White Hall Township (part 1 of 3)

White Hall Township

White Hall, one of the most flourishing towns in Southern Illinois, whose tile, sewer pipe and pottery finds its way all over the Union, was founded by David Barrow, on the 12th day of January, 1832. The town plat which was recorded March 9, 1832, in the presence of J. J. Cavell, a justice of the peace, reveals the fact that White Hall was laid out on the southeast corner of section 35, in township 12, north of range 12 west The plat was surveyed by Jeremiah Smith, Deputy Surveyor of Greene County, and contained forty-eight lots and four streets, known as West street. East street, Main street, and Church street.

There have since been the following additions to the town, viz : L. E Worcester's first and second additions in 1860 and 1863 respectively; I 'd Vedder's addition in 1864; Bates' in 1873; A. F. Vedder's m 1873; Ayers' first, second and third additions. Culver's, Israel's, Milne's, Davis and Carr's first and second, and Drummond's.

The first settlements in townsliip 12, r. 12, in which White Hall is situated, were probably made about the 3^ear 1820. About that time came Charles Kitchen, afterward a Baptist minister, Lewis Roberts, John Thompson, and others. The next year we hear of the arrival of Absalom Frames and William Hudson.

In 1830, David Barrow, who laid out the town of White Hall two years later, built a brick residence, which stood but a short distance from the present location of the house of W. B. Thaxton, Esq. The widow Hollida}', who came from Virginia, was one of the first pioneers, and occupied a log cabin on the site of Hon. L. T. Whiteside's residence.

As early as 1831, James Allen and Beverly Holliday were living on the present site of White Hall, the former of whom was the proprietor of a tavern, which was the only public house between Carrollton and Jacksonville, except one near Manchester, or Burnt Ha}' Stack Spring, as it was called in those days. Mr. Holliday lived south of James Allen, in a small log cabin. He was the first post master and first merchant, and his dwelling was his place of business. It is related of him that he carried the mail-in his hat, and when asked for letters would quietly doff his chapeau, and from its cavernous depths draw forth the musty looking missive desired. The mail route ran from Jacksonville to Alton, and thence to Springfield, and was known as the Springfield and St. Louis stage route. Mr. Holliday was also a mill owner, having erected, in 1833, a carding mill, which was first run by foot jiower, steam being subsequentl}' introduced. Near the same time Elijah Lot, the first magistrate, occupied the building now inhabited by Dr. Steere. He was the second post master of the neighborhood, and was an important man in the settlement.

A short time later David Hodge, who had for some time kept a small store, the first between Carrollton and Jacksonville, on Apple Creek prairie, some two miles west, moved his building into the new settlement. He took into partnership with him his sons, and so Hodge & Sons became the second merchants in White Hall. Mr. Hodge is described as a progressive business man, who took a deep interest in everj-thing affecting the public. His store was a small frame structure. Ke was the first man married in the county, so far as can be learned from the records. The next accession to the business firms of the place was Joshua Simonds, and after him came the firm of Jarboe & Hodge, who failed in business after three or four years. This firm rented the first roomy store room ever built in the town. The first commodious residence in said to have been erected by Nathan Kendall. Mr. Kendall owned a grist and saw mill some miles east of town.

As early as 1834, William Holliday, a native of Kentuck}'-, was practicing medicine in the new town. He was the first physician who resided within its limits, A few years later^r. S. H, Culver, who still resides in White Hall, began to minister to the diseased.

In 1835, Samuel Higbee came to White Hall and opened a wagon shop. The next year he entered into partnership with William Carr, who did the iron work, while Mr, Higbee continued to shape the wooden portion of the wagons manufactured by the firm, Vincent Higbee, also a wagon maker, came from Kentucky not far from this time, but did not work at his trade. He opened a hotel, and prospered.

built a small business house, where he dealt in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes. His store was just north of the old Baptist Church, on the lot now occupied by Mytinger & Husted's building. Asbury Davis, who has since been prominently identified with the town as a merchant, was then a clerk for Mr. Hagar. When the latter died his industrious and aspiring clerk succeeded to the business. He soon built up a good trade, displaying rare tact and ability as a merchant.

From the statement of Wm. Cotter who settled in \Vhit^e_ Hall in 1832, and who is now living in the house built by him in 1835, I learn that as early as 1835, Michael Baker built a kiln and burnt stoneware in this vicinity. He was in business several years, and moved to Scott County, where he died.

Among other old merchants of the town were Hogan & Goodcup, in business in°1836. Ayers & Hogan in 1837. Josephus Aldus, and Blackwell & Halliday, at an earlier date.

White Hall was incorporated by act of legislature as a town in 1836. Among the officers then elected, Archibald Clark and Chester Swallow are remembered. The towni then contained less than fifty voters. In 1838, a new charter was obtained with larger grants, and in 1869 the legislature adopted the charter under which the town government now exists. At that time Samuel Higbee was elected President, and P. Brantzel, W. B. Harper, S. Villinger, J. Smith, and G. S. Vosseller were chosen Trustees. For many years there has been a constant warfare in the town between the friends of license and those opposed to the legalized sale of intoxicating drinks. At present the latter are in the ascendency, and the present town board is strongly temperance, and consists of President J. S. Judd, Trustees, Gilbert S. Vosseller,^ Milton C. Purdy, Joseph Rickart, Daniel Culbertson, and John T. McGuire.

In 1836, L. E. Worcester, afterward county judge and member of the State Senate, arrived from Vermont. He taught school for a while at Grafton, on the Mississippi River, and afterward near White Hall. He also acted as clerk and salesman for Chester Swallow, at that time a prominent citizen of the place, who also emigrated from Vermont.

Aaron Reno also kept a dry goods store on Main Street, which was destroyed by fire in after years. He was a man of excellent judgment, and was one of the leading merchants of the town for many years. 'Squire Archie, who never occupied an official position, but acquired that title in some unknown way, was another prominent figure of the past. He was a farmer, and lived in what is now Potts' addition to White Hall. He is supposed to have been the only owner of a cotton gin in this section

Among the clergymen of those days was the Rev. George Henderson, who was from Penns3dvania. His wife was a daughter of Gov. Hazlitt of that State. Mr. Henderson was a thorough going, wide-awake^ man, and held many religious meetings among the early settlers ; Dr. Culver also frequently preached during those early days when the churches were built of logs and the pews of puncheons. Aaron Smith was another very noted pioneer preacher - one of the first to break the Bread of Life in the county. Fuller notice of liim will be found in the chapter on the Baptists of the county.

erable strength in Illinois and Missouri, and before they had been driven from the State, a disciple of that faith held forth in the first school house erected, in the western portion of the town, (^iiite a large congregation had gathered to listen to his platitudes, but he failed to interest his auditors. Young Jackson, afterward Dr. Jackson, a well known physician,, and Samuel Higbee undertook to arouse some enthusiasm. They accordingly set up the cry of fire and started for the door with the congregation at their heels, followed by the minister, who, discovering the alarm to be false, resumed his discourse. Soon the alarm of fire was again heard, bnt the preacher now comprehending the joke refused to be alarmed, whereat the 3'oung disturbers of the peace sang out, " Here he is !" ''Catch him!" "Don't let him go !" "Let me at him!" etc., until, thorouglily frightened, the apostle of the new religion fled precipitously. He was last seen making his way across the prairie to a more hospitable community.

The first school house was erected on what is now Carrollton street, and the first teacher, in the recollection of Mr. Asbury Davis, was a Mr. Barton. About this time also the Methodists partially erected a frame building for religious purposes. This was never finished and afterward served as a dwelling. It was at one time used as a school house.

Henry Fitch, a native of New York, now residing in California, and one of the projectors of the Union Pacific Railroad, kept a small store in the new town. He subsequently sold out to Dr. Drish, who was for a long time identified with the interests of White Hall. Goodcup & Mallard were also engaged in business here before 1840, A man named Hale opened the first harness shop, near where now stands the Masonic Hall. He transacted a moderate business for several years.

Before 1840 the town contained from 30 to 45 buildings, mostly frame, and some 300 inhabitants. Its growth was very rapid, and the place had acquired considerable commercial importance as a village as early as 18-i7. The wagon manufactories of which, as we have seen, Messrs. Carr & Higbee were the pioneers, considerably contributed to this end.

Ross B. Hughes formerly kept the hotel now owned and occupied by Mrs. Mar}' Amos, and known as the White Hall House. John Munger was proprietor of a livery stable in the building erected by Judd Perry and now occupied by Grimes & Powell.

Near where Wm. McAvoy now lives stood a two story frame building, built by members of the Methodist Church, and originally intended for a seminar}^ but afterward consecrated to religious worship.

Smith & Kendall built a grist-mill, about 1856. It is still standing and is occupied by Welch & Ruckel. This firm have thoroughly repaired and refitted it, introduced new machinery of their own invention, and manufacture a grade of flour which is equal to the best. They are doing a large business. Bates & Halliday afterward constructed a gristmill, which was destroyed by fire about 1861, and never rebuilt. Colonel Charles Gregory built the first saw-mill and Bates & Daggett operated it.

place. The following are among the merchants who were in business then and suffered loss : Asbur}^ Davis, S. D. Chapin, D. Hackney, James Israel, George B. Danforth, find others. Since the fire substantial structures have been erected by Brantzell Bros., E. C. Clement, A. D. Chapin, ^aron F. Vedder, D. Hackney, Bridges & Worcester, James Israel, John Spangenberg, George B. Danforth, Lewis Oswald.

After the fire, David Pierson, Esq., of Carrollton, erected the building now occupied by North, Wales & Co., and known as the People's Bank. A stock company, consisting of L. E. Worcester, Simeon Ross, and others, erected the handsome structure known as Union Hall. This is one of the finest buildings in the county, and is admirably fitted up with seats, commodious stage, etc., for the purposes of an opera house.

White Hall now contains about 1,800 inhabitants, and is one of the most active and prosperous towns in the State. There are eight physicians. Doctors L. A. Brewster, S. H. Culver, A. W. Foreman, H. W. Chapman, H. B. Shirley, A. Bowman, E. Thomas Moore, and James F. Potts ; one dentist. T. W. Prichett ; two attorneys, Mark Meyerstein and Freeman E. Haddle.

The Baptist Church. - As early as 1823, religious services were held in private houses near the present site of White Hall, Aaron Smith, Charles Kitchen, Gorham Holmes, and John Davidson, and other Baptist ministers officiating. In October, 1826, David R. Chance was a preacher in this region, and his successors were Alvin Bailey, Calvin Greenleaf, Joel Sweet, W. H. Briggs, H, T. Chilton, and B. B. Hamilton, who has been pastor of the White Hall church for the past twenty years. In 1827, the Carrollton Baptist Association was organized near the present town of White Hall. The old records of the White Hall Baptist Church show that it was organized on the 7th of October, 1826, by Rev. David Chance, with the following as its first members: Samuel Rogers, Elizabeth Lee, Sally Hicks, Abigail Daggett, Abraham James, Polly Rogers, and Abigail Lee. At this time the following persons were baptised and united with the church: Chauncey Lee, Aaron Hicks, and Christian Harper. The present church was built in 1838, at at a cost of $1,500- The organization now contains fifty members, r Presbyterian. - The Presbyterians for many years held religious services in the old Baptist Church, and were organized as a religious body as early as 1829. They united with the Baptists in the erection of an edifice, and held joint services in it for a number of years. In 1870 the church was reorganized, and during the j^ear ground was broken for the building of the present commodious house of worship. The early ministers of this body can not all be remembered, but the statement if made by James Cochran that Rev. George C. Woods and Rev. H. Barr frequently preached to the church. The Rev. P. S. Van Nest has been the pastor for a number of years, but he resigned the position in March, 1879, and the church is at present without a head. The present membership of the church numbers forty. The Sunday School contains 120 pupils, James Cochran, Superintendent. The church property is valued at $10,000, the seating capacity of the building, 300. W. W. Arnold, James Cochran, and S. S. Arnold, were the prime movers in the churchj organization.

Methodists. - The Methodists were a powerful denomination in this reo^ion, as early in 18:31, although their services were lield almost exclusively in private houses or in the open air. In 1832, a meeting house was erected on Apple Creek Prairie. It was a small frame building and one of the first erected by this denomination in the county. In 1835, this religious body constructed a frame church on what is now CarroUton Street and for a time the Rev. Van Cleve acted as preacher. The members were some twenty-five in number. In after years Dr. S. H. Culver officiated as a local preacher. This building was sold for school purposes in 1840, and some thirty years ago a large frame edifice was erected. Here the congregation worshiped until the completion of the magnificent brick structure on Main Street in 1872. This church has a seating capacity of 400 and cost originally $25,000. Its present estimated value is about $15,000. M. W. Everhart was stationed here in 1877 and still remains. The present membership of the church is 100 and the Sunday School contains 150 pupils. The stewards are : Peter Roodhouse, P. J. Bates, J. H. Stubblefield, J. N. King, A. M. Henderson, Geo. P. Wharton and H. Black. Frank Peter is assistant superintendent of the Sunday School.

Free Methodists. - The Free Methodists built a small church in 1875, on Bridgeport Street, now valued at |1,000. Rev. Mr. Manley was the first preacher and Rev. J. G. Templeton is tlie present minister. The church has but a small membership but is wide awake and flourishing.

The White Hall Public School building was erected in 1867, at a cost of $22,000. In point of architectural appearance it does not rank with some others, but as a solid, substantial structure, it has no superior. The building is heated and ventilated on scientific principles. The grades are primarv, intermediate, grammar and high school.

School Trustees, T. 12, R. 12 - G. S. Vosseller, L. J. Patterson, Thomas M. Johnson. Treasurer, L. E. Worcester. Directors White Hall, A. W. Foreman, I. D. Vedder, L. A. Brewster. Teachers White Hall Schools, J. L. Shearer, principal, Mar}^ Smith, Mrs. T. F. Ladd, Dora B, Foreman, Ada Vedder, Sarah Craig, Fannie Adams and Minnie Vedder. Janitor, E. K. Shirley. In connection with the school there is a well organized lyceum which meets each alternate Thursday night. Total number of pupils enrolled, 390.

As early as 1868 a fire department was organized and consisted of a hook and ladder company. In 1878 the company was reorganized, with twenty members, and is now managed by the following officers : L. H. Wagoner, Foreman ; D. Boone, Assistant Foreman ; Charles McRea, 2d Assistant Foreman ; D. Vorhees, Secretary ; T. O'Gorman, Financial Secretary ; Isaac Powell, Treasurer. The company has a hook and ladder truck, buckets and Babcock hose engine.

The White Hall Library Associatio«i was organized in January, 1876, by public subscription, and the following officers chosen: Rev. Hugh Lamont, President ; Dr. A. W. Foreman and E. J. Pearce, Vice-Presidents;

Dr. T. W. Pricliett, Secretary ; Isaac Powell, Treasurer ; George R. Adams, Librarian and J. S. Judd, J. E. Welch, Geo. Hill and George B. Danforth, Directors. The library contains some 625 volumes of standard works. The present officers are B. B. Hamilton, President ; T. W. Prichett, Secretary, F. E. Huddle, Librarian ; A. J. Culver, J. S. Judd, J. E. Welch and F. F. Worcester, Directors.

ed it for one year. The office was then leased by Charles H. Johnson, who came on as foreman with Davis, and afterward purchased and enlarged the paper. " It is a bold, independent, and trenchant sheet, eagerly sought after by friends and foes for what it is either hoped or feared'to contain." In 1878 the office was purchased by Henry Johnson of Carrollton, who had been for some time its editor. Several local editions of the Register are published, called respectively, the Roodhouse Signal^ Kane Express and G-reenfield Locomotive.

The White Hall Republican was established in February, 1877, by Pearce & Clapp (E. J. Pearce and C. L. Clapp). It is Republican in politics, high in its moral tone, bristling with business, has a keen scent for news, and claims to represent the best people in the field which it oc- Qupies. In circulation it has grown beyond the most sanguine expectations of its founders, and is almost universally taken in White Hall, besides having a large subscription list throughout this and adjoining counties. This firm also began tlie publication of the Scott County Arrow in September, 1878. This sheet though young is rapidly growing and may already be pronounced a success.

E. J. Pearce, the editor of the Republican, was born in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, October G, 1839. He worked on a farm until he was nineteen years of age, going to school occasionally in the winter, paying for his board by "doing chores." Much, however, of his education was obtained without instruction. He commenced teachinc: school in iMercer County, Pennsylvania, in 1858 ; went to West Virginia in 1859, taught seven months and came to Wliite Hall in 1860. Here he taught until August, 1861, when he enlisted in Co. G, 91st Illinois, as a private. He was appointed 1st sergeant and afterwards was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant and Captain. He served eight months as Assistant Provost Marshal at Vicksburg, as acting Assistant Adjutant General of Brigade during the Mobile campaign, 1865, was mustered out July, 1865, returned home and resumed teaching. Li 1868 he was appointed Assistant Assessor of the Internal Revenue, and held other revenue offices until he resigned at Peoria, 1876. He again taught until, in Jul}-, 1877, lie joined witii C. L. Clapp in the publication of the White Hall Jtepublican. In September, 1878, the same firm began to issue the Scott County Arroa\ of boih whicli papers Capt. Pearce acts as editor. He is a meml)er of the Republican State Central Committee, and of its executive committee. Capt. Pearce married Maggie A. Carr at White Hall in 1869.

On the 16th of February, 1865, Simeon Ross, I. D. Vedder, J. B. Gregory, B. G. Culver and L. E. Worcester were constituted a body corporate and politic by the name and style of the White Hall Cemetery Association. They selected the present appropriate location for the Cemetery, laid out the grounds and have ornamented them very considerably. The Cemetery contains a number of very handsome monuments and is a credit to tlie place. The present officers of the Association are Simeon Ross, President; G. S. Vosseller, Secretary; Joseph Rickart, A. B. Gregory, L. E, Worcester, Directors.

Benevolent Lodge, No. 227, 1. 0. 0. F., was organized in October, 1859, with the following charter members, John W. Adgate, Peter Parker, Daniel C. Banta, Thomas Lakin and Joseph C. Coch. The officers were Peter Parker, N. G.; Tliomas Lakin, Treasurer ; John W. Adgate, R. S.; Daniel C. Banta V. G. Joseph C. Coch, P. G. The lodge meets every Monday evening. It contains 72 members with the following officers: Geo. Dawson, N. G.; William Harper, V. G.; M. M. Pittiuger, R. S.; T. A. Smith, P. S.; J. D Adams, Treasurer.

Orpheus Lodge, No. 1431, Knights of Honor, was instituted March 5, 1879, with twenty-seven charter members. The officers are F. E. Huddle, P. D. and Representative; Dr. A. W. Foreman, D.; John Cul-

Royal Purple Temjyerance Society^ organized December 24, 1877, by E. H. Campbell. Enrolled, 1,200. President, L. A. Brewster ; Secretary, M. H. Cronk. Meets at Baptist Church, each Tuesday evening. Temperance supper held February 12, 13 and 11, netted 8350.00.

By far the most important business interest of White Hall is her manufacture of and trade in the drain tile, fire brick, sewer pipe, terra cotta ware and other forms of cla3^ For much of the following exhibit of this and other interests of the place I am indebted to the very correct and full description of the town contained in the White Hall Republican of January 4, 1879, and prepared by its able editor, Capt. E. J. Pearce :

Their proximity to two great railroad lines crossing each other at White Hall, and tlieir superiority to all others known in this country or in Europe, as shown by the analysis further on, render the fire clay deposits of this neighborhood a source of wealth, the extent of which is limited only by manufacturing facilities. The deposit nearest to town is owned by Chapin Bros., and is located three-fourths of a mile east of the corporation line. Other deposits belong to A. D. Ruckel, Culbertson & Smith, Felix Brown, and to the White Hall Fire Clay Works, who own an extensive and exceedingly valuable tract of clay and coal land. M. C. Purdy owns the first clay bank ever opened here. White Hall is rapidly taking the lead in the manufacture of stoneware, drain tile, sewer pipe, fire brick and terra cotta ware, and these industries must continue to grow and prosper. No other place in the Union can compete with the quality of clay found here. It is nature's product, and nature has bounteoush' endowed this neighborhood both in the quantity and quality of the product. Starting in 18H3 with one small hand-power factory, there are now in town two steam-power and one hand-power potteries, one hand-power terra cotta factory, one steam-power tile factory, one hand-power tile factory, one steam-power tile and brick factory, and one steam-power tile, brick, sewer pipe and roofing tile factory. This latter, in the perfection of its machiner}^ is said to be the model of its kind in the United States. The tile, sewer pipe and stoneware made at White Hall are so greatly superior to those manufactured of other clay that dealers who know anything about the White Hall wares will purchase no other, hence our manufacturers ship to all points in the West, from Texas to Minnesota.

The following analysis of the White Hall fire clay, made by Dr. Weis, of St. Louis, compared with those of the best known fire clays of Europe and this country, show the White Hall clays first in point of freedom from all deleterious ingredients :

White Hall - Silica, 57.90 ; alumina, 31.25; protoxide of iron, .25; protoxide of manganese, .60; water, 10.00; 100; percentage of impurities in clay, .85, showing that this clay is the purest known.

Tiie White Hall Fire Clay Works manufacture sewer pipe, drain tile, fire brick, roofing tile, etc. They employ about eighty men in their different departments. They made and sold during the year 1878, about 5000 tons of finished wares. Their clay and coal banks, taken together, are probably the best in the United States. The clays are of two distinct kinds, the fire clay which underlies the coal, and is a very superior material for fire brick, but is not suitable, and is not used for pipe or tile, and potter's clay or pipe clay which is adapted, not only to the making of drain pipes of all kinds, but for pottery-ware and every variety of terra cotta work. The products of the White Hall Fire Clay Works are recognized as the standard of quality wherever known, and it is the purpose of the company to maintain and increase their good reputation. They employ twenty-five teams, use 3,000 tons of coal annually, valued at $6,000, and ship 400 car loads of clay products. Estimated value, $60,000.

Augustus Pierce & Co. (Aug. Pierce, F. I. Vedder), also own steam power tile works. The business was carried on in 1878 by senior partner alone. Mr. Pierce built in 1863 the first potter shop ever erected in White Hall - and the entire clay business here has grown out of that small beginning. Mr. Pierce had been working at Winchester, in Scott County, as a journeyman. During the war, prices for pottery-ware ranged exceedingly high, and accordingly Mr. Pierce determined to establish himself in the business in some other locality. He had been told that farmers living east of White Hall chinked their cabins with clay. He made a prospecting trip into Greene County, and, at various points, unearthed small quantities of clay. This was taken to Winchester and tested and proved to be a very superior potter's clay. During this year Mr. Pierce, with the aid of B. G. Culver, erected suitable works near the railroad, and for some four years the firm manufactured stoneware exclusively. About twelve years ago D. Culbertson became a partner in the concern, and they purchased a hand machine with which they made about 50,000 feet the first year. How rapidly the business has grown since then ! This firm made in 1878, 450,000 feet of tile, valued at about 87,000 ; used 500 cords of wood, valued at $1,500, and 2,000 bushels of coal. They employ seven workmen and five teams.

Culbertson & Smith's (D. Culbertson, T. A. Smith), steam power factory is located between the C. & A. and C. B. & Q. railroads north of Lincoln Street. The 'partnership was formed 1875. Feet of tile sold

187^^, 560,000 ; brick sold 1878, 200,000 ; tons of clay used, 2,400 ; tons of clay shipped, 1,360 ; value of clay shipped, $1,000 ; value of all clay products, $16,000 ; wood us6d, 1000 cords, value $3,000 ; coal used, value $500 ; average number of men employed, 35 ; average number of teams employed, 10. They ship to various points in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas. The factory was run to its full capacity during the year, and all products sold. The senior partner was connected with the first introduction of the tile business here. This firm expect to largely increase their manufacturing facilities this year.

Potteries. - Since Augustus Pierce established the first stoneware factory in White Hall in 1863, many others have come into existence. In 1865, John Ebey built a small frame building for the manufacture of stoneware on the present site of the establishment owned by George Hill. After four or five years, Mr. Ebey was succeeded by Hubbs & Moon. Subsequently Mr. Moon retired, and later Mr. Hubbs formed a partnership with N. H. Huggins. In October, 1874, George Hill bought the property and built the building he now occupies on Bridgeport and Worcester streets.

In 1865, F. C. Garbitt built a pottery north of the C. & A. Railroad .depot. He was followed by Messrs. Brown, Cogdell & Sax, until finally the factory fell into the hands of M. C. Purdy and A. D. Ruckle, who were possessed of considerable means, and soon began to manufacture stoneware on a large scale. They used horse-power at first, but afterward put in a steam engine.

George Hill, steam power, and new machinery added in 1878. Succeeded W. W. Hubbs 1874. Product, 1878, 250,000 gallons; value, $20,000. Wood used, 800 cords valued at $2,400. Hands employed, twenty-three ; teams, four. Intends to enlarge and build another kiln, 1879.

M. C. Purdy, steam power pottery. Gallons of ware made, 1878, 250,000. Wood used, 500 cords; value, $1,500. Clay used, 1,000 tons; clay shipped (potter's clay), 350 tons ; value, $1,000. Men employed, twenty-five ; teams, three. Ships potter's clay to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Sells ware in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, and Texas. Sent 75,000 gallons to Iowa, 1878. Estimated value of clay and clay products, $21,000. Owns sixty acres of the best clay land.

Teter, O'Gorman & Co. own a manufactory of terra cotta ware. They commenced business in 1878, and employ five hands and six teams. They made in 1878, 40,000 pieces, valued at $4,000.

wold, Peter Roodhouse, Ed. North, directors. Established January, 1877. Does a general banking business. Represents $300,000. Capital paid up, $50,000.

White Hall Ranking Association. - Commenced business January 1, 1877. Hon. L. E. Worcester, president ; Isaac Powell, cashier ; Richard Worcester, assistant cashier ; James Dowdall, A. S. Seeley, L. E. Carter, directors. Capital represented, -1300,000. Transacts a general banking business.

The facilities for handling and grading grain in White Hall are very good. H. M. Hunt & Co. (H. M. Hunt, Ellis Briggs) formed a partnership in 1876. They own steam power elevators at White Hall and Winchester, and warehouses at Roodhouse, Wrights, Alsey, and Drake. Amount of grain handled by this firm in 1878 is half a million bushels. They shipped from White Hall 100,000 bushels.

Welch & Ruckel are proprietors of the White Hall Mills, partnership formed 1878. Flour made during the year, 12,000 barrels ; bushels of corn ground, 3,000. They have a very large local trade. Well supplied with middlings purifier and other modern machinery. They are also lessees of the Israel Elevator, from which the}' have shipped some 10,000 bushels of wheat.

The town contains, besides these, an iron foundry and machine shop, three wagon factories, one marble-yard, one cigar factory, one mattress factory, one washing machine factory, one bakery ; thirteen dry goods, grocery, drug, or hardAvare stores ; two jewelry stores, two lumber yards, two dealers in implements, two tailors, three boot and shoe makers, two harness makers, one flour and feed store, two blacksmiths, three live stock dealers, two milliners, one dressmaker, two barbers, two butchers, one furniture dealer, one photographer, two hotels, two nurseries, two insurance agents, etc., etc.

chased a farm of i6o acres and also purchased a farm in Montgomery County. At the present writing he is a resident of Missouri, where his liberal education fits him for many important public offices. James, from whom this sketch is obtained, grew to maturity in Missouri. A captain of State militia when the war came on ; during its progress he moved to Greene Co., 111., purchasing So acres of land, from this small acreage came his large estate now consisting of 560 acres. Mr. Henley also owns valuable town property. Three years ago he was president of the town board of White Hall. Mr. H. is a gentleman universally respected in this community. His wife was Miss Julia Hume, of St. Louis Co., Mo., a daughter of Stanton and Sarah Beckenridge, by whom he has had three children : Fanny D., Cora M., and Sallie P..

HIGBEE SUSANNAH MRS., a resident of Greene Co. for a period of time extending over forty years, is a native of Virginia, born Nov. 22d, 1789. In an early her parents moved to Kentucky, where she spent many years of life, and where she married in 1808, Vincent Higbee. The family removal to the West was made in 1836, and a location made in Greene Co., near the town of White Hall. Vincent Higbee was a carriage and wagon manufacturer in White Hall for many years, where he passed the remainder of his life. He died January 11, 1871, aged 84 years. He was well and favorably known to early residents here : for a period of time extending over thirty years he was the successful proprietor of the White Hall House, the first inn or tavern in the present flourishing little town. Mrs. Higbee, widow of Vincent Higbee, who is now in her 89th year, a resident of White Hall, is the mother of many who bear an honored name in Greene County, who have tended in many ways toward the material prosperity of the county

Hill is a native of England, born in Brighton, Sussex County, in 1836. At the early age of 18 he crossed the ocean ; arriving in New York City he subsequently made his way to Albany, where he became apprenticed to an architect and builder; on completing his trade he went to Gloversville, where he married Miss Sarah Ricks, a daughter of Joseph Ricks, of McHenry County, Illinois. Taking up his residence once more at Albany, he became actively employed at his calling until 1852, when he moved to Fort Plain, where he erected many notable buildings, for by this time he had gained an extensive reputation as an architect and builder. During the war he was a soldier in Co. H, loth N. V. Zouaves. In 1866 he setteled in White Hall, Greene County, and it was not long before his talents and energy as a contractor and builder became manifest and he soon received orders from wealthy parties contemplating building. He it was who became the architect and builder of some of the more noted business blocks and private residences of White Hall, Roodhouse, Greenfield and other points. In 1873, owing to ill health, he abandoned this calling, in which he won the admiration of many, and the following year purchased the pottery of W. W. Hubbs ; in this, owing to liberalty, honesty and industry he transacts a very large trade, having all modern facilities for the transaction of business

HUBBS AV. W., formerly proprietor of the Ebey pottery, was born in Pennsylvania in 1830. His father, Jesse Hubbs, is a native of Pennsylvania ; he there married Miss Ann Wilson, by whom he had eight children, of whom Wm. was the youngest. He received a liberal education at Bloomsburg, on the banks of the Susquehanna River. He became apprenticed to the pottery trade ; he was then 16 years old ; at 20 he was a journeyman workman, in his 22d year he located at Ripley, Brown County, Illinois. Working as a journeyman a short time in a pottery he concluded to branch out for himself and became a manufacturer of stoneware and stone pumps. Moving to Frederick, Schuyler County, Illinois, he there constructed a building for the manufacture of pottery. At Frederick he was married, in i36o, to Miss Mary Ann Miller, a daughter of Joseph Miller, of Brown County. During the Spring of 1865 Mrs. Hubbs died and was laid at rest in the village cemetery, here also lie buried the two little ones born of this marriage. Moving to Southwest Missouri, Mr. H. purchased a large tract of land containing extensive deposits of lead ; part of this tract is still owned by him ; also the owner of a pottery here ; he disposed of it and came to White Hall, where he purchased the Ebey pottery, entering into partnership with David Boone and S. V. Moore; alter some years purchasing their interests ; he became a very successful merchant. October 11, 1S6S, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Ellen H. Given, relict of John T. Given, and daughter of John L. Harper, of Kentucky. Two children : Julia E. and Mary Ann ; Gertrude, deceased ; one child living by first marriage : John W. HUDDLE F. E., a rising attorney of Greene County, was born at Tiffin, Seneca County, Ohio. March 6, 1S56. His father was Benjamin Huddle, a carpenter and joiner by occupation, who married in Ohio, Miss Rachel Kagy, by whom he had nine children, F. E. being the oldest. When four years old his parents moved to Marion County, Illinois, where a purchase of land was made. On the old homestead young Huddle remained until he had attained his i6th year, when he received full permission from his father to go forth in the world. On leaving the parental roof he had fifty dollars in money. Proceeding to Tiffin, Ohio, he entered the Heidleberg College, where he worked for his board and tuition, remaining one year. In the meantime he received the news of a serious accident that had befallen his father ; he returned home, where he obtained a position as clerk in a dry good store, afterwards becoming a school teacher he took up the study of law; the dream of the farmer boy was to become a successful lawyer, and he accordingly applied himself with diligence. June 8, 1877, at the June Term of the Supreme Court he was admitted to the bar, at Mount Vernon,

Illinois. Locating at White Hall in July, he entered upon a very successful practice, but 22 years of age, his pluck and thorough knowledge of the law predict a bright success in the near future. Mr. Huddle married Ida B. Lester of Marion County; one child, Edwin B.

JUDD J. S., agent at White Hall, 111., for the Neosha Valley Lands of Kansas, was born at Potosi, Wisconsin, in 1836. His father was Corbin C. Judd, of whom we here extend a short notice ; he was born near Cincinnati, in 1800. In his younger days he was a school teacher, in after years a minister of the Gospel. In 1S18 he married Miss Nancy Lakin, of Ohio; shortly afterwards he moved to Mechanicsburg, Sangamon County, Illinois. Remaining several years, he taught school ; from here he went to Wisconsin, thence to Iowa. In 1847 he located near White Hall, Greene County ; in the Autumn of 1847 he enlisted for the Mexican War in Captain Little's Mexican Dragoons ; he died at Pueblo, Mexico, through exposure. Mr. Judd was a brave soldier; anon-commissioned officer. The family then consisted of wife and seven children, of whom J. S. was the fifth child. A stout healthy boy of twelve, barefooted generally, and working for six dollars per month ; at 16 his mother died. He now worked steadily for neighboring farmers, his highest pay being twenty dollars per month, but by economy he saved some money. At 21 he came to White Hall and engaged as a clerk to Reno & Barrow, who were doing a business of $40,000 a year. One year later he entered into partnership with S. H. Culver & Co., firm name Judd, Culver & Co. At the end of three years, after a successful business, he entered into partnership with A. Barrow. In i860 his health gave way through overwork, and he accordingly made a trip to the Rocky Mountains. In 1S62 he entered the service of Uncle Sam, enlisting in Co. I, gist III, Inft. ; he was appointed 2d Sergeant, but was shortly promoted to 1st Lieutenant. When the war closed he returned to White Hall, opening the first exclusively grocery and provision store in the town. For seven years he conducted a very successful business, when he sold to Myntinger & Baker. For the past three years Mr. Judd has been agent for Kansas lands. For description see business directory. January 3, 1S67, Mr. Judd was married to Miss M. J. Culver, a daughter of Dr. Culver, who died at White Hall, in 1869. On January 20, 1870, Mr. Judd married Miss L. A. McCoUister, by whom he has three children : Norman, Herman and Corbin. Mr. J. is a strict advocate of temperance

T^EELEY H. C. the only photograph artist in White Hall, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1844; reared amid the rugged mountains of this grand old State, until his sixth year, his parents then moved to Ohio, where the head of the family became a merchant ; at the end of three years he moved to Indiana, where he entered into the dry goods business, at Bluffton, conducting a successful trade. With his father young Keeley clerked for three years. He was 17 when the war came on, and accordingly enlisted as a drummer boy. His regiment was known as the I2th Indiana; the regiment was soon on the march to the front, Mr. Keeley serving in the capacity of drum major ; he was with Sherman in his famous march to the sea ; also in the Potomac campaign. After the war closed he traveled extensively over the United States. At Winchester, Scott County, 111., he first learned photography. Coming to White Hall, June, 1871. he opened a photograph gallery ; a skillful workman, he secured a large patronage. In 1872 Mr. Keeley was married to Miss Belle Woods, of Winchester; has two children

1834; when but five years of age his parents moved to Illinois, and located in Coles County; here the head of the family settled on land which he brought to a high state of cultivation ; after a successful battle with the world he passed peacefully away to a home not made with hands. There thus passed away another old landmark, who paved the way, in a measure, for the comforts we now enjoy. John was the second child of a family of seven children. Growing to manhood in Coles County, he received a liberal education ; at 17 he became apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter and joiner, serving three years. One year from this time he went to Lafayette, Ind., where he worked at his trade. Removing to Charlestown, Coles County, he became a successful contractor and builder. When the war came on he enlisted in company C, 54th III. Inf., for three years' service, or during the war ; honoraably discharged in 1865, he moved to Adams County, and thence to White Hall, where he is largely engaged as a contractor and builder. Mr. K. is far above the average workman, a man of energy and decision of character. Parties contemplating building will do well to take note of this. In iS6t Mr. Kelley was married to Miss Arila Mariefield, a native of Illinois ; there are five children : Nicholas, Mary, John, Joshua and Lizzie M.

T AAS CHRISTOPHER, cigar manufacturer. Main St., White Hall, 111. Mr.L. was born in Germany, in 1836; in 1863 he concluded to cast his fortunes in America; from New York city he made his way to Chicago, where he learned the trade of a cooper ; from this enterprising young city he made his way to Burlington, Iowa ; remaining 18 months he returned to Illinois, and loc.ited at Monmouth, Warren County, where he followed farming, and had a good trade in garden produce. Locating at While ILnll he opened a store on Main Street, where he may now be found, dealing in a very superior brand of cigars. Mr. L. was married to Miss Rosa Schueler, by whom he has four children ; three living : Anna, Otto and Charles first settlers within the borders of Greene County, was born in Brown County, Ohio. October 22, 1812. During the Autumn of 1S25 his parents, Thomas and Margaret Lakin, came to Illinois, first locating near Springfield, Sangamon County ; two years later the family moved to Greene County, near Carrollton, a small place of a few cabins, graced by one store, where good whisky, dry goods and provisions were kept. On the broad western prairies, unbroken except in rare instances, Thomas Lakin started in life as a pioneer, building a log cabin and living for many a year the rough life of a frontiersman ; he died in 1841 ; Mrs. Lakin died in 1854. Alexander grew to manhood in Greene County, receiving a pioneer boy's education, sitting on rough slab seats, greased paper being in use in lieu of window panes. In 1S34 Mr. Lakin was married to Miss Marie Lakin, a daughter of William Lakin. There were born of this marriage seven children, five of whom are living : Margaret A., who married James M. Orton ; Elizabeth J., who married Robert Walker ; Amanda, who married Lewis McClure ; William T., who married Addie Roe, and Charles, who married Miss Minnie Baumann. Benjamin, who married Miss Sarah Ballard, of Greene Countv, died February 14, 1874. Sarah E. died in early infancy. For the past nine years Mr.Lakin has lived in White Hall; at present engaged in the flour and feed trade. When in need of anything in his line don't fail to give Uncle Alex a call

LiAKIX AV. T. real estate agent for lands of the Burlington and Mo. River R. R. and Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, for the Counties of Greene, Scott, Morgan, Calhoun, etc., etc. William T. Lakin is a native of Greene County ; born near the city of Carrollton, on the old homestead of his parents, Alexander and Maria Lakin. Elsewhere a biographical sketch will be found of the older members of this family, and we now enter upon a short description of the subject of this sketch. From his the farming interest, and during the winter season applied himself diligently to his studies, and received a liberal education, as the reward of well directed energy. At the early age of sixteen he became apprenticed to the trade of a harness maker, with N. Williams, of White Hall. Continuing in this capacity two years, he became a baggage master on the St. L., J. & C. R.R. In 1S66, prior to its lease to the C. &. A., while officiating in this capacity, on the 5th day of November of the year above mentioned, while endeavoring to board a train, he was thrown from the car to the rail and so seriously injured by the moving train as to necessitate the amputation of part of one hand and leg. On his recovery from his almost fatal accident he turned his attention to telegraphing, and for a period verging on nine years was employed on various railroads throughout the union. In 1875 he became a resident of the live town of White Hall, where he embarked in business and established the Greene County Democrat, and succeeded in building up a live paper and receiving a liberal share of the public patronage. We can not, owing to limited space, follow Mr. L. in his enterprising career as editor and correspondent, where he displayed marked ability. For the past two years he has transacted a successful business as land agent, through energy, integrity and honesty. In 1871. at Greenfield, Mr. L. was married to Miss Addie Roe, a daughter of George Roe, of Wheeling, West Va., by whom he has two children : George A. and Leni Leoti

White Hall

McCANN THOMAS, blacksmith and dealer in agricultural implements, hitching grounds White Hall, 111. ; was born in Canada West, March, 1843. At twenty-one he emigrated to Greene County, locating at White Hall ; he had learned the trade of blacksmitliing in Canada ; in 1S70 he bought out a party by the name of Fuller, and started in for business, at first in a small way, but soon his skill as a workman became known and orders for work began to come in rapidly. Perceiving the trouble that farmers here were frequently put to in the purchase of first-class agricultural machinery, he became local agent for all leading farm machinery, Studebaker wagons, etc., etc. In addition to this Mr. McCann himself makes wagons and plows to order, and, in fact, does a general blacksmithing business; horseshoeing a specialty. In 1865 he was married to Miss JuliaE. Potts, a daughter of Dr. Potts ; there are two children

MORLAND H. J. retired merchant. The subject of our notice, although now retired from active business, was formerly an extensive merchant of White Hall, and as such is worthy of more than a passing notice. Henry J. Morland was born in Tennessee, in 1S16. He was quite young when he moved with a family to Louisville, Ky., where he passed the days of his early youth, becoming regularly apprenticed to the trade of a carpenter; for some time he worked as a journeyman on the completion of this vocation. Removing to St. Louis, Mo., he followed the same calling, until his removal to Booneville, Mo., in 1840, where he united his fortunes to Miss Martha A. Ferguson, a daughter of Benjamin Ferguson, of Maryland. In 1843 Mr.

M. proceeded to Greene County, locating at White Hall, where for a number of years he worked as his trade. In 1849 ^^ crossed the plains for California. At a place called Bidwell's Bar, on Feather River, he became a dealer in provisions and breadstuffs. In 1852 he took passage on board a steamer bound for New Orleans, reaching the Crescent City in due time. From here he made his way to Mason County, thence to White Ha.'l, where, shortly afterward, he embarked in the mercantile business. As a merchant he became more than ordinarily successful, and now rests in affluence from his labors, at his home in White Hall

MURPHY Ij. C manufacturer of stone ware for the past six years, at White Hall. Was born at Utica, New York State, July 12, 1S46. When but four years old his parents moved to Chicago, and from there to Sheffield, Bureau County. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Road had then been completed but one year, and but very little improvements had taken place in the county. The family afterward moved to Galva, Henry County, where he died. In his sixteenth year, the subject of this sketch was attending the High School at Galesburg ; this was in i860; one year later he enlisted as a soldier in Co. H,65th 111. Inf.; he remained with the regiment three years, and became a sergeant-major ; captured at Harper's Ferry ; he was sent to Chicago, thence to East Tennessee ; a participant in the siege of Knoxville; with Sherman from Kingston to beyond Atlanta ; engaged in nearly all the principal battles of the war; honorably discharged in 1S65 ; he returned to Galva, where he became a railroad contractor ; in 1873 he came to White Hall as a permanent resident, entering into the manufacture of pottery ware with Charles B. Ebey, afterward admitting as a partner E. M. Bates, who retired two years ago, .September, 1872. Mr. Murphy was married to Miss Anna Ebey ; three children - Harry, Nettie, and Gertrude

Spring, and have already built up an important trade. The senior member, F. M. Mytinger, was born December 31, 1841, oldest son of John and Lucretfa Mytinger. At an early age he became a resident of Greene County, where he completed his education ; for seven years he served as clerk for the old established house of Dr. J. N. Israel ; on leaving his old employer, he entered into a copartnership business with L. Oswald, remaining some five years. His next partner was Mr. O. J. Husted, a native of this county, and a live, wide-awake man. Mr. Mytinger was married to Miss Elizabeth Ayres, a daughter of Daniel Ayres, of Morgan County ; six children were born of this marriage : Nora D., Katy L., Frances E., Albertus E., Frederick A., and Gracie. Mr. M. entered the service of the U. S. May, 1861, enlisting in Co. D, 14th 111. Infantry, and became engaged in many battles ; honorably discharged from this company on account of ill health ; he afterward enlisted in Co. C, 6ist 111. Infantry, and toward the close of the Rebellion ranked as adjutant of the regiment through meritorious conduct

NESBIT ARCHIBALD, bakery and grocery. Main street. White Hall, 111. Mr. Nesbitcameto White Hall but a short time ago, but in that time has built up a large trade through his known skill and industry. He was born in the north of Ireland, April, 1835. The reader would, no doubt, from this statement, come to the conclusion that he was of Celtic origin. This is not the case, however, as his father was a Scotchman, while his mother was an English lady. After this necessary description, we now take up the thread of our discourse. At a youthful age young Nesbit left the home of his forefathers, and crossing the Atlantic landed in New York City, where he became apprenticed to the trade of a baker ; he became a journeyman workman, and at the end of eight years moved to Litchfield Hill, Conn., where he took charge of a cracker bakery. From this point he went to Chicago, becoming foreman in a similar establishment. Going to Bloomington, he again superintended a large establishment ; he then bought out a man by the name of Harvey, who owned a bakery, and for two years met with flattering success. This was destroyed in the big fire that devastated Bloomington, and he accordingly moved to Atlanta, Logan County, 111.; in 1862 he went to Oregon, thence to California ; stopping but a short time, came East to New York, thence to Monmouth, 111. Ten years ago he came to White Hall, where he has a large run of custom in a first-class bakery. July 16, 1856, Mr. Nesbit was married to Miss Anna Andrews, a native of Norway

^"^^ firm of Teter, O'Gorman & Co. mnfrs. and dealers in flower pots, vases, hanging baskets, and all kinds of terra cotta ware. The subject of this biography was born at Springfield, Illinois. Sept. 2, 1854. Mr. O'Gorman settled in White Hall in i860, where he learned the trade of a potter, first working as a journeyman for John N. Ebey, one of the pioneers in the stone ware and pottery business. Mr. O'Gorman is a practical workman, understands every detail of his business, and lately entering into a co-partnership business with Mr. Teter, the above firm (Messrs, Teter & O'Gorman, successors to Wilcox, Teter & Co.), are now prepared to do as good work in their line as can be obtained anywhere

OSWALD & COMPANY, dealers in groceries, drugs, hardware, queensware, etc. Mr. Oswald is one of the shrewd, honorable businessmen of White Hall, and in connection with his enterprising yjartner, Mr. Loehnstein, transacts a large business. Mr. Oswald was born in Germany, in 1839 ; at sixteen years of age he emigrated to America ; from the city of New York he made his way to Pennsylvania, and with light capital and an enterprise far beyond his years, he began the selling of goods from house to house. From Pennsylvania he made his way to Illinois, locating near Peoria, taking up his old occupation ; making considerable money for a time, he became a farmer ; in 1S62 he enlisted in Co. I, 91st 111. Infantry, and became a participant in many important engagements ; honorably disch.irged on the close of the war, he returned to Greene County ; in i860 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Jane Moore, a daughter of Wm. Moore, by whom he had eight children, four of whom aro living: William, Herman, Lena, and Ettie. Mrs. Oswald died during the present year; an estimable lady, her death was universally regretted by all who knew her. Ten years ago Mr. Oswald came to White Hall ; he had but small capital, but he had pluck and energy, perseverance and honesty of purpose ; these traits of character have carried him successfully through life

PIERCE AUGUSTUS, manufacturer and dealer in tile and stoneware, pottery east of C, B. & Q. R. R. tracks. Mr. Pierce is the pioneer in the pottery trade of Greene County, having established the first pottery works in the present live town of White Hall; his experience here as a business man, his reliability in all business transactions, is too well known to need mention, and it is only sufficient to relate that his present success as a manufacturer of pottery ware is due to splendid workmanship and unflagging zeal. Augustus Pierce is a native of Wayne County, Ohio, born in 1828, where he grew to manhood and learned the trade of a potter ; commencing at the early age of 16, he soon became an adept at his trade. While residing in this county he was married to Miss Margaret T. Routson, by whom he has two children, J. M. and Ada; in 1854, Mr. Pierce moved to Michigan, where he became employed as foreman in a pottery, and also shared in the proceeds of the establishment. During tlie .Spring of 1858, he moved to Greene County, first settling "n the farm property owned by Stewart Seeley, afterward removing to White Hall where he has since been identified in the growth and prosperity of the town

PUKDY 31. C. The pottery known as the Purdy, situated near the C. & A R. R.. White Hall, 111., was built about the year 1 868, liy a man named Gorbet, or Garbet. For some reason he failed, and the property was purchased by James Gregory. This he disposed of to M. C. Purdy, who entered into a copartnership business with Abner D. Ruckle; with M*-. Ruckle he continued in business some years, when he purchased his interest, and is now sole proprietor ; employs twenty men manufacturing stone ware exclusively ; here may be found innumerable pots and jugs, manufactured from a good grade of clay, and made in a workmanlike manner. Mr. Purdy was born at Summit County, Ohio, in 1833; he received a liberal education, and there married Miss Sarah Jane Hall, of Ohio, by whom he had two children, Addie J., and Dwight. For a period of thirty-seven years Mr. Purdy was a resident of Ohio; apprenticed to the trade of a potter, he became a skilled workman ; on coming West, he settled at White Hall. Mr. Purdy is one of our most public-spirited men

Hall. The subject of this sketch is the seventh child of a family of eleven children. His father was Joseph Rickart, a Virginian by birth, born at Abington about 1785 ; he located at Cincinnati, when the entire village could have been purchased for a small sum ; moving to Hamilton, O., he followed farming and carpenter work, and is said to have been a very enterprising man; he married at or near Hamilton, Miss Delila Crooks. Building a large tannery, Mr. Rickart soon had it in running operation ; this was an extensive establishment, and a large trade was done. In 1839 Mr. R., who was then quite wealthy, moved to Illinois, locating at Greene County, and purchasing the farm Z. Allen ; on this iarm he passed the remainder of life, January, 1844, Mrs. Rickart died in 1847, a fine type of those women who dared the dangers of Western life. On the death of the father, the entire property reverted to the wife and children. A few years ago Joseph Rickart run the entire farm, consisting of 400 acres. No better evidence can be shown of the business capacity of Mr. R. than to state that he now owns 560 acres of as good land as tan be found anywhere in America ; loo acres lies in the corporation White Hall. With the exception of the hard times of 1857, Mr. R.'s career through life has been one of continued prosperity. Lately he erected a handsome residence near the town of White Hall. In 1873 he was assessor and treasurer of the county. When the Louisiana Branch of the C. -& A. R. R. was contemplated, Mr. R. was among the first in favor of locating the road here. He was married to Miss Mary E. Baskin, a daughter of Charles E. Baskin ; there were born of this marriage eight children, seven of whom are living : David, who owns a valuable farm property in Kansas, Addie, Ella, Minnie, Joseph, Curtis, and Leroy Riddel John, painter Rix Edward, potter Rose J. H. boot and shoe maker Rose Newton, painter

SHEPPARD JOHIi^, architect, contractor and builder. See Gardner & Sheppard Shirley E. K. janitor White Hall school Shirley H. B. physician Shirley Mrs. boarding house Silkwood Samuel, laborer

TETEK, O'GORMAN & CO. manufacturers and dealers in flower pots, vases, terra cotta ware. The above named firm became established in business June, 1878, but are rapidly taking a leading position in the manufacturing of this ware. Fine skilled workmen are employed by the firm, who turn out a vast array of flower pots and vases daily, of very superior material and finish. Its present proprietors are Messrs. T. O'Gorman, William Teter, and Henry Hubbard. Mr. Teter, from whom this sketch is obtained, was born in Ross County, Ohio, in 1834. When fifteen years old he moved to White Hall, where he settled down to farm life. In 1S64 he enlisted in the 91st Reg. 111. Inf. Remaining in the service one year, he was honorably discharged; a participant in the battles of Spanish Fort. Fort Blakely, and engagements of smaller note. In 1S55 Mr. Teter was married to Miss Susannah Pinkerton, a daughter of James E. Pinkerton. Of nine children born of this marriage, five are living: Mary, Ellen, Eva. Alice, and William THAXTON LARKIN, nearly sixty years ago, came to the Stale of Illinois, accompanied by wife and five small children. He was a Virginian by birth, who moved to Breckeniidge Co., Ky., in the early settlement of that State, and there married Miss Catherine Dudley. Glowing reports of the fertility of Illinois, reached him, and accordingly he determined to emigrate, and after many weeks of travel, located near Edwardsville, Madison County. From this point, in 1820, the family settled three miles southeast of White Hall, near Apple Creek. In this primitive wilderness of prairie, Wm. B. Thaxton was born, Aug. 9, 1820, and here were passed many years of his life. When twelve years of age, his father died ; at fourteen he ventured forth on his own resources, hiring out to a man by the name of Edglish, to work by the month, he remained five years, working through the summer months for twenty-five cents per day. During the Winter he was contented to work for his board. Going to Chesterfield, Macoupin County, he worked for a farmer of considerable enterprise, who kept a small store. While here Mr. Thaxton frequently made trips to Alton and St Louis, and showed considerable skill in the purchase of butler and eggs, etc. Leaving the employ of this man, he became employed in a saw-mill on Apple Creek. The following Spring he worked for Col. Gregory at ten dollars per month, for ten years; he then rented property, and from the profits of this procured a sufficient start to purchase eighty acres of land. Years have passed since then, and Mr. Thaxton is now a prominent man of Greene County, a wealthy citizen, due to the vigor, energy and pluck dis|ilayed during his younger days. He has been twice married : first to Miss Helen M. McGoffey, Nov. 25, 1852, who, seven years later, passed to a home not made with hands. She was the mother of three children, the oldest and only one living, Mrs. Ella Jane Morrow, wife of John A. Morrow ; resides near Roodhouse. Jan. i, i860, Mr. T. was married to Mrs. Damon Griswold, whose maiden name was Swallow, a model lady, who is a worthy helpmate of a noble husband and father. Mr. Thaxton owns a magnificent residence at White Hall, alsoone on his splendid farm near Roodhouse

TRASK GEO. W. lumber dealer, whose yards are located near the C.B.& Q. R.R., became a resident of White Hall but a Utile over a year ago, entering into the above business, where he takes the leading position in the lumber trade, and has shown himself to be not only a man of generous impulses and height of character, but a reliable business man ; born at Paterson, N. J., Sept. 30, 1834. When quite small, his parents moved to New Orleans, remaining there four years, and then moved to Louisville, Ky., where the head of the family became a cigar-maker ; moving to Missouri, thence to California, from whose golden shores he went to Cuba, where he died. Geo. W. Trask, in early life, became a R. R. contractor, in which he accumulated wealth, and a large experience, which have paved the way for his present success in life. He afterwards became a stock buyer and trader, in Kansas. Sept. 16, i860, he was united in marriage to Julia A. Greene, of Macoupin Co.; two children were born of this marriage, not living. In 1S69, Mrs. Trask died ; during the Au'.umn of 1871, Mr. Trask was m.irried to Miss Mary L. Terry, of Greene County ; one child : Harry E. When the war came on Mr. Trask enlisted in Co. A., 97th 111. Lift.; was promoted 1st sergeant for meritorious conduct; battles: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Jackson, Carthage, Grand Gulf, Fort Gibson, and many others

Vasseller, Cochran & Co. dry goods VEDDER A. F. dealer in drugs, hardware, farming implements, paints, oil stuffs and dyes, Main St., White Hall, Ills., for the past eighteen years a merchant of White Hall, and during this time has carried on a very successful business. He first became a partner of Judge Worcester ; the firm became widely known. On the retirement of Mr. W., he entered into partnership with a younger brother, Mr. F. I. Vedder, continuing together three years. His next partner was Mr. A. D. Rucker. Mr. Vedder was born in New York, in 1835, receiving a liberal education. In his 19th year he came West, locating at White Hall, where he first became a clerk with Davis & Veddel ; since this time his movements and enterprise are so well known as to need no further mention. In 1861, he was married to Miss Virginia Drish, a daughter of Dr. Drish. of White Hall ; two children were born of this marriage: Alice, not living, and Linnie. In 1S65, Mrs. Vedder died, and was laid at rest in the beautiful cemetery at White Hall. In 1S67, Mr. Vedder married Miss Nellie Bullock, by whom he has one child, Florence. Mr. V. is a member of the town board of White Hall Vedder F. D. constable

VEDDEK ISAAC I>. retired merchant and acting notary public of White Hall. Mr. Vedder was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y. State, June 5, 1820. At nineteen he set out for Illinois, locating at White Hall, Greene Co., 111. He first worked in a small grocery store kept by a man by the name of Lawson. Richard W. Young was then U. S. Land Commissioner ; by him Mr. Vedder was tendered a clerkship. Proceeding to Washington, he entered upon the duties of his office. While there he formed the acquaintance of and married Miss Sarah E. Prettyman, Feb. 15, 1S49. Shortly after this important event Mr. Vedder returned to White Hall. He now opened a dry goods store, admitting as partner Asbury Davis. Both were young men of sagacity and business tact, and immediately entered upon a successful business career. In 1857, the firm dissolved partnership, the store being continued by Mr. Davis for a short time, when

Mr. V. again became a partner, and continued so until 1864, when he again retired- In 1869, he bought out the wagon shop of L. E. Worcester ; this proved an unfortunate speculation. Mr. Vedder is a gentleman of education and culture, whose impulses are generous to a fault

WALKER J. F. mnfr. Ladies' Friend Washing Machine. James F. Walker was born in Greene County, Sept. 16, 1838, oldest son of L. W^ and Hester Walker. L. W. Walker was born in West Virginia, and came to Greene County at the age of twenty, and in connection with John Baker and James built the first grist and saw mill on Hurricane Creek. About 1837 he was married to Miss Hester Garrison, of Kentucky. Eventually L. W. Walker became a farmer of considerable prominence. He died at Roodhouse, in 1875, and was laid at rest in the Jones Cemetery. Mr. Walker was twice married. Hester Walker died in 1863, and in 1866 Mr. Walker was married to Miss Lydia Jane Dossie, who died many years ago. James Walker grew up in Greene County, and enlisted August, 1S62, in Co. F, lOist 111. Inf., three years' service; corporal during the war; evinced no ordinarj' daring as a soldier, and was engaged in the most important battles of the war, as Mission Ridge, Lookout Mountain - both engagements, - etc., etc.. Peach Tree Creek, Dallas, Atlanta, and witnessed the surrender of Johnston, in North Carolina. When the war closed Mr. W. settled in Morgan County, where he followed farming. In i86t he was married to Miss E. Devault, a daughter of John and Elizabeth Devault. In after years Mr. W. became largely engaged as a contractor and builder, and erected many of the best residences and stone buildings in Koodhouse, as Kirkland Hotel and school house. Mr. W. began the manufacture of the Ladies' Friend Washer but a year ago, and sold during 1S78 300 washers - and a constant demand

"WATSON H. who is the proprietor of the only marble works in the town of White Hall, was born in Kentucky. During his childhood his mother died, and in an early day his father moved to Illinois, locating in Morgan County, He was a tanner by occupation, and probably built the first tannery on Indian Creek. His first wife was Mary Johnson ; they were married in Kentucky ; nine children were born of this marriage, Henry being the sixth child. He was seven years of age when his father again married. By the second marriage he had five children ; moving to Greene County, he lived a number of years and then moved to Missouri, where he died. Henry passed his boyhood near Jacksonville, Morgan Co. In 1842, he moved to White Hall, where he first learned the trade of a mason. In 1851, he started his present business. On entering the establishment one beholds a large variety of tombstones, and monuments composed of only the best marble. In 1846 Mr. Watson enlisted for service in the Mexican war, and became a participant in the famous battle of Buena Vista. In i860, he was married to Miss Mary Miller, by whom he has two children

Weitzel Christopher

WEITZEL CHRISTOPHER, merchant tailor, and dealer in ready-made clothing, hats, caps, etc. Mr. Weitzel located at White Hall in 1866, and opened a tailoring establishment, on Main st. Investing a small capital of $500 in a stock of goods at St. Louis, he returned to White Hall, where he was soon busily engaged securing a large patronage. Through his skill as a workman and honest dealing, he is to-day one of our most enterprising men and always gives the boys fits when in need of clothes. He was born at Hesse- Darmstadt, Germany, in 1837; emigrated to America in 1852, and located at Darke Co., Ohio, where he became apprenticed to tailoring. When the war came on he enlisted in Co. B, 68th Regt. 111. Volunteers ; honorably discharged October, i862» at Alton. He returned to his old employers at Decatur, and worked at his trade for a number of years, and then proceeding to Kansas, from which State he shortly after returning to Decatur, and thence to White Hall, where he was found guilty of selling first-class goods and doing first-class tailoring, and it was accordingly resolved by the good people of White Hall and vicinity, that so long as he continued in his present course he should be sustained

WELCH «T. E. miller, and inventor of the already famous True Grit Furrow Finisher, for polishing furrows in millstones. Price $3.00, including an extra block. Mr. Welch is also the inventor of an improved Wheat Heater. J. E. Welch is one of our progressive citizens. He was born in the Old Dominion, Faurquier County, on the 12th of Oct., 1S42. At the early age of seventeen his parents emigrated to Mi>souri, where th

L.AKIX W. T. land agent, White Hall. Agent for B. & M. K.R andC. B. & Q.R.R. For the following territory : Greene, Scott, Morgan, Jersey and Calhoun

Ml'KPHY L. C manufacturer of and wholesale dealer in extra fine stoneware, fruit cans, flower pots, vases, and everything in the stoneware line. White Hall

Teter, O'Gorman & Co

WEITZEL CHRIS, merchant tailor, and dealer in clothing, gents' furnishing goods, hats, caps, notions etc. Agent for the Singer sewing machine. White Hall

^ ing and general repairing of machinery. Inventor and manufacturer of the Gang plow. Queen of the West, and the iron beam bottom draft plow, King of Trash, White Hall

WHITE HALL BANKING ASSOCIATION. Hon. E. L. Wentworth. President ; Isaac Powell, Cashier ; W. P. Worcester, Assistant Cashier. Directors : James McDowall, A. S. Seely and L. E. Carter. A general banking business transacted. Office hours 8 }4 o'clock a. m. to 4 o'clock p. m. Whitehall

Avhite Hall Fire Clay

WORKS, manufacturers of vitrified, salt glazed sewer pipes and well curbing ; drain tile, fire brick, roofing tile, paving brick, etc.. White Hall

Worcester L. E. & Co

To Millers and Mill Owners. - In presenting the We^ch Heater to the milling, public, I would say that after years of study and experimenting, I believe I have perfected a machine for heating vi'heat thoroughly and evenly. From its peculiar construction, it is readily seen that it is an impossibility for a grain of wheat to pass through without its coming in contact with BOTH coil and cone, and the notches on the cone cause the wheat to turn over. The wheat enters the machine through one opening. It passes down, spreading over the cone, passing through a series of holes, and is caught in hopper " E " and led to the buhrs. I claim that every grain of wheat must be evenly healed in passing through the machine ; that it is simple and easily managed. They are guaranteed to give perfect satisfaction. Sent on thirty days' trial to responsible parties. Price, $60. Address J. E. Welch, White Hall, 111.

" True Grit " is a handy little tool consisting of a base made of a specie of Kaolin, or White Potter's Clay, obtained in the State of Illinois, with which is thoroughly incorporated a fine grade of Corundum, or Emery. The base is securely cemented into a cast iron handle, of convenient shape for the hand, and is easily worked.

After the furrow is picked, take a sponge or rag saturated with water, wet the furrow repeatedly as it is being operated upon. The result is a nice, smooth furrow, not a polished, glossy furrow, but a furrow with a smooth face, that still retains all the grit of a first-class hone. The tool will pay for itself at one dressing. Its durability is astonishing. After a miller once uses it he will never be without it.

AKERS JOSKPH, farmer and stock raiser, Sec. I, P.O. Barrow. Mr. Akers was born in Scott County, Illinois, in 1846. On attaining his majority he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A., daughter of James Thompson, who settled in Greene County when scarcely a cabin broke the tmonotony of our western prairies. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Akers moved to Greene County, near Barrow, where he at first rented the farm he now owns, comprising 200 acres. This property has been acquired within the last ten years by the exercise of economy, judgment and hard work. A better showing for a young man has not been equalled in this county. Mr. Akers is a native of Greene County, born in 1848

ALBERT T. J. Principal Wilmington School. Mr. Albert was born in Carrollton, Greene County, III., in 1842. On attaining his twentieth year his parents, John and Nancy D. Albert, moved to Milton, Pike County. From Milton the family moved to Pearl Prairie ; here the head of the family continued to farm it until his decease, which occurred during the Spring of 1877. He was seventy-seven years of age when his death occurred. During his life he was noted for his energy and enterprise. In 1868 T. J. Albert pnrchased a farm in Missouri, consisting of 130 acres. His preliminary education was received in the district schools. On obtaining his majority he taught the village school at Pearl, Pike County ; he also taught school near Mexico, Missouri, and now during eleven years, to his credit be it said, he has taught but two schools ; eight of these years, or part of them, were spent in the Wilmington school house, not a similar instance being known in the county. He was a student of Gem City College, of Quincy, and also attended three terms at Milton Normal School. In 1876, in connection with John M. Ferris, he began the publication of the Greene County Democrat, whose columns always teemed with well written articles ; and the common sense article that appeared in its columns on the celebration of our one hundredth anniversary will not soon be forgotten. When the war broke out Mr. Albert enlisted at Milton, Pike County, in Company I, 99th Illinois Infantry. He was then in his nineteenth year, and was engaged in the following battles: Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hills, Black River, Vicksburg, Fort Blakely and many others Allen Isaac P., farmer, Sec. 12, P.O. Breese Allen William, farmer, P.O. Roodhouse Ambrose William, farmer, Sec. 3, P.O. Barrow AMOS GEORGE H. farmer, stock raiser and shipper. Sec. 26, P.O. White Hall. George H. Amos was born in Maryland, July 8, 1826. He was in his twelfth year when his parents moved to Virginia; remaining one year the family moved to Pennsylvania. At fourteen young Amos concluded to go it on his own hook, and accordingly made his way to Illinois. Locating in Greene County he secured employment on a farm and afterwards worked in the cabinet shop of his brother. At seventeen he was apprenticed to the trade of a blacksmith. Serving his time he opened a shop on Main street, and continued in business several years. While here he married Miss Levina Barrow. For a short time Mr. Amos became a resident of Iowa. In 1854, long before the Union Pacific was thought of, Mr. Amos made his way across the continent to California; by way of speculation, driving some fifty head of cattle, which upon arriving in Cal- ifornia, near Sacramento, he disposed of for a fair profit. Wiien he made the return trip, on a sailing vessel, he purchased a farm of i6o acres in Piatt County. He disposed of this for a stock of goods, and accordingly opened a general merchandise store at White Hall, where he sold goods for a few months. He now became a trader, and during the war speculated largely in horses, and here procured his first start in life. In order to show his enterprising disposition Mr. Amos gathered together a large flock of turkeys, which he drove to the lUino'S River and shipped them to New Orleans, making a fair profit on his venture. At another time he made a similar venture, his shipping point being St. Louis. In all probability he was the first one engaged in this venture in Greene County. The life career of Mr. Amos has been fraught with interest. Early learning to rely on his own resources he to-day is the owner of 570 acres of valuable land. His keen judgment and extraordinary energy have brought about the wealth he today enjoys. The marriage of Mr. A. was to Miss Barrow, and was blessed with eleven children : Ruth M., William T., George H., Joseph B., and Charles R.; not living : John L., Elizabeth L., James L., Addie, Mary and Alfred. Three years ago Mr. Amos was elected County Commissioner. He is an extensive grain buyer Arnold Dr. J. Wilmington, P.O. Breese ASHLEY A. J. tile manufacturer, Barrow. The above named gentleman, who in connection with Mr. Bruce has shown considerable enterprise in the erection of tile works, at Barrow, was born in Kentucky, January, 1S43. He was but eight years of age when his parents moved to Illinois, where he has now resided nineteen years. When the war came on he enlisted in Company F, 6ist Illinois Infantry, for one year's service. When the war closed he returned to Illinois, located at Winchester, Scott County, and worked as a carpenter. From this point he moved to Barrow in 1871; pursuing the carpenter business he was largely patronized and erected some of the most substantial dwellings in the neighborhood. In 186S he was married to Miss Sarah A. Campbell, by whom he had four children, three living : John B., Bertha M. and Caroline ASHLEY" JAMES M. carpenter and joiner, for the past six years a resident of Barrow, was born in Casey County, Kentucky, September 29, 1S34. In 1851 he accompanied his parents to McLean Co., 111., then a small village, with no railroad facilities. Here the family remained a short time, when they moved to Pike County. James shortly after removed to Kentucky, where he learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner. This occupation he follows at the present writing and receives a large share of public patronage, as his skill as a workman is well known. In the State of Tennessee in 1S60 he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Hubble, who passed away in the year 1868, leaving to the care of her husband four children : Alonzo, Mary E., Eva B. and James L. July 28, 1S69, Mr. Ashley was married to Miss Anna Summers, of Winchester, Scott County, by whom he has three children : Tessie, Earnest G. and Myrtle. Mr. A. owns two lots at Barrow, a commodious frame building, and is one of our most public spirited citizens. It is the intention of Mr. A. to open a first-class boarding house at Barrow, shortly, and parties looking for the comforts of a home will do well to note this fact Ashlock Henry, laborer, Wilmington, P.O.

Breese ASHLOCK JA3IES, who was the first blacksmith to locate at Barrow, and who has built one of the best shops in the county, was born in Anderson County, Tennessee, November 23, 1830. He was the fifth child of William and Rebecca Ashlock. In his eighteenth year he accompanied his parents to Greene County, Illinois, where a settlement was made four miles east of CarroUton, where the father followed the calling of a cooper. James proceeded to Scott County, some years after his parents located in Greene County, where he served his time to a blacksmith. Returning to his old home in Greene County he opened a blacksmith shop, transacting business some three years, and during this time married Miss Sylvania Breden. Moving to Wilmington Mr. Ashlock carried on blacksmithing successfully for a period of eleven years. Moving from Wilmington to what is now the town of Barrow, Mr. A. erected the first building and became the first resident of the live little town, and has watched with proud satisfaction its upward growth. In addition to general blacksmithing Mr. Ashlock does a large horse shoeing business, and is known as a superior workman in wood. He has five children ; Rosetta, Cyrina C, Sarah L., Wilburn W. and Emma R.

ATKINS JOSEPH J. blacksmith, Sec. 31. P. O. White Hall. Mr. A. was born in Virginia, November 25, 1S23, the second son of Nathaniel and Nancy Atkins, who passed the remainder of life in Pike County, Missouri, Joseph J. became a skillful blacksmith, and in Ashley, Pike County, Missouri, he followed his vocation some four years. Here he married Martha J. Gourley. Locating at Carrollton. in Greene County, about 1S35, he remained some two years, w-orking at his trade, when he moved to Wilmington, opened a shop and conducted a successful business for five years. He then went to Carrollton, working for John C. Kelley six years and a half; was also employed by Winn Bros., who now do business at White Hall. Mr. A. is one of the most skillful mechanics in Greene County, and it is said repaired the first agricultural machinery in this county. Mr. A. owns 160 acres of land, has one child, Montgomery. Mr. A. is now blacksmith for Stewart Seeley

BAI^LiARD A. J. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 21, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Ballard was born in Rutherford County, Tennessee, March 2q, 1828 ; third child of Avery and Anna R Ballard, whose maiden name was Wallace. Avery Ballard moved from North Carolina to Tennessee in his twentieth year, and there married the lady above mentioned. In 1831, accompanied by his wife and four children, he set out for Illinois in a two-wheeled ox cart. The trip occupied some four weeks, and when he landed in Illinois he had but twenty-five cents in money. He settled on the farm now owned by Chester Crabtree, entering 160 acres of land from the government ; also purchased forty acres from Andrew Bingham, and after many years he became a prosperous farmer. He was treacherously assassinated on the i6th of April, 1S70. This unprovoked murder made a deep impression on the community, who thoroughly respected Mr. Ballard, as he was an extremely law-abiding citizen and it was not supposed that he had an enemy in the world. Mrs. Ballard is still living. Andrew, from whom this sketch is obtained, married in his twenty-first year Miss Martha Smith, a daughter of David Smith, by whom he had eight children, seven of whom are living : Mary, who resides in Missouri, Sherry, Frances, Emily, Melissa, William, Henry, and Maitie. Mr. Ballard is the owner of 100 acres - 80 acres prairie and 20 timber BIGHAM ELY T. farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 31, P.O. White Hall. Mr. Bigham was born in Greene County, May 1843. Youngest child of Eli and Mary Bigham, who were among the early settlers of this county. The head of the family passed away some twenty- six years ago. Mrs. Bigham is still living, residing in Greene County. Ely. who heads this sketch, received but a common school education, as his time was almost wholly occupied on the farm from the time he could reach the plow handles. In 1S65 he was married to Miss Jemima A. Seeley, a daughter of the Hon. Stewart Seeley, by whom he has five children : Ida M., Eva S., Herman C. and Roy Porter Ballard John, renter. Sec. 26, P.O. White Hall Ballard Wesley, renter, Hank's Station, P.O.

Barber William, farm hand, P.O. White Hall Barnes Robert, renter, P.O. Roodhouse Barnhard L. farmer, P.O. White Hall BARROW^ A., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 27, P.O. White Plall. A. Barrow was in his eighth year when his parents, James and Lucy Barrow, settled in Greene County, on the farm property now owned by him. James Barrow was a native of North Carolina, who moved to Kentucky in an early day, where he married. When the family landed in Greene County, CarroUton was but a village, where but a few rough dwellings were seen. While yet a boy A. H. Barrow witnessed the lianging of Cavanaugh near the present farm-residence of C. F. Bruce ; the prisoner confined in an old jail that looked even worse than the present stone structure, was led forth to execution while the rain poured in torrents. This affair creating a great sensation at the time, owing to the circumstances surrounding it. Mr. Barrow well remembers the marching through White Hall of the volunteers for the Black Hawk War. In his thirtieth year he was married to Miss Polly Ann Childers, by whom he had three children : Pleasant M., James H.and Susan J. Mrs. Barrow died in 1870. October 19, 1875, Mr. Barrow was married to Miss Delilah Heaton, whose father was county surveyor. Mr. Barrow is a very successful farmer, owning 200 acres BARROW ALFREO H., farmer and founder of the live little shipping town of Barrow, was born in the old homestead of his father, Joseph Barrow, in 1834. He f received a common school education ; in 1862 he was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Shaw, a daughter of David Shaw, of Greene County. Mr. Barrow has one adopted child, Gracie. He has met with more than ordinary success as a farmer. A few words in reference to the history of Barrow Station ; in 1871 the property adjoining the town was owned by Mr. Barrow. The consideration of his sale of land to the railroad company was in this wise : the company were to have the right of way through his farm ; he to donate three acres of land for depot, stock yards, etc. ; this offer from the railroad was responded to by Mr. Barrow who is ever alive to all things pertaining to the public good ; owing to his enterprise the railroad was soon in running operation, and the result is another thriving town has sprung up in Greene Co., in which dwells an industrious people. Mr. Barrow at one time owned the greater portion of the town, and assisted in building the greater portion of the town. Close to this enterprising town he owns 300 acres of valuable land ; for ten years he was a merchant at White Hall ; also in the mercantile business at Manchester, Scott Co. During the war he bought government horses and mules, having as a partner George H, Amos

BARROW JOSEPH, deceased, who is well remembered for his many generous qualities by the early settlers of Greene County, was born in Tennessee, and emigrated to Illinois in 181S, becoming cotemporary with such early settlers as the Huitts, Thomases and others. The Barrow family, who afterwards became among the wealthier farmers of Greene County, settled on the prairie near what is now White Hall, and were, in all probability, the original settlers of the town. Joseph Barrow was married in 1825 to Mi?s Elizabeth Taylor. But little is known of the early history of Joseph Barrow. He was a very industrious man, and became a prominent farmer. Wm. H. Barrow, from whom this sketch is obtained, resides on the original homestead, settled on over half a century ago ; he necessarily lived the frugal life of the pioneer for many years, and step by step arose to a prominent position ; a farmer, he now owns over 1000 acres of land, on which he erected some years ago a handsome farm residence, in Township 12, Range 12 ; in his twenty-fifth year he was married to Miss Mary J. Bingham, a daughter of Elisha Bingham ; in 1857 he was a partner in a grocery store at White Hall, as this was the year of the panic it proved a very hard blow to him in his business transactions, but his unswerving integrity and strict honesty carried him safely through. This strict sense of honor laid the foundation for his present success in life ; at one time Mr. Barrow held the position of county commissioner. There were five children born of this marriage: Addie, Joseph, Wil-

Town 12, North Range 12, West

Hall BAUltOW TILE FACTORY, Barrow, Greene County. Messrs Ashley & Bruce, proprietors. The above named enterprising gentlemen entered upon the transaction of the above important business one year ago ; they are doing a thriving business, manufacturing a very superior article, from 3 inch tiling to 8 inch; these tile are manufactured from a very superior quality of clay, and give tlie best of satisfaction wherever introduced ; the factory is the only one at Barrow ; employs from six to eight men, and from four to eight thousand tile of the different sizes, are shipped daily ; a good showing indeed for the enterprising firm. Mr. C. F. Bruce, from whom this sketch is obtained, was born in New Hampshire, March, 1830 ; in his twenty-fourth year he went to Vermont, also to Massachusetts, and shortly afterwards wended his way to Illinois ; locating at Scott Co. in 1856, where in connection with others he entered into the saw milling business, he also farmed for a considerable lime on the Big Sandy ; four years ago he became a resident of Barrow, where he built the elevator now owned by J. Israel of White Hall ; he next built a grist mill, now owned by Whittaker & Rigg; In 1857 he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Hood, by whom he has two children : Eva E. and Minnie M. Bateman Alfred, farmer, Sec. 25, P.O. White