Some Chapters In The Early History Of Peoria Illinois PDF Download

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1870 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXVIII. LIGHTS. In early times tallow candles were used, more than all other things, to light our houses of nights; but, in prooess of time, stearine candles and lard oil, to a considerable extent, took their place. By-and-by spirit-gas, and then kerosene oil, became to be much in use; but they proved to be dangerous, as well as unfashionable, and coal-gas, has well-nigh superseded them all. In January, 1853, the legislature incorporated the'Peoria Gas-Light and Coke Company'. Soon afterward a company was organized in pursuance to that charter. They commenced supplying the central parts of the city first, and, as they progressed in laying down the gaspipes, they superseded all other kinds of light; but, as the city is spread over a large space of ground, and the population is too sparse in the suburbs for it to pay well to take gas to them, there are many yet in the city who are deprived of the benefits of this modern invention. It is now, however, so far extended that in all the thicklysettled parts of the city the people enjoy this comfort, not only in the streets, but also in their houses. It was originally supposed that the coal for the manufacture of this gas would have to be brought from Eastern Ohio or Western Pennsylvania, because the vein of coal generally used here for heating houses and propelling machinery contains too much sulphur to answer the purpose of making gas. It has, however, for several years heen known that another vein of coal, lying higher and a little further off, answers well for gas-making. This costs a little more than the common kind, but it is much cheaper than that brought from abroad. After the gas is extracted from the coal, it is still valuable as coke, and for some purposes more valuable than...