Schuyler County, Illinois, Rushville

 

Rushville

 
This being the capital ofthe county and one of the first points settled therein, it necessarilyfollows that a large protion of this chapter must consist of history. Itwas located as the seat of justice, March 6th, 1826 by the commissionersappointed for that purpose. It is situated in the southwest quarter ofsection thirty, township two north, and range one west. It was first namedRushton, in honor of Dr. Rush, an eminent physician of that city of Philidelphia.But for some cause, on the 24th of April, 1826, an order was made to changethe name to Rushville. The commissioners appointed David Blair to proceedto Springfield and obtain a patent of the aforesaid quarter section ofland, for which service the records show that for compensation he was allowed$250. After having procured the patent, the comissioners sold the easthalf of the quarter for the sum of $150, which half is now that part ofthe town lying about eighty feet east of the public square, and withincertain prescribed limits north and south.

The first house built inthe town was constructed by John B. Terry for a dwelling.  It wasa small log house, situated just across the street, south of the school-housegrounds. Hart Fellows built a log dwelling about the same time as the above.It was situated on the northeast corner of the square, on the lot now occupiedby the firm of Delap & Dace. This was early 1826. The first town lotswere sold July 4th, of the same year. The first merchandise sold in thetown was in 1828 or 1829, by a party from Jacksonville. His stock consistedof a few groceries, dry-goods, and notions. They were kept at the houseof Hart Fellows, and there retailed. This was only temporary. The nextto engage in the business was Benjamin Chadsey. He purchased his goodsin St. Louis, and shipped them up the river in keel boats, and thence fromthe Illinois river to Rushville.  His goods were kept in the houseof Hart Fellows, who acted as his clerk one year, and then became a partner,under the firm name of Chadsey and Fellows. In the meantime, Mr. Fellowshad erected a little frame storehouse near his dwelling, in  whichthe business was then conducted.

The first tavern licensewas granted to Orris McCartney, Nov. 3, 1825, upon paying the sum of threedollars into the treasury, and one dollar to the clerk. The following isthe table of rates he was allowed to receive:

For diet, per  meal………………………………18¾
For horsekeeping over night……………………25
For horse feed…………………………………..12½
For lodging…………………………………….6¼
Whiskey, per half-pint…………………………12½
Foreign spirits, per half-pint……………………25
Whiskey, per gill……………………………….6¼
Foreign spirits, per gill…………………………12½
Cider, metheglin, and beer,per quart…………..12 ½

The first brick house builtwas the court-house, finished in 1830. The school-house was the secondbrick building, and the third was the old Methodist church. The first framehouse was built by Hart Fellows, and was situated on the lot where hislog dwelling stood.

This chapter would be incompletewithout recording some of the first efforts towards making Rushville apoint of some manufacturing importance. The firm of Hodge & Hunterestablished a wool carding factory in 1831. It was situated on Congressstreet, on the lot now occupied by J. Foote & Sons’s knitting factory.It existed for several years. In the same year, Greer Brothers establisheda shop for the manufacture of horn combs. It was located on the lot wherethe blacksmith shop of Peter Fox is now situated. It was a non-paying investment,and the factory soon relapsed into silence. James Blackburn erected a tanneryas early as 1830, on Lafayette street, not far from the present residenceof John C. Bagby.  In a few years he sold out to George Baker, andcommenced the practice of medicine.

A ludicrous scene, commonin those days, is described by Thomas W. Scott, who was then in the mercantilebusiness. Most of the pioneers were dressed with a hunting shirt and buckskinbreeches. In the winter season their pantaloons would become saturatedwith water by wading through the snow and slush. On coming into the storetheir unmentionables would be stretched out all proportions, and the bottomswould be dragging under their heels. After sitting by the fire awhile towarm, the buckskin would dry and shrink, so by the time they were readyto leave, their pants had crept up to near their knees, and in this mannerwould they file out, each with a small purchase under his arm. Anotherincident is related of the peculiar manner adopted to make it unpleasantfor the worshippers of the Cumberland Presbyterian congregation, duringthe services one Sabbath of those early days. The church building was aframe, and one of the first in town. Someone becoming offended at the society,or someone belonging to it, conceived the idea that, with the numerousstock running at large, if the lower part of the building were washed withbrine, there would be a large a congregation outside as inside. Late Saturdaynight, or early Sunday morning, the thing was accomplished. The congregationhad hardly assembled, before all the cows in town had scented the delicatemorsel. The preacher commenced the services and the cattle on the outsidecommenced the disagreeable rasp, rasp, rasp, with their barbed tongues.The reader can probably imagine the result; the sermon was spoiled, andthe congregation went home disgusted.

Cemetery – The first intermentwas made here, as before stated. From this has grown the present beautifulcemetery, that now is one of the best-kept grounds in the State. Many acostly monument adorns this city of the dead. It is situated in the southeastpart of the town, on lots thirty and thirty-one, and contains about fifteenacres. The early history of its existence is, that in 1859, the countycourt passed an order that John Ritchey be authorized to purchase of AbramLouderback, one of two acres of land, suitable and convenient for cemeterypurposes. He selected two acres of ground where the old sand head-stonesnow stand. We have visited many a town cemetery, but the Rushville placeof the dead stands equal to any that it has been our privilege to inspect.A few of the first interments are marked by small slabs of sand-stone,two of which were nestling among the roots of quite large trees, evidencesof the thoughtful care of the dead, when these forest trees were but mereshrubs, or perhaps had not even generated from the acorn that producedthem.

Incorporation – Under thishead we desire to recapitulate, in order to make the organization of thetown more complete. As already stated, the site was chosen in the springof 1826, but it was not until December 5th of the same year that it wassurveyed and platted, Jonathan D. Manlove being the surveyor. In June,1829, a petition was laid before the Board of Commissioners, to have thetown resurveyed, and the streets reduced from one hundred feet in widthto eighty feet, which was accordingly done. On the 23rd of April, 1831,a notice was posted, calling upon the citizens to meet at the clerk’s officeon the 10th day of May following, for the purpose of taking steps towardincorporating the town under an act of the General Assembly, approved February12th, 1831, entitled “An Act to Incorporate the Inhabitants of Towns,”etc. In pursuance of said call, the people met at the time and place mentioned.John C. Scripps was called to the chair, and John Mitchell was electedclerk. The following are the names of those voting, all in favor of incorporating:

John C. Scripps,Hart Fellows, William C. Ralls, I. J. C. Smith, Richard Redfield, AndrewRoss, William Layton, N. E. Quinby, Samuel Brazzleton, Samuel Beattie,William Putnam, Proctor P. Newcomb, Thomas W. Scott, E. Grist, Joel Decamp,John M. Jones, John Mitcheltree, B. V. Teel, James A. Chadsey, and LukeSeeley.

May 25th, a meeting was calledfor the election of officers, with the following result:

Trustees-John Mitcheltree,B. V. Teel, John Scripps, William McCreery, and I. J. C. Smith.
B. V. Teel was chosen chairmanof the board.
John B. Watson was appointedclerk;
Treasurer-I. J. C. Smith
Constable-Thomas Hayden

In 1839 another charterwas obtained, and again in 1869, granting further privileges as an incorporatedtown. The present officers are:

Trustees-R. L. Greer,John A. Harvey, Augustus Nell, John S. Bagby, Charles H. Wells, AugustusPeter, and George W. Smither; the former is the President of the board,and the latter clerk.
The other officers are:
Attorney-David H. Glass
Street Commissioner-GeorgeC. Yoe
Marshal-L. W. Sloat
Town surveyor-John S. Bagby
Police Magistrate-WilliamSpeed

Since the organization of thetown, it has been of a slow, but healthy growth, having at this time apopulation of nearly 2000 inhabitants.

Business of the Town

The Rushville Woolen Mills,as an industry, stand preeminently ahead of any other manufactory in thetown. They are situated on Madison street, between Congress and Monroestreets, and were built by a stock company, in 1867, at a cost of about$50,000. The building is of brick, eighty by one hundred and twenty feeton the ground, and three stories high. The lower floor is occupied by thelooms, dyeing apartment, finishing, etc. The second floor contains theseveral jacks, cards, and pickers. This industry is now leased by the firmof Slack & Gavit, who have in their employment about fifty hands. Thefactory is what is known as a four-set mill, containing twelve broad looms,six jacks, four sets of cards, and furnishing complete for the same. Theprincipal manufactured articles are flannels and blankets, the number ofyards manufactured in one year being about 30,000. The annual product isvalued at $100,000. The firm pays for labor, every month, about $1,200,and for stock $6,000. The works are driven by an eighty-horse power engine,having three four-foot boilers twenty feet in length. The whole buildingis heated by steam.

Rushville Knitting Factory,J. Foote and Sons, proprietors. This industry was established by the presentproprietors in the spring of 1876, and is situated on Congress street,between Madison and Clinton streets. The building is a frame, two storiesin height, and 20×68 feet on the ground. The capital invested is $5,000.Twelve machines are employed, and the whole works require 16 hands, 11of whom are females. The business is confined to hosiery, of which about5,200 dozen pairs are manufactured annually. The stock finds a market inChicago, Peoria, and other points of the west. Upwards of $300 is paidout by this institution every month for labor.

Rushville City FlouringMills-These mills are situated on Congress street, three blocks northof the court-house. The business was established by the firm of Little& Ray, in 1847, since which time it has more than once changed hands.In 1874, it came it came into the possession of the present firm of, Ramsey & Co. The building is a frame 36×60 feet in size, and threestories high. It has three run of stone, and a double set of rolls, witha capacity of manufacturing 75 barrels of flour daily. Six men are employed.The machinery is driven by a fifty-horse power engine.

Elevator of Littleand Ray is situated on the switch of the C. B. & Q. Railway. It wasbuilt by this firm in 1868, at a cost of $3,000. The structure is of theregular elevator style, and is about 28×36 feet on the ground, 56 feetin height. It has a capacity of elevating 2,500 bushels of grain daily,and can store 15,000 bushels. It is operated by horse power arranged inthe basement.

Rushville Brick and TileWorks are located in the south part of town, about three blocks fromthe public square. The proprietors are McCabe & Sons. The brick yardwas established in 1866, and the tile factory was added about ten yearslater. The capital invested is $5,000. The number of bricks manufacturedannually is about 1,000,000, and the number of feet of tile is 300,000.The entire shedding covers nearly 10,000 square feet of ground. Twenty-fivemen receive employment, and the annual manufactured product is estimatedat $15,000. Between six and seven hundred dollars are paid out every monthfor labor.

Rushville Marble Yard,owned and operated by Crosier & Hutton, and situated on Liberty street,east side of the public square. This industry was commenced in the townby Mr. Crosier, in February, 1859, being the first to establish the businessin the village. In the spring of 1877, Mr. Hutton became a member of thefirm. The good work performed by this company has given the business aconstant and healthy growth, so that at this time they employ five men,and manufacture $8,000 of product annually.

Carriage and Wagon Factoryof J. & J. Knowles. This is one of the oldest manufacturing establishmentsin this part of the State, having been established as early as 1849. Itis situated on the corner of Washington and Morgan streets, in block 19.The works occupy the whole block. The buildings are frame structures, containingmachine shop, wood-work department, blacksmith shop, depository, shedsfor material, etc. The capital invested is about $12,000, and the annualvalue of manufactured product is estimated at $15,000. Ten men are employedby this industry. All the work is manufactured by machinery driven by afourteen-horse power engine.

Schuyler Flouring Millsare situated on the Macomb highway in the northwest part of the corporatelimits, west of the railroad. This mill was built in the fall of 1867,by George Moench, the present proprietor. It is a frame building, 30x40feet in size and three stories high. The engine room attached is 18x30feet. The mill has three runs of stone, and a capacity of manufacturing50 barrels of flour in twenty-four hours. It is both a merchant and custommill, and gives employment to three men. The engine is thirty-horse power.

Wagon and Carriage Factory,Hocking and Parker, proprietors. This industry was established in 1878,and is situated on Monroe street, near Washington street. The house isa frame building, three stories high, and 40×50 feet on the ground. Itwas formerly the old Presbyterian church building. Eight men receive employment,and the estimated value of manufactured product and repair work is $7,000annually. All the work is hand-made.

Rushville Tannerywas established in 1862, by August Peter, and is situated north of theschool-house grounds. The building is a frame, two stories high, and 24x48feet in size. Nine vats are arranged in the building, and it has otherconveniences for the business. Mr. Peter is also engaged in the trafficof hides.

The Rushville LibraryAssociation was established the 5th of April, 1878, with fifteen chartermembers, the officers being as follows:
President:  L. R. Caldwell
Secretary and Librarian:John Beatty
Treasurer:  Dr. M.Ayers
It was started by the subscriptionof the members, there being 441 volumes at the outset. The number has increasedat this writing to 1384 volumes. The literature consists of histories,biographiesof eminent men, travels, fiction, etc., etc. To become a member, it isrequisite to pay a fee of three dollars and fifty cents as quarterly dues.At this time the membership consists of about 120 members. The libraryis situated on Washington street, near the post office, and is open Wednesdayand Saturday evenings.

The School House isone of the institutions of the town of which the people may well feel proud.It was built at a cost of about $55,000 and is situated two blocks northwestof the court house square. The grounds occupy two and a fourth acres, andare well kept, with shade trees adjoining the play ground and the streetsurrounding the building. The district is two miles square, and the institutionis operated  under a special charter, entitled the Rushville UnionSchool. The building is a fine brick structure, three stories high, withbasement, and about 70 feet square. Its architecture is of the modern style,and it is warmed by steam. All the belongings are of the best, and theconveniences are modern. Nine teachers are employed besides the principaland the attendance is upwards of 500 pupils.

First National Bank ofRushville was established in 1865, it being a joint enterprise conductedby several of the leading citizens, among whom were the firm of Littleand Ray, W. W. Wells, Warren Brothers, E. M. Anderson, E. C., and B. Ray. The capital stock was $65,000, but was subsequently increased to $100,000,and afterwards reduced to $75,000.  It has a surplus, at this writing,of $20,000. The vault is fire proof, and the safe is provided with a timelock. President: George Little; Cashier: Augustus Warren.

Coal Banks-There aretwo shafts situated in sections 19 and 20. The vein lies about 40 feetfrom the surface, and will average 5 ½ feet in thickness. The qualityof coal is unsurpassed by any in the State. The only wonder is, that capitalistshave not taken the matter in hand and developed the industry in this partof the state. As the mines are now worked they only supply the local demand.Two tramways are built from the shaft to the town.

Besides the foregoing thetown contains two newspapers, Times and Citizen; six churches,two Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Christian, and Catholic. There arealso two hotels, the City Hotel, Ezra Jackson, proprietor; and the FryHouse kept by Mrs. Fry. A new court-house is nearly completed, and willbe one of the finest buildings of the town.

Present Business

General Stores–Wilson& Graff, G. W. Metz & Son, J. H. Parrott, Nelson Brothers, Little,Ray & Co., Warren Brothers.
Dry Goods Boots and Shoes,etc.–Jackson Brothers, E. D. Leach, J. L. Parrott, J. N. Roach &Co.
Hardware and AgriculturalImplements–Augustus Nell, R. H. Griffith & Co., George E. Hall.
Drugs, Books, etc.–E. M. Anderson, A. M. McCreery, M. M. Prentiss.
Furniture and Undertaking–A.H. Seeley, William Speed.
Clothing, Hats, Cops,etc.–Wells Brothers.
Harness and Saddlery–MartinRyan, August Peter.
Groceries, Queensware,etc.–R. L. Greer, D. W. C. Goodwin, William Fowler, Robert McCreery,W. S. Irwin, Delapp & Dace, Ford & Tutt, H. Clarke, Z. L. Underwood.
Cigars–J. B. Thomas
Broom Makers–C.P. Neill, W. B. G. Putman.
Watches, Clocks and Jewelry–GeorgeHanna, J. H. Knowles.
Physicians–N. G.Slack, Thomas Monroe, Mortimer Ayers, J. N. Speed, R. N. Worthington, L.W. Clark, A. B. Clark, E. Clark, M. M. Prentiss, L. C. Seeley, J. H. Ewing,John A. Harney.
Dentist–T. H. Downing.
Livery and Feed Stables–GeorgeBranstool, R. B. Greer.
Feed and Sale Stables–Crandall& Son, James Montooth.
Photographers–E.W. Bags, J. W. Baird.
Merchant Tailors–SamuelHeitz, A. J. Goodwin.
Contractors and Builders–AmosSylvester, J. W. Morris, Thomas Keegan, C. T. Thomas.
Masons and Bricklayers–Stout& Rippetoe, John Laughlin, John A. Leezer.
Painters and Glaziers–JamesSeeley, J. Seeley, Samuel Leezer, J. F. Bowen, D. G. Prentiss, A. W. Davis.
Grain Dealer–ThomasWilson.
Stock Dealers and Shippers–J.L. Danner, Worthington & Putman, Wells & Boyce.
Lumber Yards–Caldwell& Ray, Fry, Graff, & Monroe.
Blacksmiths–PeterFox, James Beatty, Skiles & Beckerdite.
Shoemakers–CilbertIngraham, M. L. Demoss, Christian Moorck, Anderson Goodwin, Jr.
Meat Markets–WilliamThompson, Hoskinson & Yates.
Restaurants and Confectionery–DanielWebster, Mrs. A. Lee, Mrs. E. Lee.
Millinery and Dressmaking–AnnaRyan, Betty Stover, Mrs. William Fowler, Kitty Goodwin, Mrs. J. Washabaugh,Libbie E. Erwin, Mrs. L. Roberts.
Sewing Machine Agents–CharlesPutman, — Tellis.
Barbers–Henry Neiman,Henry Riefling, Allen T. Hill.
Postmaster–JacobHammond.

Societies

Rushville Lodge, No.9, A. F. and A. M. This Lodge was chartered October 3, 1842, being oneof the oldest lodges in the state, and it has had the honor of furnishingtwo Grand Masters, Levi Lusk and James L. Anderson. The fire fiend hasalso been a visitant of this lodge three times since its organization,and yet it is in fair financial standing. The original number of chartermembers was 20. The present membership is 82. The Lodge meets in MasonicHall the Tuesday evening on or before the full of the moon in each month.

Rushville Chapter,No. 184, R. A. M., was orgainzed August 11th, 1881, with sixteen chartermembers. The present membership is forty-five. The condition of the society,financially, is good. The regalia and equipments of the chapter are amongthe best of the order, outside of the large cities. High Priest, WilliamH. H. Rader; Secretary, John C. Scripps.

Rushville Commandery,U. D., K. T., was organized February 13th, 1882, with eleven swords. At this writing, the number has increased to thirty.  It meets inMasonic Hall, the second Monday night in each month.  It is well fittedfor duty, and is now preparing to build a hall, in every way suitable forcommandry work.  Eminent Commander, William H. H. Rader; Recorder,John C. Scripps.

Friendship Lodge,No 24, I. O. O. F.  This is one of the oldest Lodges of the State,being organized February 24th, 1847, and chartered the 15th of July following. The charter members were, John Todhunter, Charles M. Ray, Samuel Lambrot,Simon Doyle, and James L. Anderson.  The present membership is eighty. The first charity was dispensed.  March 24th, 1847, being four barrelsof flour to the relief of the distressed Irish, since which time the orderhave contributed thousands of dollars for charity.  It is in excellentcondition financially, owning its own hall, and has about $1,000 in thetreasury.  Rep. to Grand Lodge, John B. Metz; Secretary, AugustusFuller.

Willard Encampment,No. 64, I. O. O. F., was instituted April  2nd, 1866, and charteredOctober 9th, 1866.  It has a membership of eighteen, and meets semi-monthly. The present officers are, J. D. Skiles, C. P.; John Heit, S. W.; SamuelJ. Leezer, H. P.; J. B. Metz, Scribe; Henry Koostian, Treasurer; R. E.Hocking, J. W.; A. K. Smither, O. S. S.; H. A. Neimann, I. S. S.; Rep.to Grand Encampment, J. B. Metz

Security Lodge, No.18, I. O. M. A.  This Lodge was organized November 12th, 1878, andchartered December 10th following.  There were twenty-six chartermembers.  The whole number enrolled is thirty-seven. Present membership,fifteen. The society meets in Odd Fellows’ Hall the first Monday in eachmonth.  This order is purely a charitable  institution, its objectbeing to aid the poor and destitute in case of sickness, etc.

Band of Hope. This is a children’s society, organized for the purpose of promoting thecause of temperance, and morals of the young.  It meets every Fridayevening at the Methodist Episcopal Church. Its organization took placeabout one year ago.

Excerpted from The CombinedHistory of Schuyler and Brown Counties, Illinois, 1882
Transcribed by Carol LongwellMiller for Schuyler County ILGenWeb

Copyright 1999, 2000 RobinL. W. Petersen; all rights reserved. For personal use only. Commercialuse of the information contained in these pages is strictly prohibitedwithout prior permission. If copied, this copyright must appear with theinformation.
 

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