ILLINOIS HISTORICAL SURV 
 
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 University oflllino . 
 
 atUrbana-Champaign
 
 BELVIDERE 
 
 ILLUSTRATED 
 
 HISTORICAL, DESCRIPTIVE AND BIOGRAPHICAL 
 
 PRICE, ONE DOLLAR AND FIFTY CENTS 
 
 BELVIDERE, ILL. 
 PUBLISHED BY THE DAILY REPUBLICAN 
 
 1896
 
 DEDICATED 
 
 TO THE INTERESTS OF BELVIDERE, THE CITY OF SEWING MACHINES 
 
 AND BICYCLES. 
 THE BEST CITY OF ITS SIZE IN THE STATE.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Standing on the threshold of the year of our Lord, eighteen hundred and 
 ninety-six, the enterprising city of Belvidere is looking into a future which seems 
 to be fraught with a healthy prosperity, and pregnant with the brightest possi- 
 bilities. 
 
 Few cities in the United States passed through the disastrous panic of 1893 
 in a condition as free from financial depression as Belvidere. Despite the univer- 
 
 STATE STREET, LOOKING NORTH FROM GEN. FULLER'S OFFICE. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 sal stagnation the city marched proudly on in its progress, until now it has attained 
 a momentum which bids fair to give us an additional population of five thousand 
 within the next ten years. 
 
 Belvidere in 1896. These few words briefly indicate the purpose kept in view 
 in preparing and issuing this souvenir edition of THE REPUBLICAN to picture 
 Belvidere as it is to-day. 
 
 Belvidere is known as one of the most beautiful small cities in the state of 
 Illinois, and as an attractive and most desirable place of residence, blessed with
 
 6 BELVIDEKE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 superior educational, religious and social advantages. The products of its manu- 
 factories have made an enviable reputation in commercial circles throughout the 
 country, and its business enterprises, interests and relations are constantly extending 
 and increasing in importance. 
 
 The pages which follow invite the attention of the reader to the manifold 
 attractions offered by Belvidere as a beautiful and desirable place of residence, to 
 the inexhaustible supply of cheap fuel easily obtainable, to the advantages it posses- 
 ses as a manufacturing center, to the unsurpassed richness and fertility of the 
 agricultural region tributary to the city, to its transportation facilities, to the 
 importance of its sewing-machine and bicycle manufactory, to the progressive spirit 
 
 COURT HOUSE. 
 
 exhibited by the people, and to the substantial foundations upon which its past 
 prosperity has rested, and which point unerringly to its more rapid progress and 
 advancement as each coming year shall roll by. 
 
 In presenting this beautiful souvenir to the public THE REPUBLICAN recognizes 
 the fact that it is in some respects imperfect, that some points have perhaps been 
 overlooked, and that it fails to do complete justice to all the varied advantages and 
 attractions of Belvidere, but THE REPUBLICAN has spared neither labor nor expense 
 in the effort to present as accurately and completely as possible the Belvidere of 
 to-day, and is confident that no publication ever issued has pictured our city as 
 accurately, as completely, and as attractively. Nor has any publication as elaborate 
 and as expensive ever been undertaken in any city no larger than this, and the mere 
 fact that an undertaking of such magnitude has been successfully carried out in Belvi- 
 dere demonstrates the truth of all that is said in these pages in regard to the public
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 7 
 
 spirit, enterprise and liberality of its citizens, and the importance of its business 
 interests. From the inception of this enterprise THE REPUBLICAN has received the 
 hearty encouragement and cordial support of the enterprising business men and 
 public spirited citizens of Belvidere, and takes pleasure in acknowledging their 
 active co-operation, and in saying that to them the gratifying success of this pub- 
 lication is principally due. 
 
 BELVIDERE IN EARLY DAYS. 
 
 Picturesquely located on the banks of the Kishwaukee river, in Boone County, 
 seventy-five miles west from Chicago, and occupying the slopes of gently retreat- 
 ing elevations, the Belvidere of to-day, with its eight thousand inhabitants, invites 
 
 BUSINESS PORTION OF NORTH STATE STREET. 
 
 comparison and tempts to citizenship. Its history makes record of sixty years, 
 but its real progressive life began with the advent of manufactories ten 
 years ago. 
 
 In 1835 the first comers encamped beside the stream, on whose borders, near 
 the present fair-grounds, was at the time assembled a band of Pottavvattomie Indi- 
 ans, which in a few months removed beyond the Mississippi. Their council-house, 
 nearly in ruins, and the remains of the chieftain, Big Thunder, within a paling 
 enclosure on the Mound, for a brief period gave evidence of former occupa- 
 tion. 
 
 The earliest settlers in this vicinity were Archibald Metcalf, David Dunham, 
 John K. Towner, Cornelius Cline, Erastus A. Nixon, S. P. Doty and Dr. D. H. 
 Whitney. Messrs. Cline, Nixon and Towner made their first pilgrimage from 
 Chicago on foot, returning for their families. Mrs. Towner was the first white
 
 8 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 woman to tread the soil of Belvidere. This section was mainly peopled by emi- 
 grants from the New England and Middle states, and their sturdy type has given 
 character to the population of later years. 
 
 In August, 1835, Ebenezer Peck and Dr. Goodhue came out from Chicago on 
 a prospecting tour, and, admiring the situation, purchased, with Nathaniel Crosby, 
 Dunham and Metcalfs claim, which included the present site of North Belvidere. 
 Its name was changed to that now designating the city in honor of Mr. Peck's 
 native place in Canada. The " Belvidere Company" was shortly after organized, 
 with a capital stock of $10,000, for the purpose of building saw and grist mills 
 and developing the property. John S. King, Jacob Whitman, J. C. Goodhue, S. 
 P. Doty, F. W. Crosby. J. P. Chapin, Joel Parker and H. L. Crosby were admit- 
 ted to partnership with the original purchasers of the claim. Soon after the mills 
 
 SOUTH BELVIDERE SCHOOL, NO. 1. 
 
 were erected and the land placed on the market. In October a census gave Belvi- 
 dere a population of thirty-seven men, women and children. 
 
 In June, 1836, the state road was located, with Belvidere on the route. Au- 
 gust 1st of this year the first election was held in Belvidere precinct, at which 
 thirty-seven persons voted. Some time in the fall of 1836 the town site was laid 
 off into lots, and the corners of State and Mechanic streets (the latter now Lincoln 
 avenue) determined by a carpenter's square. On these four corners were the busi- 
 ness houses from 1836 to 1840. The building now on the southwest corner was 
 the first brick structure erected in Belvidere. In December, 1836, a postoffice was 
 established, it being the first on the northern stage route from Chicago to Galena. 
 S. S. Whitman was appointed postmaster. 
 
 May 3, 1837, was held the first county election. In 1838 bids for a court- 
 house were solicited, but not until 1843 was the building completed. Its cost 
 was $6, 000. Its successor, the present court-house, was finished Sept. 12, 1855, 
 after an expenditure of $10,000. Later the record building was erected, and the
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 9 
 
 county and circuit clerk's offices removed thereto. In the year 1838 political lines 
 were first drawn between adherents of the Whig and Democratic parties. 
 
 :EARLY ORGANIZATION. 
 
 In 1847 Belvidere was organized as a town, in conformity to the general state 
 law, but for various reasons remained under its operation only one year. ]n 
 March, 1857, it incorporated as a town, with a special charter, and elected its first 
 Board of five Trustees J. K. Towner, Israel Tripp, D. W. Read, Cephas Gardner 
 and Warren Pierce. The latter was selected as president, which position fell to 
 one of the number, ex-officio. During the intervening ten years the town's affairs 
 were administered by the county judge and two associate justices. 
 
 The first bridge was thrown across the river at what is now State street in 
 1837. Prior to that time the crossing had been at fords, the principal one being 
 at Main street. Here Scott's army passed over in 1832. 
 
 SOUTH BELVIDERE SCHOOL, NO. 2. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 Iii 1852 came the railroad, elsewhere referred to. The next decade witnessed 
 a marvelous development. Prior to this year the possibility of extending the 
 town to the south side of the river had been under consideration, and the location 
 of the railroad made the step practicable. The building of warehouses and stores 
 began, and in time the center of trade gravitated to the new division, with a 
 resulting increase of population which now gives it a preponderance in compari- 
 son with that of the city generally. 
 
 OUR PART IN THE WAR. 
 
 The record of Belvidere in connection with the war of the rebellion, with that 
 of the whole county, is one which will be scanned with pride by coming genera- 
 tions. Over two thousand men were sent into the field. Many of them attained 
 to distinction in military and civic service, and the names of Fuller, Hurlbut. 
 Humphrey, Loop, Bush, Ilaywood, Baker, with scores of others, will live in the 
 annals of those eventful years. During the war the county appropriated $161,000 
 for bounties and aid to soldiers' families. In addition, the separate towns appro-
 
 10 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 FIRST METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A XOTT. 
 
 priated 892,000, of which Belvidere's proportion was $38,000; and to be added to 
 this is the sum of $63,000, voluntarily contributed, making a total of $315,000 dis- 
 bursed for the soldiers and their loved ones at home. Every appeal for men and 
 
 means found prompt re- 
 sponse, and the great heart 
 of the people went out to the 
 brave boys at the front. 
 
 BANKS OF BELVIDERE. 
 
 The banking facilities 
 have always been fully ade- 
 quate. Among the first 
 established institutions were 
 the Boone County Bank and 
 the Belvidere Bank. The 
 latter, whose president was 
 Alexander Neely, went into 
 liquidation many years ago. 
 The former, owned by Ful- 
 ler, Lawrence & Company, 
 was converted into the First 
 National in 1865. At vari- 
 ous dates other banks flour- 
 ished for limited periods, in 
 the list being those operated 
 by Yourt, Lawrence & Com- 
 pany, M. G. Leonard and 
 W. H. Gilnian. The banks 
 REV WM CRAVEN now furnishing accommoda-
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 11 
 
 tion are the First National, Second National and People's (State). The officers of 
 the First National are: Mark Ramsey, president; William S. Dtinton, vice-president; 
 A. E. Loop, cashier; Charles D. Loop, assistant cashier. Its resources are: Loans 
 and discounts, $92,301.47; stocks, bonds and securities, $124,490.60; other items, 
 $33,120.14; total, $249,912.21. The liabilities are: Capital stock, $75,000; 
 surplus fund and undivided profits, $21,767.94; National bank notes outstanding, 
 $22,500; deposits, $130,641.27. The Second National has for officers: Allen C. 
 Fuller, president; D. D. Sabin, vice-president; Irving Terwilliger, cashier; Frank 
 Sewell, assistant cashier. Its resources are: Loans and discounts, $137,438.98; 
 stocks and securities, $126,940; other items, $91,312.65; total, $355,691.63. The 
 liabilities are: Capital stock, $100,000; deposits, $201,574.31; surplus fund and 
 
 NORTH BELVIDERE SCHOOL. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 undivided profits, $32,101.11-, other items, $22,016.21. The People's Bank is 
 cfficered as follows: W. D. Swail, president; F. S. Whitman, vice-president; 
 John Greenlee, cashier; B. F. Harnish, assistant cashier; William Greenlee, second 
 assistant cashier. Its resources are: Loans and discounts, $183,923.55; bonds, 
 $55,550.88; other items, $59,732,85; total, $299,207.28. The liabilities are: 
 Capital stock, $50,000; deposits, $227,458.71; surplus fund and undivided profits, 
 $21,748.57. 
 
 WE BECOME A CITY. 
 
 Belvidere was incorporated as a city in 1882, and divided into four wards. In 
 May of that year its first officers were elected. The first mayor was W. D. Swail, 
 and those succeeding were: F. S. Whitman, John Hannah, George H. llurlbut, 
 and the present incumbent. The city officials now are: Dr. R. W. Mclnnis, 
 mayor; A. E. Jenner, city clerk; R. W. Wright, corporation counsel; F. J.
 
 12 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 
 
 PHOTO BY W. H. ROBINSON. 
 
 Evans, city attorney; J. H. Cook, treasurer; L. E. Benson, street commissioner; 
 George H. Hurlbut, engineer; E. E. Spooner, superintendent waterworks; William 
 Richardson, chief of police; John Thren, fire marshal; board of aldermen: first 
 ward, A. W. Robinson, F. II. Dixon; second ward, A. A. Slafter, J. W. Sharp; 
 third ward, B. B. McFall, P. R. Kennedy; fourth ward, F. W, Grain, W. II. 
 
 Moore. The board of health 
 is composed of Mayor Mc- 
 Innis, Dr. A. W. Swift, Dr. 
 Willis Butterfield, and the 
 city marshal. 
 
 An ordinance, approved 
 January 25, 1896, appropri- 
 ated the following amounts 
 for the purposes indicated: 
 Sinking fund, $11,500; inter- 
 est fund, $682.50; salary of 
 officers, $1,305; miscellan- 
 eous expenses, $750; city en- 
 gineering department, $300; 
 police department, $3,530; 
 street lighting, $3,900; legal 
 expenses, $450; health de- 
 partment, $150; fire depart- 
 ment, $3,775; waterworks, 
 $12,912.71; general street 
 worj<, $4,260; library fund, 
 $700; total, $44,165.21. 
 The expenditures during 
 1895 were $42,700.32, but of 
 this sum a certain proportion 
 was for obligations of the 
 REV. GEO. R. PIERCE, D. D. previous year. That this 

 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 13 
 
 amount has been wisely expended is attested by the condition of tbe streets and 
 various public improvements, and the service rendered by the different depart- 
 ments. The population of the city, according to the last school census, was 8,000. 
 
 A SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM. 
 
 The pressing need of an effective sewerage system became so apparent that 
 last year the council passed an ordinance providing for a survey and estimate with 
 reference to initial work. This was undertaken and completed by J. W. Alvord, 
 a Chicago hydraulic engineer. The portion of the city to be provided for includes 
 the principal business streets and such connecting thoroughfares as it will be possi- 
 ble to cover at present. The system will be gradually extended until every section 
 of the city is reached. 
 
 PERIOD OF GROWTH. 
 
 From the close of the war until the inauguration of manufacturing, the ex- 
 perience of Belvidere was that of other communities depending entirely upon the 
 rural districts for revenue. It, however, prospered, but the increase of population 
 was moderate, and its resources, while available to the amount necessary for ordi- 
 nary purposes, permitted little in the way of public improvements. With the 
 transfer from Chicago of the June plant, eventually the National Sewing Machine 
 Company, now one of the most important representatives of this industry in the 
 whole country, began the wonderful advancement of the city. Other corporations 
 followed the initial company, and more are to avail themselves of the superior ad- 
 vantages offered by this central and promising location. The new elements infused 
 life, the growth in numbers and increase; of means warranted the undertaking of 
 larger enterprises, and its re- 
 cent past gives promise of a 
 prosperous future to the indi- 
 vidual and the municipality. 
 
 OUR PUBLIC LIBRARY. 
 
 The Ida Public Library 
 originated from a donation of 
 $5,000 by General Fuller in 
 1883, and is located in the 
 city hall building. It has for 
 officers: President, Allen C. 
 Fuller; Vice President, W. 
 D. Swail; Secretary, Irving 
 Terwilliger; Librarian, Miss 
 Mary F. Crandall; Asst. Li- 
 brarian, Miss Nellie Green- 
 lee. Its board of directors 
 is composed of the three offi- 
 cers first named, with the 
 addition of Messrs. A. C. 
 Fassett and J. C. Foote, and 
 Mesdames G. H. Hurlbut, E. 
 T. Gage, J. R. Balliet and 
 C. E. Scott. The number of 
 books is 9,650, with circula- 
 tion for the year 1894-5 of 
 
 23,950. The last register num- REV . F. c. STIERLE. 
 
 ber of cards issued is 2,708. PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT .
 
 14 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 FACTS ABOUT 
 OUR CITY. 
 
 The city hall, a 
 fine structure cen- 
 trally located, was 
 erected in 1884, at 
 an expense of $10,- 
 000. On the main 
 floor is the postoflice 
 and in the second 
 story are the council 
 chamber, city clerk's 
 office and the Ida 
 public library. 
 
 On September 6 
 of last year John 
 M. Roach, of Chica- 
 go, was granted per- 
 mission by ordi- 
 nance to build and 
 operate an electric 
 railway on various 
 principal streets. 
 The road was in- 
 corporated and has 
 a capital stock of 
 $35,000. The inten- 
 tion is to complete 
 the line during the 
 present year. 
 
 The present plan 
 
 of street lighting, by arc lamps suspended at 
 street intersections, was adopted in 1887. 
 The service now is sixty lights, at an annual 
 expense of $3,900. 
 
 Two telephone exchanges, the Central 
 Union and Belvidere, using four hundred 
 phones, give Belvidere plenty of chance to 
 talk. 
 
 The volunteer fire department, which has 
 always rendered the be>t service possible 
 under existing conditions, was superseded 
 during the present year by a paid depart- 
 ment, with horses and wagons and a com- 
 plete equipment. 
 
 Free postal delivery was commenced 
 April 1, Belvidere being the only city in the 
 state this year securing the privilege. One 
 desirable result of this concession by the 
 postoflice department is the proper num- 
 bering of every building, it being made com- 
 pulsory. 
 
 WATER WORKS BUILDING. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK <t NOTT. 
 
 RKV. ,T. A. PIERCE.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 15 
 
 SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 Belvidere is noted among other things for the unusually high character of its 
 people. It represents the most valued elements of older communities, and is an 
 illustration of development under the refining influences of the best social and in- 
 tellectual life. 
 
 To the business men of Belvidere must be accredited, in the main, the ad- 
 vancement of the city. They were quick to apprehend the situation and improve 
 it. Their hearty co-operation in all projects looking to the forwarding of the 
 city's interests made them possible of realization. With general prosperity came 
 modern methods of handling trade. New buildings for store purposes, equipped 
 with all desirable conveniences, and filled with more extensive and varied stocks,
 
 16 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 THE CITY HALL AND POST-OFFICE. 
 
 VIEW OF MILK CONDENSING FACTORY FROM RAILROAD BRIDGE. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT.
 
 BELVDIERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 17 
 
 adapted to the improved demand, have replaced nearly all the older inferior struc- 
 tures. In sound condition, and transacting a large business, the merchants of 
 Belvidere are reaping the harvest of wise preparation. 
 
 The advantages offered to manufacturers are in many respects exceptional. 
 The admirable railroad facilities, central locations available, disposition of the 
 
 people to afford every facil- 
 ity, the desirability of the 
 city for residence combine 
 to present attractions that 
 should lead to numerous 
 accessions. 
 
 In no other city of its 
 size are greater generosity 
 or more perfect union, with 
 reference to the undertak- 
 ing of public or industrial 
 enterprises, exhibited by its 
 business men and capitalists. 
 With a purpose to extend 
 the hand of fellowship to 
 intending citizens, to pro- 
 mote and foster every 
 worthy essay of a business 
 and general nature, and to 
 carry forward the extensive 
 system of public improve- 
 ments already well inaugu- 
 rated Belvidere confidently 
 offers inducements superior 
 to those of any other among 
 the smaller cities of the 
 west. 
 
 What has been said with 
 regard to the progress of 
 and inducements held out 
 by Belvidere is not by any 
 means in the line of exag- 
 geration. Its business, con- 
 veniences, improvements, 
 facilities and privileges are 
 in evidence, and substantiate 
 the statements made. With 
 many of the belongings of 
 metropolitan existence 
 among them a perfect water 
 supply, telephone exchanges, 
 electric and gas lighting 
 
 and heating, and in the immediate future a complete sewerage system, street rail- 
 ways, effective fire department service, street paving, and free postal delivery 
 the material comfort of its people will be well provided for, while its higher ad- 
 vantages will meet the i*equirement of every acquisition. 
 
 The " Belvidere of To-Day," though flourishing and attractive, is yet but an 
 
 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT.
 
 18 
 
 BELYIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 A GEM OF NATURE SEEN AT KELLEY'S ISLAND. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK ,t XOTT. 
 
 index of the " Coming Belvidere," made possible by its situation and resources, 
 and the energy and purpose of its people. 
 
 MANY BEAUTIFUL HOMES. 
 
 Within the last ten years a complete transformation has been effected in the 
 residence districts of the city. The first move in the direction of modern construc- 
 tion was a i-evelation, and duplication speedily followed. Thenceforward the spirit 
 of friendly emulation appeared to take possession of the people, and structures 
 vieing in elegance and costliness with those adorning more pretentious centers, 
 together with many of lesser value but architectural beauty, were placed in every 
 
 THE DAM BELOW THE CITY. 
 PHOTO BY GUY ALLEN.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 19 
 
 quarter of the city. The prevailing ideas were also applied to the older dwellings, 
 and their remodeling accompanied the erection of newer buildings. In the numer- 
 ous additions, also, required by the growing city, this combination of utility with 
 artistic finish was steadily kept in view. The grounds about these lovely homes 
 are in keeping, and ornamented with shrubbery and shade trees in the profusion 
 which space will still allow. The trees upon the different residence thoroughfares 
 have been wisely protected and their planting encouraged, and in summer days 
 the shadows of the street rival those of the forest road. The erection of handsome 
 and expensive blocks, and adapting of structures of earlier dates to modern re- 
 quirements have entirely changed the appearance of the business streets. The 
 
 BELVIDERE CEMETERY. 
 
 PHOTO BY VT. H. ROBINSON. 
 
 drives about the city, the charming views, its spacious parks, the evidences of taste 
 and refinement on every hand, substantiate the claim of Belvidere to be an excep- 
 tionally beautiful and desirable place of residence. 
 
 WATERWORKS. 
 
 The agitation for a better water-supply culminated during the year 1889 in 
 the purchase of a site on which are located the present artesian well and pumping 
 station. The work of drilling immediately began, and a well 1,950 feet in depth, 
 with a diameter of eight inches for 1,200 feet and six inches for the balance of the 
 distance, resulted. An abundant flow of water in purest quality was secured. 
 The mayor was John Hannah, and the aldermen: John C. Starr, O. H. Wright, 
 Jr., W. H. Derthick, R. H. Jukes, R. F. Tousley, F. R. Smiley, G. H. Hurlbut, 
 JE. A. Cleaveland. Messrs. Smiley, Jukes and Tousley composed the fire and 
 water committee. Mr. E. E. Spooner was summoned from Rochelle, 111., to 
 superintend its construction. The necessary buildings and standpipe were at 
 once erected, machinery purchased, and mains extended over a wide area. The 
 total of mains laid amounts to 104 miles; number of hydrants set, 99; number of 
 valves, 43; number of services, 475. 
 
 At the well are: The basin, holding 80,000 gallons, and the station house, in 
 which are three engines one triplex, one compound and one double extension,
 
 20 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 the two latter having a daily 
 energy of 1,000,000 gallons 
 each. The standpipe, located 
 on the Mound, half a mile 
 from the station, has a capac- 
 ity of 42,000 gallons, and its 
 apex is 173 feet above datum. 
 The mains a*re 4, 0, 8 and 10 
 inches in diameter. A second 
 standpipe is being erected. 
 
 The ordinary pressure is 60 
 to 70 pounds, but for fires 120 
 pounds, although in the latter 
 instance frequently exceeding 
 this register. The capacity 
 of the well is about 700,000 
 gallons each twenty-four 
 hours. The largest amount 
 consumed in any one day was 
 during the last summer, when 
 it reached 401,000. In the 
 month of August last 8,016,- 
 435 gallons were sent through 
 the mains. In January of 
 this year the figure was 3,778,- 
 740. The average delivery is 
 
 GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 I'HOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 KEY. E. HEINEMANN. 
 PHOTO BY YOUXDT. 
 
 about 300,000 gallons daily 
 in summer, and 135,000 in 
 winter. 
 
 Appropriations have been 
 made for an additional 
 water-tower, with connec- 
 tions, to be placed near the 
 junction of Pearl and Fifth 
 streets, in the south divi- 
 sion, at an expense of 
 18,000. This will have a 
 capacity of 128,000 gallons, 
 or nearly three times that 
 of the present tower. 
 
 CHURCHES OF BELVI- 
 DERE. 
 
 Among the inquiries of 
 intending emigrants to the 
 West, whose relations with 
 church organizations in 
 their Eastern homes were 
 about to terminate, those 
 regarding the religious priv- 
 ileges possible of enjoyment
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 PHOTO BY W. H. EOBINSOX. 
 
 in the newer country had pre- 
 cedence. 
 
 Very early in the history of 
 Belvidere could be transmitted 
 the intelligence that societies had 
 been formed, under permanent 
 leadership, and in the succeeding 
 years reports of encouraging 
 growth. With the increase of 
 population all leading denomina- 
 tions found representation, and 
 at the first opportunity houses 
 of worship were erected. The 
 humble structures originally serv- 
 ing as places of convocation were 
 supplanted, as means accumu- 
 lated, by elegant and costly edi- 
 fices. 
 
 This may truthfully be termed 
 a church-going people. Within 
 the walls of its sanctuaries are 
 gathered the best representatives 
 of the city's social and business 
 life. To the churches of Belvi- 
 dere, as of other communities, 
 must be awarded the larger share 
 
 of credit for its moral and in- 
 tellectual as well as material 
 advancement. There fol- 
 low sketches of the differ- 
 ent organizations, so far as 
 data has been available. 
 
 METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 Some time during the year 
 1838 the first Methodist 
 preacher was heard in Bel- 
 videre. In 1850 the brick 
 church on the North Side 
 was built. In 1866 about 
 twenty-four of the members 
 of the First Church on the 
 North Side withdrew and 
 formed a Class on the South 
 Side. Until 1876 regular 
 preaching services were 
 held in both churches. In 
 that year the Rev. N. H. 
 Axtell supplied the two 
 societies. The same ar- 
 rangement was continued 
 
 REV. R. S. WALKER
 
 22 
 
 BEL V 1 DE R E ILLUST RATED. 
 
 under the pastorate of Rev. W. 
 S. Harrington. In 1879 Rev. O. 
 E. Burch was appointed to tlie 
 First Church, and the Rev. G. 
 C. Clark to the Church on the 
 South Side. The two churches 
 were occupied until 1885 when 
 under the pastorate of Rev. S. II. 
 Swartz the two societies united, 
 and have so continued until the 
 present. During the pastorates 
 of Revs. Cessna, Bigelow and 
 Craven a new church edifice was 
 planned and completed, and ded- 
 icated by the Rev. Lewis Curts, 
 of Chicago, Feb. 12, 1893. The 
 church is a splendid modern 
 building, seating in the main 
 auditorium 675, and with the 
 lecture-room 925. The church, 
 pipe organ costing $2,500, and 
 parsonage are worth 125,000. 
 The membership has increased 
 to 507, and the Sunday School 
 has 350 names enrolled, with an 
 average attendance of 250. Few 
 
 REV. C. A. CUMMINGS. 
 
 IM.MANTEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 churches are so well equip- 
 ped for worship. Its officers 
 are : Rev. S. M. Merrill, 
 D. D., resident bishop; Rev. 
 F. A. Hardin, D. D., pre- 
 siding elder ; Rev. William 
 Craven, pastor ; Revs. W. 
 D. Cornwell, J. C. Collier 
 and N. Crane, local preach- 
 ers ; R. C. Fritz, superin- 
 tendent of Sunday School; 
 V. I. Clark, superintendent 
 North Side School ; Trus- 
 tees : A. J. Yaw, W. D. 
 Swail, Walter M. Powers, 
 John C. Longcor, Richard 
 Jarvis, John List, Thomas 
 Cornwell, A. C. Fassett and 
 I. II. Flack ; Stewards : A. 
 W. Swift, George M. Mar- 
 shall, J. W. Sharp, George 
 Hill, Frank Stow, W. M. 
 Sawyer, John L. Collier, W. 
 Dawson, R. C. Fritz, John 
 Fair, Garrett Sager, Levi
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 23 
 
 TAUGHT BY A KODAK AT THE NORTHWESTERN R. R BRIDGE. 
 
 PHOTO BY W. H. ROBINSON. 
 
 R. Fitzer, George B. Frye. The Ladies Aid Society, the Woman's Foreign 
 and Home Missionary Societies are active in both home and outside benevolent 
 work. The Men's League, organized about two years, has proved a source of 
 
 interest as well as a very 
 helpful agency in church work 
 amongst men. 
 
 FIRST PRESBYTERIAN 
 CHURCH. 
 
 The organization of this 
 church was at the log house 
 of Stephen Burnett, three 
 miles north of Belvidere, 
 March 17, 1839, with 24 
 members, viz.: Ezra May, 
 Mrs. Dorcas May, Stephen 
 Burnett, Mrs. Abigail Bur- 
 nett, Frederic S. Sheldon, 
 Mrs. Harriet C. Sheldon, 
 George D. Hicks, Mrs. Abi- 
 gal Hicks, Austin Gardner, 
 
 Mrs. Mary Gardner, Aaron 11. Billings, David Caswell, Chauncy Bristol, Mrs. 
 Louisa Rollins, Mrs. Mary C. Dubois, Mrs. Maria L. Fisk, Mrs. Juliet Gil- 
 man, Mrs. Hannah Blood, Mrs. Rulena McBride, Mrs. Nancy Hale, Mrs. Ruth 
 Cunningham, Mrs. Lovina May, Miss Adaline E. Sheldon, Mrs. Gilbert. Rev. 
 John Morrill officiated 011 this occasion. Ezra May and Austin Gardner were 
 elected ruling elders. In 1839 the cln.vch began worship in a public hall, which 
 w r as occupied for three years. 
 In 1843 the first church edi- 
 fice of this society, which 
 was the first building in this 
 county used exclusively for 
 church purposes, was erected. 
 In 1857 this was replaced by 
 what is now the main part 
 of the present edifice, at a 
 cost of $18,000. In 1889 
 this was remodeled, at an ex- 
 pense of $10,000. Present 
 value of the church property 
 including parsonage, $25,000. 
 The following have been pas- 
 tors of the church: Revs. 
 Royal Nathaniel Wright, 
 Charles Fanning, Eleazer T. 
 Ball, Henry B. Holmes, David R. Eddy, Thomas C. Easton, Henry M. 
 Curtis, Matthew F. Howie, John H. Windsor, John Clark Hill and George 
 R. Pierce, the present pastor. The elders now serving are : Eli Foote, 
 Henry W. Avery, Daniel E. Foote, Martin C. Bentley, Henry J. Sherill, 
 Edwin W. Warren, Frederic S. Dubois, David D. Sabin and J. C. Zinser. The 
 board of trustees is as follows: E. A. Cleaveland, Enos T. Gage, Albert Scherrer, 
 J. R. Balliet, Joseph E. Tripp, Williard T. Longcor, John C. Foote, George T. 
 
 A PRETTY SCENE ON THE KISHWAUKEE RIVER. 
 PHOTO BY W. H. ROBINSON.
 
 24 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Keator and Sidney A. Sabin. The present membership of the church is 350. The 
 Sunday-school was organized in 1840, Deacon Austin Gardner being the first 
 superintendent. Fourteen persons have officiated as superintendents, Henry W. 
 Avery having served at different times an aggregate of thirty-two years. Eugene 
 F. Sabin is the present superintendent. Total membership of the school 210. A 
 number of societies in charge of the women render valuable service. A fine new 
 pipe-organ was recently placed in the church. 
 
 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 The first church in Belvidere was organized July 24, 1836, at the home of 
 Dr. John S. King, and was christened the Belvidere Baptist Church of Christ. 
 This pioneer band numbered sixteen, whose names were: Rev. John S. King, 
 M.D., Nathaniel Crosby, Moses Blood, Melviii Schenck, Calvin Kingsley, Andrew- 
 Moss, Timothy Caswell, Caleb Blood, Ira Haskins, Chas. S. Whitman, Mrs. 
 Elizabeth Payne, Mrs. Ann Schenck, Mrs. Charlotte S. Kingsley, Mrs. Mary Cas- 
 well, Mrs. Mary Haskins, Miss Matilda Caswell. Its first regular pastor was Prof. 
 S. S. Whitman, whose labors began in October, 1836, in the principal room, six- 
 teen feet square, of a log dwelling house. There followed him Revs. S. A. Estee, 
 C. H. Roe, II. J. Eddy, W. W. Miner, J. P. Phillips, W. A. Welsher, A. C. 
 Keene, Emery Curtis, Jesse Coker, II. C. Mabie, H. W. Reed, J. J. Irving and 
 the present pastor. In 1838 a house of worship, a small frame building, was 
 erected on a lot one block west of the present location. This was also used for 
 many secular purposes. During the pastorate of Rev. Charles Hill Roe, the sec- 
 ond church, of brick and costing $5.000, was built on the site of the present edifice. 
 The beautiful and commodious structure now occupied was built in 1867 at an 
 expense of $30,000. It has since been remodeled and decorated. In 1866 letters 
 were granted to sixty-five members, who organized the South Baptist Church. 
 The First Church will mark its 60th anniversary July 24th next. Its record of 
 membership is: Names enrolled, 1600 of these 870 received by baptism and 730 
 by letters and experience with a present membership of 295. During the present 
 pastorate now closing its fourth year 101 members have been received. Its Sunday- 
 school numbers 279, and the average attendance is 160. The present officers of 
 the church are: Rev. Romanzo S. Walker, pastor; Frank Sewell, clerk; William 
 H. Robinson, treasurer; William Keeler, William Sewell, G. F. Winnie, L. C. 
 Willard, deacons; John M. Hicks, Sutton Sewell, Jacob Mabie, E. S. Keeler, E. 
 M. Calkins, George Sterling, trustees; B. S. Herbert, J. M. Hicks, finance com- 
 mittee; Frank Sewell, chorister; Alice Rogers, organist; E. S. Keeler, superin- 
 tendent of Sunday-school. The society is out of debt, harmonious and well or- 
 ganized for church work. 
 
 SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
 This church was organized October 26, 1865, by sixty-five members, who 
 came from the First Baptist Society. The first church building was erected in 
 1867 at a cost of $19,000. The first trustees were: A. F. Moss, Samuel Wood, 
 Henry G. Andrews, M. M. Boyce and John Plane. In December, 1871, the first 
 edifice was burned. The second and present structure was dedicated October 9, 
 1873. The building and furniture cost $16.000. Nine pastors have served the 
 church, their names following: Revs. H. M. Carr, 1865-7; J. L. Benedict (de- 
 ceased), 1867-8; John Fulton, 1869-76; J. M. Whitehead, 1876-9; W. P. Elsdon, 
 1880-2; A. C. Peck, 1883-4; C. E. Taylor, 1884-7; E. C. Stover, 1887-90; and 
 the present pastor, whose service began October 19, 1890. During these thirty 
 years there have been baptized 520, received by letter, 223; by experience, 69; a 
 total of 812. There have been excluded 56; dismissed by letter, 265; died 97;
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 25 
 
 total, 418. Other changes leaves the present membership at 353. The amount of 
 money raised during the same period for all purposes is $95,000. The present 
 church officers are: Rev. James A. Pierce, pastor; H. G. Andrews, E. X. Lincoln, 
 Abram Kipp, Richard T. Hicks, William C. Tullock, deacons; F. W. Plane, A. 
 Hayes, O. J. Lincoln, D. C. Woolverton, C. M. Church, trustees; J. M. Humphrey, 
 clerk; Mrs. F. W. Plane, treasurer; E. J. Watkins, chorister; Mrs. E. J. Wat- 
 kins, organist; Miss Myrtle McMullen, pianist. The bible school has 15 classes 
 with 25 officers and teachers, and a total enrollment of 250. Mrs. R. E. Osgood 
 has had charge of the primary department for nearly thirty years. The various 
 societies connected with the church work have large memberships, and are in a 
 flourishing condition. The present pastor came from a nearly eight years service 
 at Randolph, Vt., this being his fourth pastorate. He graduated from Colgate 
 University, at Hamilton, N. Y., in 1873, and was ordained in July of the same 
 year. During the current pastorate forty-five have been baptized and thirty re- 
 ceived by letter. The congregations have increased, and the general condition of 
 church has been improved. 
 
 FREE METHODIST CHURCH. 
 
 This church was organized in November, 1860, Rev. E. P. Hart (now senior 
 bishop of the same denomination), being its first pastor. The original member- 
 ship numbered eleven, which in a brief period increased to forty, and afterward to 
 eighty. For a time the church flourished, but for various reasons, among them re- 
 movals and changes to other denominations, it became nearly extinct, but it after- 
 ward revived and is now in a fairly prosperous condition. The church edifice was 
 purchased of the Congregational society, and the property, at the corner of Main 
 and Perry streets, is valued at $2,250. The present membership is thirty-one, and 
 of the Sabbath-school thirty. The officers are: J. E. Cronk, J. R. Simpson, F. D. 
 Smith, trustees; J. R. 'Simpson, local preacher; Bertha L. Rubeck, evangelist; 
 Permilia D. Fay, class leader; M. E. Stiles, superintendent of Sabbath-school; T. 
 R. Jackson, W. Cronk, F. Rubeck, Lottie B. Cronk, Carrie Stiles, stewards. A 
 correct list of the pastors cannot be obtained, as the church records have been lost. 
 The present pastor, Rev. J. G. Rockenbach, entered upon his charge October 13, 
 1895. The pastor and members find great encouragement in the present situation, 
 and look to the future with confidence. 
 
 ST. JAMES, CATHOLIC. 
 
 St. James Catholic church has a large membership. The Rev. Dr. O'Cal- 
 laghan is pastor, assisted by Father Murphy. The church edifice is one of the 
 finest in the city. It was impossible to secure any information about the early or- 
 ganization of the church, and also to secure photographs of the pastors. 
 
 TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 
 
 Priest in charge, Rev. C. A. Cummings. The early records of Trinity 
 church were destroyed by fire some years ago. The church was organized previous 
 to 1857. The present building was completed in that year. In its early days 
 Trinity church was very prosperous and so continued until about 1872, when it 
 began to decline, through removals and deaths, and finally services were discon- 
 tinued. It remained in this condition with an occasional service, until 1893, when 
 a move was made to resume its work. The move proved successful, and it is now 
 a prosperous mission. The building has been thoroughly renovated, additional 
 furniture supplied, regular services kept up, and now it has a settled pastor and a 
 bright outlook for the future. The mission has no indebtedness of any kind. It 
 has 147 members and 82 communicants.
 
 26 BELV1DERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 THE GERMAN LUTHERAN CHURCH. 
 
 The German Evangelical Lutheran Immanuel church was organized in 1809. 
 Prior to 1893. for about fifteen years, services were held in the old church build- 
 ing on the South Side. In 1893 this property was sold and the present building 
 erected on West Boone street. The value of the church property is about $10,000. 
 The church has a membership of 600. Since 1870, 593 children have been baptized. 
 
 There is no Sunday-school, but connected with the church is a parochial day- 
 school, attended by thirty-eight pupils at the present time. Following are the 
 branches taught: Reading, writing, spelling, grammar, translation, United States 
 history, geography, arithmetic all in English; language, Bible history and cate- 
 chism, in German; singing of religious hymns, and secular German and English 
 songs. German is spoken for two hours in the morning, English the rest of the 
 day. The present officers are: L. Schult, presiding officer; Charles Braun, Her- 
 man Uteg, John Stegeman, elders; August Lettow, Frederick Suhr, August 
 Schwebke, trustees; W. Schult, secretary; John Geick, financial secretary; Her- 
 man Ludtke, treasurer. The organist is Miss Caroline Matthies; assistant oi'gan- 
 ist, Master Clemens Heineniann. The church is the proud owner of a pipe organ 
 of local renown. The singing is congregational. 
 
 The following pastors have served the church in the order named: Rev. Ph. 
 Estel, now in Southern Illinois; Rev. Steinrauf, now a physician; Rev. C. Eis- 
 feldt, now in South Chicago; Rev. P. Baumgartner, now in Nebraska; Rev. Th. 
 Kohn, now in Chicago; Rev. E. Heinemann, since 1892. The latter was born in 
 Crete. Will county, Illinois; received his education in the parochial schools of 
 Madison county, Illinois, and Ft. Wayne, Indiana; graduated from Concordia Col- 
 lege, Ft. Wayne, in 1879, and from Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, 
 in 1882. Among his duties are: Preaching, teaching the parochial school, and 
 instructing and conducting the choir. 
 
 GERMAN EVANGELICAL. 
 
 The German Evangelical Society was organized September 18, 1867, at a pri- 
 vate residence on the corner of Madison and Webster streets, with a membership 
 of eight, viz. : Mr. and Mrs. Fred. Lampert, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fritz, Mr 
 and Mrs. Jacob Huber, Mr. and Mrs. Fred. Voshage. Its meetings were held at 
 various places until 1873, in which year the society purchased two lots and a resi- 
 dence, and remodeled the latter into a house of worship. In 1888 the present 
 structure was erected, under the pastorate of Rev. J. Alber, and a few years later the 
 parsonage built. The value of the entire property is $6,000. The present church 
 membership is 90, and Sunday-school 100. The church officers are: Fred. Puls, 
 trustee; Fred. Lampert, president; John Sexauer, vice-president; J. G. Meyer, sec- 
 retary; John H. Luhman, treasurer. Other officers: Fred. Hager, Jr., superin- 
 tendent Sunday-school; Lena Puls, organist; Fred. Puls, exhorter. Pastors: 
 Revs. V. Forkel, who organized the society; E. Musselman, 1868-9; B. Ruh, 
 1869-71; Adam Rohrback, 1871-3; L'. Willman, 1873-6; L. A. Keller, 1876-9; 
 William Schweiker, 1879-82; Ph. Zahn, 1882-4; Henry Schumacher and L. A. 
 Ktt-ller, 1884-6; W. L. Walker, 1886-8; J. Alber, 1888-91; L. Willman, 1891-5. 
 Rev. F. C. Stierle, the present pastor, was appointed to this charge in April, 
 1895. The society is in a prosperous condition, and has a promising future. 
 
 HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOLS. 
 
 The early schools were conducted in private residences, and among the first 
 teachers were Miss Harriet King and Miss Rebecca Loop. In 1838 a building was 
 erected by a joint stock company, and called the Newton Academy, on the block 
 now occupied by H. C. DeMunn. S. S. Whitman was the first principal, and had
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 27 
 
 a number of successors until 1852, when Rev. Chas. Hill Roe bought the property 
 and used the Academy building as a residence. In 1842 the public school system 
 was adopted. In 1845 D. B. Pettit opened a school, with eighty-six pupils, in the 
 first Baptist church, elsewhere mentioned. He, with others, taught for some 
 years in the church, the old Academy and residences. A public schoolhouse of 
 stone was built in 1854. In 1857 a brick addition to the latter was completed at 
 a cost of $8,000. In 1805 the original stone structure w as torn down and replaced 
 by one of brick, and the entire building remodeled, at an expense of $20,000. The 
 building is now a beautiful structure, and modern in every respect. The most 
 approved hygienic conditions have been observed in the lighting, heating and 
 ventilating. Its ten school-rooms and extra class-rooms are models of convenience 
 and comfort. A fine library and well-supplied laboratory have been provided. 
 The graduates of the high-school are admitted to the Illinois State University 
 without examination. The principal, Professor Horatio A. Warren, is a graduate 
 of Johns Hopkins University, and of fine scholarly attainments. His assistant is 
 Miss Anna McConnell, and the grade teachers are: Misses Flora Fellows, Mary 
 Devlin, Mary Hales, Hattie Webster, Dove Greenlee, Gertrude Saxton, Nellie 
 Gilman and Mrs. Belle Tripp. The number of pupils enrolled is 400, and the 
 average attendance 350. The Board of Education is composed of A. C. Fassett, 
 president; G. H. Hurlbut, secretary; J. W. Sharp, Wm. Sewell, L. C. Willard, 
 Mrs. Gilbert Whitman, Mrs. Alice J. Sherrill. 
 
 In South Belvidere the original school building was erected in the early 50's, 
 and remodeled in 1878. A separate new structure was completed in 1894. The 
 total construction outlay has been about $40,000. The number of rooms is thir- 
 teen, including a well-equipped laboratory. Every desirable convenience has been 
 provided throughout the buildings. The total enrollment of pupils is 702, and 
 the average attendance 650. The superintendent of schools is Professor R. V. 
 DeGroff, a graduate of the Northwestern University. His executive ability and 
 scholarship are of a high order. The principal of the high school is Miss Carrie 
 Longley, with Miss Mamie Ilerrick as first assistant. The teachers in the eight 
 grades are: Misses Alice Warren, Ella Ilollingshead, Mrs. R. V. DeGroff, Alice 
 Munn, Louisa Morris, Sadie Herrick, Olive Dawson, Mary Hakes, Nellie Adams, 
 Matie Richardson, Grace Hollingshead and Mrs. Esther Thrush. 
 
 The cause of education has received constant and loyal support from the 
 people of Belvidere. In rank and thoroughness of method the schools of the city 
 stand in the front line, and are a source of pride and satisfaction to every citizen. 
 
 BELVIDERE'S RAILROAD FACILITIES. 
 
 The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad Company finished its line to Belvi- 
 dere in 1852. In 1853 the Madison division was completed. In 1885 was added 
 the Spring Valley division, thus making this point in reality a junction of three 
 lines. In 1893 twenty-seven acres of land were purchased, just north of the river, 
 and a transfer system established. On this tract was erected a main warehouse 
 four hundred feet long, and ten miles of track were laid. Here the enormous 
 business falling to the care of the freight department is transacted, over ten thou- 
 sand cars per year being handled. The round-house is situated just east of these 
 vards. Twentv-five engines per day, on an average, are here cared for. Nineteen 
 regular passenger trains on each secular day pass this station, together with six on 
 Sunday. The amount of coal used at this station for 1895 was 17,248 tons. The 
 trackage within the city limits is three miles of main and fifteen miles of side, a 
 total of eighteen miles. Mr. Luke Wheeler, station agent and trainmaster at this 
 point, assumed charge in August, 1892. Mr. Wheeler's connection with railroad
 
 28 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 affairs has extended over a period of thirty-two years. For many years a conduc- 
 tor he was finally stationed at Turner as agent, where he remained ten years, and 
 was then appointed assistant superintendent of the Galena division, with head- 
 quarters at Chicago for three years. Preferring a post where the duties would be 
 less exacting, he solicited a change to Belvidere. The responsibilies of the posi- 
 tion are great, and require an official of experience, fine executive ability, popular 
 with the public, and one to be relied upon in every emergency. These qualifica- 
 tions are possessed by Mr. Wheeler in an eminent degree. The following are on 
 the staff of the principal officer : Fred Peck, assistant agent, in full charge of 
 freight department; E. Newell, day operator and ticket clerk ; L. Newell, night 
 operator ; E. R. Bishop, day yardmaster ; Samuel Gall, night yardmaster ; Lewis 
 Payne, foreman of transfer house ; William Hewitt, foreman of round-house ; 
 Louis McElroy, roadmaster, Chas. Bruce, baggageman. On the roll of office and 
 yard employes are fifty names. Two hundred pay checks are issued here monthly, 
 twenty-five freight crews being included in the distributing. The service ren- 
 dered by the company to its patrons here, notwithstanding an absence of competi- 
 tion, has been along the line of intelligent appreciation of the city's needs, and is 
 generally recognized at its full value. 
 
 FRATERNAL SOCIETIES. 
 
 Evidence of the harmony and social spirit prevailing may be found in the large 
 number of fraternal organizations successfully maintained. The work accomp- 
 lished, both of a charitable and fraternal nature, is of importance, and its results 
 widespread and effective. The Masons and Oddfellows are the oldest among the 
 societies, both having been formed in 1847. The officei-s and numerical strength 
 of the different orders are here given: 
 
 Belvidere Lodge No. (iO, A. F. and A. M. Charter members: A. E. Ames, 
 O. Crosby, N. Hotchkiss, L. Fuller, A. Witter, A. Williams, II. Ripley, J. G. 
 Prentiss. Present officers: F. E. Gilbert, W. M. ; F. B. Sands, S. W.;D. 
 Hughes, Jr., J. W.; Fred Sands, Treas.; E. J. Munn, Secy.; F. W. Crain, S. D.; 
 H. W. Davis, J. D.; L. E. Benson, Tyler. Kishwaukee Chapter No. 90, R. A. 
 M.; C. B. Loop, M. E. II. P.; E. E. Spooner, E. King; H. F. Bowley, E. Scribe; 
 E. J. Munn, C. H.; H. H. Rubin, Treas.; C. E. Kelsey, Sec.; J. H. Thomas, P. 
 S.; F. E. Gilbert, R. A. C.; Fred Sands, G. M. 3d Veil; C. L. Smith, G. M. 2nd 
 Veil; B. B. McFall, G. M. 1st Veil; James E. Wheat and J. II. Livingston, 
 Stewards; L. E. Benson, Sentinel; C. E. Kelsey, Organist. Membership 150, 
 total number in city 200. 
 
 Big Thunder Lodge No. 28, I. O. O. F. Charter members: D. Ilowell, A. 
 J. Crosby, N. W. Birge, E. G. Wolcott, J. S. Whitney. Present officers: J. W. 
 Goodwin, N. G. ; A. J. Shattuck, V. G. ; R. A. Simpson, R. Sec.; H. Weston, P. 
 S. ; Walter Lucas, Treas. Membership 98. 
 
 G. A. R., Hurlbut Post No. 164. C. B. Loop, Commander; H. H. Hakes, S. 
 V. C.; Garret Depuy, J. V. C. ; N. B. Wing, Officer of Day; C. B. Drake, Adju- 
 tant; Robt. Horan, Q. M.; Samuel Smith, Officer of Guard. Membership 100. 
 
 Sons of Veterans, T. G. Lawler Camp, No. 60. E. W. Doane, Captain; C. 
 Hill, 1st Lieut.; II. I. Haskins, 2d Lieut.; C. T. Spackman, Chaplain; E. B. Hard- 
 ing, 1st Sergt. ; F. L. Gilman, Sergt. of Guard; H. Hill, Q. M. Sergt. ; O. Schmidt, 
 Color Sergt.; G. H. Hurlbut, Corp. of Guard; A. Steeie, Prin. Musician; T. Grow, 
 Camp Guard; C. T. Spackman, C. D. Loop, F. L. Gilman, Camp Council. Mem- 
 bership 36. 
 
 A. O. U. W., Belvidere Lodge, No. 152. H. J. Powers, P. M. W.; D. W. 
 Palmer, M. W.; L. H. Whitney, Foreman; Jacob Miller, Overseer; Wm. M. Daw- 
 son, Recorder; C. W. Peck, Financier; Frank Sewell, Receiver; F. L. Tanner,
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 29 
 
 Guide; Samuel Wylde, I. W.; W. II. Cornell, O. W.; G. C. Tallerday, Med. Ex.; 
 W. H. Cornell, Lodge Deputy. Membership 60. 
 
 Modern Woodmen, Boone Camp, No. 52. A. C. Fassett, Ven. Consul; A. 
 T. Ames, W. A.; J. L. Collier, W. B.; Otto Schmidt, C.; E. T. Ames, E.; S. E. 
 Leaman, W.; Frank Bahr, S.; A. W. Swift, Physician; Frank King, S. B. Taylor, 
 Wm. P. Merrill, Managers. Membership 240. 
 
 Royal Arcanum. L. E. Coleman, Regent; J. D. Peart, V. R. ; A. H. Keeler, 
 Orator; O. G. Forrer, P. R. ; A. J. Yaw, Sec.; W. L. Wynian, Collector; B. F. 
 Harnish, Treas. ; E. L. Barton, Chaplain; F. F. Ross, Guide; C. H. Vail, Warden; 
 A. F. Wheeler, Sentinel. Membership 80. 
 
 Knights of Pythias. Wm. Bowley, Chan. Com.; Chas. Cramer, V. C. ; Wm. 
 R. Dodge, Prelate; Chas. T. Spackman, M. W.; Max Eunze, K. R. & S.; Fred 
 Marean, M. F. ; John Thren, M. E.; Chas. Schaeffer, M. A. Membership 110. 
 
 Knights of the Globe. LaFayette Garrison, No. 27. J. L. Collier, S. J.; 
 E. E. Spooner, J.; George Rowley, P.; N. B. Wing, I. P.; F. L. Tanner, A.; 
 James Livingston, C. ; William Hancock, E.; D. C. Bishop, L. C. Member- 
 ship, 75. 
 
 Liberty Home Forum, No. 7. Otto Schmidt, Pres.; Mary Orth, 1st Y.-P. ; 
 Mrs. C. A. Tucker, 2d V.-P.; T. F. Burns, Treas.; C. A. Tucker, Sec.; Emma 
 Wylde, Historian; Amos Bounds, Orator; Anna Youngreen, A. O.; E. M. Styles, 
 Porter; William Johnson, Guard; S. Barney, S. J. Hicks, S. Wylde, Directors. 
 Membership, 75. 
 
 Knights of the Maccabees. Kishwaukee Tent, No. 01. T. L. Manley, 
 P. S. K. C.; A. Scherrer, S. K. C.; B. R. Lear, S. K. L. C.; R. S. Hopkins, 
 R. & F. K.; Charles Lanning, Chaplain; Dr. Carpenter, Physician; Charles 
 Derthick, Sergt. ; W. A. Gleason, M. A.; A. D. Green, 1st M. G. ; J. Reno, 
 2d M. G.; Axel Ahlsen, S.; S. L. Devlin, P. Membership, 40. 
 
 American Legion of Honor. D. D. Sabin, Cora.; L. II. Murch, Y.-C. ; 
 E. L. Murch, O.; G. W. Murch, P. C.; J. R. Balliet, Sec.; Enos T. Gage, 
 Coll.; R. J. Tousley, Treas.; R. E. Osgood, Chaplain; T. F. Butler, G.; 
 I. H. Flack, W.; Robt. Banwell, S. Membership, 26. 
 
 National Union. Belvidere Council, No. 543. J. F. Hannah, Pi'es.; A. R. 
 Guillow, Y.-Pres.; H. E. Babcock, S.; N. S. Thompson, Ex-Pres.; Charles 
 Beverly, Sec. ; F. W. Grain, F. S. ; Josiah Dempsey, Treas. ; I. A. Holcomb, 
 Chaplain; G. M. Elliott, Usher; Charles Ehrlinger, S. of A. ; E. K. Yontz, D.; 
 D. M. Eldredge, G. M. Elliott, A. R. Hopkins, Trustees; C. L. Eldredge. Dist. 
 Dpty. Membership, 47. 
 
 I. O. Forresters. Court Clair, No. 183. Louis Dovenmuhle, C. R. ; 
 W. Eisenstein, Y. C. R. ; E. Lembachner, F. S. ; James Tynan, R. S. ; J. H. 
 Downs, Treas.; H. Keorting, J. W.; E. Smith, S. W.; F. McGonigle, J. B.; 
 C. Thurlby, S. B. ; A. Phillips, R. S. P. Membership, 43. 
 
 Besides the above there are benevolent associations among the railroad and 
 factory men, and in connection with the various churches. 
 
 A number of literary and musical organizations have fair memberships. 
 
 LADIES' LYRIC CLUB. 
 
 The Ladies' Lyric Club was organized January, 1894, and numbers about fifty 
 active and six associate members. The aim in organizing such a society was not 
 only a development of a higher musical taste in the community, but for the 
 advancement in musical culture of its members. The officers of the club are: 
 Mrs. Jennie C. Ramsey, president; Mrs. Lillie G. Gage, vice-president; Mrs. Ella 
 Plane, secretary; Mrs. Jennie H. Hannah, treasurer; Miss Bertha Loop, 
 accompanist.
 
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 THE NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE COMPANY. 
 
 HISTORY OF THIS GREAT INDUSTRY FROM ITS INCEPTION TO THE PRESENT TIME. 
 THE PRIDE OF BELVIDERE AND THE PALLADIUM OF HER INDUSTRIAL FUTURE. 
 
 A veritable colossus of industrial extant and import, of evidence and influence 
 in the commercial world, the great National Se\ving Machine Manufactory of 
 Belvidere stands to-day a living monument to tireless energy, perfect organization, 
 shrewd management, unerring judgment and the keenest business sagacity; and all 
 
 B. ELDREDGE, 
 
 PRESIDENT OP THE NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 this due, more than from any other circumstance or cause, to the earnest, conscien- 
 tious effort and determination of one man, dominated by that unquenchable 
 "I will" spirit that knows no barriers, that comprehends no such word as fail; 
 that same persevering faith that has made Chicago to-day the wonder and admira- 
 tion of two ' hemispheres, and within the past few decades caused the hills and 
 plains of this boundless western country to " blossom like the rose." 
 
 The substance of past success and the manifestness of present achievement 
 speak louder than can any words for the reputation of the National faetoi'y, and 
 in this .industry we recognize the security of our city's future prosperity and im-
 
 32 
 
 13ELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 THE ELDREDGE. 
 THE HANDSOMEST HIGH GRADE WHEEL MADE. 
 
 portance as a manufacturing center. That its record of past accomplishments 
 presages still greater works and consequent increased emoluments, none can doubt 
 who are even in a small measure conversant with the history of the concern. 
 Small wonder then that the 8,000 citizens of Belvidere point with pride a pardon- 
 able pride to this immense industrial institution, which furnishes employment 
 and a means of support for over fifty per cent, of the population. A manufactory 
 such as this would be an honor to any city in the land. It is at the present time, 
 with the added improvements of which we shall speak later on, the largest and 
 most completely equipped bicycle plant in the United States, as well as the second 
 largest sewing machine factory in the world. 
 
 LADY ELDREDGE. 
 
 THE NATIONAL COMPANY'S LEADING LADIES' BICYCLE.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 33 
 
 THE BELVIDEKE. 
 
 AX HONEST HK.H GRADE BICYCLE THAT HAS FEW EQl'ALS. 
 
 SUBSTANTIATED THEIR CLAIMS. 
 
 The success of this enterprise has been particularly gratifying to the citizens 
 of Belvidere, because they have long believed that this city possessed advantages 
 which should make it one of the leading manufacturing centers of the state and 
 the west, and can now present convincing and conclusive evidence in support of 
 
 THE ELDREDGE B. SEWING MACHINE.
 
 34 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 their claims. They also find a large measure of satisfaction in the fact that an 
 enterprise which in Chicago was conducted with indifferent success has been 
 phenomenally successful in Belvidere. This fact alone ought to encourage other 
 manufactories to locate here. 
 
 The history of the building up of this establishment is one of more than ordi- 
 nary interest, because it is the history of the building up of a new industry in 
 competition with those control'ed l>y old, wealthy and powerful corporations. It 
 
 DAVID PATTON, 
 
 SECRETARY OF THE NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 is the history of determined, persistent and unceasing effort on the part of its chief 
 promoters, when they were beset by difficulties which at times seemed to be insur- 
 mountable and practically beyond solution. 
 
 '1 
 
 THE JUNE MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 
 
 Summarizing this history it may be said that something like a dozen years 
 since Frank T. June was at the head of a company, engaged in a small way in 
 manufacturing in Chicago, at the corner of La Salle and Ontario streets, the old 
 Singer sewing machine, patents on which had expired, and the Jennie June, a 
 machine developed by the president of the company. The June Manufacturing
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 35 
 
 Company was the name by which the concern was known at the time. It labored 
 under the difficulty of not being able to turn out a machine satisfactory to the 
 public when compared with later inventions in the same line. About the same 
 time Barnabas Eldredge, also of Chicago, a man of large experience in the hand- 
 ling and sale of improved sewing machines, was endeavoring to introduce into the 
 market a machine which, while it was not entirely his own invention, had been 
 developed under his direction and bore his name. This was a superior kind of 
 machine in which the old manufacturers having a monopoly of the trade recognized 
 a dangerous competitor. Not having the means to manufacture this machine on 
 his own account, Mr. Eldredge was contracting the manufacture to eastern parties. 
 
 VIEW IN PRIVATE OFFICE OF B. ELDREDGE, 
 
 PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 .PHOTO BY CLARK & XOTT. 
 
 Being continually disappointed and hampered in his operations by reason of not 
 being able to personally supervise the construction of his machine, Mr. Eldredge 
 went to Mr. June and entered into an agreement to have his machines made by 
 the latter, on contract, in Chicago. This agreement continued in effect for some 
 time, and then Mr. Eldredge proposed a consolidation of interests, which was 
 accomplished and went into effect in the early part of 1885. They were hardly 
 started under the new regime when the labor troubles of that year, culminating in 
 the anarchist riots, involved them in a controversy with their employes and closed 
 their factory. 
 
 THE PLANT REMOVED TO BELVIDERE. 
 
 This forced upon them the consideration of a new problem, and for a time 
 they were at sea as to what course they should pursue. It was at this juncture 
 that a suggestion came to them that they should remove their plant to Belvidere,
 
 36 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 whei'e it was urged they would be free from the influences leading up to strikes, a 
 perpetual menace to the industrial interests of Chicago". In pursuance of this sug- 
 gestion negotiations were begun in July, 1886, with some of Belvidere's enterpris- 
 ing citizens, who offered the company substantial aid and encouragement, and in a 
 short time arrangements for the removal were completed. The June Manufactur- 
 ing Co., with a capital of $250,000, was incorporated under the laws of Illinois, 
 with $130,000 paid-in stock. Mr. June was elected president, and Mr. Eldredge, 
 vice-president and genei'al manager. The erection of a factory was begun at once, 
 and in the latter part of the following November the first manufacturing enterprise 
 of any magnitude ever launched in Belvidere went into operation with 175 em- 
 
 A PORTION OF MAIN OFFICE. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 ployes on its pay-roll. Thus, indirectly, the labor strikes of Chicago sent to Bel- 
 videre what is now by far its greatest manufactory. 
 
 CONFRONTED BY A PROBLEM. 
 
 With these operations the solution of an important problem began. The prob- 
 lem to be solved was, whether a new sewing machine factory, located in a territory 
 where the experiment had not been before tried, and with limited resources, could 
 survive the assaults of the old manufacturing companies, having a practical mono- 
 poly of the trade, with unlimited capital at their command, and united in their 
 determination to keep new competitors out of the field. The public is so familiar 
 with the methods of this old sewing machine combination that it is hardly neces- 
 sary to say that the chances were largely against the new aspirant for popular favor 
 and public patronage. For a time the results seemed to be quite uncertain and the
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 37 
 
 citizens of Belvidere, deeply interested as they were in the success of the 
 enterprise, were at times somewhat doubtful on this point, but the subsequent 
 history of this great concern has proven how utterly groundless were their doubts 
 and fears. 
 
 RECOGNIZED ON ITS MERITS. 
 
 The one man among those interested in this undertaking, who appears never 
 to have yielded, even temporarily, to discouragement was Mr. Eldredge. Although 
 not the official head of the corporation, he was the man most familiar with the 
 sewing machine business, best acquainted with the demands of the public and most 
 fully informed as to the avenues available for conveying their manufactures into 
 
 OFFICES OF W. S. BROWN, 
 
 SUPERINTENDENT OF NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE > 
 
 the market. Under his direction a machine was manufactured which compelled 
 recognition of its merits, and advertised its manufacturers. It went into the 
 market to make new friends and to bring new patrons to the factory, with a corre- 
 sponding increase of business. At first the increase was slow, but it was a 
 steady and continuous increase, and nothing once gained was sacrificed through in- 
 attention to anything which their patrons seemed to demand. 
 
 AN IMPORTANT CHANGE. 
 
 In 1890 Mr. June died and Mr. Eldredge succeeded to the presidency, re- 
 doubling at once his efforts to expand the business and enlarge the trade, which at 
 this time had begun to assume important proportions. His son, Franklin P. El- 
 dredge, became vice-president, and David Patton became secretary. The name 
 was changed to the National Sewing Machine Company, and if there is aught in a 
 name that was most certainly a fortunate choice, for the past five years have been 
 
 *
 
 38 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 the most prosperous and brilliant in the history of the company. Up to the pres- 
 ent time the output of the factory since locating here, amounts, in round numbers, 
 to over 600,000 sewing machines of various kinds, and the best evidence of the 
 general prosperity of the enterprise is found in the fact that the stock of the com- 
 pany now commands a premium of more than one hundred per cent. 
 
 A WINNING POLICY. 
 
 From the moment almost that Mr. Eldredge assumed the management of the 
 factory and was left unhampered to follow his ideas as to ho\v the affairs of such 
 a concern should be conducted to attain the best results, the business received im- 
 
 OPFICE OF E. E. MANNING, 
 
 MANAGER OF SHIPPING DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 mediately a decided impetus, and so rapidly increased as to surprise even the 
 officers of the company, who, while sanguine of ultimate success, hardly looked so 
 soon for such a positive and favorable response to the new policy of the manage- 
 ment. This new policy was broad and comprehensive in the fullest sense of the 
 term a reaching out for new business far and near, and introducing of goods into 
 territory which formerly the Company had been unable to reach through force of 
 circumstances. Energy and "push," begotten of fullest confidence in the quality 
 and excellence of goods manufactured, strict attention to detail, and an absolute 
 fairness in dealing with customers, small and great, soon turned the tide in favor 
 of the Company, and Mr. Eldredge soon saw the fruits of his years of labor and 
 planning manifest in the factory running to its fullest capacity. The only trouble 
 was in filling the multitudinous orders that poured in. By degrees the plant was 
 enlarged to accommodate the rapidly growing trade, and from 175 employes in
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 39 
 
 1886 the force had increased to nearly 700 in 1894, while the capacity of the works 
 had grown to the extent of 75,000 machines annually. 
 
 THE NATIONAL'S PROUD FAME. 
 
 Such excellent and universal satisfaction did the National sewing machines 
 give that wherever they were sold came repeated demands for more. The very 
 name of the Company on any machine was sufficient guarantee of its superiority, 
 and the general public was not slow to recognize that fact. This is none the less 
 true to-day. It is, however, but the just reward of genius, perseverance and enter- 
 prise; and now, at home and abroad, no sewing machine company in the world 
 
 DIRECTORS' ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 has a more enviable reputation or a prouder fame than the National, both for the 
 quality of its product and its manner of doing business, nor does the name of any 
 man engaged in the manufacture of sewing machines stand out more prominently 
 or command greater respect than that of Barnabas Eldredge. 
 
 DIFFERENT MACHINES MADE. 
 
 At the present time the company is manufacturing the Eldredge, the Belvi- 
 dere, the Maywood, the Grand, the Seamstress, and an automatic chain-stitch 
 machine, all different in construction, while they also manufacture machines for 
 other institutions. As Mr. Eldredge often expresses it, "We make these machines 
 from the pig-iron up," and a visit to their enormous plant will convince the most 
 skeptical of the truth of this assertion. As to the style, grade and finish of their 
 machines and the superb cabinet work, hundreds of thousands of housekeepers in
 
 40 
 
 BELVIUERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 this and other lands will testify to the truth of the Company's claim that their line 
 is unequalled. 
 
 MAKE THEIR OWN ATTACHMENTS. 
 
 Another feature about the National that no other factory can boast of is that 
 it is the only concern of its kind in the world making its own attachments. These 
 attachments ai'e the inventions of Frank L. Goodrich, who at the present time is 
 connected with the Company in the capacity of purchasing agent. They are cov- 
 
 A GLIMPSE, OF THE TOOL ROOM, WESTERN AISLE. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 ered by twelve patents, and are universally acknowledged to be the most ingenious, 
 most complete and most satisfactory set of attachments used in connection with 
 any sewing machine made the delight of the seamstress and the pride of the 
 manufacturers. Mr. Goodrich had an exhibit of his attachments at the World's 
 Fair, and was awarded the first and only prize given a handsome gold medal 
 for the best and most complete up-to.date sewing machine attachments shown. 
 He also received from the Board of Lady Managers a diploma of honorai'v men- 
 tion, given to those only who were instrumental in perfecting the exhibits of 
 others. These honors were very gratifying to Mr. Goodrich, as well as to the 
 Company, as the recognition of the superiority of the attachments used on their
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 41 
 
 machines gave them a prestige and standing possessed by no other sewing machine 
 concern. 
 
 WORLD'S FAIR HONORS. 
 
 Mr. Goodrich's attachments were but auxiliary, however, to the magnificent 
 exhibit of sewing machines made by the Company at the great exposition. Their 
 display was one of the finest made by any sewing machine company, and they 
 received more first awards- medals and diplomas for strictly family sewing 
 machines than any other exhibitor in the same class. Altogether the National 
 Sewing Machine Company received eleven awards, including those of Mr. Good- 
 rich's, and had the proud distinction of being thus honored more than any other 
 
 SECTION OF PUNCH PRESS ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 sewing machine company in the world. Thus it will be seen that the Company's 
 experience at the World's Fair was but the logical sequence of the truth that 
 genuine merit in sewing machines, as well as in human character, wins every time. 
 It was the climax to the verdict of superiority which the public had for years 
 bestowed upon their machines. 
 
 THE BICYCLE PLANT. 
 
 DESCRIPTION OF THIS GREAT BRANCH OF THE INDUSTRY IN ALL ITS BEARINGS. 
 
 And not alone does the National Company manufacture sewing machines. 
 It has in the short space of a year and a half grown to be one of the greatest, if 
 not the greatest, bicycle manufactory in the country. So marvelously successful 
 were the National sewing machines in the markets of the world, in competition 
 with other makes, that the company conceived the idea in the early spring of 1894
 
 42 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 of engaging in the manufacture of bicycles, and forthwith "shied their castor into 
 the ring." They commenced work in this department in a small way May 1st of 
 the same year. Their one idea in this connection was that if they manufactured 
 bicycles to any extent the wheel that they should make would be as near the acme 
 of perfection, from a mechanical standpoint, as it were possible to make; a wheel 
 "made upon honor" in every sense of the word; a wheel that with a single bound 
 should take rank with any bicycle made, no matter by whom. To start with, the 
 incomparable reputation achieved by the Company in the manufacture of sewing 
 machines gave them an advantageous position in the business world enjoyed by 
 comparatively few of the wheel-making firms, and it was therefore but natural 
 
 EAST END OF MILLING AND DRILLING DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 that any bicycle bearing their name should be looked upon with favor by both the 
 big dealers and the public. The first bicycles manufactured by them were so cordi- 
 ally received that they concluded to at once commence their manufacture on a large 
 scale, and in August, 1894, purchased the plant of the Freeport Bicycle Manufac- 
 turing Company, and removed it to Belvidere, occupying the three-story brick 
 building just east of their foundry. They commenced at once to turn out bicycles 
 in earnest. These wheels sold like hot cakes, and the success of this new enter- 
 prise was assured from the very first. So rapidly did the business grow that it 
 became necessary within a comparatively short time to increase the number of 
 hands in this department from 25 to 100, new machinery was added, and yet the 
 company could not keep up witli the orders, which fairly rained in. The Belvidere 
 wheel seemed to be just what the public had been long waiting for; it met the 
 popular taste. The superior quality of material used in the construction of these
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 43 
 
 wheels, the graceful, bird-like lines upon which they were built, the elegance of 
 finish, their easy-running qualities, strength and durability, all combined to make 
 them in immediate and great demand, and it was but a brief space of time before 
 other bicycle manufacturers, and cyclists in general all over the country, became 
 aware of the fact that " we make wheels, too." 
 
 POINTS OF STRENGTH. 
 
 The three cardinal points of strength that the public immediately recognized 
 in the Belvidere wheels were their beauty, strong construction and smooth running 
 nature a most happy combination of the practical and essential features to be 
 taken into consideration in wheel-building and in the selection of a wheel. 
 
 WEST END MILLING AND^ DRILLING^ DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 FIRST YEAR'S BUSINESS. 
 
 During the year just past the season of '95 the Company manufactured and 
 sold 10,000 wheels, a phenomenal record and one never equaled by any bicycle 
 manufacturing concern in its first year's history. They could as easily have sold 
 ten times as many if they had had the facilities for making them. This has been 
 the subject of much favorable comment in the cycling world and in journals de- 
 voted to the interest of wheelmen. The leading newspapers of Chicago and the 
 west have also frequently made complimentary mention of this fact. Certainly 
 for an. " infant " it is a great record, and one to which even the oldest wheel- 
 building establishment might point with pride. And the most gratifying feature 
 of the whole matter is that the wheels have given entire satisfaction; no first year 
 wheel was ever so enthusiastically received. Dealers who handled the Belvidere
 
 44 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 wheel last season will be the heaviest buyers in '96, which is the best criterion of 
 its popularity with the masses. 
 
 COMPELLED TO ENLARGE. 
 
 It became evident to Mr. Eldredge in the early part of the past summer that 
 the quarters then occupied by the bicycle plant would be altogether inadequate to 
 accommodate the rapidly growing business and the still greater increase which was 
 bound to come. Preparations were at once commenced for the erection of a mam- 
 moth three-story building fronting 011 State street, with wings at each end connect- 
 ing with the old building (as shown in the accompanying illustration), to be used 
 in the main for the manufacture of bicycles. This would give them 100,000 ad- 
 
 SOUTH QUARTER OP THE LATHE ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 ditional square feet of floor space and enlarge their producing capacity to 60,000 
 bicycles per year, if run the year round. 
 
 SOME UNWRITTEN HISTORY. 
 
 In this connection it might be stated that plans for a building about one-half 
 the size of that above mentioned were drawn up three years ago, the Company at 
 that time intending to build in anticipation of still further enlarging their sewing 
 machine business, and to give them more room for manufacturing purposes, which 
 was even then badly needed. But a condition of things just at that period arose 
 which put a damper on the building prospect and checked the plans of the Com- 
 pany in that direction. The election of Grover Cleveland as president and the re- 
 turn of the democrats to power filled Mr. Eldredge's mind with distrust, as it did 
 that of every great manufacturer in the country; the attitude of the party on the '
 
 BELV1DERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 45 
 
 tariff question being responsible for this. Mr. El dredge foresaw what afterwards 
 happened and is still a condition the utter incompetency of the democrats in 
 dealing with questions affecting our country's prosperity and in handling the reins 
 of government; their infamous thrusts at the industries of the United States 
 through 1he Wilson tariff bill; the subsequent terrible financial panic, business de- 
 pression and closing down of manufacturing plants throughout the land. This 
 Mr. Eldredge knew would affect the National Sewing Machine Company of Belvi- 
 dere in like proportion with every industry in the country, and consequently wisely 
 concluded not to build "until the clouds rolled by-" With the great republican 
 victories of 1894 and the positive assurance they gave of the grand old party's re- 
 
 NORTH QUARTER OF LATHE ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 'PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 turn to power in 1896 came returning confidence. The business horizon bright- 
 ened and the outlook in the commercial world became more hopeful. These facts, 
 coupled with the remarkable success scored by the Company in less than a year in 
 the manufacture of bicycles, crystallized the plan for building, and on April 1st of 
 last year ground was broken and work commenced on the great structure of 
 which we have previously spoken. It took a small army of men seven months 
 to complete it. 
 
 THE NEW ADDITION. 
 
 This building is immense and imposing, three stories in height and has a 
 frontage on State street of 300 feet. The south wing faces Meadow street, while 
 the north wing looks upon the placid bosom of the Kishwaukee river. At the 
 southwest corner rises a handsome tower from which floats a large flag of the 
 national colors. In the construction of this building over 3,000,000 brick were
 
 46 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 used. The front is of selected cream-colored brick, manufactured in Belvidere at 
 the brick yards of R. C. Frit/. The remaining Avails, chimneys and the huge 
 smoke-stacks are built of brick manufactured at Dundee. In size this new addition 
 to the factory is equal to a one-story building 2,500x40 feet. Something of its 
 magnitude may be gained from this comparison. In it are the private offices of the 
 officials and superintendent, the main office, tool room, polishing room, shipping 
 room, the great bicycle assembling rr>om, 240x80 feet (the largest in the country), 
 store and stock rooms and other departments. Everything about the building, even 
 to the most minute detail, is arranged with an eye to convenience and to best answer 
 the purpose intended. 
 
 NORTH-WEST QUARTER OF SEWING MACHINE ASSEMBLING ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 THE OFFICES. 
 
 The private office of the officials of the Company, with the exception of Secre- 
 tary Patton's, are in the tower, and are models of elegance and convenient arrange- 
 ment in keeping with the magnitude and importance of such avast establishment. 
 They are spacious, well lighted and well apart from the general noise and confu- 
 sion, giving the officers a privacy in the execution of the multifarious duties that 
 heretofore they have not enjoyed. The floors in these offices are of hard wood 
 with parquetry borders, a fancy design of inlaid wood of different colors; the re- 
 mainder of the woodwork is of quarter-sawed polished oak; the walls are a light 
 buff in color and stippled; the ceilings are finished in lincrusta-walton design. 
 Each office has an elaborate mantel and a tile fire-place. The walls are adorned 
 with handsome pictures and beautiful rugs cover the floor. Electricity and gas
 
 BELVIDEKE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 47 
 
 for illuminating, hot water for heating purposes, and speaking tubes connecting 
 with the floor below add still further to the luxuriousness and convenience of the 
 apai'tments. President B. Eldredge's office occupies the southeast corner, facing 
 on State and Meadow streets and connecting with it on the east are the offices of 
 Vice President E. P. Eldredge and F. L. Goodrich in the order named. On the 
 first floor underneath these offices are Superintendent Brown's headquarters and the 
 draughting room in connection. These are specially arranged for the convenience 
 of the superintendent and his assistants. A hallway separates the private offices 
 upstairs from the main office on the north. This is an immense room to be used 
 for distinctly office purposes and faces to the west on State street. Its dimensions 
 
 VIEW IN WEST HALF OP SEWING MACHINE ASSEMBLING DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 are 40x80 feet and there is no question but that it is one of the most finely ap- 
 pointed offices in the country. Double standing desks, and other appurtenances 
 that tend to lighten and make pleasant the duties of the clerical force, are used in 
 this department. It is splendidly lighted and is heated and illuminated the same 
 as the private offices. Off from this room to the east is a massive vault, whose 
 great stability is significantly suggestive of the Company's solidity and imperturba- 
 bility in the commercial world. On the south side of the room is a long station- 
 ary desk used by the cashier, at the west end of which is the private office of Sec- 
 retary Patton. All the furniture, desks, etc., are of quarter-sawed oak finely 
 made and elerrantlv finished. In connection are toilet rooms for both ladies and 
 
 O * 
 
 gentlemen, modern in every particular and faultlessly appointed. In this main 
 office forty persons are employed in various clerical capacities.
 
 48 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 WHO THE BUILDERS WERE. 
 
 George IT. Bradley & Son, of Rockford, were the architects of this greatest 
 addition to the plant of the National Sewing Machine Company. 
 
 John Alexander, of Rockford, had the contract for the mason work, and the 
 building itself is the best evidence of the thoroughness with which he superin- 
 tended its erection. Every line, every inch from the foundation up, bespeaks the 
 careful eye of an able, experienced contractor and the workmanship of men skilled 
 in their vocation. 
 
 The contract for the carpenter work was intrusted to the hands (and head) of 
 Fred H. Dixon, of Belvidere, and it is doubtful if another man could have been 
 
 A GLANCE INTO SEWING MACHINE JAPAN AND ORNAMENTING ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 secured, far or near, who would have given such excellent and complete satisfac- 
 tion as did Mr. Dixon. 
 
 WHEEL OUTPUT FOR '96. 
 
 With the erection of this new building and the acquisition of 100,000 addi- 
 tional square feet of floor space, the capacity for bicycle making in this concern is 
 increased at least 500 per cent, which in all probability will be sufficient to meet 
 any demands made upon the Company for several years to come, at least. 
 For the season of '96 the Company has orders booked for 38,000 bicycles, to be 
 made and delivered between November 1, 1895, and July 1, 1896. This is not an 
 estimate of the number of wheels that will be made at the factory this sea- 
 son, but the actual number that have already been ordered. Not a half dozen 
 other manufactories in the United States will turn out as many wheels as that in '96.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 49 
 
 It is neither probable that the Company will close the season for manufactur- 
 ing wheels on July 1. On the contrary, it is altogether likely that between that 
 time and the first of the following November they will manufacture an additional 
 10,000 bicycles, increasing the total output for '9(5 to 48,000 more wheels than 
 any other bicycle manufacturing concern ever dared to dream of turning out in its 
 second year. The demand for the Belvidere wheel from all parts of the United 
 States speaks louder for its merits and superiority than any effusive words of 
 praise that we might here bestow upon it. The public is not slow to recognize a 
 good thing; the success of the Belvidere wheel was instantaneous with its appear- 
 ance in the market. The Company last season had to turn away orders for thous- 
 ands upon thousands of bicycles, and that the first year. 
 
 NORTH-EAST PORTION OF POLISHING DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 THE MACHINERY USED. 
 
 The plant of the National Sewing Machine Company includes the finest line 
 of machinery, tools, gauges, patterns, etc., that money will buy, and their product 
 possesses the best practical features known to modern manufacture. They employ 
 constantly a board of mechanical experts for devising improvements, and maintain 
 a rigid inspection of every part of their sewing machines and bicycles, subjecting 
 them to the severest tests before shipment. 
 
 POINTS OF CONSTRUCTION. 
 
 As to the construction of the wheels made by the company we quote from 
 their handsomely printed and illustrated catalogue as follows: 
 
 "A successful experience of over twenty-five years in manufacturing fine 
 family sewing machines has taught us the best material to use for any particular
 
 50 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 purpose, and the most successful manner in which to work it. The capability of 
 our factory is very great, and no difficulty will be experienced in building any- 
 thing in the general manufacturing line, be it sewing machines, fire arms, type 
 writers or high grade bicycles. Is it not reasonable to suppose that a concern 
 which has been successful in one line of manufacturing that requires very close 
 and accurate work will be able to succeed as well in another that requires the 
 same class of labor, the same machinery, and the same close attention to mechani- 
 cal niceties? 
 
 "In -building our bicycles we have carefully avoided the general tendency to 
 compromise the vital features of practical construction in order to cater to some 
 
 A GLANCE INTO THE GRINDING ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO KY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 fad. We have, however, embodied all the latest improvements, and have followed 
 fashion to the extent of giving latest designs in frames, light weights, narrow 
 tread and large size tubing. Do not be deceived by manufacturers that pretend 
 to have secret processes for treating their materials, and who, therefore, claim to 
 produce a superior article. We have no secrets whatever, no special processes, 
 and our factory is always open in all departments to the inspection of visitors. If 
 we wish to harden a piece of steel we buy the best the market affords, heat it red 
 hot, and cool it in either water or oil, as the case may require. 
 
 *'The art of bicycle building has been pervaded with altogether too much 
 mystery; there is nothing about wheel building but what is straight, plain work 
 that any first-class mechanic is capable of performing successfully if he is pro- 
 vided with suitable tools and material. We have the mechanics, tools (including 
 finest machinery, complete sets of special gauges, etc.), and material as well as the
 
 BELV1DERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 51 
 
 ability and desire to do the very best class of work possible; hence, our bicycles 
 are strictly high-grade in every particular." 
 
 The above frank and straightforward statement of the manner in which their 
 wheels are made is characteristic of the Company's manner of doing business, and 
 it is this one thing as much as any other that has augmented their success and is 
 responsible for the proud position which the industry to-day occupies in Belvidere 
 and the world at large. 
 
 STYLES OF WHEELS MADE. 
 
 In the plant of the National Sewing Machine Company are manufactured the 
 now famous " Belvidere " and "Eldredge" bicycles in fifty different styles and 
 
 PORTION OF THE PLATING DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 varying weights. These wheels are now being turned out at the rate of 250 per 
 day ; and in point of durability, style and finish the tout ensemble are the equal 
 of, if not superior to, any wheel on the market to-day. This is not an idle boast ; 
 it is a simple fact that is being demonstrated every day in a thousand towns and 
 cities where the Belvidere wheel is ridden. A strong wheel, a beautiful wheel, an 
 honest wheel, a, Jin de siecle wheel in every particular it leads them all. 
 
 For the manufacture of bicycle parts over $100,000 worth of new automa- 
 tic machinery has just been added to the plant. This is all of the latest and most 
 approved pattern, and turns out the most delicate parts with an accuracy and speed 
 that is simply marvelous. The modus operandi of this machinery is wonderful, 
 and these quietly running combinations of wheels and drills and cutting tools, as 
 they produce the finished product, seem possessed of almost human intelligence.
 
 52 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 THE PLANT IN GENERAL. 
 
 A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE AUXILIARY FEATURES OF THE FACTORY. 
 
 The plant of the National Sewing Machine Company is composed of thirteen 
 different buildings, covering eight acres, with six acres of floor space, amounting 
 to nearly 250,000 square feet. These buildings, while used for separate and dis- 
 tinct purposes, are in reality one great building, joined together for convenience 
 sake. Altogether they would make a building 4350x40 feet, one story in height. 
 Something of the immensity of the plant may be had from this comparison. 
 
 Aside from the large building just completed the Company erected another 
 
 THE AUTOMATIC SCREW MACHINES. 
 
 Wonders of modern invention. In this room over seventy in operation. 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 structure on the grounds, 150x75 feet and two stories in height, to which the japan 
 and enameling department were transferred as soon as it was finished. In addition 
 to this a new boiler house has just been built and several new boilers also put in. 
 
 In round numbers the total cost of building improvements made last year will 
 be fully $100,000. 
 
 NUMBER OF EMPLOYES. 
 
 The working force now numbers over 1,200. In this connection is a note- 
 worthy fact ; the average pay of these men is greater than that received by any 
 other manufacturing concern in the state of Illinois, which assertion can be proven 
 by referring to statistics bearing upon this point, and explains in a measure why 
 the Company each week receives hundreds of applications from men desirous of 
 obtaining work in the factory.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 53 
 
 So closely interwoven are the two branches of manufacture in this establish- 
 ment that no certain figures can be given as to the number of men employed re- 
 spectively on sewing machine and bicycle work, from the fact that in nearly every 
 department the same men are engaged on both kinds of work. 
 
 HARD TIMES NOT FELT. 
 
 The best evidence of the prosperous condition of the Company's affairs, and 
 the indisputable wisdom of Mr. Eldredge's business policy at all times and under 
 all circumstances is to be had from the fact that during the business depression 
 and financial panic of '93 and '94, when on every hand were failures, and industries 
 
 WEST END OF AUTOMATIC SCREW ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 shutting down, and hard times, the National Sewing Machine factory continued to 
 "do business at the old stand," with no interruption worth mentioning, and fur- 
 nished employment for 600 men. While all around us was suffering and hard- 
 ships such as the people of this country never before knew or were ever called 
 upon to endure, Belvidere was in the midst of peace and plenty and scarcely 
 felt the effects of the hard times. This enviable state of affairs was directly due 
 to the healthful condition of the company's business and the wise judgment of the 
 men at its head in a time when the present gave no certainty and the future bore 
 no confident promise. Had the factory been compelled to shut down during those 
 never to-be forgotten hard times Belvidere would have received a touch of the then 
 prevalent "depression" that it would never have forgotten, but which, let us be 
 thankful a thousand times over to the success of our chief industry, it was 
 spared.
 
 54 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 WHO OWNS THE STOCK. 
 
 The stock of this vast business is all owned by persons in Belvidere. About 
 75 per cent is held by B. Eldredge, Mrs. B. Eldredge, F. P. Eldredge and Mrs. F. 
 P. Eldredge. The remaining 25 per cent is held by parties connected with the 
 factory and outside prominent citizens. Just what premium the stock commands 
 it is hard to state, but it is fully or even more than 100 per cent. The quickest 
 and perhaps the surest way of finding out is to approach a stockholder and attempt 
 to purchase a smairblock. The Company is capitalized at 500, 000, with $350,- 
 000 paid in, and a working capital of $1,000,000. 
 
 SECTION OF THE BIG FOUNDRY. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 FIRE PROTECTION. 
 
 The factory is furnished with an elaborate and complete system of fire protec- 
 tion. It is equipped throughout with the Grinnell Automatic. Fire Sprinkler sys- 
 tem an arrangement of pipes overhead with a sprinkler every ten feet in each 
 direction, so constructed that should a fire start in any part of the building, as soon 
 as the heat reaches 155 degrees it melts certain parts and sets the sprinklers thus 
 affected by the heat to working automatically, drowning out the blaze in short 
 order. An automatic gong also tells the location of the fire. In addition to this 
 the plant is equipped with another complete system of fire protection in the shape 
 of a network of pipes from the city water-works on the grounds, with hydrants, 
 water plugs, hose and all other fire-fighting paraphernalia that could be called into 
 requisition in a brief space of time if necessary. This fire protection system is
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 55 
 
 under the management of the Superintendent of the Water-works, E. E. Spooner. 
 The factory also has its own fire company drilled and in readiness to fight any 
 flames that may chance to break loose. So well supplied are the grounds with 
 hydrants that it would hardly be possible in any of the buildings to get 150 feet 
 distant from one. Nothing short of a universal spontaneous combustion or an in- 
 stantaneous conflagration in every part of the plant at once could ever destroy it, 
 so perfectly is it protected from fire. 
 
 FINELY ILLUMINATED. 
 
 The factory is splendidly lighted by both gas and electricity. The former 
 is furnished by the Belvidere Gas Company, and 30,000 feet per day is used for 
 
 AT WORK IN THE SEWING MACHINE SHIPPING DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLAftK A NOTT. 
 
 illuminating and for purposes where great heat is required, such as brazing bicy- 
 cle frames and heating the enameling ovens. The Company operates its own elec- 
 tric light plant, also a gas plant of its own, and uses both arc and incandescent 
 lights in addition to gas, making it altogether one of the most brilliantly illumi- 
 nated manufacturing plants at night in the country. The factory, aside from 
 the offices, is heated by a system of steam pipes, and an even temperature is thus 
 afforded, even in the coldest weather, making it a comfortable and most desirable 
 place in which to work. 
 
 Two large steam elevators are kept constantly busy in the new building. 
 
 TELEPHONE SERVICE, ETC. 
 
 Another great convenience of the factory is that the various departments are 
 connected by telephone. It is also supplied by the local telephone exchange and a
 
 56 
 
 BELVIDEKE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 long-distance telephone runs into the main office, so that Mr. Eldredge can as 
 easily talk with New York as with Chicago. 
 
 A private wire from the Western Union Telegraph Company runs into the 
 main office and here all the company's messages are received and transmitted by 
 their own special operator. In the bicycle season this is a very important point, 
 
 A GLIMPSE INTO THE MAMMOTH DEPARTMENT WHERE BICYCLES 
 
 ARE ASSEMBLED. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 for then two dozen or more messages are received daily on matters pertaining to 
 the business and requiring immediate attention. 
 
 The Company has absolutely left undone nothing that will in any way facili- 
 tate the transaction of business and tend to give the greatest satisfaction all 
 around. 
 
 Some idea of the amount of business which is annually transacted in the estab- 
 lishment may be gleaned from the fact that it now pays Uncle Sam over $6,000 
 per year through the Belvidere postoffice for stamps and other postal supplies -r- 
 one-half the entire receipts of the office.
 
 BELVIDKRE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 57 
 
 AS TO ADVERTISING. 
 
 The citizens of Belvidere may not realize the fact, but this is one of the best 
 and most thoroughly advertised cities in the United States to-day. For the past 
 nine years the Company has been sending out circulars, pamphlets and catalogues 
 to individuals and firms in every city, town, hamlet and cross-roads in this broad 
 land of ours, not only once, but time and again a constant stream of advertising 
 matter going out incessantly, making their business more extensively known, win- 
 ning thousands of new customers and at the same time spreading the fame of Bel- 
 videre. In addition to this they advertise at the present time in no less than 1,500 
 journals of greater or less importance, from the 2x4 sheet in the wilds of Texas to 
 
 A SECTION OF THE BICYCLE ENAMELING DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 ' PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 the great metropolitan dailies, including an intermediate list of scores of trade 
 journals and magazines. This broad and extensive system of advertising the Com- 
 pany has not pursued by spells; they have kept everlastingly at it, and are still 
 " pounding away " in this direction, believing that the " constant advertiser is the 
 one who wins the trade." Thus we say that to-day Belvidere is one of the most 
 widely known little cities in the country, and this condition is directly due to the 
 unceasing efforts of the National Sewing Machine Company. To see the beneficial 
 effects we need not look beyond the confines of our own favored city; we need but 
 to visit the factory and look around at the manifold evidences of prosperity within 
 our borders. 
 
 The Company has representatives and agents in nearly every town and city in 
 the United States; and not alone in this country is their product known and used 
 iu foreign lands thousands of their sewing machines especially are in use at the
 
 58 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 present time. They employ constantly three traveling men to look after their 
 interests. 
 
 SANITARY FEATURES. 
 
 The sanitary features of the factory are as near perfect as it is possible to 
 secure in an establishment of this size. The drainage and ventilation are both 
 excellent, the light is good and plenty of fresh air is always to be had. On every 
 hand, from the tool room to the foundry, from the private offices to the engine 
 room are exemplified order, neatness and cleanliness in matters small and great. 
 These points President Eldredge strenuously insists on being observed by the 
 employes, and are qualities characteristic of the man. He believes in '"looking 
 
 BICYCLE FRAME AND FILING ROOM IN BICYCLE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 after the little foxes." A walk through the plant (which, by the way, consumes 
 a full half day) will unfold to the visitor one of the most systematic working fac- 
 tories in the world, and show with what religious zeal is the adage, "a place for 
 everything and everything in its place," adhered to by the hundreds of employes. 
 
 DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS. 
 
 WHAT THEY ARE, WHO IS THE FOREMAN OF EACH, AND HOW MANY MEN ARE 
 
 EMPLOYED. 
 
 To carry on the business of this factory it requires the co-operation of fifteen 
 separate and distinct departments, as follows: 
 
 Department No. 1 Tool. Chai-les M. Ingalls, foreman; employs 36 men. 
 
 Department No. 2 Milling and Drilling. Frank \V. (Jrain, foreman; 
 employs 138 men.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 59 
 
 Department No. 3- 
 Department No. 4- 
 Department No. 5- 
 Department No. 6- 
 
 58 men. 
 
 Department No. 7- 
 
 97 men. 
 
 Department No. 8 
 
 employs 86 men. 
 
 Department No. 9- 
 
 -Shipping. E. E. Manning, foreman; employs 57 men. 
 -Polishing. L. M. Bo ts ford, foreman; employs 143 men. 
 -Plating. George M. Elliott, foreman; employs 38 men. 
 -Press and Stand. H. L. Haywood, foreman; employs 
 
 Japan and Enameling. R. II. Jukes, foreman; employs 
 Sewing Machine Assembling. E. L. Barton, foreman; 
 -Screw. W. L. Carpenter, foreman; employs 106 men. 
 
 VIEW IN FRAME ROOM OF BICYCLE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL t-EWIXG MACHINE CO. 
 'PHOTO BY CI.ARK A XOTT. 
 
 Department No. 10 Stock and Inspection. G. W. Boale, foreman; employs 
 28 men. 
 
 Department 11 Bicycle Assembly. Walter J. Adams, foreman; employs 83 
 men. 
 
 Department No. 12 Attachment and Shuttle. H. Walter Davis, foreman; 
 employs 76 men. 
 
 Department No. 13 Bicycle Frame. W. C. Wright, foreman; employs 123 
 men. 
 
 Department No. 14 Foundry. W. II. Moore, superintendent; employs 110 
 men. 
 
 Department No. 15 Chain and Pedal. Employs 59 men. 
 
 Department No. 16 Bicycle Enameling. A. II. Arthur, foreman; employs 
 100 men.
 
 60 
 
 BELVI DERK ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 This makes a total of 1,338 men employed in these departments. Add to 
 these the 40 office hands and it gives a total of 1,378 persons employed in this 
 busy hive of industry a city of itself. 
 
 IN CONCLUSION. 
 
 However much we would desire to give a detailed description of the technical 
 workings of the numerous processes of manufacture in the different departments it 
 is impossible for us to do sous in this space. A general " write-up " is one thing; 
 a comprehensive treatise quite another. To properly describe the countless evo- 
 lutions through which the many intricate parts used in building sewing machines 
 and bicycles go before coming out the finished product would enlist the greatest 
 
 VIEW OF CHAIN AND PEDAL ROOM, BICYCLE DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 effort of even a "Philadelphia lawyer," and the subject matter fill a book. The 
 writer is no " Philadelphia lawyer," nor yet a master mechanic. A visit to the 
 plant will be productive of more knowledge in this direction than could ever be 
 gleaned from any written description. 
 
 In thus briefly speaking of the National Sewing Machine factory its past his- 
 tory, its present condition and future prospects we have adhered strictly to facts, 
 believing that an honest statement of the Company's business and plant as it actually 
 exists to-day were better than all the fulsome praise or wild exaggerations in the 
 world; that it will better subserve the interests of the Company and greater redound 
 to the credit of Belvidere. Tremendous in all its operations little enough can be 
 said in exaltation of this mammoth enterprise. The more one looks into the his- 
 torv of the concern and learns of its methodical, straightforward and thorough
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 61 
 
 manner of doing business the more is one inclined to become lost in enthusiastic 
 admiration of its internecine fabric and workings, and in its completeness recog- 
 nize the hand of genius, the distinctive impress of great generalship and the cer- 
 tain evidence at every turn of a broad, comprehensive master-mind. 
 
 Well may the people of Belvidere be proud of this grand industrial institu- 
 tion and zealously should they guard its every interest. So long as from its tower- 
 ing chimneys rolls the dense smoke sweet incense to the god of Industry, signi- 
 fying its prosperous continuation so long is our city's future thrift assured, so 
 long will our fame throughout the world be known as a great manufacturing cen- 
 ter, so long will it be the palladium of Belvidere's commercial success. May its 
 
 LOWER FLOOR OF BICYCLE FRAME ENAMELING ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 shadow never grow less and may its conquests in the sewing machine and bicycle 
 world never cease until "all roads lead to Belvidere." 
 
 During the year 1896 several large additions will be built. On May 1 work 
 was begun on a new building which is to be 250 feet by 50 feet and two stories. 
 This will be fire-proof and will be used principally as a stock room. It will cost 
 about $20,000. Besides this a larger, three story, addition will be erected to the 
 enameling building. The Company has just completed a gas plant of its own and 
 is about to build another brick engine house and put in another 400 horse power 
 engine, giving it two engines of that size. This spring the factory has been running 
 night and day to fill orders for both sewing machines and bicycles. Verily, great 
 is the National Sewing Machine Company.
 
 62 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 BARNABAS ELDREDGE. 
 
 A BRIEF SKETCH OF THIS BUSY MAN'S LIFE AND OF THE EARLY ELDREDGE FAMILY. 
 
 We are told that Edward, Zenas and Asael Eldredge came to this country 
 from Wales in their youth and settled at Cape Cod, Mass. How long they 
 remained there is not known. We know that Edward moved to Sharon, N. Y., 
 in after years, while the other brothers sought homes in Connecticut. To the 
 Edward Eldredge branch of the family, and the one of which we shall speak, 
 Barnabas Eldredge, of Belvidere, President of the National Sewing Machine Com- 
 pany, traces his ancestors. 
 
 BICYCLE INSPECTION ROOM. 
 
 NATIONAL DEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 Edward Eldredge was born September 9, 1737. He died March 28, 1821, in 
 Sharon, Schoharie county, N. Y. He married Adna Hammond in Massachusetts, 
 December 19, 1762. She was born in Dartsmouth, Mass., May 25, 1735, and died 
 in Sharon, N. Y., December 23, 1825. She was one of the family of Hon. Jabez D. 
 Hammond, later the author of "The Political History of New York." Edw T ard 
 and Adna Eldredge had nine children, six sons and three daughters; one son died 
 in infancy. The five brothers at one time all lived on farms adjoining, near 
 Sharon, N. Y. -When they separated two of them went to Cortland, N. Y., one 
 to western New York, and two remained at Sharon. 
 
 The third son, Barnabas Eldredge, was born September 29, 1768. He died 
 Sharon, N. Y., September 5, 1843. He married Theodosia Wadsworth, soon 
 the Revolutionary war, in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where she then lived. Sb
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 63 
 
 daughter of Josiah Wadswortb, formerly of Hartford, Conn., where she was born. 
 She died in Sharon, X. Y., May 30, 1831, aged 59 years. In June, 1832, he mar- 
 ried his second wife, Sarah Peck. She died April 25, 1873, in Sharon, N. Y., aged 
 88 years. 
 
 Barnabas Eldredge was a member of the general assembly in the state of New 
 York in 1821. His son, Robert Eldredge, was a member of the New York state 
 assembly in 1830, and his son, Seth Eldredge, was a member of the state assembly 
 in 1844. 
 
 Barnabas and Theodosia Eldredge had eleven children, vix.: Nancy, Robert, 
 David, Adna, Franklin, Charles, Seth, LeRoy, Fally, Clinton and Betsy. 
 
 A SECTION OF THE BICYCLE STORAGE AND CRATING DEPARTMENT. 
 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A XOTT. 
 
 Franklin Eldredge was born December 17, 1801, in Sharon, N. Y., the com- 
 munity with which several generations of the family have been prominently 
 identified. November 26, 1822, he married Eliza M. Van Dyke, a descendant of 
 Hedrick Van Dyke, who immigrated to this country from Holland in 1636 a dis- 
 tinguished character among the early colonists of New York, and the progenitor 
 of an illustrious Knickerbocker family. She was born October 3, 1802, in Mid- 
 dleburg, N. Y., and died August 1, 1879, in Chardon, Ohio. They had twelve 
 children. The eleventh child and youngest son is Barnabas Eldredge, born June 
 19, 1843, in Munson, Geauga county, Ohio. 
 
 Franklin Eldredge settled on a farm in the western reserve of Ohio, and on 
 this farm B. Eldredge was born and brought up. lie received his early education 
 in the country schools, and worked on the farm until 1861, when he went to Cleve- 
 land to pursue an advanced course of study. Leaving the Cleveland high school
 
 64 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 shortly before graduation he became connected with the ship-yards of Stephens 
 & Presley as bookkeeper, pursuing at the same time a course of study in a com- 
 mercial college, from which he graduated. 
 
 On August 28, 1865, in Cleveland, Ohio, he married Marie A. Presley, 
 daughter of the junior member of the firm by which he had been employed. 
 They have one son, Franklin P. Eldredge, born January 26, 1867, in Cleveland, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Shortly after his marriage Mr. Eldredge engaged in the hardware business in 
 Cleveland as a member of the firm of Van Tassel & Eldredge. It was while 
 engaged in this business that his attention was first attracted to the sewing machine 
 
 HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT. 
 
 (Very few cases treated each year.) 
 NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 trade. He had a brother in Detroit, Mich., who was engaged on an extensive 
 scale in the sale of sewing machines, and in 1866 he became interested with the 
 latter in this business. In 1869 he sold out his hardware business in Cleveland 
 and moved to Detroit to become an active partner in the conduct and management 
 of the sewing machine business. Their trade here extended over a large territory 
 and they had remarkable success in establishing the business of the Domestic Sew- 
 ing Machine Company, then being introduced into the market. Remaining at 
 Detroit until 1874, Mr. Eldredge then came to Chicago as the general manager of 
 the Domestic Company, having under his control all the territory lying between 
 the western line of Ohio and the Rocky Mountains, and all the Southern States. 
 This position he retained until he turned his attention to the manufacture and sale 
 of his own machine.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 65 
 
 Something has already been said of the fierce opposition which he encoun- 
 tered in his attempt to introduce this machine into the market. The most vicious 
 onslaughts were made on him, however, at the very outset of his career as a manu- 
 facturer. Infringement suits were brought against him whenever a pretext could 
 be obtained for doing so, and to defend against these suits involved great expense, 
 and led to the serious embarrassment of his business. 
 
 In the construction of his machine, he had made use of certain appliances of 
 which rival concerns at once claimed the ownership and control. To establish the 
 fact that their claims were invalid, Mr. Eldredge had to hunt the country over for 
 evidences of the fact that their appliances had been in use before they were 
 patented by the claimants. All over the United States he had agents examining 
 old sewing machines and reporting to him the results of their investigations. In 
 
 RESIDENCE OF B. ELDREDGE. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 one instance he heard of a machine which he desired to produce in court, it being in 
 the possession of parties who lived in Hamilton, Canada. The information proved 
 to be incorrect, but from clews obtained in Hamilton he traced the machine to 
 Rochester, New York, where he finally gained possession of it, much to his 
 advantage, and won the case in the impending litigation. In another instance 
 while defending a suit brought against him by the Singer Manufacturing Company, 
 he heard of an old machine of which he wished to obtain possession, at Redwood, 
 California. A telegram was sent to San Francisco, and a special agent went out 
 from there to purchase the machine. The agent acted promptly and got hold of 
 it just in time to prevent it passing into the hands of the Singer Company, and 
 with this machine he defeated the latter in the case on trial. 
 
 In this spirited and long continued contest Mr. Eldredge showed wonderful 
 persistency, tenacity of purpose and indomitable courage, as well as a vast amount 
 of tact in the conduct of his affairs. These were the qualities most essential to his 
 success at that time, but when he had weathered these storms, and was left free to 
 give his attention to the development of the industry with which he was and still
 
 66 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 is, so conspicuously identified, it at once became apparent that be bad executive 
 ability of a bigb order and was eminently fitted for carrying forward the work on 
 hand. The subsequent success of the enterprise testifies more strongly than can 
 anything else to the skill and ability with which he has conducted its affairs. 
 
 In the management and building up of the bicycle business Mr. Eldredge has 
 exhibited the same progressiveness, the same ability of organization and excellent 
 judgment that has marked his business career from the first. He has boldly entered 
 the field and accomplished in an almost incredibly short space of time, in the face 
 of sharpest competition, what it has taken others years to perform, and what no 
 other man or men ever before did in the same length of time in the same line of 
 trade. This in itself speaks more for his capability and business faculty than all 
 else that we might write. And in this very particular is one of the leading char- 
 acteristics of Mr. Eldredge's personality manifest he modestly disclaims any 
 special honor in having made his business the great success it now is, and seeks no 
 fame in this direction. 
 
 As Grant was great in Avar, as Blaine was great in politics, so is Mr. Eldredge 
 great in the commercial world a born leader. Though energetic and progressive 
 in the highest degree he is likewise cautious and conservative just the man for the 
 responsible position he occupies. In his comprehension and treatment of all ques- 
 tions and matters of business he is broad-gauged and broad-minded, a man of the 
 greatest acumen and wonderful executive capacity. Honorable in all things, of 
 strictest integrity, approachable and socially agreeable, he commands the respect 
 and esteem of his business colleagues, employes and fellow-citizens, and stands 
 today a living example of what heroic determination and fortitude may do when 
 coupled with brains and a fixedness of purpose. And through all these years of 
 toil and planning, of ceaseless endeavor and accomplishment, Mr. Eldredge has 
 come to know and realize that "nothing succeeds like success," and the quickest 
 and only way to do a thing is to do it. 
 
 THE OTHER OFFICERS. 
 
 SOMETHING ABOUT VICE-PRESIDENT ELDREDGE AND SECRETARY PATTON. 
 
 Without more than a passing mention of the other officers of the Company 
 the gentlemen above referred to this article would be woefully incomplete, as 
 their identification with the industry has been and is of such a nature that they 
 form a part of its very life-blood, and are important factors in all its dealings. 
 
 Vice-President F. P. Eldredge, the son of President Eldredge, was born in 
 Cleveland, Ohio, January 26, 1867. His early life was spent in that city and in 
 Detroit, Michigan, where his father was engaged in business. There he passed 
 through the trials of youth. In 1874 he moved with his parents to Chicago and there 
 received his early schooling at the Harvard school. He completed his education at 
 the Harvard law school in Boston, from which he graduated in 1887. In January, 
 1888, he came to Belvidere to reside permanently and to take an active interest in 
 the affairs of the National Company. Upon the reorganization of the Company in 
 1890 he- was elected vice-president, and the wisdom of this choice has been repeat- 
 edly shown, for he has proven himself equal to any and all demands made upon 
 him, even under the most trying circumstances. With a zeal born of patriotic 
 enthusiasm he has acquired a complete knowledge of every nook, corner and turn 
 in this great plant and possesses an understanding of its every division and infinite 
 detail that is little short of amazing. No feature of the business within or with- 
 out the factory is there but that he has familiarized himself with and has it at his 
 tongue's end. Next to his father his opinion, judgment, sanction and advice is
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 67 
 
 most sought. He is the counterpart of his father in all of his traits, characteris- 
 tics and in manner of doing business. No higher compliment can be paid him 
 than that simple statement. He is finely educated, versatile, brilliant and withal 
 a " prince of good fellows " one of the salt of the earth. Though young in 
 years Mr. Eldredge carries an old business head, and his capabilities of execution 
 in this direction are only measured by the requirements that may be made upon 
 him. Mr. Eldredge is a prominent Mason, a Mystic Shriner and a member of 
 Medinah Temple, Chicago, and also of the Harvard club, of the same city. 
 
 Secretary David Patton was born in Glasslough, near Belfast, Ireland, 
 February 8, 1861. With his parents he came to this country in 1868 and settled in 
 Chicago, where he received his early education in the high schools. Until coming 
 to Belvidere in 1889 nearly his whole life had been spent in that city. He has been 
 associated with B. Eldredge in the sewing machine business continually since 1876 
 nearly twenty years and has been indefatigable in his efforts in building up the 
 business of the National Sewing Machine Company to its present proportions. He 
 is fiancially interested in the enterprise and no man connected with it is more zeal- 
 ous in looking after the " main chance," or exhibits greater fidelity in all matters 
 concerning it than does Secretary Patton. His years of experience in the sewing 
 machine business, gained through his association with Mr. Eldredge, and in par- 
 ticular regarding the affairs of this Company, make him an invaluable adjunct to 
 its successful conduct indispensable would better express it, for he literally has 
 the details of the business, inside and out, from A to Z, within his grasp. In his 
 present capacity this wide knowledge is of the greatest value and assistance to him 
 in the performance of his duties, and they are many. Like the Messrs. Eldredge 
 he is most emphatically the man for the important position he occupies. Mr. 
 Patton is an advanced Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias and Royal 
 Arcanum, and socially a "hale fellow well met."
 
 AN IMPORTANT INDUSTRY. 
 
 What is now an important industry and bids fair to become a still larger one, 
 is the Cleaveland Spring Bed and Mattress Company. It is next in importance to 
 the big plant of the National Sewing Machine Company. Although President E. 
 A. Cleaveland has been manufacturing spring beds in Belvidere since 1881, the 
 present concern is a new one, the plant having been erected and the company 
 
 E. A. CLEAVELAND. 
 
 organized by Mr. Cleaveland in 1890. It has a capital stock of 115,000, fully 
 paid, and its officers are as follows: E. A. Cleaveland, president; A. C. Fassett, 
 vice-president; J. W. Sharp, secretary, and A. E. Loop, treasurer. Vice-presi- 
 dent Fassett is the county's efficient circuit clerk; Treasurer Loop is cashier of the 
 First National Bank, while Secretary Sharp is a leading grocery dealer. 
 
 The factory is thoroughly equipped with all the expensive and intricate 
 machinery necessary for the work. It is operated by steam power, and an average 
 of twenty-five workmen are given employment. The product consists of coil spring 
 beds, woven wire mattresses, cots and children's cribs, and the concern turns out 
 some of the most acceptable, popular and rapidly selling goods now on the markets 
 of the country. Mr. Cleaveland has just invented a new and novel device which 
 does away with many complications in folding cots and cribs. A small inven- 
 tion, yet it promises to greatly enlarge the business, as it is much more simple in
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 69 
 
 construction than any other, more easily operated, and much neater in design. 
 The factory has a capacity of 200 beds per day, and a great many different styles 
 are manufactured. Competent judges affirm that the Cleaveland Spring Bed and 
 Mattress Company turn out the finest line of goods on the market to-day. 
 
 Mr. Cleaveland has a long and highly creditable record as a manufacturer. 
 Born in Livingston county, New York, in 1850, he came to Boone county in 1866, 
 and has been a resident of Belvidere seventeen years. He belongs to that class of 
 men known as city-builders, and his coming to Belvidere was a fortunate circum- 
 stance, since, with others, he placed his shoulder to the wheel and roused the city 
 from its state of lethargy to the present phenomenal prosperity. He served four 
 years as alderman at the time that the city water-works were completed, and also 
 
 CLEAVELAND SPRING BED FACTORY. 
 
 PHOTO BY W. H. ROBINSON. 
 
 the same length of time on the board of education. He has ever been one of the 
 city's most enterprising and pushing business men. His real estate interests are 
 large. Much credit should be given to Mr. Cleaveland, and the efficient board of 
 directors of the company, for the careful way in which the business has been man- 
 aged, for it must be taken into consideration that the company was organized and 
 commenced business at the time that the financial troubles were just beginning, and 
 while other factories all over the country were being closed the Cleaveland Spring 
 Bed and Mattress Company never shut down a day and met every obligation 
 promptly. This could never have been done only by careful management. And 
 while the company does not boast of doing as large a business as others who have 
 a much larger working capital it is doing a steady, safe business, and its share 
 toward the prosperity and welfare of the city of Belvidere.
 
 70 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 GENERAL ALLEN C. FULLER. 
 
 General Allen C. Fuller was born at Farmingham, Conn., September 22, A.D. 
 
 1822. His father's name was Lucius Fuller and his mother's maiden name was 
 Candace Newell, and both families were of New England blood. Both parents 
 were for many years among our old settlers, having come to this country in 1845, 
 and both died several years since in this city. Lucius Fuller was for a short time 
 in the mercantile business; was at one time associate judge of the County court, 
 and afterwards postmaster of Belvidere. Our early settlers will remember this 
 aged couple as among the most highly respected and public spirited citizens. 
 
 General Fuller was educated in Towanda, Pa. After graduating at the 
 To wand a academy he was placed under the instructions of a thoroughly educated 
 private instructor, and under whom he completed the full course of collegiate 
 study. In 1841 he commenced his law studies, and completed the same at War- 
 saw, N. Y., in the office of the United States Senator Doolittle, in 1846, when he 
 was admitted to the Supreme court of New York, and in November of that year 
 (1846) arrived at Belvidere, where he has resided since that time, now nearly fifty 
 years. 
 
 Within a few days after coming to this city General Fuller was employed in 
 several important cases, and entered upon the active duties of his profession. At 
 this time our population was about 800, and there were but two attorneys here in 
 active practice, Gen. S. A. Hurlbut and W. T. Burgess. Soon after the firms 
 of "Fuller & Burgess" and "Loop & Hurlbut" were formed. These firms con- 
 tinued for several years and did a large business. Between these firms it was 
 " Greek against Greek," and they not only had the business of this county, 
 but were extensively employed in litigation in neighboring counties and the 
 Supreme court. 
 
 Devoting himself entirely to his profession for many years, refusing to seek 
 office or participating in party intrigues, and with an iron constitution and indom- 
 itable will, he secured and held a large and pi'otitable practice for many years. 
 This was the commencement of his subsequent financial success. 
 
 General Fuller has in later years held the following offices: Master in chan- 
 cery, appraiser of damages on Illinois and Michigan canal, state bank commis- 
 sioner, county judge, circuit judge, adjutant general of the state, representative 
 and speaker of the house, senator and president pro tern of the senate. 
 
 On his return home from public to private life in 1869, our " Old Reliable 
 Belvidere Standard," whose editor had intimately known him for many years, 
 published its opinion of Gen. Fuller, and we copy from its columns the following 
 article: 
 
 "For more than eighteen years the name of Allen C. Fuller has been inti- 
 mately and most favorably known to the people of this portion of the state. In 
 1846 he came to this place a young, briefless and penniless lawyer. His scholarly 
 attainments, his legal acquirements and his industry and inflexible resolution to 
 succeed, soon brought to him an extensive and lucrative practice, and during the 
 succeeding twelve or fifteen years, while he was in active practice, we presume 
 that no man ever doubted that he ably, zealously and faithfully discharged his 
 duties to his clients. Though always public 'spirited and liberal, he has. by per- 
 sonal economy and business talent, acquired a handsome property and has con- 
 tributed much to the growth and prosperity of our town.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 71 
 
 ''When the war broke out in 1861, General Fuller was then presiding judge 
 of this circuit, and we believe it was universally admitted that he discharged its 
 honorable and responsible duties satisfactorily and with ability. In the summer 
 of that year he was urged by our state officers to connect himself with the military 
 affairs of our state. The bar of the circuit unanimously objected to his resigna- 
 tion, but urged him. temporarily to accept the appointment tendered to him of 
 
 GENERAL ALLEN C. FULLER. 
 
 adjutant general. In the fall of 1861 he entered upon the discharge of the duties 
 of that laborious and exacting and responsible office, and in July, 1862, resigned 
 the office of circuit judge. 
 
 "The history and result of his labors during the past three years and a half 
 as adjutant general of the state are too well known to the country to need to be 
 mentioned here. If the opinion of the press, without distinction of party, we 
 believe; if the testimony of Governor Yates, with whom he has been so long asso- 
 ciated; if the public opinion, so far as we have heard it expressed, are to be relied 
 upon, then, indeed, he has rendered the state and country capable, faithful and
 
 72 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 acceptable service. The published reports of the operations of the adjutant gen- 
 eral's department in the organizing and sending to the iield over two hundred 
 thousand men are before us, and we would wish no better record than to have been 
 so honorably identified with the glorious history of Illinois during this war. Gov- 
 ernor Yates in his last message repeats what he has stated in other messages and 
 says: 'General Fuller has been a most able, faithful and energetic officer, and is 
 entitled to the gratitude of the state.' 
 
 "The house of representatives, at its last session, unanimously adopted a re- 
 port of its committee appointed to inspect the adjutant general's office, and from 
 which report we extract the following: 
 
 " 'That we have thoroughly examined the office of the adjutant general and 
 find it a model of completeness, one that preserves in all its glory the proud record 
 of all our soldiery and reflects infinite credit upon the great state whose sons they 
 are. 
 
 " 'That in the judgment of this committee the thanks of every patriotic citi- 
 zen of the state are due to General Fuller for the able and efficient manner in 
 which he has discharged the duties of the office and for his indefatigable efforts in 
 collecting and preserving this glorious record of a glorious state.' 
 
 "On the first day of January last General Fuller resigned his office as adju- 
 tant general, and having been previously elected a member of the general assembly 
 he was nominated by acclamation by our party, and on the second of January was 
 elected speaker of the house of representatives. 
 
 "The manner in which he acquitted himself in this new position may be seen 
 by the following resolution which was unanimously adopted by that body just 
 before the adjournment on the 16th ult: 
 
 " ' llcsolvecl, That we tender our heartfelt thanks to the Hon. Aljen C. Fuller, 
 our presiding officer, for the kind, courteous, able and impartial manner in which 
 he has presided over us, and as such recognize in his general bearing and demeanor 
 the perfect model of a gentleman.' 
 
 "As a speaker of the house of representatives, and while presiding officer of 
 the senate, General Fuller was, of course, prevented from actively participating in 
 the debates, but we notice from the official proceedings that on the subject of pri- 
 vate legislation and the industrial university bill he joins the discussions, and we 
 think our readers will agree with us that in the following extracts from his 
 speeches, which we publish to-day, his views were sound and were ably presented. 
 
 "In conclusion we regret to say that General Fuller returns home with his 
 health seriously impaired, but it may be some consolation to him to know that for 
 his long and faithful service he has acquired a high character as a public officer, 
 and enjoys the universal confidence of his old neighbors and friends among whom 
 he has resided so many years." 
 
 At this distant day the people of the state may have forgotten, but it is never- 
 theless true, that they owe* General Fuller their lasting gratitude for his service in 
 introducing into the legislature various bills which became laws, among which are 
 the following: 
 
 Railroad bills asserting the power and sovereignty of the state to control 
 these corporations in fixing rates upon transporting passengers and freight. His 
 was the first square and honest fight made in this or any other state to fix maxi- 
 mum rates, and the legislation upon this subject was taken to the Supreme court 
 of the state and the Supreme court of the United States, and finally the legal 
 questions of the constitutionality of such laws was sustained by these high 
 tribunals. 
 
 Also the law establishing railroad commissions and now in force. 
 
 Also establishing a board of public charities and now in force. 
 
 Also a bill upon the subject of eminent domain. 
 
 Also the revenue law, now substantially in force, was prepared by him. 
 
 And the impress of his genius and ability is found on many a page of the 
 Revised Statutes of the State still in force. 
 
 Since the close of the war several histories have been written upon our state 
 affairs, and particularly concerning our soldiers and the public men of the state.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 73 
 
 Among others may be found " Illinois and the War," two volumes by Eddy, pub- 
 lished in 1866 ; "History of Illinois," by Davidson and Stuve, published in 1874; 
 " Politics and Politicians of Illinois," by D. W. Lusk, published in 1884 ; "Illinois, 
 Historical and Statistical," two volumes by John Moses, published in 1892. 
 
 By a reference to those histories and others it will be found, we believe without 
 exception, that the most unqualified endorsement and approval has been given to 
 General Fuller for the conspicuous part he took in public matters during those times. 
 Though well and favorably known to the bar and business men of Noi'thern Illinois 
 prior to 1860, it was at this time and subsequent years he established a state re- 
 putation and maintained the same until he retired from public life in 1872. In 
 
 RESIDENCE OF GENERAL ALLEN C. FULLER. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 the memorable political contest of 1860 Governor Yatesand General Fuller canvassed 
 almost the entire state in behalf of the Republican party, and if we may judge of 
 that canvass, by the opinions of the press of the state as given at that time, it was 
 a most successful and brilliant one, and contributed its full share to the success of 
 the Republican party. 
 
 It was not, however, until the late terrible war commenced in 1861, and he 
 assumed the duties of adjutant general of the state, that his name became familiar 
 as household words in every family in the state and especially to our volunteer 
 soldiers. It was in this important office with all its labors, cares, difficulties and 
 responsibilities that he made his most distinctive mark and displayed those rare 
 executive abilities which were admitted by every one. The repeated messages of 
 Governor Yates the resolutions of our state legislature, and the reports of the 
 federal authorities, as well as the above quoted histories of those years are so en-
 
 74 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 tirely unanimous on this subject, that no other opinion need be given in tins brief 
 sketch. 
 
 After a residence in Belvidere of nearly half a century it can be truly said 
 that General Fuller has established and maintained a character above reproach or 
 question. His word is as good as his bond and all know his bond, if any one could 
 get it, would be unquestionably good. He is believed to have acquired a large 
 fortune and he deserves it. Commencing active life here he still retains the 
 strongest attachment for this city, where his early struggles for success commenced. 
 
 In early days here everybody was poor. With no rich or powerful friends to 
 aid in the start, he has, by his indomitable will, his conservative and prudent busi- 
 
 GENERAL ALLEN C. FULLER'S PRIVATE OFFICE. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 ness management and tireless energy, succeeded in life. His liberality and public 
 spirit here are proverbial. None more so. His gift to this city as hereinafter 
 mentioned proves this and it is now believed that he has made provisions for other 
 worthy public objects. As an evidence of the confidence placed in him as a busi- 
 ness man, it may be here stated that he has prominently assisted in establishing 
 half a dozen or more National banks and has held and now holds prominent offices 
 in several of them. 
 
 In this brief biographical sketch it is, of course, impossible to do full justice 
 to the reputation and career of a gentleman whose history is part of the history of 
 this great state, and so closely interwoven therewith as to form an essential part of 
 nearly every portion thereof for a period of nearly half a century of progress and 
 achievement. The older citizens who have known and admired him for all these 
 years will not forget, while life shall last, his splendid record and noble character.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 75 
 
 They have known him as a citizen and friend ; they have respected him for his 
 high character ; they have been grateful for his many acts for the benefit and im- 
 provement of the city and county of his residence, and they have delighted to 
 honor him with positions of public trust \vhen opportunity offered. His liberal 
 donation of $5,000.00 for the Ida public library, which he founded in honor of his 
 deceased daughter, and which has become one of the finest public libraries in the 
 
 SUMMER RESIDENCE OF GENERAL ALLEN C. FULLER. 
 
 BAYFIELD, WIS. 
 
 state, outside the large cities, was only one of the acts of public benevolence 
 which has endeared him to all classes. 
 
 General Fuller, like all great lawyers, has been a great worker. He was 
 always faithful to his client, and gave to every case he undertook, the best efforts 
 of which he was capable. But .he surpassed most other men in executive ability 
 which he possessed in a large degree. 
 
 This sometimes gave the appearance of austerity to his character, and he 
 has been charged with being overbearing, austere, and unapproachable. Save in 
 the trying days of the nation, when all his great abilities were centered on his 
 country's welfare alone, these charges were without foundation; and then these 
 characteristics were justified by the needs of the hour, when men of blood and
 
 76 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 iron were necessary to the salvation of the nation . At other times no more 
 genial, companionable and kind hearted man ever breathed. Like the great hero, 
 Grant, in war his nerves were of steel, in peace his heart was tender as a child's, 
 and his sympathies broad enough to embrace all mankind. 
 
 His grief over the deaths of his children, whom he idolized, softened, though 
 it did not break him, and he has continued to this day, the capable, active, broad- 
 minded man of affairs. When his work shall have been completed and the his- 
 tory of his life written, then will all know that a giant oak has fallen, that a man 
 fit and capable to have ruled over a state or nation has left the impress of his life 
 and achievements upon the community. 
 
 BUSINESS OFFICE OF GENERAL ALLEN' C. ' FULLER. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 As yet his eyes are not dimmed, and his strength has not failed. Daily he 
 can be found at his office, where all having business to transact with him can find 
 a cordial greeting and a cheerful readiness to take up and dispose of the business 
 in hand. His business habits and methods are methodical; he familarizes himself 
 fully with every detail of the business in which he may be engaged, and never 
 shirks a duty. His affairs are always in shape, every detail is attended to with 
 scrupulous exactness, and to these qualities is largely due his success in life, in a 
 material way. 
 
 Whatever he does is well done, and whatever anyone else to whom he may 
 entrust any matter to do must also be done well, and his employes always are made 
 to realize that their employer always knows at every step of the work whether or 
 not it is done as it should be. 
 
 Perhaps this sketch cannot be better closed than by saying that afte- 
 preparation of the foregoing article the publisher of this book called upo*
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 77 
 
 tinguisbed member of the bar of tbis city and one of the most eloquent men of 
 this state, and whose professional and official life for many years enables him to 
 know more than most men, the opinions of the public concerning men of affairs, 
 and requested him to give his impartial and candid opinion of the subject of this 
 sketch. 
 
 This is his reply: "Yes, I will do so with pleasure." 
 
 " A learned historian of this state has said that ' the history of Illinois could 
 not be written with the name of Allen C. Fuller left out.' Truer words were never 
 spoken, nor a more deserved tribute ever paid to a public servant. In the county 
 of Boone, where he is best known, and where the greater portion of his life has 
 been spent, the name of General Fuller is a household word, and is a synonym for 
 honor, integrity and fair dealing, as well as for worth and ability. Whether at 
 home or abroad, in private or public life, no man ever questioned his honor and 
 integrity; no man ever doubted his public spirit, his broadmindedness or his abso- 
 lute justice in all his dealings with his fellow men. As a young man, in the prac- 
 tice of law, he was industrious and faithful, and those qualities, coupled with 
 strict honesty and fair ability, could not fail to bring success. He has held the 
 offices of master in chancery, county judge, circuit judge, representative in the 
 general assembly, and speaker of the house, state senator from his district and 
 president of the senate, and adjutant general of the state of Illinois, during the 
 days that ' tried men's souls,' when more than two hundred thousand men went 
 out from Illinois to do battle for the union. In all these positions of trust and 
 honor he acquitted himself with signal ability and with manly honor. No man 
 will deny and none can gainsay that he has been a just and upright judge, a faith- 
 ful public servant and an honest man in all the relations of life. And such is and 
 will be the final judgment as to his abilities, worth and character." 
 
 HON. JOHN J. FOOTE. 
 
 John J. Foote was born at Hamilton, N. Y., February 11, 1816. He was a 
 son of John Foote, a distinguished counselor-at-law, and Mary B. Johnson, the 
 daughter of a prominent physician. His genealogy is traced with accuracy to 
 Nathaniel Foote, who emigrated from Colchester, England, and whose name 
 appears on the Massachusetts Bay Colony records of 1633. The descendants of 
 this more immediate ancestor, some of whom are mentioned in Revolutionary 
 annals, long remained in the coast colonies of Massachusetts and Connecticut. 
 After completing his studies in the common schools and Hamilton Academy, and 
 receiving the degree of A. M., conferred by Madison, now Colgate University, he 
 qualified as a druggist, and entered upon and conducted an extensive business in 
 his native town. At the outset of his career, and along its course, the two con- 
 spicuous elements of his character were integrity and sincerity, and to these were 
 joined ability and energy. Recognizing the truth of this analysis his friends, 
 added with the years and widening intercourse, made him the repository .of 
 important political and financial trusts. After filling with credit a number of 
 local offices, including that of chairman of the Madison county board of super- 
 visors for two years, he was, in 1857, elected senator for Madison, Chenango and 
 Courtland counties, and served his constituency with distinction. In politics 
 Whig and afterward Republican, Mr. Foote has been an earnest champion of the 
 principles advocated by Henry Clay and the great leaders of later times. Among 
 his colleagues in the senate were many who have since become eminent, notably 
 William A. Wheeler, afterward vice-president of the United States. During the 
 session of this first republican legislature, he introduced the "Personal Liberty " 
 bill, an act enlarging the rights of negroes, and other important measures. Mr.
 
 78 
 
 BEL VIDE RE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Foote was chairman of the committee on militia, and a member of the banking 
 committee. Mr. Wheeler, chairman of the latter, having been elected president 
 of the senate pro tern., on his motion Mr. Foote succeeded him in the former posi- 
 tion. This expression of confidence was valuable, as the committee had great 
 financial responsibility by reason of the panic then impending. In 1860 his name 
 was placed on the Lincoln ticket as an elector for the counties of Madison and 
 Oswego. His acquaintance and association with the leading statesmen of that 
 period was extended, and his co-workers were such men as Governor Morgan, 
 Thurlow Weed, Mayor Opdyke and others of like prominence. Immediately 
 after Fort Sumter had been fired upon the leading men of the state, alarmed at 
 
 HON. JOHN J. FOOTE. 
 
 the situation, gathered at the Astor House, New York city, for the purpose of con- 
 sidering what steps the commonwealth should take for general protection. Prompt 
 decision was necessary, as the legislature then in session would adjourn within 
 thirty six hours. As a result of the hurried deliberations Mr. Foote was delegated 
 to proceed to Albany, and urge that the motion to adjourn be reconsidered, with 
 view of taking some action relative to placing the state on a war footing. His 
 recommendation was adopted by the legislature, together with the additional sug- 
 gestion that a bill be immediately passed appropriating three million dollars for 
 military purposes. In 1865, his health failing, and feeling unequal to the demands 
 of official position and business affairs, he removed from Hamilton to his farm 
 near Belvidere. In 1873 he was called to New York city by Ex-Postmaster- 
 General Thomas L. James, an old-time friend, then postmaster, and consented to
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 79 
 
 temporarily accept the position of auditor and acting postmaster, in the absence of 
 his chief, with the object of radically reforming and reorganizing the financial 
 depai'tments of the office. The task before him was herculean, and required for 
 its proper accomplishment a man of ability, courage and fidelity. But the work 
 was in the end satisfactorily completed, and the system adopted became a model 
 for the principal cities of the country. Returning to Belvidere, Mr. Foote has 
 passed the intervening years in caring for his estate, with occasional services of a 
 public nature, particularly as chairman of the board of supervisors for several 
 terms, and in an advisory capacity as director of the First National Bank since 
 1885. At the home on Lincoln avenue, below illustrated, Mr. Foote lives in retire 
 
 RESIDENCE OF JOHN J. FOOTE. 
 
 ment with his estimable wife and daughter, Miss Harriet, honored and esteemed 
 by the entire community. John C. Foote, his son, follows his father's earlier 
 occupation of druggist in this city, and a daughter, Mrs. Enos Clark, resides in 
 St. Louis. 
 
 SENATOR CHARLES E. FULLER 
 
 Was born in Boone county and all his life has resided in this community. His 
 family came to Illinois in 1845, and consequently were among the early settlers. 
 His ancestors were also among the earliest settlers of New England. Dr. Samuel 
 Fuller and his brother Edward came over in the Mayflower in 1620. The immedi- 
 ate ancestor of Charles E. was Robert Fuller, who was born in England and came 
 to this country in the ship Bevis in 1638. He lived first in Salem and afterwards 
 in Rehoboth, Mass. He was the first and only bricklayer in New England for 
 many years. In 1676 the Indians attacked Rehoboth and burned the houses of the 
 settlement. Robert Fuller, having lost his wife and two sons, killed by the
 
 80 
 
 BELVIUERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Indians, and his home having been burned, returned to Salem, where he remained 
 until 1696, when he returned to Rehoboth, where he died on May 10, 1706. His 
 oldest son was Jonathan Fuller, born at Salem about 1640, and who married 
 Elizabeth Wilmarth, and resided at Attleboro, Mass. Jonathan had a son, David, 
 bom September 11, 1667, who resided at Attleboro, Mass., and Coventry, Conn. 
 He married Mary Ormsby, and they had a son, Elijah Fuller, born September 24, 
 1724, and who married Mary Wellington, December 8, 1747. They resided in 
 Coventry, Conn., and afterwards in Shaftsbury, Vt. They had"a son, Solomon 
 
 EX-SENATOR CHAS. E. FULLER. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT 
 
 Fuller, born March 12, 1757, and his son, Seymour Fuller, born at Shaftsbury, 
 Vt., July 8, 1817, is the father of Charles E. The family have been prominent in 
 New England history since the settlement of this country, and the ancestral heads 
 of the family have generally been men of means and of high character. They were 
 prominently connected with the early colonial wars and several of them lost their 
 lives in King Phillip's war in 1676. From an old historical work we make the 
 following extract as indicative of the opinion generally held of the family : 
 
 "The Fuller families were of strong puritanical character ; marked for integ- 
 rity, industry, a strict regard for truth and justice, accompanied by an affability of 
 manners, both pleasing and of controlling influence."
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 81 
 
 Charles E. Fuller received liis education in the common schools of this county, 
 and whatever of success he has achieved in life has been by his own unaided 
 efforts. He read law, iirst with Hon. O. H. Wright, and afterwards with Hon. 
 Jesse S. Hildrup. He was admitted to the bar in 1870 and has since practiced his 
 profession at Belvidere. He held the office of Corporation Attorney for the old 
 town of Belvidere, before it became a city, for two terms. In 1876 he was elected 
 state's attorney. In 1878 he was elected to the state senate, after a contest which 
 has become historical. He served in the senate for four years, being chairman of 
 the railroad committee and a member of the judiciary and other important com- 
 mittees. He was afterwards elected to the house of representatives three times in 
 succession, where he was a recognized leader, being generally recognized as the 
 party leader and honored by his associates with the chairmanship of the party 
 managing committee. He was also chairman of the house railroad committee. In 
 1888 he was again elected to the senate, and at the close of his term in 1892 
 declined a reelection, preferring to give his time and attention to his large law 
 practice. Mr. Fuller has enjoyed the personal, as well as political, friendship of 
 such men as General John A. Logan, General Richard J. Oglesby, Senator Shelby 
 M. Cullom, Governors John M. Hamilton and Joseph W. Fifer, as well as most of 
 the other political leaders of the state for the past twenty-five years, and has had their 
 entire confidence and respect. In the legislature his friendships were not limited 
 to his party associates, but many of his warmest admirers were to be found on the 
 other side of the house. His opponents admired his abilities, respected him as a 
 man, and had a wholesome regard for his fighting qualities. 
 
 Hon. John R. Tanner is authority for the statement that in a political contest 
 on the floor of the legislature Senator Fuller was the readiest debater, the most 
 resourceful parliamentarian and the best fighter he ever knew. 
 
 General John C. Black once remarked of him, that he was "one of the few 
 men who always knew how to do the right thing at the right time and in the right 
 way." 
 
 In the great senatorial contest of 1885 in the Illinois legislature, when 
 General John A. Logan was reflected to the United States senate after a contest, 
 lasting four months, and in which Mr. Fuller was the Logan leader, he performed 
 services for his party and state, which were afterwards recognized by General 
 Logan in the following letter : 
 
 SPRINGFIELD, 111., May 22, 1885. 
 HON. CHAS. E. FULLER, 
 
 My Dear Friend: \ have relied much upon you as a leader in the late sena- 
 torial struggle, and desire now to express my thanks to you and assure you of my 
 appreciation of your untiring labors to achieve a victory for the republican party 
 and myself. 
 
 Your brilliant leadership has been most effective in forcing rights from a 
 tyrannical and unscrupulous enemy. The party and myself are under many obliga- 
 tions. Be assured of my life-long regard and friendship. 
 
 Very truly yours, 
 
 JOHN A. LOGAN. 
 
 Mr. Fuller was equally the friend of General Oglesby, and in the senatorial 
 contest of 1891 was chairman of the joint caucus of the house and senate, chair- 
 man of the joint steering committee, and manager of the republican side of the 
 contest. The failure to elect General Oglesby or any other republican, was not 
 his fault, but resulted from the independent or F. M. B. A. members, who held 
 the balance of power, going over bodily to the democrats and voting for General 
 Palmer. 
 
 Mr. Fuller has expressed the determination to not again be a candidate for
 
 82 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 any office, but to give his undivided attention to the practice of his profession in 
 which he has been quite successful. He still has a natural liking for politics, 
 however, and generally attends the party conventions of the district and state, 
 where he has been a prominent figure for many years. But he says that he does 
 not expect or desire to again hold any public office himself. 
 
 Mr. Fuller was married in 1874 to Miss Sadie Mackey, daughter of Hugh 
 Mackey, of Cherry Valley. They have a pleasant home at 916 South State street. 
 
 While in the legislature Mr. Fuller's skill as politician won him a high repu- 
 tation which was enhanced by his statecraft. In conventions, both state and 
 national, he has shown himself to be a skillful and resourceful politician, and the 
 press of Chicago and throughout the state has several times termed him a party 
 Warwick. 
 
 As a legislator Mr. Fuller won recognition as one who believed in legislating 
 for the many, and a number of important bills for the benefit of the masses 
 became laws through his work. While he was potent for his party's good in all 
 conflicts with the opposition, he at the same time rendered valuable service to the 
 people. Zealous for his party and faithful to the people, he left the legislature 
 with an enviable record. In the thirty-fourth general assembly he was virtually 
 speaker of the house, as successor to Mr. Haines, occupying the chair during that 
 portion of the session when, after the senatorial struggle had ended victoriously 
 for the republicans through his efforts, the real legislative work was done. He 
 would have been chosen speaker but for his own advice in opposition to any change 
 in the organization of the house. Mr. Fuller is frequently mentioned in connec- 
 tion with higher honors, and should he reconsider his decision to "leave politics 
 alone and practice law," he will surely be heard from. Mr. Fuller is a natural 
 orator and his eloquent voice has been heard in all parts of the state. On the 
 stump he is what is known as a magnetic man. He is considered to be one of the 
 best stump speakers in the state and his services are always in demand by the party 
 committees. 
 
 As a citizen of Belvidere Mr. Fuller has been prominent as well as in the field 
 of public affairs. His energetic, progressive spirit has had much to do with the 
 upbuilding of Belvidere. Successful in law, politics and business affairs, distin- 
 guished as an orator and legislator, popular at home and abroad, and an associate 
 of the leading men of Illinois, the pride which the people of Belvidere and Boone 
 county take in him is pardonable indeed. 
 
 WILLIAM C. DE WOLF, JR. 
 
 Is a native of the soil, having been born in the town of Spring, in Boone county, 
 on the 4th day of November, 1865. As a boy he worked on his father's farm, 
 and attended the district school at the old stone school house at Shattuck's grove. 
 Later he attended the high school at Genoa, De Kalb county, where he graduated 
 in 1885. He afterward read law in the office of Judge C. B. Dean, and was 
 admitted to practice by the Supreme Court of the state in 1887. Later in the 
 same year he entered into a co-partnership with Hon. Charles E. Fuller in the 
 practice of the law and has continued to be so associated with Mr. Fuller to the 
 present time. The firm is one of the strongest and enjoys a practice said to be 
 quite lucrative, and which is not by any means limited to the county of Boone, 
 but extends into the adjoining counties as well. Mr. DeWolf has given his atten- 
 tion almost exclusively to the practice of his profession, and has not generally 
 given much of his time to political matters, although he is a staunch and active 
 Republican, and is generally a delegate to the party conventions. He is a member 
 of the district republican senatorial committee. He was once appointed and twice
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 83 
 
 elected city attorney of Belvidere, but resigned the office in 1891 and has since 
 declined to be a candidate, Mr. De Wolf's associates at the bar all have the 
 greatest respect for his character and abilities. Pie has an eminently judicial 
 cast of mind, is studious and well read and always absolutely fair and honest. 
 Mr. De Wolf is married and has one child. One who knows him intimately when 
 
 w. c. DEWOLF, JR. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 asked to give an estimate of his character said: "Mr. De Wolf is a man of 
 whom one's opinion improves with acquaintance. The better you know him the 
 greater will be your admiration of his character and sterling qualities. He is a 
 man you can tie to. If he is your friend you can count en him in sunshine and in 
 storm. There need be no doubt as to where he stands. He is perfectly reliable ; 
 absolutely true. He never betrayed a trust and never will. He is a good judge 
 of character and knows how to choose his friends. He is a positive man, with a 
 clear, incisive, vigorous mind, and consequently a good lawyer."
 
 84 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 HON. R. W. WRIGHT. 
 
 r^IIi Robert W. Wright, the present efficient state's attorney was born in Belvi- 
 dere, July 19, 1862. He attended the public schools and at the age of 16 began 
 the study of law in his father's law office. On the completion of a course at the 
 Illinois University at Champaign he was admitted to the bar in January, 1883, be- 
 ing only twenty-one years of age at the time. He was chosen state's attorney by 
 the people of this county at the November election of 1884 a signal honor for one 
 
 R. w. WRIGHT, 
 
 State's Attorney. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 of his age. He has been re-elected at the end of each succeeding term since that 
 date. His marriage to Miss Ida Osborn, of Champaign, took place March 11, 
 1885. Mr. Wright met the young lady while attending the University. They 
 have one child, a Miss now ten years of age. Mr. Wright rose rapidly to the 
 front as a lawyer and commanded a lucrative practice. In 1894 he was appointed 
 corporation counsel for the city of Belvidere, which position he still holds. His 
 advancement and continued endorsement from the people of this city and county, 
 afford abundant evidence that his talents receive the most genuine recognition 
 that a community could possibly give. Admitted to possess very much more than 
 the ordinary qualifications demanded in a practitioner and legal representative of 
 the people's interests, the county and city wisely retain his services. Mr. Wright 
 is a forcible and brilliant speaker, and has the reputation of conducting to a sue-
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 85 
 
 cessful issue the cases falling to his charge, to a degree not always attained by 
 older representatives at the bar. His practice is not confined to this city, but in- 
 cludes many other of the important centers in Northern Illinois, and especially 
 Chicago, where he is called frequently. As a counselor, pleader and official, Mr. 
 Wright has, by sheer ability and application, as well as personal popularity, taken 
 and maintained a position in the very front ranks of the legal fratei'nity of the 
 state. He is a shre\vd and brainy lawyer a lawyer worthy of the name. He has 
 
 RESIDENCE OF R. W. WRIGHT. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 no desire to mix in state or national politics, but his sole ambition is as a lawyer. 
 In the new era pertaining to the progress of Belvidere the services of Mr. Wright 
 have been of exceeding value, and fully appreciated by the community. 
 
 JUDGE W. W. WOOD. 
 
 Judge Wales W. Wood was born in Hinsdale, Cattaraugus county, New York, 
 April 25, 1837, and is a son of Col. Emery Wood, who, while a boy, served in the 
 war of 1812, and was afterward colonel of a New York state militia regiment. 
 Judge Wood, at the age of sixteen, was sent to the Genesee Wesleyan College at 
 Lima, N. Y., where he entered freshman year, full classical course, remaining
 
 86 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 there two years, and completing his college course, graduated with honors at Union 
 College, Schenectady, N. Y., under Dr. Nott, in the year 1857. Out of his class, 
 numbering over one hundred, he was one of the twelve selected by the faculty of 
 that college to the Honorary Society of "Phi Beta Kappa." In the fall of that 
 year he came West, located at Belvidere, and read law with the then well-known 
 law firm of Fuller & Wood, being the present Gen-. A. C. Fuller, of this city, and 
 Hon. Wm. H. Wood, now of Chicago. In 1860 he was admitted to the bar, and 
 practiced his profession here until the summer of 1862, when, upon the president's 
 call for more volunteers to put down the rebellion, he enlisted in Company G, 95th 
 regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and upon the muster-in of the regiment, Sep- 
 
 WALES w. WOOD. 
 
 COUNTY JUDGE. 
 
 tember 4, 1862, at Rockford, 111., was promoted, and commissioned by Governor 
 Yates as adjutant of that regiment. He acted in that capacity with his regiment 
 in the field throughout General Grant's campaign in northern Mississippi, in the 
 fall of 1862, and in the spring of 1863, while the army was in camp at Lake Prov- 
 idence, La., he was chosen to perform the duties of assistant adjutant general, by 
 Gen. John McArthur, of the 6th Division, 17th Army Corps, Army of the Tennes- 
 see, took active part in the following campaign and siege of Vicksburg, and after 
 the surrender served as post adjutant of that city under Gen. McArthur. He was 
 in the battles at Nashville, Tenn., December 15 and 16, 1864, when the Union 
 army commanded by General Thomas met and routed the Confederate forces under 
 Hood, and in the siege and taking of Spanish Fort and Mobile, Ala., in the early 
 part of 1865. He remained on similar duty until near the close of the war, when 
 he re-joined, and was mustered out with his regiment at Camp Butler, Springfield, 
 111., in August, 1865. At the close of the war he returned to Belvidere, and
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED . 
 
 87 
 
 resumed the practice of law, and about that time wrote and published a history of 
 the 95th regiment, hi 1866 he was married to Miss Alice E. Humphrey, and they 
 have one daughter, Gertrude C. Wood. Soon after returning, resuming his pro- 
 fession, he was appointed master in chancery of the circuit court of Boone county, 
 holding that office some eight years, and subsequently was corporation and city 
 attorney for Belvidere, and also states attorney of Boone county for several terms. 
 In the spring of 1889 he was elected county judge of this county, since which time 
 he has been continued in that office. Judge Wood is a prominent member of 
 Hurlbut Post, G. A. R., of this city, having been commander of that post, and 
 held other offices in the organization. The fact that Judge Wood is so frequently 
 called to Chicago to hold court is evidence that his decisions are regarded as fair 
 and impartial. As a judge lit- is a credit to the bench. 
 
 NORTH STATE STREET RESIDENCE PORTION. 
 
 LOOKING NORTH. 
 
 EX-JUDGE C. B. DEAN. 
 
 The name of C. B. Dean occupies a prominent place in the history of Bel- 
 videre and Boone county. He has always taken an active interest in public 
 affairs. He was born in Franklin, De Kalb county. His father came west from 
 Maine in the early days, and when horses were scarce in California he and his 
 son made several overland trips with herds of equines destined for sale in the 
 California market. It required four months in \vhich to make a trip. 
 
 Judge Dean located at Belvidere in 1862. For a short time he was em- 
 ployed in E. W. Case's grocery store. Then taking up the study of law and 
 entering the Ann Arbor ( Mich.) law school, he graduated in the class of 1873. 
 He was married at Ann Arbor, and went to Denver to practice law. He returned 
 to Belvidere one year later, and soon took rank among the leading attorneys. He 
 was city attorney for several terms, and was elected county judge three succes-
 
 88 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 sive terms, for which office he was eminently fitted. His wife's health failing 
 in 1888, he resigned from the bench and removed to Talapoosa, Ga., where he 
 remained about four years, after which the family moved back to Belvidere. 
 Mr. Dean has the only set of abstract books in Boone county, which are quite 
 valuable and are increasing in value as the counly grows older and people become 
 more careful of their titles. Judge Dean was one of the most enthusiastic 
 workers in the movement which brought to Belvidere the great National Sewing 
 Machine Company. He was one of the negotiating committee and spent time 
 and money to secure the prize. He did not accept stock for his subscription, 
 but contributed with a loyal, patriotic purpose. This one incident gives a key 
 to his character. If Belvidere had more like him it would be better for the city. 
 Mr. Dean is now practicing law. He is an able lawyer and is therefore 
 very successful. He is a Republican in politics and is chairman of the county 
 republican committee. 
 
 WILLIAM L. PIERCE. 
 
 Well advanced on the list of prominent Belvidere attorneys is the name of 
 William L. Pierce. A son of William H. and Mary J. Pierce, he was born in the 
 town of Spring, June 3, 1868. After a thorough preparatory course of study in 
 the best schools of the county he entered the Northwestern Law College, from 
 which he graduated June 16, 1892. Beginning practice immediately thereafter, 
 in partnership with F. J. Evans, in this city, the association was continued until 
 business demands necessitated a dissolution. He was married to Miss Laura M. 
 Duth, of Freeport, 111., October 31, 1895. Fluent, versatile, clear in statement, 
 and a valuable counselor, Mr. Pierce commands the attention of juries and the 
 confidence of the public. A number of important cases here and elsewhere con- 
 ducted by Mr. Pierce to a successful issue, adorn a record which might well be 
 contemplated with satisfaction. His practice in this and adjoining counties is ex- 
 tended and growing, and a very bright future awaits this talented member of the 
 bar. 
 
 FRANK S. WHITMAN, M.D. 
 
 The name of ex-Mayor F. S. Whitman is closely linked with the growth and 
 enterprise of Belvidere. He was born in this city September 27, 1849, and is a 
 descendant of good old New England stock. Both his grandfather and father 
 located in this city in early days and were leading factors in the pioneer history of 
 Boone county. His father, Hiram, came here from Chautauqua county, N. Y., in 
 1839, making the entire distance overland with teams. 
 
 Dr. Whitman has the honor of being the second oldest practitioner in Belvi- 
 dere. After acquiring his early education from the public schools he became a 
 student at the Chicago University and subsequently engaged in teaching one year, 
 being principal of the Roscoe school. He began the study of medicine with Dr. 
 James K. Soule, of Belvidere, and graduated from the Hahnemann Medical Col- 
 lege, of Chicago, in February, 1872. The same year he opened an office in this 
 city and has since successfully engaged in practice. His skill and marked ability 
 have placed him at the head of the list. 
 
 Dr. Whitman's name is synonymous with progression. He is regarded as one 
 the best "posted" men in Belvidere. He is one of the first to push along any 
 project calculated to advance the interests of the city. He has always had great 
 faith in the future of Belvidere, and by shrewd and careful real estate investments 
 has acquired a competence. He never allows these outside matters, however, to 
 interfere with his professional duties. Last summer he erected a splendid business 
 block in which are his offices and which are equipped in a modern manner. The
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 89 
 
 DR. F. S. WHITMAN. 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 aminers for a number of years. 
 Impaired health, the result 
 of a too constant application 
 to professional duties for 
 nearly a quarter of a century, 
 and the desire for a shai'e of 
 the leisure enjoyed by other 
 men, and never obtainable in 
 the work allotted him, were 
 causes that led the doctor to 
 announce on April 1st last 
 his retirement from the active 
 conduct of his profession. His 
 future work is to be closely 
 confined to the line of con 
 sultation. 
 
 A. W. SWIFT, M. D. 
 
 No young physician has 
 gained distinction more rap- 
 idly .than Dr. A. W. Swift, 
 who has been associated with 
 Dr. F. S. Whitman /or ten 
 years. He was born in 
 Nunda, Livingstone county, 
 New York, in I860, and 
 
 doctor is a large stockholder 
 in the National Sewing Ma- 
 chine Co., and was one of 
 the founders of the People's 
 bank, of which he is vice- 
 president. He is also inter- 
 ested in other enterprises. 
 
 Politically he is a staunch 
 Republican and is one of the 
 leaders of the party in this 
 congressional district. He is 
 a member of the congres- 
 sional committee for this dis- 
 trict, and was an alternate 
 delegate-at-large at the Na- 
 tional convention of 1892. 
 When it comes to careful 
 political judgment the doc- 
 tor has few equals. Locally, 
 he has had high public hon- 
 ors thrust upon him. He has 
 served as president of the 
 school board, alderman, may- 
 or for two successive terms, 
 three terms as coroner and 
 was president of the Boone 
 county board of pension ex- 
 
 DR. A. w. SWIFT. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 came to Belvidere when but five years old. His father was one of the brave 
 defenders of the stars and stripes and laid down his life in the cause of liberty 
 on a southern battlefield. 
 
 In early life the doctor chose the medical profession and studied with Dr. 
 Whitman. He subsequently attended the Chicago Homeopathic Medical College 
 and graduated with honors in the class of 1885. Forming a partnership with Dr. 
 Whitman he soon established himself as a skillful physician and won the confi- 
 dence of the people. He has been a practitioner here for ten years and no physi- 
 cian stands higher in public esteem. In 1885 he married Miss Jessie Curtis, 
 daughter of Charles Curtis, one of the early settlers of Boone county. He has 
 
 DR. D. E. POOTE. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 been a member of the board of education and is at present a member of the board 
 of health and a member of the official board of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
 He has never been a seeker of public office but prefers to devote his entire time 
 and attention to the practice of medicine. He owes his success in his profession 
 largely to his hard, conscientious work, and his example is a good one for young 
 physicians to emulate. He is popular socially and has a still brighter future 
 before him. 
 
 DANIEL E. FOOTE, M.D. 
 
 Dr. Foote was a native of Chenango county, New York. His ancestors were 
 English, and loyal to their country and king, as indicated by the Foote coat-of- 
 anns which is in his possession, having been handed down to him in the regular 
 order of inheritance. It lias upon its chevron " Name of Foote," and beneath, 
 upon a scroll, the words "Loyalty and Truth." The doctor traces his lineage in
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 91 
 
 an unbroken line from Nathaniel Foote, one of the first settlers of Wethersfield, 
 Conn., whose successors were prominent in the colonial wars and the war of the 
 revolution. He is a member of the Society of the Sons of the Revolution for the 
 state of Illinois. Dr. Foote is a graduate of the University of Buffalo's medical 
 department, and received his diploma from the hand of Millard Fillmore, chancel- 
 lor of the university while president of the United States. His preceptor was 
 Frederick Hyde, M.D., late professor of surgery and dean of the faculty in the 
 medical college of Syracuse, N. Y., with whom he studied medicine and surgery 
 five years, and then practiced one year. He practiced his profession at Newark 
 Valiey, Tioga county, New York, two years, where, in 1853, he married Martha 
 E. Updegraff. In 1854 they removed to Belvidere, where he has since been in 
 constant practice. In 1855 he purchased the place where they now reside, on 
 which, in 1873, he built the house still occupied. They have thi-ee daughters, the 
 
 RESIDENCE AND OFFICE OF DR. D. E. FOOTE. 
 
 eldest of whom is the wife of Edwin W. Warren, of Belvidere, the other two 
 remaining with their parents. Dr. Foote is a permanent member of the American 
 Medical Association and of the Illinois State Medical Society, an elder in the Pres- 
 byterian church, and has occupied many places of honor and responsibility, both 
 municipal and social. 
 
 DR. R. W. M'INNES. 
 
 Dr. R. W. Mclnnes was elected to the office of mayor at an important period 
 in the history of Belvidere. It was at a time when a strong and safe guiding hand 
 was needed in the administration of our city affairs. The city was indeed fortunate 
 in placing him at the public helm last spring. He is wide-awake to the growing 
 needs of a growing city, is progressive and enterprising in spirit, and is in full 
 sympathy with the many needed improvements already decided upon or now under 
 serious contemplation. Opportunity's hand was stretched forth and Mayor Mc- 
 lnnes grasped it with enthusiasm. Among the improvements he has advocated 
 sanitary sewers, water works extension, and paving, and all are likely to come 
 during his term of office. It will be no fault of his if they do not. 
 
 Dr. Mclnnes was born in Rockford in 1857. He attended the public schools 
 there and subsequently took a four years course in Beloit College. He resolved to
 
 92 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 study medicine and entered Northwestern Medical University, graduating in 1884. 
 Shortly after becoming an M.D., he located in Belvidere, associating himself with 
 Dr. Charles Scott, then the leading physician of Belvidere. At Dr. Scott's death 
 six years later, or in 1890, the extensive practice naturally largely reverted to Dr. 
 Mclnnes, who had attained an enviable prominence in the profession. Dr. Mc- 
 Innes deserves the honors which have been bestowed upon him. He lives in a 
 
 DR. R. W. McIXXES, 
 
 MAYOR. 
 
 pretty residence on North State street. He and his estimable wife are popular in 
 Belvidere's society circles. 
 
 A. J. MARKLEY, M. D. 
 
 Dr. A. J. Markley has practiced medicine in Boone county for nearly fifteen 
 years. He first located in Poplar Grove, where he remained one year. Then he 
 moved to Garden Prairie, and lived at that village for eight years. In 1890 he 
 came to Belvidere, forming a partnership with Dr. R. W. Mclnnes. The doctor 
 was born in Archbald, Fulton county, Ohio, May 3, 1858. He graduated from 
 the Beimont Medical College, Chicago, in the class of 1881, and no member of his 
 class has been moi*e successful in the medical world. 
 
 Dr. Markley congratulates himself that he located in so progressive a city as 
 Belvidere, and Belvidere reciprocates the sentiment. In his profession he has 
 proved himself worthy of the highest confidence, and as a citizen has won the 
 esteem of all. 
 
 He chose for his wife a Bpone county girl, who was living in Fairbury, Neb., 
 at the time of their marriage, in 1887. She was Miss Belle B. Bills, whose 
 parents were early residents of Bonus. Dr. and Mrs. Markley live on South State
 
 BELVIDEBE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 93 
 
 DR. A. J. MARKLEY. 
 
 PHOTO P.Y YOVXDT. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF DR. A. J. MARKLEY. 
 
 PHOTO BY CJ.ARK A NOTT.
 
 94 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 street, in one of the costliest and most beautiful residences in Belvidere. Their 
 friends are legion. 
 
 Dr. Markley has taken an active interest in school matters, and has served 
 as president of the South Belvidere school board. Much credit is due him 
 and his co-laborers on the board for the excellent school whose destinies they 
 guide. 
 
 CHARLES DARWIN CARPENTER, M. D. 
 
 Dr. Carpenter, while only recently taking up his residence in Belvidere, is yet 
 a practitioner of diversified experience, and eminently qualified to assume and 
 maintain a leading position in the fraternity of this city. The doctor gravitated 
 
 DR. CHAS. DARWIN CARPENTER. 
 
 naturally into the profession of medicine ; his father and preceptor, George II. 
 Carpenter, M. D., at one time surgeon of the 91st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, 
 in the late war, being a prominent physician of Athens, Ohio. His mother, Mary 
 Welch, was a daughter of the Hon. John Welch, late chief justice of Ohio. The 
 subject of this sketch was born in Athens, Dec. 12, 1849, and received his classical 
 education at the Ohio University. Graduating from the Ohio Medical College at 
 Cincinnati, March 1, 1872, he began practice with his father in the home vicinage, 
 but was finally attracted to Cleveland, where he remained a number of years dis- 
 charging the manifold duties entailed by an extensive practice. He was also one 
 of the resident physicians at the Columbus, Ohio, Hospital for the Insane during 
 the years 1877-78. Dr. Carpenter is president of the pension examining board at 
 Belvidere. He w r as married to Miss Rena Vlereborne, January 26, 1882. They 
 have two interesting daughters, one of three and the other ten years of age. The
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 95 
 
 family reside on Logan avenue. Dr. Carpenter's skill, culture and varied talents, 
 together with his social qualities, are bringing him friends in his adopted city, 
 whose promise led to a choice of what he hopes to make his permanent home. 
 
 R. H. BURTON, M.D. 
 
 It is not an exaggeration to say that no young physician and surgeon has 
 achieved success to a more marked degree than Dr. R. II. Burton. Although his 
 practice here dates only over a period of two years, he is already recognized as 
 one of the leading physicians. He was born in Toronto, Canada, in 1861. His 
 father, John C. Burton, settled south of Belvidere in 1879, and was a prosperous 
 
 DR. R. H. BURTON. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 farmer. He died in 1895. The doctor's home has been in Belvidere for years, 
 and when he opened an office here he felt that he was not among strangers. 
 
 Dr. Burton attended the Northwestern University for a time, and then went 
 into the drug business in Chicago, being in that line for eight .years. He subse- 
 quently became a student at the Chicago College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
 from which institution he graduated with credit to himself and the class of which 
 he was a member. He took an interneship in Alexian Brothers' famous hospital 
 and one also in St. Elizabeth hospital, being directly under the preceptorship of 
 that eminent surgeon, Dr. J. B. Murphy. The doctor's extended hospital exper- 
 ience has been of incalculable value to him in his practice. He has been especially 
 successful in performing delicate and dangerous surgical operations, and in these 
 his hospital training comes into good use. Before coming to Belvidere he prac- 
 ticed one year in Chicago.
 
 96 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 IRVING J. HECKMAN, M.D. 
 
 Was born in the township of Kingston, De Kalb county, twelve miles southeast 
 of Belvidere, September 16, 1861. His father, Philip Heckman, of German 
 ancestry, soon after his marriage, early in the '50's, removed from Ohio to this 
 vicinity. His mother, Sarah A. Ileckman, was of Scotch and English descent, 
 and one of a large family. Both were of the sturdy and reliant type of pioneers, 
 and readily adapted themselves to the new situation. The doctor received his 
 primary education in the schools of De Kalb county and Belvidere, and attended 
 college at Hillsdale, Mich. After following the avocations usually engaged in 
 by young men of high aspirations, but indefinite purpose, he finally entered the 
 
 DR. I. J. HECKMAN. 
 
 Illinois College of Pharmacy at Chicago, and subsequent to the completion of 
 his studies filled the position of dispenser in the Elgin Hospital for the Insane 
 under the Fifer administration. In 1891 Dr. Ileckman was married to Miss 
 Carrie Hewitt, of Chicago, a native of Winnebago county and a graduate of 
 Rockford College. In 1895 he graduated from the College of Physicians and 
 Surgeons, of Chicago, and settled in Belvidere, where he has already taken a 
 prominent place among the successful practitioners of the city. 
 
 CHARLES SCOTT, M.D. 
 
 Dr. Charles Scott, now deceased, was in more respects than one a remarkable 
 man. He was for years the leading physician of Belvidere, and was loved by the 
 people as few men have been. Large-hearted, sympathetic, helpful, and of fine 
 abilities, he lived in the esteem and confidence of all with whom he came in con-
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 97 
 
 DR. CHAS. SCOTT, (Deceased). 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 tact. He was the son of 
 Dr. Amos Scott, who is still 
 living at the old homestead 
 in Seward, Winnebago coun- 
 ty. His ancestors on his 
 father's side were Pennsyl- 
 vania Dutch, and of Quaker 
 affiliation. On his mother's 
 side they were Scotch Irish 
 from the north of Ireland. 
 Dr. Scott was born May 26, 
 1849, in Washington, Perm. 
 He came with his father's 
 family to Illinois in 1857. 
 His early education was 
 obtained at the public 
 schools, including a course 
 at the Pecatonica High 
 School. Before taking up 
 the study of medicine he 
 worked his father's farm 
 while the latter was a sur- 
 geon in the army. He stud- 
 ied medicine at ChicatroMed- 
 
 ical College during the win- 
 ters of 1872-3 and 1873-4, 
 and was at Rush Medical 
 College in 1874-5, gradu- 
 ating in 1875. After dis- 
 charging the duties of in- 
 terne at St. Luke's Hospital, 
 he - came to Belvidere in 
 1876. In May, 1877, he 
 was married to Miss Clara 
 E. Tousley. The doctor 
 achieved phenomenal suc- 
 cess in his profession. He 
 arrived in Belvidere finan- 
 cially indebted, as he had 
 been obliged to work his 
 way through college, but 
 with the result which often 
 follows unaided and per- 
 sistent effort. His mental 
 equipment was of so com- 
 plete a nature that the time 
 was not long postponed 
 when every hour had urgent 
 demand. At the height 
 of usefulness and on the 
 crest of success, the effects 
 of overwork became rapid- 
 
 RESIDENCE OF MRS. DR. SCOTT.
 
 98 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 ly apparent, and the skillful physician and faithful friend, widely known and trusted, 
 sank to his last sleep, sincerely mourned by the entire community. His death 
 occurred in this city July 25, 1890. Mrs. Scott still resides, with her two chil- 
 dren, Charles R. and Clara May, in the beautiful home erected by the doctor not 
 long before his decease. The son Charles, if his inclination be followed, will take 
 up the study of a profession of which his father was a shining ornament. 
 
 WILLIS BUTTERFIELD, A.M., M.D. 
 
 Dr. Butterfield was born in 1848, and has practiced medicine since 1872, 
 coming to Belvidere in 1885. His immediate ancestors date from New Hampshire, 
 
 UK. WILLIS BFTTKKFIELD. 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 and his great grandfather and grandfather participated in two of the earlier wars 
 the former as major of a regiment from that state in the revolutionary conflict, 
 and latter as captain in the campaigns of 1812. His father, who is now in Denver, 
 Col., came to Illinois in 1846. The doctor was educated at the Northwestern 
 University, and afterw T ard for a year was principal of a graded schpol at Byron, 
 111. On graduation from the medical department of the university named, at a 
 later date he located in Iowa, where, at De Witt and the Hospital for the Insane 
 at Independence, he discharged the ordinary and special duties of his profession. 
 From there he transferred his allegiance to Barrington, Cook county, Illinois, at 
 which place he remained ten years working hard in a large and successful practice. 
 During his residence there he occupied the position of surgeon for the Chicago and 
 Northwestern Railroad Company, and was also at one time a company surgeon of 
 the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in Colorado. Dr. Butterlield was married 
 to Miss Grace Wells in 1879. They have three young daughters.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 99 
 
 A. C. FASSETT. 
 
 A. C. Fassett, circuit clerk and recorder, is one of the most popular men in 
 Boone county. In giving a sketch of him in " Belviclere Illustrated" this can 
 truthfully be said. He is essentially a man of the people, and such men are 
 always well liked. Mr. Fassett was born in Hartwick, Otsego county, New York, 
 in 1845. He located at Garden Prairie, in this county, in 1875, and conducted a 
 general store there in partnership with J. D. Rosekrans for nine years. He was 
 elected circuit clerk and recorder in 1884, and is now in his third term. In public 
 
 A. C. FASSETT, 
 
 CIRCUIT CLERK. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 office the people love to find a plain man and one who is courteous and accommo- 
 dating. Mr. Fassett is all this and more. 
 
 He enlisted with the Sixteenth New York Battery when the war broke out, 
 and served with distinction. He went in as a private, and his bravery and merit 
 won him promotions to second lieutenant. Mr. Fassett was in many hard-fought 
 engagements, but did the hardest fighting at Fredericksburg and at Fort Harris, 
 near Richmond. He has been elected commander of Hurlbut Post, G. A. R., for 
 nine consecutive years, and venerable counsel of the M. W. A. for eight successive 
 years. He is one of the prominent members of the Methodist church, being clerk 
 of the board of trustees and clerk of the official board. He has been superintend- 
 ent of the Sunday-school, and was for five years president of the County Sunday- 
 school Association. He is president of the Board of Education of North Belvi- 
 dere, having served in that capacity for six years ; is president of the Board of
 
 100 
 
 BELVIDEKE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Trustees of the Campmeeting Association, and is a member of the Public Library 
 Board. Mrs. Fassett's maiden name was Miss A. S. Hopkins, and the couple were 
 married at Edmeston in 18(i6. Their only son, Will, is a railway postal clerk, 
 running between Chicago and Dubuque. 
 
 WM. BOWLEY, COUNTY CLERK. 
 
 Win. Bowley, although a young man, holds one of the most responsible official 
 positions within the gift of the people of Boone county. He was honored a year 
 ago by being elected county clerk and he has proved himself worthy in every way 
 of the trust reposed in him. Mr. Bowley was born in Boone county thirty-three 
 
 WILLIAM BOWLEY, 
 
 COUNTY CLERK. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK 4 NOTT. 
 
 years ago. His father was among the pioneer settlers of this section and was a 
 loved and respected citizen. 
 
 The subject of this sketch received a thorough education in the public schools 
 and at the age of eighteen years began his business career in the dry goods trade. 
 Beginning with a small start, he made heroic and successful strides towards suc- 
 cess Avhen the fire-fiend destroyed his store and ruined him financially. 
 
 That the people of Belvidere and Boone county have full confidence in Mr. 
 Bowley was grandly demonstrated when he entered the race for county clerk. 
 His opponent was C. M. Keeler, whom it was considered impossible to defeat. The 
 campaign was a memorable one, in fact the most exciting the county has known in 
 years. Mr. Bowley made a splendid canvass of the entire county and conducted 
 his campaign like a veteran. His magnificent work won for him a great victory, 
 and he was nominated and elected by a safe majority. Since assuming the duties
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 101 
 
 of the office lie has done the work satisfactorily and well. He is genial and 
 accommodating and every possible courtesy is shown to the public. The books 
 and records were never kept in better shape, all of which proves the people made 
 the right choice. 
 
 Six years ago Mr. Bowley married Miss Ida Miller, daughter of Isaac Miller, 
 a well-to-do citizen who was held in high esteem. Mrs. Bowley is an artistic 
 milliner and conducts fine millinery parlors which are popular with the ladies. 
 
 The general opinion is that County Clerk Bowley is slated for more and con- 
 tinued honors, and he deserves them. 
 
 ALD. W. H. MOORE. 
 PHOTO BY YOUXDT. 
 
 ALDERMAN W. H. MOORE. 
 
 W. H. Moore is one of the most active members of the city council. He was 
 first elected alderman in 1892, serving two years, during which time he demon- 
 strated marked ability in the administration of city affairs. He retired from the 
 council for one year, and in the spring of 1895 the people of his ward insisted on 
 his taking the office again, and he was elected without opposition. Mr. Moore's 
 services to the city are valuable. He is foremost in advocating needed reforms 
 and improvements. He heartily supported the ordinance providing for a complete 
 sanitary sewer system which passed the council, and the next advanced step he 
 championed was a paid fire department, which the city badly needed. As chair- 
 man of the fire and water committee, he was in a position to bring about just 
 c "li a reform.
 
 102 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 CO r^ 
 
 GO '- 
 
 CO 
 
 J y 
 
 hH > 
 
 o w 
 
 Mr. Moore came to Belvidere from Chicago in 1886, when the June manufac- 
 turing Company moved to this city. In point of continuous service, he is the 
 oldest employe of the National Sewing Machine Company. Identifying himself 
 with the concern seventeen years ago, he has worked in every department, and the 
 ramifications of the sewing machine business are all familiar to him. For some 
 yeai's he was shipping clerk and now holds the responsible position of super- 
 intendent of the foundry having nearly one hundred and thirty men under his 
 charge. 
 
 In the Masonic order Mr. Moore is prominent. He is a thirty-second degree 
 mason, being a member of the Freeport Consistory. He is also a member of
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 103 
 
 Tebala Temple Mystic Shrine, and Crusader Commandery, Knights Templar of 
 Rockford. Mr. Moore is popular with all 'classes. 
 
 He lives in a handsome dwelling on East Lincoln avenue which he recently 
 built and fitted with electric lights and all modern improvements. 
 
 ALDERMAN F. H. DIXON, 
 
 Contractor and builder, stands in the very front rank of Belvidere's artisans. He 
 was born in Oneida county, New York state, in 1861, and came to Illinois in 1866, 
 locating in Boone county. Learning the carpenter's trade at an early age he has 
 continuously followed it and its higher branches for a period of sixteen years. 
 
 ALD. F. H. DIXON. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 His work as contractor and builder is the product of the last eight years. Per- 
 haps the most important undertaking in his later experience was that of superin- 
 tending the construction of the National Sewing Machine Company's new build- 
 ing, erected during the past season at a cost of $100,000. This was a charge of 
 great responsibility, involving much study of detail, and constant watchfulness. 
 Very many of the fine public 'edifices and costly private residences adorning Bel- 
 videre are the result of his careful planning and supervision. The South Side 
 school building No. 1, the shoe factory, Whitman and Starr's buildings, Kuppler's 
 handsome block, the National's foundry and milling department, the latter com- 
 pleted about three years ago, and scores of dwellings ranging from the cottage to 
 the mansion, are testimonials of his ability and thorough methods. Mr. Dixon 
 was chosen alderman from the first ward at the spring election of last year, and 
 his practical knowledge enables him to render valuable service in the council and 
 on committees.
 
 104 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 ALD. B. F. HARNISH. 
 
 B. F. Ilarnish is what 
 might be called a self-made 
 man. Sixteen years ago he 
 came to Belvidere from York, 
 Pa., where his parents reside. 
 He began as messenger boy 
 for the Western Union and 
 Chicago & Northwestern 
 Companies, at the same time 
 turning his attention to teleg- 
 raphy. He was gradually 
 promoted to the positions of 
 night operator, day operator 
 and finally chief clerk at the 
 local station. In the last 
 named capacity he rendered 
 fourteen years of efficient 
 service. Two years ago lie 
 accepted the position of 
 assistant cashier of the Peo- 
 ple's Bank, and the fact that 
 such a responsible position 
 was tendered him is alone 
 sufficient evidence of the 
 
 ALD. B. F. HARNISH. 
 
 EX-ALD. FRANK KING 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 high place he holds among 
 his fellows. He has served 
 as city treasurer and is now 
 in his second year as alder- 
 man. At such an important 
 period in the history of Bel- 
 videre it is well that so pro- 
 gressive a citizen as Alderman 
 Ilarnish is connected with 
 municipal aclministrat i on. 
 He is greatly interested in 
 the work of fraternal and 
 benevolent societies, and is 
 a member of the Masonic 
 chapter, Knights of Pythias, 
 Royal Arcanum and Red Men. 
 Mr. Ilarnish was born 
 thirty-seven years ago near 
 Lancaster, Pa. In ] 888 he 
 married Miss Nellie Hayes, 
 daughter of A. I layes. They 
 have one son. The friends 
 of Alderman Ilarnish are 
 numbered by legions and 
 that deservedly.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 105 
 
 FRED J. EVANS. 
 
 Mr. Evans, the present city attorney, was born in this county in 1869. His 
 father, John Evans, and grandfather, Samuel Evans, came to Boone county from 
 Otsego county, N. Y., in the pioneer days of this section. After finishing a com- 
 plete high school course in 1886, Mr. Evans engaged in business, and remained 
 therein until 1891, when he entered the law department of the Northwestern Uni- 
 versity. His graduation was soon followed by a law partnership with W. L. 
 Pierce, and the firm existed until April, 1893. At the spring election of the latter 
 
 FRED. J. EVANS, 
 
 CITY ATTORNEY. 
 . PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 year he was chosen by the people to represent them in the position he now occu- 
 pies. Excellent service and superior qualifications ensured his selection for a 
 second term, which began last year. In addition to his general practice as an 
 attorney, Mr. Evans devotes a considerable portion of his time to real estate, in- 
 surance and loans, and his clientage is numerous and increasing. His convenient 
 offices are in the Hotel Evans, of which he is the proprietor. His marriage to 
 Miss Kate B. Lewis of this city, took place August 4, 1892. They have one child 
 a bright little daughter about three years of age, and an attractive home on Locust 
 street. To his energy and progressive methods, coupled with unquestioned relia- 
 bility, may be attributed the enviable position he occupies in the community, and 
 his popularity with all classes.
 
 106 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 C. M. CHURCH. 
 
 C. M. Church, druggist and county treasurer, was born in McHenry county, 
 111., and accompanied his parents to Bonus, Boone county, at an early age. He 
 received a common school education, and turned his attention to the drug business, 
 commencing work in Belvidere with J. C. Saxton one of the earlier pharmacists. 
 He has been identified with the same line up to the present time. In August, 
 1890, he opened a drug store on State street where by careful and conservative 
 business principles and integrity in all his dealings, he succeeded in building up a 
 
 c. M. CHURCH, 
 
 COUNTY TREASURER. 
 
 trade that necessitated removal to more extensive quarters. In November, 1894, 
 he changed his location to Murch & Petitt's new block on Logan avenue, and opened 
 one of the best pharmacies in the city. His efforts to furnish reliable qualities to 
 his customers is being rewarded by a constantly increasing patronage. Seldom do 
 druggists aspire to public office, but Mr. Church is an exception to the rule. He 
 holds the responsible position of county treasurer having been elected one year ago. 
 At the primaries Mr. Church was pitted against some strong opponents but was 
 chosen by a large majority. Thus far he has given the utmost satisfaction and by 
 his personal attention to the details of the work will doubtless prove a reliable and 
 competent official. 
 
 JOHN W. SHARP. 
 
 Numbered among the leading men of Belvidere is John W. Sharp. Mr. 
 Sharp is a leader because he takes an active interest in public affairs, and is among 
 the citizens who are striving to upbuild the city. He is the proprietor of one of the
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 107 
 
 largest grocery stores in Belvidere and his is a successful business. He served two 
 years as alderman and has just been reflected. His record in the city council was 
 commendable. He is now serving his second term as supervisor, and is poormaster 
 of the city. In this capacity much important charitable work is under his direc- 
 tion. He has a big heart and no deserving person is turned away. Mr. Sharp is 
 also a member of the North Belvidere Board of Education and feels a pardonable 
 pride in the $25,000 school building just erected under the supervision of the board. 
 He is a prominent member of the M. E. church, being one of the stewards and also 
 treasurer. Mr. Sharp is a man of high integrity, business-like in business affairs, 
 
 ALD. J. W. ^HARP. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 and affable socially. In public matters he looks scrupulously after the interests 
 of his constituents. 
 
 He was born in Lake county, Ohio, in 1855. His parents moved to Living- 
 stone county, Illinois, in 1867, and he located in Belvidere eight years ago. He 
 and his family live in a comfortable home on West Lincoln avenue. Mr. Sharp 
 thinks Belvidere is destined to enjoy a greater growth than it has in the past. 
 
 LEVI ROBERT F1TZER. 
 
 Levi Robert Fitzer, county superintendent of schools, was born in the town of 
 LeRoy, in this county, September 7, 1864. His ancestors on his father's side 
 came to this country during the early part of the eighteenth century and settled in 
 the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, one branch of the family having come 
 from Germany and another from England. Some of their descendants served 
 with the Continental forces in the Revolutionary War, and by virtue of this
 
 108 
 
 BELVIDEKE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 service, L. R. Fitzer is a member of the society, " Sons of the Revolution." His 
 father, Levi F. Fitzer, came to Illinois from Tompkins county, New York, with 
 his parents in the '40's, and settled on a farm near Harvard. In 1862 he married 
 Eliza J. Cummings, was born in Newark, N. J., in 1846, of Scotch-Irish parent- 
 age. Later he joined the Ninety-fifth Illinois Volunteer Regiment in the Civil 
 War, and died while in the eervice in January, 1865. In 1867 his widow and the 
 mother of L. R. Fitzer, was married to J. W. Van Antwerp, and for twenty-five 
 vears they lived on a farm near Capron. Here the subject of our sketch spent his 
 boyhood. He completed the common school course of study at the Capron public 
 school, and then entered the Illinois State Normal University, graduating there- 
 
 L. R. FITZER. 
 
 COVNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A- NOTT. 
 
 from in 1886. Returning home, he engaged in teaching in this county with 
 marked success for a period of three years. Afterwards, he established a news- 
 paper The Jloone County Banner at Capron, and conducted it for nearly two 
 years. The publication was finally disposed of and moved to Belvidere, and in 
 time was succeeded by the Republican. In 1890 he was elected to the position 
 now so worthily filled, and re-elected in 1894. His removal to this city in 1892 
 was occasioned by the necessity of a central location. That the important duties 
 of the office have been discharged with fidelity and ability is evidenced by the pop- 
 ular verdict and by results apparent from conscientious application of later-day 
 methods to educational supervision. Mr. Fitzer was married October 9, 1895, 
 to Miss Louise M. Swail, a daughter of the Hon. William D. Swail, president of 
 the People's Bank of Belvidere. He is one of the stewards of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church, and is an active Sunday-school worker, being at present secre-
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 109 
 
 tary of the County Association/ He is an extensive reader in various lines and is 
 a young man of studious habits, having completed one term's work in the Univer- 
 sity of Chicago during the past year in addition to his regular official duties. 
 
 FLOYD SMITH, SHERIFF OF BOONE COUNTY. 
 
 The chief executive officer of this county is now serving his first term. To 
 properly discharge the duties of his position peculiar qualifications are requisite 
 among them a clear head, cool courage, promptitude in action, good judgment and 
 adequate mental equipment. That these distinguish the present incumbent are 
 evidenced by the fact of his election and the performance of routine and special 
 
 FLOYD SMITH, 
 SHERIFF. 
 
 work falling to his charge. Elected in the fall of 1894 after one of the most 
 hotly contested political engagements of record in the county, by the largest ma- 
 jority ever given to a successful candidate. Prior to his election Mr. Smith had 
 been deputy sheriff for four years under his predecessor, so that the requirements 
 of the present office were not unfamiliar. Previously to accepting the former po- 
 sition he had been road commissioner for a period of nine years. Sheriff Smith's 
 father, Samuel Smith, came with his parents to Boone County from Chenango 
 County, New York, at the age of thirteen years, in 1839, and thus has within his 
 memory the pioneer and fruition days of the two extremes. His marriage to 
 Miss Jeneatte Storms occurred in Belvidere. The subject of this sketch was bom 
 in this city January 16, 1855, where he has since resided, with the exception of a 
 few years passed in farming, and two years' absence in Chicago shortly after the 
 great fire. He was married to Miss Hattie E. Tucker at Belvidere July 24, 1889. 
 He has one son of eighteen, by a former marriage. The business of the office
 
 110 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 greatly increases with the development of the city and county, and its responsi- 
 bilities become more extended. It should be a matter of congratulation to the 
 public that it is filled by a representative citizen entirely worthy the confidence 
 
 reposed in his reliability and efficiency. 
 
 * 
 
 A. E. JENNER. 
 
 Asher E. Jenner, second son and fifth child of Stephen and Eliza Jenner, was 
 born in the town of Moriah, N. Y., April 10, 1818. He resided there until 1831, 
 when his parents removed to Chautauqua county, in the same state. April 10, 
 1832, he went to Jamestown, N. Y., where he learned the jeweler's trade of James 
 
 A. E. JENNER, 
 
 CITY CLERK. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK ,t XOTT. 
 
 Harrison, and remained there until the spring of 1838, when he came to Chicago 
 by way of the lakes, and on foot from there to Belvidere, where he arrived June 1, 
 1838. Here he opened a watch-repairing shop, the first between Chicago and 
 Galena. At that time there were 110 buildings on what is now the south side, 
 within the present city limits, and but eleven structures on the north side, includ- 
 ing two frames without rafters. For the first three or four months he had charge 
 of the post office, where all the postal business of the county was transacted, 
 and knew personally nearly every inhabitant of the county. In 1840 he was mar- 
 ried to Mary Jane Cook, who died in 1854, leaving two sons, Charles J., ex-sheriff 
 of Chautauqua county, N. Y., and George C., vice-president of the American 
 Copying Co., of Jamestown, N. Y. In 1856 he was united in marriage to Emma- 
 roy E. Lyon, of Burlington, Vt. , to whom two daughters were born, Kittie H., 
 who resides in Chicago, and Nellie A., who died in 1882. He has been engaged
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Ill 
 
 in the watch and hardware business, but for the last thirty-five years has devoted 
 himself to official duties. He was elected Town Clerk in 1860, and has been re- 
 elected every year since; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1861, and has held the 
 office continuously since that date; was appointed Corporation Clerk in 1857, and, 
 with the exception of three years, has held this position jointly with that of City 
 Clerk since then. During this period he has held the office of County Treasurer 
 three or four terms, besides being School Commissioner and Clerk of Board of 
 County Commissioners, one term each. These long terms of service testify to the 
 confidence and regard of the public, and his ability to still discharge the duties of 
 official position in an eminently satisfactory manner is still unimpaired. 
 
 E. E. SPOONER, .^ v 
 
 SUPERINTENDENT OF WATER WORKS. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOVNDT. 
 
 E. E. SPOONER. 
 
 Iii few divisions of public service is a competent man more indispensable as 
 chief than in that of the waterworks department. Belvidere congratulates herself 
 on the fact that the gentleman now filling this position has all the needed require- 
 ments, and that his splendid management has given us a system of which every 
 patriotic citizen may well be proud. E. E. Spooner has had charge of the water- 
 works since the plant was first acquired, having arrived here in January, 1891, to 
 superintend its construction. The excellent results stand as a monument to bis 
 ability and skill. Mr. Spooner is a native of Maine. He was born at Bangor, in 
 1851. In 1857 his parents moved to the west, and settled in Ogle county, Illinois. 
 His experience as a mechanic and engineer extends over a period of nearly a score 
 of years. Practically, his first work was for A. S. Cox, a well-known older resi- 
 dent of Belvidere, whose home was then at Rochelle. Himself and a brother con-
 
 112 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 ducted mills for Mr. Cox, both at Rochelle and DeKalb, at the time of the Chicago 
 fire. His next position was with Wesley Stewart & Co., in Lee county, with 
 which firm he remained for nine years. When the citi/ens of Rochelle decided to 
 put in a waterworks system, they called upon Mr. Spooner to take charge of the 
 construction, and he remained as superintendent for nine years, or until he was 
 engaged by the City of Belvidere. Few men can point to the record of holding 
 but four positions since beginning mechanical and engineering work, but that is 
 nevertheless the memorandum possible to be made by the genial Superintendent. 
 The people of Belvidere hold him high in their esteem and confidence, both as a 
 citizen and an expert. Superintendent Spooner is a member of Belvidere Lodge 
 A. F. & A. M., the Knights of the Globe, and the I. O. O. F. 
 
 JOHN THREX, 
 
 FIRE MARSHAL. 
 
 JOHN THREN. 
 
 A half-million cigars is the number manufactured and sold by John Thren in 
 a single year. Mr. Thren has been in the wholesale and retail cigar and tobacco 
 business in Belvidere for ten years. He was born in Chicago thirty-eight years 
 ago, and has the push and hustle characteristic of the Chicagoun. He has con- 
 ducted the principal cigar and tobacco store of Belvidere for many years. Con- 
 noisseurs aver that Mr. Thren's leading ten cent cigar "Solace "is not excelled 
 by any other brand made. Mr. Thren was appointed Chief of Belvidere's fire 
 department in the spring of 1895. and the city never made a better selection of 
 fire marshal. He has great confidence in the future of Belvidere, and recently 
 demonstrated it by investing five thousand dollars in two South State street business 
 lots, on which it his intention to build at an early date.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 113 
 
 F. L. GOODRICH. 
 
 The National Sewing Machine Company has the good fortune to be supplied 
 with the best talent in every department requiring the oversight of an expert. One 
 of the most important of these positions is that held by F. L. Goodrich, the highly 
 efficient purchasing agent, who associated himself with the big concern about four 
 years ago, coming to this city from Chicago. He is widely known as the inventor 
 and patentee of numerous sewing machine attachments, which are considered 
 superior to anything of a similar nature on the market. These attachments are 
 now being largely manufactured by the National. The "Goodrich" attachments 
 
 F. L. GOODRICH. 
 
 PURCHASING AGENT NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE CO. 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 are, by reason of priority of invention and excellence, standard articles, and as 
 familiar to the trade generally as " C" sugar to the grocer. Mr. Goodrich's father 
 was a pioneer in this particular line, which the son took up and developed to its 
 present importance. At the World's Fair the only medal and award given to 
 exhibitors in this line was that for the Goodrich attachments. This affords a final 
 proof of their superiority. Their use on sewing machines is to make possible the 
 perfect execution of fancy work of eA'ery kind. In another portion of this work a 
 description of the attachment department is given in detail, and the manufacture 
 of these specialties referred to. Mr. Goodrich has been engaged in manufacturing 
 for eighteen years. He was connected for some time with the Goodrich Manu- 
 facturing Company of Chicago as secretary. This concern did a large and profit- 
 able business for a number of years. Now permanently identified with Belvidere
 
 114 
 
 BELV1DERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 and its interests, and holding the most important relations with the National Com- 
 pany. Mr. Goodrich is a valuable addition to the business circles of the city, and 
 with his interesting family to its best social element. 
 
 HENRY W. AVERY. 
 
 This influential citizen was born in Ledyard, Conn., May 31, 1823. The 
 founder of the family emigrated from Salisbury, England, in 1630, and settled at 
 Gloucester, Mass. His father, Henry W. Avery, a soldier of the war of 1812, 
 came to this county in 1854. His elder brother, Rev. F. D. Avery, was pastor 
 of the Congregational church at Columbia, Conn., for forty-five years. The 
 
 RESIDENCE OF F. L. GOODRICH. 
 
 PEARL STREET. 
 
 subject of this sketch left his eastern home for Illinois in 1845, and in Flora 
 township, this county, purchased forty acres of land at a price of $400. This 
 small beginning eventuated in a tract of three hundred acres. In 1881 he moved 
 to Belvidere. Mr. Avery has been twice married to his first wife in 1844, who 
 died in 1847, and to his present companion, Rachel P. McCord, of Carlisle, Pa., 
 in 1848. His only child, Elizabeth, died in 1880, leaving three sons. In 1842 
 Mr. Avery joined the Congregational church at Ledyard, and three years later 
 united with the Presbyterian organization of Belvidere. In 1852 he was ordained a 
 ruling elder, and was in 18";5 elected clerk of the session, which position he has held 
 continuously, and still occupies. He has also been secretary and treasurer of the 
 society without intermission since 1870, and with but few lapses since 1853. His 
 particular delight and success has been as a Sunday school worker, having been 
 first elected superintendent of the Presbyterian school in 1846, and he has served
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 115 
 
 thirty-two years. He was for ten years president of the Boone County Sunday 
 School Association. An evidence of the general confidence in his ability and 
 integrity may be found in the fact that he has been intrusted with the care and 
 settlement of many estates. lie has been secretary of the Belvidere Farmers' 
 Insurance Company for fourteen years, during which time the amount of risks has 
 been increased from $289,387 to $2,045,925. He is president of the Belvidere 
 Cemetery Association, and has also served as assessor, justice of the peace, super- 
 visor and member of the school board. In 1887 the Freeport Presbytery licensed 
 him to preach, and he is frequently called upon to supply vacant pulpits, and con- 
 
 II. W. A VERY. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 -duct or aid on funeral occasions. Mr. Avery is a ready and forcible writer and 
 fluent speaker, and has the esteem and regard of a community that recogni/es the 
 value of his public and friendly services. 
 
 GEORGE W. MURCH. 
 
 This enterprising citizen was born at Courtland, N. Y. , January 19, 1830. 
 His parents Martin and Polly Murch, who remained in the state mentioned until 
 1861, then came to Belvidere, and resided with their son, G. W. Murch, until the 
 time of their decease some years later. In 1849 Mr. Murch forsook the homestead 
 and journeyed to the beckoning west, locating in Putnam county, Illinois, where 
 he addressed himself for about a year to business and teaching. With three other 
 young men, in the spring of 1850, the second year after gold was discovered in 
 California he started for the coast, walking to St. Joseph, Mo., and continuing 
 thence by oxteam across the plains. After 116 days of travel he arrived at his 
 destination and engaged in mining. Returning in 1852 to Putnam county via 
 Panama and New York, he finally settled in Belvidere in 1853. Here he opened
 
 110 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 a harness shop with his brother, L. H. Adding clothing and boots and shoes a 
 few years later, and building and occupying with the same lines in 1857 a substan- 
 tial block on the South side which was just beginning to reveal the possibilities of 
 trade, they maintained botli stores until 1874. At this time the two stocks were 
 combined, the harness department closed and Mr. G. W. Murch conducted an ex- 
 tensive business alone until 1873 when he retired. He was married to Miss A. L. 
 Amsden at this place in 1857. They have two children, Mrs. J. F. C. Dick, now 
 residing in California, and Mrs. Rev. A. W. Burton, at home. When in 1886 the 
 project of removing the June Sewing Machine Manufactory of Chicago to this 
 city was in the incipient stage, Mr. Murch was appointed chairman of the citizen's 
 
 G. w. MURCH. 
 
 committee having the matter in charge. The soliciting of subscriptionsTto stock 
 and donations, as well as other arduous labor, were requisite, and Mr. Murch's tire- 
 less efforts were largely instrumental in installing the factory. He was elected 
 vice-president and a director of the original company. The positions of trust filled 
 by Mr. Murch have been numerous, notably those of town trustee, town and city 
 treasurer and member of the board of supervisors, and he has been a director of 
 the People's bank since its organization. Mr. Murch has always been a leading 
 spirit in enterprises of a public nature, active in church and social affairs, and at 
 the front in business undertakings; 
 
 W. S. BROWN. 
 
 One might search the country over and not find a man more eminently quali- 
 fied, or one in whom the requirements for the arduous duties of the position are 
 more happily combined, than W. S. Brown, superintendent of the great and grow- 
 ing National Sewing Machine Company. This is a position no ordinary man could
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 117 
 
 fill. Indeed, were its superintendent incompetent, the results would be disastrous. 
 Mr. Brown's connection with the National Company began eight years ago. He 
 came here to accept a subordinate assignment, but upon an early discovery of his 
 worth promotion to the position of master mechanic followed. As time wore on 
 his services became more valuable, and subsequently, when advanced to the super- 
 intendency, it was simply a reward of merit a promotion as deserved as wise on 
 the part of the Company. lie is thoroughly practical, and is a genius in many 
 respects. The complete and systematic organization of the different departments 
 of the factory is admirable, and to Superintendent Brown, full measure of credit for 
 his contribution to the general result must be given. W. S. Brown was born in 
 
 w. s. BROWN. 
 SUPERINTENDENT NATIONAL SEWING MACHINE Co. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 Kellogsville, Ashtabula county, Ohio, in January, 1855. At various times he held 
 positions with the Geneva and the Noble Sewing Machine companies. He was 
 for four years with electrical manufacturing concerns, two years with the 
 Thomson-Houston Company, of Lynn, Mass., and superintendent for some time 
 of the Mayo Electric Company, of Boston. Mr. Brown has a wife and interest- 
 ing family. Mrs. Brown is an active member of the Presbyterian church. 
 The Brown domicile on East Lincoln avenue is pleasantly situated, overlooking 
 the river and South Division, and the plant to which all his energies are given. 
 
 J. R. BALL1ET. 
 
 Ranking high among the active business men of Belvidere is the subject of 
 
 *his sketch. He was born in Genoa, DeKalb county, February 26, 1848, his 
 
 "ents John and Hannah Balliet having there located in 1846, when the country
 
 118 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 was sparsely settled. Having passed his earlier days on the farm, he attended 
 school in Woodstock, McHenry county, 111., after which he taught a country school 
 in his old neighborhood for three winters. In 1868 his fortunes were cast with the 
 people of this city, where he engaged in the Piano, Organ and Sewing Machine 
 line, and the writing of tire insurance, both of which he still continues, having 
 built up a sound and prosperous business. He was married to Miss Mary L. 
 Detrick, of Belvidere, December 23, 1874. Besides attending to his regular busi- 
 ness, Mr. Balliet has found opportunity to devote considerable time to other 
 interests. He assisted in organizing and putting in successful operation the Belvi- 
 dere Electric Light Company, of which he has been secretary since its beginning. 
 
 J. K. BALLIET. 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT. 
 
 He is also pi-esident of the Belvidere Telephone Company, commencing business 
 January 1, 1895, of which he was one of the original promoters. It has now over 
 250 subscribers. He is a stockholder in the People's bank, and largely interested 
 in the National Sewing Machine Company, of which latter corporation he has been 
 one of the directors since 1889. His fraternal relations are with the Masonic order, 
 of which he is a thirty-second degree member, the American Legion of Honor and 
 the Knights of Pythias. Of genial presence, untiring application and tine abilities, 
 Mr. Balliet stands among the leaders in the social and business circles of the city. 
 
 M. G. LEONARD. 
 
 M. G. Leonard, now retired, has been identified with the business and com- 
 mercial interests of Belvidere for nearly half a century. He came here when our 
 city numbered less than one thousand souls. Mr. Leonard was born in Glovers- 
 ville, N. Y., May 20, 1824. He attended the public schools at that place and St. 
 Johnsville until seventeen years of age, and then entered the militai'y school in
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 119 
 
 Oswego. On completing the course there he engaged in teaching in Oswego until 
 1846, when he emigrated west, settling in Belvidere. The first thing he did was 
 to secure forty acres of government land. Railroads were unknown here at that 
 time and all produce was hauled to Chicago. Mr. Leonard embarked in the 
 mercantile business, keeping a general store and continued operations in that line 
 for five years, when he turned his attention to dealing in real estate and handling 
 grain, also doing an insurance and banking business. For forty years he was en 
 gaged in buying and shipping grain and for several years dealt in coal and wood. 
 Two years ago he sold out his business to Marshall Bros. He, however, still owns 
 the elevator building and valuable real estate in and around Belvidere. A sad 
 
 MAK( 'ELM'S G. LEONARD. 
 
 event occurred July 22, 1886, when Mr. Leonard's beloved wife passed away. Her 
 maiden name was Mary Root. Two daughters born to them died within two days 
 of each other in 1864. Politically Mr. Leonard is a Republican and has served as 
 alderman and county superintendent of schools. lie is one of Belvidere's leading 
 and honored citizens. 
 
 GEORGE M. MARSHALL. 
 
 Nothing succeeds like success. Among the young business men of Belvidere 
 none have been more successful than George M. Marshall. Mr. Marshall was 
 born on a farm in Sycamore, DeKalb county, Illinois, October 18, 1861, and 
 received his early education in a district school, which he attended until he was 
 sixteen years old, then he attended the Sycamore high school for two years, after 
 which he finished his education by taking a complete course in Chicago Business 
 College, after which he lived in the city one year, acting as city collector for 
 Marshall Field & Co. His father, Thomas Marshall, was one of the early settlers
 
 120 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 of DeKalb county, and is to-day one of the largest land holders of that county 
 residing at present on one of his farms in Sycamore township. Mr. Marshall has 
 been engaged in the grain business for ten years. Four years ago Mr. Marshall 
 located in Belvidere, and has never regretted that step. He first purchased a 
 half interest in the old established elevator and coal business of M. G. Leonard. 
 Two years ago Mr. Marshall's brother, Taylor Z., bought out Mr. Leonard's 
 interest, and the firm is now Marshall Bros. They run a grain elevator which 
 has a capacity of 40,000 bushels, and have an extensive coal and feed trade. 
 They own the city scales property at the corner of Whitney and Buchanan 
 streets. George Marshall is a young man of great business capacity. His unques- 
 
 GEORGE M. MARSHALL. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 tioned integrity and uprightness have Avon for him the esteem of all who know 
 him. In politics Mr. Marshall is a Republican. February 3, 1886, he married 
 Miss Susie S. Cottrell of Sycamore, and three bright and interesting children 
 grace his pleasasant home. They are Florence, Gilbert and Thomas. A few 
 months ago Mr. Marshall became owner of a fine residence on Pearl street, a 
 property worth 15,000. Both Mr. and Mrs. Marshall are active members of the 
 Methodist church. He predicts a flowery future for Belvidere, and pins his faith 
 to this city by branching out in business and investing in real estate. 
 
 OLIVER BECKINGTON. 
 
 Among the prominent citizens of Boone county Oliver Beckington has long 
 maintained a leading position. He was born in the town of Spring, this county, 
 July 27, 1848. His parents, Thomas B. and Sarah Beckington, came direct to Bel-
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 121 
 
 videre from Somerset, England, in 1847, and settled on a farm in Spring township. 
 Oliver Beckington early in life adopted the business of auctioneering, which he has 
 constantly followed for over thirty years, his field of effort being at first in the 
 vicinity of his home and afterwards Chicago. In the year 1869 he went to Cali- 
 fornia, where he remained until 1871. While there he achieved marked success, 
 visiting in the course of business nearly every prominent city in the state, and 
 receiving a medal awarded him as the best salesman among thirty-seven competitors 
 on the coast. Returning to the east he finally established himself in Belvidere, 
 which has since been his home. He was married to Miss Rosa J. Roper, March 
 25, 1875. They have four children one son, aged 19, and three daughters. In 
 
 O. BECKINGTON. 
 THE NOTED AUCTIONEER. 
 
 the fall of 1886 he made an independent fight for the shrievealty of Boone county, 
 and it was one of the most closely contested on record. His majority was about 
 four to one. The administration of affairs during the four years through which 
 he was an incumbent of the office, was most energetic and capable, and a reelection 
 would assuredly have followed but for the constitutional limitation. Mr. Beck- 
 ington's business is still that of auctioneer, real estate, and the buying and selling, 
 as he expresses it, of "anything on earth." As an auctioneer his fame is wide- 
 spread, and the scope of his operations has extended to every adjacent State. With 
 growing reputation the sales were of a more important character, involving large 
 amounts, and became more like town meetings than ordinary vendues. There 
 probably is not his superior in the successful conduct of sales of consequence in the 
 western states, while his public spirit, energy and open-handedness entitle him to 
 recognition as one of the most valued members of the community.
 
 122 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 WILLARD T. LONGCOR. 
 
 Belvidere owes her progress and development in different lines, in a large 
 degree, to the push and enterprise of her young men, and among them the name of 
 Willard T. Longcor is conspicuous. 
 
 Leonard S. Longcor, father of Willard T., was born here in 1845, and was one 
 of the city's most successful business men as well us one of her best beloved citi- 
 zens. He was identified in the upbuilding of Belvidere in various ways. The L. 
 S. Longcor business block on North State street was erected by him. He passed 
 away December 5, 1 894. 
 
 WILLARD T. LONGCOR. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in this city, August 17, 1872. His boy- 
 hood days were passed under auspicious skies, and he was not slow to take advan- 
 tage of the splendid opportunities which fell to his lot. After taking a course in 
 the public schools and graduating from the North Belvidere High School, he 
 entered Lake Forest University, where he spent two years. Subsequently he 
 became a student at Monmouth College, taking the course of study antecedent to 
 law and journalism. From this institution he was graduated with honors in 1894, 
 the faculty and trustees conferring upon him the degree of Bachelor of Literature. 
 Returning to Belvidere, he assisted his father in business matters, and at the death 
 
 O * * 
 
 of his father he assumed the active management of the business left by him. 
 
 Mr. Longcor is financially interested in most of Belvidere's enterprises, and is 
 also the holder of a large amount of valuable real estate in the city and surrounding 
 country. He was one of the organizers of the Belvidere Gas Light and Fuel Com- 
 pany, and is secretary of that corporation as well as one of its directors. Mr.
 
 BELV1DEKE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Longcor is shrewd and careful in his business dealings, and by his good financial 
 policy and strict integrity has won the respect of veteran financiers. Socially he is 
 popular with all who know him. He is one of the trustees of the First Presby- 
 terian church, and in politics he is a staunch Republican. 
 
 BELVIDERE GAS LIGHT AND FUEL COMPANY. 
 
 A gas plant in a city the size of Belvidere is now considered a necessity, and 
 the works of The Belvidere Gas Light and Fuel Company supplies that want. 
 This company was incorporated April 15, 1895, and the works built and completed 
 during the same year. The mains of the company cover thoroughly every part of 
 the city, and consists of a total of eleven miles in actual service. The apparatus 
 
 THE BELVIDERE GAS WORKS. 
 
 used in making gas is of the famous Gilmore type, the gas being obtained from gas 
 oil which is a refined product of crude oil. The apparatus consists of three gen- 
 erators, the necessary seals, scrubbers, condensers, purifyers, oil and water pumps, 
 steam blowers, etc. The company has one of the finest and largest gas holders 
 west of Chicago, it having a storage capacity of 50,000 cubic feet of gas while the 
 apparatus itself will produce 300,000 cubic feet per day. The oil storage tank has 
 a capacity of 12,000 gallons. In addition to the regular apparatus the company 
 has a station meter of the latest improved pattern at its works which registers the 
 output of the gas from the plant. 
 
 Gas when used in connection with the Welsbach Burner produces the finest 
 artificial light known, it being far superior in quality to the incandescent electric 
 and much cheaper, in fact it has been demonstrated in our city again and again 
 that a 60 candle power light as produced with gas through a Welsbach Burner can 
 be had at one-third the cost of a 16 candle power incandescent electric. 
 
 As a fuel for cooking and light heating gas has no equal. It is cheaper than 
 coal, wood or gasoline, besides being more convenient, cleanly, safe and reliable.
 
 124 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Gas was tirst turned into the Company's mains October 11, 1895, and notwith- 
 standing the lateness of the season it secured and is now supplying a large number 
 of consumers with gas for both illuminating and fuel purposes. The output for this 
 year will reach nearly 10,000,000 cubic feet. The stockholders of the company are 
 the following well known business men: F. S. Rowan, Real Estate Dealer, Belvi- 
 dere; John L. Witbeck, Director First National Bank, Belvidere; W. T. Longcor, 
 Real Estate Dealer, Belvidere; Irving Terwilliger, Cashier Second National Bank, 
 Belvidere; Geo. H. Hurlbut, Ex-Mayor, Belvidere; John H. Witbeck, Vice-Presi- 
 dent Fort Dearborn National Bank, Chicago; Hon. Win. J. Henlev, Judge of the 
 
 JOHN C. LONGCOR. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOVXDT. 
 
 Appellate Court of Indiana, Rushville, Indiana; Geo. W. Campbell, Atty. at Law, 
 Rushville, Indiana; P. R. Kennedy, Alderman, Belvidere; Hon. Stephen D. May, 
 Atty. at Law, Chicago; Jesse Wheeland, Engineer, C. & N. W. Ry. 
 
 JOHN C. LONGCOR. 
 
 John C. Longcor was born in Belvidere August 8, 1847. His father. Samuel 
 Longcor, came here in 1840, and was widely known all over the country, from 
 the fact that he was the inventor of the famous "Diamond " plow, which had a 
 large sale. In his boyhood days the subject of this sketch attended the public 
 schools, taking a thorough course in the high school. For some years he was 
 associated with his father in the manufacturing business, and subsequently he 
 became identified with the drug trade. In 1874 he established a drug store on 
 North State street, and since that time he has conducted a highly successful busi- 
 ness. He carries one of the largest and most complete stocks in the city, and is
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 125 
 
 regarded as one of the substantial business men who form the backbone of Belvi- 
 dere. 
 
 Mr. Longcor was married February 16, 1881, to Miss Eva M. Barker, who is 
 one of the city's talented and accomplished women. She possesses a tine alto 
 voice, is one of the prominent members of the Ladies' Lyric club and leader of the 
 Methodist choir. Mr. Longcor is affiliated with the M. E. church, being one of 
 the trustees. He is justly popular, and few citizens are more highly esteemed 
 than he. lie is fairly well supplied with this world's goods, a competence which 
 he has accumulated by his conservative and careful business policy. He belongs 
 to the A. O. U. W. Mr. and Mrs. Longcor have one of the finest homes in the 
 city on West Lincoln avenue. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF FRANK TOUSLE Y. 
 
 ALD. WILLIAM H. DERTHICK. 
 
 Alderman Derthick was born in this city January 18, 1842. His parents, 
 Nelson and Margaret Derthick, came to Belvidere from Richfield Springs, N. Y., 
 in 1837. After i*eceiving a common school education Mr. Derthick, at the out- 
 break of the rebellion, joined the contingent of ninety-day men sent to Freeport, 
 which was mustered in by General Pope with Company B, Fifteenth Illinois In- 
 fantry, May 24, 1861. This was the first regiment of volunteers sworn into the 
 service of the United States for the war. At the surrender of Donelson, engaged 
 at Pittsburg Landing, where he was wounded; afterwai'd at Vicksburg, Avhere he 
 received a gun-shot wound in the knee, and which finally caused his discharge 
 from the service at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, in August, 1863, are events in 
 an honorable record. Upon returning to Belvidere he learned the painter's and 
 decorator's trade, and since acquiring it has, without exception, been his own em- 
 ployer. In 1871, during the rebuilding of Chicago, he obtained several large con- 
 tracts and employed 175 men. Mr. Derthick was the first to engage in artistic 
 decorating west of Chicago, and his reputation is widespread. Churches, schools,
 
 W. H. DERTHICK'S OPERA HOUSE BLOCK. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 _>"" 
 
 INTERIOR OF W. H. DERTHICK'S PAINT AND WALL PAPER STORE. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 127 
 
 public buildings and residences of every degree illustrate the extent and variety of 
 his work. The last and perhaps crowning effort is the elaborate adorning of the 
 National's superb offices. As a builder Mr. Derthick has been conspicuous, even 
 at a time when returns seemed doubtful, having erected, occupied and sold over 
 thirty-five houses, from the cottage to the mansion. Whi-n the June Sewing 
 Machine Manufacturing Company contemplated the transfer of its plant to Belvi- 
 dere, Alderman Derthick was chosen one of the citizen's committee to negotiate 
 the change and solicit subscriptions. His energetic service contributed largely to 
 the successful issue. Mr. Derthick was elected alderman from the second ward in 
 1890, and served one term. In 1894 he moved into the fourth ward, and was 
 
 W. H. DERTHICK. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 chosen to fill the term now being served. Alderman Derthick has been an official 
 of Hurlbut Post, G. A. R., of this city, since its organization. He was married 
 in 1864 to Miss Charlotte Reed, who died in 1878, and on April 21, 1887, to Miss 
 Lizzie Martyn. The children by his first marriage were Harry and Paul, now 
 deceased, and Mrs. Piel and Mrs. Merveaux, of this city, and by the latter union 
 Charlotte, now at the age of six years. One of the side enterprises undertaken by 
 Mr. Derthick is the management of the Opera House, whose stock of $17,000, 
 with the exception of a tenth part, he owns. Large outlays have been made upon 
 this principal place of entertainment, and its productiveness quadrupled. As a 
 progressive, public-spirited, capable citizen and official, Alderman Derthick stands 
 among the first, and his constant and effective 'services receive high appreciation.
 
 128 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 THE BELVIDERE CARPET STRETCHER. 
 
 The Belvidere Carpet Stretcher and Tacker was invented by Edward L. 
 McDivitt, of this ciiy, and he was awarded patent February 21, 1893. In Sep- 
 tember of the same year Mr. McDivitt and A. R. Goddard formed a partnership 
 firm to manufacture and sell the stretcher in the United States. They had bnt 
 little capital to invest at that time, and this made it up-hill work in getting it 
 started. In April, 1894, Mr. McDivitt sold his half interest to George M. Allen, 
 of Beloit, Wis , and C. C. Atwood, of Albion, Wis. In November, 1895, Mr. 
 Atwood accepted an offer to sell his interest from E. W. Goddard, of Terryville, 
 
 A. R. GODDARD OPERATING STRETCHER 
 AND TACKER. 
 
 THE STRETCHER AND TACKER. 
 
 Conn., and the firm name was changed to The Goddard & Allen Co. The business 
 was started at the beginning of the panic, which made it all the harder for the new 
 venture. Notwithstanding, the firm had a good year in 1895, and there has been 
 a decided increase in the business so far this year. Their goods are handled ex- 
 clusively through agents, as Mr. Goddard believes this is the only way to sell and 
 introduce a new household article. If every family in the United States had a 
 Belvidere Carpet Stretcher, the white-winged dove of peace would rule the day 
 during the house-cleaning and moving time period. Those who have tested this 
 remarkable machine unhesitatingly pronounce it the most practical Carpet Stretcher 
 and Tacker ever offered to the public. The writer has seen all kinds of Carpet 
 Stretchers, and can conscientiously say that "The Belvidere" excels anything 
 ever seen. 
 
 This Stretcher is made of the very best material, with an eye to durability, 
 good service, and neatness; the handle and sti-etcher-bar being made of hard maple,
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 129 
 
 the driving-rod of Bessemer steel, with case-hardened tip. A lever draws the 
 carpet to its place, an automatic device places a tack in position, and a single blow 
 of the driving-rod sets it firmly in the floor. The operator maintains an upright 
 position; his weight on the carpet and Stretcher assists instead of retards its 
 working. The leverage is so great that it requires little effort to bring the carpet 
 to the desired tension on the floor, and it is held firmly in position by weight of 
 operator until tacked down. 
 
 O. H. WRIGHT, SR. 
 
 Belvidere boasts of her brilliant sons and influential men, whose fame spreads 
 throughout the entire state of Illinois. And well she may for there is no city of 
 the size in the state that has 
 furnished so many able men. 
 Chief among those whose 
 names give credit to the 
 city is the Hon. O. H. 
 Wright, Sr. His past is one 
 of which any man might 
 well feel proud a record of 
 signal successes in the busi- 
 ness world and professional 
 world, a succession of 
 honors in public life. 
 
 He is one of the city's old- 
 est residents, coming here in 
 1855. He was born in 
 Green county, N.Y., in 1827. 
 Early in life Mr. Wright be- 
 came a school teacher. Be- 
 fore coming west he was 
 principal of Greenville (X. 
 Y.) Academy. His first ex- 
 perience in Belvidere was 
 teaching. He organized and 
 became principal of the 
 Union school. Later he 
 turned to the study of law 
 and read with General Ste- 
 phen Hurlbut, being admit- 
 ted to the bar in 1864. In 
 those early days Belvidere 
 
 had a corps of able attorneys and Mr. Wright was obliged to work hard to establish 
 a law practice. He was called the '-teacher lawyer" by his opponents, but they 
 soon found the "teacher lawyer" was made of the right kind of stuff. He soon 
 demonstrated his ability and his name as an eloquent practitioner became known 
 in all the adjoining counties. When the Republican party was in its incipiency. 
 Mr. Wright was an advocate of its principles. The first political speech he ever 
 made was in 1856 for John C. Fremont who was defeated for the presidency by 
 Buchanan. He was one of the oiganizers of the part} 7 and is now an enthusiastic 
 Republican. He says he always expects to be one. 
 
 Shortly after he was admitted to the bar he was elected city magistrate and 
 at various periods he has held the offices of city clerk, master of chancery, and was 
 county assessor under the revenue law eight years. In 1878 the people sent Mr. 
 
 HON. O. H. WRIGHT.
 
 130 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Wright to the state legislature and kept him there for three successive terms. 
 Subsequently Governor Oglesby appointed him one of the three penitentiary com- 
 missioners, which by the way, is not only a responsible position but great honor 
 attaches to it as well. In this capacity he served four years. 
 
 Mr. Wright started the first agricultural implement warehouse in Belvidere. 
 He erected several business blocks. One of those on South State street was 
 destroyed by fire in 1883, entailing a loss of $10,000 without any insurance, a 
 serious loss for Mr. Wright. 
 
 Mr. Wright is spending the evening of his life with as much freedom from 
 cares as his business will permit. While he is at the head of the firm of O. H. 
 Wright & Co., his son Omar takes the weight of responsibility from his shoulders. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF OMAR H. WRIGHT, JR. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 He has large financial interests in Belvidere which necessarily require attention. 
 He is a stockholder and director of the People's bank, and is the owner of con- 
 siderable real estate. Mr. Wright has a cottage at Geneva Lake, Wis., where he 
 spends the summer, and also considerable property in Chicago. He has done more 
 than his part in the upbuilding of the city and well deserves a rest. Mr. Wright 
 is loved and respected by all who know him. 
 
 O. H. WRIGHT AND CO. 
 
 The firm of O. H. Wright & Son, dealers in lumber and coal, commenced 
 operations at its present location on Pleasant street, April 1, 1889. From the 
 beginning success attended the enterprise, and the stock and facilities were in- 
 creased, until now the heaviest and most varied demands are promptly met. June 
 1, 1893, John G. Tripp was admitted as a partner, the firm name changed to that of 
 O. H. Wright & Co., and the buying of grain added to the business. Mr. Tripp's 
 long experience in the grain market well qualifies him for the management of this 
 department. The offices and yards are located on both sides of the railroad track, 
 one block west of State street, and cover an extended space of ground. Purchases
 
 BELV1DERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 131 
 
 of lumber are made in large lots at the mills in Wisconsin and Michigan, of coal 
 at the mines, and other material at first hand. Nearly everything in the way of 
 building supplies is handled, with the addition of drain tile in all sizes. Hon. 
 O. H. Wright, Sr. retains a supervisory interest in the business, but the active 
 management devolves on the other partners, Omar II. Wright, Jr. and Mr. Tripp. 
 The high position attained by this firm is notable even in this city of commercial 
 surprises. 
 
 OMAR H. WRIGHT, JR. 
 
 A partner in the firm of O. H. Wright & Co., was born at Belvidere in 1867, 
 and graduated from the high school in 1884. In 1885 he was tendered and accepted 
 a position in the purchasing 
 department of the Illinois 
 state penitentiary at Joliet, 
 and remained there three 
 years. Entering the lumber 
 and coal business in 1889, 
 his energy and talent con- 
 tributed to the early placing 
 of the enterprise in the van 
 of successful business 
 houses. He was elected 
 alderman from the first 
 ward in April, 1891, and re- 
 elected in 1893, serving four 
 years. He was among the 
 organizers of the Belvidere 
 Telephone Company, and is 
 now its secretary. His mar- 
 riage to Miss Sarah Burton 
 took place at Batavia, Illi- 
 nois, February 10, 1892. 
 They have one son. In the 
 fall of 1894 he completed 
 one of the largest and hand- 
 somest residences in the 
 city. It is situated at the 
 corner of State and Sixth 
 streets, in Highland addi- 
 tion, ;md was erected under plans from Frank P. Allen, a leading architect of 
 Grand Rapids, Mich., at an expense of $6,000. It was fitted with every con- 
 venience and elegantly furnished. Last November it was partially destroyed 
 by fire, but immediately rebuilt. Mr. Wright is a representative of the younger 
 and progressive type of merchants whose value in a growing city is highly 
 estimated. 
 
 H. H. RUBIN. 
 
 "Rubin's Bakery" has for many years been a household phrase in Belvidere. 
 At one time almost the only establishment of the kind in the city, it has been, 
 enlarged, in keeping with the general progress, until everything in the line 
 required by home-providers is now promptly supplied. It follows in this under- 
 taking, as with most others, that a faithful adherence to the one special line ensures 
 proficiency and the best resultant service. This was the policy adopted by Mr. 
 Rubin years ago, and now followed. Mr. Rubin was born in Watertown, Wis., 
 
 H. II . RUBIN. 
 
 1'HOTO BY YOUNDT.
 
 132 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 Februai-y 17, 1861. Receiving bis education and learning his trade at Janesville, 
 Wis., he came to Belvidere in 1880, and obtained employment with W. F. Zeigler, 
 who was at that time the leading baker of the town. In 1883 occurred his mar- 
 riage to Miss Rosa Fenwick. In 1887 he purchased Joseph Fenwick's bakery, and 
 now carries on business at the same location. An idea of the extent to which 
 provision is made for the public may be gained from the statement that he uses 
 about 2,000 sacks of flour, 100 barrels of sugar, and 50 tierces of lard annually. 
 Mr. Rubin is Treasurer of Kishwaukee Chapter, No. 90, R. A. M., and Past 
 Grand of the local lodge of I. O. O. F. In 1894 the family residence at State 
 
 H. H. RUBIN'S RESIDENCE. 
 
 and Jackson streets was completed, and it is noted for being one of the handsomest 
 and most commodious of the fine structures gracing that section of the city. 
 
 L. C. WILLARD. 
 
 The mercantile interests of any city would be incomplete without a first-class 
 furniture establishment, such as is conducted by the gentleman whose name forms 
 the subject of this article, and who may justly be regarded as one of Belvidere's 
 safe, reliable and conservative business men. Mr. Willard is a practical and 
 experienced furniture dealer, having been engaged in the business in Belvidere for 
 quite a number of years ; he knows when, how and where to buy furniture, at such 
 prices that enable him to give his patrons the advantage, when purchasing of him, 
 of the lowest possible prices of any similar establishment in the north-west. Mr. 
 Willard is one of our active, energetic and enterprising business men, who keeps 
 abreast of the times by always handling just what the public requires, as is so 
 plainly evident by a casual glance at his well, immense and judiciously selected
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 133- 
 
 stock of furniture that is not excelled or equalled in variety, quality and prices in 
 this section of the state, a fact that is being recognized and appreciated by not only 
 his legion of patrons, but the public generally, and upon this hypothesis may 
 properly be assigned the fundamental principle of his chief success and the 
 immense and profitable trade, which reflects credit upon his good discretion, that 
 he so successfully succeeded in establishing in Belvidere. His stock of parlor and 
 bedroom sets, the most modern and latest style, together with tables, chairs, sofas, 
 desks, rockers, and in fact everything to be found in a first-class establishment of 
 a like character, is not only full and complete, but embraces such a choice selec- 
 
 RESIDENCE OF L. C. WILLARD. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & XOTT. 
 
 tion as will be difficult to be seen elsewhere. In connection with this well regu- 
 lated establishment is a first-class undertaking department, under the personal 
 attention of Mr. Willard, who in this respect knows well the requirements of an 
 undertaker, having served the people of Belvidere for the past twelve years, always 
 giving perfect satisfaction. 
 
 JOHN C. FOOTE. 
 
 For a quarter of a century John C. Foote has conducted a drug store on South 
 State street, and it is one of the leading establishments of the city. He was born 
 in Hamilton, N. Y., September 20, 1841, and received a thorough preparatory 
 education in early youth. lie graduated at Colgate university in 1864, and suc- 
 ceeded his father, lion. John J. Foote, in the drug business at Hamilton in 1865.
 
 134 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 His marriage to Miss Helen, daughter of Judge Samuel B. Garvin, of New York 
 city, took place in 1867. Coming to Belvidere in 1869, he founded his present 
 business in 1870. His children are: Mary Helen, May Garvin, Florence Annette 
 and John Garvin. 
 
 Mr. Foote has always been an ardent Republican, and while never caring to 
 hold office, has yet constantly and with effect interested himself in political affairs. 
 Few have shown a livelier appreciation of the needs of the city or greater willing- 
 ness to aid in forwarding every measure calculated to develop its resources. 
 Prominent in business circles, church affairs and socially, Mr. Foote is highly 
 esteemed, and has the confidence and regard of the public. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF JOHN C. FOOTE. 
 
 SABIN BROS., DRY GOODS. 
 
 The metropolitan dry goods store now conducted by Sabin Bros, was estab- 
 lished in February, 1866, by their father, David D. Sabin, the firm being D. D. 
 Sabin & Co. Subsequently H. B. Sykes took the place of the retiring partner, P. 
 R. Sabin, and continued in the firm until 1884, when D. D. Sabin became sole 
 proprietor. Being capable and experienced in the dry goods line, Mr. Sabin 
 commanded a prosperous patronage. He showed his enterprise when, in 1876, he 
 erected the large business block now occupied by Sabin Bros. Mr. Sabin con- 
 ducted the business until 1889, when his son Sidney A. was admitted to partner- 
 ship. In 1894 the firm Sabin & Son was succeeded by Eugene F. and Sidney A. 
 as Sabin Bros. Prior to this change Eugene F. Sabin had been identified for fif- 
 teen years with the large wholesale house of John V. Farwell & Co., and this 
 wide experience gave him peculiar and fitting qualifications which gave added vigor 
 to the business. Sidney A. Sabin, it may be said, "grew up in the business." 
 After completing his school work he became associated with the business, and 
 spent twelve years in the dry goods trade. The Sabin brothers make a team that 
 is hard to equal. Their motto is "Best qualities always," and the term "The
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 135 
 
 D. D. SABIN. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 is twenty-five, at the head of 
 which is Millard Boyce, 
 whose engagement began 
 with the business. Window 
 screens, wire cloth and hard- 
 ware specialties are also 
 made and carried. Mr. Plane 
 is the local manager of the 
 Central Union Telephone 
 Exchange. In the spring of 
 1895 the entire city line was 
 reconstructed at an expense 
 of $20,000. The service is at 
 all times prompt and relia- 
 ble. Mr. Frank W. Plane 
 was born in Belvidere, No- 
 vember 15, 1846. He is a 
 son of John Plane, one of the 
 oldest residents. At the age 
 of twenty he entered his 
 father's hardware store as 
 clerk. His marriage to Miss 
 E. L. Post took place in May, 
 1875. They have one child, 
 a lad of eleven years. Him- 
 self and wife are connected 
 
 ever busy store " has been 
 applied to their dry goods 
 house. Their stock is al- 
 ways up-to-date, well select- 
 ed and complete in all de- 
 partments, and only in the 
 larger cities can its equal be 
 found. 
 
 FRANK W. PLANE. 
 
 Very prominent among 
 the older manufacturing 
 establishments of this city, 
 and indeed of the country, 
 is the Plane Screen Door 
 Manufactory. It was start- 
 ed by Mr. Plane in 1880. 
 The entire product for that 
 year was 3,500 doors. The 
 increase in the output has 
 been gradual but large, 
 until now 150,000 doors are 
 annually shipped, requiring 
 200 cars. The factory is 
 located on Pleasant street 
 and solidly built of stone. 
 The average force employed 
 
 F. w. PLANE. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT.
 
 136 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 with the South Baptist Church, and as one of the trustees he has rendered long 
 and valuable service, while Mrs. Plane is the efficient treasurer of the society. 
 Mr. Plane is an active, public-spirited citizen, heartily cooperating with his busi- 
 ness associates in promoting the interests of his native city. 
 
 R. C. FRITZ. 
 
 One of the enterprises exceedingly valuable to a building community is that of 
 brick-making. It ensures an always available supply of an indispensable article. 
 Such an industry is that of R. C. Fritz, located in almost the heart of the city. 
 It was known at an early day that a bed of clay, considerable in extent and of 
 excellent quality, underlaid the site of the present kilns. Efforts to utilize this 
 deposit were made at intervals, but complete success had never resulted until the 
 
 SCENE AT THE BRICK YARD OF R. C. FRITZ. 
 
 present energetic proprietor began the essay. At the time of his arrival from 
 Oridley, 111, nine years ago, the product could hardly be given away. Mr. Fritz 
 had faith, however, that first-class brick could be turned out. New machinery 
 was purchased, and numerous experiments were made, but there were discourage- 
 ments and costly failures. In 1892 the plant was entirely wiped out by flood. 
 Then fire destroyed the sheds and a large part of the machinery. Yet the plucky 
 young proprietor was not dismayed, but rebuilt and enlarged, and finally placed 
 the enterprise on a firm footing. He now employs in the busy season about 
 twenty-five men, and turns out 2,000,000 bricks a year. The National Company 
 was supplied with 100,000 for the outside finishing of the great building erected 
 last summer, while its contract for the inferior inside walls was let to foreign 
 firms. This is a high testimonial from a competent source. The reputation of 
 the product is now established, and contractors from a distance are sending orders 
 in liberal volume. Belvidere brick have no superior in the state. Mr. Fritz is an 
 active member of the Methodist church and superintendent of its Sabbath school. 
 He also holds other offices. An energetic, capable, reliable business man, and 
 worthy citizen, his success in the face of many obstacles is a source of gratification 
 to the community.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 137 
 
 THE HOTEL EVANS. 
 
 This well-known hostelry was purchased and re-named by Mr. Fred J. Evans 
 in 1894. Its location on State street, size, arrangement and furnishing combine 
 to make it inferior to none other in the city. Immediately after obtaining control 
 it was entirely refitted by the present proprietor with all the modern belongings of 
 a first-class hotel, at large expense. It has steam heat, electric lights and annun- 
 ciators, barber shop, baths, spacious sample-rooms, free train service, and bills of 
 
 THE HOTEL EVANS. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 table-fare that attract liberal patronage from city residents as well as travelers. 
 As Mr. Evans personally manages the hotel, its guests are always assured of the 
 most perfect care and attention, which fact, together with a moderate tariff of 
 charges, invariably ensures a revisit from those who have once accepted its hospi- 
 talities. Mr. Henry Sweet, long a resident of Belvidere, is in charge of the office, 
 a position held for some years, and ably seconds the proprietor in rendering 
 acceptable service to the public. 
 
 CAPT. JAMES M. HUMPHREY. 
 
 In keeping with the general advancement that has made the Belvidere of 
 to-day are the progressive ideas of the dealers in furniture. Where a few years 
 ago limited quarters and moderate displays were sufficient, now extensive ware-
 
 138 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 houses and great variety are considered indispensable. Probably the new build- 
 ing erected by Captain Humphrey on South State street, and occupied nearly in 
 its entirety as salesrooms, is unsurpassed by any similar structure in this part of 
 the state. It is 44x90 feet in extent, two stories and basement in height, of brick 
 and stone, with a highly ornate front, and is one of the handsomest business blocks 
 in the city. It is filled with a stock from which may be equipped the plainest or 
 most pretentious dwelling. The undertaking department carries a full line of 
 funeral furnishings, and the details of embalming and burial are attended to in 
 accordance with approved methods. Captain Humphrey was born August 31, 
 1840, at Danville, Ohio. His parents, Thomas J. and Caroline A. Humphrey, 
 came to Boone county in 1840, and located on a farm ten miles south of Belvidere. 
 
 HUMPHREY BLOCK AND J. M. HUMPHREY'S FURNITURE STORE. 
 
 They emigrated from Rhode Island at an early date, and first went to Ohio, set- 
 tling on a tract of land given his grandfather for services performed in the Revo- 
 lutionary war, which was perforce accepted in lieu of cash. Captain Humphrey 
 was educated at Beloit College, and took a commercial course in Chicago. He 
 was married to Miss Rosirah Newton in Flora, this county, December 25, 1862. 
 They have five children, one son and four daughters, all of whom are married. 
 In 1864 he raised and commanded a company enlisted for the United States 
 service, and which became Company C, One Hundred and Forty-second Infantry. 
 For its share in the defense of St. Louis it received the thanks of President Lin- 
 coln, through his Secretary of War Stanton. Returning to Belvidere Captain 
 Humphrey engaged as a commercial traveler, farmer and hardware merchant, in 
 the order mentioned, opening a furniture store about five years age. One of his 
 brothers attained the rank of brigadier general, and another captain of cavalry, 
 during the war. He is a member of Hurlbut Post, G. A. R., and of the M. W. 
 A. Enterprising and public-spirited, Captain Humphrey keeps in line with the 
 makers of modern Belvidere.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 139 
 
 WM. SEWELL. 
 
 In his own building, which by the way, is one of the best in town, Mr. 
 Sewell conducts a carriage business on an extensive scale. His repository on 
 North State street is a credit to Belvidere. Mr. Sewell was born in Caledonia, this 
 county. His father was Isaac Sewell, one of the county's sturdy pioneers. Mr. 
 Sewell learned the carriage making trade in Beloit, Wis. , where he had consider- 
 able experience in this line. Prior to moving to Beloit he held the office of town- 
 ship assessor for Caledonia for several years. Coming to Belvidere about twenty 
 
 WM. SE WELL'S BLOCK AND G. A. R. HALL. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 years ago, he was for six years the expert and right-hand man for Captain 
 Hey wood, one of the leading machinery dealers. He was full of vigor and enter- 
 prise and launched into business for himself. Few business men have been more suc- 
 cessful. An evidence of this fact is the sightly building erected by himself, in 1892, 
 on the second floor of which is the Grand Army hall and which with the necessary 
 adjuncts cover a large space. Mr. Sewell deals in fine carriages, wagons, sleighs, 
 harness, etc., and does a large annual business. 
 
 The North Belvidere school board, on which he is serving his second term, 
 conferred an honor on him, and placed a great responsibility in his hands during 
 the past summer. The magnificent new $25,000 school edifice, a cut of which 
 appears elsewhere, was constructed under his superintendency, he being at that time 
 chairman of the building committee. Mr. Sewell is held in high esteem as a citizen.
 
 RESIDENCE OF F. S. ROWAN. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 PROPERTY OF F. S. ROWAN. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT.
 
 BELYIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 141 
 
 F. S. ROWAN. 
 
 "Just say I'm in the real estate business," said F. S. Rowan, when a repre- 
 sentative of "Belvidere Illustrated" approached him. Mr. Rowan is modest, and 
 dislikes too great a prominence. His magnificent residence shown herewith is a 
 pride of the city. Mr. Rowan is president of the Gas Company, and a member of 
 the South Belvidere school board. He is a man of high standing in financial 
 circles, and is contributing his full share to the advancement of Belvidere. His 
 real estate business is extensive. 
 
 THE WHITMAN-STARR BLOCK. 
 
 JOHN C. STARR. 
 
 John C. Starr has been in business in Belvidere for thirty five consecutive 
 years. He bears the proud distinction of being the second oldest business man in 
 this city in point of continuous business activity. He was born in Whitehall, 
 N. Y., in 1839, and lived there until his parents followed the western exodus in 
 1855. On October 13th of that year the family located in Belvidere. H. G. Starr, 
 the father, was an expert harness maker and his son, John C., followed in his foot- 
 steps and became associated with him in business. After spending a year in Belvi- 
 dere the Starrs moved to Forreston, Ogle county and then the head of the family 
 embarked in the harness business. In 1860 John C. Starr who had always longed 
 to get back to Belvidere, took up his residence in this city again and from that
 
 142 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 day he has not had the least 
 thought of locating else- 
 
 O "-3 1 
 
 where. Mr. Starr is at pres- 
 ent located in one of the new, 
 modern and substantial busi- 
 ness blocks on South State 
 street which he erected him- 
 self last summer. He carries 
 one of the largest and most 
 complete lines of harness in 
 northern Illinois. 
 
 Mr. Starr has held several 
 honorary offices in this city 
 and has had much experience 
 in local public affairs. He is 
 a careful and conservative 
 gentleman and is one of Bel- 
 videre's staunchest business 
 men. 
 
 WATKINS AND BURNS. 
 
 Less than two years ago 
 the gentlemen composing this 
 firm opened a comparatively 
 small stock of dry goods in 
 one of the Rider buildings 
 
 E. ,T. WATKINS. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 T. F. BURNS. 
 
 PHOTO BY CXARK & NOTT. 
 
 on South State street, and 
 their record has been one of 
 uninterrupted advancement. 
 At the present time, occupy- 
 ing one of the most perfectly 
 appointed store-rooms in 
 Northern Illinois, their sales 
 are not exceeded by those of 
 any other similar establish- 
 ment in the city. The new 
 location is in Central block, 
 which was completed August 
 ], 1895, and upon which date 
 the firm took possession of 
 quarters especially fitted for 
 its use. The floor space is 
 22x125; the fixtures are of 
 recent design and include 
 every convenience; bundle 
 and cash carriers are used, 
 and the store is warmed and 
 lighted by furnaces and gas. 
 Ten clerks care for their im- 
 mense trade. The stock car- 
 ried is, for extent and quality,, 
 far beyond the average in a
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 143 
 
 city of this size. It is kept completely assorted by the modern method of frequent 
 purchase. Under the three headings: Dry goods, carpets and cloaks, are in- 
 cluded many subdivisions, all representing the most desirable products of the loom 
 and workshop. The enterprising proprietors have achieved a success that is 
 phenomenal, even in this day of rapid progression. 
 
 The senior partner of the above firm was born in the town of Flora, this 
 county, December 17, 1860. His parents, J. B. and Ann Watkins, came to this 
 part of the country, the former in 1842 and the latter in 1839. On their marriage 
 they settled on a farm in Flora, where they resided for many years. Mr. E. J. 
 Watkins, after completing his education, turned his attention to the dry goods 
 business, beginning as a clerk in 1880, and retaining this position thirteen years. 
 
 RESIDENCE OF W. D. CORNWELL. 
 
 He was married in 1883 to Miss Ida E. Woolverton, of Belvidere. They have 
 two daughters, one of eleven and the other of nine years. Mr. Watkins is a mem- 
 ber of the American Legion of Honor. 
 
 T. F. Bunis, the junior member, born at Belvidere. January 29, 1867. 
 His parents, C. F. and Mary Burns, came to Belvidere in 1865. He was educated 
 at the public schools, and after a varied preparatory experience, settled down to 
 the dry goods business, which he has followed for many years. His marriage to 
 Miss Elizabeth Quinn, of Elgin, took place April 30, 1890. They have three 
 children, the eldest a son of three years. He is the treasurer of the Home Forum, 
 a member of the M. W. A., and one of Belvidere's most progressive and successful 
 merchants. 
 
 CORNWELL & CHAPPEL. 
 
 The members of this leading real estate firm began operations in February, 
 1895, and have since then prosecuted a most successful business. Their familiarity 
 with both city and country property and skillful negotiation of deals, together with 
 perfect reliability, have attracted a large clientage, and resulted in mutual satisfac-
 
 144 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 tion and profit. Some of the largest transactions of the year have been consummated 
 through their agency. They not only attend to the transfer of property, but 
 negotiate loans, rent houses and stores, and perform every service related to the 
 business. Their success is in perfect keeping with the progress of the city, to- 
 which they have in no small degree contributed. 
 
 WILLIAM D. CORNWELL. 
 
 was born at Brantford, Canada, March 27, 1833. He came to Illinois with his 
 parents in 1845. His father settled on a track of land in Caledonia township, and 
 the son remained on the home-farm until arriving at the age of fifteen. He was. 
 
 REV. J. G. ROCKENBACH. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & XOTT. 
 
 then apprenticed to the mason's trade for three years. In 1857 he located on the 
 farm he still owns, in the township mentioned. He worked at his trade until 1867, 
 when he went to California and engaged in the lumber business. In 1871 Mr. 
 Cornwell followed his trade in Pueblo and Denver, Col. On returning to thi& 
 county he resumed residence on the farm, and prosecuted his trade until 1890, 
 when he was elected county treasurer, and then moved to Belvidere. His marriage 
 to Miss Catherine Chappel took place in 1857. His present wife was Miss Mary A. 
 Getten. Both Mr. Cornwell and his wife are prominent members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal church, and the former has rendered conspicuous service to the denomi- 
 nation as a lay preacher. 
 
 w. H. CHAPPEL. 
 
 Mr. Chappel, associated with Mr. Cornwell in business, was born in Stafford, 
 New York state, April 16, 1842. He came to Boone county in 1855. Learning the 
 carpenter's trade, he followed it until the earlier period of the war, when he
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 145 
 
 enlisted in Company "K," 95th Illinois, August 13, 1862. Performing the full 
 three years' service, he was honorably mustered out. He was married to Miss 
 Rosaltha M. Corning in 1867. They have two daughters, one of whom is married. 
 Their residence in Belvidere dates from the fall of '95. Mr. Chappel's business 
 engagements have required his absence from the county for many years, but his 
 arrangements are now such as to make a permanent residence possible. 
 
 WILLIAM H. PIEL. 
 
 W. H. Piel, who is styled "The Logan Avenue Grocer," is an example of 
 how a pushing, energetic young man finds his way to the front. Six years ago he 
 
 w. H. PIEL. 
 
 started in business with F. J. Evans, and for the past four years has been in trade 
 alone. His grocery house is one of the most popular in town. It is located in a 
 handsome new building with fine plate glass front, and these elegant quarters give 
 Mr. Piel an advantage over some of his competitors. He carries a complete stock 
 of goods and is doing a successful business. 
 
 Having been born and reared in Belvidere, Mr. Piel is well acquainted. He 
 has a reputation for honest dealing and fair treatment that is consistently main- 
 tained. 
 
 OSGOOD & ANDREWS. 
 
 Everybody in Belvidere knows genial Major R. E. Osgood. Years ago he 
 established a livery business here. 
 
 When the fierce struggle of the 60's began he enlisted in the 6th Ohio Cavalry 
 and distinguished himself in service. First a private, then second lieutenant, later
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 OSGOOD & ANDREWS' LIVERY. 
 
 PHOTO BY CXARK & NOTT. 
 
 first lieutenant, next captain and finally major, his war record is a brilliant one 
 
 and needs no eulogy. 
 
 After the war he came to Belvidere and bought out Woodard & Lease's livery. 
 
 Since that time, thirty years ago, the major has stood by his post. A year ago 
 
 Elliott Andrews, son of 
 Deacon Andrews, who 
 has made his home with 
 Major Osgood for some 
 years, was taken into 
 partnership. Mr. An- 
 drews is one of the hustl- 
 ing young men of the 
 city and a fresh impetus 
 was given to the busi- 
 ness. Despite the bicycle, 
 the major says the past 
 year was one of the best 
 he has ever had. He 
 gives Mr. Andrews much 
 credit for this. The 
 livery business is con- 
 ducted in good quarters 
 on Whitney street. The 
 large barn was built by 
 Major Osgood in 1871, 
 after fire had burned him 
 out. Osgood & Andrews 
 are one of Belvidere's 
 
 COMMERCE BLOCK. best firms and are deserv- 
 
 OWNED BY j. s. EDELSTEIN. } n g o f their prosperity.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 147 
 
 J. S. EDELSTEIX. 
 
 JACOB S. EDELSTEIN. 
 
 One of the most notable 
 instances in this community 
 of the rapid rise to position 
 and a competency from hum- 
 ble beginnings is that of 
 Jacob S. Edelstein. Born in 
 Courland, on the coast of the 
 Baltic sea, in 1857, he cut 
 loose from the fatherland in 
 1881, and sailed for the 
 United States. Landing al- 
 most penniless, he maintained 
 himself by strenuous effort 
 until 1883, when he came to 
 Belvidere and started in busi- 
 ness in the smallest possible 
 way. Everybody here re- 
 members the little store on 
 State street, crowded with in- 
 expensive dry goods, and the 
 always present and industri- 
 ous proprietor. In 1884 he 
 was married to Miss Johanna 
 Barry. His assiduousness 
 was redoubled, and in 1885 a 
 larger store-room was required, that selected being in the Ames block. In 1890 
 he built the Edelstein block, a handsome double-store structure, into one of which 
 he moved. Here for 
 six years he conducted 
 a flourishing business, 
 and became one of the 
 leading merchants of 
 the city. Outside 
 operations added to his 
 means, and the Bu- 
 chanan block was pur- 
 chased as an invest- 
 ment. This building 
 has recently been re- 
 modeled and is a hand- 
 some ornament to the 
 prin c i p a 1 thorough- 
 fare. The elegant res- 
 idence now the prop- 
 erty of Dr. Markley 
 was built and occupied 
 by Mr. Edelstein. 
 Mr. E.'s fine home is 
 in the same neighbor- 
 hood, where with his 
 wife and three bright THE EDELSTEIN BLOCK.
 
 148 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 children he intends taking life with more ease for a time, having retired from busi- 
 ness early in the present year. Mr. Edelstein's parents are still living in the old 
 country, and it is his pleasurable duty to minister to their wants. His five brothers 
 are each indebted to him for their start in business. Mr. Edelstein's career is but 
 another illustration of the advancement that is possible in this country of bound- 
 less opportunity, and no other in like degree. 
 
 C. N. SMITH. 
 
 C. N. Smith, the genial postmaster, has made an enviable record in Belvidere. 
 He was born in Bushnell, 111., in 1862. In 1881 he came to this city and shortly 
 
 c. N. SMITH, 
 
 POSTMASTER. 
 PHOTO BY YOVSDT. 
 
 afterward began the manufacture of cigars. Ever since he located here he has 
 taken an active hand in politics and his good work for the democracy gave him the 
 postoffice. Mr. Smith has made an excellent official and has accomplished more 
 for the public than any of his predecessors. First the office was entirely remodeled 
 and refitted, but the most important improvement in the mail service was the 
 establishment of the free delivery system which was brought about directly through 
 the efforts of the postmaster. 
 
 Mr. Smith is closely allied with the democratic leaders of the state and is 
 generally on "the inside.'' He is a clever, affable gentleman and has many 
 friends. 
 
 HON. DU FAY A. FULLER, 
 
 Republican nominee for representative in the general assembly, was born in the 
 town of Flora, in Boone county, about forty-four years ago. He has always
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 149 
 
 resided on the farm where he was born, although as district manager of the Mutual 
 Life Insurance Company of New York, he has an office in Belvidere. He is a son 
 of Seymour and Eiiza A. Fuller, who were among the early settlers of this county. 
 What education he acquired was in the district school, and his early L life 'was 
 passed in such toil as is incident to a farmer's life. Mr. Fuller was the youngest 
 son of the family, and the others, going early out into the world for themselves, 
 seemed to render it necessary that Du Fay should remain at home. He has three 
 brothers, James A., of Chicago, George H. , a banker of Rockwell, Iowa, Charles 
 E., of this city, and one sister, Mrs. F. S. Stockwell, of Cherry Valley. Mr. 
 Fuller has been somewhat prominent in town matters in the town of ] Flora, and 
 
 HON. IX A. FULLER, 
 
 MEMBER OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. 
 
 has for several terms held the offices of justice of the peace and of township 
 treasurer. He is a man of sturdy common sense, of unblemished character and 
 of considerable business ability. That he fully possesses the confidence and 
 esteem of those who know him best is evidenced from the fact that when he 
 became a candidate for representative, at the primary election in his own town 
 there was not a vote against him, and he had the enthusiastic support of all his 
 neighbors. He is a member of the South Baptist church of Belvidere, of which 
 both his parents were also members, and is also a Mason, an Odd Fellow and a 
 member of several other fraternal societies. In 1876 he was married to Miss 
 Jennie Robinson, of Cherry Valley, who died in 1895. One child preceded Mrs. 
 Fuller to the other shore. 
 
 Mr. Fuller is socially a gentleman, an honest and honorable man, whom it is 
 a pleasure to know.
 
 150 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 LUKE WHEELER, 
 
 ham Lincoln's great speech 
 011 that occasion. When the 
 Standard was established the 
 railroad was completed to 
 Huntley only, and the hand- 
 press and boxes of type were 
 hauled by team from that 
 place over muddy roads at 
 large expense. At that time 
 the south side of the river 
 could boast of but two small 
 frame buildings. From 1851 
 to 1860 the Standard was the 
 only paper published in this 
 county. The Standard first 
 occupied a part of the build- 
 ing now known as Wing's 
 flats, on East Madison street, 
 but was removed in the same 
 year to a wooden structure on 
 Lincoln avenue, just east of 
 State street. In 1854 the 
 brick block on the corner, in 
 which was then the post- 
 office, was destroyed by fire, 
 which also partly burned the 
 
 THE "STANDARD." 
 
 The Standard was estab- 
 lished in 1 851 by Ralph Rob- 
 erts, its present propietor. 
 It was not quite the first 
 paper printed in Boone coun- 
 ty, as about 1848-50 a ven- 
 ture had been made by a Mr. 
 Snow, which was entitled the 
 Belvidere Repubican. Its 
 existence was brief. The 
 Standard was at first Demo- 
 cratic in politics, and contin- 
 ued in that faith until the 
 breaking up of parties on the 
 free-soil question, when the 
 Whigs and free soil Demo- 
 crats united and formed the 
 present Republican party. 
 It has since advocated Repub- 
 lican principles. Mr. Rob- 
 erts and Elder L. W. Law- 
 rence were delegates from 
 Boone county to the first Re- 
 publican convention at Bloom- 
 ington, and listened to Abra- 
 
 KALPH ROBERTS. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT.
 
 BELYIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 151 
 
 building tenanted by the Standard office. The printing outfit was then 
 moved to a building opposite the American House, but shortly after transferred 
 to the brick building now occupied by the Standard. The Standard is now 
 in its forty-fifth volume. Its veteran editor has been at the helm through all 
 these years, and has witnessed the growth of Belvidere from a village of 
 four hundred inhabitants to its present size. Mr. Roberts was born in East 
 Hartford, Conn., in 1822, and, after serving his apprenticeship in New York 
 City, came to Chicago in 1843. He first located in Woodstock, and published 
 there the Woodstock Democrat, and from thence removed to Belvidere. 
 
 A. II. KEELER. 
 
 ALSON H. KEELER. 
 
 Alson II. Keeler, senior member of Keeler & Truitt, publishers of the ^Belvi- 
 dere Northwestern, was born in this county in 1854; has resided here almost con- 
 tinuously, and therefore needs no introduction to the people of Belvidere and 
 Boone county. He acquired his early education in the country schools, afterwards 
 being a student in the North Belvidere schools, and at Beloit College. His parents, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Warren Keeler, were early settlers in this township. He has been 
 connected with newspapaper work and the printing business since 1875, in the 
 various capacities from "devil" to editor. In the spring of 1888 he assumed sole 
 proprietorship of the Northwestern, and did not part with any of this valuable 
 property until last fall (1895), when Mr. Charles R. Truitt secured a half interest 
 in the business. Mr. Keeler still owns the fine building in which the Northwestern 
 is published, and which he erected in 1892 especially for the business. 
 
 Incidentally it may be remarked that the Nort/ncestern ranks high among the 
 leading country journals of the state. 
 
 Mr. Keeler was married in 1880 to Miss Edith A. Swasey, daughter of
 
 152 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRAED. 
 
 the late Hon. Samuel Swasey. They have one son, Laurence S., born Decem- 
 ber 23, 1882. 
 
 CHARLES R. TRUITT. 
 
 Charles R. Truitt, one of the editors and proprietors of the Northwestern^ was 
 born on a farm in Montgomery county, Illinois, in 1858. He was educated in the 
 public schools, at the Hillsboro Academy, and graduated at Williston Seminary, 
 Easthampton, Mass., and at Lafayette College, Easton, Pa. While at Williston 
 Seminary he took the second prize for excellence in oratory. After leaving 
 school, he taught for a few years, being assistant principal of the Hillsboro 
 High School for two years. Having a liking for journalism, he purchased the 
 
 (.'. R. TRUITT. 
 
 Hillsboro Journal in 1881, and after publishing it successfully for thirteen 
 years, sold it. He held the office of township treasurer for ten years, and 
 during that time handled over $100,000. He was also a director in and presi- 
 dent of the Ilillsboro Building and Improvement Association. In 1889 he 
 was appointed United States Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the Eighth 
 Illinois District. Mr. Truitt has always been an ardent Republican and has rep- 
 resented his party at state, congressional and county conventions. He is a mem- 
 ber of the Odd Fellows and Modern Woodmen. He is married and has a family 
 of three children. He is a member of the Illinois Press Association, and 
 was for a number of years correspondent for such metropolitan papers as 
 the St. Louis Globe- Democrat, Chicago Tribune, Inter Ocean and Record. 
 
 In October, 1895, he purchased a full one-half interest in the Belvidere 
 Northwestern, one of the most prominent and influential Republican journals in 
 northern Illinois, and now considers himself fully identified with the interests 
 of Boone county.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 153 
 
 N. M. YOUNDT. 
 
 N. M. YOUNDT. 
 
 The oldest photographic establishment in Belvidere is that of X. M. 
 Youndt. It has survived the careers, brief or extended, of nineteen other 
 similar enterprises. Its proprietor's adherence to a line once marked out exemplifies 
 the truth that persistence and faith invariably lead to success. This extended 
 business life is also a tribute to the artistic excellence of his work. Mr. Youndt 
 was born in Trenton, Ohio, May 10, 1847, but acquired the details of the art 
 during a sojourn of several years in Philadelphia, where his studies were prose- 
 cuted under McKlees, a noted German art photographer and chemist. He came 
 to Belvidere in 1 879 from Ba- 
 tavia. His experience in pic- 
 ture-making covers a period of 
 thirty years, and includes the 
 production of every known 
 style and method after that of 
 Daguerre. This constant ap- 
 plication has resulted in a per- 
 fect familiarity with all ap- 
 proved processes; and the 
 adoption of the newest ideas 
 of value as developed by the 
 specialists of the profession is 
 a practice regularly followed. 
 His studio on State street con- 
 tains many illustrations of the 
 finest effects produced by late AT THE BEXD OF THE KISHWAUKEE RIVER. 
 
 > PHOTO BY W H ROBISSOX.
 
 154 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 V. I. CLARK. 
 
 CLARK AND NOTT. 
 
 The members of this rep- 
 resentative firm have been ex- 
 tensively engaged in the pho- 
 tographic business for the 
 past four years. They have 
 two galleries one in this city 
 and one at Marengo. That in 
 Marengo is managed by Mr. 
 Nott, and was opened two 
 years ago. The gallery in 
 Belvidere has been in opera- 
 tion since 1893, and is super- 
 vised by Mr. Clark. Their 
 experience has been one of 
 uniform success, which is 
 very largely due to the qual- 
 ity of the work produced and 
 the artistic taste exhibited. 
 Every detail of picture-mak- 
 ing from the taking of the 
 negative to the finished trans- 
 fer is the result of facilities 
 pertaining to their establish- 
 ments. Outside aid is never 
 invoked. Only the best ma- 
 
 methods Mr. Youndt's spec- 
 ialty is that of portraits, a 
 number of those recently tak- 
 en appearing on these pages, 
 but he also accepts commis- 
 sions for outside and interior 
 work on residences. A care- 
 ful, painstaking, thoroughly 
 well-posted artist, with taste 
 and judgment, Mr. Youndt 
 maybe well assured of public 
 appreciation. His marriage 
 to Miss Lydia M. Longcor, 
 youngest daughter of the late 
 Samuel Longcor, took place 
 in Belvidere January 1, 1880. 
 A couple of years ago the fine 
 residence on Hurlbut avenue 
 was completed, and is an 
 acquisition to that street of 
 beautiful homes. He is fra- 
 ternally connected with the 
 Masons, Odd Fellows, 
 Knights of the Maccabees 
 and United Workmen. 
 
 J. P. XOTT.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 155 
 
 terials are used, the paper being of the first quality and given the new 
 "Platinette" finish, so popular now. The gloss surface makes the pictures 
 waterproof, and is the only process ensuring durability. Many of the superb 
 illustrations and portraits in this volume are evidence of their skill and thorough 
 methods. A branch of the art to which great attention is paid is that of water- 
 color portraits. The examples of this treatment on display are exquisitely beauti- 
 ful. The flash-light is used with great frequency for interior views, while land- 
 scape and exterior work is made a specialty. The firm also deals largely in 
 
 RESIDENCE OF F. B. ROWAN. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A XOTT. 
 
 cameras, amateur's supplies and frames. Provided with all needful accessories, 
 and devoting their entire time to the study and developing of the art, the utmost 
 satisfaction necessarilv follows everv order. 
 
 DR. F. B. ROWAN, D. V. S. AND V. D. 
 
 - Dr. Rowan is an honorary graduate of the Chicago Veterinary College, and 
 has practiced his profession in this city for about seven years. Conveniently 
 located at 15 Logan avenue, his services are in constant demand by those who 
 appreciate humane methods and skillful treatment when applied to man's noblest
 
 156 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 servant. Not long ago he completed one of the finest residences in the city, occu- 
 pying a choice site on Logan avenue, a reproduction of which structure accom- 
 panies this sketcli. Averse to conspicuous mention, Dr. Rowan is nevertheless 
 one of our most valued and esteemed citizens. 
 
 W. H. CORNELL. 
 
 Without builders no building could be done. One of the most successful con- 
 tractors and builders of whom Belvidere can boast is W. H. Cornell. Mr. Cornell 
 thinks highly of Belvidere, for it has been his home all his life. He was born 
 three miles south of this city in 1853. His father, L. P. Cornell, came here from 
 New York in 1843, when this town was as scattered as a boy's first moustache. 
 When W. II. was four years old his parents moved to town. He began early in 
 life to learn the carpenter's trade. Sixteen years ago he started out as a contrac- 
 tor, subsequently forming a partnership with W. M. Marean. All over the city 
 are magnificent structures, monuments to their skill and ability. To mention all 
 the buildings which Mr. Cornell constructed under contract would require too 
 much space. Chief among them, however, are the South Belvidere brick school 
 No. 1, W. D. Swail's fine home, and Dr. F. S. Whitman's beautiful residence. 
 For the past few years Mr. Cornell has been in business by himself, and the 
 amount of large jobs awarded him is evidence of his standing as a builder. The 
 past summer's work included IT. H. Rubin's costly home, the Witbeck-Kellogg 
 double business block, M. E. Bowley's improvement, Henry Hey wood's $5,000 
 residence, and a score of cottages ranging in cost from $1,000 to $1,500. Mr. Cor- 
 nell is successful at his business, and all for whom he has done work praise his 
 skill. He is a stockholder of the Belvidere Electric Light Company. No one in 
 the city is more enthusiastic over the city's prospect-* than he. 
 
 JAMES WALSH, 
 
 manufacturer of bottled goods, is represented in Belvidere by John Dooley, who 
 has been local manager ever since the office was first opened in 1893. He transacts 
 a wholesale and retail business, making the family bottle trade a specialty. Bar- 
 reled beer is also handled, and more than half the trade of Belvidere in this pro- 
 duct is now supplied by this establishment. The beverages furnished by this con- 
 cern fill an extended list. Among them are: Ginger ale, mead, mineral water, 
 bottled beer, ale, porter and cider. It is also agent for Miller's Milwaukee beer. 
 Purity of ingredients, and first qualities always, together with reasonable prices 
 and prompt service, are the factors which have enabled the proprietor to build up 
 and maintain a very large and increasing business at this point. 
 
 J. H. WOODS. 
 
 Mr. Woods settled in Belvidere about five years ago, and formed a partner- 
 ship in the livery business, which continued until last year, when he became entire 
 owner. He was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1847, and 
 came West with his parents eight years later. His father and mother, William 
 and Amelia C. Woods, located on a farm in Franklin, De Kalb county, in which 
 section of the country the subject of this sketch resided until coming to this city. 
 January 1, 1868, he married Miss Marilla Shannon, of Flora, this county They 
 have two childi'en, Clarence H., nineteen, and Bertha A., twelve years of age. The 
 commodious stables, illustrated above, and used by Mr. Woods, are at a central 
 location on Logan avenue, and house an extensive outfit of reliable drivers and 
 modern vehicles, which meets every demand that can reasonably be made. He also
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 157 
 
 buys and sells horses, and has a large patronage in this branch of his business, be- 
 cause of superior judgement in choice. Boarding and care of transients are feat- 
 ures given particular attention. Mr. Woods is not at all averse to having it under- 
 stood that he is solidly Republican in politics, and that he has the strongest kind 
 of faith in the future of a city holding out so many promises to the business man. 
 He also takes a lively interest in educational matters, Avhich fact was recognized in 
 his selection as a member of the School Board, a position he now fills, and which 
 the public exhibited wisdom in making. With his family he occupies a fine resi- 
 dence on Pearl street, in one of the most desirable quarters of the city. 
 
 J. H. WOODS' LIVERY STABLE. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 A. F. WHEELER. 
 
 If indefatigable effort, almost unaided, progressive business methods and 
 active interest in enterprises of a public nature make successful and valued citizens, 
 then A. F. Wheeler must be accounted as being among the first. Coming to Bel- 
 videre in 1889, he immediately engaged in the clothing and boot and shoe business, 
 which has since been continuously followed. The results of his application and 
 the appreciation of the community are to be noted in the large establishment on 
 South State street, of which he is sole proprietor. Here is displayed everything in 
 the line of apparel for men and boys demanded by dressy and practical buyers. A 
 specialty to which much attention is given is that of the " Happy Home " ready- 
 to-wear suits, of which immense quantities have been sold. The store is large, the 
 stock fills it and is kept well up to date, and the service is always reliable. Mr. 
 Wheeler's father, George G., and mother, Helen M., came to Boone county in 1842 
 from New York state, settling on a farm in Flora. Their son, A. F., was born in
 
 158 BELVIDERE ILLUSTEATED. 
 
 the township just named, September 16, 1863. He was married to Miss Cora Belle 
 Clarke, September 7, 1892, at Muskegon, Mich. Their children are Violet 
 Lucile and Florence Emily, the eldest not quite three years of age. He is a mem- 
 ber of the Masonic order, Royal Arcanum and Knights of Pythias. With pleasant 
 home environment, an extended social acquaintance and a prosperous business, Mr. 
 Wheeler occupies an enviable position among the leading and enterprising mer- 
 chants of the city. 
 
 A. F. WHEELER. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK A NOTT. 
 
 THE BELVIDERE STEAM LAUNDRY. 
 
 This extensive plant, opposite the National Manufactory, has been success- 
 fully operated by the present proprietor for five years. The amount of business 
 transacted, coming from every part of the city, increases with each year, and now 
 requires the constant employment of a large force. The equipment is of the 
 most modern description, several new machines having recently been added, and 
 the greatest care is taken to turn out work which will equal that demanded in the 
 large cities. All materials from the coarsest cotton to daintiest lace are accepted,, 
 and laundered in the finest style. The system is now so perfected that an order 
 can be filled, in case of necessity, within two hours. The collection and delivery 
 service is always prompt and reliable. Miss Alta Miller, the proprietor, has fol- 
 lowed the business for over twenty-five years, fifteen of which were passed in Chi- 
 cago. From that city she went to Rock Island, coming from the latter place 
 to Belvidere. Familiarity with every detail, gathered in this extended experience, 
 ensures the perfect finish of consignments from families and individuals, and the 
 satisfaction of every patron.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 159 
 
 GRAY & MORSE'S COAL YARDS. 
 
 GRAY & MORSE. 
 
 Three years ago last fall H. R. Gray and S. E. Morse formed a partnership 
 in the grain and hay business. So marked was their success in that line they 
 determined to branch out, and a few months ago added coal and feed to the goods 
 carried. A feed warehouse 24 by GO and coal sheds 18 by 80 were built, thus 
 making it a valuable property and affording abundant facilities. 
 
 Mr. Gray ia fifty-one years 
 old and was a farmer living 
 north of town for twenty-nine 
 years. Mr. Morse was born 
 north of the city forty years 
 ago. He remained on his fath- 
 er's farm until a comparatively 
 recent date. The firm has al- 
 ways enjoyed a good trade, and 
 during the past year business 
 has been especially brisk. Both 
 are men of high standing. 
 They are upright in their deal- 
 ings and making new friends 
 every day. 
 
 LEWIS H. STURGES. 
 Lewis II. Sturges has made 
 an enviable reputation as an 
 architect. His change of resi- 
 dence from Rockford to Belvi- 
 dere occurred three years ago. 
 A skillful architect is a valuable 
 acquisition to a growing city, 
 and it did not take Mr. Sturges 
 long to demonstrate his ability 
 LEWIS H. STURGES. in this line and build up a fine
 
 160 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 patronage. One of his first essays was the drawing of plans for the March and Pettit 
 block, one of the handsomest business structures in the city. Other business build- 
 ings for which he furnished plans are the P. R. Kennedy block, the Ransom store, and 
 J. S. Edelstein's fine new "Commerce" block. One of the prettiest residences in 
 the city the Capt. Hick's house on Pearl street was planned and built by Mr. 
 Sturges. Another fine house for which he drew plans is the H. F. Bowley resi- 
 dence on Whitney street. Besides the above mentioned structures he has fur- 
 nished plans for scores of other buildings, and in every instance has given satisfac- 
 tion. Mr. Sturges is also a contractor and builder. He began the following of 
 this trade early in life, and there is no more expert carpenter and builder in Bel- 
 
 S. PEPPERS RESIDENCE AND GREENHOUSES. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 videre. He is close and careful on estimates and captures many important jobs. 
 Mr. Sturges was born November 9, 1869, in Mt. Morris, N. Y., and came with 
 his parents to Lindenwood, Ogle county, when six months old. He was married 
 February 28, 1894, at Rockford to Miss Anna Wagner. Mr. Sturges is success- 
 ful in his chosen calling, and his business, especially in the architectural line, is 
 increasing at a gratifying rate. 
 
 S. PEPPER, 
 
 The North Side florist, came to Belvidere in 1851. In 1862 he enlisted in the 
 service of the United States with Co. "G," 95th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. 
 After participating in many of the notable engagements of the war, he was honor- 
 ably discharged August 17, 1865, and returned to Belvidere. In 1869 he 
 embarked in the business of floriculture, being the first to make a specialty of this- 
 line in Boone county. From small beginnings the facilities were gradually
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 161 
 
 extended, until now his three large greenhouses and extensive hot-bedding plants 
 cover a block, just north of the court house, with the exception of a plot reserved 
 for a handsome new residence. His display of choice roses, plants and palms of 
 every description is at all times complete, and he is in constant readiness to furnish 
 cut flowers and designs for parties, weddings and funerals. That his efforts to 
 adequately serve the public are appreciated is evident from the very large patron- 
 age enjoyed. 
 
 GROGAN & DENNEY. 
 
 This popular firm, composed of J. F. Grogan and J. C. A. Denney, com- 
 menced business at the corner of State and Buchanan streets in October, 1893. In 
 
 OFFICE OF THE JULIEN HOUSE. 
 
 BELYIDERE'S LEADING HOTEL. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 1895, finding that the quarters occupied were wholly inadequate to properly house 
 their increasing stock, they removed in August to the present fine location on the 
 west side of the street first named. They deal exclusively in boots, shoes and 
 rubber goods, and carry the most extensive lines in the city. Their specialty is the 
 finer qualities in every width and shape, although commoner grades receive due 
 attention. The shoes carried are made to order by manufacturers whose repu- 
 tation for the best work and newest styles is established. A short time ago the firm 
 purchased a lot and building a few doors north of the present store. It is the 
 intention to remove the building and erect a fine block, fitted particularly for their 
 business. Mr. Grogan came to Belvidere from Freeport, this state, where he has 
 always resided, and Mr. Denney from Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. That they 
 understand the requirements of a first-class trade is evident from the character of 
 the stock, its extent and display, and their enviable success as merchants.
 
 162 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 C. D. MULFORD. 
 
 Mr. Mulford's residence in Belvidere began at a comparatively recent date, 
 that of January 22, ] 893. He then opened a large stock of jewelry, watches, 
 clocks and silverware, and is permanently located in a handsome and tastily 
 fitted store on South State street. He was born at Cherry Valley, 111., October 
 8, 1870. His people were from New York state, whence so large a portion of 
 the early settlers of this vicinity emigrated. After attendance at the public 
 schools of Rockford, where his education was completed, he mastered every detail 
 in the trade of a watchmaker and jeweler, and considers this the permanent and 
 congenial business of his life. Finishing a three years' sojourn on the Pacific 
 coast, in chai-ge of a leading hot-springs resort at Foley, he returned to Illinois. 
 He was joined in marriage with Miss Ora, daughter of W. F. Allen, at her home 
 in Flora, this county, August 17, 1892. They have one child, a promising boy. 
 A member of the Knights of Pythias he finds fraternal welcome. Mr. Mulford 
 is a gentleman of conservative views, believing that the quieter but dependable 
 methods of business will always win and retain the confidence of the public, and 
 is a type of that valued younger element which is infusing life and energy into 
 the commercial and social circles of this progressive city. 
 
 MISS L. MAE BLOSSOM, 
 
 Proprietor of an extensive millinery establishment on South State street, first 
 turned her attention to this especially creative art early in life. Becoming an 
 adept, she left her home in Rockford, and opened rooms at Morrison, this state, 
 and, after remaining there for a time, came to Belvidere about three years ago, 
 where she has since been engaged in business. The large stock, manufactured and 
 in material, now carried indicates rare taste and care in selection, and was bought, as 
 are all the purchases made, from only leading and reliable houses. Her produc- 
 tions are pronounced by those competent of judging to be not merely copies but 
 distinctive styles adapted to individual requirements. With the particular object 
 of furnishing the newest fashions as the seasons come, and employing none but 
 skilled assistants, her very marked success is amply accounted for. 
 
 UNITY BUILDING. 
 
 The splendid stmctui'e illustrated on next page, and located on North State 
 street, was erected in 1895 by Messrs. Witbeck & Kellogg. It is not surpassed in 
 design or exceeded in expense by any other in the city, and excels in solidity and 
 thoroughness of construction. The interior is arranged for stores, offices and flats, 
 with light basements. The finish and appointments are of the finest and most 
 modern description, and the building is one of the notable adornments of Belvi- 
 dere's business streets. 
 
 John L. Witbeck, one of the joint owners, although now residing in the city, 
 is still engaged in farming on an extensive scale. He was born in Athens, N. Y., 
 February 19, 1842. Mr. Witbeck was married to Miss Marietta Olney, of Belvi- 
 dere in 1864. They have five children, May, .Olney, Alice, Ethel and Isaac T. 
 Shortly after his marriage he assumed the management of the property, his father 
 removing to Belvidere. Land was added and improvements made, and this 320 
 acres is now one of the most valuable farms in the county. In 1892 he occupied the 
 homestead in Belvidere, his father having died some years ago. Mr. Witbeck's 
 time is largely taken up with other financial interests, and he is a director in the 
 First and Second National banks.
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 163 
 
 John L. Kellogg, his associate, was born in Iowa, and is forty-five years of 
 age. For the past ten years he has been a resident of Belvidere, but in the fall of 
 last year removed with his family to Rumsey, California, where a fine fruit farm 
 was awaiting their occupancy. He was married at Sycamore, this state, to a 
 daughter of L. P. Wood. Mr. Kellogg is a veteran railroad conductor, having 
 been engaged in that service for over twenty-five years, his last connection being 
 for a long period with the Chicago and Northwestern. 
 
 THE SUN 
 *ILL OPEN NOV 9 ' W!TH A URGE 
 
 
 
 THE UNITY BLOCK. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 F. W. STARR. 
 
 Two years' experience in the hardware line has convinced F. W. Starr that he 
 is at last fitted into the right niche. Perhaps the reason why he is so con- 
 fident is that he has had two years of great prosperity, the past one having 
 been phenomenally so. He has sold tons of stoves, and put in no less than sixteen 
 Prince Royal furnaces, certainly an enviable record for a new establishment. For 
 eleven years he was in the wholesale and retail oil business. Mr. Starr foresaw 
 the future growth of Belvidere in time to make a small fortune in the real estate 
 business. Some years ago before the city began its remarkable growth he platted 
 Hinsdell & Starr's addition and resurvey, F. W. Starr's subdivision and second sub-
 
 164 
 
 BELYIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 division, all in the southwest part of town. Here he has already disposed of 
 between 300 and 400 lots, but still has left some of the best for building purposes. 
 Although Mr. Starr is a native of Forreston, 111., he has resided in Belvidere 
 since infancy. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
 being one of its official board. 
 
 W. W. BR1TTAN. 
 
 "Always at the Front" is the motto of W. W. Brittan, whose bakery goods 
 are known in nearly every home in Belvidere. Mr. Brittan has been in the bakery 
 trade in Belvidere for over seven years. Each year his business increases, proving 
 
 SOUTH STATE STREET, LOOKING SOUTH IN BUSINESS SECTION. 
 
 the popularity of his goods. Two delivery wagons are run around the city and it 
 keeps them busy to cover the routes. Mr. Brittan recently purchased a lot on 
 North State street and will build a fine bakery establishment. In connection with 
 his bakery he conducts a restaurant and confectionery, and commands a large pat- 
 ronage. He is enterprising and progressive and has scores of friends. In short, 
 
 he is one of the most successful young business men of Belvidere. 
 
 * 
 
 WILLIAM M. SAWYER. 
 
 The term "jewelry" is rather comprehensive when applied to the general 
 stock of to-day. So great is the variety of articles combining artistic form with 
 practical value, that the designation covers many departments. At a cen- 
 tral location on South State street William M. Sawyer conducts one of the most 
 successful enterprises of this kind in the city. The stock carried has been selected 
 with great care and includes everything desirable in watches, clocks, silverware, 
 optical goods, art wares and kindred lines. Watch repairing, always a leading 
 feature of the retail business, is given especial attention, while the rule in regard 
 to prices is to place them at the lowest point consistent with good value. Mr. 
 Sawyer is a son of James W. and Ruie D. Sawyer, and was born in St. Louis,
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 165 
 
 Mo., October 6, 1869. His father came with his parents to Cook county, this 
 state, in 1836, from Stockbridge, Vt. In 1860 he went to Wisconsin, and at the 
 breaking out of the war enlisted in the First Wisconsin battery. On his dis- 
 charge he located at St. Louis, remaining there until 1870, when he came to Bel- 
 videre and embarked in the lumber business. In 1876 he was elected circuit clerk 
 of this county, and reflected in 1880, but died in 1884, a short time prior to the 
 expiration of his term. Mr. Sawyer will be remembered as an exceptionally 
 capable and popular official. The subject of this sketch has been in business for 
 himself only four years, but in that time has built up a trade which compares 
 favorably with that of older houses, and is constantly increasing. He was mar- 
 
 \V.M. M. SAWYER. 
 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 ried to Miss Linnie Macdonald, of Belvidere, October 2, 1893. They have one 
 son, James Donald, born March 30, 1896. Mr. Sawyer is fraternally connected 
 with the Sons of Veterans and Royal Arcanum. 
 
 SENNEFF & PILE. 
 
 The addition to the merchants of Belvidere of such an enterprising firm as 
 Senneff & Pile gives us a confectionery, fruit and cigar store which would do credit 
 to a city five times as large. Less than a year ago this firm moved here from 
 Chicago. Their place is fitted up in elegant fashion, the fixtures alone costing a 
 small fortune. The soda fountain is a magnificent adornment. Senneff & Pile 
 handle a line of fancy candies of their own make that few stores can equal. They 
 also handle one of the largest lines of choice cigars in town. In fact they run their 
 business in Chicago style, and the people point with pride to their store. Besides
 
 166 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 manufacturing fancy candies for the wholesale as well as the retail trade they make 
 ice cream of the most delicious kind. The firm has a store in Dixon, 111., and both 
 are run in metropolitan style. Mr. Pile has charge of the Belvidere store, and 
 although not one of the old business men of the city, he has already established 
 himself firmly in business Belvidere. He is an expert candymaker, and it will not 
 be long before Belvidere candy will be known all over this section. 
 
 REICHERT BROS. 
 
 At the corner of State street and Logan avenue is one of the most complete 
 hardware establishments in the city. The proprietors, Reichert Brothers, came 
 here about two years ago from the east, and have demonstrated that they know 
 how to conduct a first-class hardware store. The members of the firm are H. H. 
 and Chas. T. Reichert, both of whom have had ample experience in this line. 
 
 F. S. PI EL. 
 
 F. S. PIEL. 
 
 At the corner of North State street and Lincoln avenue is a popular grocery 
 establishment whose proprietor is F. S. Piel Mr. Piel was born and reared in 
 Belvidere, and therefoi-e has a wide acquaintance. His father, Richard Piel, was 
 one of the oldest settlers. Eight years ago he embarked in the line of business 
 since followed, and his trade has kept pace with the growth of the city. Long 
 experience, good judgment in purchasing and fair dealing, have attracted a de- 
 sirable and extended list of customers. Mr. Piel's confidence in the future of 
 Belvidere is manifested in the constant increase of stock. His business and social 
 standing is high, and he is to be numbered among the younger and enterprising 
 merchants who have been the principal factors in the city's later advancement. 
 
 MOSES LUCAS 
 
 Is one of the reliable and well-known citizens of Belvidere, whose acquaint- 
 ance, from long residence and frequent contact with the people, is coextensive 
 with the limits of the county. He was born in Flora, this county, June 1, 1851. 
 He was a son of Horace and Elizabeth Lucas, who came from the East to Boone 
 county in 1836, this date marking them as among the earliest pioneers, and
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 167 
 
 settled on a farm in Flora. An elder brother was the second child born in this 
 county, one other ranking him but two or three months. In 1869 Mr. Lucas left 
 the farm and cast his lot with the people of Belvidere. He engaged with E. W. 
 Case the grocery dealer as clerk, and remained with him for a consecutive period 
 of fourteen years. Upon terminating this connection he followed the avocation of 
 farming for some years, but finally began business for himself in feed and grain, 
 and is now located on South State street. Mr. Lucas was married to Miss Nettie 
 Lane of this city. They have one son, Bert R., now in the employ of the North- 
 western. The elegant new home on Pearl street has recently been completed and 
 occupied by the family. 
 
 WILBUR HAMMOND, 
 BELVIDERE'S SPIRITUALISTIC HEALER. 
 
 HAMMOND, THE HEALER. 
 
 Belvidere has been widely advertised by Wilbur Hammond, the healer, whose 
 marvelous cures have astonished all who have heard of them. Many refuse to 
 believe that Hammond can heal by his magnetic touch, but the recorded cases of 
 cure stand as evidence. Hammond was born north of the city on a farm. He 
 has always taken a deep interest in spiritualistic matters. Not until about a year 
 ago did he discover his power of healing. He goes into a trance and claims to be 
 controlled by a deceased German physician. Patients from far and near flock to 
 Belvidei-e to be "treated" by the healer. 
 
 A. SCHERRER, 
 
 Manager of the Scherrer Tailoring Company, one of the leading outfitting estab- 
 lishments of the city, was born at Williamsburg, N. Y., in 1856. Subsequent to 
 a trial of various locations he came to Belvidere, about eleven years ago, and for 
 several years had charge of J. M. Glasner's tailoring department. His present 
 quarters are on North State street, in the Opera House block, where, with fine 
 assortment of foreign and domestic woolens and the most competent workmen, he 
 caters to those inclined to obtain the best in ordered garments at reasonable prices. 
 Mr. Scherrer is a charter member of Boone Camp 51, M. W. A., and commander
 
 168 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 of Kisbwaukee Tent 61, K. O. T. M. He is also one of the trustees of the First 
 Presbyterian church, of which he is an active member. He was married to Miss 
 Ellen Fraher in 1880, at Clyde, New York state. They have two promising chil- 
 dren, a daughter and son. 
 
 JONES AND WINNIE. 
 
 This enterprising firm is among the newer additions to the commercial interests 
 of Belvidere. Opening last fall a complete stock of groceries in the Longcor 
 block, on North State street, it attracted by the extent and variety of the display 
 a large patronage which increases as time familiarizes the public with its methods 
 of transacting business. While the lines include everything required by the 
 
 A. KCHERRER. 
 
 I'HOTU BY CLARK & NOTT. 
 
 patrons of a first-class grocery establishment, a special effort is made to furnish 
 the finest grades of tea and coffee, together with medium selections, at moderate 
 prices. The staple of flour, sometimes difficult to obtain in desirable brands, is 
 purchased from the most reliable mills and guaranteed the very best on the market. 
 Spices, canned goods and fruits in their season receive particular attention, and are 
 always first in quality. The senior partner, Mr. S. J. Jones, was formerly in the 
 same trade here, but a number of years since went to Dakota, where he engaged 
 in farming, some time ago returning to Belvidere. His experience for many years 
 in the line again taken up, will be mutually valuable to himself and the customers 
 of the house. He was a soldier in the late war, and is a member of Hurlbut Post 
 G. A. R. , this city. Mr. A. Winnie, his business associate, comes from New 
 York state, and has every qualification requisite in an enterprise of this nature. 
 The purpose of the firm is to win the confidence of the community in the relia-
 
 BEL VIDE RE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 169 
 
 bility of the products they offer, their good faith in dealing with customers, and 
 disposition to be abreast of the times in character of stock and a low range of 
 prices. 
 
 CHARLES E. KELSEY. 
 
 Mr. Kelsey is one of the veteran publishers and music dealers of Belvidere. 
 Born in Clinton, Conn., in 1834, and in early years developing a talent for musical 
 interpretation, he was, at the age of eighteen, appointed Organist of the church in 
 his native town. From that time until about six years ago he has served various 
 organizations in this capacity. First visiting Belvidere in 1858, he shortly after- 
 ward returned, and was united in marriage to Miss Ellen E. Tomkins. She was a 
 
 daughter of Enos Tomkins, 
 one of the early and promi- 
 nent citizens of Belvidere, 
 now deceased. The first stock 
 of parlor organs brought into 
 this county was consigned to 
 Mr. Kelsey. In 1878 he 
 founded, with Rev. W. A. 
 Welsher, the semi-weekly 
 Recorder. Later, Mr. Kelsey 
 purchased Mr. Welsher's in- 
 terest, and afterward took as 
 partner Charles A. Church. 
 The new firm continued the 
 publication for several years, 
 when the senior partner re- 
 tired, and opened an office 
 for commercial printing. Last 
 year he formed a partner- 
 ship with Prof. Mark M. 
 Jones, of Chicago a gentle- 
 man with thirty-five years' 
 experience as teacher, com- 
 poser, and dealer and a line 
 of pianos and organs was 
 added to the printing depart- 
 ment. Mr. Kelsey is an in- 
 ventor as well as practical 
 
 printer, and a few years ago brought to perfection a process, originating with him- 
 self, for printing thirty separate colors at one impression. He is a high Mason, 
 and has served the local organization in an official capacity for many years. 
 Genial, energetic and patriotic with special reference to progressive Belvidere 
 Mr. Kelsey reaps the reward of continuous faith and effort in the confidence of 
 the public and regard of a wide acquaintance. 
 
 NEW YORK CONDENSING CO. 
 
 The New York Milk Condensing Company established a branch in Belvidere 
 over a year ago, and fifty men are now employed at the factory. The company 
 built a plant costing about $75,000, it being one of the finest in the west. It has 
 proved a boon to the farmers who never before got such prices for their milk. J. 
 H. Southard is local manager and has made many warm friends since coming to 
 Belvidere. He is thoroughly competent for the work, and has the confidence of 
 all with whom he has business transactions. 
 
 C. E. KELSEY. 
 
 PHOTO BY YOUNDT.
 
 170 
 
 BELVIDERE ILLUSTRATED. 
 
 THE DAILY REPUBLICAN. 
 
 THE DAILY REPUBLICAN prides itself on being one of the most successful 
 country dailies in the state. The paper is an eight column folio and is liberally 
 patronized by the people of Belvidere. Three years ago A. H. Keeler and Frank 
 T. Moran launched the first successful daily ever published in Belvidere. Mr. 
 Moran retired from the firm nine months later, and after a year's work in Rock- 
 
 ford journalism re- 
 turned to Belvidere 
 and purchased a half 
 interest in the Boone 
 County Republican, 
 then published by 
 Chas. Beverly. The 
 new firm bought the 
 daily of Mr. Keeler and 
 conducted it until Jan- 
 uary 1, 1896, when Mr. 
 Moran became sole pro- 
 prietor. The weekly 
 edition run in connec- 
 tion with the daily has 
 a large and increasing 
 circulation. 
 
 O The editor of THE. 
 REPUBLICAN, though 
 young in years, has- 
 had over seven years' 
 experience in the jour- 
 nalistic field. Born 
 near Rockford twenty- 
 four years ago he at- 
 tended the p u b 1 ic 
 schools, and subse- 
 quently entered Rock- 
 ford Academy, from 
 which institution he 
 graduated. He taught 
 
 h ! f ft time fa 
 
 Winnebago county, and 
 then took up newspaper work. He was engaged six years in Rockford, rising 
 from a reportorial position on the Morning Republican to city editor. On April 
 3, 1894, he married Miss Edna Galey, of Rockford. 
 
 A. F. Conklin, late city editor of the Rockford Morning Republican, holds a 
 similar position with the Belvidere REPUBLICAN. He is a clever writer and good 
 all-round newspaper man. C. H. Seiders, whose experience in newspaper work 
 dates back eighteen years, is advertising manager, and is w y ell equipped for the 
 work. M. L. Marshal] is foreman of the job rooms and Ezra Merrill foreman of 
 the composing force. 
 
 This creditable production, "Belvidere Illustrated," speaks louder for the- 
 enterprise of the paper than complimentary words. 
 
 THE DAILY REPCBLICA* OFFICE AND EMPLOYE*. 
 PHOTO BY CLARK & NOTT.
 
 FRANK T. MORAN. 
 
 A. F. CONKLTN, 
 
 CITY EDITOR THE REPUBLICAN. 
 
 JACK EDWARDS, 
 
 A CLEVER AND PROMISING SKETCH ARTIST. 
 
 CHAS. H. SEIDERS. 
 
 ADVERTISING MANAGER THE REPUBLICAN.
 
 GEN'L A. C. FULLER, President. D. D. SABIN, Vice-President. 
 
 IRVING TERWJLLIGER, Cashier. FRANK SEWELL, Ass't Cashier. 
 
 . * SECOND NATIONAL BANK, 
 
 BELVIDERE, ILL. 
 
 Capital, $100,000 Undivided Profits, $32,000 
 
 Interest Allowed on Certificates of Deposit. 
 
 - DIRECTORS. 
 
 ALLEN C. FULLER, D. D. SABIN, MARK RAMSEY, W. F. HOVEY, 
 
 IRVING TERWILLIGER, W. S. DONTON, J. L. WITBECK. 
 
 WM. D. SWAIL, President. F. S. WHITMAN, Vice-Pres't. 
 
 JOHN GREENLEE, Cashier. B. F. HARNISH, Ass't Cashier. 
 
 Organized unier the General Banking Law of the State of Illinois, 
 Sept., 1889. 
 
 THE PEOPLE'S BANK OF BELVIDERE, 
 
 BELVIDERE, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Paid-Up Capital, $50,000.00 
 Surplus and Undivided Profits, $2O,OOO.OO 
 
 A GiNtRAL BANKING BUSINESS TRANSACTED. 
 
 Prompt Attention given to Collections. Foreign Exchange Bought and Sold. 
 
 Correspondence Solicited. 
 
 MARK. RAMSEY, President. ALBERT E. LOOP, Cashier. 
 
 WM. S. DUNTON, Vice-President. CHARLES D. LOOP, Teller. 
 
 ESTABLISHED IN 1865. 
 
 FIRST NATIONAL BANK 
 
 OF BELVIDERE, ILL. 
 
 Capital, 575,000.00 Surplus, $21,000.00 
 
 Interest Allowed on Certificates of Deposit. 
 
 DIRECTORS. 
 
 JOHN J. FOOTE, HENRY W. AVERY, J OHN L. WITSECK, WM. S. DUNTON, 
 
 JOHN M. GLASNER, IRVING TERWILLIGER, ALBERT E. LOOP, 
 
 MARK RAMSEY.