McDonough County, Illinois - Chapter 45: Bardolph, 1878

Chapter 45: Bardolph

Bardolph was laid out August 3, 1854, by order of "William H. Raudolpb and Charles Chandler, and surveyed by William 11. Rile, County Surveyor, at that time. The town is located on section twenty-four of Macomb township, and in the midst of one of the best agricultural districts in McDonough county. The country around is rolling prairie, although the timber land bordering on Crooked creek is not far distant.

Bardolph is situated on the line of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, and nearly seven miles by rail from Macomb, and one hundred and ninety-six miles from Chicago. It is laid out with the railroad, the main streets running parallel with and the business houses fronting the road. The town was first given the name of Randolph, in honor of William H. Randolph, its founder, but on finding another town in the State having the same name, it was changed to Bardolph.

The first dwelling house was erected by jSTathan Jones in 1856, about the time of the completion of the railroad, and the first store building by Clinton A, Jones, which now" stands on the corner of Broadway and Elm streets. In this house Wetherhold & Jones started the first store in Bardolph. About this time J. B. Hendricks erected a building. Since then the growth of the town has been slow, but of a healthy and desirable character. Lots sold at from $50 to $150 each during the first settlement of the place; the most desirable lots, located on Broadwa}' street, are now valued at $300. The first school house was erected in 1860 on the corner of Poplar and Green streets; it stands there at present, unoccupied. It is a two-story frame building, the upper story formerly being used as a Good Templars' hall. Plenny M. Wilcox taught the first school in this building, and the first directors were I. M. Parvin, T. M. Allison, and O. M. Hoagland.

April 15, 1869, Bardolph was incorporated as a town by a special act of the Legislature, and the following Trustees were appointed by that body: President, A. Russell ; Trustees, W. J. Merritt, W. S. Hendricks, E. Dyer, N. 1). Clark; Clerk, David Adams. After this the Trustees were elected annually, the Police Magistrate acting as President.

On the fifth day of February, 1876, Bardolph was incorporated as a village. The main cause for this change was that the town Trustees were also school directors for district number seven, part of which is in the country, and the people residing out of the corporation, therefore, had no voice in choosing the directors. This naturally caused dissatisfaction, and as a remedy the town was changed to a village, and a board of school directors created separate and apart from the village officers.

Annual elections are held on the third Tuesday of April, at which a president and five village Trustees and a Clerk are chosen. The first and present Board of Trustees are : President, 11. A. Maxw^ell ; Trustees, E. D. Stevens, J. B. Knapp, J. M. Pelly, Lewis Wilson and J. T. ]S^orris ; Clerk, T. A. Jackson. Bonds to the amount of $2,000 are required to be given by Treasurer and Clerk for the faithful performance of the trust and duties imposed upon them.

Since the organization of Bardolph as a town, no liquor license, billiard or any other gaming license has ever been granted, and during this period but one case of assault and battery has occurred, which speaks well for the morality of the town. Bardolph may be considered as a strictly moral and religious village, perhaps more so than any town of its size in the county.

The school buildius: now in use was erected in 1874, at a cost of $4,500. It is a good four-room, two-story, frame building, 30x56 feet. Three teachers are employed, at an average salary of ^40 per month. The average attendance is 120. The present directors (this being the first board) are Columbus Hathaway, Robert Work and T. A. Jackson. Teachers now employed are : Principal, II. M. Shannon ; intermediate, S. J. Park ; primary. Miss Ella AValker.

A beautifully located cemetery, owned by the village, lies onehalf mile northeast of the main part of the town. This land was given to the town by W. S. Hendricks.

The following is a correct official statement of the average number of cars of freight shipped from Bardolph each year during the past live years : Wheat, 12 cars ; corn, 123 cars; oats, 19 cars; rye, 10 cars; cattle, 60 cars; hogs, 80 cars; flour, 5 cars; other freight, 126 cars. The amount received per year for the same time, was : Lumber, 41 cars ; agricultural implements, 1 car ; merchandise, 26 cars; other freight, 232 cars - giving a grand total of 435 cars of all freight shipped for each year since 1871, and 300 cars received during the same time.

Fire Brick and Tile Works. - In 1858 A. Horrock came to the town of Colchester, in this county, and for one year labored in the coal mines iu that vicinity, when he was persuaded to go to Avon, in Fulton county, to serve in the employ of some party in the manufacture of fire brick, a business in which he had considerable experience in his native land. He only remained in Avon some nine mouths, when he returned to Colchester, again engaging as a laborer in the mines. Being of an observing nature, he noticed particularly the clay cut through to reach the coal, and conceived the idea that it was perfectly adapted to the manufacture of a superior quality of fire brick, and early in the year 1860 he began experimenting, to see if he was correct in his estimate of the clay. His expectations w^ere fully realized, and the following year he began to manufacture on a small scale, and a very small scale it was. AVithout a single cent, he began to get out his clay, and arrange farther for the manufacture of the brick. Finding he could not g-et alons: without some money or credit, as he was necessarily compelled to employ some help, he therefore went to a merchant of the town and arranged with him to furnish a few goods to his help on order, waiting until the brick should be burned for his pay. He now manufactured 14,000 brick, which be sold for §280, and on settling his store bill, found he had left §244, therefore spending but $36 for all the assistance received ! In this way he obtained a basis for the extensive works now owned by the present firm.

For three years Mr. H. continued to manufacture the brick, but in 1865, for some cause, he failed to engage in the work ; but in the year following, we find him engaged in the manufacture of drain tile in connection with brick, having made a small hand machine for that purpose. During this year it was with difficulty that he disposed of 1,000 feet, which did not increase for three years.

The tirst tiling sold was for draining cellars only, it being impossible to persuade a farmer that it would benefit his land to have it drained. The Power that made the land and sent His rain upon the just and unjust, knew better than he what was for the best, and no one could improve His handiwork. Shortly after beginning the manufacture of tiling, Mr. Horrocks made a proposition to Rutherford McClure, Esq., who lives near Colchester, to furnish him with tiling sufficient to properly drain five acres of land and agreed never to ask him for his pay until Mr. McC. was satisfied that is was of benefit to him and should order more. Mr. McClure replied, "Horrocks, you are a poor man, and I don't want to take advantage of you, and I know you cannot improve my land in that way." But time passed, and this gentleman desired to arrange some way in carrying water from a well from one part of his place to another, for the purpose of supplying his stock. He went to Mr. Horrocks and asked him if he could ditch and lay tiling from the well which would answer the purpose. Mr. H. told him that he could, but that it was unneccessary to drain the well as he could get all water he wished without going there. Mr. McClure scouted the idea : it was preposterous. He therefore ordered the tiling laid in the direction of the well. The work was commenced, but the well never reached, there being as predicted by Mr. H. more than enough water rushing through the drain from the pores of the earth for all his purposes ! The success attending this work pleased Mr. McClure so much that he stated he would not take a thousand dollars for the improvement, and immediately ordered another drain made, which led through a meadow; but he wouldn't do much, as he didn't think it would help the quality of the land any ; that couldn't be made better in that way. The drain was made, and when he came to plow the meadow the following spring, lo, and behold, that part which he thought would be too w^et to break was in prime order ! What was the cause ? The drain was suggested. Well, if that was the cause, it would surely kill the hedge fence, and Horrocks would have to be sued for damage ! But the fence was not injured but rather bettered, and Mr. McClure was a thorough convert to the principle and benefit of subsoil drainage. He now thinks he is going to have the best farm in McDonough county, the result of scientific and systematic drainage. Thus was one convert made - by practical experience.

Some time after beginning the manufacture of drain tile, Mr. >« Horrocks shipped one car to T. J. Beard & Co., Macomb, then ensraeed in the hardware trade, to sell on commission. Mr. Beard was considerably provoked about it, and told Mr. Horrocks that he never could sell them in the world, but happily before Christmas every piece was disposed of, and Mr. Beard tried to engage a quantity for spring delivery. From this time forward the trade began to increase, and by the year 1874 it required nine hands to do the work. Orders began to come in from different points, and it was with difhculty that all could be filled.

During nearly all this time E. D. & J. W. Stevens, then engaged in the mercantile trade at Colchester, had been watching the course of events, and concluded that here was a good opportunity for investment, that no better opportunity could be offered for develop- fl ing some of the wonderful resources of McDonough county. On consultation with Mr. Horrocks, it was found that satisfactory arrangements could be effected for forming a new company and enlarging the works. In some way it was learned by the parties that a superior quality of clay had been discovered near Bardolph, and while arrangements were being perfected for the formation of the new company, experiments were being made with it, and the conclusion was arrived at that here was the place for the establishment of the new works.

In March, 1874, the co-partnership was formed between A. Horrocks, E. I). Stevens and J. W. Stevens, under the firm name of Horrocks, Stevens & Co., and arrangements perfected for removing the works to Bardolph. The capital stock invested was ^15,000 in three equal shares.

Mr. E. D. Stevens at once proceeded to Bardolph to arrange for the erection of the works. It was thought a shaft might be sunk near the town which would strike the seam of clay from which they had been experimenting, which had been obtained some two miles from town from the farm of David Holler, and thus obviate the necessity of hauling it that distance. A shaft was immediately sunk some thirty-two feet, fourteen feet of which was through quicksand. Of course this had to be abandoned. Another was sunk a depth of seventy feet, when it was suggested that a small augnr be used for boring, as it was thought the seam should have been reached ere this. After boring a few feet water began to come up very rapidly, and in a few minutes' time there was eighteen feet of it in the shaft. It was with ditKculty the men could be got out before being overwhelmed. This likewise had to be abandoned, since which time no further attempts have been made to obtain their clay in that way. It is now, and has been from the first, hauled from Mr. Holler's place.

Between the months of March and May, 1876, an engine house and machine shop were orected at Bardolph, and in this latter month the works at Colchester were abandoned and all the fixtures removed to their new location. About this time, or shortly after, the capital stock of the company was increased to $30,000.

To give a faint idea of the extent of the works we will say that the main building for drying purposes is 204 feet long, 3G wide, and two stories high, to which is attached the engine house and machine shops, 50x36 feet, two stories high. In addition to this they have four sheds, each 150 feet long by 20 wide, or a total shed room of 600x20 feet, and also three large kilns for burning the brick and tiling, each constructed with a downward draft, which gives double the heating capacity of the upward. The engine used is 20-horse power, but from the way it is geared it is equal to a 60-horse power. With the exception of some extra large brick, everything is made by machinery. The clay is ground (for some purposes as fine as flour), and moulded into proper shape by machinery. It is truly M'-onderful to notice to what extent the science of mechanism is carried.

During the first year after their removal to Bardolph, the company turned their attention more especially to the manufacture of fire-brick, but for the past two years they have given their attention more generally to drain tile, the sale of which has continually increased, and is destined to increase steadily year by year. They now employ about twenty hands, exclusive of the teamsters, and manufacture two cars of tiles and brick per day. The principal sizes of tile sold are three and four inches, though a great many six and eight inches are made and quickly disposed of. Their trade in tiling extends principally throughout central and western Illinois, while in fire-brick it extends west to Colorado and east to Chicago and beyond.

In July, 1877, li. C. Pointer purchased the interest of J, W. Stevens, and the firm is now composed of A. llorrocks, E. 1). Stevens and R. C. Pointer. Any information desired will be promptly given by the firm. Address llorrocks, Stevens & Co., Bardolph, McDonough county, Illinois.

Cleveland (i- Son. - The history of potteiy, if it could be written, would extend as far back as that of man. History speaks of its existence 2,000 years before Christ, and it probably extended even farther than that. The raoldiuo^ of clay as a useful and decorative art has long been known. The senior member of the firm of Cleveland & Son - Mr. AVilliam Cleveland - has been eno;aored in this line of trade for nearly a third of a century, first besfinninsr in Ripley, Brown county, Illinois. At that place there are at present seventeen potteries, the entire population of the villag-e beiui^ interested in that business. One seen without mud on his person wcold be considered by one of the inhabitants as a *' bloated-aristocrat." The junior, Mr. H. A. Cleveland, also learned the trade in Ripley, and is considered one of the best workers in clay in this country. Desiring to give his family greater advantages than they possessed in Ripley, Mr. Cleveland came to Macomb, in this county, and purchased property with the intention of locating there. About this time, experiments were being made with clay upon the farm of David Holler, near Bardolph, and the citizens of that village made a proposition to Mr. Cleveland to locate with them, for the purpose of prosecuting his business, which proposition was thought to be fair and satisfactory, and was accepted by him. This was in the fall of 1870. Steps were immediately taken to erect shops and a kiln for that purpose, and soon the business was in successful operation. The firm is composed of William and H. A. Cleveland, under firm name Cleveland & Son. The clay used by the firm comes from Holler's banks. They manufacture, on an average, about 8,000 gallons of ware per month, requiring for that purpose, 48,000 pounds of clay. Seven men are constantly engaged in the works as turners, teamsters, &c. There is nothing that can be molded from clay but what can be turned out by this house. In addition to all the common ware, such as crocks, jars, jngs, vases, &c., we notice in their ware rooms many articles that it would seem impossible to mould from clay, such as fish, dogs, sheep, and other animals, etc., etc, A fine line of vases, yard ware, hanging baskets, etc., are always on hand, or will be made to order. Tiie sales of this house extend throughout Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska and Illinois.

J. 31. d- S. Work. - Among the best breeders of stock in this state is the above named gentlemen who commenced breeding fine stock in 1865, with a few young hogs bred by the "Illinois

Importing Company." In 1871 they began to import for themselves, securing during that and the following year, six tine head of hogs. In 1874 they imported the thoroughbred boar "Tandy" from Gloucestershire, England, and in 1876, "Kings Toombs," bred by Edwards Toombs, Oxfordshire, England, at a cost of about ^200. This last importation was made at the importer's risk when the boar was but four or hve months old. Messrs. "Work Bros, have made uniformly good success in this business, and their breeds are obtaining national reputation. They have exhibited their stock at many county and state fairs, and have taken more premiums than any breeders in this western country. In 1873, at the State fair at Peoria, they competed with the best herds in the United States and Canada, and received five blue and one red ribbon. They have one sow, named "Queen," who has taken premiums wherever exhibited, and is as fine an animal as can be seen. At St. Louis she has been exhibited twice, receiving the blue ribbon each time. During almost the entire time in which Messrs. Work have been engaged in the business they have had no cases of cholera on their premises, which certainly proves that they bestow great care upon their stock. They have a stock specially adapted to the purposes, and they now regularly ship pigs to all the western states and territories. They are good and true men, and can be relied upon. Any information desired will be answered by addressing J. M. & S. Work, Bardolph, Illinois.

Grain Dealers

Bennie, VVm., Broadway. Ja(!ksoii it Bro., Broadway near Elm Street. McElroy. J. A., corner of.Broadway and Elm Street. Porter, Will. N., Broadway,

Hardware

Flnke, A. W., (also Stoves and Tinware) corner of Broadway and Elm Street. Jaekbou & Bro., Broadway, near Elm. McElroy, J. A., corner of Broadway and Green.

Ciiaiter Xlvt

-lust before the completion of the Nortliern Cross - now Chicag( I Burlington and Quincy Railroad - Mr. Lewis H. Little, the owner of the northeast quarter of section thirteen, Tennessee township, determined to locate thereon a new town, and for that purpose had the tract surveyed by a Mr. Chester, then in the employ of the railroad company. In honor of the surveyor he named the town Chester, but on learning of the numerous towns in the country by that name, he prefixed the term "CoV to the same, making it Colchester. The term "Col" may be said to be an abbreviation of the word "coal," then beginning to be an important product of the county.

Mr. Little made no public sale of lots, but placing them upon the market, they were disposed of rapidly, and the new town was soon under lull headway. I). W. Campbell ])urchased the tirst lot and erected the first house in the new town, and also brought the tirst stock of groceries to the town. He is yet a citizen of the place, and for many years has occupied the position of town constable or deputy sheriff.

The first building erected for hotel purposes was built by John Shults, and is yet used for that purpose, being a part ot the ( Miester house now owjied by the old pioneer, J. C. Hobart.

The first stock of dry goods and general merchandise ever brought to the town was by Smithers & Atkinson, but the first building erected for that purpose was by Major .Fohn Patrick, who was engaged in the mercantile trade in the town for many years. The building erected by Major Patrick is now occupied by the firm of A. J. Smith & Co., who are doing a very extensive business. H - 43

Since the laying out of the original town there have been three additions made to it : the lirst by Charles E. Gilchrist, the second by Canotes, the third by the (^uincy Coal Company, General Gilchrist made the tirst and only sale of public lots. At private sale the first lots sold from ^520 to |60 each, and all soon passed out of the hands of the original proprietor. On the completion of the railroad the town grcAV very rapidly for about two years, when no further apparent growth was made until the time of the war, when immigration again was attracted to the place. As nuiy be inferred, tlie class of citizens by which the town was settled was principally miners, hard-working, intelligent men and women. Further on we shall make additional remarks in reference to this class and to the coal interests of the place.

In the month of April, 1857, a public meeting was held for the purpose of taking into consideration the propriety of organizing the town under a special charter. The question was discussed pro aLd con, and it was determined to submit the matter to a vote of the people. In May the vote was taken, litty-eight voting for and two against incorporation. So tlie town was incorporate<l, and a Board of Trustees, consisting of live members, was duly elected. The following are the names of the lirst Board : John Patrick, Thomas W. Hunt, John E. Jackson, William Cowan, and W. L. Whitson.

Colchester, like all other towns, has had its seasons of prosperity and seasons of adversity. Its most rapid growth was in the years 1856 and 1857, just after the completion of the railroad. Erom that time until tlie years 1863 and 1864 but little was done; then the town began to improve again, but soon fell back to a state of apathy, which continued until the past 3'ear, when it began to take on new life. We now find it rapidl}' improving ; new houses of the most substantial character are bein-; erected, and the supply of tenement houses does not equal the demand. The town now contains a larger number of inhabitants than ever before. Many houses have two or more families in them, living in this way until better provisions shall l)e made for them.

Colchester has many advantages not possessed by other towns of the county. The face of the earth not onl>- yields its fruit to the work of the hands of her people, but the underworld is compelled to yield up her treasures, which go to enrich mankind and minister to the comforts of the race. Even should a drouth occur,

The demand for the prodncts of this underworld has never yet been less than the supply; therefore, while other places may feel from time to time the effects of a monetary crisis, Colchester does not suffer in comparison with them.

The coal interests of this place have never been fully appreciated by the citizens of the county, while none realize the vast treasures which are underneath their very feet. We have spent much time in gathering items in relation to this work, and with pleasure submit them to our readers. Until the year 1855 bat little had been done in this field of labor. A little coal had been taken out of the drifts, but no systematic work had been undertaken. The tirst coal ever taken out and used for fuel, is said to have been by the Mormons between the years 1840-40. In 1853, James lloberts, now President and Superintendent of the Colchester Coal Company, came to this county, bought land in the Welch settlement, and began mining on a small scale, continuing the same until the neigh of the iron horse was heard in the distance, when he enlarged his works, and by the time the road was completed in the spring of 1855, to Camp Point, he was ready for active operations. Securing about a dozen teams he began to ship to Quincy, hauling to Camp Point, and from thence by rail. This was the beginning of what lias since developed into a great business enterprise, bringing into our county annually thousands of dollars. From the time he first struck a pick in 185^, Mr. Koberts has continued in the business of mining.

About the year 1855 a partnership was formed under the firm name of Roberts & Co., soon changing to Koberts & Bros., then Morris & Koberts, then Morris & Co., then back to Roberts & Co., and then Morris & Spender, and finally the company dissolved, its members forming two separate organizations under the names of Quincy Coal Company and Colchester Coal Company, the latter now being owned and controlled by James Roberts & Sons, the former by gentlemen living in Quincy and Colchester, with Mr. Thomas Rundle as the efficient superintendent of the mines, and II. S. Osborne, of Quincy, its able president. These two companies do an immense business, the Quincy Coal company in its mines employing one hundred and thirty men and sixty boys, and the Colchester com})any having forty men and ten boys. In addition to this there are nearly as many more engaged in neighbor- iug mines, or, in round numbers, a total of about four hundred engaged in the work. The pay roll ot the two companies ta their regular hands is about $11,000 per mouth.

During the past six years there has been shipped from this station an average per year of 6,828 cars, or 22 cars per day ; which reduced to bushels would be for the year, 1,707,000, or 136,560,000 jjounds. This gives one but a faint conception of the magnitude of the trade. It may here be remarked that Colchester coal is acknowledged by all to be the best in the State of Illinois. As a general thing matters have alwa3's run smooth between the various companies and their men, the latter receiving good wages at all times, far better than could be obtained in any other trade. An industrious man it is said, can make from $75 to $100 per month at the rate paid - 6 cents per bushels. At the present all seem prosperous and contented. An impression seems to prevail among many that coal mining is unhealthy, we therefore made special inquiry as to its truth, and found there is no class of persons enjoying better health than the coal miners, not even the farming community.

During the past five years there were shipped from this station an average per year of wheat, 1 car; oats, 6; corn, 15; rye, 3; cattle, 2; hogs, 13; coal, 6,828 ; other freight, 165. In the same time there were received of lumber, 21 cars ; agricultural implements, 1 ; merchandise, 81 ; other freight, 60. These items make a ver}^ respectable showing for the town.

In the cause of education Colchester keeps pace with the rest of the county. A large brick school building was erected but a few years ago at a cost of |8,000, and a nine-months' school is held therein each year. A proposition was submitted to the people for or against keeping the schools open that length of time each year, and the proposition was carried almost unanimously to continue, thus showing the people are alive to their interests. JSText to the church the school house is the great civilizer of the land. Good wages have always been paid their teachers, and usually the best have been employed. At present Professor (Muirles W. Parker is the eflicient superintendent.

With respect to religious influences, the town has two good church buildings, represented by two denominations - Methodist Episcopal and Christian. Each of these have good congregations.

The question of license or no license is siibniitted each year at their annual election, and-, like other towns, it sometimes is carried for and then against. The monetary influence is the great argument brought to bear to create public sentiment in its favor. We believe the time will come when all will be made to see that the money obtained directly from this source is always paid out with usury to sustain paupers and criminals made by the use of the liquors drank.

Little. 1864 - Thomas Rundle, J. C. Hobart, A. W. Highee, William Mcintosh and George Hilliard. 1865 - W. C. Yaryan, Caleb Ripi)et()e, Anson Underbill, Daniel McKinlay and W. II. Tallman. 186C - William Edgerton, I. B. Hunt, George Hilliard, William Smith and Thomas Terrill. 1867- George Hilliard, I. B. Hunt. William Smith William Edgerton and Thomas Miller. 1868 - E. Rhodes, William Winship, I. B. Hunt, Charles Webster and W. H. Weir. 1869 - Richard Musson, Caleb Rippetoe, J. C. Vest, William Cowan and David C. Reece. 1S70 - Charles Webster, Joseph Winship, I. B. Hunt, William Green and William Smith. 3871- Richard Musson, Caleb Rippetoe, D. S. Thomas, I. B. Hunt and William Greenbauk. 1.S72 - Charles Webster, I. B. Hunt, William Potter, William Smith and Paul Custer. 1873- Caleb Rippetoe, I. B. Hunt, William Potter, William Smith and Paul Custer. 1874 - Caleb Rippetoe, I. B. Hunt, Paul Custer, William Potter and Joseph Winship. 1875 - .\. W. Higbee, Elijali Stookey, I. B. Hunt, S. T. Moore and John Rundle. 1S76 - William Greenbauk, I. B. Hunt, William Knight. Edward Hall and Abraham Newland, Jr-

With respect to the mercantile trade ot the town, Colchester has several good sized business houses, with firms doing a thriving business. Iler merchants are pleasant and accommodating, and are public spirited men. Among the number we would refer especially to

Abraham Newland, Jr. - Among the business Arms of Colchester in which her people take pride, none rank higher than that of Abraham Newland, Jr. Captain Xewland commenced business in a small way in the fall of 1866, two weeks after his return from the army, investing the entire amount of his savings in a stock of general merchandise. Before entering the army he spent almost his entire life beneath the earth as a coal miner, and therefore had no previous experience in mercantile trade : but he did have that which serves in its stead, a determined will, which, by strict attention to business and square and fair dealing, merits success And success has crowned his efforts. The little "one-horse store has grown to mammoth proportions, and few stores in the county carry a larger stock or do a greater business at the present time. The stock is one of general merchandise, such as is required in this place. Unlike other towns, nearly all the goods sold is ou time, the miners receiving their pay monthly at a stated time> and therefore it becomes necessary they should purchase all goods required by them payable at such a time, and it is consequently a matter of convenience to them to purchase their entire supplies from one house, hence it is impossible to classify the trade here as elsewhere. Each miner, or his family, is supplied with a book in which all entries are made, and therefore it is known by each whether he is going beyond his means are not.

In looking over the stock of Captain [N^ewland we notice that in the line of dry goods his assortment is complete, having full lines of dress goods, cloths, cassimeres, bleached and unble ached muslins, prints, thread, buttons, gloves, and a thousand and one other things going to make up a stock of sundries connected with the trade. The boot and shoe department is likewise full and complete to overflowing, from the infant shoe to the heavy stoga boot or miners' shoes. In groceries 3'ou have as good a stock from which to select as anywhere in the county, and at satisfactory prices. With respect to prices on all kinds of goods, he proposes to sell as low as an}^ house in the county. Among all our acquaintances we know of no man more pleasant to deal with than Captain Newland. In his store you are always treated like a gentleman. The Captain is ably assisted by his brothers, who are likewise pleasant and agreeable gentlemen, who will use their utmost endeavors to please those who may favor them with a call. Those trading at Colchester can not do better than to patronize the extensive dry goods and grocery house of Abraham Newland, Jr.

George C. Kratzer. - Every man knows the enjoyment in a neat, easy fitting boot, and the manufacturer of such an article deserves well of the public and a good paying patronage. George C. Kratzer came to Colchester about three years ago unheralded and unknown and began the manufacturer of boots and shoes. Of course his success was limited in the beginning, having to establish a reputation, but in him was perseverance personified, and he kept pegging away, and customers continued to multiply, until to-day he has a business of which he has no reason to be ashamed of. Customers once secured would always return, the quality of the work giving satisfaction to every one. With good workmanship, Mr. Kratzer combines pleasant and agreeable manners, and tries to please all who may favor him with their patronage. It is our hope that he will continue to prosper, that customers will increase, and satisfaction 'be rendered to all. Remember George C. Kratzer when you desire anj'thing in the line of boots and shoes.

WiUia^n Foster. - One ot the best men to do business with in McDonough county is William Foster, dealer in dry goods, clothing and groceries. Mr. Foster came to this county many years ago, and in the mines and upon the face of the earth he worked, earning his bread by the sweat of his face. At liis country's call he went forth to battle, and as a member of the gallant 124th regiment he did good service. At the close of the war he came home and again toiled as of old upon the farm and in the mines. In order to obtain better school facilities for his children he moved into town, and shortly after engaged in the mercantile trade. His stock consists of all things usually kept in a well regulated store, and he is constantly making additions thereto. Accommodating himself and with accommodating salesmen, he deserves success, and we trust his best anticipations may be realized.

S. D. 3IiUs. - Xo man is better known in the western part of the county than S. D. Mills. For some years past he has taken an active part in every matter of public importance in the village. Whatever will tend to advance its best interests will find in him a worker and not a shirker. Such men deserve success, and sooner or later success will crown their efforts. Mr. Mills, as contractor and builder, has built many of the best houses in the western portion of the county, his trade not being confined to his own particular village and the country immediately surrounding it. Mr. Mills is regarded as a good carpenter and reliable man. In addition to building, he carries a stock of lumber, lath, shingles, lime, hair and cement, and all other articles usually found in a well regulated lumber yard. Anything not on hand will be ordered on short notice, and sold as low as any dare sell in this county.

M'Agon Makers

This town was laid out iu March, 1854, by J. B. Baker, T. K. Waddle and S. Cockerham. The route of the C, B. <fe Q. Railroad had been determine d and work along the line commenced, when the above named gentlemen thought it advisable to Btart a town, and no better location could then be found than waa chosen, on section 22, Tennessee township, and on a beautiful and fertile prairie, about one mile south of Crooked creek.

The lots are fifty feet front by 110 deep, and laid off fronting the railroad, about an equal number on each side. The two main streets run parallel with the railroad. Vacant lots on these streets are valued at from sJ'^O to ^7r>, according to location.

For the first few years, until 1858, the town grew rapidly. Stores, shops and dwellings grew up on every hand, and all was life and activity. It soon became quite a business point : but since 1858 the progress has been slow. While the class of buildings has been improved and the stores enlarged, the number of inhabitants is scarcely more than several years ago. June 7, 1865, the place was incorporated as a town, and as a village November 25, 1872, which it remains at i>resent.

Business Houses Of B. F. Thompson, Tennessee

A calaboose or town prison was built February. 1872. and turned over l)y mischievoufl boys of the town Chri.stmas eve, 187;l. rebuilt in January, 1871, and destroyed by fira in November, 187(>.

The following is a correct statement of the annual average number of car loads of the various kinds of freight shipped from Tennessee during the past five years: Wheat- 12 carloads: corn. 6'.^ earn: oats, G cirs: ry-, 4';j cars: cattle. .58 cars; h!>g^. 115 cars; coal' 41 cars; other freight, 87 cars; or a total of 3;50 cars of freight shipped each year since 1871. The average number of cars received per year during the same time are as follows: Lumber, 10 cars: agricultural implements, 1 car: general merchandise, 23 cars; other freight, :52 cars, or (55 cars per year, making 205 cars more that were shipped than were received.

Few towns in the county of more pretensions can boast of a better school building t'lixu Tennessee, a fine illustration of which is given elsewheie in this history. The building is size thirty-four by forty feet, built of red brick, with caps and sills of stone* As will be seen in the illustration, it has three gables, a neat belfry being erected over the front one, the top of which is sixty feet from the surface of the ground. The height of the callings on both floors is fourteen feet. The rooms have a seating capacity of one hundred and sixty pupils. The building was erected in 1873 by Messrs. Harker & Goselin, the former of Macomb, and the latter of Tennessee, at a cost of $7,000. Miss Sarah Blazer, of Macomb, is the present principal, with Mis 3 Laura Grafton, of Plymouth, assistant. Directors - William Cowan, John Myers and William M. Cook.

Business And Professional Churches And Societies

This place was laid out in 1871 by A. G. Owens and L. C. Bacon. It lies on sections twenty-eight and twenty-nine, Tennessee township. The town at present is of little importance, but the surrounding counti-y is capable of supjjorting a considerable village, and no doubt Hillsgrove will be a live little town on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy liaih'oad before many years.

This town was laid out in the early part of 18.')7 by William Graves. The plat lies in section seven, Lamoine township, and west of the C, B. & Q. Kailroad, which rmis in a northeasterly and southwesterly course through this part of the county. The plat is composed of eighty lots, .'50x12.5 feet, in blocks of ten lots each. Lots formerly sold here at from ^r> to $20 a piece. At one time considerable life was manifested and several stores sprang up, making the prospects for a business point quite flattering ; but at present but little of any kind of business is transacted. The location is rather unfavorable for a town, large portions of the surrounding country being timber land.

The following is a statement of the number of car loads of freight shipped from Colmar for each year during the i^ast five : Wheat, F)},.^ cars ; corn, 2 cars ; oats, 3 cai-s ; rye. 3K ca^^ ; cattle, 26 cars ; hogs, 60 cars ; other freight, 78 cars. The average number per year received for the same time are : Lumber, 8 cars ; agricultural implements, 1-5 car ; merchandise, 0 cars ; other freight, 7 cars.