Upper Alton, Illinois, Newspaper Clippings
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EARLY HISTORY OF UPPER ALTON | FORKEYVILLE NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS | MILTON NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS
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UPPER ALTON - NEW LIVERY STABLE
Source: Alton Telegraph,
March 30, 1836
The subscribers would respectfully inform the
public that they have recently opened a Livery Stable at the
west end of Seminary on College Street in Upper Alton, where
they will keep constantly on hand horses, saddles and carriages;
horses will also be kept on reasonable terms, and they hope by a
careful attention to the accommodation of the public to receive
a share of its patronage. J. S. Nutter and J. L. Bingham. Upper
Alton, March 18, 1836.
UPPER ALTON LYCEUM
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 9,
1836
Below we give the proceedings of a meeting of the Young
Men of Upper Alton, held for the purpose of forming a Lyceum. In
another place also will be seen a notice of the proceedings of
the Young Men of Alton in relation to a similar object. These
things speak well for the present and future welfare of the two
towns. We cordially approbate this effort of the young men of
Upper Alton, and trust they will enter upon the undertaking with
that determination to persevere, which is certain to ensure
success.
"Thursday Evening, October 20, 1836. Agreeably
to a previous notice, the Young Men of Upper Alton convened at
the Seminary Hall for the purpose of forming a Lyceum. Meeting
was organized by the appointment of the Rev. Mr. Lovejoy,
Chairman, and Mr. Zenas B. Newman, Clerk. After prayer by the
Chairman, the business being stated by W. L. Sloss, Esq., the
following persons, namely: W. L. Sloss, Esq., G. Smith Esq., J.
C. Martyn, M. D., Mr. Richard Randle, and Z. B. Newman, were
appointed to draft a Constitution. Voted to adjourn till
Thursday evening next to this place, for the purpose of adopting
the Constitution, and transacting such other business as may be
requisite to secure the object of the Association. By order of
the meeting, Zenas B. Newman, Clerk."
UPPER ALTON'S FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL CELEBRATION
(From the
"Western Pioneer," May 12)
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 17,
1837
"This is a proud day for Alton," would have been the
declaration of one whose eyes were directed to the evidence of
prosperity, merely, which was exhibited by the celebration in
Upper Alton on Monday last. And there was enough to elicit the
remark. For instance, if anyone had visited Alton in 1829, and
had wandered over all the hills and ravines and valleys and
plains that are now occupied by its various portions and
suburbs, and numbered the people, he might have found some
twenty families, it may be, of all descriptions. Previously to
that time, indeed, Upper Alton had contained many more, but
litigated titles had ___ and wasted it, and that it is believed
our statement is nearly accurate. On Monday, May 8th, 1837, a
portion of the children were collected together by invitation,
and a procession is seen stretching along the street for a
quarter of a mile, including between five and six hundred of our
youthful population.
But our thoughts ran in a somewhat
different channel. The feeling was, "What a happy day for
Alton." The procession was formed, not for the purpose of
training men to _____, nor to excite unholy ___tion or pride or
vanity. It was to "turn the heart of the fathers to the
children, and the heart of the children to their fathers;" and
thus, not only avert the threatened cures, but bring down a rich
and lasting blessing, according to the promise of God.
Agreeable to previous arrangement among the conductors of the
several Sabbath schools in Upper Alton, Monday last was observed
as a Sunday school celebration. Invitation had been given to the
Sabbath schools of Alton to attend, as ____ practicable, though
from the shortness of the notice and the difficulty of
conveyance, it was found that few, besides teachers, could be
present. The day was a delightful one. At half past nine the
three schools met at their respective churches, and were brought
together at the Methodist meeting house at a common __________.
Here they were joined by members of the schools from Alton, of
whom it was pleasant to see more than 160; only a small part of
the whole indeed, but more than had been expected.
At ten
o'clock, the signal was given by the bell of the Presbyterian
church, and the schools were formed under their respective and
appropriate banners, each school attended by its superintendent
and teachers; the whole preceded by the President and Master of
Ceremonies of the day, immediately after whom came the speakers
of the day and other ministers, and then the Bible Class of
Professor Leverett.
The procession was led, under the
direction of Major Moore, Dr. Long and Mr. Sterns, who
cheerfully acted as marshals of the day, through several streets
to the Baptist church, where they listened with evident interest
to several addresses, and united in singing several hymns,
selected for the occasion. Although the house was crowded by
children, leaving room for few who were not directly connected
with the schools even to stand, yet good order prevailed, and
the impression was most _____. It would be improper to omit
entirely the order of the exercises in the house. After some
remarks from the President of the day, Rev. John Hogan,
delivered in his happiest manner, an appropriate prayer was
offered by Rev. Mr. Rodgers, after which Professor Newman and
Rev. Messrs. Howard and Spaulding each spoke with animation and
effect. Rev. Mr. Ives excused himself on account of the length
of the exercises.
After the final hymn, the procession
was again formed and the whole company was marched a short
distance, where under an awning a table had been spread with
abundant but simple refreshments for the whole company. This
part of the service was performed under the direction and by the
hands of the ladies, with the assistance of several gentlemen
who planted around the whole exterior of the hollow square a
grove of dogwood, redbud and plum bushes, in full bloom. The
scene was beautiful.
At the table, the cakes, the raisins
&c. disappeared with no small rapidity, and several students of
the college and others were kept actively employed in furnishing
the simple, healthful beverage which God has supplied to quench
the thirst, and no other was desired.
When the young
guests had all been sufficiently regaled, the schools were
conducted to the college square, where the President of the day,
after a few well timed commendations, dismissed the whole to
return to their houses, to think on the events of the day, to
feel that their teachers loved them, and wished to see them
happy, and to tell in future days of the first Sunday school
celebration in Upper Alton. It may be added that the individuals
who, in 1819, only two miles from the present scene, made the
first little attempt at Sunday school instruction in Illinois,
and he, who in 1820, made the second and more enlarged and
successful effort in this place, were present and actors on this
occasion, when five hundred and fifty scholars were collected
together.
CIRCUS COMING TO UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, May
16, 1838
Combined attraction! Menagerie and circus, under the
direction of H. H. Woodward & Co. will be exhibited at Lebanon
on Friday, May 10; at Belleville on Saturday, May 19; at
Collinsville on Monday, May 21; at Edwardsville on Tuesday, May
22; at Upper Alton on Wednesday and Thursday, May 23 and 24; at
Carlinville on Saturday, May 26; and at Carrollton on Monday,
May 28. A military band accompanies the exhibition, which will
announce their arrival by playing some of the most popular
National Airs, &c. The proprietor have united their extensive
menagerie and equestrian circus company for this season, and in
offering this to the public for exhibition, are determined to
give such a variety of entertainments as cannot fail to meet the
approbation of all classes of the community. To effect this,
they have engaged some of the most talented and celebrated
equestrian and gymnastic performers, which together with their
fine collection of living animals, will afford a very rich and
rare treat to the Naturalists and lover of equestrian and
gymnastic exercises. Among the animals are the following: A full
grown female elephant; royal tiger; Arabian dromedary; spotted
hyena; Brazilian tiger or Jaguar; three leopards in one cage; a
pair of panthers; Asiatic lion; African zebra; Peruvian llama;
and a variety of monkeys. Mr. Lewis, the Keeper, will enter the
lion's and the leopards' cages at the hours of three and eight
o'clock, p.m. The entertainments will commence with the animals;
directly after which performance the equestrians will make their
appearance, mounted on their fine and highly-trained stud of
horses, and will introduce their wonderful feats of horsemanship
with a grand entree. In the course of their performance, they
will exhibit a variety of pleasing and laughable scenes, most
celebrated in their profession. Admittance 50 cents; children
under 10 years of age, half price.
UPPER ALTON WARE MANUFACTORY
Source: Alton Telegraph, June
4, 1842
The publishers of this paper were, a few days since,
presented with a handsome pitcher and cream pot, from the stone
and ___, then ware manufactory in Upper Alton. Although made of
common stone, they are very neat and smooth, and reflect great
credit upon the skill and ingenuity of Mr. Crockston, a young
Englishman, regularly brought up to the business, who has
recently connected himself with Mr. James Harrison's old
establishment, with a view to superintend this important branch
of domestic manufactures. We understand that he will shortly be
joined by his father and other connections now in England; upon
whose arrival their present business will be extended so as to
embrace the making of ware of all kinds, the finest included.
Pipe-clay, of a superior quality, together with the different
materials used in the manufacture of ware, are found in great
abundance within a mile or two of this city, and we hope the
time is not far distant when dinner and teapots, _____ enough to
be placed on the table of any citizen of Illinois, will be
manufactured in ____ neighborhood.
A STRANGE VISITANT
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 4,
1848
We learn that a Banded Lynx, or American Tiger Cat, was
shot some days since in the forks of the Wood River, three miles
from Upper Alton, by Mr. Stephen Woolridge. It was a female of a
light black color, slightly mingled with white, ears erect and
tipped with a long pencil of black hair, and powerful claws.
This animal was 16 inches high and measured three feet in
length. Its remains are in the office of Dr. F. Humbert, Upper
Alton.
1838 - HOW PETER CARTWRIGHT SEATED A CROWD
AN INCIDENT OF
SIXTY-THREE YEARS AGO, BY T. A. EATON
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 25, 1901
In 1838, the Illinois Conference,
which then included the entire State, met in the Methodist
Church in Upper Alton. At the same time, a camp meeting was held
in a grove near a good spring of water, between Upper Alton and
Middle Alton. On Sunday there were multitudes present. How many
there were from Upper Town, and Middletown, and Sempletown, and
Lower Town and Hunterstown - no man knows. And they were there
from the American Bottoms, and from Edwardsville, and Liberty
Prairie and Rattan's Prairie, and Smooth Prairie (there was no
Bethalto or Fosterburg then), and from Brown's Prairie and
Brighton, and from Scarritt's Prairie and the regions of Jersey
county and Macoupin county, and roundabout. Steamboat men from
the rivers were there. A steamboat load of people from St. Louis
was there. Travelers, speculators, adventurers, besides the
dozens of preachers were there. After dinner on Sunday, a
half-dozen persons, men and women, began promenading. There was
a space perhaps of twenty-five feet all around the seats and
pulpit inside of the camp. The numbers of promenaders increased
as they walked on until there were dozens, scores, a multitude
walking, talking, laughing, and many of the men smoking. A horn
blew for the congregation to assemble for worship, which many
did. A second horn blew for services to begin, but the marchers
marched on. Peter Cartwright read the hymn, then gave it out two
lines at a time (hymn books were scarce on this continent
sixty-three years ago), and it was sung. Prayer was offered and
another hymn was sung, and Peter Cartwright rose to announce his
text. The promenaders were still walking and laughing and
smoking. They were having a good time, and were swinging round
the circle as though they cared neither for the pulpit, the
worshiping people, or the consequences. Mr. Cartwright stood and
eyed them a moment and then suddenly he cried out: "Every man
that hasn't a sore head will take his hat off." Instantly every
head was uncovered and everybody was laughing. He next said:
"Every gentleman," with emphasis on the word gentlemen, "will
find a seat." Then the male dissolved. Hot haste was made to
gain seats, and to escape the public eye. Ridicule and sarcasm
were terrible weapons in the hands of Peter Cartwright, and he
did not hesitate when they were needed to use them. In two
minutes, he had everybody seated, announced his text and
preached.
[NOTE: Peter Cartwright, the legendary
backwoods preacher (1785-1872), was largely responsible for the
rapid growth of Methodism in the Ohio River and Mississippi
River valleys. He helped start the Second Great Awakening,
personally baptizing twelve thousand converts. Opposed to
slavery, Cartwright moved from Kentucky to Illinois, and was
elected to the lower house of the Illinois General Assembly in
1828 and 1832. In 1846 Abraham Lincoln defeated Cartwright for a
seat in the United States Congress. As a Methodist circuit
rider, Cartwright rode circuits in Kentucky and Illinois, as
well as Tennessee, Indiana and Ohio. His autobiography in 1856
made him nationally prominent.]
UPPER ALTON LYCEUM
Source: The Library of Congress, Rare
Book and Special Collections, February 8, 1839
Notice: At the
next regular meeting of the Upper Alton Lyceum, to be held on
Tuesday evening, February 11, at the Seminary Hall, the
following question, by order of the Society, will come up for
debate: "Has Congress power to abolish Slavery in the District
of Columbia, without the consent of the inhabitants thereof?"
Gentlemen and ladies are respectfully invited to attend. M. H.
Abbott, Sec. pro tem. Upper Alton, February 8, 1839.
UPPER ALTON PASTURE AVAILABLE
Source: The Library of
Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division,
Advertisement, 1840?
Attention!! Whigs! Democrats!! and
Conservatives!!! All who want to put their horses in a good
English grass pasture, can be accommodated by applying to the
subscriber in Upper Alton; or to James Strong at the Buck Inn,
near where the pasture is situated. There is first rate feed,
and a stream of pure water running through the lot. N. B. -
There has been nothing pastured on the lot this season; and the
lot contains 40 acres. The fence is good - and great care will
be taken to prevent escapes and accidents, but will not be
responsible for either. Price per week, 37 cents; or $1.50 per
month - payable when taken out. L. S. Wells.
UPPER ALTON - LOST POCKET BOOK
Source: The Library of
Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections, April 17, 1840
Notice!! Taken from the subscriber on the night of April 16th at
Nutter's Tavern, in Upper Alton, a calfskin pocket book,
containing various notes and receipts, but no money, to wit: A
receipt given by J. H. Randle, J. P., for notes left with him
for collection; one given by Julius L. Barnsback, J. P., for the
same purpose; one given by Thomas Rattan, J. P., for the same
object; one on Lott, J. P., for the like purpose; and one on
Isom Cranfield, J. P., for the same: all in favor of C. N.
Henderson, except that of Cranfield, which is given in favor of
the undersigned. Also, a note on Samuel Sanner for $128; one on
John Irvine for 27 or $29; and one on C. N. Henderson, payable
to William H. Hungerford, for $403.30; and various other small
notes and other papers not recollected. The above-named Justices
are hereby notified not to pay any money on their respective
receipts; as also those persons whose notes are here mentioned,
to disregard any holder of them until further orders, as they
have never been assigned; and that they were feloniously taken
from my possession. Any person finding said pocket book, who
will leave the same, with the contents, in the hands of J. H.
Randle, Esq. in Upper Alton, shall be suitably rewarded. William
H. Hungerford, April 17, 1840.
UPPER ALTON - WOOL CARDING
Source: The Library of
Congress, Rare Book and Special Collections Division, April 1841
Farmers - - - Look Here. Wool Carding! The undersigned wishes to
inform the public in general, that he is now establishing
himself in the above business, in the town of Upper Alton, And
will, in a few weeks, be ready to manufacture wool into rolls.
From his long experience, having his machines in complete order,
clothed with a set of the best quality of Eastern Cards,
together with his paying strict attention to the business, he
hopes to merit and receive a liberal share of public patronage.
He warrants all work entrusted to his care, to be done with
neatness and dispatch, and equal to any in the western country,
or no charge. Persons from a considerable distance, by staying
over night, may depend on having their rolls home with them. The
wool must be well washed, and picked clean of burs and trash,
with one pound of clean grease with every seven pounds of wool.
Being a stranger, and wishing to establish himself permanently,
he solicits the farmers generally to call and see his work
before going farther. His prices will be reasonable, and terms
good. April, 1841. J. A. Montgomery.
WASHINGTON TEMPERANCE SOCIETY IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, October 2, 1841
Sir, Believing that you feel
deeply interested in the Temperance reformation now going on in
our country, and more especially in the Altons and vicinity, I
hope you will permit, through your columns, to present to the
public some of the operations of the Washington Temperance
Society in this place. It is a fact, sir, and I am happy to be
able to make the statement, that there are but very few men in
Upper Alton who have not subscribed their names to the pledge of
said society, and are not strictly living up to the obligations
under which they have brought themselves (I mean such as were
not members of other Temperance societies); and what, sir, has
been the result? Why, reason has resumed its throne in the mind;
and men who were not long since entangled in the close-wrought
meshes of intemperance, have become redeemed and disenthralled,
and are walking erect in the dignity of their nature, testifying
to all who behold them that man can and will be free. And more
than this, the heart of the loving wife and tender mother is
once more clinging with confidence around the regenerated
affections of the husband and father; the domestic hearth has
again become a delightsome place, where tender sympathies and
affections have taken the place of the dark-growling murmur of
the intoxicated husband, and the heart-broken sigh of the
neglected and desponding wife; the transparent flash of the very
significant mode of the striped pig, has ceased to present any
charms to those men; the twelve o'clock flicker of the grocery
lamp no longer sends forth its pale light in our streets; all is
peace and harmony.
And this is not all, sir. These men
are not content with the peace they thus enjoy; they are not
willing to enjoy it alone; they are determined that their fellow
men, who are so unfortunate as to be laboring under the same
dreadful disease, shall have the same remedy applied, and that
if anything they can do or say will be the means of reclaiming
them, they are willing to undergo almost anything for that
purpose. And, sir, these gentlemen, instead of being now found
reveling round the grog shop at the late hour of twelve o'clock
at night, are found sometimes fifteen or twenty miles from
Alton, making some of the most impassioned and thrilling appeals
to their fellow men, persuading them to refrain from that which
is ruining them and beggaring their families. Nor is all this
uncalled for. The Macedonian cry of "come over and help us," is
pouring in upon them from almost every quarter; request after
request is presented to them, and sir, you have never seen a
more willing set of men to attend to such requests. They go
around forming societies, and through their instrumentality are
doing much good. Their last meeting was at Ompghent in this
county. Seven delegates from the Upper Alton Washington
Temperance Society attended by request. Mr. Frederick Hanchy was
called to the chair, and Samuel L. Miller, Esq., appointed
Secretary. After the delegates had severally addressed the
meeting, some giving the plain and unvarnished narrative of
their sufferings and infatuation under the influence of King
Alcohol, others making the most solemn appeals to the better
feelings of their fellow men, contrasting in vivid colors the
difference between their present feelings while sober, and their
past feelings while under the influence of intoxication,
twenty-seven persons signed the pledge at this meeting. Thus,
sir, they are drying up the channels of intemperance, happifying
families and neighborhoods, treating every man with respect and
kindness and doing good to all as they have opportunity.
~Signed, A Friend to Temperance, Upper Alton, September 15, 1841
PUBLIC MEETING IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
April 16, 1842
At a meeting of the citizens of Upper Alton,
holden at the brick schoolhouse in said town, on Wednesday
evening, April 6, A. D. 1842, for the purpose of taking into
consideration the unequal bearing of the administration of the
Road law - as ordered by the County Commissioners of Madison
County. Elias Hibbard, Esq., was called to the chair, and R. R.
Randle, appointed Secretary. The objects of the meeting were
then fully made known by Mr. Peter Merrill. On motion, it was
voted that a committee of three be appointed by the Chair, to
draft and report resolutions expressive of the sense of this
meeting. Whereupon, the Chair appointed Peter Merrill, Josiah
Little, and John A. Maxey, said committee. The committee, after
due deliberation, reported the following:
Resolved, That,
in the opinion of this meeting, the County Commissioners' Court,
in the exercise of the discretion and power, which a just and
wise law of the Legislature has given them, to assess a tax of
ten cents on a hundred dollars on all the real and personal
property of the county, in their neglect or refusal to tax the
same, have disregarded the best interests of a large majority of
the people in the county; inasmuch as a large proportion of the
property that is benefited and enhanced in value by the labor
done on the roads, is held by non-residents, and by residents
over fifty years of age, who pay no tax in labor or money for
the benefit of the same.
Resolved, That the order of the
County Commissioners' Court of March last, which makes no
distinction in its requisition of labor, between the poor man,
who is destitute of property, and surrounded by a large family,
dependent on the labor of his hands for their support, and the
rich man, who is surrounded by property, luxury, and ease, is in
its operation, oppressive to the poor and feeble, and is unjust
and unwise.
Resolved, That, in the opinion of this
meeting, each individual over the age of twenty-one and under
the age of fifty years, without regard to property, should be
required to perform one day's labor on the road, and that the
other necessary expense to keep the roads in good repair should
be assessed on property; and that the County Commissions' Court
be requested to so alter their order at the June term, if
practicable, as to comply with the above principle of taxation.
Resolved, That, as the right of suffrage was conferred upon
freemen for the purpose of self-protection, we, therefore,
pledge ourselves to support no man for office at the ensuing
August election who will not give an unequivocal pledges that he
will carry out, if elected, the principles of the foregoing
resolutions.
Resolved, That the proceedings of this
meeting be signed by the President and Secretary, and that the
same be published in the Telegraph, and a copy delivered to the
Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court of Madison County.
Signed by Elias Hibbard, Chairman; R. R. Randle, Secretary.
FIRE AT JOHN COOPER'S
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 7,
1843
John Cooper of Upper Alton lost a corn crib, with a
large amount of corn, by fire, on the evening of the 4th last.
No insurance.
BROKEN BRIDGE AND CULVERT
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 21, 1844
Messrs. Editors: Would you confer an act
of kindness on the public by calling the attention of the proper
authorities, the Common Council, County Commissioners, or the
corporation of Upper Alton, to a bridge on the line between
Middletown and the last named place. It is really in an awful
condition. The culvert, a few rods toward Upper Alton, being
very fearful to look at, having a chasm about twelve feet deep,
and nothing to prevent passers on from falling into it. Signed
by X. Y.
NEW SLAUGHTERHOUSE
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 28,
1844
The subscriber respectfully informs the public that he
will be ready by the 1st of October next, to slaughter beef and
swine, by the 10th of November following - all done in the best
manner and at the shortest notice possible, every day in the
week, the Sabbath excepted. He will have in his employment
steady and temperate hands, who have had much experience in the
above business, and will neglect nothing in his power to give
entire satisfaction to his customers. The establishment will be
found in the graded road leading from Upper Alton to Middletown,
near the subscriber's present residence. All he asks of the
public is to give him a fair trial. Signed by Thomas Stanton.
SCANDAL IN UPPER ALTON - IMPOSTOR AND SEDUCTION
Source:
Alton Telegraph, April 11, 1846
In the early part of October
1844, a person calling himself James Seixas came to this place,
and remained in this town and vicinity about five months. He
said his residence was in New York City, which he left early in
the spring to travel for his health, and that he had spent the
last three or four months in St. Louis, Missouri. His
pretensions were unrivaled scholarship in the Hebrew language
(acknowledged by the great Grsenius [sic] second only to
himself), and unparalleled skill and patronage in teaching in it
for 10 or 12 years - extensive knowledge also of Greek, Latin,
French, German, &c - a vast fund of general information,
obtained by extensive travels during the last two years in
Europe, Asis, the United States, &c., an extensive acquaintance
with the Literati of the Eastern and Middle States, Ohio, and
some of the Southern States, especially with the clergy of
several denominations, a professorship of Hebrew in the Union
Theological Seminary in New York City, the possession of an
estate in Brooklyn, New York worth $80,000 or more, and a large
share in a mercantile house conducted by his two brothers in
Pearl Street, New York City, eminent piety and membership in a
Presbyterian Church in New York City, a deep concern for the
promotion of religion and education, donations to several
benevolent societies for several years, still continued, to the
amount annually of $4,000, &c.
His real character, as
developed while here and ascertained by the undersigned before
and after he left, was a compound of eccentricity - extreme
vanity of his knowledge of Hebrew and of his scarcely mere
smattering of some other languages, a ready, ostentatious and
ingenious use of his general information, impoliteness,
censoriousness, bold and ingenious lying, base hypocrisy, artful
deception, adroit and brazen-faced villainy and lewdness, and
vile seduction, &c. He declared his age to be but 30 years,
though it was probably 40 or more. His height is about 5 feet 8
inches, of large, muscular frame, very plainly clothed while
here, excepting when he wore borrowed articles of dress. When he
left this place, he wore a snuff-colored frock coat, nearly new,
a fur cap, and some other articles not belonging to him.
After repeated efforts to gain the affections of young females,
connected with promises of marriage, he finally succeeded in
seducing a virtuous and unsuspecting young lady of 15 years of
age, the circumstances and result of which are too painful to be
made public. The subscribers consider it their duty, though at
this late day, in order to guard the public against his wily
impositions and deception, to expose thus publicly this lying
and deceitful villain, imposter, and seducer, especially as he
is said now to be in this region. Abundant facts to prove the
foregoing charges may be obtained from the undersigned. Signed
by Ebenezer Rodgers, Adiel Sherwood, Washington Leverett,
Benjamin F. Long, H. A. Gardiner, Warren Leverett, and Isaac
Long (of Woodburn). from Upper Alton.
UPPER ALTON STEAM MILL
Source: Alton Telegraph, September
1, 1848
We took occasion, in one of our late numbers, to
observe that the Upper Alton steam mill had been put in complete
order, and was grinding daily from 250 to 300 bushels of wheat.
Since then, we have procured a barrel of its flour, manufactured
by the present leasees, Messrs. Hewit & Co., and can safely say
that it equals the best brands in our market, which, it is well
known, cannot be surpassed anywhere. Messrs. Lea, Brown & Co.’s
new steam mill in Alton commenced grinding some days since, and
works admirable, and although we have not yet tried its flour,
we are persuaded it is not inferior to any manufactured in this
or any other State.
GENERAL ZACHARY TAYLOR POLE RAISED IN UPPER ALTON
Source:
Alton Telegraph, October 7, 1848
We had the gratification on
Saturday afternoon of witnessing the raising of a Taylor pole in
the public square of Upper Alton, by the indomitable and
patriotic Whigs of that place. Although but few of the persons
present on this interesting occasion had previously had any
practical acquaintance with such matters, and some little delay
consequently occurred before the object in view could be carried
into full effect, yet energy and perseverance triumphed over
every obstacle, and the pole was raised and secured in its
proper position without the least accident. It is a beautiful
ash, full ninety feet above the ground, and almost perfectly
straight. The moment the ceremony was completed, and a large and
handsome flag, denoting the perfect unity now prevailing among
the Whigs, displayed its graceful and ample folds from the top,
the loud and hearty cheers which burst from the lips of the
crowd gave a full assurance that all is right in this quarter,
and that the people of “Old Madison” will discharge their whole
duty to the State and to the Union on the first Tuesday of
November next.
CELEBRATION IN UPPER ALTON – TAYLOR WINS PRESIDENCY
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 1, 1848
Upper Alton
celebrated, on Tuesday last, the glorious triumph recently
achieved by the American people over the office holders, in a
manner equally creditable to themselves, and honorable to the
great and victorious party to which they belong. They displayed
their joy at the glorious result of the late election, of their
unwavering confidence in the incorruptible honesty and
disinterested patriotism of Zachary Taylor, the President elect,
and his worthy second, Millard Fillmore. Among others, Shurtleff
College, from its commanding position and great size, presented
a magnificent spectacle. Every window in the vast edifice, as
well as the belfry, was very tastefully illuminated, with the
exception of one, which was left partially darkened out of
respect to the feelings of an occupant of the room to which it
belongs, who, happens to sympathize with one or the other branch
of the defeated party. Among the private dwellings, in which was
witnessed this evidence of the general gratification, was one
belonging to a worthy gentleman, whose present misfortune it is
to have voted against General Taylor at the late election, but
whose estimable lady, being a good Whig, “assumed the
responsibility” of lighting up the windows of that part of their
residence over which she claims exclusive jurisdiction. We
cannot resist the hope that, inasmuch as the better half of the
excellent couple referred to already belongs to the true faith,
the conversion of the other cannot be far distant.
Besides the general illumination, there was a beautiful display
of fireworks, a large bonfire on the public square, and a number
of splendid transparencies, one of which, erected in front of
Captain Starks’ store, attracted much notice, as well on account
of its fine proportions, as of its appropriate and significant
inscription, which was in the following words: “General Zachary
Taylor, President elect of the United States, and after the 4th
of March next, Commander In Chief of the Army and Navy – to whom
the combined forces under General Cass and the Arch Magician,
with their 200,000 office holders, were compelled to surrender
on the 7th of November, 1848, under the most painful
circumstances, and amidst great noise and confusion.” The
evening passed off to the unmingled satisfaction of all.
NEW METHODIST CHURCH AT UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, September 28, 1849
The Methodist Congregation of
Upper Alton are now engaged in building a beautiful brick
church. The dimensions of the building are 40 x 50 feet, and it
is to be completed in good style and surmounted by a tower. When
finished, this will be a great benefit in the society erecting
it, as well as an ornament to the town.
LETTER FROM CALIFORNIA TO PARENTS IN UPPER ALTON
Source:
Alton Telegraph, September 27, 1850
The following letter,
from a young man in California to his parents in Upper Alton,
has been politely furnished us for publication. It will be read
with interest by many of our subscribers:
Yuba River,
California, July 7, 1850
Dear Parents:
“When I last wrote
to you, it was from Morman Island, and I wrote in haste.
Consequently, the letter was somewhat devoid of interest, but
now I have more time, I will try to give you a good letter. I
told you in my last that I would be able to make from 12 to 16
dollars per day, but my partner fell sick, and having to divide
with him, I did not make quite so much. However, I worked on
until the 7th of June, when we packed up and started for
Sacramento, determined to get to the head of this river before
we stopped. But when we went to purchase some new articles at
Sacramento, my partner found out that I was no longer a partner,
altered his mind, and went to San Francisco to go into the
hospital, and on the morning of the 10th, I started for
Marysville, which I reached on the same evening. I remained
there all night, and found out that E. had gone up to the forks,
so next morning I put my baggage onboard a wagon bound to
Foster’s Bay, 40 miles on the road, for which I had to pay 12
cents per pound. It took us four days to make the trip. When I
arrived there, I concluded to rest a couple of days, and next
day after my arrival I took a stroll up the banks of the river,
and found a crack in the rock, which I thought must have some
gold in it.
Next morning, I took my pan and spoon, and
got 32 pans of dirt out, which gave me 25 ¼ dollars, but I could
find no other cracks, so started on the third day for the forks,
my bundle carried on a mule for which I paid 25 cents per pound.
It was noon when we started, and that night we slept in Oak
Valley. Next day at twelve, we passed this place, and at four in
the afternoon we arrived at the forks. This was the destination
of every person coming to California, to reach the forks of the
Yuba, but when I came to look around, I found that I had got
into the wrong box, for every piece of land was claimed, and
although I was in the richest part of all California, I could
not get a particle of gold. However, I commenced looking for
brother E. My first camp on the search was up the north fork, I
went to the head of it, over a road impassable for a mountain
goat, until the snow was 20 or 30 feet deep. Then I knew he was
not above that. The next tramp was up the middle fork, but as it
is short, I did not take my blankets, but returned the same
night with the same success as before. Next I went up the south
fork, 14 miles, when I was informed that he was not above that
point, so I returned to my camp quite disappointed, for I
supposed he had gone across to Deer Creek, But on Sunday, as I
was cooking my breakfast, I happened to look down the hill
towards the path, and who should I see but E. himself, trudging
along, looking earnestly at me, but he did not recognize me, for
my face has been innocent of a razor since I left Pan____, but I
spoke and he came up, and in the evening I came with him down
here, and saw John and Fuller Rodgers, who are in partnership
with him. I stayed all night in their tent, and next morning saw
Dibble, the clock man, from whom I purchased a claim in a mining
company, together with a bank claim, for the sum of 350 dollars.
Ellis went with me up after my goods, and at 4 o’clock I was an
inmate of this tent, having Fuller Rodgers as my bedmate. Ellis
is camped about a mile below; he and I are partners. He has
claims in four different mining companies, and in one has two
claims, that is, he, John, and Fuller Rodgers, and a man named
Gwin, were in partnership, when I came here. Together they own
four claims in as many dams. I purchased a claim in one of the
same dams, and agreed with Ellis to divide our piles, so that he
and I have interests in five claims in four different dams. With
them each, one works in a separate dam, while Fuller and myself
representing two claims work together. You may think that I paid
a big price for my claim, but I did not, for Dibble had more
than he was entitled to, and he was afraid someone would jump
one of his claims. On the fourth of this month, one of the
company sold half of his claim for the same amount that I paid
for all of mine. We do not know how our dam will turn out. There
is some gold on the top of the bar, but we have not yet got it
drained. On the bank on the east side, the dirt pays 1 ounce to
30 buckets, on a level with the water, but gets richer as it
goes down, the majority of the gold laying just upon the
bedrock, but how far down the bedrock is, we do not yet know.
It is considered favorable when the rock is deep, and it is
deep enough here. The company think they can make two ounces per
day while at work in the race, for the bar is low, one of two
feet under water, and has to be wing dammed in order to cut the
race, it being cut, we turn the river in, and then work the bed
of the river, reserving the haul for winter work. On two of the
other dams, there is an equal division among the company, but in
one, the boys have the second claim coming from the upper end,
which is always the best claim, being out of the way of the dam,
and holding a good deal of gold, for all the gold on the bars is
drift gold, until you come to the bedrock, when you have the
original deposit.
But enough of this. You want to know
about the boys. Bob Green and George Carr are upon Deer Creek,
John Quick and Hamp. Miller are on Weaver Creek, a branch of the
American River. They are six miles from Sutter’s Mills. Vaughn
is five miles up the south fork of this river. Old Mr. Carr, the
gardener, is working a bank claim three miles above here. He has
good prospects. Wagner is in Sacramento, and that is all that I
know about the boys. Why they have not oftener written, I cannot
conjecture, unless it is they do not like to pay two dollars,
which is the price of carrying a letter from the post office,
for you must know that we are 140 miles from the nearest post
office, and the letters are carried by an express, which goes
monthly, so that it will be at least a month before I can get a
letter.
I suppose my friends think I am neglecting them,
but they must remember that when a man is working with a pick
axe and crowbar all the week, he is not very capable of handling
so small an article as a pen holder, for there is no part of
mining that is very light. A laborer on the railroad or canal
has an easy job in comparison, for when his day’s work is done,
he goes to his supper, but we have to cook our supper before we
can enjoy it, and even on Sundays we are not perfectly to
ourselves, for on that day, our week’s provisions are laid in,
and they have to be packed about a mile, and while I am about
it, I will give you a price current of such articles as compose
a miner’s necessaries: dried apples per lb. $1; butter $2;
cheese $2; flour 25 cents; ham 80; fresh beef, 35; beans 70;
salt 60, pilot bread, 50; molasses per bottle, $2.25; and
everything else in proportion, and last March they were $1.50
per pound higher still. The implements of miner’s use are about
at the same rates.
The price is caused first by the
highness of wages, and next by the difficulty of transportation,
the country being extremely mountainous in some parts the snow
lies upon the road until July, and then again it winds around
the sides of the mountains amongst rocks that hang over the
water, where a single misstep would hurl one hundreds of feet
into the boiling current below, for you must know that this
river has an average current of about 12 miles an hour, and as
there are some places that are moderately slow, the balance must
run very fast. In some places it falls as much as 300 feet to
the mile, and it is in the slow places that the gold
congregates. I will send you a specimen of the gold as it is
found in the top of claims, but it grows coarser as you go down.
When we got a fair specimen of our bedrock gold, I will send you
another, you can compare it with the Mormon Island specimen and
see the difference. It is not so pretty as the Mormon gold, but
it has the advantage of being more plenty. Up in the forks is
considered the richest part of the country. There has been as
much as 1,000 dollars taken out of a single bucket of dirt. It
generally turns out about five dollars to the bucket, but you
have to go about 20 feet deep to get it, and requires to keep a
pump going all the time. The ground is all claimed. Our claim
may turn out equally well when we get down, but I do not expect
it to pay better than a dollar to the bucket.”
Signed, William.
UPPER ALTON PLANK ROAD MEETING
Source: Alton Weekly
Courier, June 4, 1852
We are glad to see that Upper Alton is
up and doing. From all we can learn the road labor has never
been of that advantage which its normal amount would lead the
public to expect. The gentlemen who have been appointed to act
for the citizens in that matter are energetic and practical
business men, and we hope soon to be able to announce that the
building of Plank Roads leading to Upper Alton, is in successful
progress. Would it not be well for our citizens to turn their
attention to building a Plank Road from this city [Alton] to
Upper Alton (who will be the first to move in the matter)?
UPPER ALTON MASONIC CELEBRATION
Source: Alton Weekly
Courier, July 2, 1852
The customary anniversary of "St. John"
was observed yesterday by the Masonic Society of Upper Alton,
and many members of the Order, as invited guests, from this city
[Alton]. A procession was formed at the Masonic Hall, numbering
over 150 persons, and preceded by a band of music, marched to
the Methodist church to listen to an address by Rev. W. F.
Boyakin of Carrollton. We wish we had more room to enlarge upon
the Address, than we have at this time. It was a complete thing,
throughout. Many strong points were made in it, that were new
and novel; so much so that we made a minute of them, but time
and space forbid their publication (Oh! this publishing a
morning paper, when all our best copy comes in at sundown!). His
illustrations and anecdotes were very interesting and
entertaining, and the historical knowledge evinced by the
Orator, in making so good a case for the order, as regards its
origin, its great age, and its usefulness in the past, was most
commendable. We have since learned that a move has been made,
that this Address shall be printed. We hope, considering it as a
fine literary and historical production, that the information is
correct. After the Address, the procession formed, of members of
the Order, ladies, and invited guests, and marched to an
adjacent grove, where an elegant repast was in waiting. We are
informed that over 300 persons sat down to the tables, and that
everything passed off harmoniously and to the satisfaction of
all.
RETURNED FROM CALIFORNIA
Source: Alton Telegraph, December
3, 1852
Two sons of Elder Edward Rodgers, two sons of Mr. J.
M. Elwell, and a nephew of G. Smith, Esq., all of Upper Alton,
returned home from California on Friday evening, to the great
joy of their parents and relatives. We are much gratified to
learn that the adventurous youths are in good health, and have
been pretty successful, but we have not yet had the pleasure of
seeing either of them.
UPPER ALTON - A GRAND HUNT
Source: Alton Weekly Courier,
October 14, 1853
We notice in Saturday's Telegraph an account
of the Annual Hunt, of the sportsmen of Upper Alton, which took
place last Thursday. Two parties were organized of twenty-five
hunters each, and the defeated party was to give a barbecue and
ball to the victors - one party commanded by Capt. Stocker, the
other by Capt. Carr. Capt. Stocker's company was victorious,
their game counting 730; while Capt. Carr's company only counted
536. It is proper to state, however, that several who were
chosen on the latter side did not attend. The barbecue and ball
took place last Friday, and went off in good style.
UPPER ALTON - HORSE STOLEN FROM DR. JOHN JAMES
Source:
Alton Weekly Courier, April 13, 1854
A horse and valuable
quilted Spanish saddle were stolen from the stable of Dr. John
James, of Upper Alton, on Thursday night. The villains take
advantage of the absence of officers, who are attending Court,
as they have a better chance to get the start. They are
evidently masters of the art, as none but those hardened in
crime could exercise so much apparent forethought. We say they,
because other horses have recently been stolen from this
vicinity, and the thieves have made good their escape. An
organized gang is probably operating among us, and we would
recommend organized efforts to detect them.
UPPER ALTON SICKNESS
Source: Alton Weekly Courier, August
24, 1854
Several sudden deaths have occurred at Upper Alton
within the past few days. We have reason to believe that some of
the deaths were from cholera. The family of Robert Dunlap, Esq.,
has been deeply afflicted. First the wife and mother died; next
a nephew residing in the family; next a child; and next a young
lady who had a home with them. Another child was quite low
yesterday, and the father has been seriously sick. Four deaths
in one family, in less than a week, is a fearful mortality. Such
times as these are a severe test of the friendship of relatives
and neighbors, and those who shrink not from the calls of
humanity under such circumstances may be counted as friends
indeed.
UPPER ALTON - ELOPEMENT AND SHOOTING
Source: Syracuse, New
York Daily Courier, December 1, 1857
The Alton, Ill.,
Democrat gives an account of an elopement at Upper Alton, which
terminated rather seriously. A young man (name not given,) from
northern Illinois, won the heart of a young lady by the name of
Carter, in that city, against the will of her friends. She got
into the buggy, and they were driving away to the nearest
magistrate, when the father started in pursuit on horseback, and
soon overtook the couple. The young lady jumped out. The father
leveled a. shooting iron at the young man, who raised his foot
and arm to shield his face. The contents of the gun or pistol
passed through the foot into the wrist, and a part of the
loading entered the right eye of the young man, below the pupil.
A shot passed to the depth of a couple of inches and has not yet
been removed. No legal steps have been taken in the matter, and
the young man refuses to arrest the old gentleman.
RUNAWAY HORSES IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 7, 1862
This morning, the horses of the Upper Alton
Bus took fright and started from the Post Office, touring down
Belle Street. The bus struck Dr. McCheancy’s buggy, which was
standing at his office door, tearing it away from the horse
which was hitched there, and carried it a few yards down the
street, when one of the horses brought up on his back. No
serious damage was done, except to the buggy and harness.
FIRE IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 12,
1862
Last night between two and three o’clock, the residence
of F. Howl, in Upper Alton, was discovered to be on fire. The
fire was supposed to have originated in the woodshed adjoining
the residence, and must have been the work of an incendiary, as
there was no fire in that part of the building. The house was a
total loss, as was the principal part of the furniture. The
piano, safe, and a few other articles being the only things
saved. The flames spread so rapidly that Mr. Howl’s hired man
came near smothering in the flames and only made his escape
through a window. The house was worth about $3,000, the
furniture &c. about 3,000. The furniture was insured for about
$100, and the house for $2,000.
UPPER ALTON OIL WELL
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 23,
1865
We visited the premises of the oil well in Upper Alton
yesterday, in company with Messrs. C. W. Dimmock, Alex Milne,
John C. Simpson, A. N. Hill, J. A. Cooley, Dr. W. C. Pierce,
Colonel J. N. Morgan, and Lieutenant P. White, of the company;
Mr. W. A. Thompson of the Missouri Democrat; and W. T. Dowdall
of the Alton Democrat.
Upon arriving at the well, we
found the machinery hard to work. Two men were busily engaged –
one in tending the drill and gradually lengthening the rope as
the ponderous steel shaft penetrated the bowels of the earth,
while the other did the firing, blacksmithing, and general
superintendence of the work. The well is situated in a ravine in
the northern suburbs of the town, about twenty feet from an old
coal shaft. Some months ago, a substance was discovered upon the
surface of the water in this shaft, and upon an analysis being
made by Professor E. Marsh of Shurtleff College, he pronounced
it petroleum. The Cahokia, Alton and St. Louis Petroleum and
Mining Company immediately made arrangements to bore for oil.
They have but just got fairly to work, and while we were there,
by measurement, had reached the depth of 41 feet.
The
character of the geological formation gone through so far, as
kept by the foreman of the work, Mr. B. A. Gates, is as follows:
1st limestone, 6 inches; 2nd slate and fireclay, 4 feet; 3rd
coal, 10 inches; 4th hard clay, 26 feet; 5th blue limestone, 6
feet.
The drill is worked by a huge walking beam,
attached to an eight-horsepower steam engine. A two-inch cable,
wound up on a large reel, is attached to the drill, which is
lowered by pulleys at the top of the derrick to the depth
attained. The cable is then attached to a screw some three feet
long, at the end of the walking beam, drawn taut, and all is
ready for work. The engine starts, lifts the drill about three
feet, dropping it again immediately, and so goes at a rate of
forty strokes a minute. The drill used cuts a hole four- and
one-half inches in diameter. After drilling a certain length of
time, the drill is taken out, and an instrument called a sand
pump is inserted. At the lower end of the pump is a valve, which
receives and retains the sand and water. This is repeatedly put
into the well until the way is clear, when down goes the drill
again. This course of drilling will be kept up until the regions
of petroleum are reached, if they can be reached on that line.
All connected with the enterprise are sanguine of success, and
many of them have had experience in the early discoveries of oil
wells in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia – some of the best of
which were not so promising as this well now is.
The
officers of the company are:
General J. T. Copeland,
President
J. T. Rice, Vice-President
R. S. Cavandor,
Secretary
D. C. Martin, Treasurer
Hon. George T. Brown,
General Superintendent
J. A. Colley, General Agent
Levi
Davis, Esq., Attorney
Directors:
General J. T.
Copeland, Hon. George T. Brown, D. C. Martin, R. S. Cavander, M.
P. Breckinridge, J. T. Ride, J. A. Cooley, and A. N. Hill.
The property of the company consists of forty-two leasehold
interests, none of them under twenty-five years, containing
upwards of seven thousand acres, situated in Madison, Jersey,
and Greene Counties, and lying on the Wood River [Creek], Coal
Branch, Piasa Creek, and their tributaries, all near the
Mississippi and Illinois Rivers; also, the St. Louis, Alton &
Chicago Railroad, St. Louis, Alton & Terre Haute, Jacksonville,
Alton & St. Louis Railroads. These lands have been carefully
selected by A. N. Hill, Esq., who has had a large experience in
selecting “oil” territory in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Ohio,
and are the first selected in this State. Since then, many
persons of experience have been attracted to this vicinity, and
it seems to be generally admitted by them that there are as good
indications for oil as any undeveloped territory that has ever
been examined.
The company sometime since employed that
celebrated and widely-known geologist, Professor E. B. Andrews
of Marietta College, Ohio, to survey their lands, and have
received from him a very interesting and satisfactory report.
The company feels highly encouraged by these reports, and all
the indications around are favorable to the success of the
enterprise.
Some two hours were spent in the inspection
of the works, and the lateness of the hour precluded the idea of
visiting the celebrated “blowing well,” of the same company,
which it was at first the intention to do. Of this we will speak
more fully hereafter. The party returned to the Alton House,
where they partook of a most excellent dinner. The luxuries of
the season were served up in the greatest profusions, and the
souls of all were made glad by the sumptuous repast.
The
observations of the day, and the indications of oil at the well,
the old coal shaft, and in the creek – where the oil can be seen
floating on the water, satisfied all present that the brightest
prospects of success in the enterprise are almost sure to be
realized. We cannot doubt the evidences which are plainly
visible upon the premises. The genuine “smell” is perceptible,
and we had our faith in the future developments of petroleum in
Madison County much strengthened, and in fact, our doubts were
almost dispelled in regard to the existence of Coal Oil in this
vicinity. The gentlemen of the company deserve credit for being
the first to embark in the enterprise of developing the wealth
of our State and county, and we wish them the most abundant and
profitable success. The attention of the public is already
turning to this region as a coal oil locality, and it will not
be a great while until we may expect to see other wells going
down.
Mr. W. A. Thompson of the Missouri Democrat, who
was present yesterday, says in his report of the prospects:
“Not many of our readers are aware that there is a great
bore in the suburbs of Alton, our neighboring city, and that a
large company is under organization having for its object the
procurement of that fortune-making substance known as petroleum.
But such is the fact. We have seen the pumps at work, and the
great augur of oil has been lifted from the earth in our
presence, proving beyond a doubt, if other facts were wanting,
that the prospects for oil in Illinois are sufficiently
flattering to induce the expenditure of money in searching for
its resting place in the bowels of the land.”
In the
county of Madison, some twelve miles from Alton on the Cahokia
Creek, is situated what is called “the blowing or gas well.”
Here, this company are sinking a shaft which has reached the
depth of a little more than fifty feet. In this neighborhood
there can be no doubt of the presence of oil, which is proven by
the history of the locality. Some two years ago, a German named
Brockman was digging a well on his place, and had penetrated to
the depth of near ninety feet, determined to get water, if
possible. One day, while one of his workmen was digging at the
bottom of this well, his pick struck and penetrated a thin layer
of slate, when a stream of gas rushed out and filled the well
almost instantly, suffocating the man to death before he could
give any sign of distress. The men above, observing the stench
coming from the well, endeavored to approach near enough to
succor the man at the bottom, but were driven away by the
unbearable stench of the gas. After the lapse of a considerable
time, the gas diminished sufficiently to induce one of the men
to attempt the descent in a tub, but before he had reached
halfway to the bottom, he gave a sign of distress and was hauled
up insensible. Feeling it there duty to do all in their power to
save the life of the person in the well, another man was induced
to attempt the descent, but it resulted as the other, the second
adventurer being drawn up in an insensible state. Finally,
however, grappling hooks were let down and the body of the
ill-fated man in the well was drawn up, life being entirely
extinct. Then it was decided (in order to dispel the “foul air,”
as these honest, but ignorant Germans termed the gas) to throw
fire into the well, which was done. An immense jet of gas took
fire and blazed out of the mouth of the well to the height of
twenty or thirty feet. This was attended with a loud roaring
sound, which was heard by persons hear half a mile away,
continuing for more than a day, and shaking a brick house nearby
like an earthquake. All the neighborhood became alarmed, and men
gathered in and filled up the well, the gas continuing to escape
after many feet of earth were thrown down. This narrative, in
substance, comes to us from such variety of credible sources
that we are constrained to endorse the statement.
After
the purchase by the company of a lease of this ground, and the
commencement of preparations for boring, a German lady, who
lives in the house near the old well where the terrible scenes
narrated were enacted, declared if they intended to open that
dangerous pit again, she would take her children and leave the
neighborhood. It was only through the most absolute guarantees
of her personal safety that she was induced to remain. The shaft
now being sunk is located at such a distance from the old well
as to strike, if possible, the basin of oil, which, it is
believed, was the origin of the gas that caused the trouble
spoken of. This is in pursuance of the theory of Professor
Andrews, who has furnished a drawing illustrative of the dip of
the entire basin, which he believes is so shaped that, if
properly tapped, will furnish a flow of oil without pumping, and
also that, after exhausting a vast quantity of oil, another
supply may be obtained by the application of pumps.
PETROLEUM STRUCK IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
July 28, 1865
We were shown specimens of petroleum, which
were taken yesterday from the well of the Ohio and Mississippi
Valley Petroleum and Mining Company, in Upper Alton. The well is
now some sixty feet in depth, and the drill is passing through a
vein of sandstone, which is thoroughly impregnated with the oil.
The petroleum rises to the surface in quantities which are very
encouraging to the company. The drill has already passed through
about fourteen feet of the strats of this sandstone, which
establishes the fact that the usual indications of petroleum are
to be found in this vicinity. This, connected with the fact that
good specimens of the real oil have been brought to the surface
by each drawing of the sand pump, looks very favorable for the
early striking of oil in paying quantities.
The company
has thoroughly overhauled their machinery, and are now able to
run the same at a great reduction of former expense. Everything
under the management of Mr. Gates, an experienced workman, is
progressing favorably and to the satisfaction of the company.
We are glad to see and hear of these evidences of the
presence of petroleum in the bounds of the Prairie State, and
shall not be surprised if we are able to chronicle in a short
time, the fact that we have a flowing well in Alton. Success to
the Ohio and Mississippi Valley Petroleum and Mining Company,
say we.
MORE COAL OIL NEAR UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 11, 1865
The incredulity of those who have doubted the
existence of coal oil in this section of Illinois must now give
way to the evidences of oil, as shown at the well known as the
“Smith” well, near Upper Alton. The drill has penetrated 73
feet. After passing through 21 feet of sandstone, which was
strongly impregnated with oil, and of which we made mention at
the time, the drill struck a strata of fine white marble, which
admits of a very beautiful polish. This marble strata proved to
be some four feet in thickness. After passing through this, the
drill struck into a soft, oily sandstone yesterday, and upon
removing the drill this morning, the gas and odor was so strong
as to make it very disagreeable working near the well. We have
been shown portions of the sand rock, and the presence of
petroleum is plainly perceptible. It is a well-established fact
in boring for petroleum that where the sandstone is found, there
is oil, and when, after passing through a strata of marble,
sandstone of this variety is found, it is a sure indication that
petroleum in paving quantities exists in that locality. Those of
our readers who are at all skeptical in regard to the existence
of pure petroleum at this well can easily satisfy themselves of
the truth of the matter. The strongest indications of oil are to
be seen, felt, and smelled at this well, and the company is
justly jubilant over their bright prospects. The Superintendent
of the boring, Mr. Gates, who has followed boring for oil for
several years in Pennsylvania, and is a man of mature judgment
and experience, has now the strongest faith in the prospect of
striking oil in paying quantities. We are glad to chronicle the
good fortune of the gentlemen composing the Ohio and Mississippi
Petroleum and Mining Company, and they have our best wishes for
a full realization of their brightest hopes. Hurrah for
petroleum in Alton!
UPPER ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 22,
1865
Our neighboring town of Upper Alton is awakening from
her Rip Van Winkle sleep. Progress is the watchword. The “City
Fathers” are putting down sidewalks on all the principal
streets, new buildings are going up and old ones renovated.
Numerous sales of real estate have been made within the last
three months – more, probably, in that period than in the last
five years. Enterprising citizens from St. Louis and elsewhere,
tempted by the healthfulness of the position, its superior
religious and educational advantages, and its good society, are
seeking a home here. Not the least of the many inducements to a
settlement here is the fact that none of those pests – liquor
and beer saloons, so destructive to the morals of youth – are
allowed to exist within one mile of the college building. Every
nook and corner is filled, and twenty more good dwellings would
find occupants in as many days, could they be procured.
UPPER ALTON OMNIBUS LINE
Source: Alton Telegraph, February
16, 1866
We cannot speak too highly of the accommodating
spirit manifested by Mr. Hall, the new proprietor of this line.
He has spared neither labor nor expense to get his busses in
good running condition, and is always ready and willing to exert
himself to the utmost to accommodate all those who travel
between this city and Upper Alton. As an evidence of the
statement, it is only necessary tor us to say that he made a
trip from Upper Alton to this city after nine o’clock last
night, through the heavy snowstorm, which was prevailing, for
the purpose of accommodating such delegates of the Sabbath
School Convention, as they could not remain in this place over
night.
IMPROVEMENTS IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 30, 1866
On a recent visit to this neighboring town,
we were very much gratified to notice the many evidences given
on every hand of a substantial and healthful growth. We know of
no town in the State more beautifully situated or with better
natural advantages. Located upon high, rolling ground, it has
every natural facility for beautiful streets, good drainage, and
imposing sites for residences. Unlike our own city, its
inhabitants are not obliged to dig through half a mile of clay
bank when they desire to open a street, for which fact they
should be duly grateful.
In proportion to the population,
we know of no town which possesses so many tasteful and
beautiful private residences, and we were, therefore, surprised
at seeing that the number is being largely increased. Along some
of the principal streets and in the suburbs, several large and
substantial dwellings are in process of erection, and others
were built during the summer. We also understood that several
gentlemen of wealth and influence intend removing to this town,
and that they will erect residences that will be both an
ornament and credit to the place.
The town authorities
have recently added much to the comfort and convenience of
pedestrians by laying down plank walks on streets where none
were ever laid before, and also by replacing the walks upon the
principal streets with those of a more substantial character.
Altogether, Upper Alton gives every indication of a rapid
increase in population, and of widespread thrift and enterprise.
UPPER ALTON POST OFFICE
Source: Alton Telegraph, August
30, 1867
The post office in Upper Alton has been removed from
the old stand on Main Street, to the new building of Mr. Butler
on College Avenue, opposite T. R. Murphy’s store. Mr. Butler,
the new Postmaster, has taken charge of the office.
SHOOTING AFFRAY IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 27, 1867
A shooting affray occurred yesterday
afternoon in Upper Alton, the particulars of which are as
follows:
As a young son of Captain Hall was passing along the
streets, when in front of Hewit’s store, he was accosted by a
couple of men named Dorsett, brothers, who applied to him,
without provocation, the most insulting and degrading epithets,
and annoyed him in various ways. The boy went home and told his
father what had occurred, and he went in search of the rowdies,
in order to punish them for their insults. When they saw him
coming, they retreated to the porch of Starkey’s Hotel, where
the Captain followed and immediately attacked them. Both the
rowdies drew revolvers and commenced firing at him, but he, all
unarmed as he was, succeeded in disarming and putting ____ _____
one of them, while the other fled, and has not since been heard
from. Some half a dozen shots were fired at Captain Hall, one of
which took effect, inflicting a flesh wound in his leg. The
action of Captain Hall in the matter is sustained by the
citizens. Up to this morning, no arrests have been made – it
seeming to be against the policy of the authorities of Upper
Alton to interfere with the proceedings of rowdies and
desperadoes.
UPPER ALTON STOCKED WITH ICE
Source: Alton Telegraph,
January 31, 1868
The great business fact of the past few days
has been ice. One would think from the loads of ice seen upon
our streets, that some persons would have their wishes
gratified, not as the “old lady’s” were, by “snuff,” “more
snuff,” “a little more snuff,” but by ice, more ice, a little
more ice. We learn that Messrs. Draper, Hastings, and Burts have
been filling their ice houses with a good quality of ice from
the venerable Father of waters [Mississippi River], as well as
from some of his tributaries. These gentlemen intend that it
shall not be their fault if the citizens of Upper Alton do not
“keep cool” next summer. May they enjoy it themselves, and reap
a handsome profit from furnishing it to their neighbors on hot
July days. In this fact, we see the march of civilization. The
“wise man” pointed the sluggard to the ant that “Provideth her
meat in the summer and gathereth her food in the harvest.” But,
behold! More industrious than the ant are here – men, that
provide not only in summer for winter, but also in winter for
summer. So much for living in this nineteenth century.
UPPER ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 3, 1868
A colored Baptist Church was formed yesterday at Upper Alton.
The membership is made up of a colony of ten from the Baptist
Church in Alton, and some twenty converts from Upper Alton. The
church was organized at the Baptist house of worship, Rev. Dr.
Pattison of Upper Alton, and Rev. Mr. Jameson of Alton,
assisting in the exercises. A very large audience was present,
and a collection was taken up to assist the new congregation in
erecting a church building. At the close of the exercises, the
congregation and an immense concourse of spectators repaired to
the Wood River, where the twenty converts were baptized by
immersion. The rite was administered by the Rev. Mr. Johnson of
Alton, and the scene was in all respects very interesting.
FIRE ON THE EDWARD RODGERS FARM
Source: Alton Telegraph,
August 7, 1868
Yesterday morning, while the hands employed on
the farm of Mr. Edward Rodgers near Upper Alton, were engaged in
burning the stubble off the fields, the fire was unfortunately
communicated to several stacks of hay, about seventy tons in
all, and they were entirely destroyed, together with the
protecting sheds and considerable fencing. The total loss is
from $1,000 to $1,200.
NEW UPPER ALTON BAPTIST CHURCH
Source: Alton Telegraph,
September 18, 1868
The framework of the new Baptist Church is
partially erected, and presents a substantial appearance. The
new edifice is situated on the corner opposite and directly west
of the old church building. Its proportions are: total length,
120 feet; width, 50 feet; one story in height. It is designed to
accommodate, including the galleries, at least one thousand
persons. The cost of the building is estimated at twelve
thousand dollars. We are glad to see this new enterprise well
under way. The Baptist congregation of Upper Alton have long
needed just such an edifice, their present building being far
too small to accommodate their members.
A LOOK AT ALTON AND UPPER ALTON
From the Quincy Whig
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 18, 1871
Alton is situated
about twenty-five miles from St. Louis by either land or water.
Taking the Chicago & Alton Railroad at East St. Louis, you
accomplish the distance in an hour. The prosperous old times of
the St. Louis & Alton packets have long since passed, and the
railroads now monopolize nearly the entire travel between the
two places. The city of Alton is properly divided into two towns
– formerly known as Alton and Lower Alton, now as Alton and
Upper Alton, the lower town being much the larger and more
important. They are about two miles apart, and connected by a
street railway. The State Penitentiary, for many years a noted
institution, no longer exists here. Joliet coveted and received
the prize, and Alton was glad. The gloomy walls of the old
Penitentiary still stand, however, plainly seen from the river
and other points. It is now used as a city prison.
The
city of Alton is situated on a succession of bluffs, with
valleys between, and he who would see the town must undergo many
“ups and downs.” The business portion is solidly built, with
brick or stone, there being a great abundance of the latter
material here. Alton lime is quite a noted export. There are
some fine business blocks, handsome residences, commodious
churches and schoolhouses, and a number of mills and
manufactories. Glass works have recently been established here.
The population of Alton proper is about 12,000, and of Upper
Alton 2,500. The horse railroad furnishes a pleasant ride,
passing in full view of the cemetery – a beautiful spot – also
by the splendid residence of H. A. Homeyer, Mr. Cooley, and H.
C. Cole, all in Upper Alton.
A noted educational
institution, Shurtleff College, under the auspices of the
Baptist denomination, is located at Upper Alton. This is one of
the oldest colleges in the West. Its charter was obtained in
1835, and the present college building erected in 1842. The
building is of brick, 120 by 44 feet, and four stories high,
containing 64 rooms, embracing students’ rooms, cabinet, library
reading room, chemical laboratory, society and recitation rooms.
The college grounds embrace six or seven acres, beautifully
shaded with trees. There is also a commodious chapel nearby,
which well seats 200 or 300 persons. Attached to it are also
recitation rooms and the preparatory department.
The
foundation for a new building was laid several years ago, but
the war and other causes hindered the work, and the building has
gone no further. An effort is to be made this year to complete
the endowment of the theological department, and the completion
of the new building will then receive attention. There is no
living man or woman who has done so much for Shurtleff College
as Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Gove of Quincy.
The number of
students in attendance during the past year has been 108, of
which 16 are students for the ministry. There will hereafter be
an academic course of three years open to both males and
females. There are two literary societies, the “Sigma Phi,” and
“Alpha Zeta,” each of which have commodious and elegantly
furnished society rooms, each containing a cabinet of specimens
and a library. Your correspondent attended the annual exhibition
of the “Sigma Phi,” a few months ago. The exercises, consisting
of essays, declamation, debate and music were highly creditable
to the performers and the society.
A monthly college
paper is published called the “Qui Vive,” which was a
circulation of 1,500, and has acquired a good reputation for
ability. The college library numbers 4,000 volumes, many of them
rare works. The reading room contains the principal newspapers
and periodicals, etc. The chemical laboratory is well supplied
with apparatus, and the cabinet has a rich supply of specimens,
geological and otherwise, from all parts of the world, including
some interesting mementoes of the war. The various professors
and teachers of Shurtleff are gentlemen of extensive learning
and long experience.
Opposite the college, and but a few
rods off is Rural Park Seminary for young ladies, formerly the
residence of H. N. Kendall, Esq., who still owns the premises.
It is a spot of surpassing beauty. The building, a large and
handsome brick, is perfect in its arrangements, and the grounds,
embracing 56 acres, are most tastefully laid out, abounding in
vales and landscapes and delightful views. They are planted with
rare shrubs, flowers and trees, among which are the larch,
linden, Norway maple, etc. Mr. Kendall has spent money without
stint on the premises, and there is not a spot in the State that
can exceed, if equal it, in beauty. The mansion and grounds are
valued at $25,000. The school is under the same auspices as the
college, but not being so successful as was desired, it will be
discontinued as a separate institution and combined with the
college. The building will revert to Mr. Kendall, who will
re-occupy it. Mr. Kendall is well known as the great cracker
manufacturer, his establishment at Alton being one of the
largest in the West, and his trade very extensive. He hints at
establishing a branch agency for the sale of his celebrated
crackers at Quincy. We hope he may, as the enterprise would
beyond doubt be successful.
UPPER ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 3, 1871
Mr. Debow’s new residence on the line of the Horse Railway is a
fine addition to our town. Someone should build on the opposite
corner. The roof of the “Diamond” mansion on College Avenue has
been raised and renewed lately. Quite an improvement.
FRIGHTFUL RAILROAD DISASTER NEAR UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton
Weekly Telegraph, February 9, 1872
The passenger train going
to St. Louis, on the Rockford, Rock Island & St. Louis railroad,
which was due at Alton Junction [also called Wann Junction in
East Alton] at 6:10 Wednesday a.m., when about three-quarters of
a mile below Upper Alton Station, collided with the freight
train going north, the first two cars, i. e., the baggage car
and the first coach "telescoped," and then almost instantly took
fire. The scene that ensued was most appalling. The unfortunate
passengers were most of them caught between the car seats, and
egress from the car was almost impossible. The flames enveloped
the doomed cars almost instantly, and the terrified passengers
were left to be slowly roasted alive. Up to 11 o'clock a.m., the
charred, blackened and still smouldering remains of four victims
of their fearful accident, had been recovered, and were lying on
the snow awaiting the "Coroner's Inquest."
The names of
the killed, as far as we know, are as follows: Joseph Tweesin
[also reported as Tweissel] and Mrs. Reuben Rains [Susan
Elizabeth Rains, aged 18]; the two other bodies which up to this
time have been found have not been identified. The four
passengers mentioned were all burned to death.
Wounded:
Reuben Rains, badly cut on the head and body; Isaac Barnhardt,
badly burned and head cut; August Maube, late of Rock Island,
ankle broken; M. Cannon, leg broken; Frederick Bugle of St.
Louis, badly burned; Mina Bugle of St. Louis, bruised; Franklin
Groves, bruised; Karl Foss, severely bruised; Train Boy,
severely injured; besides five others, slightly wounded, making
altogether, four killed and thirteen wounded. The "working
party" are still at work on the ruins, and more casualties may
be reported.
The freight train was behind time and should
have side-tracked at the Junction, but instead of doing so, it
kept straight on, causing the most frightful accident that it
has ever been our lot to report. The conductor of the freight
train jumped off when the trains collided, and sought safety in
flight, his name was Baker. We also heard that his engineer and
fireman followed his example, this report, however, lacks
confirmation. The whole responsibility of this terrible affair
rests upon Baker's shoulders, as Mr. Fitzgerald, the conductor
of the passenger train, was running his train on time and
supposed that he would pass the freight at the Junction.
When the collision occurred, Mr. Rains, his wife and child, were
sitting together on one seat, the child between its parents. The
force of the collision was such that the seats were jammed
together, and these unfortunates were caught in the wreck. Mr.
Rains finally succeeded in extricating himself, although
terribly burned. Mr. Franklin Grover tried his utmost to rescue
the unfortunate Mrs. Rains, and almost tore her clothes off in
his efforts, but all in vain. Seeing that his exertions to save
her would not be successful, he next tried to save the child,
and succeeded in doing so, though at great personal risk.
The train-boy was badly injured. We were unable to learn his
name.
The baggage car and first coach of the passenger
train were totally consumed, while the second coach and sleeping
car were not materially injured. The forward freight cars were
badly jammed, but can be repaired, the fire did not extend to
the freight train. The engines were locked together, the engine
of the passenger train, the William Green, was badly wrecked,
the Astoria, the freight, was not seriously damaged further than
losing her headlight and cow-catcher.
At the time of the
accident, the passenger train was running about fifteen miles an
hour. From appearances about the wreck, we should judge that the
freight train was running at a still higher rate of speed.
Everyone seems united in laying the entire blame of this
terrible calamity on Mr. Baker, the conductor of the freight
train, as his train was behind time, and furthermore a passenger
train has always the right-of-way over every other train, and as
the passenger train was on time, there seems to be no possible
shadow of an excuse for him to shield himself, or to justify his
case. Later reports say that the fireman of the freight engine
remained at his post, as did also the engineer and fireman of
the passenger engine. Hundreds of people are hourly visiting the
wreck, most of them urged by curiosity, but some in search of
friends. A large crowd stopped to gaze upon the poor buried,
blackened and burning fragments of humanity which so lately had
been thus violently hurled into eternity.
Later -
Altogether up to this time, thirteen wounded have been reported
instead of eight.
Baker's Statement:
Mr. Baker, the
conductor of the train, says that in the arrival of his train at
Alton Junction [in current East Alton], he compared time and
told his engineer that he had 15 minutes in which to make the
next switch, and so he started with the result of colliding with
the passenger train going south. Baker says he made a mistake in
his time: that is, he thought he had 15 minutes to spare, when
in fact, he had scarcely four.
Victims:
The bodies of
the unfortunates, who yesterday perished in the R. R. disaster,
were brought in to Mr. Connor, the undertaker, over Platt &
Hart's stable, yesterday afternoon, and an inquest is now being
held over their remains.
RAILROAD ACCIDENT - CRIMINAL
NEGLIGENCE
Source: The New York Times, February 13, 1872
The St. Louis Democrat of Friday publishes the testimony taken
at the Coroner's inquest at Alton, Ill., on the day before, in
the case of the persons who lost their lives by the collision
between a passenger and a freight train, on the Rockford, Rock
Island and St. Louis Railroad. The Democrat says: At a few
minutes past six o'clock, Tuesday morning, the north bound
freight train of the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis
Railroad entered the cut which is situated about half way
between Upper Alton and Alton Junction (which they had just
left), and the next moment struck the locomotive of passenger
train No. 4, coming to St. Louis, consisting of two sleeping
cars, one coach and one baggage car. There was a crash. The
engines reared in air, settled and struck again. By the first
crash the baggage car was telescoped through the coach a
distance of ten feet, by the second a further distance of
fifteen feet. Seats and passengers were crushed by the avalanche
into the rear of the car, which was overturned, and soon ignited
from the stove, which had also been sent whirling into the midst
of the scattered fragments. There were, it is believed, fifteen
persons in the car. Of these, it is thought, four were either
killed instantly or scorched to death, and nine were injured,
the rest escaping with their lives. Notwithstanding the darkness
and the shrieks of the wounded and dying, officers and
passengers united in extricating the victims. The remains of two
individuals only were recognizable - Joseph Tweissel, a man
about forty-five years of age, a citizen of Leclaire, Iowa, and
Susan Elizabeth Rains, aged eighteen, who was traveling in
company with her husband and a baby about eighteen months old.
In addition were found a charred bone, which the physicians
thought from its size belonged to a woman, and a blackened mass
which has not yet, and probably never will be, identified. The
few battered and scorched victims remaining were taken to
Brighton. After a brief parley with the conductor of the
passenger train, Conductor Baker, in command of the freight,
left hurriedly for Alton Junction, where he dispatched the
following telegram to the Assistant Superintendent, which throws
a flood of light upon the cause of the accident, and fixes its
responsibility beyond a doubt:
Alton Junction, 7 a.m.:
H. Loosely: I collided with Number Four, 6 a.m. at one mile
north of here. I was mistaken in time card. I thought their time
was 6 1/4 at Upper Alton, instead of 6:09. Baker.
The
movements of Baker from that time are only partially known.
Leaving Alton Junction, he fled to St. Louis, where he has been
seen and spoken to, but has since, probably, sought safety in
flight from the verdict of the coroner's inquest hanging over
him.
The wounded, as before stated, were transported as
soon as possible to the town of Brighton, about eleven miles
from the scene of the accident, and were lodged in boarding
houses, where they were attended by physicians and nurses, who
were employed by the railroad company for that purpose. Their
names were M. Canmann, St. Louis, his leg twice broken; Reuben
Rains, bruised about the head and shoulders; Isaac Barnhart,
baggage master, injured internally; August Mowby, train boy,
left leg broken; Fred Booker, hurt in the leg; Mrs. Mina Booker,
ankle sprained; Franklin Groves, slightly injured in the jaw,
not fatally; Charles Foss, right leg broken and contusions about
the head. Most of these lay in agony upon the little cots that
were prepared for them throughout the night. In the morning, Mr.
Canmann, who is a prominent wholesale liquor dealer on South
Main street, was brought to the depot and transported to St.
Louis by the 11 o'clock train. Mr. Foss was sent early in the
morning to his home in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The wounded are for
the most part expected to recover, and will be removed as soon
as it can be safely done. The charred remains were brought to
Alton, and the preparations made to consign them to their last
resting place. The bodies were deposited in a little room over
Hart's stable; four rough board coffins constructed, in which
the remains will lay until recognized by friends, or "unwept,
unhonored and unsung," will be consigned to an unknown grave.
Meanwhile, in an adjoining building, an inquest was held.
The first witness was Dr. Etz Williams, who testified to
finding, soon after the accident, the remains of four persons,
two of them males; what the other two had been he could not say;
of these latter one was a charred bunch, about the size of two
fists, and the other a long bone, which, from its small size, he
supposed to be the femur of a female. Dr. W. A. Hazlitt, of
Alton, a partner of Dr. Williams, testified to the same general
effect. Henry W. Hart testified to the general appearance of the
wreck. He assisted in getting the bodies out of the debris. The
conductor poked them out with a long piece of iron; he took out
the remains of a woman with a shovel. The next witness was Mr.
E. J. Fitzgerald, conductor of the passenger train, who
testified substantially as follows:
My train was due at
Alton at twenty minutes past six; left Upper Alton at eleven
minutes past six; the train consisted of one baggage car, one
coach and one sleeping car; at the time of the accident, I was
in the front end of the sleeping car; the distance from Upper
Alton to the Junction was one and three quarter miles; I had
thirty-five passengers on the train, of whom fifteen were in the
front coach, immediately behind the baggage car; there is no
telegraph office between Brighton and Alton Junction; the
collision occurred at twelve or thirteen minutes after six; I
was in the front end of the sleeping car at the time, and went
to work to extinguish the fire and help the passengers escape.
The number of passengers who escaped from the wreck was seven;
there were three I know of who were not got out, one a
middle-aged man, a German, from Iowa, and a lady about twenty or
over; I do not remember the appearance of the others; I passed
in and out of the cars three or four times before they were
destroyed; they were splintered up considerably; the coach
caught fire from the stove which was placed in the forward end
of the car; when I first saw it the fire was about fifteen feet
from the rear of the coach; the cars were telescoped twice, the
first time about ten feet, the last time about fifteen feet;
that is the baggage car telescoped about fifteen feet through
the coach; I first observed the fire about four minutes after
the collision occurred; there were two collisions, and I saw the
fire after the second crash; the reason I was not able to rescue
all the passengers was owing to their being caught in the
timbers by the telescopic action of the collision, which knocked
the baggage car stove to about the centre of the coach following
it; the stove was full of wood; it opened and scattered the fire
all around; the fire broke out almost immediately after the
collision; it appeared to be small at first, and then broke out
over the whole car at once. The passengers were fastened in the
seats by the telescopic action of the car; I had to climb over
the seats to get into the car. The reputation of the freight
conductor was good, and he was said to be competent; don't know
what the reputation of the engineer and others on the freight
train was. It is the duty of the freight train, when
behind-hand, to wait indefinitely for the passenger train, so it
is on its own time; I was running on the time card. The rails
were frosted. The accident occurred in a cut about twelve feet
deep, on a curve; he could see ahead for a distance not
exceeding two hundred yards; the grade runs up to about the
centre of the curve where the ground was even and where the
accident occurred. The engineer of the passenger train whistled
down breaks, and in a few seconds afterward we struck. The
freight engine was also found reversed. This lady that was
burned was on the other seat from the front; two men were in the
seat facing her, and some others on the opposite side of the
car. The conductor and engineer of the freight went to St. Louis
on my train; they left for there at 1:40 in the afternoon. If
all the men on my train had been at their posts they could not
have stopped my train. Baker said to me he had made a mistake in
the time card; that he thought the passenger train was 6:15
instead of 6:09 at Upper Alton. Baker had his watch at the time
of the collision, and we compared watches together. Four
physicians were sent for by the Company immediately after the
accident. Andrew Cessford, engineer on the passenger train, was
next examined, and testified corroboratively as to the time and
incidents of the accident. Other witnesses were called, and the
jury in about half an hour returned the following verdict:
We, the jurors summoned, sworn and impaneled by Patrick F.
Regan, Justice of the Peace of Madison County and State of
Illinois, to diligently inquire into and true presentment make,
how, or in what manner or by whom the dead bodies of Joseph
Tweisel and Susan Elizabeth Rains, and two other, names unknown
to us, came to their deaths, do find, from all the evidence
adduced before us, that they came to their deaths by a collision
on the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad, near the
Alton Junction, County of Madison and State of Illinois, by a
passenger train going South and a freight train going North, on
the morning of Feb. 7, 1872, and the above named persons came to
their death by said collision, through the criminal negligence
of Frederick Baker, conductor of said freight train, and Patrick
Halpine, the engineer of the same train, as accessory thereto.
NOTES:
At the Coroner’s inquest, four people were killed
instantly or scorched to death. Nine were injured. Of those
killed, only Joseph Tweissel (a man about 45 years of age, who
lived in Leclaire, Iowa) and Susan Elizabeth Rains (aged 18, who
was traveling with her husband and 18-month-old baby) were
recognizable after the accident. The other two who died, were
unrecognizable. The wounded were taken to Brighton, which was
about 11 miles from the accident. They were attended by
physicians and nurses who were employed by the railroad. The
charred remains of the four dead were taken to Alton for burial.
After the accident, Conductor Frederick Baker and
Engineer Patrick Halpine fled to St. Louis to escape punishment.
During the inquest, Baker and Halpine were found to be
criminally negligent. The railroad offered a reward of $500 for
their apprehension. I could not find any further information on
these two men, and whether or not they were arrested, tried, or
convicted.
UPPER ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 25, 1872
Business matters are looking up a little. Our new brick market
house, lately put up by Mr. Nevlin, is completed and was opened
to the public on Saturday last. It is really a fine market,
excelling any meat market in Alton. A new mercantile
establishment has also been opened on the corner of Merchant and
Liberty Streets, by J. M. Finley. His stock will probably
consist of groceries, boots and shoes. We have now nine stores
in this place, eight of which keep groceries, and this in a town
that should not have more than five.
Last evening about
ten o’clock, the inhabitants of our town, living within half a
mile of the college building, were startled by a bright light
and a tremendous noise proceeding therefrom, but on
investigation, it proved to be an illumination of the college
building in honor of the advent of a new President, who made his
appearance at the house of President Kendrick, at an early hour
yesterday morning. The students gathered in front of the
college, while the college string band and Glee Club discoursed
several pieces of vocal and instrumental music from the belfry.
A committee was dispatched to wait on the happy father, who very
shortly made his appearance on the college grounds. He was met
with music from the band, “Put me in my little bed,” and upon a
call being made for a speech, he addressed them briefly,
thanking them for their congratulations, and hoping they would
follow the advice once given a certain lawyer, after a good
example had been placed before him.
UPPER ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 9, 1873
This is the “merry, merry, merry month of May,” as the poets
sing, but what poetry can be found in the last two or three days
I fail to see. Well, it is probably well that we do not have the
manufacturing of the weather, or we should cause more
dissatisfaction than is now afforded; so hoping for a “better
time coming,” we will proceed to say that our City Fathers have
at last concluded that their lives and limbs were endangered as
well as those of others by the miserable condition of some of
our sidewalks, and have made an endeavor to patch up the same.
It seems to us that it would be better to mend the old with a
new one in the case of the walk along College Avenue, from the
College east to the terminus. As the citizens voted at the
election to build a calaboose, we shall look for that before
long. It has long been needed here, and will, we hope, soon be
built.
The glass in the windows of the Baptist Church,
which were broken out sometime ago by a couple of enterprising
lads in search of pleasure, was today replaced by D. Hoffman,
glass stainer of St. Louis. As the glass in the church is all
stained in colors, the bill for the parents of the boys to pay
will be rather heavy.
The college authorities have lately
erected on the college campus an extensive swing, which for two
weeks previous to the attachment of the rope, resembled a
first-class gallows. In its present completed condition, it
presents a fine appearance when covered with young gentlemen
disporting themselves much like Darwinian ancestors.
CORNERSTONE LAID FOR NEW UPPER ALTON MASONIC HALL
Source:
Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1873
The cornerstone of the new
hall of B. F. Rodgers’ Lodge, A. Y. and F. M., was laid in Upper
Alton on July 4, with imposing ceremonies. There was a large
attendance of members of the order from Alton, Belleville,
Jacksonville, Springfield, and other places. The cornerstone was
laid by Grand Master B. F. Rodgers of Springfield. The music was
furnished by the Alton Colored Band, J. H. Kelley, leader. The
new building is to be erected on Main Street, on one of the
finest sites in the town.
UPPER ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 11, 1873
Mr. H. N. Kendall sold yesterday to Mr. Luke Brennan of Alton,
for cash, eighty acres of land on the edge of town, for $65 per
acre. The papers conveying Mr. Kendall’s family residence and
ten acres of ground adjoining to Shurtleff College, for the use
of the female department of the college, were signed last week –
possession to be given in August.
EDWARD RODGERS FARM
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1874
Mr. Ed Rodgers (whose extensive farm and fine residence, east of
Upper Alton, attracts the attention of passersby) often finds
large numbers of Indian relics, especially arrowheads, upon his
premises. A portion of the farm lying in the Wood river bottom
is very fruitful of antiquities, and Mr. Rodgers there raises
quite a crop of relics whenever he plows. The neighborhood of a
large spring on the place seems to have been a favorite camping
ground of the Indians. Mr. R.'s farm was also an early pioneer
battleground, and the ruins of an old fort can still be seen on
the brow of the hill, nearly opposite his residence.
THE CAPTAIN ABEL MOORE FARM
Source: Alton Telegraph, July
30, 1874
Major Frank Moore relates that in early times, his
father, Captain Abel Moore, purchased what is now the Hon. Cyrus
Edwards’ homestead farm, for a small pony, and afterwards sold
it for $75. Land has advanced in value slightly since that
period.
The beautiful grove of maple trees on the farm of
George Cartwright, two miles east of Upper Alton, is a place of
historic interest. It is a part of the original homestead of
Captain Abel Moore, one of the most famous of the pioneers of
Madison County. Here is was that Captain Moore and his wife,
emigrating from North Carolina in search of a better country,
first pitched their tent in 1804, and there remained during the
rest of their lives. In all their wanderings, no fairer land, no
richer soil, no grander forests had met their eyes than this
same beautiful upland lying between the forks of the Wood River.
In 1846, both were summoned across the dark river within a day
of each other, and now their tomb is seen in the grove upon the
exact spot where their first cabin was erected. The selection of
this burial place was in accordance with the last request of
Captain Moore. The tomb is built of brick, with a marble
tombstone facing the West, upon which is this inscription: “Abel
Moore, Died Feb. 10, 1846, Aged 62 years, 1 month, and 7 days.”
“Mary, His wife, Died Feb. 9, 1846. Aged 60 years, 3 months and
12 days.”
A simple epitaph, revealing nothing of the
privations, dangers, toils and hardships which they endured in
their pioneer life, “breaking the pathway for future
generations.” A few hundred yards from the tomb to the
northwest, is another spot notable in the early history of this
section and of painful interest to the Moore family. It is the
place where the last massacre by Indians occurred in the county.
All are familiar with the story of the killing of the four
Reagan children and two of the children of Captain Moore, in the
year 1814, the Captain at that time being absent from home
serving in the war against England, never dreaming of the danger
menacing his own household.
Four of the children of
Captain and Mrs. Moore still survive – Mrs. N. Hamilton; Mrs.
Williams; Major Frank Moore; and a sister living in California.
The first three all reside in the immediate vicinity of the
burial place of the pioneers, and Major Moore upon part of the
original homestead farm. The county of Madison boasts no more
honored or respected citizens than the descendants of Abel and
Mary Moore.
It is now 70 years since the hardy pioneers
first broke the solitude of that primeval forest, now covered
with flourishing farms and stately dwellings – the homes of
wealth and refinement. The wonderful changes that have
transpired in that period read like a romance, and to none of
the old settlers does more honor belong for the changes that
have been wrought than to those whose tomb is seen today in that
beautiful grove under the spreading branches of the sheltering
maples.
GRANGERS’ [FARMER’S] PICNIC
Held on the Old Abel Moore
Homestead
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1874
One of
the most pleasant and successful picnics that ever occurred in
this section was that given on last Saturday afternoon and
evening by Wood River Grange No. 901. It had been originally
designed to hold the picnic on the Fourth, but the members of
the Grange felt that they would never be happy again if they
missed the St. Louis fireworks, so the picnic was postponed.
Although Wood River Grange is a youthful organization, the
wealth, high standing, and personal influence of its members
have already made it famous, as well as rendered it a social and
agricultural power.
The grove where the picnic was held
is one of the most beautiful and inviting spots in the county.
It is on the farm of Mr. George Cartwright, about two miles east
of Upper Alton, on the high table land between the forks of the
Wood River. It is the Abel Moore homestead farm, one of the
oldest “improvements” in the county, concerning which we shall
speak in another article. The grove is a magnificent growth of
gigantic elms and sugar maples, the latter predominating,
covering an area of several acres. The majority of the trees in
the grove are over 100 years old, as grand monarchs of the
forest as can be found in the State. The grove is free from
underbrush, and the ground thickly covered with grass. A more
delightful place for a picnic could not be imagined. It had been
conveniently fitted up for the occasion with tables, seats,
benches, swings, etc., besides knight’s dancing platform.
Reaching the ground about 5 p.m., we found a large company
already assembled and enjoying themselves in the time-honored
style of picnic occasions. The old settlers gathered in groups,
on that historic ground, and talked over the days of “long ago.”
The girls and young ladies engaged in croquet with their
admirers. The lady grangers, assisted by the Committee of
Arrangements, began opening scores of covered baskets and
spreading their contents on a long table. The children amused
themselves in the swings, and, withal, the time passed merrily
until the slanting sunset rays stole in among the tall trunks of
the trees, when Mr. Shadrach B. Gillham, the Master of
Ceremonies, summoned the picnickers to supper. The call was
quickly answered, and surely never did city banquet equal in
abundance, variety, or excellence, the delicacies and
substantials under which the tables groaned. We recalled to mind
Secretary Smith’s bloviation on the poverty of the down-trodden
farmers of Illinois: “compelled to live in log huts and subsist
on hog and hominy!” – and concluded that a man of his falsifying
abilities would shine in Congress. We think all the guests will
long remember that granger supper with a longing for its
repetition too deep for utterance. Added to a host of other
accomplishments, the ladies of Wood River Grange have certainly
brought the culinary art to the height of perfection.
After supper the grove was brilliantly illuminated with scores
of variegated Chinese lanterns, the rays from which struggled
for mastery with the moonlight now streaming through the
branches of the trees. The effect was beautiful and picturesque
beyond description. The brilliantly colored light and the
shimmering moonbeams falling upon the diversions of the gay
company in that woodland retreat, made up a scene long to be
remembered, and when the music sounded from Rutledge’s band and
the merry dance began, the scene would have done credit to fairy
land. Certainly, no city ballroom was ever graced with lovelier
or more accomplished ladies than many of those who participated
in these festivities.
When our reported left the grounds,
all was passing “merry as marriage bell” to young and old
participating in the enjoyment. It was a late hour when the
grove was left to silence and solitude. The picnic was in all
respects well managed and a credit to the generous hospitality
of the grange. The officers of the grange and the Committee of
Arrangements extended every courtesy and attention to their
guests. Mr. S. B. Gillham is Master of the Grange; Hon. D. B.
Gillham, Overseer; Mr. Joel Williams, Secretary; Mr. John C.
Davidson, Lecturer; Mr. Irby Williams, Steward; Mr. John M.
Cooper, Chaplain; and Mr. Ed Dooling, Gatekeeper. The ladies are
honored with the following offices: Ceres, Mrs. N. Stanley;
Pomona, Mrs. S. A. Badley; Flora, Miss Kate Delaplain; Lady
Assistant Steward, Mrs. J. M. Cooper. Among the prominent
farmers present, not mentioned above, were Colonel Andrew F.
Rodgers, Mr. Edward Rodgers, Wirt Edwards, Major Frank Moore,
and others equally well known. Alton and Upper Alton sent out a
host of visitors, who enjoyed the occasion as highly as their
granger cousins. What wonder if they went away humming the
refrain: “I want to be granger, And with the grangers stand.”
OLD TIMES
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 30, 1874
The
beautiful grove of maple trees on the farm of George Cartwright,
two miles east of Upper Alton, is a place of historic interest.
It is a part of the original homestead of Captain Abel Moore,
one of the most famous of the pioneers of Madison County. Here
it was that Captain Moore and his wife, immigrating from North
Carolina in search of a better country, first pitched their tent
in 1804, and there remained during the rest of their lives. In
all their wanderings, no fairer land, no richer soil, no grander
forests had met their eyes than this same beautiful upland lying
between the forks of the Wood River. In 1846, both were summoned
across the dark river, within a day of each other, and now their
tomb is seen in the grove upon the exact spot where their first
cabin was erected. The selection of this burial place was in
accordance with the last request of Captain Moore. The tomb is
built of brick, with a marble tombstone facing the west, upon
which is this inscription: “Abel Moore, Died February 10th,
1846, Aged 62 years, 1 month and 7 days. Mary, His wife, Died
February 9th, 1846, Aged 60 years, 3 months and 12 days.”
A simple epitaph, recalling nothing of the privations,
dangers, toils and hardships which they endured in their pioneer
life, “breaking the pathway for future generations.” A few
hundred yards from the tomb, to the northwest, is another spot
notable in the early history of this section and of painful
interest to the Moore family. It is the place where the last
massacre by Indians occurred in the county. All are familiar
with the story of the killing of the four Reagan children and
two of the children of Captain Moore, in the year 1814 – the
Captain at that time being absent from home, serving in the war
against England, never dreaming of the danger menacing his own
household.
Four of the children of Captain and Mrs. Moore
still survive, viz: Mrs. N. Hamilton, Mrs. Williams, Major Frank
Moore, and a sister living in California. The first three all
reside in the immediate vicinity of the burial place of the
pioneers, and Major Moore upon part of the original homestead.
The county of Madison boasts no more honored or respected
citizens than the descendants of Abel and Mary Moore.
It
is now 70 years since the hardy pioneers first broke the
solitude of that primeval forest, now covered with flourishing
farms and stately dwellings, the homes of wealth and refinement.
The wonderful changes that have transpired in that period read
like a romance, and to none of the old settlers does more honor
belong for the changes that have been wrought than to those
whose tomb is seen today in that beautiful grove under the
spreading branches of the sheltering maples.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, February
18, 1875
As we sit around the fireside lamp, thankful for a
comfortable home and roaring fire, our ears are, from time to
time, greeted with the tintinnabulation that so musically wells
from the sledges with their bells, silver bells, proving that
the youth and beauty of Upper Alton are out on the snowy
highway, enjoying the rare treat of a sleigh ride. Every little
younker in town, who could muster a pair of rusty skates, has
been out, as they express it, “skatin,” all over everywhere
today, the icy crus forming a skating rink of extended
proportions.
In consequence of the icy embargo laid upon
business, everything in this suburb is very dull at present. The
business men, however, hope for better times to come. But the
farmers predict a short crop of fruit, and that the wheat is all
winter killed. There are a number of families in town that are
suffering for food and fuel during this severe weather. Our town
council should attend to such cases. There is benevolence enough
in our citizens to assist all the needy in our midst, were they
brought to their notice.
Work on our new calaboose
progresses. Messrs. McReynolds Bros. are making the iron work.
The lot selected for its site is on the old common, nearly
opposite Mr. F. Hewit’s residence.
SNOWBALL BATTLE IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
February 25, 1875
Upper Alton was enlivened on Friday by a
grand snow balling battle between the students and the town
boys, which was waged with great persistence, and caused
considerable excitement. Several black eyes and other slight
casualties resulted from the encounter, but there was no bad
blood – both sides were as good-natured as they were determined.
Each side claimed the victory, but the spectators consider it
about “a draw.”
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 1,
1875
We have two grocery stores recently started in the north
end of town (known as “Upper Tennessee” or “Salu”) by Oscar
Reader and John Pair. Mr. A. Hildebrand proposes soon to open a
general store a short distance out on the Jerseyville Road.
Business here, though retarded by the late Spring, is reviving.
Our merchants are laying in their Spring stocks of goods, and
seem to be determined to keep at home the trade of Upper Alton
people, by offering them every inducement of full stocks and low
prices.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 19,
1875
August 18, 1875 – A movement is on foot in the shape of
a petition circulated among our business men, to secure the
establishment here of an office of the Western Union Telegraph
Company. We have more than once advocated this matter, as such
an institution would be of great benefit to us, and we feel
confident that an office in Upper Alton would pay the company
much better than many of their present stations. An office is
offered them free of rent in the bookstore, and a capable
operator can be secured who will look to commissions for his
compensation. The business in this line already done here is not
inconsiderable, and all agree that it would be greatly
augmented, had we an office in this town.
Mr. William
Hildebrand, having leased the old Clifford Hall building on the
southeast corner of Liberty Street and College Avenue, is having
the same thoroughly renovated and put in a condition to receive
a new stock of goods.
FIRE DESTROYS ROCKFORD DEPOT NEAR UPPER ALTON
Source:
Alton Telegraph, December 30, 1875
From Upper Alton, December
29, 1875 – On Saturday night, about ten o’clock, fire was
discovered bursting through the roof of the station house at the
Rockford Depot, and before assistance could be secured, the
flames had made so great progress that it was impossible to save
the building. The loss is probably from $500 to $600 on building
and contents, the latter being mostly furniture and section
supplies, as the agent had taken his tickets home with him less
than an hour before the alarm was given. The agent, Mr. Keal,
reports leaving everything secure about the stove, which he
closed up for the night.
FIRE IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 11,
1877
About 8 o’clock yesterday morning, the residents of the
southwest part of town were startled from their breakfast tables
or their Sunday morning naps by the news that the residence of
Mr. A. J. Conant was in flames. A crowd of men and boys soon
gathered at the scene of the conflagration, when it was
ascertained that the fire, having originated either in the
kitchen flue or the conservatory furnace, was fast eating its
way through the frame wall towards the main part of the house.
By the thoughtfulness of Mr. N. C. Hatheway, the horse railway
stable buckets were on hand, and with these a line was
extemporized to the roof of the middle section of the building,
and after a hot fight of half or three-quarters of an hour, the
progress of the enemy was checked, and the weary neighbors were
safe to leave the battlefield and seek their own homes.
While a dozen or more men were fighting the fire in the west
wing, the eastern end of the house was pretty thoroughly
demolished by a gang of demoralized youths, who carefully
removed the doors, blinds, star rails, and precious articles of
furniture, and tumbling trunks and sofas down the steps,
succeeded in doing about as much damage at the one end as the
fire at the other.
It is currently related of one
well-known salesman in town, that he came down the stairs, three
at a time, with an armful of bricks that he had caught from a
grateless chimney, crying, “Hurry up boys, lots more up there!”
The entire west wing of the house, with the conservatory and
its contents, is almost a total loss. Mr. Conant’s insurance
will cover the damage to property, but we learn that he had no
insurance on the plants and flowers, which he valued at a
thousand dollars.
This incident points plainly to the
need in every town of this size for a “bucket brigade” of at
least a dozen men, who could be ralied on in case of a fire, and
knowing what to do, and working systematically, could accomplish
more than a small army of aimless, exalted persons, rushing
hither and yon, with no correct ideas of what should or could be
done.
UPPER ALTON NEW DEPOT
Source: Alton Telegraph, February
15, 1877
The new depot at Upper Alton station, on the St.
Louis, Rock Island & Chicago Railroad is now completed, and the
agent has bidden farewell to the old one and occupies his new
and more commodious quarters.
71st BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton
Telegraph, April 4, 1877
Away down in the aristocratic
portion of “Old Virginia” was born on March 31, 1806, Lewis
Jefferson Clawson. To commemorate this event, several of his
friends were invited to his mansion in Upper Alton on last
Saturday evening. The evening was spent in social enjoyment
until it was announced by his companion that supper was ready,
and such a sight of good things and rich viands is not often
permitted mortals to enjoy. The tables were laden with the
choicest luxuries, many of them from the tropics, forming a
repast dainty enough for the gods. After supper, the company was
charmingly entertained with musical selections from Strauss,
Thalberg, and Weber, by two young Masters from Belleville,
nephews of Mr. Clawson, the older presiding at the piano, and
the other mastering that instrument of all instruments, the
violin. One solo on the piano, “Ben Bolt,” with variations, was
very finely rendered. We have often heard “Ben Bolt,” and have
imagined we could see the “Old Mill,” and “Sweet Alice with hair
all so brown,” as we listened many years ago to that splendid
production, but we must acknowledge that we have never, until
this occasion, heard anything to compare with the masterly
melody which the performer produced as his nimble fingers leaped
from octave to octave, over the keys of one of Steinway’s best
instruments. The company was largely indebted, also, for the
evening’s entertainment to Mrs. Clawson, Mrs. Lahee, their
daughter, and Miss Quick, their niece. The evening’s
entertainment will long be remembered, and the many friends of
the family will be happy to assist in celebrating many more such
events in the future.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 19,
1877
By the demolition of Mrs. Reeding’s house in the block
south of Dr. Lemen’s, an old landmark is removed. This was one
of the oldest houses in town, having been used for a store some
thirty years ago or more. Mrs. Reeding is making preparations to
build again on the site of the old house.
A burglary was
perpetrated a night or two ago at Mrs. Dickson Reed’s. The
burglars administered chloroform to the Messrs. Dickson, and
proceeded at their leisure to explore bureau, etc. They secured
about $10 in money, Mark’s watch, and a quantity of provision.
No clue is had to the burglars.
KENDALL INSTITUTE PROPERTY
Source: Alton Telegraph, May
17, 1877
H. C. Hart Jr., a St. Louis lawyer, has bought the
Kendall Institute property in Upper Alton, and is in town today
arranging, we learn, to open it out for summer boarders. We have
no doubt such a desirable retreat as this will be well
patronized.
UPPER ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, Thursday,
November 8, 1877
The report of principals of Upper Alton
public schools, for the month ending October 31, makes a good
showing. The enrollment, Oct. 1, was 245. Number now belonging,
290. Average daily attendance for past month, 225 - a marked
increase over September. The college literary societies are
doing good work this year. Last evening an excellent programme
was presented by the Alpha Zeta Society. The hall of the Sigma
Phi Society is undergoing repairs, and no literary meeting was
held by them last night. Mr. Das. R. Kendall was, last night,
elected President of the latter society, and Mr. Amos Marshall,
Vice President. Mr. Mark Dickson, agent for C. B. & Q. railroad,
at this place, on Wednesday evening was married to Miss Mamie,
daughter of Oliver B. Ground of Madison Mills, Bozzatown.
Welcome Mark!
UPPER ALTON - TROUBLE FOR CONDUCTOR MAXEY
Source: Alton
Telegraph, November 21, 1878
A man from North Alton named
Motley, yesterday boarded Conductor Maxey's car at Bozzatown,
and being considerably the worse for whisky, he caused serious
annoyance to the passengers by repeated and disgusting
profanity. The gentle words of the conductor availing nothing,
he spoke with more authority and, in the event of a repetition
of the insult to the ladies present, announced that he would
have to abate the nuisance by putting Mr. Motley off the car.
The only effect of his words being a renewed and more offensive
flow of oaths, the obstreperous passenger found himself landed
without the car. This aroused the belligerent spirit of the man
and he commenced a target practice on the conductor with McAdam
stones. As this proceeding was endangering the lives of his
passengers, Mr. Maxey promptly gathered a piece of chain,
hanging on the platform, and "went for" the man, inflicting
several serious wounds, but effectually silencing him. The car
passed on, the man crawled into a passing wagon and went to
Upper Alton where his wounds were dressed by Dr. Yerkes and
medicine (purchased by Maxey) was administered and he was sent
home. The universally testimony of the passengers was to the
effect that the action of the conductor was perfectly
justifiable since he was really dealing, not with the man, but
with the demons that had possession of him. Orville Y. Lowe was
also victimized last evening by whisky. He came up from Alton
perfectly crazy with liquor, and ere the delirium had passed
off, he visited the Fisharty house and caused serious damage by
breaking windows and sash, even shooting through the windows
with his revolver. A warrant was sworn out against him, but the
young man had left town. It is an especially sad affair as the
youth is not habitually intemperate.
HULBERT – KENDALL HOME CATCHES FIRE
Upper Alton
Source:
Alton Telegraph, May 1, 1879
A defective flue caused a
serious conflagration about 11 o’clock Wednesday, April 23, at
the residence of Mr. G. C. Hulbert and Mr. H. N. Kendall, on
“Piety Lane,” east of Shurtleff College. The fire caught during
the absence of both gentlemen from the kitchen flue, and when
discovered, had made considerable headway. The efforts of Mrs.
Hulbert and her son, a boy of about fifteen, proving
insufficient to check the flames, Mrs. Kendall, though in feeble
health, started for the college, the nearest place where any men
could be found. The students rallied at her story and rushed to
the scene. But a strong south wind had given such an impulse to
the flames, that it was useless to attempt to stop them with any
means at their command, so the boys applied themselves with
considerable success to the saving of portable property. The
bulk of the furniture belonging to both families was saved, but
their clothing, books, dishes and kitchen utensils, carpets,
etc., are a total loss, without insurance. Among the salvage is
a parlor grand piano, which hardly received a scratch during its
hurried exit from the burning house.
WYMAN INSTITUTE OPENS
Source: Alton Telegraph, September
18, 1879
Wyman Institute opened on September 10 with a fair
attendance for the first day of a new school. The building has
been elegantly refitted and furnished, and is most conveniently
arranged for the comfort of its inmates. Professor Wyman has
consented to receive this year a limited number of day scholars,
or will furnish board during the school week and permit the
pupils to spend Saturday and Sunday at home.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE UPPER ALTON CHURCHES
Source:
Alton Telegraph, April 29, 1880
Methodist Episcopal Church
The Upper Alton Methodist Episcopal Church dates back to 1817,
the year the original Upper Alton was laid out. The class then
formed and constituting the nucleus of the church, was composed
of six members: Ebenezer and Mrs. Mary Hodges, Jonathan and Mrs.
Delilah Brown, Oliver Brown and John Seely – all prominent
actors in the early history of Upper Alton. Their first place of
public worship was a log cabin, then the property of Father
Hodges, and standing on the site of the stone house erected in
1836 by the Baptist Church. In 1835, the church built the first
house of public worship in Upper Alton, a frame structure now
the family residence of Mr. S. B. Congdon. In 1849, they erected
their brick sanctuary, in which they still worship. The first
pastor of this church was Rev. Samuel H. Thompson, who
officiated from 1818 to 1820.
Presbyterian Church
The
Presbyterian Church was organized January 8, 1837, by Revs. F.
W. Graves, Thaddeus B. Hurlbut, and Thomas Lippincott. The
number of constituent members, including eighteen from the Alton
Presbyterian Church, was twenty-four, embracing some of the
town’s most sterling and enterprising citizens. June 2 of the
same year, an organic union was consummated, by which the
Congregationalists, who worshipped with the church, twenty in
number, were added to its membership. At the end of the year,
the entire number was fifty-eight.
In 1838, a stone
edifice for worship was finished on the lot now occupied by
their present frame house. On October 10, 1858, the former was
totally destroyed by fire, and in 1865 the latter was completed
and dedicated. Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy ministered to the
spiritual needs of this church, some ten months from its origin,
and in November 1837, Rev. Charles G. Selleck was installed its
first regular pastor. His successors include Revs. Hubbel
Loomis, H. B. Whittaker, Lemuel Foster, T. B. Hurlbut, William
Barnes, W. R. Adams, L. L. Root, R. Rudd, and S. B. Taggard, now
filling the office. A few years ago, thirteen of the
Congregational members withdrew, and most, or all of them united
with the church of their own communion at Alton. The present
membership, including some non-residents, is about sixty-five.
Baptist Church
The Baptist Church, whose Jubilee we this
day commemorate, was organized by Rev. John Mason Peck, April
25, 1830, under the name of the “Alton Baptist Church.” Alton
was then the name of the post office here, and the one near the
river was called Lower Alton. In 1835, the post offices and
consequently the towns and churches received their present
names. Previous to 1830, a small Baptist Church at Edwardsville
was the only one in the vicinity, or within a circumference of
many miles. The number of constituent members of this church was
eight, viz. Ephraim Marsh, don Alonzo Spaulding, Winston
Cheathem, Henry Evans, James D. W. Marsh, Mrs. Julia A.
Spaulding, Mrs. Frances Marsh, and Rachel Garrett. The only one
of these now living is Deacon Spaulding of the Alton City
Baptist Church. The ninth and tenth in the record of names are
George Smith and Mrs. Sarah Smith, received by baptism June 2,
1830. Sister Smith Is still with us. The next now living, who
holds membership with us is Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, baptized
August 1, 1831. The next two (numbers 38 and 39) are Mrs. Sophia
Edwards and Mrs. Caroline Newman, received by letter September
22, 1832. The next (number 73) is Mrs. Pamelia Rodgers, received
by letter March 22, 1835. Several others who became members
during the first five years are still living – Zephaniah Lowe,
William Hayden, Rev. Samuel Baker, and perhaps more, but the
five sisters named above are all that now remain members with
us.
In February 1833, the number of members had become
40, of whom nine were dismissed “to united with others in
constituting a Baptist Church at Lower Alton.” March 1834, four
were dismissed to aid in forming a church “on the Piasa, or
Brown’s Prairie,” called the Brighton Church. In March 1837, the
roll numbered 129 members, and twelve were dismissed to form a
church “in the Wood River Settlement,” named the “Bethel
Church,” now the Bethalto Church. In May 1864, a branch of this
church was instituted at Gibraltar, near the mouth of the Wood
River, a preaching station of several theological students of
the college, and in June 1867, of the ____ [unreadable] members
then on record, 41 were dismissed to constitute an independent
church, and first named the Gibraltar, later the Milton Church.
Places of Public Worship
The public meetings of the Upper
Alton church, for a little over two years from its origin, were
held in a log cabin near the late residence of our sister,
Frances Marsh, and for three or four years generally in “the old
brick schoolhouse,” also, in “the meeting room in Lower Alton,”
and occasionally at private dwellings in the Wood River
Settlement. Through the year 1836, the regular place of worship
was in the “Academic Hall,” now the College Chapel.
In
January 1836, it was resolved that we build a meeting house of
stone, 45x60 feet, with a basement to be used as a chapel and
for such other purposes as the church may deem desirable. This
basement became the property of Shurtleff College, but was never
finished, nor used for educational purposes. The necessary
measures called for by the resolution were adopted, and
subscriptions were secured by the personal efforts of the
pastor, Rev. Ebenezer Rodgers, from members of the different
religious communions and other citizens of the Altons and
vicinity. Material aid was also forwarded through Rev. Professor
Lewis Colby from several Baptist brethren and sisters in Boston,
Massachusetts and vicinity.
In January 1837, the house
was dedicated to the Triune God, and the gracious Divine
presence invoked upon the then assembled and all future
worshippers. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Ebenezer
Rodgers, and the prayer offered by one who has not yet ceased to
be a member of the church.
The cost of the house far
exceeded the estimate made, and the amount of subscriptions
obtained and in consequence of the financial stringency of the
following years, the collections fell considerably short of the
amount subscribed. Hence, although the additions to its
membership during the year following the occupancy of the new
sanctuary exceeded those of any year before or since, the church
became involved in a debt, which caused it painful struggles for
a series of years, but from which it was finally delivered by
the generous donations of some of its more able members and the
skillful financiering of Deacon George Smith. The stone house
was occupied by the church 32 years, but owing to certain
defects in its construction, heavy winds had prostrated its
steeple, and by spreading the walls, rendered them unsafe, and
various repairs had been made up to January 1867, when the
audience room being no longer capable of accommodating the
enlarged and increasing Sabbath congregations, it was determined
to remodel and enlarge the building. In January 1868, the church
voted to build a new meeting house to contain 800 sittings, to
cost not less than $12,000. The location was an open question
until the following May, when a Building Committee was appointed
with instructions to erect upon such a lot as the Trustees may
provide, a house of worship of or near the dimensions 50x80
feet, with a chapel in the rear of fitting proportions, all in
the Norman style of architecture, and at the cost of rhouse and
lot, of not over $12,000. The house being completed, was
dedicated to the service of the Triune Jehovah on May 30, 1869.
Pastor N. M. Wood preached the dedicatory sermon, and Rev. R. E.
Pattison offered the prayer. This is the house we gather in
today (1880).
WYMAN INSTITUTE ENDS THEIR FIRST YEAR
Source: Alton
Telegraph, June 24, 1880
About a year ago, the property of
the late H. N. Kendall, Esq., became the property of Professor
E. Wyman of St. Louis, who has fitted up the place for occupancy
as a family school for boys. The natural beauty of the grounds
and the improvements made by the late owner have furnished the
basis for still larger improvements by Mr. Wyman, and today
these ten acres of ground, with the buildings thereupon, are
perfect in their possession of every appointment of a family
school, such as Professor Wyman has founded.
Yesterday,
June 16, was the closing day of the first year of this new
enterprise, which began one year since with three boys in
attendance, but which reached during the year the number of
sixteen – the limit proposed for membership being twenty-four. A
number of invited guests, chiefly from St. Louis and Alton, were
present during the morning session of the school. The exercises
consisted simply of the ordinary recitations in various studies
and admirably set before the visitors both the excellent work
which the pupils have become accustomed to, and also the
admirable methods of instruction for which Professor Wyman is so
justly celebrated.
At three o’clock, the company repaired
to the lawn, where they found a large gathering of Upper Alton
people who had assembled to witness the gymnastic drill of the
school. Two hours passed quickly, while the boys, under the lead
of their gymnastic professor, went through with their varied and
beautiful evolutions and exercises. They displayed great
proficiency, showing the careful training to which they had been
subjected. The exercises closed with a display of horsemanship
by the school, and it was difficult to decide which of the boys
was the best rider.
Upper Alton is surely favored in
having such an institution established among its beautiful
hills. With Shurtleff College steadily advancing in influence
and power, and with this new family school by Professor Wyman,
established under such favorable auspices, this quiet town,
equally suburban to Alton and St. Louis, bids fair to become at
the same time an educational center of no mean importance, and a
most desirable place of residence for refined and intelligent
people.
FIRE IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 2,
1880
Quite a disastrous conflagration occurred Thursday
night, on the place owned by Mr. J. E. Coppinger in the eastern
suburbs of Upper Alton, near the Rockford & Rock Island Railroad
depot, by which a large stable and carriage house, with the
contents, were burned. Mr. Michael Quinn, the tenant on the
place, was through the stable at 9 o’clock, and found everything
secure. An hour afterwards, he was aroused by his wife who
exclaimed that the horses and mules were burning. Mr. Quinn
immediately rushed to the rescue, but found the stable enveloped
in flames to such an extent, that it was impossible to save the
animals, and three mules and two horses were consumed, together
with a new wagon, a top buggy, four sets of double harness,
three sets of single harness, a fauning mill, eight hundred
bushels of corn, 50 or 60 sacks of wheat, and other articles.
Some of the fences and outhouses were also destroyed, and the
spread of the flames to the dwelling house and an adjoining
granary was only prevented by the determine efforts of Mr.
Quinn, and those who came to his assistance.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 7,
1880
Messrs. McReynolds Bros. have torn down the old building
on their lot on the corner of College Avenue and Liberty
[Washington Ave., north of College] Street, and will put up a
new and substantial building to be used by them as a wagon shop.
Passersby near Shurtleff College late Thursday might have
thought a cyclone had touched in that neighborhood from the
disordered appearance of the sidewalk and fence for some
distance. Some lawless persons have torn up a number of sections
of the walk, and committed further depredations on the new fence
across the front of the college campus. Such work is unworthy
the name of sport, and if the offenders are detected, we hope
they will be properly dealt with.
SERIOUS FIRE IN UPPER ALTON
Total Destruction of the Hovey
Block
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 14, 1880
About
eleven o’clock last evening (Wednesday), some young ladies on
the corner of Main Street and College Avenue discovered an
unusual light in the grocery store of Mr. J. H. Enlow, on the
southeast corner of the same streets, and hailed Messrs. E. A.
Benbow and H. T. Burnap, who were passing in a buggy. The
gentlemen named made a hasty investigation, and found the flames
already in possession of the first story, and hastened to give
the alarm to the neighborhood. Their shouts and the ringing of
the Presbyterian Church bell brought a number of men, who
succeeded in saving the stock of W. R. Ray in the next rooms,
and the household goods of Mr. Malsom, who with his family,
occupied the east end of the block. The building was a two-story
brick occupied by the following parties: J. H. Enlow, grocer;
George Nevlin, butcher; W. R. Ray, tin store and shop; M. and C.
Malsom, residence. The house was owned by Mrs. J. L. Johnson,
part of it was built in 1833, the rest has been added since, and
the whole remodeled some years ago by the late Mr. J. B. Hovey.
Mr. Enlow saved his books and whatever of value was in his
safe. By careful watching, none of the surrounding dwellings
suffered from flying cinders, although fears were at one time
entertained of Mr. Clawson’s residence adjoining the burned
block on the east. Dr. Burnap’s tile roof saved his elegant
house from catching from the burning fragments which poured over
it in an almost constant stream.
The origin of the fire
is a mystery, but was probably incendiary, or the result of
carelessness on the part of would-be burglars, as some
suspicious movements inside the building were seen soon after
the departure of Mr. Enlow for home by the Misses Branch
mentioned above.
ANOTHER FIRE IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph,
November 25, 1880
The two small frame buildings on College
Avenue, just west of Leverett’s Bookstore, were entirely
destroyed by fire on the night of November 18. The origin of the
fire appears to have been in the smaller building, which was
occupied by Mr. Louis Axtheim as a barbershop. The building
adjoining it on the west was used by Mrs. Matilda Johnson as a
confectionery store. Both were completely destroyed. The brick
building in the upper story, of which the Masonic, Odd Fellows,
Workmen’s, and Knights of Honor Lodges have their meetings (the
lower story containing the bookstore), suffered somewhat from
both fire and water. The window frames on the west will need
replacing, and a part of the awning in front was burned or torn
down. Some other small damages will make the total loss to the
brick building about $100.
The two frame buildings were
old and of little value, perhaps $500 for both. They belonged to
Mr. J. W. Clifford, who had no insurance. The upper part of the
store building belongs to the Masonic Lodge, and the lower part
to Mr. Joseph Burton.
The bookstore folks desire us to
express their hearty thanks to the strong and willing friends
who labored to save goods and other property, and to replace
them after the danger was past.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, December
30, 1880
Mrs. J. L. Johnson will replace the dwelling on the
northwest corner of Main Street and College Avenue with a
substantial store building with two or three rooms. She may also
put up a dwelling house on the site of the block destroyed by
fire lately. J. W. Clifford is talking of building a row of
one-story brick storerooms on his lots on the south side of
College Avenue. An effort is underway to continue and
complete the new College building, so long an eyesore to
passersby of the campus.
UPPER ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 13, 1881
Many of the old residents are talking of the cold weather this
neighborhood has been visited with in years past. The lowest
temperature reached this season in Upper Alton was 22 degrees
below zero. It was 13 degrees below zero on Monday morning in
the north end of town.
For several days the youngsters
have had their rights to the sport of coasting [sledding] by
their elders. Saturday afternoon, the hill back of the Laclede
Hotel was covered all day with people of all ages, from the boy
of six to the venerable president of the Town Council. One
medical citizen has hardly given himself time to eat for several
days, for fear the runners of his new sled would grow rusty,
while a legal friend has snatched many a moment between the
calls of clients to bestride his restless sled and join the
merry throng.
THE WYMAN INSTITUTE
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 27,
1881
We visited this institution about the time of its
opening, a little more than a year ago, and as our readers may
remember, were greatly interested in the preparations made and
the plans projected by its enterprising proprietor. We have just
made another visit to it, and are astonished at the rapid
culmination of those plans. Only a master hand could, in so
short a time, have achieved so marked a success. The Wyman
Institute is already a “model family school,” for we doubt
whether in the character, variety and completeness of its
provisions, its methods of instruction, or the efficiency of its
government, it has its equal anywhere. The establishment is one
of excellent general influence in our educational community,
while the special work it is doing for its inmates must be of
incalculable value to them. They are, after all, its best
recommendation to the public. Their bright, intelligent faces,
their exemplary deportment, and manly bearing are matters of
frequent favorable comment among our citizens. We congratulate
Professor Wyman on his splendid success, and his patrons, the
majority of whom are our St. Louis neighbors, on the benefit
they are deriving from that success, and trust the liberality of
their patronage will keep pace, as it seems likely to do, with
the excellence of his management.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 10,
1881
The frame building in the north part of Upper Alton,
occupied as a hall by the colored lodges of Masons and Odd
Fellows, was entirely destroyed by fire early yesterday morning.
It is supposed that the fire was left in an insecure shape after
a festival held on Saturday evening. The building and contents
are a total loss, nothing being saved but two wooden benches.
There was some insurance on the building, but none of lodge
property, so far as we have learned.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 5, 1881
Work has been fairly begun upon Johnson’s new building on the
corner of Main Street and College Avenue. The contract for the
woodwork has been let to O. R. Stelle & Son, who will push it
forward to completion at an early date.
EXHIBITION AT THE WYMAN INSTITUTE
Source: Alton Telegraph,
June 23, 1881
A company of several hundred persons assembled
on the pleasant lawn at Wyman Institute, Upper Alton, on June
15, to witness an exhibition of some of the modes of physical
culture practiced at that place. The gymnastic exercises were
under the direction of the teacher, Professor O. Assmann of
Alton, and were characterized by rare excellence and elegance.
The boys, who are fine physical specimens, took their places on
the lawn at the roll of the drum. They were clothed in a neat
uniform of dark blue, with white stripe down the pants, red belt
around the waist, and spotted necktie. Horizontal and parallel
bars, circular swings, turning poles, the “horse,” ladders,
Indian clubs, and other appurtenances were used, the
performances consisting of swinging, jumping, turning
summersaults, etc., being worthy of professional gymnasts. A
number of military evolutions were gone through, showing aptness
in the scholars and great skill in the teacher. The students
sang “America” in fine style, with accompaniment by the band.
Horseback riding was also indulged in, boys riding around the
track singly and by twos and fours, the gaits being a walk,
gallop, and a run, the changes being made in accordance with
signals on the cornet. One lad on a black pony created great
amusement. The boys proved themselves excellent riders, managing
their spirited steeds so well that horses and riders resembled
the fabled centaurs of old. The exercises throughout were such
as serve to strengthen the muscles and develop the form. The
young gentlemen acquitted themselves in such a way as to delight
the large, cultured audience in attendance, and were often
rewarded with bursts of applause.
At the close of the
exhibition, Professor Wyman made a few remarks thanking those
present for their kindness in attending. Before the students
were dismissed for the day, they went through a few military
evolutions, drew up in a line when one of their number called
for “Three cheers for Professor Wyman!” “Three cheers for the
Associate Teachers!” and “Three cheers for General Assmann!” The
cheers were given with a will, and the members of the school
were dismissed for the term. The interest of the occasion was
greatly heightened by splendid music by Professor Gossrau’s
band.
The shady grounds, the winding gravel walks, the
shaven lawns, the flowers, evergreens, and shrubbery surrounding
Wyman Institute made an appearance to attract and please the eye
of the most exacting critic. A number of American flags were
displayed about the grounds, ice water was plentiful, and
nothing was omitted that would tend to the comfort, amusement,
and pleasure of the guests of the institute. Professor Wyman is
to be congratulated not only on the great success of the
exhibition yesterday, but on the well-deserved popularity that
his splendid school has, in so short a time, acquired. In
addition to many prominent citizens of the Altons and other
places, were the following ladies and gentlemen from St. Louis:
Mrs. Dausman, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Pate, Miss Nellie Hazeltine,
Dr. McKellops, Captain Scudder, Mr. Brown of Dodd, Brown & Co.,
Mr. Hall, and others.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 7,
1881
The two new stores on the corner of Main Street and
College Avenue are nearly up, and will improve the appearance of
that corner greatly. The remodeling of the Hurlbut house is
almost completed. Work has begun on the extension of the
schoolroom on the south end of Shurtleff College chapel
building.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 4,
1881
The new stores now being constructed by Mr. J. L.
Johnson on the northwest corner of College Avenue and Main
Street are being rapidly pushed to completion. The buildings are
24x50, of brick, with corrugated iron roof. The corner store
will have a hall about 24x36 above. The other building is one
story. The latter will be occupied by Mahlon Malson with a stock
of groceries, and the corner will be rented by John Leverett,
who will remove the stock of books and stationery and gents’
furnishing goods from his present stand, as soon as the new
building is ready for occupancy.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 11,
1881
A Public Library Association has been organized in Upper
Alton, with the following officers: President, Mrs. Dr. Lemen;
Vice-President, Albert H. Hastings; Secretary, Mrs. T. M. Boyle;
Treasurer, C. W. Leverett. Committees to solicit subscriptions
and purchase books have been appointed. Space for the library
has been secured at Leverett’s Bookstore.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 13,
1881
Several improvements, in the way of new pavements,
crossings, etc., along the business streets, are contemplated by
the Council. We would suggest the desirability of a lamp post at
the corner of College Avenue and Liberty Street, and at the
intersection of the former street with Main.
The recent
erection of several miles of poles, each way from Upper Alton,
by the Mutual Union Telegraph Company, gives promise of an
office here, which shall prove less of a nuisance to all
concerned, whether operator or patron, than the present Western
Union office at the C. B. & Q. depot.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June
26, 1882
The bids for building the new college building were
opened Saturday. The stone work was let by itself, and the
remainder of the work together. Work will begin very soon on the
new building, and it is expected to be under cover before
winter. The contracts cover everything except seating the chapel
and heating the building. The new iron bridge over the west fork
of the Wood River is up and passable for teams, though not
entirely completed.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
August 3, 1882
We were shown this morning the “Journal of the
Upper Alton Lyceum,” the original records of this society, which
was formed in 1836, at a meeting at which Rev. Elijah P. Lovejoy
was President, and Z. B. Newman, Secretary. It embraced among
its members many respected citizens who have passed away, and a
few who are still living here or elsewhere. The tin
shop lately kept by E. E. Betts in the Clifford building is
closed. Upper Alton is now without a tin shop or stove store.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
August 29, 1882
The five tenement houses erected by Mr. S. S.
Hobart for Mr. William E. Smith are so nearly completed that
they will be ready for occupancy tomorrow evening. These houses
are situated on the west side of the Upper Alton street railway
line, a few hundred yards north of Bozzatown, in a very
pleasant, healthful location, with a fine view, including the
river, in almost every direction. The buildings are two stories
high with flat, gravel roofs, five rooms in each, being ten
rooms to each double tenement, good cellars, nice yards in front
surrounded with picket fence, board enclosure to the rear, large
cisterns, and the necessary coal sheds and other outbuildings,
all well arranged for comfort and convenience, and so separated
that the rights of the various tenants will not clash. Mayor
Pfeiffenberger was the architect, and to him, as well as to the
contractors and various builders, great credit is due for the
fine arrangements, and the promptness and efficient manner in
which the work has been done.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph,
October 11, 1882
Dr. Yerkes and family have taken up their
abode in their new residence, which is nearly completed.
Telephone 88 will raise the doctor, day or night. The new house
was planned by J. B. Legg of St. Louis, and built by J. S.
Elwell of Upper Alton, and combines elegance with comfort in an
unusual degree. It is fitted throughout with gas pipes, has
bathroom on the second floor, and stationary wash basin off the
lower hall. Both front and side doors are connected by speaking
tube with the Doctor’s sleeping room, and by a simple
arrangement, the telephone box can be disconnected downstairs
and attached to a wire running into the same apartment, thus
making it possible for the Doctor to prescribe for the ailments
of the outer world without the necessity for a hasty toilet.
A new nights ago, Mr. John T. Brown, who lives east of town,
was awakened by some slight noise to find a pole in close
proximity to his bed. The upper end of the pole bore a bunch of
rags, soaked in chloroform, while the lower end was manipulated
by some unknown individual, who took to his heels upon finding
his anesthetic did not produce its desired effect.
VETERAN OF THE BLACK HAWK WAR
Mr. John H. Smith of Upper
Alton
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 1, 1883
Mr. John H.
Smith of Upper Alton, for 53 years a resident of Alton, was a
soldier in the famous Black Hawk War, a war in which Abraham
Lincoln said that he “fought, bled, and came away.” Mr. Smith’s
experience was something similar. He was one of the few examples
on record of men who were wounded in that conflict. He was on
picket duty in the vicinity of Rock Island at the time of the
occurrence. An Indian warrior in ambush fired at him, inflicting
a wound in the leg that caused Mr. Smith to fall. The savage
then rushed forward with uplifted tomahawk to complete the work
of death, but his white opponent was too quick for him, and the
red man was met, almost in reach of his helpless foe, by a
bullet that ended his career. As Mr. Smith fired, the Indian
threw up his hands, tottered, and fell to the earth a corpse.
The warrior’s gun, tomahawk, scalping knife, and other weapons
were seized as legitimate spoils of war. The captured gun was
afterwards presented by Mr. Smith to Royal Weller, and was used
by him in defending Godfrey & Gilman’s warehouse against the mob
the night Lovejoy was killed, and was lost on that occasion. We
think that the few survivors of the Black Hawk War are entitled
to pensions, the hero of this sketch being especially deserving.
WYMAN INSTITUTE EXHIBITION
Source: Alton Telegraph, June
14, 1883
The lawn exhibition at Wyman Institute Tuesday, to
exemplify the methods of physical culture at that school, was
attended by a large company of ladies and gentlemen from Alton,
St. Louis, Jerseyville, and other places, in spite of the
elements which seemed to conspire against the exhibition. The
rain poured steadily from one o’clock until the middle of the
afternoon, thus preventing any outdoor work. In the meantime,
the company occupied the parlors, halls, drawing rooms, and
verandas of the spacious edifice, also the gymnasium. The
students whiled away the time with songs, and Mr. Frank Wyman
greatly interested the company with a few popular melodies
whistled in the most artistic manner, with organ obligato.
Professor Gossrau’s full band were stationed in the gymnasium,
and occasionally delighted their hearers with musical
selections, finely rendered.
The grounds were in splendid
order. The closely shaven undulating lawns, diversified with
little valleys, miniature lakes, rustic bridges, clumps of
flowers, graveled walks, evergreen trees, and shrubs, with an
occasional monarch of the forest, statuary being placed here and
there made a vision of beauty, one that might be likened to a
nobleman’s seat in “Merrie England.” The highest degree of taste
is manifested in the arrangement of everything about the place,
showing that the eye of a true artist actuated the moving spirit
in the matter.
At 3:30 o’clock, the welcome cry was heard
that the clouds were breaking away. The rain ceased, the bell
rang, and the boys “sprang to arms,” their eagerness intensified
by the long-enforced quietude. The students, 38 in number, were
formed on the gravelly plateau just north of the gymnasium. It
afforded a favorable place for their evolutions in spite of the
moisture that prevailed, and under the command of their teacher,
Professor Assmann, went through a series of evolutions that were
viewed with wonder and delight by the spectators. The boys had
an attractive uniform of white shirt, dark blue pants, blue
necktie, and scarlet hose. Whether marching singly, by twos, by
fours, sections, platoons, or columns, they never failed, and
although at times the movements seemed inextricably complex,
such was the mathematical precision with which they were
performed, that the swiftly shifting lines invariably came out
in true order. Next the lads filed into the gymnasium, and each
appeared with two ponderous Indian clubs, and handled them with
a readiness that showed not only their skill, but gave evidence
of the well-developed state of their muscles. After they
relinquished the clubs, they gave a fine exhibition with wands,
handled something like muskets. This exercise showed that the
participants were prepared with the proper implements to make
first class soldiers. At the close of this exercise, the parade
was dismissed for a time, giving the young athletes a short
season for rest. The long roll, beaten by Major Elble, gave the
signal for the re-assembly at the marquee on the grounds east of
the gymnasium. Thence, the class marched in a long line to the
parade ground, attended by the band, the red, white and blue
uniforms making a beautiful contrast with the rich green of the
lawn. On account of the muddy state of the grounds, the
equestrian exhibition was necessarily omitted. Fourteen fine
steeds and their riders, all splendid horsemen, were in
readiness, and the omission of this feature was quite a
disappointment. To compensate to some extent, however, a bicycle
drill took place with ten participants, under the command of Mr.
Fred W. Billings of St. Louis. This was succeeded by a
tournament, a ring being suspended over the track at one point,
to be carried off on the point of the “lances” of the gallant
knights as they rushed along at full speed, being stimulated by
the bright eyes of the fair ones who watched the proceedings.
The students seemed to be unwearied by their long
continued exertions, and concluded the exercises by some superb
exhibitions on the turning poles in the gymnasium, all showing
that they have about reached the acme of physical culture, in
addition to the excellent mental training afforded by the able
corps of instructors, the complete list being as follows: Edward
Wyman, LL.D., Principal and Proprietor; Professor George B.
Dodge, A. M., Associate Classical Department; Professor L. M.
Castle, A. M., Associate Commercial Department; Fred Starr, A.
B., Resident Assistant; E. W. Schmidt, Teacher of German; Madame
J. Thompson, French; Professor Joseph Floss, Music; Professor O.
Assmann, Gymnastics.
The exhibition as far as it could
be given was a grand success, and gave evidence of the treat in
store, had the elements proved propitious. We should have stated
that Professor Wyman’s commodious hack was at the street cars in
readiness to convey visitors comfortably in state to the
Institute.
Previous to the lawn exhibition, Professor
Wyman, in the forenoon, gave a sketch of the methods of mental
culture, the branches taught, the standing of the students, and
many other matters of interest, especially to those having sons
connected with the school. The members of the faculty also gave
accounts of the advancement made in the various departments and
the encouraging progress made. As an evidence of the effect of
the wonderful skill and proficiency shown by the students, not
equaled, doubtless, by any institution in the country, a
gentleman from St. Louis said he would be glad of the
opportunity to exhibit the class through the country, to show
the feats they can perform.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 26,
1883
A new building for the better accommodation of the
students of Wyman Institute is in process of construction. It is
designed for a school room, and will be both pleasant and
commodious. If we may judge the excellent taste and sound
judgment of Professor Wyman from the evidences in the past, we
may safely predict a structure at once most convenient and
tasteful. The visitor is again impressed with the conviction
that the celebrated Founder and Principal of this school is
determined to forego no convenience, to neglect no advantage,
which may make the life of its inmates both happy and
profitable. We compliment the students on the added comforts
awaiting them on their return in September.
VOGELPOHL BAKERY MOVES TO NEW BUILDING
Source: Alton Daily
Telegraph, September 13, 1883
F. L. Vogelpohl, baker and
confectioner, Upper Alton, Illinois, has removed to P.
Robertson's new building, where he will have an opportunity to
establish a more superb business in plain and fancy productions.
He will also introduce his New Process Bread, which will be
found more palatable, nutritious and healthy than any before the
public. Also, his New Process Dry Hop Yeast, kept dry, will keep
in the hottest and coldest climate; always reliable and not
subject to change. Superior to any yet before the public. A full
display of plain and fancy crackers, candies, &c, ice cream and
refreshments, fancy cakes in great variety. He also thanks the
public for past patronage, and hopes for future favors. All
orders will be promptly attended to.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 6,
1883
A little after midnight Friday night, the building on
Manning Street, occupied by Charles E. Krell and wife as a
residence and cigar manufactory, was discovered to be on fire,
and in spite of the exertions of neighbors and the help
attainable at that hour, the building was entirely consumed,
together with a large amount of raw stock and cigars. The origin
of the fire is unknown, the entire rear part of the house being
on fire when discovered. The building belonged to Mrs. J. B.
Reilly, and was a story and a half brick cottage. Mr. H. A.
Morgan’s residence, adjoining, and the car stables opposite,
were threatened, but through hard work on the part of volunteer
firemen, were saved. Mr. Krell’s goods were insured for $1,800.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 21,
1884
Captain H. W. Brolaski of Upper Alton, commander of the
Anchor Line Packet, Arkansas City, has had a landing named for
him. Brolaski Landing is 125 miles above Memphis on the Arkansas
side, and was formerly called Hickman’s Landing. A town will
soon be founded at this point.
BULKLEY HOUSE IN UPPER ALTON ON FIRE
Source: Alton
Telegraph, March 26, 1885
About three o’clock yesterday
afternoon, the residence of Rev. Dr. Justus Bulkley on Leverett
Avenue was discovered to be on fire. The origin of the fire is
unknown, but it was first discovered in the sheeting of the
roof, over the third story, which is plastered on the rafters.
It was very difficult to fight the fire, which spread rapidly,
and seemed destined to demolish the house, but ready workers
were soon on the roof and nearly a hundred buckets from the
college and neighboring residences were brought into use passing
up water, and after a hard half hour’s fight, the house was
saved. Meanwhile, everything portable was moved out of the
house. A score of young ladies from the college lending their
assistance to the work of salvage. As soon as it was seen that
the fire was out, the same willing hands carried back the
furniture, which had suffered but little from its hasty
handling. Nothing but hard work well-directed, and plenty of
water saved this handsome dwelling from destruction. As it is,
the house will not be habitable for some days, and the family of
fourteen persons is distributed among the neighbors.
WYMAN INSTITUTE
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 11, 1885
Judging from the throngs of Alton people that annually visit
this institution, it cannot be unknown to many that there has
grown up in Upper Alton during the last few years a boys’
school, which for excellence of work, completeness of
appointments, and beauty of surroundings, is second to no
similar school in this country. This enterprise has been built
up to its present proportions through the individual and
untiring efforts of Professor E. Wyman, LLD. While he has been
ably supported by a corps of excellent teachers, the planning
has been altogether his, and this model school stands as the
crowning success of a life of educational work reaching back for
more than a generation. Dr. Wyman has numbered among his pupils
many who are now prominent businessmen of St. Louis, whose sons
(and even grandsons) he is now leading along the same paths that
gave direction to their fathers’ successful lives.
Tuesday closed the scholastic year of 1884-5, and the afternoon
was given up to a lawn exhibition, which presented the several
methods of physical culture in which the pupils receive regular
and systematic training, embracing calisthenics, military drill,
Indian club exercises, fancy parade, gymnastics, skirmish drill,
foot racing, vaulting, equestrian exercises, bicycle drill, and
tournament. The performances were of such a superior character
as to very nearly approach perfection in all the departments.
The spectators were loud in their praise of the perfection of
the performances, and of the ability of the famous educator
whose skill in training both mind and body is surpassed by none.
The music, which interspersed the exercises and also
guided the movements of the boys, was furnished by the St. Louis
Grand Orchestra. A special train chartered for the occasion by
Professor Wyman brought about 500 people from St. Louis, landing
them on the grounds of the institute. Among the visitors from
St. Louis were: Colonel A. A. Talmage, Rev. George C. Adams,
Rev. George E. Martin, Dr. I. N. Love, Major L. L. Butler,
Messrs. James Carpenter, W. F. Niedringhaus, F. G. Niedringhaus,
James Richardson, C. O. Dutcher, S. C. Edgar, Joseph Specht,
Julius Pitzman, C. L. Buchman, O. F. Garrison, and others.
NEWS FROM UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 5,
1886
The east room at schoolhouse No. 3 and 4 has been torn
off. The material will be used at the new building, and the part
of the old schoolhouse left standing will probably be converted
to the use of the janitor.
REPUBLICAN RALLY IN UPPER ALTON -
700 TORCHES LINE THE
STREETS –
POWERFUL SPEECH BY CAPTAIN SPARKS
Source: Alton
Daily Telegraph, October 19, 1888
About 7:30 o'clock last
evening, the Alton marching companies gathered at headquarters
and started on the march to Upper Alton to attend the Republican
rally. The famous Pioneer Club led the way under Captain Glen
and Lieutenants Magonigal and Linsig. Next came the stalwart
Glass Workers' Protective Club, Captain Galbally and Lieutenant
Synar; and the Glass Workers Colored Club, Captain Charles Bell.
Then the Alton Flambeau Club, Captain Tarbet; next the Harrison
and Morton Cadets, Captain Herb; Alton Colored Club, Captain
Townsend.
In all, 300 strong, headed by the Standard
Band, Captain Herb was Marshal of the Alton delegation. The
Alton boys made a magnificent display as they marched down
Second Street [Broadway] and on to Upper Alton. Their delegation
was four or five times as large as the one the Democrats sent to
Upper Alton at their last rally.
The Alton companies were
met by the other delegations near the residence of Mr. Labee and
all united in one grand procession. The line of march in Upper
Alton was as previously published excepting a deflection from
the corner of Main and Edwards Street to Manning, and thence to
College Avenue. The illuminations along the route were an index
of the sympathy of the citizens with the cause represented,
while the troops were cheered on by the flutter of flags and
kerchiefs from old and young as they passed along the brilliant
streets. Among the houses illuminated were the residences of the
following persons: J. C. Cox, J. A. Bradley, Mrs. F. Hewitt, L.
Ehrler, H. A. Morgan, S. F. Bell, Dr. E. C. Lemen (office), Mrs.
Dr. Yerkes (house), G. W. Dudley, I. H. Streeper, A. R. Howard,
W. W. Bell, J. Synar, E. H. Labee, A. E. Mills, F. Schwartsbeck,
C. Simon, Mr. Burnside Sr., W. E. Bell, J. VanFossen, W. C.
Lowe, H. W. Harting, Mrs. C. Rodemeyer (one half the house), E.
G. Webster & Co. (store), A. H. Hastings (store), Israel H.
Streeper (store), John Leverett (store), H. T. Burnap, J. L.
Johnson, L. J. Clawson, J. R. Kirkpatrick, J. H. Weeks, J. C. C.
Clarke, Mrs. W. S. Judy, E. Marsh, O. L. Castle, G. B. Dodge,
Dr. H. Judd, W. E. Gray, D. A. Wilkerson, Dr. E. C. James, J. M.
Owen, G. M. Levis.
Dr. Burnap was Grand Marshal; Aides –
Major Frank Moore, A. H. Hastings, S. F. Bell, F. Sargent and
George R. Johnson.
A careful count at the College corner
placed the number of torches at 575. A large number had dropped
out to accompany their families to the stand, so that 700 is a
very moderate estimate of the number of torches that were
carried in honor of the occasion, while the musicians and those
riding on horseback and in wagons would swell the procession to
700. A wagon load of young ladies from North Alton, one from
Upper Alton and one of damsels from Salu, vied with each other
in singing and added greatly to the interest of the occasion.
Delegations were present from North Alton, Godfrey,
Fosterburg, Bethalto and Emerald [East Alton], besides the Alton
clubs, also the Woodburn Drum Corps. Miss Pearl Hewit made the
presentation speech on the $50 silk company flag which the
ladies of Upper Alton gave the Upper Alton Club, and Israel H.
Streeper responded.
The stand where the speaking took
place, and around which the marching companies clustered with
flaming torches, was elaborately decorated with flags and
bunting. On the stand were: Captain Worden, Mr. Israel H.
Streeper, Dr. Lemen, Hon. J. M. Pearson of Godfrey, Captain
Butler of Alton, Mr. A. D. Metcalfe of Edwardsville, and other
prominent Republicans. Captain David R. Sparks, the speaker of
the evening, was introduced and delivered one of the best
speeches of his life. It was a splendid effort and was received
with warm manifestations of favor. The Captain spoke for an hour
and would have continued longer, but a storm was threatening and
he brought his remarks to a close. The audience present was a
magnificent one, numbering from 2,500 to 3,000. The meeting was
a grand gathering, surpassing any political gathering ever held
in our neighboring town. The Republicans of Upper Alton should
be proud of their success. The Alton companies were much admired
for their fine marching, showy uniforms and splendid appearance.
NOTES:
This Republican rally was for the 1888
presidential election, in which Republican Benjamin Harrison
(former Senator from Indiana) ran against incumbent Democrat
President Grover Cleveland. While Cleveland had more popular
votes, Harrison had more electoral votes and won the election.
Tariffs were the principal issue in the election – Cleveland
proposed a dramatic reduction in tariffs, arguing that high
tariffs were unfair to consumers, while Harrison took the side
of industrialists and factory workers who wanted to keep tariffs
high on foreign imports. Also, Cleveland opposed Civil War
pensions, making enemies among veterans, and lost the election.
SERIOUS ACCIDENT - DR. EDWARD C. JAMES OF UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 15, 1893
While Dr. E. C. James
and wife and two children of Upper Alton, accompanied by Mr.
Theo Sims, were driving in a carriage to attend a meeting of the
Alton Horticultural society Saturday at Godfrey, when going down
a hill the breeching on the horse gave way and allowed the
carriage to run onto him. The animal began kicking and knocked
the dashboard out. Dr. James was thrown out and was seriously
hurt, although it is not thought fatally. The two children were
also hurt, but less seriously than their father. Neither Mrs.
James nor Mr. Sims were hurt. Dr. James was resting as
comfortably as could be expected this afternoon.
HISTORICL HOUSE BURNS TO THE GROUND
Cartwright
Homestead Destroyed by Fire
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 16, 1895
About 9:30 o’clock last night, the
two-story, 10-room brick dwelling house, the property of Mr.
George Cartwright of Upper Alton, was totally destroyed by fire,
together with a portion of its contents. The house is occupied
by the families of Mr. Cartwright and that of his son, Mr. John
Cartwright.
The fire originated in a summer kitchen
adjoining the house, but from what cause could not be learned.
It spread with rapidity, and as there was no way of fighting it,
the flames soon enveloped it from the garret to the ground. A
determined effort was made to save the contents, and a large
portion was removed. It lighted up the vicinity, and
considerable aid was rendered from outsiders. The loss is not
known, but will probably be in the neighborhood of $3,000.
This home is historical as being the site of the Moore
homestead, where the famous Indian massacre occurred, known as
the Wood River Massacre, in which a number of pioneers lost
their lives at the hands of the Indians.
Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 17, 1895
The origin of the fire which
destroyed the Cartwright homestead near Upper Alton is traced to
a stove in the room of an adjoining building, occupied by a
farmhand who was away from home when the fire broke out. The
entire building was destroyed, together with a considerable
amount of household goods on the upper floor. Mr. John
Cartwright will rebuild.
NOTES:
The Cartwright home,
located east of Upper Alton, was destroyed by fire on January
15, 1895. At that time, some of the children of George
Cartwright were living in the home. The fire was traced to a
stove in an adjoining building, occupied by a farmhand. The
entire home was destroyed, along with some of their furniture,
but no one was injured. The original home was a two-story,
10-room brick house, and was located on the former Abel Moore
homestead. Seven members of the Moore and Reagan family were
killed by Indians in the 1814 Wood River Massacre. The
Cartwright home was rebuilt, and the entire homestead sold in
1913 to the State of Illinois, for the purpose of building the
Alton State Hospital. The State continued to use the Cartwright
home for hospital purposes. In January 1921, the second
Cartwright house caught fire. A patient saw the roof was on
fire, and ran into the house and called the main office to
notify them. A fire hose was obtained, and the Alton Fire
Department was called. The roof was burned completely off, and
the lower part of the house was soaked with water. The home was
repaired, and still stood in 1933. It has since been razed.
UPPER ALTON - SHOOTING
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
February 21, 1895
Upper Alton was thrown into a state of
excitement last night, unusual to that quiet town. Charlie
Nevlin, the well-known horseman, was fatally shot, and "Dode"
Dailey had two fingers mangled by the pistol of John Nixon, a
glassworker residing in that town. About 7 o'clock Nixon came
downtown, it is stated, with the intention of resenting an
insult offered his sister by Burt Nevlin. They met in Burton's
store, and a bitter fight followed. They were separated, and
Charlie Nevlin and "Dode" Dailey followed Nixon to the post
office. The fight was renewed, and Nixon fired three shots into
the crowd of aggressors. The first ball flew wild, the second
broke two fingers of Dailey's hand, and the third struck Charles
Nevlin in the left breast in the region of the heart. Nevlin
uttered a cry and rushed to Barnard's drugstore, where he was
stripped, and the bullet hole showed the wound to be dangerously
near the cavity of the heart. Nevlin was removed to his home,
and Dr. Lemen was summoned. The ball entered just above the
heart and to probe for it meant death. It is possible that its
course changed sufficiently to lodge the bullet in a harmless
spot, but the chances are slim for his recovery. Dailey's
fingers were dressed and the crowd dispersed. Nixon came to this
city [Alton] and gave himself up. To a Telegraph reporter last
night he refused to make any statement, saying: "I have no
statement to make." Nevlin was a quiet man when sober, but when
fired by liquor was extremely aggressive. His family is
grief-stricken and fear that he cannot recover. Nixon is known
to be high-tempered and has been in numerous troubles. From the
facts gleaned, however, the sympathy seems to be entirely with
him, owing to the number of men that attacked him. He was struck
in the face with rocks and had his head and face bandaged last
night so that he could scarcely talk. The trouble has been
brewing for some time. Threats passed, and Nevlin and Nixon were
bitter enemies. Nixon was placed under $500 bonds to await
developments before his trial. The preliminary hearing has been
set for next Monday. At last reports, Charlie Nevlin was resting
fairly well, with the chances against his recovery.
NOTE:
Charlie Nevlin did survive his wounds, and refused to prosecute
John Nixon. In April 1895 the case was dismissed. Nevlin was a
native of Upper Alton, and a member of one of the pioneer
families of Upper Alton. His father, Nick Nevlin, was a butcher
who had a “stall” in the old Union Market on Market Street in
downtown Alton. Charlie Nevlin worked with livestock and the
butcher business all of his life. He died July 25, 1936 from
heart problems at the age of 75. He still carried the bullet in
his body from being shot by John Nixon.
John Nixon died
in July 1947 at the age of 79. He worked for the Illinois Glass
Company and was the former night captain of police under the
Mayor Beall administration.
LINCOLN SCHOOL IN UPPER ALTON DESTROYED BY FIRE
Source:
Alton Telegraph, September 2, 1897
Lincoln School, the
two-room frame schoolhouse in Salu Addition, where Upper Alton
colored school children are educated, took fire at 3 o’clock
a.m. Tuesday. Before any material assistance could be had by the
person who discovered the flames, the building was a heap of
ashes and charred wood. The origin of the fire is unknown, but
there are hints that it is incendiary, and some people go so far
as to say they know who set fire to the building. The main
building was of frame, and had been used for some time as a
colored school, but to it an addition of one room was being made
and was almost completed. The village school board set about
that morning to engage rooms for school purposes, to be used
until a new building can take the place of the old one. The
burned building was insured for $500.
Later – William
Pear, a fifteen-year-old colored lad, was arrested in Upper
Alton Tuesday on a warrant charging him with the crime of arson,
and being the incendiary who set fire to the colored schoolhouse
that was destroyed Monday night. He has not yet been given his
preliminary hearing. [The children met in the Upper Alton A. M.
E. Church for their education, while a new, two-story, brick
schoolhouse was being constructed. Number of students at that
time was twenty-five.]
UPPER ALTON POSTMASTER MISSING
Source: The New York Times,
December 1, 1897
No word has been received from W. L.
Gillham, the missing Postmaster of Upper Alton. The United
States authorities today took possession of the Post Office
through his bondsmen, who have instructions to withhold the
books from him should he return. Members of his family express
the utmost confidence that Gillham's affairs, both in the office
and in his private business, will be found perfectly straight.
They profess to have little fear lest he will return and
explain, but the fact that he has sent no word since the matter
has been published broadcast, where it must have met his eyes,
if alive, is in itself alarming. There are rumors abroad that
tend to reflect upon his character and temperament, but these
are so utterly at variance with his previous life and habits
that they are given no credence, and the theory of foul play
seems the most tenable.
UPPER ALTON MAN SERIOUSLY WOUNDED OVER A WOMAN
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, December 27, 1897
Jefferson Parks of
Springfield is dangerously wounded by George Mack Clayton. The
trouble began over a woman, formerly the wife of Clayton but who
later left him and clave unto Parks. It seems that the then Mrs.
Clayton became enamored of Parks, and at the last term of the
City Court obtained a divorce from her husband. Later on she
married Parks, and from that time on the feeling between the
successful and rejected husbands was anything but cordial. Mr.
and Mrs. Parks went to Springfield to live and came down to eat
Christmas dinner with Mr. Samuel Nichols, Mrs. Parks' father.
After eating dinner, Mrs. Parks bethought herself of certain
household goods that she had when she left her first husband,
and she sent her present husband after them. When Clayton saw
Parks, he began to revile his successor, and then, 'tis said,
the successor threatened to use a knife. Clayton pulled his
revolver and began a fusilade which lasted as long as cartridges
lasted. Then Clayton went into the house to reload his weapon,
and Parks, who had been hit by the two bullets, started to walk
away. He had gone but a short distance when he fell unconscious
and was picked up by passersby. Dr. Yerkes was summoned and the
wounded man taken to the Nichols home, where he still lies in a
dangerous condition.
VICTIM IMPROVING
Source: Alton
Telegraph, December 30, 1897
Jefferson Parks, the victim of
the shooting, is getting along nicely at the Nichols home in
Upper Alton. Parks, it seems, was not so badly hurt as was first
supposed. One of the bullets that struck him did not penetrate
the skin, and raised only a blister on his shoulder. The other
bullet entered his abdomen, but did not perforate the
intestines. He is in a fair way to recover, as his injuries are
not necessarily dangerous. There will be no prosecution of
Clayton by Parks, as he is satisfied that the causes of
provocation were about even.
INCANDESCENT LIGHT SYSTEM
STARTED UP IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
January 14, 1899
The Alton Railway and Illuminating Company
today started up the incandescent light system in Upper Alton,
after meeting with a mishap on January 1, the date when it was
first planned to start the system. The lights were tested today,
and they worked to perfection. They will be lighted tonight, and
it is calculated that the entire system - 60 lights - will work
perfectly. This light will be better, it is thought, than the
arc system, for the reason that they will not be shaded by
trees.
UPPER ALTON - DRAM SHOPKEEPER SOLD LIQUOR TO
SCHOOL BOYS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 17, 1899
James Logsden, a saloonkeeper who has a saloon near the C. B. &
Q. station east of Upper Alton, was arrested on a warrant sworn
out by Col. A. M. Jackson of Western Military Academy, charging
him with selling liquor to minors. The case was originally set
for trial next Monday, but through a mistake as to the date, the
plaintiff and defendant with their lawyers and witnesses
appeared at the council room this morning. The case was
dismissed at plaintiff's cost until Monday.
UPPER ALTON - A BAD RUNAWAY
Source: Alton Telegraph,
January 4, 1900
What might have been a very serious runaway
occurred near the C. B. & Q. station in Upper Alton New Year’s
Day afternoon. A horse attached to the milk wagon of William
Roberts started to run away on the road leading to the depot,
and became so wild the boys who were in the wagon, a son of S.
H. Culp and a nephew of Mr. Roberts, Alvin Deen, could not
control it. The horse dashed down the road and the Deen boy
jumped from the wagon, but the door slammed shut after him,
penning the Culp boy in. The Culp boy was badly cut about the
forehead and was severely bruised. His father, S. H. Culp, was
standing near when the runaway occurred, and saw his son thrown
out when the final crash came, but did not know it was his son.
The horse freed itself from the wagon, and running to the
riverbank frantically leaped into the Wood river, fifteen feet
below. The river was covered with ice and the horse broke
through, sinking in the freezing water until only his nose was
above the surface. The animal with almost human instinct kept
its nose above the water until ropes were procured and fastened
about its body. Then the shivering creature was dragged from the
water.
SCHOOL BELL WILL RING AT CURFEW TIME IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20, 1900
The town
council held their meeting last evening. They passed two grading
ordinances, the paving ordinance and curfew ordinance. At a
recent meeting the curfew ordinance was amended so that the bell
on the village hall might be rung for the curfew, but trial
showed that the bell was not satisfactory for the curfew, so
they amended the ordinance again and now the school bell will be
rung at the curfew hour as heretofore.
OLD OAKEN BARREL FOUND IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, December 7, 1900
An old oaken barrel was
found yesterday, buried six feet in the ground where the
excavation is being done for the Upper Alton paving on Manning
street. In the barrel were papers, the writing on which had
become illegible, and the nature of the documents is not known.
The barrel shown indications of having been buried a long time,
and it is probable it was placed there long before the days of
the street railway.
BARN SET FIRE TO "GET EVEN" WITH OWNER - TWO HORSES BURNED TO
DEATH
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 24, 1901
Flames were seen issuing from the barn of Aaron Alred in Upper
Alton about 10:30 Monday night, and although a big crowd of
people collected immediately, the barn was completely destroyed
together with all contents, including two horses, one valued at
$300, the other at $50. The winter's feed, hay, corn, bran,
etc., went also, as did some harness, a road wagon, and other
things which run the amount of the loss up to about $500. There
was no insurance. The work is thought to have been that of an
enemy of Mr. Alred. About two weeks ago someone, through a crack
of the barn, shot the mare, but did not inflict a serious
injury. The perpetrator was never discovered, although strong
suspicions are entertained concerning his identity. somebody set
fire to the barn last night. No one up there appears to have any
other theory, and a determined effort will be made to run the
fiend down, who in order to "get even" with Mr. Alred, caused
animals to suffer the awful agonies of a death by fire. Mr.
Alred lives in the old Hasting's place.
UPPER ALTON - LACLEDE HOTEL REOPENED
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 3, 1901
The Laclede Hotel, which for many
years was conducted by Mrs. M. A. Bridges in Upper Alton, and
became famed for providing a good table, was reopened today by
Mrs. Bridges after a severance from hotel duties for over two
years, during which time Pie Town has been without a hotel.
ROCK SPRING PARK STONE QUARRY
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 12, 1901
Upper Alton News - Charles Wade
will open a stone quarry at Rock Spring Park, where stone will
be obtained to be crushed into macadam for the Upper Alton
street paving. Mr. Wade has secured the contract for furnishing
600 squares of macadam, and will move his crusher to Rock Spring
Park where it will be set up to crush the stone. The macadam
will be hauled in wagons to College avenue, where it will be
used as a bed for the paving.
UPPER ALTON - BOY FOUND NEAR FROZEN RETURNS
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, December 10, 1901
Twelve or fourteen years
ago, one cold winter morning, a ten-year-old boy was found in a
straw stack near Upper Alton, nearly frozen and half starved. He
said he didn't know to whom he belonged, that he was always an
outcast and that he had no relatives. He was taken in charge by
a woman named Woods, and he worked on her farm several months
when he disappeared. Last Wednesday, a fine looking, well
dressed, prosperous looking gentleman appeared in Upper Alton
and announced that he was "Ceon" Woods, the boy who was found in
the straw stack. He had gone west and had prospered, until now
he is able to reward everyone who was kind to him in the time of
need. That is the reason he came back.
UPPER ALTON BRASS BAND
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
July 15, 1902
Much interest is being taken in the new Upper
Alton brass band that was organized last fall, but never did
much in a progressive way until this summer, and now the boys
are making up for all the time they have lost in the past. When
the band was organized, about thirty boys and young men were
taken in as members, and all were much interested and very
enthusiastic, but by the time the boys got their instruments and
began taking lessons, there were about eight or ten members that
stuck to the organization. The remaining boys made good headway
during the winter and now are able to play together. The boys
about town all want to join now, but the membership will be held
down to about twenty, which number they now have and are
progressing rapidly. The town council has given the band the
free use of the village hall two nights a week, and the boys
will practice there on Monday and Friday evenings. Last night
when the band boys arrived at the hall for rehearsal, there were
about two or three hundred interested spectators gathered around
the village building. The business men are going to give the
boys a new bass drum and will do everything possible to help
make a success of the organization.
WHISKY LOST IN RAILROAD ACCIDENT –
UPPER ALTON PEOPLE
CARRY BUCKETS OF WHISKY AWAY
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 4, 1902
A car load of whisky was spilled on the
ground in a wreck back of the Western Military Academy last
evening. Train No. 84, loaded with stock, ran into train No. 80,
loaded with general merchandise, while the train was stalled on
the grade and was trying to make another start. The second train
came up behind the first one and crashed into the rear end, the
engineer being unable to see the train ahead on account of the
drizzling rain and fog. The caboose of the forward train was
thrown from the track, and the trainmen inside had wonderful
escapes. A car ahead of the caboose was loaded with expensive
whisky. The barrels were thrown out of the car and many were
broken open. The ground was saturated with liquor, and the fumes
were intoxicating to the men who were clearing the wreck. The
Western Military boys obtained permission to view the wreck, and
they went over to the place, but when Maj. Lowe discovered the
nature of the contents of the car, he quickly lined the boys up
and marched them away. The Upper Alton people soon learned of
the accident, and many carrying buckets went to the wreck to
"save" some of the whisky. It is said enough was saved to last
the town for some time to come. Afterwards someone touched a
match to the whisky and alcohol spilled on the ground, and it
burned fiercely. A large part of the contents of the car was
lost to the railroad company.
C. B. & Q. TRAIN DERAILED NEAR UPPER ALTON STATION - ENGINEER
FRANK HORN KILLED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January
14, 1903
A bad wreck with only one fatality occurred on the
C. B. & Q. tracks two miles north of the Upper Alton station on
a steep grade there. Engineer Frank Horn was instantly killed
while trying to jump through his cab window. His fireman was not
even scratched. The entire train left the track at a broken rail
and leaped down an embankment ten feet high. The engine turned
over on its side after running a quarter of a mile on the ties,
dragging the mail, baggage, express and day coaches down the
embankment with it. The chair car was tottering on the verge of
the bank and the sleeper was just a little way off the rails.
The day coach, containing about 25 passengers, was dragged from
its trucks, thrown out in a cornfield and landed right side up.
The passengers stayed in the coach until the relief train was
sent and strangely enough, not a single passenger was injured.
Among those in the car were Harry Bray, a traveling man, and Ed
Thornton of Alton, both well known in this city. The fireman
says that the last thing the engineer did was to set the
airbrakes to stop the train, and he saw him try to leap through
the window of the cab. Just then the engine turned down the
embankment on the engineer's side and crushed Horn. The fireman
escaped without an injury. The mail clerk's car was overturned,
almost upside down, when the wreck occurred. G. L. Mitchell of
Rock Island, and E. W. Ebey of Winchester, were the two mail
clerks. They chopped their way out of the car with axes and were
only slightly bruised, although their position was a bad one.
Conductor Pollard was slightly bruised, and his brother, the
baggage man, Amos Pollard, was also slightly hurt. The mail car
stove was overturned and fire started in the car. Passengers
carried snow and threw it on the fire, extinguishing it. The
wrecked train was the one that formerly went through Alton to
St. Louis at 4:10 p.m. The accident occurred about 4:30 p.m.,
just before the train reached a steep grade and a sharp curve.
The wonder is that many of the passengers were not killed, and
that the wreck was not more serious. The body of the engineer
was taken from under his engine, No. 1163, at 2:30 o'clock
Wednesday morning. The body was cared for by Deputy Coroner
Streeper, who held an inquest and a verdict of death from the
accidental overturning of engine No. 1163 was found. Horn's body
was crushed in a horrible manner, and it is said there was not a
whole bone in it. He was 55 years old and leaves a wife and one
son. The body will be sent to Beardstown this evening for
burial. The track has been cleared but the overturned engine and
cars have not been picked up.
UPPER ALTON - MILTON HEIGHTS ADDITION
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, March 25, 1904
As evidence of the rapid
growth of the Altons, attention is called to the many additions,
divisions and subdivisions being opened up in Alton, North Alton
and Upper Alton, and the fact that the lots in these additions
sell rapidly and sell to actual home builders should be
conclusive proof that the Altons are "spreading themselves"
greatly. Milton Heights addition to Upper Alton is the latest,
and consists of 32 acres of land formerly owned by the late
James Rixon, and which was purchased yesterday by W. W. Lowe,
who has made several additions to Upper Alton already and has
disposed of almost every lot in all of them. The tract is just
southeast of Upper Alton and adjoins the Loehr & Lowe
subdivision on the east. The location is high and healthful and
commands a splendid view, river scenery, and of the surrounding
country. Mr. Lowe set men to work Thursday clearing the land of
all undergrowth, etc., and will have it surveyed and platted at
once, and the lots will be ready for purchasers early in April.
UPPER ALTON - OLDEST LANDMARK TREE REMOVED
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, May 27, 1904
One of Upper Alton's oldest
landmarks was removed when the old locust tree at the corner of
Locust street and College avenue was cut down this week. The
tree was a very large one and has been there for almost one
hundred years, according to the oldest residents. This old tree
gave the name to the street many years ago. The new brick
sidewalks to be laid on that street made it necessary to remove
the old landmark.
UPPER ALTON - SKELETON FOUND
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 1, 1904
Contractor A. Kleinschnitger has a
force of men engaged excavating for the foundation of a building
to be put up for William Stork on Manning street, Upper Alton,
and these men Friday evening were startled badly when their
spades uncovered the jawbones and grinning, ghastly-looking
teeth of a human. Other bones were found, but the above were the
only ones very well preserved, and it is thought the skeleton
was that of a woman because the teeth were small and the
jawbones smaller than is usual with a man. "The oldest
inhabitant" does not remember of anyone ever being buried there,
publicly, and is certain the place was never the site of a
cemetery. Speculation is all there is concerning the identity of
the remains, and speculation of that kind is not better than
speculation generally is in other matters.
UPPER ALTON BAND GETS NEW NAME - THE COLONIAL BAND
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, December 17, 1904
The Upper Alton
Band has almost become an Alton organization now. When the band
was organized it was composed of Upper Alton boys only. Now the
band has a new name (the Colonial Military) and there is nothing
in the name that would make it give the impression that the
organization was an Upper Alton institution. The band has an
Alton leader, also several players, and has arranged for a
rehearsal hall in Alton, which the band will begin using next
week. The boys say that they were not given as much
encouragement by Upper Alton business men and people generally
as they might have been.
BIG FREIGHT TRAINS COLLIDE AT WOOD STATION
Car Load of
Powder Explodes; Engineer Dies from Injuries
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 5, 1906
Two freight trains on the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, No. 13 and second section of No.
80, came in head-on collision one mile and a half north of Wood
Station, near Upper Alton, this morning at 8 o'clock. Fifteen
cars of merchandise and two monster locomotives were demolished
and immense damage was done to the two trains. The injured are:
Engineer Gove. Hinderer of No. 13 of Beardstown, left finger
fractured, dislocated shoulder and bad burns about the face;
head brakeman, George Anderson of Beardstown, perhaps fatally
hurt, left ankle broken, bad burns about the face and internal
injuries; and fireman W. A. Anderson, a brother of the head
brakeman, on No. 13, suffered only slight injuries to his chest.
Engineer John Mason and Fireman Lee Franks, both of No. 80 and
living at Beardstown, jumped and suffered only slight injuries.
They were not brought to St. Joseph's Hospital with the two
Andersons and Hinderer.
An incident of the wreck was the
blowing up of a car of powder in No. 13 when the collision
occurred. The report was terrific, and when the powder went up
it blew the car to fragments, sending pieces high in the air and
they came down in a rain, which threatened to kill the trainmen
who had escaped from the wreck and were hurrying to help their
less fortunate comrades. There were 400 kegs of powder in the
car shipped from East Alton to Beardstown.
The wreck was
due to a misunderstanding of orders. Engineer Hinderer had
orders to meet the second section of No. 80 at Wood Station. He
told the Telegraph today that he saw a train on the siding at
Wood Station, and thinking it was the train he was to meet, he
went on. It turned out the train he passed was an extra train.
About one mile and a half out of Wood Station, No. 13 met the
second section of No. 80. Both trains were running about 30
miles an hour when the impact occurred. The two trains were
heavy ones and were being drawn by mogul engines. When the
locomotives touched each other, they reared in air and fell
backward. They were demolished and reduced to heaps of scrap
iron. The engineer and fireman on No. 80 jumped and saved
themselves, getting out on the side of the train that was
safest. Engineer Hinderer and Brakeman Anderson leaped toward
the side where the wreckage piled and were buried under the
wrecks of their engine and the cars. Fireman Anderson, brother
of the brakeman, was more fortunate, getting out on the safe
side. Engineer Hinderer was able to talk at the hospital, after
his injuries were dressed by Drs. Pence and Bowman. He told the
Telegraph the details of the wreck, which are thrilling enough.
When he recovered from the shock of the collision and the roar
of the powder explosion, he found himself buried under the
wreckage of the cars. Some heavy car timbers were underneath his
shoulders and a pair of truck beams were across his stomach,
wedging him in. Some heavy truss rods were across his legs and
he was held a secure prisoner. With his thigh bone broken and
his shoulder dislocated, he struggled with frenzy to release
himself. The other men came to his assistance with axes and saws
and tried to get him out, but could make but little progress. He
called to the men to give him a saw, and with the saw he cut one
of the heavy timbers which was holding him prisoner, and in the
meantime the men were plying axes and saws to make an opening so
he could be taken out. When the engine tumbled over, Hinderer
says, he was just at the gang-way of the cab, and the hot coals
from the firebox fell out of the fire door and tumbled in his
face. He could not move his head and was slowly cooked about the
face. His burns are frightful. He is burned about the body and
face. "If that explosion of powder had set fire to the train,"
he said, "we would have burned to death in the wreck."
Fortunately, the explosion did no further harm than destroy the
cars and blow big chunks of wood and iron dangerously close to
the trainmen.
Brakeman George Anderson was pinned down
with a flat-car bumper on his side and firmly fastened under a
mass of wrecked car beams. He was lying a car length away from
Hinderer, and was rescued after considerable labor. He received
many burns about the face from steam and hot coals. Fireman
Anderson, who was only slightly hurt, gave a good description of
the wreck. Fifteen cars were piled up, he said, about five of
them being part of train No. 13, and the remaining ten being
from train No. 80. The cars which were demolished on No. 13 were
loaded with merchandise. There was one car of sewer pipe, three
carloads of muslin, and one filled with iron nut-locks and
bolts. The contents of the cars were scattered over the country
for a long distance, and muslin was being blown around freely.
When the trains came together there was a terrific shock
and everybody jumped. The two big engines reduced each other to
scrap iron and then began blowing out scalding water and steam,
and strewing fire around. Fortunately, none of the coals set
fire to the wreckage, and the powder explosion was almost
harmless. When the powder went off, several cars near the powder
car were blown to fragments and their contents were sent up in
the air with great force. Fireman Anderson said it seemed that
the downpour of fragments lasted a half hour, whereas it could
have lasted less than a minute. It kept him dodging big chunks
of metal and wood and pieces of the contents of the cars, to
save his life. He accompanied his brother to St. Joseph's
hospital and attended at his bedside in the ward room, watching
as the brother gave signs of needing any attention. The injured
Anderson is 23 years old and married. The injured engineer is 30
years of age and has a wife and child at Beardstown. Dr. Pence
said that George Anderson would probably die, as he gave
symptoms of very serious internal injuries. The cars which were
demolished were piled high in places and strewn around in
others. The cost of the wreck is enormous, as a vast amount of
property was destroyed. The work of clearing the wreck will
require several days. The wrecked locomotives present the worst
obstruction on the track, as they are in such a condition they
can't be moved only in sections. The two men were in a bad
condition at the hospital at noon. Anderson, the injured
brakeman, was very ill from his internal injuries. Hinderer was
suffering much pain from his hurts, but his condition was better
than that of the brakeman.
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, January 6, 1906
George Anderson, the head brakeman
on the wrecked C. B. & Q. train No. 13, died at St. Joseph's
Hospital last night from internal injuries he suffered in the
wreck. The immediate cause of Anderson's death was abdominal
injuries caused by him being caught between the bumpers of two
of the wrecked freight cars. He suffered intense pain from the
abdominal injuries and the attending surgeons could give no hope
of his recovery from the beginning. Fireman W. A. Anderson, his
brother, who escaped with slight injury, stayed with his
brother's bedside until the end came. The body was turned over
to H. J. Klunk and will be shipped to Beardstown tonight for
burial.
NOTES:
Wood Station was located on Woods
Station Road in Foster Township, about a quarter mile north of
255, on property formerly owned by Joshua Wood, who died in
1865. The Chicago, Burlington, & Quincy Railroad was constructed
through this area in about 1871.
METHODISTS WILL DEDICATE CRAWFORD HALL
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 18, 1906
The large Crawford
amusement hall will be opened up a week from tonight by a
chicken pie supper and festival to be held there by the ladies
of the Upper Alton M. E. church. A mixed program will be
rendered. This will be the first social function held in the new
amusement hall, which will be completed and ready for occupation
the first of next week.
ROLLER SKATE AT CRAWFORD HALL
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 28, 1906
Go into the roller skate egg-race
at the Crawford hall in Upper Alton tonight. Those who enter for
the race will each carry an egg in a spoon. Come and see the
fun, and get into the race.
NEW DANCING HALL OPENS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
June 1, 1909
Tomorrow evening will be the grand opening of
the Crawford Hall for dancing and everything is being arranged
to make the opening night a great success. The interior of the
hall has received a thorough cleaning out and is being
beautifully decorated today. Skating has been discontinued for
the summer, and the furnishings of the building have been
rearranged so as to accommodate an immense crowd of dancers.
Music will be furnished by an orchestra of three pieces. One
thousand invitations were issued to the opening event, and a big
attendance is expected. Dancing will be continued through the
summer in the new hall on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.
ALL MANNER OF AMUSEMENTS PULLED OFF BEFORE CRAWFORD HALL IS
WRECKED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 30, 1910
Just like it is the custom in the country to have a barn dance
in a new barn before any of the stock or implements have marred
the floors, has the Crawford hall in Upper Alton been worked
before it's being changed into a livery stable. Parties that
would never have been given were pulled off just to have one in
this hall before it was wrecked. Speakings, pictures, basketball
games, twenty or thirty farewell roller-skating events, and
several oyster and church suppers have made the hall the most
popular spot in Upper Alton the past month. Everyone was
clamoring for it to give some sort of a farewell, and had Patti
and Sarah Bernhardt heard of the hall, Upper Alton would have
heard them at ten cents a ticket just as sure as these two
celebrities love American farewells. Coroner Streeper, however,
has decided that he will not encroach on Manager Sauvage in the
amusement business, and that he is not a show man but an
undertaker. Thus, the repairs have been started and where
hilarity and laughter have ruled, the most quiet of all work
will be carried on hereafter.
[NOTES: Crawford Hall was
located on Washington Avenue in Upper Alton, in the 1600 block.
Coroner Streeper opened his funeral home on the property when
the hall was razed.]
UPPER ALTON - PIETOWN VINDICATES HER NAME
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, April 19, 1906
Upper Altonians last night
were taken back to the old days when that village was known far
and wide as Pietown, by the pie-eating feats performed by scores
of small boys and girls and grown up men and women. There were
hundreds of pies of all kinds and all full size, and it was a
comical sight to witness a very small boy tackling a very large
pie and turn it around and around wondering where to sink his
teeth in first to get the most lusciousness quickly. The pies
were furnished by Crawford Bros. free of cost, and lemonade in
large quantities was provided also.
UPPER ALTON RESENTS THE USE OF TERM "PIETOWN"
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, June 5, 1908
An Upper Alton
correspondent to the Telegraph voices the sentiment of a large
number of the Upper Alton people in expressing a note of
dissatisfaction with the frequent use of the term "Pietown" by
an Alton newspaper in referring to the village of Upper Alton.
"Pietown" was the term used years ago when Upper Alton had
little else to recommend it to the public than the ability of
the ladies of the town to make good pies. They demonstrated
their ability on more than one occasion, winning the hearts of
men and making marriages possible in a community where pretty
girls were having a hard time in offering attractions for young
men to visit, wading through deep streets and long, dark
highways. Today, however, Upper Alton has achieved a position in
the world as a village unsurpassed for physical beauty as well
as for other attractions as a residence place, and it is with
the earnest desire that the one-time tribute to the culinary
ability of the ladies be laid aside and a more dignified
appellation be used, that the protest is sent to the Telegraph
in order that the widest publicity may be given it. Upper Alton
is deserving of more consideration than to be referred to
slightingly as "pietown," and any person who has any sympathy
with the village in its aspirations to enhance its natural
beauty and make it more dignified as well as more pleasant as a
home, will join with the plea that the people who continue
calling Upper Alton "Pietown" cease it at once.
OLDEST FRAME BUILDING IN UPPER ALTON BURNED
ERECTED PRIOR
TO 1835
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, February 7, 1910
Probably the oldest frame building in Upper Alton was destroyed
by fire Saturday night at the southeast corner of College and
Washington Avenue. According to old men who have lived in the
village since they were young boys, the building was erected
sometime about 1833. It was originally built near Shurtleff
College, according to M. A. Lowe, and moved from there to its
present location. This would make it about 75 years on one site.
It was used for fifty years as a hardware and tin store.
The fire started in the Streeper Bros. place. It was
discovered by some Upper Alton boys who had been attending the
skating rink, and after the closing of the rink had taken a
lunch at the Stalder Bakery on Washington Avenue. They were
starting home, and on going around the corner at the Streeper
store, discovered the interior ablaze. They ran to the Henry
stable for help, and the hose cart was hurried from the village
hall to the place where the fire was raging. The Streeper
building, being a frame structure, burned so rapidly that
nothing could be done to save it, and the entire building burned
without anyone entering it.
The fire spread into the
adjoining building occupied by Frank Sargent as an office, and
later into the building on the other side occupied by Enos
Johnson's bank and insurance office. These three buildings, all
belonging to Edward J. McPhillips, were destroyed in a very
short time. The fire spread to the double two-story brick
building, also belonging to Mr. McPhillips, and occupied by John
Leverett, L. M. Taggart, The Star Telephone & Telegraph Company,
and B. C. Dailey. This building was saved, but all the tenants
suffered some loss by fire and water, the telephone company
being the heaviest loser. On the three buildings totally
destroyed, Mr. McPhillips had $2000 insurance besides $50 plate
glass insurance on the Streeper front. He estimates the value of
the three buildings at $6000. The damage done the double brick
building is covered by insurance.
The fire started a few
minutes before 11 o'clock when scarcely anyone was on the
streets, but within a half hour a crowd of six or seven hundred
people were watching and fighting the fire. Hose house No. 3 in
Alton responded to a call for help, and upon the arrival of the
department a hose was attached at the corner of Main Street and
College Avenue, and more water pressure was telephoned for. The
pressure at the beginning of the fire was very poor, but when
the extra force came it was more than sufficient. When the North
side of the building fell over into the street, the Upper Alton
hose was burned in two. Then it was so hot at the plug no one
could shut the plug off, but finally Frank Loehr braved the heat
and turned off the water. He had one of his ears severely
burned. When it became evident that the three buildings would be
destroyed, the attention of the fire fighters was turned toward
saving the adjoining property. The hardest fight was made in
saving the double brick building adjoining the fire on the east
side. The second floor of the building on the side next to the
fire is occupied by the Farmers Telephone Company, and two of
the rooms were burning rapidly on the inside. Miss Marian
Sweatenham, the night operator, stayed at the switchboard until
the fire got into the building, when she hurried down the
stairway into the street and did not go back again. The heat
made it very difficult to fight the fire in this. The telephone
company was badly damaged, but the fire was kept from spreading
to the front room where the switchboard is, and the board was
uninjured.
B. C. Dailey, who runs a grocery store in
this same building and lives on the second floor over the store,
had no insurance, and his household goods nor grocery stock, and
for a time he was threatened. The back porch and doors were
burned but the fire was kept from damaging his place further.
While the _____ building was burning a large consignment of
shotgun shells and rifle cartridges which had recently been
received started to explode. The shells flew in every direction,
and the crowd of spectators scattered. The noise made by the
shells was like a Fourth of July celebration, and some of the
shells went a block away from the fire. The rifle cartridges
numbered five thousand, and they kept up a noise for a half
hour. Soon after the fire started, the gasoline tank which fed
the lights in the Streeper store blew up and the report shook
the entire town.
Sunday was a quiet day in Upper Alton
as far as telephone conversation was concerned. Both the
telephone companies doing business in the town were heavy
losers. The big Kinloch cable at the corner of Washington and
College Avenues was burned a distance of several hundred feet,
and the pole at the corner on which was a cut-off box, was also
burned. The fire at the Star Telephone central office burned all
the cables going into the exchange. Men worked hard all day
Sunday, but telephone service was not resumed until today.
How the fire started or just where it started will never be
known. When it was discovered the flames were running up between
the Streeper and Sargent buildings, consequently it is supposed
the fire commenced in the wall between the places. Both places
had a stove at that wall, and both stoves were operated by the
same flue. Streeper Brothers recently took an invoice of their
stock, and they estimate the value of it at the time the fire
commenced at $8500. They have $6500 insurance. Enos Johnson's
loss was in office fixtures which was covered by insurance. On
account of the banking business, he carried a large amount of
money in the safe, which was not injured. The safe was opened
Sunday afternoon and the money was taken out and removed to the
vault at the First Trust & Savings Bank in Alton. There was said
to be about ten thousand dollars in the safe. In the offices of
Frank Sargent, John Leverett and Luther Taggart, there was no
insurance. The loss by the Star Telephone Company is about a
thousand dollars and is covered by insurance. The plate glass
fronts in the drug stores of Barnard & Kerr and The Clark Drug
Company were broken out by the heat from the burning buildings
across the street. The Valentine Reininger house was saved by a
hard fight, although it caught fire several times. The buildings
of C. W. Leverett and W. C. Stork were also slightly damaged by
the heat, but being brick structures they were saved. All these
losses are covered by insurance. In the office of Frank Sargent,
which is used as a polling place in Wood River township, all the
election booths, tables and other elections supplies were burned
up. E. J. McPhillips informed the Telegraph that he would erect
a modern two-story brick building within the next few months to
take the place of the Streeper building.
HISTORIC RESTING
PLACE GONE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 5, 1910
The old fence in front of the Laclede Hotel property on
Washington avenue, Upper Alton "resting place," collapsed last
evening under the weight of a crowd of "resters" who were
leaning against the fence, and when the crash came it was so
sudden that all the crowd fell backwards with the fence. The
fence has served as a leaning post for the loafers in Upper
Alton many years, and there always has been plenty of loafers.
B. C. Dailey, who conducted business in the Laclede hotel many
years ago, says the old fence must have been built almost fifty
years ago [1860]. It was well put up and was made of the best
material and certainly lasted as long as it was intended to do.
The collapse of the fence was a very amusing event. The fence
did not stand up straight, but leaned in from the street a
little, and from one end to the other it was lined up with
loafers who were leaning on the fence and talking about the V.
I. A. trip around the world, and the "airships" that were to be
connected with the trip. Suddenly, someone shouted "there goes
the airship," and pointed into the air. Everybody looked up, and
as they did the fence collapsed, letting the whole crowd fall
back into the hotel yard. Everybody had a fall, and although
more than fifty young men were in the crowd, no one was hurt.
HISTORIC CRAWFORD TO BE WRECKED
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 30, 1910
Just like it is the custom in
the country to have a barn dance in a new barn before any of the
stock or implements have marred the floors, has the Crawford
hall in Upper Alton been worked before it's being changed into a
livery stable. Parties that would never have been given were
pulled off just to have one in this hall before it was wrecked.
Speakings, pictures, basketball games, twenty or thirty farewell
roller-skating events, and several oyster and church suppers
have made the hall the most popular spot in Upper Alton the past
month. Everyone was clamoring for it to give some sort of a
farewell, and had Patti and Sarah Bernhardt heard of the hall
Upper Alton would have heard them at ten cents a ticket just as
sure as these two celebrities love American farewells. Coroner
Streeper however, has decided that he will not encroach on
Manager Sauvage in the amusement business, and that he is not a
showman but an undertaker. Thus, the repairs have been started
and where hilarity and laughter have ruled the most quiet of
all, work will be carried on, hereafter dancing fever and is
arranging before wrecking the hall an old time dance to be given
in the near future in his hall in Upper Alton. The dance is to
be one of the kind they used to have in the olden days. The
music will be furnished by some of the oldest musicians in this
vicinity, and nothing but the old-time dances will be danced.
Such a party ought to be a drawing card to all the elderly
people of the city, as well as the younger, as it would furnish
no end of fun for everyone. The dance will be arranged in a
short time.
THE QUEEN ANN and QUEEN ELIZABETH HOMES IN UPPER ALTON
UPPER ALTON - THE PASSING OF "QUEEN ANN" - THE OLDEST HOUSE
IN UPPER ALTON TORN DOWN - ORIGINALLY LOG CABIN
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, December 1, 1910
The old house at the
corner of College and Worden avenues in Upper Alton owned by
Mrs. A. A. Kendrick is torn down. Work was started wrecking the
old building yesterday, and today the work was completed and the
building now is a pile of kindling wood. Many years ago the
house was purchased by Rev. Dr. A. A. Kendrick, former president
of Shurtleff College. Dr. Kendrick's family never lived in the
house, but he rented it, and during the past fifty years many
families have made it their place of abode. Mrs. Kendrick gave
the old building the name of "Queen Ann," probably because she
thought it was built in the time of the queen. The house is said
to be at least one hundred years old, but it is not known
exactly when it was built. Several of the old residents of Upper
Alton were talking the matter over this morning, and several of
them can remember when it was a log cabin and was the only house
along the road. Col. A. F. Rodgers' memory runs back probably
farther and more distinctly than any person living in Upper
Alton, and he says the house was an old one 75 years ago. In
after years, the house was weather boarded, but the old logs
were still there until they were removed today. The house was
not a very large one, although it had nine rooms in it, some of
which were quite small. The old building gave shelter to those
on the inside many cold nights, but it served its time and will
no longer be one of Upper Alton's landmarks. Mrs. Kendrick will
not build on the site at present.
THE QUEEN ANN HOME
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 5, 1910
Captain
William R. Wright, the veteran of the Mexican and Civil Wars,
has given his account of what he remembers about the old house
torn down last week at the corner of Worden and College Avenues.
The property belongs to Mrs. Kendrick, and the house was called
"Queen Ann." Captain Wright thinks the house was built about
1820. He says it originally stood near the corner of College
Avenue and Seminary Street, about where the Baptist church
stands, and that it was the original Shurtleff College boarding
house. All that neighborhood was Shurtleff College property at
that time, and the house was built of logs. Captain Wright says
when he was a small boy, the house was moved down College Avenue
to the location it kept until last week. He says there is no
doubt but that it was the oldest house in Upper Alton.
QUEEN ELIZABETH BADLY DAMAGED BY FIRE
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 12, 1920
The house at the corner of College
and Worden Avenues, known for many years as "Queen Elizabeth,"
was badly damaged by fire Sunday morning about 10 o'clock. The
property was one of the Kendrick places, and was named many
years ago as "Queen Elizabeth," by the late Mrs. A. A. Kendrick
who owned the property. The house that formerly adjoined this
one on the east had been named "Queen Ann," and both houses were
used for tenement places by Mrs. Kendrick. The entire
neighborhood knew the houses by name, and when a prospective
tenant applied to Mrs. Kendrick to lease a place, the two places
were always distinguished from each other by name. Some years
ago "Queen Ann" became so old and the house was in such a bad
condition, that the owners of the Kendrick estate had it torn
down and the lot cleared up.
Sunday morning when the
Sunday schools were in session "Queen Elizabeth" was discovered
to be on fire. The fire had started around a flue on the east
side of the house, and the fire had extended almost the entire
length of the long structure underneath the roof before it was
discovered. Mrs. Schafer, a widow, was occupying the place, and
neighbors quickly carried all her belongings out into the
street. The fire department did some good work, and it took a
fight of over an hour by two companies to get the fire under
control. Mrs. Schafer is a daughter of Mrs. Sam Winters, who
resides in the C. & A. station house across the street, and she
went to the Winters place when her home was destroyed.
WORK STARTS ON JOHN MAUL'S NEW HOME WHERE QUEEN ANN FORMERLY
STOOD
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 24, 1926
John
Maul, a glassworks office worker, began work on building his new
home at the corner of College and Worden Avenues, where the
Queen Ann formerly stood. The Queen Ann and Queen Elizabeth were
the names of two very old buildings that formerly occupied that
corner. Both were owned by Mrs. A. A. Kendrick, and she named
both houses.
UPPER ALTON PASSED PROHIBITION ORDINANCE FORBIDDING LICENSING
OF SALOONS IN TERRITORY WHEN ANNEXED TO ALTON
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, February 14, 1911
The Upper Alton village
board passed, and Mayor Crawford approved, an ordinance which
forbids the licensing of saloons in the territory of the village
of Upper Alton. The ordinance was adopted at a special meeting
last night to prevent the starting of any saloons in that
territory as a protection to Shurtleff College and the Western
Military Academy. The ordinance will make no change from
existing conditions, but was passed for the purpose of setting
at rest any feeling of alarm on the part of the educational
institutions established in the village....The point that
worried the college people was that their charter forbidding
saloons within a mile, provides that the charter shall not
interfere with the city of Alton licensing saloons in the city
of Alton, even if within a mile of the college. The effect this
provise would have in event of annexation was the cause of
considerable discussion. However, the Supreme Court decisions
have held that when a village is annexed to another, and at the
time has a prohibitory ordinance in effect, licensing of saloons
will be prohibited in the territory annexed. With this ordinance
in effect, it is said, there will be much better chance of
annexation carrying.
UPPER ALTON ANNEXED INTO ALTON
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 10, 1911
The annexation of Upper Alton was
in full effect Thursday evening (March 9). Mayor Beall sent a
police officer to Upper Alton to begin looking after police
duties there, and Friday a day officer was sent there. It is
planned to give Upper Alton a day and night policeman. In
addition, Mayor Beall told the crew at Eliot hose house to begin
looking after any fires that might occur in Upper Alton, Later
when the motor trucks are received this will be much easier. The
committee representing the Alton board of education went to
Upper Alton Thursday night to hold a meeting with the Upper
Alton board of education. They requested the Upper Alton members
to continue discharging the duties of their offices until the
close of the present school year, and thereafter the care of the
Upper Alton schools will devolve on the board of the united
corporations. The Alton committee received a partial report of
the financial condition of the Upper Alton school, and will ask
for a fuller report later. The situation was discussed with
regard to the remainder of the district 99, which will be cut
off from Alton unless the people decided to ask to be annexed to
Alton. It was also discussed as to the future of the Upper Alton
High school. The committee from the Alton board informed the
Upper Alton board it would be probable the Upper Alton High
school would be discontinued in part to reduce the expense, as
there is room in the Alton school. The plan suggested is to
leave the first year or two in the Upper Alton school and have
the remaining years at the Alton School.
UPPER ALTON TO HAVE ALL-NIGHT LIGHTING
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 6, 1912
Upper Alton will now have
an all-night street illuminating service. As the result of a
conference between Supt. Macy of the Alton Gas & Electric Co.,
last night, with the Mayor and Finance committee of the city
council, it was agreed that beginning Friday night, the
all-night street lighting service would be started. The Upper
Alton streets have been lighted with Tungsten incandescent
lights. There are 73 the city pays for, and thirty the company
gives free of charge. Heretofore, the rate has been $15 a year,
and hereafter the rate will be $17.50 a year for each lamp. The
Upper Alton contract has four years to run. Mr. Macy told the
mayor that if he gets the Alton contract in 1913, he may be in a
position to give better light than now for the same money.
MAXEY - TAGGART HOMESTEAD IN UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 20, 1912
The house on Washington
Avenue in Upper Alton, two blocks north of College Avenue, known
as the Taggart Homestead, is said to be the oldest house in
Upper Alton, and in fact is one of the oldest buildings in
Alton. The exact age of this old house is not known, but it is
evident it is almost 100 years old. The house is standing vacant
at the present time for the first time in many years, and the
owners are contemplating either wrecking it or completely
remodeling and converting it into a modern house. The late
Samuel B. Taggart bought the property from the Maxey heirs about
forty years ago [1872], and the house was claimed at that time
to be sixty years old. It was built by Bennet Maxey, an old
Methodist minister, and the material used in it was cut from oak
trees which stood on the surrounding ground. Every piece of wood
in the house is oak, and was cut and worked up by hand. The
joists are oak timbers twelve inches square, and are as good
today as when they were first cut. The lath under the plaster
were split out of oak, and the weather boarding is of the same
variety. This house has furnished a home for many families in
years gone by, and there are a number of old residents of the
town who claim to have been born in it. The late I. H. Streeper
occupied a part of the house with the Maxeys at one time, and
the older children of his family were born in it. Luther Taggart
was the last person born in the old house, and he lived in it
with his parents twenty-seven years when the family vacated it.
Since that, the house was occupied by tenants until recently,
when it was vacated, and will not be occupied any more but will
be either torn down or rebuilt. A fact known to few residents of
Alton is that this old building once housed a saloon. In the
early days before Shurtleff College had a state charter
prohibiting saloons within a mile of the college buildings, the
grandsons of Bennet Maxey conducted a saloon in the front of the
house, where travelers stopped for rest and drink. The saloon
was widely known, as there were many people in those days who
traveled over land, and this saloon was a favorite stopping
place with them. A white pine sign board, which was used as the
sign for the saloon, is still in the possession of the Taggart
family and is kept as a curiosity. The sign advertises "wine and
beer." When this house was built, according to Judge C. W.
Leverett, the tract of ground that belonged with it consisted of
255 acres. Ebenezer Hodges was the first owner, and there were
several lawsuits and rows later on about the ownership, Judge
Leverett says. Finally, the section of land was divided, and
after passing through the hands of several persons, Bennet Maxey
became the owner and he laid out Maxey's addition as it now is.
His grandson, Thomas Maxey, was the last owner before the
property was purchased by S. B. Taggart. When this old house is
dismantled, as doubtless it will be in the coming year, one of
the oldest landmarks in Upper Alton will disappear.
ROCK SPRING PARK CHANGED - NATURAL FOUNTAIN NO LONGER RUNS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 3, 1912
One of the
prettiest features of Rock Spring park, the little spring that
gave the park its name, has been done away with. The natural
fountain which bubbled forth from a cleft in the rock no longer
pours water into the two little basins that are said to have
been carved in the solid rock by the Indians. There were two
little bowls into which the water ran, and it was possible to
scoop up a cup full of water at a time. A few years ago the
stream of water broke through in another place and poured forth
in two channels thereafter. The park commissioners have had a
hole cut in the rock farther upstream, about six feet, and in
this have inserted a sewer pipe, well cemented in. The sewer
tile drains all the water that formerly bubbled out of the
old-time spring, the work being completed last night. Now, while
the beautiful little spring has been wiped out of existence, the
water that once came forth into the two little stone basins
pours out of the mouth of the tile pipe, and anyone wanted a
bucket of water can get it by holding a bucket under the end of
the pipe. There will be many who will regret that the old-time
spring has been changed, wiped out of existence. It was a pretty
feature of the park, and one that was very attractive.
UPPER ALTON JOINS ALTON TOWNSHIP
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 10, 1913
Upper Alton is to become a part
of Alton Township, as the result of the action of the County
Board of Supervisors today, and the township unification plan is
advanced one step further. The action of the county board,
coming straight on the heels of the receiving of additional
support as the result of the local option issue being raised in
the township, caused considerable comment among the Upper Alton
people. Supervisor George Penning declared himself as being
positive that the matter would be contested in the courts. The
original petition to the county board for the withdrawal of
Upper Alton from Wood River Township into Alton Township was
started for the purpose of boosting a good roads project. The
people of Upper Alton defeated a bond issue proposition for good
roads in the township, and it was desired to get them out of the
township so they cannot vote again on the bond issue. The vote
was taken and it stood 18 for, and 11 against, five not voting.
This action will remove Upper Alton from Wood River Township,
and may even invalidate the local option petition.
UPPER ALTON - WOLF LEAVES HIS MARK ON BRICK LAID OVER 80
YEARS AGO
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 24, 1913
W.
A. Clark, the druggist, did not know when he started work
yesterday to tear a hole in the brick wall that separates his
drug store from the Ouatoga Theater, that he was going to
produce another Alton nature fake. The Clark Building is the
oldest business building in Upper Alton. Mr. Clark is making an
entrance to his theater building from the interior of his drug
store, and yesterday he set to work to tear a hole in the brick
wall so the door could be put in. The wall was built with
old-time, hand-made brick, and from the wall a brick was taken
that has a perfect footprint of a wolf upon it. According to Sam
Lowe, the building was put up in 1842. It is supposed that when
the brick was manufactured in some of the old time brickyards
that used to be in Upper Alton, a wolf came along and stepped
upon this brick before it had been burned in the kiln, and was
soft so that the wolf left his track upon it. Henry Fors, the
Washington avenue butcher, was greatly excited over the find and
he immediately asked Mr. Clark to give him the brick. He took it
to his meat market and has it in his safe.
LAST TRACE OF UPPER ALTON BEING IN WOOD RIVER TOWNSHIP
VANISHED TODAY - OLD TOWNSHIP SAFE MOVED TO EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 6, 1914
The last
trace of Upper Alton being in Wood River Township vanished
today, when the old township safe, known for the last thirty
years as the safe that locked with a "key and a nail" was moved
from town. The safe was purchased by Wood River Township more
than thirty years ago, shortly after Madison County organized
into townships. For a number of years, it has stood in the
Leverett real estate office on College Avenue, and it was moved
today from that building and was hauled to East Alton where the
Wood River Township officials will again make use of it. The
safe that locked with the key and a nail was purchased about
1880 by S. B. Gillham, who was supervisor at that time, and John
Leverett, who was town clerk. Those men bought the safe from
Squire D. W. Collett, an old Upper Alton resident. It was an
old-time piece of furniture at that time, and its age is not
known. The old safe was used to protect documents from fire as
it was not burglar proof. For many years it stood in the old
Upper Alton village hall, but about ten years ago was moved over
to the Leverett office where it remained until today.....The
separation of the old safe that locks with the key and nail from
Upper Alton today marks the passing of the last remnant of Wood
River township from Upper Alton, and now that part of the city
of Alton which used to be in Wood River township is a part of
Alton township, and has forgotten that it ever was under the
same jurisdiction as Bethalto, Wood River, East Alton and the
other little places on the other side of the 6 miles square
tract of land known as a township.
LOYAL ORDER OF INDEPENDENCE IS NAME OF NEW ORGANIZATION
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20, 1917
What could
be worse than being tied down to one girl? Even though she be
the finest girl in the world, if she can tell you just what to
do and when to do it, your life is not worth living. This is the
view of the situation taken by a number of Upper Alton boys who
have organized the Loyal Order of Independence. The order is not
organized to stand up and fight for their country or anything
like that. They have merely agreed that they will assert their
independence as far as women are concerned and will not allow
them to have the upper hand for a little while, at least. They
hold it is no crime to go with a girl. If they continue to go
with the same girl too many times in succession, they will be
warned by the officers of the club that they are losing their
independence. If they still persist, they will be fined by the
club. The rules are strict and must be obeyed to the letter. But
the members of the club are not woman haters. Quite to the
contrary. They have arranged a series of dancing parties to be
given during the winter months. The first will be given on next
Tuesday evening at the Ouatoga Hall in Upper Alton for the
members of the club and their friends. It promises to be a big
success. Several other dancing parties and social times are to
be given by the club during the winter months. The officers and
the members of the Loyal Order of Independence are: Ted Ohnsorg,
president; I. Streeper, vice-president; Arthur Zoll, secretary;
Charles Whiteman, treasurer; members: Joe Clyne** Keith Day,
Frederick Simms, Milton Casella, Ross Milford, Ray Elder and
Paul Temple.
BULGARIAN CHEESE FACTORY
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 3, 1917
Peter George, a Bulgarian farmer residing north
of Upper Alton, is doing a big business making Bulgarian cheese,
and he wants to enlarge his business. Mr. George is a very able
business man and he is an expert in making this cheese that is a
great favorite with the Bulgarians who are in this country and
Canada. The European war has made it impossible for the
Bulgarians to get the cheese to this country, and what little is
made by them in this country is in great demand. A year ago,
this winter, Peter George bought a small farm north of Upper
Alton. He came to Alton from Granite City where he is an
important man among the Bulgarians. Recently he inserted a
little advertisement in a small weekly Bulgarian paper in that
City and in the next mail that came to Alton after the paper was
issued, came a big pile of letters for Peter George. Each letter
contained an order for cheese and each order was accompanied by
cash. Now Peter George has rented a big farm in addition to the
small one he owns and will engage in dairy farming in order to
produce the milk necessary in making the cheese. He is buying
all the milk produced on the farms near him, and is paying the
farmers 20 cents per gallon for it. He wants 200 gallons of milk
a day, but so far he has been unable to secure anything like
that quantity. Mr. George sent a man to Brighton this week to
make milk contracts for shipping to Alton, but none could be
secured. The Bulgarian cheese maker is going to purchase a herd
of cows of his own at once. some of the orders that Mr. George
received as the result of his advertisement in the Bulgarian
paper came from Canada. He says he can make 25 cents out of
every gallon of milk he can buy in the manufacture of Bulgarian
cheese.
UPPER ALTON - OLD LANDMARK IS REMOVED
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, March 1, 1919
The old residence building
at the corner of Salu and Humbert Streets - the Wiest homestead
- has been removed, and in its taking away, one of the oldest
landmarks in that section of Upper Alton is gone. The property
is owned by Samuel Spurgeon, who resides just south of the old
homestead on Humbert Street. Mrs. Spurgeon was a member of the
Wiest family. The house stood very near to the corner, the
street lines of both Humbert and Salu streets running close to
the house. At one time this house was one of very few that stood
in the north section of Upper Alton, and as Salu addition was
laid out and some houses built in it before the lower part of
Upper Alton was ever a town, the Wiest place was no doubt one of
the oldest houses in Upper Alton. For a number of years, the
house had not been occupied. Mr. Spurgeon started a couple of
weeks ago to wreck the old building and to clean up the corner.
While the removal of the house takes away an old landmark, it
makes a great improvement not only to the corner but to the
others in general. Just what Mr. Spurgeon's plans are for
improving the corner further is not known, but he evidently has
some plan in mind which he will carry out later on.
BULGARIANS OPERATING CHEESE FACTORY NORTH OF UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, May 20, 1919
From 150 to 200
pounds of cream cheese are made every day in the year by
Bulgarians, on the Theodore Simms farm, two miles north of Upper
Alton, and the men operating the cheese factory intend doubling
that amount as soon as possible, as they are not able to
anywhere near supply the demand for the product. They have about
30 milk cows and are hunting more. They also buy some milk, and
intend arranging for larger quantities from farmers. Not a drop
of milk or cream is used in making butter, all of it going into
cheese. This cheese, those who have eaten some of it say, is
very palatable, and extremely nourishing. All is sold to
foreigners living in Alton, and it is the intention of Mike
Satierou, the chief of the company making the cheese, to develop
the place into a large cheese producer like some of the places
around Highland. There are three men - partners in the
enterprise - and all are bachelors. In addition to the cheese
making activities, the men are raising poultry, pigs and
vegetables, and are said to be prospering in fine shape.
TWO GIRLS SHOT LATE AT NIGHT AT ROCK SPRING PARK
ONE IS
DYING IN HOSPITAL - MYSTERY HANGS OVER AFFAIR
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, July 6, 1920
The wounding of two girls
Saturday evening about 10 o'clock in Rock Spring Park caused a
mystery which has engaged the attention of Chief of Police
Fitzgerald, with no satisfactory solution. The girls, Opal
Whittico and Helen Shields, both employed at the Western
Cartridge Company plant and living at the Dolly Madison Hotel,
went to the park Saturday evening in a motorcycle and side car
with Lawrence Porter and Charles Clark. Left alone for about
twenty minutes by the two young men who rode to Upper Alton to
buy some refreshments, the girls claim to have met a negro man
who spoke to them, asked them if they were not afraid to be
alone in the park so late, and later followed them. They
believed he shot them. The Whittico girl was shot in the breast,
the bullet coming out her back. The Shields girl was shot in the
left hand, shattering a bone there. The Whittico girl's wound
was said by the attending surgeons to be very serious and she
would die. Sunday afternoon Miss Shields was taken to Rock
Spring park, and there she went over the ground with Chief of
Police Fitzgerald, Mayor Sauvage and two park watchmen, J. H.
Dailey and Fred C. Fahrig. Miss Shields said that when the two
couples went to the park Saturday evening they sat together, and
it was proposed by the boys that they go to Upper Alton for some
refreshments. The girls insisted that the boys ride on to Upper
Alton and bring back the refreshments. The young men departed in
their machine. Just as the sound of the departing motorcycle
indicated the young men had passed out of the park, the girls
were approached by a man they described as a negro. Miss Shields
said that the negro inquired if they were not afraid to be out
in the park alone, and he smiled at them. He passed on a short
distance, and the girls moved nearer to the pavilion on the top
of the hill. They went over to a gate west of the pavilion and
stood there ten minutes, they said, when they noticed the man
standing nearby with his arms folded and looking at them. The
girls turned to run and took a course toward the pavilion, when
four shots were fired behind them. The first bullet to take
effect was in the hand of Miss Shields, and the second one hit
Miss Whittico. Just how the bullet could have struck Miss
Whittico in the front when she was running away could not be
explained, as the girls did not recall having stopped in their
flight to turn around. Miss Shields says that she and Miss
Whittico ran down the hill and across a valley and up another
hill and arrived at the Rock Spring country club. There they
were given help. Both girls fell from exhaustion from loss of
blood when they reached the country club. A dancing party was in
progress there, and the arrival of the bloodstained, wounded
girls caused much excitement. The police department was notified
and an effort was made to look into the story told by the two
girls. Their stories agreed in all details. They firmly believed
that the man they described as a negro was the one who shot
them. They could attribute no motive for the shooting. during
the investigation of the ground where the shooting occurred it
was evident that there was some confusion in the story told by
the girls as to where they had gone, what direction they had run
and where the person who did the shooting could have been
standing. Blood spots on the ground, on benches and on trees
indicated that the girls had take a course different from what
was pointed out by Miss Shields. J. H. Dailey, watchman at the
park, said that he heard many shots being fired from passing
automobiles on the eve of Fourth of July, and he was of the
opinion that someone might have accidentally wounded the two
girls. Fred Fahrig corroborated his statement of shooting. He
said that he had seen a dark complected man hanging around the
park during Saturday afternoon, and the man acted very queer. It
was said that this man was not a negro, but might have been
mistaken for one. However his description did not tally close
with that of the man the girls reported having seen. The two
young men who were at the park with the girls said they had left
the girls alone only when the girls had insisted on it. It was
denied that they left any revolver with the girls or that the
girls had a revolver. The two young men said that they returned
to the park after the shooting and met Fred Fahrig, who,
attracted by the discharge of arms, had gone over to
investigate. The girls were not around, having gone to the
country club. The two young men asked Fahrig if he had seen any
girls, and Fahrig said he had not but had heard girls crying for
help and had gone to help them, but could not find them. The
spot where the girls were shot was indicated by a hat belonging
to one of them, which was dropped. Both girls had fallen to the
ground after being shot, and one lost her hat, but the other
kept hers. It was the location of the hat, coupled with the
girls' story of their movements, that caused some confusion,
together with the fact that one was shot in the breast, the
bullet passing straight through her body and coming out her
back. The two girls came here from Gillespie last April to take
jobs at the cartridge plant. Their families live at Gillespie
and were called to Alton when the girls were injured. The
attending surgeons found Monday that Miss Whittico was in a bad
way. She took a turn for the worse, developed bad heart
conditions, and it was concluded that she would not be able to
pull through. She was living this morning, but it was the
opinion of one surgeon that she would not last through the day.
Assistant States Attorney Gilson Brown and Chief of Police
Fitzgerald went to the hospital this afternoon with the
intention of taking a statement from Miss Whittico.
Mystery Still Shrouds Park Shooting Case
Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 7, 1920
Uncertainty still beclouds the
shooting of the two girls who were wounded Saturday night at
Rock Spring Park. Thinking that Miss Opal Whittico was about to
die, Assistant States Attorney Brown and Chief of Police
Fitzgerald went to the hospital yesterday afternoon to get a
dying statement, but neither told the girl that she was in a
dying condition, and it was perhaps fortunate. Though she had
every indication of being close to death, she rallied afterward,
her pulse and respiration showed great improvement. She is
suffering from pneumonia from the bullet traversing her lungs.
Miss Whittico made no change in her story, except admitting that
the two girls might have moved about a bit after the shooting,
more than they said at first, and might have sat down on a bench
and touched other benches. Dr. Mather Pfeiffenberger said today
that on making a re-examination of Miss Whittico today, the
first one since he dressed her wounds at the time of the
shooting, he became convinced it was impossible to say whether
the bullet entered from the back or the front. The bullet hole
in the breast is 2 inches higher than in the back. The holes are
the same size, front and back, and Dr. Pfeiffenberger showed the
wounds to Dr. Shaff, who declared that in his opinion there was
no way to form a correct conclusion in that case which way the
bullet entered. Dr. Pfeiffenberger expressed the opinion that
the bullet might have been fired by a Fourth of July celebrant,
and as the girls said that one was running in front of the
other, the same bullet might have struck both of them. Assistant
States Attorney Brown said that he was puzzled over the story,
but he had been going on the first statements of the doctors
that the wounds were from the front, and had not heard the later
statement that re-inspection could not establish in what
direction the bullet traveled.
DIRT STREETS TO BE GRADED AND OILED
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 2, 1921
George Y. Henry of East Alton has
contracted with the city of Alton to grade the dirt streets of
25 blocks in Upper Alton for the sum of $270, and will begin
work on the job at once. Henry has agreed to smooth out the
surfaces of the streets and grade them to the proper angles for
drainage, and will guarantee them to be satisfactory. The funds
to pay for this work will come from the ward funds, and after
the grading is completed, it is proposed to oil the streets.
Money for this purpose is to be raised among the property owners
of the streets improved, and is already partially arranged for
on Evergreen and Burton streets. Harold Curdie, who has
purchased the road equipment of Stafford and Miller, has offered
the city the use of a steam roller to pack down the street in
this work. Curdie has a contract for paving in Vermillion, Ill.,
and says that if the city can use his roller right away, it will
be at their service free of charge.
GYPSIES RAID UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 17,
1921
A party of gypsy women went through Upper Alton,
entering business places and grabbing up everything they could
lay hands on and absconding - except in places where they were
forcibly restrained. Mrs. W. F. Lindley made them drop the
articles they picked up at the Lindley store; they were forcibly
ejected from the Megowen & Kelly store; at Bernard & Williamson
Drug Store they were compelled to desist. One woman grabbed a
handkerchief from the pocket of Frank Loehr at the McKee store,
and Loehr simply reached out, seized the woman and took the
handkerchief away from her. He replaced it in his pocket, and a
few minutes later discovered that the woman had picked his
pocket of $30 while he was recovering his handkerchief.
CLARK CORNER IN UPPER ALTON SOLD
Includes Ouatoga Theater
and Kerr Drugstore
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 21,
1921
The William A. Clark corner in Upper Alton [southwest
corner of College and Washington Avenues] has been sold for
twenty-five thousand dollars, according to announcement made
today by the Hall Realty Company, who have handled the deal. The
name of the purchaser is not announced, but it is reported that
Frank N. Hussey is the buyer. The deal is one of the largest
made in Upper Alton real estate in a long time. It involves the
entire Clark corner, which includes the Ouatoga Theater, Ouatoga
Hall, Clark residence, and the Kerr drugstore. The Ouatoga Hall
is to be abandoned as far as hall purposes are concerned, and
the space will be used for light manufacture, according to the
announcement of the Hall Realty Co.
The Clark residence,
which was a part of the old Laclede Hotel, will be remodeled and
converted into office rooms. The theater will be improved and
made a first-class picture house. The Kerr drugstore will
continue to occupy the corner, S. B. Kerr holding a lease on
that part of the building. The Hall Realty Co. announces several
other transactions wherein two or three pieces of real estate in
Alton and St. Louis and sold for W. A. Clark to Frank N. Hussey.
The Hall firm is to handle the Upper Alton real estate sold by
Clark for the purchaser.
NOTES:
The southwest corner
of College and Washington Avenues in Upper Alton originally
belonged to Ezra Webster, who operated a general store there. He
sold out to Kittinger, who continued operating the store.
William A. Clark bought the property and established a
drugstore. He constructed the Ouatoga Theater and Hall just to
the south of the corner. In 1914, he rented the property to the
S. B. Kerr Drugstore, who operated there until 1935, when the
Kerr Drugstore moved to 2512 College Avenue. After 1935, the
corner property was owned by various businesses, including Helen
Kay Beauty Shop, Thies Dry Goods, and Fashion Lane (opened in
1959). The building was torn down in 1997 to make way for
Walgreens.
STILL RAIDED ON FARM OUT OF UPPER ALTON
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, October 20, 1921
A corps of special and
regular officers, headed by Constable Arthur Watkins of Upper
Alton, made a raid of great importance on a still that was being
operated on the farm of J. P. Lorch, north of Upper Alton. The
officers found a still going full blast, and three men who were
conducting it fled when the raiding party arrived on the scene.
The still was hot, and it was necessary to wait three hours
while the outfit cooled off enough for the raiding party to
dismantle it and load it on a truck to bring it to town. The
outfit filled the truck and it occupied about one fourth of the
room in the outer part of the police station. It was viewed by
many hundreds of men today. Chief of Police Lind said that he
does not know what to do with it, as he is beginning to be
cramped for storage room for the outfits which have been brought
in.
The raid was made just after the plant had been put
in full operation. It evidently had been moved from some other
place. While the copper equipment had the appearance of having
been used much before, the concrete vat in the cellar of the
Lorch home, which was big enough to hold about 10,000 gallons of
mash, was brand new. When a raiding party visited the place last
week, they said that the outfit was not there, but the vat was
in the cellar. Considerable work had been done to get ready for
the starting of distilling white mule. The officers stated the
vat was full of raisin mash. The vat being in the cellar of the
house was connected by a big rubber hose buried in the ground,
which extended 100 feet to the horse barn, where the still was
being operated. The mash was pumped through the rubber hose to
the still in the barn. The men operating the still had set their
furnace between two mangers where there was an abundance of
straw and hay, and the wonder was expressed that they had not
set afire to the barn when they built the hot fire they had
going. Mrs. Lorch called at police headquarters this morning and
she said that some time ago she rented the cellar and the barn
to a man, but she could not tell who he is. Her husband, she
said, is very sick at the home in the cellar of which the mash
vat was built. He knew nothing of the affair, she said.
The members of the raiding party, besides Constable Watkins,
were Officers McReynolds, Rotsch, McFetridge, Dempsey, and
Deputy Sheriff Joe Dailey. They said that the men on the job
made no fight at all, but fled in a hurry when the raiding party
came up. There was no chance to catch any of them, the raiders
said. The indications were that the gang had set up this big
still as a means of getting a big supply of whisky to supply a
gang of bootleggers in Alton. The raid last week, when a small
still was found, was really directed against the big one on the
Lorch place, but it was necessary to delay making a raid there
because of the unreadiness of the plant to manufacture booze at
that time. One of the interesting features of this plant was
that it seemed to be one that could be operated without the use
of water for cooling the coils. The raiders said that they found
no water in the outfit and no connections from which water could
be brought. Part of the still was in the loft of the barn, and
part of it was on the main floor. There was a complicated system
of big copper vessels and pipes and pumps through which the mash
was pumped to put it through the various processes. Altogether
the outfit was perhaps the most expensive one that has been
found so far. The raw material which would be needed to supply
the still would necessarily be large amounts. Constable A. C.
Watkins said today that he led the raid in compliance with
orders from Sheriff George Little, taking with him deputy
sheriff Joseph Dailey and the police officers, all of them
specially deputized.
NO ARRESTS IN STILL RAID MADE ON
LORCH FARM - MORE THAN A THOUSAND PEOPLE VIEW CAPTURED STILL
BEFORE IT WAS LOCKED UP IN CITY JAIL
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, October 21, 1921
Many hundreds of people had
viewed the big white mule still which was stored in the police
station all day yesterday. No find ever made by the authorities
in the history of the city had ever aroused so much interest as
this still. All day the throngs were coming and going, and it
was suggested it would be a good plan to finance the city hall
product to charge admission to view the captured still. No
attempt was made to keep count of the visitors, but it is
estimated that more than a thousand saw it during the day. All
day today they were still dropping in to view it, but the still
had been moved. It was taken downstairs and put under lock and
key where it would be safe from hands of those4 who had no
business with it. When the authorities are through with the
still, they may have it broken up and sold for junk. Though
several persons suspected of having knowledge of the persons who
were mixed up in the operating of the still have been
questioned, no arrest has been made, and it is doubtful that
enough proof has yet been secured to warrant an arrest being
made. The identity of the three men working in the place where
the raid was made has not been established. The great tank of
mash in the home of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Lorch was still
fermenting, and it has become a problem for the inmates of the
house to dispose of it. Indications are that the mash will soon
become so offensive that it will make the house uninhabitable.
As stated yesterday, the pump and the pipe through which the
mash could be drained were taken out by the raiders, working
under the direction of Sheriff Little of Madison County.
NOTES:
Hundreds of people went to the police station to view
the still the police had confiscated. A joke was made that they
should charge admission, which would have provided money to
finance the city hall. The police made plans to dismantle the
still and sell it for junk. The vat in the Lorch house was
drained, under the direction of Sheriff Little. No arrests were
made.
The John Lorch farm (formerly the Rosenberger farm)
was located north of Upper Alton, about where Bowl Haven now
sits. In 1922, because of failing health, he and his wife moved
from the farm into Upper Alton. He had previously worked at the
Western Cartridge Company in East Alton. He was the son of John
P. Lorch Sr., who ran a small store at the corner of Washington
Avenue and Amelia Street in Upper Alton. John Jr. died not long
after this event.
THOMAS MOONEY HOUSE DESTROYED BY FIRE
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, January 12, 1922
The home of Mr. and Mrs.
Thomas Mooney at Main and Judson street was destroyed by fire
this morning at 10 o'clock. The fire is thought to have been
started by a defective flue. Firemen responded to the call, but
were hindered in their work by water plugs, at the corner of
Main and Judson and at Washington and Judson, being frozen. Mr.
Mooney, who works night for the Illinois Terminal, was asleep
when the fire broke out. He was aroused and with the help of
neighbors carried out the furniture. The loss to the home is
estimated at $4,000. The building is a six room, one story house
and was built by the late Frank Eberlein and was occupied by the
Eberlein family as a residence for a number of years. Mrs.
Margaret Cook, widow of Dr. E. A. Cook, and her son, Edgar,
occupied part of the house. The J. A. Holmes home, next to the
Mooney house, was blistered and scorched by the heat, but water
from a small garden hose prevented the house from catching on
fire.
WOMEN BATTLE IN UPPER ALTON OVER CLOTHING AND DANCE STYLES
Scant Clothing and Shimmy Not Allowed in Dance Hall!
All of
Flapperdom on Trial!
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March
20, 1922
Resisting an officer and assault and battery on the
officer were the charges preferred by Mrs. Clara Lowe, Police
Matron, against Margaret Carter and Mrs. Bessie Garber, sisters,
as the result of a row in Sweetin's Hall in Upper Alton Saturday
night. It all came from an attempt on the part of Mrs. Lowe to
exclude the two women from the dance hall. The Police Matron
objected to the style of dress worn by Mrs. Garber. "If she had
sneezed, she would have had next to nothing on," was the way
Mrs. Lowe saw it, and she said that the scantiness of it as not
too bad as the frailty of it.
Mrs. Lowe said that she had
once before told the girls to keep away from the dance hall and
they came back Saturday night. It had been a strenuous evening
with Mrs. Lowe. She was striving as dancing censor, to suppress
the shimmy and other dances she had proscribed, and right there
was Mrs. Garber, garbed in a dress which Mrs. Lowe said was
shocking to her. She ordered her out of the hall. Mrs. Garber
retired to the dressing room, put on a black dress and came
back. Mrs. Lowe still insisted on her leaving. Then Maggie
Carter came into it, according to Mrs. Lowe, and attempted to
obstruct the ejection of Mrs. Garber, her sister. One of the
women challenged Mrs. Lowe's physical ability to eject anyone
from the hall and the doughty Police Matron never took a dare.
She went to it and so did the sisters. When the melee was broken
up by police officers, Mrs. Lowe's glasses were smashed, her hat
knocked off, her hair had been pulled and she had been slapped
in the face, but she was full of fight and seemed mistress of
the situation. She said that some of the men interested
themselves in behalf of Mrs. Garber, and the row became general
by the time the policemen - Jeffers, Morrow and Moran - came to
her aid. The men were not locked up.
For the part the two
women had in pulling the hair, knocking off the hat and breaking
the glasses of the plucky Police Matron, Mrs. Lowe had them
booked for trial in the police court. Following the fight, Mrs.
Lowe reiterated her purpose of stopping women going to public
dance halls with too little dress and when using dances with too
little modesty in them. The two accused women took a change of
venue to Justice Lessner's court, and there they were granted a
continuance to Thursday. They indicated their intention of
fighting the case and will get a large number of witnesses.
NOTES:
The case against Bessie Garber and Margaret Carter
came before Justice Lessner, who had to move the proceedings to
a large venue because of the large crowd (about 300) who
assembled to watch the proceedings. At least ninety volunteered
to testify for the defendants, and a collection was taken up to
pay the attorney (who received $25 for his services). It seemed
all of “flapperdom” was on trial. The question that was raised
was “can the police regulate clothes and dances?” Dances such as
the shimmy, camel walk, “Chicagoing,” and cheek-to-cheek dances
were forbidden by the conservative Police Matron Clara Lowe. She
was back up by Upper Alton Mayor Crawford. Accordingly, any
dance hall breaking the rules would be subject to lose their
license. A jury was selected, and Justice Lessner cautioned the
spectators that they must be silent. The two defendants, Bessie
Garber and Margaret Carter, arrived in court dressed as they had
been at the dance hall. People stood in the windows, on chairs,
and benches to get a view of the court scene. Witnesses
testified, and it became evident that it was necessary to
continue to case to the next Monday.
On the following
Monday, March 27, 1922, the case was taken up once again. The
list of witnesses was cut, as the defense wanted to get through
the trial without another delay. In the closing argument for the
defense, Attorney W. P. Boynton quoted a poem, “On with the
dance, let joy be unconfined. No sleep till morn, when youth and
pleasure meet. To chase the glowing hours with flying feet.” The
jury decision came down – they took the side of the defense,
which claimed the girls had acted in self-defense, and that they
had done nothing worthy of causing them to be excluded from the
dance hall. Applause and shouts broke out in the room. Justice
Lessner attributed the “adverse” decision of the jury to the
fact that the witnesses for the city “fell down.” One
prosecution witness refused to answer, another said she shut her
eyes during the row, and another said he didn’t see a thing. The
dance hall, which had been closed, was allowed to open again.
Police Matron Clara (Scovel) Lowe was born in Alton on May 31,
1875. She was the daughter of James F. and Charlotte Scovel. She
married Norman S. Lowe. Mrs. Lowe served as the Upper Alton
Police Matron under Mayor Crawford. In the later years of her
life, she devoted her time to the care of her invalid husband.
She was the mother of one child, who died in infancy. Clara died
on October 3, 1948, and is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood
Cemetery.
UPPER ALTON STORK LAUNDRY SOLD
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, November 20, 1922
A. S. Burt of Pana [Illinois] is
the new owner of the Stork Laundry on College Avenue, since the
closing of a deal Saturday night, whereby he bought the property
from John Stork, the owner of the laundry and the man who
established the business. In turn, Mr. Stork took over a fine
farm of 300 acres on Missouri Point near St. Charles, which was
a part of the consideration. The plant was valued at $30,000.
Mr. Burt is a laundry man and is operating a plant at Pana. He
has had many years’ experience in the business, and it is said
he intends to make improvements on the Alton plant that he has
purchased. John Stork said today that the new owner will take
charge on December 4.
Burt first tried to buy the Stork
Laundry about a year ago. At that time Mr. Stork did not care to
sell and no deal was made. In the last three months the new
owner called at the plant several times with a view toward
buying. The deal was finally closed Saturday night. As soon as
the deal was closed, Mr. Stork purchased from Jake Thompson, the
latter's farm north of Bethalto, consisting of 112 acres. Mr.
Stork opened a coal mine on the Thompson place last summer, and
has been mining his coal for the laundry. He had a coal lease on
the land, and after he sold the laundry, he decided to purchase
the farm outright. Mr. Thompson will have a sale at the farm
next Thursday and will move to Alton to a house on Fourth
Street. As soon as the sale is over and the Thompson family
leave the farm, Mr. Stork will move to the farm. He and his son,
Alein, will devote their entire attention to the developing of
their coal mine. They will rent out the farm land. It is the
intention to put in a modern equipment at the coal mine and to
mine coal on a large scale.
The sale of the Stork
Laundry is quite an important event in Upper Alton real estate
and business affairs. Mr. Stork established the laundry about
fifteen years ago [1910], buying out a small concern of the kind
at Bunker Hill and moving the machinery to Alton. He made
improvements every year, and on two occasions he experienced
laundry fires that crippled the plant very badly. In spite of
these difficulties, Mr. Stork continued to make improvements
until he has one of the best plants in the country now, with
fireproof buildings and a big business. He has been a very hard
worker, and the success of his business is due largely to his
untiring efforts. The Western Military Academy has always been
one of the largest patrons of the Stork Laundry since the plant
was started.
NOTES:
John Stork and his brother,
William C. Stork, came to Alton from Pennsylvania in about 1893.
They had both learned the trade of tailoring, and they
established a tailor shop in Upper Alton under the name of Stork
Brothers. After several years, the brothers dissolved their
partnership, and each conducted a shop of their own. John Stork
started his own tailoring business in the old Rising building on
the south side of College Avenue. He later expanded to include
the laundry business, and from that grew the Stork Laundry,
which was opened the day after Thanksgiving in 1910. It was the
first steam laundry in Upper Alton, and was located at 2517
College Avenue. The stork was John’s trademark, and it was
placed on shirt boxes and wagons. After a fire damaged his
building in 1919, he erected a modern building and reopened.
John Stork also owned a farm at Coulterville, Illinois, and
operated it as a sideline. Later he conducted the Lincoln Hotel
[formerly the Franklin Hotel] on State Street in Alton. Both his
wife and son, Alein Stork, died at the hotel. In 1922, the Stork
Laundry was sold to A. S. Burt, and John took up farming and
coal mining. John Stork died in 1938.
The Stork’s
Cleaners and Furriers was founded by William C. Stork (John’s
brother) at 1655 Washington Avenue in Upper Alton. William later
turned over the cleaners to his sons, Bill and Joe. In about
1958, Bill and Joe parted ways, and Joe opened Joe Stork
Cleaners on Godfrey Road, which was in operation until 1999,
when the property was sold to CVS Pharmacy.
FORKEYVILLE NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS: [Forkeyville is located east of Upper Alton, and the intersection of Fosterburg Road and Rt. 140.]
SALOON AT FORKYVILLE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 12, 1895
Charles Isenberg, late proprietor of the
saloon at "Forkeyville," will move to Bethalto soon and start a
butcher shop.
FORKEYVILLE SALOON KEEPER ARRESTED
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, July 26, 1904
C. A. Wildi, who conducts a saloon
at Forkeyville, east of Upper Alton, was arrested on a capias
[warrant] issued from the county court on information filed in
court July 21, that Wildi was conducting a saloon without a
license. All the illicit saloon keepers in the county have been
similarly dealt with and their cases are set for hearing before
Judge Hillskotter, August 2. The saloon keepers will be fined on
a plea of guilty, will pay their fines and costs and escape with
a very light penalty. The saloon keepers in the county
throughout Madison find it much cheaper to pay a fine biennially
or even annually than it is to take out the county license. This
is an evil the county board has been trying to correct, but so
far without any success whatever. The state's attorney should
see to it the fines of these saloon keepers are made
commensurate with the amount of the license fee.
PASTOR PROSECUTES SALOON KEEPER AT FORKEYVILLE
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, May 19, 1906
This morning C. A.
Wildi, the operator of the "Forkeyville" saloon, agreed to quit
business and close up the place. Charges were preferred against
Mr. Wildi by Rev. C. C. Hall and Prof. H. C. Tilton, and he was
indicted for selling liquor without a license. Upon agreeing to
quit business, the gentlemen who preferred the charges had the
indictment quashed. Warrants were sworn out by the same persons
against the proprietors of the Fritz saloon and the O'Leary and
Purvis saloon at Yager Park, and these men were given a hearing
this afternoon in Justice W. C. Elder's court in Upper Alton.
FIRE AT FORKEYVILLE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
October 12, 1906
The residence of Peter Edsall, opposite the
"Forkeyville Saloon," east of Upper Alton, was destroyed by fire
about 3 o'clock this morning. Mr. and Mrs. Edsall lived in the
house, which was a two-story structure, alone. They were wakened
this morning by smoke in the house and upon investigation found
that the kitchen was on fire and that almost everything in it
was burned up. Mr. Edsall immediately began to remove the
furniture from the other room upon seeing that the house was
doomed. He succeeded in saving most of it, but valuable papers
were destroyed. Nothing was saved from the kitchen. He
attributes the fire to a wall lamp which was left burning in the
kitchen. The house was owned by C. A. Wildi of Upper Alton, and
was insured. Mr. Edsall had no insurance on his household goods.
FORKYVILLE SOLD TO BIRCH BROTHERS
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, March 10, 1910
The property at the forks of the
road east of Upper Alton, known as "Forkeyville," has been sold
to the Birch Brothers of Upper Alton. The Birches intend to
start a poultry farm on the place, and will take charge of it
immediately. Mart Smith has been living in the property for some
time, and he moved out today, coming to Upper Alton to a cottage
on Park Avenue.
FORKYVILLE SALOON BUILDING SOLD
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 25, 1913
The prospects of starting the
insane hospital work has stirred up much activity in Upper Alton
real estate, and also in the vicinity. Yesterday the old
building occupied for years as a saloon of "Forkyville" was sold
to Barr Dailey by C. A. Wildi for $2,000.
WILLIAM DAILEY TO IMPROVE FORKYVILLE
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, April 28, 1913
William Dailey, who recently bought
the triangle property at the forks of the road east of Upper
Alton, sent some men out there this morning to start work. The
first job to be done is some wrecking in the old house, where
the Forkyville saloon was formerly kept. William Oswald has
taken the contract for the wrecking to be done on the interior
of the building, and he was at work there today. Mr. Dailey will
improve the property and start a saloon there. He kept a saloon
in the place before starting one in the East End.
NO SALOON FOR FORKEYVILLE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
May 7, 1913
The fears that there would be a saloon started in
the territory formerly comprising the old village of Upper
Alton, or even in the out building known as Forkyville, have
been dashed, by the statements of the authorities. State's
Attorney J. M. Bandy has authorized the public statement that he
will not, under any circumstances, allow an illicit saloon to be
conducted in the Forkeyville saloon building recently bought by
Barr Dailey for that purpose. Mayor Faulstich is quoted as
saying that Dailey cannot start a saloon within the limits of
the old village of Upper Alton. A building was recently
purchased in the north end of the old village, over a mile from
Shurtleff College, in which it was planned to start a saloon.
The mayor declares he will issue no license, as long as he is
mayor, to any person for a saloon in what was Upper Alton
territory. Thus, two buildings have been acquired for the
purposes of starting saloons and neither can be used for the
business.
WILL DAILY PLANS TO OPEN FORKYVILLE RESORT
Source: Alton
Telegraph, June 19, 1913
Will Dailey has sold his saloon in
the East End to his bartender, Ed Young, and Mr. Dailey plans to
re-open the "Forkeyville" resort in big style. Some time ago the
State'a Attorney, J. M. Bandy, gave his word that the
"Forkeyville" saloon would not be opened. It is within a mile of
the city limits of Alton and no license for the place can be
granted. Barr Dailey, father of Will Dailey, told a Telegraph
reported today that his son would start at once fixing up the
Forkyville place he recently bought. He will do some more
building, erect a dance pavilion, have a merry-go-round, and
will sell beer and other liquors there. It is said that the
Forkyville saloon cannot be closed unless the Yager Park saloons
are closed, they, too, being within a mile of the limits of
Alton. Dailey plans to build a concrete dike around the place
from Wood River's floods. It is very probable that the attempt
to open the saloon will be resisted by persons interested, as
the Western Military Academy is strongly opposed to any saloon
at "Forkyville," and there are others who are opposed, too.
WILLIAM H. DAILEY PURCHASES FORKEYVILLE
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, June 17, 1914
William H. Dailey purchased
the property at the forks of the road known as "Forkeyville."
Since purchasing this real estate, Mr. Daily has greatly
improved it. All the old out-buildings have been torn down and
some new and up-to-date buildings have been put up in their
place. The main building itself has been put up in their place,
and Mr. Dailey and family are living in it. He is also building
a new house across the road on some of the ground that
originally belonged to this piece of property.
WILL OPEN A STORE AT THE FORKS
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, June 23, 1914
Once more the building at the forks
of the road will be a business house, but the business to be
conducted there in the very near future will be entirely
different from the kind of business "Forkeyville" got its
reputation from. Dry goods will be handled there instead of wet
goods. William Dailey, the new owner of the famous Forkeyville
property, is getting ready to open a general store there, and he
will handle a complete line of groceries, dry goods and general
produce. Contractor O. M. Elder is at work in Mr. Dailey's
building putting in the shelves in the storeroom and otherwise
getting the place ready to accommodate the new business line
that will soon be opened there. This store will be a great
convenience to the residents of the country east of Upper Alton,
which is rapidly building up. When the state decided upon this
location for the insane hospital and finally purchased the site
east of Upper Alton, Mr. Dailey at once recognized the fact that
Forkeyville would be a valuable location for business purposes,
being located between Upper Alton and the hospital site, and he
bought the place, improved it and is living there.
HARTNETT TO CONDUCT BUSINESS AT THE FORKS
Source: Alton
Evening Telegraph, May 13, 1919
Daniel Hartnett Jr. will
operate a grocery store in the building at the forks of the
roads just east of Upper Alton, which was for many years a
saloon, and which was known as Forkeyville. Mr. Hartnett Sr. has
purchased the property from William H. Dailey, and he will turn
it over to his son who will conduct the business. This piece of
property has had a history owing to the saloon which was run in
it at many different times in years gone by. Henry Vahle leased
the property some years ago from Mr. Dailey, and the latter
continued the business in their property that Mr. Dailey had
started. Since the Alton State Hospital has been in operation,
this location has become quite a good business spot, and Mr.
Vahle has been doing well. When he vacates the building, Mr.
Hartnett will take charge and will continue in that line. Mr.
Vahle owns a couple of lots on the south side of the road on the
"Q" hill, and he will at once commence to build a residence and
a business building upon these lots. When he leaves the
"Forkeyville" location, he will conduct the same line of
business in his new property that he is about to commence.
College avenue between Upper Alton and the State Hospital is
becoming a real business way judging from the new stores that
are to be started upon it.
FORMER OWNER OF FORKEYVILLE DIES
William H. Dailey
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 20, 1921
William H.
Dailey dropped dead this morning about 12:45 o'clock in his home
about five minutes after coming in from his place of business
and locking the door. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Barzilla C.
Dailey, were asleep upstairs and they heard him enter the house
at the usual time when he closed his place of business. Only a
few minutes after he locked the door, they heard him fall to the
floor. Mr. Dailey hurried to the light switch and turned on the
lights and ran downstairs, finding the son lying on the floor in
a corner between the wall and the bed where he had fallen head
first. The aged father was satisfied that his son was dying and
he ran out into the street calling for help. The entire
neighborhood was aroused. The Dailey home is located on Merchant
street, just off of Washington, in the rear of the College
Avenue business houses. B. C. Dailey, the father who is about 78
years old, ran all the way from his home to the residence of Dr.
L. L. Yerkes in an effort to get help for his son when he was
dying. Dr. Yerkes got out as quickly as possible and hurried to
the Dailey home. He said that death had been instantaneous when
Mr. Dailey fell to the floor. A slight mark over one of his eyes
gave evidence of the fact that he had struck his face on a
window sill as he fell forward. Will Dailey was one of the
best-known men in the city of Alton and he was widely known
outside of the city. He was 51 years old and was born and reared
in Upper Alton. All his life was spent here with the exception
of a few years he was in the West. During his boyhood days his
father was engaged in street car work for the company that
operated the horse car line in Alton for many years. With his
brothers and father, he worked for the company and was well
known as a street car driver. Later he did the same kind of work
for several years in Omaha. For the last twenty years he had
been in business either in Alton or on the outskirts. He owned
the famous "Forkeyville" property at the forks of the road east
of Upper Alton for several years, and he was the first man to
convert the business of that place from a rural saloon to a
merchandise store. After establishing the merchandise business
there where a saloon had caused much trouble to educational
institutions in Upper Alton for many years, he sold the property
and engaged in business in Upper Alton. He bought the property
at the corner of College and Washington avenues from D. M.
Kittinger and last year he put up a fine new business building
on a part of the ground. He had been planning many other
improvements for this valuable piece of real estate which he
would not doubt have brought about had his life been spared. Mr.
Dailey was a man whose appearance would indicate perfect health.
He was never ill to any extent, and he weighed about 240 pounds.
Yesterday all day he had complained of indigestion. We went home
at noon yesterday for his usual meal, but his family say he ate
very little. He again complained of indigestion and requested
his aged mother to give him a small quantity of baking soda,
which was an old remedy of the family. In the evening he still
complained of pain, but he did not think his case at all
serious. He was in his usual jovial mood all evening while in
charge of his pool hall on Washington avenue, and he played
billiards all evening with some young men. He closed his place
of business about the usual time and remained outside for some
little time, talking to some boys before he went home. When the
word became circulated in Upper Alton that he was dead, it was a
surprise that was really hard to believe. Mr. Dailey leaves
besides his aged parents, Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Dailey, a little
daughter whom he and his deceased wife adopted when a baby. He
also leaves one sister, Mrs. Rose Williams, of Upper Alton, and
one brother, Charles Dailey of Los Angeles, Cal. The late J. A.
Dailey, whose tragic death occurred some years ago while he was
assessor of Wood River township, was the third brother of the
family. The death of Will Dailey in the prime of life is a sad
blow to his aged parents. The sympathy of the community is with
the bereaved father and mother. While 51 years of age, in years
he would have been considered a person past middle age, but to
those who knew him well he was more of a boy than a man who had
lived a half century. He was a man who never got old, and the
chances are he never would have if he had lived many more years.
[NOTE: In 1929 the State decided to build a new bridge over
the Wood River at Forkeyville on what was then Route 160. During
its construction, due to faulty workmanship, the bridge
collapsed and fell into the river. The superintendent of the
company was fired, and construction continued. Later, in June of
1929, the bridge, more than two thirds completed, fell in the
river again. Blame was placed on heavy rains and flooding which
swept out the supporting piling.]
YOUNG LADY INJURED WHILE RIDING HORSE NEAR MILTON BRIDGE
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 30, 1862
A party of ladies,
seven or eight in number, accompanied by a gentleman, were out
riding on horseback on Saturday evening, and when in the
vicinity of Milton bridge, Miss Sidway’s horse became
unmanageable from some cause or other, and she was thrown from
her saddle and severely bruised, besides having some of her ribs
fractured. By the prompt assistance rendered by the young
gentleman who was in company with them, she was placed in a
carriage and brought home. We understand she is doing well and
will soon recover.
OLD MILTON SABBATH SCHOOL
Source: Alton Telegraph, July
11, 1873
“Last week a Miss Catharine Rutherford, aged about
twelve years, committed to memory and recited to me 1,050 verses
in the New Testament, all of which she performed with the
greatest ease. The following will show the proficiency that she
has made since the commencement of the school, viz: The first
week she recited 18 verses, the second 30, the third 70, the
fourth 55, the fifth 83, the sixth 139, the seventh 300, and the
eighth 1,059. Signed Enoch Long, Instructor, July 31, 1820.”
The Alton in the above item refers to Upper Alton, which at
that time was known by that name, while there was no town at
this place. Of Miss Catharine Rutherford, we know nothing. It is
to be presumed, however, from her precocity and the overtaxing
of her brain, that she has long since passed away.
The
instructor, Mr. Enoch Long, will be remembered by all of the
first settlers of Alton, is still alive and in the enjoyment of
good health. He is at present residing in the vicinity of
Galena. The school referred to was organized first at Milton, a
small place at that time about a mile from Upper Alton, in 1818,
and was afterwards removed to that place, and is generally
believed to have been the first Sabbath School organized in
Illinois. [Enoch Long died in July 1881.]
THE TOWN OF MILTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August
9, 1904
There are very few Illinoisians now living who
remember the booms enjoyed by certain points in this vicinity 75
years ago and longer. To look at those sites now no one would
suspect that they had been the scenes of striving humanity to
suddenly become rich. But such is the fact. Go to the former
site of the little town of Milton, a few miles east of Alton,
and no one could imagine that spot the place where the busy hum
of industry, manufacturing and merchandising had its home. An
epidemic of fever put an end to the prospects of that town, and
the hopes of its projectors to be a great city. The inhabitants,
or most of them, were laid away on the top of the hill now known
as the Milton Cemetery, and the balance fled to other places,
and Milton with its deserted houses became a memory only.
MILTON HEIGHTS ADDITION
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph,
March 6, 1905
There are now thirteen dwellings in course of
construction in Milton Heights, which lies just east of Upper
Alton. Mr. E. A. Burris is building 7, Charles Huskinson 2,
William Draper 1, John Wickenhauser 1, and W. H. Gibbs 1.
MILTON - WAGON ROAD OVER WOOD RIVER TO BE TORN UP
Source:
Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1905
Highway Commissioner
George T. Henry was in Alton Wednesday and stated that the board
of highway commissions of Wood River Township have found it
necessary to tear up the wagon bridge across Wood river on the
Milton road, and that for three days, July 17, 18 and 19, no
vehicles will be able or allowed to cross. Mr. Henry says the
wooden joists placed in the structure when the steel bridge was
built there have rotted, and that bridge, while not absolutely
dangerous, is liable to become so at any time, and the
substitution of steel joists for the wooden ones makes it
necessary to tear up the entire bridge.
MILTON HEIGHTS - TO BE INCORPORATED
Source: Alton Evening
Telegraph, February 24, 1912
The residents of Milton Heights,
adjoining Upper Alton, are arranging to have their territory
incorporated in the spring election. Milton Heights is located
southeast of Upper Alton and northeast of Yaeger Park. Several
years ago, attempts were made to incorporate Yaeger Park and
Milton Heights and Federal, but the incorporation fell through
because too much territory was taken in the proposed
corporation. The name of the village was to be South Alton. It
will now be Milton Heights. Yaeger Park will not join Milton
Heights this time, and the mistake of too much territory being
taken in will not be repeated.