Alton Observer (Alton, Illinois)
May 4, 1837
Lacon - An act was passed at the last session of legislature, changing the name of the town Columbia, in Putnam county, to Lacon. As there is an older post town in the state by the name of Columbia, this change is necessary and proper. Lacon is handsomely situated on the east bank of the Illinois river, about twenty miles below Hennepin. It has a large stream flowing and saw-mill and several stores, and like most other towns on the river, business in it is brisk and flourishing. The inhabitants in the town and country adjoining are principally emigrants from Ohio and North Carolina.
Among the titles of the acts of the last session, we notice the incorporation of a manufacturing company and an academy at Lacon. Three or four miles east of Lacon is situated probably the most extensive and valuable farm in the state of Illinois, belonging to Col. John Strawn. The sum of $60,000 was offered for the farm about a year ago since, which the owner refused. There are several other farms in Putnam county not much inferior to the one above mentioned - Chicago Adv.
The Alton Telegraph (Alton, Illinois)
April 20, 1839
The Lacon Herald states, that the commissioners appointed by the Legislature to locate the seat of justice for the new county of Marshall, created out of Putnam, have made choice of Lacon for that purpose.
Alton Telegraph And Democratic Review (Alton, Illinois)
September 14 1849
The Lacon Herald - We have received the first number of this journal. It is conducted and published by P. Lynch, Esq., and succeeds the Princeton Herall, heretofore issued by this gentleman, who has removed the establishment to Lacon, the seat of justice of Marshall county, and changed the politics of the paper from Independent to Democrat. It is well printed on a handsome sheet, and gives evidence of industry and talent.
Court House Destroyed by Fire
The Dixon Telegraph (Dixon, Illinois)
January 22 1853
The Court House in Lacon Illinois was destroyed by fire last Wednesday week. The town was in very much the same condition that our own is; without any means provided to guard against such casualties.
Flour Mill Destroyed by Fire
The Alton Weekly Courier (Alton, Illinois)
April 26, 1855
Destruction of the flouring mill at Lacon - We learn from the Gazette, that the large flouring mill of Wm. Fisher & Co., was destroyed by fire, on Sunday morning last. A large quantity of grain was in the mill, all of which was lost or greatly damaged. The buildings, fixtures and machinery coast $12,000. On which there was an insurance of $5,000. The engine and boiler were old and about to give place to new ones. For the purchase of which one firm was in St. Louis at the time of the fire = Peoria Press, 13th
Taken From the Henry Republican
Thursday, March 16, 1871
The fire at Lacon on Wednesday night of last week was very destructive, and one of the worst that has ever visited that city. The Illinois Statesman gives a full report of the fire, which we copy:
Owing to the strong wind blowing, the fire increased rapidly, the sheets of vivid flame issuing onward and upward, sending forth great torrents of glaring sparks, pieces of burning shingles, over nearly the whole northeast part of the town; and had it not been for the heavy rain last evening and night, which had well saturated the shingles and siding of the buildings, the loss of property would have been incalculable, as it would not have been within the aid of human power to have saved anything in its course.
Soon the large livery stable of Messrs. Mayer & Hall, another stable belonging to Col. Fort, and a small dwelling owned by him, occupied by Frank Specht, were on fire. The fire engine in the meantime was doing its part, but an inch stream had but little effect upon such a sea of blaze as was presented. However by the aid of the engine was saved Cook’s block, (brick), which joined the buildings on fire, and would otherwise most certainly have been burned, as it caught several times.
When the building of Mr. Staat was thoroughly lighted, and after the front had fallen down, the draft through between the brick walls then being perfect, the roaring of the flames was terrific. The heat which reached across Washington street to Catlin’s grocery store and to the buildings north of that was great, and was the same across fifth street, even so much as to endanger the bookstore and the city drugstore, although the wind was blowing against it. Had it not been for the constant application of water on the sides of the buildings, the fire would have crossed both of these streets.
But the greatest anxiety, especially among those interested in the block within the northwest angle of Sixth and Washington streets was, for fear that the grist mill and plow factory would catch fire, which would have sealed the destruction of the whole block, and it is surprising that it did not. Two circumstances however contributed greatly to prevent it. One was that the old shed north of the livery stable had blown down a few days before, which increased the distance from the fire to those buildings, and the other was their wet condition caused by the rain. Then after the engine had placed the brick building belonging to Mr. W. E. Cook beyond danger it was brought to bear on the above mentioned mill and plow factory and secured safely. By this time the devouring element was on the wane, and by the constant efforts of the bystanders, its further spread was arrested.
The loses are as follows:
Gapen & Kline, on stock $200
Mrs. Lossing, millinery goods, $650
L. G. Thompson, stock, $1500
Wright & Bros., stock, $1400
Maxwell & Sons, stock, $200
W. E. Cook, building, $200
I. B. Forbes, 2 buildings, $3000; livery stable, $500
We have been unable to ascertain all the losses of individuals. Mr. Geo. Staat was the heaviest loser. His loss in about $10,000, including his buildings and stock, and had no insurance. Mrs. Burns had just let the insurance run out on her building two or three months ago. On the buildings of Col. Fort there was no insurance; his loss was considerable. The firms of L. G. Thompson & Co., Wright & Bro., and Mrs. Lossing, milliner, must have lost much more than their insurance will be. Mayer & Hall lost about $300 worth of hay, corn, buffalo, robes, blankets, etc, on which there was no insurance.
The law libraries of Col. Fort, Judge Ramsey, Judge Laws, and Judge Crane, which were in Fort’s corner building, were all lost, comprising about $2500 or $3000 worth of books. No insurance. The dockets of Judge Crane and Judge Laws, were saved together with their most valuable papers. Col. Fort’s safe preserved most of the valuables contained therein. He lost a large amount of U. S. vouchers, for about $5,000,000 that had passed through his hands while A.Q.M. in the army.
Silas Houcks, barber, lost all his barber tools, and several other things in the back room of his shop, which is a severe loss to him. To Mr. Staat, it is a very serious disaster; and we cannot abstain from giving utterance to our special sympathy for him. In the short space of two hours, he and his faithful wife, both noted for industry and close application to business, were forced to witness about all their accumulations for the last few years, melt into the worst of ruins. But few of their clothes, household goods, and articles of merchandise were saved. Their excellent bakery and all the implements thereof were lost. To them it is disastrous in the extreme. Their business building, their home, and another dwelling, which was rented, all were burned. Many, many days of hard, patient toil and anxious care were set at naught, and their result made but food for the angry flames which rode high riot in the breeze, mocking at the calamities and misfortunes of man with impunity.
Mrs. Lossing, milliner, lost all of her stock of goods, and all her nice clothing which was of great value, and is therefore a heavy loser. She had just received a box of fine goods but a day or two before. It is to her a sad misfortune. She had, however, $600 insurance, which, though it illy repays her for her loss, it turns her out not quite penniless, yet she deserves the sympathy and aid of the people, and we hope she may again build up business, and receive a profitable and liberal patronage.
Taken From the Henry Republican
Thursday, July 27, 1871
On Friday, by invitation of Rev. C. Cort, we accompanied him on a short run down to Lacon. It is seldom that we get far enough from home to even see our shire city, and we mention it as among the few instances of special permits from duty and business that the sands of time mete out to us. We took our way by Sparland, noticing the fields of waving corn that foretells future golden harvest. All the crops look well, and the wheat stacks in the field and the thick grass ready for the sickle, also attest the goodness of providence in providing each of these in full measure and running over.
On the way we passed the Nock farm of Sampson Rowe, rich in fruit and grain. S. S. Merritt occupies the old Deacon Merritt place, one of the first settled on this prairie, and that too showed fine culture and the promise of abundance. Theodore Bickerman has a large plantation, well improved, and abounding in thrift and wealth as a reward for Theodore’s constant and careful cultivation. H. D. Bonham is closely nestled under the bluff on the old home farm, with a large, elegant residence, and all the conveniences of modern agriculture appertaining thereto. The banks of the Steuben coal company were deserted.
Sparland was quiet, its street empty, the distillery silent and like all of our towns deserted by the busy and more than busy farmer. Charles Sargent’s shingle hung out, and his store evinced its successful traffic in flour, bran, feed, meal, etc., by the amount in store, and we are told he fills and sells out large quantities often. This is owing to fair dealing and keeping a good article. Mrs. Dr. Tesmer, the Sparland Itemizer for the Journal, had returned from her Kansas pleasure trip, but her presence in the doctor’s laboratory was not to be seen.
At the ferry we tarried for the boat on the other side as usual. How in contrast, we thought, are we privileged at Henry, that for the same money we can cross the river on a substantial bridge, without this inconvenience of waiting and slow transit. The ferryman, Edward Corcoran, is familiar to most every one, for he has been connected with this institution some 16 years, and it’s possible he may serve a life-time there. He’s faithful and accommodating, and makes an efficient servant of the people. Passing up Fifth street two new buildings greeted us at the corner of Main, on the second burnt district, built, painted and occupied by their owners, Fulk, clothier, and Terry, grocer; they are neatly and tastily constructed, and are very pleasant stores.
Further up Fifth, the old ruins were also being rebuilt – the basements of stone, and the three buildings, two story, of brick. On Fort’s site the Lacon bank is to occupy the first floor with his law apartments overhead. The three buildings will form a fine block and be a great improvement over the former dilapidated sheds and shanties. A livery stable on the side street is also well constructed on the ruins of the old one, and is tasty and convenient. This work is now the center of attraction, and the busy noise of the mason and stone hammers draws public attention.
Here we found Silas Ramsey, Al. Jones, Dr. Geo. Davis and our genial friend Geo. F. Wightman, who by the way we found a liberty, and willing to escort us through the woolen mill, and as Geo. F. knows every nook and corner of this extensive establishment, he’s just such a guide as one desires in as noisy and yet as interesting place as that. And so we took the journey from the sheep’s back to the end of the manufactory of the popular Prairie State Shawl, when ready for market. Mr. John Grieves, the superintendent, was absent in Chicago, but Adam Crawford, his assistant, gave us permit; when Wightman, Cort and self made the ascent.
The building is well constructed of brick, is five stories high, heated by steam and lighted with gas. Every facility is offered for the successful making of shawls, and this is the speciality of the institution. On the first floor is the work of separating the grades of wool, done by skillful men at high wages; this a very important part of the work. Here is also the machinery – for washing the wool, dyeing it in any color, for drying it and finishing the shawls.
Ascending to the fifth floor, we found the storeroom for stock, repairs, and stretching machinery used in the process of blanket making, a few of which are woven every year. On the 4th floor in the spinning jacks, six in number, each spinning 240 threads with great rapidity and precision. On 3rd floor are the carding machines, that pass the rough wool through a large number of carding rollers, through three different machines and finally develops it in nicely formed rolls, wound on spindles, for the spinning jacks. The 2nd floor is the weave room, where the wool comes out in handsome colored shawls, large and small, and in variety to supply any demand and most any taste. There are also twisters, that work the fringes into an ornamental border.
The care in the manufacture of this article has given them a wide popularity, and the, and the mill is unable to supply the orders. We were shown many specimens of their make in the office, which to us indicated a superior article, and we wonder not at the call for them everywhere. The mill employs some 75 hands, gives work to a large number of girls and boys of the town, and a goodly number of men. It is bound to make money, and be a lasting blessing to those who have fostered and sustained it.
New Manager of the Sherman House
August 3, 1876
Taken From the Henry Republican
W. H. Whiffin of Metamora has gone to Lacon to take charge of the Sherman House. The Metamora Sentinel recommends him highly both as a citizen and hotel keeper. Lacon needs a good hotel, and it is hoped they have found the man to approximate to it.
1877 Election of Lacon Postmaster
January 4, 1877
Henry Republican
The election for postmaster at Lacon last Friday, was decided in favor of the present encumbent, C. C. Gapen, who received the largest number of votes polled, and who was the preference of the citizens generally, as The Republican stated in a late issue. … Mr. Gapen has thus by petition and an election, received the endorsement of the people of Lacon, and will be re-appointed to fill a third term.
The Shooting of George B. Snyder
February 8, 1877
Henry Republican
Local Correspondence - Lacon
The people of this place are still very much excited over the shooting of Geo. B. Snyder a few days since. Mr. Snyder died at about 11 o'clock a.m. on last Saturday one week of intense suffering. This is the saddest event that has ever occurred at this place, as it has resulted in the death of one person and blights the happiness of more than one home, and the deepest sympathy is felt for the several families upon which this sad event has brought so much sorrow.
A post mortem examination was made of the body of Mr. Snyder, which showed him to have been in excellent physical condition aside from the injures received from the pistol shots. One ball (the one which evidently caused his death) was found against the fifth rib on the left side, the ball having entered between the 8th and 9th ribs, and about four inches from the spine, passed through the lung, and lodged against the fifth rib in front. One shot grazed the left side, and one passed through his neck, but doing no very serious damage.
Before Mr. Snyder's death, Forbes and Orr left for parts unknown, but having given ban for $10,000 each for their appearance at the next term of our circuit court. Their friends say it is only to avoid being placed in jail for the four months intervening between this and the setting of our next term of court, and claim that they will be forthcoming at that time.
The coroner of Marshall county held an inquest over the body of Mr. Snyder, and the greater portion of two days were consumed in investigating the matter, but as the investigation was conducted with closed doors and the verdict not made public, the results of the investigation is not yet certainly known. Mr. Snyder was buried at 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning and his funeral was largely attended. He was at his death about 33 years of age, having been born April 27th, 1844.
The 1878 Commencement exercises of the Lacon High School
May 16, 1878
The commencement exercises of the Lacon high school will take place on the 31st inst. Hattie Alexander, Mary Wright, Allathea Stire, Tillie Blair, May Smtih, Nellie Greenough, Laura Fisher, Nellie Hade and Will Gaston compose the graduating class. The class by unanimous ballot decided that only part of their number should have exercises; selected by ballot - Will. Gaston valedictorian, Laura Fisher salutorian, and Hattie Alexander and Allethea Stire to read essays. - Democrat.
The Bridge Agitation at Lacon
Henry Republican
September 4, 1879
The "bridge" agitation at Lacon is now assuming tangible shape, with every prospect of accomplishing the much desired end. The ferry nuisance was fully tested at the old settlers meeting, and the people say they will have a bridge. Therefore on Tuesday of last week, Mr. George F. Wightman, assisted by Col. G. L. Fort, secured from the owners of the land on either side of the river, a written grant, or right of way, by which, independent of the ferry company and their over-valued franchise, they can bridge the stream near the tramway. The route in contemplation is over the old road of several years since, which anti-dates the ferry road, and which can be raised and put into permanent traveling condition for about $5000 - about one fourth the amount asked for the ferry approaches and raod. The parties ceding the right of way, are the W. E. Cook estate, the Orr estate, Tim Gapen of Sparland, and parties in Peoria who recently purchased at trustee's sale a part of Fisher property.
John Carmicheal Indicted for the Murder of John Elliot
Henry Republican, Henry, IL November 17, 1881 - Lacon
On Saturday evening, November 5th, a man by the name Elliott, was picked up by N. W. Clark about 5 miles below town. When found he was insensible, badly bruised and a gash cut across his throat. He died Friday night having lived nearly one week. At inquest was held on Saturday. John Carmichel was arrested on suspicion and a preliminary examination held on Monday. The case was continued until Thursday. Have found nothing but light circumstantial evidence yet.
December 29, 1881
Inquest
An inquest was held by coroner J. S. Brasfield on the body of John Asa Elliot of Lacon township on November 12. Verdict of the jury - that said Elliot came to his death by injuries received at the hands of John W. Carmicheal while going to his home from Lacon on November 5. The coroner committed the said Carmicheal to the county jail to await the action of the law in the case.
January 26, 1882 - Lacon
Invitations are out for the wedding of Miss Carrie Frede and Frank Man. To take place at the residence of August Frede, Thursday, Feb. 2d, at 12 p.m.
Vaccination is now all the go among the children. Why not among the youth, the middle aged and the old? A scar don't amount to anything.
On Monday, many were surprised to hear the sad news of the death of Hiram Smith.
Tom Morley, the man who attempted to stap Chas. Savill in Sparland last week appeared before Justice Norris on Saturday. The evidence was considered sufficient.
The Henry Republican, Henry, IL, August 10, 1882
Lacon
The new elevator got up steam and tooted its horn for the first time last week. C. H. Justis will be the first man and look after the by while Henry Yager will see to it that the elevator is kept in running order. They are now ready and willing to receive grain of all kinds and in any quantity and pay the highest market price for it.
The Henry Republican, Henry, IL, September 21, 1882
Neighborhood News - Lacon
About 300 invitations are out for the golden wedding of Rev. and Mrs. Ira Norris which will take place at their residence next Wednesday, September 27. The reception will be from 2 to 10 pm.
There have been two deaths from Scarlet fever last week and there are several severe cases in town at the present.
The Henry Republican, Henry, IL,
October 26, 1882
Lacon
The Lacon bridge, though just begun is quite an attraction as the road from Sparland to the river was lined with people from Sparland and Lacon last Sunday afternoon going and coming.
December 14, 1882
Neighborhood News - Lacon
The hack crossed the new bridge for the first time last Friday with about 25 passengers, including the city council. The bridge will be entirely completed next week.
The roller-skating mania has struck us at last. Every afternoon and evening, the hall is kept lively by the wonderful evolutions of the skatorial art. There is quite an interest taken, especially by the youthful.
December 21, 1882
Lacon
The bridge was turned over to the city on Tuesday of this week. It is now an accomplished fact and all who have examined it say it is certainly a substantial structure and will prove a great success. The workmen (non residents) who have been employed in building the bridge, have all returned to their homes.
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