; 330, 977394$ iC736p n ITS DEVELOPMENT UNIVERSITY OF SS . SURVEY r 1912 Tke Prospects of Franklin County m; inois Opportunity Opportunity is rare, and a wise man will never let it go by him Bayard Taylor. Franklin County Illinois Snows tne Greatest Development in tke State in MVealtn, Pop- ulation and Improvement EXAMINE THESE STATISTICS THE POPULATION in 1905 of Franklin County's principal towns was as follows: Ben ton 1860; Christopher 300; West Frankfort 100; Sesser 100; Hanaford 20; or a total of 2380. THE POPULATION in 1912 of the principal towns of Franklin County was as follows: Benton 5100; Christopher 3500 ; West Frankfort 3500; Sesser 2200; Hanaford 1000; or a total of 15,300. A STREET SCENE IN BENTON TODAY THE ASSESSED VALUATION of Franklin County for the year 1900 was $6,753,380.00. THE ASSESSED VALUATION of Franklin County for the year 1912 will approximate $21,250,000.00. THE TOTAL WAGE SCALE of Franklin County in the year of 1905 did not exceed $250,000.00. THE TOTAL WAGE SCALE of Franklin County in the year of 1912 will exceed $4,000,000.00. THE BANK ASSETS of Franklin County in the year of 1900 were approximately $140,000.00. THE BANK ASSETS of Franklin County in the year of 1912 exceeded $1,850,000.00. ; 30- "i PROSPECTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS LOCATION, TRANSPORTATION, RESOURCES AND CLIMATE FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS, is situated in the south central part of the State, 300 miles south of Chicago and 90 miles east of St. Louis. THE PRINCIPAL CENTERS of population of the county lie to the east, west, north and south, all within easy access and reached by several trunk lines of railway. Its location is central and situated so as to command the best markets for its products. OLD TAVERN JOHN A. LOGAN'S OLD HOME A STREET SCENE IN OLD-TIME BENTON RAILROADS Four of the world's greatest railway systems intersect this County, the Illinois Central; the Frisco; the Burlington and the Missouri Pacific; two other great systems, the Rock Island and the Big Four, are extending their lines into this section. FRANKLIN COUNTY is noted for the immense deposits and superior quality of its coal, which at the present time is perhaps its greatest asset. THE CLIMATE Is IDEAL. The winters are short and the spring and autumn seasons extend far into the winter and summer months. PROSPECTS OF THE CITIES AND TOWNS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY A wonderful advancement in population and wealth in the past ten years has taken place in the urban popu- lation of this County. BENTON, the County seat, is a city of 5000 people. The City has three railroads, the Illinois Central, Chicago & Eastern Illinois and Missouri Pacific. Two new lines are also projected. It has paved streets, an electric lighting plant, a water system, an opera house, hotels, modern schools, churches, etc. Two large coal companies operate here and five more are planned for the near future. Benton has a Commercial Club and an intelligent and prosperous people. CHRISTOPHER is a thriving City of 3500 people, lying in the west part of the County. It has two important railroads, the Illinois Central and the Chicago, Burling- ton & Quincy. In 1905 the population did not exceed 300. There are three operating mines and two more are planned. The City has electric lights, miles of granitoid walks, a magnificent new opera house, and its people confidently expect a population of 10,000 within the next ten years. WEST FRANKFORT has one of the most beautiful loca- tions in Southern Illinois. It boasts of a population of 3500 and has grown from a village of 100 people in seven years. Here are located four important mines and three more projected. It is a division point for the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway, the company having round- houses at this place. West Frankfort is steadily grow- ing in population and commercial importance. SESSER is one of the progressive towns of the County, situated on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railway. It has a population of 2200, all secured during the past six years. There is located here the large plant of the Sesser Coal Company. There are other mines projected and Sesser is advancing rapidly. HANAFORD, was not on the map three years ago. It now has 1000 inhabitants and is rapidly growing. It has the Illinois Central Railroad and two more have been sur- veyed. The Carroll and Franklin Counties Coal Company FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS now employ 150 men and will employ 500 men when the mine is fully equipped. Five other Coal Companies own valuable holdings here. Hanaford has two banks, and is an important shipping point for poultry products. THOMPSONVILLE is situated on the Illinois Central Railway. Adjacent to the town are valuable coal de- posits and a company has been formed to develop the coal. The population is about 800 and it is perhaps the most important shipping point for poultry products in Southern Illinois. EWING is a college town. The Ewing College is lo- cated here and is one of the oldest and most successful in the State. Many eminent men have graduated here and the college was never in a more prosperous condition. Its railway station is known as Whittington. ZEIGLER has a population of 1000. Zeigler is import- ant as a coal producing community. Here was the first real development of the valuable coal field of Franklin County. Joseph Leiter controls 8000 acres of valuable holdings and one of the largest plants anywhere in opera- tion, the initial cost being more than $1,000,000.00. Zeigler is situated on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and Illi- nois Central Railways. The mine is operated by the Bell and Zoller Mining Co., of Chicago. ROYALTON is an important coal producing town situ- ated on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railways. The town was named after William J. Royal. There is a large and modern plant here known as the Royalton Coal Company. The quality of the coal is of the highest and the company is most prosperous. The population is 800. It has a bank, good stores and an enterprising people. AKIN is situated in the eastern part of Franklin County. It is an important trading point, having large stores and two State Banks, the Bank of Akin and the Farmers' Exchange Bank. MACEDONIA is in the extreme eastern part of the County and is surrounded by a well-to-do farming community. It has good stores and two banks, the Bank of Macedonia and the People's Bank. WHITTINGTON is an important trading point on the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway in the northern part 6 PROSPECTS OF of the County. It has valuable deposits of coal in the vicinity not yet developed. MULKEYTOWN lies in the western part of the County on the Illinois Central. There are several prosperous stores here as it is surrounded by a good farming com- munity. PARRISH is about seven miles east of Benton on the Illinois Central Railway. It has valuable deposits of coal and is surrounded by excellent farming land. BUCKNER lies on the Illinois Central Railway four miles west of Benton. It was entirely vacant one year ago. The town now claims 600 population and is rapidly growing. Here is the plant of the United Coal Mining Company, the largest perhaps in the country, with a capacity of 4000 tons per day of eight hours. The grade of coal is of the best. REND CITY is one of the important coal producing points in the County. It is reached by the Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy Railway. Col. W. P. Rend was the founder of this town. The Rend mine is thoroughly modern and the coal ranks with the very best. The comfort and well being of the employees of the coal com- pany is of particular interest. FREEMAN lies in the extreme southern part of Frank- lin County. The population is about 500. The Possum Ridge mine, the property of the Southern Illinois Coal and Coke Co., is located here. This company employs 300 men. This number will be materially increased as this valuable property is developed. Freeman has sev- eral good stores and the schools are excellent. The prosperity of a people is proportionate to the num- ber of hands and minds usefully employed. Johnson. FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS AGRICULTURE MANUFACTURES -LABOR CAPITAL THE AGRICULTURAL VALUE of the lands of Franklin County is enormous. The percentage of arable land is practically the same as in the most-favored sections of Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. The land will pro- duce corn, wheat and other products as profitably as in any of the above states. The principal agricultural pro- ducts that are particularly adapted for profit in Franklin County on account of climate, soil and market conditions are: Vegetables, Fruit and Poultry. The soil and climate make possible the growth of vege- tables with much greater success than on land farther north. The land, being more than usually responsive to fertilizers, is known as "Quick soil" by agricultural au- thorities. The value of our soil can be attested by the fact that the State of Illinois has provided us with one of their best experimental farms. The growing seasons are long in this latitude, in many instances being sufficiently long to produce from two to four crops in one season, which is a very desirable factor in the growth of tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, sweet pota- toes, beans, pumpkins, etc. The quality and flavor of the vegetables are excellent. In this latitude can be raised favorably most of the products used by the great canning industries. The same advantages of soil and climate that assist in the profitable growth of vegetables in this section also apply to fruits of all kinds, which grow with the utmost profusion with little care. The smaller fruits are partic- ularly remunerative, such as strawberries, raspberries, cherries, peaches, etc. THE POULTRY BUSINESS of the section is an important industry and there is a reason for this. The climate is not so severe as farther north. Chickens may range practically all the year. Yet there is enough sharp, freez- ing weather to energize poultry and -to kill parasites that 8 PROSPECTS OF plague the poultry raisers in more southern localities. The markets, too, are convenient. These conditions have caused the industry to grow to enormous proportions; the shipments of poultry products from this locality being in the neighborhood of 8,000,000 pounds annually. To cite one specific instance, the manager of the "Dairy Ship- pers' Dispatch," the dairy product shipping department of the Lackawanna Railroad Company, who operates re- frigerator cars on the Illinois Central Railroad division between Eldorado and DuQuoin, estimates that 1,000,000 pounds of poultry products are shipped annually to the East from this section by his line only. LOCAL MARKETS are equally as important as our foreign market to the producer in this section on account of a very large percentage of the population being wage earners. We have here a great home market that very often nets the producer a price equal to and sometimes greater than the price at the principal markets in the larger cities, and there is a consequent saving of freight and middlemen's profits. THE WAGE EARNER in Franklin County has a great ad- vantage over employees in most sections of the state. Mine employment is particularly well paid. There is never a time during the ordinary producing seasons when the supply is anywhere near the demand for men in the mines and at wages that are particularly attractive when compared to that in other sections. The work is not ex- pert in the same sense that the term applies in other trades, yet it is not uncommon for the miner to receive from $30.00 to $45.00 per week of six days of eight hours labor per day. The large demand for labor in the coal industry influences the wage scale in all other employ- ments. Carpenters, masons, teamsters, skilled labor, clerks and workers in other occupations receive more for their services than in most localities. CONTRACTORS OF ALL CLASSES are welcomed to Franklin County. Nowhere is there a greater demand for builders. Extensive plans for building in every community in this county which are now ready to be carried out, will re- quire a much larger complement of men in the building trades than we have l now. FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 9 MANUFACTURERS ARE ESPECIALLY invited to visit Frank- lin County and its principal cities. The business men are alive to the many advantages of this section and will as- sist financially and otherwise any meritorious manufac- turing enterprise. The Benton Commercial Club of Ben- ton, Franklin County, Illinois, will be glad to answer inquiries from persons interested in reference to any proposition in connection with the location of factory plants. We believe there is no section that is more at- tractive for the successful operation of manufacturing industries than Franklin County. We have an abundance of cheap fuel and a central location in the midst of a great and growing section, and at our doors there is an empire to the west and south of us which is now developing, as if by magic, into one of the richest sections of the globe. To THE CAPITALIST: Where can you find greater pros- pect of profit than where the vast natural and undevel- oped wealth of Franklin County invites you; where prop- erty is rapidly advancing yet is held at much less valuation than in older and more developed sections which have not any more advantages that make for per- manent values. Refer your thoughts to accounts of the wild and dan- gerous rushes to secure advantages in Oklahoma to the uncalled-for exposure of life and limb, striving to secure wealth in the gold fields of the West, and the extreme suffering and danger to reach uncertain opportunities in far-away Alaska. If you can call to mind any wonderful achievements or successes attending such hardships, claims so wonderful, extraordinary opportunities, golden Eldorados, etc., we will prove that we have greater wealth, more wonderful prosperity and grander opportunities right in the heart of civilization free from the wild and weird hardships attendant thereto. Where in the history of prosperity will you find towns laid out in an open field making metropolitan cities from 2,000 to 6,000 population in one to five years? On such proof we challenge the world to equal our wealth and opportunities. Occupation is the necessary basis of all enjoyment. Leigh Hunt. 10 PROSPECTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS PIONEERS AND PIONEER DAYS THE first settlement of Franklin County dates back to 1804, when John and William Browning, Joseph Estes, three brothers named Jordan, and William Barbrey took up their abode and built a "fort" two miles southeast of Thompsonville on the farm occupied in later years by William Elstun. The "fort" was necessary. The Indians were hostile and had but recently emerged from a bloody tribal war. This war culminated in a great battle in 1802 between the Kaskaskias and Shawnees, in which the Kaskaskias were all exterminated. The battle was fought in Town Mount Prairie on the farm known as the "Hezekiah Swofford" farm. Even now the outlines of the crude defenses thrown up by the red men are still recognizable. The fort was occupied until 1812, and at intervals until 1817. In 1812, while out gathering wood, Barbrey was ambushed and killed by Indians. He was the first white person buried in Franklin County, and his grave is still to be seen on the site of the old fort. The dwellings were log cabins. The floors were of puncheon, the roofs of clap-boards, with a stick and mud chimney at the ends of the cabins. The settlers' "forked deer" bedsteads were constructed in the corner of the room by the use of one post, the house logs supporting the other corners of the frame. In two-story cabins the upper floor was reached by a ladder. Before the days of mills, "mortars" were made by burning out the cen- ters of hardwood stumps; the charred parts were removed and the corn was pounded into meal in these mortars. All the food was cooked in skillets; the women wore skirts of home-made "linsey." They grew their own flax, spun, and wove it. Their crude harness was made of hickory bark, save the back-bands, which were of buckskin. They had no china or crockery, and their food was usually served on boards, but sometimes on pewter plates. The first horse mill was built by Thomas Jordan in 1812. John FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 11 Crawford built one a few* years later in Crawford's Prai- rie, and William Frizell built one in Frizell's Prairie about 1822. John Browning built one on Browning Hill in 1824. Lewis Hillin constructed a water mill at Hillin's Ford in 1832, the foundations of which are still to be seen. The first steam mill was built on Pope's Prairie by Benjamin Pope in 1854. The following year Kirkpatrick built one at old Mulkeytown, and Levi Browning built the old Benton mill in the same year. The first bridge in the County was constructed in 1838 over the Big Muddy River on the St. Louis and Frankfort road. "Bull tongue" plows were first brought here in 1829 by Lewis Clampit. "Ca- rey" plows were introduced in 1843. These early men were strong of limb, stout of heart and firm of purpose. Their environment necessarily made them intense and rugged in all things. On the other hand their faith in the Divinity and His promises was absolute. Society had not yet become intoxicated with the spirit of commercialism. The ambition of these men was to Be rather than to Have. They were not distraught with strange delusion which leads us to be proud of what we have, whereas in fact we have only borrowed from the common store. They would not forego the finer, higher, ennobling pleasure of whispering hope to the faint and discouraged, or of extending the hand of help to a fallen brother, for the fawning and cheap applause the frivolous accord the heaper of gold. The pioneer women were the counterparts of these stalwart men. In storms they were oaks, in sunshine flowers. They loved the birds and their songs, but did not envy them their plumage. They could enjoy a land- scape without owning the land. Fads, frills and foibles did not interest, much less enthrall, them. They preferred that their souls should be beautiful, rather than their bodies. Their supreme interest was in their homes, and their highest happiness was in motherhood. The child- less wife was an object of pity or contempt. Divorces were unknown. Employment, the infallible antidote for incompatibility and domestic ennui, was always present. The night was never dark enough or starless enough, 12 PROSPECTS OF the storm was never wild enough or fierce enough, the lurid arrows of ill-fortune never flew thick enough, or fast enough, to drive these women from their husbands' sides. Joy, peace, contentment and affection encom- passed and enveloped their homes. To be the descendants of such progenitors is a price- less heritage. Let us emulate their virtues and revere their memories. To paraphrase Coleridge: "Their bones are dust Their guns are rust Their souls are with the Saints, we trust." POLITICAL Franklin County was born January 2, 1818. N. Davis, of Jackson County, was its father and S. F. Gard, of Ewards County, was its godfather. Friday, December 19, 1817, the former offered in the Territorial House of Representatives, at Kaskaskia, a petition and measure providing for its creation and the latter, December 21, 1817, reported back the measure and suggested the name Franklin. From 1790 to 1795 the present area of Franklin County was a part of St. Clair County. From 1795 to 1815 it belonged to Randolph County and from 1815 to January 2, 1818, to White County. As originally formed its area was 870 square miles. Williamson County was detached, however, February 28, 1839, leaving Franklin with 430 square miles of territory. It became a political unit before Illinois was organ- ized as a state. From 1818 until 1821 the county seat was at the home of Moses Garrett. February 1, 1821, the General Assembly created a commission, composed of Conrad Will, Isaac Casey, Samuel Umelvaney, James Kirkpatrick and George R. Logan to establish a perma- nent "seat of justice." This commission selected Frank- fort Hill on the farm of Moses Garrett. Garrett donated the site and Lemuel Harrison surveyed it. The selection indicates that these men had acute pre- ception and appreciation of the beautiful and pictur- esque, for Omnipotence never created a more enchanting FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 13 spot than "Old Frankfort Hill." Standing upon its crest and looking northward, the eye feasts upon an undu- lating forest of birch and maple and oak and silver poplar. Threading its way through this forest is the Ewing Brook, fringed with moss and ferns. To the south, east and west, stretching away to the horizon, are rolling prairies, flecked ever and anon with herds of grazing cattle, inviting homes and clusters of trees. In the spring and summer the atmosphere is redolent with perfume of wild flowers, ripening grain and new-mown hay. It is a spot of matchless beauty and sweetness. Old Frank- fort today is a relic, but the riches which Nature showered with a prodigal hand are still there. In 1839, after the separation of Williamson and Frank- lin counties, the General Assembly appointed Noah John- son, of Jefferson County, John Reid, of Perry County, and Milton Carpenter, of Hamilton County, a commis- sion to select a new county seat. This commission as- sembled at the home of Abraham Rea, and chose the present location of Benton. The town site was donated by John Ewing and Walter S. Akin and embraced twenty acres. It was surveyed by Elijah Webb. Benton became the county seat in fact on March 1, 1841. A small build- ing was erected for courthouse purposes in 1841, which structure was consumed by fire November 11, 1843. An unpretentious frame building which stood on the south end of the lot now occupied by the A. D. Jackson Sad- dlery Company was then utilized for county purposes until 1845. The next court house, the immediate prede- cessor of the present one, was a brick structure, located in the Public Square and cost $3,000. Jarvis Pearcc erected it in 1845. The present court house was built by John J. St. Clair in 1875, at a cost of $27,500. PATRIOTIC Franklin County has furnished soldiers in all the wars of the Republic. In 1812 four of its pioneers went to New Orleans with their squirrel rifles to help Andrew Jackson whip Packingham. With a population of 4083 the County furnished three full companies for the Black Hawk War of 1832. In 1846 14 PROSPECTS OF three hundred men volunteered for the Mexican War, but only one Company could be accepted. In 1860 the population of Franklin County was 9393, and the Presi- dential vote of that year was as follows : Douglas, 1391 ; Lincoln, 228; Breckenridge, 75; Bell, 5; yet the County furnished more than 1600 soldiers and sailors for the Federal armies and navies during the Civil War. Five hundred of these men died on the fields of glory. A soldier from every family, the equivalent of every voter, in arms for the flag. A dead hero in a third of the homes. Sublime spectacle! Such an exhibition of sacrifice and patriotism is almost without parallel. WEST FRANKFORT HIGH SCHOOL Company F 9th Illinois Volunteers which served through the Spanish-American War of 1898-1899 was composed entirely of Franklin County men. A second company was enrolled by Captain E. Dillon and was assigned to the Press Club Regiment of Chicago, but was never called to active service. Is it not a glorious record? The ties of friendship, family and fireside have weighed little with these people in the hour of their country's need. Love of country is only second to love of God and Heaven. Decoration Day, and the Fourth of July are always observed appro- FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 15 priately, reverently. All business is suspended on these anniversaries and the days are given over to patriotic deeds and services. EDUCATION In 1862 there came to Franklin County, John Wash- burn, an itinerant Baptist clergyman. Washburn pos- BENTON HIGH SCHOOL ILLINOIS MINE RESCUE STATION sessed a finished education and many other accomplish- ments. He was as sweet and lovable in disposition and character as he was eccentric in manners and dress. In 1867 he located at Ewing, Franklin County, founded Ewing College and through long years of unselfish and unremitting labor impressed his personality upon the institution. 16 PKOSPECTS OF From the earliest times education has been given the closest thought and attention. Sion Mitchell taught the first school in Cave Township in 1824. Jennings fol- lowed with a school at Old Mulkeytown in 1830. In 1841 the General Assembly provided for a Public School sys- tem and Franklin County immediately availed itself of CHRISTOPHER TOWN HA LI, CHRISTOPHER DISTRICT SCHOOL the statute. The County has ever since kept abreast of the most advanced ideas and methods, and today Illi- nois has no superior system, better facilities, or a more competent, enlightened and progressive phalanx of teachers. Money is provided unstintingly, and any proposition looking to improvement is accepted with alacrity. There are one hundred teachers at present FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 17 and the expenditures for Public School purposes this year aggregate -$114,641.90. RELIGIOUS The religious denominations have the following num- ber of churches in Franklin County: Baptist, 33; Methodist Episcopal, 15; Christian, 10; Primitive Baptist, 3; Congregational, 1; Catholic, 2; Ger- man Lutheran, 1. r.KXTOX CHURCHES The first Baptist church was organized on Browning Hill, in 1829, and was called Mount Pleasant. It is still in existence. The first Methodist Episcopal church was organized in 1822 in Eastern Township, at Mount Etna by Beverend Hancock, a Revolutionary soldier. The first Christian church was organized at the home of John Kirkpatrick, in Tyrone Township, about 1823, by John and Phillip Mulkey. It was called a Baptist church for years, and it is not known when the name was changed. This is the oldest Christian church in Illinois. 18 PROSPECTS OF A spirit of amity exists, and all denominations fra- ternize and co-operate in every movement which makes for the common weal. All exemplify the spirit of the Nazarene, and are striving to lead men to the portals of Heaven. Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another. George Eliot. The Gospel is not merely a book it is a living power. Napoleon Bonaparte. FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 19 RAILROADS In 1875 Messrs. Hill and Nye, Railroad Promoters and Ruilders, came to Southern Illinois, projected and sur- veyed a route for the Relleville and Eldorado Railroad from Eldorado to DuQuoin. Their capital consisted largely of nerve and atmosphere, but by a judicious hus- banding of these resources they succeeded in building the road. September 23, 1878, the first train entered Renton drawn by the General Gibson, an antiquated lo- comotive of the vintage of 1832. This engine was watered by hand from the Middle Fork. Its smokestack resembled an enlarged and inverted silk tile of Martin Van Ruren's time. Rarney Rlaney was the conductor; Daniel Collard the engineer, and Mentor Hatfield the brakeman. The figures on the time table indicating the arrival of the train at the various stations were preceded by the word "about," and its speed, or gait rather, can be illus- trated by a story: Frank Trott, Station Agent of "Ye olden time," was accosted by the ever-present question, "When will the train be here?" Glancing down the track, he replied, "Pretty soon, now. Here comes Rarney's dog." The Renton and Eldorado Railroad was completed to DuQuoin May 1, 1880. It was sold to the St. Louis, Alton and Terre Haute Railroad Company, July 1, 1880, and was operated as a part of the last named system until October 1, 1895, on which date the Illinois Central ab- sorbed the St. Louis, Alton and Terre Haute and has since operated all of its lines. The Chicago, Paducah and Memphis Railroad was completed to Renton and Marion by Johnson Rrothcrs and Faugh t, February 1, 1895. The Chicago and Eastern Illinois purchased the C. P. & M. February 23, 1897, and has since operated the line. The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern was com- pleted to Renton July 1, 1908. It belongs to the Missouri Pacific System. Fortune is ever seen accompanying industry. Goldsmith. 20 PROSPECTS OF THE PEOPLE OF TODAY There are no Mongolians, or Ethiopians residing here. These races have never been maltreated, or maligned, but by common consent this county has been regarded as the abiding place of Caucasians only. The dominating element in the population is the "Old American Stock" of Southern extraction. Southern ideas govern social intercourse, and Southern hospitality is dispensed. The traveler upon, the highway is always greeted with an affable "Good day, sir," and if he should stop at a farm house in quest of information he will be politely invited to "light and come in." Refreshments will be offered him so cordially and unostentatiously that he at once concludes he has found a country where kindness, chiv- alry and hospitality do not entirely belong to the ages that are past. Moral standards are high. There are no saloons, no sporting or gambling resorts, no Sunday desecration. Womanhood is respected and revered, and motherhood is regarded as the crowning glory of womanhood. Cornelias may be found in innumerable homes, who point to their children when asked about their jewels, while their faces are glorified by a love and a smile radiating from Heaven. Here, man is placed above the dollar, and a man's worth is measured in intellect and character rather than coin. To live among such people is to double one's joys and halve one's sorrows. "Come, abide with us, and we will do thee good." V?* V? If you would civilize a man, begin with his grandmother. Victor Hugo. FHANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 21 FRANKLIN COUNTY COAL The most important clement in the prosperity of Franklin County, has been and will continue to he the development of its coal fields. Practically the entire area of the County is underlaid with a deposit of coal of un- usual quality. There are several veins of this coal, the more im- portant of which is the No. 6 seam, now being worked at W. P. BEND & CO.'S MINE, BEND CITT! GENERAL OFFICES: MCCORMICK BUILDING, CHICAGO various points in the County, which vein lies at a depth of about 350 feet at the county line, increasing in depth at the rate of about 25 feet per mile following the dip toward the northeast. This vein has an average thickness of practically 9 feet. Below this No. 6 vein, at a depth varying from 40 to 75 feet, there is another vein running from 4 1-2 to 5 feet in average thickness, which, up to the present time, has hardly been taken into account, on account of the superior thickness of the overlying No. 6 seam; but long 22 PROSPECTS OF before the No. 6 seam has been worked out, the lower, or No. 5, seam will have attracted much attention and will be of great value on account of its quality and workable thickness. These two seams guarantee the permanence and im- portance of the coal industry for the next 100 years. Disregarding for the purposes of this article the lower, or No. 5 seam, the special qualities of the upper one, or No. 6, seam, from the standpoint of the investor, will be more fully discussed. About twenty-five years ago a few public spirited citizens of Benton had a prospect hole drilled for the DERING COAL COMPANY'S NO. 11 MINE, WEST FRANKFORT GENERAL OFFICES: MCCOBMICK BUILDING, CHICAGO purpose of finding coal in the vicinity of Benton. After drilling to a depth of 584 feet they became discouraged and stopped the enterprise. The drill, at the time they stopped it, was within 50 feet of discovering a real Eldo- rado for this county; and, by the failure to pursue the enterprise that additional distance, the development of this field and the substantial prosperity of this county was delayed for a period of twenty years. Let this incident be remembered with care by the prospective investor into whose hands this brief sketch of FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 23 the resources of Franklin County may fall. Substantial fortunes, and many of them, will be made within the next few years in this wonderful section, but they can- not be made by merely reading the story of what this county offers. The investor who fails to act may be lik- ened to the prospectors stopping short of success. Let the investor read, and his judgment being convinced, as a careful investigation must convince it, let him without fear of the outcome invest whatever sum of money he may have, and it will not maybe, but surely, bring him a rich return. BENTON COAL CO. 'S PLANT, "PYROLITE" THOMSON & BURTON, SALES MANAGERS, CHICAGO The next prospecting was done by the late W. P. Halli- day, of Cairo, whose wise investments in the coal fields of Southern Illinois made him the first millionaire of this territory. The results of his investigation he did not disclose, but, after his death, those who were nearest him said that one of the schemes to be carried into effect by this farsighted business man was the taking over of a large area of the Franklin County coal, which he had prospected and found of such high quality. The next prospecting, and the first one by which the general public was made aware of the fact that coal un- 24 PROSPECTS OF derlay Franklin County, was made by the citizens of West Frankfort about the year 1896. The real development, however, of the Franklin County iield dates from the time Joseph Leiter, representing himself and his father, Levi Z. Leiter, pros- pected and took over approximately 8000 acres of coal land, upon which he located the town of Zeigler, and developed the mines of the Zeigler Coal Company, now being operated by Bell & Zoller. Mr. Leiter saw the value of this wonderful deposit, and, by careful adver- HART & WILLIAMS' MINE, BENTOX HOME OFFICE: BENTON, ILL. Using, introduced this coal into the markets of fourteen States in the Mississippi Valley. When the quality of this coal became known there was a general movement among the more sagacious coal men and railroad men to acquire holdings in this County. There are today in Franklin County fifteen shipping mines with an aggregate capacity of from four to five million tons per year. This means an annual pay-roll for miners alone of three and one-half to four million dollars per year. This coal in the markets of the Northwest is fast sup- FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 25 XKIGLER MINE. /KKM.EK, ILL. Ol'ERATEl) 15Y BELL & ZOLLER MIXING CO.. CHICAGO planting the Hocking Coal from Ohio; the Splint Coal from West Virginia, and the Pittsburg coal in the North- west and in the South, being the only coal from Illinois that has ever been able to meet these high grade coals and supplant them in their established markets. More recent investigations have demonstrated that 7.TEOLER IMSTKKT COl.I.ir.K Y CO., CHRISTOPHER GENERAL OFFICES: !) SO. M SAI.I.K STUKKT. CHICAGO 26 PROSPECTS OF UNITED COAL MINING CO., CHRISTOPHER C. M. MODERWELL & CO., CHICAGO much of this coal is a coking coal of high quality, so valuable as a metallurgical coke that the United States Steel Corporation has recently purchased 40,000 acres with a view to using it in their by-product ovens at South Chicago and Gary, Indiana. Judge Gary, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Steel Corpora- POSSUM RIDGE MINE, FREEMAN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COAL AND COKE CO., CHICAGO FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 27 OHIO VALLEY MINING CO. WEST MINE WILMINGTON STAR MINING CO., SALES AGENTS, MCCORMICK BUILDING, CHICAGO tion, in testimony given by him before an investigating committee of the United States Senate, said that these lands, if in the Connclsville field of Pennsylvania, would be worth $1,000.00 per acre. On the heels of the development of the coke-making industry of this County will follow the development of the steel industry. Within ten years Benton, Illinois, will be the center of the most important coal-producing terri- tory in the United States west of Pittsburg, and the aggregate pay-roll of the industries of Franklin County, will be greater than that of any County in the State, with the exception of Cook. DERING COAL CO. "LITTLE JACK" MINES, AT WEST FRANKFORT T. C. KELLER, Pres. A. H. STEFFENS, Vice-Pres. J. T. NORTON', Secy. T. C. KELLER & COMPANY OLD COLONY BLDG., CHICAGO 'Daily Output, 2500 Tons Owners and operators of the Sesser Coal Co. and the Franklin County Collieries Co., Sesser, 111. The Benton Coal Company Thomson & Burton Co. Producers of THE ORIGINAL BENTON COAL Organized December, 1903 Daily Capacity 2,500 Tons Second mine sunk in the County OUR RECORDS STAND FOR QUALITY RATHER THAN QUANTITY OF PRODUCT Shaker Screened Lump; Re-screened and Hand-picked Egg; Roller Screened and Hand-picked No. 1 and No. 2 Nut MINE OFFICE GENERAL SALES OFFICE The Benton Coal Company Thomson & Burton Co. Benton, Illinois Chicago, Illinois OHIO VALLEY MINING CO. Mine at West Frankfort, Franklin County, Illinois. Has C. B. & Q. and C. & E. I. R. R. connections. Holding yard capacity one hundred cars. Construction the most modern, being of steel and concrete, making it fireproof. Electrically equipped throughout, including motors, cutting machines, etc., and, in fact, all the latest and best mining machinery and appliances known. The only mine in the West having a sizing plant equipped with spiral mechanical pickers handling all coal below 3|/j> inches, removing all impurities and grading into five sizes. Uniform in size, free from water stains, of the appearance of Anthracite and exceed- ingly attractive to the consumer. Sales Agents, WILMINGTON STAR MINING CO. 1114 McCORMICK BLDG. CHICAGO General Offices, Mines at Christopher, Illinois No. 9 South LaSalle St. Chicago ZIEGLER DISTRICT COLLIERY CO. FRANKLIN COUNTY COAL CAPACITY OF MINES 2500 TONS PER DAY St. Louis, Mo. Boston, Mass. Herrin, 111. Chicago, 111. Possum Ridge A Good, Pure Franklin County Coal with an Excellent Preparation THE KIND OF COAL YOUR CUSTOMERS WANT Southern Illinois Coal and Coke Co. PEOPLES GAS BUILDING, CHICAGO Bell & Zoller Mining Co. 343 S. Dearborn St., Chicago Operates the ZEIGLER mine, which is the largest and perhaps best known mine in the state of Illinois. It has a producing capacity of 5,000 tons daily and is especially noted for the splendid quality of its coal. W. P. Rend & Co. FRANKLIN COUNTY COAL Mines at Rend City and Rendville Col. William P. Rend and his three sons are the active factors, sole owners and directors of W. P. Rend & Company, and the numerous Rend interests, Col. Rend acting as president and director. Joseph P. Rend is in charge of the operations and productions of the properties, and has for his assistant at the mines Mr. Frank A. Rend. Mr. James E. Rend has charge of the selling and accounting departments. The General Offices of W. P. REND & COMPANY the clearing house for all the Rend interests, are located in the McCormick Building, Chicago. THE DERING COAL CO. GENERAL OFFICES McCORMICK BLDG. CHICAGO Bering Coal Company "Little Jack" Mines Nos. 11 and 18 are among the foremost coal-producing properties in the Franklin County field. A picture of No. 11 top works appears on another page. This is one of the old- est mines in the field, in point of fact being the second Franklin County mine to be put in operation, having been opened up by J. K. Dering in the year 1904. It is operating in about 10 feet of coal at a depth of about 489 feet from the surface, and its product as well as that of No. 18 is noted among the users of domestic and high-grade steam coal. 29 WALTER W. WILLIAMS President A. N. EAST W. H. HART Vice-President Secretary and Treasurer Hart- Williams Coal Company Geo. A. Powers, Superintendent SALES OFFICES Fisher Building, Chicago Syndicate Trust Bldg., St. Louis. Central Bank Bldg., Memphis Hennen Bldg., New Orleans. City National Bank Bldg., Omaha Address all Replies to HOME OFFICE, Benton, Illinois Tne Famous Christopher Cpj 1 ! Mined by the United Coal Mining Company at Christo- pher, is sold only by C. M. Moderwell & Co., McCormick Building, Chicago. ., CARROLL & FRANKLIN COUNTIES COAL CO. MINE AT HANAFORD W. H. MARSHALL Vice-Prei. and General Manager CHICAGO EUGENE STEVENS Mine Superintendent HANAFORD Hanaford Coal CARROLL AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES COAL COMPANY GENERAL OFFICE OLD COLONY BLDG., CHICAGO Mines at Hanaford, 111. 'Hanaford' 1 is the BEST of the justly celebrated Franklin County coal 30 31 32 PROSPECTS OF THE CITY OF BENTON, ILLINOIS EARLY HISTORY IN the spring of 1841, Thomas Thompson, a surveyor, under the old dispensation, platted the towns of Benton, Marion and Vienna. The town of Benton was located on lands owned by Walter S. Aiken and John Ewing. The first Court House was erected in 1841, in the Public Square designated on the plat for that purpose, and was burned in 1843. Another building was erected FRANKLIN COUNTY COURT HOUSE, BENTON for court purposes on the Southeast corner of the block now occupied by the A. D. Jackson Saddlery Company. The first brick Court House was built upon the square reserved for that purpose in 1845. The present Court House was erected in 1875 and 1876 by John J. St. Clair. Southern Illinois was the first settled portion of the State, and many prominent and eminent lawyers in the early history of the State originated and practiced law here, among whom may be mentioned : Walter B. Scates, Ephriam Gatewood, Hugh Montgomery, Richard Nelson, William A. Denning, Willis Allen, William J. Allen, John FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 33 H. Mulkey, Sam K. Casey, John A. Logan, M. C. Craw- ford, F. M. Youngblood, Samuel E. Flannigan, H. W. Smith, Thos. J. Layman, Sam S. Marshall, W. K. Par- rish, and A. D. Duff. THESE MEN WERE LAWYERS. The church was represented by such able exponents as the Reverends Braxton Parrish, Robert Moore, Moses Neal, George and Thomas Lopas, and many other good and God-fearing men, who did much to develop the moral and religious sentiment of the County. Among the earlier physicians of the town were W. O. Espy, T. M. Sams, W. E. Smith, R. H. Green, Dr. Wall, Warren Burges, W. D. Burress. The first store was opened by Col. Tilman B. Cantrell, in the year 1845, in what was known as the "White Row" COUNTY BUILDING, BENTON on the North side of the Public Square, and East of North Main Street. Among the early merchants were John Knox, Jesse K. DuBois, James Rogers, W. O. Espy, W. H. Fountain, Charles Dudley, "Rafe" Elstun, S. M. Hubbard, Daniel Mooneyham, John Ward, Dr. Cook, John McFall, Robert Johnson, Levi Browning, A. D. Jackson, J. G. Mitchell, G. T. Hubbard, W. W. Hoskinson, W. R. Ward, Carroll Moore, John McCollum, etc. These merchants hauled all their goods from St. Louis, a distance of about one hundred miles, generally with ox teams, requiring about two weeks to make the round trip, camping along the road at night. A hack line, or Star route mail line, was early established from Shawneetown, via Benton, to 34 PROSPECTS OF St. Louis, probably in 1845. Four days were required to get a communication to St. Louis, marked "Post Haste." James Swofford, Levi Browning and others erected the first flouring mill in Benton about the year 1856; an explosion occurred at the mill in 1862, killing Mr. Swof- ford and a Mr. Graham. This mill was later torn down. W. W. McFall built another mill in the year 1873. It was RESIDENCE OF DR. VISE, BENTON RESIDENCE OF MRS. W. R. WARD, BENTON burned in 1908. The present mill was built by Ford & Ford in 1900, and is one of the best in Southern Illinois. BENTON TODAY A city of 5000 people, the county seat of Franklin County, Illinois, 300 miles south of Chicago and 90 miles east of St. Louis. FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 35 RAILROADS OF BENTON Benton is in a measure one of the railroad centers of Southern Illinois, having three trunk lines, namely, the Illinois Central, the Chicago and Eastern Illinois, and the Missouri Pacific, while the Egyptian Southern Rail- way, the Zeigler and Gulf Coast Railway and the Toledo, RESIDENCE OF \V. W. MCCREERY, BENTON RESIDENCE OF SPRUEL REA, BENTON St. Louis and New Orleans are already worked out on paper. Other lines of railway are building in this direc- tion, and there will be at least three more important roads added to our transportation facilities before 1915. This County is one of the largest freighting points of the state as shown by the fact that in 1911, nearly two and one half million dollars worth of freight was billed out 36 PROSPECTS OF SOUTH MAIN STREET, BENTON ( PAVING) of Benton alone. It is only a question of time until a system of interurban railways will connect and give to the different points in this County rapid, cheap and effi- cient means of intercommunication. PUBLIC UTILITIES OF BENTON Benton enjoys all modern conveniences. Benton has a first-class electric light plant; a new and thoroughly HOTEL MCCREERY, BENTON FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 37 equipped water supply system; and a comprehensive sewage system, while the street lighting is superior to that of many of the larger cities. The public square and the principal thoroughfares have recently been paved at a cost of $80,000.00, and plans are now ready for several miles of additional paving and for a complete chain of concrete sidewalks, embracing all the principal streets. An abundance, not only of the necessities, but also of the luxuries and conveniences of modern civiliza- tion, makes Benton a desirable city in which to reside. BANKS OF BENTON Two strong local banks handle the finances of Benton. VIEW ON EAST MAIN STREET, BENTON The Benton State Bank was established in 1875 and has a capital and surplus of $115,000.00. The First National Bank was organized in 1902 and has a capital and surplus of $100,000.00. Both banks are officered by capable men and are thoroughly progressive in policy. NEWSPAPERS OF BENTON Benton boasts of two first-class newspaper establish- ments. The Benton Standard, of which A. E. Martin is the editor and publisher, was organized in 1849, and has 38 PROSPECTS OF ever since spread the gospel of Democracy. The Benton Republican, of which H. L. Frier is the editor and publisher, was founded in 1895. Both plants are housed in substantial buildings and have complete modern equipments. PUBLIC BUILDINGS OF BENTON The public buildings compare favorably with those RESIDENCE OF K. R. WARD, BENTON RESIDENCE OF E. FITZGERRELL, BENTON of any city in Southern Illinois. The Franklin County Court House, located in the Public Square, is an imposing and historic structure, while the County Jail and the City Hall are both handsome and serviceable buildings. The Lincoln School building and the Township High School building, are the last word in school architecture. The FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 39 McFall Auditorium is a complete and elaborate theatrical plant. In addition to these, Benton is the proud posses- sor of one of the mine-rescue stations of the State of Illinois. The Station is of reinforced concrete and is equipped with every modern convenience. The rescue car is constantly at hand, ready to go on a moment's notice to the scene of a mine explosion. The Station is RESIDENCE OP G. C. CANTRELL, BENTON RESIDENCE OF W. S. CANTRELL, BENTON equipped with a miniature training gallery, in which gases are exploded so that the rescue crew may have training under conditions identical with those accom- panying an actual mine explosion. HOTELS Benton has two well appointed hotels, the "McCreery," under the able management of Gene Ford, and the "Hotel 40 PROSPECTS OF Hudson." Both hotels are substantial brick structures, newly furnished throughout, having electric lights, steam heat, room telephones, hot and cold water and all the modern appointments, and fine table service. The cuisine is of exceptional excellence. RESIDENCE OF JUDGE W. H. HART, BEXTON The Public Square in Benton, around which are grouped most of the business interests of the City, is almost solidly surrounded by modern business blocks, RESIDENCE OF L. W. BRAND, BENTON RESIDENCE OF DWIGHT CUTLER, BENTON among which are the Ward building, a massive three- story brick; the Browning building; the C. A. Jackson Block; the J. G. Mitchell Block; the Swofford building and the W. W. McFall building. Most of these buildings FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 41 have been put up within the last few years and are of the highest standard throughout. STORES OF BENTON The mercantile interests of Benton are well housed and well equipped. The department stores are remark- able for the beauty of their fixtures and for the size and RESIDENCE OF JESSE DIMOND, BENTON RESIDENCE OF H. L. FRIER, BENTON variety of their stocks, while the smaller stores are well kept and well managed. In the business district there are four department stores, three exclusive men's cloth- ing emporiums, two jewelry establishments, two hard- ware houses, three large lumber concerns, three drug stores, one bookstore, and scores of other and smaller mercantile establishments of various kinds. 42 PROSPECTS OF COAL MINING COMPANIES OF BENTON There are two important coal companies operating at Benton. The Hart & Williams Company with a daily capacity of 2500 tons and the Benton Coal Company with a capacity approximating 2500 tons each day. The number of men employed by both mines when in full WARREN AND BURKETT HART AND WILLIAMS working force are about 1000, whose monthly wage scale exceeds $100,000.00. INDUSTRIES OF BENTON In addition to its great coal interests, Benton has a number of enterprising and progressive industries, among which are the following: FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 43 The Benton Brick Company, The Benton Peerless Mills, The A. D. Jackson Saddlery Company, The Model Cream Separator Manufacturing Company, The Benton Bottling Works, The Benton Steam Laundry, The Ben- ton Ice Plant, The William Gray Machine Company, The William Werner Packing Company, The J. E. Mundell Planing Company, Ward Brothers Mill, Frank Connors Lumber Company, The F. J. Hickman Mills, The Stotlar- Herrin Lumber Company, and The Sanitary Stove Manu- facturing Company. RESIDENCES OF BENTON The homes of Benton, as a rule, are well built and attractive. Among the older and historic homes are the D. M. Browning residence, now owned by Hon. W. S. Cantrell, and the A. D. Jackson, C. Moore, W. L. Eskew, W. R. Ward, Dr. Z. Hickman, Evan Fitzgerrell, Mrs. A. G. Orr and Mrs. Sylvester Fitzgerrell residences. The homes of W. F. Spiller, Judge W. H. Hart, Hon. W. W. Williams, Geo. A. Powers, Dr. W. L. Brand, Dr. H. A. Vise, T. A. Hall, G. C. Cantrell, Robert R. Ward, Judge W. F. Dillon, John L. Browning, T. L. Browning, Hon. C. A. Aiken, Hiram Aiken, S. O. Snyder, Dr. R. E. Poin- dexter, H. L. Frier, S. C. D. Rea, Dr. W. H. Alvis, Mrs. John W. Swofford, W. W. McFall, F. O. Hamilton, E. J. Odum, H. G. Davis, and others are among the most modern of the city, and contain every comfort and con- venience. The streets of Benton are well kept, and an 44 PROSPECTS OF abundance of shade trees and flowers adds an attractive setting to the residence district. SCHOOLS OF BENTON As early as 1865 the school census showed a resident population of 589 in the school district, consisting of four square miles surrounding Benton. Since its earliest his- tory, Benton has been interested in schools, and even be- fore the "Free School Laws" of this State were enacted, "The Benton Academy" was a flourishing institution of learning. No city of its size in Southern Illinois is better sup- plied with school facilities than is the City of Benton. The people of Benton believe in education and they gladly pay high salaries for competent teachers. The public grade schools are housed in the Lincoln and Logan buildings, both of which are massive brick structures, while the Township High School building, recently com- pleted, is superb in all its appointments and can accommo- date 400 students. The teachers in the public grade schools are carefully selected and are of the highest type, while the faculty of the Township High School ranks second to none. SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS Benton is a stronghold of Masonry. Benton Lodge No. 64, A. F. and A. M., is probably the oldest Masonic order in Southern Illinois, having numbered General John A. Logan, Daniel M. Browning and Monroe C. Crawford among its early members. The W. R. Ward Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, No. 223, was instituted in October, 1907, and has a membership of 110. The White Shrine of Jerusalem is also one of the oldest orders here and is in flourishing condition, while the Order of the Eastern Star has a large membership and is most prosperous. The I. O. O. F., No. 284, and the Sisters of Rebecca, as well as the Encampment and Canton, each have a large membership and convenient meeting halls. Benton Lodge, No. 1234, of the B. P. O. E., was in- stituted in 1911 and has a splendid lodge hall with club rooms adjoining. The Elks have a membership of about FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 45 75 and are contemplating the erection of a suitable home in the near future. The Knights of Pythias, Court of Honor, Modern Woodmen, Royal Neighbors and Owls, also have flourish- ing lodges in Benton; while there are also several Polish and Catholic organizations here. The principal Women's Clubs are the Domestic Art Club, Self Culture Class and the W. C. T. U., all of which are progressive and all of which are members of the State Federation of Women's Clubs, and active in social and civic affairs. CHURCHES OF BENTON Benton has several imposing and well constructed churches, among which are the First Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, Christian, Primitive Baptist, Catholic, Second Baptist, Old Salem Baptist and others. The members of the various congregations are always ready and willing to receive and welcome strangers and visitors. THE BENTON COMMERCIAL CLUB The Benton Commercial Club was organized to pro- mote the business interests of Benton and Franklin County and to provide for the welfare of its citizens. This Club welcomes any meritorious enterprise that may be presented and through its committees will enter- tain and carefully investigate the proposition offered by any person or company who may be looking for a more favorable location than their present environment. The Club especially invites manufacturing concerns, foundry companies, etc., that desire cheap and abundant fuel and good railroad facilities convenient to the best markets of the West. All enquiries addressed to the Benton Commercial Club will receive prompt and careful attention. THE BENTON MILITARY BAND THE LEADING BAND OF THE STATE OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO The Benton Military Band was organized on January 27, 1903, by C. H. Sauther, E. B. Nolen and W. C. Ludwig, as commissioners. 46 PROSPECTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS To the musical ability and untiring efforts of its first instructor and director, Mr. C. H. Sauther, belongs the credit of its existence. The personnel of the original band numbered twenty-seven men. The band has a membership today of thirty-five first-class musicians, some of whom are noted soloists. Mr. Sauther was succeeded as Director by Mr. Robin A. Anderson, one of the prominent musicians of Southern Illinois, and after him came that well known bandmaster, Joe Greenfield, who today wields the baton. Professor Greenfield's ability and experience has made this the ban- ner musical organization of Southern Illinois. He is a graduate of Trinity College, England, and is a very suc- cessful composer. As a conductor he has perfect control of the men. The band has filled several important engagements; not only in the immediate vicinity, but in other states. Their repertoire of music includes everything that comprises first-class repertoire for a first-class band. Benton boasts of the Benton Military Band. Industry hath annexed thereto the fairest fruits and the richest rewards. Barrow. ESTABLISHED 1875 BENTON STATE BANK Capital and Surplus $100,000.00 Benton, 111., Carroll Moore, Pres. Rob't R. Ward, Vice Pres. W. B. Blake, Vice Pres. Carl Burkhart, Cashier W. C. Ludwig, Ass't Cashier. Oldest and Largest Bank in Franklin County Your Patronage Solicited FRANKLIN COUNTY STORES Co. MAIN OFFICE BENTON, ILL. BRANCH STORE BRANCH STORE WEST FRANKFORT, ILL. MARION, ILL. THE STOTLAR.HERRIN LUMBER Co. Incorporated 1901 Benton, 111. LUMBER, PLASTERS, PAINTS AND OILS, -BUILDER'S HARDWARE- Herrin, 111.; Johnston City, 111.; Marion, 111.; Benton, 111.; Christopher, 111.; Pittsburg, 111.; West Frankfort, 111. 47 The Benton Commercial Club Ben ton, Illinois HARRY STOTLAR - - - President MOSES PULVERMAN - - - Secretary W. W. McFALL Treasurer The Members of This Club will assist and encourage any meritorious enterprise seeking location in Franklin County F. H. STAMPER, BENTON, ILL., General Agent THE CELEBRATED MAXWELL AUTOMOBILE Large Variety of These Magnificent Machines on Hand Manufacturers and Business Men Seeking a Favorable and Advantageous Location If You Have a Proposition of Merit If You Desire Good Railroad Facilities If You Need Additional Capital If You Wish Cheap and Abundant Fuel If You Appreciate a Rapidly Increasing Population, or, If You Wish to Benefit by Any of the Wonder- ADDRESS ful Opportunities Presented in Franklin County, J. E. MYERS, DIMOND & CO., Benton, 111. R. E. HICKMAN, Attorney-at-Law South Side Public Square BENTON, ILL. PROFITS IN POULTRY The ILLINOIS POULTRY PRODUCTS CO., organized to produce and market good poultry and eggs, and to handle poultry breeders' supplies. Model poultry farms now in operation at Benton and Hana- ford, Illinois. Modern incubators, giving large daily supply of chicks. Best laying varieties, White Leghorn and White Wyandotte. Easy access to both Chicago and St. Louis markets. Location ideal for poultry raising. Poultry possibilities are limitless. Poultry farming offers a com- petency, amid agreeable surroundings, on a small investment. Land adjacent to company's model plant for sale in suitable tracts. If interested write for full details of our poultry colony proposition. Illinois Poultry Products Co. Illinois 48 F. O. HAMILTON, President C. E. HAMILTON, Vice Pres. and Sec'y HAMILTON UTILITIES COMPANY Incorporated WATER, LIGHT, POWER All Water and Electrical Appliances Capital $100,000.00 BENTON, ILL. WILLIAM H. HART WALTER W. WILLIAMS HART & WILLIAMS LAWYERS MOSES PULVERMAN BENTON, ILL Stenoorapher and Notary in Office Surveys and Maps of All Kinds Screening Plants Estimates and Designs Bottom Layouts Plans for Development Inspection and Reports L. T. PUTMAN Civil and Mining Engineer BENTON, ILL. W. W. McFALL, President G. C. CANTRELL. Cashier E. N. REA. Vice-Prejident C. A. A1KEN, Jr., Ass't Cashier FIRST NATIONAL BANK Capital and Surplus $100,000.00 BENTON, ILLINOIS Interest Paid on Time Deposits 49 Jesse Dimond & Co. REAL ESTATE, LOANS AND INSURANCE We Buy and Sell Our Own Property BENTON, ILLINOIS OFFICE OF JESSE DIMOND & CO., BENTON City Realty improved and unimproved in all the Towns of Franklin County Large Tracts of Productive Farm Land for Actual Settlement Coal Properties and Royalties bought and sold Merchandise bought and Real Estate exchanged for Stocks of all kinds WILL BUILD TO SUIT PURCHASERS COLONIZATION A SPECIALTY WE ARE THE LARGEST OPERATORS IN REAL ESTATE IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS 50 HENRY HUDSON C. W. STILLEY Room No. 31, Ward Bldg. Benton, Illinois We are also Title Examiners, and are able to tell you, if from the history of your title as shown by the records, your title is perfect. We are experienced abstracters and are prepared to furnish Complete Abstracts of Title on short notice. W. H. ALVIS PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON WARD BUILDING BENTON, ILLINOIS MOORE & MOORE General Merchandise, Dry Goods and Notions, Shoes, Work Clothes, Groceries, etc. ALL KINDS OF UNDERTAKING SUPPLIES Benton, Illinois W. A. McKEE DENTIST Ward Building Benton, Illinois A. D. JACKSON SADDLERY CO. Established 1 855 BENTON - ILLINOIS Wholesale manufacturers of an up-to-date, dependable line of saddlery goods, at right prices. Their factory is equipped with all the latest improved ma- chinery, and they work a large force of skilled mechanics. The plant covers practically a block. They carry a large stock and travel several men. Their trade extends over several states. THEY ALSO MAINTAIN A RETAIL STORE 51 CLARA HUDSON -ST. CLAIR BENTON, ILLINOIS Dealer in Millinery and Ladies' "Ready to Wear" Garments Cany the largest stock of Millinery; Ladies' Cloaks, Coats, Skirts and Suits in Franklin County. Established twenty years. If you want dependable merchandise I can please you. My prices are right. Your Patronage Earnestly Solicited DRUG STORE DRS. HART & HART DRUG CO. The Benton Shoe Store Franklin County Footquarters A Complete Line of Drugs and Patent Medicines, Toilet Articles and Sundries BEST SODA FOUNTAIN IN CITY BENTON, ILLINOIS SANITARY PLUMBING O. L. GRADY Hot Water, Hot Air and Steam Heating Agent for Pilot Acetylene Generators OFFICE PHONE No. 68-2 RESIDENCE No. 78 BENTON, ILLINOIS REAL ESTATE COLLECTIONS J. H. WRIGHT POLICE MAGISTRATE AND NOTARY PUBLIC BENTON, ILLINOIS Meet Us Feet to Feet The Shoeologists Monroe, Hay and Monday W. F. SPILLER C. H. MILLER LAW OFFICES SPILLER & MILLER BENTON, ILLINOIS Will practice in all Courts of the State BURK1TTS ABSTRACT OFFICE Has the only Set of Abstract Books in the County. Call at his office when you want an Abstract WARD BUILDING, BENTON, ILLINOIS 52 P. S. POPE CLOTHING CO. Men's Furnishings, Neckwear, Hosiery, etc. BENTON, ILLINOIS W. L. BRAND, Dentist ESTABLISHED 1897 Southwest Corner Square BENTON. ILLINOIS THE BENTON REPUBLICAN H. L. FRIER, Publisher THE LEADING NEWSPAPER IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS - Fine Job Work a Specialty - J. R. GARDNER, INSURANCE BENTON. ILLINOIS Fire, Tornado. Plate Glass. Boiler. Farm Insurance. Employees' Liability. Leading Companies W. W. McFALL, President G. C. CANTRELL, Sec.-Treasurer A. L. ESKEW, Vice-Pres. and Gen. Mgr. S. E. ESKEW, Assistant Manager THE McFALL HARDWARE COMPANY (INCORPORATED) Hardware, Tinware, Cutlery, Furniture, Farming Implements, Wagons, Buggies, Etc. BENTON .... ILLINOIS H. OMER PARKER. Manager Laundries and French Dry Cleaning BENTON. ILLINOIS W. B. MARTIN Insurance and Benton, Illinois ^al Estate 53 WILLIAM WERNER I MEATS I THE VERY BEST QUALITY AT REASONABLE COST Long Established and a Reputation to Sustain SOUTH SIDE PUBLIC SQUARE BENTON. ILLINOIS WEBSTER'S DRUG STORE POST OFFICE BLOCK. BENTON Prescriptions a Specialty Full Line of Drugs and Sundries YOUR PATRONAGE SOLICITED HOTEL McCREERY EUGENE FORD, Proprietor BENTON, ILLINOIS Strictly Commerical Rates $2.00 to $3.00 FITZGERRELL BROTHERS Good Goods for Cash HARDWARE, SPORTING GOODS, MINING TOOLS, PAINTS, OILS, GLASS, INCUBATORS, POULTRY FEED AND SUNDRIES BENTON - ILLINOIS The Franklin County Abstract owns the only absolutely accurate records covering R ea | Estate in the County. Its officers are experienced, accurate and energetic. It makes and prints ABSTRACTS, furnishes OPINIONS of TITLE and GUARANTEES TITLES. Its Multigraph Department furnishes duplicate abstracts, in case of sub- divisions, far cheaper than they can be typewritten or printed. Typewritten circular letters will be, on your order, reproduced, addressed and mailed without your further attention. GEO. B. HOLMES, President BENTON, ILLINOIS. MARIE STEVES, Secretary 54 W. S. CANTRELL ATTORNEY AT LAW ROOMS 3. 4 AND 5 McFALL BLOCK BENTON, ILLINOIS MOONEYHAM & SEEBER ATTORNEYS AT LAW PRACTICE IN ALL COURTS BENTON, ILLINOIS EDWARD AUSTIN, M. D. Office, Swofford Building BENTON ILLLINOIS For Over 60 Years the Leading Newspaper THE BENTON STANDARD Our Job Rooms are the Busiest and Best Equipped in All "Egypt" A. E. MARTIN, Editor and Propr. EAST MAIN STREET REA BRO.'S REALTY CO. We Make a Specialty of Benton and Franklin County Real Estate Browning Building BENTON, ILL. Cf^ T/^XTITC Wholesale and Retail . VJ. JUi\r>t3, PURE ICE Wholesale and Retail Country Produce, Small Fruit and Vegetables Furs, Hides and Game Track Price on Anything You Have to Offer H. A. VISE, M. D. Office, Browning Building, BENTON, ILL. 55 56 PROSPECTS OF WEST FRANKFORT THE village of Frankfort from which the City of West Frankfort gets its name, is one of the oldest settlements in Southern Illinois. It was the main stopping point between Vincennes and Kaskaskia in the early Indian days and had a fort from which it took its name. In later days it was an important station between Shawneetown and St. Louis, being on the route of the stage coach and mail line. After the passing of the Indians the early settlers were mainly from Kentucky and Tennessee. They could purchase the best of land for l2 l /2 cents per acre. Five STREET SCENE, WEST FRANKFORT dollars would pay for forty acres, but the five was hard to get. The virgin soil yielded kindly and abundantly, with scarcely any labor after it was seeded. The scenery from Frankfort hill, looking over the sur- rounding prairies, especially in the springtime, is en- trancingly beautiful. There is not a finer view in South- ern Illinois than from this beautiful hill. Frankfort for many years was the county seat of Franklin County, and the County at that time contained, besides its present area, the County of Williamson. FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 57 The first Court House was located about three and one-half miles east of the present site of Old Frankfort, and was built of logs. The specifications of this building are still in existence, one item of which is that the floor of the building may be made of logs, but must have the upper side thereof smoothed with the adz, also, the boards of the roof shall be fastened on with nails. Later a new STORES, ETC., WEST FRANKFORT Court House was built of brick on top of the hill. Its size was about twenty by thirty feet. This was used until about the year 1840 when the south half of Franklin County was cut off and called Williamson County and the County Seat of Franklin County was moved to Benton. The natural effect of this loss was to stop the growth 58 PROSPECTS OF of the village but it continued to hold its own as a leading trading point, being headquarters for the sale of tobacco and castor beans, which became the leading farm products for several years. The farmers began to raise more or less wheat, and a flour mill was established. The town moved along in a quiet way until the year 1894, when the Chicago, Paducah and Memphis Railroad was built from St. Elmo STORES, ETC., WEST FRANKFORT to Marion, passing one and one-fourth miles to the west. Some of the buildings then moved over to the railroad station and West Frankfort was born. It grew slowly, and was still a village of only about three hundred people until the first mine was sunk in the year 1903. Since then, its growth has been like Jack's Beanstalk. This was practically the beginning of the mining in- FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 59 dustry in this County, and it seems only proper that the public should know to whom the honor is due as the pioneers in the industry that has made West Frankfort one of the most promising cities in the State of Illinois. The promoters of this first industry were Judge William H. Hart and Hon. Walter W. Williams, still residents of Franklin County, and still active in promoting its in- terests. In the year 1904 this mine was sold to the Dering Coal Company, which today is operating two fine mines. They have 7250 acres of coal and are among the greatest coal people in this country, having such selling facilities as to work almost every day under ordinary conditions. STREET SCENE, WEST FRANKFORT Their first mine, No. 11, has a daily capacity of 1800 tons and employs 375 men. Their second mine, No. 18, has a capacity of 2500 tons and will employ 500 men. They are now working 200 men and will take on more just as fast as room can be opened up for them to work. These mines when fully completed, will both have me- chanical haulage, re-screening plants and bath houses. Their pay roll for the last month was about $30,000.00. The plant of the Ohio Valley Mining Company, or "The South Mine," is one of the finest in the State. The equip- 60 PROSPECTS OF ment is the very best, all of their buildings being either brick or cement with tile roof. They have sixteen hundred acres of coal and will have a capacity of 3500 tons per day and will employ at least 500 men. They are now put- ting in a fine washer. They use electricity altogether for hauling and cutting. Their monthly pay roll is now about $20,000.00 and they are making room for more men all the time. The West Frankfort Coal Company, or "The West Mine," have at present about 700 acres of coal and are putting in a mine of 2500 ton capacity and will employ RESIDENCE OF J. L. SMITH, WEST FRANKFORT about 500 men when in full operation. They will have both the C. & E. I. and Burlington connections and run every day. They are now employing about 40 men. The Chicago, Wilmington & Vermilion Coal Com- pany has bought 7500 acres of coal, lying from the C. & E. I. R. R. track west almost to the Burlington, four miles away, and will operate the entire tract. Their Superin- tendent is now on the ground and is getting ready the railroad switches from both railroads and will soon start the sinking of one of the largest mines in the country. It FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 61 will have a capacity of 4000 tons, or 100 railroad cars per day, and will employ not less than 600 men in the one mine, and they will sink another one like it when this one is well under operation. Mining conditions in the West Frankfort field are extra good and the coal of a very fine quality. The vein is about ten feet thick at a depth of about 500 feet, so that the KKSlDK.NC'i: OK .1. M. \V11.I.MOHK. \VKST FKASKFORT RESIDENCE OF \YM. KELLEY, WEST FRANKFORT taking out of the coal does not in any way aft'cct the sur- face. One of the best industries of West Frankfort is Rail- roading, the C. & K. I. having yards and a roundhouse here, and at the present lime they are employing about one hundred men wilh a monthly pay roll of $10,00(1.00. 62 PROSPECTS OF At the beginning of the year 1912 the population of West Frankfort is not less than 3500 happy industrious people, every man with a job. It has a good public school system, with competent teachers and a good high school course. A $25,000:00 school building is just being com- pleted. It has five churches and the religious and moral condition of the town is above the average. It has two RESIDENCE OF D. C. CRAWFORD, WEST FRANKFORT RESIDENCE OF MRS. G. D. DIMMICK, WEST FRANKFORT banks, one National and one State, both in prosperous condition. It has one of the best Building and Loan As- sociations of its age in Southern Illinois. It has also started a Postal Savings Bank. The farming industry, which was neglected somewhat when men first learned that they could make five dollars FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 63 per day digging coal, is being resumed by farmers from choice, and the lands surrounding West Frankfort are again being built up. The farmers are prospering be- cause of the market right at their door, and the future prospects are still brighter for the farmer, for the de- velopment which is being made in the coal industry will at least double our population in the immediate future, and those people will have to be fed. And best of all, the end is not anywhere near, as West Frankfort is right in the midst of a great undeveloped coal field, extending without break or flaw North 7 miles to Benton, East 10 miles to Thompsonville, South 6 miles to Johnston City, and West 6 miles to Ziegler.^ Yet a few years, and as the wheels of industry move onward in the march of progress, when one stands on the crest of the Old Frankfort hill, to his ears will come, not the soft lowing of kine on the hillside, but the dis- tant hum of factory, workshop, mill and mine, while his eyes will behold, not the small settlement of today, but a vast city, dotted with domes and spires, and throbbing and pulsating with life, activity and industry. PETER WASTIER, President C. W. CRIM, Cashier WEST FRANKFORT STATE BANK Capital and Surplus, $35,000.00 Directors PETER WASTIER CHAS. MILLER J. M. SEYMOUR W. L. ESTES A. A. BECKER A. H. SKELTON C. W. CRIM L. C. DORRIS Furniture and Carpets New Designs Elegant Styles Stock carefully selected for West Frankfort trade. MAIN STREET J. L. SMITH, President R. P. BLAKE, Cashier J. M. WILLMORE, Vice-Presidenl FIRST NATIONAL BANK Capital and Surplus, $32,500 West Frankfort, 111. -DIRECTORS J. L. Smith, Jesse Dimond, J. M. Willmore, R. P. Blake, Herman Rea LARGEST BUYERS CHEAPEST SELLERS Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Co. Next to Depot WEST FRANKFORT, ILL. W. B. CRAWFORD Dry Goods, Clothing, Boots Dealer in an ^ Shoes, Notions, Novelties, ^. Hardware, Buggies, Furni- General Merchandise ture> GrocerieSi Provi . Old Frankfort, Illinois sions, etc. T. A. HENSON, : West Frankfort, Illinois Business Interests Real Estate and Rents Undertaker Farm Implements High Grade Live Stock Insurance Bakery D. C. CRAWFORD Dealer in General Merchandise Farming Tools, Buggies, Wagons, Harness, Dry Goods, Shoes, Clothing and Groceries WEST FRANKFORT, ILLINOIS STOVES and RANGES, BUILDERS' HARDWARE and MINERS' SUPPLIES at the RIGHT PRICES A Complete Line of Paints, Oils, and Glass. Also Guns and Ammunition of All Kinds J. C. SWOFFORD, West Frankfort, 111. C. M. WILLMORE DENTIST Bridge Work a Specialty Pharis Building, WEST FRANKFORT, ILL. LUMBER AND BUILDING SUPPLIES Everything in the Building Line. If we don't get your business we both lose Money Highest Grade, Lowest Prices E. G. SUMMERS LUMBER CO., West Frankfort, Illinois 04 Pnosi'Kr.is oi FHANKLIX Corx'rv, ILLINOIS 65 CHRISTOPHER, A NEW ELDORADO ON THE 15th of November, 1879, the first engine and train arrived at Christopher over the Belleville- Eldorado & DuQuoin Railway, now an important division of the Illinois Central. Christopher had one store and a few scattered houses, but the people were' ambitious and as the railroad company graciously con- sented to stop on its occasional trips to and beyond Chris- topher, the citizens donated the material and labor, and RESIDENCES IX CHRISTOPHER built the first depot. The station was named "Christo- pher," in honor of Christopher Harrison, the father of Drs. F. O. and S. A. Harrison. Isham Harrison, brother of Christopher Harrison, was Supervisor of the Township at that time. The town of Christopher made little progress for sev- eral years, yet was an important trading point for the farmers in that section, there being good stock yard facili- ties, and important shipments of live stock. Among the early merchants were A. Kirkpatrick, Boli- ver Pharis, Hallowell and Allen Jones, and H. Shepherd, the latter still in business. 66 PROSPECTS OF The population of Christopher in January, 1906, was about 300, at which time, the Ziegler District Colliery Com- pany began their operations by sinking a shaft, after which development was rapid. Later in the year of 1906, the coal company known as the United Coal Mining Com- pany began work on their shaft, and a large number of houses and substantial business blocks were built to ac- commodate the rapidly increasing population. The two mines, now in operation, employ eight hundred men, and pay out wages in excess of $90,000.00 per month. The shipments aggregate 5,000 tons per day. RESIDENCE OP W. WALKER, CHRISTOPHER Christopher now has a population approximating 3500, directly traced to the demands and influence of these two coal mines. Two other mines are under way to completion, and when in full operation will undoubtedly cause Christo- pher's population to more than double, as each mine will have the same capacity of production as both the present mines now have. There still remains a body of coal of some 5,000 acres in the immediate proximity of Christopher, which is being eagerly sought for by coal operators. The 5,000 acres mentioned would supply the output of at least five first- FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 67 class plants, hence it may be seen that Christopher has an enviable future, especially in view of the fact that the body of coal surrounding the city is of the finest quality and of great thickness; the great abundance of which will require several generations of production to deplete. Christopher is well laid out and its business houses and RESIDENCE OF JOHN KNIGHT, CHRISTOPHER RESIDENCE OP THEO. HARRISON, CHRISTOPHER residences are a credit to any town of its size. In the business district, or fire zone, brick or stone construction only is allowed. Christopher has an electric light system. An ice plant is planned and will probably be in operation during 1912. The concrete walks are extensive and the City Park is 08 PltOSI'KCTS OF centrally located and careful attention is given to beauti- fying the grounds. Christopher is growing rapidly. Numerous imposing business blocks are being erected; the present building operations aggregate one hundred and fifty houses per year. A larger percentage of wage earners own their own homes at Christopher than perhaps in any other city STORES, ETC., CHRISTOPHER FIRST NATIONAL liAN'K. CIIRISTOPHKK in this section about sixty percent. This is attributed to a prosperous Building and Loan Association, and the solidarity and public spirit practiced by its citizens. The business men of Christopher are enterprising. There is a healthy and active Commercial Men's Business Club; also, a Property Owners' Association; both of which FRANKLIN Coi MY, ILLINOIS 69 co-opera to with the City officials in everything that is heneficial to the City. The stores and business houses of Christopher coin- pure' favorably with those of any other city. There are five department stores, two jewelry, three hardware and furniture stores, three well appointed clothing establish- ments, a first class photographer, and numerous other stores. There are also two large lumber yards. STORES, ETC., CHRISTOPHER \V.\I.KKK A SONS. CHRISTOPHK.lt There are two Hrsl-class banks in Christopher; the First National, capital and surplus $35,000.00, and the Christopher State Hank, with a capital of $35,000.00. The Christopher Building and Loan Association is a very thriving institution. The Stale Auditor's Otlice reports 70 PROSPECTS OF that this is the best earning association for its size and age in the State. There are two divisions of the Illinois Central Railroad here, giving local service between Christopher and out- lying mines, and also the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad. The City Hall is a substantial brick structure and there is now being built a first class opera house. R-HERRIN LUMBERCO. STORE OF GUIDO BIONE, CHRISTOPHER STOTLAR- HEREIN LUMBER COMPANY, CHRISTOPHER The social organizations are strong and well attended. The principal organization being the I. O. O. F., also the Sisters of Rebecca, who have a] large membership and own a fully equipped hall. The Modern Woodmen have a large membership; also, the Knights of Pythias. The FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 71 Christopher Social Club has an important influence on the social life of tne City. The churches are represented by the Christian Church, which has a large Bible Class for men, perhaps the largest in this section, and the Baptist, which has also a large Sunday School attendance. The Methodist and Catholic Churches are both well attended; and upon the whole, the church life of Christopher is excellent. The schools of Christopher arc well above the average. A large modern brick structure of seven rooms has just been completed, which will accommodate more than four hundred pupils. There is a smaller building with an at- tendance of two hundred fifty, and a new one planned for the coming year with still greater capacity. Christopher extends a hearty welcome to business men and others seeking a new location, and its citizens will co-operate with any new enterprise that shows merit. In conclusion we want to press upon the reader the fact that the CHRISTOPHER of today is practically a growth of only six years, and that two modern coal min- ing companies were the direct influences which caused this phenomenal growth. There are being developed two more mines of much larger capacity than the present mines, and these additional mines will assuredly cause to be added to the population of Christopher more than 5000 people, within the next few years. CHRISTOPHER MILLING CO. Manufacturers of "White Plume" and "Apple Blossom" Flour, also Fine Meal Dealers in best Hard Wheat Flour, Feed and Hay Give us an order and be satisfied CHRISTOPHER, ILLINOIS J. C. SNIDER Christopher ILLINOIS 800 acres of VALUABLE COAL HOLDINGS adjoining Ziegler District Colliers Co.'s plant. Will be leased to responsible opera- tors. Also DESIRABLE CITY LOTS in Christopher, Illinois. The Stotlar-Herrin Lumber Co. (INCORPORATED 1901) LUMBER, PLASTER, PAINTS AND OILS and BUILDER'S HARDWARE Christopher ----- Illinois FIRST NATIONAL BANK Christopher, Illinois Capital, Surplus and Undivided Profits, $38,750.00 White & Brayfield GENERAL MERCHANDISE. DRY GOODS AND NOTIONS Dependable Dress Goods, Laces, Hosiery, Etc. Christopher - Illinois CHRISTOPHER STORES COMPANY Most Complete in the City Dry Goods and Notions, Shoes, Groceries and General Merchandise D. W. DAVIS Dealer in General Merchandise Christopher, Illinois NORTH SIDE HOTEL J. B. Swofford, Prop. Christopher, Illinois B. F. BRAYF1ELD, M. D. Physician and Surgeon Graduated 1892-LouisviIle. Ky. Christopher, - Illinois F. O. HARRISON, Physician and I treat the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat CHRISTOPHER - ILLINOIS JAMES FLEMING Fire and Tornado Insurance City Property for Sale. We Sell Wall Paper and Paint CHRISTOPHER, ILLINOIS Christopher Electric Light Co. Lowest Rates Best Service Christopher ----- Illinois WALKER & SON Christopher Illinois Fine Clothing and Gents Furnishings TKe most Complete Stock in Southern Illinois tTl^-i-v R-/"i4-Uk-o Christopher's Best Barber Shop F ICJrU DrOrilCrS Luxurious Furniture. Capable Operators Popular Prices. Give us a Call GUIDO BlONE GENERAL STORE CHRISTOPHER Groceries and Family Supplies a Specialty Everything First Class and in Large Variety 71} T. P. HARRISON, Pres. D. M. PARKHILL, Vice Pres. H. M. REA, Cashier Christopher State Bank Capital Stock $3 5,OOO.OO DIRECTORS CHRISTOPHER - - ILLINOIS T. P. Harrison D. M. Parkhill Jesse Dimond Reuben Teffertillar Thomas Horn C. S. Walker F. L. Dennis H. M. Rea F. G. Rea Herman Leibster C. D. MACKEY, Christopher General Building Contractor. Best Facilities E. B. DICK, M. D. Physician and Surgeon Christopher T. D. Parkhill, General Mdse. Largest Stock Christopher Best Selection CRISTOPHER BUSINESS MEN'S CLUB This club numbers among its members prac- tically all the enterprising business men of Christopher. Any inquiries relative to location and advan- tages offered intending residents or investors will be cheerfully furnished by addressing C. S. WALKER, President Business Men's Club. 74 PROSPECTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 75 HANAFORD UP TO 1909, this town was called Smothersville, but was re-named in honor of Mr. John P. Hanaford, of Rockford, Illinois. It is located on the Illinois Central Railroad between Benton and Thompsonville, and is nearly in the center of the finest coal belt in Illinois; the coal vein being from eight to ten feet thick, and of very superior quality. The town of Hanaford is one of the most beautifully situated in Franklin County. The townsite, while com- paratively level, is just right for building purposes, hav- ing perfect drainage in every direction. This is a very im- portant item to any one looking for a healthy and pleas- ant place to make a home. Hanaford is situated on the highest point between St. Louis and Eldorado, being at an elevation of about five hundred feet above sea level, which insures a delightful climate, and a good breeze in the warm summer days. This is one of the first good things the stranger notices on arriving here. The town was started nearly forty years ago, with the coming of the Illinois Central Railroad. From that time until the spring of 1908, there was no development other than that usual to a small country town. The people had faith in the ultimate future of the region, but they never dreamed of the fabulous wealth underlying every acre to justify that faith. At last in the spring of 1908, the good ship of prosperity, called "Carroll and Franklin Counties Coal Company," came in. This Company was organized and incorporated through the efforts of Jesse Dimond and W. H. Marshall. A shaft was started on May 20, 1908. In October the coal vein was reached at a depth of 692 feet, and the first car of coal hoisted on De- cember 24 of the same year. Since that time, the Carroll and Franklin Counties Coal Company has made steady progress, being at pres- ent in shape to mine a thousand tons per day, with a hoisting capacity of 2500 tons daily, and close to 1000 acres of coal land to draw from. 70 PHOSIMCCTS OF Since its inception, this Company has been fortunate in having no serious accidents, and in making no ex- pensive mistakes. Frank Zinnel, of Savanna, Illinois, is the President, W. H. Marshall, of Chicago, is General Manager, Eugene Stevens, of Hanaford, is Superintend- ent, and Alex Beck, of Hanaford, is Secretary. This Company has been well managed, and has a bright future. The excellent preparation and quality of its coal is be- KKSIDK.NCK OF A I.KN A M)K15 P.I-X'K coming well known, and a solid and lasting business is being built up on merit, as evidenced by the fact that the trade has often paid a premium for this coal. The population of Hanaford, January 1, 1908, was about twenty. On January 1, 1912, it was upwards of six hundred; an increase of 3000 per cent, due simply and solely to the operation of the mine. What then will be FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 77 the future of Hanaford? When the thousands of acres of excellent coal land surrounding the town, are devel- oped, when from every direction the whistles call the miners to their labors, when the G. & E. L, and the C. B. & Q. Railroads are here and competing with the Illinois Central Railroad for Hanaford coal, when various manu- HANAFORD RESIDENCES facturing industries shall have been established, and building operations shall have kept pace with the growth of population who can foretell the future, or place a limit on its possibilities? Who can tell? The wildest guess might be far below the mark. But we do know that there is a brilliant future in store for Hanaford, as well as for every other town in Franklin County. The millions of buried treasure now 78 PROSPECTS OF known to be underneath the surface is bound to be brought forth in the near future. Nothing can stop the tide of prosperity now flowing into Franklin County, for from Maine to California, the people are insisting that their coal be from the Franklin County field, and coal operators are hastening to supply their demand. HANAFORD STORE CO. HEARD & SONS, SUCCESSORS TO M. R. HOLCOMB & CO. THE ILLINOIS POULTRY PRODUCTS COMPANY is operating and locating its initial colony at Hanaford, planning to equip a large number of tracts with all the modern im- provements demanded for the successful incubation and production of chickens, eggs and other products incident to the business of poultry raising. These tracts will have attractive bungalows and grounds tastefully arranged with fruit trees and shrub- bery. FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 79 An incubating plant is to be built on the most modern lines and will have a monthly capacity of many thousand eggs. A complete refrigerating plant has been built at Hana- ford with every facility for the storage of dressed poultry and will be operated on a large scale. In connection with this plant there is every appliance necessary to prepare poultry and eggs for shipment. Now is the time to come to Hanaford, while property is low and you can get in on the ground floor. Hanaford will undoubtedly be a city of homes, owing to its desirable location and healthy climate, and a city of business owing to its location in the greatest coal field on the continent. ALEXANDER BECK HANAFORD, ILL. Lumber and Building Supplies HEARD & SONS, General Merchandise HANAFORD, ILL. A Complete Stock of Dry Goods, Cloth- ing, Hardware, Boots and Shoes, &c. J. R. NEUNLIST, Merchant Dry Goods, Boots and Shoes, and a Complete General Stock of Merchandise WE SOLICIT YOUR CUSTOM HANAFORD, ILL. DR. H. B. CATRON PHYSICIAN and SURGEON HANAFORD - ILLINOIS 80 PROSPECTS OF THOMPSOXVILLE WHAT is now Thompsonville, thirty-three years ago was a small country store, conducted by Richard Thompson, for whom the town was named. There was then no railroad nearer than DuQuoin, Illi- nois. In the year 1878, the Cairo Short Line was built from Eldorado to DuQuoin, and the town of Thomp- sonville was laid out. It has been growing steadily ever since. Thompsonville has a number of good brick busi- ness blocks and all branches of business are well repre- sented; among which are two big lumber yards, four dry RESIDENCE OF C. M. HUDGINS, THOMPSONVILLE RESIDENCE OF JUDSON PUCKETT, THOMPSONVILLE good stores, a good hotel, a wholesale produce house and a State Bank. The Bank is now putting up a handsome new brick building. There are four passenger trains and two local freights a day on the Illinois Central. The town of Thompsonville is surrounded by good farming country, and as a rule, the farmers own their own land and are prosperous and happy. There are no colored or foreign people in Thompsonville, and no saloons or "bootleggers." The population in 1900 was 387, while in 1910, it was 675. The land surrounding Thompsonville is underlaid with as good a vein of coal as there is in the State, being from six to eight feet thick. The Franklin County Car- bon, Coal and Coke Company owns about 1500 acres of FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 81 mineral rights just outside of Thompsonville, and now has an unfinished shaft, which, when completed, will in- crease the value of mineral land in this neighborhood, and start a general building and business boom in the town. Thompsonville and its vicinity have felt the bene- fits of the general development throughout the County. RESIDENCE OF M. HEARD, THOMPSONVILLE RESIDENCE OF HURT L. CASTEEL, THOMPSONVILLE Fifteen years ago, land sold here at an average price of from $10.00 to $15.00 per acre while today, the same land sells at from $50.00 to $75.00 per acre and is still steadily advancing. The country surrounding Thompson- ville is very well adapted for stock raising and fruit grow- ing. More live stock is shipped from Thompsonville than from any other point on the Illinois Central Railroad be- 82 PROSPECTS OF tween Eldorado and St. Louis, and the receipts of incom- ing freight compare favorably with any point on the line. W. L.JOHNSON, Pres. M. HEARD, V. Pres. B. L. CASTEEL, Cashier L. B. HEARD, Asst. Cashier THOMPSONVILLE STATE BANK Capital Stock $25,000. Surplus $35,000 DIRECTORS: Robt. Ward, Dr. W. L. Johnson, Dr. I). L. Carter, B. L. Casteel. Andrew Summers, H. A. Burns, M. Heard, A. J. Puckett, J, R. Gaithers J. J. BUNDY Drugs and Drug Sundries The Most Complete Drug Store in the County Prescriptions Carefully Compounded Thompsonville, Illinois W. L. JOHNSON, M, D., Thompsonville Physician and Surgeon T. C. PUCKETT & COMPANY, Thompsonville Lumber and Building Material. Paints and Builders' Hardware Real Estate Bought and Sold FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 83 SESSER SESSER is a new town of great opportunities located on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, thirty-two miles from Centralia, twelve miles from Benton and sixteen miles from DuQuoin. In 1906, the site where Sesser is located was a farm. Today (1912), it is a thriving city of from 2200 to 2500 in- habitants, with great prospects for further development. Located in the midst of the best Franklin County coal fields, the territory surrounding it offers the mining in- dustry one of the best possible fields for development. Sesser is in the heart of a good farming region and has natural advantages for the building of a good com- mercial center. Here is also one of the best coal mines in the country, owned and operated by the Franklin County Collieries Company, giving employment to about four hundred and fifty men and carrying a payroll of about $30,000.00 per month. This, together with the great farming community to rely upon, gives Sesser merchants the assurance of a liberal and steady trade. Sesser has had (unlike many new towns) a steady growth, and there has never been a time when more im- provements were in sight than there is now in 1912. The year 1912 found Sesser preparing to build five new brick business houses, many residences, more sidewalk, an elec- tric light plant and another school. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad has al- ready made survey for a direct St. Louis route from its Southern Illinois line, connecting it with Sesser. When the railroad is built, it will add a new stimulus to the growth of this town, which combined with the develop- ment of a new mine, now contemplated, will be certain to double the present population of Sesser. In 1906 a farm; in 1912 a city! Verily, here in the coal field of Southern Illinois, romance has become reality- Aladdin's Lamp fact, and not fable. PROSPECTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS 85 EWING THE town of Ewing, Illinois, is among the oldest settlements in the County, having been founded in 1874. It is located about nine miles northeast of Benton, and has a population of six hundred. The coal iields in the immediate neighborhood of Ewing have not as yet been opened up and the rapid development of the town as an industrial center is still in the future. There are several prosperous business establishments, among the most prominent of which is the Ewing Bank of Wat- WILL'ARD HALL son, Fitzgerrell & Company, which was established in 1903. Its stockholders are among the wealthiest and most influential men of Franklin and Jefferson Counties. The country around Ewing has been thoroughly pros- pected and is underlaid with a vein of coal averaging nine feet or more in thickness. It is only a question of a short time until the country-wide demand for Franklin County coal will cause Ewing to become a mine center. EWING COLLEGE The greatest boast of Ewing and one of the features of Franklin County is Ewing College. Ewing College was founded in 1870 by John Washburn, D. D., and has grown 86 PROSPECTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY, ILLINOIS from a comparatively small beginning until today its properties are estimated to be worth $100,000.00. The first trustees of the Institution were John W. Hill, Elijah T. Webb, William A. King, Robert R. Link and Richard H. Richeson; all of whom are deceased, except William A. King, who still resides in Ewing, and who is one of the best known and most respected men in the community. Ewing College is located at the geographical center of Southern Illinois. The Chicago & Eastern Illinois Rail- road runs within a couple of miles of the College, giving Ewing and Ewing College all the advantages of a railroad 40* / & K & CARNEGIE LIBRARY, EWING, ILLINOIS town, without its disadvantages. The college is located in a small town, which is an additional argument in its favor. When character is the chief aim of education, it is decidedly an advantage that young people should be sent, not to a large city, where there are the greatest possible number of distractions, but to a small place where the temptations and vices incident to larger cities are lacking. Proof of the soundness of this theory lies in the fact that many prominent men, of great ability and strong char- acter, now scattered throughout the United States, re- ceived their early education at Ewing College. The col- lege has a magnificent Carnegie Library in connection, and has a large and able faculty. THE EWING BANK OF WATSON, FITZGERRELL & CO. ALBERT WATSON, President J. J. PEARCE, Vice-President J. D. FITZGERRELL, Cashier EWING, ILL. EWING BANK BENTON HOMES 87 was made possible by the subscription of the public- spirited citizens of Franklin County, and it is hoped and earnestly requested that the business men whose ad- vertisements appear in the volume be given due con- sideration. Usually, the greatest expense in the publication of a book of this character is the cost of securing subscrip- tions and the editorial work, all of which valuable service has been cheerfully donated, thus exemplifying the liber- ality and progress} of the people of Franklin County. I J. E. MYERS, MOSES PULVERMAN, A. E. MARTIN, Publication Committee, Benton Commercial Club. EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Q. E. BROWNING Benton, Illinois WALTER W. WILLIAMS Benton, Illinois JUDGE W. H. WILLIAMS Benton, Illinois H. C. BEACH Christopher, Illinois D. C. JONES West Frankfort, Illinois ALEXANDER BECK Hanaford, Illinois . W. B. HEARD ....'. Thompsonville, Illinois D. G. FITZGERRELI v . . . .Ewing, Illinois JOHN E. MYERS .Benton, Illinois REV. T. F. HALL ', Benton, Illinois A. H. McQuiLKiN, Editor Inland Printer Chicago, Illinois HAMMOND PRESS W B CONKEY COMPANY x-^ TRADE f^ MARK SANI STOVE Rear. U. S. Pat. Office PORCELAIN ENAMELED GAS, COAL AND COMBINATION GAS AND COAL RANGES ARE SANITARY And the Most Perfect in the World Sanl Stoves are Built to last a Lifetime The High Grade Quality of Material and Workmanship can only be appreciated when you see the Range Manufactured only by THE SANITARY STOVE MANUFACTURING CO. BENTON, ILLINOIS