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Full text of "The souvenir album, historical and pictorial, of El Paso, Illinois"

L I E. R_ARY 
OF THE 

UNIVERSITY 
or ILLINOIS 

9 77. 353 
iJ52s 



urns firy-r^f sii^yjy 



TFJE SOUVENIR ALBUM historical 

. . ^ • • >< ^ and PICT OHIAL 



OF- 



El Paso, 



1896. 

ISSUED BY 



Illinois, 




THE JOUF^NAL CO. price, «o cents. 



^z^r^^ 






^^. 









i 



OUR BOW. 

We take great pleasure in presentinj^ to you the Kl Paso Journal's souvenir edition. 
It has lieen our intention for many .months to present to our friends here and elsewhere a 
suital)le pictorial history of our little oitv and present to those who resided here in former days 
some dehnite idea of our wonderful chanj^es and im]:)rovements. Those who knew El Paso 
ten or fifteen years ago and depend upon their memory for a picture of today, have but 
an inadequate idea of the {general appearance of even Front street, while the many hand- 
some modern houses now erected in our residence district completely alters the 
ai)i)earance of dozens of blocks in the citv. Change — rapid, radical change — has taken 
place. The destroying fire fiend has had indeed too much to do with these raj)id 
changes. Five destructive fires have in less than fifteen years played havoc with the 
business portion of our city. In each of these a block or more of business houses were wiped 
out. The hand of progression has been the other factor in the rapid changes referred to. 
Remodeled residences, larger and more modern churches, better lighte<l and heated 
business houses have taken the place of the more ancient structures. 

This little book represents much labor, time and expense and after many unavoidable 
delays, we present it, confident that it is worthy of the cause in which it is issued. 

CuRTiss & Evans, Pkopriktors ok The Journal Co. 



^ 



d '' 



The Early Settlement. 

Amonir the earlv settlers of El Paso the f()llo\vin<j have possibly been more directlv 
identified with its earlv jj;rowth than any others which we mi^jht mention: Geo. L. Gibson, 
^lai- J. H. Wathen, Geo. H. Campbell, C. Schafer, Thos. McClellan, Dr. S. L. Kerr, W. M. 
Jenkins and his brothers, Isaac and Robert : W. R. Willis, W. H. McClellan and Rev. W. T. 
Adams. 

The first residence erected in El Paso was built by Thos. McClellan, who is still a 
resident of this city, although having' spent a number of years of the intervening time as a 
resident elsewhere. Before the house was scarcely completed he sold it to Mr. Bain, who 
many years ago was gathered to his fathers. His widow, Mrs. Caroline Bain, is still living 
here and occupies her home on the site of this first El Paso residence, the first house having 
stood until 1S9() when it was destroyed by fire. This first residence was built about is.")4 and 
was only antedated l)v a small shantv which stood on the west "Y" and had lieen used bv the 
men engaged in building the T., P. '& W. road. 

The first business house built within our corporate limits still stands on the corner 
opposite the Grand opera house and is known as the Doyle building. It was erected 1)v W. M. 
Jenkins in 1M5() and there were but two residences here at that time, one of them not finished. 
Mr. Jenkins had the building framed in Peoria and shipped here on the T., P. & W. and this 
was the first bill of freight hauled to this place 1)V that road. For four years Mr. Jenkins 
and his brother Isaac sold all the goods and bought all the grain marketed here. 

The city of El Paso was laid out in 1854 by Geo. L. Gibson and Maj. J. H. Wathen. 
who owned the land, the former owning that on the East side of the Central and the latter cm 
the West side, KiO acres in all. Additions have been made since until a section or more is 
included within the corporate limits. By a special act of the legislature in February, 11S<)7. 




CAMPBELL HOUSE. TICKET OFFICES AND WAITING ROOMS KOK I. C. AND T. . 1'. .■;• \V. KAILKOADS. 



the villat^e became a citv. 'Squire J. H. Moore, police magistrate at present, was our first 
mavor, John T. Harper the citv clerk, with the following board of aldermen: Wm. Neifing, 
D. B. Webster, M. T. Polhemus, Geo. W. Fridley and W. T. Adams. 

Below we give the list of officers who have governed our citv since that time: 

1868 — Mayor, Geo. L. Gibson: aldermen, Geo. H. Campbell, A. O. Shur, Wni. Neifing. Geo. W. Kubbanl 

1869 — Mayor, James H. Wathen : aldermen, Wm. Neifing, D. B. Webster, W. T. Adams, Delos O'Brien. 

1870 — Mayor, James H. Wathen; aldermen, Wm. Shur, W. T. Adams, Jas. Keongh, Philip Tompkins. 

1871 — Mayor, D. C. Smith; aldermen. Wm. Shur, Geo. W. Zinser. Jas. Keough. Philip Tompkins. 

1873 — Mayor, W. R. Bigham; aldermen, Philip Tompkins, Thos. Brenn, W. K. Hoaglaud, John Q. Adam.s. 

1873 — Mayor, W. R. Bigham; aldermen, John Q. Adams, Cyrus P. Shur, Delos O'Brien, Wm. Neifing. 

1874 — Mayor, W. R. Bigham; aldermen, Cyrus P. Shur, Delos O'Brien, Wm. Neifing, A. S. McKinney. 

1875— Mayor, Cyrus P. Shur; aldermen, Delos O'Brein, S. V. Calhoun, A. S. McKinney, D. B. Webster. 

1876— Mayor, Cyrus P. Shur; aldermen, J. P. Ferrell, G. M. Young, D. B. Webster, S. V. Calhoun. 

1877 — Mayor, P. C. Ransom; aldermen, Robt. Robin.son, John R. Sweet, J. P. Ferrell, G. M. Young. 

1878 — Mayor, P. C. Ransom; aldermen, Robt. Robinson, John R. Sweet, D. W. Lamme, Geo. H. Campbell. 

1879 — Mayor, S T. Rogers; aldermen, D. W. Lamme, Geo. H. Campbell. Wm. Jenkins, C. Scbafer. 

1880 — Mayor, D. 'W. Lamme; aldermen. W^m. Jenkins, C. Schafer, S. L. Kerr. Wm. McClelan. 

1881— Mayor, Wm. Jenkins; aldermen, S. L. Kerr, Wm. McClelan, S. K. Hayward, F. Cole; clerk, P. 

"Walters. Gibson; treasurer, Jas. Thomijson; supervisor, D. K. Tobias; marshal, E S. Paul. 
1883 — Maj'or, Geo. H. Campbell; aldermen, Fred Cole, David Evans, S. K. Hayvrard, C. J. Hitch; clerk. P. 

Walter Bennett; treasurer, Jas. Thompson; supervisor, D. K. Tobias; marshal, E. S. Paul. 
188.'! — Mayor, Robt. Robinson; aldermen, D. Evans, O. J. Lemon, C. J. Hitch Jacob Burtis; clerk. P 

Walter Bennett; treasurer, .Tas. Thompson; supervisor, Geo. L. Gibson; marshal, E. S. Paul. 
1884 — Mayor, Walter S. Gibson; aldermen, David Evans, O. J. Lemon, J. H. Burtis, H. G. McCord; clerk. 

A. M. Cavan; treasurer, Jas. Thompson; supervisor, Geo. L. Gibson; marshal, E. S. Paul. 
1885 — Mayor, Robt. Robinson; aldermen, David Evans, Henry Saltzberger; J. H. Burtis, H. G. McCori 

attorney. A. M. Cavan; treasurer, Jas. Thompson; supervisor, Allen Mathis; marshal, E. S. Paul. 
1886 — Mayor, S. L. Kerr; aldermen. J. H. Burtis, Jas. Banghmau, S. K. Hayward, Henry Saltzberger; clerk, 

A. M. Cavan; treasurer, .Jas. Thompson; supervisor, Allen Mathis; marshal. E. S. Paul. 



A. Simmons; 


attorney 


A. Simmons; 


attorney 


. A. Simimms; 


attorney 


Azro Hazen; 


attorney 


il; clerk. ,Tas. 


Williams 


Jas. Williams 


; attornev 




UAPTIST CHURCH. 



1HM7 — Mayur, Hubert KulnnsuiKaldeniit-n. James Baughmaii, Jcilin Muure. S. K. Hayward, George Tliurije, sr. ; elerk. Azro Hazen,* G. 

R. Curtiss;! attorney. R. T. C'assell: treasurer, James Thoiiipson: suiiervisor, John Smith: marshal. E. S. Panl. 
*Died. fAppointed. 
1888 — Mayor, James Baughman: ahiermen. John Moore, George Thorpe, sr.. Thomas Doyle, F. S. McLatterty; clerk, 8. K. Hayward; 

attorney, W. S. Gibson; treasurer. James Thompson; supervisor. Gu^ive Anthenat; marshal. E. S. Paul. 
1889— Mayor, L. S. Straight; aldermen, J. K. Kyser, John Moore, Thomas Doyle, F. S. McLafferty; clerk. S. K. Hayward: attorney, 

Walter Bennett; treasurer, James Thompson; supervisor, Ambrose Taylor; marshal, Ozias Johns; police magistrate, J. H. 

Moore. 
1.S90 — Mayor, L. A. Geiger; aldermen. James M. Fishburn, J. K. Kyser. R. G. Hebden. John Moore; clerk. S. K. Hayward; attorney, 

W. S. Gibson; treasurer, James Thompson; supervisor, Gustave Anthenat; marshal, Ozias Johns; police magistrate, J. H. 

Moore, 
isiii— Mayor, L. A. Geiger; aldermen, James M. Fishburn, L. M. Kerr, R. G. Hebden, Richard Webber; clerk. S. K. Hayward; 

attorney. Walter Bennett; treasurer, James Thompson; supervisor, Gustave Anthenat; marshal, Henry J. Morris; police 

magistrate, J. H. Moore. 

At the spring election of IS',)], the citizens l)einy anxious to take another Ing stride 
forward and become a more modern citv, voted hv a larye majority to orufanize under the gen- 
eral law, accordingly the city which had U]) to this time been divided into two wards, one on 
either side of the Central, was redistricted into three wards: Ward one, north of the T., P. 
& W. and east of the Central; ward two, north of the T., P. & W. and west of the Central; 
ward three, all south of the T., P. & W. The election on May 11 resulted as follows: 

1X!)1— Mayor, Walter S. Gibson,* S. M. Ferrell:+ aldermen, Edwin Hodgson, L. M. Kerr, J. A. Smith, R. G. Hebden. Ozias Johns. 
Adam Brown; clerk, S. K. Hayward: attorney, Walter Bennett,* A. M. Cavan:| treasurer. James Thompson: supervisor, 
Gustave Anthenat; marshal, Henry J. Morris,* Geo. W. Tegard:t police magistrate, J. H. Moore. 
*Re.signed. fElected. ^Appointed. 

The officers since that time have been as follows: 

18!»2— Mayor, S. M. Ferrell: aldermen, L. M. Kerr, Wm. B. Renard, J. A. Smith. John B. Michels,* George Burster,1 Ozias Johns, 
Adam Brown; clerk, S. K. Hayward: attorney, A. M. Cavan; treasurer, James Thompson: supervisor, Gustave Anthenat; 
marshal. George W. Tegard; police magistrate. J. H. Moore. *Resigned. I Elected. 




SCHOOL nnr.DiNt;, district ■>. 



IS9H— Mayor. S. M Ferrell; aldermen, Wm. B. Renard, S. H. North, George Burster, J.A.Smith, Ozias Johns. Adam Brown; 

clerk. F. G. Robinson; attorney, D. H. Moulds; treasurer. A. H Waite; street commissioner, R. C. Duff: marshal, George W. 

Tegard; police magistrate. J. H. Moore. 
lHi)4— Mayor, S. M. Ferrell; aldermen, W. B. Renard, S. H. North. Frank Clutz, J. A. Smith, J. G. Baker.t Adam Brown, J. M. 

Stephens; clerk, F. (i. Robinson; attorney, D. H. Moulds; treasurer, A. H. Waite; street commissioner, Allen Mathis; marshal. 

G. W. Tegard. 

lElected in September, in place of J. A. Smith, who resigned. 
is'.l.j— Mayor, Thos. Patterson; aldermen W. B. Renard. Omer North, Frank Clutz, J. G. Baker. Adam Brown. J. M. Stephens: 

clerk, F. G. Robinson; attorney, A. M. Cavan; treasurer, L. K. Evans; street commissioner. W. F. Myers; marshal. W. T. 

McCarty. 



Early Postal Facilities. 

In 1857 the first postoffice was established in this citv, with Wm. Jenkins in charj.,''e, he 
having- been commissioned by President Buchanan soon after the latter 's inauguration as 
president. He held the office for four years and for several months Mr. Jenkins carried the 
whole establishment in his hat as a matter of convenience and made a free deliverv svstem out 
of it. When he met anvone for whom he had a letter, he took off his hat, fished out the 
letter and delivered it. Mr. Jenkins held the office for four years and was succeeded by Mrs. 
Robinson, who is still living and is a resident of Santa Barbara, Cal. Mrs. 
Robinson, is a sister of Mrs. J. L. Th(mipson, of this city, and an aunt of Mrs. S. H. W^orthing- 
ton. She in turn was succeeded bv Mrs. Willis, daughter of J. H. Moore. Mr. Moore 
succeeded his daughter in office during Andrew Johnson's administration and held it continu- 
ously until succeeded by M. H. Cassell in IHSO. Cassell was succeeded by Judge A. M. Cavan, 
he by Ro]it. Robinson and the latter by the present incumbent, L. M. Kerr. The duties and 
responsil)ilities of the office have grown since '.57. The arrival of a dozen mails per dav with 




IHKISTIAX ClirUcH 



as many more sacks to send out, to.sjether with the extensive patronage of the office, keeps the 
postmaster and his deputy busy from <i:8() a. m. until 7:15 p. m. 

El Paso Mills. 

The flourishing mills of Kl Paso are things of the past. One after another was burned 
and many thousands of dollars was sunk thereby. When wheat was a staple product of the 
virgin soil the.se investments paid, but that was only for a short time and its cultivation, except 
for family use, is discarded. The elevators here have not purchased a half dozen carloads of 
wheat in as many years. But 

Our Elevators 

Have largely been built up since cessation of the milling business and no city of twice the size 
in the state has greater facilities for handling the immense crop of this section of the country, 
which is unsurpassed in fertility. The yearly capacity of our elevators is above 1,21)0, ()()() 
bushels and this amount has been handled by them many seasons, and doubtless the unusual 
crops of the past year will assist the grain men in breaking the record in the number of 
bushels handled the coming year. 

The Library. 

El Paso boasts of one of the l)est public libraries ever supported by a city of its size. 
The a.s.sociation, which is styled the Ladies' Library association, was organized in lb78 with 
Mrs. Dr. Stockwell as president, Mrs. Delos O'Brien, secretary; Mrs. W. R. Bigham, treas- 
urer; Mrs. S. H. Worthington, librarian. The list of books was increased and revised from 
time to time until in l.'Sl»4 the library contained '20()V> volumes. July 19, 1894, the association's 
property was totally destroyed by fire. Luckily they carried insurance and were able to start 
again in fairly good condition. They are now out of debt, have about 500 volumes and are 




MKTHODIST El'ISCOHAI. CHL'KIH 



nicely situated in a suitable room in the First National Bank buildinu;, and l)v an agreement 
entered into with the bank officials their rent is paid up until 19()i». The lil)rary is patronized 
liberally by people of the surrounding country as well as in the city. Nearly fifty shareholders 
assist in the support of the institution and as many more ticket holders are regular patrons. 
More patrons are being added each month and new books are being added every few weeks. 
For a time the ladies most interested took turns in acting as librarian but later a regular 
librarian was elected. Mrs. S. T. Curtiss, the present librarian, has filled the office accepta- 
bly for eleven years, she having succeeded Mrs. W. G. Johnson. The other officers now are: 
Miss Belle Shur, president; Miss Margaret McKinney, secretary and treasurer. The rooms 
are open each Saturday afternoon and evening. The character of the books placed in the 
library is guarded as much as possible in so public an institution and the good reading habits 
of the growing generation is being cultivated by this institution. 

Our Breathing Places. 

No city, no matter how modest its pretentions, is complete without its "breathing 
places" or parks. El Paso is ver}- nicely fixed in this respect, being possessor of two fine 
parks, Franklin and Jefferson squares, each containing a block, one on either side of the 
Central. They are enclosed with neat fences, laid out with beautiful trees, well sodded and 
neatly kept. They add greatly to the beauty, health and attractiveness of the city and the 
thoughtfulness and foresight of those who laid out these parks is commendable. These parks 
are used for public meetings, picnics, etc., and are a convenience at such times of inestimable 
value. 





J. II. MlKlKE, i'ULXCK MAl.lSTKATE. 




I,. M, ki:l.l;. l'i»l MASTKK. 



r. <;. KoitiNso.v. <rrv cj.kkk 




AFTER THE FIRE OF JULY 19, 1^94, 



El Paso 



Established 
1865. 



Journal 



VOL. XXXI. 



EL IW.^'i. ILLINOIS, SATURDAY. MAR( H v!.>i, 1896. 



NO. .50 




THE JOURNAL 

PUBLISHING CO., 



CURTISS & EVANS, Proprietors. 




ROHT. .1. EVANS. 



C.F.O. K. ('IHTISS. 



West Front Street— Block 




W. I. Strick- J. T. Rear H. Fritzen. 
land. nev- 



McCord & Co. 



Geo. Bluster. 



A. H Waite. 
E P Aruistrong. 
liasfiDeiit. Times, 
second floor front 



I. K. Tegtmyer. 
Lyman Taylor, basement. 
A. M. Cavan. second floor 
front. 
Odd Fellows, second floor rear. 



This block is the location of the hiir fire in July 18U4. 



Above are the new structures which 
are still vacant, as is the Strathman 



Forty-Two, Original Town. 




() t". (iiiilleiiKint. 
.1. L. Ri)l)cs<>ii, 
basement. 



A. Smith W. H Fifz D. Dunn. 
& Hon. fierahl. A. ('. Fultz. 

liasenient. 
Dr. R. E (ii)r(l(.n. 
second Hoor. 



F. L. Kyser. Kuhn Bros ,1. B. Mi- National Bank. 

W. M. Caufield, cliels. D. A. Strother. 
basement. basement. 

K. of P. Castle Hall, Dr. W. VanHook. 
second floor. second floor. 



have been built since that time. The McCann lots just west of Strickland's 
lot which appears in the cut. 




J. T. BONER'S WEST ELEVATOR. 




IT.IFTON HOTKL, W . H. KKKUUSUN. PHOPUII'JTOK. 
The above building was erpt-terl on the site of the Hotel burned 
in .Tilly. '9-t. It stands one block north of First National bank on West 
Central street. It i» conveniently arranged, furnace heateil. lighted liy 
electricity, and well furnished in every way and has l)econic (inile a 
popular hostelry nn<ler Mr. Ferguson's management. 



'■'**> ^^^^ " 




I :^ 



RESIDENCE OF W. W. STAFFORD. CONTRACTOR. 




RESIDENCE OF MRS. J. B. SWARTZ. 



Educational Facilities. 

From its earliest history El Paso has been a city of splendid schools and today supports 
two as .yood Hitjh schools with correspondingly efficient lower grades as can be found in cities 
of much greater pretensions. Of our early schools there is but little on record, but from the 
older settlers and earlv teachers we have been able to glean considerable of interest. In '57, 
through the efforts of Dr. S. L. Kerr and others interested in education a school district was 
formed which included the village and about all of the north half of El Paso township. The 
building which has been remodeled into a residence and is now owned by Dr. J. A. Schofield, 
was the first school building erected here. That was constructed in i8.")7, but prior to that 
there had been a school taught in the house now occupied by E. H. King and his mother. 
About 1.S58 or 9, by a petition of David Graft, J. H. Wathen and others, district five was 
formed bv dividing district four in two parts, the Illinois Central road being the division line. 
District five erected two rooms, which served them until 1866, when two wings were added. 
Among the earlv teachers in these two rooms were Miss A. M. Frazier, Miss Georgia Robin- 
son, daughter of the lady who served as postmistress some years, and Silas Hayes. 

When the addition was completed in 186(i, a Mr. Atwood was chosen the first 
principal, with Hattie (Thompson) Hodges, Jennie (Carlton) Worthington and Addie Frazier 
assistants, and the school then made some progression in the way of grading and arranging a 
course. The next vear the teachers were the same with the addition of Georgia (Cooper) 
Black and Melvira Patton, who took Mrs. Hodge's place, on account of the latter 's resignation. 
During '(58 and 9 Atwood resigned and G. W. Glover was principal, with Mrs. Worthington, 
]\Irs. Black and Melvira Patton. the latter, we believe, a cousin of J. L. Patton, of Greene. 
The next vear John Ellis was principal with Jennie (Fishburn) Young and Molly Minor as 
assistants. 

ISTIM— .Tohu Ellis. Marv C. Ives, Mrs Wi.rthint,'tnii. Mnllv Minor. 




UESIUKNCE OF J. -M STEPHENS. 




KESIDENCli OF C. SCHAB'ER. 




CATHOLIC CHURCH. 



1871-3— John Ellis, Mrs Young, Frant- McLafferty. Mrs. Worthington. 
1872-3— Geo W. Patton, Mrs Young. Franc McLaffert}', Mrs. Worthington. 

In December '72 the latter resig-ned and (Emma Worthington) Cunningham was chosen 
successor. 

1873-4— W. W. DeMerritr, Mrs. Yoimg. Mrs. Cunningham. 

During the year, however, Mrs. Worthington was again called to the work on account 
of the crowded condition of the three rooms. DeMerritt resigned in January and Jas. W. 
Faulkner finished the year as principal. 

in"-!-") — Lou (Hager) Smith, Mrs. Young, Mrs. Worthington. Mrs. Cunningham. 

In March Emma Burtis was called to succeed Mrs. Worthington resigned. 

lS7.')-(i— Mrs. Smith. Mrs. Young. Clara Davidson. Mrs Cunningham. 

1876-7 — Same as above. 

1877-8— Same as above excepting that Anna Painter, of Metamora. succeeded Mrs. Young, who was at this time principal in No. 

four. 
1878-9— Mrs. Smith, Anna Painter, Mrs. Worthington, Mary (Hoagland) McLafferty, Mrs. Cunningham. 
1S79-80 -Miss Pearce, Mary (VanMeter) Durfee, Emma Burtis. Mrs. Cunningham, Mrs. McLafferty. 
1880-1— Jeplitha Hobbs, Mrs. Durfee, Mrs. McLafferty, Mrs. Cunningham. 

Franc McLaiferty finished the unexpired term of Mrs. McLafferty, she having resigned 
on account of ill health. Mr. Hobbs also resigned and Mrs. Young was chosen to succeed him. 

1881-'2 — Mrs. Young, Mrs Durfee, Anna (Dwyre) Sinclair, Lue (VanMeter) Warwick. 

1S82 3— Mrs. Young, Mrs. Warwick, Lillie ( Waite) Jessup, Mrs. McLafferty. Emma (Williamson) Myers. 

1SS3-4— F. W. Smedley, Mrs. Jessup, Mrs. Warwick, Franc McLafferty. 

1884 .1 -Same. Mrs. jessup re-signed during the year and Ada (Kerr) Hoagland succeeded her. 

lSK.")-()— Mr. Smedlev. Ida (Black) Smedley. Mrs. Hoagland, Franc McLafferty. 

1886-7— Same. 

1887-8— Fidwin Combs, Mrs. Hoagland, Mrs. Warwick. Barbara Paul. 

1,888-!)- Lewis Rhoton, Barbara Paul, Mrs. Hoagland. Anna VanMeter. 

188i)-'.)()— Mr. Rhoton, Stella (Hurd) Adams, Barbara Paul, Anna VanMeter. 

1890-1— J. B. Works, with same assistants. 

1891-3— A. Mid<lleton, Rhoda Webster, Barbara Paul, Anna VanMeter. 

1893 3— Mr. Middleton, Anna E. Hill, Barbara Paul, Anna VanMeter. 

1893-4— Anna Hill, Carrie (Dunn) Waite, Hattie Helme, Anna VanMeter. 

1894-.i— Same. 




RKSIDENCR OF .1. F. BOSWORTH, ACKNTT, I' ,^ W. 



East Front Street — Block 




L. (). Wolk. 



Springgate & Ferrell. 



Patton & Boner. 
Fishburn & Pat- 
ton, second floor. 



L. A. Gardner. 

Dr. S. L. Kerr, 

second floor. 



Thos. Doyle. 

Dr. J. A. Schofield. 

second floor front. 

Episcopal Church rooms, 

second floor back. 



Peter Haas. 
A. Jackson, 
basement. 



Forty=Three, Original Town. 




Geo. Cockbill. Mrs. Hayden. Soniers & Thorpe. Wilson & Sanborn. X. B. Seidel. 



W. O. Springgate. Grand Opera Honse. 
Dr. M. V. Gunn, J. D. Jenkins, 

second Hoor. Masonic Temple, 

second floor. 



li- 




i::i 






RESIDENCE OF JAMES H. WATHEN. 




RESIDKNCK or MKS. C. DDNKR. 



In 1877 a portion of the building- was raised, a high school department was added 
and a greater part of the time since five teachers have been emploved. The present corps is 
Anna E. Hill, principal, Rosa Havden, Rose Carson, Hattie Helme, Anna VanlMeter, 
assistants. 

District four occupied the original frame structure until LSI')!), when the erection of its 
present magnificent structure was begun. The lady who taught in the Mrs. King residence as 
mentioned above, was Sarah Cooper, sister of Mrs. King and she had about twentv pupils. 

The first teacher in the old frame school was Henry Hewitt, who was in more wavs 
than one identified with the early history of our city. Following Mr. Hewitt was James B. 
Carson, who taught two vears, '58 and 9. As the school was large he was assisted by Jennie 
(Fishburn) Young, a pupil teacher. A part of the hall was arranged for a class room. Mr. 
Carson was a fine mathematician, a superior teacher in his time. He died in Peoria in 1884 or 
5. On account of thecrowded condition of the public school, a private school was opened 
by Miss F. A. Branch, of Potsdam, N. Y. The school was held in Crawford's hall, a 
building which occupied the corner northeast of the Baptist church. In the public school 
following Mr. Carson was Albert Houston, who taught one year; Mary Stockwell one A'ear. 

Mr. Nightinggale also taught one year. Another teacher of those early times 
was Ruth Fenner, who finished her work here in "(id. There was at that time but 
one room in the building. Following- Miss Fenner or at least about that time Geo. Wells was 
teacher, with Lou (Hager) Smith and Mattie Shoemaker assistants, the primarv rocmi being a 
small building standing on the present site of J. I. Kerr's residence and since fitted up by that 
gentleman as a kitchen. A year or two later the room used for primary department was a 
small building standing very near the old Methodist church and which now forms a part of the 
residence occupied bv C. P. Shur and wife. Mr. Edwards, brother of the distinguished 
Richard Edwards, ex-state superintendent, was in charg-e here also in the school's early 




UNITKU KVANGELlfAL CHUKCH. 





(.liKMAN KVA.\«;KI,1( Al, llil'KCIl. 



U'THKKAN Clil'Hrll. 



history. Another was Josiah Woods, of Washincrton, the violinist, and Mrs. Youncr andlSIary 
Hutchinson, assistants. He resigned and Mrs. Younjj; finished the work. About this time two 
new rooms were added to the diminutive building-. James Wilson, son of Rev. Wilson, of the 
Presbyterian church, was also a tutor in these times. Anna Harvey, Eureka; Anna Painter, 
INIetamora, and Jennie Neville, were associated as assistants in the work. 

Lou (Hager) Smith took up the work at this point. She was assisted by Anna Painter, 
Maggie Williamson and Sadie Sample. She was the principal when the change 
was made to the new building-. This building cost nearly S25,()()() and although for many 
years was a heavy burden on the taxpayers of that district, they are now out of debt and 
enjoying the advantages of one of the best buildings in the state. Mrs. Smith was principal 
about three years in the new building and was followed by B. B. Lakin. In addition to the 
teachers mentioned Miss Jones, of Normal, was assistant to Mr. Lakin and in later years Mrs. 
John Hoagland, Miss Sloan and Ruby Gilbert, the latter assisting in the high school work. 
Lakin taught until '7(>, when P. M. James was chosen. Miss Eckels and Maggie (^Miller) 
Evans were new assistants that year. Jennie (Fishburn) Young was the next principal, Emma 
(Waite) Bennett, Belle (Wheeler) Duff and Mrs. Evans assistants. Next year ]\Irs. Young 
was again at the helm with Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Evans, Ada (Wart) Burlingame assistants. 
During the vear Mrs. Bennett resigned, Mrs. Burlingame was promoted and Pranc 
McLaffertv was over the primarv room. The same corps served the next vear. This was the 
winter of "'79 and '80. 

In the fall of '80 J. E. Evans was chosen principal with the same assistants. He 
continued as principal until the spring of '84. During his regime, besides some of the 
teachers already named, Nell (McLafferty) Hildreth, Anna (Haynes) Hart, Adda (Bassett) 
Schofield, Mary (Anderson) Protzman and Mae Reynolds assisted. D. H. Chaplin was prin- 
cipal the two vears following and M. L. Mclntyre, from '8(1 to '811, and besides those 




HKSIDKNCE OF ADAM HEXNING 



mentioned the under teachers were Stelki Sutton, Maud Hazen, Anna (Hendron) Smith. 

l.sHi)-90 — W. J. Morrison, Anna (.Tenkinsi Stephenson, Stella Sutton. Rosalia Colburn. 
1S90-1 — Mr. Morrison, Iva Durham, Stella Sutton. Anna (Smith) Brown. 
1801-2 — Mr. Morrison, Nannie Wiley, Stella (Hurd) Adams, Minnie Spawr, Mrs. Brown. 
1892-3 — Same as previous year exceptinji Stella Straight in Miss Wilevs stead. 
1893-4— H, E. Kanag:a, Stella Straight, Estella Chapman, Gay Stitt, Mrs. Brown. 
1894-5 — Same as '93-4, excepting Belle Travis in primary in Mrs. Brown s stead. 

During the summer of l!SV)5 furnaces were put in and altogether about SlOOO added 
for various improvements. The present force of teachers is Herbert M. Bassett, principal, 
Stella Straight, Gay Stitt, Estella Chapman and Belle Travis, assistants. 

Our high schools are up to the standard and many of their graduates are filling places 
of trust and prominence, not only in our citv but elsewhere. The courses of study are 
thorough and the methods of teaching are up to date and efficient. 

Prior to the erection of the new East side school a great effort was made to unite the 
two districts, but no agreement was made and district four went ahead with the work. It 
was a thing greatly to be desired and many of our citizens hope to see them united at no far 
distant day on a fair business basis and then we predict for our schools still greater achieve- 
ments. 

The board of directors in district four is David Evans, P. B. Stitt and R. J. Evans; for 
district five. Dr. J. A. Smith, Mrs. S. H. Worthington and Thos. Patterson. 




TEACHERS IN DISTRICT NO. 5. 

l{ii!«i M. lltti/ihn^A.ts't. I'liii. Itone I. Carsnii. flniniitinr Ihiit. 

Anna E. Hilh Principal. 

Ifiitlir Ilrlnii. Iiifrnii'dtutr Dcjit. Anna H. ]'iinM(lri-. Prinuini Ikpt, 



Our Churches. 



THE EL PASO CHRIST! 
Jimmie Robeson and Klder John Lin 
remodeled into the residence 
Of the forty charter 

twenty deaths, thirteen are still 
residence of eight are unknown, 
one of the charter members still 
having held the official position 
date of organization to the pres- 
social meetings were held from 
Strathman's hall being occu- 
obtained. 

During lis()5 the congre- 
one half of the building recently 
to its present size in 1877. No 
many years, but the pulpit was 
isters employed for just the Sun- 
able men who have preached 
weakness the following may be 
Robeson, John Lindsev, Benj. 

Tully, B. J. Radford, Prof. 

J. S. Clements and J. K. Jewett. 
suspended, but at the latter date E. 



AX CHURCH was organized July 3, ISO-I, by Uncle 
clsey at a meeting held in the East side school house now 

occupied by Dr. J. A. Schofield. 
members there is a record of 
living and the present state and 
'Squire J. H. Moore is the only 
holding his membership here, he 
of elder and trustee from the 
ent time. After organization 
house to house for some time, 
pied when preaching could be 

gation built a little house — just 
vacated — which was enlarged 
regular pastor was located for 
filled much of the time by min- 
day services. Among the many 
here during the congregation's 
menticmed: "Uncle Jimmie" 
Franklin, Joseph Franklin, J. C. 
Kirk, Dr. Allen, E. J. Lampton, 
From the spring of '81 to December 'Sd the work was 
J. Lampton came to reorganize and hold a protracted 




KLDER C. S. MEDBURY. 




PKKSBYTERIAN MANSE 



meeting. Thirtv-four members answered to 

ministry there was a net ,i,^ain 

ship. This was the beginning- 

of a brighter da}' for the 

meeting J. E. Jewett preached 

and in August, '88, J. D. 

regular pastor. Dabney 's min- 

3'ears and by his faithfuhiess 

to strengthen the church and 

the community. Under his 

fifty-one in membership, mak- 

located with the church, Jan. 

there has been a net gain of 

their beautiful new church 

the past with thanksgiying and 



THE ME THODIS T 
beginning of Methodism in Kl 
determine, dates back to 18.^)7. 
the El Paso charge was held in 
was no church building the 
hou.se. The first pastor was 
of ihaving the comfortable sur- 
today, he had a large circuit of 



roll call at this time and during Bro. Lampton's 
of twenty-eight in the meml)L'r- 
of better things, the dawning 
church. Following Lampton's 
for the church a year or more 
Dabney was call as the first 
istry coyered a period of four 
of life and work he did mucli 
giye it standing and intluence in 
work there was a net gain (»f 
ing 113 when C. S. Medbury 
1, 1898. Since the latter date 
1(10 and now worshipping in 
home the ccmgregation reyiews 
looks to the future hopefully. 




REV. J. p. ROBINSON. 



EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The 
Pa.so, as best the writer can 
The first quarterly meeting for 
Panola Noy. 7-8 and as there 
seryices were held in the freight 
Rey. R. Smitherson and instead 
roundings which we know 
seyen appointments, with not a 



church in all. Records show that he preached regularly at the following places: El Paso, | 




KKSIDENCK OF U. R. CURTISS. 



Panola, Chenoa, Willow Tree, Bunch Grove, Secor and Potter school house. Among- the 
charter memliers of the church here were Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Geiger and Mrs. Celicia Boner, 
who are still here. In the fall of 1858 Rev. A. E. Day succeeded to the pastorate and the late 
Jacob Betz was one of his official board. In 18r)V> Rev. F. M. Smith was appointed to serve 
El Paso Methodism and among the officers were H. L. McOmber and O. P. Shaw. Rev. P. 
A. Crist came in the fall of 1801 and remained two years, giving place at the end of this 
term to Rev. J. E. Rutledge, who remained one year. Thus far services had been held in the 
school house. The need of a church building had long been felt and upon the appointment of 
Rev. J. B. Craig to the pastorate in 18(>4, plans for a new house of worship were laid and within 
the following year the first Methodist church of El Paso was built. If our readers imagine 
that to build a church under the difficulties and perilous times of that day was an easy matter 
they have simply misjudged the facts. The war was on, material was high, money scarce, 
the public worried about the country's distress and more than an ordinary amount of courage 
and perseverance was necessary to carry the work through. Late in the fall of 1805 the 
church was dedicated and great was the joy of the congregation. The dedicatory sermon was 
preached by Rev. Thos. Eddy, D. D., of Chicago, who was at that time editor of the North- 
western Christian Advocate. After the arduous duties of two years' services, Mr. Craig 
g-ave place for Rev. W. P. Graves, who remained one year, being followed in the fall of 1808 
by Rev. John Borland. This was another single 3'ear pastorate and in the fall of 1809 Rev. 
P. M. Armstrong came. Now follows another one year pastorate and P. A Crist is preacher 
in charge. In the fall of 1870 Rev. W. E. Williamson was appointed by Bishop Janes and 
remained two years. Following him came Rev. E. P. Hall and one year later Rev. G. W. 
Gue became the El Paso Methodist parson. After one year Rev. W. E. Stevens came and in 
the fall of 1875 the honored and sainted Father Worthington began his pastorate. Rev. J. S. 
Millsap followed in 1870 and remained three years. His work was blest by over 200 conver- 




lAUMEK.S' CLCH. RK(!ri,AI{ MKK TlNt;, TAKIi.N AT .1. L. PATTON'S. 

J. L. Pattoii, C. M. Stephenson, P. S. B«ssett. J. L. Boner, Jesse Hi)(l','.soii, Samuel Stitt, T. ,1. Hard, E. S. FiirsuiHu, W. S. Burroughs, 
obt. Mavnp. Win. Beal. Dan Hill. Clias McAiiley. J. .1. Yanibert, G. W. Hi)nicr, .las. Pleasants and their wives: Mrs. Jos. HamiMers, Mrs. 
nln- (iray anil dannhter Lizzie. John Scliotield and son. C. S. Miller. Fannie Fnrsnim and Arthur L. Patton. 



sions. Then followed Rev. C. H. Brace one \'eaf, F. H. Cumming two years, Rev. J. J. Walter 
one year, Rev. Thomas Doney two year.s. Rev. G. C. Shafer two years. Rev. Joe Bell two 
years, Rev. M. V. B. White two years and the present pastor. Rev. J. F. Robinson, in the 
midst of his third year. On ' first day of July, 1894, the last 

service was held in the old church and the buildinj,'- wa? 

taken down to give place to a more spacious and modern build- 

injj-. The new church was dedicated Dec. 2, 1894, by Rev. 

Lewis Curts, D. D., of Chicag-o. '-x-'-lfc- On the 12th day of May, 189.5, 

the new church was totally de- I stroved bv fire. Without losing' 

any time preparations were made % k for rebuilding. With hearty 

g-ood will the work was under- 'Pf' '^ *** f taken and on the 11th of June 

the corner stone was laid and on • ^ - • 1 ^ *^'t- -"• 189.5. the seccmd temple, 

built at a cost of Sl2,00() was '^j. — jf dedicated. 



r//£ EL PASO B.ir- 
ized Jan. 21, 1858, the org-ani- 
meeting' held in the old Crawford 
standing: on the corner just oj)- 
ingf. For several years their 
homes of the members and in 
The charter or constituent^ 




HEV. J. F. HOWARD. 



Wm. Branch, Anthonv Daffarn, Mrs. Sarah Daffarn, Lewis 
ford and wife, Jas. T. Hewitt, ]\Irs. H. M. McOmber, H 
Miss Deborah Whitaker and Israel McOmber. 

Mr. Branch was pastor until '(iO and was followed 



VIST CHURCH was org^an- 
zation being affected at a 
hall, which at that time was 
posite the present church build- 
worship was held at the various 
halls and rooms down town. 

-members were: Rev. and Mrs. 

Mc( )mber and wife, Ja.s. Craw- 
H. Hewitt, Miss A. Whitaker. 

bv S. F. Stimi^on, whose labors 




KKSIUKNl'K n\- T .1 lilKh 



continued until December, '(i5. Durinjjf Mr. Stlmson's pastorate, in 'tU, a house of worship 
was erected, facin^j Franklin park. It was dedicated in December of that year. It wa.s 
during the closing scenes of the war and the same difficulties presented themselves that were 
experienced by the M. E. congregation, who built the same year. 

A. H. Stowell followed Mr. Stimscm but remained but one year. R. C. Palmer was the 
next pastor and he served two vears, going from here to the work at Panola. Mr. Palmer 
owned and improved the farm just north of this city now owned by Mr. Strickland. A. B. 
White came next and served one year; J. E. Ingham followed and was in charge two vears, 
and was followed by J. F. Merriam who also was pastor a year. In 73 S. B. Gilbert was 
called and remained in the work three years. J. B. Hutton served from November, '78, to 
Januarv, '82. During the summer of 1882 Rev. L. C. Morehouse was chosen pastor and was 
in just two years, when Rev. E. C. Cady came to the charge. 

During his pastorate the present parsonage was purchased and the property of the 
organization is now valued at nearly S8000. After a brief period without a minister the 
present one, J. F. Howard, was chosen and early in November, '90, he took up the duties of 
the charge. In a letter ju.st issued by the pastor he reviews in detail the work of the past 
five years. During that time Si 0,000 has been expended by the church and congregation in 
various lines. In the summer of 'V)4 an addition was built to the already quite commodious 
church home, which is used as chapel for prayermeetings, Sunday school classes, etc. Besides 
this improvement the house was repainted and repapered and new furniture purcha.sed, a new 
furnace and electric lights were added. In all over S2.^)00 was used. The reconsecration ot 
the house took place in September of that year and while it is not what might be called a 
modern church home, yet it is one of the largest and pleasantest in this regicm. 

Since organization 4(')7 members have been received, 210 of whom were baptized by the 
several pastors. The present membership is 127. 




M. li. PARSONAGE. 



UNITED EVANGELICAL CHURCH-^ the spring of 1872 the English members of 
the Evangelical association were necessitated to secure a place of worship to hear the Gospel 
preached in English and hearing that the Congregationalists desired to sell their house on the 
West side, met in Crawford's hall March 1V> and took steps to purchase the property, for 
which Si 500 was asked. The house was bought and Bros. W. H. Honstedt and J. F. Worick 
were pastors of the English part of the society, but the latter died before he took possession. 
In the same spring W. W. Shuler was sent as pastor by the conference, and he had the honor 
of preaching the first sermon in the new church hcnne. The society prospered and the next 
year Mr. Shuler had an assistant, H. T. Lashell; there was also a local preacher, J. H. Gulp. 
In 1874 J. W. Mohr became pastor. During this year death entered the ranks for the first 
time and David Grafft, the first church treasurer, "fell by the way. " Henry Messner took up 
the work next year quite successfully. In 1876 C. W. Davis was sent as pastor and he served 
the church faithfully three years and a large number were added. During his ministry the 
parsonage was built. L. B. Tobias followed Mr. Davis and also served three years. During 
his stay repairs were made on the church and many improvements added. The conference of 
'82 sent W. A. Unangst, who served one year and gave place to George Harris, also one year. 
Next year T. W. Woodside was in charge and it was through Mrs. Woodside's efforts that a 
prosperous Woman's Foreign Missionary society was organized. Mr. and Mrs. Woodside are 
now in Africa, serving the Master as missionaries. W. A. Schultz came in '85, remaining 
two years. Some repairs were made during his ministry also. Mr. Schultz married Father 
North's daughter, Carrie, but she, in less than a year, joined the triumphant host on the other 
shore. Henry Pope came next and a great revival was experienced. 

Isaac Divan took up the duties as pastor in '88 and labored diligently three A'ears. While 
very few were added to the church during his ministry, it was undoubtedly owing to the trials 
and discouragements in general church trouble. During his pastorate the first ministerial and 




RESIDENCE OK .1. I. KERK. 



Sunday school conference at this place was enjo^yed. J. W. Faofer came in ';•! and duriny; his 
pastorate another ministerial convention was held and much good resulted. D. J. Klopp came 
in '94 and at present J. B. Michael is in charge. The following elders have served during 
these twenty-four years: D. B. Byers, H. Messner, S. F. Entorf and A. Haefle. Mr. Haelie 
is a resident of this city and we present elsewhere a picture of his residence which he erected 
in '94. El Paso is convenient to his many charges and he found the school and church influ- 
ences and general surroundings such as one would wish in which to rear a family and he settled 
here permanentlv. 

Sr. MARYS ROMAN CA THOIJC CHURCH was organized in IHllS in this city by 
Rev. Fr. Terry, of Ottawa. Father Toner administered to the congregation one year and 
was succeeded by Frances Keenan, who remained in charge nine years. Soon after his coming 
here a church building was begun and in 18(>.5 it was completed. The wings were added to 
the building in '72, making the entire work cost about S450U, with seating capacity for 500. 
Fr. Costa followed Fr. Keenan, but remained a short time and gave place in '74 to Thos. 
Keating, who was in charge several years. A parsonage was built early in the church's 
historv and late in the '70s a school house was erected on the same block, which was well 
attended a number of years. Of late years, however, this has been discontinued and in "i»4 it 
was remodeled into a residence for the priest. 

Following Fr. Keating, Fr. O "Kelly, then Fr. Burns and O'Neil, Dunne, Kelly and the 
present priest in charge is Fr. Quinlan, who came here two years ago. Fr. Kelly died while 
in charge of this congregation. At present there are about 150 families represented in the 
congregation of St. Marvs and before manv months a handsome new church will be erected on 
the site of the present one. The church owns a beautiful cemetery one and a-half miles north 
of the city, which is well laid out and nicely kept. A small cemetery east of the city is also 
owned by them, where repose the deceased members of German families of the congregation. 




1" ' 'mer^m^*'*!' 




KKS1L>EN(JE OF KOBT. J. EVANS. 



t TAW 

«»l«l.^StYOFIUMWI» 

UMANA 



PRESBYTERIAN — The first church organized in the city was the Presbyterian. ^Nlay 
11, 1857. Rev. F. N. E wing presided at the organization. Rev. W. T. Adams, S. L. Kerr 
and wife, Silas W. Ogden and wife, John R. Gaston and wife and John R. Bigham were 
charter members. Mr. Ogden was first ruling elder, but Dr. Kerr succeeded him the next 
vear. No house of worship was erected until 18()4, when the present house was built at a cost 
of S3200. It was dedicated in December, and W. T. Adams was the first pastor. Rev. W. 
W. Harsha, D. D., assisted in the dedication. Among those who have since ministered to the 
congregation are Revs. J. H. Burns, R. Conover, Wm. Reed, Rabi, Samuel Wilson, S. B. 
Taggart, J. M. Baugh, J. W. Harsha, Geo. B. Black. Mr. Black served from 77 until '79 
and was followed in '80 by H. S. Beavis. In '84 J. F. Hopkins was in charge and in June, 
'87, A. J. Herries was installed pastor. He served the congregation until '.»(>. In the spring 
of '91 the present pastor. Rev. W. V. Jeffries was installed. 

During the summer of 1887 steps w«re taken to secure a parsonage and in a short time 
arrangements were made and the property next to the church, owned by Mr. C. Clark, was 
l)ought for S900. This served as a home for the various pastors until the past year, when 
it was sold and a handsome and much larger manse erected, two blocks east on Church street, 
at a cost of $2500. The church has been repaired and brightened interiorly within the past 
few vears and it is lighted with electricitv. 

ST. PAULS GERMAN ElANGEL/jCAL LUTHERAN C//f 7vY^//— The first 
efforts toward public service by Lutherans was made in the early '()0s. Ph. Pfleuger, sr. , 
the father of Philip and Adam, effected the first gatherings and induced the first pastors of 
the church to come here from Bloomington and other places. The first services were held in 
a public school house in or near Kappa. After that they met in West side school, Crawford's 
and Strathman's hall. El Paso. In '()3 efforts were made to erect a German schoolhouse. It 
became a church. On Mav 8, '(>3, a congregation was organized with above name l)v some 




RESIDENCE OF DAVTD EVANS. 



fourteen voting members, thiit is to say male members above the age of ■_'!. In 1S()4 church 
vs^as contracted and built by Joseph Mueller, of Peoria, $1480.75. Ph. Pflueger, A. 
Strathman and Ad. Metzger were the first elders. Church was remodeled in "75 bv McAlden 
for Sl8()0. Parsonage was purchased in October, '71, for S475 and an addition in '82 for S7U0. 
In it is a school room with capacitv for thirty-five children. Besides tho.se in the earliest 
commencements the following pastors have served the congregation: Rev. H. Sieving at time 
of organization, A. G. Jansen from '64 to '66; from '67 to '69 H. Sieving again had charge, 
from '70 to '71 J. J. Kern. After him B. Burfein accepted the call. On his departure in 
'78, Th. Benson took his place; in '81 B. J. Ansorge, in '87, H. Pflug and in '!»() C. G. 
Schroeder entered upon the duties of the charge. 

The total of 102 voting members has by emigration, death, change of faith, and disci- 
pline peculiar to church been reduced to twenty-seven, the present standing. Upwards of 
forty have moved away, while quite a number are residents in this vicinitv but disconnected 
with the church. Of the early members Mrs. B. Kreidner and Mrs. E. Hoefler are still with 
the church, as is also Mrs. Ad. Metzgar, now Mrs. C. Hagemever, but living at 
Carlock. The records are preserved since '67: Baptisms, 821; confirmations. 125; funerals, 
94; marriages, 50. During the past sea.son the church expended .something in the neighbor- 
hood of S400 on interior refinish and on steeple and outside painting. 

SC/Ei\T/ST — For a few 3'ears past a number of people of this city, believers in the 
Truth as taught and practiced by Christain Scientists, have held regular meetings at the homes 
of the several members. At present regular Sundav morning meetings are held and the 
lessons in the Christian Science quarterly studied in connection with the explanatitms fr(mi 
Mrs. Eddy's "Key to the Sciptures. " Meetings and Bible readings are also held each Thurs- 
day afternoon. 




FIRST NATIONAL HANK iiril.DlMi;. 

Xiiiliiii;il UauU. J.I.Kerr, Liuiles Library, Journal Onice. 

IJ A. siriiihcr. basement. second .secoud Hour. Press room, base- 
Ur. \'au HoiiU. second floor. Hoor, uienl; Composing 

room, second Hoor. 



GERMAN EVANGELICAL— 'X:\^^ year 1864 was one of church building in El Paso. 
Four houses of worship were under construction at one time. One of these was the German 
Evangelical and the pastor in cliarge was Rev. Shoemaker. Young John Mohr, as he was 
known, had the contract and about the time the frame was up, Mohr was drafted and another 
contractor had to be hunted up before the work could go on. Prior to the building of the 
house Rev. Hoffman had been in charge and meetings had been held in various private resi- 
ences in the old Mohr settlement northwest of here. These services were possiblv among 
the first church services held in this community and date back nearly fifty years. When the 
church was built Philip Blumenshine, Wm. Bowman and John JNIohr were trustees. The lot 
on which it stands was donated by Mr. Geo. Gibson and the church purchased the lot next to 
that for $100. About 1877 the church purchased the parsonage property two blocks from 
their house of worship, which they still own. Among the ministers who followed Mr. Shoe- 
maker are Revs. Peter Himmul, Heilman, Keller, Keichly, Young, Burkhardt, Frey, G. 
Eichenlaub. The latter served the church in '88, '84 and '85 and after being in other charges 
several years, came back in '94. Since leaving here he has passed to his final reward. Of 
late years those who have ministered to the congregation are Revs. C. Fehr. M. M. Schuster, 
J. B. Elfrink, J. Haller, A. Woehr. The present pastor in charge is J. Martli, a young 
minister, who has been here about a year. He also has charge of Walnut Grove mission, 
southwest of this city. 

/:^/'/6rC/'.-i//C//fVv'C//— The first clerical act performed by an Episcopal clergy in 
El Paso was the baptizing of the little babe of Mr. Hazlett and wife. This was per- 
formed by Rev. Samuel Chase, D. D. , and was in 18(iO. He was going through El Paso and 
was waiting for a train. In August, 'Gl, Rev. Mr. Lobaugh, was in El Paso and 
held services and baptized the child of W. M. Jenkins. July, 18<)r), Rev. Chamberlayn, who 
was returning from the war, remained over Sabbath and by reciuest held services in the 




KKSIDKNCEOF S. II N'OKTH 



Presb3'terian church. Two years afterward Rev. Wm. Steele, who lived in Peoria, ministered 
to the flock at this place and also at a mission in Peoria county. Two years he remained in 
the work and in a short time afterwards went south. From this time until 18iS4, ministers 

In '84 Mr. Steele returned and 
people every two weeks. The 
now deceased, in church work 
taining a large Sunday school is 
Services in an earlv day were 
Dist. 4 (Kast side) and later in 
the past eight or ten years 
used for this purpose. In De- 
chased a corner lot on First 
and by the fall of 'VXi a hand- 
that spot and the worshippers 
have so often lonyed. a church 



from Bloomington and other places held services occasionally. 

has since ministered to his 

work of ]\Irs. John Hoagland, 
and in the starting and main- 
worthy of note in this connection, 
held in the old school house of 
the old Christian church. For 
rooms over T. Dovle 's have been 
cember, 189.5, the church pur- 
street, of Mr. L. S. Calkins, 
some little church will adorn 
will have that for which they 
home of their own. 



In the ()()s a thriving 
ganized and thev built the 
United Evangelical people, 
places weakened their forces 
up the work. Most of the 




Congregational society was or- 
church now occupied by the 
Deaths and removals to other 
and they were obliged to give 
members remaining^ in this city 
took up the good work in other churches. The Methodist Episcopal church, South, made an 
effort to organize here once but no permanent establishment was perfected. 
Total value of church propertv in the citv, Sr)L',.5()(). 



REV. WM. STEELE. 




R. C. SPRINU(JATE. 

President of the Opera House Co. and senior 
member of the firm of Springgate& Ferrell. 




liKt). M. YOUNC. 

Mr. Voung entered the employ of 
the Illinois Central railway in 18(>4, 
was transferred to Freeport in lH(i7. took 
charge of El Paso station in IHHS, and was 
made joint local agent of our two railroads in 
lMt5!t, serving in this capacity until October 
1884, when he resigned to go into business in 
Boston, where he still resides and prospers. 
Mr. Young was a member of the city council 
in 1876 7. He was one of the charter mem- 
bers of CoMir de Leon couiinandory Knights 
Teniiilar, and on the occasion of the visit of 
the El Paso Knights and friends to Boston last 
summer, he and his good wife made it their 
especial care to royally entertain their old 
townspeople. 




J. S. KVANS. 

Mr. Evans has been connected 
with the Illinois Central as freight clerk 
and later as agent in this city for the 
past thirteen years. 



West Front Street— Block 4i, Original Town. 




Peter Thometz. C. M. West- M. Render. 
Wm. Kridner. cott. J. N. Valen- 
tine. 



S. H, North. 
C. P. Shur, sec- 
ond floor. 



S. H. Worthington. 
J. F. Sturgeon, second 
floor. 



North Elm Street Block 41, Original Town. 




.1. R. Sweet P. M. Edwards. 

J. S. CDlliiis. S. T. ("urtiss. 

C. Xiswonger. Win. Ziiikan & Son. 

Dr. .]. A. Siiiitli. 



Pnrnialee & Porter. 
( 'liristian Cliiirch. 




S. H. WORTHINGTON. 




GEO. H. CAMPBELL. 

Mr. Campbell was agent for the Cent- 
ral from 1858 to 1869. and most of that time 
was joint agent for both roads. Mr. Camp 
bell was mayor of El Paso in 1882 and 
served as alderman prior to that time. He 
retired from the work as agent to take 
charge of his hotel which he has ever since 
conducted in this city. 




THOS. PATTERSON, MAYOR. 

Mr. Patterson has been the local 
agent since '89. for the two express 
companies doing business in this city. 




KKSIUKNOK OF J. T. IK'NKK. 



Secret Societies. 

The Masonic fraternity of Kl Paso own one of the finest halls in the state outside 
/C^the state's metropolis and may justly be proud of their quarters. The rooms are in the 
^^^ second story of the Grand Opera house buildin.t,^ and are very commodious, furnace 
heated, lighted by electricity, handsomely furnished and convenient in every respect. From 
1872 untiithe fire of '94 the ISIasonic lodges owned the third story of the Eagle block and had 
just previous to that disaster expended over $1000 in refitting their already elegant rooms. 
Arrangements were soon after made for nev\- halls and in January, 1895, they were finished 
and ready for occupancy. Besides the furniture, which is very fine, a handsome set of robes 
is the property of the bodies. 

El Paso Lodge 246 F. & A. M. was originally organized as Panola lodge in 1857, with 
John D. Park first Master, but in October, '62 the lodge was removed to El Paso. The 
present Master is Dr. J. A. Schofield; secretary, Geo. R. Curtiss. 

Mackey Chapter was organized Aug. 31, 1868, and in October, the same year, was 
chartered as No. 130. Daniel Lewis was appointed first High Priest and P. H. Tompkins, 
secretary. James Thompson was first High Priest elected under the charter. The present 
officers are: D. Dunn, High Priest; Isaac Cannon, secretary. 

Coeur de Leon Commandery No. 43 Knights Templar was granted a charter Dec. 4, '73. 
James Thompson was first commander and P. H. Tompkins, recorder. The present officers 
are: Commander, L. O. Wolk; recorder, Isaac Cannon. 

El Paso Council No. 62 was t)rganized about the time Mackey Chapter was. The 
present officers are: G. R. Curtiss, T. I. M. ; Isaac Cannon, secretary. 

yi Thompson Chapter 147 O. E. S. was organized Apr. 16, 1889. with Mrs. R. _C. 

^' Springgate Worthy ISlatron and G. R. Curtiss, secretary. The present officers are Miss 
^Belle Shur, Worthy Matron; Miss Mary Jenkins, secretary. 





RESIDENCE OF ISAAC fA.NNUX 




Bavaria Lodtje No. H27 I. O. O. F. was oro;-anized Oct. 7, ISHli and worked 
fm German for a while but later was discontinued. Woodford Lodge, of the same 
order, was in existence a few years but did not long survive. The present lodge 
was organized June 20, 1894, and is in a flourishing condition. They have fitted up 
a commodious hall in the Schafer block, where they hold regular sessions. The present officers 
are: Walter Caufield, Noble Grand; J. T. McCord, secretary. 

Hugh de Pavens Lodge 241 Knights of Pythias was organized in April, 
IS'.K), with D. Dunn Chancellor Commander and R. G. Hebden, Keeper of 
Records and Seal. The present officers are: E. G. Schafer, C. C, and Dr. J. W. . 
Parkinson, K. of R. and S. The Uniform Rank, K. of P., was organized in , 
December, 189.5, and Jan. 28, '9(i the officers were installed. The officers are: J. F. 
Bosworth, Captain; E. R. Somers, clerk. 

Both organizations are in splendid condition and they have rented the second 
storv of J. B. IMichels' building, which will be fitted up in elegant shape for their use. 

S. T. Rogers Post No. .531 was chartered Sept. 17, 1885, S. T. Rogers 

^ being the first commander, S. H. Worthington, adjutant. The present officers 

l/are: Ed. Childs, commander; S. K. Hay ward, adjutant. There was a post 

organized several vears before the existence of the present one, but survived only a 

>h()rt time. 

March 1(3, 1895, a Camp of Scms of Veterans was organized in this city and 
QT^^^^Y^ have meetings twice each mcmth. The first captain was J. B. Michels and first 
sergeant L. B. Renard. The present officers are: Chas. Parkhouse, captain and 
W. A. Bryan, first sergeant. 
These last two orders, as well as the W. R. C, are foremost in making Memorial Day 
exercises interesting and profitable and El Paso's commemoration of this event is enjoyable. 






RESIDENCE OF E. R. SOMERS. 




S. T. Rogers corps W. R. C. No. 264 was organized November, 181»4, and was 
chartered Jan. 26, 1895. Mrs. Jennie Worthington was chosen first president and' 
Mrs. Minnie Schofield, secretary. These officers have just been reelected for the 
ensuing vear. 

Silver Leaf Court of Honor No. 33 was granted a charter Nov. 26, 1^95, and 
starts out with large membership. The insurance feature is one of its greatest 
benefits. ]\I. T. Hyer is Worthy Chancellor and J. T. Kearney, recorder. 

Kl Paso Camp 168 Modern Woodmen of America was instituted 
Feb. 20, 1886, with eleven charter members. W. R. Shinn, M. D., 
was first venerable council and F. L. Kvser, clerk. The insurance 
feature of the order has made it verv popular and at present they have 
ia membership of eighty-tw'o, thirty-four having transferred, died, and 
[dropped out. The deaths occurring in their ranks since organization 
are: Will Jones, A. D. Williamson, Louis Kurtz and James Cannon. 
The present officers are: R. E. Gordon, M. D. , Venerable Council and 
E. R. Somers, clerk. 

Palmetto Lodge No. 21 Roval Neighbors of America, an 

auxiliary of the M. W. A. was organized in this city Nov. 13, 189-5, and the first officers were 
installed Dec. 6, and the order starts out with a good membership. Mrs. Ed Abrams is 
Oracle; Mrs. F. L. Newton, recorder. An insurance and a sick benefit are a part of the good 
things connected with the organization and wives, sisters and daughters of Woodmen may 
become members. 

A branch of the Home Forum was organized in this citv last August with fourteen 
charter members and is becoming verv popular. The present officers are: E. R. Somers, 





KK.SIUl;.\< 1'. >il- hi-,\. HAI-.II.K. 



president; W. B. Wilson, secretary; S. D. Patton, treasurer. The benefits of the order, 
aside from the social side of the question, is an insurance and a man and his wife may both 
become members and each carry insurance at the same low rate. 

^? The Y. M. & O. is a vigorous organization of about fort}- Young Maids and Old. 

, "I Stated meetings are held each month, but as 1890 is the first leap year occurring 
jlUsince the founding of the order in this city, the benefits of the association cannot be 
measured until the close of the present season. The first High Worthy was Miss Anna 
VanMeter; esteemed keeper of records and seal. Miss Barbara Paul. The present officers 
are: Miss Stella Straight, High Worthy; Miss Jess H. Cannon, esteemed keeper of records 
and seal. 

Other Organizations. 

Besides the secret orders above noticed, we have a thriving Woman's Christian 
Temperance Union, and in almost every church an energetic young people's societ_y and a well 
attended Sunday school; also a number of Ladies' Auxiliaries doing an excellent work. The 
Ministerial Union, composed of the different ministers of the city, meets every Monday fore- 
noon. The Ivoyal Legion interests the young in the work of temperance and meets every 
two week, Sunday afternoon, and the " Y 's " also have a large number of members. 

The Local University Reading circle was organized here last November, with a goodly 
meml)ership. Anna E. Hill is president; W. B. Wilson, secretary. They meet every Monday 
evening and are taking a very fine course of reading. 

The Dickens club meets every Friday afternoon at the homes of the members. The 
organization is composed of a number of ladies of a literary turn of mind and they are reading 
the works of that popular author. 




TEACHERS IN DIST. 4 

Gail '*'''''"i Orammar Dept. f^tclhi titrifiqht. Axxhtiiiil Prin. 

Herbert Jiusxttt, Prin. 

Estelle Cliiiiiiiiiiii. lutemiedUite Dept. Jielle Trtii-is, Primary Ihpt. 



Waterworks. 

In 1882 the city of El Paso put in a waterworks plant and several blocks of mains at a 
cost of about S5000. A wooden tank, a large windmill and an inexhaustible supply of water 
were the chief featiires of the system. Later, windpower was replaced by a steam pump and 
in ISVU a contract was made for a steel tower with tank, with a capacity of 125,000 gallons. 
This was to cost $3400. At the same time $30.00 was expended on the extension of mains 
until now we have over forty blocks of mains and the revenue to the city derived from water 
rents amounts close to SlO0() per annum. This revenue, however, is incomparable with the 
benefits derived from the fire protection the system affords the business and residence districts. 
No waterworks is complete without an accompanying 

Fire and Hose Company, 

And Kl Paso has as good a volunteer organization as ever mans nozzles and braves the 
destructive element. We have experienced more than our share of big fires and the laddies 
have done good service in all of them, as well as in the lesser casualties. At present C. A. 
Drury is chief and Will Seidel secretary and the company numbers about thirty men. A large 
chemical engine is used in connection with the waterworks system. The fire company give 
entertainments each year and have at present quite a fund on hand which will be applied to 
assist any of their number, should they be so unfortunate as to receive injury during service. 

El Paso District Agricultural Board. 

The Kl Paso Fair is one of the important organizations connected with the city's 
interests and their annual meetings in September are events of considerable importance to the. 
whole county and surrounding countr}-. In 187i> the Woodford county Grange held a small but 




«BSIDENCE OF S. M. PKRRELL. 



very successful fair on the farm now owned by Mr. Strickland, just north of the citv. 
Several enterprising men of this city got the key note from that venture and early in 1880 a Fair 
society was incorporated with a capital stock of S5()00 and thirty-one acres adjoining the cit}' 
was purchased for $50 per acre and in September, 1880, the first meeting under the new 
organization was held. The officers of the Grange Fair were M. H. Wart, president; F. T. 
Waite, secretary; P. S. Bassett, vice-president and J. M. Stonebraker, treasurer. 

Mr. Fd Hodgson was chosen first president of the new organization and has served in 
that office eleven 3^ears. Samuel Stitt served one year and John Tyler, deceased, two years 
and Fd Childs is president for 'ir»6. D. A. Fspy was the first secretary and served two vears, 
when Walter Bennett succeeded him and served ten years, moving west during the tenth vear. 
G. R. Curtiss was chosen to succeed Mr. Bennett and has served to the present time. F. T. 
Waite was chosen treasurer in 1880 and served until removed by death and was then succeeded 
by his son, Azro H. , who still retains the position. J. L. Patton is vice-president and the 
following is the board of directors: W. W. Dunmire, I. B. Hammers, C. M. Stephenson, Fd 
Hodgson, John Schofield, Albert Jones, George Scheer, C. Fngel, H. W. Bullock, F. S. 
Fursman, B. F. Slenker, Dan Hill and P. S. Bassett. Nearly every land owner in this part of 
the county in 1880 subscribed to one or more shares and from the start to the present time all 
have taken a great interest in the fair. The citizens of El Paso are also deeph' interested and 
vie with one another in doing what they can to forward the interests of a societv that is a 
l)enefit to the city in many ways. Our fair is one of the half dozen in the state which own 
their own grounds, have always paid 100 cents on the dollar for premiums and is and has been 
for several vears entirely out of debt. 

No attempt has ever been made to pay a dividend Imt the surplus earnings have been 
used in improving the grounds. 




riCHlHlL, BUILIJINU, DKSIKU r I. 



World's Fair Premium Corn. 



In a community that is 
prodnction of corn, the ques- 
seed are thing-s that interest 
graph of Mr. W. S. Patterson, 
during- the past year than any 

The World's Fair Pre- 
been beaten when exhibited for 
fair of 1895, Mr. Patterson won 
vision exhibit, sweepstakes and 
over all exhibits. The picture 
the prizes were won in '95. 
miums at Farmers' Institutes 
has been shipping the seed in 
and has for some weeks past 
The variety is very handsome, 
a yielder cannot be beaten. 

Mr. Patterson hails from 
in this community a numlier of 
Kankakee county, March 1, and 
if addressed to that point after 




given very extensively to the 
tion of the right variety and good 
all. We here present a photo- 
who has sold more seed corn 
other man in Central Illinois, 
miuni yellow corn has never 
premiums. At the Illinois State 
first premium in Northern di- 
grand sweepstakes, the latter 
here shown was taken just after 
Since that time he has won pre- 
all over Central Illinois. He 
many instances by the carload 
been kept busy filling orders, 
symmetrical, true to name and as 

West Virginia but has farmed 
years. He will move to Exline, 
orders will be promptly filled 
that date. 




KliSIDKNCEOF DR. F. A. STUBBLEriEI^D. 



The Eagle Block. 

The accompanying- cut Is a fine representation of the building that was the pride of El 



Paso, and a land mark of 
from 1872 until destroyed by 
erected by Shur, Tompkins 
$60,000. " It consisted of 
corner front, which has been 
stories high, with a fine 
tion the city of El Paso and 
agreement made with the BRi 
of the second and third 
its portion as a city hall and 
lodge purposes. The first 
handsome structure were: 

Shur, Tompkins & Co., bank; C. 
& Son, groceries; Delos O'Brien, hard- 
two rooms; M. H. Patton, dentist; 
D. A. Strother, barber shop: City hall. 

Those occupying the building when it burned were: First National bank; S. H. North, implements; H. G McCurd. 
groceries; J. H. Strathman, fnrniture; J. I. Kerr, office; ladies library; City hall and council room; Masonic bodies: D. A. Strother, 
barber; Journal Co.; J. W. Parkinson, veterinary office; W. O. Cotton, restaurant. 




distinction in Central Illinois 
fire July 1894. It was 
& Co., bankers, at a cost of 
three store fronts and the 
used as a bank and was three 
basement. On its comple- 
the Masonic bodies, per 
banking firm, took a portion 
stories, the city fitting up 
the Masonic bodies theirs for 
enterprises occup3'ing the 

p. Frazier & Co.. dry goods; H. Tobias 

ware; Harper & Cassell, law offices. 

Journal office, Gersh Martin, editor; 
Masonic hall. 



Dr. F. A. Stubblefield. 

Dr. Frank A. 
Stubblefield came to 
El Paso a little over 
six years aKoand from 
the first had an ex- 
tensive practice, 
which he has in- 
creased each year 
until at present he 
probably has as 
large a country prac- 
tice as any physician 
in Central Illinois. 
He was born at Salem, 
this state, in IS.")."). 
In \HH-l he graduated 
from the Missouri 
Medical college. His 
experience was large- 
ly strengthened 
through the fact that 
for eighteen months 
he assisted and was 
daily attendant at one 
of the St. Louis hos- 
pitals. He is surgeon 
for the Illinois Cen- 
tral and T. . P. & W. railroads and is secretary of the Woodford 
County Medical society. He is a close reader and a man of 
marked ability. The cut of his residence and ottice is shown 
elsewhere. He owns three teams, all handsome black thorough- 
breds and lately added to his conveniences and necessities a 
phy.sician's cab. a closed v(hi<le nia<le especially for doctors who 
have an exten.sive country pnictice and lots of driving. 

Dr. .Stubblefield has made a specialty of surgery for some 



years past and many difficult operations have been performed 
here, his patients finding it much more convenient to submit to 
operations at home than go to the larger cities. 





PKE.SBYTERIAN CHURCH. 



Railroad Facilities. 

El Paso lies at the crossing of the Illinois Central main line and the T., P. & W., 
thirty-three miles east from Peoria and eighteen miles north from Bloomington. Twelve 
passenger trains 'daily connect us with the outside world, and with the principal cities of the 
state' and nation. Four trains a day with a choice of three or four routes accommodates 
passenger traffic between our city and Chicago. Our nearness to markets of all kind and the 
efficacy of our transportation facilities are great factors in sustaining our reputation as a 
trading and shipping point. On account of our railroad facilities, fuel is as cheap as in any 
city in Central Illinois and we are directly connected by rail with more good coal mines than 
most other cities of this state. 

El Paso's First Business Block. 

The accompanying cut is a representation of the first 
business house erected in Kl Paso. The building was erected by 
Wm. Jenkins in 1856 and still stands on the original site and at 
present is used only as residence rooms. The property is now 
owned by Mr. Lawrence Doj-le. Mr. Jenkins occupied it with a 
stock of general merchandise for man}- years. For a number of 
years all the grain bought and all the goods vsold in the embryo 
city was bargained for over the counters in that building, Mr. 
Jenkins and his brother Lsaac conducting the business. Geo. W. 
Fridley, one of El Paso's early business men also occupied it for a time. 





IN'TKUIOU CM' J, H. Mil IlliLS UlU't. .-^liiKI. 



The Campbell House. 

Every person who ever visited El Paso by rail or otherwise 
will recognize the picture here presented. The Campbell House 
was erected b5' Mr. Geo. H. Campbell in 1862. Mr. Campbell 
was at that time agent for the Central, having held that jjositlon 
from 1858. When the building was finished it was leased to 
Smith Johnson, who managed the hostelry until 1870, when Mr. 
Campbell, under the advice of his physicians, who thought he 




had consumption, resigned his position and took up the manage- 
ment of the hotel and ever since has personally conducted it and 
by his own hard work and close attention made it the popular 
hostelry of the city. Where "Cap" Campbell and his hotel 
aren't known in Central or Northern Illinois we'll warrant isn't 
much of a place. A portion of the building is used for union 
waiting rooms and ticket offices and there are no better kept 
waiting rooms on any road than may be found in El Paso. The 



only hotel of which the city could boast prior to the Campbell 
House, was an eating house run by Count Clopiski, a Polish 
exile, and quite a distinguished character. He kept a hotel in a 
modest little building near the old station in the south part of 
the city. In 1867 he died and was decently buried in our city 
cemeterj-, far from his native land. 

Dr. M. V. Qunn. 



Dr. M. 'V. Gunn 
came to El Paso Jan. 1, 
189.5. He graduated at 
the Medical College of 
Ohio March 5. 1885. 
While attending lec- 
tures he pursued his 
studies in the office and 
under direction of Dr. 
Robert Stewart, assist- 
ant professor of diseases 
of children Ohio Medi- 
cal college, visiting 
physician and patholo- 
gist to the Home of the 
Friendless, thereby 
securing manv prac- 
tical advantages 
and unusual clini- 
cal facilities. He 
served four years on 
the board of pension 
examiners under the 
Harrison administra- 
tion. His native home is Olney 
built up a very excellent practice 
increasing clientele in the future. 




Since locating here he has 
with bright prospects for an 



k 



'"H'SM)'.' 





RESIDENCE OK J. C. EVANS. 



Destructive Fires. 

As mentioned before in this work five very destructive fires in the business districts of 
the city have tried the metal of our property holders and merchants. 

Oct. 10, 1882, the south half of block 43, East Front street, a row of frame buildings was 
wiped entirely out, the fire starting in the old El Paso House, now the site of the Grand opera 
house. The business men burnt out at that time were: 

Foreman Bros., El Paso House; Geiger & Ingels. implements; C. P. Shnr, meat market; R. Webber, boots and shoes; S. D. 

Fatten, sewing machines, pianos and organs: O, A. C'avan, Hall's safes; D. C. York, barber .shop; Chas. McCoy, drugs and books; 

John Geiger. saloon; Thos. Doyle, groceries; Saltzberger & Seidel, groceries; W. G. Randall, law office; Carl Schuirman. restaur- 
ant; P. C. Ransom, office; James Harper and Dr. J. Q. Adams. otKces. 

May 8, 1889, the Illinois Central coal sheds containing 1500 tons of coal caught fire and 
before the .south gale, it .swept almost across the city north and south and S'iO.OOO worth of 
property was destroyed. The parties affected by this were 

I. C. R. R. coal sheds. I. C. & T., P. & W. freight depot and offices and residence of agent; Major Wathen, Summit House; 
O. W. McClellan, contents of Summit House; H. Saltzberger, groceries; Campbell House, damaged; S. D. Pattons barn; C. 
Geiger, residence in north part of city; W. R. Fleming, household goods in Geiger re.sidence. 

Apr. 30, 1890, D. Evans' elevator, Mrs. Bane's and David Hibbs' residences were 
destroyed and other buildings damaged, entailing a loss of about eight or ten thousand. 

"Aug. 15, 1893, the West end of Block 41, West Front street suffered. More than 
half of the business houses on the lilock were destroyed and the loss amounted to $12,500. 
Those sustaining losses were: 

J. A. Tarman, two buildings; Newton estate, building; P. Thometz, liakery; M. E. Cazelet, two buildings and grocery stock; 
.Jas. Hendron, two buildings; C. M. Parmalee, meat market; Alviu Hodgson, Hour and feed; James Cannon, harness and saddlery ; 
H. Kreidler. building and buggies; C. M. Westcott. damaged building; L. Kurtz, damage to stock; Willis Klug. furniture; F. L. 
Kyser, barn burned. 

But the disaster that more than any other changed the appearance of the business 
district was the fire of 1894. July 19, fire broke out in the center of block 42 on Front 




RESIDENCE OK K. C. SPKINGGATE. 



street and after three long hours of iighting, ^vas subdued after S25(),Ul)U worth of 

The following- were losers in the catastrophe: 



_ .&, .."- ^«..^...^.> ....^. .-._,..,„, ,.. property 

went up in smoke. 

First National Bank, building and furniture; Journal Co., presses, type and furniture; S. H. North, implements; H. G. 
McCord, groceries and dry goods; J. H. Strathman. building and furniture stock; F. L. Kyser. jewelery stock; J. K. Kyser, build- 
ing; Masonic Bodies, hall in third story Eagle block, furniture, paraphernalia, etc.; City of El Paso. hall, council room and library 
room; Ladies' Library, entire catalogue of books; D. Dunn, drug store and building; W. H. Dorsey. restaurant and household 

goods; F. A. Young, harness stock; W H Fitzgerald, building and saloon fixtures; 

Newton Sheen, building, hardware stock and jf-*~»^ household goods; L K. Tegtmyer, general 

merchandise, stock and household goods; W. .s-^lvlHi^Hi^ '^^ ^.'''l'^- boots and slioes; C. Schafer, two 

brick buildings, two frame ones and damage ^S^B BIBR to residence; A. H. Waite, hardware; Geo. 

Burster, clothing and building; S. H. m^HT ' ^^^^K VVorthington. dry goods stock; Mrs. Haerer, 

building; John Kearney, building and sa- tmlU i I IH loon fixtures; Somers & Co., meat market 

and building; Dr. McCann, two frame B ^H i m jK buildings; Albert Smith, notion stock; Peter 

Thometz, bakery and grocery; Mrs. Neiting, 9 ,5^^'VHBIiL residence; Martin Losch, residence; W. H. 

Ferguson, Clifton hotel and liverv barn; ■IJjf^H'lSHl Geo. Thorpe, brick building; W. E. Stone, 

Peoria, part of Eagle lilock; W (). Cotton. ^^^^P ..^~ % restaurant: J. I. Kerr, office in Eagle block; 

Dr. J. A. Schofield. dental office; Thorpe j^^^T A^ Bros., real estate office; W. H. Hoagland, 

storeroom and basement in Eagle block. H ^M ^ Wk- 

In every case of fire as || Ml J *.. 7* l B I described above, the indomit- 
able spirit of the El Paso peo- ^^^gSS-^^^^^i ^ pie was shown and while not 
quite every building has l>een IB m| I' !MR \^^^S:^ rebuilt, vet the most of the 
frames have since been re- S B mmW 111** ^ placed bv brick buildings and 
the citv has been benefitted in M IB ■BSaHiKai the main bv the disasters, al- 



have fallen 



though the losse 
deeply interested. 

( Jther fires have destroved 

we make particular mention of 

ness district. The burning of the Methodist church, May 
property was consumed, is mentioned elsewhere in these pages 



RUINS OF EAGLE LiH nlv. 



heavilv on manv of those most 

much property in the city, but 
the above as affecting the busi- 
12, 1895, in which 510,000 in 





L. K. EVANS, CITY TRKASUHEK. 




KF.V. J. W. MICHAKL. PASTOR OF THE 
UNITED KVAN(;EUCAL LHURCH. 



w. H. hoagland. generat. agent I-'OR 

THE .ETNA LIFE TNSI'UAVt i; CO. 



The First National Bank. 



The present First National Bank of El Paso was organized as the National 
owned by P. H. Tompkins, failed in April of that year and steps were taken wi 
offers of aid and money were made by out- 
was to make this a home bank, owned. 
in this the promoters finally succeeded, 
subscriptions could not be had. The stock 
business man or capitalist in or near El Paso, 
kins failure did not feel able to subscribe 
doubting eyes. A. S. McKinuey, Dr. Cole, 
A. Johnston, Dr. J. Q. Adams, J. Gilmore. 
the more prominent of the backers and 
to S. T. Rogers was due more than to any 
tion. He had for years believed that an 
forward to success even with the old bank in 
nity which was eagerly seized and the 
of his dream. 

The capital of the new bank was fixed 
surplus fund has been gradually accumulated 
original list of subscribers as recorded on 
Kinney, J. Q. Adams, F. Cole, W. H. 
J. M. Dunn, Andrew Johnson, John Ellis, 
Strathman, H. L. McOmber. Henry Greiner, 
Schafer, J. W. Slocum, J. I. Kerr, J. L. 
Reinhold Punke, R. Schofield, E. A. Gard- 
J. B. Swartz, Robert Hitch, George Thorpe 
the personnel of that list has been made, but 
in the hands of the original subscribers or 
that in the jmst five years only one actual 
— has been made, all other transfers having 
arrangement. 

The organization was completed in 
the capital made early in July. On July 10 
charter and the next day the bank was 

president; J. Q. Adams, vice-president; S. T. Rogers, cashier, and Chas Cockel, 
only to open the books and start the clerical part of the work and his place was 




F. B. STITT. CASHIER. 



Bank of El Paso in 1883. The old bank of El Paso 
thin a few days to start the present bank. Many 
side parties but the intention from the start 
organized and managed by home men and 
though for a time it looked as if the necessary 
was offered to almost every prominent 
Many who had lost so heavily in the Tomp- 
and a few looked at the organization with 
C. Schafer, J. M. Dunn, George Thorpe, W. 
David Evans, W. H. McClelau were among 
promoters of the new concern but probably 
other one person the success of its organiza- 
organization of this kind might be carried 
the field and its failure gave the opportn- 
Natioual bank of El Paso was the fulfillment 

at *,")(), 000 and is still that figure though a 
and is practically working capital. The 
organization day was as follows; A. S. Mc- 
McClelan, Walter Bennett, W. A. Johnston, 
sr. , W. M. Jenkins. David Evans. August 
J. S. Hammers, J. Gilmore, S. W. Myers, C. 
Boner, Mrs. B. Thompson, M. V. Rogers, 
ner, C. M. Clute, F. B. Stitt, Geo. Hauthorn. 
and J. L. Patton. A number of changes in 
the great majoritj' of the stock still remains 
their families. So closel.y is the stock held 
transfer of the stock — involving ten shares 
been made on some family agreement or 

June. 1883, and the required payments on 

the Comptroller of the Currency issued the 

opened for business with A. S. McKinney, 

bookkeeper. Cockel was employed for two months 

taken by F. B. Stitt, who has remained with the 




]l"i!'|!'!m|]!l»iii«iFI|jMMpe»imH 




KKSIUKNCE OF HENKY EFT. 




RESIDENCE OF A. O. SHUR. 



bank in different capacities ever since. From tlic first the success of the bank was asstired. Every stockholder felt that he had a 
personal interest in it and as they constituted a larf;e share of the business part of town, their influence was quickly felt and the 
results of this iufltience have been shown all throufjh the years of its existence. From the start the motto of the management was 
fdjiiij first and that remains the policy today ancl while at times they have been criticized for being too conservative yet the 
experience of the panic of 1H93 has but strengthened them in the belief that no bank can be — and remain — a sound, safe institution 
unless it is managed on the lines of conservatism. 

Twice during its existence have business panics swei)t over the country — in 1884 and 180:1. The first came too soon after the 
organization of the bank to be severely felt. At no time during the ordeal of IH!):! — when banks were suspending all over the 
country — was there a whisi)er of trouble at El Paso and the bank was ready at all times to pay any depositor or creditor on 
demand. In common with all other lines of business, the business of the bank was curtailed by that panic and necessarily the 
business of a bank is reflected by the condition of the community in which it is. An era of short crops and low prices means less 
business in everj" way for merchants and banks. 

In 18!M the old Bank building was destroyed by fire and the loss not covered by insurance was about $2000. No jjapers or 
books of any importance were lost or in.iured and the vault .stood the test and came through in excellent shape, the nickel trimmings 
on the safe not even Iteing tarnished. Tlie new building was at once commenced and was finished in the winter of lHi)4-r>. 

In a country bank the management and control of the institution naturally falls into the hands of one person largely and 
here there has Ijeen no exception to the rule, though the directors have always been consulted on any matter of importance and the 
whole list of loans is passed upon by them at regular meetings. Mr. Rogers was cashier and manager until his death, Nov. 10, 
18H4. He left his stamp upon the bank's future and his memory is cherished and his whole.some advice remembered yet. F. B. 
Stitt, at that time bookkeeper and but 'i'-i years old, was elected to the vacant place in December. 1884, and still occupies it. 

The first board of directors was A. S. McKinnev, C. Schafer. David Evans. J. (iilmore — who still are with it — Dr. F. Cole, J. 
M. Dunn, W. A. Johnston — who have made their homes elsewhere -and ,T. Q. Adams and (ieorge Thorpe, who have gone to their 
rest. Of the later members W. H. McC.'lelan. who took .1. M. Dunn's place, and Aug. Strafhman, who succeeded Johnston, have 
also i)as.<ed to the grave. The present members of the board are A. S. JIcKinney. David Evans, C. Schafer, J. Gilmore. M. A. 
Adams, J. I. Kerr. A. VanS< yoc. Robert Hitcli and F. B. Stitt. In addition to the names mentioned above, 'Walter Bennett served 
as director from January. 188S, until his removal to Arizona in the spring of isi)2. The jiresent officers are A. S. McKinney, pre.si- 
dent; David Evans, vice-president: F. B. Stitt. cashier, and L. K. Evans, assistant cashier. Mr. L. K. Evans began with the bank as 
bookkeeper in April. 188.5, and has been with them ever since with the exception of about nine months spent at Knox college, 
during which time Oscar Stitt acted as bookkeeper. Mr. Evans was given the title of assistant cashier in April, 1892. 





CARRIE WILLIAMSON. THE JOURNAL 
MAILING CLERK SINCE IHS:!. 




FRANK HAYWARD. JOURNAL COMPOSITOR 
SINCE 1891). 



C. F. CURTISS, FOREMAN JOB AND BOOK 
UKPARTMENT OF JOURNAL SINCE 1889. 




RESIDENCE OK J. B. MICHELS. 




BAPTIST PARSONAGE. 



Dr. Julian A. Smith. 

Dr. J n linn A. 
Smith is a native of 
Illinois. He was born 
Jan. 7. 1S4T. As his 
father was a physician 
he became interested in 
that profession quite 
early in life and durinj< 
his boyhood school days 
had made some profj 
ress in that direction. 
When the rebellion 
broke out, however, 
and its consecinent 
wave of enthusiastic 
patriotism spread over 
the north he caught 
the spirit of union and 
}-ielded completely to 
its dictates by enlisting 
in the army. His ex- 
perience as a soldier 
was perhaps similar to 
that of most of his 
comrades who were imbued with a desire to fafthfnlly serve the 
country. When the war closed he returned lo the iiursuit of his 
medical studies. 

Progressive public opinion was beginninj; to demand that 
the state should examine and pass U|)on all graduates of medicine 
before permitting them to practice Hcli.'ving in the justice of 
this demand and desiring to merit tlie confidence of his patrons. 
Dr. Smith api)lied to the Illinois State Hoard of Health for 
examination. He successfully i)assed the Board. In addition 
thereto he is a regular graduate of medicine and surgery. 

He located in El Paso Jan. 1. IHKK. The liberal patmiiage 




he has received during his residence here is a source of pleasant 
reminiscence and of personal gratitude. If he needed additional 
incentive to keep fully up with the times it would furnish it. 
While his motto is "({rasp the latest improvement." he does not 
forget the maxim " In nudin iKliisiiuiw ihis." 



Lumber. 

One of the oldest firms now in El Paso, having been in 
continuous business, is that of McKinney & Co., lumber dealers. 
This firm was established in IHtiS and was composed of A. S. 
McKinney and James M. Hotchkiss. Coming here from Peoria, 
they purctiased the stock then owned by (jibson Bros. (Ueorge L. 
and" Cyrus), located in the east part of town where the tile 
factory formerly stood. In 1«7I) James M. Hotchkiss sold his 
interest to Jos. Elder, also of Peoria. Under this management 
the firm remained for about twenty years, when Mr. Elder 
retired, leaving A. S. McKinney the sole owner, althongh 
the firm name has not been changed. 

Since the tirm was first organized in IsiiK some eight or 
nine other firms have been started and did business with more or 
less success for from three months to three years, but ea<'h have 
in turn been dissolved into the old established firm. In 1S72 the 
location was changed to the present one south of the T., P. & 
W. and west of the Central. New drying sheds have recently 
been erected and other improvements added to their yards. 



New Buildings. 

TJutil some six years ago there hail beeu no very great effort made to provide business buildings and residences on a scale 
beyond the point of bare necessity. Not that there were not many handsome and expensive structures, both in the business and 
residence districts of the city, but until the last half dozen years very few new structures were made to replace the old and ancient 
•landmarks" of the place. The ravages of tires on Front street made new and modern business blocks a possibility as well as a 
necessity, while the advent of electric lights, extension of water mains, the maintaining of miles upon miles of sidewalks, the 
growth of the city's handsome shade trees on every street, the excellent schools and churches, and numerous other advantages all 
tended to add to the idea of permanancy, stability and comfort in the upbuilding of the residence territory. The extension of the 
water mains and the putting in of electric lights in tlie districts of vrhnt was the original town had greatly enhanced the desirability 
and consequent value of the outlaying portions of the corporation. Very few cities not having a regular system of sewerage can so 
easily take care of home drainage of all kinds as EI Paso. Both north and south of the city the land gradually slopes from the 
center, thus providing a natural fall and easy outlet for cellar drains, etc. In the line of progression a complete and ample system 
of sewerage will be one of the improvements which maj" be expected before many years have rolled around, or as soon as the 
necessity demands. When the actual need of any improvement is demonstrated. El Paso usually has a way of going earnestly to 
work to supply the want. The writer considers himself safe in predicting street paving along our main business thoroughfares ere 
long. A few who are more slow than others to see the possible advantages to be gained by municipal improvements will no doubt 
ciy down pavements on the grounds that it is a luxury. A luxury it may be if you like, but some luxuries are al.so necessities. A 
great stride toward economy recently made by the city council is the putting down of brick for sidewalks instead of wood. Had this 
change been made years ago the city would have saved thousands upon thou.sands of dollars. 

The boom struck El Paso less than six years ago. And when we say "boom" we don't mean the western mushroom variety, 
but the huihlhiij boom. So far as the population is concerned we do not claim any material increase in numbers. But it is in the 
growing number of more commodious and handsome buildings, and the general advancement in things moral that we are conspicuous 
today. 'While many new houses have been added, and there is not an unoccupied residence or business building or room in the 
city, the individual home circles are not so large as formerly. This may be attributed to the fact that people in general, the world 
over, are more progressive and ambitious than formerly. Instead of parents supporting a large family of grown-up children, the 
youngsters are now shifting for themselves in the large manufacturing centers. One other reason why the increase of buildings has 
exceeded the increase of population is the fact that many of our farmers have acquired a competency, erected homes in the city and 
moved in to enjoy a well earned rest amid the advantages of closer church and other social facilities. Their farms are either rented 
or being conducted by the sons and daughters. 

The pages of this pamphlet contain engravings of many of our buildings, a large number of which have been recently 
erected Following we give the list of new structures which have been built since Feb. 11, 1889, when the present management of 
The El Paso Journal acquired the proprietorship of that publication, together with the list of improvements made in property 
already erected, where the expenditure has been $300 or over: 




LOOKlNi; WKST KKO.M I,. F. SMITH S PHI 1T( 1( ;K A 1 'll ■, M.I.KKV, 



OWNER. COST. 

National Bank building $10,000 

W. H. Hoagland, (2) owned 

byJ.B. Michels 11,000 

F. L. Kyser 1,600 

D. Dunn 4,000 

W. H. Fitzgerald (2) 4.200 

Newt. Sheen 4,500 

C. Schafer (2) 11,000 

Geo. Burster 5,000 

Geo. Thorpe (burned in '94) . . 5,000 

J. T. McCord 4,000 

Mrs. Hearer 1,800 

J. T, Kearney 2.000 

W. I. Strickland 2,500 

C. Schafer (Elm street) 900 

Christian Church 7,000 

M. Losch, residence 1.800 

C. Schafer, barn 1,050 

W. H. Ferguson, Clifton hotel 

(burned in '94) 3,300 

W. H. Ferguson, Clifton, re- 
built 4.300 

W. H. Fergtison, livery barn. 2,000 
W. R. Fleming, Palace of 

Trade and L. O. 'VVolk 10,000 

W. R. Fleming, now owned by 

S. D. Patton and J. M 

Fishburn 4,.i00 

Patton & Fishburn, (L. A. 

Gardner) 2,000 

J. M. Worley, now owned by 

Wm. Cline 7.000 

Grand Opera House 7,000 

Masonic Temple H.500 

S. D. Patton, residence 2.000 

L. Kurtz, store 2.200 

C. M. Westcott 4,.50O 

Harr.v Kridler, now owned by 

Wm. Kridner 3.000 

Harry Kridler, added after 

1893 tire 1.000 



P. Thometz 

John C. Burtis 

J. B. Michels, built by L. F. 
Smith. 

E. R. Soniers, built by Mrs. 
Doran 

J. A. Smith, residence and of- 
fice 

E. J. Rupel 

F. A. Stubblefleld. residence, 
office, etc 

Wm. Hogan 

T. P. & W. baggage room 

D. Evans, elevator 

M. E. Parsonage 

R. C. Springgate 

J. I. Kerr 

J. T. Boner 

Mrs. C. Boner 

Mrs. J. B. Swartz 

M. E. Church, burned 

M. E. Church, rebuilt 

L. K. Fuller 

W. G. Braddy 

S. M. Ferrell, built by G. H. 

Straight 

Mrs. Hunt, now owned by A. 

Sheen 

W. W. Stafford 

Henry Eft 

G. R. Curtiss 

J. A. Gilbert 

R. J. Evans 

Jesse Plackett 

Presbyterian parsonage 

Henry Hall 

Mrs. Bane 

David Hibbs 

Adam Henning 

M. ONeil 

A. H. Waite 

Rev. Haefle 



$ 3,3.50 
1.800 



2,200 
500 



5,300 

500 

200 

10,000 

2,000 

3.600 

3,500 

2,600 

3.500 

6.000 

10,000 

12,000 

900 

1.000 

3,400 

1.800 
3.200 
2.000 
3.600 
3,000 
1,400 
1.800 
2,200 
1,800 
800 
600 
5,000 
1,800 
2.700 
2,200 



H. Fritzen -js 1 .400 

D. C. York, now owned by 
Mrs. Griffith 500 

W. Hemler 1,.500 

Geo. Braddy 1.800 

P. Thometz 2.2.50 

J. F. Bosworth 2,000 

Union freight depot 2,000 

Wm. Dorsey 600 

J. Enright, bitilt by F. A. 

Hubbell 750 

Wm. Ross 1.400 

Johnson Bros.' shop 500 

John Maier (built by Ed Mez- 

ger 1.200 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

E. R. Somers, 2 stores 600 

T. Doyle 300 

W. O. Springgate, store 400 

A. S. McKinney 1.350 

L. O. Wolk 1,200 

W. H. Fitzgerald 375 

Mrs. M. J. Hoagland. now 

owned by J. C. Evans 1,000 

Fair Grounds 1,500 

Frank Myers 500 

East ward school 1.750 

Bapi ist church 2.500 

G. VV. Shepard 200 

E. A. Guard 400 

S. H. North, now owned by W. 

B. Tyler 500 

F. J. Gluts 300 

W.I Strickland 600 

C. Schafer 8(X) 

F. L. Kyser 500 

J.M.Stephens 1.900 

J T. Kearney 300 

Mrs. A. Sparks 350 

W. B Renard 600 

Wm. Ostler 61X) 

E. R. Somers 3(HI 



Geo. Horner i 

S. K. Hayward 

W. R. VanHook 

S. H. Worthington, now occu- 
pied by A . Saltsman 

J. A. Schofleld 

K. Nethercott 

O. Johns 

A. Malhis 

E. H. King 

F. B. Stitt 

L. F. Smith, extensive im- 
provements on residence, 
gallery and tenant houses 

Campbell House 

Mrs. Kurtz, house 

C. M. Westcott. house 

W. O. Springgate, house 

Mrs. F. Sutton 

Geo. Thorpe, sr 

R SchoBekl 

D. Evans, house 

L. K. Evans 

John Ray 

O. J. Lemon 

Catholic parsonage 

Lutheran church 

S. R. Dawson 

Wm. McCarty 

E.M.Harris 

S. D. Burkholder 

Miss Gough 

Wm. Wadsworth 

Con. Smith 

A. M. Cavan 

G. W. Tegard 

Ed Welch 

H. Kingdon 

Jas. Hendron. residence 

P. S. Bassett 

Mrs. E. Shepherd (improved 

by Mrs. West) 



700 

275 

1,000 

1,200 
700 
500 
200 
300 
400 
,500 



l.'iOO 

3..T00 
700 
700 
800 

1,000 
200 
300 

1,000 
600 
200 
200 

2,000 
350 
300 
■200 
200 
425 
300 
500 
200 

1. 000 
400 
300 
400 
3.50 
300 

30(1 



The above figures do not inchifle valne of real estate on which bnildinfcs are erected. No effort has been made to secure the 
exact amounts in dollars and cents but the estimaies made are close The above foots ui> to a ^rand total of iji^o:!.!)'.!.'"). 




KESIDENCE OF O. J. LEMON. 



Dr. S. L. Kerr. 

Dr. Samuel L. Kerr 
was born in Washington 
county, Pa., Aug. 11, 1828. 
When a youth he followed 
school teaching for several 
years before commencing 
the study of medicine, 
which course he finished at 
Carrollton, O. He began 
his medical practice in East 
Liberty. Allen county, lud., 
in May, IS.iO. He traversed 
the country on horseback — 
his practice became enten- 
sive — t e r r i t o r y enlarged 
until it extended out fifteen 
to eighteen miles — at one 
time he bad one hundred 
cases on hand, mostly of 
fever, which he visited and 
prescribed for within forty- 
eight hours, the territory 
being divided into three 
districts, a horse to each 
district. From the com- 
mencment of the sickly season in 1855 to the close in October. 
he had close onto six hundred patients. There were six deaths, 
three children of summer complaint; one youth, of brain fever, 
and two aged women, of pernicious fever. The doctor got no 
sleep at his home during August and only three nights in the 
last week of September. When he slept it was mostly on horse- 
back. He carried a very nice riding whip. Sometimes his sleep 
was so sound that his grip would relax and the whip fall to the 
ground. He would instantly wake up, get down and find it. 
He went down after it seven times in one night. From the 




excessive labor and the loss of sleep, he was much exhausted in 
strength and his weight was reduced from ISO pounds to 130. 
He was compelled to abandon his practice for a year. He trav- 
eled in this state and in Iowa during the summer and went to 
Panlding county, O., to spend the winter in hunting deer and 
wild turkeys for exercise. 

Having regained his health and strength he resumed his 
practice of medicine, locating at Kappa in June, IS.iO. This 
was before there was any El Paso. The doctors practice soon 
extended for many miles in every direction. Some years after 
the doctor came to El Paso. There were no improved roads, 
there were tracks over the prairie that people followed. They 
led across sloughs, muddy and musty— sometimes for a hundred 
yards his horse would go knee deep in water and mud. The 
ponds and sloughs were full of water all summer. There were 
green heads and mosquitoes by the miUion. In the autumn 
when the dried grasses were fired, it was a beautiful sight at 
night to see them converted into flame. 

The doctor is still enjoying an extensive practice in this 
city and the surrounding country. 



Isaac Cannon. 

Isaac Cannon has been a resident of this county since 
March, ISIil. and is as thoroughly acquainted with the history of 
El Paso and vicinity as any one we could name, having come 
here when young and grown up, as Greeley put it "with the 
country." Twenty years of that time he spent on the farm 
northeast of here but in "81 bid farewell to rural life and located 
in El Paso. For some years he has conducted a coal and tile 
business on Ease Central street, w^hich for many years was run 
by Wm. Wheeler. 

He handles all the best grades of anthracite and bitumin- 
ous coal, sewer pipe, all sizes of drain tile and building brick. 
Office one block and a-half north of Illinois Central depot. 




UKSIUKNCE OF MKS. WM. H. M CLELLAK. 




RESIDENCE OF DR. W. H, VAN HOOK, 




D. EVANS ELEVATOK. 



Dr. Wm. R. Van Hook. 

Dr. William R. 
Van Hook's ancestors 
came from Maryland 
and Virginia. H i s 
great grandfather on 
the paternal side was 
one of the pioneers who 
accompanied Daniel 
Boone on his second 
trip to explore the then 
wilderness of Ken- 
tucky. His father was 
born in Kentucky and 
his mother in Virginia. 
Dr. Van Hook 
was born near Louis 
ville, Ky. After at- 
tending the Academy 
he was a student at As- 
b u r y University, 
Greencastle, Ind., now 
known as Depaw Uni- 
versity. He studied 
medicine at Indianapo- 
lis, Ind., and attended 
medical lectures at Louisville, Ky. Graduating at the breaking 
out of the rebellion, he entered the Union army as a surgeon and 
served until the close of the war. In the year 1S67 he removed 
to Sangamon county, Illinois, where he successfully practiced 
medicine up to 1886. He then removed to Chicago, where he 
acquired a successful business, but for family reasons he returned 
to Sangamon county, locating: in Springfield, where he practiced 
medicine up to the time of his removal to El Paso. Ten years 
ago he spent a winter in New York City hospitals, and two win- 
ters recently in the hospitals of Chicago. 




Dr. Van Hook's entire life since early manhood has been 
devoted to the ijractice of medicine. He has acquired a successful 
and growing practice in El Paso and vicinity, where he has made 
many personal friends. His office is in the First National Bank 
building. 



John n. Stonebraker. 

John M. Stonebraker, of Panola, 111., spent his early life in 
Maryland, but he has lived in this vicinity so long that he is 
numbered with the old settlers. He owns a 
tine stock farm out in Panola township, 
known as Duroc-Jersey stock farm, he 
; having for the past ten years made a spe- 

cialty of breeding and shipping Duroc-Jer- 
sey swine. He has been a hustler in every- 
thing he has undertaken, and his patronage 
in the swine business is bounded only by 
the extent of our great nation, some of the 
latest inquiries for stock coming from 
■^ Alaska. 

Mr. Stonebraker is a member of the 
family made famous by the Stonebraker 
liniments, and Mr. S. traveled over all the 
states in the Mississippi Valley a number of 
years in the interest of these medicines, giving him a wide 
ac(iuaintance, which has aided him no little in his subsequent 
undertaking. He is a thorough believer in the use of printers' 
ink, and besides the large amount of advertising which he car- 
ries in the various stock .iouruals he issues a .jO-page catalogue 
every other year devoted to the history of Duroc-Jerseys and of 
his herd. 





Ill I I 

lilt 




J. H. .Mh Hi-.i,> isi ii.m.Ni .. (HI I I'iKi) in 

J. li. Midieli, dnigyi.st; Kuhn Urns., bnols ((iid shoes; K. nf I'. (Mstli' 

Hall on second floor. 




RESIDENCE OF S. D. PATTON. 



Dr. R. E. Gordon. 

Dr. R, E. tiordoii 
who fame to El Paso in 
I)<'C('iiil)er. isitj. is not 
only a descendant of 
tlie Scottish family of 
(iordons. hut conies 
from a family of doc- 
tors, his father heing a 
practitioner for eigh- 
teen years at Carlyle, 
111., and it was at this 
jilace Dr. R. E. was 
lK)rn and received his 
early education. At 
his maturity he took 
n]i the study of medi- 
cine, thus makinj.; the 
third fieneratiou of 
physicians, his {grandfather. Dr. Jas. Gordon, having been a physi- 
cian and educated his seven sons in the medical profession and 
lived to see si.\ grandsons enjoying a successful practice. 

In his native city he was educated and on graduating in 
the high .school received a teachers' state certificate. He after- 
wards completed his literary education at the McKindree 
University. Lebanon, 111. 

Dr. (i. is a graduate of the Missouri Medical college, one 
of the foremost colleges in America. He was for four years 
physician in charge of St. .Johns Hospital and a.ssistant clinical 
surgeon in St. Louis Post Graduate school of medicine, thus 
gaining a wide exjierience in all branches of medicine. He 
paid especial attention to diseases of the eye and the fitting of 
gla.s.ses. thus gaining competency in treating affections of the eye. 

Dr. Gordon is a comparatively young man and is a close 
student in the profession he has chosen. Since opening an office 




here .Ian. I, il."), he has gained many friends and a large and 
Incrative practice. 

O. C. Quillemont. 




Mr. (). C. Guil 
leiuont was born in 
St. Auness, 111., in 
IHfitj and is the eldest 
sou of Rev. Prof. C 
B. G u i 1 1 e m o n t. 
When he was !) years 
of age his parents 
moved to London, 
Ontario, Canada, at 
which place he re- 
ceived his education 
at Dufferin Military 
college. When I's 
years of age he began 
clerking in the hard- 
ware store of .lames 
Wright & Co., after 
which he covered the 
road for the same 
firm. In \HHH he re- 
turned to the IT. S. 
and repre.sented the 
wholesale honse of 
Hi b bard. Spencer, 
Bartlett Co.. Chicago, 
through the north- 
west as well as in Illinois. In l.'^iM he entered into business for 
himself and his long experience as a traveling salesman in that 
business has made it possible for him to build up an extensive 
trade in a short time. 





RESIDENCE OF JAMES THOMPSON. 




OKFICE AND UESIDE:<CE OP DR. J. A. SMITH. 




J. C. EVANS' ELEVATOR, PANOLA. 





JAMES FISHER, SALESMAN AT L. O. 
VVOLK"S. 




L. O. WOLK. 



D. L. M'WILI.IAMS, HEAD SALESMAN AT L. 
O. WOLK'S 



L. O. Wolk, the "Busy Grocer," is a native of Kewanee, 111., but came to El Paso in IHCU, before lie liad finished his first 
year's experience in this world. He has grown up with the city and its interests. His first experience in merchandizing was with 
J. M. Dunn, in 1877, since which time he has been actively enjjaf^ed in busine.-s. either as emjiloye or empln.yer. The present 
business was established in 1889, in the old Eagle Block, and "in ls;»l, together with the Palace of trade, with which house they 
were connected, they moved to their present location, .iust east of the Illinois Central. The business has been large from tlie start, 
and Mr. Wolk, who is now the sole proprietor, has made the name " Hustling Grocer " a veritable truth. He has niaile the fruit 
and berry business a specialty, and is a wholesaler in poultry, eggs, etc., and during the year handles a wonderful amount of 
country produce. 




Residence of Ed Hodgson, countj' treasurer. The house was erected, grounds were laid out and trees were planted b3' Geo. L. 
Gibson, one of the founders of the citv of El Paso. 




w. J. Mdiiinsox. 
Mr. \V. J. MDirisoii was principal of the 
East Side schools in this city from Xil to 'j:!. 
He is uow taking a course of study at Swarth- 
niore C'<)lle)ie. Penn. To him, more than 
any other person, is due the snceessfnl effort 
in establishing; a High School course of study 
in Dist. 4. and superiDtendintt its introduction 
and nianaKing for the first few rears its 
development. A conscientious man. a kinil 
teacher, he has left the imprint of his good 
character on many of the youth in this am- 
uiunity. who have for him the kindest re- 
gards. 




.). MAin'H, PASTOlt UKliM.XN 
KV .ANGELICAL CHUIM'H. 




KD. HOIXiSON. 
Mr Hodgson was bom in Tazewell 
county. He moved to his old farm two 
miles northeast of this city in IStiS and here 
he became interested in horse breeding 
making several direct importations of Per- 
cherons from France, gradually increasing 
his interests until he was one of the best 
known breeders in the west. He gave 
valued assistance in organizing the El Pa.so 
Fair association and was its first president. 
He moved to this city in ISSf. In 1WI4 be 
was elected treasurer of Woodford county 
on the republican ticket. 




RESIDENCE OP L. F. SMITH. 






H. P. SMITH. 



L. F. SMITH. 



KOY A. SMITH. 



The above pictures represent three generatious of the Smith t'atiiily actively engaged in photograpliv. L. F. Smith and his 
father have been in the business here for themselves since 1S71 . With few exceptions the original i)hotograi)hs from which the illus- 
trations for this souvenir were made, were taken by L. F. and R. A. Sniitli The latter has been jiaying especial attention to view 
work for several years and has charge of that department. A picture of their gallery will be found in tliis book. They pay particu 
lar attention also to the framing of photograi)lis and paintings. 




RESIDENCE OF A. S. M'KINNEY. 




UESIDENCE OF A. H. WAITE. 



Location of Buildings on City Plat. 

The fullovviufi: directions will help readers locate on the city- 
plat the site of the several buildings represented in this book. 
Where no addition is mentioned, the buildings are in the "Origi- 
nal Town. " 

J. T. Boner residence, northeast corner of block 20. 
Baptist parsonage, northwest corner block 19. 

Mrs. C. Boner residence, northwest corner block H, Gibson's addition. 
Baptist church, northeast corner block 35. 

J. F. Bosworlh. residence, southwest comer block 15, Wathen's addition. 
Isaac Cannon residence, lot 7, block 29. 
Clifton Hotel, northeast corner block 42. 
G. R. Curtiss residence, lot 4. block 44. 
Catholic church southwest corner block 21. 
Christian church, northwest corner block 42. 
Dovle building, southwest corner block 44. 
Episcopal church, (to be erected this summer on norheast corner block 43.) 

D. Evans, residence, southeast, corner block 10. Gibson's addition. 

E. J. Evans residence, northeast corner block 31. 
Henrv Eft. residence, northeast corner block 33. 
J. C. Evans residence, southeast corner block 37. 
S. M. Ferrell residence, southwest corner 46. 
German EvanKidiciil church, southeast corner block 31. 
Rev. Haefle residence, southwest corner block 25. 

T. .J. Hurd residence, northeast of city, just outside of limits. 

Adam Henniue residence, northwest corner block 3*>. 

Ed Hodgson residence, block 14, Gibson's addition. 

J. I. Kerr residence, northwest corner block 30. 

Lutheran church, northeast corner block 28. 

O. J. Lemon residence, lot 3. block 43. 

A. S. McKiunev residence, southeast corner block 'J7. 

Mrs. McClellaii residence, southwest corner block 2, McClelan's addition, 

M. E. Parsonage, southeast corner block 11, Gilison's addition. 

J. B. Michels residence, lot 2. block 2. McClelan's addition. 

M. E. church, southwest corner block 31. 

S. H. Xorth residence, southeast corner block 19. 

Presb.vterian church, lots 9 and 10, block 30. 

Presbyterian parsonage, lot 9, block 32, 

S. D. Patton. residence, northwest corner block 43. 

School house (west ward) lots 9. 10. 11. block 26. 

School house (east ward) east half block 12, Gibson's addition. 

L. F. Smith residence, lots 6 and 7. block 7. McClelan's addition. 

L. F. Smith. ])hotograph gallery, southeast corner block 40. 

K. R. Snmers residence, lot 12, block 36. 

W. W. Stafford residence, west half southeast quarter, blk. II, Gibson's add, 

Mrs. J. H. Swartz residence, southwest corner block H.Gibson's addition. 

A. O. Shur resiiieiii-e. block 15. Gibson's addition. 

J. M. .Stephens residence, northeast corner block 3, McClelan's addition. 

C. Schafer residence, lots 3. 4. 5. block 42. 

F. A. Stubl.lei'Kdd residence and offlce. southeast corner block ,36. 
R. C. Sjiringgute residence, northwest corner block 44. 

J. A. .Sniitli re>idence .ind <ifnce. northeast corner block 41. 

Jas. Thomp.-on residence, southeast corner block 5, Hamilton's addition. 

United Ev;iuj;elical church, lots 9 and 10, block 27. 

W. R. \'anIlo..k resi.leuce. l.lcjck 16. Gibson's addition. 

A. H. VVaite residence, lot 10, block 37. 

J. H. Wathen residence, southeast corner block 15. 'Wathen's addition. 



Brief Diary by Wm. Ostler. 

The followinfr is a brief diary arranged by Wm. Ostler, 
one of the very earliest settlers in the farmiiig community, who 
still resides here. It tells of our early growth, the rise in the 
price of land and many other things of interest: 

"Left Llverjiool. Eng., 
October, 1851 A Hne passage of 
twenty-eight days brought us to 
New York, From there went to 
Chicago. Left there In May. 
18.52. for Washington. 111., where 
I staid three years. In the 
spring of 18,55 came to a ,spot 
without a name two and one- 
half miles from the present site 
of El Paso. In 18.54 I purchased 
forty acres in sec 16 for eight 
dolhars per acre, of Jas. Trotter, 
of Kappa, and after coming here 
theiie.xi year bought forty acres 
of Will, NlcClellau in sec. 9. for 
leu d<dhirs per acre and twenty 
acres n( liuiher on the Mackinaw 
for $i;.-_'5 jjer acre, of John Dod- 
ger The first naineof this place 
was the Crossing After the 
Peoria road was bull', it was 
the Junction and finally El Paso. 
In 1S.55 the Central freight house 
and ii.-vssenger depot combined, 
with a single one story .shanty 
run as a restaurant by Benja- 
mill Hazlett. were all the build- 
ings here. Not a tree planted. 
In '56 or '57 the first sermon was preached in the Central freight 
house by Dr. Frost. Presbyterian. Te.\t. I have laid the foundation 
and another buildeth thereon ' The same day the tirst Sunday school -nas 
organ Izeii. Uncle Jiuiniv .\'orlh superintendent and Mr. W. H. Boies, treas- 
urer. In 1860 I inivciuiseil forty acres from Mr. Wm. Davenport for J22..50 
per acre. In Mav. IK.58. had our first tornado, which demolished several 
uuHnished houses iu the town and surrounding country. Went to 
England in '58 reiurning the next spring. In '82 bought sixty acres of 
land of John Kidd for liftv dollars per acre In the fall of 1879 took my 
children to EnglaiKl lor a visit, returning in March. I8K0. In March '90 
purchased cltv propertv of Walter liennett. paying i\OM. In October 
same year we went to England, remaining until September '91. when we 
moved to our El Paso residence, where we still reside. " 

We might add that the tracts of land mentioned above, 
like all the improved farm land in this community, are worth 
from I'.IO tu if\'M per acre. 



■MjlJ 






JAS. H. WATHEN. 

Mr. Wathen is a Kentuckiaii and 
came to Tazewell county in lH3o, 
where he remained until 1857, then 
removing to El Paso where he has 
since resided. In 18o'2 he entered 160 
acres west of the Illinois Central rail- 
road, and in 1834 platted part of it 
into town' lots. On March 31, 1857, 
he and Mr. Gibson formally conveyed 
the streets, alleys and parks to the 
new town, which then embraced the 
territory now known as the Original 
Town, containing eighty acres on 
either side of the Central. Mr. 
Wathen was elected mayor in 18fi9 
and 1870. 



GEO. L. GIBSON. 

Mr. Gibson is a Pennsylvanian. He 
came with his father's family to Tazewell 
county in 1831. At the age of 25 he en- 
gaged in flat-boating and trading on the 
Lower Mississippi. In 1849 when the gold 
fever broke out he made the overland trip 
to California, returning to Illinois two years 
later to engage in the lumber business in 
Henry. About this time he entered 100 
acres of land, comprising that part of El 
Paso which lies east of the Illinois Central 
railroad. In 1854 he laid this out in town lots 
and three years afterward moved to the 
new city. Mr. Gibson was the city's sec 
ond mayor. 



C. SCHAFER. 

Mr. Schafer is a native of Ger- 
many. At 13 years of age he was ap- 
prenticed to the trade of shoemaker. 
Five years later he came to Wheeling, 
W. Va. and in 1853 to Peoria. He 
settled in Kappa one year later and 
run a shoe shop until 1859. when he 
removed to this city and followed his 
trade until '02 when he opened a gro- 
cery store. He built the first busi- 
ness house in block 42, it being the 
second store building erected in the 
city. He remained in general mer- 
chandising until about three years 
ago when he retired. 




i 


1 








■- 



Jim^ 




GKAND OPERA HOUSE AND MASONIC TEMPLE. 



Business Directory, March, 1896. 



E. P. Armstrong, musical merchandise and sew- 
ing machines. 
Adams & Goiigh. proprietors Electric Light Co. 
Andrews & Pleasants, stock buyers. 
C. B. Augustin. livery. 
Frank Allen, carpenter. 
John Bryan, carpenter. 
Geo. W. Braddy. carpenter. 
J. H. Burtis. gunsmith and repairs. 
J. T. Boner, grain and coal. 
Adam Brown, wagou maker. 
W. G. Braddy, coal and salt. 
Geo. Burster, clothier and gents' furnishings. 
Wm. Bryan, painter. 
Wm. Blumenshine, nursery. 

A M. Cavan. county judge and attorney at law. 
W. H. Craig, jeweler. 
J. S. Collins, tailor. 
Geo. Cockbill. groceries and notions. 
Isaac Cannon, coal, tile and brick. 
G. H. Campbell, proprietor Campbell House. 

C. M. Clute. carpenter. 
John Culbertsou. carpenter. 
L. S. Calkins, carpenter. 

S. T. Curtiss. tailor. 

D. Dunn, drugs, paints and wall paper. 
Wm. Dorsey. restaurant and lunch room. 
John Dersbai, bakery, flour, etc. 

C. A. Drury, blacksmith. 

Dorsey & Leonard, brick masons and plasterers. 

J. A. Dearth, horse buyer. 

Frank Dorsey. drayman. 

T. Doyle, dry goods and groceries. 

J. W. Edwards, undertaker. 

D. Evans, grain dealer. 

W. H. Ferguson, proprietor Clifton House. 
Harrold Perrell, electrician. 
First National bank. 
John Fishburn. carpenter. 
A. C. Foltz, barber and laundry agent. 
W. H. Fitzgerald, restaurant and confectionery. 
H. Fritzen. resiaurant and lunch room. 
F'ishburu & Patton. ileutists. 
(Jeo. Fall, br4K>m manufacturer. 
G. L. Gib.sou. nursery. 

Dr. R. E. Gordon, physician, surgeon and opti- 
cian. 
O. C. Guillemont, hardware. 
Alfred Glessing. harness repairing. 



L. A. Gardner, jeweler and optician. 

Geo. Green, veterinary surgeon. 

Dr M. V. Gunn. physician and surgeon. 

P. Haas, hardware' and waterworks supplies. 

Mrs. Ida Havdeu. millinery and dressmaking. 

W. H. Hoagiand. general agent .Etna life insur- 
ance. 

J. M. Hibbs, illuminating oils. 

D. Hibbs. carpenter 

A. Jat-kson. barber and laundry > agent. 

Jenkins, the jeweler 

Johnson Bros., general wood and iron workers. 

J. I. Kerr, insurance, steamship passage and 
loan broker. 1 

Kuhu Bros., boots and shoes. 

W. M. Kauffleld, restaurant and confections. 

F. L. Kyser, jewelry, watches and silverware. 

J. T. Kearney, groceries. 

Wm. Kridner, harness, buggies and bicycles. 

Dr. S. L. Kerr, physician and surgeon. 

J. F. Keys, drayman. 

O. J Lemon, blacksmith. 

John Lane, drayman. • 

John Loyster, caruenter. 

J. B. Michels. drugs, paints and wall paper. 

McCord & Co.. dry goods and groceries. 

McKinney & Co.. lumber, tile. etc. 

J. H. Moore, police magistrate. 

J. W. Messer. drayman. 

C. Mathis, carpenter. 

Jas. McAlden, carpenter. 

Miss C. Niswonger. millinery and notions. 

S. H. North, agricultural implements, etc. 

Parmalf*' it Portt'r, lu^at market. 

Pattou aiul Boiit-r. ulothiers, musical goods and 
sewing machines. 

J. W. Parkinson, veterinary surgeon. 

C. L. Pleasants, real estate and loans. 

Thos- Patterson, insurance. 

R()}HTt l»orter. junk dealer. 

Win. Ketiard, carpenter. 

Wm. Keid. drayman. 

F. G. R<)binson, insurance. 

Wm. Ross, carpenter. 

Rob Rol)inson. carpenter. 

M. Render, restaurant and lunch room. ' 

J. L. Robeson, barber and laundry agent. 

L. B. Renard. carpenter. 

David Strother, barber. 



A. Smith & Son. groceries, notions and glassware. 

W. I. Strickland, meat market. 

J. R. Sweet, genuine Singer sewing machines. 

Dr. J. A. Smith, physician and siu'geon. 

J. F. SturLieon. attorney at law. 

Cy P. Shur. Justice of the Peace. 

L. F. Smith, photographer and art goods. 

Springgate & Perrell. dry goods and carpets. 

J. A. Schoheld, dentist. 

Somers & Thorpe, meat market and ice dealers. 

N. B. Seidel, groceries and fiour. 

W. O. Springgate, furniture. 

Geo. Stambach. blacksmith and wagon maker. 

H. Schwitters. real estate and h)ans. 

J. P. Schotield. horse buyer. 

Dr. P. A. Stubbletield, piiysician and surgeon. 

Elmer Shreve. dairyman. 

Shaw & Corridan, painters. 

W. W. Stafford, carpenter. 

John Smith, carpenter. 

I. K. Tegtmyer. ary ^oods and groceries. 

L. B. Taylor, barber and laundry agent. 

The Times, M. T. Hyer, editor. 

P. Thometz, bakery and groceries. 

D. S. Thomas, tinner. 

Tyler & Jenkins, real estate and loans. 

Tegard c<; Cavan. livery. 

The Journal. Curtiss ^S: Evans, proprietors. 

Thorpe Bros., real estate. 

Geo. J. Toiisseing. brick mason and plasterer. 

D. Tegard, di-aymau. 

C. C. Tarman, carpenter. 
L. F. Tobias, carpenter. 
Ed Tannau. carpenter. 

D. K. Tobias, carpenter. 

M. L. VanMeter. carpenter. 

J. N. Valentine, groceries. 

Dr. W. R. VanHook. physician and stirgeou. 

A. H. Waite. hardware and insurance 

S. H. Worthington. dry goods and carpets. 

C. M. Westcott. agricultural implements, etc. 

L. O. Wolk. groceries and wholesale produce. 

Wilson *S; Sanhoru. boots and shoes. 

Wm. White, restaurant aud boarding. 

John Welte. livery. 

Frauk WolU, tailor. 

John Walters, painter. 

A. S. Williams, paiutei'. 

Zinkan & Son. furniture. 

Zinkan & Heinrich. undertakers. 



El Paso Commercially. 

As will be seen by the opposite page, almost every line of business which is usually found in Central Illinois cities of this size 
is well represented. With a population variously estimated at loOO to 2000. our nierchantile houses will favorably compare with 
those of places many times larger. Tlie store rooms are roomy, well appointed and lighted, and stocked with complete linos of 
modern goods at all times. Surroundtd by a wealthy farming community wliich is abundantly able to pay cash for its necessities 
as well as the luxuries, our merchants are always enabled to make bottom prices on their commodities to all comers. Trade is drawn 
extensively for many miles in all directions. Thk Journ'ai/s coUimns each week reflect the enterprise and energy of El Paso's 
business men, and the advertisers at all times are ready and anxious to have you test the sincerity of their statements in the 
advertisements. As elsewhere stated there is not an unoccupied business room or residence in the city. In most of the lines already 
establi.shed there is close, sharp, but intelligent competition, and newcomers would find no walkawaj' in any event. Such few lines 
as are not now represented; and even such manufacturing industries with which the question of fuel is not a chief consideration, 
would find an inviting field among us. Shipping facilities are excellent, and markets are easily accessible. 

As a residence city El Paso caimot be excelled anywhere. The church, school, entertainment, .social and other desirable 
features are of the best. Taxes are not out of proportion to tlie privileges and accommodations en.ioyed. To the homeseekers whose 
pnncipal object is to obtain a residence where his family may enjoy life in its truest sense, and where his children may be educated 
in a community which prides itself on the excellence of its schools. El Paso oflfers unsurpassed inducements. Trulv we are a blessed 
people. 



FINIS. 

The publishers deem it proper to here explain some of the conditions under wliicli this pamphlet is issued. Some five months 
ago we conceived the idea of compiling in as brief a manner as possible a history of El Paso and intemled to mclude pictures only of 
such buildings as have been erected since the undersigned acquired the management of The Journ'AL, six years ago. But an 
interest in the vv'ork was awakened among the citizens and we have at much labor and expense to ourselves and with no little assist- 
ance, both financial and otherwise, from others succeeded in presenting the work to you as it is today. Had we followed our first 
plan it would have excluded many of our churches, both the schools and other features of genuine interest, and we are now glad 
that so many took advantage of the opportunity to add so much to the value of the work as a souvenir — by giving as their moral 
and financial aid. The primary object, both intended and acquired, of the publishers has been other than to issue a general adver- 
tising vehicle, in the usual acceptation of the term, which fact accounts for the presence of so little particular prominence given 
any special sub.ieot within these covers not stricth' in the line of historical review for tlie entertainment of the average resident, 
past, present and future. We should have liked to include many more residences and portraits, but it was imijo.ssible to longer 
delay the completion of the labor, for man)' reasons. 

OUR PICTURES. 

With but few exceptions our illustrations are unusually good. The half-tone engravings which we have used are the direct 
reproductions from photographs, hence if the original picture was good the engraving was bound to be likewise. A few of the 
portraits ai-e made from pictures taken many years ago. It was impossible to obtain new ones and we used what we could get. This 
fact will at least not lessen the interest taken in them especially by the older residents of the city, both present and absent. For 
the general excellency of our engravings we are in a large measure indebted to Mr. L. F. Smith and his aids, his father and sou. A 
large per cent, of the engravings were made from photographs taken especially for the work by Mr. Smith. So much enters into 
the requirements for a photograph for half-tone purposes The weather conditions, color of house paints, the presence of such a 
large number of trees as is in our city, and a dozen other considerations of which a novice knows nothing, all tend to make the 
work intricate and unless great care is used, disappointing. Mr. Smith now has a valuable collection of negatives which he will 
carefully preserve for future use should occasion require. Had photographs been taken of our prhicipal buildings as they appeared 
twenty, fifteen, yes even five years ago, what a mine of byejjone recollections could be now opened to us. Pictures — they tell more 
of the past in a minute than can pages of type in a lifetime. 

One feature of our engravings will appear somewhat peculiar at first glance. This is the fact that there is so little animal 
life in them. Our streets seem to present a 4th of July appearance — with the celebration in some other town. Brothers Smith and 
we so designed, and it took much scheming on the artists' iiarts to attain that result. They photographed our business blocks at 
times when the sun was hidden behind clouds, in order to avoid heavy shadows. This necessitated long exposures, something which 
many moving pedestrians and teams would not permit. As a consequence the photographs were taken at such times when the streets 
were almost deserted, a condition which we assure our outside friends does not often present. 

In conclusion we de.sire to thank those who aided this work in any way. We hope the money put into it by them will bring 
them no small measure of .satisfaction. The work to us has been hard and expensive, but interesting withal, and while we do not 
expect to regain all we have invested in the souvenir, yet are we satisfied when we think of the pleasure the public will experience 
in its jierusal. 

TBRMS: 

The price of this book is fifty cents each, or five for |3. This price will be charged in all cases, except as follows: 

7^0 Journal Subscribers. 

One copy free to each JOURNAL subscriber whose account is fully paid to an advance date, and an extra, free, copy for each ad- 
vance year paid in addition. Journai.. subscriptions paid to or after Jan. 1, 1897, entitle subscribers to cxtni copies at the rate of 
twenty -five cents each. Postage ten cents extra. 




EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

To be erected on the northeast corner of block 43, this summer. The photograph 
is from a design furnished by the architect. The architect's plans are from a 
stone church, the one to be erected here is to be frame. This cut was received 
after the interior of the album was finished and as we were going to press with 
the cover. 



UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-URBANA 

977 353J82S cnni 

THE SOUVENIR ALBUM. HISTORICAL AND PICTO 





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