BUSINESS INTERESTS.

     The first store here was opened by Knowles, Ray & Chapin in 1855:  The First National Bank is one of the solid institutions of this county, and

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is ably managed by Dr. Henry Tubbs, President, and Willard C. Tubbs, Cashier.  Chapin, Houlton & Davis have a large private banking business; also an extensive mercantile trade.  There are at the present time live general stores, four grocery houses, four drug stores, two hardware stores and agricultural implements, two boot and shoe stores, two bakeries, one book store and news room, one jeweler, two blacksmith shops, two shoe shops, two wagon shops, one lumber yard and two elevators.

SCHOOLS.

     The graded schools of this village are the just pride of all her people.  There are two neat and commodious school houses—six rooms—in which schools are maintained nine months of the year. The number of children enumerated by the census of 1876 is 482 in the village and in the town ship 975.

CHURCHES.

The Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood was organized in 1856, and was first called South Henderson Church. Meetings were first held in a school house about two miles southwest of town.  A committee had been appointed by Schuyler Presbytery to assist in the formation of the church.  This committee was Rev. J. H. Nevins, R. C. Matthews. D. D., and Elders Hiram Norcross and James Boggs.  At the organization there were twenty-six members, "of whom many have fallen to sleep, but a few remain unto this day." The first elders were Jacob Ackerman, Alex. M. Hervey and Nathan Carr.  Of these, Fathers Carr and Ackerman yet live, having more than fulfilled their four score years.  The first stated preaching was by Rev. J. H. Nevins for one year.  Then Rev. W. L. Lyons for three and a half years.  From July, 1863, to April, 1865, was a vacancy, with occasional preaching by Dr. J. M. Jamison and others.  At this latter date Rev. J. W. Ash Began his labors here, and was the regular supply for two years.  Then Rev. J. W. Allen was here for two years, and during his administration a new and commodious church was built, 40 by 65 feet, and cost $11,000. In 1870 Rev. G. N. Johnson supplied for six months. Then Rev. J. H. Marshall was stated supply for two and a half years. The present minister, Rev. E. W. Thompson, is the only installed pastor the church has ever had.  He began his labors here in 1874. The first house of worship built by this Church was a small frame structure, 20 by 30 feet, in the south part of town, in 1858.  For two or three years it was occupied by the M. E. congregation on alternate Sabbaths.  This was afterwards sold to the Roman Catholics and moved off the lot . In 1868 the present church was erected, and is an elegant gothic structure.  It was thoroughly refitted in 1875.  The present membership is 125.  An interesting Sabbath school is maintained throughout the year, with an attendance of 125.  E. P. Clauson is superintendent.  The church is in a prosperous condition.
     The United Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, Ill., was organized in 1858 at Center Grove school house with about eighteen members, among whom were David Irvine and wife, Dr. J. Riddle and wife, John Woods and wife and I. H. Martin and wife. The meetings were first held at the above named school house, also at Mr. Edward Wray's hal1.  Their church was built in 1863 at a cost of $2,800.  The pastors who have served at this church are Rev. I. B. Foster three years, Rev. W. J. McSurely two years,

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Rev. I. B. Waddle seven years.  The present membership is one hundred and fifty-seven. Average Sabbath school attendance eighty.
     The Young America Church was organized August 12th, 1855, with ten members.  Their present house of worship was built in 1858 at a cost of $877.50.  Rev. I. B. Fuller presides.  There are at present seventy members and forty Sabbath school scholars.
     The Universalist Church was organized in 1860 at Rap's Hall.  Thirteen members were received, among whom were N. A. Chapin and Geo. Williams.  For some time services were held at Rap's Hall, where they remained until the completion of their church, which was dedicated in 1866,
its cost being $4,000.  The church was rebuilt in 1869 at an additional cost of  $3,000.   Rev. C. L. Walsh preached two years, Rev. A. Clayton one year. Rev. A. Tibbitts two years, Rev. Hibbard eighteen months, L. H. Tabor three years.  The present number of members thirty, with the same number of Sabbath school scholars.
     The M. E. Church was organized in 1856 at the Young America Hotel.  The first sermon was preached by Rev. O. Swartz January 5th, 1856, in hotel.  Afterward meetings were held at the Presbyterian church on alternate Sabbaths.  The members of the first class were John Ramsdell, leader, Elizabeth Ramsdell, Mary E. Youmans, Daniel and Matilda Tinker, Oliver and Rachel Hall, William L. and Margaret Roberts.  The pastors in charge have been as follows: Rev. James Tubbs, three years; Rev. C. Springer, two years; Rev. B. C. Couch, two years; Rev. M. Spurlock, one year; Rev. J. J. Fleharty, two years; Rev. Samuel Fisher two years; Rev. Jesse Smith, two years, and the present pastor, Rev. C. H. Brace, who began his work in September, 1876.  The first trustee election was held in the old Presbyterian house, March 20th, 1865, and the following were elected: Henry Tubbs, Alex. Youmans, B. Logan, E. H. Randall and T. W. Beers. The house of worship was built in 1865 at a cost, including grounds and parsonage, of $8,300.  Dedication services were conducted by Dr. Eddy, from Chicago.  Preacher in charge, Rev. James Tubbs, to whose labors may be largely attributed the origin and completion of the work free of debt.
     The present pastor is Rev. Charles H. Brace. The present membership about 250.  The Sabbath School numbers 125. Superintendent, Rev. C. H. Brace.  This charge is in a prosperous condition.

VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

     A. C. Van Riper, W. K. Gamble, L. Rapalee, J. B. Gregory, H. W. Allen, R. R. Davison. J. H. Gilmore, Clerk. 
     A. Lincoln Lodge No. 518.—Geo. N. Carr, W. M.; Frank Farrel. S. W.; Geo. Carlin, J. W.; W. J. Scofield, Sec'y; C. K. Brown, Treas.  Meets second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.