, Redmen and Modern Woodmen.

THE Ford automobile has been the origination of some very wonderful successes in the building of large and permanent business institutions demanding special mechanical and business qualifications. The motor industry brings to the front the best materials and quickly develops or breaks the aspirant for such honors. An example of successful aspirants for honors in the automobile industry is The Bacon Motor Company, owned by Dwight and Thomas Bacon, farmer boys who entered this business March 1, 1918, purchasing the Walker-Rea Motor Company. The firm was conducted under this name until September, 1919, when the name was changed to the Bacon Motor Company. Dwight and Thomas Bacon are the sons of J. P. Bacon, a prominent farmer living near Christopher. Dwight Bacon's picture and service record

The Bacon Motor Company are distributors of the Ford automobile and Fordson Tractors for Christopher, Zeiglerf Royalton, Mulkeytown, Coella, Bucknerf Valier and one-half of Rend City. They have a large stock of all Fordson parts and accessories, and have in their employ expert mechanics for service work on Ford cars and Fordson tractors.

The spirit of patriotism for home and county prevail at the Bacon Motor Company - the loyalty to Christopher and interest shown in public affairs by the proprietors of the Bacon Motor Company have created for them a reputation for progressiveness and public spiritedness. Automobile owners and tourists will find this company a reliable headquarters where every courtesy is shown.

THE popular meeting place for the citizens of Christopher is the Karr Drug Company. People have formed the habit of saying "Meet me at Karr's." The Karr Drug Company is a co-partnership of R. A. Karr of Herrin and F. Hindman of Christopher and it was established in February, 1911, by Mr. Hindman who had previously been employed by Mr. Karr at Herrin. Mr. Hindman was born in Benton, October 29th, 1889, and moved with his parents to Herrin at the age of twelve years and in 1 903 became an employee of Mr. Karr and continued in his employ for several years and then entered the University of Illinois, department of pharmacy at Chicago, graduating with the degree of P. G. in 1910. He opened the store at Christopher as above mentioned. He was married to Miss Delia Mulky, May 15th, 1915. He is an Elk and Mason. Mr. Hindman has made wonderful strides in his short business career, establishing the Hindman Drug Co. in Sesser in 1917, and also a store at Valier in 1918. He is the vice-president of the Stotlar-Hindman Motor Co., the Dodge distributors for several cities in Franklin county.

A "citizen from choice" is the way E. J. Jackson, a native of Baltic province, Russia, likes to describe his citizenship of the United States. He was born in Russia, May 22, 1887, and came to this country when about twenty-four years of age. His first business experience was that of traveling salesman with headquarters in St. Louis. In this capacity he was constantly on the lookout for a permanent location to establish a business for himself. He picked Sesser, establishing himself in that hustling town in 1 908. He is now the oldest business man in Sesser - others have either retired or moved to other locations, but Mr. Jackson is well satisfied and contented with his business, home and city.

Mr. Jackson was married July I, 1906, to Miss Rose Warshaw of St. Louis. Mrs. Jackson is an active assistant in the store and a real helpmate to her husband.

During the war period no citizen was more active in all activities for the soldiers than was Mr. Jackson - chairman of the United War Fund drive and a tireless worker in other charitable work.

He is treasurer of the Sesser Loan and Improvement Association and active in everything that tends to benefit the citizens or build his town.

Mr. Jackson is of the class of citizens of foreign birth that native Americans are proud of. He is ever active in all the affairs that mean a larger and better Sesser.

Geo. P Ba6Gott Of. Harris

THE above home building association, the youngest in Franklin county, has started on its career with every prospect of being one of the most successful. Officered as it is by representative business and professional men of this rapidly growing city, there is little doubt that the efforts of the association directed principally toward building of homes on the safe plan of reliable mutual associations will materially benefit the city of Zeigler.

The Zeigler Building and Loan Association was incorporated March, 1920. The officers are: Geo. P. Baggott, president; L. L. Jones, vice-president; D. T. Ashby, treasurer; O. F. Harris, secretary. The directors other than the officers are: Dr. I. A. Foster, Geo. W. Hubbard, M. A. Gurley, Max Kohlsdorf and Dr. R. L. Whiteside.

The capital stock is $500,000, and consists of shares of four classes - class "A" and "B" at 50c and $1.00 per share are for the home builders and a safe saving investment for the wage or salary earner; class "C" and "D" at $70 and $45 are paid-up shares and are considered the best kind of investment for those who have ready money for for investment purposes.

A special invitation is extended to borrowers, and the prospective home builders will receive every courtesy from any officer of the association - they are boosters for Zeigler and will gladly extend their cooperation and explain the easy method of owning a home in Zeigler.

Jame5 Black

THE City of Zeigler was first incorporated in 1914, and previous to that time the town was owned by the Zeigler Coal Company, which believed that it was better for the miners to own their own homes and

WILLIAM HOGAN, Mayor. A native of Scotland, where he worked in the mines before coming to this Country; a close student of the mining industry and has worked as mine manager of several mines; prominent in all miners' union affairs, serving on important committees and holding various offices in his locals; has been offered important positions with the operators but prefers to serve in capacities where he can work with the rank and file of the U. M. W. of A.; now assisting the State Mine Board; elected mayor, 1919.

W. H. BUCHANAN, Alderman. Came to Zeigler from Chicago three years ago where he was engaged in the real estate business; first employed on the Leiter farms as farm hand and tractor driver and was later transferred to engineering department; manager of the real estate department of the Zeigler Coal Co. and assistant general manager; now general manager. A veteran of the Philippine army of pacification attached to the cavalry.

ROBERT McCLAIN, Alderman. Bom in Mason, Mich.; lived in Ohio before coming to Illinois; Herrin nine years and then to Zeigler five years ago; serving his second term as alderman; a member of the Moose.

WALLIE ADAMS, Alderman. A native of Franklin county, born near Benton in 1886; moved from Plumbfield to Zeigler three years ago; serving his second term as alderman; a member of the Moose.

^ JAMES BLACK, Alderman. Came from Springfield and took up his residence in Zeigler when it was a mining camp; elected alderman when city was first incorporated and now serving his second term; a member of the U. M. W. of A.

BERT TURNER, City Clerk. Came to Zeigler from Springfield in 1913; injured in mine at Auburn and now a cripple; serving his third term as city clerk, elected first when city was incorporated.

WALTER BAYLESS, City Treasurer. Came to Zeigler from Wolf Creek fourteen years ago; serving his second term as treasurer - first term when city was incorporated; a member of the W. 0. W. and Odd Fellows.

The present administration has been a busy one and many improvements are the result of the efforts of the present city council - among the accomplishments are: 20 miles of sidewalks, establishment of a clean up day, laying out new streets and new additions, franchises granted for improved street lights and telephones, improved water and sewer system under advisement, co-operated in establishing high grade public school and township high school.

NO city of Franklin county has had a more wonderful growth than Zeigler. Until a few years ago it was considered a small mining camp owned by private interests with general conditions not conducive to a growth as a city where conditions would readily develop a city instead of a mining camp. The story, and it is an interesting story, of the growth of Zeigler is told in the review of the Zeigler Coal Company, on another page in this section of this history.

The City of Zeigler was incorporated in 1914, but the boom that started Zeigler growing into one of the most prosperous cities of the county, did not start until 1917, when the Zeigler Coal Company began the sale of its houses and real estate. At that time the population was 1 500 - the population at the present time is over 3500 and growing more rapidly than any other city in southern Illinois.

The city is located in the very heart of the southern Illinois coal field, and has soft coal mining properties that rank with the most important mining industries of the nation. The first mine was sunk nineteen years ago with an estimated capacity of 4000 tons daily. At present this old mine gives employment to more than a thousand people and the mine is averaging 5000 tons for every eight hour shift. This is twentyfive per cent more than a few years ago it was thought possible to hoist. A new mine, now being developed, known as No. 2, will employ more than a thousand additional employees - with the surface buildings not fully completed more than two hundred and fifty are now employed. Work will start on a third mine in the near future. The present payroll is over $110,000 every two weeks.