Macon County, Illinois - Chapter 7: Our Manufactories, 1876

Chapter 7: Our Manufactories

We g'wc below a few brief sketches of some of our principal inanufacturiag institutions, though we f;iil to notice all, for want of space, what we have to say is not in the way of laudation (;r fulsome praise of any of the institutions mentioned, nor as an advertisement to either of them;* but to illustrate as best we can the present condition of the county in this department of wealth and progress. We have aimed thus far in this work to treat of facts as we find them, without undue praise or partiality. Of the importance to be attached to manutacture in adding to the prosperity of a city or locality, nothing need be said. We only need point to places having equal facilities - one with manufacturing institutions, and the other with none. The one is alive with energy and activity, the other is dead; the streets of one city are noisy and bustling with business and trade, and those of the other are lifeless and inactive; the one grows rapidly, and soon has its buildings, Its churches. Its schools and colleges of superior merit and magnificence, the other has Its old tumble-down, rickety rookeries, and its grog-shops are the principal places where the people congregate.

Among the early ... nufacturing Institutions of the county was the " old ox mill," erected just east of the old Revere house site, in the }'ear 1S39. This was erected by J.J. Pcddecord, NInlan Peddecord and E. O. vSnilth. The motive power was obtained by placing three or four cows upon an Inclined wheel, their heads being

* No institutien mentioned in this chapter has contributed one cent for the notice "iven it, and some of them not even subscribed for this work.

secured to a cross beam. JVTuch difficulty was experienced for some time after this mill was set in operation, in getting the machinery so regulated as to be under the control of the person in charge. The gearing apparatus was not perfect, and occasionally a cog slipped, or the connections between the wheel and the mill machinery became detached, and then there was a runaway. The cows would become frightened and commence running, which gave the revolutions of the wheel more velocity, and then a scene of general consternation spread throughout the village. All kind-hearted citizens would rush to the rescue, and assist " Uncle Henry " in stopping his mill, by throwing rails and logs under the wheel. Some of the cows on the wheel being larger unable to keep up with it, its revolutions were so rapid, would be found dragging by the head. The bellowing of the cows, the screaking of the machinery, the smashing of the rails; the quick, excited and shrill voice of "Uncle Henry," in giving orders, are remembered by many of the old settlers, and related with wonderful minuteness. When it was announced that the mill was running away with itself, then there was running to and fro like there was at Belgium's capital, on a certain noted occasion.

The principal product of this mill was corn meal, and the tolls derived glutted the market, and there being no demand except the home demand, the mill soon proved an unprofitable investment, and was sold to Joseph Stickel. He sought to make it a paying investment by grinding corn for Allen's distillery. As soon, however, as it was known that he was, in this indirect way, giving "aid and comfort," as it were, to the production of whisky, he was brought before the church, of which he was a member, and required to produce the " thus saith the Lord," for his iniquitous and nefarious traffic, or be expelled from the church. What the result was of the indictment of Bro. Joe, we do not know, but so it was, however, in a short time the mill ceased to run, and was purchased by a man fi'om Clinton, by the name of Ward, and was converted into a carding factory, and run as such for a great many years.

It may not be known to many that lime was ever manufactured in this county, but such is the fact. Capt. D. L. Allen, at an early day erected a lime kiln on the river, a short distance southwest of the city of Decatur, at what is still known as the "old lime kiln ford." He manufactured a considerable quantity of lime from lime-

Stone obtained in that vicinity, sufficient, at least, to meet the wants of our people. The lime produced is said to have been of a very fine grade, and w^as purchased by builders in Springfield on account of the superior finishing qualities it possessed.

Senator R. J. Oglesby was imbued, in his early days, with the idea that rope making would be a success, and started a rope factory. Hemp was raised and ropes were actually made and placed in the market by Mr. O., but the remuneration not being adequate to meet his expectations, the rope works, after a year or so, were abandoned.

The Decatur Furniture Company

This is one of our largest manufacturing establishments. It was commenced in 1S66, under the firm name of Wm. Lintner & Co. Mr. L. sold his interest in 1875 to his co-partners, Messrs. Peddecord & Burrows, who are now the owners of the entire establishment. This firm is engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of furniture, and has a capital invested in the business of about one hundred thousand dollars. The furniture manufactured by this firm is shipped to all parts of Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, and Indiana; the sales of which amount, in the aggregate, to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars annually. The lumber used by the*company is obtained from southern Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee, and is required to be selected with great care, as none but the best is suitable for the grades of furniture manufactured by this company. The yearly pay-roll will average about 100 men, to whom is paid annually about $50,000. It is a matter of verification that the number of persons deriving a su^Dport from this factory alone, will equal in numbers, if not exceed, the entire population of Decatur prior to the building of our railroads.

The company is also engaged in the manufacture of wood pumps, which are sold largely throughout the northwest. The business was commenced by the manufacture of this article in 1S63, by Messrs. Barnes & Lintner, who employed, at the commencement, not to exceed a half dozen men. As the business increased, new buildings were erected and machinery purchased, until at present the main building used by the company is 108x36 feet, five stories high, with two additional buildings 100x32 and 99x92, each three

The raih-oad facihties at this point enables this firm to compete successfully with the older and larger establishments of Cincinnati and eastern cities.

The established reputation and capital of the Decatur Furniture Co., will continue to render it one of the manufacturing institutions which Decatur and Macon county may justly be proud of,

Union Ikon Works

These works are among the most important of our manufacturing institutions. They were commenced in 1864 by Burroughs & Co., upon a limited scale, intending at th* time only to start a firstclass repair shop for machinery. Like all institutions of the kind, however, that are backed by capital and industry, their work increased as its character became known. Additions have been made to the buildings, machinery facilities, etc., from time to time, to the extent of $75,000. The company is at present engaged in the manufacture of steam engines, mill and elevator machinery, the Western Corn-Sheller and Cleaner, and general repairing. Their facilities are such that engines of the most powerful construction, as well as of*the most intricate nature, are being made here and shipped to all parts of the west, and east as far as Ohio, and south as far as Tennessee.

About one hundred thousand dollars worth of work is annually turned out by the firm, requiring a working force of at least thirtyfive men - the most of whom are skilled mechanics. The chief characteristics of the engines manufactured are, durability, simplicity and symmetry. In the construction of the various parts thev a\'oid clumsiness and weight, except where absolutely necessary for strength. Fi'om all the information we have been able to obtain from persons who have used engines manufactured by the Union Iron Works, we do not hesitate to say that their work is entitled to be classed as equal to any other product of western skill. The work of manufacturing engines is divided into separate and distinct departments, and each department has a superintendent who has attained his position by years of practical experience.

Within the last two years, the manufacture of the "Western Corn Sheller" and the "Western Corn Cleaner" has been engaged in. These machines are the inventions of C. C. Burroughs, one of the members of the firm, and are meeting with a success scarcely anticipated by the inventor. They are supplanting the old machines that have been in popular favor for years, and are destined to be of material benefit to the whole agricultural west. Three of the principal articles of manufacture of Macon county are Macon county inventions, and are designed to supply the wants of our agricultural community. The one above mentioned, while we have no space to devote to a description of its merits, we doubt not will become, when properly before the public, an article of remuneration to its inventor and manufacturers, as w^ell as a valuable machine in the speedy preparation of our immense crops of corn for the market.

The Union Iron Works are owned by C. C. Burroughs, James Millikin, John M. Flood and Charles Gradweld, the latter two having become members of the firm in 1S73.

Decatur Bagging Co

During the summer of 1S75, the Decatur Bagging Co. was formed, composed of the following parties: Moses Jerome, A. W. Conklin and D. S. Shellaboj^er. Immediately after the organization of the company very large and extensive buildings were erected on the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad, in the city of Decatur, for the purpose of carrying on the business in. These buildings, together with the necessary machinery, engines and fixtures, were erected at a cost of over $50,000. The business of the company is the manufacture of but a single article, viz : "bagging," which is used only for covering cotton bales. The market for this article of manufacture is all points south devoted to the culture of cotton.

In connection with this manufactory, and belonging to the company, are four tow-mills, located as follows: Paxton, Buckley, Rantoul and Onarga, which gost about $35,000. The flax lint is manufactured into tow in these mills and shipped in bales to the factory here, where it is spun and wove into cloth and shipped south.

This manufactory requires the labor of i6o hands, who are employed winter and summer alike, one-half of whom are females, and the average pay of all is $i per day. We were pained to learn that five-sixths of the raw inaterial used by this companv in the manufacture of its goods is raised in other counties than our own, so that, while the location of the manufactory is here and the most of the employees are residents, which are of great benefit to Decatur and the county, it might be made to contribute far more to our material worth, if the farmers of the county were to devote attention to the cultivation of flax and hemp, so as to supply the demands of the factory. If the culture of the raw material be a source of income to the farmers of Ford and Champaign counties, why may it not be to our own people, especially when the cost of transportation must of necesssity be taken from the price paid in those foreign counties. Besides, it is a well attested fact that our soil, climate, etc., are equally if not better suited for the successful cultivation of this article. This, together with the fact that hemp and flax are articles of easv culture, very prolific, and will meet with a home market, ought to stimulate some of our farmers to devote some attention to this article of agriculture. We are disposed to assert, from an examination given to this subject, that if our farmers would devote some part of their farms to the culture of hemp and flax, so as to supply the demands of the factory, it would save to the people of the county thousands of dollars that are annually expended elsewhere, and induce the bringing to this county the tow mills now erected in other counties, besides being a source of revenue and profit- to our own people.

The bagging factory is nov»- owned entirely by Messrs. A. W. and C. A. Conklin, who are men of capital, energy and perseverance, and who are now thoroughly initiated in the business. We have no doubt they will, with their business qualifications, soon make this, to us, new branch of industry one of the best paying institutions located in our midst. The class of persons furnished employment in the factory though not what are termed skilled mechanics, yet they are of that industrious and peaceable sort who otherwise might have difficulty in obtaining employment or means of support for themselves and their families, and whose earnings are devoted to that purpose rather than indulgence and vice, as we see among employees of other manufacturing institutions. We have no hesitancy whatever in saving that the Decatur Bagging factory is now one of our most important manufacturing institutions, and one of which Macon county ouglit to be proud, and is destined to be of far greater importance to us.

It asks no bonus or support from us other than what is to the interest and profit of our people to give, in the way of material furnished, for which a market is made. Its owners are our own citizens and of us and expect to remain with us.

Ha Worth & Sons

HA WORTH & SONS. -' To save time is to leiigtlieu life,"' Is an old saying, and as true as it is old. The object sought to be obtained in almost all of our modern inventions is time and labor. So with Haworth's Check-Rower. Its main object is to save the time and labor of the farmer in the corn-planting season, when every minute of time saved is almost as precious as minutes of gold. When he is ready for planting his corn, every hour lost is a proportionate loss in bushels at the ensuing autumn. The check-rower is the invention of George D. Haworth, one of the members of the firm, and was completed and a patent obtained therefor in the year 1869. Valuable improvements have been added to it from time to time since as experience has dictated, so that farmers who understand and have had the use of this machine attach to it a value next in importance to the corn-planter itself. Upon level western prairies, where the soil is such that the weeds grow as rapidly as the corn, and sprout and commence growing as soon as the ground is broken up, it is found very desirable that the corn should be planted in rows each way, and planted as soon as possible after the soil is turned over, so that the corn will have an equal chance with the weeds and grass. Without the use of the check-rower it is necessary that the entire piece of land, ten or twenty acres as the case may be, shall be broken up, then it must be marked off with a marker so as to make the cross rows, by which it is found that by the time the entire piece of land is broken up and crossed off the weeds are beginning to show themselves above ground in the part first plowed. But with the check-rower this difficulty is obviated, and that too, even if the farmer has but one team to use.

more thoroughly appreciate. The firm engaged in the manufacture of this implement are M. Haworth, L. L. Haworth, J. W. Haworth, and George D. Haworth - father and sons. They were formerly from Clinton county, Ohio, and removed to lUinois in 1853, and to Macon county in 1857. They are all men of energy and thorough business qualifications. They took hold of this invention a few years since, and by industry and perseverance have overcome the natural prejudice existing among the people against all new inventions; so that now increasing demands are coming from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Texas, for it.

During the past year the original shops, machinery and facilities for manufacture, have been increased to more than four times their original capacity. The value of the real estate, shops, machinery, warerooms, of the firm does not probably vary far from $150,000. Thirty-five men are einployed by the firm. One feature connected with the manufacture of the check-rower is that every part of the machine is made here in the shops, so that there is but a very small outlay of money by the firm that Macon county does not receive the benefit of. The value of the manufactures of this firnl for the year 1876 will not vary far from $200,000.

Roberts, Lytle & Co

This firm has been in business but three years, and is composed of the following named gentlemen: T.T.Roberts, R. P. Lytic and O. Z. Green. While the articles manufactured by this firm, viz : wooden burial cases and caskets, are not pleasant to contemplate, and never purchased except when painful necessity requires, yet in these pre-cremation days the demands therefor is steady and constant, and unaffected by the fluctuating influences operating upon other articles of manufacture. $40,000 worth of burial cases are annually manufactured by this firm, and shipped throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and other States. The lumber used is obtained from southern Illinois, Michigan and Tennessee. Twenty men are employed by the firm the year round.

The members of this firm are all young men of energy and business qualifications, and their growing business will soon create a demand for much larger works and a greater investment of capital. Their present grounds, buildings and machinery cost in the neighborhood of $20,000.

H. W. Hill & Co

This firm is composed of H. W. Hill and C. P. Housum, and commenced business in 1S72. They were first engaged in the manufacture of H. W. Hill's hog ringer and rings; and by perseverance and energy have established a business in that line of work exceeding all others combined. With their present machinery they have a capacity of manufacturing 140,000 rings daily, and have placed upon the market in four years 30,000,000 rings, consuming 900 miles of wire. The market for this article of commerce extends from Maine to California and Texas, and some goods have been exported to Europe. The demand for this device, manufactured by this firm, is increasing as its merits become known by the farming community. Over nine millions and a half of rings have been sold during the past year, which is fifty per cent, in excess of the sales the year previous.

The firm commenced business on a limited capital, and under disadvantages arising from imperfect machinery, or rather no machinery at all; from prejudices naturally existing against all new and valuable improvements, and have been harrassed b}' litigations in reference to patents, almost without number. But notwithstanding these obstacles, they have by business tact and energy overcome them, and now constitute one of the substantial and securely established manufacturing institutions of which we may well feel proud, and have a capital of $30,000 invested. They also manufacture, to a considerable extent, corn-huskers, ladles, etc., which are inventions of the firm. They also have in connection with their business a printing office, by which they are enabled to do all their own printing and advertising.

The reputation of Decatur as a manufacturing city and railroad center has been largely increased through the extensive advertising done 'by the firm. About three tons of advertising matter are annually distributed to all parts of the United States by them.

I9S History Of Macon County Chambers, Behring & Quixlax

The firm of Chambers & Quinlan was formed in the spring of 1875, for the purpose of manufacturing the Champion Hog Ringer, Rings and Holder. By their perseverance and devotion to the manufacture of tlieir articles, they have succeeded in building up a business that is growing and permanent; so that they in Dec. 1S76, associated with them Mr. J. Ed. Behring, as a partner, and extended the list of articles manufiictured by them, and are now manufacturing the Eagle-bill Corn-Husker, Barnes' Wire Check-Rower, and Brown's Hog Ringer and Rings.

We have no space to enter into an examination of the merits of the various articles manufactured by the firm. It will be seen that all the articles are intended to meet the demands of our farming community. The Champion hog ringer and rings made by the firm is the only invention of the kind in use. The ring is a double ring and is said to have advantages over the single ring. It is sufficient to say that this article is found upon the shelves of hardware dealers throughout the United States, and is being introduced in Europe.

The Barnes' check-rower, made by this firm, has only been upon the market for a short time, and its merits not fully understood. The advantages claimed for it are, durabilitv; that it will not contract or extend; no side draft; convenience in use, and adaptability to all planters.

The members of this firm are thorough business men. Mr. Chambers is now (1S76) mayor of the city of Decatur, and Mr. Quinlan is an old and respected citizen of the county. '

W. & B. Sawyer

The oil mill of this firm was put in operation in 1867, and with the additions made since, including machinery, is valued at $30,000, There are $75,000 worth of oil and cake annually manufactured.

the principal markets for which are St. Louis and New York. A large proportion of the oil cake is exported to Europe. They also have a retail trade extending- throuo-hout Illinois, Indiana and Missouri. The number of men employed by the firm is 13. The flax seed consumed by the mill averages about 50 thousand bushels per annum, and is principally raised in Southern Illinois, for which $1,40 to $1,50 per bushel is paid.

The firm is composed of AA^illiam Sawyer and Benjamin Sawyer. The latter has been a resident of Macon County since 1S36, and the former since 1867. ^^^ the business qualifications of the firm nothing need be said. It is a straightforward business firm; energetic and responsible.

This is among the oltlest existing manufacturing institutions of the County, having been established in 1S59, by the present firm composed of the following persons, viz: Wm. H. Boyd, L. C. Haskell and W. J. Myers. The principal goods manufactured are flannels, yarns, blankets, jeans, and, also, card and spin. The wool used by the firm is procured from Macon and adjoining counties entirely, and the products of the factory are sold throughout Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan and Indiana; amounting annually to about $75,000 in value.

In 1 868 the mills were destroyed by fire, but were immediately rebuilt. The value of mills, including machinery, is not far from $30,000. The firm are thoroughly initiated in all the details of the business, and are sound business men, and have in their employ about 25 persons the year round.

Prior to their engaging in this business here in 1859, Mr. Boyd was a resident of Maryland, Mr. Haskell of New York, and Mr. Myers of Pennsylvania. The latter has been an influential member of the city council.

This firm, but with little attempt at show or display, has been, and continues to be, engaged in a department of manufacture that Macon County could illy afford to be without.

Peter Loeb

PETER LOEB. Manufacturer of Agricultural and Gray Iron Castings. Mr. L. erected his shops and foundry in the summer of 1876, and is a man of twenty years experience in his Hne of business. He has on an average ten men in his employment since ready for business. He says with the patronage thus far received, and the facilities he has, he will in a short time more than double his present amount of business, which he estimates for 1876 at $15,000. The necessity for a foundry of the character of Mr. L's., of course can not be denied. Our farmers annually expend thousands of dollars for the repairs of machinery ordered at Cincinnati, Pittsburg and elsewhere, which might just as well be expended at home. Loss of time and the freights in the shipment should be considered and would be no small items in the aggregate.

This firm has been in business since April, 1874, the senior member having carried on a gunsmith and general repairing shop for a great many years. He is thoroughly conversant with his business in all of its branches, and the firm is wide awake and thoroughly energetic in all things pertaining to their line of work. Their annual manufactures will run from twelve to fifteen thousand dollars per annum, and the monthly pay-roll will not fall short of nine men. Their business is increasing, and their shops, machinery, etc., speak well for the present and future. The water main tapper made by the firm is an ingenious and very simple invention, perfected and patented by H. Mueller.

Kramer & Mcclelland

This is one of the oldest firms, if not the oldest in the county, having been established in 1S54. Each member of the firm has been a resident of the county since 1853. The firm has a capital invested of $10,000, and their annual manufacture aggregates in the neighborhood of that amount. Their wagons, etc., find a market in this and adjoining counties, and some are shipped to Indiana and New Mexico. Their work, as thousands of their customers can verify, is of the most substantial character, as well as ornamental, and needs no commendation. They make a specialty of "Jump seats and Greencastle bodies."

Wayne Bros

This firm is enofag-cd in the manufacture of carriaoes, busfsfies and spring wagons, and also do a large repairing business. The members of the firm are, John B. and Wm. J, Wayne. They are natives of Pennsylvania, but have been residents of Illinois for about 35 years, and of Macon county four vears. Each of the firm is thoroughly conversant with all the minutia^ of the business. Their average annual manufacture of vehicles of various kinds aggregate $30,000, the most of which is sold to home customers; some goods, however, are shipped to Iowa, Kansas and Texas. The material used by the firm is obtained in the eastern markets, and is selected with the greatest of care. The carriages and buggies made are substantial and well built, and this firm has turned owt some of the finest work in Central Illinois. They have in their employ about 30 of the most skillful mechanics, in the different departments of their work.

This firm commenced business in Decatur in 1S63, and is couiposed of D. S. Shellabarger, John B. Shellabarger and Wm. Bowers, though we believe some changes have been made in the firm in that time. Each member of the firm is thoroughly acquainted with the flouring business in all its departments. The senior inember of the firm has been mayor of the city, as well as alderman. They have a capital invested in the milling business, consisting of real estate, machinery, etc., of $35,000. The average annual value of manufactures will run from $175,000 to $300,000. They have in their employ eight men, and their principal market is Macon county and surrounding country. - 26

Geo. Priest &

One of the oldest flour mills in the county is that of Geo. Priest & Co. The firm is now composed of Geo. Priest and A. N. Deal, both of whom are thoroughly initiated in all the departments of their business. They have a capital invested in the business of about $33,000, and the annual product of flour, etc., manufactured amounting to $150,000, requiring the labor of eight men. Their business extends throughout the county and along the railroad lines leading from Decatur.

This mill has been in operation about eight years, and has an mvestment of $20,000 in real estate, buildings and machinery, with a capacity of producing annually 11,000 barrels of flour, employing six men, and has a trade extending in almost every direction within a radius of thirty to forty miles from Decatur. The members of this firm are old residents of Macon county, Mr. Bell having been born here, and Mr. Greenfield came at a very early day.

Harpstrite & Schlandeman

This firm began business in 1S62, in Decatur. The members of the firm are Edward Harpstrite, who came from Clinton county in 1S55, and Henry Schlandeman, who came from Logansport, Ind., in 1856. They have an investment of $60,000 in their business, and their annual manufactures amount to about $40,000, which finds a market in Macon and adjoining counties. They annually consume about 10,000 bushels of barley, for which they pay on an average ninety cents per bushel, which is shipped to them from Kansas, Nebraska and Minnesota. Their hops are obtained from New York. Ten men are in the employ of the firm.

Ferris & Emmons

This firm was organized in 1S75. The members of the firm are W. P. Ferris, who came to Macon county in 1871, and was engaged until 1S75 as conductor on the T., W. and W. R. R. G. W. Emmons came to Macon county in 1S70, and was conductor on the above road until 1S74. Mr. F. is a native of New York, and Mr. E. of New Hampshire. The annual sales of goods manufactured and on sale, are $100,000 per annum. Number of men employed by firm, six. Principle market for goods, Illinois, and some have been shipped to Kansas. The carbon oil used by this firm is shipped in large iron tanks made expressly for the purpose, and transferred directly from the tanks bv means of siphons to the tanks of the firm, which have a capacity of 8,000 gallons. From these tanks the oil is transferred to the barrels for distribution.

Elwood & Co

This firm was organized in 1S65; the Messrs. Elwood having been residents of the county for 22 years. They have a cash capital invested in this county of about $40,000, and have been doing a large and increasing business in their line since they came to Decatur. They own large pineries in Michigan, which are under the charge of D. Elwood, one of the members of the firm, from which they obtain the principal part of their lumber. The annual average manufactures of the firm amount to $40,000, and from 23 to 25 men are employed by them. The firm manufactures and sells about two million feet of lumber per annum, which finds a market in Macon and adjoining counties.

NoTK. The ilrst successful locomotive steam engine in the world was invented by George Stephenson, and is still preserved at Darlington, England. Prior to its invention Mr. S. was regarded as "the craziest man in all England," but after its successful operation, on its trial trip he v\ras regarded as "the smartest man in all England and in all the world." The first railroad and upon which this engine ran, was completed from Stockton to Darlington, England, Sept. 27, iS-TS- The project of Stephenson was ridiculed in parliament, and a large concourse of people gathered upon the occasion of the trial to ridicule the "insane " Stephenson. The engine was attached to a train of 34 coal wagons and coaches, which were about the size of an ordinary old-fashioned stage coach. The passengers took their places in the coaches, and a man on horseback took his position in front of the engine to herald the approach of the coming train ! The signal for starting was given, and the engine started oft" with the cars like a "thing of life." The gentleman who was to ride on horseback in front of the train to announce its coming, soon found it convenient to " look out for the cars," and left the track in disgust! The ridiculing spectators who were left behind, were in a ridiculous state of mind at the unexpected successful working of the crazy man's engine. The journey was completed at the speed of 15 miles an hour, and from that time since the name of George Stephenson has been written high upon the scale of the world's benefactors.

In 1831 a railroad was completed from Albany to Schenectady, New York, a distance of 16 miles, which was among the first roads upon which a train of cars were propelled by steam in America, and took place the year the road was finished. The trains upon this I'oad, however, ran very slowly- The road ran over hills and down into the valleys, so that it was necessary to draw the trains up acclivities, in places, by stationary engines. The first engine upon this road was the "John Bull," which was made in England, and weighed four tons. The venerable Thurlow Weed was among the 15 passen- ^ gers upon the first train of passenger cars propelled by steam. But little did he| suspect on the morning of that excursion that in much less than half a century he would behold trains running through that Mohawk valley at the rate of 40 and 50 miles an hour, and still others bearing freight sufficient in value to have paid for the entire Mohawk & Hudson Railroad, with its equipment. One of Stephenson's engines was put upon a road constructed by the Delaware and Hudson Canal Co., from their coal mines to Honesdale, in 1S29, but it was not used for passenger traffic to any great extent, if at all.

phen A. Douglas In getting the Illinois Central Railroad constructed from Cairo to Chicago and Dunleith, has resulted in incalculable benefit in opening up the fertile prairies of Illinois to cultivation. He lived long enough to see his expectations more than realized, and his predictions fully met. The early railway legislation of this State fully manifests the popular feeling as to the necessity of some means for the transportation of our grain and herds of cattle and hogs. The means of attaining the requisite railways, however, were matters of serious consideration, and of no well-defined opinion. One crude idea that seems to have pervaded the entire legislature in 1S35-6-7, was that these great highways of commerce might be legislated into existence; hence it was that in those years there were enacted that gigantic enterprise that has since been known as the internal improvement scheme. It had for its object the construction of canals and railways, branching out to almost all parts of the countr}-; all to be built and owned by the State; the construction of one-half of which would ha\e bankrupted Illinois beyond all hopes of recovery.

It was a gigantic undertaking without any means of accomplishing. It was a brilliant idea, without any sort of conception as to the requisite amount of capital to give it practical shape and direction. It was akin to that other idea, and had about as much consistency in it, by which the fellow undertook to jump across the Mississippi by taking hold of his boot straps. The whole internal improvement scheme collapsed with the financial panic of 1837. Several millions of dollars were appropriated from the treasury and expended with scarcely a dollar to show therefor except a few embankments in different parts of the State, i^mong the projected lines of railway under which work was commenced under the Improvement system was that of the Northern Cross Railroad, chartered in 1S37, running from Quincy to Danville and the State line. The first locomotive engine that ever ran In Illinois was placed upon this road, and ran through from Meredosia to Jacksonville, perhaps in the winter of 1S3S-9.

The above road was -completed through to Springfield from Jacksonville in 1S43, and the cars made three trips to the Illinois river every week; which feat Is spoken of by the journals of that day as wonderful! This road was constructed by nailing flat joieces of iron upon long pieces of timber, running lengthwise with the road. The road, however, had not been in use long before the track became uneven and rough, and the engine was so out of repair that it had to be taken off the road, and the cars were then propelled by mules! This process of locomotion finally became unendurable, and the whole road was sold by the State for a mere nominal consideration. We mention these facts, as they constitute the first railroad experience of Illinois; and also for the reason that the Northern Cross Railroad formed a part of the line, which, after various consolidations, became the

This, though built under a different name, was the first railroad that was constructed through the county of Macon. From the time its cars ran into Decatur in April, 1S54, commences the rapid improvement and almost unexampled prosperity of our county. At that date commences the real history of our agricultural and commercial advancement. Then all the stock in trade of all the merchants in the county would have made but a few dray loads. From that period hog drovers became scarce. Thenceforward those oldfashioned, broad-tyred Virginia wagons, with their inevitable accompaniments - the two dogs and a tar bucket - ceased to be vehicles transporting our dry-goods and groceries from St. Louis and Chicago. Their owners, who had hitherto made the principal part of their living by " wagoning," looked upon the construction of the railroads with an eye of suspicion, and regarded it as an interference, to some extent at least, with " vested rights." Other objections were urged against the construction of railroads, that to us in this day would ^eem laughable indeed; among others it was urged that the whistling of the engines and noise of the cars would drive away all the game! Others said the ranges would all be destroyed, and poor people would have to keep their cattle and hogs enclosed.

The T., W. & W. R. R. has been one of the two roads that has been largely instrumental in making our county what it is. To our merchants and our farmers who ship stock and grain east, this road has been of incalculable value.

The annual shipments forwarded by this line will average from 350 to 400 thousand dollars, and the annual receipts are about one hundred an 1 twenty thousand dollars from Decatur station, as shown by the books of the company. The passenger traffic from Decatur varies between 90 and 100 thousand dollars. The payroll for men employed in Decatur, runs between five and six thousand dollars per month.

In September, 1S50, an act of Congress was passed granting lands to the State of Illinois for the purpose of constructing a railroad through Central Illinois. The legislature of Illinois in 1S51 incorporated the Illinois Central Railroad, and the lands held in trust by the State were transferred to the company upon a compliance with the conditions of the charter. The road was completed through Macon county in 1S54, from the north, and the entire line soon thereafter opened to the public.

The procurement of aid from the general government, by the donation of lands, was a subject that the people of the county had taken an interest in for several years prior to the passage of the act. It became a question in the election of representatives to the legislature, and was made one of the issues of the campaign of 1S4S. It is said that a senator from Macon county was the first to introduce and secure the passage of a resolution by the legislature requesting and urging our senators and representatives in congress to secure the desired aid from the general government. As elsewhere remarked, Senator Douglas, who was always alive to anything that had for its object the improvement of the State, and the benefit of our people; acting upon the resolution, secured the passage of the law, donating to the State for the use of the railroad, every alternate section for the distance of six miles upon each side of the proposed line.

There was some little apprehension existing for a while in reference to the location of the road through the county. An effort was made to locate the road six miles west of Decatur, crossing the river at what was, in early days, known as the " cut-off," and a survey upon this Hne was made, but through the exertions of Hon. E. O. Smith and other citizens of Decatur, the " cut-off route" was abandoned, and the present route selected, though said by the engineer, Chas. A. Tuttle, to be more expensive.

This road, by judicious management, and the capital derived from the sale of its lands, has always been upon a sound financial basis. Its treatment of its patrons has been such as to call for no great amount of complaint, for want of equipment or means and proper facilities for transportation. Its management has been such that but rarely are suits brought for the recovery of damages for negligence on the part of its agents.

The passenger cars upon the road have never been remarkable for their costliness or splendor of their appointments; yet are usually substantial, safe, and have all the necessaries for ease and comfort. Its employees have been well paid and selected with reference to their qualifications and abilities. Engineers, conductors and agents, who were in the employment of the company in 1S54, still hold their positions.

By an arrangement recently consummated this company has now the control of a road extending to New Orleans, from Cairo, making an entire line from either vSioux City or Chicago to New Orleans.

The average annual shipment forwarded by this road from Decatur, amounts to $25,000; and the receipts will double that amount, as shown by the books of the company. The ticket sales at the Decatur office do not vary far from $20,000 annually.

Decatur And East St. Uouis Railroad

This road was chartered in 1S67 and built in 1S68, under the management of the T., W. & W. R. R., and has since been under the control of that road. It runs to East St, Louis, a distance of loS miles, and since the construction of the great bridge across the Mississippi its trains run into the city of St. Louis. This road is regarded as one of our best and most important roads, and should it be extended to Chicago, as it was intended that it should be, it will be second to none as a means of furnishing transportation to the markets for our producing people. When we have a direct outlet to both Chicago and St. Louis - the great cities of the southwest - then our railroad facilities will be most ample and complete.

Decatur And State Line Railroad

the charter for which was more than once defeated by the Chicago & Alton Co. It is asserted by some of our best informed citizens that the construction of this road after the charter had been obtained was defeated through manipulations originating from the same source. We do not know where the blame lies for the loss to the people of this county of this very important road, but whoever was instrumental in it has a conscience inimical to the public interests of Macon county. The road was important; the subscriptions along the line were sufficient for its construction; it was under contract and i^artially built; and Decatur six years ago anticipated soon being the principal city on the shortest line of road through the most fertile portions of the state, between ///c cities of the northwest, but awoke one morning and found the work suspended and the people along the entire line dumblounded, like the workmen at the tower of Babel. But why, the author is unable to state.

Pekin, Lincoln And Decatur Railroad

This road was chartered in 1S61, and the charter amended in 1S65, and constructed in 1S71. It is 67 miles in length, and was leased by the T., W. & W. R. R. Co. at its completion, and has been under its management until 1S76. It extends from Decatur to Pekin on the Illinois river, but its trains run through to Peoria.

The Decatur, Monticello And Champaign R. R.

This road was constructed in the year 1S73, and extends to Champaign, 111., where it connects with the branch of the I. C. R. R., north, and the I., B. & W. R. R., east. It is now consolidated with the latter road, and is known as the Decatur branch of the Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western, It secures to us competition for eastern transportation,

Decatur, Sui.Livan And Mattoon R. R.

This road was chartered in iS6i,and constructed in 1S72, and extends to Mattoon, 111, It was intended that this road should be extended through to Grayville, on the Ohio river, securing to us a southeastern travel and transportation but financial embarrassments have prevented its construction farther than Mattoon.

Illinois Midland R. R.

This is a consolidation of the Peoria, Atlanta & Decatur and Paris & Decatur Railroads, The road was constructed in 1S72. Its line extends from Terre Haute, Ind., to Peoria, 111.

tral R. R., but was not constructed until 1S73, and then finished only to Montezuma, on the Wabash. It is thought that it will shortly be constructed through to Indianapolis, and when done will be one of our most important roads. The name was changed in 1876,

Agriculture

This is the oldest branch of industry. It needs no words of commendation. Those who engage in tiUing the soil form a large and very important element in society - a necessary element, and one just as dignified, when duly appreciated, as any of the others. In character, influence and relative position the agricultural class is what its members make it. It is high or low, as its masses are energetic, educated and skilled. In some localities the sun seems to be always shining. The firmers are busy the year round. Their farms are neat and well fenced. Their barns and outhouses are painted and in perfect repair. They have reapers, mowers, corn planters and all the modern improvements in the art. The dwellings are neat and comfortable, and their occupants seem always cheerful, and are intelligent, refined, social, industrious, and are always glad to have you come and see them. This is what people call "a good neighborhood to live in," "a good farming community," etc., etc.

There is another community, sometimes but a few miles distant, occupying a position at the other extreme. There seems to be always a cloud over it. It is hedged in and about with ennui and lassitude and laziness of the most reckless sort. The fields are haggard and torn and lacerated, and seem to have been cultivated in a haphazard sort of a way without reference to the points of the compass. The fences are racked and partially down, and where standing seem to cling to the shrubs and trees for support. The plows, reapers and mowers stand in the field, as they were left when last used. The farm house is in the last stages of decay, and ready to tumble down upon the slightest provocation. Its doors are old and weatherbeaten and fasten with a latch and string. The windows are dilapidated and pretty well filled up with hats of ancient date or pillows sable and dusky hued. The inmates are living specimens of inertia, dejected and downhearted, whose whole travel seems to have been over stony roads. They have a corduroy look about them, as though they had spent many weary nights in pondering over Mark Twain's Roughing It. The head of the household trudges about with one boot and one shoe and a single suspender, as though he was continually weighing in his mind the question whether he ought or ought not to. His "old woman" - ^^that is his wife - poor soul, does as well as she can, endures all, works hard and dies young, an object of pity and neglect. The children, a half dozen or more, grow up in rags and penury, half starved, half clothed, half educated and sore-eyed, and are continually knocked and buffeted about in the world, and pricked and stung by the ragged edges of poverty. The barn is a cross between a rail pen and a "straw-stack," and is "fearfully and wonderfully made." The team of "critters" is a bona-fide spectacle pitiful to look at, lame and often blind. The yellow dogs that lie in the front door yard have scarcely sufficient energy to recognize a stranger or bark a good square bark. They look as though they wanted something and did not know where to get it.

Such are pictures of the two classes of farmers. The latter class is becoming rare in this age of steam and progress. They have been rooted out and gone off " where it aint so thickly settled."

There is a most perfect harmony existing between the agriculturalist and the manufacture)-, the mechanic and professional man. Thei-e is no agency at work, when their relations are properly understood, that tears the one down to build the other up. They each have a work to perform and a sphere to fill. Our whole industrial system is like a perfect machine. vSome parts may be more powerful and exert a greater influence than others, yet all the parts are of equal utility. The farmer is not independent, nor is the mechanic, the laborer, the lawyer, the doctor, nor any one who labors with muscle or brain.

We do not deem it material to devote space to notice the different agricultural and horticultural products of the county. They are substantially the same throughout Central Illinois. Corn is now, and no doubt will remain our staple product. As our prairies were being opened up for cultivation, and when the soil was very rich, a very large acreage of wheat was sown. But of late years the wheat crop has been on the decline so that now it is fequently the case that we do not raise enough of this cereal for home con- sumption.* This is owing to several reasons; the decline in price since the war, the destruction of late years by chinch-bugs, rust, severe winters, etc., the labor required to produce it, as compared with corn, and other products. If the amount of labor that is bestowed upon wheat culture in St. Clair and other wheat-growing counties, was expended here, our wheat crops would double their present yield. The timber soil of this county is better adapted to wheat raising than that of the prairie; which, no doubt, is owing to the protection the wheat receives from the snow lying upon the ground more evcnlv upon timber fields, and also owing to the fact of there being more clay in the timber soil, which seems to be better adapted to prevent the injury arising from constant freezing and thawing. The soil is more compact, and seems to protect the roots better.

But little spring wheat is sowed, and very little rye and barley - though good crops are raised of both the latter. Of late years a great deal more attention is being given to pasturage. Formerly but a small proportion of our farms was devoted to meadows, but now many c^f our farmers more space to grass than to grain. Our soil and climate are admirably adapted to the culture of timothy and clover, and the labor required for the preservation of these crops is insignificant when compared to that required for. corn and wheat. Oats are raised in sufficient amount for home use, but not largely for foreign market.

A great deal of attention is now being given to the raising of hogs and cattle. No doubt much more attention will be given to this as our country grows older, than to the raising of grain for the market. The stock of hogs now in the county is far superior to that which we had in our early history; while our beef cattle have improved equally as much. One of our oldest butchers states that our cattle now upon the market for home consumption will average at least one-third better than they did twenty years ago. The "scrubs" and " hazle-splitters " of the last quarter of a century are growing scarcer day bv da v. It costs no more to raise a good cow or a good hog than a poor one, if indeed as much. Better stock - thanks to our Pickrells, Taylors, Barbers, and a host of other names we might mention - is upon exhibition now at our county fairs than could be found at our State foirs a few years since. As a breeder of stock, especially short-horns, James H. Pickrell of Harristown, is known among stock men throughout North America and Great Britain. He holds the position of President of the North American Short-horn Association. In the fall of 1875 he visited England and Scotland, and collected a herd of cattle perhaps not excelled in the United States or Canada.

We close this chapter with the following brief table, compiled from the assessor's books for the years 1S60, 1870, 1S75 and 1S76, though the valuations affixed, of course, are much below the real value: