Jersey County, Illinois - Chapter 19: Quarry Township, 1885

Chapter 19: Quarry Township

This civil sub-division of Jersey county embraces congressional fractional T. 6 n., R, 12 and 13 w., and is bounded on the north by Rosedale and Otter Creek townships, on the east by Elsah, and on the south and west by the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. This township is perhaps most worthy of notice on account of the outcropping of the Niagara group of the Lower Silurian limestone, which is quarried so extensively here, and which gives to the township its name of Quarry. There is some good farm land in the township, but the surface of the country is generally so rugged and uneven that a large part of it must remain untried by the hand and implements of the agriculturist. The town of Grafton, in the south part of the township, which stretches along the north bank of the Mississippi river, near the mouth of the Illinois, affords an excellent trading place, as well as postoffice facilities to the citizens of the township. There are several small streams running through the township, flowing into the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. Long lake and Deep lake project into this township from Rosedale, on Sec. 5, R. 13. Gilbert lake lies right

Many interesting historical items have their origin in this township, which are duly noticed further on in this chapter, or in their proper place in the general chapters.

George Finney located near the Illinois river, in the south part of what is now Quarry township, in 1819. He had been a soldier in the regular army, and after his discharge, in St. Louis, came up. and made the settlement mentioned. In the latter part of the year 1826, he entered land on Sec. 15, T. 6, R. 13, and on Sec. 8, T. 6, R. 12.

Sanford Hughes also located in what is now Quarry township, in 1819. He had been a companion-in-arms of Geo. Finney, and on their discharge, at St. Louis, had come up, and located on the Illinois river bottom land.

David Gilbert and John Stafford were also settlers of 1819, locating, with their former comrades of the regular service, Finney and Hughes, on the bottom land of the Illinois river, in what is now Quarry township.

A man named Babcock settled in the southeastern corner of what is now Quarry township, about 1819. He had been a soldier in the war of 1812. Babb's Hollow took its name from him. Babcock died at this place.

A man named Copeland also came up with the four mentioned, and settled in the south part of Quarry township. He had also been a soldier in the United States service.

in Jackson county, Ga., in 1808. He came to Illinois in 1822, locating four miles southwest of ( larrollton, in Greene county. Seven years later he moved to Quarry township, Jersey county, living here until 1831, when he returned to Greene county, and remained two years, then moved back to Quarry township, and after two years (in 1835) again returned to Greene county. In 1836 he came back to Jersey county, where he has since resided. He first settled on a farm in Quarry township, but remained there only a short time, moving to Grafton the same year. He lived at Grafton about six years, during which time he held the offices of constable, collector and deputy sheriff. In 1842 he moved to section 36 of Otter Creek township, where he lived until 1848. In the fall of that year he returned to Grafton, and was there partner in a general mercantile business, one year. Then he removed to a farm two miles northeast of Grafton, which was his home until 1852. In that year he moved to section 1, Quarry township, remaining here two years, then again returned to Grafton, but soon after returned to his farm on section 1, where he now resides. He was married in Aug., 1831, to Irene West, born in Kentucky in 1817. They have had 13 children born to them, nine of whom are now living. Mr. Slaten was for many years a prominent and leading citizen ofthis county, and is now held in much esteem.

Other Prominent People

A. N. Thoromanisa son of James and Sophia Thoroman, and was born in Ohio, in 1848. When a child of four years he was brought to Jersey county by Thomas Wedding, who settled at Rosedale. He remained with Mr. Wedding until 24 years of age, working upon a farm. In 1868 he was married to Harriet Richardson, a native of this county. She died in 1869. Jan. 25, 1873, he was married to Laura F. Brown, daughter of William S. and Amanda Brown. They have four children - Alpheus \\\, born May 12, 1874; Ollie, born March 1, 1875; Ruth A., born Feb. 24, 1879; Mamie, born J.uly 29, 1882, and died Oct. 6, 1883; and Spalding M., born April 24, 1885. Mamie is buried in Hartford cemetery. Mr. Thoroman owns 40 acres of land, and carries on general farming. He is a member of the Christian church, and his wife of the Methodist Episcopal church.

Seth Burris, an enterprising farmer of Jersey county, came here in 1856, and settled on Coon creek, where he lived four years. He then removed to his present location, on section 2, Quarry township. He owns a valuable and well improved farm, comprising 120 acres, 55 of which is improved, and 65 woodland. Seth Burris was born in the state of Kentucky in 1827, and is a son of Job and Sarah (Hendricks) Burris, both of whom died in Madison county, 111. He was married, Oct. 24, 1850, to Rhoda

Whitlock, a native of Jersey county. Five of their children are living - Benjamin, who lives in Kansas; John, in Minnesota; Margaret E., wife of Henry A. Kruger, of York, Neb.; Henry Grantus, married, and living at York, Neb.; and Charles Perry, livingat home. Mrs. Burris died in in 1S77, and mi the 16th of October, 1878, Mr. Burris was married to Sarah Jane Keyser, a native of Kentucky. Mr. Burris opposes the manufacture and sale of liquors, oleomargarine, butterine, glucose, and all such articles, and always votes against such when the opportunity offers.

Spalding E. Brown came to Jersey county when cpuite young, accompanying his parents, William S. and Amanda (Durandj Brown. They settled at Grafton. Spalding E. Brown was born in DuPage county, 111., in 1849. He received a good education, attending the district schools of Grafton, and later a select school taught by Prof. Atchison, of Chicago, under whose tuition he continued six months. lie afterwards attended another select school at Fidelity, fully preparing himself for the important work of teaching, which he began at Deer Plain, Calhoun county, 111., teaching there two terms of six months each. Since then lie has taught one term at Union school; the same at Snow school house, during which the building was destroyed by fire, in the middle of the six months term; one term at Teneriffe school; the same at Rosedale, Farmer's school house, German school house, Washington and Pleasant Cove schools. He has, most of the time, followed teaching during the winter and farming in the summer seasons. He was married Feb. 1, 1873, to Anna M. Journey, - daughter of Samuel Journey, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of one child - Carrie E. Mr. Brown has served as road supervisor one term. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, also of the Masonic fraternity. He is the owner of a farm of 90 acres, located in Quarry township. His parents now reside in Fieldon, Rosedale township, in this county.

Samuel P. Dinsmoor, a prominent aad leading farmer of Quarry township, is of Scotch, English and French extraction. He is the seventh from John Dinsmoor, who went from Scotland to Ireland, and settled in the county of Antrim, and the sixth from John, who came to America in 1720, and settled in what is now Windham, N. H. He is the eighth from George Little, who came from England in 1840, and settled in Newbury, Mass. His father's mother was a Little. His mother's father's father was a Frenchman, and lived in Canada. His mother's mother was a Cleveland, and he is the ninth generation from Moses Cleveland, the emigrant, and sixth cousin to President Grover Cleveland. He has the genealogies of the Dinsmoor, Little and Cleveland families. His father, William A. Dinsmoor, was born in Chester, New Hampshire, Oct. 3, 1814, and married to Laodicea Tubbs. The latter is now livingin Coolville, Ohio. William A. Dinsliiiini died in that state Sept. 6, 1884. The subject of this sketch was born in Athens county, Ohio, March 8, 1843, and reared upon a farm near Coolville, where he attended school. When the civil war broke out, he enlisted in the HGth Ohio Vol. Inf., and served three years, participating in 18 battles, among which were: Moorefield, Jan. 3, 1863; Winchester, June 12, 13 and 14, 1863; Piedmont, June 5, 1864; Lynchburg, June

19, 1864; Hatch's Run, March 31, 1865; Ft. Gregg, April 2, 1865; Farmville, April 6and7, 1865; and surrender of Lee at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865. He returned from the army to his home in Ohio, where he remained, engaged in farming, one year, then came to Illinois in the fall of 1866, and spent three months in Bond county, after which he became a resident of this county, where he has since lived. He first settled at Rosedale, and during the winter of 1869 and 1870, taught school at the Williams' school house. He continued teaching five terms. Aug. 24, 1870, he was married to Mrs. Frances (Barlow) Journey, widow of Samuel Journey, and daughter of Martin B. Barlow, of Kentucky. By this union there are five children - Charles A., James F., Samuel A., Thomas B., and Laura E. Mrs. Dinsmoor had four children by her former marriage, three of whom are living - William H. Journey, Alice M. Journey, Addie L. Journey, who died in April, 1881, and Carrie M. Journey. Mr. Dinsmoor owns 341 acres of land, 150 of which is bottom land. His business is general farming. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and has been school trustee six years. Previous to the death of Mr. Dinsmoor's father, in 1884, a death had not occurred in the family for 38 years, the last one being that of his eldest brother, in 1846. Mr. Dinsmoor is a gentleman of superior intelligence, and an honored citizen.

Enoch W. Wallace, of Quarry township, is a veteran of two wars, having served in the war with Mexico, in 1S46, as a member of the 3d U. S. Dragoons, continuing in the service until the close of the war, and in 1861, enlisted in Co. D, of the 61st 111. Inf., and served three years and three months, in the war of the Rebellion. He enlisted as orderly sergeant, serving in that capacity till Sept. 3, 1862, when he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant. He resigned his commission in February, 1865, and during the last month of his service acted as captain of Co. A, of the same regiment. He participated in engagements at Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Vicksburg, Little Rock, Franklin, Nashville, and other points, and was a gallant soldier, never shrinking from duty and always at his post. Mr. Wallace was born in Davis county, Ind., in the year 1830. He is a son of Coleman C. and Sarah (Chapman) Wallace, the former a native of Indiana, who died in that State; the latter is still living there. Enoch was brought up on a farm and remained with his parents in Indiana until the date of his enlistment in the Mexican war. At the close of the war he came to Jersey county, arriving at Andrews' Landing, threefourths of a mile above the mouth of the Illinois river. He settled at that time near Otterville, where he lived one year, then moved to Graham Hollow, and remained until the spring of 1852. He then purchased a farm three miles north of Grafton, on which he resided a short time, removing from thence to Otter Creek. In 1855 he removed to Christian county, and in 1857 returned to this county and located near Grafton, and has since that time been a resident of this vicinity. He was married in Feb. 1849, to Julia A. Bray, daughter of Isaac Bray, of Quarry township. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are the parents of nine children - Eli M., living on a farm near Grafton; Elijah S., in Grafton; William T., engaged in farming in this township; Rosa S., wife of Rupert. Claridge, editor of the Stockman, at San Antonio, Tex.; Alford J., living in Grafton; Alice J., wife of William Holbrook, of Macoupin county; Enoch \\\, Perry A., and I. Newton, living at home with their parents. Mr. Wallace owns a good farm of 80 acres, and is a member of the G. A. R.

William Williams (deceased), an early settler and wealthy farmer of Quarry township, was born in Scioto county, Ohio, and was a son of Robert Williams. He came to Jersey county in 1835 and settled at Camden, where he lived three years and then removed to a farm eight miles west of that place. He resided here until his death, which occurred in 1868. He was the owner of 1,000 acres of land. He was married in 1836 to Sidney Darnell, who was born in Kentucky. Three of their children are now living - Nelson, William and Elvira, wife of Martin Fox, of Grafton. Nelson Williams, eldest son of William and Sidney (Darnell) Williams, was born in Jersey county in 1810. He was brought up and educated in this county. In 1862 he was married to Adaline Stafford, daughter of John Stafford, of this county. They are the parents of five children - Lula May, Ollie Bird, Ivy Myrtle, Grace V., and Elva L. In 1878 Mr. Williams went to Pawnee county, Kan., and settled on a homestead which he improved and lived upon one year. He returned to Jersey county in the fall of 1SS1 and rented the farm of Thomas Thompson, seven miles west of Grafton, where he now resides. Mr. Williams -was in the army three years during the war of the Rebellion, enlisting in 1862 in the 97th 111. Inf. He participated in the battles of Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Champion Hills, siege of Blakeley, Chickasaw Bluff, Black River Bridge and siege of Jackson.

J. N. Noble, son of George and Sarah I Swan ) Noble, was born in Quarry township in 1849. His childhood and youth were spent on the farm where he now lives. In 1869 he went to California and remained 14 months, during which time he was engaged in farming. In 1872 he was married to Ida Ellis, a native of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Noble have three children - George E., Clarence, and Ida May. Mr. Noble owns 63 acres of land and carries on general farming. He is a member of the I. O. 0. F. His father, George Noble, died in Quarry township in 1856, and is buried near Otterville. His mother, Sarah Noble, died in 1862, and is buried at the same place.

Antoine DeFossa is a native of Canada, and a son of Spray and Rojenia DeFossa, both natives of Canada. He was born in the year 1832, and in his youth worked upon a farm. At the age of 20 years he went to Monticello, Canada, to learn the baker's trade, at which he worked three years. He then went to St. Paul, Minn., where he spent 18 months, then engaged as cook on board a steamboat, following that occupation three months, after which he came to Jersey county. Here he worked at chopping wood and various employments until 1861, when he moved to Grafton, where he worked by the day about 15 years. He then moved to the farm of Henry Eastman, on which he still lives. He was married in 1858 to Eliza Jane Vanantrop, who was born in Tennessee. They have three children - Josephine, Catherine and Charles. Mr. DeFossa is at present serving as school director. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, also of the I. 0. O. F., and as a citizen is highly esteemed. Charles M. Chase owns and resides upon a farm of 200 acres, located on section 12, Quarry township, where he settled in 1871. He was born in Meigs county, O., in 1828, and is a son of Charles C. and Mary P. (Holt) Chase; the former a native of Maine, and the latter of Canada. Charles M. lived upon a farm with his parents until 1851. In that year he went to California and remained one year, engaged in a sawmill, then returned east to Ohio, where he lived one year. He next went to Iowa, and two years later to Kansas. He remained there one year, after which he went to Catlettsburg, Ky., there engaging in the drug business, continuing the same three years; then removed to Clark county, 111., in the spring of 1862, and there followed farming until 1871. Mr. Chase was married in 1859, to Melinda McKee, a native of Lyons county, 0. They have one child - Frank M., who now lives with his parents. Mr. Chase is a member of Masonic order. Charles C. Chase, father of the subject of this sketch, died in Rutland, 0., in 1857. His widow, Mrs. Mary (Holt) Chase, survived until 1882, when she died at the same place.

Daniel Davis is a son of John and Elizabeth (Green) Davis, and was born Jan. 8, 1815, in Kentucky. His parents died in Ohio; his mother, in 1820, and his father in 1835. Daniel was brought up on a farm, and, in his youth, went to Cincinnati, where he learned the carpenter's trade, and resided 25 years. He then removed to Lewis county, Ky., and, a few years later, to Henderson county, of the same state. He remained 12 years in the latter county, after which he went to Quincy, 111., and two years later, came to Jersey county, and settled at Grafton, where he now lives. He is engaged in skiff-building and fishing. He ships to St. Louis, annually, about $800 worth of fish. Mr. Davis was married in 1838, to Sarah Jane Garrett, a native of Ohio. They are the parents of four children - Franklin B., now living in Arkansas; Thomas J., in Little Rock, Ark.; Mary E., wife ot Benjamin Suttlis, of Grafton; and Missouri Anna, wife of Sidney Noble, of Quarry township. Mrs. Davis is a member of the M. E. church.

John Hart, deceased, was a native of Pulaski county, Ky., and a son of Berry and Nancy (Blankinship) Hart, both of whom were natives of Kentu jky. John was reared in that state, and in 1855 went to Iowa, where he remained a few months. In June of the same year he came to Jersey county and settled on Sec. 33, Otter Creek township. He removed to Quarry township, where he resided until his decease. He was married in 1852 to Lucinda Berry, who was born in Lincoln county, Ky. Nine children were born to them, seven of whom are still living - John M., of Jersey county; Lucy, wife of Frank Miller, now livingin Kansas; James H., Thomas A., Ernest B., George M ., and Mollie L. Those deceased were Margaret C.,wife of Henry Noble, of this county, and Lillie, who died in 1867. On the 15th of March, 1883, Mr. Hart and one of his sons, while returning from Jerseyville to their home in this township, had their carriage upset in driving around a corner. Mr. Hart was thrown out and received internal injuries, which proved to be the cause of his death on June 29 of the same year. He was a man universally beloved and was well deserving of the high esteem in which he was held throughout the entire community. His loss fell heavily, not only upon his family, but also upon all with whom he had business or social relations. He was a loving and indulgent husband and father, a kind neighbor and a Christian gentleman. His remains were laid to rest in the family cemetery, lie began life in humble circumstances, and died possessed of a comfortable fortune, leaving his family provided for.

Oliver Dare is a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1832, being a son of James and Rebecca (Richey) Dare, natives of Pennsylvania. He came to this state in 1867 and settled in Calhoun county, and five years later became a resident of this county, which has since been his home. When hi' was but two years old he was taken by his parents to the state of New Jersey, where the}' lived 22 years. He was married in 1850 to Rebecca Hartman, of New Jersey. His father died in Calhoun county in 1871. His mother died in New Jersey in IS is.

and Sarah (Swan) Noble. George Noble was born in Mississippi in the year 1800. His wife was born at Fort Columbus, 111., in 1811. The subject of this sketch is a native of Quarry township, born in November, 1838. His early life was spent upon a farm in his native township. In 1860 he went to California, and there remained, engaged in mining, seven and a half years. While there he was quite successful, and succeeded in accumulating a competency. He returned to Quarry township in 1867, and settled upon the farm where he now lives, which contains 100 acres of well improved land, located on section 1. Mr. Noble was married in March, 1870, to Mary McDow, a native of Jersey county, and daughter of William Mc- Dow, of Otter Creek township. They have one child - Inez. Mr. Noble holds the office of commissioner of highways of Quarry township.

Grafton is located in the southern part of the county, in Quarry township, on the Mississippi river. The first settlement was made by James Mason, in 1832, who built four split-log cabins and afterward named the town in honor of his native place. Charles Chapman also erected a cabin during _ that year. Shortly afterward Paris Mason put up a frame structure, which he occupied as a general store, the first in the settlement. This building has since been remodeled and forms a part of W. H. Allen's residence. Abijah Whiting, John Keys and Brook Stafford were also among the first settlers.

The town was surveyed April 15, 1836, and at that time displayed unusual signs of prosperity and it was fully believed that a large and prosperous city would be built. The town was laid out by Paris and Sarah Mason, administrators of the estate of James Mason. The first sale of lots occurred in 1836, and were disposed of at from $50 to $100. The second sale took place in 1837. This was at a time when speculation was running wild throughout the state; new towns were being laid out by the score and every speculator saw a fortune within his grasp. Grafton shared in the excitement, and lots rose to fabulous figures - the auctioneer easily disposing of them at sums ranging in amount from $400 to $1,500. Lots back of the town on the bluffs, on land now of little value, changed hands at good, round figures; and below the town the Chicago addition was projected on the bluffs, covering a site which has since been almost as destitute of streets and buildings as it was the day Marquette sailed down the Mississippi on his first voyage of discovery. The crash of 1837 came; banks broke, speculators failed, and lots fell rapidly to prices inconsiderable in comparison with their former valuation. The first houses were built in what is still the business portion of the town, the 16th (the school) section at that period not being open for settlement. On the 16th section being thrown into the market, the town extended farther in that direction, and now its length along the river is more than two miles.

The second store in the place was erected soon after that of Paris Mason. John Keys was the proprietor, and he carried on the general merchandise trade, also dealing in grain and pork.

Present Business

Carl Albert engaged in the sale of general merchandise Sept. 1, 1884, in Upper Grafton. The building is constructed of brick, 25x50 feet in dimensions, two stories high.

Carl Albert, merchant at Grafton, was born in Germany in 1848. He grew to manhood in his native country, where he received a liberal education, graduating from Hamburg College in 1867. He then went into the army, from which he was discharged on account of disability. In 1882 he came to America and settled, then, at Grafton, Jersey county, 111. Here he was engaged as teacher of the German language two years; then, in 1884, opened a store of general merchandise, which he still carries on, and is doing a thriving business. Mr. Albeit was married June 5, 1883, to Rosa Freiman, who was born in Grafton. They have one child - Barbara, born Dec. 12, 1883. Mr. Albert's father, Andreas Albert, was born in Germany, and now resides here, with him. His mother, Mrs. Laura Albert, also a native of Germany, died at Hamburg, in that country, in 1871.

H. E. Brinton was established by M. Grady & Co. in 1869, who were succeeded by W. S. Brinton & Co. in 1*74. In the early part of 1885 it was transferred to H. E. Brinton.

C. P. Stafford has been engaged in the sale of general merchandise since 1883. The store room in which he does business is 50x70 feet in size, constructed of brick, and two stories high.

Christopher P. Stafford, a leading merchant of Grafton and a prominent citizen of Jersey county, is a son of Brook and Mary A. (Hilliard) Stafford. He was born in the city of Philadelphia in 1831, and removed with his parents to this county in 1836. Here he received his education, and in his youth learned the harness-maker's trade, which he followed 12 years. He then engaged in merchandising, and has continued in that business since. He was married in 1850 to Charlotte Roe, a native of Ireland. Three children were born to them - Alice, deceased wife of Lewis Slaten, of Grafton; George, who died in infancy; and Bell, who is now a teacher in the graded school at Grafton. Mrs. Stafford died in April, 1858. Feb. 29, 1860, Mr. Stafford was married to Angeline Amburg, a native of this county. By this marriage there were seven children - Delia, now assistant postmistress at Grafton; Christopher P., who is now in Texas, engaged in the office of the Texas Stuck Journal; John ML, in the store with his father; James II., Fred Smith and Harry E. Sadie died in infancy. .Mr. Stafford served as justice of the peace 24 years, beginning in 1853. In 1881 he was elected a member of the county board, which office he has held continuously since that time. He is at

Dr. J. Tidball is engaged in the sale of drugs, paints, oils, etc., which he established in 1.881. He has also been practicing medicine since 1876.

The drug and book store, managed by W. R. Hewitt, on lower Main street, w;is established by Dr. Harriott in 1870. He was succeeded by C. W. Lund in 1875, who ran it until his death in the fall of 1878, since which time it has been owned and operated by Mrs. M. E. Lund. The building is 25x40 feet in size, and is constructed of stone.

Charles Walker Lund, (deceased,) wos born in Barry, Pike county, 111., Oct. 22, 1841. His parents were William and Elizabeth Lund. Charles W. Lund came to Jersey county in April, 1S7.">, and settled in Grafton, where he engaged in the drug business, continuing the same until his death, which occurred Nov. 6, 1878. He was married Oct. '27, 1863, to Mary Ellen Hewitt, a native of England. They had five children, three of whom are living - Mary Elizabeth, wife of H. E. Budicell, of Rush Centre, Kan., Anna Viola and George Curtis. Those deceased are - Joseph II., who died June 15, 1874, and Alma May, who died Aug. 13, 1877. Mr. Lund was a member of the I. O. O. F.. and is buried in the Odd Fellows' cemetery ;it Grafton.

William R. Hewitt was born in the city of Alton in 1857. His parents, Joseph and Hannah (Read) Hewitt, were natives of England, who came to America in 1849 and settled at Alton. William R. received a good education, attending the graded schools of Alton, and later Shurtleff College, at Upper Alton, taking a commercial course. In 1877 he came to Grafton and entered the drug store of his brother-in-law, C. W. Lund, who died in 1878. Since that time Mr. Hewitt has carried on the business, and is now enjoying a thriving trade. As a business man he is popular and successful. He has been a member of the town board one year, and served as township clerk two years. He belongs to the I. 0. O. F.

Among the leading firms of Grafton is that of Allen & Rippley, dealers in hardware, stoves and furniture. The members of the firm are W. H. Allen, Jr., and Frank Rippley. They are doing a fine business in these lines, and carry a stock of tinware, cutlery, guns, pistols, ammunition, fishing tackle, pictures, frames in addition, and do the principal business in tin roofing. The business was established Aug. 1, 1881. Their building is 23x70 feet, two stories high, and is constructed of stone.

Frank Rippley, of the firm of Allen & Rippley, is the son of George and Helen (Sume) Rippley, natives of Baden, Germany. Frank Rippley was born in Booneville, Mo., Dec. 15, 1857. He went to -St. Louis Sept. 15, 1873, and learned the tinner's trade. He came to Grafton, 111., Oct. 3, 1876, and worked for Brook Stafford at the tinner's trade until Feb. 4, 1878, when he bought the stove and tin business of B. Stafford, and continued the business for himself. Aug. 1, 1881, William H. Allen, Jr., bought an interest in the business, and became a partner. They then moved in a large building, and opened a general store, consisting of hardware, stoves, tinware, furniture and house furnishing goods of all kinds, and have continued the business up to the present time. They keep a full stock of goods on hand always, and bear the reputation of being one of the best and most accommodating firms in Jersey county.

Bank Of Grafton

This monetary institution was established in October, 1869, by W. 11. Allen and E. A. Pinero, and was operated by them as a private concern until 1878, when W. H. Allen succeeded the above named firm. On the 5th of July, 1883, the present management assumed control. The directors are W. H. Allen, C. P. Stafford and E. Meysenburg.

Ernst Meysenburg, cashier of the Grafton bank, was born in Rhine province, Prussia, and is a son of F. W . and Johannah (Schniitz) Meysenburg; tin' latter died in Germany, in 1853, and the former came to America in 1857, and settled in St. Louis, where he died 10 years later. The subject of this sketch came to America in 1855, accompanying his uncle, Theodore Kim in, who had been a dry goods merchant in St. Louis, until 1849; the latter had come to America in 1835. In 1855 he returned to Europe for a visit, and on coming back to St. Louis, brought with him, Ernst, who was then a lad of 13 years. His uncle had settled on a farm, afterwards laid out by him and called Kimmswick, a station 20 miles below St. Louis, on the Iron Mountain railroad. There Ernst remained two years on a farm. He then went to St. Louis, and engaged as clerk in a wholesale house. The firm by whom he was employed failed in 1858, and he returned to Kimmswick, ami went to work for his uncle, opening a store of general merchandise. In the fall of 1859, he went to St. Louis, and entered the employ of J*>seph Gray, a retail hatter, with whom he continued until the fall of 1860. At that date he went to Sulphur Springs, as agent for the Iron Mountain railroad company, and the Pilot Knob iron company. A few months later he enlisted as private in Co. E, 2d Mo. Cav., and served until 1865, the latter two years as 1st sergeant. He then went to work in a wholesale hat establishment in St. Louis, continuing there two years, after which he formed a partnership with Henry Eastman, and engaged in general merchandising at Grafton, Jersey county, 111. This partnership continued four years, when B. J. Smith took the place of Mr. Eastman, the firm becoming Meysenburg A Smith. In 1876, C. P. Stafford became a partner in the firm, which remained unchanged until 1879, then Mr. Smith retired, the firm becoming Meysenburg & Stafford. In August, 1883, Mr. Meysenburg disposed of his mercantile interests, to assume the position which he now occupies, as cashier of the bank. He was married in Grafton, Oct. 7, 1869, to Mary H. Fichner, daughter of of James Fichner, of Grafton. She was born at Wheeling, Va. They are the parents of four children - Fannie, Nannie, Edith and Clara. Mr. Meysenburg has served two years upon the board of supervisors, and has been school trustee, and president of the town board, two terms. He is the owner of a comfortable residence in Grafton, and is interested in the Grafton bank and

The Valley House was established in 1871 by W. S. Dempsey. At that time the building* was a two-story frame structure, 30x40 feet in size. In 1873 the building was torn down and rebuilt. It is now a two-story frame, 50x75 feet in dimensions, and contains about 20 sleeping rooms. It is a well kept house and is situated on Main street, in the business part of the town.

William S. Dempsey, of Grafton, was born in the northern part of Ireland, in 1844, and is a son of Hugh and Sarah (Agnew) Dempsey, natives of Ireland. In 1846 William immigrated with his parents to America, and settled in Eastern Pennsylvania, and in 1852 removed to the city of Philadelphia. There they remained two years, then came to Jersey county and located at Grafton, where William S. has resided the greater part of the time since. In 1868 he opened a saloon, and in 1871 built the Valley House and began keeping hotel, which he still continues. In 1864 he drove an ox team across the plains to Virginia City, Nevada. In the fall of the same year he drove the first team ever driven down Prickly Pear Valley, and camped in "Last Chance" gulch, where Helena is now located. His brother, James A. Dempsey, was at that time employed by the government as interpreter on the Snake River Indian reservation. James A. Dempsey was massacred by the Indians in Idaho, in June, 1874. William remained in Montana three years, then returned home, via the Missouri river, with a party of 52 men, on board the Mackinaw, arriving at

(1 rafton in the fall of 1867. Mr. Dempsey was married in 1871, to Jane Brower, daughter of William and Lucy Brower, of Ulster county, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Dempsey have three children - W. H., Gideon, and Christina. His father, Hugh Dempsey, died in 1855, and was buried in St. Patrick's cemetery in Philadelphia. His remains were in 1874, removed to the Catholic cemetery at Jerseyville. Mrs. Sarah Dempsey died in 1872, and was buried in Jerseyville.

The Ruebel Hotel is a fine three-story brick structure, with stone foundation, 76x71 feet in ground area, and is operated by its founder, Michael Ruebel. It contains 32 rooms, in addition to the parlor, office, billiard, store and dining rooms, the latter being 28x38 feet in dimensions. There is also a kitchen 20x20 feet in size. The structure was commenced during the winter of 1884, and when completed will cost about $7,000, being the finest and largest hotel in Jersey county. A fine view of the Mississippi river is had from two verandas, parlor and several sleeping apartments. The hotel is convenient to business, newly furnished, and is also to be supplied with fire escapes upon completion. It is well kept by Mr. Ruebel, who provides abundantly for the comfort and convenience of his guests.

Michael Ruebel, son of Peter and Barbara (Hoffman) Ruebel, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, born in the year 1834. When 16 years old he came to America and settled at Green point, Long Island, where he remained 18 months; then went to Zanesville, O., and, eight months later, to St. Louis, Mo. He resided in St. Louis till the spring of 1863, at which time he came to Grafton. Here he worked three years at the cooper's trade, then engaged in keeping saloon. In 1879 he began keeping a hotel, which he still continues. In 1S55 he was united in marriage with Margaret Maurer, daughter of Leonard Maurer, of St. Louis. Eight children have been born to them, five of whom are living - Michael, George, Charles, Louisa, and Sherman. Christian died at the age of six years, and two died in infancy. Mr. Ruebel served four months in the army, during the war of the Rebellion. He is a republican in politics, and has been school trustee three terms. He owns 20 acres of land, and hotel property, a saloon, residence and two lots in Grafton. Mr. Ruebcl's parents are deceased, his mother having died in Germany, in 1856, and his father, in Ohio, in 1867.

The Grafton House is operated by Martin Flanigan, who commenced business in 1869. The house at that time was a two-story frame, 12x24 feet in size. In 1872 he remodeled the building and enlarged it to 24x38 feet, and as his business demanded larger accommodations still, he accordingly built an addition in 1883, 26x38 feet in dimensions. At present the house contains 22 sleeping apartments. Mr. Flanigan also operates a livery and feed stable in connection with the hotel.

Martin Flanigan, proprietor of a hotel and saloon at Grafton, was born in county Limerick, Ireland, in 1841, and is a son of James and Jane (Kane) Flanigan, both natives of Ireland. At or about the age of 20 years, Martin came to America and settled in Washington, D. C, where he remained till the spring of 1866. He then removed to St. Louis and remained in that city until 1869, at which time he came to Grafton, and engaged in his present business. Mr. Flanigan was married in 1862 to Mary C. Eight children have been born to them, five of whom are living - Jane, wife of Mr. Fitzgibbons, of Grafton; John. Mary A., Margaret T., and Martin J. Those deceased were - Catherine, Catherine Helen, and Johanna. They are buried in the Catholic cemetery. Mr. Flanigan owns his business property and a residence in the town of Grafton, and is in prosperous circumstances. He and his wife are members of the Catholic church. His mother, Mrs. Jane Flanigan, died in Ireland in 1863. His father, James Flanigan, died in the city of Philadelphia in 1883.

John A. McClintock, jeweler at Grafton, came to this town and established his present business in 1874. He was born in St Clair county, 111., in 1845, and is a son of James McClintock, a native of Bourbon county, Ky. His mother was formerly a Miss Glass, of St. Clair county, 111. John resided in bis native county until 1851, then with his parents removed to Hancock county, of the same state. In 1863 he went to Quincy, 111., and there learned the jeweler's trade with E. B. Tobin. Mr. McClintock thoroughly understands his business, and has a thriving trade. In April, 1882, he established the News and still owns the office, although it is under the editorial control of C. P. Edeall.

R. R. Nugent came to Graft on from Williamstown, West Virginia, in the spring of 1865, since which time he has been a resident here. He was born in ( >hio, in 1833. and is a son of David and Margaret J. (Eccles) Nugent, both natives of Pennsylvania. He resided in ( Ihio until he was '28 years of age, there learning the cooper's trade. He then went to Williamstown, Va., where he remained until the date at which he came to Grafton, and engaged there at his trade. Since coining here he has followed the same occupation principally. He was married Dec. 6, 1863, in Williamstown, to Mary C. West, a native of West Virginia. She died Dec. 6, 1864, just one year from the date of her marriage. Nov. 27, 1881, Mr. Nugent was married to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Grubb, widow of George Grubb, of Otterville, 111. There is one child by this marriage - Leslie Milton. Mr. Nugent is a member of the Christian church, and his wife of the M. E. church. His mother, Mrs. Margaret J. Nugent, died in Grafton, Oct 6, 1865, and was buried in the old cemetery. His father, David Nugent, is living, and resides with him at Grafton.

Andrew Young, the barber, of Grafton, was born in Prussia. Pel). 10, 1847, and is the youngest of the five sons of Anthony Young. The latter was born in Prussia, Jan. 1, 1812. In 1852, Andrew came with his parents to America, landed at New Orleans, thence went to Pomeroy, Ohio, where he remained until 1867. He then went to Cincinnati, having acquired the tonsorial art while living at Pomeroy. He followed that business until January, 1865, when he enlisted in the 187th Ohio Vol. Inf. He served three months, participating in the skirmish of Resacca. He was mustered out at Macon, Ga., in Dec, 1865, and returned to Cincinnati, where he followed his former occupation until 1870. At that time he engaged as barber on board the steamer "Northwestern." He was employed in that capacity until the fall of the same year, when he came to Grafton, Jersey county, 111., where he has since resided. Mr. Young was married to Jane Redd, Feb. 17, 1874. She was born in 1854, and died Feb. 7, 1882. Mr. Young is a member of the I. 0. 0. F. lodge, No. 449, of Grafton, and, politically, is a republican.

The postoffice at Grafton was established in 1834, and Paris Mason was commissioned postmaster, who held that position until his death, in 1851. The succession of postmasters since Mr. Mason are as follows: W. H. Allen, E. Brinton, S. Farrington and G. M. Slaten. the present incumbent, who was appointed in Jan., 1883. It was made a money order office in July, 1883. Mail is received daily from Jerseyville by stage. There is also mail three times a week each way by rail.

George Newton Slaten, one of the business men of Grafton, is a son of John W. and Ann (Piggott) Slaten. John W. Slaten was born in Georgia, and his wife, Ann, in Missouri. George N. was born in Jersey county, Oct. 6, 1844, and remained with his parents until 21 years of age. He received a good education, attending the district schools, and, later, Lebanon College. In 1871 lie went west, and spent two years in the states of Texas and Nebraska returning in 1873. The same year he was elected constable, and served in that capacity eight years. In 1878 he was elected to the office of collector, which he filled seven years, and is now the present incumbent. In 1883 he was appointed postmaster at Grafton. He opened the lumber yard, which he now carries on, in 1877. He is the owner of 700 acres of rough land in Jersey county, 220 acres of which is in cultivation, the remainder in pasture. Mr. Slaten is clerk of the board of school directors; also clerk and treasurer of the town of Grafton. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and permanent secretary of Silurian Lodge, No. 44'.), of such order.

Rev. John T. Huffman was born near Paris, Edgar county, 111., in 1S47, and is a son of James and Phebe (Tiffin) Huffman, the former, a native of Virginia, and the latter, of Ohio. At the age of 20 years, John entered McKendree College, and was for a part of two years a student in that institution. He then spent one year in traveling in the east. In 1870 he was licensed to preach by the Methodist Episcopal Conference, and entered upon his duties in Montgomery county, 111. He preached 10 years in this state, then went to Arkansas, and joined the Little Rock Conference. Six months later he was transferred to the Arkansas Conference, and continued to preach there a few months, when, on account of the ill health of his family, he returned to Illinois. Here he labored with the Free Methodist Conference of Illinois, two years. At the expiration of that period he became connected with the Southern Illinois Conference, and began his labors at Grafton, where he now preaches. Mr. Huffman is an able and talented preacher, and a faithful and successful worker in the vineyard of the Master. He was united in marriage, in 1870, with Rosa Bell Potter, of Grand Rapids, Mich., who died in 1871. They had one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Huffman was again married Aug. 9, 1875. to Elizabeth Funston, of Livingston, 111. She died Dec. 9, of the same year. Nov. 23, 1S7(>, he was married to Rosa Lane, of Staunton, 111. By this union there were four children, three of whom are now living - Nellie B., Phebe Maud, and Lucy C. Sarah A. died in infancy. Mr. Huffman's father died at Memphis, Tenn., in 1864, while in the service of his country. His mother is still living.

Silas Farrington was born Dee. 26, lso:;, at Belchertown, Mass. At the age of 14 years he entered a cotton null, and spent two years in learning to operate the machinery, then engaged as a spinner. After one year he was placed in charge of the spinning room, as overseer, which position he occupied four years. He then went to Dorchester, six miles from Boston, where he learned the carpenter's trade, working one and a half years, for which he received the sum of $150. He became in that time a skilled workman, and then commanded the highest wages. In 1825 he went to Roxbury, Mass., where he resided 11 years, engaged in working for different parties. He was there married, in 1828, to Elizabeth Kelly. In the fall of 1836 he moved to Bloomfield, Conn., four and a half miles from the city of Hartford, where he purchased a farm, and carried on farming in connection with working at his trade, at which he had constant employment. He continued there four years, then moved to Hartford, built a residence and lived in that city 14 years. In the winter of 1852-3 he went to Washington, D. C, and remained eight months, employed by the Washington Stone Company upon the Washington monument. In 1854 he moved to Trenton, N. J., where he built a residence. Mrs. Farrington died at Trenton, Feb. 5, 1855. The following October, Mr. Farrington removed to St. Louis, Mo., and three years later, came to Grafton, Jersey county, and opened the first stone quarry ever opened at that point. He quarried the stone used in the construction of the bridges at St. Louis, Quincy and Meredosia, also of the first Lindell hotel of St. Louis. He continued this business till 187(1, when he was appointed postmaster at Grafton, which position he held seven years, during which he was engaged in the furniture business. The latter he sold in 1883, since which he has run a repair shop, repairing furniture. Mr. Farrington was married in 1856 to Frances Marten, who died at Grafton, July 17, 1873, and Dec. 24, 1875, he was married to Elizabeth Johnston. He had by his first marriage, two children, one of whom, Silas, Jr., is now a minister of the Unitarian church, engaged in preaching at Manchester, Eng. Mr. Farrington is a member of the Universalist church, also of Charter Oak lodge, I. 0. O. F., at Hartford, Conn., and of the encampment. He is a man of sterling qualities and enjoys the confidence and respect of the entire community.

Brook Stafford, a wealthy and prominent citizen of Grafton, settled here in the spring of 1836 and engaged in blacksmithing, being the first to engage in that business in Grafton. He was born in New Jersey, Dec. 10, 1808, and is a son of David and Sylvia (Eaton | Stafford. Brook Stafford was married in 1826, to Mary Ann Hilliard, a native of Philadelphia, and by this union had seven children - David C, living in Grafton; Christopher P., also in Grafton; Israel, who died in 1855; Mary J., wife of George Thomas, of Grafton; Elizabeth, wife of M. Jones, of Grafton; Sarah L., wife of John Brown, of this county; and Brook, who died in Leadville, Col., in 1881. Mrs. Stafford died in 1850. Two years later Mr. Stafford was married to Arty Ballard, of Jersey county. She died in 1853, and the following year he was married to Nancy Parker, of Greene county. By this marriage there were two children - Ida Blanche, now wife of Samuel Leggett, of Jersey county, and John P. In 1869 Mr. Stafford was again bereaved by the death of his wife, and in 1871 he was married to Mrs. Maria Leper, widow of William Leper, of Greene county. By this last union there is one child - Lena May. Mr. Stafford owns 500 acres of land, also residence and business property in Grafton. He is a member of the M. E. church and of the Masonic fraternity. For 25 years he has served as justice of the peace, and is a highly respected and useful citizen.

Mass., in July, 1783, and died in St. Louis July 5, 1834. When a young man he went to Portsmouth, N. H., and after two or three years, went to sea. being engaged in trade with the West Indies for a number of years. He then went to New York city and became a partner in the wholesale grocery firm of Hancock & .Mason. The firm subsequently failed, and Mr. Mason came west, locating at Edwardsville, Madison county, 111., where he engaged in the real estate business. He was one of the prominent men of this vicinity, and assisted in laying out the city of Springfield. He was married Aug. 15, 1818, in St. Louis, to Sarah Von I'bul. a sister of Henry Von Phul, who, at the time of his death, was the oldest merchant in St. Louis, being upwards of 90 years. Mr. and Mrs. Mason were the parents of one child - Martha M., now the wife of William H. Allen, of Grafton. Mrs. Mason died Sept. 18, 1867, at the home of her daughter, in Grafton.

William Murphy, son of Jesse and Ellen (Mathews) Murphy, was born in the state of Ohio, in 1830. He resided in his native state until Sept., 1857, at which time he came to Jersey county and engaged in farming in Quarry township. In Feb., 18G4, he enlisted in the service of his country, and served 18 months; then, at the close of the war, returned to Jersey county, and resumed farming. He continued that occupation until 1882, when, on account of failing health, he retired from active labor and moved to Grafton, where he now lives. He was married in 1857, to Cynthia Lawrence, a native of Ohio, and by this union had seven children - William T., who now resides on a farm in this county; Rachel E., Miner E., Carrie M., James M., Eary N. and Jesse A. April 22, 1879, Mrs. Murphy died, and in 1884, Mr. Murphy was married to Celia Myers, a native of Indiana. Mr. Murphy owns residence property in the village of Grafton, and on account of disability, contracted while in the army, draws a pension from the government. He has served three years as school director and is a highly respected citizen.

William S. Brinton, a retired merchant of Grafton, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1885. He came to Jersey county in 1858, and located at Newbern. Three years later he moved to Grafton, where be has since been a resident. For the first eight years of his residence here, he was employed in teaching school. He then entered the store of Grady & Co. as clerk, with whom he remained until 1874. At that time he purchased their stock of goods, and engaged in merchandising, which he continued until 18X5, when he retired from the business. He was married, in the year 1860, to Miss E. J. Spaulding, daughter of Richard Spaulding, of this county. They have four children - Harry E., Eftie May, William R. and Alford. Mr. Brinton is a member and an earnest worker of the M. E. church, and has been for three years superintendent of the Sunday school. Mis. Brinton is also a member of that church . He has held the office of marshal two years, and school director 10 years. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., and the I. O. O. F.

came to Jersey county in 1831, and located two miles northeast of Grafton, where he improved a # farm. He was born in North Carolina, in 1792, and married to Rosanna White, who was born in the same state in 1822. Isaac Bray died in this county, in 1872, and is buried in the Odd Fellows' cemetery, mar Grafton. His wife survived until 1876, when she died, and was laid to rest beside her husband. They were consistent members of the Baptist church. Isaac Bray was one of the earliest settlers of Jersey county, and assisted in laying out the town of Grafton. The subject of this sketch, William J. Bray, was born in Jersey county in the year 1840. His early life was spent upon his father's farm. He attended the district school, and obtained a fair education. In 1861 he was married to Eliza J. Slaten, daughter of W. D. F. Slaten, of this township. She was born here in 1843. By this marriage there are three children - Henry, born Dec. 5, 1863; Ziba, born Nov. 30, 1866, and Rowena, born Jan. 5, 1870. Mr. Bray lives in Grafton, where he owns residence property. He at present, holds the office of township assessor. He is a member of the I. 0. O. F., and a public spirited citizen.

Nathan T. Veach, of Grafton, is a son of William and Ruth (Burris) Veach. He was born in Scioto county, O., in 1824, and there reared upon a farm. When 22 years old he began lumbering ami rafting on the Ohio river, and continued that occupation until 1861. He then enlisted in the service of his country, joining the 56th Ohio Reg.,' in which he served one year. He was discharged on account of disability and returned home. Among the engagements in which he participated were those at Fort Donelson, Shiloh and Corinth. He came to Grafton in 1868 and for six years followed the business of stone cutting. Since that time he has been engaged in fishing, shipping from $700 to $1,200 worth of fish to St. Louis annually. He was married in 1846, to Elizabeth Bryson, a native of Kentucky. By this union there were four children - Mary L., wife of Jacob Wise, of Ohio; Australia, wife of Wm. Peck, of the same state; Wm. Thomas, now living in Texas, and Ruth, wife of Hiram MeMear, of this county. Mrs. Veach died in 1856. Mr. Veach was again married hi 1867, to Mary Douglas, a native of Massachusetts. They have one child, Charles F., who now resides with his parents. Mr. Veach has been a member of the town board five years, and president of the same one year. He is a republican in politics.

Armory Hall

This hall is a large and handsome room in the upper story of the massive stone building erected in 1869 by the Grafton Stone it Transportation Co., at a cost of $14,000. The hall is 30x70 feet in dimensions, and is used for all public purposes.

The first meeting for the organization of the lodge of A. F. & A. M. was held at the residence of J. L. Beirne, Beirneville, Jan. 7, 1860, and was organized as Full Moon lodge, No. 341. During that year the lodge was removed to Grafton, and first met over the store of Jacob Godfrey. The charter members of the society were: J. L. Beirne, Hezekiah

Silurian lodge, No. 449, I. 0. 0. F., was organized in April, 1871, by I). P. G. M. James Starr. The date of the charter is Oct. 8, 1872, upon which are the following charter member - James R. Bell, C. J. Lyons, C. P. Stafford, William H. Allen, James Nelson, W. S. Brinton, R. I). Sudduth, F. Steinman, W. C. Curry, and L. Foster. The first officers were James R. Bell, X. <>.: C. J. Lyons, V. G.; C. 1'. Stafford, secretary; W. II. Allen, treasurer. Those who have held the office of N. G. since the organization of the lodge are W. S. Brinton, C. J. Lyons, S. Parrington, C. P. Stafford, Ernest Meysenburg, F. Steinman, A. Young, W. H. Allen, B.

Stafford, T. A. Reams, C. W. Lund, H. C. Allen, M. Ruebel, Thomas Robinson, Ziba Noble, William I. Bray, E. Brinton, J. Closson, William R. Huitt, Thomas M. Calloway, The present officers are: George Ratcliff, X. <:.: Harry Willison, V. G.; C. P. Stafford, It. S.; C. M. Slaten, P. S. The present condition of the lodge is flourishing, with a membership of 41 in good standing. They have leased a neat ami comfortable hall, in connection with the Masonic lodge, in which to hold their meetings, the lease extending over a period of 10 years.

The first term of school in Grafton was taught by a man named Brock, at an early day, in a log cabin on the site of the present school building. The next term of school was taught in a building 24 feet square, which is now a part of Lewis Johnson's residence. In 1838 a frame school house was erected, which was 18x24 feet in size. This building was superseded by a stone structure erected in 1858, at a cost of $4,500. It amply served the town for school purposes until one night in 1870, when it was burned to the ground. Not only was the building a total loss, but a valuable library, which had been under process of collection for some time, shared the fate of the edifice which contained it. The school books in the building were also consumed.

In 1874, the present building was erected at a cost of $15,000, the contract being let to N. T. Smith. It is an elegant structure, built of the celebrated Grafton stone, with two large rooms in the first and two in the second story. It is a graded institution and furnishes employment for four teachers.

The first principal was John W. C. Jones, who taught two years. The succession of principals and time they served since then, areas follows: J. W. Roberts, one year; M. J. Hoffman, five years; W. H. Gregg, one year; and the present principal, Otis D. Leach. There are about 225 scholars enrolled in the school, and $2,000 per annum is expended in the maintenance of the same. The present school trustees are the following: W. D. F. Slaten, M. Ruebel and Charles Brainard. The board of directors are James M. Allen, president ; George N. Slaten, clerk, and .1. T. Slaten.

The flouring mill at Grafton was erected in 1855, by W. H. Allen, but is now operated by his son, James M. Allen. The building is a large frame structure, 40x88 feet in ground area. It originally had three run of buhrs, with a capacity of 125 barrels of flour per day. It is operated by steam, and

James M. Allen, miller at Grafton, is a son of William H. and Martha M. (Mason) Allen. He was born in Jersey county, in the year 1847, and was reared here, receiving a good education. He attended the district schools, and later spent two years at the Normal University, at Bloomington, 111. In LSG4 he entered the mill owned by his father, and learned the miller's trade. Four years later he assumed the full charge of the mill, which he still operates. He was united in marriage in 1869, with Alice S. Eaton, daughter of C. B. Eaton, of Jerseyville. She was born in the state of New York, and came with her parents to this county in 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Allen are the parents of five children - Rosalie, Harry E., Mason, Robert Stewart and Arthur Barrett. Mr. Allen has been a member of the town council 12 years, three years of that time acting as president of the board.

The first saw mill at Grafton was built by A. W. Caverly, which run but a short time, when it was destroyed by fire. Before the year 1840, and previous to the erection of Caverly's mill, a saw mill had been built at the mouth of the Illinois river, and wras operated by a man named Crandall. In 1845 one was built at Grafton, by W. H. Allen, which was operated for some 12 years; and was afterwards torn down.

The stone quarries adjoining the town are the richest and most extensive of Grafton's resources. These quarries were worked for local purposes from the flate df the first settlement of the town, and small quantities were shipped subsequently to Alton. About the year 1856, the quarries were opened on a lamer scale by Silas Farrington and John Loler. The excellence of the stone and the importance of the quarries had already attracted the attention of Giles F. Filley, of St. Louis, and through his influence the stone was brought into public notice and use. The first that the quarries were worked to any considerable extent, was in getting out the stone for the old Lindell Hotel in St. Louis. Since that time the stone has come into general use, and has entered into the construction of a large number of important buildings and public works, among which are the Quincy bridge, the St. Charles bridge, the great bridge across the Mississippi, at St. Louis, and one of the finest government buildings on the island, at Rock Island.

The product is a magnesian limestone, and, according to the judgment of competent authorities, possesses the best qualities for building purposes of any stone found in the Mississippi valley. It was thoroughly tested by James B. Lads, previous to its selection for use in the St. Louis bridge, and was found to be of the highest order of excellence. The quarries passed into the hands of the Grafton Stone and Transportation Co., and are now owned by the Grafton Quarry Co., of whom James Black, of St. Louis, is president, and John S. Roper, of Alton, is secretary. There are two other quarries beside the one operated by the Grafton Quarry Co. During the years 1866 and 1867, when the quarries were worked to their greatest extent, the men employed

Charles Brainerd, superintendent of the Grafton Quarry Co., is a native of Rome, Oneida county, N. Y., born Sept. 10, 1839. He is a son of J. B. and Laura (Gates) Brainerd. He remained with his parents in Rome until 1854, when he went to Saratoga. county, X. Y., where he lived until the war broke out. He then, in 1861, enlisted in the loth N. Y. Engineers, and served three years, participating in the Peninsula campaign, engagements at Manassas, Fredericksburg, and other points. He was with the Army of the Potomac, and acted as chief clerk in the commissary department of the English Brigade. After the war he returned to Rome, N. Y., and remained four months, at the expiration of which time he came to Grafton ami assumed his present position as manager of the quarry company. He is also a stockholder in the company. Mr. Brainerd was married in 1870, to Hattie A. Benner, of Waldoborough, Maine, daughter of Edward Benner, a, native of Maim'. Mr. and Mrs. Brainerd have four children - Laura Josephine, George Carrington, Carl Edward and Harold Webster. Mr. Brainerd is a member of tin Masonic fraternity. His father, J. B. Brainerd, was born in 1804, in New York, and is now living in this county, having come here in 1881. His mother, Mrs. Laura Brainerd, died in Rome, N. Y., in is:,:;.

Cemetery

mor Brinton, R. S., of Silurian lodge No. 4411, I. (). 0. P., July 23, 1873. It was surveyed and platted by Z. E. Freer, surveyor, June 30, of that year, and filed for record Aug. 20. The first burial was that of William Godfrey, July 12, 1873. The burying ground is nicely located on the bluffs north of the Mississippi river, and is quite well improved.

Ferry Boats

Grafton was at one time an important point for crossing the river for- emigration to Missouri. In the month of June, 1833, permission was" given by the Greene county court to Paris Mason, to establish a ferry. This first ferry was a horse boat, and was subsequently taken off, and an ordinary flat boat substituted, but when business got better again, the horse boat was again called into requisition.

Judge "William H. Allen established a steam ferry in 1856, and it was conducted until 1862, when the progress of the war of the Rebellion stopped all intercourse between the states of Illinois and Missouri at this point, and necessitated the the abandonment of the boat, since which time there has been no regular ferry.

First Items

The first religious services were held by the Methodist Episcopal society, in 1836, in a warehouse owned by John Keyes. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Poole.

The second religious services were conducted by Rev. Weldon, in a building owned by Mr. Whitcomb. He afterward held quite a revival, in the spring of 1837, there being about 40 converts.

The place was expected, by its founder, to eventually become a commercial emporium, but his expectations were never realized, and there is very little on the site to make one think that it was ever the intention to build a town here.