Page 642

GEORGE N. BLACK, is a descendant from Puritan ancestry, and was born March 15, 1833, in Berkshire county, Massachusetts. His parents were William M. and Pepsis Black, nee Fuller. His educational opportunities were comprised in the common schools and academic course in his native state. From fourteen years of age he became self-supporting, and in October, 1850, came to Springfield, Illinois, and entered the employ of Colonel John Williams as clerk in his dry goods store, on a salary of $15 per month. Six years later young Black was received as a partner by his employer, the firm assuming the title of John Williams & Company. After a continuation of a quarter of a century, this partnership was dissolved by the sale of their business to C. A. Gehrman, in September, 1880. In addition to his mercantile business mr. Black has been prominently identified with most of the public enterprises which have inured to the growth and prosperity of Springfield and Sangamon county; and has zealously labored to advance the best interests of the community. He was one of the company organized to build the Leland Hotel; was one of the original company that projected and constructed the Pana, Springfield & Northwestern Railroad, of which he was made a Director and Secretary. This line is now a part of the O. & M. Railroad. He was also one of the prime movers in the Gilman, Clinton & Springfield Railroad, of which he was a one-tenth owner. This is now the Springfield branch of the Illinois Central Railroad. He was one of the original movers in the construction of the Springfield & Northwestern Railroad; was appointed Receiver of the same in 1875, and had charge of it four years. After the road was sold and the company re-organized, mr. Black operated it as General manager fifteen months. He was cashier of the First National Bank of Springfield the first year of its existence; was one of the organizers and original stockholders of the Springfield City Railway Company, and acted as its Treasurer till the last two years, since which time he has been a Director and Vice President. He was one of the original movers in the formation of the Illinois Watch Company, in which he put $8,000 capital and considerable labor, and held the office of Treasurer about two years. He has been Secretary and Treasurer of the Barclay Coal Mining Company from its organization in 1873. Is a stockholder in the Springfield Iron Company; is also the Secretary and one of the Directors of the Company incorporated for the purpose of building the Springfield & St. Louis Railroad, projected as an air-line between the two cities. Mr. Black is one of the incorporators of the Steam Supply and Electric Light Company, and a Director and Secretary of the organization.