Princeton Township (part 1 of 2)

To The Reader

IN presenting these Sketches to the public, we expect them to be considered as a work of facts and not of imagination : had they been of the latter, a very different one probably would have been issued ; but we doubt whether it would have been more interesting or have contained more thrilling and pleasing items. It may appear, however, at first, to many of the old settlers that in some of the statements we have erred ; but we think that if they will take the trouble to compare notes and search out the facts, they will find that we are generally, if not in every instance, correct.

In the Sketch of the County we have been very brief. At some future time we may, perhaps, give a more complete history of it, for we feel assured that it is worthy of being placed before the eyes of the public in the form of history, bringing to view its superiority of advantages as compared with other counties in the State.

In compiling the facts, we have endeavored to do it in as interesting a form as brevity would allow ; for in a work of this kind we could not be expected to give a full history of either County or Town, but merely to give a glance at the former and a more precise view of the latter. And here it may be well to say that, for the satisfaction of all, we have been at an expense of over one hundred dollars to obtain engravings ; so that whatever may be wanting to satisfy the mind of the reader, he will find made up in the fine illustrations. Bu,t should both 'sketches and engravings prove satisfactory and useful, it will afford much pleasure to

The Author Princeton, Ill., March, 1867

Several families were at this time residing in the vicinity, being scattered along the Ihie of timber bordering on the Bureau creek ; but few persons, however, were then residents of the county.

Few individuals have even a faint conception of the picturesque appearance of the country, or the hardships endured by the early settlers of our town. The country then being in a state of nature, presented beauty in its wide spread plains, stretching as far as the eye could reach, covered with flowers of nearly every shade and color, and tall grass. Indeed they were beautiful when in their full bloom, and would excite admiration in every lover of wild scenery.

Here, too, was the hunting ground of roving tribes of Indians. What a beautiful garden they were forced to leave ! Game they could here find in abundance, and their corn was easily raised. But the White Man came. And we can not think it strange that they fought to retain so goodly a heritage. But the white man, with his civilization, intelligence and courage, could not flee, at the sight of Indian warriors, from these fertile prairies, that seemed to smile when he looked upon them with a view of converting them into farms, and building villages, and erecting comfortable dwellings, churches, school houses, &c.

For several years the first inhabitants had scarcely any other than Indian neighbors ; and many a friendly visit was exchanged between the " Cha-mo-co-man " and " Red Man's squaws,"- - many a pleasant hour they passed together within the cabin and the wigwam. Until hostilities broke out,

Though more than a quarter of a century has passed away, the deep-trodden trails of the Indian pony are still visible, and occasionally a grave is discovered, containing the bories, beads and various trinkets of one or more of this unfortunate race, which is fast becoming extinct.

As to hardships endured, we can only mention a few, scattered through our simple narrative, and leave our readers to judge for themselves, or learn further particulars from those who still reside among us and can testify to the truthfulness of what we state, and much more that might be said. The nearest mercantile trading point, where the common necessaries of life were obtained, was at Hennepin, some twelve miles distant. The nearest blacksmith's shop was at LaSalle, a distance of about twenty miles ; and the nearest flouring mill was at Peoria, about fifty-five miles distant. The roads at that time were scarcely any thing more than Indian trails, and at times were almost impassable, thus rendering the journeys long and tedious.

During the years 1829, 1831, 1832 and 1833, the attention of others was attracted to the natural and prospective advantages of this point. Many came hither to survey the country and make claims, and some few with a view of becoming permanent settlers. We will here give as cor-

Early Settlement

Elijah Epperson and family, John and Curtiss Williams and their families, Hampshire Colony, Roland Mosely and family, Daniel Smith and family, John Musgrove and family, John M. Gay and family, Robt. Clark and family, Joel Doolittle and family, Cyrus and John H. Bryant, Lucius Cutler, Alonzo Cook, Nathaniel Chamberlain, Jr., apd family, Mrs. Flint and her two daughters, William 0. Chamberlain, Ebenezer Chamberlain and Lucy Chamberlain, (now Mrs. Andrew Smith,) John L. Ament, Rev. Lucien Farnham, Arthur Bryant, Lazarus Reeves, James Hays and family, Abraham Jones and Silas D. Cartwright.

In the summer of 1831, a part of the colony composing the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church arrived and settled on Bureau creek, some two miles north of the original corporation of PRINCETON. The persons who arrived with the colony at that time and became settlers, were Nathaniel Chamberlain, M. D.-, and his son Oscar, Eli Smith and wife, Elijah Smith and wife, Christopher G. Corss, and E. Hinsdale Phelps.*

The former made a claim and built a cabin some one and a quarter miles south of the present corporation, where the residence of Mr. B. Gill now stands. Messrs. Eli and Elijah Smith erected a large cabin near the present residence of Mr. Anthony Epperson, which was afterward used by .Elijah Smith as a hotel or stage house. These two dwellings were also used on each Sabbath, alternate, for holding church services, though five miles distant from each other, until houses were built where the town now is, which

* Several of these persons were not members of the church at that time, but of the colony. Others belonging to the colony did not settle with it.

rendered it much more convenient for all to meet half way between. The settlement was named Greenfield, and Elijah Smith was appointed '(first) post master.

The first survey for a town was commenced by Mr. John Blake in December, 1831, and in 1832 partially completed by Dr. Hayes of Hennepin, assisted by Mr. John Musgrove, Mr. Roland Mosely, and his two sons RoJand and Frederick, and Dr. Wm. 0. Chamberlain. (The following persons were appointed trustees of school lands in the county : John P. Blake, John Musgrove and Roland Moseley.) After much discussion it was agreed to name the place PRINCETON. It is located on (School) Section 16 N., R. 9 E. of the fourth principal meridian. The owners of lots at that time were, mainly, Messrs. Dj. Nathaniel Chamberlain, Cyrus and John H; Bryant, Rev. L. Farnham, John M. Gay and Mrs. Flint.

The first building erected within the limits of the original corporation, was a log cabin built by Mr. Silas D. Cartwright, in the fall of 1833, and occupied by him as a blacksmith's shop. It stood on the now vacant lot north of the Congregational church. The second, and first framed, building was erected by John M. Gay, the dimensions being twelve feet square, and occupied the ground upon which the residence and store of R. T. Templeton, Esq. , now stands. The third was a log cabin built by Mr. Frederick Haskill, and used by him as a store - the first in the place - and was located on the ground now occupied by the residence of Mr. Elijah Dee. This store was opened for the sale of goods June 7th, 1834, and the first article sold was a horse collar, to Mr. Cornelius Corss. The first hotel was built by Mr. Stephen Triplet, which still stands on Main street, immediately south of Dr. Chamberlain's office ; though it has not been used for this purpose for several years. The first church was a two-story framed building, erected in 1835 by the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, on the public square, immediately south of where the court house now is ; it is now the property of Mr. Justus Stevens, and stands on the south-east corner of the public square.

Thus the reader perceives that with small beginnings the settlement was commenced, and one improvement after another made as fast as means and circumstances would permit.

Allowing us" now to digress somewhat from the precise history of the town, we will give a brief sketch of the Indian war, as our story will not be complete without noticing some incidents of the war in connection with the settlers at that time.

During the years 1831-2, the country was being alarmed by the war-cry. There had been difficulties on the frontier for some length of time, and many a peaceful home was disturbed by the hostile appearance of the Indians. Few retired upon their couches for a night's repose, without having some weapon of defense within reach. Small companies of Indians were frequently seen, dressed in red, (a sign of war,) moving about among the white settlers, supposed to be acting as spies. On one occasion, two or three of these warlike spies called at the house of one of the settlers. The inmates, nearly all of whom still reside here, seeing them approach the house, and thinking their "time had surely come," went out to meet them, and soon engaged in conversation ! The Indians denied any knowledge of war, but their general appearance belied them, - " actions often speak louder than words." They soon left, however, without committing any depredations, either upon the* inhabitants or their property.

and the Sacs, Foxes and Winnebagoes, headed by the famous war chief, Black Hawk. Gov. Reynolds, then governor of Illinois, gave notice to the frontier settlers, that they must look out for themselves, as all the volunteers were needed in the army. On the reception of this news, they gathered up such articles as could be conveniently carried, and sought protection in the Fort at Hennepin; some few going to Springfield. Their stock was left to run wild on the prairies, and at the disposal of the merciless savage ; though as soon as deemed safe, a number of the settlers returned and drove their cattle across the Illinois river. And here we will relate an incident connected with the only murder that was committed by the Indians in this county, during the war.

Some six or seven persons, among whom were Messrs. Phillips, Hodge, Sylvester Brigham, John L. Ament, Aaron Gunn, J. G. Forestall, and a youth by the name of Dimick, left Hennepin and came over to the settlement after their cattle, which were kept at the cabins of Messrs. Ament and Phillips, then situated near the present residence of Mr. J. G. Forestall, (north of the village of Dover.) Indians were then lurking about in ambush, ready to pick off the settlers as they might have opportunity, and, of course, our friends were obliged to be on the watch, for that they were running the risk of their lives, the sequel of our story will show.

Arriving at the cabin of Mr. Ament, he (Ament) stationed his companions at the door and windows as sentinels, while he prepared their dinner, which, as soon as ready, was partaken of by part at a time, the others keeping a sharp look-out for the enemy. After dinner a consultation was held as to the expediency of remaining in their present situation until morning, or returning immediately; the rain then pouring down in torrents, and Indians, in all proba- bility around them. Failing to agree in the matter, Phillips, who was somewhat of an eccentric character, picked up a board, saying : " Well, boys, this board must decide our course," at the same time placing it in an upright position ; " if it falls toward the north, we are safe, and will remain; if to the south, we must be off." The board fell toward the south, and thus, by common consent, shaped their plans ; and as soon as their cattle could be collected, they started for Hennepin. Their cattle, however, proved unmanageable, (being afraid to go near the timber for fear of Indians,) and after chasing them for miles, they were obliged to give up the attempt, and leaving them near Mr. Musgrove's cabin, they returned to Hennepin as they came.

Some two weeks later, the same individuals arrived at Mr. Ament's cabin, for the purpose of making a second attempt to secure their stock. Mr. Phillips retired to his own cabin and commenced writing a letter, but while thus engaged, thought he heard the alarm of Indians, and going to the door, met Mr. Ament on his way to his cabin which he had left a few moments before. The two returned together, and all concluded to spend the night there, having seen no sign of Indians. During the night a terrific thundet storm arose, the rain pouring down in torrents. One of the number remarked that they " guessed there was no danger of Indians that night;" but they little dreamed that the cabin was surrounded by some thirty or forty savages, who were peeping through the cracks between the logs, and endeavoring, by every continued flash of lightning, to count the numbers within ! Little did they, at that moment, think that in the morning one of their number would fall a victim of the foe, and all barely escape ! But such was the case ! Morning came, - a morning ever to b§ remembered by those six survivors.

Messrs. Brigham and Phillips went out upon the porch in front of the building, and not noticing the deep trail around the cabin, or the marks of the Indian moccasins on the floor of the piazza, continued standing there for several minutes engaged in conversation. At length Mr. Phillips stepped off the porch, saying, "I will go over to my cabin and finish writing my letter," to which was replied by Mr. Brigham, *' Wait a moment and I will go with you," and turning round he entered the cabin, but had scarcely closed the door ere the crack of a rifle was heard, followed by the shrill war-whoop, and poor Phillips lay a corpse, pierced by two balls ! The Indians then rushed toward the cabin and buried their tomahawks in the body of their unfortunate victim. Some of the survivors had the presence of mind to grasp two or three guns with bayonets and point them through the door at the Indians, which act, without doubt, saved their lives. The savages knowing that bayonets were used by soldiers, it is supposed that on seeing these guns they concluded there were soldiers within, and consequently made a hasty retreat, leaving some of their blankets behind them, which were afterward found in a thicket near by.

It was then thought best to dispatch one of their number to Hennepin for troops. Young Dimick, then a youth of sixteen or seventeen years, being anxious to go, a horse was called to the door upon which he mounted, and in a few hours reached the fort in safety a,nd gave the alarm. A small company of rangers or soldiers immediately proceeded to the cabin, and found the remaining five individuals safely harbored within its walls, and the body of Phillips still lying where he fell. No Indians were to be found; they had taken " French leave."

Indian War

entered the cabin as he did, instead of going immediately with Mr. Phillips, he having no errand whatever within ! Had he not entered the cabin then, he would in all probability have shared the same fate of his companion.

That our readers may have a more correct idea of the cause of the Indian troubles, we here give a brief account of Black Hawk and the war, the greater portion of which we copy from Ford's History of Illinois.

It appears that a treaty had been made by Gren. Harrison at St. Louis, in November, 1804, with the chiefs of the Sacs and Fox nations of Indians, by which those Indians had ceded to the United States all their land on Rock river, and much more elsewhere. This treaty was confirmed by a part of the tribe in a treaty with Gov. Edwards and Auguste Chouteau, in September, 1815, and by another part in a treaty with the same commissioners in May, 1816. The United States had caused some of the lands, situated at the mouth of Rock river, to be surveyed and sold. These lands included the great town of the nation, near the mouth of the river. The purchasers from the government moved on to their lands, built houses, made fences and fields, and thus took possession of the ancient metropolis of the Indian nation. This metropolis consisted of about two or three hundred lodges, made of small poles set upright in the ground, upon which other poles were tied transversely, with bark at the top, so as to hold a covering of bark peeled from the neighboring trees, and secured with other strips of bark, with which they were sewed to the transverse poles. The sides of the lodges were secured in the same manner. The principal part of these Indians had long since moved from their town to the west of the Mississippi.

ity of these treaties. Black Hawk was now an old man. He had been a warrior from his youth. He had led many a war party on the trail of the enemy, and had never been defeated. He had been in the service of England in the war of 1812, and had been aid-de-camp to the great Tecumseh. He was distinguished for courage, and for clemency to the vanquished. He was an Indian patriot, a kind husband and father, and was noted for his integrity in all his dealings with his tribe and with the Indian traders. He was firmly attached to the British, and cordially hated the Americans. At the close of the war of 1812 he had never joined in making peace with the United States, but he and his band still kept up their connection with Canada, and were ever ready for a war with our people. He was in his personal deportment grave and melancholy, with a disposition to cherish and brood over the wrongs he supposed he had received from the Americans. He was thirsting for revenge upon his enemies, and at the same time his piety constrained him to devote a day in the year to visit the grave of a favorite daughter, buried on the Mississippi river, not far from Oquawka. Here he came on his yearly visit, and spent a day by the grave, lamenting and bewailing the death of one who had been the pride of his family and of his Indian home. With these feelings was mingled the certain and melancholy prospect of the extinction of his tribe and the transfer of his country, with its many silvery rivers, rolling and green prairies and dark forests, the haunts of his youth, to the possession of a hated enemy ; whilst he and his people were to be driven, as he supposed, into a strange country, far from the graves of his fathers and his children.

and imprisoned in St. Louis for murder ; that some of the chiefs were sent down to provide for their defense ; that whilst there, and without the consent of the nation, they were induced to sell the Indian country ; that when they came home, it appeared that they had been drunk most of the time they were absent, and could give no account of what .they had done, except that they had sold some land to the white people, and had come home loaded with presents and Indian finery. This was all that the nation ever heard or knew about the treaty of 1804.

Under the pretense that this treaty was void, he resisted the order of the government for the removal of his tribe west of the Mississippi. In the spring of 1831, he recrossed the river, with his women and children and three hundred warriors of the British band, together with some of the Pottawatomie and Kickapoo nations, to establish himself upon his ancient hunting-grounds and in the principal village of his nation. He ordered the white settlers away, threw down their fences, unroofed their houses, cut up their grain, drove off and killed their cattle, and threatened the people with death if they remained. The settlers made their complaints to Gov. Reynolds. These acts of the Indians were considered by the governor to be an invasion of the State. He immediately addressed letters to Gen. Gaines of the United States army, and to Gen. Clark, the superintendent of Indian affairs, calling upon them to use the influence of the government to procure the peaceful removal of the Indians, if possible ; at all events to defend and protect the American citizens who had purchased those lands from the United States, and were now about to be ejected by the Indians. Gen. Gaines repaired to Rock Island, with a few companies of regular soldiers, and soon ascertained that the Indians were bent upon war. He immediately called upon Gov. Reynolds for seven hundred mounted volunteers. The governor obeyed the requisition. A call was made upon some of the northern and central counties, in obedience to which fifteen hundred volunteers rushed to his standard at Beardstown, and about the 10th of June were organized and ready to be marched to the seat of war. The whole force was divided into two regiments, an odd battalion and a spy battalion. The 1st regiment was commanded by Col. James D. Henry, the 2nd by Col. Daniel Lieb, the odd battalion by Major Nathaniel Buckmaster, and the spy battalion by Major Samuel Whiteside. The whole brigade was put under the command of Major Gen. Joseph Duncan, of the State Militia. This was the largest military force of Illinoisans which had ever assembled in the State, and made an imposing appearance as it traversed the then unbroken wilderness of prairie.

The army proceeded in four days to the Mississippi, but on reaching the Indian town they found no enemy there : the Indians had quietly departed the same morning in their canoes for the western side of the Mississippi. Gen. Gaines threatened to pursue them across the river, which brought back Black Hawk, and the chiefs and braves of the hostile band, to Fort Armstrong at Rock Island, to sue for peace. A treaty was here formed with them, by which they agreed to remain forever after on the west side of the river, and never to recross it without the permission of the President or the Governor of the State. And thus these Indians, at last, ratified the treaty of 1804, by -which their lands were sold to the white people, and they agreed to live in peace with the government.

But notwithstanding this treaty, early in the spring of 1832, Black Hawk and the disaffected Indians prepared to reassert their right to the disputed territofy.

Keokuk, another chief, headed the band which was in favor of peace. Keokuk, who was a bold, sagacious leader of his people, was gifted with a wild and stirring eloquence, rare to be found even among Indians, by means of which he retained the greater part of his nation in amity with the white people. But nearly all the bold, turbulent spirits, who delighted in mischief, arranged themselves under the banner of his rival. Black Hawk had with him the chivalry of his nation, with which he recrossed the Mississippi in the spring of 1832. He directed his march to the Rock River country, and this time aimed, by marching up the river into the countries of the Pottawatomies and Winnebagoes, to make them his allies. Gov. Reynolds, upon being informed of the facts, made another call for volunteers. In a few days eighteen hundred men rallied under his banner at Beardstown. This force was organized into four regiments and a spy battalion. Col. Dewit commanded the 1st regiment, .Col. Fry the 2nd, Col. Thomas the 3rd, Col. Thompson the 4th ; James D. Henry commanded the spy battalion. The whole brigade was put under the command of Brigadier Gen. Samuel Whiteside of the State Militia, who had commanded the spy battalion in the first campaign. On the 27th of April Gen. Whiteside, accompanied by Gov. Reynolds, took up his line of march.

It seems that the Indians continued their march up the Rock river toward the Green Bay country, attacking settlements on the way, killing the white settlers and committing various depredations. They were also pursued by the army, which, after a long and tedious march, enduring the most intense suffering, finally overtook them, and, after several severe battles, drove them to the Mississippi, where the last great battle was fought. Black Hawk and some twenty other Indians escaped up the river. A number of

If this is correct, we have the sum of 165, ^00 bushels of wheat, to which we add the amount received at the mills, making a total of 265,200 bushels.

Princeton City Mills Hurlbut & Bingham

The Pork business, during the past year, has been quite small in comparison with former seasons, which may be accounted for by the fact that our farmers have preferred to raisp more corn and less pork. There have been, however, about 1,000 dressed, and something less than half that number of live, hogs shipped by railroad.

Lumber Trade, Fuel

The Lumber trade of PRINCETON is of no small importance. Although we have some three or four dealers in this article, yet the demand exceeds the supply, owing in part to the difficulty of getting it shipped from Chicago, on account of the great amount of freighting done on the railroad. The following is a statement of the amount of Lumber received at the depot during 1856 :

The amount of Coal received from other places by railroad, during 1856, for the use of our citizens, was about 600 tons. A large amount has also been brought by teams from Sheffield and Tiskilwa, amounting in all to about 800 or 1,000 tons. But PRINCETON is by no means dependent upon other places for her fuel, as will readily be seen by the fact that 11,000 cords of wood have been hauled to the depot during the year 1856, and sold for the use of the Railroad Company at this and other stations. There are now 12,000 cords at the depot, covering about ten acres of ground !

A coal bed has lately been discovered within a few miles of the town, and we doubt not but others will soon be found, and that PRINCETON will soon furnish coal, as well as wood, for home and foreign consumption.

That the reader may have something of an idea of the amount of business done by the Railroad at this place, we will give a table showing the amount of money received by the company for freight shipped to and from PRINCETON during the year 1856.

Business Statistics

These figures, which are not exaggerated, compare well with many towns claiming to have five times the number of inhabitants that PRINCETON has, and that are not only connected by railroad with Chicago and the East, but have the advantage of navigation on the Mississippi river, thus affording communication with the North and the South also. Indeed, while all compare well according to population, some exceed and even double !

A goodly number of stores and shops of all kinds are already established and doing a fine trade. Some of the older firms are carrying on a large and extensive business, that might well be envied by many leading firms located in much larger places.

We designed giving the amount of capital invested and sales made during the past year, in each particular branch of business, but were unable to do so, owing to a variety of reasons. Below are some of the most important, and will give the reader some idea of the whole.

Kind Of Business

There are three Brick Yards in Princeton, which, during the past year, have manufactured and sold upward of 3,400,000 brick, at an average of $5.75 per thousand.

American House

In the preceding list we have only designed to give the names of those who are doing business for themselves. Besides these there are a large number of hands actively engaged in nearly every branch of business.

The following list of Churches and Schools shows that the inhabitants here still imbibe the spirit of the Puritan Fathers. For it has often been remarked, that wherever their descendants went, they were sure to erect a suitable place for the worship of God, and also to establish schools as soon as circumstances would allow.

Hampshire Colony Congregational Church. Organized at Northampton, Mass., March 23rd, 1831, and settled in Princeton, July 6th, 1831. Number of members at the time of settlement, 6 ; present number of resident members, 160. This church has had but three settled ministers. Rev. Lucien Farnham commenced his labors in 1833, and was installed first pastor, October 21st, 1835, and continued as such until April, 1839. Rev. Owen Lovejoy commenced preaching October, 1838, and was installed as pastor November 7th, 1839, and continued his relation as such until January, 1856, a period of seventeen years. Rev. N. A. Keyes was stated supply during the year 1856. Rev. Samuel D. Cochran, present pastor, was settled in January, 1857. The church has built two houses of worship - the first was a framed building ; the second, a brick building, 44 by 65, erected in 1848, and which was thought to be sufficiently large for many years to come, but is now too small, and arrangements will probably soonb^made for enlarging or building anew.

Organized October 26th, 1837, under the name of the "First IndepericTent Congregational Church." Became Presbyterian, December 25th, 184G. Number of members when organized, 24 ; number of resident members at present, 110. Rev. A. B. Church was minister most of the time from its organization till it became Presbyterian.

Rev. I. Pillsbury was stated supply from August llth, 1844, to December 7th, 1845 ; Rev. John Stacker most of the year following ; Rev. William Perkins, from May 1st, 1847, to October, 1849, having been installed pastor October, 1847 ; Rev. I. Pillsbury, from October, 1849, to April 20th, 1854, having been installed May, 1850 ; Rev. William P. Carson supplied during the summer of 1855. Rev. J. C. Barr, the present pastor, commenced as supply October, 1855, and was installed pastor January 3rd, 1856. This church and society have just completed a fine church edifice, 50 by 80, at a cost of about $11,000. They formerly occupied a framed building, erected soon after the organization of the church.

Organized in the summer of 1835. Number of members at the time of organization, 13 ; present number of resident members, 136. The church has been supplied with preaching by different ministers until June, 1853, when Rev. F. B. Ives, the present pastor, commenced his labors. This church completed a small framed building for a house of worship in 1848, which has since been enlarged, but is now too small to accommodate the congregation. A lot has already been purchased, with a view of building again soon.

Organized October, 1833. It was then a part of Princeton Circuit ; Rev. William Royal was then pastor. Number of members at tin- time of organization, 8 ; present number of resident members, 73. In July, 1851, it was made a Station, Rev. M. P. Sweet, pastor, who continued this relation till October, 1853. He was followed by Rev. J. 0. Gilbert for one year. Rev. J. W. Stogdill was his successor for two years, to September, 1856. He was followed by the present pastor, Rev. Silas Searl. In 1845 they erected a brick house of worship, which they still occupy.

Organized in 1837, with 8 members. Present number of resident members, 64. Rev. John Cauch, pastor. This church has erected but one house of worship, a small brick building, which they now occupy.

Organized the 8th of March, 1840. Number of members when organized, about 20 ; present number, about 75. John M. Yearnshaw, preacher when the society was organized ; since then, George McManis, John Ross, John Sargent and D. R. Howe, the latter being the present preacher. The society built a brick meeting-house, 28 by 40, in 1845, which they still occupy.

Organized April 27th, 1856. Number of members at the trme of organization, 44; present number, 52. Rev. C. Reas, pastor. During the past year this church have built a small though neat framed house of worship, 26 by 36, at a cost of about $1,200. V.

The German Methodists meet regularly every Sabbath for church services at a school house near the depot, but as yet are not organized into a church. Episcopal services are also now held every Sabbath, but no church is yet formed.

PKINCETON SEMINARY - James H. Smith, Principal ; Miss Ada Walker, Assistant. Established 1851. Average attendance from its commencement to the present time, 81.

Miss BRADLEY'S SELECT SCHOOL. - Whole number of scholars, 40. This school was commenced in April, 1856, and has been quite prosperous thus far.

Character Op Citizens Character Of The Citizens

Most of the inhabitants of PRINCETON were originally from the New England and Middle States, (though we have a "smart sprinkling" of foreigners, composed mostly of Swedes and Germans, who make a very good class of citizens,) and are therefore characterized by that " go-a-head-a-tiveness " so generally possessed by -the people of those States. Not only are they enterprising, industrious and intelligent, but also exhibit a high degree of refinement which makes its appearance in various forms. Particular attention is paid to the cultivation of the science of music, both vocal and instrumental, as well as the more common branches of education. Perhaps we ought to dwell more particularly on the subject of music as we mention it here, inasmuch as such a high degree of musical talent is exhibited among us. We suppose it is safe to say that there is not another place of the same size that can equal PRINCETON in respect to musical attainments.

With regard to the morality of the place, we would judge that it is quite as good as most places of its size, East or West ; and we believe it is generally considered that it has improved in this respect within the last few years. Still, there is room for improvement. Sic passim.

The town of PRINCETON was incorporated March 13th, 1838, by vote of the citizens, under the general incorporation law, and on the 24th of March, 1838, the following persons were chosen trustees of the town : John Vaughn, Stephen Wilson, Justin H. Olds, William 0. Chamberlain, and John Miller.

The subject of organizing under a charter, and becoming incorporated as a city, is now being agitated somewhat, though we can not learn that any thing very definite has yet been done in regard to it. *

That PRINCETON will eventually become a large inland city, there is not the least shadow of a doubt. Another railroad is in contemplation from LaSalle to PRINCETON, a charter having been granted for the same at the last session of the legislature. Several New York capitalists have already been attracted here, and one farm situated near the depot has been purchased with a view of laying it out into town lots and erecting a number of buildings thereon. Nature has afforded it a most excellent site for a large town. It is situated on a somewhat level plain, yet sufficiently "high and dry," and can be seen from a distance of many miles. The surrounding country is acknowledged to be one of the finest portions of the State, having no superior. The prairie in the immediate vicinity of PRINCETON is nearly all under cultivation ; and more rich and easier soil to till, we do not believe can be found. Timber is plenty, as has been proved by our wood statistics, being found all along Bureau creek and other streams, and here and there many a large grove of good timber can be seen.

* Since the above was written, we learn that an Act has passed the Legislature, extending the Corporation limits, and granting a Town Charter, which provides for the election of a Board of Councilmen and President ; thus giving PRINCETON all the privileges of an incorporated City, minus the name.

Meteorological Tables

As to healthfulness of climate, few places have been more highly favored. True, there is occasionally some sickness, and people do die here - mirabile dictu I But when we compare the mortality of the place with eastern towns of the same size, we find it to be much less.

Here we will insert a Meteorological Table, furnished us by our citizen, Mr. N. Matson, which perhaps may serve to give the reader some idea of the climate in this region.

And Also

The above Pianos furnished at factory prices, with only freight added, low for cash or good paper. Each of the above instruments warranted to give satisfaction, or NO SALE.

Clothing made to order, and every article necessary to a complete Furnishing Store for Gentlemen, constantly dn hand, and for sale at moderate prices. All work warranted.

Female Pills

Dealers in Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Camphene, Turpentine, Brushes, Cigars and Fancy Articles ; all of the popular Patent Medicines of the day. Proprietors of DR. BODLEY'S FEVER AND AGUE BALSAM, which is unequalled as a cure for all Fevers of an Intermittent character. Garden, Field and Flower SEEDS, constantly on hand. Agents for CLARK'S FEMALE PILLS. Princeton, Illinois.

In Gold And Silver Cases

Fine gold Lockets, Seals, Keys, &c. ; fine gold Guard, Vest and Fob Chains ; Cameo, Mosaic and plain gold Pins and Ear Rings of the latest style ; Locket, Seal and other kinds of Finger Rings ; Gent's Pins, Studs, Sleeve Buttons, &c. ; Gold Pens, with gold and silver cases ; gold and silver Pencil Cases ; gold, silver and blue steel Spectacles, with glass of all kinds to suit different persons ; silver and plated tea, table and desert Spoons, sugar Shovels, Cream Ladles, Forks, Fruit and Butter Knives, plated Tea-Services, Cake Baskets, Castors, Cups, &c.; eight day and thirty hour Clocks and time pieces; hair, nail and tooth Brushes, Combs, &c. Silver, German silver and plated Thimbles, Scissors, Work-boxes, Dressing-cases, portmonies, &c.

The Cheapest Umbrellas, Carpet-Bags And Trunks

The above mentioned Goods will be sold cheaper than in any Store in the State of Illinois. The Goods are cut and made after the latest fashion and in a superior manner. We will clothe a man from TOP TO TOE FOR A FIVE DOLLAR BILL, and give him some change back.

Princeton, Bureau Co., Ilju

Will practice in the Circuit and County Courts of Bureau County, and the several Courts of this State. Will give strict attention to the Collection of Claims, the Investigation of Land Titles, and to Legal business generally. Office in Court House.

Milo Kendall. George O. Ide Princeton, Bureau Co., Ill

Will give prompt attention to all legal business intrusted to his care, in Common Law or Chancery ; to the purchase and sale of Lands in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas and Iowa; to investigation of Military Bounty Land Claims in the Military District in Illinois, Missouri or Arkansas, as well as other titles ; to Claims in the War Department, and elsewhere, &c., &c.

Physician & Surgeon

Residence and Office, Third Avenue, Church Street, 3d house South of the Baptist Church, East side, Princeton, 111. Calls attended to both night and day.

Doors And Blinds

The undersigned are prepared, at the old stand of Robinson & Jones, to furnish the public with a variety of Choice Meats, such as Beef, Pork, Mutton, Veal, Poultry, &c.

George W. Hatch

HHAKES this opportunity of announcing to the public, that he is JL now erecting a large and commodious brick building for the business of Tanning, exclusively by

His New And Valuable Process Of

This system of Tanning is purely vegetable. His patented principle is not chemical; it has these characteristic features, namely : It is a great preservative ; is inexhaustible ; is very penetrative ; it costs nothing ; it enables the Tanner to turn his capital four or five times, to once in the usual way ; and to make better Leather, without additional cost, than by the usual mode of tanning with bark. Not only so, but it also enables him to use Terra Japonica, or any other vegetable tannins, with good success and like results. Your advertiser is doing all his Tanning here without the aid of bark.

He will sell RIGHTS OF TERRITORY, at wholesale to speculators, or retail for local business, at very reasonable rates. He will usually be found at his " Excelsior Tannery," or, when absent, a competent agent will be left in his place.

We will pay the highest market price in cash for Hides. All orders, accompanied by cash or Hides, promptly answered. Our terms with all are, " Pay down ! ! and sell cheap ! ! !"

Princeton, - - - Illinois

An experience of many years in the above business, in all its details, both at the East and in the West, enables me to understand the wants of builders, and give satisfaction to any who may entrust business in my hands.

Business Directory Elastic, Expansive And Contractive

which, for durability, utility and economy, is acknowledged to be superior to any other now in use. Instead of the Key and Lever, which is awkward in appearance and constantly liable to get out of repair, we use a Spring, which answers every purpose, and gives far greater satisfaction.

This may Certify, That I have on my farm, near Princeton, fifty rods of Burk's Wire Fence, and 590 rods of Spaulding's Improved Win Fence ; and I find the latter to be decidedly preferable to any other.

Harry Field

This is to Certify, That we, the undersigned, farmers of Bureau County, have had an opportunity of thoroughly testing the new Improved Wire Fence, manufactured by Spaulding & Smith, and we heartily concur in the above testimony of Mr. -Field.

Job Fhiiter

His Office is furnished with a great variety of the best selection* of Type of the latest styles, with excellent Presses, and everything necessary to a complete Printing Establishment. Every particle of the material in this Office is NEW, and the men employed here are among the very best workmen in the West. It is, in short, one of the best furnished Printing Offices any where in the interior of the State.

And Etery Species Of

0^~ There is no Office in this county, or in any county adjoining it, that can compete with this, either in the excellence of its work or the extent of its newspaper circulation. All orders sent by mail, or otherwise, promptly attended to.

Job Printing

A large portion of which has been lately purchased, and is, for all practical purposes, as good as new. We have, also, two Washington Hand-Presses and a Yankee Machine Card Press, (Oilman's patent,) which will print Cards, Circulars, Tickets, Labels, etc., at the rate of One Thousand per Hour.

With these facilities, together with the best of workmen, and twenty years experience in the business, we are able to furnish our customers with work that cannot be surpassed in Bureau county, and at the most reasonable prices.

And French and Silk Embroidery. The latest Eastern styles received monthly. All Work warranted to give satisfaction, and Produce received in payment. Rooms on Main, near Peru St.

Two Miles South Of Pkinoeton

From 2 to 5 years old, and of sizes to suit all customers.. The quality of the trees and selection of varieties are not inferior to those of any other Nursery in this part of the country. Also, PEAR, PEACH, PLUM and CHERRY Trees, and all the smaller fruits in great variety. A large assortment of EVERGREENS and other ORNAMENTAL TREES.

Shrubs, Climbers, Roses, Paeonies, Phloxes, Tulips, and other plants usually kept in the best Nurseries. TERMS CASH. For further particulars, see the Catalogue of the Nursery, which will be furnished gratis to all applicants.

Arthur Bryant

The subscriber has for sale at his Nursery, 75,000 i Apple Trees, of suitable size for orchard planting, selected with particular reference to their adaptedness to this soil and climate - hardy, early, abundant bearers ; free from lice, which I consider twenty per cent. better than lousy trees furnished gratis. A supply of Cherry, Pear and Plum Trees for the retail trade.* Choice GRAPE VINES, CURRANTS, GOOSEBERRIES, BARBERRIES, RASPBERRIES, STRAWBERRIES, RHUBARB and ASPARAGUS ROOTS.

Evergreen Trees. - The stock comprises several thousand Trees of White Scotch, and Austrian Pine, Balsam, Fir, Norway and Black Spruce, Red Cedar, Hemlock and Arbor Vitae, from six inches to six feet in height.

Mountain Ash, Silver Maple, Silver Abele, Butternut, Chestnut, Black Walnut, Golden Willow, Larch, Magnolias, and other shade trees. A large collection of Roses, Honeysuckles, Pseonies, Phloxes, Lillies, Veronicas, Youccas, etc.

Sweet Potato Sprouts ; Osage Orange, and Buckthorn seed, and Plants for hedging. All orders from a distance carefully packed at cost of materials used, and delivered at the railroad station free of charge. Also, seed of the Chinese Sugar Cane for gratuitous distribution to our cash customers.

One Quarter Of A Mile West Of Sheffield

The unprecedented sale of Coal at our Bank during the past winter, reaching at times as high as one hundred tons per day, proves conclusively that the citizens of Bureau county are, in a measure, realizing the fact that Coal is indisputably the

Cheapest & Best Fuel In Use

The following table has been prepared from estimates made and carefully proved by the managers of different railroads in this vicinity, viz., that 1 ton of Coal is equivalent to 2 and 6-10ths cords of Wood ; estimating the Coal at $2,00 per ton, and Wood at $3,00 per cord, we find :

For the purpose of protecting our Coal from the effects of the atmosphere. A large amount of Coal will always be kept on hand ; our customers can therefore rely upon always finding a permanent supply.

Coke is an article prepared from Coal, in much the same manner as Charcoal is from wood ; the sulphur gases and other impurities are driven off by the action of heat - the pure carbon is left ; it (the Coke) burns in much the same manner as anthra- cite coal, gives an intense heat, with but little flame and smoke. On account of its extreme cleanliness and the other peculiar properties mentioned, it is especially adapted for the use of families (in their parlor stoves, for cooking, &c.) blacksmiths and manufacturing purposes. It is sold at the low price of

A Large Supply Always On Hand

D^" The following should have appeared in the history of the County, but the advertisement came too late, and we are compelled to insert it here.

We would call the attention of our readers to the Advertisement of this enterprising Company, as given above. It was organized about four years ago, and is composed of some of the most prominent and energetic men of this State and Iowa. The works are carried on on the most extensive scale and in the most systematic manner. When the demand warrants it, this Company can raise 200 tons of coal per day ; at present there are employed about 40 men, and the mining progresses at the rate of 80 to 100 tons daily. Every Company organized and carried on for the purpose of furnishing cheap arid good fuel, deserves well of our citizens. We commend this Company to those who use coal for fuel, (and the number is and must be increasing every year, ) as one every way worthy of their confidence and support.

IT is acknowledged by all who have traveled over this Road, to be one of the best in the country, passing through the finest portion of Illinois, and the flourishing Towns of

Passengker Trains

EVERY MORNING AND EVENING, ( Sunday Mornings excepted,) connecting at Mendota with Illinois Central R. R., North and South ; at Galesburg, with Northern Cross R. R: for Quincy ; and at Burlington, with Burlington and Missouri River Rail Road.

Chemical Combination Of Active Agents

la a safe form, ever known. The astonishing cures it effects renders it a duty to make its merits known. Thousands have been restored to ROBUST HEALTH after the old system had been tried till on the brink of the grave. Try it.

German Veterinary Surgeon

Who used it in his private practice for more than forty years successfully. See Wells' Almanac each successive year, in the hands of Agents, Free.

An Illustrated History Op Chicago, With Portraits And

In Double and Single Columns. Each number will be copiously ILLUSTRATED, and will contain at least 32 pages devoted to AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OP CHICAGO, WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OP HER BUILDERS AND PRESENT PROMINENT CITIZENS - the men whose united energy has, in a period of twenty years, changed tfie Rude Fort beyond the verge of civilization, to a Mighty City, metropolis of an empire vast in extent, boundless in resources. Each number will contain also, A HISTORY, accompanied by a beautifully engraved, full page view of some other Prominent Western City, with Notices of its Prominent Men.

A Monthly Record of Current Western Events, with a Synopsis of Commercial Intelligence, will accompany each number; Notices of New Publications, with a List of those forwarding copies of Works to the Institute for its Library, etc., etc.

The publishers aim to connect with the above a Mechanical and Scientific Department, which shall embrace all the varied information on subjects properly under those heads constantly occurring, condensed, and placed in attractive popular form.

OF- It will contain an ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT, to the pages of which we invite the attention of dealers of all classes wishing to circulate notices of their business throughout the West.

Terms. - $3.00 per year in advance. It may be obtained of Booksellers and Periodical Dealers, or from the Publishers. The Postage to any distance will not exceed 6 cents per quarter.

Books Published And Sent, Post-Paid, From This Office

CHRISTIAN EVIDENCES. By JAMES CHALLEN. The design of this book may be seen from the table of contents : I. Introductory Chapter. II. Miracles - Their Necessity and Design. III. Introduction of Christianity - A Demonstration for its Truth. IV. Eeasons assigned by Infidels for its Propagation. V. The Church a witness for the Truth of Christianity. VI. Spiritual Gifts Demonstrated by the Early and Rapid Spread of Christianity.

"THE GOSPEL AND ITS ELEMENTS." By JAMBS CHALLEN. This work is designed to show the Origin and Reasons of the Reformation as plead by the Disciples, and to develop the Elements of the Gospel. Printed on the finest paper, 208 pages. Price of each of the above works, postpaid - muslin, 37£ cents per copy, or three copies, $1. Paper, 25 cents per copy, or five copies, $1. Remit post-office stamps.

Leander K. Lippenoott

This Magazine is no trashy and irresponsible catch-penny to get away the children's money, but is a beautiful, pure, instructive and well established Monthly for the Young and the fire-side. It is, in fact, an institution of the country. In January it enters upon its NINETEENTH VOLUME and tenth year of publication. Always popular, it is now recognized as the

Standard Juvenile Monthly

STANDARD JUVENILE MONTHLY. Suffice it to say, it will preserve the same general character as heretofore, with persistent .effort to make each department still more perfect.

To CLUBS. - For $3 at one time, we will send the Magazine to four subscribers. For $7 at one time, we will send the Magazine to ten subscribers. For $10 at one time, we will send the Magazine to fifteen subscribers. For $15 at one time, we will send the Magazine to twenty-four subscribers.

A Family Newspaper

Its columns will be open to all political parties. The first No. will be issued about the last of May or the first of June. Subscriptions to be paid within three months after issuing the first number.

It will be the aim of the proprietors to furnish a good, reliable Family Newspaper, which will exert a healthy influence in favor of high-toned morality and, general reform, and be a welcome visitor at every fire-side circle.

Enabling us to fill all orders in this line to the satisfaction of customers. The type and materials will be entirely new, and of the latest styles.

Our Engravings, Etc

We are somewhat disappointed in our View of Princeton, as it hardly does justice to the town, inasmuch as the point from which the Daguerreotype copy was taken was distant. We could find no better point from which to take it, and, consequently, have done the best we could. We think, however, that it compares well with similar views of other places.

We trust that the reader will not fail to notice our Advertising pages, and we take pleasure in recommending the Business Men who advertise as being the men of enterprise, and the life of our community. To these, and to Messrs. Pine and Faxon of the " Democrat " and " Post/' as well as to our " knowing friends," among the " old settlers," we would return our thanks for many favors heartily granted.

The difficulties in the way of getting up a reliable work of this kind, particularly the statistical portion, are hardly appreciable by those who have not been engaged in similar enterprises, and on this account, we beg the indulgence of all classes in this, our first attempt ; but we accord with pleasure the meed of praise to those business firms and private individuals who have cheerfully aided us in the undertaking. These have shown, by this act, not alone their good will to us, but their far-seeing sagacity ; for every well-considered and truthful statement of the business and industry of any place, scattered freely among the community, must largely tell upon the increased facilities of trade, and the interest felt in developing its resources.

To any who are disposed to find fault because their names do not appear in their proper places, we would say, we made a special published request, that all whom we failed to call upon, would hand in their names by a certain time, and those who were gentlemanly enough to comply with the request (in season) have received their reward.

Source changes here: from Past and Present of Bureau County, Illinois, by Harrington, George B, published 1906; 7,683 words in this source stream.

Princeton Township

Probably very few cities in Illinois, small or large, present a more attractive appearance to the eye of the stranger than Princeton. Her streets and alleys are clean and well kept; her homes arc models of neatness and thrift; and her business houses rank with towns and cities of a much larger growth. Her beautiful lawns and luxurious expanse of shade trees make her at once the pride and joy of her citizens. Her people are intellectual, scholarly and progressive; many of them came from that sturdy New England stock that has ever made its influence felt on the side of energy, economy and perseverance. Others came from the middle west, bringing with them that strong inherited character that has ever developed in that region of the country, while still more are the product of our own beloved commonwealth.

Tlius this heterogenous mingling of climes and conditions has evolved a population that is at once stable and unique. Its location could hardly be more favorable. It stands upon a slightly undulating prairie, with good drainage advantages, surrounded with the richest kind of soil, where all of the great agricultural products grow in extravagant proportions. Her people are prosperous and contented, for they are located in the great Mississippi valley, the acknowledged garden of the world. Its geographical situation as described by the records, also by Bradsby's history, is about as follows : Princeton is on section 16, township 16, range 9. It was first surveyed August 23, 1832, by B. M. Hayes, and the first plat was made by John P. Blake. The sixteenth section, being school land, was under the management of the school trustees, who ^-ere at that time Roland Moseley, John Musgrove and John P. Blake. The people petitioned the trustees to sell said section and divide the proceeds. Accordingly the trustees made the subdivisions of the same. The central part of the town was divided into lots containing one acre and a fraction ; the west part of the town was divided into lots of four acres and a fraction ; and the north part of the town into four and eightacre lots, while the northeast quarter was divided into thirty seven-acre tracts, and the east, two hundred acres were divided into four, nine and eighteen-acre lots. The trustees made their report of the subdivisions September 17, 1832, and acknowledged the same before John M. Gay, justice of the peace. This was the first legal instrument ever recorded in what is now Bureau county, and it was recorded by Warren Hooper, recorder of Putnam county, March 22, 1833. The second document recorded was a deed from George Churchill, of Madison county, Illinois, to James McKinney, conveying the northeast quarter of section 19. township 14, range 9 (Wheatland). This piece of land had been sold by the state to Churchill on the 19th day of February, 1830. The third transfer of real estate was that of the pre-emi)tion right of Leonard Roth to Jesse Perkins, in which Roth quit-claims east half of the southeast quarter and the east half of the northeast quarter of section 24, township 15, range 9 (Arispie), for which he received six hundred dollars. This bears date of November 13, 1833. The same date the record shows that David Jones sold to Jesse Perkins a quit-claim to the cast half of the northwest (juarter of section 19, townshiji 15, range 10, for the sum of fifty dollars. The records show that David Jones signed by ''his mark." Again we find that Governor Reynolds signed a deed to lot 31 in Princeton, conveying the same to Washington Webb for the consideration of five dollars. This is the lot where the jail now stands. During the year Webb sold the same to Jerry Parsons for one lumdred dollars. On January 2, 1834, Governor Reynolds deeded to W. 0. Chamberlain lot 30, Princeton, for two and one-half dollars. In May, 1834. Cliamberlain sold the same to Fred Haskell for thirty dollars. Lot IK, containing eight acres, was sold by Governor Reynolds in January, 1834, for twenty dollars. Lot 118 was sold the same day at the same price. September 17, 1834, Daniel Shellev and liis wife Susanna sold to

Brown and .lolin Suarl liis pre-emption to one-half of the southeast of section 3, townsliip 15, ran>.e 10, for one liundred and twenty-live dollars. John Musgrove bought lot 2, Princeton, in January, 1834, containing four acres, for ten dollars. September, 1834, .Varon Gunn sold to Jonathan IIolbrook for five hundred dollars a quit-claim to the southwest cjuarter of section 24, township 18, range 10 (about where J..a Moille now stands). July 14, 1834, the government land office, at Galena, made the first sale of land which was in section 33, township 11, range 9. Elisha Wood was the purchaser. We have given a few of the first purchases made in the county, thinking it might be of interest to some, at least, of our readers to note the evolution in prices of Bureau county property.

The naming of the township of Princeton w:is the privilege of the three trustees, Eoland Moseley, John Musgrove and John P. Blake. When these men came together to act upon the subject of christening this new legal division of land, each one had a favorite name to present. It is only natural when one wanders away from the scenes of his early life that he should feel a longing for something that looks or sounds like home, so it was with the school trustees of what is now Princeton. They each presented the name of their choice, but could come to no agreement; finally it was decided that it should be settled by lottery. Each man was to write the name of his choice upon a piece of paper and place it in a hat, and a stranger, being Iilincl-foldcd, shoidd make the drawing. Mr. Musgrove, coming from New Jersey, and l)eing loyal to her classic institution, wrote upon his slip Princeton, and as it had been agreed that the first name drawn should settle the question, there was quite a little excitement in the pi'cparation for the (ieciding contest. Matters were finally arranged and the bandage placed over the eyes of the drawer and he was led up to the hat wherein the papers had been placed and with outstretched hand he stood ready to decide the great and momentous question of christening the first born of the future Bureau county. At last the word was given, the drawing was made, while those interested stood witii abated breath, awaiting the result which was soon announced by the declaration tluit ujion the slip of ])aper drawn by the blind-folded man Princeton was plainly written, and so we todav have the classic name of Princeton for the legal center of Bureau county. Princeton, for numy years has enjoyed the distinction of being one of the literary centers of the state. She has the proud record of organizing aiul putting in successfid ojieration the lirst townshij) high school in Illinois. Il is surely a cily <<( (|uicl and pleasant homes.

Although we have written in regard to the naming of this city, its fiist incorjioration was as a village in March, 1838. 'J'lie vote taken at that time resulted in twenty f<ir and none against the measure. Notwithstandinj; we have "iNcn the names, in another part of this volume, of those who voted at this election, it seems proper that they should apjiear in this connection. The names were as follows: Andrew Smith, Stephen Wilson, William II. Wells, Noah Wiswell, Cyrus Laugworthy, John Long, Eobert C. Masters, Samuel Triplctt, John Walter, Butler Denham, John Vaughan, E. H. Phelps, Oliver Boyle, Joseph Houghton, Joseph Smith, Eobert Stewart, John H. Bryant, Justin 11. Olds, Thomas S. Elston and Eobert T. Templeton. As near as can be ascertained these men comprised all of the voting population at that time. 1 1 casts a tinge of sorrow and gloom over one's thoughts when he realizes that out of all that number, who were so active and interested in this community, at tliat early date, not one is now living. All have passed over the river of time and joined the great majority "in that undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns," but such is life. We are born, we live, we die, and each generation in its turn passes off the stage of action and leaves life's field to the stewardship of those who follow.

The first justices of the peace were Thomas Elston, Aquilla Triplett, Robert C. Masters and Joseph Waldo. In 1857 a new or amended charter went in force and Princeton was known as a town, with nearly all the prerogatives of a city charter. The first officers under the town organization were elected on April G, 1857: President, P^benezer White; trustees, L. P. Estjon, Elijah Dee, Jedediah Pain, P. N. Newell and Daniel McDonald. The first meeting of the new council was held in Judge Ballou's office, at which time the president and council took the oath of office, it being administered by Levi North, police magistrate. The second meeting was held in the office of J. I. Taylor; at this meeting George II. Phelps was elected clerk, P. N. Newell, treasurer; David Norton, nuirshal, and (ieorgc W. Stone, constable. The first board of health under the new charter was composed of William Bacon, Dr. W. C. Anthony, Samuel Wood, Epliriam Fellows and S. Fried, and the fire wardens were Charles S. Boyd, E. G. Jester, William Grant, Jacob Fetrow and A. S. Chapman. Charles S. Allen was prosecuting attorney. The last official act of this first council of the town of Princeton, was to vote "that an oyster supper be given the jjresent members of the council and corporation officers at the expense of the town." The clerk made no record of the condition, appearance or of the final separation of this self-sacrificing band of officials; neither did he nud\e a note of the cost of this magnificent banquet, spread at the expense of the town, but by the authority of the outgoing council.

Princeton remained under this charier until 1884, when slie flung her banner to the breeze and stood before the world in all the paraphernalia and dignity of a full-fiedged city. The offices of president and clerk, from 1857 to 1881, were filh^d ijy the following named persons:

On November 30, 18S3, an election was held to decide whether Princeton should remain under its old charter or be organized with a city form of government. The vote was as follows: Si.x hundred votes were cast, four hundred and ninetyone for, and one hundred sixfy-niiie against, making a majority in favoi' of a city charter three hundred aiul twenty-two. At this time Princeton had a population of three thousand six hundred and ten. ^J'he vote was canvassed and declared to the citizens January 7, 1884. After taking the census the board proceeded to divide the city into four wards. The iirst ward is bounded on the cast and south by the city limits, on the west by the center of Main street, and on the north by the south line of Crown street, from the center of Main street to the east of Church street, and thence by the south line of lot 112 (original town) to the west side of Fourth street, and thence by the north line of Virgil street to the east of Homer street, and thence by a line due east to the city limits. The second ward is bounded on the west and south by the city limits and on the east by center of Main street, on the north by center of Putnam street.

Third ward, bounded on the west and north by city limits, on the east by center of Main street and on the south by center of Putnam street. The fourth ward is bounded on north and east by city limits, on the west by center of Main street and on south by north line of First ward. The ordinance calling for election of city officers fixed the day of election on the third Tuesday in April, 1884. The ordinance provided for an election of ma3'or, two aldermen from each ward, a marshal, city clerk, attorney and treasurer. The officers chosen on this first election were as follows : Justus Stevens, mayor ; I. O. Brokaw, city clerk; W. Henderson, city attorney; Atherton Clark, marshal ; Daniel H. Smith, treasurer ; aldermen. First ward, E. A. Washburn, A. C. Best; Second ward, Milo Kendall, James S. Eckles; Third ward. Ami L. Davis, Elias C. Finncll; Fourth ward, W. H. Mesenkup, Phillip Wolfsberger.

On January IS, 1885, Mayor Stevens' office was made vacant by death. On January 31, 1885, Milo Kendall, by a vote of the council, was elected mayor and served until the April election. Princeton for many years suffered, in common with other prairie towns, on account of muddy roads. The soil being of a rich black mold made the roads almost impassable in times of great rainfall. How to better the condition of our streets and roads was the subject much discussed. Early in the fifties a plank road was contemplated from Peru to Dixon, and the road was completed most of the way to Arlington, in this county, but the projectors soon found that it was not feasible as it required repairing even before they could finish half the distance, so the project was dropped. But the peojile were not satisfied to wade thnnigh mud if it could be avoided, and the subject of the betterment of our thoroughfares was still much in evidence.

Justus Stevens, one of Bureau county's farseeing and public-spirited men, strongly advocated (/nivcliin/ the streets; but others said no, it will be a waste of time and money to put gravel on a street where heavy teaming is done. Finally, in the year 1876, Mr. Stevens was elected member of the town council and was made cliairman of the street coininittoo. -Mr. Stevens saw his opportunity and had the courage to improve it. Accordingly taking the responsibility for the result upon luiuself, he ordered Main street from the Court House square to the depot graveled. The e.xperiment was a great success and far exceeded what was claimed for it. This was the beginning of Bureau county's sjilendid roadways. Today the graveled highways of our county are noted all over the state and to the enterprise and strong personality of Justus Stevens the people of this county pay homage as they glide along over these transformed public roads.

The water supply system of Princeton can hardly be excelled. It consists of two wells, one one tiiiHisand eight hundred feet deep, the other two tliDusanil four hundred feet. The shallow well contains a small jiercentage of magnesia, and the other is sulphurous. The machinery is so arranged that water can be taken from either at will ; the analysis of the water shows that it is almost entirely free from any vegetable matter, making it practically pure, while the supply is inexhaustible. The stan(l])ipe is twenty-four feet square at the base and one hundred and twenty-eight feet high, and has a capacity of fifty-five thousand gallons. Princeton has two volunteer fire companies of fifty-si.x members, and three thousand feet of hose. The water plant was erected in 1889, and now has thirteen miles of water mains with one hundred and fifteen hydrants. D. E. Hunger and ('. ,1. ]\IcManis were members of the council during tlii' incipicncy of the waterworks agitation and much credit is due them for the zeal and energy they displayed in bringing it about.

Sewerage

Princeton has surveyed and platted a system of sewerage which when completed will be one of its most desirable improvements. It has already constructed nine thousand five hundred and thirty feet of eight-inch, eight thousand seven hundred and seventy feet of ten-inch and five thousand seven hundred and seventy feet of eighteen-inch mains which drain into a septic tank about one and one-half miles northwest of the court house.

Princeton, like most of our western towns, commenced laying plank sidewalks, but a fewyears ago that plan was discontinued and nothing now is used but cement. The city has thirty-six miles of sidewalk; seven of these are brick and ten cement.

The court house of our county, while too good to tear down, is not up to the modern demands for a county building. It was voted into existence by the board of supervisors who were elected in 1S')9. and some of the members failed to be returned in 1860. They fell political martyrs to the faith that was within them, and as we look over the broad, rich acres of our great county, with all its wealth and all its progressive citizenship, and meditate upon the constantly growing demands for increased facilities for doing business in every department of our county's work, we are constrained to ask: "Who will be the next?"

There are fourteen churches within the corporate limits of Princeton, the Congregational. Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian. Jlethodist Protestant, Swedish Evangelical Lutheran, Swedish Mission, Swedish Baptist, Roman Catholic, St. John's Church, C4erman Evangelical Church, African Methodist, English Lutheran.

The American House was commenced in 1855 and was first opened to the public July 20, 1857. The men financially interested in this enterprise were John H. Bryant, Justus Stevens aiul J. M. McConihe. They were afterward joined by Andrew Gosse and Jacob Albrecht. The building was erected at a cost of about forty thousand dollars. Its first proprietor was Charles Pike, who remained about one j-ear, when a Mr. Warren took charge of it from 1855 to 1862, then Allison from 1862 to 1865, Hutchins till 1866, then Romsdate to 1867, the Muncer Brothers from 1867 to 1873, Bushnell from i873 to 1879, when D. E. Hunger took charge of it, and, witli the exception of about one year and a half beginning with the spring of 1893, when J. H. Henderson was proprietor, he was the landlord of the American House until September, 1903, wdieu the present genial occupant, W. F. Campbell, took charge.

The first postoffice in Princeton township was kept by Elijali Smith, and was located about two miles north of the court house, near the John Skugart farm. His appointment dates from August 10, 1832. The office was called Greenfield, Putnam county. The second postmaster was Dr. Nathaniel Chamberlain, who lived about one mile and a half south of Princeton, on the Tiskihva load. His ap])ointment dated from Deeeiuber 20, 1832. In 1833 the name was changed from Greenfield to Princeton, Putnam county. The third postmaster was John M. Gay, wliose appointment dated from August 6, 1834. Hr. Gay moved the office into what is now the city of Princeton. In 1837 Bureau county was organized and the following named persons have since filled the f)ffiee in the order named : l)e Gross Salisbury, December 39, 1837 ; Nathan Grav, April 14, 1849; Samuel Limerick, July 6, 1852; William H. Winters. February 13, 1854; Charles N. Pine, June 17, 1856. reappointed February 4, 1857; J. Massillon McConihe. June I, 1858'; James H. Smith, l\rarch 27, 1861 ; Daniel McDonald, :\rarch 17, 1865, reappointed October 4, 1870: Ida Lovejoy. March 17, 1871; James W. Templeton, March 17, 1875. reappointed March 3. 1879. reappointed February 27. 1883; J. M. JlcConihe, Februarv 22, 1887; Charles P. Bacon, February 11.1 891 ; 'Ellis K. Mercer, ]\rarch 20, 1895;

During all the years of her existence as village, town, and city, Princeton has been blessed with a clean, competent and affable administration in postoffice affairs.

John Gay erected the first frame building in Princeton. It stood on the west side of Main street. It had one square room. In this room the family lived and kept boarders. The postoffice was also kept in the same place and sometimes religious meetings were held there. This room forms a part of the old Chapman House, opposite the Congregational church. Parker Newell and Andrew Swanzy were the first children born in the corporation, and William Isaacs is the oldest living person born in this county.

The first marriage recorded in the town was that of Justin Olds and Louisa Bryant. The John H. Brj-ant place was called Round Point in early times, and was really the beginning of Princeton. Here on this point Michael Kitterman built a small cabin in 1829 to designate his claim, and then left to go for his family, and in his absence Curt Williams jumped his claim and Mr. Kitterman took up the claim that he lived on the rest of his life. Williams left for a time and John and Arthur Bryant erected a cabin upon the place in 1832, and for some reason were away for a short time and when they returned this same Curt Williams took possession of it on the strength of a prior occupancy. The matter was settled and the Bryants remained. This man Williams was ever present when there was any chance for jumping claims. The first building in what is now Princeton was a log blacksmith shop on the lot north of the Congregational Church.

The second was a store built of logs where Mr. Prutzman's house now stands. A man by the name of Haskell kept store in it for a while, and afterwards Robert T. Templeton kept a grocery store in the same building. In 1834 Stephen Triplet built a tavern on the east side of Main street. Mrs. Egbert Norton, in a historical sketch of Princeton, which was published in the Bureau County Tribune in the issue of May 19, 1899, says: "The lot where Vaughan's store is was bought for five dollars. Elijah Wiswall built a one-story frame house and store upon it. Soon after, where the American House stands, was built a mill for ijrinding grain : it was worked bv horses. Just north of this was a large pond, where the boys used to shoot ducks and go swimming. And how tall the grass used to grow; we used to cut it for blackboard pointers."

Princeton has many times been honored by the presence of people of national celebrity. In 1861 President Garfield preached in the Christian church. Henry Ward Beecher, Thomas De Witt Talmage, Carl Schurz, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, John J. Ingalls and many others have spoken from the rostrums in Princeton.

On the 4th of July 1856, one of the largest crowds that ever gathered in Bureau county assembled in Princeton to hear the oration given by Abraham Lincoln. It was more than a county celebration. People were here from Galesburg, Rock Island, Ottawa, and from all over the northern part of the state. They, together with our own citizens, made the crowd colossal. This was before the country was supplied with top carriages and light vehicles, but that did not stop the people from coming. They came in big lumber wagons and mammoth contrivances constructed for the occasion loaded with eager, expectant and enthusiastic men and women. From early morning until the time of speaking the multitude increased until at last the streets and byways were one seething mass of humanity. The oration was given about one mile south of town in the John H. Bryant grove, and here recently the patriotic chapter of the "Daughters of the Revolution" have placed a large boulder with suitable inscription to mark this historic spot.

Mr. Lincoln was at his best, and those whoso privilege it was to hear him count it as one of the epochs of their lives. After Lincoln's address Judge Knox, of Rock Island, spoke, and then George W. Stipp, later known as Judge Stipp, was called for. Judge Stii)p was then a voung man and had been a resident of this county but a short time, and as the hour was late he hesitated about going upon the platform to address the throng, but they insisted and finally he consented to give a short talk, and for a time convnlscil his audience with laughter. They went wild with enthusiasm, and when he tried to close his remiirks the crowd shouted for more. The writer often heard the judge, in his later years, tell of a little circumstance that occurred that day and seemed to enjoy the joke, as he called it, although it was at his expense. He said he wore a short coat and the clothing that covered some parts of his anatomy was worn so badly that it was not just genteel, and after the meeting was over he was walking back to town with a friend when he-overheard a ])arty discussing the speeches of the day. One said that was a great speech that Lincoln gave. Yes, says another, Lincoln is a great man, but I liked Judge Knox quite as well. Yes, said the third, their speeches were all right, but you can talk about your Lincolns and Knoxes all you ])lcase, l)ut give me that raggedy-bai ked Stipp every time. He's a hummer. At the time of Senator Ingalls' visit to Princeton the writer was one of the committee appointed to meet him at the train. TTo arrived in the middle of the afternoon, ami was lo address the people in the evening under the aus])iccs of the Woman's Club. On arriving at the hotel he was assigned a room where he could rest. John TT. Bryant, then nearly a nonogenarian, soon called to meet the .senator. It seems that, notwithstanding these two men held different ])olitical views, Mr. Bryant had great admiration for this brilliant man of Kansas, who at times had aroused the United States senate, and the country at large, with his wonderful power for repartee and satire. We said to Mr. Bryant (hat Mr. Ingalls is in his room but we would see if he would not come down and meet him. Accordingly we rapped upon the senator's door and informed him that the Hon. John II. Bryant wished to see him. In reply he said, I shall be glad to meet Mr. Bryant, and will go down to the hotel parlor in a short lime. He immediately came in where Mr. Bryant was resting. We said, Senator Ingalls, allow us to introduce to you one of our distinguished citizens, the Hon. John H. Bryant. Mr. Bryant eagerly and cordially grasped the hand of Jfr. Ingalls and looking steadily at him, he said: "Senator Ingalls! Star of" the senate! I am glail to meet you." In reply the senator said: "I can assure you the pleasure is nuilual, Mr. Bryant. I have long known ytni by reputation." To this rejdy .\Ir. Bryant renuirked as follows: "Mr. Ingalls, I am an old man. I have outlived all of my generation. I am alone and only waiting." With a shade of sadness settling over his face Mr. Ingalls said : '-Yes - ye.s - that is jiresumably so. That is one of the penalties of longevity, I ut up yonder there is no growing old." While they stood with clasped hands, for the first and last time, we silently turned aside, wiping away the falling tear, for to us the scene was both pathetic and sublime. They have each filled their niche in the cycle of time and are now forever at rest.

Ciiaptek Xyi K.Vilkoads And Public Improvements

From 1836 to 1840, during the last two years of Governor Duncan's terra of office and the first two years of Governor Carlin's, speculation run wild both in public and private matters. Railroads were surveyed and grading commenced, canals were contemplated and money spent in prelimimiry work, then abandoned. (Jreat drainage schemes were started, and people grew rich in imagination; the coffers of the state were opened and immense appropriations were made to aid in these visionary expectations. Men who commenced life by following Indian trails and blazed trees saw, in the immediate future, a great em- ])ire rising up before them with inexhaustible wealth and resources and across the almost trackless prairies they saw, with the eyes of faith, the iron hor.se of commerce moving back and forth, groaning under the burdens that fell from the baiuls of civilization. And upon our unimproved rivers they saw the giant steamer "rock and rave," as she threaded these beautiful virgin streams, carrying to and fro the traffic of a great people. And to su])]>ort these delusive jirojects the legislature approjiriated more than ten millions of dollars. 'J'his a[)propriation wa.s made when the whole state had less than half a million of inhabitants. The result of this reckless and unreasonable expenditure of money was the stagnation of all kinds of business and a [)aralysis of all needed imjirovements. The state became jjractically baid\ru{)t, its bonded indebtedness had grown beyond all proportions within the hounds of human reason, for when the legislature of 1840 convened, the state was over thirteen millions of dollars in debt. During this time all n\ci' the state cities multiplied with great ra|)idity, great inland metropolises sprang into existence as by magic. Like Jonah's gourd they grew in a night, and all over the country cast and west, these cities with their great thoroughfares, were shown to the eager public, and lots and blocks were .sold at fabulous prices. We have one specimen in Bureau county. Truxton. in the township of ^fanlius. was laid off with streets and alleys, ])lats were made and lots were sold, and the nucleus of a great city was started, but alas for the unccrtainfy of human hopes and human desires, for now the cold wind blows and the tall grass waves over the eiubrvonic Truxton. So it is with most of the rilic^ of (bat time, they had an existence oidy on paper, and now fliev are as if tbev had lU'ver been. It was dur- iug this womkn-ful jieriinl nF uiiuaturiil progress that Bureau county's first railroad was surveyed; tliis was a part of tlie old road wliicli was laid out from Cairo to Galena, but like all of tlie other pUms of that time failed. It entoi-ed this county on section 25. Westtieid township, and passed out on section 2, La Moille. It followed almost on a straight line in a northwesterly direction. The old c\its and embankments are jdainly visible at the present time on the road northeast of La Moille. It may, perhaps, be truthfully said that this unreal prominence, which was given to the state during the time described, brought some blessings to the settlers. As the fame of this new state reached the ears of the great people it brought thousands within her borders that otherwise would not have been inclined to come, and out of these thousands a large part of them liked the country well enough to stay. So the final outcome of these extravagant ideas partially recompensed the state for its previous loss.

From this time on for a period of nearly ten years, public improvements were a dead letter. Congress and the legislature were Ijoth equally conservative in regard to appropriation, but finall}', on September 30, 1850, an act was passed by congress "ceding to the state of Illinois, subject to the disposal of the legislature thereof, for the pur[)ose of aiding in the construction of a railroad from the southern terminus of the Illinois and Michigan canal to a point at or near the junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, with a branch of the same to Chicago and another via Galena, in said state, to Dubuque, Iowa, every alternate section of land designated by even numbers, for si.x sections in width on each side of said road and branches." These lands could be disposed of only as the road was constructed, and the work was to be completed in ten years, or the state must pay the proceeds of all sales to the United States and lose the unsold lands. This grant aggregated more than two and one-half million acres, averaging about .3,700 acres to the mile.

On the opening session of the Illinois legislature in 1851, Governor Reynolds transmitted to the legislature all of the information he had ob- ,tained from different sources relating to the proposals of several companies that had made propositions to the state, througli him, in regard to the building of the road. He also urged the immediate consideration of the same. Several bills were introduced, embodying different plans, and lively discussions were indulged in, but they finally agreed upon a measure and it passed the senate on February 0, 1851, and the house four days later. The Illinois Central Railroad Company was organized and accepted the teinis of the law on the same day. The terms of the contract between the state and company were as follows: "The company agrci'd |(j Imild the proposed railroad within a specified time and pay to the state seven per ceut of its gross annual earnings and the state was to give the company the lands ceded to it by the general government." Robert B. Mason,'of Bridgeport, Connecticut, was appointed chief engineer, and the work was pushed with all possible speed. The main line from Cairo to La Salle, 300.99 miles, was completed June 8, 1855; the Galena branch from La Salle to Dunleith, 14G.73 miles, in January, 1855; th£ Chicago branch, from Chicago to the junction with the main line, 249.78 miles, in September, 1856. This seven hundred miles of road passed through the wildest and the most thinly settled portions of the state, in some places for a stretch of twenty miles not a tree or house could be seen, and along the entire route it passed through but few towns of any size. This grant of land by congress to Illinois was of great benefit to the state, for it brought thousands of actual settlers to its central districts which up to this time had been slow in settling; the seven per cent clause in the act has been a source of great income to the state. In 1901 the Illinois Central railroad paid into the state treasury $553,862, and from the time of its completion, in 1856 until October 31, 1904, it bad placed into the coffers of our state $22,723,890.64. It will be seen by these figures that the annual income from the Illinois Central railroad goes a long way toward paying the ordinary expenses of the state. To the statesmanship and comprehensive grasp of public matters of Stephen A. Douglas, who was then in the United States sentae, we owe a debt of gratitude that we can hardly repay, for he it was who realized what this annual seven per cent meant to the tax-paying people of our great commonwealth. This land grant to Illinois met with bitter opposition in congress, and was only passed by a small majority after the most skillful diplomacy on the part of its friends, led by Stephen A. Douglas and his colleague. General Shields, who were senators from Illinois at that time, and John Wentworth, who was in the lower house. It is a fact worthy of notice that Douglas and Shields in the senate and McCleland and Baker in the house, who were members when this land grant passed, and Abraham Lincoln and Robert Smith, who were active supporters of the measure in the preceding congress, were all members of the noted tenth general assembly of Illinois when the great internal improvement schemes were passed, and they all voted for them. So it seems that time is a great evencr and leveler of issues and events, for these men more than atoned for their errors in the past by their inllutiencc and votes at that time.

The first railroad (n enter P.iir('a\i county was what is now known as the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway. It was first chartered in 18 17 as the R'ock Island & I-a Salle County Railno road. The charter was ameuded in 1851 and became the Chicago & Rock Ishmd. It commenced the work of construction April, 1852. The first passenger train was run to Joliet, in October, 1852; to Morris, sixty-two miles, January 5, 1853 ; to Ottawa, eighty-lour miles, February 14; to Peru, one hundred miles, March 24; to" Tiskilwa, one hundred and eighteen miles, September 20, at which time a celebration was held and great rejoicing was manifest all over the county, as it meant a new era in the progress and development of the country. It was fini.?hed to Gene-seo, one hundred and fifty-nine miles, December 19, 1853, and to Rock Island, one hundred and ciglity-one miles, February 22, 1854. The brancli from feureau Junction to Peoria was completed in 1854. The short lengtli of time in which this railroad was completed was phenomenal at that early day in railroading. This road enter? the county near the southeast corner of Hall township, runs nearly west until it reaches Depue, when it dips about three miles to the south, where it forms a junction with the Peoria branch at Bxireau. then turns north and follows the Bureau valley to a point west of Tiskilwa. where it turns in a northwest direction until it reaches South Wyanet, where it passes nearly due west to Sheffield, then turns in a northwesterly direction and passes out of the county on section 7, in Mineral township. The entire length of this road in Bureau county is 44.8 miles.

Chicago. Bihlixgton & Qiincy

The second railroad that entered the county was the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy. It was first organized under the name of the Aurora Brancli Railroad. It extended from Turner Junction, in DuPagc county, to Aurora, a distami' of thirteen miles, and cars began running in Xf)vcmber. 1850. This road wa.s extended from Aurora to Mendota, a distance of forty-six miles, and was known as the Chicago & Aurora Railroad Company, and began its traffic in the fall of 1853. In 1855 this road took the name of tiie Chicago. Burlington & Quincy, and in July, 1856, it was consolidated with the Central ^lilitary Tract Company, which was chartered in February. 1851. and had to build a road from Mendota to fialesburg. a distance of eighty miles, and opened it for shipments in 1855.

It will be seen by the foregoing statement that wlien the road first passed through Bureau county it bore the name of the Central Military Tract Road, and its first passenger train reached Princeton October 10. 1854. This road entered the county on section 25. in Clarion township, and ran southwesterly through Westfield. Berlin, and came witliin about one mile of the courthouse in Princeton, then, on account of the difficulty in crossing the creek, it deflected north until it reached East Bureau, when it again ran in a southwesterly direction until it passed out of the county on section 19, in Xeponset township. Tlic iiushville brancli of the Burlington was built in 1870, commencing at Buda and passing out of the county on section 35, Macon; there is about seven miles of this branch in this county. The Mendota and Fulton branch was also built in 1870. It enters the county on section 24, in Clarion, and passes through Clarion, La Moille, Ohio, Walnut, and leaves the county at section 1, in Greenville. This branch covers about twenty-seven miles in this county.

The Illinois Valley & Xorthern was built in 1887, ami is now a part of the Burlington system. It enters the county near the southeast corner of Hall township and mns in a northwesterly direction to Walnut, where it joins the ^Mendota branch of the Burlington. Its length in this county is 30.1 miles. The total length of the Burlington, in Bureau county, is 72.8 miles.

The Peoria & Northwestern was built in 1901, entering the county on section 1, Greenville, and runs nearly south, and leave.s the county at section 31, in Milo. It cuts off a small corner of Stark as it leaves Macon township, but comes back into Bureau county on section 7. in Milo, then goes on as before stated, to section 31. This road when built did not connect itself with any town, but on the contrary it seemed to shun all of the towns on its line. Manlius is the only town in Bureau county on this road. It has 29.5 miles of track in the county. The Rochelle & Southern, mostly in Hall township, has 7.9 miles of road. The following have a few miles each in the southeastern part of the county: Xorthern Illinois. 6.1: Depue. Ladd & Ea.stern, 3.4 miles; La Salle & Bureau County Railroad. 1.1 miles; Marquette. Spring Valley & X'orthwestern. 2.2 miles : Indiana, Illinois & Iowa Railroad. 5.4 miles; Bureau County Mineral Railroad, 3.5 miles; Depue, Ladd & Xorthern Railroad. 2 miles, and the Illinois Valley Intenuban Railway Company, now in process of construction. 26 miles.