Mercer Township (part 1 of 4)

Mercer Township

Mercer township includes all the congressional township known as 14 N., R. 3 west of the 4th P. M. The soil is generally black and rich, with some clay along the brakes and water courses. It is well watered, Edwards river traversing the north tier of sections, from east to west, and Pope creek crossing the southeast corner and following west near the south line, in Ohio Grove township. These, with their numerous runs, as feeders, furnish an ample supply of water for stock and irrigation. Along the creeks the land is broken, but there is very little so steep that it cannot be cultivated. On the "divide," as it is called, between Pope and Edwards, the land is level, and until brought under cultivation, much of it was of a swamp}- nature. Over this prairie in early times there was scarcely a track that rose to the dignity of a road, as travel was not frequent enough to keep down the luxui-iant growth of grass, which often grew so high that a man on horseback could see but a short distance. Woe then to the luckless traveler who undertook to cross the prairie in a wet time with wagon and team. Suddenly his oxen would sink in the mud, knee deep, the wagon go down to the hub, and there was nothing to do but to unload, and then perhaps "-double teams," if perchance tliei-e was some one to double with, or if not, go two or three miles to secure assistance. But cultivation and judicious draining have so changed the nature of the soil in this respect that it is difficult to convince our farmer boys of to-day that the most productive parts of their farms were at one time little better than impassable swampr-i.

Much of the township is underlaid with coal of a good quality, but there have, as yet, been but few banks opened, as it generally lies too deep to work with profit. Banks in the northeast part of the township have been run for many years, but seldom at a great profit. Within a few years mines have been opened near Aledo and are still run on a small scale.

The water courses are lined witli timber, oak, hickory, elm, maple, and linn predominating, while hazel covers the hill sides, and willows are plenty near the water. There are a few walnut trees, of good size and quality, and also some ash and hackberry, with })erliaps a few other kinds. Wild plums, wild cherries, crab-apples and blackberries formerly grew in abundance, but with the exception of the two latter, they are now rare. Strawberi-ies were also plenty on the uplands.

In the days of the first settlers deer were plenty on these prairies, as were also the prairie wolf, whose wild bowlings are still among the most vivid, if not the most pleasing, recollections of the pioneers. Game of other kinds also abounded, and the early settlers dined sumptuously on wild turkey, prairie chicken, venison, rabbit, duck or goose, according to the season.

Prairie fires were of yearly occurrence. The luxuriant growth of grass, scorched by the summer's heat, by early fall was as dry as tinder, and a spark from a careless hunter's pipe, or sometimes the wad from his gun would start a conflagration which soon became at once grand and terrible. IS^one who have once seen it can ever forget the majestic sweep of the wall of fire as it sped before the ever increasing wind, stretching out its arms farthei" and farther on either side, rivaling in speed the horse or deer, and gathering up and devouring all within its reach. Such was the prairie fire of early days, and fortunate was it for him who, caught in the track of the fast-coming Hames, understood the pioneer's way of fighting fire with fire. Without this knowledge a severe scorching, if nothing worse, most surely awaited him.

The first entry of land made in the township was on August 21, 1837, when John and Abraham Miller entered the northeast quarter of section 4. In this and the two following years, the Miller family entered over 800 acres of land in sections 3, 4, and 16. They were the first settlers in the township ; but as a full historj^ of the family, and their coming to, and r>Taking a home in, Sugar Grove is given in connection with the history of Perryton township, we will not rejjeat it here, merely noting that they Uiilt the first mill and the first schoolhouse in this township. Most of the land in this township lies in what is known as the ''military tract," and was patented in 1818. A portion of the lands entered by the Miller-* were school lands, and were patented to them by the governor of Illinois, who also issued a patent to Benjamin Clark, to the W. ^ of the 8. E. ^ of Sec. 16, on September 4, 1837.

Sugar Grove is situated on tlie north of Edwards river, including in its limits parts of sections 3, 4, i>, and 10. It received its name from the large number of sugar maple trees there growing, from which, until very recently, large quantities of nui])le sugar were manufactui'ed yearly ; but at ])resent the quantity is very small. It obtained a wide celebrity in early times as the place for holding the yearly camp-meetings of the Methodist church for the district then known as the Kock Kiver district, embracing, we believe, full half the state. Here gathered, each succeeding fall, the hardy pioneers, coming fifty, and even one hundred, miles to spend a week or more in their chosen mode of worship. Here they would listen to the soul-stirring appeals of Giddings, Cartwright, Haney, Morey, Doughty, and the many others whose memory is revered by hundreds still living. When the first cam]>meeting was held here we cannot definitely state ; certainly as early as 1845, and we think before that, and they were only discontinued in 1873, when the district, now less than one-fourth as large as then, purchased grounds of its own in Rock Island county. The grounds, however, are still occasionally used, the primitive Methodists and the Seventh Day Baptists having each held one or more meetings there within the past few years ; but as a ' ' permanent campground," their glory has departed.

Early in 1837 Messrs. Benj. Clark, John J. Charles, Timothy Condit, and William Mackey conceived the idea that a town should be built near the centre of the county, and they accordingly employed Judge E. Gilmore, then county surveyor, to make the plat. The judge left l^ew Boston, with his instruments and assistants, and on foot they wended their way for fifteen long miles eastward, the day being bright and warm. Unfortunately a storm came up in the night, the thermometer rapidly fell, and the next morning broke clear and cold, with the ground covered with snow. The chain-bearers refused to work, and the judge, facing a cold west wind, made his way back to New Boston, arriving worn out and chilled to the bone, the trip resulting in a serious illness. A second attempt was more successful, and on March 30, 1837, the lines were run and the stakes driven that marked the town of Mercer, situated on the N. E. ^ of Sec. 21, T. 14 N., R 3 W. of the 4th P. M.

But the expectations of the proprietors were never realized. But one house was erected, and the only inhabitant of this, so far as known, was a large white owl, who held for years undisputed ])ossession of the lonely tenement. The house rotted down, and in 1S51 we crossed the town site, the only remaining mark of the existence of the town being a portion of the roof of this lonely cabin, which had not as vet quite rotted and blown away. The town site lias long been under cultivation, and few of the residents of the township remember that it was ever laid out ; indeed, many of them will perhaps first learn this fact from a perusal of these pages.

In 1842 or 1843 Samuel McKee, John H. McBnde; and William Carnahan, all young men of this vicinity, each took a load of wheat to Chicago, with ox teams, with three or four yoke of oxen to the wagon. They sold their wheat for forty-two cents per bushel, and brought back salt, and other necessaries. Samuel McKee gave one barrel of salt from his load for the use of a wagon for the trip. The party were gone three weeks, and they wasted no time, either in Chicago or on the road.

Among the early settlers of the township but few are now li^^ng, and still fewer are those who yet reside within its limits. Among them we may mention Mr. N. Edwards, who opened a farm on section 18, in 1849 ; Mr. L. F. Jobusch, who settled here in 1851, and Mr. E. C. Bartlitt, who opened a farm the same year ; Henry Lee, William McKee, Isaac Aitz, and R. H. Wirger, still residing here, came about, or j^rior to, the latter date. Joseph, William and Mary Ann McKee, all children of John McKee, are the only persons now living in the township who were here in 1841.

Township organization was adopted in this county in 1853, and the first election of township oflicers, of which a record is found in the town records, was held at the house of John McKee, April 4, 1854. John McKee served as chairman, Isaac Jones as moderator, and E. C. Bartlitt as clerk. At this election twenty-seven votes were cast, and the following is a list of officers elected : supervisor, David Braucht ; town clerk, E. C. Bartlitt ; assessor, John S. Moore ; collector, John Ashbaugh ; overseer of poor, John Artz ; commissioners of highways, L. F. Jobusch, Jacob Sprecher, R. H. Winger; justices of the peace, John McKee, John L. Candor; constables, William McKee, Israel Artz ; overseers of highways, Edward Cliflbrd, George Smith.

At the general election in the fall of the same year but sixteen votes were cast. At this time a vote was taken "for or against the county of Mercer taking one hundred thousand dollars stock in the Warsaw & Rockford Railroad," resulting nine for and five against. James E. Willett, John McKee, and Henry Lee were judges at this election, and E. C. Bartlitt and R. H. Winger clerks.

to build a poor-house for the county, when sixteen of the seventeen votes polled were against the levy- In 1855 the Great Western Air Line railway was laid out, and the line divided Mercer county almost in the center from east to west, and a town laid out in the following spring on the S. E. ^ of Sec. 17, and named Aledo, a history of which will be found elsewhere.

August 8, 1857, an election was held ''for or against the removal of the county seat from Keithsburg to Aledo,'' at which 231 votes were polled, each and all of which were very naturally "for" removal.

May 5, 1859, a special town meeting was held to vote for or against the township subscribing for stock of the American Central Railway Company (the Air Line under a new name), resulting for subscription, 132 ; against, 50 votes. Although this vote appears decidedly in favor of the subscription, w^e can lind no record of the issue of any bonds to the company at this time ; but on May 29, 1868, Elisha Miles, Matthew Maffitt, C. S. Richey, Hiram Parkman, James M. Macy, and J. F. Woods filed a petition with the town clerk, asking that "an election be called for the purpose of voting for or against the subscription by said township to the capital stock of the American Central railway to the amount of li?13,-100," etc., and on the 9th of June said election was held, resulting 142 votes for subscription, four votes against it, and eleven votes "no tax."

In pursuance of the authority granted by this vote, bonds were issued for the above amount, March 23, 1869, in sums of $100 each, payable ten years after date, and bearing ten per cent interest, payable annually ; the bonds "to be delivered to the company wlien the iron was laid from Galva to Aledo, provided said iron was laid on or before July 1, 1869."

Some of these bonds were paid otf by the township before they became due, and at the April meeting in 1879 the su])ervisor and town clerk were instructed to issue new bonds to the amount of those yet outstanding, at as low a rate of interest as possible, not to exceed the legal rate of eight per cent, and with the proceeds pay off the old bonds. The expense, however, of issuing the new bonds was avoided by an agreement with the holders to extend the time of payment at eight per cent. There are yet outstanding $4,800, due as follows: $2,000, May 12, 1883; $1,000, March 23, 1884; and $1,800, May 23, 1884. Ample provision has been made for paying them when due, and they would be i)aid oft' at once if the holders would give them up, which they decline to do.

the education is progressive and keeping fidl pace with the demands of the times. Care is exercised in the selection of school officers, and they in turn look well into the merits and qualifications of the teachers they employ. As a rule the wages paid are above the average in the state, although seldom equal to what the same talent would command in other professions.

There is little or no vacant land in the township. "What can not be tilled with profit is utilized as stock pasture, or for the growth of young timber, the latter an industry that does not receive the attention its importance demands. Our farmers are^for the most part in comfortable circumstances, and what little land is leased out commands from twofifths to one-half the crop, or a rental of $4 to $.5 per acre per annum, in advance. Corn and stock-raising are the leading agricultural interests, although grain of all kinds is raised and commands good prices in our market. While comparativeh" little fruit is raised for market, each farm has an orchard of well selected trees, from which the family is expected to be supplied, with perhaps a small surplus to sell. Apples and cherries generally do well, but peaches and pears seldom bear a fair crop, or come to maturity. Most of the orchards are supplied with home-grown trees from the extensive nursery of Mr. Tyler McWhorter, one-half mile south of Aledo. Grapes and berries are grown largely, anji in a fair season our markets are overstocked.

Our population is at present about 2,550; our people are industrious, energetic, wealthy and well educated. Our farmers have good, and many of them very fine residences, with large and well filled barns and granaries ; implements and machinery of the best and most laborsaving kinds ; horses, cattle and hogs of the finest breeds. Roads and bridges are generally ke])t in good repair, but such a thing as a good road at all seasons is impracticable with our soil and will never be attained here without large expense for gravel, or some substitute of the same nature.

The present town officers, elected April -i, 18S2, are as follows: supervisor, II. R. Morrison (who was elected in 1878 and has held the position ever since, and who is now chairman of the county board) ; town clerk, L. B. Doughty, elected first in 1879; assessor, J. A. Marquis, second year ; collector, F. T. Owen, second year ; commissioners of highways, R. -C. Morrison, W. K. Fulton, John C. Dool ; justices of the peace, M. L. Marsh, elected first in 1862, and has held continually ever since, and M. S. Boice, elected in 1882, to fill vacancy ; constables, Joseph McDougal, elected in 1870, and held ever since, and Geo. A. Smith, elected in 1881 ; school trustees, W. C. Galloway, Henry Lee and W. J. Brown ; school treasurer, Joseph McCoy.

The equalized valuation of real estate, personal, and railroad })ro|> erty in Mercer township in 1881, as sliown on assessor's book, was $979,837. These tigures, however, rejjresent less than one-third of the actual wealth of the township, which, at a fair cash rating, must considerably exceed $3,000,000.

The census report of 1880 showed a population of 2,454 ; a gain of 507 over the report of 1870. The same average increase, which we think has been fully maintained during the i)ast two years, would make our population now about 2,550, as given above.

In noting the products of the townshi]), we made no mention of the hay crop, which is one of present and constantly growing importance ; nor of sorghum, which is grown and nuinufactured in (puintities to meet the home demand. Vegetables of all kinds are raised in abundance and sold in large quantities to dealers and shippers. Potatoes are generally a good crop, 1881 being an exce])tionally poor year for them, and one of the verv few in which our "-rowers have failed to raise enough to supply the home demand.

The survey and location of the Great "Western Air Line railroad through the county, opened a wide field for s})eculation in the establishment of new towTis ; and the result of one of these was the location and platting of a town on section 17, in Mercer township, in the fall of 1855, which was christened De Soto by its founders, Messrs. Willits and Thompson, Finding that there was already a village bearing that name in this state, a new one was deemed necessary, and from a number suggested, the choice fell upon Aledo. On March 20, 1856, a public sale of lots was held on the site of the proposed town. This sale was attended by what was then considered a large crowd, and the bidding was spirited and at times exciting, when what was considered a choice location was offered. 112 lots were sold at a fraction over $103 each, aggregating $11,580. The first two lots offered brought $240 each; the highest price ])aid for any lot was $255, while two went as low as $35 each. Among the purchasers were Judge E. Gilni<^re and M. L. Marsh, Esq., who still reside in Aledo. The proprietors had decided to donate the proceeds of the sale of the first fifty lots to the establishment of a college or seminary, and the amount realized for that purpose was $5,780. The first building erected was put up by the proprietors of the town, on the north side of Seventh street, near INIaple, during the early summer of 1856 ; and as soon as it could be occupied, a hotel was opened, with J. E. Ilarroun as landlord. The carpenters, while building it, boarded with a farmer living neai' the town site. The building is still standing, and is used as a business house below and residence above. The business rooms are occupied by M. S. Boice, with, a china store, and W. J. Stuart with a barber shop, while a recent addition is used as a cigar manufactory by C. L. Brankamp. The building is now owned by Capt. L. B. Morey.

The first business house erected was on College avenue, south of the railroad, and was occupied bv John S. Moore and O. C. Allen, under name of Moore & Allen, with a general stock of dry goods, groceries, hardware, etc. Dr. S. Macy started the first drug store, and was the first dentist in the new village. Thomas Maddox opened the first hardware store and tin shop. He is still a resident, although long since retired from business. J. E. Harroun was the first postmaster, and it is said he carried the mail in his hat, and delivered it whenever or wherever he should happen to meet the fortunate recipient of a letter or newspaper. Judge John S. Thompson built what was then considered a very fine residence, and moved into it in the fall of 1857 ; and right here we will say something of the proprietors of the town. Judge T. was one of the early lawyers of the county, and had attained a fair prominence ,in his profession in the district. He was subsequently elected circuit judge and filled the position acceptably. During what was termed the ''Johnson campaign," he was a candidate for congress on the Johnson, or fusion, ticket, but was defeated. He was, moreover, a man of energy and push, and whatever he understood he generally pushed to completion. Failing in his })olitical aspirations, he turned his attention to securing the completion of the railroad so long promised, but as yet without prospect of completion. Largely through his eftbrts the company was reorganized under the name of the American Central ; new subscriptions were secured from towaiships, villages, and private individuals. He was indefatigable in his efibrts, and would doubtless have pushed the road through to completion under the organization of which he was president, had he not secured an advantageous arrangement with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Kailroad Company, whereby the lattei* was to complete the road from Galva to Keithsburg for the consideration of a lease thereof for ninet}^- nine years. .Under this arrangement the road was completed in 1869, and has since been operated under the charter of the American Central, but is known as the Galva and Keithsburg branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad. This lease, however, was distasteful to the people, who, while paying their subscriptions to the railroad, did not relish the idea that the funds went into the pockets of the judge and his associates, and many were the anathemas showered upon his head. This, we believe, was all wrong ; the judge had secured the completion of the road, which litis proven worth more to one and all than was ever ho])ed for, and it matters little wliether it was built and operated by the Amercan Central or the Chicago, Burlington tfc Quincy. It may have been to a certain extent a "sell out" on the subscribers, but it was much better to be ''sold out'' with the road than without it. The advantages conferred and secured by the road certainly far outweigh the disadvantages under which we miglit still be laboring but for the energy and tact of Judge John S. Thompson.

Shortly after the comjJetion of the road, Judge T. removed to San Jose, California, where he followed his profession of the law, and entered into politics to some extent ; but having had some experience in railroad building, he has again entered into that pursuit, and is at present president of a new company known as the Rock Island & Southwestern, which proposes to build a road from Rock Island to Xew Boston, where it will cross the river and connect with ex-senator Harlan's road to Kansas City. Surveys have been made, and etlbrts are now in progress for securing the right of way and the estalJishment of the line. The surveys run through I^uncan, Eliza, and New Boston townships, and if built will open u[> a rich section now having poor facilities for reaching market. The headquarters of the company are in (^hicago, where the judge at present resides.

Levi Willits, his partner, was one of the early settlers of Xew Boston, and he and AVilliam Drury were among the first business men of that place, where for many years they conducted a general store, and by judicious investments in real estate, both laid the foundaton for wealth. Mr. Willits was a thorough and far-seeing business man, and so open-handed and liberal in his dealing that he won the regard of all with whom he came in contact, and at his death in ISoS, he was truly mourned by all who knew him.

In 1857 the Barton house, on the corner of College avenue and Seventh street, was erected and opened by D. N. Barton. It was a large four-story brick building, one of the largest at that time in the military tract, and has ever since ranked as a leading hotel of the place. It changed hands a number of times, until the ownership fell to Mr. Schuyler Button ; but a short time after he took ])Ossessioii it caught tire and was destroyed, the walls being so badly damaged that they were taken down. The fire occurred on November 10, 1867, and the loss was $10,000, the heaviest ever experienced before or since wnthin the village. The building was at once rebuilt, and is at present occupied by John S. Button, a son of the gentlennm last mentioned.

James M. Wilson, lawyer, established a furniture store in 1857 ; was subsequently elected circuit clerk ; read law, and lias for years been a member of tlie firm of Pepper & Wilson. I. K. Bassett, of the law firm of Bassett & Wharton, has practiced here continuously since 1857. C. F. Cunningham has been in business here since the spring of the same year, first as a painter, and afterwjfi'd starting and still running a carriage shop. His brother, Frank C, learned the j^ainting trade with him, and is still following it. M. L. Marsh opened an ofiice as notary public in 1857 ; was afterward elected justice of the peace, in which office he is now serving his fifth consecutive term. Horace Bigelow, one of the founders of the " Eecord," in June of 1857, is still one of its publishers, having now been connected with it for a quarter of a century. ]!s^. Edwards came here in 1857 or 1858, and has been in business of some kind ever since. George McEowen started a wagon-shop in 1857, and still does a little repairing at the old stand. John Kainey has resided in the same house twenty-five years. Joseph McCoy, T. H. Day, J. H. Abercrombie, H. R. Morrison, C. S. Richey, and J. M.Warwick were among the first residents, and are -still here. D. Y. Reed, now deceased, -was another, and his wife lives adjoining town. Capt. J. Y. Merritt, now of Eliza township, came to the town site with the first load of lumber.

The great event, however, of 1857, was the removal of the county seat from Keithsburg to Aledo, which was decided by a vote of the people on August 3d of that year. The result was a majority in favor of removal, of 930 out of a total vote of 2,028. Below we give the figures from ofticial returns :

Mercer Tom'Nship

The majority was of a decisive character as an expression of the will of the people, and we remember of a sort of a jollification in xiledo after the returns were received, but we can find no account of it in the "Record''' of that week ; whether the editor tliou<i;ht the affair of too small importance to mention, or was too mapianimoiis to liarrass his Keithsburg readers with the account, we cannot now conjecture. But the citizens had a good time, at any rate, and fired anvils, burned turpentine balls, and shouted to their hearts' content.

Aledo citizens had donated a block of ground for a court-house, and had subscribed between S<^nOOO and ^^7,000 toward its construction. A biick building had been erected, suitable for use as county offices, and as soon as possible after the decision the officers and records were brought to Aledo. The building now used for a court-house was erected foi* a school-house, but the lower story was fitted up so that it could be used for a court-room, and it was in this that the first term of court was held.

One of the attorneys at this term was Charles M. Harris of Oquawka, but who has since removed to Chicago, and for one term represented that district in congress. Mr. Harris was a very hirge, heavy man, and somewhat pompous withal. Aledo had no sidewalks in those days, and in wet weather mud abounded everywhere. One day Mr. Harris, while returning from the court-room to the hotel, got stuck fast in tlie mud in the middle of the street. He wore very low shoes or slippers, and they would pull off at every effort he made to extricate himself. The few who witnessed his efforts were much amused. Finally Mr. Jacob Cool procured a team and some assistance, backed the wagon u}) to Mr. Harris, and by hard work those in the wagon pulled him out of his shoes and drove him to his hotel, where a boy was found ready to earn a dime by fishing up and cleaning the lost brogans. Mr. Cool still lives in Aledo, and we who witnessed the fun often have a laugh as we speak of "-Charley Harris stuck in the mud."

The first school taught in Aledo was the pre])aratory department of the Mercer Collegiate Institute, by the Eev. William Townley, in a building erected in the southwest part of the town, long since remodeled and turned into a residence. The Mercer CoHegiate Institute was designed to be a college of the first class, under the auspices of the Presbyterian church. They built a large brick building on what is now known as south addition, and started a school therein, but it was not supported in a manner to secure success. The idea of the college was at last abandoned, and as the building was deemed unsafe, owing to the use of poor stone in its foundation, it was sold and pulled down, the material being disposed of at retail for what it would bring.

The Methodists also proposed to ibund a college here, and the Rev. H. J. Humphrey was sent here to superintend its construction. Ground was secured, a most beautiful site, on the apex of a mound about half a mile west of town, now in the center of the farm of John C. Dool. Foundations were laid for a large and expensive structure, a commodious residence built for President Humphrey (now owned by I. ]S^. Bassett, Esq.), and suddenly the enterprise collai)sed, for want of funds to carry it further. The Methodist Episcopal college was a failure.

Later Mr. J. II. Wylie established the Aledo academy, which is still running, it having received a living, if not a liberal support. The course of study is that usually taught in academies, and Mr. Wylie is a thorough and competent teacher. While the school is not strictly sectarian, Prof. Wylie is a strong United Presbyterian, and his school is largely supported by the membership of that church. The academy building is beautifully located on a block in the south part of the town, is not large, but is well arranged, and sufficient in size to accommodate more students than haye yet been brought togetlier within its walls. It is a good school and worthy of support, but with the present advanced course of study in our public schools it can never hope for a very liberal support, the public schools litting students for admission to our best colleges, or for a place among the ranks of teachers, which is all thatcan be expected of an academy.

Aledo has been singularly fortunate in regard to fires. . The iirst of importance was the burning of the residence and drug-store of Dr. S. Macy in October, 1S66, entailing a loss of about $1,000 over and above insurance. The Button house was burned in 1868, and in June, 1871, the large livery barn of Smith & McBride was burned, the loss being from $'2,000 to $3,000. The next hre occurred on July 2, 1876, when the tine residence of Joseph Plarvey on Seventh street was totall}- destro^^ed, just as it was completed and before it was ready for occupancy. The loss was about $2,000 above insurance. The last was the burning of the residence of Edward James in. the southwest part of the town, his loss being about $700. There have been numerous alarms and frecpient inci^jient blazes, but fortunately those enumerated are all that have caused much damage. The village has a small but efficient volunteer tire company, well equipi)ed with one large and a number of small chemical engines, hose and ladder wagon, buckets, etc., and

Two severe wind storms liave visited Aledo, each doing considerable damage. The first was in the early years of its history, and tlie most serious damage was removing the frame of the Methodist E})iscopal church (then in course of erection) partially off of its foundation. The second came in June, 1876, and unroofed barns, leveled fences and trees, damaged a number of buildings, and blew down the spire and a part of the south end of the United Presbyterian church, which had but recently been built and was yet partially unfinished. The congregation had it at once rebuilt and the lower story fitted for occupancy, and have worshiped in it ever since, having only just commenced the work of finishing the upper story.

Aledo has seven churches, but as these have been written up elsewhere we will only name them. They are the Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, United Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Episcopal, Swedish Lutheran, and Baptist. The pulpits of the Congregationalists and Baptists are now vacant, and that of the Lutherans is occu})ied but half the time.

The growth of the village has been at times spasmodic ; at times steady and substantial. It has now passed the spasmodic period ; brick is more and more used, and some of her business houses would do honor to much larger places.

The first business houses were opened south of the railroad, and for a number of years that part of town was the business center ; but this gradually worked northward, and at present College avenue, north from the railroad, and Seventh street, east of the avenue, are the main business localities.

The population of Aledo in 1880, within the corporate limits, was 1,500 ; but this included none of the additions to the village outside the corporation lines. Counting these, the number reached about 2,000, which has been since slightly increased ; 2,100 would be a fair estimate at present.

The equalized valuation of property, as returned by the assessor for 1881, was as follows: lots, $160,847; personal, $323,365; railroad, $13,527; total, $497,739; say in round numbers, $500,000. Taking into account the manner of assessing, at one-half, one-third, and often one-fifth of the actual value of property, and $2,000,000 is a low figure for the wealth here represented.

The town was incorporated in 1863, under the general laws, an election being held August 15 of that year, resulting forty-eight \-otes for incorporation and five against. The first election for trustees was held Septembers, 1853, at which the following were chosen : Simeon Macy, president j E. Gilmore, George Turner. William McK. Young, and John R. Bassett, The latter served as village clerk, and N. P. Brown was appointed treasurer.

In September, 1872, village organization was adopted, under the provisions of the laws of that year; the election, November 11, resulting forty-four votes for, and five against village organization.

Under the law now in force one half of the above were to hold two years and one half but one. It was decided by lot, and the three trustees last mentioned drew the long term.

Aledo has ever been noted for the strong temperance views of its citizens, and since the spring of 1876 no saloon has been allowed within its limits. There is now in force an ordinance which prohibits the sale of spirituous liquors, even \)\ druggists, for any purpose whatsoever, except under restricticuis so severe that none of tlie druggists have asked for a permit. It makes it a misdemeanor for a ])hysician to prescribe liquor "except where good j)ractice demands it," but fails to detine what "good ]jractice'" is. As a consequence, physicians ]M-escriptions must be taken to other towns if licjuor is one of the ingredients.

The Aledo cemetery is beantifullv located, adjoining the town on the southeast. A part of it was donated, and the ^-ilhige has witliin a few years purchased a large addition. It is kept in fair condition and is partially set to evergreens. Some very fine monuments mark the resting place of departed friends.

Business

L. F. Jobusch has occupied the same stand in the grocery business for over twenty years. J. H. Abercrombie has carried on the harness business most of the time since the town was started. H. E. Morrison has been continually in the furniture trade for twenty years or more. Samuel Marquis started the livery business at his present stand during the war. James Galloway <fe Son, started a grocery in 1869, and are the oldest firm in that business in town, in which there has been no change. C. S. Richey and John Shafer have been longer in the dry goods trade than other firms in town, but each have belonged to two or three difterent fii-ms. Fred. Davis still occupies the blacksmith shop he built over twenty-five years ago.

The banks, as the moneyed institutions of the town, deserve more than a passing notice. The first bank started was by Bailey tfe Byers, in February, 1879, in a frame building that then stood on Seventh street, opposite and west of Button house, and was the only one then in the county. In the fall of that year Judge E. Gilmore purchased the interest of Bailey, and the firm was known as A. M. Byers & Co. In 1870, the large brick building on southeast corner of College avenue and Seventh street was erected, the corner room being fitted for a bank, and the remainder as business rooms. It is now occupied by the Aledo bank ; J. F. McBride and Mrs. A. M. Young on first fioor, while the second is used as attorneys'' offices and masonic lodge room. In April, 1874, A. M. Byers sold his interest to John McKinney, Sr., and agreed to do nothing in the banking business for one year. At the end of the year he organized a joint stock company and started a bank known as A. M. Byers ct Co.'s Farmers Bank, opening it in the brick building on northeast corner of Seventh street and College avenue, which was purchased and fitted up for tliat purpose. The capital is over sixty thousand dollars and cannot be increased or diminished until 1885. The stockholders are business men of Aledo and wealthy farmers scattered throughout the county, and the business is manao-ed by A. M. Bvers and a finance committee.

A. M. Byers was born and brought up on a farm near llamsburg, Pennsylvania, and commenced his business career as clerk in a general store. In 1855, when about twenty years of ao-e, he decided to attend a commercial college, but finally changed his mind, and after visiting Chicago and the west, he engaged in traveling for a wliolesale grocery house in Goshen, Indiana. The next year he clerked for (^ol. John Williams, the pioneer mei-chant of Springfield, Illinois, and the next in a store at Rushville, Illinois. For the next few years he made his home at Beardstown, Illinois, but s])ent mucli of his time in Richardson county, Nebraska, where he engaged largely in land speculations, and still owns some 2,000 acres of land on the Kansas and Nebraska line, some of it purchased in 1S58. During these years he made an extended trij) south, visiting all of the southern States exce])t Florida.

March 13, 1801, he was married to ]Vriss May F. Tull, at Beardstown, Illinois, and after a season of travel and siglit-seeing, they settled in Adams countv, Illinois, where Mr. B. eniJ^ai^ed extensivelv in farming and dealing in live stock, until about the close of the war, when, in connection with Thomas Bailey, of Camp Point, Illinois, he engaged in banking in that town, which is^ situated on the Chicago, P>urlington and Quincy railroad, twenty-five miles east of (:^uincy. This they conducted profitably until 18H9, when they opened the Aledo bank, but 80(m dissolved partnership, Mr. Bailey taking the Camp Point bank, and Mr. Byers remaining here and entering into partnership with E. Gilmore.

Mr. Byers has been uniformly successful in his business enterprises and has found his ventures in Aledo highly satisfactorj', so nuich so that when he sold out his interest in the Aledo bank, he decided to continue in the business here, after spending some months in search of a more promising location. lie thoroughly understands his business, and has the entire confidence of the business community and of his associate stockholders in the bank. He owns a commodious and handsome residence, the interior of which is a model of neatness and comfort, a home in every sense of the word.

His family consists of himself, wife, daughter Olive and sf)n Edward. To the daughter he has given every educational advantage, and she is a graduate of Monticello seminary. Her musical talent is of a su|)erior order and she ranks among tlie best in Aledo as a ])ianist and vocalist.

Upon the organization of tlie Farmers' Bank, ('a])t. L. B. Morey was associated with ]\lr. Byers in its management for the first two years, when, finding the business too confining, lie retired. Capt. Morey was almost raised in Mercer countv. He served with distinction during the w^ar as a lieutenant in company A, 37th reg. IlL A'ol. Inf., rising to the rank of ca})tain. He was for a long time on the staff of Gen. F. .1. Ilerron, during his ojjerations in Arkansas and

On the retirement of Ca])t. Morey from the bank, Mr. William N. Graham was engaged as cashier, a position in which he is now serving his fifth year, during all of which time he has faithfully discharged his duties. Mr. Graham came to Aledo over twenty years ago, engaged in the plastering business for awhile witli his brother H. P., taught school, clerked for Poage & Senter and Harvey Senter, was in the dry goods business with his brother George P. for awhile, with J. S. Paxton in the grocery business, and served one term as county treasurer, prior to entering the bank. He has always proven himself a good business man.

Such is a brief history of the banking business in Aledo, so far as Mr. Byers has been connected with it. The Farmers^ Bank is on a sound iinancial basis, has an ample capital, and is backed by men of wealtli and inliuence. It is an institution tluit has added largely to the growth and prosperity of Aledo, and deserves what it has ever received, the support and patronage of the citizens of our county.

The Aledo Bank is also one of the stjlid institutions of the county. Mr. John McKinney, Sr., bought the interest of A. M. Byers in Ajjril of 1874, and the lirm name became McKinney, Gil more & Co., the "Co.'^ being L. C. Gilmore, son of the judge. This iirm continued until April of the present year, when Mr. McKinney purchased the interest of the Gilmores, and associated with himself liis son James, under the name of McKinney & Co. Mr. John E. Gilmore, who was for some years in the employ of the old iirm, still occupies the teller's desk. The bank has an ample capital to meet all demands of its patrons.

Mr. John McKinney, Sr., was one of the early business men of Oquawka, where he for many years conducted a large and eminently successful dry goods business. Tiring of this he retired, and for a number of years did a large business in loaning money in that place and vicinity. "When he entered the Aledo Bank he purchased the fine residence of Judge John S. Thompson, and has transacted an extensive business in the way of loans, in addition to the regular banking business, having much more capital at his command than could be profitably used in tlie latter.

In 1881 he erected a large brick building adjoining the bank proi> erty and known as McKinney block. It is one of the best arranged and most commodious business blocks in town, and the only one having a phite-glass front. One room is occupied by J. H. Pamsey with his fine jewelry stock, and O. A. Wallen with boots and shoes. The other is used for the postoffice, having been built and arranged for that special purpose. The boxes, general deli\'ery, etc., are equal to those found in large cities, and wh-en fully com])leted the Aledo postoffice will be one of the best and most conveniently arranged of any in "Western Illinois. John McKinney, Jr., is postmaster, and John, senior, takes a pardonable ])ride in making the room a credit to the owner and to the village. The upper floor of the building is divided into commodious and well arranged office rooms. Mr. Mclvinney has recently })urchased the property adjoining the bank building on the south, and contem])lates building a substantial brick building thereon at an early day.

The Aledo Bank enjoys the confidence and receives the patronage of the community at large, and is known to stand A 1 in the large commercial centers. Its business is large and renumerative, and it reflects credit and adds dignity and standing to the town whose name it bears. James McKinney, the junior member of the fii-m, has for a number of years assisted his father in his loan and real estate business, and is well qualified, by education and training, for the position of cashier, which he now fills. Archie McKinney, a younger brother, has taken his place in the loan department. The latter is a young man of fine attainments, having received a thorough college training, and graduated with honor, lie read law with the firm of Pepper ct A¥ilson, and was last year admitted to the bar. He has spent several months in Chicago where he expected to remain until recalled to take his present ]K)sition. John E. Gilmore is a grandson of Judge E. Gilmore, and since the death of his father, some years ago, made his home with his grandparents. He has received a liberal education, and has a thorough business training in the bank in which he is now engaged, and his connection therewith cannot fail t(j prove advantageous to the business. The safe used is one of the best manufactured ; is made of five plates of solid steel, with solid corners, built from the outside inward, and is fire as well as burglar ])roof. It is provided with the Yale time lock, and the most approved combination locks on inner and outer doors. It weiglis three tons, and stands in a fire proof vault of rock and brick. With its large capital, and such perfect vault and safe, unlimited security is offered to depositors. The safe is as good as any in the state, and its equal cannot perhaps be found outside of Chicago. L. C. Gilmore is also still connected with the bank. Few towns in our state can boast of two such banks, and the fact that there is business enough for both speaks well for the wealth and business enterprise of Aledo and Mercer county.

all who know of the business enterprise of her citizens. The latter are enterprising, progressive and public spirited in an unusual degree. Her business houses are mostly of brick ; large and well filled with inviting and salable goods. She can boast of more and better sidewalks than any village of the same size in the state ; indeed, some of the cities will not compare favorably with her in this regard. Her churches are numerous, large and well attended. Her public schools are amono; the best in the state. Her streets are well lighted and well kept. There are an unusually large number of tine residences and comfortable homes. She is surrounded by a wealthy and prosperous farming community, and lies in the center of as rich and productive a section as can anywhere be found. While her past has been one o steady advancement, her future is promising ; there is scarcely a possibility, and no probability of a loss of prestige, or a declilie in wealth, prosperity or business enterprise.

The Aledo Weekly Record

Intimately associated with the history of Aledo is that of the "Record," established in 1857, the initial number appearing on July 14 of that year, by James H. Reed and Horace Bigelow, under the firm name of Reed & Bigelow. These gentlemen had been publishing the Oquawka "Plain Dealer," but had sold the office in May, 1857, to Magie & Mitchell. The material for the " Record " office was purchased in Chicago, shipped to Rock Island by rail, and thence transported to Aledo on wagons.

Established during the heat of the canvass for the removal of the county seat from Keithsburgto Aledo, the " Record " heartily espoused the cause of its native town, and though the time was short, contributed much toward insuring the success which in August crowned the efforts of those interested in the removal.

J. II. Reed was a man of good education, a vigorous and aggressive writer, quick and keen at repartee, and an editor of rare ability ; a good friend, but an untiring and relentless enemy in political contests. He was a man of fair business qualilications, but was not a practical printer. He died in Monmouth, Illinois.

Horace Bigelow served an apprenticeship at the printer's trade in the office of the Oquawka " Spectator,"' under Col. J. B. Patterson. In March, 1855, he purchased a one-half interest in the Oquawka "Plain Dealer," of F. A. Dallam, and was probably at that time the youngest publisher in the state, being but twenty years of age. Dal- liiiii subsequently sold to Reed, and when the firm sold the office Mr. B. spent some time in the large job ])rinting establishment of S. P. Rounds, in Chicago, increasing his knowledge of that brancli of the art. lie has the reputation of being a lirst-class business man, and has by honest industry and energy, and careful and judicious management, secured for himself and family a good home and a fair competence, owning a tine farm of 150 acres north of Aledo, adjoining tlie corporation, upon wdiich he resides and which he works to advantage and prolit, independent of his interest in the "Record " office.

In June, 1857, tlie material arrived and the office was opened in a large double building on College avenue, almost directly opposite the building now occupied. The other half of the building was occupied by Dr. S. Macy, as a dental room and drug-store, who afterward purchased and remodeled the building only to lose it by lire. A much better building now stands on the old site.

Se]jtember 1, 1S62, Mr. Reed retired from the firm, Mr. Bigelow purchasing his interest. He conducted the business alone for four years, employing Mr. John Porter as both typo and editor. September 1, 1S66, Mr. Porter purchased a one-half interest, and the firm has since been known as Porter ifc Bigelow\

John Porter, who has been political editor of the "Record" for twenty years, is perhaps one of the best read men, so far as the political history of our nation is concerned, to be found in w^estern Illinois. His life has been almost passed in a printing office, he commencing to learn the trade January 4, 1834, in the office of the Richmond "Examiner,'' in Jefferson county, Ohio, and he has stood at the case during all of these forty-eight years. He has always been a close student of political history, and possessing a memory which is almost phenomenal, he can readily call to mind men, measures and dates of the long ago"^vliich to others are but dim scraps of forgotten history. A forcible w^-iter. a wary, but not aggressive antagonist, he seeks no (puirrel, but when assailed he patientl}^ awaits his opportunity and then deals a strong and generally successful blow.

Established as a republican paper, when the republican party was in its infancy, the "Record" has remained ever loyal to the principles of the party, and has taken an active part in every campaign, whether national, state or count}^ and its utterences have been of no unceitain sound. It was one of the first newspapers to suggest the name of Abraham Lincoln as a candidate for the presidency, and one of his most earnest supporters, not only during the canvass, but throughout his administration, and also for his re-election. During the war it was loyal to the core, and its colunms were the popular medium of coiiiinunication between the Mercer bovs in the army and their friends at home, it having a correspondent in nearly every regiment in which the coimty was represented.

But while striking valiant blows for the union and for tlie cause of its party, it has kept itself singularly clear of what is termed "mud slinging ;" the rule having ever been to make no charges against opposing candidates that were not easily susceptible of proof, or at least believed to be so at the time of ^publication.

Another rule of the office, and one strictly adhered to, is that no foreign advertising will be received for less than home patrons are charged for same time and space. Consequently but few "patent medicine '^ advertisements, and others of like nature have ever appeared in its columns.

In 1 873, L. B. Doughty was employed in the office as foreman and job printer, but having had considerable exjDerience as a local wi'iter, he was soon relieved of most of the work in the composing room, and for the past eight years has had charge of the local department of the paper, which has constantly gi'own in popularity, and has been one cause of a steady increase on the subscription list, which has reached the comfortable ligure of 1,300 weekly, and is still growing.

The job department of the office is deservedly popular, and is liberally pao'onized, especially in the line of commercial work. The circulation ha^-ing grown beyond the capacity of the press which has done faithful duty for the past twenty-five years, a new Cottrell press has recently been purchased. And now, after a quarter of a century the proprietors can boast that in all that time they have never missed an issue, have never used a "patent inside," and have never failed to appear promptly on time on publication day, except in a few instances when the paper was purposely held back for important news.

As a prominent factor in the growth of village and county, as a popular means of promoting the educational interests, as well as a disseminater of reliable news, the "Kecord" has proven itself worthy of the high esteem in which it is held by those familiar with its pages ; and it has accomplished much for the moral as well as the temporal interests of the county.

The Democratic Press In Aledo

Mercer county has been politically a republican county ever since the organization of that party. Issues have occcasionally been made on men or measures by means of which republicans have been defeated, and democrats or other opponents have been elected by the people ; but these instances, however frequent, were still only excep- tional, and the continued ascendency of the republican party has been maintained and augmented greatly by the fact that as soon as the county seat was settled at Aledo, a party organ was promptly provided, the official i)atronage of the county bestowed on it, and the people, especially of the dominant party, slowly but surely educated to contribute to the material support of their newspaper.

The democratic party, in the minority numerically and without men of capital, or hopes of othcial patronage, and destitute of ambitious leaders, made no attempt to establish a party organ for nearly a dozen years after.

In the summer of 1866, circumstances conspired to make the time favorable for starting a democratic newsi)aper in Aledo, something to be made a rallving center for the democrats of the countv and those displeased with the action of the majority in congress at that time. President Lincoln had been assasinated the year before, and vicepresident Johnson, becoming acting president, projected an administrative policy to which a majority of his i)arty in congress was opposed. Hostile feeling and action arose between the acting president and the congress, and many removals and appointments to office were being made, favorable to the policy of the administration and generally favorable to the democrats. Appearances were that a change might be made in the political complexion of the whole country, and that, with the aid of what were called the liberal republicans, Mercer county even might be revolutionized. The reconstruction measures were then being enacted. Many of the republicans thought these measures too radical, if not wholly unauthorized by the organic law, while the democrats, in addition, felt exasperated at the political disadvantage at which the party was placed by the disfranchisement of so manv southern states.

One of these disart'ected republicans, Judge John S. Thompson, of Aledo, an able lawyer and shrewd organizer, was put up for congress against the republican candidate. Gen. Harding. The district was then perhaps 200 miles long, extending from Port Byron to Keokuk along the Mississippi river, and Charles Harris, of Oquawka, a straight democrat, had been able to be elected to congress not many years l>ri<)r to this election. Hope was entertained of success under the leadership of Judge Thompson, and the democrats, in this sanguine mood of mind, some time in the month of August had an informal assembly of some of its more prominent members at the Barton house in Aledo, now the Button house.

a simple personal agreement without articles of incorporation. Tlie shares were $10, and each member of the company was entitled to as man}' votes for officers as he held shares.

A considerrble amount was subscribed at this meeting, and three or four papers were prepared and put into the hands of canvassers, by means of which about $1,400 was in a short time pledged.

Before the Barton house meeting closed its sittings and put its papers in hand, it was necessary to name the paper. Several titles were proposed, of more or less partisan import ; but that fatal timidity and spirit of boundless concession that has so long been an element of weakness in the democratic party, prevailed on this occasion, and the proposed paper took the neutral meaningless title of "The Mercer County Press."

J. A. J. Birdsall, a piquant, versatile writer, and good collector of local news, who had had some experience in publishing a democratic paper in Keithsburg, was chosen as editor and publisher ; and with $1:75, advanced by Hon. T. B. Cabeen, Birdsall went to Chicago and laid in a press and materials for printing the paper, taking some credit ; and some time in the month of September the first number of the "Press" was issued.

The pledge for the payment of stock subscriptions ran in this way: "We, the undersigned, agree to pay to the publishers of 'The Mercer County Press' the sums set opposite our names, for the purpose of publishing a democratic paper in the county of Mercer and state of Illinois, whenever called for, or in a reasonable time."

The ' ' Press " was duly issued. The campaign was a spirited one, but lost to the democracy, and their earnest colleagues. After this collapse the spirit and enthusiasm of the Press company were rapidly cooled. The fatal clause in the compact giving "a reasonable" but indefinite time for payment of stock now began to show its turpitude ; not more than two-thirds of the stock was ever collected. T. B. Cabeen lost about $250 in money advanced to the ' ' Press " ; and T. S. Robb and I. C. Gilmore, and other liberal men who made advances from time to time to keej) down expenses, had more or less of final loss. The stock subscribers were nearly all amply able to pay ; but from some defect in the organization or energy in the conduct of afiairs, no forcible means were ever employed to make collections.

The subscriptions to the paper were taken up in the same hasty, loose manner that characterized the stock subscriptions. But few were pressed to pay on sight, and all were freely trusted; besides, many wei'e scored down on the list without having been consulted or seen ; and as a natural and inevitable result, the establishment was soon carrying an immense delin(]uent list, and suftering a large accumulation of unpaid bills for labor, materials, rent, and contingent expenses.

Added to these untoward circumstances was the damai>;ini>: knowledge that the Johnsonian policy was not to succeed. The reconstruction measures went on without interru])tion. Tlie acting president was hemmed in on all sides by what was known as the "radicals."" The tenure-of-office act virtually took away from him the a})pointing i)Ower by denying him the right to make arbitrary removals. When the president's patronage was thus shorn otf, his influence and prestige fell with it, and he was shortly after put on the defensive by articles of impeachment.

It was only natural that many of the liberals should quietly slide back to a more solid base ; and that the democracy, hopelessly defeated^ w^ould experience more or less demoralization in their ranks. Mr. Birdsall, tinding the pecuniary results of his labors unsatisfactory, after the first year, gave way to a young man named Wilson, of whom little seems to be known, and who occupied the editorial chair but a short time, and with not very satisfactory results. Some time later in the year 186T David R. Waters, a former citizen of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, but then a resident of Aledo, and a law partner of Hon. Charles M. Harris, of Oquawka, took the management of the "Press."' He was a man of fine abilities in many directions. In temperament he was nervous, and possibly a little too sanguine for a safe business man ; and a little too radical for the political success of a minority party. He was, however, a fully reliable democrat, an able political writer and speaker, and a faithful worker for the cause he had espoused. His zeal for his own cause, and Jiis abhorence of the supposed eiTors of his opponents, seemed to lead him sometimes into business and even social discriminations among those he came in contact with. The business up to about the beginning of the year 1868 had been done in a low, but roomy building that had been occu])ied during and before the war by Mr. Edwards as a dry goods merchant. It stood n(jrth of the Aledo house and on nearlj^ the site now occupied by I. N. Edwards' ice-house ; it was afterward removed to Fifth street, on the south side, between Walnut street and College avenue, on the second floor of a frame building owned and then occupied by A. M. Byers with the first bank in Aledo. Here Mr. Waters completed his labors not long after April 1, 1869, when it was sold by the company to John Geiger, of Aledo, for $800 ; who immediately added to the materials, which were barely sufficient to issue the newspaper, a careiiilly-selected little job office, at a cost of about $500. This outlay, timely made, would have avoided one great source of financial Weak-

The new projirietor, recognizing the fact that the "Press," notwithstanding its able editorial management, had closed out a financial faihire, and was virtually a pauper, believed that public conlidence could sooner be secured by starting a new paper, with a title more expressive of its character and objects ; and with this view he made no attempt to resurrect the shattered fortunes of the "Press,*' but April 13, 1869, issued the first number of "The Democratic Banner." The few years that had now passed since the war, had begun to temper its ascerbities, and with the better feelings and better facilities the new venture received a fair share of remunerative business. It was conducted a while longer in Byers building, and afterward a small frame building on College avenue, 18x36 feet in size, was purchased of Jacob Cool, the same that, -vvitli its open, red-trimmed front, is now used for a piimary school ; to this place the office was removed, where it remained until some time in the autumn of 1872.

The "Banner"' during this time held the leading principles and sentiments of the old school democracy ; and frequently found occasion to dissent from the new methods and policies propounded by platforms and leaders of the times. The editor had, in 1872, voted alone in the state convention, against a resolution favoring the nomination of Horace Greeley. And when afterward the nomination was made by the national convention, he denounced both the nomination and the nominee, without reserve, as being unfit, whether viewed in the light of principle or of policy.

The nomination was, however, accepted all over the Union. Here in Mercer count}', besides the remnant of liberal republicans that had not returned to their old home, there was an informal, unorganized, intangible, but omnipresent little party, then sometimes known as grangers. This fugitive gypsy body, as well as the liberals, were enthusiastic adherents to Horace Greeley. [Mistake : grangers didn't spring up till spring of 1873. - Ricker]. And by their ardent proffers of material, as well as moral support, O. P. Arthur was induced to make purchase of the "Banner" office, and he took possession early in July 1872. He was a young man but lately from the Monmouth College, and at this time was a law student in the office of Bassett & Connell. He had energy and learning, and a good order of talent ; and withal could give to the "great commoner" a consciencious support. The "Banner" was still conducted as a democratic organ, and supported democratic men and measures. The business was for awhile conducted at the little red front building, but was shortly after removed

Mercer Towxship

Some time after the defeat of Greelev at the approach of the depression of 1873, the greenback party began to materialize ; and besides the political gypsies of the country, many from each of the established parties, from one cause and another, arising mostly out of the pressure of the times, gave adherence and active sup])ort to the new party. The "Banner" supported the movement with such N-igor that the party promised at one time to become at least second in the county in ]»oint of numbers. Arthur was a leader of acknowledged influence. About this time he changed slightly the name of the paper. Dropping the word "Democratic,"' the title thereafter was "The Aledo Banner.'' By trenchant articles on the linancial abuses of both parties, by public speeches and ingenuous enterprises for increasing his circulation, he brought its reading patronage at one time nearly, if not quite, 'up to that of the old established "Aledo Record."

But reverses came, or rather culminated. Arthur was young and without experience or capital. His dash and talent brought him admirers and even friends ; but only feeble and dilatory material suppoi-t. Had he known the hollowness of proffered patronage he would never have been tempted into the uncertain field of party politics. He had not then read, with ])roper interpretation, the history and achievements of Col. Mulberry Sellers, or he would not have leaned on the broken reeds that failed him when the hour of need came.

The net earnings of the "Banner" office were, however, considerable, and from his surplus Arthur added largely to the material of the establishment. But in his coniidence he had married a wife ; and amono; the unseen calamities of all lives, it happened that his young wife shortly after took sick of a lingering and incurable disease. Personal distraction from business, and large continued expenses, deprived him of the means of a thorough prosecution of his work ; and on his invitation, about June 1, 1877, John Geiger was associated with him, and as an ecjual partner and editor-in-chief changed the paper once more to a straight democratic organ. Arthur's wife died in the ensuing winter; and about May 1, 1878, he sold his remaining half of the office to John Geiger, who again became sole owner of the paper he had established nine years before. Arthur, after settling up his accounts and arranging his iinancial affairs, went to Colorado, where he has since held several important trusts and established himself in a very respectable and fairly lucrative law practice.

During the heated campaign of 1878 for some cause, never fiilly declared, but generally understood here. Rev. P. F. Warner, who had formerly made some favorable acquaintances here as a preacher of the Congregational church, came on several occasions and olfered to buy out the " Banner " office and run it as an independent paper. Geiger having bought the office only with a %dew of closing up its affairs honorably, now sold to Mr. Warner, reserving one column for the use of the democratic cainpaign not yet closed ; and on September 20, 1878, the new proprietor took the chair. He was a graduate of Yale College. He had considerable literary ability; wrote fine essays on theological and moral subjects for the pulpit, and wrote with some force and elegance on political topics so far as he had made acquaintance with them. But he was unacquainted with the details of newspaper making, and was obliged to trust much to employes. He was a good collector and financial manager, and while he held the democratic support turned over to him, the business was prosperous.

But some time in the next year, either with a view of supplanting the " Record " office as an organ, or from some abnormal working of a political conscience, he gave up the independent position, and came out a full fledged republican.

While this movement gave pleasure to some republicans that were not wholly satisfied with the "Record," it gave displeasure to a great number of democratic supporters, who did not think themselves dealt with in entirely good faith. Slowly many of these dropped out, while no material strength was drawn from the other political party.

After the presidential campaign of 1880 had so far developed as to give the democrats hopes of carrying the national election, John Geiger was again solicited to give the party a campaign newspaper. To this he assented, but the season was already advanced, and the enterprise would not admit of delay, nor of an expensive outfit. R. Russell had a neat little job office over W. H. Holmes' hardware store on the avenue. To this was added the old press of the Woodhull enter])rise, and a snudl collection of good material bought of one Remington, who had some time before conducted a little "snide*" paper in the professed interest of the local republicans, but really for his bread ; and a few more were obtained from L. F. Jobusch, Jr., who, then only a lad, after experimenting a while with a toy press, started a sheet called the "Democratic Press," which, however, deserves only to be mentioned as the visionary scheme of a boy, abandoned for want of means to sustain, or ability to conduct it. He has, liowever, since occu])ied an advantageous jjosition of society editor on Carl Pretzel's paper in Chicago. He is a plausible and genial young man. "With these fi-agments added to Ilussell's job materials, the paper was started about the second week in July ; a seven-column folio, to run six months, for $1 per copy. A circulation of about 500 was gathered up, and the enterprise about ])aid the expenses, as expected. As the first of January drew near, a strong wish from different parts of the county was expressed that the pajier now so nearly established and the party so finely organized should not be separated ; but that with the ])resent basis we should go on and establish a permanent organ for the party in Mercer county. Other new materials were promptly purchased, and the paper which was called '' The Aledo Democrat,'' was enlarged to an eight-column, and the first number issued in January, at the close of the campaign edition.

About or near June 1, 1881, the proprietor of the "Democrat" associated with himself R. Russell and George M. Eames, two sober, industrious young men of Aledo, well skilled in newspaper and jt)b printing ; and tlie new firm of Geiger, Russell & Eames bought out the old "Banner" materials from Mr. Warner, and adding them to the other materials of the "Democrat,"' moved all into the "Banner'"' building, and the '' Banner" then ended its singular career and disa]> peared, Mr. Warner, its last owner, nuiking another venture in Havanna, Illinois.

Few newspapers in the world have had so singlar a history as the "Banner." It is doubtful whether ever before any political paper has gone the rounds, and alternately advocated the tenets of all parties and factions, and rej^eated its original position, and made the entire cycle in twelve years, and yet received liberal support in nearh' all its tortuous course. It proves that our people's minds are flexible ; and further, that a newspaper .is valued more for its news and intelligence and advertising facilities than for its political platform.

In the month of August, 1881, Mr. Russell, of the "Democrat,'' being oflered an advantageous ])osition at Kansas City, sold his interest to the senior partner ; and on the first of October so much was transferred to Mr. Eames as to make him an equal partner, and the firm name became Geiger & Eames. The paper is in a fairly prosperous condition ; is still democratic, but, as heretofore, liberal, and not trammeled by platforms or the opinions of leaders, and generally finds sufiicient scope and liberty within the expansive and elastic folds of its alma mater.

Aledo Public Schools

The first school taught in Aledo was by J. E. Ilarroun, but in what building: we cannot learn. This was during the winter of 1856-7. In the following winter Rev. Bigger opened a school in his residence, at the then south end of College avenue, and known as the Dr. Woods house. It is now the property of E. L. Wolff, and has been thoroughly overhauled and refitted, and is occupied as a parsonage by Eev. Thomas Stephenson of the first Presbyterian church. In the spring of 1857, the new school-building, now the court-house, was occupied, and Frank Herdman was employed in the capacity of assistant. Mr. H. had no de})artment under his charge, as in the graded system of the present day, but occupied a recitation room, the classes leaving Mr. Bigger''s room at stated hours for recitation. We remember Frank as a fine elocutionist, and that his meth<jds of teaching were then far in advance of the age. Mr. Bigger was a man of finished education, and proved himself a good and thorough teacher. .

During the two following winters the schools were taught by Mr. Baird and wife of New York. They were earnest Methodists, and made many friends here, especially among the membership of that church. The next term was taught by Mr. Pinkerton, and IMisses Morgan, Harris and Shutledge, all of Pennsylvania. Joseph McCoy, Mrs. A. M. Young, and Miss Madden, the latter of Monmouth, taught in the winter of 1861-2. The two former still reside in Aledo.

During the next year we cannot learn who taught the school, except that Mr. McCoy was principal. About this time a new school building was contracted for and erected ; the one until then used having been refused by the school board, from the contractors or builders, on account of some alleged fault in its erection. It was taken by the proprietors of the town, and by them sold to the county at a nominal figure, and has ever since been used as a court-house. School opened in the new building, in block 55, and a part of the one now used, in the fell of 1863, with Mr. McKay Young, Wm. N. Graham, and Miss Eva Marquis as teachers. Mr. Young is the ])resent police magistrate of Aledo, and Mr. Graliam is cashier of the Farmers' Bank. The following year Sennit Kirk was principal and Miss Libbie Perkins was one of his assistants. James McMillen presided in 1865-6, assisted by Mr. Pardee, Mrs. Lizzie Porter, wife of John Porter, of the "Eecord," and Miss Nettie Smith. The latter resigned during the term and Anna McMillen filled the vacancy. During the latter year an addition was erected to the school-house, giving six large class rooms and one recitation room. The entire building is of frame, two low stories in height; arranged with some view to convenience but no attention paid to securing a proper ventilation. In 1866-7, ]\Ir. Pardee was prineij>al, assisted by Mrs. Porter, Miss M. M. Bnrbank, now Mrs. AVilson, of Keene, New Hampshire, and Miss Emma Stevens, now Mrs. J. H. Aberorombie, ofAledo. J. E. Ilarroun was principal the following year. Mr. H. was one of the leading educators of our county, and as such, we give elsewhere a brief sketch of his life, so far as it pertains to this history. Mrs. Mary Walker, Mra. Porter, Mrs. A. M. Young, Misses M. M. Burbank, Emma Stevens, and Anna IMaury, were teachers in 1868-!). The hitter is now Mrs. Wm. Bunting, of David City, Nebraska. In 1860-70, Sylvanus B. Atwater, now of Greene township, presided, assisted by Miss A. E. Frazier, now county superintendent of schools, Mrs. Porter, ]\Irs. Young, Misses Eva and Jennie Marquis, and Ella Gailey. C. W. Sherman was princi})al in 1870, 1871-2, two terms, assisted by Mrs. "i'oung, and Misses Amanda and Tilla Frazier, Miss Burbank, and Miss Belle McCoy, now Mrs. W. L. Duncan, both terms, and Miss Thornton the tirst term, or a j^art of it. Mr. Sherman was at that time a local preacher in the Methodist church, but after his work as a teacher ended here, he entered the itineracy, but has since severed his connecticfn with the church and is now a traveling evangelist.

A. U. Barler (now deceased), w^as principal for three terms, beginning in the fall of 1872 and ending in the spring of 1875. Assistants same as the last year except that Miss Barcroft succeeded Miss Burbank. Second term Misses Mollie Walker, Ella Gailey, Edith Pruyn, N. A. Campbell, Louisa Merryman and Mrs. Comfort were employed as assistants. Mrs. Comfort and Miss Pruvn resio-ned earlv in the term, Miss Marie Ilebbard and Miss Olivia Pattison being em])loyed to till the vacancies.

Alex. Stephens, of Washington, Iowa, was elected princii)al in 1875, and still holds that position. A full account of his school work will be found in a brief sketch of his life, hereto appended. His assistants the iirst year were : Misses Ella Gailey, N. A. Campbell, Marie Hebbard, Blanche Rutledge, Tilla Frazier and Millie E. Reed, latter of Monmouth. A new department was added to the school this year, and the school-building not being large enough, a small building about one block distant, on the east side of College avenue, was leased and fitted up for a school-room. A year or two prior to this a tax was authorized, levied and collected, for the pur})ose of building additional room, but until 1881, the citizens could never agree upon a location, although the (juestion was submitted to them nearly every year. The increase of the enrollment from year to year rendered more departments and more room necessary, and the upper lioor of a brick building south of the railroad was leased and fitted up so that it could be used, but the rooms were poorly arranged, and were at the best but a poor excuse and make-shift for a village whose greatest pride is in her churches and her public school§.

1S78-9. - Misses Campbell, Rutledge, Gailey, Crawford, Hebbard and Reed, and Mrs. M. J. Waterman, and Mrs. T. H. Ennis. The latter only taught three months and was succeeded by Miss N. A. Wilson.

At the term of 1880-81, K. M. Whitham was employed as teacher of the grammar department, a position he has since well filled, and which he will doubtless fill during the next term. He is a young man of more than average ability, and should he devote his life to the profession, would make a place for himself among the best educators of the land. He is utilizing his 'vacations by reading law in the oflice of L. D. Holmes, and this profession may prove more attractive than that of teaching.

In the fall of 1881 the course of study was advanced to include Latin, German, geometry, trigonometry and book-keeping, and Miss Mary E. Turnbull, of Monmouth, was employed as teacher of these branches and assistant })rincipal, a position which she was well qualified to fill and the duties of which she discharged in an eminently satisfactory manner.

The teachers for the ]>ast term were : Alex. Stephens, principal ; Miss Mary E. Turnbull, assistant ; K. M. Whitham, grammar department ; Miss Campbell, fourth intermediate ; Miss Rutledge, third intermediate; Miss Zerie Miller, second intermediate; Mrs. A. M. Hall, first intermediate ; and the Misses Mary I. Allen and Tillie Matthews, primary de})artments.

Enrollment for school year 1881-2, 460. The school is fitted up with ma])s, globes and other aj^paratus ; a human skeleton and anatomical cliarts have been added recently, and also a collection of insects and other zoological s])ecimens.

The first students (jnuluated were in the class of 1878, and were tlie foHowing : Sadie Eanies, Oarence Fiirgo, Una Evans, Plihna Lundbhid, Leota Hause, Norma Pe])per, ^famie Ciinningliam.

Miss Zerie Miller, one of the teachers above mentioned, is worthy of special mention, as she is a gi-aduate of the school in which she has so long held her present position. The circumstances of her widowed mother were such that an academic or collegiate course was entirely out of tlie question, but she early set to work to fit herself for teaching, and by untiring labor and a hai)py tact in making the most of the advantages within her reach, she has attained a success beyond her brightest antici])ations.

Miss May I. Allen, who has taught one of the primary departments for the past three years, resides in Warren county, adjoining the Mercer line. Ller education has been liberal, and she is peculiarly fitted in nature and disposition tor the i)Osition. She is the friend, playmate and companion (#f the little ones under her charge, and has not only won their hearts, but the esteem of their parents, and her pupils have ever shown a marked and rapid degree of advancement.

Misses Ttutledge and Campbell have long held positions and have proven excellent teachers. Mrs. Hall has just closed her second term in a most satisfactory manner, while Miss Matthews, in her single term, has well eai-ned the esteem of the school patrons.

In 1881, by vote of the i)eo])le, the directors were authorized to borrow money to build additional school-buildings, to levy a tax to repay the same, and block 101, south of the railroad, was selected and purchased for a school site. Dissatisfied i)arties procured an injunction against building there, which, though not sustained in the courts, delayed the work until too late to build last year. In the spring of this year (1882), a })etition signed by over 200 of the voters of the district, was presented to the directors asking them to call an election to vote upon the question of rescinding the vote selecting block 101 as a school site, and authorizing the erection of a building large enough to accommodate the entire district, upon block 55, the present school site. The election was held, and both propositions carried by decisive majorities. Another election was held upon the question of purchasing the east half of the block, but this was defeated. The directors are now receiving bids for the erection of a building of which the following, compiled from the plans and specifications, is a description, and is an extract from an article prepared by the writer and published in tlie Aledo '^Record" of July 5, 1882: The building is to be of brick, with stone foundation, 73 feet 10 inches by 65 feet 6 inches on the ground, with vestibule on east and west sides each 33 feet by 10 feet 5 inches, and on the south 19 feet by 5 feet 9 inches, the two former running to top of building, the latter only to top of basement. In the basement will be two class-rooms, each 31x23 feet, with ceiling 10 feet 2 inches high ; two fuel and storage rooms, two large furnaces for heating, closets, halls, stairways, etc. The first and second floors will each contain four class-rooms, two 32x23 feet each and two 31 X23 feet each. The second floor will contain in addition a recitation room over north hall 15x17 feet, and principal's reception room and apparatus room over east hall. The ceilings on both floors will be 13 feet high. Separate doors, halls, stairways and closets are provided for boys and girls, two closets for the pupils and one for the teacher connected with each room. Ample ventilation of the most approved kind is provided for, in the shape of cold and foul air ducts. Doors and windows are to be stone capped. The halls are provided with huge folding or double doors, opening either out or in. A large belfry and cupola, witli iron coping on the roof, completes the description. The speciflcations require the best of work and the use of the very best material. The floors are to be of southern yellow pine, of boards not more than 4 inches in width. Those of the two u]>per floors are to be made double, the inner one being covered with 1-| inches of mortar, for the purpose of deadening the sound. The floors do not lie directly upon the joists, as in ordinary buildings ; the latter are crossed with furring two inches square, and the floors laid on these, lengthwise with the joists. The furnace rooms are to be floored and covered with brick. All rooms are to be provided with blackboards on two walls, to be made of slate from a Pennsylvania quarry, to be in slabs 7x4 feet in size and J inch in thickness, to be bedded in flush with plastering and just above the wainscoting. The speciflcations certainly call for one of the best arranged school-buildings in western Illinois, one of which any community may well feel proud; just what the schools of Aledo deserve and what the district needs.

Prof. Alex. Stephens

The subject of this sketch was born December Ifi, 1840, in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and was the second child of "William L. and Margaret (Elliott) Stephens, and was reared on his father's farai until the a";e of fifteen years, when he commenced a course at the Marketville academy in tlie summers and teaching during the winters. He graduated in 1856, and for the next two years had charge of the mathematical department of that institution.

In 1859 he entered Bloomlield college, in the same county, and completed the classical course in 1862. He then commenced the study of medicine, but, for what he deemed good reasons, abandoned it at the end of six months, and in the fall of 1863 entered the State N^ormal school, where he spent a 3'ear in special training for a teacher. He taught at various points in his native state until 1872, when he emigrated to Washington, Iowa, and accepted the principalship of the South AYard school, which he held until 1875, assisting also in the conduct of the county Xormal school. In the latter year he moved to Aledo and took charge of the public schools as principal, a position he has held until tlie present time, and which he has been offered for the coming term. During his administration the standard improvement in the school has been greatly advanced, and it now ranks among the best in the state ; has risen high in the favor of the people, and of his colaborers in the profession, and has secured a substantial and enduring reputation as an educator. He is of a genial, kindly disposition, earnest and thorough in any work he undertakes, and a man calculated not only to make friends, but also to keep them.

In 1865 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Leonard. They have but one child, Logan, now in his sixteenth year. They have here a commodious and well furnished residence where they are ever pleased to meet any and all of their hosts of friends, and are never happier tlian in dispensing their hospitality.

The graduates of the school give to Prof. Ste})liens the utmost credit and veneration for his kindly direction and assistance during their school days, and ai'e ever warm in their expressions of gratitude and appreciation.

The work accomplished by him in and for the Aledo public schools is outlined in the following extract from a report of the last commencement by the writer of this sketch, and published in the Aledo '-'Record" of May 24. 1882. It speaks for itself: "For the school year of 1875 and 1876 the enrollment was 360; last year it was 470. During the first there were 5,679 days of absence, last year but 1,832; cases of tardiness first year 1,708, last year only 45; neither absent or tardy first year 12, last year 123 ; over forty per cent failed to pass for advancement the 'first year, less than twenty per cent failed last year; per cent of punctuality first year eighty, last year ninety-nine and ninety-nine one-lmndredths. We do not believe that there is another school in the state that can show such a record as this last item. And punctuality means nine o'clock in the morinng and one o'clock in the afternoon, not one or two minutes after these hours. There have now been fiftytwo certificates of graduation issued within the past five years. Of those holding them sixteen are now or have been teaching, and six hold first grade certificates from the county superintendent. The certificates are for the scientific course, which includes orthography, reading, penmanship, arithmetic, English grammar, geograpliy, United States history, zoology, botany, natural philosophy, algebra, composition, civil government, and word analysis. We have good reasons to be proud of our schools, proud of our principal, proud of his assistants, and proud of the graduates. We believe that the Aledo public schools equal, if they do not surpass any in the state."

Joseph Elliott Harroun was born in Crawford county, Pennsylvania. He removed when a young man to Galesburg, Illinois, and entered Lombard University, from whence he came to Mercer county, in 1853, teaching school at the Pryne school-house, two miles east of New Boston, the winter of that year. In March, 1855, he married Miss Margaret A., daughter of William Willits, of New Boston township, and removed to Wapello, Iowa, where he edited the "Wapello Intelligencer," for some months. In the spring of 1856 he came back to Mercer county, locating in Aledo, where he erected the first building, in which he opened and kept the first boarding-house. He was the first postmaster of Aledo, and it is said that he carried the mail around in his hat. He taught the first school in the village, in the winter of that year, and held for some years the office of town clerk. In 1858 he was elected county superintendent of schools, and proved one of the best and most efiicient ofticers that have ever filled that position. During his term of two years he visited every school district in the county, ninety in all, giving all the schools a personal supervision ; helping and advising the teachers ; making a suggestion here and there, but always in a kindly spirit, and with no air of dictation. He was the warm friend and sup])orter of the earnest teacher, but had little patience with those who taught merely to "fill in the time." He also held institutes and gave lectures, and was prominently connected wit)i the county normals and institutes. lie introduced the first orrery and telurian ever in the county, and carried them with him in his school visits, explaining their workings to each school. He spoke in an easy, happy manner, that won and held the attenti(m of pupils. His methods and ideas were all new, and by some deemed peculiar ; but if so, it was only that they were in advance of the times, as they have since been adopted and made an integral part of our school system as relates to methods of teaching. He was one of the first teachers in the county to attempt to impart instruction orally, and insisted that his pupils should study the meaning of their lesson, rather than the words.

His term of service as superintendent was of great benefit to the schools of the county, and he is entitled to all the more credit for his labors wlien we remember that at that time there was no salary to the office.

In 1858 Mr. Harroun removed to a new farm he was opening three and one-half miles southeast of Aledo, where he resided until about two years ago. During that time he taught school a part of the time, at Gingle's corners, Perryton township ; Freer's school-house, and in his home district, Mercer township ; and at Smnbeam ; in all, nine terms. In 1876 he taught in jS^ew Boston.

While farming he paid considerable attention to the improvement of stock, making short-horn cattle a specialty, and his herd was frequently exhibited at our county fairs, where it always attracted attention. He was for years prominently connected with the agricultural board, serving as vice-president and secretary for six years. He took an active part in the removal of the fairs from Millersburg to Aledo, and in purchasing and fitting up the new grounds.

In 1880 he received the. appointment of clerk of the district court of Cassia county, Idaho Territory, and selling his farm he removed to Albion, in that country, where he still resides. He is now probate judge and deputy clerk of the district court of that county.

He was a member of the 102d 111. Vol. Inf , in the late war, enlisting as a ])rivate but soon rising to the rank of orderly sergeant, and being commissioned lieutenant of his company prior to the close of his term of service. He })artici]iated in the marches, engagements, and manifold trials incident to army life in connection with his regiment.

He is the father of six children, viz. : Adella T., born February 12, 1856 ; married February 22, 1876, to Sanford M. Huston ; now resides at Geneva, Nebraska. Dora C, born July 30, 1858 ; married