Ontario Township (part 2 of 3)

The village of Maquon is situated near the site of an old Indian village on the north line of the township on section 4, with a view of the Spoon river to the south. It was surveyed in 1836 by Parnach Owen, assisted by John G. Sanburn, William ^IcGowan, Judge R. L. Hannaman, Mr. Richmond and Mr. Biers.

Nothing that has ever been said to the knowledge of the writer, indicates that the people of Maquon are different from other people. They have always been a law-abiding people and as honorable in their dealings as other folks so far as is known, but for some reason not stated, the village was slow in establishing religious and educational influences. They had a distillery and a racetrack; both of these institutions have gone and a school and a church have taken their place, and both are well supported. The people today are abreast with those of any other town in the county, and there is no town in the county where the women are more alive to the interests of their own sex than in Maquon. We are indebted to the women of that village for a large part of all that is known and preserved of Indian life throughout this part of the country. The village was incorporated March 19, 1857, and the town has steadily grown and today it has about 700 inhabitants. Notwithstanding the fact that it once supported a distillery, it has not supported a saloon for many years. At present it has ample banking facilities, grocery stores, dry goods, drug stores, newspapers and other industries that supply about all the wants of the inhabitants of the village and the surrounding county.

The Maquon physicians have always been reliable and up-to-date. The private bank of William Swigart has been in operation since i88i. The banking interests of Maquon are fully set out in the article on banks of the county.

Mr. A. M. Maple was for many years a prosperous merchant and left the business in the hands of his son, C. F. Maple, in 1896. These gentlemen have always been highly spoken of for tHeir honesty and fair dealing.

The religious and banking interests of Maquon have been referred to in this article but the reader is respectfully referred to articles on those subjects found on other pages of this history. If any information is wanted in regard to anyone of the churches of Maquon, reference to the matter will be found in the article written upon that church under its respective denomination, in the article written for the whole county. The reader is further referred to the article on banking in Knox county for information in regard to the several banks of Maquon. " Maquon has had its share of experience with the different fraternal organizations. The Odd Fellows have been represented by the Maquon lodge No. 256, I. O. O. F., and the Degree of Rebecca. The Masons have been represented under the Maquon lodge No. 530, A. F. and A. M., and there has been a flourishing order of the Eastern Star for the wives and daughters of the Masons. Maquon lodge No. 171, K. of P., and the Bertie Lenore Temple have also flourished here. These orders are all fraternal orders and there is not much that can be said to the public in regard to them.

-* It has been stated that the village of Maquon was incorporated on the I9th of March, 1857. At that election there were fifty-five voters, forty-one cast their ballot for, and fourteen against incorporation. Notices of this election were posted on the pth of March.

A calaboose was talked about December 13, 1865, at a meeting called for that purpose. It seems a calaboose had been built by the citizens and organized on the West End, Block ii. This building was made of 3x6 planks spiked together and consisted of but one small room, having one door and a small hole for a window. Iron bars were placed over the hole that served for a window. Two years and one month later it was moved and seconded that the building be sold to the highest and best bidder, for the highest cash, and the proceeds ' .used for building a plank walk. There is nothing to show that it was actually sold. This building had been bought by the citizens of Maquon village and was taken possession of by the village at the time above referred to.

Foregoing facts regarding Maquon township and village have been gathered ; from various sources and the writer would make special acknowledgments to Mrs. Eva Chapin Maple and to Miss Jennie McKenney. -

At the time of the organization of the county in 1830 there were supposed to be 350 inhabitants. The needs of the county were relatively very small and taxation was somewhat primitive in the manner of assessing. There were no roads to keep up, the construction of bridges a thing of the future and the officers of the county were paid by fees for the services rendered. As the population increased and people began to go from township to township and to market at a distance, the necessity for roads and bridges, became imperative. The products of the soil had tp be moved and sold; this brought in more money and a reasonable tax could be levied and collected with comparative ease. If the roads were worked and the bridges built the produce could be taken to market, so about all the taxing that was done at the start was for roads and bridges. We therefore have the following action by the county commissioners.

Ordered, That the Labor Tax for each able-bodied man between the age of twenty-one and fifty years shall be fixed at two days, to be done under the direction of the supervisor of each road district in which they may reside, for the ensuing year ending on the ist Monday in March, 1836. .' -. I . ':

Ordered, That a tax of one-half the amount of the state tax as provided in the Revenue Law, be and the same is hereby levied on every tract of land situated within said county (except such lands as are exempt from taxation, by the compact with the general government) for the ensuing year - said tax to be assessed, collected and paid agreeably to the provisions of an act concerning public roads, approved February 3rd, 1835.

Ordered, That the tax levied on lands by the foregoing order shall be applied in the several road districts in which such lands are situated, for the purpose of building bridges and causeways and opening roads, and erecting guide posts, so far as the same may be needed for said purposes, under the direction of the several supervisors in said road districts ; the balance of said tax to be paid into the county treasury, to be applied by the county commissioner's court, agreeably to the provisions of the act under which the same is levied.

Since that time the system of taxation has changed very much. Then it seems that a tax on land was made only for road purposes and that a small personal property tax was sufficient to pay the other expenses of the county. Today the practice is to levy taxes upon all species of property and deposit the entire revenue with the county treasurer, and in addition to that to pass an appropriation bill, every item of which shall be paid out of the general sum so raised.

The following statement of the property assessed and the taxes charged in Knox county for the year 1855 with the addition of a corresponding statement for the year 1905 for comparison will be very interesting, and they are given below: .. . . ,. . .

I hereby certify that the following is a true and correct statement of the V, property assessed and taxes charged in the County of Knox for the year 1855. !;. ;---:.-:;.- Number Amount

Located on the corner of South Cedar and Simmons Streets. Erected in 19O4. Value, $10,000. Institution established in 1890. Purpose: to provide a temporary home for homeless and friendless children of Knox County, and to assist mothers in sickness or distress.

Central I'.Vrr

A beautifi?! spot 'n the hrriiier? i ortion of the city. Street cars diverge here into all parts of the city, A favorite resting place in the hot days of summer. . .. . ....._..

Located on the corner of South Cedar and Simmons Streets. Erected in I'.MU. X'alue. SHi.ooi). Institution established in 18!»o. Purpose: to provide a temporary home for homeless and friendless children of Knox County, and to assist mothers in sickness or distress.

Ckmkal I'Akk

/: The system for the assessment and taxation of railroads in this county when they were first constructed is made to appear in the action taken by the board of supervisors at the September meeting, 1856, which is here given as it appears on the records :

;; The clerk then laid before the board the schedules returned to his office by the different railroad companies being that portion of the railroads in the said county of Knox for taxation, and after a full examination by the board of the same it is ordered that the lands in the schedules of the Northern Cross Railroad be assessed at ten dollars per acre, and that the other property in said schedule be assessed at the value set forth in said schedule. It is further ordered by the board the property of the Central Military Tract Railroad and also of the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad be assessed at the value reported by said companies. Provided, however, and on motion it is ordered that the supervisors of the different towns through which the Central Military Tract Railroad runs be authorized and requested to ascertain the additional improvement made by said company from the 1st day of May, A. D. 1855 till the ist day of April, A. D. 1856, and report the amount of the same to the county clerk which additional amount to be assessed and taxed to said company.

The assessing of railroad property today is done by the State Board of Equalization principally. Under the head of right of way is included the road bed and all other permanent improvements. All of this is taken care of by the State Board of Equalization and the county clerk distributes the value among the cities, villages and school districts through which it passes. The local assessor gets only the furniture, machinery, etc.

The Northern Cross Railroad and the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad, not having filed schedules of the taxable property of said roads as required by l:-w, the county clerk presented to the board the schedule filed by the Northern Cross Railroad for the year 1856 and also a schedule of the Peoria and Oquawka Railroad as made by himself, which being examined by the board were approved and on motion it is ordered by the Board that the main and side track of both of said roads and the lands be assessed at the same value as the lands, main and side track of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad - and that the rolling stock of both the two first named roads be assessed in the same sums as the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy road in proportion to their rolling stock and other personal property to be estimated and made out by the said county clerk.

One of the unfortunate habits into which some of our treasurers of cities, towns and townships fell before the law forbidding the re-election of such officers, was that of allowing personal property which might be collected to pass uncollected and returning it to the county treasury to be by him collected under the pretense that the municipal or township collector could find no property out of which to make such collection. As long ago as May, 1860, this practice had become so fixed and prevalent that the board saw fit to pass the following resolution.

Resolved, That the supervisor of each town where the collector has manifestly failed in using reasonable diligence in the collection of the personal property tax, give notice to such collector to procure a copy of the delinquent tax on personal property, and proceed to collect and report amount collected at the next meeting of this board and that a committee be appointed to report to the board at next meeting, what action is expedient to be taken in enforcing the rights of the county against collectors neglecting their duties. - '--..'.-

- The only necessity of such a resolution is that the officers neglecting a duty to collect imposed upon him by law must be that such officer imagined that in case he asked for a re-election the persons so favored by letting their personal property tax go by and be collected by the county treasurer will be under certain obligations to support him in such re-election. ;. - C i,

January Meeting, i86i. - Report of committee on payment of taxes in currency. Supervisor Gale, from special committee, to whom was referred the petition of citizens of Knox county, asking the board to authorize collectors to receive the bills of Illinois banks in payment of taxes, made the following report :

The committee to whom was referred the petition of citizens praying the board to authorize the collectors to receive currency in payment of taxes. Report, That the revenue law provides that the county revenue shall be collected in gold and silver coin, county orders and jury certificates issued by the county, and in no other currency. The collectors of this state shall collect the revenue for state purposes in gold and silver coin, auditor's warrants and in no other currency whatever. ^'; .r -

The committee are of opinion that no authority is possessed by this board to authorize the collector to take any currency prohibited by statute.

The committee are of opinion that all the taxes, whether state, county or special should be collected in the paper of the secured banks of this state. '-'> That the present system required a sacrifice oi\the part of the tax payers that the advantage to the state, of receiving the revenue in gold does not warrant.

That during the time of collection of taxes, the artificial demand created by the wants of the tax payers, enhances the price of gold, and the same gold is seldom, or never, worth to the parties who receive it from the state, as much as it costs the tax payers. r

The committee recommend that a resolution be passed by the board petitioning the legislature for the passage of an act, directing the collector to receive in payment of all taxes the secured notes of the banks of this state, and that the board by resolution, recommend to the citizens of this county, to petition the legislature of this state for the passage of such an act. Which report was accepted, and adopted.

-- Report of committee to whom was referred the petition of Nathaniel Barbero asking to be relieved from the liability as bondsman, on collector's bond of the town of Maquon, beg leave to report:

On motion of Supervisor Finch it was voted by the board that N. Barbero be and he is hereby released from so much of his liability on such bond as relates to the county tax, and that he is exonerated therefrom.

Resolved^ That in the opinion of this board the taxes of this state should be collected in the secured notes of the banks of this state. That the present system requiring the payment of taxes in a currency different from the currency required in ordinary business, imposes on the tax payers an unnecessary burden, a burden liable to severe aggravation in such times as renders the usual burden of taxation difficult lo be borne, and we do therefore petition the general assembly

, That the clerk of the board be directed to forward a copy of this resolution to our representatives in the senate and house of representatives in this state to be by them presented to the bodies of which they are respectively members.

Resolved, That in the opinion of this board the people of this county desire the extension of the time for the payment of taxes, and that such extension is a desirable alleviation of its burden, and therefore this board do hereby petition the general assembly of this state to pass a law extending the time of collection of taxes, ninety days.

And that the clerk of this board be directed to forward to our representatives in the senate and house of representatives in the state, a copy of this resolution to be by them presented to the bodies of which they are members.

- On which resolution the yeas and nays were called, resulting: Yeas - Messrs. Meek, Stevens, Gale, Finch, Mansfield, Robertson, Routh, Newman, Charles, Lebolt, Barber, Tucker, Copley and Gross - 14. Nays - Messrs. LeBaron, Maney, McCornack, Jones and Knable - 5. Carried.

- January Meeting, 1867. - On motion of Mr. Sanderson, it was voted that this board recommend the senator and representative from this district to use their influence for the passage of a law for a State Board of Equalization of Taxes.

The foregoing extracts from the record of the board supervisors are given to show the changes in manner of assessing taxes and also the great increase in the value of property and the amount of tax paid. The assessment of railroad property was very difficult. The assessment was based wholly upon a schedule of property within the county, together with a statement of rolling stock apportioned to the mileage of the county. If the roads neglected to file the schedules, the value of railroad property had to be arrived at by the best judgment of the ; :' county clerk and the board of supervisors. ..- ,'

In 1867 Mr. Sanderson, then a member of the board of supervisors, offered .. :.,; a motion which was adopted asking for the passage of a law for a State Board of ' I i;:^; Equalization of Taxes. Such a board was created by the legislature. This board '^ . ' : is in session several months each year and assesses not only the various kinds of railroad property and apportions the same to the several counties, but the property of the various other corporations. It seems that some such agency is necessary and the board of supervisors was moved to pass that resolution because of the - necessity for such a body. Today there is a demand for the abolition of this board, the demand being based upon the supposition that the board is tampered with by the railroads and corporations. Even though this be true, it is a pertinent question to ask what other agency can take its place? In some states there is a commission that goes about and personally inspects localities so the members may use their own judgment as to values to better advantage, but it nowhere appears that this commission is not susceptible to the same influences as a board of equalization or that their opportunities are less numerous. Society is rapidly becoming more complex and changes in forms and customs must be made from time to time to facilitate the transaction of business and meet the necessary social demands. Personal honesty is quite a different thing and a matter of much slower growth. Hence the constant effort on the part of some officials to take a dishonest advantage of all conditions that may be made a means of grafting.

; ' ' Throughout the civilized world, the higher civilization has found its abode in i our cities. It is in the midst of throngs she dwells. It is by the attrition of '? thought upon thought and mind upon mind that improvements are made. It is .'' by close proximity that original suggestions arise. Many discoveries which have

.-. been mighty forces in the progress of civilization have been the result of accident. -- A chance word spoken by some rude peasant or the careless touch of the nerve

";^ Great thoughts of great men often have been inspired by inferior minds. It is '': the city dweller then that has the larger opportunity for the work of life. By

. '- offering better advantages, the cities have become lodestones attracting the rural ' population and in a large measure depopulating our rural districts.

said that the parks of today can afford no greater pleasure to the people than the -'Agora" afforded to the ancient Greek. The Roman "Forum" was similar to the Greek "Agora." The same general arrangement prevailed, and the business character was the same. It was the civic center of the city and the center for the transaction of all business, judicial and otherwise. Such was the beginning of the system of parks of the present age and generation, though much enlarged in grandeur and magnificence, and such they stand as marks of an advancing civilization. One of the great glories of Europe is to be found in her parks. They are constant scenes of joy and beauty. There is scarcely a city in all that vast domain without its beautiful park, ornamented with the choicest shrubs and trees. The city of Paris probably has more park area under her management than all the United States, if our national parks be excepted. Fontainbleau with her magnificent forests and Versailles with her parterres and her unique fountains have mort than 125,000 acres - the joy and pride of her people. And when her other numerous parks are added, Paris can boast a park area of more than 200,000 acres - greater than any other city in the world. And if her hundreds of miles of boulevards shall be considered, her park area is simply immense.

It may be said that the park system or park building in America is of recent origin. The work was begun the last half of the nineteenth century. Before 1850 not a square foot of ground had been purchased for park purposes. Cities we had, without parks or playgrounds. Cemeteries were used as common resorts. In 1858 New York City made the initial move in purchasing a tract of land, which is now Central park. By thit example, other cities took the cue, And as a result magnificent systems of parks have arisen in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and San Francisco. And if our national parks shall be considered, America can boast a system of parks unexcelled by any other nation in the wide world. At present, Europe may display more art in her park system, but in natural beauty and in extent and boldness of scenery, America shall receive the palm and wear the crown.

It was a grand thought when God thought of the tree. It was a grand thought when He thought of the shrub and flower. There is beauty in the landscape, there is sublimity in the lofty mountain, and there is a feeling of awe in. the mighty waterfall. The tornado and the rushing waters are more terrible than the thunders of heaven. All these things we have to make up the grandeur and harmonies of the world. But these things are not wholly isolated. They are distributed according to unknown and unchanging laws of nature. All about us, there is much to attract and admire. Knox county is not wholly bereft of those things that please the eye and cultivate the taste. She presents before us a 'Beautiful landscape, though wanting in mountain scenery and rivers of water. Who has not been entranced as he has looked out upon her fields of waving grass and golden grain? Who has not been agitated with thrilling emotions as he has sur-

A Section Of Standish Park

In the central part of the city - lying directly weft of the Knox County Court House. Famous for its large variety of choice and beautiful trees.

Located three miles Northwest of present city limits, at edge of Henderson Grove. Founded in 1836. 1. Prof. N. H. Losey's residence. 2. Nehemiah West's residence. 3. Hugh Conger in main part; Lorentus Conger and John West in addition. 4. Riley Root and sister, Mrs. Clarissa Phelps, Eli Farnham, and Mrs. Lyman, in succession. 5. George Avery and his mother. 6. Deacon Goodell's residence. 7. John West and hi.i father. 8. Mr. Lewis'^ residence. 9. Unidentified. 10. C. S. Colton's store. 11. C. S. Colton's residence. 12. School house. 18. Rev. G. W. Gale's residence. 14. John Kendall's residence. 16. Rev. John Water's residence. IC. H. H. May's residence.

said that the parks of today can afford no greater pleasure to the people than the .. - ^ -'Agora" afforded to the ancient Greek. The Roman "Forum" was similar to the ; Greek "Agora." The same general arrangement prevailed, and the business - ' character was the same. It was the civic center of the city and the center for : the transaction of all business, judicial and otherwise. Such was the beginning of : the system of i)arks of the present age and generation, though much enlarged in ^ grandeur and magnificence, and such they stand as marks of an advancing civili- ' zation. One of the great glories of Europe is to be found in her parks. They are constant scenes of joy and beauty. There is scarcely a city in all that vast domain . ' .... without its beautiful park, ornamented with the choicest shrubs and trees. The ' city of Paris probably has more park area under her management than all the . , ' United States, if our national parks be excepted. Fontainbleau with her magniR- ; cent forests and \'ersailles with her parterres and her unique fountains have more : than 125,000 acres - the joy and pride of her people. And when her other numer- ; ous parks are added. Paris can boast a park area of more than 200,000 acres - .'V greater than any other city in the world. And if her hundreds of miles of - boulevards shall be considered, her park area is simply immense.

Parks In America . '

It may be said tliat the park system or park building in America is of recent origin. The work was begun the last half of the nineteenth century. Before 1850 not a square foot of ground had been purchased for park purposes. Cities we had, without parks or playgrounds. Cemeteries were used as common resorts. In 1858 New York City made the initial move in purchasing a tract of land, which is now Central park. P)y thij, example, other cities took the cue, and as a result magnificent systems of parks have arisen in Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, St. Louis and San Francisco. And if our national parks shall be considered, America can boast a system of parks unexcelled by any other nation in the wide world. At present, Europe may display more art in her park system, but in natural beauty and in extent and boldness of scenery, America shall receive the palm and wear the crown.

It was a grand thought when God thought of the tree. It was a grand thought when He thought of the shrub and flower. There is beauty in the landscape, there is sublimity in the lofty mountain, and there is a feeling of awe in the mighty waterfall. The tornado and the rushing waters are more terrible than the thunders of heaven. All these things we have to make up the grandeur and harmonies of the world. But these things are not wholly isolated. They are distributed according to unknown and unchanging laws of nature. All about us, there is much to attract and admire. Knox county is not wholly bereft of those things that please the eye and cultivate the taste. She presents before us a beautiful landscape, though wanting in mountain scenery and rivers of water. Who has not been entranced as he has looked out upon her fields of waving grass and golden grain? Who has not been agitated with thrilling emotions as he has sur-

In the central part of the city - lying directly west of ihe Knox Ccunty Court House. Famous for iU large variety of choice and beautiful trees.

ehemiah West's residence. :{. Hugh C'onper in main part: Lorentus Conger and John West in addition. 4. Kiley Root and sister. Mrs. Clarissa I'hejps. Kli Farnliam. and Mrs. Lyman. in S'.iccession. .5. (Jeorge .\very and his mother. (;. Deacon Cioodell's residence. 7. John West and hi.s father. S. Mr. Lewis' residence. '>. Unidentified, in. C'. .S. Colton's store. 11. C. S. Colton's residence, li. School house. l:{. Rev. d. W. dale's residence. 14. John Kendall's residence. 15. Rev. John Water's residence. 1(>. H. H. May's residence.

veyed her stately fields of corn and the noble trees that stretch along the boundary lines? Truly, Knox county is one beautiful park and no man can fail to admire

Galesburg cannot boast any great system of parks. She has limited herself to a few small ones, which reflect credit on her taste, if not on her munificence. Her park system consists of the following: Standish park, the Court House park. Broad street boulevard. Central park, Knox Campus, and Lombard Campus. All of these, save Lombard Campus, are in the heart of the city and are lying adjacent. They constitute an area of about twenty-five acres. Standish park with its many choice shrubs and trees, is the most attractive and beautiful of all. It embraces about three or four acres and was established May I5th, 1876. Originally the Court House park was a portion of Standish park, making an area of about eight acres. The first Board of Park Commissioners, six in number, was appointed by Honorable George W. Brown, who was then mayor of the city. The following are the names: Honorable T. Judson Hale, Professor George Churchill, Honorable B. F. Arnold, Honorable O. T. Johnson, John McFarland, and Professor J. V. N. Standish. Honorable T. J. Hale was elected the first president, serving in that capacity one or two years. He was succeeded by Professor Standish who is the only original member and has served as president of the park commission for thirty-four years. He has also served as superintendent for the same length of time. The present members of the park commission are the following: J. V. N. Standish, president and superintendent; Loren Stevens, secretary ; Hiram Mars, P. M. Stromberg, A. J. Perry, and G. H. Bridge. ;-> ^ '^r; :/ / :; ,

A word must be said in regard to Lombard Campus, as Professor Standish had much to do in making it what it is. It covers a surface of fourteen acres and is a most beautiful spot. It is surrounded with large stately elms (perhaps not so magnificent as the New Haven elms), which in beauty and grandeur can hardly be surpassed. The campus itself is planted with iquite a variety of trees and shrubs, every one of which is a specimen. In beauty of symmetry and elegance of grace, no finer sugar maples can be found than those growing on Lombard Campus.

There are some other parks in Knox county which are worthy of mention. Just east of Galesburg is situated the Lake Rice park. It is beautiful, and with its water, boating, fishing and golf grounds, it is an ideal spot for games and amusement. Here is located the Soangetaha Club - a club composed of our best citizens. This place is much frequented by reason of its attractiveness and beauty.

the people assemble more frequently than at Lake Rice park. Here are held the chautauquas from year to year, and here are the contests for the regatta prizes by the lady students of Knox college.

Knoxville too is not without her park, and on it stands a historic building. Indeed, on account of its place and style, it is the most attractive building in Knox county. It is the "Old Court House." It is fashioned after the manner of an old Greek temple. The metopes and triglyphs are seen in the entablature and the frieze is of the Doric order. The columns too are Doric, without bases and with sixteen flutings - in fitting resemblance to the Greek model. Whoever has seen a Greek temple will readily recognize the "Old Court House" as a correct imitation.

.:' ' Here in Knoxville is Gilbert's park, which probably is more frequented than any other park in the county. It is small, well wooded, and without ornamentation. Really, it is park in a state of nature, and is much used because it is a pleasant retreat.

In real art and taste, the campus of St. Mary's school stands among the first. What a pleasure it is to walk in upon those grounds and see those masses of flowering shrubbery and the ornamental vines clinging to the barren walls!

A little farther to the northward is the park and garden of the almshouse which in their loveliness and order it is difficult to surpass. The lawn here is immaculate. Here is a pattern for similar institutions to follow. A beautiful landscape or a beautiful flower is a blessing to every beholder. '.'--;'

Oneida is not without her park, and a beautiful one it is. To the praise of the citizens of this city, it must be said that it is well kept. There is a civic pride here that is commendable. The plat of ground belongs to the C., B. & Q. railroad, but the citizens of Oneida procured it from the company to be used for park purposes. Here is a lesson for other cities of the county. Every one of them should have its beautiful park.

Yates City is also in the march of improvement. She has her park already planned and is working it out for the pleasure and benefit of her citizens. >;-,;.

In conclusion it must be said that parks are not only things of beauty, but a necessity. They are educators. They make for a higher civilization. They are health-giving resorts to millions. They are places of rest to many a weary mother and a source of delight and joy to her children. In a word, they are man's best sanitariums and God's hospitals for the aged, the feeble and the careworn. Plant then parks and playgrounds and commons, and ornament them ; for they are man's best gifts To man. .-.

The Country Club Grounds At Lake Rice Lake Rice. Near The Eastern Limits Of Galesburg

the people assemble more frequently than at Lake Rice park. Here are held the chautauquas from year to year, and here are the contests for the regatta prizes by the lady students of Knox college.

Knoxville too is not without her park, and on it stands a historic building. Indeed, on account of its place and style, it is the most attractive building in Knox county. It is the "Old Court House." It is fashioned after the manner of an old Greek temple. The metopes and triglyphs are seen in the entablature and the frieze is of the Doric order. The columns too are Doric, without bases and with sixteen flutings - in fitting resemblance to the Greek model. Whoever has seen a Greek temple will readily recognize the "Old Court House" as a correct imitation.

Here in Knoxville is Gilbert's park, which probably is more frequented than any other park in tlie county. It is small, well wooded, and without ornamentation. Really, it is park in a state of nature, and is much used because it is a pleasant retreat.

In real art and taste, the campus of St. Mary's school stands among the first. What a pleasure it is to walk in upon those grounds and see those masses of flowering shrubbery and the ornamental vines clinging to the barren walls !

A little farther to the northward is the park and garden of the almshouse which in their loveliness and order it is difficult to surpass. The lawn here is immaculate. Here is a pattern for similar institutions to follow. A beautiful landscape or a beautiful flower is a blessing to every beholder. . ,

Oneida is not without her park, and a beautiful one it is. To the praise of the citizens of this city, it must be said that it is well kept. There is a civic pride here that is commendable. The plat of ground belongs to the C., B. & Q. railroad, but the citizens of Oneida procured it from the company to be used for park purposes. Here is a lesson for other cities of the county. Every one of them should have its beautiful park.

Yates City is also in the march of improvement. She has her park already planned and is working it out for the pleasure and benefit of her citizens.

In conclusion it must be said that parks are not only things of beauty, but a necessity. They are educators. They make for a higher civilization. They are health-giving resorts to millions. They are places of rest to many a weary mother and a source of delight and joy to her children. In a word, they are man's best sanitariums and God's hospitals for the aged, the feeble and the careworn. Plant then parks and playgrounds and commons, and ornament them ; for they are man's best gifts To man. v ; ;.

In the early fifties, James Knox kept a grocery and general store in Knoxville. The building was located north of Main street on the west side of the public square. The dignity of banking was raised by Mr. Knox when he purchased a sheet iron safe, placed it in the back end of his store and received deposits from his patrons, giving a receipt for money left with him. When the depositor wished to draw his money, he produced his receipt and if the depository had not enough money on hand for the required needs, he patiently waited until the supply was increased to meet the demands. There was no run or thought of a run on the bank.

Cornelius Runkle was the first person to start a regular bank in Knox county. This was a private bank in Knoxville north of Main street on the west side of the public square. He was president and his cashier was John Babbington. After some years, he moved his bank and located on the corner where the Presbyterian church now stands, south of his first location. In 1863, the bank was nationalized as the First National Bank of Knoxville, Illinois. After the death of John Babbington, Henry Runkle was elected cashier. He was succeeded by Herbert Bailey and he by Frank G. Sanbom. Mr. Sanborn became president of the Farmers National Bank afterwards. The bank was guarded day and night by a brindled bull dog who was always on the alert for any trouble. After twenty years, the charter expired and the bank was reorganized as the Farmers National Bank.

In February, i88i, Mr. Cornelius Runkle, its president, was attacked at night in the bank building by bank robbers. He roomed at the bank and was alone at the ti^me They tortured him severely by hanging him up, also by placing him on the bed and pouring kerosene oil over his feet and applying the flame, burning .- his feet severely. As he was bound to his bed they tried to make him reveal the combination of the safe, which he could not do as he did not know. He kept some money in a small safe in the banking room to accommodate customers after banking hours. After the robbers were satisfied he could not open the large safe, ;

The Farmers National Bank, taking up the business of the old First National Bank at the expiration of its charter, has experienced a steady and satisfactory . .

The Knox County Bank of F. E. Wilson & Co., of Knoxville, Illinois, was organized as a private bank, by F. E. Wilson, C. M. and Nellie J. Corbin with a paid up capital of $25,000 and opened for business on January 26, 1903, in their fine new brick building on East Main street, Knoxville, Illinois, and after about three and one-half years of very successful business, seeing the needs of a larger and stronger institution, then organized the Knox County State Bank under a charter from the state dated July 31, 1906, with a capital of $50,000 and over fifty stock holders.

This bank opened for business on August i, 1906, with the following officers in charge : F. E. Wilson, president ; Mark Burnside, vice-president ; R. R. Collins, cashier. The first directors being: C. M. Corbin, J. H. Lewis, Jr., Mark Burnside, F. E. Wilson, J. R. Wilder, they purchasing the business of the private bank, Knox County, of F. E. Wilson & Co.

This institution having had a very large and successful business since its organization has, in addition to their $50,000 capital a surplus of $14,000 earned and undivided profits of $5,000, in addition to paying a handsome dividend to their stockholders each year.

The institution still retains its first elected officers to manage its affairs, and its present directors are: C. M. Corbin, Omer N. Custer, Frank Hopkins, J. H. Lewis, Jr., E. R. Lacy, Mark Burnside, F. E. Wilson. Under their management, the bank is steadily increasing their deposits and loans and it now ranks as one of the foremost banks in the county, according to its capital and surplus.

.; J. M. Nisley commenced business with a capital of $30,000.00, as a private banker, in Knoxville, Illinois, in February, 1890, in a building located on the south side of the public square. The officials were J. M. Nisley, president, and Nathan Anderson, cashier. They were assisted by the old veteran in banking business, Cornelius Runkle, until his death.

This bank has always enjoyed the confidence of its patrons and the surrounding community because of its conservative and courteous treatment.

James F. Dunn located the first bank in Galesburg, Illinois, about the year 1853, in a building south of Main street, on the east side of the public square. He afterwards moved from that building to the one at the southeast corner of Main and Prairie streets and continued business up to i86i when he failed. D. H. Frisbie was appointed assignee to close up its affairs.

Then followed the Sidney Meyer's Bank, called the Knox County Savings Bank, with Joseph Grant as cashier. This bank was located on north side. Main street, east of Cherry in the Mathews' building, now occupied by McKamy & Doll.

The Knox County Bank of F. E. Wilson & Co., of Knoxville, Illinois, was organized as a private bank, by F. E. Wilson, C. M. and Nellie J. Corbin with a paid up capital of $25.000 and opened for business on January 26, 1903, in their fine new brick building on East Main street, Knoxville, Illinois, and after about three and one-half years of very successful business, seeing the needs of a larger and stronger institution, then organized the Knox County State Bank under a charter from the state dated July 31, 1906, with a capital of $50,000 and over fifty stock holders. . ' ' ; , j .

This institution having had a very large and successful business since its organization has, in addition to their $50.000 capital a surplus of $14.000 earned and undivided profits of $5,000, in addition to paying a handsome dividend to their stockholders each year. / |

The institution still retains its first elected officers to manage its affairs, and its present directors are: C. M. Corbin, Omer N. Custer, Frank Hopkins, J. H. Lewis, Jr., E. R. Lacy. Mark Burnside, F. E. Wilson. Under their management, the bank is steadily increasing their deposits and loans and it now ranks as one of the foremost banks in the county, according to its capital and surplus.

J. M. Nisley commenced business with a capital of $30,000.00, as a private banker, in Knoxville. Illinois, in February, 1890, in a building located on the south side of the public square. The officials were J. M. Nisley, president, and Xathan Anderson, cashier. They were assisted by the old veteran in banking business, Cornelius Runkle, until his death. . ' '> :. ; . | ',

This bank has always enjoyed the confidence of its patrons and the surrounding community because of its conservative and courteous treatment.

James F. Dunn located the first bank in Galesburg, Illinois, about the year 1853, in a building south of Main street, on the east side of the public square. He afterwards moved from that building to the one at the southeast corner of Main and Prairie streets and continued business up to i86i when he failed. D. H. Frisbie was appointed assignee to close up its affairs.

Then followed the Sidney Meyer's Bank, called the Knox County Savings Bank, with Joseph Grant as cashier. This bank was located on north side. Main street, east of Cherry in the Mathews' building, now occupied by McKamy & Doll.

The McCoy Bank followed, which was located in a building south of Main on the west side of Prairie street, near the building occupied by the old fire department, which bank was called the Nemaha County Bank, and issued currency under that name. There never was such a place as Nemaha at that date. The Nemaha money was taken by some of the grocers and men who traded here, but was not good on the railroad and it drove out all good money from the city. Not a dollar could be obtained.

Then, about the year 1856, followed the A. D. Reed & Co. Bank, located at the corner of Main and Cherry streets where now stands the Farmers & Mechanics Bank in what is known as the old Second National Bank Building. E. L. Chapman was its cashier. They remained in business to about 1862, when they closed out and Mr. Reed moved to Chicago where he died. This bank issued money and it was distributed quite generally in this section and yet it was worth only thirtythree cents on the dollar and he refused to take his own money at that. A bank in Connecticut furnished us all the good money we used. (Hartford & New Haven.)

First National Bank, Galesburg, Illinois, was organized December 15, 1863. Capital stock subscribed and paid in $100,000. The first stockholders' meeting was held on Tuesday, December 22, 1863, at two o'clock. The following directors were elected: C. H. Mathews, J. D. Hand, Charles E. Grant, E. R. Adams, Timothy Moshier, David Sanborn, W. N. Phillips, John Becker and L. E. Conger. Of the original stockholders, there is only one living at this date, J. T. McKnight, of this city, who has passed to the beyond since writing this article. The first directors' meeting was held in the office of C. H. Mathews at 4 130 P. M. The board was organized by electing C. H. Mathews, president, David Sanbom, vice-president, E. L. Chapman, Monmouth, Illinois, cashier. Commenced business in the building located at the southeast corner of Main and Prairie streets. May II, 1864, David Sanborn resigned as vice-president and Francis Colton was elected in his place. November i, 1864, the stockholders voted to increase the capital stock $50,000.00, making the total capital stock $150,000. Upon the resignation of C. H. Mathews, Captain Francis Fuller was elected president, September 2, 1865, and served in that capacity for thirty years. In. the year of 1866, a new banking building was erected at the northeast corner of Main and Cherry streets. January 4, 1869, E. L. Chapman, cashier, resigned. January 12, 1869, M. S. Smalley succeeded Mr. Chapman as cashier. January 14, 1878, Aza A. Madison was elected vice-president. January 15, 1883, Joseph Hoover was elected cashier, and served thirteen years to April 27, 1896, giving faithful service.

The following was the board of directors January 8, 1883 : Timothy Moshier, Francis Fuller, George V. Dietrich, Charles E. Grant, Zephania Lewis, Joseph Thirlwell, James Paden, Fred Seacord, and Asa A. Madison. L. F. Wertman was elected vice-president January 14, 1895, and elected as president, January i8, 1897, continuing in the banking service to this date. Mr. Fred Seacord was

- the next meeting of the board of directors, W. W. Washburn was elected president of the bank and James H. Losey, cashier. The bank opened for business in May, 1884. The gentlemen who were elected as directors at the first meeting continued

/ to serve without change until the January meeting in 1886, when Hon. A. A. Smith, at that time circuit judge, declined a re-election and P. F. Brown was chosen director in his place. Mr. William Robson was chosen vice-president of the bank

; and continued so until his death in January, 1901. On his death, he was succeeded as director by his son, E. Percy Robson. Mr. W. W. Washburn was made vice-president to succeed Mr. Robson and continued this connection with the bank

- of the bank until July i, 1904, when he resigned to engage in business of his own and was succeeded by A. S. Hamilton, who still holds that position.

Galesmurg National Bank Building

Located on the corner rf Ma-n anH I'-airJe Streets. Erected in 1895. Bank organized 1884. Capital stock, $125,000. Surplus and profits, $165,000.

elected vice-president, January i8, 1897, and served to January 19, 1903. Mr. G. A. Lawrence succeeded Mr. Seacord, as vice-president, and is serving at this date. Mr. Loren Stevens was appointed cashier May ii, 1896, and served to June i,

. 1903. January 26, 1903, F. L. Conger was appointed assistant cashier and January i8, 1904, appointed cashier and is serving in that capacity at the present date. . The present bank building was remodeled and rebuilt in the year 1901. The bank's net earnings have been $1,059,250. Its present capital is $150,000.00, surplus and undivided profits, $238,750.00, total, $388,750. The present directors are Howard Knoxvles, G. A. Lawrence, Robert Chappell, Geo. C. Lescher, A. J.

During all these forty-nine years, the First National Bank has stood firm as a rock in strength, solid beyond question in good times and bad ; conservative under all circumstances ; has constantly worked for the interest of its patrons and for the upbuilding of the city. -

Pursuant to a call issued by W. W. Washburn, the stockholders of the Gales- . burg National Bank assembled in the office of Bancroft & Moulton in the city of Galesburg, Illinois, on Monday afternoon, February 25, 1884, at half past one o'clock for the purpose of completing the organization and electing eleven directors. The meeting was called to order by W. W. Washburn who nominated for chairman, Mr. F. H. Rearick, who was duly elected. Mr. J. L. Hastings was chosen secretary. The object of the meeting being to complete the organization of the Galesburg National Bank, the following named gentlemen were elected directors: William Robson, Albert Webster, O. F. Price, James E. Brown, A. A. Smith, A. W. Berggren, J. D. Besler, C. E. Lanstrum, B. F. Arnold, W. W. Washburn and H. M. Sisson.

The meeting as above was held pursuant to a circular letter issued February 25, 1884, by \\'. W. Washburn and mailed to those who had, at that time, subscribed for stock in the new bank to be called the Galesburg National Bank. At the next meeting of the board of directors, W. W. Washburn was elected president of the bank and James H. Losey, cashier. The bank opened for business in May, 1884. The gentlemen who were elected as directors at the first meeting continued to serve without change until the January meeting in 1886, when Hon. A. A. Smith, at that time circuit judge, declined a re-election and P. F. Brown was chosen director in his place. Mr. William Robson was chosen vice-president of the bank and continued so until his death in January, 1901. On his death, he was succeeded as director by his son, E. Percy Robson. Mr. W. W. Washburn was made vice-president to succeed Mr. Robson and continued this connection with the bank until his death in 1901. In January, 1889, P. F. Brown was made president and has so continued until the present time. Mr. James H. Losey continued as cashier of the bank until July i, 1904, when he resigned to engage in business of his own and was succeeded by A. S. Hamilton, who still holds that position.

Berggren, vice-president; A. S. Hamilton, cashier; Curtis H. Brown, teller; Matthew Johnson, bookkeeper; Harry Anderson, assistant bookkeeper; Qarence Gustafson, clerk and messenger; and Stella Carlson, stenographer.

The above constitutes the formation of the bank, its first officers and those at present in command. Of the original directors, there remain at the present time but three, B. F. Arnold, J. D. Besler and A. W. Berggren, sturdy rocks in the foundation of a solid, substantial institution. In the ranks of its board, from the first to the last, it may readily be perceived, conservatism formed a large element in its makeup, standing always for sound banking and financial strength. From the first, it has sought to care for its patrons in such a manner as to merit their confidence and esteem and at the same time, meet the approbation of its stockholders and founders,

In January, 1889, Mr. J. R. Lindgren of the banking firm of Haugan & Lindgren of Chicago, 111., now State Bank of Chicago, made overtures to Mr. P. N. Granville, then city treasurer of Galesburg, to open a savings bank in Galesburg, giving him authority to select men for different positions in the bank, Mr. Lindgren to finance the new venture. Mr. Granville not having had any previous experience in banking, induced Mr. Axel Gabrielson, a experienced banker, to take charge as cashier and Mr. Henry E. Olson, a man of experience in the insurance business, was selected as bookkeeper, Mr. Granville accepting the position of assistant cashier. The bank was opened up for business at No. 308 East Main street, on the first day of April, 1889, and gained the confidence of the people from the start. The officers did not solicit or work for commercial business accounts, although some came to them unsolicited. The principal object was to induce people, who were not accustomed to banking, to open an account and receive interest on such amounts as they could lay aside from time to time. No interest was being paid by other banks in the city at that time, nor did the other banks pay interest on deposits until 1900.

In the summer of 1891 Hon. Alfred M. Craig, then judge of the Supreme court of the state of Illinois, having disposed of his bank stock holdings in Galesburg, entered into an agreement with Mr. J. R. Lindgren to organize the Bank of Galesburg as a state bank instead of a private bank, and on August 4, 1891, authority was given by the state "department to Axel Gabrielson, P. N. Granville, A. W. Berggren and A. M. Craig to incorporate the Bank of Galesburg, at Galesburg, Illinois, whereupon the following persons subscribed for and became stockholders of the new bank, viz. :

: : On Sept. 15, 1891, the directors held their first meeting and elected the following officers : Hon. A. M. Craig, president ; Peter Nelson, vice-president ; Axel Gabrielson, cashier ; P. N. Granville, assistant cashier and secretary.

The charter of the bank was dated Oct. 3, 1891, and upon the 5th day of October, 1891, the bank adopted its by-laws and opened up for business under a state charter. ^ *; . :'

^ Owing to director J. R. Lindgren having his home in Chicago he advised having a home man elected in his stead, which wish was complied with by electing Mr. Olof Hawkinson a director at the annual meeting in January, 1892. Our banking room was beginning to be considered as undesirable for such purposes. Hon. A. M. Craig, the president, suggested the buying of a lot and erecting a bank building, and on May 23, 1892, reported having an option on a lot in the next block west of our present location, size 25 ft. by lOO ft. The board authorized the purchase of same, which was accordingly done, but action on building thereon was delayed on account of leases and later developments changed all plans from that location. ^^^-.^ '-- ----'':/-_}':-':--: ^'-'--^ '...----:: ^'j;?

September 19, 1892, Mr. Axel Gabrielson presented his resignation as cashier on account of entering into the ministry, whereupon the board accepted his resig* nation and elected officers to fill vacancies as follows : P. N. Granville, cashier, H. E. Olson, assistant cashier, and O. E. Peterson, bookkeeper. At the regular meeting of the board of directors of July 8, 1895, the bank statement was read showing an undivided profit of $8,000.00, whereupon a motion .was made and carried to pay a dividend of three per cent to stockholders and place $5,000.00 into a surplus fund. This was the first dividend of this new bank.

The need of a large working force was being more manifest and on April i, ;? 1893, Mr. Geo. H. Craig, then cashier of the Bank of Altona, was elected to fill '.;

At the annual stockholders' meeting of Jan. 2, 1905, Major H. H. Clay .was ;. ?; elected director in place of A. O. Peterson, who retired from the board.

In the month of April, 1895, Judge Craig informed the board that he had -\ . procured a lease of the corner store room of the Fraternity hall building, then oc- '-:^/ cupied as a drug store, for a term of ten years, beginning February, 1897.

Olof Hawkinson, one of our directors, and the vacancy was not filled until the '; . annual meeting in January, 1897, at which time Mr. Nels M. Burgland was ' .

The bank having leased the corner store room of the Covenant Mutual Association building, comer of Main and Kellogg street, proceeded to erect a vault therein and on Feb. i, 1897, moved into the more desirable and lighter room.

At the meeting of the board of directors following the annual stockholders' meeting of Jan. 3, 1898, Mr. Peter Nelson, then vice-president, placed in nomination director N. O. G. Johnson for that office and he was elected vice-president for the ensuing year, the other officers all being re-elected to their respective offices. During the year of 1900, directors Peter Nelson and W. H. Smollinger having disposed of their bank stock, left a vacancy in the board, which remained as such until the annual stockholders' meeting of Jan. 7, 1901, at which time Messrs. Thos. W. Peterson and William Bumside were elected to fill said vacan-

During the year 1901, the work increased so it became necessary to procure -- -i more help and in June of 1901, Mr. Arvid P. Zetterberg was added to the force

In August, 1902, Mr. A. P. Zetterberg having resigned as bookkeeper to enter college, Mr. Lawrence D. Johnson was chosen to take position of bookkeeper.

At the directors' meeting of Dec. 22, 1902, occurred an announcement that took the board by surprise. The president, Hon. A. M. Craig, stated he had purchased from Stewart Goodrell, receiver of the Covenant Mutual Life Association, lot six (6), block twenty-eight (28) for the sum of forty-six thousand dollars, for the bank if the directors chose to confirm it, otherwise he would keep it. The directors promptly approved the action and authorized the cashier, P. N. Granville, to pay the purchase money. This lot was 66 ft. by 165 ft. deep, covered by a building, a part being six stories in height, the front part being three stories. This purchase made safe our bank location, as we occupied the corner store room of said building and special gratitude was voiced to Judge Craig in the meeting regarding the purchase.

At the annual stockholders' meeting of January, 1903, Mr. J. R. Lindgren was called upon to act as director in place of director M. O. Williamson, resigned. In April, 1903, Mr. O. E. Peterson resigned his position as teller to accept the position of cashiership of the newly organized State Bank of Victoria. The resignation was accepted and Mr. A. J. Peterson was elected to fill the position of teller vacated by Mr. O. E. Peterson, and Mr. A. M. Johnson was employed as assistant bookkeeper. - :.- --;.'-

At the annual meeting of January, 1904, Mr. William Coffman was elected director to succeed Mr. J. R. Lindgren of Chicago. On March 6, 1904, Mr. Henry E. Olson, assistant cashier, was called away by death and the office of assistant cashier remained vacant until October of the same year, at which time Mr. Chas. E. Johnson, teller of the People's Trust & Savings Bank, was elected assistant cashier to fill vacancy.

August, 1905, H. N. Bloomquist was employed as collector. During the year, 1906, director Nels M. Burgland disposed of his bank holdings and at the next annual stockholders' meeting (Jan. 7, 1907) Mr. Charles C. Craig was elected director to fill vacancy, and in June, 1909, Mr. Leonard Streedain was added to the office force.

The need for more banking room was being felt daily but owing to the fact of long leases held by tenants, the attempt was delayed. The lease of the Galesburg Business Men's Club, who were occupying the whole third fioor space of the building, would expire in December, 1910, and as they were putting up a building of their own, the directors decided this to be a good time to remodel the whole

Located on the corner of Main and Kellogg Streets. Building erected in 1886. Remodeled in 191S. Bank established in 1889. Capital, $125,000. Surplus fund, $325,000.

At the directors' meeting of Dec. 22, 1902, occurred an announcement that . '. took the board by surprise. The president, Hon. A. M. Craig, stated he had pur- . ':- chased from Stewart Goodrell, receiver of the Covenant Mutual Life Association, ' , . lot six (6), block twenty-eight (28) for the sum of forty-six thousand dollars, ^ for the bank if the directors chose to confirm it, otherwise he would keep it. The ' ; v' directors promptly approved the action and authorized the cashier, P. N. Gran- .' 'V ville, to pay the purchase money. This lot was 66 ft. by 165 ft. deep, covered by -. . a building, a part being six stories in height, the front part being three stories. ; , ; This purchase made safe our bank location, as we occupied the corner store room .-; of said building and special gratitude was voiced to Judge Craig in the meeting re- , - garding the purchase. 'v .;'

At the annual stockholders' meeting of January, 1903, Mr. J. R. Lindgren was -:-';- called upon to act as director in place of director M. O. Williamson, resigned. In , .^ April, 1903, Mr. O. E. Peterson resigned his position as teller to accept the posi- ; ;: V tion of cashiership of the newly organized State Hank of \'ictoria. The resignation ; was accepted and Mr. A. J. Peterson was elected to fill the position of teller . ,' vacated by Mr. O. E. Peterson, and Mr. A. M. Johnson was employed as assistant ; :. bookkeeper. ^ , '..-.;- V "I v .' ' >

At the annual meeting of January, 1904, Mr. William Coffman was elected director to succeed Mr. J. R. Lindgren of Chicago. On March 6, 1904, Mr. , Henry E. Olson, assistant cashier, was called away by death and the office of - ' / . assistant cashier remained vacant imtil October of the same year, at which time ' .> Mr. Chas. E. Johnson, teller of the People's Trust & Savings Bank, was elected ' . assistant cashier to fill vacancy. 1 i

August. 1905. H. N. Bloomquist was employed as collector. During the year, - ' 1906. director Xels M. Burgland disposed of his bank holdings and at the next ' ' . annual stockholders' meeting (Jan. 7. 1907) Mr. Charles C. Craig was elected director to fill vacancy, and in June, 1909, Mr. Leonard Streedain was added to .'' . the office force. ' .

The need for more banking room was being felt daily but owing to the fact of ; : : long leases held by tenants, the attempt was delayed. The lease of the Galesburg .. ; Business Men's Club, who were occupying the whole third floor space of the ;.^ > building, would expire in December, 1910, and as they were putting up a building ' : . :' of their own, the directors decided this to be a good time to remodel the whole ;:,.>-- building, enlarge the banking room, which was sorely needed, and make such alterations as would make the building a modern one in all respects. With this end in view Hon, A. M. Craig, president of the bank, at a meeting of the board of directors. May i6, 1910, presented the following resolution, which was adopted unanimously:

"Resolved, That Chas. E. Johnson and Directors H. H. Clay, C. C. Craig, P. N. Granville and S. R. Swanson be and hereby are appointed a committee to examine Bank of Galesburg building, report to the board what changes should be made and the cost; and they are further authorized to employ an architect to assist in the investigation, procure plans, etc.," which resolution was carried into effect and preliminary work started.

In 1910, A. M. Johnson and H. N. Bloomquist, bookkeeper and assistant bookkeeper, resigned to accept other positions. R. A. Christenson was employed as collector.

At the directors' meeting held Sept. 19, 1910, Hon. A. M. Craig, president of the board, called attention to the fact that the capital stock should be increased from $100,000.00 to $125,000.00 in view of improvements contemplated, and to better facilitate the enlarged business demands. Directors C. C. Craig, P. N. Granville, and T. W. Peterson were then appointed a committee with authority to prepare necessary papers, fix time of a stockholders' meeting to vote on the question, etc. Oct. 31, 1910, was the time fixed, and 915 votes were cast in favor of the proposed increase at the meeting held Oct. 31, 1910, and at the meeting held I>ec. 5, 1910, the total shares of the increased stock was reported as having been subscribed for payment to be made by Jan. 3, 1911. On March 6, 1911, the board of directors authorized the building committee to enter into a contract with the Diebold Safe & Lock Co., of Canton, Ohio, to build a concrete steel re-inforced vault, with steel lining and two steel vault doors, as per specifications and at the next meeting authorized the sam^ committee to contract with the Wollaeger Manufacturing Co., of Milwaukee, Wis., to build and furnish bank fixtures for new banking room, which fixtures were to be of marble and bronze as shown in specifications furnished.

At the directors' meeting April 17, 1911, on motion of Director Granville, it was carried unanimously that two stories be added to the front part of the bank building to correspond with the five story part in the rear and also that an expert opinion be secured from some civil engineer firm in Chicago as to strength of foundations, walls and columns of the present building, and on April 20, 1911. Messrs. E. C. and R. M. Shankland Civil Engineers Company of Chicago made such examination very thoroughly and pronounced it perfectly safe. Architect N. K. Aldrich was then authorized to prepare plans and specifications and place in hands of contractors for bids on July lO, 1911. Bids were received and shortly thereafter were given to lowest bidders as follows : Building contract to Mr. M. E. Sweeney ; plumbing, heating, etc., to Mr. Oscar Hvarven ; and electric lighting to Mr. F. J. Nelson. In August, 1911, the work increased and Miss Alma Palmquist was employed as stenographer.

August 28, 1911, was the last meeting presided over by the Hon. A. M. Craig of this board of directors. During the week he contracted a heavy cold, and although he visited the bank every day including Saturday, September 2nd, that night at midnight he became partially unconscious and died Wednesday evening, Sept. 6, 1911, beloved and revered by his many associates and acquaintances. He had during his long life of 8i years acquired both a national and state wide reputation as lawyer, judge and jurist. His banking associates felt his loss keenly. His ripe judgment in business affairs, his ability as a lawyer and adviser and his standing as an exponent of honesty and fair dealing was universally known and his financial worth and standing conceded. His finances were left in good condition to his two sons, Messrs. Harvey A. and Charles C. Craig, who were well fitted by education and ability to carry on his affairs. The board of directors at their meeting, Sept. ii, 1911, unanimously made choice of Director Charles C. Craig to become the president of Bank of Galesburg to succeed his father. At the same meeting Mr. Chas. E. Johnson was chosen a director to fill vacancy in the board.

Since the time of incorporation the Bank of Galesburg has distributed and paid these princely amounts besides acquiring a surplus fund, viz:

At this writing the bank building is nearing completion and with more room and better facilities, the bank will have even greater opportunities to serve the people and business interests of Galesburg and vicinity than in the past.

The Farmers & Mechanics Bank

night at midnight he became partially unconscious and died Wednesday evening, Sept. 6, 1911, beloved and revered by his many associates and acquaintances. He had during his long life of 8i years acquired both a national and state wide reputation as lawyer, judge and jurist. His banking associates felt his loss keenly. His ripe judgment in business affairs, his ability as a lawyer and adviser and his standing as an exponent of honesty and fair dealing was universally known and his financial worth and standing conceded. His finances were left in good condition to his two sons, Messrs. Harvey A. and Charles C. Craig, who were well fitted by education and ability to carry on his affairs. The board of directors at their meeting, Sept. ii, 1911, unanimously made choice of Director Charles C. Craig to become the president of Bank of Galesburg to succeed his father. At the same meeting Mr. Chas. E. Johnson was chosen a director to fill vacancy in the board.

Since the time of incorporation the Bank of Galesburg has distributed and paid these princely amounts besides acquiring a surplus fund, viz :

The original incorporators were: Charles E. Grant, Marcus Belden, Andrew S. Hoover, E. R. Adams, Timothy Nash, John B. Colton, Alfred KitcheU, A. C. Clay, Chauncey S. Colton, H. S. Hurd, Chas. Brechwald.

The presidents of this bank since its organization have been as follows, and in the order named, to-wit: Chauncey S. Colton, Francis Colton, J. L. Burkhalter, L. A. Townsend.

The home of this bank up to 1903 was in the Union hotel block, but in the spring of 1903 it purchased the old Second National Bank property on the comer of Cherry and Main streets, and in the fall of that year it moved into this building, where it is now located.

It is one of the old "land marks" in the financial history of this county, and has always been a factor and closely identified with the enterprise, growth and improvements of this city and surrounding country.

People'S Trust & Savings Bank, Galesburg, Ili

The People's Trust & Savings Bank had its birth in the banking room occupied by the old Second National Bank, at the northwest comer of Main and Cherry streets, in the year 1900. This bank has grown from a small institution doing an exclusive savings business, to one of the largest banks in this part of the state, transacting business in all its branches and having a large trust department.

The history of the People's Tmst & Savings Bank would be incomplete without going into the history of the Second National Bank, whose business they eventually succeeded to, and who had occupied the same building for forty years. Before the organization of the Second National Bank in 1864, the bank building had been occupied and had been running as a private bank, known as Reed's Bank, Mr. A. D. Reed being head of the institution. Mr. Reed had been prominent in financial circles in Galesburg's early days, he having built the large home now occupied by Mr. A. Dean on the northwest corner of Main and Maple ave. Mr. Reed, after the organization of the Second National Bank, went to Chicago and there organized the City National Bank of Chicago.

financiers and pioneers of Galesburg, among whom being J. P. Frost, organizer of the Frost Manufacturing Company; Edwin Post, the leading lumber man; Geo. W. Brown, the inventor of the Brown Corn Planter; Henry Hitchcock, superintendent of the Burlington road; Martin Gay, Josiah Babcock, J. F. Stilson, A. N. Bancroft, father of Edgar Bancroft, Alfred Knowles, Andrew Harrington,

The Second National Bank had a prosperous career, doing business forty years, never missing a dividend. This bank had much to do with the building up of our industrial and educational institutions. At the expiration of its forty years of existence, the charter having expired in the year 1903, it was thought best by the directors to close the affairs of the Second National Bank, their stock having been scattered throughout the United States, and there being very few local stockholders to help carry on the business. The splendid prosperity of the Second National Bank was due to its strict adherence to rules of conservative banking and its fair dealing.

Among the splendid men who had been prominent in the management of the Second National Bank, and to a great extent responsible for its prosperity, were David Sanborn, a man of broad intellect and splendid financial ability; Mr. J. T. McKnight, now well known as the most prominent figure in Galesburg's financial world; Mr. Albert J. Perry, for fourteen years president of the bank, and Mr. J. G. Vivion, for a number of years cashier and acting manager of the bank.

The People's Trust & Savings Bank had been doing business in the banking room of the Second National Bank since the year 1900. Among those prominent in the organization of the People's Trust & Savings Bank were the following well-known citizens and representatives in the financial world : J. T. McKnight, J. K. Mitchell, Hon. E. A. Bancroft, J. G. Vivion, S. B. and Andrew Harrington, Judge P. S. Post, J. C. Simpson, Lake W. Sanborn, Judge G. W. Thompson, W.

The first board of directors of the People's Trust & Savings Bank were Messrs. J. K. Mitchell, J. T. McKnight, P. S. Post, Frank H. Johnson, A. D. Schultz, W. B. Throop, J. G. Vivion.

The founders of the bank felt that no institution could be organized that would do more good for the people at large than a large savings institution, their idea being to teach economy, saving and thrift, these being considered kindred to the home, the school, and the church, for the good of the community and the state; it being especially desired to seek the children's accounts, in fact, the idea was to make this a people's bank, where all people, farmers, merchants, professional men, the laborers, in fact all men, women and children could have a banking home, and receive profits on their deposits whether large or small.

The affairs of the People's Trust & Savings Bank went on prosperously, there being a steady increase in deposits. The bank did exclusively a savings bank business until the year 1903, when as above stated, the charter of the Second National Bank having expired, the People's Trust & Savings Bank took over their loans, paying for the same in cash. Most of the depositors of the Second Na-

In 1903 there had been organized a new bank in Galesburg, known as the Galesburg Trust & Savings Bank. A conference was held between the parties representing the Galesburg Trust & Savings Bank and the officers and directors of the People's Trust & Savings Bank, and a union of the two banks into one large strong bank was decided upon. The capital at this time was increased from $100,000.00 to $250,000.00, thus making it one of the strongest banks in central Illinois. The new officers of the People's Trust & Savings Bank, after this combination, were : Hon. M. O. Williamson, president ; J. G. Vivion, vice president, and H. J. Butt, cashier. The directors were : M. O. Williamson, H. J. Butt, Geo. W. Gale, S. L. Charles, H. D. Judson, J. C. Simpson, A. F. Paden, J. T. McKnight, J. G. Vivion, J. K. Mitchell and W. S. Purington.

The bank has had continuous prosperity since the time of its organization, their business growing and expanding and filling a larger and larger share in the financial affairs of the city of Galesburg, until at the present time the bank has the largest deposits of any bank in the city, or in this part of the state.

The bank has in connection with the banking business a trust department, through which they are authorized by the state to act as executors, administrators, guardians, conservators, or handle trusts. This department has grown very popular, some very large estates having been settled, and are now in course of settlement through the bank ; this being acknowledged the most economical and safest way of handling an estate. :V:

The officers of the bank at the present time are: M. O. Williamson, president; J. T. McKnight, vice president; W. A. Armstrong, cashier; H. E. Hanlon, assistant cashier.

The directors are : John H. Lewis, Jr., Geo. W. Thompson, Samuel L. Charles, James O'Connor, G. W. Gale, C. F. Hurburgh, A. F. Paden, W. H. Pankey, J. J. Welsh, M. O. Williamson and J. T. McKnight. ;:;.:

The Maquon State Bank was the outgrowth of and successor to the bank of Wm. Swigart. Mr. Swlgart began his private bank in i88i. His sterling business qualities, backed by rich holdings of real estate, gained and held the confidence of the community. This bank continued with ever-increasing prosperity until September, 1903, when it was reorganized and chartered as the Maquon State Bank with a capital stock of $30,000. First officers were: Wm. Swigart, president; H. F. Townsend, cashier. Mr. Swigart still continued to fill the office of president and is, at the age of almost ninety years, active, energetic and faithful in the discharge of the duties of the office. The other officers at the present time are: D. S. Hartsook, vice president ; J. E. Shearer, cashier.

The history of the banking business of Yates City began in the fall of 1871 when J. M. Taylor and Isaac Lambert opened a bank in the rear room of the brick building, which had been built during the summer of that year by J. H. Nicholson, on the southeast corner of Main and Union streets.

The bank as organized at this time was known as the Farmers Bank, and J. M. Taylor held the position of president; Isaac Lambert, vice president, and John Lambert, cashier. It was a private institution, therefore did not publish any statements of its business, hence we are unable to state what its capital stock was or anything more concerning the details of the business.

Isaac Lambert did not continue long in the firm, but soon withdrew his interest, leaving J. M. Taylor alone, who continued for some years and had at one time associated with him James McKeighan, who assisted him for a while financially. About the year 1878 or 1879, Mr. Taylor, not finding the business as profitable as he had anticipated, concluded to close up the. business. This he accomplished in a few months' time. Then he moved to Iowa where he again embarked in the same line.

At this time there seems to have been a lapse of about one year when there was no bank in active business, but on August i, 1880, J. H. Nicholson, W. P. Parker and L. F. Wertman bought the fixtures formerly used by J. M. Taylor and Isaac Lambert, and opened a bank in the same room previously used for that purpose, also under the same name. Farmers Bank, with J. H. Nicholson, president; W. P. Parker, vice president, and L. F. Wertman, cashier. They had no fixed capital stock at this time, btft paid yearly dividends from the earnings of the business and added the balance to the stock.

The business was conducted along these lines for the next nine years when in 1889, W. P. Parker and L. F. Wertman withdrew, as Mr. Parker did not desire to continue longer in the business, and Mr. Wertman had made arrangements to accept the position of cashier of the Farmers & Mechanics Bank of Galesburg, Illinois.

The bank continued in its usual manner from this time and was conducted by J. H. Nicholson & Company as proprietors, J. H. Nicholson being president; C. D. North, vice president, and S. C. Ransom, cashier. Mr. Ransom remained in this position until November, 1890, when he resigned to fill the office of super- intendent of schools of Knox county, his place being taken by J. Mason who had been for many years a resident of the community and was therefore well known to the customers of the bank, Mr. Mason continued in this capacity for only about one year when he resigned to enter the banking business for himself in his home town of Farmington, Illinois.

The position of cashier was taken up at this time by F. E. Wilson of Knoxville, Illinois, who continued to fill the office for about twelve years or until 1903, when he also resigned, having decided to open a bank in Knoxville, Illinois. During the time Mr. Wilson served as cashier, the business increased to the extent that more help was required, and E. J. H. North was installed as assistant cashier in which position he remained until Augfust, 1906.

Upon the resignation of Mr. Wilson as cashfer, J. Mason, who had previously served in this capacity during 1890 and 1891, was called upon again to take up the work and he remained in that position from 1903 until August, 1906. »

In 1893, J. H. Nicholson, the senior member of the firm of J. H. Nicholson & Company, and president of the bank, died and the firm name was changed to

C. D. North & Co., although the bank continued to operate as the Farmers Bank. During this same year, 1893, it became necessary, on account of the growing business, to provide more commodious quarters and the front room of the same building in which the business was being conducted, was remodeled along modem lines; a new plate glass front being put in, with a comer entrance, a fireproof brick vault being built, large enough to accommodate a burglar-proof safe and storage room for valuable papers, also modern furniture and fixtures and all other necessary accoutrements to enable the business to be handled more rapidly and satisfactorily. Previous to this time, the money and valuable papers had been kept in a large safe as they had no vault, and to prevent the possibility of their being destroyed by fire, an open top cistern had been built directly under the safe, in the basement, with the expectation that in case of fire, the safe would fall into the cistern, thus preventing the destruction of its contents.

D. North & Company, proprietors, as previously stated, until August, 1906, when it united with the Peoples Bank, as will be described later.

During the summer of 1889, Walter Bailey, Henry Hare and Robert Fulton, all men of considerable wealth, and residents of Salem and Elba townships, Knox county, Illinois, decided to organize and operate a second bank in Yates City, and accordingly on September 19, 1889, all necessary arrangements having been made, they opened for business in the northeast corner of the brick building on the east half of lot nine in block twenty-two, which building also joined, on the east, the one already occupied by the Farmers Bank.

The paid-up capital stock of this institution, which was to be known as the Peoples Bank, was $9,900, and Walter Bailey was its first president and Robert Fulton its first cashier. The business was conducted by these three men until Mr. Hare's death in January, 1892, his interest being assumed by his widow who continued as a partner until February, 1893, when she sold her interest to L. A. Lawrence who was then in the lumber and farm implement business in Yates City. ::v:'': ; and his widow continued in the business until September, 1895, when she sold her share to the other partners, Walter Bailey and L. A. Lawrence.

The next change to occur in this business was in December, 1895, when Mr. Bailey, the senior member of the firm and president of the bank, passed away on the I4th day of the month and his widow assumed his interest which necessitated the change in the title of the firm from Walter Bailey & Company to Harriet L. Bailey & Company.

Mrs. Bailey was connected with the business until December, 1899, when she concluded to withdraw and sold her interest to L. A. Lawrence, thus giving him full control of the business and her name was at this time dropped from the title of the firm which was from that time until August i, 1906, known as the Peoples Bank, L. A. Lawrence, proprietor.

During the spring of 1906, arrangements were made between the proprietors of the Farmers Bank and Peoples Bank, previously described, to unite and accordingly, on August I, 1906, this plan was consummated and the business of the two institutions was consolidated into the bank with a capital stock of $20,000, under the name of Bank of Yates City, North, Nicholson & Lawrence, proprietors, in the room previously occupied by the Farmers Bank.

Since this union would necessitate more and better facilities for conducting and handling the business, the rear room in the building, which had served as an office for the original bank in the year 1871, was now again brought into use, and a fireproof vault was constructed in this room, and a nest of deposit boxes was installed to provide storage room for those having papers they might wish to keep in a safe and private place. This room was suitably fitted up with a large table, couch and other necessary furniture and serves as a private consultation room for the bank and its patrons.

The first official board of the Bank of Yates City consisted of L. A. Lawrence, manager; J. Mason, cashier, and A. J. Lawrence, second cashier.

Under the able and efficient management of L. A. Lawrence, the business continued to grow and spread out until it covered not only the community surrounding Yates City, but reached out into more remote territory. In the summer of 1911, Mr. Lawrence's health failing, he was compelled to retire from the active management of the business and it was given over to his son, A. J. Lawrence, whose place as assistant cashier was now taken up by H. E. North.

From a small business as it was first begun in the year 1871, it has grown until its total liabilities and resources amount to $230,000 at the present writing, February, 1912. The Bank of Yates City is fully equipped to transact all business that comes ir. its line and also has facilities for making out all legal documents. It has always believed it was good business to keep abreast of the times in providing the latest improved machines for mechanical writing and calculation and has in daily use the latest styles of adding machine, typewriter, check protector and other such necessary articles for the swift and correct handling of the large business that comes to it daily.

and his widow continued in the business until September, 1895, when she sold her share to the other partners, Walter Bailey and L. A. Lawrence, . L :

The next change to occur in this business was in December, 1895, when Mr. Bailey, the senior member of the firm and president of the bank, passed away on the I4th day of the month and his widow assumed his interest which necessitated the change in the title of the firm from Walter Bailey & Company to Harriet L. Bailey & Company. . '.I,

Mrs. Bailey was connected with the business until December, 1899, when she concluded to withdraw and sold her interest to L. A. Lawrence, thus giving him full control of the business and her name was at this time dropped from the title of the firm which was from that time until August i, 1906, known as the Peoples Bank, L. A. Lawrence, proprietor. |

During the spring of 1906, arrangements were made between the proprietors of the Farmers Bank and Peoples Bank, previously described, to unite and accordingly, on August I, 1906, this plan was consummated and the business of the two institutions was consolidated into the bank with a capital stock of $20,000, under the name of Bank of Yates City, North, Nicholson & Lawrence, proprietors, in the room previously occupied by the Farmers Bank.

Since this union would necessitate more and better facilities for conducting and handling the business, the rear room in the building, which had served as an office for the original bank in the year 1871, was now again brought into use, and a fireproof vault was constructed in this room, and a nest of deposit boxes was installed to provide storage room for those having papers they might wish to keep in a safe and private place. This room was suitably fitted up with a large table, couch and other necessary furniture and serves as a private consultation room for the bank and its patrons. ;- ... . .

The first official board of the Bank of Yates City consisted of L. A. Lawrence, manager; J. Mason, cashier, and A. J. Lawrence, second cashier.

Under the able and efficient management of L. A. Lawrence, the business continued to grow and spread out until it covered not only the community surrounding Yates City, but reached out into more remote territory. In the summer of 1911, Mr. Lawrence's health failing, he was compelled to retire from the active management of the business and it was given over to his son, A. J. Lawrence, whose place as assistant cashier was now taken up by H. E. North.

From a small business as it was first begun in the year 1871, it has grown until its total liabilities and resources amoimt to $230,000 at the present writing, February, 1912. The Bank of Yates City is fully equipped to transact all business that comes ir. its line and also has facilities for making out all legal documents. It has always believed it was good business to keep abreast of the times in providing the latest improved machines for mechanical writing and calculation and has in daily use the latest styles of adding machine, typewriter, check protector and other such necessary articles for the swift and correct handling of the large business that comes to it daily.

The Oneida Exchange Bank (private bank), one of the pioneer banks, was first established in 1858, was conducted by W. L. Hubbard for about nine years, then by J. B. Congers for several years, succeeded by J, N. Congers for several years. In 1877, a partnership was formed by A. B. Anderson and Frank Murdoch which was continued until Mr. Murdoch's death in February, 1908. Since then the business has been continued by A. B. Anderson and son (J. H. Anderson). It run without a stated capital. The proprietors are thoroughly respected in the community and nobody questions their solvency or honesty.

This bank was organized in 1891 and commenced business September 17, - 1891, in its new brick bank building erected in 1891 on the west side of Railroad street, with a Capital stock of $25,000. -"";; -;

Its first officers were: A. D. Metcalf, president, who served until his death in January, 1912; A. F. McCornack, vice president until 1898; James E. Tayler elected cashier and served to January, 1895; W. D. Patty succeeded Mr. Tayler and is cashier at this present date. Miss Anna Anderson has been assistant cashier since 1895, and has been connected with the bank since 1891.

Gebrge K. Pittard was elected vice president in 1898 and served to January, 1912. On February 6, 1912, George K. Pittard was elected president, and H. W. Crane, vice president. Its capital stock at this date is $25,000; surplus, $25,000.

'- The Peoples Bank of Abingdon opened December i, 1878, with a capital stock of $30,000. The chief promoters in the organization of this institution were M. C. Bates and J. B. Mackay, who were elected president and cashier, respectively. From the first, this bank had a bright outlook and drew the patronage of the surrounding territory so much that three years later, the capital was increased to $50,000. But notwithstanding its bright future, there remained one great hindrance, namely, that it was organized as a co-partnership institution rather than a state or national. Hence the excessive loans, not only to the stockholders, but directors as well, became appalling till it was thought best to organize as a national bank where excessive loans are not permissable and publicity of condition is demanded. Through the efforts of W. A. Latimer, five of the substantial men of the town advanced ten thousand dollars each and a charter was granted them August 5, 1885, as the

These original stockholders were M. C. Bates, Thos. Newell, M. C. Kimball, J. Harts Miller and J, B. Mackay; the last being elected president and W. A. Latimer, cashier, at the first meeting of the board of directors in January, 1886. At the end of one year, Mr. Mackay retired from the presidency and M. C. Kimball was elected to the position, remaining till January, 1893, when Thos. Newell succeeded him. Upon the death of Mr. Newell some years later, W. B. Main became president.

Upon the resignation of W. A. Latimer in 1888, the cashiership was tendered H. B. Scheitlin, and on his resignation in January, 1893, Orion Latimer was elected to that position since which time he has been exceedingly zealous in the management of the affairs connected with the institution. From the very first, he gained the confidence of the people and through his guidance and by the selection of his office force, this bank has made remarkable progress for the last quarter of a century. Upon the resignation of Mr. Main in January, 1907, Mr, Orion Latimer was elected president, which position he now holds. At this time, G. A. Shipplett was elected cashier and H, L. Haynes, assistant cashier.