1882 History - Clintonia Township, DeWitt County, Illinois

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Copyright 1999  Earliene Kaelin

1882 HISTORY

CLINTONIA TOWNSHIP


City of Clinton and Clintonia Township

The capital of the county is situated in this township. It is
mainly prairie, with small belts of timber hugging the creek 
bottoms. A retrospection of a little more than a half century,
carries us back to the first settlements. At that time this 
territory was but a dreary expanse, inhabited only by Indians,
wolves, and wild deer. The white man came, and lo the transi-
tion: civilization and thrift took the place of barbarism and 
the abodes of the wild game of the prairies. The pioneers were
few, but made of that material, which knew how to combat with 
every obstacle. It was no enviable task to clear the timbers 
or break the prairies, and undergo the hardships and privations
of pioneer life. But these hardy few never flinched, or became 
discouraged in the part they had to perform. Indeed, to talk 
with them today of the olden times, one would come to the 
conclusion that it was among the happiest recollections of 
their lives. Many a time have we in gleaning history, stood 
at the door at parting with these early settlers, and they 
urging us to remain, as they desired to talk longer about the
scenes and incidents of early times. Blessings on their 
worthy, gray hairs; they will certainly reap a fitting reward
in the unknown beyond.

In 1859, at the time of township organization, it was first 
named Clinton, but subsequently changed to Clintonia. It is 
somewhat centrally situated, and bounded as follows: On the 
north by Wapella township, on the east by Harp, on the south
by Texas, and west by Barnett, and contains 30 sections of 
land, one tier of sections on the north being annexed to 
Wapella, therefore lacking this much in order to constitute a
full congressional township. The surface is a gently undulating
prairie, and contains some of the best land in central Illinois.
Ten Mile Creek enters the township in the northeast corner of
section 12, and meanders in a southwesterly direction and passes
out in the southwest corner of section 31. Various small streams
empty into it from the east. Coon Creek cuts across the corner 
of the southeast part of the township. It enters in the south 
of section 25, flows south and west, and passes out in section 
34. Several perennial springs abound, among the most prominent 
of which is the public spring, situated in the highway on the
premises of R. S. Smith, in section 22. The railroad facilities
are unsurpassed. The Illinois Central passes through the entire
township from north to south. The Springfield Division of the 
Central, crosses the former at Clinton, and takes a northeast 
and southwest course through the southern part of the township. 
A branch of the Wabash road takes a diagonal course through the
southern part, crossing the Central near the southern limits of
the city of Clinton.
    
FIRST SETTLEMENTS

The first to settle within the limits of this township, were 
two brothers, Benjamin and Landers Slatten, natives of Kentucky.
Their father, Joseph Slatten, came to Illinois in a very early 
day and settled in Sangamon county. In the winter of 1828-9), 
Benjamin and Landers left the parental roof, (then single men), 
and squatted in section 34, Clintonia township. They built a 
small cabin where they remained until the summer of 1830, 
cultivating a small patch of ground in corn and garden 
vegetables. In the above year Josiah Clifton bought out their
little improvement right, and proceeded to break the prairie 
and improve quite an extensive farm for those days. Thomas 
Davenport, now residing in Texas township, drove the cattle 
to break the first prairie on this farm. This was the first 
farm improved in the township, and is now owned by Hickman 
Mills, and is situated a little west of Clinton. Benjamin and
Landers afterwards married in the county and brought up 
families. The former married Miss Henrietta Lane of Waynesville,
in 1832. But one child was born of this union, Eliza, now 
deceased. Mrs. Slatten lived but a few years after the birth 
of their child. Benjamin afterwards married again, and moved 
to McLean county. A few years ago he moved to Missouri, where 
he died. Landers lived some years in the county, and subse-
quently moved to Kansas, where he yet resides. None of the 
family are now living in De Witt county.  Alexander Barnett 
is the oldest pioneer citizen of Clintonia. He is a native 
of Bourbon county, Kentucky, and came to the county in the 
fall of 1831. He first stopped in wbat was known as the Hall
and Bowles settlement, Barnett township. He remained there 
but a short time, when he returned to his native State. The 
next year, 1832, he came back to this county, where he has 
remained a citizen ever since. In the fall of 1834, he 
entered the land for his present farm in the extreme western
part of Clintonia township. At that time Mr. Barnett, Josiah
Clifton and Samuel Curtright were the only citizens. In the 
same year Mr. Barnett married Miss Elizabeth Hall, and early
the following spring they went to house-keeping in a pole 
cabin previously built by Mr. Barnett on his premises in 
Section 30. His cabin was euphoniously called the "House that
Jack built," from the fact that a man by the name of Jack 
Bruner superintended the construction of it. It was a rude 
affair, filled in with chinkings, but not daubed up with mud
as were some of the most aristocratic of those times. Soon 
after moving in a heavy snow storm prevailed, Mr. Barnett was
away from home, and when he returned be found his wife sitting,
desolate and alone, in the middle of the room, muffled up in 
a cloak, and the floor covered with snow. He made a rousing
fire, swept out the snow, stuffed up the cracks with rags the
best he could, and for a time they were comparatively comfort-
able. The next morning. Mr. Barnett was obliged to wade 
through several inches of snow before he could reach his 
clothes to dress. Many years have passed, and Mr. Barnett is
now one of the prominent farmers and representative citizens
of DeWitt county. He has been a very active man all his, life,
and although gray haired, and somewhat bent with age, he is 
yet active and capable of more endurance than many of the 
rising generation. He was elected the first surveyor after 
the county was organized in 1839, served in the office for 
twenty successive years, and is now the present incumbent.
James McAboy was born in Virginia, and moved with his father's
family to Ohio, and from thence to Clintonia late in 1834, 
and located on the farm now owned by Henry Ziegler, a little
southeast of Clintonia. But two of the family are now residing
in the county, W. W. and John. The former is a successful 
florist in the city of Clinton.

Another pioneer of the township was Thomas J. Rogers, a 
native of Bourbon county, Kentucky. He came with his family 
in the fall of 1835, and settled in section 28. The summer 
prior he entered the west half of the southwest quarter of 
the aforesaid section. His wife's maiden name was Mary 
Hickman. They had but Two children, Asa and Martha J. 
Their nearest neighbors were Samuel Curtwright, Mrs. 
Catharine Mills, John Warfield, Samuel Duncan, Alfred and 
Richard Murphy, Alex. Barnett, Lewis Hickman, and Solomon
Weaver. Some of these, however, were not living in what is
now Clintonia, but were scattered around in various parts of
this section of De Witt county. Mr. Rogers then owned the 
only pair of steel-yards in the county, and were thus the 
property of the pioneers for miles around. He moved with his
family to Kansas several years ago, and is yet living. Amomg
other early settlers were Jacob Brown, Samuel Curtright, Wm.
Anderson, Josiah Davenport, N. Mills, John Warner, C. H 
Moore, J. J. McGraw, and a few others.  By looking in the 
County Atlas of De Witt, Clintonia township, the observer
will discover the engraving of a tree, situated in the north-
west corner of section fourteen. This landmark has a history,
without a brief mention of which this volume would be 
incomplete. It is a "lone elm," and receives its name from
being situated on the prairie, solitary and alone, about 
three miles from any timber. It is about five feet in diameter,
and is located near Ten Mile Creek, a few miles north of 
Clinton. Fifty-one years ago, Tillman Lane, Benjamin Lisenby,
Matthew K. Martin, William Lane, and Jno. J. McGraw passed 
under its branches, then a small tree, and halted to rest and
refresh themselves. They had come from Waynesville, and were 
hunting suitable locations. All were afterward old citizens 
of the county, and except Judge McGraw, have passed away 
years ago, he being the only one left to, tell the story of 
their sojourn.  

The first land entries of Clintonia were as follows: 

November 29th, 1830-Josiah Clifton entered the east half of 
the north-east quarter of section 33. At the same date Samuel
Curtright entered the south-east quarter of section 31. John
Clifton entered the west half of the north-east quarter of 
section 33, December 6th, 1830. The next entry was not made
until April 1, 1834, which was the north half of the north-
east quarter of section 34, which was by J. Allen and J. W. 
F. Clinton. October 1, 1834, J. Downen entered the north-east
quarter of the, southeast quarter of the same section. Alfred
Murphy entered the east half of the south-east quarter in 
the same section, M. Hall entered the west half of the 
southeast quarter of the same section, March 10th, 1835. May
8th, in the same year, J. S. Warfield intered the south-east
quarter of the south-west quarter of section 28. William 
Anderson entered the southeast quarter of the south-west 
quarter of section 27 same year.  The following were all made
in 1835: June 26th N. Mills entered the west half of the 
southeast quarter of section 29. T. J. Rodgers entered the 
west half of the south-west quarter, July 8th, being in 
section 28. July 16th, J. W. S. Moore entered the west half
of the south-west quarter of section 26. November 7th, G. 
Nelson entered the south-west quarter of the south-west 
quarter of section 28. On the 7th of October, D. Beeman 
entered the west half of the northeast quarter of section 27.
T. H. Haines entered the east half of the south-west quarter
of section 26, October 17th. James McAboy entered, December 
24th, the west half of the south-west quarter of section 22.
These are all the land entries made prior to 1836.  The first
marriage rites solemnized were by Josiah Clinton, in the 
winter of 1831. The contracting parties were Isaac Carlock 
and Miss Polly Brown, a daughter of Jacob Brown, one of the 
pioneers. This marriage union has a history, and we will 
therefore give an account of it in detail. It occurred at the
cabin of the bride's father in the time of the "deep snow," 
when this part of DeWitt county formed a portion of Macon. 
Thomas Davenport was detailed to procure the license at the 
then county seat; Decatur, but was obliged to turn back on 
account of the water caused by the melting of the snow at 
that time. They were accordingly married under a section of 
the statute which reads as follows: "All persons belonging to
any religious society, church, or denomination, may celebrate
their marriage according to the rules and principles of such 
religious society, church, or denomination, providing the 
bonds of marriage are published in the church or congregation
at least two weeks prior to such union." It may not be 
generally known, but this law has never been repealed, and 
is yet in full force in the state of Illinois.  Apropos of 
the foregoing, we will relate the following as given to us 
by Judge McGraw: "At an early day, when he was serving as 
justice of the peace, he was called upon by Landers Slatten 
to unite him and Rachel Poff in the bands of matrimony. 
Slatten was in indigent circumstances, and unable to pay the
usual fee for the same. He, therefore, made the proposition 
to haul the squire a load of wood for his services. The
marriage was effected, and the wood furnished as per contract. 
Another case, about the same time, wherein the groom was 
too poor to pay the officiating squire, was the marriage of
David Curtright and Melinda Fenton. The agreement with 
Justice McGraw was that Curtright should pay him in quails.
The services were performed, and the judge laughingly says,
that in a short time he was supplied with a dozen of as 
plump quails as he ever ate."  The first interments were 
made in the north part of the city of Clinton, where the 
public school building now stands. Mrs. John Murphy was the
first buried in the fall of 1831. Only five or six intermerits
were made, and it is said that at that time the gophers were
so numerous that they became despoilers of the graves. The 
second burial place was selected in section 34, just south of
the city, and contained one acre of ground. Mason Davenport
was the first school teacher.  He taught at a subscription
school, and the teacher was obliged to take his tuition in 
whatever his patrons were able to pay him; this consisted in
anything that his family could eat or wear. The school-house 
was a rude log cabin, situated in section 34. Mr. Davenport 
says that a dog could jump through the cracks between the 
logs almost anywhere. Mr. D. had also the honor of serving 
as the first constable in the precinct. James K. Scott 
conducted the first religious services in the same year as 
the above. He belonged to the New Light, or the Christian 
connection denomination, Services were held in the private 
cabins of the settlers until the old courthouse was built, 
when it was utilized largely for public worship. The old 
building is yet standing, situated in the south-east part of
the city, and occupied by Isabel Lowrey for a dwelling. Peter
Cartright was also a pioneer preacher, then a presiding elder
in the M. E. Church. Robert D. Taylor, a Cumberland Presby-
terian, was among the first, and is now living in McLean 
county.

The first church-house was erected by the M. E. Church 
denomination in the south part of the city. It was a frame
building and is now owned and occupied by the Rev. Adams for
a residence. Josiah Clifton was elected first justice of the
peace, and Jefferson T. Cross and Allen Nash were among the
first. The first physician was a Thomas Laughlan, an 
excellent man, and very popular with his neighbors. He 
commenced practice here as early as 1836. He died many 
years ago. John Warner and James Brown were also early 
physicians; the latter is now dead; the former is engaged in
the banking business in Clinton, and is one of the wealthy 
and influential citizens of the county. The first post-office
was established in 1836, and kept by Miles Gray, who was 
also a tailor. His shop and the post-office were kept in his
residence. This was a log cabin of small pretensions, and 
situated on Quincy street in Clinton, just west of the 
square. It is yet standing, being weather-boarded, with a 
frame addition, and is used for a dwelling. The first 
mail-route was from Decatur to Bloomington via Clinton, and
Back Hunting was then the carrier. Prior to 1836 the people
of Clinton received their mail at Decatur.

The first mill was constructed by Samuel Curtright in 1831,
and was situated on section 31. It was a small grist-mill 
propelled by one horse, and the gearing was simply a belt 
running from a drum-wheel of the horse power to the mill-
burr. A customer, in order to get his grain ground, was 
obliged to furnish his own horse to run the concern. At one
time, Nehemiah Clifton was grinding a small grist, when the
band broke, letting the sweep into his horse's heels. He 
plunged and reared until he succeeded in breaking his bridle,
when he ran upwards of four miles before being caught. This
is one among many of the trials of early milling.

The improvements of Clintonia are among the best in the 
county, or in the central part of the State. Fine farms and
splendid residences greet the eye on every hand. The roads 
and bridges are kept in good condition, and thrift and 
prosperity are everywhere to be seen. While the people, at
this writing, in the more southern part of the state, are 
suffering for the common necessities of life caused by the
severe drouth, the inhabitants of Clintonia are enjoying 
themselves with plenty, and to spare.

The following are the names of parties who have represented
the township in the county board of Supervisors: W. B. Smith
was elected in 1859, and served one term; William Clagg, 
elected 1860, and served one term; John P. Mitchell, elected
in 1861, served three terms ; James DeLand was elected in
1864, Lewis Campbell was elected in 1868, served one term; 
James De Land, re-elected in 1869 and served until 1872
W. Bishop, elected in 1872 and served one term; Lewis Campbell
was re-elected in 1873 and filled the office until 1876, and
was chairman of the board during the year 1875; James De Land,
re-elected in 1876 and served two terms, was elected chairman
for the year 1876; John Wightwick, elected in 1878 and served
one term; James De Land, re-elected in 1879; Lewis Campbell, 
re-elected in 1880; William Metzger, elected in 1881, and is
the present incumbent.

THE CITY OF CLINTON

The larger portion of the history of Clinton township really 
belongs to the city of Clinton, as the township was not among
the first settled, and Clinton soon became the objective 
point. It was named by Hon. James Allen of Bloomington in 
honor of De Witt Ciinton, formerly a governor of New York, of
whom Allen was a great admirer. The first village plat was 
made October 3, 1836, by James Allen and Jesse M. Fell, and
is described as follows: Being a part of the north-east 
quarter of section 34, township 20 north, range 2 east of 
the third principal meridian, and was in the form of a 
perfect square. This was then a part of Macon county, and
John D. Wright did the surveying, he then being the deputy 
county surveyor of said county, since which time there have
been fourteen additions made as follows: Brown & Fraley's,
Gideon's, Cushman's, Yazel's, Dye's, Rucker's, Ashley's, 
Slatten's, Madden's, Crang's, Argos', North- West, McGraw's
and Madden's second addition.

The first house constructed in the town was a small log 
cabin, built by James Miller for a store-house, and situated
on the West side of the square on the ground now occupied by
Dahl & Gay's boot and shoe store. This was in the fall of 
1835, just after the first survey was made. It was afterwards
used as a carpenter shop, and was subsequently destroyed by
fire. Within the old log house was sold the first goods in 
Clinton. The stock was a meager supply of groceries, notions,
etc., usually found in a small country store. That the reader
may have a better idea of what constituted a stock of goods
at that time, we will relate the following incident as given
us by one of the pioneers: "It occurred in 1841, six years 
after the first goods were sold, and at the time when Judge 
McGraw was filling the office of County Clerk. At this time
most of the merchandise brought to Clinton was bought in St.
Louis, transported up the rivers to Pekin, and from thence
across the country to the little inland towns. It became 
necessary for the county clerk to furnish his office with a
new heating stove. Every one that came in would have to 
inquire all about that stove; where he got it, how much it
cost, when he received it, etc., etc. The Judge finally 
became tired of answering these often repeated questions, 
and, therefore, posted up a very prominent written notice in
his office to this effect: " This stove was purchased in 
Pekin, at the cost of $12-50, and was hauled here by William
Lane." Everybody coming in would stare and gape at the notice
in large letters, then turn to the clerk with an inquiring
look, but would rarely venture to ask any questions.  The 
first dwelling-house was built by William Anderson, in the
spring, of 1836, and was situated on the now vacant lot just
across the street, north of the Magill Hotel. It was a fair-
sized log cabin, and at a later date, when travel commenced, 
and the country began setting up, Mr. Anderson utilized it 
for a hotel. This was the first hotel in Clinton. Let the 
reader imagine, if he can, the contrast between this log 
cabin and the huge walls of the Magill House looming up just
across the street from the Hotel de Log of Mr. Anderson. The
house passed away many years ago, and so has its proprietor. 
On this lot was dug the first well, and what makes it more 
historical, it was dug by the wife of Mr. Anderson and her 
sister. The writer examined the ground to see if there were
any marks of its former existence, but no signs are there. 
The second hotel was also kept by Mr. Anderson, and situated
in the north part of town near the school buildings. This 
was in 1839, after the county was organized. It was a frame
building of small pretensions. It was here that Abraham 
Lincoln, Judge Treat, David Davis, and other noted lawyers 
of those times made their headquarters when court was in 
session.

The first brick building was constructed by John Warner, for
a dwelling, in about 1849, and was situated just south of C. 
H. Moore's office in lot 1, block 21. It is now occupied by 
Dr. Wilcox for a dwelling.  C. H. Moore and J. J. McGraw 
built the first brick business house in 1854. It is situated
on the east side of the square in lot 2, block 10, a portion
of which is now occupied by H. C. Wilson & Co.'s wholesale 
and retail grocery store. Benjamin Church was the first 
blacksmith. His shop was a small log concern, and situated 
a little south and east of the public square. This was in 
1841. Both shop and smith have long since disappeared.

The first step taken toward incorporating the town of Clinton
was in the fall of 1853. The village then contained but a few
hundred inhabitants. It was at the time of the construction 
of the Illinois Central railroad, and on account of the many
lawless acts of the employees on the road, it became a 
necessity on the part of the citizens of the town to protect
themselves against the many overt acts committed by the 
roughs. A meeting was called, with the following citizens 
present: Dr. W. W. Adams, Dr. H. Madden, B. T. Jones, Thos.
MeElhany, Jno. Slatten, Jno. P. Mitchell, Lewis Campbell, 
W. D. Catterlin, John A. Bean, Alexander Argo, Jesse Stout,
John B. Wolf, Wm. S. Messervey, T. Sawyers, Evan Richards, 
J. B. McKinley, Lawrence Weldon, Cyrus Funk, James Proud, 
George W. Gideon, and John T. Clark. At this meeting prompt
action was taken, notices were posted, and as soon thereafter
as the law would permit an election was held, when the 
following officers were elected: John A. Beam, Lewis Campbell,
Evan Richards, Goo. W. Gideon, and Burrell T. Jones.  On 
organizing, Jno. A. Beam was chosen President, and Lewis
Campbell, Secretary. This organization was effected under 
the authority of the general statute, providing for the 
incorporating of villages, etc.  No special charter was 
granted until 1855, which reads in part as follows . "An act
incorporating the village of Clinton. Be it enacted by the 
General Assembly, etc., that Evan Richards, Lewis Campbell, 
John A. Beam, Burrell T Jones, and John Slatten, of the town
of Clinton, county of DeWitt, are hereby recognized and 
constituted a body politic and corporate, by the name and 
style of "The President and Trustees of the town of Clinton,
and by that name shall have perpetual succession," etc.  
The acting trustees for this year and until the first of 
April, 1856, were R. P. Smith, William Chambers, Henry Bell,
T. M. Brown, and Lewis Campbell. January 3,1857, a nother 
charter was obtained, granting further privileges, and 
substituted for the charter of 1855.  Thomas R. Edmiston, 
Lewis Campbell were the trustees.  The special charter 
incorporating the heretofore village, Clinton as a city, 
was obtained in the session of the legislature of 1867, and
the first vote taken for city officen was on the first 
Monday of April following.  The first elected officers were

Mayor-James O'Donald
Aldermen, First ward-Hiram P. Smith, Washirgton Bates
Aldermen, Second ward-Emmett Kent, James De Land.
Aldermen, Third ward-Samuel K. Harrell, Abner Phares
Police Magistrate, Jno. J. McGraw.
City Marshal, George W. Porter.
City Treasurer, S. P. Lewis.
Street Commissioner, John P. Pollock.
City Surveyor, David Richardson.

A complete roster of the town officers from its organization
'the present time, cannot be given, from the fact of the 
destrution of the village records in January, 1858. The first
ward constitutes all that part of the city lying East of the
Illinois Central railroad. The second ward, all lying North 
of Main street, and West of the Central railroad. The third 
ward, all that part of the city West of the Central road, and
South of Main street. In the second ward, situated in the 
heart of the city, there are three blocks that have never 
been made any part of the city, and are assessed as a part 
of section 27. This anomaly is bounded on the North by Clay 
street, on the East by the Illinois Central railway, on the
South by North street, and West by Madison street. Regular 
streets of the city pass through it as though it were a part
of the city proper, and the lines of survey are coincident. 
Of course the property cannot be taxed for city purposes.

What a contrast in the size, appearance, and improvements of
the town as compared with a little more than a quarter of a 
century ago. The following we find in the De Witt Courier 
(the first paper published in the village) of December 29th,
1854: "We are creditably informed that this town is incor-
porated, and that all are taxed according to what they have,
to improve and keep the streets passable, and to build 
side-walks. To say that we are suffering for side-walks or 
pavements would be but telling a blessed truth, and if they 
are paid for why can't we have them? Who is employed for that
purpose, and who has the money?" At this writing the city
has many miles of good walks, reaching out in every direction
to the extreme limits of the corporation. Street lamps are 
placed at convenient distances throughout its limits, and 
fine business houses, churches and residences are among its
adornments. With the exception of a few business houses on 
the North side of the square, all on the square have 
commodious and conveniently arranged basements.

Clinton Industries, Manufactures, Machine Shops, and Round 
House of the Illinois Central Railway: These works are situated
mainly within the corporate limits of the city in the North-
east part of the town on the Springfield division of the 
Illinois Central. They were first constructed in 1871, by 
what was then known as the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield
railroad. A part of the works was destroyed by a wind storm
in 1876. After coming into the hands of the Central they were
re-built and remodeled, and five additional stalls for 
engines were added. They cover about two acres of ground, 
and were constructed at an expense of $80,000. The length of
the shops is 200 feet, by 60 in width. The round house is the
same in width, and 70 feet longer. The works are constructed 
in the form of an L, the latter attachment being semi-circular,
in shape, and contains fifteen stalls for engines. The store-
room and office is detached from the main building. It is 
also of brick, 30 x 70 feet, with two offices conveniently
arranged in the western part of the building. The railroad 
company own in all twenty acres of land, on which are situated
the reservoir, tank-house, coal-sheds, etc. The former covers
two acres of ground, and is always competent to supply the 
works with plenty of water. An ice house is detached capable
of holding 450 tons of ice. The coal sheds are 900 feet long,
and will hold nearly 1000 tons of coal. Two cranes are 
conveniently placed for supplying the engines with coal. The
capacity of the water tank is 50,000 gallons, and is supplied
with water by the shop engine pump through a pipe seven 
inches in diameter. The works also contain a brick building 
with tin roofing for the purpose of storing oil and sand, 
besides a cast-iron turntable of the latest improved style. 
In all, 75 men are given employment by these works. W. B. 
McKenna is the master machanic; A. Howard, foreman; and H. C.
0'Donald, clerk.

Clinton Tile Factory is situated at the junction of the 
Central and Wabash railways. They were first established in
1877, half a mile south of the present location and moved to
the present place in the spring of 1880. This industry is 
owned and operated by P. C. Davidson, and cost $6,000. The
factory contains three drying sheds 20 x 120 feet. It has an
engine of 13-horse power, and the latest improved tile 
machine, and three patent down-and-up draft-kilns. The 
capacity for manufacturing is 100,000 feet of tile per month,
and gives employment to 18 men. The estimated value of 
manufactured product for the same time is $2,000. The size of
the tile made is from 3 to 8 inches in diameter. This firm 
supplies a large portion of home demand, besides shipping 
largely to other points. The shed capacity for drying, at 
one time is 80,000 tile. The works occupy four acres of 
ground, and when in full blast will consume 150 tons of coal
per month.

Clinton Agriculture Works: were established in the fall of 
1874 under the firm name of Walker and Patton, and passed 
into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr. Walker, in 
1875. They are located on East Main Street, in the east part
of town. The first casting made, and the first made in the 
county, was in the fall of 1880. Prior to this the works were
merely used for the purpose of repairing machines, etc, and 
not as a foundry. The main building is a frame structure 
except a small part off the east end, one story high, and 
24x9O on the ground. It has an engine room attached, 12xl6 
feet, with a ten-horse steam engine to run the works. This
industry gives employment to three men, and yields an income
of $5,000.

DeWitt Merchant Mills: This enterprise was commenced in 
September, 1855, under the firm name of Powell and Haldeman.  
In the spring of 1858, it became the property of Bergan & Co.,
and is now owned and operated by J. B. Haldeman. It is 
situated just across from the junction of the Illinois 
Central railroad, and the Springfield Division of the same,
and north-east from the passenger house. The mill proper is 
three stories high, with brick basement, and 35x75 feet on
the ground, and cost including machinery, $15,000. It 
contains three run of stone, with a capacity of manufacturing
70 barrels of flour daily, and gives employment to four men.
The engine room is 18x35 feet, and the engine is forty-horse
power. It is purely a merchant mill, and ships mainly to the
East. The estimated value of manufactured products is $65,000
annually.

George Armtstrong's Carriage Factory: This leading enterprise
is located on the south side of the Springfield Division of 
the Illinois Central railway and west of Madison street. The
business was commenced about a half mile west of the public 
square in 1855, and in 1862, was moved to the corner of 
Monroe and East Main streets. In the spring of 1881, it was
established on the present site. The building is a frame, two
stories high, and altogether covers 17,424 square feet of 
ground. Twelve men are employed in the various departments. 
Both wagons and carriages are manufactured, and the annual 
value of product sold is estimated at $15,000.

Steam Elevator, William Bishop proprietor: was established in
1861, and situated on the west side of the switch of the 
Illinois Central railroad, and north of the depot. It is a 
two story building with a brick-one story for a foundation, 
and the remainder built of frame material, and was constructed
at a cost of $12,000. The main building on the ground is 4Ox9O
feet, with boiler-room attachment 16x3b feet, and one story 
high. The engine power is twelve-horse, and has the capacity 
of elevating 6,000 bushels daily. The building has store 
rooms sufficient to contain 20,000 bushels of grain, besides
having cribs detached capable of holding 10,000 bushels of
corn. Mr. Bishop also deals in lumber, sash, doors, and
mouldings. The building for the latter purpose is detached 
from his elevator, and is 4Ox6O feet, and one story in height.
He also has an excellent lumber shed 4Ox6O feet. Three men 
are given constant employment by this industry.

Florist and Gardener, W. W. MeAboy, proprietor: The business
was established in the summer of 1881, at a cost of $3,000, 
and located in block 21, four blocks; south of the public 
square. It has three green or hot houses, each 50 feet in 
length, through which extend iron pipes heated with steam. 
The building also has an excellent brick basement for 
placing the heating apparatus and keeping bulbs, vegetables,
etc. $5,000 worth of plants can be raised annually, and this
business gives employment to three hands. Mr. McAboy is a 
practical florist and gardener, and the citizens of Clinton
may congratulate themselves for having such an establishment
in their midst.

Farmers Mill: This mill does both custom and merchant work. 
It was constructed by Clark and McKinney in 1858, and afterwards
passed into the hauds of Carl & Rosdail. It is now leased to 
Sylvester & Boyce, who conduct the business. The building is
a two-story, with brick basement, and is 3Ox36 feet. It has 
two run of stone, one for wheat, the other for corn, and has
the capacity of manufacturing 25 barrels of flour daily, 
besides from 75 to 100 bushels of meal. The annual value of
manufactured product is estimated at $30,000. It has an 
engine of thirty horse-power; the mill gives employment to 
three men, and is situated four blocks directly south of the
courthouse square.

Brick Yard: This industry was established in 1870, by James
Bell, present proprietor, and located at the junction of 
Illinois Central, and Wabash railways. The yard occupies one
acre of ground and manufactures from the bottom found at the
works; eight men are kept in employment, and they manufacture
500,000 bricks annually. It uses the hand mould only. Mr. 
Bell supplies the demand for bricks from the various parts of
the country.

Carriage Manufactory of Morrison & Rhom: located on East Main
street, east of the public square. This manufactory was 
established by J. R. McErvin in 1856, and came into the 
possession of the present firm in the spring of 1879. It is
a frame building two stories high, and covers an area of 
66x100 feet. It also contains out buildings, drying sheds, 
yardage, etc. Eight men are employed, and $9,000 worth of 
manufactued material turned out annually.

Hay Press: situated on the switch of the Illinois Central, 
north of Bishop's Elevator. This business was established in
the fall of 1877, at a cost of $1,800. The establishment is
5Ox8O feet in size, and has the capacity of pressing eight 
tons per day, giving employment to five men and three teams.
Shipping mainly to the Southern States. Wesley Leavitt, 
proprietor.

Broom Factory: This factory was established in 1880, and 
located on the corner of East Main and Jeferson Streets. It
has the capacity of mmanufacturing 8,000 brooms annually. lt
is conducted wholly by the proprietor, G. W. Gash.

Magill House: This is an establishment of which the people of
Clinton may well be proud, being one of the finest, largest,
and best arranged hotels in Central Illinois. It was 
constructed by the Magill Brothers, at a cost of $35,000, the
first work being done in 1871, and completed in 1872. It is
a brick structure, three stories high, besides the basement,
and covers half a block. The rooms are large and airy, being
forty-five in number, besides three store rooms on the first
floor. It is situated just north of the square, fronting on
Center Street. The building was originally heated by hot air,
the furnaces being situated in the basement. This mode of
heating was soon abandoned on account of the expense being
too great for the income of the house. The dining room, 
billiard room, and halls, are large and commodious. The 
basement is now utilized for a laundry.  A. W. Razey is the
present efficient landlord. There are two other hotels in the
city, the Clinton House and the City Hotel. Both are situated
on Center Street, a little north of the Magill House.

Jno. Warner & Co. Bankers: This business was established the
1st of September, 1867, and is the oldest bank in the city. It
is situated in the south corner of the public square. It 
contains a fire-proof vault, and McNeal & Irvin's best 
burglar proof safe with time lock. The capital stock is 
$50,000, with a surplus of $87,706. The firm transacts all
the business of the bank.

DeWitt County National Bank: is located in one of the best 
buildings in the city, and situated on the south side of the
square facing Center Street. It was chartered in the spring
of 1871, with a capital stock of $50,000. It has a surplus 
of $18,000. Hall's burglar-proof safe with time lock is used,
and enclosed within an excellent fire-proof vault. J. T. 
-Snell, president; Wm. Metzger, cashier.

Tack Line: owned and run by T. S. Hutchason. The line 
contains one bus, two hacks, and baggage wagon.  Makes all
trains both night and day.  The barns are situated on the
corner of Monroe and Center streets, near the Magill House.

People's Library Association: was chartered in the fall of
1879, with A. W. Razey secretary, who is the present incum-
bent. It started with a membership of 50, which at this time
has increased to 75. Originally the library contained only
100 volumes, but has now over 300. The variety of reading
matter consists of the biographies of eminent men, fiction,
and standard literature of the day. M. M. Delevis, librarian.

The School Building is an ornament to the town, and speaks in
unmistakeable language of the public spirit and enterprise 
of the people. It was constructed in 1867, and is situated 
in the north part of the town within an enclosure of five 
acres,  this is really the prettiest part of the city, being
high and rolling ground, just suited to the purpose to which
it is devoted. The ground formerly belonged to Stephen A. 
Douglas, and after his death his widow donated her interest 
in the property to the city for school purposes. The building
is constructed of brick, three stories high, besides the 
basement, and contains twelve rooms graded as follows: four
primary, five intermediate, two grammar, and one high school
department, and gives employment to twelve teachers besides a
principal. Its cost was nearly $50,000, and originally it was
heated by hot-air furnaces, but is now heated with steam 
apparatus, it being considered more healthy and congenial to
the pupils. The basement is used for the generating of steam,
and also furnished with rooms convenient for the family use
of the janitor. The architecture of the building is pleasing
to the eye, containing a cupola and other adornments in keeping
with the house and grounds. Good walks lead to it from every
direction, and everything about the premises is kept in first-
class order.

We have thus summed up the history of Clintonia township, from
the first blow struck within its territory to the present 
time. It will not be difficuit for the reader, pioneer, or 
later citizen, to see the progress it has made. It has the 
soil, the wealth and the people to make greater development
within the next half century than it has in the past. It is
true that it has a railroad indebtedness, but with its growing
population and the natural resources of the township, it will
not be a heavy burden when due. This bonded debt is as follows:
$50,000 was voted to the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield road
in 1871, and made payable in twenty years. The same amount 
was voted for the benefit of what is now the Wabash road, and
made payable in two installments, ten and twenty years. These
bonds were issued in July, 1872. $10,000 of the latter will 
be paid in 1882, there being a sufficient amount already in 
the treasury to make it comparatively light on the people.

The following is the census of the township and city within
the last three decades:

1860: Township 1,984, City 1,362, total 3,346	
1870: Township 2,638, City 1,800, total 4,438
1880: Township 3,308, City 2,702, total 6,010

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