Carlinville Township

Carlinville Township

Carlinville is now (1911), a beautiful little city 6f 3,616 population, with most of its business houses on four streets which face the square. The place is devoid of manufactories, although at one time it had nourishing machine shops, a brewery, established in 1859 by Steel & Lebherz, which continued in operation many years. This and the machine shops have long been abandoned. There were mills in Carlinville, the output of which was many hundred barrels of flour per day. These have gone out of existence, most of them having been destroyed by fire, until today not one remains.

The first mill was erected by Henry Fishback in 1845 and was lost by fire in 1864. It was a three-story frame and was replaced by another the same year, of brick and stone, with slate roof. This was an imposing structure to the eye and cost something near $50,000. It was owned and operated by the Weer brothers, who had invested about $100,000 in the concern. This building was also destroyed by fire. The Grove mills were also of brick and stone, three stories in height and had a capacity of 150 barrels of flour a day. The Diamond Mill and other milts all had their day and went the way of their predecessors - up in smoke.

Carlinville is a splendid trading town and has one of the. most fertile and prosperous regions in central Illinois from which to secure customers. With good roads and railroad facilities unsurpassed in the Chicago & Alton and the Illinois Traction System, the people easily reach her marts, not only from all points of the county but from adjoining territory. Her merchants are consequently busy and prosperous, as is evidenced by the modern store buildings and many handsome homes, cRurches and other structures.

The city of Carlinville is situated on the Chicago & Alton railroad, 223 miles from Chicago and 57 miles from St. Louis. It is 40 miles from Springfield, the capital of the state.

Mayors Of The City

In April, 1865, Carlinville received its charter as an incorporated city and since that time to the present the following men of worth and standing have acted as its chief executive officer: John M. Woodson, 1865; William B. Dugger, 1866-67; Alexander P. Bettersworth, 1868; William Farrell, 1869; Henry TT. Weer, 1870-71 ; Charles A. Walker, 1872 ; Henry H. Weer, 1873 ; James K. Fur-

The City Hall

In 1885, when the Methodist church society abandoned its old church building, on South Broad street, the city purchased it and after remodeling the building, converting a part into an opera house, installed the municipal offices in the rear of the building, which there remained until 1897, when a new, commodious and sightly structure was erected by the city on West Main street for public purposes, at a cost of $8,000. Here is the council chamber, spacious and comfortable. This 'is situate at the rear of the second floor, the front being devoted to the firemen and is known as Firemen's Hall. The ground floor is used by the city marshal, an office room having been arranged for that official ; and a large space for the fire apparatus, which consists of hose and hose carts. This building is of red pressed brick, trimmed in stone, is two-story and has a bell tower. The city bastile is a small building - one-story brick - on Plum street, just off West Main.

Police And Fire Department

Carlinville has not grown to the proportions that demand a metropolitan police force or fire department. The city has, however, one marshal, or chief of police, who looks to the deportment of the unruly in the day time, and two officers, whose duties keep them patroling the city in the night season. The fire department is on the same small scale, but probably adequate for the purpose. The members are all volunteers and "run to fires" gratis. The paraphernalia is rather ancient for the town and after a costly fire will, no doubt, be replaced by more modern machinery for fighting fires and saving valuable property.

Water Works

The Carlinville Water Company received its franchise in December, 1888, and built a water works plant - power house, mains laid - in 1889. The power house, a one and one-half-story brick structure, was built one and one-half miles south of the city on Macoupin creek. Two Dean pumps, with a capacity of 1,000,000 gallons of water every twenty- four hours, were installed and the water from Macoupin creek became an article of commerce. From the analysis of the creek water here given one can determine the quality of nature's beverage, as furnished by the company.

In 1904, the Water Company, a foreign corporation, went into the hands of a receiver, and in June, 1907, the principal part of the stock being owned by him,

A. H. Soden, of Boston, purchased the plant at master's sale, paying $53,000. During the receivership the old cement mains were moved and replaced by iron ones. A filter plant was built and to meet expenses of these improvements receiver's certificates were issued, all of which were finally redeemed. The company 'had been forced into liquidation by the city refusing to pay its water rent, claiming inferior water and an insufficient pressure. Or in other words, the works were not furnishing pure water, nor were they capable of serving the city in a proper manner in case of fire or other emergency. Since the new regime and under the efficient management of A. M. Boring, the works increased in its capacity and efficiency and is meeting the necessities of its patrons. A steel stand pipe, 120 feet in height, on Market square, is one innovation and five miles of mains now tap pretty much of the residence and business sections of the city. The stand-pipe pressure is from 40 to 45 pounds; direct pressure, 150 pounds. The works is now on a paying basis.

In 1907 the company was reorganized and the name changed from the Carlinville Water Company to the Carlinville Water Supply Company. The officers are: A. H. Soden, of Boston, president; A. M. Boring, secretary and treasurer; Captain George J. Castle, superintendent. Directors, A. H. Soden, A. M. Boring, E. A. Carter.

The Jackson filter system has been adopted. The main filter bed is 30x30 feet in dimensions and 30 feet deep, having six compartments. In the latter is sand from Minnesota, specially prepared, and other requisites, through which the water percolates and when it reaches the consumer it is very palatable and healthful, as the following analysis by the director of State Water Survey would indicate :

"Report of the Sanitary Chemical Analysis of Water. "Source of Water - Macoupin creek. "Location - One Mile South of Carlinville. "Amounts are stated in parts per million. "Turbidity - 50. "Color - 4 "Odor - o.

"Total residue on evaporation - 365. "Chlorine in chlorides - 10. "Oxygen consumed - 7.35. "Nitrogen as free ammonia - .064. "Nitrogen as albuminoid ammonia - .272. - "Nitrogen as nitrites - .000. "Nitrogen as nitrates - .320. "Alkalinity - 199.5. "Sulphates -

Paved Streets

In the matter of well-paved streets Carlinville is keeping pace with the modern city idea. Today there are two and one-half miles of brick paving, which cost the taxpayer $85,531. The public square streets were the first to be laid with brick - in 1892 - at a cost of $13,851 ; the same year West Main was paved at an expenditure of $15,823. One block on JSouth Broad was laid in 1893, the improvement costing $1,285, North Broad, $10,960, and East Main, $14,237. Five years were permitted to go by before any more permanent work was done on the streets. In 1908 paving was extended on South Broad, at an outlay of $12,176. In 1910 First South street was paved and cost the city $17,200.

Sewerage

Public improvements were commenced in a proper manner, by first inaugurating a sewerage system. In 1891 work was begun on this sanitary device, the main sewer for that section being laid on First South street to East Main. Then followed other mains, chiefly of brick, the sewers ranging in size from two feet to five feet, as follows : Public square to East street, Oak to Chicago & Alton railroad, First South to Second South, East Main to North, East to North Broad, East to Charles, North Broad to Plum, Plum to Oak, North to Washington, East to College avenue, 'East to Ellison, North to Moore, Charles to Seminary, North to Nicholas, and a number of extensions ; Oak to Chicago & Alton railroad, North to Nicholas, Ellison to Center, in all five and one-half miles, at a total cost of $65,130.

City First Lighted By Gas

In December, 1869, Carlinville took on metropolitan airs by lighting its streets, stores and residences by artificial gas. An incorporated company built a plant at the corner of Mulberry and Locust streets. The concern was capitalized at $31,- ooo and had for its first officers : Charles W. Weer, president ; Samuel B. Dugger, secretary ; John T. Rogers, treasurer. The board of directors was made up of Dr. John Logan, William Farrell, Charles W. Weer, Morris Hezel and Henry Daley. Eventually the majority of the stock found its way into the possession of C. H. C. Anderson, who became its president and treasurer and after his death, in the settlement of his estate, the property was turned over to a daughter, Mrs. W. L. Mounts. This occurred in 1888. The concern continued in operation from this time to 1890 as the Carlinville Gas Light & Coke Company, when the charter was surrendered. That year, W. L. Mounts, as an official of the company, bought the Brush Electric Light plant and merged the two lighting concerns into the Carlinville Gas & Electric Light Works, as a private institution. This condition prevailed until December 31, 1909, when the Carlinville Utilities Company was incorporated and these properties were turned over to the corporation.

The officers of the present company are : W. L. Mounts, president ; W. H. Behrens', secretary ; William McKinley, of Carlinville, treasurer. These gentlemen also compose the board of directors. When the gas works came into the possession of the Mounts, the product was changed from coal gas to water gas and later both kinds were made. The company continued to manufacture gas until February, 1910, when the factory was closed and by arrangements consummated with the Impromptu Development Company gas has been furnished from the natural gas field of Macoupin county and retailed to consumers. At this time the citizens of Carlinville have both gas and electric lights, furnished by the Carlinville Utilities Company.

Postmasters Of Carlinville

The first postmaster of Carlinville was Ezekiel Good, who has been mentioned in this work so often that the reader will have become well acquainted with the characteristics of that pioneer long before reaching this article. At the time of his incumbency of the office there were but very primitive means of carrying the mails from one locality to the other. Postage stamps were then unknown and the recipient of a letter paid twenty-five cents or more to the postmaster, according to the bulk of and distance the missive had been carried.

In those days there were no fast mail trains, no regular place for the distribution of mail matter, no city mail carriers, no rural deliveries, no transmission of money by the postoffice department and no postal savings banks. Nor were these conveniences even dreamed of by Postmaster Good and his patrons.

It is said that Ezekiel Good performed his duties toward "Uncle Sam" and the citizens of Carlinville well and faithfully. Almost every week letters would reach the village and the postmaster, as a rule and in order to be accommodating, would place in his hat the precious communications from loved ones, including sweethearts, back in the erstwhile far eastern homes of the settlers, and as he met a "lucky one," would hand him a letter, written on a sheet of paper doubled over and sealed with wax, first collecting the postage. Those old days of primitive things are long since passed away. The government has now in operation a postal system second to none in Christendom. A letter is carried to any part of the United States for two cents and the time is not distant when the postage on the ordinary letter will be reduced to one cent. The privileges accorded residents of towns and cities have been in recent years extended to the man on the farm and in a very short time the city of Carlinville will have its own government building, from which will radiate each day, not only the urban carrier but also the rural mail distributor, whose route covers on an average a distance of twenty-five miles.

The successors of the premier postmaster of Carlinville have not been so many, when one considers that since Ezekiel Good's time over eighty years have gone by. However, no complete list of the names of the incumbents of this office has ever been published, hence, as a matter of history it is herewith given :

Carlinville Library

That the city has a library at all is all owing to the gratuitous labors of a] certain number of women who early gave their attention to the. needs of an institution of the kind in the community. There has never been any assistance rendered these worthy women of an official character, but on the contrary, monies secured for the purchase of books and to meet running expenses have been raised mainly by means of entertainments gotten up by the ladies of Carlinville.

No connected records have been kept by the library association during its early years of existence that avails the historian in a research for data pertinent to its history, and the following article has been made possible simply through the valiant efforts of Mrs. John I. Rinaker, Miss Sue Dick and Mrs. Lolah Woods. The article below was written by Miss Sue Dick :

Some Interesting Facts

The historian digging among early records for data relating to people and incidents connected with the pioneer days of the city library will unearth some interesting facts. First and foremost among them is the fact that the Carlinville library has now a permanent place in the history of the community.

Starting from a small beginning, with only a few books secured through the solicitations of a committee, its growth and continued success have been very gratifying to its friends. Several attempts at inaugurating a library in Carlinville had been made, which resulted in absolute failure. The earliest record regarding the institution shows that in 1834 a library was started by the first teachers of the county seat, namely, Mr. and Mrs. Cooley and Miss Packard, which continued only during the time of their employment in the pioneer school. General John T. Rinaker and Hon. C. A. Walker remember a library organization that met over Oliver Hall's store. Don Cameron was the librarian. No records were kept and the books were scattered throughout the village and lost.

On December 15, 1868, a number of the citizens of Carlinville, H. M. Kimball, D. W. Dresser, A. S. Ruark, F. L. Matthews, Nicholas Dubois, A. M. Barker and others, met to agree upon plans for the organization of a public library. They had on hand more than $100 in cash and more than two-thirds of the subscribers to this fund were present. They chose T. L. Loomis chairman, who appointed J. G. Koester and W. H. Steward a committee to devise and report upon plans for the formation of a library association. The result of this committee's labors was the perfecting of the organization and the acceptance of its title - the Carlinville Library Association. W. R. Welch, D. W. Dresser and A. C. Rafferty were elected trustees. For some time after the creation of the association the few books then collected were kept in a small room where the Koester building now stands, on East Main street. Officers were elected on December 30, 1869. Miss Bettie Robertson was chosen president. No record of the proceedings of their meetings has been found. Under the first organization meager funds were secured through mite societies, and much of the business of the association was transacted in the room above mentioned. Many of the homes of the early workers, however, were open to these meetings. George Holliday, A. S. Ruark, C. A. Walker, A. M. Dubois, J. L. Plain, J. I. Rinaker, W. R. Welch, J. B. Listen, N. Boice, J. G. Koester, C. H. C. Anderson and Dr. J. P. Matthews were at the head of these homes. Subsequently a permanent place of meeting was obtained in the northwest room in the court house basement. The first meeting was held here March 5, 1870, and on the I7th of the same month, the library was thrown open to the public from 2 to 5 P. M. This room was donated to the association by the board of supervisors. In a few years two larger rooms were secured in the basement of the court house, both of which are now filled, with a large and well selected list of books.

Permanent Organization

The permanent organization of the library association was effected February ii, 1871, with the election of the following officers: President, Mrs. A. M. Dubois; vice president,, Mrs. 'M. J. Anderson; recording secretary, Miss Lizzie Corn ; corresponding secretary, Nicholas Dubois ; treasurer, Miss Sue Uhl ; and trustees, A. S. Ruark, S. T. Corn, and A. M. Barker.

Mrs. Dubois' administration as president gave excellent satisfaction and much credit is due her for the foresight she exhibited in the management of the affairs of the association. Through the efforts of the Carlinville bar, the "Pickwick Trial," a drama, was rendered by certain of its members, which proved a success in every way and redounded to the benefit of the library. Mrs. J. I. Rinaker, during her term of office, was also very helpful and added not a little toward keeping up the interest in the movement. Under her administration the constitution was amended, and a code of by-laws adopted, with Dr. A. P. Bettersworth, Mrs. J. I. Rinaker and Mrs. W. R. Welch forming the committee. The cataloguing of books was also necessary and this being under Mrs. Rinaker's supervision, as president, she appointed a committee, consisting of Mesdames Welch, Matthews and Dubois, and the Misses Lizzie Corn and Sue Dick for this work. Under the committee's instructions a catalogue was published, which added much to the convenience of librarians and patrons.

Life Membership

The first certificate of life membership in the association was applied for and received by Mrs. J. I. Rinaker, the second by Miss Sue Dick.

Mesdames J. P. Matthews and H. M. Kimball proved themselves able and willing workers in the interests of the library and were among the early presidents. Mrs. M. J. Anderson was also painstaking and faithful in the discharge of her duties in the chair.

Mrs. C. A. Walker had the arduous task pf preparing the second catalogue of the library's books, but with her committee of able workers, consisting of Mesdames J. I. Rinaker, Lolah W. Woods, M. L. Keplinger and the Misses Sallie Welch and Ma.mie Johnson, the work when completed met with commendation. Mrs. Walker also served as president of the association and made a very efficient officer. Mrs. A. H. Eldred was one of the presidents of the organization and proved an able and painstaking executive. The library was gratefully indebted to her for the stave, which she generously donated for the purpose of heating the library room. Mrs. Thomas Rinaker may also be mentioned as one of the presiding officers, who gave her time and interests to the affairs of the association. The same may be said of Miss Sue Dick, who as president was a zealous worker and by her donations of valuable books added much to the growing library.

Financial Management

Mrs. F. W. Burton, Mrs. W. H. Steward and Mrs. M. L. Keplinger, besides their ability in conducting the affairs of the library, as presidents won enviable reputations as financial managers of entertainments through which they added largely to the funds of the association. Many others who acted in an official capacity deserve much credit for their faithfulness in discharging the duties devolving upon them. Among these may be mentioned J. T. Rogers, M. L. Keplinger, George Hunter, W. H. Steward, Mesdames Charles Otwell, S. S. Hunter, Mary P. Hankins, Lucretia Liston, Lolah W. Woods and the Misses Maria Fishback and Mamie Johnson. Their work and interests manifested in the library can hardly be over-estimated.

The faithful librarians who ever held to their post of duty deserve encomiums, for they have ever been willing to perform their duties and lend all possible assistance to the patrons of the library. Mrs. W. R. Welch and Miss Sue Dick, respectively, were the first librarians. Others who have followed them have been more than trustworthy in the performance of their duties. These remarks may also be applied to the present librarian, Miss Mattie Johnson, and her assistants, the Misses Davis, David and Hassett. Mrs. W. H. Behrens is the present president of the association.

Many donations of books have been made, adding largely to the growing list of volumes on the library shelves. The main workers in sustaining the library were among the older citizens and their families who worked to promote its growth. Many of these have passed to the great beyond. It is somewhat remarkable that of all the officers elected in the annual meetings of 1872, 1873, 1874 and the chief promoters of the organization, few remain at this day citizens of Carlinville. Those now here are Mrs. M. J. Anderson, Miss Sue Dick, Mrs. J. I. Rinaker, J. G. Koester and M. L. Keplinger. This -remnant of the old guard, so to speak, remains to witness and enjoy the success of its undertakings.

The library is now in a prosperous condition. It contains over 5,000 volumes and has a yearly circulation of over 7,000. All the best and most popular maga- zines are found upon the library shelves. None of the officers are paid. The only remuneration they receive is the free use of books. Of late years the offices have all been filled by women, with full control and supervision. The support of the library is secured through the membership fees of $2, yearly, and fines received from those retaining books in their possession over the time limit.

The library has no endowment fund. At first, through the kindness of citizens, donations were made until the association became self-sustaining from memberships, fines and entertainments. In 1871, $400 had been subscribed and later other donations were made. Since then it has had a slow, but steady growth, until now it is identified with the best interests of the city.

Banks And Bankers

The banking house of Crittenden H. C. Anderson started in 1869 under a special charter to the Henderson Loan & Real Estate Company, which began business in the place now maintained by the C. H. C. Anderson Banking Company. The head of this financial concern was George H. Holliday, a former county judge who became very prominently involved in the history of the present court house. The bank was capitalized at $5,000. James J. Furber was its cashier and Holliday was at the head of the concern until January, 1870, when C. H. C. Anderson purchased the business and reorganized the institution. Mr. Anderson, from the fact that he had invested a large sum of money, was practically in control of the bank. However, he retained Mr. Furber as cashier and at the time, Samuel T. Mayo, Julius G. Chester and Charles W. Weer appeared among others on the board of directors. The bank was conducted under the corporate name of the Henderson Loan & Real Estate Company until about the year 1879, when the charter was surrendered. Mr. Anderson retained his interest, which covered practically the business and conducted the bank as a private concern, retaining Mr. Furber as cashier.

C. H. C. Anderson conducted this bank alone until July, 1889, when he associated with him as partners in business his son, John C. Anderson, the present head of the bank, and his daughter, Effie M., the wife of W. L. Mounts. Six months after this arrangement was consummated Mr. Anderson died. At the time that he assumed control of the institution in 1870, the bank was capitalized at only $5,000 but previous to his death the capital stock had been increased to $100,000, and at the time of Mr. Anderson's death, the reports show a surplus of $25,000. This was in 1890. Mr. Furber continued as cashier until his death, which occurred November 8, 1903, in his seventieth year.

In 1878 the banking house of Chestnut & Dubois failed. This was the first banking institution established in Macoupin county. Mr. Anderson had no knowledge of the difficulty of the Chestnut & Dubois bank until the morning that a notice was posted on the bank's doors. This announcement caused uneasiness and unusual commotion among the depositiors of the banks, but Mr. Anderson continued business just the same. During that day, say about closing time, some of Mr. Anderson's heaviest depositors became apprehensive as to whether he could pull through the storm, and called upon him to learn of the situation. His only reply to their importunities and questions was :

"Gentlemen, I want you to understand that not only the assets of this corporation but every dollar of my private property is behind this bank."

The result of the examination of the books satisfied Mr. Anderson's callers that the bank itself was perfectly solvent and the consequence was that ten of the most substantial business men of the city executed to Samuel T. Mayo a power of attorney authorizing him to sign their names as guarantors upon any certificate of deposit issued by the C. H. C. Anderson Bank to such customers who desired to have their deposits secured. This arrangement was availed of by a few of the depositors but by noon of the next day, all danger of a run was over. At that time Mr. Anderson's private means amounted to about $100,000 and it might be here stated parenthetically that the Anderson bank has without any special difficulty withstood three financial panics - those of 1873, l&7& and l%93-

The capital stock of this bank is $100,000. The president is John C. Anderson and John Westermeier is cashier, while H. Dey is assistant cashier.

The Farmers and Merchants Bank of Carlinville was organized in April, 1904 by Judge Lewis C. Peebles, John R. Duckies, H. A. Steinmeyer, Thomas P. Ross, William J. C. Grotefendt, Dr. J. P. Denby, W. B. Otwell, L. E. Mason and others. The institution was capitalized at $35,000. It began with a prosperous business at the start, which has continued and multiplied to the present time. It has made no change in its capital stock, and its liabilities amount to $150,000.

Carlinville National Bank

This institution was organized May 5, 1890 by A. L. Hoblit, Sylvester Hoblit and others. W. F. Burgdorff was the first president ; Peter Heinz, vice president ; A. L. Hoblit, cashier; Frank Hoblit, assistant cashier. The first directorate was tomposed of W. F. Burgdorff, Joseph Bird, Peter Heinz, Milton McClure, F. W. Burton, John I. Rinaker, Robert B. Shirley, Sylvester Hoblit and Charles Gilman.

The concern was capitalized at $50,000 and began doing business May 5, 1890 in the old First National Bank building, which is leased by the management Since its organization the net earnings of the bank have been $194,000, of which $96,000 have been paid out in dividends and $98,000 now represents the surplus and undivided profits. As shown by the statement of June 7, 1911, the capital and surplus of the bank was $153,000; total resources, $700,000; deposits, $534,000.

The present officers are : W. F. Burgdorff, president ; Joseph Bird, vice president; A. L. Hoblit, cashier; C. H. Diesel, assistant cashier. Frank Hoblit,

Carlinville Loan & Building Association

The above institution was organized about the year 1885 by Robert E. Love, Thomas Rinaker, A. G. David, L. P. Peebles, W. F. Burgdorff, W. E. P. Anderson, W. H. Steward, W. O. Steinmeyer and others, with a capital stock of $500,000. The institution is a very prosperous one and is now capitalized at $2,000,000.

Its officers are : W. F. Burgdorff, president ; C. Westermeier, vice president ; A. L. Hoblit, treasurer ; Thomas Rinaker, attorney ; C. G. Heinz, secretary.

The Macoupin Telephone & Telegraph Company

The Macoupin Telephone & Telegraph Company, an independent telephone company, owns and operates telephone exchanges at Carlinville, the capital city of Macoupin county, and at Atwater, Illinois. The company is incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois, and was originally incorporated, July 30, 1900, with an authorized capital stock of $10,000, the incorporators being James A. Fletcher, C. G. Heinz, Frank Paul, Theodore C. Loehr, Robert Whitely, Jr., C. J. C. Fischer and J. E. McClure.

This telephone company was born of a necessity for a toll line connection with a telephone exchange in the county seat, which was felt by independent telephone companies operating exchanges in the cities, towns and villages in the northern part of Macoupin county. Connection had been denied them except on ruinous terms.

The Macoupin Telephone & Telegraph Company opened its Carlinville exchange, January i, 1901, with one hundred telephones in service and one toll line connecting with the exchange of the Girard Telephone Company at Girard; through that exchange with all other cities, towns and villages in the northern part of Macoupin county and a few points in Montgomery, Sangamon and Morgan counties. Today this company on its Carlinville and Atwater exchanges has seven hundred and fifty subscribers, has toll line connection over its own or inter-company owned metallic toll lines with every city, town and village in Macoupin county, with every independent telephone company and exchange in the adjoining counties; and over the copper metallic toll lines of the Kinloch Long Distance Telephone Company of Missouri, the Inter-State Independent Telephone & Telegraph Company, of Springfield and Aurora, Illinois, and through the connecting lines of these great companies the subscribers of the Macoupin Telephone & Telegraph Company may have telephone toll line service, promptly and satisfactorily to about five thousand cities, towns and villages in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio, including such great cities and trade centers as Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri ; Louisville, Kentucky; Terre Haute and Indianapolis, Indiana; Springfield, Decatur, Bloomington, Peoria, Quincy, Rock Island, Joliet, Aurora and Chicago, Illinois ; Keokuk, Fort Madison, Burlington, Muscatine, Davenport and Clinton, Iowa.

University Of Illinois

The local as well as the toll business of the company is steadily growing, and it seems reasonably probable that the growth will continue until every residence in town and every farm residence will have a telephone connecting with the central offices of this company. The company but recently increased its capital stock from $10,000 to $50,000 in order to raise funds to increase switchboard capacity in the central offices, to provide additional cable and more country lines and telephones, the present equipment being fully employed. The rates for service vary according to the kind of -service desired.

The time is here when telephone service is as necessary and important to every one as postal service, and it is only a question of time when every one to whom first class local and long distance service is of importance will have "a telephone connecting with the exchanges of The Macoupin Telephone & Telegraph Company, and through its exchanges with the toll lines and exchanges of independent telephone companies elsewhere.

The present officers and directors of the company are : Theodore C. Loehr, president; Frank Paul, vice president; A. F. Loehr. secretary, treasurer and manager. Directors, A. F. Weiss, H. C. Wargensted, Frank Paul, C. Westermeier, Henry W. Paul, A. F. Loehr.

Carlinville Woman'S Club

As the seat of Blackburn College, Carlinville, has for a half century boasted of its culture and educational attainments, hence, naturally, literary clubs have been numerous and popular throughout a long series of years.

The Carlinville Woman's Club was, however, the first organization among the women of Macoupin county formed on the new utilitarian lines with unrestricted membership, and which acknowledged a common sisterhood and opened its ranks to all the women of the community, offering freely and gladly such helpfulness and culture as it is able to bestow. The Carlinville Woman's Club was organized November 29, 1899, and was federated with the Illinois State Federation of Women's Clubs in 1901.

The women present at the formation of the club were Mesdames John Pitt Matthews, John Palmer Matthews, George Baker, Solan Flautt, Lolah Woods, C. A. Walker, W. L. Mounts, A. L. Hoblit, C. J. Lumpkin and Miss Elizabeth Bell. The club was made departmental in its work with four general divisions. The first officers of the club were president, Mrs. W. L. Mounts; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. C. J. Lumpkin; chairman of literature department, Mrs. John Pitt Matthews; chairman of the music department, Mrs. Solan Flautt; chairman of the art department, Mrs. A. L. Hoblit ; chairman of the magazine department, Mrs. George Baker. At the second election of officers the office of vice president and chairman of philanthropic work was added.

Through its four departments an effort has been made to offer a. broader opportunity for self culture to the women of Carlinville. The literature department Has given each year wide and intelligent literary studies conducted by its own members or by lecture courses. The music department has been a strong section and has endeavored to give a more intimate and appreciative knowledge of the best in music. The art department has grown from the study of old masters into the discussions of civic art and efforts to wield an influence in the community. The magazine department has broadened into the current events department, the work of which is to view more closely all the live issues of the day. The philanthropic department stands for general helpfulness in many lines. In the philanthropic work the club has done the most active work of this kind in the community since its organization, and takes largely the place of an organization of associated charities as conducted in other communities.

Through this department the club fits out for school all cases of needy children reported and gives aid in cases of illness and poverty, and at Christmas time distributes baskets among the poor ; besides the club has by lectures on such subjects as the prevention of tuberculosis, pure food and health endeavored to aid in spreading a knowledge of the correct way of living.

The club has interested itself in a strong and effectual effort to assist the educational work of the community. March 21, 1901, the Blackburn Aid Association was formed within the Woman's Club. The president of the club was also president of the organization, but with a secretary and treasurer drawn from the membership of the club.

The object of the association was to raise funds for Blackburn College, and was the initial incentive that resulted in the raising of the large endowment a few years later. The report of the work done by the Carlinville Woman's Club through this source as made April 24, 1902, was $5,946.10 in pledges, and $2,389.75 in cash, all of which was turned over to the college treasurer, and a field worker of the college pressed forward the work. This sum represented untiring work in the writing of hundreds of letters to friends and the alumni of the college, visits and solicitations.

In 1905 the Woman's Club put forth a vigorous effort again in behalf of Blackburn College and raised $1,200, which placed a chair of Domestic Science in the College and equipped a home for young women students under the supervision of a Christian and cultured woman, an alumna of Columbia College, New York. A keen interest is felt and hearty support is given the college in all its efforts for the advancement of education and the welfare of the students.

An equally active interest has always been exercised in matters relating to the public schools. Eighteen large and handsomely framed photographs, reproductions of the best in art, have been hung in the school rooms.

The club has many seasons maintained lecture courses of the highest grade. Three seasons the club took up the university extension course of Chicago University and also concerts of such high class that only through the labors of the Woman's Club has the community been able to enjoy and profit from the same.

The club has followed the lead of other clubs in the state and has conducted contests with school children in flower growing and the beautifying of yards, and has successfully appealed to the City Council to remove objectionable sights and to plant flower beds in the public parks.

The club year 1911 and 1912 opens on October 19, and the present officers are: President. Mrs. C. J. Lumpkin ; vice preseident, Dr. L. H. Corr; secretary,

Larger activities have presented themselves to the club with each year, and its members have left behind them the old selfish spirit of only self culture of the early women's organizations and hold out helpful hands as the representative women of the tewntieth century, strong in body, mind and heart.

American Woman'S League

The Carlinville chapter of the American Woman's League was founded by E. G. Lewis, of University City, St. Louis, and was organized by Miss Edna Jeffries, of Edwardsville, Illinois, at the present time the state regent. This took place December 5, 1909. Dr. L. H. Corr was selected as president; Mrs. J. B. Searcy, first vice president ; Mrs. John Omer, second vice president ; Mrs. Alfred Mayfield, secretary; Mrs. W. R. Crew, treasurer and local representative; and Mrs. B. M. Davies, corresponding secretary.

After securing ten paid-up members at $50 per capita, the number and amount required at the time, the new association applied for a chapter house, having duly qualified for that advancement, in its progress toward the completion of preliminary arrangements. The charter was granted and a contractor sent to this place to begin work, on July 2ist, 1910, that being the day made memorable by the celebration of paying off the last of the court house bonds.

The purposes . of the American Woman's League are the educational advantages to be secured to woman and her children, all minor children having equal advantages with the mother. Over fifty schools are affiliated with the league and through correspondence the league has the privileges of two hundred different branches taught. There is a fine arts building at University City, where the fine arts are taught in all their various forms. Painting, sculpture, drawing, pottery and other work in this line are taught. Scholars who show particular talent are received here and for such services as they are able to render, instruction is given them under the best masters from Europe, free of all charge.

The beautiful chapter house was erected upon a lot taken from the rear of the Judd homestead and donated to the chapter by Miss Martha E. Judd, for that purpose.

The present officers are : President, Mrs. J. B. Searcy ; first vice president, Mrs. Sadie Deadrick ; secretary, Mrs. W. R. Crum ; treasurer and local representative, Mrs. E. M. Davies ; corresponding secretary, Miss M. E. Judd. The above are also unofficial members of the executive board.

The Macoupin Club

One of Carlinville's popular outing organizations is the Macoupin Club, which was organized May 24, 1902. Its object is to acquire, preserve and maintain hunting and fishing grounds. The members secured a preserve of sixty-five acres near Rinaker Station, twenty-two acres of which are covered by water - a reservoir formed by the construction of a dam across a ravine. While there is no 'club house, there is a building for a keeper, who is regularly employed to patrol the grounds and take care of the club's property. There are now about fifty members.

The officers are : President, Thomas Rinaker ; vice president, Dr. C. A. Fischer; secretary, A. M. Boring; treasurer, A. L. Hoblit. Board of directors: Silas Tappan, C. H. Burgdorff, A. M. Boring, A. L. Hoblit, Thomas Rinaker.

Daughters of the members have an auxiliary club and a tastefully built bungalow is their meeting place on the hunting grounds. There are about twentyfive members.

The Beaver Dam Lake Club

In 1883 the Beaver Dam Lake Club was organized with C. A. Walker as president. The association ceased to exist in 1903 and the Henry Bradford estate, in 1904, built a hotel upon the ground at Macoupin Station, eight miles southwest of Carlinville. This is a popular resort for people of the county seat and St. Louis.

Carlinville'S Beautiful Cemetery

The records of the above cemetery association do not give the delver after data any great encouragement to continue on his work, for the reason there is little to be found relating to this beautiful burial spot, that is, regarding its early history, that has been recorded. It is more a matter of tradition when the first interment was made here. It is the recollection of Mr. C. A. Walker that along about in 1831 he attended in this graveyard the funeral of the child of a neighbor but the name is now beyond his remembrance. Ezekiel Good, who at one time owned the land taken possession of for burial purposes, which was a part and parcel of a tract of land entered by him, was probably the next one to be buried here.

If the city has any title in law to this old burial ground, the records do not so indicate. There have been additions made, however, to that part now within the enclosure and" known as the Carlinville cemetery, to which the city has a recorded title. But there are two tracts or parcels of land within the enclosure, to which the city has no legal title. That is that part known as the Halderman graveyard, to which the Halderman heirs still hold the title and that part known as the original graveyard. Of course, as a matter of fact, the title to the cemetery will never in all probability be contraverted.

This cemetery is one of the most beautiful burial spots in the whole state of Illinois. The grounds are located conveniently to the city, are well attended to by those under the authority of the city, and adornments in the way of shade trees, flowers, beautiful old fashioned and modern tombstones, elegant and expensive burial vaults, drives and the like, give it a character that will hardly be surpassed by any modern city.

The Carlinville cemetery is under the control of the city of Carlinville, which is represented by a board of commissioners and composed of: Thomas C.

Fraternal Orders

Mt. Nebo Lodge, No. 76, A. F. & A. M., at Carlinville, Illinois, was chartered August 2, 1849. The first meeting was held September 24, 1849. The charter members and officers were : Beatty T. Burke, James McLarning, Joseph Liston, N. Barrow, Thomas J. Shields, iWilliam Wright and John Williamson.

At the first meeting of the lodge the following were taken in as members in the order given : Abraham S. Walker, M. H. Maddy, David D. S. Brock, John M. Palmer, Nicholas Boice, James N. Queen, Levi J. Woods, Daniel T. Creamer and William Maddox.

The present officers are : W. M., Victor H. Hemphill ; S. W., A. J. Duggan ; J. W., Robert H. Bell; S. D., Harry A. Perrine; J. D., John M. Anderson; S. S., Fred E. Gibson ; J. S., William E. Searcy ; chaplain, John D. Conley ; organist, Everett R. Turnbull; marshal, R. A. Battise; tyler, John Dennison.

Odd Fellows

.Macoupin Lodge, No. 107, I. O. O. F., was instituted October 18, 1852, by Jerseyville Lodge, No. 53, and Hicks Lodge, Waverly, Illinois, led by District Deputy Grarid Master Roberts, and was consolidated March i, 1887, with Carlinville Lodge, No. 350, which worked in the German language. The ceremony was performed by Grand Master J. S. Carr, of Jerseyville, Illinois. The name was then changed to Carlinville Lodge, No. 107, I. O. O. F.

-The first officers of Carlinville Lodge, No. 107 (after being consolidated), were : Albert J. Harig, N. G. ; Charles Hamilton, V. G. ; M. F. Smith, Sec. ; Adam Hoch, Fin. Sec. ; Christ Heinemeyer, Treas.

The present officers are: John W. Gray, N. G. ; Charles Rogers, V. G. ; J. P. Arnett, Sec. ; B. E. Vornkohl, Fin. Sec. ; John Hoecker, Treas. The present membership is 96.

Encampment

Turnbull Encampment, No. 42 was instituted October 14, 1857, with the following members: George Fishback, E. C. Keller, James F. Drish, J. W. Hankins, R. J. Haley, Philip Sharp, J. I. Rinaker, O. L. Andrist.

The present officers are : F. W. Rohr, chief patriarch ; Charles Rogers, high priest; Charles Brueggeman, senior warden; W. R. Smalley, junior warden; C. R. Borough, scribe; John Hoecker, treasurer. The present membership is 35.

Rebekah Lodge

The first officers of the Rebekah lodge were : Mary Jones, N. G. ; Mrs. C. B. Cramer, V. G. ; Nell Hoecker, Sec. ; Mrs. Alice Borough, Treas.

The charter members were (brothers) C. B. Cramer, Z. H. Waters, Walter Bevers, Ed Glass, W. E. P. Anderson, Sylvanus Seaman, David Johnston, F.

Modern Woodmen Of America

Carlinville Camp, No. 125, M. W. A. convened October 10, 1885, at J. G. Stewart's photograph gallery, then on the second floor of the old building where Cookson's store is now situated. The meeting was called by D. S. Maltby, then junior deputy head consul. The following were present: M. L. Keplinger, John G. Stewart, Robert Turnbull, Joseph F. Savage, Dr. 'A. C. Corr, C. J. C. Fischer, E. B. Buck, Peter W. Lorenz, Henry Klein, James A. Nutchell, B. M. Burke, George J. Castle, James M. Pruitt, W. H. H. Horine and Walter Fishback.

The first officers were as follows : Consul, John G. Stewart ; adviser, E. B. Buck; banker, B. M. Burke; clerk, M. L. Keplinger; physicians, Drs. A. C. Corr and C. J. C. Fischer; escort, James M. Pruitt; watchman, Henry Klein; sentry, James A. Mitchell ; managers, W. H. H. Horine, Joseph F. Savage and Robert Turnbull.

M. L. Keplinger has represented the state in the head camp at Sterling, Omaha, Des Moines and Indianapolis. George J. Castle has been national delegate at Springfield and Buffalo. The camp has sustained twenty-three death losses. Families of deceased members have received $48,000. The present membership of the lodge is 260.

Knights Of Columbus

Carlinville Council, No. 663, Knights of Columbus, was organized in the year 1902, on the i8th day of May, with a charter membership of forty-nine. The first officers were : G. K., Daniel E. Keefe ; D. G. K., William P. Kelly ; C., James M. Mahoney; Rec., H. C. Hesseldenz; Fin. Sec., Joseph H. Murphy; Treas., C. Westermeier ; lecturer, Rev. Thomas Costello ; chaplain, Rev. Thomas Costello; advocate, Thomas King; warden, Mathew Seyfrit; I. G., D. E. Sexton; O. G., A. J. Zoeppfel; board of trustees, Joseph F. Haskins, Joseph Moran, Frank Schoeborn.

On Sunday, June 25, 1911, this association under solemn rites conducted by Rev. Father Quinn, in the absence of Rev. P. MacDonnell, who was on a visit to the Holy Land, inducted into the solemnities and duties of membership twentyeight persons.

Very little can be determined through inquiry regarding the history of the organization of the Dan Messick Post here in Carlinville. The charter is missing and no one knows where the early records are to be found. The writer, in his efforts to place on record in this history, the essentials regarding the formation of this post, could find nothing that gave him any assistance whatever in drafting a detailed article, and even the charter members now living, of whom there are very few, knew nothing that would be of benefit in this record ; consequently, the writer communicated with the headquarters of the department of Illinois at Chicago and received the following details:

Dan Messick Post, No. 339, Department of Illinois, G. A. R., of Carlinville, was organized October 9, 1883, by P. Fitzgerald, private Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-second Illinois Infantry; W. E. Eastham, Girard, first lieutenant Company C, Fourteenth Illinois Infantry; John M. Cohlepp, corporal Company A, One Hundred Twenty-second ; Asher F. Neely, rank not given; L. Hinthorn, One Hundred Forty-fifth Illinois; W. W. Freeman, One

Orient Lodge No. 95, Knights Of Pythias

Of the number of secret orders in Carlinville none enjoys a higher place in the esteem of the citizens of the city and vicinity than does Orient Lodge No. 95, Knights of Pythias. This lodge was organized thirty years ago with thirtyone charter members. Since that time all has not been sunshine in its career but in spite of many obstacles encountered during the course of its existence, it has achieved an enviable reputation for loftiness of purpose and high ideals. The motive actuating the men who were the principals in securing a lodge of the order in Carlinville can best be described by quoting the following paragraph from the early history of the organization, which is here given :

"It was in the month of November in the year of our Lord 1881, and of fhe Pythian Period XVIII, when the cheerless pit-pat of the falling leaves, and the first blasts of the chilling north winds, dreary tokens of the long winter fast to follow, drew aside the summer mantle of open handed charity and cemented closer the glorious bonds of human friendship, a few friends were met together whose hearts and hands were ever open to suffering humanity and whose charity was only measured by the depths of their pockets. Their only wish was to so extend the fraternal courtesies and amenities of life, to alleviate the suffering, to succor the unfortunate and care for the widow and orphan, as to make all the world akin."

The first meeting for the purpose of effecting an organization and securing the names of those who desired to join the lodge, was held in the grand jury room of the court house on Thursday evening, November 17, 1881. The moving spirit and one of the most earnest and enthusiastic men in furthering the cause of Pythianism was L. C. Glessner, a member of Kenilworth Lodge, No. 60, Farmer City, Illinois, but then a resident of Carlinville. At this meeting Grand Chancellor J. D. Roper, of Springfield, was present, and explained the principles, aims and objects of the order. Nine names were secured towards procuring a dispensation for the establishing of the lodge. A committee was appointed to secure additional names and to report at a future meeting.

Another meeting was held on the evening of December 3, 1881, at the St. George Hotel, at which Captain George J. Castle was chairman. The previously appointed committee reported that they had made excellent progress and had a number of additional names for the new lodge. Sufficient names had been secured to warrant the grand lodge in granting a dispensation for the establishment of the lodge and then and there the following officers, the first to serve for Orient lodge, were elected : J. iW. Palmer, past chancellor ; L. C. Glessner, chancellor commander ; John T. Rogers, vice chancellor ; George E. Whyte, prelate; Truman K. Gore, master of exchecquer; Charles Whitaker, master of finance ; John H. Glass, keeper of records and seal ; Wm. E. Bellmer, master at arms ; J. B. Kraus, inner guard ; Cornelius Godfrey, outer guard.

Adjournment was taken for the purpose of securing more names for the roster of the lodge. A third meeting was called at the St. George Hotel, on December 10, 1881, at which Daniel S. Macknet, Sr., occupied the chair. The committee reported that enough names had been secured for a charter for the establishment of Orient Lodge, No. 95. Quarters were secured in the Odd Fellows Hall, which was located then on the third floor of the building situated at the corner of the square on the east side of South Broad street.

The Grand Lodge of Emergency met on the evening of December 14, 1881, in Odd Fellows Hall and in the presence of a distinguished gathering of members of the order, Orient Lodge, No. 95, had its birth. The ceremonies were in charge of Grand Chancellor J. D. Roper of Springfield, assisted by Past Grand Chancellor C. G. Averill, also of Springfield, and members from White Cross Lodge, No. 66, Litchfield, Antioch Lodge, No. 65, Jerseyville, and Capital Lodge, No. 14, of Springfield. It was a notable Pythian occasion and was marked by enthusiasm and earnestness. The following were the charter members :

For a number of years the lodge prospered. Later, however, reverses came and it was deemed best to surrender the charter. This was done on March 26, 1886, which was the date of the last meeting held under the original organization.

Through the persistent efforts of a number of loyal Knights in Carlinville, interest in a lodge was revived. On February 28, 1890, a meeting was called in the G. A. R. Hall, for the purpose of reorganizing the defunct lodge. The meeting was called to order by Captain George J. Castle and T. K. Gore was elected chairman, F. Ladd secretary. Past Grand Chancellor J. D. Roper was present at this meeting representing the grand chancellor. Names were secured to the petition and an election of officers was held resulting as follows : William H. H. Horine, past chancellor; T. K. Gore, chancellor commander; B. F. Whitcomb, vice chancellor; J. H. Meteer, prelate; C. H. Klauenberg, master of exr r / f

The meeting adjourned with a committee appointed to secure additional names to the petition. Enough names having been added to warrant the restoration of the original charter, the Grand Lodge of Emergency assembled on the evening of March 13, 1890, in G. A. R. Hall and the lodge was reinstituted Past Grand Chancellor J. D. Roper was the instituting officer. At the close of the work a banquet was served at the St. George Hotel.

Since this time the lodge has gone steadily forward. It numbers among its large membership many of the leading citizens of Carlinville and vicinity. No distinction of birth or the possession of wealth has figured in its requirements for membership. The lodge is proud of the many names upon its roster which are those of men who claim no distinction except that of honesty and a sincere desire to be of assistance to their fellowmen. Few of the charter members are now living but their presence and counsel in the Castle Hall is always an inspiration. Upon many, many sad occasions in the thirty years of its existence has the lodge been called upon to solemnly follow to their last resting place the remains of devoted and beloved members and with the simple but impressive rites of the order, consigned them to the dust from whence they came. The same duty has oft been performed for Knights not members of Orient lodge.

Orient lodge was signally honored at the session of the grand lodge held in the city of Danville, in 1910. On Wednesday, October igth, of that year, Judge John B. Vaughn, a member of the lodge, was elected to the exalted position of grand chancellor of the grand domain of Illinois. To modestly commemorate this event, Grand Chancellor Vaughn was tendered a reception at the lodge rooms on the west side 'of the square on the afternoon of Thursday, November 3. It was open to the public and was largely attended by the members of the order and the citizens of Carlinville and vicinity. A number of grand lodge officers were present. In the evening of the same day an entertainment in the lodge room was given in his honor, which was attended by the members and their families. For this event, the spacious lodge room was handsomely decorated with autumn leaves and the happy occasion can be truly said to have been an epoch in the history of Orient lodge. This high office came to Judge Vaughn through his own efforts and untiring and unselfish work for the order. He served one year, and discharged the arduous duties of grand chancellor with marked success, reflecting credit upon himself and honor to the order. There are nine lodges of the order in Macoupin county, and Orient lodge has instituted or assisted in instituting all of them.

For the past ten years a series of brilliant mid-winter entertainments, very successful in character, have been a special feature. These entertainments are paid for by the membership, and attended by the members and invited guests.

The observance of the annual Memorial Day has been strictly maintained since the establishment of this custom many years ago. Each recurring year the day is reverently and faithfully marked with simple but impressive services.

Since the small beginning thirty years ago the lodge has grown in numbers and influence. It now has the names of one hundred and fifty members enrolled upon its roster. Since Orient lodge was instituted it has occupied quarters in four different locations. From December 14, 1881, to March 26, 1886, the conventions were held in Odd Fellows Hall, then located on the south side of the square. From March 13, 1890, to April 9, 1895, it assembled in the old G. A. R. Hall at the northwest corner of the square. On April 9, 1895, the lodge held their first convention in a hall which they fitted up on the third story of the building at the northeast corner of the square. Realizing the need for a larger home, the lodge rented quarters on the second floor of the building it now occupies on the west side of the square. This is one of the largest and handsomest lodge rooms in Illinois, beautifully, but not expensively furnished. The main lodge room is 44 by 55 feet. There are club rooms attached which are open at all times to the members and visiting Knights. The first convention was held in this hall on March 20, 1906. The present officers elected and installed on July 4, 1911, are the following: E. A. Ibbetson, chancellor commander; V. H. Hemphill, vice chancellor; Edw. Trover, Jr., prelate; E. N. Woolley, master of work; John F. Kiefer, master of exchecquer; Geo. C. Schoenherr, master of finance ; F. E. Gibson, keeper of records and seal ; A. J. Mueller, master at arms; John M. Anderson, inner guard; T. K. Rinaker, outer guard.

This brief record of Orient lodge, No. 95, would not be complete without special mention of James H. Meteer, one of its most devoted and faithful members. He was the last member initiated before the charter was surrendered in March, 1886, and was one of the first officers elected under the reorganization. For fourteen years he was the able master of finance, discharging his duties with zealous fidelity. Some two years ago Mr. Meteer was stricken with blindness, totally incapacitating him for work. In spite of this trying affliction he is still the cheerful, optimistic Knight as of yore. To his sterling honesty, his faith in his fellowman, and his long and unselfish work for the lodge, this para- - graph is fraternally dedicated.