Dixon Township (part 1 of 4)

Chronological Record

Showing the Current Events and many interesting Reminiscences in the History of Dixon and Lee County, from the earliest white settlement to the present.

Buildings, Etc., Etc

GIVING A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OP THE PAST; A PULL DESCRIP¬ TION OP THE PRESENT CITY OP DIXON; ITS NATURAL AD¬ VANTAGES, ATTRACTIONS, WATER POWER, MANUFAC¬ TORIES, EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC., ETC.

Preface

The old settle!s are pissing away, and with them many interesting facts in regard to the early history of our town are lost to our citizens. It is proper that in this, the fiftieth anniversary year of the founding of our town by the honored John Dixon, there should be gathered together, as far as it is now possi¬ ble, a record of' all the events of interest relating to the history of the place, from the earliest settlement to the present time, and that the results of this labor be published to the citizens of Dixon in such a shape that these facts and remin¬ iscences shall be preserved for their benefit and entertainment, and for the infor¬ mation of future residents of this beautiful city.

The chronological plan has been adopted as the most feasible form in which to present a full and authentic record in as brief and compact manner as is con¬ sistent with the idea of a comprephensive history. This, in connection with the other portions of the work, brings within the scope of this little volume an amount and variety of historical informat ou not often comprehended in a work of this size.

Much of the materials for this work has been gathered from newspaper files and in many cases the language of the writers has been preserved. Other por¬ tions are from the examination of different records, while a large number of the early items are the result of the memory of old and respected citizens. It is true there will be some discrepancies in the memory of different old settlers in regard to certain facts, but the publisher does not hesitate to say that but few errors in respect to dates, etc., will be found in this work, and that in tne important events noticed it can be relied upon as an accurate history.

While entire perfection is not claimed for this woik, yet the publisher be¬ lieves it more nearly dpproximat :s it than any history of Dixon heretofore pre¬ sented to its citizens. In this confident belief we submit it for the reasonable consideration of the citizens of Dixon and Lee county.

In conclusion the publisher acknowledges obligations for favors and facili¬ ties extended to him by old settlers and others; to Dr. Oliver! Eve-etr. and Mr. Isaac Boardman for the use of early files of the newspapers, and to Mr. John K. Rojiuson for reminiscences of the Black Hawk war.

In the year 1828, a half breed named Joseph Ogee, built a log cabin and established a ferry icross Bock river at the present site of Dixon A license was granted him ty keep this ferry, Dec 7,1829 by Jo Davies connty, under whose jurisdic lion this section then was.

Sept. 29th, 1830, John Dixon was commissioned post master, and he served as such officer until the summer of '37. Those who have since served as post masters, have been D. B. McKinney, about -hree months; Smith Gilbraith, A. Brown, Savid H. Birdsall, Joseph Cleaver, E. B. Baker, and JL. Camp since 1860.

In the year 1832 the Black Hawk war broke out: a'small fort was built upon the north bank of the river a short distance west of the present location of the wagon bridge, consisting of a log house and inclosure made by an embankment of wood and earth on three sides but open on the river side. The remains of this fort were visable for many years after and will be remembered by the old settlers. Among those who met at Dixon's Ferry during this war, were Col. Zachariah Taylor, subsequently President of the TJ. S., Gen. Winfield Scott, Gov. Beynolds, Gen. Atkinson, Lieut. Kobert Ander¬ son, Lieut. Jeff. Davis, Maj. John Dement, and private Abraham Lincoln. Anderson and Davis were young Lieutenants, just from West Point, Lincoln was a tall hoosier looking young man of 21. When Maj. Anderson visited Washington after the evacnation of Fort Sumpter, during a conversation the President said, " Major, do you remember of ever meeting me before - ' "No" re¬ plied Anderson, "I have no recollection of ever having that pleasure. "My memory is better than yours," said Lincoln, "You mustered me into the (J. S. service as a high private of the Illinois vol¬ unteers, at Dixon's Ferry, in the Black Hawk war." When the little army was encamped around the ferry and when off duty in the evening, Lincoln could be found sitting on the grass with a group of soldiers aronnd him, eagerly listening to his sto¬ ries, of which his supply seemed inexhaustible, and no one could induce the young volunteer to taste the whisky which was often pressed upon him by his fellow soldiers, grateful for the amuse' ment he had'afforded them.

Between the years 1832 and 1836 a plat of a town called Burlington was laid out on land now known as Dr. Everett's farm. In 1836 this place had three log houseB.

About the beginning of 1835 the first survey and a plat of Dixons Ferry were made by a Mr. Ben¬ nett, from Galena. It included a tract of 40 acres, extending lrom the river to a hail-block south ol Third street, and from a half-block east of Ottawa to a half-block west of Peoria streets.

In the spring of 1836 the first Methodist sermon was preached to the people of Dixon's Ferry by Rev. James McKean, of Elkhom Grove, pastor in charge of Henderson's Mission.

In the fall of 1836 a man by the name of Lafferty died in the building on the corner of Galena Water streets and this was the first interment in the cemetary.

Sept. 3,1836, when Dr. Oliver Everett came here, Dixon had four log houses, a frame house, a black¬ smith shop and two or three houses in course ol construction. Father Dixon's original log house was located two or three rods north of Main, across what is now Peoria street, the west end extending into J. M. Cropsey's lot, and was occupied by the "store" and a tavern. There was a log house on tlie corner of Galena and Water streets, where

E. B. Baker's building now stands, and that winter was occupied by Col. Johnson as a board¬ ing house; another log house stood on the corner of Water and Ottawa streets, and was built by Dr. Forrest, the original claimant of the Woodford farm. This building remained until the fall ol 1878, when it was torn down by the owner, Lorenzo Wood. The log cabin of James P. Dixon stood on the north side of Main street, just west of the middle of the block bonnd by Galena and Ottawa streets on the west and east; in a room about 10 feet square, part of a " Icanto," built against the log house, was the village post office, John Dixon. P. M. The frame hour j, occupied by Mr. Ham.» ilton, was opposite Mr. - Dixon's, and will be re¬ membered as the small frame house that, a few years ago, stood just east of Pinckney's block; it was removed about 1876. The blacksmith shop was in a log ouilding a few yards past of the post office, and was the building recently torn down and known as the Reynold's building. The blacksmith, John Wilson, kept "bach" in a small addition built against back part of the black¬ smith shop. The house originally was a one story building, but afterwards when the street was grad¬ ed a basement was built giving it the appearance of a two story house. Father Dixon lived "out in the country" on his farm near where the North¬ western depot is now situated. In this year (1836) there were six families in Dixon, but at one time there remained only four, two families moving out of town. The inhabitants were James P. Dixon, Peter McKinney, Samuel Johnson; Jude W. Ham¬ ilton, James B. Barr, and E. W. Hine, with their families; the single men were Dr. Oliver Everett, Smith Gilbraith, Daniel B. McKinney, and John Wilson. Caleb Tallmage lived on the Peoria road about a mile south of town. Geo. A. Martin and E. W. Covill lived on farms north side of river, Stephen Fuller lived on Dr. Everett's farm.

The winter of 1836 and 1837 Peter McKinney & H. Thompson started the "Western Hotel," now the northern part of the Huntley House they; also at the same time had charge of the tavern ia Dixon's original log house.

In December 1836 the original connty of Ogle was organized, then including the present county of Lee. At a closely contested election, less than 200 votes were polled in the county: under the old constitution six months residents were enti¬ tled to vote.

In September 1837 the first conrt of Ogle connty was held in Dixon, Judge Stone presiding; the court appointed Thomas Ford, afterwards Gov¬ ernor of the State, Prosecuting Attorney. This session was held in the building formerly used as the blacksmith shop, which had been repaired - floor laid, plastered, etc., the previous part of the vear. The following year the building was used by a company of engineers.

streets, was built; first run by Crowell & Wilson, afterwards by Geo. Holly & Isaac Robinson. The name of the tavern was afterward changed to "Phenix Hotel." *

In summer of 1837, the first school house, a one -tory frame building, 20 by 80 feet, was built on the lot east of Mrs. Trumau's place; it was after¬ wards removed to lot south of D. W. McKinney's residence. This building for several years was used for a variety of purposes: school house, Conrt House, Town Hall, Meeting House, etc.

In the summer o£ 1838, an Episcopal church was organized under labors of Rev. James DePny, but after removal of the rector to other fields, active work was suspended and all records up to 1855 lost.

In 1837 a Methodist class was formed with the following members: S. M. Bowman, E. A. Bow. man, Maria McClure, John Richards, Ann Rich¬ ards, Caleb Tallmage, Amanda Ta Image. Preach¬ ing was held at intervals of six weeks, over Bow¬ man's store, north-west corner of Galena and Water streets. In 18J9 the class had besides the above members: T. D. Boardman. Mr. and Mrs. Perry, Mr. and Mrs. O. F. Ayres.

Methodist preachers since the organization of the'class - Robert Dulap and Barton Cartwright came here as circuit preachers in fall of 1837; they were followed by Isaac Pool and Riley Hill; Luke Hitchcock came in 1839, Richard Blanchard in August 1840, Philo Judson in fall of 1841. August 3,1842, Inlet Grove, Palestine Grove, and Melngin's Grove were added to Dixon circuit, which already embraced Washington Grove, Light House Point, Jefferson Grove, Daysville and Paynes Point; Philo Judson and W. H. Cooley were ap¬ pointed circuit preachers. W. Wilcox was ap¬ pointed to Dixon in August 1843, David Brooks in July 1814, S. P. Keys in August 1845, Milton Han¬ ey and R. W. H. Brent came to this charge in Aug. ust 1816, R. P. Lawton came in 1847, Wm. Falmcr 'n fall of 1818, Thomas North in July 1850, James Banmc came in Sept. 1852, J. W. Agard in 1854, Wilbur McKaig in Sept. 1855, N. P. Heath in 1857, L. A. Sanford in August in 1858, S. G. Lathrop in 1859, O. B. Thayer in Sept. 1862, W. H. Smith in March 1864, G. L. S. Stuff came in Oct. 1864, T. C. Clendenning in Oct. 1865. Geo. E. Strobridge in Oct. 1867, J. H. Brown in Oct. 1869, John William¬ son in 1871, Isaac Linebarger in Oct. 1874, G. R. Vanhome in Oct. 1876, A. W. Patton in Oct. 1879.

In 1837 a "Claim Association' was formed for the protection of members in their "reasonable claims made according to the enstoms of the country." Below we give a list of names attached to the original agreement in 1837 and 1838:

May 2d, 1838, the "The First Regular Baptist Church of Dixon and Buffalo Grove," was organ¬ ized at Buffalo Grove, Thomas Powell moderator, the following named persons were the original members: XIouland Blckncll, Rebecca Dixon, Ellzubeth Bellows, Jcrusha Hammond, Sarah Kellogg, Martha Parks, and Ann Clarley. At the close of four years there were 72 names on the list of membership.

Pastors since the organization - B. B. Carpen¬ ter from June 1819 to Oct. 1814, Burton Carpenter from Dec. 1841 to March 1815, Wm. Gates occupi¬ ed the pnlpit occasionally and Wm. Walker about four months between March 1844 and April 1847 when E. T. Manning became pastor for one year; S-S. Martin became pastor in 1849 for one year; G. W. Benton supplied the pulptt for about six months between Martin's pastorate and August 1851, when John E. Ball became pastor for about four years; Anson Tucker took charge in May 1855, served eleven months; W. R. Webb became pastor in June 1856, served over four years; Wm. G. Pratt became pastor in March 1861, for one year; W. S. Goodno in Sept. 1862, served two years; J. II. Pratt became pastor in Oct. 1864, served over nine years; D. F. Carnahan became pastor in Angust, 1874; O. P. Bestor, present pastor, took charge in August, 1877.

In the year 1838 quite a number of wealthy fami¬ lies from New York and other parts of the east, among them Capt. Hugh Graham and Alexander Charters, settled in the vicinity of Dixon. During this year the number of families in Dixon increas¬ ed to 40.

In 1838 the first school was opened in the new, building under charge of H. Bicknell; it was suported by individual tuition fees. Previous to this Mr. Dixon had employed a Miss Butler, of Bureau county, to teach his own children. The teachers in charge of tlm school after Mr. Bicknell, were

Mr. Bowen apart of 1840; W. W. Heaton In win¬ ter of 1841-2; among the pupils were Jane Ann Her¬ rick, ilate Mrs. H. T. Noble) George Foot, Mrs. D. B. McKinney. Miss Ophelia Loveland tMrs. J. B. Brooks) taught the school during the summer of 1813. The district then included both sides of the river, and up the river as fur as Mr. Fuller's place, and yet the school numbered only about 35 pupils, among these were Miss Helen Williams, (now Mrs. Mulkiusi and Miss Elizabeth and James Ayres, children of Oscar F. Ayres, of this city. Lorenzo Wood was teacher during winter of 1843-4, among the pupils were Miss Sybil C. Vanaruam (now Mrs. E. B. Stiles,) Mrs A. R. Whitney. Mr. Cross and Mr. James Lnmm taught the school between the years 1816 and 1848. In 1818 J D. McKay had charge of the school and Col. H. T. Noble in 1851 and '52; among the pu¬ pils at this time were Mrs. Soule, Mrs. Hollen¬ beck, (deceased, and Mrs. B. F. Shaw. The old school house had been abandoned and a new stone building erected, the same that is now owned by Mrs. Burke, recently inclosed by a frame house. Phc school room becoming somewhat too small, » primary department under charge of Miss Jane Ann Herrick was started in the Court Honsc in 1852. ft. N. Levanwav taught the school in l'52 and' 53, and was succeeded by F.A. Soule. In 1 Sr 4, Wm- Barge assumed control of the schools, and contin¬ ued in charge from that date until July, 1859. During his charge the school took the character and efticency of a graded school; shortly after Mr. Barge took charge the school was tra,.sfcred to the basement of the building known as the "Land Office." now used by S. A. Vann as a residence.

In 1838 and 1839 a railroad bed was made by the State under the old internal Improvement system. Part of the old road bed, south-east of the city, is now used as a wagon road.

In 1838-9 a Frenchman named Kalmeze, had a grocery store on River street, which was noted for the "length of the candles" sold by him. The buildingnow occupied by Elias Bovey as an offiee, was part of Kalmeze's store.

Aug. 2, 1838, John Dixon was appointed Com¬ missioner oi Internal Improvement of the Sixth Judicial District, by the Governor, to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Col, Stevenson, of Galena; at the expiration of the term he received the regular appointment by the Legislature.

Feb. 29, 1839, an act passed the General As¬ sembly creating Lee county; Commissioners from other parts of the State, May 31, formally located the County seat who -e the Court House now stands. From the organization of the county until ttte adoption of the township and county organization in 1850, all the business of the county, inclusive of that which is now done by the townships and county, was performed by three County Commis. sioners, under the style of the Commissioner's Court. For the convenience of voting, the county wts'divUlcd into*election precincts by the Com¬ missioners; they also divided the county into road districts, providing for the opening of public roads. The Commissioners appointed the judges of elections for the different precincts, also an assessor, and a collector for the whole county.

County Commissioners - At the first election in .839, the three Commissioners were elected; after this one Commissioner was elected and one went ont of office each year. C. F. Ingals, Nathan Whitney, and J. P. Dixon, were elected in 1839, A. E. Haskell in 1840, Joseph Crawford in 1841, O. F. Ayres in 1842, J. C. Morgan in 1843. D. Baird in 1844, D. H.Birdsall in 1845, James Goble in 1846, N. Whitney in 1846 (to fill vacancy caused by resignation of D. Baird) W. Badger in 1847, Stephen Fuller in 1848, John Gilmore in 1848 to fill vacancy.

Sept. 30, the county was divided into the fol¬ lowing election precincts: Gap Grove, Dixon, Franklin, Malugin, Inlet, and Winnebago. The first election under thist division was held the 4tli of NoV., for two justices of the peace and two constables; judges of election were apointed by Ihe Commissioner's Oonrt.

In 1S40 the Court Honsc was built at a cost o' 57,000, and was paid for by donations; Father Dixon giving 80 acres of land which has since become a part of the town plat. The jail was buiil the same year.

In the fall of 1840 the D. S. Land office was moved here from Galena; Col. John Dement, re, c.eiver, Maj. Hackclton, register. D. G. Garnsey became receiver soon after and John Hogan, rcg a in 1840 the population ol Lee county was 2,035 Dixon Precinct had a population of 725; 125 persouB were employed in agriculture, in this pro cinct, 17 in commerce, 55 at manufacture anil trades, 12 in the learned professions and engi¬ neering, there was 1 school and 30 scholars.

Nov. 6, 1840, Friendship Lodge, No. 7, obtained a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of the State iif Kentucky, (under whose jurisdiction, it then was) with the following charter members: Samuel Johnson, W. M; E. G. Nichals, S. W.; W. A. Merritt, J. W.; John VanArnam, Treas.; S. a. Martin, Sec.; M. I'. Kerr, S. D.; Alvin Humph¬ rey, J. D.; Isaac Robinson and Nathan Whitney. Oct. 6, 1841, the lodge received a charier from the Masonic Grand Lodge of Illinois.

" dwellings" will be recognized as describing a survey of the scenery of Rock river obtained from Gov. Charter's residence at Hazelwood farm.

Dixon, named after an old settler still living, is a country town situated on a high bank of Rock river. Five years ago, two cabins only stood on the solitary shore and now it is a considerable village, with many neat dwellings, a commodious court house, several places of wor¬ ship for the good people, and a jail forthe rogues, built with a tripple wall of massive logs, but 1 was glad to see that it had no inmates. * *

In the neighborhood of Dixon a class of emi¬ grants have established themselves, more opulent and more luxurious in their tastes than most of ihc settlers of the western country. Some of these have built elegant homes on the left bank of Rock river, amidst the noble trees which seem to have grown for that purpose. Indeed when I looked at them I could hardly pursuade myself that they had not been planted to shadow older habitations. From the door of one of these dwell¬ ings I snrvcyed a prospect of exceeding beauty. The windings of the river allowed us a view of its waters and of its beautiful diversified banks, to a great distance each way, and in one direction ii high prairie region was seen above the woods, that fringed the course of the river, of a brighter green than they, and touched with the golden light of

The building on Water street now occupied by D. W. McKenney & Co. as a livery stable was built by J. T. Little in 1841 and occupied by Lit¬ tle & Brooks as a dry goods store for a number of years, and afterwards by Webb, Rogers & Wood¬ ruff. River street, (now known aB Water street)

In 1841 the small stone building on tho corner of Second and Ottawa streets, opposite the residence of Dr. Everett, was bnilt, and lor four years was used as the Land office.

April 16, 1842, The congregation of the Baptist church was separated into two churches, Buffalo Grove and Dixon, the Dixon congregation taking its present name. The Buffalo Grove church has since become extinct.

In the summer of 1843 the first Methodist church building, (the house now used for school purposes on Second street, south of the Public square) was dedicated by John T. Mitchell, the Presiding elder. It cost about $4,000. The board of Trustees con¬ sisted of J. P. Dixon, C. Edson, O. F. Ayres, L. G. Wynkoop, Thomas McCabe, J. Brierton, and S. M. Bowman.

A Union Sunday School was organized in the Methodist church soon after its dedication. The records of July 15,1843, show that the school had eight teachers, sixty scholars, and a library of ninety volumes." O. F. Ayres, was Superintend¬ ent; T. D. Boardman, Secretary, and J. W. Clute, Librarian.

A corespondent writing for a Rockford paper in the summer of 1845, said of Dixon, that it then had four congregations, Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, and Congregational, and one church structure, that ol the Methodist; a select school and one district school, with 75 pupils in the two schools, and 149 children under 20 years of age in the school district. It had 6 lawyers, 3 physicians, 5 dry goods and 3 grocery stores, 4 blacksmiths and 3 wagon shops, 3 tailors, 2 shoemakers, 1 painter, 2 cabinet makers, 2 saddle and harness shops, 1 bakery, and 2 hotels; one of them the "Western," kept by A. L. Porter. The town also boasted of a Young men's Lyceum. This corespondent gives the town a.population of 400; principally natives of New York and New Engird, with some from nearly every state; from Ireland, England, Scotland and Upper Canada. He also speaks of measures being taken to incorporate a joint stock company, styled the Rock River Dam and Bridge Company! for the purpose of erecting a toll bridge, and a "good and sufficient dam across Rock river at this place."

In 1846 the Phenix Hotel also the store of Stiles & Eddy, on the corner of Galena and River streets, (Bowman's old store) were destroyed by fire.

In the fall of 1846 the erection of the brick building west of tho Lee County National Bank was commened; the west half by Horace and James .Benjamin, and the east half by A. T. Murphy. This was the first brick building in

In the fall and winter of 1846 and 1847 a'toll' bridge wa's built across Ri ik iver, at the foot ol Ottawa street, by the Rock River Bridge and Dam Company. March, 20th, 1817, the freshet took out the north half of the bridge, and during tho summer it was rebuilt, two feet higher than the orig¬ inal bridge, at a cost of $2000. The contractors were Lorenzo Wood and Luther I. Towner. The board of directors consisted the following named gentleman: John Dement, Oliver Everett, John Dixon, M. Fellows, Ottis A. ^ddy, J. B Brooks. Jn6. P. Dixon, and Horace Preston.

July, 27,1818, Dixon Lodge. No. 39. I O. O. F. was organized with the following charter mem¬ bers: Thomas H. Ayres, John Witlich, T. G. Hughes, E T. Manning, and G. M. Beadle.

August 20,1818, the " First Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Lee Connty," was organized in the bam of J. N. Burket, South Dixon, by Rev. Jacob Burket, and the following members: John N. Burket, Mary Burk-'t, John Moyer, Elizabeth Moyer, Catherine Grow, Nathan Hetlcr, Catherine Hetler, Philip Mower, Mary Mower, Jacob Shoop. Catherine Shoop, Nancy Smice, Lydia Courtright, Catherine Palmer, Magdalene Clinctob, and Mary A. M. Burket. Jacob Bnrket continned in charge as pastor until Aug. 1850. Ephra¬ im Miller was pastor from May, 1851, to April, 1852; , Chas Young from May, 1852, to Aug. 1853; William Uhl from Sept. 1853 to 1855. Nov. 12, 1S53, the name of the society was changed to "St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Chnrch," and the certificate of organization recorded in the Recorder's office. D. Ilarbaugh was pastor from July, 1855, to July, 1856; William Uhl from Sept., 1856 to July, 1858. In Dec., 1856, the German portion of the chnrch withdrew and organized a separate congregation, under the pastoral care of Rev. Chas Yonng. J. L. Guard oecawe pastor of the English branch of the church ir. July, 1858, and continued in charge until 1861; J. R. Keiser was pastor from Sept., 1861 to Oct. 1864; A. A. Trimper from the spring of 1865 to 1870, during which time the two cong¬ regations were again united; N. W. Lilly served as pastor from Oct. 1870 to 1874; S. S. Waltz from Sept. 1874 to April 1879; L. L. Lipe the pres¬ ent pastor, commenced his pastorate in Oct. 1879.

In the gprirg of 1849 the south half of the tol* bridge across Rock river was carried away by the ice. It was not repaired until the summer of 1851.

The first record of a house of worship for the Baptist congregation is dated May 5, 1849, and reads as follows: "The Baptist Meeting house was this day dedicated to Almighty God; sermon by Rev. Jacob Knapp, of Rockford, which was deliv¬ ered to a crowded and attentive congregation." This was the church building on the west side oi Ottawa street near Main, and used by the congretion until 1870.

May 13, 1850, the Board of Supervisors held their first session, but no business of importance was done until an adjourned session held July 2nd.

In August, 18-19, tho " Rock River Hydraulic Company," tnrough their attorneys, L. Wood and S.G. Patrick,appeared before the Commissioner's Court, requesting that a jury be summoned by h > sheriff to determine the probable damages that, in their judgment, would resnlt from'the building of a five foot dam across Rock river at Dixon. The jury met Sept. 3d,- the same year, and after hearing testimoney and visiting different localities on the banks ot the river, the third day in session, decided that no material damagers would result from the erection of snch dam, and that it would be a benefit. The dam was bnilt the following year.

In the spring of 1850, the Connty was laid off into townships under an act passed by the Legis¬ lature, February 12, 1849, enlitled " an act to pro¬ vide for township and county organization," by any county in which a majority of the voters should so determine. These towpships were: Paw Paw, Brooklyn, Harmon, Lee Centre, Brad¬ ford, Fremont, (now China) Amboy, Hamilton, Dixon and Palmyra.

In 1850, the population of Lee county was 5,289, being an increase of 2.007 since 1845. The value of real estate was $215,360, and of personal property $168,341. Therewere 12 corporation companies or -individuals, in the connty, producing articles to the value of $5000, annually, as follows: one in the manufacture of harvesting machines, one manu¬ facturing plows, one in lime, two in lumbei*, and two in the milling business: the capital invested was S24,30l'; the average number of hands employ¬ ed was 23. The connty had one Academy, with 2 teachers, and 40 pupils; and 46 teachers and 1518 pupils in the public schools. There were 2 Baptist churches, 2 Methodist churches, 1 Met ho dist and Congregational, and 1 Tunkard chnrch (the organization of the Lutheran chnrch had not yet been put on record) in the connty. The aver¬ age monthly wages for farm hands was S12: and that paid to day laborers, was 63 cents per day with board, and 75 cents a day without board: carpenters $1 50 a day: feirale domestics *1.25 per week. Board for laborers conld be obtained at *1.50 per week.

May 1,1851, Vol. 1, No. 1, of "The Dixon Teligraph and Lee Connty Herald," the first paper printed in Lee connty, appeared: Chas. R. Fisk, publisher. We shall hereafier give brief extracts from the newspaper as reminiscence worthy of note. The first number contained the following sketch of Dixon:

All wo shall say of our town at present is, that it is beautifully situated on the eastern bank of Rock river, about 75 miles horn its mouth, and containsn population of 700 or 800. The landscape on either side of the rive: a: this point is truly de- iiglitfill; consisting of gradual slopes and tables, for sixty rods back, covered with a somewhat sandy soil, and at this season, a carpet of living green, thus furnishing sites for residences, surpass¬ ed by few, in any part of the world. The--Methodist and Baptist denominations have each a well furn¬ ished church edifice of which the one owned by the former has a bell. * * * *

Here are also several land offices, a telegraph office, a court house, 8 hotels, a livery stable, a market, and 8 or 10 stores.. There are also several professional men and mechanics in all depart¬ ments of trade, and last but not least, is our print¬ ing establishment.

There is, moreover, a dam across the river at this place, furnishing one of the best water pow¬ ers in all the state. A saw mill is already in oper¬ ation on one bank and a large flouring mill is about to be erected on the other. Measures are also being taken to construct a bridge over the river at this point, which is now crossed by a good rope ferry boat, which is in operation night and day. These coiisideations together with the fact that several stores and dwellings are now in prog¬ ress of erection, - that stages meet here from allmost every direction, and that a branch of the Central road, is soou to pass through this town to < al ma, cons rDiXOn one of the most desirable places of residence in the western country. Capitalists and-others, we think, would find it to their interests to make us a visit, with a view to investment and locature."

A time table ol the Chicago & Galena rail road, published in the first number of the paper, closes with this annoucement: "Stages will connect at Aurora and St. Charles, for Dixon, Albany, and Rock Island."

May 5,1851, the following persons were elected directors of the bridge company: John Dement,' C. Aldridge, John Shillaber, J. B. Brooks, John V. Eustace, Carlefon Bayley, I. S. Boardman, jr.. Lorenzo Wood, and E.- B. Baker."

May, 21st, 1851, a meeting was held at Dixon for the purpose of considering measures relative to the completion of the St. Charles & Mississippi R. R. through the counties of Kane,DeKalb, Ogle, Lee, Whiteside, and Rock Island.

June 22,1851, "Some Presbyterians wishing to have worship in accordance with their own views and customs," have preaching in the district school

June 18,1851, "A stage passing last week, a lit¬ tle below Gland Detour, through water two feet deep, that had flowed'over the bank of the river, accidentally run off the bank, and was capsized in about ten feet of water. No lives were lost, ex¬ cept the horses, all of which were drowned."

The dam at this place has thus far success¬ fully withstood the tremendous rush of the high water current, and we think it will still do so.

A road from Rock Island to Dixon makes ii a city; as it is sure to have a road to St. Charles, to Aurora, to Peru, and to Galena. And then if Dixon gets the Governor (referring to the prospec¬ tive nomination of Col. Dement) it will be a city certain. Will some one buy us a lot in the centre of the future citv. to build a branch printing office upon? We have got to settle our boys some-

The Telegraph replies in the same strain: Send on those boys and we'll give them a lift. This lot is ready and can be had if applied for soon, to¬ gether with plenty of good waterpower to propell the press; or if you prefer steam we can speadily get that up. The cars are soon coming and the man for Governor is on hand. So send oti the boys and the press, they are just what will be needed for our Dixon City Daily."

July 29, a brass band was organized in the office of W. W. Heaton. The members composing this band were, Col. II. T. Noble, II. I>. Wickcs, B. F. Shaw, Andrew J. Brubaker, Tobias Brubaker, Henry Brookner, Thomas W. Eustace, O. F. Her¬ rick. A. N. Barnes, A. B. Judd, and Charles Robinson.

During the summer of 1851 the south half of the toll bridge was rebuilt four feet higher than the north half; this made it six feet higher than ii was originally.

Nov. 12. We are glad to see the rapid improve¬ ment the Dixon brass baud has made. They have given two out door exhibitions of their skill which went oft' in good order. Mr. Seller, of Aurora, is every way fitted for the position of instructor.

A. C. Steadman, lands, and land warrants; J. B. Waxham. daguerreotype artist; Western Hotel, L. Smith proprietor; Hope & Seiple, meat market; J. B.Nash, druggist: W. U. II Grow, physician: John McNulty, cigar manufacturer; Murphy & Williamson, brick yard. North Dixon; J. W. &

B. L. Davis, groceries etc; S. G. Parkhurst, dry goods, clothiug, etc: -Sam'l 0. Stiles, harness shop; E. W. Il'ne, clothing, boots and shoes: C. Brookner, cabinet and furniture shop: James Benjamin (joined by his brother Andrew soou after), harness and saddle manufacturer; J. D. Mackay, lawyer, broker, editor, real estate agent, best farm in Ogle county." C. F. Hubbard wants to find his pocket memorandum book. J. M. Jolison wants "100 bead of fat cattle for the Chi¬ cago market." The proprietor of the Lee Centre house announces that his hotel is ** located on the direct stage route from Chicago to Dixon - and is a regular stopping place for Frink & Walker's line of stages" Lee Centre Academy, Moses Crombie, ptesideut, announces that the -fall term commences in Sept, under tttitiou of Mr. James Brewer, a graduate of Williams college, Mass." J. Armstroug lost two colts and offers a reward for their return. A. R. Whitney, the Franklin Grove Nu-sery man, also has his "add" in the paper during this year.

March ,20,1852 Col. Hotchiss' line of telegraph be¬ tween Dixon and Rockford completed; and offices established at Grand Detour, Ml. Morris, and Oregon.

March 27, 1852. During the week preceeding this date, the village of Dixon was thrown into considerable excitement over the continued bru¬ tality of a fellow named Hamill, upon a young girl living at his house near Dixon. Several citizens . visited his house and took the girl from him and brought her to town where the Circuit Court was in session, and her story listened too. The next day the fellow had the " cheek " to come in town, and it produced such indignation in the community that he was treated to a liberal supply of tar and feathers.

March 31, 1852, a railroad convention was held at Duxon, to consider the subject of building a railroad from Dixon to the Mississippi river al Fnlton. Oliver Everett wag president and S. G. Patiick secretary of the convention.

July 31,1852. Ourtownis improving with great rapidity; chere are over Thirty dwellings in course of erection; and would be many more if there were mechanics here to put them up. A large stone hotel is being rapidly completed, and a large number are employed on the grist mil!, being built on the south side of the river. -

Sept. 29,1855, a convention of the North-western Fruit Grower's Association was held at Dixon. Oliver Everett, L. S. Pennington, J. T. Whitney, and A. R. Whitney, Com.

Ho! Ye Democrats. - Call and get the people's Democratic pills for Whigs - one box sure to kill or cure - the wrapers will do to wad their "field, piece" - as they use neither powder nor balls, hav¬ ing "fired" them all off "with indignation" be¬ fore battle. J. D. Mackay.

Dec. 18, 1852. The large live story flouring mill of Brooks, Dement & Daley, (Becker & Under¬ wood's mill) commenced grinding corn. They will commence running in full force, with four run of stone, two for custom, and two for merchant work, the 1st of March, next. The mill cost §15,000.

Jan. 29, 1853, the Presbyterian church was organ¬ ized in Dixon, and the following Sabbath held public worship in the stone school house. The original members were: George Sharar, Nancy Sharar, J ames Means, Isabella Means, John Beatty, Nancy Beatty, Mary Richardson, Robert McBride, Mrs Jane Smith, arid Mrs. Jane Little. W. VV. Harsha served as the first pastor of (he chnrch until 1862. E. C. Sickeles, the present pastor, took charge in December, 1862.

Some night there will be a fire in town ; the next morning there will be great excitement about getting an engine, ladders, etc. Would It not he a good idea to get up the excitement with¬ out waiting for the fire.

March 19, 1853, a company was formed, with a capital of §10,000, for the erection of a large hotel, the building to be ready for the public in July. (This was the Xachusa house, and was built upon the foundation laid for a hotel in 1838, further prog¬ ress of which was stopped by the stringency of the money market.)

April 16,1853. Some workmen engaged in exca¬ vating for our new hotel, struck upon two coffins. We are informed by Mr. John Dixon, our "oldest inhabitant," that they are the remains of two soldiers, who were buried in 1832 during the Black Hawk war.

I lie immortal Joe, with a small hand of followers took up their residence about twelve miles south of our town, and have since kept up their organi-

At. the April term of Circuit Court in 1853, on the trial of the application of William Smith, brother of the Mormon prophet, fora divorce, the jury found a verdict for the lady.

iSoiiold verily, this is the mind of the Lord con¬ cerning those females who have received the priest¬ hood by being sealed to my servants William Smith and Joseph Wood; [for many years a law¬ yer at Paw Paw, this county] and have been wash¬ ed, annointed, and ordained under their hands, having been received into the priestess' lodgehaving taken the covenant thereof; it they, 01 either of them, shall fall, or turn altogether there¬ from, she or they shall be excluded therefrom and from my church also; and shall not come iorth in the resurection of the just * * * *

Therefore, I, Jesus Christ, who am your Father and God, say unto you, if your wives be treacher¬ ous and sin against yon and repent nqt, I will reveal it unto yon. Therefore confide in me, and I will be your God and you shall be my servants. - Amen.

May 21, 1853. Among the many signs of cityficalion, to be seen in our midst, we notice a milk wagon and a dray, pursuing the even tenor of their

The paper of this date says: We have been told repeatedly, by gentlemen whose business for the last year has taken them all over the State, that Dixon is improving faster than any other town in Northern Illinois.

March 30, The hands employed on the Central road in this vicinity, have been on a strike for the last week, tor a dollar and a quarter a day. Plen-

March 30, '.854, Col. John Dement, is about erect¬ ing two large buildings for manufacturing pur¬ poses. [These buildings were on the ground now occupied by the Dixon Plow works.]

June 23 the Masonic fraternity hold a grand fes¬ tival at the Dixon House. Marshal, E. B. Stiles: Assistant Marshals, Henry N. Baker and Jerom° Porter. F. R. Danna, L. W. Atherton, John Stevens, J. K. Rogers, and E. B. Baker, Com¬ mittee; F. A. Soule, orator.

July 4,1854. Never did we see this day pass oil with more becoming style than did the Fourth of July in 1854, in our town. At 11 o'clock a proces¬ sion was formed and marched to the beautiful grove in the Court house square, where, after list¬ ening to prayer by Rev. Mr. Baume, reading of the Declaration of Independence by J. K. Rodgers, they were treated to an oration delivered by Prof. Pinckney, of Mt. Morris. Much credit is due to the ladies and gentlemen of the choir and to the musicians for the part they played. And particu¬ larly the trio of young men who sang Yankee Doodle "without the variations." Then came the sumptuous dinner at the Nachusa house. After this we supposed the days performance at an end; but no! dear reader, every moment of that day, the pride of the American people, was to be cele¬ brated. For onr part we were surprised when wo heard the soul cheering rattle of lhe drums aud the patriotic scream of the fife. How those mar¬ tial strains did swell the already full hearts of all. With what pride and joy that column swept down the streets, - ever and anon their deafening cheers seemed to swell to the very heavens.

Night came op, and brought a large concourse of people to the public square to witness the fire works. For an hour the air was filled with the flry missiles, and the shouts of the immense mass of people.

In 1854 the Catholic church was organized under the labors of Mark Antony, with about twenty-live members. They worshiped in the Court house until the completion of a church building, which was erected the same year, and is the house now used for school purposes by the society. Tho pastors in charge of the church since Father An¬ tony, have been Father Fitzgerald, Father Tierney.

July 27,1854, Death in it its most frightful form, swept throughout' (heretofore healthy) town like an avalanche, carrying away, within twenty-four hours, eighteen souls. It is a sad duty we are called upon to perform - that of recording the death of some of our best citizens; who but a few days ago were among us, sharing the pleasures and vicissitudes of this world. Ah, how true it is that "in the midst of life we are in d6ath." But we all have reason to thank our Eternal Crea¬ tor that in the midst of death we have life.

There had been a few deaths from cholera previ¬ ous to this, among them Mrs. Alauson Smith, and two or three railroad hands, but it made its ap¬ pearance as an epidemic July 21. On Saturday Ihe 2-'nd, the cholera broke out in full force; and luring Saturday night large numbers of the in¬ habitants left town to go into the country. The next day fourteen persons lay dead in the town. N ot a sound, on that mournful Sabbath day, save that made by the undertaker's hammer, disturb¬ ed the quiet of the death-like village.

Here is a list of the deaths during this epidemic, made out by doctors Everett aud Abbott: Mrs. Patrick Dnffee and child, Michael Harris, Mrs. Jacob Craver, Wm. Lahec, Daniel Brookuer and wife and Daniel Brookner, jr., John Finley, Jos¬ eph Cleaver, (post master) -Cleaver, (cousin

Mrs. Owen's child, John Connels, John Barnes, Elijah Dixon, Wm. Patrick, Bcnj. Vann, Mrs. Scheer, Cyrus Kimball and wife, Israel Evans, Mrs. Catherine Dailey, Mr. Peck, Edward Hamlin, Roderick McKenzie and wife, Mrs. lluff, Mr. Jones, Mi-S. C. Johnson, Owen Gnllinger, and E. Boswick; making in all 34 deaths between July 20th, and August 7th.

Sapt. 7, 1854. So rapidly is the march of prog¬ ress in our town that we arc hardly able to keep our readers advised of all the improvements that arc going on in our midst. There are the three story brick buildings on Water street; Col. Deinenfs machine shop, the race, etc. There are now in course of construction, threc'fine churches, Methodist, (the one occupied now) Roman Catho¬ lic, and Lutheran. P. M. Alexander and J. B. Brooks are also erecting a couple of fine brick buildings on Galena street.

Sept. 29, 1854. A Congregational church was organized in Exchange hall, with these members; S. K. Uphnm and wife, G. W. Bartlett, B. J. Bart¬ lett, Noah Brooks, Geo. D. Cox, Benjamin Gilman and wife, and W. W. Curtis. Rev. S. D. Peet was pastor until April 1955. The congregation wor¬

Oct. 12th, 1854. Mr. Ferris Finch, a young artist of fine talent, excellently cultivated, is now paint¬ ing a portrait of the Father our town, Mr. John Dixon. It is to adorn Exchange hall and is donat¬ ed by our citizens. [This is the picture now placed in the Court house.]

Dec. 7. A school house has been built by the citizens of North Dixon. This house we are glad to state, is alarge and commodious building; hav¬ ing seats aud desks for 130 scholars. Less than four years since that portion of Dixon situated on the north side of Rock river, contained but three dwelling houses, now there are about ^seventy.

uncommon loud scream 'of the "iron monster" as ho dashed thro' the town for the first time. Next Monday, (15 inst.) regular trains will run through to Galena on this road, the Central. As the bridge is not completed Messers Porter & Mallett have oeen engaged to carry passengers across the river.

Jan. 30, 1833. A meeting was held at Exchange hall for the purpose of taking into consideration the plan proposed by the Rock River Presbytery, through their agents Revs. Harsha and Mason, for locating a college at this place.

Feb. 20. Ladies' Relief Society give a Fancy Dress party at Exchange hall. Each gentlemen attending to purchase ji pair of overhauls, to be worn during the evening aud then left with the society. Ladies requested to wear calfco aprons. ''The Town Trustees elected in March 1S55, were John H. Cropsey, John V. Eustace, A. C. Stead' man, A. L. Porter, and F. R. Danna.

March 15,1856. At a sale of town lots by Brooks, Eddy & Wood, the average price obtained was $52 a foot; a corner lot on Main and Galena streets sold for 972 per foot. Property that Mr. Brooks gave $225 for in. 1848, brought over $3 000.

Misch 19, 1855, a meeting of the vestry of St. Lukes Episcopal church, Dixon, was by the Rev. Mr. Bentley, at the office of Robertson, Eastman, & Co. At this meeting Addison Rice, S. C. Eells, and Geo. C. Chipman were elected members ol the westry to fill vacancy occasioned by the re- inoval from town of other members. This is the llrst record of the work of the church after the suspension of active labors. Soon after services were regularly held in Exchange had, and during ike summer of lS.'6'au Episcopal house of wor¬ ship was erected - ihe bn.lding that has since been changed over to a residence situated imme¬ diately north of the present church structure. Rev. .Mr. Eeutley was the first rector of the parish after this reorganization, aud he was succeeded by C. J. Todd in August of 1856, and he by J. G. Downing in May 1857. Rev. «J. Wilkinson was rector from Aug. 1858 to Aug. 1859; Itev. A. J. Warner became rector in Jan. 1861, and was suc¬ ceeded by G. C. Street in April 1862, and Jns. W. Coe in May 1861, who continued in charge nnlil July 1855. Rev. H. II. Dc Garmon was rector from March to Sept. 1866; D. W. Dresser from Nov. 1866 to Nov. 1867: II. W. Williams from Match 1868 to Juno 1871; M. Byllesby from Nov. 1871 to April 1873; Samuel Edson from May 1873 to Oct. 1875; Joseph Cross from Dec. 1875 to Oct. 1876; W. Henry Jones from Nov 1878 until his death April 26, 1878. Rev W. W. Steel, the present rec¬ tor, came in Sept. 1878. '

April 9,1855. Jerome Hollenbeck & J. H. Cropsey commence the c.action of a Sash, Door and Blind factory on Third Street, between Peoria and Market. The main building (now occupied by Vann & Means) will be four stories high, 32 by 64 feet, with an engine house 25 by 32 feet. They commenced operations in July.

May 7. 1S53. Dixon Collegiate Institute, under the cave of Rev. W. VV. Harsha, commenced its first-term; school room in the basement of the Lutheran church. Early teachers in this institu¬ tion were Rev. W. VV. Harsha, Prof. E. C. Smith, Mrs. E. A. Smith, Mrs. C. L. Harsha, aud Miss Jennie L. Backus.

June 27, 1855. The first number of the."Daily Whisper" is out and distributed through our streets. It is a spicy little sheet and contains some peculiar reading. It will be issued semioccasional'y, from No. 6 (Mackay's office) Galena

July 4, 1855. The Coiner stone of the "Dixon Collegiate Institute " was laid in the presence of a large coucomse of people. B. F. Taylor, of Chicago, delivered the oration. The institution had an endowment of $25,000; the citizens of Dixon giving grounds, property, apparatus, etc.> to the extent of $12,059. In 1857 the institution was incorporated by special act of the Legisla¬ tive In 1S58 it was abandoned by the Presbytery.

In August, 1855, nenry McKeuney removed the Dixon house from the ground now occupied by Rlley's brick building on Main street, to its pres¬ ent loca: ion opposite the ppera house. This was the third building elected for a hotel in Dixon, and was built about 1840.

In Ang. 1855, A business directory printed in the " Daily Whisper," Aug. 13, 1855, contains the fol¬ lowing list of business men and the departments they were engaged in. Counsellors at law - F. It. Danna, J. V. Eustace, Heaton & Atherton, J. D. Mackny, S. G. Patrick, F. A. Soule, Edward Southwick, and John Stevens. Physicians and Sur¬ geons - N. W. Abbott, Oliver Everett, G. W. Holdridge, G. VV. Philips, C. D. Pratt, C. S. Younglove; C. J. Reynolds, dentist. Bankers and brok¬ ers - S. & H. T. Noble, Robertson, Ee'ls & Co., E. B. Stiles; real estate, Cyrus Aldrich, Steadman & Williams. Druggists - J. B. Nash, Townsend* Sheffield. Books and stationary - J. C. Mead. Notaries public - E. VV. Hiue, F. A. Soule. Dngnerrean artists - Beardsley & Co., J. B. Waxham; Ferris Finch, portrait painter. Sash, door & blind factories - Christopher Brookner, Cropsey, Hollen¬ beck & Williams. Boots aud shoes - Joseph Smal¬ ley, William Vann. Carpenters aud builders - such as kept shops - Henry Brookner, B. F. Cram, Crawford & Suellhamer, J. M. Graham, Herrick & Hanson, A. S. Maxwell, Wynkoop * Warner; not located, about twenty. Cabinet ware - G. VV. Baker, Noah & John Brooks. Blacksmiths - J. M. Cropsey, Isaac Dubois, Albert Martin, Wertman & Carter; H. Logan, gunsmith. Wagon and car¬ riage makers - J. Q. Adams, J. II. Richardson, Henry Schutis. Jeweleis - B. *11. Bacon, Josiah Heath. Marble Yard - Parker & Potter. Mills - Brooks & Dailey, (flour) N. G. H. Morrill, (lessee of saw mill.) Bakers - Charles Hatch, Charles Reynolds. Livery stables - Frederick McKenney, Henry McKenney, Aaron L. Porter. Harness and leather - James and Andrew Benjamin, U. O. Kel¬ sey, George B. Stiles. Fonudery and machine shops - Dement * Farrell (ercceting.) Barbers - Anlony Juliet), Z. Demory. Tailors - W. J. C'arpter, D. L. Evaus, F. Decamp, S. T. Hotchkiss. General merchandise - Oscar F. Ayres, B. F. Burr, James L. Camp, Goo. R. McKonney, John P. Smith, VauEpps & Ashley, Varney & Gilman, Henry and Orlando Wortendyke. Clothing - Ely & Rice, Fuller & Rosenfeld, A. T. Murphy, J. Peizer, E. Petcrsberger. Groceries - Isaac Appier, Nat han & James Barnes, Andrew Brison, Bronson & Dresser, Andrew Brubaker, James Davis & Bro.

Sept. 12, 1855. The three story brick building on Galena street block, e-eeted by II. Webb, about completed. Dav's * Bro's building on the corner of Hennepin and Main streets, is nearly finished. Nash* Noble's four story brick, (Union Hall) and Ely & Rice's three story brick on Main street, and nearly a score of other, bull thugs are progressing finely.

Sept. 39,1835. The Evangelical Lutheran church was dedicated. This building was torn down last yea-; it stood near Jas. A. Hawley's residence.

Nov. 5,1S55. School opened In the new Union School house on Peoria street. Tins btiildingcost $6,01.0, aud was a two story brick, 31 by 43 feet. It stood on the ground now occupied by J. C. Ayre's residence. The old wooden desks were discarded at this time and the first patent school furniture introduced into our schools.

Jan. 16, 1836. A building owned and occupied by V(rs. Patrick, on the corner of Ottawa* Main streets, caught fire about midnight and was burn¬ ed to the ground. 8. G. Patrick lost S3,000 it. notes, law books, manuscripts, etc.

Gents: - By request of many citizens we, as tin Town Board of Trustees, invite yon to give a con cert at your earliest convenience: the proceeds to go towards purchasing a Fire engine for the cor porate town of Dixon.

The concert was given February SSOth. The "nameless" have since become "well known" as Jerome Holbrook, Oliver Wagner, D. B. Dresser, W. W. Curtis, Jason C. Ayres, Jerome Ilollenb-ck, Sidney Andrews, John G. Price, and H. T. Noble.

At the election held March 3, 1856, the Town Trustees elected were John U. Cropsey, Win. Butler, N. W. Abbott,Harvey Morgan, aud II. T. Noble.

April 9, 1856. The Unitarian church in North Dixon was dedicated. This building was sitnatci! on the corner near Clnte's shoe shop, and was re¬ moved many years ago.

June 3,. 1856 Anti-Nebraska meeting held in Dixon, and a society formed lor promoting the set llemeut of Kansas by assisting bonnfide emigrants to that territory; $1000 was subscribed for that pnrpose.

Aug. 2,1856. The stable belonging to the man sion house was set on fire and entirely consumed together with eleven horses, peddler's wagon, etc. Loss about $5,000.

Ang. 9, 1856. James K. Edsall, of Kansas, ad dresses the Young Men's Freemont Club at the Court house. The Telegraph, three weeks later in speaking of Mr. E. said: Mr. Edsali was a member of the Topeka Legislature, Kansas, which was dispersed by president Pierce on the Foil-til of July last. He has permanently located iu Dixon, the " blockade of Kansas " not permitting _ him to practice in that unfortunate territory, on account of his peculiar love of freedom.

Jan. 24, 1857. Five engines are straggling with the wiuds and snow a few miles above here on tin Central road. One engine is off the track, two are frozen up, and the other pair are still pitching in. .

Feb. 14, 1857. The heavy body of ice which accumulated around the pears of the free bridge % just completed below the railroad bridge, became so solid that when it arose with the river, the bridge, superstructure and all, were lifted np to¬ gether. Had the ice in the river broken np, we would have entirely lost our bridge; as it is the bridge will have to be rebuilt. The proprietors

The ballot for the adoption of City Charter ob¬ tained in February, stood 96 for and 279 against adoption. This document has created a greater sensation among our citizens then did the great Magna Charter among the Britains at the time of John of charter fame. The obnoxious provisions will have to be removed before our people will consent to its adoption.

In the spring of 1857 a joint stock company with a capital of $20,(X0 was formed for the erection of a Starch factory. The building was erected upon the bank of the river in West Dixon, but never entirely finished. The main building, of stone, was 100 by 62 feet, and twp stories high.

April 4, 1857. The plow works aud machine shops of Dement & Co are now in full operation. Seventy-five hands are already employed and more will be added. They turn out about 30 plows per

Mjy S3, 1837. Mr. Jns. A. Watson commenced the erection of a foot bridge across the river at the foot of Galena street. Money was raised a few days after to build a double track bridge.

July 15,-1857. A Female Seminary under charge of the Episcopal church, Rev. J. W. Downing, Principal, has been started in the large white house west of the Central depot, lately occupied bv Mr. Smyth. This house will be used until a more suitable building can be secured.

July 16,1857. Mr. Daily, of tho firm of Brooks & Daily, has purchased the machine shop owned by Dement & Co., (now occupied bv Vann & Means on 3d street) and will put in four run of stone, converting it into a flour mill. The building is too small for the increasing business oi Dement & Co. who will erect new works between tho depots.

July 27, 1857. The corner stone of the "Union Eagle Works,'' between the depots, was laid. Speech making, brass band music, and general rejoicing, was the order of the occasion.

Aug. 27, 1857. Prof. A M. Gow, takes charge of the Collegiate Institute. The basement and two stories of tho new building is now nearly ttu ished.

Sept. 10, 1857. The man arrested in Dixon on suspicion of robery, on account of being the sole possessor of fifteen cents, which we read in tho Polo Transcript, was discharged. We can inform the editor of the Transcript, that according to the evidence in the case, it was proven by the prisoner that he was then on his way to Polo to start a

Nov. 28, 1857. Two spans of tho north end of the new bridge, broke down with two loaded tennis andeight or nine head of cattle - no damage except to the bridge.

March 14, 1858. Nine prisoners escaped from the county jail by breaking through the door lead iug.into the back yard, and then breaking through the old rickety walls of the same.

Sunday, April 25 1858, at one o'clock a. m. the the jewelry store of S. A. Bancroft, in A. T. Murphy's building, Main street, caught on fire destroying all the goods not in the safe and damageiug the building considerably, it was with dlfll culty that the fire was kept in control.

June 8,1858. Rock river is at this time swolcn to overflowing banks. Ii is higher than wo have ever known it before. Both the wagan bridges at this place have suffered in cousequnce of the flood. The free bridge, but a small portion of which was carried away, will be repaired immediately. Steps will be taken by our citizens to builda new bridge

In the summer of 1858, Mr. \V. C. Van Osdel erected a three sto.y sash and bliud factory in the west end of Dement Town. In ItOi it was con¬ verted inlo a sorghum mill which run about a year when the building was abandoned and a few years afier was torn down.

July 14, 1838. Lee County Agricultural Society organized with the following officers: W. II. Van Epps, Frost.; James C. Mead, Rec. Sec.; James A. Hawley, Fin. Sec.; Wm. Cutler, Treas.; A. R. Whitney, J. T. Little, V. W. Coe, A. Brown, Wm. Uhl, L. Wood, S. U. Whitmore, Hiram Terry, aud John Moore, Ex. Com.

In Aug. 1838, a High School department was established in the old M. E. Church on Second street, and A. U. Fitch was elected Principal. A. M. Gow was employed as Superintendent of Schools, and James Gow as Principal of the High school, in 1859. The school then consisted of five departments and had an enrollment of about four hundred. These gentlemen continued iu charge of the school until 1862, when the present Princi¬ pal, E. C. Smith, was elected to act, at once as Superintendent of Schools and Principal of the High school, in which capacity he has labored ever

Nov. 10, about sixty young men try their speed in agreatl'oot race. J. W. Hollenbeck takes lirst prize, and A. H. Fitch, second; time 150 feet in fiveseconds.

In the fall 1858, C. Godfrey & Sons, who were then proprietors of the mill formerly owned by Brooks & Dailey, completed the building known as the "Farmers Mills."

Dec. 25, 1838. Vol. 1 No. 1, "Life in Dixon Illustrated" appears, edited by "Johanns Elougatus, Mleven, Broadway, Dixon, Ills." This number contains a series of illustrations of "Noodicscoup" in his morning exercises recom¬ mended by Dio Lewis, it also contains illustrations of the "Capture of the Republican Battery," "Krazy Kuss escaping from the Marines," and an "Alegoricai view of the removal of the Conuty

Feb. 10,1S39. By request. Dr. Oliver Everett reads his paper upon the subject of Geology entl tied "Foot prints on the Prairies," in Exchange hall.

more were taken. The bridge will be repaired Immediately, in order to have it ready for the next descent; in the mean time the North-siders, by going three miles and paying a quarter can reach town over the free bridge.

March 7, 1859. The city was organized by the election of cily officers. The Aldermen elected were \V II. Van Epps and Joseph Crawford for the 1st ward; II. E. Williams and It. II. Robinson for 2d ward; William Barge and A. A. Benjamin for 3d ward; VV. A, Uoisiugton and William Pea¬ cock for the 4th ward. A. P. Curry was elected City Marshal and C. V. Tenney, Polic Justice. Col. John Dement the Mayor elect, failing to qualify* Joseph Crawford was appointed acting M lyor by the council and an election was ordered for April 4, when A C Steadman, was chosen to the vacancy of that office. The result upon the license question, stood 297 against and 171 for license. A. C. Steadman was again elected Mayor 1860. Those following were G. L. Herrick in 1861, Jas. B. Charters in 186.', Oliver Everett in 1861, Jas. K. Edsall in 1864, Person Cheney, jr, in 1865 and 1866, Andrew McPherran in 1867 and 1868, John Dement from 1869 to 1872 inclusive, Joseph Crawford in 1873, 1874 and 1875, James A. Hawley in 1876 and 1877, John Dement in 1878 and 1879, and J. V. Thomas in 1880.

In August lt-59, Cheney & Co., vacate their Steam flouring mill on 3d street and start a mill in the new building erected hy Messers Godfrey, which they purchased of Godfrey, Jerome & Co., for $28,600.

April 23, 1859. Considerable excitement was occasioned by the discovery that the ground under the two factories and Brookuer's saw mill at north end of the dam was washing out to such an ex¬ tent that the buildings wore slowly moving into twenty feet of water to the certain destruction of the loll bridge, just finished. The factories were hastily moved out of danger and the saw mill striped of every thiug movable and that part that could not be moved was set on fire and burned to

Aug. 25, 1859. Active operation commenced in erecting a free bridge at the foot ot Galena street to cost $12,000; Z. II. Lackey, contractor.

Sept. 15, 1859. The end of Joseph Gates stone ware, house near the Central depot, burst out oy the presurc of the grain, causeiug much damage.

Oct. 14,1859. Bet ween t wo or three o'clock a. m. afire was started by an unknown incendiary be¬ tween the stores of Mrs. Ilarwood and Roberts & McKay. The lire burned in all seventeen build¬ ings, covering ground for the distance of a half a block on both sides ol Main street,extending west from the corner of Hennepin street. Among the buildings burned was the old original school house which had been removed from the lot where D. W. McKeuuey's residence now stands several years before and at this time was used as a store room. The losers were

J. E. Remington met with considerable loss in paint, etc. S. A. Vann, Adams aud others suffer¬ ed from tearing down buildings to stop the prog¬ ress or the flames, aud removiug goods to save

Jan. 29, 1860. The Machine shop of Col, De¬ ment opposite the Dixon Mills was burned out; all the machinery was ruined by the fire. The foundry in the rear of the machine shop was saved by hard work. The loss was$25,000, no insurance. The building was repaired and made ready for occupancy within a couple of months, but on account of the injury to the walls the machine shop was lowered one story.

June 6,1869. A mectiugof the citizens called at Union hall to institute methods of relief for the sufferes from the tornado that passed over the county on the 3d inst. causing great destruction of life and property.

Jan. 1, 8861. The opening of the Free bridge is an event In the history of Dixon worthy of re¬ membrance. On New Years's Eve, a large " Free Bridge Party " was held at the Nachusa House, which was so successful that the arrearage that had delayed the completion of the work was arranged. The object was accomplished so that at 4 p. it. of the 1st, "all the world and the rest of mankind," headed by our Mayor and Council in sleighs and cutters, passed over under the inspir¬ ing influence of music and cannon.

Jan. 17,1861. Business in town wears a better appcrance since the completion of the free bridge. The mills of Wm. Uhl and Beckers & Underwood are doing a splendid business; the Plow factory of Col. Dement is turning out plows rapidly; the Foundery is in successful blast. Merchants aud clerks are busy and every thing wears a cheerful aspect, notwithstanding the gloomy forebodings of some who fear fatal consequeuces to the busi¬ ness of the country from the southern civil com¬ motions.

Feb. 27, 1861. Home concert given by the Lowe Brothers. The company was compossed of J. M. Kellcv, Charels E. Lowe, Thomas H. Lowe, and J. B. Pomeroy.

March 7, 1861. A fire originated abotft two o'clock a. m. in Sprauge's Boot and Shoe store, and from ther it extended to the small building owned by Mr. Dyer, and occnpied as a custom boot and shoe shop, by E. Giles, and the stone building on the corner of Main and Galena streets occupied by Mr. Roberts as a Ilat store. These three buildings were entirely consumed before the fire could be subdued. E. W. Mine's residence was only sav.ed by the utmost exertion of the citi¬ zens. The building occupied by Mr. Sprange was owned by J. B. Charters, and was insured for $400, the stone building was owned by Champ Fuller and was not insured. Loss about $5,500; insur¬ ance about $4,000.

April 17, 1861. War Feeling in Dixon. - While we arc writing, the people with out distinction of parly, are in council. Groat enthusiasm prevails. A company is forming. The acliou of the admin¬ istration is to be sustained.

April 18, 1861. The building erected for the Collegiate Institute, purchased Rev. O. W. Cooley, of Wisconsiu, for the establishment of a Female Seminary.

April 19,1861. James Van Arnnm is repairing the dam. The breach is almost in the middle of the river; a rope has been stretched across the river at the foot of the island, from which the boat loaded with stone, is lowered to the breach and unloaded.

April 22, 1801. Tile first Dixon company of volunteers met at their armory and elected A. B. Gorgas, Captain, Henry T. Noble First, aud Henry Dement Second Lieutenants; Benjamin Gilman First, and O. M. Pttgh, Second Sergeant. The company the same day hoisted a flag opposite the Mayor's office, bearing the motto " The Union Forever."

Two other companies, the Dixon Cadets and the Dixon Bines, were organized wahiu a few days, but their services were not needed on account of the regiments under the first call being full. Nerly all the members of these two companies afterwards enlisted again and went to the war.

April 25, 1861. The ladies of Dixon presented a handsome banner to Captain Gorgas' company in front of the Court honse. Miss Mary Williams [Mrs. H. D. DementJ delivered the presentation address.

May 9, The regiment of the 2d Congressional District went into camp on the Fair grounds in Dixon. The regiment was composed of 970 men. The next day after going into camp the following regimental officers were elected: John B. Wyman, Colonel; B. F. Parks, Lieutenant Colonel; A. B. Gorgas, Major. Colonel's staff cousited of A. W. l'itts. Commissary; W. C. Henderson, Qnarter Master; J. L. McClcary, Asst. Qnarter Master; II. T. Porter, Adjutant; Dr. S. C. Plumer, Surg¬ eon; Dr. D. W. Young, Asst. Surgeon; Rev. J. C. Miller, Chaplain. The drawing of positions hy the companies resulted as follows:

Sunday, June 16,1861, the 13th Regiment Ill! nois VolUintccrs take the cars for Cascyviilc, twelve miles from St. Louis. The officess of Co. A, were Henry T. Noble, Captain; Henry D De-

June 20, 18.il. The "Volunteer Aid Associa¬ tion" secured subrcrlptious to the amount cf $2,623, as a fund for the bene.lt of families ol absent volunteers.

Sept. 2, i8Gl. The 34th Illinois Volunteers leave Dixon for for the army. E. N. Kirk, Colonel; AmosBosworth, Lieutenant Colonel; C.N. Levan- Way, Major. The companies leaving at this time Wore Morrison, Sterling, Dixon, Franklin, and Graud Detour. Otlicers of Dixon company were Truman L. Pratt, Captain; W. S. Wood First, and S. B. Dexter, Second Lieutenant: T. D. Lake, Orderly Sergeant; Francis Forsyth, D. C. clayton, Charles Eckles. H. A. Jeffs, Sergeants.

Oct. 1, 1861. A camp for recruiting and organiz¬ ing troops established at Dixon on the bank of the river west of the rail road. Col. W. H. Haydeu, commander of Post; Ool. John Dement, com-' niander of Encampment.

Jan. 14, 1832. At an election of officers of the Artillary company just raised, held at their bar¬ racks, John Cheney was elected Captain. J. II. Burton First, II. L. Bonn Second, and Samuel S. Smith, Third Lieutenant..

Feb. 2, 1863. The 46th Regiment, encamped in Demeut Barracks over winter, take the cars lor Springfield to join the remainder of their regi¬ ment. Oilicers of Company "H," John Stever.s Captain; Johu Hughes First Lieutenant; Fred¬ erick Pike, Second Lieutenant; Thomas Pieronet, First Sergeant; Johu Murphy, Chas Mason, Ebonezer McCullough, De Villa Scgucr, Sergeants.

April 17,1862. Funeral of Major Levanway, kill¬ ed at the battle of Pittsburgh Landing. Same day occured the funeral of Captain Johu Stevens, who died from wounds received in the same battle.

April 29,1862. Union block was lowered one story, the walls being regarded as unsafe fot largo assemblies after the fire on the adjacent lot in 1860.

Juue 10, 1862. A new company was organized in Dixon, with the following officers: James W. Reardon, Captain; E. B. Baker First., and E. F. Bennett, Second Lieutenant; John D. Heaton, L. M. Kevins, Edward Perkins, Philo C. Williams, mid George Black, Sergeants.

Sept. 4, 1862. The 75lh Illinois Volunteers in Camp Dixon, on the bank of the river, arc muster¬ ed into service by Adjutant General Fuller. The regiment elected the following oilicers George Ryron, Colonel; John E. Bennett, Lieutenant Col¬ onel; W. M. Kilgonr, Major; Jerome Hollenbeck, Adjutant; G. W. Phillips, Surgeon; J. C. Corbus, Asst. Surgeon; J. E. Remington, Quarter Master. The regiment was made up of volunteers from Lee and Whiteside counties - five companies from each. The officers of Co. A. were James A. Wat¬ son, Captain; E. Giles, First Lieutenant; Wm. Parker, Second Lieutenant: F. O. Headley, A. K. Buckaioo, Horace Jutlson, W. J. Cogswell, J. A. Hill, Sergeants. The regiment left for Louisville, Ky. pept. 2.'th.

In the fall of 1862 the Illinois Central Company built an iron bridge in place of the wooden truss work across the river, upon the old piers. This was accomplished without stopping a single train.

Summer of 1863, Chas. Godfrey added two stories to tnc building now occupied by the grist mill, and flax factory. This building was eroded by Col John Dement in 1857, and was originally designed for a machine shop, but for several years had been used as a saw mill.

June 22, 1368. A society for the purpose ot de¬ tecting and bringing to justice thieves, and tor reclaiming stolen properly, was organized under the nameol "Society of yigllonce."

July 5, 1863. The news of the fall of Vickcsburgh causes much rejoicing. A delegation numb¬ ering 500 arrived from Amboy and Sublette. Flags were displayed in every direction, and at night there was a grand illuminaton.

Sept. 18,1863. The teachers of the public schools in North and South Dixon form a "Dixon Teach¬ er's Association," J. V. Thomas, President, W. W. Davis, Secretary.

Dec. 1, 1883. "Councils of Royal and Select Masons" was organized under dispensation, at Masonic U.vii. The officers were James A. Haw¬ ley, Thrice Illustrious Grand Master; A. K. Whit¬ ney, Deputy Grand Master; I. S. Boardinan, Prin¬ cipal Conductor of the Work; W. A. Levanway, Cataiuof the Guards; Joseph Ball, Recorder; II. Morgan, Treasurer; II. S. Mead, Sentinel.

Feb. 11, 1864. "Dixon Harmonic Club," con¬ sisting of Misses Gooduo, Anna Wadsworth, and Nellie Holt, and Messrs J. C. Ayres and A. J. Brubaker, sing at Union Hall.

June 16.3864. The 140th Regiment, which had been in camp at the Barracks near the depots, for about six weeks, depart for Springfield where they are immediately sworn into service and oidered to Paducah, Ky. Regimental officers were Lorenzo Whitney, Colonel; M. W. Smith, Lieutouat ColonelyW. O. Evans, Major; L. E. B. Holt, Adjutant; Geo W. Bishop, Quartermaster. Officers of Dixon company were E. Giles, Captain; Joseph Ball, First Licucmut; Nelson Skinner, Second Lieutenant; Geo N. Northway, Orlerly Sergeant.

June 21,1804. Company "A" or the 13th Regi¬ ment came home from the war, and were received at the depot by a largo concourse of people and cscourted to the Court House square, where a sumptuous dinner was spread lor the "soger boys."

Nov. 20,1864. A number of young Men in the public schools form a "Patriotic Club" for the purpose of aiding soldiers' widows aud families in need of sncli help as they could render by chopping fire wood, doing chores, etc. The oilicers of the society were Carlos Burr, President; La¬ fayette Davis, Vice President ; Goodwin Patrick, Secretary; Sherwood Dixon, Assistant Secretary; Chas P. Giles, Treasurer.

Jan. 21,1865. The Lee County National Bank was organized with a capital ot $103,009. Joseph Crawford, Joseph Utley, S. S. Williams, E. W. Pomeroy, Josiah Little, jr. Abijah Powers, and Wm. Uhl, were chosen Directors. Joseph Craw¬ ford was elected President, Joseph Utley Vico President, S. C. Eells Cashier, aud John Cole¬ man Assistant.

Feb. 8, 1863. A dwelling house in Dement Town owned by Col. Dement, occupied by Jacob Piefer, was burned down about 3 a. m. Mr. Piefcrin trying to save some valuables, was burned With the building.

April 14, 1865. Sadness was thrown over the whole town by the news of the assassination of the President, Abraham Lincoln. A large meet¬ ing of citizens was held in front Of the Court house, at which rcsoluiions were adopted, appro¬ priately expressing the sorrow of the people.

In the summer of 1865, Col. Dement erected pait. of the large stone building, now occupied by the plow factory of Chas H. Curtis. It was soon after extended to its present dimensions of 89 by 110 feet, four stories high.

Aug. 2,1805,a Woollen Mill was started by F. Me Martin in the building enlarged by Mr. Godfrey, the year previous. At the close of 1865 Mr. Mc- Marlin also started a Grist Mill in the same building.

March 21,1803. A Lodge of Good Templars, No. 736, was organized in Dixon. The Lodge surrend¬ ered its charter in the spring of 1808, and the active members united with the Sons of Temper-

May 10,18G6, a drove of nearly one hundred head of cattic concentrated on a span of the bridge near the middle of the river, and the span gave way precipitating the entire drove into the river - killing two head.

During the year of 1866 Joseph Utley's building, the Key Stone. House, A. S, Dimick and Wm. Smith's building, and Pinckney's] block, were erected. The brick School House in Dement Town was erected the same year.

June 16, 1866, Dixon Conunandcry, No. 21, K. T. was organized under dispensation, aud chartered Oct. 23, 1866. The charter members were James Andrew Hawley, William Anderson Levanway, Charles Richards, Daniel Dustin, Avery W. Sawyer, Nathan P. Sturdevant, Alexis R. Whit¬ ney, Peter C. Rooney, and George II. Sampson.

June 23, 1866. The Masonic fraternity held a grand celebration in Dixon. Lodges were present from Amboy, Lee Centre, Mclngin's Grove, Ro¬ chelle, Franklin, Oregon and Grand Detonr.

Ang. 9, 1866, the "Btteklin File Manufactur¬ ing Company" was incorporated, with a capital of S100.000. A large stone faclory, 40 by 140 feet, was erected, and in May. 1887. the company com¬ menced operation in their new building, but the business failed in less than a year from defects in the working of the Bucklin patent. In January

In the summer of 18GG, Col. Dement erected the flax factory building, it then was 45 by 64 feet The manufacture of bagging was commenced the next February, by Jerome & Downing. Abom 1870, Col. .Dement increased the building to its present length of 141) feet.

- Oct. as, 1SG3. The Presbyterian church was dedicated. Sermon was preached by Rev. W. W. Harsha, who had boon the first pastor of the congregation.

The Masonic block, Riley & Weiglc's building, S. W. Jones' building on the corner of Main and Hennepin streets, and Van Epps brick building adjoining Exchange block on the east, were erect¬ ed in 18G7.

July 1, 1807, the Bulk head of the main flume of the Hydraulic works gave way, carrying with it part of the timbers supporting the platform in front of the mills. The damage was repaired in a much more permanent form than it was before, at a cost of about $2,000.

In August 1167, Messrs Severance &- Cheney commenced the manufacture of platform scales. In July, 1869, John T. Cheney & John P Hutch¬ inson became the manufacturers of the scales, which at this time began to be known as the

March 7, 18G8, the Free bridge was taken out by the ice and a very high freshet. One of the piers of the rail road bridge was battered down by the ice the following night, and two spans fell into the river. About 120 feet of the south end of the dam was also washed out by this freshet. A temporary wagon bridge was erected within a few weeks, and the rail road bridge was immediately repaired with wooden truss work so that trains crossed over in a couple ot days after the accident.

June 24, 1868, the new Masonic nail was dedi¬ cated. The ceremonies and ccllebrntion were participated in by twelve or fifteen visiting lodges.

Oct. 21, 1808, Theron Cumins and II. T. Noble commenced repairing and enlarging the old facmoviug the Plow Works from Grand Detour to tliis location. The firm commenced operation the following spring.

Dec. 2, 1668, the "Western Knitting Factory" was established in the File Company's building, by Messrs Mcllroy & Crane. A few months laller the factory passed into the possession of W. II. Godfrey & J. B. Charters.

In the fall and winter ol 1868-9, the Targe Public School building in North Dixon was erected. The dedicatory exercises took place January 15, I860, at which Richard Edwards, of the State Nor¬ mal, delivered an address. The erection of this bnilding cost $ >0,000. The grade system, of in¬ struction was adopted in this district aflcr the schools mitered the new building; J. V. Thomas was Principal at this time, and he was followed in 1874 by Mr. Haigue, J. L. Hartwell in 1875, Julius Lloyd in 1877, and C. O. Scuddor in the fall of 1878. The first record we have of a Superintendent of the North Side schools was I. U. Williams in 1859, those following were W. S. Wood, N. J. Gil¬ bert, J. A. Flagg, and J. V. Thomas in the fall of 1803.

Jan. 21, 1839. The Truesdell iron bridge was dedicated. The occasion was celebrated by a pro¬ cession one mile long headed by Father Dixon in a carriage; he was followed by other old settlers, Dixon Cornet Band, the City Council, and citizens in wagons and carriages. This bridge was bnilt upon substantial cut stone abutments and piers, at a cost oi $75,000, and was five spans, of 132 ffe'et each, in length; the road way was 18 feet wide, with a sidewalk on each side, five feet wide.

In the summer of 1869, the new Public School bnilding of District No. 1, was erected at a cost of $30,000. Tiie opening exercises were held on the evening of September 25, of that year.

Jau. 24, 1870, the Dixon nose Company, No 1, was organized with about thirty members. The officers elected wore Henry 8. Dev, Foreman: S. A. Sutton, First Assistant; J. B. Eddy,Seem Assistant, Palmer Atkins, Secretary; Ezra Bee hr Treasurer.

Feb. 4, 1870, the Father Mathews Total Absti¬ nence and Benevolent Society was organized with the billowing officers"; Daniel Currcu, President; John Fane, Recording Secretary; Win Croak, Corresponding Secretary: Peter Coffey, Financial Secretary; Owen Smith, Treasurer; Francis Imr¬ an, Marshal; Rev. J. W. Kennedy, liuuorary President. \

Jan. 31, 1879, the Monitor nook and Ladder Company organized by the election of the follow¬ ing officers: W. N. Johnson, Foreman; Charles Chandler First, aud W. O. Loveland, Second Assistant; C. H. Noble, Secretary; J. B. Pome¬ roy, Treasurer.

June 28, 1870, a town meeting was held to vote on the question of subscribing $50,000 to the stock of the Rockford, Rock Island & St Louis road, providing the company built a road through Dixon. There was 529 majority in favor.

July 7, 1870, at a Uuiversalist Centenary held in the M. E. church, measures were iifitiatod that resulted in establishing a Univeralist church in Dixon The society held services in Union Hall for awhile, and from there they went to Tillsou's Hull, on Galena street, which they used until their new church was completed. Rev. n V. Chase was the first pastor and he remained five years: he was succeeded in December, lS761)y Rev D. F.

Jan. 3, 1871, about 3 a. m. the Grocery store ol Jones & Powers, corner Main and.Galcua streets, was discovered to be on fire; the progress of the fi tines was checked before much damage was done. Loss $160.

Jan 24 and 25, 1871, this section was visited by one ol the most severe scow storms in the "mem¬ ory of the " oldest se-tler." The roads m every direction were drifted so badly that in many places they were impassable to teams forsevera-

Friday night, March 3, 1871, a fire broke ont in a building on the north side of Main street, four doors east of Peoria, occupied by a family by the name of Scbuchart as a saloon and home. This aud the three frame buildings on the west, were entirely consumed, also a barn beloning to Drs. Wynn & Paine, in the rear. The fire spread to F. C. McKenney's livery stable, fifteen feet east of tho saloon; all the horses aud carriages were saved. The brick buildings east of the livey stable were only saved by the utmost efforts of the tiro department. The corner bnilding and the one next to it were owned by F. C. McKenney, and the other two by Mrs. James McKenney. Total loss was about $4,000.

Sept. 7,1871, the corner stone of St Lukes church was laid by Rev. John Wilkinson, who was rector of this parish from 1858 to I860. Tho church was opened for services September 15, 1872.

Sept. 15, 1871, the Dixon National Bank was organized by the election of the following direct¬ ors: II. B. Jenks, H. S. Lucas, John Dement, Quarlus Ely, and Jas B. Charters. H. B. Jenks, was elected President, John Dement, Vice Presi¬ dent, and H. S. Lucas, Cashier.

Oct. 10,1371, the citizens were busy all day pre¬ paring provisions and other necessaries to send to the sufferers front the great Chicago lire.

In Dec. 1671, the 181 It Animal Meeting of the Illi¬ nois Teacher's Association was held in Dixou. During the session, lectures and addresses were delivered by the President, J. H. Blodgett, and Col. L. 11. Potter, Rev. D. L. Leonard, Hon. New¬ ton Bateman, and Hon. J. M. Gregory.

During the winter of 1871-2, water mains were laid from the rotary pump to the corner of Main and Galena streets, at a cost or $000; the work was finished the 18th of January, 1872.

July 28,187S, the Baptist Church was dedicated. Sermon in the morning was delivered by Rev. Mr. Ravlin, in the evening by J. A. Smith, D. D.

Aug. 7, 1872, Rucker Lodge, No. 413, I. O. O. F. was instituted in Odd Fellows Hall. Win. Smith, O. M.; Louis Stephen. U. M.; A. Frcnzel, Secre¬ tary; C. Wild, Treasurer.

March 12, 1873, the interior of the building and machinery of the Knitting Mills were entirely destroyed by fire; the roof of the Flax Factory was also burned off and considerable machinery Injured by tire and water. It was with the great¬ est difficulty that the lire was gotten under con¬ trol. Loss of the Knitting Mills was $20,000, and on the Flax Mills $5,000.

Sunday May 4,1873, The Trucsdel iron bridge fell, precipitating about two hundred men, wo¬ men and children, who were witnessing a baptis¬ mal ceremony taking place just below the bridge, into^tho stream withonla moments notice; thirtyseven persons were drowned, or killed by portions of the strnctnro falling upon them; forty-seven were seriously and five mortally iujured. The

Attg. 20, 21, 22, 1873, a Brass Band Jubilee was held on the Fair grounds, under' the leadership of Prof. David McCosh; closed with a grand in¬ strumental concert by the North-western Light Guard Baud of Chicago.

April 27, 1874, the I. O. O. F. held their fifty-fifth Anniversary in Dixon; thirty-seven lodges were leprcscuted ill the procession. Hon. Schuyler Colfax delivered the oration.

July C, 1875, the "Woman's Christian Temper¬ ance Union " was organized, in the basement of the Methodist Church, through the efforts of Miss Frances Willard, of Chicago. The Union consist¬ ed of thirty members. Officers elected were Presi¬ dent, Mrs. S. II. Manny; Vice Presidents, Mrs. D. F. Carnahan, Mrs. Ltncbarger, Mrs. Edson, Mrs. Chase, Mrs. E. C. Sickles; Recording Sec¬ retary, Miss LilnFargo; Corresponding Secretary, Miss E. W. Alexander; Treasurer, Miss Nellie Ilolt.

Nov. 1,1875, school was opened in the College ouildlng under the name of the "Rock River tfniversity." O. G. May, President, and M. M. Tooko, F.egcnt.

Dec 4,1873, afire broke on t in the upper story of the extensive flouring mills of Becker* Under¬ wood. By hard work and good management, the fire department succeeded in checking the prog¬ ress of the flames. The elevators at the lop of the mill and much of the machinery on the floor below were destroyed. Some of the machinery on all the floors was injured by water, and ranch grain and flour was destroyed. The property was in¬ sured for 832,700; insurance awarded on the prop¬ erty destroyed and injured was $13,130. Bennett Thompson & Funk had a large quantity of grain damaged by water.

Thursday, J uly 6, 1876, Father Dixon died, aged ninety two years. The funeral services took place the following Sabbath, in front of the Court House, attended by from six to eight thousand people. A full account of the obsequies is given in connection with the biography of Father Dixon, found in another place.

in the fall 1S76 the Dixon nose Company took the third prize at the Firemen's State Tourna¬ ment, held at Decatur. Distance run: 300 yards to hydrant; atached and laid 300 feet ol hose, and attached nozzel; time 75 seconds.

Nov. 30,1876, the Dixon Opera House, erected by H. J. Stevens, F. A. Truman, J. D. Crabtree, and W. G. Stevens, was opened by the Payson English Opera Company.

May 10, 1877, the Council granted J. D. Patton, the right t6 establish gas works in Dixon. The Excelsior Gas Company's charter was repealed.

Aug. 15, 187'-, a grand muster of Northern Illi¬ nois firemen took place at Dixon. Eight Hose companies contested for the prizes in the tourna¬ ment. Distance run wag 200 yards to hydrant, atattach and lay one line of hose 200 feet from hy¬ drant. The "Jackson '' hose, of Morrison, suc¬ ceeded in taking the first prize: time 4434 seconds. "Columbia," of Sterling, second prize; time 4514 seconds. Hook and Ladder companies ran 200 yards, raised 30 foot ladder for a man to ascend, time called when the man grasped top rung. The "Monitor," of Dixon, took the first prize in 5254 seconds, and "Rescue," of Freeport, the second prize in 55 seconds.

In Angus! 1877, at tli. Slate Tournament held at Galesburg, the Dixon Ilose Company took the second prize; Distance run: 300 yards to hydrant, attached and laid 300 feet of hose; time 6754 sec.

Dec. 26, 1877, Judge W. W. Ileaton, died of heart disease, in Chicago, aged sixty-tliree years. He came to Dixon about 1840, and had been a resident here ever since. A few months before his death he was promoted from the office of Judge of the Circuit Court to the position of Chief Justice oi the Appellate Court of the Chlcngo district.

Feb. 6, 1878, a fire destroyed a busines house on Main street owned by W. H. Van Epps, and occu¬ pied by I. T. Van Ness, druggist, and Will Sussmilch, jeweller. The loss on the building was about $5C0; no insurance. There was $3,500 in¬ surance on the stock of drugs. Mr. Sussmilch lost about $500 on fixtures, etc.; fully insured. K. Hcgert's drug store,'next door cast, was Consid¬ erably damaged by removal of goods, and water.

March 23, 21, and 25, 1878, Dr. Henry Reynolds, the originator of the Red Rihbon movement, lec¬ tured in the Opera House. On the evening of his last lecture he organized the "Dixon Reform Club" with a membership of one hundred and thirty two.

May 22,1878, the "Dixon Boat Clnb " was organ¬ ized; the following gentlemen were elected as Its officers: W. II. Adams, President; E. C. Parsons, Chas E. Chandler, n. T. Noble, J. V. Thomas, and James L. Camp, Vice Presidents; W. M. Kennedy, Secretary; Ed Ilazen, Treasurer; John Coleman, Mahlon Hutchinson, C. n. Noble, and J. M. Ever¬ ett, Executive Committee.

Sept. 5,1878, the Dixon Hose Company seenred the Third National and the First State prizes, at the Firemen'8 tournament in Chicago. Distance run: 300 yards to Hydrant, attached and laid 300 feet of hose, broke and made coupling 300 feet from hydrant; average time of two runs 67 seconds.

Sept. 18,1878, Alexander Charles Charters, died at his home at Hazelwood farm, aged seventy-eight years. He came to Dixon about 1838 and purchas¬ ed the pleasant site that had since that time been his home.

Jan. 29,1879, the Forrest Home Lodge, No. 137, A. O. TJ. W. was organized with these charter members: C. C. Fulford, R. Warriner, John Hess, L. D. Pitcher, J. A. Morey, Geo Rosbrook, E. 0. Smith, B. F. Brooks, C. A. Todd, J. W. Holmes, E. F. Benjamin, F. J. Finkler, F. H. Babbitt, W. J. Daley, H. Christman, M. C. Weyburn, R. S. Ferrand, H. P. Wickes, C. C. Hunt, J. L. Backus, and D. R. Bowles.

March 23, 1879, J. C. Mead's book store caught fire about three o'clock, A. M. The flames were ex¬ tinguished after the upper story and roof were destroyed; goods were removed without much damage. The loss was about $300; fully qovered by insurance.

Sept. 4, 1879, the Dixon Hose Company took the first prize at the Peoria State Tournament. Dis¬ tance run: 300 yards to hydrant, - carrying 350 feet of hose - attached and laid hose, broke coupling and attached nozzle 300 feet from hydrant; time 61 seconds.

Jan. 13, 1880, the home of Theodore Moeller, ca\ight fire, and was damaged to the extent of aboil t $100. The property was owned by John Beebe,

Jan. 31, 1880, Henderson Encampment, No. 27, of O. C. D. was organized; at the next meeting the following officers were elected: O. J. Down¬ ing, Commander; W. N. Johnson, Lieutenant Commander; H. C. Barnes, Adjutant; J. N. Hyde, Quarter Master; B. F. Stewart, Chaplain; F. P. Shuman, Officer of the Day; James Jordan, Officer of the Guard.

A pril 8,1880. The most disastrous fire that ever visited our city broke out at the water power about half.past one this morning, and in one hour the large stone building owned by Caleb Clapp and Col. John Dement, occupied by H. D. Dement and S. C. Kell's Flax Mill, and Thomas Baldwin's Grist Mill; W. P. Thompson's and Becker & Underwood's Flouring Mills were a mass of ruins. The water wheels and the pump house were also destroyed, thus cutting short the water supply; the fonndery of Brown & Edwards on the opposite side of the street was badly burned and the plow works of C. H. Curtis caught fire several times. The Amboy fire company was telegraphed to for help; the timely arrival of the company with their steamer, probably saved the property on the south Bide of the street;

When the fire reached Becker & Underwood's mill there was a terrific explosion; fifteen or twenty firemen were working in and around the mill at the time; two of the number were instant¬ ly killed, and ten others badly ourned and injur¬ ed. The killed were: Ezra Becker and William Schum. Wounded: Cyrus Lint, Wm. Rink,jr., Orvil Anderson, Peter Ramsey, William Vann, Patrick Duffy, Lee Stevens, Frank Goetzenberger, Joe. Hayden, audJoe. Reuland.