First Carroll County State Bank

The First Carroll County State Bank is the guardian of the financial resources of Mount Carroll. It has a capital of $200, 000.00 and total figures in excess of $2,700,000. The present institution if the result of the consolidation of the Carroll County State Bank and the First State Bank of Mount Carroll, long favorable known among the banks of Northern Illinois. It stands today as the modern expression of the entire banking community.

The first banking organization predecessor to the present business was the firm of H. A. Mills & Company, whose records go back to the year 1854. . At the close of the Civil war, the business was incorporated as the First National Bank of Mount Carroll with James Mark as President and H. A. Mills as Cashier. Duncan Mackay, Henry Ashway, Uriah Green, John Mader, Robert Moore and William H. Wildey served successively as President. Mr. Mills was followed as as Cashier by Owen P. Miles and J.S. Miles

In 1888 The Carroll County Bank was organized by 0. F. McKenney, J.M. Rinewalt, R. H. Campbell and Geo. D. Campbell. Mr. McKenney and Mr. Rinewalt were its first President and and Cashier. Geo. D. Campbell later became President and R. H. Campbell, Cashier. It was the first bank in Carroll County to introduce the modern savings account. For twenty years it conducted a private institution, incorporating as a State Bank in 1908.

In the same year, the First National Bank added an affiliated State institution known as the First State Savings Bank. The dual organization was continued until 1920, when the national charter was relinquished.

The Carroll County State Bank and the First State Bank of Mount Carroll served the community jointly for many years. From small beginnings, they grew with the prosperity of the country, contributing much to its development. In January of 1929 they united their resources and facilities to form one of the largest banks in this part of the State.

With thoroughly modern equipment, the bank is in a position to render complete banking service to the community. Its value is one of the heaviest and strongest in the country. Through its trust department, the bank is qualified to act as an executor, administrator, guardian, trustee and in other fiduciary capacities. Its management holds as an ideal, the performance of every service consistent with safety.

Mr. S. J. Campbell, Chairman of the Board, has always identified with the financial progress of the community. Prior to the consolidation, he was President of the Carroll County State Bank. He is a large owner of farm lands and has many other interests. As Treasurer of the Frances Shimer School, Mr. Campbell has been prominent in the development of Mt. Carroll's most famous institution. In addition to his activities in Mount Carroll, he is also associated with the firm of Blake Brothers & Company of Chicago.

Mr. J. S. Miles, President of the Bank, is dean of Carroll County bankers. He has been actively connected with the present institution and its predecessors for over fifty years and has guided their destinies through good times and bad. In the long years of his experience, he has exerted and unfailing influence for public welfare and community betterment.

Mr. J.H. Miles is the Vice President, N. Miles, Cashier, Owen P. Miles, M.A. Hartman and F.E. Weidman, Assistant Cashiers. The Directors are S.J. Campbell, C.W. Moore, J.H. Miles, J. S. Miles and N. Miles.

The Colehour elevator was built in 1893 by John Coleman, replacing the old warehouses built in an early day by Deeds & Thomas, and in 1866 leased to John Coleman and William Graham, who continued the business under the firm name of Coleman & Graham until 1870, when Mr. Coleman bought the Graham interest and the grounds and continued the business until 1907, when he retired, leasing the elevator and grounds to Fred H. Colehour, who purchased the same after the death of Mr. Coleman in 1921.

Fred H. Colehour was born on the Colehour homestead two miles west of Mt. Carroll, received his rudimental education in the Colehour rural school, and in the Mt. Carroll schools later. He was married to Miss May Coleman, November 7, 1894. (Winnebago County).

He has associated with him in the elevator his two sons, Theodore T. and Clarence R., who ably assist in the handling of grain, coal, flour and mill feeds, salt, and cement.

In 1876, George H. Peters, of Pennsylvania, a nephew of Mr. Coleman, came to Mt. Carroll and became the all-around handy man at the elevator until 1902, when he returned to his home in Pennsylvania, remaining until after the death of his parents in 1910, when he returned and continues to be a familiar figure around the elevator.

Grain raising in the early days was the chief industry of the farmer and much of the grain was hauled in a primitive way, and when brought to market shoveling the loaded wagons into wheel barrows and wheeling the grain back in the warehouses, and afterwards loading in cars the same way. But today the loaded wagons are dumped into a pit in the basement of the elevator and the grain carried to the top and distributed into bins, where a car can be loaded through the spouts in a few hours.

The subject of this sketch is (Frederick Theodore Colehour) a native of Mt. Carroll, born January 28, 1902. He obtained his education in the Mt. Carroll schools and attended the Geneva Military College.

"Ted" Colehour is one of the prominent young men of this city, a hustler, a man ever ready to do his part. He is one of the partners with his father and brother in the elevator business. He is also a sportsman, and likes to hunt and fish, is part owner in a lake on the bottoms, raises many mallard ducks and is one of the most popular young men among the younger set here.

Ted isn't married, but there is lots of time yet. He is a comer in every sense, a live wire all the time, a good business man and in every way one of the finest young men in Mt. Carroll.

Ted Colehour has a future before him, for it is impossible to keep men of his ambition, push, integrity and all around common sense coupled with ability down.

Associated with the early history of Mt. Carroll and Carroll county, are the names of Colehour. Clarence R., is the son of Fred H.Colehour, a grandson of the elder Colehour who settled in this township in very early days.

Clarence was born in Mt. Carroll, March 17, 1903. He received his education in the Mt. Carroll schools, graduating from high school with the Class of 1922, with honors.

He was married to Frances Hoover of Sycamore, Illinois, June 2, 1923. They have two children, Frederick and Richard.

After his graduation from high school Clarence engaged as an automobile salesman in 1923 and 1924 for Charles Paul and for Petty & Richter, and made good.

In the fall of 1924 he started to work for his father, Fred H. Colehour, in the elevator, and has made good all along the line. Clarence can buy grain or sell grain, flour, cement and coal with the best salesmen in the country. He is a young man who has the confidence and esteem of all, and his word is taken as a bond,

Clarence has been a member of the Commercial Club and is a young man who has, by experience and study, come to realize the wants of his native city as well as anybody in the town. And he is ever ready to do his share toward having the city advance and take and keep its place with other places.

He and his family live happily in their home in East Carroll, where their friends are always welcome and royally entertained. They are popular and esteemed by all for their real worth wherever known.

Our present County Superintendent of Highways (S.C. Campbell) was born September 30, 1884. on a farm in Clair County, Illinois, and lived on the farm until through school. He then took a course in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois, graduating in June 1908.

After leaving school he spent two years in railroad location, construction and maintenance work. two years in municipal engineering, two years in state highway work with the Illinois State Highway department, and the balance of the time in county highway work, mostly in Carroll County, living in Mt. Carroll since the spring of 1915, when he was appointed County Superintendent of Highways. a position he has most creditably, ably, and satisfactorily filled.

He was married June 15, 1911 to Miss Gladys Coxwell. They have five children: Diana, Helen. Samuel. Thomas, and Patricia, and live in their modern and well appointed home on Clay street.

Mr. Campbell is also County Surveyor, and a man who is very capable in all lines of his profession. He stands high with the Board of Supervisors, the State Board and with the people.

Carroll County was fortunate in securing him as Superintendent for under him the county leads in good roads and bridges. He is always busy, is ever ready to explain the whys and wherefores of what he does and is a very popular gentleman all over the county.

William W. Hartman, our present Mayor who is serving his second term, was born in Fair Haven township, February 28, 1871. He attended the rural schools of his neighborhood.

In 1907 he came to Mt. Carroll to take charge of the Halderman elevator, and continued in charge two years.

In 1911 he married Miss Alva Carley of Mt. Carroll. They have two sons, Harry and Allen, and live in their own modern home on Main street.

He took the Ford agency selling most of the Fords in the county for a number of years, and in 1917 built what is now known as the Studebaker garage, finally selling out, and retiring but not for long.

He was elected alderman and served for seven years, then was elected Mayor and is giving the best of satisfaction.

Mr. Hartman could not remain idle, it isn't his nature. He purchased the clothing business from John Bender and Son and is successfully conducting it at present. He also sold many radios when they were not so plentiful as now. W. W. Hartman is one of the leading, substantial citizens of Mt. Carroll, he and his family being highly respected by all. As a business man, as a citizen or as a city official he has always made his mark, and been a real success.

He is a pleasant gentleman to deal with, square and honest and Mt. Carroll needs him,

George W. Ivey, the head of the Ivey & Sons Marble factory, and the father of six popular and energetic sons, was born in Galena, Jo Daviess county, July 4, 1858, and he is as patriotic as the natal day itself. He was educated in the public schools of Galena, after which he learned the marble cutting business, then became a partner and traveling salesman and solicitor for the firm.

Mt. Carroll was on his itinerary, he making it regularly and he concluded that it was a good place in which to establish a business, which he did and for which he has never been sorry.

He has six sons, three of whom are associated with him in the business, known far and wide as the George W. Ivey & Sons Marble factory, which turns out the finest work in the way of monuments, headstones and all kinds of remembrances of the dead. No job is too large for them. Their factory is equipped with all of the latest automatic machinery used in the business, and the firm turns out many beautiful works of art in their line.

Mr. Ivey, himself still continues to do much of the soliciting, while the sons, J. W., Leslie, and George Jr. assist in this and take care of the shop work, either and all of them being experts with the machinery.

Mr. Ivey is one of the oldest marble men in Illinois, and for 33 years has been one of our leading business men and citizens. He has been Mayor and Alderman, and has served the city faithfully and well, and is upright, honest and prosperous.

His sons are all in the same category, upright, square dealing, energetic, fine citizens and are in this 1930 among the leaders who are making for the best interests of the city.

Richard S. Rahte. One of the best known, peppy the German-English Academy at Milwaukee, The Drug Pharmacy, and graduated from the Chicago School of Pharmacy in 1883.

He was married to Miss Estella Hewitt, one of Mt. Carroll's most charming girls, a reader and elocutionist. To this union were born two children: Richard Jr., now residing at Perma, Montana, and Irene, who was married to a Mr. Shepherd and is now deceased.

Mr. Rahte came to Mt. Carroll in 1886 to make his home and has been a most valued, progressive and popular citizen ever since. He owns the building in which Fred Homedew has his billiard parlors and Mayor W. W. Hartman has his clothing store.

Mr. Rahte has been a traveling man for a good share of his life, selling tobacco for a wholesale firm in Chicago and was one of the most popular "Knights of the Grip" on the road, his originality in his personal cards being known to all traveling men.

He also organized the Mt. Carroll Plate Glass Replacement company, an organization that has made the insurance on the plate glass fronts in Mt. Carroll a matter of minor costs. It is co-operative and takes care of all broken fronts and costs almost nothing compared with what business men formerly paid for insurance, for plate glass.

Heber P. Hostetter. A native of Carroll County born in Salem Township in 1886 He received his education in the Mt. Carroll public schools, attended the Culver Military Academy, the University of Chicago Undergraduate and Law Schools, graduated and started the practice of law in 1910.

In 1911 he was married to Miss Florence A. Scofield. Their family consists of H. P. Hostetter Jr., John Linneaeus, Marelene, and Scofield. They live on the Hostetter homestead, Wilderberg, in Salem, one of the beauty spots in this part of the county.

Mr. Hostetter is one of the most active of our citizens. He is and has been Secretary of the Mt. Carroll Mutual Fire Insurance Company for is years; Secretary of the Mt. Carroll Co-operative Creamery Company for 7 years; Probation Officer of the Circuit Court for 15 years; was one of the organizers of the first Live Stock Shipping Association in Mt. Carroll and the second in the county, and was its Secretary for 4 years, and was a member of the Community High School Board of Education for 6 years.

In each and all of these positions he has proven an efficient official, taking care of the multifarious duties of the offices with a care and exactness that testify to his ability.

Mr. and Mrs. Hostetter are most genial hosts and there are many entertainments given their friends. Mrs. Hostetter is a member of the Woman's Club and has been a leader in the Community Club and community affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Hosretter and family are among our best people.

Kraft Kessler Co., Clothiers - Every city, every town has its leading store. In Mt. Carroll the K r a f t - Kessler Clothing Store hears this distinction. It covers more floor space than any other like store in the county. It is stocked from top to bottom with the most up-to- date stock of goods carried by any clothing firm in Northern Illinois. It is conducted by three of the most popular and progressive of Mt. Carroll's citizenry, Al Kessler, Nelson Gsell and Will Kromer.

The Krafr-Kessler Company was established as a co-partnership in November 1907, purchasing the stock of men's and boys' clothing from Joe Peterson, with Charles Odell as manager. Three years later the management was taken over by A. R. Kessler, who has conducted the business very successfully up to the present time.

In January 1925, Wm. R. Kromer and F. N. Gsell, formerly being employed as clerks, were taken into the firm as partners.

Mr. Kessler is a native of Mt. Carroll and has been in the commercial business since a boy, having first been in the grocery business, but was induced by Charles Odell to come to the Kraft store as a clerk and in a few years was managing partner. He is a business man of more than ordinary ability and from the start has made the business a success, He is married and with his wife occupies their fine, modern home.

Mr. Kromer is likewise a native Mt. Carroll boy and has always been a hustler in whatever engaged. He is energetic, upright and a square shooter and has many friends. Is married, has three children: Jo Ann, Jack, and Billy. The family live in their modern home on Clay street.

E. N. Gsell was born in Shannon, but has lived in Mt. Carroll a good many years, and is esteemed for his honesty, uprightness and square dealing. Mr. Gsell is a reserved gentleman, but has pep when it comes to business. He is also a musician, vocal, and formerly played in the band. He is married and has two children: Ronald and Virginia. Ronald is attending the University of Illinois.

The firm is continually striving to feature dependable merchandise which is made possible largely by the fact that being associated with twenty other stores has greatly increased the buying power and maintain popular prices. Their slogan is: "If it is from Kraft's, it must be right."

With three such popular and well liked proprietors as Kessler, Kromer and Gsell, a large trade is assured, for they are as capable a lot of business men as can be found anywhere in Illinois or any other state.

Robert Hansen,Proprietor of the Hansen Dry Goods store, was born in Chicago, April 27, 1898. He attended the Chicago public schools, graduating from high school and spent a year in Northwestern University at Evanston.

He was married in 1921, to Miss Dorothy Sipes, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Sipes, following an acquaintance in Chicago. They have one son, Robert. Mr. Hansen came to Mt. Carroll in 192 and worked in the W. B. Sipes Dry Good store for five years, until 1927, when he purchased he business from Mr. Sipes.

Mr. Hansen was a soldier in the World war, spending fourteen months in France, and saw plenty of action and to this day feels the effects of the German gas bombs. He was on the Albert front with the British army, and took part in the Argonne drive and in the Some campaign.

Mr. Hansen at once took front rank when he came to Mt. Carroll, as he is a most genial gentleman, one endowed with ability and talent, a real fellow wherever you meet him. He has been and is now an alderman of the city, was a director in the Commercial club, a hustler anywhere you place him, working for the good of the city. He took great interest as an alderman in the building of the bridge and is for anything that makes for the good of the city. He and his family live on Clay street in a fine home, where their friends always find a welcome.

The subject of this sketch (William Downs) was born January 30, 1857, in Indianapolis, Ind. When 4 years of age he came to Mt. Carroll with his parents, and has since made this city his home. He attended the public schools of the day. He learned the butcher business under Leo Phillips and worked for him for 20 years. In 1896, he went to work for the Milwaukee railroad company, in whose employ he still remains. He was married to Jessie Olney of York township. Ten children were born to them, six girls and four boys, and they were all raised to manhood and womanhood and were a highly respected family. The wife died three years ago, and the children have married and are scattered, but Will retains the old home.

Through his life he has been a steady, industrious man, and his long stay with Mr. Phillips and 33 years with the railroad company, show his competency, steadiness and ability.

He lived here its the early days and has a fund of memories, and a great many of our "Auld Lang Syne" memories were revived by him,

Will Downs is well known to almost everybody, is thoroughly reliable in every way, honest and as good a citizen as Mt. Carroll has. He is respected by all, and is a good man for the city.

It is largely to the stability of such pioneers that the city has grown from a hamlet to a pretentious little city, for his father did much in the way of improving the streets and walks of the city, he being street commissioner. Mr. Downs is still active and always on the job.

John R. Connell - There are attorneys and there are lawyers, and there are men who stand high in their professions and occupations; but none stands higher in this part of Illinois than John R. Connell, who was born in Thomson. He was the son of poor but honest, hard working parents, and from the time he was able to work until the present time he has been industrious, ambitious and hard working. Not only that but most successful in all that he has attempted.

He attended the Thomson schools after which for a time he worked on the railroad section, then became connected with the Clinton (Iowa) papers as a solicitor and collector. But his ambition was to become an attorney and, after he had saved money enough, attended Ann Arbor College, taking a law course, graduating with high honors. He located in Mt. Carroll, associated himself with Attorney George L. Hoffman in the practice of law, and from the first took high rank in the profession.

He later opened a law office of his own, was appointed City Attorney which office he handled to the satisfaction all. Then he was elected State's Attorney, and here he took high rank, and sent many evil doers where they belonged, for when he believed a man to be guilty he put forth every effort to Convict.

He still has his office here but for the past six months has been in Chicago with a railroad law firm, where he ranks high, and is drawing a very fine salary. Mr. Connell was married to Mrs. Harriet Nase-Noyes and they live in their fine home on the corner of Clay and Market streets. The Connell home is known for its many pleasant social gatherings.

Mrs. Connell is one of Mt. Carroll's brightest women, and is literary. She has written many playlet's which have been accepted and are being played on the professional stage, and she frequently puts on her own productions with amateur help at home. She is one of the hardest working women in the Community Club, and has been president several terms.

Mr. and Mrs. John Connell are among the most popular, best known and most highly esteemed people in Mt. Carroll. It is for their worth that they are so highly respected, for there are no more forward people in the activities of Mt. Carroll than they.

Mr. Connell in summer finds time to indulge in golf, which is a favorite mode of exercise of his, and like in everything else he does, puts his whole soul into it, and is considered one of Mt. Carroll's best players.

John R. Connell, whether in business, in politics, or socially, is one of those men whom to meet is to like. A fine conversational, well posted on the news of the day, on state and national politics, on almost any subject he can keep his end of a conversation with all, and one has gained knowledge from talking to him.

He is a self-made man, has ``rubbed shoulders" with labor and with the best men in the world. As an attorney he has taken a high place. And he has a heart, for he has often told us that when State's Attorney and was trying to convict a man, his heart fairly bled for the culprit; but he did his duty in spite of his sympathetic heart. He has told us that he would rather defend a man than prosecute him.

Mr. Connell is Precinct Committeeman for the Republican party in District No. 1, Mt. Carroll, and he looks after his district in a political way, although he believes that a man's politics can and should be as square as in business matters.

John Connell, through his personality and ability to mix - for he is what is called a "mixer" in politics, and can make himself "at home" with the loftiest or the most lowly - makes himself well liked and popular.

Although he is now engaged in railroad law in Chicago, traveling almost all over the United States, he retains his office and makes his home in this city, coming out from the city Friday evenings, being here Saturdays to attend to local business.

We predict that there are greater things ahead for Mr. Connell with his ambition and determination to succeed in whatever he undertakes, we expect to see him mount to the apex of his aims and ambitions. It is men like John Connell who cannot be thwarted in his efforts to climb high. Mt. Carroll has room for more people like Mr. and Mrs. Connell. We are proud to count this family among our citizens.

The firm of Rhodes Bros., dealers in lumber, grain, farm machinery, etc., was started at Savanna, Ill., in the year 1874, by Wm. P. Rhodes, and Henry Rhodes, as partners. In 1879, Thos B. Rhodes and John B. Rhodes Jr., (the twins) having graduated from Savanna high school were taken in the partnership, and a few years later, Richard G. Rhodes (Dick) became associated with the firm. Five brothers all working together in peace and harmony, and looking to the elder brother, Wm. P. Rhodes as adviser and general manager, and they all had plenty to do with the various lines of merchandise they were selling.

John B. Rhodes Sr., was at this time Captain of the steamboat "Dubuque", running between St. Paul, Minn., and St. Louis, Mo. After many years as Captain he retired, but could not be contented doing nothing so started a grocery store in Savanna and Richard G. Rhodes withdrew from Rhodes Bros., and joined his father.

In the year 1884, Rhodes Bros. started the yard at Mt. Carroll, with Thomas B. Rhodes manager and he (taking into partnership with him Emma E. Chambers, daughter of Fred Chambers, of Savanna, for better or for worse,) came to Mt. Carroll, and are still here.

Various changes occurred in the partnership of Rhodes Bros. and after Fred J. Rhodes (son of Thomas B. and Emma E. Rhodes) graduated from the Mt.

In 1907 Fred J. Rhodes was married to Elizabeth Funkey, and as they have three sons and one daughter the firm of Rhodes Bros. at Mt. Carroll will probably be known to the people of Mt. Carroll and Carroll County for years to come.

We haven't room in the space alloted to this firm to say the good things we would like to say and which they surely merit, but the Rhodes', Seniors and Juniors, are among the most highly esteemed people of this city and it is a pleasure to know them and to deal with them.

Thomas has been a great man for Mt. Carroll, as he has built many residences and cottages here for rent. He lives in a modern home on Pleasant street, where he has resided for many years, and where many of his friends have been royally entertained by him and Mrs. Rhodes, for they are among the most congenial hosts in the city.

Fred and his family live on College street in a modern home erected by them, according to what they desired. They, too, frequently entertain friends most royally.

Every city has a hustler who stands outright in the business and civic enterprises of his home town. Henry A. Raish is such in Mt. Carroll. He was born in Bietenfield, Germany, May 12, 1873. Came to the United States in 1890. Located in Chicago, where he learned the baking trade; came to Mt. Carroll in 1894 to bake for Homer Long, who then conducted the bakery now owned by himself.

By strict attention to business, purchased the business and is today successfully conducting it, and besides owns a farm west of town, all the result of his own management, thrift and industry.

He was married to Miss Blanche Schamel September 26, 1896. They have three children, Clara, who has a fine position in Chicago; Henry, who is attending the University of Illinois, and Wilma, at home, a young lady who has many of the traits of her father and is a valued member of the firm, taking much interest in the business.

Henry Raish is as honest as the day is long, and has the confidence of the entire people of the city. He is ambitious, an untiring worker, a good manager, and understands his business from start to finish, so when he hires a baker he knows just what should and must be done.

He and his family live in their modern home on Clay street where friends find a cordial welcome.

Louis Noble was born January 6, 1900, in York township. He attended the Vinegar Hill rural school and the Mt. Carroll high school, graduating here in the Class of 1919. He then went to Bradley Institute, Peoria, where he took a course in watch making, and jewelry engraving.

He was married to Miss Lorena Bleakley in 1922. Two children were born to them, Betty and Jean. Mrs. Noble passed away in 1927.

Mr. Noble has been watch repairer and jeweler at the E. L. Koeale establishment in this city for a number of years and is known as one of the best and most reliable of jewelers. If anybody can make a time piece keep time, it is Louis. He is a young man of correct habits, with a character that will stand the acid test. His word is his bond; he is absolutely one of the most reliable young men we have in the city from any view point and enjoys the confidence and esteem of all who know him.

The death of his young wife, leaving him with two small children was a hard blow, but he steadily set his face to the goal and has proved that he is undaunted in his life work, that he will succeed in spite of all obstacles.

Men like Louis Noble are scarce, and for this reason Mt. Carroll is fortunate in having him cast his lot in our midst. He is enterprising, talented, ambitious, industrious and steady, a combination that wins. Mr. Koeale is fortunate in having such a man as Mr. Noble in charge of the bench work of his store, and Mt. Carroll is better for his living here.