McDonough County, Illinois - Industry Doddsville - Middletown, 1878

Industry Doddsville - Middletown

In 1846, Jolinsou Downen, Esq., living on southeast quarter ot section 15, 5 north, 1 west, Industry township, made a proposition to John M. Price, a young blacksmith, to give him an acre of ground, and the neighbors of Mr. D, oflered to erect for him a shop, if he would settle there and follow his trade. This offer Mr. Price accepted and a shop was erected for him which he occupied for many years. This was the beginning of the present village of Industry, but at the time no thought was experienced of a town being there located. A postoffice had been located in the neighborhood for many years in charge of Joel Pennington, Esq., an old pioneer of the county, who kept the office at his residence. When Mr. Price settled here the country around was in a wild and uncultivated state, save a farm here and there, the greater number of which were located east and southeast of the present town, around the old Carter settlement. He has informed us he has stood in his door and shot wild turkevs, and from his yard killed deer, squirrels, and other wild game. He remembers killing a wolf where the saw mill on Main street now stands; and again, when the mill was located about the centre of the street opposite Vance's Hotel, upon one occasion, a half grown deer in its fright ran into the mill and was knocked in the head with an ax.

In 1860, Cleon and Desa Reddick came to the place and started a dry goods and grocery store, the first in the place. This business they continued for two years, when J. M. Price purchased the stock and continued the business. These gentlemen were the first to settle here after Mr. Price. Xext came Dr. Duncan, so well and favorably known through the south part of the county. He was the first physician in the place, and for some years the only one; and there probably is not a family in the whole towny ship but bas bad bis professional service. Dr. Duncan departed tbis life iu tbe Spring ot 1877, bis loss being deeply felt by tbe wbole neigbborbood.

Tbe iirst survey was in October, 1855, six blocks being laid oft" by William II. liile, County Surveyor. In 1858 four additions were made to tbe town, viz. : Eastern, western, southern and nortbern; and again, in 1867, Downen's addition was surveyed. Tbe place was given its name by J. M. Price and Cleon Reddick. A nickname bad been given it some time previous by Springer, who bad called it Pinhook, for what reason is not known by even the oldest inhabitant.

Tbe town has been of slow but steady growth, it having none ot the advantages of railroad towns of the present day. During the last three years more improvements have been made in it than during the same length of time in its history, the improvements being of a permanent character. It is hoped these will continue.

Xotwithstandiug the place was laid out in 1855, it was not incorporated until 1867, when it was organized under a special charter, tbe first meeting of tbe Board of Trustees of the town occurring tbe evening of May 16, 1867. Tbe following are tbe names of those comprising the first Board : "William Sullivan, President; Daniel Carroll, John Shannon, D. M. Creel and B. F. Botchlet. This organization of tbe place was continued until 1873, when it was re-organized on the 24th of January, under the general law, as a village,with the following named Trustees: John Mclviuney, President ; J. F. Mosser, John W. Flack, J. D. Goble and John D. Merrick.

The village has always been a moral and religious one, and has never, since its organization in 1867, granted license tor tbe sale of intoxicating liquors.

The public schools of the place have kept pace with those of other towns. Tbe village bas a large school building situated on Main street, and from seven to eight mouths in the year a free school is held therein. Good teachers have usually been employed, at salaries ranging from fifty to seventy-five dollars per month. Prof. H. M. Towner was employed as principal during the school year of 1876 and 77. Perfect satisfaction was rendered by this gentleman to the patrons of the school. Prof. Thomas Odenweller is engaged for tbe season of 1877-78.

Cumberland Presbyterian and Methodist Episcopal. Sketches of each of their organizations will be found elsewhere in this work. Rev. J. L. Towner, pastor of the Christian Church, has held that rehition a longer period than either of the others. His ministrations have been very acceptable to the people.

In manufactories the village has not much to boast, and until a railroad is secured will probably never do much in this respect. A flouring mill, which supplies the people with an excellent quality of flour, a saw mill and a wagon shop are the only representatives of this branch of industry in the place.

The village is twelve miles from any railroad station, and four towns with railroad depots are situated that distance from it, viz.: Macomb, Table Grove, Vermont and Adair. These facts serve as a drawback to the prosperity of the place, but, as before remarked, the town prospers nevertheless. Among her business men are several that are alive to her interests, and who work to that end. The population of the town is at present about Ave hundred.

The following named gentlemen occupy the position of Trusteei of the village at the present writing: J. W. Leach, President; John McKinney, Simon Gustine, P. B. Cordell, John A. Sullivan, J. H. R. Clayton.

The following is a summary of the number and various kinds of business firms: Agricultural implement dealer, one; blacksmith, one; boot and shoe-makers, two; barber shop, one; restaurant, one; carpenters, three; drug stores, two; general merchandise, two; groceries, three; hotels, one; saddle and harness shop, one; hardware stores, two; insurance companies, one; meat markets, two; mills, two; millinery and dressmaking one; millinery and notions, one: painters, one; photographers, two; physicians, three; wagon makers, two; societies, three.

Band

This town is oa the southern line of the county, ^vith a portion of it in Schuyler count}'. It was laid out in 1836 by Samuel Dodds. That portion in this county is on section 32, Industry township. In the town are two good churches - the Presbyterian and the Methodists - AV, G. Irwin, dealer in dry goods and groceries, also Postmaster ; J. B. Wheeler, blacksmith ; J. II, AVheeler, wagon maker ; J. AV. Donoley, ^M. D.

Under the head of "Early Settlements," in Chapter viii, will be found notice of this place; therefore, wc think it unnecessary to say more in this connection. The following comprises a list ot business houses represented in the town : Minton Hatfield, general merchandise; Robert Jeffries, drugs and groceries ; W. AV. Moore and J. II. Voorliees, blacksmiths; J, M. Mills, I). J. Fugate and I. X. Wear, physicians; M, Hatfield, postmaster ; John ^Griswold, patentee.

Ciiapter Xliii Prairie City

This town is situiited on a beautiful rollius: prairie, surrounded by a country which, in fertility of soil, is not surpassed in the State of Illinois. The whole country around is dotted over with some ot the finest and best improved farms in the county. Trairie City is truly a city of the prairie, and its lounders could not have selected a more beautiful and eligible location, or a name more appropriate for the town. The place was laid out on the projected line of theXorthern Cross, now Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, in 1854, by Ezra Cadwallader, Anson Smith, Ezra U. Smith and Edwin Reed, men of excellent judgment and more than ordinary business qualifications. The same 3'ear Messrs. Parker & Barnes, of Canton, came to the place, and opened a stock of general merchandise, first in a farm house near town, then in a store building on Main street, near Smith, which they erected for this purpose. This was the first building erected in town, and Parker & Barnes have the honor of being the lirst to engage in business. In their store-room Rev. Truman Grigsby, a Baptist Minister, preached the first sermon in the town. Rev. Samuel Dillj', a Congregational Minister, was next, preaching a short time thereafter in the house of Ezra Smith.

The town is laid out with streets running east and west and north and south. The original town only comi»rised forty acres, and lots were made 06x120 feet. Several additions have since been made to the town, and it now covers considerable ground ; \mt the principal portion of it is located on the northwest quarter of section one of Prairie City township, being the extreme northeastern portion of the county, seventeen miles from Macomb, and one hundred and eischtv-six from Ciiicago.

In 1855, a frame school house was built, in size about 20x30 feet^ on Clay street. The following year the Presbyterians erected a church building, being the iirst in the town. Ezra Cadwallader erected the first building for hotel purposes - the City Hotel.

In 1856, Alonzo Barnes, James R. Parker and Joseph Drake platted the iirst southern addition to the town, giving a lot to any one who would build a house thereon costing not less than one hundred and tifty dollars. This had the desired effect, inducing many to come here to make their homes. The place now grew sa rapidly that it became necessary to incorporate as a town. Accordingly, on Saturday, January 10, 1857, a public meeting wa& held and the question voted for or against incorporation. Thirtynine votes were cast for and live against. The proposition having been carried, an election was held on Saturday, January 24, at two o'clock P. M., for the purpose of choosing live Trustees, when the following gentlemen were elected : David Negley, L. H. Bradbury, J. B. Robinson, George Hettle and M. T. Hand. A. Fisher was chosen as the Iirst clerk of the board, A few days thereafter tlie board met and adopted such ordinances as were thought for the best interests of the place.

No town can be supposed to exist without a newspaper, so in the early part of this year, one was issued from this place. As an illustration of the rapid growth of the town, we copy the following communication which appeared in the Prairie City Chronicle under date April 23, 1857;

"The rapidity with wliich our beautiful village has grown must astonisii th3 natives. Notwithstanding the opposition of two rival towns, it has far exceeded the expectations of its most sanguine founders. Where now stands the Presbyterian Church, with its spire pointing heavenward, the school house by its side, where the growing idea may learn to shoot; the large and commodious edifice erected and occupied by Messrs. Barnes & Fisher and L. J. Wash- ))urn, near the railroad, the Cope House, and a dozen other buildini^s in which are carried on a general mercantile trade, and dwelling houses scattered over nearly a quarter section of land, with u family in every seven by nine room - I say, where now stands all these, three years ago nothing was to be seen but the prairie grtiss waving in the summer breeze, with here and there a lowing herd, as they enjoyed the luxuries which nature had provided for them."

In 1839 there was inaugurated an institution in this place which fspoke well for the early settlers of the town. We allude to the Prairie City Academy, started under tlie auspices of the Free Will Baptist Church. For several years the institutioH met with good success, students being attracted there from many of the adjoining counties, and a bright future seemed before it, l)ut for some cause dissatisfaction arose as to its management, and the town, which had a half interest in it, withdrew its influence and support, and the church not being able to support it alone, it was compelled to suspend. The property was sold, the town becoming the purchaser, and it is now used for the purpose of a public school.

With reference to the public schools of the place, the citizens take an especial pride, and not without cause. From the report of the superintendent of schools of the town we gather the information that they arc in a very flourishing condition, the general average in deportment, attendance and study being better than in any of the schools with which we are acquainted. The graded system was adopted a few years ago and has worked to the satisfaction of nearly everyone. There are three school buildings, known as the East, AVest, and Academy schools. In these schools for 1876, and 1877, were employed seven teachers, under the superintendency of Prof. J. H. Graham, an experienced and efflcient instructor and director, as follows: Sadie Hamilton, Assistant ; Miss E. J. Vose, teacher in the grammer school; Miss ISTancy Morgan, intermediate; Misses Lou Brinkmeyer, Julia Barnes, and Addie Durham, primary. So far as we can learn all give good satisfaction. The average salary paid these teachers is S53 per month. Average number of pupils in attendance is 330. The following named gentlemen compose the present Board of School Directors : B. F. Bradbury, J. A. Hamilton, and A. T. Irwin.

There are Ave denominations ot Christians having organizations in this village, viz : Presbyterians, Missionary Baptists, Free Will Baptists, Congregationalists, and Methodists. Each of these have good comfortable church edifices. Taking into consideration the number and excellent quality of the schools, and the number of churches,with large and eflficient memberships, it is not to be wondered that Prairie City is a moral and religious town, and that temperance generally prevails. License has only occasionally been granted by some of the Town Boards for the sale of intoxicating liquors. In the early part of 1874, a saloon was opened by a Mr. Colwell, the result of which was evil, so much so as to attract the attention of the noble-hearted women of the town, and they determined, if possible to avert the danger ere it was too late ; accordingly they presented the following to the Board of Trustees at a special meeting held March 6, 1877, which had the desired effect :

" We, the women of Prairie City, respectfully inquire whether if Mr. Colwell now ceases to retail intoxicating drinks in Prairie City, you will return to him such part of the money he paid on his present license as will be the proportion for the time from which he ceases until the close of his term of license ? "We regret exceedingly the necessity of our seeming in any way to interfere with the management of civil affairs in our village, but our hearts have been pained for months by the result of the liquor traffic to the unfortunate victims of intemperance and their defenseless families. The time has come, in our judgment, when it should cease - must cease."

The old cemeterv one-half mile north of town was used as a final resting place for the dead but a few ^"eaT's, when, becoming too small, and no land adjacent could be purchased, it was thought best to purchase a larger tract, and therefore a five-acre lot was purchased one mile northwest of town, and is now known as the new cemetery.

On the seventeenth day of December, 1873, a vote was taken for or against organizing as a village, under the general law of the State, resulting in its almost unanimous adoption, only four votes being polled against it. Under this law the village Trustees have greater power than is bestowed upon the town Trustees under the old organization. The first annual election for village Trustees occurred Tuesday, April 21, 1874, the following named gentlemen being elected as members of the board : T. L. Magee, president; A. T. Irwin, A. Burr, J. Alex. Hamilton, J. S. Alexander and John T. Davis; clerk, R. D. Stevens.

The first resolution passed by the board was in favorance. and the first ordinance was upon the same subject. The following named persons have since been elected members of the board of trustees: 1875 - J. E. Dujiham, president; A. T. Irwin, J. F. Davis,

Prairie City has seldom been without its weekly paper. In April, 1857, B. W. Seaton began the first publication of the Prairie City Chronicle, which continued about one year, when it was merged into the Prairie Chief, and published in the interests ot the Good Templars. This sheet was continued but a short time. The next was the Prairie Chicken, a small seven by nine sheet, which soon took its flight to other regions. In 1869, the Prairie City Herald was established by Chas. AV. Taylor. This paper has obtained a national reputation - its short, pungent editorials being copied in almost every sheet throughout the Union.

As showing the amount of business transacted by the railroad company, from figures furnished by Hon. ^V. McCredie, Freight Auditor of the road, w^e glean the following : For the past five years there were shipped an average each year of corn, 205 cars; oats, 29 ; rye, 35 ; cattle, 43 ; hogs, 80 ; flour, 2 ; other freight, 96. Received during the same time, per year : lumber, 84 cars ; agricultural implements, 4; merchandise, 107; other freights, 24. A total of 449 shipped and 218 received.

A better class of dwelling houses are shown in this town than in many of its size in the country, while the business houses are good, but none of any special pretensions. There are several business firms in the village worthy of a special notice, among which we may mention the following:

Alonzo Barnes. - This gentleman, in company with Major Parker, as we have before remarked, was the first to open a stock of merchandise in the place, as early as 1854, nearly two years before the completion of the railroad ; and from that time to the present has never been out of the mercantile trade. Major Parker remained but a short time, when he withdrew, Mr. Barnes continuing the store until 1869, when he disposed of his interest, and at once engaged in the hardware trade, which business he yet follows, having a large and profitable trade. His place of business is on the corner of Smith and Main streets, and his main salesroom is crowded with everything pertaining to the hardware trade. Especial attention is given to heating and cooking stoves, and the best manufactures in the country are represented. In builders' hardware he carries as tine an assortment as can be found in the county. lie is also engaged in the manufacture of tin and sheet iron ware, and will do job work in this line as low as can be done in the county, and warrant all work. In an adjoining room he carries a tine line of furniture, which should be examined before purchasing.

W. F. Taylor is one of Prairie City's most enterprising young men. Wilbur came to this place in 1867, and opened a small stock of books and stationery in a room on Main street, and, like thousands of others, had a hard time in establishing a trade. But pluck and determination will accomplish wonders, and we theretore see "Wilbur, after a lapse of ten years, enjoying a satisfactory trade, which increases year by year. His stock comprises every article usually found in a book and notion house suitable for the wants and desires of the people of this neighborhood. Wilbur deserves success, and should have it.

Andrew Burr. - This gentleman came to Prairie City in its infancy, and soon thereafter engaged in mercantile trade, and ever since has been one of her leading business men - one who stands high in the estimation of his fellow-citizens in the town and country surrounding. In bis store, on Washington street, near the depot, may be found a full line of staple and fancy groceries, builders' hardware, paints and oils. He also deals extensively in lumber, a good stock of which he always has in his yard near his store, and at prices as low as can be obtained elsewhere in the county. That he may continue to enjoy success in trade is the desire of all his many friends.

S. P. Tabic. - Sixteen years ago this gentleman opened in the jewelry business in this city, and has since met with good success. In his store room on Main street may be found a full line of the latest styles of jewelry, silverware, and all brands of the celebrated American watches. As a workman Mr. Tobie is A ISTo. 1, and all work entrusted to his care will be done to the satisfaction of his patrons, and guaranteed in every respect. Besides his jewelry stock may be found here a line line of the celebrated Remington breech-loading shot guns, revolvers, and cartridges. In this line Mr. T. undoubtedly carries the best assortment in the county.

J, A. Hamilton. - Mr. H. came to this place in 1855, and commenced business as a dealer in boots and shoes, continuing the same for ten years. He was the first to engage in this line of trade in the town. In 1865 he purchased a stock of clothing and gents' furnishing goods, since which time he has continued in this trade, together with that ot furniture and musical instruments. He has at all times a good assortment of all kinds of goods in his line, and, together with his salesman, will endeavor to please all who favor him with their patronage. You can't find a better place at which to trade.

B. F. Bradbury. - Is the proprietor of the leading dry goods and grocery houses of this village, and one well worthy the liberal patronage he has so long enjoyed, and the confidence and respect of his fellow citizens, not only in the town but in the surrounding country. One of the first to engage in the mercantile trade here was L. H. Bradbury, the father of the present proprietor, who soon, after received as a partner his son, and the firm was long known asL. H. Bradbury & Son. In 1874, the senior Bradbury retired, leaving the business in the hands of its present owner, who will doubtless continue the same for many years. Mr. B. has a large and commodious store room on the corner of Main and "Washington streets where may be found a large and well selected stock of dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, hats, caps, staple and fanc}' groceries, glass and queensware, etc., etc. Mr. B's. long business experience enables him to buy goods at bottom figures, which, together with his judgment in selecting the best quality and the latest styles of goods, enables him to offer his trade superior inducements. "A liberal man deviseth liberal things," says the wise man of old, and believing in the truth of the maxim, we have no hesitancy in recommending this gentleman to all our readers as a representative man of his town.

Dry Goods, Boots, Shoes And Notions

Bradbury, B. F., comer of Main and Washington Streets. Burr, A., AVashington Street near the depot. Harrah. C. A., Main Street near the railroad. White. E., corner of Main and Washington Streets. Lyons, F. C, south side of Main Street near the railroad.

Millinery And Dress Making

Chapin. Miss X. C. north side Main Street, near Smith. Hoyt. Mrs. A. R. north side Main Street. Pippit, Mrs. J., south side Main Street, near railroad. Hobart, Mrs., south side Main Street, near Smith.