Pontiac Township

Pontiac Township

The village of Pontiac was incorporated under the general law of the State, February 12,^ 1856, by the election of a Board of Trustees, consisting of Nelson Buck, J. W. Strevelle, S. C. Ladd, Z. H. Nettleton and H. Jones - the first named being chosen Chairman or President.

Under this organization the town continued for nine years. During the time much discussion arose, and much bitter feeling was engendered, in regard to the sale of intoxicating liquors. Indeed, the local politics of the town consisted almost wholly in this question ; and, upon this, the two parties were almost evenly divided. Sometimes the license party elected the Board, and sometimes the anti-license party succeeded.

At last, in 1865, an attempt was made, by way of legislation, to set the question at rest by obtaining a special charter, which prohibited, not only the sale of liquors, but restrained the Trustees from granting any authority Avhatever to saloon keepers to vend such article. The charter, however, was satisfactory to its friends only in so far as they were enabled to elect Trusetes who would enforce its provisions in accordance Avith their views of its merits ; and the temperance question was not fully settled.

The other provisions of the charter were much the same as those in effect in other towns of like size; but on account of this peculiarity, it was obnoxious to a portion of the inhabitants. Attempts were therefore made to obtain a new special charter, but Avithout effect ; and the Princeton Charter, as it was denominated, continued in force until 1872.

In 1870, the people of the State, at a general election, adopted a new Constitution, in which was a clause prohibiting " class legislation ; " and under this Constitution, the Legislature passed a general law in regard to the government of cities and towns, in the Winter of 1870-71.

On the 11th of September, 1872, the city of Pontiac was organized under the new law, by the election of R. W. Babcock as first Mayor ; F. C. Brown, W. H. Clelland, Martin Dolde, L. E. Kent. William Perry and Charles Gross as Aldermen : and A. W. Cowan as Clerk.

An important measure, adopted that year, has had a marked effect upon the appearance of the city, rendering it, at the same time, more substantial and handsome than it otherwise ^ould have been. An extensive fire, consuming a large portion of the business houses northwest of the public square, had just been experienced ; and, to prevent, in a measure, the repetition of such a catastrophe, the Council passed the ordinance known as tlie " fire limits law," which prevented the erection of wooden buildings, not only in the ''burnt district," but in any part of the business portion of the city. The consequence has been that the new buildings about the square are all of brick, making this part of town not only much more solid, but adding greatly to its fine appearance.

The present officers of the city are : A. F. Fisher, Mayor ; M. A. Renoe (Acting Mayor), B. Humiston, E. Wilson, H. H. Norton, J. P. Turner and Samuel Hancock, Aldermen; Z. Winters, Clerk; W. S. Lacey, Treasurer.

Until 1874, the schools of Pontiac were under the control of a Board of Directors, consisting of three persons, and ranked in their government with the otlier district schools of the county ; but, at the date mentioned, the town having a population of over 2,000, and the friends of the schools realizing that some advantages would accrue from the adoption of the general law authorizing a Board of Education, organized under this act, electing as the first Board Jonathan Duft", J. W. Woodrow, E. W. Capron, S. 0. Pillsbury, Aaron Weider and Martin Dolde, the first named being President, and the second, Secretary. Under the new system, the schools have worked with great satisfaction. A better method of grading has been adopted. Teachers have been selected more with reference to qualification for the particular positions to be filled. Better rules and regulations for their government have been adopted and enforced, than formerly.

The school buildings, though yet scarcely adequate for their purpose, are the best in the county. The main building, near the center of the north side of the city, was erected in 1866, at a cost of $23,000. It is a fine building, three stories in height, containing five principal and two class rooms, and is capable of of accommodating nearly four hundred pupils. A principal and six assistants are employed for this building. A primary school on the south sideof the river, and one on the west side of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, are also maintained.

The present corps of teachers consists of R. B. Welch, Superintandent ; Belle Borin, E. 0. McCulloch, Mary Sumner, Rose Rilea, A. W. Kellogg, Josie Schneider, H. M. Fursman and Rose Camp, Assistants.

A few items taken from the Principal's report for 1876, though two years past, will not vary greatly from the report of the present year, which has not yet been submitted.

But few towns of the size of Pontiac are better supplied with church privileges than this. At a very early day in the history of the place, church services were held, but not till a comparatively nij^lern date was there a church organization, or even regular service. A MethOTlist class was organized in 1850; and irregular services by Presbyterian clergymen were held in the old Court House, and in the Buck Hotel a little later; but no building was erected, or even an organization effected, until 1855. The first preaching by a Presbyterian minist'^r was in 1852, by Rev. Amasa Drake, of Chicago. The services were conducted in the hotel named, and were at irregular intervals. Rev. Mr. Day, of Morris, preached a few times in the old Court House, as did also Parson High. The first regular preaching was by Rev. L. H. Loss, in 1855, when he organized the Presbyterian Church of Pontiac. The church was organized October, 1855. The original members were William J. Murphy, Sen., and wife, Abel C. Kidder and wife, and Mrs. Maria Buck ; the total number being but five. The Rev. I. T. Whittemore, was the first pastor chosen, in 1856. Under his administration, was the first church building in the town and (with one exception) in the county erected. This was built in 1856, at a cost of nearly $3,000. It was considered, in its early days, a very handsome and commodious edifice, and doubts were entertained whether the society needed so extensive a structure, or would ever see the time when its capacity would be equalled by its congregation. Not only did it outlive its usefulness, but it saw during its existence the erection of five others, four of which are larger and much more expensive. In 1872, it Avas decided by the society to replace their old building, by one commensurate in size to their increased wants; and their present neat and substantial house of worship was erected. The old building was sold to Wallace Lord, and is used by him as an opera house, and though it is no longer a place of worship, it is still the Lord's house. The new building was constructed at a cost of a little over $18,000, including grounds. Its size is fortytwo feet in width, and, including the chancel, ninety in length ; and it is capable of seating about four hundred persons. The present membership of the church is 162. The Pastors in charge of the society since Whittemore have been Adam Johnson, Alonzo P. Johnson, J. McConnell, W. H. Gardner, R. Kesslar, and the present Pastor, Rev. Benjamin L. Swan. The Sunday school in connection with this church was organized in 1855, with forty scholai's, and with Rev. W. J. Murphy as Superintendent. The next year, J. W. Strevelle was elected Superintendent, and held the office continuously until 1870. The present Superintendent is A. W. Kellogg. The school numbers at this time 180 scholars.

The M. E. Church was organized in 1861, but a class had been formed nearly ten years before, and, in 1858, they had built a house of worship. The old house, which has since been sold to the Catholic society, cost $2,600. The society, at its first organization, numbered sixty persons, and was under the pastorate of Rev. M. Spurlock. Under his preaching, and that of his success- ors, the society grew rapidly in numbers, influence and wealth, until, in 1866, its demands were found to be largely in excess of the old building, and a new one, adequate to the wants /and means of the congregation, was decided upon. This was the centennial year of Methodism in the United States ; and, though building materials were never before nor since so high, a building worthy of the church and the year was founded, and, in due time, completed. The structure was erected at an outlay of $22,000, is forty-three by seventy feet in size, and will accommodate a congregation of 480 persons.

The society has increased steadily and rapidly, numbering at this time 265 members. In 1872, a neat and comfortable parsonage was erected at a cost of $2,000, thus making, in value, the largest church property owned by any one society in the county. The Sunday school, in connection with this church, was organized at the time the first class was formed, and consisted of about forty scholars, with Mrs. Sarah Remick as Superintendent. The school has grown to number, at present, nearly three hundred. J. F. Culver, present Pastor of the Church, is Superintendent, and has occupied the position for eighteen years.

As early as 1854, Rev. Washington Houston, a pioneer preacher of the Christian or Disciple Church, preached at this place, and organized a society of this denomination about a year later. The primary organization consisted of John Powell, William Perry, Dr. J. M. Perry, Wilson Hull, Robert Sample and their wives. Irregular services were held in the Court House and in the school house until 1865, when they united with the other denomination of Christians, sometimes called "New Lights," in the erection of a church edifice. The house was put up at a cost of about five thousand dollars, and occupied by both societies for a few years, when the latter abandoned their organization, and both societies, through financial difficulties, relinquished the building. The loss of the house proved to be a great discouragement to the society, and its organization was in a measure discontinued. However, on January 1, 1874, through the efforts of a few of the members, the society was reorganized, and Elder Chfirles Rowe was chosen Pastor. He served in this capacity oneyear, and was then followed by Elder W. F. Richardson, who has since ministered to the Church. Although they own no church property, they meet in the building formerly occupied and owned by them. The society numbers about one hundred members. The Sunday school, under the Superintendency of John Bell, numbers about sixty.

Catholic services were held here for the first time in July, 1857, by Rev Father Hurley, and occasionally thereafter Fathers Kennedy, Sherry, Cahill and Lonergan visited the town and preached at William Cleary's house. In 1866, the Catholic Church bouglit of the Methodists their house of worship for $2,000, and fitted it up for the use of themselves. The first mass celebrated in this house was by the Rev. Father O'Neill. Since this time, regular services have been held here by Revs. Quigley, Fanning, Hanley and the present priest, Rev. Father Finch.

The Baptist denomination had held meetings here, with varying regularity, for a number of years before an organization was effected. Rev. Frederick Ketchara came and preached for them during the year 1861, and organized the society, and, in 1862, he moved to Pontiac and took charge of the public schools, and also of the church, as its Pastor. He continued to preach for the congregation until the year 1865 ; and during the last year of his ministry a house of worship was erected. The building is a neat frame, substantially constructed and nicely furnished, and will accommodate about three hundred sittings. After its dedication, Rev. Geo. A. Simonson was called to the pastorate. He was followed in turns by Revs. William B. Watson,* C. E. Taylor and the present Pastor, J. W. Icenbarger. The Sunday school connected with the denomination is under the superintendence of Randolph Zeph.

In addition to these, the colored people have two small places of worship. The colored Methodists occupy and own the building originally erected as an Academy ol Music or Turner Hall. The colored Baptists Avorship in the old school house, which they have bought and fitted up for the purpose.

A Universalist Society was organized here about twelve years ago. They purchased and fitted up the Academy of Music for $1,000, and held meetings there for a few years. They finally sold their house to the colored Methodists, and dispensed with church services, though the organization remains intact.

A history of the press of Pontiac would not only be almost a complete history of Pontiac, but a history of the county as well, as a paper was established here very soon after the town and county really began to grow. As a faithful record of passing events, in the succeeding issues of a newspaper, must contain everything of importance not only in the town, but in the vicinity, so files of such papers must be the most complete and reliable history obtainable. To these files we are greatly indebted for whatever worth these pages shall prove to be, as from them has been drawn, largely, the matter contained herein.

The first newpaper was established here in 1855, by J. S. France, a lawyer, from Ottawa. The first number made its appearance March 14, 1855. The paper was independent in politics, and was to be devoted to the interests of the community, regardless of sect or party. The publication, however, either lacked financial strength or editorial ability ; for, within a few months, the enterprise was so involved that it was found impossible to proceed, and the sureties of the concern were obliged to turn it over to other parties. This date marks the advent of one of the very few successful newspaper men that have carried on the business at this point.

M. A. Renoe came to the place June 9, 1855 ; and he, with Philip Cook, took possession of the office. Reno had $100, which he invested, and Cook, having nothing, gave his note in an equal amount, and with this capital the Livingston County News was again on its feet. The firm continued the publication of the paper for several years, when James G. Albe came into possession, and continued its issue until the beginning of the war. The News, in the meantime, had become a Democratic paper, and during the war the popular feeling in this county being largely in favor of an aggressive prosecution of the struggle, and the Neivs being quite conservative, it met but poor encouragement, and was abandoned.

In 1858, the Sentinel was started, by Cook & Gagan. Philip Cook had retired from the News, and William Gagan having recently arrived, the two formed a partnership to start a Republican paper in opposition to the News. They continued the publication until 1860, when, Cook having been elected County Treasurer, they sold out to M. E. Collins. Collins was, two years later, also elected Treasurer, and the paper then passed into the hands of H. S. Decker and James Stout. Later, it was published by Stout & Denslow, and again by Stout alone.

In 1867, Henry Jones and M. A. Renoe commenced the publication of the Free Press, in opposition to the Sentinel. They afterward bought out the Sentinel, and merged the tAvo publications into one, calling it the Sentinel and Press. A short time after, the latter part of the name was dropped, and the old name Sentinel only was retained ; and by this name it has been known ever since. In 1875, F. L. Alles. having bought out the establishment, took control as editor and proprietor.

In the meantime, quite a number of cotemporary papers had been founded, but none were entirely successful until the Free Trader was established. The first number of this publication appeared May 11, 1870. A national political campaign was approaching, and it was desirable that the Democratic party should have an organ to advocate the claims of that party in this county; hence the Free Trader, with A. L. Bagby as editor, was established. The enterprise, however, was but partially successful, until it came into the hands of McGregor & Johnson. They came into possession of the office October 28, 1871. About this time, a great wave of feeling on the monopoly question began to sweep over the country ; and this county being in the midst of the flood, the time was auspicious, and the proprietors being possessed of both means and ability, the success of the enterprise was fully assured. After a short time, M. A. Renoe bought out McGregor, and the firm of Renoe & Johnson published the Free Trader as an advocate of the Farmers' Movement. A little over a year ago, Renoe retired from the firm, and John Stuff became a partner.

The Democrat was established at the request of the Democratic Central Committee, by Messrs. Milton & Organ. This was the Democratic organ until near the establishment of the Free Trader.

In the Spring of 1870, Thomas Wing issued a fcAv numbers of the People's Advocate. This was to be a Prohibition paper, but it lasted but a few weeks.

The first number of Ford's Livingston County Democrat has just made its appearance. It is published by the authority and in the interests of the Democratic party of this county. The editor and proprietor is J. B. Ford, formerly of the Democrat, of Marshall County.

Philip Cook was from New York, and came to Pontiac to work f.)r the assignees of the News. After the expiration of his term of office as Treasurer, he removed to California, where he has resided until the present. He is now connected with the paper known as the Evening Call, at San Francisco.

William Gagan was an acquaintance of Cook's in New York, and came to Pontiac to establish a Republican paper. After closing up his affairs at this place, he also removed to California, and published the Oakland Daily News. He continued its publication until a few years ago, when he died.

Henry Jones is a son of Judge Jones, and was raised in this county. After his retirement from the Sentinel, he went to Dallas, Texas, where he is engaged in the business of publishing.

James Stout, formerly from Ohio, came from Ottawa to Pontiac in 1855. He engaged for a time in farming, and betimes practiced his profession - that of a lawyer. Mr. Stout was an Abolitionist of the most ultra character, and at a time when it was anything but popular to promulgate the doctrine. After his connection with the Sentinel ceased, he received from the Government the appointment of Receiver of Moneys of Idaho Territory, and removed thither with his family.

Henry S. Decker was from Chicago, where he had acted as foreman of the Journal office. Decker was a man who sacrificed everything for his friends, and died in want. After his connection with the press of Livingston County had terminated, he returned to Chicago, just before the great fire, broken down in health, discouraged and poverty-stricken. He and his wife both died within a few days of each other, and were buried by charity. Decker was at once one of the hardest workers and the least appreciated of all who were connected for any length of time with the press of this city.

Pontiac Lodge, No. 294, A., F. & A. M., was instituted in October, 1858- The charter was granted to William Manlove, J. R. Wolgamot, Samuel B. Norton, Aaron Weider, S. C. Ladd, A. E. Harding, I. T. Whittemore and George P. Olrastead, of which Aaron Weider was appointed first Master; S. C. Ladd,

A charter was granted by the Grand Master of the I. 0. 0. F., to establish a lodge of that order in Pontiac, to be known as Pontiac Lodge, No. 262, in 1858. The charter was granted to R. W. Babcock, B. W. Gray, Jacob Streamer, John A. Fellows and F. H. Bond. Prior to 1870, the Lo'lge had erected a neat and convenient hall for their use ; but in the year named, it, with a large number of other buildings, was consumed by fire. Immediately after its destruction, steps were taken to replace it by the present handsome and commodious building. The structure is thirty feet by eighty, and is three stories high. The first story is used for a store-room, the second for offices, and the third is the Lodge room, used by this and other secret societies. The present officers of the Lodge are E. L. Wilson, N. G.; Thomas Bowden, V. G.; J. W. Daman, Rec. Sec; Z. Winters, Per. Sec; M. Dolde, Treas.

Company A., of Tenth I. N. G., was organized at Pontiac in June, 1877. The company, at present, consists of seventy three men, including officers.

The officers' roster is as follows : B. E. Robinson, Captain ; R. J. Johnson, First Lieutenant ; J. C. Reach, Second Lieutenant; James Fenton, Orderly. The company is nicely uniformed, and armed with breech-loading needle guns. The regimental headquarters are at Dwight, Col. J. B. Parsons, commanding.

Numerous and destructive fires ip. the city demonstrated the fact that Pontiac had not only suffered severely from a lack of efficient means of controlling the element, but from this her citizens realized the necessity of more thorough organization. A fire engine of excellent quality and fine powers having been purchased by the city authorities, a company to operate it was formed shortly after. The organization took place in February, 1874. James E. Morrow was chosen Chief Marshal ; J. II. Smith, Assistant ; John K. Clark, Foreman of the Engine, and R. D. Folks, Assistant ; James Briglit, Foreman of Hose Company ; Charles Bigelow, Foreman of Hook and Ladder Company, and F. D.

Cannon, Assistant; C R. Wheeler, Engineer, and D. Kavenaugh, Assistant The Avhole number of men in the service at the time was about sixty. Bj June of the year named, the most of the men and some of the officers had dropped out of the organization, and in reality the companies had been almost

On the 4th of July of this year occurred the most destructive fire in the history of the city, and this, with the proposition from the Council to grant privileges and pay, which the old company had not enjoyed, had the effect of bringing about a new organization. On the 9th of the same month, the new organization was effected, which, with immaterial change, has existed to thepresent. J. E. Morrow was elected Chief Marshal; J. II. Smith, Assistant; John Clark, Foreman of Engine ; F. Armstrong, Assistant ; C R. Wheeler, Engineer; D. Kavenaugh, Assistant.

No single instrumentality has had more to do with the appearance of thecity than that of fires; and, while they have entailed hardships on the individual owners of the property destroyed, their effect has, in the end, been to add greatly to the beauty and safety of the city.

The first fire of any considerable proportions was that which consumed the row of wooden buildings on the south side of Madison street, December 8, 1867. The fire originated in the office of the Pontiac Sentinel, and destroyed, besidethis, Croswell's drugstore, Schneider's meat market and several other buildings. The loss occasioned by this fire was estimated at about $20,000.

On the night of July 7, 1870, happened one of the most destructive conflagrations that have visited the city. The fire broke out in the store of Herbert & Son, which stood north of the place now occupied by the Odd Fellows' H:ill, extending to the hall, consuming it, the City Hotel, and continuing its course to the corner of Mill and Madison streets, and thence west on Madison, more than Half the length of the block. Twelve stores and other property, amounting in value to about $50,000, were swept away.

Where now stands a fine row of brick buildings, known as Union Block, stood prior to November 2, 1871, a row of ungainly wooden structures. On the day mentioned, these were burned. The loss was estimated at $10,000. As soon as the debris was fairly cleared away, a movement was set on foot to replace them with a fine block of stores and a hotel, that should be a credit to the town. The buildings were soon up and occupied, and the proprietors and the citizens felt almost glad that the fire had taken the old row away - certainly all felt proud of the new. However, their congratulations were of but short duration, for on the 4th day of July, 1874. they, too, with several other buildings, including the Court House, were totally consumed. It is supposed the fire originated from torpedoes, that were being thrown about promiscuously. This was doubtless the most disastrous fire, taking into account the size of the town, th;it had occurred in the central part of the State. In the amount lost, the rapidity of the destruction, and the completeness of its devastation, it could hardly be equaled. The buildings were new and had been but recently filled with new goods, and the hotel, which bad just received its finishing touches, and was occupied, was furnished in a most elegant manner. In less than three hours, this, the finest part of the city, was entirely annihilated.

On the night of the 3d of July, 1875, a saloon and two other buildings oik the corner of Mill and Washington streets were consumed. All of these, including the Court House, have since been replaced with structures of such a character as makes one almost cease to regret that the fires took place. The Court House, especially, had become an "eyesore," not only to the citizens of Pontiac, but to everybody interested in the safe keeping of the county records ; and in further consideration of the beautiful Temple of Justice which now graces the spot, but little sorrow is manifested for the misfortune.

The second Court House was built in 1856, at a cost of $30,000, and, at that time, was considered a very creditable affair, and such as would answer for many generations to come. Many thought it larger and more expensive than necessary. It served for a long time, not only for Court House, but for post office, and most of the lawyers found room Avithin it for their headquarters. Its hall, until the last, was used by those denominations of Christians without houses of worship, as a place to hold church services ; and public meetings of various other kinds were accommodated here. In time, as the county grew in importance and population, it began to be realized that, at no distant day, it must be replaced by something more commodious and more in keeping Avith thewants and ability of the county.

It is the opinion of all who have examined, and have had opportunities for comparing, thu,t the present structure is, without exception, the best for the money in the State of Illinois. The work of rebuilding was entered upon, immediately after the fire, and within a year it was ready for occupancy.

The Committee on Building consisted of J. E. MorroAV, C. G. Greenwood. Jacob Phillips and W. S. Sims. They employed J. C. Cochrane, of Chicago, as architect, and Colwell, Clark & Co., of Ottawa, as builders. The cost of the building was $63,406.00, and the architect's fees were $3,173.30, making a total cost of $66,639.30.

Contrary to the usual custom, even where officials ai*e honest, there has never been a hint that either committee or contractors " made anything" out of the job. On the contrary, it is supposed that the contractors lost heavily. Certain it is, that the splendid edifice which now adorns the Court Square is a credit to the committee, an honor to its builders, and a source of congratulation to the people of the county.

- Previous to 1866, the prisoners of the county had to be taken to other counties for safe keeping, as no jail had yet been provided. The jail lot provided for, by Weed and the Youngs, had been occupied only by a temporary building used by the town as a calaboose. Thirty years had elapsed before the county authorities found the necessity of occupying the lot. In the jear named, having realized the expensive method of caring for prisoners, and not being desirous longer of depending on other counties for such accommodations, the Board of Supervisors erected upon the spot designed for the purpose a building eminently fitted for the purpose. It is a built of massive stone, thirty-five by fifty feet, and cost ^32,000. It has been called a "model jail," and committees from various counties have been sent to examine it, with a view of making it a pattern for similar buildings.

Perhaps the case which has produced the greatest excitement - and on account of recent developments excites additional intei'est - that ever came before the courts of Livingston County, was a trial for murder committed in the vicinity of Pontiac, in 1858.

In October of that year, the body of a young woman named Mary Murphy was found near the railroad track, a short distance south of town. She had been missing about eighteen days, and certain suspicious circumstances occurring at the time led to the arrest of a colored man, who gave his name as Wiley J. Morris. lie was brought to Pontiac and examined before Jacob Streamer, Justice of the Peace, and by him committed to jail to await trial. He was confined in the jail at Bloomington, where he lay until the Fall of 1860, when his trial came off".

It was shown on the part of the prosecution that Morris had been seen walking on the railroad track, about a mile behind the girl afterward found murdered; that the rate at which he was walking, as compared with her pace, would cause him to overtake her at the point ^here the body was found ; and that he had just been in a murderous brawl in Bloomington, and was of desperate character. The evidence was wholly circumstantial, but quite strong. He was ably defended by A. E. Harding, Esq., of this city, who, however, labored greatly under the disadvantage of a popular feeling, which then existed in the community, against the color of his client.

In the meantime, the counsel for defense made application for a change of venue, which being granted, the case was carried to Kankakee County.

The second trial came off April, 1861. In this trial he was still more unsuc- .<3essful, and he was adjudged guilty of murder in the first degree, and con- <iemned to hang, in May of the year named.

The doomed man protested his innocence to the Inst, declaring that he was teing murdered on account of prejudice against his race; and on the scaffold, his last words were, " You murder me ! You murder me ! You murder me ! "

Subsequent revelations show that probably Morris was an innocent man ; .and, though otherwise a bad character, that he was not guilty of the murder of Mary Murphy.

A short time since, Hawkeye Bill, a notorious desperado and murderer, on his dying bed made confession that, at the time of the murder of Mary Murphy, he was fully cognizant of all of the facts - that he was a confederate of Bill Britt, Jo. Montana and Charles Logue. He says that these three men were on a horse stealing expedition, and were camping for a few days in the timber, near Pontiac, and that the three were the g'lilty parties. He gives dates and circumstances with so much precision as to leave but little doubt that they were the actual murderers. He further states that Britt and Montana have since been hung for other crimes, and that Logue has died in prison.

The Reform School at Pontiac, though a State institution, is mentioned here for the reason that the city and township of Pontiac were interested largely in securing its location at this place. The Legislature had passed an act allowing certain towns, possessing specified natural and already acquired advantages, to compete for the establishment of the school in their midst. After due examination by the commission appointed for that purpose, and hearing the propositions from each locality, they settled on Pontiac ; and the building was completed and ready for occupants in 1870. George W. Perkins, former Warden the Illinois Penitentiary, was selected as Superintendent, and in his charge the school remained until 1872, when the present efficient Superintendent, J. D. Scouller, was appointed. Through his kindness we are able to give the folloAving items in relation to the institution :

There is belonging to the institution, in land, 280 acres, which is worked by the inmates. A system of thorough drainage has been commenced, and $5,000 have been spent for the purpose, including 3,000 feet of sewer from the main building.

The buildings alone are valued at $110,000. Over 6,000 shade and fruit trees have been planted. The inmates have a large play ground of several acres, including an excellent base ball ground.

An additional building, called a Family Building, has recently been erected, where about thirty of the better class of boys will reside apart from the others. good is expected from this classification by the managers.

The school was opened for the reception of boys, in June, 1871, ami to this date there have been 756 admitted. There are at this time in the school 194.

Between seventy and eighty are employed making shoes in the fictory connected with the institution. Nearly 300 pairs are turned out daily. The contractors, Messrs. Tead & Son, pay eighteen cents per day (of six hours each) for the services of each boy employpd.

About sixty of the smaller boys are engaged in caning chairs for the Bloomington Furniture Manufacturing Company. This branch is not profitable, but keeps the boys busy, and teaches them habits of industry.

All clothing worn in the institution is manufactured by the inmates. Besides these duties of six hours' labor each day, all attend school four hours. All of the common branches are taught, and several of the boys have taken Latin and Greek lessons. The course of instruction is very thorough, the school being well graded, and competent teachers employed. The libiary consists of 1,500 volumes, and many of the boys spend all of their spare time in reading. Over twenty magazines and papers are taken for the inmates, and all are read eagerly.

A large number of those committed, on entering the institution, can neither read nor write, but, when discharged, many of them are fair scholars, and have obtained and are holding responsible positions.

The Board of Trustees, at present, consists of Obadiah Iluse, Evanstou, Illinois ; Solon Kendall, Geneseo ; and J. F. Culver (resident Trustee), Pontiac, Illinois ; Dr. J. D. Scouller, Superintendent.

Pontiac lias been honored above any other town in the county, by the number of persons selected from among her citizens for positions of honor, trust and profit.

William T. Russell, who was the first Supervisor of the township, was also the first Sheriff after the "- Act far Township Organization " had been adopted. For a number of years, after his term of office had expired, he was a resident of the city. He is now engaged in farming.

S. S. Saul was from Pennsylvania, and came to Pontiac to teach school in 1854 or '55. He was elected to the office of County Clerk in 1857, and held, the position until 1861.

Through the instrumentality of Saul, J. F. Culver removed to this place in 1859. Previous to his coming, he had been employed by the County Clerk to assist in the office. After the expiration of the term of office, Mr. Culver wa& elected Justice of the Peace, which office he resigned in 1862, to enlist in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment. He was elected Captain of Co. A, and served through the var. On his return, he was elected to the office of County Judge. He still resides in Pontiac, and is engaged in banking and real estate business. Mr. Culver has probably done more work, physically, religiously and politically, for his age, than any other man in the county, having held almost every office of honor and trust in the gift of the people.

John W. Smith came from Ohio, and engaged in teaching in this town in 1859. In 1861, he was elected to the position of County Superintendent of Schools. In the discharge of the duties of the office, he was one of the most active and faithful servants the county has ever had. He too, resigned his office to take part in putting doAvn the rebellion, and received a wound, from, which a man with less pluck would have died. He, however, lives, and is engaged in the drug and book trade in this city.

E. R. Maples is a synonym for " good fellow." He was one of the most irenial, warm-hearted men that Pontiac ever knew. He held the office of Sheriff from 1860 to 1862. He died about a year ago: his residence prior to his <',orainc!; to Pontiac was Chicago.

Time and space will allow cmly the mere mention of others, of whom we can only stop to say, they have fdled their places in a manner that has given the county no cause to regret their elevation to their several places of trust.

J. W. Strevelle, member of Legislature, two terms ; L. E. Payson and Jonathan Duff", each County Judge, one term ; J. E. Morrow, John A. Fellows and William H. Jenkins, each Circuit Clerk, one term ; C. C. Strawn and William T. Ament, each State's Attorney, a term ; 0. F. Pearre one, and H. H. Hill, County Superintendent of Schools, two terms ; James H. Gaff", Sheriff", one term ; M. E. Collins one, and William B. Fyfe, Treasurer, two terms.

The first coal Avas raised at Pontiac January 12, 1866 ; the first lump taken from the shaft being now in the possession of Jacob Streamer, with that date attached. The shaft was sunk on contract for the Directors of the company, by Isaac Custer. This work, with the buildings, cost the company $10,000. The shaft was sunk to the depth of 253 feet, but a vein at 175 feet is the only one worked to advantage. The charter members of the company were: S. C. Crane. President ; J. Duff", John Dehuer and Thomas Wing, Directors. The enterprise has not, on the whole, been very successful. Over |100,000 has been spent, and owing to fires and other misfortunes, it has scarcely in its history been on a paying basis. In February of 1871, the shaft and all of itsinterests were sold to Messrs. Franz, Campbell & Bullock, of Woodford County, for $45,000. It is now under control of W. H. Levers, who has operated it for several years past. Statistics in regard to its present workings are not obtainable, and are necessarily omitted.

The Chicago & Paducah Railroad, at first called the Fairbury, Pontiac k Northwestern Railroad, was built through this part of the county in 1871. The city of Pontiac and township took a lively interest in procuring its location through this part of the county, and voted the company a donation of $50,000 to eff"ect the purpose. While some may doubt whether the interests of the city have been enhanced by the location of a second railroad at this point, it will hardly be disputed that the farming community has been greatly benefited. Much has been saved in the way of freights, as by means of this line, competition has produced lower rates than otherwise would have prevailed. Small towns have sprung up along the line, and, while they have taken some trade from Pontiac, they have proved to be a great convenience to the sections in the midst of which they have been located.

As an indication of the amount of business done in this city, no page could be written that would give the reader as good an idea as the follow-

Chicago & Alton Railroad Chicago & Paduc.4H Railroad

One of the results of the late war was to bring to the North a class of people previously but little seen north of the Ohio River, and, in Pontiac, almost a curiosity. Soon after the proclamation by the President which struck the bonds from several millions of these people, they made haste to profit by that act. The North had been almost drained of its laborers who had gone to accomplish indirectly this very result. Peculiarly so was this the situation in this vicinity in the year 1864. Harvest was coming on. It was great, and "the laborers were few." A few of the leading farmers in this vicinity sent a committee to Cairo, where a number of these emancipated people had gathered, and induced them to come to Pontiac. Quite a large number of families came, and were quartered for a year or two on the farms of their employers. Gradually they have concentrated in the city, until, with the additions made by subsequent immigration, nearly three hundred have found homes in Pontiac. Though their educational and moral progress has not been so rapid as was hoped by their friends, yet, taking their poverty and their former condition into account, it must be admitted that their condition is quite satisfactory. Many of them have built and furnished little homes for themselves ; their children attend school ; and, as for piety, they certainly excel.

The Village Of Richmond

The reader will not be troubled to wade through statistics, as to this item, as the only thing to record is its history, and that of an ancient nature. Still, it is history, and not fiction, that we write ; for, though the reader may never have heard of it, the town of Richmond did exist. Not only so, but it was the rival of Pontiac, and but for a very small circumstance would doubtless have been by to-day the most flourishing city in the county. Richmond was located two miles east of Pontiac. It was regularly laid out and platted, by Franklin Oliver, County Surveyor, for Henry Jones and Henry Loveless, June 23, 1851. Rumors of a railroad through this section were afloat; and that being a nice location for a town, and that point in the river being a good one for a railroad iTossing, it was not doubted by its friends that this would be the favored point.

Stores and shops and a school house soon sprang into existence ; lots were disposed of for good prices : dwellings were built, and everything indicated a rising town. But alas for human hopes and desires ! The road lacked just two miles of passing through the historic village, and its bright anticipations burst like a bubble and vanished almost as quickly. Some of the buildings were moved to Pontiac, some did service afterward as stables and granaries, and the only monument that now exis<-s of the once sprightly little village is an open space just south of Philip Rollings' house.

Source changes here: from Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Livingston County, Vol. 2 by Strawn, Johnson, and Franzen (1909)., by Dale C. Maley, published 1909; 3,557 words in this source stream.

Pontiac Township

The first meeting looking to the incorporation of Pontiac into a village was held at the court house on the 2nd day of February, 1856, notice of such intention being published in the Livingston County News of January 17, 1856.

The meeting was organized by electing Nelson Buck chairman and John Chappel clerk. They were duly sworn in, the oath being administered by George W. Boyer, clerk of the circuit court,

The following resolution was introduced by Jason W. Strevell: "That we, the citizens of Pontiac, do now incorporate ourselves into a little body politic in order that we may more fully avail ourselves of the privileges guaranteed to like bodies by the statutes for such cases made and provided."

The question being put upon the resolution the following vote of the residents of the town and legal voters present at the meeting was taken viva voce:

The above was certified to the clerk of the court and a call was issued to the citizens of Pontiac to meet at the court house on February 12, 1856, for the purpose of electing five trustees for the village. The meeting was called to order by Nelson Buck and the following votes were cast for members of the board of trustees:

Nelson Buck, Henry Jones, Samuel C.- Ladd, Jason W. Strevell, and Z. H. Nettleton having the highest number of votes were declared duly elected and the meeting adjourned.

The first meeting of the trustees of the village of Pontiac was held in the court house on February 16, 1857, for the purpose of organization and the election of president of the board. Henry Jones was elected president, receiving three votes to one each for Nelson Buck and S. C. Ladd.

On the 18th of February the board met and were duly sworn in by Ira Loveless, a justice of the peace, and proceeded to the transaction of business.

The first motion before the trustees was that a committee be appointed by the president to inquire into the practicability of laying down sidewalk previous to the settling of the ground and to draft by-laws.

Joel H. Dart was elected clerk and treasurer ; Philip Rollins was elected street commissioner, and Joseph Virgin, constable. Jonathan Duff was appointed assessor and collector.

About June 1, 1856, a public meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of securing a cemetery for the village. A committee of citizens consisting of Jerome P. Garner, James Stout, Charles M. Lee, Samuel C. Ladd and Darius Johnson were appointed at the meeting to confer with the board of trustees in relation to securing this much needed convenience. J. W. Strevell was appointed a committee of one to confer with the town committee, with the result that five acres of ground were purchased of Henry W. Stevens of St. Charles, Ill., for this purpose. The price was $20 per acre, the ground selected being part of the present site of the Pontiac city cemetery. In December, 1857, the ground was laid off into lots and blocks, and on the 15th of December of the same year the new cemetery was opened to the public.

For twenty years previous to this date the inhabitants of Pontiac had been very careless in burying their dead. Bodies were buried on residence lots not over three blocks from the square, but as soon as the cemetery was opened these were taken up and reburied there. Most of the early settlers were buried on a knoll in the northeast part of town and quite a few were buried in a crab apple thicket on the banks of the Vermilion, near where the Pontiac shoe manufacturing plant now stands. No slab or stone ever marked their graves, and in time they were entirely lost sight of and remain so to this day. In after years the cemetery was enlarged by the purchase of land from Livingston County Agricultural Board. The plot now contains about thirteen acres, and in a few years will have to be closed, as the lots are for the most part either occupied or sold.

About the only question of importance to come up before the village trustees after their organization was the sale of intoxicating liquors, the building of sidewalks and the drainage of the big slough just north of the original townsite. The local politics of the town consisted almost wholly in this question, and the two factions were about evenly divided. Part of the time the license party elected the board, while at other times the anti-license party held the reins of government. Bitter feeling prevailed until in 1865 was adopted the Princeton Charter, which prohibited not only the sale of liquors but restrained the trustees from granting any authority whatever to saloon keepers to offer liquor for sale. The charter was only satisfactory to its friends in so far as they were enabled to elect men on the board of trustees who would enforce its provisions to the letter of the law. Liquor was always sold, if not in one way in another, and the question was never settled.

When the new board took hold there was not a 'sidewalk in town except those laid by the business men around the square. Money was scarce and there was insufficient funds in the treasury for local improvements. It was proposed to build a sidewalk from the Chicago & Alton depot to the court house square and tax the abutting property owners with one-half of the cost. This met with decided objection on the part of the property owners, but the measure passed the board. The sidewalk was not built until long afterwards and other improvements of a like character were slow in being made all over the city, the citizens preferrring to wade in the mud rather than defray half the cost of the improvement.

held to discuss the matter and the board was petitioned to take some action in the premises, but it was always decided to postpone actual work on the same and the slough was never thoroughly drained out until about twenty years later.

From 1837 until 1860 the settlement of Pontiac was slow, the census of 1860 giving the village a population of 728, five of whom were colored. Many new arrivals came before the breaking out of the war, among whom were William B. Lyon and family, Captain H. B. Reed. John Schneider and Harvilla Bennett. Soon after the breaking out of the war the population diminished rapidly, two full companies being enlisted in Pontiac alone. Besides these many went to Chicago, St. Louis and Ottawa to enlist, and in the fall of 1862, when the 129th regiment left for the front, the village was almost deserted and remained so until the close of the war in the spring of 1865. When the 129th left they were presented with a beautiful flag by the patriotic ladies of the county, the exercises being held in the court house yard. It was a gala day in Pontiac and the square was crowded with the wives and sweethearts of the young soldiers who assembled to bid them good-bye. The presentation speech was made by Mrs. I. G. Mott, and the proceedings were enlivened by the Pontiac Cornet band. The war being over, the soldiers returned and at once settled down to active toil and the upbuilding of the village. True, many who went to the front never returned, but their places were taken by new arrivals who came here during the 60's, prominent among whom were William B, Fyfe, O. F. Pearre, N. J. Pillsbury, S. O. Pillsbury, F, F. Post, John C. Winans, Thomas J. Rankin, Joseph P. Turner, Dr. J. J. Stites, James A. Caldwell, Dr. J. W. Filkins, C. C. Strawn, John Egan, John W. Bruner, S. Ricketson, Samuel Huber, John D. Honeywell, William H. Jenkins, James Nelson, Patrick Murphy, Clark E. Legg, James Siner, John W. Woodrow, Clawson R. Waters, Samuel and W. F. Denslow, S. S. Lawrence, J. B. Tyler, Dr. T. C. Hartshorn, W. S. Lacey, Lewis G. Goodspeed, John H. Hewiat, Dr. H. H. Townsend, Thomas Wing, R. B. Harrington, Henry Milke, Charles Culver, L. E. Payson.

In 1865 the village began to boom to some. extent. Some of the leading citizens, among whom were Stephen C. Crane, John Dehner, Thomas Wing and Jonathan Duff, organized a company, the object of which was to sink a coal shaft. The capital stock was in the neighborhood of

$50,000, all of which was taken in Pontiac. Coal was discovered at a depth of 175 feet and soon after this the stock went up to double its face value. This vein was worked for some time and the next year the second vein was reached at a depth of 368 feet. Shortly after this the buildings were destroyed by fire, resulting in a loss of over $15,000. Again they were rebuilt, only to be destroyed by fire, and a few years later the Pontiac Coal Company had gone out of existence, the stockholders losing all the money invested. At one time 100 miners were employed at this shaft. In 1871 the mine was sold to Frantz, Bullock & Campbell of Minonk, who afterwards lost heavily in operating the mine.

In 1866 business was thriving and during this year Messrs Duff & Cowan opened the firsa bank in the village and met with success. Next year came the Pontiac Woolen Mills. This enterprise was inaugurated by a joint stock company of which John Powell was president and Jonathan Duff was treasurer. The mill had a capacity of about 800 yards per day, besides the yarn it spun. The building and machinery cost about $35,000 and when it closed down twenty-five hands were employed at good wages. Job E. Dye was superintendent and manager. After the failure of the bank, in 1870, the mill was closed, never to open again as a woolen mill. Some years later the building was used as a flouring mill and soon afterwards was destroyed by fire.

Pontiac had been without a band for several years and in 1869 one was organized, the citizens contributing $350 therefor. The following were the chief musicians: Simon Brucker, William Wells, Henry Greenebaum, John W. Daman, Charles A, McGregor, James E. Morrow, George E. Pittenger, Peter Johnson, C. L. Downey, F. H. Bond, Al Harris and Albert Babcock.

Soon after the organization of the band a public meeting was held at the court house for the purpose of organizing a base ball club, the first one in the village. L. E. Payson was elected president; Byron Phelps, secretary, and James E. Morrow, treasurer ; executive committee, L. E. Payson, C. J. Beattie; Byron Phelps, J. E. Morrow and Dr. Samuel Stewart. The following is a list of the players: First nine - E. M. Johnson, captain; S. S. Herbert, Thomas Liston, William Cleland and D. C. Eylar. Second nine - Captain, Byron Phelps; J. C. Wheeler, David McFarlane, Ralph Gregory, J. H. Garner, Hugh

The citizens of Pontiac took great pride in both these organizations, more especialy the latter. At that time they furnished the people of the county with amusements during the summer season, and their matched games were attended by people from all over the county. Business in Pontiac was entirely suspended for the afternoon to the day of the game.

During the summer of 1869 the reform school was building in Pontiac, and the Fairbury, Pontiac & Northwestern Railroad was approaching the village from Streator. Many men were employed in the construction of these two great institutions and times were good and money plentiful. Franz Steinback had also erected a large brewery just south of the Alton railroad bridge across the tracks and was doing a flourishing business. Soon after the brewery started the city authorities made trouble for the brewery people. The Princeton Charter, under which Pontiac was then sailing, prohibited the sale of liquors outside and within three miles of the corporation, Under this the brewery people were brought into court and after several years of costly litigation the supreme court held the provisions of the charter constitutional and for a time the brewery was compelled to close down, resulting in a heavy loss. A few years later the brewery closed down and later on all the buildings were destroyed by fire.

Previous to 1869 Pontiac was what in these days would be called a "Mudhole proper.' During this year the village authorities began to pay some attention to the streets, especially those around the court house square and the principal ones leading thereto. The streets were drained in most cases by deep ditches running to the river, the center of the street being laid with broken stone from the quarry on the farm of Joseph S. Babcock. This stone piking lasted for several years and a few years later Pontiac was credited with having the best streets of any town of its size in the state, a position which it maintains today.

On Wednesday, June 14, the Fairbury, Pontiac Northwestern railroad reached Pontiac and there was great rejoicing. The people turned out with the big cannon, accompanied by the cornet band, and celebrated the occasion with a good will. Congratulatory speeches were made by O, C. Strawn, J. F. Culver, J. A. Fellows, A. H.

Brower, Captain Payne, W. T. Ament, S. S. Lawrence, John J. Taylor and J. L. Marsh and others. In 1869 the people of Pontiac Township, by a vote of 374 to 6, authorized the issuance of $50,000 in bonds to this company, now the Wabash. These bonds resulted in considerable litigation to the people of the township, but were eventually paid. '

September 11th, 1872, Pontiac was organized as a city by the election ¡of Rufus W. Babcock as the first mayor and A. W. Cowan city clerk; F. C. Brown, William H. Cleland, Martin Dolde, Lester E. Kent, William Perry and Charles Gross, aldermen, An important measure, adopted that year, has had a marked effect upon the appearance of the city, rendering it, at the same time, more substantial and handsome than it otherwise would have been. The council passed an ordinance known as the "fire limits law," which prevented the erection of wooden buildings in a prescribed district. The result of this has been that the new buildings about the square are all of brick, making it not only much more solid, but adding greatly to its fine appearance.

During the years 1872-73 Pontiac took a sudden boom as regards the building of substantial business blocks. Prior to that time the business buildings around the square were all, with one exception, constructed of wood, with a large portico in front reaching to the end of the sidewalk, These were destroyed by fire or moved away to make room for larger and more commodious brick buildings, which were constructed during this time.

What was most needed at this time was a good hotel, and at a meeting of the citizens of Pontiac called for that purpose, Thomas Williams and Stephen C. Crane made a proposition to erect a substantial three-story brick building providing the citizens would raise a donation of $4,000. This was done in one day and Messrs. Crane and Williams at once started the erection of the Phenix hotel. It was completed and ready for occupancy on October 1, 1873, and cost, furnished, nearly $40,000.

Dr. J. W. Filkins, Edward Bertram, Lawrence & Pillsbury, S. H. Young, W. S. Lacey, J. W. Hoover, and George W. Bay constructed substantial two-story and basement brick buildings on the remaining lots in the block, which at that date were considered the finest in this section of the state. This block, together with the court house, was destroyed by fire on the 4th of July, 1874, but was again rebuilt. Since that time, however, three of the stores were remodeled and rebuilt by Mr. ©. W. Sterry, making one of the finest office and store buildings in the county.

The building at the corner of Mill and Madison streets was built by Joseph F. Culver. Adjoining this building on the west William B. Lyon, Wiilliam Garner and Morris Johnson erected their two-story brick buildings, while just to the north Caldwell & McGregor and John W. Benham built three substantial buildings, which are still standing.

Caldwell & McGregor, J. W. Strevell and William B. Lyon also completed the building of three elegant store rooms north of the square, fronting on Madison street, which are still standing.

From 1875 until 1900 the erection of buildings around the square and on Madison and Mill streets, the principal streets leading thereto, was slow, but sure, and five years ago the last wooden structure, the Mossholder home, was moved away to make room for a substantial brick structure. The public library building was erected in 1893, followed seven years later by the city hall. Both of these buildings were substantial additions to the city, and greatly enhanced the value of adjacent property.

The first electric light introduced in Pontiac was in the fall of 1882, by the Thomson-Houston Electric Company. The plant was located in the old woolen mill. Only are lights were used and the court house square was througed on the evening they were first turned on from the court house dome. Samuel Bond was the chief electrician, and from that date down to the present time Pontiac has used this mode of lighting the streets. A few business houses installed the lights and the Thomson-Houston Company disposed of their plant to a local company the following year. The local company installed the first incandescent machine in January, 1889, and a few months later their plant was ruined by the explosion of a boiler in which two men were killed, and the plant was sold at sheriff's sale. Henry A. Foster and Mrs. Kate Dimick were the purchasers. Mrs. Dimick was represented by W. H. Fursman and under their management the plant was continued until 1892, when the new company went into the hands of a receiver. In

November of this year the plant was purchased at receiyer's sale by Henry C. Jones and Henry A. Foster. These gentlemen continued to operate the plant with success until November, 1899, when they disposed of their interest to James A. Carothers. Mr. Carothers had large financial means at his command and soon added to his holdings by installing the heating and gas plants. Mr. Carothers was also the prime mover in the Interurban railway, and invested more in public utilities in Pontiac than any one man or company since the town was laid out in 1837. His death, which occurred in February, 1908, leaves a vacancy which will be hard to replace.

In 1890 the present sewer system was started by the construction of the main sewer on North street, draining the slough, which had caused so much trouble to the people ever since the townsite was located in 1837. Since that time the sewer has been extended farther east, reclaiming valuable property, the whole bed of the slough now being occupied by some of the best dwelling houses to be seen in the city. The sewer system is now altogether inadequate for the growing city and will soon have to be enlarged. The next year came the system of water works, followed in 1896 by the laying of the first brick pavement. Now all the leading thoroughfares in the city are paved, making it the finest looking city of its size in Illinois,

From the opening of the first school in the court house in Pontiac, in 1843, until 1867 school facilities were meager. Many times during this period not enough room for the accommodation of over half the children of a school age was provided. Since 1867 extensive improvements along this line have been made until today Pontiac is the leading educational center of Livingston County, having four well appointed public school buildings, besides the township high school, and the parochial school in connection with the St. Mary's church.

Josiah Ross and family came from Ohio in 1857 and brought the Eylar farm south of Pontiac, where they remained for one year, then moying into Pontiac. Mr. Ross' family consisted of two boys, Oliver P., since deceased; Richard, who now resides in Pontiac; Miss Kate, now Mrs. Tilden Houseworth; Miss Matilda J., now Mrs. Wallace Lord, and Miss Ellen, who died here about twenty-five years ago. The family were a good acquisition to the village, and in the early days were always prominent in everything that went for the betterment of the place.

Shortly after the Alton railroad opened for business in Pontiac came William Wall, who had just arrived from England. Mr. Wal started the first dray line in Pontiac and in a few years disposed of the business to a boy by the name of Ebenezer Calkins. Wall engaged in the saloon and hotel business and soon became the owner of the Washington hotel, which he conducted for years with success, and where he now resides, although the building has not been used for a hotel for twenty years. Calkins is still engaged in the dray business and is well supplied with this world's goods, is a good citizen and universally respected.