Lee County, Illinois - Chapter 20: Bradford Township, 1914 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter 20: Bradford Township

Bradford! Another subdivision of Inlet! In Bradford the best and sturdiest of Lee county's poi)ulation was started - the Norwegians, now so populous and prosperous; the Germans too started in Bradford.

John Hotzell came here about 1842, and he and Ommen Hillison kept bachelors" hall (separately) a long while before marrying. Christian Reinhart's daughter, Catherine, married Ommen Hillison and later John Aschenbrenner. The mother of Henry W. Hillison and Reiuhart Aschenbrenner and Andrew Aschenbrenner came in 1845. Reinhart Gross came in 1847.

The history of the Germans is identical with that of the Norwegians. Friends back home desiring to come to America, came directly to the home of their old friend Hotzell. The latter was hospitable and he cared for them all as one by one and more came over. A day or two was all that was needed ; then they sought work and later lands, always imder the guidance of Neighbor Hotzell whose counsel Avas always good. Thus early. Bradford took on its reputation for solidity which ever since has characterized the place. When one speaks of Bradford, he is known to indicate the township where lands always are rising in value until perhaps, Bradford is tlie highest priced laud in the county.

At the last session of the board of supervisors, Bradford was honored in the selection of one of its strongest citizens, John J. Wagner, for the office of chaii'man.

For a lung time Bradford contained its present six-mile sqiiare area and the present toA^Tiship of Ashton as w^ell, and so it remained until 1861, when Ashton was set off as a township by itself. Brad-

In 1850 the town was organized at the home of Ralph B. Evitts. At tlie town meeting Elisha Pratt was made chairman, Thomas S. Hulbert, secretary and Charles Starks, moderator; (leorge E. Haskell, justice of the peace, swore them in.

At this meeting Charles Starks was elected supervisor; Ira Brcwe)', town clerk; E. AY. Starks, assessor; Samuel S. tStarks, collector ; Palph B. Evitts, overseer of the poor ; Sherman Shaw, Stephen Clinls; and George I'' ale, highway conunissiouers ; Sanmel S. Starks and Paniel Barber, constables ; Elisha Pratt and Lafayette Yale, justices; Jesse Woodruff was put in charge of the town's litigation.

As in Inlet, Sherman Shaw was of the very first to build in Bradford, and Mr. Whitman in 1838. In 1840 Mr. Shaw l)uilt a frame house on the northeast 31. Egbert Shaw has the distinction of Iteing the first white child born in Bradford. Ommen Hillison built a house about 1840. In 1838 Charles Starks came t(. Inlet and in 1839 laid his claim on east Yj northwest 32 and the west Yj northeast '.V2. The Whipi)]e In'others came in al)out the same time. Starks began work inunediately on his claim and in 1812 moved on it.

George and Milo Y^'ale claimed the northwest 6. In 1812 their father, N. C. Yale, settled on section 1; Jesse Woodruff settled on 32 ; R. B. Evitts on 29 and C. Bowen settled on 29. Stephen Clink ))uilt a st(nie house.

At the \-er\- earliest ]H'rio<l Lewis ( 'lapp of Lee Center, firm in liis regard for Bra<lford, took an interest in pushing the welfare of settlers and he fui-nislied money t'oi' fully tAvo-thirds of the early settlers to enter theii' land from the Government. Others moved in ra])idly; William Ross, Reinhart Gross, Conrad Reinhart (already named), Conrad Hotzell.

Ira l>rewei' readied Lee Center townsliip in June, 1843. That same >'ear he bought west ' northwest 3>2 and east ^ ^ northeast 31, I^radford. In 1845 he built a house. 19x24. He became a very large land owner in this and Lee ("enter townships. He was one of the lien-est enemies of the banditti wiiich infested Inlet and

Among the old settlers not already named were: William S. Frost, 1838; Lorin T. Wellman, 1848; David Wellmau, 1853; Harlow A. Williamson, 1850; Philip Rnnyan. 1850; Peter Eisenberg, 1852; Lnther Baldwin, 1852; Edwin Pomeroy, 1844; Frank and Nelson DeWolf, 1837; Berghai'dt ADn-e.-ht," 1855; Edward W. Pomeroy, 1845; 0. Bowen, L. Shmnway, Samuel Cobel, William, Warren and Stephen Clink, 1841 to 1843; Ralph B. Evitts, 1842; Sherman Shaw, 1839; Elias Ilulbert and El)enezer AVhipple, 1842.

The Germans which liave ])redominated in this township ever since they began settling lici-c. predominate today, and the descendants of those pioneers are today ricli. almost to the last man. It may be said of them too, tliat the fortunes of the tirst settlers have been preserved down to tlie third and fourth generation.

The homes of Bradford are down-to-date, steam-heated, electric lighted, and automobiles may be found in nearly every family in Bradford. The people are enterprising to an unusual degree and in no greater manner can this enterprise have l)een exhibited than by the exertions of Reinhart and Andrew Aschenln'enner, sons of Catherine Aschenbreinier who hav(^ put over forty thousand dollais into the constructhm of the Northern Illinois Electric rail- I'oad. r)nly the other day when it went into the hands of a receive]'. Andrew Aschenbi'enner was made that I'eceiver by the court. This road taps a fertile country and it is the only road in the world which affords the farmei- along its line the op]iortuuity to load grain and stock at his door.

Bradford was a pi<nieer in the formation of a mutual insurance company for members of a particular eonmuniity and this company, "The Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company," always has been a model. The incorporators were Ira Brewer. Ralph B. Evitts, Thomas S. Ilulbert. Charles D. Hart, Valentine Hicks, C. F. Starks and George Elulbert. It was incorporated March 30, 1869. At its first meeting of directors, held in November, 1869, fifty-four applications were received and fifty-one wei'e approved and signed.

F(ir many years Ira Brewei' was president of this com])any, Samuel Dysart. secretary; C. I). Hart, treasurer; William V. Jones, general agent. A million and a (|uarter dollars of risks have been written, and the losses have been remarkably few.

so that it uuw is valued as hiyli as any otlier lauds iu the towTiship. The people of Bradford always have beeu of a religious turn, esijeeially the Germans.

As early as 1850, meetings of tlie Evangelical church of Bradford were held at the house of John Hotzell, who built just over the line in China township. Hotzell htted up a room for the purpose and vei'y soon a successful ISunday school was started. These were the tirst German meetings of Lee county. The preachers came from Perkins Grove in Bui-eau county. A man named McLean was the hrst ; William Kolp was the next. Among the original meml)ers of the congregation were : Reinhart Gross, John Aschenbrenner, John Hotzell. the Conrad Reinhart family and the Conrad Hotzell family.

In 1S59 a church was built im section 17 at a cost of $1,300. lu 1874 an addition was made and a steeple erected at an additional cost of $2,700, making a total of .$4,000. The membership today is very .strong in both chui'ch and Sunday school. Until recently the services wei-e held in the German language.

It may be interesting to know that Edwin Pomeroy introduced the rcapci- into this coumuniitx' and when he used it in the wdieat (iclds, farmers fi'oni far and near came to see it operate'.

In wi'iting a history of things and conditions around lulet, one cannot get away from the good works of Ira Brewer and good old Uncle (George) Russel Linn. There never was a ci'isis these sturdy pioneers feared to meet. Lightei' affairs were managed with the same determination to succeed.

Mr. Brewer miderstood music. Singing scho(»]s were the common source of entertainment in every locality. One day Doctor Welcli handed to Mr. Ijrewei' a subscri])tiou paper with the request that the latter head it and then circulate it. Mr. Brewer did and very presently Mr. Brewer foimd himself teaching iu six school - houses. The tuning fork used, lie fashioned on the anvil of a blacksmith sho}).

In 1843, when $40 had been raised ])y Daniel Frost and Russel Linn, with which to hire a teacher, it was tendered to ^Ii'. Brewer foi' a winter's work and he accepted it. He al.so taught night school.

On one occasion when members of the "Grove Association," had been called together to settle a claim jaunping case, Mr. Brewer responded. The case was over on Temperance hill, where a man deliberately jumped a settler's homestead and when the association decided he nuist leave ''at once," he refused.

Uncle Russel Liun rose and said, "Gentlemen, we have eome here to make homes for ourselves and our families. The Government has held out inducements for us to come, and we have made our h<imes, and we intend to defend them if we die on the defence. Then, we hope we have boys that will arise and avenge our death."

The claim jumper saw Uucle Russel and his seven boys and he declared that if he had to kill Uncle Russel and Ms seven boys before he could obtain possession of the land he would give it up and he did.

Chaptee Xxi

Compiled by Adella Helniersliauseu (member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Mass.), from the actnal reports of the early pioneers, and written records furnished by members of each family.

The tract of the Black Hawk country included in China township, is imexcelled in healthfulness of climate, fertility of soil and picturesqueness of scenery. From Timothy's bridge to Franklin Creek, Black Bass, Hansen Pond, passed Iron Spring, Lover's Leap, Whipple Cave, on to Steamboat Rock, the lover of Nature is entranced as one beautiful view changes into another'. And when to this is added the fields of grain, pastures of cattle, and commodious farm-dwellings a ti'aveler cannot refrain from exclaiming, "These gardens! Boundless and beautiful, the prairies!"

But the crowning glory of China township is the high social, intellectual and nioi'al standard of her pioneers. These first families were descendants of the nation's forefathers, and many of them representatives of the noblesse of Europe. The pioneers had executive ability, daxmtless courage, and strict piety as tlieir heritage.

Eight}' years ago the lirst caljiu was built ou the banlvS of Franklin creek, and as the record of this fruitful era unfolds, the reader will marvel at the progress made, the marked aljsenee of crime, and the sincere and noble goodness of, it seems, all the people in all the homes, for all these memorable eighty years.

Who, ))ut the pioneers themselves, for the history of China township from 1834 to 1854 is entirely the history of about twenty pioneer families, their kinspeople, the happenings in each cabin, the short school sessions, and the occasional church services. So far they shall speak.

For two years after the Black Hawk war the prairies and tiie timbei'lands along Franklin creek lay in })rimeval l)eauty. Then in 1834 Jephtha Noe built the first cabin in the grove.

In June, 1835, Col. Nathan Whitney, of Unionville, Ohio, traveled along the north side of the grove, searching for a stream of running water, as far as the present site of the town of Franklin Clrove. As Colonel Whitney l)ecame a settler soon aftt'rward, he is regarded as the John Dixon <if China townshii^.

The Whitney, Hussey and Helniersliausen families spent their first days in China township in "the Noe House," and have I'emained permanent settlers.

The A'eteran pioneer, Charles Harrison, and his son-in-law. James Holly, made the first two claims in 1835. Later in the same year, David TLtlly made a claim of the southwest quarter of section 35.

The third family living at the grove in 1835 consisted of Jesse Holly, his son David Holly, who had a wife and two children; and Samuel Ayerhart. Jesse Holly died Feb. 29. 18(>9. aged 95 years.

Strange to relate, none of the settlers of 1835 founded families which have remained a half century or more keeping their names in memory. Dut while the names of Noe, Harrison and Holly are l>artially forgotten, the three settlers of the next year, INForgan. Yale and iNlinor, left large families, and well-honored names.

In May, 183(i, Kdward Morgan, his wife Xancy, (laughter Wilki, a small child, and baby Rachel, with a nephew, Nicholas Kinnian, came from Ohio, and settled on the south half of section

Milo Yale was born Dec. 15, 1831, in New Y^ork; moved to Illinois in 1836. He was an honored and respected pioneer. He moved to Iowa and founded the town of Y^ale.

December 2, 1836, Cyrus R. Minor, wife. Louise Norton, and children, Sarah, Albert, Daniel and David, came from Elba, Crenesee county. New York.

The year 1836 closed with the three families of jNIorgan, Y^aU' and Minor pei;manently located, se\'eral (daims made, and thirtyfive people in the settlement.

Rev. Barton Cartwright, a pioneer Methodist Episcopal minister, says, "I was born in Auburn. New York, in 1810. I came to Illinois in 1833, and met Black Hawk on his way to Washington prison. Rev. James McKean was our first preacher in that part of the country. He preached all through what are now Ogle, Lee and Whiteside connties. I was sent on the circuit in 1837."

Joseph Whipi»le was an old line whig and Squire "Jerry" Whipple was a strong democrat, both well read in jiolitics, so they made the double log-cabin ring with party arguments, ^lost of the law suits of the day were tried by Squii-e Whi]iple, who had been a justice of the peace in New Y^ork.

In the spring of 1838, which set in so early that wild flowers bloomed in March, Silas P. Tolman, his wife Mrs. Experience (Shaw) Tolman, and son Adrastus Tolman, moved to the i:)resent site of Franlilin Grrove.

During the summer of 1838, John Nichols spent some time examining the townshiij and returned to New York to induce his daughter's fanuly to locate here.

William Henry Helmershausen was liorn near Bristol, Lincoln county, Massacluisetts, Aug. 25, 181(i, and died at his home on jiai't of the original Noe claim, Dec. (>, 1901.

In 1839 Rev. Erastus DeW^df claimed the east one-half of section 2L Thomas Brown from Newjjort, Rhode Island, came with him and made a claim.

In 1839, P]vans Campliel! I'honias. his wife Maiy Ann I'houias, and two children, iMary and \A'illiain Henry, came from .Michigan to China township.

The family of ('o(iper are especially rememliered liecause tlie dauglitei'. Miss Louisa <_*ooper, tauglit school at "Whii)p]e"s Cave" in 1839, and all ti'aditions agree was the first scliool tea<-lier at the grove. She married Mr. Warnsley and lived near Tioy <i]'ove. In 1843 the Coopei's mo\ cd to LaSalle.

William Lodei' (iirton was boiii in Peinisylvaina, bSiJO. September 22, 1856, he married Margaret, daughter of Llenry Irwin. He was a member of Company T!, 75th Illinois Infantry, and fell while gallantly fighting at Perryville, Oct. 8, 1862.

was held iu the double lug cabin (if Squire Jeremiah Whipple at "Whipple's Cave." The judges of election were Cyrus Chamberlain, Jeremiah W^hipple, and Don Cooper.

The hrst term of circuit court of Lee county was hekl April, 1840. This year the new courthouse at Dixon was erected at a cost of -^7,000. The money was donated and China township contributed her share.

Lorenzo Whiting taught sclio(»l about 1840 near 'I'olman's timber, a short distance from the present site of Franklin (Irow. lie moved to Bi-adford township, near an old friend, Thomas Doe, and, from here was elected to the State Ijegislature, and long known as "the farmer senator."

Sylvanus Colib Helmershausen was ])orn Oct. 17, 1825; died Jan. 18, 1912; married Sabina J. F'eliows, of Belvidere, Dec. 20, 1859; had five children, Ida, F"'i-ederiek, Lillian, Grace and May.

About 1841 Michael Brewen, George O'Connor and Michael McFarland lived on Mr. McFarland's claim, neai' the fai'm owned hj Robert Sproul. Tliey were three jolly Itachelors from Ireland.

In August, 1841, the John Leake, Daniel Leake and Edward Willars families came from Liverjiool, England, and settled in the southwestern part of China township.

August 15, 1842, was the tenth anniversary when the trooj^s in Black Hawk's war were mustered out by Lieut. Roliert Andersen, and disbanded by Gen. Winfield Scott. So rapid had l)een the settlement that there were thirty surnames and twenty families in China township. At that time the townshiit was called Fi'emont.

Hai'riet jNL Helmershausen taught school in Lee Center and boarded at the home of Russel Linn. As a token of respect for the new teacher from Maine, the neAv baby girl in the Linn home was named "Harriet."

in 1843, Rev. Joseph and Catherine (AvyJ Eumaert and family, and son-in-law, Rev. Christian and Elizabeth (Emmert) Lahman and family, came to China township. Both men were German Baptist ministers. Rev. Joseph Christian Lahman was born Jan. 24, 1833, in Adams county, Pennsylvania.

No mention of Mr. Lahman 's . family would be complete, if "Aunt Sally" was forgotten. Mrs. Sarah (Haughtelin) Myers, was born in Adams county, Pennsjdvania, and has been a resident of the West since 1857.

Tins year Col. Nathan AMiitney opened his nursery, the lirst one in northern Illinois. The settlement at the grove was further increased by the advent of Henry S. Buekman, Ira Robinson, and William Clark Robinson.

In 1844 William C. Robinson and Harriet Mathilda Helmershausen were married. The family consisted of Henry Clinton, Sophia (Airs. Robert McCoy), George Russel, and Georgiana Harriet.

Tile year 184(i saw several changes in the settlement of China township, dames Dysart came to the west and secured one-half section of land, a piece for each of his children. The Dysai't bidtliei-s Avere all located in China toAvnslii]) liefore 1800. The Dysart family was founded by dose])h and Alexander Dysart of iioi'th Ireland, who located at Tjancaster c(nnity. Pennsylvania.

In an eulogy on Hon. Sanuiel Dysart it is stated. "He made farming his chief occu])ation. Always an admirei' of tine stock h(^ early leai'jied to distingnish the uood points of a horse aiid to judge uf the merits of cattle aud swiue and even in boyhood had a desire to raise thoroughbred stock. In 1855 he settled in China on the 'Pines Stock Jj^arm.' "

About 1847 Mrs. Sarah (p]dmonds) Nettleton taught school in China township. One of her schools she taught in the sclioolhouse east of Amos Hussey's homestead.

Eeinhart Cross was born Sept. 26, 1829, in Kur-Hessen, Germany. His wife, Martha Rcinhai't, was born in 1835, came to America 1848. He died Oct. 7, 1902. She died January, 1882.

Ezra Withey, his wife Abigail (Bradberry) Withey, and children, George C. and Aljigail, settled at the grove. The family came from Maine in 1847.

In this year China townshi]) suffered a tragedy from the hands of the banditti of the prairies. At least the closest search and careful investigation could offer no other plausible cause except that a band of the banditti on the way noi'tli on a horse raid, saw a light in the cabin of Moody Thompson, a man with no family, and sacked the house and mnrdered him and Olig Gannorson, his guest. In fact some years later one of the band of l)anditti then under sentence confessed to having slain two men alone, with a piece of timber.

During this year. Rev. Christian Lahman laid out ten acres for the site of a town. The township was called Fremont, and the to\\ii Cha])lin. The Minor Hotel, Charles Ambrose's store and a blacksmith slio]) are all the buildings "recollected" as standing at this time.

Rev. Lid^e Hitchcock, who preached in the schoolhouse, in the cabin, buried the dead, and kept the scattered pioneers together for divine worship, was born April 13, 1813, at Lebanon. New York: joined Oneida conference 1834; re-admitted to Rock River

In 1818-49, a postoffice was established, with Abram Brown postmaster. The third postmaster was A. R. Whitney. A. L. Merritt, Charles B. Bill and Charles Ambrose assisted from time to time in the postoftiee.

The Brecimier family came in 1849. Peter L. Brecunier was boi-u in Himtiugton county, Pennsylvania, Feb. 14, 1834, and departed this life at his home in F'ranklin Grove, Illinois, Oct. 14, 1913, aged 79 years, 8 months.

This year the people of China township became interested in an act of the General Assembl}' of the people of the State of Illinois entitled "an act to provide for the construction of a plank road by general law." Api^roved Feb. 12, 1849. To exist thirty years. The road made travel easier and many t>f the people subscribed to the stock.

With the 3'ear 1850 a new era seemed to dawn. Organization, commerce, and general ))usiness de\'eloped. Up to this date the history of the township had been the local history of pioneer families. Fh'om now on we notice towusbi]) and town organization, and municipal life.

About this time John M. Crawford taught school at tlie groxT. The James Holly cabin was used as a schoolhouse. He is remembered as an able teachei'.

Fremont township was 21, N. R. 10, east and south part of T. 22, N. R. 10 east in Lee county. On April 2, 1850, the township of Fremont was organized as China township. July 19, IS.IO. the organization was completed. George Russel Lynn, who lived near Lee Center, named the township for China, Maine, on May 14, 1S.50. From 1850 to 1S55 town meetings were held at the farm of Henry S. Buckman.

In 1850, the following vote was polled: There were forty-six voters. Supervisor, George Russel Lynn, 30 votes; Clerk, Josiali Wheat, 45 votes; Assessor. Rev. Christian Lahmaii. 39 votes; Collector, Moses S. Curtis, 22 votes; Supervisor of Poor, B. Hanniun; Commissioners of Highways, Jesse Hale. William Clark Robinson, Col. Xatlmu Wliittiev; Justice of iho Peace. Rol)ert S]»i'ou]; (Constables, Moses S. Cui'tis and Willinin Clark Roliiusoii.

At the town meeting this year there were seventy-seven voters. China township has six school districts, the Dysart, the Helmershauseu, the Franklin Grove, the Pine View, the Sunday and the Hillison.

This year the blacksmith shop on State street in tlie center of the block, north of H. I. Lincoln's, was built l)y George W. Pense. By his industry and obliging manners Mr. Pense maintained a good trade for many years.

Webster built a small stone store on the corner south of Pense 's blacksmith shop. Charles Ambrose opened a dry goods store in this building. LaFayette Yale clerked in the Amln-ose store.

Milton A. Crawford was born Aug. 8, 1852, in Lee coimty. son of John M. and Mary (Dysart) Crawford. He married Mary M. Emmert, daughter of Solomon and Mattie (Kring) Emmert.

Charles B. Bill was born at Braintree, Vermont, June 15, 1825 ; came to Franklin GroA-e in 1852, wliere lie built the first shoe shop of that place.

Henry I. Lincoln came to Franklin Grove May 1, 1853. His wife died, leaving him a son, Frank, who married Etta Keyser. He married second, Helen M. Nay.

James Welsh was born Jan. 7,' 1824, and died Oct. 11, 1910. He was a carpenter liy trade, and a good citizen. He located in China township "in the fifties" and was married three times.

Louis M. Blaisdell started in the lumber business, and prospered. S. J. Smith & Co. also tried the same business, but one lumberyaixl was all the village could support, and the firm went out of l)usiuess.

In 1853 Adrastus W. Tolman, F. D. Robertson and Rev. Christian Lahman laid out the village of Franklin Grove. The name was given to the town by John Dixon in honor of his son, Franklin Dixon. Dixon, Franklin Grove, and Nachusa, are namesakes of the Dixon family. It is said Col. John Dement had an interest in the new callage for several years.

Dr. Uriah Crittenden Roe, son of Dr. John and Elizabeth (Lyons) Roe, was born at Eddy^dlle, Lyon county, Kentucky; died at Franklin Grove, 111. In 1846 he married Almeda Brown, a woman of man}^ estimable qualities.

George W. Hewitt was one of the prominent factors in the early history of Lee county, one of the leading physicians of his time; possessing a knowledge and skill in medicine and surgery that caused his ability to be recognized not only in Lee county, but far beyond its boundaries. Dr. Hewitt was a native of Pennsylvania, born in Middleburg, Dec. 23, 1830. In the spring of 1854, the same year, in seeking for a wider field of operation than was to be foimd in the older states, he came to Illinois and on the first day of May opened an office in Franklin Grove. Here he not only established a large practice but became intimately associated with the business and social interests of the county.

Dr. Henry Miller Hemtt married Ida Eliza Jane, daughter of Conrad and Maiy (Jones) Durkes, and had three children, George Washing-ton, Mai-y Durkes, and Henry Miller Hewitt.

Henry I. Lincoln purchased the store l)uilt l)y ( ^harles Ambrose and went into the dry goods l)usiness. Charles Ambrose then built a store north of Pense's blacksmith sho]i. Tliis store lie sold to a new firm, "Lahman and Dill."

During this nienioi'able year the Dixon Air Line of the Chicago & Galena Union railroad was finished, and the first train run througli the village, Dec. 3, 1854.

The blacksmith trade was foUowed by Sokniicni Simday aud his sons from 1855 to 1914 for tifty-uiiie years in E'raukliu Urove. Farming was included, and the sale of agricultural implements.

An industrious and honest stonecutter came to town in 185G, and his work aided nuich in erecting the Iniildings going up rapidly, - George Engel, 1824-1905.

The Trottnow family have been in business many years, on the streets of Franklin Grove. Mr. Ti-ottnow was a cabinet maker by trade and o])ened a furniture store.

James jNicKeau Avas the tirst preacher sent on this charge. He preached in Morgan's and Minor's cabin. In 1840 Barton Cartwright succeeded him. Mr. McKean died 8ept. 8, 1855, at Macomb, Illinois. Mr. Cartwright died April 3, 1895, at Oregon, Illinois.

1853-54. Robert K. Bibbins of Light House Point preached once in four weeks. He died March 22, 1898, at Sandwich, 111. He entered Rock River conference in 1847. Miss Annis Nettleton wrote that she remem])ered Mi-. Bibl)ins and his family very well.

1854-1855. Henry L. Martin of Lighthouse Point organized a class, James Welsh being class leader. Miss Nettleton wrote that Mr. Grant was junior pastor with her cousin, Mr. Martin. The circuit included Ashton, Mount Pleasant and Rochelle. On his eighty-thii'd bii'thday he (Mi'. Martin) preached at the moi'uing service in C'ourt street church, Rockford, to a great congregation. His thought was distinct, his voice clear, and his sermon was a masterpiece. He and his wife were permitted to celelu-ate the sixtieth anniversary of their wedding.

1855-1856. Michael Decker was sent to Lee Center and Franklin Grove. He entered the conference in 1842; died at Crete. 111., N(.v. 21, 1874.

Postmaster during (irant's adnunistration : Henry A. Black was born Oct. 8. 1843, in Maine, and died Jmie 26, 1912. He located in Franklin Grove in 1855.

This year on August 30, 3855, Andrew McPherran and ]\Iaria. his wife, sold a quarter of section 11. and left the grove. They are spoken of as honorable and hospitable settlers.

Thk T'Xivkrsatjst Socikty

This society met at the house of Jonas ( Misbec In 1856, a substantial chui'ch was built opposite the schoolhouse on Elm street. Rev. T. J. Bartholomew preached tirst: Rev. T J. Carney wrote the constitution. The other ministers were: J. O. Barrett, C. F. Dodge, Hudson Chase, Bro. ( ^ook and B. F. Rogers.

In 1856, William Henry Hehiiershauseii next ])nrcliased thoroughbred cattle and improved his herd on the "Grove Stock Farm." This yeai', Lahman built a store on the corner east of the Hughes Hotel, lie closed the stoi'e in the fall and moved west. Robert Scott built a warehouse and a residence. Conrad Durkes o]>eiied a dry goods stoi'e, which he continued for many years with success. Mix I. Losey opened a dr}- goods store but soon sold out. ' Carl H. Lagerquist o^jened a shoe shop which he and his family continued successfully for many years. Josiah Hughes and Jonas Clisbee built hotels; both were well conducted and won words of approbation from strangers.

On May 11, 1857. the tirst village board was elected. President, Louis M. Blaisdell; clerk, S. J. Smith; trustees, A. W. Tolman, Josiah Hughes, Jonas Clisbee, Louis M. Blaisdell, ^?. J. Smith; street conunissioner, Jonas Clisbee; treasurer. Conrad Durkes (elected December 28, 1857).

Other comers were: Edward and Julia (Gloss) Marvin; Franlv D. and Jane (Plessinger) Kelley; Oscar W. and Mary (Dick) Hughes; Calvin and Susan Koontz resided many years in Franlvlin Grove and vicinity.

John D. Sitts was in the hunber business wdth Sitts, Thomas & Company until 1872 when he opened a grocery store, which he continued for many years. The Cyrus Thomas family were residents of the village for many years.

On October 6, 1858, the Franklin Grove Lodge, No. 261, A. F. & A. M., was organized. The charter members were: Louis M. Blaisdell, Daniel B. McKinney, Col. Nathan Whitne3% A. Randolph Whitney, William Forbes, Reuel Thorp, Conrad Durkes, John C. Black, George W. Hewitt, Alvah B. Fitch, Peter C. Roonev, Michael Decker, Isaac T. Forbes and Thomas Lewis Wood."

The price of real estate was increasing. On September 16, 1858. Samuel H. Beardsley sold his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 29 for $2^560. On July 19, 1858, Charles B. Bill and Catherine, his wife, sold lots 21 and 22 in Chaplain, for a consideration of $600.

In 1860, Henry I. Lincoln erected a large stone store on Elm street near the track. On June o, I860, a great tornado swept across the south end of China township, tearing up large trees and ruining ci'o])s. The roar of \A^nd could be heard twenty-miles north of the path of the storm. The lightning was incessant and the darkness appalling.

Ou Jauuai'v 1, 18G1, the Presbyterian church was organized in Franklin Grove by Rev. ^Y. W. llarsha, Rev. E. Erskine and Charles Crosby, a ruling elder. The church was affiliated with Rock River Presbytery.

Rev. Thomas J. Carne}' was pastor of the First Universalist Society, during the Civil war. His parsonage stood on the laud now included in the north part of the schoolyard. He was an able man of tine presence and sterling character.

In 1861, Louis M. Blaisdell of FTanklin Grove was elected one of three commissioners to expend the sum of $6,000 voted by Lee county, to "equip the volunteers of Lee county"" enlisting to go to the front. Mr. Blaisdell was an able man and his executive ability was much needed at this time.

The Company "G" was raised in ( 'hina township. Every man who enlisted knew that it was a liaid and deadly combat. The romance of the war was over. Twenty-seven men in Company G left unprotected wives at home. Joseph Williams and Robert L. Irwin did good service in organizing the company. Lincoln's hall rang with cheers, and the schoolhousc fairly trembled with stamping, as the patriotic gatherings asseml:)led night after night. The captain was Joseph Williams of Frankhn Gi'ove. The second lieutenant was Robert L. Irwin of China township. The sergeants were Manley E. Brown, (Jharles 11. Twonibly and William Vance. The corporals were C. Brinkerhoff, Joseph Winel>renner. Walter Gilbert, ( 'aleb Forl)es, JauK^s Dysart. ( )f the |)rivates from China were Jeremiah Christman, Clayton Chronister, AVallace Eastwood,William B. Foi-bcs, John I'^cistci', William L. Girton. Noah Nay, Geo. W. Pense, Daniel Spaftord, Thomas Irwin, Andrew Timothy, John Wingert, William Watson. For nearly a month after being nnistered they drilled, and on Se]item1)er 27th they joined the troo]»s at -lefl'ersonxillc. Indiana. They bi'camc i)art of the Thii-tieth Brigade, Xinth Division. Third Army Corjis of the Army of the Ohio. On October Sth they met the enemy at Perry- A'ille and suffered a terrible loss. ( 'harles H. TAvombly fell and was reported "missing."" William Lodci' (iii'ton was shot on the battletiekl. Until the captaiu ui' the uatiuu fell, and Abraham Liucoln had jomed the martyred dead, until peace was declared and "the grand review'' in Washington had disbanded, the brave boys in Cliina township sacriticed their all, and hailed again an undivided nation and an unsullied flag.

The Tranlvliu (frove Cemetery Association dates from 1863. Isaac Twombl}^ was president ; Conrad Durkes, secretary ; Joseph Williams, George H. Taylor, William S. Thompson, trustees. It is one of the neatest and best kept cemeteries in the state. The location is beautiful ; the view from .the west with sinking vale and rising bluff being one of great beauty. Many line monuments mark the last resting-places of the dead.

Mrs. Holly's was the first burial. Mrs. Cyrus R. Minor who died this year was interred near her home, and her remains not brought to the cemetery until later.

The Carl H. Lagerquist family conducted a general boot and shoe shop for nearly a half century in Franklin Grove. Carl H. Lagerquist died 1887, aged seventy-three years.

Mr. Hussey, a Universalist minister, his wife, and two daughters, resided some years in the village; left Franklin Grove for Oregon ; and then Wisconsin.

In an attack on Conrad Durkes, president of the village board by three men who wished a license to run a gambling den, Samuel Simmons was severely injured. No small praise is due to Mr. Durkes' memory for the nol)le and heroic stand he took in keeping a high moral standard in the counnunity.

The (ieniiau Lutheran church was organized by Rev. William Uhl during 1861. In 1865, the society united with the Presl\vterians in building the church which later they purchased, and in which they have since worshiped.

Daniel Moore Bradstreet was a patriotic orator during the Civil war, and Clarissa Dudley Todd was his wife. He was a fine Biblical scholar, a close historical student, a hiunble Christian and an old school gentleman.

Mary, tiftli daughter aud ek-veutli child of Major Daniel Moore Bradstreet and Clarissa Dudley (Todd) Bradstreet, was liurn in Ulysses, Tompkins county, New Y'ork, July 27, 18il. In 181i she moved to Illinois ; attended Mt. Morris Seminary ; taught school in Ogle county; assistant principal in High school, Polo, Illinois; hired as principal High school, Franklin Grove, Illinois ; mari-ied June 27, 186G, Henry Charles Frederick Helmershausen, J J'.

The Don Campbell family were engaged in the milliner.y business for years in Franklin Grove. The John Coyle family resided many years in the village. Mrs. Roche, a widow, her sou, ;ind two daughters, Mary and Hannah Alice, resided some years iu the village.

At a town meeting held March 1, 1865. seventy-nine votes were polled. The first election under a special charter occurred March 1, 1865. The new village lx)ai'd were: President, Conrad Durkes; clerk, Oscar W. Hughes; treasu]-er, William Clark Robinson; trustees, Josiah Hughes, J. J. Lichty, Joseph Williams, Jonas Clisbee, George W. Brayton, George H. Taylor.

This year the German Lutheran and the Presbyterian Societies united in an effort to build a church to be occupied by both societies alternately. A substantial and commodious building was erected on Elm street, and services have been held in it until 1914. The church is a cherished landmark of the village.

Gabriel Miller conducted a dry goods store for many years. The W. N. and Jidia Baldwin family were well known, ]\Ir. Baldwin being in business many years. The KSpaft'ord family were patriotic and loyal. The father aud thi-ee sons fought in the Civil war, Daniel Spafford, Sr., Josei)h B. Spafford and Thaddeus Spafford. A family with interesting recolh'ctions of Abraham Lincoln were the Silas Yiugling and Hannah (Reigle) Yingliug family.

In 1865, Chillon Buck ke])t the Hour and feed mill on Bradfoi'd street south of tlie schoollioiise, aud was well and favorabl_y known. He afterwards purchased a threshing engine and he and liis sous threshed for the farmers in the vicinity. Harry Brattcm has been well known in Frankliu (h'ove as a furniture dealer, aud midertaker. The Webb family came April 1, 1865. John We]>b was born April. 1827, and Mrs. John Webb, May, 1834. They were married November ^^. 185L in Tyrone township, Blair comity. Pennsylvania.

In October, 1866, Baltus Lookinglaud, his wife and family, came to Nachusa township and from there to China township where he rented the farm claimed ])v John Dnrfee.

During 1866, the cburcli of the First Universalist Society was served by Re\. Mr. Hussey. His family eousisted of his wife, aud two daughters, and they are spoken of with respect and affection.

Among the enterprising farmers in the vicinity at this time were, Freeman Ellsworth. Levi Hostetler, Euglehard Fenuan, Philip Klinetob, Joseph Jiruner, Henry Cosh aud others.

The tSecrist family came to the village of Franklin Grove in 1866 and were actively engaged in the social and business interests of the town. The Brewer family consisted of the parents aud one son, Lorenzo, who married Anna Cans and moved to Chicago.

The only newspaper up to this time was "The Franklin Grove Gazette " ' which Avas printed on a Dixon press. When it stopi>ed its issue, there was no paper at the grove.

Josei3li Graff' was born Ai:)ril 28, 1845, in France, of French and German parentage. The Graff' family came to Tittiu, Ohio, and from there to Dixon.

On October 9, 1868, the Nathan Whitney Chapter, No. 129, Royal Ai'ch Masons, was organized. The charter members were : Coi. Nathan Whitney, A. Raiidolph Whitney, Alvali B. Fitch, George W. Hewitt, Reuel Thorp, William F'orlies, Jerry M. Forbes, M. Flint, Samuel Dysart. H. H. Glenn, W. H. Emersou. John I J. Strock, Peter C. Rooney.

The Lott family came to Lee county in 1869. Mrs. Kate Duuu came to Lee county ^Nlarch 28, 1865. In 1869, Curtis Duuu aud Katheviue Strausuer were married.

lu 187U, Cliiiia had included township 21, and the south onehalf of section 17 and 18 of township 22, north, range 10 east of the fourth principal meridian. During this year the west one-half was set off and named Nachusa, the Indian's name for Jolm Dixon who had long white hair. China township then contained twenty-seven square miles, lying nine miles long and three miles wide.

On October 11, 1870, Lodge No. 409, Independent Order of Odd Fellows was organized. The charter members were : Singleton W. Reigie, George Fischbach, George Engel, William H. Bassler and Nelson Strong.

Among the enterprising farmers who rented land in this vicinit.y were William H. Myers, Conrad Steen, Charles Kerst, George Hoffman and others.

George W. Newcomer, born Feljruary 3, 1838, mari'ied Julia A. Walter of Polo, April 8, 1873, died August 2-1, 1906; was a well known 2»ioneer.

In 1873, China township had ninety per cent less delinquent tax than any tov^Tiship in Lee. This same year, William Henry Helmershausen won premiums from the Rochelle fair on his en tire exhibit.

The Lee County Old Settlers' Association was organized August 30, 1873, and for forty years the settlers of China townslii]> ha^-e attended its sessions and contributed to its success.

Duriug 1875, John D., Joseph C Lahmau and Johu L. tStrock, organized the J. D. Lahmau & Company, manufacturing tirm. The output was the Great Western Seeder.

In 1875, the assessment value of horses, cattle, sheep aud swine was set at $70,000, which gives an idea of how the progressive farmers of Chiua townshiiD imjjroved their stock.

Alpheus Meredith aud Barbara Middlekauft" were married May 1. 1870. In February, 1878, they moved to Franklin Grove and conducted a bakery and ice cream parlor with success.

Outside of Franklin Grove the census of 1880 showed 681 settlers. At the election this year, 298 votes were polled. The census of 1880 showed a popidation of 730.

In April, 1881, Augnst E. Kohl and Caroline E. A. Bettin, his wife, and their family, came from Schoenwerder, Germany to Franklin Grove. On March 22, 1913, they celebrated their golden wedding with forty-five descendants present.

The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal church was organized in the home of Mrs. Enuna Caroline Crawford iu May, 1885, by Mrs. Adeline (^Bowmauj KStulf, wife of the pastor, Rev. (!. L. S. Stuff. Four of the charter members belonged iu 1911, having a record of tweuty-uin(> years' service.

Diii'ing 18S7, the Presbyterian congregation and tlicir friends, erected a clnn'cli at a cost of nearly five thousand doUai's. Since then a good pipe oi-^an has lieen installed wlii<'li adds to the beauty of tlie church. The building is symmetrical and iu good piopoi-- tioii. thus adding to the ajipea ranee of the village.

On July 17, 1900, many citizens of China township attended the splendid exercises on the occasion of the laying of the corner stone of the new courthouse at Dixon.

June 18. 1902, Mary, second wife of Charles Heury Twombly, mother of Carrie and Sophronia Rebecca, second wife of Jerry M. Forbes, died in Concordia, Kansas.

The new Methodist church was erected at a cost of over eiglit thousand dc^iUars, and dedicated October 6, 1902, with imposing and appro^jriate services.

In 1891, a hue brick school Iniilding was erected at a cost of $9,00(1. Later the trustees purchased several lots of Charles Helmershauseu, Jr., and now have the entire frontage of the block for a school playground. IMie appearance of the Iniilding and the grounds is a credit to the t<jwai.

The Germ Ax Baptist Church

Rev. Christian Lahman and his father-in-law. Rev. Joseph Euuuert, were ministers in Peunsjdvauia, and maintained family worship after they moved to China township.

In 1811, the Jacob Riddlesbarger family came to the grove. As new settlers were added, a church building was erected in the Enmiert cemetery. This was enlarged as the congregation increased. A large church building was erected north of the village and services alternate were held in the two Imildinc-s.

Franklin Grove Of Today

It should be no trouble to write of this beautiful spot at any stage of its life. From earliest boyhood I have roamed arouud Franklin Grove. A few of the old settlers remain; that is. the third evop. (3ue, Mr. Charles Hansen, of the first, remains, alone. For views and valuable assistance I am indebted deeply to ^ir. Bela R. Halderman, of the Fianklin Grove Reporter, one of the oldest and one of the best and most reliable institutions in Lee county. He loaned me cuts; Imnted and obtained information and was my faithful friend and adviser. So, too, Mr. C. D. Hussey, the oldest business man in the village in point of liusiness career.

The population is about 750. The main street is lighted liy boulevard lamps, a group of three to each lamp. An all night service of electric lighting and power is sujiplied by the Illinois Northern LTtilities Company ; Glen Wright, manager.

Every inch of town lot frontage has a cement sidewalk. The early fathers of the place lieliex'ed in tree planting, and now Franklin Grove is a grove indeed ; a A'critalile forest of elms and maples, hard and soft. Tn that respect, this village is most beautifully oi'uamented.

The schools here have a splendid reputation. Su}>erintendent Miller gives them great praise. Nine months schooling in tlie year is given. 'I'lie enrollment is ISO.

The salary account is $3,100 ]h'v annum, outside the janitor. Prof. H. G. Anderson is superintendent: ^liss Beryl Skinner is principal : Miss Ethel Holmgivn teaches tlie grannnar school : ^NLss Florence Wollensak. the intermediate; and ]\liss Frances Vanghan the primary. The directors are Fred H. Hansen, president ; ^M. V. Peterman, clerk; and F. B. Tvahmau.

Cliiistiau Gross. His relative, Heury W. Hillisuu, the tirst born Norwegian cliild, uwus over one thousand acres of the best hind in Lee county. He lives on his farm on Temperance Hill in the south end of the township. The Dysart brothers are very large landowners; Fred H. Hansen; Ira J. Trostle ; John Reinhart; Henry Reinhart; Marcus Wingert; Willis Riegie; Mrs. Jolm Miller; Luther F. Ramsdell; John Mong; John Buck; Earl Buck; Ira Buck; Oliver Buck; C. D. Hussey; Charles Weighbright; Milton Crawford; A. W. Crawford; Mrs. Carrie W. Crawford; JNIrs. August Petrie; Peter Brecimier; the David Miner estate and Thomas Gilbert are among the largest landholders in China township, and most of them live in Franklin Crrove. The conmuuiity is very wealthy.

The Dunkards here are '\erv numerous, and theirs is the largest church in the village, costing $7,000. Rev. Cyrus Suters is the clergyman. The M^. E. church cost $10,000. Rev. A. E. ITllrich is pa.stor. The Presbyterian cost $8,000. Rev. R. L. McWherter is the pastor. Tliere is also a German Lutheran church here. All the church buildiiigs are frame; l)ut architectui'ally speaking, they all are beautiful.

The camp-meeting and assembly gr(»unds here are features of great importance in chiu'ch life. The grounds contain fifteen acres. Thereon are forty or tifty cottages permanently l)uilt. Annually large munbers 1>ring their tents and families and make a sunmier outing here. To th(»se who do not care to take the trou])le, there is situated conveniently, a l)oarding hall with sleeping apartments above. The average attendance on Sundays at the campmeetings is 750. On liig Simdays as many as 10,000 people have been i)resent. The camp-meeting occupies July ; the Chautauqua, August. The assembly hall seats 2,000 comfortably. A. M. Newcomer of Mount Morris, is the superintendent; Andrew F. Dierdorff ; E. C. Page ; I. R. Titus ; Robert Adams ; Fred D. Stone ; A. B. Peterbaugh; N. G. YanZandt, are directors; A. E. Ullrich, see,y. and treas. J. M. Phelps is president, and TV. B. Bolde is vice president.

The grounds primarily were designed for camp-meeting i)urposes, and in earlier years, these meetings were attended by thousands of people. Noted preachers always have been present to preach, which in large measure carried the Chautauqua features.

Rev. A. M. Sclioonmaker was the founder of this successful institution. His faith was sublime. In 1883 he went ahead and built the buildings. He bought the ground and platted it into lots. It was an instant success. For twenty miles around the people flocked to the meetings. When the Chautauqua feature came west, these grounds so readily adapted themselves to its purposes, that after a seasonable period from the adjournment of the campmeetings, Franklin Grove was placed in the circuit and its annual features are of the very highest quality.

The Franklin Grove Bank enjoys a remarkable record. Since it was organized in 1889, the original officers ha^'e been I'eelected annually, excepting only the rare cases of death. I believe the only death has been that of Conrad Durkes. It is a very rich bank, with deposits above $300,000.

The business men are all sid^stantial men, and nearly every one has been engaged here a lifetime ; C. D. Hussey pei'haps the longest. His father was one of the A'ery earliest settlers of the township and Mr. Hussey lives on the old homestead to this very day, just on the edge of town. He is in the lumbei' and coal trade. M. V. Peterman is another lifelong merchant of the place. Dry goods exclusively are sold by him. L. A. Trottnow has one of the best grocer}'- stores in Lee comity. He is tremendously active in business life. He is interested in every movement that will improve the village. He is a powei-. The genial postmaster is James H. Lincoln. The Phenix Hotel is managed by Mrs. Lou Zooller. A. Kidlmer is proprietor of the Ijakery and restaurant. Frank D. Kelly has a large dry goods and hardware l>usiness; George Ives' drug store is one of the l:)est in the county. Ed L. Lott has the meat market; Frank Maronde, hardware; Phillips Bros., bai'bcrs; George Wcstfield, linrlier shop; H. N. Brattan, furniture and undertaking; Rol)ert Jacol)s, livery: A. ^feredith, ice cream and confectionery; H. W. Dysart is one of the big grain buyers of the county. He also sells seeds, flour and feed. The Fai-mers' elevator, run by E. A. Pegram. manager, is the other elevator, and also sells seeds and grain: coal too. lu the neighborhood of 600,000 liushels of gi'ain is marketed here ]ier annum. J. S. Tompkins has the paint, oil and wall jiaper store: G. AV. Ling.

feed sheds ; William Trottuow, shoe repairing ; Andrew Uierdorff , real estate and luaus; O. E. O. Orner, farm implements; Will Miller, harness; Liunie Bratton, "Home Restaurant"; John Maronde, shoes; Henry A. Uierdorff, plumbing and heating establishment; John Kelly, blacksmith; Henry Sunday, implements and blacksmithiug ; Charles Howard, cement blocks ; Frank Lager, jeweler; Charles Hunt, harness; H. C. Stultz, grocer; Fred Blocher has a remarkably tine clothing store; New^ Colonial Theatre, J. C. Cook, ijroprietor ; Glenn ^^'right, pool and billiards.

Societies and club life always have been features of this village. Franklin Grove Lodge 2264, A. F. & A. M., is very prosperous. So too Xathan Whitney C*hapter 129. Ofticers of tlie l;)lue lodge are : Charles Kelly, W. M. ; W. L. Moore, S. W. ; G. S. Ives, J. W.; G. D. Black, Treas. ; N. A. Whitney, Secretary; J. R. Dysart, Tyler. Of the Chapter : J. R. Dysart, H. P. ; N. K. Northrup, K. ; H. Reinhart, Scribe ; Dr. A. Grim, Treas. ; N. A. Whitney, Secy. ; G. Lookiugland, Sentinel. Of the O. E. S. : Mrs. Nellie Stewart, W. M. ; N. A. Whitney, W. P. ; Mrs. Katherine Cover, A. M. ; Mrs. Drucilla Banker, Conductress ; Mrs. jNlattie Ramsdell, Assoc. Conductress ; John W. Cover, Treas. ; Annis M. Roe, Secy. ; JNIrs. Carrie Rim, Ada; Miss Marjorie Grim, Ruth; Mrs. Zil})ah Peterman, Esther ; Mrs. Edna Trottnow^ Martha ; Mrs. Lilla Dysart, Electa ; Mrs. Grace Remley, Chaplain ; Mrs. Grace Stultz, Marshal ; Mrs. Vera Gross, Warden ; Fred C. Gross, Sentinel.

Knights of Pythias, Grove Lodge 504: Foster Mattern, C. C. ; Reinhart W. Smith, Y. C. ; Simon D. Remley, Prelate ; Grover Lott, M. of A. ; Robert W. Crawford, M. of W. ; John W. Cover, M. of F. ; Henry W. Sunday, M. of E. ; Robert Ramsdall, I. G. ; Amos Wilson. 0. G. ; George E. Schultz, K. of R. & S.

The clubs, the Clio, the Priscilla, and the Sorosis, are very active and influential. Of the Clio it may be said Chautau(|na work is its specialty. Mrs. Nellie Hansen is president ; Mrs. Jennie Sunday is vice president; Mrs. Maude Phillips, secretary: and Mrs. Grace Stiiltz is treasurer. The niembershi]i is limited to twentv-five and it is filled.

Of the Priscilla Embroidery Club, Mrs. Jennie Riegie is president; Mrs. Jennie ISuuday is vice president; and Mrs. Hannali Conlon, secy, and treas. The luembershiij is limited to thirty, and tilled.

Of the Sorosis Club, Mrs. Hannah Conlon is president; Mrs. Elizabeth Crawford is vice president and librarian ; and Miss Lulu Miller, secy, and treas. Study for 1913-1914: "Taming of the Shrew"; "All's Well That Ends Well"; "Comedy of Errors." Required reading : William Shakespeare ; a critical study. Limited membership : 20 active ; 20 associate. Sj^ecial days for Illinois and its laws ; current events ; American and other conntries.

Besides these, there are the M. W. A., the strongest order in the village, about 200 members ; the Stars of Equity ; and the Mystic Workers.

Mystic Workers of the World: Prefect, W. E. Trottnow; Monitor, Miss Mary Brown ; Secy., Mrs. Annis Roe ; Banker, S. A. Durkes ; Marshal, Mrs. Maud Phillips ; Warder, Miss L. M. Weitzel: Sentinel, N. A. Whitney; Supervisors, Mrs. Harriet Ainsworth, Mrs. Hamiah Conlon, Mrs. W. B. Holley. Membership 71.

The Nachusa House Chaptek Xxii

lu such a frontier outijost as was Dixon, iu its \'ery early years, the life of the settler might be said to have been more or less precarious, especially after the Indian war of 1832 and the threatened Winneljago outbreak of the year following. Dangers, how ever from Indians were less to be feared than dangers from the thieves and coimterfeiters and claim- junipers, who sought the new country as an asylimi, and foi' the jjurpose of i)lying their craft.

In each coimnunity associations were formed l)y settlers and these associations adopted constitutions and by-laws and amalgamated themselves with the associations of other communities so that at a moment's notice, if the local body found itself unable to cope with the offenders, others reinforced still others. It was a sort of endless chain.

Almost everything of local and general worth pertaining to Dixon, has been noticed, except i»erhaps the Bidl- Anderson claim jumi^ing incident. A poor settler in Si;blette township was holding down a claim. A neighbor named Anderson, who owed him a. grudge, came to Dixon and representing to one Bidl, who ):)ought claims once in a while, that he was the owner of the claim, sold it to Bull and the latter at once stepped over to the United States land office and paying the money, entered it in his name.

The moment the news reached Sublette precinct, the local association started to Amboy, where lai'ge reinforcements Joined, and together the mass of men Journeyed to Dixon to pay their respects to Bull, innocent of wrong as he was. Just south of Dixon the greater number of the committee tarried in tlie timber while a committee went into the old Western Hotel to got Bull. To represent Bidl in the proposed trial. IVfessrs. Badger and Blair were chosen and, when Bull was called, he very natur- ally was iudiguaiit. He was picked up and passed over the heads of the peojjle and thrown imceremonionslv into a wagon. At this time the committee poured out from the woods. The wagon had started for the jail t<> lodge Bull there for safety.

At that particular time the notorioxis Bridge, of Ogle county, was conlined, pending his trial. Constable N. G. H. Morrill when he saw the crowd, thought it had come over from Ogle to lynch Bridge, then in jail here, and he demanded that they release the })risoner to him. But Constable i\Iorrill was tossed aside unceremoniously. Bull at last was enabled to get a hearing and when Badger and Blair learned that he was a resi:»eetable man who at times Ijonght claims in a legitimate manner, he was acquitted and later the neighbor settled the account ])y giving to Bull his note for the money paid for the claim. But not all the defendants got off so easily. Many were ordered out of the C(»unt3' and not one instance is recorded of the man who failed to go when ordered. The claim jaraii^ers claimed that so long as title to the land was in the United States, there was no property in bare claims and so their sale was illegal and after the claimant had aliandoned the claim, it was anybody's pri\'ilege to take it up. The claim jumpers society held otherwise and subsequently the Legislature acknowledged property rights in claims and sundry laws were passed to protect the claimant in those rights.

But very few of those men actually lived in Dixon. Most of them were hold-claims and when this large class of men came to the ferry on business, it then was a very busy place.

During the Black Hawk war, a man, and army sntler, named Tilson, established himself in the Dixon cal)in as sutler and trader and in the winter of 1833-4, John K. Robison taught the Dixon and Kellogg and one or two <ithcr childi'en in one of its rooms.

When Mr. Dixon l:)onght the ferry from Ogee, this upright portion was all that was l)uilt. Inmiediately upon taking possession, Mr. J)ixon built a double calthi of rough logs close to it. Subsequently wdien he iinished the block house portion and made it habitable, he j()ined it to his double cabin by a connecting portion of split shakes.

The roof was built of shakes; the chinmeys were built of stone, partly on the outside of the house. A small lean-to was built on the north side, which latter was used for a kitchen.

By looking at the picture of it presented in this book, a small building ^nll be notice<l on the north side of the river. This was the fort built by Zachary Taylor and his regulars while encami^ed during the Black Hawk war. It was built for the purpose of i)rotecting the ferry during the war and he named it Fort Dixon. This building was rather longer than wide. Aromid it port holes were left through which to tire in case of attack.

Around all this, an embankment of earth was thrown al)out five feet high and covering a s(|uare of gr(tund aljout 500 feet. The fort stood about 350 feet north of the present north end of the bridge and about seventy-five feet to the westward.

Up until about the year 1843 the old fort still stood. The old Galena stage road ran to the westward along this south embankment and between it and the river. Then it turned at the southwest corner of the embankment and traversed a northwesterly course through Ogle and Carroll counties and on into Jo Da\iess county. To this very day, the old diagiioal road is used for a considerable distance through Cari'oll county between Milledgeville and Lanark and I have traveled it manv times.

This old log house, the tlrst to be erected iu Dixon, faced south, beiuy placed at a slight augle to the river aud directly across the old trail from Peoria, now Peoria avenue. It stood alxiut 200 feet from the river. The next house Ijuilt in Dixon st(Jod inunediately to the east of the corner now occupied by the CUty National Bank, on the spot on which the directors' rooms rest today. It was a log building, built by James P. Dixon, and was about sixteen feet square, with a small lean-to l)uilt against its east side. In this building the postoffice was ](»eated when iNlr. John Dixon was Ijostmaster. This house disappeared a))out the year 1855. Some have maintained that the old north side l)locl<; liouse stood until that year, but this is a mistake. In the yviw 1S;!(), our hrst regular merchants. Chapman lV: Hamilton opened their store in the bloek house part of the oi'iginal mansion and Father Dixon who had done a limited amount of trading and had continued to run the ferry, removed to bis claiiii, a few rods soutliwest of what now is the Chicago aud Northwestern passenger station.

In the autumn of 1836, the size of the place had increased by the appearance of the first frame house built by Jude W. Hanulton, the merchant just across the street from Mr. James P. Dixon's house. As a matter of fact, the little house had been erected in 1835. It was a little mite of a thing; not more than fifteen or eighteen feet across the front and perhaps twenty feet running backward to include the little kitchen built on its north side. Another house which in 1836 had l:)een built was the one built in 1835 by James Wilson for a blacksmith shop and which has been more particularly described iu that portion of this work apportioned to the courts held early iu the comity while we were a pai't of Ogle county. Another log building, afterwards covered with siding, was located on the southwest corner of River and Crawford streets. It was built by a Doctor Forrest, who was the original claimant of the subsequent Woodford farm up tlie river on the north side. Subsequently Smith Gilbraith lived in it and one of the old settlers made the statement that when he reached Dixon, he handed over all the money he possessed, $300, to Smith Gilbraith to keep for him, IxM-ause the house was the only one that had a cellar, and cellars those days wei'c considered im])regiiable. Later this house became a saloon named "The Hole in the Wall."

One Colonel Johnson ke])t boarders or private tavern in a log l)iii](ling built on the s(»utheast corner of Cah^ua avenue and River street where the Eli Baker buildiu"' stands todav.

At the same time the census showed the following residents of Dixon: James P. Dixon, Peter MeKeuney, Sanuiel Johnsou, Jude A>'. Hamilton, James B. Barr and Edwin W. Hine. These gentlemen had families here with them. The remainder of the census, umnarried were. Dr. Oliver Everett, Smith Gilbraitli, James Wilson, Dauiel B. Mclveuuey, who was a member of Peter McKeuney's family. On farms immediately contiguous there lived Stephen Fuller, "Oalel) Tallmadge, E. W. 'Cvell, John Dixon and George A. Marshall.

There was not merchandising enough in those days to make it profitable. Tavern keeping was the most lucrative business of the early days and that accounts for the seemingly large number of taverns which were t(i hv found in the very newest settlements, and for that matter, all along thr great thonmghfares like the Chicago road.

The first hotel l)uilt in Dixon was tlie Western, already mentioned. It was ojiened in tlie winter of 1836-7 hy Peter McKenney and Horace Thompson and that same old hostelry stands today, on Hennepin avenue, next south of Beier's ])akery. Sul)- sequently it became known as the Mansion House, the Revere House and half a dozen other names.

Over on what now is known as Adelheid Park, a townsite was platted called Burlingt<tu, and for a time it contained as many or more houses than Dixon. Stephen Fuller lived there when first he came to the country. In 1836 it still had three log houses, so that it will be seen that while the movement of ])eo])le to a common center was slow, townsite speculators were active and very wide awake for the future.

Two -^-ery important things ha^jpened in Dixon in the year 1834, for Dixon: the name of the postoffice was changed fi'oui Ogee's Ferry to Dixon's Ferrv and the Government sur^'eyed what then was called Dixon towuship.

But to return to the year 1836; the six families for a little while were reduced to four by the removal of two of them, (^aleb Tallmadge lived on the Peoria I'oad, a mile south of town. E. AV. Covell and George A. Martin lived on claims on the north side of the river, Joseph Crawford lived on his claim in the lieud of the river from the day he landed in Dixon in the year 1835. And. too. the year 1836 was the year Stephen Frdler was lining in Bur-

Considerable mystery has been allowed to accummulate aronnd the location of the old Pheuix House, which in the early day was built here. In the year 1837 the old Rock RiA'er House was built on River street, about tifty feet west of the soutlnvest corner of Galena avenue and River street. It was run first l)y Crowell and Wilson, then by George Holly and Isaac Robinson; afterwards in 1846 it was destroyed by fire.

About the year 1840 followed the famous old Dixon House, built on First street at the southeast corner of the alley between Galena and Hennepin avenues. This was built by Henry McKenney, father of Uriah McKenney of this city, and was run as the Dixon House until about the year 1855, possibly 1857, when it was moved around to the spot occupied at this time b}^ the E. J. Countrjrman store on the west side of Galena avenue. There it remained as a hotel, run under many names until it was torn dowm by the purchaser, I. B. Countryman, who Iniilt the present Countryman store there.

In the year 1837 the first dry goods store was opened by Samuel M. Bowman & Co., on the southwest corner of River and Galena. This firm continued in l)usiness there until the winter of 1^39-40 when Josei)h T. Little and S. G. D. Howard opened the second dry goods store in the l)uilding. Bowman, by the bye, made the first temperance speech in Polo which ever was delivered in this part of the country.

On River street, a Frenchman named Calmeze. kept a grocery store in 1838-9, from which he sokl candles of unusual length, and which, according to tradition, contained whiskey. This buildiiig was located east of the corner of Galena avenue and subsequently was occu])ied Ijy Elias Bovey as his lumber office, and has been referred to as The Hole in the Wall.

In 1837 the number of families in Dixon had increased to thirteen and Dixon considered lu'rself a verv likel.v place. In the yeai' 1843, when incorporation was desired, Dixon had fortyfour voters, every one of whom cast his vote in favor of incorporatif)!!. By the year 1845. the place had a popidation of 400.

The year 1840 Avas a great year for Dixon. Through the instnnnentality of Mr. Dixon, the land office was removed from Galena to Dixon. The removal was the sensation of the state. In 1838 Father Dixon liad been appointed Commissioner of Internal Imi^rovements, a great honor, and from his ai^point- nient lie was presumed to cany considerable weight iu llliuuis politics, but to secure the removal of the land office seemed incredible for a long time.

At that time Colonel John Dement was receiver of the land office, and with the removal to Dixon of his office he was compelled to come along. This year was an important one in securing Colonel Dement; just as imi)0i'tant a factor in tlie life of the town as the land office. Indeed, if the removal brought Dement here, it did a vast amount for Dixon. For lifty years the name of Colonel John Dement was most powerful. Active in politics always, he commanded a vast amount of influence, and that influence always was exerted first for the interests of Dixon before he permitted himself to consider his own interests.

At this point it may well be said that the name Dixonville, applied sometimes to this place, was so applied without any license whatsoever. The postoffice was named Dixon's Ferry, then Dixon. Many men of learning, notably United States Senator Young, addressed letters to Father Dixon at Dixonville, but the superscriptions always contained the real name of the postoffice. The name Dixon\nlle came to be used a little because certain map men, hearing the name, applied by rumor to the place, immediately placed it on their maps. I have the various maps which contained this name. Naturally, frequent reference to the maps gave the observer the false idea that this place was named Dixonville, bTit after a little while the map men learned their mistake and corrected it in all future maps.

Attracted by reports of the l^eauties of Rock River, a number of persons of cultivated tastes, of leisure, refinement and considerable property, closed out their holdings in the eastern states and migrated to Dixon. The munber included, too, others, who had been affected by the terrible panic of 1837. Among the number were the Grahams, the Charters, the Lawrences, the Roundys, the Zimmermanns, the Reardons, the Strongs, John Shillaber and many others. These people were all people of rare education. Some had considerable means and they surroiuided themselves with almost feudal establishments. All were lavish entertainers. Some had been army officers, some had been sea captains. Proliably the best known was Governor Alexander Charters, a rare old Irish gentleman, originally from County Antrim, Ireland.

In 18-iO the population of Lee county was 2,035. Dixon precinct had 725; 125 persons in the latter were farmers, 17 iu merchandising, 55 iu manufacturing, sawmills principally; 12 Ijrofessioual men and one school with 30 pupils.

In 1845 the i:)opulation of Lee had increased to 3,282. Dixon had six lawyers, four churc-h societies, one church building, one select aud one district school Avitli roml^ined attendance of sixty pupils. There were 149 school children under twenty years old; three physicians, live dry goods and three grocery stores, four blacksmith shops, three wagon shops, three tailors, two shoemakers, one painter, two cabinet makers, two saddle and harness shops, one bakery, two hotels, one the old Western, kei)t by Aaron L. Porter, and the Pheuix, on River street. There also was a young men's lyceum. The population of Dixon was 400. In 1846 the first big fire swe})t away the store of Stiles and Eddy, on the southwest corner of Clalena and River streets, and the Phenix Hotel, just a little to the west, were l)urued.

In the autumn of 1846 Dixon's first brick block was built iu Dixon ; two stores of two stories and attic were built on the north side of Eirst street, where today it stands adjoining the LTnion block on the Avest. James and Horace Benjamin built the west one and A. T. Murphy the east one.

In the attic of the Murphy building the first Odd Eellows' lodge was organized and its meetings were held there for a long while. Until stairs were Ituilt later, a ladder was used to reach the I'ooms.

The first corporation to be organized in IjCc county was "The Dixon Hotel Company" iu 1837. The names of the incorporators will he found iu the fcJlowmg letter from Secretary of State Woods; its objects as well:

Sec. 1. Be it enacted by the pe()i)le of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembl.y, That John Atchison, James Evans, Charles S. Boyd, Wm. C. Bostick, Charles Cliapman, John Dixon, Smith (Jilljraith, James P. Dixon, L. S. I Lift, Johu Brown, and Samuel Jdlmson. their associates and successors, be and they arc h('rel)y constituted a l)ody p()litic and corporate, under the name of the "Dixon Hotel Company," to be located in the town of Dixon, Ogle county; and l)y that name shall ha\c jiowcr to contract and hr contracted with, and may sue and he sued, plead and l>c iiuidcadcd, answci' and lie answered unto, iu all courts having competent jurisdiction, and shall be vested with all the pttwers and privileges necessary to the object of their incorporation, as are hereinafter defined and limited.

Sec. 2. The said company shall have power and be capable of holding, purchasing, improving, selling, and conveying any estate, real or personal, for the use of said corporation; second, to improve or erect buildiiigs on the same; third, to rent, lease, or occupy any or all such lands belonging to said company for a term not exceeding the limits of this charter ; Provided, That the real estate, owned by said company, shall not exceed one quarter section of land, except such as may be held as collateral secin-ity for debts due said company, or may become the property thereof by virtue of such indebtedness.

Nearly all the names are familiar to Dixon peojile. T cannot see where this corporation had any lawful right to issue money, yet it will be seen that Nicholas Biddle of the famous ITnited States Bank received money in bits from it. An illustration of one of the pieces which came into the editor's possession is reproduced in this book.

And while eugaged iu ijieking odds and ends, it may be well to introduce, at this point, a list of all of Dixon's postmasters. No correct list ever before has ]:)een presented:

In August, 1849, manufacturing interests were reaching out and we find a i)etition made to the county connnissioners' conrt asking for a jury to settle on damages to lands upstream to result from the proj)osed building of a dam across Eock river. This was the first pi-oposal to harness the I'iver. In the fall of 1846 and winter of '47 a tall bridge was built across Rock river on Ottawa street. The March 20th freshet of 1847 took out the north half. During the suimner Lorenzo Wood and Luther I. Towner contracted for $2,000 to rebuild the bridge two feet higher than before; and tlie,y did. The directors of this Rock River Bridge and Dam Company were John Dement, Oliver Everett, John Dixon, Michael Fellows, Otis A. Eddy, J. B. Brooks, James P. Dixon and Horace Preston. In the spring of 1849 the ice took out the south half of the bridge. Once more the bridge was rebuilt and in 1855 it was taken out again by the ice. Immediately another was proposed and it was built by Contractoi- Zachariah Luckey on Galena street. In 1857 the two north spans of the lu'idge went out and in 1867 more damage was done by ice. Mai-cli 7, 1868, the entire bridge was taken out by ice and the two south si)ans of the Illinois Central Railroad bridge were swept away by ice. A temporary frame bridge was built an(', Jan. 21, 1859, the beautiful Truesdell iidu ))ridge was dedicated. On Sunday forenoon at just about tlie hour the churches had been closed after morning service, tliere occurred in Dixon a most fearful tragedy. While loaded with ])eo])le witnessing a iniblic baptism in th(> river, on its noi'th l)ank and to the wi'st of the lu-idge, this Truesdell bridge col]a])se(l and killed outright Miss Katie Sterling, Miss Melissa Wilhelm. INIiss Alnruaret O'Brien,

On July 27, 1848, Dixon Lodge, I. O. O. F., was organized in the attic of the Murphy building, and it is one of the many ]jrosperous lodges in the city. I have thought many times that Dixon was "lodged" to death. The Elks, however, seem to bo so strongly intrenched in the affections of the members that no rivalry can reduce its membership, now nearly 500. A club house costing $35,000 has been built of brick on the old Doctor Everett lot, the northeast corner of Second street and Ottawa avenne.

When the year 1850 is reached, we find the population of Lee couuty to have increased to 5,289. On Feb. 19, 1849, the Legislature had provided us with a township organization law and in 1850 Paw Paw or Wyoming, Brooklyn, Harmon, Lee Center, Bradford, Fremont (now China), Amboy, Hamilton. Dixon and Palmyra had been organized.

On May 1, 1851, The" Dixon Telegraph and Lee County Herald, the first printed paper in Lee county, appeared. Charles R. Fisk was the publisher, Benjamin F. Shaw was tlic editor and James C. Mead, Henry K. Strong and John Mo(U-e were compositors. Off and on f(»r varying periods, Mr. Shaw was with the paper until his death, and the same Telegraph, nndci' the ownership and management of Mrs. E. E. Shaw and the editorship of George Shaw, a grandson, is issued today, daily and semi-weekly. A great many papers have come and gone sincc^ that far away date ; suffice it to say, we have today The Telegraph,

The Daily News, both I'epubliean ; The Weekly Citizen, democratic ; aud but lately, The Daily Leader, a progressiA'e paper, has acquired a plant and very soon will issue a daily.

During tliis period lots in Dixon were selling at fabulous figures. A hrst-class boom was doing its work. A telegra})!! office had been establislied and I'eal railroads were promised. Tn 1859 a city charter was adopted.

On Jan. 10, 1S3G, the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Company was incorporated. To secure money the first meeting was held in Rockford Xov. 28, 1845. Then it was the design to run from Chicago to (ialena. In September, 1847, the engineers were put to work, and the eastern part of the new road was run along the Chicago and Dixon road to the Des Plaines. Strap rails were used between Elgin and Chicago. December 15, 1848, the road was finished to the Des Plaines, ten miles.

The Pioneer had been purchased March 5, 1849. On Sept. 1, 1853, forty-five miles of the Dixon & Iowa Central had been built. On Dee. 4, 1854, the Dixon Air Line had been built into Dixon, sixty-eight miles from Tui'uer .Tiniction. At api^roximately the same time the Illinois Central was h\\\\t into Dixon. In 1880 this road forwarded 3,668 cai's and received 1,208. Its ticket sales were $33,170.10. For the year just past over $100,000 were collected here foi' passenger tickets and oxor $400,000 for freight charges; the best record on the road. The freight collections show in the year an increase of $100,000 for the year.

It would be insufferably tedious to go back and insert tlie many little items which showed onr efforts to build up manufacturing plants. Col. John Dement, one of the most enterprising men Dixon ever had, began in the early '50s tlie manufacture of ])lows. He also joined Moses Jerome in the manufacture of flax bagging and until Congress removed the tariff on jute hundreds of boys and girls were given ('mplo;\anent l)y the flax mills. Maj. O. J. Downing was the pioneer in flax bagging, entering a partnershi]> with Jerome as Jerome &: Downing: then the firm became Jerome & Dement and then John Dement. FTenry D. Dement aud Jacob S]uelman opened another ou the uortli si<le of tlie race. ^Voud Brothers operated for a long- time a \V(Mileu mi]] and then a flouring mill. The mills <»f Beelcer & Underwood turned out flour that sold from coast to coast, ])ut an explosion put them out of Jjusiness two or three times, the last time forever. William Uhl was an old-time miller, too.

Now we have no flouring mills, Init over on the north side, in Swissville, we have the greatest milk factory in the world, owned by the Bordeus. This splendid plant was Iniilt by George H. Page in 1888 for the Auglo-Swiss condensed milk factory. He Iniilt the best plant in the world then, fully expecting to return to his boyhood home to spend the rest of his life; liut pneumonia took him oft' and later when the two l3ig companies made their trades of certain interests, this plant went to the Bordeus. Condensed milk and candy are made here for the general trade. Ralph W. Clnirch is superintendent. Two hundred and flfty people are employed here. The milk of 5,500 cows is consumed every day and the amount of mone.v paid out approximately in Dixon every year is $400,000. Thirty thousand tin boxes are used to box this product. From three to four million pounds of caramels are shipped annually. The Central Machine Shops here make all the machinery for all other plants and the Central (^an Shops make all the cans for the other shops.

The cement plant occupies the ])iggest place in oui' aff'aii's. W. E. Wuerth is the superintendent and there is not a single ingi'edient or a single cog-wheel needed in the manufactui'e of his product l)ut he knows all alxnit it the instant his attention is called to the same. It is reported that he is the best cement man in the world, and in all his vast plant, if called upon to g(^ in the dark to repair a lu'eak, he can do it. The name of this concern is the Sandusky Portland Cement Co. (of Sandusky, Ohio). I Ijelieve the ^ledusa bi'and is the specialty of this plant. About 300 men are ke^jt working here all the time. The i)lant runs twenty-four hoiirs per day and 365 days in the year. During the past year 1.730 cars of coal were Inirned, which will approximate 86,000 tons. Four thousand nine hundred and forty cars of products were shipped last year to Iowa, Dakota, Wisconsin and Minnesota. But most of it goes to Illinois. To give an idea of the enormous business which this great concei'u does, let me state that it paid our two railroads last year the enormous sum of $89,000 for freight on coal alone. The total coal bill was $165,000. The annual pay roll is $310,000. In 1906 the company started to build. In the fall of 1907 it started it'^ furnaces. Fur the large tract of land owned by the company $300 per acre was paid. It lies along the east bank of Rock river and only a few days ago F'uller's Cave, known far and wide, was blasted. To load the stone upon trains, live steam shovels, monsters, are used and five locomotives are used to pull those trains ; - all outside work.

The buildings occupy at least 1,000 feet square of ground. They are the most modern in the world. During the year past the company increased its capacity 25 per cent and its output more. Another vast expenditure is for plaster. Over 5,000 tons per year are used at a cost of $13,000. It is a beautiful sight at night, when the dozen or more stacks are spouting fire. Asked if the company had enough rock in sight to feed such vast appetites, Mr. Wuerth gave the assurance, "for five hundred years."

The old Grand Detour Plow Company, organized in 1837, is one of the reliable institutions of Dixon. Col. W. B. Brinton,. the ijresident, runs sununer and winter and during many of the years of drought that plow company was the only thing in Dixon besides the milk and cement plants that gave any emplo}anent to labor.

Four years ago Dixon began to mend. Something like a dozen beautiful brick buildings were erected. The present year the Dixon National Bank is finishing its beautiful five-story pressed brick building. In March they expect to occupy it.

The greatest prize that ever came to Dixon, however, was the location recently of th(> State Colony for Epileptics, which the Board of Administration located on the north side of Rock river, beginning with the F. E. Stevens ti'act ujistream and coming down to include the A. C. Warnei- tract. The first expenditure is to be $1,500,000. For this piece of rare good fortiuie we may thank our present mayor, Col. W. B. Brinton. On Thursday night, February 19, 1914, a banquet was tendered hiui in the Elks club by over five hundred citizens and friends. The beautiful homes of Dixon have been sung in story ever since 1837, when William Cullen Bryant came over to visit Gov. Charters. S]iace cannot be spared to enumerate them. But the beauty spot of all b(>autiful Roek river was the river fi'ont tract just obtained by the State and how fortunate it is that the poor sufferers may enjoy the l)righest charms nature ever 2,'ave t<~i man.

The Churches

The history of the progress of the Lee county religious bodies is interesting. The earliest settlers of the county held strong religious convictions and it needed l)ut the presence of the church and the pulpit to attract tliem to church services, many times at tremendous sacrifices. Ministers of the Gospel in the early day received ahnost nothing for their services, yet it was expected of them to support themselves and the family.

When Peter Cartwright received fifty dollars for his second year's stated salary, he remarked that he considered he had made quite a rise in the world. If percentages were used to form an infallible judginent on the question of salary raises, then Mr. Cartwright got au enormous raise, one hundred i:)er cent. But when considered from fact instead of figure, he only received a raise of $25, as $25 was his first year's emolmnent for the first year of Illinois service.

The early preachers came and went; they were on the move all the time. lu fair and in fold weather, it w^as all the same; they traveled the circuit, sometimes on foot, sometimes ou horseback. Sometimes they had food and shelter and more times they had not, yet in the face of hardships almost unendurable those pioneer men of God pushed forward with an enthusiasm almost inconceivable at this distance.

Sometimes exposure prostrated them wath long sicknesses and instances like the one noticed in Lee Center are remembered where death cruelly snatched them away, in a strange land, far from friends and family; so very far that it was found impossible to secure the presence of relatives at the funeral. Hardship l)ut increased the fervor of those men. At first it was the cust<im for two or more communities to group themselves together, as for instance the first religious services for Dixon were held at Buffalo Grove by residents of Dixon's Ferry and Buffalo Grove. By resolution adopted at the first meeting, held in Buffalo Grove May 28, 1838, the name of this first church was named "The Regular Baptist Church of Dixon and Buffalo Grove."

At that meeting, Elder Thomas Powell Avas chosen moderator and Howland H. Bicknell was chosen clerk pro tern. Those who formed themselves into that chnrch society were Rebecca Dixiin, Sarah Kellogg, Elizabeth Bellows, Martha Parks, Jerusha Hammond, Ann Carley and H. H. Bicknell. Sixteen articles of faith were submitted and adopted and Mv. Bicknell was ajopointed clerk of the church. Rev. Thomas Powell preached for the chui'ch, holding meetings in Dixon and Buffalo Grove imtil ]May,

1840, and during that time he liaittized about fifty members. On June 28, 1840, Barton B. Carpenter was appointed clerk, caused by removal of Bicknell, and on the same day he was presented to the elnirch by a council consisting of Eldei'S Powell of Vermillionville, Headly of Greenfield and B. Carpenter of Lyndon, and Brethren Andrew Moft'att of Greenfield, Zenas Aplington of Buffalo Grove, John W. Dixon and Elizabeth Dixon, both of Dixon, for ordination. He was examined, approved and ordained, and I'equested to serve the church as pastor, commencing his lal^m-s from the first of May. He served this congregation until its separation into two distinct bodies, Dixon and Bi^ffalo Grove, by nnitual consent on April 16, 1842. On the separation, Mr. Carl)enter continued to serve the Dixon church as pastor. By 1841, Dixon having gained on Buffalo Grove very rapidly, on Jan. 13,

1841, the Dixon church had become known as the "First Baptist Church of Dixon." The last surviving member of the original chm'ch was Mrs. Martha Parks of Palmyra to"nmship, who died Sept. 2, 1898.

Early pastors occupying the pul])it have been, first of course, Mr. Carpenter, June, 1840, to October, 1844; Barton Carpenter, from Deceml^er, 1844, to March, 1845 ; William Gates occupied the jmlpit occasionally and William Walker about four months between March, 1844, and A]iril, 1847, when E. T. Planning became pastor for a year; S. S. Martin liecame pastor in 1849 for a year; G. W. Benton supplied the pulpit for about six months lietween Martin's pastorate and Au,gust, 1851, when John E. Ball became pastor for about foui' years; Anson Tucker took charge in INIay.

1856, and served over four years; William G. Pratt followed in March. 1861, for a year; W. S. Goodnow followed in September, 1862, for two years; J. H. Pratt Ix'came pastor in October, 1S64,

The lirst record of a Baptist ehureli I)uildiug is .May 5, 1849: "The Baptist Meeting House was this day dedicated to Almighty God; sermon bv Rev. Jacob Kuall, of Rock ford."

This building stood on the west side of Ottawa avenue, facing east, between F^irst street aud the alley luniung through the block. It was used by the Baptists until 187U, when the new and present structure on Second street was built aud dedicated.

In the summer of 1845 a correspondent, wiiting for a Rockford paper, made the statement that at that time there were four congregations in Dixon, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal and (_'ongregatioual, and one church structure, that of the ^lethodists. In the summer of 1843 this first Methodist chur('h l)uilding was dedicated by Rev. John T. Mitchell, presiding elder. Its cost was $4,000 and the lioard of trustees were O. F. Ayres, J. P. Dixon, C. Edson, L. 0. Wynkoo]). Thomas MeCabe, J. Brierton and Samuel J\I. Bowman.

The building is standing to this day upon its original site on Second street between Galena and Ottawa avenues, and is occupied as the residence of Dr. ]\larian White.

For many years after the Methodists had mo\ed to their second church building on Peoria avenue, the old first church building was used as the high and grammai' schools, the high school above and the grammar school in the basement.

Soon after the dedication of this ]Methodist church in 1843, a Union Sunday school was organized in the church, July 15, 1843, which had a memliership of eight teachers and sixty scholars. A library of ninety volumes was collected. Of this Sunday school O. F. Ayres was superintendent, Thaddeus D. Boardman was secretary and J. W. Clute w^as librarian.

The original cost of the second church was $15,000. AVheu finished in 1857 it was dedicated by Bishop Bowman. In 1870. '71 and '76 unprovemeuts were made costing $2,700.

Among the old-time elerg\^nen have been in the order named, Robert Dunlap, Barton Cartwright, Isaac Pool, Riley Hill, Euke Hitchcock, Richard Blanchard and Philo Judson. In 1842. Aug. 3d, Melugin's Grove and Inlet were added to the Dixon circuit, which already embraced Washington Grove, Light House Point, Jeii'erson drove, Daysville and Paine 's Point. Pliilo Judson and W. H. Cooley were appointed circuit riders. Then came W. Wilcox, David Brooks, S. P. Keys, Milton Haney, R. W. H. Brent, R. P. Lawton, William Palmer, Thomas North, James Baume, J. W. Agard, Wilbur McKaig, N. P. Heath, L. A. Sanford, S. G. Lathrop, O. B. Thayer, W. H. Smith, G. L. S. Stubb, T. C Clenniug, George E. Strowl)ridge, J. H. Brown, John Williamson, Isaac Liuebarger, G. R. Van Home and A. W. Patton. Rev. F. D. Stone is the present pastor.

A Unitarian church or society was organized in 1850. In 1855 through the efforts of Jndge John V. Eiistace, Dr. Oliver Everett, George L. Heriick and the pastor. Rev. Kelse)^ built a handsome frame building in 1855. The congregation did not grow and very soon tlie building was torn down.

On Sept. 29, 1854, the ( Vmgregationalists organized a church society in Exchange Hall. There were the following members: Mr. and Mrs. S. K. Uphani, G. W. Bartlett, B. J. Bartlett, Noah Brooks, (Jeorge D. Cox, ]\fr. and INIrs. Benjamin Gilman and Mr. and Mrs. ^V. AV. ^'urtis. Rev. S. D. Peet was the tirst minister and remained uriil April, 1855. Others who served were D. Temple and H. Hesley. B. D. Gay, S. K. ITpham and Benjamin Gilman were deacons. The congregation worshiped in Exchange Hall until 185G, when they removed to a brick church abandoned by the Methodists when the latter occupied thei]- new church building. The Congregational Society did not sui'vive long, disbanding in 1858, when most of its members joined the Presbyterian church.

In the year 1854 the Catholic church was organized in Dixon by Father Mai'k Antony, with about t\\'enty-five members. Foi' the first few months church services were held in the courthouse, but later in the same year in the first church, a frame building, still standing on Fifth street. The pastors in this church, beginning with Father Antony, have been Fathers Fitzgerald, Tierncy, Ford, Dr. Lightner, Kennedy, IMcDermott, Thomas P. Hodnott. Rev. Michael Foley is the present priest and Father Donohue is the assistant.

From the cougregatiun of twenty-tive of the year ISoi, St. Patrick's cliureh, Dixou, under the spiritual guidance of T'ather Michael Foley, has grown to be by far the largest congregation in Lee county.

This new building, built on vSeveuth street on a lot donated by John Reill}', cost over thirt}' thousand dollars. The bell, weighing 2,500 23ounds, cost .^900.

St. Paul's Lutheran church of Dixon was organized August 20, ISiS. Rev. J. H. Burket was the first pastor and the lirst meeting was held in his barn in Dixon township. The following is the roll of pastors and their term of ser\T.ce to date:

The second church was erected ou present location in 1868 under Pastor Rev. A. A. Trimix'r, and dedicated in Jamiary, 1869. The cost of the building was about fifteen thousand dollars.

The present parsonage was erected in 1876, during the ministry of Rev. S. S. Waltz, D. D. Improvements were made to the church building in 1898 undei- the direction of Rev. T. F. Dornblaser, D. D., pastor. The semi-centennial jul^ilee was held December 16-19, 1898. The Sixteenth Biennial Convention of tlie Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the General Synod in the United States was held in the church Mav 25- 28, 1909.

The present confirmed membership is 635. - The enrollment of the Sunday school the past 3^ear (1913) including Home Department and Cradle Roll was 580. Total contributions of the church for all objects during the year over four thousand seven hundred dollars. The business affairs of the congregation are administered by a church council of ten men elected hy the membership.

beautiful of all our scenic si^ots.Tliis they converted into a Chautauqua or assembly grounds which Dr. Altman has told about herewith. I have included it with our church life.

Rock River Assembly

This institution had its beginning' in the summer of 1887 at an annual picnic of Lutherans at Hazel wood, about three miles northeast of Dixon. Rev. J. M. Ruthrauff, at that time pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran C'hurch of Dixon, may properly be termed the father of the movement wdiich has developed into the present annual Rock River Assenil)ly.

^yith the cooperation of others on this territory a stock company was formed. Capital stock of $10,000 was subscribed in shares of $25.00 each, and in 1890 a charter was secured from the state. Later the capital stock was increased to $20,000. Threefourths of the shares must Ix^ held ])y members of, or persons afdliating with the Lutheran (Uiurch. The management of the association is vested in a board of nine directors elected by the stockholders at the annual meeting. The object of the Assembly corporation is to maintain and conduct annually on the premises of the assembly a (^'hautauqua, consisting more particularly of lectures, concerts, Bible conferences, round tables, religious services, and such other entertainments and exercises for the mental, moral and spiritual iml)ro^-ement of the conmumity, also to afford prt)per recreation and other advantages for its people. It is not for financial profit. Its officers and board of directors serve without compensation, and any excess of receipts al>ove exl^enses is used in making imi)rovenients u])on the grounds and keei)ing u]) tlie standard of the talent employed.

A beautiful tract of land containing about forty acres was secured. The location is along the north l)ank of Rock river adjoining the city of Dixon on the east. Here the river banks are high and extend in a great retiring curve for half a mile. For camping pur])oses the grounds are ideal. Nature has done its best in furnishing an attractive and restful |)lace. The singing of liirds lends enchantment to the scene, while families of squirrels frolic fearlessly about the walks and drives and upon the branches oA^erhead.

ill the iiuiiiber of interesting and essential features presented. Some of tlie most famoiis lecturers and singers and characters of America and other lauds across the sea have appeared on the assembly platform. The aim of the management has been to bring within the vision and hearing of the people of this part of the state, the best talent along dift'ereut lines that could be procured within reasoiuihle limitations.