CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FROM F 547L5 W""""'""-"'"^ "''MiiliiMi™ii£S,HnJy,i.Mt,9ae*her with bio olln 3 1924 028 805 534 Overs The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://archive.org/details/cu31924028805534 JOHN DIXON. HISTORY LEE COUNTY TOGKTHEK WITH BIOGRAPHICAL MATTER, STATISTICS, ETC. GATHERED FROM INTERVIEWS WITH OLD SETTLERS, COUNTY TOWNSHIP 'and other RECORDS, AND EXTRACTS FROM FILES OF PAPERS, PAMPHLETS, AKD SUCH OTHER SOURCES AS HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. CHICAGO: H. H. HILL AND COMPANY, PUBLISHEES. 1881. PREFACE. In presenting the History of Lee County to the public the editors and publishers have had in view the preservation of certain valuabje historical facts and information which without concentrated erort would not have been obtained, but with the passing away of the old pioneers, the failure of memory, and the loss of public records and private diaries, would soon have been lost. This locality being com- paratively new, we flatter ourselves that, with the zeal and industry displayed by our general and local historians, we have succeeded in rescuing from the fading years almost every scrap of history worthy of preservation. Doubtless the work is, in some respects, imper- fect; — we do not present it as a model literary effort, but in that which goes to make up a valuable book of reference for the p'resent reader and future historian, we assure our patrons that neither money nor time has been spared in the accomplishment of the work. Per- haps some errors will be found. With treacherous memories, per- sonal, political and sectarian prejudices and preferences -to contend against, it would be almost a miracle if no mistakes were made. We hope that even these defects, which may be found to exist, may be made available in so far as they may provoke discussion and call attention to corrections and additions necessary to perfect history. In the writing of the general county history Dr. Cochran has had the advice and constant counsel of many of the eai'ly settlers of the county, to whom the manuscript was submitted and by them approved ; and while there may be some mistakes, it is thought that it would hardly be possible, after so many years with nothing to depend upon for many of the facts but the memories of the early settlers, that it is as nearly correct as it could possibly be made. Certain it is that at no time in the future could such a work be undertaken with circumstances so favorable for the production of a reliable record of the early times of Lee county. 6 PREFACE. The township histories, by E. S. Eicker, Prof. J. H. Atwood, C. F. Atwood, and others, will be found full of valuable recollections, which but for their patient research must soon have been lost for- ever, but which are now happily preserved for all ages to conae. These gentlemen have placed upon Lee county a mark which will not be obliterated, but which will grow brighter and broader as the years go by. The biographical department contains the names and private sketches of nearly every person of importance in the county. A few person, whose sketches we should be pleased to have presented, for various reasons refused or delayed furnishing us with the desired information, and' in this matter only we feel that our work is incom- plete. However, in most of such cases we have obtained, in regard to thcjmost important persons, some items, and have woven them into the county or township sketches, so that, as we believe, we can- not be accused of either partiality or prejudice. HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. DISCOVERY AND EARLY HISTORY. In sketching the history of Lee county we must take the reader back to the early days of the northern part of the State of Illinois, embraced in the great territory lying northwest of the Ohio- river. This territory, embracing northern Illinois, was discovered; by Jacques Marquette, and Louis Joliet in 1673. Marquette was a, French Jesuit missionary, and Joliet was a Quebec fur-trader. These men had penetrated the wilderness of Canada to the upper lakes, each engaged in his appropriate occupation. The French, missionary, while at La Pointe, received information through the- Illinois tribes who had been driven by the Iroquois from their hunt- ing grounds on the shores of Lake Michigan to a region thirty days' journey to tbe west, that there existed a "great river" flow- ing through grassy plains on which grazed countless herds of buffa-i loes. The same information had been received by Dablon and AUouez, two missionaries, who were exploring Wisconsin from the Miamis and Maskoutens. This information resulted in the appoint- ment, by the governor of Canada, of Joliet to explore the "Great River." Pierre Marquette was chosen to accompany him, "for im tbose days religion and commerce went hand in hand." Joliet fitted! out the expedition, which consisted of "two canoes and five voy- ageurs, and a supply of corn and smoked meat ; and May 27, 1673, the little band left St. Ignace for their perilous voyage through an unknown country, preoccupied by wild beasts, reptiles, and hostile savages." Coasting to the head of Green Bay, they "ascended the Fox river ; crossed Lake Winnebago, and followed up the quiet and tortuous stream beyond the portage ;" launched their canoes in the waters of the, Wisconsin, and without their Indian guides they swept down this stream until they caught sight of the hills which bound the valley of the " Great Eiver," and at nightfall landed, to eat their evening repast on the banks of the broad Mississippi, for which they launched their canoes one month before. They floated 2 10 HISTOET OF LEE COUNTY. down the mighty current to the Arkansas, where they were com- pelled to return because of the hostility of the Indians, who on the lower Mississippi were furnished with rifles by the Spaniards. Having determined to return to the north, on July 17, one month from the discovery of the Mississippi, they launched their canoes and started on the returning voyage ; and reaching the mouth of the Illinois river they ascended this stream until they came to a small village, then known as Kaskaskia, about seven miles below Ottawa. Here they procured guides, who conducted them up the stream to the head of the Des Plaines, when by an easy port- age they entered the Chicago river, and thus reached Lake Illinoise (now Lake Michigan), and were the first white men to visit what is the present site of the city of Chicago, more than two hundred years ago. From that point they passed up the western coast of Lake Michigan northward, reaching Green Bay late in the month of Sep- tember, after an absence of four months, and having traveled more than twenty-five hundred miles. Here Joliet separated from his traveling companion, Pierre Marquette, and "hastened to Quebec to announce to the governor the results of the expedition ; but almost in sight of Montreal, in the rapids of La Chine, his canoe upset, a portion of his crew were drown«d, and he himself narrowly escaped, with the loss of all his papers." Joliet never returned to this territory ; but engaged in the fur trade with the Indians of Hudson's Bay. After receiving from his government, "in consideration of his services, a grant of the islands of Mignan and Anticosti, he engaged in the fisheries," and subsequently explored the coasts of Labrador. ' 'He was made royal pilot for the St. Lawrence, and also hydrographer at Quebec. He died poor, about 1699 or 1700, and was buried on one of the islands of Mignan." Marquette, however, through love of humanity and devotion to the cross and the work of the Master, returned to the Illinois valley late in the following autumn to preach to the benighted people of that region. Leaving Green Bay in October of 1674, he with two voyageurs started for the Chicago river, up which stream they ascended to a point about six miles above the present locality of the city of Chicago. Here he built a hut to shelter him from the storms of winter, in which he remained until the following spring, when he performed his last acts of devotion to his favorite cause— the mission of the cross to the children of the forest— and with which were associated the romantic sadness and sweet peace of the closing scenes of the life of this noble man. Through the exposures of the expedition to the Mississippi and Illinois the previous summer, he DISCOVERY AND EA.KLT HISTORY. 11 contracted a disease which proved to be fatal. Having suffered much from hemorrhage he was illj prepared for his return to the mis- sion field. His frail constitution suffered nluch from the exposures of the voyage to Chicago, being late in autumn. The cold October winds swept the lake and tossed them on a rough sea and drenched them with cold rains. Their rude tents and camp-fires were insuf- cient to give protection in the cold, damp October nights. The hemorrhage from which he had previously suffered, returned and the good man seemed conscious that he was making his last voyage in time, and that the day was not far distant when he would cross that river from beyond which there is no return. In their lonely hut he and his two voyageurs spent the winter, surrounded by the wild beasts that roamed over the prairies and wandered through the for- ests from the waters of the Ohio on the south to the snowbound regions of the north ; and from their hut could be seen in their native wilderness the buffalo, the deer, the bear, and the wild turkey. The historian says, "with the return of spring his disease relented, when he descended the river to the Indian village below Ottawa, where he gathered the people in a grand council, and preached to them concerning heaven g,nd hell, and the Virgin, whose protection he had specially invoked. A few days after Easter he returned to Lake Michigan, when he embarked for Mackinac, passing around the head of the lake beneath the great sand-dunes which line the shore, and thence along the eastern margin to where a small stream discharges itself into the great reservoir south of the promontory, known as the ' sleeping bear. ' Marquette had for some time lain prostrate in the bottom of the canoe. The warm breath of spring revived him not, and the expanding buds of the forest did not arrest his dimmed gaze. Here he requested them to land. Tenderly they bore him to the bank, and built for his shelter a bark hut. He was aware that his hour had come. Calmly he gave directions as to the mode of his burial, craved the forgiveness of his companions if in ought he had offended them, administered to them the sacrament, and thanked God that he was permitted to die in the wilderness. " The darkness of the night settled over the scene, and ere the dawn of the morning light the noble spirit of Pierre Marquette had" crossed the river that fiows between this and the brighter worlds beyond. Thus closed the life of him who accompanied the first exploring expedition which discovered the territory of this commonwealth, and he was the first christian mis- sionary to raise the standard of the cross to natives of the north- west. He died on May 18, 1675, and was buried on the bank of the stream that bears his name. His remains were subsequently re- 12 HISTOET OF LEE COUNTY. moved to St. Ignace and deposited beneath the floor of the chapel in which he had so often administered the sacred rites of his church. The xext white man to tread the verdant soil of this territory was a Frenchman residing at Fort Frontenac (now Kingston), by the name of Eene-Eobert Cavelier Sieur De La Salle, commonly known as La Salle. He was born at Kouen, France, in 1643, of an " old and afilQent family." He left his native country and arrived in Canada in 1666. He learned through the Seneca Iroquois that there was a river called the Ohio which flowed to the sea at a dis- tance of many months' journey. Having resolved to explore this stream, he sold his possessions in order to procure the necessary funds to carry out his plans. Connecting his enterprise with other parties, they left La Chine with a party of seven canoes and twenty- four men, attended by two canoes filled with Senecas, who acted as guides to the party ; in all, a fleet of nine canoes, which ascended the St. Lawrence to Lake Ontario, and along the southern shore of that water to the mouth of the Genesee ; then passed Niagara under the sound of the great cataract to the village, where, in September, 1669, he separated from the seminary party, who started with him, and alone plunged into the unknown wilderness of the west. Pass- ing Onondaga he reached an affluent of Ohio twenty or twenty-five miles from Lake Erie, and followed down thiss tream to its junction with the Ohio, which he descended to the falls of Louisville, where his voyageurs deserted him, which compelled him to abandon his ex- plorations and return to Canada. The following year, 1670, he passed the head of Lake Michigan and penetrated to the waters of the Illinois, by which he reached the Mississippi, which he de- scended to some miles below the mouth of the Ohio. But little is known of the route over which he returned to Canada. This expe- dition, however, prepared him for his future enterprise in the local- ity of Illinois, which has perpetuated his name in history for succeeding geijerations. In contemplation of a return to the Illinois country. La Salle de- signed the building of a vessel for a voyage around the lakes ; and in the spring of 1680 the "Griffin" was launched at the mouth of Cayuga Creek ; and on the Tth of August her sails were spread and she started on her voyage, being the first vessel that ever plowed the waters of the notrhern lakes. On reaching the islands at the en- trance of Green Bay he disembarked all his stores and sent the "Griffin " back ladened with furs with orders to return to him ; but he never saw her again, and it still remains a mystery as to what her fate was, or what became of her crew. La Salle, however, was not to be deterred from his purpose by even the loss of his favorite DISCO VEEY AND EARLY HISTORY. 13 vessel; but having swept down the western shore of Lake Michigan, passed the mouth of the Chicago, and rounded the liead of the lake to the mouth of the St. Joseph, which he called the Miamis, and landed on the 1st of November. On the 3d of December he left the waters of Michigan, and with fourteen men and four canoes he ascended the St. Joseph to the present site of South Bend, Indiana, where he crossed a portage of live miles to the waters of the Thealike, or Haukiki, now Kankakee, conveying their canoes and cargo, by which they descended the Kankakee, down through the swamps, and mieandered out into the great prairies to the valley of the Illinois, and reached Peoria Lake on the 30th of January, 1680. He con- structed a fort "on the southern bank of the stream below the lake, and named it Creve-cceur. " This was the first civilized occupation of Illinois." After commencing the building of a vessel for the waters of the Mississippi valley, La Salle returned for an outfit to Canada, a journey of fifty-five days, and reached Fort Frontenac May 6, 1680. Soon after his departure from the new settlement on the Illinois, which he left in charge of Lieut. Tonty, it was destroyed by a band of Iroquois. He returned in the autumn of the same season, and finding all laid waste he returned to St. Joseph, where he spent the winter ; and in the following spring returned to Cana- da, leaving the St. Joseph in May, 1681, passing Mackinac, where he rejoined Tonty, and proceeded to Fort Frontenac, where he accumulated the necessary resources, and late in the season re- turned to the Illinois with twenty-three Frenchmen, eighteen Mohegan warriors and their ten women and three children. The expedition consisted of fifty-four persons, and their journey, from Fort Miamis on the lake to Fort Creve-coeur on the Illinois, was beset witli hardships and perils. "It was in the dead of winterwhen they set out. La Salle placed the canoes on sledges, and thus they were conveyed around the head o'f the lake to Chicago, thence across the portage to the Des Plaines and even to Peoria Lake, where open water was reached." Here they launched their canoes, arid passing the lake they swept down the Illinois to the Mississippi^ and on the 6th of April reached the Gulf of Mexico, where they erected, on a "dry spot," near the mouth of the Mississippi, a column to France and decorated it with the French arms. The last of the summer they returned to Illinois, and stopping at a point on that stream known as the " Starved Eock," La Salle began at once to fortify that bluff, which has become famous in the history of Illinois. This fort he named St. Louis, which crowned the summit of a natural fortress. "At the base of the cliff he gathered about him the Indian inhabitants who were sheltered in log cabins and bark 14 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. lodges. The resident aboriginal inhabitants in the I'egion amounted to about 4.000 warriors or 20,000 souls." We must here turn aside from this great man, and refer the reader to ' ' The Discovery of the Great "West," by Francis Parkman, for the study of his character and wonderful career in the wilds of America. From the building of Fort St. Louis the French continued to oc- cupy Illinois. As early as 1720 they had a chain of forts extending from Canada to the mouth of the Mississippi. In 1762, by the treaty of Fontainbleau, all the territory east of the Mississippi with the reservation of the island of New Orleans was ceded to the British, and the territory west of the great river, including New Orleans, was granted to Spain. In 1765 the British took formal possession of the country through the military authority of Capt. Sterling, a British officer who was sent to exact allegiance from its in- habitants. The cession of this region to Great Britain and their occupancy of the territory caused dissatisfaction among the natives, who were un- willing to abandon their hunting-grounds, to which many of them were attached as the inheritance of their fathers. They determined to drive the invaders from their soil, and under Pontiac, an Ottawa chief, who was an ally of the French, had seen much service and was famous as a great warrior. ' ' He organized one of the most formidable combina- tions that the English on this continent were ever called upon to en- counter. Having embraced in the league all the tribes from the lakes to the Carolinas and from the Mississippi to the AUeghanies, he con- ceived the idea of attacking simultaneously all the English forts throughout the west, stretching from Mackinac to Cumberland, and numbering not less than sixteen. He assigned particular tribes to per- form a particular work, and on the appointed day the assault was made and all but three of the ' forts succumbed. Pontiac himself led the assault on Fort Detroit, but his scheme having been divulged by a squaw the night previously, was unsuccessful." Pontiac being disappointed in his attempt returned from further warfare, and leaving his native haunts in the vicinity of Detroit, he lodged on the banks of the Mississippi, near Cahokia, and here he was assassinated by an Indian of the Peoria tribe. This assassina- tion is laid to the charge of the English, who resorted to this method to remove a formidable enemy. It is presumed that his remains rest near the place where he met his fate. The treacherous murder of the great chief created great hostility against the tribes of Illinois from those of the north, and the former were well nigh exterminated by the latter. "In 1765 Col. George Croghan was sent west as a commissioner DISCOVERY AND EAKLY HISTORY. 15 to conciliate the Indians. He descended the Ohio as far as Shawnee- town, and thence proceeded to"Vincennes, when, after pausing a few days, he ascended the Wabash 210 miles to the Ouiatonon, or Weastown as it was called by the Americans, and thence crossed over to Detroit." In 1776 the relations of the colonies with the mother country were severed by the Declaration of Independence. This territory was held under the state authorities of "Virginia. At this time the French were still occupying the posts all along the Mississippi, and had manifested a want of sympathy with the revolution struggle ; as they had aiHliated with the natives for nearly a century and had intermarried into the varions tribes, had done but little to improve the country but were satisfied to live in a rude and uncivilized state, and looked with but little favor upon any change of government or civilization that would tend to disturb their manner of life. That they might be made feel and acknowledge the sovereignty of the United States, the governor and council of Yirginia sent an expedition of two hundred men, who enlisted for three months, under the command of George Eogers Clark, a Kentucky backwoodsman, to occupy this territory. Clark embarked with his force at Pittsburgh, and descended the Ohio river to within forty miles of its mouth, where he landed, and after conceal- ing his boats ' ' he marched across the country to Kaskaskia, where the first surrender was made without resistance ; their example being fol- lowed by a general surrender and acknowledgment of the sovereignty of the United States by taking the oath of allegiance to the constitu- tional authorities of the government." In October of that year (1776) the general assembly of the State of yirginia constituted the county of Illinois, which embraced all the territory north of the Ohio river. In this relation it remained until 1783, in which year that ' ' state passed an act authorizing the cession to the United States of this territory, and during the subsequent year the deed was executed." At a session of congress held in New York an ordinance was passed June 11, 1787, titled "An ordinance for the government of the territory of the United States Northwest of the Ohio. " This act forever excluded slavery from this part of the country, which has proved to be a very important measure, in' having much to do with the future of this great nation ; for had this vast territory been open to the introduction of American slavery it would have been quite different with the progress and freedom which now characterize the political and social economy of the nation ; and no people have greater cause to be grateful for the wise enactment than those who live on the fertile soil of the vast prairies of the northwest. 16 iriSTOET OF LEE COtnSTTY, There were at this time but few Americans in this territory. Vir- ginia having found it impracticable to maintain an outpost at so great a distance in a wilderness, the men were " quartered on the French residents, but ultimately were compelled to shift for themselves. And a few Americans who had accompanied this expedition found their way into the French villages along the Mississippi and remained." In 1781 an expedition started from Maryland consisting of five men, James Moore, Shadrach Bond, Bobert Kidd, Larkin Ruther- ford and Janies Garrison, who, taking their wives and children with them, pushed out into the western wilds. They crossed the Allegha- nies to the Ohio river, down which they passed to the Mississippi ; thence up that stream to Kaskaskia, where they separated and settled in different localities of that part of the territory. The first three settled on what was known as the "American Bottom," while the other two pushed on to Bellefountaine. In the year 1781 a small colony from the State of Massachusetts, under the direction of Gen. Rufus Putnam, settled on the Ohio at the mouth of the Muskingum river, on the present site of Marietta, Ohio. It is claimed that this was the first organized English settle- ment in this vast northwestern territory, and that Marietta is the oldest town of the same origin northwest of the Ohio river. "Prior to the year 1788 there were about forty-five improve- ments made by Americans, which entitled each to 400 acres of land under a subsequent act of congress, which was passed in 1791." The General Assembly of Yirgiiiia, on the 30th of December, 1788, passed an act authorizing the division of the Northwestern ' Territory into republican states. In recognition of this the con- gress of the United States, on August 7, 1789, passed enactments providing tor its government, and in 1791 there wqre but sixty-five Americans who were capable of bearing arms. First Civil Government.— In 1788 Arthur St. Clair located at Marietta, Ohio, to exercise official functions as governor of the terri- tory, to which administrative position he had been appointed. Here he organized a territorial government, and in 1790 he proceeded to Kaskaskia on the Mississippi and effected a county organization, which he named St. Clair. It was under this official act that Illi- nois was first placed under civil jurisdiction. The first territorial legislature met at Cincinnati in September 1799, at which time Will- iam Henry Harrison was elected the first delegate to congress On the 7th of May, 1800, the territory was divided by an act of congress, into two separate governments. At this time the popu- lation of lUmois, which numbered about three thousand souls,- were of French ancestry, and occupied the southern part of the state DISCOVERT AND EARLY HISTORY. 17 Under this governmental provision the territory remained but nine years, when, in 1809, Illinois was set apart to herself under a terri- torial government ; and in 1812 a legislature was convened and a delegate to congress chosen. The organization of the Illinois state government was authorized by an act of congress passed on the 18th of April 1818 ; and on the 18th day of December following Illinois was admitted into the Union as the twenty-second state. Military Posts. — At the organization of the Illinois state gov- ernment, the northern region of the state was not opened to settle- ments, in which state it remained until^ after the Black Hawk war, in 1832 ; being occupied by the Chippewas, Ottawas, and Pottawato- mies of the Illinois and Milwaukee. The government had, as early as 1804, established a military post at Fort Dearborn, on the present site of the city of Chicago. This fort was garrisoned with a com- pany of infantry, who maintained amicable relations with the natives until after the declaration of war, in 1812, when the Indians became restless and gathered in the vicinity of the fort with evident signs of hostility. Under orders from the war department. Captain Heald negotiated with the Indians that he might withdraw from the fort, leaving for them the "provisions and munitions in the fort." But, true to the Indian character they ambuscaded the command when two miles from the fort, but two or three escaping to record the fate of their comrades. Four years following, in 1816, the fort was rebuilt and garrisoned by two companies of infantry, who gathered the bleaching bones of those whu fell in the massacre four years before, and carefully interred them with appropriate ceremonies. Mineral . — The first discovery of coal ever made on the Amer- ican continent was by Father Hennepin, a Jesuit priest, at Fort Creve-coeur, on the Illinois, in 1879. He not only indicated on his map a " coal-mine," but wrote in his journal that " there are mines of coal, slate, and iron." The next discovery recorded was ninety years later, in 1766, by Col. George Croghan, when as Indian commissioner for the government he visited Illinois. He wrote in his journal, " On the south side of the Ouabache ("Wabash, probably below Covington) runs a high bank in which are several fine t-oal- mines." This precedes the discoveries of the Pennsylvania coal beds, and strange as it seems the honor of the discovery of this fossil product was left to the great prairie state of Illinois. 18 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. TOPOGRAPHY OF LEE COUNTY. Geographical Position.— Lee county lies between 41 and 42 de- grees north latitude, and its longitude is 12 degrees and 30 minutes west of Washington. It is in the northern quarter of the State of Illinois in the third tier of counties from the northern boundary^ of the state ; the eastern border of the county being near the median line north and south between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi river, and sixty-two miles west of Chicago. It is divided, north and south, by the third principal meridian, leaving Kanges 1 and 2 east, and Ranges 8, 9, 10 and 11 west of said line. Lee county embraces 792 square miles, and is bounded on the east by De Kalb ; on the south by La Salle and Bureau ; on the west by Whiteside, and on the north by Ogle county. The extreme length of the county east and west is thirty six miles, and the ex- treme width north and south is twenty-^wo on the western boundary line, and eighteen on the eastern line. A variance arises from an angle in the northern boimdary line fourteen sections east of the northwest cor er of the township where it turns to the south one mile, thence east on the section line to the northeast corner of the county, throwing the northern tier of sections from the point above mentioned into Ogle county, though it geographically belongs to Lee county. The northern boundary line also makes a deviation •to the north and south, following the "grand detoure" of the river, throwing all the land north of the detour into Ogle county. The southern boundary beginning with Range 8, between Townships 18 and 19, runs east to the third principal meridian, ■ where it turns three miles north on said line, then east to the south east corner of the county. For convenience in civil purposes it is divided into twenty-two civil townships. In physical geography' Lee is unsurpassed by any other county , in the state. It not only presents the quiet beauty of rounded out- lines of the prairie, but the rugged grandeur of river bluffs and rocky fastnesses. There are beautiful landscapes clothed with grassy plains, interspersed with pleasant groves and forests of useful timber, generally of a few hundred acres in extent, breaking the usual monotony of the prairie landscape at very frequent intervals, and affording a supply of fuel and fencing material. The county, how- ever, is principally prairie. The surface of the land in the county varies from the low swamps of the south to the Rock river bluffs of the north. In the southwest corner of the county we meet with the Winnebago swamp which extends in a belt two and three miles in width across Hamilton township from the southwest to the northeast into the north part of TOPOaRAPHY OF LEE COUNTY. 19 East Grove and the south part of Marion township, and sends a branch west through the southern portion of Harmon township. This swamp is fed from the drainage of Inlet swamp, which is situ- ated east of the center of the county embracing a portion of the west of Yiola township, the southeast corner of Bradford and the north- east of Lee Center. The drainage of this into the Winnebago is through Inlet creek which flows to the southwest, watering the Inlet grove in Lee Center, passes to the south of the city of Amboy, and spreads its waters into the latter swamp ; it is fringed in its meander- ing course by groves of timber. As we go to the east from the "Winnebago swamp the land becomes rolling and of a sandy loam soil of beautiful prairie dotted with groves to the eastern boundary of the county. The Paw Paw grove, south of the village bearing that name in Wyoming township, and Malugin's grove ten or twelve miles east of the city of Amboy, are the largest in that part of the county, each covering from one to two thousand acres. These fur- nish much valuable timber for fuel and fencing purposes. South of Amboy city we meet with a tract of timber-land embrac- ing eighteen or twenty square miles. Along Rock river in the northwest quarter of the county is found the largest timber supply. Among the most valuable woods found there may be mentioned : oak of diiferent varieties, hickory, sugar maple, ash, poplar, etc. , of abundant supply for present demands. Lee county, however, can- not boast the luxuriant growth of timber found in other sections of the country, as on the Ohio and Wabash rivers. Dr. Foster, speaking of the northern part of the state, appropriately adds t " The absence of a forest growth is no detriment to its development, since beneath the surface at accessible depths are stored inexhausti- ble supplies of fossil fuel, and the borders of the upper lakes are fringed with forests of pine affording the best quality of lumber, which can be delivered in the Chicago market at comparatively cheap rates. The soil which sustains these pine forests contains only three or four per cent of organic matter and is unfit for agriculture ; while the prairie soil contains organic matter sufficient for fifty suc- cessive crops." It is, therefore, more to the material interests of the county to draw her supplies of lumber from other sources than to divert her fertile acres from the growing of grain and other products of husbandry. Origin of the Pradries. — "This is not due," says Foster, "so much to the mechanical texture, or chemical composition of the soil, but to the unequal distribution of moisture. They are the phase in a gradation between the densely wooded belt, where the moisture is equally distributed, and the inhospitable desert, where it is almost 20 HISTOBY OF LEE COUNTY. ■wholly withheld. The excess of moisture which is precipitated on the plains during the spring and summer months, and the consequent deficiency which ensues during the fall and winter months, are con- ditions not favorable to the growth of trees. Leaving the thickly wooded crests of the Alleghanies, and traveling westward to the base of the Kocky mountains, the observer will witness the gradual disappearance of those noble forms of arborescent vegetation which are dependent for their growth on an abundant, equable supply of moisture, and their final replacement by other forms, like the cactus and artemisia, which flourish where the moisture is almost wholly withheld." Beginning on the east line of the county, five sections north of the southeast corner and in the vicinity of Paw Paw, we find the be- ginning of a ridge which extends westward two townships, where it bears to the southwest through Sublette township, at which point is the greatest altitude between Mendota and Dixon, sloping off to the Winnebago flats. There is a depression on the face of the land, entering the county on the east and about midway north and south, which runs westward through Willow and Viola townships, then bearing to the south it extends to the southwest corner of the county, where we find the greatest depression. As we advance northward we cross a ridge which passes from the eastern boundary along the northern third of the county westward to the median line north and south where it meets a like ridge extending down from the north, then bearing southwest it becomes less prominent as it reaches the western border of the county, between the low lands of the Winne- bago swamp on the south and the tributaries to Kock river on the north. As we advance to the north in the western third of the county we come to the high lands and bluffs of Rock river, covered with timber and presenting many attractions in connection with the meandering waters of this beautiful and historic stream. On the banks of Rock river and in the vicinity of Dixon are natural observatories, from which the eye is greeted with such grandeur of scenery as inspired the poetic mind of the honored Bryant, whose visit to this county is recorded in the follow ing pages. Of those most prominent may be mentioned the Clarks bluffs, on the south side of the river and about three miles below the city of Dixon ; and the "Hazlewood" bluffs, on the farm of "Gov." Axa. Charters, which lies west of the river and about two miles north of the city. The forests and rocky fastnesses of the region of Rock river have been so preserved in their rude native character, as not only to be attract- ive to the eyes of men who appreciate the charms of nature, but to the fowls and wild beasts of former days. The hunter's rifle occa- TOPOGRAPHY OP LEE COUNTY. 21 sionally brings down the gray wild-cat, and his hounds bay after the retreating wolf which has chanced to wander down from the forests of Wisconsin. William C. Bryant, the poet, writing a letter after his visit to Eock river, in 1841, described his ride through Lee county as fol- lows : "As we descended into the prairie we were struck with the novelty and beauty of the prospect which lay before us. The ground sank gradually and gently into a low but immense basin, in the midst of which lies the marshy tract called the Winnebago swamp. To the northeast the sight was intercepted by a forest in thu midst of the basin but to the northwest the prairies were seen swelling up again in the smoothest slopes to their usual height, and stretching away to a distance so vast that it Seemed boldness in the eye to fol- low them. We reached the Winnebago swamps, a tract covered with tall and luxuriant water-grass, which we crossed on a causeway built by a settler who keeps a toll-gate, and at the end of the cause- way we forded a small stream called Winnebago Inlet. Crossing another vast prairie we reached the neighborhood of Dixon, the ap- proach of which was denoted by groves, farm-houses, herds of cattle, and enclosed corn-fields checkering the broad, green prairie." The general slope of this county is, with that of the most of the state, to the southwest. The greatest depression in the county is, as above given, in the southwest corner, known as the Winnebago lands, which are doubtless the bed of an ancient lake, and ere long will be valuable lands. The greatest altitude in the county is reached on the Eock river heights, in the northwest corner of the county. The drainage is generally good through many tributaries to Rock river on the north and Inlet creek on the south. The northern third of the county is drained by the smaller streams which flow from the dividing ridge, above referred to, which extends from the northeast to the southwest, emptying their waters into Eock river. These tributaries flow to the northwest, cutting their course through the bluffs to mingle with the latter stream. The central and southern part of the county are drained by creeks and brooks which pour their waters into Inlet swamp and Green river. The largest of these is Willow creek, which rises in De Kalb county on the east, and cross- ing near the middle of the east line of Lee, continues westward until lost amid the grass and rushes of Inlet swamp. A few miles south of this creek, about the village of Faw Paw, in Wyoming township, is an elevated tract of land which becomes the dividing ridge be- tween the headwaters of Green river and Kite creek, which rises in the southeast corner of Lee county, and running south through Beau- reau it empties into the Illinois within the borders of Putnam 22 HI8T0BY OF LEE COUNTY, county. The central-west of the township is drained by the Three Mile branch and the Five Mile creek. The former heads in the vicinity of Nachusa, and meandering westward, passing Dixon three miles to the south, as its name indicates, it empties into Eock river near the county line. The Five Mile creek rises near Eldena Sta- tion, west of the center of the county, and flows westward to the county line and pours its waters into the Eock river within the bor- ders of Whitesides county. Its waters are shaded much of its way by the forest timber that fringe its banks. These streams are of much value to the inhabitants through whose fields they flow. The township of Palmyra, in the northwestern part of the county, is traversed by Sugar creek, which crosses the extreme comer of the county, passing through the beautiful Sugar grove, which stands near the center of the above township, and. after emerging from Lee county empties into Eock river. Rivers and Navigation. — The principal stream in Lee county is Eock river, which crosses the northwest corner, separating Palmyra and Dixon townships from the other portion of the county. It first reaches the county from the north, twelve miles east of the western boundary, and flows one mile south, then turning to the west it makes a detour back to the north, and passes west of the first point one-half to three-quarters of a mile. Then making another grand detour to the north and west, returns and enters Lee county nine miles east of the northwest corner. From this point of entrance it bears to the east on its southern course for two or three miles, then sweeps off to the southwest, cutting its way through the rocks and bluffs, making a gentle curve here and there on its way, as if to add to its attractive- ness and beauty, and emerges from the county, crossing the western line nine miles south. The beauty and attractions of this river are not equaled by any other stream in the state. The Eock Eiver valley has been the theme of the richest prose and the sweetest poetiy. It has awakened the poetical genius of a William CuUen Bryant, and a Margaret Fuller Ossoli. The former, when on a visit to Eock river in 184:1, feasted his eyes on the grand scenery presented to his view, as he stood on Hazlewood looking out on the silvery stream, as it flowed majestically through the forest and plains, and murmured at the base of the rocks and bluffs. On his return home he wrote, on the 21st of June, as follows: "I have just returned from an excursion to Eock river, one of the njost beautiful of our western streams. It flows through high prairies and, not like most streams of the west, through an alluvial country. The current is rapid, and the pellucid waters glide over a bottom of sand and pebbles. Its admirers de- TOPOGRAPHY OF LEE COUNTY. 23 clare that its shores unite the beauties of the Hudson and of the Connecticut. The banks on either side are high and bold ; some- times they are perpendicular precipices, the bases of which stand in running water ; sometimes they are steep, grassy, or rocky bluffs, with a space of alluvial land between them and the stream ; some- times they rise by a gradual and easy ascent to the general level of the region, and sometimes this ascent is interrupted by a broad, natural terrace. Majestic trees grow solitary or in clumps on the grassy acclivities, or scattered in natural parks along the lower lands upon the river, or in thick groves along the edge of the high country. Back of the bluffs extend a fine agricultural region, rich prairies with an undulating surface, interspersed with groves. At the foot of the bluffs break forth copious springs of clear water, which hasten in the little brooks to the river. In a drive which I took up the left bank of the river I saw three of these in the space of as many miles. One of these is the spring which supplies the town of Dixon with water ; this spring is now overflowed by the dam across the river ; the next is a beautiful fountain rushing out from the rocks in the midst of a clump of trees, as merrily and in as great a hurry as a boy let out from school ; the third is so remarkable as to have re- ceived a name. It is a little rivulet issuing from a cavern six or seven feet high, and about twenty from the entrance to the further end, at the foot of a perpendicular precipice covered with forest trees and fringed with bushes. ' ' In the neighborhood of Dixon a class of emigrants have estab- lished themselves (in 184:1), more opulent and luxurious in their tastes than most of the settlers of the western country. Some of these have built elegant homes on the left bank of the river, amidst the noble trees which seem to have grown up for that very purpose. Indeed, when I looked at them I could hardly persuade myself that they had not been planted to overshadow older habitations. From the door of one of these dwellings I surveyed a prospect of exceed- ing beauty. The windings of the river allowed us a sight of its waters and its beautifully diversified banks to a great distance each way, and in one direction a high prairie region was seen above the woods that fringed the course of the river of a lighter green than they, and touched with the golden light of the setting sun. "I am told that the character of Eock river is, throughout its course, much as has been described in the neighborhood of Dixon ; that its, banks are high and free from marghes, and its water rapid and clear, from its source in "Wisconsin to where it enters the Mis- sissippi amidst rocky islands." Many springs empty their pure, cool waters into this stream, 24 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, which give it a purity which but few waters of its size possess. The river being largely fed by inexhaustible fountains, it never falls so low as most streams do in the dry summer season, and the waters that are ever flowing are cool and refreshing, making it the best stock-watering stream in the state. Adding much to the charming beauty of the Kock river are her numerous islands which divide her waters, and being carpeted with green, tender grass, interspersed with beds of wild flowers, are as ' beautiful as a cultivated lawn. S6me are shaded with forests, while the brows of the precipitous shores are fringed with trees of smaller growths, from which the plain stretches g,cros8 the valley to the bluffs, presenting a scene most picturesque. There are not less than twenty-five of these islands in the river's course through Lee county. One a short distance above the Dixon bridge is set with forest trees, and were it not for the occasional overflows it could be made a spot of pleasant resort during the hot days of the summer nionths. At this writing, April 20, it is covered with several feet of water, and presents the view of a beautiful forest set in a crystal lake. But as attractive as Rock river is in her ordinary mood, she is not always as serene and gentle as poets have written of her, but at times in her fury has challenged the boldness of a Byron rather than the gentleness of the classic poetry of a Bryant, who through his admiration for the beautiful river eulogized her as not subject to high flows as many of her sister streams. She has at times been profligate with property and life. On March 20, 1847, a rise of water with floating ice carried away the north half of the toll bridge, which had been finished some time during the winter, causing an outlay of $2,000 to make repairs. And in June, 1861, the river overflowed its banks with two feet of water on the public road around the Grand Detour, where on the 18th of that month a stage crossing the flow was precipitated into ten feet of water, drowning all the horses, and with the almost miraculous escape of human life thus imperiled. Referring to this freshet the city papers congratulated the citizens of Dixon on the fortunate escape of the dam from the fate of most of the dams on the river, in the fol- lowing' strain : "The dam at this place has thus far successfully withstood the tremendous rush of the high-water current, and we think it will still do so. Other dams of Rock river we learn have been compelled tb yield." On February 14, 1857, the water rose to the tops of the bridge-piers which stood below the railroad bridge, and lifting up the solid ice which had formed around the piers car- ried the entire bridge structure up with it from its resting places, but the ice not breaking up it was let down again, but not without dam- Missing Page Missing Page TOPOGRAPHY OF LEE COUNTY. 27 age, as it had to be rebuilt. About ten days later the toll bridge at the foot of Ottawa street was carried away by the high water and floating ice. And on June 3, the following year (1858), the papers of Dixon made the following announcement: " Rock river at this time is higher than we have ever known it. Both the wagon bridges at this place have suffered in consequence of the. flood. The free bridge, but a small portion of which was carried away, will be re- paired immediately. Steps will be taken by our citzens to build at. new bridge in place of the one swept away at the foot of Galena street." In the following February (1859) the breaking up of the ice by a heavy freshet carried away the dam and the new toll bridge. The editorials of the 20th of the same month said : " The dam be- came so clogged with floating ice that the weight caused it to give way, descending ice and dam together, against the new bridge erected only four months since ; it swept away two bents at one crash,, and later two more were taken. The bridge will be repaired imme,- diately in order to have it ready for the next descent, but in the meantime the northsiders, by going three miles and paying 25 cents;, can reach town over the free bridge." Two months later, April 23, two factories and a saw-mill at the north end of the bridge were un- der-washed by the rushing waters from the dam, and when the build- ings were slowly moving toward the water, which was twenty feet deep, the machinery was removed, and flre set to the buildings to^ save the bridge below from the fate of the one that had been swept away so recently. March Y, 1868, the high waters with floating ice swept away the free bridge and battered down one pier of the railroad bridge, pre- cipitating two spans into the river. It also washed out 120 feet of the south end of the dam. At the present writing Rock river is recording another epoch ini her historic fame. The tide is rushing down like a mighty ocean, overflowing her banks at a depth, it is claimed, much greater than ever known. The water is fifteen feet above low-water mark, and two feet above the highest, with a velocity in the current of six to seven miles per hour. The Dixon Telegraph says: "The freshet which now rages down the Rock river is one of the most remarkable ever known. At the present writing (April 20) the water in the river is nearly two feet higher than the highest water mark registered by the oldest inhabit- ant, and the flood is still swelling, and ' Where will it stop?' is the anx- ious inquiry of every one. "Water street, below Galena, is covered; and Col. Dement was compelled to move his horses from the stable, and has since commenced moving out of his residence. On the 3 28 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY, ■north side about twenty families were compelled to leave their houses; the flats below Bridge street are completely inundated, and people are working in boats to secure barns, sheds, and other out buildings from being carried down the river. The water sweeps over the street at the north end of the bridge over two feet deep." Green Biver.— This stream rises in the Inlet swamp east of the center of the county, as has been described, and flowing to the southwest through a beautiful grove in Lee Center township, mean- dering on to the south of Amboy city to the great "Winnebago swamp, emerging from the county at the southwest corner, from which point it continues on through Bureau and Henry counties to mingle its waters with those of Rock river a few miles east of the city of Eock Island. This stream with its tributaries traverses the entire length of the county, through the Winnebago basin, which begins in the county eastward and gently recedes to the southwest, extending far beyond the boundary of Lee county. NATURAL HISTORY. Timber. — The emigrants to this county, as in most of northern Illinois, had not to contend with a universal primeval forest, as in many portions of the west. There were no great forests to hew down with the axe, and by patient toil for a generation to clear up a farm for their sons to inherit ; but they found, interspersed over a fertile prairie, groves of timber of almost every variety common to this latitude ; soft and sugar maple ; black walnut and butternut; yellow and white poplar; oak, of white, black and other varieties; of ash we find the white and black varieties; hickory of the princi- ple varieties; lin or basswood, gum, ironwood, cherry, crab-apple, wild plum, thorn, hazel, etc. Flowers and plants of great variety, embracing the timber and prairie flowers of almost every kind and hue found in the latitude, decorate the grassy prairie, the rocky bluff's and borders of the streams. Among the prairie plants may be mentioned one that has proved an annoyance to many an unsuspecting traveler, is what is commonly known as the "Wild Parsenip." The great poet William 0. Bryant says of this plant: "Let me caution all emi- grants to Illinois not to handle too familiarly the 'Wild Parsenip,' as it is commonly called, an umbelliferous plant growing in the moist prairies of this region. I have handled it, and have paid dearly for it, having such a swelled face that I could scarcely see for several Wild Animals. — Of the nobler beasts of the unbroken prairie and wild forest was the buff'alo, more properly called bison, cover- NATURAL HISTORY. 29 ing the prairies in great herds; while the stately elk, the timid deer, and fleet antelope roamed over the plains and through the groves. The tender, juicy grass of the plain, the cool shades of the groves, and the refreshing waters of the fountains and streams that abound in this country, make it a paradise for the wild grazing herds. But these have retreated before advancing civilization beyond the great waters of the Mississippi, while some of their number have left their bones to bleach on the prairies and mingle with the soil of Lee county, though their kind are now far removed from the reach of the hunter's rifle. Of carniverous beasts were the bear, the prairie and timber wolf, the wild-cat, the lynx, and the panther. The bear and the panther have disappeared from the habitation of the old pioneers of the county. In addition to these may be mentioned a variety of smaller animals, such as the beaver, the otter, the mink, and the muskrat, of the amphibious animals; the woodchuck, the red and gray fox, the raccoon, the opossum, the skunk, and the brown and white weasel. These are valuable for their fur. The smaller ani- mals are the prairie squirrel, gray and striped, Norway rats, moles, and the invincible mouse. Fowls. — The native fowls of Lee county embrace almost every species from the bald-eagle' down to the humming, bird. Among the game fowl may be mentioned the wild swan, goose, brant and duck among the water-fowls that throng the rivers, ponds, and lakes ; the plover, snipe, woodcock, prairie chicken, pheasant, quail, wild pigeon, turtle dove, and meadow lark. To these may be added water-fowls that attract but little attention by the epicurean ; such as the sand-hill crane, and his smaller neighbors'; the king fisher, etc. Of forest birds are found the bluejayj'"the robin, the bluebird, the peewee, and many others usually found in this lati- tude. The Virginia nightingale, commonly called the "redbird," seldom appears in the forests in this vicinity ; and the same may be ' said of inany birds of beautiful plumage and sweet song that are found in the more southern sections of the state. A variety of ra- pacious and vulturous birds are also found ; the bald eagle, the vul- ture, the buzzard, the crow, and a number of different kinds of the hawk species. The crow has appeared in the more modern years of the county's history. It was formerly unknown in this part of the country. The plaintive notes of the whip-poor-will are occasionally heard at nightfall coming from the shady grove. In an early day the water-fowls visited the waters of Lee county in great numbers. It was one of these annual visitors that awakened the poetical genius of Bryant when he wrote that excellent and clas- sic poem : 30 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. TO A WATBEFOWL. " Whither, midst falling dew, While glow the heavens with the last steps of day, Far through their rosy depths dost thou pursue Thy solitary way ? "Vainly the fowler's eye Might mark thy distant flight to do thee harm. As, darkly limned upon the crimson sky. Thy figure floats along. Seek'st thou the plashy brink Of wefedy lake, or marge of river wide. Or where the rocking billows rise and sink On the chafed ocean side ? There is a power whose care Teaches thy way along that pathless coast — The desert and illimitable air- Lone wandering, but not lost. All day thy wings have fanned At that far height, the cold, thin atmosphere, Yet stoop not weary, to the welcome land. Though the dark night is near. And soon that toil shall end ; Soon Shalt thou find a summer home and rest. And scream among thy fellows; reeds shall bend Soon o'er thy sheltered nest. Thou'rt gone, the abyss of heaven Hath swallowed up thy form; yet on my heart Deeply hath sunk the lesson thou hast given. And shall not soon depart. He who from zone to zone Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight. In the long way that I must tread alone Will lead my steps aright." Pisdoultivre. — Nature did mucli in stocking tlie streams of Lee county with a variety of fish; and some of choice quality. Among the native tribes are found the pike, the pickerel, the several vari- eties of perch; of bass, both rock and black; the cat and buffalo; of suckers are caught the black, the white and red-horse. From the great numbers of these latter which, in an early day, passed up the rock river in the spring and returned in the fall, the state has received its vulgar name of the Sucker State. The modern im- provements on the river, dams, drainage from manufactories, and the seine, have reduced their number. GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS. 31 GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS. The geological formations of Lee county are of more than usual interest, both to the mechanic and artist. There is found the finest building rock, and the purest for manufacturing quicklime ; and fossil rock capable of the highest polish, presenting a face variegated and beautiful. The scientist may find almost every formation from the lower silurian system up to the alluvium forming the basis of ,the fertile soil of this region of country. In the vicinity of Kock river may be found the St. Peter's sand- stone which out-crops on the river above Grand Detour. "We find the Trenton or buff, and blue lime ; (jalena limestone, without mineral deposits as at Galena ; Cincinnati group ; green and blue shales, with surface deposits ; sands, clays, soils, and gravel beds. Quarries of the finest building rock are found along the Eock river for miles below and above Dixon. Those below are of lime and sand, and work easily when just removed from the quarry, but harden on exposure to the atmosphere, a quality very desirable in building rock. A blue limestone quarry is situated three miles north of Dixon, west of the river, on Alex. Charter's farm ; and a little below this is Strong's quarry of the same kind of rock. The same is quarried on the east side of the river two miles northeast of Dixon ; and going twelve miles east of Dixon, along the northern border of the county, it crops out at Ashton, where some of the finest quality of building stone is quarried. A quarry is also opened on the farm of K. M. Peile, Reynold township. Lee Center furnishes building stone for the necessary supply of all demands in the central part of the county. An extensive lime kiln and quarry, known as Dement & De Puy's quarry, are located on the south side of the river above the water-power, and under the College hill. The geology of Lee county is rich with scientific interest, and abounds in some localities with fossil deposits. Two or three miles northeast of Dixon, and east of Eock river, are quarried the finest specimens of fossil rock, composed of shells of various varieties, and so imbedded together as to form a texture as compact as marble, and capable of as fine a polish. The geological deposit of primary importance is the quarternary system, which embraces all the superficial material, including gravel, sands, clays, and soils. These are the more recent accumulations, which cover the older formations and lay the foundation and give origin to ,the soil from which we derive our agricultural resources. "This system may be properly separated into four divisions, to wit: post-tertiary, sands, and clays, drift clay and gravel, loess and allu- 32 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. vium. The post-tertiary sands occupy the lowest portion in the series, and consist of beds of stratified yellow sand and blue clay of variable thickness, overlaid by a black or chocolate-colored loam soil, containing leaves, branches, and trunks of trees in a good state of preservation. This is an ancient soil which has been covered. by the drift deposits, consisting of blue, yellow or brown clays, contain- ing gravel and boulders of various sizes," water- worn fragments of rocks, which have been carried down from the northern shores of the great lakes. Above this we sometimes meet with beds of gravel. The subsoil over the northern part of the state is predicated upon the drift deposits, but it differs from them essentially in its character, and probably owes its origin to other and more recent causes than the drift agencies. It is generally composed of fine brown clay, which differs in its appearance from the clays of the drift. Hence we may infer that its origin is due to some cause subsequent in its ac- tion to the accumulation of these deposits, and uniform in its effects over formations essentially different in their constituent materials. In the first volume of the report on the Illinois survey Prof. Les- quereux has given the following on the formation of the prairies, which explains the origin of the brown clay and the subsoil above it. He says : " It is evident that the black soil of their surface (the prai- ries), as well as the clayey sub-soil, whatever the thickness of these strata may be, have been formed in place by the agency and growth of a peculiar vegetation. In stagnant water, whenever water is low enough to admit the transmission of light and air of sufficient quan- tity to sustain vegetable life, the bottom is first invaded by confervas, and especially by characese, and a peculiar kind of floating moss {hyp- num aduncum). These plants contain in their tissue a great pro- portion of lime alumina, silica, and even of oxide of iron, the ele- ments of clay. "When exposed to atmospheric influence the characeae become covered with an efflorescence of scarcely carbonized or pure iron. Moreover, this vegetation of the low, stagnant waters fee^s a prodigious quantity of small mollusks and infusoria, whose shells and detritus greatly add to the deposits. The final result of the de- composition of the whole matter is that fine clay of the sub-soil of the prairies which is indeed truly impalpable when dried and pul- verized and unmixed with sands." While it seems entirely satisfactory to recognize the origin of the soil of the prairies from the growth and decay of vegetable matter in shallow ponds and marshes, with the animal remains that abounded in them, there are, however, traces of currents of water and floating ice generally from the north, though it is claimed by good authority EARLY HISTORY. 33 that there were counter currents. Boulders are found in different parts of the country, distributed over the surface of the ground, which have been carried down by the moving ice and deposited as strangers on the prairie soil. A good place to study these stones is on the bluffs southeast of Rock river, about one mile above Dixon, and on the east slope of a ravine that drains into that river opposite the island. . ^ Along the bluffs of Rock river may be found the loess deposit, which is described as " a fine mechanical sediment that seems to have accumulated in a quiet lake or other body of fresh water. It is com^ posed of brown, buff or ashen gray marley, sands, and clays, and contains numerous land and fresh-water shells of the same 'species with those inhabiting the land and waters of the adjacent region." Along the Hock river valley and in the Inlet and "Winnebago basin we meet with alluvium, as well as alpng some of the smaller streams. This consists of sand, clay, and loam, irregularly stratified with greater or less organic matter from the decomposed animal and vegetable substances that are imbedded therein. The soil of Lee county is fertile, well drained, and adapted to agriculture and stock growing. A number of the citizens of the county are engaged in the latter, and have many broad acres set in clover and blue-grass, which grow most luxuriantly. EARLY HISTORY. P>rior to the. Black Hawk war. — For the early history of the territory now embraced in Lee county we are called back to the early days of Dixon's Ferry. It was the establishment of this en- terprise, as the first improvement of the country, that invited to the banks of Rock river the early pioneer settlement, that laid the foun- dation for the future development of an intelligent and proslnerous community, and the building of the city of Dixon. The circum- stances leading to the discovery of this locality have' been noticed in their proper relations to the discovery of Lee county. • Prior to the establishment of the ferry at this place, the. broad, fertile prairies and the beautiful groves of Lee county were left tQ the wild beasts and wandering tribes of aborigines. The Galena mines having been opened, there was a rush of emigration to that locality from the southern settlements along the Illinois river, by the Rock Island route. But a Mr. O. "W". Kellogg taking the more direct route from Peoria — then Fort Clark — drove his team across the country, in 1827, traversing the wild prairies, fording streams, and camping at night without any shelter save the starry expanse above, which seemed like a vast crystal canopy. resting down upon 84 HISTOEY OF LEE COUNTY. the boundless prairie sea which surrounded him on every side. Beaching Eock river he crossed the stream at a point a few miles above the present site of the city of Dixon, probably at the head of Truman's Island ; passed between what is now known as Polo and Mount Morris ; thence west of West Grove, from which point he turned north to Galena. This prairie path-finder opened the route afterward known as " Kellogg' s Trail." This path was soon occu- pied by many fortune seekers, who disregarded the fertile soil over which they were passing, and in which mines of wealth were stored that would be inexhaustible for generations to come. Soon, how- ever, it was discovered that this was not the most direct communi- cation between the lower settlements and the mines, hence in the spring of 1828 John Boles, bearing to the west of Kellogg's Trail, crossed Eock river at the present site of Dixon, not far from the location of the Galena street bridge, possibly a few rods below this point. This path, known as "Bole's Trail," became the com- mon route between the above points. . The crossing of the river prior to the establishment of the ferry was attended with diflBeulties and perils. The method is described by John K. Eobinson in the following manner: "The method of crossing the river with teams before the establishment of a ferry was primitive and simple. On arriving at the place of crossing the wagons were unloaded and the loads carried over in canoes by the Indians. The wagon was then driven with the side to the stream and two wheels lifted into a canoe, then shoved a little out into the river; another canoe received the other two wheels, when the double boat was paddled or poled to the other side. The horses were taken by the bridle and made to swim by the side of the canoe, while the cattle swam loose. Then commenced the lifting out of the wagon and reloading, after which the journey was renewed, and all hands happy that the task of crossing the river was com- pleted." " Once James P. Dixon, well acquainted with the hardship of crossing, arriving on the banks of the river with the mail wagon called to the Indians for their assistance, but received no answer. Yexed at their delay, and at their arrogance when they did assist, he boldly unchecked his horses so as to give them a chance to swim, and crossed the river with the mail and wagon in safety." This incident illustrates some of the inconveniences to which the early pioneers were subject. The Indians were not reliable as ferry- men in the manner as above described, being frequently absent, or ill disposed to render immediate assistance ; and it was only when the river was low that it could be forded. To relieve the traveling EARLY HISTORY, 85 public of this annoyance, and to open a,n avenue of pecuniary gain, Mr. J. L. Bogardis, of Peoria, attempted the establishment of a ferry at this point some time in 1827, or early in 1828. The enter- prise, however, was a failure ; for the reason that the Indians, who had been accustomed to pilot the strangers across the river in their primitive style, were unwilling that the white man should create a competition in the business over which they held a monopoly ; and therefore they swooped down upon the two workmen, who had the boat for the ferry well on the way, and burning the superstructure they ordered the men back to the place from which they came. The workmen made a hasty retreat, leaving the red-men in possession of the situation, including a shanty 8x10 feet, which they had erected ■on the bank of the river. In the spring of 1828 Josep Ogee, a French Indian half-breed and interpreter, settled here, erected a cabin on the bank of the river, and established the first ferry without molestation from the Indians. Ogee's wife was a Pottawatomie woman, and his relations and customs were allied with their own people, so that he was permitted to abide in peace and conduct his ferry until the spring of 1830, when he sold to John Dixon, whose name the city of Dixon bears to-day. Mr. Dixon had induced Ogee to build the ferry to accom- modate the United States mail, which he was carrying from Peoria to Galena. On the 11th of April Mr. Dixon arrived at the ferry with his family and took charge of the transportation of the travel- ing public across the river. He was regarded by the Indians as the *' red-man's friend," whom they called "]!^a-chusa;" which is a con- traction of !N'adah-churah-sah, and signifies, "head-hair-white;" referring to Mr. Dixon's white, fiowing locks, which came prema- turely. The first tavern opened in this vicinity was in 1829, by Isaac Chambers, who built a house for public entertainment in Buffalo Grove, through which he had cut a road for the new trail from the ferry to Galena, two miles distant from the Bole's Trail, which it in- tersected some distance north of the grove. This was the first white family in this part of the country. That the reader may have a just idea of the hardships of those days, and the primitive style in a pioneer tavern, we give an extract below from the pen of John K. Kobinson, an eye witness to many of the things of which he writes, who came to the county in 1832, and became conversant with the facts here related : "From 1829 to 1835 the travel crossing Kock river at the pres- ent site of Dixon was extensive. In early spring the emigration to the lead mines was one perpetual rush — like in character to the gold 36 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. fever of later years. It swept over Kock river in swarms of from five to twenty teams a day through May and June ; then again there was a mighty stream southward during September and October. Among tlie many passing through we had of ministers : John Sin- clair, John T. Mitchell, and Erastus Kent, all honored as faithful men and able ministers ; judges : Thomas Ford, afterward governor of Illinois, and Young ; lawyers : Mills and Sheldon ; and black- legs whose name is legion. Accommodations were furnished the travelers as far as the beds, .bedding, and table room of the "tavern" would reach. Between the two houses forming the long, one-story portion of the building was a ten or twelve foot hall, with a doorway at either end, facing the north and south. Entering the hall from the south, on the west was the family sitting-room, on the east was the travelers' and hired help's room, each room eighteen feet square. The furniture of the west room consisted of two beds, quite a number of chairs, and a table extending clear across the room, where the meals were taken in cold weather ; in warm weather the meals were \aken in the hall. The east room contained four beds, one in each corner. When driven to extend this bed-room, the "shake-down" was resorted to, which was of common occurrence. A buffalo robe or bear skin spread on the soft side of the floor, with a blanket or quilt for covering, made a bed good enough for anybody. The floor was often covered in both rooms, and the hall filled to overflowing, with these hastily and easi- ly prepared beds. Floor room was not always of sufficient propor- tion to accommodate the entire party ; the remainder encamped all about the premises, there was room enough out doors for all. Owing to the base of supplies being so distant — Peoria ninety miles, and Galena sixty-five miles — we were often driven to extremi- ties. No weather or bad roads satisfied hunger or stayed travel. Armies, feeling this gnawing, grow restless and insubordinate. Our own family and travelers gave vent to human nature without stint. Few could take in the difficulties of having the whdle of a large caravan to feed. The Inlet stream was unbridged and frequently swimming, and in that directi^k of myself and team. Mail stages were three times submerged and ruined in Inlet. Northward, Apple river and both Plumb rivers EARLY inSTOKT. 37 were alike difficult to cross and much more dangerous, as the cross- ings were bad and the current rapid. Father Dixon did his trading with the Indians as a matter of necessity. He had lived at Peoria and learned the character of the average trader and determined to deal more justly with the Indians than had been done. He ingratiated himself with them as their ad- viser and friend, strongly urging them to a civilized life and habits of sobriety, diligence and honesty. The store-room in which he traded with the Indians was ia the east building (the two-story house), where he sold powder, Jead, shot, wampum, tobacco, pipes, shrouding (a coarse cloth), blankets, guns, beads, needles, awls, knives, spears, muskrat and otter traps, calicos, etc., and but one thing at a time. Why ? The Indian is a thief always and every- where. In return he had their furs, dressed deer skins, moccasins, and fancy articles made by the female portion of his traders. These found a ready market in Galena, Peoria, and St. Louis. Directly after taking up his permanent home at Dixon's Ferry, and while coming down the river from the place of ferrying, Father Dixon heard his Indian name excitedly called out. Turning around he saw a naked savage within 100 feet of him running toward him and gesticulating angrily with a muskrat spear which was made of a sharpened 5-8 inch round iron rod, from two to three feet in length, fastened to a wooden handle from four to six feet in length, making a formidable weapon. To defend himself unarmed was impossible ; to flee cowardly. He took in the danger, but his man- hood refused to carry him out of danger, as his fleetness would have enabled him to do. He boldly faced his adversary, bnt before the Indian had an opportunity to throw his spear his arms were secure- ly grasped by some of the Indian spectators, who interfered for Dixon's safety. After the drunken debauch was over the Indian asked an interview with Father Dixon, which he refused him until the band to which the Indian belonged interceded for him. Much ceremony suits the Indian ; the talk commenced, when the Indian, whose name was Dah-shun-egra, acknowledged his murderous inten- tion ; " that bad whisky made bad Indian," and asked forgiveness. He asked Father Dixon what he would have done if he had thrown the spear and missed his aim. In reply Father Dixon said : " Had you thrown the spear and missed me, the spear would have passed by me and I should have reached it lirst, and should have killed you on the spot with your own spear." His coolness in the hour of danger, and this open avowal of a determined man to defend him- self and repel force by force, were qualities that the savages could 38 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. fully understand and appreciate. It established Father Dixon's character among the Indians as a White Brave." While Mr. Dixon carried the United States mail the streams were unbridged, not even "corduroyed;" swamps undrained ; roads al- most impassable ; houses few and far between. Snowstorms were m.ore severe and the cold more intense than in later years. In the winter of 1830-1 (the winter of the deep snow) the snow averaged three feet deep from New Year's Day to the 15th of March. No track was kept open from one settlement to another, and it was with great difiSculty that roads were kept open even in densely settled dis- tricts. Fifteen to twentj^-seven miles was the usual distance between the homes along the route. On one of the longest routes during this memorable winter Mr. Dixon and some of the stage passengers were so benumbed with the cold as to be unable to get out of the stage without assistance. In the year 1829 a post-office was established at Ogee's Ferry to accommodate the traveling public, and a Mr. Gay was appointed post- master. In September, 1830, Mr. Dixon superseded Mr. Gay, by government appointment, and in the following year the name of the post-office was changed, as the ferry had been, to Dixon's Ferry. The few settlers who had located in the vicinity of Eockford came to Dix- on's Ferry for their mail matter, and being the only ferry crossing for many miles up and down the river, Dixon at this early day was a central point of interest for thirty or forty miles north and south, and from Chicago, a small frontier post, to the Mississippi ; and in the time of the Black Hawk war it became the rendezvous of the United States troops. It was the central depot for supplies, and afforded the most advantageous point for military manoeuvering. " At this time," says the " History of Dixon," published in 1880, ' ' the banks of Eock river at the present site of Dixon were gently sloping to the water's edge, covered with grass, not abrupt as at pres- ent. Teams were loaded wherever the ferry-boat struck a suitable place on the shores. The ferry-boat was propelled by the old-fashioned ' setting pole,' attended with any amount of fatigue. It was one of the schools of patience in its day. A rope ferry, similar to the one now at Grand Detour, succeeded the primitive institution in 1836. A rope was stretched across the river from the tops of strong posts placed on either bank of the river at Galena street, and with the lee board as motive power more rapid and far easier transportation was secured." We may note at this point that; Mrs. John Dixon was the first white woman who settled in the Rock River valley, in the bounds of Lee county. THE BLACK HAWK WAE. 39 About eighteen or twenty miles south, and not far from the pres- ent Lee county line, in the south part of the county, another pioneer by the well known name of " Dad Joe " Smith had located at a very early day, the date of which we cannot give definitely, but it was, however, prior to the Black Hawk war, and of sufiicient length of time for him to become familiar with the Indians of the country to secure his safety during the Black Hawk campaign. Having secured the safety of his wife and children he remained at his home at " Dad Joe's Grove " and attended and gathered his crops during the entire war unmolested. He had fought in the battle of the Thames ; came to this county with the first emigrants and "settled in the shadow of this grove," and commenced opening a farm. At the time of the advance of Atkinson's army he served as a guide. He also served as a spy under command of Zachary Taylor. He was an early settler, and of such long standing that he was rather looked upon as a kind of patri- arch in the country, and to distinguish him from other Joe Smiths — perhaps a son bearing his father's name — he received the venerable appellation of "Dad Joe." Mr. J. K. Kobinson said of him: " He was one of the good, jolly men, who had made their homes along the route of the early thoroughfare between Peoria and Galena. ' Dad Joe ' had an uncommonly loud voice. It was often remarked in that day ' "We knew they were all well at Dad Joe's, this morning, for we heard him calling his hogs just twenty miles away.' " In the spring of 1832, at the settlement at Buffalo Grove, ten miles up the Galena road, were located Isaac Chambers, O. W. Kel- logg, Mr. Keed, and a Mr. Bush, and their families. Mr. John K. Kobinson had joined John Dixon at the ferry where he settled, and "Dad Joe" twenty miles south on the road. These were the way stations on the great thoroughfare of travel from the southern settle- ments to the Galena mines on the north, and were as oases in the desert to the pioneer traveler. THE BLACK HAWK WAR. The Black Hawk war broke out in 1832, when Dixon's Ferry, where the city of Dixon is now located, became the rendezvous of the United States troops and the- raw levies that were raised for the defense of the frontier, as it proved to be a central position for the speedy and successful manoeuvreing of troops and their supplies. "A treaty had been made in 1804 with the Sacs and Fox Indians, in which those powerful tribes ceded to the United States all their lands lying east of the Mississippi, and agre,ed to remove to lands west of that river. Black Hawk and other chiefs not being present when the treaty was made, refused to be bound by it." It is but just 40 HI8T0EY OF LEE COUNTY. that the noble warrior, Black Hawk, be heard respecting this treaty, and the relation of his people to the origin of the war which fol- lowed. In his account given to Antoine Leclair, United States interpreter for the Sacs and Foxes, and published in the "Life of Black Hawk," by J. B. Patterson, of Kock Island, in 1834, he said : " One of our people killed an American and was confined in the prison at St. Louis for the offense. We held a council at our village to see what could be done for him, which determined that Quash- qua-me, Pa-she-pa-ho, Ou-che-qua-ka, and Hk-she-quar-hi-qua should go down to St. Louis, see our American father, and do all tliey could to have our friend released by paying for the person killed, thus covering the blood and satisfying the relations of the man murdered. This was the only means with us of saving a person who had killed another, and we then thought it was the same way witli the whites. The party started with the good wishes of our whole nation, hoping they would accomplish the object of their mission. The relatives of the prisoner blacked their faces and fasted, hoping the Great Spirit would take pity on them and return the husband and father to his wife and children. Quash-qua-me and party remained a long time absent. They at length returned, * * * and gave to us the following account of their mission : "On their arrival at St. Louis they met their American father and explained to him their business, and urged the release of their friend. The American chief told them he wanted land, and they had agreed to give him some on the west side of the Mississippi and some on the Illinois' side opposite the Jeflfreon. When the business was all arranged they expected to have their friend released to come home with them, but about the time they were ready to start their friend was let out of prison, and he ran a short distance and was shot dead. This is all they could recollect of what was said or done. They had been drunk the greater part of the time they were in St. Louis. " This is all myself or nation knew of the treaty of 1804. It has been explained to me since. I find, by that treaty, all our country east of the Mississippi and south of Jeffreon was ceded to the United States for one thousand dollars a year. I will leave it to the people of the United States to say whether our nation was properly represented in this treaty, or whether we received a fair compensa- tion for the extent of country ceded by those four individuals. I could say much about this treaty but will not at this time. It has been the origin of all our difiiculties. " After the treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain, Black Hawk and his chiefs went down to St. Louis to eon- THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 41 firm tlie treaty of peace, and "Here," says Black Hawk, "for the first time I touched the goose quill to the treaty, — not knowing, however, that by that act, I consented to give away my village. Had that been explained to me I should have opposed it and never would have signed their treaty. "What do we know about the laws and customs of the white people ? They might buy our bodies for dis- section and we would touch the goose quill to confirm it without knowing what we were doing. This was the case with myself and people in touching the goose quill the first time." Black Hawk also claimed that they did not cede their village to the government. This village was situated on the north side of Eock river, at its month, on the point of land between this river and the Mississippi. Their corn-fields extended up the Mississippi for two miles, where they joined the Foxes on the north. Eock Island was the summer resort for their young people, their garden which supplied them with berries and fruits, and the rapids of Eock river furnished them with the finest iish. "A good spirit had care of it, who lived in a cave in the rocks immediately under the place where the fort now stands (1834) and has often been seen by our people. He was white, with large wings like a swan's, but ten times larger. We were par- ticular not to make much noise in that part of the island which he inhabited for fear of disturbing him ; but the noise of the fort has driven him away and no doubt a lyad spirit has taken his place." It is not to be thought strange that those native tribes would be unwilling to leave this beautiful and rich country, the home of their fathers for more than a hundred years. And besides Black Hawk claimed, as did also Quash-quk-me, who conducted the treaty, that their Eock Island village had not been sold, as claimed by the gov- ernment. On this they predicated their claims and all their troubles. The whites, however, occupied their village, and Black Hawk says "they brought whisky into our village, and made our people drunk, and cheated them out of their horses, guns and traps!" It may be noted here that the first temperance crusade in this country was headed by Black Hawk, chief of the Sacs. He says : "I visited all the whites (in the village) and begged them not to sell whisky to my people. One of them continued the practice openly. I took a party of my young men, went to his house, and took out his barrel and broke in the head and turned out the whisky." He then adds: " Bad and cruel as our people were treated by the whites, not one of them was hurt or molested by any of my band. I hope this will prove that we are a peaceable people, having permitted ten men to take possession of our corn-fields, prevent us from planting corn, burn and destroy our lodges, ill-treat our women, and heat to dea/tk 42 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. our men without offering resistance to their barbarous cruelties. The whites were complaining at the same time that we were intrud- ing upon their rights! They made themselves out the injured party, and we the intruders ! and called loudly to the great war-chief to protect their property ! How smooth must be the language of the whites when they can make right look like wrong and wrong look like right ! ' ' This brave and proud warrior would not surrender his village until the last hour, when the United States soldiers were on the ground for the purpose of forcing him to terms. The night before the day appointed by Gen. Gaines to remove them, the chief and his people crossed the Mississippi and encamped below the mouth of Kock river. Black Hawk went to their agent and requested that a house be built for him, and a field plowed in the fall, as he desired to live retired. This being promised, he went to the trader and ob- tained permission to be buried in the graveyard in their old village. " I then returned," said Black Hawk, " to my people satisfied." He had not- remained long in quiet retirement when in 1831 the restless chief and, his band (known as the British Band of Sac Indians) crossed the river to their old homes at the mouth of Rock river, but after preparations of war were raade for 'his extermination he nego- tiated a treaty and returned to the west side of the Mississippi, re- ceiving liberal presents of goods and provisions from the govern- ment, and promised never to return without the consent of the pres- ident of the United States or the governor of Illinois. Here he remained quietly until the following year, when discon- tent was created by the bad counsel of British officers on the upper Mississippi ; and on April 6, 1832, he again recrossed the Missis- sippi with his entire band and their women and children, and soon commenced his march up the river, intending to take possession of the Kishwaukee country on the upper Rock river, claimed to have been given him by the Pottawatomies. Black Hawk's policy was to ascend the Rock river in peace, until he had the expected reinforcements from the Ottawas, Chippewas Pottawatomies, and Winnebagoes, from the upper Rock river and lake region, as he had been told. Ascending the river to Prophets- town, he received an order from Gen. Atkinson (White Beaver) to return or he would pursue him and drive him back. The chief re- fused, sending word to the general if he wanted to fight to come on, and moved on up river. Mr. John Dixon, then proprietor of Dixon's Ferry, was advised of the approach of the Black Hawk band of Indians, and would have abandoned his home, and sought safety elsewhere, but his faith in THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 45 humanity was of that kind that "Hopeth all things, of all men" — even the Indians. A leading "Winnebago chief, Pachinka (Crane in English), had told him that the Winnebagoes held possession of the lands through which the Sacs would have to move, and that they would not dare injure the white friends of his nation. So Father Dixon was here when the savage army passed early in May. He so arranged his family and hired help as to ascertain the force of the hostiles. This he accomplished without exciting their suspicions. His estimate gave them 600 men. The band encamped at a spring a few hundred yards above the ferry, now submerged by reason of the dam. The war chief had not forgotten the kindness of Mrs. Dixon during the preceding winter, when he, a chief from Rock Island, and the prophet from Prophetstown, met in council with the Pottawato- mies at Dixon's Ferry, when Black Hawk negotiated for the occu- pancy of Spotted Arms' Town near the present site of Rockford. During their stay the chiefs at the council fire were regularly invited as guests to Mrs. Dixon's table. She served them as waiter, and even sat down and ate and drank with them. Black Hawk not only reminded her of his appreciation of her kindnuss, but called the at- tention of the other chiefs to her care for them. ' ' On May 12 Governor Reynolds was at Dixon'k Ferry, with about 900 mounted riflemen, under command of Gen. Whitesides, awaiting the arrival of Gen. Atkinson's forces of the regular army, coming up the river with army stores, provisions, and the general impediments of a moving army. "Immediately after the arrival of the forces at Dixon's Ferry Gen. Whitesides sent a party of four men, a guide and interpreter, under command of Capt. John Dement (then state treasurer), to Shabbona's Grove, just within the bbrders of the present county of De Kalb, to warn the friendly Pottawatomie chief, Shabbona, who lived there upon a small reservation with his family and a few followers, not to allow Black Hawk to come upon his lands to live." Having lost their way they were, toward the close of the second day out, approaching a grove to the northwest of Shabbona's Grove, which they were seeking, when Peter Manard, the interpreter of the party, who was familiar with Shabbona and his people, approached the grove in advance of the party expecting to meet the friendly Pot- tawatomies. Crossing a small stream he entered the grove, where he found an unoccupied lodge. Alighting from his pony, he was trying to strike a fire preparatory to an encampment for the night, when Capt. Dement, who was approaching the grove at another point, descried some Indians in the timber trying to conceal themselves in the 4 46 HISTORY OF LEE COtTNTY. thicket ; leaving liis party to watch the movements of the savages, he rode down the grove to see what had become of Manard, whom he found in possession of his lodgfe, happily anticipating a good smoke in his eiforts to strike a fire ; but at the word from the captain he mounted and joined the party. The Indians soon rushed from the grove with yells and menaces of war. The scouting party fear- ing the presence of superior numbers galloped away over the prairie ; but discovering that only two or three Indians were follow- ing them they reined up their horses when the Indians came up, laughing and pretending friendship. From these Indians they learned that Black Hawk and his band were encamped on a stream but two miles away, and that they were going over to Mud lake to hunt. They invited the captain and his party to lodge with them for the night, promising to feast them on fresh venison. The captain declined their hospitality, preferring a long horseback ride in the night, though weary from the long travel of the day. He turned toward Shabbona's grove to mislead the red-men should they attempt to follow or intercept them, and when beyond their view the party headed toward Dixon's Ferry and rode all night, reaching Inlet grove in early morning. After halting a short time at this point they continued their march to Dixon's Ferry, and reported the result of their expedition to the commanding general. "Just before Oapt. Dement and his party returned to Dixon's Ferry from Shabbona's grove Maj. Stillman was permitted to advance up the river and spy out the hostile camp. Maj. Stillman was at the ferry when Gen. Whitesides arrived ; he had command of a small battalion of green volunteers, who, in their inexperience, were eager to, get a shot at an Indian. On the evening of May 15 or 16 Stillman fencamped on a small stream near Kishwaukee creek, in what is now Ogle county, about thirty miles from Dixon. He was about five miles distant from Black Hawk's camp on Kishwaukee creek, but did not know it." Black Hawk says that at about this time ' ' the Pottawatomie chiefs arrived at my camp. I had a dog killed, and made a feast. When it was ready I spread my medicine bags, and the chiefs began, to eat. When the ceremony was about ending I received news that three or four hundred white men on horseback had been seen about eight miles ofi^. I immediately started three young men with a white flag to meet them, and conduct them to our camp, that we might'hold a council with them, and descend Rock river again." These three men, according to Black Hawk, were captured by the whites and taken to their camp. One of them was shot, and the other two escaped to their own camp. THE BLACK HAWK WAE. 47 After Black Hawk had started the three, as above, he sent five more young men to follow after and see what the result would be. These proceeded to a mound about a mile and a half from Still- man's camp where they displayed a flag of truce. " They were dis- covered by some of the men, who, without reporting to their com- mander, and without orders, hastily mounted and rode jtoward the Indians. These, not understanding this sudden movement, and ap- parently suspicious, commenced to retreat toward the camp of their chief. The whites dashed after them, fired and killed two of their number and captured two more, the others escaped, still pursued by the reckless volunteers. "When Black Hawk and his war chief, Ne-o- pope,saw them dashing down upon their camp, their flag of truce disre- garded, they raised the terrible war-whoop and prepared for the fray. " Black Hawk says, ' ' "When they came in with the news I was pre- paring my flags to meet the war chief. The alarm was given. Nearly all my young men were absent, about ten miles off. I started with what I had left (about forty), and had proceeded but a short distance before we saw a part of the army approaching. I immediately placed my men in front of some bushes, that we might have the first fire. They halted some distance frOm us, when I gave another yell, and ordered my braves to charge upon them, expecting that we would all be killed. They did charge. Every man rushed and fired, and the enemy retreated in the utmost confusion and consternation before my little but brave band of warriors. I found it useless to follow them, as they rode so fast, and I returned to my encampment with a few of my braves, about twenty-five having gone in pursuit of the enemy. I lighted my pipe, and sat down to thank the Great Spirit for what he had done for my people." Our own historian says of the defeat, when Black Hawk met the charging volunteers, "It was now the turn of the volunteers to re- treat, which they did with wonderful celerity. Supposing they were pursued by a thousand savage warriors, the flying . soldiers rushed through the camp, spreading terror and consternation among their comrades. The wildest confusion ensued, there was ' mounting in hot haste'; and the efforts of the officers to rally the troops were without avail. The panic was complete; every man seemed bent upon saving his scalp, and fled, never stopping until they reached Dixon's Ferry, or some other place of safety. It is said that the first man to reach Dixon was a Kentucky lawyer, not unknown to fame in Jo Daviess county, who reported that every man in Still- man's command had been killed except himself. Nearly every man, as he came straggling back to the Ferry during the night, had a like report to make." 48 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. The narrative continues: " It is a well known fact that Stillman's men were well supplied with whiskey, and that many of them were drunk, which may account for their rash act in firing upon the white flag in utter disregard of all rules of warfare recognized, even among the Indians. On the approach of day the order was given for a forced march to the fatal field, and about eight hundred of the volunteers moved out, leaving two hundred men to guard the ferry; but the enemy had gone, the main body moving northward, and tlie rest scattering in small bands to avenge the death of their people upon unoffending settlers. Eleven of Stillman's men were killed. Their mutilated remains were gathered and buried, and the place is known as " Stillman's Kun " to this day It is supposed that nearly all of those who were killed were not in the first melee, as all but two or three of the bodies were found on the side of the creek upon which Stillman camped; they were probably unable to get to their horses before the savages dashed through their camp. Being out of provisions the pursuing army were obliged to return to Dixon's Ferry, to await the arrival of the boats. This defeat was the open- ing of hostilities, and justice compels the impartial historian to re- cord that the whites were the aggressors." Had the counsel of Captain Dement been followed, at this time a conflict and loss of valuable lives might have been averted. On the captain's return with his scouting party to Dixon's Ferry, he informed the commanding general of the situation of Black Hawk, and the friendly attitude of those of his army they had met. J^o blood having been shed, he thought that the chief could have been induced to return peaceably to his home in Iowa; and the account afterward given by Black Hawk indicated that the captain was cor- rect in his judgment of the situation. Said Black Hawk: "JSTever was I so much surprised in my life as I was in this attack. An army of three or four hundred, after having learned that we were suing for peace, to attempt to kill the flag-bearers that had gone, unarmed, to ask for a meeting of the war chiefs of the two contending parties to hold a council, that'l might return to the west side of the Mississippi, to come forward, with a full determination to demolish the few braves I had with me, to retreat, when they had ten to one, was unaccountable to me. I sent a flag of peace to the American war chief, expecting as a matter of right, reason and justice, that our flag would be respected." The expected provisions having reached Dixon's Ferry, the army again moved north, following the Indians to Fox river. "The term of enlistment having expired, the volunteers demanded to be dismissed. They were mustered out May 26 or 27, and a new THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 49 call issued for volunteers. Whitesides and two or three hundred vol- unteers remained in arms for the protection of the settlers until the new levies could be organized* These, with several companies of regulars, made their headquarters at Dixon's -Ferry. Eanging com- panies were formed to keep up communication between the lead mine region and more southern counties. Maj. Eiley, of the United States army, converted the former residence of 0. W. Kellogg, at Kellogg' s Grove, thirty-seven miles northeast of Dixon, into a small, well appointed stockade, and other temporary fortifications were raised in different localities." During this time Black Hawk was making the best possible way north to the Four Lakes, to find safety for his women and children. " The fatal act of Stillman's men precipitated all the horrors of In- dian border warfare upon the white settlements in Jo Daviess coun- ty, as it then existed, and in the adjoining portions of Michigan Territory. Nor is it certain that all the outrages were perpetrated by the "British Band." It is certain that young Pottawatomies and Winnebagoes joined Black Hawk, arid, after the war suddenly closed at Bad Axe, it was ascertained that many of the murders had been committed by these Indians. Among the first results of " Still- man's defeat " was the descent of about twenty-five Indians upon an unprotected settlement at Indian creek, where they massacred fif- teen men, women and children, and captured two young women, Sylvia and Rachel Hall. These girls, seventeen and fifteen years old respectively, were afterward brought in by Winnebagoes to Gra- tiot Grove, and were ransomed for $2,000 in horses, wampum and trinkets. Part of the compensation agreed upon by Gen. Dodge for their ransom was paid to "Whirling Thunder," one of the Winne- bago chiefs, at Dixon's Ferry. ' ' The atrocities perpetrated by the Indians upon the bodies of their victims aroused the vengeance of the settlers and miners, many of whom had previously felt that the Indians were not so much in fault, and had needlessly been provoked to bloodshed. Un- expected' and mortifying as the beginning of this war had been,- its relinquishment was not dreamed of, and every effort was made to en- sure future protection. A fair wagon road was made from Dixon's Ferry to Rock Island, which was the base of supplies. Another road, but more imperfect, was made from Eock Island to Fort Kosh- kanong (near Madison, Wisconsin,) and to other temporary fortifica- tions. Conforming to the inevitable, a fort was constructed on the north side of the river, consisting of two block houses within an in- closure made by a breastwork of sod and earth four and a half feet high, and abutting on the river a few rods west of the ferry. The 50 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. northeast block house was two stories high, and was so arranged as to command the north and east sides of the fort. Here Captain Pahner was stationed with one company of United States infantry to guard the ferry, thus affording a safe and speedy passage to pass- ing troops at all times, endearing himself to citizens and soldiers alike by his gentlemanly bearing and deportment. " On Saturday, May 19, Sergeant Fred Stahl (now a respected citi- zen of G-alena) and four privates, with John "Winters, the mail con- tractor, for guide, left Galena to bear dispatches to Gen. Atkinson, who had arrived at Dixon's Ferry. On the evening of that day they were ambuscaded by Indians just at the edge of Buffalo Grove, now in Ogle county. One of the party was instantly killed and the others narrowly escaped to Galena. ' ' May 23, Felix St. Vrain, agent for the Sacs and Foxes, bearer of dispatches, left Gen. Atkinson's headquarters, at Dixon's Ferry, accompanied by six men. At Buffalo Grove they found the body of the volunteer that had been killed a few days before, and buried it. The next day (24th) they were attacked by a party of thirty Indians, near "Kellogg's old place." St. Vrain and three others were killed. The remaining three escaped and arrived at Galena on the morning of the 26th. "On the 15th of June the new levies of 3,000 volunteers, in camp at Fort Wilburn, near La Salle, were formed into three brigades, under command of Gen. Atkinson. The first brigade was commanded by Gen. Alexander Posey ; the second by Gen. Milton R. Alexander, and the third by Gen. James D. Henry. They moved to Dixon's Ferry a few days after. " Capt. John Dement was elected major of an independent spy bat- talion, consisting of three companies of about 140 men, belonging to Gen. Posey's brigade. Maj. Dement was sent in advance of the main force to report Indian depredations that had been committed in the Bureau woods, to Col. Taylor at Dixon's Ferry. After scouring the woods he arrived at the river the evening of the second or third day. He arrived just after two companies of regulars had been driven in from an attempt to keep open the road between Galena and Dixon. Taylor met Dement as he arrived, and informed him that he had come just in time — that he had just the place for him, and directed him to swim his horses across the river in the morning and receive his orders. In Maj. Dement' s command were men who had held nearly every office in the state from governor down. His men were fatigued from their long ride and expected a short rest when they arrived at the river. Dement, although ready to do his duty without flinching, was desirous of not appearing anxious to get his men prema- TIIK BLACK HA.WK WAR. 51 turely into a fight, when the regulars could not hold their own, and a large force of volunteers were so soon to arrive ; he therefore re- quested Col. Taylor, when he should deliver him his orders, to read them to his men, that they might know that he (Dement) was not re- sponsible for the movement. As -they were ready to start, Taylor read the orders, and then addressed the men in a very abrupt man- ner, alluding to the unfortunate propensity of the Illinois militia for running away, and said that if they wished to sacrifice the reputation of the militia, already so poor, they had an opportunity to do so. "Maj. Dement replied that the discontent Col. Taylor alluded to was greatly exaggerated, and its cause by no means understood, and allusion to the courage of the soldiers, unjust and entirely uncalled for from men who, with the experience of the regular army would entrench themselves behind walls and send to the front men who had never seen service. Then telling his men that none need obey his orders to march that didn't wish to go, he moved off, and all, save one man, followed, and he came up after they had gone a short distance. By evening of the second day they arrived at the stoclcade at Kellogg' s Grove, and encamped. In the morning, learn- ing that an Indian trail had been seen four or five miles from the grove where they were encamped, the major called for twenty-five volun- teers to go and investigate. These were immediately forthcoming, and among them were the only captains he had in his command. These men started just before sunrise, leaving Maj. Dement giving instructions to those who remained, and on reaching the edge of the grove they discovered seven Indians a few hundred yards on the prairie. The cry of "Indians!" was raised, when the men in the grove sprang to their horses in confusion, and by the time Maj. Dement had brought them to order and finished his instructions, the volunteers were a mile out on the prairie in pui-suit. Being splendidly mounted Maj. Dement rapidly overtook a number of them, but sev- eral were too far in advance ; the Indians making for another grove some three miles away, where Dement was convinced a large num- ber of Indians lay concealed. Finding it was impossible to overtake some five or six who were in advance, on arriving at a ridge some 400 yards from the grove to which the Indians were running, he halted the remainder of his men and formed line. As he feared, on nearing the grove those in advance were received with a warm fire, which killed two and wounded a third, and with hideous yells a large body of Indians poured from the grove, extending to the right and left, to outflank the little band, and rapidly approached. They were all mounted, stripped to the skin, and painted for battle. As the Indians reached the bodies of the dead soldiers a large number sur- 52 HISTOBY OF LEE COTJKTY. rounded them, clubbing and striking the lifeless remains. A volley from the rifles of Maj. Dement' s men killed two or three at this point, but by the time two or three men had reached the ridge, the Indians were close upon them, and were on both flanks. Then came an exciting race for the grove, Indians yelling, bullets flying, and woe to the man whose horse stumbled or gave out ! "Here occurred an unfortunate circumstance: Three men whose horses had strayed during the night had, early in the morning, gone out in search of them, and were now caught on one of the flanks. The Indians swept over them, killing everyone. " The men in the grove hearing the firing and yelling, instead of remaining in ambush as they had been instructed, mounted in hot haste and started to the rescue of their comrades. On discovering the superior force of the Indians, they fell back again and reached the grove with 9Y0 men, and almost neck and neck with the Indians, sprang from their horses and occupied the log house and barn there situated. On the least exposed side of the house was a work-bench ; over this Dement threw his bridle rein, and most of the horses in- stinctively huddled together at this house as if conscious of danger. As the Indians swarmed into the grove and covered themselves, an ominous stillness for some minutes prevailed, which was soon broken by the sharp crack ! crack ! of many rifles. The best marksmen and best rifles were placed at the port-holes and a lively flre was kept up by the little garrison. The Indians finding they made no impression turned their attention to shooting the horses, some twenty- five of which they killed. It was unpleasant to the volunteers, who rode their own horses, to hear the crack of the rifle and the heavy thud of the bullet and see some favorite horse spring as the ball struck it. After a sharp contest of an hour or two, the Indians withdrew, leaving nine dead and losing probably several others killed and wounded. Reinforcements were sent for the relief of Dement from Dixon's Ferry, but too late to assist him or follow the retreat- ing body of Indians. "It is a remarkable fact that this was the first instance during this war where the Indians were defeated and the position of the volun- teers held until reinforcements came up. Previous to this the de- tachments of troops were always driven back to the main army by the overwhelming numbers of Indians. After this fight the Indians would not con^e to open battle of their own volition with the whites, and the only fights that occurred were when the soldiers overtook the Indians in their retreat ; which style of warfare continued until hostilities ceased with Black Hawk's surrender in August." Black Hawk described the battle in which he claimed to have two THE BLACK H/VWK WAR. 53 hundred warriors in the following manner : " We started in a direc- tion toward sunrise. After marching a considerable time I discovered some white men coming toward us. I told my braves that we would get into the woods and kill them when they approached. We con- cealed ourselves until they came near enough and then commenced yelling and firing and made a rush upon them. About this time their chief, with a party of men, rushed up to rescue the men we had fired upon. In a little while they commenced retreating and left their chief and a few braves who seemed willing and anxious to fight. They acted like hraves, but were forced to give way when I rushed upon them with my braves. In a short time the chief returned with a larger party. He seemed determined to fight and anxious for a battle. When he came near enough I raised the yell and firing com- menced on both sides. The chief, who seemed to be a small man, addressed his warriors in a loud voice, but they soon retreated, leav- ing him and a few braves on the battle-field. A great number of my warriors pursued the retreating party and killed a number of their horses as they ran. The chief and his few braves were unwilling to leave the field. I ordered my braves to rush upon them, and had the mortification of seeing two of my chiefs killed before the enemy retreated. This young chief. Col. Dement, deserves great praise for his courage and bravery. During the attack we killed several men and about forty horses, and lost two young chiefs and seven warriors." Gen. Atkinson commenced his slow and cautious march up the river about the 25tli of June, and finally reached lake Koshkanong, Wis- consin, where he was joined by Gen. Alexander's brigade,' and then continued his march to White river, or Whitewater, where he was joined by Posey's brigade and Maj. Dodge. Gen. Alexander, Gen. Henry and Maj. Dodge were sent to Fort Winnebago for supplies. Here they heard that Black Hawk was making his way toward the Wisconsin river, and, disobeying orders, Henry and Dodge started in pursuit (Gen. Alexander and his brigade returned to Gen. Atkin- 'son), struck the broad fresh trail of the Indians, and followed them with tireless energy. Black Hawk was overtaken at the Wisconsin river, and his braves offered battle to enable the women and children to cross the river. The battle of Wisconsin Heights was fought on July 22, 1832, at which the Indians were badly whipped. Skirmish- ing commenced a little after noon, but the heaviest fighting was about sunset. About ten o'clock the men bivouacked for rest on their arms. The next morning not an Indian remained on the east side of the Wisconsin. Gen. Henry pushed back for supplies, and Gen. Atkin- son's forces coming up, the pursuit was renewed and the 'battle of 54 HISTORY or LEE COUNTY. Bad Axe was fought August 2, 1832. This terminated the war, and Black Hawk's surrender, subsequent visit to Washington, and return to his people in Iowa, are events familiar to the reader. Black Hawk claimed : "In this skirmish with fifty braves I defended and accomplished my passage over the Ouisconsin (Wisconsin) with a loss of only six men, though opposed by a host of mounted militia." At the close of the war the United States troops that had not previously been discharged were mustered out at Dixon's Ferry. The pack horses from all the territory between Dixon and the Wis- consin river, the mining region and the scene of Black Hawk's de- feat were gathered and corraled here, preparatory to being driven farther south for sale in more densely settled portions of the state. The wounded and sick soldiers were brought here and carefully nursed and cared for. By the terms of Gen. Scott's treaty at Eock Island the Winne- bago Indians were to have 40,000 rations of bacon and flour, as a remuneration for the suiferings thej^ had endured during the sum- mer by the occupation of their hunting grounds. The rations for the Rock river band of that nation were moved here in boats from Rock Island, and Father Dixon appointed to distribute it to the Indians at his discretion. It is an interesting circumstance that at this remote outpost of civilization there met a number of men since famous or infamous in their country's service: Gen. Scott, Col. Zachary Taylor, subse- quentlv president of the United States ; Gov. Reynolds, and Gen. Atkinson ; Lieut. Robert Anderson, the defender of Fort Sumter ; Maj. John Dement, now of Dixon ; private- Abraham Lincoln, after- ward president of the United States during the rebellion ; and Lieut. JeiF, Davis, afterward the leader of the rebellion. These were all here in their country's service. When Maj. Anderson visited Washington after the evacuation of Fort Sumter, during a conversation the president said: "Major, do you remember of ever meeting me before?" "No," replied Ander- son, "I have no recollection of ever having that pleasure. "My memory is better than yours," said Lincoln, "You mustered me into the U. S. service as a high private of the Illinois volunteers at Dixon's Ferry in the Black Hawk war." During this war, and, in fact, for years after, Father Dixon's log house was a "house of call" for the traveler and the wandering tribes of red-men. There might have been seen the raw-boned Hoosier bound for the lead mines, yellow-breeched Sucker with his boat-shaped "prairie schooner," with four, five or six yoke of oxen; the tramping hunter, the Pottawatomie, the cunning Winnebago, or THE BLACK HAWK WAE. 55 the treacherous Sioux ; all these were welcomed under the hospitable roof of the white-haired pioneer, whom the Indians called Na-chusa — the white-haired — and were made to keep the peace with one an- other about the friendly fireside of him whom both the red and the white man loved and respected. Early in the spring of 1833 the Winnebago Indians became res- tive, and many families again abandoned the homes to which they had so recently returned.^ Father Dixon's old counselor could not talk so assuring of his own tribe as in 1832. He frankly admitted the trouble that was likely to follow, and faithfully said that the tem- per of his people was too uncertain for assured peace. The peaceful family in the old log house was broken up, and mother Dixon, with the children, went to Peoria county, and remained there until the war-cloud passed over. The last of the Indians left in 1836. During the Black Hawk war Father Dixon liad the contract for supplying the army with beef from the time the Wisconsin river was crossed until the final battle of the Bad Axe river. His place on- the march was in the rear of the army, and many times he was left so far behind as to be out of supporting distance. It so happened on the march, that at one time midnight was passed before he came to camp. He was hailed by the sentinel with the snap of the lock of the gun in the sentinel's hands and the words : " Who comes there?" Father Dixon replied: "Major of the Steer Battalion." The soldier gave the order: "Major of the Steer Battalion, march' in." This 'sally of wit on both sides was the foundation of Father Dixon's military title. Another time he had been off the trail hunt- ing one of his beeves, and hn again returning to the trail he suddenly found himself face to face with two Indians, who were as much as" tonished at the meeting as he was. It was no time for ceremony. All were armed ; Father Dixon lowered his gun and, walking about five rods, gave his hand to the nearest savage, saluting him in Win- nebago. The Indian replied in Winnebago. Father Dixon and both the Indians were alike overjoyed at this unexpected good fortune- Father Dixon, that he was permitted to save his scfalp for another day ; the Indians, that they had found some one understanding their own language, under whose influence they could safely be introduced to Gen. Atkinson, for whom they had important dispatches. Their life was endangered to be seen by a soldier, and they felt their peril and were in serious embarrassment about how to approach the array. The Black Hawk Canoe. — On the surrender of Black Hawk at the battle of Bad Axe his canoe was captured and afterward broken into pieces and carried off as relics. One fragment of black walnut timber fell into the hands of Mr. Geo. J. Anderson, of Dixon, who 56 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. worked it into three walking-sticks, and on the occasion of an old settlers' reunion at Dixon, one, which had been mounted with a golden head, was publicly presented to Col. John Dement as a memento of his conflict in battle with the brave warrior during the Black Hawk war. The presentation was made by Dr. Oliver Everett, of Dixon. It was a complete surprise to Col. Dement, and awakened emotions through vivid recollections of the scenes of early military life. Mr. Anderson holds in possession one of the three canes, for which Jie has refused the liberal sum of ten dollars, although it is unfinished and unmounted with gold or silver. AFTER THE BLACK HAWK WAR. Peace and quiet were soon restored at Dixon's Ferry, and there were signs of returning travel and consequent prosperity. The first notion store was opened in 1833, in the block-house which stood on the north side of the river, by a Mr. Martin, "where," says a pioneer writer, "the prime necessaries of life were sold ; such as pipes, tobacco, tea, coffee and sugar were sold to meet the wants of advancing civilization. Life's luxuries, — shoes, boots and clothes, — were not yet so imperative." In the winter of 1833 and 1834 a school was opened in the house partly built by Ogee and finished by Mr. Dixon. This was the first house erected at the Ferry, and this the fir^t school opened in the bounds of Lee county. The pioneer writer, in the History of Dixon, says of this school : "Unpretentiously it was the pioneer of the more costly school edifices of our town. Its teacher and only one of its scholars survive to live in memory of its feeble infancy. There are structures where better facilities can be had for a sound education, but none are found where a more genuine good will prevails than existed in that old log house." Mr. John Dixon having secured under the preemption laws the northeast quarter of section 5, township 21, range 9 east, of 4th prin- cipal meridian, he laid out the first plat of the present city of Dixon as early as 1834 or 1836 ; a Mr. Bennett, from Galena, making the survey. The second house built at Dixon's Ferry was on the south side of the river, and was built by James Dixon, back of where the Exchange building now stands. It was a log cabin about sixteen fe t square, with a small "lean-to" built against -the east side of the house used as the village post office, where Mr. John Dixon distrib- uted the mail to his neighbors. It is stated by old citizens that this house and the old block-house on the north side of the river disappeared about 1865. The foundation of the latter has just been exposed by the rushing of high waters in the Eock river at this AFTER THE BLACK HAWK WAE. 57 writing, April 1881. After the close of the war the Indians lingered in the vicinity of Lee county until 1836, when the last wandering tribes of the red-men disappeared. John K. Eobinson, who came to Dixon's Ferry in May 1832, and made his home with Mr. J. Dixon, and who now resides at Men- dota, this state, writes : "In 1833, the last week of December, Zachariah Malugin, with myself as his only assistant, built the first house in Lee county, outside of Dixon, at the grove that still bears his name. There was no other settlement made in Lee county that year. A few months later the families of Gilmore and Christance came to Malugin's Grove in the spring of 1835. In 1833 and 1834 a settlement began in the southern part of the county, in what is now known as East Grove township. Of this neighborhood were Joseph Smith, H. W. Bogardus, Charles Falvey, and F. Anderson, who settled in that early day, built their cabins, and commenced opening up farms for their future homes. About this time improvements were opened at Sugar Grove, now in Palmyra township, in the northwest part of the county, where, in April 1834, Isaac Morgan and his sons, Harvey and John, com- menced the first improvements in that part of the county, and they were joined by a number of families the autumn of the same year, among whom may be mentioned Mr. Wright, Mr. Tomlin, Capt. Oliver Hubbard, and John H. Page. In 1834 Stephen Fellows, with a family of eight, Michael, Simon, Samuel, William, Alfred, George, Albion, and Stephen. Absalom Fender, with a large family, came in 1835, and also W. W. Bethea. To these were soon added C. B. Anthana, Anson Thummel, Geo. L. Herrick, Jack Keplinger, Enoch and Noah Thomas with their father, Natlian Morehouse, two brothers, Sandy and Elkanah Bush, and Martin Richardson. These families, with others who are worthy of note, but whose names will appear in the chapter on Palmyra, soon attracted attention to the fertile lands and beautiful groves of the northwest neighborhood, and others followed soon to swell the number of the new settlement. In May, 1834, Adolphus Bliss commenced a settlement at Inlet Grove, to which was added that summer or autumn Ozra Wright and two or three others. About this time Paw Paw Grove at^ tracted the attention of Charles Morgan, J. Alcott and David A. Town, first settlers in Wyoming township. Mr. Harris, the father of Benjamin Harris, who came with his father and brother and a large train of relatives, settled at this grove. These were followed by a Mr. Gillett and Levi Kelso, Esq., who settled at the north side of the grove. During this time, when settlenients were springing up like magic in different parts of the county, the 58 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. settlement at Dixon's Ferry was by no means neglected, but it being the center of attraction of- a large scope of country, because of the United States mail and store supplies reached at this place, there were additions made to the community. In the summer of 1834 a Mr. Bush, brother-in-law of Judge Logan, lately deceased in Ghicago, opened a farm below Dixon on the north side of the river, now owned by J. T. Lawrence. The same summer John K. Robin- son, now of Mendota, opened a farm on the north side of the river two miles below Dixon, and was joined afterward by two sons of John Dixon. This farm has been since known as the Grnham farm. Probably the third house erected on the south side of the river in Dixon was by Judge Wilkinson, on the corner of "Water and Ga- lena streets, and was built near the time James P. Dixon erected his house, mentioned above. Judge Wilkinson purchased the Kirk- patrick place. In Dixon, as in all places of central interest, the spirit of compe- tition was early manifested. The future of the locality seemed to be impressed upon the minds of some of the most enterprising citizens, and they began to cast about to best establish themselves for the in- coming tide. Mr. Bush, below Dixon, established a ferry across tlie river apposite his farm. A Mr. Kirkpatrick, who settled one and a quarter miles below Dixon, attempted to start a town on his prem- ises called Burlington, but stakes and a euphonious name will not build a city any more than an act of congress, recognizing the Hock river as a navigable stream, will send the great steamers up her chan- nel without legislating a greater supply of water to float the craft with her cargo ; so the enterprise, laudable as it may have been, failed, as did also the ferries above mentioned. "In the autumn of 1834," says Mr. J. K. Eobinson, "Mr. Holl- ingshead made ariangements for the erection of a log house south- east of Grand Detour, which was built in January 1835." Mr. HoU- ingshead, not finding. the country congenial to his tastes, returned to Kentucky. Cyrus Chamberlin, Esq., who came to this vicinity in 1835, purchased this farm, on which he lived, occupying the position of county commissioner for a number of years until his death, which he met in a ripe old age. In the winter of 1884 Grand Detour was taken by Leonard Andruss and W. A. House, where for many years the former ran a plow factory in connection with Mr. Deere, now of Moline. In 1835 Judge Wikinson built a saw-mill at the foot of Peoria street. Mr. Talmage, and other mechanics from Buffalo, New York, came to Dixon to perform the work. It seems that this mill, how- ever, was run but a short time by Messrs. Huff & Thompson, and AFTER THE BLACK HAWK WAK. 59 converted into a distillery and vinegar factory. This was the first saw-mill in the bounds of Lee county, and it is to be regretted that it so soon met a sad fate. In the same year Smith Gilbraith also bought in Dixon, and figured largely in the public affairs of the town until his death. In the spring of this year, 1835, Mr. Joseph Crawford arrived in Dixon, where he still resides, having served as first surveyor in Ogle county, which then embraced Lee, and afterward was first surveyor in Lee county. Mr. Crawford cultivated a farm near the Grand De- tour. The Messrs. Cutshaws arrived in Dixon the same year, and were Dixon's first carpenters. During the previous year, 1834, the township of Dixon was surveyed by the government, although the citizens were not prepared to efl'ect an organization for some years later. About this time, as before stated, Dixon's Ferry was surveyed and platted for the first time, and will be more particularly noted in the chapter on the city of Dixon. In prospect of the growing town, and for the accommodation of the traveling public, the first house built by Ogee and Mr. Dixon was converted into a tavern in 1835, and in the earlj'part of 1836 Messrs. Chapman and Hamilton opened a store in the "block" part of this building. Dixon could now boast of a post-oflSce, store, and a house of public entertainment. It was about this time that Mr. John Dixon removed to his farm, \\ hich was situated a little southeast of where the Northwesterjo,,,depot now stands. During 1835 Mr. Hamilton, above mentioned, erectedihe first frame house built in the town. This residence stood opposite the house of James P. Dixon. - -..i " Other improvements in the vicinity of Dixon were made as early as 1835. Dr. Forest, from Kentucky, opened. th© Woodford farm. George A. Martin commenced improvements on the Truman farm. Mr. E. W. Covell was building up on the north side of the river, and Caleb Talmage was improving a farm about one mil^ south of Dixon, Dr. Forest had erected a log house on the corner of Water and Ottawa streets, and John Wilson had erected a blacksmith shop on Main street. On September 3, 1836, Dr. Oliver Everett came to Dixon, where he still resides as one of the oldest citizens of the city." About tills time Mr. Badger, then an aged gentleman, located with several sons near the present city of Amboy, and was soon fol- lowed by Benjamin Wasson, L. C. Sawyer, Asa Searls, Joseph Doane, and John Dexter. The same year Mr. Wily settled in Franklin Grove, and became one of the contestants of an early claim trouble, which was adjusted by arbitration, Mr. John Dixon and two others serving as arbitrators in the case. Other families were being added to the little settlements begun in 60 HISTOEY OF LEE COUNTY. Other parts of the county. John Gilmore settled in Brooklyn town- ship, and E. Town, B. Harris, and J. Alcott in W3'oming. In the autumn of 1836 the village then c.^nsisted of the "old mansion," the original home of Mr. Jolm Dixon; James P. Dixon's house before described ; a small frame building opposite Mr. James Dixon's, built by Mr. Hamilton the previous year; also on the opposite side of the street from this, and a little east, stood a small building which had been erected and occupied by John Wil- son, an old bachelor, who occupied a small addition to the smith shop as his residence. In 1837 the latter was finished above, floor laid, and walls plastered, after which it was occupied as a court- house. The first court of Ogle county, which at that time embraced Lee, was held in this building. It was afterward occupied by the engineer corps of internal improvements. In the winter of 1836 and 1837 Peter McKinney and H. Thomp- son opened a new hotel, called the Western Hotel, which is now the northern part of the Huntley House. These gentlemen had charge at the 'same time of the "Tavern" in Dixon's original log house. In the month of December of this year the original county of Ogle was organized, then including the present territory of Lee county. Referring to the poll list, there were but two hundred votes cast, although it was claimed to be a hotly contested election; and all legal voters of six months residence were entitled to a vote. Up to 1836 the wandering tribes of Indians still lingered in the vicinity of Lee county, but during this year they bid adieu to their former hunting grounds and the graves of their fathers, and turning westward they sought a retreat from the advancing civilization of the white man, beyond the surging waters of the Mississippi. Their removal gave assurance of safety to the homes and families of the pioneers. This, change was the signal for the advance of the pio- neer corps from Kentucky and Tennesee, who laid ofi^ claims by driving stakes, turning a furrow, or beginning a cabin house. By the autumn of 1837 the claims covered all the prairie lands skirting the timber. The holders of this land secured their title to the same from the government under the preemption laws. These claims had to be respected, as the pioneer settlements were a "law unto them- selves," in mutually protecting each others' interests. The writer has been told of a stranger coming forward to bid in lands that had. been covered with a previous claim, when a number of pioneers tied him to a tree and leveled their rifles at him, when he recalled his bid, and on being released he withdrew, leaving the claimants to secure their lands from the government without further competition. c^Lc.'L{Pc ^J^z^^v^o AFTER THE BLACK HAWK WAR. 63 In 183Y a claim association was formed for the protection of members in their "reasonable claims made according to the customs of the country." The following list of names shows the citizens who became original members in 1837 and 1838: Samuel C. McClure, Hugh Moor, Samuel Anthony, John H. Champlin, James Moor, A. Menten, S. N. Anthony, Henry Moon, Cyrus Chamberlin, Will- iam Gr. Elder, Josiah H. Moores, J. D. Pratt, Robert Murry, Ed- win Hine, I. S. Boardman, jr., J. B. Dills, Alonso Dickerman, John Richards, Caleb Tallmage, Charles Franks, Smith Gilbraith, Oliver Everett, Joseph Crawford, Timothy L. Mint-r, Samuel M. Bowman, James Kent, Moses Crumby, Major Chamberlin, Daniel Koons, Nehemiah Hutton, James M. Santee, William P. Burroughs, Thomas S. Bunner, Charles F. Hubbard, John Carr (by C. F. Hub- bard), William Graham (by C. F. Hubbar.l), Edward Brandon, G. Metzlar, J. Caldwell, J. Young, James P. Dixon, John Dixon, J. Murphy, James Evans (by John Dixon his agent), James W. Stephenson (by S. Gilbraith), John W. Dixon, Joseph Courtright, B. B. Brown, Samuel Johnston, Jessee Bowman, James Hawley, Thomas McCabe, W. C. Bostwick (by his agent John Dixon), John Wilson, John Brandon, J. W. Hamilton, Ward Rathbone, Daniel O'Brien, Stephen Fuller, and Jessee P. Baily. As soon as settlements were established along the main thorough- fares stage lines were opened and coaches were run regularly on the more important routes. A main line was established between this point and Galena. There were other lines centering at Dixon and connecting with the main line to the Galena mines, as follows: The Naperville and Chicago line ; the Troy Grove and Ottawa, and the Windsor, Princeton and Peoria line.' Dixon was the great transfer station on the stage lines that traversed the country ^ then as the railroads do now. In the early settlement of the country "every dwelling house," says a writer, "was a place of entertainment, and the hospitable dwellers of the then hastily erected houses, most of which were of logs, were always ready to furnish the weary traveler , with the best that the country afforded." But as the travel through this country increased it became necessary that Dixon should be provided with more extensive accommodations than private dwell- ings could give ; and in the latter part of 1836 and the first of 1837 the Western Hotel was built, and during the same year the Rock River House was erected by Messrs. Crowell and Wilson. This was afterward known as the Phoenix. In this year, 1837, S. M. Bowman and Isaac S. Boardman opened the first dry-goods store in Dixon, on the corner of River and Galena streets. Others had conducted a general notion trade before this, 64 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. which we have before mentioned in their proper places ; but of a general dry-goods stock this firm was the pioneer of Lee county. In 1837 the number of families had increased in the different settlements of Lee county. There were thirteen additions in Dixon, besides others in the vicinity. In Wyoming, Charles Morgan, J. D. Kogers, and others ; in Amboy, A. B. Searls and L. D. Wason in- creased the number in their several neighborhoods. About this time, or in 1836, William Guthrie made claim on sec- tion 35 in Yiola township ; and Evens Adrian, of Ireland, followed in the same township, and now owns a farm of eleven hundred acres of land. Attention was now being given to education in the older settle- ments. Dixon built the first school-house in 1837, and a school opened in the following year. This building was a small one-story frame structure, erected at the expense of the friends of the cause, detailed in the chapter on educational matters. This was the only public building in the town until 1840, and served the purpose of court-house, meeting-house, town-hall, and school-house. The first death recorded in Dixon was in the autumn of 1836. A man by the name of Lafferty died in the building on the corner of Water and Galena streets, and was the first interment in the ceme- tery. The following extract from an old day-book used by Mr. John Dixon during his dealings with the Indians may be of interest to the reader, showing the manner of traiEc with those people : Chief Crane,— -Pachunka. Grey Head Pottowatamie. Two shirts, 6 Gun worm, 1 Tobacco, 1 Steel on axe, 2 Two combs, 2 Making spear out of file, 2 Paint, 2 Bushing gun. 1 Corn, 2 Mending hoe. 1 Powder, 3 Blanket, 26 Salt, 1 Squaw axe. 2 Spear, 6 Shirt, 4 New axe for old one, 2 Looking glass. 2 Mending axe •) 1 Flints, 1 One pair red leggins, 5 Two knives. 3 It is interesting to glance over the curious names and descriptions of some of the Indians trading with Father Dixon a half-century ago. Among his customers were: "Old Blue Coat," "Squirrel Cheeks," "Yellow Man," the old "blind man's son," " Sour Head Ox," "Doctor's Husband," "Raw Bone Black Face," "Limpy," THE ORGANIZATION OF LEE COUNTY. 65 "Consumption," "Blinky," "Daddy Walker," "Man that has a sick wife," "Old Grey Head's fat son," "Canoe Thief," "Old White Head Pottawatomie's son." THE ORGANIZATION OF LEE COUNTY. Previous to 1836 Jo Daviess county embraced all the northwest part of the state, including the present territory of Lee, which was embraced in what was called the Rock River precinct of Jo Daviess county, and in the fall of 1836 the polls were opened for the presi- dential election in that precinct in Dixon. In December, 1836, Ogle county was organized ; and the first court convened in the county was held in Dixon, September 1837. Judge Stone was on the bench, and Thomas Ford, who was after- ward chosen by the people governor of the state, acted as district attorney by appointment of the judge. On the 27th of February, 1839, the act of the general assembly creating Lee county was approved by the official authority of the governor of Illinois, and it became a law recognizing Lee as one of the counties of the commonwealth. Messrs. D. G. Salisbury, E. H. Nichols and L. G. Butler were appointed commissicmers to locate the county-seat, and in the prosecution of the duties imposed to their trust these gentlemen, on the Slst of May 1839, selected Dixon as the capital of the new county. The following piece of ingenuity, called in an early day " sharp practice," may be of interest: In 1839, when the state legislature was in session in Vandalia, then the capital of the state, Mr. F. R. Dutcher, now of Amboy, but then residing in Dixon, and Mr. Smith Gilbraith visited Vandalia to present a petition to the general assem- bly praying for the creation of the county of Lee, the name being sug- gested by Mr. Dutcher in honor of Gen. Lee, who in after years be- came notorious as the defender of the Confederate cause and surren- dered to Gen. U. S. Grant at the close of the rebellion. On arriving at Vandalia Messrs. Dutcher and Gilbraith found a Mr. Boague in advance of them with a remonstrance from Buffalo Grove and Grand Detour. The latter gentleman, however, had not his complete list of names to his remonstrance, and was anxiously looking for other papers from homie that would give him a large majority of remon- strators over the Dixon petitioners. The Dixon gentlemen knew if Mr. Boague got in the full list of signatures to his remonstrance that their cause would be defeated ; and to forestall this Mr. Gilbraith perpetrated a very shrewd piece of business, by presenting himself at the postoffiice on the arrival of the mail from the north and in- quiring of the postman, "anything for Boague?" A package was- 66 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. handed over, which went down into the great-coat pocket, and Mr. Boague anxiously looked for the desired document in vain. And what made the situation more serious was that there was not sufficient time to send back to his constituents for a duplicate list of remon- strators before the adjournment of the legislature. Messrs. Dutcher and Gilbraith were not satisfied with this piece of irregularity to secure their purpose, but knowing Mr. Boague to be an abolitionist orator, they encouraged the project of that gentleman to deliver an abolition speech on a certain evening, to which the members of the legislature were invited. The effect was, as designed, to alienate the sympa- thies of the members of the general assembly from the orator and his cause. This gave the situation to the petitioners, who obtained the object for which they prayed. Mr. Dutcher was not only one of the prime movers in securing the creation of the county of Lee, but suggested the name which it bears. He came to Dixon on May 9, 1838, armed with a letter of introduction from Judge Massey, of New York, to Stephen A. Doug- las, of Illinois, and on reaching Vandalia he inquired for Mr. Doug- las. Douglas was pointed out to him, who was in the playful act of trying, though a-very small man, to climb a very tall Kentuckian who was standing in the hall of the state house. Mr. Dutcher was appointed postmaster in Dixon in 1839, and in the same year was elected magistrate, in which office he served until 1846. In 1840 he rode over the entire county of Lee on horseback and took the census for that year, which enumeration amounted to 2035. The first election of county officers was held on the first Monday in August of the same year, which resulted in the election of the fol- lowing persons : county commissioners, Charles F. Ingals, Nathan E. Whitney, and James P. Dixon ; Isaac Boardman, clerk of com- missioners' court; Aaron Wakely, sheriff ;■ Joseph Crawford, county surveyor ; H. Morgan, probate justice ; G. W. Chase, recorder. The commissioners' court conducted the affairs of the county, in- cluding that which is now done by the townships. The county com- missioners held their first session in the Dixon school-house on Sep- tember 13, 1839, for the purpose of organizing. said county, and were duly qualified by administering the proper oath of office to each other; after which Isaac S. Boardman, jr., gave approved bonds and took the oath of office as required by law. The court proceeded to determine the terms of their respective offices by lot, which resulted in three years' service to Charles F. Ingles and one year's term to Nathan Whitney. There being but two members elect present, the court adjourned to meet on the following Monday, at which time James P. Dixon presented his certificate of election and took the THE ORGANIZATION OF LEE COUNTY. 67 oath of office as a member of the court. His term of office was de- termined to be two years. They having provided that the term ot commissioners should be for three years, it was determined as above that two should vacate the office before the expiration of the legal term, that thereafter one might be elected annually. At this session the court divided the county into six election pre- cincts, and appointed judges of elections for the several divisions : Gap Grove precinct, west of the river in the northwest corner of the county ; election to be held at the house of "William Martin ; judges of election were Thomas J. Harris, "William Morelin, and William J. Johnson. Dixon precinct, embracing the present townships of Dixon and Nelson, with a portion of South Dixon, and northeast Nachusa. The place of elections was the Dixon school-house ; judges of election were James Sairtu, Samuel M. Brown and Thomas McCabe. Franklin precinct, which embraced what is now four town- ships — Nachusa, China, Ashton, and Bradford — held elections at the house of Jeremiah Whipple ; judges of election being Cyrus Chambers, Jeremiah Whipple, and Daniel Cooper. The Winnebago precinct embraced the territory of six present townships, Hamilton, East Grove, May, Harmon, Marion, and the south half of South Dixon ; the election to be held at the house of David Welty ; judges of election, David Welty, Henry W. Bogardner, and Nathan Brooks. Inlet precinct embraced the three townships of Amboy, Lee Centre, and Sublette ; elections to be held at the house of Benjamin Whita- ker ; judges of election were Daniel M. Dewey, Daniel Frost, and Asa B. Searls. Winnebago precinct embraoed all of Lee county east of the third meridian, including six present township's. Elections held at Malugin's school-house; judges of elections were David A. Town, Zachariah Malugin and J. K. Robinson. The clerk of the commissioners' court was instructed to procure a seat for the court as soon as convenient for him to comply with said order. The court issued treasury certificates for the first time in favor of the several members of the court. The commissioners' court met in special session, October 2, 1839 ; at which time a county election was ordered, to be held in the several precincts of the county, for the purpose of electing two jus- tices of the peace, and two constables in each precinct respectively. At the same session the court ordered that the clerk give public notice that sealed proposals would be accepted at the' December term of the court for the building of a stone court-house on the pub- lic square in Dixon. The court subsequently received proposals for building the court-house in brick, and also for the building of a county I'ail. The court awarded the building of the court-house, per bid, to 68 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Samuel M. Bowman, and the building of the jail was awarded to Zeuos Aplington and G. G. Holbrook. The court-house was to be built for the consideration of $6,800, in accordance with the bid sub- mitted ; the commissioners contracting to pay an additional sum for work not before specified. The jail was to be built for §1,495. On March 7, 1840, John Morse was appointed first assessor for the county, and at the same term of the court the county was di- vided into sixteen road districts, and the following gentlemen were appointed road supervisors in their respective districts : District No. 1, John Morse ; ISTo. 2, William W. Bethea ; No. 3, S. A. Ma- son ; No. 4, Lewis Davis ; No. 5, Solomon Shelhammer ; No. 6, William Seward; No. Y, James Hawley ; No. 8, — Scott; No. 9, Otis Timothy ; No. 10, Charles S. Badger ; No. 11, Charles Stark ; No. 12, Johnathan Peterson ; No. 13, Curtis T. Bridgman ; No. 14, Henry W. Chocland ; No. 16, Abraham Y. Christiance ; No. 16, John Sims. The following list gives the names of the first county officers : county commissioners, C. F. Ingals, Nathan Whitney, and J. P. Dixon, elected in 1839 ; county judge, H. Morgan, elected in same year ; county clerk and recorder, G. W. Chase, in 1839 ; county recorder, M. Fellows ; county treasurer, John Morse ; sheriff, A. Wakely ; superintendent of schools, E. E. Mason ; county surveyor, Joseph Crawford, from 1839 to 1844 ; coroner, Samuel Johnson, from 1839 to 1841 ; circuit judge, Daniel Stone, in 1840. The first term of the circuit court convened inthe Dixon school- house on the third Monday in April, 1840. Judge Stone, of Ga- lena, presided. The members of the first grand jury had been sum- moned on the third of the month to appear at the opening of the court, as above, and consisted of the following citizens : William Martin, Noah Beede, Eeuben Eastwood, John H. Page, Oscar F. Ayres, Elijah Bowman, John Brown, Thomas McCabe, Cyrus Cliamberlin, Cyrus E. Miner, Erastus De Wolf, David H. Birdsall, George E. Haskell, Daniel M. Dewey, David Baird, James Bain, Joseph F. Abbott, Peter T. Scott, Nathan B. Meek, John Willson, Zachariah Malugin, John K. Eobinson, and Jacob Kiplinger. At the same time and for the same session of the circuit court a petit jury was paneled, consisting of the following persons : Oliver Hubbard, Simon Fellows, James M. Johnson, Benjamin H. Steward, William F. Bradshaw, Hiram Parks, Jeremiah Murphy, Josiah Mooer, Charles Edson, Joseph Crawford, Samuel McClure, John Chamberlain, Edward Morgan, Amos Hussey, Daniel Frost, John Done, Eichard F. Adams, Sylvenus Peterson, Asa B. Searls, R. B. Alben, William Guthrie, John Gilmore, jr., David Welty, and THE ORGANIZATION OF LEE COUNTY. 69 James S. Ball. The above lists may have been changed some from the above footing by relieving some and substituting others. We may notice in this connection that there has never been a district court organized in this county up to the present writing (1881), the circuit court holding jurisdiction over the criminal code. The legal officers present at the organization given above were as follows: The Hon. Dan Stone, judge; Aaron Waklee, sheriff; Shelton L. Hall, circuit attorney, and George W. Chase, clerk. After considering the bonds and securities of th^ constable, sheriff, and coroner, the court proceeded with regular business. The first appeal case tried in the circuit court was at its first sitting in 1840, involving rights of property, Smith G>ilbraith vs. Buckner J. Morris. The first case of appeal from the justice court was in a case of fine for an assault and battery. The fine, however, being reduced from ^27 to $20, it was paid without further litijgation. In March, 1840, the boundaries of the road districts were changed, and their number increased to forty-two. The first collector for Lee county was David Tripp, who received his appointment in June, 1840 ; and at that time Eichard F. Adams was appointed to take the first census of the county. In the year of 1840 the court-house was built according to the contracts noted above, at the cost of $7,610, and 80 acres of land ; the former donated by the citizens of Dixon and the latter by the founder of the city, John Dixon. The jail was also completed this year. On the 16th of June the commissioners appointed Joseph Saw- yer the first overseer of the poor, and David Tripp the. first collect- or for the county of Lee. Bearing the same date (April 16, 1840) the first license to sell intoxicating liquors in Lee county was issued to Kodney Burnett for a term of two years, for which Eodney paid the sum of 25 cents. And the first indictment by the grand jury for selling spirituous liquors without license was at the first term of the circuit court in 1840. In the autumn of 1840 the land office was removed from Galena to Dixon. Mr. John Dixon visited "Washington in this year, with application for the removal of the land office to this city. Gen. Scott being a personal friend of Mr. Dixon, and having been at Dixon during the Black Hawk war and learned the topography of the country, he rendered valuable aid to him in introducing him to the president of the United States, Mr. Yan Buren, who issued the order for its removal. Col. John Dement was appointed receiver, and Major Hackelton register. These gentlemen were succeeded by D. G. Garnsey, receiver, and John Hogan, register. 70 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Township Organizations. — The original organization remained, with regular change of officers, until 1850, when by virtue of an act of the legislature, approved by the chief executive of the common- wealth February 12, 1849, providing for the organization of coun- ties and townships when a majority of the legal voters of a county at any general election should so determine, by vesture of power in three commissioners, organized and established boundary lines by which the county of Lee was divided into ten civil townships. Paw Paw Township, embracing the three eastern political town- ships, Nos. 37, 38, and 39 N., E. 2 E., of third meridian. JBrooMyn Township, embracing the three political townships east of the third principal meridian, K"os. 37, 38, and 39 N., R. 1 E., of third principal meridian. Hanno Township embraced No. 19 N., E. 11 E., of the fourth principal meridian. Lee Center Township, embracing No. 20 N., E. 11 E., of the fourth meridian. Bradford Township, embracing N"o. 21 N., E. 11 E., and the S. i of No. 22 N., E. 11 E., of the fourth principal meridian. Hamilton Township, embracing No. 19 N. , E. 10, 9, 8 E. , of the fourth principal meridian, and No. 20 N., E. 8 E., and the S. -J of No. 20 N., E. 9 E., of the fourth principal meridian. Amboy Township, embracing No. 20 N., E. 10 E., and the N. -J- of No. 20 N., E. 9 E., of the fourth principal meridian. Tremont Township, embracing No. 21 N., E. 10 E., and the S. part of No. 22 N., E. 10 E., of the fourth principal meridian, in Lee county. Dixon Township, embracing No. 21 N., E. 9 E., and that part of No. 22 N., E. 9 E., of the principal meridian, which is situated and lying in Lee county. Palmyra Township, e n bracing that part of No. 22 N.. E. 8 E., that is in Lee county ; also that part of No. 21 N., E. 8 E., that is S. of Eock river. Palmyra Township, embracing that part of No. 22 N., E. 8 E., that is in Lee county ; also that part of No. 21 N., E. 8 E., that is n! of Eock river. Prior to July 2 of the same year the name Wyoming was substi- tuted for Paw Paw, and China was substituted for Tremont. During 1855 the following townships were organized and added to the original list, making in all thirteen townships, namely, May, Willow Creek, and Marion. In 1857 Hanno was discontinued, being superseded by Sublette. The same year Harmon was organized, which was followed in 1859 by the creation of a new township called THE ORGANIZATION OF LEE COUNTY. 71 Reynolds, after an early settler of that township. One township was added in 1860, known as Nelson, and in 1861 the board of super- visors created three new civil townships, Alto, Ogle, and township 38, political survey, which received in 1862 the name of Viola. Since that date Ogle has been eliminated from the list and two added, Ash- ton and South Dixon. In February, 1871, the town of China was divided, and a new township called Nachusa was created out of the territory composing the W. i of T. 21, R. 10 ; and also extending north on the same line through T. 22, B.. 10 E., of the fourth principal meridian to the Ogle county line, being the W. f of the present township of China. In February, 1872, the town of Dixon was divided and a portion thereof was added to the town of Nachusa, commencing at or near the center of Rock river, at or near the center of Sec. 10, T. 22, R. 9 E., of the fourth principal meridian, at the point where the line dividing the E. ^ and the W. ^ of said Sec. 10 strikes the center of said Rock river ; thence south on the half section line to the center of Sec. 34 ; thence east to the center of Sec. 35 in the town and range aforesaid ; thence south to the center of Sec. 2, T. 21, R. 9 E., of the fourth principal meridian ; thence west 80 rods ; thence south to the north line of South Dixon. Effort has been made to have a portion of !fTachusa thrown back to Dixon township, but the committee to whom it was referred reported adversely and asked to be released from anv further consideration of the matter. This leaves the county of Lee, at this writin;^, with twenty-two civil townships, fifteen of which are divided according to the political survey, while seven in the N.W. \ of the county were created irrespective of the political townships. County Officers. — Below we give a list of all county officers from the organization of the county to the present time : County Commissioners. At the first election in 1839 three com- missioners were elected ; after this one commissioner was elected and one went out of office each year. C. F. Ingals, ISTathan Whit- ney and J. P. Dixon were elected in. 1839, A. E. Haskell in 1840, Joseph Crawford in 1841, 0. F. Ayres in 1842, J. C. Morgan in 1843, D. Baird in 1844, D. H. Birdsall in 1845, James Goble in 1846, IST. "Whitney in 1846 (to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of D. Baird), W. Badger in 1847, Stephen Fuller in 1848, John Gilmore in 1848 to fill vacancy. County Judges. H. Morgan from 1839 to 1843, 0. A. Eddy to '47, Lorenzo Wood to '54, David Welty to '62, W. W. DeWolf to '69, John D. Crabtree to '76, Jas. B. Charters present judge. County Clerks. I. S. Boardman from 1839 to 1843, Chas. T. 72 jriSTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Chase to '49, J. B. Gregory to '53, Thos. W. Eustace to '61, Jas. A. Hawley present clerk. Circuit Clerks and Eecorders. G. W. Chase from 1839 to 1841, C. T. Chase to '51, N. F. Porter in '51, I. S. Boardman to '57, G. E. Haskell to '69, I. S. Boardman in '69, B. F. Shaw to '68, J. N. Hyde to '76, E. Warriner present Clerk. Eecorders. M. Fellows from 1839 to 1844, E. W. Hine to '50. Since which time the circuit clerk has served as ex-oflEicio recorder. Treasurers. John Morse 1840 to 1843, N. Morehouse to '46, S. Parker in '46, W. W. Bethea to 60, E. B. Stiles to '57, T. B. Little to '59, E. B. Stiles to '63, J. T. Little to '71, Josiah Little to '76, F. A. Truman to '79, Josiah Little present treasurer. Sheriifs. A. Wakelee from 1839 to 1841, A. L. Porter to '42, Jas. Campbell to '48, Jas. Goble to '51, A. L. Porter to '53, O. Wheeler in '63, Wm. Butler to '56, O. Wheeler to '58, Lester Hard- ing to '60, A. L. Porter to '62, Chas. F. Lynn to '64, E. P. Tread- well to '66, T. L. Pratt to '68, G. M. Berkley to '76, J. N. Hills to '78, Walter Little present sheriff. Superintendents of Schools. E. E. Mason to 1840, J. T. Little to '43, D. B. McKenney to '46, Lorenzo Wood to '60, J. Y. Eus- tace to '53, John Stevens to '65, S. Wright to '67, J. A. Hawley to '69, John Monroe to '61, W. H. Gardner to '63, B. F. Atherton to '66, J. H. Preston to '73, Daniel Carey to '76, J. H. Preston present superintendent. Surveyors. Joseph Crawford from 1839 to 1844, S. H. Whit- mnre to '46, S. Parker in '46, C. Camp to '49, J. Crawford to '55, A. W. Tinkham to '57, M. Santee to '61, K. F. Booth to '63, W. B. Andrus to '65, C. E. Hall to '67, Wm. McMahan to '80. Coroners. Sam'l Johnson from 1839 to 1841, John Lord to '48, Sol. Parker to '50, Jas. GoWe to '54. D. B. McKenney to '56, H. 0. Kelsey to '64, J. Hatch, jr.^ to '66, H. Barrell to '70, A. E. Wilcox to '78, J. E. Church present coroner. State's Attorneys. Wm. E. Ives from 1872 to 1876, A. C. Bard- well to '80, Charles B. Morrison present incumbent. The Circuit Judges have been Daniel Stone two terms of 1840, Thos. C. Browne to '48, B. E. Sheldon to '51, I. O. Wilkinson to '56, J. W. Drurey in '66, J. V. Eustace to '61, W. W. Heaton to '78, J. Y. Eustace present judge. March 7, John Morse was appointed first assessor for the county. The present county officers are as follows : County Clerk — James A. Hawley. Circuit Clerk — ^Eemington Warriner. County Treasurer — Josiah Little. PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF LEE COUNTY. 73 County Recorder — Kemington "Warriner. County Judge — James B. Charters. County Sheriff— Walter Little. County School Superintendent — Jas. H. Preston. County Coroner — John C. Church. State's Attorney^Chas, B. Morrison. Judges 13th Judicial District— Hon. Wm. Brown, Hon. John Y. Eustace, Hon. J. M. Bailey. PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF LEE COUNTY. Two or three years after the Black Hawk war the Indians were removed from the northern part of the state, leaving the country open for the white man to occupy. Settlers began to fill up the country, and in a few years all the prairie land adjoining the groves of timber was taken np. Dixon advanced from four families in 1836 to thirty-five or forty in 1838. In 1836, when Lee county was embraced in Ogle, at a closely contested election growing out of a rivalry between Dixon and Oregon, less than 200 votes were cast al- together in the county, and that under the old state constitution, pro- viding that all white inhabitants of six months' residence in the state should be legal voters. One writer says : "As early as 1838 several wealthy families from New York and other parts of the country, at- tracted by the beautiful scenery and fertile lands along the Rock river, settled in the vicinity of Dixon. Among them were Capt. Hugh Graham, an old gentleman of fine presence and courtly man- ners, and Mr. Alexander Charters, familiarly called "the governor," whose genial, and characteristic hospitality, and whose picturesque and finely kept place, two miles above the town, have been to thou- sands the most attractive feature of a visit to Dixon." In 1839 the general assembly having created Lee county, which was approved Fi'bruary 27, 1839, the citizens of Dixon had the oppor- tunity to retrieve their losses in their defeat for the court-house in 1836. On the location of the county seat at this place, with the or- ganization of a new county and the erecting of the necessary public buildings gave an impulse to the improvement and development of the county. The removal of the United States Land Office from Galena to Dixon in the autumn of 1840, and the establishment of the office of the engineer of the "Internal Improvement System" at Dixon, gave the new county a prominence that but few have been favored with. It was reported for Lee county, in 1840, a population of 2,035. Dixon precinct had a population of 725 ; 125 persons were employed in agriculture, 17 in commerce, 55 at manufacture and trades, 12 in 74 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. the learned professions and engineering. There was one school and 30 scholars. For a few years succeeding 1840 the county was of slow develop- ment. "The state suffered from the great indebtedness and loss of credit occasioned by the visionary and disastrous internal improve- ment system of 1837, and, increased in population very slowly from 1840 to 1850. The fear of taxation diverted emigration, and agri- cultural interests languished for want of inter-communication. There was no market for the products of the country nearer than Chicago, and the expense of transportation of them was often equal to the value of the products when sold. The cash trade of the interior towns was meager, and a credit system, ruinous to the merchant and demoralizing to the customer, prevailed." The county, however, steadily advanced in population ; lands were taken up and farms were being improved, so that by 1845 the county had a population of 3,282, an increase of 1,247 since the cen- sus of 1840 ; the village of Dixon had, at this time, a population of 400. There were in the county at this time 2 grist-mills, 5 saw-mills, 1 carding machine and 1 iron foundry. The assessed value of property in the county was $28,000; horses, 900 ; cattle, 3,222 ; sheep, 2,197, and hogs, 3,906. In 1850, as noticed previously, there was a reorganization of the county, at which time it was divided into towns, each being repre- sented by a supervisor in the transaction of the county business, which had been done by the board of commissioners. The board of supervisors held their first session on May 13, 1850. At this time the population of Lee county was 5,289, being an increase of 2,007 since 1845 ; Dixon township's population was 1,073. The value of real estate was $215,360, and of personal property $168,341. There were twelve corporations or individuals in the county, producing ar- ticles to the value of $5,000 annually. One was engaged in the man- ufacture of harvesting machines; one manufacturing plows; one producing lime ; two in lumber, and two in the milling business ; the capital invested was $24,300 ; the average number of hands em- ployed was twenty-three. The county had one academy, with two teachers and forty pupils ; public schools, with forty-six teachers and 1,518 pupils. The average monthly wages for farm hands was 812, and that paid to day laborers was 63 cents per day with board, and 75 cents per day without board; carpenters, $1.60 per day; female domestics, $1.25 per week. Board for laborers could be obtained at $1.60 per week. Within the next decade the counjty made wonderful progress, bemg less embarrassed by threatening taxation, while the Illinois PROGRESS AWD DEVELOPMENT OF LEE COUNTY. 75 Central railroad was opened through it in 1855, which contributed largely to the development of the country. "We find the population, as given by the census of 1860, for Lee county to be 18,854, an in- crease from 1850 of 13,604, or a little over 1,300 annually. This was the great decade of the popular increase of Lee county. Emi- gration flowed in like a tide. The material wealth of the county greatly increased. The decade of 1860 and 18Y0 increased 8,012 over the preceding ; so that the census of 1870 gave a total popula- tion for the county of 26,866 ; this period embraced the years of the great struggle during the rebellion. Emigration was greatly re- tarded, and many of the brave sons of Lee county went to the front at their country's call and never returned. During the period from 1870 to 1880 the population of Lee county increased 3,037 over 1870. While there has been a great falling off in the increase of population within the last census period, it arises from the fact that the lands had been generally occupied ; that there was not the inducement to land seekers as had formerly been. Some lands, however, were to be improved, which brought in the faithful yeomanry from the east, and manufacturing interests offered inducements to the mechanic, so that in 1880 Lee county had a population of 30.186. COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP CENSUS FEOM 1850 TO 1880. TOWNSHIPS. 1850 1860 1870 1880 Alto 504 158 354 687 1,073 315 475 393 587 808 301 3,507 1,353 1,334 i;7i3 3,408 355 148 , 763 1,007 688 363 1,055 388 1,133 739 1,337 833 4,104 1,007 1,086 1,335 3,351 757 4,687 765 186 543 1,038 397 747 600 1,109 743 905 1,300 639 1,019 1,380 Amboy A shton 4,699 1,009 Bradford 848 ' 1,396 China 1,411 730 Dixon 4,241 East Grove 797 Hamilton 437 Hanno 1,354 Lee Center 1,229 Marion May 903 848 3,313 Palmyra 1,118 Reynolds South Dixon 743 973 Sublett 1,384 Viola 685 Willow Creek 1,348 1,931 County 5,353 18,359 27,138 30,186 76 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Internal Improvements.-Y erj early in the history of Lee coun- ty a system of internal improvements was inaugurated in the state, for which tax was laid upon the people that became a burden em- barrassed the settlement and growth of the state, and from which Lee county suffered greatly. Railroads were contemplated as well as the improvement of Rock river by a system of slack-water naviga. tion These works were begun and carried forward as long as the state exchequer was flush, but it was afterward abandoned lor want of means to carry forward the project. This being in 1836 and 1n37, before the county was developed, the embarrassment enforced upon the new state deferred the building of railroads for near twenty years, when the Illinois Central ran her first train across the Rock river bridge at Dixon in 1855. This event was of first importance to Lee county, causing not only the rapid growth of Dixon but the founding of Amboy car works, which gave rise to the growth of that young city. This road was followed by the Chicago & Northwestern road, the Chicago & Rock River, and the 0. D. & M. road. The Bixon Air Line Railroad was built by the Galena & Chi- cago Union Railroad Company from the junction, thirty miles west of Chicago, in 1854 and 1855. The original design seems to have been to make this a branch to operate as a feeder to the main line, tapping the Rock river valley at this point. The subsequent rapid develop- ment of the country and the constant increase of business induced its extension westward, striking the "Father of Waters" at a point opposite Clinton in Iowa. Soon after the Galena & Chicago Union, with its branches, and the Northwestern (Chicago & Green Bay) were consolidated under the general name of the ISTorthwestern, a railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi at Clinton was completed, and the " Dixon Air Line " became one of the leading trunk lines between Chicago and the Pacific coast. Mr. Charles Cliase was appointed agent at Dixon. The first business done in the receipt and shipment of freights at this point was abput February 10, 1855, five days before that branch of business was commenced at the Illinois Central depot. Mr. Chase was succeeded as agent by Mr. J. R. Stewart, Mr. Charles Murray following, then Mr. George Rogers, who was succeeded by the present agent, Mr. BL. E. Hand. BUSINESS DONE BY THE N. W. R. B. AT DIXON DEPOT FOE PEEVIOUS TEAR. FREIGHT FOBWARDED. FREIGHT RECEIVED. Tonnage. Unpaid. Tonnage. Unpaid. 18,595 $48,248.56 10,818 $31,409.62 PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF LEE COUNTY. 11 SALE OF TICKETS. Local Tickets. Coupon Tickets. Extra Baggage. $1,728.42 $668.95 $2 55 For 1880. COAL RECEIVED AND FOEWAEDED. Soft coal via. 111. Central and distributed at Dixon for the company. Hard coal received and delivered at Dixon. "Weight. Ch'g'spaidl.C.RR. Weight. Unpaid. 49,290,700 $10,464.20 1,882,717 $2,076.41 GEAIN SHIPMF.'N TS TO CHICAGO. Wheat. 8,954 Corn. 197,239 Oats. 37,481 Barley. 8,181 Rye. 8,654 The Illinois Central was also built in 1854 and 1865. .Its beauti- ful iron bridge at this point was completed January 1, 1855 ; the last rail was laid upon it in the midst of a furious northwest snowstorm on that day. Receipts and shipments of freight commenced on Feb- ruary 15, under Mr. Addison Chase as agent ; Mr. Chase was suc- ceeded by Mr. S. T. Pierce, then Mr. A. E. Mason, who was fol- lowed by Mr. W. C. "Wooley. The latter was appointed September 15, 1858. In the summer of 1876 a project was formed for building the Eock Eiver Valley railroad, connecting the Eock Island & St. Louis with the Chicago & Pacific, thus forming another trunk line between Chicago and St. Louis and the great west and south. A company was formed, with Mr. James A. Hawley, of Dixon, as president, sur- veys and location made, grading commenced along the line of "Water street in this city, when the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy ab- sorbed the stock of -the southern portion of the road, thereby crush- ing the Yalley road, together with all the fine schemes of the inhab- itants, for the present, for the further development of the water power and manufacturing interest of the valley. Some consolation, however, for the loss of these prospective commercial advantages lies in the fact that had the road been completed on the line as lo- 78 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. cated, the iron horse, with its trains of living freight and commerce, would have marred some of the most beautiful natural scenery to be found on the continent. The Illinois Central enters the county on the south, crossing the line twelve miles west of the southeast corner of the county, and running due northwest passes Amboy to Dixon, where it crosses the Eock river, following that valley two or three miles noVth, then bear- ing west it passes out of the county five miles east of the northwest corner of the county. The track of this road is laid through Dixon on a high grade and system of arches over the principal streets, and across the river by a magnificent iron bridge resting on huge stone abutments and piers. • The Chicago & Northwestern enters the county on the north, eleven miles west of the northeast corner, passing south of the city of Dixon, where it crosses the Illinois Central, and passing down the Eock river valley it emerges from the county on the west, one mile north of the river. The Chicago & Iowa, known as the Chicago, Dubuque & Minne- sota road, crosses the northeast corner of the county dividing Alto township, diagonally, into two equal parts. The Chicago & Eock Eiver road enters the county on the east, at Paw Paw, four miles north of the southeast corner of the county, and bearing north of west to Amboy, and from thence to the Eock river, passing out of the county on the west two miles south of Eock river. Navigation. — But little can be said respecting navigation in Lee county. Although congress recognized Eock river as a navigable stream, they neglected to legislate sufficient water in the channel, in consequence of which the commercial world failed to utilize what water already flowed between its banks. There are times, however, that were it not for the bridges and dams that now obstruct the river the heaviest Mississippi boats could safely pass up to Dixon. In an early day the Mississippi river steamboats occasionally made trips up Eock river. In April, 1838, the steamer Gipsey went up the river as far as Oregon ; she had on board a load of bacon bought in St. Louis by Mr. Phelps, of Oregon. There was some dissatisfaction in regard to the contract and Mr. Phelps would not take the meat; Smith Gilbraith was aboard the boat and told the captain to turn around and unload the bacon at Dixon. It was unloaded at the foot of Peoria street. In July, 1844, the Lighter ascended the river as far as JanesviUe, Wisconsin. Perhaps this is the time that Col. John- son wanted the " boys" to ' ' fire off the stump ' ' in honor of her arrival, which some of the early settlers recall with so much amusement. /^ tig jio^A^^u^ COUNTY BUILDINGS. 81 It had been announced that a boat would be up the river on a certain day, and preparations were made to receive her, and Col. Johnson was selected to make the address of welcome to the captain and crew. Being in primitive days there was no navy howitzer or military field-piece with which to fire the salute. The colonel, how- ever, was equal to the emergency, and ordered a stump, which stood on the bank of the river, to be bored with a large auger, and loaded with powder and tow, to be in readiness to fire off on the approach of the expected steamer. An adjacent saloon was chosen as the base of observation. Here they would plan the reception, and anon appear on the bank looking for the " smoke way down the river," which was slow to appear. The day was far spent, and the sun was fast sinking behind the western hills, and they were weary of waiting and watching for the great water-witch, when the cry was raised, "the steamboat is coming." Headed by the colonel the anxious committee emerged from the saloon to hail the great steamer. It was, however, but a small hull, but being blinded by weary watch- ing the orator mistook the stranger for the long expected, and lifting his hat he delivered his address of "welcome, welcome to our shores," and, turning to the artillerymen, the order was given, "Boys, shoot off the stump;" and as the reverberations of the shooting stump were dying away beyond the Rock river hills the little cruiser rounded into port, and, safely mooring, received the honors which were designed for one that did not come. The old citizens believe until this day that the address of welcome and the cannonading in- junction were appropriate to the occasion. A small steamer is now plying between Dixon and Grand De- tour, a run of nine miles up the river. In this distance there is a fall of nine aAd a half feet, and the flow of the current of Rock river at low- water mark is 7, 355 cubic feet of water per minute, which is sufficient for good water-power, but requiring slack water for naviga- tion. This is met by the dam across the river at Dixon, which is seven feet in height. In an early day the commissioners of Lee county granted the right to build a dam across the river at Dixon. Now the river is spanned by bridges and obstructed by dams, an in- dication that the idea of the profitable navigation of Rock river has been abandoned. COUNTY BUILDINGS. Location. — The undersigned commissioners appointed by the act creating the county of Lee " Approved February 27, 1839," having been duly sworn and after examination, having due regard to the set- tlements and convenience of the present and future population of said county of Lee, do hereby locate the seat of justice for the aforesaid 6 82 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. county of Lee at the town of Dixon ; and have stuck the stake for the place or point at which the public buildings shall be erected on the quarter section composed of the west half of the northwest quar- ter of the section four, township number twenty-one, range nine east, of the 4th principal meridian, and the east half of the northeast quarter of section number five, same township and range aforesaid. And we further report that the propi'ietors and owners of lots in the aforesaid town of Dixon have executed cer- tain bonds guaranteeing the payment of six thousand four hundred and sixty dollars, which is exclusive of one thousand and fifty dollars signed by Messrs. Gilbraith, Wilkinson & Dement, which is embraced and included in a bond of three thousand dollars, and included above; also one bond for a deed of eighty acres of land adjoining said town of Dixon : all of which is respectfully submitted to the county com- missioners' court of Lee county. Given under our hands and seals this 21st day of May, A. D. 1839. D. G. Salisbury. [seal]. Ethan H. Nichols, [seal]. L. G. BoTLEE. [seal]. On the 27th of December, 1839, the court of commissioners received plans and specifications which were submitted by the clerk for the building of the court-house of stone or brick, and put the same on file. At the same time the clerk submitted plans and specifications for build- ing a jail of stone and timber, which was also accepted and placed on file. The clerk was farther ordered to advertise for sealed proposals, which would be received up to the 6th of January, 1840, for building said court-house and jail ; and on the 7th of January the court awarded the building of the jail to Messrs. Aplington & Holbrook for the sum of fourteen hundred and ninety-five dollars; and the building of the court-house was awarded to Samuel M. Bowman, which was to be of brick and was to cost the sum of six thousand and eight hundred dol- lars, in accordance with his bid. The court-house was erected according to the contract during the year 1840 ; and as it was accepted of the commissioners from the hands of the builders, it is just to presume that it was located on the parcel of ground that was pinned by the stake which was driven by the com- missioners on the selection of the site for the seat of justice. That was ' a great day for the county of Lee, which saw the stake driven that has held the seat of justice on the beautiful eminence for more than forty years. The commissioners were fortunate in the selection of a location " so heautiful for situation." The plat of ground on which it stands extends from Second to Third street, north and south, and from Ottawa street on the east to Galena street on the west. It is inclosed and the COUNTY BUILDINGS. 83 yard has been cultivated into a beautiful lawn and shady grove in the midst of which the court-house stands.. From the court-house the ground recedes with a gentle slope so that the people emphatically " go up to the house of justice," The court-room is on the second floor, and over the judge's stand hangs upon the wall a life-size portrait of Mr. John Dixon, the foimder of the city and the first white settler in Lee county. From the observatory may be seen the clear waters of Rock river as they flow out from between the hills far away to the north and come meandering down the beautiful valley and flow away to be lost behind the forest-covered bluifs to the southward. The jail was built of hewed logs erected on a stone foundation and was located on the south side of Third street opposite the court-house. It was erected during 1840; but a brick building for the county sheriflT's mansion being erected on the southeast corner of Ottawa and Second streets in 1846, the jail was removed to that location and re- erected back of said building some time in 1847. This wooden structure served the county for the incarceration of her criminals until 1872. Although it had been set on fire at diflPerent times it was able to hold those committed to its keeping. In 1868 or 1869 a prisoner attempted to burn his way out of his confinement with a hot poker, and would doubtless have succeeded had not some small boys been playing near by and discovered the burning of the jail. In the February term of the court, 1872, the supervisor^ provided for the building of the present jail by making an appropriation of eighteen thousand dollars for the purpose. There were also plans provided for the sale of the old jail property and the purchase of new lots for the jail and sheriff's house. This was prosecuted and the buildings erected where they now stand, on lots'ITos. two and three on the southeast corner of Third and Hen- nepin streets. The contract was let to Messrs. Jobst & Price, of Peoria, this state. The sheriflT's house is built of brick ornamented with dressed stone, making it a very attractive edifice. The jail which connects it on the rear is built of dressed stone, and is very secure. The buildings are not only an addition to the good appearance of that part of the city, but are a credit to the county. The Governmeni Zand Office. — In 1840, when the government land office was removed from Galena to Dixon, the mode of convey- ance, as well as the means of communication, was in a primitive state. The office, with its iron safe, papers and maps, was loaded >upon a " prairie schooner," under the command of Ool. John Dement, receiver, and Mayor Hackelton, register. Left. in charge of a driver, and pro- pelled by half a dozen yokes of oxen, this conveyance was many days on the road, traveling a distance of sixty-five miles. It arrived in the 84 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. fall of that year, in the midst of the presidential campaign which re- sulted in the election of Gen. Harrison. It was first opened in the Yan Arnam building, on Ottawa street. At that time but a small portion of the lands in the district had been brought into market, and the subsequent heavy sales brought people from all parts of the coun- try loaded with specie with which to make their entries. The specie was subsequently shipped to the sub-treasury at St. Louis. The small stone building occupied by the land office departn'ient, is still standing on the northwest corner of Ottawa and Second streets. RELIGIOUS PROGRESS IN THE COUNTY. The first Methodist sermon preached in the region of country be- tween Rock Island and Galena, was by the Rev. Mr. Sugg, in the house of John Ankany. The Illinois conference recognized this as missionary territory in 1835, and appointed Rev. James McKean in charge of what was called the Henderson Mission. Rev. Henry Sum- mers was presiding elder of the district. 'The headquarters of the mission was Elkhorn Grove. Early in 1836 Rev. McKean passed Dixon's Ferry ; and after crossing the river he returned and announced to the few people who were standing on the bank of the river, " I will preach in this place four weeks from to-day," and rode away, leav- ing his auditors to conjecture as to who and what manner of man he was. On the appointed day the mysterious stranger appeared with saddle-bags, hymn-book and Bible, and found the neighbors assembled to hear what message he might bring to them. He continued his visits to the ferry, preaching in their cabins or in the grove, until some time in 1837, when he organized the first Methodist class in Dixon and Lee county. The following persons were received as the original members of this class: S. M. Bowman, and Mrs. E. A. Bowman; John Richards, and Ann Richards; Caleb Tallmage, and Amanda Tallmage, and Maria McOlure. The society worshiped in a room over Messrs. Bowman & Boardman's store, corner of Galena and Water streets. In the following fall (1837) Revs. Robert Delap and Barton Cartwright were sent as circuit preachers, by the authority of Bishop Roberts ; Alfred Brunson being presiding elder. The preaching place this year was in a frame school-house, 20x30 feet. This house was -used as a court-house and all public gatherings as well as a place for worship. Rev. Delap's health failing, he retired from the work in May, leaving his colleague in full charge until the close of the year He was known as the " Prairie Breaker," which honor he received as an expressed appreciation of Christian and earnest work as a missionary on the great prairies of Illinois. The circuit being large, the society received a visit from their minister once in six weeks. Not un- RELIGIOUS PROGRESS IN THE COUNTY. 85 frequently the pioneer preacher would be absent from his home for a number of weeks successively without so much as hearing from home and loved ones who were anxiously waiting and longing for his return. In the autumn of 1838 Isaac Pool and Eiley Hill were . appointed to this mission by Bishop Soul. Rev. Hill was esteemed as a young man of fine talents, but his work was short, having fallen in his Master's work early in the next year at the inlet, now called Lee Center. His place was filled by Rev. Luke Hichcock, who was reappointed in the fall of 1839, by Bishop Roberts. Bartholomew Weed was appointed . presiding elder of the district. There had been received in the society, in addition to the original members, up to August 1839, T. D. Boardman, Mr. and Mrs. Perry, and Mr. and Mrs. McCabe, and in the following October the society was greatly strengthened by the addition of O. F. Ay res and wife. In the fall of 1840 Richard A. Blanchard was appointed to the Dixon circuit, by Bishop Wangh. During this conference year the Rock River conference was organized (in May, 1841), and held its first ses- sion at Mount Morris; John Clark being presiding elder of the dis- trict, known as the Mount Morris district ; and at this session of the conference Philo Judson was appointed to Dixon circuit, and S. S. Stocking, presiding elder. At a quarterly conference that convened at Daysville, June 8, 1842, the first steps were taken toward the building of a house of worship, by appointing T. Judson, S. G. Holbrook, L. Q. Winkoop, and J. Dixon a committee to estimate the probable expense of erecting a church edifice in Dixon. They reported at a subsequent meeting, which lead to the beginning of the building which was completed the following year, and dedicated by the Rev. John T. Mitchel, "at'that time presiding elder of the district. It was a brick structure, and was completed at a cost of $4,000. It was located on Second street, near Ottawa. The board of trustees consisted of J. P. Dixon, C. Edson, O. F. AyreSjW. G. Winkoop,Thomas McCabe, J. Brierton and S. M. Bowman. At the session of Rock River conference held in Chicago, August 3, 1842, Bishop Roberts presiding, the Dixon circuit which then embraced Washington Grove, Lighthouse Point, Jeff'erson Grove, Daysville, and Paynes Point, was extended so as to include Palestine Grove, Malugin's Grove, and Inlet Grove, now Lee Center. Philo Judson and W. H. Cooley were appointed circuit preachers. This work was divided, soon after, by the presiding elder Mitchel setting ofl' all the territory north of Franklin Grove to W. H. Cooley, and the southern division was left under the pastoral care of P. Judson. This order, however, was revoked at the following quarterly conference held November 12, 1842, placing it back to its former arrangement. 86 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Sabbath-schools were now organized, — the first at Dixon soon after the dedication of the chapel ; and at the quarterly conference held July 15, 1843, the following was reported : " There are two schools in the lower division of the circuit; and one at Dixon with eight teachers, sixty scholars, and a library of ninety volumes." The superintendent was O. F. Ayres ; the secretary, T. D. Boardman, and John W. Olute was librarian. This was a union school up to 1845, when it became a Methodist denominational school. O. F. Ayres continued superin- tendent for ten years, when the demand upon his time and talents for the pulpit was so great that he was compelled to resign his office, to the regret of himself and the school. Washington Wilcox was appointed to the circuit in 1843, and was succeeded by the appointment of David Brooks in the autumn of 1844, and Stephen P. Keys in 1845, under whose labors a great temperance work was done, closing up all places where strong drink had been sold. The number in church membership was increased one third during the year. In the fall of 1846 his place was filled by the appointment of Milton Henry and K. W. H. Brent to the charge. At the session of Rock River Conference in the autumn of 1847 the Dixon circuit was embraced in the Rock Island district, under the presiding eldership of John Sinclair. R. P. Lawton was appointed preacher in charge of the circuit, and in the following year under the labors of Rev. William Palmer, appointed by Bishop Morris, the church enjoyed the visitation of a special revival, under which many were converted and added to the church. The Sabbath schools were pros- pering. In the Dixon school were eight teachers, fifty scholars, and twenty dollars' worth of new library books. During the pastorate of Mr. Palmer, the basement of the chapel was finished, and a bell pur- chased for the tower. He was succeeded by Thomas North in 1850, under whose labors a noted revival occurred. Soon after Rev. McKean visited the neighborhood of Dixon's Ferry, the Rev. Thomas Powel, of the Baptist church, came to Buffalo Grove as the forerunner of that denomination ; and as early as 1838 organized the first Baptist church of the vicinity at Buffalo Grove, which was the parent society of the First Baptist church of Dixon! The original society was divided into the Buffalo church and the Dixon church. The former, however, was subsequently discontinued. Rev. Thomas Powel was an earnest pioneer missionary, and lives in the memory of the church revered as the founder of the Baptist denomination of the christian church. In connection with these pioneer ministers may be mentioned also the Rev. L. Hitchcock, Bishop Chase, of the Episcopal church, and Rev. James De Pui, who experienced with them the privations of BELIGI0U8 PROGRESS IN THE COUNTY. 87 the early days of Lee county. The life of the itinerant in those days was one of sacrifice not only to the faithful minister, bnt to his family. Exposed to perils in floods and storms, as well as long tedious rides across the unbroken prairie, fording streams, sometimes by swimming his faithful and orthodox horse ; startled by the scream of the wild-cat or howl of the wolf from the evening shades of a neighboring grove ; lodging in the pioneer cabin, whose clapboard roof but illy turned t.he falling rain or drifting snow. On July 5, 1843, a Congregational society was organized at the resi- dence of Moses Crorabie, and was called the " Congregational Church of Palestine Grove." The congregation worshiped in a school-house about a mile from the present site of the city of Amboy. They were ministered to by Rev. John Merrill, Rev. Ingersoll, father of the notorious Robert IngersoU of the present day, Rev. Joseph Gardner and Rev. Mr. Pierson. The last two divided their labors with Grand Detour and Palestine Grove. This society was formed before there was a house erected where Amboy now stands. The organization was after- ward removed to Lee Center, in 1849. In 1854 the Amboy Cougrega- tional church was organized. But as these local societies will be noticed in connection with the township in which they are located, we will not give a detailed account in this connection. At an early day a Rev. Mr. Warriner, of the Baptist faith, com- menced preaching at Paw Paw Grove, in the southeast corner of the township, and afterward became the pastor of the present Baptist society in that place. The religions societies have exerted a salutary influence on the moral development of the county. Sabbath Schools. — The first Sabbath school was organized as a union school, in the new Methodist Episcopal church soon after its dedication, and on July 15, 1843, there were reported eight teachers, sixty scholars, and a library of ninety volumes. 0. F. Ayers was super- intendent, T. D. Boardman, secretary, and J. W. Clute, librarian. This school afterward became the denominational school of the Methodist church. Other schools were organized as the several denominations organized societies. Sabbath schools are, at present, connected with all the churches in Lee county, and special reference will be made to them in connection with the history of each society. The total number of members of the several schools in Dixon aggregate about 800, the total number of volumes in library in the several schools is about 2,025. At ^n early day, and about the time of the organization of the union school in Dixon, referred to above, there were schools organized in other parts of the county, — Inlet Grove, Malugin's Grove, and prob- ably at Palestine Grove. 88 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Tlie method of conducting Sabbath schools at this early day was quite primitive. There were but few conveniences compared with what are regarded as essentials in a well regulated modern Sunday school. There was no literature provided specially for the young, no Sabbath-school songs as now. The old hymn or psalm book was in constant use. It would seem odd, in these days of advancement and improvement, to require the infant class to repeat their A B 0, or rehearse a spelling lesson, after opening the school by singing "Am I a Soldier of the Cross ?" and" before singing the closing hymn " How Tedious and Tasteless the Hours !" ; and yet such was the custom of the gone-by days. But these primitive schools were not failures, but served to impart moral sentiments and cultivate religious tendencies that have developed some of the best men of the country. At the present time the Sabbath schools of Lee county ai-e fully abreast of the times. Heresy. — Lee county has been visited by religious heresy and fanaticism under the banner of Mormonism. After the murder of the great Mormon high priest, Joe Smith, his brother, William Smith, with a small band of followers, took up their residence in Lee county, about twelve miles south of Dixon, where they kept up their organization and meetings for some time. At the April term of circuit court in 1853, on the trial of the appli- cation of "William Smith for a divorce, the jury found a verdict for the lady. The following is part of a letter showing the " mind of the Lord " as revealed to his servant William Smith : " Behold, verily, this is the mind of the Lord concerning those females who have received the priesthood by being sealed to my ser- vants William Smith and Joseph Wood [for many years a lawyer at Paw Paw, this county], and have been washed, anointed and ordained under their hands, having been received into the priestess' lodge- having taken the covenant thereof; if they, or either of them, shall , fall, or turn altogether therefrom, she or they shall be excluded there- from and from my church also, and shall not come forth in the resur- rection of the just. * * * "Therefore, I, Jesus Christ, who am your Father and God, say unto you, if your wives be treacherous and sin against you and repent not, I will reveal it unto you. Therefore confide in me, and I will be your God and you shall be my servants. Amen. "Yours truly, " William Smith." The First Sohool-house.~T>i: 0. Everett, in the " History of Dixon and Palmyra," published in 1880, says: "In looking over some old papers recently, I came across the sub- EELIGIOUS PKOGRESS IN THE COUNTY. 89 scription paper for building the first school-house in Dixon, and have thought that it would not be without intei'est to many of your readers. This paper was got up in January 1837, and contains many names familiar to the old settlers. The subscription paper reads as follows : " ' We, the subscribers, agree to pay the sums severally attached to our names, for the purpose of erecting a school-house in the town of Dixon. Said school-house shall be for the teaching of primary schools, and shall be open for religious meetings of all denominations when not occupied by the schools. " ' Said house shall be one story high, and at least forty feet by twenty on the ground, and shall contain two rooms, which shall be connected by a door or doors, as may be thought proper. " ' The subscribers shall meet on Monday, the 20th day of February next, at six o'clock p.m., and choose three trustees to superintend the building of said house. The trustees shall have power to collect the money subscribed, contract for and purchase materials for said house, and employ workmen to build the same. They shall see that it is done in a plain, workmanlike manner, so far as the funds shall warrant. NAMES. Jas. P. Dixon, Oliver Everett, John Wilson, Caleb Talmage, J. B. Barr, Samuel Leonard, Jacob Rue, B. B. Brown, Samuel Gatten, Edwin Hine, . Elijah Dixon, Hiram P. Parks, John Q. Adams (expunged), 00 10 Seth D. Brittain, (If he settles here.) Lemuel Huff, Alanson Dickerman, John Snider, H. Martin, W. P. Burroughs, John Dixon, . 1. S. Boardman, A friend, M. McCabe, Allen Wiley, . J. W. Hamilton, " It will be noticed that many of the subscribers were persons living some'distance in the country, and of those who came to the $25 00 25 00 25 00 20 00 10 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 15 00 10 00 ), 00 10 20 00 16 00 5 00 5 00 5 00 15 00 20 00 10 00 5 00 10 00 10 00 5 00 NAMES. Geo. L. Chapman, . $5 00 W. H. Eowe, . 10 00 J. W. Dixon, . . 10 00 E. W. Covin, 25 00 E. A. Statia, . 5 00 S. W. Johnson, 10 00 Robert Murray, . 10 00 Sam'l C. McClure, 15 00 Mrs. E. N. Hamilton, . 15 00 Horace Thompson, 5 00 Mrs. E. Dixon, . . 30 00 L. D. Butler, . 5 00 M. L. Dixon, . 5 00 Mrs. A. Talmage, . 5 00 Mrs. M. H. Barr, . 10 00 J. Murphy, 10 GO ]Sr. W. Brown, . . 5 00 S. M. Bowman, 10 00 John Richards, . . 10 00 C. F. Hubbard, . 5 00 W. W. Graham, . 5 00 T. L. Hubbard, . 5 00 John Carr, . . 6 00 George Kip, . 5 00 Wm. Graham, . . 5 00 90 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. county during the next season. The reason that Father Dixon's name was not at or near the head of the list is that he was away that winter to Vandalia, then the capital of the state. It may also be noticed that the matter dragged somewhat, as such enterprises often do, and the ladies took it up, Mrs. Dixon giving the largest subscription on the list and Mrs. Hamilton a generons amount. Again it may be noticed that one John Q. Adams, not our present John Q. Adams, but au un- worthy bearer of a great name, in subscribing put two 00 where the dollars ought to have been, making his subscription but 10 cents. When his attention was called to it he said it was jnst as he intended to have it. His name was dealt with as was fashionable at that time; it was expunged. " The old school-house was built during the summer of 183Y, of the size and form specified in the subscription paper, about twenty rods west of the cemetery, on or near lot one, block sixty-nine, now occupied by Harry Smith. It was built perfectly plain, without a cornice, and inclosed with undressed oak siding and a hardwood shingle roof. The inside consisted of two rooms, one six feet by twenty, extending across the end of the building, serving as an entrance-way or vestibule to the main room, which was twenty by thirty-four feet, with three windows on either side and one at the end of the room opposite the entrance. It was plastered on the inside with a single coat of coarse brown mor- tar, and was warmed during winter with a wood fire in a large box stove. In 1839 it was moved down to the north end of lot five, block seventeen, on the east side of Ottawa street, just south of the resi- dence of Dr. Nash, now occupied by Daniel McKenney, fronting to the north upon the alley. There it remained for several years, and was used for school-house, meeting-house and court-house (the first three terms of the circuit court of Lee county were held in it). Elections and political meetings and conventions were held in it, and it was always used for whatever other purpose the people might congregate. " The old school-house was very plain, rough and uninviting to look upon, but there are many recollections associated with it which are always dwelt upon by the early settlers with great interest, and should make the memory of it dear to the people of Dixon. It was within its rough brown walls that the venerable and revered Bishop Chase, then senior bishop of the American Episcopal church, first preached to the scattered members of his fold as were hereabout, and broke to them the bread of the sacrament, and where Eev. James De Pui, a man of rare culture and gentle and genial social qualities, preached for more than twelve months. It was there that the Methodist and Baptist churches of this place were formed and nurtured in their infancy. " The Eev. Dr. Hitchcock and the Rev. Philo Jndson, who for EELIGIOUS PROGRESS IN THE COUNTY. 91 nearly half a century have been among the foremost laborers in the great and beneficent organization to which they belong, then in the vigor of early manhood, eacli preached his two years there. The Rev. Thomas Powell, a devoted missionary of the Baptist denomination, well known among the early settlers of no inconsiderable portion of the state for his indefatigable and faithful service in the religious interest of the people, then often living remote from each other, and either des- titute or but poorly supplied with competent religious teachers, often held services in the old school-house, and officiated at the formation of the Baptist church of Dixon. Also the Rev. Burton Carpenter, the remembrance of whose labors here is cherished by many of the old set- tlers, and who in the high standing he afterward attained in the denomination to which he belongs, and in a life of great usefulness in another part of the state, he has not disappointed the expectations of his early friends, commenced his labors in the ministry and preached about three years in this same old school-house. During nearly th"e whole time religious services were held in the old school-house the Methodist and Baptist congregations occupied it alternate Sundays, — the Meth- odist clergyman preaching at Inlet Grove or Sugar Grove, and Mr. Carpenter at Buffalo Grove the intervening Sabbaths. " In the spring of 1840 there was a convention of the whig party of the Jo Daviess representative district, which embraced the whole north- western part of the state, held at the school-house, and Thomas Drum- mond, known in this generation as Judge Drumraond, of the United States court at Chicago, then a young lawyer of Galena, was nom- inated as a candidate for member of the house of representatives in the state legislature. Here presented an extent of territory now con- stituting nearly two congressional districts. Among the teachers in the old school-house was the late lamented W. W. Heaton, whom the citizens of Dixon have seen rise by his industry and legal acquire- ments from the schoolmaster's chair to the bench. " In the beginning of the year 1843 the Methodist church was finished and dedicated, and the court-honse was so far completed -that the courts were held in it, and was used for religious and political meetings, and the old school-house fell into comparative disuse. "Some time during the year 1844 it began to be noised about that John Van Arnam claimed the old school-house as his property, as he had purchased the lot upon which it stood. One day the people were notified that upon a tap on their windows the night following they might know that they were wanted at the school-house, and the less said about it the better. Upon arriving there we found it surrounded by a great crowd busy at work. Some were raising tlie building with crow- bars and levers, others adjusting planks and rollers under the sills. 92 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. There was that prince of movers of old buildings, N". G. H. Morrill, as usnal, directing operations, not giving authoritative orders to others, but by taking hold and showing them how by doing the major part of the work himself. The industrious crowd tugged away in silence or talking in whispers or suppressed tones, now moving the heavy oak building an inch or two, and again making a more fortunate move and getting ahead several inches or one or two feet, until it was thought the building was entirely over the edge of the lot, but by pacing from the street and making observations in the dark it was thought best to give it just another little shove to make the thing sure. So all took hold with a will, and the old school-house began to move again upon the rollers and made a hinge of twelve or fifteen feet, creaking and groaning as it went, as if conscious of the ignoble uses of trade to which it was destined, for the time came (my pen grows shaky as I write it) when it was used for liquor selling. Upon this last move of the old school-house every tongue seemed loosened, and all gave vent to their satisfaction in a wild shout or cheer, which rang through the darkness, and by its heartiness (so I was informed) quieted the fears of some of the ladies whose husbands had at the tap on the window so mysteriously bounced out of bed and left them without saying a word. About this time Mr. Morrill, upon a vote of two freeholders at an election held for the purpose of voting upon the question of building a new school-house, was building the stone structure for that purpose back of the Na- chusa house, so the old building was sold and moved down on the corner of Main and Hennepin streets, and was used for various pur- poses of trade, and finally burned in the great fire on Main street in 1859." CRIME. It is by no means a pleasant duty to the historian to chronicle the wicked deeds of men, or bring to light the dark phase of humanity to cast a shadow upon the fair fame of a civil and cultured community ; but there are obligations which the science of history imposes upon every hand that wields a historic pen, that cannot be disregarded and claim the honor of an impartial historian ; though gladly would we draw the veil of oblivion over the faults of erring humanity were they not so intimately associated with the welfare and peace of a community. As every page of human history seems to be stained with blood and bedewed with tears, the fair pages of the history of Lee county are not unsullied by the dark spots of crime. These rolling prairies and beautiful groves have been the theater of bloodshed and crime. The following anecdote written by an early citizen of Palmyra, Lee county, will be in place here to illustrate the mixed state of society in the early days of the history of Lee county. He says : CRIME. 93 " "We had a weekly eastern mail, carried from Chicago in the Frink & "Walker coaches, on Saturday. On that day all those who had rea- son to expect letters met in Dixon to get their mail and exchange drinks at a little building near the ferry, called " The Hole in the "Wall." Here we also met many of those curious waifs and strays of society, of which Dixon, like all frontier towns, had her full share. Among them was a man by the name of Truett, who had shot an ed- itor of a paper in cold blood, but had escaped the rope. An old gentle- man had been introduced to him ; without hearing his name distinctly, after some conversation with him, said to his introducer, " "Who is that fellow, Billy, you introduced to me?" "Oh, that," said he, "is Truett — Truett who murdered Dr. Early." 'His horror on hearing this was most ludicrous. "Shaken hands with a murderer!" he exclaimed. " Good God !" shaken hands with a murderer ! Bring me some water." And he continued to turn his hands over and over and vociferate tor water until a basinful was brought and he was enabled to wash out the spot." Lee county was infested with members of the great " Banditti of the Prairies," that was exposed and published by Edward Bonney as early as 1844. This author says : " The valley of the Mississippi river from its earliest settlement has been more infested with reckless and blood-stained men than any other part of the country, being more con- genial to their habits and offering the greatest inducements to follow their nefarious and dangerous trade. Situated as it is, of great com- mercial importance, together with its tributaries stretching four thou- sand miles north from the Gulf of Mexico; and draining all the country south and west of the great chain of lakes, and between the Alleghany and Rocky mountains, it has afforded them an unequaled chance to escape detection and pursuit, and thus wooed, as it were, countless vil- lains and blood-stained, law-doomed ones to screen themselves in its bosom. " Organized bands, trampling upon right and defying all law human and divine, have so annoyed the peaceful and quiet citizens of this great valley, that in the absence of a sufficient judicial power the aid of "Judge Lynch" has been but too frequently called in and a neighbor- ing tree proved a gallows, and 'a short shrift and strong cord' been the doom of those who have ever plead vainly for mercy at its bar." The same author adds : " So great, indeed, was the terror that the banditti had caused that the good, quiet, and orderly citizens, before retiring to rest at night, made all preparations for resistance that were in their power, and armed to the teeth, with doors and windows se- curely barred and bolted, laid down in fear and trembling to wish for the return of morning again." 94 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. A plan had long been on foot to rob the Dixon land office, by in- tercepting the stage conveying the deposits to Chicago. Large sales of public lands had been made and the money deposited in the Dixon land office. " One of the gang, in order to ascertain the particulars and the precise time of its removal, took occasion to ask the receiver when he intended to go to Chicago. The receiver, however, being upon his guard, and a prudent man, set the time one week later than he intended to start, and thereby baffled the preconcerted schemes of the robbers." At the time designated by the receiver for making the deposit the stage-coach belonging to Frink, Walker & Co., which was supposed to be carrying the money, was stopped near Rockford, and a trunk taken out by the robbers, which contained, however, only clothing. Every effort to apprehend the perpetrators of the theft was fruitless. William Cullen Bryant wrote in June 21, 1841, "When I arrived in Dixon I was told that the day before, a man named Bridge, living at Washington Grove, Ogle county, came to town and complained that he had received notice from a certain association that he must leave the county before the 17th day of the month, or that he would be looked upon as a popular subject for lynch law. He asked for assist- ance to defend himself and dwelling against lawless violence of these men. The people of Dixon came together and passed a resolution to the effect that they approved fully of what the inhabitants of Ogle county had done, and that they allowed Mr. Bridge the term of four hours to depart from the towu of Dixon. He went away immediately and in great trepidation. This Bridge is a notorious confederate and harborer of horse thieves and counterfeiters. The thinly settled popu- lations of Illinois were much exposed to the depredations of horse thieves, who have a kind of center of operations in Ogle county, where it is said that they have a justice of the peace and constable among their own associates, and where they contrive to secure a friend on the jury whenever any one of their number is tried. Trial after trial had been held, and it was impossible to obtain conviction on the clearest evidence, until April 1841, when two horse thieves being on trial, eleven of the jury threatened the twelfth with a taste of the cowskin unless he would bring in a verdict of guilty. He did so, and the men were condemned. Before they were removed to the state prison the court-house burned down and the jail was in flames, but luckily they were extinguished without the liberation of the prisoners." The man Bridge, who was compelled to flee from Dixon, and to whom reference was made above, had his family removed and house demolished on the 27th of the same month by the " Eegulators." Horse thieves infested this country at this time, and extended their CKIME. 95 operations from Wisconsin to St. Louis and from the Wabash to the Mississippi. Bryant wrote: "In Ogle county they seemed to have been bolder than elsewhere, and more successful, notwithstanding the notoriety of their crimes, in avoiding punishment. The impossibility of punishing them, the burning of the court-house at Oregon city last April, and the threats of deadly vengeance thrown out by them against such as should attempt to bring them to justice, led to the formation of a company of citizens — " Regulators " they called themselves — who determined to take the la,w in their own hands and drive the felons from the neighborhood. This extended over Ogle, De Kalb and Win- nebago. The resistance to these desperadoes resulted in the death of some of their number who had been dealt with summarily and some good citizens were assassinated by a band of thieves." In the early days of the county a great number of horses were bred and herded on the prairies. Every " full-grown mare " would have a colt running by her side. Most of the thefts were committed in the spring or autumn. In the former season the horses were turned to feed upon the green grass that grew luxuriantly, and in autumn they would be in the finest condition, when they were fed on corn. The best of the drove were usually taken and passed from one station to another until they were sold in some distant market. Tragedy of Inlet Creek. — It is a trite saying, and not unfrequently true, that " truth is stranger than fiction." And it is seldom that we are called upon to chronicle a combination of more thrilling events and bloody deeds than the following, which we are required to record, however painful may-be the task. There resided on the old stage road at the crossing over Inlet creek, a few miles below the present site of the city of Amboy, a family by the name of Croft. They owned the toll-gate which stood at the north end of the corduroy bridge across the above creek and adjacent swamp. In the spring of 18i8 a jew peddler passing through the country en- gaged to Mr. Croft as a farm laborer for half a month. After the expi- ration of the time, which occurred On the 39th of May, the stranger was never seen or heard of by the neighbors. On the 3d of June, five days after the disappearance of the peddler, Mr. Croft visited the land office and entered a tract of land. These circnmstancee may have been suf- ficient to cause a just suspicion in the neighborhood. There being no traces of a possible tragedy, the matter was soon lost sight of until the following summer, when other circumstances awakened unpleasant reflections in the minds of the neighbors. A young woman w'ho had been living with the Croft family for some time, including the stay of the peddler above mentioned, was left by Mrs. Croft in the care of the household affairs while the latter was absent on a visit. It was in the 96 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. time of }iay gathering, and Mr. Croft was assisted by fonr of his neigh- bors, among whom was one man commonly known bj' the name of " Sam Patch." The young woman was cooking for tlie harvest hands. On a certain day she suddenly disappeared. Mr. Croft walked about the premises calling for the missing one, feigning great anxiety and surprise. After a few days, there being no tidings of the whereabouts of the young woman, a search was made by the neighbors, lasting three days, when the body was found in a pond in the neighborhood in the presence of hundreds of citizens of the county who had participated in the search. Mr. James Goble, then sheriff of Lee county, being present, at once arrested Mr. Croft and lodged him in the county jail at Dixon. On the approach of the next Session of court an officer visited the home of the said " Sam Patch " to cause him to appear before the court to give testimony in the above case. Seeing the officer approaching his house, he fled with gun in hand to the corn-field, -where he shot himself and soon expired. Mrs. Croft having returned home was a frequent visitor to the jail in which her husband was incarcerated, having secured most of the money he had about him, with a gold watch and chain. Becoming despondent, the culprit cut his throat with his razor, which he had in his cell, and paid the terrible penalty of his crime. Soon after this one of the neighbors who was assisting Mr. Croft on the day of the murder of the young woman, as he was returning home from Dixon stopped at the house of Mr. Meeks to quench his thirst and was suddenly taken ill and expired. One of the two surviving members of that party soon afterward died in La Salle, leaving but one of the six, including the unfortunate girl, who composed that har- vesting party. The first fell by the hand of the murderer ; two by their own hand, to evade the just retribution of the law; and one died probably from poison. The cause of the death of the fifth is not known to the writer. Tragedy at Franhlin Grove. — In 1848 or 1849 a Norwegian living at Franklin Grove was visited by a friend of the same nationality who purposed spending the night with him. They occupied the same bed, and after falling asleep an assassin entered the room and with an ax dispatched both men in their bed, where they were afterward found horribly mutilated and bathed in their own blood. The murder was supposed to have been committed for the purpose of robbery, as the man residing there was reputed to have had money in his possession whom the robber doubtless expected to find alone. The perpetrator of the bloody deed was never detected, but was believed to be connected with the " Banditti of the Prairie," to which reference is made above. In the winter of 1844-5 it was " communicated to the gang," says Bonny, " that a Mr. Mulford, in Ogle county, had in his possession a '^-. 'mm ^ CRIME. 99 large amount of money that he had recently received from the State of New York. This was commnnicated by the friends of the gang at Washington Grove. The amount of money in possession of Mr. Mul- ford was believed to be $1,400, a prize which the gang made prepara- tions to secure. One of their number visited the home of Mr. Mul- ford under the assumed name of Harris, assuming to be a laborer seek- ing employment. After making some observations about the house he retired, on promise that he would return again. A few nights follow- ing three men entered Mr. Mulford's house armed with pistols and knives. On entering the house, one seized a loaded rifle which stood in one corner of the room, and aiming at Mr. Mulford threatened him and his wife, who lay at his side, if they should attempt to rise or give an alarm, and demanded of Mr. Mulford his money. After seizing about $400, which Mr. Mulford surrendered to them, they demanded more, with threats of death if denied. He having repeatedly assured them that he had no more, they placed one at the door and one at the bedside as guards, while the third one, whom Mrs. Mulford recognized as Harris, made search for the desired treasure. Going to a bureau in the room, he commenced shaking out the linen which had been carefully folded away. Mrs. Mulford being greatly disturbed by the careless manner in which her linen was handled, though placed in tjie greatest peril, could not remain quiet, but ad- dressed the robber : ' Mr. Harris, you conduct yourself very difilerently from what you did the other day when you wished to obtain employ- ment.' " "The unveiled robber sprang to his feet with a loud oath, surprised at the daring of the defenseless and heroic woman, and with eyes flash- ing with rage he sprang for the bedside, and drawing his bowie-knife waved it above her head with threats of immediate death if she would utter another word while they were in the house. Then turning to his comrades he said : 'Boys, I must be missing. I'm known, and this is no place for me; a minute more and I am ofi"!' Hastily closing the search, and warning Mr. Mulford not to follow them, the unwelcome visitors were off, and nothing could be learned of them since, though diligent search was made. In the following year, 1845, one West, of Lee county, on being arrested, turned state's evidence, which led to the arrest and conviction of Bridge and Oliver as accessory to this rob- bery." , " In the fall of 1844 a peddler by the name of Miller was robbed of a large amount of goods at Troy Grove, for which *the man West, re- ferred to above, was arrested, which led to an exposure of the gang and their operations, implicating parties in Lee and Ogle counties. He gave particulars of the robbery of the stage near Rockford, before 7 100 HI8T0EY OF LEE COUNTY. niiontioned, and of the intended lobbery of the land office at Dixon. He aecnsed one Fox, alias Sntton, and John Baker of having commit- ted the robbery at Troy Grove, and that the goods had been secreted at Inlet Grove, and afterward taken to lovifa. He also claimed that Fox and Birch, alias Blecker alias Harris, committed the robbery at Inlet Grove which had caused so much trouble to some of the citizens, whom the robbers had imitated so perfectly as to disguise their own identity. Prior to this, Esquire Hascal, a merchant at Inlet Grove, had been robbed of money deposited in a small trunk which he kept under his bed at night. This trunk was extracted from its accustomed place one dark, stormy night; the robber entering the house on his hands and knees, then lying flat upon the floor, he cautiously, and serpent-like, made his way to the bedside, where Mr. and Mrs. Hascal lay engaged in conversation while the thunderstorm was raging without. He would lay quietly until a clap of thunder would come, when he would push himself forward unheard until he grasped the trunk and crawfish his way out carrying the prize with him. This robbery West also set to the credit of Fox. This man was a noted member of the gang, and extended his operations from the Alleghanies to the Rocky Moiin- tains, and was one of the shrewdest of the clan, and one whom Mr. Bonney found the most difiicult lo capture. In 1862 the board of supervisors, at the September term, passed the following resolution : Resolved, That it is the bounden duty of every good and law- abiding citizen in this count}' to aid, all that lies in his power, in the suppression of crime and theft ; and any person or persons rendering good and valuable service to the county by informing the sheriff, or any other officer of the law, of the whereabouts of stolen property, or information that will bring to justice criminals in this or adjoining counties, should and will be suitably rewarded by this county." On the 22d of June, 1863, a " Vigilance Society " was organized for the purpose of detecting and bringing to justice thieves, and to reclaim and restore stolen property. In March, 1852, the village of Dixon was thrown into considerable excitement over the continued brutality of a fellow named Hamill, upon a young girl living at his house near Dixon. Several citizens visited his house and took the girl from him and brought her to town where the circuit court was in session, and her story listened to. The next day the fellow had the " cheek " to come to town, and it produced such indignation in the community that he was treated to a liberal supply of tar and feathers. At the May term, 1877, of the circuit court of Lee county, the THE CITY OF DIXON. 101 grand jury found a bill of indictment against Samuel H. McGhee, of said county, for the murder of Samantha H. McGhee, his wife. The court ordered the arrest of said McGiiee under capias, returnable forth- with, and that he be held without bail. The bill was found upon the testimony of thirty-four witnesses who were supoenaed for the trial. When the case was called. May 29, for hearing before the court, the ordinary course of pleading was deviated from in favor of the defendant, who by his counsel moved the court to quash said indict- ment, which motion, after being argued, was overruled by the court. The prisoner was remanded to the county jail to await trial, which was again called May 31, 1877. The trial lasted twelve days, and on June 13 the jury returned a verdict of guilty, and fixed his penalty at fourteen years in the State Penitentiary. On the following day a motion was made for a new trial, which was refused by the court. The defendant, by his counsel, moved the court to arrest judgment upon said judgment, which the court refused, to which refusal the defendant excepted, and on his motion was given thirty days to file his bill of exceptions. He was duly delivered into the custody of the warden of the State Penitentiary at Joliet, to serve his time of impris- onment. In the following July term of the board of supervisors for the county of Lee they appropriated five hundred dollars to the payment of William Barge, Esq., for prosecuting the above ease to a successful issue. THE CITY OF DIXON. In sketching a historical picture of the city of Dixon as the county seat of Lee county, we must refer the reader to the chapter on the early history of the county for the first settlements of what is now embraced in Lee county. We begin the history of the city at the first survey of the original village, in the latter part of 1834 or in the early part of 1835. The evidence in this matter is not sufficiently definite at this recent date to warrant a positive assertion as to the exact time of the laying out of the first plat. This was done by Mr. John Dixon, who secured the services of surveyor Bennett, of Galena, to makfe the survey. At this time there were not the rudiments of a town ; but the acute eye of Mr. John Dixon caught a glimpse of the possibilities of the future, and took the initiatory steps toward the building of homes on his ground at the ferry. The original plat " included a tract of forty acres of land extend- ing from the river to half a block south of Third street, and from a half block east of Ottawa to a half block west of Peoria streets." 102 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. In the spring of 1836 the first store is said to have been opened by Messrs. Chapman & Hamilton in the addition Mr. John Dixon built to the Ogee house. It is due the writer and just to history to state just here that statements are contradictory as to the first store, as there are two or three claimants for the honor; this is one of the many vexa- tions that meet the historian. This conflict of statement may arise from the class of goods opened to the public, and the statement is accepted as given upon the supposition that it was a grocery and notion stock. In the same year occurred the first death and the preaching of the first sermon in the embryo city. The first sermon was preached in the spring of this year, by Rev. James McKean, a Methodist preacher ; and the death above mentioned was that of a Mr. LefiBrty, which occurred in the autumn of the same season, and was the first interment in the cemetery. According to Mr. John K. Robinson's statement, the first sermon was preached two years previous by a Methodist mis- sionary named Segg. On September 3, 1836, Dr. Oliver Everett arrived in Dixon, where he still resides, and found a village of five dwellings, a black- smith shop, and a post-office. - The dwellings consisted of four cabins and one frame, the latter having been built by a Mr. Hamilton during the preceding year (183,5). The blacksmith shop was occupied by a lone gentleman, whose bachelorship occupied a lean-to at one end of his shop as a dwelling. Though originally it was a one-story build- ing, after the grading of the streets abasement was put under it, giving it the imposing appearance of a two-story superstructure. Father Dixon's house stood " two or three rods north of Main street and on the west of what is now Peoria street. Dr. Forrest's log cabin was on the corner of Water and Ottawa streets; and one block farther west was Col. Johnson's boarding house, a log building. " These, with sev- eral uncovered frames in different parts of the place, constituted the entire town of Dixon in the fall of 1836." The inhabitants of the town at that time were James P. Dixon, Peter McKenney, Samuel Johnson, Jude W. Hamilton, James B. Barr, and E. "W". Hines, and their fami- lies. Those without families were Dr. Oliver Everett, Smith Gil- braith, John Wilson, and Daniel B. McKenney. At one time in 1836 there were but four families in Dixon, two of the previous six having left. ^ There was a log house on the corner of Galena and Water streets, where the first death occurred as before stated. In 1837 James Wil- son's smith-shop was converted into a public building for which the walls were plastered and a floor laid. In this building the first Ogle county court was lield, which county then embraced the county of Lee; THE CITY OF DIXON. 103 and after this the engineer of the " internal improvement " corps occu- pied it. At tliis time Dixon was an important station on the stage route from Peoria to Galena. Other lines centered here from different parts of the state connecting with the main line to Ga- lena, — the Chicago, the Ottawa, and the Peoria lines. This gave Dixon a prominence in connection with the traveling pnblic, and to meet the public demand two hotels were erected in 1836 and 1837. The first was the "Western Hotel, which was fol- lowed by the Rock River House by Messrs. Crowell & Wilson. The travel was so great at that time to and from the mines, old cit- izens tell us, that frequently it was almost impossible to find room in the hotels, while many would be compelled to take a "shake-down " on the floor. Not unfrequently provisions would be at short rations, as it was frequently quite difficult to obtain supplies, which had to be conveyed from a great distance and they were liable to be destroyed by storm and flood. The Winnebago waters were most dreaded, as its bed was swampy and treacherous, while it was subject to high freshets. Teams had to swim the swollen waters, when the cargo would become soaked with the muddy waters and greatly damaged for culinary purposes. In 1837 Messrs. Boardman & Bowen opened the first dry-goods store in Dixon on thecorner of River and Galena streets. In the same year a petition was presented asking the commissioners to refuse to grant license to keep groceries (saloons) in the town of Dixon, The following entry was made : Ordered, That the clerk shall not grant to any person or persons license to keep grocery in the town of Dixon. In the same year the first school building was erected by the fund contributed by individuals. This was a small frame structure, and in it a school was opened in the following year, 1838. This building was the public hall for town, court and school purposes until 1840. On May 31, 1839, Messrs. D. G. Salisbury, E. H. Nichols and L. G. Butter, who were appointed commissioners to locate the county seat, met in Dixon to discharge the duties submitted to their trust. After a careful consideration of the location of Dixon, its advantages, and the pledges of its citizens to contribute to the building of the county court-house and jail, the stakes were driven for the location of the county seat where the court-house now stands. In 1840 the court-house was built at an expense of $7,000, donated by the citizens, " Father " Dixon donating eighty acres of land which has since become a part of the town plat. The United States land office was transferred from Galena to Dixon this year, Gol. John De- ment, receiver. On the third Monday in April, 1840, first circuit court opened. Judge Stone of Galena, presiding. On October 28, 1840, 104 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Joseph Crawford extended the original survey of the plat of the town of Dixon. In 1841 Mr. J. T. Little erected the building on Water street, now occupied by D. W. McKinney & Co., as a livery stable, and occupied it as a dry-goods store, under the firm of Messrs. Little & Brooks, for a number of years, when they were succeeded by Messrs. Webb, Eogers & Woodruif. Water street was then known as River street, and was formerly the leading business street of the town. In the same year the land-oi^ce building was erected on the corner of Second and Ottawa streets. The building is of stone, and is still standing. Dixon was spoken of at that time as a village of some im- portance, and contained many "neat dwellings." In 1843 the village gave 40 votes for incorporation. During the same year the first church edifice was erected in the village, and the Methodist church on Second street, now known as the " Old High School building." At this time, one writer speaking of Dixon said, "There was a town here only in name; there were as yet but few at- tractions in the place that would of themselves create a town. The great drawback was the wild and unsettled condition of the country., There was as yet no milling advantages ; the settlers in and around the embryo city were compelled to go long distances for flour, and Chicago was the nearest market, and many times, a week would be consumed in transporting one wagon load of grain, and oftentimes the expense of this transportation would consume the entire amount received for the products sold. But it was the " county seat," and with a firm belief in the future proud destiny of the place, people located here.'.' In 1845 the village reached a population of 400, and had four re- ligious denominations: Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, and Congrega- tional ; a select and one district school, with an attendance of seventy- five pupils in the two schools. There were at this time twenty-seven establishments doing business in the usual lines represented in a coun- try town. In the autumn of 1846 the erection of the first brick building was commenced. This was on Main street, and is now the first building west of the Lee County National Bank. The west half was built by Horace and James Benjamin, and the east half by A. F. Murphy. The next brick building in Dixon was the one owned by D. B. McKin- ney, on the south side of Main street, and was built two or three years later. " Up to 1850 Dixon improved but slowly, as did also the county, or indeed throughout the northern part of the state. The common- wealth was embarrassed with indebtedness and had but little credit, occasioned by the vast appropriations made for the internal improve- THE CITY OF DIXON. 105 ments of the state. Heavy taxation, suspension of immigration, and the languishing state of commerce and agriculture, arrested the growth of the town." In the year 1850, however, Dixon received an impetus from the be- ginning of the hydraulic works. The dam was erected across the river, and the prospect of a manufacturing town infused new life to all classes of business. A saw-mill was placed on the north side of the river the same year, and in 1851 the erection of a large flouring mill was commenced on the south side. These were poon followed by other mills, foundry and machine shops. A writer made mention of Dixon at this time in the following happy manner : " There is, moreover, a dam across the river at this place, furnish- ing one of the best water-powers in all the state. A saw-mill is already in operation on one bank and a large flouring-mill is about to be erected on the other. Measures are also being taken to conslruet a bridge over the river at this point, which is now crossed by a good rope ferry-boat, which is in operation night and day. These considerations, together with the fact that several stores and dwellings are now in pro- gress of erection, that stages meet here from almost every direction, and that a branch of the Central road is soon to pass through this town to Galena, conspire to render Dixon one of the most desirable places of residence in the western country. Capitalists and others, we think, would find it to their interests to make us a visit, with a view to in- vestment and location." "In May, 1851, the population of Dixon was estimated at 700 or 800. There was then in the thriving village a printing office, eight or ten stores, " and several professional men and mechanics in all depart- ments of trade ;" two church buildings, three hotels, a livery stable and a market. From this time until the war Dixon improved with great rapidity. The subject of the prospective Central railroad was already being agitated by the newspaper, and the town and its prospects be- came more widely known. Those who were here at that day will remember the great thrill of excitement that electrified the village when they beheld the engineers approaching, and the many wonderful predictions that were made of the future progress of Dixon. With great suspense did the people watch the progress of this road, fearful at every delay that it might fall through and ruin the fair prospects of the promising town, but, by a degree of patience commendable in the extreme, they waited long, until at last they were gladdened by the news that track-laying had been commenced, with the assurance that it would be pushed forward with all possible diligence." During the period extending from 1850 to 1860 or '61, the town 106 History of lbe county. of Dixon improved with great rapidity, until the breaking ont of the war arrested the tide of immigration to the county, and retarded the growth of the town. In 1852 the flouring-mill of Messrs. Brooks, Dement & Daley commenced grinding corn, and by April 1 they were running four run of stone ; two for custom and two for merchant work. This mill cost $15,000. In the following year (1853) the JSTacliusa House was erected, adding greatly to the improvement of the town. On July 31, 1852, it was written of Dixon : " Our town is improv- ing with great rapidity ; there are over thirty dwellings in course of erection ; and would be many more if there were mechanics here to put them up. A large stone hotel is being rapidly completed, and a large number are employed on the grist-mill being built on the south side of the river." On the first Tuesday of March, 1853, the first board of trustees consisted of John Dixon, A. L. Porter, P. M. Alexander, L. Wood, and L. Wynkoop. Beginning the following year, 1854, there were many indications of decided prosperity. During this year the Washington hotel was built on the corner of Ottawa and Main streets. To give to the reader an idea of the true patriotism of the citizens of Dixon, we insert the following description of a Fourth of Julj' cele- bration : " July 4, 1854. Never did we see this day pass oflF with more becoming style than did the Fourth of July in 1854 in our town. At eleven o'clock a procession was formed and marched to the beauti- ful grove in the court-house square, where, after listening to prayer by Kev. Mr. Baume, reading of the declaration of independence by J. K. Rodgers, they were treated to an oration delivered by Prof. Pinckney, of Mount Morris. Much credit is due to the ladies and gentlemen of the choir and to the musicians for the part they played. And particu- larly the trio of young men who sang Yankee Doodle " without the variations." Then came the sumptuous dinner at the Nachusa house. After this we supposed the day's performance at an end ; but no, dear reader, every moment of that day, the pride of the American people, was to be celebrated. For our part we were surprised when we heard the soul-cheering rattle of the drums, and the patriotic scream of tlie fife. How those martial strains did swell the already full hearts of all. With what pride and joy that column swept down the streets, ever and anon their deafening cheers seemed to swell to the very heavens. " Night came on, and brought a large concourse of people to the public square to witness the fireworks. For an hour the air was filled with the fiery missiles, and the shouts of the immense mass of people. THE OITY OF DIXON. 107 " Exchange Hall being lighted up, the young and gay there con- gregated, and had as pleasant party as could be got up in any country." The month of July had not passed, however, before the rejoicing of Independence day was shrouded in the deepest lamentation for those who had fallen victims to the cholera scourge of that year of sad memory. A writer of July 27, 1854, referring to this epidemic, said, " Death in its most frightful form swept through our heretofore healthy town like an avalanche, carrying away within twenty-four hours eighteen souls. It is a sad duty we are called upon to perform, — that of recording the death of some of our best citizens, who but a few days ago were among us sharing the pleasures and vicissitudes of this world. Ah, how true it is that 'in the midst of life we are in death.' But we all have reason to thank our Eternal Creator that in the midst of death we have life." ■There had been a few deaths from cholera previous to this, among them Mrs. Alanson Smith, and two or three railroad hands, but it made its appearance as an epidemic July 21. On Saturday the 22d the cholera broke out in full force, and during Saturday night large num- bers of the inhabitants left town to go into the country. The next day fourteen persons lay dead in the town, l^ot a sound, on that mournful Sabbath day, save that made by the undertaker's hammer, disturbed the quiet of the death-like village. Here is a list of the deaths during this epidemic, made out by Drs. Everett and Abbott: Mrs. Patrick Duifee and child, Michael Har- ris, Mrs. Jacob Graver, "Wm. Lahee, Daniel Brookner and wife and Daniel Brookner, jr., John Finley, Joseph Cleaver (postmaster), Cleaver (cousin to Joseph), John Keenan, Mrs. Cpoley, -t — —Marsh, Mrs. Owen's child, John Connels, John Barnes, Elijah Dixon, Wm. Patrick, Benj. Yann, Mrs. Scheer, Cyrus Kimball and wife, Israel Evans, Mrs. Catharine Dailey, Mr. Peck, Edward Hamlin, Roderick McKenzie and wife, Mrs. Huff, Mr. Jones, Mrs. C. Johnson, Owen Gallinger, and E. Boswick; making in all thirty-four deaths between July 20 and August 7. By the coming autumn, however, the Dixon " Telegraph," under date of September 7, said : " So rapidly is the march of progress in our town that we are hardly able to keep our readers advised of all the im- provements that are going on in our midst. There are the three-story brick buildings on Water street, Col. Dement's machine shop, the race, etc. There are now in course of construction three fine churches, Meth- odist (the one occupied now), Roman Catholic, and Lutheran. P. M. Alexander and J. B. Brooks are also erecting a couple of fine brick buildings on Galena street." On October 19, same fall, the Dixon " Transcript" made its appear- 108 HISTOET OF LEE COUNTY. ance, under the editorship of Charles Allen, and continued until Jan- uary 1857, and then disappeared. On April 9, 1855, Messrs. Jerome Hellenbeck and J. H. Cropsey commenced the erection of a sash, door and blind factory on Third street between Peoria and Market streets. The main building (now occupied by Yann & Means) was four stories high, 32x64 feet, with an engine house 25x32 feet. In August, 1855, a business directory printed in the " Daily Whis- per," August 13, contains the following list of business men and the departments they were engaged in. Connsellors-at-law — F. R. Danna, J. V. Eustace, Heaton & Athertou, J. D. Mackay, S. G. Pat- rick, F. A. Soule, Edward Southwick, and John Stevens. Physicians and Surgeons— JST. W. Abbott, Oliver Everett, G. W. Holdridge, G. W. Philips, C. D. Pratt, 0. S. Younglove ; C. J. Keynolds, dentist. Bankers and Brokers — S. & H. T. Noble, Eobertson, Eells & Co., E. B. Stiles ; real estate, Cyrus Aldrich, Steadman & Williams. Druggists — J. B. Nash, Townsend & Sheffield. Books and Stationary — J. C. Mead. Notaries public — E. W. Hine, F. A. Soule. Daguerrean art- ists — Beardsley & Co., J. B. Waxham ; Ferris Finch, portrait painter. Sash, door and blind factories — Christopher Brookner, Cropsey, Hol- lenbeck & Williams. Boots and shoes — Joseph Smalley, William Vann. Carpenters and builders, such as kept shops — Henry Brook- ner, B. F. Cram, Crawford & Shellhamer, J. M. Graham, Herrick & Hanson, A. S. Maxwell, Wynkoop & Warner; not located, about twenty. " Cabinet ware^ — G. W. Baker, Noah & John Brooks. Black- smiths — J. M. Cropsey, Isaac Dubois, Albert Martin, Wertman & Carter; H.Logan, gunsmith. Wagon and Carriage makers — J. Q. Adams, J. H. Richardson, Henry Schutts. Jewelers — B. H. Bacon, Josiah Heath. Marble yard — Parker & Porter. Mills — Brooks & Bailey (flour), N. G. H. Morrill (lessee of saw-mill). Bakers — Charles Hatch, Charles Reynolds. Livery stables — Frederick McKenney, Henry McKenney, Aaron L. Porter. Harness and leather — James & Andrew Benjamin, H. O. Kelsey, George B. Stiles. Foundry and machine shops — Dement & Farrell (erecting). Barbers — Antliony Julien, Z. Demory. Tailors — W. J. Carpenter, D. L. Evans, F. De- camp, S. T. Hotchkiss. General merchandise — Oscar F. Ayres, B. F. Burr, James L. Camp, Geo. R. McKenney, John P. Smith, VanEpps & Ashley, Yarney & Oilman, Henry & Orlando Wortendyke. Cloth- ing—Ely & Rice, Fuller & Rosenfeld, A. T. Murphy, J. Peizer,.E. Petersberger. Groceries — Isaac Appier, Nathan & James Barnes, Andrew Brison, Bronson & Dresser, Andrew Brubaker, James Davis & Bro., Robert Dyke, William Johnson, J. L. Jones & Co., Henry THE CITT OF DIXON. 109 Leavitt, James McKenney, B. H. Stewart, Richard Woodyat. Hard- ware — Alexander, Howell & Co., John Farrell, George L. Herrick, Jonas Johnson. Hats and Caps — Jason C. Ayres. Millinery — Miss M. J. Bartlett, Mrs. Cornish, Mrs. Dickson. Lumber, sash, doors, cement, etc. — Flint & Loomis, Gallup & Judd, Haldane & Co., Isaac Means, Smith & Chipman, S. K. Upham & Co. Forwarding and com- mission — Champion Fuller, Murphy & Woodruff, Smith & Chipman. Hotels — Mansion, A. Smith; Nachusa Housfe, Jerome Porter; Warshington, Henry Remmers. In 1855 the eyes of the people of Dixon beheld, in reality, the loco- motive and heard its welcome scream upon two roads instead of one, as the " Dixon Air Line " had reached Dixon about the same time. With the approach of the railroads came many strangers from near and far. It stimulated trade, and had a reviving influence everywhere. The prosperity of the town was no longer a matter of conjecture, but an established fact. In August of this year there were one hundred and twenty-esight places of business occupying stores, offices, shops, etc., among them two printing offices, four hotels, two planing-mills, a saw- mill, foundry and machine shop, and a flouring mill in Dixon. Before the close of 1855 the population of the town had increased to 3,000. Another feature worthy of note is the relative character of the build- ings erected before and after the railways reached here. The ideas of the people became enlarged, and with that growth came pride — pride in the appearance of their dwellings and places of business. The spirit of rivalry between towns and villages, too, was high, and as the result of this rivalry stimulated into life by the railways we point with par- donable pride to our public buildings, business blocks and elegant resi- dences. All this growth and improvement was not the work of ill-advised speculation, nor the result of unwarranted ambition by our citizens, but the needs of tlie place called for it for the accommodation of the new comers that were constantly arriving and for the increased trade that naturally found its way to our city. There were one hundred and thirty buildings erected in Dixon during the year 1855. September 30 of this year the Evangelical Lutheran church was dedicated. This building, was torn down in 1880 ; it stood near James A. Hawley's residence. November 5 a school opened in the new union school-house on Peoria street. This building cost $6,000, and was a two-story brick, 33x45 feet. It stood on the ground now occupied by J. C. Ayres' residence. The old wooden desks were discarded at this time and the first patent school furniture introduced into our schools. During September of the same autumn a three-story brick build- 110 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. ing on Galena strtJtjt was built by H. Webb, and Davis & Bro's building on the corner of Hennepin and Main streets; Nash and Noble's four-story brick (Union Hall), and Ely & Eice's three-story brick on Main street, and nearly a score of other buildings were built. On January 16', 1856, a building owned by Mrs. Patrick, on the corner of Ottawa and Main streets, burned down at midnight, destroy- ing about $3,000 worth of law books and papers fbr S. G. Patrick. Herrick's block, now owned by J. C. Ayresj was erected in the same year. The beginning of this year (January 3, 18.56) was noted for the organization of an Anti-Nebraska Association ; the object of which was to promote the settlement of Kansas by assisting bona-fide emigrants to that territory; and at a public meeting and by private solicitation $1,000 was subscribed by the citizens for this purpose. The improvements of Dixon during 1857 were anticipated by the appearance of a new satellite in the literary political world called the "Dixon Republican," edited and published by Beckwith & Legget; it appeared about January 15, 1857. It was soon absorbed, however, by the "Telegraph," and disappeared. In the spring of this year a joint stock company was formed with a capital of $20,000, for the erection of a starch factory. The building was erected in West Dixon, on the bank of the river; but it was never entirely finished. It was a stone structure, the main building 100 X 62 feet, and two stories high. In July of the same year the corner stone of the Union Eagle Works, was laid under the inspiring influence of music and oratorical elo- quence. These works were established between the Central and Northwestern depots. April 2, 1857, the machine shops of Robinson & Randall opposite the Dixon Mills commenced business. 1858 was noted for the defeat of the proposed city charter. The first ballot was cast by the citizens on the proposed document in Feb- ruary, when it was rejected by 96 for with 279 against. Again on April 18 it was defeated by a vote of 219 for with 231 against. The instrument being ofi'ensive to the people, they refused to accept it. The " Telegraph," in its comments on the document, said : " It has cre- ated a greater sensation among our citizens than did the great magna charta among the Britons at the time of John of charter fame. The obnoxious provisions will have to be removed before our people will consent to its adoption." Th(3 question of license to sell ardent spirits was agitating the public mind, and it seems that the proposed docu- ment was radically changed, as on December 4 it was adopted at a special election. Dixon had become a central point for the grain and produce market, and in the autumn of 1858 the stone ■ warehouse of Joseph Gates, which stood near the Central depot burst out one end with the pressure THE CITY OF BIXON. Ill of grain, causing great loss to the proprietors of both building and stock. In the summer of this year (1858) Mr. "W. C. VanOsdel erected a three-story sash and blind factory in the west end of Dement Town. In 1860 it was converted into a sorghum mill, which run about a jear when it was abandoned and the building removed. City Organization. — The year 1859 is memorable to the citizens of Dixon as the time of her transition from a town to the dignity of a c-ity. A writer on Dixon history says : " From 1853 to 1859 Dixon luxuriated in the name of 'town.' The ambition of our citizens was aroused to such a pitch that" the name of town was too insignificant, ai\(l consequently a charter was obtained from the state legislature, and the city was organized by the election of city officers, March 7, 1859. And now a new order of things was inaugurated. More attention was paid to laying and repairing sidewalks, and keeping the streets in good condition, and initial steps were taken toward a more complete system of public schools than the place had before enjoyed. " The incorporation of Dixon was certainly a step in the right direc- tion. It was a logical conclusion destined to follow a wise foretliought and careful management. Perhaps none could take more pride in the consummation of this wise step than Father Dixon, who had lived to see advancement stamped upon each succeeding year, until the seal of ' success ' was placed upon the enterprise commenced thirty-nine years before." "Tiie shrieking locomotive thunders over the bluff where once the buffalo paused to look down upon the humble home of the pioneer; the red deer made his lair under the shade of giant oaks where now are busy streets; and where a rude but brave soldiery once pitched their tents in the Indian war is now the silent city of the dead, in whose narrow habitations rest the voiceless fornas of those whose once busy hands and willing hearts reared for us the homes and secured for us the privileges which we now enjoy. The buffalo, the red man, the pioneer, the children of the white-haired, and finally Nachusa him- self, have passed away as a dream ; the busy life throbs on, but they are among the things of the past." March 7, 1859, the city was organized by the election of city offi- cers. The aldermen elected were W. H. Van Epps and Joseph Craw- . ford for the first ward ; H. E. Williams and R. H. Eobinson for the second ward ; William Barge and A. A. Benjamin for the third ward ; W. A. Hoisington and William Peacock for the fourth ward. A. P. Ourry was elected city marshal, and C. Y. Tenney police justice. Col. John Dement, the mayor elect, failing to qualify, Joseph Craw- ford was appointed acting mayor by the council and an election was ordered for April 4, when A. C. Steadman was chosen to the vacancy 112 iriSTOBY OF LEE COUNTY. of that office. The result upon the license question stood 297 against and 171 for license. A. C. Steadman was elected mayor in 1860. Those following were G. L. Herrick iu 1861, James B. Charters in 1862, Oliver Everett in 1863, James K. Edsall in 1864, Person Cheney, jr., in 1865 and 1866, Andrew McPherran in 1867 and 1868, John Dement from 1869 to 1872 inclusive, Joseph Crawford in 1878, 1874 and 1875, James A. Hawley in 1876 and 1877, John Dement in 1878 and 1879, and J. V. Thomas in 1880. During this year the city was visited by the first great conflagra- tion of its history, in which there were seventeen buildings destroyed in the business part of the city, sweeping up both sides of Main street for more than half a block, causing a loss of over $30,000. During this year Col. John Dement made some change in his plow factory, and removed it to the water-power. In the autumn of 1859 the two factories and a Mr. Brookner's saw-mill, which stood on the north side of the river near the dam, were under-washed by the current at the river's brink; and while the buildings were slowly moving toward the river, where the water was twenty feet deep, the machinery and everything movable were taken out and the buildings set on fire to save the two bridges below, which it was thought would be dam- aged by the descent of the timbers against them. In August of this year Messrs. Cheney & Co. vacated their steam flouring-mill on Third street, and started a mill in the new building which they purchased of Messrs. Godfrey, Jerome & Co. for $28,000. It was chronicled on January 17, 1861 : "Business in town wears a better appearance since the completion of the free bridge. The mills of William Uhl and Beckers & Underwood are doing a splendid business; the plow factory of Col. Dement is turning out plows rapr idly ; the foundry is in successful blast. Merchants and clerks are busy and everything wears a cheerful aspect, notwithstanding the gloomy forebodings of some who fear fatal consequences to the busi- ness of the country from the southern civil commotions." During the period of the war manufacturing interests made but little advancement in this city. In 1864 Messrs. Fargo, Pratt & Co. commenced the manufacture of platform scales. Other manufactories were successfully worked during the dark days of the rebellion ; but the absorbing interest of the country, the scarcity of laborers, the small demand for certain products of the industry of the country, affected Dixon as every other inland town in the country. But no sooner had the war closed and the country had returned to the employment of peace than the spirit of enterprise was again manifest in Dixon. On the 9th of August, 1866, the Bucklin File Manufacturing Company was incorporated with a capital of $100,000. A large stone THE CITY OF DIXOW. 113 building 40 X 140 feet was erected, and in May, 1867, the company com- menced operations in their new building, but the business failed in less than a year from defects in the Bucklin patent. In the following Jan- uary (1868) John Stanley and Joseph Ogle bought some of the tools and commenced the manufacture of hand-cut files. In the autumn of 1867 Messrs. Severance & Cheney commenced the manufacture of platform scales, which factory changed hands in July 1869 ; John T. Cheney and John P. Hutchinson became the manufacturers of the scales which has sjnce been known as the "Victor." In the same year (1867) the Masonic block, Eiley & Weigle's building, S. W. Jones' building on the corner of Main and Hennepin streets, and Van- Epps' brick block adjoining the Exchange block on the east, were erected. In October, 1868, Theron Cumins and H. T. Noble commenced the repairs of the old factory buildings between the depots, preparatory to removing the plow works from Grand Detour to this location. The buildings were enlarged and operations commenced the following spring. In December, 1870, the Northwestern Windmill Works of Thomas C. Little & Co., on the north side of the river, began work., In this year (1870) the census of Dixon was 4,054, and of Lee county 27,252. In this year was commenced the city-hall building for the use of the fire department, and was completed in January of the next year. In September, 1871, the Dixon National Bank was organized by. the election of officers: H. B. Jenks was elected president, John Dement vice-president, and H. S. Lucas cashier. The following year (1872) the new jail was built, an account of which may be found in the following pages. In March, 1873, the' Knitting Mills were burned, being an entire loss of $25,000. This was a calamity to Dixon and of great loss to the proprietors. Damage was also done to Messrs. Becker & Under- wood's flouring-mills by fire in December of the same year. During this year the Dixon Opera House was erected by Messrs. H. H. Stevens, F. A. Truman, J. D. Crabtree, and W. G. Stevens. It was opened on the 30th of November by the Payson English Opera Company. In the following year (December 22, 1874) the Western Excelsior Gas Company began the manufacturing of gas for the lighting of the city. The charter of this company was repealed, and on May 10, 1879, the city council granted J. D- Patton the right to establish gas- works in Dixon. On the 26th of December of this year is recorded the death of Judge W. H. Heaton, who died in Chicago, aged sixty-three years. He 114 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. came to Dixon about 1840 and had been a resident there ever since. A few months before his death he was promoted from the oflSce of judge of the circuit court to the position of chief justice of the appel- late court of Chicago district. On April 8, 1880, occurred the most disastrous lire recorded in Dixon, sweeping away the mills at the water-power, for a description of which we refer the reader to the fire record in this volume. In the following year large flouring-mills were erected near the ruins of the former. Distinguished Visitors. — Dixon has been favored at various times by distinguished men and women of the country. Beginning with the eiiiiit'st days of the country now occupied by Dixon, we meet with the names of Lincoln, Anderson, Taylor, the notorious Davis, and a score of men who visited the present site of Dixon, as described in connec- tion with the Black Hawk war in this book. Since the improvement of the country, and the growth of Dixon to city proportions, she has been visited by many of the most distinguished literary characters of the country. John B. Gough, the popular temperance lecturer, enter- tained the citizens of Dixon on the evening of January 6, 1857; Horace Greeley, on the 13th of tlie next month, and John G. Saxe, the poet, on December 30, gave a popular reading in Dixon. In the next year came Mrs. Macready with her literary entertainments ; in February, 1859, Fred Douglas; in January," 1867, Scliuyler Colfax; and in De- .cember, 1869, Mrs. Cady Stanton ; all of whom lectured to the people of Dixon and vicinity. In January of 1870 Hon. Henry Vincent gave " Oliver Cromwell " to the Dixonites. Then followed musical enter- tainments by Philip Phillips in 1871 ; the Philharmonic Society, as- sisted by the Baker family, rendered the oratorio of " Queen Esther " in 1872; and on August 20, 21 and 22, 1873, a brass band jubilee was held in the fair grounds, which closed with a grand instrumental con- cert by the Northwestern Light Guard band, of Chicago. Then fol- lowed at various periods lectures by Prof. Swing, of Chicago ; Olive Logan, Susan B.Anthony, Henry Ward Beecher, Dr. Dio Lewis, Hon. Geo. E. "Wendling, and Theodore Tilton ; the last in 1878. Location of Dixon.— Dixon is situated on the Illinois Central rail- road, at its crossing with the Chicago and Northwestern. It is ninety- eight miles from Chicago by rail. It is on two great trunk lines, one running north and south through the state, and the other running east ' ' ' and west, being the principal connecting link between the Union Pacific, and the many lines that diverge from Chicago. By either of the above roads we have rapid communication with the outside world, north, south, east and west. It is beautifully situated on the eastern bank of Kock river, about seventy-five miles from its mouth. The landscape on V ; ^.^ DIXON PAPERS. 117 eitlier side of the river at tliis point is truly delightful ; consisting of gradual slopes atid tables, for sixty rods back, covered with a sotnewhat sandy soil, and at this season a carpet of living green, thus furnishing sites for residences surpassed by few in any part of the world. The town has a great advantage over many inland cities in the manner of scenery and picturesque beauty of location, and as it is on high and very rolling ground the drainage is excellent. To the north and south are broad stretches of fine prairie, smooth and unbroken, and adorned all over with the homes of thrifty farmers ; to the east and west, and in fact, all around us, in the immediate vicinity, are beautiful hills, valleys, and plains. In the summer, when all nature is'clothed in her most beautiful garments of variegated charms, it is hard to find a more pleasant place. Indeed this locality is obtaining quite a notoriety as a summer resort, and from the decks of the pleasure steamers that sail back and forth upon the waters of Rock river at this point, can be seen the white tents of numerous camping parties, peeping out from among, the green foliage lining the banks and islands. DIXON PAPERS. The first newspaper published in Dixon was the " Dixon Tele- graph," by C. E. Fisk, May 1, 1851. That is the only paper which has stood the vicissitudes of time and convulsions of trade for many years, in this part of the country. The " Dixon Sun " and the " West- ern Farmer," though skillfully managed, and now on a firm founda- tion, are of comparatively recent date. The "Dixon Transcript" was commenced by Charles Allen, October 19, 1854; this paper struggled under financial embarrassments, with several changes of proprietors, until about January 1857, when it was discontinued. The " Dixon Eepublican," by Beckwith & Legget, commenced publication January 15, 1857. Mr. Shaw being the proprietor of the " Telegraph," a con- solidation was effected under the name of the " Eepublican and Tele- graph," Shaw & Beckwith, proprietors. Mr. Shaw wishing to try his skill in the gold mines, sold his interest to I. S. Boardman. Subse- quently Mr. Beckwith sold his interest to the same party. The " Dixon Monitor," by Charles Meigs, appeared January 25, 1858. It failed""in the following November, when the " Dixon Adver- tiser," with an able corps of editors — Messrs. Eustace, Stiles and Ather- ton— arose upon its ruins. It did not prove a profitable investment, and was sold to Mr. Boardman, of the " Telegraph," in November 1859. The " Lee Oonnty Democrat," by E. Giles, made its appearance June 25, 1868 ; subsequently the proprietorship passed into the hands of S. 0. Postlewait. November 1, 1871, it passed into the hands of 8 118 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. W. M. Kennedy, who, March 6, 1872, changed its name to that of the "Dixon Sun." The " Herald " made its appearance February 12, 1868, A. C. Bard- well, editor. In the fall of that year the " Telegraph " was passed over by Mr. I. S. Boardman to his two sons, Wm. H. and John D. Board- man, who, with Mr. Bardwell, organized a stock company, merging the two papers into one about November 22, 1869. Mr. Bardwell assumed the editorship and Wm. H. Boardman the business manage- ment. The " Telegraph " is now in the editorial charge of B. F. Shaw, Esq. The "Rock Kiver Farmer," a monthly, W. M. Kennedy, propri- etor, was started in January 1871. This work soon assumed an excel- lent position, and its circulation became so extended that its proprietor was induced, in June 1875, to change its name to that of the "West- ern Farmer." It is the second of two monthlies of its character in successful operation in this state. Aside from the foregoing, several papers not designed by their originators ' to be regularly issued made their appearance from time to time ; among these were the " Daily Whisper," by John D. McKay ; " Life in Dixon," illustrated, by J. C. Ayers, Noah Brooks and Mr. Curtis, appeared December 25, 1868 ; " Our Enterprise," by Wm. M. Kennedy, May 1870 ; and the " Gospel Trumpet," under the auspices of the Baptist church of this city. The first two, the "Whisper" and " Life in Dixon," displayed great ability, and produced a marked sen- sation. The Lee County National Bank. — This bank was organized April 1, 1865, with a capital of $100,000. The following gentlemen were elected to the board of directors, to-wit: Joseph Crawford, Joseph Utley, S. S. Williams, E. W. Pomeroy, Josiah Little, jr., Abijah Powers, and Wm. Ulil. Joseph Crawford was elected president, S. C. Eells, cashier, and John Coleman, assistant-cashier. Mr. Crawford and Mr. Eells still occupy their relation to the bank as above. The Dixon National Bank.— In 1871 Messrs. A. B. Jenks, H. S. Lucas, John Dement, Wm. Kennedy, J. B. Pomeroy, I. S. Boardman, P. M. Alexander, A. Johnson, J. B. Charters, and others, applied for a charter for the Dixon National Bank, with a capital of $100,000. The charter having been obtained the following officers were elected : Directors — H. B. Jenks, H. S. Lucas, John Dement, Quartus Ely, and James B. Charters. The present board of directors are Jas. A. Hawley, Theron Cumins, Jason 0. Ayres, James B. Pomeroy, and A. C. Wayman. Jason C. Ayres, president, and Jas. A. Hawley, cashier. The Gas Company.— Hhe Western Excelsior Gas Company, by city DIXON SCHOOLS. 119 ordinance of September 18, 1874, commenced the manufacture and dis- tribution of gas to the streets, business houses and homes of the citi- zens. The council ordered, January 8, 1877, the supply to the streets discontinued, and that the street lamps and posts be removed and stored away. May 10, 1877, the council granted J. D. Patton the right to establish gas-works in Dixon, which enterprise has since been known as the Dixon Gaslight Company, which has since furnished light to streets and private and public buildings. DIXON SCHOOLS. The scholastic advantages presented by a town are always carefully " weighed in the balance," by heads of families who contemplate a change of residence. It is but natural, too, that this matter should be closely inquired into, as so much depends upon the facilities aftbrded the children in a community where the public schools are the .alma maters of so large a proportion. The time has long since gone by when this matter could be ignored, and we are glad to be able to chronicle the fact that Illinois has taken the second position among the states in the educational cause. No better evidence of the intelligence and enterprise which charac- terize the people of Dixon can be given than the tasteful and commo- dious public school buildings of the city, which are alike enduring monuments to their projectors and builders as well as ornaments to the city. In the summer of 1837 the first school-house, a one-story frame building, 20x30 feet, was built on the lot east of Mrs. Truman's place ; it was afterward removed to the lot south of D. W. McKinney's resi- dence. This building for several years was used for a variety of pur- poses : school-house, court-house, town hall, meeting-house, etc. In 1838 the first school was opened in the new building under the charge of H. Bicknell ; it was supported by individual tuition fees. Previous to this Mr. Dixon had employed a Miss Butler, of Bureau county, to teach his own children. The teachers in charge of the school after Mr. Bicknell were Mr. Bowen a part of 1840 ; W. W. Heaton in winter of 1841-2. Among the pupils were Jane Ann Herrick (late Mrs. H. T. Noble), Geo. Foot, Mrs. D. B. McKinney. Miss Ophelia Loveland (Mrs. J. B. Brooks) taught the school during the summer of 1843. The district then included both sides of the river and up the river as far as Mr. Fuller's place, and yet the school numbered only about twenty-five pupils; among these were Miss Helen Williams, (now Mrs. Mnlkins) and Miss Elizabeth and James Ayres, children of Oscar F. Ayres, of this city. Lorenzo "Wood was teacher during the winter of 1843-4. Among the pupils were Miss Sybil 0. Vanarnam 120 HISTORY OF LKK COUNTY. and Mrs. A. R. Wliitney. Mr. Cross and Mr. James Lumiii taught the school between the years 1846 and 1848. In 1848 J. D. McKay had charge of tlie school and Col. H. T. Noble in 1851 and 1852 ; among the pupils at this time were Mrs. Soule, Mrs Hollenbeck (deceased) and Mrs. B. F. Shaw. The old school-house had been abandoned and a new stone building erected, the same that is now owned by Mrs. Burke, recently inclosed by a frame house. The school- room becoming somewhat too small, a primary department under charge of Miss Jane Ann Herrick was started in the court-house in 1852. 0. N. Levanway taught the school in 1852 and 1853, and was succeeded by F. A. Soule. In 1854 Wm. Barge assumed control of the schools and continued in charge from that date until July 1859. Dur- ing his charge the school took the character and efficiency of a graded school ; shortly after Mr. Barge took charge the school was transferred to the basement of the building known as the " Land Office," now used as a residence. May 7, 1855, Dixon Collegiate Institute, under tiie care of Rev. W. W. Harsha,, commenced its iirst term ; school-room in the basement of the Lutheran church. Early teachers in this institution were Rev. W. W. Harsha, Professor E. C. Smith, Mrs. E. A. Smith, Mrs. C. L. Harsha, and Miss Jenny L. Backus. July 15, 1857, a Female Seminary under charge of the Episcopal church, Rev. J. W. Downing, principal, was started in the large white bouse west of the Central depot. In August, 1858, a high-school department was established in the old Methodist Episcopal church on Second street, and A,. H. Fitch was elected principal. A. M. G-ow was employed as superintendent of schools, and James Gow as principal of the high school, in 1859. The school then consisted of five departments, and had an enrollment of about 400. These gentlemen continued in charge of the school until 1862, when the present principal, E. C. Smith, was elected to act at once as superintendent of schools and principal of the high school, in which capacity he has labored ever since. The city is divided into two school districts, and in the winter of 1868-9 the people of District No. 5 (north side), at a cost of $20,000, erected a fine school building of magnificent appearance, standing on an elevation near the grove that skirts the northern part of our town, and overlooking every portion of the city, the river, its islands, and rough romantic scenery, and the rolling prairie beyond. The building is con- structed of brick to the third story, with a Mansard roof, crowned with a neat belfry. The ground plan is 54x63 feet, and, including the basement, is four stories high. The first and second stories, each thirteen feet high, are divided into two school-rooms, 25x38 feet, with DIXON SCP[OOL8. 121 a recitation room for each, 10 X 18 feet. The Mansard story is one large study-room, 39x48 feet, sixteen feet high, having a rostrum in the north end, 10 x 12 feet, with an ante-room opening upon it from either side. The halls are commodious and give easy access to each room. Mr. C. O. Scudder is principal of the schools on the north side, and fhey are prospering under his careful management. There are now en- rolled in the different departments about 180 pupils. The high-school department is taught by the principal, assisted by Miss Welty; the grammar school is taught by Miss ^. Baymcjmd; in- termediate by Miss M. Yates, and the primary department by Mrs. A. C. Holbrook. The building on the south side, in District No. 1, was erected in the summer of 1869 at a cost of $32,000. It is a handsome brick struc- ture of even more imposing appearance than its predecessor on the north side. This building, situated as it is upon a high eminence in the southern part of the city near the depots, is the most prominent object that meets the gaze of strangers visiting our city. The building, which is 91x75 feet, four stories high, including the basement, is admirably arranged, each room being large and well adapted to the purpose for which it is used, while the furniture con- sists of modern and most approved patterns. The seats provided will accommodate 516 pupils with comfort and convenience. The building contains eight school-rooms, with all the necessary recitation rooms, closets, etc., thus arranged : one primary and two intermediate rooms on the first floor, two intermediate and one grammar room on the second floor, and the first grammar and high school-rooms on the third floor. There are 459 pupils enrolled in the south side public schools. The schools in this district are under the efficient management of E. 0. Smith, who has served in the capacity of superintendent of the south side schools for the past eighteen years. The high school is taught by the superintendent, assisted by Miss Emma Goodrich, with an attendance of flfty pupils. The first grammar school is taught by Miss Adelia Pinckney, with an attendance of twenty-seven pupils, and the second by Miss Nellie Soule, with an attendance of thirty-four. The first intermediate is taught by Miss Hattie Sterling, with an attendance of fifty-six pupils; the second, taught by Miss Ida DeLand, numbers forty-five pupils; the third, taught by Miss Emma Burnham, numbers forty-nine pupils, and the fourth, taught by Miss Fannie Mur- phy, numbers fifty-seven pupils. The primary department is taught by Miss Amelia McCnmsey, and numbers fifty-one pupils. 122 iriSTOKY OK LKE COUNTY. North of the court-house, in tlie first ward, is another primary school where Miss A. G. Curtice instructs forty-five pupils. West of the central depot, in the third ward, is another small school building in which Mrs. L. L. Woodwarth instructs forty-seven pupils. Since the grade system of instruction was adopted in the south side schools, beginning with 1364, there has been seventy-two gradu- ates from the high school : forty-one females and thirty-one males. There has been two or three classes graduated from the high school on the north side since the adoption of the grade system in that dis- trict in 1869 ; the number of graduates we, however, were unable to learn. The Catholic society has a denominational school with an average attendance of 150 scholars, under the instruction of four Dominican sisters and one novice. The school was started about 1872 in the old church building, under the labors of Father McDermott, and has been kept up in a prosperous condition ever since. In addition to the public schools our city has the Rock River Uni- versity. The building is a large brick and stone edifice, five stories high, located on a high eminence in the east part of the town, and commands a view of the country for many miles in extent all around our city, as well as the course of Rock river in its meanderings toward the father of waters, until it passes from the range of sight. The building is constructed on an extensive plan and is admirably adapted to the purpose for which it was erected. January 30, 1855, a meeting was held at Exchange Hall for the purpose of taking into consideration the plan proposed by the Rock River Presbytery, through their agents Revs. Harsha and Mason, for locating a college at this place. As a result, on July 4, 1855, the corner stone of the Dixon Colle- giate Institute was laid in the presence of a large concourse of people. B. F. Taylor, of Chicago, delivered the oration. The institution had an endowment of $25,000 ; the citizens of Dixon giving grounds, property, apparatus, etc., to the extent of $12,000. In 1857 the insti- tution was incorporated by special act of the legislature. In 1858 it was abandoned by the presbytery. In 1858 the Dixon Collegiate Institute was reorganized under the auspices of A. M. Gow. September 8, 1863, the Dixon Seminary was opened in the college building by S. G. Lathrop and M. M. Tooke. January 20, 1874, a conservatory of music was started in the sem- inary building, by Profs. S. W. Moses and E. A. Gurney. November 1, 1875, school was opened in the college building DIXON HOTELS. 123 under the name of the Eock Eiver University. O. G. May, presi- dent, and M. M. Tooke, regent. December 2, 1878, A. M. Hansen took charge of the Rock River University. September 3, 1879, the Rock River University opened under new management ; J. R. Hinckley, president. The institution settled down to a preparatory and military acad- emy, yet competent instruction in the normal, business, musical and art departments was provided for those wishing such special work. The last board of management and instruction consisted of Jay R. Hinckley, president; Maj. H. O. Chase^ military instructor; W. H. Cliamberlain, business manager; Henry M. Douglass, Mrs. Jay R. Hinckley, and Miss Lucy Whiton. Normal School. — The citizens of Dixon have pledged an appro- priation of $25,000 for the purpose of establishing a normal school, which it is expected will be opened September 1 by Miss Dilly and Flint, of Valparaiso,' Indiana, in the old seminary building until their new building is erected. DIXON HOTELS. It has been said of the early days of the country that " every house is a place of entertainment." Some special attention was given to this by a few families in an early day, but the first hotel built for the pur- pose was the Western, erected in 1836, and opened in that winter by Messrs. H. Thompson and P. McKinney. It was what is now used as the northern part of the Revere house, on Hennepin street near Second. This was followed by the Rock River house, in 1837, by Messrs. Crow- ell & Willson. This house was afterward known as the Phoenix, and was destroyed by flre in 1846. The Dixon house was the third build- ing erected for a hotel in Dixon, and was built about 1840. On March 19, 1858, a company was formed with a capital of $10,- 000 for the erection of a large hotel, the building to be ready for the public in July, but was not ready until December 10 of that year. This is the Nachusa house, and was built upon a foundation that was laid for a hotel in 1838, which enterprise failed at the time through the then existing financial stringency felt in the state. ThelNachusa house is situated on Galena street, opposite the public square. It occupies a commanding eminence, and overlooks the whole town, as well as the course of Rock river for many miles above and below the city. It is built of undressed limestone, and, including the basement, is five stories high. The main building is 48x40 feet, with awing in the rear 80x36 built to the main building by E. B. Stiles in 1854. The fifth story was added to the building in 1867, and is finished with a Man- 124 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. sard roof. The original and entire cost of the building was over $30,- 000 ; to erect this house now, with the present cost of materials, would probably be near $40,000. The management of the house is now in the hands of Mr. Geo. Benjamin, who is a thorough business man. The Washington house was erected in 1854 on the corner of Main and Ottawa streets. It is a three-story brick structure, 34x60 feet, with a large frame addition in the rear. This house is near the business part of the city, and close to the Rock river water-power. The present proprietor, Henry Remers, erected the building, and has conducted the business since that time, with the exception of four years, between 1856 and 1860. NACHUSA H0U8B. In August, 1855, Mr. McKenney removed the Dixon house from the ground now occupied by Riley's brick buildings on Main street to its present location opposite the Opera house. On June 14, 1856, Messrs. Oropsey, Dement & Noble commenced the erection of a large hotel, called tlie Shabbona House, near the depots. It was afterward leased to Messrs. Crocket & Dake. In the following year (1857) it was opened by Mr. Benjamin, from Vermont, and the house changed in name to the Dement House. On December 2, 1868, it was reopened as the St. James Hotel by H. E. Gedney. This was followed by the Waverly House, at the Air Line depot, by Messrs. Cheney & Co., on April 19, 1860 ; at the present writing it is under the management of Mr. Thomas Younw. The Keystone House was opuned in 1866, on Main street, near BRIDGES. 125 Galena, and is quite centrally located ; it is under the direction of Mrs. E. Brautegan at the present writing. The hotels of a city form one of the chief attractions to the traveling public. From the character of the hotels an opinion either favorable or otherwise is generally formed of the enterprise of a place ; for a people who are hospitable, and appreciate the presence and comfort of strangers who may visit their city, will see to it that good accommoda- tions are provided for them ; and the ample provisions made in the city of Dixon, and the hospitality extended to strangers, are well attested by the traveling public. BRIDGES. In 1845 Mr. Dixon spent most of the time of a legislative session in Springfield in an eflfort to secure the passage of a " bridge and dam " charter for the benefit of the city. It was strongly opposed on the ground that the state had no power to authorize any obstruction to a stream declared navigable within its limits ; that the stream belonged to the whole people and could not be diverted from the interests of commerce to private or corporate purposes. To this it was replied that the river was not in fact navigable without the aid of dams, and that the Kock river valley was destined to become si vast manufacturing re- gion. Mr. Dixon succeeded toward the close of the session in getting the bill through, although the bridge was to supersede his ferry, which was then yielding to him $800 per year. Under this charter the first bridge was built in 1846 at a cost of $8,000. This bridge was built by the Rock River Dam and Bridge Company in the fall and winter of 1846 and 1847, at the foot of Ottawa street. Travel had hardly com- menced when the spring freshet of March 20, 1847, swept away the north half. The bridge was rebuilt two feet higher than the original bridge during the summer at a cost of $2,000. The contractors were Lorenzo Wood and Luther I. Towner. The board of directors consist- ed of the following gentlemen : John Dement, Oliver Everett, John Dixon, M. Fellows, Ottis A. Eddy, J. B. Brooks, Jas. P. Dixon, and Horace Preston. This bridge stood as repaired until the spring of 1849, when the south half was taken out. The ferry was brought into requi- sition until the summer of 1851, when the south half of the bridge was rebuilt, raising it four feet higher than the north half, making this part of the bridge six feet higher than the original bridge. The following persons constituted the directors of the bridge company, who were elected on May 5, 1851 : John Dement, C. Aldridge, John Shellaber, J. B. Brooks, John V. Eustace, Oarleton Bayley, I. S. Boardman, jr., Lorenzo Wood, and E. B. Baker. The structure erected in 1851 stood until the spring of 1857, when the descent of the ice on the 24th day of February of that year carried 126 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. it away. During 1806 a free bridge was built by private parties across the river in what was known as Morril Town, below where the railroad bridge stands. This was just completed when, on the lith of February, 1857, the ice which had accumulated around the piers was lifted up by the rising water, carrying the bridge with it ; but the ice not breaking up, the superstructure was not carried away. It was damaged, however, so that it had to be rebuilt, which was done in the spring, only to be carried away by the June freshet. At this time both bridges, the one at the foot of Ottawa street and the free bridge below, were destroyed. On the 23d of May, 1857, Mr. James A. Watson commenced the erection of a foot-bridge at the foot of Galena street, but money was raised in a few days after to erect a wagon and foot bridge, which was completed during the summer, and on the 28th day of November, 1857, two spans of the north end went down with two loaded teams and eight or ten head of cattle. This was repaired only to be swept away by the flood of June 3, 1858, which also destroyed 'the free bridge which had been rebuilt. The city paper, of this date, said : " Rock river is at this time swollen to overflowing its banks. Both the wagon bridges at this place have sufi^ered in consequence of the flood. The free bridge, but a small portion of which was carried away, will be repaired immediately ; while steps will be taken by our citizens to build a new bridge in the place of the one swejjt away at the foot of Galena street." On the 25th of August, 1859, active operations were commenced in the erection of a free bridge at the foot of Galena street to cost $12,000; Z. H. Luckey, contractor. Four mouths after it was completed, on the 20th of February 1859, the dam gave way be- fore an accumulation of ice, which together descended against the bridge and carried away two bents at one crash ; and later, two more were taken. In the following August, 1860, a free bridge was commenced to take the place of the toll-bridge taken out by the ice in the previous winter. The completion of this bridge was embarrassed by not having suiHcient funds at command to carry the work forward. " Free bridge parties "were given and the proceeds added to the liberal con- tributions of the merchants. Finally, the necessary sum ($13,000) was raised and the bridge was thrown open to the public amidst great rejoicing, January 1, 1861. This was an event in the history of Dixon. On New Tear's eve a large " free bridge party " was held a the Nachusa House, which was so successful that the arrearage that had delayed the completion of the work was arranged. The object was ac- complished so that at four o'clock in the afternoon of the next day, January 1, the mayor and council, in sleighs and cutters, beaded a large procession across the bridge accompanied by the sound of music and the thunder of cannon. About this time the lower bridge disap- peared. BRIDGES. 127 On May 10, 1866, a middle span of the bridge went down with a drove of about one hundred head of cattle, all of which were thrown into the river, and two were drowned. Eepairs were begun on Decem- ber 2, 1867, by James Watson ; but in the spring, March 7, 1868, the bridge was destroyed by the high water and floating ice. This freshet took out about 120 feet of the south end of the dam, and battered ■down one pier of the railroad bridge on the following .night. Through all these years, until the city erected the Truesdell iron bridge iii 1868, nine bridges — all of wood resting upon wooden trestles or piers — had been, either in part or wholly, swept away by the treacher- ous waters of Rock river. This being the case, the people finally came to the conclusion that they would erect a bridge which no flood could wash ^way. With much labor and expense piers and abutments of solid masonry were placed upon substantial foundations made by driving piles below the gravel and changing the bed of the river. Upon these piers and abutments was placed a handsome superstructure wholly of iron, with the exception of the floors. The entire cost of the work to the city was $75,000. The opening of the bridge to the public on January 21, 1869, was made the occasion for a celebration by our citi- zens, and after a severe test of its strength the structure was accepted by the city, and all rejoiced that they had at last secured a bridge of such great strength. The occasion was celebrated by a procession a mile long headed by Father Dixon in a carriage ; he was followed by other old settlers, Dixon cornet band, the city council, and citizens in wagons and carriages; and no one present upon this occasion thought they would live to see its destruction ; but alas ! how frail are human hopes ! Scarcely four years had passed when it fell, resulting in such a fearful sacrifice of life and property, and causing so much sufl^ering. Sunday, May 4, 1873, the Truesdell iron bridge fell, precipitating about two hundred men, women and children, who were witnessing a baptismal ceremony just below the bridge, into the stream without a moment's notice ; thirty-seven persons were drowned, or killed by por- tions of the structure falling upon them; forty-seven were seriously and five mortally injured. The bridge was twisted and broken from end to end, and hung from the piers, an appalling sight in itself. Those killed were Miss Katy Sterling, Miss Melissie Wilhelm, Miss Maggie O'Brien, Miss Nettie Hill, Miss Ida Yann, Miss Ida Drew, Miss Agnes Nixon, Miss Bessie Eayne, Miss Irene Baker, Miss Emily Dom- ing, Miss Lizzie Mackay, Mrs. Doctor Hoffman, Mrs. J. W. Latta, Mrs. Col. H. T. Noble, Mrs. Benjamin Gilman, Mrs. Carpenter, Mrs. Will- iam Tookj Mrs. James Goble, Mrs. Elias Hope, Mrs. E. Wallace, Mrs. E. Petersberger and little daughter, Mrs. Thomas Wade, Mrs. Henry 128 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Sillnian, Mrs. William Merriraan, Mrs. 0. W. Kentner, two children of Mrs. Hendrix, two daughters of Mrs. Stackpole, Olara and Rosa, Mr. George W. Kent, Mr. Frank Hamilton, Mr. Edward Doyle, Mr. Thomas Haley, Mr. Eobert Dyke, Mr. Jay E. Mason. Died from wounds: Mrs. P. M. Alexander, Mrs. "William Vann, Mrs. Charles March, Mrs. W. Wilcox, Mr. Seth H. Whitraore. In the fall of 1873 the Howe truss wooden bridge was built by the American Bridge Company, at a cost of $18,000 ; it was finished November 18. This bridge is still standing ; and although the water has been two feet higher this spring (1881) than ever known before, the bridge remains unharmed. THE CITY CHURCHES. The intelligence and morals of a city or community will be ex- pressed in its schools and churches. The former indicates the educa- tional tendencies, and the latter the religious advantages of the com- munity. The life of Dixon has been ever associated with both the educational and the religious, even when there were no school or church buildings the literary and religious education of the young was not neglected ; but in the cabin homes and around the homely hearth-stone began the first teaching of the intellect and heart. The fruits of this early education are now being gathered by the descendants of those noble men and women of primitive days. It was written of Dixon in 1845 that the village had reached a population of 400, and had four religious denominations, — Methodist, Baptist, Episcopalian, and Con- gregational — a select and district school. A Unitarian church was organized in 1850, but little, however, had been done to prosper the society until 1855, when Hon. J. V. Eustace, Dr. O. Everett, G. L. Herrick, and others, with the aid of Rev. Mr. Kelsey as pastor, selected a beautifully designed frame building on the north side, where services were held for a few years, when the organ- ization disbanded and the property was sold. In 1854 a Congregational church was organized with nine members : Revs. 8. D. Feet, D. Temple, and H. Hesley successively served as ministers; B. D. Gay, S. K. Upham, and B. Gellman as deacons. The organization disbanded in 1858, the most of the members connecting with the First Presbyterian church. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Dixon. — This society was the first religious organization in the bounds of Lee county, bearing date 1837. The class was organized by Rev. Mr. McKean, who received as original members of the class S. M. Bowman and Mrs. E. A. Bowman, John Richards and Ann Richards, Caleb Tall mage and Amanda Tall- mage, and Maria McClure. The society worshiped in a room over THE CITY CHURCHES. ] 29 Messr?. Boardinan & Bowea's store. In 1839 the class had an addi- tion to the original members : T. D. Boardman, Mr. and Mrs. Perry, and Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Ayres. At this time services were held in the school-house. The first house of worship was erected in 1843, and dedicated by Rev. John T. Mitehel. This was a brick structure cost- ing $4,000, and was located on Second street near Ottawa. The board of trustees consisted of Jas. T. Dixon, C. Edson, O. F. Ayres, W. G. Winkoop, Thomas McCabe, J. Brierton, and S. M. Bowman. The first parsonage was built in 1851, 24x30 feet, at the expense of over|800. This house stood on Third street near where the Illinois Central depot stands. This property was sold, and a lot procured on which the present church and parsonage buildings stand. During the conference year of 1854-5 the present church edifice was built on Peoria street. It was improved in 1870 and 1871, and again in 1876, at a cost of $2,700. The original cost of the church was $15,000. It was not entirely finished until 1857, when it was dedicated by Bishop Bowman. The pastors since the organization of the class are as fol- lows: Robert Dulap and Barton Cartwright came here as circuit preachers in the fall of 1837 ; they were followed by Isaac Pool and ■ Riley Hill ; Luke Hitchcock came in 1839, Richard Blanchard in Au- gust 1840, Philo Judson in fall ot 1841. August 3, 1842, Inlet Grove, Palestine Grove, and Melugin's Grove wei% added to Dixon circuit, which already embraced Washington Grove, Light House Point, Jef- ferson Grove, Daysville, and Paine's Point ; Philo Judson and W. H. Cooley were appointed circuit preachers. W. Wilcox was appointed to Dixon in August 1843, David Brooks in July 1844, S. P. Keys in Au- gust 1845, Milton Haney and R. W. H. Brent came to this charge in August 1846, R. P. Lawton came in 1847, Wm. Palmer in fall of 1848, Thomas North in July 1850, James Baume came in Septemb^r 1852, J. W. Agard in 1854, Wilbur McKaig in September 1865, N. P. Heath in 1857, L. A. Sanford in August 1858, S. G. Lathrop in 1859, O. B. Thayer in September 1862, W. H. Smith in March 1864, G. L. S. Stuff came in October 1864, T. 0. Olendenning in October 1865, George E. Strobridge in October 1867, J. H. Brown in October 1869, John Will- iamson in 1871, Isaac Linebarger in October 1874, G. R. Vanhorne in October 1876, A. W. Patton in October 1879, and Rev. Mr. Cleve- land in October 1880. The Presbyterian Church. — The First Presbyterian Society in Dixon was organized January 29, 1853, George Sharer and James Means being chosen deacons. Having no house of worship, they met in the stone school-house. The original members were George Sharer, Nancy Sharer, James Means, John Beatty, Nancy Beatty, Mary Richardson, Robert McBride, Mrs. Jane Smith, and Mrs. Jane 130 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Little. In 1855 Rev. W. W. Harsha assumed charge of the church, and in the same year (June 1855) the church was organized under the general laws of the state for the purpose of building a house of wor- ship, and the following persons were chosen trustees : James L. Camp, Isaac Means, Samuel Crawford, S. Russell, and S. C. "Warden. Their house was erected on Third street and dedicated on February 17, 1856, by Rev. Mr. Harsha, their pastor. This building stood adjoining the place of the present house, and was a small brick building, 28x42 feet. This house proving in time to be inadequate to the demand of the congregation, additional ground was secured and the present struc- ture was erected in 1866, at a cost of about $15,000. It was dedicated on October 28, 1866. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. W. W. Harsha, who was their first pastor, and dedicated the first church edifice. The building is constructed of dressed limestone and is 41x72 feet. The building is surmounted by a tower 130 feet higli, which incloses a fine bell weighing over two thousand pounds. There are connected with this church about two hundred members. Rev. E. 0. Sickles has been pastor of the congregation for the past eighteen years. The present church edifices in the city are handsome, substantial buildings, constructed and furnished according to modern tastes, and present a pleasing and inviting appearance. All the present church structures in use, except one, were built within the past fourteen years. These buildings are all conveniently large for the wants of this place, and have a total seating capacity of over 3,000, but upon special occa- sions can be made to accommodate a much greater number. The church property of our city represents a total value of over $140,000. New Evangelical Lutheran Church. — This christian denomination was first represented in Lee county by "The First Evangelical Luthe- ran congregation of Lee county," which was organized under the official and ministerial supervision of the Rev. Jacob Burket, on August 20, 1848, in the barn of J. K Burket, south Dixon. The following persons were constituted members of the society : John N. Burket and Mary Burket, John Mayer and Elizabeth Mayer, Nathan Hetter and Catherine Hetter, Phillip Mower and Mary Mower, Jacob Shoop and Catherine Shoop, Catherine Grow, Nancy Smice, Lydia Courtright, Catherine Palmer, Magdalene Clinetob, and Mary A. M. Burket. Jacob Burket sustained the relation of pastor for two years, his service closing August 1860. He was succeeded by Ephraim Miller, who took charge of the congregation in May 1861, and remained with them until May 1862. He was followe;! successively by Charles Toung and William Uhl. THE OITY CHURCHES. 131 On November 12, 1853, the congregation changed the name of the society to the Apostolic name of " St. Paul's Evangelical Lu- theran church," and incorporated by filing a certificate of corpora- tion in the county recorder's oflBee. After this change the congre- gation was served as pastor by D. Harbaugh until the division of the congregation as given below. In December, 1856, the society was divided by. the German por- tion of the congregation withdrawing and organizing an independent congregation. After completing their organization they called to the pastorate Eev. Charles Young. During the time of their sepa- ration the English church was served by Eevs. J. L. Guard, J. K. Keiser, and A. A. Triraper. During the pastoral services of the latter gentleman the societies were reunited prior to the spring of 1870, from which time the pastors have been Revs. N. W. Lilly, S. S. Waltz, and L. L. Lipe, the present pastor. After the reorganization of the church by Rev. William Uhl, John N. Burket'and John Moyer were chosen elders, and John Real and Henry Burket, deacons. In November of the same year an organ- ization was effected for the pui-pose of erecting a house of worship, J. N. Burket, Henry T. Burket, Jonathan De Puy and John Beal were chosen trustees. The house, erected the following year, was located in the southeasterly part of the city, but it was found inade- quate to the increasing congregation, and the site unsatisfactory, and was abandoned for a more commodious one on Second street in 1869. On February 14 it was dedicated, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. G. A. Bowers. The building is a neat brick struc- ture, 42x80 feet, two stories high, costing $15,500. The society has a handsome parsonage on the lot adjoining the church which was erected during the summer of 18T6. The church was dedicated on July 28, 1872 ; the morning ser- mon was delivered by Rev. Mr. Ravlin, and in the evening by Rev. J. A. Smith, D.D. The auditorium will comfortably seat 500 peo- ple. The Sabbath-school room occupies nearly the entire basement story. On June 23, 1878, the society celebrated their fortieth anni- versary, in the church. The pastors since the organization are B. B. Carpenter from June 1840 to October 1844; Burton Carpenter from December 1844 to March 1845 ; Wm. Gates occupied the pulpit occasionally and Wm. Walker about four months between March 1844 and April 1847, when E. T. Manning became pastor for one year ; S. S. Martin became pastor in 1849 for one year ; G. W. Bent^n supplied the pulpit for about six months between Martin's pastorate and August 1851, when 132 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. John E. Ball became p istor for about four years ; Anson Tucker took charge in May 1855, served eleven months ; W. R. "Webb became pastor m June 1856, served over four years ; Wm. G. Pratt became pastor in March 1861, for one year ; W. S. Goodno in September 1862, served two years ; J. H. Pratt became pastor in October 1864, served over nine years ; D. F. Carnahan became pastor in August 1874; O. P. Bestor, took charge in August 1877. Eev. L. L. Lipe is present pastor. The First Baptist Church of Dixon. — This church was organized under the auspices of Mrs. John Dixon and her sister, Mrs. Kellogg, at Buffalo Grove, on May 38, 1838, there being present all the mem- bers of the denomination in the vicinity of Dixon and Bulfalo Grove. Rev. Thomas Powel acted as moderator. The folio \ving persons be- came the original members of this society : Mr. H. H. Bicknell, Re- becca Dixon, Elizabeth Bellows, Jerusha Hammond, Sarah Kellogg, Martha Parks, and Ann Clarly. At the close of four years there were seventy names on the church roll of membership. All t!ie original members but Mrs. Hiram Parks have passed away. An organiza- tion was effected under the state laws for the purpose of building a house of worship, February 22, 1842, umler the name of "The Dixon congregation." Smith Gilbraith, J. T. Little, J. B. Nash, Stephen Fuller and Elijah Dixon were elected trustees. Under this organi- zation a lot was secured on Ottawa street, and a brick edifice was erected in the following year (1843) ; elder Jacob Knopp, of Rockford, officiated at the dedicatory services. Subsequently the property was disposed of, and in 1869 a more imposing building was erected on Second street, the corner-stone being laid on October 1 of the same year. It is a comodious brick edifice, 90x45 feet, and was built at a cost of $15,000. Rev. Mr. Bestor is present pastor. 8t. Lulce's Episcopal Church. — This church was organized in the summer of 1837, under the labors of Rev. James De Pay, by the election of wardens and vestrymen. After this faithful minister was removed from the congregation the work of the church was sus- pended, and all the church records up to 1855 were lost. On March 19, 1855, a meeting of the vestry met at the office of Messrs. Robert- son, Eastman & Co., Rev. Mr. Bently being present. At this meet- ing Addison Rice, S. 0. Eells, A. McKay and H. Hine were chosen vestrymen, and Geo. C. Chapmon and J. K. Edsal were chosen war- dens. A building was erected on Peoria street, since changed into a dwelling which stands now directly north of the present church. In 1871, an enlarged area of ground was purchased on the corner of Peoria and Third streets, on which the present beautiful stone edi- fice was erected in the same year. #*-- - \fy. ^^=->x THE CITY CHURCHES 135 Sept. Y, 1871, the corner-stone of St. Luke's church was laid by Eev. John Wilkinson, who was rector of this parish from 1858 to 1860. The church was opened for services September 15, 1872. Eev. Mr. Bentley was the first rector of the parish after this reorganization, and he was succeeded by C. J. Todd in August otl856, and he by J. G. Downing in May 1857 ; Eev. J. Wilkinson was rec- tor from August 1858 to August 1859 ; Eev. A. J. Warner became rector in January 1861, and was succeeded by G. C. Street in April 18t'.2, and Jas. W. Coe in May 1863, who continued in charge until July 1865 ; Eev. H. H. De Garmon was rector from March to Sep- tember 1866 ; D. W. Dresser from ISTovember 1866 to November 1867 ; H. W. Williams from March 1868 to June 1871 ; M. Byllesby from November 1871 to April 1873 ; Samuel Edson from May 1^73 to October 1875 ; Joseph Cross from December 1875 to October 1876 ; W. Henry Jones from November 1876 until his death, April 2(3, 1878. Eev. W. W. Steel, came in September 1878. Eev. J. Wilkinson, at this writing (1881), is serving the church temporarily. ITie Universalist Church.— This society was organized in 1870. This was anticipated by a Universalist centenary held in the Methodist Episcopal church, when measures were initiated that resulted in the above organization, and the establishment of the Universalist church in Dixon. The following gentlemun were elected trustees for the so- ciety in view of the building of a church edifice : Edward Sterling, L. A. Sutton, A. Hubbard, William Parker, and L. Sherman. The society held services in Union hall for awhile, and from there they went to Tillson's hall on Galena street, which they used until their house of worship was erected. To accomplish this a building committee was elected, consisting of G. L. Herrick, W. A. Judd, S. Merriman and 0. F. Emerson. A building was erected, 40x80 feet, on the corner of Second and Hennepin streets, and was dedicated by Eev. J. E. Forrester, D.D., August 7, 1873. Eev. H. Y. Chase was the first pastor, and remained with the society five years. He was succeeded in December, 1876, by Eev. D. F. Eogers, who served as pastor for one year, and ^bout the beginning of 1877 Mr. Chase was again called to the pastorate of the church. The Catholic Church of Dixon. — This church was established under Eev. Father Fitzgerald in 1854, in which year he erected their first house of worship and a parsonage, on Fifth street. In 1873 this house was abandoned as a house of worship, for a new and very im- posing one on the corner of Market and Seventh streets. This was done under the general management of Eev. Father McDermott. The old building has been appropriated to denominational school 9 136 HISTOKY OF LEE COUNTT. purposes, under the control of the Sisters of Charity. The church building is the largest in the city, having a seating capacity of 600. The church, including altar furniture, etc., cost about $30,000. The bell on the church has a weight of 2500 pounds, and was purchased at a cost of $900. There are 200 families connected with the con- gregation of this church. Rev. Father Hodnett is pastor. Oakwood Cemetery, containing ten acres, is situated immediately east of the city. Its site is a very beautiful one, overlooking the magnificent valley of Eock river for miles in either direction. It is high and rolling ground, interspread with a natural growth of trees and shrubs, making its landscape beauty unsurpassed for a " city of the dead." A part of this cemetery was dedicated for cemetery pur- poses by the Hon. John Dixon, on the original plat of the city, and the remainder was purchased and laid out by the city. It is under control of the city council. The rapid growth of Dixon will soon render it necessary to enlarge it or to seek out an additional site for cemetery purposes. CIVIC SOCIETIES. Of these Dixon has twelve organizations, a fact indicative of the social and benevolent nature of her people. With the exception of one, these are all secret societies, the aggregate membership of which is over 600. Most of them are beneficial in their character, and one has a life insurance connected with its organization. Thus, provision is made for the afflicted during life and their survivors after death. Below we give the names and dates of organization of the differ- ent lodges and societies, together with the principal officers : Masonic. — Friendship Lodge, No. Y. Organized under dispensa- tion from the Grrand Lodge of Kentucky on ISTovember 6, 1840 ; ob- tained charter from the Grand Lodge of Illinois October 6, 1841. Officers: J. V. Thomas, W.M.; E. W. Smith, S.W.; G. D. Laing, J.W., W. A. Sussmillch, Sec; Theodore Moeller, Treas. ISTachusa Chapter, No. 66. Organized under dispensation July 29, 1859 ; received charter. September 30, 1859. Officers : J. B. Pomeroy, H.P.; S. S. Dodge, King; J. W. Latta, Scribe; D. B. McKenney, Treas.; C. G. Smith, Sec. Dixon Council, No. T. Organized under dispensation December 1, 1863. Officers : C. S. Brown, Thrice Illus. G.M.; J. B. Pomeroy, Sec. Dixon Commandery, No. 21, K.T. Organized under dispensa- tion June 16, 1866 ; obtained charter October 23, 1866. Officers : J. B. Pomeroy, E,C. ; S. S. Dodge, G. ; John D. Crabtree, C.G. ; James A. Hawley, Treas. ; ■ C. W. Lntimer, Rec. CrVIC SOCIETIES. 137 Odd-Fellows.— Dixon Lodge, No. 39. Organized under dispen- sation May 28, 1848. Officers : Orvill Anderson, N.S. ; Edmund Camp, V.G. ; M. C. Weyburn, Sfic. ; H. P. Wickes, E.S. ; Francis Forsyth, Treas. Nachusa Encampment, No. 115. Organized under dispensation Mai-ch 9, 1871 ; obtained charter October 10, 1871. Officers : M. C. Weyburn, C.P. ; C. W. Dey, H.P. ; F. Hegert, J.W. ; F. P. Beck, Scribe ; C. F. Emerson, Treas. ; K. Eierson, J.W. Rucker Lodge, No. 493 (German). Organized , August 7, 1872. Officers : A. Eeseck, N.G.; L. Faulkaber, V.G. ; A. Levi, R.S. ; C. Gonnerman, Treas. ' Temperance Societies. — Father Mathew's Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society. Organized February 4, 1870. Officers : James Eice, Pres. ; John Hennessey, V.-Pres. ; Dennis Denny, Eec. Sec; Patrick McDonald, Treas. ; C. J. Turney, Marshal. Dixon Division, No. 11, S. of T. Organized November 11, 1875. Officers: B. F. Stewart, W.P. ; J. W. Clute, Treas.; L. Hess, E.S. Forest Home Lodge, No. 137, A.O. U.W. Organized Januai-y 29, 1879. Officers: H. P. Wickes, M.W. ; W. J. Daley, P.M.W. ; H. Christman, Foreman ; Eugene Pinckney, Overseer ; G. A. Mead, Eec. ; L. D. Pitcher, Financier. Henderson Encampment, No. 27, O.C.D. O. J. Downing, Com.; W. J. Johnson, Lieut. Com. ; Henry Barnes, Adj't ; J. N . Hyde, Q.-M. Dixon Boat Club was organized May 22, 1878. Officers : E. C. Parsons, Pres.; F. K. Orvis, V.-Pres.; W. M. Kennedy, Sec; Geo. D. Laing, Treas. ; C. E. Chandler, Capt. July 6, 1875, the " Woman's Christian Temperance Union " was organized in the basement of the Methodist church, through the ef- forts of Miss Frances Willard, of Chicago. The Union consisted of thirty members. Officers elected were President, Mrs. S. H. Manny; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. D. F. Carnahan, Mrs. Linebarger, Mrs. Ed- son, Mrs. Chase, Mrs. E. C. Sickles ; Eecording Secretary, Miss Lila Fargo ; Corresponding Secretary, Miss E. W. Alexander ; Treasurer, Miss Nellie Holt. July 16, 1853, a division of the Sons of Temperance was insti- tuted under the name of Lee county Division, No. 376, and the following named gentlemen elected officers : L. Wood, P. W.P. ; W. H. Andrews, W.P.; J. Kerr, W.A.; J. W. Clute, F.S.; W. H. H. Crow, E.S.; A. T. Murphy, T.; II. 0. Kelsey, C; H. Brookner, A. C. About a month later the paper, in speaking of this society, says that it is "increasing very rapidly, already numbering some fifty members." 138 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. March 23, 1 866, a Lodge of Good Templars, No. 756, was or- ganized in Dixon. The Lodge surrendered its charter in the spring of 1S6S, and the active members united with the Sons of Temper- ance. October 27, 1870, Rebecca Lodge, No. 30, was organized, with the following charter members : A. Piatt, G. L. Herrick, H. K. Strong, Frances Forsyth, Constantine Wild, Phebe Pratt, Julia Her- rick, Mary A. Strong, Lucy A. Forsyth, and Barbara "Wild. Dixon Crown Temple^ No. '25, JJ. O. A. T. — This lodge was ■organized August 30, 1880, by N. P. Barry, in the Universalist church. The following persons were the charter members, to wit : Ben- jamin F. Stewart, Geo. N. Barnes, William Chiverton, John Oconon, John Moseley, Austin Morse, B. B. Higgins, Clayton Brown, Jessey Hettler, John Hettler, E. H. Groh, John A. Stumpp, L. H. Burd, Sherwood Dixon, Dr. Henry Brooks, Miss Malissa Barnes, Miss Mary Brown, Miss Blanch Talcott, Mrs. G. G. Stewart, Mrs. Jlary Hettler, and Miss Mary Lynch. Present board of officers : Geo. W. Barnes, Templar ; Austin Morse, Past Templar ; Mrs. G. G. Stewart, Yice-Templar ; Miss Malissa Barnes, Lecturer ; Benjamin F. Stewart, Recorder ; J. F. Morseley, Financier ; Jessey Hettler, Treasurer ; E. H. Groh, Mar- shall ; Wm Chiverton, Guard ; Blanch Talcott, Watch. This organization has associated with it a mortuary department, which provide- a beneficiary fund, to be distributed, in case of the death of a member of the department, to such parties as provided for in the mortuary certificate. This is the only temperance organization in the country with which a beneficiary department is associated. The infiuences and advantages of this provision are quite apparent in the prosperity of the order in local organizations^ as well as the general interest felt throughout the country in the welfare of the new order. In cases of need, benefits are distributed to sick or disabled members, as may be ordered by the Temple, of which such person or persons are members. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT Is entirely volunteer, and consis's of a hose company of sixty-five men, and a hook and ladder company of twenty-six men. These companies were both organized in January, 1870 ; up to that time our city was without any organized force for fire protection. In 1869 the Water Power Company had put in a rotary pump of a rated capacity -of 1200 gallons per minute — about double the capacity of a first-class steam fire engine. This pump, together with 600 feet of hose, was THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 139 originally intended for the use of the manufacturing establishments at the water-power, but when the fire companies were organized the city assumed charge of the pump and bought 1000 feet of additional hose, and one hose reel, hook and ladder truck, and other necessary fire apparatus. The fire hall was built in 1871 ; the upper story is divided into two meeting rooms, one for each company, and the lower story is used for apparatus. In the winter of 1871-2, water mains were laid from the pump to the corner of Main and Galena streets, and afterward to the corner of Hennepin and Second streets. In 1876 the city put in a piston pump with a capacity of 1600 gallons per minute, but owing to the small mains cannot be worked to its full capacity. The city has expended for apparatus and property for the fire department since its organization over $13,500. The de- partment had at the beginning of this year three hose carts, twenty- one hundred feet of hose, and two hook and ladder trucks, but nearly a thousand feet of hose was destroyed at the recent disastrous fire. Too much cannot be said in praise of our firemen for the prompt manner in which they have ever responded to > the alarm of fire, and the herculean eiforts made to save the property of their fellow citizens. Another item that should not be overlooked in this connection is the fleetness and efficiency that our firemen have ac- quired by earnest practice, wherein the Dixon Hose Company has become famous, they having at two state tournaments secured the Champion's belt over many competitors. Kecent e?iperience has made it apparent to all that our city needs better and more serviceable means for fire protection. Present indi- cations a/e that this desired object will soon be accomplished, as practical movements are now being made to accomplish that desir- able end. With admirable perseverance the Dixon Hose Company have se- cured a fine library of nearly one thousand volumes, many of which were kindly donated by friends of the company. Citizens not mem- bers of the company become entitled to the privileges of the library by donating $1, or a boo^ worth $1.60, subject to the approval of the company, and the payment of 50 cents yearly dues. A few weeks ago the Monitor Hook and Ladder Company commenced a library in their meeting-room, which already numbers' over 100 volumes. Mr. E. S. Farrand is the present fire marshal ; J. W. Latta, assist- ant. OfficLTS of the Hose company are C. C. Atkins, foreman ; F. J. Finkler, first assistant ; William Kock, second assistant ; Nathan McKenney, secretary ; Charles Weisz, treasurer. Officers of the hook and ladder company : Chas. Eamsey, foreman ; Corjdon 140 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Cropsey, first assistant ; U. R. Friesenberg, second assistant; J. A. Stumpf, secretary ; G. W. Taylor, treasurer. DISASTERS. It would be a pleasure we have never experienced as yet to be able to write the history of a community or city that has had unin- terrupted prosperity ; to be favored with the good without an admix- ture of evil. Dixon is not an exception to the common experience of humanity in adversity as well as in prosperity ; and however unpleasant thu task may be, we are compelled to turn aside from the reflection of Dixon's prosperity and enterprise to chronicle her mis- fortunes and losses. The most common destruction to property resulted from The Fire Records. — The first conflagration of especial note was on August 2, 1856, when the stable belonging to the Mansion Houte property burned down. It was believed to be the work of an incen- diary, which consumed the building with eleven horses, a peddler's wagon, etc.; the loss being about $5,000. On Sunday, April 25, 1858, the jewelry store of S. A. Bancroft, in A. T. Murphy's build- in<^- on Main street, was burned with all goods not in the safe. In the following year, October 14, 1859, the city was visited by a fearful holocaust that consumed the property of more than twenty business men. Seventem buildings were burned, extending for more tlian half a block on both sides of Main street, extending west from the corner of Hennepin street. Among the buildings burned was the old original school-house, which had been removed from the original lot where D. W. McKenney's residence now stands, sevei-al years previous, and was then occupied as a store-roum. The flre resulted from an unknown incendiary, ami resulted in over $30,000 loss, with an insurance of but little over $10,000. During the same year a dwelling house, owned by B. E. Deyo, was burned, with a loss of $1,500, with no insurance. On January 29, 1860, the machine shop, owned by Col. John Dement, was burned out, resulting in a loss of $25,000, and no insurance. This damage was repaired in two months' time, the building being lowered one story because of damages done by the fire. This was followed in the same year by the burning of a car- penter shop, with four chests of tools, owned by Messrs. Herrick & Gordon ; damage, $350. And on October 3, in the following year, the dwelling house of H. Logan was burned by lightning ; loss, $600. In less than fourteen months the inhabitants of the quiet town were called from their slumbers at two o'clock in the morning to resist the fiery fiend, then leaping from the boot and shoe store DISASTERS. 141 belonging to Mr. Sprauge. From this it swept through E. Giles' shoe house, a small building, and the stone building on the corner of Main and Galena streets, occupied by Mr. Roberts as a hat store. Mr. E. W. Hine's dwelling was saved only by the utmost exertions of the citizens. The stone building was owned by Champ Fuller, on which there was no insurance ; the building occupied by Mr. Sprauge was owned by J. B. Charters, and was insured for $400. The entire loss reached about $5,500. In April of the following year the Union Block was lowered one story, the walls being unsafe lor large assemblies after the fire of 1860. On February 8, 1865, a dwelling house in Dement Town, owned by Col. J. Dement, was burned down about three o'clock in the morning. The building was occupied by a Mr. Peifer, who, in his €fforts to save some valuables, lost his life by burning with the building. On June 2, 1S66, the paint shop of W. J. Daley, on Hennepin street, was burned, at a loss of $500. Near five years passed without loss, but on March 3, 1871, a fire broke out in a building on the north side of Peoria street, occupied by Mr. Schuchart and family as dwelling and saloon. -The build ing, with three other frame buildings on the west, a barn in the rear, belonging to Drs. Wyn and Paine, and F. C. McKenny's livery stable on the east, were all consumed. The estimated loss was $4,000. On N"ovember 30, same year, the St. James Hotel burned. Insurance, $22,500. In the spring of 1873 (March 12) the knitting-mills were destroyed by fire, with the roof of the flax factory, with damage to machinery. The loss on the knitting-mills was estimated at $20,000, aiid on the flax-mills $5,000, making a total of $25,000. In the following month (April 22, 1873) E. B. Stiles' dwelling on Main street, west of the arch, was damaged by flre to the extent of $200. On February 19, 1875, a dwelling house belonging to Henry Brener, in the south part of the first ward, was burned down; damage was not stated. On December 4 of this year a fire broke out in the upper story of Becker & Underwood's flouring-mills. The elevators at the top of the mill and much of the machinery were destroyed. Most of the machinery was damaged by flre, or water thrown by the fire department, which did valuable service in arrest- ing the conflagration. The property was insured for $32,700, and the amount awarded for damages on property was $13,130. Messrs. . Bennett, Thompson & Funk had large quantities of grain damaged by the water. . There was one fire, on April 10, 1876, which entirely destroyed the residence of Moses Jerome, in Dement Town. Loss not given. 142 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. In the following year (18Y7) John McElroy's house, in the same town, was destroyed by fire, at a loss of $500 to the owner. On February 6, 1878, a fire destroyed a business house on Main street owned by W. H. Yan Epps, and occupied I. T. Van Ness, druggist, and Will. Sussmilch, jeweler. The loss on the building was about $500; no insurance. There was $3,500 insurance on the stock of drugs. Mr. Sussmilch lost about $500 on fixtures, etc.; fully insured. F. Hegert's drug store, next door east, was consid- erably damaged by removal of goods, and by water. On March 23, 1879, J. C. Mead's book-store caught fire about three o'clock a.m. The flames were extinguished after the upper story and roof were destroyed; goods were removed without much damage. The loss was about $300; fully covered by insurance. The year 1880 opened the fire record on January 13, when the home of Theodore Moeller was damaged to the amount of $100. On the 8th of the following April, of the same year, the most disastrous fire that visited the city of Dixon broke out at the water- power ab6ut half-past one in the morning, and in one hour the large stone building owned by Caleb Clapp and Col. John Dement, occu- pied by H. D. Dement and S. C. Eell's fiax-mill, and Thomas Bald- win's grist-mill, "W". P. Thompson's and Becker & Underwood's flouring-mills, were a mass of ruins. The water-wheels and the pump house were also destroyed, thus cutting short the water supply; the foundry of Brown & Edwards on the opposite side hi the street was badly burned, and the plow works of C. H. Curtis caught fire several times. The Amboy fire company was telegraphed to for help, and the timely arrival of the company with their steamer probably saved the property on the south side of the street. When the fire reached Becker & Underwood's mill there was a terrific explosion; fifteen or twenty firemen were working in and around the mill at the time; two of the number were instantly killed and ten others badly burned and injured. The killed were Ezra Becker and William Schum. Wounded : Cyrus Lint, Win. Rink, jr., Orvil Anderson, Peter Eamsey, William Yann, Patrick Duffy, Lee Stevens, Frank Gostzenberger, Joe Hayden, and Joe Reuland. The losses and insurance on buildings and machinery were as follows: Becker & Underwood, $100,000; insurance, $33,900 on machinery, and $5,000 on stock. W. P. Thompson, $35,000; insur- ance on machinery $17,000, and $5,000 on stock. Antone Julien carried $5,500 on one fourth undivided interest in this mill. Col. John Dement from $20,000 to $25,000 on water-wheels, buildings MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 143 occupied by Dement & Eells, foundry, and Curtis' plow works; no* insurance. H. D. Dement & S. C. Eells, from $12,000 to |16,000 on flax-mill machinery, stock, etc. ; no insurance. Caleb Clapp, $15,000; insurance $6,000. Thomas Baldwin, $3,500 on grist-mill machinery and stock; no insurance. Total loss from $190,000 to $198,000; insurance $66,900. The record begins August 2, 1S56, and closes with the great fire of April 8, 1880, a period of twenty-four years ; during which time there have occurred iwenty-six fires resulting in damages amounting to $302,000, and casualties, three deaths and ten wounded. MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. Dixon Plow^ Works. — These works were established in October, 1856, by Col. John Dement on the site now occupied by Vann & Means, carriage makers. The business was there carried on for several years and was then moved to its present location at the water power. The whole business was, at that time, done in the building afterward used as » blacksmith shop. From a small beginning the establishment grew in capacity and reputation, aiid obtained its highest importance under Col. Dement's management, in 1863 and 1864, when his plows took the first premium at the field trial of the State Agricultural Society, over all competitors, and he was awarded gold and silver medals ; from which fact, until the re- tirement of Col. Dement from the business, the plows were known as "The Gold Medal." At this time began the wonderful series of improvements which in a few years changed the soft, rough German steel plow, then in general use, into the hardened, highly finished patent-steel implement of to-day. Except in modes of manufacture and improved material there has been but little change in the Dixon plow. The short, deep, round-topped mould-board then in use, now remains. At that time it was unique, peculiar to Col. Dement's "Shaghai" and the modified " Shanghai," or "Gold Medal." The real value of this pattern is strongly attested by the fact that its principal features are now used by every prominent manufacturer of plows in the northwest. In 1867 the business was transferred to W. M. Todd & H. D. Dement, who conducted it for two years, selling nearly their entire produce to F. K. Orvis & Co., then a firm in the agricultural implement trade in Chicago. In 1869 the whole business was sold to Messrs. Orvis & Co., who continued the manu- facture of the various lines of goods, and added others from time to time, building up a large trade, extending over the entire northwest. They were succeeded by the Orvis Manufacturing Company, organ- ized under the general laws of the state,, May 12, 18T7, which com- 144 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. pany, after two years and a half of largely increased trade, sold out to Charles H. Curtis, of Chicago (the president of the company and largest stockholder), on JSTovember 12, 18Y9. Mr. Curtis has been identified with large manufacturing interests in this state for nearly forty years, and with his usual energy has pushed the business to its utmost, adding new articles, such as seeders, drills, sulky plows, etc., all of which uphold the standard nf excellence so long deserv- ingly maintained by the Dixon Plow Works. The works in 1880 occupied the greater portion of a magnificent factory building, erected by Col. John Dement in 1869. This build- ing is solidly built of stone, and is four stories high on tlie front, measuring on the ground plan 86x142 feet It is interesting to the older inhabitants of the connty, who saw the beginning of this enter- prise, to go through the works and notice the wonderful changes which a few years have made in the methods of manufacture and their products. In the beginning a few small rooms furnished ample space to carry on the diiferent branches of work, which were mainly done by hand. Afterward each departrtient became a com- plete establishment by itself, doing all the work by machinery, and turning out the parts assigned to it by the thousands, each piece being an exact duplicate of others of the same class. On the 8th of April, 1880, the works were damaged by fire, and business has not since been resumed. Grand Detour Plow Works. — This well-known establishment was founded in 1837 at Grand Detour, by John Deere, now of Moline, Illinois, and Major Andrus, now deceased. They started what was styled a plow factory in a little blacksmith shop (such as may be seen at a country cross-road), and two forges were sufficient to meet their wants for some two years, when they became able to run an ordinary horse-power, for the purpose of turning the grindstone and fanning the furnace fire. The building in which these labor-saving arrange- ments were located stood some forty rods from the "factory" proper, and every plow ground and casting moulded had to be car- ried one way or the other, in the hand or on the shoulder, and the sight of the two proprietors lugging their work back and forth is called up with interest, in view of the great prosperity which each of them, by means of the same hard work and close management, ultimately attained. In this manner, and under these disadvantages, the business went on for about six years, when such success had attended the enterprise that they were enabled to put in steam. From this time forward they continued adding machinery and im- provements, and their progress was uninterrupted. However, there were no means of sending their plows through the country except MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 145 bj wagoiis, and few markets except the farm in even the best agri- cultural sections. Teams were loaded and sent throughout the country, and substantial farmers were supplied with plows, which they sold through the community, reserving a handsome commission for their service.-. In 1848 Mr. Deere withdrew from the firm, which had experi- enced several changes, at one time presenting the array of Andrus, Deere, Tate & Grould, and started a plow factory at Moline, which grew and prospered from the first, and might with reason be termed a child of the Grand Detour Works. The business was run by Mr. Andrus alone, who was then joined by Col. Amos Bosworth, who, in our late war, was known as lieutenant-colonel of the 34th Illinois, and died in the service in March 1862. In October, 18^, the factory, which had been steadily growing and extending its limits, was burnt down, and upon the same site and remnants of the walls a new factory was erected. In August, 1863, Theron Cumins, Esq., senior member of the present firm, became one of the proprietors, which took the name of Andrus & Cumins. Under their administration the business was carried on until February 1867, when Mr. Andrus died. Few men pass away more deeply and sincerely lamented than was Mr. Andrus. Upon his death the business passed into Mr. Cumins' hands, and was by him conducted until June 1869, when Col. H. T. JSToble, of Dixon, became interested therein, the name of the firm being T. Cumins Preserved Noble, born 1723, Westport, Mass., son of Joseph Noble and Abigal (Dewey) Noble ; Joseph Noble, born 1691, Westfield, Mass., son of Matthew Noble and Hannah (Dewey) ISoble; Matthew Noble, born 1666, Westfield, Mass., son of Thomas Noble and Hannah (War- DIXON TOWNSHIP. 215 ren) Noble ; Thomas Noble, born 1632, in England, came to Boston, Mass., thence to Springfield, thence to Westfield, where he died. JosiAH PoMEEOY Dana, merchant, Dixon, was born in Albany, Kew York, January 11, 1819, and is the son of John "Wood and Sophia (Pomeroy) Dana. His father was born in Warwick, Massachusetts, in 1788, and was the son of Daniel Dana who was born near Boston in 1754, son of Daniel Dana, sr., of Boston, Mass. The two latter par- ticipated in the revolutionary war, and were engaged in the battle of Bunker Hill ; and in after years figured in the public affairs of the commonwealth. The Dana family was formerly represented in this country by three brothers : John, Joseph, Daniel, who came to this country at a very early date, two settling in Massachusetts, and one in Vermont. The family has many relics and curiosities of ancestral honor, which are carefully preserved for future generations. The sub- ject of this sketch was left fatherless at the age of nine years, and was soon after placed under the care of Daniel Dana, his uncle, who was a successful merchant, and under this influence he acquired a knowledge of the business and never departed from the business customs of his fathers, but at the age of twenty-two roamed westward and landed in Chicago in August 1842 ; thence to Southport, "Wisconsin, where for fifteen years he was engaged in the mercantile and lumber interests of the city. In 1865 he removed to Dixon, Illinois, and engaged in mer- cantile pursuits, in which he has continued until the present time. In 1860 Mr. Dana was married to Miss "Winfred Nixon, who was residing near Portage city, "Wisconsin. Resulting from this union were three children, one son and daughter living, and one daughter of seven years was lost at the great bridge disaster on May 4, 1873, an account of which is given in another place in this book. Miss Agnis Nixon, sister to Mrs. Dana, also perished at the same time. Mr. Dana's mother died in the city of New York in May of the present year, at the ad- vanced age of ninety-one years. Benjamin F. Shaw, editor and publisher, Dixon, was born March 31, 1831, in Tioga county, New York, and is the son of Alanson B. and Philomela (Flower) Shaw, natives of Bradford county, Pennsyl- vania. His grandparents were born in New England, whose ancestors were from England. His father, Alanson B. Shaw, was the son of Jedediah and Martha (Gore) Shaw. His mother was the daughter of Zephon and Mary (Patrick) Flower. His father died when he was a small boy, and in 1845 he came west and settled in Rock Island in 1847. He came to Dixon in 1851, and assumed the publication of the Dixon " Telegraph," of wiiieh he became proprietor. In 1859 he sold the " Telegraph " and bought an interest in the Amboy paper. In 1860 he was elected clerk of the circuit court, and recorder, in which 216 HISTOEY OF LEE COUNTY. capacity he served eight years, during which time he continued his connection with the Lee county " Times." In 1870 he took editorial charge of the Dixon "Telegraph," which he has continued up to this time, having been editor of a paper from 1851 to the present writing, excepting four months, during which time he crossed the plains to Pike's Peak. He spent the winter of 1868 in "Washington, and during the session of congress reported for the Chicago " Evening Journal " ; was connected with the internal revenue service in 1869, and was one of the commissioners appointed by the governor to locate the Elgin state insane asylum. lu 1877 he was appointed canal commissioner, in which office he has continued until the present time. In Novem- ber, 1856, Mr. Shaw was united in marriage to Miss Anna Eustace, daugiiter of Kev. Thomas Eustace and Eannie (Olrastead) Eustace, of Dixon, from which union resulted the birth of three children : Frede- ric L., Eustace E. and Lloyd Shaw. Mr. Shaw has always taken an active part in politics as a staunch republican. He had three brothers and four sisters : Alonzo, Ellen E., Phoebe, Yalney, Philomela, Jude- diah and Martha. Hon. Joseph Ceawfoed, surveyor and banker, Dixon, was born in Columbia county, Pennsylvania, May 19, 1811, and is the son of Jolin and Catharine (Cassedy) Crawford. In 1830 he removed with his parents to Huntington, Pennsylvania, and at the age of twenty he engaged in school teaching, in which profession he continued for four yeai^s. On April 4, 1835, he started for Illinois. Passing Chicago and Dixon's Ferry, he stopped at Galena, where he remained but a short time, returning to Dixon's Ferry, and located on a farm south of Grand Detour, in May of the same spring. He also engaged in busi- ness as surveyor, which he followed extensively until recent years, and made the original survey of most of the villages on Rock river from Rockford to Rock Island. In 1886 he was appointed deputy county surveyor for northwest Illinois, and was elected county surveyor of Ogle county, which then included Whitesides and Lee, and was elected surveyor of Lee county at the time of its organization in 1840, in which office he served for eighteen years. He served in 1841 as mem- ber of the first board of supervisors for the county of Lee, and was elected to represent Lee and Whitesides in the Illinois state legislature in 1849, and reelected to the same in 1853. In 1852 he settled in Dixon, where he still resides. He has dealt extensively in farming lands, and owns about twelve hundred acres of fine farming land in Lee county ; one farm of 1,000 acres in one body three miles east of the city of Dixon, and one lour miles southwest of the city, embracing 200 acres. Both farms are devoted to grain and stock-growing. He was, one of the chartered members of Lee county national bank, which DIXON TOWNSHIP. 2l7 was organized in 1865, since which time he has sustained the relation of president. He was elected mayor of the city of Dixon in 1873, and reelected the two following terms. On September 16, 18—, Mr, Crawford was united in marriage to Mrs. Huld (Bowman) Culver, Resulting from this union is a son, Joseph Willber Crawford, born August 20, 1859, and still making his father's house his home. Mr, Crawford had two brothers and three sisters. His brother, Dr. John S. Crawford, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, was killed by a train of cars while crossing the track in his buggy. His brother, Samuel Crawford, resides at Sterling, this state ; his two surviving sisters are Sarah and Catharine ; the former, Mrs. L. W. Hale, resides in Ohio, and the latter married Mr. John Litle, of Pennsylvania. His parents were born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and his forefathers were of Scotch blood. Mrs. Joseph Crawford was the daughter of John and Mary (Bretten) Bowman ; the father was born on the , banks of the Delaware river in Pennsylvania, and the mother on Staten Island. Her grandfather, Christopher Bowman, was of Germany. Hon. Col. John Dement, manufacturer, Dixon, was born April 26, 1804, in Gallatin, the county seat of Sumner county, Tennessee, and is the son of David and Dorcus (Willis) Dement. When thirteen years of age he removed with his parents to Franklin county, Illinois, and located upon a farm, where he made his home until twenty-two years of age, when he was elected to the office of sheriff, which im- posed upon him also the duties of collector ard treasurer of public funds. He was elected in 1828 to represent Franklin county in the Illinois state legislature, and in 1830 was reelected for a second term, serving four years consecutively as member of that body. Subse- quently he was elected by the general assembly as treasurer of the state for three successive terms. During his service in this responsible position he successfully closed up the affairs of the old state bank, and rendered efficient service as an officer in the Black Hawk war, being out in three campaigns. In 1831 he was with Gen. Duncan and Gov. Keynolds as aid, and was one of the witnesses to a treaty with Black Hawk when that chief relinquished all claims to the land lying east of the Mississippi. In the following spring (1832), when Black Hawk in violation of his treaty was marching up Rock river, Col. Dement, then residing at Yandalia, responded to a call from the governor for volunteers to march to the relief of the invaded settlements, and was chosen captain of a volunteer company of the spy battalion and moved immediately to the front. Reaching Dixon, Gen. Whiteside sent Col. Dement with a few men to visit Shabbona, the Pottawatomie chief, who was living twenty-five or thirty miles north of Dixon. He moved out with his men, in all about six, some twelve miles toward Shabbona 218 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. grove and encamped for the night. Having no rations only what their guide had provided for himself, they consumed the last of their supplies for their breakfast and renewed the march toward the Indian settle- ment. Meeting a band of Black Hawk's party they learned the location of that chief and his people, and late in the evening they turned toward camp, riding all night after a fatiguing day. They returned to Dixon on the following day and reported to the commanding general. After Stillman's defeat and Gen. Whiteside's expedition the volunteers were disbanded because of expiration of time, and a new levy of troops- were called out by the governor. Col. Dement returned home, and arranging his official matters returned to the volunteer headquarters, where he was elected commander of a battalion of spies, and assuming command he marched in advance of the main army toward Eock river, searching the groves and Bureau woods for Indians who had been committing depredations on the settlers, and reported to Gen. Taylor at Dixon. From this point he soon advanced in search of Black Hawk, leading to the brilliant engagement with that warrior referred to in the chapter on the "Black Hawk war." Black Hawk admitted the loss of seven warriors and two favorite chiefs ; says this is the only battle of the year in which he personally took part, and paid a high compli- ment to the courage and fighting qualities of Col. Dement. In 1836 he was elected representative. To accept this he resigned the state treasurership, turning over his books and accounts, which were audited and approved by the finance committee of the general assembly. In 1837 he was appointed by President Jackson receiver of the land office at Galena, which was removed to Dixon in 1840. He held this position until removed by President Harrison ; reinstated by President Polk ; was again removed by President Taylor ; again reinstated by President Pierce, continuing in position until the land office was re- moved to Springfield, under the administration of President, Buchanan. In 1844 he was chosen presidential elector for James K. Polk. He was a member of three state constitutional conventions of 1847-4:8, 1862, and 1870, and has been a member of all the conventions called to re- vise the Illinois constitution since the formation of the state govern- ment in 1818. In the first two conventions he served as chairman of the committee of the legislative department, and in the last convention, 1868, he was chairman of the committee on suffrage. The colonel has been elected to the office of mayor of Dixon for four terms, while his name, means and energy have been associated with most of the leading enterprises and public improvements of the city of Dixon. In 1835 he was united in marriage to Miss Maria Louisa Dodge, daughter of Gov. Dodge, of Wisconsin. His eldest son, Henry Dodge Dement, is the present secretary of State for Illinois. DIXON TOWNSHIP. 219 William W. Heaton, deceased, late chief justice of the appellate court of the first district and for many years a resident of Dixon, was one of the foremost members of the legal profession in the State of Illinois. He was born in Western, Oneida county, New York, April 15, 1814, and was the son of John and Sarah (Weed) Heaton. He received an academical education, and was for a short time engaged in teaching, but soon relinquished that pursuit for the more congenial profession of the law. He entered upon his studies in 1835 and in 1838 was admitted to the bar at Terre Haute, Indiana, and soon attained a good practice. In 1840 he removed to Dixon and practiced law until 1861, when he was elected judge of the circuit court and occupied that position until 1877, having been twice reelected. The appellate court having been established by act of legislature in 1877, Judge Heaton was elected one of its justices, and on the assembling of the court in October he was chosen chief justice. He died very suddenly in Chicago, on the 26th of December, 1877, being but a few moments before his sudden taking oflF in apparently his usual good health. Meetings of the bar in the several counties comprised in his district were held, at which resolutions were adopted eulogizing his public and private career and lamenting his untimely demise, which was all the more sad as it occurred only the day before the one appoint- ed for the nuptials of his youngest daughter. Judge Heaton was married three times, his first marriage taking place in Oneida county, New York, the second at Terre Haute, Indiana, and on the I7th of March, 1851, he was united to Mrs. Lucinda McCumsey, of Dixon, who survives iiira. Four children are still living: Dwight, a lawyer resid- ing in Dixon ; Edward, who is living in Nebraska and engaged in farming; Mary, married to Prof. J. F. O. Smith, now of Fort Lara- mie, Wyoming territory, and Virginia, wife of Chas. H. Gardner, at present a resident of Dakota. Luke Hitchoook, D.D., presiding elder of the Dixon district of the Methodist Episcopal church, was born in Lebanon, Madison county. New York, on April 13, 1813, and is the son of Julius and Myra (Ingersoll) Hitchcock. He was brought up and educated in his native town, attending the neighboring schools. In the fall of 1834 he united with the Oneida conference of the Methodist Episcopal church. His fields of labor for the next five years were principally in the counties of Onondaga and Tioga, in the State of New York. In August, 1839, he removed to Illinois, and settled at Inlet Grove, Lee county, and during the winter of 1839-40 was in charge of the church at Dixon, being the first regular pastor after its organization. He soon after went to Chicago, and became pastor of the only Methodist Episcopal church then in existence in that city. In the fall of 1842 the society 220 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. divided and built the Second church on Canal street. This was the original foundation of what is now known as the Methodist Episcopal Centenary church. Soon after, on account of his health being poor, he returned to Lee county, and being disqualified for preaching ho engaged in business pursuits for the next two or three years. He was one of the founders of Lee Center, and held for a time the office of postmaster He was also one of the original projectors and stockholders of the Lee Center Academy and a member of the first board of trustees. On the passage of the state school law the grounds and building were turned over to the town without compensation, to be used as a free school, provided the system of education should be kept at a certain standard, which trust was accepted by tlie school directors of the district. Dr. Hitchcock reentered the ministry in 1847, and for thirteen years was presiding elder of the district, which then contained all the territory now embraced in the Kock River conference and a large portion of the present Central Illinois conference. In 1860 he was elected by the general conference of the Methodist Episcopal church an agent of the Western Book Concern. His services in this position were extremely valuable, and gave him a high reputation as a business manager. He filled this position until 1880, having been at five succeeding quadren- nial conferences. He has also been elected a member of every general conference since the year 1852. In the fall of 1880 he again be- came presiding elder of the Dixon district, which position he still fills. He has been honored by the Wesleyan University of Middletown, Connecticut, with the degree of A.M., and with that of D.D. by the Cornell College, of Mount Yernon, Iowa, both being conferred without the knowledge of the recipient. Dr. Hitchcock was married in 1837, to Miss Jane E. Birdsall, of Fabius, New York, who is still living. They have seven children: Birdsall I., residing in Colorado; Eliza- beth, who is married to J. E. Wilson, Esq., of Chicago, a member of the well-known firm of Wilson Brothers; Myra, married to Dr. C. H. Fowler, of New York ; Mary, married to Charles E. Smith, Esq., of Cincinnati ; Ella, married to E. C. Wilson, Esq., of Wilson Brothers, Chicago; Adelaide, married to Archer Brown, Esq., of Cincinnati, and Charles A., engaged in business in Chicago. Dr. Hitchcock has an unblemished record, during nearly half a century of service, as a spotless man, intelligent patriot, and devout christian. William Uhl, dealer in agricultural implements, Dixon, was born in Alleghany county, Maryland, 1819, and is the son of Daniel and Mary (Lind) Uhl. He was educated in Gettysburg College, Pennsyl- vania, gi-aduating about 1845. He entered the ministry of the Evan- gelical Lutheran church, and in 1851 removed to Peru, Illinois, re- maining in that pastorate until 1863, when he removed to Dixon, DIXOK TOWNSHIP. 221 where he organized a church of the denomination to which he belonged, of which he was the pastor for about two years, being at tlie same time engaged in farming. In 1860 he resigned his pastoral charge on ac- count of ill health, and having purchased the " Farmers' Mill " was engaged in the milling business until 1867, when he returned to farm- ing. In February, 1851, he purchased the agricultural implement business from the Farmers' Association, placing his son, E. C. Ulil, in .charge as manager. He was a charter member of both the banks located at Dixon, and has been an officer and director of each at various times since their organization. Mr. Uhl was married in 1840, at Wellersburg, Pennsylvania, to Miss Lucinda Cook, and has four chil- dren. The eldest is Jonathan, born in 1841, and now residing in Page county, Iowa, engaged in stock farming; E. C, who was born in 1844, and is a resident of Dixon ; Ellen, born in 1842, and rnarried to J. H. "W". Bennett, and Josie E., born in 1847, and married to Z. D. Mathuss. Both daughters now reside at Shenandoah, Page county, Iowa, where their husbands are engaged in business. E. C. Uhl, who manages the business at Dixon, was born at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and accom- panied his father during the various removals before mentioned. He- was married in 1874 to Miss Virginia Roe, daughter of Col. E. R. Roe, of Springfield, Illinois. Mr. William Uhl has been a life-long democrat, while his son is a firm supporter of the principles and policy of the republican party. David Weltt, Dixon, was born in Williarasville, Erie county, New York, September 30, 1811. His parents were Jacob and Betsy (Horshey) Welty. His parents removed , to Buffalo when he was twelve years of age, and he acquired the greater part of his education* at that place. When he became of age he engaged in the dry-goods business, which he followed for several years. At the time of the patriot war in Canada Mr. Welty served as aid on the staff of Gen. Burt. His health being in a very precarious condition he removed to Dixon, in 1838, and has since resided in Lee county, part of the time in the city, and the remainder has been spent on his farm lying near Dixon. He was elected probate judge in 1854, and served two terms of four years each, and also held the office of drainage commissioner for several years. Judge Welty was married at Buffalo, ISTew York, on October 23, 1834, to Miss Seraphina Scott, daughter of John and Brilliant (Holmes) Scott, and a native of Mayville, Chautauqua county, New York, who is still living, and they have nine surviving chil- dren : Emily, who married Leander Devine, December 26, 1866, and is residing at Dixon ; Ellen, married to E. K. Sibley, December 7, 1870, and living in St. Louis; John, employed in pension office at Washington, D. C. ; Maxwell A., who resides in St. Louis; Adeline, 222 HISTORY OF LEE OOTJNTT. Anna, Charles, William and George, all of whom are at present living in Dixon. Charles W. Latimer, marble dealer, Dixon, was born in Sodus, Wayne county, 'New York, September 5, 1845, and is the son of Henry M. and Ann E. (Williams) Latimer. His parents removed to Lyons, New York, during his infancy, and he acquired his education at the Lyons union school. After leaving school he worked for two years at the trade of marble cutting. He enlisted, December 1863, in the 9th New York heavy artillery, and serving through the remainder of the war was mustered out September 29, 1865. On returning home he worked at his trade at Albion, New York, and Erie, Pennsylvania, and in June, 1867, entered the marble works of Day & Ashcraft, at Norwich, New York, with whom he remained until 1874, when he removed to Dixon, and in company with M. L. Young purchased the marble works of J. Y. Westervelt, carrying on the business under the firm name of Latimer & Young. June 1, 1876, he purchased the inter- est of Mr. Young, and with the exception of a few months has since conducted the business solely on his own behalf. Mr. Latimer was married January 8, 1873, to Miss Ella Backus, of Palmyra, New York, who died September 7, 1876. They had only two children, the eldest of whom died in November 1875, and the second soon after birth. Mr. Latimer ranks high in the Masonic fraternity, being at present recorder of the Dixon Commandery, K.T. He is also superintendent of Oak- wood cemetery, and the neat and beautiful appearance of this "city of the dead " speaks well for his watchful management. A visit to the works of Mr. Latimer will prove that in the quality of his work, its du- rability, and in all other respects, he ranks head and shoulders over the establishments of a similar character in far larger cities, and his integ- rity and urbanity is daily extending the already large circle of his friends. Thomas P. Hodnett, pastor of the Catholic church, Dixon, was born in Glin, county Limerick, Ireland, February 2, 1845, and is the son of Thomas P. and Elizabeth (Hanlon) Hodnett. At the age of seventeen he left his native town and entered the Jesuit college at Limerick, where he remained for four years, and was for one year at the Catholic university of Ennis, county Clare. He then passed his ex- amination at Dublin, after which he entered the Irish college at Paris, France. He remained there for three years, and then came to America, and after passing eight months at St. Mary's of the Lake seminary, he entered St. Francis seminary, and was ordained September 30, 1866, and was appointed assistant to Eight Rev. John Henry Morris at Water- town, Wisconsin, where he remained a year, when he was transferred to the pastoral charge of Potosi, Wisconsin, and afterward to Lancaster, Mk tyt/^ C£/^ ?^ DIXON TOWNSHIP. 225 "Wisconsin, and several other pastorates. In 1871 was appointed by Bishop Foley, pastor at Dixon, and assumed charge in January 1875. He has a school in connection with his church under the charge of four sisters belonging to the order of St. Dominic, with an average at- tendance of 150 pupils. The grades are arranged similarly to those of the city schools, and a public examination is held each year, conducted by prominent and influential citizens of Dixon. The cost of the pres- ent church and the ground was about $30,000, and the value of the property belonging to the church in the city is estimated at $40,000. The congregation consists of about 175 families, and the church has a seating capacity of 650 persons. There are also afiiliated missions at Harmon and Ashton, in Lee county. The value of the property be- longing to the former is estimated at $7,500, and to the latter at $5,000. Father Hodnett has an able assistant in the Rev. James F. Clancy, who was appointed associate pastor at Dixon early in 1879. G-KOEGE "W". J. Beown, physician, Dixon, was born in Greensboro, Pennsylvania, in 1846, and is the son of John C. and Elizabeth (Hop- ton) Brown. His father was a glass manufacturer and farmer. Both parents are still living on a farm near Greensboro. He was brought up and received his early education at the public and select schools of the vicinity, and afterward pursued a course of study at the Greene academy. He then taught school for several terms, the first one when only fifteen years of age. In 1865 begun the study of medicine with Dr. G. W. John, of Stewartstown, Virginia, reading with him until the fall of 1867, when he went to Philadelphia and began a regular course of medical study at the Pennsylvania and Blockney hospitals and university, graduating in the spring of 1869. He then took charge of his preceptor's practice at Stewartstown, Yirginia, and remained a year. In 1870 lie removed to Meycrsdale, Pennsylvania, and continued the practice of medicine and surgery th(3re until 1877, when he sold out his good will to Dr. J. Ernest Meiers, of Washington, D.C., and re- moved to Illinois. He matriculated at the Hahnemann Medical College, in Chicago, taking a course and graduating from the above named col- lege in the spring of 1878. In the same year he succeeded to the prac- tice of Dr. J. A. Steele, of Dixon, of the firm of Steele & Blackman, and remained a partner of Dr. Blackman for two years. In 1880 he opened an office alone in front rooms over Petersberger's clothing store on Main street, where he continues to practice his profession. Dr. Brown was married in 1872, to Miss Maggie M. Miller, of Meyersdale, Penn- sylvania, and has two children, Charles L., aged seven years, and Edna Florence, aged four years. Dr. Brown is a republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. William H. Godfeet, Dixon, was born in western New York in 14 226 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. 1826, and is the son of Charles and Harriet (Horton) Godfrey. He received his education at Geneva, New York, where he resided nntil he was twenty-four years of age. His health failing he removed to Gloucester, Virginia, where he purchased a plantation and engaged in farming for the space of five years, after which he came to Dixon and purcliased the flouring-mill then owned and operated by Brooks & Daly. In the following year he purchased a half interest in the water- power,-whicli he still retains. He soon after built a second mill, which was subsequently burned and never rebuilt. In 1860 he sold a half interest in the mill to John Becker, and shortly afterward sold the remaining interest to Nathan Underwood. Since that time Mr. God- frey has been principally engaged in looking after his real-estate inter- ests in Dixon and vicinity, he being a large land owner. Mr. Godfrey was married at Geneva, New York, in 18i9, to Miss Catharine J. Du- gan, a native of New York city, but at that time a resident of Geneva. They have four children. Politically Mr. Godfrey's aflSliations are democratic, and he is a member of the Presbyterian church. Olivee Eveeett, physician, Dixon, was born September 12, 1811, at Worthington, Massachusetts. His parents were James and Phebe (Clark) Everett. When he was eight years of age his father's family removed to Cummington, Massachusetts, where he attended school for some years, after which he entered Berkshire medical school, con- nected with Williams College, at Williamstown, Massachusetts, gradu- ating in 1836. Having determined to make his home in the then dis- tant State of Illinois, in September, 1836, he arrived at Dixon, where he decided to locate. He at once engaged in the practice of his profes- sion, which he has since continued uninterruptedly and with eminent success. At the time of his arrival there was no medical practitioner at Dixon, though a Dr. Forrest, a native of Kentucky, had made that point his headquarters for about a year, but had gone away a short time prior to Dr. Everett's arrival, and the latter is not only the first physician who permanently located in Dixon, but has also resided there for a longer continuous period than any person now living. Dr. Everett was elected mayor of Dixon in 1863, and served his fellow- citizens in that capacity to the satisfaction of all. He took consider- able interest in the establishment of the northern insane asylum located at Elgin, and was a member of the first board of trustees of that institution, serving from 1869 to 1873. The doctor takes a great interest in scientific matters generally, and has a remarkably fine col- lection of specimens in various departments of natural history. Polit- ically he has been a firm supporter of the principles of the republican party from its organization. Dr. Everett was first married in 1838, to Miss Emily Everett, at Princeton, Illinois. Her d^ath occurred a. DIXON TOWNSHIP. 227 few years later. He was again married in 1846, to Miss Bessie Law, of Dixon, who died May 4, 1881. Three children resulted from this union : Dr. Wm. L. Everett, who died in October 1873, aged twenty- fonr years ; Dr. J. M. Everett, who is now a partner with his father in the practice of medicine, and a daughter, who is the wife of "W. N. Johnson, Esq., a well known citizen of Dixon. Walter McL. Wadsworth, undertaker, Dixon, was born in Hart- ford, Connecticut, in 1811, and is the son of Richard and Ann (McLean) "Wadsworth. His parents removed to Canandaigua, New York, in 1812, where they resided about ten years, when they went to Buffalo, New'York, and here the subject of our sketch received his education. After leaving school he learned the cabinet-making trade, which he followed for several years. When about thirty-five years of age Mr. Wadsworth removed to Three Rivers, Michigan, and carried on the furniture business for two years after which he returned to Livonia, New York. He resided there about four years, when he re- moved to Rochester, New York, and after a two years' residence in that city came west and located at Dixon in 1854, when he engaged in furniture business, which he followed until 1861, when he sold out and was appointed United States internal revenue collector for the district, which position he occupied for eight years. His health being impaired by being so closely confined to office work, he resigned the position of collector and for three years acted as agent for Fairbanks' scales. He then became engaged in the undertaking business, which he still conducts. Mr. Wadsworth was married in 1834, to Miss Emily Benjamin, at Brantford, Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth, after nearly half a century of wedded life, vie in energy and activity with their neighbors of a later generation. They have one child, Mrs. Anna Wadsworth Worthington, who was born at Livonia, New York, and she also has one child, Walter E. Worthington, who was born November 13, 1866. Mr. Wadsworth has always been a republican, and he and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. James B. Pomeeoy, merchant, Dixon, was born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1840. His parents were Ebenezer and Mary A. (Bronson) Pomeroy. Soon after his birth his parents removed to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where they resided until the death of his father in 1876, his mjother having died in 1867. He was educated at Keno- sha, and when twenty years of age removed to Dixon and engaged in the fruit business, which he continued until 1876, and then went into the grocery trade. At the organization of the. Dixon national bank in 1871 Mr. Pomeroy was elected a director by the stockholders and was subsequently elected vice-president by the board of directors, which position he still holds. He is also one of the most prominent members 228 HISTORY OP LEE COUNTY. of the Masonic fraternity, being at present higli priest of the chapter of Royal Arch Masons, and eminent commander of Kniglits Templar. Mr. Pomeroy is an active republican, a member of tiie Episcopal church, and as yet has not assumed the duties and responsibilities of the married state. OsoAE F. Ayees, insurance agent, Dixon, was born in 1809, in Orange county, JSTew York, and is the son of Benjamin F. and Cliristiana (Minthorn) Ayres, and is of Scotch and German ancestry. His father was a farmer and his son assisted him on the farm and at- tended the schools in the vicinity until he reached his twenty-first year, when he removed to Albany, New York, and followed the busi- ness of a merchant tailor. In 1831 he went to Fabius, Onondaga county, New York, conducting the same business. In 1839 removed to Dixon, and in 1844 engaged in the dry-goods trade and continued in it for thirty years. Before coming to Dixon he was a licensed min- ister of the Methodist Episcopal church. He received his first ordination about 1845, and his ordination as elder two or three years after. Dur- ing all the years since that time he has tilled the pulpit at various places near to Dixon, officiated at funerals and marriages, and for manv years was called upon to fill any vacancy occurring in neighboring localities. For the past seven years Mr. Ayres has been engaged in the fire insurance business, and in 1871 made a trip to the Pacific coast for the purpose of placing stock for the Atlantic and Pacific Telegraph Company, which he succeeded in doing. Mr. Ayres was married in 1831, to Miss Hannah M. Birdsall, who is still living. They have two sons and four daughters, and on the 1st of March, 1881, Mr. and Mrs. Ayres celebrated their golden wedding, surrounded by their children and grandchildren. Mark Doenan, farmer, Dixon, was born in Ireland, in 1816. His parents were Mark and Alice (Carey) Dornan. In 1836 Mr. Dornan came to America, and after a short stay in the east came to Lee county in 1837, and located upon land in Dixon township, which still forms a portion of his present farm. He has now 240 acres of productive and valuable land, which he leaves to the general care and management of his son James. Mr. Dornan was married in 1843, to Miss Alice Cray- craft, who died in July 1880, and there are five children living: James, John and Susanna, who reside with their father, and Francis and Mark, who reside upon their father's farm, but have homes of their own, both being married. John G. Fleck, farmer, Dixon, was born in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, in 1816, and is the son of Henry and Catherine (Raney) Fleck. His father was a farmer, and after leaving school Mr. Fleck followed the same occupation in Huntington county, until DIXON TOWNSHIP. 229 he arrived at the age of forty years, when he came west and located upon his present farm in Dixon township, Lee county, Illinois. He has 80 acres of fine land under a high state of cultivation. Mr. Fleck was married in February 1839, to Miss Nancy Buck, in Pennsylvania. She n-as a daughter of Abram Buckj Esq., who came west and settled in Ogle county in 1848. A family of six children was the result of this union, four of whom are still living: Sarah, bora in 1846, mar- ried Ira S. Fleck, and is now living at Bunker Hill, Kansas ; Horace, born in 1853, is now a member of the firm of Fleck & Robinson, at Dixon; Mary and Ella M., both of whom reside with their parents; Alice, born in 1844 and died in 1865 ; Alma J., born in 1864 and died June 13, 1881. The recent death of their youngest daughter, just budding into womanhood, has inflicted a wound upon the hearts of the bereaved parents which only those who have suff'ered a similar loss can estimate. Mr. Fleck is independent in politics, though he generally acts with the republicans, and is a member of the Evangelical Luth- eran church. William "Wi. Waters, pump manufacturer, Dixon, was born in 1851, at Gloversville, New York, and is the son of George and Eliza (Winter) Waters. His father followed the business of a tanner and glover, and in 1855 removed to Illinois and settled at Ashton, Lee county, since which time he has principally been engaged in farming. W. W. Waters was brought up and educated at Ashton, and left home in November, 1871, going to Amboy to learn the cabinet-making trade. He remained there for three years and a half, after which he removed to Rock Falls, Whitesides county, where he was employed by the Keystone Burial Case Company for a year and a half. He then came to Dixon and engaged in his present business in connection with two partners under the title of the Dixon Pump Company. The bus- iness is now carried on by Mr. Waters and Mr. George W. Knox, who lately purchased the interest of Mr. Louis Merriman. Mr. Waters was married on September 9, 1879, to Miss Ida M. Mills, daughter of Clin- ton D. and Mary (Stanley) Mills, of Ashton. Mr. Waters is a repub- lican, and a member of the Presbyterian church. Okvillb B. Blackman, physician, Dixon, was born in Hillsboro, Illinois, on August 30, 1851, and is the son of George and Hannah J. (Paisley) Blackman. His father was a carriage manufacturer, and died at Hillsboro in 1858. His mother is still living and resides at Hills- boro. During his earlier years Dr. Blackman attended the academy in liis native place, but when eleven years of age went to work in a woolen factory, where he continued for six years. He then reentered school, where he continued for three years, and at the same time com- menced the study of medicine, reading with Dr. Fields, of Hillsboro. 230 - HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. He next taught Bchool for about a year at Irving, Illinois, after which he went to Chicago and attended a course of lectures at Hahnemann Medical College, graduating March 3, 1873. Kemoved to Dixon in May 1873, and entered upon the practice of his profession. After a year he formed a partnership with Dr. J. A. Steele, which continued for four years and a half, until the removal of Dr. Steele, after which he formed a partnership with Dr. G. W. I. Brown, which lasted for two iyears, and was then dissolved, since which time he has practiced alone. Dr. Blackman was united in marriage to Miss Lucretia S. Cress, of Hillsboro, on March 3, 1874, and has three children: Gertie, aged six ; George, aged four ; Cress, aged three. Dr. Blackburn is a thorough republican, and has been a member of the Evangelical Luth- eran church for over thirteen years. James Andrew Hawley, county clerk' and banker, Dixon, is a na- tive of New York, being born in Monroe county, that state, on August 20, 1830, and is the son of James and Sarah (Stratton) Hawley. His father was born in Connecticut, in 1791, and was the son of Stephen Hawley, of English ancestors. During the acquirement of his education, when a youth, he attended the Monroe Academy, and the Genesee Wet^leyan Seminary. From 1848 to 1851 he devoted his time to school teacliing, after which he accepted a clerkship in the publishing house of Wanzear, Beardsley & Co., remaining with that firm until 1855, when he became general agent for Messrs. A. S. Barnes & Co., and also Ivison, Phinney & Co., book publishers of New York city. Dur- ing this time he became familiar with the west, and traveled through Illinois looking after the interests of the above firms. In 1858 he set- tled in Dixou and opened a book store, which he disposed of in 1861. He oificiated for two years as commissioner of public schools. He has filled the office of county clerk for Lee county for the last twenty years, being successively reelected from his first election in 1861. ' He served as school director for a period of ten years, being first elected in 1863 ; and was for a number of years the president of that board. For several years he was a member of the board of directors of the Lee county na- tional bank of Dixon, prior to 1878, when he became connected with the Dixon national bank, acting as president until April 24, when he was elected cashier, which responsible relation he still holds. He is well known as a prominent Mason, and has not only ascended through its sublime mysteries, but has occupied the highest official positions in the state departments of this ancient order. In 1871 he was elected Grand High Priest of the Koyal Arch Chapter of the state; in 1873 and 1874 he was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of Illi- nois, and in 1874 was Grand Commander of Knights Templar for said state. On June 20, 1855, Mr. Hawley was unitdd in marriage to Miss DIXON TOWNSHIP. ' 231 Mary A. Gardner, daughter of Dr. Charles and Mary Gardner, then of Dixon, Illinois. A family of five children resulted from the above marriage union, two daughters and three sons : Mary Augusta, Charles Gardner, Lloyd Robinson, George William and Laura S. Charles G. has been deputy county clerk of Lee county since January 1878. He was born May 1, 1858, in the city of Dixon. In the fall of 1874 he entered college at Eacine, Wisconsin, and in the winter of 1876 he en- tered Ann Arbor state university, Michigan.' On returning home from the last-mentioned school he entered the county clerk's office and was subsequently appointed deputy as above stated. Webster W, Wtnn, M.D., physician, Dixon, was born in Monroe county, New York, August 22, 1818. His parents were John and Amanda (Grunendike) Wynn. He spent his early life on a farm, and commenced teaching school at the early age of sixteen, which pro- fession he followed for several years, devoting his spare time to the study of scientific branches preparatory to a medical course. Upon the organization of Genesee College, New York, he entered the first literary class formed, and remained in this school two years, when he entered the BuflFalo Medical. College, at Buffalo, New York, graduat- ing, after a three years' course, in the winter of 1855-6. After prac- ticing in the above city for a short time he removed to Dixon, Illinois, where he formed a partnership with Dr. N. W. Abbott, who in the following year removed to Chicago. Following the dissolution of this partnership Dr. Wynn continued the practice alone until January 1865, when he formed a partnership with Henry E. Pain, M.D., who had recently removed from the east and settled in Dixon, which genial association has continued until the present time. He was appointed surgeon at the military post at Dixon during the war of the rebellion. On July 21, 1859, the doctor was united in marriage to Miss Frances E. Latham, daughter of George and Amanda E. Latham, formerly of Chenango county. New York, from which union resulted two cliildren, George Wesley and Frankie, who died respectively October 23 and 31, 1862, and were followed by the mother to her final resting-place on December 29 of the same year. On September 25, 1866, the doctor was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana McKenney, of Dixon. This union was blessed with the birth of a son, Hubart W., September 26, 1867, (deceased); Mary Frances, October 17, 1869, and Harriet, March 6, 1871. Chaeles F. Emeeson, merchant, Dixon, was born in Castine, Maine, in 1828, and is the son of Henry and Nancy (Hutchings) Emerson. His father was a farmer and blacksmith, and resided in Castine up to the time of his death. Mr. Emerson was brought up and educated in his native town, and at the age of twenty went to sea in a vessel en- 232 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. gaged in the coasting and West India trade. He followed this occu- pation until his twenty-seventh year, when he came west and located on a farm in South Dixon township. After farming nearly seven years, removed to Dixon, but did not engage in business until after the be- ginning of tlie late war, when he went south and served the govern- ment in different capacities for several years. He returned to Dixon in 1865, and a year later bought an interest in the lumber business of S. K. Upham, where he continued until 1875. Since then he has not been engaged in active business until recently, having again gone into the lumber trade in company with Mr. George D. Laing. Mr. Emer- son was married at Boston, Massachusetts, in December 1855, to Miss Hannah E. Avery, daughter of John A. and Eliza Avery. Mr. Emer- son is a member of the republican party, and served as alderman of his ward from 1872 to 1874 inclusive. Cyeds a. Davis, dealer in lumber, Dixon, was born in New Ipswich, New Hampshire, June 11, 1824, and is the son of Cyrus and Mary (Appleton) Davis, both of whom were born in the year 1800, and were of English ancestry. His parents removed to the west when he was about fifteen years of age, and located near Amboy, where his father engaged in farming. Mr. Davis followed farming for about fourteen years, when he returned to Massachusetts. He was soon after elected a member of the Massachusetts legislature, and among his colleagues at this time were John A. Andrew, afterward known as the great war governor Caleb Cnshing, and many others who have since fig- ured prominently in state and national politics. In September, 1858, he returned west to look after his interests in Lee county, and soon after engaged in the furniture business at Dixon, which he carried on for nearly two years, and then conducted the book and sta- tionery business for about the same length of time. For the past eleven years he has been dealing in coal and lumber, which business he still carries on. Mr. Davis was married in 1852, to Miss Sarah J. Holt, of Ashby, Massachusetts, and they have but one child, a daughter, born August 23, 1853, and married July 1, 1873, to S. S. Dodge, of Dixon. Mrs. Dodge was the first child born in the town of Amboy after its being laid out by the Illinois Central Eailroad Company. Politically Mr. Davis is an ardent republican and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Horace Peeston, farmer, Dixon, was born in 1819, at New Ips- wich, New Hampshire, and is the son of Jeremiah and Anna (Proc- tor) Preston. His father being a farmer, Horace spent his earlier life in working upon the farm and attending the neighboring schools. In 1839 he came west and located inDixon, where he opened a blacksmith shop, he being the second person to open a shop of this kind in Dixon. mxoN TOWNSHIP. 233 John Wilson was the first to engage in that business, but before the arrival of Mr. Preston he had given up his shop and was then building a hotel. Mr. Preston carried on blacksmithing for fourteen years, when he sold his shop and bought a. farm near Dixon. After remain- ing on this place five 3'ears, he sold a portion and purchased another farm near Lee Center, to which he removed. About nine o'clock in the evening, June 3, 1859, Mr. Preston and his family having just retired, they were startled by a peculiar roaring sound similar to that caused by a conflagration. Thinking the house in flames, Mr. Preston hur- ried to an adjoining room occupied by his two little daughters, and seizing one under each arm was just turning to escape when the whole roof of the house was torn off and Mr. Preston and his children were carried through the air a distance of eighty or ninety yards, where they landed unhurt, with the exception of a few bruises. Mrs. Preston, who had started downstairs carrying her infant, also escaped with lier lite, but the child was killed. The next morning dawned upon a scene of utter destruction. Everything in the track of the tornado had been completely demolished. Houses, barns and fences were swept away, crops were ruined, and trees were blown down. The same spot which the previous evening had been a prosperous and comfortable honie was now a scene of desolation and ruin. A day or two after the passage of the cyclone Mr. Preston hauled seventy-five loads of debris from a small portion of his farm, consisting of not more than ten or fifteen acres. In the following year Mr. Preston sold this farm and again engaged in farming near Dixon, which he continued until the spring of 1880, when he removed into the city. Mr. Preston was married at Dixon in 1849, to Miss Jane Wood, and the result of this union lias been three children, the eldest of whom is Ella, who is married and resides in Massachusetts ; Jennie who is married to William Packard, and residing in Dixon, and Clara who resides with her parents. Jacob Beubakeb, jr., merchant, Dixon, is a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was born in March 1844. His parents were Jacob and Lydia (Whitmen) Brubaker, who removed to Ogle county, Illinois, in 1848, where his father engaged in farming. In 1852 the family re- moved to Dixon, but in 1855 they returned to Ogle county. Mr. Brubaker left home in 1859, and went to Polo, Illinois, where he became a clerk in a dry-goods store, remaining there until September 1864, when he enlisted in the 92d 111. Mounted Vols. He accompa- nied Sherman's army on their march to the sea, and after the sur- render of Johnston was mustered out of service in June 1865. He then returned to Polo, but in, 1867 removed to Dixon, where he fol- lowed his former occupation until 1873, when he was employed by Becker & Underwood, with whom he remained until the spring of 234 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. 1880. He soon after associated himself with Capt. Dysart in the flour jobbing and grain business, which he still carries on. In December, 1865, Mr. Brubaker was married to Miss Sarah A., daughter of Isaiah and Clarissa Wilcox, of Buifalo Grove, who were among the first set- tlers in that locality. Mr. Brubaker has three children living: Nellie, aged fifteen ; George, aged eleven, and Sadie, aged three. Mr. Bru- baker is a republican and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Sylvanus K. Upham, retired merchant, Dixon, is a native of Cas- tine, Maine, where he was born in 1811. His parents were Sylvanus and Mary (Avery) Upham. He is a descendant of old Puritan stock, the first Upham having come to America in 1635, and settled in Massa- chusetts, where the family remained until about the beginning of the present century, when Mr. Upham's father removed to Maine, where he died in 1832. Mr. Upham attended school until his fifteenth year, when he went to sea, which vocation he followed for two years, when he settled at Salem, Massachusetts, and learned the tanning trade. After remaining there about four years he returned to Castine, where for ten years he carried on a tannery. In 1844 he removed to Boston and engaged in the grocery business, but, catching the gold-fever in 1849, he went to California, remaining there for two years, when he returned to Massachusetts. In November, 1852, he removed to Dixon and engaged at once in the lumber business, which he carried on until 1875, since which time he has not been engaged in active business. Mr. Upham was married in January 1839, to Miss Mary A. Brooks, of Castine, who died at Dixon, December 30, 1870. They had four children, three of whom survive, the eldest being Margaret B., born in November 1839, now the widow of Charles Wright, Esq. Mrs. Wright is at present living in Paris, and is an authoress of consid- erable distinction. Lieut. Frank Upham, born in 1841, is an officer in the 1st U. S. Cav., at present stationed at Fort Walla Walla, Washing- ton Territory; Charles C, born in 1852, is residing in Mexico, as resi- dent engineer of the Mexican Central railroad. Annie G., born in 1845, was married in 1866, to Edward B. Utley, Dixon, and died June 12, 1867. Mr. Upham was married a second time in 1872, to Mrs. Angelina Sewell, relict of the Kev. Daniel Sewell, of Win- throp, Maine, who died in 1866. Way back two centuries and a half ago we find the ancient records speaking in high terms of the services of Lieut. Phineas Upham, who served with distinction in the long and bloody contest waged between the sturdy settlers of Massachusetts and the savage hordes of King Phillip, and who finally perished- from wounds sustained at the hands of the treacherous foe. Nicholas Plein, brewer, Dixon, was born in Frier, Germany, November 8, 1848, and is the son of John and Margaret (Plein) Plein. DIXON TOWNSHIP. 235 He received his education at the schools of his native town, and when eighteen years of age came to America and settled in Dixon, where he worked several months for Valentine Thoman. He then removed to Chicago, where he remained a short time and then returned to Dixon, where he again entered into the employ of Mr. Thoman. After the death of the latter, which occurred in June 1873, he purchased the property and business which he still carries on. Mr. Plain was mar- ried in 1873, to Mrs. Christina (Sold). Thoman, a daughter of Louis and Christina (Keller) Sold. She was born in France in 1846, and has resided in Dixon since 1854. There are six children : Charles, aged seventeen ; Constant, aged thirteen ; Joseph, aged eleven ; Amelia, aged nine; Kitty, aged five, and Louis, aged one. Samuel Shaw, farmer, Dixon, was born in Scotland, October 1803, and is the son of James and Sydney (Forsythe) Shaw. His father was the owner of a large stock farm near Glasgow, but removed to the north of Ireland when Samuel was about seven years of age, where the latter was brought up and educated. When eighteen years of age he came to America, and settled at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. After remaining there three years he returned to Ireland, where he engaged in farming for several years. He again came to America, and in 1833 located in Cass county, Illinois, where he resided until 1854, when he removed to Palmyra township, where he remained until 1875. Since that time he has been a resident of the city of Dixon, engaged in no active business, but owning about 600 acres of good farming land in the vicinity of the city. Mr. Shaw was married in 1827, to^Miss Mary Campbell, a native of Scotland, and who, after the lapse of more than half a century, still remains the sharer of his joys and sorrows. They have four sons and three daughters surviving, the eldest of whom is James, born in 1833, and now a leading attorney of Mount Carroll, Illi- nois. "William, born 1835, has a large stock farm in Missouri. Arch- ibald, born in 1837, is farming in Kansas. Samuel, born in 1844, is practicing law at Kansas city, Missouri. Three daughters, Elizabeth, Mary and Cathrine, reside in Dixon with their parents. One son, Timothy, born in 1839, was a student at Illinois College at the out- break of the war, and enlisted at the first call for troops in April 1861, and died at St. Louis in August 1861, from disease contracted in the service. Mr. Shaw is a firm believer in the republican party and its principles, and attends the Presbyterian church; Hon. Henet D. DemenTj Secretary of State for Illinois, was born at Galena, Illinois, in 1840, and is the son of Col. John and Mary L. (Dodge) Dement, and is the grandson . on his mother's side of General Dodge, the first governor of Wisconsin. At the age of five years he removed with his parents from Galena to Dixon, where he 236 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. attended school for several years, and finishing the course at Mount Morris Seminary, at Mount Morris, Ogle county, Illinois. At the age of twenty years he enlisted in the service of his country, going into the 13th 111. Inf. in October 1861. On the organization of the companies he was elected a second lieutenant, and within a short period was pro- moted to first lieutenant, and captain, receiving a complimentary com- mission for the latter position from Gov. Yates, for gallantry at Arkan- sas Post and Chickasaw Bayou. He served with Gen. Curtis in all his campaigns west of the Mississippi, and was in the 15th Army Corps during the siege of Vicksburg. Soon after the fall of the latter place he resigned his command and returned home. Soon afterward he engaged in the manufacture of plows etc. at Dixon, in connection with W. M. Todd, but sold out to F. K. Orvis & Co. in 1870. Shortly afterward he engaged in the manufacture of flax bagging for covering cotton bales, which he carried on until 1880, when he was burned out in the large fire that occurred in the spring of that year. Capt. De- ment was elected to the lower house of the Illinois legislature in November 1872, and reelected in 1874, and at the expiration of that term was elected to the senate from tiie counties of Lee and Ogle, and served four years. In the spring of 1880 he was nominated by the republican state convention as their candidate for the position of secre- tary of state, and elected in the following November by upward of 40,000 majority. He was married October 20, 1864, to Miss Mary F. Williams, daughter of Hon. Hezekiah Williams, of Castine, Maine, and the result of this union has been three daughters : Gertrude M., aged fifteen years, Lucia W., aged thirteen years, and Nonie E., aged five years. Capt. Dement and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church. Thomas MoCune, farmer, Dixon, was born in Venango county, Pennsylvania, in 1831, and is the son of William and Keziah (Pax- ton) McCune. His father was a farmer, and is still living in Pennsyl- vania. Mr. McCune was brought up and educated in Venango county, and after his arrival at manhood engaged in farming. In 1872 l>e came west and located on his present farm in Dixon township, which consists of 183 acres of valuable land with large and commodious buildings in first-class order. He was married June 3, 1858, to Miss Lydia J. Williams, a resident of Venango county, Pennsylvania. They have five children as follows : Miles, aged twenty-three ; Irvin, aged twenty- one; Sarah J., aged eighteen; Ellen, aged thirteen; and Maud, aged nine years ; all of whom reside at home. Mr. McCune is a democrat in his political affiliations. Joseph B. Beooks, deceased, for ten years a prominent citizen of Dixon, was born at Castine, Maine, on August 15, 1820, and is the DIXON TOWNSHIP. 237 son of Barker and Margaret (Perkins) Brooks. He left home and went to Boston about 184:3, where he engaged in the shipchandlery business in connection with Mr. S. K. Upham. In 1845 he returned to Dixon and opened a general merchandise store, and for the next ten years did the largest business of any merchant in this section. He was one of the original projectors as well as one of the largest owners in the water-power at Dixon, and put up the first machinery after the construction of the dam for the purpose of I'unning the saw-mill. During his entire career he was one of the most active and energetic leaders in any enterprise that promised to promote the interests of Dixon, but died on December 20, 1855, in the very prime of life. He was married in Dixon, January 6, 1847, to Miss Ophelia A. Loveland, of Kew York, by whom he had two children, Henry J. and Margaret A., both of whom still reside in Dixon. His son, Dr. H. J. Brooks, was born in Dixon, October 9, 1850, where he received his earlier education. After leavmg school he commenced reading medicine with Dr. J. A. Steele, and then entered the medical depart- ment of the Northwestern University of Chicago, graduating in 1874. He then took a course of lectures and a diploma at the Long Island College Hospital at Brooklyn, !N"ew York, and also at Bellevue Med- ical College, New York. He then returned to Illinois, and was ap- pointed assistant physician at the Northern Insane Asylum, where he remained some three years, serving with great credit to himself as shown by the report of the superintendent. Dr. Kilbourn. Resigning this position in January, 1876, he went to Europe with a view of re- maining there a couple of years, but was recalled in a few months by a dangerous accident happening to his mother. Early in 1879 he entered upon the active practice of his profession at Dixon, which he still carries on. Dr. Brooks was married June 18,. 1879, to Miss Clara Y. Daggett, a resident of Elgin. Politically the doctor acts with the republican party, and is a member of the Presbyterian, church. EzEA Emmeet, inventor, Dixon, was born in Washington county, Maryland, July 6, 1826, and is the son of Joseph and Catharine (Evey) Emmert. His father was a farmer, and Ezra was brought up on the farm and attended school in the vicinity. When nineteen years of age he came west and located in China township in Lee county, where he carried on a farm for about eight years. During this time he commenced experimenting on various improvements in farm ma- chinery. Among his more important inventions was a combined seeder and cultivator, now manufactured at Dixon by the Orvis Plow Company, and from which he realized a considerable amount of money. He was also the original inventor of what is known as the Marsh harvester, his patent dating from 1857. He has now under 238 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. process of completion several important improvements in this machine. He also patented a corn-plantei-, rotary seed-drill, etc. Mr. Emmert moved into Dixon in November 18S0, where he has since resided. He was married at Franklin Grove in 1850, to Miss Sarah A. New- comer, who died November 18, 1880. There are two children living: Mary C, married to T. J. Miller, of Dixon, and Eleanor A., aged twenty-one years, and residing in Dixon. In politics Mr. Emmert is an adherent of the republican party. D. B. Ayebs, harness-maker, Dixon, was born in Albany, New York, April 29, 1833, and is the son of Oscar F. and Hannah M. (Birdsall) Ayres. His parents removed to Lee county in 1839, where he was brought up and educated, and after leaving school, when six- teen years of age, he entered the shop of H. O. Kelsey for the purpose of learning the harness-making trade, which he followed for several years. He then became a clerk for the dry-goods firm of Wood & Boardman, and afterward engaged in the same capacity for his father for about two years, when he became a partner in the dry-goods busi- ness with his father, but in a couple of years the firm was burned out. He then engaged in farming for some three years, after which he returned to Dixon and went into his present business, which he has followed for nearly twenty years. Mr. Ayres was married on August 11, 1858, to Miss Sarah J. Perry, of Dixon, and they have two chil- dren : Minnie, aged twenty, and Oscar P., aged seventeen, both of whom reside with their parents. Eli C. Smith, principal of the south side public school, Dixon, was born in 1829, in Essex county. New York, and is the son of Almerin and Lois (Larrabeo) Smitii. His father was a farmer, and in 1833 was a member of the Now York legislature. He died in Savannah, Illi- nois, in 1854. E. C. Smith was brought up and educated in the State of New York, and came to Illinois in 1850, locating first at Geneva, and after remaining there a year removed to Rock Island, where he resided for three years as principal of the Eock Island Seminary. In 1855 he came to Dixon and commenced his school-work in what was then known as the Dixon Collegiate Institute, — now known as Eock River University ,^where he continued until the fall of 1857. He then engaged in the-m6rcantile business, which he carried on until the fall of 1861, at which time he became principal of the south side Dixon school, which position he still fills. Mr. Smith is also manager and part proprietor of the Nachusa nursery, which was established in 1854 by J. T. Little, and purchased by Mr. Smith, in connection with his brother, the Eev. Dr. Smith, of Chicago, in 1871. Dr. Smith is also editor of the " Standard," a religious journal of the Baptist denomina- tion. Mr. Smith was first married at Granville, Washington county. DIXON TOWNSHIP. 239 New York, on December 2, 1853, to Miss Eliza A. Mason, who died in October 1870, and left surviving two sons: Herbert O., born in September 1859, at Dixon, and who is now practicing medicine in Minnesota, and Edward T., born in Morrison, Illinois, July 26, 1861, and residing at Dixon. His second marriage occurred September 26, 1872, to Miss Seraphina F. Gardner, of Dixon, by whom he has three children: Kenneth G., aged seven years; Percy A., aged five, and Anna M., aged two years. In politics he is a member of the repub- lican party, and belongs to the Baptist church. Charles A. Todd, merchant, Dixon, is a native of Broome county, New York, having been born there September 4, 1857. His parents were George W. and Frances M. (Yarrington) Todd. His father is a farmer and both parents are still living. Mr. Todd received his educa- tion at the schools in the vicinity of his birthplace, and alter leaving school came to Dixon in 1869 and entered the store of his nncle, J. H. Todd, as a clerk, where he remained until January 1, 1879, when he purchased the hat and cap business of J. C. Keir, and on January 1, 1880, bought a half interest in the clothing and furnishing goods business conducted for many years by his uncle above mentioned, and since that time both stores have been carried on under the firm name of J. H. & C. A. Todd. Mr. Todd was married to Miss Sarah J. Austin, of Dixon, December 26, 1877. He is one of the most enterprising young mer- chants of Lee county, and by his fair dealing and energj^ has established an enviable reputation. His political affiliations are republican and he is a member of the Baptist church. JosiAH Fet, ice-dealer, Dixon, is a native of Lee county, having been born in Dixon township in 1843, and is the son of John and Mary (Klinetop) Fry. His father came to Lee county at an early day and engaged in farming. He is still living on his farm near Dixon. Mr. Fry was educated at the schools near his home and in Dixon, and after leaving school followed farming for about ten years. In 1872 he moved into Dixon and engaged in the coal and lumber business, which he carried on until about a year ago, at which time he bought out the ice business formerly conducted by Louis Faulthaber, and has since been engaged in that enterprise. Mr. Fry was married September 13, 1866-, to Miss Mary C. Stettler, of Pennsylvania, and ftis family consists of six children ; John E., aged fourteen ; Mary E., aged twelve ; Bert, aged nine ; Annie E., aged seven ; Ollie, aged five, and Ernest J., aged two years. In politics Mr. Fry is a thorough^going and active republican. Chaeles Dement, deceased, Dixon, was born in Franklin county,, Illinois, on December 25, 1822, and was the son of David and Elizabeth (Kirkpatrick) Dement, and was a half-brother of Ool. John Dement. After the death of his father the family removed to Shelby county,. 240 HISTOEY OF LEE COUNTY. Illinois, where his earlier years were spent, but in 1845 his mother came to Dixon and he was sent as a student to Mount Morris Seminary. On his return he became associated with his brother, Ool. Dement, in deal- ing in land, and while thus engaged he purchased a large interest in what was then called Fulton City, but which is now known as Fulton, Illinois. He soon after removed there, and erected at great expense one of the largest and finest hotels in the west, which was called the Dement House. He carried on this establishment for several years, but it having caused him considerable financial embarrassment, he finally sold the property, which is now used as an educational insti- tution. He returned to Dixon and became engaged in land operations, and also in farming to some extent, up to the time of his death, which took place December 18, 1875. He was first married in 1851, to Miss Amanda Sterling, Cji Dixon, of which marriage there is one child sur- viving, Charles A. Dement, whose sketch will be found below. Mr. Dement was married a second time, to Miss Myra Huntley, of Dixon, December 25, 1861, and at his death left four children surviving : David Louis, aged nineteen ; Marian A., aged seventeen ; George W., aged twelve, and Amelia E., aged nine years. Chakles a. Dement, son of Charles and Amanda (Sterling) Dement, was born in Dixon, November 20, 1852, and received his education principally at the public schools of that city, though for three years he was a student at the Western Union College, Chicago. After completing his education he began his business career as a dealer in fancy fruits and groceries, which he carried on for about two years, but in 1876 engaged in the livery business at Dixon, which he still carries on. He was married September 30, 1880, to Miss Jennie Hunt, of Stanwood, Iowa. Mr. Dement is a young man of business habits and ability, and has the characteristic push and enterprise which were exhibited in the business careers of his father and uncle. John Coffey, butcher, Dixon, was born in Oneida county. New York, on March 9, 1841, and is the son of Timothy and Ellen (Chanley) Coffey. His father was a farmer and died in the State of New York in 1848. Mr. Coffey came west when only four- teen years of age, and located at Peru, Illinois, where he learned the trade of a butcher, and after following that occupation for a year or two he also learned the tinsmith's trade. Soon after he i-emoved to Dixon and worked at various employments until 1865, when he en- gaged in his present business. He was married at Dixon, in 1867, to Miss Margaret E. Haley, and has three children : Mary E., aged eleven ; Agnes A., aged seven ; and John H., aged three years. Politically Mr. Coffey belongs to the republican party. William Plein, restaurant, Dixon, was born at Trier, Germany, ,^'- STTBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 243 January 11, 1854, and is the son of John and Mai-garet (Plein) Plein. He was brought up and educated in his native town, and when nine- teen years of age came to America and located at Dixon. He was soon after employed at the brewery of J. B. Clears, where he remained several years, when he opened a restaurant and is, now engaged in that business. Mr. Plein was married February 18, 1881, to Miss Kosa Buckmann, of Dixon, but after the short space of four months lost his wife, Mrs. Plein dying June 15, 1881. Geoege G. Rosbeook, liveryman, Dixon, was born in Monroe ■ coanty, New York, November 5, 1835, and was the son of John B. and Lucretia (Green) Kosbrook. His father was a farmer, and the family removed to Niagara county, New York, soon after the birth of George, and he was educated at Lockport, in that county. In 1864 his father came west and settled in Harmon township, Lee county, where he engaged in farming and stock-raising, which he carried on until the time of his death, in the spring of 1872. After the death of his father the farm was managed by the subject of this sketch until 1874, when he came to Dixon and purchased the interest of J. T. Cheney in the livery business, conducted by Cheney & Perry, the new firm being Perry & Kosbrook. About a year later the partner- ship was dissolved, and Mr. Rosbrook has since carried on the business alone. He was married on January 16, 1858, to Miss Mary Tuttle, of Harmon, and has six children surviving: Fannie, aged twenty-two, was married to John Jenkins, of Harmon, in 1879 ; Tryon, aged twenty-one, resides in Dakota, where he is engaged in farming ; Nettie, aged nineteen ; Bartow, aged seventeen ; Louis, aged fifteen, and Emma, aged thirteen, are all residing at the home of their parents. Politically Mr. Rosbrook is a member of the republican party. SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. This is No. 19 N., in R. 11 E. of the 4th P.M. Bureau county bounds it on the south, and La Salle county forms half of the eastern, boundary. It has a very fertile soil and is but slightly undulating. In places it is a little low, but is all capable of easy drainage. The soil is black, excepting a little in the northwestern part, which is sandy. Here a part of Palestine Grove covers Sec. 6 and portions of 5 and 7. Nearly all of Knox Grove is in this township, on Sees. 24 and 25, along Bureau creek, mostly on the south side. This stream enters the township near the middle of the eastern boundary of Sec. 24, and flows across the southeast corner, through Sees. 24, 26, 34 and 33, leav- ing near the southeast corner of the latter. Below Knox Grove it is 15 244 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. slightly skirted with timber, and is the only stream of any importance in the town. About half a mile south of it, and running nearly par- allel with it, is a part of the old " Chicago road," which in an early day led from that city to Princeton. Many of these diagonal roads once intersected this region, but most of them have been abandoned. A few remnants, however, still remain. A part of the original La Salle and Grand Detour road is still in use through Sec. 17 and a part of 18. In the eastern part of the town there are two pieces of road of the same nature. There is a road running north and south through the center of the town, and another east and west to within half a mile of , the east and west boundaries. The Illinois Central railroad crosses the eastern line of See. 36, and runs nearly due northwest through Sees. 36, 25, 23, 15, 9, 8, 5 and 6, dividing the town nearly in the center. The old Black Hawk " Army Trail " crossed the town in nearly the same direction, entering near the southeast corner and leaving on the west line of Sec. 18. The old telegraph line and stage route from Dixon to Peru entered the town at the northwest corner of Sec. 30 and left near the center of the south line of the same section. EARLY SETTLEMENTS. The settlement of Sublette township dates from 1837. Jonathan Peterson came to Ottawa, Illinois, in October 1836 ; he had come from New Hampshire by Lake Erie to Detroit, and thence afoot to Ottawa. Here he spent the winter of 1836-7, and in February started for Lee county. The same summer he made a claim in the northwestern part of Sec. 4, Sublette, and after building a log cabin just over the line in Lee Center, he went back to his native state and was married, return- ing with his wife the following year. In June, 1837, Sherman Hatch arrived in Dixon and came across the country to Lee Center township to Chas. F. Ingals, who had settled there the previous year. The same summer or fall he settled on the southwest part of Sec. 7, taking possession of and completing a log house that had been partly built by four young men from Chicago, who had abandoned their claim. In the fall of 1837 Mr. Hatch returned to Yermont. He came back the next year with his wife, whose marriage he had recently cel- ebrated. He claimed a half section of prairie and nearly as much tim- ber in the vicinity of his first settlement, but did not enter much of it, having loaned most of his money to parties who were unable to pay him when the land was offered for sale. The same fall Thomas and William, Fessenden, with their families, came on from New Hampshire, Thomas Fessertden having been west as early as 1834 and returned the same year to New Hampshire. They claimed land on Sees. 6 and 7, and built a log house on the southeast corner of the N.W. J of Sec. 7,. SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 245 and moved into it in December, having lived in the meantime on the " Blunt place," Amboy township. This was the first real settlement in Sublette, and the nearest neighbor of the Fessendens at that time was Joseph Doane, who was living about half a mile from the "Blunt place." The following year "William Fessenden built half a mile north, on the southeast corner of the S.W. ^ of Sec. 6, where John H. Long now lives. In 1838 Joseph Knox and his family settled at the south end of the grove w.hich bears their name. The same year Sylvanus Peterson settled on the S.E. ^ of Sec. 5. Before 1840 John Morton and R. E. Goodall settled north of him on land now owned by William Long, jr., and Russell Phillips on the southwestern part of See. 5, claiming forty there and forty opposite in Sec. 8. In 1839 Daniel Baird settled where Elijah Austin lives, on the La Salle and Grand Detour road, on Sec. 17. Mr. Baird settled in La Salle in the fall of 1836. The same year (1839) Phineas Rust built the first frame house in Sublette, on Sec. 30, half a mile south of where Ambrose Angier is now living. Mr. Rust never lived here, but sold his claim, the N.E. J^ of Sec. 30, to Philo Stan ard and Thomas Angier late in 1840. The same year Thomas Tourtillott built a frame house 16x20 on Sec. 31, and O. Bryant settled on the " Old Chicago road " on See. 35. lo 1842 Thomas Angier built a frame house where his present buildings are located. Gilbert Thompson also built on the site now occupied by Mrs. Fauble, on the S. i of S.E. i Sec. 31. In 1843 Ephriam ReniflF settled with his family on the S. i JST.E. J Sec. 19, and afterward entered the same. It was in this year that Hi- ram Anderson settled on the N.E. J of S.E. J Sec. 33. The jumping of his claim subsequently caused quite an excitement among the rulers of the prairie. Bull, the offending party, lived at Dixon, and when it was known that Anderson's claim had been "jumped," the " 01 aim Society," consisting of all the settlers within several miles, turned out en masse, and going to Dixon well armed demanded the person of Mr, Bull. There were about sixty-five in the party, and the "jumper" was easily taken. "Vyhile on their way back to the claim Sheriff Camp- bell interviewed the party, and concluded an agreement with them by which Bull was turned over to him. This was on the condition that the contestants should meet on a certain fixed day, and that the deed of the "forty" in dispute should be returned to Anderson, who was to pay the first cost of the land. The summary treatment em- ployed in this case had the desired effect, and settlers in this region were not troubled again in a similar way. In 1844 Alpheus Crawford came to the Knox Grove settlement, and bought from widow Pratt a claim of eighty acres on the S. i of Sec. 13 for $75. At this time sev- eral families had settled at the grove. Daniel Pratt, Levi Camp and 246 HISTORY OF LEE fJOrjNTY. J. B. Barton were early settlers here. The same year Prescott Bartlett claimed the S. i of KW. i and the N. i of S.W. i Sec. 20, and built a log house on the same. Silas Reniff settled where he now lives, on Sec. 20, and claimed about half a section. He entered only 160 acres, the N. i of IST.E. i Sec. 20, and the S. i of S.E. i Sec. 17. In this year (1844) John Betz settled on the S.E. i Sec. 33, and in 1845 Hoffman settled on the S.W. J of the same. In 1846 Bartholo- mew Theiss made a claim of 120 acres on Sees., 29 and 30, where Godfred Theiss lives. In 1844 E. P. Hubbard settled and claimed the N.W. i of KE. i and JST.E. i of N.W. ^ Sec. 17. H. N. Erskine set- tled the " Kapser place," on Sec. 35, at an early day. In the year 1844 was the land sale at Dixon. That year is known to this day by old settlers as the wettest season on record, from May until August. But few of the settlers were prepared to pay for their land, and consequentlj' they formed themselves into societies for the protection of their homes, until they could raise the money necessary to pay for the land they had claimed. The circumstance mentioned above had the effect of deterring speculators from abroad. Many farms were secured tlirough Mexican land warrants on the market here soon after the close of the Mexican war. Many good farms were bought with these by men who could not have raised the cash to buy from the government at $1.25 per acre. But little land had been bought from the government before these warrants appeared, but within iive years after nearly all was sold except that held by the Illinois Central Rail- road Company, and this was sold very soon. In an early day wolves were plentiful, and are not yet extinct. In 1848 Alplieus Crawford and others killed a bear north of Knox Grove which weighed 400 pounds. For many years after the settlement of this region prairie fires were the scourge of the settlements. Many are the thrilling incidents related of their ravages. Mrs. Baird relates her experience in fighting one when Mr. Baird was away from borne. She whipped it until she was completely exhausted and had suffered greatly from the heat of the fire ; and all the time expecting it would sweep their house and entire personal effects. Early in October, 1845, the settlers were visited by one of these fires. It is described by one of the early set- tlers in nearly the following words : " After dark my family noticed in the southwest the light of a fire so far off that it seemed it would not reach them -before morning. That night a family of emigrants from Tennessee were camped in their wagon on a small piece of breaking near my house. About midnight my wife was aroused by loud knocldng and other noise. Upon getting up she found a girl about twelve years old nearly frightened to death. (This girl was the SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 247 only one of the emigrants not sick.) Going out of doors she saw the whole country southwest and west in a blaze of fire, some of which was thirty feet high. She started for the nearest house, which was half a mile distant, and aroused the inmates, and then a quarter of a mile further to another dwelling, where all were sleeping. These parties all had property that would have been destroyed had they not been warned. Upon returning home she found the worst danger over, the main fire having passed a little northwest of the building and break- ing. Her husband, who was in Chicago at the time, found on his return the entire prairie burnt over." Nearly all of the early settlers teamed to Chicago more or less till the Illinois Central road came through. Produce was cheap, but this was the only way known to raise a little money. Often would they return home with a few trifles, the gross profits of an eight or ten days' trip. Little or nothing was taken for expenses, and often would a man be gone a week or two without entering a house. They would often go in companies of ten or more ox-teams, generally entering the 'city in the morning and coming out at night, thereby avoiding hotel bills. For a good load of wheat or dressed-pork but a few dollars would be realized. Often the driver had to unhitch his team and carry his load out of a slough on his back, and not unlikely this interesting process would have to be several times repeated during one trip. The farmers also went a long distance to get their milling done. For several years they went to Greene's mill, at Dayton, and to other points on the Fox river. But little was seen of the Indians by the settlers of Sublette. Old Shabona, however, with his followers, was an annual visitor for several years, passing, as he did, across the town on his way from his reser- vation, in DeKalb county, to the swamp near Walnut grove, in Bureau county. Shabona was a noble red-man, and on account of his friend- ship shown the settlers in the Black Hawk war, became very much endeared to them. The first post-oflice was that of Brookfield, at Daniel Baird's house, started about 1840. In 1841 O. Bryant burned a kiln of brick on the northwest corner of Sec. 36. In 1850 a certain "Beck built a blacksmith shop on or near the site now occupied by Dorsey Scott's shop. Eichardson, Daniel Baird, Thomas Tourtillott, and Morrison, just over the line in May town, kept taverns in an early day. Townshvp Orgcmization. — Soon after the organization of Lee county the west half of Sublette, and what is now May, were known as Bureau precinct; the polls were held at the house of Daniel Baird. The east part of the township was incorporated with a part of Brooklyn, 248 HISTORY OF LEE CqUNTY. with their voting place at Knox Grove. In 1849 the county was di- vided into townships. This town was first called Hamo. The railroad company having named their depot Sublette, it was desired to have the name of the township correspond, and consequently a petition was sent in the winter of 1856-7 to John Y, Eustace, representative in the Illinois legislature. The name was accordingly changed to Sublette. This name was first employed, it is said, because of the frequent sub- letting of the grading of the road in this vicinity. The first town meeting was held on the second Tuesday in April 1850, "for the pur- pose of electing town officers, dividing the town into road districts, and for the transaction of other business." Alpheus Crawford was chosen moderator and Daniel Baird clerk for said meeting. A tax of 12^ cents on every $100 of taxable property was voted to be assessed and collected. Stock was prohibited from running at large from Novem- ber 15 to April 1 of each year. The first election resulted in the choice of Daniel Baird for supervisor, Henry Porter clerk, Whitlock T. Porter assessor, Silas D. Eenifi" collector, Daniel Pratt overseer of the poor, Hiram Anderson and W. H. Hamblin highway commission- ers, Samuel Averill and Thos. S. Angier constables, Alpheus Craw- ford and Andrew Bertholf justices of the peace. The town was di- vided into nine road districts two miles square. April 17, 1851, the highway commissioners ordered that district number " 10 " be formed out of the east half of Sees. 20 and 17, and the west half of sections 16 and 21. At an election held in the school-house in district " 3 " April 6, 1852, forty-six votes were cast for supervisor, forty-seven for assessor, forty-five for collector, and forty-seven for town clerk. It was voted that the next annual town meeting be held at the house of Dan- iel Pratt, at Knox Grove. In 1854 the annual meeting was held at the house of Daniel Wilcox on Sec. 15, and in 1855 at the house of Daniel Maxwell. At this meeting $1,000 was voted for the erection of a town-house in the village of Sublette. Thomas Angier, H. Benton and Prescott Bartiett were appointed a committee to report a site for the same. At a special meeting held in December, Thomas Angier, John Tourtillott, S. Eenifi", Thomas Fessenden and Horatio Benton were appointed a committee to build a house one story high, and of a size to correspond with funds voted for that purpose. At a meeting held in 1858, $150 was appropriated to bridge Bureau creek at the old army trail. At the annual meeting in 1860 a fence law was passed de- claring what should be considered a legal fence, whether of wire, rails or boards. In 1860, 150 votes were cast for the supervisor, and the same number for town clerk, 152 for assessor, 147 for collector. In 1866, 177 was the highest vote cast for any office ; Silas Keniff was unanimously chosen assessor. For justice of the peace T. Angier re- SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 249 ceived all but one (176), and A. L. Wilder the same number for town clerk. In 1881 about 220 votes -were cast. The supervisors of Sub- lette have been : Daniel Baird three years, S. Peterson one year, T. Angier eighteen years, Albert Linn one year, Jonathan Peterson three years, John Theiss, five years, G. M. Crawford one year. The justices of the peace have been T. Angier thirty-one years, Alpheus Crawford six years, A. Bertholf one year, James Brewer one year, W. F. Wilder one year, A. B. Linn eight years, Daniel Barton three years, Isaac Clink one year, N. W. Smith twelve years. Silas D. Reniff was elected assessor of Sublette in 1854, and except three years has assessed the town ever since. A. L. Wilder witb one exception has held the office of town clerk since 1864. The village of Sublette occupies parts of Sees. 9, 10, 15 and 16. The Illinois Central railroad buildings, a depot and a warehouse on the northwest corner of Sec. 15, were built in the summer of 1854. Daniel Cook built the first dwelling house the same winter. In the following summer A. L. Wilder built a small store, in the back part of, which he lived. Jesse Hale began his store about the same time. George A. Richmond put up a house, and did a flourishing business in the sale of lots. Mr. Swartwout built the same fall a part of the house which he finished the next year, and lived in the winter of 1855-6. Frank Bartlett built what is now the Catholic parsonage in the fall of 1855 and moved into it the same winter. Paul Lindstraum built a shanty the same fall and began his tavern, which he completed the next year. Doctor Smith built a part of his present residence and got into it in December. Hugh Oarr came in the dead of winter and rigged up an old barn in which he lived a short time. " Uncle Aba " Hale came in 1856, also the families of James Colvin and Robert Ash. J. B. Barton came the same year and opened a drug store. There are now fifty-seven families in the village, doing a good business. The Methodist, Baptist, Congregational and Catholic churches are located here. Sullette Lodge, Wo. Slfi, A.F. cmd A.M. — The dispensation was issued to Thomas S. Angier, W. D. Tourtillott, Jacob D. Tourtillott, James Tourtillott, Daniel Barton, B. F. Berkley, and Prescott Bartlett, and the first meeting was held January 31, 1860. The charter of the lodge was issued October, 1860, to Thomas Angier, W.M.; W. D. Tourtillott, S.W.; Jacob D. Tourtillott, J.W.; James Tourtillott, secre- tary ; Daniel Barton, S.D.; B. F. Berkley, J.D.; Daniel Baird, treas- urer; H. 0. Chapman, and N. J. Swartwout. At first meetings were held in the rear of Jesse Hale's store, and subsequently on the second flour of the school building. In 1870 the members of the lodge put up a building at a cost of $2,500. The first meeting in the new hall 250 ' HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. was held August 16, 1870. The lower part of their building is rented for store purposes, and is now occupied by Frank Thompson. The present membership of the lodge is thirty, five of whom are non-resi- dent. The present oflBcers are Joseph H. Ayres, W.M.; Joel S. Cook, S.W.; Henry Paris, J.W. ; E. W. Patten, treasurer; T. S. Angier, secretary ; Oliver A. Wood, S.D. ; William Obernaur, J.D. ; Lafayette Long, tyler. Cemeteries. — There are several burial places in the township. Tiie most important of these are the one at the Catholic church in See. 32, and that in Sec. 4 on the land of N. and J. Peterson. In the first nearly a hundred have been buried, all Catholics, and some from a considerable distance. In both, many of the old settlers are buried, one of whom, in the latter, is Jonathan Peterson, sr. Near here on the N. W.^ of Sec. 3, are several graves. Near Knox Grove is a small cemetery in which Daniel Pratt and others of the early settlers of this vicinity are reposing. Several interments have been made near the Catholic church in the village of Sublette. Daniel Baird was buried on the farm which he last owned. This is the " eighty " en- tered by E. Renifi". Besides these there are a few other small burial places within the town. CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. Many of the first settlers here were church members, and conse- quently religious meetings date from the beginning of society here. They were of a very humble and unpretentious style, and in keeping with the spirit of the time. Few went, we apprehend, to display finery — if any there were to display ; nor did they have churches of any kind for many years in which to worship. Primitive dwellings or rude school-houses were their only temples, and in these did they often meet to sing their songs of praise and off'er their devout prayers to a Father whose guidance they sought. The first church organization in Sublette was that of the Baptists. This was effected April 1843, in Jonathan Peterson's log house. There were at first thirteen members : Jonathan Peterson, sr., and his wife, Jonathan Peterson, jr., Sylva- nus Peterson and his wife, Nathaniel, Mary and Hope Peterson, Jon- athan Eells, Hubbard Eells and his wife, Joshua Eogers and his wife. Meetings were held in the log school in this vicinity as soon as it was built ; previously from house to house. This was the central or mother organization for quite a large adjoining region, and was known as the first Baptist church of Palestine Grove. Meetings were held alter- nately on opposite sides of this grove for the mutual accommodation of those who lived widely apart. Some of the members of this society became by letter members of the Baptist church of Amboy at. its or- SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 251 ganization. In 1854 meetings were first held in Benton's Hall, on Sec. 16, about half a mile west of the site of the church in which thej' now assemble, and here they continued till 1858, when, in November, they dedicated a church edifice in the village of Sublette, on Main street, erected at a cost of $5,000. The first pastor was Rev. Henry Headley, of La Moille. Jonathan Peterson, sr., was the first deacon, and Warren Hills, the second. Sylvanus Peterson was the first clerk. Pastors have been : Charles Cross, E. O. Whittaker, J. H. Morrison, A. S. Denison, O. D. Taylor, Albert Guy, A. S. Merrifield, H. C. Yates, E. R. Coon.' Jonathan Peterson and A. L. Swartwont are the present deacons, and A. J. Kogers is clerk. The society has a membership of about 120, is out of debt, and owns a parsonage worth $2,000. The Snnday-school of the church is in a flourishing condition, and is superintended by Abram Swartwout. Methodist Episcopal Church. — The first Methodist organization within the limits of the township was at the house of Levi Camp, at Knox Grove, about thirty-five years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Pratt, Mr. and Mrs. John Skinner, Mr. and Mrs. Vertrees, Joseph, Miriam and Sarah Vertrees, Mrs. Levi Ellsworth, Mrs. Dr. Heatli, Mrs. John Clink, Joseph Knox and his family, were early members ; also Mr. and Mrs. John Barnes, Albert Linn and his wife. Skinner Pratt and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Wood. These parties were then living around or near Knox Grove. Nearly all of them were first members. For quite a number of years the society was supplied by circuit preachers. Elder Julian was a very early preacher in this vicinity. Milton Hana and U. P. Golliday were others. For several years meetings were held in the town hall at the village of Siiblette. W. H. Smith was one of the first pastors at the "Hall." In 1870 a church was built and was dedi- cated in 1871. The ministers of the church since have been : F. F. Farmiloe, Wni. A. Cross, Philo Gorton, T. C. Youngs, E. Brown, W. H. Records, and M. C. Smith (supplied). The oflBcers of the church at present are W. W. Ireland, W. R. Long, C. Brown, John H. Gen- try, trustees; W. R. Long, Mrs. W. W. Ireland, C. Brown, E. Lewis, Mrs. Joel Cook, Statira Crawford, stewards, and Ida Ireland, recording steward. But very few of the early members are left, they either having died or moved away. Congregational Church. — The organization of this society- was ef- fected April 20, 1871. Rev. E. Baker was the first pastor. Meetings were at first held in the town hall. The officers were : John Meth- ven and Elias Purdy, deacons ; Levi Mead, clerk ; Riissell M. Brown, treasurer. There were about thirty original members, among wliom were John Methven and wife, Mrs. Walter Morse, Mrs. Jane Ells, E. Purdy and wife, Russell Brown and his family, Wm. Brown and 252 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. wife, H. C. Chapman and wife, Levi Mead and wife. A few weeks after the organization of the society a church was begun, which cost about $5,000. The officers of the church are E. Purdy, jr., and Chas. Hatch, deacons ; Edward Fessenden, John Ton^tillott and E. Purdy, jr., trustees ; Clias. H. Ingals, treasurer E. Purdy, clerk. The first Sabbath-school was superintended by Kussell Brown, under whom it flourished. Mr. Edward Fessenden is the present superintendent. Ohuroh of the Evangelical Association of Worth America. — This 'society built their church in 1864, on the JST.W. i of Sec. 35, at a cost of $2,000. This is a branch from the church of the same denomina- tion at Perkins' Grove, Bureau county. The services are all in Ger- man. The preachers who officiate at this writing are the Eevs. Woehr and Fry, this being in the Perkins Grove circuit and Mendota district. The Sabbath-school in connection with the church has an average membership of about 55. J. C. Spoil man is the superintendent. The trustees are Messrs. Barth, Richert and. Speilman. The membership at present consists of a dozen or more families. Roman Catholic Church. — The organization of this church was effected in the fall of 1848. Meetings were first held at the house of Bartholomew Tlieiss. Among the first families of the church were the Steins, Katzenbargers, Theisses, Beckers, Smiths, Lauer, Krebs, and others. Rev. N. Steele was the first priest. In 1853 a church was built on Sec. 32, on land owned by A. Stein. A parsonage was also built. This burned in 1869, since which the church has not had a regular priest. The Catholic church built in the village of Sublette in 1868 is a branch of this, also the German Catholic church built a few years ago in May township. Only seven of the oi'iginal members are left, and meetings are held in the old church only a few times a year. Schools. — The school land was sold about 1850, and the town was soon divided into ten districts. On each of these is a good school- house. There is also a school in connection with the Catholic church at the village. As early as 1841 there was a Sunday-school started in the Tourtillott neighborhood. This was not in connection with any church. The prime movers in this .work were Father Tourtillott and Mrs. Angier. It was not continued more than a year or two. The first school was in a log house on Tom Fessenden's farm ; the next was in a slab building on the farm of Thomas Tourtillott. This was a structure used at first for preemption purposes, and was never intended for a school-house. It was afterward known as the " sheep pen." Maria Codman, of New York, was the first teacher here. The next school in this vicinity was taught in the winter by Joseph Carey in Mrs. Tourtillott's house ; and the next of any importance in Mrs. Rich- ardson's house by John Bacon, about 1850. The third school in the SUBLETl'E TOWNSHIP. 253 town of Sublette was in the log school-house on Sec. 5. Mrs. Olute, sister of Jonathan Peterson, taught the first summer school here about 1844. The winter school held here was for several years quite impor- tant, being well attended by an advanced class of students. WAR RECORD. Sublette has a war record of which her people are justly proud. According to the population and area, it seems almost incredible that 60 many men should have been furnished within the short space of four and a half years. From the beginning to the close of the great civil war Sublette sent fathers and sons into the service, till her ener- gies seemed *all but exhausted. When the great struggle was nearly ended, and the town shorn of its strength, a number of men were hired ; nearly all of them from outside of the township. The quota of troops for Sublette was 204, fourteen of whom were veterans. Of the veterans who first enlisted from within the township but two were afterward hired, the others having volunteered their services. The Lee Oounty Guards. — Designated as Co. F, 12th Inf, was mustered into the military service September 20, 1878, by Maj. W. G. Coulter, with a membership of sixty-one men, which augmented till, at its annual inspection and muster, March 31, 1879, it numbered ninety-eight, and 103 at the annual inspection and muster, March 31, 1880 ; thirty-four more than any other infantry company in the State of Illinois. The Guards have been the recipients of many invitations to par- ticipate in public demonstrations and ceremonies, among which were decoration of soldiers' graves by the citizens of Mendota, May 80, 1879 ; the Guards being escort for procession, and were handsomely entertained by the city. They encamped with the 3d reg. I.N.G., at Freeport, July 3, 4 and 5, 1879, being entertained by the public. They encamped four days with the 1st brig. I.N.G., in September 1879, at South Park, Chicago, at which time eighty-one men reported for duty. On November 5, at a reception tendered Gen. Grant by the citizens of Mendota, the Guards had the honor of being the first military company to receive and escort the general in Illinois after his tour around the world. On July 4, 1880, at a celebration in Amboy, they escorted the procession and were guests of the city. Having accepted an invitation, to attend the twenty-fitth annual fair of the northwest, held at Sterling, Sep- tember 14, 15, 16, and 17, the company was entertained with princely hospitality by the management of the association. At this time it escorted Gen. Grant and other gentlemen of national reputation, among whom were Gov. Cullom and Gen. Logan. On account of 254 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. their discipline and military precision strangers mistook the Guards for soldiers from the regular army. The commissioned officers are Chas. H. Ingals, captain; William Deter, first lieutenant ; Phillip H. Schwab, second lieutenant. A large proportion of non-commissioned officers and a number of privates were soldiers in the late war. The rank and file^ by their persistent and determined effort to excel, have succeeded in attaining proficiency and excellence in military discipline and tactics for which they have, without an exception, received com- mendation and profuse compliments from the assistant superintendent general whenever paraded for inspection, and are now rated as one of the best companies of the Illinois ISTational Guard. Its property is valued at $4,000, secured without outside assistance (except about $100). It consists of an iron-roofed armory, which contains drill-room, gun-room, officers' quarters, dining-room and kitchen, and is one of the best in Illinois. The organization is a grand success, and an honor to itself, the locality in which it exists, and the county it represents. The armory is 40x96 feet, one and two stories high. Musical instruments, colors, munitions, etc. BIOGRAPHICAL. Jonathan Petekson, farmer, Sublette, is one of a family of three boys and eight girls. He was born in Truxton, Courtland county. New York, in 1812. His parents, Jonathan and Doretha (Smith) Peterson, were born in Franklin county, Massachusetts. His mother was of Irish descent. He was reared a farmer, and enjoyed the benefits of a common school education. He came west in 1836 via the Erie canal. Lake Erie, and across Michigan afoot to Chicago, where he stopped one week; thence to Ottawa, La Salle county. Here he spent the winter of 1836-7, whence he come directly to Lee county in the following spring, and settled in Lee Center township, near its southern boundary, nearly opposite his present home in Sec.4, Snblette,having moved across the line about twenty-five years ago. In the fall of 1837 Mr. Peterson went back east and was married to Percis Avery, of Connecticut. With his bride our subject came to his western home in the spring of 1838. In these early days Mr. Peterson hauled much produce to Chi- cago ; in 1840 he took up a load of wheat, and brought back his parents and their family (except one sister), who had come on from the east. He has had five children : Francis Augusta, born April 1839, was a gradu- ate of the first class of the state normal school. Normal, Illinois ; was married July 1862 to E. A. Gastman, her classmate, and now a prom- inent educator and principal of schools, Decatur, Illinois. She died in the winter of 1863. Before her marriage she taught in Normal and SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 255 Decatur. Alice M., born in the fall of 1840 ; in March, 1863, married to W. F. Hoyt ; died of consumption in the latter part of 1863. Mr. Hoyt is now residing in Clinton, Iowa. Emeline W. was born in May 1842, second wife of A. J. Biddle, her second husband, a native of In- diana, and a veteran of the Union army in the late rebellion. Myron J. was born in April 1844. In September, 1862, he enlisted at Dixon in the 75th 111. "Vols.; was wounded at Perryville, and was sent back to the hospital at New Albany, Indiana, reentered his regiment June 1863; was in the iSth III. Vols, until the close of the war. Myron was in the following engagements: Chickamauga, Chattanooga, with Sherman to Atlanta, and back with Thomas to Tennessee. In 1873 he took up a soldier's claim in Nebraska, where with his wife he is now liv- ing. Walter A. was born in April 1852, is married and living in Wis- consin, having gone to that state in March 1881. The subject of this sketch has twice been supervisor of Sublette,having held that office three years. In an early day he was elected justice of the peace for Lee Center township, but did not qualify for the oflBce. He is a repub- lican and a deacon of the Baptist church, of which he and his wife are prominent members. Mrs. Peterson, daughter of Elisha and Percis (Pease) Avery, was born 1811. Her father was born in Massachusetts, her mother in Connecticut. Her ancestors on both sides are a long-lived •race. Her mother's grandfather was born in Ireland, her father's peo- ple were from England. Her uncle, Walter Pease, aged ninety-eight, is living on the Connecticut river, near Hartford, where seven genera- tions of the Pease family have lived. He is active yet and walks all over his farm. Her grandfather and grandmother on both sides lived to be over eighty years old. At one time her father had four widowed sisters, all more than eighty years old, living in Hartford, Connecticut. Mr. Biddle, the son-in-law of Mr. Peterson, is an industrious, self-made man. He left his home when he was eleven years old, and began foy himself. He was a lumberman twelve years in Indiana. He has farmed in Lee Center township ; is a republican and a member of ih%^ Baptist church. He was born in 1835. Chaelotte (Field) Baikd was born in Worcester county, Massa- chusetts, in 1811. Her mother, Martha Hitchcock, was born in 1868, and her mother's mother and father were born in 1742 and 1740 respect- ively. The name of the latter was David. Mrs. Baird has a brother and a sister: Seth, born in 1802, living in Massachusetts, and Adeline O. (Mrs. Baldwin), born in 1807, is living in La Salle county, Illinois, with Elmer Baldwin, her husband, and author of a history of La Salle county. Charlotte Field was married in December 1832, to Daniel Baird, born in Tioga county, New York, in 1806. Mr. Baird was rear- ed a merchant and had a common school education. He came to La- 256 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Salle county in 1836, via Buffalo, Detroit and Chicago. Mrs. Baird and her sister came in the fall of the same year, via the Ohio and St. Louis. In 1839 Daniel Baird and his family came to Lee county, Sublette, and settled within a few rods of where Elijah Austin now lives, on the old mail route from Pern to Grand Detour; he took up a claim for a large tract of land. Then there was no house between his place and Troy Grove, thirteen miles southeast, in La Salle, and only one between there and La Moille. Here was the first post-office in Sub- lette, called Brookfield, and afterward Hanno. Mr. Baird was widely and favorably known ; -he was the first supervisor of Sublette, and held the same office in 1858 ; he was county commissioner from 1844 to 1846 inclusive. In his house the first town meeting for Sublette was held. Baird's first house contained two twelve-pane windows and a stairway to the second floor, and compared with the greased-paper-window and peg-iadder-log-house, was considered by some rather stylish. He died in March 1866, and was buried in the family burial-ground. His fam- ily are : Marianne, born in 1838 (Mrs. Henry Chapman), living in Sublette township; Caroline (Mrs. Newton Pumphrey), 1843; Seth F., 1846. The latter is married and living on the homestead in Sec. 19, and with him Mrs. Baird is living. !N"ewton Pumphrey is a tin- smith in the village of Sublette. William Dextee, farmer, Sublette, was born in Canada, December^ 1831 ; he is the son of Elisha and Mary (Kane) Dexter, and the second in a family of eight. His mother, born in Ireland, came to Canada when she was about three years old. His father was born in New York state, and several of his people were in the revolution. Elisha Dexter was a radical in McKinzie's rebellion in Canada in 1837, and was in Michigan during the latter part of 1837. In 1838 he left Canada, after selling his farm near Toronto at a great sacrifice, and came to Illinois with his family. On their way they were all sick in Michigan, where his wife died. They arrived in Lee county in No- vember 1839, and settled about a mile east of Binghamton, where they staid a short time ; from here they moved to May township, where, after a little, Mr. Dexter bought a claim from John Dexter, his uncle, who came to Lee county in 1835. In 1846 he left this place, moved to the central part of the township, and bought a claim of 200 acres now owned by Jake Baker. Mr. Dexter, sr., died about 1858. In 1852 William Dexter married Martha Coleman, of Pennsylvania, whose people had- come to Lee county about 1848. William had obtained a common school training, often going several miles to school. In 1858 he bought the W. i of S.W. J Sec. 4, Sublette, from Lewis Clapp for $2,400, having previously owned land and farmed in May and Lee Center townships. He has since bought land in Sees. 8 and 9^ SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 257 and now owns over 200 acres. In August 1862 Mr. Dexter enlisted in the 75th 111. Vols., Co. E, Captain Frost, of Lee Center. During his entire service of nearly three years he was off duty only five days (in regimental hospital). Mr. Dexter drove a team about three months ; drove an ambulance at Stone River, Liberty Gap, Chickamauga, Dal ton, Resaca and Rome ; here he was commissioned commissary sergeant of an army train, of which he had entire charge at Atlanta, and back with Thomas to Tennessee. Jffe was discharged June 29, 1865. Mr. Dexter has nine children : Eliza, born 1853 ; Etta M., 1855 ; Emma, 1857; Otta, 1861; William,'l866 ; Ira, 1868; John, 1870; Margaret, 1872; Fred, 1874 (Martha, born 1859, died 1864). Etta is a graduate of the IS'orthwest College, at ISTaperville ; here Otta attended two years. Mr. Dexter has been nine years road commissioner, was chairman of the Garfield club of Sublette, is first lieutenant of the Lee county guards, and with his wife and four eldest daughters is a member of the Baptist church. Alpheus H. Clink, farmer, Sublette, was born in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, in 1829, and was brought up to farming. His parents were William and Rebecca (Hulburt) Clink. His father was born in New York, and was descended from German ancestors. His mother was born in Pennsylvania, and her grandfather was German, while her grandmother was Scotch. Of a family of six Alpheiis was the third. He was educated at the common schools, and with the whole family came to Lee county in August 1843. His father bought a claim in Lee Center township from William Church ; lived here a few years, and was engaged much of the time in teaming to Chicago, chiefiy for Geo. E. Haskell, store-keeper at Inlet. In 1848 the family came to the N.W. J Sec. 12, Sublette, and entered the same. About this time the eldest daughter, Mrs. Lucretia Sawyer, died. The youngest boy died in 1854 of typhoid fever. In 1856 William Clink, the father, died of con- sumption, and was buried in Bradford cemetery, where the son and daughter had been laid. Margaret (Mrs. Canfield) died in Marshall- town, Iowa, in 1857. Isaac M. Clink is farming in Iowa. He is well known in this and Bureau county, having been a justice of the peace in both. In 1852 Alpheus Clink built an 18x20 frame house on the south "eighty" of the homestead. He has since bought sixty acres south of that. In 1879 he erected a fine dwelling, cost about $1,800. He was first married in 1850, to Julia A. Canfield, by whom he had one son, now living in Greene county, Iowa. His wife died in Decem- ber 1854. His second wife, Melissa M. Robinson, born in Ohio in 1837, has given birth to five children : Nina (Mrs. John Ellsworth), born September 1866, William H., 1857, Frank E., 1859, Harry, Janu- ary 1869, and Sarah, December 1870. Mr. Clink is a republican. 258 HI8T0RY OF LEE COUNTY. Alpheus Crawford, tlio fatlier of Greo. M. Crawford, the subject of tliis sketch, was born December 28, 1798, in Lucerne (now Brad- ford) county, Pennsylvania. His grandparents on iiis father's side were born and married in Scotland. His father and mother were born in Connecticut, and the parents of the latter were English. Dnring the revolution his father belonged to a guard of minute men at New Haven, Connecticut, and he witnessed Burgoyne's surrender. In 1844 Alpheus Crawford with a family of six children came west with a team and wagon via Buffalo, Lake Erie.by boat, and across Michigan directly to Knox Grove, where seven or eight families were then living. He bought of widow Pratt, for $75, a claim of theN.E. J of S-W.^Sec. 13, and a " forty " just east of the same. ;, There was a log house on the place, and about seven acres were broken. He is still living here. Geo. M. Crawford, born December 19, 1825, was the second in a family of seven. His mother was Marsha Skinner, born June 1803. George received a common school education and in the spring of 1845 took a claim of the E. -J- ofN.W. J Sec. 13, and an "eighty" east of the same. In the spring of 1849 he built a frame house, partly with lumber hauled from Chicago with a team. He was married the same year to Mrs. Lydia A. Dewey, daughter of Levi Camp, an old settler at Knox Grove. This lady died in 1852, and in December, 1869, Mr. Crawford married Maria J., daughter of Stephen Clink, an early settler in Bradford town- ship. Three children are the offspring of this union : Milo H., born October, 1861 ; Norval M., born October 1863, Clara M., May 1870. In 1862 Mr. Crawford bought of Daniel Pratt the IST.W. J of S.W. i Sec. 13, at $30 per acre. He has also purchased the "W. -J- of N. W. i Sec. 13, at $58 per acre. In 1868 he built a house at a cost of S2,000, and a barn in 1877 at a cost of $1,200. Mr. Crawford is a repablicau, and his wife is a member of the Congregational church. Edwaed M. Lewis, wagon-maker and blacksmith, Sublette, was born in Broom county, Massachusetts, December 1844. He is the son of Joseph W. and Elsie (Shutts) Lewis, the latter of German descent. His father was from Vermont, and was a carpenter by trade. Edward was the eldest of four children, of whom two are now living. He worked on a farm until he was nineteen years old. In the meantime he obtained a common school education. He came with his yjarents to Lee county in 1845, first to Nachusa, thence in 1853 to Amboy, where they have since had a residence. He learned carriage wood-work of H. Sweet, of Amboy. Was married in 1868 to Sarah Tate, born of English parentage in 1851. Two boys have been born to them: How- ard, in 1871, and Henry, 1876. Mr. Lewis began in Sublette in 1869. He owns property to the value of about $1,000 and is doing a good business, chiefly wagon and carriage repairing. He is a republican, a DECEASED. SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 261 member and officer of the Methodist Episcopal church, and belongs to the Lee county guards. His wife is a Baptist. Nelson F. Swaetwout, farmer, Sublette, brother of Abram Swart- wout, was born in Eock Island county, Illinois, in 1844. He attended tlie Lee Center Academy as well as a commercial school ; enlisted at Dixon, October 1864, in the 34th 111. Inf; went into Tennessee, was first engaged at Nashville, and was there wounded. After being in the hospital a month and spending another at home on furlough, he was sent via New York to his regiment at Goldsboro, North Carolina, skirmished a little in this vicinity, and was mustered out July 12, 1865, at Louisville, Kentucky, having previously witnessed the grand review of Grant's and Sherman's armies at Washington. Mr. Swartwout has, at dififerent times, been engaged in teaching school. He was married, October, 1869, to Amelia Nettleton, of Massachusetts. They have three children : Walter E.., Mina L. and Nellie A. His farm of 170 acres in S.W. J of Sec. 3 is well tilled and valuable. Mr. Swartwoiit votes the republican ticket, belongs to the Sublette Baptist church, and is a frank, outspoken man. Abeam L. Swaetwout, farmer, Sublette, was born October 20, 1841, in Rock Island county, Illinois. He is one of four children of Nelson J. and Abagail Ricker Swartwout : Abram L., Nelson F., Frank E. (de- ceased), and Hattie (Mrs. Wright). His father came to Illinois from Otsego county. New York, about 1836. His mother was born in San- gamon county, Illinois. After living in Lee Center township about ten years the family moved to Sublette in 1855. The senior Swart- wout built here, and was the first lumber dealer and grain buyer in Sublette. He had built the first blacksmith shop in Lee Center town- ship. This was on the old Chicago road from Dixon. Mr. Swartwout hauled lumber from Chicago to build his house in Lee. Center. Frank, nine years old at his death, was killed by a horse in Sublette in 1856. Abram L. Swartwout received an academic education. He enlisted September 21, 1861, in Co. D, 34th 111. Inf, at Springfield, Illinois. He went into Kentucky, came up with Buell's command at Shiloh the second day of the fight, afterward went to near Chattanooga, then fell back to Louisville when Bragg threatened Cincinnati. He was cap- tured about the time of the engagement at Perryville, but was soon paroled. Early in 1863 was again in service. At Liberty Gap, Jun6 1863, he was brigade inspector's clerk ; was captured at Chikamauga, and was a prisoner seven months in Richmond and Danville, Yirginia. June 10, 1864, Mr. Swartwout joined his regiment on the Atlanta cam- paign. He was mustered out September 1864, reenlisted March 1865, in the 4th U. S. Yeterans, Hancock's corps. During most of his latter service he was a detailed clerk in the war department. Finally mustered 16 262 HISTOEY OF LEE COtTNTY. out April 1866. Mr. Swartwout was married to Carrie E. Thayer, of Massachusetts, September 1866. He settled on the homestead, where he now resides, having previously been one year in business with A. L. Wilder, in Sublette, and two years in the grocery business in Men- dota, Illinois. He now has a farm of 240 acres, Sec. 4, S.E. ^ and S. i of N.E. i. His family are Frank A., Edith L. and Hattie May. He is a prominent republican, a deacon of the Sublette Baptist church, quartermaster sergeant of the 12th I.IT.G.and withal an intelligent, un assuming gentleman. Chas. H. Ingals, farmer, Sublette, son of Charles F. and Sarah (Hawkins) Ingals, was born March 11, 1846, in Lee county, Illinois, and was brought up to farming. Besides going to the common schools he took a partial course in the normal school at Normal, Illinois. He enlisted at Dixon in 1862, but was rejected because he was too young and too small. In the fall of 1863 he entered Co. A., 75th 111. Inf., w^ent with his regiment to Tennessee, from Chattanooga to Atlanta, was with Sherman at the capture of Atlanta, came back with Thomas to Tennessee, was in the engagements at Franklin and Spring Hill, November 30, and at Nashville in December 1864. Mr. Ingals was then detailed by the medical directory to the 1st division of the 4th Army Corps, was transferred to the 21st 111. reg. in June 1865 ; went to New Orleans the next month, and thence, in August 1865, to San Antonio, Texas, where he remained until he received orders to be mus- tered out. From January till June 10, 1865 he was in the office of the medical directory. He was afterward in the provost guards, 4th corps army headquarters, and the provost marshal general's office at St. Antonio, which position he held until the expiration of his service, De- cember 25, 1865. In May, 1865, Mr. Ingals received a sergeant's com- mission. Hewasin the engagements at Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Nashville, Franklin, and others. He is now captain of Co. F., 12th Inf Illinois national guards (see Lee county guards), also commander of Lee county post No. 65 of G.A.R., headquarters at Am- boy. Mr. Ingals is a republican, and belongs to the order of Masons. His farm of 200 acres is in Sec. 10. His residence is about half a mile from the village of Sublette, and was built in 1870 at a cost of $3,400. Previous to his settlement here he was engaged in mercantile business at Rocky Falls, Whitesides county. Was married in March 1871, to Mary I. Morse, who came with her parents from Massachusetts to Illi- nois in 1869. She was born in Natick, Massachusetts, December 10, 1854. The oflPspring of this marriage are five children : Herbert F.,, Grace M., Neva May., Walter F. and Fred. M. Mr. Ingals is a thrifty farmer and an enterprising citizen. He has an attractive home with, beautiful environments, and seems to enjoy life. SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 263 Sherman L. Hatch, father of Charles L. Hatch, the subject of this sketch, was born in Cavendish, Windsor county, Yermont, in 1807. He was tlie son of Sherman and Caroline (Lovell) Hatch, of the same place. His grandfather on the father's side lived in Hartford, Con- necticut, and his mother's father was one of the earliest settlers in Cav- endish, Termont. His father owned a small farm and was a hatter. Sherman was the oldest of twelve children, of which only he and four sisters are living. He received what was then called a common school education, and in the spring of 1837 came west to Chicago, thence to Milwaukee, and from there to Janesville, "Wisconsin. From there, with seven others, he went down the Rock river in a boat, stopping at Rockford, Dixon and Prophetstown. Mr. Hatch remained over night in Iowa, opposite the mouth of the Rock, and then next day started up the river to Dixon, and arrived there in June. From there he went to Charles F. Ingals', who had , settled in Lee Center in 1836. On his way he stopped at the house of Mr. Whittaker, Lee Center, the only home seen since he left Dixon. Mr. Hatch came to Sublette, Sec. 7, in the southwest part of which was an abandoned claim and an unfinished log house, which he occupied and completed. He re- turned in the fall of 1837 to Vermont, and married Lucy Brown in the spring of 1838. Returning to his claim he found it occupied. He appealed to the squatter tribunal ; the decision was that he (Hatch) should pay $150 to the occupant in consideration of tillage and other improvements made during his absence ; or if Hatch chose, the occu- pant might pay him $125 and retain possession. Our subject paid the $150, and reentered his humble dwelling. During the summer of 1838 mother earth was the first floor of his cabin ; the second, consist- ing of split rails covered with corn stalks, was for company. Mr. Hatch claimed a half-section of prairie and 240 acres of timber in May and Sublette townships; but when the land was sold he bought only an eighty (in May town), having loaned considerable sums of money which he could not collect. He has since bought the W. ^ of N.W. J Sec. 18, Sublette, and soon after the E. i of the same, where, in 1846, he built a 16x20 frame house, and in 1852 he built a brick house and a large barn ; the lumber for the latter was all hauled from Chicago. Mr. Hatch lost his wife in November 1876 ; all of their four children are married : Harriet L. (Mrs. Gardner) was born December 1839 ; Caroline L. (Mrs. James Garrett), December 1840 ; Julia A. (Mrs. J. W. Latta, Dixon), December 1845 ; Charles L., 1848. The latter was married in 1874, to Catharine Barse, of Detroit, Michigan. Their family are Lucy M., born April 1875, and Harry L., May 1877. Mr. 0. L. Hatch has recently bought land in Sees. 17 and 18, adding to the large tract only partially described in thi6 sketch. He taught 264 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. scliool two winters; he is now living on the liomestead. He is a dea- con of the Sublette Congregational church ; his wife is a Unitarian. His father is a republican, and in an early day was a captain in the Vermont militia. Joel Cook, farmer, Sublette, was born in Otsego county, New York, in 1828, and was raised a farmer. He came west with his peo- in 1845, learned the carpenter and shoemaker trades in Lee county, though he had worked at the latter a little in the east. He went over- land to the Far West in 1850, was in California and Oregon nearly four years, came back, and married Emily Strickland, of Pennsylvania, in the fall of 1855, her parents having come to Lee county in 1849. Mr. Cook bought eighty acres of land from his brother John for $1,700, and went to farming, the next spring, in the S.E. ^ Sec. 8. He built a 16x24 house. He has since purchased 110 acres in Sees. 5 and 9, at a cost of $4,000. In 1875 Mr. Cook put up a house at a cost of $1,800. His family are Lacon, born in 1863, and Katie, born 1871.' His wife belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a repub- lican and a Mason, but was formerly an Odd-Fellow. In an early day he used to go to Chicago much with an ox team ; once he was gone forty days. In the meantime, however, he took some emigrants out to Iowa. Daniel Cook, father of the above, was born in New York, on Van Rensselaer's grant, in 1802. He was the second in a family of seven. He had five uncles killed in the revolution. His parents, Simeon and Polly (Baldwin) Cook, moved to Pennsylvania when he was three years old. He went to school only about two weeks, but was taught at home. He married, in 1823, Phoebe Eouse, and lived in Pennsylvania until he came west. Their family consists of four chil- dren living : Samuel, born 1824 ; Joel, born 1826 ; John J., born 1830 ; Lydia, born 1836. On his arrival in Lee county with his family in 1845, Mr. Cook, during the first winter, lived with Daniel Trip at Inlet creek ; the next year on Thomas Fessenden's farm, after which he settled on the S.E. i Sec. 8. For this John J. Cook had a warrant, having been a soldier in the Mexican war. John is now living in Council Bluflfs, Iowa. Samuel was in the late rebellion, and received injuries at Perryville, from which he has never recovered, though he was not in the engagement. He is now living with his family in Cherokee county, Kansas, and is engaged in farming. Mr. Cook and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. The former is an Odd- Fellow, and the latter belongs to the Eebeccas. Mr. Cook was an old- time democrat, but voted for Abe Lincoln, and has since voted the re- publican ticket. He can remember seeing the soldiers of the war of 1812, in which was one of his cousins. He and his wife are now liv- ing with their daughter, Mrs. Scofield, in Sublette. SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 265 Wm. "W. Ieeland, farmer, Sublette, was born in Harrison county, western Virginia, in 1826. He is the son of Jonathan and Eliza (Boring) Ireland, both of "Maryland. He was brought up to farming, his father's occupation, and received a common-school education. His people moved to Clinton county, Ohio, when he was a year old ; here they lived a few years ; thence to Bureau county, Illinois, where his father bought a claim. "William Ireland came to Sublette in 1850, and bought of Stiles and Eustace for $130, a warrant for the S.W. ^ Sec. 23. The same year he bought twenty acres of timber. He now owns 215 acres of land, having bought the last in 1876. For several years Mr. Ireland lived with his brother on the N.W. ^ Sec. 23. He built on his own land in 185Y, was married in the fall of 1856 to Sarah Yer- trees, who was born in Indiana in 1833. They have had seven chil- dren, five of whom are living: Theodore F., born' September 1857; Ida E., born December 1858 ; Delia J., born August 1860 ; Miriam A., born March 1862 ; Fay, born September 1865 (died April 1880) ; "Willie, born March 1864 (deceased) ; Chas. A., born 1868. In poli- tics Mr. Ireland is a liberal republican. Mrs. Ireland is a member and officer of the Sublette Methodist Episcopal church. She taught school in an early day in the vicinity of Knox Grove, named after her mother's people, who were early settlers there. Her great-grandfather Knox came from Scotland, and settled in North Carolina. Her father's father was in the war of 1812. Her mother's grandfather (Brooks) was all through the revolution. John Knox, her uncle, when above fifty years old went with three sons and a son-in-law from Lee county, Missouri, into the federal army of the rebellion. He died in 'the hospital at Nashville. One of the boys, wounded at Allatoona, Georgia, went home, and was replaced by his youngest brother. None of the other four ever returned from the battle-fields. Emekson W. Pattest, railroad agent, Sublette, was born September 25, 1826, in Greenwich, Hampshire county, Massachusetts. He is the youngest of four children of Calvin and Laura (Warrener) Patten, Mrs. R. H. Millen, of Amboy, being the eldest. His father was from Connecticut ; his mother was born in Massachusetts. There is a tra- dition that three Patten brothers came from Scotland very early in the history of our country, one landing near Boston, one near New York, and the other in Ehode Island. " Great Uncle Billy " Patten was a revolutionary hero, and until he was almost a hundred walked annually to Taunton, Massachusetts, a distance of eight miles, to draw his pension. Emerson Patten was raised a farmer, and lived in his native town till 1853 when he came west to Amboy. Here he dealt in books and jewelry, but chiefly in real estate, losing heavily in the latter business in 1858. He lived in Amboy till 18T3; was one year 266 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. in Freeport, Illinois, and in 1874 came to Sublette, where he has since been employed by the Illinois Central Kailroad Company. He was married in the fall of 1859 to Lucy E. Morse, born in New York. Three children are the fruit of their marriage : Alfred E., born Decem- ber 1864; Calvin E., November 1866; Lena, September 1860. Mr. Patten is a Mason and a republican, and since he was nineteen years old he has belonged to the Congregational church. Alfred L. Wilder, merchant, Sublette, was born in Conway, Frank- lin county, Massachusetts, in 1825. He is the son of Joshua and La- vina (Long) Wilder, of the same county, and his mother's mother was a revolutionary pensioner. He was raised a farmer, staying with his father till he was twenty years old ; and was educated at the Shel- burne Falls Academy, Shelburne, Franklin county, in which town both his parents were born, and he lived from his early youth. In 1854 Mr. Wilder came to Chicago; he clerked one year in Putnam county, where he was married to Mrs Elvira Hewitt, of Franklin county, Massachusetts, born in 1826. In 1854 he bought land in Iowa. In 1855 he settled in Sublette, and built a store. Mr. Wilder is now do- ing a large business, carrying a stock of about $10,000. He occupies the store began in 1855, to which he has added from time to time, the last improvement in 1877, and which is now worth about $3,000. His house was built in 1865 or 1866 at a cost of $2,500. His children are : Wm. A., born 1856 ; Nellie M., 1858, married T. F. Ireland, son of W. W. Ireland, and is now living in Mills county, Iowa ; Raymond A., 1862. Both sons are working with their father in his business, a general dry-goods, grocery, boot and shoe trade. William is married. Mr. and Mrs. Wilder, the parents, are members of the Baptist church. Mrs. A. L. Wilder's father, Horace Benton, a native of Massachusetts, who has lived in Sublette since 1855, is in his eighty-sixth year, and possesses remarkable mental and physical vigor for one so old. Mes. Haeribt L. Gardner, daughter of Sherman L. Hatch, and widow of Dr. Francis B. Gardner, was born on the homestead in De- cember 1839. She went to the common school but three months ; was sent to Lee Center and Janesville, Wisconsin, to school, and com- pleted her education at a private school in West Chester county. New York. She taught school a few terms, and was married to Mr. Gard- ner in 1861. He had received his education at the Bridgewater, Mass- achusetts Normal school, and was a graduate from the Cincinnati Ec-, lectic Medical School. He afterward graduated from a homcEopathic school in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Gardner was born in February 1822, in Swansea, Massachusetts. His father was a sea-captain, and Francis was the youngest but one in a family of ten. He settled in Sublette in 1861. He had been in California most of the time since 1849, SUBLEITE TOWNSHIP. 267 working mines or practicing medicine, iiaving returned -tliree times from that country. In 1863 he bought from Elder Morrison the house where his family are living in the village of Sublette, a little west of the Baptist church. At that time he purchased two lots, since increased to five acres of farm land. His heirs now own in May and Sublette townships to the amount of 160 acres. Two hoys and a girl are the fruit of his marriage: Seraphine, born July 1862; Frank, March 1864 ; Charles, November 1865. In November, 1880, the doc- tor met a cruel and unexpected death ; he was tossed by a bull and fell on the back of his hea,d, from the effect of which he died the third day after the accident. He was a hearty, rather stout man, and had never experienced any sickness worth mention. He and his wife were Epis- copalians, though the latter recently united with the Congregational church, there being no Episcopal church in Sublette. He joined the Masons about a year before he died ; he was a brother of Dr. Charles Gardner, an early settler in Nachusa township, Frank Thompson, hardware merchant, Sublette, was born in La Salle county, Illinois, in 1853. His father, John B., was born in Ohio in 1825 ; his mother, Clementine Eastman, in Maine in 1822. They came west in 1844, lived about a year in Bureau county, then settled in La Salle county, Ophir township, wliere Mr. Thompson took up a claim. In 1853 he took a contract to grade a part of the Illinois Central railroad between Amboy and Sublette; he came to Sublette in 1867. Frank Thompson is one of a family of three boys and two girls. He was raised a farmer, and was graduated from the Yalparaiso (Indiana) Commercial School. For a time he was a clerk in Amboy ; went with his eldest brother, in the spring of 1875, to California, where they worked a mine. Frank came back in the winter of 1876-7, and began in the hardware business in Sublette in 1878, under the firm name of F. A. Thompson & Co. He now has a stock of $2,500. Mr. Thompson was made postmaster at Sublette, February 1881. He is a Baptist, and a member of the Lee county guards. He was mar- ried October 28, 1880, to Stella S., daughter of James Dexter, and sister of Mrs. William Wilder. Peescott Baetlett, farmer, Sublette, was born in Conway, Franklin county, Massachusetts, August 19, 1821. His father, born in-1789, was a tanner by trade, and raised a company during the war of 1812. His mother, Narcissa Eobinson, was born 1787. Mr. Bartlett came west in 1844, to Du Page county, Illinois, and soon after to Sublette, taking a claim of a quarter-section on Sec. 20, a part of which is now owned by H. C. Chapman. After living here about five -years he weqt to Bureau county and bought a farm. He now owns and lives upon the E.f Sec. 17, Sublette, having bought it in 1850 from 268 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. • William Erskine for $500. In 1868 he built a fine residence of Batavia stone at a cost of $12,000. Having passed. through Texas and Arkansas in 1855, he became convinced that war was imminent ; he studied cavalry tactics in the winter of 1860, and in the following spring began to raise a cavalry company. He took several horses from his own farm, giving one to a hired man as an inducement for him to enlist. Mr. Bartlett enlisted in June 1861 ; was sworn into service August 7, and received a captain's commission in Co. 0, 7th 111. Cav. The company, when mustered, numbered about ninety-eight, about twenty-five or thirty of whom were from Sublette; the rest chiefly from Mendota, Amboy, and Lee Center. They went first into Mis- souri, thence through Kentucky and Tennessee, early in 1862. In September 1862 the 7th cavalry was encamped at Tuscumbia, Ala- bama, at which time Co. C was detached as special escort to Gen. John M. Palmer, in which service they continued until January 1864. They were in all the hard fighting of the Kosecrans^ campaign, the battle of Stone Eiver being their first general engagernent. They did gallant service at Missionary Ridge, and were in much skirmishing, especially at and near Nashville. Capt. Bartlett was six weeks presi- dent of a military commission at Memphis. That he was not pro- moted during his service was from no lack of merit. He escaped promotion more than once through accidental circumstances, over which he had no control. To his worth as a true soldier many freely testify. He was married January 4, 1849, to Caroline Whitney, born in Warren county, Ohio (her father was from Maine, her mother, Ohio). Of their eight children four are living, the others having died young : Silas Wilton, born March 1853 ; Eugene P., born March 1858 ; Howard, born November 1865 ; Cora May, born March 1869. Wil- ton, was admitted to the bar in May 1881. Eugene is a master pen- man. Both have attended school at Normal, Illinois, a considerable time. Mr. Bartlett has been a stirring, industrious man and has seen much of the world. He has traveled widely in the purchase and sale of horses, having gone to Boston and Providence several times, for the latter purpose. In an early day he was elected constable, and was a deputy under sheriff Campbell at the time of the famous " banditti " prosecutions. He is a Mason and a staunch repiiblican. Mr. Bartlett has always been a generous, public spirited man, identifying himself with every, progressive movement. ^ But for lack of space many an interesting anecdote might be related illustrative of his enterprise in civil life and his willingness to assume responsibility during his mili- tary career. Edwaed Febsenden, farmer, Sublette, was born April 4,- 1839, in Lee county. The Fessendens were among the very early settlers of SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 269 the Massachusetts colony. His father, Thomas Fessenden, was born in Fitzburg, New Hampshire, February 1, 1805, and was raised a farmer, being the son of William and Kebecca Fessenden, whose family con- sisted of three sons and four daughters. One of the latter, Mrs. Joel Jewett, settled with her husband on Sec. 18, a few years after Thomas and his family settled in Sublette. Mr. and Mrs. Jewett are both dead. In 1830 or 1831 Thomas Fessenden married Sarah Pearsons,born June 13, 1804. "With his brother-in-law, Addison G. Bragg, he came west in 1834, passing through Chicago, Peru, Illinois, and down the Illinois river to St. Louis, returning in the fall of the same year. In 1837 with his wife, three children, and his brother William, he came west again, directly to Lee county. They lived three months on the Blunt place, in Amboy township ; thence to Sublette, where they settled, William on Sec. 7, where John H. Long lives, and lived there till about 1852, when he sold to J. B. Wyman. Thomas settled on Sec. 8, and lived there till 1869. Selling out to his sons, he went to Missouri for his health, and thence after three years to Santa Barbara, California, where he now resides. Of the family of Thomas Fessenden but four of eleven are now living. Three died in infancy. The names of the others are Frederick A., born December 20, 1830 (died at the homestead Decem- ber 7, 1862); George F., January 24, 1833; Frances J., December 1, 1835 (deceased Novei^iber 16, 1867) ; Edward, April 4, 1839 ; Austin, October 7, 1842 (died June 22, 1862); Emeline and Caroline,twin sisters, May 24, 1844 (Emeline died February 5, 1866) ; Warren G., Decem- ber 14, 1846. George is living with his wife and two daughters in Kansas, whence he went from Lee county in 1878. Caroline (Mrs. Benj. Dexter) is living in Santa Barbara, California. All of the boys, except the youngest, served their country in the late rebellion. War- ren entered the 104th 111. Yols., in the one-hundred-days service. Edward and George enlisted in Co. E,75th 111., September 1862. George was with this company until he was mustered out, June 12, 1865. He was in the fighting at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Eidge, with Sher- man through Georgia to the sea, and around to Kichmond. Edward was transfered to the Veteran Keserve Corps, July 1863. Was at El- mira and Buffalo, New York, and afterward, except two months, was at Camp Douglas, Chicago, until he was mustered out, July 1865. The subject of this article was married February, 1862, to Harriet E. Dex- ter, youngest daughter of John Dexter, the first settler in Amboy township. Their family consists of three children living : Thomas E., born September 1862 (deceased January 1863); Francis D., born August 1867; James H., born January 1871; Stella, born July 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Fessenden are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Fessenden sold his farm, the old homestead, in the spring of 1881, 270 HISTOEY OF LEE COUNTY. and is going to California to reside. He is the last of the family in Sublette, and like all the rest is a republican. Ho will be greatly missed by his neighbors and friends, who have long known him as an upright and conscientious man. Waeeen Claeke, carpenter, Sublette, was born in Medfield, Nor- folk county, Massachusetts, February 22, 1825. His father, Jacob Clarke, was born in 1792 and died in 1865 ; he was of Scotch ancestry. His mother, Cyntha Ann Morse, born in 1795, is still living. His father was a fifer in- the war of 1812 ; he was a first cousin of the celebrated Lowell Mason, of Boston, to whose singing-school Warren went when a youth. Warren Clarke learned the carpenter's trade when eighteen years of age, having previously worked at shoemaking, his father's trade. He came west in 1854 to Mendota, Illinois; worked five years in a foun- dry there, and, except two years in the insurance business, he ,has since followed carpentering in Mendota and Sublette, having moved to the village of Sublette in 1877. While in Mendota he did many first- class jobs, building the west side school-house, besides many of the finest stores and dwellings. He has been a Mason since 1862, and be- longs to the order of I.O.O.F. He has always been a republican. Mr. Clarke has been twice married : first, 1849, in Yermont, to Julia- etta L. Aldrich, by whom he had two children : a son, born February 1852 (deceased 1854), and a daughter, January 1857 (now Mrs. Allen, Mendota, Illinois). In 1876 he married his second wife, Melphia Stearns, of Sublette, his first having died in 1873. The fruits of this second marriage are two daughters : Mary, born June 15, 1877, and Lina Stearns, December 1878. John D. Touetillott, farmer, Sublette, was born June 26, 1827, in the town of Howland, Penobscot county, Maine. His father, Thomas Tourtillott, born in Orino, Maine, April 1786, was of French descent. His mother, Hannah Douglass, was born in Hancock coun- ty, Maine, April 1797, and was of Scotch ancestry. His grandfather was a " Eevolutioner." His parents were married in Howland, Maine, September 20, 1826. This was the second marriage of Thomas Tour- tillott, Charlotte Inman, by whom he had eight children, being his first wife. By his second wife he had seven children, of whom John is the eldest. In 1839 the Tourtillotts came west in two wagons drawn by three horses. There were fourteen in the company, and the journey occupied seventy days. They stopped at La Moille, Bureau county, and in the following year, 1840,. came to Sublette and settled on Sec. 31. Here the senior Tourtillotts lived till 1868, when they ceased housekeeping and went to live among their children. Hannah Tourtillott died March 19, 1878, at the residence of her son-in-law, Joseph Hodges, two miles north of Sublette. She bad reached the •SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 27 1 ripe age of nearly eighty-one years ; she had seen her family grow up and settle, some near her and others in Kansas, Iowa, California and elsewhere. She survived only one of her children, a son who died October, 1876. She was a devoted christian mother, having experi- enced religion at the age of seventeen. " She possessed an extraor- dinary self-sacrificing and sympathetic spirit for her family." In the following year, December 8, 1879, she was followed by her aged companion, who, in the ninety-fourth year of his life, went to meet her in the " better land." When twenty-three years of age he united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and "lived for many years an, active and zealous member, enforcing both by word and example the holy re- ligion he professed." John Tourtillott, the only one of his family left in Lee county, received a common school education, and was married October 5, 1856, to Mary Jane Dexter (deceased October 1878). Four children are the fruits of their wedded life : John Fremont, born July 1857 (deceased October 1858) ; Thomas A., September . 1858 ; Ella Mary, July 1862 ; and a deceased infant, born October 1864. He went with his family to California in 1869, with some view of remain- ing there, but returned in 1871. He is now living on the homestead on Sec. 3i. In politics he was an old-time whig, but he has been a republican since the organization of that party. He and his family are members of the Congregational church. • Newton Stanaed, farmer, Sublette, was born in Madison county, New York, November 1819. His father, Libeous Stanard, born in Yermont, was a farmer. His mother, Luceba Fay, was born in Con- necticut. They had a family of twelve, ten of whom are living. The father was in the war of 1812, and was at Sacket's Harbor some time in the fall of 1840. Libeous Stanard came west with hig family in two covered wagons to Perkins' Grave, Bureau county, to which Newton and his brother had come the year before. The family were six weeks on their way. They bought 160 acres of land, timber and prairie, from the widow of J. Kendall, some of which they afterward entered. In 1842 the mother and one son died with typhoid fever. The father survived till October 1859. Newton Stanard was married in Novem- ber 1844, to Emily Eeniff, who was born in New York state in 1823. Her parents, when she was an infant, moved back to Massachusetts, whence they came west. In the spring of 1847 Mr. Stanard bought ii-ora John Dement the S.E. 1 of Sec. 19, Sublette, and settled there. He hauled lumber from Chicago and built a liouse 24x30, with an addition 16x16. This was then one of the best in that vicinity, and is still in good condition. His family are : Charles, born February 1846; Ora, December 1852 ; Irvin, February 1857; Laura E., Sep- tember 1859; Adella, May 1861. They have all enjoyed good edu- 272 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. cational advantages, Ora being a graduate from the college at Naper- ville, Illinois. Charles enlisted, October 1864, in the 75th 111., Co. E, and was mustered out October 15, 1865. He was in the Hood campaign in Tennessee, and saw his first fighting at Nashville. During the lat- ter part of his service he was in Texas. He is married and living in Sublette ; has two children. All blit one of the family of Newton Stanard belong to the Baptist church. Of the first family mentioned, three own property in Bureau county, two of whom are living there. The rest are widely scattered. Seth F. Baied, farmer, Sublette, was born September 1846 ; son of Daniel and Charlotte (Field) Baird, early settlers in Sublette town- ship. He received a common schooling and took a commercial course at Aurora, Illinois ; was married June 12, 1870, to Amanda S. Thompson, of Lee county, who had come from West Virginia with her people the previous year. She died July 27, 1873, leaving two children : Carrie A. and Kobert Daniel (deceased infant). Mr. Baird was again mar- ried, February 4, 1875, to Martha A. Kees, of Indiana. She has given birth to one child : William M., born May 1876. The family are now living on the old homestead on Sec. 19. They are Methodists. Chas. D. Hubbard, painter, Sublette, was born in Lee county, May 4, 1846, and is the youngest son of Royal Prescott Hubbard, who was born in Sunderland, Mass., September 1805. The mother of the lat- ter, Lavinia Prescott, was one of a family of Prescotts noted in Ameri- can history, and who trace their lineage to a certain James Prescott, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, of England. Moses Hubbard was the father of Royal P. Hubbard, who is the eldest of a family of thir- teen, only four of whom are living. In 1827 he sailed from New York in company with forty-one young men from Connecticut and Massachusetts, and settled in Macon, Georgia, where he engaged in mercantile business till 1835, when he had to flee for his life, having too freely expressed his sentiments in regard to the atrocities of slavery. This was the first abolition excitement there, and the mob surrounded the home of our subject a few minutes after he left it and fied to Charleston and out of the South, of course losing all his property there. In 1838 he came to Princeton, Illinois, and in 1844 to Sublette, settling on Sec. 17. In 1842 he married Mary (Boring) Berkeley, a widow with four children, by whom he had four more, all of whom are living. Their mother died May 13, 1881. When the rebellion broke out Mr. Hubbard, having seen all the horrors of slavery, told his sons to " pitch in and clean them out." All of them, four in num- ber, went into the service, and the father also offered his life, but was rejected because of physical disability. Chas. Hubbard enlisted in the 75th 111., Co. E, Captain Frost; was in the battle of Perryville. In SUBLETTE TOWNSJaiP. 273 this engagement Co. E lost eleven killed, twenty-six wounded and two prisoners. He was in the fighting at Stone river, and under Hooker at Lookout Mountain ; was at Crawfish Springs as a flank in the battle of Chiekamauga ; was at Missionary Eidge, and with Sherman to a little below Atlanta. Came back with Thomas to Tennessee, and was in the fighting at ]S"ashville and Franklin. He was mustered out June 12, 1865, without a wound, and having won the reputation of being a splendid soldier, being especially noted for his intrepidity and love for foraging. He was married August 26, 1871, to Lida K. Anderson, of Dixon. Their issue are: Louis P., March 1873; Mary G., August 1875 ; John, June 1878. Mr. Hubbard is living near the village of Sublette. James Black, farmer, Sublette, was born January 1823, in the province of Leinster, Ireland. His parents, John and Charlotte (Pilk- ington) Black, had a family of seven children, and James Black was educated for the ministry of the English Episcopal church at Trinity College, Dublin, leaving that institution when he was about to take the degree of A.B. About 1843 his father sold his property in Ireland to go to Australia, but in consequence of a wreck off Cape Good Hope he returned to his native land with his family and three or four thousand pounds, the remnant of his property. Remaining a few years in Ireland, he came to America with all his family except the eldest son, and settled in l^ew Jersey, where he and his wife both died, and where their youngest daughter is now living. James Black was married, 1850, in New Jersey, to Sarah Wynne, by whom he has had ten children, eight of whom are living : William, born January 1853, Lottie (now Mrs. Levi Mead, Astoria county, Iowa), Susan, John, Jane (deceased, aged eleven years), Sarah, James, Hattie, George (deceased, infant), Edith. Mr. Black came to Lee Center township about 1853, and in 1860 to Sec. 1, Sublette, he and his brother buying 182 acres in the N.W. i of same. Here he has since lived. The family are members of the Congregational church. C. M. MiLLEE, butter and cheese maker, Sublette, was born in the Rhine province, Prussia, November 28, 1854. He was the eldest child of K. and Anne (Michels) Miller, who with their family came to Win- field, Du Puge county, Illinois, in 1864. The subject of this notice received a co"mmon education in the English and German schools. Mr. Miller has been thoroughly, schooled in the cheese and butter business, having been employe^d by several of the best manufacturers in the famous Fox river region. In 1873 he began in La Fox, Kane county, under Potter & Baker, and afterward in the same vicinity for H. L- Ford. He was subsequently employed by Martin Switzer at St. Charles, same county, making the first cheese in his factory there, and 274 HISTORY OF LEE COtTNTY. ' also in Batavia by H. A. Bogardus, wholesale dealer in butter and cheese, Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Miller began to manufacture for himself in Oook county, Palatine Grove, thence to Sublette in the spring of of 1881, buying the factory built by George Pulling. This establish- ment when completed will have cost about $3,600. A boiler and engine have been put in and a milk pool is contemplated. Mr. Miller is making both butter and cheese, shipping chiefly to Chicago. He is governed in his sales by Elgin prices, and his business is steadily increasing and promises soon to be a leading industry. Olivee a. Wood, farmer, Sublette, was born in Bolton, Massachu- setts, June 1833, son of Amariah and Rachel (Atherton) Wood, born May, 1807, and February, 1811, respectively. Both of his parents are of English descent, his mother having descended from one of four brothers named Atherton who came to Massachusetts at an early period. Oliver Wood is the oldest and the only survivor in a family of four sons and three daughters. The latter all died young in the east ; one son died an infant. The rest of the family, Oliver, George and Frank, received a good education for the times. In 1851 the family came to Sublette and settled on Sec. 30, where Oliver and his family are living with his parents. George was killed at Chickasaw Bayou, near Vicksburg, December 1863. Frank died in the hospital at Nashville, January 1864. Oliver Wood enlisted in the 75th 111., Co. E, in August 1862. He was seriously wounded in the battle of Perryville, and was mustered out January 8, 1863, having been confined in hospital from October, 1862, till January, 1863, at Perryville and Louisville, Kentucky, and New Albany, Indiana. His wound was a serious one, the ball passing entirely through his abdomen, and from its effects lie has suffered more or less ever since. Mr. Wood married, August 1803, Climena Hubbard, daughter of Eoyal Prescott Hubbard. Their sons, George Frank, born October 1865, and Leon A., October 1869, con- stitute their family, having lost their two daughters in infancy. Mr. Wood is a Mason and an Odd-Fellow, and with his family belongs to the Congregational church. He owns the homestead of 120 acres. John C. Spielmann, farmer, Mendota, was born in Hesse Darm- stadt, Germany, March 9, 1830. His parents are John and Mary (Sinner) Spielmann, and he is the only survivor of their four children. In 1847 he came via New York directly to Lee county with his father and mother, who are now living with him. They settled on Sec. 34, buying a claim of 30 acres from a Mr. Kenney. They now own a valuable farm in Sees. 34 and 35, and in Bureau county opposite. In 1871 they built a fine residence on Sec. 35, on the Chicago road. In 1858 Mr. Spielmann married Julia Naumann ; they have no children^ but they have reared two adopted ones: Julia Kinnenberger, who was SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 275 married in 1879, to Julius Alber, now living in Iowa; and George Higgins, aged fifteen years. John Spielmann, jr., is a self-made man, having received the most of his education in the German tongue. From 1854 until 1869 he was a circuit preacher in the church of the E.A.U.A., but quit these duties on account of bodily infirmities. He has preached in Cook, La Salle, Tazewell, Peoria, Kankakee and other counties in this vicinity. H« is a man of unimpeachable character, and is better known in Bureau than in Lee county. Jacob Richeet, farmer, Mendota, was born in Alsace, Germany, November 1835 ; son of John and Anna C. (Staub) Richert, and is the fifth in a fanuily of four boys and three girls. In 1854 he came to New Orleans with Peter Eifchert, his eldest brother, thence to Lee county in the fall of 1854, stopping in Indiana during the summer. Jacob worked around for several years, and in the spring of 1861 bought 80 acres in Sec. 36 from John Fry, jr., at $21 per acre. In the same year he enlisted in Co. B, 52d 111. Inf. This regiment was mustered at Geneva, Illinois, and departed late in the fall of 1861 for St. Louis, thence to St. Joseph, where they staid about two months. From here they were sent to Tennessee, by the way of Quincy and Cairo, Illinois, crossing the Mississippi at Quincy on the ice. The regiment came up at Fort Donelson just as the rebels surrendered, and were under Grant at Shiloh, losing there 260 of their number in killed and wounded. Previously Mr. Richert had been detailed as a guard with prisoners to Springfield, Illinois. He was in the battle of Corinth, where his regiment staid till they were sent to Pulaski, Ten- nessee, in the early winter of 1863. From here Mr. Richert was sent home to recruit, remaining home five months and returning with as many recruits. He reentered the 52d in the Atlanta campaign in June 1864, and was engaged in twenty days, hard fighting and skir- mishing. He was mustered out at Rome, Georgia, October 1864, not having received a scratch during his faithful service. In December, 1864, he married Mary Bntz, of May township, and seven children now gladden their home: Frederick, born December 1865; Mary, born February 1868 ; George B., born April 1870 ; Sarah, born Aug- ust 1873 ; Clara, born September 1875 ; Emma, born January 1878 ; Simon, born September 1880. Mr. Richert now owns the S.E. J Sec. 36, having bought the west half of the same from Michael Bitner at |45 per acre. There are good Buildings on the place, and its owner is now enabled to enjoy the fruit of his toil. He and his family are mem- bers of the Evangelical church. Mr. Richert is a republican. His father has been to Illinois three times, once remaining four years, and returned to his native land for the last time in 1876, and died in 276 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Baden while on the way. For many years he had lived among his children, and had a strong attachment for the sea. Oheistian Biestee, farmer, Sublette, was born in Germany, Han- over county, December 1831. His parents, Fred and Caroline (Weber) Biester, had a family of three boys and one girl. His father was seven years in the German army. Our subject came to America in 1855, via Baltimore to Chicago, where he stopped two years ; thence to Lee county, Illinois. Here he worked out for several years as a farm- hand. In 1867 he bought eighty acres in Sec. 8. He has been in- dustrious and careful, and now has the deeds for 236 acres of valuable land, upon which he erected a fine dwelling in 1873. He went back to Germany in the fall of 1861, and was there married, March 1862, to Dora Miller, whom he had known in childhood. They arrived in Chicago in March 1862. Their family are : Louis, born January 1863; Henry, November 1865 ; Ernest, November 1867 ; Dora, December 1869; Mary, June 1871; Anna, May 1873 ; August, December 1874. The family belonged to the Lutheran church. Mr. Biester is the only one of his family that came to America. Mrs. Biester's mother came to America in 1868, The latter has a son in Dakota, a daughter in Min- nesota, and three daughters, all married, living in Lee county. John H. Sohwoub, farmer, Sublette, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, May 1, 1813. He was six years in the German army. In 1847 he came to America with his family of a wife and five children. He settled on Sec. 34 in the town of Sublette, and now owns a farm of 170 acres there. He first bought thirty acres on which was a log house, on the north side of the " Chicago road," on land now owned by Conrad Speilman. When twenty-five years of age he married Margaret Kiihl. Their children are: George, Conrad (enlisted in Co. B, 52d 111. Yols., and was killed at Kenesaw Mountain, Georgia) ; Philip, Mary, Henry, Katherine, Eva and Margaret. George, Henry, Mary (Mrs. Keichart) and Margaret (Mrs. Boeler) are living in Clay county, Kansas, and Katherine (Mrs. Thomas Boettcher) in Mendota. Eva (Mrs. Baoer) is now living with her husband on the homestead. Schwonb belongs to the Evangelical church, and his life shows that he is a true disciple of Christ. In politics he was an old-time democrat ; but voted for Fremont and Lincoln, and has since been a republican. Feedekick Obeehelman, grain-buyer, Sublette, was born. in War- ren county, Missouri, in 1844. His father, Frederick, and his mother, Christine (Knoepker), came to Missouri, the former in 1833, the latter in 1838. Frederick was the eldest in a family of eleven children. His father was a farmer and he was reared to the same business. ' His grandfather was a German soldier, and was in the battles of Leipsic, Waterloo, and others. Mr. Oberhelman was sent to school but little, SUBLETTE TOWNSHIP. 277 in all not naore than twelve months, and never to an English school. During the war of the rebellion he was five years in the Missouri State Militia and Home Guards. In 1866 he married Mary E. Betz, daughter of John Betz, an early settler in Sublette. None of their children have lived ; they have one adopted daughter. Mr. Oberhel- man began farming in 1867 on Sec. 22, and continued in the same till 1871, when he went into the business of buying and shipping grain in the village of Sublette. In 1874 he built an elevator, which with his engine cost him $5,000. He also deals in coal and lumber, and till re- cently dealt in live-stock. His business is prosperous, he having paid out as much as $100,000 in one year. He and his wife belong to the Evangelical Lutheran church. In politics he is non-partisan. Elijah Austin, farmer, Sublette, was born in upper Canada, January 1820. His father, Norman Austin, and his mother, Sarah Landers, were natives of Connecticut. His ancestors were " Revolu- tioners," and his father served in the war of 1812. In the fall of 1837 Elijah Austin went to Sandusky, Ohio, thence with wagon to the present site of Galesburg, Illinois, passing through Aurora and Mon- mouth, then only the germs of towns ; lived in Knox county till 1840, when he went back east. Keturning to Knox county, he lived there till 1846, thence to Princeton. In 1849 he made a claim on Sees. 17 and 18, of 152 acres. In 1859 he bought from Henry Hannon 80 acres formerly owned by Daniel Baird, who lived on the old La Salle and Grand De Tour road, where Mr. Austin now resides. The latter owns a large farm in Sees. 17, 18, 19, and a few acres in Sec. 20, besides a hundred acres in Sec. 30. In 1843 Mr. Austin married Sarah Burton, of Hancock county, Illinois. They have a family of seven children living. Abagail, born December 1843 (wife of Nelson Van Fleet, Kansas, son of an old settler in Aurora) ; Mary, born 1845 (Mrs. Joseph Doane, died in 1868) ; Burton, February 1848 (married October 1876, has two children and is farming in Sublette) ; Elizabeth, May 1850 ; Melissa, September 1852 ; Jane, March 1855 ; Frances A., September 1866 ; Minnie R., April 1871. The last two are by his second wife, Catherine Austin, to whom he was married September 1863. Elizabeth (Mrs. Blair) is living in Brooklyn township. In politics Mr. Austin is an ex-republican greenbacker, formerly a free- soiler. He is a Mason, a genial neighbor and a kind father. Silas D. Reniff, farmer, Sublette, born 1816, in Tioga county, New York, is the son of Ephraim and Betsey (Wesson) Reniff, both born in Massachusetts. His grandfather on the father's side was a Scotchman. Ephraim Reniff was a farmer and had a family of eight children. In 1843 he came west, and settled on section 19, where Seth Baird lives. The following year Silas Reniff came out and claimed a half-section of 17 278 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. land, one half of which he afterward entered. This was a 160 in Sec. 20, where he now lives. He owns 240 acres of well improved land, upon which there are good buildings. In 1849 Mr. Keniif was married to Laura Angler, only sister of Thomas Angler. Their issue is a son, Ernest, born September 1855 ; he married Mary Chamberlain, May 1876, by whom he has two boys, Ernest and Lanrie, born No- vember, 1877, and June, 1880, respectively. Mr. Keniff has been a very energetic business man, and is now active for one of his age. For many years he has been a general stock dealer and he is now shipping to Chicago. For twenty-seven years he has assessed the town of Sublette, and has been twenty years school trustee. Before coming west he was eight years a teamster to Boston, driving an eight-horse team about a hundred miles to and from that city. Then and for many years after he was an athletic and daring man, and one with whom it was not safe to trifle. He is a staunch republican and a perfectly reliable man. His father died about 1855 and his mother a few years later. Thomas S. Angiee, farmer and magistrate, Sublette, was born 1822, in Fitzwilliam, Cheshire county, New Hampshire ; he is the son of Abel and Laura (Holmes) Angier, born 1797 and 1801 respectively. His grandparents were born in New England, and his great-grand- father Amidon was in the revolution. His mother died when he was eight years old, and his father seven years later. Thomas, the only son in a family of two children, received a common school education ; was married in 1838, to Fannie, daughter of Benjamin B. and Grata (Whitney) Morse, who was born in New Hampshire in 1821. Her ancestors, Whitney and Morse were " Kevolutioners," and the latter was in the war of 1812. Mr. Angier, with his wife and one child, came west to LaMoille, Bureau county, Illinois, in 1840; thence to Sublette, Lee county, the following spring, settling on the N.E. J of Sec. 31, having bought it the year before. Of a family of ten children only three survive. In the summer of 1861 his eldest sons, Abel, born in 1838, and Leander in 1841, enlisted in Co. D, 46th 111. Vols. In the winter of 1861-2, before their regiment went south, both were taken sick with diphtheria. Though two others of the family died at this time, they recovered, and were with Co. D till the fall of 1862, when both were in the hospital at Memphis; there Leander died in September. Abel did not again enter the service, and died of con- sumption in 1873. Ambrose, tbird in the family, is married and living on the homestead. In 1874 Mr. Angier moved to the village of Sub- lette, where he has since lived. He is a man in whom the people have entire confidence, having held some office ever since the organization of the township. In 1851 he was elected justice of the peace, in AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 279 which capacity he has acted ever since. He has been eighteen years supervisor of Sublette township, and much of that time was chairman of the board of supervisors. Besides these he has held other offices ; he is consequently well acquainted with the development of this town- ship, and to him the writer is indebted for much valuable information. Mr. Angier is a republican and a Mason, and may be very appropri- ately styled " the oracle of Sublette." Philip Fadble, farmer, Sublette, was born in Lee county in April 1851. His father, John Fauble, was an early settler in Sublette and acquired a large property. His mother is one of the largest tax-payers in the county. In October, 1877, Philip Fauble married Barbara Pope, of Bureau county. Their family : George L., born June 1879, and Katie, December 1880. He has a farm of 200 acres in Sec. 32. This is known as the William Tourtillott farm. In 1880 Mr. Fauble built a fine barn at a cost of about $1,400. He has a good house and a large orchard. His wife owns a quarter-section in Brooklyn town- ship. They are members of the Evangelical church. Our subject received a common school education ; he is a strong republican and a man of pleasing address. AMBOY TOWNSHIP. SETTLEMENT. A Frenchman named Filamalee is said to have been the first white settler in Palestine Grove and in the present limits of Amboy town- ship. Some of the earlier settlers remember his shanty about a mile south of Eocky Ford, and have not forgotten the mortar made in a burr-oak stump in which he pounded his corn for bread, and which re- mained for a long time as a relic to mark the first pioneer settlement. He belonged to that unsettled class who were never content to live in any region except where savage dominion was weakening to dissolu- tion, and civilized footsteps chased hard upon the departing race. He could not bear the sight of regular occupation and improvement, and as soon as the tide of immigration set in he moved farther away into the mediate solitude between the red and the white man. In his eulogy upon Daniel Boone the poet Byron spoke not less truly of all his congeners when he said, " 'Tis true, he shrank from men even of his nation, When they built up unto his darling trees; He mov'd some hundred miles off, for a station, Where there were fewer houses and more ease. The inconvenience of civilization Is, that you neither can be pleased, nor please. But where he met the individual man, He showed himself as kind as mortal can." 280 HISTORY OF LEE OOTTNTY. The first permanent settler was John Dexter, who emigrated from Canada in the spring of 1835, and made a claim on the north side of Palestine Grove, and on the N.W. i Sec. 13. Here he built a cabin about twelve feet square, and then went on as fast as he could to add other improvements to his home ; in the meantime looking anxiously but waiting patiently for others to come into the neighborhood. It must not be thought that he was a solitary inhabitant ; on the contrary, he had near neighbors east of him at Inlet Grove. But the spring of 1836 brought the second settler, and Dexter, it may be supposed, began to feel that this could not much longer be regarded as the frontier. The new arrival was James Doan and his young wife, now Mrs. O. J. Fish, of China township. He made his claim south of the Inlet, on the place now better known as the Joseph Lewis farm, from having been owned by the latter from 1845 till a recent date. He was from Berrien county, Michigan, but had been raised in Indiana. His father, John Doan, was a North Carolinian. The latter and his daughter Jemima came with his son, the trip being made by the family in a Pennsylvania wagon drawn by three yoke of oxen. James Doan had visited this place in October 1835, and selected his own as well as a claim for his father and another for his brother Joseph. After a patch of sod corn had been planted John Doan and his daughter returned to Michigan, and in the following autumn the whole family came to their new home. Until their arrival the days passed wearily, and the season was one crowded with painful discon- tent to Mrs. Doan, and for long weeks at a time, she saw no other white person than her oWn husband. The Indian-trail from Council Bluffs to Chicago lay only a little way off to the south of their cabin, and the camping ground of these roving bands was on the Blunt farm. Large bodies of them often stopped there ; and the Shabbona Indians came nearly as often into the neighborhood to hunt. Andrew Baintbb, brother-in-law to James Doan, arrived in the spring of 1837, and took the claim where Seneca Strickland lives, on the Sublette road. His second house, a frame dwelling, was the one which has been improved and is now occupied by Benjamin Tread- well. The next and most important addition to the infant community was Asa B. Searles, who arrived in October 1837, with a horse-team, from New York, and was accompanied from Peoria by Benjamin WasBon, another New Yorker, who had been here the year before and taken a claim on Sees. 14 and 15. Mr. Searles located the S. ^ Sec. 14, on which, several years later, he laid out the village of Binghamton. Nathan Meek was living in the vicinity of Eocky Ford as early as 1837. His name will recall to the old settlers many suspicious cir- cumstances and an unsavory reputation, all suggesting the operations AMBOY TOWNSHIP. , 281 of the banditti. His " corn-cracker," situated three miles down the stream, was the first mill for grinding in Lee county. He sometimes attempted to make flour, but it was always of execrable quality. On Mr. Searle's first arrival he found a saw-mill in operation at Eocky Ford, owned by Timothy Perkins and Horace Bowen,' and when he finally came with his family, on Christmas eve in the same year, it had become the property of a man named Lee. He kept it awhile and sold out to Mason ; the latter died, and it passed into the hands of John Van Norman, from whom it was purchased in 1848 by F. R. Dutcher. A log-dam spanned the stream, and the mill was run by a "flutter" wheel. One Mitchell was millwright. James Blair and his sons William, Winthrop, and Edwin were pioneers of 1837. The latter has the old homestead on Sec. 29. The same year John S. Sawyer and four sons erected a cabin south of the Illinois Central shops. Sawyer sold a part of his claim to Joseph Farwell in 1841, and the rest to Joseph Appleton. Alexander Janes also became a resident, but the next year sold his claim to Chester S. Badger and moved to Bureau county, where he acquired wealth and an honorable reputation. Mr. Badger was from Broome county, New York, and came to Illinois and worked at mill- wrighting during the season of 1837, and returned home in the fall ; the following year he and his son Simon settled in this township, and in 1839 "Warren, another son, arrived, bringing the mother and her two daughters Sarah and Roena. In the autumn Warren returned to his native home, remaining there until 1842, when he came west again and resided in Amboy township until his death in 1861. Chester Badger, a younger son, drove through from New York alone with a two-horse team in 1840, and has been a resident here since. The Badgers* located their homesteads about a mile and a half east of Amboy. Henry Badger came in 1849, and has always lived in Bing- hamton. The senior Badger brought hardwood lumber from Frank- lin Grove and built the first frame house in the settlement. A party consisting of John C. Church, Curtis Bridgman and his sons Curtis , and Urial, and Wm. Hunt, the three last unmarried men, arrived in midsummer of 1838. The senior Bridgman returned to Steuben county, New York, in the following autumn and brought the remainder of the family. Mr. Church selected a claim one mile south of Amboy, but in 1841 sold to Jacob Doan, who immigrated from Ohio that year, and secured another where he is now living, adjoining the northern limits of the city. Wm. Church settled here a little later the same season that his brother did ; he lived in this vicinity until twenty years ago, when he removed to Iowa. The year 1838 must be credited with another valuable citizen in the person of Martin Wright, from the 282 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Bay State, who lived in the remote northeast corner of the township. He was a large-hearted, liberal-minded, just man, and enjoyed in the highest degree the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens. He served them as assessor, and many years as road commissioner, and died about a year ago. His widow survives. Harvey Axtell settled in the southwest corner of the township ; Frederick Baldwin on Sec. 10, where James Luce lives; and Ransom Barnes opened the Isaac Gage farm. The two latter were from the Empire State, and the three belong to 1838. Frederick Bainter came into the Doan neighborhood in the same season. John Fosdick settled at Lee Center a year earlier, and worked at his trade of blacksmithing, assisted by James Doan, another crafts- man, until the next spring, when the shop was moved to Doan's. This was the first smithy in Amboy township. After a residence here of three years, Fosdick went back to Lee Center. Doan and Frederick Bainter afterward carried on blacksmithing sometime together ; the former invented and the two manufactured the first scouring plow ever used in these parts, but for some reason Doan's efforts failed to secure a patent. He visited Washington for that purpose as early as 1841 or 1842 ; six or seven years later he sold his interest to his partner, and in 1849 went to California, where in 1853 he was murdered. To the pioneers the mention of this scouring plow will bring back the recol- lection of the hardships and inferiority of farming in those days, when the wooden moldboard plow and the wooden tooth harrow were the standard implements for preparing the ground for seed. The harvest was gathered with the hand sickle, a diminutive instrument which very few of to-day could recognize, and the cradle, a great improvement on the back-breaking sickle, which is now hardly more to be seen. Then the grain was spread upon the ground in a circle and tramped out with horses or oxen ; the winnowing M'as done in the wind, which, thanks to the open prairie, was seldom too low to be available at any moment ; and next followed the really romantic part of the season's work — hauling ,to Chicago, a hundred miles, the grain which brought but thirty or forty cents per bushel. Pork commanded from $1.25 to $2 per hundred. It will not escape attention that the virgin soil when once subdued, a task to accomplish which was no light labor with the tools then in use, produced good crops with little care. It has been said that to " tickle it with a plow it would laugh with a crop," and " Chet" Badger affirms that " tickling" was about all it received. It must have been so if he could plow five acres a day with an ox team. In less reverent sections of the country such treatment of the soil would be called " deviling." The trip to Chicago consumed eight or ten days, the net results of AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 283 which were a few sparing comforts, — perhaps a pail, a pound of tea, a little cofiee and some " factory," a few nails, a barrel of salt, and occa- sionally a jag of lumber ; but rarely did one journey suffice to purchase so many needful articles. "Will the reader suppose that these early settlers were chained to a hard lot ? Far from that was their condition. Although they were mostly poor and toiled hard, yet their surroundings were such as to take the sting from poverty ; for there was no " society " with its absurd conventionalities, and they found that labor stimulated an appetite devoid of fault, and inclined them always to health and refreshing slumber. " tall, and strong, and swift of foot were they, Beyond the dwarfing city's pale abortions ; Because their thoughts had never been the prey Of selfish care or gain ; the wilds were their portions. No sinking spirits told them they grew gray, No fashion made them apes of her distortions. ***** Motion was in their days, rest in their slumbers; And cheerfulness the handmaid of their toil; Nor yet too many, nor too few their numbers ; Corruption could not make their hearts her soil. The lust which stings, the splendor which encumbers. With the free pioneers divide no spoil." All within a radius of many miles were neighbors ; friendship and equality prevailed, and selfishness was as rare in those times as the noble qualities we have named are in these. Mutual dependence fos- tered a spirit of true sympathy, and every hand was ready and never forgot to assist, either in the smaller or the greater offices of kindness. No man or woman could excuse himself or herself from neighborly acts, nor would they have done so if they could. Such meanness would have been equivalent to banishment from the community. Neither was hospitality limited to friends, for it would not then have been hospitality, but it was extended even to the stranger, whom they greeted with thrilling welcome, smiles of joy, goodly cheer, and for whom they made a ready place of comfort at their glowing hearth- stones and plain, but tidy boards. In the broadest humanity they asked, "Who is my neighbor?" Not like "a certain lawyer," "will- ing to justify himself;" but to answer only as the unhampered soul in its natural vigor can, just as the Great Master taught. The desire to secure emigrants was very great, and every inducement in the form of entertainment, and assistance to find claims, was tendered to those who proposed to become actual settlers ; and some went so far as to divide their own claims to secure near neighbors. It should be recorded of Mr. Searles that he was conspicuous for his efforts in this direction. In a few years population became comparatively numerous. Work on 284 HI8T0EY OF LEE COUNTY. the old Central railroad was an instrument which added not a little to the increase. The failure of that mammoth enterprise left some laborers too poor to get away, while others were too much pleased with the country to depart. It would be impossible to give a complete list of the early settlers, but some not yet spoken of may be mentioned. In 1839 Cyrus Davis and his son Cyrus A., Massachusetts men, improved a home on the S.E. ^ Sec. 15 ; this land is now Wyman's addition to Amboy. In 1840 John Hook and his brother William and their parents, all from Maine, located their home at Rocky Ford in the month of February. Aaron Hook, another son, had emigrated to Bureau county two years before. Reuben Bridgman began an im- provement on Sec. 10 in 1840. Joseph Farwell came in 1841 and settled on the N.E. ^ Sec. 22. On this tract the original plat of Am- boy was located. Jesse Hale arrived in 1841 ; and Samuel Bixby, a " Green Mountain Boy," emigrated from Steuben county, I^ew Tork, in 1844, and bought the claim of Joseph Gardner. Lyman Bixby migrated to these parts the same year. , Joseph Appleton came to thecountry as early as 1841 or 1842; sub- sequently he returned to his native state of New Hampshire, married, and in 1844 brought his family and settled on the E. ^ of N.W. ^ Sec. 22. This is now Gilson's addition to Amboy. Josiah Davis, brother to Cyrus, improved the W. -J of !N.W. ^ Sec. 22 about the same year of Appleton's final settlement. Frances H. ISTorthway removed to this township in 1844 and entered the S.E. J Sec. 3. Orres Adams came with his family the same year, also David Searles and Alvan H. Thompson. Hiel Lewis reached this place from Pennsylvania in 1842, and Miles and Joseph in 1845. In 1846 Seth W. Holmes entered the E. i of S.W. i Sec. 9, where he has since resided. Elijah and Warren Hill joined the settlement in the same year ; and Henry C. Shaw came to Binghamton and en- gaged in the manufacture of the Doan plow. The Hills established themselves on the school section, which, by the way, was all sold for sixty cents per acre. In 1849 John M. Blocher settled north of Amboy, where the Shaw heirs now live. The Blunt farm was opened very early by a man named Hawley, who stayed a short time and then removed to another neighborhood. SQUATTERS' ASSOCIATION. Until the fall of 1844, when the first land sales were held at Dixon, the inhabitants of Amboy township (the reader will understand that for convenience we use names by anticipation) were squatters. The country had been surveyed into townships but not into sections ; and AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 285 when the last survey took place a general rectifying of lines occurred ; not unfrequently the partition divided a claim in twain, and then would follow a trade with a neighboring squatter, one or the other perhaps taking up a new location. It does not require much penetration to discover that anterior to this time, in the absence of all regulations for maintaining themselves in their homes, there would not have been wanting vexatious sources of disagreement, which would have ended in confusion, if not in some- thing worse. As the individual disposition is to infringe private as well as public rights, so the spontaneous movement of a community is toward the general security by opposing and restraining the smaller with the collective forqe. Nine years elapsed from the first permanent settle- ment of the township till the land came into market; during the first two years, and until immigration began to assume some importance, the danger from trespass or claim-jumping was too small to excite notice, but in 1837 the people in this vicinity banded together with those having a common center at Inlet Grove, for mutual protection, and the settlement of disputes respecting claims. Somewhat later the Palestine Grove Association was organized, and held its meetings at Sherman Hatch's and Wm. Dolan's. All necessity for it having ceased, in 1847 it was discontinued. The people were everywhere thus organized into associations, with meeting-places convenient to their locality. These were every one independent of the other, but as their objects were kindred, each was at all times ready to help enforce the authority of a neighboring organization on call. They were known as " Grove Associations," and the assemblies were called " grove meet- ings." From a few fragmentary papers, relics of the Inlet Society, for whose use we are indebted to the courtesy of Ira Brewer, Esq., of Bradford township, we are able to present a partial yet tolerably clear view of the powers assumed, the business transacted, and the manner of procedure adopted. The earliest document, the constitution, the original draft of which is in the handwriting of Joseph Sawyer, bears date at "Inlet, Ogle county, Illinois, July 10, 1837," and the sub- scribers, sixty-six in number, set forth their purposes in the following preamble : "The encouragement that congress gave to the pioneers of this country stimulated the present inhabitants to sacrifice property and ease, and commence a long and fatiguing journey in order to better themselves and their offspring, — not only to encounter the fatigue of a long and expensive journey, but also the privations to which they were exposed in consequence of the scarcity of the comforts of life, as well as the inclemency of the weather in open log cabins. Everything considered, we think it no more than right, just, and honorable that each man should hold a reasonable claim, and at the land sales obtain 286 HISTOEY OF LEE COUKTY. his lands at congress price." They express their willingness to be governed by rules and regulations based upon equity, and adopt a code, a summary of the chief features being that they " voluntarily agree to join together in defense of their honest claims as far as prudency and honorable principles dictate," and declaring that those which "have been established in the Grove shall be considered honest claims and defended as such." Provision was made for a committee of five to be chosen by the inhabitants to decide "in regard to the honest right and title to claims " ; for the rejection of one or more of the committee by either contestant, and for the removal of the entire committee for cause at the pleasure of the citizens. A clerk kept the " proceedings of the Grove," which were to be free for the inspection of all concerned. Every rightful claimant was to be respected and defended as though he had a warranty deed for his land. The seventh and last article is in these words : "Any person holding a claim must do $25 worth of work on said claim within six months from the 10th of instant month or his claim shall be forfeited, unless sickness or something reasonable prevents." On March 16, 1839, a committee to which had been assigned the duty of reporting amendments, addressing the "grove," saj^ they "believe it to be important that you not only live up to the spirit of the consti- tution formed in 1837, but that you amend it, and adapt it to a denser population." Already contemplating a dense population, and not yet 2,000 inhabitants in the whole county ! But then ideas are only com- parative. As amended, the constitution further provided for an annual meeting on the third Saturday of March each year, at which the presi- dent and clerk were to be elected ; it enjoined upon the latter officer the duty of giving members seven days' notice of special and annual meetings, and the calling together of the committee to hear evidence in contested cases, wherein two or more individuals pretended to rights in the same claim, and granting to either party the right of appeal from the decision of the committee to the society whose determination was to be final. The boundaries of the association were defined as extending " south halfway from this [Inlet] grove to Knox, halfway to Dixon, half way to Malugan, half way to Palestine and halfway to Franklin Grove." Claimants actually occupying and improving land were entitled to pro- tection in a claim of one half-section. Nothing was to be construed contrary to the laws of the state or of the United States. All lands within the bounds of the association not recognized by the records of the same as " claimed" were to be considered as unclaimed. Privilege was given to any person residing within the jurisdiction of the association to become a member and have his claims recorded. At a called meeting on the 2d a general registry of claims had been made. At the annual AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 287 meeting on the 16th George E. Haskell was chosen president for that year, and Martin Wright clerk. The committee elected consisted of Ean- som Barnes, D. H. Birdsall, Ozro 0. Wright, Daniel M. Dewey and Benjamin Whiteaker. At the regular election, March 20, 1841, Messrs. Haskell and Wright were again elected president and clerk respectively, and D. H. Birdsall, David Tripp, Daniel M. Dewey, Charles Starks and Sherman Shaw committee. The president and clerk were reelected in 1842, and once more in 1843. For the former year Daniel M. Dewey, Joseph Sawyer, Benjamin Whiteaker, Charles Starks, and D. H. Birdsall constituted "the committee for the grove"; and for the latter, Daniel M. Dewey, Charles Starks, Joseph Sawyer, Benjamin Whiteaker, and Lewis Clapp. A few extracts taken at random from their proceedings will convey a better idea of their administration of justice than any description can. March 2, 1839. " On motion a vote was called relative to Kos-wfell Streeter's holding the lot north of the township line (being north of the one claimed by Sherman Shaw), and decided in the negative ; as also was the one east of this." "A vote was taken on the question whether Sherman Shaw should be allowed to claim one lot north of his present one, and decided in the affirmative." "A vote was taken whether Martin Wright should hold one quarter-section, being the two second lots lying north of the township line, and north of the two claimed by Whiteaker and Clapp, and decided in the affirmative." "A motion was made by George E. Haskell, and carried, that all claims now made which can be satisfactorily proved by marks and evidence be entitled to the protection of the Grove as if they were en- tered, until a plat is provided embracing the tract within the Grove's jurisdiction." A reconsideration of the vote in the case of Koswell Streeter was taken, and it was decided that he should ilot extend his claim one lot farther north. "Another vote was called to ascertain whether Sherman Shaw should have the lot contended for by Koswell Streeter, and decided in the affirmative." " Voted that Lewis Clapp should hold one hundred rods in width north of the township line (being north of his present claim), extending the length of one lot ; and that Ozro 0. Wright should have sixty rods in width and be permitted to hold the second lot north of the town- ship line (being north of his present claim)." " Yoted that Nelson De Wolf should be permitted to hold the claim of prairie that formerly belonged to Mr. Doge, but now forfeited." 288 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. March 19, 1842.— "Voted that the claim of Samuel Wressell be forfeited ; also, that Samuel Oobel be permitted to take the same." July 7. " The chairman stated the object of the meeting to be to take into consideration the diflSculty which had arisen between Benoui Hannum and Martin Eastwood in regard to a certain claim lying west of Benoni Hannum's on the south side of the road." On motion the constitution was read by the clerk. "It was requested that Mr. Hannum make a statement in relation to the subject. " A motion was made and carried that Mr. Hannum become a mem- ber of the association, and his claim be recognized by the constitution. '■'A motion was made and carried that no member should withdraw from the society without leave of the association." January 21, 1843. — " The chairman stated the object of the meet- ing, namely, to take into consideration the adoption of such measures whereby we all may be protected more effectually in our claim rights. "Yoted that a committee go to Dixon and get a bond drawn for this purpose." Benjamin Whiteaker and D. H. Birdsall appointed. January 28. — "Article" read and unanimously adopted. Com- mittee of five, consisting of Daniel M. Dewey, Joseph Sawyer, Charles Starks, Daniel Frost, and Adolphus Bliss, appointed to circulate it for signatures. " Yoted that those members who have signed the article may have the privilege of erasing their names at the next meeting, provided all the members of the association do not sign the same." February 2. — Committee to circulate bond reported and was dis- charged. New committee appointed, composed of Charles West, Thomas Dexter, Martin "Wright, Joseph Sawyer, and William Church. February 17. — " On motion it was carried that Joseph Sawyer, Lewis Clapp, Charles Starks, Daniel Frost and Sherman Shaw be a committee to go and see those members of this association that have not signed the bond, and obtain their signatures if possible. The purport of this bond is to us as much a matter of conjecture as to the reader; but to throw some light upon it, as well as upon cognate points of interest, we copy the entire report, which was evi- dently made to the association about this time, or a little before. The chirography is that of Mr. George E. Haskell — a beautiful, lady-like hand. If any evidence were wanting to show the character of these early settlers in intelligence and scholarship, this report is all that would be required. "The committee appointed to inquire into and investigate the necessity and propriety of adopting some more effectual means of se- AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 289 curing claims embraced within the limits of this association, would respectfully submit the following report : " In the examination of the subject submitted to their investigation your committee cannot but revert to the principles that have given rise to this association, and operated thus far to continue it in existence to the security and happiness of the community which it embraces. Thrown together as its members have been from various states of our Union, and possessing all the traits of character peculiar to those who have been reared under different circumstances, it affords a happy illustration of the tendency of our republican institutions, in implant- ing, nourishing and keeping alive a spirit of equality and just regard for the rights of all, together with that predisposition to establish and maintain inviolate the social compact wherever the citizen of our country may be found. Actuated by this spirit, the inhabitants of this community early embraced the opportunity of bringing into prac- tical operation the principle of self-government, upon a point which legislative enactment could not reach, and which they have pledged their honor to support; and it is a source of mutual congratulation that thus far its tendency has been to produce the most beneficial results. The claims of all have been respected, and a just regard had to the growth and prosperity of the neighborhood, in the accom- modations afforded to all that wished to unite themselves to this com- munity in nearness of settlement. The plighted honor of the asso- ciation has been kept good, and from the indications around it would seem that all which was contemplated in the original organization of this compact is to be fully realized. Such is undoubtedly the ease. But a change in our circumstances is about to take place. The rightful owner of the soil upon which we are located is to call upon us for his due^ and that, too, at a period not far distant. Some, and it is to be hoped all, the members of this association will be able to answer the call and obtain a title to the land which they now claim. Under circumstances even of this character it would appear, perhaps, that the constitution adopted by this association might afford a sufficient guarantee for the rights and privileges of all, but a mature consideration of the subject has convinced your committee that such is not the case. In paying for land, whether at the general land sales or under the preemption law, the individual so paying receives his title to the same, which no right of the claimant can ever reach. This, of course, is a settled and incontrovertible point. Now it is well known and understood that there are individuals settled upon these lands embraced within the limits of this association, who by entering under the preemption law, in consequence of being located on one eighty of a quarter-section can carry the other with it, and thus deprive their neighbor of what, 290 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. under the articles of our association, is considered justly his right to purchase of government. Again, many of the claims of the settlers are made according to imaginary lines, which, it is supposed, may be the lines established by the general survey, and will thus em- brace their claim in a certain section, quarter-section, etc., as the claim- ants themselves have marked them out. But respecting this there is great uncertainty. The survey may accord with the claim lines, and it 'may not. Instances have been mentioned, in the late subdivisions that have taken place, where townships in some cases have overrun and in others have fallen short. Thus a particular number of a sec- tion, or its quarter-section, may embrace one man's claim and part of another's, and the certificate, instead of giving him what was his, gives him what belonged to another, and deprives that other of his right. These two difficulties, it would seem, are the most important that pre- sent themselves to the consideration of this body at present, and to your committee they appear matters of consequence, and to call for some remedial action. If it be the case that anything interfere to pre- vent the settlers from obtaining a title to their just claims, which it is competent for this association to remove, it is but justice that its powers be exerted to that point. By its constitution all its members are entitled to call for such action ; for who can resist the conviction that every member who has subscribed to it is pledged in his honor to assist in affording' his neighbor all the assistance consistent with hon- orable principles in securing his claim against the encroachments of his neighbor? And if that security may necessarily extend to a legal obligation, to take effect after the land sale, does not his honor here plighted require that he should cheerfully accede to it? It may, how- ever, be presumed on the part of some that if such be the case the honor here pledged may be a sufficient guarantee from the purchaser of another man's claim to render him a title when the certificate from government is procured. But your committee cannot come to that conclusion. The association, as it now stands, presents a body of indi- viduals mutually dependent on each other; consequently what may be the interest of one must be the interest of all to a greater or less extent ; and as the life of this association is co-existent with the life of claims, it is only during that period that its members are privileged with an appeal to its principles or jurisdiction. The purchaser, then, with his title in his hands, acknowledges no respect but to the law which secures the soil, and may forever stand aloof from him who has trusted in vain to his honor. Again, experience plainly proves that power, when once obtained, is likely to be abused. The individual to-day surrounded by circumstances that constrain him to act with pro- priety, and to deal out justice to all with whom he may stand con- AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 291 nected, to-morrow, by a change of circumstances, may be ready to hold at bay all whom he had before respected. This principle in human nature, so generally applicable that any deviation from it is accounted an exception to a general rule, behooves men, as they regard their own peace and that of those around them, to guard well against it, and where or when can they be called upon more imperiously than in this association and at this time ? It is a call not only to secure efi'eetnally a right, but to perform a duty which respects the well being, future prosperity, peace and harmony of the social compact, of which each settler forms a part. To your committee it would seem that no reas- onable objection could arise in the mind of finyone to secure his neighbor by a legal obligation to take effect conditionally after the land sales may have taken place. This undoubtedly would prevent any disturbance whatever, and is so clearly predicated upon the golden rule that any man who might dissent ^from it, would seem not to be actuated by those principles; and if he could not now show himself willing to comply with them it cannot be considered safe to predict that he would at any time hereafter. It is therefore recommended to this association that they adopt the following resolution : '■'■Resolved, That the members of this association who may now have their claim limits marked and defined, be each separately and in- dividually required, as soon as it may be required of them by an ad- joining claimant, to enter into a bond with such adjoining claimant, conditiojied that if he, the person so required, shall purchase or cause to be purchased of government any of the lands embraced within the adjoining claimant's claim lines, acknowledged and defined according to the customs of the grove association, he will convey by deed to such adjoining claimant (upon said claimant's furnishing the money to pay for the same to the government) all the land which he may have so purchased within his (the requiring claimant's) claim lines as above specified, within thirty days after such purchase. And further, that all those whose claim limits are not specifically defined shall immedi- ately proceed to have their lines clearly marked out according to the custom of this association, and enter into the bond as herein named and required of those whose boundaries are defined; and upon failure of any member to comply herewith he shall cease to be a member of this association, and shall no longer be entitled to its protection. All of which is respectfully submitted. " Signed, " George E. Haskell, "Benjamin Whiteakbe, "Joseph Sawyee, "Lewis Clapp, "Maetin Weight. '■'■ Coramittee." 292 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Tliis report and these proceedings give a very fair idea of the methods adopted by the inhabitants to protect each man in his right of possession to land, and the spirit which animated and governed them in the exercise of their powers. Technically they were there without right — trespassers upon the public domain — yet doing in advance only that which was a gratification to the law and fulfillment of it, when in its tardy progress westward it should overtake " the star of empire." They had left bustling communities and cultivated homes behind, with the ambitious design of making other homes; and while, perhaps, in the long run they would increase their possessions, it was still as much a matter of complacen-t regard and calculation to the whole country as to them, inasmuch as could be seen in it a laudable growth of empire in wealth, settlement, and population. Civilized usage defends the natural right of ownership to the person first in possession, and the moral aspect of the situation which the early settlers assumed is a com- plete justification of the course they adopted and pursued. The government, indeed, owned the land, and was willing that it should be occupied ; but made no choice as to occupants, and would give title, when put in market, to whomsoever should first present himself as a purchaser. As regarded land and law the pioneers were in the con- dition of our first parents ; to the former they held on by sufferance, and of the latter experienced a distressing nakedness; but their pro- gramme contemplated not their own driving out, but that of the interlo- pers and speculators. Respecting the question of land — a very precious item of account since it meant home and all — they promptly and wisely constituted themselves law-makers, judges, and executors of the law. From what has gone before we have learned how they discharged the two former functions ; and after we have gleaned a little light on the latter we may dismiss this topic. The making and expounding of law is not the most complex and diflScult part of the governmental economy. " The proof of the pud- ding is in the eating ; " and of the law in the administering. In mak- ing a claim to land the claimant was required to establish visible limits in some manner, as by staking out the tract, or plowing a furrow around it ; and to make some improvement, though this was often very slight, as evidence of good faith on his part to become a;i actual settler. This " law of the place " completely barred out speculators ; for while a man was limited, as we have seen, to a claim of half a section, he was obliged to be a resident, though it was not essential that his land should be taken in a body, for he might have separate claims aggregating his allowance. ^ New-comers were often inclined to despise and defy the authority of the Grove association, and to jump bona-fide claims. A display of ^ AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 295 public sentiment was usually all that was required to convince an oflfender how hopeless was a single-handed contest with a thoroughly organized and determined community. A committee of citizens would wait on him and remonstrate in a firm but friendly manner, pointing out the rights of the prior claimant and showing him his own wrong. Very rarely would such treatment fail of the desired result, and then only when the subject was so obdurate as not to be susceptible to the kindlier influences, in which case nothing remained but to persuade him with literal water baptism for temporal purposes. The people were concerned in the preservation of peace and good order, and the practice of justice ; but human nature being the same in all classes, climes, and ages, they could not escape the necessity of sustaining their home-made laws against the usual license and infraction ; and there is no reason to doubt that a great variety of devices, ingenious and. sometimes violent, were brought into requisition first by one side in the commission of wrong, and then by the other in undoing and correcting it. A grotesque occurrence, exhibiting the spirit of the people, took place soon after the land came into market. A poor man named Anderson lived on a " forty " at Perkins' Grove. Perkins having a spite against him, as subsequently appeared, interested a stage agent at Dixon by the name of Bull to enter Anderson's homestead. At once all except the moving cause became known ; and with calm, de- cided purpose the citizens collected one night about sundown at Kocky Ford, to the number of seventy-five, and turning their backs upon the illumination of a big bonfire as the shades of evening began to thicken, they marched all night with resolute tread for Dixon. Sheriff Camp- bell lived a mile or two out of the town, and they took the trouble to call at his house and inform him of the object of the expedition, and to assure him that there was no intention to raise a riot or inflict per- sonal injury. The design was to enter Dixon before the people should be up and stirring about much, to take Bull prisoner, depart to a con- venient place, and demand of him a conveyance of the land to Ander- son. The affair was well planned and executed. Just as day was breaking the motley cavalcade flled into the sleepy town and sur- rounded the hotel. One of the strongest in the crowd had been de- tailed to wait in the bar-room until he should make his appearance. Presently Bull entered and stepped behind the bar ; no sooner had he done this than he was vigorously seized, but being also a strong man, and having the advantage of the counter, he was able to maintain a successful resistance until two more men were sent to the assistance of the first, when he was brought out promptly, thrown into the wagon, and driven off. The colored waiter, alarmed at the proceeding, leaped 18 296 HISTORY OP LEE COUNTY.- into the street and rushed through the town, brandishing a big butcher knife and shouting " murder ! " The commotion brought the people out in sudden amazement and in all states of dress, and tarrying only long enough to grasp their weapons they started in hot pursuit on foot, mounted and in wagons. The party with the prisoner were soon overtaken, and the pursuers, in ignorance of their real design, made so excited and hostile a demonstration as to threaten imminent danger of bloodshed. At first Bull himself was not a little terrified, and implored an explanation ; being told his offense he was speedily relieved, and able to convince the people that it was not through any improper motive that he had entered Anderson's land, and that he would at once cheerfully make it over to him. On reaching Sheriff Campbell's a circle was formed to keep back the Dixonites, Bull placed in the ring, and the preliminaries concluded by which Campbell became surety for the performance of Bull's agreement to convey the land to Anderson on terms of no small advantage to the latter. This was in the spring of 1845, and was one of the most notable exploits under the old regime. BANDITTI. The boldest creations of romance are little more than feeble imita- tions of the actual. As an illustration of this the system of organized crime which inclosed this region from 1843 to 1850 is an example without a parallel. The history of the western country in the early stages of settlement is checkered with graceless characters who have prosecuted their desperate designs against the peace and safety of society, singly and in gangs ; but no other band, we think, was so successful in inveigling into its toils an equal number of confederates, distributed over the land, scattered through every neighborhood, whose operations were so adroit and connections so skillfully concealed, and who secreted stolen property, counterfeited money, and harbored red-handed criminals with such clandestine suc- cess as to make the keenest vigilance for a while appear like a drowsy god. The Green River bottoms in places were gloomy, tangled, un- known swamps, which even the most curious and adventuresome hunters had not explored. The immense Inlet swamp, and the larger Green River swamp in the southwest corner of the county and the north part of Bureau, were trysting-places for the outlaws. Deep forests and rank vegetation covered them. The latter, a sink and den of horrors, was skirted by low and rambling hills, whose winding ravines were passes in all directions. The sparseness of population was also favora- ble to the commission of crime and the escape of criminals. Hiding- places were convenient and numerous. A man found no difficulty in secreting himself in the tall grass in low places. The rider who pene- AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 297 trated the groves and marshes could elude pursuit; besides, friends un- known as accomplices, except to the robbers themselves, kept watch for their companions, communicated information to them, hid and pro- tected, fed and warmed them and shared their plunder ; and through a period of long-standing danger and excitement were able to defy detection by the people, who were paralyzed with wonder and alarm at the boldness and frequency of the crimes committed. Mysterious sights and discoveries went unexplained. Strangers on foot, sometimes mounted, of singular or suspicious appearance, now with bushy whis- kers and long hair, wearing slouch hats, suggesting dark and dangerous freebooters, again clad in spruce outfit, with tall beaver hats, and canes in hand, would be seen passing through the settlement. Children often came home with stories of such men seen when driving up the cows at night. Faint trails were discovered, and secluded spots where animals had been fed and men had lounged while waiting; and at un-. usual hours of night and in uncommon places the neighing of horses made women shudder, as they thought of the bandits at their work. Horse-stealing was but a recreation. Counterfeiting served well the purpose to absorb idle hours. Atrocious murder, blood-curdling and cruel, was committed and expiated on the scaiFold without a sign of re- gret by these hardened men. People locked their stables, barricaded their doors, and placed their weapons within reach for instant use, not knowing what dreadful tragedy they might be actors in before morn- ing. Public helplessness to ferret out and bring to punishment the ruffians who set at naught every form and semblance of law destroyed all sense of security. Suspicions were directed against some, and whispered about; others were so vague that no man dared more than entertain them. Men stood in doubt, if not in dread, of neighbors, and no one could deny that a strange thrill pervaded his consciousness as if every man's hand was against him. This gigantic crime against the state is adequately treated of else- where, and we are confined, perforce, to a relation of the local efforts made for its suppression. The operations of the gang embraced the whole Mississippi valley, but its depredations in this region were suf- ficiently startling to awaken among the people and keep in constant activity the liveliest apprehensions. Among the most daring of these were the robbery of Mulford in Ogle county ; McKinney, at Eockford ; Miller, at Troy Grove ; George E. Haskell, at Inlet ; the plot against the Dixon land office and the robbery of Frink, "Walker & Go's stage ; the murder of Campbell, " captain of the vigilance committee " in Ogle county, by three of tlie desperadoes, two of whom, the Driscolls, were promptly lynched ; and the shocking murder of Col. Davenport at Eock Island, July 4, 1845. 298 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. The active vigilance and cooperation of the vi^hole community be- came immediately necessary. An attempted robbery near Inlet Grove implicated two of the principal citizens of the place, one of whom was the magistrate. These were arrested, and at the spring term of the Lee county circuit court convicted and sentenced to three years' im- prisonment in the penitentiary. Both died before the expiration of their term. Soon after the arrest of these men, in the autumn of 1844, Charles West, another citizen of Inlet Grove (who was also the constable), was suspected of the robbery of the peddler Miller, at Troy Grove, and search being made some of the goods were found in his house. He was examined and committed for trial, but turned state's evidence and made what purported to be a full disclosure. His con- fession led to a number of searches and arrests, and considerable stolen property was recovered. Goods having been found in the house of an- other leading man at Inlet Grove, he was arrested (June 1845) and sent to the penitentiary for two years, but was pardoned and set at liberty after a few months. He had had a horse stolen, and while de- nying any active participation in the robberies, or having profited by them, he accounted for his guilty knowledge by confessing that the brigands had proposed to return his horse as an equivalent for his friendship, and that in his anxiety to obtain his property he bad al- lowed himself to become criminally associated with them. He denied all knowledge of the goods found in his house ; and it was and still is the belief that his wife and step-son were far more deeply involved than he. There were strong presumptions in his favor regarding the degree of his complicity, which led to his pardon. One of the methods by which the ringleaders extended their organization was to rob a man, then work on his sensibilities in this manner, and after he had once yielded in the least measure it was an easy matter to terrify the victim into their ranks by threats of exposure. Close upon these surprising developments at Inlet Grove the peo- ple organized themselves into a body, styled "An Association for Furthering the Cause of Justice," and adopted a constitution, the pre- amble to which explains their motives and the necessity for their action. We acknowledge again our obligations to Mr. Ira Brewer for the original document, together with some resolutions and other pro- ceedings relating to the subject. " Whereas, Sundry depredations have been committed upon the property of the citizens of this vicinity from time to time, and ap- pearances have plainly shown that Inlet Grove has been a resting-place and depot for the numerous rogues that infest the country ; and where- as it has now become a settled point in our belief that there are those about us who are not only willing to aid and succor the thief that AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 299 passes through in the hour of darkness with his ill-gotten booty,- but also to receive "it at his hands and to share the spoils ; and whereas, from the peculiar character of our country, and the numbers associated in the shape of banditti, it has been heretofore and is still difficult for the officers of justice, with the individu?,! assistance of the person robbed or suifering at their hands, to bring the offenders to justice ; therefore we, the undersigned, have agreed to form ourselves into an association for the purpose of aiding any man that unites with us in attempting to regain his property unlawfully taken, to protect our- selves from all incursions of a villainous character, to assist the officers of justice in taking rogues of all descriptions, and as much as may be to assist each other in maintaining good order in society, by keeping a constant look-out for all persons of a suspicious character, and we ac- cordingly pledge ourselves to each other to mutually exert ourselves as far as we are able to counteract the evils enumerated, as well as to bring about the good proposed." After providing for the customary offices of president, secretary and treasurer, and prescribing their duties, this instrument declares that a vigilance committee shall be appointed by the presiding officer, and defines it to be their duty " to receive from any member of the associ- ation any information relating to unlawful depredations made at any time upon the person or property of our members, and to report it forthwith to a person selected as chairman of said committee, whose duty it shall be to act in behalf of the society by communicating the information immediately to the officers of justice, and to obey any in- struction which may hereafter be given him . by the association. The said committee shall elect said chairman, to be known to no one but themselves and the officers of justice.; and he shall make his commu" nications to the said officers of justice as secretly as possible, in order to avoid the escape of a priminal or of persons suspected. Any mem- ber of the vigilance committee may report immediately to the officers of justice if he deem it advisable. "Article Fifth : A set of runners shall be appointed by the vigilance committee whose duty it shall be to start immediately in all directions that it may be supposed a rogue has gone, whenever anything shall appear to have been feloniously taken, or any mischief done to the property of our associated members, and to make all necessary search." Funds were to be raised by the subscription of members, and it is declared that they " shall consider themselves bound, by their sub- scribing to this constitution, to pay * * * as much as if they had given their note for value received," and they pledge themselves to pay to the treasurer on his demand as the vigilance committee require from time to time. 300 HISTOBY OF LEE COUNTY. " Article Seventh. — We do hereby pledge ourselves mutually to do all in our power for the detection of all rogues; that we will be vigi- lant, and whenever any suspicious person shall be around will forth- with report him ; whenever any property shall appear under suspicious circumstances, will give information respecting the same, either to a member of our vigilance committee or directly to the officers of justice; and will do all in our power consistently with our circum- stances in life to make any sufferer hereafter from their attacks as good as before. " Article Eighth. — Any person who is not of a suspicious character may become a member of this association by signing the constitution ; but if objections are made to him at the time of joining by any member, he shall be admitted only by a vote of the association, the majority at all times ruling." In spite of their precautions it is said they did not succeed in keep- ing their ranks free from emissaries of the band, who thus got due apprisal of much that was going on. The expulsion of any member who should aid or countenance the outlaws was declared among the powers of the (association, with the supplemental provision that he should "share his fate with them." The chairman of the vigilance committee was to be selected by that committee from the members of the association, and was to be " known to no one but themselves and the officers of justice." Meetings were to be held yearly for the election of officers, and extra meetings were to be called by the vigilance com- mittee, each of whom was to " take his share of notifying members of the association." "Article Twelfth. — We do hereby agree that our premises and buildings shall at all times be open and ready for search for missing property, and that any member of our vigilance committee shall at any time have liberty to search us our possessions without any legal process; and whenever we find any person unwilling to admit such search, the person so refusing it shall be considered suspicious, and legal measures shall be taken forthwith to search him and his premises, and he shall forfeit his membership in the association." This constitution was adopted November 4, 1844, and seventy-two well known citizens attached their signatures. Moses Crombie was elected president, Ira Brewer clerk, and George E. Haskell treasurer. The president appointed the following vigilance committee : Corydon K. Dewey, Sherman Shaw, George E. Linn, 0. 1. Hitchcock, Sylvanus Peterson, G. A. Ingalls, Harmon Wasson, and John 0. Church. Some resolutions were passed referring to the disclosures made by the detec- tion of the first two offenders arrested at Inlet, pronouncing judgment upon the guilty ; and also declaring the future course of the associa- AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 301 tion toward all who should be found in criminal attitude. It is possi- ble now to remark only in general terms that the association rendered valuable service in the enforcement of the laws, and the final suppression of the band. The reader is by this time acquainted with the end pro- posed, and the means and methods adopted to accomplish it, and in the absence of detailed information it is enough to say that the sanguine aims of the organization were completely and speedily realized. The straggling records before us show that about the first of June, 1845, the community was thrown into fresh commotion, for on the 7th a meeting was held and George E. Haskell, C. I. Hitchcock and C. E. Dewey were appointed to report resolutions, which were accepted and laid over for consideration to an adjourned meeting of the 10th. These show that on the 6th one of the leading bandits was in the set- tlement, and it is charged that "it is confidently believed that had a conference yesterday with the thief that passed through the grove," and warning him to beware of the wrath of the people. This was probably when they surrounded and beat up the grove for Fox (or Birch) and the audacious outlaw in gentlemanly garb and with walking-stick in hand coolly passed two citizens on the highway who were stationed to intercept him and prevent his escape. They did not recognize him, and were so thoughtless as not to detain him. On another occasion one of the gang, riding a stolen horse, was chased into the grove ; but he escaped and left the people balancing between excitement and disappointment. The last person arrested in the neighborhood and convicted was the one referred to in the resolution, and it was only a few days afterward that he was taken in custody. West's confession, we find, has brought him into danger from another quarter, for the association declare that " it is well known that the life of Charles West has been threatened," but " we are determined to protect the said Charles West at all events, and that if his life is taken we will take measures to avenge his death," and much more on the same point. They dedicate themselves to more efficient work by proposing to improve their communication with the people of Dixon and the settlements at the groves, and thus increase the facilities for arousing the country quickly; to appoint a special mes- senger to assist [in giving immediate notice to the members in an emergency, and by instructing the vigilance committee to meet forth- with to prepare "for the summer campaign," and to continue their meetings frequently and regularly. Here, as in all assemblies, men advocated moderate or extrenie measures, according as they were of radical or conservative temper. The resolutions in question bear marks of a threatening impatience, and we should not have been surprised if after having been so much harried 302 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. with dangers and apprehensions the people had put their denunciations in more impetuous words. Dr. Adams, a prominent member, and, by the way, a democrat, whose inflammable nature needed not such fuel as the situation furnished, advocated the resolutions in a strong speech, and proclaimed himself in favor of hunting the brigands like wolves. The Eev. John Cross, than whom no milder mannered man broke the bread of life, opposed these views in a neat and softening speech, deprecating violence, and expressing hope that the people would preserve their reputation for obeying the laws. Dr. Adams arose to reply, with fiery indignation stamped on every feature. In a bitter retort he reminded the reverend gentleman that he might be a consistent stickler for the law if he would give absolutely none of his time to running off negroes on the underground railroad. The range was close, the shot deadly, and the preacher could not recover. The resolutions passed. This organization was a necessity of the time, and the only feasible adjunct to the arm of the law, which, without its aid, was utterly- powerless. It numbered in its ranks all the better citizens, who ad- dressed themselves with energy and resolution to the business of pro- tecting the community from theft and mnrder. The execution of the Hodges, the Longs, and Young, crushed the head of the anaconda. Alarms ceased, and peace reigned once more. ORaANIZATION. Lee county adopted township organization in 1849, and tlie first election under this new form of local government was in the following spring. Anterior to this date Amboy was divided between the flank- ing precincts on the east and the west. When the township was christened a number of names were proposed, but none- gave satisfac- tion until Miles Lewis suggested the name of Amloy, which was re- ceived with unanimous favor, and adopted. The first annual town meeting was held on Tuesday, April 2 ; Joseph Farwell presided as moderator, and Joseph B. Appleton was elected clerk. Polling places were at school-houses and private residences until Amboy was built, when the town meetings were for several years held in Farwell Hall. John Dexter was an early magistrate. His way of doing business was not uncommon in his day on the border, but appears novel to his suc- cessors of this period. Complaint had been made against a man for assault and battery, and he fined him three dollars; the constable whis- pered in the justice's ear, when he said he would change the fine, and imposed that amount on each the complainant and the defendant, and divided the costs between them. The subjoined list of township oflScers does not include the whole number, but the principal ones that can be made out from the records and other sources with certainty : AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 303 eUPEBVISOR. TOWN CLKRK. ASSBSSOK. COLLEpTOK. 1850. David Searles. J. B. Appleton. Martin Wright. A.H.Thompson. 1851. David Searles. J. B. Appleton. Cyrus 'Bridgman. A.H.Thompson. 1853. Moses Lathe. J. B. Appleton. Lot Chadwick. A. H.Thompson. 1853. F. R. Dutcher. James Andruss. E. M. Blair. A. H.Thompson. 1854. Simon Badger. J. B. Appleton. A. H. Thompson. Zanthe Reed. 1855. J. B. Appleton. J. M. Davis. Stephen Stone. Julius Hale. 1856. H. Wasson. . H. E. Badger. 1857. Josiah Little. Cyrus Bridgman. W. B. Andruss. 1858. H. E. Badger. C. D. Vaughan. Cyrus Bridgman. W. B. Andruss. 1859. H. E. Badger. C. D. Vaughan. J. M. Davis. W. B. Andruss. 1860. H. E. Badger. C. D. Vaughan. J. M. Davis. W. B. Andruss. 1861. J. M. Davis. C. D. Vaughan. Simon Badger. C. D. Sears. 1863. Josiah Little. C D. Vaughan. D. H. Crocker. Isaac Edwards. 1863. Josiah Little. W. B. Andruss. C. D. Sears. J. E. Whiting, •1864. H. E. Badger. W. B. Andruss. C. D. Sears. J. e. Church. 1865. H. E. Badger. W. B. Andruss. C. D. Sears. Isaac Edwards. 1866. H. E. Badger. W. B. Andruss. J. C. Church. J. S. Baker. 1867. H. E. Badger. W. B. Andruss. David Crocker. E. P. Walker. 1868. Isaac Edwards. Chaa. P. Ives. Lee Cronkrite. Chas. W. Bell. 1869. Isaac Edwards. Chas. P. Ives. Lee Cronkrite. E. E. Chase. 1870. F. R. Dutcher. Chas. P. Ives. D. H. Crocker. Michael Carroll. 1871. Chester Badger. J. T. Tait. D. H. Crocker. J. R. Patterson. 1872. F. R. Dutcher. J. T. Tait. D. H. Crocker. 0. F. Warriner. 1873. Chester Badger. C. E. Ives. D. H. Crocker. M. Carroll. 1874. Chester Badger. 0. E. Ives. D. H. Crocker. M. Carroll. 1875. Chester Badger. C. E. Ives. D. H. Crocker. Ira Smith. 1876. Chester Badger. C. E. Ives. Lee Cronkrite. E. E. Chase. 1877. Chester Badger. W. P. Barnes. Lee Cronkrite. Isaac Edwards. 1878. Isaac Edwards. D. F. Strickland, Lee Cronkrite. Oscar Spangler. 1879. Isaac Edwards. L. L. Staup. Lee Cronkrite. Ira Smith. 1880. Isaac Edwards. James Mead. Lee Cronkrite. N. B. Koontz. 1881. Isaac Edwards. Geo. Kiefer. Lee Cronkrite. W. J. Edwards. Badger and Ives resigned in December 1874, and Channcy D. Seare 1 and James T. Tait were appointed to the respective vacancies. Again in April following they resi igned their offices. In both cases these resignations were owing to complications of the township arising from certain outstanding railroad bonds. PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. The first road laid through the township connected Grand de Tour and Peru; the second one ran from Inlet Grove to Prophetstown, Binghamton and Kocky Ford lying on the route. Main street in Amboy is identical with it, and the large cottonwood trees which flank it to the right and left of the Congregational church were planted by the hand of Joseph Farwell to mark its course. The old Central railroad, on which the state in a crazy freak squan- dered over a million dollars, was surveyed and partly built through this township. The charter was first granted to Darius B. Holbrook, but be- fore he had organized a company the legislature repealed it, and included 304 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. this work in the system of public improvements undertaken by the state in 1836-7. After the public credit failed he obtained a renewal of his charter, with a grant of all the work that had been done. Dr. Harri- son, of Peru, took a contract to build part of the line, and sent a force of laborers here in the fall of 1841 to renew the grading which had been begun four or five years before and worked upon at intervals after- ward. He started a bank in Peru and issued circulation ; but one day somebody went down and demanded specie for his paper, and was re- fused. When news of this reached the gang of men up here they dropped their tools, and the sun never rose on a resumption of the work. Harrison's paper was in the hands of people in this section, where it has remained so long that its "staying qualities" are fully and forever established. It was known as "Bangs' railroad money," and is a reminiscence of "wildcat" banking, and of the old Central "wildcat" improvement. Remains of the old work are yet visible. The only resemblance ever borne by the present Central railroad to the former was in the name. Stephen A. Douglas procured the re- lease of Holbrook's charter, and was the author of the measure which brought this grand enterprise into successful existence. Congress passed the bill in 1850, and the next winter the Illinois legislature in- corporated the company. The survey was completed in 1851, and the succeeding year construction began. The division from Mendota to Freeport was formally opened for traffic February 1, 1855. The first train reached Amboy early in November 1854. The constraction of the Chicago, Amboy & Upper Mississippi railroad was loudly agitated at one time; a charter was procured and the survey direct from Amboy to Chicago made in 1856, under the direction of Col. R. B. Mason. No stock was taken and the under- taking failed. But direct communication with Chicago was an object having many attractions, and was sure some time to furnish the triumphant argument for a road. The situation was improved when, at the session of 1868-9, Alonzo Kinyon, a member of the legislature from Lee county, obtained from that body a charter for the Chicago & Rock River railroad, which was to extend east from Rock Falls and intersect the Central at Calumet. On the organization of the company in May 1869, Mr. Kinyon was elected president. Araljoy township was asked to take stock in the road to the amount of $100,000, and on July 26, 1869, voted to do so, polling 517 votes in favor of the proposition, to 92 against it. On March 30, 1870, the contract for building the road was awarded to a New York company. It was to be finished by the 1st of January following ; but on July 28, the work having made little headway, the contractor was relieved at his own request, and the construction relet to Hinckley & Co. Still little was AMBOY TOWKSHIP. 305 done, and in September it was announced that Messrs. Wicker, Mick- lin & Co., of Chicago, had contracted to complete the road within a year, from Calnmet to Eock Falls, and within two years from Amboy to Bureau Junction. The last rail was laid between Amboy and Rock Falls January 4, 1872 ; and on Wednesday, June 19, the road was finished to Paw Paw. Some of the towns between Amboy and Kock Falls that had voted to take stock failed, when that division of the road was built, to transfer their bonds; and on the election of the new board in January, the contractors, holding the larger amount of stock, were able to reorganize the board of directors to suit their purposes. This board, in June, sold the first mortgage bonds to' the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company. In July it was decided to extend the time for the completion of the road one year, and in the meantime to make temporary connection with the Chicago & Iowa railroad at Shabbona. To the people of Amboy this was the certain knell of all their hopes, for it told in action, which is said to speak plainer than words, that the road was a failure, that it would not be completed as originally proposed. But Amboy had shouldered the elephant by delivering the bonds. She enjoyed a season of great ex- pectations, thinking that the headquarters of the company would be established here, and dreaming of machine shops, and how Amboy was to become a city of furnaces and forges ; for all this had been guaranteed in the language of the most eloquent promises. The pic- ture was dazzling. The first regular passenger train went over the road Wednesday, October 16, 1872. The road now connects with the trunk line at Sandwich. SCHOOLS. The first school-house in Amboy township was built of logs in the year 1839, and situated on the Sublette road, just south of the railroad crossing. Lucy Ann Church was the first teacher. Men were employed in winter and women in summer. Leonard Pratt, John Carey, Ira Hale, David Hale and Charlotte Doan taught in this house. After the Wasson school-house, the second in the township, and a frame building, was erected in 1845, the former was moved farther south and put up near the Lewis homestead. Here Eoena Badger and Roxy Wasson taught for many years, and they seemed, in fact, to be the principal dependence of the community for summer teachers. John Scott, an able pedagogue, who died afterward in California, taught first in the Wasson district. The Misses Badger and Wasson, H. E. Badger and Lyman 0. Wheat were also early teachers in the same place. John C. Church, who was a director, tells an anecdote on himself with considerable relish. He had hired Wheat to teach, and the latter, as a matter of course, invited 306 HISTORY OF LEE fiOTJNTY. him to visit the school. Church replied in his positive way : "I hired you to keep the school, and now I want you to do it." But, passing one afternoon on his way home from Binghampton, he thought he would drop in to see how teacher and pupils were getting on. The grammar class was called, and a book was politely handed him. Now, Mr. Church never studied grammar but half a day in his whole life ; but he made immense progress in that short time. It used to be the case that the less one had studied grammar the more positive he was that it was of no utility, and in order to respect his positiveness he had to convince himself that he knew a good deal on the subject. But not so with a ready learner like Mr. Church. That half-day's ramble with Lindley Murray among nouns and pronouns and their fellows of speech had disclosed imponderable mysteries to his view ; but he still has a lurk- ing recollection that the subject was "dry." The teacher and the class got into a protracted dispute involving some question on the lesson, and to settle it the former appealed to Mr. Church, whose diplomatic answer was, " You are correct ; that is the way it should be parsed." This. response killed the controversy " as dead as a door nail." That night he told "Wheat of his shrewd escape, and was complimented no less for his foresight in avoiding the part of principal in the argu- ment than for his ability to use all that he had learned in half a day's study of grammar. In an early day an irregular select school was kept at Eocky Ford. Amboy township now comprises ten districts, and in 1879 the total school expenditures were $8,284. RELIGIOUS. The frontier itinerant was a truly divine laborer. Courage and industry were the preeminent virtues of his activity. His circuit embraced what would now seem an incredible extent of country, and he did well if he served all his appointments once every month. To defy distance and weather was a regular habit. He usually traveled on horseback, carrying, in capacious saddle-bags, a small bible, a hymn book, and a homely luncheon. Often he would ride thirty miles to preach a funeral sermon, and forty or fifty to marry a couple for three dollars. But he did not scorn privations and overcome obstacles for money ; it was a pleasure to be about his Master's work. He grew strong in view of the great field and the waiting harvest, and his soul was animated by the simple joy and hearty salutations which the warm hearts of the people always expressed at his coming. But before cir- cuits were formed the zealous messengers of the truth rode throuo-h the wilderness visiting the scattered settlements and carrying the heal- ing news of the Good Shepherd. His arrival was the signal for word AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 307 to go forth like a swift joy in every direction to summon together the hungry souls. Meetings were held in the cabins, and in God's first temples, the groves. On these occasions full hearts rendered thanks to God for the preservation of life and health of the minister of peace, and the hardy settlers from the abounding dangers of the exposed frontier, and appealed in earnest invocations for his continued grace and precious mercy, and deliverance from the distemper of the soul — sin. Then, with the service over, he departed on his rugged journey, refreshed with the hospitality of his fiill-souled entertainers, and laden with the provisions which the thoughtful housewife had prepared for his comfort, bearing on his head their blessings, and followed by silent prayers for his safety and return. The first minister around whom the early settlers gathered for gospel instruction was Father Gorbus, a Methodist preacher well ad- vanced in years, who came from Indian creek. At this early period denominations exerted no influence; congregations were composed of every sect and those who represented no sect, all feeling and acknowl- edging a common necessity for worship. Father Gorbus received his pay in provisions, such as potatoes, and meat, and flour. Money was not plentiful. It was a commodity little seen, and for many years commanded an annual rate not less than twenty-five per cent. As an instance of the dearness of money and the cheapness of stock, produce, and labor, F. H. Northway says he tried to redeem his note for $3.75, in the hands of a neighbor, by offering a yearling steer, two shoats weighing 125 pounds each, and two days' work. This was declined, and he was sued. A German Baptfst, Father Hetchler, came very early, perhaps was next to Father Gorbus. It is thought that Eev. Curtis Lathrop, a Methodist, was the third, and that Father White, another Methodist, was the fourth ; but regarding order we do not profess any certainty. Elder DeWolf was an educated Episcopalian, who settled on the Chi- cago road, between Dixon and Inlet Grove, but after a few years re- turned to the east. In 1843 the Eev. Donaldson, from Dover, who preached here at times, assisted in organizing the first Congregational church in Lee county, at the house of Deacon Moses Crombie. This was called the " Congregational Church of Palestine Grove," and the members worshiped several years at the Wasson school-house. The Eev. John Morrell, the first pastor, was followed by the Eev. Inger- soll (father of Col. Eobert G. IngersoU), and he was succeeded by the Eev. Joseph Gardiner and the Eev. Mr. Pierson. About 1849 this congregation removed its place of worship to Lee Center, and changed the name of the society to that of the new locality. From this the present Amboy society has descended. What is known of the first 308 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTT. Methodist society is recorded in tlie sketch of Binghamton. Another very early organization was the Palestine Grove Baptist church, but we are not able to state what year it took regular form. The Rev. Charles Cross, now living in Amboy township, became the regular pastor in 1847, and filled the pulpit some time. The membership was located on both sides of the grove, and when Amboy and Sublette were built the society naturally broke in two, and the parts gravitated to these towns. The records were retained by the Sublette division. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day' Saints obtained a foot- hold and a large membership at an early date. The first preacher to come was William Anderson, who got permission to preach in John Hook's house. Traveling preachers came along at intervals, and some- thing of a band was formed, which grew to considerable proportions in a short while. Any reference to this sect will lead us to tell the story of the prophet's arrest in this township. His wife, before marriage, was Emma Hale, sister to Alva Hale, of Sublette, and David Hale and Mrs. Benjamin Wasson, of Amboy. In the community were acquaint- ances of Smith's boyhood, and one at least, Uncle Asa Searles, had been a school-fellow. Occasionally Smith visited his friends in the vicinity of Palestine Grove, and the presence of his followers, who numbered some of the most respectable families, made his. journeys here doubly pleasurable. At such times he always preached, and the people came to the log school-house situated on the Sublette road, a few rods south of where the railroad is, to listen to his vehement oratory. It is more than probable that his visits were prompted by other motives than pleasure and duty, for when the saints were driven in vengeance from Missouri, the leaders, including the prophet, were tried before a dram-head court-martial and sentenced to be shot for treason, but were saved from this mobbish proceeding by the humane intervention of Gen. Doniphan, who afterward became justly celebrated for his brilliant achievements during the Mexican war. These men were held in custody for trial, on charges of theft, arson, treason and murder, but escaped and came to Nauvoo. In the autumn of 1841 the governor of Missouri made a requisition on Gov. Carlin, of this state, for the deliv- ery of the fugitives. A writ was issued, but being soon after returned unexecTTted, Gov. Carlin again placed it in the hands of an officer, and Smith was this time arrested. He was taken before Judge Douglas, who was then sitting on the supreme bench, and discharged upon a writ of habeas corpus, " upon the ground that the writ upon which he had been arrested had been once returned before it was executed, and was functus officio." The next year the governor issued a new writ, and " Smith was arrested again, and was either rescued by his followers or discharged by the municipal court [a Mormon tribunal] on a writ of AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 309 habeas corpus." In his " History of Illinois," Gov. Ford has given a circumstantial relation of these arrests, and we follow his account, in- jecting such further particulars as we have reason to believe are authen- tic. In June, 1843, the governor of Missouri renewed his demand for the arrest and surrender of Smith, and accordingly " a new warrant, in pursuance of the constitution of the United States, was issued, and placed in the hands of a constable in Hancock. This constable and the Missouri agent hastened to ISTauvoo to make the arrest, where they ascertained that Joe Smith was on a visit to Rock river. They pursued him thither, and succeeded in arresting him in Palestine Grove, in the count}' of Lee." Mrs. Smith was here visiting her relations, and the prophet, as was natural for him to do, had joined her, and had spoken once at the log school-house, in a Sunday discussion with a Methodist preacher named Headly, regarding the authenticity of the "Book of Mormon." The next day he was called upon by these two men, and on being told that they had a warrant for him, he forcibly undertook to contest their ability to make him prisoner. " He was full six feet high, strongly built, and uncommonly well muscled," and with the two united against him the struggle that followed was a desperate one. He was at length overpowered, but not till all had re- ceived bruises enough to show that each had been in the ' thickest of the fight.' " This episode occasioned the wildest excitement; the people sus- pected the legality of the arrest, and were not sure that it was not a ruse to get him away where he could be made the victim of insult and violence. A crowd followed to Dixon to insure fair play, and finally consented for the captors to depart with their prisoner without oppo- sition. "The constable immediately delivered his prisoner to the Missouri agent, and returned his warrant as having been executed. The agent started with his prisoner in the direction of Missouri, but on the road was met by a number of armed Mormons, who captured the whole party, and conducted them in the direction of ISTauvoo. Farther on they were met by hundreds of the Mormons, coming to the rescue of their prophet, who conducted him in grand triumph to his own city." A writ of habeas corpus was sued out of the municipal court " composed of Joe Smith's tools and particular friends," and by this court he was discharged. A year later he and his brother Hiram were basely murdered by an infuriated and cowardly mob ; and as soon as the twelve apostles who were absent on missionary work, could return, they, with Brigliam Young at their head, usurped the govern- ment of the church. Numbers of Smith's foUowiers had become dis- affected before his death ; the ranks of these were now augmented by considerable accessions, and a schism of no little importance was the 310 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. result. Many of those who withdrew had to make their escape secret- ly to save their property, and they formed the nucleus of the reorgan- ized church, which abjures polygamy. By these the claim is made that the prophet was not a patron of spiritual wifeism, but this is not to be at once admitted. Aaron Hook, who had lived at Nauvoo and been ordained an elder, returned to Kocky Ford to take up his residence; he sometimes preached, and was an influential man among those of his faith. About the time of the hegira to Salt Lake, "William Smith, a brother to the prophet, came among the saints at the Ford and organized a branch. He claimed to be a representative of the younger Joseph, son of the prophet and a mere lad, and that it was his duty to rule and direct the people until the latter should assume the first place, or prophetship, in the church. Smith remained here awhile preaching and extending his congregation until it numbered no fewer than sixty souls. The.com- pany was swelled by arrivals from Ohio and other places. Aaron Hook fitted up his house with a hall which was used for their services. They laid out a town on tha ridge north of Rocky Ford, and at one time there was talk of building a temple, but the conception was never carried out. In course of time Smith got into bad odor with outsiders, and was once arrested for bigamy, but was not convicted, and in a little while he removed to other parts. The branch he' had established lost its energy after his departure. Besides the Hooks, Edwin Cad well who came to the township in 1848, and is still living here, has been a leading and respected Mormon. Wentworth Blair, Stephen Stone and his father, and David L. Doan belong to the same category. The further history of the sect in this place is uneventful until the year 1860, when, on April 6, the anniversary of the founding of the church, the annual conference assembled in Amboy, with representa- tives from the diflFerent branches in Iowa, Michigan, and this state; and Joseph Smith, jr., of Piano, was solemnly installed prophet and high priest in the old Mechanics' hall. Two conferences are held annually ;, for several years the spring gathering met at Amboy and the autumnal meeting in Iowa. Conversions and additions to the church have been made at difi'erent times, and the society has a mem- bership of about forty. Joseph Smith, jr., who is a highly respected man, resides at Piano, where the headquarters of the church are established and the publications issued. Removal to Iowa is decided upon for this year. BINGHAMTON. Thi6 town was laid out in the S.E. J of Sec. 14, T. 21 N., R. 10 E. of the 4th P.M., in April 1848, by the proprietor, Asa B. Searles, and named in honor of the city of that name, county seat of Broome county, ... : ^'zi Km Lewis Clapp AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 311 'New York, from which county a large number of the lirst settlers in this vicinity emigrated. Some lots were at the same time laid off on the S.W. i of Sec. 13 for Warren Badger as part of the town. Mr. Searles bnilt and kept the Binghamton House, and also erected a store and took Edward Waters into partnership. Henry Porter bought them out, and he in turn sold to the Union Company, a cooperative concern run on the stock principle and conducted by James H. Preston. While Mr. Searles was keeping public house, Eobert G. Ingersoll, the now celebrated orator and infidel, then about sixteen years of age, was his man-of-all-work on the premises a full year. The Ingersoll family lived in the neighborhood three years from about 1846; the father was Congregational minister, and he and the boys, John, Ebon and Bob, farmed some on rented land. The latter, we are told, was a live boy, full of fun and stories. In 18M a flouring-mill, the first built in Lee county, was raised here by John Dexter and the Badger brothers, Warren and Palmer. The latter was crushed and killed by a bank of earth falling upon him, and his place in the partnership was taken by Chester Badger. In 1858 he (Chester) and his brother Henry pur- chased the property, and in the following winter introduced steam power. On Thursday night, July 18, 1872, it was burned to the ground, and the proprietors sustained a loss of $6,000, the sum of $8,000 being covered by insurance. It was at once rebuilt, and Chester Badger sold his interest to H. E. Badger & Son, who operated it until its late destruction. It was struck and set on fire by lightning in the evening of July 21, 1881 ; the value of mill and stock was $16,000, with an insurance of $6,000. This mill was furnished with all the modern improvements, was run both by water and steam, and its de- struction was not only a heavy loss to the owners, but a serious one also to the community. James Doan set up a plow factory, but after a year sold to Freder- ick Bainter; and in 1846 another was started by the Shaws and Churches. In 1851 H. E. Badger entered into partnership with Bainter, but they soon dissolved, and the next year the manufacture was continued by Henry and Chester Badger, while Bainter carried on another shop. In 1854 James Dexter built a saw-mill. David Crocker and David Searles, partners, and Warren Badger were storekeepers not before mentioned. Besides the "Binghamton," there was another place of public entertainment known as the "Reed House." The town had two custom blacksmiths, a shoemaker, one wagon shop and a carding machine. After the mail and stage route was changed and the postofBce removed from Shelburn to Binghamton in 1850 this became a brisk place of trade and manufacture, whose crowded hotels were an index of the great travel by this route. 19 312 HISTORY OF LEE COITNTY. About 1840 a Methodist class was organized in this settlement, and among the original members were Joseph Doan, Curtis Bridgman, Andrew Bainter, and their wives, and Aunt Betsy Doan. Frederick Bainter, Joseph Lewis, Henry E. Badger and their wives were leading members. This society was in the Lee Center circuit, and in 1851 they erected a house of worship in this town. When Amboy sprang into existence H. E. Badger purchased the building, and another was reared in the rising city. That was used a few years and then sold to the district for a school-house. Binghamton is situated a mile east of Amboy, and certainly it was not expected that she would never languish like all old-time towns which the modern system of travel has failed to rescue from decay, but nevertheless she has carried herself proudly in her desolation. The only business interest of which she is not now bereft is the plow fac- tory of "W. I. Fish, if we except the Amboy Drain Tile and Brick Works erected the present season by Wightwick & Stone less than half a mile north of the place. These works represent a growing and im- portant industry, which is destined to exercise an influence in the de- velopment of wealth beyond all calculation. The main building is 50x100 feet, two stories high, and the facilities for burning include four of Tiffany's patent square, down-draft kilns, all under one roof, so arranged as to utilize the waste heat of the kiln while cooling in firing the next. Tiffany's Centennial Tiffany Brick and Tile Machine is the one used for moulding, and this is propelled by a Siamese Twins Du- plex engine of twenty-horse power. The fixtures are all of the latest pattern, and comprise some very recent novel and valuable improve- ments. Messrs. Wightwick & Stone intend to operate the year round by means of steam drying in winter, which will give their factory a capacity of 2,000,000 tiles annually. Additions to their works are to be made in the near future. The first interment in the cemetery at this town was Patience, wife of A. B. Searles, who died December 19, 1846. The place was used as a common burial lot until March 1856, when the Binghamton Cemetery Association was formed, and a piece of land bought from Mr. Searles and put under fence. Three soldiers of the late war are buried here: Otis Bridgman, who enlisted at Amboy, May 1861, in Co. C, 13th 111. Yols., served three years, and died of disease contracted in the service; John Bainter, whose enlistment was the same in all respects, was mustered out January 15, 1864, and died from the same cause March 24; and John Lewis, who enlisted in Co. G, 39th 111. Yols. ( Yates' phalanx), at Amboy, in August 1861, served on the Peninsula campaign, was discharged, and died November 22, 1864, of disease contracted in the army. AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 313 ROCKY FORD AND SHELBURN. This place was one of the earliest settled in the township, and for many years was the central point of interest. The ford has made it a- crossing-place from time immemorial. The Indian trail from Council BluflFs to Chicago crossed here ; and in the time of the Black Hawk war' the command under Maj. Stillman forded the stream at this point on their way to gather laurels at Stillman's Run. Timothy Perkins is generally credited with having been the first permanent settler. In company with Horace Bowen he erected a saw-mill which passed suc- cessively into the hands of Lee, Mason, Yan Norman, and Dutcher. Van Norman was a relic of the Patriot war in Canada (1836-8), where he suffered imprisonment, but escaping in the summer of 1837 reached Dixon. He took a contract of grading on the old Central railroad at this point, which brought him here as a resident. The Peru and Galena road, which passed this place, was a stage route some years, and after the completion of the canal was a highway of heavy traffic and travel. In 1848 Frederick Dutcher bought the property from Daniel Mason and Horace Stump, and the next year platted the village of Shelburn, making the creek divide it through the center. Imme- diately on laying out the place he erected a small distillery on the south bank, and in 1853 added a store. He was followed a year after- ward by Jacob Doan, who put up another store. A few houses were built, and eventually the town came to be one where a very large busi- ness was transacted. The large flouring-mill and distillery combined, whose erection was begun in 1856 by the Shelburn Manufacturing Company, of which Mr. Dutcher was president, was the main feature which kept the place alive. The structure was built of stone, the mill proper being 60x60 feet, four stories high, and the distillery 40x140, two and one-half stories. The dam was of masonry, and the cost of the whole property $65,000. The late Col. Wyman was a prominent member of this company. In 1859 an explosion threw down part of the south wall of the building, and projected the boiler thirty rods, landing it south of the creek. John Bentley, the engineer, was seriously injured, and the loss was $4,000. About ten years after- ward the building was destroyed by fire. Postal facilities were obtained after a few years, but at first the nearest post-office was at Dixon. Asa B. Searles was the first postmas- ter in this township, and was appointed by Amos Kendall about 1840. The office was kept at his house. His second incumbency was under Polk at the time he was keeping store at Binghamton. He resigned, and was succeeded by Warren Badger. The first north-and-sontb route of travel through this section was from Galena to Peoria, via Dixon, but it was at 'length changed to Peru. In 1842 it became a 314 HISTOKY OF LEE COUNTy. mail-route, and the carrier, a Datcliman, made the trip on horseback every week without failure during the year, stopping at John Hook's Monday nights as he went north, and Friday nights as he went south. The next year Frink & Walker put on a line of stages and carried the mail, and about two years after that Andruss & Dixon started an oppo- sition line. The Shelburn post-ofBce was established, with Mr. Dntcher as postmaster, but in the rivalry between this place and Binghamton the latter procured the removal of the oflSce, and the diversion of the stage-route to that point. This was too mortifying to be endured, and about as soon as it could be done the office was renewed under the name of Equator. By the removal of buildings and loss by fire and flood Shelburn has nearly disappeared. CITY OF AMBOT. This embowered little city, second in size in Lee county, contain- ing nearly 2,500 inhabitants, is situated in the Green River valley at the intersection of the Illinois Central and the Kock River branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and is overlooked from north and south by beautiful stretches of country which gradually rise to' elevations of almost seventy feet. The first beginnings on the site of this place were made in 1838 by John Sawyer, who built a cabin on the bank of the creek ; and Cyrus Davis, who erected another just in front of where the Baptist church stands on Mason street. Davis built the first.frame house, which was begun in the fall of 1845, and finished the next spring. This stood in the street when the town was platted, but was moved to the east side where it is still used as a dwelling. Sawyer sold his claim to Joseph Farwell and Joseph B. Appleton. Farwell came in 1841 and built where Lucius Clark's resi- dence stands on the corner of Main street and Adams avenue, and his farm was the N.E. J Sec. 22. Appleton settled here permanently in 1844, but first came as an unmarried man two or three years prior to that date. The homestead is situated in the west part of the town. He built the second frame house. Josiah M. Davis and his father Joel, who settled here about 1848, lived close to the western limits. This city is the ofFspring of the Central railroad. In the early summer of 1851 the surveying parties under the chief engineer, Ros- well B. Mason, took their several stations on the line and immediately began preliminary operations. T. B. Blaekstone, whose name has been given to one of the streets in the original town, had charge of the squad employed between Dixon and Bloomington. In December 1852 K. F. Booth, for several years afterward a resident of Amboy, came to this place at the head of a small party whose business was to direct the work on this part of the route. A company, distinct from AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 315 the Illinois Central Eailroad Company, but composed in part, if not wholly, of stockholders in the latter, purchased and owned the land for the village plats along the road. They bought the Lay farm for a depot and station two miles above here in the direction of Dixon, which was subsequently sold to a conductor named Cole. They gave out word that the company would erect machine shops at that point ; a few loads of stone were hauled there, and the place named Kepatau.. If there was ever any real intention of making a station and biiilding shops there it was of very brief duration. H. B. Judkins came down one day, and securing the company of a certain influential citizen, went to Farwell, and pretending to be a returned Californian, said he want- ed to buy a stock-farm, and a bargain was forthwith made for the " Farwell slough farm," as old settlers had named it, for $13 per acre. John B. Wyman, assistant superintendent of the road, hastened to buy out Cyrus Davis, and then Farwell was given to understand that if he had any wish to secure himself he should lose no time in doing it, and he accordingly purchased the farm from his son-in-law, Curtis Bridgman. The land company made a deed of trust to Messrs. Ketchum and Gray ; and Col. Mason, who was superintendent as well as chief engineer of road, acted as their attorney. In June, 1853, Michael Egan was sent to this place to commence the mason work on the station buildings, and in the autumn of the same year D. S. Clark was put in charge of the carpenter work. Some time during the season Mr. Booth prepared the plans for the machine shops, and Mr. Egan laid the foundations and pushed the construction with his characteristic energy throughout the following winter. In the spring the walls of the passenger house were up and the building inclosed ; in course of the summer both that and the freight house were completed, and before winter the machine shops were in a forward state of progress. Most of the other shops which the company now have were built in the following year, 1855. The year 1854 was the natal year of Amboy. In January or Feb- ruary a Frenchman by the name of Meyer, under the directions of Col. Mason, came and laid out the town, completing his survey March 24. On July 26 the first bonds for deeds were executed. John L. Skinner was the first purchaser of lots. He paid $600 for the northeast corner lot on Main street and East avenue, now occupied by the Badger building. On this he began the erection of the Orient House in the fall of 1854 ; in September, 1855, it was completed, and opened to the public by the Lee brothers, who were proprietors one year under lease. Charles W. Bell, who had been grading on the road nearly a year, in August, 1853, came here with his family and opened a boarding-house for rail- road men in a mammoth, barn-like shanty belonging to the company, 316 HISTORY OP LEE COUNTY. and which had been erected near the spot where the Baptist church stands. On January 21 this caught fire and burned down, but was immediately rebuilt by the company. When Mr. Bell settled in the place Cyrus Davis had moved away ; Appleton was on the homestead ; Farwell was about to move, or had just moved to his new purchase ; Alvan H. Thompson was living at his old home where Superintendent Jacobs resides; and a transient family occupied the Davis dwelling. These comprised the population of Amboy, which, by the way, was not yet surveyed and christened, except some railroad employes who could not at that time be regarded as settlers. Isaac Edwards, who graded seven miles of the railroad, settled temporarily south of the Inlet this year. By the following spring K. F. Booth, D. S. Clark, and Michael Egan were occupying residences with their families; and from this time the place made rapid growth after the nervous fashion of western towns. The " live Yankees " began to pour in, and their partiality for the location at once decided the complexion of society. All availa- ble room was speedily secured; every shingle covered a boarder, and the demand for lodgings was as unfortunate as Oliver Twist's cry for " more." The science of storing away was grasped and learned, and every house was crammed to its utmost capacity from ground to garret. Boxes and trunks were piled one above another against the walls to make room to spread the tables for meals, and for the beds upon the floors at night. This was nearing first principles, still these people found more pleasures than hardships, for virtuous freedom may always be enjoyed, and never so much as when those who voluntarily come together with a common purpose have more wants than privileges to divide. " Roughing it," never unmixed with a certain excitement, had its fascinations, and was encountered with a relish. Busy thoughts and hands and light hearts brought health and zest to every individual, and when people came together, as they often sought and had occasion to do, joy and mirth were spontaneous and unconfined. Amusements were not wanting; and though rude and simple, they served the goodly end of recreation, and kept men from base employments. Dancing, the favorite, was indulged with the fondness of earlj^ days. After supper was over and dusk had come, the room was cleared of chairs and tables by piling them up out of doors, and from that time till morning was nigh the cheerful voices of the violin and flute were blended in the pleasing strains of the Fisher's Hornpipe, the Arkansaw Traveler, and other familiar pieces; and Virginia reels and other flgures were executed by never wearying feet. The already quickened energies of the people took a new impulse in the whirl of labor and business into which everybody plunged with an absorbing ambition AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 317 for the fruits of industry and improved opportunities. Men came with their families, and failing to find lodgings, hastily put up rough shanties to guard them from the weather, until more durable buildings could be erected ; and as a matter of fact the earliest structures, though designed to be permanent, were raised in the briefest possible time, and were not of the most substantial character. The original plat of the town was on the N.E. i Sec. 22, the Far- well farm. Wyman's addition was next laid out on the S.W. ^ Sec. 15, the Cyrus Davis farm, J. B. "Wyman, H. 0. Purple, and others, being the proprietors. Farwell surveyed a part of his land into lots, and Gilson & Eansom, of La Salle, bought an undivided half of Apple- ton's land and laid off Gilson's addition. A lively strife at once ensued among these rival interests. Wyman was selling residence property, and having a brisk trade. The land company was disposing of busi- ness lots on Main street and East avenue, and it seemed almost fated that the center of trade would be in that locality. The interest of the other parties lay in drawing the town, or an equal share of it, to the west side. To compass this end, in the spring of 1855 Gilson & Ransom erected the Exchange block, a large wooden structure divided into six or seven business compartments below, and a number of offices and dwelling-rooms above. This occupied lots Nos. 2, 3, and 4 in block 14, Gilson's addition. At the same time Farwell built the hall which bore his name, on lot 8, block 7, north side of Division street. No building associated with the early history of the town will call up such a variety of recollections as Farwell hall ; for it was at once public hall, polling place, school-house, and everybody's meeting-house. For a while the prospects and advantages were somewhat equalized, though there was no time when there was not an unequal rivalry. Let us drop the growth of the business quarter long enough to notice the erection of the earliest private houses. The two first were built simultaneously in the summer of 1854, on the north side of Main street, east of Mason, by L. W. Borden and E. S. Reynolds. The latter moved into his in August. Dr. David Bainter built the third, but claims to have been the first to move into the town after it was platted. Mr. Reynolds makes the same claim also for himself. This was situated on the southeast corner of Jones and Division streets, and here Bainter & Co., oculists, aurists and Indian doctors, had their office on the lower floor, and their art gallery on the upper one. Fol- lowing these initial buildings others went up rapidly, the music of saws and planes and the clangor of hammers resounding on every street. The business prospects of the place were flattering. The rail- road works in progress contributed generously to this progress ; and people crowded into the town to the overflowing of accommodations, 318 HISTORY OP LEE COUNTY. and as a consequence rents advanced exorbitantly, and persons seek- ing board were knocking at every door. By the next spring the inhabitants of the town were estimated at 1,000. R D. Peironett and Samuel Goldman were the first to start in •what had the semblance of mercantile business. Peironett opened a little rough-board shop in the spring of 1854, in which he kept a small stock of common articles ; and Goldman, who had been peddling cloth- ing through the country since 1851, set up in trade on East avenue, somewhat later, in a shanty which a dozen men could pick up and carry away. He became a leading citizen, and acquired a large compe- tence ; and in 1870 retired from active business and settled in Chicago, where he died a year ago. In the spring of the same year Josiah Little, in searching for a location, reached this place, and deciding to make it his home, proceeded to erect a store, the first which could be dignified with the name, on lot 8, block 3, original plat. The stone was brought from Lee Center and the lumber from Mendota. In October it was completed and filled with drugs, hardware and grocer- ies. Messrs. Wilcox & Wooster built a store the same fall on the ground now owned and occupied by L. Bourne, on East avenue. The lumber for this was hauled from Mendota. They traded in dry-goods and grocer- ies a year, when A. H. Wooster bought Wilcox's interest, and the new firm continued the business at the old stand another year. Meantime they had purchased the lot on the east corner of Main and Jones streets, at present covered by the Merrifield building, and erected a store. The autumn of 1854 found E. & J. Little, and the Union store which had been moved from Binghamton, and was conducted by J. H. Preston, and Cornelius Allen, harness-maker, on the north side of Main street, with Warriner & Beresford, lumber merchants, on the south side. Wilcox & Wooster, Samuel Goldman, and Paul Cullen, the latter keeping groceries and liquors, were in trade on East avenue. Between this time and the spring of 1856 the following firms and persons were iden- tified with the development of business: Guybort & Hynes, Cyrus Bridgman & Bro., Walton & Kizer, Eosenbaum & Walton, and Car- son & Pirie, who began with groceries in the store built by Wilcox & Wooster, and afterward extended their business to dry-goods in an adjoining house, and carried on a large and successful cash business till 1865, when they removed to Chicago and engaged in the wholesale trade. G. H. McFatrich built a business house in the spring of 1855 on Main street, on the present site of Wheat & Gridley's store. A. & C. D. Vaughan, furniture dealers and undertakers, set up on Mason street, nearly opposite the present Methodist church. J. D. Waddell, furniture and undertaking, built two storerooms on the south side of Main street. On August 25, 1860, while hunting, he was accidentally AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 319 shot and killed. R. H. Mellen went to manufacturing lumber in the spring of 1855. James Boyd started in lumber and grain, and after figuring largely for a short time, moved away. 0. D. Sears & Co. opened a lumber yard and built a planing-mill and sash and door fac- tory. G. H. Ambrose and Francis Little, grain dealers at first, after- ward started a private bank. Henry Keeling, from New Orleans, opened a hardware store in company with John ScoUy. He has been a prominent business man and citizen, and in 1865 built Keeling's block on East avenue. Isaac Edwards began, and has since carried on, the livery business. Briggs & Gushing sold drugs and groceries. C. M. Butler and Robert Merrigold formed a copartnership in lumber and grain. T. J. King, grocer; Badger Bros., N. S. Chase, first in cloth- ing, afterward hardware: Philip Flach, barber; Jacob Kline, baker; Abram Jackson, baker and confectioner ; Ashford & Cook and George Keefer, butchers ; and Mrs. W. B. Andruss, artist, who occupied rooms in the Exchange block. N"o. 33, Vol. I, of the "Lee County Times," published February 7, 1856, the earliest paper on file in the " Amboy Journal " oflSce, contains advertisements of business men and others not already mentioned, as follows: Clark & Watson, clothing; "Wm. B. Stuart, attorney-at-law, city auctioneer and land agent; W. E. Ives, attorney ; H. M. Snow, Doane & Quinn, meat market ; W. E. Ives, assignee of Peironett & Reed ; W. H. Allen, music store; E. W. Mc- Lean, general store ; Mead & Hall ; dissolution notice of J. W. D. Blake & Co. ; Alexander Martin ; G. R. McKinney, general merchan- dise; Drs. T. P. Sleeper and J. A. Jackson ; James Boyd, land agent ; Illinois Central railroad time table, James C. Clark, superintendent; Mrs. Gosden, milliner; A. S. Pierce, boots and shoes; H. F. & E. D. Walker, hardware ; James C. Wheat, carpenter and joiner ; Gilson & Ransom, land agents; J. Carroll, tailor; Thomas Adamson, jeweler; Illinois Central house, J. B. Wyman, proprietor; Egan & Booth, grocers ; Alex. Zubrod, grocer ; A. E. Wilcox, grain ; J. H. Wisner, livery; W. "H. Brackett & Co., blacksmiths; P. Yogt, shoemaker; Reed &- Pond, hides and grain ; and Amboy Lodge, No. 179, 1.O.O.F. Among a large number of mechanics, many of whom were in the em- ploy of the Central railroad company, we may mention in addition the following: Lucius Clarke, Nicholas Koontz, and Harvey and Levi Ives, carpenters ; George W. Mingle, shoemaker ; and a man named Hides, blacksmith. Henry Chapin erected, in the fall of 1855, the first blacksmith shop east of the railroad, and the second one in the town. Considerable of the business was on the west side, and Ex- change block was for some time all occupied. But Gilson died early, before realizing a fruition of his plans; the efforts on behalf of that part of the town grew feebler ; and seeing the drift of trade setting 320 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. steadily and more strongly in the other direction, the dealers one by one deserted that quarter, like rats abandoning a sinking craft. A part of the now solitary building was torn down, and the remainder was leveled by fire. Amboy grew rapidly through 1856, and main- tained a steady increase until the breaking out of the war. In speak- ing of the progress of the town, the " Times," in its issue of July 31, 1856, sums up its development thus : " We have now between 2,000 and 3,000 inhabitants, two churches and another in process of con- struction, about thirty stores and groceries, a steam planing-mill and sash factory, three hotels, two livery stables, and in fact establishments of almost every variety." The estimate of population is too indeter- minate to be of much value now, though it served well enough the purposes of local pride at that time ; and " groceries " includes several drinking shops, whose combined effect has been an ample harvest of crime and woe in accidents, disasters and tragedies. David Bainter was the first doctor to locate in the new town. Dr. Harmon Wasson lived just beyond the limits. J. A. Jackson came in tlie autumn of 1854. T. P. Sleeper, who was mostly employed in dentistry, arrived in 1856. Vaughan, a young physician, and brother to C. D. Yaughan, aud A. P. Chase the next year; and McFatrich still later. The healing art is at present represented by Drs. Kyon, Felker, Travers, Wilcox, Manning and Saguin. Dr. George Deming practices dentistry. The Amboy bar has been composed of men of respectable legal talent. William E. Ives, the oldest practicing attorney in the county, settled here in December 1854, and was the first to hang out a sign in the place. Alfred Tooker and James H. Felch, partners, came next ; and in 1855 Alonzo Kinyon, one of the most marked men that Lee county has had, settled here, read law, and began practice in this place. Although lacking in the advantages of education, he possessed large intellectuality and great energy of character, and added to these natu- ral endowments habits of ceaseless and rugged industry. By force of will and activity his success was solid and conspicuous. In politics he was a republican, and an active man in his party; and in 1868 was elected representative to the general assembly. The principal measures passed by that body, as the result of his labors, were a charter for the Chicago & Eock Eiver railroad ; and another act creating " The Court of Common Pleas of the City of Amboy," to have concurrent jurisdic- tion in the city of Amboy with the circuit court of Lee county in all cases, civil and criminal, except murder and treason. In April, 1869 Mr. Kinyon was elected .judge of this court for a terra of four years, with an annual salary of |3,500 ; and C. D. Yaughan was elected clerk. In February, 1874, the act establishing the court was repealed. In the AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 321 early history of the town Mr. Kinyon was largely engaged in building, and in no small degree increased its growth and accommodations. Enos J. Ives and William B. Stuart were attorneys in practice here when the town was first started. The latter was a pioneer of the county, and is still a resident of Amboy. In 1858 B. H. Trusdell, a young lawyer from New Jersey, settled here in practice and still resides in the place. He was elected to the legislature by the demo- crats for one term, and served the county with credit. E. Southwick, a lawyer of ability, and some note, lived here, and died just before Mr. Trusdell came. N. H. Ryan was another early lawyer. He also went from this county to the legislature. An attorney by the name of Eyon formed a partnership with Mr. Kinyon when the latter com- menced to practice. Ryon's stay did not exceed two years. J. E. Lewis, C. E. Ives, C. H. Wooster and T. P. Duffy have all been ad- mitted here, and represent the later generation. INCORPORATION. In the winter of 1854^5 Amboy became a town under the general incorporation law, and Deacon Allen E. Wilcox was president of the first board of trustees. H. B. Judkins was president and Dr. J. A. Jackson clerk of the second and last board. In the autumn of 1856 agitation for a city organization was begun, and on the 23d of Decem- ber a meeting of citizens was held at Mechanics' Hall to consider the subject. A. E. Wilcox was called to the chair and W. M. Taylor chosen secretary. J. B. Wyman, W. E. Ives, A. Kinyon, E. Southwick and John L. Skinner were appointed a committee to present a form of char- ter at an adjourned meeting on the 30th. This was held at the Orient House, and the charter reported was adopted by sections, and then as a whole. A committee consisting of J. B. Wyman, W. E. Ives and J. V. H. Judd was selected to lay it before the legislature and urge its passage. It was enacted and approved February 16, 1857, and adopted at an election held for the purpose on the 2d of March. The city limits were defined as " the south half of section fifteen and the north half of section twenty-two, in township twenty north, of range ten east of the fourth principal meridian ; I also that part of section twenty-three which embraces Arnold's addition." Taylor and Davis' addition has since been annexed. Two amendments have been made to the charter, the first in 1867, and the last in 1869. The city government comprises a mayor and a council consisting of eight aldermen, elected from four wards, a marshal, a treasurer, an attorney and a clerk. The first charter election was held on the 8th, and the following persons were chosen to fill the several offices: John B. Wyman, mayor; Orange D. Reed, marshal ; S. S. Stedman and E. S. Reynolds, 322 HISTOKY OF LEE COUNTY. aldermen of the first ward ; J. E. Stevens and F. B. Little, aldermen of the second ward ; and J. M. Davis and J. A. Jackson, aldermen of the third ward, 234 votes were cast. The officers were installed on the 16th, and the council elected Daniel T. Wood, clerk ; W. E. Ives, attorney ; A. E. Wilcox, assessor ; W. B. Andrews, collector ; Edward Little, treasurer ; and Arthur Pond, surveyor. The council passed an ordinance September 8, 1857, creating a fire department, but this was never of any service to the city ; and by beguiling it into fancied security paralyzed all attempts to make it efficient. Not until the fire demon had several times lapped up the business quarter of the city were earnest effijrts made to render prop- erty reasonably secure against destruction. After the disastrous fire of August 25, 1871, prompt measures were taken to provide the city with suitable and efficient tire apparatus. A third-class Silsby steam tire engine, and a hose carriage with 500 feet of hose were contracted for at a cost of $5,050. This apparatus was delivered to and accepted by the city authorities in November 1871. The Vigilant Fire Company was organized November 18, with the following officers : A. B. Huston, foreman; J. H. Stott, assistant foreman of engine; H. E. Donnell, foreman of hose; 0. H. Bunker, assistant foreman of hose; E. H. Thresher, secretary ; and George Stimpson, treasurer. The officers of the fire department were as follows: B. B. Howard, chief engineer; W. W. Powell, assistant engineer; M. A. Brewer, engineer of steamer; and Daniel Maloney, fire warden. The Yigilaut Fire Company, than which none could be more effective, was in active service until August 5, 1873, when it withdrew from the ffre depart- ment of Amboy. Immediately "Amboy Fire Company No. 1 " was organized, and the following day reported to the council. It has twenty-six members, and the following are the officers : Chas. Walker, captain ; James Morris, assistant captain ; Edward Smith, foreman of hose ; Wm. Wells, assistant foreman ; Frank Almy, secretary ; and David Shafer, treasurer. , In the autumn of 1864 the city erected a two-story building in the business row on the south side of Main street for a council room, and a hall for an engine company, when such an organization as the latter should be formed. In October, 1870, a cell built of solid masonry was put into the building, and in the great fire the following year a prisoner confined over night for a trifiing off'ense was literally roasted alive, a cruel because unnecessary tragedy, occurring by reason of the crim- inal thoughtlessness of the officer. This hall was immediately rebuilt. On the first floor is the engine room and calaboose, and on the second the council meets. This body first occupied the new building Friday evening, February 2, 1872. AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 323 The following is a list of the mayors and clerks of the city ; WATOES. OLEEKS. 1857 J. B. Wyraan. D. T. Wood. 1858 John K. Stevens. W. B. Andruss. 1859 James Kosebrugh. W. B. Andruss. 1860 J. B. Wyman. E. H. Mellen. 1861 W. E. Ives. E. H. Mellen. 1862 W. E. Ives. W. C. Sears. 1863 W. E. Ives. W. C. Sears. 1864 C. M. Butler. H. G. Pratt. 1865 C. M. Butler. IST. H. Eyan. 1866 C. D. Yaughan. K H. Eyan. 1867 C. D. Yaughan. K H. Eyan. 1868 Michael Egan. Lee Cronkrite. 1869 Micliael Egan. Lee Cronkrite. 1870 Michael Egan. Everett E. Chase. 1871 Isaac Edwards. Everett E. Chase. 1872 Isaac Edwards. Everett E. Chase. 1873 Isaac Edwards. Everett E. Chase. 1874 Eobert Richards. Everett E. Chase. 1875 Isaac Edwards. Everett E. Chase. 1876 Isaac Edwards. Everett E. Chase. 1877 Isaac Edwards. Everett E. Chase. 1878 J. B. Felker. Everett E. Chase. 1879 J. B. Felker. Everett E, Chase. 1880 J. B. Felker. Everett E. Chase. 1881 J. B. Felker. Everett E. Chase. In the winter of 1854-5 the post-offices were discontinued at Shel- burn and Binghamton, and one was established at Amboy, with Orange D. Eeed as postmaster. He held the office until the spring of 1861, when E. H. Mellen was appointed under the administration of President Lincoln, and has been in possession since. Medora Bell, daughter of Charles Bell, was born August 27, 1854; this birth was the first in the village of Amboy. The first birth in the township was that of Simon, son of John Dexter, in 1836, and the second was that of "Wm. C. Doail, son of James Doan, October 16, 1837. The first marriage in the village of Amboy was that of Wm. C. Bartlett and the widow of Danford Bartlett, formerly Caroline Yinton, October 18, 1854. Almira Melissa, infant daughter of Wm. ' B. Stuart, died January 5, 1855 ; this was the first death in the village. In 1874 east and west Main street was partly ballasted, and the macadamizing has since been extended through the city. Before this was done this thoroughfare at some seasons was next to impassable. 324 HISTORY OP LEE OOTTNTT. Not only has the grade of this street been raised, bat in the business quarter the surface, by filling in, has been made some four feet higher than it was when the town was laid out. In the early settlement of the country this was almost a quagmire, which was described as "Far- well's slough farm." The two principal tragedies have been the murder of Dennis Allen,, saloon keeper, by Owen O'Connor, October 11, 1872; and Edward Egan, by John McGrath, April 18, 1873. The first was shot, and died within an hour ; the last was stabbed in the bowels, and survived until the fourth day. No serious cause of trouble existed in either case, and both acts were incited by strong drink. Both murderers escaped ade- quate punishment. Two negroes had an altercation in the passenger house, and one dealt the other a blow which ended his life in a few days. The number of drunken men who have been crushed and mangled to death on the railroad track in the city forms a list sickening to any brain not made impassive by alcohol. The removal of the county seat to Amboy at one time formed an engrossing theme of controversy. It passed from the domain of words to that of acts in 1866, when the nomination by the republican union convention for representative fell upon Col. George Ryon, of Paw Paw, who represented the claims of Araboy. The people of this city at once held a meeting and selected "W". E. Ives, B. H. Trusdell and N. H. Ryan to attend to the advertising required by the law relating to removals. The effort did not succeed. In June, 1880, the city purchased from the Leake estate a tract of ground comprising nearly twenty-five acres, situated east of and ad- joining the corporate limits, on the south side of Main street, and inclosed in the angle of Inlet creek, for $2,250. This was formerly the property of A. B. Searles. It is 'covered with a thrifty growth of young timber, and is to be fitted up for a park. In 1878 a soldiers' reunion, the first in this part of the state, noted for the large attend- ance and its complete success, at which Gen. Logan and prominent men besides were present, was held in this grove. ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILROAD BUILDINGS. As recorded on a former page, in the summer of 1853 ground was first broken for the erection of the passenger and freight houses, and they were completed and put to use the next year. Both were con- structed of brick, and the first was 40 X 100 feet on the plan, two and one-half stories high, and built in a very substantial manner. It was* a railroad hotel, went by the name of " Passenger House," and was kept by the following proprietors: James Aiken, John B. "Wyman, Gushing and Hubbard, Gushing, J. Swift, Thomas Burns, A. H. Var-. AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 325 ney, N. P. Almy, J. A. Ramsdell, Davison, C. 0. Fulton, Gaylord, Dr. A. P. Chase, Oscar Hughes, and Frederick Hepburn. At three o'clock Monday morning, ISTovember 15, 1875, this house was discov- ered to be on fire, and in tvFo hours it was totally consumed. This was the last regular hotel in the city. Next year a new building of brick, with light-colored stone trimmings, was erected on the site of the old, but its ^character was wholly changed. The first floor is divided into a ticket office and waiting and baggage rooms, while in the upper story are situated the various offices for operating the line. ILLINOIS CENTRAL BAILKOAD BRIDGE AT DIXON, ILL. The original freight house, 40x80 feet, remains well preserved, and is good for a hundred years' entire use. The first freight and station agent was C. E. Fields, who held the position three months and was suc- ceeded by Lemuel Bourne, who retained it eight years. Work was commenced on the shops in 1854, and they were finished the next year. The company's temporary shops were located between the Dutcher building and the track, and were torn down when the permanent buildings were occupied in the spring of 1856. The me- chanical department comprises eight divisions, which are distributed among the several shops ; these divisions are machine, car repair^ blacksmith, paint, boiler, locomotive, wood repair, tin, and storehouse. The machine shop is two stories high, 85x130 feet on the ground, built of brick and covered with slate roof. A stationary engine of eighty horse power, almost as noiseless as a clock, drives all the 326 HISTORY OF LEE nOTJNTT. machinery in this and the blacksmith shop by means of shafting through both buildings. Steam is supplied from two large tubular boilers. In the first shop the machinery is all on the ground floor, while in the second story are the locomotive, wood repair and the tin shops. Tracks extend into this building and connect with a turntable for convenience in the rep^,ir of locomotives. The blacksmith shop adjoining on the northwest corner is one story, with walls about twenty feet high and slated roof. Its dimensions are 70x125 feet on the plan. A dozen or more forges are ranged round, with a large one in the center supplied with all necessary apparatus, including a trip hammer, for handling and doing heavy work. A powerful blower supplies the blast; and above the forges extends a large pipe from which smaller ones lead down with valves to regulate its use. The car repair shop is a frame building 50x150 feet and one story in height. Two tracks extend nearly the full length, and on either side is a continuous row of work-benches. Repairing only is done iu these shops, though the time was when some new work was sent out, and one or two locomotives, we believe, have been constructed here. The engine house is a circular brick building 216 feet in diameter, inclosing an open, spacious court in which there is a turntable with tracks radiating therefrom into twenty-seven engine compartments. These may be tightly closed at pleasure by the large doors hung at the en- trances in the inner wall. "Here can always be seen a noble stud of iron horses with their grooms fitting them up for the course." The oil room and sand house is 30x50 feet, and the stationary room 40 feet square. The storehouse, erected during the war, is a one-story building 30 feet wide and 120 feet long. The tank house is 25 X 65, and situated southeast of the engine house. The lower story is used for storage, and the upper is occupied by two huge tanks which are kept filled with water from Inlet creek, a quarter of a mile distant. A stationary engine at the latter point forces the water through a pipe into the tanks, and from these, engines and hydrants in the shops are supplied. The coal shed, a rough structure 17x320 feet, stands in this vicinity. The mason work of these buildings was superintended by Michael Egan, one of the most thorough mechanics, who is still in the employ of the company ; and the carpenter work was in charge of Daniel S. Clark. John C. Jacobs is the superintendent of the north division of the road, and has filled the office with unquestionable faith- fulness since about 1858. We should have given a list of them " that exercise authority," and some description of the positions they occupy, but the information has not come to hand, and we can only ask to be pardoned, as we forgive him who has " held the word of promise to the ear and broken it to the hope." Subjoined are the names of many of (deceased) AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 329 the best known who have been in the employ of the company about twenty to twenty-five years : Lucius Clark, G. H. McFatrich, A. E. Slanter, Jared Slanter, John Gunning, A. J. Poland, Joseph Drum- mond, Robert Richards, B. B. Howard, Dennis Maloy, A. W. Spafard, J. B. Edams, L. G. Rice, G. W. Freeman, John Keho, Thomas Bran- agan, Levi Ives, Timothy Crowley, Joseph Tait, Charles Tait, William Tait, C. M. Thayer, Henry McGraw, William Trude, Charles Wescott, Homer Graves, Snow, Battles and Stay. FIRES. It would be hard to find a place which has passed through greater trials by fire than the city of Amboy ; and with perhaps a single ex- ception the larger ones are regarded as incendiary. The first on the site was before the town was surveyed, and was the boarding-house kept for the railroad company by Charles W. Bell, already noted else- where. The second was the dwelling-house of D. A. Thomas, de- stroyed Saturday, August 22, 1857. We shall omit the few barns and private houses burned subsequent to this date, and record only those conflagrations in which public or business property has suff'ered. The first Catholic church, so nearly completed that the plastering had been done, was accidentally burned December 2, 1857. The historic Baker House was erected most probably in 1855, by Alonzo Kinyon, and stood on Jones street, where Carroll's tailor shop and the meat market just north of it are now situated. It was built of wood in the cheapest possible style, covered with tarred cloth, and the rooms divided with paper partitions ; and by the public was dubbed " The Ark." Kinyon sold it to Baker, by whose name it has always been best known. It was afterward called the Burnett House, from a later owner, and was consumed November 13, 1859. It was occupied by two families at the time, one of which escaped with difficulty and injury, the mother falling down stairs, and the father leaping from the second story with a child in his arms. Dr. Bainter's office, adjoining on the north, was destroyed by the same fire. The Orient House, kept at that date by John L. Skinner, was burned Friday evening, September 28, 1860. The city hall was the first brick structure, except the railroad build- ings, erected in Amboy, and was situated on East avenue. It was a fine edifice, with brick and iron front, three stories and a basement ; built by Wm. B. Stuart and Paul Cullen in 1858. The first general confiagration originated in the basement of this building, occupied as a saloon by Peter Birkenbeuel, on the morning of December 10, 1863. The fire spread in both directions, and in its progress north was ar- rested by tearing down a building adjoining a vacant lot; on the south 20 330 HISTOKY OF LEE COUNTY. it was stayed by Carson & Pirie's brick store, which was kept drenched with water. The aggregate loss was $36,000, of which $14,000 was covered by insurance. Among the losers were Carson & Pirie, who were fully protected by insurance; O. F. Warriner, Henry Brady, Wm. Murtha, M. Carroll, J. L. Skinner, Adam Shugart, Francis Oullen, Peter Birkenbeuel, A.F. and A.M., J. Kline, Owen O'Connor, John Morris, Philip Fiach, Louis Brendell, James MeOue, Abram Jackson, Theodore Goldman, Samuel Goldman, Andrew "Walters and John Burns, besides several smaller losers. A second fire devasted this locality again in 1864. Qn the morn- ing of November 10 it broke out in the building occupied by Abram Jackson as a dry-goods and grocery store. Five business houses were consumed, and the new brick building just erected by the Badgers on the site of the Orient House was considerably damaged. The total loss of $45,000 was reduced by $38,000 of insurance. The sufferers were Carson & Pirie, E. Arnold, A. Jackson, Philip Goldman, Samuel Goldman, Perley & Blackstone, H. Keeling and Badger Brothers. The third great fire visited the south side of Main street about one o'clock Friday morning, March 10, 1865, and swept away all of the business block west from the city building to the alley, including seven houses. The loss fell on W. E. Ives, McLean, George Keifer, Leake & Co., John Morris, Mingle Brothers, Benjamin Cope, Weddell estate, Wm. Keeling, A. E. Wilcox, E. S. Burington, J. P. Newell, V. Weintz, Hunt, Howe and others. Immediately following this the council passed an ordinance forbid- ding the construction of wooden buildings, except temporarily for a year, on Main street between Mason and the Central railroad, and on East avenue between Main and Division streets, and designated these limits as Fire District No. 1. The fourth and most disastrous general fire up to this time occurred on the north side of Main street on August 24, 1867, and was dis- covered in the upper story of Josiah Little's drug store at half-past one in the morning. The row, in the middle of which the fire broke out, was composed of sixteen wooden buildings, which in two hours' time were completely lapped up by the fiames. The dealers and others affected by this disaster were Hawkes & Bourne, Thomas Cos- tain, Deming & Wilcox, W. Fasoldt, L. Barlow, J. Little, Lynn & Walker, Goldstone & Jackson, C. D. Yaughn, C. Allen, A. H. Merri- field & Co., A.F. & A.M., Mrs. Hudder, Fillis & Carroll, C. P. Miller, O. M. Miner, N. Woolsey, Dr. J. P. Foltz, dentist, Dr. J. R. Corbus, Dr. E. R. Travers, and L. Asire. The estimated loss was $75,000; the insurance amounted to half that sum. The next noted landmark of early Amboy to yield to the greedy AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 331 element was the old Exchange block on the west side of the railroad. It was burned down before daybreak on September 21, 1867. Between two and three o'clock on the morning of April 2, 1868, a fire made its appearance in a building on East avenue occupied by William Murtha as a grocery and liquor store below and a saloon and billiard hall above kept by George Eaymond. Four buildings, flanked on the south by Hawks & Bourne's store and on the north by Kline's bakery, were burned down. These were a barber shop, saloons and billiard rooms, kept by 0. Praesent, Henry Brady, William Murtha, P. Fogarty, and John Dutcher. On the night of April, 25, 1871, the Amboy House, kept by Hugh McGee, was totally destroyed^ Estimated loss $5,000 ; insurance $3,500. The sixth and last general fire, from which the city recovered with admirable grace and dignity after many woes, was more destructive than all the previous ones together. The aggregate loss reached $175,000, and a tabulated statement of risks held by insurance com- panies shows their losses to have been $103,000. The fire originated in the bakery of D. S. Corbin, underneath Vaughan's furniture store, and was discovered about four o'clock in the morning of August 25, 1871. It destroyed the buildings owned by C. D. Vaughan, William Murtha, C. F. Lynn, and Wilcox & Brigham, on the north side of Main street, and those on the south side owned by W. B. Andrus, Martin Maus, Y. Weintz, C. Badger, John Kline, P. McMahan, Thomas Cunningham, and the city building. Those who lost in per- sonal property were Gale & Gardner, Masonic Lodge, 0. D. Vaughan, Misses Mickler & Vaughan, Arnold & Sindlinger, Josiah Little, B. H. Trusdell, C. F. Lynn, Mrs. Pierson, office of J. H. Preston, county superintendent, I. Zwisler, Wheat & Gridley Brothers, French, G. A. Deming, Mrs. McGraw & Wilcox, Miss Murphy, Mrs. Hudder, M. Maus, Graves & Hines, City Hall store. Weintz & Barth, Judge Kin- yon, Sanger & Badger, Chase & Gale, engineers and firemen, John Kline, Terry Lynch, W. B. Stuart, and Merrifield & Co. The most deplorable feature of this calamity was the burning to death of John Shannon, who had been arrested the night before on the charge of selling mortgaged property, and was confined in the cala- boose. Sheff Dyer was the oflicer in charge of the lock-up; he put the man in his cell and the key in his pocket ; he was early at the fire,, and engaged himself in the exciting work of saving property, where so little indeed was saved ; he saw the raging fiames gradually approach and finally envelop the city building in which the helpless, unfortu- nate man was locked up, and still he never once thought of his pris- oner. In its account of the affair, the " Journal " remarked, with a 332 HISTORY OF LEE OOUNTY. mildness that would be exasperating were it not Christian, that " it was a clear case of forgetfulness." On January 3, 1872, the jewelry store of J. A. Lagercrantz in Fasoldt's building caught fire, but the prompt action of the fire department in the use of the new steamer averted another disastrous conflagration. The loss was not extensive. Farwell Hall, which had outlived its usefulness as a public build- ing, and having been remodeled was used as a dwelling, took fire on August 2, 1872, and was partially consumed, its total destruction being prevented by the promptness of the Vigilant fire company. It was repaired and is now residence property. The old Potter House was destroyed in the same manner June 17, 1873. Another fire on East avenue occurred Sunday morning, October 11, 1874, making its appearance in Keeling's block. It was extin- guished by the fire department. The loss was borne by C. G. Braun- ing, August Earth, Arnold & Son, and the Masonic and Odd-Fellows lodges. Between two and three o'clock on the morning of April 12, 1875, Masonic hall was set on fire, which was put out and the building saved. Daylight revealed the diabolical work of the incendiaiy in the use of infiammable materials which had been applied to several build- ings. Hardly had the people i-eached their homes before flames burst out of Patterson's hay-press, which was soon in ashes. The Passenger House, as previously noticed, was burned Novem- ber 16, 1875. The Farmer's mills which had been removed in 1873 and re- erected in Amboy by Judge Kinyon near the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy depot, and in 1875 sold to "W". H. Lunt, of Evanston Female College, were consumed early on the morning of February 9, 1876. The property was insured for $8,000. EDUCATION. The first school in the village of Amboy was a select one for youno' scholars, taught by Miss Celia Winters, in the old Baptist church west of the railroad. Miss Yanghan was another who taught in the same place. The vestry of the present Baptist church was afterward occu- pied, and Miss Yaughan and Miss Merilla Warriner were the teachers. School was kept in Farwell Hall until need of that was superseded by the erection of the first school-house. In the summer of 1856 efforts were begun looking toward the construction of a school building in Amboy, and $2,600 were raised by taxation the following winter. The district had, besides, a fund of $800, derived from the sale of the swamp lands. On March 12, 1857, a public meeting of the voters of district AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 333 No. 4 was held at Farwell Hall to authorize an appropriation to build. A committee to select grounds was appointed, and the 21st was named for an adjourned meeting to hear their report. The location adopted was between Jones and Mason streets, fronting Hawley. This seems to have been unsatisfactory, for on the 20th of April the district had a meeting to reconsider the vote fixing the site, and the one on Provost street, where the house was built, became the choice. Ground was broken for the foundation on the 6th of July. The house is a plain brick, two stories, 36x60, and stands in the center of a spacious play- ground on the corner of Provost street and Commercial avenue. In the fall of 1864 a one-story wooden school-building was constructed in Gilson's addition, block 9, facing Davis avenue, and the next year the old frame Methodist meeting-house on the east side was purchased by the district for a school-house in season for the fall term. The price paid was $1,000, one half payable in two years and the remainder in three. In 1868 a two-story brick, 30x54, was erected on the west side, in the southeast corner of the old fair ground, and the campus contains alioiat one-fourth of the original area. These four, none of them imposing in appearance, but all supplying fair accommodations, if we except over- crowding, constitute the public school buildings in present use. We are able to give a partial list of the superintendents, and begin with J. K. B. Clayton, whose name once crops out above the debris of time in the autumn of 1859. He is followed- the next year by J. H. Blodgett. Links are missing from this time until the school year 1865- 6, when we gather up the chain in the person of John Russ, assisted by his wife. About this period the languishing state of the schools excited no little public comment. C. W. Moore succeeded in 1866, and was in charge three years. "We have discovered no incumbent for 1869, but Mr. Moore filled the position in 1870, giving place in the fall of that year to E. A. Childs. The latter was retained three years, and fol- lowed by H. A. Smith two years. Mr. Reagan, now in 1875, took the principalship, and discharged its duties until 1878, and since that time P. M. James has occupied the position. We believe a man by the name of Cook should have a place somewhere in the category. The schools are divided into four departments, and regularly graded. In each of the frame buildings is a primary and an intermediate ; on the west side Miss Lizzie Burke has taught a number of years in the former, and on the east side Miss L. Nowlin, who has been steadily em- ployed about a dozen years and in different positions, is teaching at present in the same department. In the intermediate on the west side is James E. Shea, and on the east side Miss Lizzie Morris. The new or west-side brick has a primary and a grammar department, with Miss Lizzie Sears to preside over the former and Daniel Grifiin over the lat- 334 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. ter. All the departments are represented in the old school-building. Miss Lizzie Richards teaches in the primary, Miss Jennie Reed in the intermediate, Miss Lizzie Gardner, and Miss Eva Shurtleff assistant, in the grammar, and Prof. James, and Mr. Kehoe assistant, in the high school. The latter was graduated here in the class of 1878. During the past year L. B. Searles has taught penmanship in the several de- partments. The studies in the high school embrace higher English, higher mathematics, and the sciences. Eleven years are required to complete the full course, distributed as follows : primary three, inter- mediate three, grammar two, and high school three. Fifty-eight stu- dents have been graduated since 1876, the first year in which diplomas were granted. In that year there were two graduates, in 1877 eight, in 1878 eleven, in 1879 fifteen, in 1880 twelve, and in 1881 ten. For the year ended June 10, 1881, the whole number of pupils en- rolled was 673, and the average daily attendance i76. Children under twenty-one 1,199, and between six and twenty-one 889. The board of education is composed of Dr. George Ryon, president ; J. B. Graves, clerk ; Patrick Corcoran, J. G. Stafford, Rev. J. H. Hazen and Joseph Pennenbacker. C. D. Vaughan is the township treasurer. CHURCHES. The Baptist society was constituted May 1855, and the same year built a small temporary church on West Main street, on lot 1, block 14, Gilson's addition. The leading constituent members were Deacons Cyrus Bryant, Warren Hill and Allen E. Wilcox and their wives, Almon Ives and wife, Samuel Bixby and wife, and William E. Ives and wife. Deacons Jacob Luce and Harvey Barrell and their wives joined soon after. The Eev. Whittaker was the first pastor who min- istered to the congregation in this house. Preparations were early begun to erect an enduring edifice, and in 1856 it was commenced, and before tlie close of the year finished outside. Deacons Hill, Wil- cox and Luce and William E. Ives were the building committee, and E. S. Reynolds the contractor and builder. Its situation is on Mason street, lot 9, block 24, Wyman's addition, and the dimensions are 36 X 60 feet on the plan. The interior arrangement is an elevated audience room over a stone basement, and the cost was $4,500. The building was inclosed during the memorable presidential canvass of 1856, and in season to be occupied for a political meeting, which was addressed by the famous and fiery orator Owen Lovejoy. On March 2 of the next year, when the citizens were voting on the adoption of the city charter, the bell, which had just been lifted to its place, pealed out its first grateful sounds on the prairie air, — never before stirred in this vicinity by such a herald of " peace on earth, good will to men " AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 335 which vibrated and throbbed to the delight of the people with the music of its rich, glad tones. The house was formally dedicated on September 13, by Rev. Silas Tucker, of Galesburg, who preached the sermon for the occasion. The E.ev. T. H. Ball was the pastor at this time, and his predecessor was the Rev. P. Taylor, the earliest to preach in this new church. The first funeral service was that of Mrs. Jacob Luce in Feb- ruary, before it was completed, and was held in the vestry. The second was that of Mrs. Mary Beresford, who died just a month after the dedica- tion. The Rev. Ball's ministry was succeeded in 1858 by the Rev. J. C. Miller, a noted laborer here in his denomination. In eight months of 1858-9 he added over 130 members by baptism. This was a period of very successful revival work by all of the churches, and will be remembe)-ed as that of the great awakening of religious fervor throughout America and Europe. Among those wlio took an active part in the affairs of theichurch just prior to this interesting improve- ment in its condition we would name R. M. Brigham, E. Arnold, C. A. Wall, M. L. Arnold, S. Carson, 0. Arnold, W. S. Cottrell, E. S. Hill, J. M. Davis and their wives. The fourth pastor, counting from the Rev. Taylor, was the Rev. William R. Webb, D.D., one of the ablest the church ever had, whose pastorate began in the autumn of 1861. He was succeeded in his labors by the Rev. J. H. Hazen, who came in June 1865, fresh from an exhausting three years' service in the army, which induced paralysis and drove him from the pulpit which he had so much adorned throughout his useful life. His connec- tion as pastor ceased in the fall of 1869, and his place was taken by James Buchanan, who was followed in the summer of 1870 by M. T. Lamb. The Revs. George Wesselius, W. D. Clarke and Dr. N. A- Reed complete the list. Mr. Reed's pastorate terminated the present year. In 1865 the society bought a parsonage, and the next year repaired their house of worship at an expense of about $400. They have been out of debt since the spring of 1876. The membership is about 150, and the Sabbath school, under the superintendence of Prof. P. M. James, has 145 enrolled and an average attendance of 85. The people of Amboy first worshiped for a short time in the dining- hall of the Passenger House. ' The Baptists built a small meeting- house and withdrew from the mixed congregations. Farwell Hall was soon erected, and to this all others then had resort. The second church in the town was built by the Methodists in 1857, and dedicated Sunday, June 21 ; Prof Munsell, of Mount Morris, conducted the dedicatorial service, and the Rev. O. B. Thayer was assigned to this charge in August by the conference. This house is a low-post frame, stands on the northeast corner of block 15 — at the intersection of Main and Center streets— and is now one of the four public school buildings 336 HISTORY OF LEE OOUJSTTY. of the city. Its erection was chiefly due to the zealous exertions of George H. Pierson, who took the lead in the matter, procured the lum- ber on his own account, invested labor of his own hands, and accepted payments from the society. On May 16, 1865, the corner-stone of the present massive church was laid with suitable ceremonies, and ad- dresses were delivered by the Eev. Jewett, the Kev. W. T. Harlow, presiding elder, and the Kev. Dr. Eobt. Hatfield, of New York. On behalf of the society and the undertaking Dr. Hatfield lectured in the evening in the Baptist church on " The Sacrifices and Compensations of the War." The dedication took place April 1, 1866. The Rev. Dr. Eddy, of Chicago, was present, and preached an able discourse from Matthew xxviii, 8, 9. The cost of the church was nearly $14,000, but a debt of $6,000 remained, which was promptly canceled by liberal donations in cash and pledges. In forwarding this useful object H. E. Badger bore a leading part, and was one of«the heaviest contributors. This is a substantial stone edifice, plain, without beauty, yet having an air of Gothic style. Its size on the ground is 40x60 feet. A lecture- room and two class rooms occupy the basement, and above is a spacious and attractive audience-hall. The front corners are surmounted by towers, the taller of which, containing the belfry, has replaced the spire which rose to the height of 127 feet, but which was blown down in a gale Sunday evening, July 17, 1870, depositing the bell uninjured in the street ; the damage was $500. The location is on Mason street just above Main. Joseph Lewis, Henry E. Badger, Ephraim Wheaton, I. N. Bear, George Mingle and Edward Miller were organizers of this church, and are still here, though the latter has transferred his mem- bership to the Congregational church. They have been foremost members, and their long and faithful communion and usefulness re- flect on them a halo of patriarchal dignity and venerableness. Mr. Badger has always served the church either as trustee, steward, or Sab- bath-school superintendent, and has sometimes filled concurrently all these positions. H. F. Walker, an early business man here, now in Chicago, was very eflScient on the building committee, and also as trustee and superintendent. Joseph Lewis has always been a reliable assistant as trustee, steward and leader. The oSices of secretary and treasurer of both the society and the Sunday-school have been care- fully filled most of the time by C. P. Miller. Since the new church was occupied the superintendents have been H. F. Walker, H. E. Badger, 0. W. Deming, W. H. Badger, G. W. Mingle and A. Burn- ham. H. E. Badger and C. W. Deming have been most of the time district stewards and delegates to the laymen's conference. The pres- ent membership, probably, will not fall below 120. Turning now for information to the records of the church, we find that the first quarterly AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 337 conference for Amboy^ Station was held December 19, 1857. Luke Hitchcock was presiding elder, 0. B. Thayer preacher in charge, I. K. Eberly local preacher, J. P. Hawks exhorter, N. Cleaveland local elder and H. F. Walker, H. E. Badger, G. W. Mingle and A. Bainter official members. The presiding elders and preachers in charge since that time have been as follows: 1858-9, S. P. Keyes, P.E., O. B. Thayer, P.C; 1859-60, S. A.W. Jewett, P.E., H.L. Martin, P.O.; 1860-1, Josiah Gibson, P.E., H. L. Martin, P.O. ; 1861-2, Josiah Gibson, P.E., J. W. Davidson, P.C. ; 1862-3, Josiah Gibson, P.E., W. Cone, P.C. ; 1863- 4-5, W. T. Harlow, P.E., W. Cone, P.C. ; 1865-6, W. T. Harlow, P.E., D. J. Holmes, P.C. ; 1866-7, E. Q. Fuller, P.E., J. G. Bliss, P.C. ; 1867-8, J. H. Moore, P.E., J. Fassett, P.C. ; 1868-9-70, J. H. Moore, P.E., J. T. Hanna, P.C; 1870-1, J. H. Moore, P.E., J. T. Hanna, P.C, till April 1, remainder of conference year supplied by A. P. Hatch; 1871-2, W. S. Harrington, P.E., J. Wardel, P.C; 1872-3-4^5, W. S. Harrington, P.E., C E. Ford, P.C. ; 1875-6, W. S. Harrington, P.E., E. M. Battis, P.C. ; 1876-7-8, J. Linebarger, P.E., E. M. Battis, P.C. ; 1878-9-80, J. Linebarger, P.E., A. Campbell ; 1880-1, Luke Hitchcock, P.E., Isaac A. Springer. The floating debt of the church, which had accumulated to $2,500, was entirely liquidated during the pastoral charge of the Eev. Ford. " The Congregational church of Palestine Grove " was organized at the residence of Moses Crombie, July 5, 1843, and worshiped for several years at the Wasson school-house, near Binghamton. The society was ministered to at this place by the 'Revs. John Morrell, Ingersoll, Joseph Gardner, and Pierson. About 1849 the place of worship was removed to Lee Center, and the name of this locality was substituted for Palestine Grove in the name of the church. Out of this sprang the subject of this paragraph — the Congregational church of Amboy. On June 27, 1854, Joseph Farwell and his wife Cyrene, John C Church and his wife Cyrene, Michael Blocher of Lee Center church, and Constant Abbott, Kuby his wife, and Caroline their daughter, of the First Presbyterian church of Galesburg, assembled at the house of Joseph Farwell and organized themselves into a " Church of Jesus Christ," which was recognized on the following day as the First Church of Amboy by an ecclesiastical council at Lee Center, convened under a call to ordain and install the E,ev. S. W. Phelps. This was the earliest religious society formed in Amboy, and its organ- ization antedates the first conveyance of town lots. Another body declaring its belief that " the cause of religion would be promoted by the forming of a society to unite with and sustain the action of the Congregational church," was organized upon this basis by some of the citizens June 17, 1856. Until Farwell Hall was built they held services 338 HISTORY OF LEE COtJNTY. in the Passenger House, and these were first conducted by the Rev. S. W. Phelps, who ministered to thein occasionally: but on February 14, 1855, the 'Rev. David Wert was invited to become their pastor at $500 yearly salary and no expense for rent. The call was accepted and he officiated for them until April 1856. In December the Eev. 0. P. Feleh engaged to supply the pulpit, and April 30 following he was ordained and installed pastor. During his ministerial charge the first house of worship was erected on Jones street, near Provost, at a cost of about $1,500, and dedicated April 1, 1858, by the Rev. F. Bascom, of Galesburg, who preached the dedicatory sermon. The Rev. Felch was retained on a salary of $800 a year until October 12, 1859, after wliich time the Rev. S. W. Phelps preached once every Sabbath for about one year. The Rev. Samuel Day was next secured at $600 per year and a donation, and served the church from the autumn of 1860 till January 1862. The Rev. J. L. White took the vacant place shortly after, and in July accepted the formal call of the church at an annual salary of $600, which was increased in 1864 to $900. In July, 1866, he retired and was succeeded by the Rev. G. H. Wells, who declined the call of the church made in January 1867, but accepted it when renewed in March, though his ministry did not begin until September. He received $1,200 a year for his services, which ended December 25, 1870. His successor, the Rev. C. Caverno, employed at a salary of $1,500 per year, began his pastoral labors September 3, 1871, and terminated them March 1, 1874. The congregation had no stated supply after this date until November, when the Rev. J. M. Lau Bach accepted a call to this charge and labored herein till April 1878. He was speedily followed the next month by the Rev. M. S. Crosswell, who was soon thereafter unanimously called to the pastorate, which he accepted, and from which he withdrew October 1, 1880. The church has had no pastor since. Their present house of worship, standing on the corner of Main and Plant streets, is a sightly frame edifice sur- mounting a stone basement, and is 40x72 feet in dimensions. The basement contains a lecture-room and parlors. This house was begun in the autumn of 1865, completed the next spring, and dedicated June 10, by the Rev. G. F. Magoon, of Iowa College. The cost was $14,000. During the present summer it has been repaired, repainted, and the interior frescoed, and supplied with a pipe organ, at an expense of $2,000. This cliurch united with the Rock River association in Octo- ber 1854, at its meeting at Grand de Tour ; and in 1857, when the Bureau association was formed, it joined that body. Since its organ- ization with eight members in 1854 about 400 have been added, and the present membership, including many non-residents, is 164. The Sabbath-school, which was organized in Farwell Hall in April AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 339 1855, with E. H. Mellen as superintendent, is maintained the year round, and tlie average attendance, which was then about iifty, lias in- creased to nearly three times that number. The first church was sold to the Free Methodists in the spring of 1866 for $1,200. Of the original members three are still living and in communion, — Michael Blocher and John C. Church and his wife. The venerable Father Farwell, so often mentioned in these pages, whose name stood first on the list, was a native of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, having been born of Puritan stock, May 14, 1790. In 1815 he became a communicant in the Congregational church ; in 1819 he married ; in 1826 he settled in Lowell, and there assisted in forming the first Congregational church in that place, as he afterward also assisted in establishing the second and the third ; in 1836 he emigrated with his family to Amboy, Mich- igan, in which place he likewise aided in founding the first church of the same denomination ; and in 1841 he removed to this place, at that time called Palestine Grove. His death, which occurred March 5, 1875, found him ripe in years and good works. Mrs. Farwell survived him but is not now living. The Hon. B. H. Trusdell furnishes the following in regard to the Episcopal church : The Episcopal church was established in Amboy in the spring of 1859 by the organization of St. Thomas' parish. The proceedings took place in Mechanics' Hall, and the rector, Rev. W. M. A. Brodnax, Mrs. Brodnax, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Chase, Mr. and Mrs. Eobert Meri- gold, Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Bourne, Mr. and Mrs. D. P. Stone, J". F. Somes, F. L Foot, Mr. King, and Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Trusdell, were among the number who participated. The records of the parish have been burned, and the niames of the original wardens and vestrymen cannot be given. Mr. Brodnax continued rector of the parish about three years. He was a talented, courteous, agreeable, christian gentle- man. The society worshiped in the hall where the parish was organ- ized, and for a time prospered. In 1862 Mr. Brodnax resigned, and for several years there were occasional ministrations by clergymen sent here by the bishop ; but finally all hope of firmly establishing the church was abandoned. N. S. Chase, a gentleman of rare intelligence and pleasing manners, a thorough churchman, and a born leader, had died. He had done more for the parish than any other man, and there was no one to take his place. At a later date the parish sus- tained a serious loss in the death of Mrs. Robert Marigold. She was born in the church ; and although an invalid for many years, her sin- cere piety and active zeal brought her great respect and influence. When thoroughly disorganized and without hope, in the autumn of 1877, Rev. N. W. Heermans, then in deacon's orders, came to this his 340 HISTOKY OF LEE COXTNTT. ftrst parish and entered upon the work of resuscitating it. The results are inarveloiis. On the lots donated to the parish at its organization by John B. Calhoun, Esq., and located on the northwest corner of Mason and Provost streets, has been erected a beautiful church edifice, which is completely and neatly furnished. The lots have been graded, grassed and fenced, and shade-trees planted, and all is fully paid for. During this period Mr. Heernians held occasional services at Tonica, Illinois, and there made the acquaintance of Mr. and Mrs. William "Watron. Mr. Watron died very suddenly, and Mrs. Watron, knowing her husband's attachment to Mr. Heermans, and his desire to promote the welfare of the church, gave to Mr. Heermans $1,000 for the acqui- sition of a rectory for St. Thomas' parish. At one Sunday morning service, to the great surprise of his congregation, he placed a check for that sum among the offerings. March 30, 1881, he purchased from Mr. James B. Arnold, for $1,500, his residence adjoining the church lots, and moved into it in May. The society is now hopeful, and Mr. Heermans may well feel proud of and be thankful for the results of his coming to this parish. The German Evangelical church in Amboy was formed by the Rev. Wm. Angel berger, of Franklin Grove, on the 30th of January 1870,with fifty-four members, among whom Jacob Ashenbrenner, Jacob Klein, Valentine Weintz, Fred Nickele and Charles MoUoy were perhaps the most prominent. This organization took place in the basement of the Congregational church, where their first meetings were held, and was then styled the First Evangelical Lutheran church. On the 3d of July the old Congregational church was purchased from the Free Methodists for $1,500. The members named above and three other persons contributed one half of the purchase-money. The Eev. Angelberger preached to this congregation till May 26, 1872, and was followed by the Rev. Anthest until September 5, 1875. Somewhat irregular services were now held by different ministers for a year. On the 20th of May, 1876, the church voted an application for union with the Evangelical Synod of North America, a different denomination, and being accepted the name was accordingly changed to German Evangelical. The Rev. Wm. Fromm, of New York, was sent by the synod, and on January 14, 1877, was installed pastor by the Rev. Biesemeier, of Forreston. He departed in the autumn of 1878, and from that time till July, 1879, several persons officiated. On July 27 the Rev. Hagemann was installed by the Rev. W. Stark, of Mendota. Owing to deaths and removals their membership has diminished to about twenty-five. In their Sabbath school of about fifty members the children are taught in German, so that they may read the scriptures and listen to preaching in the tongue of the father- AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 341 land. The first trustees were V. Weintz, Fred Nickels, and John Klein, and the first deacons were Jacob Ashenbrenner, Charles Molloy, and Charles Hegert. In 1854 the Catholics, thirty or forty in number, began holding service at the residence of Michael Egan. Father Anthony was the first to celebrate mass, but Fathers O'Hara and Fitzgerald also came temporarily. In 1857, while Father Edwards was here, some lots were purchased in the north part of the town, and material to be used in the erection of a church was hauled to the ground. But this priest remained only a brief time, and being followed by Father Bray, the first who settled here, and who disapproved of the location, the lots were sold to Patrick Murphy, and others bought where the Catholic church now stands, on the corner of Adams and Center streets. The house was built in 1857, but when the plastering was being done it acci- dentally caught fire and burned down. This misfortune occurred on the 2d of December. Father Bray remained until the following spring, and then Father Vahey came to the place. In the autumn of this year, 1858, rebuilding was begun, and the church finished in the spring of 1859. Father Clark was the next priest, and was here as early as 1862; Father Murphy was his successor in 1868, and during his charge, probably in 1871, the church was enlarged by an addition to its length. In 1869 a house and three lots in "Wyman's addition were bought for the priest's occupancy, and the sum of $3,000 was paid for the property. The next and last change in priests was when Father Keenan came in 1873. The church is in a flourishing condition ; it is out of debt, and its membership embraces over 230 heads of families. The building in which they worship is 32x94 feet; it begins to bear marks of age, and it is proposed to build another in the near future, and with this object in view a fund is being accumulated. It has reached $2,000. The Catholic cemetery is located between Amboy and Eocky Ford. The ground was obtained by two purchases, both of which were made when Father Clark was over the church. The first piece of two and three-fourths acres was bought from Isadore Zwisler for $200, some time during the war. It was back from the road, and a few years after a tract of four acres in front was obtained from F. E. Dutcher for $400. Michael Egan, Patrick Corcoran and Lawrence McGrath are the ceme- tery trustees. Before this burial lot was procured the Catholics gave their dead sepulture at Sandy Hill. A Free Methodist Society was formed in Amboy about 1864 by the Eev. Mead., The first meetings were held in Fasoldt's Hall, and the original body did not consist of more than half-a-dozen members, but it eventually reached as high as forty or more. The first regular 342 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTT. preacher was the Eev. Miller, who was followed iu 1865 by the Eev. Levi Kelly, and he in turn was succeeded by the Eev. Charles Har- roun, sr. The Eevs. Cain and Oooley preached subsequently, and the closing labors of the latter were coincident with the dissolution of the society. In 1866 the old Congregational church was bought, but four years after was sold to the German Lutherans. Dissensions having arisen among the Free Methodists in 1868, Stephen G. Virgil and H. S. Sweet joined the United Brethren church at LaMoille, and then got Elder Dodson to come to Amboy and organize a society. This was done at Sweet's house, formerly tlie old Farwell Hall. The original members were Yirgil, Sweet, P. A. Main, Eev. Miles Lewis, Eev. J. W. Lewis, Mrs. Sophia Lewis, and Ephraim Wheaton and his wife, John Sheffield and his wife, Mrs. S. G. Yirgil, Alpheus Skinner and his wife, and Margaret Sheffield came into the society soon after. This church grew out of, and ultimately replaced, the Free Methodist. The Eevs. John Dodson and J. W. Lewis were the first pastors, and in 1870 they gave place to the Eev. O. A. Phillips. During his charge the next year a meeting-house was built on the west side, on Division street, and dedicated December 31 by Bishop Edwards. The sum of $1,728 was pledged, clearing the church from debt. This house is 34x50 feet, and cost $4,500. Elders Snyder and Crowder came next in order as preachers after Phillips. The Lewises have been leading members, and Joseph Lewis was ordained in this church. The society is in a prosperous condition. In 1859 the Adventists organized at Binghamton with thirteen members: D. S. Clark, S. E. Maybee, P. J. Main, Emerson Eoyce, Miss Maria Steadman and others, with Wm. McCulloeh and wife, Lo- renzo Whitney and wife, and Lysander Whitney from abroad, constitut- ing the society. One says that Eev. Calkins was the first minister, another gives that distinction to S. E. Maybee. The earlier preachers were A. S. Calkins, P. B. Morgan, Moses Chandler and Maybee, and of the later ones D. S. Clark, Wm. McCulloeh, Harry McCulloeh, O. D. Gibson, C. C. Marston, Frank Burr, Eldridge Burrington and S. B. Maybee have been the most prominent. The latter officiates at the present time. They have never built a church, but have worshiped in town halls in Amboy. At one time they had the use of the German Lutheran house, but their membership having fallen off from abovit forty to fifteen, they now hold services at the residences of Wm. Main and Eufus Hulbert. This denomination has held three largely at- tended camp-meetings at Amboy. It is known by the name of Advent Christian church. AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 343 ORGANIZATIONS. Illinois Central Lodge, No. 178, A.F. and A.M., was organized in July 1855, and worked under a dispensation until a charter was issued by the grand lodge, October 3 of the same year. The following were the charter members, and those designated the first officers: J. A. Jackson, W.M.; H. B. Judkins, S."W".; Warren Badger, J.W.; E. S. Keynolds, Treas.; Lemuel Bourne, Sec; L. W. Borden, S.D.; P. G. Lyon, J.D.; John IST. Brown, Tyler; David Bainter, John Stevens, Arthur Kobbins and Henry Porter. This lodge has suffered from four fires ; once or twice its property has been wholly destroyed, and in each of the other cases it received partial damage. For an account of these burnings the reader is referred to that subject on a previous page. Most, if not all, the masters have been Dr. J. A. Jackson, Dr. Harmon Wasson, E. P. Noyes, L. W. Borden, Francis Hudson, 0. F. Warriner, A. H. Wooster, Robt. Richards, and Prof. P. M. James. Twenty-eight members have been removed by death. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, with a membership of about ninety. Present officers: PT M. James, W.M.; L. A. Hulbert, S.W.; V. B. Andrus, J.W.; W. B. Andrus, Treas.; C. P. Miller, Sec; R. D. Badger, S.D.; P. E. Haines, J.D.; George Binns, T.; Charles Tait, S.S.; and I. S. Smith, J.S. Regular communications are on the first and third Mon- days of each month, in Masonic, formerly called Keeling's Hall, on East avenue. Amboy Lodge, No. 179, 1.O.O.F., was originally instituted by Dep- uty Grand Master Eustice, under dispensation, July 2, 1855; and Oc- tober 12 of the same year a charter was issued to William E. Ives, Charles B. Farwell, J. J. Conderman, Orange D. Reed, Harmon Was- son, James H. Preston, Simon Badger, Adam Roundenbush, Henry Roof, and Joel B. Strickland ; signed by J. E. Starr, grand master, and S. A. Carman, grand secretary. At the first meeting the officers elected for the term ending with the year were H. Wasson, N.G.; O. D. Reed, V.G.; Alexander Martin, Sec; and C. D. Vaughan,. Treas. In addition to these J. J. Conderman, A. Roundenbush, C. B. Farwell, J. N. Davis, S. S. Reed, H. Roof and William E. Ives were present, and all except the latter received appointive offices. Applications for membership came from S. S. Reed, J. M. Davis, W. P. Roff, Tyler Hale, and Julius Hale, and these persons were elected. At the next meeting, on the 7th, A. Martin, H. Wasson, J. J. Conder- man, W. E. Ives and J. H. Preston were elected trustees. The lodge flourished until the war, wheii nearly half the members went into the army, and of the remaining ones many were train men, who could not attend the meetings with any certainty or regularity, and from these causes, the attendance having become deplorably reduced, in Jan- 344 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. uary, 1864, the lodge suspended for a twelvemonth, and before the close of the year surrendered its charter and all its eflPects to the grand lodge. On August 23, 1873, the lodge was rechartered with the fol- lowing members : Kobert Eichards, P.G.; C. D. Yaughan, P.G.; Henry Beals, Joseph Sackett, Jacob J. Conderman, J. H. Preston, P.G.; Eobert Geddes, P.G.; James Kosebrugh, P.G.; Julius Hale, P.G.; Jacob Klein, Amiza Shoemaker, P.G.; Aaron Goldstone, P.G.; Peter Stein, Fritz Krehl, Benedict Fessler, Frank "Weise, and Herman Zolf. An informal meeting was held on the 25th, and the result of the bal- loting for elective officers was as follows: Aaron Goldstone, N.G.; Robert Richards, Y.G.; C. D. Yaughan, Sec, and James Rose- brugh, Treas. On September 11 the lodge was instituted and tliese officers installed. The present elective officers are Charles Weis, F.G.; Dr. E. R. Travers, Y.G.; G. W. Deming, Rec. Sec; Aaron Gold- stone, Treas.; Jacob Ashenbrenner, Per. Sec. The lodge meets every Tuesday uight in the spacious and beautiful hall over J. B. Graves' hardware store, where the walls are decorated with portraits of many of their members. During the past year $85 have been paid in funeral benefits, and $88 in sick benefits. The membership is about ninety. Warren Encampment, No. 122, was instituted under dispensation at Franklin Grove, May 17, 1871, by James E. Ketchem, D.D.G.P. of Earl Encampment, with the aid of a number of assistants. For the term ending with tlve year the following were elected officers : D. H. Spickler, C.P.; H. A. Black, H.P.; S. W. Riegles, S.W.; John Blocher, J.W.: Josiah Graff', S.; Kineaid Runyon, Treas. At the first meeting nine received patriarchal and golden-rule degrees, and six of this number took the royal-purple degree. A charter was granted October 10, to D. H. Spickler, John Blocher, William H. Bassler, H. P. Black, S. W. Riegles, Kineaid Runyon, and Joseph Graff. The last meeting held by this encampment at Franklin Grove was on Aug- ust 5, 1879. A proposition to move it to Amboy was adopted, which measure was immediately carried into effect, and on the 7th the first meeting was held in the new location. Grand Patriarch Crocker was in the chair, and the other officers were filled by patriarchs from Paw Paw. Petitions were received from Daniel Bull, C. E. Arnold, Charles Randall, G. A. Deming, W. Bronson, Fay Strickland, and L. Hegert, and these persons were elected and initiated. There is now a membership of twenty-three. The place of meeting is in Odd- Fellows' Hall, on the first and third Fridays of each month. Present officers: G. A. Deming, C.P.; W. J. Moseley, H.P.; A. Shoemaker, S.W.; J. H. Preston, J.W.; Fay Strickland, S.; .and B. Fassler, T. Palestine Lodge, No. 122, A.O.U.W., was organized July 24, 1878, with thirty-four charter members, among whom were P. M. James J. AMBOY TOWNSHIP, 345 E. Lewis, E. E. Travers, V. B. Andruss, C. E. Arnold, J. B. Graves, W. H. Badger, and A. E. Merwine. First officers : J. E. Lewis, P.M. W.; P. M. James, M.W.; L. A. Hulbert, F.; V. B. Andruss, 0.; A. E. Merwine, E.; J. M. Arnold, E.; C. P. Miller, F.; P. E. Haines, G.; A. Earth, LW.; W. C. Smith, O.W. The first trustees were C. E. Arnold, 0. Hegert, and J. B. Graves. Present officers : C. E. Arnold, M.W.; J. E. Lewis, F.; A. E. Merwine, 0.; A. Hulbert, E.; D. W. Slanter, E.; 0. P. Miller, F.; H. Masterman, G.; Charles Tait, I.W.; Jerome Hussey, O.W. Since the organization one member has been lost by death. Meetings are held every "Wednesday evening in Masonic Hall. Membership sixty-three, condition very prosperous. One of the first objects of this order is mutual insurance, but sick benefits and the social features are also of prime importance. Friendship Council, No. 567, A.L. of H., was instituted May 6, 1881, by E. E. Harding, of Eockford, with fifty members. The first and present officers are Eobert Eichirds, P.C.; L. A. Hulbert, C; C. A. Church, Y.C.; A. E. Slanter, O.; W. H. Dean, Sec; C. P. Miller, C; F. E. Doty, T.; Eev. N. W. Heermans, C; W. P. Barnes, G.; G. Binns, W.; A. H. Yirgi), S. Dr. C. A. Wilcox is medical examiner, and Dr. E. Manning, alternate. Meetings are held in Odd-Fellows' Hall on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. This is prima- rily a life-insurance organization, and the aggregate amount for which the charter members are insured is $168,000. This order was instituted in Boston, Massachusetts, three years ago ; its objects being social and fraternal union for the purpose of extending material aid to its members, to cultivate their minds, morals and tastes, and to estab- lish a fund for beneficiary objects. Lee County Post, No. 65, G.A.E., was organized September 8, 1879, by Gen. Chamberlain. First officers : Col. George Eyon, C; C. K. Dixon, S.Y.C.; Capt. Wm. Frost, J.V.C; A. H. Merrifield, Q.M.; Dr. E. Manning, S.; J. H. Hazen, C; J. H. Gray, O.D.; John S. Bitzer, O.G.; C. E. Arnold, Q.M.S.; C. Gordonier, S.M.; E. E. Chase, A. Present officers: C. H. Ingals, C; G. E. Young, S.Y.C.; E. Warriuer, J.V.C; C. K. Dixon, C; E. Manning, S.; C. E. Arnold, Q.M.; J. Bitzer, O.D.; J. Carr, O.G.; L. A. Hulbert, A. Stated meetings are on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, in Masonic Hall. This post was organized with thirty-five ex-soldiers, and the present number is seventy-two. Interest in the meetings has greatly declined. The first post instituted in Amboy went down several years ago. On the lith February, 1879, an independent organization wa& formed in Amboy bearing the name of United States Pensioners' Aid Protective Association, composed of about ten veteran pensioners, with 21 346 HISTORY OF LEE OOUNTY. the following officers : C. K. Northrnp, 0.; P. Dunsmore, V.O.; 0. A. Getty, Sec; H. S. Merrow, Treas.; J. H. Hazen, C; E. Tourtlott, S. at A.; Joseph Carr, S. The objects of this association were expressed in its name ; but after a short trial it was found that the pensioners were too few and the objects too limited to give it stability, and accordingly on the 17th of October a radical change was made in the organization, enlarging its scope and making its features more attract- ive and valuable. The names of the offices, but not the officers, were changed. Mr. Hazen and Mr. Getty, assisted somewhat by others, originated the secret work of the new order, which was called Our Country's Defenders, and also prepared the charter and the constitu- tion. Tiie headquarters were removed to Chicago in November 1880. The order has extended into Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and New Hampshire ; and in some of these states there are state encampments. Generals Grant, Logan, Governor Beveridge, and others of repute, have given this organization their hearty indorsement. The subordinate camp at Amboy, designated as Wyman Encampment No. 1, has been in exist- ence since the creation of the order. Its regular meetings are on the second and fourth Fridays, and the gatherings were formerly in the reading room. There are about twenty-five members, and the condi- tion of the camp is not altogether flattering. The present officers are M. T. Spencer, C; E. J. Post, L.; L. A. Hulbert, A.; Col. George Kyon, S.; J. H. Hazen, C: E. Rose, O.D.; Thos. Meacham, O.G.; E. Dunsmore, C. of O. In 1863 the Brotherhood of the Footboard, an association of locomotive engineers to elevate their standing as such and their char- acter as men, and for mutual insurance and assistance in sickness and distress, was instituted at Detroit. Its prosperity very soon waned throughout the country ; and then it was reorganized at Indianapolis, August 17, 186i, the anniversary of its establishment, under the style of the Grand International Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. A division was formed in Amboy subordinate to the Brotherhood of the Footboard, but it was short-lived. A charter was issued to I. E. Patterson, December 25, 1865, with power to organize Amboy division No. 1, and on January 8 following a meeting was convened, at which B. 0. Howard, chief engineer of Centralia division, presided. S. L. Peters and others from Aurora division assisted. The initiates were J. W. Howe, S. Hoisted, W. B. Trude, F. Westcott, S. C. Hnjff, C. Putnam, C. H. Marston, Pat Allen, and D. Eeynolds. The following were also the first officers: C. H. Marston, C.E. ; F. Westcott, F.E.; J. W. Howe, S.E.; I. R. Patterson, F.A.E.; C. Putnam, S.A.E. ; and W. B. Trude, T.A.E. At the second meeting, on the 15th, J. Hath- AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 347 away, A. McCall, C. Eandall, and H. McGraw, old members, joined the division, and P. Battles was initiated. The present officers are J. Shaw, C.E. ; (vacant) F.E. ; F. Weise, S.E. ; O. Comstock, F.A.E. ; A. Armstrong, S.A.E. ; Wra. Stine, T.A.E. ; G. Bustick, G. ; and 0. 11. Eosier, C. E. Eosier, chief engineer, a highly esteemed man, died February 17, 1881, and Mr. Shaw was elected to his place, leaving th^ office of first engineer vacant. The menibers number thirty-six, and the division is in a flourishing condition. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Sunday afternoons. The charter of Amboy Lodge, No. 35, of the Brotherhood of Loco- motive Firemen, was granted January 19, 1879, to Titus Hincheliff, Henry Williams, Wm. H. Dean, Thomas Hincheliff, Harry Luscombe, "W. M. Palmer, Henry Schermerhorn, I. M. Farris, Garrett H. King, Abe Schermerhorn, C. E. Eosier, and Wm. Linsea. This lodge was organized by John Walsh, of Capital Lodge, of Springfield, with eight members. The first elective officers were Titus Hincheliff, M. ; Henry Williams, Y.M. ; W. H. Dean, E.S.; Wm. Palmer, F.S. ; Thomas Hincheliff, T. Present officers: W. H. Dean, M. ; C. E. Eosier, V.M.; F. H. Schermerhorn, E.S.; C. E. Eosier, F. S. ; Thomas Hincheliff, T. The lodge embraces twenty-six members, and is enjoy- ing a period of much prosperity. Stated meetings are on the first and third Sundays, in Engineers' Hall. The order is designed for social improvement, and provides a system of insurance, and organized mutual assistance to members and their families. In 1867 the conductors formed a union, and in 1868 it was changed to division No. 1 of the Conductors' Brotherhood, a charter being granted August 4. In its last state it was a benevolent association, but its existence was of brief duration. Division No. 1, A.O.H., was organized September 26, 1875, by John D. Neill, of La Salle, with a membership of thirty. It holds regular meetings and is in fair condition. One of the most thoughtful sources of public intelligence is a good circulating library. The Illinois Central Eailroad Company, with that interest in the welfare and improvement of its employes for which it is noted, early conceived the design of providing books for the use of such as would avail themselves of the privilege, and accord- ingly established in Chicago a library of nearly 2,000 volumes. In the winter of 1864-5 the books were divided and removed from that city, one-half being sent to Centralia and the other to Amboy. Here was formed the Illinois Central Library Association, composed at first exclusively of employes of the company, but to which others were afterward admitted; not on equal terms, however, but by paying an annual fee double that of the railroad men, and being deprived, besides, 348 HISTORY OP LEE COUNTY. of all voice in its management and in the choice of officers. As was sure to be the case, this discrimination, though not unsupported by very plausible reasons, bred, or rather at once made, two parties, a con- dition not calculated to deepen interest or increase harmony. I^otwith- standing, the association flourished and the books were much used, while the company for a number of years paid the rents and the librarian. At length, funds and more books being wanted, an excur- sion to Dunleith and Dubuque, under the auspices of the "Woman's Christian Temperance Union, was planned, and was liberally en- couraged by the general superintendent, E. D. Jeffrey, who had been more instrumental, perhaps, than any other man in originating the library. The excursion took place in August 1869, and the net returns amounted to $613.45. Thus improved in condition, the association bought more books, which inspired fresh interest. But this did not last long, and when the apparent concern of the members, or a large majority of them, had disappeared, late in 1872 the company discon- tinued the allowance for rent. It languished until the early part of 18Y5, when Mr. J. 0. Jacobs, division superintendent, who had not only taken from the start a leading personal interest in the success of the library, but because of his position was clothed with a certain responsibility for its care and use, proposed a reorganization under the laws of the state. This meeting with favor, it was incorporated, April 2, 1875, with the name of the Amboy Library Association, Mr. Jacobs being named in the charter as president, E. Hull as librarian and secretary, and Josiah Little as treasurer. Messrs. Jacobs, Little, Hull, L. T. Moore and Lemuel Bourne, upon the advice of the railroad em- ployes who were members of the old organization, were selected as trustees. On March 18, 1876, the trustees adopted a constitution and by-laws, which put all members on an equality. On October 3, 1877, the association ran an excursion to Dubuque and cleared $963. Altogether there have been two hundred dollars' worth of books purchased and added to the original stock, besides the donation of a lot from 'New York; and now there are 755 volumes of standard works on history, biography, science and fiction. The library is kept in the reading room over W. B. Andruss & Son's store, and is open at stated times throughout the week. The membership numbers 93. The librarian, Mrs. M. L. Knowles, has been in charge about a year, and the present prosperity is due very largely to her exertions and her devo- tion to the interests of the association. Mr. L. T. Moore, too has labored with especial zeal for its success. The board of trustees remains the same as at first, except that Mr. "W. E. Ives has succeeded Mr. Hull. Mr. Jacobs is still president. The Old Settlers' Association of Lee county organized and held AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 349 its first gathering in 1873. W. H. Haskell, of " The Amboy Journal," in the issue of November 16, 1872, commenced agitating the subject, and continued it until a meeting was had on the 22d of February in the city council room at, Amboy; J. B. Tuttle presided, and Mr. Has- kell acted as secretary. "Wednesday, June 4, 1873, was designated as the day for the old settlers' meeting to be held at this city, and a com- mittee of arrangements was appointed. At the time fixed about 200 gathered to greet old friends, renew acquaintance and exchange remi- niscences. Speeches were made, and otherwise the features were those of an ordinary picnic. A committee was appointed, composed of one member from each township, making a total of twenty-two, with C. F. Ingals as chairman and W. H. Haskell as secretary. The second an- nual reunion, held also at Amboy, on June 18, 1874, was a decided suc- cess, over 2,000 people being present. The venerable Father Dixon occupied a seat on the stand, where he received the congratulations of friends and the respects of the multitude. Col. John Dement delivered an address on this occasion, and was elected president for the ensuing year. Mr. Haskell was continued secretary of the executive commit- tee. The third annual meeting was held again at Amboy, June 19 of the following year, and Dr. Charles Gardner was chosen president. In 1876 the association met at Dixon, and Col. Dement was again chosen president and Mr. Haskell secretary. June 22 was the day of the gathering. At this time a cane made from Black Hawk's pirogue was presented to Col. Dement as an appropriate surprise. Removal of the files of " The Journal" from the oflBce to be bound prevents a further connected account of this organization. The reunion this year (1881) was at Amboy, on the 1st of September. The grove belonging to the city is the meeting-place, and Dr. C. E. Loomis is present secretary. At a meeting of the citizens of Amboy and vicinity, held Novfem- ber 5, 1856, Prairie Kepose Cemetery Association was organized, and the following persons were elected officers : Joseph F^rwell, president ; M. L. Arnold, secretary and treasurer, and J. F. Powers, C. A. Wall and Jacob Luce directors. This board was instructed to purchase from Harvey Barrel four acres in a square, in the northwest corner N.W. J of N.W. i Sec. 15 in this township, for $600. This was done, and the ground laid out in lots, with three driveways from east to west, and alleys of four feet width from north to south between the lots. There are 442 of these lots 10x20 feet, besides 60 on the north end 10x26 feet, used for a Potter's field. The following soldiers, some of whom died on the battle-field and others after their return home, are buried in this cemetery : Wm. H. Arnold, Co. A, 111th W. Y. Vols. ; Frank D. Brown, Co. F, 75th 111. Yols. ; Edward W. Bull, Co. I, 89th 111. Yols. ; 0. E. Blanchard (regiment unknown), John Burrington, Co. D, 350 HISTOKT OF LEE COUNTY. 46th 111. Yols.; Albion Comstock, Co. I, 89th 111. Yols.; Wm. H. Cnrly, Co. C, 13th III. Yds.; J. M. Crampton, Co. I, Slst Mass. Yols.; C. H. Daw (regiment unknown), C. A. Harper (regiment unknown), Harrison Hale (regiment unknown), Cyrus D. Lyman, Co. E, 7th 111. Cav.; H. H.Morey, Co. C, 89th 111. Yols.; John Madden, Co. D, 46th 111. Yols.; James A. McGary (regiment unknown), Frank H. Mellen, Co. A, 89th 111. Yols.; Albert W. Preston, Co. E, 140th 111. Yols., and Henry Sanger, 2d Me. Yols., honorably discharged therefrom, and in 1863 reenlisted in the 52d or 57th 111. Yols. The present officers of this association are John C. Church, president; Wm. B. Andruss, sec- retary and treasurer ; Wm. T. French, Henry T. Ford and Wm. E. Ives, directors. Although the Lee County Agricultural Society is now extinct, it was once so prominent an institution that it requires some mention. It was organized in 1854, and incorporated in July 1857. The third annual fair was in Amboy, in 1856, and from that time this was the regular place for holding the exhibitions. In 1858 grounds were leased in Farwell's addition for a term of iive years, and buildings erected thereon. The society ceased to be of any public usefulness after the expiration of this lease. In 1863 a fair was held, or attempted to be held, but it was a failure. There was a rival society in Dixon, and overtures were made by each looking to consolidation, but whether it was ever eifected we are not informed. At all events it did not have the support of Amboy, and so far as this place is concerned the active history of the society ends during the time of the war. J. B. Wyman, C. F. Ingals and E. 'N. Woods were presidents, and Josiah Little, N. S. Chase and H. G. Pratt were secretaries. TEMPERANCE WORK AND THE DEMAND FOR IT. At the beginning of the year 1867 there were nine licensed saloons, seven sold intoxicating liquors and two retailed beel*. This was not an unusual number, but about the average for many years. These dens made men shameless, brutal, vagrant, and dangerous. Drunkenness and its concomitant routs, frays, thefts, insults, deadly accidents and blood-shedding became almost too familiar for comment. Ladies upon the street were obliged to push their way through maudlin, ribald crowds, and unoffending citizens were never safe from being set upon and beaten by cowardly gangs of drunken roughs, for such offenses were not uncommon. During the year succeeding the war no less than five attempts were made to burn the business part of the city. Add to these public an- noyances and dangers all the disgrace, orphanage, unseen woe and AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 351 social wretchedness, and it will be seen that there was strong moving cause for temperance work. To overcome as mnch as possible these licensedj alarming evils, many cooperative temperance and total-abstinence efforts have heen started and maintained, until periodical apathy would strangle them to death or neutralize their influence. "We can only briefly refer to the principal ones. The first organized movement to " suppress the un- lawful sale of ardent spirits and gambling " was the " Carson League." A meeting of the inhabitants, attended by many of the leading men of the place, was held on February 4, 1856, in the Baptist church, and a constitution and by-laws common to this form of organization were adopted. Alonzo Kinyon filled the chair and J. F. Pirie acted as sec- retary. The business was conducted by twelve directors, whose duties were to attend to the enforcement of the law. The first board con- sisted of D. S. Clark, E. M. Brigham, J. Clark, E. H. Mellen, J. D. Weddell, John Dexter, W. E. Ives, J. F.' Powers, A. E. Wilcox, H., M. Taylor, ^A. Kinyon and C. Bridgman. Stock was taken to the amount of $600,000, and those subscribing gave what was called stock notes, on which the directors were authorized to make assessments " to defray the expenses of the league," which included the expenses of prosecutions. This league existed about two years. We find it stated in " The Times," in 1858, that the Sons of Tem- perance and Good Templars were meeting in the same hall with the Masons and the Odd-Fellows. The lodge of Good Templars was or- ganized in the spring of that year, but its existence was not long con- tinued. After this had lapsed, in January 1862, a lodge of this order was started at Binghamtpn. In March a " section of the Cadets of Temperance" was instituted in Amboy for the training and instruction of the youth. Amboy Lodge, No. 64:6, was organized in November 1865, and enjoyed a tolerable lease of life. Friendship Lodge, No. 612, was started in October 1870. Organizations of a transient char- acter hav-e been formed at times to arouse the slumbering sense of the people when urgent labors were necessary to carry elections, and other- wise to checkmate the debauching alcoholic, interest. Eeform division. No. 555, Sons of Temperance, was organized February 2i, 1862, under the jurisdiction of the Grand Division of Illi- nois, E. D. Lamoine, of Paw Paw, being Grand Worthy Patriarch, and Geo. L. Moore, of Lebanon, Grand Scribe. Charter members : W. H. Tousley, N. T. Pratt, W. B. Andruss, 0. P. Miller, F. I. Foot, Wm. H. Hayward, John Carter, jr., M. Gilleas, Chas. A. Allen, D. 0. Udell, J. A. Scollay, W. C. Sears, D, C. Graham, D. B. Wall, Chas. E. Ives and Samuel E. Appleton. The division has had its days of prosperity when high tide came and multitudes floated in, — and of adversity — 352 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTT. when the tide ebbed away, and those of least principle or will-power dropped out ; but a few have always held on to the good craft. The period of greatest prosperity was in 1876 and 1877, during and since which time over 200 have been initiated. This division, with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, organized in December 1876, and the Eed Eibbou Club, organized in 1877, worked in harmony to- gether, the reading-room over the store of W. B. Andruss & Son being their headquarters. The club has ceased as an organization, leaving the other two bodies still doins; effective work. Present officers : Mrs. Daniel Bull, W.P.; Mrs. C. W. Bell, W.A.; Daniel Bull, E. S.; Miss Emma Sleeper, A.E.S.; Wm. B. Andruss, F.S.; Edgar Miller, Treas.; Eev. K A. Eeed, D.D., Chaplain ; B. B. Howard, C; Mrs. A. Los- sie, A.C.; Mrs. M. J. Mingle, I.S.; C. W. Bell, O.S., and C. W. Dera- ing, P.W.P. Eepresentatives to the grand division : C. W. Deming, E. Miller, C. P. Miller, W. B. Andruss, J. S. Oleson, C. W. Bell, Eev. Dr. ST. A. Eeed, G. W. Mingle, Mrs. M. J. Mingle, Daniel Bull, Mrs. Daniel Bull and B. B. Howard ; of these Messrs. Andruss and Deming are representatives of the Grand Division of Illinois to the National Division of North America. "On JSTovember 19, 1876, a few ladies who had attended the state annual convention at Dixon, and returned with hearts quickened to the need of gospel temperance work in their midst, extended an invi- tation by the various pulpits to all interested in temperance to meet Tuesday afternoon, JSTovember 21, in the Baptist church, to organize a Woman's Christian Temperance Union." A committee was named to ob- tain a good lecturer, and another to collect funds from the citizens to pay the expense of the lecture-course. Prayer-meetings were appointed to move the hearts of the people in the new work, and three of those were held in the Methodist church. Volunteer laborers having come forward, on December 2 a called meeting was held in the Congrega- tional parlor to district the city, so that the canvassers could go to work soliciting members and money. Their success was very encour- aging. Mrs. Foster, of Iowa, was engaged, and gave three lectures on December 17, 18 and 19, and then it was decided to organize, which was done in the Baptist church on the last day mentioned. The officers chosen were Mrs. Mingle, president; Mrs. Vaughan, Mrs. Poland and Mrs. Badger, vice-presidents; Mrs. Williams, recording secretary; Mrs. Chase, corresponding secretary, and Mrs. Eeagan, treasurer. The standing committees were : on reading-room, Mrs. Andruss, Mrs. Mil- ler, Mrs. Poland, Mrs. Williams ; on public work, Mrs. Battis ; on lit- erature, Mrs. Chase ; on statistics, Mrs. Eeagan ; on finance, Mrs. Miller. Most untiring and zealous endeavors have been put forth by these christian women to secure a ripe harvest of good works in the com- AMBOYx TOWNSHIP. 353 munity, and their hands have been royally upheld by the citizens. The Union occupies the cheerful and tastefully furnished hall over the hardware store of W. B. Andruss & Son, on Main street. Gospel meetings are held here every Sabbath afternoon under the auspices of the Union. These ladies inaugurated a free reading-room, and dedi- cated the hall to the high objects of social, religious and intellectual culture, with devotional and literary exercises on April 17, 1877. The Library Association uses the same hall, holding under the Union. The Father Matthew Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society, founded by P. A. Boland and named in honor of the great Irish bene- factor and apostle of temperance, is an independent body chartered by the state, and was organized December 15, 1872. It has sixty mem- bers and is in a flourishing condition. This is a valuable auxiliary to the reform movement. Banner Temple, No. 24, of the United Order of Ancient Templars, was organized in August, 1889, with thirty-four members, and was chartered October 21. Present officers : Lee Cronkrite, T. ; Mrs. C. A. Bartlett, P.T. ; Frank Almy, Y.T. ; Frank Marrow, E. ; Mrs. Ford, A.K.; H. T. Ford, F. ; H. Shurtleff; C. ; Miss Fisher, M. ; (vacant) A.M. ; Mrs. Henry T. Ford, T. ; Mrs. Trainer, W. ; Mr. Skinner, G. Meetings are held on Monday nights in Odd-Fellows' Hall. This order furnishes insurance to its members, and embraces as comprehensive objects as any of the benevolent associations. JOURNALISM IN AMBOT. Under this caption the "Amboy Journal" of April 11, 1874, narrates its own history to that date in the subjoined sketch : "In May or June, 1855, the 'Amboy Printing Association' was formed, which secured the publication of the ' Lee County Times,' with Augustus Noel Dickens, a brother of the author Charles Dickens, as editor, ^o far as we can learn the stockholders were A. Kinyon, W. E. Ives, John L. Skinner, John B. Wyman, H. B. Judkins, W. B. Stuart. August 1, 1855, as appears by a bond in our possession, one H. B. Judkins bound himself in the sum of $200 to said association in consideration of the transfer of the press, etc., to publish or cause to be published the said 'Lee County Times' for the space of one year. Yolume 1, number 33, was issued February 7, 1856, by H. G. Pratt as editor and proprietor, and this is the oldest paper on our files. Yolume 1, number 41, was issued as the 'Amboy Times,' by Cottrell & Pratt, April 3, 1856 ; and that name was continued for ten years, or until volume 11, number 18, published by GoflT & Shaw, February 8, 1866. In the meantime, however, publishers had succeeded each other in the following order : Cottrell, Pratt & Miller ; Cottrell, Pratt & 354 HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY. Somes ; Pratt & Co. (John Lewis, James F. Somes) ; Pratt, Shaw & Oo. (Joseph Lewis) ; Gardner, Shaw & Lewis ; and Pratt & Shaw. When Goff & Shaw issued volume 1, number 1, of the 'Lee County Journal,' February 25, 1866, they called it the 'new series,' and dropped the record of the eleven years and twenty weeks of a news- paper issue from the same oflBce. This course we consider unwise, and propose now to remedy by calling the present issue of the ' Journal ' volume 19, number 1. "Burrington & Shaw published the 'Lee County Journal' from February, 1867, to December, 1867, when we find a card published giving notice that they would suspend the issue of any paper for two weeks, because of the want of payments and patronage on the part of business men and subscribers. From January 16 to December 24, 1868, B. F. Shaw was editor and proprietor. " Some graceless scamp has stolen the files from the last date to January 6, 1870, when we find the paper issued by Stimson & Corbus until March 10, when the thief, or the most improvident publishers, again leave us no files up to September; when Wm. Parker changed the name to the one now used, and continued its publication for just two years, to September 6, 1872, when we [W. H. Haskell] bought the ' Journal,' paid ofl' its mortgages, began to improve the paper and increase its. circulation, having gained 200 subscribers in nineteen months without especial efi'ort at solicitation." On October 15, 1879, Mr. Haskell sold the office to E. "W. Faxon & Co., and on February 1, 1881, Dr. C. E. Loomis, of Lee Center, purchased it and is the present editor and proprietor. The paper has always been republican in politics. TORNADO. The great tornado of 1860 occurred on Sunday, June 3. It began its ravages as far west as Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and gathering force as it proceeded, left a track of death, and desolation behind. In the vicinity of Clinton twenty-five persons were killed. The town of Comanche, on the Iowa side of the Mississippi, was totally destroyed ; and Albany, on the Illinois side, shared nearly the sama fate. In the two places the killed and wounded reached not fewer than 125 persons. The towns of Lyndon and Mount Pleasant, in Whiteside county, suf- fered severely, and in the neighborhood of Morrison and Sterling about a dozen were killed and a larger number wounded. From the point where the hurricane struck this county to Bradford township it spared nothing in its course. Trees, crops, stock, fences and buildings were swept away with terrific fury, and numbers of persons, not a few rightfully mangled, were killed outright, while a still larger number AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 355 sustained different degrees of injury. In its progress onward from Bradford it alternately raised and lowered, leaving evidences of its violence at intervals. Its track was about forty rods wide, and the ground over which it passed had the appearance of having been swept by a mighty torrent. In its twistings and whirlings it described a zigzag course, with arms and angles jutting out at short distances. The general direction was from west to east through Amboy, about a mile south of the north line of the township. The first casualty was the serious injury of a man named Emmet, his wife, two children, and a hired man, who were living in a house owned by E. B. Stiles. The building was demolished. The next place visited east of this was Mr. Morse's. His house was destroyed, and Mrs. Morse was hurled five rods and disemboweled. She survived in this horrible condition about an hour. Mr. Morse was despaired of for some time, but finally recovered and is now living. One of the sons was slightly injured, another dangerously, and a daughter had both legs broken and died. James Kosbrugh's farm, occupied by Edward Sacket, was next in the track. The house, barn and blacksmith shop, were carried entirely away ; and all the family of five persons seriously and some danger- ously injured. F. H. Northway's buildings suffered total wreck. The family were taken up with the house into the air, but fortunately all escaped with the exception of cuts, bruises and broken ribs. A boulder weighing a quarter of a ton was lifted at this place and carried ten rods. From here the storm headed more northerly, and John Crombie's house shared the general ruin ; one of his little children was killed, and another was so hurt that it barely recovered. Lyman Bixby's family took refuge in their cellar half a minute before the tempest reached them and were saved, though the house and barn went to atoms. Farther north James Moffat's house was unroofed ; and cuts and bruises, from which no one was exempted, were the extent of injuries here. R. D. Peironnet lost his barn, back kitchen and outbuildings. A traveler, who had stopped at a vacant building near, and had the calves of his legs nearly torn off, was at once brought to Mr. P.'s for care. Onward the destroying force went to Isaac Gage's; but we shall let Mr. Gage tell his own fearful story of loss and bereavement in the picturesque account which he has given of this calamity, and on which we mainly rely for adequate description. P. D. La Forge's handsome residence was partly unroofed, a back kitchen blown away, and his barn rent to pieces. From this point we prefer Mr. Gage's striking statement of his personal experiences at the supreme instant of disaster, and of his inti- mate knowledge of the ravages made in his neighborhood and to the eastward. It was published in the Amboy " Journal " February 7, 1874. 356 HISTORT OF LEE COUNTY, " This wind storm, called a tornado, struck our house on the eve of June 3, 1860, about nine o'clock. It being Sabbath evening we had retired rather early, and I soon fell asleep to be awakened by a terrible crash as of thunder, seemingly without a cause. For the next instant it was so still one could have heard a pin fall in any part of the house, but for a moment only ; then, sir, there was a sound which I shall ever fail to describe, but I will give the best version my poor mind can. It was not thunder, and though it lasted but a moment it shook the earth for miles around. Another moment and every- thing was as still as death ; then instantly came the grand crash, and we were in the elements. Now it is partly by sight and partly by feeling that I shall attempt to describe what took place. I jumped out of bed and grasped the door-handle to go for our chil- dren, but could not open the door. Suddenly it opened and knocked me down on one knee, and violently dragged or shoved me about five feet out of doors to the ground, while the house and my four boys went into the air far above my head ; some of the furniture, or some portion of the house, struck me in the back and passed on. This con- fused state of things lasted perhaps five minutes, I should think not longer, and then out came the moon as bright as day ; it seemed as if it wanted to show us what desolation and destruction had been done. Here and there lay heaps of rubbish, parts of the house and some parts of the furniture, all broken small enough for stove wood, and only three out of seven of our family were able to see this ruin. Some were dead, and some were not conscious of anything that was going on, though yet alive. A twin boy of eleven years had his life literally whipped out of him; he was dead when found. My eldest, a boy of seventeen, was carried through the air and debris the distance of sixty rods or over, and was so bruised that his entire person after a few hours became perfectly pulp-like, resembling a blood-blister. He lived, how- ever, until the seventh day, in the most wonderful agony. Most of the time he lay seemingly unconscious. " The rest of the boys were not carried so far away. When we found my youngest son the little fellow looked most horrible, not a scrap of clothing on him save the collar of his shirt ; his head was cut and bruised, and his body so bloody and dirty that we could scarcely see any human shape to him. We picked him and bis little dead brother up about twelve rods from where the house had stood a few moments before. " When we went to bed that evening a large kettle that would hold a barrel or more was standing under the eaves of the house, full of water ; it was taken up and carried high enough to strike the corner of the barn about twelve feet from the ground, and there it sat where AMBOT TOWNSHIP. 357 the barn stood with two or three pailfuls of water in it yet. In the debris of the barn lay a young stable horse ; when first seen he was on his back with the timbers piled upon and about him six feet high, and one large piece lay across his neck and held him down so firmly that he could not stir. " From this point on in a southeast direction the surface of the earth was covered with bits of everything in the shape of fence rails, boards, timbers, etc. All seemed to have been carried with so great force that they were driven into the ground from three inches to one foot or more. One stick, thirteen feet long and about ten inches square, was taken over 100 rods from my house and thrust into the earth ten feet, at an angle of forty-five degrees. It seems that the air must have been full of every conceivable thing, parts of wagons and buggies and goods from the house were literally torn to fragments and scattered abroad. Before the storm I had two lumber wagons, after it I had only two wheels left. "After leaving my place it struck Mr. Lorenzo Wood's, there it en- tirely demolished the buildings (and they were many), but carried away nothing very heavy, except a few sheep that were transported something near twenty miles. His papers were found by honest men and returned. I think there were none on Mr. Wood's farm seriously hurt, unless it was a tenant family [the Felties] who were lifted house and all into the air and carried in a southwesterly direction over the line fence into my field, and there caught by another current and carried in a circle back into the same field that they started from, mak- ing a distance of about fifty rods before the house was torn to pieces. Its course could be traced for weeks after, for in places the corners of the house struck into the earth, and in others the building dragged along and made large holes as if several wagon-loads of soil had been removed, and then elevated itself, no one knows bow high, before coming to the final crash. As I said before, this family were some- what hurt, but I think they all survived. One of the men who were in this house told me afterward that when it was in motion the stove rolled over the room like a ball, and all their furniture, with them- selves, was pitched and tumbled about fearfully. At this point it seemed to reach out to the north about twenty rods and take in a Mr. Preston, who owned and lived on the Chadwick farm. It demolished all his buildings, and carried him with two of his children out through the tree-tops and landed them several rods from where they started unharmed, save some flesh wounds ; but his only a son, a little boy, was killed outright. From there it passed on, devastating everything in its way, until it struck Mr. Martin Wright's. It cleared him out, tearing down everything in its course, and threw him and his wife's 858 HISTOKY OF LEE COUNTY. sister np into some trees, broke out a large piece of the lady's jaw- bone, taking with it the teeth, and so nearly killed Mr. Wright that his life was despaired of for a long time. Both finally recovered, while Mrs. Wright, who was in the house at the same time and not hurt at all, died in less than ten days, as it was supposed, from fright. The cyclone moved from here to Mr. John Lane's, destroying everything, but killing no one. From this point it left Amboy township and visited the corner of Lee Center, passing into Bradford, doing serious damage to Mr. Darwin Woodrufi''s farm, lifting up his house and dashing it to fragments instantly, so injuring the inmates that they were taken up for dead, but they all recovered. Beyond this point for some miles it did little harm ; but fourteen miles distant it descended, leaving articles taken from this neighborhood, and so lowering at intervals to deal out destruction ; its force did not seem to abate until it reached Lake Michigan." The many admirers of the late Ool. Wyman will thank the Hon. B. H. Trusdell for the following graceful memoir of their lamented friend : John B. Wyman, oldest of ten children, of Scotch ancestry, was born July 12, 1817 ; and was educated at a select school at Bolton, and at the public schools of Shrewsbury, Massachusetts. At the age of fourteen he ceased study altogether under the direction of tutors; and in view of his liberally practical acquirements in later life, may be said in truth to have been a thoroughly self-made man. Having quit school, he became employed in a clothing store in Shrewsbury ; and in 1838, as a partner in a mercantile firm, opened the first ready-made cloth- ing store in Cincinnati, Ohio. He remained in that city two years, and then returned to his native state to become a member of a firm en- gaged in the dry-goods business. At that time he was married to Miss Maria Bradley. In 184:6 he was general clerk in the Springfield car and engine shops, and afterward superintended the construction of cars. He was a conductor on the New York and New Haven railroad in 1850, and subsequently superintendent of the Connecticut Eiver railroad. In 1852 he entered the service of the Illinois Central Rail- road Company, and assisted in the survey and construction under Col. R. B. Mason, general superintendent and engineer. He was first employed on the branch, but in 1853 was transferred to the main line, and accepted the superintendency of the north division. At the earliest moment he acquired an interest in Amboy and laid out Wyman's addition, and we may almost call him the father of the city. He settled permanently in the place on the completion of the passen- ger house, of which he was proprietor some time. He was twice mayor of Amboy, and the first incumbent of the office. His second AMBOY TOWNSHIP. 359 term was in 1860. Col. Wyman was fond of military life, and when a very young man trained in a rifle company in Shrewsbury. He was a member of the City Guards of Worcester, and later still in life captain of the Chicago Light Guards. On the breaking out of the war he was appointed assistant adjutant-general of Illinois, and ren- dered valuable aid in mustering into the service the first six regiments. He recruited at Amboy, Co. C, 13th reg. 111. Vols., and on the organiza- tion of the regiment was elected colonel. He served in the southwest and was mortally wounded at Chichasaw Bayou, December 28, 1862, while directing the movements of his command. When Lieuf