This Church was organized in 1853, under the pastorial charge of the Rev. J. V. Allison from Pennsylvania. Its membership was largely increased the following year by the coming of a number of his former parishioners in the East. The church early built a substantial two storied brick meeting house which was repaired and improved from time to time and occupied until it was destroyed by a cyclone in 1894. This was replaced by a newly modeled and attractive building. The church has always been identified with the general welfare, education and culture of the city and in intimate relations with the Frances Shimer Academy.

Frank J. Smith was born in McConnellsburg, Pa., Nov. 27, 1868, came to Mt. Carroll 13 years ago, followed tailoring business for 10 years, working for C. E. Grove, clerked in S. Hoover’s clothing store for the past 2 years.

Was married Oct. 20, 1892 to Miss Vina Swartz. He has lately established himself in the tailoring business on his own account, with a shop in Bank Block. He is one of our enterprising young men, who delights in seeing Mt. Carroll prosper, and should receive a large share of business in his line.

John D. Turnbaugh was born in Fairhaven tp. First attended the rural school down there, then came to Mt. Carroll, where he graduated from the high school in June 1889, with honors. Took a year’s course in Beloit College; then went to Chicago where he took up the study of law in the Union College of Law, from where he graduated in 1892. Spent one year in the law office of Barber & Fleihman in Chicago, then returned to Carroll County. Mr. Turnbaugh is one of our most talented lawyers, a gentleman of fine bearing, and an untarnished reputation among all who know him. He was appointed cit attorney last spring and has proven an able advisor of our council. He is studious and when interested in a case, and he has been counsel in a number of notable cases, he gives his undivided attention to it. The DEMOCRAT has always predicted a brilliant future for Mr. Turnbaugh, and now reiterates that that prediction will be fulfilled.

K. A. Palmer was born in Mt. Carroll in 1861. Obtained his education in the Mt. Carroll public schools. At the age of 19 years he was appointed express agent for the American Express Company; afterwards went to Kansas where he remained for seven years, acting as agent for the Adams and Wells Fargo express companies at Wichita and Pittsburg in that state. Returned to Mt. Carroll in 1894, and went into the restaurant business, in which he has remained, at present being the proprietor of the lunch room at the foot of Main Street. He was married to Miss Sarah Mooney in March 1891. One child, Marie, is the result of the marriage. Mr. Palmer belongs to the fire department and the hose team that won the perpetual championship. He is a prosperous, energetic, go-ahead citizen. Is now city treasurer which position he has held for four years and is a probably candidate for county treasurer.

George E. Leigh’s proprietor of the Tonsorial Parlor, under the 1st Nat’l Bank, was born in York township, Carroll county, March 4, ‘63.

He came to Mt. Carroll and learned the barber business, then moved to Savanna and Morrison, where he successfully conducted business enterprises of his own. He conducted a cigar factory in the latter place as well as a barber shop, and owns property in that city. He came back to Mt. Carroll two years ago and purchased the shop he is now in.

He was married to Miss Emma Smith. He is one of our solid business men.

Mrs. Smith spent nine years in the Recorder’s Office during the time her late husband D. B. Smith was Clerk of the Circuit Court and Recorder of Carroll County, hence has a large acquaintance both in and out of the county, and for promptness and accuracy has made an enviable reputation for herself as a business woman. The business has been conducted solely by Mrs. Smith since December, 1889. He office force consists of her sons B. L. Smith and George P. Smith. In 1895 she purchased the Strickler Block opposite the Hotel Glen View, re-platted the same and has sold it out into lots, as a result we see eight fine new dwellings on which was once a small wilderness. In 1896 she purchased the “Aaron Cole” homestead of sic acres and laid out an “Ad” to the city, which is being improved and built upon by some of our most substantial citizens. Mrs. Smith has met with opposition in these business ventures but with grit and sticktuitiveness will succeed. This office makes a specialty of Abstracting, but also does conveyancing, writes insurance, makes loans and does a general Real Estate business. Mrs. Smith takes this method of thanking the public for past patronage and solicits a continuance of the same.

Dr. Rinedollar was born in Franklin Co. Pa., Oct. 12, 1838, came to Mt. Carroll June 5, 1851. Completed his studies in the high school and Seminary and at early age was apprenticed to learn the wagon making trade. Later he went into the drug business in which he continued 13 years, then took up the science of medicine and surgery, which he has followed ever since. In 1862 he enlisted in the 92nd Ill. Vol. Inf.; served 19 months, and was made Hospital Steward U. S. A. He returned to Mt. Carroll in 1865 after medical training in the Louisville Medical College, and resumed his position in H. Bitner’s drug store, vigorously prosecuting his studies in medicine until 1868, when after a course of lectures and clinics he graduated from the Chicago Medical College, March 28, 1869 and has practiced his chosen and well earned profession ever since, serving as Examining Surgeon for pensions for Carroll County 22 years, also as Medical Examiner for numerous insurance companies; was county physician 9 years, and beside keeping abreast of the times in medicine and surgery, has for the past 20 years studied paleontology and zoology, and now possesses a cabinet of 3500 specimens. By untiring efforts, strict attention to business, indubitable pluck and perseverance against odds, he has obtained a place desirable to anyone as a citizen, a business man and a practitioner of medicine, is an honored member of the Carroll County Medical Society, of the Board and State Public Charities, of the I. O. O. F. and the M. W. A.

Ralph E. Eaton was born in JoDaviess County, Ill., May 11, 1865. He lived on a farm in Pleasant Valley until 14 years of age, when with his parents he moved to Savanna. He attended the Savanna high school and after completing the course there attended the Northern Illinois College at Fulton, graduating from that institution in June 1884. In the spring of 1885 he took up the study of law and was admitted to the Bar in May, 1887, since which time he has been one of the foremost attorneys in Carroll County, and has frequently been called to Chicago and other courts. He was elected States Attorney in Nov. 1888 and has held the office continuously ever since, giving unbounded satisfaction. Mr. Eaton is a brilliant lawyer and has been counsel in some of the greatest trials ever tried in the circuit court, one being the Shimer will case, in which he was chief counsel for the complainant. Socially Mr. Eaton is genial and friendly. He is a republican and a successful politician.

Charles H. Gordon was born on the old Gordon homestead 1 ½ miles north of Mt. Carroll, October 13, 1871.

His education was obtained in the rural schools of the county, and from practical experience with the world, one of nature’s best teachers.

He learned the barber business and for several years conducted tonsorial parlors of his own. Later he sold out and for over a year has been taking views with his camera, throughout the country. All the views in this book were taken by him, and show for themselves that he is an artist of ability.

James G. Keiffer was born in Franklin Co., Pa., Jan. 21, 1852. Education was gleaned in the common schools; was brought up on a farm. Came to Mt. Carroll March 15, 1877; was married Aug. 29, 1878 to Miss Rosa E. Burwell. Two children were born to them, a son who died, and Miss Bertha, who lives with her parents.

Four years ago he was appointed Superintendent of the County Farm, and so well discharged the duties of that office that no thought of a change has ever entered the minds of the supervisors. In fact so well has Mr. Keiffer conducted the farm that Hon. Geo. W. Curtiss of the State Board of Charities has expressed himself that “there is one poor house in the state that needs no inspection from this Board, and that is the one in Carroll County.” He has no trouble in controlling the unfortunates, who look upon Mr. and Mrs. Keiffer as, and call them “father and mother.”

Philip Kerz was born in Galena Sept. 1, 1868. Received his education in the Galena high school. Went to the jewelry trade in 1883, and served his full term in apprenticeship.

Went to Dubuque in 1886, worked for a jewelry firm there 2 years; worked in Cresco, Iowa two years; returned to Galena and went into business with his brother in 1890 and came to Mt. Carroll in 1891, where he has since proven his business ability by the success which has crowned his efforts. He was married to Miss Anna Soule Jan. 9, 1895, one child, a daughter Olive, is the result of the union. Mr. Kerz is one of our enterprising young men and is known to everybody as the proprietor of the Post Office Jewelry store. He carried a large stock of all kinds of jewelry and is right to the front all the time.

Mr. Lanz, our present efficient city marshall was born in Washington Co., Md. June 25, 1862. Married Miss Damaris Sisler Nov. 5, 1888. To this union five children were born, four of whom are living.

Mr. Lanz has done farm work most of his life, but last spring was elected city marshal, an office which he has filled to perfection ever since. He is not over-officious, but aims to have the laws upheld and has the respect and confidence of the people for so doing.

He has order on the streets and elsewhere and no matter how big the man is, when Mr. Lantz says, “come,” he comes. He is the right man in the right place.

A. B. Lebkicher came to Mt. Carroll 14 years ago and worked at his trade (carriage trimming) until three years ago, when he bought the carriage factory which he conducted on his own hook until July 1896, when he was burned out with a large loss. Since then he is running a Carriage repository, handling only the best grades of work, made by firms with world wide reputations, such as the Kalamazoo Wagon and Carriage company, Troy Carriage Co., Racine Wagon and Carriage company, Wilson Moline Buggy company. He is a practical mechanic in his branch, having worked at it for 35 years in some of the best factories in the country. He is a compete tent judge of what a good job should be. He pays cash for all his work, taking advantage of all discounts, sharing the benefits with his customers. When looking for good work with the insurance made right here at home, give him a call and look over his fine display at his repository on Market Street. He is also agent for the Deering Harvester company. By square dealing and meeting his obligations promptly he has built up a large trade, and has a credit in the commercial world that he need not be ashamed of.

Jesse R. Beaver of the firm of H. F. Beaver & Son, was born in Mt. Carroll Aug. 24, 1872. His education was obtained in our high school, from which he graduated in 1890. After leaving school Mr. Beaver was local editor of the Carroll County Herald for a time, then accepted a position on the road as traveling salesman for the Beaver Shirt Co., of Chicago. Mr. Beaver is also a member of Mt. Carroll’s championship hose team and is the champion coupler of the state, having three times won the championship medal, which is now his individual property.

To Mr. Beaver’s efficiency in this particular much of the wide spread reputation of the city is due. He is a business man and makes a success of whatever he takes hold. His father takes care of the shoe store here, while Jesse is on the road “making hay while the sun shines.”