Troy Newspaper Articles
PATRIOTIC SOCIETY FORMED IN TROY
Source: Alton Telegraph, November 01, 1837
At a meeting of the citizens of Madison county, held at Troy on
Saturday, the 7th inst., Major Isaac Ferguson was called to the
chair, and George B. Judd appointed Secretary pro tem. After the
object of the meeting was explained by the President, the following
Preamble and Constitution were adopted:
Preamble
Whereas, it is evident from the frequent accounts of horses and
other property being stolen, that our country is infested with a
clan of men whose practice it is to live on what they can filch from
the honest and industrious citizens of the country. And whereas, for
want of united action on the part of the citizens, they are too
often suffered to commit their acts of villany with impunity. How,
therefore -
Revolved, That we, the citizens of Madison county and State of
Illinois, in order that we may be the better able to act in concert
and with success in detecting and punishing villains and restoring
stolen property to the proper owners, agree to form ourselves into a
society, to be denominated "the Madison County Patriotic Society;"
and adopt the following Constitution for our government:
Article 1. Any person may be a member of this Society by subscribing
this Constitution, and paying one dollar, and an equal part of any
further sum which the Board of Managers may order for the benefit of
the Society.
Article 2. The officers of this Society shall consist of one
President, one Vice-President, one Secretary, one Treasurer, and
five Directors, chosen by the Society, who shall form a Board of
Mangers, and hold their offices for one year and until their
successors are elected and perform the duties of their respective
offices gratuitously, five of whom shall form a quorum.
Article 3. It shall be the duty of the President to call a meeting
of the Society or Board of Managers whenever the interest of the
Society demands it, and preside in said meetings.
Article 4. The Secretary shall take a minute of the proceedings of
the Society and Board at their meetings, and enter the same in a
book to be bought with the funds of the Society and kept for that
purpose; and also make a report of the proceedings of the Board to
the Society at its annual meeting, and to deliver over to his
successor in office all the records and documents belonging to the
Society.
Article 5. The Treasurer shall receive and safely keep the funds of
the Society, and pay them out to the order or direction of the Board
of Managers, and report the state of the funds to the Society at its
annual meeting, and to the Board when called on, and deliver to his
successor in office all the funds and other property in his
possession belonging to the Society.
Article 6. It shall be the duty of the Board of Managers to employ
as many suitable persons, members of this Society, as they may think
the interest of the Society demands, to be denominated Pursuers,
whose duty it shall be to hold themselves in readiness at a minute's
warning, with a fleet, substantial horse, to pursue any thief who
may steal a horse or other property from any member of this Society,
or widow within its bounds, and use due diligence to detect and
bring the thief to justice, and restore the stolen property to its
owner.
Article 7. When any member of this Society, or widow, within its
bounds, shall have a horse or other property stolen, it shall be his
or her duty immediately to give all the necessary information to the
Pursuers, or a sufficient number of them, to enable them to make
pursuit; and any person giving such information without good and
sufficient grounds in the opinion of the Board of Managers, to
believe that such horse or other property was actually stolen, shall
be taxed with the cost of pursuit, and on refusing to pay the same,
shall receive no further aid from the Society.
Article 8. It shall be the duty of the President, when informed by a
Pursuer that he has unadjusted claims against the Society, to call a
meeting of the Board of Managers, at which time and place all
persons having claims shall present them for adjustment; and it
shall be the duty of the Board to examine the account of each
claimant, and to require satisfactory evidence to substantiate the
same, and to grant an order to the Treasurer in favor of each
Pursuer entitled thereto, for a sum which shall be a fair and
reasonable compensation for the services performed; and a premium of
$25 for each thief detected and brought to justice; and any member
who may be successful in detecting and bringing a thief to justice
shall receive a like compensation.
Article 9. There shall be a meeting of this Society at Troy, on the
1st Saturday in September, annually, at which time this Constitution
may be altered or amended by a majority of the members present, the
officers of the Society elected, and any other business transacted;
and any member failing to attend said meeting shall, without a good
excuse, forfeit and pay fifty cents for the benefit of the Society;
and any member of the Board of Managers failing to attend a meeting
of the Board, shall also, without a good excuse, forfeit and pay one
dollar for the benefit of the Society.
Article 10. Any member of this Society accepting an office, and
neglecting or refusing to discharge the duties of said office, shall
forfeit his rights and benefits as a member.
The Society then proceeded to the election of its officers, which
resulted as follows: Major Issac Furguson, President; Josiah
Caswell, Esq., Vice-President; Thomas S. Waddle, Secretary; Jesse
Renfro, Treasurer; and James Sackett, Elijah Ellison, Edmund Fruit,
Jubilee Posey, and Archilus Walker, Directors. After which the
following resolutions were unanimously adopted:
On motion:
1st. Resolved, That, as the present crisis seems to demand a
simultaneous effort in order to rid the country of a set of horse
thieves and highway robbers who are continually harassing the honest
community by their acts of villainy, and are corrupting the morals
and characters of the youth of our fair and flourishing country;
this Society recommend the getting up of similar Societies in other
counties in the State, to hold correspondence and to act in concert
with the one now in existence.
On motion:
2nd. Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to make out and
transmit a copy of the proceedings of this meeting to the Editors of
the Alton Telegraph and Spectator, for publication; and other
Editors who are friendly to the object of the Society, are requested
to give them a place in their columns, accompanied with such remarks
as may be thought proper.
On motion, the Society adjourned. Signed by Isaac Furguson,
President; Thomas S. Waddle, Secretary
TROY IMPROVING
Source: Alton Telegraph, August 8, 1851
We gave this place a flying visit last week, and were much pleased
with the appearance of things in it. Some of the good citizens have
thrown aside the lethargy which has so long tied them down, as well
as in other towns in the county, and have determined that this
beautiful village shall improve and become a place worthy of the
fine country surrounding it, for which we must say that no town in
our county is more advantageously situated than this, and by proper
exertion it could be made the center of considerable trade. Troy has
near it, within a mile, a quarry of very good building rock, that
might be used to advantage, if attempts were made properly to work
it. This is a great object to a town, and we are surprised that it
is not worked.
The first thing that strikes the attention of the stranger on
entering the place from the west, is the fine new mill, nearly
completed and erected by Messrs. Reiner & Swain. We have examined
the mill, and find that it is finished with all the modern
improvements in the milling department, and we believe that work
will be done at this mill equal to any in the country. By the
erection of such manufactories as this, Troy will improve, and the
surrounding country will be benefitted much.
TROY HAS SEEN THE ERROR OF THEIR WAYS
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 24, 1852
Troy was once distinguished for its successful gamblers, who sent
away those less skillful than themselves, impressed with a bitter
hatred for the place, and many such still delight to magnify its
disrepute. It formerly excelled, also, in intemperance and its
associated vices, but the citizens have “seen the error of their
ways,” and turned from them. There is not a dram shop, either public
or covert, here, and at this time a more temperate, prosperous, or
moral place is not to be found in Southern Illinois. Our pulpits are
filled with the very best of talent, viz: Rev. Mr. Gibson in the
Presbyterian; Rev. Mr. Dodson in the Baptist; and the Rev. Mr.
Matison in the Methodist Church. They are all educated and gifted
men, and the community at large is punctual in its attendance upon
public worship. As was the case with the Apostle Paul, may not the
same qualities which distinguished the citizens of this place in
evil, be relatively as efficient in doing good, when that has become
to be their object. Signed, “A Witness.”
SHOOTING AFFRAY IN TROY
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 31, 1865
A shooting affray occurred at Troy on Thursday last, which might
have had a fatal termination. Dr. F. A. Sabin of that place, two
days previous, married a daughter of Dr. Lytle, and a number of
rowdies took it upon themselves to charivari the newly arrived
couple. During the musical performance, Dr. Sabin fired a pistol
from the second story window into the crowd, wounding a man – a
refugee from Missouri – in the thigh. We had supposed that this
heathenish practice had been pretty thoroughly suppressed in all
parts of the country. It is a perfect outrage that quiet and
respectable people should be thus disturbed by an ignorant and
depraved rabble. And if the law is not strong enough to prevent such
insults from being offered, no one should be surprised if the
unoffending parties should protect themselves against such
indignities, by whatever means may be in their possession.
TROY NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 21 & 26, 1872
Troy is a pleasant and thriving town, situated on the St. Louis,
Vandalia, and Terre Haute Railroad, eighteen miles east of St.
Louis, on the edge of Ridge Prairie – one of the richest and most
fertile spots in
Southern
Illinois. Troy has a population of some 700, and contains three dry
goods stores, one grocery store, one hotel, one boarding house, and
two steam mills. The Troy City Mills, owned and run by T. A. Throp &
Co., has a capacity for grinding 300 bushels of wheat in 24 hours.
The other, the Magnolia Mill, is run by Jacob Schanck, Esq.
We have also a fine, large brick schoolhouse, in which at the
present time, there are three schools – one being conducted by Prof.
E. Bigelow as principal, and James M. Anderson and Miss Jane Mills
as assistant teachers. The schools are doing well, and are in a
flourishing condition.
There are three churches – the Baptist, Methodist, and the
Presbyterian. The latter is a new brick building, 40x60, two
stories. The basement is intended for Sabbath School, lectures, &c.
The church is nearly completed. I believe that it is the intention
of the Pastor, the Rev. Robert Stewart, to have the dedication take
place the first Sabbath in May. The members of the church have just
received a new organ from the manufactory of Mr. Goodman of
Syracuse, New York. It is a very fine instrument.
We were favored on the evening of April 11 by a select part of St.
Louis Amateurs, who gave us a concert for the purpose of defraying,
in part, the expense of purchasing the organ. The music was of a
high order, and very ably conducted by Prof. Balmer, who presided at
the piano and organ in his usual happy and brilliant manner. The
music was listened to by a large and appreciative audience.
The Methodist society have built a parsonage, which is now occupied
by Rev. A. Bliss. The old Presbyterian Church was sold to Rev. R.
Stewart, who intends to remodel it for a dwelling house.
C. F. Wortman is building a large, two-story brick shop, joining his
furniture warehouse.
James N. Jarvis is running an Adams printing press in his warehouse
for agricultural implements, and doing job work for the
accommodation of the public. Mr. Jarvis also issues a “Commercial
Bulletin” for the benefit of his advertising patrons, semi-monthly.
The Troy city Cornet Band, J. N. Jarvis, leader, is in a flourishing
condition, and expects by Fair time to be able to furnish as good
music as any band of their age in the county.
On April 18, the office of T. A. Throp & Co., of the Troy City
Mills, was entered by burglars and their safe was blown open.
Fortunately, there were only about eighty-two dollars in the safe at
the time, which the thieves secured and then made their escape. A
heavy charge of powder must have been used, as the door of the safe,
which is a very substantial one, was blown completely off. The
office windows were demolished, and the walls of the office were
badly shattered. Messrs. T. A. Throp & Co. will pay a liberal reward
for the apprehension of the burglars.
NEW TOWN OF BROOKSIDE
Source: Alton Telegraph, April 25, 1873
Brookside is the name of a new town which has been laid off near the
town of Troy in Madison County, on some lands recently purchased by
some St. Louis parties, of the Hon. J. A. Barnsback, lying
immediately between Troy and the railroad depot. The parties making
the purchase are organized as a building association, and commence
operations at once. The Troy Bulletin says that “a sidewalk will be
built from Troy to the depot immediately, and that a large hotel is
in contemplation near the center of the new addition. Also, that
several dwellings will be in the course of erection in a short
time.”
TROY NEWS
Source: Alton Telegraph, March 27, 1874
The Exchange and Troy City Mills are doing a very good business at
present. Mr. Bauer of the City Mills, during the past eight weeks
has bought
over seven thousand bushels of wheat, for which the average price
has been about $1.40. This amount of money was put into circulation
among the farmers of our surrounding country, and has tended to make
times much easier than heretofore.
Our suburban town, “Brookside,” is looking up. Since the property
has changed hands, the present proprietors appear to take more
interest in it, and will try to resurrect and breathe new life into
it. One of our business men, W. Freudman and S. Saybold from St.
Louis have bought lots in Brookside for the purpose of building
residences for themselves. Among other improvements contemplated is
the erection of a large hotel and office for the resident manager,
J. W. Woodward, Esq. also contemplated is a plank sidewalk,
extending from Troy to the depot of the Vandalia Railroad, which
will be a convenience to the public.
John G. Jarvis has sold a number of lots to Rudolph Hoge, who
intends to manufacture brick on quite an extensive scale, as soon as
the weather permits. Mr. Jarvis has also sold from five acres of
ground to C. F. Wortman. John F. Jarvis sold six acres to Jacob
Gabauer.
G. S. Robbins has commenced building his residence with the
photograph gallery attached. He is one of the best artists in his
line in the West, and we are pleased to learn that his efforts are
crowned with success.
STRIKING MINER GOES ON “SPREE”
Source: Alton Telegraph, December 8, 1881
At Troy, a few days ago, a striking miner got on a spree, and while
under the “influence,” made an attack on a picket fence and
demolished a considerable portion of it. For this offense, he was
taken before a Justice of the Peace, fined $100, and given until the
next morning to pay. In the meantime, some of the offender’s
comrades took him out of the way and secreted him in a coal pit.
Sheriff Fahnestock had hand bills posted at Collinsville and
vicinity, warning striking miners not to collect in gangs on the
street with noisy demonstrations. In case the injunction was not
heeded, the riot act would be read and they ordered to disperse.
TROY - STABBING
Source: Syracuse, New York Daily Standard, November 17, 1884
William Vanderburg stabbed and killed Michael Gibbons, in a
political altercation on Friday night. He was captured yesterday.
TROY TRAIN WRECK
Source: Buffalo, New York Morning Express, May 25, 1890
A terrible railroad accident is reported on the Vandalia line near
Troy, Illinois. Trains with help and physicians have been sent to
the scene of the accident. Reports are very meager. The railroad
officials acknowledge there will be no train in over the road before
noon tomorrow. 12.45 A. M. - It is now reported that six or seven
passengers were killed. It is impossible at this time to get
anything definite.
Source: Rochester, New York Democrat Chronicle, May 26, 1890
On the Vandalia railroad today a, fast freight train, laden with
cattle collided with a local freight. Both engines and a dozen
freight cars were demolished. William Butler, a brakeman, was killed
and horribly mangled. Five others were injured.
TROY CIGAR FACTORY
Source: Troy Star, June 21, 1894
I desire to announce through the Star that I have opened a cigar
factory in Troy, and will make only first-class cigars. I have
competent union workmen, and the tobacco with which I manufacture my
cigars is of the best quality. I will not retail cigars myself, but
sell only to dealers. Hoping you will call on your grocer or other
dealers and try my manufacture. I remain Very Respectfully, Adolph
Buscher.
TROY - HORSE ACCIDENT
Source: Troy Star, September 13, 1894
Henry Ritcher, a son of Aug. Ritcher, intended to take a drive out
on the Marine road Sunday morning, but as he was driving west on
Market street his horse became unmanageable and he decided to turn
to the right on the St. Jacob road. A high rail fence around the
Zenk pasture at this corner completely shuts off the view of the St.
Jacob road. As he turned this corner trying to hold his horse, he
collided with Jac. Hoenig's team, Mr. Hoenig and family being on
their way to church. One of the latter's horses was instantly killed
by the collision, the shaft of Ritcher's wagon entering its breast.
Mr. Ritcher immediately offered $50 to make good Mr. Hoenig's loss,
but the latter refused, saying he wanted $65. It is the general
opinion that Mr. Hoenig is acting unwisely in the matter. In the
first place, it was not entirely Mr. Ritcher's fault, and $50 cash
will buy a first-class horse these days. It would be a good idea if
the street committee of this city would look into the matter, as
this place of accident has a very short turn; with the high fence
lowered the danger would be nine-tenths less.
TROY - OLD BUILDING TO BE TORN DOWN
Source: Troy Star, September 20, 1894
The old frame building between the Commercial Hotel and M. F.
Auwarter's store has been purchased of the latter by John C.
Gebauer, who is tearing it down for the use of the lumber, which,
despite its old age, is still in first-class condition. This is one
of the oldest buildings in the city. It was built in 1838 by John
Brede, and has done good service ever since. Mr. Auwarter will
immediately erect a one-story brick business building on the site.
One by one the old buildings are giving way to new and better ones.
Boom 'er up, an investment in Troy real estate is a "sure thing."
TROY - CATHOLIC CHURCH CORNERSTONE LAYING
Source: Troy Star, November 22, 1894
The cornerstone of the new Catholic church, now in process of
erection, will be laid on Thanksgiving Day - next Thursday. The
ceremonies will be opened at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Revs. Aug.
Schlegel, of Edwardsville, and J. Meckel, of Highland, will deliver
appropriate sermons. Solemnity will be added to the occasion by the
splendid music, which will be furnished by the celebrated Black Jack
brass band. Everybody is invited to attend the celebration.
TROY EXCHANGE BANK SAFE BLOWN
Everything of Value Taken
Source: Troy Weekly Call, November 25, 1899
The whole town is thrown into a state of excitement this morning as
a result of the robbery of the Troy Exchange Bank at an early hour
this morning. Bold, bad burglars entered it this morning at about
2:30 o’clock, and looted the safe. The glass front and fixtures were
completely wrecked by a terrific explosion of dynamite or other
powerful explosive. The windows are nailed up, and the bank is
closed against the curious. The big safe and treasure
box
of chilled steel appears to have yielded easily to the ingenuity of
the cracksman. The robbers gained entrance into the building with
the aid of crowbars, which they took from the railroad tool house at
the depot.
The explosion which did the work was heard by a number of citizens,
but Dr. F. W. Braner was the first to realize the position. He arose
hurriedly, and immediately set about spreading the news. An attempt
was made to telephone to Edwardsville for the bloodhounds, but the
line was found to be out of order. Frank Collins was then dispatched
to Edwardsville with all possible haste, and the dogs are expected
to arrive as soon as possible. A big crowd has gathered in front of
the bank, and considerable excitement prevails.
The loss is reported to be every cent the bank contained, but how,
banker Jarvis refuses to state at present. It is known that he took
the precaution to carry only a sufficient amount to conduct his
business, the surplus being deposited elsewhere. Creditors need have
no fear, as the contents of the bank is insured against burglary in
the New York Fidelity and Casualty Company, and not one cent loss
will result. The company has been notified, and detectives are
expected to arrive soon and begin work on the case.
This is the second time within the past year that burglars have
visited this bank, but the former attempt was unsuccessful. It may
be that this morning’s callers were the same crowd, better prepared,
with possibly an addition or two. Whoever they were, they understood
well their business.
It is impossible at this writing to give a complete account or
statement. Mr. Jarvis is not prepared to say anything further than
has been said. The best is hoped for. No financial loss will result,
and it is hoped the robbers will be apprehended. At all events, they
will be given a hot run for their money.
Robbery Yet a Mystery
Source: Troy Weekly Call, December 2, 1899
The blowing and looting of the Troy Exchange Bank of Troy, which
occurred at an early hour last Saturday morning, is yet shrouded in
mystery so far as the general public is concerned. If detectives
have any clue, they are keeping it to themselves and quietly working
on the case. It is conceded that several threads of evidence have
been picked up, but these, of course, will have to be followed out
in order to ascertain whether or not there is anything in them that
will prove of value in apprehending the guilty parties.
Mr. Lynn, a representative of the safe maker, was early on the scene
of the robbery. At a glance, he pronounced it the work of a gang of
experts, who have been successfully operating in this and several
adjoining States during the past few years. He admitted the job was
neatly and completely done, and pointed out many things not before
noticed, which verified his statements and evidenced the work of
experts.
Banker W. W. Jarvis wisely left things as they were left by the
explosion, and immediately set about notifying the proper parties as
soon as he was made aware of the robbery. Mr. Ried, adjuster for the
Fidelity and Casualty Insurance Company of New York, in which the
bank was insured, was upon the scene early, and it may be said, had
charge of the entire bank for a couple of days. In rummaging in the
wreck, it was found that considerable money remained, having been
scattered by the force of the explosion. This in all amounted to
more than $500. It was also discovered that the books were
uninjured, and that no valuable papers were missing. Considerable
currency, both paper and silver, was found mutilated by the
explosion. It was not until Sunday evening that banker Jarvis was
permitted to take his books from the wreck, and then, with the
assistance of cashier Miss D. G. Jarvis, the work of examination
began, which lasted several days. The bank is now doing business at
the old stand, with almost as much convenience as before.
A claw bar, which is used to pull spikes from railroad ties, was
taken from the railroad tool house, and played a very prominent part
in the robbery. Four heavy doors had to be gone through, and in
three of these, this tool was mainly employed. The combination on
the first door was pried easily off by this means, which afforded
tremendous leverage. The balance of the combination was then punched
inside the safe, disengaging it from the bolts which secured the
door. A hole was then drilled alongside to the left, a short
distance down. In this, a tool was inserted, and the “dog” which
held the bolts was tripped, and the door swung open. The other two
doors were opened in precisely the same manner. The treasure box, or
receptacle which held the money, received entirely different
treatment. This is composed of six plates of chilled steel of
unequalled hardness, and designed to ruin the best drills made. This
safe was guaranteed burglar proof. In this, the cracksmen employed a
different method. Opinions of authority and appearances go to show
that the cracks in the door were widened by the use of a cold chisel
at both the bottom and top. An air pump was used to form a vacuum
inside, and nitroglycerine was injected into the cracks and set off
by a dynamite cap connected by a fuse. The door shows that two
charges were placed behind it, as it is bulged at both top and
bottom. These facts give evidence that the burglars were
professional cracksmen, and understood well every detail entered
into. A candle was found in the vault, and the holes in the safe
door were stuffed with paper to exclude the light from the vision of
chance passersby. Several hours must have been required to do all
the work. The explosion sent the last door out of the safe and
through the counter, playing havoc with the fixtures in general.
Troy Bank Get New Safe
Source: Troy Weekly Call, December 9, 1899
The Troy Exchange Bank presents a different appearance from that of
two weeks ago today. Banker Jarvis this week received a fine new
combination safe from the G. V. Halliday Co. of St. Louis, and now
has the same in position. The new safe weighs about 8,500 pounds,
and has burglar-proof doors extending the full length and width. It
has three floors, and the money chest is provided with a time lock.
The safe throughout is of double the strength and thickness of the
former one. It does not occupy the same position of the old one,
however, and has been placed near one of the big windows in plain
view. Mr. Jarvis believes that putting safes into a fireproof vault
is only an antiquated idea, and tends to induce robbery rather than
to prevent it. Burglars will now have to work in the open, and if
they do, they will stand a good chance of being caught in the act.
The old vault will be used for books and papers of various sorts,
but the valuable books and papers will be placed in the new safe.
Mr. Jarvis has returned the old safe, and the makers have agreed to
put it in repair and dispose of it for him. The glass front was
replaced yesterday, and now the bank is running along as smoothly as
ever. The job of unloading the new safe and loading the old one took
the biggest part of Monday, and required a great many more men than
it did to blow it two weeks ago.
NOTES:
Between $3,000 and $5,000 in cash, and a large amount of bonds and
other securities were taken by the robbers of the Troy Exchange
Bank, which was located on Market Street in Troy. The bank robbers
used a “claw bar,” taken from the railroad toolshed, to pry the door
and gain entrance. A hole was drilled in the safe, and a tool
inserted to trip the bolts to open the door. The cracks in the door
of the steel box which held the money were widened by the use of a
“cold chisel.” An air pump was used to form a vacuum inside, and
nitroglycerine was injected into the cracks and set off by a cap and
fuse. The explosion sent the last door of the safe through the
counter, and the burglars gained access to the money. After the
investigation, $500 was found to have been left behind, as well as
the valuable books belonging to the bank. By December 9, 1899, a new
safe was put in place, weighing 8,500 pounds. The robbers were never
found.
The Troy Exchange Bank was founded in 1885 by W. W. Jarvis and H. H.
Padon. Two years later, Jarvis bought out the interests of his
partner, and operated the bank as a private institution until 1910,
when it was organized as a State bank. His daughter, Genevieve,
began working at the bank as a cashier in 1894. Mr. Jarvis, a
veteran of the Civil War, retired from the banking business, and was
succeeded by the bank’s vice-president, John Feldmeier. The bank
closed during the Depression, and was sold to James L. Watson of
Troy. Later, a dentist moved into the building.
TROY - OLD SPANISH COIN FOUND IN BLACKJACK COMMUNITY
Source: Troy Call, January 1, 1900
Otto Bress, while shucking corn last week in a field near the
residence of John M. Riebold in the Blackjack community, found an
old Spanish silver coin which is 113 years old. It is about the size
of a half dollar and in a fairly good state of preservation. On one
side is the bust of a man and the words "Carolius IIII, Dei Gratia,
1805," and on the other "Hispan Et. Ind. Rex. 2R. F. J." and a coat
of arms. No one seems to know the value of the coin. The history of
how it got where found and how long it has lain there would
doubtless be interesting.
NEW GLOVE FACTORY IN TROY
Source: Troy Weekly Call, July 17,1914
After negotiations extending over a period of six months, the Alton
Glove Company has finally decided to locate in Troy. This
information was received here this morning by Edward H. Klein from
L. S. Carter, superintendent of the concern. Mr. Carter stated that
the plant at Alton is now being dismantled. The machinery and
equipment are being loaded in cars and will arrive here Monday. The
glove factory will occupy the second floor of the shoe factory
building. The machinery will be installed at once, and the factory
is expected to be ready for operation at an early date. A line of
cheap canvas and leather gloves and gauntlets will be manufactured
for which there is a steady demand. The inducements offered by Troy
for the removal of the factory to this city was the payment of
moving expenses and a guarantee of free rent for a period of five
years. The company is said to have been dissatisfied with Alton as a
location, on account of its inability to secure help, the other
industries there having offered greater inducements to the working
girls. Superintendent Carter stated that with the factory in full
operation, as high as sixty girls would be employed nine months in
the year, besides the other help. Edward H. Klein, owner of the shoe
factory building, was instrumental in getting the glove factory to
located .... [unreadable]....The glove factory should prove a
valuable and important addition to the industries of Troy. It will
not only offer employment to the working girls of Troy and vicinity,
but will contribute to local business and should have the
encouragement of citizens generally.
KINGSTON DRUGSTORE IN TROY SOLD
Source: Troy Call, November 03, 1922
Another important local business deal was consummated this week in
which John Schon purchased the drugstore of S. Kingston, who has
been in that line of business in Troy for the past 50 years [since
1872]. Whether Mr. Schon expects to retain ownership, or the deal
was made for another party, has not been given out.
The Kingston Drugstore was the oldest retail business in Troy,
having been founded by Mr. Kingston in 1872. His first stand was in
a building on Market Street, directly across from The Troy Call
office. After several years, it was moved to the building which
formerly stood on the site of the McLanhan garage. Some years later,
Mr. Kingston sold the store to the late Dr. F. A. Sabin, and went to
Sparta to engage in the same line of business, but after a few
months there, sold out and returned to Troy, again starting a
drugstore in a building where the Vetter store now stands. After a
number of years it was moved to its present location. Seven years
ago, Mr. Kingston sold his store to H. R. Huffendick of
Collinsville, but after two years purchased the same, and has since
conducted it with the assistance of J. E. Hindmarch.
Mr. Kingston was born south of Caseyville in St. Clair County,
Illinois, and first came to Troy in 1856. He will be 88 years of age
on November 22, and has witnessed the growth of Troy from a mere
village to its present, also many changes in its people. After a
half century of steady application to business, he will now retire
and take a well-earned rest, and spend the remainder of his days in
comfort and contentment among us.
NOTES:
Samson Kingston was born November 22, 1834 in St. Clair County,
Illinois, and died in Troy on February 18, 1923. He was interred in
the Troy City Cemetery. His wife, Elizabeth Kingston, was born
August 10, 1840, and died November 5, 1930. She is also interred in
the Troy City Cemetery.