Lee County, Illinois - The whole text, 1881 (part 5 of 24)

Dixon township originally embraced South Dixon, Nelson, and a part of Nachusa townsliip ; the survey einbracing T. 21 N., R. 9 E., which is situated and lying in I.ee ccninty ; and part of T. 22 N., K. 9 E., which is situated and lying in Lee county ; also that part of T. 21 N., R. 8 E., that is south of Rock river. It has since been limited to a much smaller area by ci-eating out of its original territory, Nelson, South Dixon and the northwest part of Nachusa townships. The present town of Dixon is located in the northwest quarter of the C(janty of Lee ; being bounded on the north by Ogle county, on the east by Nachusa, on the south by South Dixon, and on the west by Palmyra township ; and may be described as follows : beginning at the range line between eiglit and nine east, on the county line between Lee and Ogle counties, and extending east on said line to Rock river ; thence up said river to a point half a mile east of section-line three east ; thence south to the center of section thirtyfive ; thence east one mile to the center of section thirty-six ; thence S(nith one mile to the center of section two, township twenty-one north, range nine east ; thence west half a mile to section line between sections two and three ; thence south half a mile to section line; thence west to range line between eight and nine east; thence north on said line to the place of beginning. The northern line is irregular, as it follows tlie river course where it makes a detour north and south ; and the eastern boundary is made to deviate from a direct line for local accommodations. It is four and a half miles at its widest point east and west, and six north and south, embracing an area of about nineteen square miles.

The natural scenery of Dixon township surpasses, in beauty and variety, any other township in Lee county, presenting a series of rugged bluffs, rounded hills, declining slopes, green lawns, and shady groves, through which meander laughing brooks, with here and there flowing fountains of purest water. And through tlie midst of this park of natural scenery flow majestically and peacefully the waters of Rock river. Numerous islands set with green grass and fringed witli small forest trees adorn the river in its course through the township, presenting adiiitinnal attractions to the eyes of the admirers of tlie beautiful in nature. The river enters the township on the north near tiie middle of the boundary line, flowing southeast to within a quarter of a mile of the east line; then bearing to the southwest it passes the city of Dixon and emerges from the township half a mile north of the southwest corner ; thus traversing the length and breadth of the township.

The town of Dixon is well supplied with the purest of water, furnished by fountains which burst from the hills and bluff's, and send their rivulets through the farms to quench tlie thirst of the herds that graze upon the rich pastures.

The drainage of the township is good, as will be readily seen by reference to the geography of the territory which it embraces. The land is generally rolling, and bluff"y along the river. It is also well supplied with timber of valuable varieties and best quality. Most ot the great trees of the primeval forest, however, have fallen before the woodman's axe. The tall oaks, poplars, black walnuts, and hickory have given place to timber of smaller growth. Though the grand forest of half a century is gone, there are yet groves and forests of the finest timber ; oak of different varieties abound, with here and there beautiful groves of thrifty young hickory.

The soil is fertile and adapted to most varieties of products - spring and winter wheat, oats, corn, etc. Its pasturage and water 8up]>ly adapts it to stock-growing ; the growth of clover and bluegrass not being surpassed in any part of the country. The citizens who give attention to this department obtain the most favorable results, paying a larger per cent than grain-growing in other parts of the state.

The supply of building stone is unequaled by any other township in the county, and unsurpassed in quality. Quarries are opened along both sides of the river, furnishing a yellow sand and limestone of durable quality, and the blue limestone of the finest building material. The supply seems inexhaustible for generations to come ; and the same may be said of the supply of lime-producing rock, from which is manufactured the finest quality of lime. Extensive quarries are being worked, and large (juantities of lime are being produced. A superior quality is manufactured at the quarry above the water-power, within the city of Dixon.

The Early Settlement Of Dixon'S Ferry

Tlie first settlers of Dixon township have received some notice in connection witli the early settlement of Dixon's Ferry. Outside of the city of Dixon we find the first settlements embraced in the present township of Dixon began in the fall or winter of 1834. Dr. Forest, from Kentuckj^ settled on what is now known as the Woodford farm, situated on the east side of the river above Dixon. Geo. A. Martin settled on the place afterward known as the Trueman farm. Mr. Bennett settled near Grand Detour, at the place where the feri'v was subsequently built. Here he built a shanty and covered it with bark. The following year he removed east. About the same time Geo. A. Brown settled on a farm next below Mr. Bennett. These four families were here when Mr. Joseph Crawford came in the spring of 1835, and settled south of Grand Detour. These all settled on unimproved land, and in the summer of 1835 commenced opening up farms.

These were followed by Mr. McClure, Mr. Rue, on the Baily farm ; Mr. Carpenter, on tlie Hetler farm ; and in the spring of 1837 -fames M. Santee, Solomon Siiellhanimer, Elijah Bowman, Mr. Carlton, and a Mr. Richards. In 1838 Nathan Hetler settled on the place first occupied by Mr. Carpenter.

In 1838 "Gov." Alexander Charters having conie from Ireland, settled on the " Hazel wood" farm, two miles north of Dixon, and inii)roved a fine farm. As early as 18-10 his home was far-famed as a hospitable and pleasant retreat for visitors to this pai't of the country, and was the place specially mentioned by William C. Bryant, the poet, after his visit to Rock River in 18-H. Li 1843 Alfred K. and J. C. Buckalu, from Pennsylvania, settled in the same neighborhood. They are both deceased; Joseph C. died September 11, 1852, and Alfred died March 24, 1864.

The first brick manufactured in the county is said to have been used in the construction of "Gov." Alx. C!harters' residence on the Hazelwood farm, referred to above, and tlie building to be the first frame house in Lee county.

The early travel through the northern part of the state crossed Dixon township. The first wagon team that passed from Peoria to Galena, through the central Rock river country, by O. W. Kellogg, in the early summer of 1827. passed through the township, crossing Rock river at the head of the island opposite "Gov." Charters' home ; on which line was established what was known as Kellogg's Trail. Many fortune-seekers on their way to the northern minea j)assed over this route. The second route, wiiich was first traveled by .lohn Boles, left the pioneer trail of (). W. Kellogg tJome miles below tlio present site of Dixini. and crt)ssed the river a little above tlie present crossing of the Illinois railroad bridge at that city, leaving the former trail to the right. This became the recognized route between the settlements on the Illinois river and mining districts of northern Illinois. In 1829 another route was established from Ogee'a Ferry on the river to Buffalo Grove, and became the regular stage route. Traces of this route are yet seen from Dixon, through the opening in the forest on the northwestern hills from the city, and being covered with green grass, it is in striking contrast with what it was iifty years ago when beaten down by constant travel, or cut into furrows by the heavy wheels of the prairie schooners and stage coaches ; but now, like a beautiful narrow lawn, it stretches away through the shade of the heavy forest. But as reference is made to the early iinprovemeits of the territory of Dixon township in connection with the early days of Lee county we refer the reader to that part of our work.

Dixon townshi]) was the great theater ground of many of the incidents of the pioneer days of this locality when it was embraced in Ogle county. It was long the home of the red-num, its groves and prairies his hunting-grounds, and the Hock river his fishery ; the many springs of pure water gave him drink ; here are buried his dead, his forefathers who once joined in the chase and whose warwhoop mingled with the shouts of the braves, sleep 'neath the shades of Rock river forests. And it is not strange that the "last of the Winnebagoes in Dixon" was the closing history of the Indian tribes in northern Illinois.

gray wolf which came down the river forests to commit depredations, and on the first suspicion that he was hunted for would retreat back to his favorite haunts in the shades of Wisconsin.

Dixon And Vicinity

Bowman, S. M., born in Pennsylvania; arrived 1837; now in Kansas City, Missouri. Bowman, Elijah, born in Pennsylvania; arrived 1840; cousin of S. M.; living in Boone county. Banner, Thomas S., born in New York; arrived 1837; died in Indiana. Bayley, Carlton, born in New York, 1819; arrived 1839; .lied about 1873.

Bayley, Richard, born in New York; arrived 1838; died in New York city about 1850. BuiTOughs. Wm. P., born in New York; arrived 1835; moved to Wisconsin. Burroughs, Henry, born in New York; arrived 1840; moved to California; dead. Barr. James B., arrived 1836; dead. Bogardas, Wells, bom in New York; arrived 1836; dead.

Benjamin, Horace, bom in New York, 1812; arrived 1838; died October 28, 1850. Benjamin, James, bom in New York, 1817; arrived 1838; living in Dixon. Beardsley, Daniel, bom in New York; arrived 1835; died in Palmyra. 1839. Bethea, William W., born in Tennessee, 1812; arrived 1835; living iii Dixon. Brown, Abram, born in Canada, 1816; arrived 1837; living in south Dixon. Brown, David, born in Connecticut, 1806; arrived 1836; died in 1849. Brown, John, born in Vermont, 1808; arrived 1836; died August 1878. Brown, Nathan, born in Vermont; arrived 1836; living in Connecticut. Brown, Thomas W., born in Connecticut; arrived 1840; living in Franklin Grove. Brown, B. B., arrived 1835.

Bush, William T., born in Kentucky; arrived 1835; started a ferry at the J. T. Lawrence place; died in 1838. Bush, E. B., born in Kentucky; arrived 1835; went to Iowa in 1843. Bennett, Orwin. born in New England; arrived 1834. Blair, Martin, born in Kentucky. 1829; arrived 1839; living in Palmyra. Boardman, I. S., born in New York, 1816; arrived 1837; living in Palmyra. Boardman, T. D., born in New York. 1812; arrived 1839; livinc in Paliuyni. Birdsall, David H.. born in New York; arrived 1837; died December 1868. Brower, Martin W., born in Germany, 1816; arrived 1839; livin<f in Palmyra. Brower, Lewis, born in Germany; aiTived 1839; died in Nelson, 1872. Baggs, John, born in Ohio, 1823; ai-rived 1836; living in Iowa. Becker, Charles A., born in Prussia, 1810; [arrived 1839; died February 7, 1859. Beach, William W., born in New York, 1805; arrived 1840; died in Geneseo. Butler, Timothy A., born in New York. 1817; arrived 1838; living in Palmyra. Brierton, Joseph, born in Pennsylvania, 1797; arrived 1837; living east of Dixon. Brandon, Edward, born in Pennsylvania, 1795; arrived 1837; died Octolicr, 1839. Brandon, Benjamin, born in Pennsylvania, 1815; arrived 1837; living near Nachusa. Brandon. John, born in Pennsylvania, 1801; arrived 1837; died about 1839. Beede, Noah, born in New Hampshire, 1802; arrived 1836; died in Palmyra. 1854. Beede, Allen A., born in New Hampshire, 1835; arrived 1836; living in Palmyra. Bishop, Caldwell, born in New York, 1818; arrived 1837; living in Dixon. Bradshaw, W. T., born in New York; arrived 1838.

Baker, Tutt, born in Kentucky; arrived 1835; started a ferry at Dr. Everett's farm. Brookie, John, born in Kentucky; arrived 1836; living in St. Louis. Carr, John, born in Scotland; arrived 1837; went to Hong Kong, China. Cutshaw, John, born in Ohio; arrived 1835. Cutshaw, Joshua, born in Ohio; arrived 1835.

Crawford, Joseph, born in Pennsylvania, 1811; arrived 1835; living in Dixon. Crowell, Moses T., born in New Hampshire. 1811; arrived 1838; went to California. Crowell, Solon, born in New Hampshire; arrived 1838; living in Ogle county. Colwell, J. C, bom in Ireland; arrived 1840; dead. Crosby, Edward, born in New York; arrived 1840; died at Fulton. Crosby, Elisha, born in New York; arrived 1840. Coe, Frederick W., born in New York; arrived 1836; dead. Coe, Henry, born in New York. 1814; arrived 1837; died July 5. 1858. Charaberlin, Cyrus, born in New York. 1814; arrived 1835; living in (irand Detour. Chapman, Charles, born in New York; arrived 1836: dead. Chapman, George, born in New York: arrived 1836

September 18, 1878. Charters, Samuel, born in Ireland, 1800; arrived 1837; nephew of Alexander. Carley, James, born in New York; arrived 1839; died in Geneseo. Campbell, Alexander, born in England. 1830; arrived 1839; living in California. Cantrall, Samuel, born in 1793; arrived 1836; moved to Sangamon county. Cantrall, David; arrived 1836; living in Iowa; moved m 18.53. Crafton, George, born in Ireland; arrived 1837; dead.

Courtright, Joseph, bora in Pennsylvania; arrived 1837; died September 1840. Courtright, Elisha, born in Pennsylvania, 1795; arrived 1840; died November 1. 1871. Courtright, Abraham, born in Pennsylvania. 1818; arrived 1840; living in Nebraska. Courtright, John, born in Pennsylvania. 1830; arrived 1840; living two miles east of

Dixon. Courtright, Christopher, born in Pennsylvania,1833; arrived 1840; living in Nebraska. Courtright, Jacob B., born in Pennsylvania, 1836; arrived 1840; living in Nebraska. Courtright, G. W., born in Pennsylvania, 1830; arrived 1840; died in the spring of 1873. Courtright, Erastus G., born in Pennsylvania, 1833; arrived 1840; living in Dixon. Cropsey, J. M., born in New York, 1818; arrived 1839; living in Dixon. Cambell, James, born in Pennsylvania, 1814; arrived 1838; dead. Covell, E. W., arrived 1836.

Cogswell, Abner, born in New York, 1813; arrived 1840; living in Nelson township. Cleaver, .Joseph, born in Pennsylvania, 1831; arrived 1838; died July 33, 1854. Clute, John W., born in New York, 1830; arrived 1840; living in Dixon. Crary, Mason, born in Pennsylvania; arrived 1839; living in Iowa. Crary, Beach, born in Pennsylvania; arrived 1839; living at P^lkhorn Grove. Caldwell, John, born in Ireland; arrived 1839; died about 1844. Dixon, John, born in New York, 1784; arrived 1830; died July 6, 1876. Dixon. James P., born in New York, 1811; arrived 1830; died Apnl 5, 1853. Dixon, JohnW., born in New York, 1817; arrived 1830; died March 20, 1847. Dixon, Elijah, born in New York, 1819; arrived 18.30; died March 15, 1843. Davy, James, bom in England, 1840; died in Ogle county.

Dutcher, Frederick R., born in Connecticut, 1805; arrived 1838; living in Amboy. Dutcher, Wells, born in Connecticut; arrived 1838. Dills, George, born in Pennsylvania; arrived 1888; dead. Dornan, Mark, bern in Ireland, 1815; arrived 1839; living in Dixon. Dornan, James, born in Ireland, 1820; arrived 1839; died about 1874. Depuy, Harmon, born in Pennsylvania, 1797; arrived 1839; died September 15. 1856. Depuy, Jacob, born in Pennsylv.ania, 1829; arrived 1839; living in Dixon. Depuy. William, born in Pennsylvania, 1834; arrived 1839; living in I>ixon. Dingman, John, born in Canada; arrived 1840. Dement, John, born in Tennessee, 1805; arrived 1840; moved family here in 1845;

Dixon Towxship

Illinois; dead. Noble, Silas, born in Massachusetts, 1808; arrived 1841; dead. Newman, John, born in Kentucky; arrived 1839; dead. Newman, Manly, born in Kentucky; arrived 1839; dead. Newman, Richard, born in Kentucky; arrived 1839; living in Dixon. Newman, Jesse, born in Kentucky; arrived 1839; dead.

Nash, J. B., born in New York; arrived 1838; died near Pike's Peak, Colorado, 1864. O'Neal, John, born in Ireland, 1800; arrived 1837; died 1873. O'Brien, Daniel, born in Ireland, 1819: arrived 1838. Obrist, Abram, arrived 1837; died in Palmyra 1850. Obrist, Daniel, arrived 1836; drowned in Elkhom creek. O'Kane, John, arrived 1837; dead.

Oliver, J. C, born in Pennsylvania, 1804; arrived 1837; living in Sterling. Page, John H., born in New Hampshire, 1807; arrived 1834; died in Iowa. Page, Thomas, born in England; arrived 1836; dead. Page, Henry, born in Germany. 1820; arrived 1839; dead. Parks, Hiram, born in New Y^ork, 1809; arrived 1836; living in Palmyra. Parker, Solomon, born in Pennsylvania; arrived 1840; dead. Patterson, David, born in New York; arrived 1838; dead. Peacock, Joseph, born in Ohio, 1790; arrived 1837; died January 13, 1871. Peacock, William, born in Ohio, 1817; arrived 1837; living near Dixon. Peacock, Charles, born in Ohio, 1823; arrived in 1837; living in Polo. Plummer, Thomas, born in Ohio; arrived in 1837; moved to Iowa. Plummer, John, born in Ohio; arrived 1837.

Porter, James, born in New Y^ork, 1814; arrived 1840; died at Harmon, July 15, 1880. Porter, Jerome, born in New York; arrived 1840; living in California. Porter, N. F., born in New York, 1820; arrived 1840. Powers, Joseph, born in Massachusetts, 1786; arrived 1838; dead. Powers, Abijah, born in Massachusetts, 1814; arrived in 1838; living in Palmyra. Power, James, born in Kentucky, 1791; arrived 1835; died in Missouri. Power, Thomas, bom in Kentucky, 1819; arrived 1835; living in Missouri.

1847. Died November 1860. Seavey, Joshua, born in New Hampshire, 1777; arrived 1837. Seavey, Jesse, born in New Hampshire, 1811; arrived 1837: dead. Seavey, Winthrop, born in New Hampshire, 1802; arrived 1837; died about 1865. Sartorius, Henry G., born in Germany, 1815; arrived 1838; dead. Sartorius, Gustavus, born in Germany, 1822; arrived 1838: living in Palmyra. Scallion, Thomas, born in Ireland: arrived 1839; dead. Scallion, Moses, born in Ireland, 1821; arrived 1839. Sweeney. Truxton, arrived 1840. Simonson, A. H., arrived 1837; dead.

Thompson, Horace, born in New York; arrived 1836; died about 1845. Thompson, John, born in New York; arrived 1837; living at Elkhorn Grove. Thompson, James, born in New York; arrived 1837: dead. Thompson, William, born in New York; arrived 1837; dead.

Thuramel, Anthony, born in Germany, 1795; arrived 1836; died June 1876. Thomas, Enoch, born in Ohio; arrived 1835. Thomas, Noah, born in Ohio, 1813; arrived 1835 ; dead. Van Arnam, John, born in Canada; arrived 1839; dead.

Van Arnam, .Tames, bora in Canada, 1827; arrived 1839; living in Marion township. Wetzlar, Gustavus, born in Germany; arrived 1838; went to California. Welty, David, born in New York, 1811 ; arrived 1838; living in Dixon. Wakalee, Aaron, arrived 1838; dead. Williams, Cyrus, born in Massachusetts, 1797 ; arrived 1837 ; died August 2, 1866.

Dixon Volunteers

The town of Dixou is credited witli about 550 volunteers. Many of these, however, caine from adjacent towns, but are phxeed on tlie roll of honor for Dixon. This is especially true of Palmyra volunteers.

Of the numbei- of soldiers reported from Dixon, there were nineteen commissioned officers, and forty-two non-commissioned. There were fifty-two promotions, a large number of which were of privates to commissioned and non-commissioned offices because of meritorious service. About twenty-one are reported as having been killed in battle, or having died from wounds received in battle. Thirtyfive to forty died from sickness in hospitals or at home on sick furlough. Others were discharged because of disease contracted wliile in the service, and have since died, and whose deaths do not appear on the roll of deceased soldiers. Many, at the expiration of their term of service, reenlisted and joined other regiments than those to which they originally belonged. Others were appointed on special duty and have made honorable records in their several departments.

Col. H. T. Noble, who was mustered into the United States service as captain of Co. A, 13th reg. 111. Yols., was appointed assistant quartermaster, after which he was successively promoted to the rank of major, lieutenant-colonel, and colonel, chief quartermaster on the staff of Gen. J. J. Ecynolds. In reference to his service we find the following items of record:

Captain: An examination of the Inspection Keport of the Quartermaster's Department of the Department of the Arkansas, made by Col. D. B. Sackett, inspector-general, dated June 8, 1864, reveals the fact that you have conducted the quartermaster's busi- ness, over which you have had control, in a most creditable manner; that your "books and papers are in most beautifuldnler, cash account balanced every night," and that you have the confidence and esteem of all who know you, because of your integrity, energy and efficiency.

The quartermaster-general cannot let the opportunity pass without adding his approbation, and commending you for the manifestation of this best evidence of your genuine patriotism and devoted loyalty.

The individual who so contributes by his honesty, industry and zeal to the maintenance of his country's honor in the hour of her trials shall not be forgotten in the record of the many meritorious whose high motives have steeled them against taking advantage of the evil opportunities on almost every hand, which the weak and selfish grasp to weaken our cause by the practice of every species of vileness, losing sight of everything else but self and temporary selfish gratification.

Such spii'its find their ignominious level here and hereafter. But the true and noble minded live beyond the present ; their memories shall come back laden with joyous messages to gladden the hearthstone circle, and the hearts of generations yet to come.

Adjutant-general U.S.A., Washington, D.C. General: I have the honor to return herewith the letter of Maj. Gen. J. J. Reynolds, comd'g department of Arkansas, recommending Capt. H. T. Noble for appointment as colonel and chief quartermaster of that department, referred to this office by the adjutant-general, on the 9th Inst., with the following extract from an inspection report of Col. J. D. Crutten<leu, inspector Q.M.D., made on the 19th of Dec. 1864:

found everytliiniJ- under the charge of captain Nnble in most '-excellent order, - mules in tine condition, wagons in tine repair, '- forage well stored, steamers unloaded immediately on their arrival, ''be it night or day "

"All hooks, papers and accounts in the most beautiful order; "cash account balanced every night. Have not seen papers bet- "ter kept anywhere. He stands high with all who know him, as a "man of intelligence and integrity. I doubt if the quartermaster's "department can boast of many more efficient and energetic officers "than Capt. ^S^oble. He is certainly capable of tilling with credit

John D. Crabtree, Es(|., who went out with the 13tli reg., was transferred as second lieutenant to Bowen's Batt. Mo. Cav., September 5, 1861. On November 25, 1862, he was jiroraoted to the captaincy in command of Co. M, 3d Mo. Cav. He commanded the escort of Gen. Curtis during the latter's command of the department of Miss<iuri. He afterward served as judge advocate of the court-martial division of Arkansas, in 186-1. Returning home in that year, he was appointed in service of tiie government, as mustering, officer at Springfield, this state. The judge, at difterent times during the service, received honorable mention for deportment as an officer during engagements ; one which may be especially mentioned was the battle of Pea Ridge, under (ien. Curtis; and at the close of his service he was commissioned brevetnuijor, nnder the signatures of the President of the United States and Gen. Stanton, secretary of war, as a token of appreciation of and meritorious services."

Nathan MooRHousE (deceased I was born March 14, 1801, at New Fairfield, Connecticut. When he was hut tvvoyeais old his father died, and at the age of about six years he was hound out to a farmer. Not liking his guardian he ran away from him when he had reached tiie age of thirteen years. He went on board a ship that was about sailing, and was gone on a seven years' voyage, most of which was on the Mediterranean sea. When he returned to New York he was engaged a year or nmre at navi<ration on the Hudson river, and after tliat was married to Miss Sarali Airs, of New Paltz, Now York, wlierc tliey lived until 1827. They then removed to Ohio, and later to Indiana, and in 1835 to Lee county, Illinois. They located in Palmyra township, where his propei'ty and home was, principally, during his life. He was a verv useful and active man in developius;; the resources of the county, having opened seven farms in Lee county, and was foremost in the promotion of law and order in society, at the earlier settlement. He held several public offices worthy of consideration, but aside from those of county treasurer, and probably deputy sheriff, we are not reliably informed. He was the father of nine children, but three of whom are now living, one of whom, Thomas C. Moorehouse, is living at Dixon. He died June 18, 1878, in Dixon, and iiis wife four days later.

Wii.r.iAM W. Bethea, farmer, Dixon, son of Philip and Mary (Millsapi Betiiea, was born in Miirion district. South Carolina, Ma\' 15, 1812, and was of Welsh descent on the paternal side. His father, who served in the war of 1812, and also in the Creek Indian war which occurred soon after, migrated from South Carolina to Overton county, Tennessee, in fall of 1812, and again removed to Lawrence county, Indiana, in 1828, where he died in 1834, at the age of fifty-four years, leaving a family of five sons and two daughters. In the spring of 1835 W. W. Betiiea started westward to seek a home, and being attracted by the beauty and fertility of tiie then almost uninhabited Ruck River country, he soon after located a farm in what is now known as Palmyra township, which he still occupies. Mr. Bethea was one of the earliest settlers of this section and has seen its development from the almost primeval wilderness of 1835 to the flourishing and populous community of to-day. He was elected county treasurer in 1845 and served two terms. At tiie organization of Lee county, in 1839, he was elected justice of the peace, and held that office uninterruptedly until 1877. Mr. Bethea was married in Lawrence county, Indiana, in 1833, to Miss Irena Fender, who died in 1838. He was again married, in 1850, to Mrs. Emily (Green) Ferguson, who is still living.

James Goble, ex-sheriff of Lee count}', Dixon, was born July 22, 1811, in Kingston, Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. He spent his earlier youth at Exeter, Pennsylvania, laboring on his father's farm, and attending the public schools. At the age of sixteen years he entered a dry -goods store as clerk, at Wilkesbarre, Pennsylvania. At the end of three years his health failing, he was obliged to give up confinement for the farm. In 1837 he came west and settled in Lee county, which has ever since been his home. In 1838 having purchased a claim and built a log-house upon it he was married to Christiana Harding, a daughter of a t'aniily who came to this comity from his former liome in Peims^'lvania. Mr. Goble states that for some years they lived in tiiis primitive dwelling as happy as could be. In 1846 he was elected county commissioner, and in 1848 he resigned that office and was elected sheriff. He then loft his farm and removed to Dixon, where he has since lived. He has held the office of coroner, and others of minor importance. Politically he is a democrat, and cast his first vote in 1832 for President Jackson. By the year 1846 all his family had followed him to Lee county, and that Fourth of July thej^ held a family re-union, at which were gathered forty-four members, including grandchildren. He is the father of five children, only one of whom is now living, Mrs. Wadsworth, of Dixon. He lost iiis wife in the great bridge disaster at Dixon, Ma}' 4, 1873. She stood on the span at the north ]iicr, holding a little grandchild in her arms, witnessing a baptismal ceremony. The Ijridge breaking, she threw the child so near to shore that it was picked up and brought to life, but she was drowned. She was a pious lady and died a member of the Baptist church.

Mahlox p. Burket, farmer, Dixon, was born October 31, 1843, in Blair county, Pennsylvania. In June, 1847, his parents removed to Lee county, Illinois, where he has ever since lived. His whole work has been farming, and during his youth he received a good common education at the public schools. He has traveled more, probably, than a majority of farmers, and is well posted on the general topics of the day. He succeeded his father in the proprietorship of the old homestead, a beautiful farm-home two miles from Dixon, on the Franklin road. Mr. John N. Biirket, the father of the above, purchased this home immediately on coming to Lee county, and has made it what it now is. He was a quiet but most useful man to his community, and has lived a good example. It has been remarked that his distinguishing characteristic, aside from industry, was his extremely temperate habits and pure life. He was a member of the Lutheran church, and the present organization of that denomination at the city of Dixon was made at a meeting held in his barn at an early day, Rev. Mr. Stoh officiating. He died Januarj' 3, 1865, in the iiouse which his own hands had Iniilt.

John CdURTWEiGHT, farmer and carpenter, Dixon, was born December 25, 1820, in Luzerne county, Pennsylvania. He spent the earlier part of his life there, laboring on his father's farm, and received a common school education. In July, 1840, he emigrated to Lee count}', Illinois, where he has since lived. In 1842 he began working at the carpenter trade, and has pursued it more or less ever since. In July, 1846, he was married to Lydia, daughter of Joel Whitney, of Ogle county, Illinois, and they began life together on their present farm liome, aliout two miles fioin Dixon, on tlie Franklin road, ffliey liave witnessed the tiiriiini; of a wild country, inhabited chiedy by Indians, into a land of bounty and civilization, braving many dangers and hardships with which pioneer life in this region was fraught. Mr. Coiirtwright owned the first reaping machine brought to Rock river, and the first threshing machine in Lee county. He helped in i)uil(ling the first county jail, and also the first church (Methodist Episcopal) built at Dixon. He is the father of several children, oidy one of whom, a daughter, is now living. He has been an indulgent father and kind husband, and is recognized and respected among his neighl)ors. He is a republican in politics, and a Methodist in church ])reference.

Isaac Mkaxs, dealer in farmers' supplies, Dixon, was born in Tyrone county, Ireland, November 15, 1815, where he attained a liberal education and was employed at farming. In April, 1840, he emigrated to the United States, landing at New York, and in June following located at Dixon, where he has since lived. For some years be was engaged at contracting in mason work and house building; commencing the business on S45, which was all he had. In 1851 he opened a lumber-yard in Dixon, which he continued about ten years, and then began his present line of farmers' exchange. He lias been very successful in business, notwithstanding he has sustained some heavy losses by reposing too much confidence in his fellow men. He has extensive real estate interests in Lee county and vicinity, which, taken with his exchange, makes his business one of much importance. He has been twice married, and lias no children. He is a liberal minded, public-spirited gentleman, and has been a most useful man to the city and community, socially as well as financially. He was one of the few who were faithful during the earlier banditti outrages through this section, and relates some very liazardous experiences of those times. He is an independent in his religious views, and accords to all the world liberty of thought upon this subject. For thirty-eight years he has been a Freemason. Prior to the organization of the republican party he was a whig, but since then has been a staunch republican.

Waltek Lrni.E, sheriff', Dixon, was born September 7, 1841, at Malugin's Grove, Lee county, Illinois. Until sixteen years old he was employed on his father's farm, and in attending school. At that age he lost both of his parents, and after that he attended school, mostly at Paw Paw, until nineteen years old, gaining a liberal education. At the age of twentj' years he enlisted for a term of three years in Co. F, let 111. Light Art., of the U. S. Vols., and passed unharmed, in the rank and file, through some of the severest battles of the war.

He took part in nearly all the battles of the Georgia campaign. For some time he was tlie bearer of a set of colors that were presented to his company bj the citizens of Dixon. At the close of the war, in 1865, lie was married to Miss Cornelia F. Nichols, of Malugin's Grove, and engaged at farming. In the tall of 1880 he was elected sheriff of Lee county, and is the present very efficient incumbent. He has held various town offices. He is and has always been a republican in politics. He subscribes to no church rituals, but favors a decided morality. He is a member of the order of Freemasons, and has filled various offices in his lodge. He is also a member of the Knights of the Red Cross.

It is a rare thing for the writer to be called upon to record the life, or even a small portion tiiereof, of a gentleman who has so long been engaged in an active public life as the subject of this sketch, Hon. LoEEXzo Wdod. So varied and numerous has been the range of his efforts, that to do justice to all would be impossible in the space which we can allot to it. Judge Wood was born in jSTovember 1818, in Middlebur\', Vermont. Until about the age of sixteen years he worked at the carpentering trade, attending, when he could do so, the public schools of his native town ; and later he entered the Middlebury College, where he obtained a very liberal education. On leaving college he began the study of law in a law office at Middlebury, but soon after (in 1839) concluded to come west. He stopped at Detroit, Michigan, where he took a three years' course at professional reading in the office and under the direction of Gov. Woodbridge, of tiiat city. He left Detroit in lSi2 for the west, coming direct to Lee county, Illinois, which has ever since been his home. In February, 1843, he was admitted and enrolled as an attorne_v-at-law in Illinois. Tiie judge states, in connection with this, that he was too poor to afford the expense of a journey to Springfield (as was the custom in tiiose days), and that he sent a certificate of leading, and made such other compliance as by the court were held requisite. In return he received his certificate of admission, which is written on a sheet of "Congress letter" paper, with a steel pen, and signed by S. A. Douglas and S. H. Treat. He immediately opened a law office in the city of Dixon, and his first four cases were in bankruptcy. He was successful in all of them, and he received fees of $100 each. This gave him quite a "boost," and was the beginning of many years' successful practice. A few 3-ears after being admitted to the bar he was elected county judge, which office he held until in 1852, when he resigned and moved on a farm which he owned in Lee county. In 1860 the house and improvements on his farm were almost totally destroyed by the " Canianche tornado" that passed over this section of Illinois, which very seriously crippled his fortune. In the fall of 18G0 he removed to Dixon, where he has since resided, and has been almost constantly in public life, filling the offices of master in chancery and internal revenue assessor; he has l)een longer chairman of the board of supervisors tiian any otiier man in Lee county ; and has filled various other minor offices. In 1865 he purchased an interest in the " Hydraulic Power Company " at Dixon, which he brought through some legal embarrassment, and afterward started some manufacturing concerns, which proved losing undertakings to him, again reducing his property. He has been a prominent Freemason for many years. His church preferences are for the Presbyterian. He has been twice married, and is the father of four children, three of whom are now living. The judge was present at tlie organization of the republican party, at Bioomington, and iieard the speeches there; prior to that he had been a wliig, but since then has been a radical republican. Speaking of the leaders of the two great parties, the judge says that in his boyhood days he played some pranks upon Stephen A. Douglas, wiio was tlien working at carpentering; that Douglas was the most determined fellow he ever saw, - he ran after him, finally caught him, and spanked him with a jack-plane; he adds that the punishment was just.

James C. Me.4d, books, stationery, etc., Dixon, was born February 11, 18:^.1, in Monroe county, New York, and obtained his earlier education there. In 1843 he came with his parents to Dixon, Illinois, he attended the public schools a short time, and later was taken as clerk in the post-office, under David Birdsall. In the spring of 1849 he concluded to learn a trade, and started to go to Chicago for that purpose. He had $5 in his pocket, and, with a pack of clothing on his back, he commenced the journey on foot. He had not gone far, however, when he caught a ride with a farmer, on a load of wheat. It will be remembered tiiat this was before the days of railroads in this vicinity, and fanners were obliged to haul their produce to Chicago to find a market, and to bring back dry-goods and lumber for the trade of the town. Stoi)ping at Xapcrviile for dinner, young Mead met a friend who was a harness-maker, and who prevailed upon iiim to stop and learn that trade with him. In about six months after this the cholera broke out and his employer died, and after settling tlie accounts of the business he returned to Dixon. In the following spring he again started out on font, stopping at Aurora and Xaperville, intending to engage at harness-making; but not being able to obtain cmj)loyment at that, he entered a printing-office at Naperville. He learned that business rapidly, and was emplo3'ed in that office about a year, at which time Mr. C. R. Fisk sent for him to come to Dixon and assist him in opening and establishing a printing-office; which was the first one in Dixon. After a short engagement with tin's ciitei'prise he went to Oregon, Illinois, where he became publisher of the " Ogle County Reporter," in which business he continued for two years. At this time he returned to Dixon, and engaged as clerk in the private bank and land office of E. B. Stiles, where he was employed until March 1, 1854. He then opened a bookstore at his present site, on Galena street, in a room 12x20 feet, which was the first establishment of that kind in Dixon. Prosperity attended him, and in a few years he had amassed considerable property, and his store had grown to its present magnitude. He subsequently met with severe reverses, which materially injured and retarded him; but being a live business man, and enjoying the full vigor of his powers, he is again on the forward inarch. At the age of twenty-two lie became a Freemason, and for many years was secretary of the lodge at Dixon. He has been a prominent worker in the Sunday schools and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He lias been twice married, and is the father of five children, four of whom are now living. In politics Mr. Mead is a republican. In social life he is pleasant and affable.

Thekon Cumins, manufacturer, Dixon, was born in Vermont in 1825. He was the son of Joseph and Hannah (Converse) Cumins, both of whom are now dead. His parents left Vermont and moved to Ohio when he was fifteen years of age, and settled in Geauga county. After remaining there for tvv'o years he came around by way of the lakes to Chicago, from thence by stage to Dixon, having but $3 in his pocket on his arrival. From Dixon he went to Grand Detour, where iio obtained a position of clerk in the store of W. A. House & Co., at a small salary, remaining there for two years and a half. He then returned to Newark, Ohio, and for four years clerked in the store of J. O. and H. Smith. He then returned to Grand Detour and went into business with the firm for which he had formerly been a clerk, under the firm natne of T. Cumins & Co. This firm was dissolved within less than three years, and lie returned to Bucyrus, Ohio, and having formed a business connection with A. Haynes, under the firm name of A. Haynes & Co., they obtained a large grading contract on the Ohio & Indiana railroad, afterward a part of the Pittsburg & Fort Wayne railroad. On the extension of the latter road the firm olitained large contracts for grading and bridging, which, a few months after, they sold to other parties, realizing a handsome profit for themselves. Mr. Cumins again returned to Grand Detour, where he became general manager for Leonard Andrus, former proprietor of the G. T. Plow Works, continuing in that capacity for about two years, when he became an equal partner with Mr. Andrus. At the death of Mr. Andrus, which occurred six years afterward, Mr. Cumins purchased his interest and became sole proprietor, and soeontiiined tor about two years and a iialf, when the works were removed to Dixon, nnd an interest in the business was purciiased by Col. H. T. Noble, the firm becoming Cumins & Noble. Mr. Cumins was married at Grand Detour in 1854, to Miss Josephine Harris, and has two daugiiters living. Mr. Cumins is a truly self-made man and adds another name to the list of those whose integrity, energy, and perseverance have brought them troin humble circumstances to wealth and prominence.

SiiERWoou Dixon, attorney, Dixon, was born November 15, 1847, at Dixon, and was the son of James P. and Fannie (Rccd) Dixon, and the grandson of John (Father) Dixon. James P. Dixon was born in the city of New York, March <>, 1811, and came with his parents to Illinois in 1827, and to Dixon in 1829. Upon arriving at manhood he engaired in active business, and was for a long time agent for Flint Sz Walker's stage line, and in the latter years of his life was in the livery business. He also held several positions of honor and trust, being a countv commissioner at the organization of Lue county and likewise at the time the court-house was erected. He also held the position of postmaster for several years. He was married December 7, 1834, to Miss Fannie Reed, daughter of Samuel Reed, the first settler of Buffalo Grove, in Ogle county, where he located in 1831. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Dixon, all but the last of whom are still living: Henrietta, born in 18:!6. married in 1860 to William H.Richards; Elizabeth, born in 1838, married in 1856 to William Barge; Sarah, born in 1845, married in 1870 to Geoi'ge W. Goodwin ; John E.., born in 1842, married in 1872, and now resides in Michigan ; Sherwood, who still resides in Dixon; and Susan F., born in 1839, :narried in 1861 to Amos Goodwin, and died at Dixon, September 15, 1878. James P. Dixon died April 5, 1873, at Dixon, but his widow, now in her sixty-sixth year, is still living and at present residing with her son, Sherwood Dixon. The subject of our sketch was educated in the public schools of his native place, and in February, 1866, commenced the study of law with Wm. Barge, Esq. He was admitted in January 1869, and commenced practice as junior member of the firm of Eustace, Barge & Dixon, in August 1869. In October, 1874, Messrs. Barge ik Dixon removed to Chicago, and forming a partnership with W. W. O'Brien, of that city, practiced their profession there until November 1877, when they returned to Dixon. In March, 1878. Mr. Dixon dissolved his connection with the firm of Barge & Dixon and formed a partnership with Mr. S. H. Bethea, the new firm succeeding to the tirni and business of Eustace ik Bethea. Mr. Dixon was appointed master in chancery in June 1880, and is serving his second term as a member of the board of education.* He was married November 16,

1869, to Miss Melissa G. Mead, daughter of the late H. P. Mead, and has two sons, Henry S., aged eleven, and Louis N., aged eight years. Mr. Di.xon's political views are democratic, and he is chairman of the county committee of that party. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and has been for two years superintendent of the Sunday-school of that denomination.

Jonathan N. Hills, ex-sheriff of Lee county, Dixon, was born July 24, 1829, in Oneida county. New York. He spent his early life at farming, and received a common school education. In 1849, with his father's family, he came to Lee county, Illinois, and they settled in Maliigin's Grove, where his father died, June 5, 1864. In 1868 he engaged in mercantile pursuits, the firm name being Hills & Cariiahan, at Malugin's Grove, which business they continued five years. In 1876 he was elected sheriff of Lee county, and in November of that year removed to Dixon, whore he has since continued to reside. In 1878 he was reelected. He has since filled various town offices, but has been justice of the peace longer than any other. He has always been a line republican. Mr. Hills aspired to a military record, but because of ill health was rejected from the service. He was married December 17, 1851, to Miss Nancy Merwiu, of Paw Paw Grove, Lee county, and they have six children, one of whom, a daughter, is married and living in Kansas; the others are at home. Mr. Hills is an active member and officer in the Methodist Episcopal church at Dixon, and is also a warm friend of Sunday-schools. He is a member of the blue lodge (of which he is master), the royal arch chapter, and the Dixon comuKindery of Knights Templar. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. Mr. Hills is a firm temperance man, and believes in moderation in all things, excess in none.

Hon. Jajies B. Chaetees, county judge, Dixon, was born July 11, 1831, in the city of Belfast, Ireland. He is the only son of Alexander Charters, popularly known as "Governor" Charters. Until seventeen years of age the judge attended school at Carafurgus Island, after which he was placed in the Trinity College at Dublin, Ireland. He graduated from that institution in 1852, and afterward kept his law terms at the Inner Temple, in London, England. Immediately after graduating in law he came to Dixon, Illinois, where his father had lived since the spring of 1838. His father's home was a beautiful country site, two miles from the city of Dixon, on the Ilock river, the lands of which he purchased from the United States government, and christened the manor Hazelwood. Here, in 1853, the judge was married to Miss Fannie Charters, a lady of his own country and house. In 1856 he commenced the practice of law at Dixon, where he has ever since been engaged in professional pursuits. In 1877 he was elected judge of the county court ot" Lee county, and since that time has been tlie incumbent of tliat office. Prior to liis election as county judge lie served one term as mayor of the city of Dixon. He has been largely interested in several manufacturing establishments at Dixon, among which we may mention the Dixon File Works, of which he was secretary and treasurer. In 1868 the concern was converted into the Western Knitting Mills, which were burned in ISl'.i, with a loss of about $60,000, a heavy share of the loss falling upon the judge. Tiie mills were never rebuilt. Politically the judge supports the democratic principles, as they were discussed in the debates upon the constitution. He is a i)rominent member of the blue lodge, royal-arch chapter, and commandery of Knights Tuniplar. He is a member and vestryman of the Episcopal church at Dixon. Personally Mr. Charters is a gentleman of pleasing address and cordial manner.

IIo.\. JoFiN D. Ckabtree, att()i-iiey-at-Iaw, Dixon, was born November 19, 1837, in Nottingham, England, and with his parents came to America in 1848. They came direct to Winnebago county, Illinois, where they settled and remained some time. In 1853 they removed to Dixon, which has since then been his home. The judge's opportunities for obtaining an education were few, yet by hard work and close application he managed to obtain quite a liberal one. He had privately read law some, ]irior to June 1, 1861, at which date he entered the office of Mr. Edsall (now attorney-general ot Illinois); but taking an active interest in the result of the rebellioti he enlisted as a private soldier, April 17 of the same year. Here he made a brilliant record, rising bj- promotion and appoititment to the office of captain of Co. F, 3d Mo. Cav., and before the close of the war had been breveted major. He was mustered out of the service November 5, I860, and on returning home he reentered the office of Mr. Edsall, and resumed his piofessional reading. In July, 1866, he was admitted to the bar, and in October following formed a partnership with Mr. Edsall, which continued three years. He was then elected county judge of Lee county, which office he held eight years. At the expiration of that time he resumed the practice of law at Dixon, and that has been his business since. He is a fluent speaker, a deep and active reasoner, and wields a strong influence in the public sentiments and politics of Lee county. He cast his first vote for president Lincoln, and has voted for every president since then, living up to the republican principals as he taught them. He has held prominent offices in the various masonic orders, and has been a member of the I.O.O.F. He is a member of the veteran soldiers organization called O.C.D. His church preferences are for the Baptist, though he subsci'ibes -to no clnirch ritual. His tine social qualities, combined with excellent abilities, make him a general favorite among his friends, both in an<l out of the profession.

Samuel C. Eells banker, Dixon, was born in Delaware county, New York, Marcli 19, 1822, wiiere he spent his yonth on a farm, and later as a clerk in a dry-goods store. As soon as sufficiently advanced he entered the Delaware Academy, where he received a very liberal education. In 1854 he was married to Miss Annie More, a lady of his own nativity, and they now have three ciiildren, all living. The same year he came to Dixon, Illinois, as bookkeeper for the lirm of Robertson, Eastman & Co. In the spring of 1855 Mr. Eastman retired from the firm, and it then became Robertson, Eells & Co. In 1859 the firm was changed to Eells & Coleman, and in the spring of 1865 was succeeded by the organization of the Lee county national bank. In this institution Mr. Eells became cashier, and Mr. Coleman assistant cashier; the latter has since retired from the business. The life of our subject has been one of even tenor and his just pride is in his financial career. Politically he is a staunch republican and exerts a telling but quiet influence for his party. He is a member of the Episcopal church at Dixon, and is a warm friend and supporter of all churches. He is the pronounced friend of educational institutions. Personally he is a man of a kind heart and courteous address.

William H. Van Epps, farmer, Dixon, was born in Genesee count}'. New York, in December 1842. His parents were William H. and Charlotte R. (Churchill) Van Epps. The father of the subject of our sketch, the Hon. W. H. Van Epps, deceased, for many years a prominent resident and merchant of Dixon, was born in 1812, at Schenectady, New York, and was the son of John A. and Deborah (Housman) Van Epps, whose great -grandparents emigrated from Holland early in the last century. His parents removed to Genesee county. New York, in 1813, where his father (who served in the war of 1812) died in 1816. In 1829 his mother removed to Monroe county, New York, where he attended the best schools. In 1837 he determined to go west, and having located in Fulton county, Illinois, engaged in various successful enterprises until 1848, when he returned to Genesee county. In 1854 he again came west and settled at Dixon, where he opened an extensive dry-goods and general store, which he carried on for more than twenty years. In 1856 he became a member of the Illinois State Board of Agriculture, and in 1861) was made its president, serving in that capacity for four years. In 1868 he was the candidate of the democratic party of which he was a member) for lieutenant-governor. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Charlotte R. Churchill, of Genesee county, who died in 1848. He was again married in 1850 to Miss Mary A. Peck, also of Genesee county, New York. His death occurred October 8. 1877, at the age of sixty-five years. Up to the time of the family's arrival in Dixon the history of the present W. H. Van Epps is comprised in that of liis father. He received excellent educational advantages, and after leaving school was in the eniplo_v of James R. Asliley, of Morrison, until he enlisted in the marine artillery in Ausrust, 18ti2, sfirving with tiieni a few months only. On leaving the service he returned to Dixon, and with the exception of some three or tour vears, during which time he twice went to Califoi'nia, remaining about a year each time, he has been stea'lily engaged in farming. He was married to Miss Leah Emery, on December 6, 1877.

William Barge, attorney, Dixon, was born February 2fi, 1882. His parents were John and Jane (Elliott) Barge, and he is of French descent on his father's, and Scotch on his mother's side. In 1833 the family removed to Richland county, Ohio, where the earlier j'ears of Mr. Barge were passed. The family removed from Richland county to Wayne county, Ohio, in 1839, his father dying there in 1850. During this time Mr. Barge attended the Wooster Acadeinv, where the greater part of his education was acquired. In 1851, with his mother and two sisters, he removed to Rock Island, Illinois, where he entered the law office of Pleasants & Henderson as a student. Removing to Dixon in 1854 he started the first graded school (outside of Chicago, at least) in the state, and continued in charge of it until 1859. He commenced to practice law in 1860, and after being for some time a partner of H. B. Fogg, Esq., became in lSt)9 a member of the firm of Eustace, Barge & Dixon. In the fall of 1874 Messrs. Barge & Dixon removed to Chicago, becoming associated there with W. W. O'Brien, Esq.. but being appointed in 1S77 attorney of the Illinois Central railroad, he again returned to Dixon. He has had also, for many years, charge of the legal interests of the Chicago & Northwestern railroad in his section, and still continues to hold the important trust contided to him iiy both corporations. Mr. Barge was married August 19, 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Dixon, granddaughter of the old pioneer John Dixon, and is the father of five children : Mrs. Rathbun, wife of W. W. Rathbun, Esq., of Mercer county, Illinois ; W. D. Barge, who has just been admitted to the bar and has become a partner of his father; John J., aged twenty, Lizzie M., aged fourteen, and Charles R., aged nine years. Mr. Barge, though never active in political matters, is a democrat from conviction, and has long been one of the most prominent members of the legal profession in northern Illinois.

Hon. Jaso.n C. Ayrks, Dixon, was born August 22, 1835. in St. Lawrence county. New York, and in 1S36 his parents moved to the west, and settled in the vicinity of Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his father died when the subject of our sketch was nearly four years of age, and in the following year his people returned to Bufl'alo. New York, where his youth was spent and where he received a very liberal education, with special direction to the profession of surveying and civil-engineering. At the age of eighteen he located in Chicago, and in the spring of 1854 settled in Dixon, Illinois, where he has since resided. Here he was for a short time engaged in a .small mercantile business, which proving unprofitable he abandoned it. He then went into business as land agent and surveyor, in connection with the Hon. Jos. Crawford, forming a partnership that continued until 1863. During the latter year they prepared and published, from actual surveys, the first correct and authentic map of Lee county. Mr. Ayres afterward continued the real-estate business, devoting the greater portion of his time to reading law. In 1870 he was admitted to the bar, but has never engaged exclusively in the general practice of his profession. Being a surveyor as well as an attorney, he has made a specialty of conve3'ancing, and has pushed his business to successful growth and substantial results, and for many years has been engaged in making and negotiating loans on real-estate securities. He is also a prominent stockholder in, and president of the Dixon national bank. While his financial advancement has been very signal, his social record is an enviable one. He was elected city clerk March 6, 1861, and lias held that otBce ever since, a duration of over twenty consecutive years, and March 16, 1864, he was elected city treasurer, which post he has ever since had. Politically he is a staunch republican. He is a member of the Masonic order, a Royal Arch Mason and Knight Templar ; in lodge, chapter, council and commandery he has held prominent offices. He was married May 7, 1861, to Miss Lovina, daughter of Dr. Jno. S. Crawford, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania. They have two children, a daughter now grown, and a son.

Hon. Johx V. Thom.\s, mayor of the city of Dixon, was born at Princeton, New Jersey, October 30, 1835. He spent his youth there, and took a full classical course in the Princeton College. In 1857 he came west, and being pleased with it concluded to abide in Dixon ; soon after he began the study of medicine, under the tutorship of Dr. Oliver Everett, at Dixon, and afterward, during the winter of 1859-60, attended lectures at the Keokuk (Iowa) Medical College; but before he had completed his course there he was called into the hospital service of the government, where his duties, though of short duration, had the effect to turn him from the further pursuit of that profession. On returning home he took a course in didactics, under Prof. A. M. Gow, and afterward began the business of teaching; first at Nelson, Illinois, and subsequently at Dixon, as principal of the north side public schools. Here he remained until 1874, when, on account of impaired health, he was obliged to abandon it. He then engaged in the realestate and insurance business, which has been attended with successful results and substantial growth. When he gave up teaching the citizens chose him city councilman, and afterward mayor of the city, the second term of which office he is now tilling. In various ways they have demonstrated their appreciation and respect for his high moral worth and superior abilities. For many years he has been a prominent member of the A.F. and A.M., and master of Friendshi]i Lodge. He has been high pi'iest in the Royal Arcii Chapter, and is now prelate of the Dixon Commandery of Knights Templar, which post he has liad for three years. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. His preferences are for the Episcopalian church. In 18G1 he was married to Miss Ellen J., daughter of Dr. Dewitt C. Warner, then of Di.xon ; they have three children, the oldest of whom is a son, now a law student at Di-xon.

Eugene Pinckney, attorney-at-law and loan agent, Dixon, was born in 1S39, in New York city, where he obtained his earlier education. Later he was sent to the Wesleyan Institute, located at Newark, New Jersey, and aftervvard to the New Jersey Institute, at Pennington, New Jersey, from which he graduated in 18.52. He then entered Princeton Colh.'ge, where he took a full course in the classics, and in March, 1856, he came west. In May of that year he came to Dixon, Illinois, which has ever since been his home. Here he began a course of professional ruaditig, in the office and under the direction of Messrs. Heaton & Atherton, and in 1860 was admitted to the bar by the supreme court of Illinois. He immediately entered the practice of law, and subsequently added to his legal pursuits tiie business of loaning money upon real estate. He was prominently interested in the Dixon file works, an institution of consideralile magnitude, l)Ut which is now extinct. He was the first editor of the Dixon '' Sun,"' one of the leading papers in Lee county. His habits have always been those of a student, and his favorite fields of research have been in tUe natural sciences and profane and biblical literature. He is a member of the State Geological Society, and has recently organized the Dixon Eiological Society, which has a promising future. He is master in the Forest Home Lodge of the A.O.U.W., located at Dixon. He is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Dixon, and is an active Sunday-school worker, sometimes extending his work in this to other counties. He has been twice married, but has no children. He is a Jeftersonian democrat, and has never voted any other ticket.

Henry P. Bix'kkk, miller, Dixon, was born in Schoharie county. New York, in 1819. His parents were Peter I. and Lena (Woolford) Becker. He received a common school education, and at the age of seventeen went into his grandfather's mills to learn the business. He remained there about ten years, going from thence to Albany in 1847.

Ho resided tliere until the spring of 185(1, wiieii iiemigrated to Wisconsin, and after working for various parties until 1857 he in that year entered into partnership with Mr. Bean, under the style of Bean «fe Becker. In the l;dl of 1859 he closed his connection with this firm, and coming to Dixon he purchased an interest in the Di.xon mill, then conducted by C. Godfrey & Son. His brother, John W. Becker, was also interested. In the following spring Mi'. Godfrey's I'emaining interest was purchased by Nathan Underwood, and the firm became Beckers & Fnderwood, which on the retirement of J. W. Becker, in 1872, was changed to Becker ct Underwood, as it still remains. Mr. Becker was married in 1840 to Miss Lucrctia Tygert, of Albany county. New York, and had one son, Ezra S. Becker, born in Schoharie, New York, in 1841. He was a young man of 1::reat promise, and understood the milling business thoroughly in all its branches. He lost his life in the fire that destroyed the mill in 188(*, a full account of which will be found elsewhere. It was a sad blow to his father, whose aged mother had died in 1878, followed by the death of his wife in 1879, and now the tragic fate of his only child, left Mr. Becker stripped of his wlu)le family in the short space of twenty months. Mr. Becker is a republican, and is now serving his fourth term as alderman of the second ward of Dixon.

Abalino C Bakdwell, attorney-at-law, Dixon, was born October 23, 1844, at Conneautville, Pennsylvania, and was the son of George A. and Julia A. (Cutler) Bard well. His parents removed to Wliitesidescounty, Illinois, in 1853, where Mr. A. C. Bardwell received the most of his education at the neighboring schools. Coming to Dixon February 10, 1864, Mr. Bardwell commenced to study law in the oflice of Geo. P. Goodwin, Esq., and at the same time held a clerkship in the office of Hon. J. V. Eustace, then provost-marshal of the district. On February 10, 1865, he enlisted as a private in the 147th 111. Inf., and upon the organization of the regiment was elected captain of Co. G. Having served for about three months as company commander, be was detached and appointed provost-marshal at Resaca, Georgia, and afterward served in the same capacity at Americus and Savannah until mustered out of service February 10, 1866. Returning home he lesumed his law studies, attending Chicago law school during the winter of 1866-7, and being admitted to the bar soon after, he commenced the practice of his profession at Rochelle, Ogle county, Illinois, late in the following fall. Shortly after, his health becoming impaired, he removed to Dixon, and in the spring of 1868 established the Dixon "Herald," which was, in November 1869, merged into the Dixon " Telegraph," owned' by a joint stock company with Mr. Bardwell as editor, in which position he continued until May 1871. In the ensuing An-

^iist he formed a partnersliip with Hon. J. K. Edsall, and resumed the practice of law. Ti)c iirin was dissolved in 1872, Mr. Edsall having been elected attoniey-general of the state, and Mr. Bardwell has since continued to practice alone. He was married in 1871, to Miss Clara C. I'tley, daughter of Joseph Utley, Esq., of Di.xon, and has one son, Henry W. Bardwell, nine years of age. Though a comparatively young man, Mr. Bardwell occupies an enviable position among his professional brethren, and citizens generally, both as a lawyer and a man.

A. Clinton W.vknku, do)Mity county treasurer, Dixon, was born in New Preston, Connecticut, April :5, 185n. He i.s the son of L. A. and Sarah D. Warner, of Freeport, Illinois, with whom he came west in 18.55. He si)ent his youth at Freeport. obtaining a very liberal education in the schools of that*city. In 1867 he entered the office of the county clerk, as deputy, of Stephenson county, of which Freeport is the county seat. He remained there until 1871, when he came to Di.von, where he was immediately employed as deputy in the count}' clerk's office. A little later he was given charge of the office of county treasurer, as deputy, under treasurer Josiah Little, and in connection with this he is now engaged. In Ma}', 1878, he was licensed by the supreme court an attorney-at-law, but has not sought to engage in a general practice. He is a prominent stockholder, and a director in the Di.\on national bank, at Dixon, and during the past few years has handled more real estate than any other man in Lee county. In December, 1875, he was mai-ried to Miss Myra O. Brookner, a lady of one of the oiliest and most i-espected families iti Dixon. They have three chiKiren, all !)oys. Mr. Warner is a member of the Methodist E])iscopal eliureh, and a warm friend of Sunday-schools. He is a man of refined tastes aud correct haiiits, an energetic student, combined with active and growing business qualities. He is an independent rei)ui)lican.

George Stkei., capitalist, Dixon, was born at Lockport, Illinois, May in, 18-12, and was the son of George and Annie (Morrison) Steel. The elder Mr. Steel and his wife were both natives of Scotland. He was a contractor, and in that capacity was connected with many of the great enterprises of the northwest, such as the Wellaud canal, the Illinois and Michigan canal, the dredging of the Chicago river, etc. In a building owned ijy him the Krst informal meeting of the Board of Trade of Chicago was held. He was one of the original directors of the Galena division of the Ciiieago & Xorthwestern rnilroad. He built the first elevator at Chicago, and was one of the first to engage in the packing business, and in the lake trade. At the organization of the St. Andrew's Society of Chicago he was elected its president. He was a large real-estate owner, and erected many buildings. Death brought his active and prosperous career to a close on March 22, 1865, at the age of sixty-seven. His son, George Steel, removed with his parents to Chicago in 1844, where he was brought up. He was educated at Mount Pleasant Acadenay,Sing Sing, New York, and Racine College, Racine, Wisconsin, and also attended the Chicago law college. He studied law for a time in the office of Hoyne, Miller & Lewis, of Chicago, but about 1861, becoming interested in railroad matters, he turned his attention to that line of business for about five years. He then became engaged in contracts for street pavements in Chicago and Cleveland, and also in the building of the lake tunnel in the former cit}', and at the same time was considerabl}' interested in mining developments. Mr. Steel came to Dixon first in 1873, and has since been engaged in various enterprises in this vicinity. He was married July 11, 1871, to Miss Louise P. Van Epps, and has three children : Willie, aged ten, Annie, aged six, and an infant daughter. Mi'. Steel is independent in political affairs, and is a member of the Presbj'terian church.

IssAc S. BoAEDMAN, real estate dealer, Dixon, was born in Tioga county. New York, January 3, 1816, and is the son of Isaac S. and Abigail (Saltmarsh) Boardman. His father kept a public-house in Tioga county for over a quarter of a century', and was post-master of his town for more than twenty-seven years. Mr. Boardman left home at the age of sixteen, going to Bath, New York, where he clerked in a dr>'-goods store for six years. He then made arrangements to go into business in connection with his brother-in-law Mr. S. M. Bowman, and they resolved to locate at Dixon. Purchasing a stock of goods at New York and Philadelphia, which at that early day were shipped by way of Pittsburgh and the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, they arrived at Dixon in May 1837, and commenced business. At the organization of Lee county in 1838 Mr. Boardman was elected county clerk and served four years. Just before the expiration of his term of service he resigned and purchased a flouring-mill in Ogle county, which he operated until 1849, when he sold out and returned to Dixon, and was sooii after elected to the office of clerk of the circuit court, which position he held for seven years. During this time he had purchased the "Republican and Telegraph," published at Di.xon, and conducted that paper for about ten years, under the name of the " Dixon Telegraph." About 1868 Mr. Boardman retired from the active management of his paper, and placed it in the hands of his sous John D. and William, who had just graduated from the University of Michigan, and since that time Mr. Boardman's only connection with active business has been in looking after his large real-estate interests. He was married in 1840 to Miss Mary L. Dixon, a daughter of Father Dixon. She died in 1850, leaving three children. The eldest, Mary E., married Charles C. Pinckne}', Esq., and is now residing at Denver, Colorado.

John D., tlie eldest son, was a graduate of tlie law department of tlie University of Michigan, and having become -interested in mining in Arizona was killed there by a desperado in a dispute over a contested claim. William, the second son, after severing his connection with the " Dixon Telegraph," removed to Chicago to take charge of the business management of the ''RaII Road Gazette." After the great tire the place of publication was transferred to New York cit}', and it is now very prosperous. Mr. Boardman was married a second time in 1^.54, to Miss Anna C. Campbell, of Mount Morris, Illinois. She died in 1863, leaving one daughter, now eighteen years of age. Mr. Boardman cast his first vote for Gen. Harrison, and for more than forty years has been an active whig and republican.

Joseph Utlet, merchant, Dixon, was born in Western, Oneida county, New York, on July 27, 1815, and is the son of Henry and Sarah (Morse) Utie}', and obtained his education at the schools in the neighborhood. After completing an academical course he entered his father's establishment, where he learned the trade of a tanner. He succeeded to his father's business in 1838 and carried on the same until 1859, in which year he removed to Dixon and opened a saddlery and liardware store, which he continued until 18G7, when he turned over the business to his eldest son and has not since been actively engaged in business. He has for many years been much interested in the matter of cheap transportation, and has been prominently connected with the canals of this state, and in 1869 was appointed by Gov. Palmer a canal commissioner, holding that position until 1877, and most of tlie time was president of the board of canal commissioners. Mr. Utley was married in 183S to Miss Frances Church, daughter of Seth Church, Esq., of Western, Oneida county, New York. Tliej- have three children : E. B. Utlc}', aged forty years, who is engaged in the saddlery-hardware and leather business at Dixon; Clara, aged thirty-seven years, and wife of A. C. Bardwell, a prominent attorney of Dixon, and Dr. J. H. Utley, aged thirty-four years, and now practicing his profession in Dixon. Politically Mr. Utley is a stalwart republican, and is a member of the Presbyterian church.

Hon. Johx V. Eostack, judge of the circuit court of the thirteenth judicial district, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 9, 1821, and is tiie son of Thomas and Fannie (Olmsted) Eustace. His father and grandfather were both clergymen belonging to the Presbyterian denomination, the former being born in Dublin in 1797, migrating to America and first locating in Philadelphia, where he remained until 1839, when he removed to St. Louis, where he died from cholera in 18i7. On the maternal side Judge E. is a descendant of Rev. Jonathan Ingersoll, who for thirty-seven years before the revo- liition was the Presbyterian minister of Ridgefield, Conn. She married Ebenezer Olmstead, who was a colonel in the Connecticut line during that war. Her brother was the first lieutenant-governor of that state. Judge Eustace was educated at Philadelphia, graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in the summer of 1839. Sooti after the family removed to St. Louis, wliere he entered the office of Hon- Charles D. Drake (now chief justice of the court of claims, Washington), as a law student, and was admitted to practice before reaching his twentieth year. He became a partner of Mr. Drake for a short time, but in 1843 removed to Di.xon, where he practiced with much success until 1857, when he was elected judge of the circuit court upon its first establisiiment, but resigned before serving his full term, and resumed the practice of ills profession. In 1861 he was appointed provost-marshal of the district, which position he held until tlie close of the war. He tlien became a member of the firm of Eustace, Barge & Dixon, which continued for several years, and in 1877 was again elected judge of the circuit court, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Judge W. W. Heaton, and in 1879 was reelected for a full term of six j^ears. He has also served in the state legislature and as a presidential elector, and in 1876 was the democratic candidate for attorny-general of Illinois, but was defeated along with the balance of the ticket. Judge Eustace was married at St. Louis in 184-3, to Miss Anna M. Smitii, and has four children : Fannie, born in Dixon, who is married to Henry W. Grcetham and residing in Dixon ; Thomas H., born in Dixon and now in the emplo}' of a manufacturing firm at Freeport, Illinois; Elizabeth, born in Dixon, and married to Mr. John L. Orvis, of Dixon, and John V. jr., born in Dixon and now practicing law at Rockford, Illinois. In his political affiliations the judge is a democrat, but enjoys the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens, without regard to party lines, as an able and upright expounder of the law.

Lester D. PrrcHEE, dealer in agricultural implements, Dixon, was born in Lewis county, ^New York, July 28, 1839, and is the son of Philander and Mary (Agen) Pitcher. After leaving sciiool he worked upon his father's farm until the spring of 1864, when he came to Illinois and located in Jo Daviess county. After farming for some two years he built a store and entered into the general merchandise business at Piteherville, where he had succeeded in getting a postoffice established, and was made post-master, which office he held until 1871, when he removed to Dixon and engaged in the manufacture of the Excelsior Barley Forks, and of the Buck Patent Spring Bolster for lumber wagons. In 1877 he went into the agricultural implement business, which he still carries on. Mr. Pitcher was married January 20, 1871, to Miss Abigail Cramer, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and has two children, Bessie, aged eight years, and Louis, an infant son. In 1862 Mr. Pitcher enlisted in the 5th N. Y. Heavy Artillery, but after serving about three months was discharged for disability. He is a republican in politics, and at the present time is alderman of the third ward of the city of Dixon.

Daniel B. McKexxet, magistrate. Dixon, was born March 31, 1816, in Montgomery county, New York, and is the son of Peter and Rlioda (Tickner) McKenney. He I'emoved with his parents in 1820 to Canada, where he resided during his childhood, and came to Dixon in the spring of 1836, when twenty years of age. His fathei- 'caine in that fall, when they together opened hotel in a log-house on Peoria street, Dixon. In the winter of 1S36-7 he drove twenty miles west of Princeton, this state, and purchased one ton of fresh pork, for which he paid $200. The same quantity could be bought the following winter for $25. In the winter of 1836-7 flour was $20 per barrel in Chicago, the nearest port of supply. Soon after this time oats were purchased at eight cents per bushel, and at one time he and his uncle bought up and stored a large quantit}-, which afterward became a total loss and were thrown away. In 1841 Mr. McKenney purchased seventy feet front on Main street, on which stood the first brick building erected in Dixon. Other buildings have been since built, until the ground was occupied. Soon after the purchase of this lot he engaged in merchandising, in which he continued for a number of years. After a life of twenty-six years, young Daniel was persuaded that it was not " good for man to live alone," and was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ann Whitney, of Franklin Grove, in 1842. Mrs. McKenney is a daughter of Nathan and Sarah (Gray) Whitne}-, of Lee county, noticed in connection with Franklin Grove. In the spring of 1870 the subject of our sketch was elected magistrate in' Dixon, in which office he has continued until present, his official acts being held in high esteem by all lovers of justice. In politics the Esquire is democratic in his affiliations, but voted for Abraham Lincoln thi-ough ])ersonal appreciation.

Capt. John Dtsaet, grain dealer and flour merchant, Dixon, was born in Huntington county, Pennsylvania, October 4, 1834, and is the son of Joseph and Mary xVnn (Davis) Dysart. He spent the days of his childhood on a farm near Birmingham, Pennsylvania, in which place he received his early education. In 1857 he came to Illinois, and settled in Nachusa, Lee county, where he engaged in the grain and lumber trade, in which he continued fortwent}' years. On August 25, 1861, Mr. Dysart enlisted in Co. D, Bowen's Cavalry Battalion of Volunteers, entering the ranks as a private, from which he rose to the command of bis company. The captain was in the-Army of the Mis- sissippi, was in the battle of Pea Ridge as one of the many interesting experiences of army life. The captain was private only fifteen days, dnty sergeant three months, orderly sergeant one year, quartermaster's department three months, lieutenant of the company from which he was promoted to captaincy, and was mustered out in October 1865. In the spring of 1877 he moved to Di.xon, and engaged in the purchase and shipment of grain, occupying the stone elevator built by Col. John Dement, west of the Illinois Central depot, where he is still in an extensive business. The elevator has a capacity of 30,000, and is driven by steam-power, through which he handles about half a million of grain per annum. In the spring of 1880 he extended his business, through the elevator at the Illinois Central railroad, North Dixon, under the firm name of Messrs. Dysart & Brubaker. This firm has a flour house on Hennepin street, between Main and Water streets, ' where they ship for the trade from 300 to 400 barrels of flour per week, having exclusive control of the Becker & Underwood flour. Mr. Dysart also owns elevators at Nelson, five miles west on the Northwestern railroad, at Nachusa, five miles east, and at Franklin and Ashton, east, all on the Northwestern railroad. From these several points. in Lee county is shipped to the Chicago house of Messrs. Dysart & Geoghegan. On March 9, 1865, Mr. Dysart was united in marriage to Miss E. L. Crawford, of Pennsylvania. As the result of this union are two interesting daughters. The family home is a beautiful residence, conveniently located on Crawford street in the city of Dixon.

Frank W. Little, deputy county clerk, Dixon, was born August 26, 1859, in the city of Dixon, Lee county, Illinois, and is the son of Joseph T. and Elliner W. (Cobb) Little. His parents came to Dixon in the fall of 1838, being among the early settlers of Lee county. Hi» father was among the first merchants in Dixon, and in after years became associated with the manufacturing interests of the county, until he removed to the city of Washington, District of Columbia, in 1880.

Elias Bovey, lumber merchant, Dixon, was born in Washington county, Maryland, June 19, 1838; and is the son of Jacob and Delila (Kretsinger) Bovey, of that state. He moved with his parents to Illinois and settled on a farm near Mount Morris, Ogle county, in 1843. He received his education in the common schools and Rock River seminary at Mount Morris, Ogle county. When twenty-one years of age he purchased a farm three miles south of Polo, and commenced business for himself, as a farmer. In the spring of 1867 he came to Lee county and located in Dixon, where he has since made his home. In 1872 he established a lumber yard on Water street, where he is still conducting a successful business. On the 26th of September, 1865, Mr. Bovey was united in marriage to Miss Jennie Buckalu, of Dixon, wlio deceased February 6, 1877, and was conve^'cd to her linal resting place in the Dixon cemetery. On the 17th of March, ISSO, he was united in marriage to Miss Addie Clute, of Dixon. Mr. Bovey is a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in wliich he holds different official relations, and is an efficient Sabbaih-school superintendent. Politically the subject of our sketch is a republican, and cast his first vote f\)r Abraham Lincoln.

Major Obadiah Downing, agricultural merchant, Dixon, was born in Queen's county. Long Island, New York, April 12, 1836, and is the son of George and Miiry (Jackson) Downing. The family, thougli of an English ancestry, have for several generations resided on Long Island, the Major's fiither and grandfather having been born in tiie same house. Having spent his childhood on the home farm, the Major, when a boy of sixteen, came to Chicago and made his home with his uncle, whom he assisted in the mercantile trade for six years, and in 1856 returned to Long Island, where he resided until the breaking out of the war of the rebellion. He responded to his country's call by enlisting in the United States service, and in August, 1861, entered Co. H, 2d reg. N. Y. Cav., as second lieutenant, and remained in the service until the close of the war, and was mustered out as lieutenant-colonel. He was under Gen. Sheridan in the department of the Potomac; and took ])art in all the principal battles of the Army of the Potomac, and during the great battle of the Wilderness, when Gen. Sheridan was menacing Richmond, on the 12th day of May, 1864, he fell into the hands of the enemy and was conveyed as prisoner of war to Libb}' Prison, and thence to Macon, Georgia. The Major was one of the five hundred Union officers who were sent as Union prisoners to Charleston, South Carolina, and placed by the confederate authorities under the fire of the federal guns to force the government to an exchange of prisoners. After remaining here a few weeks they were removed to Columbia, South Carolina. In the following August the Major eftected an escape from prison, and was cared for by the colored people for two weeks while trying to reach the Union lines. He was, however, tracked down and recaptured by the aid of bloodhounds near Abbeville, South Carolina, and taken back to Columbia. Here he remained quiet for one month when about the 1st of October he and Col. Cook, afterward minister to Chili, run the guards on a dark, rainy night when the camp-fires were burning low and escaped to the mountains of Tennessee, where they kept themselves concealed for about three months. Finding it impossible to pass the rebel pickets, they reported at the rebel headquarters and represented tliemselvesas confederate soldiers and obtained passes through their lines; but in crossing the mountains in the Cherokee country tliey were taken by a ])atrol of Indians who were guarding the mountain passes to prevent tiie escape of deserters, and were carried back to the rebel lieadquarters, where they were confined and starved into a confession and returned to Libby prison ; and on February 22, 1S65, were exchanged and returned to the federal army.

A special order being issued in tlie war department that all soldiers having captured rebel flags should have a furlough to visit Washington and deposit the captured ensign, Col. Downing, being one of the honored number, visited the capital for the above purpose, and was present at the theater at the time of the assassination of President Lincoln, and witnessed that dreadful tragedj' on April 13, 1865. After the close of the war he returned home on Long Island, and was chosen b}' tlie people of Queen's county to represent them in the state legislature in 1865, and was reelected in 1866. In 1867 the colonel came to Illinois and settled in Dixon. He assisted in establishing the first factory in the country for manufacturing cotton bagging out of flax tow, and in the fall of 1868 sold his interest to Col. John Dement. In the same fall he purchased a farm of 600 acres in Kane county, this state, where he made his home until 1876. In 1872 Col. Downing was united in inarriage to Miss Mary Yates, of Kane county, and daughter of Bartholomew C. and Kancy (Tabias) Yates, formerly of western New York. In 1876 our subject sold half of his farm and returned to Dixon, where in 1879 he engaged in the agricultural trade in that city. The colonel has a beautiful home in north Dixon, and a family of three children: Miss Mary Olive, born March 27, 1874; Master Geoi'ge, horn September 6, 1875, and Benjamin Franklin, born November 22, 1880.

CoL. Henry T. Noble, manufacturer, Dixon, is a native of Massachusetts, born in Otis, Berkshire county, that state, May 3, 1830. He is the son of Henry and Mary Ann (Hubbard) Noble. The genealogy of the family is traced back for seven generations to Thomas Noble, of England, who was born in 1632, and came to Boston sometime prior to 1653, thence to Springfield, Massachusetts, and died in Westfield in 1704, aged seventy-two. Tiie colonel, our present subject, spent his early life on a farm, during which time he was securing a liberal education prepai'atory to entering college, and became a member of the first class organized in the state normal school at Westfield, Massachusetts. Subsequently he devoted two years to school teaching. In 1850 he came to Illinois, and located in Dixon. The two succeeding years he devoted to school teaching, writing in the land ofiice at such times as not engaged in his profession. In 1852 the colonel engaged in the purchase and collection of land wari'ants held by soldiers who served in the Mexican war; traveling through Missouri, Tennessee,

Kentucky and Alabama. On his return lie ocated lands in Illinois, and engaged witii his uncle, Silas Koble, in banking and real-estate business, until 1S57. He was subsequently engaged in settling up the affairs of the bank until the beginning of the war in 1861. He was the first to enlist in the Union service in Lee county, enrolling his name five days after the firing on Fort Sumter, and proposed to be one of fifty to go to the front at once in his country's service. On April 20 he was chosen first lieutenant of Co. A, 13th rcg. III. Vols., and was mustered into the United States service under the threeyears call, May 24, as captain of said company. On July 8, 18fi3, he was promoted to the staff of the quartermaster's department ; and in November of the same year he was promoted major, and in thirty days later commissioned lieutenant-colonel. About March 1, 1804, he was promoted colonel by the secretary of war on the staff of Major-General -J. J. Reynolds, and appointed chief quartermaster, department of Arkansas; which position he held until October 15, 1866, when he was mustered out of the service at his own request, and under the expressed regrets of the commanding general of the department. After tlie acceptance of his resignation he returned home to Dixon, and in the following winter visited Washington and closed up his business with the government with gratifying results. The colonel was in constant [service from April, 1861, to November, 1866, during which time lie never lost a day, with the exception of a furlough of thirty days, which was afterward extended ten days, while he was in Washington, by Gen. E. D. Townsend, by order of the secretary' of war. In 1866 he bought an interest in the Grand Detour plow works, now estab" lishcd at Dixon, under the firm of Commins, Noble & Dodge.

On February 27, 1853, Col. Noble was united in marriage to Miss Jane Ann Ilerrick, born in Chautauqua county, New York, and was the daughter of Samuel and Sally (Nash) Ilerrick. She was killed in the great bridge disaster at Dixon, Illinois, May 4, 1873. In 1875 he was married to Miss Mary Augusta Hampton, who was born in Boston, Erie county. New York, and was the daughter of Slater and Manerva (Ellis) Hampton. Geiwalocpj : Col. Henry T. Noble, born 1830, in Otis, New York, son of Henry Noble and Mary A. (Hubbard) Noble; ITcnry Noble, born 1804, in G. Barrington, Mass., son of David Noble and Patience (Noble) Noble; David Noble, born 1771, G. Barrington, Mass., son of Preserved Noble and Elizabeth (Hughstand) Noble > Preserved Noble, born 1723, Wcstport, Mass., son of Joseph Noble and Ahigal (Dewey) Noble ; Joseph Noble, born 1691, Westfield, Mass., son of Matthew Noble and Hannah (Dewey) Noble; Matthew Noble, born 1666, Westfield, Mass., son of Thomas Noble and Hannah (War-