Robert W. Jess (1842-1892) was an Irish native who immigrated to the United States at the age of fourteen. Robert eventually established a grocery business, John H. Jess and Brother, on Washington Street in Springfield, alongside his older brother, John H. Jess (1835-1868). They operated in the grocery sector for several years before expanding with a branch store in Riverton, Illinois. Robert partnered with C. C. Brown and Samuel Bennett from Springfield to acquire the Riverton mines and the mining interests of J.W. Bunn, along with the Riverton Coal Company. Shortly thereafter, Robert bought out his partners, becoming the sole owner and one of the largest coal mine proprietors in Illinois. Following Robert’s death, his family continued the business, with Joseph A. Agee (1866-1940) overseeing the coal interests in Riverton. A new entity, the Springfield Coal & Mining Company, was established, with Joseph A. Agee serving as president and William B. Jess, son of Robert, (1875-1935) as secretary, maintaining offices in both Springfield and Chicago.
Robert W. Jess married Alice A. Agee in Riverton, Illinois; she was a native of Sangamon County and the daughter of Joseph H. Agee, an early settler in central Illinois engaged in farming in the Springfield area. Together, Robert and Alice had six children: Laura M. (1874-1874), William B. (1875-1935), Robert E. (1877-1960), John A. (1879-1966), Alice J. (1882-1968), and Alvey H. Jess (1885-1975).
Alice J. Patton, one of Robert and Alice's daughters, married Dr. Charles Lanphier Patton (1879-1962) in 1904. Dr. Patton, born in Springfield, Illinois, on August 13, 1879, to James William and Francine Lanphier Patton, was a well-known surgeon.
The collection includes bills and statements, canceled checks, deposits, tax receipts, insurance policies, agreements, deeds, correspondence letters, receipts, ledgers, court reports, property and mortgage records, financial and estate reports, and notes. Other materials include plat maps, lectures and speeches, abstract of titles, and a photo. All materials date between 1860s-1970s.