LINKS:

• African-American
• Biographies
• Cemeteries
• Census
• County History
• Executions
• Forts
• Holidays
• Letters
• Lincoln, Abraham
• Lovejoy, Elijah
• Native American
• Newspapers
• Obituaries
• Old Settlers
• Paranormal
• Railroads
• Schools
• Sports
• Streetcars
• Theaters
• Timeline
• Town Histories
• Township Histories
• Wars

Search and Sitemap

index sitemap advanced

search engine by freefind

East Alton Newspaper Articles

East Alton History     |     Wann Disaster

BOLD ROBBERIES AT THE ALTON JUNCTION
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, September 28, 1868
For the last two or three weeks past, goods shipped on the Alton and Terre Haute Railroad, and directed to our merchants, have been missed, until suspicion was excited and efforts were made to detect the robbers. After considerable investigation, it was pretty well ascertained that the thefts were perpetrated on the cars detached from the general freight trains at night, left on the switch at the Junction [East Alton], on the Alton and Terre Haute Road, about four miles from Alton, to be brought to Alton in the morning. During this time, the following named firms in Alton had missed goods: Messrs. John W. & H. Schweppe, Mr. P. B. Whipple, Messrs. Blair & Atwood, and Messrs. Joesting & Co., clothiers.

From the information obtained, locating the depredations at the above-named point, Mr. Snowball, section boss on the railroad, and Mr. Everinham, telegraph operator, determined to watch. On Friday night they discovered some men carrying off some goods, and on demanding of them to halt, one of the desperadoes wheeled and fired upon Mr. Snowball, striking him in the arm and making a serious flesh wound. But owing to the fact that he stood directly between Mr. Everinham, the latter was prevented, through fear of injuring him, from firing, and the robbers made their escape. Afterwards, in examining the cars, a number of bags stuffed with goods was found, which they had failed to get off. Dr. Williams of Alton was called out and dressed the wound of Mr. Snowball, and it’s hoped he will recover without any serious injury.

On Saturday morning a search warrant was issued, and Marshal Young repaired to the Junction and commenced the search. In examining the house of Mr. H. K. Smith, about a quarter of a mile from where the cars were switched off, he came across quite a quantity of the goods secreted in his house, store and stable, and immediately arrested Mr. Smith, his father, a German, a barkeeper for Mr. Smith, and two others, the names of whom we have not obtained. They were brought to Alton and safely lodged in the calaboose. Their trial will not, however, take place until tomorrow. It is thought that there are several other parties implicated in these crimes, but we shall say no more about that at present.

Yesterday, still further search for goods were made, when a case of ladies and misses goods, which belonged to Mr. P. B. Whipple, was found in a cornfield.

The arrest of these men will no doubt break up a foul den of thieves. That vicinity has long been suspected of not being what it ought to be, but nothing positive could ever before be brought against them. Their plan was not to steal all that was in a box, but to break it open, take out a portion of the goods, and close the box again. A large iron was found on Mr. Smith’s premises, evidently made for the purpose of prying open the cars and boxes. We will give further particulars tomorrow, after the trial takes place.

NOTES:
An examination of evidence was quickly held, and Henry Gruering turned State’s evidence against H. K. Smith, who was held over for trial, with his father being released. Louis Froyster, Henry Gruerning, and Michael Grimm were bound over for the next term of the county court, with bail being $1,500 each. In default of bail, the parties were committed to jail in Edwardsville. Philip Ritter, another member of the gang of thieves, was still at large on October 01, 1868. I could find no further information.

 

DRIVING PARK AT ALTON JUNCTION
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 19, 1872
E. Nevill & Co. have always on hand at their sample rooms in Edwardsville and at the Wood River Driving Park Hotel, a choice selection of genuine imported wines and liquors. They will give due notice of all races at the Driving Park.

EXCITING HORSE RACE AT WOOD RIVER DRIVING PARK
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 29, 1872
Considering the state of the track through the heavy fall of snow on Friday last, one of the best quarter races ever ran was at the Wood River Driving Park [in East Alton] last Saturday. A short time ago, Mr. Ed Nevill, the proprietor of the hotel and park, purchased the celebrated race horse “Blind Weasel," and immediately matched her against Mr. Hastings "Fleet Foot," the race to come off on March 23, independent of the weather. The horses were brought on the track promptly, when a hitch arose as to the choice of track, but Mr. Nevill finally consented to Mr. Hasting’s terms. The horses were taken to the Quarter Pole, and after a little delay in starting, the word was given to go. The grey got the start by 3 feet, but in six jumps she got up to him. They ran neck and neck until passing the grandstand, when the mare shot away from the grey, and after a most exciting contest, the Weasel won the race by five feet. So even was the race thought to be, that what betting took place was even.

 

HORSE SHOW AND RACES AT THE WOOD RIVER DRIVING PARK
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 26, 1872
The great horse show and races to take place at the Wood River Driving Park on Saturday, April 27. In addition to the other features, premiums will be given to first- and second-best roadster horses. Another match has been made between Ed Nevill’s horse, “Blind Weazel,” and P. Bradley’s “Dodger” – quarter mile heats, best two in three – May 11.

 

EAST ALTON ENGINE HOUSE DESTROYED BY FIRE
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 14, 1873
The engine house and water tank, belonging to the Terre Haute Railroad at Alton Junction [East Alton], took fire Thursday night in some unexplained way, and was consumed. The engineer in charge, Mr. Easley, states that after filling the tank, and seeing that the furnace fire was all safe, he left the building at the usual time, and has no idea how the fire originated. The Junction engine now takes water at the Chicago & Alton tank in Alton.

 

ROEPNER & CO. FIRE BRICK FACTORY NEAR EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 13, 1873
Among the enterprises recently inaugurated in this vicinity, is the fire brick factory of Messrs. Roepner & Co. of St. Louis, situated about two miles northeast of Alton Junction [East Alton], where is found an excellent quality of clay, suitable for the purpose. The company have extensive works erected, and employ a force of from 25 to 30 hands. The bank of clay is found at the base of a steep hill, and is mined from a shaft. After being dug, the clay is conveyed to the works on a tramway, and is first ground fine in a huge “coffee mill,” as it is termed, then moistened and moulded in the usual manner. The brick are then “sun dried,” and afterwards “kiln dried,” and finally burned. The works turn out above five thousand brick per day, in favorable weather, though in time it is anticipated the capacity will be largely increased. Mr. Frank Backof, one of the proprietors, is in charge. The office of the company is in St. Louis.

 

ALTON JUNCTION DEPOT DESTROYED BY FIRE
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 17, 1874
On Sunday night, the depot and water tank of the Terre Haute Road, at Alton Junction [East Alton], together with the saloon and restaurant adjoining, were totally destroyed by fire. The fire originated in the saloon, which was owned and occupied by John Yunck, and spread to the railroad buildings. The depot buildings were probably worth about $1,000, and the saloon $200. Loss was totally.

 

HOTEL AT ALTON JUNCTION [EAST ALTON] DESTROYED BY FIRE
Source: Alton Weekly Telegraph, February 4, 1875
The young men, James Smith and William Clayton, committed by Squire Benbow on two charges of arson, have been transferred to the county jail to await their trial, Judge Baker having refused to grant the writ of habeas corpus sworn out in their behalf. The arrest of these young men, the circumstances of which we have narrated, is regarded as of great importance. The charges upon which they were committed are for burning the Wood River Driving Park Hotel, and for attempting to burn the residence of Jacob Koch. But it is believed that they are connected with several other mysterious incendiary fires that have occurred in the same vicinity the past year. So bold have been these incendiary operations that a perfect reign of terror has existed for months in the neighborhood of Alton Junction, no man knowing when his property would share the same fate. There seems to have been a gang of desperate men in the vicinity who avenged private grudges by destroying the property of those against whom they had conceived a dislike. Among the supposed incendiary fires we recall in this connection are: Depot buildings at the Junction, burned on the 12th of last April; residence of George Smith (father of one of the prisoners), burned the same month; Driving Park Hotel, burned May 4th; residence of John Cook, burned in same month; Brushy Point school house, burned Dec. 25th. There is also the attempt to burn the residence of Jacob Koch. In addition, a stable and one or two straw stacks have been fired by unknown parties. It is believed that the arrest of Smith and Clayton will lead to important developments in regard to these other fires. It is certainly to be hoped that the guilty parties have, at length, been caught, and that the citizens of that locality will, in future, have more security for their property. One thing that has a bad look for the defendants is the fact that several important witnesses for the prosecution have been mysteriously spirited away since the arrest, and cannot be found. The credit for swearing out the warrant in this case is due to Major Roper, and his action in the matter is justified by the decision of the court in committing the prisoners for trial.

NOTES:
The Wood River Driving Park was located about where the Circle K gas station is now, on W. St. Louis Avenue in East Alton, near the bridge over the Wood River. This was a popular horserace track that included a hotel and bar.

William Clayton had previously been arrested in 1875 for breaking into a freight car in East Alton. On February 17, the two young men stood before G. M. Cole, Master in Chancery (who was appointed to hear the case by Judge Snyder, who was ill). Mr. Cole ruled that the Judge had no authority to appoint a substitute to act in his place, and that the case belonged in the Alton court. The prisoners were taken back to jail to await their new trial in Belleville, not Alton. Upon hearing the case in Belleville, Judge Snyder reduced their bail from $2,000 to $200. No prosecutors were present, nor any witnesses. At least Clayton did not pay his bail, because in June 1875, William Clayton and a man named Williams (in jail for horse stealing), who were confined in the same cell in the county jail, escaped. They did so by tampering with their cell door, by inserting a piece of tin between the door and the casing, so when the door closed, the bolt would not slide into place. They made their way into the corridor, and hid behind the main door. When the jailer entered, they rushed past him and escaped. I could find no further mention of Smith or Clayton. It is assumed that they got away with their crimes.

 

STORMS CAUSE THE WOOD RIVER TO GO ON RAMPAGE
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 5, 1875
(From the Daily of July 29) – On Tuesday evening, the greatest storm of the present rainy reason commenced, and continued with slight intermissions for thirty-six hours. The rainfall was something almost unprecedented – creeks and water courses quickly overflowed their banks, ponds and lakes were raised to a height never reached before. In the city, the damage to streets, drains, and culverts is very heavy, and will require a heavy outlay to repair it. A number of houses up the creek, at the corner of Sixth and Alby Streets, and on other low grounds, were flooded, and considerable damage done.

The greatest destruction in this vicinity was in the Wood River Bottom, in the vicinity of the Junction [East Alton]. Both forks of the Wood River overflowed their banks yesterday afternoon, and swept in a resistless torrent across the bottom. The stream was four feet higher than any point reached in the last forty years, which gives some idea of the height attached by the flood.

At Upper Alton Station, on the Rock Island Railroad, the west fork of the Wood River flooded all the lowlands in the valley. The depot was entirely surrounded by water, but the bridge, although under water, was not swept away. Up to this morning, the flood was still so high that crossing at that point was impossible. All the farms on that lowland between Upper Alton Station and the Junction were overflowed. Fences, grain and hay were swept away. The standing corn was prostrated, and root crops badly injured. Two bridges on the Rock Island Road, one of them at Woods Station, were also carried away, while the track was washed out and badly damaged. Below the junction of the east and west forks, the river became a resistless torrent, and poured a flood of water directly across the Driving Park, carrying away the east and part of the north fence. The flood followed the line of the wagon road pas the Thre Miles House, and broke through the embankment on the Terre Haute Railroad, at the crossing of the Edwardsville wagon road, and overflowed the lowlands below for several miles. At twelve o’clock today, the wagon road to St. Louis was still two or three feet under water as far as the eye could trace it, from the railroad crossing beyond the Three Mile House. The break in the Terre Haute Road at that point is a serious one, but will probably be repaired by tomorrow, so that trains can pass. On the Chicago track, a bad break occurred at a point about a mile south of the Milton Bridge, but the damage was so promptly repaired that trains crossed before 10 o’clock this morning. The St. Louis passengers from Chicago this morning, by the lightning express train, were transferred to the packet.

Although the river rose to the planking of the three bridges at Milton, still they appear to be in good condition. The most serious damage to the Terre Haute Road was between the bridge and the Junction, at the point where the flood swept across through the Driving Park. Two serious breaks, each several rods long, occurred at this point, and it will be some time before they can be repaired. In the meantime, the passengers from Alton for the East, will have to be transferred at the bridge, unless the “plug train” makes connection by running to Edwardsville Crossing [Hartford area] on the Chicago & Alton track.

On the Rock Island Road, the condition of affairs is still worse. Two bridges are gone, and the track badly damaged. No trains have passed over the road between the Junction and Brighton since yesterday morning. Until the damage is repaired, the only outlet for this road will be over the Chicago & Alton from Brighton to St. Louis. We presume trains will take this route.

The loss to the farmers on the bottom by this overflow will be heavy. In many cornfields, we noticed the water this morning standing two or three feet deep, and as there was no current, it will evidently remain there until removed by the slow process of absorption. The path of the main torrent presents a curious spectacle – rails, fencing, trees, and debris of every description are seen on every hand. Just above Milton, the heavy timbers of a large bridge are stranded on the bank. On the east fork of the Wood River, one county bridge is swept away, and also the timbers for a new one, which Judge Stocker had the contract for building. The details we have given of the flood are meager, but all that a hasty drive to the scene of disaster enabled us to collect. Enough is known to show that the flood is the most disastrous that has occurred in that section for many years.

 

WOOD RIVER DRIVING PARK (EAST ALTON)
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 16, 1877
Quite a large company of ladies and gentlemen from Alton, Edwardsville, and other places, assembled at this favorite place of public resort on Saturday afternoon, where a number of trials of speed in trotting took place. Edwardsville horses carried off the honors – the first prize, a $5 whip, was won by Hon. G. B. Burnett; the second prize, a $3 whip, was carried off by Mr. Judy, both of Edwardsville. Some Alton horses made good time in both races, but were not quite equal on that occasion to their competitors from the county seat.

 

NEWS FROM EAST ALTON
Job’s Stables Destroyed by Fire
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 11, 1881
Mr. Zephaniah B. Job’s stables near the race track, a few miles below the city, caught fire about noon Friday, and were totally consumed in a few minutes. The structure consisted of a large range of wooden buildings, and had lately been used to shelter teams used in constructing the Chicago & Alton Railroad cut-off. There was a lot of loose straw about the place, and it is supposed that the fire was caused by sparks from an engine, as a train had just passed. Dr. Guelich and Mr. J. Kuhn, who were near the place at the time, state that they first saw a little smoke, and in an inconceivably short space of time, the whole building was enveloped in flames and was destroyed so quick that nothing could have been done to save it, even had the appliances for the purpose been on hand.

 

NEWS FROM EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 10, 1881
“Wann Station” is the new name given to Alton Junction by the I. & St. Louis authorities in their new time card, issued yesterday.

 

BEAVERS BUILD DAM NEAR ALTON JUNCTION
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 15, 1881
During their geological exploration last week near Alton Junction [East Alton], Professor Marsh and Hon. William McAdams were much interested in a beaver dam across the Wood River, a short distance from the I. & St. Louis Railroad bridge. The dam extends entirely across the stream, and is very ingeniously constructed. It raises the water about three feet. The gentlemen were much surprised at the discovery, as they supposed the beaver had long since deserted this part of the country. They had both often seen beaver dams in the far West, but did not expect to find one in the Wood River, within three miles of a busy town, and near where a hundred men are at work on the cut-off. The residents on the Wood River regard the dam as a great curiosity, and would visit dire revenge on anyone who molested the ingenious little builders.

 

GRUESOME DISCOVERY AT ALTON JUNCTION
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 12, 1882
Alton Junction [East Alton] seems bent on furnishing its quota of exciting incidents. While excavating for earth to be hauled onto the Chicago & Alton cut-off near the Edwardsville wagon road at the lower end of town, today the workmen were greatly surprised at finding the skeleton of a human being that had been buried there some years in the past. The strange unlikeliness of the situation, for so sacred a duty, caused them to wonder greatly, but it was increased to astonishment when the discovery was made that the back part of the skull had been driven in by some blunt instrument, probably at the time its owner came to his death. The skull, which is now in the hands of a villager, yet retains a slight portion of the hair. Among other things exhumed was a brass kettle, a silver half-moon shaped plate, which bore the engraving of an opossum, a silk ribbon, on which were several silver buckles, and quite a number of beads. The poor fellow’s remains, we understand, and regret to state, were hauled up onto the “cut,” and dumped in with other earth.

The situation of the unknown’s grave, and the disreputable fame associated with the locality in years gone by, cause one to speculate with a feeling of horror as to the manner of the death. At this instant, might not a loving wife be looking with that never-failing trust for the morrow that would bring that loved form and gladness to her heart, and might not the cheering thoughts of that far-away fireside and loved friends have been occupying his thoughts when the assassin’s blow felled him to the earth?

A conviction for murder has been the outcome of following circumstances less manifest than those already developed in this affair, and some amateur detective has a fair opportunity of pitting his keenness against probably villainy.

 

HOTEL WANN DESTROYED BY FIRE
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 14, 1886
The Hotel Wann, at Alton Junction [East Alton], owned by Mr. George Y. Smith, caught fire Friday afternoon, and was totally destroyed. Some of the household furniture and goods were saved. The flames originated from the flue, communicating to the woodwork just under the roof. The house was a two story, brick and frame. The building and contents were insured for about $3,200. This will not quite cover the loss. In the effort to extinguish the flames, some persons had their hands frozen.

 

STEAM ENGINE BOILER EXPLODES ON JOB FARM
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 15, 1886
Late Monday afternoon, the boiler of a steam engine, used in threshing wheat on a farm near Alton Junction [East Alton], belonging to Hon. Zephaniah B. Job, rented by Mr. A. Mathias, exploded and scattered fragments of iron and clouds of steam in every direction. Fortunately, operations had ceased for the time being, and those engaged in the work had separated to some extent, otherwise the consequences might have been much more serious. As it was, three men, William Diamond, William Baily, and Charles Neimeyer were considerably injured and disabled. They were taken care of by Mr. Mathias and others, placed in a wagon, and carefully conveyed to Alton. Baily and Neimeyer were placed in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Hospital. William Diamond was removed to his residence on Belle Street, near Fifteenth Street. He had a severe cut, four inches in length, in the right jaw, and a wound, made with a nail or other missile, just back of the right ear. He was not scalded. He was conscious, but unable to swallow anything except liquids, owing to the swollen condition of his neck. All the men were doing well today, with prospects of speedy recovery. Two wagons, a lot of wheat, and straw were destroyed by the explosion, and two horses were killed.

 

TILE WORKS AT ALTON JUNCTION DESTROYED BY FIRE
[East Alton]
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 18, 1887
A costly fire occurred at Alton Junction this morning, by which the Tile Works at that place was totally destroyed, including all the machinery and fixtures. The flames were first discovered near the boilers, and with such fury did they rage that in thirty minutes, the whole building, or mass of buildings, was a pile of ashes. There were no appliances for a crisis like this, hence nothing effective could be done towards extinguishing the flames. The main building was 72x144 feet, two stories high. One wing was 30x200 feet; the other to the rear, 30x100 feet. There were 15,000 feet of steam pipe in the establishment; three drying floors; the engine was 45-horsepower; and steam cylinder. There were 2 tile machines, 1 elevator, 2 clay crushers, 2 brick machines, a 5-pump doctor, an iron lathe, and other appurtenances. All of these were destroyed or badly damaged.

From 40 to 45 men have been employed at the Works. The members of the firm are: M. H. Boals, John Cook, A. F. Foster, W. W. Stickney.

 

IMPROVEMENTS TO EAST ALTON TILE WORKS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, June 14, 1887
The destructive fire which swept away the main factory buildings of Manuel H. Boals and Company’s sewer pipe and tile works at Alton Junction [East Alton] last January, and which at the time seemed to be a great misfortune to the town and county, as well as to the proprietors, has happily resulted in one of the most extensive and substantial manufacturing improvements in the State. At the time of the fire, one of the partners was in California, and this, together with the inclemency of the season and the usual formalities of insurance adjustments, caused some delay in starting to rebuild. Meanwhile, the firm took occasion to carry out a long-contemplated change into a joint stock company, duly incorporated under the laws of this State, under the name of the Stoneware Pipe Company. The stockholders of the new organization consist mostly of the same parties interested in the old firm, and it is understood that the management will continue practically the same as heretofore. All preliminaries being satisfactorily adjusted, work was commenced early in March on the foundations of the new factory buildings. On the site of the old ruins, there stands today a substantial three-story brick structure, 192 feet long by 112 feet wide, and a one-story engine and boiler house, 56 feet long by 40 feet wide. These buildings contain floor space enough for 261 rooms, 16 feet square, or 65 entire houses of 4 large rooms each. Over 100 carloads of material have been used in construction, consisting mostly of about four hundred thousand brick and three hundred thousand feet of lumber.

This is understood to be the largest factory in the west, devoted exclusively to the manufacture of stoneware pipes for sewers, culverts, and general drainage purposes, and it is also the only pipe factory in the west which draws all its raw material, both clay and coal, from its own mines, which are believed to contain ample supplies to last more than a hundred years. With such advantages, it is difficult to see why this concern should not make money, as every citizen of this county should be glad to see it do, for there is nothing which builds up and sustains a community like such large and permanent manufacturing establishments, bringing in money as they do from all parts of the country, and distributing most of it in the form of wages to their employees. The productive capacity of this establishment will not be less than three carloads per day of manufactured ware, or one thousand carloads per year, and almost the whole cost of production, aside from wear and tear of buildings, kilns, and machinery, is the labor expended in mining the raw materials and converting them into merchantable ware, and whatever conflicts between labor and capital may be carried on elsewhere, there seems to be but little reason for any such disturbances at the Stoneware Pipe Factory, since the employees get by far the larger share of the proceeds of the business.

A large boarding house and six dwelling houses belonging to the company are already provided for the accommodation of the employees, and we are informed that ten more commodious houses are soon to be built by the company on its own grounds for the same purpose, thus forming the nucleus of a pleasant little village in the immediate vicinity of the works, the social and economic advantages of which will undoubtedly be duly appreciated.

 

FIRE AT ALTON JUNCTION [EAST ALTON]
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 12, 1891
The property at the Alton Junction, belonging to Joseph Herman and occupied by Chris Ulrich as a store and post office, was totally destroyed by fire yesterday morning. The origin of the fire cannot be ascertained, but it is thought that a defective flue was the cause. The building being a frame structure, burned very rapidly, and there being no water, the structure was reduced to ashes in a short time. It was with hard work that the neighbors saved the adjoining blacksmith shop from the fury of the flames. The contents of both the post office and store were destroyed. The building in the rear of the post office was saved.

 

ALTON JUNCTION NEWS
(East Alton)
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 27, 1891
Christian Ulrich, Postmaster at Alton Junction, has resigned his position, the resignation to take effect August 31. There isn’t sufficient fryable fat in this post office to justify a man giving it his entire time, and Mr. Ulrich, who has made an efficient and accommodating official, will move to Alton, where he will engage in business. E. C. Gum, the successor of John Koch in the general merchandise business, will probably become postmaster.

Aleck Schmitt, one of the Junction’s enterprising merchants, will at once commence the erection of a larger and more modern-looking store building. He will also build a large barn and warehouse.

The Chicago & Alton Railroad is doing an immense fruit, melon, and vegetable carrying business from this place, but as is generally the case, when crops are unusually good, prices are such as to leave but small profit for the producer.

Jack Hamilton, Wood River’s colored philosopher, guide, and weather prognosticator, says folks can look out for hot weather as long as the moon continues flirting in the Southern heavens, as she has been doing the past week. Jack’s predictions generally happen, and until Miss Luna returns to her own side of the fence, hot weather may be confidently expected.

 

ATTACK CAUSED BY BAD WHISKEY
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 18, 1892
Details reached the city today of an affray which took place near Alton Junction [East Alton] last evening, and which rivals in its ghastliness some of the dime-novel border stories. The affair happened on one of Mr. Z. B. Job’s farm – the one usually termed Job’s ranch. In the farmhouse lived a man named Gardner and his family, Willie Davis, William O’Neill, Patrick O’Brien, and John Williams. Yesterday morning a quarrel started between Davis and O’Neill about who should feed the cows. O’Neill drew a knife and threatened to cut Davis. The latter picked up a piece of brick, but bystanders brought about peace. Davis then went to Alton Junction, thinking he would thus avoid any trouble. Williams afterwards told O’Neill that he (O’Neill) was in the wrong. Everyone except O’Neill let the matter drop there. He, however, got his revolver and loaded it to kill. Gardner found the revolver where O’Neill had put it, and hid it. O’Neill and Williams, who had been the best of friends, then started to the Junction. There, O’Neill filled up on whiskey in some of the “closed” saloons. Williams returned to the ranch at about 8 p.m. On the road to Alton Junction, O’Neill had told Williams that he intended to kill O’Brien. Williams told O’Brien to be on his guard, that O’Neill had said O’Brien’s time had come. All the men got home before O’Neill. O’Brien went to bed upstairs, and Williams laid on a bench thinking to quiet O’Neill when he came home. But he fell asleep, and his good intentions may be the indirect cause of his death. The men had been out late and retired early on that account. At 8 o’clock, they were sleeping soundly.

O’Neill had been bloodthirsty all day. The whisky he had imbibed made him a demon. When he came in the house, he saw Williams on the bench. Here was a victim. He got an ax that had been used for cutting meat, and struck Williams on the side of the face, cutting a gash from the chin to the ear, and breaking the jawbone. Williams fell to the floor, when O’Neill rained blows on his body. When Williams groaned, he cried, “I’ll cut your legs off!” On Williams’ head, body and legs came the blows from the ax, and in the din O’Brien waked up. He came to the stairway and O’Neill came toward him, threatening to kill him. Just then, Williams moaned again, and the brute, O’Neill, said, “Ain’t you dead yet?” With this, he rushed to Williams. He aimed a blow at his head, but it missed and struck Williams in the breast. Again, he tried to strike the prostrate man, but O’Brien had come up behind him, and giving him a shove sent him sprawling to the floor. Here, he held him until Gardner could arrive, and together they tied him hand and foot. When the wretch was secured, a telephone message was sent to Alton, and Deputy Sheriff Volbracht brought him here, where he placed him in the city jail.

This morning O’Neill was given a preliminary examination before Squire Brandeweide, who fixed his bond at $1,000. O’Neill would convict himself on his own story.

Dr. W. Fisher attended poor Williams. The man is fearfully cut and hacked. Besides the gash on the cheek, he has both eyes closed, his mouth cut and mashed, a big cut on the leg, another on the breast, and numerous bruises on the body and internal injuries. The blows on the head caused concussion of the brain. There is little hope of Williams’ recovering. O’Neill is in jail. He couldn’t get bonds for any amount, and if Williams dies, he will be a candidate for hanging.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 23, 1892
Patrick O’Brien, one of the men living on the Job ranch, stated to a representative of the Telegraph yesterday, that he was the man with whom O’Neal, who used an ax on Williams last Sunday, had the misunderstanding early in the morning; that he (O’Brien) left the ranch and went to the Junction to avoid trouble that O’Neal told Williams (the wounded man) that Sunday would be O’Brien’s last day; that all the men were sober; that Williams stayed downstairs in order to pacify O’Neal; that he (O’Brien) was waked out of a sound sleep by the butchery going on downstairs, and came down in time to save Williams’ life; that he threw O’Neal down, held him there until a rope was procured, and then tied him; that O’Neal had threatened the lives of several of the party. O’Brien says he served nearly five years in the army during the Rebellion [Civil War], and has just applied for a pension and feels very thankful that O’Neal’s axe did not fall on him, as he believes was intended; that he wants to live to enjoy his pension for some time yet.

Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, January 19, 1892
There is but little change in the condition of Williams, the man who was so unmercifully chopped with an axe on Sunday by the drunken brute, O’Neill. Dr. W. Fisher is hopeful of Williams’ ultimate recovery.

Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 20, 1892
We are informed that all of the trouble about the Williams – O’Neill imbroglio has not been published. There are always two sides to every story, and there seems to be no exception to the rule in this case. Williams, so the other story has it, had whipped O’Neill twice during Sunday. That when O’Neill returned from Alton Junction, the men were not asleep as reported. That Williams again set on O’Neill with the result know. It seems that jealousies have existed between the men for some time past, which was fanned into flames by the connivance of one of the men on the ranch.

 

ALTON JUNCTION - ASSAULT WITH AN AXE
Source: Edwardsville Intelligencer, Wednesday, January 20, 1892
An assault occurred near Alton Junction on one of the farms of Z. B. Job, Sunday, in which William O'Neil hacked John Williams while asleep with a meat ax. The farm house was occupied by John Gardner and family, Willis Davis, Patrick O'Brien, William O'Neil and John Williams. Sunday morning a quarrel took place between Davis and O'Neil about the feeding of the cows. O'Neil drew a knife and threatened David. Bystanders interfered and Davis, to avoid trouble, went to Alton Junction. Williams afterwards told O'Neil that he was in the wrong. Everyone let the matter drop with this except O'Neil. He got a revolver and loaded it. Gardner found the weapon and hid it. O'Neil and Williams then started for the Junction. There O'Neil drank freely. Williams returned home about 3 o'clock in the afternoon. On the road to the Junction O'Neil told Williams that he intended killing O'Brien. Williams on his return told O'Brien to be on his guard. All the men got home before O'Neil. O'Brien went to bed and Williams laid on a bench, thinking to quiet O'Neil when the latter returned. He fell asleep and when O'Neil returned was sleeping soundly. O'Neil was blood thirsty and when he saw Williams became enraged. He went to the kitchen, got an ax that had been used for cutting meat, returned to where Williams was sleeping, and without warning struck Williams across the face, cutting a huge gash from the eat to the chin and breaking the jaw bone. Williams fell to the floor, when O'Neil struck him several more times. When Williams groaned the infuriated man cried, "Now, I'll cut your legs off." On Williams' head, body and legs the ax did its dreadful work. The noise awakened O'Brien. He came to the stairway and O'Neil came towards him and threatened to kill him. Just then Williams moaned again and O'Neill, with the exclamation, "Ain't you dead yet," rushed to Williams. He again struck him and attempted to repeat the blow when O'Brien came up from behind and shoved him sprawling on the floor. Here O'Brien held him until Gardner came up and together they tied him. A telephone message was sent to Alton, and Deputy Sheriff Ferd Vollbracht went after him. He was taken to Alton and bad a preliminary hearing Monday. His bond was fixed at $1,000, in default of which he was brought to the county jail. Dr. W. Fisher attended Williams, whose injuries left little hope of saving his life. He presented a horrible sight. If Williams dies, as seems probable, another will be added to the list of murders in the county.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 4, 1892
A manufacturing company from the East, which has been negotiating for lands in the vicinity of Wann [East Alton], has closed deals for nearly one hundred acres of land just north of that place, in Sections 9 and 16, presumably with a view to building residences for its employees in addition to such ground as may be necessary for its works. The lands were bought of Messrs. Zephaniah B. Job, Zephaniah Silver, and H. H. Hays. Evidently, the company means business, and the location and development of the works will most likely follow promptly.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, May 9, 1892
Engineer T. M. Long informs us that Mr. C. D. Olin of Troy, New York will be here again about May 20, on business relative Wann. The company represented by Mr. Olin has works in Minnesota and Missouri, and Mr. Long states that Wann was selected because it was midway between both plants, and considered as part of Alton, has such excellent railroad and river facilities.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 6, 1892
The Big Four Railroad has a large gang of men at work here, hauling sand, earth, etc., to “raise” the approaches of the Wood River railroad bridge.

Miss Maggie Mullane, piquant, accommodating, and painstaking, is now in charge of the post office here. This is the reason probably that so many young fellows persist in calling for mail about ten times a day between mail trains.

Work is progressing satisfactorily on the numerous buildings of the powder plant, but it is thought the work of manufacturing explosives will not begin until Spring.

 

ALTON JUNCTION [EAST ALTON] NEWS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, October 13, 1892
Hundreds of visitors from Alton visit the powder plant on Sundays. They probably wish to have the appearance of the country firmly fixed in their minds so that they may contrast it with what it will look like after the mills blow up once or twice.

George Eccles of Marine has moved his family into one of Zephaniah B. Job’s houses, east of here a short distance.

The stoneware company ships about nine carloads of their products daily, and their orders come from all points in the United States.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, December 28, 1892
Charley Hermann, “Mine Host” of the Park Hotel, will, as soon as possible, commence the erection of a large hotel building, his present quarters being inadequate to meet the demands made upon him. Mr. Hermann intends to discontinue the merchandise business, and confine his attention to his hotel and saloon.

It is likely that the manufacture of powder will be commenced here next week. Anyone desiring to be blown up can set any day after operation’s begins to come out and be accommodated. Seriously, there are a great many who foolishly fear wholesale destruction because of this powder mill. The danger really is very insignificant, and anyway, as an esteemed ancestor of mine would remark, “It is time enough to wish the devil good morning when you meet him.”

There was great sport here Christmas eve at Will Henry’s store, where 100 turkeys had been provided for the elegant shooting match that followed. Will Henry always provides amusements for the boys on festal occasions.

George Henry has purchased an interest in the flourishing business Will Henry has conducted so long, and after the first of the month, the firm will conduct affairs under the name of Henry Bros. Both young men are energetic, have splendid business qualifications, and will make a success of their enterprise.

A stock company is being formed here, having for its object the erection of a three-story building – the two lower stories to be used as a hotel, and the upper story for lodge room purposes. About $2,000 has already been subscribed, and the additional $1,000 necessary will be forthcoming shortly. The building is to be built on Front Street, about midway between the depot and Park Hotel.

 

ALTON JUNCTION NEWS
[East Alton]
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 12, 1893
The Henry Bros. will erect at once a building, 116x80, just west of their present store building, to be used as a saloon. The boys are going into the commission business, will buy everything a farmer raises, or will handle for the farmer on commission.

 

ALTON JUNCTION NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, January 19, 1893
The Powder Mill folks are laying in a large supply of sawdust for fuel purposes. They are also storing up large quantities of coke for the same purpose.

Dozens of eggs have been frozen hereabouts during the past ten days, and their commercial value destroyed. Whenever a hen cackles, you can generally depend on it that something has occurred, but unless someone immediately followed the hen and picked up the occurrence, the frost fiends took possession and “that’s an end.”

Rain or shine, hot or cold, the Pipe Ware company keeps business moving, and an immense business it has grown to be.

Charles Ferguson, our energetic and accommodating coal dealer, intends erecting a large shed for the storage of coal, so that he will always have a supply ahead. Orders come in now so thick and fast, that it keeps him hustling to meet the demands of the shivering public. Charles deserves success, and it is hoped he may have lots of it.

 

WANN NEWS (East Alton)
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 9, 1893
Make the railroads keep a watchman at every crossing where human life or property is endangered, or make all trains come to a full stop at all such crossings. If this had been done before, the Wann disaster would not have happened, and many homes would not now be desolate. Those Alton ladies – Mesdames Hamilton, Demuth, and Thompson – have the heartfelt gratitude of the people here for the relief work they have done and are still doing for the victims of the horror of January 21. Engineers on the Big Four have been ordered to approach all interlocking switches with their engines under perfect control, prepared to stop at least 500 feet from a derailed switch. It is a case of locking the stable door after the horse has been stolen, but it is a great deal better than the old order of things.

Frank James, who has been in charge of the butcher shop here for some time, has returned to his home in Brighton. Frank was not injured in the explosion as was first reported, but his escape was really miraculous. Christian Ulrich of Alton is in charge of Charles Hermann’s grocery and saloon business since the explosion.

Mrs. James Mullane, worn out with anxiety and watching and nursing, has succumbed to the tax put upon her, and is now quite sick. Mr. James Mullane is recovering slowly from his burns [Wann Disaster], and Johnnie Mullane is doing very well considering the fearful burns he received.

Mr. Pat O’Mara, whose burns [Wann Disaster] were not of a serious character, caught cold and is very sick with pneumonia symptoms. John Henry has made a hard fight, and it is now believed that he is out of danger and his recovery, while necessarily slow, from the severity of his injuries, is almost certain. Thomas Philbrick is alive and seems to be gaining strength, but it is undoubtedly only seeming, for the poor sufferer is in an awful condition, and if he did not possess a constitution of iron, he would have passed over to the majority long ago. The Miller brothers are reported out of danger, as is also Will McIntosh. The outlook is hopeful for the recovery of all here, except possibly Mr. Philbrick.

A fox was seen in Zephaniah B. Job’s woodland pasture near the tile works the other day – the first one seen here for years. Mr. Job has been loading cars with wheat for several days past. The grain is intended for Alton dealers.

D. O. Tomlinson, who already operates one large and successful blacksmithing establishment in Alton, besides the one here, will open another shop in a few days somewhere downtown. Mr. Tomlinson has the reputation of being one of the best horseshoers in the State, and his work sustains the reputation.

Mr. M. G. Powel, the able teacher of the schools at Wann, skated from Godfrey to the schoolhouse – a distance of eight miles, in eight minutes. Pretty swift, isn’t it?

 

ALTON JUNCTION NEWS
(East Alton)
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 23 & 30, 1893
Mr. Zephaniah Silver, or “Boss” as he is familiarly called, will be the next representative of Wood River township in the county legislature. Boss believes in good roads, and believes road improvements should be made permanent. Even if only a few hundred yards of road be built substantially in each township every year, it would not be long until good rock roads would be the rule, and not the exception, throughout the county. Every Supervisor elected in Madison County next month should be pledged to do something towards bettering the generally abominable country roads.

It is estimated that “Knights of the Road” have burned fully a carload of coal belonging to the railroad company here during this winter. Their campfires are an every night, and all through the night occurrence.

It was not many moons ago that Boone Vaughn, burning up with the western fever, left Madison County for a residence in Colorado. The other day he came back. He is cured of the western fever, and there is no danger of a relapse. He admits that the West is a great country, but says Illinois is a greater. He likes the broad expanse of billowy prairie, and the grandeur of the gigantic mountains, but he dislikes the familiarity of the climate where the wind plays baseball with boulders, and don’t care a cuss whether they strike you or the bat, and he seriously objects to the liberty Boreas takes in converting the lobes of ones ears into sandbags. Madison County is good enough for him in the future, and Madison County is good enough for anybody.

The Fat Men’s Society of Alton Junction will be organized next Saturday night. Those, only, four of whom can sit on a brick, are permissible as candidates or admissible as members. Messrs. Will Henry, George Smith, George Wall, John Kane, George Tomlinson, and Charley Ferguson are the prominent candidates. The writer managed to sit on the point of a pin the other day, and his application has been reported upon favorably by the proper committee.

The new sawmill at the tile works is in full operation, and is turning out large quantities of splendid hardwood lumber. The company will erect at once a large barn and other buildings on their property here, their increasing business demanding more buildings.

Johnnie Mullane has so far recovered from his severe burns [Wann Disaster] as to be able to walk around a little unassisted. This is good news to his many friends, and here is hoping he may soon recover all his former strength. Mr. James Mullane, who was also burned in the oil explosion, is not gaining strength as rapidly as he should, and while he is not confined to his bed, his general health is bad. Charley Hammond, a former employee of the Big Four here, and a victim of the explosion, is now braking on the Bluff Line in Alton.

 

ALTON JUNCTION BURGLARY - SAFE BLOWN OPEN
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, April 4, 1893
Mr. William Henry's store at Alton Junction [East Alton] was ransacked last night by professional thieves and safe-crackers and $400 in money stolen. Mr. Henry, upon arising this morning, was astonished to find the things scattered over the store, the doors wide open and his safe missing. An investigation revealed the fact that his store had been entered by thieves. The safe stood in a corner of the store room, some distance from the door. The burglars took a pile of jeans pants from a shelf and carefully laid them on the floor from the safe to the door. Ropes were attached to the safe and it was drawn to the entrance. So carefully was this done that the family overhead was not aroused. The safe was a very small one and weighed but a hundred pounds. It was but little trouble to drag it a distance of a hundred feet to the rear of the stable, drill a hole near the lock and blow it up with dynamite. The money was mostly paper, there being about $330, the balance being in silver. The books, insurance policies, and other papers belonging to Mr. Henry were strewn about the ground. A dog belonging to Marian Chirak, living on the opposite side of the street made an uproar during the night. A member of the family got up and looked about, but was unable to see anything unusual. Shortly after a shot was fired which must have been the blowing of the safe. This occurred at 2 a.m. Mr. Henry has wired the surrounding towns to be on the lookout. He thinks that a pair of suspicious looking characters who watched him open the safe the morning before, after purchasing several articles, are the ones responsible for the robbery.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 6, 1893
I am told there is a project on foot to change the name of the Alton Junction post office to Wann, the name of the railroad station. There have been numerous attempts before to change the name of this place, but without effect. Several years ago “Emerald,” the most popular name suggested, clung to our town awhile, and then died. Alton Junction it has always been, and Alton Junction it will be always, or until it becomes East Alton, a thing which, from present indications, may not be very far in the future.

Work is progressing satisfactorily on the new building of the Henry Brothers. The store occupied by them is a pretty large one, but their increasing trade demands more room – hence the new structure. The boys deserve success, and “here’s hoping they may have oceans of it.”

Everybody is improving his property in some way. New houses are going up all over the village, and progress and prosperity has taken possession of the town “for keeps.”

Charlie Ferguson’s barn was discovered in flames last Friday morning, and the contents were speedily in ashes. The flames spread to a corn crib adjoining, and 150 bushels of corn were destroyed. Mr. Ferguson’s loss will amount to $500, having lost besides the corn a valuable mule, a binder, a mower, plows, and harness. The fire is supposed to have been the work of an incendiary or to have been accidently set afire by someone who will not acknowledge the accident. Mr. Ferguson is an honest, hardworking citizen, and deserves better luck. During the fire, the flames spread to the house occupied by Thomas Philbrick and family, and the town at once resolved itself into a volunteer fire force. Women as well as men joined the bucket brigade, and the flames soon succumbed, just as every other mean thing is squelched when the women get after it in real earnest.

John P. Mullane is getting along splendidly (Wann disaster victim), and he says he is going “to beat all of the severely burned ones by getting out first. He walks around the house, eats heartily, sings snatches of songs occasionally, and is as happy as a lark over his recovery. Good luck to him, and may he never have to go through such an ordeal again. John Henry Jr. is also rapidly striding up the hill to complete recovery. Patches of skin the size of a silver dollar and larger are starting to grow, his strength is coming back to him rapidly, and he will soon be among us again, weaker, of course, but well. Thomas Philbrick, another one of the badly burned, is getting well also. His recovery is almost a miracle, as he was shockingly burned. He will be maimed and disfigured for life, but his health generally is apt to be very good, and his friends will welcome him as one risen from the dead.

 

BAPTIST CHURCH DEDICATION AT WANN
(East Alton)
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 13, 1893
The dedication at Wann occurred Sunday, and was a very interesting occasion. The house was filled in the forenoon, and there was a good congregation in the afternoon and evening, but on account of the rain, not so many came as in the morning. Dr. Bulkley preached excellent and appropriate sermons both morning and evening.

The financial feature of the day was especially interesting to the building committee. Their report showed that the building, above the foundation, had cost $1,425, of which $1,375 had been received and paid, and the balance of $50 was provided for by subscriptions not yet paid. About $100 was needed for furniture, and this amount was secured at the forenoon and afternoon meetings by $5 pledges and a collection of $16.

Four years ago, Mr. Zephaniah B. Job and wife gave the church the lot on which the building stands, and a few days ago they added by deed another lot adjoining on the south, so that now the premises measures 80 feet front by 120 feet deep. This latter generous gift had been kept a secret, so that it came as a pleasant surprise to most, if not all the church and congregation. Other gifts were the chandeliers from the Upper Alton Baptist Church, the pulpit, a beautiful piece of carpentry, the workmanship and gift of I. H. Keiser. The pulpit Bible and pulpit lamp, an insurance policy for three years on the new house for $1,000, and a coal shed and outhouses were also given. All told, these gifts, in addition to the two lots, must have saved the church an expenditure of a hundred dollars or more.

One farmer member was much missed from all the meetings, which he would have enjoyed perhaps more than anyone else – Henry Wiegard, formerly treasurer of the building committee, who was one of the victims of the Wann Disaster. The pastor, Rev. Dr. Jamesson, proposed to the afternoon meeting to raise money enough by individual pledges of $1.00 each, to buy a bell to be called the Henry Wiegand Memorial Bell. These pledges were promptly made, 31 in the afternoon, and 19 in the evening.

The church and people of Wann are to be congratulated upon the successful completion of this worthy enterprise, which supplies a long-felt want in that growing village. It is to their credit that so nearly half of the expense was met by contributors in Wann and the immediate vicinity, and it is to be praise of the generosity of Alton and Upper Alton that nearly all the rest came from those two places.

The Baptists have decided to use chairs instead of pews for their church building, and the necessary furniture was secured in Alton last week.

 

ALTON JUNCTION WILL INCORPORATE
(East Alton)
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 4, 1893
The people of Alton Junction have concluded to act upon the suggestion made by the Telegraph some six months ago, and will incorporate their thriving village. A few days ago a gentleman was employed to look up the law and make preparations generally, and last night a sort of informal meeting of the citizens was held, at which it was decided to incorporate. The village will be sure of $1,500 a year revenue from saloons, besides the license money of other occupations, and its portion of the regular tax, and it is argued that incorporation need not add one cent to the present rate of taxation, while it will add greatly to the peace protection and progress of the place. The proposition will be submitted to a vote of the people interested, but it will be a matter of mere formality, as they are a unite almost on the subject. It was decided also that the name of the village should remain Alton Junction or Emerald, the latter being the favorite.

 

WANN JUNCTION NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 18, 1893
Mr. Marion Squires, while ploughing in a field near Wann yesterday, found a silver souvenir medal that had evidently lain in the ground for several years, as it was quite black. The medal is commemorative of the unveiling of Gen. Frank P. Blair's statue in Forest Park, St. Louis, in 1885.

 

EAST ALTON GETS ITS NAME
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 29, 1893
It being necessary to decide upon a name for the new corporation of Alton Junction, before the petition praying for an election can be presented to the county judge, an informal meeting was held last night, and the sense thereof was that the new town should be called East Alton. East Alton will give the place an importance and prominence no other name could give, and the decision to so name it is a wise one.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 6, 1893
Alton Junction has been “born again” in more ways than in its new name. There is energy in each movement of its citizens. Determination and enterprise are written plainly in their countenances, and the result is “works not words.” The place is being built up rapidly, with new substantial and aesthetic homes, and even the once weather-beaten, sun-wrinkled houses of the oldest inhabitants have received such an overhauling, repairing, and improving generally that recognition does not follow when one has not seen them for some time.

 

EAST ALTON TO INCORPORATE
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 03, 1893
The election at East Alton passed off quietly yesterday, and owing to the absence of a majority of the citizens who were at work in the farming districts, the vote polled was a light one. Only 43 votes were cast, and three of these were thrown out as defective. All were for incorporation, so that it may be truthfully be said the proposition carried unanimously. Messrs. Z. B. Silver, D. G. Tomlinson, and G. W. Wall acted as judges. The next thing in order is for the county judge to call an election for village officers, and this will be done at once. It is intended by the citizens to hold a primary and nominate such candidates as the majority may desire to elect. The Telegraph congratulates East Alton on the important work of yesterday. It means very much for the thriving village – it means law and order and progress and stability.

 

INCORPORATION OF EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 24, 1893
The corporation of East Alton includes the Chicago & Alton (Wann) depot, as well as the Big Four and Quincy depots. It takes in also Job’s old sawmill site, or “the ranch,” as it is more generally known. A petition is being prepared, asking the post office authorities at Washington to change the name of the post office from Alton Junction to East Alton, and the railroads will be asked to change the name from Wann.

 

SOAP FACTORY AT EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 21, 1893
East Alton is to have a coap factory. The location has been decided upon, near the line of the corporate limits. It will be located on the Job tract near the Big Four bridge over the Wood River. The parties who will take charge of the enterprise are from East St. Louis. They will erect a good-sized building, and will be furnished with material from Alton butchers. They have given East Alton authorities a solemn promise to keep everything very clean, and not permit offensive smells to permeate Madison County. The manufacture of bone dust will be made a specialty. At present, farmers in the bottom pay $35 a ton for bone dust. The new factory will furnish it at $15 a ton. Properly conducted, the new factory should be a benefit to East Alton.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, February 8, 1894
By order of President D. G. Tomlinson of the school board, the children were vaccinated by Dr. Pence Monday.

The school teacher here is having a peck of trouble with some of his scholars. It seems as if some of the girl scholars have the Corbett-Mitchell craze, and snake dances and pow-wows are given daily. There is trouble in the camp, and all of the graduating class have their war paint on. If any duels occur among them this week, you will be duly informed.

Mr. Hank Feldwish, who is clerking in the George Smith’s store here, while out in the latter’s back yard Tuesday night, saw a man emerge from the hen house, with some chickens under his arm. He ordered the man to stop, and upon the thief refusing to comply with the orders, Hank caught him by the collar and dragged him into the store, which had not yet been closed, where he turned out to be a man who had worked for Smith all summer. He was given five hours in which to leave town, and this time he obeyed and left without ceremony.

The blacksmith shop at this place is again running full blast, under the skillful management of Messrs. George Hedger and Marion Shyrock.

The following are the nicknames by which some of the business houses in East Alton are known: Brooks’ saloon – “Cozy Corner;” Arnold, Wildi & Co. – “Sandwich Islands;” William Henry’s – “The King B;” George F. Smith’s store – “Slicks.” Brooks’ nickname is his own invention. Wildi’s place was called the Sandwich Islands by an enthusiast one evening, and the name sticks to it like the paper on the wall. William Henry’s nickname is from Holl’s popular cigar, and last summer, as William was the only one around here who kept the King B, the boys began calling his place the King B. Everyone knows where Smith’s nickname comes in.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 01, 1894
James Uppingham, barkeeper at William Henry’s saloon, was fired upon Saturday night while he was closing the saloon, by a thug whose name is not known. He immediately pulled out his own gun, and gave the desperado ball for ball, and after emptying their revolvers at each other, they retreated. About ten people were standing near and saw the shooting, but fortunately no one was hurt. In speaking of it afterwards, Jim said, “I do not know his name, but I know him when I see him.”

Mr. Albert Schriner, our popular Marshal, has run no less than 200 tramps out of town this week. Albert is the boy who knows his business, and the East Alton folks would not have anyone else either, and don’t you forget it.

Mr. Fred Walling found several relics last week while digging near the C. B. & Q. bridge. Among them was about twenty stone arrowheads, three or four tomahawks, and several other relics.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 8, 1894
The village board of this place met Tuesday night, and several important items of business was discussed. Messrs. Patterson, Ferguson, and Walls were apponted as a committee to see after lights for the village. The plan is for every property holder who wans to, to buy a lamp and pole, and the village will put them up and take care of them. All the lamps are to be the same kind, and the same height. The village only agrees to do this for one year, and if it proves satisfactory to them at the end of that time, it will be renewed. It is a very good idea, and the citizens of East Alton should do their utmost to help in this matter, and also extend many thanks to Messrs. Tomlinson and Patterson for the suggestion. It will not only add to the appearance of the village, but it will also make one more at home, especially on rainy nights, when he is liable to step knee deep in water.

Messrs. Henry, Seymour, and Patterson were appointed a committee to investigate the trouble in “tin can alley,” and have any and all rubbish that may be in the alley removed.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 15, 1894
Street lamps will be placed at the following places: William Henry, 2; Frank Hendricks, 2; George Smith, 2; Z. B. Job, 2; C. A. Wildi, 1; D. G. Tomlinson, 1; Ben Crews, 1; Fred Penning, 1; Mrs. A. Levick, 1; Mr. Albert Jones, 1; Mr. Charles Ferguson, 1; Frank Tiepel, 1; Jeff Bright, 1, and George Walls, 1. Total, 18.

When the shooting affray occurred here Sunday evening, there were about fifty people on the platform, and such screaming and scattering was never witnessed by man as there was then. Why Lewis Berner, who is usually as cool as a cucumber, lost his head entirely, and thinking he was a valuable document of some kind. Ran into the depot and filed himself in a drawer in the safe, and James Turner, the C. B. & Q. operator, was upstairs at the time, and he stayed there too, until after he found out it would be safe enough to go down, and when he did go down, it was to find that he was being called over the wire for fifteen minutes. When he was asked by B. where he was, James said he had important business upstairs just then.

The citizens of this place assembled at the schoolhouse Tuesday night, in mass meeting, for the purpose of nominating a president, clerk, and board of trustees for the village of East Alton. Mr. D. G. Tomlinson was elected chairman, and Mr. G. W. Able, clerk of the meeting. A long debate ensued in which it was decided to nominate as many for office as the people wished. The nominations were:

President – D. G. Tomlinson
Clerk – George Smith and Henry Tiepel.
Trustees – William Henry, Lewis Patterson, A. Seymour, Gus Patterson, Frank Tiepel, A. Jones, Jeff Bright, Z. Silvers, and Chalres Ferguson, of whom six are to be elected.
Police Magistrate – George Walls

East Alton is to have a baseball club this year, that even Von der Ahe will envy. A movement is already onfoot to secure players, and James Turner, C. C. Sherman, J. A. Flynn, Louis Berner, Pat Kirwin, and James Templeton have been signed.

 

POWDER MAGAZINE EXPLODES
East Alton
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 12, 1894
The powder magazine blew up at Wann [East Alton], about three miles southeast of Alton, Saturday afternoon. The house was full of blasting powder at the time of the explosion, and the whole place was blown away. No one was injured, but the explosion followed by falling bricks frightened the entire community.

The regular Big Four local, Patrick Vaughn, engineer, had just left Wann and was passing down along the sand ridge, when the fearful explosion back of the bluffs occurred. The train crew and passengers saw the smoke and falling debris, but were far enough away to rest assured that there would be no danger to them or their train. The excitement in Wann was great. Those who remembered the recent disaster when thirty-two people were killed, entertained grave apprehensions of another terrible slaughter, and many hastily sought places of safety. The magazine was situated about half a mile east of the town.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 26, 1894
Everyone in our thriving village is engaged putting in garden, building, and otherwise making general improvements. Let the good work go on.

Our enterprising butcher, J. B. Vanpreter, has purchased a new meat wagon, and starts out Saturday to supply our country friends with nice fresh meats.

A gang of young boys, ranging in age from five to twelve years, and living in Alton, are in the habit of daily stealing a ride from Alton to this city, on the afternoon freight run. We would advise the parents to look after their boys and keep them away from the railroad. The city marshal put two of the gang in the calaboose Saturday.

A bright, intelligent boy, ten years of age, arrived here from Oklahoma April 11. His parents reside in Lowell, Massachusetts, and sent their boy as a guide for a blind man from Lowell to Oklahoma, and after arriving there, the blind man concluded to remain, and turned the little fellow out without a cent to shift for himself and get home the best way he could. The little fellow remained here one night and was put aboard a freight train April 12, and Mr. Ray, who kindly took the boy to a hotel, received a card from him stating he arrived in Lowell on April 18.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, May 03, 1894
Zephaniah B. Job is building a new blacksmith shop next to Vanpreter’s butcher shop. Our village is forging right to the front, and will soon be equipped with two blacksmith shops – the more the merrier. The next shop in order should be a shoe shop (not a horseshoe shop). It would pay someone to start such a shop. He would find plenty of repairing to do.

A string of race horses was shipped from here to Chicago Friday, via the “Q.” They would not be admitted to the racetrack at Madison, because of the smallpox, and the drove to this place from Madison and returned home.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, June 28, 1894
After three weeks of idleness on account of the lack of coal, the Stoneware Pipe Company resumed operations Saturday. They received a supply of coal from Hillsboro, and a guarantee from the same company to furnish plenty of coal to keep them running.

John Farras and John Vanpreter, not being on the very best of terms, met at the post office here Saturday, and proceeded to knock each other out of existence, according to bricks and rocksberry rules. Farras received a blow in the mouth, and Vanpreter one or two body blows. Vanpreter swore out a warrant for Farras, and Farras did likewise. They were tried Monday before Squire Walls, Farras pleading guilty and fined $3 and costs. Vanpreter was tried by jury, and fined $5 and costs. He took an appeal to the circuit court.

Mr. J. B. Vanpreter has been named as our new postmaster, and will soon receive his commission from Washington.

 

NEW TOWN HALL FOR EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 9, 1894
At the regular meeting of the East Alton town board, the matter of a new town hall was brought up, and after a short discussion, it was finally decided that a hall should be built. It was resolved to instruct Architect C. S. Nixon to prepare plans, which are to be submitted to the board. As soon as the plans are approved, work will be commenced at once, and East Alton will have one of the prettiest public buildings in this part of the country.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 9, 1894
At the meeting of the village board Tuesday night, Mr. U. S. Nixon of Alton was selected superintendent of building the new town hall, and will have full charge of letting the contracts, etc. work on the building will be pushed as rapidly as possible, and it is hoped will be completed and ready for occupancy before snow flies. Quite a number of bills were read and allowed, except three or four, which were laid over on account of irregular dates. J. A. Cooper was appointed Marshal for another month, and a committee was appointed to investigate the complaints of the railroad company against Mr. Cooper, which are in the nature of allowing tramps to loiter in their yards, etc.

C. B. & Q. freight train No. 74 was wrecked here in the yards Wednesday morning, doing considerable damage, wrecking the stand pipe and hog drencher, and tearing up the depot platform. Two cars of merchandise and two oil tanks were badly wrecked. Notwithstanding the terrible results of the oil tank disaster here January 21, 1893, the usual crowds of sightseers were on hand in full force.

Ed Benbow of Upper Alton is putting up a two-story building, just west of George Smith’s grocery, to be used for a drugstore, stationery, etc.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 16, 1894
At a special meeting of the village board Thursday, the town purchased the west half of lot 14, Smith & Carr’s plat, for $150, from Mr. George Walls. This gives the town a lot 160 feet square to build the town hall on.

The East Alton Sandies baseball club reorganized a few days ago, and dubbed themselves the Horseshoes.

Gus Kittsenburg’s new house is well underway, Mr. Schlueter of Alton being the contractor. Our town is enjoying a prosperous building boom at the present time. Two new dwellings and a large store building are going up now, and work on the new town hall will commence in a few days.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 30, 1894
At a meeting in East Alton, August 27, Mr. Zephaniah Silvers was elected chairman, and George F. Smith, secretary. N. G. Storrs, general agent of the Plummer Manufacturing Company of St. Louis, Missouri was present, and proposed to set up a plant complete with the best improved canning machinery, guaranteed capacity of putting up 10,000 cans per day, for $2,800, without the building. Such a plant will put up all the tomatoes, peas, beans, pumpkins, squash, and fruit that may be grown miles around the city, employ many more women and girls in the building, and many growing the material, give ready market at home for the farmer and money to the merchant at a season when money is scarce. George F. Smith and John Henry Jr, George W. Wall, Zephaniah Silver, were appointed a committee to notify the people of a meeting, Friday, August 31, in the town schoolhouse. Everyone, both old and young, is interested and should be present.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 20, 1894
The new drugstore of Owens & Clark will be opened and ready for business Saturday evening. The new store building of Benbow & Lowe was completed Tuesday. Half of this building will be occupied by Owens and Clark, druggists.

Two masked men covered the fireman at the tile works Monday night with guns, and demanded his money. He was badly scared, and made a break and got away from them without injury. No clue as to who they were.

The tile works has a big order of forty cars of sewer pipe for Mattoon, Illinois.

Mrs. Elizabeth Fahrig, while driving from East Alton to Alton early Monday morning, was halted by a tramp near Chessen’s place. He demanded her purse, which was given to him. It only contained one dollar and a key. The tramp kindly returned the key.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 11, 1894
On account of the extra force of men at work here on the Big Four Railroad, two or three new boarding houses have been opened to accommodate them. Everything is on the boom here, and no excuse can be made by our few habitual idlers, who are always looking for work and praying they won’t find it.

Peter Welsh, a stranger, was found lying near the railroad track here Tuesday evening, with his left foot cut off near the ankle, and was taken to the hospital at Alton. He had missed the train for Mitchell, and started to walk to that place, and being under the influence of liquor, it is supposed he fell in a drunken stupor with one foot on the rail, and the Flyer is supposed to be the train that amputated the foot. The unfortunate man vowed and declared he would never touch liquor again.

Charles Ferguson was awarded the contract for furnishing coal for the East Alton school, he being the lowest bidder.

The foundation of the new town hall will be completed by Thursday evening. The first car load of brick for this building arrived Monday.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 15, 1894
Two of the four East Alton saloons have closed the past week on account of poor business. The proprietors are Frank Hendricks and F. G. Brooks.

Mr. Luer of Alton has rented the new Benbow store, and will start a meat shop here soon.

Our new townhall is getting well under way, and with this continued fine weather, the main building will soon be completed. The jail cage arrived Monday, and Louie Berner has the honor of being the first to look through its bars, while the cage was being transferred from the car.

An elegant supper was served at the home of Mr. W. R. Ray last Thursday evening, for the benefit of the Brushy Grove Baptist Church, which netted about $21. Among the number present were Misses Julia and Ella Smith, Misses Tillie and Maggie Penning, Misses Irene and Ulia Head, Miss McConnell, and Misses Lettie and Lillian Gillham of Upperson; and Messrs. Frank Miller, J. B. VanPretter, and D. L. Dent. An enjoyable and pleasant evening was spent by all present.

The new steel bridge across Wood River on the Big Four will be completed by Friday night.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 6, 1894
The Village Board held its regular meeting Tuesday evening. All members present. Charles Herman was granted a saloon license for one year from December 6. An application for Village Marshal was presented by Albert Schriener and J. P. Cooper. It was left to a vote of the board, and Schriener received 4 votes, and Cooper 2. Schriener was promptly sworn in as Marshal from date.

 

EAST ALTON - POWDER PLANT EXPLOSION
Source: Auburn, New York Argus, 1895
Five thousand pounds of giant powder exploded at the Equitable Powder Mills, Alton, Illinois. Thomas Keff, Henry Ragus, and William Roetgess were killed.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Daily Telegraph, February 7, 1895
About 2 o’clock Friday morning, the residence and store building of Charles Herman’s was completely destroyed by fire. The store was occupied by C. A. Wildi for a grocery store and saloon. All the goods were destroyed. Mr. Herman saved all his household effects. The origin of the fire is unknown, and started in the store building.

 

RAILROAD CHANGES NAME OF WANN TO EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 21, 1895
On March 24th, the Big Four [Railroad] will change their station name here to East Alton instead of Wann. This change will make everything straight East Alton, and does away with the two or three different names for the village.

[NOTE: The Big Four Railroad was the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad. The Wann Station was originally called Alton Junction, and existed as early as 1864 in the town of Emerald (later named East Alton). There was a hotel at Alton Junction called Hotel Wann, and I believe this is where the name of Wann Junction came from. Hotel Wann, a 2-story brick and frame building, was owned by George Y. Smith, and was destroyed by fire in January 1886.]

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 21, 1895
Our village Marshal received a letter Saturday from Sheriff H. W. Potter of La Junta, Otero County, Colorado, stating he had a man in jail there, and had just taken him to the penitentiary. He told the Sheriff he had robbed a store at Alton, Illinois, and buried the goods at Wann [East Alton] in the stock pens. The Marshal, on searching the stockyards, found the goods as stated, which consisted of a lot of mittens, shirts, and socks. It is thought the goods were stolen from a car on the Big Four here last October, and the thief was a well-known character of this place, who left here some time ago under peculiar circumstances, and wound up in the pen in Colorado.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 5, 1896
Clark & Smith have opened a grocery store in the same building with their drugstore. This makes six grocery stores in East Alton now. They are selling goods at Alton prices.

The foundation is laid for the second new store building to be erected by our enterprising postmaster, Mr. J. B. Vanpreter.

William Henry is putting up a very ornamental and handsome iron fence around his Shamrock Street property.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, September 5, 1895
Misses Mary Brown and Lizzie Shuarte will open up a restaurant and confectionary in the Crews Hotel the latter part of the week, and would be pleased for everybody to give them a call.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 02, 1896
Two tramps murderously assaulted Mr. Jacob Shreiner, Marshal at East Alton, Saturday night. The two men were lying near a fire in the Big Four yards, and Marshal Shreiner, as was his duty, walked up to the fire to investigate. He was talking to one of the men when the other unexpectedly pulled a knife and stabbed Mr. Shreiner in the right side, the knife blade penetrating his abdomen and intestines. The two man fled on accomplishing their murderous work. Mr. Shreiner was taken to his home where everything possible to facilitate his recovery is being done. Telegrams giving the description of the two men have been sent all over the country, and it is hardly possible that the men will escape.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 9, 1896
Postmaster VanPreter’s elegant two-story building is completed, and he is moving his stock and fixtures into it today. He has added wonderfully to the appearance of the main street by the buildings he has erected within the past year. Elman & Bertman of St. Louis have opened a dry goods and clothing store in one of VanPreter’s buildings.

The powder mill shut down last Wednesday, and it is also rumored that the Stoneware Pipe shop will shut down again soon.

 

POWDER MILL EXPLOSION - THREE MEN KILLED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 01, 1896
About eight o'clock this morning, two distinct and severe concussions were felt by the people of Alton. Some imagined that it was an earthquake, but the general opinion was that an explosion had occurred at the powder works at East Alton. This was soon verified by telephone reports, indicating that two of the houses had been blown up, and three men killed in the explosion. The first explosion occurred in what is called the press mill, where the men killed were at work. A few seconds afterwards the corning mill exploded. The fire and smoke ascended into the air at least several hundred feet and were seen plainly in Alton, the smoke remaining in the air for ten or fifteen minutes. The shock was felt for miles around. Telephone messages were received from East St. Louis, Edwardsville, Collinsville, and other places, inquiring if Alton had experienced an earthquake. The shock was not felt as much at East Alton as at Upper Alton, because the buildings are situated behind a hill, which separates the village and the works. The Telegraph's East Alton correspondent gives the following account of the explosion:

At 7:50 o'clock this morning, the press mill and corning mill of the Equitable Powder Milling Company blew up, instantly killing William Roettger, Henry Rages and Thomas Keffer, all employees. The cause of the explosion is a mystery. The men killed all have families. G. H. White was slightly injured and was just leaving the press mill when the explosion occurred. Roettger and Rages were employed in the press mill, and Keffer had gone to the mill for something and was just in the door of the press room and coming out when the explosion took place. Herbert White, being a short distance ahead of Keffer, escaped any serious injury. The remains of Rages and Roettger have not been found, nor likely never will be. The biggest part of their remains found so far was a thumb and a piece of flesh the size of a hand. Their bodies were blown to fragments.

The Press mill exploded first, and a minute later was followed by the corning mill. The corning mill was in charge of George Scott, who made his escape without injury. Mr. Scott saw the press room was going, and well knowing that his mill would also go, ran for his life, and none too soon, for in scarcely a minute from the time the press mill went up, the corning mill did likewise. Windows were shaken, glass broken and chimneys knocked down everywhere in the town, and pictures shaken from the wall. The report was heard at Bunker Hill and East St. Louis. The damage will amount to many thousands of dollars.

The engine room was also wrecked. The men killed had been working with the Equitable Powder Co. ever since the mill has been here. William Roettger had made application to the A. O. U. W. and had been examined by the local physician, but his medical papers had not been returned from the Grand Medical Examiner, and he was to have been initiated Saturday evening, September 5. Mr. Olin was in St. Louis. He was notified by wire and arrived here on the Burlington at 9:30. An eyewitness who saw the explosion from near Milton bridge says he saw a timber blown at least 1,000 feet in the air. A telephone message from East Alton at 3 o'clock states that up to that time a portion of the skull and a part of the shoulder of Rages had been found. Coroner Kinder came over from Edwardsville and held an inquest. The jury was unable to learn the cause of the explosion, and returned a verdict of death by explosion.

An ex-employee of the powder works was seen this afternoon, and explained that the press room is where the powder is pressed into cakes by hydraulic pressure. Usually, 60 kegs or 1410 pounds are here at a time. Being so compact is what produced the terrible concussion of the first report. The powder which filtered out of the buildings settled on the ground, and this explains how the corning room exploded. The latter is 100 yards away, and here is where the cakes are cut into the sized grain desired. This powder being in grains did not make such a report. This informant states that the two magazines have a capacity of 60,000 kegs.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 02, 1896
No further fragments of the bodies of Henry Rages and William Roettgers, who were blown to pieces by the powder mill explosion yesterday morning, have been found, and all that remained of the men was a few pieces of flesh, picked up in different places. The funeral of Thomas Keffer, whose body was not badly mutilated, took place in Upper Alton today. The funeral of William Roettger took place at Brighton today, and the remains interred there. The funeral of Henry Rages will take place tomorrow afternoon at 2 o'clock from the Baptist Church in East Alton.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, July 01, 1897
Hunters from Bethalto have been invading the woods near East Alton of late, and have killed game indiscriminately, law or no law. The Telegraph is requested by several of its patrons among the farmers to give these hunters warning that forbearance is about to take wings and fly away, and that prosecutions will certainly follow any future violations.

Hon. Zephaniah B. Job was in East Alton Friday for the first time since his narrow escape from death at Milton Crossing, and he was the recipient of many hearty congratulations. Three times within the memory of the writer has Hon. Zephaniah B. Job narrowly escaped violent death. One time a threshing machine engine blew up and shot itself directly over his head, and but a mighty little way over, either. Then came the Wann oil explosion, and men all around him were burned to death, and the Big Four collision is the latest and one of the most dangerous. He says he hopes narrow escapes have ended for him, and says the “Big Four Catch Basin,” commonly known as the Milton Crossing, was the closest one of all.

Grasshoppers, potato bugs, or any other old insect cannot injure the erstwhile fine crop of sweet potatoes, claimed and mentioned by Mr. C. C. Shannahan, the genial village clerk and efficient Big Four operator. The reason why nothing can damage the vines is that “Neal” himself damaged them for keeps. He was out in the garden hoeing the other evening, and when he went to bed was shaking hands with himself in congratulation over the excellent job he had done. Brief was his joy, however, when a neighbor next day discovered the fact and related it to Mr. C, that he had cut out the potatoe vines and hoed the dirt up in splendid shape to morning-glory vines instead. It is almost sure death to even breathe “morning-glory_ within his hearing, and one fellow, who was singing “grasshopper sitting on a sweet-potatoe vine, etc.,” is now crippled for life.

 

EAST ALTON NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 26, 1897
The melon season is at its best here now. From five to seven cars of muskmelons and two or three cars of watermelons are being shipped daily. Mr. J. B. Vanpreter loads a car of mixed fruits and vegetables every day for shipment.

Mr. Christopher Penning had a narrow escape from losing an eye several days ago. While some boys were throwing hard apples at his home, one of them struck him in the eye and caused a painful injury.

Mayor Henry had an exciting experience with highwaymen several nights ago while returning home. One of the men grabbed for the reins of the horse he was driving but missed his hold. The Mayor gave him a cut with the whip, and the horse, becoming frightened, started to run and got away from the would-be highwaymen.

Our town barbers, Charles Henry and Jesse Jones, have pooled issues and are now shaving East Alton beards in one shop, Charles Henry’s old stand.

 

NEW CARTRIDGE FACTORY IN EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Telegraph, October 21, 1897
The new cartridge factory of the Equitable Powder Co. is now in process of construction at East Alton, and a force of men is rapidly getting the building into shape for the reception of the machinery. The factory will be devoted to the manufacture of cartridges, blue rock clay pigeons, and other sporting goods. Mr. Franklin W. Olin at first intended to secure a location for his factory in Alton, but insurance rates were so high, and he found so much difficulty in securing a location, that he decided to build a plant at East Alton. Two gentlemen, the Hebbard brothers, sons of the inventor of the blue rock pigeon, have come here from the East to take charge of that part of the Equitable Powder Co.’s new enterprise. It is to be regretted that Mr. Olin was unable to locate his factory in Alton, as it would have been a new industry that has exceedingly bright prospects for future expension. Mr. C. C. Hebbard has moved into the Goulding residence on Prospect Street.

 

WESTERN CARTRIDGE FACTORY BURNS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 18, 1899
The entire plant of the Western Cartridge Company at East Alton was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening, shortly after the men had stopped work for the night. The buildings destroyed are the main building where cartridges are loaded, a structure about 40x60 feet and two stories high in places, also the blacksmith shop and the old stable building, at the time used as a powder store house. While the buildings themselves were not a very heavy loss, the machinery and other contents of the building were quite expensive and are ruined. One cartridge machine recently installed cost $8,000, and three other machines were valued at about $2,500 each. Beside this loss, the cartridges and powder in the buildings together with the buildings themselves will aggregate $2,500.

It was stated today by a representative of Mr. Olin that no one but Mr. Olin, who is absent and will return tonight, could state the amount of damage, as he alone knows the cost of the machinery. The insurance was $5,200 with companies represented by G. H. Smiley, and $3,000 by Edward Yager.

The fire was discovered at 6 o'clock when the flames burst from the roof. All hands at the cartridge factory had stopped work at 5:30 p.m., and there was then no sign of fire about the place. All employees are ordered from the building at the closing hour, and the doors securely locked. The first flames seen were leaping from the roof of the main building, and before many minutes the entire building was wrapped in flames. The fire soon spread to the blacksmith shop and the old stable used as a storeroom. In the stable were two reservoirs for powder which contained seven or eight kegs of powder at the time. The powder exploded, but did no damage as the reservoirs and buildings are loosely constructed in anticipation of just such occurrences. The explosion of powder was distinctly felt in Alton in two sharp shocks that were the first intimation received here that anything was wrong at the powder works.

It has become an established rule that whenever earthquake-like shocks rock the earth from the direction of East Alton, everyone jumps to the conclusion it is the East Alton powder works going off, if it is nothing else. In the main building was fully fifty cases of cartridges, and these added to the uproar and confusion.

The fire is supposed to have been started by electric light wires. The plant is lighted with electricity supplied by an independent dynamo. No other theory can be given than that the wires in the roof set fire to the woodwork a short time before the closing hour. By chance it happened that there had been quite a demand for cartridges, and most of the stock had been shipped out so that the loss was comparatively light in that respect. The buildings of the Equitable Powder Company were too far distant from the fire to be affected, and no damage was done to them.

NOTES:
The Western Cartridge Company in East Alton was founded in 1898 by Franklin W. Olin. Nearby was the Equitable Powder Manufacturing Company, founded by Olin in 1892. The Western was the forerunner of the Olin Corporation, formed in 1944. Olin rebuilt the Western following the 1899 fire.

 

WESTERN CARTRIDGE CO. BUILDING NEW FACTORY
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 01, 1900
The Western Cartridge Co. is pushing work on its new factory for the making of shells used in the manufacture of cartridges. It is said the company is putting in the finest machinery at its new factory at a great expense, and that the factory will be one of the finest equipped in the country. When the Western Cartridge Company has finished its improvements, it will be an active competitor for the cartridge and shell business of the country.

 

BIG FIRE AT EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 02, 1900
East Alton had a close call from being wiped from the face of the earth by fire early Sunday morning. The fire originated in a double store and dwelling house of J. B. Vanpreter, and spread to the double store and dwelling house of William Clarke, thence to two dwellings in the rear owned by A. E. Benbow, and from there across the road to William Henry's saloon building, a barber shop, and a shed where farm machinery was kept. All of these buildings were destroyed, and only the heroic efforts of the East Alton people saved the fine building of William Henry, from which the fire could easily have spread and destroyed the entire village. Several hundred people worked for hours passing buckets of water to be poured on blankets which were spread over the threatened side and roof of the Henry grocery and saved the building. Three times the side next to the burning saloon caught fire and was extinguished by the villagers. The Wood River saved the town. Usually no water is nearer than the river, but a large pool was left in the rear of the Henry property when the flood in Wood River subsided, and from this pool water was carried to keep the blankets wet and to keep the clothes of the firemen from burning.

In the Vanpreter building was J. W. Robinson's grocery store and Joseph Cooper's saloon, and upstairs lived J. B. Vanpreter and Neil Shannahan with their families. In the Clarke building was Clarke's Drugstore and the post office, David Ellman's Dry Goods Store, and upstairs lived the Clarke's, Ellman's, and J. A. Hamilton's families. In the two dwellings of A. E. Benbow, the families of Ralph Douglas and Joseph Cooper lived, and all of these lost everything in the houses, escaping in some instances only partly dressed.

The crackling of flames awakened Neil Shannahan who was asleep in his home with his two young children. Mrs. Shannahan was not home. He caught up his two children and rushed from the house just in time. The flames were burning fiercely from the outside, and the breaking of a window caused him to awaken. He saved none of his clothing and all of his wife's clothing was destroyed. The fire spread to the Clarke building and the inmates had but short time to leave their burning homes with what little clothes they could hurriedly gather up. The entire grocery stock of J. W. Robinson was destroyed, and there is little insurance. The contents of the drugstore were destroyed, and also of the Ellman dry goods store. Mr. Clarke estimates his loss at $6,000 and insurance at $4,500. Mr. Ellman's stock of dry goods valued at $1,500 is a total loss with no insurance, and the same is true of the saloon fixtures of Joseph Cooper. The loss in the Benbow dwellings with the furniture, and to the families living over the burned stores, is almost total, as fire insurance rates in the village are high because of their being no fire protection, and as a result but little insurance was carried by property owners. Mr. Vanpreter estimates his loss at $3,000, and says he could have sold for that amount a short time ago.

Across the road was a vacant barbershop building that was set afire by the intense heat, although the wind was blowing in the opposite direction. From this building the flames spread to a storehouse which William Henry was using to store farm machinery for which he is the agent. A binder was in the burned building and with a lot of extra supplies was ruined. From this building the flames leaped to the Henry saloon building which was owned by Zephaniah B. Job Jr., and in a short time this was a complete loss. The East Alton people thought the Henry grocery was doomed and all of Mr. Henry's household goods and his stock of groceries was carried to the outside and piled up in the roadway, but the fierce fight of the amateur firemen at last conquered the flames. Mr. Henry places his loss at $500, and Mr. J. B. Job's loss is about the same. A new brick building in course of erection for James Chessen was slightly damaged by fire, but was saved by the wind. The total loss is estimated at $15,000.

 

ELECTION RIOTS AT EAST ALTON –
Blood Shed in Contest Between “Wets” and “Drys”
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1900
East Alton had the most exciting election in her history Tuesday. When the contest between the license and anti-license [for those serving alcohol] forces took place and resulted in a barren victory for the "drys." A riot occurred in the village hall where the polls were located, and the injured are:

Riley P. Owen, scalp severely cut
F. G. Brooks, badly bruised and cut
Joe Cooper, arm broken
Sam Hunter, scalp wound

Besides those injured many had a narrow escape from being wounded with a double charge of shot fired by Frank Devanny from a shotgun. Stones were hurled through windows and into the struggling mass of men in the polling place. The trouble was brewing all day, feeling being to the point of frenzy on both sides. The temperance people were determined to carry the election and the saloon people were more determined such should not be the result. Shortly before the polls closed the clash came. Around the polls in the city hall a crowd of workers for both sides had gathered to watch the last few votes go in. The four saloons in the village had been bending every energy to carry the day, and every vote counted heavily. James H. Chessen, the village clerk, offered to swear in five challenged votes for the "wets," and the votes were accepted. Then someone said he would not believe Chessen under oath, and someone else silenced the doubter with a blow, so an eyewitness says. Then the mix-up began, and the fight was furious and bloody for a few minutes. Someone outside hurled a stone through a $20 plate glass window in the town hall, and F. G. Brooks ran into the room from the outside and hurled a stone at the village attorney for the "drys," R. P. Owen, and struck him on the head. Mr. Owen is ordinarily quiet enough, but frenzied with pain and blood pouring from his wounded head he bore Brooks to the floor, and the consequences might have been serious but for interference of the other men there. Mr. Owen hurt Brooks badly. In the melee, Joe Cooper, father of a candidate for trustee, suffered a broken arm, Sam Hunter sustained a bad scalp wound, and to heighten the confusion, Devanny fired his shotgun but no one was hurt. The total vote against license was 114, and the total vote for license was 92. It is said Bright, Chessen and Cooper were elected by the biggest majorities ever given at an election in the village.

 

EQUITABLE POWDER COMPANY WILL MAKE EXTENSIVE ADDITIONS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 02, 1900
The Equitable Powder Company is preparing to make extensive additions to their plant at East Alton. A big powder magazine will be built and additions to the manufacturing capacity of the plant will be made. The powder mills near East Alton are fast becoming one of the most important industries in this vicinity, and the rapid increase in business of the institution is an effective comment on the push and business methods of the company.

 

NEW STORE – WILLIAM CLARKE OF EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 25, 1900
The fine new store building of William Clarke at East Alton has been completed so far as the foundations. The building will be of stock brick and will be a handsome structure.

 

FIRE AT OFFICE OF EQUITABLE POWDER WORKS AND WESTERN CARTRIDGE COMPANY
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 10, 1900
The office of the Equitable Powder Company and the Western Cartridge Company at East Alton was destroyed by fire this morning, and little of its contents were saved. The fire was discovered by Night Operator Robert Rodgers of the Big Four, at 2:45 o'clock, and in a short time after the fire alarm had been given by firing of firearms, the entire male population of the village had turned out and was engaged doing its utmost to prevent the flames spreading to a magazine, only a short distance away. The office building destroyed was a two-story frame structure, almost new, and substantially built. It contained all the papers and books of the two companies, some of which are very valuable. In the middle of the building was a brick vault in which the papers were stored, and it is supposed they are in good condition, as the brick work was standing after the fire. The origin of the fire is not known, as no one was near the building when it broke out. The damage was covered with insurance.

 

EXPLOSION AT THE POWDER MILLS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 13, 1900
One ton of gunpowder was exploded last night at 9:45 o'clock in wheel houses 3, 4, and 5 at the mills of the Equitable Powder Company at East Alton. Wheelhouse No. 3 exploded first, and the other two were set off by detonation from the first. Not a man was hurt by the explosion, although the force was so great it distinctly shook buildings in Alton and was plainly heard in all parts of the city. The shock was felt at Edwardsville also. Fred Kauffmann, Sam Hunter and Munsey Palmer were the watchmen at the wheelhouses last night, and their escapes were narrow. It is the duty of the men to visit each of the six wheelhouses once every 20 minutes to keep watch on the explosive, which is being ground under 10-ton crushers, and is kept constantly wet to prevent heating by friction. The men had started on the rounds, and No. 1 had been entered when the explosion in No. 3 occurred. The watchman in No. 1 lost no time in escaping, but Nos. 1, 2 and 6 did not explode. The roofs of the solid stone wheel houses were blown to pieces, being loosely laid on to furnish no resistance. It is not known how badly the machinery is damaged.

 

NEW BRICK OFFICE BUILDING AT EQUITABLE POWDER AND WESTERN CARTRIDGE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, October 03, 1900
The Equitable Powder Company and the Western Cartridge Company is building a fine brick office building on the ruins of the office that was destroyed by fire one month ago. The building is the most substantial one in East Alton, and is a credit to the place. The damages caused by the fire and explosion at the wheel houses of the powder mill have been repaired and the plant is again in running order.

 

TEN TRAMPS TAKE POSSESSION OF EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 17, 1901
Ten tramps who had been hanging around the railroad yards at East Alton Wednesday, all day, started out in a bunch this morning between 12 and 1 o'clock, and held up and robbed everybody they met. Just how much they got is not known. Some meetings were going on last night, and several men were abroad at that hour. Marshal Hank Feldwisch and Ollie Harris were hunting in the yards after the robbers had dispersed, when they were met by a small boy who said he knew that the hold-up men were in the Big Four sandpit camped by a fire, and that he heard them planning the robberies. The officer and Harris slipped quietly into the pit, covered the crowd with guns, and the ordered them to surrender. The robbers broke away, shots were exchanged and one of the "invincibles" fell, but got up again and escaped with seven others. Feldwisch and Harris captured three, and the wounded man and two others of the gang were captured by East St. Louis officers as they emerged from a freight car in the East St. Louis yards this morning.

People of the town (those of them who had been aroused) were thoroughly alarmed, armed themselves hurriedly it is said, and barricaded themselves in their houses. They tell today that Charley Henry, the barber, was discovered this morning in his shop, surrounded by eight revolvers and one breech loading shotgun, defying all the thieves that ever was, and daring them to come on and receive his treatment, which he guaranteed to cure thieving, free of cost. The good work of Marshal Feldwisch and Ollie Harris is evoking many works of commendation, and increases the feeling of security people down there have had since "Hank" put on the star.

NOTES:
Henry F. “Hank” Feldwisch was a member of the East Alton police department for 40 years, and police chief under Mayor James Jameson. He was one of the early settlers in East Alton, and was one of the first employed at the Equitable Powder Company in East Alton. Feldwisch was an eyewitness of the Wann Disaster in East Alton. He was wounded twice in his line of duty. Feldwisch, born in Alton, was the son of Ernest and Wilhelmina “Minnie” Vahle Feldwisch. He worked at his father’s Alton brickyard in its early days, where the bricks were used in building the original St. Joseph’s Hospital. He died in March 1945, and is buried in the Upper Alton Oakwood Cemetery. He left behind his wife, Anna Bartling Holden Feldwisch, and a stepson, Roy Holden.

 

FIRE DESTROYS EAST ALTON BIG FOUR DEPOT
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 12, 1901
Fire destroyed the passenger station of the Big Four and the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy at East Alton this morning. Within one hour after the fire was discovered in the shingles of the roof, the building was level with the ground and only heaps of charred wood remained. The loss was not heavy, as the building was lightly constructed and all the valuable papers in it were saved by the office men when the fire broke out. At 10 o'clock the flames were discovered in the roof, and an effort was made to extinguish the fire after valuable books and papers had been removed to places of safety. The water supply at East Alton would have been sufficient to have saved the building, but no ladder to reach the roof could be found and the pressure was not sufficient to throw water up there. The building was old and dry and made quick fuel for the flames. Temporary accommodations for the office force and passengers will be provided, and the Big Four will at once build a new and better depot.

 

SKULL OF MASSIVE MAN FOUND AT EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 14, 1901
East Alton has again got the wonders, and the village is guessing what sort of a man wore on his shoulders the skull found yesterday afternoon on Job's ranch, just east of the town. Mr. Job had a force of men engaged in leveling down a hill near the old ranch house, and one of the scrapers brought out with its load of dirt the skull of a man. Investigation unearthed the rest of the skeleton, but it speedily crumbled into dust. The skull, however, was made of sterner stuff and is still intact. The jawbones are massive and the teeth are formidable looking masticators, and if the rest of the owner was formed in proportion, he must have been a giant in stature. Mr. Job has owned that place for 60 years or more, and he does not know of any man having been buried there. In fact, he gave the Milton Cemetery to the public for burial purposes, and in earlier days Milton was the place where all deceased persons were laid to rest. Mr. Job inclines to the belief that an Indian wore the skull and appurtenances, and this appears reasonable. He brought the skull to Alton and says he will give it to Dr. W. Fisher to put in his cabinet. Charles Henry, the East Alton barber who is an archaeological crank, a pre-historic Pundit, and an antediluvian Mahatma, says the find is the face of an ape, but he does not explain how the Simian got there or how he buried himself that far down in the ground.

NOTES:
Zephaniah B. Job's ranch was located north of Berkshire Blvd. in East Alton, near the Wilshire Village Shopping Center. Job was born in 1817 in Virginia, and came west with his father, riding horseback all the way through the wilderness. He arrived in Alton in 1833. His father bought land in the American Bottoms near future East Alton, and farmed for the remainder of his life. Zephaniah Job became Madison County Sheriff in 1856, and was the lessee of the State prison at Joliet. He became a large land owner in Madison County. It's hard to say what kind of skull was found on his ranch. Nothing further was mentioned of it, but I doubt that it was the skull of an ape, as mentioned in the article. Who knows what still lies below the ground, waiting to be discovered?

 

MURDER AT EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 5, 1901
A man, who appears to be James Rayburn of St. Louis, aged about 34, was found dying in a boxcar this morning at East Alton, his head crushed in by blows from a piece of heavy iron and his body covered with bruises and with blood. The body was found by a harvest hand named Lou Barber, who was passing the car in the Big Four yards and heard the dying man's groans. Making an investigation, he discovered the body in the car covered over with straw. Rayburn lived one hour after being carried to the town hall at East Alton, and died at 7 o'clock. He did not regain consciousness, and the identification was by means of papers in his pocket. The head of the man was beaten almost into a shapeless mass. On the back of the head was a big hole and the skull above the left eye was crushed in. The ear was knocked off and a hole made in the bone. On top of the head was a hole and a heavy blow had been struck over the mouth, knocking out Rayburn's teeth. All but one of the pockets in Rayburn's clothes were turned inside out, and the motive of the murder was apparently robbery. In the one pocket that had not been searched by the murderers were three silver dollars, and in his sock was a paper dollar bill. Rayburn's clothes were of good texture and his body was clean. He wore silk underclothes, a stiff hat, blue check suit of clothes, blue tie, blue shirt and tan shoes. In the clothes was a check for baggage, and he was evidently going from East St. Louis to Kansas City and was beating his way. It is said at East Alton that two suspicious characters boarded a freight train for St. Louis at 5:30 o'clock this morning. The murder was probably committed at 5 o'clock, as the blood on him was still fresh and the wounds were new. No one knows how the murdered man happened to be at East Alton, nor had anyone seen him there before. Deputy Coroner Streeper held the inquest this morning and a verdict was found that Rayburn came to his death by blows inflicted by unknown persons.

 

NEW SALOON NOW OPEN
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 02, 1901
William Henry and James Chessen Sr. have opened a new saloon at East Alton, and are moving the saloon building to the west side of the Henry store.

 

PLANS FOR EAST ALTON DEPOT ACCEPTED
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 17, 1902
Plans for the Big Four East Alton Depot have been accepted by the Big Four, and it is said that work of construction will be started soon. The plans adopted show a neat little structure, which will be both convenient and comfortable, and will furnish cozy quarters for Agent R. D. Patton and is East Alton office force. The baggage room will be detached from the main building, and will be connected by a shed. The Big Four is now relaying the tracks in its East Alton yards, preparatory to installing a complete new interlocking plant there. An electric power plant is being built now, which will furnish power to operate the electric systems controlling the interlocking plant from East Alton to Venice, along the double track system.

 

THE WOOD RIVER FLOODS –
DEVASTATES TEN THOUSAND ACRES OF LAND
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 30, 1902
The Wood River's work on June 29, 1902, will long be remembered as the worst rampage that stream ever went upon. It is estimated that ten thousand acres of land on both sides of the river, covering a strip a mile or more in width on each bank, was laid waste. Thousands of acres were denuded of their wheat crops. The wheat was standing in the fields after the harvest and the shocks fell easy prey to the torrent that was sweeping down the Wood River valley.

The Wood River, ordinarily a peaceful stream, converted into a destroying torrent by the thirty-six hours continual downpour of rain, rose out of its banks Saturday night, spread over the rich low-lying farms and rose eighteen inches higher than ever before known. Water stood in East Alton avenue eighteen inches deeper than ever before known, and three feet of sand was deposited in the main street by the flood. Barns and other buildings were washed away. At one time the men of the village went out to the Big Four embankment, south of the town, and cut it through to allow the water to escape. A trestle formerly allowed the water to flow off there, but the railroads put in two 30-inch drain tiles and supposed that would carry the water. The drains did not work fast enough, and East Alton people will sue the Big Four for obstructing a water course and backing the water into their village.

At Chessen's, Clark's and other stores in the vicinity of East Alton Avenue, water stood in buildings at a depth of two feet, and people carried their goods from the buildings. A barn belonging to William Henry was floated off, and in it were three tramps who had taken refuge there from the storm. The barn was carried down in the whirl of waters, finally lodging down the river. The tramps screamed for help, but none could be given them and they stayed in the barn until the flood subsided.

The Big Four, Chicago and Alton, Bluff Line and Illinois Terminal suffered heavily. The damage of the Big Four was the worst. Three miles of track was washed out, bridges were wrecked and the road was impassable. Orders were sent out for every section man west of Terre Haute to go to East Alton and assist in repairing the track. Four work trains were put to work and 500 men. Both main line and branch were washed out, and not a train passed over the Big Four Sunday. At the Job farm, four horses and 20 head of cattle were drowned, and five horses escaping from the torrent were mired in quicksands. The five horses were rescued about noon after hard work by a big party of men who gathered to help them.

The powder works was inundated and much damage was done there. In some of the new buildings constructed there, the floors were forced up by the water, and the floors were flooded to a depth of three feet. The watchmen were penned up in the second stories of the buildings and had to stay there until the water subsided.

The plant of the Stoneware Pipe Company at East Alton was destroyed by fire as the direct result of the flood. The loss is $40,000 on this building alone. The plant consisted of a three-story brick building, 80x120 feet, which was surrounded by large kilns, ten of them, for burning tile. These kilns were in operation and in No. 4 the last heat was being put on to glaze the pipe. At that time, the Wood River came up and flooded the place. Water filled the underground cut leading from the kiln to the chimney and cut off the escape of vapor in the kiln. Steam generated by the water coming in contact with the hot kiln filled the place, and an explosion occurred which drove flames out of the kiln and set fire to the main building. The machinery and building are totally destroyed. The loss is covered by insurance.

The C. B. & Q. station was carried away, switch-stands were snapped off and buildings overturned by the swirl of waters in the mad torrent. The flood subsided about noon Sunday and the farmers began counting up their losses. Charley Ferguson, East Alton's postmaster, lost everything in his fields. Joshua Frankfort also suffered total loss. Wheat from all the fields choked the natural water courses and dammed up the water worse than it would have been. Wheat was carried down the Mississippi to St. Louis, and the surface of the river there was covered with floating sheaves. The Reuter brothers lost about $9,000 worth of wheat and many others lost nearly as heavily. Along the Wood River Bottoms, there will be great losses resulting from destruction of corn and the wetting of wheat not carried off by the flood. One tinner says he got 45 different telephone calls Sunday to repair leaky roofs. Other tinners got numerous calls also. The village of Wanda is under water, and hundreds of acres of growing melons and other garden truck are covered with water and mud.

 

EAST ALTON - POSSE CHASES ROBBERS
Source: Auburn, New York Weekly Bulletin, April 21, 1903
Edwardsville, IllInois, April 21. - Rural telephone service made It possible for two farmers to call an armed posse in a short time to hunt down thieves who had plundered their farmhouses, and after a chase two suspects were overtaken in a buggy. In the fight that followed Frank Charles of Mobile, Alabama, one of the supposed robbers, was fatally wounded by Charles Glass, a farmer. The other man left the buggy when his companion was shot and escaped after the posse had followed him three miles. Charles Glass and Henry Hendricks were the men whose houses had been entered. When they discovered their loss, they immediately notified the nearest constable and their neighbors, who responded at once, all heavily armed. Among the things stolen was a tent. It was known the raiders had escaped in a buggy, and the trail was a hot one. The posse overtook a buggy, on the outside of which a tent was strapped. There were two men in the vehicle. They were ordered to surrender, but laughingly refused to do so. Glass removed a shotgun from the buggy and one of the pair drew a revolver and fired at Constable L. J. Lawrence of East Alton, who returned the fire. Neither shot was effective. Glass then fired the shotgun and struck the man in the buggy in the jaw. The other man then escaped.

Alton Evening Telegraph, April 21, 1903
In speaking of the robber wounded by Constable Jack Lawrence of East Alton, near Wanda Sunday, and who was taken to the county hospital at Edwardsville for treatment, the Intelligencer of that place says: "The greater part of his lower jaw was carried away cleanly by the charge of shot and the throat was torn. There is scarcely and support for the tongue, and the man's condition is regarded as dangerous. That view of it is not taken by him, however. At 10 o'clock this morning he surprised Superintendent John Ost by demanding the morning papers. Then he got out of bed and rolled a cigarette, and although he has scarcely enough of a mouth to handle the latter, seemed to get some enjoyment out of it. He is described as the gamest patient in the hospital. The man's identity is not clear. Last night when he could not talk, he replied to questions as to who he was by scrawling on a sheet of paper, "Frank Charles, Mobile, Ala., age 19 years." Later he told the doctor his name was James Edward, but the initials tattooed on his arm are "J. I. B."

Alton Evening Telegraph, April 24, 1903
Frank Charles, the robber dangerously wounded last Sunday by Constable Jack Lawrence of East Alton, is recovering at the county hospital and Sheriff Crowe will remove him to the sick ward in the county jail. The wounded man says his name is not "Charles," but that no one will ever know his real name. He says he is a "black sheep," and that his family will never know how black.

[NOTES: Charles Glass and Henry Hendricks were well-known farmers who lived south of East Alton, off of the Old St. Louis Road. The robbers fled south, and were overtaken near Wanda, in the Hartford area. I could find no further information on Frank Charles, the robber who was shot, or on the robber that got away. He was probably never caught.]

 

NEW ADDITION TO EAST ALTON - NIAGARA
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 16, 1904
Messrs. Long and Swift have just surveyed and platted for Hon. Zephaniah B. Job another addition to East Alton, which Mr. Job has christened Niagara, in honor of the falls in Wood River over the powder mills dam. The addition is directly east of the Wood River bridge on the Milton Road, and extends eastward two blocks. There are 35 lots in the tract.

 

NEW SHOVEL FACTORY AT EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 27, 1904
The construction of the Charles Beall Shovel factory at East Alton is progressing rapidly and another whistle of industry will be soon calling men to work in this vicinity.

 

THREE EAST ALTONIANS BADLY FRIGHTENED BY PANTHER
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 12, 1904
Friday night Herman Schultze, John Farris, and Dan Scott, three well known residents of East Alton, went on a possum hunt in the Wood River Bottoms, and the hunt was pretty much like other hunts of that kind until about 1 o'clock this morning. They were in Bradley's woods, back of the powder mills, when they were startled at first and then panic stricken by a series of yells that came apparently, now from above their heads, now from the underbrush beside them, and occasionally from the path in front. The screams and cries are described as being of the most blood curdling character, and at first the men thought some woman was being killed, as the voice sounded like that of a woman in the greatest of agony. Then it dawned upon them that the noise was caused by a panther or a wild cat, as did the fact that the animal, or whatever it was, was approaching them and they stampeded. They did not know which way was safety; they only knew they wanted to get away from those cries and they ran in any direction. They became separated from each other in their flight, and each lost his way. Just how many miles they ran during the hours between the beginning of their panic and daylight cannot be estimated they say, but they are satisfied that if daylight had postponed its coming a little longer, they would have made a century run. As soon as it became light enough to see, the frightened men found their way out of the woods and returned to their homes in an exhausted condition. A party will be formed and a hunt made for the sound maker, which is believed to be either a wild cat or the Indian Creek panther.

 

NEW HOUSE IN SILVER RIDGE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 26, 1909
O. W. Foster is moving into his newly completed residence in Silver Ridge.

 

BUILDING BOOM IN SILVER RIDGE ADDITION
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, December 02, 1909
Silver Ridge addition to East Alton is in the midst of quite a building boom, and bids to be the most thickly populated part of East Alton within a few years. Houses are now being built for Charles Chessen, Ed Doerr, Ed Walls, Frank Eudy, and Jesse Jones. Houses have just been completed for Lee Bracken and Ed Doerr in that addition. Mr. Doerr has finished three houses.

 

RECORD FILED FOR THE NEW TOWN OF BLINN
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, January 25, 1910
The record for the new town of Blinn, east of Silver Ridge addition to East Alton, was filed with the county clerk yesterday, and the lots in the new place will be put on the market at once. The property is part of the Job estate, and will be in charge of Joseph Heins, who will act as agent. One house has been started there by Charles Glass, the ground being broken yesterday, and others will be started within a few weeks. The lots are 50 feet by 130 deep, and are all fronted with a four foot concrete walk.

 

SILVER RIDGE MAY BE ANNEXED TO EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 23, 1910
There is considerable talk of the annexation of Silver Ridge addition to East Alton. It is known that East Alton and the residents of the addition are willing for the annexation, and it is probably that petitions for the annexation will be circulated soon.

 

NEW HOUSE IN BLINN
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 18, 1910
Charles Glass has started the construction of a new house in his property in Blinn. This is the fourth house to be started in Blinn.

 

MINING TOOL FACTORY DESTROYED BY FIRE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 29, 1910
The Beall Bros. Mining Tool Factory at East Alton was completely destroyed by fire this afternoon. The fire started at 3 o'clock and within a half hour the entire plant was destroyed. It was said that the fire got out from under the furnace and mounted up to the roof. With inadequate firefighting equipment, the plant was soon destroyed. James Gleason was badly hurt by the roof falling on him. The destruction of the plant by fire is the second heavy loss the firm has suffered in the past six months. The loss may be near to $75,000. At the late hour the fire was discovered it was impossible to ascertain about the insurance.

The whole of East Alton was turned out to fight the fire, but could do little. The plant employed about 75 men, and was rushed with orders. The destroyed plant was a large frame building, and an addition to it was just about finished. The destruction was quick. The buildings housed costly machinery, all of which will be badly damaged. Mayor Beall said this afternoon that he did not know of the fire until it was over, as he was at a barber shop being shaved. He estimated that $75,000 would not cover the loss if the destruction was as complete as he was told.

NOTES:
In 1872, Edmond Beall and his brother, Charles, founded Beall Brothers Mining Tool Company in Alton, to manufacture mining tools. With continued expansion, the company was incorporated in 1900, with Charles Beall as president. In 1904, Charles Beall founded his own company in East Alton, C. L. Beall Manufacturing Company, which produced a variety of tools. The plant was destroyed by fire in 1910, and rebuilt. This company was sold in 1917 to Hubbard & Co. of Pittsburgh. The company was sold to Mark D. Speciale in 1984, and was then named Beall Manufacturing Inc.

 

EXPLOSION AT EQUITABLE POWDER COMPANY
Henry Miller Killed
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 19, 1914
The glazing mill at the plant of the Equitable Powder Co. at East Alton exploded Wednesday evening with a shock that was felt for one hundred miles. Within a distance of fifteen to twenty miles the shock was so violent that in many places in the eastern part of Madison County it was believed that the explosion was close at hand. In East Alton there was a general smashing of glass windows and there was wild consternation when the mill went off.

The violence of the explosion indicated at once that it was the glaze mill that had gone off. The glaze mill consists of ten huge barrels in which powder is polished, the final process of preparing it for market. These barrels have a capacity of about 1,500 pounds of powder each, and there are ten of them. The whole battery of barrels exploded. The system of polishing powder is regarded as rather dangerous, though every precaution is taken. The friction that would be caused that might produce an explosion is minimized by the use of graphite, which is poured into the powder and is afterward sifted out when it has served its purpose. It was in this department that the explosion occurred. The building was about 25x80 feet, constructed of wood with sheet iron covering and resting on concrete foundations. The night inspector, Henry Miller, aged 56, had just started on his rounds. He had reached the glaze mill, lantern in hand, and it is supposed he had just entered the door to investigate the temperature of the bearings on the machines, when the explosion occurred. Search was immediately made for Miller, but no vestige of him could be found, and it was concluded that he had been blown to pieces. The building containing the machinery had been blown to the winds, and even the concrete foundations were wrecked by the discharge of near eight tons of high efficiency powder.

The shockwave was plainly felt all over Alton, and everywhere inhabitants of Alton thought that there had been a sudden shockwave very close to them. Down on Second Street [Broadway] a policeman and a gang of men made a rush for the site of the destroyed Stanard-Tilton elevator, thinking that it had taken place there. The echo rebounding from the tall grain tanks had given the effect of a local blast being fired.

In East Alton there was general terror. The crashing of falling glass made the first impression in the minds of those nearby, that a terrific earthquake was on. Large plate glass windows in the village of East Alton were smashed, though the glaze mill is almost two miles from the village, and is close to the eastern line of the insane hospital site [Alton State Hospital].

After the explosion, a search was undertaken to find the missing attendant who had been blow up. Though a search was continued until late into the night for fragments of his body, none could be found. It was officially stated today by the powder company that the loss to the company, exclusive of the powder, which was not counted, would be in the neighborhood of $5,000. The pieces of the building and machinery, almost all of them small, were about 900 to 1,000 feet. The explosion will cause no interruption of the manufacture of powder, as the company keeps duplicate departments and when one shuts down the other is started up.

This morning at daybreak the searchers for the remains of Henry Miller succeeded in finding small pieces of the arm bones 200 feet away from the mill. Scattered fragments of the body were found at distances from a quarter to a half mile away, and it was said that some of the clothing was picked up on the James Ferguson farm, over across the Big Four railroad track. Coroner's Undertaker, John Berner, went out this morning and superintended the picking up of the remains, which he deposited in a sack and put in his undertaking wagon. An inquest will be held.

This morning a committee of Ed James and Mr. Berner went around in East Alton, stopping at every place to see what windows were broken and offered to replace the windows. About one fourth of the windows in East Alton were broken, and some large plate glass windows in business houses.

Mrs. Rebecca English, 74 years old, of Worden, Illinois, about 30 miles east of Alton, dropped dead when the force of the powder explosion shook the home. She was a widow, living with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George Chapman, and had been in feeble health for some time. She was alone in the sitting room when the explosion shook the house. When other members of the family who had left her for a moment immediately went into the sitting room, [the rest of the article was unreadable].

NOTES:
Rebecca English was the wife of Joseph English. They had four children: Sarah Isabella English Crabtree (1858-1920); Hannah Louisa English Albrecht (1859-1947); Mary English Chapman (1865-1935); and Joseph D. English (1868-1945). Rebecca was buried in the Worden Village Cemetery.

 

FIVE MEN DIE WHEN PRESS BLOWS UP AT POWDER WORKS
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 1, 1915
James Colburn, Louis Murphy, Elmer Kortkamp, Gus Volz and Clyde Davis were killed instantly at nine o'clock this morning when the press house at the Equitable Powder Co. at East Alton exploded from a cause which at present is entirely unknown. The shock was felt at Mattoon, 100 miles away, and hundreds of windows in East Alton were shattered by the explosion. The five men who were at work in the place at the time of the accident were blown into many pieces, and their bodies were scattered for a distance of several hundred yards about the place. According to the officials of the company, this is the first time in the twenty-four years of the company's history that the press house has been destroyed. The men in the house went to work as usual at seven o'clock this morning and everything was running smoothly as ever. Some of the men in the employ of the company who were in the building but a few minutes before the explosion reported at the office shortly after that everything was running in perfect condition when they left the building. It is likely that the cause of the accident will never be known. The press house is a frame building fifty by twenty-five feet containing a single hydraulic press, which is used in the manufacture of blasting powder. The grain powder is placed between the leaves of the press where it is put under several tons of pressure and pressed into blocks twenty-four by twenty-four inches, and one inch thick. At this time of the year the hydraulic press is operated with oil instead of water, and this burning oil was scattered over the grounds, causing small fires among the leaves in various sections. Orders were given to all the employees at once to keep outsiders out of the yards. Hardly had the sound of the explosion and the smoke died away before hundreds of people from East Alton, who had relatives at work in the plant, rushed to the gates to find out what had become of them. Some of these people when they were refused admittance walked nervously up and down the track looking for a chance to get into the grounds, but they found none. It soon became generally known on the outside of the plant which of the buildings had been destroyed, and as fast as this became known the people acquainted with the workings of the plant knew what men had gone to work there at seven o'clock this morning and therefore who had been killed.

After the explosion and the small fires had been extinguished, a party of men were put to work searching for parts of the bodies of the men who had been injured in the accident. A trunk and head of a man which was later identified as that of Colburn was found across the Wood River several hundred yards from the explosion where it had been thrown. One arm was still on the trunk of the body, although all the clothing had been torn off. The body was identified by a stiff finger. This is the first explosion which has occurred at the plant since the state insane hospital at Alton was started, and there was some interest as to how this would be affected. A report from the hospital this morning indicated that no damage whatever had been done there. Officials in charge said that the shock had been felt, but not a window had been broken and no damage had been done. Windows in nearly every third house in East Alton were broken. All the windows in the powder works hotel were broken out and one of the front walls in the Beall factory at East Alton was damaged.

Clyde Davis is 22 years of age and unmarried. He boarded at the home of Mrs. William Crawford on Church Street in East Alton. Louis Murphy is 28 years of age, is married and has two small children. He lives in East Alton. Mrs. Murphy rushed to the powder works on hearing of the explosion and fainted on the grounds and had to be brought back in an automobile and put under the care of a physician. Elmer Kortkamp is 23 years of age. He is single and has been living with his widowed mother, Mrs. John Kortkamp in East Alton, and is her sole support. Gus Volz is __ years of age, and has a wife and one child. He is said to be known as Miller, and came in East Alton from Ohio. J. A. Colburn, superintendent, is about 50 years of age. He came to East Alton about seven years ago from Connecticut, and is a high salaried, first class powder expert. He has been in that business all his life. He made a high salary and lived in a handsome home in Blinn, which he and his wife had built about a year ago. They have one grown son, Nordell Colburn, who is a telegraph operator at Alexandria, L.

Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, April 2, 1915
Nine persons, it is said, have been killed in the Equitable Powder works at East Alton since it was built about twenty-five years ago. The number is small considering the hazard of the occupation. Two were killed in the Western Cartridge works in the fulminate department. Yesterday's explosion was the worst for the number of men killed. On one other time, three were killed at once, and that was in 1892 when William Rodgers, Thomas Keffer, and Henry Ragus were killed in the press. Yesterday's explosion was the second explosion in the press. Later on, John Voss and George Scott were killed together in the corning mill, then Frank Newhause was killed in the wheelhouse, Charles McGinnis in the glaze room, Jeff Bright, East Alton councilman, in the corning mill, and Henry Miller in the glaze room. Harry Mills was the first killed in the fulminating department, and Mr. Beachey was the second killed there.

 

WAR HORSES STAMPEDE DUE TO STORM
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 11, 1915
It was a wild night after the storm in the vicinity of the Bowman stockyards near East Alton, where 7,200 horses belonging to the British Commission, bought for use in the army in France, escaped from the stockyards Thursday night before midnight. The horses romped over the whole country, terrifying people, delaying trains, and in at least one case, caused personal injuries. Herman Wuestenfeldt, who was returning home from Alton after being out on the Elks excursion, sustained fractures of three ribs when the horses coming down the road encountered the automobile in which Wuestenfeldt was carrying Nola, William, Gussie and Loretto Carstens. Eight of the horses were killed by a fast freight train on the Chicago & Alton, two were shot to admit of the Midnight Special passing on, after a delay of more than one hour. Hundreds of the horses were penned up by property owners who will have damage claims against the stock. Some of the stock was recaptured during the night, but the most of them were not found until during the day. The cause of the stampede is not quite certain. It was said at the stockyards this morning that nothing definite was known about it, and that an investigation would be made.

The village of Wood River suffered heavily from damage done to young trees which were set out last year along the streets. The horses, after escaping from the corral, did not run very far. They are all well broken animals, and tractable, and after the first burst of speed on regaining freedom, the animals settled down to grazing along the roads, on lawns, in fields and many of them took to the railroad tracks. The whole country was overrun with animals that are destined for slaughter on the battlefields of Europe.

APPRAISEMENT OF DAMAGES FROM STAMPEDE FINISHED
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, June 23, 1915
The commissions which made the tour settling claims filed by landowners and tenants for damage to crops after the stampede of the horses from the stockyard on the Bowman farm near East Alton, have completed their work and they have settled with all but one claimant, it is said. That one claimant was offered $65 for his loss, and he demanded $500. The difference was so great that no settlement was made with him. Some of the farmers, the Telegraph is informed, are preparing to file additional claims against the keepers of the stock on the grounds, they claim, that the shipping fever from which the horses suffered was spread about among the livestock on the farms where the stampeded horses took refuge. Whether or not a suit could be maintained against anyone whose horses gave a sickness to the horses of the claimant is a question of doubt. If there is any precedent for such a claim, it would probably be hard to find, it is believed by stock-raisers. It is cited that no one can sue for damages if he contracts a disease from another person. It is therefore believed by some horse owners that if there is any instances of the shipping fever being spread in the country, it would be hard to get such a claim established.

The stampede which occurred at the Bowman horse farm east of the city some time ago, will not affect the number of horses which are to be kept at the barns there, according to information received by the Telegraph. Plans are under way at present for increasing the yards and making a roof to care for many more horses. A gang of one hundred men have been put to work on the farm, building more fences and new runs for the horses. The barns which have been erected will serve the purpose of caring for the extra horses which are to be kept at the farm, because the weather will be warm enough for some time to make shelter unnecessary. How much it has cost to secure the return of the horses and how much money they have paid out in damages will probably never be known. It is understood that the sum was enormous, but the officers at the farm are making efforts to keep it from being made public. Rewards were paid for the return of many of the horses. All but six horses have been accounted for. A compilation of the sums of horses brought in after the recent stampede at the corral because of the lightning storm of ten days ago, shows that only thirty-two are yet out. Of this sum, 25 were killed by trains or died from over eating. One of the missing horses is now in the Gus Burjes pasture in Moro. Mr. Burjes found the horse in the pasture yesterday when he went out to look at his stock, and promptly notified the barn. The work of the cowboy riders has been completed, and most of them have gone back to the East St. Louis stockyards. They did good work, and proved very effective rounders of horses, doing much better work than the inexperienced men who were assigned to the job.

 

WILL REOPEN STOCK YARDS FOR ARMY USE
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 28, 1917
The East Alton stockyards will come back again in full swing. Preparations are now being made for the care of more horses than ever at the East Alton stockyards for the French and English. The stockyards have been practically deserted for the past year, and only a few of the horses which were left ill at the time of the last shipment out was made, have been at the stockyards. The rest of the ground was rented out to R. J. Hoeckstra, a farmer, who has been living there and has been tilling the land. Hoeckstra has received notice to cut his corn and stop his fall sowing and vacate as soon as possible. This is worrying Hoeckstra to some extent, as he says he has no place to go, but he must obey the orders to make way for improvements. The fences are being rebuilt and many of the sheds on which the roofs were worn are being recovered. Next Monday a shipment of several hundred horses is expected over the Big Four. Orders have been given that all trains routed to East Alton with horses should reach East Alton by daylight, so that they may be unloaded in the daytime. On account of the many accidents to horses which happened when unloading was done in the night. This possibility will be avoided under the new ruling and much better care will be taken of the horses. Probably five or ten thousand horses will be accommodated at the stock yards this winter, and all the pens and buildings are being enlarged for this purpose. Dr. Ed Enos has been in charge since the British and French officers left about a year ago, and he will probably continue in some official capacity at the stockyards. Orders have been given for the employment of a large number of men for caring for the horses.

 

24 HOURS OF RAIN CAUSES LEVEE TO BREAK –
WOOD RIVER FLOODS EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 21, 1915
The Wood River's very worst rampage was the one that followed and attended a rain of 24 hours duration, and reached its climax Friday afternoon about 4 o'clock. The breaking of the costly drainage district levee that cost over $100,000 so far, was the most disastrous feature of the flood. The levee system worked fine up to and far beyond a stage of water ever know in the Wood River valley before, but the effectiveness of the levee system ended.

Down at the lower end the channel of Wood River has not been straightened out. The water still piled up in the huge reverse bends of the stream that winds like a huge snakelike scar through the earth, making a tortuous channel which delays and holds back and piles up the water, destroying the efficiency of the straightened channel farther up. It was only when the volume of water racing down the channel became more than the winding channel below could take care of, that the flood piled up, leaped through the levee of the drainage district and then came disaster.

The plants of the Western Cartridge Company and the Equitable Powder Company were put out of business. Men fled for their lives before a tidal wave of water that swept out of the dammed-up course of the Wood River, and poured down into the lower lands the levee had been built to protect. About 4 o'clock the girls working in the Cartridge Plant were told to go home, as it was feared that the water would come over the levee, and that there would be great difficulty in getting so many people out. The men who were willing to stay were told to do so and aid in getting property up where it could not be wet. The gang of men were working hard and doing good work when the factory whistle was sounded as the warning for everybody to run, and they ran. They got out in time to save themselves.

When the water poured through the first break in the levee, it came as a huge wall which broke against the high board fence surrounding the grounds. The fence went down, the wall of water rolled over and, in a tumbling, destroying torrent, filled up the lower lands where was situated the factories of the Western Cartridge Company, and flooded the office building. The loss entailed by the water going into the Cartridge Plant will be immense. The waters seized upon large quantities of materials and carried them off with a rush down toward the river. Lying loose in the yards were hundreds of the great glass carnoys in which sulfuric acid is contained, and there were piles of lumber and much other material, all of which was borne on the crest of the flood in a mighty jam that went off downstream. The current was terrific. No skiff could be driven against that stream at its full. Power boats would have been in danger in the boiling, surging torrent that piled down toward the Mississippi, destroying all in its path. The stream took its course through the village of East Alton, spreading out to Benbow City on the one side, and as far as East End place in Alton on the other.

Much railroad track was washed out. Not a line was left intact across the Wood River district, and Alton was entirely cut off from railroad communication to the south. The last train that went over the c. & A. tracks was the Prairie State Express, which went down at 5:30 p.m. The last train on the Big Four was the plug, which came in about 6 o'clock. Then the tracks were covered, the bridges over the Wood River were menaced, the chances appeared too great for a train to cross. Then the track began washing out. The interurban cars were shut off at 6 o'clock, and all service annulled. The Big Four annulled its trains on the old main line this side of Hillsboro because of the flood. The Flyer tried to get through, but failed. It got as far as East Alton and went over to the station. Then it was to have backed down to a cross over and go on to the C. & A. tracks and take the cutoff route to Godfrey, and thence to Alton, as the earlier C. & A. did, arriving here after 7 o'clock. However, while the Flyer was at East Alton, the track washed out behind her and was already washed out in front, and there the train had to stick. The passengers were given lodging in East Alton homes and at the village hall.

The seventy-five Altonians who spent the night on the Big Four Flyer kept things interesting. When some of the members of the party were certain that all of the ladies aboard the train had been cared for in the hotels of East Alton, and there were no prospects of rest on the Flyer on account of the uncomfortable sleeping accommodations, they proceeded to enjoy the night. Many played cards, but the majority spent the time singing sons. there was little sleep on the train. This morning the party left the train and were rowed to C. & A. cutoff in skiffs, and then walked to a street car in Upper Alton.

In East Alton was the center of excitement during the flood of Wood River. Mayor Henry Eckhardt became alarmed about 4 o'clock, and he telephoned his daughter, Miss Elinore Eckhardt, to go and warn the people in the threatened district that the levee was about to break. She did so, and the people were ready for it when the catastrophe did occur. Some families did not get out of their houses in time in the levee district at East Alton, and had to be assisted out. Telephone messages were sent for skiffs and proper boats, but the boats that were available were snapped up quickly for rescue work.

The water, when it overflowed and went into the Cartridge Works grounds, got into the buildings to a depth of three or four feet, according to their elevation. The basement and first floor of the office building were flooded too. All night F. W. Olin and his sons, John and Franklin, were on the ground, and they returned home this morning. Skiffs had been rushed out from Alton to do what could be done, but it was little. The water had effectually damaged everything it touched, and naturally there is much of the company's stock that is subject to water damage.

The water ran down through East Alton and got into the grounds of the Standard Oil Company Refinery, and there it stood at such a depth that it was necessary to shut down the whole plant, the fires being put out in the stills and passage about the grounds being impossible because of the depth of water covering the grounds.

There was great fear in East Alton that some of the buildings in the worst flooded part would be collapsed by the water undermining the foundations, as it did ten years ago when Wood River went on her last destructive rampage. The people in the houses which were threatened were taken in by their more fortunate neighbors, and everybody was doing what could be done to relieve distress. On every side in East Alton was the wild tumbling waste of water that had a menacing look for everything that it came in contact with. The Beall plant was not caught in the flood, and the men were saved from being driven from their work.

At the Cartridge Works, only one person, George Eckhardt, a son of Mayor Eckhardt, was left through a misunderstanding, and he climbed on top of the concrete roof of the machine shop and called for help. Efforts to rescue him could not be made immediately because there were no boats to be secured. The only boat known was a steel boat which was locked up in one of the sheds at the Cartridge Plant and could not be got. Finally, E. Hill, an East Alton boy, came forward and offered a small, unstable canvass boat. It served the purpose in a pinch, however, and in this boat, men rowed to the Western Cartridge plant and got out the large steel boat. Eckhardt's son was then rescued, and the rescue work was carried further to the Powder Works Hotel, where the Apple family marooned by the water were taken out and brought to town. Then the Russell family in the lowland near the C. B. & Q. station were rescued and several other families.

George Barber was the only man employed on the construction gang at the new State Hospital who was able to return to his family in Alton last night. The other fifty workmen remained at the farm and spent the night. When they went to work yesterday morning the stream was little more than a foot in depth and was very meek looking. By evening, the stream had covered the railroad tracks and tipped the track on one of the bridges on end. Barber held onto the higher end of this track with an iron hook, and walked on the lower rail. Several times his head went under in the swift current, and the men watching him believed that he would be drowned, but each time he recovered and continued on his trip over the mad stream.

Shortly before midnight last night, an appeal came to the police station for help in the eastern part of the city. Two skiffs were placed on a stake wagon and hurried to that section at once. Night Captain John Nixon and E. L. Rose took charge of the rescue work. Here the police found that one family containing a woman and her four children were in the attic of their home with the water threatening them every minute. These were quickly taken to safety. Another case faced the police. In this home was a family with the smallpox. They demanded to be taken from the home. After looking over the situation, the night captain decided that it would be safe to allow the family to remain in the house if the water did not come up over 18 inches more. Two men were left in charge of the skiff with the orders that the family with the smallpox be rescued if the water rose eighteen inches more. The water did not rise this much, however, and the family was left in their home.

After passing through the yards of the Powder Mill, the water rushed through the streets of East Alton at the depth varying from five to seven feet, and thence down the St. Louis Road to Benbow City, which was also submerged, and then the river joined the waters of the Mississippi. Many of the people left their homes and places of business last evening, fearing that they would be washed away by the waters. According to measurements made by some of the residents of East Alton, the water was forty inches deeper than it was in the flood of 1903. The East Alton wagon bridge, and the three C. B. & Q. railroad bridges in the vicinity of East Alton were down. East Alton was shut off this morning without any break or meat. They are supplied from Alton, and none of the Alton merchants were able to get these supplies to the city this morning.

The Kulp (Culp) levee was the first to give away. This levee which has been constructed in the vicinity of Bethalto gave away yesterday afternoon at two o'clock. Word was sent at once to the Cartridge Plant that this levee had broken. It was then that the men in charge realized they had little chance of saving the East Alton levee. All of the girls and women were sent home, and the men were put to work moving goods from the flood. In the loading room of the Cartridge Plant, all of the machinery with the exception of a single motor was saved. The men carried all of the machinery to the third floor of the building, and some of them had to wade out when the water was over waist deep about the yard. All of the other buildings, including the storage room and the metallic department, were covered to the depth of three or four feet by the flood. In the metallic department a large part of the machinery will be seriously damaged by the flood.

With the seven hundred employees of the Western Cartridge Company not working, and the hundreds of spectators from this vicinity who made the trip to see the flood, the streets of East Alton were crowded this morning. The water, still to the depth of several feet, under the viaduct and along the St. Louis road, but there was no current and the sidewalks were cleared. The damage to the Jones and the Clow grocery store had been figured and they were again open for business. The demand for bread was heavy, and this afternoon the A., B. & C. Company of Alton sent a truck load with a skiff for the city still marooned. The truck carried the bread and skiff as far as the water, and then the skiff was used to take the bread into the town.

Ed Hauser had a trying experience this morning while driving the Central Brewing wagon from Wood River to East Alton. His horses became mired in the water and mud south of East Alton, and for a time it looked as if they would be lost. Several kegs of beer rolled from the wagon, but the outfit was rescued by the men standing about the streets. Hy. Hines was caught in the same place and came near losing his life. People standing on the main streets saw two men attempt to go under the viaduct on horseback. The horse with the man in the lead encountered a step-off that was several feet deep, and both horse and rider were forced to swim to safety. The other rider turned back.

The flood was subsiding rather slower today than was hoped for. Such a tremendous volume of water had to come down, that while Wood River went down considerably, it did not leave the streets of East Alton nor drain the territory between there and the village of Wood River as fast as would have been satisfactory to everybody.

The East Alton wagon bridge was badly damaged, and a number of the planks and some of the woodwork has been torn away. The C. B. & Q. bridge at East Alton has been twisted around so that it will be impossible for a passenger train to make the trip over it. Two other bridges on the C. B. & Q. are washed out between East Alton and Woods Station.

Sidewalks were torn up, a part of the C. B. & Q. platform was washed away, some of the smaller buildings in the Cartridge Plant were turned around on their foundations, and a number of others were washed away entirely. The Big Four track suffered greatly from the flood. Every few feet the roadbed is washed away so that four or five ties were without support, and at places there are stretches of track three hundred feet in length which have been washed away. The Parks buildings damaged and the harness shop of H. H. Wenges suffered greatly from the flood.

Extra freight train number 364 of the Big Four railroad went into a ditch in the vicinity of Wann. The train was composed of an engine and five cars. When it was seen that it would be impossible to go father and the water was threatening them, they left the train before it tipped over.

Offers of work were made this afternoon by the officials of the Cartridge Company. All of their employees who desire to do laboring work can start tomorrow morning, helping to clear up the wreckage and get the plant back in operating condition.

ANOTHER EXPLOSION AT THE POWDER MILL
Source: Poughkeepsie, New York Daily Eagle, November 25, 1915
Two wheelhouses at the plant of the Equitable Powder Company, East Alton, blew up this afternoon. No one was hurt. The concussion was felt for 27 miles. Eight thousand pounds of powder were in the building. The cause of the explosion is not known. The Equitable Powder Company is making war supplies for the allies.

 

NEW ADDITION WILL BE CALLED BEN COOPER'S ADDITION
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, September 18, 1916
The new addition which will be subdivided and sold in lots on the Alton-Edwardsville Road will be known as the Ben Cooper addition. The property was purchased last week by Mr. Cooper, who says he will market it himself. Sixteen lots have already been sold, most of which are for building purposes. The property was formerly a part of the Fox farm.

 

JAMES CHESSEN BUYS V. F. WALDSCHMIDT STORE IN EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, March 03, 1917
The Landau Company of Alton, trustee for the creditors of the V. F. Waldschmidt store in East Alton, is rapidly selling out the stock and will soon vacate the building. They will turn the building over to its owner, James H. Chessen, who announces that it is for rent. The closing of the store marks the closing of the old stand which James H. Chessen conducted for many years and made a handsome profit out of it. Since Chessen left the place, it has changed hands frequently. The Clow Company held it the longest and for a while made money, but at last they too were obliged to give up the business and sell out. Waldschmidt took it from the last Clow proprietor, Jesse Clow, in exchange for a farm at Peoria, Illinois. Waldschmidt told people in East Alton he was beaten in the deal, and as he had gotten his Peoria farm off of his hands, he would move to another farm he owned in Wisconsin. He and his family have been gone for some time, and it is supposed that he is in Wisconsin, leaving his creditors to handle the business affairs alone.

 

SKELETON UNEARTHED IN OLD FIELD IN EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 20, 1917
The finding of a human skeleton in the ground that is being plowed up for lots in the Cooper and Hoehn addition to East Alton has aroused considerable interest in East Alton and vicinity. A few days ago, while Joseph Heins and Robert Kennedy were engaged in plowing up the ground to level it off for lots in the new addition, the plow share turned up the skull of a human being. The skull was perfect and gave indications of having lain only a few years. They dug farther down into the ground and found all the rest of the bones, which put together would make a perfect skeleton. The bones appear to be those of a woman, although that point is not positively established. Considerable speculation is rue as to how the skeleton got there. Whether it is the skeleton of someone murdered by his fellow man, or by the Indians who once tramped over the county, there is probably no way of finding out. The nearest cemetery is the Milton Cemetery, a mile away, and it is hardly probable that the skeleton could be that of a person buried in the Milton Cemetery.

 

TRENCH MORTAR PLANT BURNS AT WESTERN –
SHELLS FOR ALLIES BURN UP
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 8, 1918
The dry weather and a minor explosion at the Western Cartridge Co. caused a fire which resulted in the complete destruction of the trench mortar shell department at the Western Cartridge Co. this afternoon. The damage will run over $100,000, although a complete valuation of the property destroyed had not been made at a late hour this afternoon. Six frame buildings burned. There were five explosions, none of them large, and any one of which would have been of no consequence if it had occurred by itself. The department destroyed was originally the shotgun shell department. Recently it has been turned over to be used as the trench mortar shell department.

The Allies are badly in need of these shells, and orders were given to rush the work in this department. Fifty men and girls were working at the loading machines when one of the machines clogged. Half a second later there was an explosion. This was quickly followed by the fire which spread through the building so fast that the people fled without taking with them their coats or hats. Six buildings arranged in a semi-circle in the rear of the old office caught fire one at a time. The buildings that burned were the loading room, 125 by 40 feet; the box department, small; the box storage department, 75 by 50 feet; the paper box manufacturing department, small; the wad building and all of the stables; two powder magazines filled with powder. The heaviest loss was the eleven machines in the loading department. These are all there at the plant for the manufacture of the trench mortar shells. It will take considerable time to replace them. One hundred and fifty thousand mortar shells which had been accepted and passed and were to have been shipped to the Allied armies today were in the fire.

The employees of the plant turned out with buckets and hose to fight the fire. When it was seen that there was danger of the flames spreading to other departments, the Alton fire company was called out. Fire companies 1 and 3 were sent to East Alton and Chief William Feldwisch directed the efforts of the firefighters. Lieut. Jules Arturo and Lieut. Glastino, of the Italian army, helped with the firefighting. Arturo mounted one of the warehouses and with a handkerchief over his face he held the hose and fought off the flames until the Alton fire department arrived. He saved several thousands of dollars’ worth of explosives. The wind blew the fire away from the main part of the cartridge factory. It also scattered the fire into the outlying parts of the plants and small groups of men were kept busy fighting this with buckets of water.

Officials of the company said this afternoon that the explosion which caused the fire was of little consequence and nothing would have been thought of it had it not caused the fire. They said that this was the first time in the history of the plant that such an explosion had been the cause of a fire. They were inclined to believe that the hot weather and the dry conditions of the buildings were the cause of the fire. Officials refused to make any estimate of the damage, but it is understood that it will be more than $100,000. Only a very small part of that is covered by insurance. The wonder of the fire was that no one was injured. A large amount of explosives went up during the afternoon, but the fighting was conducted so that no one was allowed to get into any unnecessary danger.

 

CROWD ATTENDS BIG CELEBRATION
Marks Completion of Village's 2-Mile Paving Project
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, August 30, 1921
East Alton celebrated the completion of its two-mile paving project last night. Mayor Jameson, for the village, yesterday said East Alton would be host to the entire Alton district, and would care for the crowd, no matter how great it might be. Two blocks of the newly-paved street were turned over to dancers. No automobiles were permitted to be parked in that section, and when the street was swept and cleaned it made an admirable dancing floor. At one time 300 couples were dancing, presenting an unusual sight. The dancers were given full sway, no traffic being permitted in the two blocks. Two band concerts were given, one by the White Hussar Band and the other by the Western Cartridge Co. band. There was a special movie show. Members of the fire department were in charge of the refreshment stands. Cake, the product of East Alton ovens, was the big feature. East Alton gained a reputation for progressiveness by completing the big paving project, but last night East Alton gained a reputation for the cake baking ability of its housewives. Big cakes, little cakes, white cakes, pink cakes, all kinds of cakes were for sale. And all the cakes were good glorious examples of the pastry art. And for ten cents a great big slice was given. The firemen, dressed up in brand new blue shirts, with accompanying white ties, were in charge of the refreshment stands, and sold the cakes. Proceeds of the refreshment sales will go toward the fund to provide a truck for the fire department. The speakers included Mayor Jameson, former Mayor Cruse, and John D. McAdams of the Telegraph. Mayor Jameson quit the East Alton band long enough to make the opening speech. He welcomed everyone and urged them all to have a good time. He was followed by former Mayor Cruse, who thanked the members of the village council which voted with him to launch the paving project, he thanked and congratulated Mayor Jameson for carrying out the project and he thanked the people of East Alton for their cooperation. Mr. McAdams congratulated the people of East Alton upon the completion of the paved road. "When this project was brought up in the courts for confirmation, there was not a single objector. East Alton is to be congratulated," Mr. McAdams said. "But East Alton has done more than merely completed a big paving project and has done more than complete another link in the paved road to St. Louis. East Alton has carried out the spirit of public improvement. You have brought contentment and joy to people, who, when they use this road, will never know of the hardships you have endured that it might be a reality." Mr. McAdams then traced the local history of the automobile. "Fourteen years ago," he related, "there were seven automobiles in Alton and two in East Alton. John Vanpreter owned the first car in East Alton. It was a one-lung (one cylinder) International. It did not even have a horn, but it didn't need a horn because it made so much noise. Then James Chessen bought a car, a two-cylinder Buick. This car had a fine nickel-plated horn, but it is said that the horn did no good because you couldn't hear it, either. Now, 4,000 automobiles pass over this road every day. From 2 to 4,000 in 11 years is the growth of the automobile."

 

MASKED BANDITS HOLD UP EAST ALTON BANK
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 12, 1921
Four masked bandits at 10:30 a.m. today entered the Illinois State Bank at East Alton, tied one official and forced another to crawl under a table, and escaped with $8,000 in cash in an automobile, held in readiness by a fifth. H. V. Greene, cashier of the bank, estimated the amount taken at $8,000. He said the cash had not been checked up, and he could give no definite figure. All money in the bank, with the exception of a small amount of silver, was taken. The loss is covered by insurance with the Aetna Company.

The bandits were in a green automobile. Conflicting reports were heard as to the direction from which the men came. It was said at first that they came from the north and later it was said that the car was an Alton machine. The automobile came through the streets of East Alton at a rapid clip, it stopped in front of the bank and four men jumped out and went into the bank. Three men then pointed _________ [unreadable] the muzzles of the guns through the screen of the cage. One of the bandits came in back of the counter and soon was followed by the other three. Greene was ordered to crawl under a table. He hesitated, and was pushed under the table by one of the bandits. Larton was told to stand close to the wall. One of the bandits pulled the telephone loose and bound him with the wire. One of the bandits carried a wheat sack and in this all cash in sight was thrown. The safe and drawers were rifled. The bandits left checks, and threw aside some War Savings Stamps. Checks were strewn over the floor. The bandits left the bank hurriedly, one of them keeping the officials covered. They climbed into the automobile and sped away.

Posses scoured the surrounding country in search of the bandits. Police officials of surrounding towns and cities were notified to be on the lookout for the bandits. This afternoon no trace of the bandits had been found. The license number of the bandit's car was Missouri 213630. The bank was cleaned of all available funds by the bandits. A messenger was immediately dispatched to Alton to secure funds and at 12 o'clock, an hour and a half after the holdup, the first customer came in and the bank was again doing business. There were no bonds of large denomination in the bank. These are kept in vaults of Alton banks.

Mr. Greene, the cashier, was signing a bond when the bandits entered. Mr. Greene, who is an Alton man and who was formerly bookkeeper for the local agency of the Anheuser Busch Brewing Co. of St. Louis, described the holdup to a Telegraph reporter:

"I was standing right here signing this bond," Mr. Greene said and pointed to a bond on the counter. "One of the bandits shoved a gun at me through the screen there," and he pointed to the spot. "Two others covered Mr. Larton and me, while a fourth one came in back followed by the other three. I was commanded to get under the table and then shoved under. Mr. Larton was tied with the wire from the telephone not far from me. Then a sack was produced and the cash thrown into it."

The bandits left the bank, Mr. Greene said, still covering the officials. The bandits, Mr. Greene said, were all young men, and each, he said, seemed to weigh about 175 to 180 pounds. He expressed the belief that the bandits put on the masks after entering the bank and took them off before leaving.

East Alton was stirred by the robbery. The street in front of the bank, St. Louis Road, was crowded and the holdup was the chief topic of conversation. Many wild stories were in circulation, early reports having it that the two officials of the bank were slugged with the butts of revolvers, and that the amount stolen was $30,000, with many bonds included. The Illinois State Bank is the same institution at which a holdup was attempted in the summer of 1919. At that time bandits entered the bank and ordered the cashier, E. F. Zoernig, to throw up his hands. Zoernig, as related in the Telegraph at that time, dropped behind the counter and came up with a revolver in his hands. The bandits were scared off. The Illinois State Bank has a capital stock of $50,000. John M. Olin of the Western Cartridge Co. is president of the bank.
********

NOTE:
As far as I can tell, no one was ever caught for robbing the East Alton bank. The Illinois State Bank was established in 1904 as the Farmers Bank of Bethalto, and was located on West St. Louis Avenue in East Alton. In the 1920, the bank moved to the corner of West St. Louis Avenue and West Main Street. In 1996, the bank was acquired by Magna Bank. Today, Regions Bank occupies the property.

 

FIVE BANDITS GOT $7731 IN BANK AT EAST ALTON
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, November 14, 1921
Search up to noon today had failed to reveal a trace of the five bandits who last Saturday held up and robbed the Illinois State Bank at East Alton. After a daring holdup of officials, the bandits made their escape in a green Essex automobile, bearing a Missouri license tag. The bandits' automobile was seen passing through Wood River and was later sighted on the detour road at Mitchell, headed in the direction of Edwardsville. Although several posses prosecuted the search, and police of cities and towns for many miles around were notified to be on the lookout, the car was not seen after that. The bandits, H. V. Greene, the bank's cashier, said Saturday, were young men, all of them well built. He expressed the opinion that each weighed about 170 or 180 pounds. Four of the bandits entered the bank, and after forcing Mr. Greene to crawl under a table, and tying M. W. Larton, assistant cashier, with wire from a telephone which they tore loose from the wall, placed all cash in sight in a sack, and made their escape in the automobile held in waiting by a fifth. The four who entered the bank were marked. It was said today at the bank that the amount taken by the bandits was $7,736.66. The Telegraph Saturday said the amount secured was about $8,000, quoting Mr. Greene who said the figure at the time would not be definitely determined. It was pointed out that checking up might show a change in the figure. The loot of the bandits was all cash. The bonds of the bank are kept in Alton vaults. The bandits threw aside checks and war savings stamps.

NOTE:
The bank robbers were never captured, although Charles Chessen and Robert Dooling were implicated for the robbery by a private detective agency. Their case was dismissed for lack of evidence. East Alton Mayor Jameson set out to stop the St. Louis "crooks" who were coming into East Alton to "ply their trade." The first order for the mayor's anti-crook campaign was to organize a shotgun squad. The squad was composed of ten men, all capable of handling a shotgun with "telling effect." The mayor also arranged for the installation of a fire and burglar alarm system in East Alton, at the home of each member of the shotgun squad. The mayor vowed to pick up every person who looks suspicious, and he didn't care "a rap who they are."

 

BLAST AT THE EQUITABLE POWDER MILL
Edward Owens Killed
Source: Alton Evening Telegraph, July 21, 1922
A blast in the corning mill at the plant of the Equitable Powder Company today caused the death of Edward Owens, aged 37, who was at work in the mill alone when the explosion occurred. The mill building was destroyed and the machinery badly damaged. The explosion occurred just a few minutes before 7 o'clock this morning. Owens had gone to work only a few minutes before it happened. His duty was to feed the big cakes of powder into the mill for them to be ground up. It is the practice in such mills to have one man working there alone. A few months ago, a similar blast occurred in the corning mill and the man in charge of it was killed. The mill had been rebuilt and put into service again. Owens was brought here from a powder plant at Marlow, Kentucky, to take charge of the job. He was an experienced powder mill hand. He leaves a wife and six children, who did not accompany him to East Alton when he came here to take the job, a month ago. There was in the mill at the time of the explosion about a ton and a half of powder. The explosion shook Alton. Immediately after the explosion, it was distinguished from the blasts across the river which frequently rock this territory, by the great umbrella shaped cloud of smoke which rose and hung suspended over the powder works. The corning mill is a wooden structure covered with sheet iron, and houses machinery in which one of the near final steps in powder making is done. The work is known as dangerous, yet explosions there have not been numerous. The two which have occurred recently are the nearest together in a long time. The one that occurred today will never be explained, and will remain a mystery, just as the preceding one remained. The body of Owens will be taken back to Marlow, Kentucky, to the family there. The wife was notified immediately of the death of her husband, and that the body would be brought to her.

 

Back to the Top