Whiteside County, Illinois - Chapter with an unread heading (no. 7 of those read), 1877 (part 1 of 2)

Chapter with an unread heading (no. 7 of those read)

The township of Erie was formed from Erie Precinct under the Township Organization Laws in 1852, and contains 14,392 acres. The village of Erie, within the township, contains 195 lots. The township upon the south and east is skirted by Rock river, the borders of the stream being fringed by timber of a fine quality. The land is usually savanna, which by drainage is being rapidly reclaimed, and is of unexhaustible fertility. Within the borders of the township is a large body of sandy land, portions of which is not valuable for agricultural purposes. Rock Island county borders the township on the west and Newton and Fenton townships on the north. Erie Lake, a considerable sheet of water, as fair as a picture, lies just north of the village of Erie. Wells of living water are easily obtained.

The farmers of the township are principally engaged in stock raising. The luxuriant growth of grass making the breeding of cattle a desirable occupation. Heavy crops of corn are also produced, and large quantities of pork. The yield of cheese and butter is also considerable.

The first settlement made in the territory now Erie, was by Lewis D. Crandall, Peter Gile and Mr. Hunt, in the fall of 1835. Mr. Crandall located upon Section 18. The first farming done in the township was doubtless by him. A large proportion of early settlers of Erie were from Erie county, N. Y., on Lake Erie, and the name of the lake that washed the shores of their home county was transferred to the fine body of water near their new homes. Naturally and properly the Precinct when organized became Erie, which name descended to the present township.

The following is a list of the first settlers of Erie and their nativity, being as nearly complete as can be secured from memory. None are intended to be enumerated who settled after 1840: John Freek, England; Joseph Fenton, David Hunt, N. J.; George, Henry and Harvey Steele, Conn.; Peter Gile, Lewis D., John and L. Crandall, Orville and Alvin Brooks, Wm. Teats, James Hamilton, Charles R. Coburn, Samuel Carr, N. Y.; Arthur Putney, Ernest Warner, Mass. Mr. Fenton is classed a settler of Erie, but more properly belongs to Fenton, as very soon after locating in Erie he removed across the line into what is now Fenton township. A biographcial sketch of him will appear in the history of that township.

Erie Precinct was established by order of Commissioners' Court, December 1 , 1844. The territory was formerly embraced in Lyndon and Albany Precincts, The boundaries of Erie Precinct are described on the books of the County Commissioners as follows: "Commencing at the town line in town 20 north, range 4 east 4th Principal Meridian, at the southeast corner of section 37, running north to the northeast corner of section 15; thence west to the northwest corner of section 14, township 20 north, range 4 east; thence south to the town- ship line, tlience west to the county line; thence to Rock river; thence up said river to the place of beginning." This Precinct included all the present township of Erie and portions of Newton and Fenton townships. When the question "for" or "against township organization" was voted upon, November 4, 1851, Erie was one of two precincts to vote "against organization," casting eleven votes "for" and seventeen "against."

Mr. Alvin Brooks, now of Clyde, Kansas, one of the original settlers of Erie township, furnishes the following in regard to the early settlement of Erie. His statements are confirmed by the surviving pioneers of Erie township. He says: "The first man who crossed the river to make a claim commenced cutting timber to erect a cabin and was frightened away by the Indians. He was next followed by Lewis D. Crandall, Mr. Hunt and Peter Gile. Hunt made a claim of the grove three miles below Erie, known as "Hunts' Grove." Messrs. Crandall and Gile selecting the Erie Grove, Crandall choosing the lower half and Gile the upper. The three men put up a cabin for Mr. Hunt, it being the first house of any kind between Lyndon and the Marias De Ogee. [This was in the Autumn of 1835.] Soon after, 3Ir. Gile went to work, being anxious to complete his cabin so that his family could be with him, he in the meantime boarding with Mr. Hunt. Giles' cabin was about 10x12, built on the bank of the slough, under a spreading oak. The material used was of the roughest, and the cabin most rudely built. LTpon the completion of his domicile, Mr. Gile, accompanied by L. D. Crandall, started for Dixon to receive his family and goods, having two canoes lashed together. The difficulty of I'owing against the current to Dixon being at length overcome, the family - consisting of Mrs. Gile and two children - and the goods were embarked and the voyagers started upon their return. Their destination was almost reached, when night having fallen, the canoes ran into a tree top and were overturned. The youngest child was drowned. [Other settlers, in speaking of this incident, say dry goods boxes were lashed between the boats, one of which floated away with two children, whom Mr. Crandall found upon his return asleep in the box which was drifting with the current.] Mr. and Mrs. Gile and Crandall saved themselves by clinging to the branches of the tree in a half drowned and chilled condition. Only Mr. Crandall could swim, and he resolutely set about swimming to the shore, to a point from which he must travel several miles for a boat to remove the other survivors, livery hour of his absence seemed a day to the sufferers in the tree top, but at length he came, and the family were removed and taken to the cabin. In the morning the body of the drowned child was rescued and buried. Part of the goods were recovered, but the precious iron, as harrow teeth and chains, probably lie at the bottom of the river to this day. Mrs. Gile had but recently recovered from the measles, and her terrible experience of the night threw her into a fever. There were no sympathetic neighbors nor physician to assist or prescribe in her time of need. Her husband cared for her as best he could, but in a few days death removed her from her trials and suffering. Mr. Gile then taking his orphaned boy upon his back traveled about five miles where he found assistance, and sent for Mrs. Cushman, who then lived two miles west of Sharon. She came, and with her two other women, to prepare the corpse for interment. A shroud was cut out, and then it was found that no needle could be procured, but the best preparations possible Avere made and the body was buried in the southeast corner of what is now Esquire Weaver's orchard - at that time prairie. Soon after this John Frcek, tToseph Fenton, Orville Brooks and Wm. P. Teats made claims. Mr. O. Brooks built the first house in the now village of Erie. His wife for three months did not see the face of a white woman. I came to Erie in the fall of 1837. There was then three houses in Erie. George and Henry Steele came the same fall. Samuel Carr had settled the year previous. Prior to this year, the nearest postoffice had been at Dixon, but then one was established at Prophctstown. I visited the Prophetstown postoffice about three months after T had been in the country, and received two letters from friends for which I paid fifty cents. The next spring, when five families had come in, a log school house was built without bonds or subscription. A teacher was employed - Polly Ann Sprague, afterwards Mrs. Reuben Hurd. She was the first teacher in Erie. My wife died in the fall of 1840. and was the first person interred in the ErieCemcteiy." The second school teacher in Erie was Mr. Horace Cole. In 18-iO a postoffice was kept at Crandall's Ferry by Lewis D. Crandall. He had charge of the office until 1848 when Mr. L. Crandall became postmaster. In 1849 he was succeeded by Judge C. C. Teats, and the office was removed to Erie village. The sand burs now so common upon the sandy land of Eric, are "old settlers," but strangely enough did not appear until some time after settlements had been made. When the peculiar grass that bears the burs was first seen the settlers cherished it, presuming it might prove of value, but all familiar with a sand bur will appreciate their mistake.

The settlers of Erie were very soon provided with religious instruction. The mission preachers soon sought out the new settlement. Elder Carpenter, a Baptist, preached at Crandall's house as soon as 1838, J. C. Hubbart stating that he heard him at that time. The same minister preached the funeral sermon of Mr. Hubbarts' mother at the Hamilton school house, in Lyndon, in 1839. He also preached in Arthur Putney's house. The Methodist ministers early made their appearance and in 1839 regular services were enjoyed by this denomination.

The first white child born in Erie was Harriet Coburn, though nnxny persons claim that Alfred Fenton was the first, yet from the best evidence it would appear that Mr. Fenton was over the line in Fenton township.

Among the early settlers of Erie was James Cassen, who traded a watch to Levi Fuller, now of Erie, for a claim. Mr. Cassen returned to the east and not coming back the claim was taken by David Martin. Claim jumping was frequent in Erie, and a committee existed to regulate the matter. At the time there was much bitterness, and in the neighborhood wars property was sometimes destroyed, but at last the differences were adjusted, and now are only remembered as incidents of pioneer life.

In 1844 a destructive tornado swept across Eric, the whirlwind having crossed the Mississippi, pursuing a southeasterly direction. No lives were lost in Erie, but several persons were killed in other parts of the county. Large trees were twisted off like pipe stems, cattle blown a considerable distance, and farm utensils and household furniture transported and never recovered. It is said when the hurricane passed over the river the water was parted like the Ked Sea of old, and fish and shells were afterwards found that had been carried some distance out on land.

During the civil war Erie made a splendid record. With a voting population never to exceed 120 previous to the war, the town in August, 1862, had sent 70 men to the field. This fact was published in the W/iitrside Se7itmc'l of August 28, 1862. Mr. Samuel Orcutt, a soldier of the 75th Illinois regiment, from memory recalls the names of 85 men from the township. Doubtless others volunteered later, which with re-enlistments would gxeatly swell the number. Seven commissioned officers went from the town : F. A. Harrington, Colonel of the

27th Illinois, killed at Stone River; A. B. Seger, Captain company I, 75tli Illinois, died of disease; Slierman Ferson, Surgeon 74th Illinois - killed in railroad disaster in Tennessee; Thomas Maloy, Captain in 54th Illinois - killed at Mobile; L. E. Chubbuck, Lieutenant company I, 75th Illinois; Thomas Rhodes and John Rhodes, captains in United States colored regiments. A number of soldiers from Erie were killed in action or died of wounds and disease, while a number of the citizens of the town bear honorable scars made in the line of duty. Large sums of money were raised by the citizens of the township to pay the heavy bounties and otherwise assist in prosecuting the war.

In accordance with the act of 1851, and in pursuance of vote of the Precint« of Whiteside county, Erie township was organized in 1852 and defined by the Commissioners to divide the county into townships as "all of town 19 north, range 4 east of the 4th Principal Meridian north of Rock river; and also all of town 19 north, range 3 east of the 4th Principal Meridian, north of Rock river." The first annual town meeting was held April 6, 1852, at the Erie school house, James Early, Moderator, and Addison Farrington, Clerk. The voters were W. W. Hubbart, N. K. Chapman, Daniel Morehouse, Charles R. Coburn, Charles W. Case, Alvin Brooks, John Freek. M. Gr. Wonser, A. J. Osborne, Frank Campbell, J. B. Goodrich, James McMillen, Nelson L. Rouse, Thomas Freek, A. Broadwell, James Hamilton, Samuel D. Carr, Greorge Steele, John McLay, John Pinkney, James Earley, C. C. Teats, A. Farrington, Thomas J. Phillips, Abner Bull, Alfred Wood, L. Craudall, Hervey Steele, Orville Brooks. The following officers were elected : Supervisor, Charles R. Coburn; Town Clerk, A. Farrington; Assessor, M. Gr. Wonser; Collector, James McMillin; Justice of the Peace, Orville Brooks; Overseer of the Poor, John Freek; Commissioners of Highways, James Earley, N. K. Chapman, L. Crandall; Constable, James McMillin; Overseers of Highways, Alfred Wood, T. J. Phillips.

. The proceedings of the meeting were certified to by M. G. Wonser, an acting Justice of the Peace. The Commissioners of Highways met April 22, 1852, and divided the township into two road districts, and defined them as follows : All roads lying north of the north line of section 18 in Congressional township 19 north, of range 4 east, extending on said north line of said section running east to Rock river, and west to the Marias DeOgee, shall comprise district No. one; and all roads lying south of said line in said township shall comprise district No. two.

At the second annual town meeting it was decided by vote that "every man should be his own pound master;" also "that hogs taken up shall be proceeded with as in Constable's Sales." Twenty-two votes were cast, and the appropriation for township expenses fixed at $25,00. In 1854, 39 votes were cast knd laws ado'pted regulating stock running at large. In 1855, 53 votes were polled, and a lawful fence defined as "three boards, the fence four and a half feet high. If of rails to number four, the lower to be not more than eighteen inches from the ground, the top rail to be not less than four and a half feet from the ground." It was also resolved "that each man should be fined $1,00 per head for each hog allowed to run at large." In 1857, 62 votes were polled and a resolution adopted to raise $100,00 to refund money subscribed by certain persons to build the Rock creek bridge. In 1858 the hog law was re-enacted and it was decided that sheep should not run at large; $125,00 was voted for township expenses; number of votes cast, 99. In 1800 it was resolved that bulls be free commoners, and "that line fences be sufficiently built to protect hogs and sheep." A special meeting was held the same year when Ralph Sage was elected Supervisor, and James Collins, Justice of the Peace. In 1861, 109 votes were cast, and at a special election the same year C. C. Teats was elected Supervisor. Votes of

Biographical

18G6, 125; of 1870, 132. It was decided by vote in 1873 to build a town hall, and in pursuance thereof a substantial frame building was erected.

The population of Erie in 1870 was 695, and is, in 1877, estimated at 900. The vote of the township in November, 1876, was 165. The Assessor's book for 1877 shows 3,294 acres of improved land, and 11,098 acres unimproved. In the village of Erie 195 lots are enumerated. Number of horses in township, 276; cattle, 927; mules, 22; sheep, 96; hogs, 990; wagons and carriages, 95; sewing and knitting machines, 76; pianos, organs, and melodeons, 24. The assessed value of the property for 1877, is $198,447.

Lewis D. Crandall was born in Erie county, New York, in 1816, and settled in Erie in the fall of 1835, on section 18. In 1837, he established the ferry still known as " Crandall's Ferry," it being one of the first on Rock river below Dixon. Mr. Crandall was SheriflP of Whiteside county one term, and was also engaged in business at Portland with Mr. Sol. Seely. He was also editor and proprietor of the Sterling Times, now Gazette. His wife's maiden name was Phebe Hunt. She died several years previous to Mr. Crandall, whose death occurred in 1860.

Lafayette Crandall is a native of the town of Collins, Erie county, New York, and was born on the 9th of April, 1822. He came to Illinois in 1835, and located first at Grand DcTour, then in Jo Daviess county, now in Ogle, where he remained until 1837, when he settled at Crandall's ferry, in the present township of Erie, his farm lying in section 18. On the 10th of February, 1847, he was married in Portland township to Miss Lovina Rowe, the children of the marriage being the following: Francis Marion, born April 27, 1849; Ida E., born March 6, 1853; Alice A., born November 12, 1857; and George W., born September 15, 1863. These children are all residing with their parents. Mr. Crandall is one of the successful farmers of Erie. He has been Justice of the Peace of the town, and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Whiteside County CentralAgricultural Society.

Samuel Carr was born in Vermont, May 27, 1815. Married Elizabeth Emmins, February 22, 1843. He died June 22, 1861. Mrs. Carr married Mr. James Collins. Samuel Carr settled in Erie in 1836. He commenced keeping a "hotel" in a log cabin in 1843, when the Frink & Walker Stage Line was carrying passengers and the mails. The " hotel" stood near the site of the present St. Nicholas House.

Arthur Putney was born in Goshen, Massachusetts, in 1799. While in Massachusetts he was proprietor of the "Oldtown Stage Route." In 1831 he was married to Lucinda Wood. In 1837 Mr. Putney settled in Erie. He was one of the first Justices of the Peace in the new settlement; his death occurred in 1842. His widow, now Mrs. N. K. Chapman, still resides in Erie, one of the three oldest settlers remaining. The first bread she ate after her arrival in Erie was made from green corn grated by hand. N. K. Chapman was one of the first drivers on the Frink & Walker Stage Line.

Harvey Steele and his wife still reside in Erie, where they settled in 1836. Mr. Steele was born in New Hartford, Connecticut, in 1808. When a young man he belonged to the ranks of the irrepressible and energetic " Yankee peddlers," and sold clocks in New England and the British Provinces. Mr. Steele was married to Elizabeth C. Wood, in July. 1841.

George Steele was born in New Hartford, Connecticut, in 1800; was married, in 1832, to Miss Mary Ann Pingree, of Nova Scotia. Mr. Steele died December 10, 1871. Mrs. Steele still survives, and is now one of the oldest remaining settlers of Erie town.ship. She has a vivid recollection of the pioneer days. Mr. Steele was a peddler in his younger days, and sold clocks to the New Englanders and Nova Scotia people. Judge Halliburton, the author of the famous satire, "Sam Slick," spent many days riding on Mr. Steele's wagon, gleaning from him incidents of his peddler's life, which he wove into his book.

Charles R. Coburn settled in Erie in 1839. He was born in Broome county, New York, in 1804; married Hannah Maxwell in 1827. Mrs. Coburn died in 1860; Mr. Coburn in 1865.

John Freer was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1806; emigrated to America in 1830, and settled at Geneva, N. Y., but subsequently went to 'New Jersey, where he was married. In October, 1835, he settled in Erie, with his brother-in-law, Joseph Fenton. Their settlement was near the present town line. He was instrumental in establishing religious services and Sunday schools in Erie and Newton townships, and did much to develop the new country which he found a wilderness upon his advent here forty-two years ago. His family experienced the privations of pioneer life, having gone to bed after making a meal of stewed pumpkins, their only food. The early settlers of Erie found many Indians, but they were friendly, and traded with the settlers fish and game. With the exception of their thievish habits, the Indians were not bad neighbors. In 1875 Mr. Freek emigrated to Kansas, where he now resides. Children: William, born March 10, 1834 - died December 13,1859; John, jr., born in Erie in 1837 - resides in Kansas; Samuel, born January 13, 1839 - died January 17, 1860; Ann, born July 4, 1843 - married Joseph Guthrie; Thomas E., who was in the 8th Illinois cavalry regiment - died January 15, 1865.

James C. Hubbart is a native of the town of Sanford, Broome county, New York, and was born October 12, 1822. In May, 1837, he started with his parents for the then far West, stopping for nearly a year in Michigan, and on the 20th of February, 1838, arrived at Lyndon, Whiteside county. The family remained here only about four weeks, and then moved to a place half a mile east of the present city of Morrison, finally locating on Delhi prairie, in Union Grove township. Mr. Hubbart remained on the farm in Union Grove until the death of his father in 1842, when he spent the following three years in traveling through Wisconsin and New York States, and returned in August, 1845, again taking possession of the farm. In 1855 he sold the farm, and purchased another in Erie township to which he removed and upon which he has continued to reside since. October 14, 1855, he married Miss Mariah L. Putney, at Erie, the following being the children of this union: Mary J., born February 15, 1857; Luella May, born June 22, 1861, and James, born February 11, 1866. Mr. Hubbart is an active go-a-head business man, and to him the village of Erie is indebted for the erection of a grist mill in 1870, store in 1871, and cheese factory in 1873. He ran the store, keeping it stocked with goods, until 1877. A few such men only are needed to build up a town - men who do not hold back but push forward every enterprise that will aid the growth and prosperity of the place.

The land upon which the village of Erie stands was entered by James Mc- Millen about 1850, and the old section of the town was laid out soon afterwards by Samuel Carr, M. G. Wonser, James McMillen, and George Marks. Previous to the laying out of the town there were several log cabins on the site, among them the Brooks', Carr's tavern, and a school house. In addition it is stated that on the present town site and the neighborhood, George, Henry, and Harvey Steele, James Early, E. Warner, John Freek, A. Putney, Charles R. Coburn, and William Teats had residences. The regular trips of the Rock Island and Dixon stages enlivened the new village. About 1849-'50 the postoffice was removed from Crandall's Ferry to the village, with C. C. Teats. Postmaster. M. G. Wonser started the first store, he having a general assortment; although it is represented that about the same time, or before, a man by the name of L. Higley oflFered a small stock of notions for sale. Dr. Grover, now a merchant in Erie, came next year with a considerable stock of goods. Wonser's store, also used for a dwelling house, was the first frame building in the village; the log hotel was next supplanted by a frame building. Frame structures were next erected by Charles Coburn, Tyler TMiipple, and Hiram Harmon. The first church edifice was built by the United Brethren in 1854. .Henry Bolton started a blacksmith shop in 1850. C. C. Teats was the first lawyer, and Dr. Fetters the first resident physician, he locating in 1849 or "50. Dr. Lord was in Erie in 1852.

A lively interest was taken in schools and churches, business increased, and the town grew steadily until railroads began to multiply, running to other towns in the county, Erie having none. In 1857-'58 the Sterling and Rock Island Railroad was projected, and graded in the latter year. There was much excitement, and selling lots in Erie became an important business.' Everybody talked real estate and corner lots, and upon certain days lot sales were made. The farmers along the line mortgaged their property to build the road, and all were sanguine; but, like many other promising enterprises, the end was failure, and ruin was the portion of many who generously and confidently gave mortgages to assist in building the road. The bed was graded for a considerable- distance, and then the matter ended and Erie did not advance; but in 1869 the desire of the village was gratified, for January 20th of that year the locomotive steamed into Erie upon the Rockford, Rock Island and St. Louis Railroad. The town at once took a new lease of life, and general activity took the" place of apathy. Business houses began to multiply, and the trade of the wealthy surrounding farming country that had gone elsewhere began to pour into Erie, since which time the place has had a steady and substantial growth.

The first saw mill was built in Erie in 1855 by A. J. Osborne and Fain Thompson; the mill was run by steam power. The first steam flouring mill was erected and run by Simonson & Ritchie in 1868. The present grist mill was put up by J. C. Hubbart in 1871. An excellent cheese factory was built in 1873 by the same gentlemen. It is now managed by Robert Shelletto, and does a good business.

Three general stores, two hardware stores, two drug stores, two manufacturers and dealers in boots and shoes, one furniture store, two hotels, two saloons, one meat market, two harness shops, five millinery and dress-making establishments, two grain elevators, one cheese factory, one steam flouring mill, two livery stables, one barber shop, one cooper shop, two blacksmith shops, two wagon shops, three carpenter shops, two paint shops, one windmill manufactory, one agricultural implement house, two pump dealers, one photograph gallery, one florist, two lawyers, three physicians, three churches, one Masonic lodge, one division of th6 Sons of Temperance.

Erie has also a fine public school of three departments - M. H. Hanna, Principal. The best of teachers are employed; a lively interest is taken by the citizens in the school, and by these combined influences the rising generation of Erie and vicinity is afi"orded unusual advantages for acquiring an education.

Until 1872 Erie was not incorporated, but in that year the village incorporated under an act of the Legislature, approved April 10, 1872. July 31, 1872, a number of the citizens of Erie presented a petition to Wm. Lane^ Judge of the County Court, praying that the village be incorporated, and August 20, 1872, an election was held to vote upon the question of incorporation, at which 53 votes were east " for" and 21 "against." September 17,1872, an election was held, when six trustees were elected, viz: A. J. Osborne, James Collins, John D. Fenton, Joseph Glrover, W. L. Mitchell and M. S. Johnson. Since organization the question of "license" or "no license" for saloons has annually been the issue, as in other towns. At present licenses are granted to saloons upon payment of $300.00.

BaptiM Socirti/: - The Baptist Church of Erie was not formally organized until March 24, 1854, although Elder Carpenter preached in Erie prior to 1840; but until the church organization the people of that denomination had worshiped at other points, and with other churches in their own town, receiving an occasional supply. The council met March 25, 1854, Rev. Wm. Rutledge, moderator, and Rev. J. Van Vleck, clerk. The Baptist Church of Erie was formally recognized the next day. Rev. L. L. Lansing, as the first pastor, served the church one year; the church has since been supplied by Revs. Smith, Terwilliger. Carpenter, Roney, Barden, Stott, Hanna, Burnham, and Geo. IL Brown, the present pastor. In 1869-70 a comfortable and pleasant house of worship was erected, which was dedicated May 8, 1870. The present membership is about 80.

Methodist Episcopal Society: - The Methodist Church of Eric has long had an existence, dating back to 1839, when the first regular preaching was commenced by Rev. Norris Hobart. Very soon after a Sunday School was organized with John Freek, Superintendent. Prior to that time the handful of believers had enjoyed occasional services from the missionary preachers who traversed the new country. Thos. Freek, now residing near Erie, remembers the following persons as composing the first class: John Freek and wife, Mrsr Hunt, A. Brooks and wife, and Mrs. James Early. Among the first preachers he mentions McMurtay, Kirkpatrick, Buck, Stuff, Campbell, McKean, Cartwright and Philleo. Services were held in the old log school house. Since the first feeble start the Methodist Church has steadily grown, and now has a comfortable church edifice, a membership of nearly 100, and a flourishing Sunday School. A portion of the history of the Erie church, and the name of ministers who supplied the people, will be found in the history of the Methodist church of Morrison, as Erie and Union Grove, formerly Morrison church, were long in the same circuit

Sons 0/ Temperance: - Erie Division, No. 999, Sons of Temperance, was organized January 5, 1875, with 38 members. A. M. Early, W. P., Luther E. Matthews, D. G. W. P. The Division has met with varying fortunes, but at present is on a substantial footing and doing an earnest work in its proper field. August 1, 1877, the membership was 100. In connection there is a Band of Hope, No. 60, numbering over 100 members, and rapidly increasing in membership.

Fulton was originally a part of Albany Precinct, and afterwards created a Precinct by itself, and so remained until 1852, when it was made a township by the Commissioners appointed by the County Commissioners' Court. It is described as fractional township 22 north of the base line of range 3 east of the 4th Principal Meridian. Where a part of the city of Fulton stands, and for a short distance to the north and northeast of it, the land is niade up of high bluflFs, overlooking the river on one side and a wide expanse of country on the other. The balance of the town is low land, and a part of it, lying along the Cattail creek, subject to overflow during times of high water in the river. Most of this land, however, is very fertile, and in favorable seasons large crops are raised upon it. Some of the land, also, in the east and south parts of the town is sandy. The township includes a portion of the large island north of the city. Considerable quantities of wood are yet cut on this island, and brought down to the city and sold. Besides the great river which bounds it on the west, the town is watered by the Cattail and Otter creeks. Both city and township are also supplied with abundance of excellent wells. In the northern part of the city are some large quarries, from which an excellent quality of stone for building and other purposes is taken. The bluflFs in the eastern and northern parts of the city also contain lead, but in rather limited quantities. When the town was first settled there were evidences of works having been used by the Indians for' smelting the lead ore. A row of red cedar posts was also found extending from the river bank, at the street now known as Ferry street, all the way over the bluflPs to the location of the present bridge over the Cattail creek. These posts were from twelve to fourteen feet high. Their uses are not known. The smelting furnaces just spoken of were situated in a slight depression of land in the northern part of the present city of Fulton, about two hundred rods from the river, and were made b}' excavating the ground about six feet from the common surface. They were filled up when first discovered, but upon the ground being removed large quantities of smelted lead and lead ore in the natural state were found, besides Indian relics, such as spear heads, rude knives, battle axes, and several brass pots. The land sloping south was found to have been Indian corn fields, and the whole surface dotted with tumuli made by the squaws, in which the corn was grown. Evidences of an Indian town occupying the site of the present city of Fulton were also found, and from the great number of them it is conjectured that the town was one of considerable fejize. The Narrows appeared to have been a favorite crossing-place for the Aborigines. Leading to the river from the eastward was a path which had been worn to the depth of two or three feet by the ponies. There were quite a large number of Indians of the Winnebago, Pottawottamie and Fox tribes remaining in and around Fulton when the early settlers came in, who mingled freely with them. The Cattail slough was a great hunting ground for furs, and in the proper season the Indians would pitch their tents wherever they chose, over this ground, and hunt and trap the fur-bearing animals. They were not troublesome to the settlers.

Some years ago the latitude and longitude of Fulton was taken by James Haun, United States Government Surveyor. The place was found to be in latitude 41 deg., 52 min., 3 sec. north, and longitude 90 deg., 11 min., 3 sec. west of Greenwich.

The first settler in Fulton, and consequently father of the place, was Mr. John Baker, a native of Queen Ann's county, Maryland. Upon arriving at his majority he went to Washington City, but remained there only a short time, and then went to New Orleans and entered into business with the full intention of making that city his permanent home. He was driven from there, however, in 1832 by that dreadful scourge the Asiatic cholera, which raged there with fearful and fatal force during that year. On leaving New Orleans he concluded to follow the Mississippi river upward until he found a place which appeared to him to be favorably located for the foundation of a town, being fully impressed that it was better to be a pioneer, and suflFer the hardships of a pioneer's life, than to dwell in a city whose very air was tainted with disease, although surrounded while residing there by all the conveniences and luxuries of life. Borne on the noble stream by such craft as were in use at that day, he came upward until he reached Rock Island, where he disembarked and pursued his way by land to what is now known as the Meredocia, a few miles below Albany. Here he was found in November, 1833, by Norman D. French (now of Carroll county), who was assisting United States Government surveyors at that time in running the meander line on the Mississippi river, and subdividing the fractional townships on the east bank of the river from the mouth of Rock river to the northwest corner of Whiteside county. He remained at the Meredocia but a short time, and then came further up the river, and made a claim and built a cabin on the bank of the Mississippi, a short distance above the present village of Albany. During his stay at this place he occupied his time in prospecting, as he felt sure that not far from there he would find a location such as he desired for the establishment of a town. It did not take him long to find this location, for his eye soon fell on the Narrows of the Mississippi, and his clear judgment told him that at no distant day they would become an important point in the commercial and business world of the great West. He consequently remained but one season at his temporary quarters near Albany, and in the spring of 1835 drew up a claim for the ground where the city of Fulton now stands, and also for a quantity of land east of the town. Upon this land, near the Cattail creek, he erected a small building, the site being now occupied by the farm-house on Mrs. R. S. Sayres farm. He lived alone at this place for the first year, as he had done on his claims at the Meredocia and near Albany. The Indians were quite numerous around him at the time, but, by his uniform kindness to and courtesy towards them, he won them over to be his friends, and they so remained until their final departure for their far-west reservation.

During his residence here he entertained numerous persons who were seeking the Mississippi river or the Territory of Iowa, for even at that early day the Upper Mississippi had become noted as possessing many advantageous locations for business purposes, and Iowa for the exceeding richness and fertility of its soil and the healthfulness of its climate.

The house, or cabin, as it was called, was a small one, boasting of only three diminutive rooms; yet those who came there of an evening always found a good supper, night's lodging, and breakfast in the morning. Mr. John W. Baker, the second settler, as will be seen hereafter, informs us how very large parties were entertained by Mr. Baker. We will give one instance. Late in the fall of 1836 the steamboats became frozen in the rapids at Rock Island, on their way to Galena, necessitating the passengers to take the land route. One afternoon after this occurrence about twenty persons came to Mr . Baker's cabin, and, being wearied, wanted to stay all night. He told them he would keep them the best he could, and soon served them with a supper of beef, potatoes and coffee, using tin cups for the latter; and as there were more customers than cups, some had to wait until their more fortunate companions had linished quaffing their portion of the beverage. These parties had no sooner been supplied than twenty more came, and, as it was dark, they could not go any farther, there being no house nearer than Savanna, twenty miles distant. The question arose, " What can we do with the last comers?" A supper could be given them, but where were they to sleep, as the first twenty had the preference of the house? It was finally decided to have John W. Baker go out into the woods just north of the house and build a big fire by the side of a huge log - for it was cold and there was snow on the ground - and by that fire the last twenty were to encamp, with such blankets and other covering as the family could afford. This was done, the first twenty being packed somewhere in the house, and the other encamped Indian fashion around the fire in the woods. At daylight in the morning all had their breakfast, and soon after started on their route as joyfully as though they had slept on "beds of downy ease," and fared at the table of a Dement house. There are many persons yet living who have pleasant recollections of Mr. Baker's hostelry near the Cattail. In 1850 Mr. Baker went to California to seek relief from the asthma, a disease with which he had been aflflicted for some time, and remained there for nearly three years. On his return, however, the disease again became troublesome, and on the breaking out of the gold excitement in Colorado he went thither, partly for its relief, and partly to reap a rich reward in the "diggings " of the new Eldorado. He finally ended his wandeiings by settling down in the city of Fulton, where* he built a brick house on Broadway, now occupied by Justice T. H. Smith, in which he died in December, 1863, at the age of 63 years. Mr. Baker was twice married. His first wife was Miss Maria Allen, whom he married at Port Byron, Rock Island county, Illinois, in July, 1836. He was married to his second wife, Mrs. Humphrey, at Elkhorn Grove, Ogle county, in the spring of 1840. There was one child by the first wife, William Baker, who now lives in O'Brien county, Iowa. His widow is still living, and resides with Mrs. John Phelps, a daughter by her first marriage, in the city of Fulton. Although at an advanced age, her recollection of early Fulton is still strong and vivid.

The second settler was John W. Baker, now a well to do farmer, and resident of Garden Plain. John W. also came from Queen Ann's county, Maryland, and was attracted to the Mississippi by the glowing accounts of his uncle, the original John. He came in the fall of 1836, and brought with him his wife, three sisters and a niece. At that time there were no houses in Fulton, and for the first season all lived with John Baker in the little house near the Cattail and helped entertain the travelers and land seekers who were then flocking "Westward, Ho." Edward Rolph and Thomas Dale came the same year.

Quite a large accession was made to the infant settlement in 1837, the following being the arrivals : James McCoy, Henry C. Fellows, Dr. Daniel Reed, R. J. Jenks. Jeremiah Humphreys, Alvin Humphreys, George W. Kellogg, John B. Jenkins, Robert Booth, John Redfern, Henry M. Grinnold, John Grinnold, Jesse 'Johnson, William H. Knight, David Ross, Hosea Jacobs, Isaac Wickson, Lyman Blake, Enos Herdman, J. B. Rhodes, Moses Barlow, Allen Graves, Jonathan Briggs, A. Briggs, Thomas Baker, Edward Cow- drey and Alonzo Terrell. Among those who came in 1838 were Edward Church, Royal Jacobs, Sen., Royal Jacobs, Jr., A. INI. Wing, Caleb Clark, and Rev. John Prentiss; and in 1830 Hollis Chenery, Augustin Phelps, Jacob Baker and family, John G. Colin, H. H. Fowler, William Grant and Thomas Sey. After 1839 the settlers came in more numerously.

Of those who came in the years above mentioned the following still reside in Fulton : James McCoy, Henry C. Fellows, ]^r. Daniel Reed, William H. Knight, Lyman Blake and Caleb Clark. William Grant resides in Garden Plain.

The first white women who settled in the town were Mrs. John W. Baker, Misses Rosena, Frances and Martha Baker, and Elizabeth Skinner. The latter died in 1837 as mentioned elsewhere. Mrs. Baker is still living. Rosena Baker married Jacob Parker, of Garden Plain; Francis Baker married Edward Rolph, and Martha Baker married John Lashell, now living in the city of Fulton. Mary and Ora Frost, and other white women, came soon after the above.

The first white child born in Fulton was a son of Robert and Phcebe Booth, the birth occurring in the winter of 1838. He was named John Fulton Booth, and died about three years ago in Decatur county, Iowa.

The first death and burial in Fulton was that of Miss P]lizabeth Skinner, the niece of John W. Baker who had come out with him from Maryland in 1836. She died of consumption in January, 1837, at the age of 22 years. She had been suffering with this disease for several years, and thought by a change of climate the hand of the fell destroyer could be averted, but his grasp was too firmly fixed; and away from her old Maryland home and in the then far and almost uncivilized West, she yielded up her young life. The funeral was a very primitive one, the coffin being made from an old wagon box, and the remains conveyed to their last resting place in an open wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen. There was such a dearth of nails and other material for the proper construction of a coffin that John W. Baker was compelled to sit in the wagon and hold it together, while John Baker and Edward Rolph drove the oxen on the way from the house to the burial place. The interment was made on the high bluff nearly opposite where Culbertson, Smith & Cos. saw mill now stands, and on that bold point far above the beautiful river, on a bleak, cold day in midwinter, over forty years ago, the first white person in Fulton was laid to rest. The grave was made by the side of a young Indian child who had been buried a short time before. Not long after the burial of Miss Skinner a Dr. Fowler, and a little German boy who had been drowned in the river, were buried there, and we believe the spot was used as a burying ground until the present cemetery was laid out.

As faithful chroniclers we must not forget the first marriage which occurred in the town. Although there were no marriage bells to merrily peal forth an announcement of the happy event, yet we have no doubt the occasion was one of as great rejoicing, and the twain as supremely happy as though the bride's trosseau had been brought from Paris, the wedding presents costly and innumerable, and a thousand bells had rung out .their merry peals of joy from a thousand towers. The fortunate couple were Edward Rolph and Frances Baker, and the marriage took place at the house of John Baker in the fall of 1837, Moses Barlow, Justice of the Peace, performing the ceremony. Mrs Daniel Reed supervised the culinary department for the occasion, and made a bride's cake which called forth the wonder and astonishment of all. So highly pleased was the bride with its richness and ornamental beauty, that she called all of her friends, as fast as they arrived, into Mrs. Reed's room to look at and admire it with her. Those who were present at the wedding, and are now living, say they could not conceive how Mrs. Reed could make such a cake with the limited material for so necessary an appendage to a marriage feast, then to be had. They can only account for it from the fact that Mrs. Reed possessed the skill of making the most toothsome viands from the scantiest larder - a skill which no other lady then possessed in this section of the country, and probably none since. Invitations to the wedding were extended to every man, woman and child for miles around, and it is said that every one attended except a Mrs. Foote, who was detained at home on account of illness. It was in every sense of the word a pioneer wedding, and celebrated as only pioneers of that day could celebrate an event of the kind.

The following facts of interest relating to the Precinct and Township of Fulton are gleaned from the records on file at the County Clerk's office, in Morrison :

At a meeting of the County Commissioners held at the house of William D. Dudley, in Lyndon, May 16, 1839, it was ordered that Road District No. 10 shall embrace all the territory in Fulton Precinct, and that John Baker be appointed Supervisor. At the same meeting it was ordered that Hosea Jacobs be appointed Assessor of the Precinct. The books afterwards show that Mr. Jacobs received $8 for four day's work in assessing.

Fulton City Petition vs. License and Ardent Spirits. To the County Commissioners of Whiteside county : We, the subscribers, respectfully petition your Honorable Coui-t that no license be granted in Fulton Precinct for retailing ardent spirits by the drink. Signed : Daniel Reed. William Ross, Richard L. Mills, Elijah K. Webb, John K. Prentiss, Hollis Chenery, A. Phelps, W. H. Knight, W^. Y. Ives, Henry Bond, Lewis Graves, H. F. Rice, Moses W. Jenks, Reuben S. Rhodes, Nathan Scott, John Morgan.

The presentation of this petition was the first public movement in Whiteside county against the sale of intoxicating liquor, and at that day it required some nerve to battle against the almost universal custom of dealing in ardent spirits, and more especially in pioneer settlements. Four of the signers to the petition still reside in and near Fulton, to wit : Dr. Daniel Reed, W. Y. Ives, William H. Knight and Henry Bond. The petition was not favorably received by the County Commissioners.

On the 2d of July, 1839, the County Commissioners were asked to lay out a road from Fulton to Lyndon, by the way of Delhi, and John Baker, C G. WoodruflF, and William Farrington were appointed road viewers. The viewers were to serve without pay to the county.

'At the meeting of the Commissioners in December, 1839, it was ordered that Caleb Clark be licensed to keep a public house in Fulton City by paying $25 into the Clerk's office.

On the 1st of June, 1840, James McCoy entered a complaint before the Commissioners against Daniel Reed, A. M. Wing and Caleb Clark for neglect in keeping a ferry boat across the Mississippi, at Fulton. Upon appearing before the Commissioners' Court the defendants' coun.sel made a motion to quash for variance between the summons and complaint. The motion was overruled, but after a hearing the case was dismissed.

On the 8th of June, 1841, it was ordered by the Commissioners that Royal Jacobs have three additional months in which to complete the horse ferry boat then in progress of building at Fulton.

On the 7th of September, 1842, a writ was issued by Guy Ray, Clerk of the County Commissioners' Court, by order of said court, to the sherifl" of the county, upon application of James McCoy, commanding him to summon twelve good and lawful men of the county to meet on the 30th day of September, 1842, on the southeast^ of southwest ^ of Section 11, township 22 north of range 3 east of 4th principal meridian , the property of said James McCoy, and then and there set apart by metes and bounds so much land as will be sufficient to erect a mill dam in the stream of Johnson's creek, on said land, to propel a saw mill and such other mills or machinery as the said McCoy or his assigns may erect thereon, and also view and assess the damages that others may sustain by reason of the overflow of any land or lands of any other person or persons by reason of the erection of said dam, and report the same to the County Commissioners' Court at the next term thereof. The writ was duly served by Henry C. Fellows, Deputy Sheriff. The jury reported in favor of the writ, and proceeded to set apart by metes and bounds land sufficient to build a saw mill, or such other mills and machinery as James McCoy or his assigns may deem meet to erect; also to erect a dam in the stream of Johnson's creek to propel such mill, mills or machinery. The jury also allowed by their inquest that the dam be raised twelve feet, provided it does not flow the water over the natural bank at the junction of Otter and Johnson's creeks; but if it should do so, then it is not to be raised higher than to raise the water to the top of said creek bank. It was found that about six acres of the lands of Joseph Fowler, at the junction of the two creeks, would be overflowed, audit was therefore adjudged that the sum of $8 should be paid to said Fowler.

At the election held on the 3d of April, 1849, upon the question of the removal of the County Seat, Fulton Precinct gave 11 votes for Sterling and 71 for Lyndon.

The records of the Town Clerk show that the first meeting under the township organization law was held at the house of Wilson S. Wright, on the 6th day of April, 1852. Charles J. Johnson was chosen Moderator, and James F. Booth, Clerk j^ro tern. Forty-one votes were polled, and the following officers elected: Supervisor, Wilson S. Wright; Town Clerk, Orlando Sprague; Justices of the Peace, Elias Sage and Charles J. Johnson; Collector, E. Humphreys; Assessor, G. H. Rice; Overseer of Poor, James F. Booth; Commissioners of Highways, G. H. Rice, John Masters, Elias Sage; Constables, Warren Bond, N. R. Boon.

At that town meeting it was voted to let hogs run at large; that $100 be raised by taxation to defray the expenses of the town for the ensuing year, and that a lawful fence be four feet six inches high, the first two feet the opening not to exceed four inches, and the next two feet not to exceed ten inches.

On the 29th of the same month Orlando Sprague resigned his position as Town Clerk, and James McCoy was appointed by the Justices of the Peace to fill the vacancy. Sterns Ostrander was appointed at the same time Commissioner of Highways, in place of John Masters who failed to qualify.

School district No. 2 is situated in the northeast part of the township, near where Norman E. Wheeler resides. The school building is a large one, and supplied with good seats and apparatus. Being the only school district out of the city, the attendance of scholars, especially during the fall and winter months, is sufficient to demand the services of two teachers. The present teachers are Mr. James Kirk. Principal, and Miss Jennie Linn, Assistant.

The township contains 4,191 acres of improved lands, and 7,936 of unimproved. Of improved lots there are 360, and of unimproved 750. The number of horses in the town as shown by the Assessor's book for 1877, is 324; cattle 619; mules and asses 14; sheep 8; hogs 524; carriages and wagons 190; sewing and knitting machines 176; piano fortes 29; melodeons and organs 29. Total value of lands, lots and personal property, $486,909; value of railroad property $51,747. Total assessed value of all property in 1877, $333,368.

The population of the township outside the city in 1870, was 287, of which 196 were of native birth, and 91 of foreign birth. The present population outside the city is estimated at 400.

History of the City of Fulton. The city of Fulton is beautifully situated on the Narrows of the Mississippi River, 136 miles almost due west from Chicago. The business portion of the town is mostly on ground of a sufficient height above the river bank to preclude any danger from overflow. The bluffs, at the nortli and oast of the business part, present elegant sites for dwellings, and many of them are occupied. The view from them is magnificent, embi-acing the Narrows of the river, the cities of Lyons and Clinton on the Iowa shore, with the bluffs back of them, upon which are many fine residences, as well as a wide stretch of country in the county of Whiteside. Many of these residences are notable for their beauty and elegance. The streets of the city vary in width from 60 to 100 feet, many of the resident ones being bordered by long lines of shade trees, giving them ((uite a forest like appearance. Much attention has been given to render the business center attractive, the buildings for the most part being large, handsome, and built of brick. The general healthfulness of the place is a matter never controverted, and is accounted for by its favorable location, the excellence of the water, and the enforced cleanliness of the city. The commercial advantages of Fulton, it has been truly said, are not surpassed by any point on the Upper Mississippi. Directly west of Chicago, and its nearest approach to the river where one of the greatest railroads on the continent crosses, on the line to California, it offers unequaled facilities for western traffic. The Western Union Railroad running upon the eastern bank of the river opens communication north and south, besides connecting with the coal beds in Rock Island county and throughout the State. A branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad opens more direct communication with the interior of the State. The bridge crossing a little south of the city furnishes ready connection with the numerous railroads traversing Iowa and the vast regions west of the Mississippi. Besides these railroads the river furnishes great advantages for transportation, and during the season is largely used. All the materials for building are abundant. Stone of fine quality is conveniently found; the limestone furnishes an excellent quality of lime; the brickyards make a superior order of brick, and in the lumber yai'ds are found huge piles of lumber. As a point for manufacturing and commercial purposes Fulton has no superior on the river.

The original owners of the real estate upon which the city now stands were John Baker, Henry C. Fellows, James McCoy, Alvin Humphreys, George W. Kellogg, John B. Jenkins, Daniel Reed, R. J. Jenks, Jeremiah Humphreys, Lyman Blake, John W. Baker, Ed. Rolph and some others. The land was purchased of the Government in 1840. Fulton was organized as a village in 1855 and the first trustees were Henry C. Fellows, Dr. W. C. Snyder, Dr. A. W. Benton, but we have been unable to get at any records showing the balance of officers under that organization, or other facts as to its municipal history. In 1859 it became a city under a special charter granted that year by the General Assembly. The book of records, together with all documents, ordinances, etc., belonging to the city were destroyed by fire on the 26th of March, 1875, so that but very few facts in relation to that part of the history of Fulton can be obtained. Through the kindness of Mr. John Phelps, however, we have been enabled to obtain the names of the different Mayors, Aldermen and City Clerks. They are as follows :

1866 - Mayor, W. C. Snyder. Dr. Snyder resigned soon after the election, and C. N. Wheeler was elected to fill the vacancy. Aldermen, B. Robinson, S. Needham, A. A. Wheeler, C. B. Benedict.

1869 - Mayor, C. N. Wheeler; Aldermen, Orlando Sprague, L. H. Potter, C. A. Winslow, John Dyer, A. A. Wheeler, J. M. Fay; City Clerk, George W. Padelford.

The first building put up within the limits of the present city of Fulton was a small one of hewn logs, on the bank of the river a little north of where Bachelder's pottery now stands. It was built in 1837, the work being done by the men then in the settlement, although the ownership was claimed by John Baker. It was erected originally for a store, but during the first summer was used by James McCoy, Henry C. Fellows, George Kellogg, John B. Jenkins and R. J. Jenks as a bachelor's hall. These bachelor halls were necessary institutions throughout the West at that period. Large numbers of those who sought the then comparatively unknown wilds and prairies of the Upper Mississippi Valley, were young men without families, and very many of them with limited means, if any at all, and for the sake of economy, and in many instances of necessity, banded together and occupied dwellings which could be the most easily and cheaply obtained. In these they resided until by their labor and industry, homes of their own could be procured. Many of them can now look back to these old bachelor halls with feelings of the keenest pleasure. They were young, hardy, and enthusiastic, and the difficulties and inconveniences of pioneer life only added zest to the situation.

The first store in the place was opened in the building above referred to, in the fall of 1837, by John W. Baker and Moses Barlow. It was a general country store, and was kept by them until the next spring, when they sold to a firm by the name of Church & Wing, who continued the business about a year. Isaac Wicksom also put up a building, and opened a grocery store that year. It was a frame building, and stood about four rods north of Mr. W. P. Hall's present residence. He kept the store about two years.

The first frame building was erected by John W. Baker during the summer of 1838. It stood on the present premises of H. C. Fellows, Esq., on the corner of Base and Ferry streets. Mr. Baker occupied this building for about two years, and then sold it to Mr. Edward Cowdrey. The second frame building was put up by Isaac Wicksom as a store, as mentioned above, and the third by Rev. John Prentiss. The building of Mr. Prentiss stood near the location of Mr. John Phelps' present residence. The next year, 1839, a dozen or more buildings were erected, all of them in the same vicinity as those of the previous year. In fact, for quite a period the village of Fulton was confined to that locality, the streets which now almost wholly monopolize trade and other business being then covered with a thick growth of brush interspersed here and there with forest trees.

The first hotel was built and kept by llobert Booth, and was at the start a very primitive concern. Mr. Booth commenced putting up, or rather putting down the hotel in the spring of 1838. He first dug a hole in the ground and sided it up with small logs, the upper part of which extended but a couple of feet above the ground, and filled the chinks with clay, spaces being left here and there above ground for lights. The room thus made, was then partitioned into smaller ones, a roof placed over the (w)hole, some necessary furniture and bedding brought in, and the underground hotel was ready for guests. Almost from the start he had as many regular boarders and transient guests as he could accommodate, and in a little over a year, felt rich enough to build farther up towards the clouds, and when he had finished was the possessor of a very nice two and a half story hotel besides the original underground part. His excellent table gave him popularity far and near. He kept the hotel for about five years, and then sold it to Col. Johnson, Mrs. R. S. Sayre's father, who continued it as long as he lived, and then it passed into the possession of Wilson S. Wright. A hotel was also started in 1839 by A. M. Wing, in a building which stood on the bank of the river, just north of the present pottery of Mr. Bachelder. This was run about a year. In 1841 John W. Baker built a hotel near the cottonwood tree now standing in the lumber yard of Langford & Hall, and kept it for a short time, and then sold it to John Baker, who afterwards transferred it, together with his other real estate interest in Fulton, to Augustin Phelps. These were the original hostelries in Fulton.

The first dry goods, and general country store, was opened in the spring of 1839, by Chenery & Phelps, in a large building a little north of the present pottery. They were both Massachusetts men. Chenery came out first in 1838 on a prospecting tour, and becoming satisfied that the point was a good one for business, arranged with Mr. John Baker that if he would erect a suitable building the firm would come out the next season and open a store. In accordance with this agreement, Mr. Baker put up the building, and Chenery & Phelps took possession of it at the time just stated, and filled it with goods. They remained in it about four years, and then built one of their own a little to the south of it. The firm continued until 1844 when Mr. Chenery disposed of all his interest in the store, together with his other property in the place, to Mr. Phelps, and went back to^Massachusetts. Messrs. Chenery & Phelps did a large wholesaling and retailing business, as well as dealing largely in grain, pork, and produce. They paid good prices for whatever they purchased, and hence drew to their establishment farmers and producers for many mil^s back in the county. Smaller storekeepers could also buy from them at rates which made it an object to go to Fulton instead of elsewhere for their supply of goods. In 1845 Mr. John Phelps became a partner of Augustin Phelps, and the two continued the business until 1849, when the latter died suddenly of cholera at the city of Syracuse, N. Y., while on his way to the eastern cities to purchase stock. Mr. Chenery died the following February at his home in Montague, Franklin county, Massachusetts. Both were men of great energy, admirable business talents, social in their manners, strictly honest in their dealings, true in their friendships, and broad and liberal in their views. Such men are an advantage to any town.

The first brick building was put up in 1847, and still stands at the corner of Base and Ferry streets. It waa originally used for a blacksmith shop, E.

Summers, Esq., occupying it for quite a period. It is now occupied by D. C. Goble as a stable. The next brick was built for a residence in 1849 by a mason named Quinlan. and stands on the northeast corner of Cherry and River streets. It is now owned and occupied by Mr. D. E. Dodge as a restaurant and confectionery store. The third brick was erected by Messrs. McCoy and Phelps for a printing office. It stands on the southeast corner of Short and Union streets, and is now owned and occupied by Mr. Chas. D. Rose as a dwelling. The stone school house, now the city calaboose, was put up in 1847.

The first mail from Dixon to Fulton was brought by Ezekiel Kilgour, by the way of the Sterling, Morrison and Fulton road. From Dixon to Sterling the mail was carried by an ox team, and from the latter place to Fulton by horse. This primitive way of carrying the mail was continued for some years.

Fulton did not grow very rapidly until 1851, when the project of building a railroad from the Lakes directly west to the nearest point on the Mississippi river was broached. It was found that this nearest point was Fulton, and upon that fact being declared the town started forth with new energy. A railroad meeting was immediately held at Lyons. The Legislatures of both Illinois and Iowa were then in session, but it was concluded to bring the matter first before the Legislature of the latter State, and assure the members that if they would pass an act for the incorporation of a railroad company to construct a road from Lyons to Council Bluffs, a charter would be procured from the Legislature of Illinois for a road to intersect the then contemplated Illinois Central Railroad, at Dixon. The Lyons meeting was largely attended, and a committee appointed to repair at once to Iowa City, at which place the Iowa Legislature was in session, and present the petition for an act of incorporation. This was done, and the second day afterwards the act was passed, and had received the Governor's signature. This was at once followed by an application to the Illinois Legislature for the passage of an act authorizing the construction of a railroad eastward from Fulton. Hon. James McCoy placed the subject before the Legislature, and procured before the adjournment of that body a charter for the Mississippi & Rock River Junction Railroad. It was provided by the charter that books of subscription to the capital stock should be opened within one year after the passage of the act. In the month of January, 1852, they were accordingly opened, and nearly all the stock subscribed in a short time.

On the 1st of May, 1852, a meeting of the stockholders convened at Union Grove for the purpose of electing a President and Directors, which resulted as follows: President, James McCoy; Directors, J. T. Atkinson,, Royal Jacobs, Chas. Dement, Benj. Lake, Elijah Buell, John Phelps and A. W. Benton. In the month of January, 1853, the Directors let the contract for building the road, and on the 8th of February following the work was commenced. This was an auspicious era for the young and struggling town, and many a heart throbbed with gladness to note it. In April, 1853, the Michigan Central and the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad Companies came forward and took some $400,000 stock in the road, thus placing it upon a firm basis. At the annual election for officers of the road, held in May of that year, the following were chosen: Chas. Dement, President, and John B. Turner, J. H. Burch, E. Peck, J. Van Nortwick, James F. Joy, Chas. Dement, James McCoy, Bayard Fowler, and Lewis D. Crandall, Directors.

About this time a railroad was projected from Chicago through the village of St. Charles to the Mississippi river, called the St. Charles Air Line Railroad, This, however, in a short time passed into the hands of the Galena & Chicago Company, and whatever was really of avail in carrying on the road from Chicago to Fulton was adopted. The Galena & Chicago Company had at that time become so far identified with the road, that it was carried on mostly under their direction, assuming the name of the Galena & Chicago Union Railroad and eventually the Chicago & Northwestern llailroad.

In 1857 two other roads from Fulton were projected, one connecting with the Racine & Mississippi Railroad, near Mt. Carroll on the north, and the other with the so-called Camanche, Albany & Mendota Railroad at Prophetstown, on the south. The first road was built, although considerably changed from the original project, and is now known as the Western Union Railroad. The latter project flashed in the pan. A road, however, now runs from Fulton through Prophetstown, and is known as the Mendota & Prophetstown branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

When the shovel first cut the prairie turf for the railroad track to Fulton, there were probably not over 400 inhabitants within the limits of the corporation, but within a few years thereafter there were at least six times that number. A large number of stores of all kinds were built; hotels and dwellings were erected, and churches and public and private schools started. The Dement House was built by Chas., Dement in 1855, and at that day was the largest hotel west of Chicago. The main building is 96 by 100 feet in size, and five stories high including the basement. The walls are stone, 23 inches in thickness, and substantially made. The wing was originally 70 feet in length and two stories high. The dining room was a spacious one, and the hotel fitted with all the modern conveniences known at the time. For some time after it was opened it was filled to repletion with guests, and many were the gay times held within its walls. The building of the bridge at Clinton, the removal of the passenger depot to its present position, and the building of the railroad shops at Clinton, however, gave Fulton the severest blow it ever had, and from which it has not as yet recovered.

The first ferrying done betAveen Fulton and Lyons was by a skiff, which seems to have been used as required by the few citizens who then resided in Fulton. The travel, however, soon increased to such an extent as to demand much larger facilities, and in 1838 a company consisting of John Baker, Dr. Daniel Reed, M. W. Jenks and A. and J. Humphreys, obtained a license to run a flat boat ferry. This ferry, it appears, soon afterwards passed into the hands of A. M. Wing, and then into those of Royal Jacobs, a nephew of Hosea Jacobs. The latter ran it until about 18-1:4, when it was purchased by Augustin Phelps, who began for the first time to use horse power in propelling the boat across the stream, building a boat especially for the purpose. In 1850 Wm. H. Kuight bought Mr. Phelps' interest, and substituted steam power for horse muscle. The steamer was called "The Sailor,'.' and was purchased at New Albany, Indiana. It was a small craft, but answered the purpose very well. iNIr. Knight ran the ferry for five years, and then sold to John P. Knight and C. C. Johnson, who in turn, after running it a few months, sold to Allen & White, of Davenport, Iowa. The present owner is Capt. Bentley, of Lyons, and the steamer used a large and commodious one. Opposition ferries started up several times, but did not maintain the contest very long at either time. On the 2d of March, 1840, Caleb Clark obtained a license to run a ferry between Fulton and Lyons, his schedule of prices being fixed at 25 cents per footman; man and horse, 75 cents; cattle, 25 cents per head; two wheel carriage, $1; yoke of oxen and wagon loaded, $1.50; additional ox or horse, 25 cents; sheep, 12^ cents; one horse and wagon, $1. Geo. W. Sayre got a license in February, 1857, to run a steam ferry from Fulton to Lyons, and some others before that time tried to make a fortune at the ferry business, but it is not recorded that any succeeded. A ferry also ran for a short time between Fulton and Clinton.

The postoffice at Fulton was established in 1838, imder the administration of President Martin A^an Buren, and the original settler, Mr. John Baker, appointed Postmaster. Mr. Baker held the position to the best information received until 1841, when Hollis Chenery was appointed, and he in turn was succeeded by Augustin Phelps, who retained the place until 18-19, when a vacancy was caused by his death, and John Phelps was appointed. The latter held the office until 1853, when Franklin Pierce became President. He then gave way to Wilson S. Wright. From that time until the appointment of Dr. W. C. Snyder, in May, 1861, the following gentlemen respectively have held the position: Geo. S. Phelps, John J. Jones, Octavius Leigh ton and E. P. Welles. From the time Mr. John Phelps left the position until the appointment of Dr. Snyder, the location of the postoffice was so frec[uently clianged that it gave rise to the expression that it was carried around on wheels, and that the wheels were constantly moving, no one knowing where they could be found the next morning. Dr. Snyder righted this public inconvenience by placing the office in his own building, and fitting it up at his own expense in a manner to fully meet the wants of the community. The present office is admirably arranged for the convenience of the public, and in all its appointments one of the neatest and most finely constructed in this part of the country.

Fulton has been widely known for many years as one of the great lumber points on the Upper Mississippi river. The product annually has been many million feet, and this has been disposed of to purchasers for long distances around. The quality has always been excellent, as experienced proprietors have had charge of the mills - men who knew how to buy good logs, and how to saw them. Parties desiring lumber in large or small quantities never missed of obtaining at the Fulton yards just what they wanted, and at reasonable prices. The beginning of the lumber business in Fulton, however, like other places, was limited in extent. The first saw mill was built by John Masters on the Cattail Slough quite a distance above Culbertson, Smith & Co.'s present mill, and was run by water power. It was built in 1845. Mr. Masters continued the business for a while, and then sold a half interest to a Mr. McKenzie, but the two abandoned it after some unsuccessful efforts to make it pay. Finally a Mr. Ritchie took hold of it and ran it for some time, when it was taken down.

The next saw mill was put up by Messrs. Sprague & Hamilton, and was situated near Base street. It was run by horse power, and had a rotary saw, and sawed some logs. It was principally used, however, for manufacturing shingles. About the same time Sprague & Lamberton had a chair and bedstead manufactory situated a little east of where the residence of Mr. E. Summers now stands. In 1854 Chas. Dement put up the saw mill now owned by Culbertson, Smith & Co. Mr.'Dement ran the mill for four or five years, when it passed into the hands of Col. Todd, and afterwards into those of Chas. Herrick and others. In 1863 it was purchased by W. P. Culbertson and Dr. Leander Smith, the latter afterwards selling his interest to Ed. Welles. The firm then became Culbertson & Welles, and the mill was run by them for about three years. In 1869 Dr. Smith and J. Martin Fay bought the interest of Mr. Welles, and a firm was then formed under the name of Culbertsqn, Smith k Co., and so remained until 1876, when it was dissolved. The mill has a capacity of turning out 25,000 feet of lumber, 12,000 shingles, and 8,000 lath per day. The average per season is about 3,000,000 feet.

- The first mill put up where Langford & Hall's large mill now stands, was built by Chas. E. Langford in 1865. It was 24 feet by 60, and had one single rotary and a muley saw to do the work. In the following year Warren P. Hall became a partner, and the mill was increased greatly in size and capacity, so that instead of turning out from seven to ten hundred thousand feet of lumber annually, as the original one did, it turned out over three million feet. Yet with that capacity it was found inadequate to the demands made upon the proprietors for lumber. In 1875 they commenced the erection of a new mill of ample dimensions, and completed it in the latter part of 1876. We give a description of this mill as it is one of the largest and most thoroughly furnished upon the river. The main building is two stories high. The lower or first story is 40 by 128 feet, and contains the shafting, friction and belt pulleys, and also the planing, moulding and siding mills, with some small machines for resawing. The upper or second story is 40 by 144 feet, with an addition on the north side 10 by 80' feet, and contains a fifty inch gang with thirty-two saws, and a double rotary, the two having a capacity of 75,000 feet of lumber per day of ten hours. Connected with these are a case of live rollers, a log transfer, board transfer, Moezinger edger, lumber trimmer, slab saw, and two edging cutter saws. In the same story is also the lath mill with capacity for cutting 15,000 lath per day of ten hours. On the southeast corner of the main building is an addition 22 by 26 feet, which contains the- shingle mill. The shingles are sawed in the second story of this addition, and then sent down to the first, where they are jointed and packed ready for market. This mill has a capacity for cutting 20,- 000 shingles per day. Next to this addition on the west is the boiler room, 37 by 42 feet, constructed of brick, with iron roof. In this building are four boilers, 42 inches in diameter, and 20 feet long, set into an arch of brick. Over the arch is a saw dust conveyer, running so as to bring the saw dust from the different machines in the main building, and deposit it in the fire through iron spouts. West of the boiler room is the engine room, 18 by 30 feet, also constructed of brick, with iron roof. This room contains the engine, 22 by 30 inches, which gives power enough to drive all the machinery in the establishment satisfactorily, besides a fly or balance wheel 14 feet in diameter, and weighing 11,300 pounds, and a lifting and force pump by which water is drawn from the river and forced into the tank over the boilers, and also through pipes to barrels on the main building for protection against fire. The engine room also contains another pump by which water is forced through the Berryman heater into the boilers. The cost of the mills and machinery complete was $30,- 000. Messrs. Langford & Hall employ a large number of hands in their mills and yard, many of whom remain during the entire year.

The Fulton stoneware manufactory is situated on the bank of the river just north of Langford & Hall's extensive steam saw and planing mills. The manufacture of stoneware in this establishment was commenced in July, 1866, by Edward A. Tolman. In the fall of that year J. Davis bought a one-half interest, and in February, 1867, Wm. Aikman a one-third interest, and the three continued the business until August, 1867. when L. Bendle purchased the interest of Davis and Aikman, and the firm became Bendle & Tolman. Under this firm the business was carried on until April 13, 1868. when C. B. Bachelder purchased the interest of E. A. Tolman, and the firm name was changed to Bachelder & Bendle, and so continued until September 20, 1868, when Mr. Bachelder obtained the entire interest, which he has held ever since. Since Mr. Bachelder has had entire control of the establishment an average of 100,- 000 gallons of ware have been manufactured annually, a large proportion of which is sold in the vicinity, although considerable of it goes to Minnesota and Wisconsin, each year gaining in celebrity for durability of make and beauty of finish. The most of the clay used comes from Boone. Iowa, and the balance from Illinois, the latter being also excellent in quality. Mr. Bachelder has been for some time past making large quantities of flower pots of all kinds in con- nection with his other ware. These are painted and ornamented in a beautiful manner. His green glazed flower pots are the only ones manufactured in this country, and are extensively sold. He is also making the best open lava spittoons in the market. Altogether, the work turned out at this manufactory ranks high in the market for its superiority, durability and beauty.

In addition to the manufactories and mills spoken of , we may add the large carriage manufactory and blacksmithing establishment of J. & W. Stuart. Mr. John Stuart, the senior member of the firm, commenced first in 1862 in a diminutive building on the ground where the establishment now stands. About eleven years ago he put up an additional building, and soon followed that by others, until there are now five in all. The carriages turned out at this establishment are of great beauty, combined with strength and durability, and find a ready sale, purchasers coming from all parts of the country. In 1873 William Stuart purchased an interest, and the firm became J. & W. Stuart. The Messrs. Stuart keep a large number of hands constantly employed.

Mr. Kobert B. Myers has also a carriage and wagon manufactory, doing mostly custom work. His wagons and carriages are of excellent make and finish.

^Iv: P. H. Cossman carries on an extensive machine and blacksmithing establishment. He makes and repairs all kinds of machinery, excepting engines and some of the larger kinds of work. He has several inventions of his own which he uses to decided advantage in his business.

Gerten Bros, and the Messrs. Spark have each a good sized pipe manufactory, and each of them turn out annually a large number of boxes of pipes, which find a market in all sections of the country.

The Fulton Steam Flouring Mill was erected in 1874, and was first run by Mr. W. H. lloyt. Two years ago Mr. Geo. W. Mathers purchased it, and conducted the business a short time alone, and then took in his brother as a partner, the firm becoming Mathers Bros. Both are practical and experienced millers, and with an excellent mill and machinery, are manufacturing a fine grade of flour, together with corn meal, feed, etc. Their custom work is very heavy.

In the fall of 1866 the managers of the then consolidated Chicago & Northwestern Railway having at that time no track to the Upper JNIississippi, and being desirous of carrying to the Chicago market a portion of the products of the teeming wheat fields of Minnesota, conceived the design of erecting at Fulton a suitable elevator for the transfer of grain from boats and barges to their cars, thereby securing what was then, and what will probably continue to be, the shortest rail route from the river to the lakes. The elevator is 40 by 7(1 feet on the ground, 90 feet high, and covered with iron, making it practically fire proof. Attached is a fire brick engine room. It has a working capacity of 75,000 busliels. The enterprise has proved eminently successful, transferring annually an average of 1,500,000 bushels of grain to the cars. It has handled as high as 1,000,000 bushels in a season, and during the season of 1876, which, it must be recollected, is since the company have had a continuous line of their own from the State of Minnesota to Chicago, the receipts at this elevator aggregated over 1,750,000 bushels. It will undoubtedly continue to be a paying investment, for by this way the longest water route coupled with the shortest rail route is secured, and no one needs to be told of the great economical superiority of water over rail transportation. Although different steamboat lines have from time to time brought grain to the Fulton elevator, most of it has come by what is called the Diamond Jo. Line, owned and operated by Mr. Joseph Reynolds, familiarly known as "Diamond Jo." The Diamond Jo. Line was established at the time the elevator was built to run between Fulton and St. Paul and Stillwater. It has had uninterrupted connection with the C. & N. W. Railway since that time, notwithstanding the many changes of officers the road has experienced during the period. The down freight consists principally of wheat and flour, while the up freight transferred to the boats at Fulton consists of agricultural implements and general merchandise, consigned to all known points on the upper river, or points reached by rail running back from the river landings. These advantages render Fulton one of the best known and most convenient shipping points on the river. Another feature of the grain trade here is to keep constantly on hand at the elevator large supplies of Minnesota wheat, which the millers on the Dixon Air Line and branches may purchase at any time for the supply of their mills.

The growth of the city at present is steady, and of a very substantial character. The business buildings which have been erected of late years have been nearly all brick, and many of the dwelling houses of the same material. The number of stores, business places, manufactories and mills at present is quite large, and is yearly increasing. The present population is estimated at 2,700. Fulton is 7 and 9-lOOths feet above Lake Michigan, and 590 and 9-lOOths feet above the level of the sea. These heights are obtained by taking the railroad track as a standard.

Fulton has had its vicissitudes in newspapers in common with other western towns. Early in the year 1853, Judge James McCoy and 3Ir. John Phelps concluded that the business interests of the town demanded a representative in the shape of a weekly paper, especially in view of the railroad enterprises which were then in project, and acting upon that conclusion purchased in the fall of that year at St. Louis a press and type, which together with some wood type obtained at Galena, were to be the outfit for tlie new newspaper and job office. The press, however, was sent on so late that the steamer which had it on board had to go into winter quarters at Rock Island, on account of the ice, and it was not until the next spring, 1854, that it arrived at its place of destination. The next thing was to secure a practical printer to publish the paper, and conduct the business of the office. The owners could have written the editorials and local items if necessary, besides expounding the law and selling goods, but they were not at home in setting type, correcting proofs, making up forms, and working the press, and had any one came to them for a job, they certainly would have made iijoh of it. It therefore became a necessity to get some one learned in the art, and the fortunate person proved to be Mr. A. Mc- Fadden, of Freeport. Mr. McFadden came on in obedience to call, and after some delay succeeded in issuing the first number of the Whiteside Investigator in May, 1854. This was the first newspaper published in Whiteside county, and was a creditable sheet for that day, and to Messrs. McCoy and Phelps great praise should be awarded for the energy displayed, and the means expended in securing its publication. The Investigator was published in a new two story brick building, erected expressly by these gentlemen for a printing office, on the corner of Short and Union streets, and is now owned and occupied by Mr. C. D. Rose as a dwelling. Soon after the commencement of the paper, Mr. Gr. A. Laighton appeared and purchased an interest in it, and the firm became McFadden & Laighton, the former having previously purchased the office from Messrs. McCoy and Phelps. Subsequently Mr. Laighton became sole proprietor, and changed the name to the Fulton City Advertiser. He made considerable improvement in its columns, and with an efficient editorial stafl", consisting of Dr. C. A. Griswold, and Messrs Groot and Lewis, new life and interest was given to it. In the political campaign of 1856 the Advertiser took a stand in favor of Buchanan, the Democratic candidate for President, and the former editorial staff withdrew, leaving the duties to Mr. Greenleaf. During the time Mr. Laighton conducted the paper, and was Postmaster, he became considerably involved, and took leave of absence to see his eastern friends, and did not return. The Advertiser office was left in charge of an apprentice, and soon thereafter suspended.

In the summer of 1859 Messrs. G. J. Booth and B. C. Golliday leased the establishment, and commenced the publication of the Fulton Weekly Courier. At the end of six months this firm dissolved, and Mr. Booth continued the Courier individually until the 16th of March, 1863, when he purchased the establishment from Mr. Laighton, made considerable improvements, and changed the name of the paper to the Fulton Journal, which name has been continued to the present. In 1866 Mr. Adoniram J. Booth took a joint interest in the office, and the business was thenceforward carried on under the firm name of G. J. Booth & Son until March, 1872, when the establishment was purchased by George Terwilliger. The Messrs. Booth conducted and maintained the local press in Fulton for a period of neai'ly thirteen years, having always at heart the best interests of the place and its citizens. In common with other publishers they met now and then with parties who endeavored to impugn their motives, and destroy their business, but both paper and publishers prospered, and yet continue to live and prosper.

In March, 1872, the paper and office passed into the hands of George Terwilliger as editor and proprietor, and so continued until November 26, 1872, when Dr. W. C. Snyder purchased a half interest, Dr. Snyder taking charge of the publication and business departments, and Mr. Terwilliger of the editorial department. This continued until March, 1876, when Dr. Snyder purchased the whole interest, Mr. Terwilliger still remaining as editor. In November, 1876, Mr. Terwilliger retired, and Dr. Snyder leased the establishment to Thomas J. Pickett, Jr., who is at present the editor and publisher of the paper, with Miss Annie E. Snyder as assistant editor. In politics the Journal has been Republican from the organization of the party, and has always had a good circulation in the city and country.

Other newspapers have been published at different times in Fulton. The first was the Fulton Argus by the Messrs. Pratt in 1868. It was printed at the Advocate office, in Lyons, and continued only a short time. In 1871, Mr. F. L. Norton started the Whiteside Democrat, and published it until a short time before his removal to New York State, in 1873. The Democrat was a spicy, well edited, local paper. In the campaign of 1872, a paper called the Liberal, advocating the election of Horace Greeley, was published by J. M. Finch.