THE ILES FILES THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION

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Cordelia Newman
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The last issue of the Iles Files reported on Robert Mazrim s archaeological dig at the site of Elijah Iles store on the southeast corner of Second and Jefferson streets.

1 THE ILES FILES THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION FALL-WINTER 2003 S PRINGFIELD S FIRST MERC ANTILE BUSINESS E LIJAH ILES STOR E The Elijah Iles Store, Springfield s first mercantile business, at the southeast corner of Second and Jefferson Streets as it appeared at the time of its demolition around Notice the large, square-cut logs dovetailed at the corners. The last issue of the Iles Files reported on Robert Mazrim s archaeological dig at the site of Elijah Iles store on the southeast corner of Second and Jefferson streets. Mazrim is still analyzing the materials found and will soon make a written report. Below we report what the histories and Elijah Iles own autobiography tell us about the store. Sangamo Country: Land of Milk and Honey The word was out. The Sangamo country was a wealth of timber, prairie, water and wildlife. In 1818 a treaty was made with the Native Americans occupying Central Illinois. By 1821 the federal government surveys of the Sangamo Country were being completed. Even though it would be two years before the land would go on the market, there was an immediate influx of pioneers to the Sangamo Country who settled temporarily as squatters. At that time, Elijah Iles, a 25-year-old Kentuckian, was looking for a permanent place to settle and farm. He had been frustrated with trying to farm in the Kentucky hill country and at age 21 set out to find better land. Initially, he spent about three years in Missouri - exploring, buying and selling land, and working as a clerk in a general store. Iles then heard about the Sangamo country. I [Iles] then explored the surrounding country, and found it sightly and such as could not be excelled in richness and only equaled by the lands on the Missouri River. This settled the question, but how to occupy my time until the lands should be put up for sale, was another problem. I had gained some little experience in selling goods, which determined me to use what money I had in merchandising until the land sales should take place. Sangamon County Created In 1821 the Sangamo country was populated enough to create the county of Sangamon. A temporary log courthouse was to be built and Iles chose (continued on page 4, Iles Store )

2 Page 2 THE ILES FILES FALL-W INTER 2003 BIRD S EYE VIEW OF 1872 SPRINGFIELD A portion of the 1872 Bird s Eye View is shown in above. Unfortunately we cannot print the Iles Files in color, so you will have to use your imagination to imagine the beautiful coloring of the reproduced View. HISTORIC BIRD S EYE VIEW MAKES PERFECT HOLIDAY GIFT Are you looking for a unique gift for the holidays? Consider the Iles Foundation s recently reproduced 1872 Bird s Eye View of Springfield. The artist, Augustus Koch, was known for his accuracy and detail, and buildings that are still in existence are recognizable by his accurate depiction of their roof lines, height, and window placement. You may have noticed the original 25 ½ x 33 ½ inch Bird s Eye View which has been displayed for years in the Sangamon Valley Collection at Springfield s Lincoln Library. The original s patina of age fading and some water marks have been retained, giving the reproduced map an antique appearance. The reprint is beautifully reproduced on 22 x 28 inch durable paper, making it perfect for a standard frame size. In addition, the Foundation s Historian, Linda Garvert, has prepared a booklet identifying many of the Springfield landmarks shown in the Bird s Eye View. The 1872 Bird s Eye View of Springfield would make an interesting addition to any office, den or country kitchen. Those who have an interest in Springfield s history will find it fascinating, whether framed or not. It is a view of Springfield that Elijah Iles would have known very well and one that Abraham Lincoln would recognize much, yet be surprised at the number of changes that took place following the Civil War. The map, together with the booklet, may be purchased for $25 at the Sangamon Valley Room, Lincoln Library, 326 S. Seventh St., Springfield, Illinois. Mail orders should be sent to the Elijah Iles House Foundation, P.O. Box 144, Springfield, IL For mail orders, please add a $5 charge for shipping and handling. Checks or money orders should be made out to the Elijah Iles House Foundation. In support of this Iles Foundation project, Prairie House Custom Frames, 2833 S. Sixth St. is offering a 15% discount on the framing of the 1872 Bird s Eye View of Springfield through November, 2003.

3 Page 3 THE ILES FILES FALL-WINTER 2003 SPRINGFIELD IN 1872 At the time Augustus Koch drew his Bird s Eye View of Springfield, the town of about 17,400 had a well established variety of hardware, dry goods, shoe and drug stores and a wide array of specialty stores and services, including jewelers, music stores, bookstores, barbers, photographers, attorneys, insurance agents, grocers, saloons and seven newspapers, including the Illinois State Journal and Illinois State Register. There were a number of halls where lectures, concerts, fund raisers and dances were held. Springfield even boasted an opera house that brought in famed talents. Below are listed some tidbits about the Springfield of Springfield s corporate boundaries were the four Grand Avenues--North, South, East and West. East Grand is now 19 th Street and West Grand is Mac Arthur Boulevard. There were two competing streetcar lines using horse and mule drawn cars. Gaslights lit some homes, businesses and streets. A public water system was available using deep wells near the Sangamon River and storing water in a reservoir where Lanphier High School is located today. The Illinois Watch Factory produced its first watches. Ulysses S. Grant was elected to his second term as President. Two ministers known statewide passed away - Methodist Peter Cartwright and Presbyterian Dr. J.G. Bergen. Springfield banks were offering 6% interest on savings accounts. The Illinois Free Press, a Springfield German newspaper, began publication. Springfield Manufacturing Company was producing a two horse corn planter that was being sold in twelve states. A Leap Year party was held at the mansion of C. M. Smith on South Fourth Street. Butler s String Band played. Many of ladies appeared in costume - ex: Miss Reman as Morning wore pink tarletan with golden and silver stars and a silver coronet. Oranges in February at Fitzgerald s sold at 25 cents per dozen. Lemons sold at 20 cents per dozen. The celebrated Joe Jefferson appeared in Rip Van Winkle on April 10 th at the Opera House. Policemen received uniforms for the first time, but had to pay for them themselves. The city did provide the hats and stars. Mayor James W. Smith was reelected as mayor. Mayoral terms were just one year. The Mayor s salary was $ Three aldermen served on the city council from each of four wards. Their terms were for three years with one alderman being elected each year from each ward. Day policemen were paid $ and night policemen $517 per year. Firemen received $670 per year. The fire department consisted of 17 men - two engineers, two firemen, five drivers, one foreman, six extra hosemen, and one fire marshall. They had two steam fire engines, one four-wheel hose carriage, one two-wheel hose cart, one hook and ladder truck, seven horses and 2,600 feet of hose in all. There were 22 fires and 6 false alarms. Sometime on a Saturday afternoon on April 15 a gold watch was stolen from the Free and Easy Saloon. On Wednesday, April 15, a kerosene lamp exploded in the house of Mr. William Beam situated on West Jackson Street. The carpet, several books and various other articles in the room caught fire, but Beam without raising an alarm applied a few buckets of water to extinguish the flame. The Dexter Base Ball Club (colored) reorganized on Saturday last and on yesterday played a match game with the Lone Star Club (colored). Dexter 36 Lone Star 24. John M. Palmer was serving his second term as governor. Numerous receptions were held in the executive mansion. Elijah Iles was a 76 year old widower and had begun spending his winters in the wilds of Florida and divided his summers between staying in a room he kept on his farm and a house he had built and sold to his nephew-inlaw, Obed Lewis. Mrs. Robert (Clara) Irwin, 57 years old, was a widow living in Irwin Place [Iles House]. Both of her daughters had married and moved out of state. Her son, Robert T., was probably in the beginning stages of consumption (tuberculosis), a disease he died of in 1877.

Page 4 ( Iles Store continued from page 1) land across from that site for a store on the southeast corner of what would become Second and Jefferson streets.

The courthouse was on the northwest corner of the same intersection. When Iles returned to the place the county commissioners named Springfield, his store was not quite finished.

4 Page 4 ( Iles Store continued from page 1) land across from that site for a store on the southeast corner of what would become Second and Jefferson streets. He made arrangements with the Kelley family to construct an 18- foot square building of hewn logs with sheds on the sides and left for St. Louis to purchase goods. The courthouse was on the northwest corner of the same intersection. When Iles returned to the place the county commissioners named Springfield, his store was not quite finished. But, he commented in his autobiography, I now felt firmly rooted, and determined to seek no further, as I believed I was then in the center of the most extensive body of the richest land in the United States, or perhaps in the world; and don t yet think I was mistaken. William Davis arrived about this time in Springfield. He claims the honor of making the first purchase from Iles. Davis was a hunter working with the surveyors to supply them with game. By the time the surveying party reached Springfield his shoes had completely given out leaving him barefoot. He found the Iles store a building completely made of bark... simply intended as temporary quarters. At Davis request a box of shoes was opened. Davis reported that his was the first purchase made in Springfield. This memory confirms what Iles said about his store not being ready. Elijah Iles Store First in Sangamon County Iles store was the first store building in Sangamon County and possibly, the first in Illinois north of Edwardsville. The store served not only as a source of supplies for the early settlers, but as a primitive financial institution, extending credit and buying or trading the early pioneers produce and other goods in a system of barter. Consequently it was of great importance to settlers and held a vivid place in their memory. Job Fletcher declared that he bought from Iles the first window glass ever sold in Springfield, and the first ever put in a window in Sangamon County. Samuel Williams dealt with Iles in the trade of beeswax, receiving twenty-five cents per pound. Williams said of Iles he was quite social. The Illinois State Journal noted: He [Iles] was often compelled to make great exertions to keep the prairie fires from burning up his shop. Indian Trade The Potawatomie and Kickapoo frequented Iles store and traded blue grass seed, furs and undressed deerskins for supplies. The early settlers did the same and bartered homemade jeans, cotton and linen cloth, beeswax, honey, butter, etc. in exchange for wrought iron utensils, pots, nails, china, dry goods, salt, and whiskey which Iles noted appeared to be a very necessary article at that day, no man could cut his wheat without it, nor get well of the ague. Robert Mazrim s archaeological report on the Iles store site will hopefully provide more information on the inventory of Iles store. Iles Marries Malinda Benjamin Malinda Benjamin Iles (C. S. German, photographer, Courtesy of Illinois State Historical Library) Elijah Iles wed Malinda Benjamin in I furnished her bed-ticking, feathers, and sheeting, to be made up for a bed The Iles Files Fall -W inter 2003 which was to be placed in a room over my little store. For my part, I built a shed and brick chimney, with open fireplace attached to the rear of the store, for a cooking and dining place, until I had time to build a better. Our shed soon gave place to a more comfortable cook and bedroom. Candle in the Window Indicates Ladies Ready to Receive Young Gentlemen The building appears to have had a second story by the time Iles wife s sister Clarissa came to live with them. Iles Store/John Hay Residence Circa 1896 (Ide Collection, Illinois State Historical Library) John Todd Stuart recalled a custom that indicated when the young people were gathering for an evening of socializing. He became aware of it when he arrived in Clarissa Benjamin placed her candle in the window of the parlor room above the store of Major Iles. Phil Latham exclaimed: Boys, Clarissa s candle is in the window: let s us go over. The young men assembled there, and found Miss Clarissa Benjamin, Misses Hannah and Margaret Taylor, the Misses Dryers, and Miss Jan Bergan. Iles Sells Store to John Williams and Moves to Farm In 1830, Iles decided to pursue his interest in agriculture and moved to his Spring Creek farm. He sold the mercantile business to his clerk, John Williams, (continued on page 5, Iles Store )

5 Page 5 The Iles Files Fall -W inter 2003 ( Iles Store continued from page 4) and in 1833 Williams moved the business to the new court house public square where other merchants and tradesmen were locating. On April 27, 1833, Iles placed an ad in the Sangamo Journal to rent the building. To Rent The oldest and yet considered the best stand for a mercantile house in the town of Springfield, formerly occupied by the subscriber. There is belonging to this stand, a storeroom, warehouse and a good cellar. A merchant wishing to establish himself in Springfield, will do well to call. Elijah Iles April 27 John Hay Purchases Store Building It is not known whether Iles was able to rent the building. However, in March of 1836, John Hay purchased the building and, thereafter, used it as his home. Hay was the grandfather of John Hay, one of President Abraham Lincoln s private secretaries. The grandson stayed with his grandfather on occasions. The original hewn log structure was enlarged by Iles and covered with clapboard and may have been further enlarged by Hay and later owners. The first mercantile business and its owner Elijah Iles established Springfield as a trading community. It was a place not only to supply the needs and wants of the pioneers, but also served as a community center where Iles and customers shared the news of the area and the country as a whole. U N I O N STA T I O N FOUNDA T I O N M A K E S SECOND MATCHING G R A N T OF $25,000! Just as we were completing this issue of the Iles Files, we were notified by Michael Scully, President of Union Station Foundation, that Union Station Foundation will make a second matching grant of $25,000 to the Iles House Foundation. As in the case of the first $25,000 grant, the Iles House Foundation must receive matching donations of $25,000 in order to receive the Union Station monies. On behalf of the Board of Directors, President Barringer expressed thanks to Michael Scully and the Union Station Foundation for their most generous continued support of the Iles House. The grant monies will be used to complete roof restoration. President Dave Barringer urged all of those interested in the preservation of the Iles House to dig deep in their pockets and give what they can to help match the $25,000 by the end of In addition to using the enclosed envelope for your membership renewal, you may use the envelope to return your contribution toward this match. The Board thanks you in advance for your contributions. B OAR D OF DIRECTORS OPENINGS There are two vacancies on the Iles Foundation Board of Directors. If you have an interest in actively participating in this important restoration project for Springfield or know of someone who would, please write President Dave Barringer at P. O. Box 144, Springfield, Illinois or Dick Hart at RHart1213@aol.com.

6 Membership Renewal Fall is the time to renew your membership in the Elijah Iles House Foundation. Your support is essential to the continued success of the restoration of the House. The Board of Directors are extremely grateful for your membership and your other contributions. Your dues and any donations are tax-deductible. We have enclosed an addressed return envelope for your convenience. Please consider a gift membership to a friend. Individual $25.00 Family (One Address) $40.00 Supporting $50.00 Benefactor $ or more Name: Street Address: Town: State: Zip Code: Telephone #: (Tear along the crease and return in the enclosed envelope together with your check made payable to the Iles House Foundation.) ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION P. O. Box 144 Springfield, Illinois NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Springfield, IL PERMIT #990

Chapter 11, Section 1 Trails to the West. Pages

Chapter 11, Section 1 Trails to the West Pages 345-349 Many Americans during the Jacksonian Era were restless, curious, and eager to be on the move. The American West drew a variety of settlers. Some looked