CARROLL COUNTY ILLINOIS

CARROLL COUNTY DEMOCRAT ------------------------------------------------- Vol. VIII Mt. CARROLL ILLINOIS March 16, 1898 NO 96 -------------------------------------------------
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Charles Phillips was born in Baden, Germany Sept. 22, 1832; came to America in 1850, and to Carroll Co. in Dec. 1854, was engaged in butchering from 1856 to 1891, and is now engaged in stock raising and shipping. Owns a farm of 107 acres, also other valuable city property; has held the office of Alderman six years, the office of Mayor, office of Commissioner for six years and other offices of public trust. He always demonstrated when in office his public spirit and interest in the city, by being in favor of enterprises that have helped to make the name Mt. Carroll synonymous with enterprise and modern ideas. His reputation is of the best and he numbers his friends by the hundreds.

Dr. Robert C. Miller, a promising young physician of Shannon, bids fair in the near future to take a prominent place in the medical fraternity. He has been a student of some of the best colleges in the United States, such as the College of Physicians and Surgeons in Chicago and the New York Post Graduate school, besides the practical experience he received in the various hospitals, such as Cook county, Chicago, Belleview and St. Luke’s of New York. Here is where he acquitted himself in a manner with more than ordinary success for one of his years. It is predicted by his many friends that he has before him a bright and most promising future. Nature has endowed him with more than ordinary abilities, while he has a disposition to improve his opportunities for observation and keeps himself posted upon the most important matters pertaining to his profession. Science has accomplished many things in recent years that for centuries had been thought impossible, especially in the science and practice of medicine. However, almost all the famous discoveries in that line have been made by foreign professors with unpronounceable names, but a remarkable discovery, which will prove a boon to humanity, has come to observation that rebounds to the credit of the medical profession of Carroll county. As Robert C. Miller of Shannon, after years of hard study and experiment has discovered a sure cure for the hitherto supposed incurable skin disease - Eczema. The Dr. only cures Eczema under a printed contract, “No cure, no pay,” and gives 3 months after being pronounced cured before the contract is due and for the disease to return. Cases from Wisconsin, Iowa, Kansas, South Dakota and Chicago have been cured which have heretofore been pronounced incurable.

W. S. Stiteley was born at Fairplay, Md., Aug. 5, 1853 and came to Mt. Carroll with his parents in 1855, which place he has since made his home, except for six years when he lived with an uncle five miles east of where Lanark now is. At that time there was no sign of a town either there or at Shannon, no railroad, no nothing except prairie and prairie wolves. From the time he was 10 years old until 21, he worked on a farm in summer and went to school in the winter, then served 2 ½ years learning the painting trade. Afterwards went into partnership with Geo. Puterbaugh in this business, until 1882 when he went into the grocery business as a clerk for W. H. Wildey. Later he went into partnership with Geo. Stakemiller, later with Dave Zullinger and in 1890 took his present store alone. He was married to Miss Ruhanah Mitchell in 1882. In 1897 he was elected alderman of the city. Is a stockholder in the electric light plant, and is one of our citizens who believe in enterprise.

Jno. B. Rhodes, Jr., and T. B. Rhodes, members of the firm of Rhodes Bros., lumber dealers, were born in Savanna, Ill., Nov. 20, 1860. Obtained their education in the Savanna High Schools and at the age of 19 engaged in the lumber business at Savanna, Ill. In 1884 T. B. Rhodes started the lumber and coal business at Mt. Carroll, where he has since been conducting their business, J. R. Rhodes attending to the trade at Savanna. These gentlemen are also partners with J. R. Robinson in the ice business at Savanna, employing during the ice packing seasons from 100 to 125 men. They are also associated with G. D. Brown, the firm name being Brown & Rhodes Bros., Savanna, Ill., where they make all kinds of windows, doors, blinds, etc.

J. M. McCallie was born and reared on a farm in East Tennessee. He entered the University of Tennessee in ‘82 and graduated in ‘87, taking the degree of A. B. He immediately began teaching in a boy’s school which was one of the public schools of Knoxville, Tenn. After holding this position for three years he was elected Superintendent of the North Knoxville city schools, which position he successfully filled for four years. Desiring to fit himself more thoroughly for the profession of teaching, he resigned and took a course in the Chicago Normal School, graduating in ‘95. He then immediately entered the University Of Chicago as a graduate student, where he remained for over a year, when he was elected to the superintendence of our own city schools, which position he now holds. From the fact that our High School has been accredited by the State University in three full courses already and as soon as a class graduates under the present course of study we will be accredited in four full courses, this would seem to be undoubted evidence that our schools are progressing under Prof. McCallie’s management.

William Petty was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., in 1838. Came to Carroll county and settled on Preston Prairie in 1843, and has since been a resident of his county. He was educated in the rural schools on the prairie and in the public schools of Mt. Carroll. He served as school director for several terms, and for 11 years has been surveyor for the Mt. Carroll Township Mutual Insurance Co. Mr. Petty has always been an enthusiastic republican, caring more for the party than for the office. For many years he was county central committeeman and seems to be happy whenever a campaign is on. He was here in the early days and secured a competence, owning several fine farms. Several years ago he retired from active farming and moved to the city, where he built a fine residence. But he could not remain inactive and is at present giving efficient service as deputy sheriff. Mr. Petty has lived and is living a useful, busy life. He has scores of friends all over the county and has been frequently mentioned as a candidate for sheriff. He has neither said he would or would not be a candidate, as he thinks there is plenty of time in the future should he determine to run.

Norm Smith, as he is known to all his intimate friends, is a native of Mt. Carroll, having been born in Loudon. His education was gleaned in the Mt. Carroll public schools. He is a tinner by trade and for 16 years has been in the employ of S. J. Campbell, which is of itself a sufficient recommendation as to his fidelity and faithfulness. He was married in 1889, to Miss Ida Plasch. Two children, bright boys gladden their household. Mr. Smith is now representing West Carroll, as an alderman for his third term. He was alderman when the electric lights were put in and when the artesian well was sunk. He is for enterprise and the up building of the city, in which he owns a fine home. He is also a member of the fire department and has for 5 years been the treasurer of that body, paying out the thousands of dollars which have passed through his hands in that time in a most satisfactory manner, always being ready and willing to show a true accounting of every cent. He is a most popular young citizen.

Winfield S. Cowen was born at Altoona, Pa., Dec. 13, 1849; came to Illinois in 1856, with his parents and settled on a farm in Lima Township. Received his education in the country schools of Lima and by practical experience in the world. Was married in March 1873 to Miss Lucy Hileman. In 1876 he moved to Shannon, where he engaged in the grain and live stock business, and in the hardware business. Was postmaster for 1889 to 1893. Since then he has been actively engaged in politics, in the interests of the republican party, of which he is a staunch supporter. At the republican national convention in 1892, at Minneapolis, he was a delegate from Illinois, and was one of the 14 delegates who voted for James G. Blaine to the last as candidate for President. At present he is chairman of the Carroll County republican committee, and is in close touch with the state administration, having been appointed a Trustee to the State Asylum for Insane at Elgin, by Governor Tanner in April 1897. It was mainly through Mr. Cowen’s untiring work and zeal that Carroll county delegates voted for Mr. Tanner for Governor. He was also one of the original McKinley men in the county. In a business way, Mr. Cowen has been a success and financially he is rated as A. No. One everywhere.

Mr. Charles F. Schaale was born Mar. 28, 1856, in York, York Co., Pa., removed with his parents to Lyons, Iowa in 1866, where he attended public school. Later he obtained a position in a store at Clinton, Iowa, where he remained a short time, afterward being employed in a store at Rochelle, Ill., where he remained until 1879 when he removed to Colorado and took charge of a hardware store for Tomkins Bros. at Rossita, and remained there two years. The next three years he represented a wholesale hardware house of Chicago in Texas and New Mexico, and in 1885 accepted his present position as the general agent of the Alaska Refrigerator Company of Muskegon, Mich. He was married in 1880 to Miss Susie Tomkins at Mt. Carroll, Ill., and they have one child, a girl, eight years old. Mr. Schaale joined the Patriotic Sons of America in 1876 at Rochelle, Ill., as a charter member of Camp 3. He organized the first Camp in Iowa, No. 1, at Rockford, and was made District President of Iowa. He helped organize Camp 72 at Mt. Carroll, Ill., and was president of the Camp, also District President of that District. He was State Master of Forms of Illinois for one term, State President from 1894 to 1897; National Vice President from 1895 to 1897, when he was elected National President, which position he now holds.

Nathan H. Halderman was born in Mt. Carroll Feb. 21, 1853. He attended the public school and the Seminary and the old Chicago University until his 18th year when he went into business for himself in Milwaukee. He joined the Milwaukee Board of Trade and was the youngest member of that body. In 1872 he went into partnership with Will Graham, the firm doing a general commission and livestock business. In July 1879, he returned to Mt. Carroll where he took charge of the large grain elevator at the depot, buying grain and live stock for the Chicago market, and has ever since conducted the same business. After the death of his father in the fall of 1880, he took charge of the large flouring mill and the same has been under his management ever since. He was married to Mary Eliza Crummer Dec. 27, 1875, the result of the union being two boys, Frank H. and Nathaniel, both living. Mr. Halderman is one of our foremost citizens, progressive and always wide awake to the best interests of the city. Has served the city as a member of the board of aldermen for several terms and is counted among the best financiers of the city. The old stone mill at the foot of Market street is one of the old land-marks, and is still in the best of repair and one of the leading industries here. It is one of the oldest mills in the state, being built in 1842. Mr. Halderman’s father being the prime mover in its erection. The mill was run under different managements until 1888, when the J. M. Shirk company was incorporated with N. H. Halderman, president and J. S. Miles, secretary. The mill was changed to a roller mill in 1886, and is a modern mill in every detail, having a capacity of 100 bbls per day. The leading brands of flour are Golden Sheaf, Fancy Patent, Pride and Gilt Edge. The mill company also do a general
Halderman Residence custom and grist business.
J.M. Shirk Co. Mill

The elevator at the depot was built in 1867, the old warehouse was bought from Ben Shirk at that time and converted into a modern elevator and was one of the first erected in this part of the state.
The highest market price is paid for grain and stock.

Wm. H. Phillips was born in Mt. Carroll and received his education in the public schools of Mt. Carroll. He is a co-partner with his father, on the farm, inside the corporate limits of this city. He is one of our enterprising, active, pushing, progressive young men. Is a member of the champion Mt. Carroll hose team, and one of the fleet footed young men who helped for 3 successive years to win that championship.
Not only is he always present when racing is on but is always promptly on hand when the services of the department is needed at a fire. He has been assistant chief and assistant foreman of the company and was always a faithful officer. “Billy” Phillips is one of the men who is making Mt. Carroll an up to date city.

George M. Wherritt was born in Washington Co., Md.; came to Mt. Carroll with his parents in 1846, started to learn painters trade in 1856. In July 1861, enlisted from St. Charles, Ill., in Co. G. 8th Ill. Cavalry. Was in active service nearly a year when promoted as depot commissary clerk which he filled until fall of ‘64, when he was ordered to the command of Col. Thos. Wilson, Chief of Commissary, Army of the Potomac; served there as clerk until the spring of 1865, when at the solicitation of Congressman E. B. Washburn he accepted a clerkship in the U. S. Internal Revenue department at Washington, where he served until summer of 1868, when he resigned to accept a position of U. S. Gauger at Chicago, where he served 15 months. Came to Mt. Carroll and engaged in the dry goods business, sold out and accepted position as traveling salesman for a Chicago wholesale clothing house, purchased building and drug stock of Grove & Son; sold out in 1882, and bought it back in 1883, when he resigned his position as traveling salesman in 1884 to take charge of his business in Mt. Carroll. Retired from business in 1887, since which time he has looked after his property here. Was Mayor in 1885 and ‘86, was public spirited and one of our best mayors; was President of the Agricultural Board in 1896, during one of the best fairs ever held. He has always been a staunch republican and worked faithfully for the election of President McKinley and especially for Senator Mason’s election. He was recently appointed Deputy U. S. Marshal, which position he is now ably filling. He was married Nov. 13, 1866 to Mary E. Beaver. They have two children, Mrs. John Kinkade of Lanark and Miss Edith C. Wherritt of this city. Mr. Wherritt is one of our heaviest tax payers.

O. H. Martin, the resident proprietor of the new store, was born in Lee. Co., this state Feb. 23, 1866 but was brought up and has lived the greater part of his life in Wisconsin. Was educated in the high school of Kewanee, Wis. In 1882, he began the dry goods business in the capacity of clerk, from there going to the iron mining country of the Gogebic Range, staying there until the spring of 1891, when he moved to Rockford, Ill. and has since made this state his home. Was married in Warsaw, Wis., Sept. 29, 1890. Mr. Martin has only been a resident of Mt. Carroll a short time, coming here and opening his store Feb. 5; but by low cash prices and courteous treatment has a large share of the trade of Carroll County. His store is located in the Eskelsen Block formerly occupied by S. Hoover, and has a new and complete line of Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes and Gents Furnishing Goods. Mr. Martin is a hustler in the dry goods business, and by strict attention to the trade has already built up a large business.

Carroll County Bank
In the summer of 1888 four representative business men of Mt. Carroll, O. F. McKenney, dry goods merchant, Robt. H. and Geo. D. Campbell, hardware and Jno. M. Rinewalt, grocery, influenced somewhat by the public demand, and believing there was a place in the community for a well equipped bank, conducted under modern methods, collected together $50,000 of their means and organized the Carroll County Bank. They provided for their patrons large, convenient and handsomely furnished quarters, with parlors containing desks, tables and stationery for public use. In building their fire and burglar proof vault ample space was reserved for a large number of safety deposit boxes for the use of their patrons, which made it the first bank in the county to accommodate the public with such advantages. Believing with the large banks of Chicago, New York and other cities, that a generous treatment of the public is mutually advantageous they divide their profits with their patrons in paying interest on time deposits. The liberal policy with its trade is securely based on economical methods of administration. Its directors believe that a bank should primarily be run in the interests of its stockholders and patrons, rather than its employees, therefore it pays good but not fancy salaries, and its officers feeling that their time for which they are well paid should be used solely in the interest of their employers turn over to the bank the proceeds of their efforts, whether it be for work in the bank or outside in some other remunerative capacity. Unlike incorporated banks whose liabilities are limited, this institution’s responsibility has no limitation short of the entire worth of its stockholders, so that together with its capital every dollar which its members are worth is at the disposal of its depositors. Its deposits do not consist of any municipal, county or state funds to secure which, it has of late years seemed necessary to bond the resources of a bank, thereby in a sense placing a prior lien on the rights and privileges of the majority, for the benefit of a favored few. Dealing honorably with each other, the members of this institution holds only the best of relations with themselves and with their patrons. Based upon sound business principles, coupled with the ability on the part of its directors to read the signs of the times, this bank comfortably went through the recent panic years with a large reserve constantly on hand, and while numbers of other banks throughout the country saw their deposits run down 25 to 50 per cent, its shrink did not amount to five per cent. Safe business principles have controlled its past and under its present management will control its future.

Dr. W.R. Tipton was born on a farm three miles north of Lanark August 31, 1859. Moved to Mt. Carroll when three years old. He received part of his education in the Mt. Carroll public schools, and graduated in dentistry from the Iowa State University, Feb. 28, 1887, after which he conducted a business of his own at Brooklyn, Iowa for five years. In June 1891 he returned to Mt. Carroll and has since been in business in this city. The Dr. started to go through school with less than $100 and sawed wood for board and room rent during his first year at school. He is a self made man and has his own peculiar ideas about his business regardless of the strained code of ethics adopted by so many dentists. He does business for cash only, and is not averse to advertising.