Buildings and Business Houses

The first building erected in Aledo was a frame on the north side of Seventh street, in Block 67. This was built for hotel purposes and was occupied by J. E. Harroun; at pres­ent it is owned by Mrs. Delia Harr, of Water- vliet, Mich. The first business house erected was on the south side of the railroad and was occupied by Moore & Allen as a dry goods, clothing and grocery store. Dr. Simeon Macy was the first-druggist and the first dentist in the new town.

Among other early settlers, were James M. Wilson, I. N. Bassett, Charles F. Cunningham, N. Edwards, John Rainey, Joseph McCoy, T. H, Day, J. H. Abercombie, H. R. Morrison, C. S. Richey, J. M. Warwick and D. V. Reed. The first postmaster was J. E. Harroun. Judge John S. Thompson built a fine brick residence on the south side of the railroad and moved into it in the fall of 1857.

Levi Willits, the partner of Judge Thompson, was an early settler in the county. William Drury and Mr. Willits were among the first business men in New Boston, and both became wealthy by judicious investments in real estate. Mr. Willits died in 1858.

The Barton House, a large four-story brick building, was erected on the corner of College avenue and Seventh street and occupied by D. N. Barton in 1857. This hotel had changed hands a number of times, when it was purchased by Schuyler Button, but it had not been in his possession long when it was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt and continued as a hotel under different landlords. Having been purchased by Mr. Arch McKinney, it was remodeled into a business and office structure during the year 1902.

Business Houses

College avenue and Seventh street are the principal business localities, and are lined with fine brick mercantile houses, occupied by prosperous business firms. The business streets, nearly every fine day, are lined with the carriages and wagons of the farmers; the sidewalks are crowded with people who come to Aledo from all parts of the county to purchase goods. To enter into detail, the town has two exclusive dry goods stores; two dry goods and clothing; one ex­ clusive clothing and furnishing establishment; eight, grocery stores; two hardware; one dry goods and groceries; two book stores; four drug stores; three harness shops; four agricultural implement and buggy establishments; three photographers; four boot and shoe stores; three jewelry stores; one music store; four millinery shops; two restaurants; four meat markets; one exclusive paint and glass store; two furniture and undertaking establishments; two livery barns; one feed mill; one marble establishment; two lumber yards; two fuel companies; four blacksmith shops; three banks; four dentists; two weekly papers; eight physicians; and fourteen lawyers—an imposing and large aggregation of varied business enterprises, all in a prosperous condition

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

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