Amboy Township (part 1 of 4)

Amboy Township

This embow^ered little city, second in size in Lee county, containing nearl}^ 2,500 inhabitants, is situated in the Green River valley at the intersection of the Illinois Central and the Rock River branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and is overlooked from north and south by beautiful stretches of country which gradually rise to elevations of almost seventy feet. The first beginnings on the site of this place were made in 1838 by John Sawyer, who built a cabin on the bank of the creek; and Cyrus Davis, who erected another just in front of where the Baptist church stands on Mason street. Davis built the first frame house, which was begun in the fall of 1845, and finished the next spring. This stood in the street when the town was platted, but was moved to the east side where it is still used as a dwelling. Sawyer sold his claim to Joseph Farwell and Joseph B. Appleton. Farwell came in 1841 and built where Lucius Clark's residence stands on the corner of Main street and Adams avenue, and his farm was the JST.E. ^ Sec. 22. Appleton settled here permanently in 1844, but first came as an unmarried man two or three years prior to that date. The homestead is situated in the west part of the town. He built the second frame house. Josiah M. Davis and his father Joel, who settled here about 1848, lived close to the western limits.

This city is the oflspring of the Central railroad. In the early summer of 1851 the surveying parties under the chief engineer, Roswell B. Mason, took their several stations on the line and immediately began preliminary operations. T. B. Blackstone, whose name has been given to one of the streets in the original town, had charge of the squad emplo3'ed between Dixon and Bloomington. In December 1852 K. F. Booth, for several years afterward a resident of Amboy, came to this place at the head of a small party whose business was to direct the work on this part of the route. A company, distinct from the Illinois Central Railroad Company, but composed in part, if not wholly, of stockholders in the latter, purchased and owned the land for the village plats along the road. They bought the Lay farm for a depot and station two miles above here in the direction of Dixon, which was subsequently sold to a conductor named Cole. They gave out word that the company would erect machine shops at that point; a few loads of stone Were hauled there, and the place named Kepatau. If there was ever any real intention of making a station and building shops there it was of very brief duration. H. B. Judkins came down one day, and securing the company of a certain influential citizen, went to Farwell, and pretending to be a returned Californian, said he wanted to buy a stock-farm, and a bargain was forthwith made for the " Farwell slough farm," as old settlers had named it, for $13 per acre. John B. "Wyman, assistant superintendent of the road, hastened to buy out Cyrus Davis, and then Farwell was given to understand that if he had any wish to secure himself he should lose no time in doing it, and he accordingly purchased the farm from his son-in-law, Curtis Bridgman. The land company made a deed of trust to Messrs. Ketchum and Gray ; and Col. Mason, who was superintendent as well as chief engineer of road, acted as their attorney.

In June, 1853, Michael Egan was sent to this place to commence the mason work on the station buildings, and in the autumn of the same year D, S. Clark was put in charge of the carpenter work. Some time during the season Mr. Booth prepared the plans for the machine shops, and Mr. Egan laid the foundations and pushed the construction with his characteristic energy throughout the following winter. In the spring the walls of the passenger house were up and the building inclosed; in course of the summer both that and the freight house were completed, and before winter the machine shops were in a forward state of progress. Most of the other shops which the company now have were built in the following year, 1855.

The year 1854 was the natal year of Amboy. In January or February a Frenchman by tiie name of Meyer, under the directions of Col. Mason, came and laid out the town, completing his survey March 24. On July 26 the first bonds for deeds were executed, John L. Skinner was the first purchaser of lots. He paid $600 for the northeast corner lot on Main street and East avenue, now occupied by the Badger building. On this he began the erection of the Orient House in the fall of 1854; in September, 1855, it was completed, and opened to the public by the Lee brothers, who wei'e proprietors one year under lease. Charles W. Bell, who had been grading on the road nearly a year, in August, 1853, came here with his family and opened a boarding-house for railroad men in a mammoth, barn-like shanty belonging to the company, and which had been erected near the spot where tlie Baptist church stands. On January 21 this caught fire and burned down, but was immediately rebuilt by the company. When Mr. Bell settled in the place Cyrus Davis had moved away ; Appleton was on the homestead ; Farwell was about to move, or had just moved to his new purchase ; Alvan H. Thompson was living at his old home where Superintendent Jacobs resides; and a transient family occupied the Davis dwelling. These comprised the population of Amboy, which, by the way, was not yet surveyed and christened, except some railroad employes who could not at that time be regarded as settlers. Isaac Edwards, who graded seven miles of the railroad, settled temporarily south of the Inlet this year.

By the following spring K. F. Booth, D. S. Clark, and Michael Egan were occupying residences wutli their families; and from this time the place made rapid growth after the nervous fashion of western towns. The " live Yankees " began to pour in, and their partiality for the location at once decided the complexion of societ}'. All available room was speedily secured ; every shingle covered a boarder, and the demand for lodgings was as unfortunate as Oliver Twist's cry for *' more." The science of storing away was grasped and learned, and every house was crammed to its utmost capacity from ground to garret. Boxes and trunks were piled one above another against the walls to make room to spread the tables for meals, and for the beds upon the floors at night. This was nearing first principles, still these people found more pleasures than hardships, for virtuous freedom may always be enjoyed, and never so much as when those who voluntarily come together with a common purpose have more w^ants than privileges to divide. " Roughing it," never unmixed with a certain excitement, had its fascinations, and was encountered with a relish. Busy thoughts and hands and light hearts brought health and zest to every individual, and when people came together, as they often sought and had occasion to do, joy and mirth were spontaneous and unconfined. Amusements were not wanting; and though rude and simple, they served the goodly end of recreation, and kept men from base employments. Dancing, the favorite, was indulged with the fondness of earl}' days. After supper was over and dusk had come, the room was cleared of chairs and tables by piling them up out of doors, and from that time till morning was nigh the cheerful voices of the violin and flute were blended in the pleasing strains of the Fisher's Hornpipe, the Arkansaw Traveler, and other familiar pieces; and Yirginia reels and other figures were executed by never wearying feet. The already quickened energies of the people took a new impulse in the whirl of labor and business into which everybody plunged with an absorbing ambition for the fruits of industry and improved opportunities. Men came with their families, and failing to find lodgings, hastily put up rough shanties to guard them from the weather, until more durable buildings could be erected ; and as a matter of fact the earliest structures, though designed to be permanent, were raised in the briefest possible time, and were not of the most substantial character.

The original plat of the town was on the N.E. ^ Sec. 22, the Farwell farm. Wyman's addition was next laid out on the S.W. ^ Sec. 15, the Cyrus Davis farm, J. B. Wyman, H. C. Purple, and others, being the proprietors. Farwell surveyed a part of his land into lots, and Gilson & Ransom, of La Salle, bought an undivided half of Appleton's land and laid off Gilson's addition. A lively strife at once ensued among these rival interests. Wyman was selling residence property, and having a brisk trade. The land company was disposing of business lots on Main street and East avenue, and it seemed almost fated that the center of trade would be in that locality. The interest of the other parties lay in drawing the town, or an equal share of it, to the west side. To compass this end, in the spring of 1855 Gilson & Ransom erected the Exchange block, a large wooden structure divided into six or seven business compartments below, and a number of offices and dwelling-rooms above. This occupied lots Nos. 2, 3, and 4 in block 14, Gilson's addition. At the same time Farwell built the hall which bore his name, on lot 8, block 7, north side of Division street. No building associated with the early history of the town will call up such a variety of recollections as Farwell hall ; for it was at once public hall, polling place, school-house, and everybody's meeting-house. For a while the prospects and advantages were somewhat equalized, though there was no time when there was not an unequal rivalry.

Let us drop the growth of the business quarter long enough to notice the erection of the earliest private houses. The two first were built simultaneously in the summer of 1854, on the north side of Main street, east of Mason, by L. W. Borden and E. S. Reynolds. The latter moved into his in August. Dr. David Bainter built the third, but claims to have been the first to move into the town after it was platted. Mr. Reynolds makes the same claim also for himself. This was situated on the southeast corner of Jones and Division streets, and here Bainter & Co., oculists, aurists and Indian doctors, had their office on the lower floor, and their art gallery on the upper one. Following these initial buildings others went up rapidly, the music of saws and planes and the clangor of hammers resounding on every street. The business prospects of the place were flattering. The railroad works in progress contributed generously to this progress ; and people crowded into the town to the overflowing of accommodations.

and as a consequence rents advanced exorbitantly, and persons seeking board were Ivnocking at every door. By tlie next spring the inhabitants of the town were estimated at 1,000.

K. D. Peironett and Samuel Goldman were the first to start in what had the semblance of mercantile business. Peironett opened a little rough-board shop in the spring of 1854, in which he kept a small stock of common articles; and Goldman, who had been peddling clothing through the country since 1851, set up in trade on East avenue, somewhat later, in a shanty which a dozen men could pick up and carry away. He became a leading citizen, and acquired a large competence; and in 1870 retired from active business and settled in Chicago, where he died a year ago. In the spring of the same year Josiah Little, in searching for a location, reached this place, and deciding to make it his home, proceeded to erect a store, the first which could be dignified with the name, on lot 8, block 3, original plat. The stone was brought from Lee Center and the lumber from Mendota, In October it was completed and filled with drugs, hardware and groceries. Messrs. Wilcox & Wooster built a store the same fall on the ground now owned and occupied by L. Bourne, on East avenue. The lumber for this was hauled from Mendota. They traded in dry-goods and groceries a year, wlien A. H. Wooster bought Wilcox's interest, and the new firm continued the busitiess at the old stand another year. Meantime they had purchased the lot on the east corner of Main and Jones streets, at present covered by the Merrifield building, and erected a store. The autumn of 1854 found E. & J. Little, and the Union store which had been moved from Binghamton, and was conducted by J. H. Preston, and Cornelius Allen, harness-maker, on the north side of Main street, with Warriner & Beresford, lumber merchants, on the south side. Wilcox & Wooster, Samuel Goldman, and Paul Cnllen, the latter keeping groceries and liquors, were in trade on East avenue. Betw^een this time and the spring of 1856 the following firms and persons were identified with the development of business : Guybort & Llynes, Cyrus Bridgman & Bro., Walton & Kizer, Bosenbaum & Walton, and Carson & Pirie, who began with groceries in the store built by Wilcox & Wooster, and afterward extended their business to dry-goods in an adjoining house, and carried on a large and successful cash business till 1865, when they removed to Chicago and engaged in the wholesale trade. G. H. McFatrich built a business house in the spring of 1855 on Main street, on the present site of Wheat & Gridley's store. A. & C. D. Vaughan, furniture dealers and undertakers, set up on Mason street, nearly opposite the present Methodist church. J. D. Waddell, furniture and undertaking, built two storerooms on the south side of Main street. On August 25, 1860, while hunting, he was accidentally shot and killed. R. H. Mellen went to manufacturing lumber in the spring of 1855. James Boyd started in lumber and grain, and after figuring largely for a short time, moved away. C. D. Sears & Co. opened a lumber yard and built a planing-mill and sash and door factory. G. H. Ambrose and Francis Little, grain dealers at first, afterward started a private bank. Henry Keeling, from New Orleans, opened a hardware store in company with John ScoUy. He has been a prominent business man and citizen, and in 1865 built Keeling's block on East avenue. Isaac Edwards began, and has since carried on, the livery business. Briggs & Cushing sold drugs and groceries. C. M. Butler and Robert Merrigold formed a copartnership in lumber and grain. T. J. King, grocer; Badger Bros., N. S. Chase, first in clothing, afterward hardware; Philip Flach, barber; Jacob Kline, baker; Abram Jackson, baker and confectioner ; Ashford & Cook and George Keefer, butchers; and Mrs. W. B. Andruss, artist, who occupied rooms in the Exchange block. ISTo. 33, Vol. I, of the "Lee County Times," published February 7, 1856, tlie earliest paper on file in the " Amboy Journal " office, contains advertisements of business men and others not already mentioned, as follows: Clark & Watson, clothing; Wm. B. Stuart, attorney-at-law, city auctioneer and land agent; W. E. Ives, attorney ; H. M. Snow, Doane & Quinn, meat market ; W. E. Ives, assignee of Peironett & Reed ; W. H. Allen, music store; E. W. Mc- Lean, general store; Mead & Hall; dissolution notice of J. W. D. Blake & Co. ; Alexander Martin ; G. R. McKinney, general merchandise; Drs. T. P. Sleeper and J. A. Jackson ; James Boyd, land agent ; Illinois Central railroad time table, James C. Clark, superintendent ; Mrs. Gosden, milliner ; A. S. Pierce, boots and shoes ; H. F. & E. D. Walker, hardware ; James C. Wheat, carpenter and joiner ; Gilson & Ransom, land agents; J. Carroll, tailor; Thomas Adarason, jeweler; Illinois Central house, J. B. Wyman, proprietor; Egan & Booth, grocers ; Alex. Zubrod, grocer ; A. E. Wilcox, grain ; J. H. Wisner, livery ; W. H. Brackett & Co., blacksmiths ; P. Yogt, shoemaker ; Reed & Pond, hides and grain ; and Amboy Lodge, No. 179, 1.O.O.F. Among a large number of mechanics, many of whom were in the employ of the Central railroad company, we may mention in addition the following: Lucius Clarke, Nicholas Koontz, and Harvey and Levi Ives, carpenters; George W. Mingle, shoemaker; and a man named Hines, blacksmith. Henry Chapin erected, in the fall of 1855, the first blacksmith shop east of the railroad, and the second one in the town. Considerable of the business was on the west side, and Exchange block was for some time all occupied. But Gilson died early, before realizing a fruition of his plans; the efforts on behalf of that part of the town grew feebler; and seeing the drift of trade setting steadily and more strongly in the other direction, the dealers one by one deserted that quarter, like rats abandoning a sinking craft. A part of the now solitary building was torn down, and the remainder was leveled by lire. Amboy grew rapidly through 1856, and maintained a steady increase until the breaking out of the war. In speaking of the progress of the town, the "Times," in its issue of July 31, 1856, sums up its development thus: "We have now between 2,000 and 3,000 inhabitants, two churches and another in process of construction, about thirty stores and groceries, a steam planing-mill and sash factory, three hotels, two livery stables, and in fact establishments of almost everj^ variety." The estimate of population is too indeterminate to be of much value now, though it served well enough the purposes of local pride at that time; and "groceries" includes several drinking shops, whose combined effect has been an aniple harvest of crime and woe in accidents, disasters and tragedies,

David Bainter was the first doctor to locate in the new town. Dr. Harmon Wasson lived just beyond the limits. J. A. Jackson came in the autumn of 185-J:. T. P. Sleeper, who was mostly employed in dentistry, arrived in 1855. Yaughan, a young physician, and brother to C. D. Yaughan, aud A. P. Chase the next year; and McFatrich still later. The healing art is at present represented by Drs. Ryon, Felker, Travers, Wilcox, Manning and Saguin. Dr. George Deming practices dentistry.

The Amboy bar has been composed of men of respectable legal talent. William E. Ives, the oldest practicing attorney in the county, settled here in December 1854, and was the first to hang out a sign in the place. Alfred Tooker and James H. Felch, partners, came next ; and in 1855 Alonzo Kinyon, one of the most marked men that Lee county has had, settled here, read law, and began practice in this place. Although lacking in the advantages of education, he possessed large intellectuality and great energy of character, and added to these natural endowments habits of ceaseless and rugged industry. By force of will and activity his success was solid and conspicuous. In politics he was a republican, and an active man in his party ; and in 1868 was elected representative to the general assembly. The principal measures passed by that body, as the result of his labors, were a charter for the Chicago & Rock River railroad ; and another act creating " The Court of Common Pleas of the City of Amboy," to have concurrent jurisdiction in the city of Amboy with the circuit court of Lee county in all cases, civil and criminal, except murder and treason. In April, 1869, Mr. Kinyon was elected judge of this court for a term of four years, wnth an annual salary of $3,500 ; and C. D. Yaughan was elected clerk. In February, 1874:, the act establishing the court was repealed. In the

Enos J. Ives and William B. Stuart were attorneys in practice here when the town was first started. The latter was a pioneer of the county, and is still a resident of Amboy. In 1858 B. H. Trusdell, a young lawyer from New Jersey, settled here in practice and still resides in the place. He was elected to the legislature by the democrats for one term, and served the county with credit. E. Southwick, a lawyer of ability, and some note, lived here, and died just before Mr. Trusdell came. N. H. Ryan was another early lawyer. He also went from this county to the legislature. An attorney by the name of Ryon formed a partnership with Mr. Kinyon when the latter commenced to practice. Ryon's stay did not exceed two years. J. E. Lewis, C. E. Ives, C. II. Wooster and T. P. Duify have all been admitted here, and represent the later generation.

Incorporation

In the winter of 1854-5 Amboy became a town under the general incorporation law, and Deacon Allen E. Wilcox was president of the first board of trustees. H. B. Jndkins was president and Dr. J. A. Jackson clerk of the second and last board. In the autumn of 1856 agitation for a city organization was begun, and on the 23d of December a meeting of citizens was held at Mechanics' Hall to consider the subject. A. E. Wilcox was called to the chair and W. M. Taylor chosen secretary. J. B. Wyman, W. E. Ives, A. Kinyon, E. Southwick and John L. Skinner were appointed a committee to present a form of charter at an adjourned meeting on the 30th. This was held at the Orient House, and the charter reported was adopted by sections, and then as a whole. A committee consisting of J. B. Wyman, W. E. Ives and J. Y. H. Judd was selected to lay it before the legislature and urge its passage. It was enacted and approved February 16, 1857, and adopted at an election held for the purpose on the 2d of March. The city limits were defined as " the south half of section fifteen and the north half of section twenty-two, in township twenty north, of range ten east of the fourth principal meridian ; also that part of section twenty-three which embraces Arnold's addition." Taylor and Davis' addition has since been annexed. Two amendments have been made to the charter, the first in 1867, and the last in 1869. The city government comprises a mayor and a council consisting of eight aldermen, elected from four wards, a marshal, a treasurer, an attorney and a clerk.

The first charter election was held on the 8th, and the following persons were chosen to fill the several ofiices: John B. Wyman, mayor; Orange D. Reed, marshal ; S. S. Stedman and E. S. Reynolds, aldermen of the first ward ; J. R. Stevens and F. B. Little, aldermen of the second ward ; and J. M. Davis and J. A. Jackson, aldermen of the third ward. 234 votes were cast. The officers were installed on the 16th, and the council elected Daniel T. Wood, clerk ; W. E. Ives, attorney; A. E. Wilcox, assessor; W. B. Andrews, collector; Edward Little, treasurer ; and Arthur Pond, surveyor.

The council passed an ordinance September 8, 1857, creating a tire department, but this was never of any service to the city ; and by beguiling it into fancied security paralyzed all attempts to make it efficient. Not until the fire demon had several times lapped up the business quarter of the city were earnest eftorts made to render property reason?ibly secure against destruction. After the disastrous fire of August 25, 1871, prompt measures were taken to provide the city with suitable and efficient tire apparatus. A third-class Silsby steam tire engine, and a hose carriage with 500 feet of hose were contracted for at a cost of $5,050. This apparatus was delivered to and accepted by the city authorities in November 1871. The Vigilant Fire Company was organized November 18, with the following officers: A. B. Huston, foreman; J. H. Stott, assistant foreman of engine ; H. E. Donnell, foreman of hose; C. H. Bunker, assistant foreman of hose; E. H. Thresher, secretary ; and George Stimpson, treasurer. The officers of the tire department were as follows ; B. B. Howard, chief engineer; W. W. Powell, assistant engineer; M. A. Brewer, engineer of steamer; and Daniel Maloney, fire warden. The Vigilant Fire Company, than which none could be more ettective, was in active service until August 5, 1873, when it withdrew from the fire department of Amboy. Immediately "Amboy Fire Company No. 1 " was organized, and the following day reported to the council. It has twenty-six members, and the following are the officers : Chas. Walker, captain ; James Morris, assistant captain ; Edward Smith, foreman of hose; Wm. Wells, assistant foreman; Frank Almy, secretary; and David Shafer, treasurer.

In the autumn of 1861 the city erected a two-story building in the business row on the south side of Main street for a council room, and a hall for an engine company, when such an oi'ganization as the latter should be formed. In October, 1870, a cell built of solid masonry was put into the building, and in the great fire the following year a prisoner confined over night for a trifling oftense was literally roasted alive, a cruel because unnecessary tragedy, occurring by reason of the criminal thoughtlessness of the officer. This hall was immediately rebuilt. On the first floor is the engine room and calaboose, and on the second the council meets. This body first occupied the new building Friday evening, February 2, 1872.

In the winter of 1854-5 the post-offices were discontinued at Shelburn and Binghamton, and one was established at Amboy, with Orange D. Reed as postmaster. He held the office until the spring of 1861, when R. H. Mellen was appointed under the administration of President Lincoln, and has been in possession since.

Medora Bell, daughter of Charles Bell, was born August 27, 1854; this birth was the first in the village of Amboy. The first birth in the township was that of Simon, son of John Dexter, in 1836, and the second was that of Wm. C. Doan, son of James Doan, October 16, 1837. The first marriage in the village of Amboy was that of Wm. C. Bartlett and the widow of Danford Bartlett, formerly Caroline Yinton, October 18, 1854. Almira Melissa, infant daughter of Wm. B. Stuart, died January 5, 1855; this was the first death in the village.

In 1874 east and west Main street was partly ballasted, and the macadamizing has since been extended through the city. Before this was done this thoroughfare at some seasons was next to impassable.

Not only has the grade of this street been raised, but in the business quarter the surface, by filling in, has been made some four feet higher than it was when the town was laid out. In the early settlement of the country this was almost a quagmire, which was described as "Farwell's slough farm."

The two principal tragedies have been the murder of Dennis Allen, saloon keeper, by Owen O'Connor, October 11, 1872; and Edward Egan, by John McGrath, April 18, 1873. The lirst was shot, and died witliin an hour; the last was stabbed in the bowels, and survived until the fourth day. No serious cause ot trouble existed in either case, and both acts were incited by strong drink. Both murderers escaped adequate punishment. Two negroes had an altercation in the passenger house, and one dealt the other a blow which ended his life in a few days. The number of drunken men who have been crushed and mangled to death on the railroad track in the city forms a list sickening to any brain not made impassive by alcohol.

The removal of the county seat to Amboy at one time formed an engrossing theme of controversy. It passed from the domain of words to that of acts in 1866, when the nomination by the republican union convention for representative fell upon Col. George Ryon, of Paw Paw, who represented the claitns of Amboy. The people of this city at once held a meeting and selected W. E. Ives, B. H. Trusdell and N. H. Ryan to attend to the advertising required by the law relating to removals. The effort did not succeed.

In June, 1880, the city purchased from the Leake estate a tract of ground comprising nearly twenty-five acres, situated east of and adjoining the corporate limits, on the south side of Main street, and inclosed in the angle of Inlet creek, for $2,250. This was formerly the property of A. B. Searles. It is covered with a thrifty growth of young timber, and is to be fitted up for a park. In 1878 a soldiers' reunion, the first in this part of the state, noted for the large attendance and its complete success, at which Gen. Logan and prominent men besides were present, was held in this grove.

Illinois Central Railroad Buildings

As recorded on a former page, in the summer of 1853 ground was first broken for the erection of the passenger and freight houses, and they were completed and put to use the next year. Both were constructed of brick, and the first was 40x100 feet on the plan, two and one-half stories high, and built in a very substantial manner. It was a railroad hotel, went by the name of "Passenger House," and was kept by the following proprietors: James Aiken, John B. Wyman, Gushing and Hubbard, Cushing, J. Swift, Thomas Burns, A. H. Var- nej, ]Sr. P. Almy, J. A. Rarasdell, Davison, C. C. Fulton, Gaylord, Dr. A. P. Chase, Oscar Hughes, and Frederick Hepburn. At three o'clock Monday morning, l^ovember 15, 1875, this house was discovered to be on lire, and in two hours it was totally consumed. This was the last regular hotel in the city. Next year a new building of brick, with light-colored stone trimmings, was erected on the site of the old, but its character was wholly changed. The first floor is divided into a ticket oflice and waiting and baggage rooms, while in the upper story are situated the various offices for operating the line.

Illinois Central Railroad Bridge At Dixon, Ill

The original freight house, 40x80 feet, remains well preserved, and is good for a hundred years' entire use. The first freight and station agent was C. R. Fields, who held the position three months and was succeeded by Lemuel Bourne, who retained it eight years.

"Work was commenced on the shops in 1854, and they were finished the next year. The company's temporary shops were located between the Dutcher building and the track, and were torn down when the permanent buildings were occupied in the spring of 1856. The mechanical department comprises eight divisions, which are distributed among the several shops ; these divisions are machine, car repair, blacksmith, paint, boiler, locomotive, wood repair, tin, and storehouse. The machine shop is two stories high, 85x130 feet on the ground, built of brick and covered with slate roof. A stationary engine of eighty horse power, almost as noiseless as a clock, drives all the machinery in this and the blacksmith shop by means of sliafting through both buildings. Steam is supplied from two large tubular boilers. In the first shop the machinery is all on the ground floor, while in the second story are the locomotive, wood repair and the tin shops. Tracks extend into this building and connect with a turntable for convenience in the repair of locomotives. The blacksmith shop adjoining on the northwest corner is one story, with walls about twenty feet high and slated roof. Its dimensions are 70x125 feet on the plan. A dozen or more forges are ranged round, with a large one in the center supplied with all necessary apparatus, including a trip hammer, for handling and doing heavy work. A powerful blower supplies the blast; and above the forges extends a large pipe from which smaller ones lead down with valves to regulate its use. The car repair shop is a frame building 50x150 feet and one &tory in lieight. Two tracks extend nearly the full length, and on either side is a continuous row of work-benches. Repairing only is done in these shops, though the time was when some new work was sent out, and one or two locomotives, we believe, have been constructed here. The engine house is a circular brick building 216 feet in diameter, inclosing an open, spacious court in which there is a turntable with tracks radiating therefrom into twenty-seven engine compartments. These may be tightly closed at pleasure by the large doors hung at the entrances in the inner wall. "Here can always be seen a noble stud of iron horses with their grooms fitting them up for the course." The oil room and sand house is 30x50 feet, and the stationary room 10 feet square. The storehouse, erected during the war, is a one-story building 30 feet wide and 120 feet long. The tank house is 25x65, and situated southeast of the engine house. The lower story is used for storage, and the upper is occupied by two huge tanks which are kept filled with water from Inlet creek, a quarter of a mile distant. A stationary engine at the latter point forces the water through a pipe into the tanks, and from these, engines and hydrants in the shops are supplied. The coal shed, a rough structure 17x320 feet, stands in this vicinity. The mason work of these buildings was superintended by Michael Egan, one of the most thorough mechanics, who is still in the employ of the company ; and the carpenter work was in charge of Daniel S. Clark. John C. Jacobs is the superintendent of the north division of the road, and has filled the office with unquestionable faithfulness since about 1858. We should have given a list of them " that exercise authority," and some description of the positions they occupy, but the information has not come to hand, and we can only ask to be pardoned, as we forgive him who has " held the word of promise to the ear and broken it to the hope." Subjoined are the names of many of tlie best known who have been in the employ of the company about twenty to twentj-five years : Lucius Clark, G. H. McFatrich, A. E. Slanter, Jared Slanter, John Gunning, A. J. Poland, Joseph Drummond, Robert Richards, B. B. Howard, Dennis Maloy, A. W. Spafard, J. B. Edams, L. G. Rice, G. W. Freeman, John Keho, Tiiomas Branagan. Levi Ives, Timothy Crowley, Joseph Tait, Charles Tait, William Tait, C. M. Thayer, Henry McGraw, William Trude, Charles Wescott, Homer Graves, Snow, Battles and Stay.

It would be hard to find a place which has passed through greater trials by fire than the city of Amboy ; and with perhaps a single exception the larger ones are regarded as incendiary. The first on the site was before the town was surveyed, and was the boarding-house kept for the railroad company by Charles W. Bell, already noted elsewhere. The second was the dwelling-house of D. A. Thomas, destroyed Saturday, August 22, 1857. We shall omit the few barns and private houses burned subsequent to this date, and record only those conflagrations in which public or business property has suffered. The first Catholic church, so nearly completed that the plastering had been done, was accidentally burned December 3, 1857.

The historic Baker House was erected most probably in 1855, by Alonzo Kinyon, and stood on Jones street, where Carroll's tailor shop and the meat market just north of it are now situated. It was built of wood in the cheapest possible style, covered with tarred cloth, and the rooms divided with paper partitions ; and by the public was dubbed " The Ark." Kinyon sold it to Baker, by whose name it has always been best known. It was afterward called the Burnett House, from a later owner, and was consumed November 13, 1859. It was occupied by two families at the time, one of w^iich escaped with difiiculty and injury, the mother falling down stairs, and the father leaping from the second story with a child in his arms. Dr. Bainter's oflice, adjoining on the north, was destroyed by the same fire.

The citj' hall was the first brick structure, except the railroad buildings, erected in Amboy, and was situated on East avenue. It was a fine edifice, with brick and iron front, three stories and a basement ; built by Wm. B. Stuart and Paul Cullen in 1858. The first general conflagration originated in the basement of this building, occupied as a saloon by Peter Birkenbeuel, on the morning of December 10, 1863. The fire spread in both directions, and in its progress north was arrested by tearing down a building adjoining a vacant lot ; on the south it was stayed by Carson & Pirie's brick store, which was kept drenched with water. The aggregate loss was $35,000, of which $14,000 was covered by insurance. Among the losers were Carson & Pirie, who were fully protected hy insurance ; O. F. Warriner, Henry Brady, Wm, Murtha, M. Carroll, J. L. Skinner, Adam Shugart, Francis Cullen, Peter Birkenbeuel, A.F. and A.M., J. Kline, Owen O'Connor, John Morris, Philip Flach, Louis Brendell, James McCue, Abram Jackson, Theodore Goldman, Samuel Goldman, Andrew Walters and John Burns, besides several smaller losers.

A second fire devasted this locality again in 1864. On the morning of November 10 it broke out in the building occupied by Abrani Jackson as a dry -goods and grocery store. Five business houses were consumed, and the new brick building just erected by the Badgers on the site of the Orient House was considerably damaged. The total loss of $45,000 was reduced by $38,000 of insurance. The sufferers were Carson & Pirie, E. Arnold, A. Jackson, Philip Goldman, Samuel Goldman, Perley & Blackstone, H. Keeling and Badger Brothers.

The third great fire visited the south side of Main street about one o'clock Friday morning, March 10, 1865, and swept away all of the business block west from the cit}' building to the alley, including seven houses. The loss fell on W. E, Ives, McLean, George Keifer, Leake & Co., John Morris, Mingle Brothers, Benjamin Cope, Weddell estate, Wm. Keeling, A. E. Wilcox, R. S. Burington, J. P. Newell, V. Weintz, Hunt, Howe and others.

Immediately following this the council passed an ordinance forbidding the construction of wooden buildings, except temporarily for a year, on Main street between Mason and the Central railroad, and on East avenue between Main and Division streets, and designated these limits as Fire District No. 1.

The fourth and most disastrous general fire up to this time occurred on the north side of Main street on August 24, 1867, and was discovered in the upper story of Josiah Little's drug store at half-past one in the morning. The row, in the middle of which the fire broke out, was composed of sixteen wooden buildings, which in two hours' time were completel}^ lapped up by the flames. The dealei's and others affected by this disaster were Hawkes & Bourne, Thomas Costain, Deming & Wilcox, W. Fasoldt, L. Barlow, J. Little, Lynn & Walker, Goldstone & Jackson, C. D. Yaughn, C. Allen, A. H. Merrifield & Co., A.F. & A.M., Mrs. Hudder, Fillis & Carroll, C. P. Miller, O. M. Miner, K Woolsey, Dr. J. P. Foltz, dentist, Dr. J. R. Corbus, Dr. E. P. Travers, and L. Asire. The estimated loss was $75,000; the insurance amounted to half that sura.

Between two and three o'clock on the morning of April 2, 1868, a fire made its appearance in a building on East avenue occupied by William Murtha as a grocery and liquor store below and a saloon and billiard hall above kept by George Raymond. Four buildings, flanked on the south by Hawks & Bourne's store and on the north by Kline's bakery, were burned down. These were a barber shop, saloons and billiard rooms, kept by C. Praesent, Henry Brady, William Murtha, P. Fogarty, and John Dutcher.

The sixth and last general fire, from which the city recovered with admirable grace and dignity after many woes, was more destructive than all the previous ones together. The aggregate loss reached $175,000, and a tabulated statement of risks held by insurance companies shows their losses to have been $103,000. The fire originated in the baker}^ of D. S. Corbin, underneath Vaughan's furniture store, and was discovered about four o'clock in the morning of August 25, 1871. It destroyed the buildings owned by C. D. Yaughan, William Murtha, C. F. Lynn, and Wilcox & Brigham, on the north side of Main street, and those on the south side owned by W. B. Andrus, Martin Maus, Y. Weintz, C. Badger, John Kline, P. McMahan, Thomas Cunningham, and the city building. Those who lost in personal property were Gale & Gardner, Masonic Lodge, C. D. Yaughan, Misses Mickler & Yaughan, Arnold & Sindlinger, Josiah Little, B. H. Trusdell, C. F. Lj^nn, Mrs. Pierson, office of J. H. Preston, county superintendent, I. Zwisler, Wheat & Gridley Brothers, French, G. A. Doming, Mrs. McGraw & Wilcox, Miss Murphy, Mrs. Hudder, M. Maus, Graves & Hines, City Hall store. Weintz & Barth, Judge Kinyon, Sanger & Badger, Chase & Gale, engineers and firemen, John Kline, Terry Lynch, W. B. Stuart, and Merrifield & Co.

The most deplorable feature of this calamity was the burning to death of John Shannon, who had been arrested the night before on the charge of selling mortgaged property, and was confined in the calaboose. Sheff Dyer was the officer in charge of the lock-up; he put the man in his cell and the key in his pocket ; he was early at the fire, and engaged himself in the exciting work of saving property, where so little indeed was saved ; he saw the raging fiames gradually approach and finally envelop the city building in which the helpless, unfortunate man was locked up, and still he never once thought of his prisoner. In its account of the aflair, the " Journal " remarked, with a

On January -3, 1872, the jewelry store of J. A. Lagercrantz in Fasoldt's building caught lire, but the prompt action of the fire department in the use of the new steamer averted another disastrous conflagration. The loss was not extensive.

Farwell Hall, which had outlived its usefulness as a public buildino-, and having been remodeled was used as a dwelling, took fire on August 2, 1872, and was partiall}^ consumed, its total destruction being prevented by the promptness of the Vigilant fire company. It was repaired and is now residence property. The old Potter House was destroyed in the same manner June 17, 1873.

Another fire on East avenue occurred Sunday morning, October 11, 1874, making its appearance in Reeling's block. It was extino-uished by the fire department. The loss was borne by C. G. Brauning, August Barth, Arnold & Son, and the Masonic and Odd-Fellows lodges.

Between two and three o'clock on the morning of April 12, 1875, Masonic hall was set on fire, which was put out and the building saved. Daylight revealed the diabolical work of the incendiary in the use of inflammable materials which had been applied to several buildings. Hardly had the people reached their homes before flames burst out of Patterson's hay-press, which was soon in ashes.

The Farmer's mills which had been removed in 1873 and reerected in Amboy by Judge Kinyon near the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy depot, and in 1875 sold to W. H. Lunt, of Evanston Female College, were consumed early on the morning of February 9, 1876. The property was insured for $8,000.

Education

The first school in the village of Amboy was a select one for young scholars, taught by Miss Celia Winters, in the old Baptist church west of the railroad. Miss Vaughan was another who taught in the same place. The vestry of the present Baptist church was afterward occupied, and Miss Yaughan and Miss Merilla Warriner were the teachers. School was kept in Farwell Hall until need of that was superseded by the erection of the first school-house. In the summer of 1856 efforts were begun looking toward the construction of a school building in Amboy, and $2,600 were raised by taxation the following wnnter. The district had, besides, a fund of $800, derived from the sale of the swamp lands. On March 12, 1857, a public meeting of the voters of district

No. 4 was held at Farwell Hall to authorize an appropriation to build. A committee to select grounds was appointed, and the 21st was named for an adjourned meeting to hear their report. The location adopted was between Jones and Mason streets, fronting Hawley. This seems to have been unsatisfactory, for on the 20th of April the district had a meeting to reconsider the vote fixing the site, and the one on Provost street, where the house was built, became the choice. Ground was broken for the foundation on the 6th of July. The house is a plain brick, two stories, 36x60, and stands in the center of a spacious playground on the corner of Provost street and Commercial avenue. In the fall of 1864 a one-story wooden school-building was constructed in Gilson's addition, block 9, facing Davis avenue, and the next year the old frame Methodist meeting-house on the east side was purchas<3d by the district for a school-house in season for the fall term. The price paid was $1,000, one half payable in two years and the I'emainder in three. In 1868 a two-story brick, 30x54, was erected on the west side, in the southeast corner of the old fair ground, and the campus contains about one-fourth of the original area. These four, none of them imposing in appearance, but all supplying fair accommodations, if we except overcrowding, constitute the public school buildings in present use.

We are able to give a partial list of the superintendents, and begin with J. K. B. Clayton, whose name once crops out above the debris of time in the autumn of 1859. He is followed the next year by J. H. Blodgett. Links are missing from this time until the school year 1865- 6, when we gather up the chain in the person of John Russ, assisted by his wife. About this period the languishing state of the schools excited no little public comment. C. W. Moore succeeded in 1866, and was in charge three years. We have discovered no incumbent for 1869, but Mr. Moore filled the position in 1870, giving place in the fall of that year to P. A. Childs. The latter was retained three years, and followed by H. A. Smith two years. Mr. Reagan, now in 1875, took the principalship, and discharged its duties until 1878, and since that time P. M. James has occupied the position. We believe a man by the name of Cook should have a place somewhere in the category.

The schools are divided into four departments, and regularly graded. In each of the frame buildings is a primary and an intermediate ; on the west side Miss Lizzie Burke has taught a number of j^ears in the former, and on the east side Miss L. ISTowlin, who has been steadily employed about a dozen years and in different positions, is teaching at present in the same department. In the intermediate on the west side is James E. Shea, and on the east side Miss Lizzie Morris. The new or west-side brick has a primary and a grammar department, with Miss Lizzie Sears to preside over the former and Daniel Griffin over the lat- ter. All the departments are represented in the old school-building. Miss Lizzie Richards teaches in the primary, Miss Jennie Reed in the intermediate, Miss Lizzie Gardner, and Miss Eva ShurtlefF assistant, in the grammar, and Prof. James, and Mr. Kehoe assistant, in the high school. The latter was graduated here in the class of 1878. During the past year L. B. Searles has taught penmanship in the several departments. The studies in the high school embrace higher English, higher mathematics, and the sciences. Eleven years are required to complete the full course, distributed as follows : primary three, intermediate three, grammar two, and high school three. Fifty-eight students have been graduated since 1876, the first year in which diplomas were granted. In that year there were two graduates, in 1877 eight, in 1878 eleven, in 1879 fifteen, in 1880 twelve, and in 1881 ten.

For the year ended June 10, 1881, the whole number of pupils enrolled was 673, and the average daily attendance 476. Children under twenty-one 1,199, and between six and twenty-one 889. The board of education is composed of Dr. George Rj'on, president; J. B. Graves, clerk ; Patrick Corcoran, J. G. Stafford, Rev. J. H. Hazen and Joseph Pennenbacker. C. D. Yaughan is the township treasurer.

The Baptist society was constituted May 1855, and the same year built a small temporary church on West Main street, on lot 1, block 14, Gilson's addition. The leading constituent members were Deacons Cyrus Bryant, Warren Hill and Allen E. Wilcox and their wives, Almon Ives and wife, Samuel Bixby and wife, and William E. Ives and wife. Deacons Jacob Luce and Harvey Barrell and their wives joined soon after. The Rev. Wliittaker was the first pastor who ministered to the congregation in this house. Preparations were early begun to erect an enduring edifice, and in 1856 it was commenced, and before the close of the year finished outside. Deacons Hill, Wilcox and Luce and William E. Ives were the building committee, and E. S. Reynolds the contractor and builder. Its situation is on Mason street, lot 9, block 24, Wyman's addition, and the dimensions are 36 X 60 feet on the plan. The interior arrangement is an elevated audience room over a stone basement, and the cost was $4,500. The building was inclosed during the memorable presidential canvass of 1856, and in season to be occupied for a political meeting, which was addressed by the famous and fiery orator Owen Lovejoy. On March 2 of the next year, when the citizens were voting on the adoption of the city charter, the bell, which had just been lifted to its place, pealed out its first grateful sounds on the prairie air, - never before stirred in this vicinity by such a herald of " peace on earth, good will to men " - which vibrated and throbbed to the delight of the people with the music of its rich, glad tones. The house was formally dedicated on September 13, by Rev. Silas Tucker, of Galesburg, who preached the sermon for the occasion. The Rev. T. H. Biill was the pastor at this time, and his predecessor was the Rev. P. Taylor, the earliest to preach in this new church. The first funeral service Was that of Mrs. Jacob Luce in February, before it was completed, and was held in the vestry. The second was that of Mrs. Mary Beresford, who died just a month after the dedication. The Rev. Ball's ministry was succeeded in 1858 by the Rev. J. C. Miller, a noted laborer here in his denomination. In eight months of 1858-9 he added over 130 members by baptism. This was a period of very successful revival work by all of the churches, and will be remembered as that of the great awakening of religious fervor throughout America and Europe. Among those who took an active part in the affairs of the church just prior to this interesting improvement in its condition we would name R. M. Brigham, E. Arnold, C. A. Wall, M. L. Arnold, S. Carson, O. Arnold, W. S. Cottrell, E. S. Hill, J. M. Davis and their wives. The fourth pastor, counting from the Rev. Taylor, was the Rev. William R. Webb, D.D., one of the ablest the church ever had, whose pastorate began in the autumn of 1861. He was succeeded in his labors by the Rev. J. H. Hazen, who came in June 1865, fresh from an exhausting three years' service in the army, which induced paralysis and drove him from the pulpit which he had so much adorned throughout his useful life. His connection as pastor ceased in the fall of 1869, and his place was taken by James Buchanan, who was followed in the summer of 1870 by M. T. Lamb. The Revs. George Wesselius, W. D. Clarke and Dr. N. AReed complete the list. Mr. Reed's pastorate terminated the present year. In 1865 the society bought a parsonage, and the next year repaired their house of worship at an expense of about $400. They have been out of debt since the spring of 1876. The membership is about 150, and the Sabbath school, under the superintendence of Prof. P. M. James, has 145 enrolled and an average attendance of 85.

The people of Amboy first worshiped for a short time in the dininghall of the Passenger House. The Baptists built a small meetinghouse and withdrew from the mixed cons^regations. Farwell Hall was soon erected, and to this all others then had resort. The second church in the towm was built by the Methodists in 1857, and dedicated Sunday, June 21 ; Prof. Munsell, of Mount Morris, conducted the dedicatorial service, and the Rev. O. B. Thayer was assigned to this charge in August by the conference. This house is a low-post frame, stands on the northeast corner of block 15 - at the intersection of Main and Center streets - and is now one of the four public school buildings of the city. Its erection was chiefly due to the zealous exertions of George H. Pierson, who took the lead in the matter, procured the lumber on his own account, invested labor of his own hands, and accepted payments from the society. On May 16, 1865, the corner-stone of the present massive church was laid with suitable ceremonies, and addresses were delivered by the Rev. Jewett, the Rev. W. T. Harlow, presiding elder, and the Rev. Dr. Robt. Hatfleld, of New York. On behalf of the society and the undertaking Dr. Hatfield lectured in the evening in the Baptist church on "The Sacrifices and Compensations of the War." The dedication took place April 1, 1866. The Rev. Dr. Eddy, of Chicago, was present, and preached an able discourse fi-om Matthew xxviii, 8, 9. The cost of the church was neai-ly $14,000, but a debt of $6,000 remained, which was promptly canceled by liberal donations in cash and pledges. In forwarding this useful object 11. E. Badger bore a leading part, and was one of the heaviest contributors. This is a substantial stone edifice, plain, without beaut}^ yet having an air of Gothic style. Its size on the ground is 40x60 feet. A lectureroom and two class rooms occupy the basement, and above is a spacious and attractive audience-hall. The front corners are surmounted by towers, the taller of which, containing the belfry, has replaced the spire whicli rose to the height of 127 feet, but which was blown down in a gale Sunday evening, July 17, 1870, depositing the bell uninjured in the street ; the damage was $500. The location is on Mason street just above Main. Joseph Lewis, Henry E. Badger. Ephraim Wheaton, I. N. Bear, George Mingle and Edward Miller were organizers of this church, and are still here, though the latter has transferred his membership to the Congregational church. They have been foremost members, and their long and faithful communion and usefulness reflect on them a halo of patriarchal dignity and venerableness. Mr. Badger has always served the church either as trustee, steward, or Sabbath-school superintendent, and has sometimes filled concurrently all these positions. H. F. Walker, an early business man here, now in Chicago, was veiy efficient on the building committee, and also as trustee and superintendent. Joseph Lewis has always been a reliable assistant as trustee, steward and leader. The offices of secretary and treasurer of both the society and the Sunday-school have been carefull}' filled most of the time by C. P. Miller. Since the new church was occupied the superintendents have been H. F. Walker, H. E. Badger, C. W. Deming, W. H. Badger, G. W. Mingle and A. Burnham. H. E. Bado^er and C. W. Demins: have been most of the time district stewards and delegates to the laymen's conference. The present membership, probably, will not fall below 120. Turning now for information to the records of the church, we find that the first quarterly

"The Congregational church of Palestine Grove" was organized at the residence of Moses Crombie, July 5, 1843, and worshiped for several years at the Wasson school-house, near Binghamton. The society was ministered to at this place by the Pevs. John Morrell, Ingersoll, Joseph Gardner, and Pierson. About 1849 the place of worship was removed to Lee Center, and the name of this locality was substituted for Palestine Grove in the name of the church. Out of this sprang the subject of this paragraph - the Congregational church of Amboy. On June 27, 1854, Joseph Farwell and his wife Cyrene^ John C Church and his wife Cyrene, Michael Blocher of Lee Center church, and Constant Abbott, Ruby his wife, and Caroline their daughter, of the First Presbyterian church of Galesburg, assembled at the house of Joseph Farwell and organized themselves into a "Church of Jesus Christ," which was recognized on the following day as the First Church of Amboy by an ecclesiastical council at Lee Center, convened under a call to ordain and install the Rev. S. "W. Phelps. This was the earliest religious society formed in Amboy, and its organization antedates the first conveyance of town lots. Another body declaring its belief that " the cause of religion would be promoted by the forming of a society to unite with and sustain the action of the Congregational church," was organized upon this basis by some of the citizens June 17, 1856. Until Farwell Hall was built they held services in the Passenger House, and these were lirst conducted bj the Kev. S. W. Phelps, who ministered to them occasionally; but on February 14, 1855, the Rev. David Wert was invited to become their pastor at $500 yearly salary and no expense for rent. The call was accepted and he officiated for them until April 1856. In December the Rev. C. P. Felch engaged to supply the pulpit, and April 30 following he w^as ordained and installed pastor. During his ministerial charge the first house of worship was erected on Jones street, near Provost, at a cost of about $1,500, and dedicated April 1, 1858, by the Rev. F. Bascom, of Galesburg, who preached the dedicatory sermon. The Rev. Felch was retained on a salary of $800 a year until October 12, 1859, after which time the Rev, S. W. Phelps preached once every Sabbath for about one year. The Rev. Samuel Day was next secured at $600 per year and a donation, and served the church from the autumn of 1860 till January 1802. The Rev. J. L. White took the vacant place shortly after, and in July accepted the formal call of the church at an annual salary of $600, which was increased in 1864 to $900. In July, 1866, he retired and was succeeded by the Rev. G. H. Wells, who declined the call of the church made in January 1867, but accepted it when renewed in March, though his ministry did not begin until September. He received $1,200 a year for his services, which ended December 25, 1870. His successor, the Rev. C. Caverno, employed at a salary of $1,500 per year, began his pastoral labors September 3, 1871, and terminated them March 1, 1874. The congregation had no stated supply after this date until November, when the Rev. J. M. Lau Bach accepted a call to this charge and labored herein till April 1878. He was speedily followed the next month by the Rev. M. S. Crosswell, who was soon thereafter unanimously called to the pastorate, which he accepted, and from which he withdrew October 1, 1880. The church has had no pastor since. Their present house of worship, standing on the corner of Main and Plant streets, is a sightly frame edifice surmounting a stone basement, and is 40x72 feet in dimensions. The basement contains a lecture-room and parlors. This house was begun in the autumn of 1865, completed the next spring, and dedicated June 10, by the Rev. G. F. Magoon, of Iowa College. The cost was $14,000. During the present summer it has been repaired, repainted, and the interior frescoed, and supplied with a pipe organ, at an expense of $2,000. This church united with the Rock River association in October 1854, at its meeting at Grand de Tour; and in 1857, when the Bureau association was formed, it joined that body. Since its organization with eight members in 1854 about 400 have been added, and the present membership, including many non-residents, is 164.

1855, with R. H. Melleu as superintendent, is maintained the year round, and the average attendance, which was then about iiftj, has increased to nearly three times that number. The first church was sold to the Free Methodists in the spring of 1866 for $1,200. Of the original members three are still living and in communion, - Michael Blocher and John C. Church and his wife. The venerable Father Farwell, so often mentioned in these pages, whose name stood first on the list, was a native of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, having been born of Puritan stock. May 14, 1790. In 1815 he became a communicant in the Congregational church ; in 1819 he married ; in 1826 he settled in Lowell, and there assisted in forming the first Congregational church in that place, as he afterward also assisted in establishing the second and the third ; in 1836 he emigrated with his family to Amboy, Michigan, in which place he likewise aided in founding the first church of the same denomination ; and in 1811 he removed to this place, at that time called Palestine Grove. His death, which occurred March 5, 1875, found him ripe in years and good works. Mrs. Farwell survived him but is not now living.

The Episcopal church was established in Amboy in the spring of 1859 by the organization of St. Thomas' parish. The proceedings took place in Mechanics' Hall, and the rector. Rev. W. M. A. Brodnax, Mrs. Brodnax, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Chase, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Merigold, Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel Bourne, Mr. and Mrs. D. P. Stone, J. F. Somes, F. I. Foot, Mr. King, and Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Trusdell, were among the number who participated. The records of the parish have been burned, and the names of the original wardens and vestrymen cannot be given. Mr. Brodnax continued rector of the parish about three years. He was a talented, courteous, agreeable, christian gentleman. The society worshiped in the hall where the parish was organized, and for a time prospered. In 1862 Mr. Brodnax resigned, and for several years there were occasional ministrations by clergymen sent here by the bishop; but finally all hope of firmly establishing the church was abandoned. N. S. Chase, a gentleman of rare intelligence and pleasing manners, a thorough churchman, and a born leader, had died. He had done more for the parish than any other man, and there was no one to take his place. At a later date the parish sustained a serious loss in the death of Mrs. Robert Merigold. She was born in the church ; and although an invalid for many years, her sincere piety and active zeal brought her great respect and influence. When thoroughly disorganized and without hope, in the autumn of 1877, Rev. ]Sr. W. Heermans, then in deacon's orders, came to this his first parish and entered upon the work of resuscitatinojit. The results are marvelous. On the lots donated to the parish at its organization by John B. Calhoun, Esq., and located on the northwest corner of Mason and Provost streets, has been erected a beautiful church edifice, which is completely and neatly furnished. The lots have been graded, grassed and fenced, and shade-trees planted, and all is fully paid for. During this period Mr. Heermans held occasional services at Tonica, Illinois, and there made the acquaintance of Mr. and Mrs. William Watron. Mr. Watron died very suddenly, and Mrs. Watron, knowing her husband's attachment to Mr. Heermans, and his desire to promote the welfare of the church, gave to Mr. Heermans $1,000 for the acquisition of a rectory for St. Thomas' parish. At one Sunday morning service, to the great surprise of his congregation, he placed a check for that sum among the offerings. March 30, 1881, he purchased from Mr. James B. Arnold, for $1,500, his residence adjoining the church lots, and moved into it in May. The society is now hopeful, and Mr. Heermans may well feel proud of and be thankful for the results of his coming to this parish.

The German Evangelical church in Amboy was formed by the - Rev. Wm. Angelberger, of Franklin Grove, on the 30th of January 1870,with fifty-four members, among whom Jacob Ashenbrenner, Jacob Klein, Valentine Weintz, Fred Nickels and Charles Molloy were perhaps the most prominent. This organization took place in the basement of the Congregational church, where their first meetings were held, and was then styled the First Evangelical Lutheran church. On the 3d of July the old Congregational church was purchased from the Free Methodists for $1,500. The members named above and three other persons contributed one half of the purchase-money. The Rev. Angelberger preached to this congregation till May 26, 1872, and was followed by the Rev. Anthest until September 5, 1875. Somewhat irregular services were now held by different ministers for a year. On the 20tli of May, 1876, the church voted an application for union with the Evangelical Synod of North America, a different denomination, and being accepted the name was accordingly changed to German Evangelical. The Rev. Wm. Froram, of New York, was sent by the synod, and on January li, 1877, was installed pastor by the Rev. Biesemeier, of Forreston. He departed in the autumn of 1878, and from that time till July, 1879, several persons officiated. On July 27 the Rev. Hagemann was installed by the Rev. W. Stark, of Mendota. Owing to deaths and removals their membership has diminished to about twenty-five. In their Sabbath school of about fifty members the children are taught in German, so that they may read the scriptures and listen to preaching in the tongue of the father- land. The first trustees were Y. "Weintz, Fred Nickels, and John Klein, and the first deacons were Jacob Ashenbrenner, Charles Molloy, and Charles Hegert.

In 1854 the Catholics, thirty or forty in number, began holding service at the residence of Michael Egan. Father Anthony was the first to celebrate mass, but Fathers O'Hara and Fitzgerald also came temporarily. In 1857, while Father Edwards was here, some lots were purchased in the north part of the town, and material to be used in the erection of a church was hauled to the ground. But this priest remained only a brief time, and being followed by Father Bray, the first who settled here, and who disapjDroved of the location, the lots were sold to Patrick Murphy, and others bought where the Catholic church now stands, on the corner of Adams and Center streets. The house was built in 1857, but when the plastering was being done it accidentally caught fire and burned down. This misfortune occurred on the 2d of December. Father Bray remained until the following spring, and then Father Yahey came to the place. In the autumn of this year, 1858, rebuilding was begun, and the church finished in the spring of 1859. Father Clark was the next priest, and was here as early as 1862; Father Murphy was his successor in 1868, and during his charge, probably in 1871, the church was enlarged by an addition to its length. In 1869 a house and three lots in Wyman's addition were bought for the priest's occupancy, and the sum of $3,000 was paid for the property. The next and last change in priests was when Father Keenan came in 1873. The church is in a flourishing condition ; it is out of debt, and its membership embraces over 230 heads of families. The building in which they worship is 32x94 feet; it begins to bear marks of age, and it is proposed to build another in the near future, and with this object in view a fund is being accumulated. It has reached $2,000.

The Catholic cemetery is located between Amboy and Rocky Ford. The ground was obtained by two purchases, both of which were made when Father Clark was over the church. The first piece of two and three-fourths acres was bought from Isadore Zwisler for $200, some time during the war. It was back from the road, and a few years after a tract of four acres in front was obtained from F. R. Dutcher for $400. Michael Egan, Patrick Corcoran and Lawrence McGrath are the cemetery trustees. Before this burial lot was procured the Catholics gave their dead sepulture at Sandy Hill.

A Free Methodist Society was formed in Amboy about 1864 by the Rev. Mead. The first meetings were held in Fasoldt's Hall, and the original body did not consist of more than half-a-dozen members, but it eventually reached as high as forty or more. The first regular preacher was the Rev. Miller, who was followed in 1865 by the Rev. Levi Kelly, and he in turn was succeeded by the Rev. Charles Harroun. sr. The Revs. Cain and Cooley preached subsequently, and the closing labors of the latter were coincident with the dissolution of the society. In 1866 the old Congregational church was bought, but four years after was sold to the German Lutherans. Dissensions having arisen among the Free Methodists in 1868, Stephen G. Yirgil and H. S. Sweet joined the United Brethren church at La Moille, and then got Elder Dodson to come to Amboy and organize a society. This was done at Sweet's house, formerly the old Farwell Hall. The original members were Yirgil, Sweet, P. A. Main, Rev. Miles Lewis, Rev. J. W. Lewis, Mrs. Sophia Lewis, and Ephraim Wheaton and his wife, John Sheffield and his wife, Mrs. S. G. Virgil, Alpheus Skinner and his wife, and Margaret Sheffield came into the society soon after. This church grew out of, and ultimately replaced, the Free Methodist. The Revs. John Dodson and J. W. Lewis were the first pastors, and in 1870 they gave place to the Rev. O. A. Phillips. During his charge the next year a meeting-house was built on the west side, on Division street, and dedicated December 31 by Bishop Edwards. The sum of Sl,728 was pledged, clearing the church from debt. This house is 31:X50 feet, and cost 8^,500. Elders Snyder and Crowder came next in order as preachers after Phillips. The Lewises have been leading members, and Joseph Lewis was ordained in this church. The society is in a prosperous condition.

In 1859 the Adventists organized at Binghamton with thirteen members: D. S. Clark, S. E. Maybee, P. J. Main, Emerson Royce, Miss Maria Steadman and others, with Wm. McCulloch and wife, Lorenzo Whitney and wife, and Lysander Whitney from abroad, constituting the society. One says that Rev. Calkins was the first minister, another gives that distinction to S. E. Maybee. The earlier preachers were A. S. Calkins, P. B. Morgan, Moses Chandler and Maybee, and of the later ones D. S. Clark, Wm. McCulloch, Harry McCulloch, O. D. Gibson, C. C. Marston, Frank Burr, Eldridge Burrington and S. B. Maybee have been the most prominent. The latter officiates at the present time. They have never built a church, but have worshiped in town halls in Amboy. At one time they had the use of the German Lutheran house, but their membership having fallen off from about forty to fifteen, they now hold services at the residences of Wm. Main and Rufus Hulbert. This denomination has held three largely attended camp-meetings at Amboy. It is known by the name of Advent Christian church.

Illinois Central Lodge, No. 178, A.F. and A.M., was organized in July 1855, and worked under a dispensation until a charter was issued by the grand lodge, October 3 of the same year. The following were the charter members, and those designated the first ofiicers : J. A. Jackson, W.M.; H. B. Jndkins, S.W.; Warren Badger, J.W.; E. S. Reynolds, Treas.; Lemuel Bourne, Sec; L. W. Borden, S.D.; P. G. Lyon, J.D.; John N. Brown, Tyler; David Bainter, John Stevens, Arthur Robbins and Henry Porter. This lodge has suffered from four fires; once or twice its property has been wholly destroyed, and in each of the other cases it received partial damage. For an account of these burnings the reader is referred to that subject on a previous page. Most, if not all, the masters have been Dr. J. A. Jackson, Dr. Harmon Wasson, E. P. ISToyes, L. W. Borden, Francis Hudson, O. F, Warriner, A. H. Wooster, Robt. Richards, and Prof. P. M. James. Twenty-eight members have been removed by death. The lodge is in a flourishing condition, with a membership of about ninety. Present ofticers: P^ M. James, W.M.; L. A. Hulbert, S.W.; Y. B. Andrus, J.W.; W. B. Andrus, Treas.; C. P. Miller, Sec; R. D. Badger, S.D.; P. E. Haines, J.D.; George Binns, T.; Charles Tait, S.S.; and I. S. Smith, J.S. Regular communications are on the first and third Mondays of each month, in Masonic, formerly called Keeling's Hall, on East avenue.

Amboy Lodge, No. 179, I.O.O.F., was originally instituted by Deputy Grand Master Eustice, under dispensation, July 2, 1855; and October 12 of the same year a charter was issued to William E. Ives, Charles B. Farwell, J. J. Condermau, Orange D. Reed, Harmon Wasson, James H. Preston, Simon Badger, Adam Roundenbush, Henry Roof, and Joel B. Strickland ; signed by J. E. Starr, grand master, and S. A. Carman, grand secretary. At the first meeting the oflicers elected for the term ending with the year were H. Wasson, N.G.; O. D. Reed, V.G.; Alexander Martin, Sec; and C. D. Vaughan, Treas. In addition to these J. J. Conderman, A. Roundenbush, C. B. Farwell, J. N. Davis, S. S. Reed, H. Roof and William E. Ives were present, and all except the latter received appointive oflices. Applications for membership came from S. S. Reed, J. M. Davis, W. P. Roff, Tyler Hale, and Julius Hale, and these persons were elected. At the next meeting, on the 7th, A. Martin, H. Wasson, J. J. Conderman, W. E. Ives and J. H. Preston were elected trustees. The lodge flourished until the war, when nearly half the members went into the army, and of the remaining ones many were train men, who could not attend the meetings with any certainty or regularity, and from these causes, the attendance having become deplorably reduced, in Jan- iiary, 1864, the lodge suspended for a twelvemonth, and before the close of the year surrendered its charter and all its effects to the grand lodge. On August 23, 1873, the lodge was rechartered with the following members : Robert Richards, P.G.; C. D. Yanghan, P.G.; Henry Reals, Joseph Sackett, Jacob J. Conderman, J. H. Preston, P.G.; Robert Geddes, P.G.; James Rosebrugh, P.G.; Jnlius Hale, P.G.; Jacob Klein, Amiza Shoemaker, P.G.; Aaron Goldstone, P.G.; Peter Stein, Fritz Krehl, Benedict Fessler, Frank Weise, and Herman Zolf. An informal meeting was held on the 25th, and the result of the balloting for elective officers was as follows : Aaron Goldstone, N.G.; Robert Richards, V.G.; C. D. Vaughan, Sec, and James Rosebrugh, Treas. On September 11 the lodge was instituted and these officers installed. The present elective officers are Charles Weis, N.G.; Dr. E. R. Travers, Y.G.; G. W. Doming, Rec. Sec; Aaron Goldstone, Treas.; Jacob Ashenbrenner, Per. Sec. The lodge meets every Tuesday night in the spacious and beautiful hall over J. B. Graves' hardware store, where the walls are decorated with portraits of many of their members. During the past year $85 have been paid in funeral benefits, and $88 in sick benefits. The membership is about ninety.

Warren Encampment, No. 122, was instituted under dispensation at Franklin Grove, May 17, 1871, by James E. Ketchem, D.D.G.P. of Earl Encampment, with the aid of a number of assistants. For the term ending with the year the following were elected officers: D. H. Spickler, C.P.; H. A. Black, II.P.; S. W. Riegles, S.W.; John Blocher, J.W.; Josiah Graff, S.; Kincaid Runyon, Treas. At the first meeting nine received patriarchal and golden-rule degrees, and six of this number took the royal-purple degree. A charter was granted October 10, to D. H. Spickler, John Blocher, William H. Bassler, H. P. Black, S. W. Riegles, Kincaid Rnnyon, and Joseph Graff, The last meeting held by this encampment at Franklin Grove was on August 5, 1879. A proposition to move it to Amboy was adopted, which measure was immediately carried into effect, and on the 7tli the first meeting was held in the new location. Grand Patriarch Crocker was in the chair, and the other officers were filled by patriarchs from Paw Paw. Petitions were received from Daniel Bull, C. E. Arnold, Charles Randall, G. A. Doming, W. Bronson, Fay Strickland, and L. Hegert, and these persons were elected and initiated. There is now a membership of twenty-three. The place of meeting is in Odd- Fellows' Hall, on the first and third Fridays of each month. Present ofiicers: G. A. Deming, C.P.; W. J. Moseley, H.P.; A. Shoemaker, S.W.; J. H. Preston, J.W.; Fay Strickland, S.; and B. Fassler, T.

F. R. Doty, T.; Rev. N. W. Heermans, C; W. P. Barnes, G.; G. Binns, W.; A. H. Yirgil, S. Dr. C. A. Wilcox is medical examiner, and Dr. E. Manning, alternate. Meetings are held in Odd-Fellows' Hall on the second and fourth Fridays of each month. This is primarily a life-insurance organization, and the aggregate amount for which the charter members are insured is $168,000. This order was instituted in Boston, Massachusetts, three years ago ; its objects being social and fraternal union for the purpose of extending material aid to its members, to cultivate their minds, morals and tastes, and to establish a fund for beneficiary objects.

On the 14tli February, 1879, an independent organization was formed in Amboy bearing the name of United States Pensioners' Aid Protective Association, composed of about ten veteran pensioners, with the following officers: C. K. Northriip, C; P. Diinsuiore, V.C.; C. A. Getty, Sec; H. S. Morrow, Treas.; J. H. Hazen, C; E. Tonrtlott, S. at A.; Joseph Carr, S. The objects of this association were expressed in its name ; but after a short trial it was found that the pensioners were too few and the objects too limited to give it stability, and accordingly on the 17th of October a radical change was made in the organization, enlarging its scope and making its features more attractive and valuable. The names of the offices, but not the officers, were changed, Mr, Hazen and Mr. Getty, assisted somewhat by others, originated the secret work of the new order, which was called Our Country's Defenders, and also prepared the charter and the constitution. The headquarters were removed to Chicago in November 1880. The order has extended into Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and New Hampshire ; and in some of these states there are state encampments. Generals Grant, Logan, Governor Beveridge, and others of repute, have given this organization their heart}' indorsement. The subordinate camp at Amboy, designated as Wyman Encampment No. 1, has been in existence since the creation of the order. Its regular meetings are on the second and fourth Fridays, and the gatherings were formerly in the reading room. There are about twenty-five members, and the condition of the camp is not altogether flattering. The present officers are M. T. Spencer, C; E. J. Post, L.; L. A. Hulbert, A.; Col. George Ryon, S.; J. H. Hazen, C: R. Pose, O.D.; Thos. Meacham, O.G.; E. Dunsmore, C. of O.

In 1863 the Brotherhood of the Footboard, an association of locomotive engineers to elevate their standing as such and their character as men, and for mutual insurance and assistance in sickness and distress, was instituted at Detroit. Its prosperity very soon waned throughout the country ; and then it was reorganized at Indianapolis, August IT, 1861, the anniversary of its establishment, under the style of the Grand International Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. A division was formed in Amboy subordinate to the Brotherhood of the Footboard, but it was short-lived. A charter was issued to I. R. Patterson, December 25, 1865, with power to organize Amboy division No. 1, and on January 8 following a meeting was convened, at wdiich B. C. Howard, chief engineer of Centralia division, presided. S. L. Peters and others from Aurora division assisted. The initiates were J. W. Howe, S. Hoisted, W. B. Trude, F. Westcott, S. C. Huff, C. Putnam, C. H. Marston, Pat Allen, and D. Reynolds. The following were also the first officers: C. H. Marston, C.E. ; F. Westcott, F.E. ; J, W. Howe, S.E.; I. R. Patterson, F.A.E. ; C. Putnam, S.A.E. ; and AY. B. Trude, T.A.E. At the second meeting, on the 15tli, J. Hath-

The charter of Amboy Lodge, No. 35, of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen, was granted January 19, 1879, to Titus Hinchcliff", Henry Williams, Wm. H. Dean, Thomas Hinchclifl", Harry Luscombe, W. M. Palmer, Henry Schermerhorn, I. M. Farris, Garrett H. King, Abe Schermerhorn, C. R. Rosier, and Wm. Linsea. This lodge was organized by John Walsh, of Capital Lodge, of Springfield, with eight members. The first elective officers were Titus Hinchcliff", M. ; Henry Williams, V.M. ; W. H. Dean, R.S.; Wm. Palmer, F.S. ; Thomas Hinchcliff", T. Present officers: W. H. Dean, M. ; C. R. Rosier, Y.M.; F. H. Schermerhorn, R. S. ; C. R. Rosier, F. S. ; Thomas Hinchcliff', T. The lodge embraces twenty-six members, and is enjoying a period of much prosperity. Stated meetings are on the first and third Sundays, in Engineers' Hall. The order is designed for social improvement, and provides a system of insurance, and organized mutual assistance to members and their families.

In 1867 the conductors formed a union, and in 1868 it was changed to division No. 1 of the Conductors' Brotherhood, a charter being granted August 4. In its last state it was a benevolent association, but its existence was of brief duration.

Division No. 1, A.O.H., was organized September 26, 1875, by John D. Neill, of LaSalle, with a membership of thirty. It holds regular meetings and is in fair condition.

One of the most thoughtful sources of public intelligence is a good circulating library. The Illinois Central Railroad Company, with that interest in the welfare and improvement of its employes for which it is noted, early conceived the design of providing books for the use of such as would avail themselves of the privilege, and accordingly established in Chicago a library of nearly 2,000 volumes. In the winter of 1864-5 the books were divided and removed from that city, one-half being sent to Centralia and the other to Amboy. Here was formed the Illinois Central Library Association, composed at first exclusively of employes of the company, but to which others were afterward admitted ; not on equal terms, however, but by paying an annual fee double that of the railroad men, and being deprived, besides, of all voice in its management and in the choice of officers. As was snre to be the case, this discrimination, though not unsupported by very plausible reasons, bred, or rather at once made, two parties, a condition not calculated to deepen interest or increase harmony, ISTotwithstanding, the association flourished and the books were much used, while the company for a number of years paid the rents and the librai'ian. At length, funds and more books being wanted, an excursion to Dunleith and Dubuque, under the auspices of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, was planned, and was liberally encouraged by the general superintendent, E. D. Jeffrey, who had been more instrumental, perhaps, than any other man in originating the library. The excursion took place in August 1869, and the net returns amounted to $G13.45. Thus improved in condition, the association bought more books, which inspired fresh interest. But this did not last long, and when the apparent concern of the members, or a large majority of them, had disappeared, late in 1872 the company discontinued the allowance for rent. It languished nntil the early part of 18Y5, when Mr. J. C. Jacobs, division superintendent, who had not only taken from the start a leading personal interest in the success of the library', but because of his position was clothed with a certain responsibility for its care and use, proposed a reorganization under the laws of the state. This meeting with favor, it was incorporated, April 2, 1875, with the name of the Amboy Library Association, Mr. Jacobs being named in the charter as president, E. Hull as librarian and secretary, and Josiah Little as treasurer. Messrs. Jacobs, Little, Hull, L. T. Moore and Lemuel Bourne, upon the advice of the railroad employes who were members of the old organization, were selected as trustees. On March 18, 1876, the trustees adopted a constitution and by-laws, which put all members on an equality. On October 3, 1877, the association ran an excursion to Dubuque and cleared $963. Altogether there have been two hundred dollars' worth of books purchased and added to the original stock, besides the donation of a lot from New York; and now there are 755 volumes of standard works on history, biography, science and fiction. The library is kept in the reading room over W. B. Andruss & Son's store, and is open at stated times throughout the week. The membership numbers 93. The librarian, Mrs. M. L. Knowles, has been in charge about a year, and the present prosperity is due very largely to her exertions and her devotion to the interests of the association. Mr. L. T. Moore, too, has labored with especial zeal for its success. The board of trustees remains the same as at first, except that Mr. W. E. Ives has succeeded Mr. Hull. Mr. Jacobs is still president.

its first gathering in 1873. W. IT. Haskell, of " The Amboj Journal," in the issue of November 16, 1872, commenced agitating the subject, and continued it until a meeting was had on the 22d of February in the city council room at^Amboy ; J. B. Tuttle presided, and Mr. Haskell acted as secretary. Wednesday, Jnne 4, 1873, was designated as the day for the old settlers' meeting to be held at this city, and a committee of arrangements was appointed. At the time iixed about 200 gathered to greet old friends, renew acquaintance and exchange reminiscences. Speeches were made, and otherwise the features were those of an ordinary picnic. A committee was appointed, composed of one member from each township, making a total of twenty-two, with C. F. Ingals as chairman and W. H. Haskell as secretary. The second annual reunion, held also at Amboy, on June 18, 1874, was a decided success, over 2,000 people being present. The venerable Father Dixon occupied a seat on the stand, where he received the congratulations of fi'iends and the respects of the multitude. Col. John Dement delivered an address on this occasion, and was elected president for the ensuing year. Mr. Haskell was continued secretary of the executive committee. The third annual meeting was held again at Amboy, June 19 of the following year, and Dr. Charles Gardner was chosen president. In 1876 the association met at Dixon, and Col. Dement was again chosen president and Mr. Haskell secretary. June 22 was the day of the gathering. At this time a cane made from Black Hawk's pirogue was presented to Col. Dement as an appropriate surprise. Removal of the files of "The Journal" from the office to be bound prevents a further connected account of this organization. The reunion this year (1881) was at Amboy, on the 1st of September. The grove belonging to the city is the meeting-place, and Dr. C. E. Loomis is present secretar3^

At a meeting of the citizens of Amboy and vicinity, held November 5, 1856, Prairie Repose Cemetery Association was organized, and the following persons were elected ofiicers : Joseph Farwell, president; M. L. Arnold, secretary and treasurer, and J. F. Powers, C A. Wall and Jacob Luce directors. This board was instructed to purchase from Harvey Barrel four acres in a square, in the northwest corner N.W. ^ of IST.W. ^ Sec. 15 in this township, for $600. This was done, and the ground laid out in lots, with three driveways from east to west, and alleys of four feet width from north to south between the lots. Thei^e are 442 of these lots 10x20 feet, besides 60 on the north end 10x26 feet, used for a Potter's field. The following soldiers, some of whom died on the battle-field and others after their return home, are buried in this cemetery: Wm. H. Arnold, Co. A, 111th N. Y. Vols. ; Frank D. Brown, Co. F, 75th 111. Vols. ; Edward W. Bull, Co. I, 89th 111. Vols. ; C. E. Blanchard (regiment unknown), John Burrington, Co. D,

Although the Lee County Agricultural Society is now extinct, it was once so prominent an institution that it requires some mention. It was organized in 1854, and incorporated in July 1857. The third annual fair was in Amboy, in 1856, and from that time this was the regular place for holding the exhibitions. In 1858 grounds were leased in Farwell's addition for a term of five years, and buildings erected thereon. The society ceased to be of any public usefulness after the expiration of this lease. In 1863 a fair was held, or attempted to be held, but it was a failure. There was a rival society in Dixon, and overtures were made by each looking to consolidation, but whether it was ever efi:ected we are not informed. At all events it did not have the support of Ambo}^, and so far as this place is concerned the active history of the society ends during the time of the war. J. B. Wyman, C. F. Ingals and R. N. Woods were presidents, and Josiah Little, jST. S. Chase and H. G. Pratt were secretaries.

Temperance Work And The Demand For It

At the beginning of the year 1867 there were nine licensed saloons, seven sold intoxicating liquors and two retailed beer. Tliis was not an unusual number, 1)ut about the average for many years. These dens made men shameless, brutal, vagrant, and dangerous. Drunkenness and its concomitant routs, fraj's, thefts, insults, deadly accidents and blood-shedding became almost too familiar for comment. Ladies upon the street were obliged to push their way through maudlin, ribald crowds, and unoffending citizens were never safe from being set upon and beaten by cowardly gangs of drunken roughs, for such offenses were not uncommon.

During the year succeeding the war no less than five attempts were made to burn the business part of the city. Add to these public annoyances and dangers all the disgrace, orphanage, unseen woe and

To overcome as much as possible these licensed, alarming evils, many cooperative temperance and total-abstinence efforts have been started and maintained, until periodical apathy would strangle them to death or neutralize their influence. We can only briefly refer to the principal ones. The first organized movement to " suppress the unlawful sale of ardent spirits and gambling " was the " Carson League." A. meeting of the inhabitants, attended by many of the leading men of the place, was held on February 4, 1856, in the Baptist church, and a constitution and by-laws common to this form of organization were adopted. Alonzo Kinyon filled the chair and J. F. Pirie acted as secretary. The business was conducted by twelve directors, whose duties were to attend to the enforcement of the law. The first board consisted of D. S. Clark, E. M. Brigham, J. Clark, E. H. Mellon, J. D. Weddell, John Dexter, W. E. Ives, J. F. Powers, A. E. Wilcox, H. M. Taylor, A. Kinyon and C. Bridgman. Stock was taken to the amount of $600,000, and those subscribing gave what was called stock notes, on which the directors were authorized to make assessments " to defray the expenses of the league," which included the expenses of prosecutions. This league existed about two years.

We find it stated in " The Times," in 1858, that the Sons of Temperance and Good Templars were meeting in the same hall with the Masons and the Odd-Fellows. The lodge of Good Templars was organized in the spring of that year, but its existence was not long continued. After this had lapsed, in January 1862, a lodge of this order was started at Binghamton. In March a " section of the Cadets of Temperance" was instituted in Am boy for the training and instruction of the youth. Amboy Lodge, No. 646, was organized in November 1865, and enjoyed a tolerable lease of life. Friendship Lodge, No. 512, was started in October 1870. Organizations of a transient character have been formed at times to arouse the slumbering sense of the people when urgent labors were necessary to carry elections, and otherwise to checkmate the debauching alcoholic interest.