Benton Township

Early History

IN the spring of 1841, Thomas Thompson, a surveyor, under the old dispensation, platted the towns of Benton, Marion and Vienna. The town of Benton was located on lands owned by Walter S. Aiken and John Ewing.

The first Court House was erected in 1841, in the Public Square designated on the plat for that purpose, and was burned in 1843. Another building was erected

The first brick Court House was built upon the square reserved for that purpose in 1845. The present Court House was erected in 1875 and 1876 by John J. St. Clair.

Southern Illinois was the first settled portion of the State, and many prominent and eminent lawyers in the early history of the State originated and practiced law here, among whom may be mentioned : Walter B. Scates, Ephriam Gatewood, Hugh Montgomery, Richard Nelson, William A. Denning, Willis Allen, William J. Allen, John

H. Mulkey, Sam K. Casey, John A. Logan, M. C. Crawford, F. M. Youngblood, Samuel E. Flannigan, H. W. Smith, Thos. J. Layman, Sam S. Marshall, W. K. Parrish, and A. D. Duff. THESE MEN WERE LAWYERS.

The church was represented by such able exponents as the Reverends Braxton Parrish, Robert Moore, Moses Neal, George and Thomas Lopas, and many other good and God-fearing men, who did much to develop the moral and religious sentiment of the County.

County Building, Benton

on the North side of the Public Square, and East of North Main Street. Among the early merchants were John Knox, Jesse K. DuBois, James Rogers, W. O. Espy, W. H. Fountain, Charles Dudley, "Rafe" Elstun, S. M. Hubbard, Daniel Mooneyham, John Ward, Dr. Cook, John McFall, Robert Johnson, Levi Browning, A. D. Jackson, J. G. Mitchell, G. T. Hubbard, W. W. Hoskinson, W. R. Ward, Carroll Moore, John McCollum, etc. These merchants hauled all their goods from St. Louis, a distance of about one hundred miles, generally with ox teams, requiring about two weeks to make the round trip, camping along the road at night. A hack line, or Star route mail line, was early established from Shawneetown, via Benton, to

St. Louis, probably in 1845. Four days were required to get a communication to St. Louis, marked "Post Haste." James Swofford, Levi Browning and others erected the first flouring mill in Benton about the year 1856; an explosion occurred at the mill in 1862, killing Mr. Swofford and a Mr. Graham. This mill was later torn down. W. W. McFall built another mill in the year 1873. It was

Railroads Of Benton

Benton is in a measure one of the railroad centers of Southern Illinois, having three trunk lines, namely, the Illinois Central, the Chicago and Eastern Illinois, and the Missouri Pacific, while the Egyptian Southern Railway, the Zeigler and Gulf Coast Railway and the Toledo,

Residence Of Spruel Rea, Benton

St. Louis and New Orleans are already worked out on paper. Other lines of railway are building in this direction, and there will be at least three more important roads added to our transportation facilities before 1915. This County is one of the largest freighting points of the state as shown by the fact that in 1911, nearly two and one half million dollars worth of freight was billed out of Benton alone. It is only a question of time until a system of interurban railways will connect and give to the different points in this County rapid, cheap and efficient means of intercommunication.

Public Utilities Of Benton Hotel Mccreery, Benton

equipped water supply system; and a comprehensive sewage system, while the street lighting is superior to that of many of the larger cities. The public square and the principal thoroughfares have recently been paved at a cost of $80,000.00, and plans are now ready for several miles of additional paving and for a complete chain of concrete sidewalks, embracing all the principal streets. An abundance, not only of the necessities, but also of the luxuries and conveniences of modern civilization, makes Benton a desirable city in which to reside.

Banks Of Benton View On East Main Street, Benton

The First National Bank was organized in 1902 and has a capital and surplus of $100,000.00. Both banks are officered by capable men and are thoroughly progressive in policy.

Newspapers Of Benton

Benton boasts of two first-class newspaper establishments. The Benton Standard, of which A. E. Martin is the editor and publisher, was organized in 1849, and has ever since spread the gospel of Democracy. The Benton Republican, of which H. L. Frier is the editor and publisher, was founded in 1895. Both plants are housed in substantial buildings and have complete modern equipments.

Residence Of E. Fitzgerrell, Benton

of any city in Southern Illinois. The Franklin County Court House, located in the Public Square, is an imposing and historic structure, while the County Jail and the City Hall are both handsome and serviceable buildings. The Lincoln School building and the Township High School building, are the last word in school architecture. The

McFall Auditorium is a complete and elaborate theatrical plant. In addition to these, Benton is the proud possessor of one of the mine-rescue stations of the State of Illinois. The Station is of reinforced concrete and is equipped with every modern convenience. The rescue car is constantly at hand, ready to go on a moment's notice to the scene of a mine explosion. The Station is equipped with a miniature training gallery, in which gases are exploded so that the rescue crew may have training under conditions identical with those accompanying an actual mine explosion.

Hudson." Both hotels are substantial brick structures, newly furnished throughout, having electric lights, steam heat, room telephones, hot and cold water and all the modern appointments, and fine table service. The cuisine is of exceptional excellence.

Residence Of Judge W. H. Hart, Bexton

The Public Square in Benton, around which are grouped most of the business interests of the City, is almost solidly surrounded by modern business blocks, among which are the Ward building, a massive threestory brick; the Browning building; the C. A. Jackson Block; the J. G. Mitchell Block; the Swofford building and the W. W. McFall building. Most of these buildings

Stores Of Benton

The mercantile interests of Benton are well housed and well equipped. The department stores are remarkable for the beauty of their fixtures and for the size and variety of their stocks, while the smaller stores are well kept and well managed. In the business district there are four department stores, three exclusive men's clothing emporiums, two jewelry establishments, two hardware houses, three large lumber concerns, three drug stores, one bookstore, and scores of other and smaller mercantile establishments of various kinds.

Coal Mining Companies Of Benton

There are two important coal companies operating at Benton. The Hart & Williams Company with a daily capacity of 2500 tons and the Benton Coal Company with a capacity approximating 2500 tons each day. The number of men employed by both mines when in full

Warren And Burkett Hart And Williams

The Benton Brick Company, The Benton Peerless Mills, The A. D. Jackson Saddlery Company, The Model Cream Separator Manufacturing Company, The Benton Bottling Works, The Benton Steam Laundry, The Benton Ice Plant, The William Gray Machine Company, The William Werner Packing Company, The J. E. Mundell Planing Company, Ward Brothers Mill, Frank Connors Lumber Company, The F. J. Hickman Mills, The Stotlar- Herrin Lumber Company, and The Sanitary Stove Manufacturing Company.

Residences Of Benton

D. M. Browning residence, now owned by Hon. W. S. Cantrell, and the A. D. Jackson, C. Moore, W. L. Eskew, W. R. Ward, Dr. Z. Hickman, Evan Fitzgerrell, Mrs. A. G. Orr and Mrs. Sylvester Fitzgerrell residences. The homes of W. F. Spiller, Judge W. H. Hart, Hon. W. W. Williams, Geo. A. Powers, Dr. W. L. Brand, Dr. H. A. Vise, T. A. Hall, G. C. Cantrell, Robert R. Ward, Judge W. F. Dillon, John L. Browning, T. L. Browning, Hon. C. A. Aiken, Hiram Aiken, S. O. Snyder, Dr. R. E. Poindexter, H. L. Frier, S. C. D. Rea, Dr. W. H. Alvis, Mrs. John W. Swofford, W. W. McFall, F. O. Hamilton, E. J. Odum, H. G. Davis, and others are among the most modern of the city, and contain every comfort and convenience. The streets of Benton are well kept, and an

Schools Of Benton

As early as 1865 the school census showed a resident population of 589 in the school district, consisting of four square miles surrounding Benton. Since its earliest history, Benton has been interested in schools, and even before the "Free School Laws" of this State were enacted, "The Benton Academy" was a flourishing institution of learning.

No city of its size in Southern Illinois is better supplied with school facilities than is the City of Benton. The people of Benton believe in education and they gladly pay high salaries for competent teachers. The public grade schools are housed in the Lincoln and Logan buildings, both of which are massive brick structures, while the Township High School building, recently completed, is superb in all its appointments and can accommodate 400 students.

The teachers in the public grade schools are carefully selected and are of the highest type, while the faculty of the Township High School ranks second to none.

Social Organizations

Benton is a stronghold of Masonry. Benton Lodge No. 64, A. F. and A. M., is probably the oldest Masonic order in Southern Illinois, having numbered General John A. Logan, Daniel M. Browning and Monroe C. Crawford among its early members. The W. R. Ward Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No. 223, was instituted in October, 1907, and has a membership of 110. The White Shrine of Jerusalem is also one of the oldest orders here and is in flourishing condition, while the Order of the Eastern Star has a large membership and is most prosperous.

The I. O. O. F., No. 284, and the Sisters of Rebecca, as well as the Encampment and Canton, each have a large membership and convenient meeting halls.

Benton Lodge, No. 1234, of the B. P. O. E., was instituted in 1911 and has a splendid lodge hall with club rooms adjoining. The Elks have a membership of about

The Knights of Pythias, Court of Honor, Modern Woodmen, Royal Neighbors and Owls, also have flourishing lodges in Benton; while there are also several Polish and Catholic organizations here.

The principal Women's Clubs are the Domestic Art Club, Self Culture Class and the W. C. T. U., all of which are progressive and all of which are members of the State Federation of Women's Clubs, and active in social and civic affairs.

Churches Of Benton

Benton has several imposing and well constructed churches, among which are the First Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Christian, Primitive Baptist, Catholic, Second Baptist, Old Salem Baptist and others. The members of the various congregations are always ready and willing to receive and welcome strangers and visitors.

The Benton Commercial Club

The Benton Commercial Club was organized to promote the business interests of Benton and Franklin County and to provide for the welfare of its citizens.

This Club welcomes any meritorious enterprise that may be presented and through its committees will entertain and carefully investigate the proposition offered by any person or company who may be looking for a more favorable location than their present environment. The Club especially invites manufacturing concerns, foundry companies, etc., that desire cheap and abundant fuel and good railroad facilities convenient to the best markets of the West.

The Benton Military Band The Leading Band Of The State Outside Of Chicago

To the musical ability and untiring efforts of its first instructor and director, Mr. C. H. Sauther, belongs the credit of its existence. The personnel of the original band numbered twenty-seven men. The band has a membership today of thirty-five first-class musicians, some of whom are noted soloists.

Mr. Sauther was succeeded as Director by Mr. Robin A. Anderson, one of the prominent musicians of Southern Illinois, and after him came that well known bandmaster, Joe Greenfield, who today wields the baton. Professor Greenfield's ability and experience has made this the banner musical organization of Southern Illinois. He is a graduate of Trinity College, England, and is a very successful composer. As a conductor he has perfect control of the men.

Their repertoire of music includes everything that comprises first-class repertoire for a first-class band. Benton boasts of the Benton Military Band.

The Celebrated Maxwell Automobile

If You Have a Proposition of Merit If You Desire Good Railroad Facilities If You Need Additional Capital If You Wish Cheap and Abundant Fuel If You Appreciate a Rapidly Increasing

Profits In Poultry

The ILLINOIS POULTRY PRODUCTS CO., organized to produce and market good poultry and eggs, and to handle poultry breeders' supplies. Model poultry farms now in operation at Benton and Hanaford, Illinois.

Modern incubators, giving large daily supply of chicks. Best laying varieties, White Leghorn and White Wyandotte. Easy access to both Chicago and St. Louis markets. Location ideal for poultry raising.

Poultry possibilities are limitless. Poultry farming offers a competency, amid agreeable surroundings, on a small investment. Land adjacent to company's model plant for sale in suitable tracts. If interested write for full details of our poultry colony proposition.

Office Of Jesse Dimond & Co., Benton

City Realty improved and unimproved in all the Towns of Franklin County - Large Tracts of Productive Farm Land for Actual Settlement - Coal Properties and Royalties bought and sold - Merchandise bought and Real Estate exchanged for Stocks of all kinds

West Frankfort

THE village of Frankfort - from which the City of West Frankfort gets its name, is one of the oldest settlements in Southern Illinois. It was the main stopping point between Vincennes and Kaskaskia in the early Indian days and had a fort from which it took its name. In later days it was an important station between Shawneetown and St. Louis, being on the route of the stage coach and mail line.

After the passing of the Indians the early settlers were mainly from Kentucky and Tennessee. They could purchase the best of land for l2l/2 cents per acre. Five

Street Scene, West Frankfort

The scenery from Frankfort hill, looking over the surrounding prairies, especially in the springtime, is entrancingly beautiful. There is not a finer view in Southern Illinois than from this beautiful hill.

Frankfort for many years was the county seat of Franklin County, and the County at that time contained, besides its present area, the County of Williamson.

The first Court House was located about three and one-half miles east of the present site of Old Frankfort, and was built of logs. The specifications of this building are still in existence, one item of which is that the floor of the building may be made of logs, but must have the upper side thereof smoothed with the adz, also, the boards of the roof shall be fastened on with nails. Later a new

Stores, Etc., West Frankfort

Court House was built of brick on top of the hill. Its size was about twenty by thirty feet. This was used until about the year 1840 when the south half of Franklin County was cut off and called Williamson County and the County Seat of Franklin County was moved to Benton.

of the village but it continued to hold its own as a leading trading point, being headquarters for the sale of tobacco and castor beans, which became the leading farm products for several years. The farmers began to raise more or less wheat, and a flour mill was established. The town moved along in a quiet way until the year 1894, when the Chicago, Paducah and Memphis Railroad was built from St. Elmo to Marion, passing one and one-fourth miles to the west. Some of the buildings then moved over to the railroad station and West Frankfort was born. It grew slowly, and was still a village of only about three hundred people until the first mine was sunk in the year 1903. Since then, its growth has been like Jack's Beanstalk.

dustry in this County, and it seems only proper that the public should know to whom the honor is due as the pioneers in the industry that has made West Frankfort one of the most promising cities in the State of Illinois. The promoters of this first industry were Judge William H. Hart and Hon. Walter W. Williams, still residents of Franklin County, and still active in promoting its interests.

In the year 1904 this mine was sold to the Dering Coal Company, which today is operating two fine mines. They have 7250 acres of coal and are among the greatest coal people in this country, having such selling facilities as to work almost every day under ordinary conditions.

Their first mine, No. 11, has a daily capacity of 1800 tons and employs 375 men. Their second mine, No. 18, has a capacity of 2500 tons and will employ 500 men. They are now working 200 men and will take on more just as fast as room can be opened up for them to work. These mines when fully completed, will both have mechanical haulage, re-screening plants and bath houses. Their pay roll for the last month was about $30,000.00.

ment is the very best, all of their buildings being either brick or cement with tile roof. They have sixteen hundred acres of coal and will have a capacity of 3500 tons per day and will employ at least 500 men. They are now putting in a fine washer. They use electricity altogether for hauling and cutting. Their monthly pay roll is now about $20,000.00 and they are making room for more men all the time.

The West Frankfort Coal Company, or "The West Mine," have at present about 700 acres of coal and are putting in a mine of 2500 ton capacity and will employ about 500 men when in full operation. They will have both the C. & E. I. and Burlington connections and run every day. They are now employing about 40 men.

The Chicago, Wilmington & Vermilion Coal Company has bought 7500 acres of coal, lying from the C. & E. I. R. R. track west almost to the Burlington, four miles away, and will operate the entire tract. Their Superintendent is now on the ground and is getting ready the railroad switches from both railroads and will soon start the sinking of one of the largest mines in the country. It will have a capacity of 4000 tons, or 100 railroad cars per day, and will employ not less than 600 men in the one mine, and they will sink another one like it when this one is well under operation.

Mining conditions in the West Frankfort field are extra good and the coal of a very fine quality. The vein is about ten feet thick at a depth of about 500 feet, so that the

One of the best industries of West Frankfort is Railroading, the C. & K. I. having yards and a roundhouse here, and at the present lime they are employing about one hundred men wilh a monthly pay roll of $10,00(1.00.

At the beginning of the year 1912 the population of West Frankfort is not less than 3500 happy industrious people, every man with a job. It has a good public school system, with competent teachers and a good high school course. A $25,000:00 school building is just being completed. It has five churches and the religious and moral condition of the town is above the average. It has two banks, one National and one State, both in prosperous condition. It has one of the best Building and Loan Associations of its age in Southern Illinois. It has also started a Postal Savings Bank.

per day digging coal, is being resumed by farmers from choice, and the lands surrounding West Frankfort are again being built up. The farmers are prospering because of the market right at their door, and the future prospects are still brighter for the farmer, for the development which is being made in the coal industry will at least double our population in the immediate future, and those people will have to be fed. And best of all, the end is not anywhere near, as West Frankfort is right in the midst of a great undeveloped coal field, extending without break or flaw North 7 miles to Benton, East 10 miles to Thompsonville, South 6 miles to Johnston City, and West 6 miles to Ziegler.^

Yet a few years, and as the wheels of industry move onward in the march of progress, when one stands on the crest of the Old Frankfort hill, to his ears will come, not the soft lowing of kine on the hillside, but the distant hum of factory, workshop, mill and mine, while his eyes will behold, not the small settlement of today, but a vast city, dotted with domes and spires, and throbbing and pulsating with life, activity and industry.

Christopher, A New Eldorado

ON THE 15th of November, 1879, the first engine and train arrived at Christopher over the Belleville- Eldorado & DuQuoin Railway, now an important division of the Illinois Central. Christopher had one store and a few scattered houses, but the people were' ambitious and as the railroad company graciously consented to stop on its occasional trips to and beyond Christopher, the citizens donated the material and labor, and built the first depot. The station was named "Christopher," in honor of Christopher Harrison, the father of Drs. F. O. and S. A. Harrison. Isham Harrison, brother of Christopher Harrison, was Supervisor of the Township at that time.

The town of Christopher made little progress for several years, yet was an important trading point for the farmers in that section, there being good stock yard facilities, and important shipments of live stock.

The population of Christopher in January, 1906, was about 300, at which time, the Ziegler District Colliery Company began their operations by sinking a shaft, after which development was rapid. Later in the year of 1906, the coal company known as the United Coal Mining Company began work on their shaft, and a large number of houses and substantial business blocks were built to accommodate the rapidly increasing population. The two mines, now in operation, employ eight hundred men, and pay out wages in excess of $90,000.00 per month. The shipments aggregate 5,000 tons per day.

Residence Op W. Walker, Christopher

Two other mines are under way to completion, and when in full operation will undoubtedly cause Christopher's population to more than double, as each mine will have the same capacity of production as both the present mines now have.

There still remains a body of coal of some 5,000 acres in the immediate proximity of Christopher, which is being eagerly sought for by coal operators. The 5,000 acres mentioned would supply the output of at least five first- class plants, hence it may be seen that Christopher has an enviable future, especially in view of the fact that the body of coal surrounding the city is of the finest quality and of great thickness; the great abundance of which will require several generations of production to deplete.

Residence Of John Knight, Christopher Residence Op Theo. Harrison, Christopher

Christopher has an electric light system. An ice plant is planned and will probably be in operation during 1912. The concrete walks are extensive and the City Park is

Christopher is growing rapidly. Numerous imposing business blocks are being erected; the present building operations aggregate one hundred and fifty houses per year. A larger percentage of wage earners own their own homes at Christopher than perhaps in any other city in this section - about sixty percent. This is attributed to a prosperous Building and Loan Association, and the solidarity and public spirit practiced by its citizens.

The business men of Christopher are enterprising. There is a healthy and active Commercial Men's Business Club; also, a Property Owners' Association; both of which

The stores and business houses of Christopher coinpure' favorably with those of any other city. There are five department stores, two jewelry, three hardware and furniture stores, three well appointed clothing establishments, a first class photographer, and numerous other stores. There are also two large lumber yards.

Stores, Etc., Christopher

There are two Hrsl-class banks in Christopher; the First National, capital and surplus $35,000.00, and the Christopher State Hank, with a capital of $35,000.00. The Christopher Building and Loan Association is a very thriving institution. The Stale Auditor's Otlice reports

There are two divisions of the Illinois Central Railroad here, giving local service between Christopher and outlying mines, and also the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.

Stotlar- Herein Lumber Company, Christopher

The social organizations are strong and well attended. The principal organization being the I. O. O. F., also the Sisters of Rebecca, who have a] large membership and own a fully equipped hall. The Modern Woodmen have a large membership; also, the Knights of Pythias. The

The churches are represented by the Christian Church, which has a large Bible Class for men, perhaps the largest in this section, and the Baptist, which has also a large Sunday School attendance. The Methodist and Catholic Churches are both well attended; and upon the whole, the church life of Christopher is excellent.

The schools of Christopher arc well above the average. A large modern brick structure of seven rooms has just been completed, which will accommodate more than four hundred pupils. There is a smaller building with an attendance of two hundred fifty, and a new one planned for the coming year with still greater capacity.

Christopher extends a hearty welcome to business men and others seeking a new location, and its citizens will co-operate with any new enterprise that shows merit.

In conclusion we want to press upon the reader the fact that the CHRISTOPHER of today is practically a growth of only six years, and that two modern coal mining companies were the direct influences which caused this phenomenal growth. There are being developed two more mines of much larger capacity than the present mines, and these additional mines will assuredly cause to be added to the population of Christopher more than 5000 people, within the next few years.

Christopher Milling Co

800 acres of VALUABLE COAL HOLDINGS adjoining Ziegler District Colliers Co.'s plant. Will be leased to responsible operators. Also DESIRABLE CITY LOTS in Christopher, Illinois.

Business Men'S Club

UP TO 1909, this town was called Smothersville, but was re-named in honor of Mr. John P. Hanaford, of Rockford, Illinois. It is located on the Illinois Central Railroad between Benton and Thompsonville, and is nearly in the center of the finest coal belt in Illinois; the coal vein being from eight to ten feet thick, and of very superior quality.

The town of Hanaford is one of the most beautifully situated in Franklin County. The townsite, while comparatively level, is just right for building purposes, having perfect drainage in every direction. This is a very important item to any one looking for a healthy and pleasant place to make a home. Hanaford is situated on the highest point between St. Louis and Eldorado, being at an elevation of about five hundred feet above sea level, which insures a delightful climate, and a good breeze in the warm summer days. This is one of the first good things the stranger notices on arriving here.

The town was started nearly forty years ago, with the coming of the Illinois Central Railroad. From that time until the spring of 1908, there was no development other than that usual to a small country town. The people had faith in the ultimate future of the region, but they never dreamed of the fabulous wealth underlying every acre to justify that faith. At last in the spring of 1908, the good ship of prosperity, called "Carroll and Franklin Counties Coal Company," came in. This Company was organized and incorporated through the efforts of Jesse Dimond and W. H. Marshall. A shaft was started on May 20, 1908. In October the coal vein was reached at a depth of 692 feet, and the first car of coal hoisted on December 24 of the same year.

Since that time, the Carroll and Franklin Counties Coal Company has made steady progress, being at present in shape to mine a thousand tons per day, with a hoisting capacity of 2500 tons daily, and close to 1000 acres of coal land to draw from.

Since its inception, this Company has been fortunate in having no serious accidents, and in making no expensive mistakes. Frank Zinnel, of Savanna, Illinois, is the President, W. H. Marshall, of Chicago, is General Manager, Eugene Stevens, of Hanaford, is Superintendent, and Alex Beck, of Hanaford, is Secretary. This Company has been well managed, and has a bright future. The excellent preparation and quality of its coal is be- coming well known, and a solid and lasting business is being built up on merit, as evidenced by the fact that the trade has often paid a premium for this coal.

The population of Hanaford, January 1, 1908, was about twenty. On January 1, 1912, it was upwards of six hundred; an increase of 3000 per cent, due simply and solely to the operation of the mine. What then will be the future of Hanaford? When the thousands of acres of excellent coal land surrounding the town, are developed, when from every direction the whistles call the miners to their labors, when the G. & E. L, and the C. B. & Q. Railroads are here and competing with the Illinois Central Railroad for Hanaford coal, when various manu- facturing industries shall have been established, and building operations shall have kept pace with the growth of population - who can foretell the future, or place a limit on its possibilities?

Who can tell? The wildest guess might be far below the mark. But we do know that there is a brilliant future in store for Hanaford, as well as for every other town in Franklin County. The millions of buried treasure now known to be underneath the surface is bound to be brought forth in the near future. Nothing can stop the tide of prosperity now flowing into Franklin County, for from Maine to California, the people are insisting that their coal be from the Franklin County field, and coal operators are hastening to supply their demand.

Hanaford Store Co

THE ILLINOIS POULTRY PRODUCTS COMPANY is operating and locating its initial colony at Hanaford, planning to equip a large number of tracts with all the modern improvements demanded for the successful incubation and production of chickens, eggs and other products incident to the business of poultry raising.

A complete refrigerating plant has been built at Hanaford with every facility for the storage of dressed poultry and will be operated on a large scale. In connection with this plant there is every appliance necessary to prepare poultry and eggs for shipment.

Now is the time to come to Hanaford, while property is low and you can get in on the ground floor. Hanaford will undoubtedly be a city of homes, owing to its desirable location and healthy climate, and a city of business owing to its location in the greatest coal field on the continent.

Hanaford - Illinois

WHAT is now Thompsonville, thirty-three years ago was a small country store, conducted by Richard Thompson, for whom the town was named. There was then no railroad nearer than DuQuoin, Illinois. In the year 1878, the Cairo Short Line was built from Eldorado to DuQuoin, and the town of Thompsonville was laid out. It has been growing steadily ever since. Thompsonville has a number of good brick business blocks and all branches of business are well represented; among which are two big lumber yards, four dry good stores, a good hotel, a wholesale produce house and a State Bank. The Bank is now putting up a handsome new brick building. There are four passenger trains and two local freights a day on the Illinois Central. The town of Thompsonville is surrounded by good farming country, and as a rule, the farmers own their own land and are prosperous and happy. There are no colored or foreign people in Thompsonville, and no saloons or "bootleggers." The population in 1900 was 387, while in 1910, it was 675. The land surrounding Thompsonville is underlaid with as good a vein of coal as there is in the State, being from six to eight feet thick. The Franklin County Carbon, Coal and Coke Company owns about 1500 acres of mineral rights just outside of Thompsonville, and now has an unfinished shaft, which, when completed, will increase the value of mineral land in this neighborhood, and start a general building and business boom in the town. Thompsonville and its vicinity have felt the benefits of the general development throughout the County.

Residence Of M. Heard, Thompsonville Residence Of Hurt L. Casteel, Thompsonville

Fifteen years ago, land sold here at an average price of from $10.00 to $15.00 per acre while today, the same land sells at from $50.00 to $75.00 per acre and is still steadily advancing. The country surrounding Thompsonville is very well adapted for stock raising and fruit growing. More live stock is shipped from Thompsonville than from any other point on the Illinois Central Railroad be-

Thompsonville State Bank

SESSER is a new town of great opportunities located on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, thirty-two miles from Centralia, twelve miles from Benton and sixteen miles from DuQuoin.

In 1906, the site where Sesser is located was a farm. Today (1912), it is a thriving city of from 2200 to 2500 inhabitants, with great prospects for further development.

Located in the midst of the best Franklin County coal fields, the territory surrounding it offers the mining industry one of the best possible fields for development.

Here is also one of the best coal mines in the country, owned and operated by the Franklin County Collieries Company, giving employment to about four hundred and fifty men and carrying a payroll of about $30,000.00 per month. This, together with the great farming community to rely upon, gives Sesser merchants the assurance of a liberal and steady trade.

Sesser has had (unlike many new towns) a steady growth, and there has never been a time when more improvements were in sight than there is now in 1912. The year 1912 found Sesser preparing to build five new brick business houses, many residences, more sidewalk, an electric light plant and another school.

The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad has already made survey for a direct St. Louis route from its Southern Illinois line, connecting it with Sesser. When the railroad is built, it will add a new stimulus to the growth of this town, which combined with the development of a new mine, now contemplated, will be certain to double the present population of Sesser.

In 1906 - a farm; in 1912 - a city! Verily, here in the coal field of Southern Illinois, romance has become reality- Aladdin's Lamp fact, and not fable.