My Genealogy Hound

CARROLLTON TILE WORKS, near the C. & A. passenger depot, was constructed last Spring by that enterprising gentleman, W. L. Barnett, whose genial face, for the past ten years, has been frequently seen at the window of the C. & A. passenger depot, at Carrollton, where he officiates as agent and telegraph operator. To his practical mind it became evident that what the farmers of Illinois were in need of was more tile and less wet land. With his usual zeal he set to work, and the result is, that we today have tile works that will bear comparison with any other similar establishment. The clay used is of a very superior quality, and thoroughly ground before entering into the manufacture of tiling. This tile is manufactured from three to eight inches, is of very superior quality, and finds a ready sale. Mr. Barnett, senior member of this firm, was born in Indiana, November 11, 1846. When but eleven years old his parents moved to Mattoon, Ill., where young Barnett received a liberal education; attaining the age of fifteen he entered the employ of the Terre Haute R. R. Co., becoming a telegraph operator in the city of Mattoon, Ill. When the Jacksonville division of the St. L. J. & C. Ry. was constructed, he went to Murrayville, Morgan county, Ill., where he officiated in his former capacity, and was probably the first operator on that line; proceeding from here to Jacksonville, thence to Mason City, remaining here thirteen months; he came to Carrollton. At Mattoon, Mr. Barnett was married to Miss Amelia Allen, daughter of H. A. Allen, of Mattoon, now of Geneva Lake, Wis.