USA > Illinois > Lee County > History of Lee County, together with biographical matter, statistics, etc. > Part 11
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1858 was noted for the defeat of the proposed city charter. The first ballot was cast by the citizens on the proposed document in Feb- ruary, when it was rejected by 96 for with 279 against. Again on April 18 it was defeated by a vote of 219 for with 231 against. The instrument being offensive to the people, they refused to accept it. The " Telegraph," in its comments on the document, said : " It has cre- ated a greater sensation among our citizens than did the great magna charta among the Britons at the time of John of charter fame. The obnoxious provisions will have to be removed before our people will consent to its adoption." The question of license to sell ardent spirits was agitating the public mind, and it seems that the proposed docu- ment was radically changed, as on December 4 it was adopted at a special election.
Dixon had become a central point for the grain and produce market, and in the autumn of 1858 the stone warehouse of Joseph Gates, which stood near the Central depot burst out one end with the pressure
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of grain, causing great loss to the proprietors of both building and stock. In the summer of this year (1858) Mr. W. C. VanOsdel erected a three-story sash and blind factory in the west end of Dement Town. In 1860 it was converted into a sorghum mill, which run about a year when it was abandoned and the building removed.
City Organization .- The year 1859 is memorable to the citizens of Dixon as the time of her transition from a town to the dignity of a city. A writer on Dixon history says : "From 1853 to 1859 Dixon Inxuriated in the name of 'town.' The ambition of our citizens was aroused to such a pitch that the name of town was too insignificant, and consequently a charter was obtained from the state legislature, and the city was organized by the election of city officers, March 7, 1859. And now a new order of things was inaugurated. More attention was paid to laying and repairing sidewalks, and keeping the streets in good condition, and initial steps were taken toward a more complete system of public schools than the place had before enjoyed.
" The incorporation of Dixon was certainly a step in the right direc- tion. It was a logical conclusion destined to follow a wise forethought and careful management. Perhaps none could take more pride in the consummation of this wise step than Father Dixon, who had lived to see advancement stamped upon each succeeding year, until the seal of ' success' was placed upon the enterprise commenced thirty-nine years before."
" The shrieking locomotive thunders over the bluff where once the buffalo paused to look down upon the humble home of the pioneer ; the red deer made his lair under the shade of giant oaks where now are busy streets; and where a rude but brave soldiery once pitched their tents in the Indian war is now the silent city of the dead, in whose narrow habitations rest the voiceless forms of those whose once busy hands and willing hearts reared for us the homes and secured for us the privileges which we now enjoy. The buffalo, the red man, the pioneer, the children of the white-haired, and finally Nachusa him- self, have passed away as a dream; the busy life throbs on, but they are among the things of the past."
March 7, 1859, the city was organized by the election of city offi- cers. The aldermen elected were W. H. Van Epps and Joseph Craw- ford for the first ward; H. E. Williams and R. H. Robinson for the second ward ; William Barge and A. A. Benjamin for the third ward; W. A. Hoisington and William Peacock for the fourth ward. A. P. Curry was elected city marshal, and C. V. Tenney police justice. Col. John Dement, the mayor elect, failing to qualify, Joseph Craw- ford was appointed acting mayor by the council and an election was ordered for April 4, when A. C. Steadman was chosen to the vacancy
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of that office. The result upon the license question stood 297 against and 171 for license. A. C. Steadman was elected mayor in 1860. Those following were G. L. Herrick in 1861, James B. Charters in 1862, Oliver Everett in 1863, James K. Edsall in 1864, Person Cheney, jr., in 1865 and 1866, Andrew McPherran in 1867 and 1868, John Dement from 1869 to 1872 inclusive, Joseph Crawford in 1873, 1874 and 1875, James A. Hawley in 1876 and 1877, John Dement in 1878 and 1879, and J. V. Thomas in 1880.
During this year the city was visited by the first great conflagra- tion of its history, in which there were seventeen buildings destroyed in the business part of the city, sweeping up both sides of Main street for more than half a block, causing a loss of over $30,000. During this year Col. John Dement made some change in his plow factory, and removed it to the water-power. In the autumn of 1859 the two factories and a Mr. Brookner's saw-mill, which stood on the north side of the river near the dam, were under-washed by the current at the river's brink; and while the buildings were slowly moving toward the river, where the water was twenty feet deep, the machinery and everything movable were taken out and the buildings set on fire to save the two bridges below, which it was thought would be dam- aged by the descent of the timbers against them.
In August of this year Messrs. Cheney & Co. vacated their steam flouring-mill on Third street, and started a mill in the new building which they purchased of Messrs. Godfrey, Jerome & Co. for $28,000.
It was chronicled on January 17, 1861: " Business in town wears a better appearance since the completion of the free bridge. The mills of William Uhl and Beckers & Underwood are doing a splendid business ; the plow factory of Col. Dement is turning out plows rap- idly; the foundry is in successful blast. Merchants and clerks are busy and everything wears a cheerful aspect, notwithstanding the gloomy forebodings of some who fear fatal consequences to the busi- ness of the country from the southern civil commotions." ·
During the period of the war manufacturing interests made but little advancement in this city. In 1864 Messrs. Fargo, Pratt & Co. commenced the manufacture of platform scales. Other manufactories were successfully worked during the dark days of the rebellion; but the absorbing interest of the country, the scarcity of laborers, the small demand for certain products of the industry of the country, affected Dixon as every other inland town in the country. But no sooner had the war closed and the country had returned to the employment of peace than the spirit of enterprise was again manifest in Dixon.
On the 9th of Angust, 1866, the Bucklin File Manufacturing Company was incorporated with a capital of $100,000. A large stone
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building 40×140 feet was erected, and in May, 1867, the company com- menced operations in their new building, but the business failed in less than a year from defects in the Bucklin patent. In the following Jan- mary (1868) John Stanley and Joseph Ogle bought some of the tools and commenced the manufacture of hand-ent files. In the autumn of 1867 Messrs. Severance & Cheney commenced the manufacture of platform scales, which factory changed hands in July 1869 ; John T. Cheney and John P. Hutchinson became the manufacturers of the scales which has since been known as the "Victor." In the same year (1867) the Masonic block, Riley & Weigle's building, S. W. Jones' building on the corner of Main and Hennepin streets, and Van- Epps' brick block adjoining the Exchange block on the east, were erected.
In October, 1868, Theron Cumins and H. T. Noble commenced the repairs of the old factory buildings between the depots, preparatory to removing the plow works from Grand Detour to this location. The buildings were enlarged and operations commenced the following spring.
In December, 1870, the Northwestern Windmill Works of Thomas C. Little & Co., on the north side of the river, began work.
In this year (1870) the census of Dixon was 4,054, and of Lee county 27,252. In this year was commenced the city-hall building for the use of the fire department, and was completed in January of the next year.
In September, 1871, the Dixon National Bank was organized by the election of officers: H. B. Jenks was elected president, John Dement vice-president, and H. S. Lucas cashier. The following year (1872) the new jail was built, an account of which may be found in the following pages.
In March, 1873, the Knitting Mills were burned, being an entire loss of $25,000. This was a calamity to Dixon and of great loss to the proprietors. Damage was also done to Messrs. Becker & Under- wood's flouring-mills by fire in December of the same year.
During this year the Dixon Opera House was erected by Messrs. H. H. Stevens, F. A. Truman, J. D. Crabtree, and W. G. Stevens. It was opened on the 30th of November by the Payson English Opera Company.
In the following year (December 22, 1874) the Western Excelsior Gas Company began the manufacturing of gas for the lighting of the city. The charter of this company was repealed, and on May 10, 1879, the city council granted J. D. Patton the right to establish gas- works in Dixon.
On the 26th of December of this year is recorded the death of Judge W. H. Heaton, who died in Chicago, aged sixty-three years. He
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came to Dixon about 1840 and had been a resident there ever since. A few months before his death he was promoted from the office of judge of the circuit court to the position of chief justice of the appel- late court of Chicago district.
On April 8, 1880, occurred the most disastrous fire recorded in Dixon, sweeping away the mills at the water-power, for a description of which we refer the reader to the fire record in this volume. In the following year large flouring-mills were erected near the ruins of the former.
Distinguished Visitors .- Dixon has been favored at various times by distinguished men and women of the country. Beginning with the earliest days of the country now occupied by Dixon, we meet with the names of Lincoln, Anderson, Taylor, the notorious Davis, and a score of men who visited the present site of Dixon, as described in connec- tion with the Black Hawk war in this book. Since the improvement of the country, and the growth of Dixon to city proportions, she has been visited by many of the most distinguished literary characters of the country. John B. Gough, the popular temperance lecturer, enter- tained the citizens of Dixon on the evening of January 6, 1857; Horace Greeley, on the 13th of the next month, and John G. Saxe, the poet, on December 30, gave a popular reading in Dixon. In the next year came Mrs. Macready with her literary entertainments ; in February, 1859, Fred Douglas; in January, 1867, Schuyler Colfax ; and in De- cember, 1869, Mrs. Cady Stanton ; all of whom lectured to the people of Dixon and vicinity. In January of 1870 Hon. Henry Vincent gave "Oliver Cromwell " to the Dixonites. Then followed musical enter- tainments by Philip Phillips in 1871; the Philharmonic Society, as- sisted by the Baker family, rendered the oratorio of " Queen Esther " in 1872; and on August 20, 21 and 22, 1873, a brass band jubilee was held in the fair grounds, which closed with a grand instrumental con- cert by the Northwestern Light Guard band, of Chicago. Then fol- lowed at various periods lectures by Prof. Swing, of Chicago; Olive Logan, Susan B. Anthony, Henry Ward Beecher, Dr. Dio Lewis, Hon. Geo. R. Wendling, and Theodore Tilton ; the last in 1878.
Location of Dixon .- Dixon is situated on the Illinois Central rail- road, at its crossing with the Chicago and Northwestern. It is ninety- eight miles from Chicago by rail. It is on two great trunk lines, one running north and south through the state, and the other running cast and west, being the principal connecting link between the Union Pacific, and the many lines that diverge from Chicago. By either of the above roads we have rapid communication with the outside world, north, south, east and west. It is beautifully situated on the eastern bank of Rock river, about seventy-five miles from its month. The landscape on
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ASTOR, LENOY AND TILDES FOR STATIONS. R 11
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DIXON PAPERS.
either side of the river at this point is truly delightful ; consisting of gradual slopes and tables, for sixty rods back, covered with a somewhat sandy soil, and at this season a carpet of living green, thus furnishing sites for residences surpassed by few in any part of the world.
The town has a great advantage over many inland cities in the manner of scenery and picturesque beauty of location, and as it is on high and very rolling ground the drainage is excellent. To the north and south are broad stretches of fine prairie, smooth and unbroken, and adorned all over with the homes of thrifty farmers ; to the east and west, and in fact, all around us, in the immediate vicinity, are beautiful hills, valleys, and plains. In the summer, when all nature is elothed in her most beautiful garments of variegated charms, it is hard to find a more pleasant place. Indeed this locality is obtaining quite a notoriety as a summer resort, and from the decks of the pleasure steamers that sail back and forth upon the waters of Rock river at this point, can be seen the white tents of numerous camping parties, peeping out from among the green foliage lining the banks and islands.
DIXON PAPERS.
The first newspaper published in Dixon was the "Dixon Tele- graph," by C. R. Fisk, May 1, 1851. That is the only paper which has stood the vicissitudes of time and convulsions of trade for many years, in this part of the country. The "Dixon Sun " and the " West- ern Farmer," though skillfully managed, and now on a firm founda- tion, are of comparatively recent date. The " Dixon Transcript " was commenced by Charles Allen, October 19, 1854; this paper struggled under financial embarrassments, with several changes of proprietors, until about January 1857, when it was discontinued. The "Dixon Republican," by Beckwith & Legget, commenced publication January 15, 1857. Mr. Shaw being the proprietor of the " Telegraph," a con- solidation was effected under the name of the " Republican and Tele- graph," Shaw & Beckwith, proprietors. Mr. Shaw wishing to try his skill in the gold mines, sold his interest to I. S. Boardman. Subse- quently Mr. Beckwith sold his interest to the same party.
The " Dixon Monitor," by Charles Meigs, appeared Jannary 25, 1858. It failed in the following November, when the " Dixon Adver- tiser," with an able corps of editors-Messrs. Eustace, Stiles and Ather- ton-arose upon its ruins. It did not prove a profitable investment, and was sold to Mr. Boardman, of the " Telegraph," in November 1859.
The "Lee County Democrat," by E. Giles, made its appearance June 25, 1868; subsequently the proprietorship passed into the hands of S. C. Postlewait. November 1, 1871, it passed into the hands of
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W. M. Kennedy, who, March 6, 1872, changed its name to that of the " Dixon Sun."
The " Herald " made its appearance February 12, 1868, A. C. Bard- well, editor. In the fall of that year the " Telegraph " was passed over by Mr. I. S. Boardman to his two sons, Wm. H. and John D. Board- man, who, with Mr. Bardwell, organized a stock company, merging the two papers into one about November 22, 1869. Mr. Bardwell assumed the editorship and Wm. H. Boardman the business manage- ment. The "Telegraph" is now in the editorial charge of B. F. Shaw, Esq.
The " Rock River Farmer," a monthly, W. M. Kennedy, propri- etor, was started in Jannary 1871. This work soon assumed an excel- lent position, and its circulation became so extended that its proprietor was induced, in June 1875, to change its name to that of the " West- ern Farmer." It is the second of two monthlies of its character in successful operation in this state.
Aside from the foregoing, several papers not designed by their originators to be regularly issued made their appearance from time to time ; among these were the "Daily Whisper," by John D. MeKay ; " Life in Dixon," illustrated, by J. C. Ayers, Noah Brooks and Mr. Curtis, appeared December 25, 1868; "Our Enterprise," by Wm. M. Kennedy, May 1870; and the " Gospel Trumpet," under the anspices of the Baptist church of this city. The first two, the " Whisper " and " Life in Dixon," displayed great ability, and produced a marked sen- sation.
The Lee County National Bank .- This bank was organized April 1, 1865, with a capital of $100,000. The following gentlemen were elected to the board of directors, to-wit: Joseph Crawford, Joseph Utley, S. S. Williams, E. W. Pomeroy, Josiah Little, jr., Abijah Powers, and Win. Uhl. Joseph Crawford was elected president, S. C. Eells, cashier, and John Coleman, assistant-cashier. Mr. Crawford and Mr. Eells still occupy their relation to the bank as above.
The Dixon National Bank .- In 1871 Messrs. A. B. Jenks, H. S. Lucas, John Dement, Wmn. Kennedy, J. B. Pomeroy, I. S. Boardman, P. M. Alexander, A. Johnson, J. B. Charters, and others, applied for a charter for the Dixon National Bank, with a capital of $100,000. The charter having been obtained the following officers were elected : Directors - H. B. Jenks, H. S. Lucas, John Dement, Quartus Ely, and James B. Charters. The present board of directors are Jas. A. Hawley, Theron Cumins, Jason C. Ayres, James B. Pomeroy, and . A. C. Wayman. Jason C. Ayres, president, and Jas. A. Hawley, cashier.
The Gas Company .- The Western Excelsior Gas Company, by city
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ordinance of September 18, 1874, commenced the manufacture and dis- tribution of gas to the streets, business houses and homes of the citi- zens. The council ordered, January 8, 1877, the supply to the streets discontinued, and that the street lamps and posts be removed and stored away. May 10, 1877, the council granted J. D. Patton the right to establish gas-works in Dixon, which enterprise has since been known as the Dixon Gaslight Company, which has since furnished light to streets and private and public buildings.
DIXON SCHOOLS.
The scholastic advantages presented by a town are always carefully "weighed in the balance," by heads of families who contemplate a change of residence. It is but natural, too, that this matter should be closely inquired into, as so much depends upon the facilities afforded the children in a community where the public schools are the alma maters of so large a proportion. The time has long since gone by when this matter could be ignored, and we are glad to be able to chronicle the fact that Illinois has taken the second position among the states in the educational cause.
No better evidence of the intelligence and enterprise which charac- terize the people of Dixon can be given than the tasteful and commo- dious public school buildings of the city, which are alike enduring monuments to their projectors and builders as well as ornaments to the city.
In the summer of 1837 the first school-house, a one-story frame building, 20×30 feet, was built on the lot east of Mrs. Truman's place ; it was afterward removed to the lot south of D. W. Mckinney's resi- dence. This building for several years was used for a variety of pur- poses : school-house, court-house, town hall, meeting-house, etc.
In 1838 the first school was opened in the new building under the charge of H. Bicknell; it was supported by individual tuition fees. Previous to this Mr. Dixon had employed a Miss Butler, of Bureau county, to teach his own children. The teachers in charge of the school after Mr. Bicknell were Mr. Bowen a part of 1840; W. W. Heaton in winter of 1841-2. Among the pupils were Jane Ann Herrick (late Mrs. H. T. Noble), Geo. Foot, Mrs. D. B. Mckinney. Miss Ophelia Loveland (Mrs. J. B. Brooks) taught the school during the summer of 1843. The district then included both sides of the river and up the river as far as Mr. Fuller's place, and yet the school numbered only about twenty-five pupils ; among these were Miss Helen Williams, (now Mrs. Mulkins) and Miss Elizabeth and James Ayres, children of Oscar F. Ayres, of this city. Lorenzo Wood was teacher during the winter of 1843-4. Among the pupils were Miss Sybil C. Vanarnam
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and Mrs. A. R. Whitney. Mr. Cross and Mr. James Lumm taught the school between the years 1846 and 1848. In 1848 J. D. Mckay had charge of the school and Col. H. T. Noble in 1851 and 1852 ; among the pupils at this time were Mrs. Soule, Mrs Hollenbeck (deceased) and Mrs. B. F. Shaw. The old school-house had been abandoned and a new stone building erected, the same that is now owned by Mrs. Burke, recently inclosed by a frame house. The school- room becoming somewhat too small, a primary department under charge of Miss Jane Ann Herrick was started in the court-house in 1852. C. N. Levanway taught the school in 1852 and 1853, and was succeeded by F. A. Soule. In 1854 Wm. Barge assumed control of the schools and continued in charge from that date until July 1859. Dur- ing his charge the school took the character and efficiency of a graded school ; shortly after Mr. Barge took charge the school was transferred to the basement of the building known as the " Land Office," now used as a residence.
May 7, 1855, Dixon Collegiate Institute, under the care of Rev. W. W. Harsha, commenced its first term ; school-room in the basement of the Lutheran church. Early teachers in this institution were Rev. W. W. Harsha, Professor E. C. Smith, Mrs. E. A. Smith, Mrs. C. L. Harsha, and Miss Jenny L. Backus.
July 15, 1857, a Female Seminary under charge of the Episcopal church, Rev. J. W. Downing, principal, was started in the large white house west of the Central depot.
In Angust, 1858, a high-school department was established in the old Methodist Episcopal church on Second street, and A. H. Fitch was elected principal. A. M. Gow was employed as superintendent of schools, and James Gow as principal of the high school, in 1859. The school then consisted of five departments, and had an enrollment of about 400. These gentlemen continned in charge of the school until 1862, when the present principal, E. C. Smith, was elected to act at once as superintendent of schools and principal of the high school, in which capacity he has labored ever since.
The city is divided into two school districts, and in the winter of 1868-9 the people of District No. 5 (north side), at a cost of $20,000, erected a fine school building of magnificent appearance, standing on an elevation near the grove that skirts the northern part of our town, and overlooking every portion of the city, the river, its islands, and rough romantic scenery, and the rolling prairie beyond. The building is con- structed of brick to the third story, with a Mansard roof, crowned with a neat belfry. The ground plan is 54×63 feet, and, including the basement, is four stories high. The first and second stories, each thirteen feet high, are divided into two school-rooms, 25× 38 feet, with
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a recitation room for each, 10×18 feet. The Mansard story is one large study-room, 39×48 feet, sixteen feet high, having a rostrum in the north end, 10 x 12 feet, with an ante-room opening upon it from either side. The halls are commodious and give easy access to each room.
Mr. C. O. Scudder is principal of the schools on the north side, and they are prospering under his careful management. There are now en- rolled in the different departments about 180 pupils.
The high-school department is taught by the principal, assisted by Miss Welty ; the grammar school is taught by Miss A. Raymond; in- termediate by Miss M. Yates, and the primary department by Mrs. A. C. Holbrook.
The building on the south side, in District No. 1, was erected in the summer of 1869 at a cost of $32,000. It is a handsome brick struc- ture of even more imposing appearance than its predecessor on the north side. This building, situated as it is upon a high eminence in the southern part of the city near the depots, is the most prominent object that meets the gaze of strangers visiting our city.
The building, which is 91×75 feet, four stories high, including the basement, is admirably arranged, each room being large and well adapted to the purpose for which it is used, while the furniture con- sists of modern and most approved patterns. The seats provided will accommodate 516 pupils with comfort and convenience. The building contains eight school-rooms, with all the necessary reeitation rooms, closets, etc., thus arranged : one primary and two intermediate rooms on the first floor, two intermediate and one grammar room on the second floor, and the first grammar and high school-rooms on the third floor.
There are 459 pupils enrolled in the south side public schools.
The schools in this district are under the efficient management of E. C. Smith, who has served in the capacity of superintendent of the south side schools for the past eighteen years.
The high school is taught by the superintendent, assisted by Miss Emma Goodrich, with an attendance of fifty pupils.
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