Fulton Journal
April 7, 1899
John Considine Dies Unexpectedly at his Home Wednesday morning.
This community was shocked and saddened Wednesday morning by the news of the sudden death of John Considine, which occurred at his home that morning.
He had been in the street the day before and went to the polls and voted. He was apparently in his usual health. Wednesday morning when he got up he complained of not feeling well and sat down on the edge of the bed. Continuing to feel badly he laid down asked that the priest be sent for, but before any of the family could leave the house he died.
The deceased was born in county Clare, Ireland, in 1825, and was, therefore, in his seventy-fourth year. He came to this country landing in New York City, July 4, 1846, and settled in New York where he resided till 1857 when he came to Fulton. April 16 , 1854, at Etlicottville, Cattaragus county, N.Y. he was married to Miss Hannah Flanagan. To Mr. and Mrs. Considine eleven children were born as follows: Robert, who lives in Fulton; Will J. who resides in Monroe, Wis, John J. who was drowned off the steamboat John A. Wood near Island No. 10 near Memphis, Feb. 14, 1883; Frank, whose home is in this city; May, who became the wife of J.J. Martin and died May 6, 1892; E.H. of Rock Island, Daniel, of Prophetstown, Dennis of Chicago; Julia, who married E.J. Lee and is now at home, S.A. and Maggie, who are also at home. Beside his wife and children he leaves one brother, Patrick,who lives in Chicago and two sisters, May, now Mrs. Daley and lives in New Jersey, and Mrs. Margaret Gorman, who lives in Brooklyn.
For twenty-seven years Mr. Considine had resided in the stone house on the bank of the Mississippi, which is probably the oldest built residence left intact in Fulton and during that time he won a high place in the regard of his neighbors and friends. He was quiet, energetic, yet unassuming in manner, but was of generous impulses, and ever proved a kind husband and father, a pleasant neighbor and an honest industrious and conscientious citizen. He had served the city as street commissioner for three terms and was always found fatithful to this trust.
The funeral was held this forenoon at 10 o'clock, solemn high mass in the Catholic church, and burial in the Catholic cemetery.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Infrastructure
Fulton Journal
March 17, 1899
As T.B. Jones was moving the household goods of C.C. Carpenter across the street to the Adams house this week he struck a rut and a hard coal stove was thrown off the wagon and broken into pieces. Still some peopole don't think our streets need any improvement.
March 17, 1899
As T.B. Jones was moving the household goods of C.C. Carpenter across the street to the Adams house this week he struck a rut and a hard coal stove was thrown off the wagon and broken into pieces. Still some peopole don't think our streets need any improvement.
J.M. Fay
Fulton Journal
March 17, 1899
It was just thirty-three years Thursday since J.M. Fay came to Fulton and during all that time he has occupied the same residence. He is now sixty years of age and has lived in only two houses in his life. The first twenty-seven years of his life were passed in the house in which he was born, and he moved directly from there to this city and into the one he now occupies. In the thirty-three years he has been a resident of Fulton, he has won the respect of a large circle of friends who hope that he and his wife may still occupy their present home many years to come.
March 17, 1899
It was just thirty-three years Thursday since J.M. Fay came to Fulton and during all that time he has occupied the same residence. He is now sixty years of age and has lived in only two houses in his life. The first twenty-seven years of his life were passed in the house in which he was born, and he moved directly from there to this city and into the one he now occupies. In the thirty-three years he has been a resident of Fulton, he has won the respect of a large circle of friends who hope that he and his wife may still occupy their present home many years to come.
Blind Charlie
Fulton Journal
August 15, 1899
Charles Baker, of Ustick, known to the people of this section as "Blind Charlie" and his wife are in poor circumstances. He has been running a store at the bluffs northeast of town a few miles for many years. But the profits were small and even with donations from neighbors and help from the town it has been a hard struggle to live. Old age and sickness have prostrated the unfortunate man, and his wife who has done all she could to care for him finds that her health is broken by the infirmities of age and she can no longer perform their simple household duties. The neighbors after counseling with the supervisor went to Mr. and Mrs. Baker and kindly told them that they would receive better care and all the necessaries and many comforts of life at the county house, and advised them to prepare for the inevitable as it was no longer safe or humane to leave them without some attendant to care for them. The aged couple who have endured many misfortunes will be removed to the county infirmary within a few days, although they broke down and wept at the thoughts of never again having a home of their own.
August 15, 1899
Charles Baker, of Ustick, known to the people of this section as "Blind Charlie" and his wife are in poor circumstances. He has been running a store at the bluffs northeast of town a few miles for many years. But the profits were small and even with donations from neighbors and help from the town it has been a hard struggle to live. Old age and sickness have prostrated the unfortunate man, and his wife who has done all she could to care for him finds that her health is broken by the infirmities of age and she can no longer perform their simple household duties. The neighbors after counseling with the supervisor went to Mr. and Mrs. Baker and kindly told them that they would receive better care and all the necessaries and many comforts of life at the county house, and advised them to prepare for the inevitable as it was no longer safe or humane to leave them without some attendant to care for them. The aged couple who have endured many misfortunes will be removed to the county infirmary within a few days, although they broke down and wept at the thoughts of never again having a home of their own.
Orphan Boy
Fulton Journal
May 16, 1899
A young orphan boy, eleven years old, who was adopted from an ophan asylum at Chicago by S.G. Hunter, of Amboy, was killed at the Hunter farm Saturday morning. He had been driving a four horse team on a pulverizer, and it is thought that he slipped from the plank on which he was sitting. It had been noticed that the horses stood in one place in the field for several hours, and this finally led to an investigation as to the cause. The boy was found lying beside the pulverizer. There was a large gash in the right leg; an artery had been cut. The boy bled to death.--Sterling Standard
May 16, 1899
A young orphan boy, eleven years old, who was adopted from an ophan asylum at Chicago by S.G. Hunter, of Amboy, was killed at the Hunter farm Saturday morning. He had been driving a four horse team on a pulverizer, and it is thought that he slipped from the plank on which he was sitting. It had been noticed that the horses stood in one place in the field for several hours, and this finally led to an investigation as to the cause. The boy was found lying beside the pulverizer. There was a large gash in the right leg; an artery had been cut. The boy bled to death.--Sterling Standard
"Jack" is Dead
Fulton Journal, Fulton, Illinois
September 19, 1899
John Stuart's Famous Mule Dies at the Age of Thirty-one Years.
For twenty-eight years John Stuart, of this city, owned a brown colored mule that he called "Jack." Every resident of Fulton during that period must have known the patient and intelligent animal, as all the members of Mr. Stuart's family were in the habit of driving "Jack" single to a buggy. A good single carriage animal he made, too. Mr. Stuart became the owner of "Jack" in 1871, when he was three years old, and has had him ever since. This makes the age of this mule to be thirty-one years at the time of his death, which was last Sunday in Cottle's pasture. At one time when "Jack" was young Mr. Stuart was offered $150 in gold for him, but refused to part with him.
Many years ago when the streets of Fulton were lighted by kerosene street lamps on posts at numerous street corners, Simon Stuart, a mere lad at the time, acted as lamplighter for the city, and every evening he would mount"Jack" and ride the rounds of the street lamps. When "Jack" came to where there was a lamp post he would go straight up to it, and stand quietly while Simon would stand on the animal's back and light the lamp. "Jack" got so after a while that he knew the location of every lamp post and would go from one to the other almost without being guided. Although he was only a mule, he was honest, patient, gentle, obedient and faithful and had more horse sense than lots of men that inhabit this mundane sphere.
September 19, 1899
John Stuart's Famous Mule Dies at the Age of Thirty-one Years.
For twenty-eight years John Stuart, of this city, owned a brown colored mule that he called "Jack." Every resident of Fulton during that period must have known the patient and intelligent animal, as all the members of Mr. Stuart's family were in the habit of driving "Jack" single to a buggy. A good single carriage animal he made, too. Mr. Stuart became the owner of "Jack" in 1871, when he was three years old, and has had him ever since. This makes the age of this mule to be thirty-one years at the time of his death, which was last Sunday in Cottle's pasture. At one time when "Jack" was young Mr. Stuart was offered $150 in gold for him, but refused to part with him.
Many years ago when the streets of Fulton were lighted by kerosene street lamps on posts at numerous street corners, Simon Stuart, a mere lad at the time, acted as lamplighter for the city, and every evening he would mount"Jack" and ride the rounds of the street lamps. When "Jack" came to where there was a lamp post he would go straight up to it, and stand quietly while Simon would stand on the animal's back and light the lamp. "Jack" got so after a while that he knew the location of every lamp post and would go from one to the other almost without being guided. Although he was only a mule, he was honest, patient, gentle, obedient and faithful and had more horse sense than lots of men that inhabit this mundane sphere.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Seaman
Fulton Journal
May 20, 1890
The death of Preston King Seaman occurred at his residence in Clinton Sunday night. He is said to have been the first white child born in the town of Clinton, and the date of his birth is August 11, 1856. He was married to Miss Margaret Inslee, June 18, 1885. The funeral will be held at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon and will be under the auspices of La Fayette Lodge, No. 44, Knights of Pythias.
May 20, 1890
The death of Preston King Seaman occurred at his residence in Clinton Sunday night. He is said to have been the first white child born in the town of Clinton, and the date of his birth is August 11, 1856. He was married to Miss Margaret Inslee, June 18, 1885. The funeral will be held at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon and will be under the auspices of La Fayette Lodge, No. 44, Knights of Pythias.
Harm Akker
Fulton Journal
May 20, 1890
Saturday Hiram Akker and Ellen Akker celebrated their golden wedding. They were married in Holland, May 16, 1840. On account of the funeral that was held Friday the golden wedding was held on Saturday. They are the parents of eight children, three are living, two being present at the wedding and presented Mr. Akker with a gold headed cane, and Mrs. Akker with a gold thimble. There were several other nice presents. Rev. Te Winkle was present and several of their old country friends. Mr. and Mrs. H. Akker have lived in this country twenty-four years. They lived on a farm fourteen years, then moved to Fulton where they have resided for the past ten years.
May 20, 1890
Saturday Hiram Akker and Ellen Akker celebrated their golden wedding. They were married in Holland, May 16, 1840. On account of the funeral that was held Friday the golden wedding was held on Saturday. They are the parents of eight children, three are living, two being present at the wedding and presented Mr. Akker with a gold headed cane, and Mrs. Akker with a gold thimble. There were several other nice presents. Rev. Te Winkle was present and several of their old country friends. Mr. and Mrs. H. Akker have lived in this country twenty-four years. They lived on a farm fourteen years, then moved to Fulton where they have resided for the past ten years.
Roach
Fulton Journal: March 14, 1890
Mrs. Euphema Roach desires to inform the multitude that there will be a children's concert in the Roach tabernacle on the Hill at 2 o'clock p.m., Saturday, March 15, 1890, Anno domini.
Fulton Journal: March 18, 1890
NOTICE.
To whom may concern: At 2 o'clock P.M. Thursday March 20, 1890, Anno Domini, deo volente, I am to be married to Josiah Brown, Esq. If you have aught to say relieve yourself or forever hold your peace.
Fraternally yours,
Mrs. Nancy Roach.
Her Mark +
Mrs. Euphema Roach desires to inform the multitude that there will be a children's concert in the Roach tabernacle on the Hill at 2 o'clock p.m., Saturday, March 15, 1890, Anno domini.
Fulton Journal: March 18, 1890
NOTICE.
To whom may concern: At 2 o'clock P.M. Thursday March 20, 1890, Anno Domini, deo volente, I am to be married to Josiah Brown, Esq. If you have aught to say relieve yourself or forever hold your peace.
Fraternally yours,
Mrs. Nancy Roach.
Her Mark +
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Fulton Journal
July 30, 1912
Headquarters for Choice Cigars
Among our popular brands of Five Cent Cigars you will always find
Brown Beauties, Bradley, Cineo, Cuban Seal, Phil Sheridan, Cremo, Doctor, Davenport, Havana Sticks, Palmer House, Henry George, Hand Made, Harvester, John Ruskin, Sin Par
Besides a score of other unexcelled brands. We have a supply of smoker's articles of all kinds.
E.F. Johnson, Fulton, Ill.
July 30, 1912
Headquarters for Choice Cigars
Among our popular brands of Five Cent Cigars you will always find
Brown Beauties, Bradley, Cineo, Cuban Seal, Phil Sheridan, Cremo, Doctor, Davenport, Havana Sticks, Palmer House, Henry George, Hand Made, Harvester, John Ruskin, Sin Par
Besides a score of other unexcelled brands. We have a supply of smoker's articles of all kinds.
E.F. Johnson, Fulton, Ill.
Fulton Journal
July 30, 1912
FORD and HALLIDAY AUTOMOBILES!
If you are looking for the best and most serviceable car on the market, let me demonstrate the workings of the Ford or the Halliday. They are easily handled and have no superior.
I handle all kinds of lubricating oils and greases such as Polarine Engine Oil, Granite Harvester Oil, Arco Automobile Oil, Arco Transmission Grease, Eureka Belt Dressing and Arco Spotz Off Polish for brass, copper and nickel.
ROY SIKKEMA
Cor. Fourth St. & Thirteenth Ave., Fulton, Illinois
July 30, 1912
FORD and HALLIDAY AUTOMOBILES!
If you are looking for the best and most serviceable car on the market, let me demonstrate the workings of the Ford or the Halliday. They are easily handled and have no superior.
I handle all kinds of lubricating oils and greases such as Polarine Engine Oil, Granite Harvester Oil, Arco Automobile Oil, Arco Transmission Grease, Eureka Belt Dressing and Arco Spotz Off Polish for brass, copper and nickel.
ROY SIKKEMA
Cor. Fourth St. & Thirteenth Ave., Fulton, Illinois
Anthony and Nancy Roach
Fulton Journal: February 21, 1979
Bastian: There are numerous pieces of Mr. Booth's writings that are quotable. Perhaps one of the finest was in the Fulton Journal dated Sep.17, 1868. Anthony Roach had been a slave. Tried to enlist in the United States Army but was rejected because of his age. He stayed with the army and did odd jobs. He came to Fulton finally and the lonesome years pressed heavily. The editor of the Journal ran a kindly notice to help the old man: "INFORMATION WANTED--ANTHONY WAYNE ROACH, A COLORED MAN ONCE A SLAVE IN DECATUR COUNTY, TENN. AND NOW LIVING IN FULTON, WHITESIDE, COUNTY, ILL. BEING VERY ANXIOUS TO LEARN THE WHEREABOUTS OF HIS TWO SONS, ONE DAUGHTER AND A STEP-DAUGHTER, WHO WERE ALL SOLD AT AUCTION ON THE BLOCK AT DECATURVILLE, TENN. IN 1854, AS FOLLOWS:...THUS BEING WIDELY SEPARATED FOR FOURTEEN YEARS, WOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY INFORMATION THAT WOULD LEAD TO THE DISCOVERY OF EITHER OR ALL OF THEM. HE SAYS, "I AM NOW OLD AND HAVE NOT A CHILD NEAR TO GIVE ME A DRINK OF WATER. PUBLISHERS IN THE SOUTH AND WEST WILL CONFERE A SPECIAL FAVOR BY GIVING THIS NOTICE A PLACE IN THEIR COLUMNS."
Fulton Journal
April 13, 1877
Mrs. Roach, a colored woman who formerly lived near the stone quarry in the upper part of town, but removed to Clinton some time ago, has returned and announces herself in readiness to perform laundry work for persons wishing to engage her services either at her old residence or at the houses of her patrons.
Fulton Journal
April 5, 1898
Aunt Nancy Roach is dead. The dissolution occurred Saturday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Williams, in Clinton. Mrs. Roach was born in slavery in the state of Georgia many years ago, close on to 100, it is thought. She was sold to a planter in Tennessee and resided there at the close of the war, when she removed with her husband to Sterling and then to this city. She was a familiar character in this city until about three years ago, when she went to live with daughter in Clinton. The funeral was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Fulton Journal: February 21, 1979
Bastian: There are numerous pieces of Mr. Booth's writings that are quotable. Perhaps one of the finest was in the Fulton Journal dated Sep.17, 1868. Anthony Roach had been a slave. Tried to enlist in the United States Army but was rejected because of his age. He stayed with the army and did odd jobs. He came to Fulton finally and the lonesome years pressed heavily. The editor of the Journal ran a kindly notice to help the old man: "INFORMATION WANTED--ANTHONY WAYNE ROACH, A COLORED MAN ONCE A SLAVE IN DECATUR COUNTY, TENN. AND NOW LIVING IN FULTON, WHITESIDE, COUNTY, ILL. BEING VERY ANXIOUS TO LEARN THE WHEREABOUTS OF HIS TWO SONS, ONE DAUGHTER AND A STEP-DAUGHTER, WHO WERE ALL SOLD AT AUCTION ON THE BLOCK AT DECATURVILLE, TENN. IN 1854, AS FOLLOWS:...THUS BEING WIDELY SEPARATED FOR FOURTEEN YEARS, WOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY INFORMATION THAT WOULD LEAD TO THE DISCOVERY OF EITHER OR ALL OF THEM. HE SAYS, "I AM NOW OLD AND HAVE NOT A CHILD NEAR TO GIVE ME A DRINK OF WATER. PUBLISHERS IN THE SOUTH AND WEST WILL CONFERE A SPECIAL FAVOR BY GIVING THIS NOTICE A PLACE IN THEIR COLUMNS."
Fulton Journal
April 13, 1877
Mrs. Roach, a colored woman who formerly lived near the stone quarry in the upper part of town, but removed to Clinton some time ago, has returned and announces herself in readiness to perform laundry work for persons wishing to engage her services either at her old residence or at the houses of her patrons.
Fulton Journal
April 5, 1898
Aunt Nancy Roach is dead. The dissolution occurred Saturday night at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sarah Williams, in Clinton. Mrs. Roach was born in slavery in the state of Georgia many years ago, close on to 100, it is thought. She was sold to a planter in Tennessee and resided there at the close of the war, when she removed with her husband to Sterling and then to this city. She was a familiar character in this city until about three years ago, when she went to live with daughter in Clinton. The funeral was held this afternoon at 2 o'clock.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Jackson Martin Family
Fulton Journal: September 7, 1977
Southwest corner of 10th Avenue and 5th St.
Fulton, Illinois
An Old Home
Sale of the Andrews property to Fulton State Bank brings memories of the Martin House. On June 12, 1862, Constantine Langenberg transferred title of the real estate to Jackson F. Martin. The consideration was $800, so there must have been a house on it. For about the next 75 years, the place was occupied by Martins.
The house was a homey cottage of Victorian styling in early days. It was remodeled, perhaps after the death of Charles V. Martin, into two small apartments. Two closed-in porches were built at the rear. A large front porch was added, then or perhaps earlier.
Jackson F. Martin (usually called Jack) was an interesting person. He was born in 1834, came to Fulton in 1857 and died in 1893. It could be written truthfully that his great love was for horses. He exhibited some of his stable at the Morrison Fair in 1861. He received a prize of eight dollars for the best matched team and three dollars for the second-best single carriage horse. He had race-horses. He ran them frequently and won on occasion. One animal, Dunlap, was a local favorite. In 1877, he put on the market Jack Martin's Horse Powders. They were manufactured by the druggist, Leslie Williams.
Mr Martin operated a livery-stable for a few years and then dealt in livestock. He was a public-spirited man and did things for the good of the community. People were dependent on sleighs for transportation in the winter. There was an obstacle to free-going sometimes. Uses of the vehicles could travel along swifly until they reached the Cattail Bridge. Too often, the snow had been blown from it. He solved the problem by hauling snow into the crude wooden structure. In 1887, when much of the business center of Fulton was threatened by fire, he rode throughout the city sounding the alarm.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin had five sons, three of whom lived to maturity. They were Harry, Luther and Charles V. The last named inherited his father's love for horses. He drove them in numerous races and ran a livery-stable until the horseless carriages caused its closing.
Mrs. Charles Martin (Tina Johnson) had a great love for flowers. Her neighbor to the west, Mrs. A.W. Bastian, was equally enthusiastic. The bought rare lilacs, roses, irises, and spring-flowering bulbs. The area behind the two homes and Journal office was a beautiful flower-garden during the growing season. That was long ago but there are still a few lilacs and rose bushes left of the greatly admired planting.
Fulton Journal: September 7, 1977
Southwest corner of 10th Avenue and 5th St.
Fulton, Illinois
An Old Home
Sale of the Andrews property to Fulton State Bank brings memories of the Martin House. On June 12, 1862, Constantine Langenberg transferred title of the real estate to Jackson F. Martin. The consideration was $800, so there must have been a house on it. For about the next 75 years, the place was occupied by Martins.
The house was a homey cottage of Victorian styling in early days. It was remodeled, perhaps after the death of Charles V. Martin, into two small apartments. Two closed-in porches were built at the rear. A large front porch was added, then or perhaps earlier.
Jackson F. Martin (usually called Jack) was an interesting person. He was born in 1834, came to Fulton in 1857 and died in 1893. It could be written truthfully that his great love was for horses. He exhibited some of his stable at the Morrison Fair in 1861. He received a prize of eight dollars for the best matched team and three dollars for the second-best single carriage horse. He had race-horses. He ran them frequently and won on occasion. One animal, Dunlap, was a local favorite. In 1877, he put on the market Jack Martin's Horse Powders. They were manufactured by the druggist, Leslie Williams.
Mr Martin operated a livery-stable for a few years and then dealt in livestock. He was a public-spirited man and did things for the good of the community. People were dependent on sleighs for transportation in the winter. There was an obstacle to free-going sometimes. Uses of the vehicles could travel along swifly until they reached the Cattail Bridge. Too often, the snow had been blown from it. He solved the problem by hauling snow into the crude wooden structure. In 1887, when much of the business center of Fulton was threatened by fire, he rode throughout the city sounding the alarm.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin had five sons, three of whom lived to maturity. They were Harry, Luther and Charles V. The last named inherited his father's love for horses. He drove them in numerous races and ran a livery-stable until the horseless carriages caused its closing.
Mrs. Charles Martin (Tina Johnson) had a great love for flowers. Her neighbor to the west, Mrs. A.W. Bastian, was equally enthusiastic. The bought rare lilacs, roses, irises, and spring-flowering bulbs. The area behind the two homes and Journal office was a beautiful flower-garden during the growing season. That was long ago but there are still a few lilacs and rose bushes left of the greatly admired planting.
Roy Wythe Obit (see 2007 for Wythe family)
Fulton Journal: January 25, 1978
A memorial service for LeRoy A. Wythe, aged 88, formerly of Fulton will be conducted Thursday, Jan 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bosma Funeral Home. Members of Fulton City Lodge No. 189 A.F. & A.M. will conduct the service.
Mr. Wythe died November 25, 1977 in Pacific Beach, Calif., where cremation took place. Burial will take place at the Fulton Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
He was born in Clinton, on June 2, 1889, the son of Frank and Nellie Wythe. He lived in the Fulton and Clinton area for many years while working in the U.S. Postal Service, before moving to Los Angeles, Calif. He retired in 1955. He was a 50 year member of Fulton City Lodge No. 189 and a member of the Al Malaikah Shrine of Los Angeles, Calif.
Survirors include a daughter, Mrs. Fyrne Patterson, a grandson, Jeffery of South Gate, Calif. and a sister, Miss Helen Wythe of Fulton.
Fulton Journal: January 25, 1978
A memorial service for LeRoy A. Wythe, aged 88, formerly of Fulton will be conducted Thursday, Jan 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Bosma Funeral Home. Members of Fulton City Lodge No. 189 A.F. & A.M. will conduct the service.
Mr. Wythe died November 25, 1977 in Pacific Beach, Calif., where cremation took place. Burial will take place at the Fulton Cemetery at the convenience of the family.
He was born in Clinton, on June 2, 1889, the son of Frank and Nellie Wythe. He lived in the Fulton and Clinton area for many years while working in the U.S. Postal Service, before moving to Los Angeles, Calif. He retired in 1955. He was a 50 year member of Fulton City Lodge No. 189 and a member of the Al Malaikah Shrine of Los Angeles, Calif.
Survirors include a daughter, Mrs. Fyrne Patterson, a grandson, Jeffery of South Gate, Calif. and a sister, Miss Helen Wythe of Fulton.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Fulton Clay Pipe Factory
Fulton Journal
July 5, 1935
By Peter Stark as told to J.E. Mitchell
One of Fulton's most interesting industries is that of one which most of our residents have given very little thought to, an industry which ranks with some of the oldest business firms here. In 1867, Nick, Peter, and Henry Gerten came to this country from Roehl, Germany, and settled in Fulton. They were clay pipe makers by trade, and while in Germany worked in a shop that was owned and operated by Peter Starck, Sr., the father of the owner and operator of Fulton's present clay pipe factory. Shortly after these boys came to Fulton, Nick returned to Germany, taking with him a sample of Whiteside county clay along with clay from some other parts of the United States. This clay was tested and tried in pipes and found to be excellent for the manufacture of this article.
Therefore in 1869, Nick returned to the United States, bringing with him his nine brothers and sisters and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Methias Gerten. They settled immediately in Fulton in a house that was directly east of where the Water Works now are, and started manufacturing clay pipes. Charles Starck, a brother of Peter Starck, Jr., came with the Gertens and after working a short time in the Gerten shop started in business for himself.
In 1879, Peter Starck, Jr., came to this country from Speicher, Germany, and settled in Muscatine, Iowa, where he, too, entered the trade of his father by starting a factory of his own. He stayed in Muscatine for about five years and then moved to Fulton, and has been here ever since working in his own shop, which he started in 1896. In the meantime, Charlie had moved to Muscatine, and so in 1897 there were four clay pipe shops, here in Fulton owned and operated by Peter Starck, Met Starck, Henry Gerten, and Nick Gerten. Subsequently, all but Peter went out of business or moved away, and since the early 1900's there has been but one shop here.
This plant is the only one of its kind west of Chicago, and the only other one known to be in existence was located in Pontiac, Mich. It is not known whether that one is still in business or not.
In the hey-day of this business about 73,000 pipes were shipped out of Fulton a month, most of which went to Dubuque, Iowa, and other river towns, most of them being shipped by boat.
Mr. Starck has in his possession and smokes it occasionally, a pipe that was made in Germany in 1869 out of Ustick clay.
Excerpts from Fulton Journal article March 24, 1965.
From John Gerten of Spokane, Washington to newspaper in Hollister, Missouri.
Nick Gerten made the last clay pipes in Fulton in 1896 and took up a homestead in Taney County near Cedar Creek here again about a year later, he built a pipe shop of logs. The shingles for the roof were split with a froe so the only expense was a couple of windows.
A kiln to burn the pipes in was also made, the outside made of stone. The brick for the inside and the arches to hold up the floor were also the problem, there was plenty of red clay for them. This same red clay must also now be used for the pipes. There was no white clay near.
The method of getting them to market was also different.
Instead of being packed in boxes by the gross and shipped by boat or rail to wholesale houses, he would after having made a wagon load hire a man with a team to make a trip with him through the surrounding country until the load was sold. He retailed them to the stores at fifty cents a hundred taking groceries when he could not get cash. The driver received a dollar a day and expenses for him and team.
These trips would take perhaps a couple of weeks and after paying the driver, there would sometimes not be very much cash left, but there would be groceries.
July 5, 1935
By Peter Stark as told to J.E. Mitchell
One of Fulton's most interesting industries is that of one which most of our residents have given very little thought to, an industry which ranks with some of the oldest business firms here. In 1867, Nick, Peter, and Henry Gerten came to this country from Roehl, Germany, and settled in Fulton. They were clay pipe makers by trade, and while in Germany worked in a shop that was owned and operated by Peter Starck, Sr., the father of the owner and operator of Fulton's present clay pipe factory. Shortly after these boys came to Fulton, Nick returned to Germany, taking with him a sample of Whiteside county clay along with clay from some other parts of the United States. This clay was tested and tried in pipes and found to be excellent for the manufacture of this article.
Therefore in 1869, Nick returned to the United States, bringing with him his nine brothers and sisters and parents, Mr. and Mrs. Methias Gerten. They settled immediately in Fulton in a house that was directly east of where the Water Works now are, and started manufacturing clay pipes. Charles Starck, a brother of Peter Starck, Jr., came with the Gertens and after working a short time in the Gerten shop started in business for himself.
In 1879, Peter Starck, Jr., came to this country from Speicher, Germany, and settled in Muscatine, Iowa, where he, too, entered the trade of his father by starting a factory of his own. He stayed in Muscatine for about five years and then moved to Fulton, and has been here ever since working in his own shop, which he started in 1896. In the meantime, Charlie had moved to Muscatine, and so in 1897 there were four clay pipe shops, here in Fulton owned and operated by Peter Starck, Met Starck, Henry Gerten, and Nick Gerten. Subsequently, all but Peter went out of business or moved away, and since the early 1900's there has been but one shop here.
This plant is the only one of its kind west of Chicago, and the only other one known to be in existence was located in Pontiac, Mich. It is not known whether that one is still in business or not.
In the hey-day of this business about 73,000 pipes were shipped out of Fulton a month, most of which went to Dubuque, Iowa, and other river towns, most of them being shipped by boat.
Mr. Starck has in his possession and smokes it occasionally, a pipe that was made in Germany in 1869 out of Ustick clay.
Excerpts from Fulton Journal article March 24, 1965.
From John Gerten of Spokane, Washington to newspaper in Hollister, Missouri.
Nick Gerten made the last clay pipes in Fulton in 1896 and took up a homestead in Taney County near Cedar Creek here again about a year later, he built a pipe shop of logs. The shingles for the roof were split with a froe so the only expense was a couple of windows.
A kiln to burn the pipes in was also made, the outside made of stone. The brick for the inside and the arches to hold up the floor were also the problem, there was plenty of red clay for them. This same red clay must also now be used for the pipes. There was no white clay near.
The method of getting them to market was also different.
Instead of being packed in boxes by the gross and shipped by boat or rail to wholesale houses, he would after having made a wagon load hire a man with a team to make a trip with him through the surrounding country until the load was sold. He retailed them to the stores at fifty cents a hundred taking groceries when he could not get cash. The driver received a dollar a day and expenses for him and team.
These trips would take perhaps a couple of weeks and after paying the driver, there would sometimes not be very much cash left, but there would be groceries.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Hoving
October 29, 1920
Fulton Journal
First Holland Child Born in Fulton Died Thursday--Funeral Monday Afternoon.
Mrs. Jacob Buikema, who had been in poor health for a long time, died Thursday forenoon at her home on Fourteenth avenue.
Mrs. Buikema, whose maiden name was Kate Hoving, was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoving, and was born in this city July 22,1859, and was the first person of Holland parents born in Fulton. February 10, 1881, she was married to Jacob Buikema. After her marriage with her husband she resided in Ustick and later moved to a farm in Fenton, near Denrock. Thirteen years ago Mr. and Mrs. Buikema retired and moved to Fulton, and erected a home on Fourteenth avenue.
Mrs. Buikema was a good woman, clearly attached to her home and esteemed by her friends as a generous and kind-hearted person.
She leaves her husband, two daughters, Mary, the wife of Albert Dost and resides in Deer Creek, Minn, and Alice who married William Kamphuis and lives in Fulton, and two sons, William of Gardenplain and John at home.
The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at one o'clock at the house and at 1:30 at the First Reformed church conducted by Rev. H. Frieling. The burial will be in the Fulton cemetery.
Fulton Journal
First Holland Child Born in Fulton Died Thursday--Funeral Monday Afternoon.
Mrs. Jacob Buikema, who had been in poor health for a long time, died Thursday forenoon at her home on Fourteenth avenue.
Mrs. Buikema, whose maiden name was Kate Hoving, was the only child of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hoving, and was born in this city July 22,1859, and was the first person of Holland parents born in Fulton. February 10, 1881, she was married to Jacob Buikema. After her marriage with her husband she resided in Ustick and later moved to a farm in Fenton, near Denrock. Thirteen years ago Mr. and Mrs. Buikema retired and moved to Fulton, and erected a home on Fourteenth avenue.
Mrs. Buikema was a good woman, clearly attached to her home and esteemed by her friends as a generous and kind-hearted person.
She leaves her husband, two daughters, Mary, the wife of Albert Dost and resides in Deer Creek, Minn, and Alice who married William Kamphuis and lives in Fulton, and two sons, William of Gardenplain and John at home.
The funeral services will be held Monday afternoon at one o'clock at the house and at 1:30 at the First Reformed church conducted by Rev. H. Frieling. The burial will be in the Fulton cemetery.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
"Pot Ewrten"
Fulton Journal
July 25, 1919
OUTING AND SOCIAL SUPPER
Several Families have a Jolly time in "Pot Ewrten" Grove
A social supper was served last Tuesday night at "Pot Ewrten" grove. The bill of fair proved to be very appetizing; no tonic needed. After supper the night was passed very pleasantly with boat riding, fishing, and listening to fish stories. Fishing was pretty good, and John Flikkema had the first bite and succeeded in pulling in a good sized bullhead. Later we saw a fish which would take two men to carry off. Nine autos were lined up at once to take the visitors and families home. The following attended this supper and sure had a jolly time: J.E. Temple, George Kolk, Jake J. Sikkema, Ren Boot, M. Dykema, D. VanZuiden, Joe Sikkema, Albert Wiersema, John Flikkema, Henry Flikkema, Rev. Garrett Flikkema, Roy Sikkema, John H. Dykema, P. Dykhuis and the owner of the grove, George Dykema, with their families.
July 25, 1919
OUTING AND SOCIAL SUPPER
Several Families have a Jolly time in "Pot Ewrten" Grove
A social supper was served last Tuesday night at "Pot Ewrten" grove. The bill of fair proved to be very appetizing; no tonic needed. After supper the night was passed very pleasantly with boat riding, fishing, and listening to fish stories. Fishing was pretty good, and John Flikkema had the first bite and succeeded in pulling in a good sized bullhead. Later we saw a fish which would take two men to carry off. Nine autos were lined up at once to take the visitors and families home. The following attended this supper and sure had a jolly time: J.E. Temple, George Kolk, Jake J. Sikkema, Ren Boot, M. Dykema, D. VanZuiden, Joe Sikkema, Albert Wiersema, John Flikkema, Henry Flikkema, Rev. Garrett Flikkema, Roy Sikkema, John H. Dykema, P. Dykhuis and the owner of the grove, George Dykema, with their families.
From Uithuizen
Fulton Journal
April 8, 1910
Mr. and Mrs. John Pluis, who left Fulton a year ago and returned to their native country, Holland, arrived in this city, Thursday morning to again make their home in this county. They were accompanied by four young men, John Meyer, Henry Klastra, Rube Bethius and John Tillema who came to this country to make their future home. The party left Uithuizen, Holland, Saturday, March 26, and were nine days crossing the Atlantic.
April 8, 1910
Mr. and Mrs. John Pluis, who left Fulton a year ago and returned to their native country, Holland, arrived in this city, Thursday morning to again make their home in this county. They were accompanied by four young men, John Meyer, Henry Klastra, Rube Bethius and John Tillema who came to this country to make their future home. The party left Uithuizen, Holland, Saturday, March 26, and were nine days crossing the Atlantic.
Mob Threatens Doctor
Fulton Journal
July 8, 1919
MOB THREATENS A CITIZEN
About Forty Men from Northwestern Yards March to Town Yesterday.
The peace and quietude of Fulton was threatened Monday afternoon at about four o'clock when a crowd of about forty laborers from the railroad yards south of town came trooping up Lincoln Way with the intention, it is stated of running Dr. Harrison out of town. Their coming was known and a number of citizens met them near Sikkema's machine shop and after a consultation with the leaders, persuaded the men to disperse and go to their homes, as the charges against Dr. Harrison are to be brought before the circuit court for a hearing.
The men were mostly Hollanders who are employhed in the C. & N.W. terminal yards, and they came into town in an orderly manner and made no demonstrations calculated to disturb the peace. After Claus DeWeerdt and J.J. Sikkema and one or two others talked with the leaders the crowd dispersed and so quietly had it all taken place that but a small number of people knew about the affair. This talk of running citizens out of town or in any way threatening them is unlawful, and persons putting off that kind of propaganda are liable to arrest and punishment if a complaint should be filed against them.
July 8, 1919
MOB THREATENS A CITIZEN
About Forty Men from Northwestern Yards March to Town Yesterday.
The peace and quietude of Fulton was threatened Monday afternoon at about four o'clock when a crowd of about forty laborers from the railroad yards south of town came trooping up Lincoln Way with the intention, it is stated of running Dr. Harrison out of town. Their coming was known and a number of citizens met them near Sikkema's machine shop and after a consultation with the leaders, persuaded the men to disperse and go to their homes, as the charges against Dr. Harrison are to be brought before the circuit court for a hearing.
The men were mostly Hollanders who are employhed in the C. & N.W. terminal yards, and they came into town in an orderly manner and made no demonstrations calculated to disturb the peace. After Claus DeWeerdt and J.J. Sikkema and one or two others talked with the leaders the crowd dispersed and so quietly had it all taken place that but a small number of people knew about the affair. This talk of running citizens out of town or in any way threatening them is unlawful, and persons putting off that kind of propaganda are liable to arrest and punishment if a complaint should be filed against them.
Ben Damhoff
Fulton Journal
June 2, 1916
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Damhoff, old and respected residents of Fulton, came to this country from Holland and landed in Fulton just fifty years ago the 29th of May and have prospered. They have six children all residing in Fulton and vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Damhoff are among the oldest continuous residents of Fulton and have seen many changes and noted many inventions. When they located here there were no electric lights or electric cars, no telephones or phonographs, no motor cars or motor boats, no air ships or aeroplanes, no moving pictures or wireless telegraphy.
June 2, 1916
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Damhoff, old and respected residents of Fulton, came to this country from Holland and landed in Fulton just fifty years ago the 29th of May and have prospered. They have six children all residing in Fulton and vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Damhoff are among the oldest continuous residents of Fulton and have seen many changes and noted many inventions. When they located here there were no electric lights or electric cars, no telephones or phonographs, no motor cars or motor boats, no air ships or aeroplanes, no moving pictures or wireless telegraphy.
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