Madison County, Illinois - Chapter 63: History of Highland, 1912

Early Settlement of Highland - Foundation of the Town - Industrial Development and General Growth - First General Election - Postoffice Established - German and Swiss Immigrants - Highland in 1841 - Enterprises of the Past - Highland Militia - Schools and Churches - The Public School - Prominent Men - Societies and Lodges - Incorporated as a Village - Organize as a City - Presidents and Mayors of Highland - Industries - Banks - Stores and Hotels - A City in a Park.

Much has been written and published about Highland in the earliest days as well as up to the present time, partly for advertising pur¬ poses and partly for historical records.

In order to eliminate inaccuracies and state¬ ments known to be doubtful or overdrawn in any respect, this sketch will be based upon official records, memoranda and information of old settlers, and personal observations, mak¬ ing it simply a statement of facts without elaboration for fame, for I am confident that our little city has in itself ample merits to make it appear in every respect not only creditable, but even praiseworthy.

The settlement of this part of the county by white people began as early as 1804, but these were very few and far apart up to 1831, when immigrants from Switzerland began to arrive, followed in increasing numbers by other Swiss and Germans up to 1837, when the town of Highland was founded. But be¬ fore proceeding with the history of the town, it may be desirable to describe the conditions of this region at that time.

Joseph Suppiger had built the first house (a frame) at a point which later became about the center of the town of Highland. From this place southward to Lebanon and Trenton not one farm had been started on the grand prairies, nor north up to Saline and east to Pocahontas, except at the edge of timber of the prairie, west of Silver creek and east of Sugar creek, where there existed a few farms of mostly small dimensions. The same was the case on the neighboring Shoal creek prai¬ rie. When the first larger number of Swiss immigrants who followed the first Swiss set¬ tlers (the Ivoepflis and Suppigers) arrived in 1833, they bought of the Americans these farms, or so-called improvements consisting of a log cabin and several acres of cultivated land, with the right of pre-emption. Having disposed of his improvement, the squatter would then pack his few effects upon a horse, the lady and children upon another, and away they would go, the man - armed with a shot¬ gun - as escort afoot or upon a third horse if he had one. Usually the purchaser, after hav¬ ing paid for the improvement and for one or two cows, chickens and hogs, was rid of his money, the mover having taken it away out of circulation, so that buying and selling had to be transacted mostly on the exchange plan. But due to the arrival of fresh immigrants this section was never entirely out of money.

The crisis of 1837 was not felt or even known here until a few years later, because the settlers were separated from the rest of the world and received no newspapers. It was a remote region, with no officially estab¬ lished road, not even to St. Louis. There were no bridges over the creeks, which were impassable when the water would rise. In short, the district in which Highland was located was at that time almost an unknown country. It took strangers three or four days to come here from St. Louis. There being no roads to other settlements or towns, certain parts in the landscape, Indian mounds and the points where the sun rose or set had to be kept in the eye, when going anywhere through the high prairie grass with ox teams or on horse back. On returning the animals instinctively usually found the straightest way home.

The first domicile of the Koepflis, before they built their fine residence on the so-called Koepfli hill just north of town, was the "Gruetli farm," afterwards owned by Frank Lorenz, and now the property of his son, Ed Lorenz. It was headquarters at that time for the district, and though hard to find by those not knowing the locality and vicinity, was yet constantly besieged by people from all directions, who either came to see father Koepfli, the only doctor within a wide range, or for advice or information regarding the purchase and sale of lands, etc., as well as out of curiosity or for investigation. For im¬ migrants, especially, it was the first place of refuge. A gathering of twenty persons at that time, however, was sensational in the sparsely settled locality.

The legislature of Illinois, in its winter ses¬ sion of 1836-1837, made a large appropriation for the building of railroads. One of them was in contemplation to run from Alton to Mount Carmel. This induced eastern land speculators, relatives of General James Sem¬ ple of Alton, then speaker of the house of representatives, to purchase land between Edwardsville and Carlyle. The settlers of this locality had no idea where the railroad would pass through the country until one day, quite unexpectedly, two strangers appeared on horse¬ back, looking around in every direction and in¬ quiring about the owners of land. One of these was General Semple, who then visited Joseph Suppiger, telling him that he and others had bought lands in this section because the rail¬ road would pass through here and intended to lay out a town, but desired that he (Jos. Supp¬ iger), Dr. Koepfli and James Reynolds join them as founders of the town. An agreement to that effect was soon made, deciding that 100 acres were to be platted into forty-five blocks, each 300 feet square with the usual streets and alleys, the central block being re¬ served or donated for public or school pur¬ poses. The survey was made by the then county surveyor, Benaiah Robinson. In nam¬ ing the town Suppiger and Koepfli proposed either Helvetia or New Switzerland, but to General Semple these names appeared too for¬ eign, and being of Scotch descent and his new associates also hailing from mountain regions, he proposed Highland, which was finally adopted. Zschokke street of the town was made considerably wider than the others, for the purpose of allowing the prospective rail¬ road the right of way. That railroad, how¬ ever, was not completed, though considerable grading (even yet visible around here) had been done, being presumably abandoned on ac¬ count of the panic of 1837.

The next step taken by the promoters of the town was a public sale of lots on September 1 6, 1837. Constable Nic Kile was the auc¬ tioneer. The attendance was not large, because the vicinity was but sparsely settled, and out¬ siders could not be expected, since similar pro¬ jects were being pushed everywhere. Though special inducements were offered purchasers, only a comparatively small number of lots could be sold. In celebration of the affair a supper was served, the cost of which, includ-

In the mill Sylvan Utiger installed a turn¬ ery, making bed posts, naves for wagons, etc. The settlers then began building frame houses and improving the log cabins. But for heat¬ ing, cooking and baking they all had the large fire places, because cast iron stoves were too expensive. The meals, at that time, consisted usually of cornbread, bacon or venison. Deer at that time were so numerous that the meat could be bought for less than one cent per pound in winter. Potatoes were a rarity ing refreshments, amounted to the total sum of $10.50. Wesley Dugger, from the neigh¬ borhood of the present town of St. Jacob, was the only one present from a distance. He bought a corner lot on which he built a frame house and started a small country store at the place now occupied by A. Urban.

Immediately after the sale of lots Joseph Suppiger prepared for the building of a steam mill, thus affording welcome employment to others, with the further effect that the build¬ ing of houses began, the first one being a log cabin of about 20 feet square, in which on New Year's day, 1838, the first public dance took place.

The so-called Methodist hill was at that time the meeting place of deer, rabbits and wolves, the latter being especially severe on young pigs. All animals being allowed to run at large before the stock law was enacted and effective, not only farms, but also all occu¬ pied or improved places in town had to be fenced to keep the animals out. Hogs, at that time, were of a breed having very long snouts, enabling them to do considerable dam¬ age. But the settlers knew how to put these animals to work. They would scatter corn over newly broken soil, and the hogs would pulverize it to perfection. In the same man¬ ner they would be induced to uproot the loam used for chimneys in log houses. When log cabins were built, the neighbors would assist in the raising, and for pay would be rewarded with a "frolic." This brought the widely scat¬ tered neighbors together for better acquaint¬ ance and friendship.

The industrial development and growth of the town began upon completion and opera¬ tion of the mill in the spring of 1839. But skilled tradesmen and mechanics were anx¬ iously desired and the wish gratified when in the summer of that year two young men ar¬ rived, a wagon maker by name of Kruker from St. Gall, Switzerland, and Lang, a black¬ smith from Germany. Jacob Eggen imme¬ diately set them to work making the first wagon, which they completed to perfection, thereby establishing a reputation that brought them abundant work.

Next to the builders of the mill Jacob Eg¬ gen was also a pioneer in industrial promo¬ tion. He had arrived from Switzerland in 1833, and in 1835 started with M. Labhart, of Steckborn, Switzerland, on the present Lorenz farm, a pottery, furnishing pots to the white lead factory of St. Louis, salve jars for doc¬ tors and druggists, tile stoves made to order and installed for Germans in St. Louis, Belle¬ ville, Mascoutah (then called Mechanicsburg), etc. He also started the first successful brick yard, a negro having tried it before him, but failed to make brick fit for use. A distillery and the first bakery in Highland were also founded by Mr. Eggen.

As the town progressed most any industrial branch of manufacture was eventually cov¬ ered, even such uncommon ones as a powder mill, rope factory, tannery, etc., proving that

The first election for senators and repre¬ sentatives, for the state, for governor and county offices, was held on the first Monday in August, 1839, at the school house on Methodist Hill, built in the spring of that year.

In December, 1839, Mother Suppiger and two daughters arrived from Switzerland (the sons had arrived earlier) ; also the Durer fam¬ ily with three daughters ; Dr. Casper Koepfli, Jr., with wife, two daughters and one son, and several others. Shortly after their arrival the Durer family took charge of the first hotel, the "Eagle," which had been started by Anton Buchmann.

The postoffice was established the same year, 1839, with David Thorp as postmaster, who had started the second store in Highland. Then a letter to Switzerland cost 50 cents, and in the United States 25 cents. Previous to this time mail was received from Troy once a week, Anthony Suppiger being the carrier on horseback at a yearly salary of $76.

March, 1840, marks the arrival of welcome people from Saxony, Germany, who proved themselves very active and efficient helpers in the upbuilding of the colony, and to incite cheerful social life. Before coming here they had resided several years in Louisville, Ken¬ tucky. The party consisted of Charles and Edward Kinne (originally spelled Kuenne), Frederick Kinne and wife and her mother, Mrs. Richter, Miss Emily Richter, and Ed¬ ward Hammer, uncle of the Kinnes. These men were all skilled in handicraft, Charles be¬ ing a saddler and harness maker, Frederick a cabinet maker, and Edward Hammer car- penter. These men, together with Joseph, Melchior, David and John Suppiger, who were already here, formed a small orchestra that furnished good music for concerts and pri¬ vate entertainment.

On August 4, 1840, fifty-four immigrants from Highland and vicinity procured their naturalization papers at Edwardsville. There being too many to swear singly, it was agreed to take the oath in three groups at the reduced rate of 50 cents a man.

On the 22nd of August of' the same year another party of sixty-eight persons, young and old, arrived from Switzerland, some set¬ tling in Highland, the others on farms adja¬ cent. They were an acquisition for the local¬ ity, readily adapting themselves to existing conditions, progressing through diligence, forethought and perseverance. From year to year others arrived, coming mostly from Switzerland and Germany, and thus the town and surrounding country was eventually de¬ veloped to one of the most prosperous towns and farming sections of the country.

In 1841 the population of Highland con¬ sisted of 120 persons, young and old. Though the financial crisis, started in 1837, was now also heavily felt here, yet more houses were built and other improvements made. Owing to the failure of so many private banks paper money was either worthless or at considerable discount, while small change had disappeared. But our people knew how to help themselves in some way, so that progress continued never¬ theless. Mr. Eggen, who had visited Switzer¬ land in 1841, when returning in 1842, and coming from New Orleans on a steamboat to St. Louis, noticed that the captain was badly in need of small change, and showing him some small coins the size of a silver quarter but worth only 2j4 cents in Switzerland, was offered $7.50 for his entire supply amounting to only 75 cents.

At that time the extension of the national post road from Vandalia to St. Louis was in contemplation, and seeing the advantages of its passage through Highland, Joseph Suppiger induced General Semple, who was then a member of the senate at Washington to use his influence to change the route through Highland instead of through Marine, as had been intended. The answer came that their wish would be granted if they agreed to build the road from Pocahontas through Highland to Troy. This was done with alacrity and the willing sacrifice of time and money, the re¬ ward being that in the fall of 1843, on a Sunday, the first four-horse post coach passed through Highland, the event being witnessed by the entire population of the town and vicinity.

In the summer of 1843 Joseph and Salomon Koepfli, upon return from their visit to Swit¬ zerland, built their fine large residence on the beautiful hill just north of town, also convert¬ ing the grove on the north side into a neat park. The same year quite a number of build¬ ings were erected, and several stores opened. Peter Tuffli and his stepfather, John Laubinger, bought the house in which Elijah Ellison carried on a store (one of the first in town) and opened therein the first regular meat shop. About the same time J. R. Blattner began building the noted New Switzer¬ land House, which existed about fifty years until the late John Wildi bought it and erected in place of it his fine mansion.

Inasmuch as a complete chronological re¬ view of the development of the town up to the present time would not only take up too much space, besides not being entirely inter¬ esting and exact data in all cases not obtain¬ able, it may be deemed sufficient to mention only the most noteworthy, omitting for an¬ other chapter such as have continued up to this time, together with those connected with them, noting here only the

Of factories and industries, except those already mentioned, from the early days until years past, we have had a powder mill several miles east of town, by J. Rudolph Blattner ; a carriage and buggy factory by Thomas Korink, who took first premium at the Edwardsville fair in 1863; planing mill by Nic Rohr & Sons; foundry and machine shop by Valloton & Lelaurin, then by John Ellison & Son, and others ; tannery by Hy. Zweck and Joseph Speckart; corn and grist mill by Jacob Grossenbacher & Son (Daniel) up to 1892; fruit distillery, hydraulic wine and cider press by August J. Pagan, up to a few years ago; brewery, 1841 to 1877 by John Geismann, who was also an expert cooper, making large casks.

Also the Highland City flouring mills, which was founded in 1866 by Hy. Hermann, John Leder and C. H. Seybt, the mill being de¬ stroyed by fire in 1889 and not rebuilt. The members of the firm then became partners in the Suppiger mill.

Jacob Eggen, soon after having started and brought to successful operation the first dis¬ tillery in 1844, associated with him Hy. Her¬ mann and George Ruegger as partners, con¬ tinuing as such firm until 1849, when the business passed into the hands of Anton Mueller, J. J. Spindler and Henry Hermann, who continued up to 1865, dissolving the partnership. Hermann then continued an¬ other year and closed the business to enter the new milling company.

The Highland woolen mills was originally started by N. Smiley in 1843 with a wool carding machine, later bought by William Stahl and converted into a yarn factory, the business then being continued successively by Bosshard, Feickert & Co., Bosshard, Pfenninger & Co., and finally by Charles Bosshard up to September, 1874, who then had to close

The first regular lumber yard was started by John Buchter and continued up to his death in 1881. Joseph Harnisch for many years had a hardware store in the east end. Joseph Rupf and Hermann Liebler each had furni¬ ture stores, but Liebler finally branched out into a unique business, having everything but farm machinery, so that a married couple could procure an entire outfit and supplies for living, and in case they died he also had the coffins and hearse. He closed out the business in 1876 and returned to Germany, where he died.*

The old well known hotels, long out of exr istence, were the Highland House, by Jacob Weber; the New Switzerland House, by J. R. Blattner ; the Eagle Hotel, by numerous own¬ ers, Nicolas Voegele, Hy. Laengle, Jacob Zimmermann, Albert Osthoff, etc. ; the Re¬ public House, by George Prader, Casimir and John Hoffmann, and others.

In 1854 A. E. Bandelier, Dr. F. Ryhiner and M. Huegy opened a private bank under the firm name of F. Ryhiner & Co., the first and only bank in Highland up to April 30, 1885, when it failed with liabilities of about $800,000. The principal reason of their fail¬ ure was the very high rate of interest paid on time deposits. This brought large sums from Switzerland, amounting to about $375,000 at the time of their failure. In order to place

*It is said that during the cholera epidemic in 1849 and '50 he so overstocked himself with cof¬ fins that he still had some on hand during the sixties.

this large amount of money they employed agents in some of the counties in the southern part of the state. These agents, in order to make their commission, loaned large sums on any kind of poor land, and finally the bank would have to take the land for the debt. Then poor crops and hard times came along, so that the bank was unable to dispose of the lands to meet its obligations, and consequently caus¬ ing its failure. After seven years the affairs of the bank were finally wound up, the cred¬ itors receiving in all 28.65% on their claims. The assignees were Joseph C. Ammann, Fred B. Suppiger, John H. Hermann and Adolph Ruegger. Though this failure was a hard blow to many of the poorer class of our people, yet it had caused no perceptible suffering, the people simply continuing to work and saving up again as before.

In 1844, when the question of annexing Texas, which had separated from Mexico, was up, and war with Mexico expected, mili¬ tia companies were organized in many locali¬ ties, even before the expected call for such by the state. Highland and vicinity also caught this fever, so that three companies were organized - an artillery company with Jacob Eggen (who had done this service in Switzerland) as captain, an infantry com¬ pany with Captain John Guggenbuehler, and a cavalry company under Captain Richardson. The members of the first two companies were all Germans or Swiss-Germans, while in the cavalry company only three Swiss were en¬ listed. Usually the annual muster or encamp¬ ment took place at Marine, but since the law allowed these occasions to take place in the locality where a battalion was organized, the three Highland companies accordingly formed their battalion and elected Jacob Eggen as their major, holding their annual muster and and encampment at Highland. In 1848 the population had so increased that this battalion was brought up to 250 men. The state fur¬ nished a fine cannon for the artillery com¬ pany, which Major Eggen selected and brought over from Alton, being met by the company at Silver Creek north of Highland, where the men formed in position for parade to Highland, after firing three salutes. This event was witnessed by the entire population. The inspection officers stated that this was the best drilled battalion they had seen. Eighteen hundred and forty-eight was the last year of the existence of this militia. The cannon ever afterwards was used for "thun¬ der" on the fourth of July and other festivals. It is now nicely mounted in Lindendale park as an ornament.

During the War of the Rebellion, 1861 to 1865, Highland and vicinity furnished more than its quota of men for the preservation of the Union. There could not have been another town in the country where patriotism was more intense and more general than here, there being exceedingly few whose sentiments and sympathies were not of that kind. After the war those who had been spared to return again engaged in the pursuits of civil life in town or on the farms, helping in the then rapid progress of Highland and surrounding country, engaging in business, starting farms, or working at anything they found suitable.

The early settlers, as well as those coming later, were ever thoughtful and ready for sac¬ rifices to provide for the education of their children. There being no school house in the earlier days, teachers were engaged to teach in private houses until in 1840, through the ever energetic and public spirited efforts of Joseph Suppiger, a public school house was built on Methodist Hill at a cost of $300, erected by Joseph Mueller. There being no church, this pioneer building was also held open to all creeds, religious services being held occasionally as ministers of any denomi¬ nation would come along. Joseph Rieger, b. Ciolina and several other Protestant preach¬ ers and Catholic priests, among the latter J. H. Fortmann, were the first to come here occasionally. Next to these a shoemaker by the name of Schmidt, a Catholic, but of very tolerant religious mind, would sometimes de¬ liver sermons to suit all, having them well memorized from books or delivery of others.

Soon, however, this school house proved too small for the school as well as for religious services. Consequently the result of an agi¬ tation was that at a public meeting of the people of Highland and vicinity on October 27, 1843, it was decided to erect a stone build¬ ing 40x24 feet on the site of the present Prot¬ estant church, in which school was to be held on week days and religious services on Sun¬ day. This building was completed in 1844 and used as stated. In 1850 it was sold to the German Protestant Congregation (Deutsche Protestantische Gemeinde), organized Sep¬ tember 29, 1850, with Woldemar Fischer, John Leder, Josias Bardill, Peter Grass and Chr. Hirni as board of directors. Joseph Rieger, the first Protestant preacher who officiated here before the congregation was regularly organized, baptized among many others the oldest child, Rosina Catharine Eberle, born April, 1838. The first appointed resident preacher of the congregation was Ernst Kraus, 1850-51, then August Lepique to 1859, and many others in succession. The congregation growing, and the stone church becoming too small, the old building was taken down and the present fine brick church built in place of it in 1878. The present pastor is Rev. Carl Maier. The board of directors are : C. T. Kurz, president ; Adolph Mueller, vice-president; William Schrumpf, trustee ; Ferd. Hitz, treasurer. The parsonage was built in i860 and remodelled and enlarged in 1908. Important improvements were also made in and around the church and a fine large organ (presented by Mrs. John Wildi) installed in 1911. The congregation, now under the name of Allgemeine Christliche Kirche (Universal Christian Church) has 152 members.

The German Catholic (St. Paul's) Church. - On December 26, 1843, the now numerous Catholics of Highland and vicinity held a meeting and decided to build a church. Solo¬ mon Koepfli, John Schwartz, Conrad Bader, William Lang, Dr. Caspar Koepfli, John Frey, Theodore Mueller, Nic. Voegele and Jacob Durer, were appointed a committee to take the necessary steps. The corner stone was laid May 1, 1844, by Father J. Catting. In 1846 Father Joseph Kuenster of Teutopolis said the first mass in the completed church. Carl Joseph v. Marogna was the first priest to give regular service up to 1851. P. Limacher was then appointed resident priest, who remained ten years, during the most critical and trying time of the congregation. Eventually the small frame church was found inadequate, so that in October, 1853, the build¬ ing of a new brick church, 110x45 feet, was decided upon, which was completed sufficiently in 1856 for the first mass, and gradually im¬ proved and finished to the fine edifice it now represents. The first frame church was then used as a parochial school until the present so-called convent building was completed in 1866, at a cost of at least $10,000, conducted the first ten years by the Sisters de Notre Dame as a young ladies' seminary and pri¬ mary school, and afterwards entirely as paro¬ chial school. The rectory was erected in 1857, mostly at the expense of Father Limacher, and later enlarged and completed by the con¬ gregation. The large St. Joseph's hospital another part of the Catholic complex, is men¬ tioned elsewhere.

ized in 1846 by six members, Michael Mollet, Phil. Gruen, and Karl Klage. The church was built in 1847 as it stands today. The parsonage was built in 1876 or 1877. The Rev. William Fiegenbaum, father of Dr. E. W. Fiegenbaum of Edwardsville, was the first resident pastor, 1848-50, and again 1882-84. George Koenig, resident pastor 1891-93, now residing at Granite City, is the present pastor. The church now has a membership of about fifty.

The French and English Congregational Church. - The Congregational Church of Highland (services in English) was evolved out of the French Church, which had its be¬ ginning with the coming of Rev. Francis Vulliet and his family from Switzerland in 1848. He was an ordained minister of the National church of Switzerland for more than twenty-two years, but in 1845 he with 200 other ministers, refused to obey the mandates of the political party in power and with his five children emigrated to America, arriving in Highland in 1848, immediately beginning religious service in his and other homes of French-speaking families until in 1859 a brick church (now occupied as a dwelling) was built on Methodist Hill, named the French Evangelical Church. Rev. Vulliet, after act¬ ing privately until 1851, was called formally as pastor. Constant Rilliet, J. G. Chipron and Francis Grauze were the first trustees. In 1874 Rev. Francis Vulliet died and his son, Rev. Louis Vulliet, was then elected pastor. The congregation joined the Southern Asso¬ ciation of Congregational Churches in 1876, with Louis Vulliet as minister until 1886. The present church building was built and dedicated in 1887. Eugene Hollard, William Ramsey and Henry Balsiger were then the trustees. The church has had twelve minis¬ ters. Rev. J. E. Bodine, the present pastor, is now in this position nearly three years. Mary Vulliet, daughter of Rev. Francis Vul¬

The first little school house on Methodist Hill, previously mentioned, burned down on a night in the spring of 1850. Then Joseph Suppiger asserted himself again by calling a public meeting, in which the citizens decided to raise money by subscription for the erection of a two-story brick building of four rooms upon the public or school square. The records show that $2,213.15 was raised by private subscriptions, of which Joseph and Solomon Koepfli contributed $500, the rest being in smaller amounts, and with the addition of $1,407.87 from taxes, the total sum available was $3,620.92. The building was soon erected, one room being used for the regular English public school, the other three rooms by pri¬ vate teachers until they also had to give way to the public school, since it was then entirely sustained by taxation and controlled by law. The records show that Miss Emily S. Thorp was the first teacher of this public school, from April, 1848, to October, 1850, followed by J. M. Gates from October, 1850, to March, 1854, and others. Joseph Suppiger, succeeded by J. A. Ramsay, were treasurers of High¬ land district, but the names of the directors are not found in the old records. Up to 1858 teachers' compensation was from $2 to $2.50 per quarter for each scholar, according to their number, for one teacher. Thereafter regular salaries were fixed ; for the principal, $600 per year (C. Baer being the first to re¬ ceive this), and assistants from $20 to $50 per month. Charles Kinne, Solomon Koepfli and A. E. Bandelier were directors in 1858. The assistant teachers of that year were Mr. Phillips ($50 per month), Miss Emily Rey¬ nolds ($25 per month), and Miss Todd, ($20 per month). For the next term the assistants were F. Wilson ($30 per month), John Mar- coot ($300 per year), and M. Studer ($400 per year). The records show that there was considerable friction at that time regarding teachers, studies, etc., changes occurring occa¬ sionally during terms. Due to the rapid in¬ crease of population this school house soon did not afford sufficient room, so that in 1867 the erection of another two-story brick build¬ ing- of four rooms was decided upon. But again, in 1893, the two buildings were found inadequate, so that the people voted for a bond issue of $20,000 to erect in 1894 upon tendent, Mr. C. L. Dietz. The high school is well accredited at the State University. The present members of the board of education are: Alfred Wildi, president; John S. Hoerner, secretary; Adolph Koch, Fred. Neubauer, L. O. Kuhnen, Adolph Mueller and Louis Ernst.

the center of the block the present imposing modern building of ten spacious rooms, etc., at a total cost of at least $24,000. The two old buildings were then removed, so that this block in the center of the town, with the fine new building and beautiful large shade trees over the entire grounds, is the pride of High¬ land. Nine teachers are now engaged in the grades, three and the superintendent in the high school, and a special instructor for physi¬ cal culture. A manual training department is also connected with the school under the very able and successful direction of the superin¬ cation, who were forced to immigrate to this country on account of the religious and politi¬ cal disturbances of Europe than any town of its size. We therefore mention those who have left their impress upon the community.

Of the Koepfli family (see Saline township) Solomon Koepfli was the leading, guiding and energetic head, not only for the affairs of the family, but especially for the Swiss colony and Highland, of which they and Joseph Suppiger were the founders. His prudent and calculating ever active energy for the advance¬ ment and prosperity of the settlement was often ascribed to selfish motives (rightfully or not), yet it must be admitted that he lent a helping hand to every public enterprise, for schools, churches, better roads, the railroad, etc., so that he, together with Joseph Suppiger, deserved credit for his part in promoting the rapid growth of the settlement. Though greatly interested in politics, yet he never sought office, consenting only once to become a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of Illinois in 1862. His health having become impaired, he tried to regain it by visiting Switzerland, but died in 1869 soon after his return to Highland.

Joseph Suppiger, who came from Switzer¬ land with the Koepfli family in 1831 as one of the first Swiss settlers and founders of Highland, was one of the most public spirited and highly honored men Highland ever had, devoting himself to the interests of the town and country and connecting his name honor¬ ably with every enterprise of this section. He held the office of justice of the peace for twelve years, declining all higher offices. His untimely death on April 24, 1861, was deeply deplored by the entire population.

Dr. F. Ryhiner, of Basel, Switzerland, came to Highland in 1837, and died here July 14, 1879. He was not only a physician of un¬ usual ability, but also a public spirited man. Further particulars regarding him will be found in the medical chapter.

A. E. Bandelier, from the French part of Canton Berne, Switzerland, came to High¬ land in 1848, after having visited Brazil the year before in company with his friend, John Balsiger. He had a classical education for the legal profession and held the position of presiding judge of the Superior court when political troubles induced him to leave Switzer¬ land. Soon after his arrival in Highland the Swiss government appointed him consul for the Mississippi valley, extending to New Or¬ leans and southeast to the Carolinas. He was also school director of Highland in 1858-60, and his successful labors for the elevation of the schools are still remembered. After the failure of the bank in 1885 (mentioned else¬ where) with which he was connected he went to Santa Fe, New Mexico, then return¬ ing to Switzerland, where he died soon after.

Professor C. Baer, an eminent pedagogue of Zuerich, Switzerland, was principal of the Highland schools up to his death in 1862. He was succeeded by B. E. Hoffmann, another pedagogue of classical education, who, several years later, was elected clerk of Madison county, afterwards engaging in the newspaper business and literary work. Julius Hammer, another classical scholar, forced to the land of liberty by the revolution of 1848 and '49 in Germany, lived here as music teacher and philosopher.

Emil Frey, of a noted Swiss family, came to Highland shortly before the Civil war to see America and to learn conditions of the country and even worked on a farm. When the war broke out he enlisted in the Union army, serving throughout the war as captain, being for a time an inmate of Libby prison. Returning to Switzerland after the war, he became so prominent politically that he was appointed Swiss ambassador to Washington, and later elected president of Switzerland. While ambassador at Washington he paid Highland a visit. The farmer for whom he had worked then took pride in saying: "He was my hired hand."

Heinrich Boernstein, of international fame, resided in Highland 1849-50, during the time of the cholera, being the leading spirit in the social life of the town. Having been a physi¬ cian, further particulars regarding him will be found in the medical chapter. About the same time four of the Bernays brothers, his friends, also located in Highland, the doctors George and F. Jacob (see medical chapter), Carl Ludwig Bernays, a journalist of note and connoisseur of fine arts, for a time en¬ gaged here in the brewing industry and store business, while the fourth brother, F. B. Bernays, followed literary pursuits until his death in Highland. These men were all classical scholars of the highest culture, forced to leave Germany during the revolution of 1848.

Adolph F. Bandelier, son of A. E. Bandelier, came to Highland with his parents in 1848, but eight years old. Having received an ex¬ cellent education and mastered many modern languages, as well as those of various Indian nations in Mexico, he began archaeological explorations for the Smithsonian Institute, and now ranks as one of the most eminent scientists in the country. He still lives in New York.

Dr. Abraham Felder certainly commanded the attention of the public in a greater de¬ gree than any one else in Highland during his time in public and social affairs, in which he was deeply interested. Of high intellect and a ready and forceful speaker on any sub¬ ject, he was always the man in front to push things. Though usually aggressive and often acting so impulsively as to offend, yet it must be said that selfishness did not prompt his actions, and that he deserves to be honorably remembered for the many public benefits de¬ rived through his energetic efforts. (Further particulars are found in the medical chapter.)

John Blattner, during the Civil war United States internal revenue collector, notary pub¬ lic, civil engineer, expert in probate business, etc., the unselfish confidential and kind adviser of all, deserves to be gratefully remembered. He was also prominently active in politics for the benefit of his party (the Republican) and in public affairs did his full share for the benefit of the community. The establishment of the street grades and cellar drainage of Highland was his lasting meritorious work.

Germany, to America in 1862, and to High¬ land in 1863, was another of the men of high intellect who left his impress on the public and social life, being highly esteemed for his noble character. He was a son-in-law of the late venerable Charles Kinne, stockholder in the store of C. Kinne & Co., director of the First National Bank of Highland, and presi¬ dent of the Board of Education. He died on December 9, 1910.

Heinrich Bosshard, author of the "Sempacherlied," the national hymn of Switzer¬ land, came to Highland in 1851, where he lived until his death in 1877. He lies buried in the shade of a big tree on the little farm he then owned just south of the town. He was born April 8, 1811, at Senn, Canton Zuerich, Switzerland, where he was teacher. A granite monument is erected in his honor at Lindendale park by the patriot Swiss of North America.

Charles H. Seybt, a native of Saxony, Ger¬ many, is the only one of the men of high class¬ ical education yet living here. He married a daughter of Joseph Suppiger in 1861. Being himself an artist of more than common ability, he is a connoisseur of fine arts, as well as an excellent pianist. He has been and is yet engaged in the milling industry and a leading member of the National Millers' Association. (See Highland Mills.)

Adolph dock was justice of the peace in the early sixties and was a highly respected citizen. Charles Boeschenstein, father of the editor of the Edzvardsville Intelligencer, who was elected in 1861 and served as justice of the peace until his death in 1883, was a coun¬ selor of many and a real peace maker, al¬ ways using his efforts to induce people to settle their differences without going to trial.

Dr. Gallus Rutz, teacher, physician, editor and postmaster, was prominent in affairs for many years. John Balsiger, justice of the peace and one of the founders and secretary of the first agricultural society, was an active man of the community. Timothy Gruaz, notary public and land agent, was a figure in many local matters. George Roth, success¬ ful business man and mayor of the city, never failed to lend his efforts to the progress of the community.

Citizens who have filled county and other public offices are : E. M. Morgan, associate county judge, 1857-61 ; succeeded by Constant Rilliet, 1861-63; Garrett Crownover, member of legislature, 1860-62; Henry Weinheimer, ditto, 1872-74; George Ruegger, sheriff, 1864- 66; B. E. Hoffman, county clerk, 1869-77; Adolph Ruegger, county treasurer, 1877-82; Adolph A. Suppiger, superintendent of schools, 1873-82 and 1886-90; Robert Hagnauer, circuit clerk, 1884-96; Henry Riniker, county clerk, 1886-90 and 1894-1902; Edward Feutz , county clerk, 1902-10; Charles F. Tuffli, coroner, 1900-04; Joseph P. Streuber, first probate judge, elected in 1910 and pres¬ ent incumbent of office.

H. M. Thorp was the first supervisor of Helvetia township. He was succeeded by Louis Latzer, Edward Feutz, Louis Koch, Joseph Buchmann, Rudolph Fricker and F. M. Mueller. Louis E. Kinne was appointed a colonel on the staff of Governor Richard Yates and served with credit in that position as in all others which he had been called to fill. Joseph C. Ammann, present cashier of the First National Bank, served as member of the state board of equalization, 1889-92, and no citizen has ever been held in higher esteem than he.

Highland has had quite a number of socie¬ ties and lodges that were dissolved. The first of importance was the Literary or Library Association, organized December 9, 1859, with A. E. Bandelier, president, and Dr. Frederick Ryhiner, Joseph Suppiger, Solomon Koepfli and John Suppiger, directors. Lectures were frequently delivered by such eminent scholars as Professor Baer, Dr. Ryhiner, the Bandeliers, Dr. and C. L. Bernays, Julius Hammer, and others. When the society was dissolved in 1869 the very valuable collection of books was given to the Highland Turnverein, and later a large part of the books were donated to the public school library. Other societies and lodges were: A singing society in 1850. A Turnverein in 1854, dissolved at the out¬ break of the Civil war. Lodges of the Redmen, Druids, Odd Fellows, Knights of Honor, and Gruetli Verein. Also a very good Phil¬ harmonic Society from 1878-83.

(Sharpshooters' Society), incorporated 1863, but organized in February, i860. The beau¬ tiful Lindendale park was donated to the soci¬ ety in trust by Joseph and Solomon Koepfli. Its great natural beauty and suitable topog¬ raphy for holding festivals and fairs are unexcelled, making it a most favorable place of resort. The many festivals held here have been attended by thousands from nearly every state of the country. The first large sharp¬ shooters' festival was held in 1864, at which the Natjonal American Sharpshooters' Society was organized, with the following officers :

Dr. A. Felder, president; Ad. Eugene Bandelier, vice-president ; David Suppiger, treasurer ; Adolph F. Bandelier, secretary; Tim. Gruaz, vice-secretary. Very successful national fes¬ tivals, attended from all parts of the country, were held here in 1865 and 1872, then one of the Northwestern Association in 1883, and the many others of a local character. High¬ land is the cradle of organized sharpshooters in the United States. The society is as strong as ever, and the sons are as enthusiastic and active on the rifle range as their fathers.

The Highland Turnverein (Gymnastic So¬ ciety) was organized in 1866. It has a large hall, built in 1869, with one of the best equipped stages for theatrical performances not usually found in towns of this size, also bowling alleys, steam heating and other con¬ veniences. A graduate physical instructor is regularly engaged for the classes.

The Harmonic Singing Society was organ¬ ized in 1867. It has a large active and passive membership, and has the reputation of being one of the best in the St. Louis district. A large ladies' choir is connected with the society.

Lodges: Highland Lodge, No. 583, A. F. and A. Masons, chartered 1868 ; Highland Chapter, No. 169, R. A. Masons; Eastern Star; Modern Woodmen of America; Royal Neighbors; Woodmen of the World; Knights of Pythias ; Knights of Columbus ; Mutual Protective League. Besides these there are the usual religious societies and social clubs, too numerous to mention.

A charter having been obtained to incorpo¬ rate, the first town election was held in April, 1865, resulting for the first officers in the selection of Jacob Eggen as president, and Joseph Speckart, Henry Weinheimer, Xavier Suppiger and Frank Appel as trustees, with Berthold E. Hoffmann, clerk, and John Menz,

Highland had no railroad, and when in 1867 the builders of the Vandalia line pro¬ posed to run the road through the town if a certain amount of money was contributed, the citizens voted a subvention of $10,000 on August 12, while a large amount was also subscribed for stock in the company by pri¬ vate parties. The road was completed in 1868. A special tax was levied to meet the gradual payment of this debt, so that all was paid after eight years.

the town then having the required number of inhabitants. The proposition was hotly con¬ tested for fear that the town might be run heavily in debt, because the law would allow it. The proposition carried by a large vote, however, and the election of city officers on May 6, 1884, resulted as follows: Fred B. Suppiger, mayor; Alexander Beck, city clerk; Adolph Mueller, treasurer; aldermen, First ward, J. George Dumbeck and Jacob Grossenbacher ; Second ward, John Guggenbuehler and John Wildi; Third ward, Adolph Ruegger and John H. Hermann.

The officers of the town have always acted with prudent economy, and though improve¬ ments went on as they were needed to keep the city in good condition, yet there was no corporation tax levied except for the railroad debt, until a number of years after city organ¬ ization, because the income from saloon li¬ censes was sufficient to meet all requirements.

A suitable two-story city hall was built in 1884. the upper floor for meetings and offices, the lower for fire engines and jail. There had been no jail up to this time, because there was very rarely any need for such, and even then usually only for outsiders. There being no stream of water near enough for water works, public cisterns are built in the streets, so distributed that all parts of the city can be covered in case of fires, which rarely occui. The fire department consists of two volunteer companies, equipped with one hand engine and a powerful gasoline machine, ladders, etc. In addition to this a chemical engine will be purchased.

Highland was one of the first towns in the county to install electric lights. The plant was first owned by private parties, but aftei a few years it was purchased by the city, is running successfully, furnishing the citizens cheap light, the income from which almost makes the plant self-sustaining after lighting the en¬ tire city thoroughly.

Present city officers of Highland: Henry Lory, mayor, Charles Schiettinger, city clerk; Louis Vaugniaux and Gus. Koch, aldermen First ward; Joseph Wiegand and Ferd. Dubach, aldermen Second ward; Eugene Schott and Fritz Koch, aldermen Third ward.

Though Highland, for the want of nearness of water and coal, could not be attractive as a manufacturing center generally, yet it has a number of successful industries, the most im¬ portant and extensive one that helped to make

Helvetia Milk Condensory which manufac¬ tures evaporated milk - the well-known "Pet ' and "Highland" brands, the former being the brand sold to the domestic trade and the lat¬ ter exported and sold to the army and navy. The business was established in 1885 ; although for years struggling for its existence, yet per¬ severance, hard work with prudent manage¬ ment finally triumphed, so that the company now is enjoying a wide reputation on their product and is from its eight plants turning out from eight to ten carloads of the finished product daily. It certainly is a just cause of pride for those responsible for its success to have developed an industry, in which they were the pioneers, to such proportions, aside from the fact that their success has induced a large number of others to engage in the man¬ ufacture of similar goods, so that evaporated milk has now become a staple article of food, its manufacture employing thousands of peo¬ ple and canning the milk of probably a million of cows.

The Helvetia people, although the pioneers in the business, are not the inventors of the principles involved in the manufacture of evaporated milk. They, however, were the first to put into successful practice on a com¬ mercial scale, the milk experiments of various scientists. It is hard for people that have no experience in the manufacture and introduc¬ tion of a new article of food to realize the amount of work, thought and study it took to learn the wants and tastes of the consumers and then to aim accordingly. It was during the Spanish- American war that the true merits of evaporated milk was demonstrated, as was so well stated by Dr. N. Senn, the chief of the medical staff United States army, operat¬ ing in the field.

capital of $15,000 by the leading citizens of Highland and vicinity, at the instigation of a promoter, who claimed to be a milk expert and who was then put in charge of the plant. It soon developed, however, that an evapo¬ rated milk business, or the manufacture of evaporated milk, could not be accomplished simply by observing formulas worked out at random by experiments in a small way, but that it required some technical knowledge so as to bring the work down to a science to in¬ sure its success. It thus soon became neces¬ sary to place the technical management into other hands, and as no such talent was avail¬ able or to be had, it devolved on the board of directors to take charge of the work, and it thus became necessary for some of them to train themselves for the work.

The first board of directors was composed of Dr. Knoebel, John Wildi, George Roth, Fred. Kaeser and Louis Latzer, with Dr. Knoebel as president and John Wildi as sec¬ retary and treasurer. Dr. Knoebel retired after the first year and George Roth in 1893. John Wildi, who was the business manager of the Company from the start, retired in 1907 to organize a new condensing company. He was succeeded by Ad. Meyer, who had been with the company for about fourteen years in the capacity as bookkeeper and later manager of the Greenville plant. In 1888 Louis Latzer became president of the com¬ pany, and Fred Kaeser vice-president, and both these gentlemen have held these posi¬ tions ever since.

As the business of the company grew and developed it was found necessary to establish branch plants, from time to time, in various parts of the country as was dictated by com¬ mercial reasons, which now number seven, or eight (with the Highland or parent plant). These plants were built and are located as follows : The Highland, or mother plant, was the heart of the city of Highland, but in 1905 the present plant was built in another part of the city on the railroad; the Greenville (Ill.) plant was established in 1899; the Delta (Ohio) plant in 1905; the Wellsboro (Pa.) plant in 1907; the Hudson (Mich.) plant in 1909; the Mulvane (Kan.) plant in 1910; the New Glarus (Wis.) plant in 1910 and the Westfield (Pa.) plant in 1911. All of the gen¬ eral business of the company is transacted at Highland, the general office of the company. All matters relating to the manufacturing and the process for all the plants are directed by the technical manager, Louis Latzer. The present officers and directors of the company are as follows : Louis Latzer, president; Fred. Kaeser, vice-president; Ad. Meyer, secretary and treasurer; W. T. Nardin and Louis J. Appel. The modesty of the company is char¬ acteristic of the men in charge, as shown by the fact that it is only incorporated for $50,000, while it is at least a $2,000,000 business.

The Highland Brewing Company has an unusually large establishment and extensive custom for a town the size of Highland. It has a long history. In 1843 John Guggenbuehler and Fr. Weber started a small brew¬ ery, which soon passed into the hands of Daniel Wild, who in 1854 sold out to Chas.

M. J. Schott in as partners, but selling his interest to them in 1857. Gerhard next sold out to his sons, Martin J. and Chr. Schott, the latter retiring in 1870, leaving M. J. Schott sole owner, under whose energetic manage¬ ment it had grown to one of the largest in southern Illinois. In 1884 the business was incorporated as the Highland Brewing Co. M. J. Schott died in 1893, when his sons Albert, Eugene and M. J. Schott, Jr., con¬ tinued with marked success. Albert retired in 1911, his place being filled by Hans Kalb, an expert brewer, brother-in-law of the other partners. Extensive improvements were made of late, so that now the brewery has a capacity of 75,000 barrels per year, two large ice plants, and underground cellars for storing 10,000 barrels. Their sales extend over south¬ ern Illinois and nearby states. The officers are Eugene Schott, president; Hans Kalb, secretary; M. J. Schott, treasurer.

Wicks Pipe Organ Company started a new industry in Highland in 1908, building im¬ proved church organs. The business proved so successful that they erected, for better convenience and railroad facilities for ship¬ ments, a concrete building of 250x50 feet alongside the railroad. They have furnished organs to numerous churches in large cities and now employ about 35 men. The officers are: John F. Wick, president; A. G. Reuter, vice-president; and Louis J. Wick, secretary and treasurer.

The Highland Milling Company. - The mill built by Joseph Suppiger, Dr. F. Ryhiner and Caspar Meyer in 1837 is the second oldest in the state in continuous operation, the Cole Milling Company of Chester claiming to have started in 1836. From 1840 to 1850 the firm was composed of Joseph, Melchior and Ber¬ nard Suppiger, James Reynolds and David Thorp. After the death of Joseph Suppiger (1862) there were many changes in the part¬ nership up to 1890, the firm name then being David Suppiger & Co., when the mill was sold to a corporation of local business men, promoted by C. H. Seybt, the son-in-law of Joseph Suppiger, the original builder. Mr. Seybt became its first president, and barring a brief period, has continued its chief execu¬ tive officer. Adolph Ruegger was elected secretary and treasurer in 1890, and after his death in 1907 Louis Grantzow was his suc¬ cessor, and since his death on January 26, 1912, Martin Huber has served in that capac¬ ity. L. E. Kinne was elected vice-president in 1890. There have been various changes in this office during the past twenty-two years, and since the death of Mr. George Roth on May 30, 1911, Hy. Hermann has filled this office. Two years ago a large concrete eleva¬ tor was added, and last year a new concrete boiler house, both buildings being of approved fireproof construction. The present milling capacity is 500 barrels in twenty-four hours, and its leading brand, "Highland Beauty, ' enjoys a good demand and reputation in this country as well as in Great Britain.

Highland Embroidery Works. - This is a peculiar and one of the city's principal indus¬ tries, founded in 1881 by John Rush of St. Gall, Switzerland, but soundly established in 1883 by J. J. Spindler, Jr., president, John Wildi, Jr., secretary and treasurer, and Alfred Wildi, designer. Mr. J. Wildi soon sold his interest, and later L. J. Ruhr became partner and secretary and treasurer in charge of the office work. The products of this factory rank among the very best in this country, and owing to the superior workmanship and orig¬ inality and beauty of designs, have gained a national reputation, being purchased by the best establishments from ocean to ocean. The numerous machines, imported from Switzer¬ land and Germany, are the most up-to-date, with a capacity of about one thousand skilled hand embroiderers to each machine. About twenty-five men and seventy-five to one hun¬ dred girls are employed. The most skilful operators of the country are here daily turn¬ ing out new effects in embroideries of all descriptions.

The Stocker Artificial Stone and Gravel Company was organized in 1903* manufactur¬ ing plain and ornamental building blocks and many other concrete articles, building con¬ crete sidewalks, bridges, foundations for houses, in fact, anything in the concrete man¬ ufacturing line, besides operating a large gravel pit. Fred. Stocker is president, and

Other industries: Louis Miller's brick and drain tile works; Leutwiler Brothers (Adolph and Edward) machine shops; The Highland Planing Mill & Lumber Company; marble works of Ed. Feutz and F. N. Johanntosettel ; Louis Brooks' marble works; Charles Beichel's broom factory ; Paul Wiebe's machine shop, and others of minor importance.

Blacksmiths: Henry Lory (formerly John Wiggenhauser's) ; Henry Buchheim (for¬ merly George Steinegger) ; Stephen Kustermann ; Peter Grimmer; Jacob Hediger, wagonmaker, successor to Daniel Briner.

Highland F. M. B. A. Elevator. - This is a large plant and a successful enterprise. The founder was Auguste Mojonnier, in 1869, who in 1883 sold to John Guggenbuehler, he to Emile Chipron in 1890, and he in 1891 to the then incorporated F. M. B. A. Elevator Com¬ pany. The first building was entirely de¬ stroyed by fire, and the company then erected the present enlarged and improved building.

Soda and Mineral Water Factory was started early in the fifties by Anton Mueller and Jacob Weber; after some years it was sold to Alfred and Alexander Beck, and after sev¬ eral other changes in owners was bought by Joseph Wick, who is still operating it.

Jean Baptiste Defontaine's Wind Mill. - This wind mill was one of the show points in this section until it had gone entirely to ruin some years ago after the death of its builder. It was located in the valley of the southeast corner of Helvetia township. Looking down into the valley from Duncan's Pleasant Hill, or from the heights of Sebastopol, the eye passed over as fine farm scenery as can be imagined. This and the many fine farm houses (some having old style French roofs), with the large wind mill in the distance, made

Not only the mill, but the owner himself was also a curiosity in appearance. Jean Baptiste Defontaine came from France in 1858. He built the mill entirely of wood, without using a nail or screw, the cogwheels even being of wood. He also used the power to saw wood and small lumber, the saw being the only piece of metal in the whole construc¬ tion. He ground wheat and corn. Besides being a miller, he was also a watchmaker, and made wooden shoes and the bricks for his house. He died at the age of 87 years in 1890.

The First National Bank was evolved from the bank of Kinne & Pabst and the Highland Bank. Kinne & Pabst started in June, 1890, and in June, 1891, incorporated the "High¬ land Bank," with L. E. Kinne, J. C. Ammann, George Roth, Louis Grantzow and Caspar Kamm, directors ; L. E. Kinne, president ; J. C. Ammann, vice-president; Selmar Pabst, cashier; capital $25,000. On March 5, 1903, it was changed to the First National Bank of Highland, with a capital of $50,000; in¬ creased to $100,000 in September, 1908, the officers being: L. E. Kinne, president; S. Pabst, vice-president ; J. C. Ammann, cashier, and C. T. Pabst, assistant cashier. The pres¬ ent directors are: L. E. Kinne (president), Charles F. Tuffli (vice-president), Joseph C. Ammann (cashier), Eugene Schott, Robert Kamm, and M. D. Tibbetts, with Charles T. Pabst and Leo Ammann assistant cashiers. The last statement shows resources of $1,094,- 185.22, surplus $50,000, and undivided profits $20,796.27.

The State & Trust Bank, organized May 3, 1903 ; capital $75,000. First board of direct¬ ors and officers: John Wildi (president), L. J. Ruhr (vice-president), Louis Blattner (cash- ier), Louis Latzer, J. J. Spindler, J. G. Bardill and A. H. Labhard; Louis Koch assistant cashier. Present financial standing: Capital, $75,000; surplus and profits, $42,000; deposits, $517,000. Present board of directors and offi¬ cers: Fred Siegrist (president), J. G. Bardill (vice-president), Louis Koch (cashier), Louis Latzer, Adolph Meyer, J. P. Streuber and M. J. Schott.

The East End Bank. Organized October 28, 1908; capital, $25,000. Board of directors and officers: Edward Feutz, president; Louis Miller, vice-president; Frank Zolk, secretary; L. A. Schreiber, cashier. Directors: Albert J. Kleiner, John L. Mannhard, Joseph Buchheim, John Leu, Fred. Schrumpf, Ed. Feutz, Louis Miller and Frank Zolk. Surplus, $2,000; deposits, $71,000.

C. Kinne & Company. - This is the oldest and largest general department store in High¬ land. Twelve years ago it celebrated its golden jubilee. It was started in 1856 by Charles Kinne in a room of his dwelling house. In 1861 he was appointed postmaster and had the postoffice in the small store. In 1866 L. E. Kinne and S. Pabst became partners in the business, and that year an additional building was erected, and a still larger one of three stories in 1870, while the older buildings were remodeled and enlarged, so that the busi¬ ness now has a floor space of 30,000 square feet instead of the 900 feet of the original store. In 1881 Charles Kinne retired and the firm then incorporated as C. Kinne & Com¬ pany. Louis E. Ivinne, the pi esident, has been connected with the business from the start, and mainly to him and his able managejiigfq the firm owes its wonderful success, so that it is now one of the largest in southern Illinois. The present officers are: L. E. Kinne, president; J. B. Menz, secretary and treasurer. Directors : A. A. Beck, C. J. Huegy and Jacob Menz.

The Highland Store Company also has a large department store about like three good sized stores, also grown from a small begin¬ ning; started in the early sixties by John Menz, who later put up a large brick building. In 1876 his business passed into the hands of Ammann & Wildi, and later to the Store Company, which gradually brought it to its present size of three lower and three upper floors. Joseph G. Bardill is the president of the company, an able and successful manager of the business. The other officers are: M. Matter, secretary and treasurer; Fred Neubauer, vice-president; John Zimmermann, director.

The East End Mercantile Company has also a good sized double general store, with A. J Utiger at the head of it as president and manager. Ed. Schmetter conducts an exclu¬ sive clothing store at Louis Grantzow's old stand. Harry Carp has "Carp's Cash Store," a notion, millinery and variety business.

Hardware and Farm Machinery: Kuhnen & Siegrist Hardware Co. In their building H. M. Thorp and Sam Mason started a gen¬ eral store in 1866, and in 1871 Kuhnen & Roth moved there with their hardware business. The partnership dissolved ; C. F. Kuhnen con¬ tinued until the present firm was organized, which now has a very large business. The other old and large business is the Hagnauer & Knoebel Hardware Company, preceded by the founder P. C. Chipron in 1875, then by George Roth until in 1890 the Hagnauer & Knoebel Hardware Company was started.

The St. Joseph's Hospital, a Catholic insti¬ tution, is one of the best of its kind in the state. It is a large handsome brick building with modern conveniences to accommodate at least ioo people.

Highland is often called a city in a park, because there are so many shade trees along the streets, and shade trees and shrubbery in the gardens give it that appearance, enhanced by nicely kept lawns and flowers in front of the houses. And where there is space in the rear, berries and vegetables are raised for family use.

land can be proud. It was built by a society organized for that purpose many years ago, and is a lasting monument for the devotion, perseverance and sacrifices of the members for a good cause.

The Highland Madison County Fair, held annually in this rich agricultural section at Lindenthal Park (this year on August 29th, 30th, 31st, and September 1st), has always been a decided success since its beginning fifteen years ago. It is made so attractive in every way that people come here with their families from far and near. The newspapers of Highland are spoken of in Chapter XIII.

of the town, brick walks being changed to concrete walks so rapidly that soon they will all be of this kind throughout the city. Many streets are oiled instead of being sprinkled, and the city intends to oil all streets next year.

The whole aspect of Highland is that of a thriving comfortable community, as is rarely seen. The population is a quiet, industrious class, now numbering 3,000, everybody being busy and working during the day, steady and regularly as clockwork. There is not a beg¬ gar, and no loafers and idlers are seen on the streets. For that reason the town has a some- what quiet aspect during the day, but after the day's work the young people, especially, ap¬ pear upon the streets in their good clothes. There is no rough element and no rowdyism, which would not be tolerated.

There is not one negro in the town. A col¬ ored barber and a hostler were here many years ago, but both remained only a short time, unable to overcome their forlorn feeling.

Ragged people are not seen, unless they are from elsewhere. There are but few families who do not own their homes. It is character¬ istic of our people to save up enough to ac¬ quire their own homes. They are also known to be the best taxpayers, it having frequently happened that every cent was collected, and usually very little remains unpaid.

Highland has many saloons, but they are well regulated. Intoxicated men are rarely seen, and if so are usually outsiders. The city is well policed and burglaries and thefts have not been heard of for years.

There is not a shack or dilapidated building in town, all being kept in good order. The streets and alleys are clean, the city removing refuse. Some towns have clean-up days :- Highland has cleaning up every day.

Until about twenty years ago all children on the streets could be heard to speak only Swiss-German, including those of native American parents. This, of course, has changed, for the obvious reason that there is not any more much German taught in the schools, and immigration having stopped al¬ most entirely.

ing, the city furnishing electric light and benches for the audience. Visitors, especially traveling men, are heard to say that they have not found another town in the country, every¬ thing considered, that can compare with Highland.

The great attraction in connection with the renowned Lindendale Park is the grand ave¬ nue leading to it, nearly a mile in length, with four rows of majestic maple and elm trees, a driveway in the center and walks on either side. When the trees were planted in 1868 all members of the Sharpshooters' Society and other citizens turned out to help in the grand work. The park itself, famous for its beauty, strikes the lover of nature with delight when wandering over the paths through the natural forest of majestic oaks, lindens, elms, hick¬ ories, walnuts, etc., with constantly changing pleasant scenes, due to its peculiar romantic topography. The various buildings - target house, entertainment hall, exhibition build¬ ings, etc. - add to its attraction and comforts.

The environs of Highland, extending over a radius including neighboring towns in every direction, afford most pleasing picturesque views to the lover of natural scenery. The land is mostly rolling, with gently sloping hills, except towards the creek bottoms, where the slope is naturally steeper. A drive in any direction through fields and woods is delight¬ ful. From the hilltops and heights the scenery enchants the eye with fine fields in their variegated colors, nice farm houses, large barns, silos, and orchards, while the passage through the virgin forests along the creeks makes a deep romantic impression.