Springfield Township (part 2 of 5)

Incorporation

Continuing to increase in population, and losing none of its original ambition, Springfield became incorporated as a town, April 2, 1832, under the general law of 1831. This town government remained for nearly ten years, and for much of that time was administered in a wise and acceptable manner. Charles R. Matheny was the first President of the Board of Trustees, while among the members were Abraham Lincoln, Samuel H. Treat, and Stephen T.Logan - names which need no eulogy here. During these years - from 1830 to 1840 - both town and county increased in population very rapidly. By this time, the settlements in the northern part of the State had grown to be of considerable size and importance. The northern part of Illinois was principally settled by men from New York and New England. They were farmers, merchants, mechanics, millers, manufacturers. They made farms, built mills, churches, school houses, towns, and cities. Here, in Central Illinois, was where theKentuckians who had settled Southern Illinois, first met and learned to know the men whom they called Yankees. They had a most despicable opinion of their Northern neighbors. The genuine Yankee they had never seen. They had seen a tricky, trafiicking race of peddlers from New England, who much infested the West and South with tinware, small lots of merchandize, and wooden clocks. From these specimens, the whole of New England had been judged. Hence, the natural conclusion that a Yankee was a close, miserly, dishonest getter of money, void of generosity or any of the kindlier feelings of human nature. On the other hand, the people of Northern Illinois (chiefly from New England) formed an equally unfavorable opinion of their Southern neighbors. The Northern man believed the Southerner to be a long, lank, lazy, ignorant animal, little better than a savage - one content to squat on land not his own, and spend his days in a log cabin, with a large family of idle, hungry, ill-clothed, untaught children. It was only by daily contact, actual intercourse, that prejudices and errors could be removed. Here, in Central Illinois, and, most of all, in Springfield, after it became the capital, were these two classes of men brought to know each other better, and finally to abandon their erroneous notions of each other. Then they found both parties were wrong. In liberality and hospitality they were about equal, though these virtues show themselves in each people in a different way. The Southerner was, perhaps, the most hospitable and liberal to individuals; but the Northern man was the most liberal in contributing for the public benefit. Here, in Springfield, in later years, were the best specimen of both classes - Lincoln, Douglas, Bakei, Hardin, Bissell, Trumbull, Logan, Shields, Dubois, and many others, who gradually came to consider that Springfield was home.

As already stated Springfield was incorporated under town government in 1832. The following constitutes the Board of Trustees from 1832 to 1840 inclusive:

City Charter

In 1840 a charter was obtained from the legislature for the formation of a city government. Its first election was held in the spring of that year. This charter was amended several times and in 1852 an act was passed entitled "An act to reduce the act incorporating the city of Springfield, and the several acts amendatory thereof into one act, and to amend the same." This act w^as approved March 2, 1852. By it the municipal government was to consist of a City Council, to be composed of a Mayor and three Aldermen from each ward. Under the old charter there was only one Alderman for each ward. The other ofiicers for the city were to be a City Clerk, City Marshal, City Treasurer, City Attor-

1854. - Mayor - William H. Herndon; Aldermen - First Ward, Thomas Lewis, Morris Lindsay, Allen Francis; Second, William Butler, Charles R. Hurst, and to fill vacancy, Benjamin Mclntyre; Third, Samuel Grubb, Thomas Ragsdale, Henry Vanhoff, and to fill vacancy, Edmund G. Johns; Fourth, John W. Priest, Reuben F. Ruth, Orson N. Stafford.

Removal Of The Capital

Attention has already been called to this subject in a previous part of this work, but a few words here will not be out of place. The act for the removal of the capital w^as approved February 25, 1837, but the efforts in that direction had been made at every session for several years previous. The system of internal improvements was then pending in the legislature and before the people. The means used to pass this system through the legislature cannot be left without notice. First, a large number of the people w^ere interested in the success of the Illinois and Michigan canal; the canal Avas, therefore, threatened if other sections of the State were denied the improvements demanded by them. Thus the friends of the canal were forced into the system. Next the system was made to include roads and improvements everywhere, so as to enlist every part of the State; several efforts were made to legalize a smaller system, and with each failure, the bill would be amended by the addition of other roads. Thus the friends of the other system were gradually increased. Next, those counties which could not be accommodated with a road or some other improvement, were to share in a fund of two hundred thousand dollars. To conciliate and win over the interest and influence of Alton, three railroads were appointed to center at that city. Then the people of Springfield desired to have the seat of government removed here. Sangamon county had nine representatives in the General Assembly. It was by the efforts and influence of these men that Springfield attained its present position. Among them were some very dexterous managers in politics, whose whole object was to obtain the seat of government for Springfield. This delegation, from the beginning of the decisive session, threw itself as a unit in support of, or in opposition to, every local measure of interest, but never without a bargain for votes in return on the seat of government question. Most of the other counties were small, having but one representative, and many of them had but one for a district composed of several counties. This gave to Sangamon county a decided preponderance in the log-rolling system of those days. By such means the " Long Nine" rolled a log like a snow-ball, gathering accessions of strength at every turn, until they swelled up a considerable party for Springfield. This party they managed to take as a unit in favor of the internal improvement system, in return for which the active supporters of that system were to vote for Springfield to be the seat of government. Thus it was by log-rolling on the canal measure, by mixltiplying railroads, by terminating three railroads at Alton, that Alton might become a great city in opposition to St. Louis, by distributing money to some of the counties, the system of internal improvements was adopted, and the seat of government removed to Springfield.

The spring of 1837 did not open favorably for the new capital. That spring the banks throughout the United States suspended jpecie payments. The banks of Illinois soon followed the example of others. The location of Springfield was made upon conditions. One condition was, that the State should receive $50,000 for the erection of the opitol. Another was, that the grounds necessaiy for the public buildings should be donated to the State, and for this purpose the county court was empowered to convey the public square, which was done. But the payment of the sum of money specified was found to be a much harder task than was at first anticipated. One-third of the amount - $16,- 666.67 - was raised by assessments upon the owners of property within the town. The assessments were not paid for five years, for the reason other satisfactory arrangements were made.

The persons assessed went to the State Bank and gave a note, due in five years, intei'est at twelve per cent, for the amount. A copy of this note will be found on a previous page. The bank advanced the money, and the lot owner, by paying his interest annually, was allowed five years' time. Another third of the amount, the town, in its corporate capacity, agreed to pay. Upon the written obligation to that effect, a large number of the leading citizens of the place, perhaps a hundred in all, became sureties. When it became due the town was not able to pay, and the State Bank, which had advanced the money to the town, was about to press the securities to payment, when a compromise was made. Men of capital came forward with the money and paid the bank, taking city bonds for their re-payment.

Speculation And Hard Times

It was in 1836 that the great town lot speculation began to spread through the towns and villages of Illinois. But it did not assume its full proportions in Springfield until the year following, after the removal of the capital was a certainty. This speculation in this State commenced in Chicago, and was the means of building up that place, in a year or two, from a village of a few houses to be a city of several thousand inhabitants. The story of the sudden fortunes made there, excited, at first, wonder and amazement, next a gambling spirit of adventure, and lastly an all absorbing desire for rapid and splendid wealth. The example of Chicago was contagious. It spread to all the towns and villages of the State. New towns were laid out in every direction. In fact, the number of towns multiplied so rapidly that it was a common remark to say the whole country was likely to be laid out in towns, and that no land would be left for farming purposes. In this time of wild excitement. Springfield had her full share. The judgments of all the business men were unsettled. Their minds were occupied with only one idea - the all-controlling desire of jumping at once into a fortune. As all had boiight more town lots and lands than many of them could pay for, and more than any of them could sell, the idea was gradually diffused through the State that if the country could be rapidly settled, its resources developed, and wealth invited from abroad, that all the towns then of any note would become cities, and that the other towns, laid out only for speculation, and then without inhabitants, would immediately become thriving and populous villages, the wealth of all would be greatly increased, and the town lot market be rendered perfectly secure.

It was with a view to this consummation, that the system of internal improvements, already noticed, began to be successfully agitated in the summer and fall of 1836. The system became law, and three years trial of it plunged the State so hopelessly in debt that public credit went down with a crash; individuals, of course, did not escape unharmed. Many of the soundest men in all the towns were driven to utter ruin. There were many in Springfield who suffered in this time of calamity. The whole community found that the growth of the town had been retarded for years by these events. As we have seen, the banks were all compelled to suspend, and the money was paper. So great was the burden of debt felt to be, that after July, 1841, no further attempt was made by the State for several years to pay the interest on the public debt. Here in Springfield, as elsewhere through the State, the people fo md they had enough to do in providing food and in paying the debts they owed to each other.

To add to the general calamity and the terror of the people, in February, 1842, the State Bank, with a circulation of $3,000,000, tumbled into ruin with a great crash, not only injuring Springfield greatly, but carrying wide spread poverty all over Illinois, and into the neighboring States and Territories. For the next ten years there were hard times indeed. Speculation had seen its day, and the people were done with it. Hard work and economical habits were ideas fixed in the minds of most. Under such circumstances it is no wonder the city grew slowly. In eight years, commencing with 1840, the population only increased by about fourteen hundred. Still the place did gradually increase in numbers and wealth, year by year. As the county was slowly settled up, and its resources developed by the two railroads, this growth became permanent, in form.

Healthfulness Of Springfield

Springfield is noted as being one of the most healthy cities in this country, and affords a pleasant retreat during the hot summer months to those living in the cities of the South. The St. Louis (Mo.) Republican, noticing the summer resorts convenient to citizens of the eastern cities, says:

"There are many in St. Louis who would gladly have such summer advantages at command, but who are not prepared, with their families, to take the long and expensive journey to the East. Many of our business men cannot afford the time to do it. They must be within reach of their counting-rooms and warehouses, and so they pass their long summers here without rural recreation or pleasure jaunts of any sort, denying to their families, as well as themselves, the salutary pleasure of a country residence during the summer. But still there is, only one hundred miles away, a very agreeable spot to pass the summer. We mean Springfield, Illinois, which is quite as desirable and comfortable a place for summer recreation as many others of greater celebrity. It is as marked for health lulness as Saratoga, and has as pure air. It is a city, yet it is so laid out and built that it presents a pleasing combination of town and country. There are many pleasant drives about the city, and livery stables supplied with the best horses for the saddle or buggy. It abounds in churches and schools, and is distinguished for the intelligence, courtesy and hospitality of its citizens. With days no hotter than at Niagara, its evenings, nights and mornings delightfully cool. To a St. Louisian it is accessible in four hours, and when there the telegraph and mails place him in prompt communication with this city, or any other place requiring correspondence. It is a safe and quiet place for families, free from the costliness of places of fashionable resorts, for which one must prepare with startling equipments of elegant and fashionable wardrobes. No city in the Union has a finer hotel than Springfield, where families may find most desirable accommodations. We refer to the Leland Hotel. A St. Louis merchant can deposit his family there, come down to the city, and pass half or two-thirds of the week, and run up again on Friday or Saturday, and pass a glad Saturday or Sunday with his family and friends, and so beguile the hot weeks with varied enjoyment for himself, while wife and children are safe, healthy and happy, all summer long, in that pleasant city. Let no one ask for a place of summer resort with one sa accessible as Springfield right at hand. We speak of the place knowingly, having passed there many weeks and months during the past twenty-five or thirty years, dating back to the day when it had only three thousand inhabitants. It is really a most desirable place to spend the summer."

Springfield To A Stranger

Springfield when visited in the winter, or in the early spring when the frost is first out of the ground, does not present that attractive appearance it does later in the spring and in the summer and autumn months. Like other cities in Central Illinois and almost throughout the entire State, in the early spring and in open winters it is quite muddy, the mud frequently being an embargo to all travel. Springfield has often bee» condemned by the stranger for the mud upon her streets, while at the same time it was no worse than hundreds of other places in the State, and much better than many. Of one thing it is quite evident, the cities of Illinois will always be muddy if not paved.

Coming to the city in the summer the stranger finds it presenting a far different appearance. With its palatial residences, with handsome, well kept lawns; its magnificent business blocks, with large store rooms filled with goods of every description to suit the tastes and pockets of all; large, stately shade trees lining the streets, all going to make up one of the handsomest cities of its size in the country. In 1854, a corres- pondent of the Democratic Press, of Chicago, who chanced to be in the city thus wrote of it: "Every citizen of the Prairie State, from Chicago to Cairo and from the Wabash to the Mississippi, should be acquainted with the real character of, and take a pride in, our pleasant and hospitable capital. Pleasant and beautiful, and flourishing will I term it, though very opposite adjectives have been prefixed to it by many of those editors and politicians who have seen it during winter's cold wind, and cloudy sky and foggy air - when an unusual, an ill-assorted and turbulent crowd of visitors are here from the highways and byways of 'Suckerdom,' when bird and bee and blossom have given place to pelting rain, and driving wind, and general gloom. But Springfield in the spring time of the year is a different place. Indianapolis is famed for beauty and prosperity; yet with an infinite knowledge of all it has and a strong predilection in its favor, I am constrained to say it has nothing to boast of over our own capital. In railroads and population it has a few years the start; but in pleasant places of residence, in taste as displayed in shade trees and shrubs and flowers, and fences and grassy lawns, Springfield is far ahead; and in churches, batiks, court and State house, it is at least her equal. The State has not granted to Springfield her buildings for the blind, insane and dumb, nor have the benevolent orders of Odd Fellows and Masons done for her what they have done for Indianapolis. Herein is a difference against us. Like Washington, Springfield is a 'city of magnificent distances.' It might be termed the 'Embowered City,' as in no western town have I seen more fine elms, maples, locust, oak and other shade trees flourishing. ' He who plants trees loves others besides himself.' Springfielders love and benefit posterity and all strangers that visit the city and enjoy its luxuriant shade. How snug, neat, cool and comfortable, says Thrifty, do trees and shrubbery, which have been tastefully planted, make a dwelling appear, and how naked, dry and barren does a residence look without them."

Change Of Name

In 1853, the qustion of a change of name for the city was discussed publicly and privately, for a considerable length of time, but without I'esult. It was argued that Springfield was a too common name, that in the Union there were about forty Springfields, or one in nearly every State and Territory, and but two or three rose above the rank of the most obscure village in the country. Letters destined for Springfield, Illinois, were often mis-sent, traveling from one State to another, and taking months to reach their destination. Among the names suggested for the change, were Sangamo and Illini. The latter name was advocated to perpetuate the remembrance of the aboriginal people, from whom was derived the name of the chief river of the State, and of the State itself; the former for the Sangamo river, and because of its more musical sound, especially when written in connection with the name of the State. The efforts of the advocates of a change were unavailing, and the city yet retains the popular name of Springfield, and Springfield let it be.

Growth Of The City

Springfield, in common with eveiy other city in the Union, was affected by the hard times of 1837, which continued during one entii-e decade, or until 1847. In this latter year i^roperty which had gone down, down, until it could go no lower, began to take an upward stride. The confidence of people was again restored and they began to invest their savings in various ways and prosperity again reigned. In 1853 there was such an urgent demand for dwelling houses in this city that it could not be filled. Says a local writer of that date:

" Every inhabitable house in this city is filled to overflowing. Even should one happen to be vacated no one would dare notify the public through the papers. The din of applicants would destroy the best nerves in town. Of course our city is much the loser by this deficiency. Scores of families who would be induced to remain in our city are forced to seek other localities. Both men and capital are diverted from our city, and others are allowed to reap the advantages of our stupidity. Now cannot this matter be remedied? Is it not for the interest of our land owners and monied men to build houses to rent? Are not the inducements sufficient on the score of profit, to say nothing of patriotic considerations? In this respect we believe no city in the west can hold out greater inducements to building capital than Springfield. True we have not been in the habit of making such a blow about ourselves as our neighbor, at Alton. Nor have we gone into the puffing game like Bloomington and 'little Decatur.' We havn't filled all the earth with the ciy of our 'corner lots.' Still 'little old shanty Springfield' has actually done better in real estate transactions than the tallest figures can show at Chicago."

The Post Office

the first settlement of the place, in 18iy, up to 1823, they had no postoifice nearer than Edwardsville, eighty miles distant, and were therefore obliged to patronize the postmaster at that place for what little mail matter they received. They got their letters semi-occasionally - sometimes by the hand of wagoners, and sometimes by means of a hack which John Dixon sent to Edwardsville whenever he could secure a load of passengers. Mr. Dixon lived on Fancy Creek, a tributary of the Sangamon. He left here years ago and laid out the pretty town which bears his name, on Rock river, Lee county.

The post office was established and Major lies appointed postmaster, in 1823, but while he held the office his official duties did not interfere with his private business. Previous to his appointment, letters addressed to "Springfield, Illinois," would visit nearly every other Springfield in the United States, and finally bring up at Edwardsville; after his appointment and the name of the post office had been made known to Uncle Sara's officials, he received letters that had traveled around the country for several months. He held the office for about three years, and kept it in a small frame building about two hundred yards west of the Chicago & Alton depot.

In 1824, a semi-monthly mail route was established from Springfield to Kaskaskia by way of Edwardsville and Belleville. The mail was carried on horseback. Letters from this place to St. Louis went by way of Edwardsville and Belleville, and on arriving at the latter place were taken charge of by the postmaster and transferred to the agent carrying the mail between St. Louis and Louisville.

Stephen Stillman succeeded Major lies and held the office between one and two years. He was succeeded by Asa Shaw who remained in the office about three years.

William Carpenter was appointed in 1837 and remained in office till about 1839. He kept his office in a building that stood on the northwest corner of the square The same building was also used as a market house.

John S. Roberts succeeded Mr. Carpenter. He was in the office but a short time. The building occupied by him was located east of the Chenery House.

J. W. Keyes was appointed to serve out Mr. Roberts' time, and he attended to his duties faithfully while he remained in office; but the election of Harrison in 1840 led to his removal.

G. W. Spottswood held the office from 1841 to 1844, dying before the expiration of his terra. During a portion of his terra the State officers could not raise money enough to take their letters from the post office, and he was thus compelled to keep important public matter for months at a time. Nobody had money in those times, and the State was as poor as individuals.

Jonathan R. Diller was appointed by President Tyler to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Spottswood's death. He remained in office during Polk's administration, and being a Democrat, of course his official head fell when Taylor became President, in 1849. Shortly after his removal he died.

A.Y.Ellis held the office under Taylor and Fillmore's administration. He kept it in the building for some time afterwards occupied by John Williams & Co. as a grocery store. Some time during the spring of 1853 he was informed by the Postmaster General under Franklin Pierce, that the department could dispense with his services. He was too much of a Whig to expect to be retained in office, and so took his removal philosophically.

Isaac R. Diller succeeded Mr. Ellis, remaining in office till the close of Pierce's terra. Buchanan then gave hira a lucrative counsulship at Bremen, and appointed J. W. Keyes in his place. During the time of the trouble between the Administration and Stephen A. Douglas, in 1858, Mr. Keyes was removed for the reason he was supposed to favor the latter.

Presco Wright was appointed by President Lincoln in the spring of 18G5, and held the office three years, being reraoved by President Johnson for political causes.

When Grant carae in he appointed J. L. Crane, who served eight years. President Hayes then appointed D. L. Phillips, who served until his death, in 1880. Paul Selby, the present incurabent, was then appointed.

Philadelphia, for $3.50. During the first year, the business of the office was as follows: Orders drawn, $13,244.80; orders paid, $8,430.'78. In 1880, there were drawn $108,238.54, and paid $100,078.33, on domestic orders alone, showing a handsome increase.

During 1880, the number of letters forwarded from this office was eight hundred and twentythree thousand, three hundred and sixty-eight; postal cards, two hundred and fifty thousand, five hundred and thirty-six; total number pieces mailed in all classes, two million, four hundred and nine thousand, five hundred and sixty-eight. Of second class matter, fifty-eight thousand, three hundred and eighty-eight pounds were forwarded.

Springfield As A Maxufacturing Point

The idea is generally prevalent that interior cities or towns can never be made manufacturing points. But this theory is certainly exploded; at least, so far as Springfield is concerned. The causes operating against interior cities in competing with those along a water course no longer exists. No longer is the manufacturer dependent upon the steamers of our lakes and rivers for means of transportation. The invention of the locomotive and the building of railroads has effectually solved the transportation problem. A beginning has been made in Springfield, which is widening year by year, and already it has outstripped many more pretentious river towns in the extent of its manufactures. Another point has been established by the building up of these manufactories here, and that is that a State Capital can be something else than a huge boarding house, where the people all make their living keeping boarders.

Springfield Iron Company. - This institution was organized October, 1871, with a capital stock of $200,000, which has been increased to $393,- 750. The first Board of Directors were Charles H. Ridgely, George M. Brinkerhoff, John W. Bunn, O. H. Miner, and William D. Richardson, The first and present officers are Charles Ridgely, President; John W. Bunn, Vice President; George M. Brinkerhoff, Secretary. The present Board of Directors are Charles Ridarely, George M. Brinkerhoff, J. T. Smith, John Williams, Joseph W. Clark, William Ridgely, and John W. Bunn.

In the beginning the works only manufactured railroad iron. The puddle mill belonging to the rail mill was started in June, 1872, and the first rail was made in September of that year, since which time it has continually been in operation.

The claim is made by the company that they have made more rails than any similar works in the United States. They now turn out four thousand five hundred tons of rails per month.

Other branches of manufacture have been introduced from time to time, so that at present the company is making rails of both iron and steel, bar iron, fish plates, and track bolts. The steel rails are made by the Seimeus-Martin, or open earth process. Charles Kennedy is general superintendent of the works.

The Springfield Iron Company is located about a mile north of the city limits. The buildings of this company are constructed in a substantial style of architecture, and present a picturesque appearance. It is impracticable in this article to give a full and complete description of the works, and our only endeavor will be to notice some of the principal points of interest. The buildings in order of importance are, the rail mill, where all the rails, both iron and steel, are made, is eighty by three hundred and twenty-five feet in dimensions. The rolls of this mill are propelled by a mammoth seven hundred horse-power engine. The steel converting works are two hundred by one hundred feet, and devoted to the manufacture of steel, which is cast into rail ingots. The manufacture of steel is under the care of Mr. C. W. Roeper.

The Blooming Mills are ninety by two hundred feet, substantially built and used for reducing the ingots to the proper size for rolling into steel rails. The motive power being a four hundred and fifty horse-power Corless engine. The Merchant Mills are one hundred and six by two hundred and thirty-four feet in dimensions, and devoted to the manufacture of bar iron, merchants' iron and railroad fastenings, with a capacity of sixteen hundred tons per month. The machinery of this mill is driven by a three hundred horse-power Corless engine. The puddle works are eighty-two by two hundred and two feet in dimensions, and used for the preparation of pig iron for the Merchant Mills, the motor being a three hundred horse power Corless engine. Besides the buildings already mentioned, there are machine shops, bolt and nut works, carpenter shops, pattern shops, blacksmith shops, etc. The company have introduced the Siemens gas furnaces, which they use exclusively for heating purposes, fifteen being in use in the different works. In the steel works they have a duplex Worthington pump, with two steam cylinders twenty-five and a half inches in diameter, with a twenty-four inch stroke and a hydraulic piston or plunger nine inches in diam- eter, producing hydraulic pressure of three hundred and iifty pounds to the square inch. The water with this pressure is used for working lifts and cranes in the steel works and Blooming Mill. The works cjnsume three hundred tons of coal per day, which is obtained from the Beard-IIickox Coal Company, located some two hundred yards from the works. The coal is loaded in the mines at a depth of two hundred feet, and carried on a tramway and delivered at the different works in the same cars. The office building is a two-story brick structure. The first floor is devoted to the heads of the various departments of the company, while the second story is used for draughting room and chemical laboratory. Some forty clerks are employed in the different departments of this office, while the entire works give employment to ten hundred and eighty employes. The goods manufactured by the Springfield Iron Company are used by all the principal railroads in the west, and among them we will name the Wabash, Illinois Central, Chicago & Alton, Northwestern, etc., etc.

The company have a locomotive of their own for switching purposes and a store of general merchandise is connected with the works for the accommodation of the employes. Besides the four large engines in the different departments already alluded to, which are of themselves more than seventeen hundred horse power, there are numerous smaller engines used for running the nut and bolt works, saws, punches, presses, shears, etc. The master mechanic in charge is Mr. John R. Darcy. The company have forty-five acres of ground upon which the works are built, and is well drained. The principal sewer is three by three and one-half feet, built of brick and laid fourteen feet under the ground, and is a half mile in length.

It is interesting to contemplate the various industries which cluster around a business of so much importance to the laborers and artisans of our country. Not only are there more than a thousand men directly employed, but dependent upon them are families; then there are miners of ore and coal; there should be added railroads and much of their rolling stock, the products of the earth and their transportation, domestic implements and household comforts, are all improved and benefitted by all the legitimate means used to foster and encourage iron industries.

Illinois Watch Company. - In 1870, after a 1 borough discussion of the subject, the Springfield Watch Company was organized, with John T. Stuart, President; W. B. MiKer, Secretary.

Steps were at once taken for the erection of the necessary buidings, and in March, 1872, the first watch was turned out. During the first year three thousand eight hundred and forty-fi-ve watches were manufactured, which was increased to nine thousand and ninety-five and fourteen thousand two hundred and forty-one for the year 1873 and 1874, respectively. In 1875, in consequence of the financial troubles, but eight thousand five hundred and fifty were made, and only ten thousand and seventy-six in 1876. In 1877, the company was re-organized with Jacob Bunn President, and Charles Smorowski Secretary, since which time the business has constantly increased, so that up to this time (1881) they have been unable to keep up with their orders. The following table is of interest as showing what has been done with the force employed since 1877, and the annual pay roll:

It will thus be seen that since the re-organization thei'e has been a marked increase in the amount of work done at this factory. As this work is being prepared for the pi*ess, steps are being taken for a further increase in the capacity of the works. Six hundred persons are now employed, and this number will be increased to eight hundred during the coming year.

In brief, the Springfield Watch Company was organized in 1870. It was re-organized in 1877, and adopted the present name of Illinois Watch Company in December, 1878. The building is situated on North Grand Avenue, adjoining the beautiful Reservoir Park, on one of the handsomest lots in the city, two blocks square, and embracing fourteen acres of land. The buildings are immediately in front of Tenth street, and command a splendid view from every approach.

In the spring of 1870, the operators went to work in the rooms now occupied by Mr. Kikendall, over the Excelsior machine shop, to make the tools required, and on Christmas of the same year they moved into the north wing of the present building, which is one hundred by thirty feet, three stories high. In 1879, the middle building, forty by fifty, and four stories high, finished with a handsome double-deck cupola, was completed. During the past year, the south wing, one hundred by thirty, three stories high, was built. Each of the wing buildings described are handsomely finished, with ventilating cupolas. On the north and east side, are located the boiler and engine house, the dial house, the gas works, the old office, and other out-buildings. The stack rises majestically, and towers above the whole, and rolls out its volumes of smoke daily, to proclaim the triumphs of artistic and mechanical skill, combining with its business sense in its management at its base.

Sixteen different grades of watches are now made, in the following order of excellence: "No. 1," being the movement known as "Stuart;" next in grades downward, "Bunn," "Miller," "Currier," " Hoyt," "Columbia," "America," "103 Improved," "103 Adjusted," "103 Plain," "101 Improved," "101 Plain." These are all gentlemen's watches. The following are the grades of the ladies': "Mary Stuart," "Rose Leland," "Sunnyside," "Arlington" - all of iwhich are key and stem-winders. The wages rate from fifty cents to 66 per day. The pay roll will reach $22,500 per month, at present. About one-third of the employes are young ladies.

The Aetna Iron Worhs^ on the southwest corner of Second and Adams streets, succeeded to the firm of Lowry, Lamb & Co. John C. Lamb became a member, of the latter firm, in 1848 in carrying on the business of a foundry and machine manufactory. The firm the following year, erected the main machine building. In 1853, one of the partners died, resulting in the dissolution of the partnership. After an interval of idleness, Mr. Lamb became sole owner in 1855, since which time he has conducted the business. The concern owns 157x360 feet of real estate, on which are buildings 150x157 feet, the main wing of which is of brick, two stories and attic. All kinds of castings, railroad and mill work, steam engines and mill machinery are manufactured in the machine department. An average of fifty men are employed m the various departments. Much of the work of the Wabash Company, and large quantities of rolling mill work are manufactured by the Aetna Iron Works.

Albert L. Ide. The building was erected by the city some time previously as a market house, and purchased by Mr. Ide. Several additions and changes have since been made, and as now constructed it coveis 50x100 feet, one wingbeing two stories high. The foundry is 100x60 feet, one story in height. In addition to this, there is a blacksmith and engine house. Mr. Ide has eight patents on heating apparatus, and has the most extensive line of patterns for steam radiators of any concern in the United States. He also makes a specialty of steam pumps and controls a valuable patent of his own invention in this line. Another specialty is the manufacture of automatic gas machines, on which he also controls a patent. He does a general machine business in the way of building stea^i engines and of light and htavy castings for buildings. Mr. Ide annually manufactures a large number of nut locks for railroad joints, making them for the railroad companies in contracts for 100,000. The demand for some time has been in excess of the supply for the steam radiators, coming for the whole northwest. He has supplied most of the steam heating apparatus for the State institutions of the west. He works from sixty to seventy-five men regular y, and in 1880 did a business amounting to $325,000.

The Excelsior Foundry and Machine 'Worhs, located on the corner of Ninth and Adams streets, was established in 1854 by John Rippon. it includes 90x157 feet of real estate, on which are a two-story machine shop, 40x90, and a foundry, about equal in dimensions. For some time, the business was conducted by Berriman &> Rippon, and in 1877 it was changed to Rippon & Childs. The following year Mr. Rippon bought the interest of his partner, and has since been sole proprietor. He does a general manufacture of steam engines and machinery, all kinds of castings, and runs a general repair shop. From twelve to fourteen men are constantly employed.

Booth & Mc Cosher' s Carriage and Wagon Manufactory, on the corner of Eighth and Washington streets, was originally established by Albert Booth, in l8o4, and was conducted by himself and son until his death in 1873. Their buildings cover an area of 200x157 feet, two and three stories high. The firm make both heavy and light vehicles, spring wagons, carriages and buggies. From twenty-five to thirty-five hands are employed and from three hundred to five hundred vehicles are annually turned out from their shops, which are sold in Central Illinois.

Witheyci' Bros'. Carriage and Wagon Manufactory. - William H., George D., and James Withey are proprietors of the manufactory located between Seventh and Eighth, on Washington street. The business was established by the brothers in 1853. They purchased the lot on which the factory stands of the renowned Washington Irving, and erected a frame building Ct'xSO feet. Two years later they erected a brick 22x100 feet, three stories in height. The latter was blown down by a cyclone in April, 1860, which destroyed the frame also. They next erected a brick building 80x100 feet, two stories high, which was destroyed by fire in the spring of 1861. There was a total loss in each instance, amounting together to $40,000, leaving the brothers in debt about $10,000. Their present buildings are 100x157 feet, two stories high, and of brick. They were commenced in 1861 and completed in lS6-i. The brothers also now own a two-story brick on Eighth street, 40x80 feet, which is used as a warehouse. All their property is free from incumbrance. They manufacture a general line of carriages, buggies, phiBtons and light spring wagons of the best quality. They employ on an average of thirty hands, and made 250 vehicles in 1880. Their work is all sold in the local market at retail.

Sash Manufactory. - John A. Kikendal, manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds, commenced business on the corner of Ninth and Adams streets, October, 1878. His business has been constantly on the increase, and he now employs eight men. In 1880 he did a business of $15,000.

The Globe Spice 3Iills. - The business was established in 1870 by Slemraons & Conkling. Subsequently the firm name was changed to Slemmons, Conkling & Company. In 1876, Mr. Slemmons retired from the firm, and in 1878 started the Globe Mills on Adams, between Fourth and Fifth street, where he continued until August, 1880, when he removed to his present location on South Tenth street. The concern roasts and prepares coffee, prepares spices, manufactures baking powder and roasts peanuts. The Globe Cream Tartar Baking Powder is the best brand of baking powder made at these mills. All goods made by Mr. Slemmons are handled exclusively at wholesale. He employs two traveling salesmen, besides his goods are sold by the salesmen in the employ of John W. Bunn. Six hands are employed in the factory.

Springfield Paper Company. - The Springfield Paper Mill was erected by the Springfield Pulp and Paper Company in 1875. The Company was organized in the summer of 1875, with

William McCague, President; Nathaniel Covington, Secretary; Maurice Starne, Treasurer. The company began operating the mill in January, 1876. The cash capital was $50,000, while the plant, buildings, machinery, &c., cost between $40,000 and $50,000. The grounds of the company comprise one entire block, and the main building has a depth of one hundred and fifty feet. The company confines itself to the manufacture of one line of paper, the cream manilla, a fine quality of wrapping paper, and produce an average of four thousand pounds a day. The property in 1881 changed hands, and the mill is now owned by S. H. Jones & Company, with the title of Springfield Paper Company, under the Superintendency of N. R. Nixon, and Nathaniel Covington, Secretary.

Wagons and Carriages. - The firm of Myers, Davidson & Henley, was organized in 1874, and they commenced manufacturing carriages, buggies and spring-wagons, near the corner of Jefferson and Sixth streets, where they continued until January 1, 1881, when they purchased and fitted up the old Christian Church on the north-east corner of Jefferson and Sixth Streets. Their lot is eighty by one hundred and fifty-seven feet, and is well covered with buildings. Ihe members of the firm are all practical workmen, and each has control of a department. They turned out sixty vehicles in 1880, besides doing a large amount of repair work.

Machine Works. - S. F. Eastman started in the machine business on Madison street, between Second and Third, in 1SG8, making a specialty of the manufacture of the Benefactor, a twohorse cultivator. He continued the business in that location three years, then moved to a building on Seventh street. At that time he went into the general repair business of engines and farm machinery. He removed from there to his present location, opposite the Wabash depot, in 1875, the building being erected especially for his business. In 1879, he formed a partnership with .John H. Stevens, which still 6-ontinues. The firm now makes a specialty of the manufacture of small upright engines, and employ three men in addition to their own labor.

The Elevator Milling Company. - Near the depot of the Chicago & Alton Railroad, Asa Eastman & Company erected, in 1865, an elevator at a cost of $75,000. For some years Mr. Eastman was interested in the business, but in 1876 leased it to other parties, and retired. William Broeker, George Kern, S. W. Currier, and W. P. Grimsley were the lessees. These gentlemen continued to handle grain for shipment until

IbSU. In May of that year they purchased the property and determined to erect in connection with the elevator a Houring mill. In June, the company began the erection of the mill, completing it during the early part of the winter following, and in February, 1881, commenced the manufacture of flour. The mill is of brick, seventyeight by fifty-six feet, four stories and basement, with an elevation of one room (ten by sixteen) above the roof. The boiler and engine room, north of the main building, is twenty-five by forty feet, and twenty-six feet high. The mill has ten run of burrs, with all the modern improvements, and has a capacity of twelve barrels per hour, or three hundred barrels for a twentyfour hours run. The cost of the mill was $45,000. The elevator has a storage capacity of one hundred and twenty thousand bushels of grain.

Excelsior Mills. - Douglas Hickox, proprietor of the Excelsior Mills, is one of a family of millers. Addison Hickox seitled in Springfield in 1833, and being a practical miller, began the business about two miles northwest of the city, a small water mill being k cated there, built by mill opposite, on the same stream, which he operated a number of years. In the meantime, he erected a saw-mill, with which he sawed lumber for a new mill, which he erected on the corner of Third and Washington streets, in 1845. This new mill he continued to operate until 1855, when he sold his milling interests, and engaged in merchanizing until 1859. He then bought the old Lamb mill, on South Seventh, between Cook and Edwards streets, which he run some years. About this time the Illinois Mill was burned, but was rebuilt in 1861 and run by Washington Crowder. It was a very fine mill for that day, and cost |2 7,000. Mr. Crowder ran it two yeai's, losing heavily, when he sold to Laswell & Broadwell, who ran it about one year, when, in 1864, it passed into Mr. Hickox's hands, who, in connection with his sonin-law, B. F. Haines, operated it. In the meantime, Mr. Hickox had taken his son, Martin, as a partner in the Lamb mill. In 1866, another change was made, Martin purchasing his father's interest in the Illinois Mill, and selling him his interest in the Lamb mill. In the spring of 1865, Addison Hickox bought the ^Etna mill, on East Adams street, between Sixth and Seventh, which had been erected by Ives & Matthews, Bome time previous. Douglas Hickox became a partner in the mill from the time of its purchase. The father and son run it two and a half years, and then leased it for ten years. Addison

Hickox, becoming a partner with his son-in-law, retained the business until lS7l, when he retired. That fall he went to Florida, as was his custom, to spend the winter, and there died in January, 1872. Addison Hickox was another instance of a self-made man. Commencing without a penny, by industry he accumulated a fortune, which he left to bis heirs, of $150,000. His sons and sonin-law have all followed the milling business. The two oldest sons, Marlin and E. R., are dead; S. W. Hickox is one of the proprietors of the Illinois Mills, and Douglafi is proprietor of the Excelsior, as guardian for his nephew. The old City Mills blew up in 1867, and the ^Etna in 1879 - both a total loss.

Te Excelsior Mill was built in 1860, by Rippon & Co., who leased it for a term of years. About 1867, Martin Hickox purchased it, and a year later, his father, Addison Hickox, became joint proprietor, but soon sold back to his son. The capacity of the Excelsior is one hundred barrels every twenty-four hours. The building is 40x60 feet, three stories and basement.

Home Mills. - This mill was erected in 1861, by Washington Crowder, who ran it for a time, when it was purchased by Addison Hickox, who operated it until the fall of 1871. It was a part of his estate at the time of his death, which occurred in January, 1872, and is now the property of his widow, Mrs. Rhoda Hickox. It is sixty by forty feet, exclusive of the engine and boiler room, which is thirty by sixty feet. The mill is three stories and basement, of brick, and is equipped with all modern milling machinery, and has a capacity of one hundred barrels every twentyfour hours. John L. Burke and S. W. Hickox leased the mill February, 1881. They do merchant work exclusively.

Frinting and Binding. - In 1865 Plenry W. Rokker came to Springfield, and in 1867 commenced the business of book-binder, with location on Fifth, between Adams and Monroe streets. Business flourished, and year by year he added to his stock and capital, until 1872, when he was burned out, suft'ering a personal loss of 110,000. He re-of)ened within a month on East Washington street, where he remained until he removed to his present location, 309 South Fifth street, in 1876. The building was erected by Mr. Rokker especially for the business, and is one hundred and fifty-seven by twenty feet, three stories in height. On his removal to this building he added a small printing establishment, consisting of one small press and a few fonts of type. The business has since rapidly grown, until now he has in active opera- tion four large and two small presses, and is well supplied witii printing material for the transaction of any kind of work. The printing establishment and bindery is the most complete in Central Illinois. He employs at a low average, sixty hands in the two departments.

Boiler and Sheet Iron Works. - In 1863, John M. Wilson commenced the manufacture of all kinds of boiler and sheet iron works. In 1865, Ve firm became Wilson & Drake, and in 1875, Drake & Palmer, the latter gentleman purchasing the interest of Mr. Wilson. The firm employ, on an average, twelve men, and turn out !|25,000 worth of work per year. The business is growing with the growth of the city.

^Springfield Trunk Manufactory. - Phillips Brothers formed a co-partnership, and opened a trunk factory in Springfield, on South Sixth street, opposite the Leland Hotel, in 1879, where they carried on the business until the fall of 1881, when they moved to 123 North Sixth street. The firm is composed of Charles J., Edwin H., William O., and Moreau F. Phillips. They make all kinds of packing and sample trunks, and do all kinds of repairing; also keep in stock a large assortment of traveling bags, ladies' satchels, straps, and show case goods. The brothers are energetic, thorough-going young men, possessing a practical knowledge of the business, which has been quite prosperous and steadily increased since established. Five skilled workmen are constantly employed in the factory.

Springfield Woolen Mills. - This mill is the outgrowth of M^hat was a small beginning, in the way of carding wool, by H. M. Armstrong and John Dryer, in 1834. In 1848, Mr. Armstrong, who was then alone, put in a mill for " fulling and dressing" home-made cloths, in connection with wool carding. In a letter to Mr. Dickerman, Mr. Armstrong, who is now living in Batavia, says: "At first we run our cards with ox-power, on inclined wheel, but when I added cloth dressing I substituted steam power. After I commenced cloth dressing, my patrons, ( the farmers) wanted me to add machinery for spinning and weaving, and in 1851 Joseph and E. R. Thayer joined me, and we built a house sufficiently large to put up one set of machinery for that purpose. We ran along two years, added another set, and after a few years the demand for our goods was such that we were compelled to pull down our old house and build larger; hence the present establishment."

In 1857, Henry S. Dickerman entered the establishment as book-keeper. At this time it occupied a frame building with two sets of machinery, and six looms, with a capacity of one hundred yards of flannel, fifty yards of jeans, and fifty pounds of stocking yarn per day. In 1860, the main factory building, forty by eighty feet, was erected of brick, three stories with basement and attic. In 1863, Mr. Dickerman purchased machinery with the intention of locating in Rockford, but was induced to become a partner in this factory, the firm name remaining unchanged until two years later. This same year, an addition to the main building was erected, thirty-six by seventy-five feet, of brick, three stories, with basement and attic, and a dry house in the rear, thirty-six by fifty feet. In 1865 large additions were made to the machinery, and the products of the mill increased four fold, while the quality of the goods had steadily improved from year to year. Mr. Armstrong's interest was now purchased by Mr. Dickerman and Edward T. Thayer, and the firm name was changed to Dickerman & Company. Gradually the old machinery was replaced with new and improved machines, until all was taken out of the way. In 1873, John T. Capps became one of the partners, the firm name remaining the same. Prior to the fall of 1880, the mill engaged in the manufacture of a variety of flannels, blankets and cassimeres, but since that time they have paid special attention to cassimeres, and are manufacturing six-fourths goods as well as three-fourths goods. During 1880, they shipped their products to Boston, New York and other eastern cities, but their heaviest sales are in the Northwest, Over one hundred hands are employed in the factory. A capital of over 11100,000 is invested in the business, and the monthly product amounts to about 118,000.

The Portuguese

In the city of Springfield are many Portuguese, and as it is uncommon to see such numbers of this nationality in this country, the question is often asked, " How came they here?" Their story is an interesting one.

About four hundred years ago, Gonsalves Zarco was making a voyage of discovery along the western coast of Africa. He was soon taken by a violent storm, and all his crew expected to sink into the deeps. They gave up all hope, when suddenly an island appeared, and they made for its shores. After landing, they called it Porto Santo, or " Holy Haven." Here a settlement of Portuguese was formed. But the people were afraid to go to the larger island of Madeira. Some of them would venture near it.

but it looked so gloomy, and they heard such strange sounds coming from its woods, that they imagined it was the abode of awful giants and territic creatures - a land of darkness.

Gonsalves, however, ventured to pay a visit to the awful island. The men on the vessel became alarmed as they came near the shores, and thought they saw monstrous giants on the coast. They begged their commander not to expose them to death. He kept on until he proved to them that their giants were only craggy rocks, and the horrid voices they heard were only the beating of the waves against the cliffs. The shores were thick with tangled trees and vines. He thought that men might live on an island where so much wood was growing.

A colony from Portugal settled on the island. They cleared the land by setting fire to the forests, and thus they robbed it of its natural beauty. It is said that these fires kept burning for seven years, and left scarcely a tree on the island.

A few slips of the grape vine were brought from the Isle of Cyprus and planted in Madeira. They grew, and from them have grown the celebrated vineyards of the Isle of Wines. The wealth of Madeira is chiefly derived from its vineyards.

For many centuries the people in Madeira were in deep mental darkness. Few of them could read, and the Bible to them was an unknown book. The Roman Catholic religion prevailed. There were plenty of jails where there were no school houses. Persons who had committed smaller crimes were put in jail to wait their cases to be tried in Lisbon. They kept them in prison many years. Their expenses were to be paid by those who complained against them. Hence, after a time accusers became rare, for they did not like to pay for their own accusation. This was not done, however, with Bible readers, they had to pay for their own support in prison.

Some years ago the vineyards began to fail. The traveler could no longer pass along under the shadow of the vines, and have rich clusters of grapes hanging over his path. The fruit was cut off. It brought a famine on the Island. The Romanists laid all this to Bible readers. They said it was a curse on the people for allowing such men as Dr. Kalley and Mr. Hewitson to come among them and establish schools, read the words of God, and have meetings for prayer and praise.

to cultivate such eatables as are raised in this country. The famine made many people poor, and the people of the island, who have always done most of the labor, began to turn most of their skill to account in the manufacture of fancy articles for sale.

Robert B. Kalley was a young physician in Scotland. He felt it his duty to go as a missionary to China, and was ordained by the Free Church to preach the Gospel. In 1838, he and his wife left their home to go to China. On the voyage Mrs. Kalley was smitten with disease. Her friends thought she would not live to reach China. There was no vessel to carry them back to Scotland, so they turned aside to visit Madeira. Dr. Kalley did not know a word of Portuguese, but thought that while hindered in the work he had set out to do, he yet might do good in instructing the people on this island. He at once set about learning the language, and soon mastered it so that he could begin his labors.

A co-laborer with Dr. Kalley was Rev. William Hewiston. The two, with the aid of such others as could be secured, did a grand work on the island. But a time of persecution came. The Catholics on the island would not endure the hated Protestants. The life of Dr. Kally was threatened and he had to flee from the island in disguise. The Portuguese converts, too, had to flee for their lives, or that they might worship God in peace according to the dictates of their own conscience. Hundreds fled to other countries. A vessel was chartered to take as many as could be accommodated to Trinidad. But this was only to be of a temporary place of rest.

Arsenio Da Silva was born on the Island of Madeira and educated for the priesthood, but would not take the vows. He became a merchant and accumulated a large fortune. He married and had one child, a beautiful daughter, who grew to womanhood, when disease overtook her. The best physicians of the island were called, but could do her no good. Finally, Dr. Kalley was called. The daughter was healed, and father and daughter were converted to the Protestant religion. Mr. Da Silva became a member and elder in the church under Mr. Hewitson. But he was too prominent a man to be permitted to dwell on the island and he had to flee for his life.

In the early part of 1847, there were about five hundred Portugese exiles in Trinidad. How were they to be supported? They were in a strange land, and were not familiar with the Ian- guage of their benefactors. They found all classes of people here from different nations. Several of the planters were willing to hire them to work on sugar estates, but they knew nothing of that kind of labor. Some of them had been wealthy, and their hands were not skillful enough to toil for their daily bread.

A church organization was formed in Trinidad in April, 1847, by Mr. Hewitson, who could not remain to care for them. Mr. DaSilva was at once selected and was ordained as their pastor. He had six hundred in his flock and all exiles. It was truly a charge. The labors were great, but he did not despair. The property of the exiles, and the uncertain prospect of a better condition in Trinidad were truly an anxiety in his mind. No land could be obtained for them to settle upon, and there was little hope of their living by their toils so long as they must become mere slaves in the hot fields, or in the friendless houses of strangers.

Like the Pilgrim Fathers in Leyden, they began to look toward some other land for a home. Their cry went out to the Christians of the United States, and a voice of welcome rolled across the waters. The " Great West " the beautiful Illinois country, with its grand prairies, were pictured before their eyes.

The American Protestant Society sent Rev. G. Gonsalves to Trinidad to inquire into the condition of the exiles. Mr. Gonsalves returned and was followed shortly after by Mr. DaSilva, who arrived in New York in December, 1848. But death claimed him before he could make the arrangements that he desired for his flock. He died January 10, 1849.

Appeals were now made for help to transport these exiles to the United States, and the appeals were not in vain. Arrangements were made to care for all that should come at Springfield, Jacksonville and Waverly. On the 19th of October, 1849, nearly three hundred left New York for their new homes in Illinois. Rev. Albert Hale, a father in Israel, thus wrote of these exiles shortly after their arrival in Springfield:

"We are much occupied these days in ministering to our brethren, the Portuguese exiles. They arrived here just in time to enter on the severe winter weather, which now they, in common with all of us, have to endure. They are not much accustomed to severe cold weather, and as our city was very full of people when they arrived, it was well nigh impossible to provide them habitations; to provide comfortable dwellings was out of the question, as everything worthy of that name was already crowded full. But we have done what, under the circumstances, we could, and they are hoping for better times. So far as I know they are contented and happy. Many of them find employment at good wages and ready pay. They are highly valued as laborers, and will soon be able to take care of themselves without the aid of others. Indeed, the last thing to be looked for is that such men should long be a charge to their fellow men. If they maintain their strict religious principles and their habits of industry, there is but one destiny for them here, and that is plenty - independence."

Reminiscence Of Elijah Iles

" My father, Thomas lies, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1765. At the age of sixteen he was sent by his father about one hundred miles to collect some money, and was furnished with a good horse and a good outfit of clothing. After collecting tne money, not being on good terras with his step-mother, concluded to put out and set up for himself. He went to Virginia and emigrated to Kentucky, with a family by the name of Trumbo. The Indians were troublesome, committing murder and stealing horses, and much of his time was employed in guarding the settlers, and driving the Indians across the Ohio river into the Territory of Ohio. He was in several skirmishes with the Indians. The Indians finally stole his horse, and by this time his clothes and money was about used up. He then went to work for wages in the summer, and to school in winters, paying for his board by his work mornings, nights and Saturdays. When he got an education enabling him, he taught school in winter and worked on farms in summer. After occupying himself in this manner for a time, he married Betsey Crocket, and then formed a colony with my mother's brother, John Crocket, and a few others, and settled on the Prickley Ash creek, on the waters of Licking river, in a heavily timbered section, and cleared ground for raising corn. They relied on game for their living, such as turkey, deer and bear. They could not raise hogs until the bear was killed out, as they eat the pigs. But they made good use of the bear by killing them and cureing the meat as we do pork. At that day most everything used for housekeeping was brought from Virginia to Kentucky, on pack-horses. We had to do with little. Our table-ware was pewter plates, spoons and Japanned tumblers. Our cooking utensils, a frying pan, skillet and oven; our bread was mostly baked on a board, set up before the fire, and called Johnny-cake, or in the ashes and called ash-cake,., the meat often hung up and roasted before the tire.

" My mother, with her wheel, wool cards and loom, manufactured all the wearing apparel used by herself and family, other than buckskin pants, mostly used by men and boys.

"My mother died in 1802, leaving five children: Polly, Elijah, William, Washington and Betsey, the youngest eight days old. We were in a bad fix; but ray Aunts Carlyle and Harper, of Woodford county, Kentucky, took my sisters and brother Washington home with them, and my Aunt Crocket, in the vicinity, took myself and brother William until my father visited his sister (Aunt Barnet), at Winchester, Virginia, and bought and brought home a negi'o woman, and myself and William were taken home and put under her charge and care; we were taught to call her Aunt Milly, and to obey her; she proved to be a good woman. After living eight years a widower, my father married the Widow Wheeler, with tw^o children (Samuel and Eliza); and my brother, Washington, and sisters were brought home.

" My education was limited; never advanced to study English grammar. My father, being a good scholar, taught me some at home in spelling, writing and arithmetic.

"At the beginning of the war of 1812, my father was sherifi^ of i^ath county, Kentucky. I was then sixteen years old, and acted as his deputy, after which I bought one hundred calves at $3 a head, which I wintered in a very rugged section, remote from settlements, on the waters of Little Sandy, three summers and two winters. The cliffs were very high and precipitous, shelving over in places, so as to form shelter for the cattle in winter. The valleys were very narrow, but by changing from valley to valley, my cattle wintered without being fed. My only companions during the two years, was my horse, dog, gun and cattle, other than occasional hunters. I had an object, enjoyed it, and did not feel lonesome. I then sold my cattle for a sum, though small, was at that day a good start for a young man. Being then of age, I concluded to hunt a new country, and set up for myself ( although Kentucky was yet new), so I took ray money and put out for Missouri,

"Now, for incidents and events of someot my numerous footsteps wanderings and doings from the time I left my father in 1818, to the present year, 1881. My object was the Boomlick country, in Missouri, in Howard county. I started on my trip in October, 1818. My route was via Lexington, Frankfort and Louisville, Ky., Vincennes, Ind., St. Louis, and St. Charles, Mo., thence to Franklin, in Howard county, the extreme western settleraent at that day. The towns were all sraall,St. Louis the largest, about 2,000. Franklin was the only town west of St. Charles on the Missouri river. My object was farraing. The lands were not yet brought into market. After getting to Franklin and exploring the country to some extent, I was eraployed a portion of my time as clerk in a store, and also to select lands for speculators. I made good selections for rayself and laid out every dollar I had, and in a short time on one tract I realized one hundred dollars. I got home-sick and determined to visit my old home in Kentucky, but before doing so, I desired to explore raore of Missouri so as to satisfactorily decide where I should permanently locate. A young raan and rayself prepared ourselves for camping out. We went west on the north side of the Missouri river, and into the then Indian Territory raore than a hundred railes above the border line, then meandered the river down to Fort Osage, twenty miles below the mouth of Kansas river. The ofiicers sent a boat over for us. The fort was comraanded by Colonel Sibley. From here we passed down the south side of the river, camping out one night, to the settlement above where Boonville is now situated

"In January, 1821, I made my visit to Kentucky. About this time I heard of much talk about the Sangamon country in Illinois, and determined to explore it, and on my return in March, about thirty miles west of Viucennes, at a place called Maysville. When I got there I was told a party had just staked out a road to Vandalia and to Sangamon. It was easy to follow the route by the stakes and fresh raade track of the wagon that had hauled the stakes. There were but few in Vandalia at that tirae. I followed the staked road to Maccoupin point, where I struck the trace to Sangaraon river, then the only trace from St. Louis to Sangamon. After exploring to sorae extent I went to St. Louis and then to ray home in Missouri. I liked the people and the lands bordering on both sides of the Missouri river - could not be excelled to the Indian border - yet, the distance from market, and the thought that Missouri would remain a border

State during my life time, determined me again to visit Illinois, which was more interior and more accessible to market. My route back to Illinois was mostly without a road or trace. After leaving the settlement on the Missouri river, I crossed the prairie to the head waters of Salt creek, or river, above the settlement. There I camped out one night. It did not trouble me a bit to camp out as I had been accustomed to camping out with my cattle in Kentucky. I felt at home. I then meandered the river to the settlement near New London, thence to Louisiana, then crossed the Mississippi river to a colony in Illinois, headed by the Rosses, (now Atlas) of a dozen families, who had just landed, living in tents, and were erecting their cabins. I then meandered the Mississippi to near the mouth of tho Illinois river, to another colony of eight families. These two colonies were the only whites residing on the Military Tract between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers. "I there swam my hor.-e across the Illinois river at the mouth, then meandered the Macoupin creek, to a trace leading to Diamond grove, now Jacksonville. There I found three families in the grove, Kline, Abrams, Wilson, and Wyatt and some others in the vicinity. I then went up the Mauvester creek about ten miles, until I could see the timber in the Island grove, then crossed the prairie to the grove. No one was then living in the grove. Leaving the timber on my right, I followed the prairie to a trace leading through the timber to a place where I found a stake, set up for a temporary county seat, to be called Springfield; and here I found Charles R. Matheny, living in a one-room log cabin, with a large family of little children, near the stake. (Mr. C. R. Matheny was judge of probate and clerk of the circuit and county courts). Within the distance' of two miles of the stake, I found the families of John and William Kelly, Andrew Elliott, Samuel Little, John Lindsay, Peter Lauterman and Jacob and Levi Ellis. The reason given me why the temporary county seat was located here, was that it was the largest neighborhood in the country, and, as it was only to be temporary, until the land sales, the judge and lawyers could get quarters among the farmers. This was in 1821. A rough log house, was erected with a dirt floor, for a temporary cburt house.

No one had settled in the place during the first year, other than Matheny and myself. In 1822, although on government lands, seven families erected temporary cabins and moved to the town before the land sales.

"In 1825, commissioners were appointed to select and locate a permanent county seat. We had a hard row to hoe and manage to get the commissioners to selectthis place for the permanent county seat. The growth of the place was slow until after it was selected for the capital.

"After I got to Springfield in 1821, and explored the country to some extent, I determined to make this section my permanent home; my intention was farming, but as the land was not yet in market, I erected a cabin, sixteen feet square, with sheds, and went to St. Louis and bought a general assortment of goods, and opened the first store in Springfield, in June, 1 821. ( had no competition for two years.) After I bought the goods, I chartered a boat to bring them up the Illinois river. On my trip, the only house at now Alton, was the residence of the ferryman; the next was at the mouth of Illinois river; the next a vacant cabin at now Beardstown. At that day there was no other house on the Illinois river, from head to mouth, other than a trading house for Indians at the foot of Lake Peoria (now city). My goods were landed at the vacant cabin and the boat discharged. I was alone with my goods on the bank of the river. After a search, I found a dim trace leading out to a Mr. Jobe, fifteen miles out, was the first house on the route; but, before I got to his house, I met two teams, driven by Lauterman and Broad well, going after furniture which was brought up the river by dug-outs and left at the cabin. As neither had a full load, I went back and made up their loads with some of my most perishable goods. It was more than a month before I got all my goods from the river, yet nothing was molested; there was no one to steal then. I did a good business, and aside from whites, I had a good trade with the Indians. In 18 23, at the land sales, I bought land, and, in addition to selling goods, opened a farm, and drove hogs and cattle to St. Louis, until 1830; then sold my goods to my clerk John Williams, now Colonel Williams, and established him in business.

" I then occupied myself in farming, buying and selling hogs and cattle in St. Louis, and mules to Kentucky, and buying and selling lands and town lots, to the year 1838. In this year, I packed hogs at Alton, with others, and lost more than $10,000. This closed my career in pork packing, after which I occupied ray time in farming and buying and selling lands and lots. In 1838, I erected the American House, in Springfield, then the largest hotel in the State, now torn down and built up with large store houses by Lawrence & Britton.

"In 1826, I was elected State Senator, and again in 1830. At that time, the Senate consisted of thirteen members, and the House of Representatives twenty-five. In 1821, when I came to Springfield, twenty miles north were the extreme northern settlers. All north of that was occupied by friendly Indians, but after the lead mines were discovered, at Galena, and settlers began to move up and work the mines, the Indians became troublesome. This was in 1827. Troops were mustered, under the command of Colonel T. M. Neal, who marched to Galena, to drive them off. I was elected Major. This was called the Winnebago campaign. A treaty was made at Prairie DuChien, and we were disbanded.

"In the Black Hawk War, of 1832, I went as a private. Our route was from Oquawka to the mouth of Rock river, thence up Rock river to the road crossing to Galena (now the city of Dixon). The army was commanded by General Atkinson, of the United States Army. Here we called a halt, and General Stillman's command advanced fifteen miles above, on Rock river. He met the Indians, had a battle, and a number of his men killed, and his command completely routed. We were ordered next day to the battle-field, and collected and buried the dead; then returned to Dixon and got news that some of the Indians went over to the outer settlement on the Illinois river, committed murder, and took two young girls prisoners. We then crossed over to the Illinois river to what is now known as Ottawa. The terui of service of this army havingexpired, they were mustered out. A call was made for volunteers from the disbanded army, to remain and protect the frontier until new troops could be enlisted. Several companies were organized for this service for twenty days. I was elected Captain of one of the companies, and felt proud of my company. They were men I could rely on, many being officers from the disbanded army. Among them were A Lincoln, late President; John T. Siuart, of Springfield, and others who afterward became prominent.

"My company was mustered into service by Lieutenant Anderson, Acting Adjutant (of Fort Sumter memory). My company was held in camp as a reserve, by General Atkinson, whilst others were scouting. Colonel Taylor, late President, was left stationed at Dixon, with two companies, to guard the road to Galena. One company was ordered to Dixon and to report to Colonel Taylor, but just as it got to Dixon, one man made his appearance and reported that he, with six others, were on the road to Galena, and not far from Dixon, the six weie killiMl, and he only, escaped. General Taylor ordered the captain to proceed, collect and bury the dead, and go on to Galena (Captain Snider, of Belleville, was a brave man), but the frightened men disobeyed the orders and returned to Ottawa, helt'-r-skelter.

"General Atkinson was anxious to get all the information possible of the whereabouts of the Indians, by the time the new troops were ready to march, and selected my company, which was ordered on the trip, and to report to Colonel Taylor. He ordered me to proceed, collect and bury the dead, and go on to Galena, making a careful search for Indian signs, to see if they were aiming to cross the Mississippi below Galena, and gather all possible information from inhabitants at Galena.

" On our route we saw signs of Indians, but not in large numbers. Fifteen miles this side of Galena, the inhabitants were in a fort, the dav before we got there they stole some horses and shot at some of the citizens. We then went to Galena and got all the information we could on our trip. All the houses were vacant and on our return all were burned.

"I married Malinda Benjamin in 1824; we had two children, Louisa E. and Thomas lies. My daughter died in 1857, my wife died in 1866 and my son died in 1877. After the death of my wife, I felt mentally and physically used up and quit all business, as much as I could."

Springfield Home Fob The Friendless

" It is better to give than to receive;" so said One " who spake as man never spake," and a blessing is bestowed upon everyone who bestows even a cup of cold water upon the thirsty soul. In every community may usually be found one or more who are willing to render all the aid in their power to the poor and unfortunate of the land. Springfield is no exception to this rule.

In the winter of 1862-63, Antrim Campbell applied to the legislature for an act to incorporate a board of lady managers for an institution to be known as the "Springfield Home for the Friendless." The act was duly passed and adproved February 12, 1863. The ladies named in the act, who were to serve as managers until the first Monday in January, 1864, were Mrs. Eliza Pope, Mrs. Mercy Conkling, Mrs. Louisa Draper, Mrs. Susan Cook, Mrs. Lydia Williams, Mrs. Elizabeth Bunn, Mrs. Harriet Campbell, Miss Ann Eastman, Mrs. Maria Lathrop, Mrs. Mary Hay, Mrs. Catherine Hickox, Mrs. Mary Ann Dennis, and Mrs. Elizabeth Matheny. The

The object of the Home, as stated in the charter, was for " relieving, aiding, and providing homes for the friendless and indigent women and children." It was provided that any person might become an annnal member by the payment of |1, and a life member by the payment of $10 at one time. The corporation is authorized to receive and hold, either by gift, purchase, devise, bequest, or otherwise, any real or personal estate, in aid of its objects. The Board of Managers is the legal guardian of all children placed in its charge, according to the charter, and may bind them out to any honorable trade or employment. The father, if living and crippled, may surrender his child to the Home. If he has absconded, or is otherwise incapable, the mother can make the surrender.

The first meeting under the act of incorporation was held at the residence of J. C. Conkling, on the 9th of March, 1863. At this meeting, both Judge Treat and Mr. Passfield declined the offices for which they had been named in the charter. Thereupon, S. H. Melvin and James Campbell were elected President and Vice President, respectively.

On the organization of the Board, steps were at once taken for procuring ground and building. Elijah lies donated an entire square on South Grand Aevnue, between Seventh and Eighth streets. A subscription was started, among the citizens, and |5,620 obtained. This was supplemented by a contribution from the city of |>2,000, and by the county of Sangamon of $5,000.

In the spring of 1864, a building committee was appointed, consisting of Antrim Campbell, John Williams, John S, Bradford, J. S. Vredenburg, John Armstrong and John A. Chesnut. At the request of this committee, E. E. Myers, architect, prepared a design and drawing for tbe building, which was duly approved. A description of the building may be found elsewhere in this work.

On the first of May, 1864, the managers opened "The Home" in a rented house on North Fifth street. Mrs. Nancy M. Britton was the first matron. About sixty children were received and most of them placed in homes during the first year. As soon as the building was completed, which was early in the year 1865, "The Home" was removed to it. The value of the ground was estimated at $8,000, and the entire cost of the building about $20,000.

In the year 1868, Mrs. K. E. Goodell asked and obtained leave to lay out the grounds into walks, and to ornament them with shrubbery - all of which was handsomely done. She was assisted in this good work by other citizens.

Western Union Telegraph

The first message received by telegraph in the city of Springfield, was in the year 1848. Then the business was in its infancy, and none realized the extent to which it would eventually grow. William Kelchner, agent of the Western Union Telegraph Company, took charge of the office in 1867, as the successor of John G. Connor. The predecessor of Mr. Connor was Fred G. Smith. The business has materially increased since Mr. Kelchner assumed management in this city. At that time there were but two wires terminating here, and four passing through, or six in all. The company then employed seven operators for general and railroad work. There are now twenty-one wires terminating or passing through the city, and twenty-six operators are actively engaged, twenty of whom are on railroad work, and six in the general office. Then they delivered from twenty-five to thirty messages per day; now they deliver from one hundred to one hundred and twenty-five, and send about as many. In 1867, it cost $6.40 to send a message to San Francisco; now it costs $1.00. Then it cost $2.40 to New York; now a message can be sent for twenty-five cents. A million words of press matter are sent from this office now in one year; then it would not aggregate more than fifteen thousand to eighteen thousand words per year. The business of Springfield has nearly doubled in two years, and it now ranks as the third office in magnitude of business in the State.

United States Express Company

An office was established in 1850 in this city by the United States Express Company, S. M. Tinsley being the first agent. Mr. Tinsley occupied the position two years. He was then succeeded by Simeon HoUiday, who was the first to make it an exclusive business, as Mr. Tinsley, being a merchant, did the express business as incidental matter. Both these gentlemen are now deceased. Mr. Holliday held the position until his death, which occurred February, 1868. The business was all done by the agent inMr. Holiday's time, excepting that he employed Patrick Daily, still a resident of the city in the private express business, to haul the express matter in a hand cart in the early part of his connection ; but after a year or two it became necessary to employ a horse and wagon. The express business has since grown until now it requires six horses, four wagons and nine men to do the work. Express matter is handled from eighteen trains every twenty-four hours.

American Express Company

A local office was first established in Springfield by the American Express Company in 1871, when the present Illinois Central Railroad come into the city. The company now operates over the Illinois Central and Ohio & Mississippi Railroads, and the business is now larger than ever before. The company now employs six men and run two wagons which connect with eight daily trains. The office ranks third in the State for the business of the company. Montgomery G. H|all is the local agent, and he has filled the position since December 1, 1879. Previous to that time he was assistant Superintendent, and had charge of the Springfield branch and main line of the Illinois Central and the St. Louis Division of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad and the Ohio & Mississippi, which position he held five years. He has been connected with the company in various capacities since 1869. He w^as born in Chicago in 1848. That city was chiefly his home till he came to Springfield. In 1879 he was married to May Garland, a native of Springfield, in the latter city. He is a member of Capital Lodge, Number 14, Knights of Pythias, and was Master of Exchequer in 1880.

The Public Schools of Springfield will compare favorably with any other city in the State, while its private schools are not surpassed ; but such was not always the case. In the earlier days, when its population was small and when the people were possessed of but little wealth, the educational facilities were not of the most magnificent description. No palatial school houses then reared their stately fronts w'ithin its borders; no School Board supervised the movements of the educators of youth, and no army of patient, toiling instiuctors were here.

The first school in Springfield was taught by Andrew Orr, in 1821, Erastus Wright followed him, and he was succeeded by Thomas Moffitt. The school at that time numbered about fifty pupils. His last term was in the old original court house. In 1828, a school house of rough logs was built near the corner of Adams and Second streets. This building also served for a church and other public purposes. John B. Watson taught here until 1834. In 1830, John Calhoun conducted a school in another part of the city. After that time several small private schools were established. Beaumont Parks taught a private school from 1840 to 1853. Harry C. Watson, in an article on the Public Schools, published in Power's History of Springfield, in 1871, says of Mr. Parks: " One of the earliest teachers who initiated those boys into the mysteries of reading and writing, and led them through the dark, mysterious ways of arithmetic and grammar, was Beaumont Parks, Esq., (forever sanctified be his memory.) Plain and simple as the most artless boy under his direction, he was one of the best, most honest, and conscientious of teachers. Filled with a love of his profession, imbued with a strong desire to instruct the heart and mind of the youth committed to his control, that they might walk aright the pathway of life, he labored faithfully and diligently to discharge his duty. Possessed of a fine cultured mind, and of attainments decidedly rare in those days, he pursued his unostentatious calling, asking not for public praise or high sounding plaudits, but only for the satisfaction of knowing he had discharged his duties faithfully and well. Some of our most influential and prominent citizens were his pupils, and the powerful influence of his teachings have been exerted, indeed, for good. Only a few weeks ago and he was called hence, full of honors and of years. And although he lives not, his deeds remain."