Lee County, Illinois - The whole text, 1881 (part 3 of 24)

Tlie metliod of conducting Sabbath schools at tliis early day was quite primitive. Tliere 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-sciiool 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 C, or rehearse a spelling lesson, after opening the school b}' 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, bnt 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 are fully abreast of the times.

Heresy. - Lee count}- 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 application of William Smith for a divorce, the jury found a verdict for the lady.

" Behold, verily, this is the mind of the Lord concerning those females who have received the priesthood by being sealed to my servants 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 tiiereof; if thej', or either of them, shall fall, or turn altogether therefrom, she or they shall be excluded therefrom and from my church also, and shall not come forth in the resurrection of the just. * * *

" Therefore, L 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 trulv, scription paper for building the first school-house in Dixon, and have thought that it would not be without interest to man}' ofj'our 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. The}' shall see that it is done in a plain, workmanlike manner, so far as the funds shall warrant.

county during the next season. The reason that Father Dixon's name was not at or near the head of tlie list is that he was away that winter to Vandalia, tiien tlie capital of the state. It may also be noticed tiiat 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 generous amount. Again it may be noticed that one John Q. Adams, not our present John Q. Adams, but an unworthy 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 just 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 1837, of the size and form specified in the subscription paper, about twenty rods west of tlie 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 mortar, and was warmed during winter with a wood tire in a large box stove. In 1839 it was moved down to tiie north end of lot five, block seventeen, on the east side of Ottawa street, just south of the residence 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 ver}- 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 ivalls 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 Rev. James De Pui, a man of rare culture and gentle and genial social qualities, preached for more than twelve month?. It was there that the Methodist and Baptist churches of this j)lace were formed and nurtured in their infancy.

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, each preached his two years there. The Rev. Thomas Powell, a devoted missionary of the Baptist denomination, well known among the earl^' 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 destitute 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 settlers, 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 the whole time religious services were held in the old school-house the Methodist and Baptist congregations occupied it alternate Sundays, - the Methodist clergyman preaching at Inlet Grove or Sugar Grove, and Mr. Carpenter at Bufl'alo Grove the intervening Sabbaths.

" In the spring of 1840 tiiere was a convention of the whig party of the Jo Daviess representative district, which embraced the whole northwestern part of the state, held at the school-house, and Thomas Drummond, known in this generation as Judge Drummoiid, of tiie United States court at Chicago, then a young lawyer of Galena, was nominated as a candidate for member of the house of representatives in the state legislature. Here presented an extent of territory now constituting 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 acquirements 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-house 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 the building with crowbars and levers, others adjusting planks and rollers under the sills.

Tiiere was that prince of movers of old buildings, N. G. H. Morrill, as usual, 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 wliispers 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, l)ut by }>aeing from the street and making observations in the dark it was tiionght 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 lunge of twelve or tifteen 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 ever}- 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 jjurpose of voting upon the question of building a new school-house, was building the stone structure for that purpose back of the Nachusa house, so the old building was sold and moved down on the corner of Main and Hennepin streets, and was used for various purposes of trade, and finally burned in the great fire on Main street in

Crime

It is by no means a pleasant duty to the historian to chronicle the wicked deeds of men, or bring to ligiit 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 :

" We had a weekh' eastern mail, carried from Chicago in the Frink & Walker coaches, on Saturday. On tiiat daj' all those who had reason to expect letters met in Dixon to get their mail and exchange drinks at a little building near the terry, 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 editor of a paper in cold blood, but had escaped the rope. An old gentleman 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 met" " Oh, that," said he, " is Truett - Truett who murdered Dr. Early." His horror on hearing this was most ludicrous. "Shaken hands with a murderer!" lie exclaimed. " Good God !" shaken hands with a murderer ! Bring me some water." And he continued to turn his hands over and over and vociferate for 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 an}' other part of the country, being more congenial to their habits and offering the greatest inducements to follow their nefarious and dangerous trade. Situated as it is, of great commercial importance, together with its tributaries stretching four thousand miles north from the Gulf of Mexico, and draining all tliecountr}' 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 villains 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 annoj'ed 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 neighboring 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 securely barred and bolted, laid down in fear and trembling to wish for the return of morning again."

A plan had long been on foot to rob the Dixon land office, b}' intercepting 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 upoii his guard, and a prudent man, set the time one week later than he intended to start, and thereby baffled tiie preconcerted schemes of the robbers."

At the time designated by the receiver for making tiie 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 etf'ort to apprehend the perpetrators of the theft was fruitless.

William Cnllen Bryant wrote in June 21, 18il, "When I arrived in Dixon I was told that the da}' 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 17tli day of the month, or that he would be looked upon as a popular subject for lynch law. He asked for assistance 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 town of Dixon. He went away immediate!}' and in great trepidation. This Bridge is a notorious confederate and harborer of horse thieves and counterfeiters. The thinly settled populations 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 liad 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 imless 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 "Regulators."

operations from Wisconsin to St. Louis and from tlie Wabash to the Mississippi. Bryant wrote: "In Ogle count}' tiiey seenaed to have been bolder than elsewhere, and more successful, notwithstanding the notoriet}' of their crimes, in avoiding punishment. The impossibility of punishing them, the burning of the court-house at Oregon citj' 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 law in their own hands and drive the felons from the neighborhood. This extended over Ogle, De Kalb and Winnebago. 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 ^vere turned to feed upon the green grass that grew lu.xnriantly, 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 1818 a jew peddler passing through the country engaged to Mr. Croft as a farm laborer for half a month. After the expiration of the time, which occurred on tlie 39th of Ma}', 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. Tliese circumstances may have been sufficient 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 j'oung woman who 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 time of liay gathering, and Mr. Croft was assisted by four of Ills neighbors, among whom was one man commonly known by the name of " Sam Patch." The young woman was cooking for the harvest hands. On a certain day she suddenly disappeared. Mr. Croft walked about the premises calling for the missing one, feigning great an.xiety and surprise. After a few days, there being no tidings of the whereabouts of the yonng woman, a search was made by the neighbors, lasting three da^'s, 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 Dixou. On tlie approach of tlie 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 liouse 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 harvesting 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 Franklin 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.

large amount of money that he had recently received from the State of New York. This was cominnnicated by the friends of the gang at Washington Grove. The amount of money in possession of Mr. Mulford was believed to be $1,400, a prize which the gang made preparations to secure. One of their number visited the home of Mr. Mulford under the assumed name of Harris, assuming to be a laborer seeking employment. After making some observations about the house he retired, on promise that he would return again. A few nights following 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 the greatest peril, could not remain quiet, but addressed the robber: 'Mr. Harris, you conduct yourself very differently from what you did the other day when you wished to obtain employment.' "

"The unveiled robber sprang to his feet with a loud oath, surprised at the daring of the defenseless and heroic woman, and with eyes flashing 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 off!' 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 robbery."

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, referred 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 mentioned, and of the intended lobbery of tiie land office at Dixon. He accused one Fox, alias Sutton, and John Baker of having coniinitted the robbery at Troy Grove, and that the goods had been secreted at Inlet Grove, and afterward tal^en to Iowa. He also claimed that Fox and Birch, alias Blecker alias Harris, committed the robbery at Inlet Grove whicii 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 liis bed at night. This trunk was extracted from its accustomed place one dark, stormy niglit; the robber entering the house on his hands and knees, then lying fiat 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 thundei-stonn was raging without. He would laj- quietly until a clap of tliunder 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 Mountains, and was one of the shrewdest of the clan, and one whom Mr. Bonney found the most difficult to capture.

Resolved, That it is the bounden duty of every good and lawabiding citizen in tiiis county 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 the22d of June, 1863, a "Vigilance Society" was organized for the purpose of detecting and bringing to justice thieves, and to reclaim and restore stolen proi)erty.

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. Tiie next day the fellow had the " cheek " to come to town, and it produced such indignation in the conmiunity that he was treated to a liberal supply of tar and feathers.

The City Of Dixon

grand jury fonnd a bill of indictment against Saninel H. McGhee, of said county, for the murder of Samantha H. McGhee, his wife. The court ordered tlie arrest of said McGhee under capias, returnable forthwith, and that he be held without liail. Tiie bill was found upon the testimony of thirty-four witnesses who were supivnaed 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 indictment, 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 fi.xed 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 whicli 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 imprisonment.

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 case to a successful issue.

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 thp 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 make 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 extending 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."

In the spring of 1836 the first store is said to have been opened by Messrs. Chapman & Hamilton in the addition Mr. John Di.xon 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 vexations that meet the historian. This conflict of statement may arise from the class of goods opened to tlie public, and the statement is aceopted as given upon the supposition that it was a grocer\^ and notion stock.

In the same year occurred the first death and the preaching of the first sermon in the embryo cit3% 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. Lefferty, which occurred in the autumn of the same season, and was the first interment ill the cemetery. According to Mr. John K. Robinson's statement, the first sermon was preached two years previous by a Methodist missionary named Segg.

On September 3, 1836, Dr. Oliver Everett arrived in Dixon, wiiere he still resides, and found a village of five dwellings, a blacksmith shop, and a jiost-office. The dwellings consisted of four cabins and one frame, the latter having been built by a Mr. Hamilton during the preceding year (1835). 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 building, after the grading of the streets a basement was put under it, giving it the imposing a])peMrance 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 several uncovered frames in difl"eretit 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 families. Those without families were Dr. Oliver Everett, Smith Gilbraith, 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 Wilson'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 held, which county then embraced the county of Lee; and after this the engineer of the " internal improvement" corps occupied it. At this time Dixon was an important station on the stage route from Peoria to Galena. Other lines centered here fi'om different parts of the state connecting with the main line to Galena, - the Chicago, the Ottawa, and the Peoria lines. This gave Dixon a prominence in connection with the traveling public, and to meet the public demand two hotels were erected in 1836 lowed by the Rock River House by Messrs. Crowell & Wilson. The travel was so great at that time to and from the mines, old citizens 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 diflScult to obtain supplies, which had to be conveyed from a great distance and they were liable to be destroj-ed 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 the corner 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 :

In the same year the first school building was erected by the fund contributed by individuals. This was a stnall 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 eight}' 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, Col. John Dement, receiver. On the third Mondaj'in April, 1840, first circuit court opened, Judge Stone of Galena, presiding. On October 28, 1840,

In 184:1 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, Rogers <k Woodruft'. Water street was then known as River street, and was formerly the leading business street of the town.

In the same 3'ear the land-office 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 importance, and contained many "neat dwellings."

In 18i3 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 attractions 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 flonr, 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 tlie future proud destiny of the place, people located here."

In 1845 the village reached a population of 400, and had four religious denominations: Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, and Congregational ; a select and one district school, with an attendance of seventyfive pupils in the two schools. There were at this time twenty-seven establishments doing business in the usual lines represented in a country 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. McKinney, 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 commonwealth was embarrassed with i^idebtedne.-^s and had but little credit, occasioned by the vast appropriations made for the internal impiove- ments of the state. Heavy taxation, suspension of immigration, and the iangiiisliing state of commerce and agriculture, arrested the growth of the town."

In the year 1850, however, Dixon received an impetus from the beginning 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 soon 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, furnishing 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 construct a bridge over the river at this point, which is now crossed bj' 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 progress 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 And it to their interests to make us a visit, with a view to investment and location."

"In May, 1851, the population of Dixon was estimated at 700 or 800. There was then in the thriving village a printing oflice, eight or ten stores, " and several professional men and mechanics in all departments 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 became 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."

of Dixon improved with great rapidity, until the breaking out 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 & Daie^' commenced grinding corn, and by April I 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 Nachusa House was erected, adding greatly to the improvement of the town.

On July 31, 1852, it was written of Dixon: "Our town is improving 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 tirst board of trustees consisted of John Dixon, A. L. Porter, P. M. Ale.xander, L. Wood, and L. Wynkoop.

Beofinnino; the following year, 185-1, there were manv 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 July celebration : " July 4, 1854. Never did we see this day pass off witii more becoming style than did the Fourth of July in 185-1 in our town. At eleven o'clock a procession was formed and marched to the beautiful grove in the court-house square, where, after listening to prayer by Rev. 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 partic\ilarly 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 tjie fife. How those martial strains did swell the alread}' 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 j>eople.

The month of July had not passed, however, before the rejoicing of Independence day was shrouded in tlie 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, wiio biit 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 tiiree railroad hands, but it made its appearance as an epidemic July 21. On Saturday the 22d tiie cholera broke out in full force, and during Saturday night large numbers of the inhabitants left town to go into the country. The next day fourteen persons lay dead in the town. Not 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 Dntfee and child, Michael Harris, Mrs. Jacob Graver, Wm. Lahee, Daniel Brookner and wife and

Mrs. Owen's child, John Connels, John Barnes, Elijah Dixon, Wm. Patrick, Benj. Vann, 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 improvements 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, Methodist (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 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 Vann ct Means) was four stories high, 32X(14 feet, with an engine house 25 X 32 feet.

In August, 1855, a business directory printed in the " Daily Whisper," August 13, contains the following list of business men and the departments they were engaged in. Counsellors-at-law - F. R. Danna, J. V. Eustace, Ileatou ik Atherton, J. D. Mackay, S. G. Patrick, F. A. Soule, Edward Southwiek, and John Stevens. Physicians and Surgeons - N. W. Abbott, Oliver Everett, G. W. Holdridge, G. W. Piiilips, C. D. Pratt, C. S. Younglove ; C. J. Reynolds, dentist. Bankers and Brokers - S. & H. T. Noble, Robertson, Eells & Co., E. B. Stiles; real estate, Cyrus Aldrich, Steadman & Williams. Druggists - J. B. Nash, Townsend & Slieffield. Books and Stationary - J. C. Mead. Notaries public - E. W. Hine, F. A. Soule. Daguenean artists - Beardsley & Co., J. B. Waxham ; Ferris Finch, portrait painter. Sash, door and blind factories - Christopher Brookner, Cropsey, Hollenbeck & Williams. Boots and shoes - Joseph Smalley, William Vann. Carpenters and builders, such as kept shops - Henry Brookner, 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 tt John Brooks. Blacksmiths - 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 - Ciiarles 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 - Anthony Jnlien, Z. Demory. Tailors - W. J. Carpenter, D. L. Evans, F. Decamp, S. T. Hotchkiss. General merchandise - Oscar F. Ayres, B. F. Burr, James L. Camp, Geo. R. McKenney, John P. Smith, VanEpps & Ashley, Varney & Gilman, Henry A: Orlando Wortendyke. Clothing - Ely & Rice, Fuller & Rosenfeld, A. T. Murphy, J. Peizer, E. Petersberger. Groceries - Isaac Appier. Nathan it James Barnes, Andrew Brison, Bronson & Dresser, Andrew Brubaker, James Davis & Bro., Robert Dyke, William Johnson, J. L. Jones & Co., Henry

In 1855 the eyes of the people of Dixon beheld, in reality, the locomotive and heard its welcome scream upon two roads instead of one, as the " Dixon Air Line " had reached Di.xon about the same time. With tiie 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-eight places of business occupying stores, offices, shops, etc., among them two printing offices, four hotels, two planing-mills, a sawmill, 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 buildings erected before and after the i-ailways 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 pardonable pride to our public buildings, business blocks and elegant residences.

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 the 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 flrst patent school furniture introduced into our schools.

inj; uii Galena stix-et 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 & Rice'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, destroying about .$3,(I0() worth of law books and papers for S. G. Patrick. Herrick's block, now owned by J. C. Ayres, was erected in the same year. The beginning of this year (January 3, 1856) 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 bj' private solicitation $1,000 was subscribed by the citizens for this purpose.

Tlie 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 S20,000, 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 eloquence. These works were established between the Central and Northwestern depots. April 2, 1857, the machine shops of Robinson A: 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 February, when it was rejected b}' 96 for with 279 against. Again on April 18 it was defeated by a vote of 219 for with 231 against. The instrument being offensive to the people, they refused to accept it. The " Telegraph," in its comments on the document, said : " It has created 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(; question of license to sell ardent spirits was agitating the public mind, and it seems that the proposed document 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 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 tlie west end of Dement Town. In 1860 it was converted into a sorghum mill, which run about a 3'ear wlien it was abandoned and the building removed.

Citi/ 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 dry. A writer on Dixon history says: " From 1853 to 1859 Dixon hixuriated in the name of 'town.' The ambition of our citizens was aroused to such a pitch that the name of town was too insignificant, and 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 tiie streets in good condition, and initial steps were taken toward a more Complete s^'stem ot public schools than the place liad before enjoyed. " The incorporation of Dixon was certainly a step in the right direction. It was a logical conclusion destined to follow a wise forethought 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."

" The shrieking locomotive tininders 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 citj' of the dead, in whose narrow habitations rest the voiceless forms of those whose once busy hands and willing hearts reared for us the homes and secured for us the privileges which we now enjo}'. The buffalo, the red man, the pioneer, the children of the white-liaired, and tinally Nachusa himself, 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 b}' the election of city officers. The aldermen elected were W. H. Van Epps and Joseph Crawford for the first ward ; H. E. Williams and K. H. Robinson 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. Curry was elected city marshal, and C. V. Tenney police justice. Col. John Dement, the mayor elect, failing to qualify, Joseph Crawford was appointed acting mayor by the council and an election was ordered for April 4. when A. C. Steadman was chosen to the vacancy

During this year the city was visited by the first great conflagration of its history, in which there were seventeen buildings destroj'ed in the business part of the city, sweeping np 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 iiis 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 damaged by the descent of the timbers against them.

In August of this year Messrs. Cheney & Co. vacated tlieir 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 rapidly ; 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 business of the country from the southern civil commotions."

During the period of the war manufacturing interests made but little advancement in this city. In 1S64 Messrs. Fargo, Pratt & Co. commenced the manufacture of platform scale.s. 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, afl^ected Di.\on 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.

The City Of Dixow

building 40 X liO feet was erected, and in May, 1867, the company commenced operations in tlieir new building, but tlie business failed in less than a year from defects in the Bucklin patent. In the following Jannary (1868) John Stanley and Joseph Ogle bought some of the tools. and comm«nced 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 mannfaetnrers of the scales which has since 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 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 tire 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 lo.ss to the proprietors. Damage was also done to Messrs. Becker & Underwood'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 conipany was repealed, and on May 10, 1879, the city council granted J. D. Patton the right to establish gasworks in Dixon.

came to Dixon about 1840 and had been a resident there ever since. A few months before his death he was promoted from the office of judge of the circuit court to the position of cliief justice of the appel- - late court of Ciiicago district.

On April 8, 1880, occurred the most disastrous tire i^corded 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 forniiM'.

Dlstinguislied Visitors. - Dixon has been favored at various times by distinguished men and women of the country. Beginning with the eiiriicst da3'S of the country now occupied b}^ Dixon, we meet with the naiuus of Lincoln, Anderson, Taylor, the notorious Davis, and a score of men who visited the present site of Dixon, as described in connection with the Black Hawk war in this book. Since the improvement of the country, and the growth ol' 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, entertained the citizens of Dixon on the evening of January fi, 1857; Horace Greeley, on the IStli of the 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, Schuyler Colfax; and in December, ISfiy, 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 entertainments i)y Phili]i Phillips in 1871; the Philhaniionic Society, assisted by the Baker family, rendered the oratorio of" Queen Esther " in 1872; and on August 20, 21 and 22, 1S73. a brass band jubilee was held in the fair grounds, which closed with a grand instrumental concert by the Northwestern Light Guard band, of Chicago. Then followed at various {)eriods lectures by Prof. Swing, of Chicago; Olive Logan, Susan B. Anthony, Henry Ward Beecher, Dr. Dio Lewis, Hon. Geo. R. Wendling, and Theodore Tilton ; the last in 1878.

Location of Dixon. - Dixon is situated on the Illinois Central railroad, at its crossing with the Chicago and Northwestern. It is ninetyeight 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, soutli, east and west. It is beautifully situated on the eastern bank of Rock river, about seventy-five miles from its mouth. The landscape on eitlier side of the river at this point is truly delightful ; consisting of gradual slopes and tables, for sixty rods back, covered with a somewhat 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 pictui'esque 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 Telegraph,'' by C. R. 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 " Western Farmer," though skillfully managed, and now on a firm foundation, are of comparatively recent date. Tlie "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 Republican," by Beckwith & Legget, commenced publication January 15, 1857. Mr. Shaw being the proprietor of the "Telegraph," a consolidation was efteeted under the name of the "Republican and Telegraph," Shaw & Beckwith, proprietors. Mr. Shaw wishing to try his skill in the gold mines, sold his interest to I. S. Boardman. Subsequently 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 Advertiser," with an able corps of editors - Messrs. Eustace, Stiles and Atherton - 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 County Democrat," by E. Giles, made its appearance June 25, 1868; subsequently tlie proprietorship passed into the hands of S. C. Postlewait. November 1, 1871, it passed into the hands of

The " Herald"' made its appearance February 12, 1868, A. C. Bardwell, 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. Boardman, who, with Mr. Bard well, organized a stock com pan}', merging the two papers into one about November 22, 1869. Mr. Bardwell assumed the editorship atid Wm. H. Boardman the business management. The " Telegraph '' is now in the editorial charge of B. F. Shaw, Esq.

The "Rock River Farmer," a monthly, W. M. Kennedy, proprietor, was started in January 1871. This work soon assumed an excellent position, and its circulation became so extended that its proprietor was induced, in June 1875, to change its name to that of the " Western 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 cit}'. Tiie first two, the " Whisper" and " Life in Dixon," displayed great ability, and produced a marked sensation.

The Lee County National Bank. - This bank was organized April 1, 1865, witli 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., Abijali Powers, and Wm. Uhl. Josepli 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.

T1i£ Dixon National Bank. - In 1871 Messrs. A. B. Jenks, H. S. Lucas, John Dement, Wm. Kentiedy, 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. Tlije present board of directors are Jas. A. Hawley, Theron Cumins, Jason C. Ayres, James B. Pomeroy, ajid A. C. Wayman. Jason C. Ayres, president, and Jas. A. Hawley, cashier.

Dixon Schools

ordinance of September 18, 1874, commenced the manufacture and distribution of gas to the streets, business houses and iiomes of the citizens. 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.

The scholastic advantages presented by a town are always carefully " weighed in the balance," b}' 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 afforded the children in a community where the public schools are the alma maters of so large a proportion. Tiie 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 characterize the people of Dixon can be given than the tasteful and commodious 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 residence. This building for several years was used for a variety of purposes : 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 country, to teach his own children. The teachers in charge of the school after Mr. Bicknell were Mr. Bowen a part of 1840; W. W. Heatoii 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. Miilkins) 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 C. Vanarnam and Mrs. A. R. Wliitney. Mr. Cross and Mr. James Luriiiu taught the school between the years 1846 and 1848. In 1848 J. D. McKay had charge of the school and Col. H. T. Noble in 1851 and 1852 ; among the pupils at this time were Mrs. Sonic, 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 schoolroom becoming somewhat too small, a primary department under charge of Miss Jane Ann Herrick was started in the court-house in 185'2. 0. N. Levaiiway taught the scliool in 1852 and 185;', and was succeeded by F. A. Soule. In 1854 Wni. Barge assumed control of the schools and continued in charge from that date until July 1859. During his charge the school took the character and efficiency of a graded school ; siiortly 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, Di.xon Collegiate Institute, under the care of Rev. W. W. Harsha, commenced its tirst 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, princij)al, was started in the large white l\ouse west of the Central depot.

In August, 1858, a high-school department was established in the old Methodist Episco])al church on Second street, and A. H. Fitch was elected principal. A. M. Gow 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 scener\', and the rolling prairie beyond. The building is consti-ucted 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 tirst and second stories, each thirteen feet high, are divided into two school-rooms, 25x38 feet, with a recitation room for each, 10x18 feet. Tl:e Mansard story is one large study-room, 39x48 feet, sixteen feet liigli, having a rostrum in tlie north end, 10 x 12 feet, with an ante-room opening upon it from either side. Tile halls are commodious and give easy access to each room.

Mr. C. O. Scudder is principal of the schools on the north side, and they are prospering under his careful management. There are now enrolled in tiie different departments about 180 pupils.

Tiie high-school department is taught b}' the principal, assisted by Miss Welty; the grammar school is taught by Miss A. Raymond ; intermediate by Miss M. Yates, and the primary department by Mrs. A. C. Hoi brook.

Tiie 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 structure 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 cit}- near the depots, is the most prominent object that meets the gaze of strangers visiting our cit^'.

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 consists 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.

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 first grammar school is taught by Miss Adelia Pinckney, with an attendance of twenty-seven pupils, and the second by Miss Nellie Sonle, 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 Bui-nhani, numbers forty-nine pupils, and the fourth, taught by Miss Fannie Murphy, numbers fift^'-seven pupils.

North ot" tlie court-liouse, in the tirst ward, is another primary school where Miss A. G. Curtice instructs tbrty-tive pupils. West of the central depot, in the third ward, is another small school building in which Mrs. L. L. Woodwartii 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 graduates from the high school : forty-one females and thirty-one males. There has been two or three classes graduated from the higii school on the north side since the adoption of the grade sj'stem in that district in 1861); 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 scliool 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 cit}' has the Rock River University. 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 aroui d 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 E.\change Hall for the purpose of taking into consideration the plan proposed by the Rock River Presbytery, through their agents Revs. liarsha and Mason, for locating a college at this place.

As a result, on July 4, 1855, the corner stone of the Dixon Collegiate 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 institution was incorporated by special act of the legislature. In 1S58 it was abandoned by the presbytery.

Tiie institution settled down to a preparatory and military academy, yet competent instruction in the normal, business, musical and art departments was provided for those wishing sucli special work.

The last board of management and instruction consisted of Jay R. Hinckley, president; Maj. H. O. Chase, military instructor; W. H. Ciiamberlain, business manager; Henry M. Douglass, Mrs. Jay R. Hinckley, and Miss Lucy Wliiton.

Normal School. - The citizens of Dixon have pledged an appropriation 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 purpose 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. Crowell & Willson. This house was afterward known as the Phoenix, and was destroyed by fire in 1846. The Dixon house was the third building erected for a hotel in Dixon, and was built about 1840.

On March 19, 1853, 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 Jul}', 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. The Nachusa 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 live stories high. The main building is 48x40 feet, with a wing 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- sard root'. Tlie origiual 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 liands 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-storv brick structure, 34x60 feet, witli a large frame addition in the rear. This iiouse is near the business part of the city, and close to the Rock river water-power. The present projirietor, Henry Remers, erected the building, and has conducted the business since that time, with the exception of four years, between 1856 and I860.

In August, 1855, Mr. McKenne}- removed the Di.xon 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. Cropsey, Dement <k Noble commenced the erection of a large hotel, called the 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 Wavcrly House, at the Air Line depot, by Messrs. Ciieney iSz Co., on April 19, 1860; at the present writing it is under the management of Mr. Tliomas Young.

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 accommodations 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.

In 1845 Mr. Dixon spent most of the time of a legislative session in Springfield in an effort to secure the passage of a " bridge and dani " 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 Rock river valley was destined to become h vast manufacturing region. Mr. Dixon succeeded toward the close of the session in getting the hill 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- commenced 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 consisted 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 requisition 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, Carleton Bayley, I. S. Boardman, jr., Lorenzo Wood, and E. B. Baker.

it away. During 18.">»i a tree 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 14th 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 atid foot bridge, which was completed during the summer, and on the "iSth 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 suffered 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 swept away at the foot of Galena street." On the 25th of August, 185!t, 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 months after it was completed, on the 20th of February 1859, the dam gave way hnfore 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 sufficient funds at command to carry the work forward. " Free bridge parties" were given and the proceeds added to the liberal contributions of the merchants. Finally, the necessary sura ($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 Year'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 accomplished so that at four o'clock in the afternoon of the next day, January 1, the mayor and council, in sleighs and cutters, headed a large procession across the bridge accompanied by the sound of music and the thunder of cannon. About this time the lower bridge disappeared.

On May 10, 1866, a middle span of the bridge went down with a drove of about one linndred head of cattle, all of which were thrown into the river, and two were drowned. Repairs were begun on December 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 in 1868, nine bridges - all of wood resting upon wooden trestles or piers - had been, either in part or wholly, swept away by the treacherous waters of Rock river. This being the case, the people finally came to the coifclusion that they would erect a bridge which no flood could wash away. 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 entii-e 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 citizens, 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 1 how frail are human hopes! Scarcely four years had passed when it fell, resulting in such a fearful sacrifice of life and property, and caasing so much suflering.