Whiteside County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 7 of those read), 1877 (part 2 of 2)

Churches and Other Organizations. Preshyterian Church: - The history of this church involves that of the old and new School Presbyterian churches from which it was formed. The history of the new school branch is blended with that of the Congregational church under three successive titles, from which it sprang. On the 21st of December, 1839, Rev. John H. Prentiss, of Fulton, formed an organization at the residence of Henry Ustick a few miles east of Fulton, called the "First Congregational Church of Union Grove," several of the members of which were residents of Fulton. The total membership was eleven. Their names were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ustick, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Town, Elijah Town, Miss Eliza Town, Mrs. Eliza Prentiss, Mrs. C. A. Adams, Henry F. Rice, and Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Daniel Reed. The First Congregational Church of Fulton and Lyons was organized at the residence of John Baker, in Fulton, on the 13th of December, 1845. Rev. C. Emerson had charge of the church for several years, the services being held alternately in Fulton and Lyons. On the 22d of July, 1854, at the stone building used successively as a school house, town hall, and a place for the confinement of prisoners, the Rev. J. J. Hill formed an organization of persons residing in Fulton, called the First Congregational Church of Fulton. The membership numbered eight, to-wit: Mr. and Mrs. Dr. Daniel Reed, Mr. and Mrs. Gr. H. Rice, Mr. and Mrs. Bradstreet Robinson, Mrs. E. Sayre, Mrs. C. Woodward, and Mrs. L. Bassett. Rev. S. N. Grout succeeded Rev. Mr. Hill in charge of the church, and during his pastorate the services were held in Reed's Hall, over Grinnold & Meeker's store. The first Sunday School of this church was organized there in 1855, John Bally acting as Superintendent for five years. In 1856 Rev. Josiah Leonard became pastor of the church, and continued in this relation twelve years. A church edifice was erected during the first year of Mr. Leonard's ministry, which was dedicated on the 20th of June, 1857. The edifice cost about $6,000. On the 26th of June, 1862, a change in the organization was effected, and it was from that time known as the Second Presbyterian Church of Fulton. Messrs. W. P. Culbertson, C. P. Pease, Payson Trask, E. P. Welles, and J. L. Montgomery served as Ruling Elders during the existence of this church. The First Presbyterian Church of Fulton was organized in 1856 by Rev. W. C. Mason, in Brown's Hall, located over the present site of Mr. Peter Kitchen's store. The membership was thirteen, towit: Mr. and Mrs. David Miller, George Mackay, Mrs. M. McCoy, Mrs. B. Exley, Mrs. J. Esterbrook, Mrs. L. Curtiss, Miss S. Vance, Misses Maggie and Sarah Brown, Mrs. E. Sayre, and Mr. Sanford. The erection of a church edifice was commenced by this congregation in 1856, but it was not completed and dedicated until 1864. The cost of the edifice was about $16,000. In 1861, Rev. J. B. McClure became pastor of the church, and continued in this relation until the fall of 1865. In the spring of 1866, Rev. Albert Keigwin became pastor, and remained until the union of the First and Second Presbyterian churches which occurred in March, 1868. George Mackay, David Miller, and William Porter, served as Ruling Elders of this church during its history. At the time of the union of the First and Second Presbyterian churches. Revs. Messrs. Keigwin and Leonard resigned their respective charges, and assisted in the organization of a new church called the Presbyterian Church of Fulton City. Its membership numbered 64. In June, 1868, Rev. Henry Keigwin became pastor of this church, and continued in that relation until June, 1872. In October, 1873, Rev. D. E. Wells became pastor, and has remained from that time until the present. Messrs. Payson Trask, David Miller, Samuel Montgomery, W. P. Culbertson, E. P. Welles, J. Martin Fay, and A. A. Wheeler have served at different periods of the history of the church, as Ruling Elders. The original trustees of the church were Messrs. Payson Trask, E. P. Welles, B. Robinson David Miller, and C. B. Mercereau. These gentlemen together with Rev. Wm. Gay, Dr. D. Reed, Charles N. Wheeler, Almon A. Wheeler, J. M. Fay, Orrin Cowles, W. P. Culbertson, and Dr. John Eddy, were the incorporators. Previous to the current year, Messrs. C. N. Wheeler, John Hudson, B. W. Brown C. A. Winslow, and Dr. Leander Smith have served as Trustees, besides those already named. In June, 1868, the congregation voted to occupy the edifice formerly owned by the First Presbyterian church, the other church edifice having been sold to the Methodist church of Fulton. Improvements were added to the edifice between the years 1868 and 1873, amounting to $3,200, including a large bell, bell tower and spire. The latter to the height of ninety feet abcfve the belfry was blown off in a tornado in September, 1874, the top part of which struck the residence of Mr. George Terwilliger, adjoining, causing great damage. Fortunately no one was injured. The present membership of this church is 160. Probably 200 members have been removed from the membership of these several churches by death, change of residence, and other causes. The membership of the Sunday School is 225. The most powerful revivals in the history of this church occurred in the years 1869 and 1876. As the result of the former 86 were added to the church, and of the latter 64. The early history of the churches here sketched, was attended with great sacrifices, hardships and trials, especially in connection with the erection of the church buildings. These churches' have contributed so largely to the welfare of the society in Fulton and its vicinity, that they, and the pastors who have ministered to them, are entitled to be held in grateful remembrance.

Methodist Episcopal Church : - Fulton was setoff a circuit by itself in 1856, Rev. M. Hanna in charge. The first mention of Fulton as a preaching place we find in the year 1844, although local and occasionally circuit preachers had been here before that time and held services. Previous to 1856 Fulton had been included in Savanna, Union Grove, and Albany circuits respectively. From 1842 to 1852 Union Grove circuit included all the appointments in the county. Since the organization of the Fulton circuit the following have been the preachers : 1856, Rev. M. Hanna; 1857, Rev. H. C. Blackwell; 1858 and '59, Rev. B. Close; 1860 and '61, Rev. W. H. Smith; 1862 and '63, Rev. M. H. Plumb; 1864, Revs. E. Brown and A. H. Schoonmaker; 1865, Rev. John Frost; 1866, Rev. J. G. Cross; 1867 and '68, Rev. B. Close; 1869 and '70, Rev. C. R. Ford; 1871 and '72, Rev. G. W. Carr; 1873, Rev. C. Brookins; 1874, Rev. A. C. Frick; 1875-'76 and "77, Rev. J. S. David. Among the first official members of the church were Wm. B. McGovern, Leander and James Russell, Isaac Lathrop, Gilbert Booth and S. P. Parker. In the first organization the names of Mrs. McCoy, and of her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Russell, appear. On the 4th of May, 1869, the following Trustees on the part of the church, viz : Thomas J. Burch, Cornelius Springer, Warren P. Hall, Abner Ustick, Charles A. Griffin, Socrates C. Bates, Simon Stevenson, and William M. Herrold, sold the edifice in which the society had been worshipping for some time, to William Y. Wetzell, the church in the meantime having purchased the one in which they now worship from the Second Presbyterian Society. A Sabbath School was early organized by this church, and has continued in effective force under the management of its different Superintendents, up to the present time. The membership of the church is good, several having been added during the past year. The first Sabbath School Library for Fulton was purchased for this church in the spring of 1855 by Mr. Robert B. Myers, and brought from Chicago by him at his own expense.

The Baptist Church : - The Baptist Church of Fulton was organized at the old stone school house, now city calaboose, on the 28th of July, 1855, the following named persons being recognized as members, viz : Rev. A. H. Starkweather, Mrs. A. B. Starkweather, Alfred McFadden, John Peterson, and Mrs. Matilda Meeker, all of whom presented letters from other churches. Immediately after the organization the following persons were received as members by vote of the church, on relation of their experience and faith according to the custom of the church in such cases : James F. Booth, Mrs. Maria Booth, and Mrs. E. K. Webb, making nine constituent members. Rev. A. H. Starkweather was called to the pastoral charge of the church, which relation he sustained until June 5, 1858, when he resigned. The church immediately commenced regular Sabbath services in Reed's Hall. A Sabbath School was also organized which is still continued. The building of an edifice was commenced very soon after the church organization, and the basement wall of stone, 36 by 70 feet, finished in the following autumn. During the first nine months the church increased its membership to twenty-three by the addition of the following persons by letter and baptism : John TenKyck, D. W. Thomson, Mrs. Mary S. Thomson, Mrs. Charlotte Godfrey, Dr. John Eddy, Mrs. Mary Eddy, Mary J. Hubler, Mrs. Sarah E. Lorn, Mrs. Priscilla Johnson, Jason Bennett, Mrs. Abigail Bennett, Mrs. Mary A. Booth, Mrs. Rachel Davis, John Smith, and Lucy J. Duncan. On the 30th of April, 1856, a council of ministers and churches was called, and met in Dement Hall, now College Hall, when the church was duly recognized and took its place as a part of the Dixon Association. These ceremonies concluded, the church elected JamesF. Booth, Deacon; A. McFadden, clerk, and James F. Booth, A. McFadden and A. W. Ives, Trustees. During the following summer the house of worship was so far advanced as to make the basement available for use, and was dedicated to the worship of God in the autumn of 1856. The main part of the church is of brick, and in dimension 36 by 70 feet. It was erected largely by means of borrowed capital. On the 25th of May, 1857, the church, having suffered some distraction by reason of the ill timed labor of an evangelist named S. D. Symmons, concluded to reorganize, and change the name from The Fulton Baptist Church to that of The First Baptist Church and Society of the City of Fulton. The Trustees elected on the part of the church were D. W. Thomson, Gifford J. Booth and Dr. John Eddy, and on the part of the Society, Dr. Leander Smith and Wm. D. Meeker. Dr. John Eddy was also elected Clerk, and G. J. Booth, Deacon, in place of Jas. F. Booth resigned. The church being burdened with a heavy debt brought upon it by reason of building the edifice, decided to call Rev. A. A. Sawin to the pastoral charge, and also to employ him as financial agent to procure funds for liquidating the debt, and completing the building. His labors commenced in the summer of 1858, and were crowned with such abundant success that the debt was entirely paid, and the house finished in its present plain but substantial manner. The building cost six thousand dollars, and was finally and fully dedicated on the 30th of March, 1860, the Rev. Dr. Evarts of Chicago, assisting the pastor and other ministering brethren in the dedicatory services. Soon after the dedication Rev. Mr. Sawin resigned his charge and entered upon other fields of labor, and was succeeded by Rev. R. Evarts, of Sycamore, who retained the charge until September 21, 1861. On the 26th of April, 1862, Rev. John Zimmerman was called to the pastorate, filling the position one year, and was followed by Rev. Wm. Storrs, who remained also one year, when he resigned. On the 1st of December, 1865, Rev. Wm. Roney commenced his labors as pastor and continued them until September 22, 1867. Rev. E. C. M. Burnham next succeeded to the pastoral charge, commencing on the 31st of March, 1868, and continuing until October, 1869, and on the 1st of December of the same year. Rev. Henry Barden became pastor. Mr. Barden remained until September 30, 1870, when he resigned, and on December 11,

1871. The latter pastor is represented to have been successful in scattering the flock rather than sustaining and advancing their interests, and at the close of his labors the church found itself so divided, as well as crippled financially, that it did not feel able to meet further expense, and from that time to the present has not been favored with regular pastoral labor, and but a portion of the time with pastoral supply. Rev. Mr. Millard, and Rev. Mr. Burnham are deserving the thanks of the church for a very liberal share of that kind of labor. The church has now about thirty members, own their own house, free from debt, keep up their organization and Sabbath School, and are waiting the favor of Providence when they may again be able to have the stated ministration of the gospel. The present officers are : G. J. Booth, Wm. Cosner, Deacons; Jason Bennett, Clinton W. Jones, J. P. Jacobs, G. J. Booth, and Milo Jones, Trustees; G. J. Booth, Clerk, and Wm. Cosner, Treasurer.

Episcopal CJmrch : - The first meeting looking toward the organization of the present Christ Church in Fulton was held at the building formerly used as a Methodist meeting house, on the 27th of May, 1869, the following persons being present : Edward Wyatt, Mr. and Mrs. W. Y. Wetzell, Orrin Cowles, G. W. Woodward, Dr. C. A. Griswold, Mrs. C. A. Griswold, W. H. Pratt, R. B. Myers, A. J. Webster, W. Johnson, F. L. Norton, Mrs. R S. Sayre, and Miss Marie Aylesworth. On motion Mr. Orrin Cowles was called to the chair, and F. L. Norton appointed Secretary. The chair stated the object of the meeting, when Mr. W. Y. Wetzell moved that an Episcopal Church be organized by those present, and the motion was unanimously carried. By request the chairman read the canons of the church, after which a vote was taken upon a name to be given to the church society, which resulted in selecting the name "Christ." Mrs. C. A. Griswold, Mrs. R. S. Sayre and Miss Marie Aylesworth were appointed a Committee to obtain signatures to a petition to the Bishop of Illinois for permission and authority to organize a church, which authority was shortly afterwards granted by the Bishop. On the 26th of July, 1869, a meeting was called by Eev. Wm. Green, of Geneva, Illinois, for the purpose of electing wardens and vestrymen for the year. The following persons were present : Rev. Wm. Green. C. W. Peeks, 0. Cowles, W. H. Pratt, C. A. Griswold, Z. M. Church, G. W. Woodward, E. Wyatt, W. Y. Wetzell, W. Johnson, A. J. Webster, and F. L. Norton. Rev. Mr. Green was called to the chair, and F. L. Norton appointed Secretary. The election resulted as follows : Senior Warden, C. W. Peeks; Junior Warden, Orrin Cowles; Vestrymen, W. H. Pratt, C. A. Griswold, A. J. Webster, Geo. W. Woodward, Z. M. Church, F. L. Norton, James McCoy. At the meeting of the vestry held on the 2d of August, 1869, a letter was received from the Bishop expressing his hearty congratulations for the successful organization of the church, tendering his aid, and requesting that the parish do not depend on Lyons and Clinton. Rev. Geo. Gibson was the first stated rector, and remained about two years. On the 8th of July, 1871, the church purchased the present house of worship from Mr. William Y. Wetzell. The following have been officers since those elected at the organization of the church: 1870, Senior Warden, C. W. Peeks; Junior Warden, 0. Cowles; Vestrymen, W. H. Pratt, W. Y. Wetzell, A. J. Webster, G. W. Woodward, F. L. Norton, Dr. C. A. Griswold, Z. M. Church. 1872, Senior Warden, 0. Cowles; Junior Warden, P. S. Bibbs : Vestrymen, C. W. Peeks, W. H. Pratt, R. H. Adams, Dr. C. A. Griswold, F. L. Norton. There has been no election of officers since the latter year. After the resignation of Rev. Mr. Gibson the church has been without stated services. During a part of the time Rev. J. Trimble, of Clinton, came over and held services on alternate Sunday afternoons, but lately they have been entirely given up, owing to the removal and death of members. Those still remaining, however, are devising means for a renewal of services.

Immaculate ConcepAion Church ( Roman Catholic ) .- - A church organization was formed denominated the Immaculate Conception Church at an early '] day, in Fulton, and services held by clergymen from parishes in Iowa. The present church edifice was built in 1862, and services held in it the same year, the parish of Fulton having received a stated pastor. The number of families now attending worship is about one hundred and ten, and the number of members five hundred and fifty. Many of the families live at a distance in the country, and come to church with their teams. More teams can be seen standing at this church on Sunday, than at all the other churches in the city combined.

The church edifice stands on a commanding position, facing the south, and is a handsome one both as to its exterior and interior. The names of the stated pastors who have officiated at the Immaculate Conception Church are as follows : Rev. T. Kennedy, Michael Ford, Wm. Herbert, John Daley, James Govern, D. D., P. J. Gormley, and Rev. John Kilkenny, the latter being the present pastor. Services have also been held by the pastors of this church at the New Dublin School house, and at private houses, a short distance below Albany, for several years. During the present year a church edifice has been built at Coffey's Corners, under the supervision of Rev. John Kilkenny, the pastor, and a committee consisting of P. Ryan, Ed. Coffey, and James O'Neil, and is called the St. Columbanus Church. The number of families belonging to this church is 45, and the number of members, 225.

Reformed Dutch Clmrch : - The membership of this church is made up of natives of Holland and their families, a large number of whom reside in and near Fulton. The church is one of the most flourishing in the city. The edifice is a very neatly constructed one, and is situated near the Northwestern Railway depot, at the southern limits of the city, and was built several years ago. The pastor. Rev. Mr. Hazenburgh, resigned during the last summer, and the church is now without stated supply.

Fulton Public School: - The first school within the present limits of the city of Fulton was taught by Hon. James McCoy about the year 1840. During the succeeding half dozen years independent schools were taught at irregular intervals by the following named persons : Mr. Humphreys, Miss Eliza Town, Mrs. G. H. Rice, Miss Sarah Jenks, Miss Sylvia Coburn, Martin Kibby, and perhaps by some others. In the year 1847 the district was organized as school district No. 1, and the stone building situated on the west side of Base street, now known and used as the City Bridewell, was erected for a public school house. This house was built under the personal supervision, and chiefly through the instrumentality, of Hon. James McCoy, who was at that time Chairman of the Board of Trustees. It was the first building erected for school purposes in the city, and was considered the finest school house in the county. The first teacher to occupy it was Martin Kibby, who, in addition to the common English branches generally considered the only essentials, also taught the elements of Latin. The successors of Mr. Kibby in the pedagogic chair at the stone school house were Miss Nancy Jenks, Miss Sarah K. Ford, Miss Mary J. Bronson, Elias Sage, Miss Belinda Buck, D. P. Spencer, Mr. Horton, Leander Martin, Rufus K. Blodgett, Emmet Benton, S. H. Baker, and Miss Soule. In the winter of 1856 and '57, the school population having outgrown the capacity of the " stone house," the high school was taught by H. H. Smith in Reed's Hall. On the 11th day of July, 1857, the Board of Directors, consisting of Bradstreet Robinson, John Phelps, and James L. Briggs, submitted to the legal voters of the district the proposition to build a new school house which should cost not less than $8,000. This proposition was carried with but one dissenting vote, and on the 15th of August, 1857, the contract for erecting the new building, according to plans and specifications furnished by Supervising Architect 0. S. Kinney, was awarded as follows : The masonry to William Price ; the carpenter work to Horace Fuller; and the painting to N. Reynolds & Co. Lot 2, block 11, range 5, was selected as the location of the new building, although the grounds now include the whole block. Work was immediately commenced, and pushed forward with such energy that early in January, 1858, the lower story, though not fully completed, was occupied for school purpose?. The building was completed and formally dedicated in the summer of 1858, Prof. Eberhardt, of Evanston, delivering the address on that occasion. The scliool, as at that time organized, consisted of three departments or grades - a high school, an intermediate, and a primary. The first teachers were Prof. G. (t. Alvord - now Superintendent of Schools at Cairo, Illinois - as Principal, assisted by Miss Ada Alvord, with Miss M. A. Millikan, as intermediate, and Miss Mary Cowles, as primary teacher. The building is centrally located on the verge of an elevated plateau, and commands a fine view of the surrounding city and country, together with the majestic Mississippi, and the neighboring cities of Lyons and Clinton. It is built of brick, and was constructed in accordance with the most approved style of modern school architecture. It is three stories in height, exclusive of the basement, and contains seven school rooms, together with the usual number of halls, recitation rooms, chemical and philosophical laboratory, etc. The entire structure was erected at a cost of $14,643.45. The names of the principals who have succeeded Mr. Alvord are as follows : Thomas Baker, George P. Wells, E. P. Scott, and H. S. Hyatt, two years each: L. A. Stone, three years; S. M. Dickey, William E. Bradley, I. T. Ruth, G. G. Manning, and J. Thorp, two years; J. R. Parker, one year; and George C. Loomis, four years. The school, as at present organized, consists of seven departments, with the following named teachers in charge: Superintendent and Principal of High School, Prof. George C. Loomis; Assistant Principal. Miss Fannie H. Benson; second grammar. Miss Ida R. Pratt; first grammar. Miss Hattie E. James; intermediate. Miss Hattie E. Green; third primary, Miss Josie Knight; second primary. Miss Florence Myers; first primary. Miss Anna Prohosker. The course of study for the High School embraces all branches usually taught in other institutions of like character, and requires four years for its completion. Non-resident pupils are received in this department at moderate rates of tuition. Pupils who complete the High School course of study to the satisfaction of the Principal are entitled to and receive from the Board of Directors the graduate's diploma. The class of 1876 was the first to graduate, and consisted of the following members: Miss Matie Green, Miss Laura Gerrish, Miss Etta Jones, and Miss Jennie Knight. The whole number of pupils enrolled in 1877 was 487. Lender the present efficient management the school has attained a degree of excellence which ranks it with the best graded schools of the State. The present Board of Directors are Bradstreet Robinson, President ; William C. Green, Secretary; and William M. Herrold.

Northern Illinois College : - This institution was first established as the Western Union College and Military Academy, by Col. D. S. Covert, and favorably opened in the present building in September, 1861. Col. Covert had previously thoroughly refitted the building, and added by purchase one and a half blocks to the grounds on the north side. He had also received from the United States Government a full equipment of muskets and accoutrements for the use of a cadet corps, and had employed a band of musicians to furnish music at drills, dress parades, reveille, and other exercises of the military department. The civil war had commenced, causing the military spirit to run high in the community, and large numbers of young men consequently flocked to Col. Covert's Academy for instruction in military tactics. The institution was successfully conducted for five years under the same plan and management. During the war it answered nobly to the calls of the Government for troops, and many well drilled and disciplined cadets went forth from its halls to take their places in the actual arena of military life " at the front." The Illinois Soldiers' College and Military Academy was organized March 30, 1866, and afterwards incorporated by act of the General Assembly, approved February 26, 1867, as the Illinois Soldiers' College, the object bei«g to enable the disabled soldiers of the

Churches And Other Organizations

Union army, belonging to Illinois regiments, to acquire an education, in cases where application was made, so as to fit them for proper stations in civil life. The benefits of the institution also applied to their children. The first Facultyconsisted of Col. Leander H. Potter, as President, and Professor of Natural and Moral Philosophy ; Rev. 0. D. W. White, Professor of Natural and Agricultural Science; C. W. Peeks, Professor of Mathematics and Commercial Science; and Rev. George W. Woodward, Professor of Ancient and Modern Languages. Rev. Mr. White resigned his Professorship after serving some time, and Olin F. Matteson, A. M., filled the vacancy. Moses Soule, A. M.,'and W. H. Brydges, A. M., served a part of the time as instructors. Upon the resignation of President Potter in June, 1873, the question of changing the name of the college came up, and on the 2d of September, 1873, a vote was taken by the stockholders in pursuance of notice given, and the name changed to Northern Illinois College, which name is still retained. The first Faculty under the new name consisted of Rev. W. D. F. Lummis, A. M., President and Professor of Latin and Grreek Languages ; Mrs. W. D. F. Lummis, Governess and Teacher of Mathematics ; C. A. Griswold, A. M., M. D., Lecturer on Anatomy and Hygiene ; Mr. and Mrs. Lummis, Instructors in Modern Languages and English Branches; Miss Carrie J. Culbertson, Teacher of Instrumental" Music ; and Prof. M. M. Jones, Teacher of Vocal Music. Mr. Lummis resigned in the summer of 1875, and in the fall of that year Rev. J. W. Hubbard, A. M., became President and Professor of Languages and Belle Lettres. Dui-ing his Presidency the following ladies and gentlemen were connected with the Faculty : Mrs. R. M. Hubbard, Principal of Ladies' Department ; Moses Soule, A. M., Professor of Latin and Greek Languages ; L. B. Kuhn, Professor of Mathematics ; Miss Mary Dief'endorf , Professor of Modern Languages and English Branches ; Miss Anna L. North, Instructor in Vocal and Instrumental Music ; C. A. Griswold, A. M., M. D., Lecturer on Anatomy and Hygiene ; C. H. Brake, Miss Ida 0. Taylor, and Miss Mary H. Goodrich, Assistant Instructors. Mr. Hubbard remained as President until the close of the collegiate year in June, 1877, when he resigned. The present Faculty consists of Prof. A. A. Grifiith, A. M., President ; Moses Soule, A. M., Professor of Ancient Languages ; T. S. Abbott, Mathematics, Civil and Mining Engineering, and French ; F. W. Wright, Natural Sciences ; S. W. Moses, Teacher of Violin and Guitar ; Jane Amelia Griffith, Preceptress ; Miss Sarah E. Linn, History, English Literature, and Normal Studies ; Miss Ella F. Taylor, conservatory of Music - Piano, Organ, and Voice ; Miss Mary E. Spencer, Painting and Drawing ; Allen A Griffith, Jr., Librarian. The report of Orrin Cowles, Esq., Secretary of the Board of Trustees, made on the 27th of June, 1877, showed that the endowment fund of the college consisted of loans to the amount of $16,869.75 ; with accrued interest amounting to $2,683.36 ; cash on hand, $442.38 - making a total of $19,995.49. The college building is one of the finest in the State, costing originally $100,000. Connected with it is a beautiful lawn of nearly three acres. The building is heated throughout by steam, thus dispensing with the smoke, dust, labor, and danger of nearly a hundred stoves. The rooms are large and well ventilated, and with little trouble the students can surround themselves with all the comforts of home. The endowment fund is large, enabling the Trustees and Faculty to offer superior advantages to students at a moderate cost. The locality is one of the finest and most healthy in the State, and is easy of access by both rail and river. The courses of study have been arranged with much care, and are designed to meet the wants of the youth of both sexes. Ladies completing the full course, or its equivalent, receive a diploma conferring the honors of the degree of Mistress of Liberal Arts (M. L.

A.) ; those completing the English studies, a diploma of Mistress of English Literature (M. E. L.)- Gentlemen completing the course receive the degree of Bachelor of Science (B. S.). Those who complete the Normal course, and have teaching in view, receive a teacher's diploma. Diplomas are also given to graduates in the Commercial and Scientific departments, and to those who complete the course in elocution and oratory. The present Trustees are : L. S. Pennington. Charles Spears, Orrin Cowles, Payson Trask, John Dickson, N. W. Hubbard, Leander Smith, D. S. Covert, E. R. Allen, Jas. McCoy, B. Robinson, E. B. Warner. The oflScers of the Board are : Hon. E. R. Allen, President ; Orrin Cowles, Secretary ; Leander Smith, Treasurer ; James McCoy, Chairman Executive Committee ; Dr. N. W. Hubbard, Payson Trask, and Orrin Cowles, members of the Executive Committee.

Fulton City Lodge No. 189, A. F. and A. M.: - In the fall of 1855 several of the brethren of the Mystic Tie in the city of Fulton and vicinity, resolved, after consultation, to make an effort to raise a Lodge of Master Masons. The first meeting for this purpose was held in the hall over Dr. Benton's store on the evening of September 17, 1855. There were present Messrs. D. W. Thomson, James L. Briggs, Wilson S. Wright, Charles J. Johnson, James McCoy, S. W. Johnston, Reuben Patrick, J. M. Brown, Wm. Pearson and J. J. Harrison. A resolution was passed at this meeting to petition to the Grand Lodge of the State of Illinois for a Dispensation for a working Lodge of Master Masons to be called Fulton City Lodge, and the following brethren were recommended as its first officers: D. W. Thomson, W. M ; James L. Briggs, S. W., and Wilson S. Wright, J. W. Upon receiving the petition the Grand Lodge duly granted a Dispensation, and on the 24th of December, 1855, the Lodge was organized with the following petition members as officers: David W. Thomson, W. M.; James L. Briggs, S. W.; Wilson S. Wright, J. W.; Reuben Patrick, Treasurer; J. M. Brown, Secretary; James McCoy, S. D.; S. W. Johnston, J. D. The Lodge worked under Dispensation until October, 1856, when a charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of the State, and thereupon it was duly instituted as Fulton City Lodge, No. 189, A. F. and A. M., and the following officers installed: David W. Thomson, W. M.; James L. Briggs, S. W\; Geo. D. Van Horn, J. W.; E. A. Ingalls, Secretary; John Phelps, Treasurer; C. L. Carleton, S. D.; Wm. H. Knight, J. D.; R. Patrick, Steward; B. Snyder, Master of Ceremonies, and A. D. McCool, Chaplain. The building of the present elegant and well appointed Hall was commenced in the fall of 1868, and finished in June, 1869. The dedication took place on Wednesday, the 30th of June, 1869, the officers of the Lodge being: R. H. Adams, W. M.; Geo. D. Van Horn, S. W.; E. W. Dutcher, J. W., and W. C. Snyder, Architect. The Grand Lodge for the purpose of dedication was organized in the new Hall, as follows: James C. Luckey, R. W. G. M.; Geo. D. Van Horn, G. S. W.; E. W. Dutcher, G. J. W.; A. Sallee, D. G. W., and G. W. Woodward, Chaplain. The ceremonies were opened by James C. Luckey, Acting Grand Master, in a beautiful and appropriate speech, after which the Hall was solemnly dedicated to Masonry in due and ancient form. David W. Thomson then presented to the Lodge in an excellent speech, a beautiful gavel of olive wood, made in Jerusalem, and a rough and a perfect ashler made of stone from the great quarry under the city of Jerusalem, out of which it is supposed the stone was taken for building the Temple. The gifts were received by the Acting Grand Master in the name of the Lodge. Bro. Forrester, of Aurora, followed with an excellent and forcible address on the objects and spirit of Masonry, which was well received by all present, including those not members of the fraternity. The whole proceedings closed with a splendid supper in the banqueting room, provided by the lady friends of the brethren of

Fulton Chapter JVo. 108, R. A. M. : - On the evening of Wednesday, January 30, 1867, Companions A. Sallee, W. C. Snyder, R. H. Adams, John Phelps and I. T. Moulton, met at Masonic Hall for the purpose of organizing a Chapter of Royal Arch Masons in the city of Fulton. A Lodge of Past Masters was opened in form. Officers - A. Sallee, R. W. M.; R. H. Adams, S. W.; W. C Snyder, J. W. The R. W. M. stated to the meeting that he had a Dispensation in his possession for the organization of such a Lodge, granted by Orlin H. Miner, M. E. G. H. P., for the State of Illinois, to the following Companions : Abraham Sallee, D. W. Thomson, Stephen Ives, C. W. Aylesworth, Cyrus Pratt, Peter Holman, John Phelps, W. C. Snyder, R. H. Adams, and Geo. D. Van Horn. At the next meeting held on Wednesday evening, February 13, 1867, the following officers were elected : A. Sallee, H. P.; S. L. Beston, K,; John Eddy, S.; L T. Moulton, C. of H; R. H. Adams, P. S.; George D. Van Horn, R. A. C; W. C. Snyder, M. 3d V.; C. W. Aylesworth, M. 2d V.; John Phelps, M. 1st V. The Chapter worked under dispensation until October 9, 1867, when it received a Charter from the M. E. Grand Chapter of the State, and was duly instituted as Fulton Chapter, No. 108, R. A. M., and the following officers installed : Abraham Sallee, H. P.; D. W. Thomson. K.; Cyrus Pratt, S.; Reuben H. Adams, C. of H.; William J. McCoy, P. S.; George D. VanHorn, R. A. C; William C. Snyder, M. 3d V.; Charles W. Aylesworth, M. 2d V.; Charles F. Welles, M. 1st V.; W. C. Snyder, Treasurer; John Phelps, Secretary; John Eddy, C; Oliver Baker, B. G. Baker, Stewards; Charles D. Rose, Tyler. The

Masonic Relief Association : - At the regular communication of Fulton City Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M., held on the 11th of April, 1870, it was recommended that a joint stock company or association be formed to liquidate the debt of the Lodge, which had been incurred in building and furnishing the new Masonic Hall, and in pursuance of that recommendation the following members met at the Hall on Monday evening, July 18, 1870 : C. Summers, W. C. Snyder. Thomas Conaty, A. Sallee, E. W. Dutcher, R. H. Adams, George D. Van Horn, George W. Padelford, H. Downey, C. E. Langford, D. E. Dodge, S. C. Bates, George Eckert, J. M. Startzman, S. Lyon, C. A. Griswold, W. H. Pratt, 0. Summers, M. L. Osborne, Peter Dull, A. L. Morey, and John Phelps. On motion E. W. Dutcher was called to the chair, and John Phelps appointed Secretary. A resolution was unanimously adopted that a joint stock association be formed for the purpose named in the recommendation, and a committee appointed to draft a code of by-laws for its government. At a meeting on the 1st of August, 1870, the following permanent officers of the Association were elected : President, James McCoy; Secretary, John Phelps; Treasurer, W. C. Snyder. At the same meeting it was resolved that the corporate name be the "Masonic Relief Association," and that the seal of the Association be circular with the following words around the margin : "Masonic Relief Association, Fulton, 111." - the device to be an open hand in the center with thumb turned to the palm on the plumb. The Association was afterwards duly incorporated under division 12, chapter 25, of the statutes of the State concerning corporations, and the capital stock fixed at $6,000, divided into shares of $25 each. The books of subscription to the capital stock were opened on the 6th of August, 1870, and in a short time thereafter the whole amount was taken, and the Association purchased the hall and the rooms connected therewith, with their fixtures and appointments, and paid the entire debt. More than half of the stock was taken by members of Fulton City Lodge, No. 189, A. F. & A. M., and Fulton Chapter No. 108 R. A. M., and the two Lodges now rent the Hall from the Association. The present officers of the Association are Reuben H. Adams, President; William Y. Wetzell, Vice President; W. C. Snyder, Treasurer; John Phelps, Secretary; C. B. Bachelder, A. D. Mitchell, and M. L. Osborne, Executive Committee.

Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, No. 148, /. 0. 0. F. . - This Lodge was first known as Portland Lodge, No. 148, I. 0. 0. F., and met at Prophetstown until May 24, 1861, when it surrendered its charter and effects to the Grand Lodge of the State. In 1871 the charter was renewed by the Grand Lodge and granted, together with the effects of the old Lodge, to Abou Ben Adhem Lodge, the meetings to be held at the City of Fulton. The first members of the new Lodge were George W. Woodward, A. J. Heberle, L. F. Puffer, Z. M. Church, and Clinton W. Jones, and the first meeting held July 29, 1871. The principal officers of the Lodge have been as follows : Mhle Grand - G. W. Woodward, L.

F. PuflFer, A. Marsh, Charles Kahl, A. Volkman, C. M. Church, J. H. Fritz, H. V. Fritz, J. K. Richey, Joel W. Farley, G. Walter, Hervey Smith, R. B. Myers and George M. Farley. Secretary - L. F. Puffer, G. W. Woodward, A. Marsh, Hiram Noble, H. H. Hobein, Joel W. Farley, George M. Farley, E. B. Hoxie, and C. C. Carpenter. The Lodge hold regular meetings on Monday evening of each week. The present number of members is seventy, with almost constant additions.

FuUo7i Business Assoc{ation:~This Association was first organized on the 25th of April, 1874, the meeting having been called at the written request of a large number of business men and property holders of the city. At this meeting Dr. W. C. Snyder was called to the chair, and A. R. McCoy appointed Secretary. The subject of organizing an Association which would aid in advancing the material interests of the city, was fully discussed, and its necessity clearly shown. At the conclusion of the discussion it was unanimously resolved to organize. A constitution and by-laws were then adopted, and the following officers elected : President, Dr. Leander Smith; Vice President, Albert R. McCoy; Secretary, Dr. W. C. Snyder; Treasurer, C N. Wheeler. The following Committees were also appointed : On Manufacturing and Improvement Interests : - F. E. Marcellus, William C. Green 2d, J. M. Fay; On Mercantile Interests - Charles B. Mercereau, Charles E. Langford. A. Sallee; On Railroad and River Interests - Dr. L. Smith, Dr. W. C. Snyder, W. J. McCoy; On Statistics - Vayson Trask, W. M. Herrold, George Terwilliger. The Association went actively at work, and through its influence several industries were established in the city. The records however, were burned in the fire which destroyed the Postoffice building on the 26th of March, 1875, and but very little was done by the Association until its reorganization on the 27th of March, 1877. At that meeting F. E. Marcellus was called to the chair. Dr. W. C. Snyder officiating as Secretary. The Secretary stated that all of the books, records, by-laws, etc., of the Association had been destroyed by fire, and that the time for the annual election of officers had passed. It was then resolved to adopt a new constitution and by-laws, and elect new officers. All persons who had fully paid their membership fees to the Association, and still resided in the city, were to be considered members in good standing. The following officers were elected : President, Thomas A. Hardin; Vice President, Wm M. Herrold; Secretary, Dr. W. C. Snyder; Treasurer, Charles N. Wheeler; ICxecutive Committee, J. M. Startzman, Wm. C. Green 2d, and J. P. Jacobs. Committees were afterwards appointed as follows : On Statistics - W. C. Green 2d, Dr. C. A. Griswold, J. Martin Fay; On Puhlication - J)r. W. C. Snyder, E. Summers, C. B. Bachelder; On Manufactures - N. W. McGee, W. J. McCoy, W. P. Culbertson. These officers are active, energetic business men, and will make the influence of the Association felt upon the business interests of the city.

Womaiis Christian Temperance Union : - This Society was organized on the first of September, 1875, with a membership of nineteen, composed of the following ladies : Mrs. B. A. Congar, Mrs. A. B. Gay, Mrs. G. J. Booth, Mrs. J. P. Jacobs, Mrs. C. Broadhead, Mrs. W. P. Culbertson. Mrs. J. M. Fay, Mrs. T. A. Hudson, Mrs. A. R. McCoy, Mrs. J. C. Snyder, Mrs. S. M. Trask, Mrs. J. E. Gates, Mrs. E. A. Linn, Mrs. B. W. Brown, Mrs. G. L. Lyon, Mrs.W. J. McCoy, Mrs.G. Terwilliger, Miss CeliaEddy, Miss Sarah E. Linn. The first officers of the Society were : President, Mrs. B. W. Brown; Vice Presidents, Mrs. G. J. Booth, Mrs. W. P. Hall, Mrs. Payson Trask, and Mrs. J. C. Snyder; Recording Secretary, Mrs. Marie McCoy; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Fannie McCoy; Treasurer, Miss Celia Eddy. On the 7th of October following, Mrs. Brown resigned the position of President, and Mi-s. John Dyer was elected to fill the vacancy, and on the 26th of November Mrs. Fannie McCoy resigned her place of Corresponding Secretary, and Mrs. J. E. Gates was elected to fill the vacancy. At the annual election on the 8th of September, 1876, Mrs. John Hudson was elected President, and the other ofiicers of 1875 re-elected. The total receipts of the Union for the year ending September 1, 1876, were $301,92. and from that date to March 1st, 1877, $121,93, making a total of $323,- 85. This sum has been expended for lectures, rent, furnishing a free reading room, and incidentals. Among the lecturers have been some of the most noted of the day. The Free Reading Room was opened on the 18th of July, 1876, and continued open until the spring of 1877, when it was temporarily closed. It is contemplated to open it again soon. The Union hold weekly meetings, the members being the most active and energetic temperance workers in the city. It now numbers upwards of fifty members.

TJie R. C. T. A.B. Society: - The Roman Catholic Temperance and Benevolent Society of the city of Fulton was organized on the 14th of August, 1870. The following gentlemen were its first officers : President, Patrick Bell; Vice President, Joseph Dugan; Secretary, Patrick Dorsey; Treasurer, Dennis Connors. The object of the Society is not only to promote the cause of Temperance, but to have the members act as a union in all deeds of benevolence that may arise in the organization, or to which by a majority vote they are requested to lend a helping hand. Their motto is "Temperance and Benevolence." Regular monthly meetings are held at Stevenson's Hall. The number of members is forty-five, and the present officers are. President, John Downs; Vice President, Patrick Considine; Secretary, J. P. Hooks; Treasurei-, Daniel Daly.

Fulton Temperance Reform Club: - This Club was first organized at the M. E. Church, on Monday evening, March 27, 1876. Mr. A. A. Wheeler was called to the chair, and Miss C. Eddy appointed Secretary. The constitution and pledge were then offered to those present for signature, and thirtyseven subscribed their names. The following permanent officers were then elected: President, A. A. Wheeler; Vice Presidents, Charles Hall, John Hannaher, John F. Cosner; Secretary, Mrs. M. B. Terwilliger; Treasurer, Mrs. W. P. Hall; Chaplain, Rev. J. W. Hubbard. This Club continued in existence for some time, and was succeeded by the present club, which was organized June 30, 1877. The officers are: President, E. W. Dutcher; Secretary, C. J. Cole; Treasurer, A. A. Wheeler. The Club meets every Monday evening at the basement of the Presbyterian church, and is increasing its membership rapidly. There is also a Lodge of the Sons of Temperance in existence in the city, but for the past year or two meetings have not been held regularly, owing to withdrawal of members, and the removal of others from town. The charter is still retained and the Lodge can be set into active operation again at any time. A Red Ribbon organization has also been formed, made up of children and young people, which meets at stated times at the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Fidton Cemetery Association: - On the 24th of July, 1874, Charles N. Wheeler, Wm. J. McCoy, Wm. C. Snyder, John M. Fay, and F. E. Marcellus filed a petition and statement, duly signed and acknowledged in the office of the Secretary of State, at Springfield, for the organization of an association under the Act concerning corporations, to be known and called the Fulton Cemetery Association, with a capital stock of $500,- upon which the Secretary of State issued a License to them as Commissioners to open books for subscription to the capital stock. On the 20th of August, 1874, the Commissioners filed in the office of the Secretary of State a report of their proceedings under the License, and on the same day a certificate was issued by that officer making The Fulton Cemetery Association a legally organized corporation under the laws of Illinois. Previous to the issuing of the certificate of incorporation, and on the 6th of August, 1874, the Commissioners met at the office of W. C. Snyder, when it was moved and carried that a Board of Directors to consist of six members be elected to exercise the corporate powers of the Association, the Board to be divided into three classes, those of the first class to hold office until the next annual election of the Association; those of the second class to hold office for two years, and those of the third class for three years. The following persons were then elected Directors: First Class - Peter Kitchen, W. Y. Wetzell; Second Class - ¥. E. Marcellus, J. Martin Fay; Third Class - W. C. Snyder, W. J. McCoy. The Directors afterwards met and elected the following officers: President, W. J. McCoy; Secretary, ^V. C. Snyder; Treasurer, F. E. Marcellus; Executive Committee, W. J. McCoy, J. Martin Fay, W. C. Snyder. The capital stock was very soon taken, and the Association commenced active operations under their charter. The fire on the 26th of March, 1875, which destroyed the Postoffice and ,/owraaZ building also destroyed the records, by-laws, plats, deeds, seal, etc., of the Association, the Secretary's office being located in the building, and at a meeting of the Directors subsequently held, the Secretary was instructed to procure new certificates of stock, blank deeds, seal, etc., and to record anew the names of stockholders, directors and officers, and also to procure a copy of all the matter of record in the Recorder's office at Morrison, and record the same into a book of record for the use of the Association. la September and October, 1874, the new part of the cemetery, comprising five acres, was purchased, and both the new and old grounds enclosed with a good substantial fence. In 1858 the city built a fence around the old grounds, but long prior to the organization of the Association it had got out of repair by neglect and the ravages of time, so that it afforded but little or no security against predatory animals. In fact citizens were ashamed of the cemetery on account of its condition. The grounds had been well selected, the site being on a blufiF in the northern part of the town overlooking most of the city, the Narrows of the river, nearly all of the city of Lyons, a part of Clinton, and a wide stretch of country. In it had been laid large numbers of the citizens of Fulton, over whose resting place in many instances, fine monuments had been erected. But weeds and briars had been permitted to grow up everywhere, and the swine of the neighborhood had full privilege to indulge in their rooting propensities at all times. The Association has remedied all this, having expended over $1,200 in the purchase of additional grounds, and the laying out, beautifying, and properly enclosing the whole, so that the citizens can now point to it with pride. These improvements are going on year by year. The present officers are the same as those first elected.

Hon. James McCoy was born in Greenbrier county, Virginia, on the 22d of September, 1816. When near his majority he turned his face Westward determined to seek a home in the Mississippi Valley, and on the 9th of May, 1837, stopped at Fulton City. The situation of the place, and its surroundings, so pleased him that he concluded to end his search here, and to take his chances for fortune with those he already found on the spot. There being no ready opening for the practice of his profession, that of law, he engaged in surveying and school teaching, until early in 1839, when he went east, and was married on the 23d of April of that year to Miss Elizabeth Russell, of Champaign county, Ohio, formerly of Loudon county, Virginia. He returned to Fulton in October, 1839, and has remained a resident ever since. In 1840 he commenced the active practice of law at the West, and has devoted his attention to it, excepting when public duties demanded his time, up to the present. Hia practice has taken him to all the courts of this and other States, and to the District. Circuit and Supreme Courts of the United States. When the question of connecting the Mississippi river with the Lakes was brought forward in 1851, he early took an active and conspicuous part in securing the Mississippi terminus at Fulton, and was a Dii'ector and the jfirst President of the Mississippi & Rock River Junction Railroad, one of the roads having that object in view. It was mainly due to his efforts that a law was passed by the Legislature of Illinois incorporating that company, as well as the one passed by the Iowa Legislature incorporating a company to construct a road from Lyons to Council Bluffs. When the Legislature of Illinois passed the act giving the County Court of Whiteside county concurrent jurisdiction with the Circuit Court, he was elected Judge, and served in that capacity for two years, and until the law was repealed. In 1868 he was elected one of the Presidential Electors on the Republican ticket, and in 1869 a delegate to the Constitutional Convention which framed the constitution of that year. In that convention he took a prominent part, and by his knowledge of constitutional law rendered valuable assistance in securing an incorporation into our State charter, of many of its wisest and best features. He was one of the first Trustees elected for the Illinois Soldiers' College, and continued in that capacity during the existence of the College under that name, and also since, under the name of the Northern Illinois College, always taking an active part in behalf of the best interests of the Institution. Mr. and Mrs. McCoy have had eight children. Melinda, William J., James, Albert Russell, Addison W., Augustin, Edward and Joseph H. They are all living except James and Joseph H. Melinda married Robert E. Logan, and is living in Union Grove Township; William J. married Marie Aylesworth, and is living in Fulton; Albert Russell married Fannie Cougar, and resides in Clinton, Iowa; Addison W. married Georgiana Russell, and resides in Fulton. Judge McCoy was one of the early settlers of Fulton, as will be seen by the history of the town, and has been identified with its interests, as well as those of the county, from that time to the present.

Henry C. Fellows was born in the town of New Lebanon, Columbia county. New York, March 10, 1815, and came to Whiteside county in March, 1837, and settled in Fulton, being one of the very earliest settlers in the town. On the 9th of November, 1843, he married Miss Lydia Baker, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Baker, at Union Grove, in this county. The children of this marriage have been Robert J., Augusta, Ellen H., Florence A., Mary E., William H., and Frederick A. Of these Robert J. is married and . lives in Union Grove, and Florence, William H., and Frederick A., live in Fulton. Augusta, Ellen H., and Mary E., are dead. Mr. Fellows was one of the original proprietors of the present city of Fulton, and has been identified with its interests from the very commencement. Together with the early pioneers he suffered all the hardships and privations iiicident to such a life, as well as enjoyed all the pleasures with which the people at that time were wont to season their otherwise monotonous existence. He early displayed capacities which fitted him for public position, and was consequently called upon to fill offices of honor and trust almost from the start. He was for a number of years Deputy Sheriff of the county, and a police magistrate of the city, and Justice of the Peace of the township of Fulton for fully twenty years. In 1857 he was first elected Supervisor of the township, and was re-elected at seven different times afterwards, making eight years service in all as member of the Board of Supervisors. He has also held other township offices, and was one of the first aldermen of the city. At the time when the project of connecting the lakes with the Mississippi river by railroads was being pushed,, he took an active part in securing the western terminus at Fulton. In fact his influence has been felt in every project gotten up in behalf of the interests of Fulton, and we may also say of the county. By industry and prudence he has secured a lai-ge property, and bids fair to enjoy it for many years to come.

Jessie Johnson was a native of Troy, N. Y., and was born April 2, 1798. He came to Fulton in June, 1838, and remained until October of that year, and then moved to the bluffs, five miles east of Fulton, where he had purchased a farm, and upon which he remained, attending strictly to its cultivation, until 1853, when he returned to Fulton and made that place his home for the rest of his days. Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Mary Webb, at Lowville, Lewis county, New York, February 8, 1822. The following are the names of the children of this marriage, according to date of birth : Mary, born July 28, 1823 ; Sarah R., October 6, 1824 ; Charles J., July 8, 1826 ; Harriet, February 10, 1828 ; John D., June 8, 1830 ; Edmund L., April 8, 1832 ; Cornelia, March 18, 1834 - died when an infant ; Cornelia P., June 18, 1836 ; Henrietta, August 25, 1838 ; Auna M., September 23, 1840 ; Eliza N., March 22, 1842 ; Caleb C, May 23, 1844. Mary married C. L. Ware, and lives at Fulton ; Sarah married W. H. Knight, of Fulton, and diedt January 12, 1864 ; Charles J. married Mary Exley, and lives in Chicago ; Harriet married William C. Green, and lives at Fulton ; John D. married Olive Abbott, and lives at LeClaire, Iowa ; Edmund L. (deceased) married Mahala Wright, and was a resident of Fulton ; Cornelia P. married Richard Green, and lives at Fulton ; Henrietta married Charles Davidson, and lives at Bloomington, 111.; Anna M. married William Reed (now deceased), and lives at Fulton ; Eliza N. married Samuel Dennison, and lives at Fulton ; Caleb C. married Josephine Worthington, and lives at Sterling. The three sons living, Charles J., John J)., and Caleb C, are eminent lawyers. Mr. Johnson never held any public position, save that of Road Commissioner for one term in the early days of Fulton. He died at his residence in Fulton after a lingering illness, October 12, 1876.

Dr. Daniel Reed is a native of Onondaga county. New York, and was born September 4, 1803. He remained in that county until he was thirty-two years of age, during which time he studied medicine, for the most of the time, in the office of Dr. Daniel T. Jones?, at that time one of the ablest and most successful physicians in the interior of New York State ; and upon being admitted into the brotherhood of Doctors of Medicine, commenced practice at Amboy, in the same county. In 1835 he came West and settled in Chicago, where he remained two years, and then moved to Fulton, where he has resided ever since. Dr. Reed married Miss Lucinda F. Meigs, a native of Bethlehem, Litchfield county, Mass., May 1, 1828. The children of this marriage have been as follows : William, born May 15, 1829 ; Helen M., born October 28, 1831 ; Athalie, born December 14, 1833 ; James H., born January 26, 1836 ; Cynthia J., born March 26, 1838 ; Harriet E., born May 15, 1841. Of these Harriet died September 6, 1841 ; Helen M., November 6, 1857 ; and William, April 17, 1872. James H. is the celebrated photographic artist at Clinton, Iowa. The Doctor's services as a physician, as well as those of his wife (for it is universally acknowledged by those who knew her in the early days of Fulton that she was as good a doctor as the very best of them), were called into active requisition during the first years or their residence in Fulton, and especially in 1839, when almost everybody in this section of the country was sick. For days and nights together during that year neither the Doctor nor Mrs. Reed found any rest, the latter especially going from one bedside to the other in her efforts to relieve the stricken ones, and many to this day gratefully remember her care and kindness during their long and severe illness. Dr. Reed has been frequently

Ephraim Summers was born in Barnet, Caledonia county, Vermont, September 4. 1812. He remained in his native State until 1836, when he came West, and first settled in Portland, Whiteside county, where he worked at his trade, that of a blacksmith, until the fall of 1841, and then moved to Sterling. In 1848 he settled in Fulton. In 1850 he caught the gold fever and went to California, where he remained two years, taking the overland route as he went, and returning by way of the Isthmus. Mr. Summers was married to Miss Mary L. Dixon on the 4th of February, 1834. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Summers have been: Clois, Sophia, Orilla, Morris, Cyrus, and Ida Morris. All are living except the latter, who died in infancy. Since his residence in Fulton, Mr. Summers has worked at his trade for part of the time, and has also been in the hardware trade. He was justice of the peace and police magistrate for a large number of years, and also held other town and city offices, and for several years was United States Internal Revenue Ganger.

Dr. William C. Snyder was born in Haddenfield, Hunterdon county, New Jersey, July 29, 1821, and was educated as a physician and admitted to practice in his native State. In June, 1847, at the age of 26 years, he came to Whiteside county and settled in Union Grove, where he practiced his profession until June, 1854, when he moved to Fulton. During the Doctor's residence in Union Grove he represented the town in the Board of Supervisors in the years 1852-53 and '54, being the first Supervisor of the town. From 1850 to 1853 he was Postmaster at Union Grove. In 1856 he was elected Supervisor of Fulton, and in 1858 was appointed Drainage Commissioner for the county, and held the office until 1872. This was a position of peculiar trust, and one of great interest and importance to the county. The Doctor entered upon its duties with the full determination of discharging them with fairness, fidelity, and to the best interests of all concerned; and that he did so is the universal expression of all conversant with his official acts. In the years 1857-58 and '59 he was Collector of the township of Fulton. In 1866 he was elected Mayor of the city of Fulton, but it being ascertained that he could not perform its functions by reason of holding a United States office, he resigned. In May, 1861, he was appointed Postmaster at the city of Fulton by President Lincoln, and the appointment unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate. The term was for four years, and at its expiration he was re-appointed, and this has been the case at the expiration of each term up to the present time, a period of sixteen years. Previous to his appointment the Postoffice had been moved from one place to another in the city, as the convenience or opportunities of the different postmasters seemed to dictate or demand, but upon his assuming the position he permanently located it in his own building on Base street, and fitted it up in a manner to fully answer the requirements of the public. A more convenient or more tastily arranged and fitted up Postoffice cannot be found in this section of the country. The Doctor has always been a public-spirited citizen, and whenever any movement in behalf of the interests, growth or prosperity of the city of his home, or of the county, was projected, he was one of the first to be consulted, and the first to act. He is at present Secretary of the Fulton Business Association and the Cemetery Association, positions which he has held from the organization of these bodies. He has also held the position of Chairman of the Republican County Committee for quite a number of years, and was for one term a member of the Republican State Central Committee.

Lyman Blake is a native of Chichester, Merrimac county. New Hampshire, and came first to Whiteside county in the summer of 1839, and bought a claim in the Precinct of Fulton, now known as Blake's Addition to the city of Fulton. After purchasing the claim he went back to New Hampshire and]]remftincd two years, and then went to Boston, staying there over a year; thence to Buffalo, New York, and from there to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he lived twelve years. In 1854 he returned to Fulton, where he has remained ever since. In 1855 he sold a large part of his land to the Railroad Company, and in 1856 his addition was laid out into lots. The Addition originally covered seventy-five acres of land, and was the fractional 80 of section 28, township 22. Mr. Blake was Alderman of the city during the years 1859-'60. He has always been averse to holding public positions, preferring to devote his time to his private interests. Mr. Blake is a bachelor.

William Y. Wetzell was born in the city of Washington, and first came to Illinois in May, 1836, locating first in La Salle county, and afterwards near Oregon City, Ogle county. In 1848 he came to Whiteside, and settled in Albany, and afterwards in Newton township, and in 1865 came to Fulton. He was Postmaster at Albany from 1848 to 1851, and Supervisor of that town in 1853. In 1875 and '76, he was Mayor of the City of Fulton, and in 1876 was elected Supiervisor of the town, and re-elected in 1877. Mr. Wetzell is a merchant, and an enterprising, thorough, business man.

Dr. C. a. GtRISWOLD was born in Saybrook, Connecticut, November 24, 1830, and graduated at Yale College in the class of 1852. He took the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, in the city of New York, in the session of 1855 and '56. In September, 1856, he located in Fulton, and has since resided there, practicing his profession. The Doctor served three years in the army, as surgeon of the 93d Illinois Volunteers, during the War of the Rebellion. Since that time he has been Examining Surgeon for pensions. He was for two years a Director of the Public Schools of Fulton, and Mayor of the city in 1868. The Doctor has also driven the editorial quill, having been for a time one of the editors of the Fulton Courier. He was one of the victims of the Ashtabula horror, and came very near losing his life. As a physician he ranks among the very best in this section of the 'State. RiCRARD Green came to Fulton from Bono, Lawrence county, Indiana, on the 29th of September, 1849, and engaged in business as a merchant, opening first in the old store building of Chenery & Phelps, just above the present Pottery, where he remained for two years and then sold out to Martin Knox. After that he moved into a new brick store built expressly for him. This building stood next to the present residence of Mr. W. P. Hall. He sold goods there for four years, and then moved his store into his present dwelling house, and continued business there for over three years, and closed out in 1860 to enter into the grain trade, in which he remained until 1870. The store, however, was again opened in 1866 in his dwelling house, and remained there for a year in charge of his son, Wm. C. Green, 2d, and then moved to the present corner, his son continuing in charge until 1870, the firm being R. Green & Son. This firm continued until 1877, when another son, Nathaniel, entered the partnership, and the firm became R. Green & Sons. The store now occupied by the firm is a fine, substantial brick one, seventy-five feet deep, twenty-four wide, two stories in height with cellar under the whole building, and was built by the firm in 1877. The largest stock of dry goods in Fulton is kept in this store. Mr. Green has been one of the leading business men in Fulton ever since he became a resident, and among other public positions has been Supervisor and Collector of the town. He was also Postmaster at Bono, Indiana, before he came to Whiteside.

and at the age of 17 went to Hartford, Connecticut, where he remained for eight years as clerk in a store, and in 1844 came to Whiteside county, and settled in Fulton. He at first entered the store of Augustin Phelps as clerk, and afterwards became a partner, the firm name being A. & J. Phelps. The firm continued to do business until the death of the senior partner, when Mr. Phelps commenced as a merchant upon his t)wn account. In 1855 he disposed of his store to Patrick & Hollinshed, and since that time has not engaged in business. Mr. Phelps at an early day took an active part in behalf of the interests of Fulton, and has been frequently called upon by his fellow citizens to hold public positions, having been School Director, Township School Treasurer, Supervisor and Assessor of the town. Alderman of the city, etc. He still resides on his old homestead near the river.

David E. Dodge is a native of Poughkeepsie, Dutchess county, New York, and in the spring of 1856 came to Fulton from Syracuse, New York, and has made Fulton his home ever since. He was a merchant in Fulton for a long time, and then retired, but commenced business again about two years ago, his present store being on the corner of Cherry and River streets. He was a Trustee and Street Commissioner during the time Fulton was a village, and after it became a city was Alderman in 1859 and '60, and again in 1868 and '69. In 1863 he was Mayor of the city. He has also held township offices at various times, and in 1874 was elected Coroner of the county.

Dr. John Eddy is a native of Whitestown, Oneida county. New York; and was born July 29, 1800. He came to Illinois in June, 1849, and first settled at Naperville, Du Page county, and in 1855 came to Fulton. The Doctor was elected Coroner of Whiteside county in I860, and held the office two years. He was made a Master Mason in 1823, making him one of the oldest Masons in the country. He has also been a Knight Templar since 1848, and has held the office of Chaplain in the Royal Arch Chapter for several years. On the 24th of January, 1874, Doctor and Mrs. Eddy called around them their friends at their golden wedding, an event which very few married couples in this western country, or, indeed, in any other, are permitted to celebrate.

C. S. LuNT first came to Illinois in May, 1836, from Boston, Massachusetts, making his way by canal, stages and lake, and settled first in Chicago, where he remained until the spring of 1838, when he came to Dixon, and started down Rock river in a small boat, in company with Mr. J. Thompson, landing at Rock Island in due time. Not being satisfied with the place, he embarked on an up river Mississippi steamer and landed at New York, now Clinton, and then walked to Lyons, crossing the river at that place in a large canoe, the only ferry then running, to Fulton. In 1839 he bought the claim in Jordan where Dr. Pennington's farm is now situated, and built a log house upon it, and in 1840 moved to Fulton, and purchased a house and several lots of Mr. Church, the lots being situated where the college grounds are now. Here he continued to reside until the fall of 1852, when he purchased his present farm in Fulton township, to which he gave the name of " Cottage Grove Farm." Mr. Lunt has seen a good deal of pioneer life, and his reminiscences of the early times are very interesting. Being of a naturally quiet disposition, he never entered into political life, preferring to attend strictly to his private business, and devote his leisure moments to literature. He is a man of broad culture, being well versed in both the ancient and modern classics. The later years of his life have been passed rather secludedly at his beautiful home on Cottage Grrove Farm.

Col. Samuel Johnston was a native of Johnstown, Montgomery county, New York, and came to Illinois in 1834, settling first in Dixon, where he remained until 1840, when he came to Sterling, and opened the second public house in that place. In 1842 he settled in Fulton, and engaged in the hotel and merchandising business. Col. Johnston was married to his first wife, Miss Hannah Watrous, on the 2d of April, 1799, the following being the children of that union: Styres W., Mary Ann, Hannah, S. Watrous, and Elizabeth. Of these, Mary Ann and P]lizabeth are ^ead. Elizabeth married Dr. John Nash, and moved with her husband to California, and both died there. Styres W., lives near Council Bluffs, Iowa. Hannah married Dr. A. Benton, of Fulton, and after her husband's death moved to Chicago, where she still resides. S. Watrous, or as he is more familiarly known among his friends and acquaintances, "Wat.", lives near Fort Scott, Kansas. Col. Johnston's first wife died October 4, 1818, and on February 28, 1823, he married Miss Rebecca Crawford at Bettsburg, Broome county, New York. The only child of this marriage is Mrs. Rebecca S. Sayre, the popular proprietress of the Revere House, in Morrison. Mrs. Sayre has been twice married, first to Augustin Phelps, one of the earliest of Fulton's merchants, and after his death, to Geo. W. Sayre. During his lifetime Col. Johnston was an active, thorough-going business man, and was one of the best known hotel keepers of his day. His hotel in Fulton, called the Fulton House, was widely and extensively patronized. While a resident of Dixon he materially aided in the organization of the first Masonic Lodge at that place, and was also one of the first to organize a Masonic Lodge at Fulton. He was enthusiastic in all that pertained to Masonic matters, and never missed attending a communication of his own Lodge, or of a sister Lodge, whenever he was within reaching distance. He died in September, 1854, at South Bend, Indiana, and his wife at Fulton on the 23d of December, 1864.

Charles N. Wheeler is a native of Sharon, Litchfield county, Connecticut, and was born December 27, 1827. He moved from the " Land of Steady Habits" in 1846, and located at Union, Broome county, New York, where he remained until December, 1853, when he came to Fulton. In 1856 lie, in company with Charles B. Mercereau, built the brick store on the southwest corner of Cherry and River streets, now owned and occupied by ex-Mayor William Y. Wetzell, where the firm, then known as Mercereau & Wheeler, carried on the grocery business. In 1865 Mr. Wheeler purchased the interest of Mr. Mercereau, and continued the business about a year, and then sold to Mr. Wetzell. The following year he remained out of business, and in 1868 purchased the hardware business of C. F. Welles, situated on Base street, and conducted the business at that place until the building burned down in November, 1871. Not dismayed by this disaster, he opened another store at the corner of Base street and Broadway, now occupied by A. Volkman as a tailoring establishment, and remained there until he built his present brick store, on the site of the burned building, next door south of the bank. This building is 76 by 24 feet in size, and two stories high, the first story being used as the hardware store, and the second as a tinshop and storage room. Mr. Wheeler carries a very large stock of all kinds of goods in his line, and has an extensive trade. In 1856 he built the residence he now occupies. Mr. Wheeler has been an Alderman of the city of Fulton, and was Mayor for two terms, being elected first in 1867 and again in 1869. In 1858 he was Supervisor of the township. At present he is Treasurer of the Fulton Business Association. This Association has for its object the encouragement of all business enterprises in the city. Mr. Wheeler is one of the leading business men of the county, public spirited, a good citizen, and bears an excellent reputation.

John Dyer was born in the town of Orleans, Jefferson county, New York, March 6, 1824, and upon coming west stayed in Wisconsin from May 1856, until November of that year, when he went to Clinton, Iowa, where he remained until October 5, 1857. when he premanently settled in Fulton. He engaged in the boot and shoe trade at first in Fulton in company with George S. Phelps, the store standing on the site of Aid. A. D. Mitchell's present store. The partnership existed about six months when Mr. Dyer went into business for himself, afterwards in partnership with W. W. Curtis, and so remained until 1861, when Mr. Curtis secured a government position at Washington. In September, 1861, Mr. Dyer enlisted in what was then known as the Lincoln Regiment, and became Second Lieutenant of Company F - a company raised mainly through his efforts, and was mustered into service in November of thesameyear. The Regiment was afterwards known as the 52d Illinois Volunteers. He was with this Regiment in all of its duties until March 1862, when he was prostrated by severe sickness brought on by an unusually heavy cold taken during the previous winter in northwestern Missouri, and compelled by reason of it to resign and come home. He could not willingly, however, remain at home when his country demanded the services of its loyal citizens in the field, and when the President issued the call for more troops in July, 1862, although not fully recovered from his late illness, again enlisted, this time being connected with the 93d Illinois Volunteers. Company F. of that Regiment, was raised by him, and Captain Knight, of Albany, and he again had the position of the Second Lieutenantcy conferred upon him. The Regiment went to the front in November, 1862, and was with Gen. Sherman at Tallahatchie, expecting to do some severe fighting, but when the rebels made the raid on Holly Springs, were ordered back to that point, so that during the time Lieut. Dyer belonged to the Regiment, it did not take part in any heavy battle. Sickness again overtook him in the spring of 1863, or in fact never had left him since his attack the year before, and in April he resigned and came home. He was prostrated during the following summer and fall; and did not resume business until December 1863, when he again became engaged in the boot and shoe trade, and has so remained, with exception of a few months, until the present time. Mr. Dyer has been honored by his fellow citizens with various offices since his residence in Fulton, having been elected Collector of the township in 1860; Supervisor in 1868 and 1874, and Justice of the Peace in 1871, serving four years. He was Alderman of the city for the second ward in 1869 and 1870, and in the spring of 1877 was elected Police Magistrate of the city. To each of these offices he brought a faithful and intelligent discharge of its duties.

Orlando Sprague was one of the earlier settlers of Fulton, and for several years was engaged in business in the city, but retired some time ago. Wm. H. Knight, now a farmer in the township, was one of the first settlers of what is now LTstick township, a biographical sketch of whom appears in the history of Ustick. His brothers, John P., and Charles C. Knight came sometime after him, and are still residents of Fulton. Carlos N. Ware, now a resident of the township, was also one of the earlier settlers of the city. Caleb Clark came at an early day, and was quite prominently connected with the ferry, and hotel business at that time. For quite a number of years he has not been engaged in business in the city, although retaining his residence in it.