Fulton Township (part 1 of 2)

Fulton Township

center attractive, the buildings for the most part being large, handsome, and built of brick. The general healthfulness of the place is a matter never controverted, and is accounted for by its favorable location, the excellence of the water, and the enforced cleanliness of the city. The commercial advantages of Fulton, it has been truly said, are not surpassed by any point on the Upper Mississippi. Directly west of Chicago, and its nearest approach to the river where one of the greatest railroads on the continent crosses, on the line to California, it offers unequaled facilities for western traffic. The Western Union Railroad running upon the eastern bank of the river opens communication north and south, besides connecting with the coal beds in Rock Island county and throughout the State. A branch of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad opens more direct communication with the interior of the State. The bridge crossing a little south of the city furnishes ready connection with the numerous railroads traversing Iowa and the vast regions west of the Mississippi. Besides these railroads the river furnishes great advantages for transportation, and during the season is largely used. All the materials for building are abundant. Stone of fine quality is conveniently found; the limestone furnishes an excellent quality of lime; the brickyards make a superior order of brick, and in the lumber yai'ds are found huge piles of lumber. As a point for manufacturing and commercial purposes Fulton has no superior on the river.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Fulton stoneware manufactory is situated on the bank of the river just north of Langford & Hall's extensive steam saw and planing mills. The manufacture of stoneware in this establishment was commenced in July, 1866, by Edward A. Tolman. In the fall

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

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

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

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

Churches And Other Organizations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source changes here: from Portrait and Biographical Album of Whiteside County, Illinois : Containing Full-page Portraits and Biographies of All the Governors of Illinois, and of the Presidents of the United States, by Chapman Brothers, published 1885; 673 words in this source stream.

Fulton Township

TJLTON Township was organized from Fulton Precinct. A meeting was held for the election of officers, under the township organization laws, April 6, 1852. Charles Johnson was chosen Moderator, and James F. Booth, Clerk, pro tern. There were 41 votes cast, according to the poll-book, James McCoy casting the first. This election resulted in the selection of the following named officers: Willson S. Wright, Supervisor; James F. Booth, Clerk; Ephraim Summers, Assessor; R. M. Rockwell, Collector; P. L. Wright, Constable; Samuel Garrish, Orlando Sprague and Wm. H. Knight, Commissioners of the Highway ; P. D. Wright, Overseer of the Poor ; and Isaac Butcher, Pound Master. Of those who voted at this election four still live in Fulton, - James McCoy, Richard Green, W. C. Green and G. H. Rice.

The nature of the land of this township is generally rolling. Along the Mississippi it is broken, and containing many high points. A clay soil rests on the high lands, while in the bottom lands the soil is a rich loam. The township is watered by the Cattail, Otter Creek and the Great River.

The first settler in this township was John Baker, in 1835, who took up a claim upon which the town of Fulton was afterwards built. He was a native of Maryland. He came up the Mississippi from New Orleans in 1833, settling first at the Marais d" Osier, where he remained a short time and then pursued his way northward and located on the banks of the Mississippi, above Albany. Here he built him a cabin and remained about a year, when he located in Fulton and put up another cabin, which was much larger than the one he built below. For some time he lived alone, having only Indians for his neighbors and guests, they being quite numerous about here at this time.

In the fall of 1836, his nephew, John W. Baker, wife and three sisters, came out from the East. Mr. Baker was married the same year, seeking his bride in Rock Island County. His log cabin was of necessity converted into an inn, and became in time quite a famous hostelry. His wife did not survive the hardships of frontier life very long. In 1840 he married Mrs. Humphreys. In 1850 he went to California for his health, but returned in a few years to Albany, where he died, in December, 1863.

Most of the early settlers located in and about where Fulton City now is, and the incidents connected with the early settlement will be found in the history of that city.

Whites1De County

most of them are in independent circumstances. Good roads have been constructed throughout the township, and the traveler as he rides over them is presented with attractive homes and cultivated fields.

Three great railway lines enter the township and have depots in Fulton city; one from the north, the Milwaukee & St. Paul ; one from the east, the Chicago & Northwestern; and one from the south, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy.

The County Superintendent, in his report for the year ending June 30, 1884, gives the following information regarding the schools of this township : Number of districts, three, with one graded and two ungraded schools; buildings, two frame and one brick; number of libraries, three. The school property was valued at $17,450. Of persons under 21 years of age, there were 1,103, of whom 720 were of scholastic age, 490 being enrolled. The highest wages paid teachers was $125 per month, and the lowest $23. The tax levy was $3,950.

The Assessor's report for 1884 contains the following information: Number of acres of improved land, 6,206; valuation of improved land, $50,696. Total value of town lots, $118,413. Total value of personal property, $67,665. Number of horses, 237 ; asses and mules, 5: cattle, 477; sheep, 24; hogs, 490; steam engines, i; carriages and wagons, 142 ; watches and clocks, 109; sewing and knitting machines, 106; pianos 16; organs and melodeons, 42. Total value of lands, lots and personal property, $258,^2.

Source changes here: from History of Whiteside County, Illinois from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908 : Illustrated, with Biographical Sketches of Some Prominent Citizens of the County, by Davis, William W, published 1908; 15,950 words in this source stream.

Fulton Township

Several of the towns in Whiteside have pretty situations, but only two have the majestic Mississippi, with its broad and sparkling flood pouring to the gulf.

Like Albany, Fulton has the hills back from the river, on which are numerous residences. A glorious outlook up and down the stream, with Lyons and Clinton on the distant shore. Time works wonderful changes. Trade seeks new channels. Certain lines of business disappear. Fulton, like Albany, had her time of excitement and traffic. Once a great center of lumber manufacture, now not a mill or a board. Rafts were floated down the river, and the hum of the saws made music night and day. It is one of Wendell Phillips' Lost Arts. Various manufactures were in successful operation. Grain and produce were shipped. Fulton was a terminus, a center of activity, and one industry attracted another until the young city was a hive of commercial operation. As one rambles along the river bank today, it is difficult to believe that this quiet spot was once a scene of so much early rush.

The Dement House

As you walk along the main street, the first object to catch the eye is the tall, square block, known as the Dement building. It is built of stone, another Coliseum. That in Rome represents imperial power, this in Fulton is a sad relic of disappointed hopes. For fifty years the familiar landmark of the town. Charles Dement, brother of John in Dixon, owning considerable property and conceiving the idea that Fulton was to be one of the prosperous cities of the west, decided to erect a hotel that would not only afford generous accommodation for the throng of travelers, but be an exhibition of public spirit, and an ornament to the town. It was erected in 1855. The building is nearly 100 'feet square, with five stories including basement. No cost was spared in its construction and equipment. The finest of furniture. It was kept in style, but only a short time sufficed to show that the enterprise was in advance of the place and the times, and it was closed. One social event occurred in the hostelry in 1858 which has not been recorded. The Whiteside County Teachers' Institute had a week's session that autumn, and the citizens invited them to a banquet which was served in the dining room. Perhaps the last time, the voice of revelry echoed in those now desolate walls. There were toasts and speeches. Among the actors was Jas. H. Blodgett, afterwards captain in the Civil War.