Decatur Township (part 2 of 46)

Three thousand five hundred persons have availed themselves of its privileges since 1875, more than one-third of the city's population ; the total number of volumes bound for the year ending, May the first, 1880, was forty thousand six hundred and fifty-nine. The average daily issues were one hundred and thirty-seven, and monthly three thousand four hundred and eighty-two. The number of visitors registered in the same year Avas sixty-six thousand three hundred and sixty-tAVO.

There is a commodious and well-furnished reading-room sustained in connection with the library, at an annual cost of one hundred and fifty dollars. It is supplied with five dailies, twenty-seven

The library is enlarged each year by the addition of from tAvo to four hundred new books; and the library and reading-room are maintained at a cost to the city of two thousand dollars, which sum is raised by taxation.

The City Park

The land hoav comprising the city park was originally a part of Allen & McReynolds' addition, and was set apart by the owners to be donated to the Northern Cross R R. for depot purposes. This, it is needless to say, Avas never done. It was left until the Avinter of 1858, Avhen the oAvners, influenced by the persuasive eloquence of Gen. Oglesby, donated it to the city for a park, with the proviso, that it should be improved. In 1858 it Avas graded and in the spring of 1859 it Avas set out in trees.

The elegant fountain in the center, Avas added in 1877, and the pagoda AAras erected in the spring of 1879, for the conArenience and comfort of the band.

Greenwood Cemetery

This lies unfortunately too near the city, being just south Avithin the limits, and contains an area of thirty-six acres- Before this Avas set apart as "God's acre ''the chief burying-ground Avas on the south side of Avest Main street. There Avas another Avhere the German Catholic Church hoav stands. In 1839 Dr. W. T. Crissey proposed to remove the remains of the dead from the common burying-ground to the place hoav called Greemvood Cemetery, as he wished to lay off t he land into toAvn lots. Permission being obtained he removed sixteen bodies in the fall of that year. The first burial in the neAV cemetery except those above mentioned, Avas that of Samuel B. Dewees in February, 1840, the next Avas that of William Pratt, and the next that of Dr. Burrell, both in the spring of 1840.

The Green Avood Cemetery company Avas incorporated in 1854, and the lots Avere laid out in their present shape under the direction of Henry Prather, to Avliose excellent taste and management much of the beauty of this cemetery is due.

Decatur Street Railavay

The charter for this railway Avas obtained in 1869, and the members of the company are five in number. The original charter Avas for a term of fifty years, and includes the entire city. Its existence is OAving to the far-sighted business sagacity of Mr. F. Priest, Avho built it, and Avho has, from the inception of the project, been the sole manager. The road extends from the Union depot along Cerro-Gordo and North Main streets, terminating at the Public Square, directly in front of the commodious and popular hotel, the Priest House.

The road is Avell managed, is in good repair, and the rolling stock is excellent. A car passes over the line every tAventy minutes, and meets all passenger trains day and night. It has proved a great convenience to the traveling public and citizens, and is well jiatronized. Mr. Priest, the manager of the railway, is also proprietor of the Priest House.

The road will be extended to other points in the city as soon as the increase of population and consequent increase of patronage will justify the outlay.

The city of Decatur is largely indebted for her past steady growth and present prosperity to her manufacturing industries. The aggregate amount of capital invested is very large, and the value of manufactured products is very great and increasing yearly. Hundreds are thus afforded employment at remunerative wages, and support given indirectly to many more. The city, in its corporate capacity, has wisely chosen to adopt a liberal policy towards these interests, and the fruits of this are apparent. A continuance of this fostering spirit on the part of the public-spirited citizens will make Decatur one of the largest cities of Central Illinois. We speak first of the

Haworth Check-Bower Manufactory of Haworth & Sons. This large manufactory is situated on the corner of Cerro-Gordo and Morgan streets. The building is of brick, has three stories and a basement, and in size is 170 by 107 feet. It is supplied fully with necessary machinery, and gives employment to seventy-five men. The check-room is the invention of George D. Haworth, who obtained a patent for his valuable labor-saving invention in 1870. It is not necessary to enter upon a description of this machine, which is in use throughout the corn-belt of the United States. Suffice it to say that all trivial defects, as they have been revealed by use and experience, have been removed by the genius of the inventor, and improvements made from time to time until it has been brought to a high degree of perfection. It is provided with self-adjusting pulleys and rope guides, which enable the operator to plant the entire field without removing the rope from the machine, and to readily turn around without getting off the planter.

This liighly-successful firm is composed of M. Haworth and his sons George D., L. L. and J. W. Haworth. They came from Ohio to Illinois in 1852. George D. Haworth began experimenting on his great invention in 1867, and began the manufacture of checkrowers in 1869, making for the season of that year only five. In his first experiments he employed iron wire, which proved to be unfit, and rope wras substituted. It was not until the introduction of Bessemer-steel wire that the successful use of wire in check-rowers was assumed. Mr. Haworth was raised on a farm, and is a practical farmer, which fact, no doubt, has been of use to him in inventing a much-needed implement. The firm of Haworth & Sons was organized in 1861, and three hundred machines were made and sold. From that time the demand has increased wonderfully, and the sales for the past year foot up nearly 8300,000.

This firm manufactures a wire check-rower, which was first brought into practical use in the fall of 1869. The best Bessemersteel wire is used and satisfaction is guaranteed. Every part of the machine is made in Decatur, and this fact enhances the value of this great manufactory to Decatur and the county in which it is situated. The great success which the firm has attained is due to their energy, perseverance and business sagacity. Let young men cease to prate about luck, and strive by honorable industry to achieve success.

This firm bought the Decatur Agricultural Works, the buildings for which were formerly known as the Central Illinois Agricultural Works, built by Barber & Hawley in the fall of 1863. The Decatur company bought the works in 1868. The Central Illinois Company manufactured headers, gang plows and riding cultivators. The second company manufactured plows of all descriptions, cultivators, harrows, seed-drills and corn -planters.

The buildings owned and occupied by the firm of Chambers, Bering A Quinlin are as follows: The main building is frame, two stories in height, 50x156 feet; a brick structure, two stories, 26x50; a blacksmith's shop, of brick, 20x60 feet, and an engine room also constructed of brick, and the same size ; a brick warehouse, 70x80 ; a storage building, 40x60 ; a brick fuel-room, and lumber sheds.

The firm of Chambers & Quinlin was founded in the spring of 1875 tor the manufacture of champion hog-ringer, rings and holder. Their business grew rapidly, and in December, 1876, they associated Mr. J. Ed. Bering with them, and extended the list of articles manufactured by them.

The Barnes' wire check-rower was invented by A. & M. Barnes, of Bloomington, Ills., in 1872, and was the first wire check-rower made. The wire used is the best annealed steel wire. The wire in this machine does not cross the machine, but runs straight along the side, and the makers claim for it greater simplicity and durability than are possessed by any other machine. The hog-ringers, rings and holders manufactured by this firm are found upon the shelves of hardware dealers throughout the United States, and have been introduced into European countries.

The productive capital invested is $50,000 ; the number of men employed is seventy, and the value of the manufactured products is nearly $150,000.

The members of the firm are reliable and enterprising business men, and by their devotion to business have developed it from a small beginning to its present great proportions.

The Decatur Bagging Factory. - Owned and operated by A. W. and C. A. Conklin, is situated on Cerro Gordo street near Franklin. It was established by Moses Jerome, A. W. Conklin, and D. S. Shellabarger, in 1875. The building is a large brick structure 50 by 160 feet, three stories in height. There is also a brick warehouse 40 by 100 feet, capable of holding 700,000 yds. of bagging. This factory gives employment to 100 hands, and the productive capital is $100,000. The factory manufactures about 2,000,000 yards of bagging per year. Belonging to the company are four tow mills, one each at Paxton, Buckley, Rantoul, and Onargo, employing 60 hands. At these points the flax-straw is made into tow, then shipped to Decatur to be manufactured into bagging. The market for this product is found at St. Louis, from whence it goes to the South to be used in baling cotton. The machinery is mostly of English make, and is of the latest and most improved pattern. The skillful foreman is from Dundee, Scotland. The original cost of building and machinery was near $50,000. This takes rank as one of the most important of the Decatur manufacturing institutions.

Furniture Factory. - The Decatur Furniture Co. is one of the prominent industries of the city, was established in 1866, and gives employment to one hundred and twenty-five men, and the annual sales amount to $150,000, which are distributed in 111., Ind., Mo., Neb., Kan., and Iowa. The factory is four stories high, main building 200 ft. long with an "Ell" 140 ft. It is owned and operated by Peddecord and Burrows, who have been very successful in their business. They have had several large contracts for furnishing our State institutions, among which are the State Capitol building at Springfield, Insane Asylum at Jacksonville, and Feeble-minded Institutions at Kankakee and Lincoln, Illinois.

The Decatur Tank Line Company. - This institution, which is a branch of the Standard Oil Company of Cleveland, Ohio, was established Jan. 1st, 1878. Mr. Anthony Baer is the efficient manager. The company are agents for the American Lubricating Oil Company, and the Republic Refining Company. Since the estab- lishment of the Decatur branch its trade has increased rapidly, and embraces the whole of Central aud Southern Illinois. There are but two branches in Illinois, one at Chicago and one here. Experienced and capable traveling salesmen are employed, and the volume of business transacted in a year is enormous, and greater than that of any other establishment in Decatur. The tank capacity is 50,000 gallons, and the barrel capacity is 25,000 more. This branch is the distributing point for Central and Southern Illinois, the oils being brought here in tanks ; second-hand barrels are bought, glued, freshly painted and made good as new ; the oils are then barreled and shipped to customers promptly on receipt of orders. Employment is given to 9 men. The business under Mr. Baer's management is increasing rapidly.

Decatur Steam Brewery. - E. Harpstrite and H. Shlaudeman, proprietors. T. Richard and A. Keck, in 1856, established a brewery adjoining the city limits on the south-east. Mr. Harpstrite, in 1860, bought out this firm, and in 1862 associated Mr. Shlaudeman with him in business. The demand for their beer increasing, the need for more commodious buildings was felt, and in 1865, an ice-house, and vaults were erected and excavated. The main building was not built until the next year. In 1863, the need for still more room caused an addition to be made to the main building. This, the only brewery in Macon county, is situated on South Broadway and Cantrell streets. The cost of buildings and machinery was nearly 860,000. The main building is of brick, and is very substantially built The brewery affords employment to from 12 to 16 men, and has a capacity of 50 barrels per day. It is supplied with the best machinery, and the quality of the beer is equal to Milwaukee and Cincinnati beer. One of the proprietors, Mr. Shlaudeman, is a practical brewer, and gives individual attention to the business. The bottled export beer department was added in 1878, and has proved highly successful.

Shellabarcjer Mills, D. S. Shellabarger & Co. This mill, the largest in the county, if not in all central Illinois, stands near the Wabash Railroad track, on corner of Water and Cerro-Gordo streets. Its establishment dates from January first, 1863. The firm is composed of D. S. and J. B. Shellabarger, brothers, and William Bowers, all men thoroughly acquainted with the milling business. The building and machinery originally cost $85,000. The old mill was built by Swingly, Kaufman and Amos, and was erected in 1857, and called the Great Western Mills. It is of brick, four stories in height ; has six run of burs ; has a capacity of 130 barrels per day; and is devoted exclusively to exchange and local business. The new mill is a fine brick structure, five stories and an attic, has ten run of burs, four sets of chilled-iron rolls, and a capacity of 275 barrels of flour per day. It is designed exclusively for merchant work. The elevator is east of the mill, and has a storage capacity of 25,000 bushels of grain ; has eight dumps for unloading grain, and contains one of the Western Corn Shellers and Cleaners. These mills give employment to about forty-five men, including twenty coopers. Four grades of flour are manufactured, and the brands of this firm are favorably known throughout the west and New England, where they ship in large quantities.

H. W. Hill & Co. - The manufactory of this well-known firm is on the corner of Main and Church streets. The building is of brick, two stories high ; size, 103 by 24 feet. There is also an L, 22 by 36 feet. They manufacture a variety of useful articles. Among them are hog rings, ringers and tongs, corn-huskers, markers for cattle and sheep, etc. They began business in November, 1872. H. W. Hill is noted as the inventor of Hill's hog ringer, and Hill's hogtongs or holder. Charles P. Housuin is associated with Mr. Hill.

They give employment to eighteen men. The firm began business on a limited capital, but through their business tact and energy they have triumphed over all obstacles, and now are on a substantial financial basis.

Keystone Carriage Works, Wayne Brothers proprietors. About 1869 Taylor and Bradley established a carriage and wagon manufactory in Decatur. The Wayne Brothers came into control of this in 1872. The Keystone works are on the corner of Water and Cerro-Gordo streets. The Wayne brothers began business on a small scale, but it has greatly prospered in their hands. They are practical workmen, and understand their business thoroughly. The senior member of the firm, John B. Wayne, has a genius for designing, and many of his designs are published in the magazines of the trade. They ship work to Kansas, Texas and Mississippi, and as far east as New Haven, Connecticut. They secured the first premium at the St. Louis fair and Iowa state fair for fine driving buggy. They give employment to twenty-five men, and find ready sale for all their work.

Illinois Central Mill. - This was established in 1855, and in 1859 it was destroyed by fire. It was at once rebuilt by Hinkle, Shellabarger and Priest at a cost of $25,000 for mill, warehouse and machinery. It is situated on the corner of east Main and Broadway, and is owned and operated by George Priest & Co. It is a brick structure substantially built, including a commodious warehouse all under the same roof. It has four run of burs, and a capacity of 100 barrels of flour per day, and employment is given to eight men. The firm has changed several times, but Mr. Priest has from the first been a member of the firm.

Decatur Linseed Oil Works are on the east corner of Main and Broadway, and are owned and operated by Hatfield, Taylor & Co. The works were established in August, 1867, and have a capacity for 350 bushels per day. They have a storage capacity for 60,000 bushels. The building is a substantial brick structure, aud the machinery is of the latest and best pattern, including an Archer press. The cost of the building and machinery was 835,000, and the productive capital employed in the business is ample. Most of the cake manufactured goes to the London and Liverpool markets. The market for the oil is chiefly in the west, and the firm has a large wholesale trade with St. Louis. The business gives employment to twelve men.

Union Iron Works, situated on the corner of William and Morgan streets, take rank among the more important of our manufacturing institutions. This large manufactory had a beginning in 1864, when James Milliken and C. C. Boroughs established a repair-shop for machinery. John M. Flood and C. C. Gradwohl became members of the firm in 1873. They manufacture general machinerv, and turn out only good work. They have been engaged for several years in the manufacture of the " Western " corn-sheller and cleaner. These machines are the invention of C. C. Boroughs, one of the firm, and are extensively used. Employment is afforded by these works to from thirty-five to forty men, most of them skilled workmen. The annual value of manufactured products exceeds 8100,000.

Decatur Novelty Works, Farris and Oakes, proprietors. These were established in 1875 by R. Farris, and are on Morgan street between Williams and east North. The building was originally intended for a boiler-shop, and is a frame structure, 40 by 100 feet. The firm do machine work and general repair-work, and so faithfully and skillfully have they attended to business that it has steadily prospered, and they now employ from twelve to eighteen men.

tablished in June '76; is a one story brick structure, in size 60x120, and gives employment to twenty-five men. Mr. Loeb is a man of twenty-five years' experience in his business, and has established his business on a safe foundation.

Decatur Coffin Factory. - This industry was established in 1872. It is situated on east Morgan and North streets, and the buildings are three in number, viz: one brick, four stories in height, 36x80 > another, four stories and a basement, 32x68; and another, two story, 32x70. T. T. Roberts and O. Z. Green, the proprietors, are the only men in this section of the state who carry on the occupation of making coffins. The capital invested is sixty thousand dollars; thirty hands find employment, and about eleven thousand coffins are now made yearly. The walnut lumber used in their business mostly is brought from Indiana; the poplar from Tennessee, and the pine from Michigan. The market for the coffins is mainly western, and many are sold in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska.

D. F. Hamsher Works. - Mr. Hamsher has located his shops on Wood street between Main and Water, and manufactures lumber and spring wagons. The building is a fine new brick, seventy by forty feet, and two stories in height. The " Hamsher " wagon is widely used throughout this and adjoining counties. He does general repairing, and turns out of his shops one hundred and fifty wagons per year.

Mills and Harry assumed control June first, 1879. They give employment to twenty-five men; and the capital invested is fifteen thousand dollars. The main building is a two-story frame, 46x90 feet, the engine room is of brick, 20x30, and in addition, there are lumber ware-houses and offices. They manufacture doors, sash, blinds, mouldings, brackets, etc.

Lyn, Gibson & Co. - This firm is engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, blinds, etc., and makes a speciality of stair work. It is composed of G. S. Lyn, W. H. Gipson and John Armstrong, and its place of business is on the corner of Broadway and Cerro-Gordo streets.

The building is of frame, 42x42, two stories in height, and there is also an engine house. Their establishment dates from the spring of 1878. The class of work turned out is very excellent, as their factory is supplied with the best machinery. They give employment to twelve men.

Kramer and McClelland' s Carriage Manufactory. - This establishment dates from 1854, when S. B. McClelland started in business. In 1861 M. A. Kramer was taken into partnership, and in 1866, Mr. McClelland sold his interest to Joseph E. McClelland. Mr. Kramer purchased his interest in October, 1877, and continued the business alone until January, 1879, at which time Mr. J. E. Mc- Clelland again became an equal partner. They manufacture carriages, buggies, phaetons, lumber and spring wagons. All of their work is hand-made of the best style, quality and finish. Their factory is on the corner of Main and Franklin streets. The building is of brick, 42x90, two stories in height. They give employment to from twelve to twenty hands. Their work has a high reputation, and they fill orders from all parts of the country.

Tile Manufactory and Brick-yard. - Mr. H. M. Whitmer has a brick-yard and tile factory on Webster street, in south-east part of city limits. He began the manufacture of brick, in 1864, in this county, and in 1866 located where he now is. He began the manufacture of drain-tile in 1878, and the value of tile made per year is $5000. The number of brick made per year is about 2,000,000; and 30 hands are employed.

Tracer's Tile Manufactory . - William T. Traver's tile works lie outside of the city limits on the south-east. He began manufacturing tile in Decatur, in 1864. In 1873 he moved to his present location. He began on a small scale with a hand-machine, and was the first man to make tile in the county. He gives employment to eight men, and makes per year about $11,000 worth of tile, of various sizes, from three to eight inches in diameter. The capital invested is $8,000.

Ammann's Brick-yard. - Conrad Ammann began making brick in 1864. He was six years on the west side of town. He is now just outside of the city limits on the south-east. He employs fifteen hands, and manufactures 12,000,000 brick per year.

Keinath and Anesene's Brick-yard. - John Keinath and John Anesene, in the spring of 1880, began the manufacture of brick at their yard in the western part of the city. They employ seventeen hands, and will burn 1,00), 000 brick this year. They supply the home market'and ship to neighboi'ing towns.

Wm. Tracer's Tile Works are located on Section 23, south of the city; were established in 1873, and have a capacity of 600,000 feet of tile per annum, and give employment to eight men.

The senior ixxember of the firm had carried on, however, a gunsmith and geixeral repairing shop since 1858. Mr. F. A. Krosmeyer, associated himself with Mr. Mueller in 1874. Their business has steadily increased; sixteen men are employed; and last year's business footed up $25,000. They nxanufacture water-main tappers, toy pistols, and also gunsmithing and general repairing of machinery. Their building is on East Main street.

Decatur Bottling Works. - Fred. Kuny proprietor, and manufacturer of soda and mineral waters and bottler of export beer, cider, etc. This factox-y is situated on the north-east corner of East Main and Jackson streets. It was established iix 1866, and is doing a thriving business. The building now in use is a bi'ick building 40 by 40, and was erected in 1871. It is furnished with the best modern machinery, and gives employment to five men. Mr. Kuny began on a small scale, but his diligent attention to his business has been well rewarded.

Decatur Woolen Mills. - This old manufacturing institution was established in 1859 by Wm. H. Boyd, L. C. Haskell and W. J. Myers. The principal goods made are flannels, yarns, blankets, jeans.

" In 1868 the mills were destroyed by fire, but were immediately rebuilt. The value of manufactured products reached $75 000 per year, and the value of mills and machinery is px-obably $30,000."* The mills were shut up last February, and are still closed.

Pork-packing House. - There is only one pork-packing establishment in Decatur, that of William Ullrich, south of town, on the Illinois Central railroad. No packing has been done for two years. Mr. Ullrich began packing in 1857 ; as many as 5000 hogs were slaughtered per year, and in the packing season employment was afforded to thirty men.

W H. Grindol's Marble Works. - These were established in 1865, and are on the north-west corner of the city park. Headstones, tablets and monuments are manufactured from native and foreign marble, and native and Scotch granite. Ten men are employed, and a yearly business of $15,000 is done.

Marble Works of John Strohm. - Mr. Strohm began business in 1867, and his works are on the corner of North Main and West Prairie streets. He employs on an average eight men, and his annual sales vary from $12,000 to $20,000- He ships his work over this and surrounding counties.

Penniwell, Brown & Co's. Marble Works - These are on the corner of East Main and Franklin streets, and furnish employment to ten men. And the annual sales are from $16,000 to $20,000. This firm began in 1865. His market is Macon and adjoining counties.

Marble Works of Young and Pasold. - These were established in 1878 on the north-east corner of East Main and Franklin streets. Four men are employed, and a good business is transacted. They work building stone and marble.

The Marble Works of Wm. Gaebler & Son were likewise established in 1878. They are on the corner of South Franklin and Washington streets. Two men are employed. They make Scotch and American granites a specialty.

Kepler's Cigar Manufactory. - This is the largest cigar-making establishment in the district. Mr. Andrew Kepler (deceased), established it in 1867, and was highly successful. It is on the south-east corner of the Old Square, and employs thirty-five hands. The " Wabash Line " brands are very popular. Mr. Kepler died in October, 1879, and the business is conducted by trustees. The cigars of this manufactory are sold throughout a very wide territory.

Fred. Pahmeyer's Cigar Manufactory is also on the south-east corner of the Old Square and South Main St. It was established in 1865, and in a busy season affords employment to ten men. Some of the brands manufactured are " Bouquet," " My Favorite " and " Nationals." The market is Decatur and surrounding towns. He is also a general dealer in cigars and tobacco.

Cigar Manufactory of M. E. Schroecler. - Mr. Schroeder has been in the trade since 1859, and gives employment to nine men. Some of the more noted brands are, "Bohemian," " Inter- Ocean," " Bouquet." Mr. S. is an extensive dealer in cigars and tobacco.

Joseph Michl's Cigar Manufactory. - This factory was established January, 1858. Mr. Michl is a wholesale and retail dealer in cigars, tobacco, pipes, snuff, etc. His location is on Water Street, east side, between East Main and the Park. He employs seven men.

Banking Interests

The Decatur National Bank was chartered August 17, 1873, and has a capital stock of $100,000 ; surplus, $12,000. The bank is located on the west side of W ater Street, between East Main and Prairie Sts. President, A. T. Hill ; Vice-President, D. S. Shellabarger ; Cashier, Geo. W. Bright.

It is located on the north-east corner of Water and East Main Sts., in a commodious brick structure 80x22 feet, and three stories high; contains all the modern improvements against burglars, surpassed by no other bank in the state.

Peddecord, Burrows & Co., Bankers. This bank was organized in 1852, and is among the old-established firms of the city, and by its enterprise has done much toward forwarding the business interests of Decatur. Its location is on Water Street, in the corner building, south side of the new Park.

f Died, t Resigned. $ It does not appear from the record that these last named trustees ever met, but that there was an election held on the 6th day of May, 1839, under a special act incorporating the town of Decatur, at which election another board was chosen.

City Council

1861. - E. O. Smith, Mayor. Aldermen : F. Priest, long term, Chas. A. Tuttle, short term, 1st ward ; James Millikin, William J. Scanlan, 2d ward ; W. H. Bramble, P. M. Wykoff, 3d ward ; Joel C. Benton, long term, William A. Barnes, short term, 4th ward ; J. R. Gorin, Clerk and Attorney.

1866. - Franklin Priest, Mayor. ^Charles H. Fuller, S. F. Hawley, 1st ward ; W. J. Usrey, E. McNabb, 2d ward ; E. A. Barnwell, M. Forstmeyer, 3d ward ; G. Howell, short term, H. Muller, long term, 4th ward. *A. B. Bunn, Clerk and Attorney.

With this is closed the chapter on Decatur. To do complete justice to so thriving a city, even more space is needed than has been given. If her citizens in the future shall be guided by the same enterprising spirit they have exhibited in the past ; if they shall encourage their manufactures, and foster their schools, which have reached a high degree of efficiency, year by year their lengthening streets will echo to the tread of a greater and busier population, and greatness will be assured.

Decatur Township has an area of 29 square miles or 18,560 acres. It is traversed from east to west by the Sangamon river, the chief tributary of which, in the township, Stevens' creek, flows from the north and enters it about a mile east of the western boundary. It lies south of Hickory Point and Whitmore townships, west of Oakley and Long Creek, north of Long Creek and South Wheatland, and east of Harristown. Is well timbered and drained, and contains much good land. It is difficult in writing the history of a county, city, and township to avoid repetition Therefore, as an extended notice is given of the only city in the township, the reader is referred to that article, and to the chapter on the Pioneers and Early Settlers, for information regarding the early history of this township. We subjoin, as of general interest, a list of the first land entries, and a list of township supervisors from the first to the present.

The first land entries in Decatur precinct were made by the following persons : on the 13th of November, 1827, James Miller entered 80 acres in Section No. 10 ; Jonathan Miller entered 80 acres in Section No. 14, July 7th, 1828; July 16, 1828, Dorus Stevens entered 80 acres in Section 3 ; David Miller entered 80 acres same section and date; David L. Allen entered Nov. 1st, 1828, 80 acres of the W. 4 of the N. W. i of Section No- 14, all in township No. 16, N. R. 2 East of the Third Principal Meridian. The land entered by James Miller, Jonathan Miller, and David L. Allen is now embraced within the corporate limits of Decatur.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of the City of Decatur and Macon County, Illinois, published 1903; 365,662 words in this source stream.

Decatur Township

The history of the library really begins with the presentation to the city council of a petition, signed by the ladies of the Ladies* Library Association and the Decatur Reading Room Association, asking for the establishment of a free public library. The petition being granted the library was established Aug. 10, 1875.

The first library board consisted of Joseph Mills, president; J. L. Peak, William A. Barnes, Mrs. C. .A.. Ewing, Airs. Judge Greer, Airs. B. F. Sibley. ^^^ H. Enni"s, W. ^^'. Foster and W. L. Hammer street, wlicrc it was when turned over to the city, Oct. 5, 1S81. It was next housed in tlic Orlando Powers building, over the Linn & Scruggs store. In i88y it was moved to its new t|uarters, in the building erected by Roberts and Greene, known as the Library lilock, on North Main street. l*eb. 2, 1892, the building was destroyed by fire and 4,3CX) books, together with ail of the furniture and fixtures, also the records of the Ladies' Library anil the Decatur Reading Room associations.

Temporary quarters were secured in the old Presbyterian church until October of the same year, when the library was moved into the old quarters in the Library Block. t)n the nth of .May, 1898, it was moved into the fifth story of the Orlando Powers block, where it remained until May. 1903, when it was transferred to its present home in the Carnegie Library Building. This structure was erected at an expense of $60,- 000, donated, in 1901, to the city of Decatur, by .\ndrew Carnegie, on the conditions that the city agrees to appropriate a stipulated sum of money, o.nch year, to the support of the library.

The building is a neat, modern, light stone, admirably equipped with all the latest facilities for handling an up-to-date library. Its location is on North Main street, opposite the Public linililin.^' ii'^iil fi ir \\\c Drcatur postoffice.

.\bout twenty-five thousand volumes are in the library ^t present, and each year about two thousand volumes are added. Over six thousand persons have cards as patrons of the library. The total number of visitors during the past year was over twenty-five thousand : these people borrowed over ninety-seven thousand books.

Our library is alive to the best interests of its patrons as to management and as to the acquisition of all the latest books when first placed upon the market.

the .National Library .Associ.iiinii m onlcr to keep abreast of the times in adjusting the library to the public needs. This, judging from the patronage, the management has certainly accomplished. No pains arc spared in rendering a.ssistancc to individuals, clubs or societies pursuing some special sidjject ; on request, lists of books or magazine articles are gladly classified and prepared.

It is the aim. in the selection of new books, to cover as wide a field as possible with the money at the disposal of the boanl, each year, and at the same lime not to overlook any of the various subjects.

Much new fiction is ]ilaced in the library to satisfy the jiopular taste, yet constant watch is kept for new treatises on science, history, literature and art that may become classic, thereby giving permanence to the reference department.

The reading room is the most widely used l)art of the library; one hundred and thirtyfive publications are on file. One hundred and thirty thousand persons visited this room during the past year.

I'he Woman's Club of Decatur has as large a membershi]) as any outside of Chicago. It was organized seventeen years ago and has a membership of three hundred. The club house on the corner of North Park and Franklin streets is owned by a stock company composed entirely of club women, and was one of the first club houses in the state built for women.

line of work, which is delineated by the following: ]\Insic, Art, Sorosis. Psalenias, Literature, Shakespeare ami Child Study divisions. In addition to these the club considers many other subjects: educational, philanthropical, municipal, legal and social. The Art Class is the oldest division, having organized twenty years ago.

The Powers' Crand Opera House, built in 1889, by Orlando Powers, and now owned by his heirs, is the only opera house in the city. Until its destruction by fire Nov. 4, 1895, it was very successfully managed by Frank W. Haines. In less than three months after its destruction the building was again ready for use and was re-opened Feb. 10, 1896, under the management of J. F. Given, who is still in charge. The opera house, in the 100 block on South Water street, has its main entrance on this street. It contains a large lobby and reception hall, a parquet and dress circle on the first floor ; a balcony and a gallery above; in all seating about sixteen hundred people.

There are twelve dressing rooms, artistically furnished for the actors. The house is heated with steam and lighted throughout with gas and electricity. Very few houses, outside of Chicago, surpass it in beauty and harmon}' of decoration, attractiveness of appointments and convenience of arrangement.

The Anna B. Millikin Home. The Anna B. Millikin Home for old ladies and children is located just across the street east of the James IMillikin University in a beautiful grove of forest trees. This is an outgrowth of the original home in the east part of the city, given to the city by Mr. and I\lrs. Millikin. By and by the building became too small and so crowded that .Mr. .Millikin gave them three acres of land, where the new building now stands, and agreed to give $10,000 if the directors of the home succeeded in securing $10,000 more. The directors raised the money and the result is a tine modern structure of red brick, trimined with white stone.

The basement contains the kitchen, pantr3% pla\- room, boiler room, fuel room, laimdry and drying rooms ; on the first floor are dining hall, assembly room, library, matron's room and a number of bed rooms. On the second floor is a large girls' dormitory and sixteen bed rooms : on the third floor are the boys' dormitory and bed rooms. There are large open fire-places on both floors ; the stairways and hallways are spacious and the entire building is well ventilated. The building is lighted and heated by up-to-date apparatus and will accommodate one hundred inmates.

The home is an asylum for babies, boys under eight years, girls to the age of twenty and old ladies ; those who have money for their support are expected to pay what they can afford, while those who have no means are maintained by the home. Who would cherish a monument other than this : "By Our Acts Shall ^^'e Be Judged."

St. .Mary's Hospital, at the corner of East \\ ood and South Webster streets, was established over twenty years ago. It is a fine stone building, with a frontage of eighty feet on Webster street and one hundred and twenty feet on East Wood street; three stories high. It is modern in all its appointments. There are over forty rooms for the sick, several operating rooms, bath rooms and a chapel.

Sisters who are experienced nurses are in charge of the patients. The institution is in the entire charge of the Roman Catholic; church, but persons of all denominations

The Wabash Hospital. The W'aha.sli ho.-pilal. in the \\'ai;:}joner niock. on Warren street, Iniilt by the employes of the Wahash Railroad, is one of the finest linildin.i;s in the city. It is bnilt of stone to the first floor, then of yellow terra cotta trimmcil with stone; it is three stories high, and with its beantifidly laid out prouufls occupies half of the block.

The manaijement of the huildinij is in the hands of tlie Wabash officials and is devoted to the use of their employes. The buildinp is perfectly modern in all its ap]-)ointmcnts, heated by steam and lighted by pas and electricity. The money for the construction of the hnildinp was given by the employes of the Wabash Railroad ; raised by a small monthly assessment upon each one connected with the road: the running expenses will largely be kept )ip by the same method. This entitles each and every employe of the road to free medical services.

The Goodman Ranrl. organized in 1857, at once ingratiated itself into the hearts of the people and has constantly grown in favor, not only with the Decatur people, but with every one who has been privilegeil to hear it.

It is one of the best bands in the state, both as to the excellent musical education of its members and the rare ability of mastering everything new. either popular or classical, as fast as presented by the musical world. The most intricate classical music is rendereil with skillful and pleasing cflTect.

Kobert Walter, the leailer anil instructor, is not suri>assed as a band master by anyone. Through his efforts the band has ac- (|uired a very high grade of ])roficiency. The aggregation is constantly strengthened by adding expert musicians to the various parts: about fi)rty members are in active service at the present time. It is always the favorite at the numerous band tournaments held by groups of bands through Indiana and Illinois. Recently it has been taken into military service as the l''ourth Regiment Rand.

The Decatur Club. The Decatur L'iub, one of the oldest social organizations in the city, was instituted May 22. i88jt- ' li>-> meiubership is made up of our leading business and professional men. numbering about one huu<lred and fifty. The club rooms, located in the Ilaworih Rlock, on .Vorth Water street, arc among the finest in the state. The apartments of the club consist of card rooms, reading rooms, billiard and pool rooms, office, dining ronm and kitchen.

The Country Club of Decatur. The C'ountry L'lub of Decatur, organized in |S<;(^ with a membershii) of about sixty, is located southeast of the city, adjoining Riversi<le park. The grounds ctmtain one hundred and twenty acres of land jutting up against the .'^angamon river, l-'inely located golf links are connected with it. The buildings were erected an«l the grounds improved at a cost of about eight thousand dollars. The house contains a reading room, a reception room, a dining ro»im, a smoking an<I card room, a dance hall and a kitchen. The grounds arc well laid out, fenced and kept in elegant condition.

This park, consisting of forty acres, lies a mile and a half west of the city. Some years ago when the county fair was an annual attraction the county, through the board of supervisors, purchased this tract for a fair ground. Not only the county fair, but also the state fair graced these grounds.

Later the fairs were abandoned and the park leased to the city for a period of thirty years. The terms of the lease were as follows : One hundred dollars per year for the first ten years, two hundred dollars per years for the next ten years, and three hundred dollars per year for the next ten years. This lease took effect in 1890, and in 1903, seventeen years before the termination of the contract, the board of supervisors voted it to the city, the county receiving therefor the sum of eight thousand dollars.

The tract is square, the center being level, is surrounded by low, heavily timbered hills, giving it the appearance of an amphitheater. A commodious pavilion, of pressed brick, occupies the center of the park, while two large, bristling siege guns guard its gateways. This is one of the beauty spots of Decatur, and is not surpassed by any for natural scenery.

By grading, laying out drives and walks, arranging flower beds, clusters of shrubbery, walling the springs, building bridges and carrying water to all parts, much of an artistic nature as well as convenience has been added.

The traction company has extended its line, practically uniting the park with the city, thus enhancing its value as a pleasure resort many fold.

with a fountain in the center spraying in glittering sheen the mirroring pool below. Bordering the pool is a circular, cement walk, which (Hrects its rays to all the cardinal and intermediate points of the com- ]3ass. Artistic flower beds please the eye; ornamental, refrioerated drinking fountains quench the thirst ; arc lights guide your footsteps and two mortars, presented by the government, protect you during your sojourn within its enchanting environments.

It is a tract of about thirty acres, lying south of the city, along the banks of the Sangamon river ; is sparsely covered with forest trees and sufficiently rolling to make it picturesque; a site for a park that for natural rugged scenery is seldom surpassed.

The trotting park is owned by the Decatur Trotting Association, organized in 1890. It lies northeast of the city along the I. C. railroad tracks, and contains about fifty acres. It has an oval mile track, said to be the fastest in the west.

This park is not only used for the race meets, held once a year, but is fast becoming popular as an athletic field. Interscholastic contests, foot ball, base ball and

Portrait And Biographical Rkcokd

The Police Department, liie city of Decatur boasts of a police force, metropolitan in system, well officered and effective in administration. The total number of men on the force, including merchant police, is twenty-four.

The headquarters are in the court house and the city prison is in the basement of the budding; Short street also has a station for emergency calls. There is a night and a day shift, thus giving the city a constant service. .\ fine patrol wagon is in readiness day and night for use in case of accident or arrest. .\ burglar alarm at headquarters is connected with the banks antl many other leading business houses of the city. .V rogue's gallery and a complete record of all arrests and accidents is kept by the de])artment for future reference.

Decatur is justly |>roud of her S|)lcndidly equipped and well manned fire department; it has a fire-fighting record that no city need be ashamed of.

There are three hose houses, one located on West Main in the loo block, one on North Morgan street near the manufacturing district, and one. recently erected, in llic 1400 block on North Main street.

There are two steam engines, two cluniicals. four hose wagons, one hook and ladder truck and one chiefs wagon ; about eighteen trained horses and 5,000 feet of hose: about twenty-five men are employed. W. C. Devore is chief; he has been in the department since 1878 an<! its chief since 1884.

1 he water works plant is in keeping with ili.it of most cities the size of Decatur. The supply of water has always been ecjual to the demand, even in the greatest emergencies. Four i>uiiips are installed in the plant, two doing the work, except in case of fire, when 11 sometimes beconus ueci'ss.irv lo use more.

The cajjacity is .'iboul lo.ooo.ouo gallons, 2,000,000 gallons being the average daily consumption. The filter plant alone cost $40,000. The entire expenditure will approximate $400,000.

There arc two principal water mains, a twelve-inch main extends north on South -Main street to Lincoln Square where it connects with a sixteen-inch main that extends to the north part of the city: the other, a sixteen-inch main, exteiuls' on Hroadway to Orchard street; smaller ramifications from these sujiply the entire city.

This cemetery is located south of the city, on tile blulT skirling the river, and for natural adaptation, it is as pretty a burying grounil as can be found anywhere. The plat, originally small, now contains about forty acres. It is almost imi)ossible to buy a lot near the entrance, the few that are left are very high in price.

The Cemetery Association was org.inizcd March 3, 1857. .Ml persons who own lots in the cemetery arc entitled to vote in the election of officers, which consist of a president, a secretary, a treasurer and a board of directors, all of which serve but one year each. The receipts of the association last year were $4,844; the expenditures were

J. E. Bendure is now entering upon his twenty-fifth year as custodian. During the quarter of a century in which he has had charge he has seldom failed to be present when duty called. ( )ver 10,000 bodies repose here, almost half as many as there are inhabitants in the city of Decatur.

Macon Lodge No. 8, A. F. & A. M., was chartered October 5, 1841, by the Grand Lodge of the state of Illinois. Its charter members were : George A. Patterson, Joseph King, William Laforgee, Henry Prather, Elijah League, Leonard Ashton, and James Ashton.

The officers were: George A. Patterson, W.' M.; Joseph King, S. W. ; William Laforgee, J. ^^'. This lodge owns the building in which it is domiciled. Its membership is verj- large.

Lodge of the state of Illinois. Its charter members were: A. li. Bunn, George R. Moffett, W. C. Hardy, S. S. Good, Joseph Lowenstein, J. .M. Lowrey, and George Goodman. This lodge has quarters in the Loeb Time Block on North Water street; it also has a very large membership.

Beaumanoir Commandery No. 9, K. T., was organized November 3, 1859, by the Grand Commandery of the state of Illinois. The charter members were : Robert Green, S. T. Greer, I. C. Pugh, C. H. Fuller, John N. Fuller, George W. Bright, J. R. Gorin, Henry Hummel, William Dewees, William Martin. The officers were: A. A. Alurry,

Decatur Lodge No. 65. I. O. of O. F., was organized July, 1850, by the Grand Lodge of the state of Illinois. The charter members were: S. K. Thompson, FI. Hummel, J. R. Turner, B. F. Oglesby and John Koehler.

Decatur Encampment No. 37, I. O. of O. E., was organized December, 1856, by the authority of the State Encampment. The charter members were: G. A. Smith, H. Kain, 15. E. McCoy. William T. Peak, Stephen lirimes, Peter Terrell, and Alonzo I'ierce.

The domicile of this bank is a fine modern three-story brick building on the corner of Merchant and Prairie streets. Its business has made very rapid increase in the last few years ; in fact its per cent of increase has been larger than that of any other bank in the city.

The Millikin National Bank. The private banking firm of J. Millikin & Co. was founded by James Millikin in i860, and has established the reputation of being one of the strongest banks in the state outside of Chicago. The Millikin National Bank, incorporated in 1897, is the successor of the above named bank or firm ; its

This bank occupies the lower floor of the Millikin Building, corner East 'Slam and ^\'ater streets ; this building is seven stories high and is one of the most handsome, convenient and modern in the city. The officers are: James ^lillikin, president; O. B. Gorin, vice-president ; J. M. Brownback, cashier; S. E. Walker, assistant cashier.

The bank occupies the Ulrich Block at the corner of North ^^'ater and East Prairie streets. A substantial, three-story brick building. Recently this bank has made a complete change in the interior appointments, giving it furnishings entirely modern in every department of its business. Its capitalization is $100,000; the undivided profits and surplus are $125,000. Its deposits are very heavy. The officers are K. H. Roby, president; D. S. Shellabarger, vice-president; B. O. McReynolds, cashier; George A\'. Bright, assistant cashier.

In 1852, when Peddecord & Burrows were conducting a general store in Decatur, they had a safe, the only one in town, in which the farmers deposited their money in sacks. The firm being custodian of much of the money of the community, quite an extensive exchange business was carried on through it. This finally resulted in the establishment of a bank under the firm name of Peddecord & Burrows. In July, 1899, at the death of ;\Ir. Peddecord, the name of the bank was changed to L. Burrows & Co. It is one of the oldest enterprises in the city, yet has lost none of its original prestige. The officers are: L. Burrows, president ; L. L. Burrows, cashier. This bank occupies the first floor of the three-story brick building at the corner of South Park and North \yater streets.

The Decatur Traction & Electric Company. The first street railways in Decatur were e(iiii|)]>e<l with small cars with benches for passenj^ers alunfj the side. Horses or mules, equipped with warninjjf i)ells, furnisiied the nioti\c power. The manaj;ement. however, becoming too pro}jressive for these conditions, was the first in the state to adopt electricity as its motor.

The people doubted the feasibility of the plan and when the initiatory trial was made, at the old square, a large crowd assembled to witness the start. The trial was successful, but some thought there was danger of receiving shocks, others that the motorman would lose control, and still others that the current would stop the watches of the passengers. But soon these illusions were dispelled and everybody rode. The management (leserves unstinted praise for the present efficiency of the road.

While the name of the comjiauy iias not always been the same, yet it has never really been out of the hands of the original promoters until July, 1903, when it was sold to the Interurban Company. The company has recently been incorporated for $225,000, the greater portion being used in laying the tracks and erecting and Cijiiippiiiir a new power plant.

The com]>any now has about tillecn miles of track, thirty cars, a first-class jxnvcr house, a spacious, well equipped car barn and a handsome transfer station. The cars are of the latest patterns with electric heaters, electric lights, electric signal bells, illuminated signs, cross seats and vestibules. Each car is propelled bv a twenlvTur horse power motor.

The power station, cii>ling $40.(^00, is a large substantial brick building, modern in all its appointments. It contains two three hundred and fifty horse power Bates Corliss engines, two two hundred and fifty Kilowatt general electric generators, two three hundred and fifty Sterling water-tube boilers.

The transfer station, located (MI Lincoln .^(juare. the center of the original town of Decatur, is a feature of the system that is nut found in any other city of the state. In surveying the crossing of the two main streets, a square was cut out of the corner of each of the four adjacent blocks, forming tjuite a large square ; this in early times was used by the farmers for a hitching i)Iace for teams, also for a show ground and a general loafing or gathering place ; it finally developed into a nuisance, which was eventually supplanted by an octagonal stone structure, fashioned after a Chinese jiagoda. The first lloor contains a waiting room and the company's office, over this is a band room ; the roof extends sufficiently to protect the passengers from the sun and rain ; surrounding the building is a wide, circular walk 01 granitoid.

MA\"L'FACT()Rli:S .\ND INCORPORATIONS. The 1 )ecatur Coffin Company, corner -North and Morgan streets, was established in 1872, being one of the oldest companies in the city carried on continuously under the same management. This company was incoriiorated in 1882. It has constantly lived up to its reputation of carefid, successfid, honorable, businesslike dealing. The comjiany makes burial caskets, burial robes and wholesale undertakers' supplies. Its salesmen visit and sell goods in all the leading cities of the l'nite<l States. It takes the lead in burial garments, and is considered the most important of its kind in the coimtry. It made some new departures in this line recently, which changed the material and manner of making burial garments, thus giving the company a place at the head of the country's trade. A large number of skilled mechanics and experienced dressmakers constitute the working force. The officers are: O. Z. Greene, president; George iL. Moeller, vice-president ; T. T. Roberts, secretary and treasurer.

The F. B. Tait Manufacturing Company, located on East Cerro Gordo street, occupies an entire block of ground 260 by 150 feet. It fronts Cerro Gordo street and also skirts the Wabash right-of-way which affords excellent transfer facilities. The main building, containing offices, sample rooms and warehouse, has four stories and a basement ; this was opened in March, 1902, and is one of the most handsome business houses in central Illinois. The machine shop, foundry and blacksmith shop are of brick and well equipped with all the necessary machinery.

From eighty to one hundred men are employed b}' this company, eight traveling men are constantly in the field. They manufacture the Decatur corn planter, the three row corn planter, land rollers, steel-frame lever harrows and gate seeders, shoveling boards, surface cultivators, the New Decatur and Easy corn sheller, Tait check rowers, Buckej-e harrow and pulverizer, stalk rakes, wagon seats and single-tongue sweep rakes. They also handle buggies, carriages, wagons, general farm implements and gasoline engines.

The F. B. Tait Companj- has a capital stock of $100,000, and was organized in 1897 to succeed F. B. Tait & Company, which firm was organized in 1882. The officers are: F. B. Tait, president and treasurer; D. B. Tait, vice-president; E. C. Bassey, secretar)-.

The plant of the Decatur Lumber and ^lanufacturing Company, on North Water street, occupies eight lots of space skirting the Wabash Railroad. They manufacture all kinds of interior finish for stores, residences and office-fittings, sash, doors.

moulding and stair work in all kinds of wood, including mahogany, walnut, cherry, quarter-sawed oak and cypress. In bank and store fixtures they both make and fit, employing first-class workmen in that line of work. The factory and planing mill is a four-story brick building 6a by 80 feet, equipped with all of the latest and best machinery. This company handles a full line of lumber in all of the woods usually found in a first-class lumber yard, also lath and shingles. The company started in business in 1880 with a capital of $50,000, and in 1892 increased the stock to $100,000. The officers are : Thomas V. Jones, president ; J. B. Good, vice-president ; H. M. Prescott, treasurer; A. S. Knouft", secretar}-.

The Haworth and Sons ^lanufacturing Company is the oldest plant of its kind in Decatur, having had its origin in 1870, then known as Haworth & Sons. The present management was inaugurated two years ago. They make corn planters, check rowers, grain drills and scoop-boards, and also do a jobbing business in buggies and wagons. They own the patents on most of the machiner}' which thej'^ make. The check rower is the only cross-wire rower made, it being the invention of George D. Haworth, and the first ever patented. This plant was built in 1872, and is located at the corner of East Cerro Gordo and Eldorado streets, extending back to the Wabash tracks covering a block of ground, making a large railroad frontage which affords fine shipping facilities. The building contains three stories and a basement and is modern in all its furnishings. The number of men employed is from seventy-five to one hundred, a number of traveling men are always on the road.

The Decatur Monument Company, organized by John H. Culver, was, in 1896, changed to the firm of Brown & Son, now located in the 400 block on North ]Main street. Tliis firm keeps in stock a full line of monuments both in style ami quality. Wisconsin, Minnesota, .Missouri, Massachusetts and Scotcli granites, as well as the leading varieties of marble are carried. The territory covered by their sales includes Decatur and its atljacent country. X. F. Urown, the senior partner of the lirni, is an old resident of this covmly, having settled near IJoody in 1S59.

The I'alace of Sweets, located in the Fred Wilson building in the 300 block on North Main street, was established by J. W'. Keckley in August, 190J. It was capitalized for $2,500; for the purpose of manufacturing a general line of confectionery and ice cream, inchiiliiiir a jnbbiiig business in the same.

The Union Irtui \\ urks was instituted in 1864 by James .Millikin and C. C. Burrows. It was devoted largely to building engines up to 1880. Engines and mill machinery were its entire products until 1875. The company was incorporated in 1882, the stock being held by James .Millikin, A. K. Montgomery and Mrs. .\. R. Montgomery. The management is principally in the hands of .\. R. Montgomery, who has shown marked business ability in establishing its enviable reputation. The trade grew from milling machinery to elevator supplies, this led to the corn sheller, which proved a fortune to the firm. They have furnished the major part of the shelling machinery of the United States ; this firm has more shellers in operation in warehouses than all other makes combined ; in 1875 everything but elevator supplies was abandoned. During the last decade they have won a reputation on their portable corn sheller that has made them leaders in that line ; their territory not only covers the United States, but reaches over into Mexico and Canada. .-\ general machine shop and foundry is also profitably carried on. Over a hundred men find employment here the year round, and every branch retjuiu^ >Killed labor for which high jjrices are paid. The jjlant burned August 5, 1895; twenty-four days later the factory was rebuilt, larger and better than before, taking on an increased number of workmen. Since then a large addition has been built, making it the largest foundry in the city. James Millikin is presitlent and A. R. Montgomery is secretary, treasurer and general manager.

The jdant of the Satley Manufacturing Company, located on the Wabash Railroad between Jasper and North Lowber streets, is the foundry department of the above uameil company which is in Springfield. The business of the ])lant is to make the gray and malleable in.in castings used by the Sjjringfield company, and to do a general line of job work. From the time the fountlry was open for business it was crowded with orders. The majority of the manufactories in the city, especially those making implements, found it convenient and profitable to have their malleable iron castings made by this firm ; many orders from the outside arc constantly coming in. At the start but fifty men were needed, while at present over two hundred are employed during the busy season. Its capacity has been increased at short intervals during the last three years by building more annealing ovens, placing larger engines, building additional rooms and by numerous other improvements. It has done much good for Decatur by reestablishing business in an abandoned locality and furnishing labor for a large number of idle men. C. A. Ilackelt is the local manager.

The Decatur Coal Company is one of the largest employers of labor in the city ; the company has two shafts, known as the ol<l and the new. The mine, at first, was operated by private parties and had hut the old shaft. In 1882 the Decatur Coal Company was incorporated, and a new shaft opened.

The olil shafl is on the Wabash, and the new is on the Central ; the mines are connected under ground. An excellent quality of bituminous coal is produced, which is not only sold in the local market, but at numerous points outside. Over three hundred men are employed ; the mines have a capacity of about 1,200 tons per day of eight hours each. This company also owns a mine in Niantic, in which machinery for mining coal is used. The officers of the company are : H. W. Hill, president ; O. B. Gorin, secretary and treasurer ; W. C. Armstrong, general manager.

The John A. Keck Company, corner West Wood and South Church street, manufactures cigar and paper boxes. The firm was established in 1881. It is managed and principally owned by John A. Keck. Its saws, planes and presses are kept in continual use by its employes, who number about seventeen the year round. Paper boxes for the local trade and cigar boxes for both local and outside manufacturers are made. This establishment has been very successful in securing and maintaining a lucrative business.

The Chambers, Bering & Quinlau Company, among the oldest manufactories in the city, located on Jasper street and fronting the Wabash Railroad, makes corn planters, check rowers, hay loaders, side delivery rakes and other farm machinery. The firm sprung into existence in 1876 by the partnership entered into on the part of William B. Chambers, J. E. Bering and William J. Quinlan. A few years ago W. B. Chambers retired and Wilson M. Bering took his place. This company manufactured the first wire check rower, which has proven an entire success, both as a mechanical device and as a money maker. A short time ago the plant was destroyed by fire, but out of the ashes sprung a building of newer design with all the modern conveniences and the latest and best machinery.

Prom seventy-five to one hundred men find work here. The officers are: J. E. Bering, president; William M. Bering, vicepresident ; William J. Quinlan, secretary and treasurer.

The F. H. Bushway Flavoring Extract Company, located at 949-51 North Water street, was incorporated in 1893. The plant occupies three floors and manufactures all kinds of flavoring extracts. The firm also handles teas and coiTees on a large scale. They employ sixteen workmen the year round. The members of the firm are J. O. Henry and J. B. Henry. Their goods are reliable and are shipped to many outside points.

The firm of W. H. Grindol & Son, corner of East Main and Franklin streets, was established in 1865 by W. H. Grindol. In 1890 John Grindol became a member of the firm. The work turned out at present is made by machinery, consisting of a polisher, a cutter, a pneumatic hammer and other accessory tools. All light carving, cutting and engraving is executed with a pneumatic hammer. The granite is all worked from the rough and is received in car-load lots. Ten men are continuously employed. The firm owns the buildings, and grounds occupied by the plant.

The Frank Curtis Company is the oldest firm in the state that manufactures, wholesales and retails jewelry. The firm was established thirty years ago as Otto E. Curtis & Company, and was later known as Otto E. Curtis & Brother. At the death of Otto E. Curtis the business was managed by Frank Curtis. In 1899 a corporation was formed known as the Frank Curtis Company. The stockholders are Frank Curtis, Mrs. A. T. Curtis, Mrs. J. T. Durfee and Miss Mabel Durfee. The incorporate stock is $30,000. This business has been carried on in the same rooms since it was organized. They do a wholesale as well as a retail business in diamonds.

watches, chicks ami all kiiuls of jewelry. The groun<l floor at 150 Kast Main street is tlevoted entirely to the jewelry business, the second lloor is used for the china ware, the basement is used for storage and the third lloor is used for manufacturing and repairing work. They employ twelve persons and do all their own repairing and difficult job work which most jewelers send to tile large cities. The otticers are : I'rank Curtis, president: .Miss .Mabel A. Durfee, secretary and treasurer.

The (. . J. Hartley Company, located at the corner of l-'ranklin and Decatur streets on the Illinois Central Railroad, was known as the Warren & Durfee Comjiany from 1X85 to iHy", when it was transferred to C. J. Hartley and his son Arthur Hartley. The main building is 30 by (10 feel and is two stories high ; the wing to this is 40 by 100 feet : the warehouse 30 by <>o feet. This firm manufactures wagon and buggy jacks, also the C. J. Hartley grain- weigher, on which the firm owns the patents, lieneral contract work is done, ami in the machine shop rej)airing and rebuilding engines is made a specialty. This ci>m])any was incorporated March 17, iyo2, for $8,000. The officers are : Joseph Stocks, president ; C. J. Hartley, secretary ami treasurer; .\rthur Hartley, superintendent.

The Wayne Sulkyctte Company, located at the corner of East Prairie and North I-°ranklin streets, has done much to advertise Decatur abroad. The company manufactures high grade fire ap|)aratus, police patrol wagons, hose wagons, chemical engines, combined chemical and hose wagons, hook and lachler trucks, antl rubber tired vehicles of all kinds, including racing carts, road wagons, buggies and pony carts and wagons. This company was awarded a medal at the World's Columbian Kxposilion for the finest police patrol wagons and otlier vehicles. The hook and ladder truck and hose wagons of the Decatur fire department were built by this company, as was also the police patrol wagon. The officers are: D. W'. Brennaman, president; W'. J. Wayne, vice-president and general manager; W'. P. Shade, secretary and treasurer.

The Decatur Cornice and Koofing Works, located on North .Main street, just south ol the W abash Railroad, was established by W. II Stewart in 188.;. The steady growth of the business has enabled the firm to gain a foothold in most of the leading cities of the country. "Perfect" is the trade mark under which all the leading specialties are manufactured. .Ml the jobbing houses carry, regularly, on their catalogues the "Perfect" radiator and register shield, .\mong the specialties made by them arc copper and zinc caskets, slate an<l steel roofing, furnaces, sheet metal statuary, sky-lights, tar, gravel and asphalt roofing. They also do general contract work on metal work, roofing and cornice. The sheet-metal, slate and tile roofing and cop- ])er work on the new Wabash depot was done by them.

The Decatur Novelty Works, located at the corner of Morgan and William streets, owned ami managed by William L. Oakes, manufactures steam engines, gas engines, oil engines, steam boilers, steam pumps and feed-water heaters. A large stock of general sujiplies for steam users is carried by the firm. The trade is princi]>ally local. Thirty-five persons arc furnished employment. The business was established in 1878.

'Hie Decatur P.rewing Company is one of the earliest established institutions of the city; it was started by John Gaus, in the latter part of the fifties, who was succeeded in the business by B. 15. Richanls, Mark Simpson and Nicholas Weber, who in turn solrl the brewery to V.. Harpstrite and H. .Sblandeman in 1862, by whom it was conducted for twenty-two years. In 1884 H. Shiaudeman bought his partner's interest and, with the co-operation of his sons, has successfully carried on the business since then. The plant is located at 604 East Central street. The main building is 100 by 135 feet; part of it is three stories and part is five stories. There is a malting capacity of 15,000 barrels of beer annually. In the manufacture of beer the best Minnesota barley and New York and Pacific Coast hops only, are used. The cellars are cooled with a consolidated Ice Company machine, the capacity of which is ten tons per day, and a Westinghous'e machine, having a capacity of twenty-five tons. The buildings are lighted by the company's electric light plant. Glass-enameled steel casks are used in the vacuum process of aging and ripening the beer. A number of deep wells have been sunk, affording an abundance of pure water for brewing. The plant is equipped throughout with the newest and best appurtenances. This firm sells beer all over the state, and seven-eighths of the beer used in Decatur is of this company's make. The bottling works, which is a part of the plant, is a two-story brick structure 25 by 75 feet. Twenty-one men are emploj'ed in the brewery and twelve in the bottling works. The ofificers are: Henry Shlaudeman, president ; Frank Shlaudeman, vice-president ; Harrj- Shlaudeman, secretary and treasurer.

The Stuart Dry Goods Company was organized in 1897. This store is located in the two hundred block on North Water street, in an elegant three-story brick building, by Mr. Fenton, adapted to the especial needs of this company. Besides handling a regular dry goods business, dress making, cloak making and remodeling of fur garments is also carried on. All the members of this firm are experienced dry goods men, having come up from clerkships ; the success of the business reflects the ability of its promoters. About forty persons are employed in this store. An extensive stock

The Decatur Lime and Cement Company, at the old David Martin stand, 600 North Morgan street, the oldest lime house in central Illinois, is now owned and managed by Dan Macnet. He carries lime, cement, flue-linings, wall-copings, fire-brick, fire-clay, sewer-pipe, hard and soft coal. The trade is about equally divided between local and outside territory, reaching fifty miles in every direction from Decatur.

The Electric Supply and Fixture Company was incorporated Mzy 31, 1898, capital stock, $2,500. This company does general contracting work; jobbing in dynamos, motors, watchmen's time detectors, and manufactures electrical specialties. The offices are in the Powers' building. The officers are: E. E. Gibson, president and treasurer; E. T. Coleman, vice-president; M. M. Holmes, secretary.

The Standard Manufacturing Company, located in the Columbia Building, on North Main street, was incorporated in July, 1901 ; capitalized for $12,000. It manufactures and wholesales flavoring extracts, perfumes and toilet preparations. The ofificers are: F. A. Bushway, president ; C. AI. Goltra, vice-president; J. ^NI. Eaton, secretary; C. W. Hastings, treasurer and manager.

The J. L. Drake Hardware store, the former site of the Griswold store, at the corner of South Water and East Main streets, the oldest hardware stand in Decatur, carries a general line of hardware, paints and sporting goods. He manufactures special lines of metal work.

The F. H. Cole Shoe Company is located in the 100 block on East Main street. They carry a full line of men's, ladies' and children's shoes, also a complete line of rubber goods usually carried with a well selected stock of this magnitude. Their stock has thus far assured them a remunerative

The Decatur Gas and Electric Company supplies the citizens of Decatur with electric and gas light, also electric power and fuel gas. The first plant was instituted in 1868; it was originally known as the Decatur Gas, Light and Coke Company, and later as the Decatur Light, Heat and Power Company. When purchased by Messrs. Danforth and McCoy and united with the Culver Electric Light Plant, it assumed its present cognomen, and was incorporated for $400,000. In iS*)() an eastern syndicate bought the plant. The officers of the company are: J. Manchester Hayncs, of .'\ugusta. Maine, president ; George E. Macombcr, of Augusta, Maine, treasurer; W^. A. Rixby, manager. Since going into the hands of these parties many thousands of dollars have been expended in its betterment. The lower water gas system has been introduced, and the plant on East Wood street has been increased to the

I .ip.uily (i| 4( K(,m)< ) ciiliK' url iil yas. About twenty-live miles of gas mains are in use. A storage capacity of 300,000 cubic feet and a daily manufacturing capacity of 4CXj,ooo cubic feet.

The electric plant at the corner of West Cerro Ciordo and North Edward streets, is practically new and cntirel}- moilern in every respect. Most of this plant is in duplicate and protected against accidents nf all kinds. The linn has about forty persons in its employ regularly, besides the force on construction and rejjair work.

William Hold's machine shop, located on State street, is three stories high and covers a space 120 by 70 feel. .\11 kinds of special machinery, hydraulic elevators, boilers and steam pumps are hantlled; repair work is also done. Six men are employed contitnially. William I'old, who has been in the business for eighteen years, is the sole owner and manager of the plant.

The firm of George S. Lyon & Sons, located at 546 East Cerro Gordo street, was started by George S. Lyon on the same corner about twenty years ago. He had the first planing mill in the city, and the other lumber yards brought him their lumber to dress. A few years ago the building was destroyed liy lire. Not daunted, however, the firm erected a large two story brick bnildmg, 286 by 134 feet, extending to the Wabash Railroad, facing both North r.roadway and East Cerro Gordo streets ; since that time the entire yard has been enclosed by a brick wall the height of one story. The firm docs a general lumber and planing business, manufacturing sashes, doors, door and window-casings, and furnishings for stores and public buildings ; all kinds of fitiishing lumber known to the trade are kept in stock. The plant is equipped with the latest make of machinery throughout, and employs fifty men nearly all the year ; five wagons are continually in use. The officers arc: Clyde R. Lyon,

The lumber firm of Colby Brothers, at 419 W'abash avenue, was organized in 1891 on the same site occupied by a lumber yard for the past thirty years. They do an out and out lumber business ; handling all kinds of wood usually kept in stock for this market. They also manufacture doors, sashes, window and door casings, furnishings for stores and public buildings; all kinds of finishing lumber carried. The- plant is admirably equipped for their \aried work. They employ from si.x to ten men. The firm is composed of C. L. Colby, H. D. Colby and L. S. Colby.

The Mills Lumber Company, located at 763 East Eldorado street, is one of the old lumber yards of the city. This company carries all grades and all woods in the general market such as white pine, yellow pine, chestmit, cypress, sycamore, walnut, cherry and quarter-sawed oak. They turn out mill work of all kinds ; doors, sashes exterior and interior finishings, office fixtures, stairs and furnishings for public buildings. Joseph Mills, the founder of the enterprise, has been in the lumber business over fifty years ; more than twenty years of this time has been devoted to the interests of this company. The officers are : Joseph Mills, president; Edgar Shellabarger, secretary and treasurer.

Irwin, Kirkland & Company, manufacturing pharmacists, located at 128-32 West William street, occupy two . entire buildings, giving a frontage on both William and Main streets ; both buildings are well built attractive brick; the one facing Main street has just recently been completed. This business, established in 1886 by Smith, Hubbard & Company, was purchased by the present owners in 1892. They manufacture non-secret preparations, fluid extracts, elixirs, medicated syrups and compressed tablets. They have their own heating plant, do their own grinding and printing, giving employment to eighteen persons in the laboratories. From five to eight people are on the road, and they cover territory from Minneapolis to New Orleans, west as far as Denver and east as far as eastern Indiana.

V. H. Park & Son, on North Main street, next to the Wabash Railroad, occupy a half block at this point. V. H. Park has probably been in acti\e business in Decatur longer than any other man; in 1852 he engaged in the livery business, ne.xt in the implement business until 1887, he then purchased his present business. They are engaged more cxtensi\'ely in the lime busieess than any other firm in central Illinois. They handle limes, cements, sewer-pipes, fire-clay goods, as well as operating an extensive plant for the manufacture of this product. They have this year erected a connnodious brick building for the storage of hard plaster. They purchased, a few years ago, the transfer and storage business of another firm, which has brought them an extensive storage business ; they are well equipped for this line, having four large warehouses. They are also distributors for a half dozen manufacturers of agricultural implements ; these are sent, by car-load lots, to all points within a radius of seventy miles of Decatur.

The Neisler-Burwell Drug Company, at the corner of North Main and William streets, does a wholesale and retail drug business. The firm carries a complete line of drugs, chemicals and physicians' supplies, surgical instruments, also a fine line of photographers' supplies ; extra pharmaceutical preparations are also manufactured. Their traveling men make all the leading towns in northern and central Illinois. The company consists of W. F. Neisler and Dr. E. A. Burwell.

The tinn has done nuicli of the tin ami galvanized iron work on the buildings of the city since its organization some years ago. They manufacture galvanized iron cornices, skylights, metal ceilings ; put on slate, tin and gravel rooting; sell and set hot air furnaces. Quite an extensive business lias been built up outside of the city.

The Decatur Brick Coin|)any was organized in Eebruary, 1898, by combining the several brick companies then in existence ; thus involving a capital of ^125,000. The brick industry has grown to very large proportions in this place. The brick for all the street paving and lor nearly all the walks are of home make, and a very large per cent of the brick used in the construction of Decatur's brick buildings also comes from home manufacture. Since its organization much improvement in both paving and building brick has been made. The company has live plants, two west and three cast of the city, with a capacity of 25,000,- 000 brick per annum ; with only part of the plants in use, the company furnishes work for about 120 skilled workmen, with a payroll of about $1,000 per week. .\ very remunerative trade has been built up outside of the city, even outside the state. They make a specialty of re-pressed paving brick, glazed side-walk brick, side-cut building brick ; also end-cut building brick. The officers are: J. F. Mattes, president; Marry A. Shiaudcman, vice-president; S. A. Tuttlc, secretary and treasurer; K. D. Mattes, general superintendent.

The Decatur bakery of the National Biscuit Company, was organized about a dozen years ago, and has done a paying business from the start. It uses four floors on the cast side of the Library block ; it runs day and night the year round, furnishing employment for forty men. A full line of crackers and fine buscuits arc turned out, no different kinds of goods are made at this bakery. The bread is baked at night.

while the cakes and sweet g(.>ods are baked in the daytime. Shipments are made to 325 towns in Illinois and to about twentyfive in Indiana and at the same time a very large local trade is supplied. The plant has at all times since its origin been kept running to its full capacity. Its business reaches the surprising sum of $200,000 per year. A. W. Conklin is its manager.

The L'nited States Wire .Mat Company is one of the iinicjue institutions of the city. Its goods have attracted the attention of the civilized world. The factory, located at 341-43 Wabash avenue, was incorporated in i8y2 with a capital stock of $20,000. The capacity of the plant is 500 feet of matting per day. The United States government is an extensive patron of this firm ; with the exception of the recently constructed boats, every man-of-war in the navy is fitted out with wire matting from this factory. The battle ship Texas has $1,000 worth of this malting lying upon her decks. The product of this factory goes to South .America, South Africa, .\ustralia, Russia, England and the continent. Tlie olTicers are: C. M. Hurst, secretary; 1'. 1'. Wills, ire.isurer ; J. L. Bennett, manager.

The Wliitmer heating plant covers seven blocks of the city; has 15,000 feet of mains and 50,000 feet of radiators. Seven boilers, with a total cajiacily of 740 liorse-])ower, are used. Ordinarily, only five boilers arc in use, two being held in reserve for emergencies. There are two Oakes 100 horsepower fire-tube boilers and two Babcock and Wilcox water-tube boilers of 150 horsepower each ; the average pressure carried is from 100 to 115 pounds. The plant was established in 1892 with a Ck) horse-power boiler. The business developed so rapi<lly that in 1894 the two large boilers were put in. It requires the use of four large pumps to supply the boilers with water; two teams are constantly hauling coal, the plant using thirty tons per day. .'\ double system is used so in case any part of the plant is in need of repairs the other can be brought into vise ; there are four regular firemen and one extra employed. The boilers are fourteen feet below the street grade line. F. H. Whitmer is the manager.

The R. S. Bohon Company was incorporated about six years ago with a capital stock of $25,000. The firm is located at the corner ot North Broadway and East Eldorado streets, in one of the best arranged three storj' business blocks in Decatur. Three rooms, a large basement and a balcony are used for their stock, which includes clothing, dry goods, notions, hats, caps and carpets. The officers are : R. S. Bohon, president ; S. C. Bohon, vice-president ; F. P. Roach, secretary and treasurer ; R. S. Bohon, manager.

The Race Clothing Manufacturing Company, established in 1856, located over the Race clothing store, makes farmers' and mechanics' shirts, overalls, jackets, duck coats and covert coats. Over one hundred power machines are constantly running in this factory and over one hundred persons are employed ; seven salesmen are kept on the road. They not only supply the home demand, but ship goods to Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Indian Territory, as far east as Indiana and as far north as Michigan. The officers are: J. W. Race, president and treasurer; Frank Elwood, secretary. Directors, L. L. Race, Frank Elwood and James W. Race.

The Decatur Extract Company, located at 243-47 South Water street, manufactures flavoring extracts, baking powder, perfume and toilet articles. The products are sold directly to the customers through local agents. The company was established over six years ago at 725 North Water street, but in 1898, on account of the growing business, they moved to larger quarters and better shipping facilities. The business has shown such a flattering increase that a few years ago they were compelled to build a large two story brick structure in addition to the spacious one already occupied. The officers are: C. W. Hastings, president ; C. AI. Goltra, secretary and treasurer. Capitalization, $10,000.

The Decatur Packing & Provision Company, formerly the Levy Packing Company, was incorporated in June, 1900. They have a modern slaughter and packing house located south of the city. They carry dressed meats, lard, tallow and other meat products and manufacture sausages, and deal in hides. The company is incorporated for $10,000. The ofificers are : A. Wait, president ; M. Levy, vice-president ; C. A. Wait, secretary and treasurer. The board of directors are: A. AA'ait, AI. Levy, C. A. Wait. .Arthur AA'ait. and Felix Levy.

The Decatur Refrigerator and Manufacturing Company occupies a block of ground bounded by the AVabash Railroad, Morgan street, Wabash avenue and North Broadway. This company was organized in 1901 ; it manufactures butchers' coolers, blocks, racks, show cases and fixtures. In the latter they make all kinds of store and bank fixtures. Their goods are shipped in car-load lots to the jobbers, covering a very large territory. The officers are: Robert Faries, president ; W. E. Surface, vice-president ; E. P. Irving, secretary and treasurer; John Schweinbold, manager and superintendent.

The .'N.kers and AVilson Furniture Company, consisting of a system of stores, located in the following towns: Decatur, Clinton, Lincoln, Bloomington, Streator, Pontiac, Canton, Champaign, and Alattoon, has been in business during the past twelve years. The Decatur store is located in the 300 block on North Main street and carries a complete stock of house furnishing goods. From one store, judiciously managed, has sprung this vast volume of business. From the time the first outside store was starltil, the linn has iiraclically atUlcil a store each year. Tlic officers arc : C. E. Akers ami A. G. Wilson, who arc the sole owners and general manasiers of the entire system of stores.

The P.railley l?rulhers' Dry liooils Store is among the largest stores in the city in this line of bnsincss. Two Hoors and the basement of the two-story liriek building at the corner of William and North Water streets, known as the Fenton building, are occupied by this stock of goods. In addition to a general stock of dry goods they carry on a very elaborate dressmaking department, also as large and fine an assortment of millinery stock as yon will find in the city. The domestic goods department is in the basement, the main sales room is on the first floor and the dressmaking department on the second floor. The building is e(|ni])ped with all the latest furnishings, and contains toilet rooms and rest ri.x»ms for ladies and employes. The firm has a large mail order business ; three delivery wagons are kept busy early and late and ninety people arc employed all the year. IJernard Bradley and Dennis Bradley are the proprietors.

William ( iusiiard & Company have one of the most enterprising dry goods stores in the city ; it is located at 207 North Water street. It was established in 1895 when it was thought that the competition in that line was too strong to admit of another slock of dry goods ; yet this business was a success from the start. The firm, practically occupies the entire building; a general line of dry goods with a well-assorted line of millinery and domestic goods is carried ; also a well-equipped dressmaking department is maintained. It now enjoys a very large city trade besides a large patronage from the surrounding country and nearby towns and villages.

modern in all its ilcpartments. The business occupies two floors and comprises the manufacture of ladies' cloaks, suits and fur garments in connection with a general stock of dry goods. Dressmaking is also extensively carried on as well as a finely eijuipped, u])-to-dale millinery establishment. This store soon outgrew its original (juarters and it became necessary to seek nmre commodious apartments, which were furnished by remodeling the Funis building of three floors, making as fine quarters as that of any of its size in Decatur. Fortyfive people are in the employ of this firm from one year's entl to the other.

The Decatur Milling Company, on the corner of East Main and South Broadway, was incorporated in 1888. For a number of years previous to this it was known as the Hatfield mill, at which time the late David Carver, one of the pioneers of Macon county, was largely interested. It is a large brick building fully equipped with modern machinery adapted to the manufacture of flour, meal and brewers' grits. Tlu' mill consumes one thousand bushels of wheat and about two thousand bushels of corn per day. The products of the mill are sold in the general markets as well as tn the home trade. ,\bout twenty men are continuously employed. The officers are: Frank .Shlaudeman. president ; O. B. Ciorin, vice-president ; J. W^ Carter, secretary ; W. C. .\rm strong, treasurer and manager.

The Danzeiscn Packing Company, located on the Illinois Central Railroad on South Main street, in one of the most extensive brick houses in the city adapted to that purpose; it is modern in every detail. Tliis company does a general pork and beef packing business, besides a wholesale and retail line. Tn addition they manufacture and sell ice. This company was organized in May, 1903. The capitalization is $50,000, of which the following persons hold: George J. Danzeisen, $37,000; William Danzeisen, $5,000; Oscar J. Danzeisen, $5,000; Alfred J. Danzeisen, $3,000. These four gentlemen are named as the directors of the company.

The Linn and Scruggs Dry Goods and Carpet Company, occupying three floors in a half block of the Orlando Powers building, is the largest and best equipped store in the state outside of Chicago. The city of Decatur may well feel proud of the elegance and vastness of the stock and the completeness and convenience of its appointments. While Chicago has much larger stocks of goods, it has few stores that surpass it in the equipments, number of departments, cash carriers and modern facilities for displaying goods nor in the adaptation of its varied stock to the wants of the trade. William PI. Linn and William R. Scruggs founded the business in 1869; it was prosperous from the start and has constantly increased until to-day any one of these great floors is equal in floor space to a half dozen ordinary stores. The store is metropolitan in its management, being separated into thirty separate departments, eacli under a superintendent who is its sole manager. The management of each department is as vigorously prosecuted as though it were an individual store. An electric passenger elevator, a Bostedo pneumatic tube cash carrier with twentyone stations is installed in the store. They have retiring and rest rooms for the customers and employes, separate lockers for each employe, convenient workrooms for the mechanics and porters ; large marking rooms for marking new goods, sample rooms for display of goods by traveling men, and numerous other conveniences for their employes and customers. Not less than 160 persons are on its pay rolls.

in 1859 on the present site of their building, and is one oi the oldest firms in the city. The present quarters consist of a six-story building including a basement, built of brick with a brown stone' front; it contains all the modern appliances and conveniences necessary to accommodate their rapidly increasing business. This building was erected in 1896 at a cost of $80,000. They have in stock everything known to the modern hardware trade, and do an enormous wholesale as well as retail trade. Their business territory covers Illinois and part of Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri. They handle house furnishing goods, glass, stoves, mantels, paints, varnishes, ammunition, sheet metals, tinplate, iron, mechanics' tools and builders' hardware. Twenty-five men are employed.

Bixby, Pitner & Company organized in 1895, Joseph G. Bixby and Frank S. Pitner holding the majority of the stock ; at the death of Frank S. Pitner, which occurred in 1902 Thomas Pitner took his place in the firm. The company manufactures a patent burial slipper and the Dilt's patent Combination Shade Roller and Curtain Pole Fixture. The plant making the burial slipper is on the second floor of the Stoner building ; it employs about twenty-five men and girls. These goods are sold to the wholesale trade only ; their market extends even beyond the United States. The originality of design and neatness of adjustment commends them to the trade. They also make a shade roller and curtain pole fixture : the fixture is known to the trade as the " Itsa " Fixture. This article is in its infancy but seems to be growing very rapidlv. It is very simple compared with the ordinary fixtures used for this purpose, requiring no taking out of screws when removal is necessary. Its simplicity commends itself to the public.