Dixon Township (part 2 of 4)

The losses and insurance on buildings and machinery was as follows: Becker & Underwood, $100,000; insurance, $33,900 on machinery, and $5,000 on stock. W r . P. Thompson, $35,000; in¬ surance on machinery $17,000, and $5,000 on stock. AutoneJulien carried $5,500 on one-fourth undi¬ vided interest in this mill. Col. John Dement, from $20,000 to $J5,000 on water wheels, buildings occupied by Dement & Eells, Foundery, and Cur¬ tis' plow works; no insurance. H. D. Demeat <fe S. C. Eells, from $12,000 to $15,000 on flax mill machinery, stock, etc.; no insurance. Caleb Clapp. $15,000; insurance $6,000. Thomas Bald¬ win, $3,500 on grist mill machinery and stock; no insurance. Total loss, from $190,000 to $198,- 000; insurance $66,900.

As the history of a town is more or less closely connected with the county in which it is situated, it will be well to give in this connection a brief out¬ line of the organization ol Lee county, before we turn our attention especially to Dixon.

Previous to 1836 all Jhe Northwestern part ol the State, comprising what is now eight or nine counties, was attached to Jo Davies county. At the Presidential election in 1836 polls'*were opened in Dixon for the Rock river prjcinct of that county. The original county of Ogle, including the present county of Lee, was organized in December 1836 The first court in Ogle county was held at Dixon, in September, 1837. Judge Stone presided, and Thomas Ford, afterwards Governor of the State, was oppointed by the court to act as district at torney. The act of the general assembly creating Lee county was approved February 27th, 1839. Messrs. D. G. Salisbury, E. H. Nichols, and L. G. Butler were appointed commissioners to locate the county seat. After due consideration these gentlemen, May 31, selected Dixon as the future seat of justice of "said county." The first elec¬ tion of county officers was held the first Monday in August of the same year, and resulted in the choice of Charles F. Ingals, Nathan R. Whitney, and James P. Dixon, for County Commissioners; Isaac Boardman, Clerk of Commissioners' Court: Aaron Wakely, sheriff; Joseph Crawford, County Surveyor; H. Morgan, Probate Justice; G. W. Chase, Recorder. In the adoption of the plan of organization of the county, the southern mode prevailed over the New- York plan, and the affairs of the county were administered by three com¬ missioners. The present county and township plan of organization was adopted in 1850.

Early History Op Dixon

Fifty-two years ago the first log cabin was erect¬ ed on the site of Dixon. In 1828, ten years after Illinois was admitted as the 22d State into the

Union, a Canadian half-breed, named Joseph Ogee, was induced to come here and establish a ferry by FatherDixon, who at that time was Government mail contractor between Galena and Peoria. The tide of emigration was then at its height from the southern part of the State to the "lead mines" at Galena. A large proportion of these early ad¬ venturers crossed Rock river at this point, and the ferry soon proved to be a very profitable undertaking.

In 1829, Ogee's Ferry having become one of the principal points of accomodation along the route to the mines, a post office was established here an l a Mr. Gay appointed post-master.

Mr. John Dixon, the founder of our town came here April 11, 1830. He purchsed the ferry, and from that date the place, as a point for crossing the river, became known as "Dixon's Ferry." Mr. Dixon was appointed post master at "Ogee's Ferry" in September,-and in 1834 the name of the post office was changed to " Dixon's Ferry.' The banks of Rock River at the present site of Dixon were gently sloping to the waters edge; covered with grass - not abrupt as at present. Teams were loaded and landed wherever the ferry boat struck a suitable place on the shores. The ferry boat was propelled by the old fashioned "setting pole," attended with any amount of fatigue. It*was one of the schools of patience in its day. A rope ferry, similar to the one now at Grand Detour, suc¬ ceeded this primitive institution in 1835. A rope was stretched across the river, from the top of strong posts placed upon either bank of the river, at Galena street, and with the lee-board as tnotive power, more rapid and far easier transportation was secured. This ferry was the only crossing on Rock river below Rockford, and in 1832 it was the only crossing for a greater distance than that.

At this time Chicago was only known as Fort Dearborn, a frontier post with a few small huts collected about it. The settlers about what is now t be city of Rockford were obliged to come to Dixon for their mail matter, and north and west of us, for thirty or forty miles, there was no settle¬ ment. Dixon's Ferry naturally became a point of considerable importance, and when the broke out in 1832, this place became the rendez¬ vous of the United States troops and the raw levies that were raised for the defense of the frontier, as it proved to be a central position for the speedy and successful maneuvering of troops and their supplies.

A treaty had been made in 1804 with the Sac and Fox Indians, in which these powerful tribes ceded to the United Stales all their lands lying east of the Mississippi, and agreed to remove to lands west of that river. Black Hawk and other chiefs not being present when the treaty was made, refused to be bound by it. In 1831 Black Hawk and his baud (known as the British Baud of Sac Indians) crossed the river to their old homes at the mouth of Rock river, but after preparations of war were made for his extermination, he nego¬ tiated a treaty and returned to the west side of the Mississippi, receiving liberal presents of goods and provisions from the Government, and prom, ised never to return without the consent of the President of the United States or the Governor of Illinois. But on the 6th of April, 1832, he again recrossed the Mississippi with his entire band and their woman and children, and soon com¬ menced his march up the river, intending to take posession of the Kishwaukee country on the uper Rock river, claimed to have been given him by the Potawattomies.

Father Dixon was early advised of the approach of the Black Hawk baud of Indians, and would have abandoned his home, and sought safety else¬ where, but his faith in humanity was of that kind (hat "Hopeth all things, ol all men" - even the Indians. A leading Winnebago chief, Pacliinka, (Crane' in English) had told him that the Winuebagoes held posession of the lands through which the Sacs would have to move, and that they would not dare injure the white friends of his na¬ tion. So Father Dixon was here when the savage army passed, early in May. He so arranged his family and hired help as to ascertain the force of the hostiles. This he accomplished without ex¬ citing their suspicions. His estimate gave them six hundred men. The band encamped at a spring a few hundred yards above the ferry. - now submerged by reason of the dam.

On the 12th of May Governor Reynolds was at Dixon'g Ferry, with about eighteen hundred mounted rifleman, under command of General Whitesides, awaiting the arrival of General Atkinbou's forces of the regular army, coming up the river with army stores, provisions, and the general impediments of a moving army.

four men, a guide and interpreter, under com¬ mand of Captain John Dement (then State Treas¬ urer) to Shabbona's Grove, just within the bord¬ ers of the present county of Dekalb, to warn the friendly Potawattomie chief, Shabbona, who lived there upon a small reservation with his family and a few followers; not to allow Black Hawk to come upon his lands to live. Losing their way the sec¬ ond day out, they came across four Sac Indians in a grove some distance north east of Shabbona's grove. From these Indians they learned that Black Hawk was encamped on a stream but a few miles distant; that he had his old men, women and children with him; that they were in a starving condition, and were going over to Mud creek to hunt.

Just before Captain Dement and his party re¬ turned to Dixon's Ferry from Shabbona's Grove, Major Stillman was permitted, contrary to the advice of Father Dixon, to advance up the river and spy out the hostile camp. Major Stillman was at the Ferry when General Whitesides arriv¬ ed; he had command of a small battalion of green" volunteers, who, in their inexperience, were eager to get a shot at an Indian. On the evening of the 15th or 16th of May, Stillman encamped on a small stream near Kishvvaukee creek in what is now Ogle county, about thirty miles from Dixon. He was about five miles distant from Black Hawk's camp on Kishvvaukee creek, but did not know it. Soon after, becoming aware of the immediate presence of an armed force, Black Hawk sent a small party of braves to a mound about a mile and a half from Stillman's camp where they dis¬ played a flag of truce. They were discovered by some of the men, who, without reporting to their commander, and with out orders, hastily mounted and rode towards the Indians. These, not under¬ standing this sudden movement, and apparently suspicious, commenced to retreat towards the camp of their chief. The whites dashed after them, fired and killed two of their number and cap¬ tured two more, the others escaped, still pursued by the reckless volunteers. When Black Hawk and his war chief, Ne-o-pope, saw them dashing down upon their camp - their flag of trace disre¬ garded, they raised the terrible war-whoop and prepared for the fray.

It was now the turn of the volunteers to retreat, which they did with wonderful celerity. Suppos¬ ing they were pursued by a thousand savage warrters, the flying rascals rushed through the camp spreading terror and consternation among their comrades. The wildest confusion ensued, there was "mounting in hot haste;" and the efforts of the officers to rally the troops were without avail. The panic was complete; every man seemed bent upon saving his scalp, and fled, never stopping until they reached Dixon's Ferrv or some other place of safety. It is said that the first man to reach Dixon was a Kentucky lawyer not unknown to fame in Jo Daviess county, who reported that every man in Stillman's command had been kill¬ ed except himself. Nearly every man, as he came straggling back to the Ferry during the night, had a like report to make. It is a well known fact that Stillman's men were well supplied with whisky, and that many of them were drunk, which may account for their rash act in firing upon the white flag in utter disregard of all rules of warfare recognized, even among the Indians. On the approach of day the order was given for a forced march to the fatal field, and about sixteen hund¬ red of the volunteers moved out, leaving two hundred men to guard the Ferry; but the enemy 1 had gone, the main body moving northward, and the rest scattering in small bands to avenge the death of their people upon unoffending settlers. Eleven of Stillman's men were killed. Their mutilated remains were gathered and buried, and the place is known as "Stillman's run " to this day. It is supposed that nearly ail of those that were killed were not in the first melee, as all but two or three of the bodies were found on the side of the creek upon which Stillman camped; they were probably unable to get to their horses before the savages dashed through their camp. Being out of provisions the pursuing army were obliged to re¬ turn to Dixon's Ferry, to await the arrival of the boats. This defeat was the opening of hosti'ities, and justice compels the impartial historian to record that the whites were the aggressors.

After the arrival of their provisions the Indians were followed to Fox river. The term of enlist¬ ment having expired the volunteers demanded to be dismissed They were mustered out on the 26th or 27th of May, and a new call issued for volun¬ teers. Whitesides and two or three hundred vol¬ unteers remained in arms for the protection of the settlers until the new levies could be organiz¬ ed. These, with several companies of regulars, made their headquarters at Dixon's Ferry. Rang¬ ing companies were formed to keep up communi¬ cation between the lead mine region and more Southern counties. Major Riley, of the United States army, converted the former residence of O. W. Kellogg, at Kellogg's Grove, thirty-seven miles north-east of Dixon, into a small, well ap¬ pointed stockade, and other temporary fortifica¬ tions were raised in different localities.

The fatal act of Stillman's men precipitated all the horrors of Indian border warfare upon the white settlements in Jo Daviess county, as it then exist¬ ed, and in the adjoining portions of Michigan Territory. Nor is it certain that all the outrages were perpetrated by the "British Band." It is certain that young Potawottomies and Winneba- (joes joined Black Hawk, and, after the war sud¬ denly closed at Bad Axe, it was ascertained that many of the murders had been committed by these Indians. Among the first results of "Stillman's defeat " was the descent of about seventy Indi¬ ans upon an unprotected settlement at Indian Creek, where they massacred fifteen men, women and children, and captured two young women, Sylvia and Rachel Hall. These girls, seventeen and fifteen years old respectively, were afterwards brought in by Winuebagoes to Gratiot Grove, and were ransomed for two thousand dollars in horses, wampum and trinkets. Part of the compensation agreed upon by General Dodge for their ransom, was paid to " Whirling Thunder " one of the Win¬ nebago chiefs, at Dixon's Ferry.

The attrocities perpetrated by the Indians upon the bodies of their victims, aroused the vengeance of the settlors and miners, many oi whom had previously felt, that the Indians were not so much in fault, and had needlessly been provoked to bloodshed. Unexpected and mortifying as the beginning of this war had been, its relingishment was not dreamed of, and every effort was made to ensure future protection. A fair wagon road was taade from Dixon's Ferry to Rock Island, which was the base of supplies A no ther road, but more imperfect, was made from Rock Island to Fort Koshkanoug (near Madison, Wisconsin) and to other temporary fortifications. Conforming to the inevitable, a fort was constructed on the North side of the river, consisting of two block houses within an inclosure made by a breastwork of sod and earth four and a half feet high, and abutting on the river a few rods west of the ferry. The north-east block kouse was, two stories high, and was so arranged as to command the north and east sides of the fort. Here Captain Palmer was stationed with one company of U. S. Infantry to guard the ferry, thus affording a safe and speedy passage to passing troops at all times, endearing himself to citizens and soldiers alike by his gen¬ tlemanly bearing and deportment.

On Saturday, May 19th, Sergeant Fred Stahl (now a respected citizen of Galena) and four pri¬ vates, with John Winters, the mail contractor, tor guide, left Galena to bear dispatches to General Atkinson, wno had arrived at Bixon's Ferry. On the evening of that day they were ambuscaded by Indians just at the edge of Buffalo Grove, now in Ogle county. One of the party was instantly killed and the others narrowly escaped to Galena.

May 23, Felix St. Vrain, agent for the 'Sacs and Foxes, bearer of dispatches, (eft General Atkin¬ son's head quarters, at Dixon's Ferry, accompa¬ nied by six men. At Buffalo Grove they found the body of the volunteer that had been killed a few days before, and buried it. The next day (24th) they wAre attacked by a party of thirty Indi¬ ans, near " Kelloggls old place." St. Vrain and three others were killed. The remaining three escaped and arrived at Galena on the morning of the 26th.

On the 15th of June, the new levies of three thousand vdlunteers, in camp, at Fort Wilburn, near La Salle, were formed into three brigades, under command of General Atkinson. The first brigade was commanded by General Alexander Posey; the second by .General Milton R. Alexan-

Captain John Dement was elected Major of a spy battalion, consisting of three companies of about 140 men, belonging to General Posey's bri¬ gade. Major Dement was sent in advance of the main force to report Indian depredations that had been committed in the Bureau woods, to Colonel Taylor at Dixon's Ferry. After scouring the woods he arrived at the river the evening of the second or third day. He arrived just after two companies of regulars had been driven in from an attempt to keep open the road between Galena and Dixon. Taylor met Dement as he arrived, and informed him that he had come just in time - that he had just the place for him, and directed him to swim his horses across the river in the morning, and roceive^his orders. In Major Dement's command were men who had held nearly every office in the State from Governor down. His men were fatigu¬ ed from their long ride and expected a short rest when they arrived at the river. Dement, although ready to do his duty without flinching, was desir¬ ous of not appearing anxious to got his men prematurly into a fight, when the regulars could not hold their own, and a large force of volunteers were so soon to arrive; he therefore requested Colonel Taylor, when he should deliver him his orders, to read them to his men, that they might know that he (Demeift) was not responsible for the movement. As they were ready to start, Tay¬ lor read the orders, and then addressed the men in a very abrupt manner, alluding to the unfor¬ tunate propensity of the Illinois militja for run¬ ning away, and said that if they wished to sacri¬ fice the reputation of the militia, already so poor, they had an opportunity to do so. Major Dement replied, in a rather unmilitary manner, that the discontent Taylor alluded to was greatly exagger¬ ated, find its cause by no means understood, and allusion to the courage of the soldiers, unjust and entirely uncalled for from men who, with the experience of the regular army, would entrench themselves behind walls and send to the front men who had never seen service. Then telling his men that* none need obey his orders to march that didn't wish to go, he moved off, and all, save one man, followed, and he came up after they had gone a short distance. By evening they arrived at the stockade at Kellogg's grove, and encamped. In the morning, learning that an Indian trail had been seen four or five miles from the gtove, he call¬ ed for twenty-five volunteers to go and investigate; these were immediately forthcoming, and among them were the only captains he had in his com¬ mand. These men started just before sunrise, leav¬ ing Major Dement giving instructions to those who should remain, and, on reaching the edge of the grove they discovered seven Indians a few hundred yards on the prairie. The cry of " Indi¬ ans " waB raised, the men in the grove spang to their horses in confusion, and by the time Major

Dement had brought them to order and finished his instructions, the volunteers were a mile out on the prairie in pursuit. Being splendidly mount¬ ed Major Dement rapidly overtook a number of them, but several were too far in advance; the In¬ dians making for another grove some two miles away, where Dement was convinced a large num¬ ber of Indians lay concealed. Findingit was im¬ possible to overtake some five or six who were in advance, on arriving at a ridge some four hundred yards from the grove to which the Indians were running, he halted the remainder of his men and formed line. As he feared, on nearing the grove those in advance were received with a warm fire, which killed two and wounded a third, and with hidious yells a large body of Indians poured from the grove, extending to the right and left, to out¬ flank the little band, and rapdily approached. They were all mounted, stripped to the skin, and painted for battle. As the Indians reached the bodies of the dead soldiers, a large number sur¬ rounded them, clubbing and striking the lifeless remains. A volley from the rifles of Major Dement's men killed two or three at this point, hut by the time two or three men had reached the ridge, the Indians were close upon them, and were on both flanks. Theincame an exciting race for the grove, Indians yelling, bullets flying, and woe to the man whose horse stumbled or gave out! Here occured an unfortunate circumstance; three men whose horses had strayed dnring the .night, had, early in the morning, gone out in search of them, and were now caught on one of the flanks; the Indians swept over them, killing every one. These men, however, died bravely as the bodies of five Indians found near them proved. The men in the grove, hearing the firing and yelling, in¬ stead of remaining in ambush as they had been instructed, mounted in hot haste and started to the rescue of their comrades. On discovering the superior force of the Indians, they fell hack again. Dement and his volunteers reached the grove almost neck and neck with the Indians, sprang from their horses, and occupied the log house and barn, there situated. On the least exposed side of the house was a work-bench; over this Dement threw his bridle rein, and most of the horses in¬ stinctively huddled together at this house, as if conscious of danger. As the Indians swarmed into the grove and covered themselves, an ominous stillness for some minutes prevailed, which was soon broken by the sharp crack! crack! of many rifles. The floor of the log house was torn up, port holes made, and the men ordered to expose themselves as little as possible; the best marks¬ men, and best rifles were placed at the port holes, and a lively fire was kept up by the little garrison.' Finding they made no impression, the Indians turned their attention to shooting the horses, some twenty-five of which they killed. It Was unpleasant to the volunteers, who rode their own horses, to hear the crack of the rifle and the heavy thud of the bullet, and see some favorite horse spring as the ball struck it. After a sharp contest of an hour or two, the Indians withdrew, leaving nine dead, and losing probably several others, killed and wounded. Reinforcements were sent for the relief of Dement, from Dixon's Ferry, hut too late to assist him, or follow the retreating body of Indians.

It is a remarkable fact that this was the first instance during this war, where the Indians were defeated and the position of the volunteers held until reinforcements came up. Previous to this the detachments of troops were always driven back to the main army by the overwhelming num¬ bers of Indians. After this fight the Indians would not come to open battle of their own voli¬ tion, with the whites, and the only fights that occured were when the soldiers overtook the Indians in their retreat; which style of warfare continued until hostilities ceased with Black Hawk's surrender, in Angust.

General Atkinson commenced his slow and cau¬ tious march up the river about the 25th of June, and finally reached Lake Koshkanong, Wiscon¬ sin, where he was joined by General Alexander's brigade, and then continued his march to White river or Whitewater, where he was joined by Pos¬ ey's brigade and Major Dodge. General Alexand¬ er, General Henry and Major Dodge were sent to Fort Winnebago for supplies. Here they heard that Black Hawk was making his way towards the Wisconsin river, and, disobeying orders, Hen¬ ry and Dodge started in pursuit, (General Alexan¬ der and his brigade returned to General Atkinson) struck the broad fresh trail of the Indians and fol¬ lowed them with tireless energy. Black Hawk was overtaken at Wisconsin river, and his braves offered battle to enable the woman and children to cross the river. Th^ battle of Wisconsin Heights, at which the Indians were badly whipped by our troops, was fought on the 22d of July, 1832. Skirmishing commenced a little after noon, but the heaviest fighting was about sunset. About 10 o'clock p. si., the men bivouacked for rest on their

The next morning not an Indian remained on the east side of the Wisconsin. General Henry pushed back for supplies and General Atkinson's forces coming up, the pursuit was renewed, and tne battle of Bad Axe was fought August 2,1832. This battle terminated the war, and Black Hawk's sur¬ render, subsequent visit to Washington, and re¬ turn to his people in Iowa, are events familiar to the reader.

At the close of the war the United States tro op that had not previously been discharged, were mustered out, at Dixon's Ferry. The pack horses from all the territory between Dixon and the Wis¬ consin river, the mining region and the scene of Black Hawk's defeat, were gathered and corralled here, preparatory to being driven further jsouth

By the terms of General Scott's treaty at Rock Island, the Winnebago Indians were to have 40,000 rations of bacon and flour, as a remunera¬ tion for the sufferings they had endured dnring the summer, by the occupation of their hunting grounds. The rations for the Rock River band of that nation wore moved here in boats irom Rock Island, and Father Dixon appointed to distribute it to the Indians at his discretion.

It is an interesting circumstance that at this remote outpost of civilization there met a num¬ ber of men since lamons or infamous, in their country's history: Scott and Taylor, the latter then a subordinate officer; Baker, whose eloquence and heroic death have endeared his memory to his countrymen; Anderson tho Defender of Fort Sumpter: Abraham Lincoln, and lastly, Jefferson Davis - were all here in their country's service.

Duriug this war, and, in fact, for years after, Father Dixon's log house was a 11 house'of call" for the traveler and the wandering tribes of red men. There might have been seen the raw boned Hoosier bound for the lead mines, yellow breeched Sucker with his boat shaped "prarie schooner," with four, five or six yoke of oxen; the tramping hunter, the Pottawatomie, the cunning'Winne¬ bago, or the treacherous Sioux; all these were welcomed under the hospitable roof of the white haired pioneer, whom the Indians called Na-chusa - the white haired - and were made to keep the peace with one another .about the friendly fireside of him whom both the red and the white man loved and respected

Early in the spring of 1833 the Winnebago- Indians became restive, and many families again abandoned the homes to which they had so recent¬ ly returned. Father Dixon's old counselor could not talk so assuring of his own tribe as in 1832. He frankly admitted the trouble that was likely to follow, and faithfully said that the temper of his people was too uncertain for assured peace. The peaceful family in the old log house was broken up and Mother Dixon, with the children, went to Peoria county, and remained there until the war cloud passed over. Tae last of the Indians 1 ft in 1836.

Soon after the final removal of the Indians the settling of tho country commenced in earnest, most of the Immigration being (rom Kentucky and Tennesee, and taking up claims in and near to the groves. Claim stakes were stuck or other marks made with a plow, ora commencement made upon a log house, until in 1836-7 the prairie lands skirt¬ ing the timber were all marked. These marks of possession could not be violated by any "claim jumper" with impunity. Mr. Dixon beingthe first settler on the N. E. Qr. of Sec. 5, 21, 9, secured title to it from the Government under the pre-emption laws, and laid it off into town lots in 18=11 or '35; a

Mr. Bennett, from Galena, making the survey. The original-plat included forty acres of land, run¬ ning from the river one-half block south of Third Street, and from one-half block east of Otta¬ wa street to one.half block west of Peoria street. Subsequently the quarter section on the north bank of the river was platted under the name ol North Dixon. To this last lias been added Stead¬ man's Addition, on the east side: and to the plat on south side of the river have been added Dement's, Morrill's, and Hine's Additions, which in the aggregate cover an area sufficient for a population of many thousand more than reside here at presrandum: -'Young Potawattomie looks sneaking. Came back to get feather springs made - made feather springs."

During the Black Hawkwar a Mr. Tilson estab¬ lished himself ns an army suttler and trader, in this building. In the winter of 1833 and 1834, it was devoted to a school house where, unpreten¬ tiously It was the pioneerof the more costly school edifices of our town. Its teacher and only one of its scholars survive to live in memory of its feeble infancy. There are structures where better facilities can be had for a sound education, but none are found where more genuine good feeling prevails than existed in that same old log house.

In 1833 and a part of '34, a Mr. Martin had a small store in the two story block honse erected on the north bank of the river during the Black Hawk war, where the prime necessities of life: pipes, tobacco, tea, coffee, and sugar were sold to meet the wants of advancing civilization. Life's luxuries: shoes, boots and clothes were not yet so imperative.

The first house was erected a few yards north of Main street, and across what is now Peoria street, a part of it being on J. M. Cropsey's lot, and tno rest - for it was over ninety feet long - extending across Peoria street. When Mr. Dixon came here a portion of the hewed part of the cabin, or " block house," .[see engraving] had been built by Ogee. Mr. Dixon bought the unfinished cabin and leaving it in that condition, added the double cabin of rough logs, and subsequently finished the "block" part and connected it to the other building by the addition of "split shakos " (shown in the picture) The chimneys were built of stone, partly on the outside of the house; the small lean to on the north side (shown at the left of the picture) wa» the modest kitchen for the whole edifice.

In the two story part Father Dixon exchanged commodities with the Indians. The following extracts from an old day book, will show the na¬ ture of hfs dealings with the red man:

Mending ax One pair red leggius It is interesting to glance names and descriptions of son trading with Father Dixon a half century ago; among hie customers were: "Old Blue Coat" "Squirrel Cheeks," "Yellow Man, the old blind man's son," "Sour Head Ox," "Doctor's Hus¬ band," "Raw Bone Black Face," "Limpy," "Con¬ sumption," "Blinky," "Daddy Walker," "Man that has a sick wife," "Old Grey Head's fat son," "Canoe Thief," "Old White Head Potawattomie's son," to this account is appended the meino-

The house faced me south, being placed at a slight angle to the'liver, and directly in front ap¬ proached the road from Fort Clark - now Peoriathen the great thoroughfare to the lead mines a*, the north. It was finally destroyed in 1845, and nothing now remains to mark the spot where the venerable father of our town first made his home in the Rock river valley.

The second house on the south side of the river, was built by James Dixon just back of where Ex¬ change block now stands. It was a log building about sixteen feet square, and in a small "IcanHto," built against the east side of the honse, was the village post office where Father Dixon deslributed to the early settlers what litte mail found its way so far from civilization. This honse, togethci with the block house on the north side of the river, disappeared about 1835. The original mansion was converted into a tavern in 1835, and Chapman & liamiltou opened a "store" in the block part in the early part of 1830. About this time Fathei Dixon, who had continued to run the ferry for sev¬ eral years, and who had done a limited amount of trading with the Indians during all his stay at the ferry, moved to his farm which was south-west of the town. Ills farm residence was a few yards south-east of where the Northwestern depot now stands, and was then conslderd quite out of town. In the autumn of 1830 there were, besides the orig¬ inal mansion and James Dixon's honse before described, a small frame house, nearly opposite James Dixon's. That was Mr. Hamilton's resi¬ dence, erected in 1835. It will be remembered ns the small building that a few years ago stood just east of Pinckney's block. It is said to have been the first frame building erected in the place. A little fnrtlicrenst on the opposite side of the street from Mr. Hamilton's was a bnilding, also crrectol in 1835. This house was built by James Wilson, a "bachelor forlorn," and was used by him as a blacksmith shop until 1837, when the finishing touches wore put on, floor laid, et*. It was then used as a Court House. The first Court of Ogle county, before mentioned, was held in it. It was afterwards used for an office by the Engineers of the old internal improvement system. Originally, it was a one story building, but, as the grade of Main street was lowered at this point, a basement was formed, which gave it the appearance of a two'story structure. The destruction of this build¬ ing was of recent date. Another log building, torn down only two years ago, was located on the corner of Water and Hennepin streets, and was built by Dr. Forrest, the original claimant of the Woodford farm. Col. Johnson "kept boarders" in a log building'' located a block further west, on the corner now occupied by E. B. Baker's building. The above, with several uncovered frames in diff¬ erent parts of the place, couslilucd the entire town of Dixon in the fall of 1836.

The inhabitauts of the town at that time were James P. Dixon, Peter McKenney, Samuel John¬ son, J ude W. Hamilton, James B. Barr, and E. W. Hines, with their families. Those without fami¬ lies were Dr. Oliver Everett, Smith Gilbraith, and James Wilson. Daniel B. McKenney, was also here at that time. Caleb Tallmage, Geo. A. Mar¬ tin, E. W. Covili, and Stephen Fuller lived on farms in the immediate neighborhood.

As soon as settlements had been established in various places, regular lines of stage coaches were established; the more important ones were the lines from here t<. Naperville and C liicago, one running by way of Troy Grove to Ottawa, and one running to Peoria, by way of Windsor and Prince¬ ton . These lines all concentrated here and passed on to Galena.

In the early settlement of this region every dwelling house was a place of entertainment, and the hospitable dwellers of the then hastily erected houses, most of which were of logs, were always ready to furnish the weary traveler with the best that the country could afford. But as the travel through this new country increased it. became necessary that a town of the size and import¬ ance Dixon had attained, should be well provided with with more extensive accomodations than the private dwellings could afford. But Dixon was equal to the demand; in the space of four or five years, three hotels sprang into existence in the place. The first hotel, built as such, was the "Western," opened during the winter of 1836-7 by Horace Thompson and Peter McKenney. It was what is now the northern part of the Revere House, on Hennepin street. Then followed the Rock River House, in 1837, by Crowell & Wilson. This house was afterwards named the "Phenix," and was finally destroyed by fire in 1846. Abont 1840 iollowed the "Dixon House " by Henry McKen¬ ney, or. Main street, since removed, and virtually rebuilt and refitted on Galena street, and was the large frame building now opposite the Opera

In 1837 the number of familes had increased to thirteen, and during this year the first school house was erected, and a school opened the following year under charge of Mr. Howland Bicknell. This building was a small, one story frame structure, paid for by private subscription, and for three years was the only public building in the village.

and at once served the purpose of Court House, Meeting House, Town Hall, School House, etc. At the close of 1838 the number of familes had increased to forty. In 1839 Dixon was chosen as the seat of justice for Lee county, and the fol¬ lowing year the Court House was built at a cost of §7,0o0, and was paid for in donations from the citizens, Father Dixon donating eighty acres ol land, which has since become a part of the town plat. The U. S. Land Ofticce was moved here from Galena, in the antumn of this year.

In June 1841 Dixon was spoken of as "a con¬ siderable village with many neat dwellings," etc. and in 1813 we find the village giving its fortyfour votes "for incorporation. - ' During this year the first church edifice was erected in Dixon, namely, -the old Methodist church building on Second street, since more familiarly known as the "old High School building."

In 1843 there was a town here, as we see, but was a "town" only in name; there were, as yet, but few attractions in the place that would of themselves create a town. The great drawback was the wild and unsettled condition of the country. There was as yet no milling advantages; the settlers in and around the embryo city Were compelled to go long distances for flour, and Chi¬ cago was the nearest market, and, many times, a week would be consumed in transporting one wagon load of grain, and oftentimes the expense of this transportation wonld consume the entire amount received for the products sold. But it was the "County Seat," and with a firm belief in the future proud destiny of the place, people located here.

In 1845 the village reached a population of 400. and it had four religions denominations: Metho¬ dist, Baptist, Episcopal gnd Congregational; a select and one district school, - with an attend" ance of seventy-live pupils in the two schools, and twenty-seven establishments doing business in the usual lines represented in a country town.

Up to 1850 Dixon did not improve much, indeed, no towns throughout the northern part of the State progressed at :his time. The State suffered from indebtedness and loss of credit occasioned by the vast appropriations made for the visionary and disastrous internal improvements. The fear of taxation stopped immigration almost entirely for a season, and commerce and agricultural intercsts languished for want of means of communi¬ cation with the outside world.

The winter of 1846-7 the first bridge was erect¬ ed across Rock river at this point, but it was of very short duration, for it is recorded that the south half of the work raised with such fond anticipa¬ tions of bringing great prosperity to the rising young town in the immediate future, was swept away by the treacherous tide the 20th of March 1847. In 1850 a miil dam was placed across the river, and the village soon began to assume im¬ portance as a manufacturing town. A saw mill was placed on the north side of the river, the same year, and in 1851 the erection of a large flour mill was commenced on the south side; these were soon followed by other mills, foundery and machine shop, etc.

In May, 1851, the population of Dixon was esti¬ mated at seven or eight hundred. There was then in the thriving village a printing office, eight or ten stores, "and several prolessional men and mechanics in all departments of trade;'' two church buildings, three hotels, a livery stable and a market. Frotji this time until the war Dixon improved with great rapidity. The subject of the prospective Central railroad was already being agi¬ tated by the newspaper, and the town and its pros¬ pects became more widely known. Those who were here at that day, will remember the great thrill of excitement that electrified the village when they beheld the Engineers approaching, ami the many wonderful predictions that were made of the future progress oi Dixon. With great sus¬ pense did the people watch the progress of this road, fearful at every delay that it might fall through and ruin the fair prospects of the promis ing town, but, by a degree of patience commenduble in the extreme, they waited long, until at last they were gladeued by the news that track laying had been commenced, with the assurance that it would be pushed forward with all possible dili¬ gence. Finally, in January, 1835, their eyes be¬ held, in reality, the locomotive and beam its wel¬ come scream, upon two roads instead of one, as the " Dixon Air Line " had reached Dixon about the same time. With the approach of the rail roads, came many strangers from near and far. 11 stimulated trade, and had a reviving influences every-where The prosperity of the town was no longer a matter of conjecture but an established fact. In August of this year there were one huml red and twenty eight places of business occupying stores, offices, shops, etc., among them two print ing offices, four hotels, two planing mills, a saw mill, foundery and machine shop, and a flouring mill in Dixon. Before the close of 1855 the popu latiou of the town had increased to 3,000. Another feature worthy of note is the relative character of the buildings erected before and after the railways reached here. The ideas of the people became enlarged, and with that growth came pride - pride in the appearance of their dwellings aud places of business. The spirit of rivalry between towns and villages, too, was high, and as the result of this rivalry, stimulated into life by the railways, we point with pardonable pride to our public build¬ ings, business blocks and elegant residences.

All this growth and improvement was not the work of ill-advised speculation, uor the result of un¬ warranted ambition by our citizens, but the needs of the place called for it, for the accommodation of the new comers that wore constantly arriving, and for the increased trade that naturally found its way to our city.

From 1853 to 1859 Dixon luxuriated in the name of "town." The ambition of our citizens was arroused to such a pitch that the name of town was too insignificaant, and consequenly a charter was obtained from the State Legislature, and the city was organized by the election of city offi¬ cers, March 7th, 1859. And now a new order of things was inaugurated. More attention was paid to laying and repairing sidewalks, and keeping the streets in good condition, and initial steps were taken toward a more complete system of public schools than the place had before enjoyed.

The incorporation of Dixon was certainly a step in the right direction. It was a logical conclusion destined to follow a wise forethought and careful management. Perhaps none could take more pride in the consumation of this wise step than Father Dixon, who had lived to see advancement stamped upon each succeeding year, until the seal of "success" was placed upon the enterprise commenced thirtv-nine years before.

The shrieking locomotive thunders over the blufl' where once the Buffalo paused to look down upon the humble home of the pioneer; the red deer made his lair under the shade of giant oaks, where now arc busy streets. And where a rude but brave soldiery.once pitched their tents in the Indian war, is now the silent city of the dead, in whose narrow habitations rest the voiceless forms of those whose once busy hands and will¬ ing hearts, reared for us the homes aud secured for us the privileges which we now enjoy. The Buffa¬ lo, the red man, the pioneer, the children of the white haired, aud finally Nachusa himself, have pissed away as a dream; the busy life throbs on but they are among ti e things ol the past.

Having in a brief aud cursory manner sketched the career of Dixon, from its infancy to the time it became a flourishing city, it becomes now our pleasant duty to mention the most prominent of its advantages and attractions, as existing at present, and in doing this we must touch but briefly upon each subject, as they are too numer¬ ous to admit of extended description. Among the advantages, then, possessed by this city as a place of residence, we may mention the steady appre¬ ciation of property, accessibility to the leading markets; good schools, churches, society, manu¬ facturing interests, varied scenery, etc.

Appreciation Op Property

We can not boast of fortunes made here in a day by the rapid increase in the valuation of prop¬ erty, but investments are always desirable and safe. The real estate business of the place is on the "improve." Residence and business lots command ready sales and good prices, and it is seldom that any one need hold property at a loss. It is impossible to give the average price of resi¬ dence aud business lots on account of the great variation in prices according to location and size, but tbey sell at reasonable prices: not losing as is a town that has "seen its best days," nor yet exoritbaut as in the case of some of the western towns of rapid, but unhealthy growth. Good in¬ ducements are held out by our real estate dealers to strangers to settle and become permanent citizens.

Location Op Dixon

Dixon is situated on the Illinois Central rail road, at its crossing with the Chicago & North- Western. It is ninety-eight miles from Chicago, by rail. It is on two great trunk lines, one run¬ ning north and south through the State, and the other running east and west, being the principal connecting liDk between the Uuion Pacific, and the many lines that diverge from Chicago. By either of the above roads we have rapid communi¬ cations with the outside world, north, south, east and west. Previous to last fall most oi our man ufacturing interests snfiered the disadvantage o being located a mile from the depots, but now, through a concerted movement of the city and both rail road companies, the cars are brought to the doors of our factories and mills. The follow¬ ing figures show the amount of traffic for the past year done by the railroads at this point:

The town has a great advantage over many in¬ land cities in the matter of scenery and pictur¬ esque beauty of location, and, as it is on high and very rolling ground, the drainage is excellent. To i he north and south are broad stretches of fine prairie, smooth and unbroken, and studded all over with the homes of thrifty farmers; to the east and west, and, in fact, all around us, in the imme¬ diate vicinity, are beautiful hills, valleys and plains. In the summer, when all nature is cloth¬ ed in her most beautiful garments of variegated charms, it is hard to find a more pleasant place. In deed this locality is obtaining quite a notoriety as a summer resort, and from the decks of the pleasure steamers that sail back and forth upon waters of Rock river at this point, can be seen the white tents of numerons camping parties, peeping out from among the green foliage lining the banks and islands.

Sose Op The Natural Advantages

Of our city shonld be given in this connection. The beautiful Rock river flows through the place, furnishing excellent power for maunfactnrrng purposes. The valley at this point widens out into a vast amphitheater, just wide enough to take into its protection this our yonngcity. Of timber we have a very good supply of different kinds. We have high, rolling prairies and we have level prairies, we have timber lands and we have water courses - we doubt if a greater diversty of country could bo desired The temperature of the climate might be classed among the natural advantages. The high elevation of the place, good drainage aud free circulation of the atmosphere have conduced to give Dixon a healthy temperature that must bo appreciated by all who visit the town.

Educational Facilities

The scholastic advantages presented by a town are always carefully "weighed in the balance," by heads of families who contemplate a change of residence. It. is but natural, too, that this matter should be closely inquired into, as so much de¬ pends upon the facilities afforded the children in a community where the public schools are the alma maters of s<? large a proportion. The time has long since gone by when this matter could be ignored, and we are glad to be able to chronicle the fact that Illinois has taken the second posi¬ tion among the States in the educational cause.

No better evidence of the intelligence and enterprize which characterize the people of Dixon can be given than the tasteful ar.d commodious public school buildings of our city, which are alike en¬ during monuments to their projectors and build¬ ers as well as ornaments to the city.

The city is divided into two school districts, and in the winter of 1808-9, the people of District No. 5, (north side) at a cost of $20,000, erected a fine school building of magnificent appearance, stand¬ ing on an elevation near the grove that skirts the northern part of our town, aud overlooking every portion of the city, the river, its islands, indrongh romantic scenery, and the rolling prairi! beyond. The building is constructed of brick to the third story, wh ich is a Mansard roof, crowned with a neat belfry. The ground plan is 54 by 63 feet, and including the basement, is four stories high. The first and second stories, each thirteen feet high, are divided into two school rooms, 25 by 38 feet, with a recitation room for each, 10 by 18 feet. The Mansard story is one large study-room, 39 by 48 feet, sixteen feet high, having a rostrum in the north end, 10 by 12 feet, with an ante-room open¬ ing npon it from either side. The halls are com¬ modious and give easy access to each room.

Mr. C. O. Scndder is principal of the schools on the North Side, and they are prospering under his careful management. There are now enrolled in the different departments about 180 pupils.

The High School department is tanght by the the principal, assisted by Miss Welty, the Gram¬ mar School is taught by Miss A. Raymond, Inter¬ mediate by Miss M. Yates, and the Primary de¬ partment by Mrs. A. C. Holbrook.

The building on the South Side, in District No. 1, was erected in the summer of 1869, at a cost of $32,000. It is a handsome brick structure of even more impostng appearance than its predecessor on the North Side. This building, situated as it is upon a high eminence in the southern part oi the city, near the depots, is the most prominent object that meets the gaze of strangers visiting our city.

History Op Dixon

The building, which is 91 by 75 feet, four stories high including the basement, is admirably arrang¬ ed. each room being large and well adapted to the purpose lor which it is used, while the furniture consits of modern and most approved patterns. The seats provided will accommodate 516 pupils, with comfort and convenience. The building con¬ tains eight, school rooms, with all the necessary recitation rooms, closets, etc., thus arranged: one primary and two intermediate rooms on the first floor, two intermediate and one grammar room on the second floor, and the first grammar and high, school rooms on the third floor.

The schools in this district are under the effic¬ ient management of E. C. Smith who has served in the capacity of Superintendent oi the South Side schools for the past eighteen years.

The First Grammar School is taught by Miss Adclia Pinckney, with an attendance of 27 pupils; and the Second by Miss Nellie Soule, with an attendance of 34.

The First Intermediate is taught by Miss Hattie Sterling, with an attendance of 56 pupils; the second taught by Miss Ida DeLand numbers 45 pupils; the third taught by Miss Emma Burnham numbers 49 pnpils; and the fourth taught by Miss Fannie Murphy numbers 57 pupils.

North of the Court House, in the 1st Ward, is another Primary school where Miss A. G. Curtice instructs 45 pupils. West of the Central depot, in the 3d Ward, is another small school building in which Mrs L. L. Woodwarth instructs47 pupils.

Since the grade system of instruction was aaopted in the South Side schools, beginning with 1384, -there has been seventy-two graduates from the High School: forty one females andtliityone males. There has been two or three classes graduated from the High School on the North Side since the adoption of the grade system in that district in 1869; the number of graduates we, however, were unable to learn.

The Catholic society has a denominatial school with an average atte ndance of 150 scholars, under the instruction of fou r Dominican sisters and one Novice. The school was started about 1872 in the old church building, under the labors of Father McDermott, and has been kept up in a prosper¬ ous condition ever since.

In addition to the public schools our city has the Eock Eiver University. The building is a large brick and stone edifice, five stores high, located on a high eminence in the east part of the town, and commands n view of the country lor many miles in extent all around our city, as well as the course of Eock river in its mcanderings toward the Father of waters, until it passes from the range of sight. The building is constructed on an extensive plan and is admirably adapted to the purpose for which it was erected.

The institution has practically settled down to a Preparatory and Military Academy, yet, compe¬ tent instruction in the Normal, Business, Musi¬ cal and Art departments, is provided for those wishing such special work.

The present Board of Management and Instruc¬ tion consists of Jay R. Hinckley, President; Maj. H. O. Chase, Military Instructor; W. II. Chamb¬ erlain, Business Manager; Henry M, Douglass, Mrs. Jay E. Hinckley, and Miss Lucy Whiton.

We can highly recommend Dixon to the people throughout the State vtho desire to send their young people away to school, as the tuition is very light, considering the advantages offered. In the matter of board we think that article can be obtained here as cheap as anywhere else.

They are all of them handsome, substantial buildings, constructed and furnished according to mfodern tastes, and present a pleasing and invit¬ ing appearance. All the present church structures in use, except one, were bnilt within the past fourteen years. These buildings are all conveni¬ ently large for the wants of this place, and have a total seating capacity of over three thousand, but upon special occasions can be made to accommo¬ date a much greater number. The church prop" erty of our city represents a total value of over $140,000. Below we give the date of construction, size, cost, etc., of the different buildings:

The Methodist people have a fine brick struc¬ ture on Peoria Street, 80 by 45 feet, two stories high; the basement story is used by the Sabbath School. The building was commenced in 1854 end inclosed the next year, bnt was not entirely finished until 1857. It cost $15,000. In 1876 the interior was torn out aud replaced by new work at an expense of about $3,000. The church has a membership of 270. Rev. A. W. Patton is pastor

The Presbyterian church on Third street was erected in 1866, at a cost of about $15,000. The building is constructed of dressed lime stone, and is 41 by 72 feet; the interior has just been refres coed, painted, etc., which gives it as bright and new appearance as it ever had. The building is surmounted by a tower 130 feet high which en¬ closes a magnificent bell weighing over 2,000 pounds. There is connected with this church abont two hundred members. Rev. E. C. Sickles has been pastor for the past eighteen years.

The Lutheran society have a neat brick struc¬ ture, 42 by 80 feet, on Second street, erected in 1869, at a cost of $15,500.' The society has a hand¬ some parsonage on the lot adjoining the church which was erected during the summer of 1876.

The church building is two stories high; the base ment story is devoted to the use of the Sabbath School. This church has a membership of about oue hundred and forty-five. Rev. L. L. Lipe is

The Baptist people have a commodious brick edifice, 90 by 45 feet, on Second street. It was dedicated in July 1872, and cost about $15,000. The auditorium of this church will comfortably seat 500 people. The Sabbath School room occu¬ pies nearly the entire basement story. There is connected with this church a membership of one hundred aud seventy-three. O. P. Bestor is pastor.

The Episcopal society have an imposing stone building on the corner of Peoria and Third streets, erected in 1872. The dimensions of this building are 104 by 54 feet. The chancel is 22 by 30 feet, organ room 15 feet square, aud vestry same size. The spire surmounting this structure is 138 feet high. The entire cost of this building was about $20,000. Rev. W. W. Steele is rector.

The Universalist society have a commodious stone edifice on the cornerof Hennepin and Second streets. This house was erected in 1873; it is 42 by 80 feet, and will comfortably seat 350 persons. This church, by economical management was built for about $9,000, which is a remarkable low figure, considering the size and substantial character of the bull diug. Rev. H. V. Chase is pastor of this society.

The Catholic congregation have the largest church structure in the city. It is a handsome brick building, located mear Ihe South Side public school building, and was erected in 1873; it has a seating capacity of over 600. This church, includ¬ ing alter fixtures, etc., cost about $30,010. The bell on this church weighs nearly 2,500 pounds, and cost $900. There are two hundred families connected with the congregation of this church. Rev. Father Hodnett is pastor.

Sabbath schools are connected with all our churches and have a total membership of about S00; the total number of volumes in the libraries belonging to these different Schools is about 2,025.

The Hotels

of a place take considerable prominence in the mind of the traveling public in forming an op inion of a town, and in this way good hotels greatly assist in creating a favorable knowledge of a city over a wide extent of country. In this con¬ nection we esteem our hotels worthy of mention as among the attractions of our city. Our hotel accommodations are equal to any common emerg¬ ency aud are all well kept houses; first in the ii6t we shall mention the Nachusa House, located on Galena street, opposite the public square. It occupies a commanding eminence, and overlooks the whole town, as well as the conrse of Rock river for many miles above and below the city. It is bnilt of undressed lime-stone, and, including the basement, is a five stories high. The main build¬ ing is 48 by 40 feet, with a wing in the rear 80 by 36 feet. The fifth story was added to the building in 1867, and is finished with a Mansard roof. The original and entire cost of the building was over $30,000; to erect this house now, with the present cost of materials, would probably be near $40,0. 0. The management of the house is now in the hands of Mr. Geo. Benjamin, who is a thorough busi-

The Washington House, located on the corner of Main and Ottawa streets, is a three story brick structure, 34 by 60 feet, with a large frame addition in the rear. This house is located in the business part of the city aud close to the water power. Mr. Henry Remers, the present proprietor, erected the house in 1854, and, with the exception of four years between 1856 and '60, has run the hotel since that time, aud this long experience in the same local¬ ity is a sure recommendation that he knows "how to keep hotel."

The Key Stone House is the most Central Hotel in the city, located as it is on the corner of Main and Galena streets. This hotel occupies two buildings; the brick part adjoining the stone building on the corner, was erected in 1866 by Mr. Philip Brautigam, but being too small for the pur¬ poses of a hotel, a door way was cut through the walls, and by thus connecting the two buildings the accommodations of the house were enlarged. This hotel is under the excellent management of Mrs. E. Brautigam.

TheWaverly House, at the North-western depot, has,a well established reputation as a first-class house, and is a favorite with the patrons of the Chicago & Northwestern railway. This hotel is under the successful management of Mr. Thomas

In addition to the above named hotels we have the Revere House, a large hotel-boarding house situated on Hennepin street near Main, run by Mr. Henry Bolliuan. The new Transient House, between the Central and North-western depots, kept by James Duffey.

Streets And Sidewalks

In regard to the exellent condition of her streets and sidewalks, Dixon may well feel proud, for in this respect our town is equaled by but few cities of its size in the State. This snbject is a matter of general remark among visitors and strangers, and they are often surprised, when, alter wading through mud and water in other cities, they visit our town on the same day, and find our streets comparatively dry and free from mud. \Ye have in good repair over twenty miles of sidewalks and crossings. During 1879 our city expended $5,934.82 in public improvements, such as macada¬ mizing and grading streets, building and repair¬ ing sidewalks, building bridges and culverts, puting in street lamps, etc. Already this year admira¬ ble improvements have been commenced of which the excellent new sidewalks on Main street bear evidence.

The Fire Department

Is entirely volunteer, and consists of a Hose com¬ pany of 65 men, and a Hook ami Ladder company of 26 men. These companies were both organiz¬ ed in January 1870; np to that time oar city was without any organized force for Are protection. In 1869 the Water Power Company had put in a rotary pump of a rated capacity of 1200 gallons per minute - about double the capacity of a first class steam fire engine. This pump, together with 600 feet of hose, was originally intended for the use of the manufacturing establishments at the water power, but when the fire companies were organized the city assumed charge of the' pump and bought 1000 feet of additional hose, and one hose reel, hook and ladder truck, and other nec¬ essary fire apparatus. The fire hall was built in 1871; the upper story is divided into two meeting rooms, one for each company, and the lower story is used for apparatus. In the winter of 1871-2, water Mains were laid from the pump to the corner of Main and Galena streets, and afterwards to the corner of Hennepin and Second streets. In 1876 the city put in a piston pump with a capac¬ ity of 1600 gallons per minute, but owing to the small mains cannot be worked to its full capacity. The city has expended for apparatus and property for the fire department since its organization, over $13,500. The department had at the begining of this year three hose carts, twenty-one hundred feet of hose, and two hook and ladder trucks, but nearly a thousadd feet of hose was de¬ stroyed at the recent disastrous fire. Too much can not. be said in praise of our firemen for the prompt manner in which they have ever respond¬ ed to the alarm of fire, and the herculean efforts made to save the property of their fellow citi¬ zens. Another item that should not be overlooked in this connection, is the fleetness and eflicency that our firemen have acquired by earnest prac¬ tice; wherein the Dixon Hose Company has become famous, they having at the last two State tournaments secured the Champion's belt over many competitors.

Recent experience has made it apparent to all that our city needs better and more servicable means for fire protection. Present indications are that this desired object will soon be accom¬ plished, as practical movements are now being made by the City Council to that end.

With admirable perseverance the Dixon Hose Company have secured a fine library of nearly one thousand volumes, many of which were kindly donated by friends of the company. Citizene, not members of the company, become entitled to the privileges of the library by donating one dollar, or a book worth $1.50, subject to the approval of the company, and the payment of fifty cents yearly dues. A few weeks ago the Monitor Hook and Ladder Company commenced a library in their meeting room, which already numbers over one hundred volumes.

Mr. R. S. Farrand is the present Fire Marshal, J. W. Latta, Assistant. Officers of the Hose com¬ pany are C. C. Atkins, Foreman; F. J. Finlcler, Fin-t Assistant; Wat. Rock, Second Assistant; NathanMcKcnney, Secretary; Chas. Weisz,Treas¬ urer. Officers of the Hook and Ladder company: Chas. Ramsey, Foreman: Corydon Cropsey, First Assistant; P. R Friesenberg, Second Assistant; J. A. Stumpf, Secretary; G. W. Taylor, Treasurer.

Our Bridges

From the first wagon bridge placed across the river at this point until the erection of the pres' enl strnctnre at the foot of Galena street, the ex¬ perience of Dixon in keeping np uninterrupted communication between the north and south sides of the river was unfortunate. The first bridge was erected by the "Rock River Dam and Bridge Company " in the fall and winter of 1846-7, at the foot of Ottawa street. Travel across the bridge had scarcely commenced, when the spring freshet of 1847 swept away the north half. The bridge was rebuilt that summer, and remained entire until the spring of 1849 when the south half was taken out. The ferry was now brought into use as the bridge was not rebuilt until the summer of 1851. The structure erected in 1851 lasted until the spring of 1857, when the descent of the ice that year, again demolished our river bridge. A new bridge was placed across the river at the foot of Galena street, but like its predecessors at the foot of Ottawa street, was of short duration for in June of 1858 it was taken ^mt by a very high fresh¬ et. This bridge was rebuilt, but in February 1859, only lour months after it was finished, alarge por¬ tion was taken out by the ice. In the meantime the toll bridge had obtained a rival in the shape of a free bridge, erected by private enterprise. This bridge was built in Morril Town but was just com¬ pleted when, in February, 1857, it was destroyed by the ice. It was soon rebuilt but the June freshet of the next year carried out a portion of the structure. It was again immediately re¬ paired, and the bridge probably lasted until about 1860. We will again turn our attention to the history of the bridges at the foot of Galena street. In Angust a free bridge was commenced, to take the place of the toll bridge taken ont in the spring of that year. The completion of this bridge was considerably delayed by not having sufficient funds at command to carry the work forward, " Free Bridge Parties'' were given, and the pro¬ ceeds added to the liberally contributions of the merchants. Finally the necessary sum ($13,000) was raised, and the bridge was thrown open to' the public amidst great rejoicing, January 1st 1861. This bridge remained until March, 1868, when the ice took out the entire strnctnre. Thro' all these years, until the city erected the Trucsdell iron bridge in 1868, nine bridges - all of wood resting upon wooden trestles or piers - had been, either in part or wholly, swept away by the treacherous ivould show a largo grain busiwaters or Rock river. This being the case, the people finally came to the conclusion that they would erect a bridge which no flood could wash away. With much labor and expense piers ai d abutments of solid masonry were placed upon substantial foundations made by driving piles below the gravel and changing bed of the river. Upon these piers and abutments was placed a handsome superstructure wholly of iron fvith the exception of the floors. * The entire cost of the work to the city was $75,000. The opening of the bridge to the public on the 2lst of Jauuarv, 1869, was made the occasion for a celebration by our citizens, and after a severe test of its strength, the st.ucture was accepted by the city, and all rejoic¬ ed that we had at last secured a bridge of such g eat strength, and no one present upon this occasion thought they wouid live to see its de¬ struction; but, alas! how frail arc human hopes. Scarcely four years had passed when it fell, result¬ ing In such a fearful sacrifice of life and property, and causing so much suffering. The debris was removed and the present durable wooden bridge of the Uowc-Truss patent was erected the same year (1873) at an expense of $1S,000. This bridge rests npon the old foundation, and is 665 feet in length with a wagon road 18 feet in width and a foot path on cither side five feet wide.

A few blocks below tnis the river is spanned by a magnificent iron railroad bridge belonging to the Illinois Central Railway Company, whose track passes through the west part of our town, rawing above hugh arches spanning the streets it crosses. This bridge, which is said to be one of the finest and strongest iron bridges in the State, was erected in 1862, upon the same foundation that had supported a wooden bridge built in 1851.

The filling up of the wast places and the unex¬ ampled development of the rich agricultural dis¬ tricts of Lee county have served to increase the grain trade until her annual shipments have ex¬ ceeded our most sanguine expectations. Our grain finds a market in Chicago over the Chi¬ cago & North Western railway and by means of a contract with the C. B. & Q. railroad we can also ship our grain to Chicago over the Illinois Central road. Thus it will be seen that we have compet¬ ing transportation lines that have a healty influ¬ ence on onr grain trade and give us low freights to the best grain market of the country. Conse¬ quently our dealers are enabled to offer to our farmers extra inducements to sell their grain ir this market. In order, however,to better illnstrat. the importance of Dixon as a grain shipping point, we will give a few figures, showing the shipments from this place by Capt. John Dysart, from April 1st, 1879, to April 1st, 1880, which were as follows: Corn, 219,740 bushels; Oats, 72,340; Wheat, 9,954; Rye, 8,654; Barley, 1,100; Totn', 311,788 bushels. This of course dose not include the shipments of Mr. Bartow, and others, which

The stock interests here are quite extensive, and much of the corn raised in this vicinity is fed out and driven to market, instead of being hauled there in wagons. When we calculate the amount of corn consumed in this manner, it will nearly double the amount raised here, that onr figures show as being shipped.

Of these Dixon has twelve organizations, a fact, indicative of the social and benevolent nature of her people. With the exception of out these are all secret societies, the aggregate membership of which is over 503. Most of them are beneficial in their character, and one has a Life Insurance connected with its organization. Thns provision is made for the afflicted during life and their sur' vivors after death.

Masonic - Friendship Lodge, No. 7. Organized tinder dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Ken lucky on November 6, 1840; obtained charter from the Grand Lodge of Illinois October 6,1841. Offi¬ cers: J. V. Thomas, W.M.; J. B. Pomeroy, S. W.. W. M. Kennedy, J. W.; Ed. Hazen, Sec.; Theo¬ dore Moeller, Treas.

The Dixon Water Power

In the year 1844 the agitation of the subject of building a dam across Rock river at this point, was commenced, and about the year 1845 resulted in a survey being made by one Woodworth, who reported a fall in the river from Grand Detour of nine and a half feet, and that the erection of a dam at this place was not a difficult undertaking. Subsequently, probably in 1846, a charter was ob¬ tained to organize the Dixon Dam and Bridge Company, and in the fall and winter of 1816-7 the bridge was built. We have seen how this first bridge fared. Subsequently a new charter was obtained and a company organized in 1818, under the name of the " Rock River Hydraulic Com¬ pany," for the purpose of constructing a dam, but for some reason the work was not immediately carried forward. In August 1849 application was made to the County Commissioner's Court for a writ of ad quod damnum, in accordance with the law in regard to proposed mill dams, a jury of twelve disinterested men was summoned who met in September, and declared in favor of the buildiug of the proposed dam. The company entered into negotiations with Messrs. Hanchet & Dalsston, of Beloit, Wis., which resulted in a contract on the part of these gentlemen to build the dam for a bonus of $1,500, They immediately com¬ menced work; they were allowed I to help them¬ selves w ith out charge, to such material as the woods and quarries afforded, and were to own the dam when completed. Although provision was made for a five foot dam in the preliminary pro¬ ceedings, it at first was built only two feet and a half high, but was found to be inadiquate to furn¬ ish the power needed and was soon raised higher. It was built of brush or young trees, stone and gravel, and was soon finished. Although Hanchet & Dalston had acquired the ownership of the work, they were nnable to retain it by reason of the indebtedness that they had incurred in its construction. Mr. J B. Brooks had furnished their employees with goods from his store, and Col. Dement had provided funds, until the de¬ mands of these two gentlemen were more than the firm could liquidate. As a matter of seenrity therefore, Messrs. Dement and Brooks eventually acquired the entire ownership of the dam, and Hanchet & Dalston retired. A saw mill was built at the north end of the dam at the same time, by Mr. Christopher Brookner. The building that, previous to the great fire of April 8, 1889, was known as the Becker & Underwood mill was com mcnced by Brooks & Dement as soon as they had become owners of the dam. Col. Dement sold his interest in the mill, and acquired Brook's iii* tereBt in the dam, and the mill was afterwadr run by Brooks & Daley. Dement then built the found¬ ry and the present race, and laid the foundation for what, prior to the fire mentioned above', was known as the Flax Mills and the Flouring Mills of Thompson & Co., both of which were after¬ wards built by Chas. Godfrey, Esq. Col. Dement, since the war, also bnilt the Plow Works and the Flax Mills on the south side of the race. Mr. Godfrey not only built the Flouring mill mention¬ ed, but purchased the Becker & Underwood mill of Brooks & Daley, and a large interest in the

The dam withstood the tide for two or three years without requiring any considerable repair. Breaches were not unfrequent, but in every in, Btance they were readily mended and the proprie¬ tors, after years of experience and observation, have gained a knowledge of the current and bed which has at last enabled them to construct a first class dam, seven feet in height, against which water ar.d ice seem to be powerless.

From Grand Detour to this place, a distance ol nine miles, there is a fall of nine and a half feet, with a volume of 7,355 cubic feet of water per minute, at the lowest stages of the river. This has been ascertained to a certainty by J. M. Pat¬ rick, Esq., who measured it and made, estimates in 1863, when the river was very low. This would furnish a power equal to that of 3,000horse. The fall then was five feet, since then it has been raised to seven feet and two inches, which will nearly double the power. At least 5,000 horse power is attained. Calculating that it will re¬ quire twenty horse power for one run of stone, we find that our water power is capable of propell¬ ing 250 run of very large stone. This calculation is made from the very lowest stage of water - when the river is up to a medium stage the power almost doubles the above figures. It is estimated that the water used by our factories when they were all in operat ion was not perceptable in the flow of water over the dam. The capacity of the power already developed would be sufficient to run a line of factories on each side of the river that would reach from the dam to the railroad bridge. This places within the grasp of Dixon the banner of manufacturing towns in Illinois. Will she take ti? By placing that portion of this water power not needed by the present owners, in the market at reasonable figures, new capital would be invested in it, and by the full employment of this immense power by capitalists, who have, and will feel an increasing interest in the city, equal to the amount of their capital invested in the mechan¬ ical appliance of that power, all branches oi in¬ dustry and mercantile enterprises would be stimu¬ lated to such an extent, that it would not be un¬ reasonable to expect that in ten years Dixon would become a city of fifteen or twenty thou¬ sand inhabitants.

We will now turn our attention briefly to the manufacturing interests of our city. Prominent among the institutions at the water power, is the

Dixon Plow Works

These works were established in October, 1856, by Col. John Dement, on the site now occupied by Vann & Means, carriage makers. The busi¬ ness was there carried on for several years and was then moved to its present location at the water power. The whole business was, at that time, done in the building afterwards used as a blacksmith shop. From a small beginning the establishment grew in capacity and reputation, and obtained its highest importance nuder Col. Dement's management, in 1863 and '64, when his plows took the first preminm at the field trial of the State Agricultural Society, over all competitors, and he was awarded gold and stiver medals; from which lact, until the retirement of Col. Dement from the business, the plows were known as Gold Medal." At this time began the won¬ derful series of improvements which in a few years changed the soft rough German Steel Plow, then in general use, into the hardened, highly fin¬ ished patent-steel implement of to-day. Except in modes of manufacture and improved material, there has been but little change in the Dixon Plow. The short, deep, round-topped mould board then in use, now remains. At that time it was unique, peculiar to Col. Dement's "Shaghai" and the modified "Shanghai," or "Gold Medal." The real value oi this pattern is strongly attested by the fact that its principal features are now used^by every prominent manufacturer of plows in the north-west. In 1867 the business was transferred to \V. M. Todd & H. D. Dement, who conducted it for two years, selling nearly their entire produce to F. K. Orvis & Co., then a firm in the agricultural implement trade in Chicago. In 1869 the whole business was sold to Messrs. Orvis & Co., who continued the manufacture of the various lines of goods, and adding others from time to time - building up a large trade ex¬ tending over the entire north-west. They were succeeded by the Orvis Manufacturing Company, organized under the general laws of the State, May 12, 1877, which company, after two years and a half of largely increased trade, sold out to Charles H. Curtis, of Chicago, (the President of the company and largest stock holder) on the 12th of Nov., 1879, 51 r. Curtis has been identified with large manufacturing interests in this State for nearly forty years, and with his usual energy has pushed the business to its utmost - adding new articles, such as Seeders, Drills, Sulky Plows, etc., all of which uphold the standard of excel¬ lence so long deservingly maintained by the Dixon Plow Works.

The works now occupy the greater portion of a magnificent factory building erected by Col. John Dement in 1869. This building is solidly built of stone and is four stories high on the front, measuring on the ground plan 86 by 142 feet. It is interesting to the older inhabitants of the county, who saw the beginning of this enterprise, to go through the works to-day and notice the wonderful changes which a few years have made in the methods of manufacture and their products. In the beginning a few small rooms furnished ample space to carry on the different branches of work, which were mainly done by hand. Now each department is a complete establishment by itself, doing all the work by machinery, and turn¬ ing out the parts assigned to it by the thousands, each piece being an exact duplicate of others of the same class. Judging from the only, true cri¬ terion, quality of work, the Dixon Plow Works are among the first.

Under the proprietorship of Col. John Dement is an establishment that can not well be ignored in this sketch, as its relation to the manufacturing interests of Dixon is one of great importance. This mill is the first one of the kind established in the United States. The project was developed in 1865 ,and the mill erected in 1866. In February, 1867, the mill commenced operation under the proprietorship of Messrs. Jerome & Downing; a few months latter the firm name was changed to* Dement & Jerome; but for some years Col. John Dement has been sole propictor. Knowing the demand for the manufactured material, the mill was established on a large basis, and as soon' as it commenced operation turned out 1400 yards of bailing cloth per day. The original building was of stone, 45 by 75 feet, two stories high. Running three years in this building and finding the de mand so much greater than their facilities could supply, Dement & Jerome increased their capac¬ ity in 1870 by extending the factory building back 60 feet, making the whole building 45 by 140 feet, and increasing the capacity of the mill to its present immense business of 3,200 yards of bail¬ ing cloth per day. The factory now gives employ¬ ment to 50 men, women and girls. To illustrate the importance of this flax establishment and the number to whom it gives employment, it will be necessary to go out side the mill. The flax bagging mill uses 9,000 pouuds of tow per day, which Col. Dement manufactures himself from 36,000 pounds of flax straw, which is the products of twenty-five to thirty acres. The mill runs at ftill capacity, about two hundred and eighty days a year. This would make one thousand two hundred and sixty tons of flax tow manufactured into bailing cloth by this factory during the year, produced from five thousand and forty tons of straw, or the product of from seven thousand to eight thousand one hundred and forty acres. The mill receives three car loads of tow per week, and ships two car loads of bagging. Most of the pro¬ duct of this mill is shipped south to Memphis and Louisville, and some to St. Louis, from which places it is distributed throughout the cotton fields, where it is used to enclose the bails of cotton.

Sash Door And Blind Factory

In 18(58 James Fletcher erected the building he now occupies, and commenced the manufacture of sash, doors, and blinds on quite an extensive scale. The factory building is 36 by 60 feet, and four stones high. Everything is done by machin¬ ery, so that all that is done to a door, sash or blind by hand is to put it together and smooth it up and sand paper it. Every tenon is cut by a machine that is set to fit the mortise, and every tenon is just exactly the same size and shape as is also every mortise. The machinery used by Mr. Fletcher is all of modern manufacture with late improvements; comprising such machines as planers, mortising, boring and sticking ma¬ chines. saw-tables, sharpers, formers, etc. Ilis trade is mostly confined to this city, his present facilities being too small to supply a large foreign trade, yet he does sell stock to many of the neigh¬ boring towns. It is seldom that the busy hum of the saws at Fletcher's mill are not heard upon working days, and among the most industrious of those working in this mill is the proprietor liim- -sclf. The excellence of the work turned out by this factory is deserving of great success.

This well-known estab'ishmcnt was founded in 1837, at Grand Detour, by John Deere, now of Mojine, Illinois, and Major Andrus, now deceased. They started what was styled a plow factory, in a little blacksmith shop (such as may be seen at a country cross-road), and two forges were sufficient to meet their wants for some two years, when they became able to run an ordinary horse power, for the purpose of turning the grindstone and fan¬ ning the furnace fire. The building in which these labor spying arrangements were located stood some forty rods from the "factory" proper, and every plow ground and casting moulded had to be carried one way or the other, in the hand or on _ the shoulder, and the sight of the two proprie¬ tors lugging their.work back and forth is called up with interest, in view of the great prosperity which each of them, by means of the same hard work and close management, ultimately attained. In this manner, and under these disadvantages, the business went on for about six years, when such success had attended the enterprise that they were enabled to put in steam. From this time forward they continued adding machinery and improvements, and their progress was uninter¬ rupted. However, there were no means of send¬ ing their plows through the country, except by wagons, and few markets except the farm in even the best agricultural sections. Teams were load¬ ed and sent throughout the country, and substan¬ tial farmers were supplied with plows, which they sold through the community, reserving a hand¬ some commission for their services.

In 1848 Mr. Deere withdrew from the firm, which had experienced several changes, at one time pre¬ senting the array of Andrus, Deere, Tate & Gould, and started a plow factory at Moline, which grew and prospered from the first, and might with rea¬ son be termed a child of the Grand Detour Works. The business was run by Mr. Andrus alone, who was then joined by Col. Amos Bosworth, who, in our late war, was known as Lieutenant Colonel of the Thirty-Fourth Illinois, and died in the service . in March 1862.

In October, 1857, the factory, which had been steadily growing and extending its limits, was burnt down, and upon the same site and remnants of the walls, a new factory was erected. In Aug¬ ust, 1863, Theron Cumins, Esq., senior member of the present firm, became one of the proprie¬ tors, which took the name of Andrus & Cumins. Under their administration, the business was carried on until February, 1867, when Mr. Andrus died. Few men pass away more deeply and sin¬ cerely lamented than was MrsAudrus. Upon his death, the business passed into Mr. Cumins' hands, and was by him conducted until June, 1869, when Col. II. T. Noble, of our city, became interested therein, the name of the firm being T. Cumins & Co.

In 1869 the works were moved to their present location at Dixon. In June, 1874, Mr. Dodge, for several years a merchant here, became interested therein, and the business was then conducted under the firm name of Cumins, Noble & Dodge. In June, 1679, the business was incorporated under the laws of the State of Illinois, the title being " Grand Detour Plow Company." Theron Cumins, Henry T. Noble, Orris B. Dodge, and Charles H. Noble being the incorporators. The plow works, which in the first years, only turned out from seventy-five to a hundred plows per year, are now producing many thousands, and scatter¬ ing them by means of the steam horse over the limitless West. The works are located on a spa¬ cious triangular piece of land, between the depots of the Chicago & Northwestern and Illinois Cen¬ tral Railroads, with switches from both roads Tun¬ ning to the shops and warehouses. The factory has a frontage on the north of 206 feet, and to the west of 164 feet. The forging room is 116 feet by 50; the grinding room, 44 feet by 50; the machine room, 30 feet by 70; the wood room, 150 feet by 50: the foundry, 60 feet by 40; and paint room on the second floor, 150 feet by 50: with a warehouse for storeing purposes, 120 feet by 50, two stories high. The workmen connected with the works are men of large experience in the manufacture of agricultural implements, many of whom have been identified with this establishment for ten, fifteen and twenty years, and some for even a quarter of a century. The good name fairly earn¬ ed by the Grand Detour Plow is more than sus¬ tained by the veiy superior quality of goods now being made by the Grand Detour Plow Coin-

Our Wants And Future Prosperity

What w*e need more than anything else are man¬ ufactories of different kinds. With the rebuilding of the mills recently destroyed by fire, and the erection of others, the future of Dixon will become brighter than ever before. With the advantage of our extensive water power, capitalists looking around for desirable places to establish extensive manufacturing interests, will not overlook us if our wants are made known, and they are offerd any kind of inducements whatever to come hero and locate. There is no reason why Dixon, with her beautifkl location, railroad communication with all parts of the United States, the rich agri¬ cultural country that stretches away in every direction, dotted with, elegant farms tilled by an energetic and intelligent class of people, and her excellent water power, should not in the near future become a manufacturing town of great importance, and her population doubled thereby. Dixon's growth, compared with other towns in the neighborhood, has been prosperous, yet there is room for more to come, and there is a future prospect that speaks loudly, inviting the enter¬ prising merchant, the capitalists and manufact¬ urer to cast his lot with us. There is no point in the west that we are acquainted with, where capi¬ tal could be invested in the manufacturing line to better advantage than in Dixon.

believe it to bo with our own city. The true secret of the success of a community is " Help one Another," or, in other words, patronize one another. Patronage of home institutions and home industry is the key that opens the door to our comfort and wealth. While we strive to aid and benefit our public schools, our churches, and our rail roads, let'us not forget our manufactories; let us lend our aid to any that we have and to all that may come to us. Let us patronize our liter, chants, printing offices, mechanics, professional men, and all worthy home enterprises in prefer¬ ence to others. By so doing we shall encourage those that we have, and induce others to bring in capital and embark in enterprises beneficial to the community. If we have establishments where carriages and wagons, home articles, machines and agricultural implements arc made, let us fos. ter and encourage them. Let us patronize what¬ ever home produces, bearing in mind that our mutual interests are involved in the smallest as well as the greatest enterprises. Let it be our pride to say that the cities, towns and villages of Lee county are architects of their own fortunes the workers of their own success, and that they foster all home industry and energy. If we do this our star must rise until we bear as proud and far-known a name as any sister city to whose market we look for supplies in many manufact¬ ured Articles. Let no stranger have it to say that we turned our backs upon his honest efforts, or, viewed jealously his investment of means, for then we should rnako ourselves worthy of contempt and aggrandize competing cities through our own debasement. What we may secure by careful management, wise counsels, and by determined perseverance and energy, we will surely lose without them. Let us avail ourselves of those means which God has pleased to place in our reach and each labor for the prosperity and up¬ building of our city and county.