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Joe Leiter - American Dreamer Founder of Zeigler As the twentieth century approached, Joseph Leiter , son of prominent Chicago Multi-millionaire Levi Z. Leiter was looking for new worlds to conquer. He had been relatively successful as a speculator on the Chicago market and he was now flushed with these profits. One of the ventures available to young Leiter was the production of coke, a component of the steel manufacturing. However, in order to produce this commodity - a rich supply of high grade coal, in large quantities, was needed. Thus, he sent the Company's engineer to Franklin County to assess the properties of coal in Six-Mile Township . As a result of the appraisal, the superior quality of the coal was exposed and Leiter immediately began acquiring real estate and mineral rights. Within a short period of time, he acquired 8,000 acres of coal deposits in southwest Franklin County .
In1902, the process of sinking a coal mine was begun and by 1904, the first ton of the nation's finest bituminous coal was brought to the surface. Leiter's Zeigler No. 1 mine, the first in Franklin County and the most modern in the United States , was one of the largest to enter into production. Quickly, the intent of coke making was dismissed and Zeigler coal was distributed in 14 states of the Mississippi Valley . Once the mine was in production, Leiter directed that the city of Zeigler should be constructed. Continuing in his grand style, he directed that the town be modeled after Washington , D. C., circular, with streets extending like spokes of a wheel. The inner hub of the circle served as the location for the corporate headquarters, while the outer sections of the hub housed the many business needed to supply coal miners and their families. In addition to the cottages for the miners, Leiter ordered that a modern hospital, the first in Franklin County , be established. By 1914, Zeigler, the fastest growing community in the county, was incorporated as a city. At that time, as well as today, Joseph Leiter 's thumbprint was seen throughout the community.
by Dr.Allan Patton
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