Macomb, Illinois

Macomb is a city on the East Fork La Moine River in Illinois. It is the county seat of McDonough County, and has a population of about 18,500. Macomb was founded in 1830, and its first railroad was constructed in 1855. Early manufacturing efforts included clock-making and sewer pipe. Today, Macomb's top employers include Western Illinois University, NTN Bower Corporation, and Pella Corporation.

Macomb's first railroad, the Northern Cross Railroad, contributed to a population increase and gradual industrialization. By the 1880s, several local clay pits were providing materials for the products of the Macomb Sewer Pipe Company. The W.S. Dickey Company acquired the pipe works in 1902, and in 1921 built its own narrow-gauge railway to haul clay for its expanded plants. With available clay supplies depleted, the company closed in 1936. Another early company, the Macomb Calendar Clock company, operated for two years, producing about 1,000 clocks between 1882 and 1883. Industry continued to develop in Macomb during the 20th century. Hemp and Company, makers of the "Little Brown Jug" beverage container, acquired the contract to produce Illinois license plates in 1942. Production of the plates was temporarily suspended during World War II, when steel was rationed for military use, but Hemp resumed production of the plates in 1949, and continued until 1969. Hemp was acquired in 1955 by the American Thermos Bottle Company, and later became King-Seeley Thermos Company, producing novelty lunchboxes and vacuum-seal thermos bottles until the mid-1980s. Other employers which began operations in Macomb in the mid-20th century include Whalen Manufacturing and McDonough District Hospital.

Macomb's varied history of manufacturing and construction make asbestos exposure an ongoing concern. Asbestos-containing materials were widely used during much of the 20th century, putting workers at risk for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos in Macomb, you may benefit by seeking counsel from an asbestos lawyer.

Jobsites in Macomb where Asbestos Exposure Occurred

A number of jobsites in Macomb, IL have been identified as harboring asbestos containing materials. These sites, at one point in their history, were known to have exposed a variety of tradesmen to asbestos. We will be documenting in more detail how asbestos exposure occurred at these sites in the future on this web site.

Mesothelioma Cancer Centers Near Macomb, IL

For your convenience we have compiled a list of mesothelioma cancer centers that are located within a 100 mile radius of Macomb, IL. Please click on a cancer center link to obtain more information about the clinical programs offered, professional designations, areas of expertise and how to contact the center.