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 LIBRARY OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS 
 
 AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 
 
 IN MEMORY OF 
 
 STEWART S. HOWE 
 
 JOURNALISM CLASS OF 1928 
 
 STEWART S. HOWE FOUNDATION 
 
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 CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAGE. 
 Early Settlement of Township, etc , 1 
 
 CHAPTER n. 
 Visit of the Prince of Wales 7 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 Early Settlement of the Village 16 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 Reminiscences of War Times 23 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 In Times of Peace 36 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 The Past Ten Years 75 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 From '90 to '92— The Boom 83 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 Lively Times, etc 89
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 Local Gossip, etc 
 
 CHAPTER X, 
 
 1894 Itemized.'... 
 
 101 
 
 CHAPTER XT 
 
 Fraternal Organizations 
 
 1 Uo 
 
 CHAPTER XH. 
 Our Public Schools 
 
 CHAPTER XIH. 
 Dvvight Guards and 10th Battalion, I. N. G.. by Col. J. B, Parsons 120 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 Dr. Keeley's Double Chloiide of Gold.... 
 
 131 
 
 Personal Recollections. 
 
 By Geo. T. Conant 
 
 By E. H. Kneeland 
 
 137 
 
 By S. T. K. Prime 
 
 143 
 
 By W. H. Bradbury 
 
 ^ 146 
 
 By .Vliss Sarah Snyder 
 
 By James Smith 
 
 149 
 
 By an Old Settler 
 
 ^ ^ 149 
 
 By Seth Clover 
 
 ^ ^ 150 
 
 By D. Mc Williams 
 
 151 
 
 About 100 illustrations are distributed through this work.
 
 / 7 ' 
 
 HL 
 
 
 6^ 
 
 History of D wight, 
 
 FROM 1853 TO 1894. 
 
 ^-^ Compiled and Published by Messrs. Dustin & Wassell, 
 
 editors of DwiGHT Star and Herald. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWNSHIP, ETC. 
 
 [The reader should bear in mind that 
 in many cases the matter for this his- 
 tory was written in 1878 and people 
 who are spoken of at that time may be 
 deceased or moved away, but are spoken 
 of in the present tense.— Ed.] 
 
 There is nothing more astonishing to 
 the professional traveler, or even to 
 the staid "old fogy" New Englander 
 who has never been beyond the shadow 
 of his own sterile hills, than the start- 
 ling rapidity with whi<.h the Great 
 West has been developed and settled. 
 As if by magic, towns, cities and vil- 
 lages have sprung up from the rank 
 prairie grass and unfolded in grandeur 
 and magnificence. Yesterday, where 
 the tall grass waved in the wind and 
 myriad wild flowers bloomed, and 
 spent 
 
 "Their sweetness on the desert air;" 
 
 to-morrow, as it were, finds a city or 
 village laid out, and buildings going up 
 at a rate to startle anybody but a wide- 
 awake Westerner who has been born 
 and bred to this spirit of enterprise, 
 
 and views it as a matter of course. A 
 conversation overheard on the train, a 
 day or two ago, between a couple of 
 old gentlemen, awakened this train of 
 thought and called up these reflections. 
 One of them was from Western New 
 York and the other was a native of 
 Massachusetts, but both now live in 
 Illinois. Said one, "It is the most as- 
 tonishing thing in the world, this amaz- 
 ing growth and developement of the 
 Western country." "Yes," said the 
 other, "down East, where I came from, 
 there is the old road along which we 
 went to school, and the rock where we 
 kicked oft' a toe nail; the chestnut 
 stump that stood by the side of the 
 road, etc. In ten years we find them 
 just as they were in our school days. 
 There is the rock where we stubbed 
 our toe, and the old chestnut stump by 
 the roadside; nothing is changed. But 
 here in the West, what changes take 
 place in that period! Let us be absent 
 from our neighborhood for ten years,
 
 HISTORY OF DWir.IIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 aud when we return we find nothing 
 familiar; everything — almost the face 
 of nature itself— has changed." Thus 
 it is, that where, a few years ago, was 
 a wilderness, unbroken and undisturbed 
 save by wild beasts, to-day are the most 
 flourishing farms, villages, towns and 
 cities. 
 
 The iron road and the iron horse 
 of George Stephenson were destined to 
 alter not only the face of the country, 
 but also its social position and materi- 
 al wealth. It was during these times 
 that Jas. C. Spencer, now of Wisconsin, 
 and T. C. Meyer, formerly of New York, 
 drove through this country surveying 
 the present railroad from Chicago to 
 St. Louis. For seven days they had to 
 camp out in this immediate neighbor- 
 hood, and during the journey Mr. 
 Spencer had his legs so severely frosted 
 that at one time it was feared amputa- 
 tion would be necessary. But their 
 efforts were ultimately crowned with 
 success and in the summer of 1854 the 
 first engine passed over che road. Mr. 
 A. West, who died a number of years 
 ago, helped to wood up that engine 
 when it stopped here, and we find that 
 it was appropiately named after the 
 enterprising James C Spencer. At 
 that time the town consisted of two 
 small shanties and a tank for the en- 
 gines. One of these shanties had been 
 occupied by a man named Stevens, who 
 butchered for the men working on the 
 railroad, and the other had been occu- 
 pied by a man named Morgan, who 
 boarded them. Jas. Morgan afterwards 
 resided in the neighborhood of Pontiac. 
 Mr. Morgan has since lived on the Al- 
 ton railroad, and has been most of tliis 
 time in its employ, and is now section 
 foreman at Stieator. 
 
 In September Mr. .John Campbell 
 erected a temporary building just 
 south of tlie depot, as a railroad dining 
 
 station. The noon train from Chicago 
 stopped for dinner, aud the St. Louis 
 train for supper. H. Cornell bought 
 him out In the spring of 1855, and soon 
 after the dining station was changed 
 to Bloomington, and Mr. Cornell built 
 the first hotel on the ground where his 
 present one stands. 
 
 That winter was one easily remem- 
 bered on account of its intense cold and 
 protracted length. A great storm burst 
 over the country and snow fell till it 
 covered the land two feet deep; the 
 thermometer for a period of six weeks 
 averaged from 25 to 30 deg. below 
 freezing point; and the few residents 
 in this locality felt the bitter weather 
 in all its severity. The trains were 
 snowed in for several weeks and the 
 passengers were furnished food by the 
 poor settlers. It became necessary to 
 smash up the car seats to keep fires 
 burning in the cars. It was during 
 this great storm that quite a large del- 
 egation of Illiniois legislators had been 
 on a visit to Joliet to inspect the site 
 for the removal of the state peniten- 
 tiary trom Alton, and when returning 
 were blockaded by snow about three 
 miles southwest of Dwight for several 
 days, and were finally taken to the 
 farm house of Major Thos. C. Mc- 
 Dowell, (now James Brown's resi- 
 dence,) and from there to Morris in 
 sleighs, reaching Springfield via La 
 Salle, Bloomington and Decatur and 
 for six weeks no trains were run from 
 Bloomington to Joliet. Many farmers 
 in the surrounding neighborhood lost 
 their cattle, and thus they were cramped 
 and hindered at the very commence- 
 ment of tlieir pioneer life. The snow 
 was on the ground till May when the 
 farmers went to planting corn ; but by 
 this time other families were moving 
 into the settlement, and it soon became 
 evident that a village was about to be
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 formed here. At this period the prai- 
 rie was infested more or less with 
 wolves, and when the settler looked out 
 of his door in the clear bright morning 
 light he could often see large herds of 
 deer pasturing not far trom his little 
 homestead. The locality now known 
 as the town of I)wight was then a pre- 
 cinct, and it was not till the 21st day of 
 January, 1854. that the plats were laid 
 out and the town in which we live and 
 which many have learned to love, was 
 created. 
 
 Like all the prairie land, this town- 
 ship was not settled for more than 
 twenty years after settlements had 
 been made in the groves of timber and 
 along the water courses in the county, 
 John Conant came from Rochester, 
 Ohio, in 1854, and settled on the north- 
 east quarter of Section 8, which is con- 
 ceded to be the first settlement in 
 Dvvight Township, outside of the vil- 
 lage of the same name. lie put up a 
 frame building, which is still standing 
 in a good state of preservation, though 
 its builder has "mingled with the clods 
 of the valley." He died a few years 
 ago, at an advanced age. Mr. Conant 
 was the first Postmaster at Dwight, 
 and the first Justice of the Peace after 
 township organization. The next year 
 Nelson Cornell came to the neighbor- 
 hood and put up a house on Sec. 5. Thos. 
 Little settled near Cornell soon after. 
 He sold out, ten or twelve years ago, 
 and removed to Wilmington, where at 
 present he resides. 
 
 The first sign of a town was indicat- 
 ed by the elevation of a telegraph pole 
 with an inverted tin pail nailed on the 
 top. This served as a landmark and a 
 guide to surveyors engaged in survey- 
 ing the Chicago & Mississippi railroad, 
 (now the C & A. road.) When the lirst 
 few houses were built here, the neigh- 
 boring farmers and residents styled the 
 
 incipient village "Western New York;" 
 but that name was soon destined to 
 pass out of sight and give place to a 
 better one. We have never been able 
 to ascertain why the town was not 
 named after its founder and original 
 proprietor of the land, R. P. Morgan, 
 jr., unless it was that Mr. Morgan was 
 too modest and too generous to name 
 it atter himself. 
 
 Henry Dwight, jr., of New York, was 
 a brother engineer of R. P. Morgan; he 
 came out West and embarked and lost 
 his then large fortune in the construc- 
 tion of the railroad. He was a man of 
 enterprise and great public spirit, and 
 it was in his honor and to commemo- 
 rate his deeds that R. P. Morgan 
 gave his name to the town in which we 
 live. 
 
 It was on the 6th of August, 1853, 
 that Mr. Morgan deeded the right of 
 way to the Chicago & Mississippi Rail- 
 road Company through the present site 
 of Dwight, and other lands; reserving 
 by covenant that "should he lay oft' the 
 former tract, the present site of the 
 town, into town lots, to make safe and 
 suitable crossings wherever the line of 
 said road intersects the streets that 
 may be laid out on said road." And in 
 consideration of the rightof way grant- 
 ed, the company covenanted to "erect 
 and keep up station houses and other 
 necessary depot buildings," where they 
 now stand, on the North east Quarter 
 of Section Nine. Town Thirty, North, 
 Range Seven, East of Third Principal 
 Meridian. 
 
 In the fall of 1853 Mr. Morgan caused 
 the original town plat to be surveyed, 
 and on the 30th of January, 1854, for- 
 mally dedicated and recorded it in the 
 following words; "To be known as the 
 town of Dwight, and the streets and 
 alleys described on the plot are hereby 
 donated to the public."
 
 HISTORY OF DWKUIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 James McIldulT, in 1854, bought the 
 northwest quarter of Section 18 on 
 which he had some ten acres broken 
 very soon after his purchase. This, it 
 is claimed, was the first "breaking of 
 prairie" in Dwight Township. He was 
 a native of Pennsylvania, and came to 
 his farm the next year after this plow- 
 ing, and settled permanently. He oc- 
 cupied his farm for a number of years, 
 then removed to the village, where he 
 served as Postmaster during the Presi- 
 dential term of Andrew Johnson. He 
 still lives in the village of Dwight, and 
 served several terms as police magis- 
 trate and justice of the peace. 
 
 In 1855, James C. Spencer, of New 
 York, began improvements on his farm 
 adjoining the present village or Dwight. 
 He was born on the Hudson Eiver, be- 
 low the city of Albany, and was a 
 lineal descendant of Hon. Ambrose 
 Spencer, once Chief Justice of the State, 
 and, through his mother, of George 
 Clinton, first Governor of New York 
 and Vice President of the United 
 States, and of DeWitt Clinton, also 
 Governor of New York and the pro- 
 jector of the Erie Canal. He owned 
 about 1,200 acres of land herein a body 
 and came to the place as an engineer 
 of the raihoad company. Mr. West, 
 mentioned in this chapter as one of the 
 early settlers of Dwight, broke the first 
 prairie, on Spencer's farm. It was on 
 this farm that the Prince of Wales 
 made his headquarters for a few days, 
 in 1800, as noticed further on in these 
 pages. Mr. Spencer at present lives in 
 Milwaukee, and is Vice President of 
 the Davenport & Northwestern Kail- 
 road of Iowa, and Consulting Engineer 
 of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chica- 
 go llailroad. 
 
 Henry A. Gardner, then a resident of 
 Joliet, who owned 1,000 acres of land 
 east of the village, commenced im- 
 
 provements on it this year. He was 
 originally from MassachuseUs, and he 
 and Spencer and E. P. Morgan, the lat- 
 ter more particularly mentioned in the 
 history of the village, were civil en- 
 gineers in the employ of the "Chicago 
 & Mississippi Railroad Company,'' as 
 the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Road 
 was then called. Mr. Gardner was em- 
 ployed as rodman on the Great West- 
 ern Railroad in 1836, under Morgan, 
 and soon advanced to Junior Assistant. 
 He w^as engaged, at different periods, 
 as a civil engineer on the Hudson River 
 Railroad, the Harlem Railroad and the 
 Mohawk .fe Hudson River Railroad. In 
 1845, he came West and accepted a pos- 
 ition on the Illinois & Michigan Canal, 
 and in 1853 was employed, as above 
 stated, in constructing the Chicago, 
 Alton & St. Lou's Railroad from Joliet 
 to Blooraington. He located his lands 
 near the present village of Dwight, 
 when making the railroad survey, and 
 also settled his family here. After 
 spending some time on his farm, he was 
 called to a position on the Hudson 
 River Railroad. At the time of his 
 death, July 26, 1875, he was chief En- 
 gineer of the Michigan Central Rail- 
 road. The following statement, made 
 a short time before he died, shows his 
 excellent business qualities: "I never 
 had a bill, approved by me, returned 
 for correction or explanation during 
 my professional life." He has left be- 
 hind him a family of able representa- 
 tives. 
 
 Another of the early settlers and sub- 
 stantial men of the neighborhood was 
 Renjamin Chester. He settled here in 
 1860, and was originally from Connec- 
 ticut, and sprung from a good old Rev- 
 olutionary stock. He died in 1868, and 
 his son, Wm. V. Chester, who appeared 
 fully capable of the management of 
 their large farm, followed his father to
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 tlie land of rest in October, 18(39, leav- 
 ing a sister, Miss Hannah Chester, the 
 only surviving member of this excellent 
 family. 
 
 C, Itoadnight, from the 'chalky cliffs' 
 of Old England, settled 3 miles south 
 the village in 1857, on what is known as 
 the ''Davis Farm." A man of exten- 
 sive means and of fine education, he 
 soon obtained the pseudonym of "Sir 
 Charles," a name that ever after clung 
 to him among the democratic citizens 
 of this "blarsted conntry." He under- 
 took to farm on the English style, but 
 it did not result very successfully. In 
 this country, and particularly in the 
 great "West, where there are men who 
 own farms nearly as large as the British 
 Empire, and on which there is annually 
 wasted as much, perhaps, as is made on 
 the largest English farms in a single 
 year, there is little attention paid to 
 scientific farming, and, indeed, in the 
 great every-day rush, it seems that the 
 farmers have actually no time to de- 
 vote to the science of the business. Mr. 
 lloadnight was, for a number of years, 
 (General Freight Agent of the Chicago, 
 Alton & St. Louis Railroad, a position 
 he filled with entire satisfaction. 
 
 This includes a number of the early 
 settlers of the township outside of the 
 village of Dwight. From this period 
 forward, the inllux of emigrants was 
 too rapid to further admit, of individ- 
 ual notice in the history of the town, 
 but there are those whose histories are 
 identified with the village, and in that 
 connection will receive proper mention. 
 The country around the little village 
 rapidly filled up, and the new railroad, 
 when completed, was an inducement, 
 to people in search of homes, to bring 
 them to this section, and soon not a 
 "forty" nor ''eighty'' was left unten- 
 anted. 
 
 Like ail portions of a new country 
 
 the main historical importance centers 
 in the cities or more important villages 
 It is so In Uwight Township, and very 
 few items of interest, beyond the mere 
 fact of settlement, have occurred out- 
 side of the village limits. There are, 
 however, one or two instances that 
 belong in the township history, and 
 will be given in their proper order. 
 
 Some notice of a murder that oc- 
 curred but a few miles from the village 
 of Dwight. and is a part of the history 
 of this toft-nship, may be given in this 
 connection. A Prussian nobleman, by 
 name Alvin V. Panwitz, had settled a 
 few miles from the village, where he 
 was murdered on the 23d day of Janu- 
 ary, 1872, by his German serving man, 
 Frederick Schafer. Panwitz was a man 
 who drank to excess, and on the day of 
 his murder had drawn some money le- 
 mitted to him from the old country, 
 and as usual got drunk. Late in the 
 evening, he and his man, together with 
 Conrad Reinmiller, started for home in 
 his sleigh, but owing to the violent 
 quarreling of Panwitz and Schafer, 
 Reinmiller left the sleigh. After they 
 had arrived at home, it seems their 
 quarrel was renewed, and while Pan- 
 witz was lying on the bed, Schafer 
 struck him with a monkey wrench sev- 
 eral blows, which ultimately resulted 
 in death. Ilis victim was buried in a 
 compost heap near the stable and for 
 three days Schafer hauled corn to 
 Nevada, when, having aroused sus- 
 picion against him, he dressed himself 
 in his late master's clothes (whom he 
 strongly resembled, it is said.) gathered 
 up all the valuables he could get his 
 hands on, and started with the team 
 for Chicago. Detectives there were 
 notified, and soon discovered him in a 
 stable trying to dispose of the horses 
 for a small amount. He was at once 
 brought back to the village of Dwight,
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 and after a preliminary hearing sent to 
 Pontiac, where, in due time, he was 
 tried and sentenced to eighteen years 
 in the Joliet prison. 
 
 In Dwight Township, as in all prai 
 rie country, the people were often ex- 
 posed to the terror and danger of prai- 
 rie fires; many lost property, and came 
 near losing their lives. Referring again 
 to the history of Dwight, already 
 quoted from, it says of these ter- 
 rible fires: "Nelson Cornell was out 
 hunting one day on the east side of the 
 town, and when returning saw an im- 
 mense prairie fire approaching. In or- 
 der to save his life, he burnt the grass 
 in the place where he was, and stood 
 on the hot ground while the larger fire 
 swept by him, nearly suffocating him 
 with smoke and ashes." Thus the 
 early settlers of the prairies were often 
 in danger of losing, not only their prop- 
 erty, but their lives. 
 
 When the county was divided into 
 election precincts, before township or- 
 ganization, Robert Thompson, living 
 in what is now Nevada Township, was 
 
 a Justice of the Peace in this "Election 
 Precinct," and was the first to exercise 
 the functions of that office here. John 
 Conant was the first Justice after town- 
 ship organization. The first constables 
 were B. Losee and W. H. Ketchum; the 
 latter was also Collector, and Isaac G. 
 Mott was the first Supervisor. The 
 township officers in 1878 were as fol- 
 lows; Hugh Thompson, Supervisor; 
 John Thompson and W. H. Ketchum, 
 Justices of the Peace; Joseph Ford, As- 
 sessor; Joshua Sibley, Collector; C. M. 
 Baker, Town Clerk, and Francis Carey, 
 School Treasurer. 
 
 The first birth in the township was a 
 child of Thos. Wilson, the Railroad 
 Agent, about 1854, and died in about 
 six months, which was also the first 
 death in the village. The second death 
 was the wife of Alexander Gourley. 
 She was taken sick and died at Mr. 
 West's in 1855. She was buried in the 
 German Settlement. The first marriage 
 of which we have any account is Elon G. 
 Ragan and Maria West, who were mar- 
 ried February 19, 1856.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 VISIT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES. 
 
 One of the most important, and, per- 
 haps, deserving of precedence, even 
 among our republican people, who have 
 little veneration tor royalty, but a good 
 deal of curiosity perhaps, was the visit 
 of the Prince of Wales to this country, 
 in 1860. All who read the public jour- 
 nals of the day are familiar with tbe 
 main features of his tour of the United 
 States, and it is only necessary to state 
 here, that the Prince, en route from 
 Chicago to St. Louis, stopped here for 
 a few days shooting. From a work en 
 titled "Past, Present and Future of 
 Dwight," published by The Dwight 
 Star, we extract of the royal visit. 
 Speaking of the events of the year 1860, 
 the author says: "This year was re- 
 markable for nothing, as far as we can 
 learn, except the visit of the Prince of 
 Wales. The theory of the divine right 
 of kings has long since been exploded, 
 and is now thrown aside by all intelli- 
 gent people. Yet, if the theory has 
 gone, of the practices which it involved 
 remains. There seems to be a natural 
 craving in the minds of many to see a 
 royal personage, even if it only be a 
 second cousin. The strangest part of 
 it is, that such a desire should be mani- 
 fested in our own country, the acknow- 
 ledged land of independence and the 
 home of republican thought and feel- 
 ing. It is true, however, that our coun- 
 trymen, and women especially, have a 
 
 great reverence for foreign nobility, 
 and the visit of the Prince of Wales, 
 and later the Duke Alexis, confirms 
 the statement. That this state of things 
 exists is not surprising, but it is sad. It 
 would seem that if a tribute of praise 
 or meed of honor is due to any man, it 
 is to him who has wrought noble deeds 
 for his country; it is to that man who, 
 laying aside all selfish ambition and 
 worldly fame, devotes his faculties, his 
 energies, his life to the welfare of our 
 common humanity. 
 
 "During his progress through our 
 country, the Prince of Wales met an en- 
 thusiastic reception. His visit to this 
 neighborhood was expected, and the 
 residence of James C. Spencer was pre- 
 pared for his visit. The household fur- 
 niture was taken away, and special fur- 
 niture, sent ahead by the Prince's party 
 supplied its place. A crowd of citizens 
 gathered on the edge of ihe railroad 
 opposite Mr. Spencer's residence and 
 waited for the Prince's arrival. It is 
 mournful to be compelled to state that 
 no triumphial arch had been reared; no 
 town band was there with pleasant 
 music, no leading citizen to present an 
 address of welcome to the youthful 
 scion of royalty. t- * * * 
 About 27 minutes after 6 p- m on Sep- 
 tember 22, 1860, the Prince of Wales ar- 
 rived at this town. He was at once
 
 iiiSTony OF DwiGiiT. illi:nois. 
 
 escorted to the residence of Mr. Spen- 
 cer, where he remained during his stay 
 here. He came to this neighborhood 
 for the purpose of shooting, and had 
 not been many minutes at the farm 
 before he called loudly for his gun and 
 announced his intention of having 
 some sport that evening. He only shot 
 one bird a little screech owl, and that 
 was enough for the time being. The 
 next day was Sunday, when the Prince 
 and his suite attended divine service at 
 the Presbyterian church. The sermon 
 was preached by the Rev. P. D. Young. 
 The Prince was much pleased with the 
 service, and, in consequence, made a 
 donation to the church. The next day, 
 the party, numbering some twelve or 
 fourteen gentlemen, commenced shoot- 
 ing in downright earnest. One day 
 they shot from the train, and had such 
 success that over two- hundred quails 
 and chickens were bagged. The Prince 
 was then 19 years old, and liad a good 
 appearar.ce. He was looking remark- 
 ably well and enjoyed excellent health. 
 His spirits were always good and his 
 manner uniformly genial. He was 
 very much pleased with our country, 
 and expressed himself eminently satis- 
 fied with his visit to Dwight. His stay 
 wasshoit;he came on Saturday and 
 went away on Wedne'iday. The last 
 day he was liere, he planted an elm tree 
 on Air. Spencer's farm, and it has now 
 grown to large proportions. Those 
 who are curious about such matters 
 can walk up to the residence and see 
 that elm tree for themselves. Mr. Alil- 
 ler was living on the farm at the time 
 of the Prince's visit, and has com- 
 niunicatea many items of information 
 to us." 
 
 "The first night, one of the principal 
 attendants on his Royal Higliness made 
 an unpleasant and uncalled-for remark 
 to Mr. Miller. That gentleman turntd 
 
 ronnd quickly and said, 'If you'll just 
 mind your business, I'll mind mine.' It 
 is aiso related how Mr. Roadnight drove 
 up one day in rattling style, and, sitting 
 in his vehicle, called, 'Ho, therel' Xo 
 reply was vouchsafed the challenge; 
 and when it had been unsuccessfully 
 repeated, the irate Englishman put his 
 whip to his horses and told the Prince 
 to 'go' somewhere, but history does not 
 state positively the place. Mr. Miller 
 says the party behaved themselves with 
 great decorum during their stay, and 
 bs the town is also reported to have 
 done the same, we may safely congrat- 
 ulate ourselves on having entertained 
 the heir to the throne of England with 
 satisfaction and credit. 
 
 "As to the tree planted by his Royal 
 Highness, and referred to in the fore- 
 going extract, we had the curiosity nat- 
 ural to a "Brother Jonathan" and paid 
 the tree a visit. So impressed did we 
 become v/ith its royal greatness, that 
 we mechanically lifted our "tile" and 
 bowed low to its waving branches, while 
 with awe we plucked a leaf which we 
 bore away as a relic. Spencer's place 
 where the Prince was entertained, is or 
 was known as "Renfrew Lodge", and is 
 half a mile north of the village. 
 
 The following recently appeared in 
 the Youths Companion and will be of 
 interest to all. 
 
 A PRINCE ON THE PRAIRIE. 
 
 l.Y GRACE GKEENWOOD. 
 
 In the town of Dwight, Illinois.— a 
 place of late years famous in connec- 
 tion with the "gold cure" for dipsoma- 
 nia, — there stands a certain commodi- 
 ous cottage which has a bit of royal 
 history attached to it. Uuderits mod- 
 est roof tiie young Prince of Wales was 
 entertained in 18(iO, while on a shoot- 
 ing expedition — a pleasant little epi 
 sode in his American tour.
 
 Col. Richard P. Morgan. 
 
 David McWilliams, 
 
 W. H. Bradbury. 
 
 Geo. Conant.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLOOIS. 
 
 This house, standing on the edge of 
 Grande Prairie, had been for some sea- 
 sons occupied only as a hunting lodge 
 by the owner, Mr. James Spencer, of 
 Chicago, and his brothers, all ardent 
 sportsmen. Often they had guests, in- 
 cluding many English army officers and 
 tourists who had brought letters to the 
 Spencer family, and were eager for the 
 sport then to be found on our plains as 
 nowhere else. 
 
 Mr. Spencer's tract of almost virgin 
 praire, with the vast level stretches 
 beyond it, constituted a natural game 
 .preserve— if "preserve" that could be 
 called which was open to the world 
 and walled by the horizon only. 
 
 The long bush grass of the prairie, 
 with wild vines and flowers, afforded 
 rare hiding-places for birds, and as 
 proof of the then great variety of 
 such game stands the record that on 
 one day in October, 1858, the Spencer 
 brothers and their guests killed prairie 
 chicken, quail, snipe, woodcock, plov- 
 er, wild geese, wild turkeys and ducks! 
 
 In the early summer Mr. Spencer re- 
 ceived from high social sources an inti- 
 mation of the honor designed him. It 
 was an invitation to invite the Prince 
 of Wales and party to his modest lodge 
 for a little shooting. It seemed that 
 the fame of the American gentleman 
 a courteous and considerate host and 
 that of his shooting lodge for well- 
 guarded privacy, as well as excellent 
 sport, had been carried even to Wind- 
 sor, 
 
 When the plans for the visit of Al- 
 bert Edward to America were being 
 discussed, the boy pleaded for a little 
 shooting on a Western prairie, as a re- 
 lief from tiresome receptions and pa- 
 rades. The queen and prince consort 
 consented on condition that "Bertie" 
 should be received at the Spencer 
 Lodge for a few days in the month of 
 
 August, and while there should be 
 under the immediate personal care of 
 his host. 
 
 DRAWBACKS TO ENTERTAINING ROY 
 ALTY. 
 
 Mr, Spencer appreciated the compli- 
 ment, but could not at first bring him- 
 self to accept it. He was a quiet busi- 
 ness man, averse to publicity. More- 
 over, he shrank from the serious re- 
 sponsibility of guarding the English 
 heir-apparent, in house and hunting 
 field, at a time when Irish Orangemen 
 and Ribbonmen were rioting in Cana- 
 da, and when Fenianism was being or- 
 ganized in the States. 
 
 Pressing letter and messages came to 
 Mr. Spencer from English and Canadi- 
 an friends interested in the prince's 
 tour, but it was not until the lad him- 
 self was hourly expected in Canada, 
 with his heart set on prairie chickens, 
 that, moved by a sportsman's sympa- 
 thy, Mr, Spender's resolution gave 
 away, and he set about the necessary 
 and somewhat difficult arrangements 
 for so unusual an event as a royal visi- 
 tation in a primitive prairie town. 
 
 There were those in this republican 
 country who envied "the Spencers" the 
 privilege of entertaining Queen Vic- 
 toria's son, but the honor had its draw- 
 backs. 
 
 From the first, great care and man- 
 agement had to be used to keep the 
 time and the whereabouts of that little 
 sporting frolic a profound secret, lest 
 enterprising reporters from the big 
 cities should be early on the field, 'lying 
 low' in the prairie grass, or as ameteur 
 sportsmen stalking the royal game. 
 
 Again, the party was rather royally 
 considerable for one republican family 
 to look after. There were two "gover- 
 nors'' of the prince, His Grace the Duke 
 of Newcastle and General Bruce; Lord 
 Lyons, British Minister to Washington ;
 
 10 
 
 HISTOKY OF DWIGllT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 the Earl of St. Germain; two extra lords, 
 Eliot and Hinchingbrooke, college 
 friends of the prince; two equerries, 
 Major Teesdale and Captain Gray; one 
 physician, Doctor Acland; a London 
 Times reporter and an Illustrated Xews 
 artist. Added to these were a lot of 
 English servants, with special men for 
 the hunting field. 
 
 Dwight was then a small village, and 
 nearly all supplies for the lodge had to 
 be brought from Chicago, seventy-five 
 miles away. Marketing would have to 
 be done in the city every morning and 
 sent down by an early train. 
 
 Only a limited number of the royal 
 party could be accommodated at the 
 lodge. For the others, suitable quar- 
 ters must be provided in the neighbor- 
 hood. To look after the comfort of all, 
 and to train and direct new servants, 
 mostly rustic, Mr. Spencer found that a 
 hostess would be indispensable. 
 
 He was a single man? but happily he 
 had a married sister who, though still 
 very young, was equal to the emergen- 
 cy, being a lady of rare executive abili- 
 ty and fine social tact. This lady went 
 down from her city home from time to 
 time, and quietly put the lodge and its 
 annexed cottages in order, as though 
 for the coming of the ordinary guests 
 of the shooting season. 
 
 If people asked questions— well, the 
 secret had to be kept. She knew that 
 for these aristocratic guests no special 
 etiquette was to be observed. While in 
 the States they were to dispense with 
 courtly form and ceremony, and to drop 
 all lordly airs,— if they ever had any,— 
 thus sparing our republican feelings, 
 while gaining a good time for them- 
 selves. 
 
 The prince himself was kindly to shed 
 his grandest titles,— about a score of 
 them,— retaining only that of Jiaron 
 Renfrew. To their American host the 
 
 members of the party were to be sim- 
 ply English gentlemen, mostly elderly, 
 headed by a nice young collegian, the 
 nicest and youngest of them all. 
 
 PKINCE ALBERT EDWARD ARRIVES. 
 
 In August the Prince of Wales 
 reached Quebec, and was received with 
 raptures and revels of loyalty. After a 
 triumhpial progress through his moth 
 er's dominions he neared the Land of 
 Promise at Niagara, where he beheld 
 tliat slender propechy of the g'-eat sus- 
 pensiou-bridge— the wire of the rope- 
 walker Blondin, with Blond in on it. 
 Reaching the States, he naid brief visits , 
 to Detroit and Chicago, unimportant 
 towns, on his way to Dwight. 
 
 Chicago was then in one of its trans 
 ition states — rising from mire, as ten 
 years later it rose from ashes. From 
 the wonderful new waterworks, to 
 which they had been conducted by the 
 mayor and other othcials, the prince 
 party were whisked off by Mr. Spencer 
 to Dwight, by way of the Chicago, Al- 
 ton & St. Louis Railroad. 
 
 After reaching the lodge, most of the 
 guests were content to rest on the piaz- 
 za and enjoy the evening breeze from 
 oft' that great prairie surging softly in 
 the sunset light, like a sea of gold. Ra- 
 the prince, intent on business, almost 
 immediately called for his gun, and 
 dashed out into the grounds. 
 
 A valet, two gentlemen of the Spen- 
 cer family and a lord or two, followed 
 in hot and armed pursuit. Soon there 
 was a cheerful popping of guns, and a 
 whirring up and fiuttering down of hap- 
 less birds, set upon when just about 
 turning in for the night. The little 
 party returned in the darkling twilight 
 with some fine specimens of prairie 
 chickens, Albert Edward wild with de- 
 light over his share, and bound to have 
 it cooked for dinner. 
 
 Only the prince, his governors and
 
 IIISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLIIS^OIS. 
 
 11 
 
 physician had rooms at the lodge though 
 all the gentlemen of the party met there 
 for meals. When, an hour or two after 
 dinner that evening, Mr. Spencer was 
 preparing to couduct the two equerries 
 to their quarters, — the cottage of the 
 village schoolma.ster, just outside the 
 lodge-gates, — the irrepressible prince 
 asked permission to go also, and carry 
 a lantern. 
 
 Arrived at the house, they were all 
 invited into the little parlor, where sat 
 the schoolmaster and his wife— she 
 rocking an obstinately wakeful baby. 
 To the surprise of the young gentlemen, 
 the royal arrival was still unknown to 
 the dominie, who began questioning his 
 neighbor as to the rum or that the young 
 Prince of Wales was "going to shoot 
 somewhere on some prairie in Illi- 
 nois." 
 
 "I do not expect him, for my part," 
 said Mr. Spencer. 
 
 "Well, so I thought," continued the 
 schoolmaster; "he's too grand for a 
 place like D wight, I suppose. I won 
 der what sort of a young fellow he is 
 anyhow. Not as handsome as his fath- 
 er, judging by the pictures in the pa- 
 pers. Pretty well educaced for a prince, 
 I guess, but I don't suppose he knows 
 much about the higher mathematics." 
 
 During this conversation the subject 
 of it was the only one of the visitors 
 who perfectly kept his countenance— a 
 royal lesson, early learned. When his 
 equerries had rather hurriedly retired, 
 he gravely took leave of Mr. Spencer, 
 bidding the innocent schoolmaster and 
 wife good night, and not forgetting the 
 baby. But well away, he laughed heart- 
 ily and long over his "lirst call in the 
 States." 
 
 The next day was Sunday. The en- 
 tire party accompanied host and host- 
 ess to church— a Presbyterian one, the 
 first house of worship built at Dwight. 
 
 To the surprise of some of his hearers, 
 the republican pastor prayed for the 
 Queen of England and the royal fami- 
 ly. It was not democratic, perhaps, but 
 it was Christian and hospitable, and 
 may have given a certain comely youth 
 in the Spencer pew a pleasant home feel- 
 ing. 
 
 In no other way was the presence of 
 royalty and high nobility noticed in 
 that simple "meeting-house" on the 
 edge of the great prairie. After ser vi ce 
 all passed out quietly and decorously — 
 no staring, no delay, no hanging about 
 the doors. Mr. Spencer has always 
 been proud of the behavior of his neigh- 
 bors on that occasion — so unlike that 
 of fashionable New York worshippers, 
 who a month or so later, almost 
 mobbed the poor young prince in old 
 Trinity. 
 
 DAYS OF ROYAL SPORT. 
 
 On Monday the carnival of sport 
 began. Hunters and dogs were driven 
 to grounds at some distance, where the 
 party, increased by a number of famous 
 American sportsmen familiar with the 
 prairie, was divided into four detach- 
 ments. 
 
 The Prince of Wales, closely accom- 
 panied by the Duke of Newcastle and 
 Mr. Spencer, was to be always twenty 
 minutes in advance of the others — a 
 regulation thereafter sternly enforced 
 by the two governors. This, boys, is 
 the free and independent way in which 
 a young crown prince goes a-gunning! 
 
 The precaution was perhaps doubly 
 necessary, for not only, in their excite- 
 ment over novel game, might those 
 young collegians. Lords Eliot and Ilin- 
 chingbrooke, shoot a Utile wildly, but 
 the prince himself, in his boyish eager- 
 ness, might, while "putting up" a Hock 
 of prairie chickens, bring down an 
 equerry or two. 
 
 As it was, he hit nothing but fair
 
 12 
 
 IIISTOUY OF DWIGllT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 game, and he hit that astonishingly of- 
 ten. Mr. Spencer, who was one of the 
 shots of America, and who recognized 
 no royal road to the honors of the hunt- 
 ing-field, was surprised at his exploits 
 — almost as much surprised as the 
 young fellow himself, whose skill, or 
 luck, seemed to increase from hour to 
 hour. Knowing he had to compete 
 with the crack shots of the prairies he 
 was put upon his mettle to prove him- 
 self worthy his associates and oppor- 
 tunities. 
 
 It was a great day for international 
 sport. The weather was perfect, the 
 scent fine, the dogs of the lodge were 
 pronounced admirable for training and 
 intelligence, and all returned to their 
 quarters in the evening safe and sound, 
 laden with glory and game. 
 
 Another time the party took a train 
 to new and even richer hunting grounds 
 where all day long the birds fell about 
 them like autumn leaves before a gale 
 The prince, being the young lion of 
 England, was of course awarded a gen- 
 erous share in this success. He was 
 royally happy. At last he had found 
 something in this big, rough New 
 World worth coming for. 
 
 However far they may have tramped 
 through the thick prairie grass, under 
 an August sun, it was a cheerful com- 
 pany that sat down to dinner at the 
 lodge— sat long and ate '-like hunters." 
 Among the young men, seated by them- 
 selves, there was usually going a good 
 deal of "chaff.'' One of the college boys, 
 being a stammerer, was too often the 
 victim, but took all in good humor. 
 The prince had to take his turn. 
 
 One night, over the coffee, he was 
 chaffed about a big lot of birds he was 
 to send to England— it being insinuated 
 that he made a miscount, to enhance 
 that day's glory. Snatching a candle 
 from a candelabra, he ran out to the 
 
 game storehouse to go over them again, 
 taking a witness with him, and soon 
 returned triumphant, having gained 
 one by the count. 
 
 One evening there was even unusual 
 laughter at that hilarious table over a 
 cartoon in Harpers' Weekly, represent- 
 ing young Albert Edward, returned lo 
 Windsor, presenting a pretty Yankee 
 bride to the queen. The prince, most 
 amused of all, exclaimed, '"I'll send it to 
 my mother!" 
 
 Though these were merry fellows all, 
 their merriment was restrained within 
 certain bounds by refined taste and that 
 respect for elders which is one of the 
 finest characteristics of well-bred En- 
 glish youth. It is only the exception 
 we find pilloried in Punch. 
 
 The elder members of the party are 
 remembered by their entertainers as ex- 
 ceedingly genial gentlemen— with per- 
 hai'S the exception of the Duke of New- 
 castle, who was usually haughty, re- 
 served and austere enough to stand for 
 the traditional type of a great English 
 nobleman. With a stern sense of duty, 
 and small sympathy with the light- 
 heartedness and lightheadedness of 
 youth- especially of youth under the 
 shadow of the throne — he sometimes 
 acted as a killjoy for his fun-loving 
 charge, never hesitating to administer 
 a reproof when he thought it would be 
 wholesome. 
 
 I remember hearing from the late Mr. 
 Sumner an instance of this which oc- 
 curred during a call on the royal party 
 in Boston. In the course of a political 
 talk between him and the I)uke of New- 
 castle, the character and career of Mr. 
 Gladstone coming under discussion, 
 the Prince of Wales, who had been lis- 
 tening quietly, broke in with, "Yes, 
 Mr. Sumner, Mr. Gladstone is one of 
 the foremost men in English poli- 
 tics "
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 13 
 
 "Tut, tut, toy! What do you know 
 about English politics?" said the awful 
 governor. 
 
 What heir of an American railroad 
 king would have stood such a snubbing V 
 This heir of a hundred kings flushed 
 and was silent. He "tOok it out,'' how- 
 ever, the next night at a delightful 
 ball, where he said to his pretty part- 
 ner: . 
 
 "I don't have half enough of this sort 
 of thing, you know. I hope to come to 
 America again some time, without my 
 nurses." 
 
 I believe there is a melancholy tradi- 
 tion at West Point of the prince being 
 sent to bed at the very hour he was ex- 
 pected in the ball-room. 
 
 To return to D wight. Whatever the 
 fascination of the hunting field, the 
 prince and his party observed with 
 scrupulous punctuality the hour for 
 dinner— always giving themselves time 
 to dress properly for that solemn En- 
 glish function. 
 
 All seemed to keenly relish their re- 
 pasts, and little wonder. There were 
 two accomplished cooks in the kitchen, 
 who prepared for them in many deli- 
 cious ways the first venison of the sea- 
 son and fatted prairie fowl, as well as 
 the choicest fish and domestic meats. 
 Of course the best vegetables and fruit 
 in the market were provided, while 
 fresh butter and eggs were made and 
 laid for them daily. 
 
 ret their anxious little hostess says 
 she was "much comforted"' by hearing 
 that the prince and his party after- 
 ward declared the best dinners they 
 had in America were at "the Spencer 
 Lodge." 
 
 The royal party took everywhere with 
 them. their wines, as well as bath-tubs. 
 The only, lights ever used about the 
 Prince of Wales were wax candles — 
 gas being considered unwholesome and 
 
 oil lamps dangerous, as well as demo- 
 cratic 
 
 There were other precautions taken 
 for the young man's safety — unobtru- 
 ive, but never relaxed. At Mr. Spen- 
 cer's place all looked after his comfort 
 and security— men, women, small 
 boys and those faithful guardians, the 
 dogs. 
 
 The only one of the household who 
 was evidently free from care was the 
 object of all this solicitude. He never 
 seemed to feel his nearness to the 
 grandest throne in the world. 
 
 HOW THE PRINCE APPEARED. 
 
 The family who entertained him at 
 Dwight thirty-three years ago have 
 still very clear recollections of his ap- 
 pearence and manner. He was slight 
 then, and had an abundance of soft 
 brown hair. His face was as now, 
 Guelphic of contour, but attractive in 
 color and expression. His blue eyes 
 beamed with good humor and a great 
 joy in life. He seemed quite free from 
 self-consciousness — was never brusque 
 or impatient or arrogant toward his 
 associates, while to laboring men and 
 sarvants he was singularly considerate. 
 
 Even at that early age he showed 
 the fine social tact for which he has 
 since been distinguished, and the mem- 
 ory of names and faces which he seems 
 to have wisely cultivated. 
 
 In place of regal dignity he had the 
 social defence of perfect courtesy. If 
 he encountered rough men in the hunt- 
 ing field, they were not rough to him 
 nor were they unduly familiar, even 
 when after handling his game, he 
 stopped to wash his hands at the 
 pump in the yaid, or when on the 
 tramp, he laughed with them over 
 some rediculous Western story. 
 
 To this day he keenly enjoys Ameri. 
 can humor, with all its absurdities and
 
 14 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 wild extravageneies. To those who 
 knew him best during that visit he 
 was always the same good-natured, 
 unassuming Eng.'ish boy, and even now 
 that he is more of a grand personage 
 than ever, being a grand father and a 
 'mighty hunter" — having chased tigers 
 on elephant-back in India— they cannot 
 believe that all the endearing traits of 
 the lad who shot small game at Dwight 
 with such content have dissapeared 
 from the character of the man. 
 
 The result of his last day's sport was 
 so astonishing that the prince, over his 
 huge pile of birds, lamented the necess- 
 ity of moving on, saying, "I would like 
 to stay here shooting for a month 
 longer; its the only real fun I have had 
 in America." 
 
 That evening he almost overwhelmed 
 his hosts with thanks for their kindness 
 to "so troublesome a guest, and paid a 
 grateful compliment to his young hos- 
 tess, whose deft management had 
 made them all so comfortable at the 
 lodge. He ended by shyly placing in 
 her husband's hand "a little souvenir" 
 for her. 
 
 It was a besutilul jeweled bracelet 
 bearing his arms and motto. She re 
 oeived also from him a fine engraved 
 portrait bearing his autograph, and an 
 album containing portraits of his fam- 
 ily party. To Mr. Spencer he later 
 sent a valuable token of rememberance. 
 He was not mean— young Albert Ed- 
 ward. 
 
 On the last morning of his visit he 
 planted a tree before the house, which, 
 at the host's request he christened 
 "Renfrew Lodge." Then with corteous 
 adieux to all, not forgetting the dogs, 
 he departed with his suit for St. Louis, 
 from whence, that nigh, there came 
 from him a homesick telegram . 
 
 With the going of those pleasant 
 guests silence settled on the lodge and 
 
 a listless, let-down feeling on the hearts 
 of Its inmates; yet they were not with- 
 out comfort in the thought that their 
 anxious care had kept all harm from 
 that boyish, genial Baron Renfrew, heir 
 to the throne of England and all her 
 mighty dependencies. 
 
 There are a few interesting items in 
 connection with the visit of the prince 
 we have secured that have never been 
 published, which we present: 
 
 James Spencer was an expert hunts- 
 man and had a reputation far and wide 
 and it might be said that his reputa- 
 tion was one cause that brought the 
 Prince to Dwight. Mr. Spencer accom - 
 panied him on all his hunts and was 
 very much pleased with him. The 
 riding about the country was done in a 
 two seated buggy belonging to Col. R. 
 P. Morgan. The buggy was about the 
 "finest in the land" at that time. Col. 
 Morgan then resided and owned the 
 residence (Hahn property) now occu- 
 pied by the offices of the Keeley League, 
 which was considered a very fine house 
 in those days, and it was a common 
 occurrence for deer and wolf to be close 
 to the house, and we understand, in 
 one instance deer was shot on the 
 grounds. 
 
 During the Prince's visit Col. Mor- 
 gan entertained Lord Lyon, then 
 British council to the United States, 
 and the Duke of Newcastle, and rep- 
 resentatives of the London Times. New 
 York Herald and other large news- 
 papers. 
 
 The Prince gave a dinner once a day 
 and Col. Morgan was always an hon- 
 ored guest. The Prince at the time and 
 after his departure made many gifts in 
 rememberance of kindnesses shown 
 him, one in particular that has been 
 given us that deserves special mention. 
 The prince called Col. Morgan into his
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 15 
 
 room one day and presented him with 
 handsome gold shirt buttons, sleeve 
 buttons and vest buttons, saying in 
 substance that he wished him to accept 
 them as a slight token of his respect 
 for him and for kindnesses extended to 
 the royal party. The case containing 
 the buttons presented to the Colonel 
 bears the manufacturers' name as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 R. &S. Garrard & Co. 
 
 Goldsmiths, Jewelers, Etc., 
 
 to the Queen, 
 
 His Royal Highness, The Prince Consort 
 
 and all the Royal Family, 
 
 Panton Street, London . 
 
 A very fine photograph of the Prince 
 
 was presented by him to Mrs. Morgan, 
 which is now in the posession of Ed. 
 Morgan, of Bloomington, 111. 
 
 While the recollection of the oldest 
 inhabitant does not recall the time 
 when the Colonel was seen wearing 
 these gorgeous gold trimmings of roy- 
 alty, it is needless to say that he prizes 
 them very highly. 
 
 This chapter will close the reminis- 
 censes of the royal visit and we shall 
 now proceed with the history of more 
 democratic people and things and prob- 
 ably more interesting to our readers.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 16 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE VILLAGE. 
 
 THE VILLAGE OF DWIGHT. 
 
 "When flrst this village D. was thouglit. 
 The friends of D. some others fought, 
 To give a little name, and birtli 
 To homes of clay, and joyous mirth. 
 Tills settled, and a sign they placed 
 To guide tlie weary wanderer to rest: 
 A hickory ix)le of twenty-two feet, 
 A rust pan did gracefully o'erleap." 
 
 Dwight is situated on the main line 
 of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Rail- 
 road, at the junction of its Western Di- 
 vision, and is about seventy miles from 
 Chicago, and twenty miles from Pon- 
 tiac, the county seat. It is a place of 
 about 2,000 inhabitants, is the third in 
 size, and one of the most important 
 shipping points in the county. The 
 repair shops and the round house of the 
 Western Division of the Chicago, Alton 
 & St. Louis Railroad are located here, 
 as well as the headquarters of the bridge 
 builders of the main line. The tank 
 men were stationed here when 
 they moved their headquarters to 
 Bloomington. A large number of men 
 employed by the two roads live in the 
 village of Dwight, and have all their 
 interests centering here. 
 
 Dwight was surveyed by Nelsoii Buck, 
 deputy County Surveyor, for Amos 
 Edwards, the regular surveyor of the 
 county, in the fall of 1853, for R. V. 
 Morgan, Jr., Jas. C. Spencer, John 
 Lathrop and J. and K. W. Fell, who 
 owned the land on which it stands. The 
 
 original town embraced the southwest 
 quarter of the southeast quarter of Sec- 
 tion 4; also the northwest quarter of 
 the northeast quarter, and the northeast 
 quarter of the northwest quarter of 
 Section 9, Township 30 north. Range 7 
 east of the Third Principal Meridian, 
 and on the 30th day of January, 1854, 
 was dedicated by Mr, Morgan, and the 
 plat admitted to record. The following 
 are his dedicating words: "To be known 
 as the town of Dwight, and the streets 
 and alleys described on the town plat 
 are hereby donated to the public." It 
 was named for Henry Dwight, of Xevv 
 York, who was a capitalist, and furnish- 
 ed the money to build the road from 
 Joliet to Bloomington, known now as 
 the Chicago, Alton &St. Louis Railroad. 
 He is said to have lost a fortune in the 
 construction of this road, and as a com- 
 pliment to him, and in honor of his 
 noble deeds, his name was given to the 
 new village, which, in spite uf eltorts to 
 change it, it has ever since borne. In 
 this year (1858) considerable excitement 
 was caused by an effort on the part of 
 some citizens to change the name of 
 our town. There was a leading politi- 
 cian here named Tom Little, known 
 more familiarly as "Jersey." He and 
 some others (who formed a clique 
 which he led) tried to have the name 
 changed to "Beckman," the name of a 
 county in New York State. R. P.
 
 Geo, Z. Flagler. 
 
 James Smith, 
 
 Nathan Baker. 
 
 (arjd grandd-jild, ) 
 
 W. H. Conrad.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLIJ^OIS. 
 
 17 
 
 Morgan and his party worked for the 
 name of "Dvvight," whilst a third party 
 toiled in behalf of the euphonious ap- 
 pellation "Dogtown." The excitement, 
 we are told, was intense, and 11. P. 
 Morgan's party were ultimately success- 
 ful, winning their point by a single 
 vote. 
 
 We are told that the very first indi- 
 cation of a town Was the raising of a 
 telegraph pole, with a tin pan nailed 
 on top, wh'ch served as a landmark and 
 guide to the surveyors engaged on the 
 Chicago, Alton & St. Louis Kailroad, or, 
 as then known, the Chicago & Missis- 
 sippi Railroad. The history of this 
 great railroad, one of the leading roads 
 in the State of Illinois, is so well known 
 that any notice of it in these pages 
 seems almost superlhious. The enter- 
 prise was begun in 1853, under the 
 style of the Chicago & Mississippi 
 Railroad Company, with the intention 
 of building a railroad from Joliet to 
 Alton. The road was located by Oliver 
 11. Lee, Chief Engineer of the compa- 
 ny, and the work pushed forward under 
 the supervision of Assistant Engineers 
 R. P. Morgan, Jr., II. A. Gardner and 
 Jas. A. Sp-ncer, with such vigor and 
 dispatch that on the 4th day of July, 
 1854, the first passenger train passed 
 over the new road. Sinnce that event, 
 its history is so familiar to all as to 
 need no comment here. Suffice to say, 
 it is one of the advantages that 
 has made the village of D^ight what 
 it is— a fact of which Its citizens are 
 awiire. and appreciate accordingly. 
 
 In 1809, the Western Division of the 
 C. & A. R. R., which leaves the main 
 line at D wight, was begun and com- 
 pleted, and trains running over it in 
 1870. This makes Dwight quite a rail- 
 road center. 
 
 The first house or cabin in the village 
 of Dwight was built by a man from 
 
 Morris, whose name is now forgotten. 
 It was a frame building, 16x24 feet, one 
 and a half stories high, erected on Lot 
 8, Block 18, in 1853, and was built origi- 
 nally for a store or a kind of supply 
 depot for the railroad hands, and finally 
 passed into the possession of Dr. Ilag- 
 erty. 
 
 The first permanent residence erect- 
 ed in the village was by Augustus 
 Wesi, on Lots 18 and 19, in Block 7, and 
 was completed in June, 1854. Mr. West 
 came to the State in 1853, and early in 
 1854 came to Dwight, and beheld the 
 sickly village of forty years ago 
 grow up into a prosperous young 
 city. 
 
 In 1854, John Campbell put up a tem- 
 porary eating house, which was the first 
 place of public entertainment the vil- 
 lage knew. The trains stopped at it 
 for dinner and supper, which arrange- 
 ment was continued until 1855, when it 
 was purchased by Hiram Cornell, who 
 came from J^ew Tork, and who con- 
 ducted it as a hotel for some time. The 
 following story is told of him during 
 his first winter as "mine host." He had 
 a barrel of whisky (without which the 
 Western hotel was never found in those 
 early days), and from some cause, 
 wholly unaccountable, it "froze up" 
 during the first cold snap, nor could he 
 get it near enough to the fire nor the 
 fire hot enough to thaw it out; and so it 
 remained until Spring came with its 
 warm days. Cornell remained in this 
 little shanty until he built the "Dwight 
 House," the first regular hotel in the 
 village, in 1855. Since the erection of- 
 this hostlery, many changes have taken 
 place in the hotel business, as well as 
 in all other lines represented in Dwight 
 On the first of August, 1854. the rail 
 road was opened through from St. Louis 
 to Chicago, and it has ever since been in
 
 18 
 
 IIISTUllY OF DWIUIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 operation, excepting the period of snow 
 blockade in the winters of 1855-0. 
 
 The village tlius established was des- 
 tined to grow. The sanguine expecta- 
 tions of promoters are not always 
 crowned with success, but it was evi- 
 dent from the hrst that Dwight was 
 going to be a village of some preten- 
 sions. Gradually it settled up, first one 
 and then another finding a home with- 
 in its boundaries. 
 
 It was not long before the population 
 began to increase in another way, and 
 ia January 1855 the first child was born 
 here to a daughter of Mrs. N. Iliggs, of 
 JDwight. Time passed quickly away, 
 and the people were busy in improv- 
 ing the town, and others kept moving 
 in. 
 
 The first regular store was bui.'t by 
 David McWilliams, in 1855. It was 
 painted white, and, like the telegraph 
 pole surmounted by the tin pan, before 
 alluded to, served as a way mark to all 
 in search of the new village. It is said 
 that the first sale made by Mr. McWil- 
 liams, after opening a store here, was a 
 lawn dress pattern, which the workmen 
 presented to the wife of the Station 
 Master of the railroad. Tlie store seems 
 to have been a house of general accom 
 modation, and was vised as a place of 
 worship, and also as shelter for the new 
 comers of those early times until they 
 had found a permanent place to lay 
 their heads. 
 
 A few other stores were in operation 
 and one hotel invited the attention of 
 weary and hungering humanity. In 
 neighborhoods contiguous to Dwight 
 coal was found, and after years saw 
 towns spring up which owed their ex- 
 istence and sustenance to the coal beds. 
 The more rapidly tiie surrounding 
 country filled up the more rapidly musr 
 the town grow. And it is not surpris- 
 ing therefore that when the Prince of 
 
 Wales visited theneighborhoodin 1800, 
 but a few years after tbe formation of 
 the town, it was a thriving village of 
 about 400 inhabitants, and having 
 about one hundred buildings. The re- 
 porters ot that period who communi- 
 cated information to the New York 
 papers were gifted men, and spoke in 
 high praise *)f the town, its surround- 
 ings and its inhabitants. We are not 
 surprised at this, for we liave always 
 noticed that when a man speaks well 
 of us, he is an intelligent and a gifted 
 man. 
 
 The year 1854 was a memorable one 
 in our history; for with it came some 
 of the most prominent men who have 
 resided here. It was ni this year that 
 John Conant, Esq. emigrated from 
 
 Rochester, Ohio, accompanied by Geo. 
 T. and Henry F. Lonant. The latter 
 died herd Sept. 22, 1858. Mr. ('on- 
 ant was a man of facts, a strong total 
 abstinence man and a Congregation- 
 alist by profession. He served that 
 body as Clerk for thirteen years in ttie 
 cliurch to which he belonged. He was 
 an officer in the war of 181 2 and belonged 
 to the same regiment as Grandfather 
 Kockwell, but was not detailed for ser- 
 vice, yet he helped the soldiers on their 
 way to Boston. In politics he was' a 
 strong Republican : but, like every right 
 minded and honorable man, he always 
 regarded the rights of others as sacred 
 as his own. 
 
 The following brief personnel of Mr. 
 Conant we take from a sketcli of Sab- 
 bath School Organization by David 
 McWilliams, Esq.: "Father Conant was 
 a man of large physical frame, weighing 
 I should suppose at least 240 pounds, a 
 large well proportioned man in all re- 
 spects, possessedof more than ordinary 
 talent, with a large share of good com- 
 mon sense entering into all his plans, 
 riain as to his appearance and with
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 19 
 
 the modesty and diflidence of a bashful 
 lad, it was ahvays very embarrassing 
 for him to preside on any piblic occa- 
 sion and for tliis reason declined to act 
 as our first Sunday School Superinten- 
 dent. He was our tirst Postmaster, 
 first Justice of the Peace, and a man 
 whose well balanced life was such as to 
 command the respect, and veneration of 
 all that knew him. He was a man well 
 adapted for a new country: his parents 
 having been pioneers in the Western 
 part of Massachusetts when he was a 
 mere lad, and when arriving at man- 
 hood emigrated to the wilds of Ohio, 
 wliich was a vast -wilderness at that 
 time, and then when in the decline of 
 life came to this new country and 
 helped to mould its institutions." 
 
 One of Mr. Conant's daughters had 
 married Mr. Cutler, who resided in tiiis 
 neighborhood. 
 
 The cholera made its appearance this 
 year and was anything but a welcome 
 guest. One young man died, and a 
 man who kept a shanty grocery moved 
 to the German settlement, wliere it is 
 said he died also. Mr. Colgate was 
 taken with it, but Mr. Cutler took him 
 to his house and attended to him,, so 
 that he afterwards recovered. Mr. 
 Cutler had had experience in this de- 
 partment when he was steward in the 
 i»eaf and Dumb Asylum of Columbus, 
 Ohio. 
 
 It was in this year too, that Major 
 McDowell came to this town from IIol- 
 lidaysburg, Pa. He had resided in that 
 city for some time, where he had suc- 
 cessfully carried on the banking busi- 
 ness. He purchased several thousand 
 acres of land in this vicinity, and became 
 one of our most prominent and active 
 citizens. He was a man of large heart 
 and generous nature. When the coun- 
 try was visited with that ever memor- 
 able snow storm, which blocked up the 
 
 trafhc on the railroad between this 
 placeand OdeII,some liundredand fifty 
 passengers were brought to this town 
 for shelter and sustenance. Provisions 
 were low at the time and the town was 
 composed of only a few buildings 
 There was the station house, John 
 Campbell had a small eating house, Mr. 
 West had a house, there was a small 
 house where Dr, Ilagerty's family lived 
 a small boarding house for railroad 
 hands, and a grocery shanty with two 
 families living in it; these composed 
 the town of Dwight. Major McDowell 
 promptly despatched his team to the 
 town and took a number ot the ladies 
 into his house, where he entertained 
 them, and made them comfortable dur- 
 ing the terrible storm. The above is 
 spoken of in another place but this is a 
 different account. 
 
 The town n"as fast runmng out of 
 provisions and famine stared them in 
 the face; but the storm abating a little, 
 word was sent to Morris, and the good 
 people of that town sent two sleigh 
 loads of provisions to the aid of the 
 people. 
 
 'Squire Mcllduff came from Cass- 
 ville, Pa,, to this totvn in the same year 
 as Major McDowell, and claims to have 
 plowed the first furrow in Dwight. He 
 also drove the first stock to this town. 
 He afterwards built a small house on 
 his farm and has been a resident of 
 Dwight ever since. 
 
 In 1855, the population of the little 
 village was augmeuted by the arrival of 
 Hiram Cornell and wife, George Flagler 
 and family, , W. H. Clarkson and fami- 
 ly, Isaac II. J5aker and family, David 
 McWilliams, S. L. II. Ramsey and fam- 
 ily in June; also Jeremiah Travis and 
 family in August; and in the fall of 
 the year Wm. II, Ivetchum and family, 
 13. Losee and family, and Dr. J. H, 
 Hagerty. The latter graduated at
 
 20 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 the University of Pennsylvania in 1852. 
 and was a prominent physician, and 
 practiced his profession here until 180:], 
 from which time until his death, Sep- 
 tember 1, 1873, he acted as consulting 
 physician only. The others were of the 
 solid citizens of the village. 
 
 Dr. Hagerty was a man of cultivated 
 refined tastes, and helped largely to 
 build up the present educational sys- 
 tem in Dwight, In the early days of 
 his practice he had calls from all parts 
 of the county and was in general re- 
 quest . 
 
 Hiram Cornell bought out John 
 Campbell's eating house, and built the 
 llrst hotel in the town, known as "The 
 Dwight House." David McWilliams 
 built his store in the same year. It was 
 painted white, and when the farmers, 
 coming from a distance caught sight of 
 the white building, they made tracks ac- 
 cordingly. Early in March of 1855 Mr. 
 McWilliams began the erection of a 
 building for a store, size 20z32, two 
 stories high. A few loads of lumber 
 were hauled on the vacant corner op- 
 posite the Methodist church, on Mazou 
 avenue, but it seemed so far away from 
 the depot that he was prevailed upon 
 to change his local ion to the place 
 where the postoffice and bank building 
 now stands. He soon added 40 feet in 
 the rear of it, and 24 feet in the front, 
 as well as filling up the sides. So his 
 old store occupied 32x9(5 feet, and thus 
 remained until 187(5, when he erected 
 the building now occupied by McWil- 
 liams «fc Smith, and soon after the old 
 store was torn down and the pres- 
 ent postofiice and bank building erected 
 instead. The first article of merchan- 
 dise sold by Mr. McWilliams in Dwight 
 was a shilling lawn dress. The store 
 served also as a place of worsliip, a 
 shelter for new comers until they 
 "pitched their tents,'' and, in fact, as 
 
 a place of refuge in those early times. 
 
 Prairie fires were frequent at this 
 period, and many persons lost property, 
 some nearly losing their lives. Nelson 
 Cornell was out hunting one day on the 
 east side of the town and when return- 
 ing saw an immense prairie fire ap- 
 proaching. In order to save his life he 
 burnt the grass where he was and stood 
 on the hot ground wJiile the larger fire 
 swept past him, nearly suffocating him 
 with smoke and ashes. 
 
 The first Sunday School was organ- 
 ized in April, 1855. John Conant was 
 elected superintendent, but as he re- 
 fused to serve, John Routzeng was 
 elected in his place. 
 
 The first appointment for a religious 
 meeting in Dwight was in the house of 
 Nelson Cornell. It was just before tlie 
 great storm. A few people gathered 
 but no preacher put in his appearance. 
 Those who attended meeting at that 
 time did so either at the log school 
 house on che Mazon creek, or at Eber 
 Stevens' barn. Local preachers or ex- 
 horters supplied the congregation. 
 
 The first public religious services 
 held in this town were in a building 
 afterwards occupied by J. J. Gore, on 
 Lot 17 Block (j. It was used before the 
 building was really finished, and thirty- 
 seven persons attended the first school 
 service on May 15, 1855. The following 
 are all of the names of those present 
 that we can now ascertain: D. McAVil- 
 liams, Sec'y., John Conant, Mrs. Con- 
 ant, Samuel Cutler, Mrs. Cutler, Henry 
 Conant, Miss Meltina Earl, Henry and 
 George Cutler, Robert Thompson and 
 several members of his family, John 
 Routzeng, Simeon Lutz, J. Travis, Au- 
 gustus West, N. E. Lyman, and Asliley 
 lientley. The first sermon actually 
 reached in the town was preached over 
 the store of D. McWilliams on the Sec- 
 ond Sunday in June, 1855, by the Rev.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 21 
 
 A. D. Field, of the Koek River Confer- 
 ence. While here that gentleman 
 formed the first religious society in the 
 town; it was composed of six mem- 
 bers. 
 
 'SVe take the following from the Liv- 
 ingston county history of 1878, regard- 
 ing churches: 
 
 As already noted, the first sermon 
 preached in Dwitfht. was by Rev. xV. D. 
 Field, of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, in 1855. His circuit, known as 
 the "Mazon Circuit," embraced all that 
 tract of country soutu of the Illinois 
 River, and extending from Morris to 
 Avoca Township. The society was or- 
 ganized with six members, viz : Simeon 
 Lutz, .John Routzong, Isaac Baker, 
 Isabella Baker, David Mc Williams and 
 Jeremiah Travis. John Routzong was 
 appointed leader of the class. The 
 Rev. Mr. Field preached a few times 
 during the summer, and at the next 
 meeting of the Conference, two minis- 
 ters were appointed to the "Mazon Cir- 
 cuit," and Dwight became one of the 
 regular preaching places. From this 
 time forward, there was preaching ev- 
 ery alternate Sunday ir^ the school 
 house, then just built. In 1862, the so- 
 ciety was struck off from the Mazon 
 Circuit, and Rev. O. W. Pollard ap- 
 pointed to the charges of Dwight, Odell 
 and Pontiac. The society erected their 
 first building in 1858, was dedicated in 
 July of that, year by the Rev. Dr. Kid 
 der, of Evanstou. About 1862 63, the 
 society had so increased in numbers as 
 to necessitate the enlargement of their 
 building, and it was lengthened twenty 
 tV.et, For nine years they worshiped 
 in this building, when their present 
 elegant church was erected, at a cost of 
 $16,000, under the pastorate of Rev, E. 
 D. Hall, and dedicated in October, 1867, 
 by Rev, Dr, Eddy, then of Chicago. It 
 is a handsomely finished edifice, is capa- 
 
 ble of seating about 500 persons, and 
 the society numbers 260 members, with 
 Rev. C. W. Ayling as T^astor. The Sunday 
 school of this society was organized at 
 an early period, and is in a flourishing 
 condition. Mr. McWilliams was the 
 first Superintendent, a position he held 
 for thirteen years in succession. The 
 present Superintendent is Mr. Menee- 
 
 ly. 
 
 The Presbyterian Church society 
 was organized in Dwight in 1856, the 
 next year after the Methodist, The 
 original members were three males and 
 five females, and their first place of 
 worship was the school house, in which 
 they continued to hold their meetings 
 until the next year, when the church 
 now occupudby the Danish Methodists 
 was erected, on lots donated by James 
 C. Spencer and R. P, Morgan. This 
 was the first church built in Dwight, 
 and cost originally S2,620. The pulpit 
 was filled by various ministers irregu- 
 larly, until 1869, when Rev. L. F. Walk- 
 er was called to the charge. In the 
 Fall ot 1871, he was succeeded by Rev, 
 W, L. Loyd, who filled the pulpit until 
 1873, The Elders of the church were 
 Hugh Thompson, Robert Thompson, 
 James George, James Paul and John 
 C. George, The property was sold by 
 the association through S, T, K, Prime, 
 about two years ago to the Danish 
 Methodist society. Rev. Wilhelmsen 
 is the pastor and the organization is in 
 a flourishing condition. 
 
 The next society organized was the 
 Congregational. December 1, 1865, the 
 first sermon was preached in this faith, 
 by Rev. J. A. Montgomery, a student 
 from the Congregational Seminary of 
 Chicago. Their meetings were held in 
 •'Gerson's Hall." On the 12th of Jan- 
 uary, 1866, a 'council of delegates' from 
 the neighboring churches was con- 
 vened, and invited to give advice re-
 
 22 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 garding the permanent organization of 
 a church, and eleven persons identified 
 themselves with the congregation. In 
 1867, an effort was made to build a 
 church, the lots procured, and the build- 
 ing commenced. In January, 1868, their 
 present elegant church was dedicated, 
 free from debt. The total cost of the 
 building, grounds, etc., was $5,425. Rev. 
 J. A. Montgomery was pastor from the 
 first organization of the the church un- 
 til 1873, when he accepted a call to 
 Morris, and the pulpit was afterwards 
 filled by Rev. W. C. Rogers and several 
 others, with about one hundred and 
 fifty members. It has a flourishing 
 Sabbath school, with an attendance of 
 about one hundred and fifty, of which 
 Miss Florence Thompson is superinten- 
 dent. The present pastor is Rev. E. F. 
 Wright, who is accomplishing excellent 
 work in this community. 
 
 The Baptists made the next effort, 
 but have not, from some cause or other, 
 flourished as some of the other denom- 
 inations have done. 
 
 The German Lutheran Church was 
 built in 1867, and cost .'$1,400; has about 
 fifty members, and a flourishing Sunday 
 school. Rev, Mr. Schieitweig, of Ca- 
 yuga, was the pastor for a time. 
 
 The German Evangelical Associa- 
 tion, or Albright Methodists, have a 
 handsome little frame church edifice, 
 22x30 feet, which cost about !&1,500. The 
 
 minister is Rev. Geo, Schwartz, and the 
 society has a good membersliip. A 
 Sunday school, with an attendance of 
 about forty children, is carried on. 
 
 The Danish Lutherans have a pretty 
 little frame church, built a few years 
 ago, which has a large and flourishing 
 membership. The pastor is Rev. Bek- 
 ker. 
 
 There is also a Roman Catholic church 
 m the village, with a membership 
 of about fifty families. Their church 
 is a neat and tasty little building, put 
 up at a cost of about .§1,500, The pres- 
 ent pastor is Father Moore. 
 
 In 1858 a circumstance occurred 
 which materially affected the interests 
 of the town. For a period of several 
 weeks it was cut off from all mail mat- 
 ter and from all communication with 
 the outside worla, except by way of 
 Morris. The cause of this is to be 
 found in the famous quarrel which ex- 
 isted at that time between Governor 
 Mattison under his lease of the Chica- 
 go & Mississippi RailroHd, and Hamil- 
 ton Spencer and the bondholders of the 
 same road. The dilliculiy at flrsc ap- 
 peared to be a serious one, and all 
 tratlic was suspended daring the time 
 above indicated. The difficulty ended 
 by the road passing into tlie hands of 
 the bondholders, an event which large- 
 ly conduced to the welfare and prosper- 
 ity of Dwight,
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT. ILLIJ^OIS. 
 
 23 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 REMINISCENCES OF WAR TIMES. 
 
 it is well known that politics and 
 political sentiments have, such an effect 
 on the raiuds of men, as to cause many 
 to lose sight of the nobler intlaences 
 which actuate-* our being. And in this 
 ffrnat coLiitry which boasts of such an 
 unrivaled tract of territory it is per- 
 fectly natural that the people should be 
 distinguished by such names as North- 
 erners and Southerners. But when we 
 come to consider that a great differ- 
 ence existed between the two in thought, 
 feeling, social law and commercial en- 
 terprise, it is not to be wondered at 
 that the harmony of Union was rough- 
 iv shattered in the way it was. With- 
 out entering into any lengthy discus- 
 sion of this subject we may safely say 
 that according to the old state of thingfi, 
 Union could never have been success- 
 fully maintained. But in the present 
 aspect of affairs, with the new and 
 grandest policy adopted, with the feel- 
 ing of hearty sympathy which is rapid- 
 ly gaining ground, we see a noble, a 
 splendid future, not only for the South, 
 but for the United States of America. 
 Although the difficulties existing be- 
 tween the Northern and Southern 
 States had been rankling for years, and 
 although it was evident to the far see- 
 ing politician that war must necessari- 
 ly follow, yet when the storm burst 
 upon us in all its fury, the Xorth was 
 comparitively unprepared for it. 
 
 But if we were not in such thorough 
 readiness as we might have been, one 
 thing is certain, we had men enough, 
 and men of the right stamp, too, to fight 
 the battles of "Union" and "Freedom." 
 When it became known, therefore, that 
 the South had rebelled, and that the 
 government was in need of recruits, the 
 men from northern cities, towns, vil- 
 lages and even farms laid down the im- 
 plements of industry and took up the 
 deadly weapons of war. 
 
 Contemplating that eventful period 
 in our national history, the mind is 
 filled with many ideas of a painful 
 character. Now that the flush of vic- 
 tory and the bitterness of defeat have 
 become things of the past, we may 
 calmly and dispassionately consider 
 one of the many phases of that terrible 
 war. 
 
 One of the most awful thoughts in 
 connection with the subject, is that the 
 hand of brother was raised against 
 brother, father against son, and neigh- 
 bor against neighbor. As we remem- 
 ber that all the pleasant and beautiful 
 feelings connected with happy social 
 life were rudely dashed aside, and the 
 tenderest and holiest ties that bind us 
 together in brotherly love were fiercely 
 broken, it brings before us a scene of 
 fearful horror and profoundest woe. 
 
 But while we mourn over the awful 
 character and natural consequences of
 
 34 
 
 HISTORY or D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 the Rebellion, we have reason to be 
 grateful for its happy and beneficent 
 results. There can be no doubt that 
 war was necessary viuder the circum- 
 stances, and there can be no doubt that 
 it was necessary for this great country 
 to purge itself of the cause of slavery, 
 and show itself to the civilized world 
 as the great, the glorious, the free Re- 
 public of United America. 
 
 At the very commencement of the 
 war the town of D wight took a lively 
 interest in the national proceedings. 
 Our town has always been Republican 
 and loyal, and in the hour of the Gov- 
 ernment's need our citizens came boldly 
 to the front at the call of duty. 
 
 But during this period, however, a 
 large amount of enthusiasm was de- 
 veloped here, as in many other places 
 as well;«and in the years 61-62 the inter- 
 est and excitement which prevailed in 
 the town, took a definite form, when 
 some of our citizens cheerfully gave up 
 the pleasures of home and nvjbly con- 
 secrated themselves to the service of 
 their country. It is something very 
 worthy of note that the thirteenth 
 military company to report in the state 
 of Illinois was from Dwighi and vicin- 
 ity and Col. Morgan and David Mc- 
 Williams went to Springfield to tender 
 the same to the governor. 
 
 In the summer of this year Company 
 B was organized, under the call of 
 President Lincoln for six hundred 
 thousand men, at Dwight, Livingston 
 Co., 111., by Samuel T. Walkley, and was 
 mustered into the service of the United 
 States, at Pontiac, 111., on September 8, 
 1862, forming a part of the 129th Regi- 
 ment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. 
 
 It must not be supposed that this 
 Company contained all the men who 
 went from Dwight. Some enlisted in 
 other regiments, and fought bravely 
 for their country. But as Company B, 
 
 the only Volunteer Company organ- 
 ized here, it is with that one this his- 
 tory has to deal. 
 
 A correct list of the officers and pri- 
 vates, with an account of what become 
 of each man, has never yet been pub- 
 lished. 
 
 The task of preparing such a list for 
 publication has, however, now been 
 successfully accomplished; and as it 
 forms a most important and interest- 
 ing part of the history of our town, we 
 here present it to the reader: 
 
 COMPANY "b'' 129th regiment, ILLI- 
 NOIS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY. 
 REGIMENTAL AND STAFF OFFICERS. 
 
 Henry Case, Colonel. 
 
 A. J. Cropsey, Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 
 Thomas H.Flynn, Major. 
 
 H. C. Johns, Surgeon. 
 
 Darius Johnson, 1st Ass't Surgeon. 
 
 Wm. H. Walters, 2ud Ass't Surgeon. 
 
 Thomas Cotton, Chaplain. 
 
 John McWilliams, Quarter Master. 
 
 Phil. D. Platteuburg, Adjutant. 
 
 C OMMISSIONED OFFICERS. 
 
 Samuel T. Walkley, Captain. 
 George W. Gilchrist, 1st Lieutenant. 
 Elihu Chilcott, 2nd Lieutenant, 
 
 NON-COMMISSIONED. — SERGEANTS. 
 
 Homer A. Kenyon, 1, assigned to duty 
 in Inspector General's Department 8rd 
 Div. 2nd Corp.— Keturned. 
 
 William E. Swift, 2nd, discharged, 
 Jan. 1, 1863. 
 
 Northrup Riggs,3rd, promoted to 2nd 
 Sergeant — Returned. 
 
 Leander B. Morgan, 4th, discharged 
 Jan. 29, 1863. 
 
 Francis M. Angle, 5th, killed March 
 19, 1864. at Averysboro, N. C. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Peter Garten, 1st. Returned. 
 William R. Snyder, 2nd Returned.
 
 W. H. Kettham, 
 
 Jacob Christman, 
 
 E. H, Kneeland. 
 
 Roger H. Mills.
 
 HISTORY OF DWiGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 25 
 
 Daniel W. Gallup, 3rd. Returned. 
 
 August Jiecker,4th. Returned. 
 
 John N. Staley, 5th. Wounded in 
 right breast July 20, 1804, before At- 
 lanta. 
 
 Samuel Persels, Oth. Discharged 
 March 2, 18(33. 
 
 ■John O. Collister, 7th. Died at Foun- 
 tain Head, Tenn., Jan. 8, 18<)3. 
 
 Charles G. Atwood, 8th. Died at 
 Gallatin. Feb. 0,1863. 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 AVilliam A. Randall, Fifer. Dis- 
 charged April 26, 1863. 
 
 Charles M. Rawlings, Drummer. Cap- 
 tured in N. (\, and was afterwards ex- 
 changed as a prisoner of war. 
 
 NON-CO:\[MISSIO]SrED. 
 
 (List at the close of the War.) 
 
 SERGEANTS. 
 
 Homer A. Kenyon, 1st. — Returned. 
 Xorthrup Riggs, 2d.— Returned. 
 Francis M. Angle, 3d.— Killed. 
 Peter Garten, 4th.— Returned. 
 Wm. R. Snyder, 5th. — Returned. 
 
 CORPORALS. 
 
 Daniel W. Gallup, 1st.— Returned. 
 
 Samuel McGooden, 2d. — Returned. 
 
 Henry Yanderburg, 3d —Shot in the 
 leg, which was amputated. — Died at 
 Yining station, Ga., July 20. 1864. 
 
 August Becker, 4th — Mounted Scout. 
 — Returned. 
 
 John iST. Staley, 5th. —Mounted Scout. 
 — Returned. 
 
 Chas. A. Gwin, 6th.— Wounded at 
 Resaca, Georgia. 
 
 Joseph D. McDonald, 7th.— Returned. 
 
 James Wilgus, 8th. — Returned. 
 
 MUSICIANS. 
 
 Charles M. Rawlings. — Drummer. — 
 Returned. 
 
 PRIVATES. 
 
 Austin, Rufus H. Mounted scout. 
 Returned. 
 
 Bintenburger, Ludwig. Deserted 
 Oct. 6, 1862. 
 Borin. William H. Discharged ISIarch 
 
 13. 1863. 
 Broadbent, Joshua A. Discharged 
 
 Feb. 16, 1S63. 
 
 Bochtler, Joseph. Wounded. Ret. 
 
 Beach, John F. Deserted from Nash- 
 ville, Tenn. 
 
 Butler, Charles S. Mounted Scout. 
 
 Wounded in right knee in front of At- 
 lanta. Returned. 
 
 Barry, Martin. Returned. 
 
 Broughton, James. Died at jSIitch- 
 ellsville, Tenn., Dec. 8. 
 
 Bennett, Edward C. Returned. 
 
 Borer, Fidel. Mounted Scout. Re- 
 turned. 
 
 Bradbury, Wm. H. Chief Clerk in 
 
 Gen. Judah's Headquarters, Dec. 3, 
 1862. Returned. 
 
 Brandenburger, Rudolph. Lost left 
 arm July 20, 1864, in front of Atlanta. 
 Returned. 
 
 Caldwell, William I. Discharged 
 March 16, 1863. 
 
 Currier, Lewis. Returned. 
 
 Cann, John. Mounted Scout. Lost 
 right arm July 20, 1864, in front of At- 
 lanta Returned. 
 
 Charles, William. Discharged March 
 
 11,1863. 
 Dick, Anton. Discharged March 19, 
 
 '63. 
 
 Fuller, Richard. Hospital cook. Dis- 
 charged from General Hospital. 
 
 Flaherty, Thomas. Mounted Scout. 
 Returned. 
 
 Flynn, John. Returned. 
 
 Fullerton. John. Mounted Scout. 
 Wounded. Returned. 
 
 Fuge, Patrick. Severely wounded in 
 the thigh. March 19, 1864, at Averysboro, 
 N. C. Returned. 
 
 Griswold, David M. Discharged April 
 26, 1863. 
 
 Gwin, Charles A. Promoted to 6th 
 Corporal. Returned.
 
 26 
 
 HISTORY OF DAVIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Gray, Samuel S. S. Died at Bowling 
 Green, Ky., Nov. 30, 1863. 
 
 Hoffman, William. Killed .Tune 15, 
 1864. 
 
 Hand, Ira W. Mounted Scout. 
 Wounded in right thigh at the battle of 
 Kenesaw Mountain Returned. 
 
 Huntley, Asil. Returned. 
 
 Hall, Benjamin W. Discharged on 
 account of sickness. 
 
 .Judd, Curtis J. Promoted to Ser- 
 geant-Major. Returned. 
 
 Ketchum, John L. Moun'ed Scout 
 Wounded June 15, 1864. Died in Gener- 
 al Hospital at Chacanooga, Tenn.,,June 
 26, 1864'. 
 
 Koehnlein, Charles. Regimental Car- 
 penter. Returned. 
 
 Lore, Robert C. Mounted Scout. Re- 
 turned. 
 
 Lower, Eli L. Returned. 
 
 Legnor, .John. Discharged May 9, 
 1863. 
 
 Lewis, Henry A. Wounded in right 
 leg July 20, 1864, before Atlanta. Died. 
 
 McVVilliams, John. Discharged and 
 appointed Quartermaster. 
 
 McFee, Henry L. Appointed Wagon- 
 Master Feb. 4, 1863. Discharged. 
 
 McKenney, Edwin. Mounted Scout. 
 Discharged. 
 
 McGooden, Samuel. Promoted 2nd 
 Corporal. Returned 
 
 McDonald, Joseph D. Promoted 7th 
 Corporal. Returned. 
 
 McCartney, William. Returned. 
 
 Mihm, Albert. Wounded in head. 
 Died. 
 
 Miller, (,;onrad. Deserted Oct. 6, 
 1863. 
 
 Morrison, David. Mounted Scout. 
 
 Returned. 
 
 Neiison, Peter I. Returned. 
 
 Pfefferman, Stormens. Returned. 
 
 Pratt, James R. Mounted Scout. 
 Discharged. 
 
 Pratt, William H. Discharged June 
 2, 1863. 
 
 Rawlings, Thomas E. Transferred 
 to Telegraph Corps. Returned. 
 
 Reinmiller, Carl. Returned. 
 
 Randall, Jerry. Wounded on June 
 22, 1864, and subsequently died. 
 
 Rogers, John H. Discharged March 
 13, 1863 Returned. 
 
 Reed, George W. Mounted Scout. 
 Captured, and exchanged as prisoner of 
 war. Returned. 
 
 Randall, George W. Died at Galla- 
 tin, Tenn., Feb. 21, 1863. 
 
 Sullivan, John. Deserted Sept. 25, 
 '62. 
 
 Stevens, Eugene R. Discharged from 
 Gallatin, Tenn. 
 
 Schneider, Ludwig. Discharged, 
 March 2, 1863. 
 
 Saddler, Nicholas. Returned. 
 
 Shepherd, .James. Discharged March 
 13, 1863. 
 
 Schumm, John G. Mounted Scout. 
 Returned. 
 
 Smith, Manning. Returned. 
 
 Shrimpton, Eber. Wounded on 
 March 19, 1864. at Averysboro, N. C. 
 Returned. 
 
 Stahl, August. Mounted Scout. 
 Killed June 15, 1864. 
 
 Sanford, Israel J. Colonel's orderly 
 Sept. 8, 1862, and subsequently dis- 
 charged. 
 
 Vandenburgh, Henry. Promoted 3rd 
 
 Corporal. Died. 
 
 Wvkes, Charles. Mounted Scout 
 Died in hospital at Nashville, Tenn. 
 
 West, AVareham E. Returned. 
 
 Wilgus, James. Promoted 8th Cor- 
 poral. Returned. 
 
 Many of the above named soldiers 
 have since died, moved away and quite 
 a number prominent residents of 
 Dwight and vicinity. 
 
 The history of this company during 
 the war is full of interest, and if our 
 space would permit we would willingly 
 give a detailed account of their wan-
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 27 
 
 derings; but, as in many other instances, 
 being compelled to condense our in- 
 formation, we shall only give a brief 
 resume of their adventures. 
 
 xifter being mustered in at Pontiac, 
 111., on September 8, 1862, they proceed- 
 ed by rail to Jefferson ville, Ind., and 
 then crossed the Ohio River to Louis- 
 ville, Ky. From there they marched to 
 Shelby ville, Ky., still marching toward 
 Frankfort, Ky., which was reached on 
 October 8th. 
 
 On October llfeh the march was again 
 continued, and on the 13th the small 
 town of Rou^h-and-Ready was reached. 
 October 17th they camped at Danville 
 after a march of twenty miles. The 
 next point was Harrisburg; from thence 
 to Crab Orchard, back to Danville, 
 thence to Harrodsburgh, back again to 
 Danville, on to Perrysville, and at last, 
 after a weary march tliey' reached Le- 
 banon. A few days at this point, when 
 they were ordered to Bowling Green, 
 and then marched on to Mitchellsville, 
 Tenn., where they remained some 
 time. 
 
 The occupation of the soldiers until 
 February 2, 18(53, was guard and camp 
 duty, foraging, skirmishing, etc. 
 
 On February 2 they camped at South 
 Tunnel, two miles north of Gallatin, 
 Tenn. The next move was to Richland, 
 from whence the whole regiment 
 marched to Fort Thomas, which was 
 reached on .June 22. Nothing of inter- 
 est occurred until A-Ugust 21, when 
 they marched to Nashville, where they 
 remained, with occasional changes un- 
 til February 24, 180-1, when at 8 o'clock 
 in the morning they, in company with 
 several other regiments, marched to 
 Lavergne, a station on the Nashville & 
 rUiatanooga railroad. 
 
 From thence they marched to Mur- 
 feesboro. Tenn. February 20 they left 
 Murfreesboro and marched to Shelby- 
 
 ville, thence to Tallahoma, on to Or- 
 chard station, then Andrew station, 
 passed through Stevenson, still on the 
 maich to Bridgport, thence to Belle- 
 ville, thence to Whiteside station and 
 finally reached the Lookout Valley on 
 March 10, after passing ihrough im- 
 mense hollows and passes. 
 
 On May 2 they received marching or- 
 ders again, and at once proceeded to 
 the front. 
 
 On May 15 fighting began in real 
 earnest in the neighborhood of Buz- 
 zard Roost, and the men began to face • 
 and to feel the stern realities of war. 
 
 At Resaca they won their first laurels 
 by nobly advancing on one of the ene- 
 my's forts under a murderous fire. 
 Urged on by their general, the line 
 broken, they threw themselves on the 
 enemy, and in a few moments dislodged 
 him. 
 
 The victory was grand, not, however 
 without great loss. The regimental 
 flag was riddled by seventy-five bullets, 
 and the bearer was shot in the hand, 
 and afterwards killed. The next fight 
 occured on May 19 ai Cassville, where, 
 after a brief struggle a victory was ob- 
 tained. 
 
 On May 25 the terrible battle at Dal- 
 las or Burnt Hickory commenced. It 
 was not, however, until the 29th that 
 the engagement became general. The 
 enemy were defeated 
 
 On the 2d of June marching was re- 
 commenced, and on the 13th Big Shaaty 
 station was captured. From this time 
 fighting was the order of the day, the 
 enemy being gradually driven back. 
 
 On July 20 another bloody battle was 
 fought and victory gained at Peach 
 Tree Creek. 
 
 During the latter part of June the 
 12S)th was at or near Kenesaw moun- 
 tain, and while there the skirmish lines 
 were so close together they had to be
 
 28 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 changed after dark and then at great 
 danger. The cannonading during the 
 nights at Kenesaw was a very fine 
 sight. 
 
 July 3 near Marietta the brigade was 
 corraled in a peach orchard and a rebel 
 battery opened on them and the boys 
 all had a close call, and never will for- 
 get the occasion. 
 
 On July 22 the regiment arrived with- 
 in 11^ miles of Atlanta. The bombard- 
 ment of this city was now commenced. 
 After a good deal of hard fighting tiie 
 enemy evacuated the city, and on Sep- 
 tember 1, 1864, the Union troops took 
 possession of it. 
 
 On September 16 marching was again 
 resumed, and early in the morning 
 they reached their former intrench- 
 ments before Atlanta, where they en- 
 camped. 
 
 On October 1 they marched to the 
 Chatahoochee River, where tents were 
 pitched, log houses built and breast- 
 works formed. 
 
 On October 27 a mock election was 
 held, when Lincoln received a large 
 majority, the number being 386 for Lin- 
 coln, 31 for McCtellan and 1 for Joe. 
 Hooker. 
 
 On November 13 marching was again 
 resumed, and after a long, tedious and 
 wearisome march, they arrived in front 
 of Savannah. 
 
 On December 21, after some hard 
 lighting, this city was taken amid great 
 r^oicing. 
 
 On January 2*.) the march through 
 South Carolina was commenced. 
 
 On February ti Columbia, the capital 
 of Georgia, was reached, and taken on 
 the following day. 
 
 On the 18tii the march was again re- 
 sumed, and after passing over a long 
 stretch of country, tlie enemy was met , 
 at Ayerysboro, where some lighting and 
 wiuniug was done as usual. 
 
 The march was continued to Golds- 
 boro, near which place they were allowed 
 to remain and rest, altera mostditlicult 
 and ardous march of live hundred 
 miles. 
 
 April 11th found them once more on 
 the march, and at Smithfield heard the 
 news of Lee's surrender at the Appoma- 
 tox Court House. 
 
 April 17, the rumor, afterwards con- 
 firmed, of President Lincoln's assassi- 
 nation, M'as current. The first news 
 caused indescribable joy, the*second, 
 indescribable sorrow. 
 
 April 28, orders were alven to pre- 
 pare to go North, and on the 30th, 
 marching was accordingly commenced. 
 
 On May 24, afier a rapid and some- 
 what tiresome march, Washington was 
 reached, and the men began to feel 
 themselves g^t home once more. 
 
 On June 7th, after a service of two 
 years and nine months, all but a day, 
 they were duly mustered out of the 
 Ignited States service by Captain 
 Beecher, Mustering Officer of the Divi- 
 sion. 
 
 June 11th, Chicago was reached. Here 
 they were paid off after a little waiting, 
 and taking the friendly cars, at last 
 gave up the tedious, toilsome marcli- 
 iugs, and soon arrived at home. 
 
 Not all who went forth returned 
 again ; some alas ! were laid low and this 
 world knew them no more; others in 
 hospital mourned the loss of limb or 
 health. 
 
 Hut as long as the great Republic 
 lives; as long as Illinois maintains her 
 loyal love of Union: so long will the 
 glorious 129th, be remembered, and 
 tlieir deeds enshrined on historic mem- 
 ory. 
 
 We have thus placed upon historical 
 records not only the names of Companv 
 IJ, but also a brief sketch of their
 
 IIISTOllY OF DWIGHT, ILLIXOIS. 
 
 29 
 
 marches, deeds and sufferings whilst 
 they were absent from home. 
 
 Such a chronicle, however brief, Is 
 replete with interest, and we doubt not 
 will touch a tender chord in many a 
 heart, kindle feelings and awaken 
 memories that have lain dormant for 
 years. 
 
 While their soldier brethren were 
 thus away lighting the battles of our 
 country, the enthusiasm at home was 
 almost indescribable. The citizens as 
 a rule felt themselves called upon to do 
 something, and if they could not go to 
 the war in person, they could at least 
 help those who had thus devotedly sac- 
 rificed comfort, friends and life in the 
 cause of their common country. The 
 feeling developed itself in the organiza- 
 tion of societies of different kinds. In 
 18f)3 we tiud a number of men gathered 
 together in this town under the name 
 of "The Union League." It was a po- 
 litical organization, having political 
 objects in view, yet at the same time, 
 dispensing charity according to its 
 means. In this neighborhood it num- 
 bered over 200 members, and over 1000 
 in the county. There can be no dcubt 
 that the influence this society exerted 
 over the people was immense. They 
 helped to carry the elections; they 
 worked ably in behalf of Kepublican- 
 isra, and indeed acted as a sort of Home 
 (iuard while their brethren fought on 
 the distant battle field. 
 
 Mr. S. T. K. Prime was the president 
 and we expect in the next chapter to 
 pul)lish a short review of those trouble- 
 soine times at home from Mr. Prime 
 himself. 
 
 In the same year we find another so- 
 ciety organized here, of a dilTerent 
 character. It was composed of ladies 
 and was called "The Ladies Loyal 
 League." It was established on June 
 5, ISUo, in II. Eldredge's house over his 
 
 store. The parties who organized this 
 effective bind of laborers were S. T. K. 
 Prime, S. Cutler and J. G. Strong. The 
 object of the society was to raise funds 
 for hospital and sanitary purposes. The 
 ladies met once in every two weeks for 
 the space of two years, and during that 
 time accomplished a large amount of 
 good. 
 
 TlTeir first purchase was that of a 
 cow, which was sent to the hospital at 
 Springfield for the benefit of the wound- 
 ed soldiers there. 
 
 The next step was to make weekly 
 consigments of butter and vegetables 
 to the same hospital. 
 
 In the course of their labors this so- 
 ciety raised over $700. Many means 
 were resorted to; tableaux were per- 
 formed, oyster suppers were given, and 
 each attempt to raise money was cheer- 
 fully responded to by the enthusiastic 
 citizens. 
 
 At no period of our history as a town 
 have we enjoyed so much harmony and 
 prosperity as during the period of which 
 we are writing. 
 
 The people seemed to be of one mind; 
 popular thought and feeling ran in one 
 direction and our town, always loyal, 
 was, at this exciting and crucial period, 
 devoted to the best interests of our 
 country. 
 
 We find the following named men 
 were in other companies than "E" in 
 the 129th 111. Ilegt.: 
 
 Earl II. Kenyon, Co. A. 129th. 
 
 Benjamin Thompson. 
 
 The 129th was brigaded with the 102d 
 and 105th 111. Inft. and the 70th Indiana 
 and 79th Ohio. The brigade was com- 
 manded by General "Pap" Ward, of 
 Kentucky, who after was promoted, 
 by General Harrison, afterwards presi- 
 dent of the United States. The Colonel 
 of the 102d was Colonel Smith, of the 
 129th, Col. Case, 105th, General Daniel
 
 30 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Dustin, of Sycamore, 111., 70th Indiana, 
 (■olonel Beu], Harrison, 79th Ohio by 
 Col. Doan. 
 
 Many other brave soldiers went from 
 this community, but we are unable to 
 obtain their names. 
 
 AVe are indebted to Colonel J. B. Par 
 sons for the following list of soldiers 
 from these parts who died through 
 wounds, disease and other causes 'dur- 
 ing the war and from disease since the 
 war. We also give company and regi- 
 ment, where and when they died, and 
 where buried,as far as possible. 
 
 ROLL OF HONOR. 
 
 S. H. Kyle, Co. C, Eegt. 129th 111. Inf t., 
 died at Bowling Green, Dec. 1, 1862 and 
 buried in McDowell Cemetery 
 
 H. A. Collister, I, 20th, Atlanta, July 
 22, '64, Atlanta. 
 
 B. J. Wait. D. 27th, Post Helina, Aug. 
 20, '63, Post Helma. 
 
 James Weldon, H, 55th, Shiloh, April 
 20, '62, Viana, 111. 
 
 J. L. Ketcham, B, 129th 111., Chata- 
 noogo, June 25, '64, Chatanooga. 
 
 E. B. Bartholic, I, 20th 111., Ft. Don- 
 elson, Feb. 15, '62, Ft. Donelson. 
 
 F. M. Angle, B, 129th 111., Taylors 
 Creek, March 16, '65 Taylors Creek, 
 
 Chanes Spencer, C, 129th 111., Bowl- 
 ing Green, March 25, '62, Bowling 
 Green. 
 
 J, W. Kyler, D, 39th 111., Dwight, 111., 
 Oct 24, '61, McDowell Cemety. 
 
 Erastuss Stevens, D, 127th 111., 
 Vicksburg, May 52, '63, Vicksburg. 
 
 Samuel Saltmarsh, G, 3()th 111., Ken- 
 esaw Mountain, June 19, '<)4, Kenesaw 
 Mountain. 
 
 Samuel Adams, D, 127th 111., Padu- 
 6ah, Dec. 1, '63.Paaucah. 
 
 Enos Morris, C, 129ih 111., Peach 
 Tree Creek, July 20, '64, Preach Tree 
 
 ^Creek . 
 
 F. L. Kimberk, I, 55th 111., Atlanta, 
 July 22, "64, Atlanta, 
 
 Henry Houston, A, 129th 111., Galla- 
 tin, Feb. 14, '63, Gallatin, Tenn. 
 
 Thomas Hughes, J, 5oth 111., Shiloh, 
 April 6, '62, Shiloh. 
 
 August Stahl, B, 129th 111., liesaca, 
 June 20, '64, Resaca. 
 
 J. P. Gantzert, F, 55th 111., Shiloh, 
 April 6, '62, Shiloh. 
 
 Israel Parker, 1>, 127th 111., Kenesaw 
 Mountain, June 27, '()4, Kenesaw Moun- 
 tain. 
 
 C. H. Chandler, G 36th 111., Perry- 
 ville, Oct. 14, '62, Perryville. 
 
 Merwin McLane. D, 39th 111., Folly 
 Island, July 3, '63, Folly Island. 
 
 C. E. Atvvood, B, 129th 111., Gallatin, 
 
 Feb. 6, '63. 
 J. F. Bennett, D, 127th 111., Atlanta, 
 
 July 28, '62, Atlanta. 
 
 G. W. Randall, B, 129th 111., Gallatin, 
 Feb. 21, '63, Gallatin. 
 
 G. A. Sarvis, C, 129th 111., Peach Tree 
 Creek, July 20, '64, Peach Tree Creek. 
 
 D. D.Ellis, D, 39th 111., Deep Run, 
 Aug. 16, '64, Deep Run, 
 
 R. C. Parker, D, 127th 111., Yiana, 
 Nov. 8, '63, Viana, 111. 
 
 John Paxtou, D, 127th 111., Gardner, 
 Dec, 29, '62, Gardner, 111. 
 
 James McGinnis, D, 127th 111.. Dallas. 
 May 30, '64, Dallas. 
 
 William Clark, K, 14th 111. Cav., An- 
 
 dersonville, August 9, '<>4, Anderson- 
 ville. 
 Edward Slattery, 1, 55th Hi., Shiloh, 
 
 Avril 7, '^62, Morris. 
 
 Patrick O'Neill, IT. 55th 111., Shiloh, 
 
 April ('),' 62 Shiloh. 
 
 E. I. Train, D, 129th 111., Chicago, 
 Oct. 31, '62, Chicago. 
 
 Amos Parker, D, 127th 111., Mulligan 
 Bend, Nov. 14, '63, Mulligan's Bend. 
 
 F. II, Chappel, D, 127th Goldsbnry — 
 Goldsbury. 
 
 William Peterson, D, 137th, 111., Al- 
 tona, July 28, '64, Altona. 
 
 Edwin McKinney. B, 129th 111, Bowl- 
 ing Green, Sept. 2, '62, Bowling Green.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLI:N0IS. 
 
 31 
 
 S. S. Gray, B, 189th 111., Bowling 
 Green, Sept. 2, 'G:^, Bowling Green. 
 
 Jerry Randall, B. 129th 111., Nashville, 
 July 3, '(54, Nashville. 
 
 J. 11. Corn well, G, 129th 111., Gallitin, 
 Feb. 25, '03, Gallatin. 
 
 Charles Wykes, B, 129th III, Nash- 
 ville, Feb. 15, '64, Nashville. 
 
 Frederick Rockwell^ I, 20th 111., Ft. 
 Donelsou,Feb. 1(5, '(32, Ft. Donelson. 
 
 L. Y. Flagler, I, 20th 111., Cairo, Oct. 
 22- '61, Birds Point, Mo. 
 
 E. H. Kenyon, A, 129th 111., Foun- 
 tain Mead, Jan. 6, '(33, Fountain Head. 
 
 Henry Yanderburg, B, 129th 111., 
 Yining Station, July 29, '64, Yining Sta- 
 tion. 
 
 J O. Collister, B, 129th 111., Fountain 
 Head, Jan. 8, '63, Fountain Head. 
 
 I. G. Mott, K, 129th 111., South Tun- 
 )ie], April 12, '(53, South Tunnel. 
 
 William Hoffman, B, 129th 111., Ala- 
 toona, June 15, '64, Alatoona, 
 
 James Broughton, B, 129th Ill.,Mitch- 
 ellsville, Dec. 8, '63, Mitchellsville. 
 
 G. W. Randall, B, 129th 111., Gallatin, 
 Feb. 21, '63, Gallatin. 
 
 Henry Shafer, I, 20th 111., Big Black, 
 Jan. 1,(54, Big Black, Miss. 
 
 Aaron ^^an Pelt, D, 127th 111., Padu- 
 cah, Dec. 1, '(53. Paducah. 
 
 John Kennedy, H, 55th III., Shiloh, 
 April 5, '(32. Shiloh. 
 
 J. E. Still, D, 127th 111., Yicksburg, 
 May 25, '(33, ^^icksburg. 
 
 Charles Howland, D. 127th 111., Green- 
 lield, Oct. 29, '(33, Greenlield. 
 
 Harrison Miller, J, 20th 111., Ray- 
 mond, May 12, '(33, Raymond, Miss. 
 
 •Silas Bunker, , Shiloh, 
 
 April (5, '(52, Shiloh. 
 
 Felix Koehnlien. 
 
 (r. T. Sillett, D, 127th 111., 
 
 Henry Parker. D, 127th 111., 
 
 Sept. 22, '03. 
 
 Geo. Pearce,.., 104th 111., Kenesaw 
 Mountain, June 27, '(34, Kenesaw Moun- 
 
 tain. 
 
 Kobt. Parker. 
 
 T. J. Atwater, I. 20th 111. ? 
 
 Gary Peterson. 
 
 W. D. Lindsey, D, 127th 111., 
 
 May 9, '73, 
 
 Leander Ellis, I, 36th 111., Stone 
 River, Stone Riyer. 
 
 Patrick Welch. 
 
 Joseph Shelly. 
 
 H. H. At wood. 
 
 S. W. Kenney. 
 
 Robert Mease. 
 
 Ralph Miller. 
 
 George Brown, D, 127th, Jackson- 
 ville, Jacksonville, 111. 
 
 George Johnson. 
 
 B. W. Hall, B, 129th 111,? 
 Bruce Welsh. 
 
 Elijah Parker, I, 46th 111., Dwight, 
 111., Feb. 14, 1879, Conant Cemetery. 
 
 Absalom Thomas ? 
 
 Stanley Small, D, 127th 111., Dakota, 
 Dakota, 
 
 Franklin Small, G, 3(5th 111.? 
 
 A, S. Green, B, 4th 111. Cav., Mem- 
 phis, Tenn., 1863, Memphis, 
 
 Tenn. 
 
 I. H. Stevens. 
 
 Geo. Austin, D, 127th 111., 
 
 Jan. 31, '63 
 
 G. R. Goodspeed, D, 127th 111., 
 
 Jan. 14, '(33 
 
 II. P, Brayton, D, 127th 111,, 
 
 Jan, 8, '63 
 
 Ashburv Preston, D, 127th 111,, 
 
 .Jan. 28, '63 
 
 E. H. Greene, D, 91st 111., Browns- 
 ville, Texas, June 17, '64, Brownsville, 
 Texas. 
 
 C. S. Ingraham, D, 52d 111., Spring- 
 field, March 2, '65, McDowell's Ceme- 
 tery. 
 
 G. O. Cutler, D, 39th 111., 
 
 Sept, 11, '(33 
 
 J, W, Phinney, D, 127th 111 
 
 Aug. 1.3, '63
 
 32 
 
 HISTORY OF DTTIGIIT, ILLI^'OIS, 
 
 Cushman Small,. ., Sfith 111., Atlanta, 
 Jan. .., 18»U, Mazoc, 111. 
 
 Isaac Carson, G, 3(>tli 111., Danville, 
 Ya., Feb. 16, '62, Viana, 111. 
 
 11. E. Atwood, D, 127th 111., Yiana. 
 discharged Jan, 20 '63 for disability. 
 
 Joseph Avilmott, I,55thlll., Paducah, 
 Ky., April 15, '62, Paducah, Ky. 
 
 William Kirtan, 11, 17th 111. Cav., 
 Glasgow, Mo., Aug, 17, '64, Glasgow, 
 Mo. 
 
 M. D. Scott, F, 138th 111., Dwight, 
 March 6, '67, McDowell Cemetery, 
 
 Orson Spencer, C, 129th 111., Nevada, 
 Aug. 14, '66, McDowell Cemetery. 
 
 Anton Dick, B, 129th 111., Dwight, 
 Conant Cemetery, Dwight. 
 
 E, H. Banks, G, 69th 111., Davis Is-' 
 land, June 28, '62, Newburg, N. Y. 
 
 Isaac Wheatley, D, 105th 111., Dwight, 
 Oct. 2, 86, Union, 111. 
 
 Abraham Fox, I, 47th 111., Round 
 Grove, July 6, '83, Round Grove. 
 
 W. T. Cumberland, 4th Independent 
 Ohio Cav., Girard Kansas, Dec. 25, '78, 
 Oak Lawn Cemetery. 
 
 J. S. Harrison, C, 44th 111,, Dwight. 
 March 31, '76, Oak Lawn Cemetery. 
 
 Chas. Koehnlein, B, 129th 111,, Dwight, 
 June 2, '84, Oak Lawn Cemetery. 
 
 N. W. Davis, I, 20th 111., Vicksburg, 
 Miss., July 7, '80, Vicksburg, Miss, 
 
 S. H. Kenney, 4th U. S. Regulars, 
 Chicago, Sept. 19, '87, Oak Lawn Ceme- 
 tery. 
 
 Hiram Miller, II, 32d 111., Dwight, 
 April 57, '88, Oak Lawu Cemetery. 
 
 Martin Kennedy, B, 12th N. Y., 
 Dwight, May 14, '88, Dwight Catholic 
 cemetery. 
 
 J. C. Schneider, A, S(>th X. Y., Neva- 
 da, 111., Feb. 3, '90, Oak Lawn. 
 
 Xiles Christensen. ll, 89th 111., 
 Dwight' Conant. V 
 
 W. II. Gillispie, K, 34th 111,, Good- 
 i'arm, Oak Lawn. 
 
 Christopher Yates, H, 127th III., 1892, 
 Oak Lawn, 
 
 After the war tliere were many old 
 soldiers who had served in regiments 
 from other states, and from Illinois, lo- 
 cated in Dwight, and were among our 
 best business men. While this history 
 is dealing with old soldiers and the pa- 
 triotism of the community a short 
 sketch of the Dwight Post No. 62(>, 
 Grand Army of the Republic, Woman's 
 Relief Corps and Sons of Veterans may 
 be of interest. 
 
 The old veterans of this community 
 had been debating the proposition tO' 
 organize for some years, but it was not 
 until the 17th day of May, 1887, that the 
 organization was completed For the 
 information of all we will publish the 
 proceedings of the first meeting in full, 
 which gives the names of all members, 
 the lirst officers, etc., as follows: 
 
 Headquarters Post No. 626, G. A. R. 
 Dwight, 111., May 17, 1887. 
 
 Due application having been made 
 and permission having been granted 
 for the organization of a Post of G. A. 
 R. at this place and a meeting having 
 been called for that purpose. 
 
 Said meeting was held at I. O. O. F. 
 Hall in Dwight on Tuesday evening. 
 May 17, 1887. 
 
 The following named t>ersons an- 
 swered to roll call; 
 
 Spencer Eldredge, ,Jolin F. Scbnmm, 
 Eugene R. Stevens, George W. Kyler, 
 Christopher Yates, Josejih ]\IcBaker, 
 Lawrence F. Abbot, ,lohn C. Lewis, 
 John C. (ieorge, Jesse L. Slyder, James 
 Williams, Moses McLean, Henry Fox, 
 William B. lirown, Ira M.Parker, Mar- 
 tin Seabert, John Buftham, James B. 
 Parsons, Henry Spellman, Alfred O. 
 Walso, Henry E, Russell, Alexander L. 
 Leach, Martin AVilks, Lewis Seeger, 
 Charles McClary, Thon^as (>ommeford.,
 
 James Brown. 
 
 John Vicke 
 
 ■y- 
 
 
 .s 
 
 David Riling, 
 
 Geo. W. Boyer.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 33 
 
 William Constantine, Charles F. Shel- 
 don, John Casey, Henry Turnbaugh, 
 Frank W. Ford, Jeduthurn Weller, 
 Simeon T. Lockhart, Stormens Pefter- 
 man, Levi C. Webster, Ezra Harney, 
 AVilliam II, Gillispie, Sypreon P. Small, 
 William Browning, William McMa- 
 hanna, Aaron Pricket, George W. 
 Boyer. 
 
 Who each having paid their fee were 
 duly mustered in Post Xo. 626, opened 
 by Comrades S. A. Oliver, Mustering 
 Officer Bartleson Post Xo. 6, Joliet, as- 
 sisted by John R. Lang, of Xo. 6, Bar- 
 tleson Post, and the following officers: 
 
 H. H. McDowell, S. V., Post No. 105, 
 Pontiac. 
 
 John A. Hoover, J. V., Post Xo. 105, 
 Pontiac. 
 
 Alvin Wait, Chap., Post No. 105, Pon- 
 tiac. 
 
 John T. Wilson, O. D., Post No. 105, 
 Pontiac. 
 
 Frank Hebert, O. G., Post No, 6, Jol. 
 iet. 
 
 George Eberhart, I. S., Post No. 6, 
 Joliet. 
 
 George A. P. Cummings, Adjt., Post 
 Xo. 6, Joliet. 
 
 Thompson Martin, Sgt. M., Post 305, 
 Gardner. 
 
 A. F. Small, Surg., Post Xo. 305, Gard- 
 ner. 
 
 John Hull, Q. M., Post Xo. 305, Gard- 
 ner. 
 
 Constituted the body of special meet- 
 ing ot Dept. of 111. — for the purpose of 
 mustering Post Xo, 626. 
 
 After mustering, the election of offi- 
 cers being in order, the following per- 
 sons were elected, as Temporary Chair- 
 man, John C. George; Adjutant, Spen- 
 cer Eldredge. 
 
 Nomination and election of officers 
 being now in order, James B. Parsons 
 was nominated and elected Post Com- 
 mander by acclamation. The Post 
 
 Commander having taken the chair, 
 the following officers were elected for 
 the remainder of the year as follows: 
 
 Henry Fox, S. V. C; Eugene R. 
 Stevens, J. Y. C; Laurance F. Abbott, 
 Surg.; Moses McLane, Chap.; John 
 Buftham, Q. M.; John C. Lewis, O. D.; 
 Christopher Yates, O. G.; all being 
 elected by acclamation and then duly 
 installed, when the following officers 
 were duly appointed- 
 
 Spencer Eldredge, Adjt.; Frank AV. 
 Ford, Sergt. M ; John C. George, Q. M. 
 S.; who were then duly installed. 
 
 Resolution by Comrade Fox for the 
 appointment of a committee on by- 
 laws. The Commander appointed 
 Henry Fox, Spencer Eldredge, John C. 
 Lewis, as such committee. 
 
 The Commander, in behalf of Post 
 626, G. A. R., tenders hearty thanks to 
 visiting comrades for their presence 
 and kindly assistance. 
 
 Motion was made and seconded that 
 this Post meet one week from to-night 
 to complete organization and other bus- 
 iness. Carried. 
 
 The Commander appointed as a com- 
 mittee the following comrades: John 
 C. Lewis, John C. George, Henry Fox, 
 Christopher Yates and Eugene R. 
 Stevens, on Memorial services. 
 
 There being no further business Post 
 No. 626 was adjourned. 
 
 Spenceu Eldkecje, Adjutant. 
 
 At the second meeting the Post was 
 named Dwight Post Xo. 626. Col. J. B. 
 Parsons was reelected commander for 
 three terms, when Henry Fox was elect- 
 ed. This was followed by the election 
 of Comrades John Buffham, ,1. C. Lewis, 
 Wm. Brown, and at present the metho- 
 dist minister, a very patriotic gentle- 
 man, C. W. Ayling, is the commander. 
 
 Comrade Simon Call was admitted as 
 a member May 24, 1887. Samuel 11. 
 Kinney, June 21, 1887.
 
 34 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Thomas Weldon, Daniel J. (Jraham 
 and Francis M. Davis were admitted 
 July 19, 1887. 
 
 Homer A. Kenyon August 16, 1887. 
 
 Enoch Allen, C. E. Foesterling, J. N. 
 Pearson, Sept. 20, 1887. 
 
 Joseph L. Borer, Jan. 20, 1888. 
 
 Thos. Huggins, March 20, 1888. 
 
 The first decoration day proceeding 
 the Post took part in was in May 1888, 
 and the occasion was a grand one. 
 
 The first inspection was held July 17^ 
 1888, Captain Hoover, of Pontiac, was 
 the inspector. Comrade Harry Mc- 
 Dowell made a speech and a pleasant 
 time enjoyed. Capt. Hoover also in- 
 spected the Post in 1889 and 1890. 
 
 Gideon R. Petry was admitted Feb. 
 19, 1889. 
 
 The installation in Jan. 1890 was 
 made public and the Relief Corps and 
 Sons of Veterans were present and 
 were installed and a supper served af- 
 terwards. 
 
 G. A. Seymour joined in March, 1890. 
 
 The Post, W. R. C. and S. of V. went 
 to Morris Decoration Day, 1890, to as- 
 sist in dedicating a grand.soldiers' mon- 
 ument. 
 
 Wm. I. Crittenden joined in Novem- 
 ber. 1891. 
 
 Martin Reinhart joined Feb. 16, 1892. 
 
 Geo. W. Reed and D. B. Walker joined 
 in May, 1892, 
 
 James C. Parker joined October 18, 
 1892. 
 
 Samuel II. Howe joined in April, 
 1892, by transfer. 
 
 Curtis J. Judd, Manning Smith, A. 
 G. Huey and Northrup Kiggs joined in 
 July, 1893. 
 
 It will be seen by the above that the 
 membership of the Post from the first 
 has been quite large. Many of the old 
 comrades have died, and others moved 
 away, and many are still with us. There 
 are quite a number of old soldiers in 
 
 this community who should join the 
 Post. 
 
 The Dwight Relief Corps was organ- 
 ized in September, 1889, with a good 
 membership, and they have accom- 
 plished much good. Mrs. Henry Fox 
 was president until January. 189'4, when 
 Mrs. S. H. Howe was elected and holds 
 the office at the present time. 
 
 The Sons of Veterans was organized 
 July 16, 1889, in Grand Array hall, there 
 being sixteen members, Jos. K. Buff- 
 ham was elected the IJrst captain, H. F. 
 Boyer served two terms, W. G. Dustin, 
 one, and Orville Brown is the present 
 captain. The sons have always taken 
 part in Decoration I)ay exercises and 
 have shown their patriotism in many 
 ways. Other sons in this community 
 should join them. 
 
 THE MILITIA. 
 
 The actual soldiering of many during 
 the war had made many anxious to play 
 soldiers and in 1876 a militia company 
 was formed. The main part of the fol- 
 lowing we take from a recent history: 
 
 Thevillage of Dwight is distinguished 
 for the honor of having been military 
 headquarters of the Tenth Battalion of 
 Illinois National Guards, Lieut. Col. J. 
 B. Parsons, commanding. The battal- 
 ion was organized August 15, 1876, com- 
 posed of companies from Dwight, Odell 
 Pontiac, Streator, Joliet and Marseilles. 
 The field officers elected then were J. 
 B. Parsons, of Dwight, Lieutenant 
 Colonel: L. C. Miles, of Streatoi, Major. 
 Staff appointed: L. C. Mitchell, of Jol- 
 iet, Surgeon; Rev. J. F. Culver, of Pon- 
 tiac, Chaplain; J. B. Fithian, of Joliet, 
 Adjutant, and C. J. Judd, of Dwight, 
 Quartermaster. The battalion re- 
 organized and some of the com- 
 panies attached to other commands, 
 while two new companies were 
 added to the Tenth, whose headquar- 
 ters still remain at Dwight. Under re-
 
 TTISTOUY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 35 
 
 organization, it was composed of the 
 following companies: Parsons Guards 
 Co. E, (formerly Dvvight Guards;) Pon- 
 tiac Guards, Co. A ; VVenona Guards, 
 Co. B; Odell Guards, Co. D; Fairbury 
 Guards, Co. C. The battalion officers 
 were: J. B. Parsons, Dwight, Lieu- 
 tenant Colonel, commanding; J. K. 
 Howard, OdeJl, Major; H.E. W. Barnes, 
 Fairbury, Surgeon; Kev. J. F. Culver, 
 Pontiac, Chaplain; C. J. Judd, Dwight, 
 Adjutant; Cadet Taylor, Wenona, Quar- 
 termaster. The entire command, ex- 
 cept the Wenona Guards, was cf Liv- 
 ingston county. They were armed with 
 the uniform breech-loading Springfield 
 rifles, of the Prussian pattern. The 
 companies were well drilled and ready 
 
 to meet a foe at a moment's warning. 
 The Dwight Guards, a company of 
 the Tenth Battalion, was organized 
 June 20, 1874, and its first officers were: 
 J. B. Parsons, Captain; S. H. Kenny, 
 First Lieutenant; S. M. Witt, Second 
 Lieutenant. Upon the organization ot 
 the battalion, Capt. Parsons was pro- 
 moted to its command, and his old 
 company, the Dwight Guards, by a 
 company vote and as a token of es- 
 teem for their late Captain, changed 
 the name of the company to "Parsons 
 Guards," which name was retained. 
 Their officers afterward were as follows, 
 viz.: S. H. Kenny, Captain; S. M.Witt, 
 First Lieutenant; J, H. Lloyd, Second 
 Lieutenant.
 
 3fi 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 !N TIMES OF PEACE. 
 
 As was the case all over the country, 
 times were lively in Dwight after the 
 war. Many of the old soldiers came 
 back, and others from different parts of 
 the country came and settled in the 
 pretty little prairie town. The busi- 
 ness of the town picked up greatly and 
 the town grew and was prosperous. 
 There was plenty of money in the 
 country in 1866— lots of greenbacks. 
 The soldiers had been paid off, and 
 other debts of the government paid in 
 greenbacks and everyone had money. 
 The business of the country achieved 
 a yeritable boom and business was good 
 until 1873, when there was a relapse, 
 but the conditions were soon overcome 
 by proper legislation of the party in 
 power. 
 
 AVhile we hear from old residents 
 that there were many newcomers in 
 Dwight in 1866-7-8, it is impossible to 
 get all their names, and indeed the in- 
 formation we can gain from histories 
 or the people, is very vague regarding 
 those prosperous times. The histories 
 we have skip over this period with no 
 particular notice. It was not until 
 May 5, 1868, that the first newspaper 
 was issued in Dwight and from tlie 
 close of the war until that time we 
 shall have to omit much of what we 
 feel sure occurred of interest to all, 
 simply because we have no data to go 
 
 by. In the chapters that follow of 
 personal reminiscences and biographies 
 will be written much that will cover the 
 omissions made in the history proper. 
 We have in our possession, through the 
 kindness of Mr. D. McWilliams, Dr. 
 Keeley, Major Judd and others, many 
 copies of newspapers of an early date, 
 and also a very good history of the vil- 
 lage, from 1872 to 1885, containing the 
 history of local elections as far as ob- 
 tainable, kindly furnished us by Hon. 
 O. W. Pollard, which will appear in the 
 history later on. From the first num- 
 ber of "The Star," which was 6x9 inches 
 in size, we quote Charlie Palmer's salu- 
 tatory, as follows: 
 
 "It has been rumored for some time 
 past that Dwight was to have a large 
 weekly newspaper, but as the expected 
 Journal has failed to make its appear- 
 ance and rather than have the communi- 
 ty disappointed( V) I have concluded and 
 do present herewith to the people of 
 Dwight and vicinity, the initial number 
 of the new Weekly Journal, which, with 
 all proper deference and modesty, but 
 with no small amount of agreeable an- 
 ticipations, I have ventured to make to 
 the people a small weekly offering which 
 may be a source of satisfaction and de- 
 light in hours snatched from the en- 
 gagements of business and requirement 
 of public life. With no intentions or
 
 IIISTOKY OF DWIGHT, ILLI^JOIS. 
 
 37 
 
 desires of creating undue expectations 
 as to the future of this Journal, but 
 merely in justice to myself, would say, 
 that the flrst number is not as com- 
 plete as 1 intended it should be. 
 
 In conclusion permit me to say that 
 Dwight may never have cause to be 
 ashamed of the first number of "The 
 Star." 
 
 Later in the history we propose to 
 "tell the story," of the newspaper busi- 
 ness in Dwight to date, but in this and 
 some chapters to follow, we shall make 
 numerous quotations from this lively 
 little paper which made its lirst appear- 
 ance as above. 
 
 "We learn that close after the war an 
 effort in the line of temperance was 
 taken in our midst, and that Mr. J. M. 
 Smith, (of whom we shall speak more 
 at length farther on) was one of only 
 two members of the town board at that 
 time and the village was carried for 
 temperance. Under what kind of an 
 organization the town was at that time 
 we cannot learn, but it was a fact so 
 we are informed. 
 
 The first authentic report of munici- 
 pal elections we take from "Fifteen 
 Years of History" as follows: 
 
 The municipal election of the spring 
 of 1869 resulted in the triumph of can- 
 didates who represented a constituency 
 whose chief aim was to prohibit the 
 sale of intoxicating liquors within the 
 territory over which the village had 
 jurisdiction. The members of the 
 Board were J. G. Strong, president; W. 
 A. Mott, J. M. Smith, Simon Wait. G. 
 Z. Flager and Henry Eldredge. The 
 other otllcers were L, G. Pearre, clerk; 
 A. Bru baker, treasurer: J. M. Smith, 
 poundmaster; C. M. Libby, constable 
 and supervisor of streets. This Board 
 represented a cause which was then un- 
 popular. It was, because of this, ex- 
 posed to such unfavorable criticism 
 
 and compelled to encounter all through 
 the year much opposition. While it 
 was an office anything but pleasant to 
 its occupant it was at that time one 
 whose duties were such as to require 
 much labor and time in their perform- 
 ance. They discussed," carefully con- 
 sidered and passed no less than twenty - 
 six ordinances, all of which the clerk 
 was required to record. These ordi- 
 nances constitute the frame-work and 
 contain the principal features by those 
 which we have since been governed. A 
 special charter had been previously ob- 
 tained, distinguished as the "Princeton 
 Charter," and the attempt was made to 
 deal with the liquor traffic in accord- 
 ance with its provisions. This led to 
 the adoption of an ordinance en- 
 titled "Liquor Selling," which is as fol- 
 lows: 
 
 "Section ]. Be ic ordained by the 
 Town of Dwight, That any persons 
 who shall sell, barter or exchange ale, 
 porter, beer, wine, brandy, rum, gin or 
 whisky, or any spiritous, vinous, malt, 
 fermented, mixed or intoxicating liq- 
 uor, or any mixture part of which is 
 any of said liquors within the corporate 
 limits of said town, or within one mile 
 thereof, or who shall, upon the sale, 
 barter or exchange of any goods, chat- 
 tels, wares, merchandise, property, 
 chose in action or upon any promise, 
 contract or agreement, expressed or 
 implied, deliver or furnish or cause to 
 be delivered or furnished, or knowingly 
 suffer to be taken or received any 
 brandy, rum, gin, whisky, ale, porter, 
 beer or wine or any other spiritous, 
 vinous, malt, fermented, mixed or in- 
 toxicating liquor or any mixtures part 
 of which is any of said liquors, shall be 
 considered and adjuged guilty of a 
 nuisance, and every such person shall, 
 upon conviction thereof, forfeit and 
 pay to said town of Dwight the sum of
 
 :« 
 
 IIISTOKY OF DW'ICJIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 not less than lifty dollars nor more than 
 one hundred dollars for each and every 
 oftense, and be coraraitted to the coun- 
 ty jail of Livingston county. Illinois, 
 until such , tines and costs be paid or 
 otherwise discharged by process of law. 
 
 "Section 2. The giving away, Lyany 
 person or persons within the corporate 
 limits of said town or within one mile 
 thereof, of any of the aforesaid liquors 
 with a view to evade any of the penal- 
 ties provided in Section 1 of this ordi- 
 nance, shall be deemed and adjudged 
 likewise guilty of a nuisance and be 
 punished with a like fine and imprison- 
 ment, in default of payment as is pro- 
 vided in said Section 1. 
 
 "Section 3. All penalties and fines 
 provided for by this ordinance shall be 
 recovered by an action of debt or by 
 warrant and before the police magis- 
 trate or justice of the peace of said 
 town or county. 
 
 "Section 4. This act shall take effect 
 and be in force from and after its pas- 
 sage and publication." 
 
 The ordinance shows the radical uat- 
 ureof atemperance reform then sought 
 to be accomplished by resort to legal 
 methods. Not only the selling, but the 
 giving away of intoxicants to be used 
 as beverages was prohibited by the en- 
 actment of heavy penalties for so doing. 
 We can imagine how emphatic were 
 the terms used by those not favoring 
 such a course in denouncing an attempt 
 of this kind. 
 
 Another ordinance entitled '*Sale of 
 Li(iuor for Special Purposes" was passed 
 the object of which was tohiake it con- 
 venient to get all kinds of liquor need- 
 ed for medicinal, mechanical and sac- 
 ramental uses. G. W. (iilchrist was ap- 
 pointed to see that demands of this 
 nature were met. 
 
 The president was authorized to se- 
 cure the services of an attorney, the 
 
 payment of whom should not, however, 
 exceed two hundred dollars. Twenty- 
 live dollars were voted L. G. Pearre for 
 compiling ordinances, W. M. Bray ton 
 and S. M. Wiit are appointed extra po- 
 lice for August 12th and N. T. Gaylord 
 and S. M. Witt for September t:Jth. 
 Near the end of the September montli 
 S. M. Witt succeeds C. M. Libby as 
 constable and supervisor of streets, 
 Joseuh Gerson was granted a billiard 
 table license, C. L. Palmer authorized 
 to publish thirty copies of ordinances, 
 K. P. Morgan Jr., W. H. Bradbury and 
 J. A. Turner appointed to assess dam- 
 ages claimed by reason of the building 
 of a certain walk, deeds for the two 
 parks ordered prepared for the signa- 
 ture of 11. P. Morgan. Jr . , the east park 
 rented to W. H. Ketcham, he agreeing 
 to keep fence in good repair and seed 
 the ground. That tnere was consider- 
 able litigation this year is evidenced by 
 the fact that .1?.370.20 were collected in 
 the way of fines and $219 were paid out 
 as lawyer's fees. 
 
 Among the local events of the year of 
 1869 were the commencing of work on 
 \he western division of the C. & A. 
 railroad, the building of the engine 
 house, the admission of L. G. Pearre to 
 the bar, the entrance of the Dwight 
 Star upon its third year in an enlarged 
 form with its appearance much im- 
 proved, the erection of a dwelling by 
 Wm. Walker and one by Leander Mor- 
 ^'an, the refitting of J. A. Turner's 
 hotel and an addition to that kept by 
 Iliram Cornell, the construction of a 
 fine residence by Kev. J. A. Montgom- 
 ery, also by Dr. Baker, the departure of 
 Father Dunn, of the Boman Catholic 
 church, and the call extended to Rev. 
 L. F. Walker by the Presbyterians, the 
 removal of Col. B. P. Morgan, Jr., and 
 family to Bloomington, the occurence 
 of the great fire taking place at the
 
 IIISTOHY OF DWKillT. lLLi:N()iy. 
 
 3U 
 
 corner of Franklin Street and Mazon 
 avenue, rlestroving fourteen buildings 
 and entailing a heavy loss upon several 
 of our citizens, the death of AV'm. Ches- 
 ter and the marriage of Daniel Hurley 
 to Margaret Sands and the much-talked 
 of Kankakee & Illinois lliver railroad. 
 1870-'71. 
 
 The canvas of the election returns 
 made this year possesses considerable 
 interest as showing the reaction suf- 
 ferred by the Trinceton charter move- 
 ment and the relative strength of par- 
 ties divided upon this single issue. 'J'he 
 candidates and votes received t»y each 
 are as follows: 
 
 License— C. S. Xewell, 121;,!. 11. llag- 
 erty, 120; L. F. Slyder, 118; U. C. Adams, 
 120; G.M. Hahn. 119. 
 
 Frohibition^O W. Follard, 27; O. 
 I'otter, 2(5: Henry Flaherty, 27; J. B. 
 Parsons, 2fi; N. Burnham, 26; David 
 :N[cVVilliams, 25, J. C. Cook, 1. 
 
 W. S. Sims, being on both tickets, 160 
 votes. 
 
 This gave the Anti-Princeton Char- 
 ter ticket an average majority of nine- 
 ty-three votes. It was, as it appears, 
 almost a Bull Run defeat to the no-li- 
 cense advocates. Prohibition legisla- 
 tion had not proved a success This 
 was not to be attributed to a lack of 
 reasonable effort on ths part of those 
 selected to lead in the battle or to their 
 incompetency, but to the fact that the 
 bulk of the community had, for a year 
 or two preceding, acted more from 
 impulse than from any well-settled 
 principles concerning prohibition as the 
 only method that promises to relieve a 
 suffering people from the curse of 
 drunkenness, and the disorders and 
 oppressive taxation that always attend 
 the traffic in intoxicating drinks. The 
 other officers were L. G. Pearre, clerk: 
 H. T. Newell, treasurer: John Devoe, 
 poundmaster: J. C. George, constable: 
 
 S. M. Witt, constable and street com- 
 missioner; ,1. L. Dunlop, attorney. 
 Having no power, as a Board, to nulify 
 the charter under which, as a village 
 organization, we were operating, there 
 could be no repeal of its prohibitory or- 
 dinance and a substitution of one au- 
 thorizing the issuing of licenses for the 
 sale of intoxicating liquors. A\'e have 
 here presented the singular anomoly of 
 a village having a prohibitory law and 
 at the same time having a Board com- 
 posed of members that had been elect- 
 ed by a large majority and yet known 
 to be strongly opposed to enforcing it. 
 Whatever may have been the cause or 
 causes, there is no denying the fact that 
 this was at that time, with the greater 
 part of the people, an obnoxious tem- 
 perance law. This Board was not, how- 
 ever, inclined to suffer liquor to be sold 
 without let or hindrance, or to let the 
 disorderly go unrebuked or unpunished. 
 If opposed to prohibition, it was far 
 from favoring free whisky. According 
 to the views entertained it was far 
 wiser to aim to regulate and tax what it 
 seemed impossible to prohibit and 
 thereby secure a handsome revenue to 
 the village Chapter 5 of the ordi- 
 nances was amended so as to read to- 
 wit: ' 
 
 "Section 4. The town constable shall 
 arrest any persons whom he may lind 
 drunk in the streets of the town or in 
 way disturbing the quiet and peace of 
 the town and detain such person until 
 he can be taken before the police mag- 
 istrate or other justice of the peace of 
 said town for trial and punishment, as 
 provided by the ordinances of said town. 
 
 "Section 5. The town constable shall, 
 upon view of the commission of any 
 offence against the ordinances of said 
 town, with or without process, arrest all 
 persons engaged in the commission of 
 such offence and take such person
 
 40 
 
 niSTOUY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 before the police magistrate or other 
 justice of the peace iu said town for 
 trial and punishment or detain such 
 person until he can be taken before the 
 police magistrate or other justice of the 
 peace as atoresaid." 
 
 The amendment is pres^'nted, as it 
 leads to an inference that the appear- 
 ance of men upon the street in an in- 
 toxicated condition was of such fre- 
 quent occurence as to demand of the 
 Board an act in the form of an ordi- 
 nance, making it the duty of the vil- 
 lage constable to arrest, with or with- 
 out process, drunken or disorderly per- 
 sons and taka them before a competent 
 court. 
 
 Chapter 8 of the ordinances, which 
 made it unlawful to "sell, barter or ex- 
 change or give away distilled, vinous, 
 malt or fermented liquors,'' was amend 
 ed, so as to make the penalty for each 
 violation to be "not less than five dol 
 lars nor more than fifty dollars" instead 
 of "not less than fifty dollars nor more 
 than one hundred dollars." 
 
 This, of course, lessened the risk of 
 dealing in liquors, but the dealers were 
 given to understand that they must pay 
 fines for the privilege of selling. If they 
 would not do It voluntarily recourse 
 would be had to law, as the prohibitory 
 ordinance remained unrepealed. It 
 amounted, virtually, to an unofficial 
 permit to sell liquor with an implied 
 agreement on the part ot the saloon 
 keepers that they would pay fines in 
 lieu of license fees. It is inferred, how- 
 ever, that the fines were not paid as 
 cheerfully as the board had a right to 
 expect, as a resolution was carried by 
 which the attorney was instructed to 
 prosecute defaulting saloon keepers 
 promptly once a month. Several suits 
 were commenced and in the month of 
 February settlement was made by the 
 attorney with six saloon keepers for 
 
 fines due, which the board voted to 
 ratify. The license fee for operating 
 billard tallies was fixed for .S5 a month, 
 instead of $8, and licenses were issued 
 to -Joseph Gerson and S. Goldsmith. 
 
 During this year a census was or- 
 dered and L. AV. P. Wilmot was en- 
 gaged to perform the task. This report 
 possesses some interest, as it indicates 
 the size to which tlie village had at- 
 tained, the number <if , buildings 
 and inhabitants. It is as fol- 
 lows: Number of inhabitants, l,0i4: 
 dwellings, 212; families, 120; white 
 males, 537, white females, .501; colored 
 males, 4; colored females, 2; males for- 
 eign born, 109; females foreign born. 
 To; number attending school, 225; num- 
 ber that cannot read, 11; number that 
 cannot write, 37; number of electors, 
 243. 
 
 Under the head of local events men- 
 tion may be made of J. C. Lewis's pur- 
 chase of a fine residence; the birth of 
 Jas. G. Strong, Jr.; the completion and 
 occupancy of Wm. A. Sargeant's hard- 
 ware store, also Wait's new store, both 
 located on Chatham liow; the visit oi 
 Gen, Grant and party, accompanied by 
 Gov. Palmer, of this state, and the edi- 
 tor of the Star to Chicago; the enlarge- 
 ment of the Dwight Star into a four- 
 column paper: tlie departure of liev. 
 Jas. "\V. Haney, of the M. E. church, and 
 the arrival of Eev. G. M. Irwin, his suc- 
 cessor; the organization of the Dwight 
 Temperance I'nion; the building and 
 occupancy of a new brick store by John 
 Potter; the death of Anna Y., eldest 
 daughter of Mr. and JSIrs. J. I. Dunlop; 
 the marriage of J. Sears and Mollie 
 Coon ; the departure of 11, S, McIldufE 
 with a view of locating in Missouri; 
 the resignation of Rev. L. F. Walker, 
 of the Presbyterian church; the Dwight 
 Star's enlargement for the fifth time; 
 the appointment of Col . E. P. Morgan,
 
 Four Generations of the Bartholic Family. 
 (Col D B. Bartl]olic bears tl]e reputatioi] of being the oldest n]an iq Duuight
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 41 
 
 Jr., to a place on the Board of llailroad 
 (Commissioners; the election of Hugh 
 Thompson to the othce of supervisor; 
 and the closing out sale of W. H. Sar- 
 geant to John Potter. The year had 
 been a measurably prosperous one and 
 all were very hopeful concerning the 
 town's growth. Valuable improve- 
 ments were talked of for the approach- 
 ing summer. 
 
 1871-'72. 
 
 The election returns are presented in 
 full that they may be compared with 
 those of the previous year. The com- 
 parison will show that though the no-li- 
 cense party had been nearly over- 
 whelmed the year before it comes for- 
 ward to the polls with its numerical 
 strength more than tribled. 
 
 License— C. S. Newell, 92; J. H. Hag- 
 erty, 82; W. S. Sims, (on both tickets), 
 100;E.R. Stevens, 91; G. M. Hahn, 92; 
 Daniel Smith, 87. 
 
 Trohibition— O. W. Pollard, 81; D. 
 McWilliams, 78: O. Potter, 80; J. C. 
 Iletzel, 80; ,L B. Parsons, 79. 
 
 This gave the successful party only 
 an average majority of eight against 
 ninety-three the preceeding election. 
 This result indicates that there was a 
 return of former sentiment in favor of 
 prohibition, or at least a growing de- 
 sire that there should be a more vigor- 
 ous prosecution of those who persisted 
 in selling ardent spirits without legal 
 authority for so doing. 
 
 The other ofiicers on the staff consist- 
 ed of L. F. Slyder, clerk: II. T. Newell, 
 treasurer; S. M. Witt, marshal; J. I. 
 Dunlop, attorney; Wm. Taylor, pound 
 master. The Board, as soon as it was 
 fairly organized, instructed its attorney 
 to institute proceedings at once against 
 all persons guilty of selling intoxicat- 
 ing liquors as a beverage within the 
 corporate limits of the village. It took 
 similar action in the early part of .Tuly 
 
 following, making its instructions 
 more imperative by adding that such 
 persons "be prosecuted to the full extent 
 of the law." Not being satisfied, evi- 
 dently, with what it had done towards 
 bringing guilty parties to an account, 
 near the end of this same month it or- 
 dered that its attorney "prosecute with- 
 out further delay.'' The J5oard is 
 found, in September, insisting that 
 more must be done to remind saloon 
 keepers that they were lawbreakers and 
 that the community demanded that 
 they should pay the penalty. Judg- 
 ments were obtained agamst four sa- 
 loon keepers. Another difficulty was 
 now experienced in getting these par- 
 lies to settle. Overtures were made 
 which were probably accepted, though 
 no minute is made of it. During the 
 two years fines to the amount of 
 $1,824.15 were collected. The records 
 show nothing more that posseses any 
 interest. 
 
 The search for locals belonging to this 
 year has resulted in ascertaining the 
 occurrence of some events, such as the 
 building of fences around both parks; 
 the marriage of Mr. H. Donaldson, of 
 Gardner, to Miss Mary Banks of this 
 place, and Mr. Stephen Hall to Miss 
 Anna Austin; the taking possession of 
 the McPherson House by John Stafford, 
 one of the most enterprising and popu- 
 lar landlords Dwight ever had; the 
 marriage of Mr, J. M.Smith to Miss 
 Octavia D. Burnham, of Normal, and 
 that of Mr. Manning Smith and Miss 
 Kate Baker; the celebration of the 
 Fourth of July in the grove of W. S. 
 Sims, J. I. Dunlop, Esq., acting as the 
 president of the day, Hon. W. N. Pierce, 
 of Grundy, being the orator and Miss 
 Frank McClure the reader of the Dec- 
 laration of Independence; one attract- 
 ive feature consisting of a tastily-deco- 
 rated liberty car, the goddess of liberty
 
 42 
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 being personated by Mrs. Thompson; 
 the venture of Chas. Dittus in the hotel 
 business by taking charge of the Dwight 
 House, Hiram Cornell retiring; the re- 
 engagement of Prof. C. I. Gruey as 
 principal of the schools, and the great 
 Sunday school picnic in Round Grove, 
 in which all the Sunday schools of the 
 townships of Broughton, Round Grove, 
 Dwight and Union join. During this 
 year J. C. Hetzel puts a brick addition 
 to his store; Mr. Elisha B. Ketcham 
 marries Miss Jennie Losee, Clark & 
 Goedert take possession of their new 
 shop; the new tirm of Thompson & 
 Porter is announced ;the Renfrews com- 
 pete with base ball clubs of other towns, 
 some unknown person fires a bullet into 
 the house of Wm. H. Conrad in the 
 evening while the family are sitting at 
 a table reading; Rev. W. L. Boyd, of 
 Pennsylvania, receives a call to the pul- 
 pit of the Presbyterian church, many 
 of our citizens go to Chicago to witness 
 the ruins and meetings are held to raise 
 money, food and clothes for those who 
 had lost their all in the great tire; 131- 
 000 bushels of oats and corn shipped by 
 our grain dealers; Henry Petitt is in- 
 jured by the fall of a bank vault; Mr. 
 Theodore Elcessor marries Miss Eliza 
 Franklin; Azro Norton dies; Alvin V. 
 Panwitz, a Prussian nobleman and ten- 
 ant of R. C. Adams, is murdered by 
 Frederick Shafer, both having been on 
 a drunken spree; the tirms of Baker tS:; 
 Smith, druggists, and Ford & Gilbert 
 are dissolved; the dealers in agricultur- 
 al implements, in their zeal to make 
 sales, send out wagons at a distance of 
 twenty-live miles with a view of check- 
 mating each other indisposingof plows 
 and cultivators; the C. & A. railroad 
 threatens to remove the depot building 
 one mile out of town in revenge for 
 some adverse decision of the Supreme 
 Court; the mother of L- G. Pearre ia 
 
 removed by death ; Mr. Harvey Bent- 
 ley, of Chicago, marries Mrs. Eliza. 
 Patrick, and the lovely little daughter, 
 Alsie, of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Gard- 
 ner, is taken away, being three and a 
 half years old; the elaborate and inter- 
 esting articles of S. T. K. Ptime, pre- 
 pared expressly for the Star, were read! 
 and appreciated; the sermons of the 
 pastors received eulogistic notices and 
 those laboring in the public schoot 
 were frequently praised for their effi- 
 ciency and faithfulness. The year wili 
 be ?eniembered as one during which 
 there was comparitively little sickness, 
 and few deaths. 
 
 1872-'7a 
 
 C. S. Newell, president, G. M. Ilahn, 
 W. S. Sims, J. H. Hagerty, Daniet 
 Smith and E, R. Stevens, as trustees, 
 were inducted into office by subscribing 
 to the usual oath. Whether there was- 
 another set of candidates is a Question, 
 upon which the minutes throw no light 
 as no record is made of any canvass of 
 the election returns. 
 
 From other sources, however, it has 
 been ascertained that there was two 
 tickets with results: 
 
 New board — Curtis J. Judd, 50 votes: 
 A. Brubaker, 48; Jesse DilSenbaugh, 49; 
 Wm. Walker, 47; D. Mc Williams, 41; 
 Hugh Thompson, 47. 
 
 Old Board— Chas. S. Newell, 11(> 
 votes; E. R. Stevens, 119; W. S. Sims, 
 124; J. H. Hagerty, 118; I>aniel Smith, 
 115;G. M. Ilahn, 117 
 
 C. L. Palmer was elected clerk, S. M. 
 Witt was made marshal, II. T. Newell, 
 treasurer, and Wm. Taylor ponndmas- 
 ter. It was voted to dispense witli an 
 attorney. Lewis Kenyon was employed 
 to collect a certain claim The question 
 of sinking a well for the benelit of the 
 farmers coming long distances to mar- 
 ket their products and make their pur-
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLIJ^OIS. 
 
 43 
 
 chases, appears to have been agitated 
 considerably, and resulted in the pre- 
 sentation of a petition signed by fifty 
 persons praying that some action be 
 taken that would evenuate in securing 
 a good artesian well. Later an oppor- 
 tunity was offered, and the levy of a 
 tax not exceeding $2,000 was author- 
 ized. Nothing, however, exists to-day 
 indicating that the contemplated pro- 
 ject was ever accomplished. 
 
 The contract to build a bridge across 
 the creek where Franklin and James 
 streets intersect each other, was let to 
 A. C. Barnum for $26. The Legisla- 
 ture of this state to be credited with 
 enacting a wise law which was to go in 
 force the first of July of this year. Any 
 city or village could be incorporated 
 under it by taking the prescribed legal 
 steps. It sanctioned the local option 
 plan as the wisest disposition to be 
 made of the liquor traffic. The board 
 issued a call for an election to be held 
 the 23d of July, to ascertain by ballot 
 whether our citizens would prefer to 
 retain the organization they had or to 
 become organized under this general 
 act of incorporation, which would con- 
 fer upon the trustees to be elected an- 
 nually, the power to either prohibit or 
 license the sale of intoxicants. Four 
 votes against and seventy-two votes 
 favoring a new organization was the 
 result of this election. The Board pro- 
 ceeds to exercise the powers which the 
 new organization conferred. 
 
 An official notice was served upon all 
 who had heretofore engaged in liquor 
 selling to desist until each should have 
 put up an approved bond of $3,000, and 
 shall have paid to the treasurer $200 as 
 a fee. It was voted that all persons so 
 complying should be given a license to 
 sell for one year. Thus Dwight became 
 a license town and the last vestige of 
 the Princeton charter measures was 
 
 blotted out. Every movement having 
 moral as well as political ends, has its 
 friends. So it was with this one, and 
 there were those who mourned the 
 death of this organization that at first 
 had promised so much and were fear- 
 ful of the results of the new departure 
 in the way of treating the temperance 
 question. The great State of Illinois 
 lias been so well satisfied with the local 
 option temperance law then enacted 
 that it has been willing to let it remain 
 unchanged. It is undoubtedly the best 
 that can be had till the people all over 
 the State are so thoroughly indoctri- 
 nated with prohibition principles that 
 it will not only make the enforcement 
 of a prohibitory law possible, but prob- 
 able. The minutes do not give the 
 names of those who were granted li- 
 censes, but the report of the finance 
 committee shows that $832.50 for li- 
 censes and $303.20 for fines were re- 
 ceived. 
 
 A thorough examination of all the 
 ordinances and passing and publishing 
 them with a view to their being pub 
 lished in pamphlet form, in connection 
 with the general act of incorporation, 
 was a work done by this Board which 
 entitles it to the gratitude of all suc- 
 ceeding administrations. This year 
 did nov pass without events worthy of 
 being chronicled as reminders of past 
 scenes. Strangers will read them with- 
 out interest and perhaps without 
 profit. Not so, however, with those 
 who have by a long residence become 
 identified with the history of Dwight. 
 In these as well as in those of every 
 other year may be traced the comical, 
 the tragical and the serious. Henry 
 Newell's house is entered by burglars 
 causing the inmates no little fright; 
 Jesse Slyder purchases Slyder & Co.'s 
 bankrupt stock; W. II. Bradbury 
 makes a trip to England; Dr. J. Payne
 
 44 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 opens a dental office; the McPherson 
 House undergoes some valuable im- 
 provements; a Grant and Wilson club 
 is formed; Nathan Baker erects a two- 
 story dwelling house; Kev. R G.Pearce 
 is appointed to the pastorate of the M. 
 E. church; Col. J. B. Parsons receives 
 the first car of anthracite coal ever 
 brought to town; Newell Bros, engage 
 in the lumber business: Mr. Benj. B. 
 Dow marries Miss Jennie Devoe, of 
 Nevada; Smith »& Foesterliog build a 
 two-story blacksmith shop with a pub- 
 lic hall above; Burw^n Losee, one 
 among the first settlers of the place and 
 for several years constable, is suddenly 
 killed by a runaway team while sitting 
 on the porch in front of McWilliams -fe 
 Judd's store; B. B. Dow while in the 
 attempt to couple cars receives injuries 
 requiring the amputation of one toe 
 and two fingers; Mrs. H. A. Gardner 
 removes to Joliet; the horses all over 
 the county become unntted for service 
 by a contagious disease called epizoo- 
 tic; Mr. J. H. McDonald is made the 
 husband of Miss E. J. George, and Mr. 
 Geo. L. Taylor is united in marriage to 
 Miss Emma C. Goodman; Samuel 11. 
 Kenney obtains a pvatent for a car 
 starter; Miss Frank McClure takes 
 charge of one of the departments of 
 the public school; Borin & Baker form 
 a co-partnership for dealing in live 
 stock; C. S. Newell goes to Joliet to en- 
 gage in the manufacture of metallic 
 cornices; during Christmas week corn 
 brought 19 cents per bushel; a Christ- 
 mas tree was erected on the lamp post 
 of the McPherson House on whicii was 
 hung a present for nearly every busi- 
 ness man in Dwight, the gifts being of 
 a character to cause a good deal of mer- 
 riment; at the Christmas tree entertain- 
 ment of the Congregational Church, R. 
 H. Kneeland read an original poem. It 
 is too good to be lost, and well merits a 
 
 reproduction. It is given now as it 
 was printed in the Dwight Star: 
 I. 
 
 Far to the south the genial sun 
 Has his autumnal journey run, 
 And irom tl\e groves wliere sumnter shone 
 Tlie robin and the thrush are gone: 
 And all the forests, brown and bare, 
 Witli naked arms tlie tempests dare. 
 The summer streamlet's noisy flow 
 Is muffled deep In ice and snow; 
 Its gentle murmurs low and sweet. 
 Scarce heard beneath its winding sheet. 
 The time of frosts and storms is here: 
 Stem Winter rules our Northern spliere? 
 A warrior grim and fierce is he. 
 Who marches from tlie northern sea, 
 And all our bills, and valts and glades, 
 With conquering footsteps now invades; 
 Anil soutliward still his cruel host 
 Far towards the tropics hurls his frost! 
 A monarch he of cruel soul. 
 Who makes his throne beside the pole^ 
 And guards it well from human touch, 
 With bars no human can appro;»cli. 
 No force that man has ever sent, 
 Could scale his icy battlement. 
 
 II. 
 Again we hail the joyous morn 
 On which a Hebrew child was bom- 
 Unknown and lowly, yet wliose name 
 Has filletl the world with more than fame. 
 Poor, in a manger damp and cold. 
 Yet never prince with hoards of gold— 
 With realms on land and fleets at sea, 
 Had fraction of such wealth as He. 
 Tho' frail and weak, no potentate 
 In ah the wide earth's mightiest state— 
 Whose conquests made all others dim. 
 Could match in royal i>ower with Him. 
 
 III. 
 Whence was His wealth— in secret mine 
 For Hini did gems unnumbered shine? 
 For Hinr alone in heai>s untold 
 Had Nature store exhaustle.ss gold? 
 No! no; all gems and gold al)«ve, 
 Unmeasm-ed by aught else- His love. 
 And he is rich who feels its tide— 
 And i)<)or to whom it is denied— 
 Tho' all the treasures of the seas, 
 W^ith all the circling shores, were his. 
 
 IV. 
 Where was His ix)wer? Did .lesus boast 
 Of marshalled lield and countless host? 
 Or march in triumph o'er the plain 
 Kxultaut at theheaiJs of slain? 
 Where was his power? The fwce tliat lies 
 In tender tones and tearful eyes; 
 The forcv that fears no battlement. 
 Because it is Onniiixitent. 
 The love whose sweet inspiring breath 
 Filled all His life, and crowned His death— 
 in Oilvary's sult'ering and despair 
 For those who slew Him breathed a prayer. 
 'I he love that knew no change nor loss 
 Froui 15<ithlehem's manger to the cross; 
 That sought no sect, that luiew no creed, 
 Itut hun»an guilt and human need. 
 Such love t>e ours- we need it sore. 
 In dying nuich— In hving more. 
 
 v- 
 
 It took Illin from His lowly bed. 
 It poured its nuUance where His pathway 
 Le«l,
 
 IIISTOlir OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 45 
 
 It bore Him tliro' a life of poverty and scorn 
 Ami robed Jiim in all fjlories on ascension 
 I morn. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Draw near () man. and touch His garment's 
 
 liem, 
 And wear witli Him the jjHceless diadem; 
 He, who, all hate and stUf has sacrificed, 
 Lil^e Him, in love shall be imparadise. 
 For His TKUK follower lives another Christ. 
 
 Anything like a complete list of news 
 items for this year will require the 
 mentioning of other occurrences. Ed. 
 Newell, son of C. S. Newell, goes to 
 Springfield to act as page in the Senate; 
 1). McWilliams rebuilds his banking 
 oilice destroyed by lire over vault in 
 burnt district. At this period the 
 Grangers' movement was at its height, 
 farmers' club meetings were frequent, 
 but the effort to dispose of the middle- 
 men was not a success; Hiram Cornell 
 again becomes landlord of the Dwight 
 House: Stafford's Minstrels give a per- 
 formance which elicited enthusiastic 
 and flattering comment, the troupe 
 being composed entirely of home tal- 
 ent; Pappy Howe dies at the age of 76 
 years; B. B. Dow recovers from his 
 severe injuries and takes charge of the 
 railroad odice at Nevada, The pen of 
 the chronicler is laid down to rest a 
 week before beginning the next chap- 
 ter. 
 
 It is evident that there was but one 
 ticket at this election, as the aver- 
 age vote cast for the six successful can- 
 didates was 106. In the absence of any 
 statement to the contrary, it is fair to 
 infer that either the community was 
 pleased with the administration of af- 
 fairs for the year just closed, or no other 
 candidates were brought forward for 
 the reason there was no probability of 
 electing them. Unopposed and with 
 the unanimous approval, it would 
 seem, of all who voted, W. S. Sims, E. 
 R. Stevens, II. C. Adams, II. Thomp- 
 son, N. Tiiggs and John Stafford were 
 elected village trustees. The honor of 
 
 presiding was given to W. S. Sims. C. 
 L. Palmer being elected clerk, held the 
 office a portion of the year, and was 
 succeeded by W. II. JJradbury. The 
 other officers were James Mcllduff, po 
 lice magistrate; S. M. Witt, marshal; J. 
 B. Baker, treasurer, and Wm. Taylor, 
 pound master. For the office of treas- 
 urer there was quite a scramble. There 
 being some fifteen hundred dollars in the 
 treasury may have had something to 
 do with the ardent desire to have the 
 place. There were no less than four 
 earnest and presistent applicants, one 
 proposing to receive and disburse the 
 village funds for nothing; two offered 
 to do it for twenty-five dollars, aijd the 
 other for what had been paid during 
 the twelve preceding years, or what 
 the law allowed, which was 2 per cent 
 on all monies passing through the treas- 
 urer's hands. Each applicant had his 
 friends and able advocates. Button- 
 holing, wirepulling, a free use of threats 
 the art of persuasion, earnest pleadings, 
 the usual tricks of factions, misrepre- 
 sentation and abuse, in fact all the 
 methods resorted to in fierce political 
 contests were adopted. It was a State 
 political campaign in miniature. One 
 faction argued that it was the duty of 
 the Board to run the affairs of the vil- 
 lage on the most economical plan pos- 
 sible; that a penny saved was as good 
 as a penny earned, and threatened if the 
 Board did not give the otlice to the 
 man who would perform the duties for 
 the least money, they would prosecute 
 the members of the Board and seek to 
 recover by law any amount that might 
 be paid a treasurer in the way of com- 
 pensation during the year. The other 
 party, with equal warmth and deter- 
 mination, argued that the principle of 
 offering responsible, salaried offices, 
 either national. State or those of a mu- 
 nicipality, to the lowest bidder, was in
 
 46 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 itself wrong. It threw wide open the 
 doors of political jobbery and bribery, 
 and that this course, if followed would 
 put all the offices in the hands of schem- 
 ing and wealthy politicans, to the ex- 
 clusion of the poor nran, however 
 worthy and competent. Either from 
 prejudice, inclination, favoritism, or 
 through the influence of the latter ar- 
 guments, Dr. J. B. Baker received the 
 appointment, and was paid at the end 
 of the year .361.50. 
 
 It will be seen that no less than eight 
 persons were authorized to conduct a 
 saloon business. With striking con- 
 sistency and commendable forethought, 
 a coipmittee was appointed to procure 
 plans and specifications for a brick cal- 
 aboose, for where saloons exist jails be- 
 come an absolute necessity. In Octo- 
 ber the purchase of a pair of hand- 
 cuffs, policeman's belt and club, for 
 the use of the marshal, was ordered. 
 The donation of Col. R. P. Morgan, .Jr., 
 of thirty feet of ground for a street by 
 the depot, connecting East and West 
 streets, was accepted, and an ordinance 
 making it a public thoroughfare was 
 passed and ordered published. The re- 
 ceipts for fines were .§18, and for li- 
 censes .§2,272.80. No other matters of 
 interest are to be discovered in the 
 minutes for this municipal year. 
 
 The principal local events are named 
 about in the order of their occurence, 
 though for want of space dates are 
 omitted. The year is remarkable for 
 the number of marriages. Kichard 
 Rowe returns to Dwight and opens a 
 Hour and feed store on Mazon avenue. 
 Dr. Morgan builds a new dwelling on 
 the same street. Cadwallader & Rhodes 
 erect a new elevator. Mr. Geo. T. Pet- 
 tett marries Miss Susan Baker. Mrs. 
 Sorohoma Witt, mother of S. M. Witt 
 and Mrs. J. (J. Strong, dies, aged 74 
 years. Rev. F. H. Ilargreaves preaches 
 
 a farewell sermon in the Presbyterian 
 church, and accepts a call from the so- 
 ciety in Union. J. A. Cavanaugh builds 
 a new elevator at Nevada. Walter 
 Bladen constructs an elevator, being 
 the fifth one in town. The death of 
 Cephas Foster occurs. Dr. C. C. Mc- 
 Cabe delivers his popular lecture, en- 
 titled, "Bright Side of Life in Libby 
 Prison." Prof. Wilson is engaged for 
 another year as principal of the public 
 school. Mr. Frank W. Ford and Miss 
 Mollie .J. Scott consent to a nuptial 
 union. The friends of C. J. Judd give 
 him a reception, presenting him with a 
 fine picture. Dr. L. E. Keeley making 
 the presentation speech. Little Willie, 
 son of Nathan Baker, is removed by 
 death. J. G. Strong erects a brick bank 
 on East street, with offices in the second 
 story. A farmers' picnic is held at S. 
 T. K. Prime's. Daughter of W. S. 
 Sims becomes sick unto death. Dr. J. 
 H. Hagerty, after five and a half mouths 
 illness, at the age of ^0, dies, causing 
 universal mourning throughout the lo- 
 cality where he was so well known. 
 The Plymouth, Kankakee & Pacific 
 Railroad Company, from which our 
 people had anticipated so much, found 
 to be insolvent, and like many other 
 railroad bubbles, vanishes into thin air. 
 George Z. Flagler engages in the lum- 
 ber business. Mr. Robert Thompson 
 and Miss Sarah Ilibbard, of Barnsville, 
 Ohio, consent to be made one. Rey. 
 Montgomery preaches his farewell ser- 
 mon and accepts a call from Morris. 
 Rev. Father Ilanley receives injures 
 caused by a runaway team. Rev. R. G. 
 Pearce, of the M. E. church, removes to 
 Fairbury, and Rev. M. V. B. White 
 succeeds him. The marriage of Mr. C. 
 L. Palmer and Miss Mate E. McClare is 
 announced by the papers with hearty 
 congratulations from the editorial fra- 
 ternity. Mr. Samuel Thompson and
 
 IIISTOHY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 47 
 
 Miss Maggie Porter are joined in wed- 
 lock. Meetings are held in many places 
 by the anti monopolist party, under the 
 leadership of S. T. K. Prime. Mr. Iler- 
 mon Kenyon and Miss Emeline Davis, 
 of Joliot, present themselves at Hy- 
 men's altar. Mr. John D. Ketcham and 
 Miss Lizzie Johnson take on them- 
 selves the marriage vow. The village 
 paper reports also the marriage of Mr. 
 C. M. Baker and Miss Lizzie Weagley, 
 and Mr. Jasper W. Philips and Miss 
 Lucy E. Scammon. J. B. Parsons and 
 J. C. Hetzel form a co-partnership and 
 purchase the hardware stock of Orson 
 Potter. Hon. Schuyler Colfax lectures 
 under the auspices ol! the I. O. O. F. 
 There appears in the Dwight Star a his- 
 tory of Dwight, its past, present and 
 future,' covering a period of twenty- 
 years, from 18.54 to 1874, ably written, 
 and afterwards printed in fine style in 
 pamphlet form. C. J. Judd withdraws 
 from the firm of McWilliams & Judd, 
 and Manning Smith succeeds him, and 
 the new firm of McWilliams & Smith 
 occupy at once the just completed brick 
 store, the largest and finest ever erected 
 in the place. The Dwight Star swells 
 and enlarges for the eighth time. Mr. 
 John C. Poole and Miss Lillie D. Mott 
 make mutual pledges, resulting in the 
 tying of another nuptial knot, the same 
 event happened to Mr, Garry Wallace 
 and Miss Jennie Potter. Captain E.li. 
 Stevens and Dr. Baker make a trip to 
 Cuba. It remains to mention a sensa 
 tion, caused by the finding of the dead 
 body of one Peter C. Jensen, a Dane, in 
 the stable of John Smith. So the year, 
 like every human life, ends with a trag- 
 edy. 
 
 1874-7.5. 
 
 During the winter the temperance 
 question was earnestly and presistent- 
 ly agitated. A number of public meet- 
 ings were held in all the churches, at 
 
 which its many phases were considered. 
 Those favoring prohibition at this time 
 were greatly in the minority. It had 
 taken time to recover from the disas- 
 trous effects of crushing defeats. They 
 were conscience-striken that they had 
 suffered their cause to be lost sight of 
 altogether at the last election and now 
 felt it to be a duty to form a party, 
 though small, yet one which might in 
 time, by the growth of a temperance 
 sentiment, become sufiiciently strong 
 to elect a board that would repeal all 
 license ordinances and put a stop to all 
 trafiic in intoxicants. 
 
 The advocates of license had for two 
 or three elections been enabled to pre- 
 sent themselves as a solid phalanx at 
 the polls, but now there was a division 
 in their ranks which foreshadowed a 
 defeat. One part favored a very high 
 license and few saloons, which, it was 
 thought, might be made respectable 
 and acceptable even to the temperance 
 people, save those who expected and 
 exacted too much, and the other was in 
 favor of making a saloon license the 
 same it had been. The high license fac- 
 tion, thinking it could control the vote 
 of the entire party, put a set of candi- 
 dates in the field who were in advance 
 pledged to make the license fees very 
 much higher than they had ever been. 
 Those composing the rebellious and 
 dissappointed element did not wheelinto 
 line as had been anticipated, but gave 
 the prohibition ticket the benefit of 
 their votes, concluding they had rather 
 take their chances of making illegal 
 sales under a prohibition administra- 
 tion than to be compelled to see the 
 entire traffic go into the hands of a few 
 who had made enough out of it to be 
 abundantly able to pay, if required, 
 one thousand dollars annually for the 
 privilege of selling. The entire tem- 
 perance ticket was elected, the candi-
 
 48 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 dates being O. W. Pollard, president; 
 Oliver Slocum, Timothy Driscoll, Hugh 
 Thompson, Isaac II. Baker and J. J. 
 Gore, trustees; Willis Finch, clerk. The 
 latter served only a part of the year 
 and was succeeded by J. Coe. J. II. 
 Coe was made marshal and served a 
 few months, and on his resigning Elwell 
 Collins was appointed to fill the vacan- 
 cy made. W. J. M. Stevens was chosen 
 poundmaster and J. I. Dunlop was em- 
 ployed as attorney. Propositions for 
 the treasureship were presented and 
 much of the ground by way of discus- 
 sion traveled over the year previous, 
 was gone over again. Those taking an 
 economical view to the exclusion of all 
 other considerations were victorious. 
 John Thompson was made treasurer on 
 his own proposition to perform all the 
 duties of the office for five cents. 
 The victory of the real friends of tem- 
 perance was more in appearance than 
 in reality. The disaffected of the li- 
 cense party who had been the means of 
 giving them the election, were not dis- 
 posed to assist in enforcing a prohibi- 
 tory law, but, on the other hund, were 
 determined to embarrass the Board in 
 every possible way. They had not 
 voted for the triumph of temperance 
 principles, but simply to take revenge 
 on some of the prominent leaders of 
 the license cause, the one to which 
 they had no intention of forsaking. A 
 majority of all the voters were not in 
 favor ,of closing all the dram shops. 
 The temperance people were taken by 
 surprise by seeing their ticket elected. 
 They were not prepared for it and were 
 in no condition to give a prohibition 
 Board the support that was indispensi- 
 ble to make it a success. 
 
 The newly elected trustees found 
 themselves in the pitiable plight of be- 
 ing compelled to attempt to force upon 
 the people not only what they did not 
 
 want, but, moreover, what they were 
 determined they wouldn't have. This 
 year's administration, so far as temper- 
 ance legislation was concerned, was a 
 failure, as many at the start saw it 
 must be. It served, however, one good 
 purpose, in demonstrating the supreme 
 folly of attempting to enforce a pro- 
 hibitory temperance law unless there is 
 public sentiment sufficiently strong to 
 back it up. Temperance principles 
 must first be enthroned in the hearts of 
 the people before they can be success- 
 fully crystalized into either a national, 
 State or municipal law. 
 
 The purchasing of 500 feet of hose, 
 at a cost $582.50, was ordered, the citi- 
 zens subscribing $199 for the purpose. 
 A new hose cart and nozzle was added 
 to the fire apparatus, and the calaboose 
 was repaired. The ordinary expendi- 
 tures for the year were $2,225.92. 
 
 The local happenings of this year 
 were quite numerous, and it would be 
 an,agreeable work and easy task to ex- 
 pand an account of these so as to oc- 
 cupy several columns of closely printed 
 matter, the absolute necessity of brevity 
 forbids the attempt. Rigid adherence 
 to the plan as originally contemplated 
 will allow simply a mere reference to 
 events, trusting to the reader's ability 
 to recall all the' attending circum- 
 stances. 
 
 The Odd Fellows celebrated on Sun- 
 day the fifty-lifth anniversary of the in- 
 troduction of their order into this conn 
 try, followed on Monday by festivities. 
 
 F. B. Ilargreaves, ,Iames II. Funk 
 and W. r>. Fyfe delivering addresses. 
 Mr. Goedert is wounded badly in the 
 head by tlie bursting of a grindstone. 
 Dr. L. E. Keeley becomes the surgeon 
 for the Chicago & Alton Railroad. 
 The grangers establish an agency for 
 shipping farming products and pur- 
 chasing implements and goods, ap-
 
 Rev. C. W. Ayling. 
 
 Rev. E. F. Wm 'ht. 
 
 ^i 
 
 Rev. R. H, Wilhelmsen. 
 
 Dr. C. H. Barr.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 49 
 
 pointing John Waters their agent. 
 Mr. C, M. Baker marries Miss Nellie 
 Adams. John C. Poole is injured on 
 the railroad; the D wight Guards organ- 
 ize, commissioned officers being J. B. 
 Parsons, captain: S. H. Kenny, first 
 lieutenant and S. H. Witt, second lieu- 
 tenant. John Parsons and wife return 
 from Kansas, after several years ab- 
 sence. The D wight Star reaches its 
 seventh vear. Wm. Scully, the English 
 land owner, accompanied by John 
 Scully, his nephew, visits his farming 
 estate near this town, occupied by thir- 
 ty-five tenants, making Henry Fox for- 
 merly of Pulaski, his agent. C. F. 
 Deihl is engaged as principal of schools 
 at a salary of $1,350, his daughter as- 
 sisting, he having had twenty-seven 
 years experience an a teacher. Henry 
 Shapland is killed by a stroke of light- 
 ening. In the single month of June 
 394 cars of grain and 18 cars of live 
 stock are shipped from this point. On 
 the 4th of July the Catholics hold a 
 festival, realizing $360, and the Ger- 
 mans hold a picnic in Hahn's grove. 
 Kev. Hargreaves delivers a lecture on 
 the "Pontiac Fire," and fiev. DeLong 
 on the "Comet." W. H. Tison and 
 wife, of Savannah, Ga., become the 
 guests of D. McWilliams. Ten thous- 
 and head of hogs shipped from Dwight 
 in on one year. Chas. S. Newell, Ed. 
 Gooding, E. R. Stevens, Mrs. C. S. 
 Newell and Miss Alice Dwelley join in 
 an excursion around the lakes, visiting 
 Niagara Falls. Lou Trunnell com- 
 pletes a miniature railroad engine. D. 
 McWilliams and wife go to Eaton 
 Rapids in search of health. Jesse 
 Diffenbaugh erects a two-story brick 
 dwelling. A military picnic and fire- 
 men's tournament are held August 4th, 
 old Capt. Rockwell, a veteran of the 
 war of 1812, receiving marked attention. 
 Hon. J. G. Strong, in behalf of the 
 
 ladies, presents a banner to the Dwight 
 Guards and F. B. Hargreaves replies 
 for the latter, both addresses being of 
 high order. Zane Turner is injured by 
 the permature discharge of a cannon. 
 Mr. John Graham marries Miss Armina 
 Clarkson. Mrs. Parsons erects a new 
 millinery store adjoining that of Henry 
 Eldredge's. Obadiah Staley suffers the 
 loss of an ear, and has his shoulder dis- 
 located, by being caught in a thresher. 
 
 F. B. Hargreaves makes his debut as a 
 lawyer. Rev M. M. Longley is called 
 to the pastorate of the Congregational 
 church. Mr. Ilillersheim purchases 
 half interest in the business of J. C. 
 Hetzel. Newell, Judd & Sims form a 
 co-partnership for conducting a lumber 
 and grain business at Pontiac. Mr. 
 John L. Gallup marries Miss Malvina 
 C. Whitlock. The Catholic Total Ab- 
 stinence Society parade the streets, 
 listen to an address and hold a picnic. 
 Cadwallader & Rhodes sell their ele- 
 vator to VVm. B. Sargent for $3,600. L. 
 
 G. Pearre and R. Speer Mcllduff form 
 a partnership for the practice of law. 
 W. H Robbins sells his business to J. 
 Coe. Rev. M. V. B. White is seriously 
 ill fur several weeks, his pulpit in the 
 meantime being supplied by Rev. O.W. 
 Pollard. Eugene Baker purchases the 
 dwelling of Rev. Montgomery. Mr. 
 Danforth Q. Jordan marries Miss Nellie 
 Hobbs. Hon. J. G. Strong, senator, 
 spends the winter in Springfield. Wm. 
 S. Sims and family move to Pontiac. 
 Miss Lulu Couse dies at the age of 18 
 years. The grangers attempt to run a 
 store and do away with the merchants 
 and grain dealers fails. Leander Mor- 
 gan takes charge of the Spencer farm. 
 The marriage of Chas. M. Chase and 
 Miss Isa H. Weymouth is announced. 
 The arrivals at the McPherson for sev- 
 eral months averaged eighty per week. 
 H. A, Kenyon increases the number of
 
 50 
 
 TIISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 papers taken 400 per cent, and pub- 
 lishes a forty page book. A. L. Leach 
 opens a new photographic .studio. An 
 Old Times festival is held at the resi- 
 dence of J. G. Strong, supper being 
 served up in old style dishes, and the 
 participants dressed in antique cos- 
 tumes, so as to personate several char- 
 acters of by-gone days. W, H. Bobbins 
 builds a store at the south end of East 
 street. The Militia Cornet Band and 
 Amateur Minstrels give entertainments 
 Conrad & Co. convert their cooper shop 
 into a barrel, bucket and butter tub 
 factory, putting in a new engine and 
 suitable machinery. Col. R. P. Morgan, 
 Jr., sell a quarter interest it his ele- 
 vator to the railroad for $10,000. All 
 the churches unite in union meetings, 
 lasting seven weeks. The death of Mr, 
 John Sargent, a thrifty farmer and well 
 and favorably known, occurs. The 
 principal of schools reports 175 males 
 and 175 females enrolled as scholars, 
 and an average attendance of 271 . The 
 death of Dr. Morgan is reported. Mr, 
 Levi Reeder joins Miss Adaline Young 
 in marriage. The marriage of Mr. Ed- 
 ward Merrill and Miss Alice C. Dwelly 
 is also announced. The coal trade for 
 the winter averages 100 tons per day. 
 C. M, Bakar becomes the proprietor of 
 a drug store. Frank W. Davis' letter 
 from Cuba appears in the village paper. 
 F, B. Hargreaves delivers a lecture en- 
 titled "Gilded Edge.' H. A. Kenyon 
 has a long seige of inflammatory rheu- 
 matism. J, B, Parsons is elected sup- 
 visor. 
 
 1875-76, 
 
 The temperance Board were, for rea- 
 sons easily gathered from the preceding 
 chapter, glad to vacate their seats and 
 make room for those who had by a 
 very large majority beeu elected to suc- 
 ceed them. They had been asked to 
 perform an impossibility, and because 
 
 of their failure to do so had been ex- 
 posed to the sneers' and scorn of the 
 outspoken enemies of prohibition and 
 were compelled to be content with the 
 lukewarm and indifferent approval of 
 its professed friends, Eugene Baker, 
 president, R. C. Adams, E. R, Stevens, 
 Benjamin Wait, Horace Cadwallader, 
 and Alex. McKay, trustees, and C. M. 
 Baker, clerk, were inducted into office 
 by observing the usual forms. John 
 Thompson was continued in the office 
 of treasurer and W. J. M. Stevens in 
 that of poundmaster, S. M. AVitt was 
 appointed marshal, E. Collins, assistant 
 marshal, Robt. Bell, street commission- 
 er, O. Slocum, chief fire marshal, J. B. 
 Parsons, first assistant and J, F. Skin- 
 ner, second assistant. In August Thos. 
 Weldon succeeds S, M, Witt as mar- 
 shal. 
 
 As so many of our citizens demanded 
 the licensing of the sale of liquor, the 
 Board proceeded to carry out their 
 wishes in this respect. Saloon licenses 
 were fixed at $300; fees for billiard, 
 bagatelle, pigeon hole, pareppa and 
 similar tables at $10, Licenses were 
 granted to not less than eight saloons. 
 This year's history of village affairs is 
 remarkable — very much so for expendi- 
 tures and improvements. In no previ- 
 ous year had there been formed plans 
 for the benefit of the public of such 
 magnitude, and improvements made 
 of such extent and involving such an 
 outlay of money. They are startling 
 when compared with those of either 
 former or subsequent years. From the 
 treasurer's report $10,681.70 were paid 
 into his hands, and at the end of the 
 year there was a balance on hand of 
 only $434.65. which shows that the 
 amount of $10,247.05 were paid out dur- 
 ing the year; deducting from the latter 
 amount $2,334.15 as rebate on taxes it 
 leaves $7,912.90 as the amount actually
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLI:N0IS. 
 
 51 
 
 paid on account of expenses incurred. 
 Add to this $1,998.00 for bonds and or- 
 ders issued, which were reported un- 
 paid, the sum obtained will be $9,910.90; 
 deduct from this $662.01 of debts paid 
 which had been contracted by the pre- 
 vious Board, there remains $9,248.89 as 
 the total outlay for the year for corpor- 
 ation improvements and expenses, ex 
 cepting $1,092.88 paid for roads and 
 bridges in township. To meet the bonds 
 and orders reported by the finance com- 
 mittee as outstanding, there were un- 
 collected lines, delinquent faxes and 
 cash on hand in the aggregate amount- 
 ing to $1,307. The receipts for saloon 
 licenses were $2,283.30. This Board is 
 to be credited with several valuable 
 measures, among which was the estab- 
 lishing of a tire department, resulting 
 in the formation of the Good Will Fire 
 Company, and the Hook, Ladder and 
 Truck Company. A hook and ladder 
 truck, hand engine, several hundred 
 feet of hose, hook and ladder wagon, 
 rdpe hooks, and rope ladder. &c., were 
 purchased at a cost aggregating nearly 
 $1,100 The fine and commodious 
 building standing in the East Park, and 
 since used as a council chamber, cala- 
 boose and engine house, costing about 
 $1,600, was constructed this year, and 
 during the same period there were 9,700 
 feet of sidewalk, thirteen hard wood, 
 and six pine crossings built, 3,500 feet 
 of ditching and 2,110 feet of grading 
 done, besides many other minor im- 
 provements, such as new street lamps, 
 the procuring and framing ot the large 
 map of the village, which now adorns 
 the walls of the City Hall, &c. 
 
 This year Dwight had one preacher 
 to every .350 inhabitants, one doctor to 
 every 320, one lawyer to every 350, and 
 one saloon to every 250, showing that a 
 higher estimate was put on a dram 
 shop than either of the three profes- 
 
 sions, and that the people then would 
 sooner be deprived of either preacher, 
 lawyer or doctor, in fact, all the three, 
 than of the presence of a saloon. The 
 standing disgrace and the blighting 
 curse of a grog shop was not at that 
 time as clearly seen as now. 
 
 Work on J. C. Hetzel's new residence, 
 fronting East Park, was commenced; 
 Dr. L. E. Keeley purchases old town 
 house for $130, to be moved and con- 
 verted into a dwelling; Miss Anna 
 Clark dies of consumption; the D wight 
 Guards, in charge of Capt. J, B. Par- 
 sons, go to Chicago to compete for a 
 $150 banner, to be awarded to the best 
 drilled company; in boring for water 
 Geo, Conant obtains a gas well, which 
 discharged sand and water at the rate 
 of one gallon a minute; one thousand 
 persons, it was estimated, visited this 
 well in one day; Decoration Day was 
 observed in West Park by appropriate 
 and impressive services held on the 
 afternoon of Sunday, May 30; the 
 D wight Guards appeared in full uni- 
 form on the march from their head- 
 quarters, keeping step to the beat of 
 the mufiled drums and the plaintive 
 strains of the Dwight Cornet Band; the 
 day was beautiful, and ihe attendance 
 very large; the order of exercises con- 
 sisted of music, unveiling of the mon- 
 ument on which were inscribed the 
 names of the many fallen heroes who 
 went into their country's service from 
 Dwight and adjoining towaships; the 
 reading of the roll of honor by H. A. 
 Kenyon, Esq., and intensely thrilling 
 addresses by Revs. M. M, Longley, M. 
 V. B. White. C. H. DeLong, and O. W. 
 Pollard, and a poem by W. H. Brad- 
 bury, Esq.; the addresses were what 
 the occasion called for, eloquent trib- 
 utes to the memory of the brave and 
 patriotic dead, these carefully prepared 
 orations, as they were historic as well
 
 52 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 as eulogistic, ought to have been pre- 
 served, bat were not. 
 
 The poem prepared expressly for the 
 occasion, having been printed at the 
 time, is now reproduced: 
 
 Where Lookout Mountain lifts his head 
 
 To gaze on lovely Tennessee, 
 And Chicamauga's silver thread 
 
 Gleams 'midst the rugged scenery: - 
 
 Where Dallas' Woods grow green and brown, 
 Beyond Burnt Hickory's fatal plain; 
 
 And Kenesaw's twin summits frown 
 O'er landscape marred with battle-stain:— 
 
 Where Oostenaula's streams arise, 
 And Chattahoochee's waters lave 
 
 Bright banks where Georgia's beauty lies— 
 The red mound marks the soldier's gravel 
 
 Not there alone! But far and wide, 
 
 From fair Virginia to the West, 
 Our heroes' life-blood swelled the tide 
 
 Poured at tlie Nation's grand behest! 
 
 To them this monument is reared, 
 An emblem of their scattered graves: 
 
 Here let their memory be revered; 
 Here let us mourn our fallen braves! 
 
 These votive flowers and Emerald wreaths. 
 Bedewed with tears and fraught with sighs 
 
 Are tributes which the heart bequeaths— 
 A sweet, yet sacred sacrifice. 
 
 Let us rejoice that our brave boys 
 
 Fell not in ways of smor crime; 
 But boldly fighting for the cause 
 
 Of home and country— death sublime! 
 
 The South wind's fragrance— laden sighs 
 Waft odors from tlie land of flowers. 
 
 Where sleep our lieroes 'neath the skies 
 Of summer Buns and vernal showers. 
 
 These floral offerings catch the scent. 
 And riclier grows the rare i)erfump,— 
 
 (In fancy's thought together bent),— 
 Like precious sweets of heavenly bloom. 
 
 God heal the wounds of war-worn lands: 
 The battle-blights, the scars of strife 
 
 Are gently covered by His hands, 
 'Till seared earth glows with wonted life. 
 
 So doth He also heal our hearts 
 With hopes of heaven beyond the tomb; 
 
 The "oil of joy" for grief imparts,— 
 "Garments of praise" for robes of gloom. 
 
 "Beauty for ashes" shall be given; 
 
 And fairer flowers and brighter wreaths 
 ShaU deck the patriot's brow in Heaven 
 
 Where Peace the sword forever sheaths! 
 
 Oh, may our blood-bought Union stand! 
 
 And never, never, shall it fall 
 While Truth and Virtue fill the land 
 
 And sweet Keligion binds us all! 
 
 Capt, Wm. P. Bartholic and wife go 
 to New Orleans; 0. S. Newell and fam- 
 ily move to Joliet; the Congregational- 
 ists give a strawberry festival, the table 
 waiters dressing in the costumes of the 
 different nations: Prof. Diehl is re-en- 
 gaged as principal of the public schools; 
 Mr. John A. Gallup, father of Daniel, 
 Orrin and Ralph Gallup, dies, aged 
 eighty years; Miss Mary Eldredge gives 
 a musical concert, which was pro- 
 nounced an enjoyable, refined and alto- 
 gether recherche affair; the German 
 Evangelical church, located on the cor- 
 ner 01 Deleware and AVashinyton 
 streets, was completed and dedicated; 
 the Fourth of July was celebrated in 
 superb style, Hon. J. G. Strong being 
 president of the day, the Declaration' of 
 Independence was read by Miss Franc 
 McClure, an oration delivered by Hon. 
 J. W. Strevelle, and the presentation of 
 prizes awarded to the successful com- 
 petitors in the various games was made 
 by F. B. Hargreaves, Esq., in speeches 
 brim-full of glowing rhetoric, wit and 
 humor; L. B. Gleason, Esq., ot Good- 
 farm, passes from earth; the M. E, 
 church, after undergoing repairs 
 amounting to $1,800, is re-opened with 
 impressive services, Kev. Briggs, D. D., 
 of Evanston, delivering the morning 
 and evening sermons, assisted by Mr. 
 Solomon Thatcher, of Chicago; this so- 
 ciety was organized in June, 1855, with 
 six members, David Mc Williams, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Isaac Baker and Augustus 
 West being four of the number; Mr. H. 
 A. Gardner, father of George. Richard, 
 Henry and James Gardner, and for
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 53 
 
 many years a prominent railroad offi- 
 cial, and whose family had for a long 
 time resided one mile east of Dwight, 
 comes to his death in Chicago; he is 
 still remembered for his public spirit, 
 great energy and many virtues; Hugh 
 Thompson and Horace Cadwallader 
 start on a trip to California; Symes, the 
 butcher, falls into an unconcious state, 
 from which he fails to recover; the 
 Baptist hall is purchased by O. Slocum 
 and converted into a dwelling; Mr. 
 Bradford purchases Mr. Hillesheim's 
 interest in the firm of J. C. Hetzel <& 
 Co. ; the residences of Henry Fox, T. C, 
 Cook and O. W. Pollard are completed 
 and occupied; Rey. Havermale becomes 
 the pastor of the M. E. church; the 
 Western Postal Review, published by 
 H. A. Kenyon, postmaster, makes its 
 appearance; the bank of J. G, Strong 
 suspends; John Geis, the cigar manu- 
 facturer, takes possession of his new 
 store; Mrs. Travis and Mrs. Wm. H. 
 Ketcham are thrown fiom a buggy 
 while out for a pleasure ride and barely 
 escape serious injuries; J. M. Baker oc- 
 cupies D. McWilliams' old store, put- 
 ting in an assortment of furniture and 
 doing the business of an undertaker; 
 Rev. Dr. Rabe becomes a resident of 
 Dwight, and takes charge of the Union 
 Presbyterian church; Wm. Estes buys 
 hardware stock and business of J. C. 
 Hetzel; the Dwight Cornet Band meets 
 weekly for practice and favors the vis- 
 itots with ravishing music on many 
 evenings during the summer months; 
 Robt. S. Mcllduff, Esq., marries Miss 
 Mary J. Paul; in December the village 
 trustees take possession of the new 
 town house; Drs. Andrews and Keeley 
 amputate limb for Wm. Sharp; the ora- 
 torio of Esther is given under the man- 
 agement of Prof. Dangforth, several 
 young gentlemen and ladies of our vil- 
 lage taking part; Mr. L. D.Coppock and 
 
 Miss Phoebe P. Riggs are united in 
 marriage; Strong & Strong engage in 
 insurance and real estate business; 
 Benj. George, brother of James and 
 John George, is removed by death; H. 
 Cadwallader buys back the Farmers' 
 elevator; a petition signed by twenty- 
 eight merchants pray the Board to pass 
 an ordinance protecting them from 
 traveling auctions; Mr. Lorenzo A. 
 Hamlin and Miss Mary A. Libby lock 
 arms in matrimony , the Good Templars 
 organize; A. H. Haynes purchases Sam 
 Shiffer's livery and feed stable; mar- 
 ried, at the M. E. church, Mr. James H. 
 Foster and Miss Hattie L. Slyder and 
 Mr. Myron Tambling to Miss Emma 
 Slyder, attended by Miss Franc Mc- 
 Clure as first bridesmaid and Miss 
 Tambling as second bridesmaid. Dr. L, 
 E. Keeley as first groomsman and Capt. 
 J. B. Parsons as second groomsman; 
 James II. Harrison, one of the early 
 settlers, and for some time railroad 
 agent, closes his earthly existence; W. 
 H. Bobbins sells his store building to 
 Charles Losee, and goes with his fami- 
 ly to Fort Scott, Kan.; during the fall 
 of this year our merchants did a more 
 extensive business than ever before or 
 since for a single season. 
 1876-77. 
 The officers this year were Eugene 
 Baker, president; E. R. Stevens, W. A, 
 Ketcham, R. C. Adams, A. McKay and 
 William Walker, trustees; C. M. Baker, 
 clerk; Thos. Weldon, marshal; Elwell 
 ('ollins,special policeman; John Thomp- 
 son, treasurer: F. Rattenbury, pound 
 master; O. Slocum, chief fire marshal; 
 J. B. Parsons, first assistant and H. A. 
 Kenyon second assistant, and J. I. 
 Dunlap, attorney. Saloon licenses were 
 fixed at .$300, and licenses were granted 
 to ten in all— making three times as 
 many saloons as bake shops, and three 
 times as many grog shops as meat
 
 54 
 
 HISTORY OF DAVIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 shops. Druggist's permits granted to 
 C. M. Baker aud Geo. A, Seymour. W. 
 J, Tait was employed as extra police. 
 The purchase of a new hose cart was 
 made. The gross receipts were ^5,841.- 
 48; total expenditures for all purposes, 
 $5,510.61; received from saloon li- 
 censes, S2,G06.95, and from fines $114. 
 
 In the marriage institution from 
 which comes the home, lies the founda- 
 tion of every benign, prosperous and 
 stable government. Such is the case, 
 not by accident, but by the appointment 
 of man's all wise and benevolent Cre- 
 ator, In this belief, Mr. Robert Mc- 
 Kay and Miss Belle Porter, and Mr. 
 William Douglas and Miss Mattie Staf- 
 ford take upon themselves the marriage 
 vow. The M. E. church gives a Cen- 
 tennial tea party, many of the atten- 
 dants dressing in accordance with ths 
 fashions prevailing in 1776. Prof. 
 Diehl, havH'g managed the education 
 of the youth with so much satisfaction, 
 is retained as principal of the schools. 
 David Mc Williams goes to Baltimore, 
 Md., on a six weeks' absence as a dele- 
 gate to the General conference. This 
 is the legislative body of the M. E. 
 church, and to be made a member of 
 which is the highest honor that can be 
 conferred upon its laity. Its sessions 
 are held quadrennially, at which time 
 the bishops, editors, and missionary 
 secretaries of this denomination are ap- 
 pointed, also the managers of its great 
 publishing houses. A number of our 
 citizens visit the Centennial at Phila- 
 delphia. A juvenile temperance soci- 
 ety is formed. W. II. Bobbins returns 
 to Dwight. Matthias Shi filer sells his 
 property west of the Presbyterian 
 cluircli to L. D. llutaii, aud witli his 
 son John, moves to Kansas. An edu- 
 cational column in the Dwight Star is 
 conducted by Prof. C. F. Diehl. Thos. 
 J. Joluison purchases the dwelling of J. 
 
 D. Ketcham. Miss Caroline Chester, 
 after a long illness, dies, aged 69 years. 
 The annual school report shows 465 
 pupils enrolled for the year. Mr. Mer- 
 ret Carr marries Miss Alice Young, and 
 Mr. George IST. Flagler, Miss Lettie 
 Saltmarsh. At the age of 38 years, 
 Mary E., wife of DeWitt Scutt, dies. 
 Orson Potter's family move to Bloom- 
 ington. Mr. Stephen Morrison, a na- 
 tive of Maine, and a resident for sev- 
 eral years, goes to "the undiscovered 
 country from whose bourne no traveler 
 returns." A county Sunday School is 
 held in Dwight, J. F. Culver acting as 
 its president. Grandmother Dunlop, 
 who came to this place in 1857, a good 
 woman and a stunch Presbyterian, after 
 a pilgrimage of 86 years, departs for 
 her home on high. W. H, Ketcham 
 and Nettie, his daughter, visit the Cen- 
 tennial. A. McKay receives injuries 
 about the head, caused by a runaway 
 team. A Hayes and Wheeler club is 
 formed. Mr, I. George passes away. 
 The Ancient Order of Hibernians cele 
 brate, Daniel Smith puts a valuable 
 addition to his house fronting Prairie 
 avenue. Newell, Judd & Sims dispose 
 of their lumber interests at Poutiac. 
 A. E. Gould builds a Are proof store 
 room back of his store, S. T. K. Prime 
 becomes campaign reporter for the 
 Chicago Tribune, The census of Dwight 
 is taken, which shows a population of 
 1,400, making an annual increase of 100 
 for several consecutive years. The 
 Congregational church undergoes re- 
 pairs. Thomas Adams, formerly a far- 
 mer in Highland, but at this time a res- 
 ident of R. I., visits Dwight. Kep- 
 plinger's large building is completed, 
 and his hall dedicated to the public. 
 The 10th Battalion meets at this point 
 for a drill, and goes through the maneu- 
 vers of a sham battle for the amuse- 
 ment of the large crowd in attendance,
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLIJ^OIS. 
 
 55 
 
 Col. J. B. Parsons comrrauder in chief. 
 The dwelling of J. H. Coe is destroyed 
 by fire. Two men are sent to Joliet 
 for a term of years for attempting to 
 rob the store of McWilliams & Co., 
 having been caught in the act by the 
 night policeman, Elwell Collins. 
 
 A. E. Harding, Esq., of Pontiac, mar- 
 ries Mrs. Mary E Ilaynes, and H. E. 
 Windsor, of Marshall, Michigan, Miss 
 Mary Eldredge. H, A. Harris sells his 
 stock of goods 10 Gagahan Bros. Hon. 
 John A . Logan discusses the political 
 situation, and the Lombard Glee Club 
 favors the assembled audience with 
 campaign songs. Mr. B. A, Buck and 
 Miss Libbie Estes consent to pass under 
 the matrimonial yoke. Mrs. Lettie 
 Banks, the mother of Mrs. Leander 
 Morgan, dies, having attained the re- 
 markable age of 95 years. Wm. H. 
 Amos opens a new hotel. Mr. DeWitt 
 Scutt marries Miss Maria E. Collins, 
 and Mr, E. W. Barkle. Miss Bettie Tut- 
 tle. The name of S. T. K. Prime ap- 
 pears as associate editor of the Western 
 Postal lieview. The churches all join 
 in holding union meetings, under the 
 direction of C. M. Morton, Secretary of 
 the Y. M. C. A., of Illinois. X great 
 religious interest is awakened and so 
 many people were in attendance that it 
 was found necessary to hold overflow 
 meetings. Members of the churches 
 were sent out into the country daily to 
 hold religious services in school houses 
 and private dwellings. Rev. Longly, 
 Ilavermale and DeLong, the regular 
 pastors, protract the meeting some 
 nine weeks at an expense of $353, and 
 as a result all the churches receive val- 
 uable accessions. 
 
 The marriages of Mr. Frank Foltz 
 and Miss Emma Foster, Mr. Lou Trun- 
 uel and Miss Maggie McGonigal, Mr. 
 Isaac Drew and Miss Sarah J. John- 
 son, Mr. James Knox and Miss Mary 
 
 Patterson are reported. Mr, S. T, K. 
 Prime becomes editor of the agricul- 
 tural department of the Chicago Trib- 
 une. Edward, James and Nellie Mc- 
 Williams return from school at Evans- 
 ton. Jas. W. Sayers moves to New 
 York state. Mrs. Harriet, the wife of 
 Capt. Rockwell, born in 1890, falls 
 asleep in death. John Campbell spends 
 part of the year in Dwight. Edward 
 McWilliams takes charge of Prime 
 academy. Misses Nettie and Emma 
 Ketcham give a New Year's party, the 
 guests numbering thirty. W. J. Tait 
 is added to the police force. Mr. D. 
 Mason and Miss Loretta Pool marry. 
 In the Lighting Bug, a manuscript pa- 
 per edited by Miss Sarah Snyder about 
 the year 1861, the following lines are 
 found: 
 
 As I was was walking out one clay, 
 
 Auil thinking of a plan 
 Whereby I might a process stay, 
 
 I met a curious man. 
 
 His face was sharp— his eyes were keen— 
 
 His lips were firm and rigid! 
 He was tlie strangest man I'll seen— 
 
 He put me in a fidget. 
 
 "Young man," the stranger said. 
 
 "Tell me— and mind you tell me right- 
 Where lies in trutli and verity 
 
 The little town of Dwight?" 
 
 With cheerfulness I pointed straight 
 
 Over tlie shoulder right: 
 "In that direction lies the great 
 
 And growing town of Dwight!" 
 
 'The church and mill's tall si)ires ex))lain 
 
 Her upward asi)irations; 
 While education rears her fame 
 
 For all denominations." 
 
 "The public parks" I said "denote 
 
 The laws of liealth prevailing; 
 While medicines and doctors too. 
 
 Are ready for the ailing." 
 
 "The taverns rear their spacious front 
 
 For all wlu) seek their shelter, 
 Tlie landlords, kind, as is thoAv wont. 
 
 Will treat you well for 'spelter."
 
 56 
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 "The stores are large, and well filled up 
 
 With everything required; 
 The turnpike roads, and l)ridges too. 
 
 Are much to be admired. " 
 
 "Hold! Stop!" says he, "I've heard enough; 
 
 I've been a luckless wight; 
 I've struggled long thro' smooth and rough; 
 
 But now I'll stop at Dwight. " 
 
 "This is the place where enterprise 
 
 Expends and is repaid; 
 Where business grows and morals rise, 
 
 And scliools are ready made." 
 
 "What tho' times have been hard and dull. 
 
 And things have not gone right; 
 The season's bounteous lap is full 
 
 Of blessings for your Dwight.'' 
 
 He ceased. I pressed with warmth his hand 
 
 And said: "I think you're right; 
 You never will regret the stand 
 
 That you will make at Dwight." 
 
 Mr. Walbridge and Miss Jennie E. 
 Ray take upon themselves the marriage 
 obligations, likewise Freemonr, Vick- 
 ery and Miss Nettie Johnson; also Mr. 
 John Turnbaugh and Miss Mary Vir- 
 ginia Springer. John Yickery meets 
 with an accident, by which some in- 
 juries were received. The Brass farm 
 of 640 acres is sold to Mr. Davis, of 
 Henry, for .$18,000. Mr. W. J. Thack- 
 ery and Miss Nanna A. Foster, Mr. J. 
 J. Knudsen and Miss Bine C. Mahler 
 (Dewy,) Mr. Chauncey Keck and Miss 
 Adelaide Cornell, Mr. Zane Turner and 
 Miss Mary Burkhart are married. The 
 Y. M. C. A. organize, and under the 
 auspices of the same, Hon. Schuyler 
 Colfax lectures. Rev. C. 11. DeLong 
 preaches his farewell sermon, and 
 severs his relation with the Presbyter- 
 ian church. Mr. and Mrs. C. Bradford 
 celebrate their china wedding. E, T. 
 Miller purchases an interest in the bus- 
 iness of Henry Eldredge. The death 
 of Charles S. Newell occurs April 9, 
 1877, and resolutions of respect were 
 passed by the village Board and spread 
 upon its record. He having been a 
 
 trustee for several terms, and was quite 
 prominent in town affairs. 
 1877-78. 
 
 As indicated in the last chapter the 
 license party had ceased to be a unit. 
 Some of its members, as the year before 
 insisted upon a high license and few 
 saloons as the only method by which 
 liqaor traffic could be relieved of its 
 objectionable and offensive features and 
 made respectable. Others denounced 
 what they were pleased to term a liq- 
 uor monopoly, a wealthy saloon aris- 
 tocracy, and contended with equal per- 
 sistency for a low license and for the 
 granting of the same to any and all 
 wished to deal in ardent spirits. The 
 only issue at this spring's election was 
 whether a high or low license Board 
 should be put in power. A thorough 
 canvass was made by each faction and 
 nearly the whole vote of the corporation 
 was obtained, there being 243 votes 
 polled. The fact that seven thousand 
 ballots were printed shows that a vig- 
 orous fight was arranged for. It de- 
 volved upon Eugene Baker, president, 
 and A. McKay, W. H. Ketcham, Henry 
 Fox, O. Slocum, Chas. Crandall, trus- 
 tees, to bear the burden of administrat- 
 ing the affairs of the village for this 
 year, and upon C. M. Baker as clerk to 
 record the doings of the Board. To 
 Wm. M. Stitt was given the office of 
 marshal, H. Eldredge that of treasurer, 
 Levi Wood was appointed poundmas- 
 ter and F. B. Hargreaves as village at- 
 torney. The names of John Shifter, E. 
 Collins and Ab. Potter appear as bav- 
 in served some portion of the year as 
 night police. The election returns 
 show tnat James Mclldutt" was re- 
 elected to the office of police magis- 
 trate. 
 
 At no time have our people been so 
 completely given up to the strange de- 
 lusion that the sale of intoxicating
 
 James Kelaaher. 
 
 Walter M. Weese. 
 
 George L. Kern. 
 
 E. T. Miller.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 beverages was indespensable to the 
 growth of the town, and that its pros- 
 perity would always be increased in 
 proportion to the number of saloons 
 that could be maintained. It was hon- 
 estly supposed that the liquor traffic 
 in so many hands was sure to draw an 
 immense trade that would enrich the 
 merchants and make Dwight a lively 
 and thriving place. Every well wisher 
 of the town's present and future wel- 
 fare should, it was urged, by his vote, 
 if he had one, legalize the dramshop 
 business and by his voice, pen and in- 
 fluence, seek to encourage and foster 
 it. Some fancied, because of the pres- 
 ence ofeleven saloons, that our great- 
 ness was assured and that we ought to 
 proceed herewith and annul our vil 
 lage charter and organize as a city, dis 
 tricting the town into wards and elect- 
 ing a bona fide mayor and aldermanic 
 council. An election was ordered for 
 Tuesday, Oct. l,and two sets ot ballots 
 were prepared, one for and the other 
 against a city organization. Twenty 
 citizens said by their votes, let there be 
 a change in our governmental machin- 
 ery, and one hundred and twenty-eight 
 said the present organization was good 
 enough. 
 
 This Board passed an ordinance tax- 
 ing dogs one dollar per year, and one 
 requiring all male citizens twenty years 
 old and under fifty, paupers and idiots 
 excepted, to labor on streets and alleys 
 three days or pay in lieu thereof one 
 dollar per day; also one providing for 
 the payment of the fire company for 
 drilling and keeping the fire apparatus 
 in good condition. Shirts, belts and 
 uniforms were purchased for the fire- 
 men and a triangular fire alarm was 
 mounted on a frame in the rear of the 
 town house. This Board passed a com- 
 pensating ordinance, which allowed 
 each trustee $2 for every regular meet- 
 
 ing attended. The repairing of the 
 building of H. Cornell, partially torn 
 down to stop the progress of the great 
 fire on West street, was authorized. 
 The receipts for fines were $69, and 
 those for licenses were $2,597.50. The 
 fiscal statement puts the expenditures 
 at .$5,510.61. 
 
 During the municipal year the fol- 
 lowing marriages were published: Mr. 
 J. AV. Watkins to Miss Emma C. Paul; 
 Mr. rhas. M. Cyrus to Miss Columbia 
 V Frame; Mr, Roger Mills to Miss 
 Sarah Burns; Mr. Frank Brubaker to 
 Miss Nettie Scutt; Mr. Edwin C. Kirk- 
 endall to Miss Elizabeth Cornell; Mr. 
 Alfred N. Chariton to Miss Georgia A. 
 Boardraan; Mr. Theodore Lessor to 
 Miss Kate Patterson; Mr. Samuel 
 Thompson to Miss Eliza J, Wiley; Mr, 
 John Darman to Miss Mary Congdon; 
 Mr . Conrad Semental to Miss Christena 
 Hahn; Mr. Orville M. Butterfield to 
 Miss Lydia Susie Bell. 
 
 The deaths reported were Mrs. Eliza 
 Comissiong, aged sixty-two years; Mrs. 
 Ward Kenyon, aged thirty-one; Mrs. 
 Lucy A. Kenyon, aged thirty-three; 
 David Barton, aged sixty-three; Mrs, 
 R. P. Morgan, Mrs. Mary Ann Turn- 
 baugh, aged fifty-one: Wm. Morris, 
 aged sixtv; John W. Dunlop, aged fifty- 
 three; .John B. Monahan, aged forty- 
 two; Margaret Heinan. 
 
 The building of L. D, Rutan, occu- 
 pied by Gahagan Brothers, the millinery 
 establishment of Mrs. H. Cornell, the 
 Clifton Hotel, occunied by O. Lee, and 
 other wooaen structures were destroyed 
 by fire. At a military festival a sword 
 is voted to Major C. J. Judd as a rec- 
 ognition of his soldierly qualities, a 
 parasol to Miss Nellie Hibbard as the 
 handsomest woman present, a chromo 
 to Miss Emma Strong as having the 
 best arranged table, and a cane to C. L. 
 Palmer as the handsomest man, presen-
 
 58 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 tation speeches were made respectively 
 by H. A. Kenyon, J. G. Strong, and 
 W. H. Bradbury. The Y. M. C. A. 
 hold meetinsfs every Sunday. The name 
 of the Dwight Guards is changed to 
 that of Parsons Guards. The .Dwight 
 Star enters upon its tenth year. Mrs. 
 C. S. Newell returns to this place. The 
 Dwight Commercial, edited by C. M. 
 Cyrus, enters the field as the compet- 
 itor of the Dwight Star. The Adams 
 Cornet Band gives open air concerts. 
 Col. J. B. Parsons celebrates his thirty- 
 eighth birthday anniversary, the Par- 
 sons Guards, Dwight Fire Company, 
 Renfrew Hose Company, Hook and 
 Ladder Company, Adams Cornet Band, 
 and the City Council participating, and 
 all East street being illuminated in the 
 evening. Father Hanley bids adieu to 
 his people. Thomas Flaherty seeks a 
 place of business elsewhere. The Par- 
 sons Guards are ordered to ]3raidwood 
 to assist in quelling a riot. Rev. M.M. 
 Longly, pastor of the Congregational 
 church, preaches his farewell sermon. 
 This society organized with eleven 
 members in 1866, and at this time en- 
 rolled 115 members. The Cemetery 
 Association is formed, with H. A. Ken- 
 yon as president. The Salem church, 
 four miles north, is dedicated. Rev. 
 Rogers is called to be pastor of the Con- 
 gregational church. TheY. M. C. A. 
 lease the Good Templars' hall for the 
 winter. Miss Anna Kenyon is present- 
 ed with a gold cross, set witli pearls, as 
 a token of appreciation of her services 
 as organist of the Congregational Soci- 
 ety. Spencer Eldredge rents the big 
 elevator, and engages in the grain bus- 
 iness. William Walker's planing mill 
 is destroyed by lire. Daniel Gallup sells 
 his milk business to Isaac Austin. The 
 remains of Samuel V. Vickery are 
 brought from Kansas and buried in the 
 new cemetery, his body being the first 
 
 interred there. Daniel Gallup removes 
 to Cambridge, Md. The Dwight Star 
 for tlie ninth time appears in a new 
 dress. J. P. Chase rents his farm and 
 moves to Chicago. Xels Mickleson 
 opens a grocery store near Iletzel's 
 building. The Methodists give their 
 pastor, Rev. E. P. Hall, a surprise par- 
 ty, leaving $73. S. M, Witt is presented 
 with an elegant silver watch and chain 
 by the Hook and Ladder Company. 
 The temperance wave strikes Dwight. 
 R. W. Crampton is engaged to deliver 
 several temperance lectures. George 
 Woodford, of Pontiac, visits our com- 
 munity, and by his public appeals and 
 personal efforts succeeds in inducing 
 seventy-five drinking men to reform. 
 These, headed by a brass band, march 
 to the M. E. church, where an enthusi 
 • astic meeting is held. The Dwight Re- 
 form Club is organized with Eugene 
 Baker president, D. McWilliams treas- 
 urer. Rev. Rogers, chaplain, H. A. Ken- 
 yon, C. J. Judd and others executive 
 committee, Henry Fox and others, fi- 
 nance committee. During this great 
 temperance revival more tlian 800 sign 
 the temperance pledge. A. L. Thomp- 
 son moyes to .:5teel City, Neb. A tem- 
 perance lunch room is opened in Mc- 
 Williams' old store, conducted by F. M. 
 Chambers. The drama "Saved" is pre- 
 sented in Kepplinger's hall by the Pon- 
 tiac Dramatic Club, our ladies giving 
 the members of the club a banquet. 
 
 The Reform Club seek to purchase a 
 library and establish a reading room, 
 nearly $500 being subscribed for that 
 purpose. The brick stores, with halls 
 and offices above, of Miller Bros, and 
 D. McWilliams are commenced. Rev. 
 Omalvena closes his labors with the 
 Presbyterian church. An anti-tobacco 
 society is formed, with Rev. E. P. Hall 
 president, and S. M. Witt vice-president. 
 The Reform Club rent D. McWilliams'
 
 IIISTOUY OF DWiGIlT. 1LL1:N01S. 
 
 59 
 
 hall, and purchase fifteen dozen chairs; 
 its meetings are made very interesting, 
 and all are attended by large numbers. 
 1878-79. 
 As the time of the annual election of 
 the village trustees drew near it became 
 difficult to predict with any certainity 
 who the successful candidates would 
 be. There were three tickets, titled 
 respectively "anti-license,'' "'people's" 
 and "workingmen's," the last two rep- 
 resenting the factions into which the 
 lic-nse party had become divided. The 
 winners for municipal honors were E. 
 R, Stevens, Jno. Thompson, R. C. 
 Adams, W. H. Ketcham, Wm. Walker 
 and J. C. George. The new Board or- 
 ganize by making ^ohn Thompson 
 president. It fell to the lot of C. M. 
 ]5aker to see that the records were 
 properly kept. Wm. M. Stitt was chosen 
 marshal, and Ab. Potter night police. 
 A. McKay, by the authority of the 
 Board, assumed the responsibility of 
 receivmg and disbursing the village 
 funds. The title of chief tire marshal 
 was conferred upon K. S. Sedgwick and 
 that of tirst assistant upon J. B, Par- 
 sous and second assistant upon H. A, 
 Kenyon. Two petitions, signed by la- 
 dies and children, were presented to the 
 Board, one praying that no saloon li 
 censes be granted, and that no billiard 
 or pool table be authorized. Both of 
 these petitions were summarily laid 
 upon the table. For this action some 
 were disposed to censure the Board in 
 unmeasured terms; but not with much 
 reason for so doing. These trustees 
 represented a constituency, and this 
 constituency favored the licensing of 
 saloons and gaming tables. They, by 
 refusing to grant the prayer of these 
 well meaning and conscientious women 
 and children, simply carried out the 
 wishes of a majority of the voters and 
 those to whom they were indebted for 
 
 their election as trustees. This action 
 of itself was no disrespect lo the pe- 
 titioners, especially as it was known that 
 the members of the Board were not ex- 
 pected to do anything of the kind and 
 were not personally in sympathy with 
 the movement to either prohibit the 
 sale of liquors or the operation of such 
 tables as were named in the petitions. 
 It would have been, however, wise and 
 much more respectful, to have voiced 
 a refusal to grant the requests made in 
 polite and suitable language instead of 
 tabling the petition in such an uncere- 
 monious manner. 
 
 During this administration the fine 
 iron bridge spanning the creek at the 
 East side school house was built. The 
 records show nothing more outside of 
 the usual routine of business. The ex- 
 penditures are placed at S4,2H3.03. • 
 
 The year of Dwight under considera- 
 tion was in several respects one of the 
 happiest aid brightest in its history, 
 Al no time has there been such an ef- 
 fort to break the usual distressing 
 monotony of village life by the multi- 
 pllcdlion of social gatherings and the 
 preparation of numerous public enter- 
 tainments. The Good Templars' or- 
 ganization, connected with which were 
 many choice young men and women, 
 was in a very prosperous condition. 
 The Bed Ribbcn Club, then in a highly 
 flourishing state, had a large member- 
 ship, among which were skillful musi- 
 cians, poets, able writers of prose, am- 
 ateur dramatists and actors, accom- 
 plished readers and entertaining 
 speakers. The Friday night literary 
 exercises given in the hall of the Re- 
 form Club and On special occasions in 
 that of Good Templars' will never be 
 forgotten by those that attended them 
 Amusing, delightfully entertaining, 
 and of an elevated and elevating tone, 
 tlieir beautiful effects and influence for
 
 60 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 good can hardly be estimated. They 
 served an excellent purpose in develop- 
 ing and utilizing for the good of the 
 public the more than ordinary talent 
 which has never been the good fortune 
 of Dwight to possess. These were green 
 oases in the dreary march of life. They 
 were looked forward to with delight, 
 and they are now looked back to as the 
 most pleasant episodes of the life spent 
 in the little prairie town, whose history 
 is well worth preserving, because of 
 the noble spirits who have participated 
 in its affairs. It would be a delightful 
 service to put in the way of republica- 
 tion the many literary gems prepared 
 for the entertainments referred to and 
 other occasions belonging to this year. 
 The necessity of hydraulic condensation 
 in preparing these chapters forbids it. 
 Room, however, will be given for a 
 few. Those of Wm. H. Bradbury, the 
 poet laureate of Dwight, are too good 
 to be lost. Below will be found his 
 poem entitled "The Tide of Bloom:" 
 
 From the tropical climes, rich in boundless pro- 
 fusion 
 Of color and verdure and sweet i)erf ume, 
 Sweeps up toward the north with a welcome in- 
 trusion, 
 The freshet of flowers— the great tide of bloom 1 
 
 Led on by the sun, like the waters of ocean, 
 It joyfully follows its God in its course; 
 
 Ihro' the higher zones circling in fragrant de- 
 votion. 
 Now creeping in softness— now rolling in force. 
 
 Upward and onward, with colors all glowing. 
 The blooming tide tumbles o'er orchard and 
 lea; 
 And out In advance is the dashing spray throw- 
 ing 
 A beautiful robe o'er the naked peach tree. 
 
 While northward away! are the early tints trend- 
 ing. 
 Here fuller and richer the young blossoms 
 shine; 
 The almond Uowers clustering round slender 
 boughs bending. 
 And delicate lilacs of fragrance divine! 
 
 The hyacinths, tulips and bleeding hearts fol- 
 low— 
 And drink from the current their own vivid 
 hues. 
 As warmer streams shoot from each valley and 
 hollow, 
 And purple and yellow and crimson diffuse. 
 
 As the sun beckons on,— mounting higher and 
 
 higher, 
 The floral tide deepens in color and tone; 
 'Till the laughing land, decked in her gorgeous 
 
 attire. 
 Flames forth as the bride of the tropical zone. 
 
 Carnations and pansles, and llllles and roses,— 
 Verbenas, sweet-williams and peonies red,— 
 
 Steeped in the bloomy flood, each flower dis- 
 closes 
 Its beauty and fragrance— so soon to be shed . 
 
 With the sun at Its highest, the tide at its turn- 
 ing. 
 
 Sweet-peas and tube-roses exhaling perfume, 
 And scarlet and crimson in dark bushes burning. 
 
 And gardens aflame, mark the zenith of bloom 
 
 The gay gladiolus, with ruddy sword waving 
 O'er rich portulances of carmine and eold, 
 In the high flood of summer their petals now 
 laving, 
 Suffused with deep color, their brilliance un- 
 fold. 
 But the ebbing tide tells toward the end of Seiv 
 tember 
 The tale of lost beauty too soon on the wane; 
 Yet asters and zenias may bid us remember 
 The brightness of summer, lamented in vain. 
 
 While the tide's at the flow let us seize on the 
 treasure. 
 Enjoy Its rare colors and richest perfume; 
 The beaufy of nature was made for our pleasure. 
 How thankful we are for the great "Tide of 
 Bloom." 
 
 Dwight was then favored with an 
 organization of the Woman's Christian 
 Temperance Union, also a juvenile so- 
 ciety, both of which held their meetings 
 in Red Ribbon hall. 
 
 The Reform Club purchase a piano . 
 A. Dernbach occupies his new barber 
 shop on West street. S. T. K. Prime 
 reports the condition of crops in differ- 
 ent parts of the country for the benefit 
 of the readers of the Dwight Star. Wm. 
 Scully, the great Irish land owner, visits 
 this place. Joe Mason, a grand good
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 HI 
 
 fellow, leaves the employ of A. E. 
 Gould and seeks a situation elsewhere. 
 The Parsons Guards appear in new 
 uniform, consisting- of light blue 
 pants, dark blue blouse and cap. The 
 Red Ribbon Club elects a detective 
 committee for the purpose of prosecut- 
 ing saloon keepers who sell to minors 
 or persons while in an intoxicated con- 
 diton. Several were detected, found 
 guilty and fined. The Congregational 
 society make great preparations for a 
 Fourth uf July festival and literary 
 entertainment, occupying the halls of 
 the Reform Club and several oHices 
 on the same lioor, the latter were 
 converted into a temporary art gal- 
 lery. Eloquent addresses were de- 
 livered by C. L. Palmer, 11. B. Har- 
 greaves and others, which were pub- 
 lished afterward. On this occasion 
 Miss Anna Kenyon, the church organ- 
 ist, was presented with a rocking 
 chair and three tidies of patch work 
 composed of ninety blocks, on each 
 of which was the name of some lady 
 member of the society. Rev. Rogers 
 makes the presentation speech and 
 H. A. Kenyon responds. The p6em of 
 Wm. 11. Bradburj, read on this occa- 
 sion, many will be glad to see in type 
 again: ^ 
 
 DWIGHT IN 1928. 
 
 Dropped from above by the big balloon 
 Tliat rushes by each afternoon, 
 A stranger came from a distant land; 
 His hair was bleached and his face was tanned, 
 At tlie City Hotel he touched a spring 
 Wliich wrote his name in a twinl<le-ing. 
 A glance at the open register's date 
 Sliowed Nineteen Hundred and Twenty-eight. 
 And now you'll wait awliile before 
 I'll tell you the name the stranger bore— 
 For I didn't loolc at tlie book very close; 
 It was not good manners, just under his nose. 
 
 After dinner lie sat in liis clialr, 
 And picked his teetli with an anxious air. 
 "What a conductor," muttered the man; 
 "1 wanted to go to IJloomington, 
 
 But he dropped me here, did the young galoot. 
 And sent me down In a parachute. 
 I thought I was nearing a forest of trees. 
 And never expected streets like these; 
 And such big buildings— I can't tell 'em, 
 Hid by the cotton wood, maple and ellum." 
 
 All looked strange, but still there were 
 Tokens of things familiar. 
 "This can't be Dwiglit!" at length he cried; 
 "That's what tliey call it," quick replied 
 Tlie host, who smiled as Landlords do, 
 As he marked tlie room Two hundred and two. 
 "AVell!" said the guest, "I once lived here, 
 In times gone by, full fifty year. 
 Then I was young and spry, and gay. 
 Now I am old and turning gray. 
 Nobody knows me, but I once knew 
 Lots of men here." The landlord grew 
 Quite interested, and he said: 
 "Tlie men you knew are probably dead. 
 Cliarley Stafford— A fat old person— 
 Once kept this liouse, then called the McPher- 
 
 son. 
 A merchant owned it— a rich old chap 
 Whose property covered half the map 
 Of what was known as the village once. 
 (He always watched for the main chance,) 
 He left to the church several millions. 
 And the Methodists called him 'Saint McWil- 
 
 liams . ' 
 
 Gould, Hetzel and Eldredge followed suit: 
 Plodding merchants of good repute. 
 About Dr. Keeley? tlie actual fact is 
 That lie got rich on his country practice. 
 I knew him well 1 By the old stone mill 
 He grew quite fat, and never was ill." 
 "Enough of him!" said the stranger guest. 
 "Tell us something about the re-St, 
 .ludd and Parsons and Strong and Brad., 
 Bakers and Thompsons and Kenyon and Cad." 
 "Well! (ieneral Parsons of the millish 
 Kept his command in good condish; 
 But he lost his life in a Commune riot. 
 Since which he's been remarkably ([uiet. 
 His name appears in the Patriot's list- 
 Brave boy, was .Jim! and very much missed. 
 Major .Judd married a prim old maid 
 Wlio brushed his clothes and combed his head. 
 Of this great State he was Adjutant General. 
 And all the trooi)s here went down to his fu- 
 neral. 
 
 Strong grew rich and jolly again. 
 And died a stout old congressman . 
 Brad, wrote poetry more and more. 
 And got to be a terrible bore; 
 Died of Astronomy on the brain— 
 •His loss was i>\ir eternal gain!'
 
 G2 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Postofflce KenyoD kept that place 
 And always won the political race. 
 Cad. went west for change of air, 
 And died a Kansas millionaire. 
 Bakers and Thompsons spread all over. 
 Children and g-rand-children thick as clover. 
 Palmer, the printer, went last week; 
 Died of enlargement of the cheek, 
 Which began growing in early youth- - 
 Plain to all but himself, forsooth!" 
 
 "Give us a rest," said the man; "1 think 
 It is just about time to take a drink . " 
 "No liquors now for inhibition. 
 We're living under Prohibition 
 To distil or not; that was the question 
 Decided at last fall election . 
 None to be made or sold or drank. 
 For all of which we have to thank 
 The Red Ribbon flag that's now unfurled 
 O'er the soberest country in all the world. ' 
 The guest, disguised, turned his eyes. 
 And saw some bottles with surprise. 
 "Oh," said the landlord, with a laugh, 
 "That's nothing but our Phonograph; 
 The bottled talk of great men gone,— 
 Sweet souvenirs! Shall I open one?" 
 He drew the cork and it went round; 
 Forth from the inside came a sound- 
 Rapid and rasping— as Ions as he'd let it. 
 "That's what I'm telling you; don't you forget 
 
 it!" 
 Have I no rights here? that's what I meant; 
 Royal old rooster!— don't care a cent. 
 "Hold!" said the guest. "That's our friend Joe, 
 I've heard of him oft— he wasn't slow!" 
 The landlord then, with purpose cniel, 
 Opened a bottle marked Neilsen & Newell. 
 O'ercome with memories the guest shed tears, 
 Rushed from the room and stopped his ears, 
 A bottle of "Lewis" lay up on the rack, 
 Beady for use when he got back. 
 
 After supper he strolled around 
 And viewed the once familiar ground. 
 The mill was mossy with decay, 
 And dwarfed liy buildings tall and gay. 
 The "Strips" were parks with iron gates. 
 The railroads ran not a train but "freights" 
 For passenger trafflc went by balloon, 
 Night and morning and afternoon. 
 Large as cathedrals loomed the churches. 
 With grand and towers and spacious porches. 
 
 Oaklawn Ciroimds were green and sweet. 
 Offering a calm and cool retreat. 
 Distance a mile from the city limits, 
 Time by the air car, just three minutes. 
 Here, midst the fragrance of flowers rare 
 Slabs and obelisks pierced the air. 
 
 Former inhabitants all were there. 
 Sleeping beneath the solemn trees, 
 'Till God shall show them His mysteries! 
 Town Boards, School Boards, Supervisors. 
 Profligate and stingy iliisers; 
 Lazy folks and early risers ; 
 Mother and daughter, father and son, 
 Gathered together, one by one ! 
 Epitaphs gave of the dead below 
 List of virtues set up for show. 
 Phonographs treasured the precious tones 
 Of old John Smith and young Bill Jones. 
 Photographs shown on the face of each tomb. 
 Glowing with faces of life like bloom. 
 Said the guest, quoting against his will, 
 "The dead, the dead, are living still." 
 
 He saw his relations scattered around 
 In every part of the burial ground . 
 Sabbath School teachers of goodness and truth. 
 And Pollard the faithful old friend of Youth, 
 Playmates of childhood, all dead long ago: 
 Lay xmder the grass where the roses blow. 
 He thought of them, and of by-gone years, 
 And his heart dissolved in a flood of tears. 
 
 Hastening back to the City Hotel, 
 He asked the amount of his little bill- 
 "Now," said he, "Landlord, here's your money; 
 Put your mouth to the telephunny. 
 And tell the night watchman to check the bal- 
 loon up, 
 And I'll start off as soon as its moon up. " 
 He mounted the tower for his midnight trip. 
 And soon was scooped by the big air ship. 
 I looked at his name in the book again, 
 And read "Bones Thompson, from Japan." 
 
 George Woodruff, the father of the 
 Eed Ribbon Club, delivers an address. 
 Nathan Raker and wife make a trip to 
 Ohio and Pennsylvania. Rev. Mont- 
 gomery spends a Sunday with liis old 
 parishoners. Mr. Carl Miller marries 
 Miss Delia Hainsfurther. Meetings 
 are held and entertainments given in 
 behalf of yellow fever sufferers. 244 
 kegs of beer are shipped into this place 
 during the month of August by saloon 
 keepers. Mr. George K. Chase marries 
 Miss Ella E. Buel. R. Gallup and fam- 
 ily return from their visit to the east 
 shore of Maryland. The marriage of 
 Mr. AI. T. Jones and Miss Mary Wil- 
 liams occurs. Mrs. J. M. Baker is 
 struck by the engine of an incoming 
 
 II
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 63 
 
 train, resulting in lier death. Horace 
 Cadwallader, at 32 years of age, dies at 
 Sterling, Kan., where he had gone in 
 search of health. He was a man of 
 sterling integrity, fine business qualifi- 
 cations, and highly esteemed by all who 
 knew him. 
 
 A. Course dies at Salina, Kansas, 
 being 48 years of age. He was former- 
 ly a resident of our village. Rev. B. F. 
 Tallman becomes pastor of the M. E. 
 ciiurcli. Sixty bodies are removed 
 from the old cemetery to Oaklawn. 
 Mr. tl. E. Good and Miss Lizzie Alli- 
 son are joined in wedlock. Mrs. Eva 
 Maria Hahn, mother of G. M Hahn, 
 passes into the beyond. H. A. Kenyon, 
 postmaster, occupies new rooms in the 
 new brick building on East street. C 
 .]. J add writes from Fueblo, Colorado, 
 several instructive and interesting let- 
 ters for the Star. The Exchange Bank, 
 now Bank of Dwight, takes possession 
 of new quarters. The remains of Frank 
 AV. Davis, in charge of C. J. Judd, are 
 brought from Pueblo, Colorado, for in- 
 terment at Oaklawn. He died Decem- 
 ber, 7, 1878, of nervous consumption, at 
 the age of 31 years. He was a young 
 man of extraordinary business talent 
 and enterprise. F. B. Hargreaves lec- 
 tures in a large number of places dur- 
 ing the winter. Mr. and Mrs. D. Mc- 
 Williams visit the East. Mr. and Mrs. 
 CM. Baker celebrate their fifth wed- 
 ding anniversary. Francis Carey, whose 
 poetical talent was in much demand 
 for both solemn and festive occasions, 
 contributes the following at an enter- 
 tertainment given by the Reform Club: 
 
 THE OLD maid's STORY. 
 
 In imagination, not long since, I lifted tlie 
 
 latch 
 And had a nice cliat with a tunny old hatch. 
 Since then I have another call made, 
 This time on a good-natured, good-looking old 
 
 maid. 
 
 We tall<ed, I should thinl<, for nearly two hours, 
 'Bdut her l)lr(is. and her cats, and lier flowe^rs. 
 Tlieu I ventured to ask lier would she tell me 
 Wliy so long she continued an old maid to be? 
 
 Her answer was, "Some folks might, I'm afraid, 
 Call me a crabbed and cross old maid. 
 Because at thirty I cannot claim 
 Somebody's care and somebody's name. 
 
 "Of l)eax I've had plenty, but never the one- 
 Some folks say I'm too cross to be won; 
 But old maids never think it too late 
 If only at last they lind the riglit mate. 
 
 "And I'm sure I'd rather an old maid be 
 Than marry any man that ever I see; 
 For tliey are awkward and homely and cross, 
 And never so happy as when they can l)oss. 
 
 "They pretend to be loving, and gentle, and 
 
 sweet. 
 And make pretty bows as they pass on the 
 
 street; 
 But when tliey'reat home, I do declare, 
 They're selfish, and ugly, and cross as a bear. 
 
 "'Tis true there is once in a while a man 
 That seems to be nearer perfection's plan; 
 But all such are spoken for already, you see. 
 And only the crooked ones left for me. 
 
 "Well, I'm not discouraged at all with life. 
 E'en though I may never be somebody's wife. 
 I believe when for true love you are mating, 
 It pays to wait, though long be the waiting. 
 
 "And if I never find tlie right one, you see, 
 I'll die an old maid as sure as can be; 
 Xo one shall say, 'She has gone the woods past, 
 And taken a crooked old stick at last.' 
 
 "But if the right one should e'er come along. 
 At tlie wedding I'll bid them sing the sweet 
 
 song. 
 Beginning, 'This is the way I long have sought, 
 And mourned because I found it not." 
 
 The letters of H. A. Kenyon, written 
 during his sojourn in the West, are 
 published and read with pleasure. The 
 Odd Fellows conduct the funeral of W, 
 T. Cumberland. Robt. Thompson dies, 
 aged 72 years. He came to this coun- 
 try in 1854, was supervisor for eight 
 years, and was the first Justice of the 
 Peace of Dwight, being elected to this 
 ottice in 1855. Wm. Estes celebrates 
 his birthday anniversary, Francis Carey 
 furnishing an appropriate poem. The
 
 64 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Knights of the Round Table celebrate 
 their tenth anniversary at the McPher- 
 son, several local bards in their numer- 
 ous productions appearing at their best 
 Miss Julia Gould visits Mrs, Patrick, 
 at Martinet, Wis. J. A. Turner dis- 
 poses of his worldly effects and takes 
 up his residence at Fort Hays, Kansas. 
 R. S. Mcllduff purchases the house of 
 Eugene Baker, Bert Adams goes to 
 Watertown, N. Y,, on a visit. John 
 Watson, a fine genial gentleman, meets 
 his death, Mr. Frank B. Chester mar- 
 ries Miss Emma T. Strong. The mar- 
 riages of Mr. David Duncan and Miss 
 Julia Potter and Mr. .James B. Austin 
 and Miss Nettie Boyer are also reported. 
 Miss Marion F. Kenyon dies en-route 
 home from Colorado, where she had 
 been taken by her father in the hope of 
 saving he'' life, aged 17 years. Her 
 amiable character, and the sad circum- 
 stances connected with * her death, 
 caused great mourning in the commun- 
 ity where her short life had been spent 
 J. M. Gibbs sells his farm and seeks a 
 home m the growing West. Mr. Henry 
 Bloom marries Miss Eliza Kern, and 
 Mr. Darwin Stevens Miss Cynthia A. 
 Harrison. Thus it is seen that the 
 year was very fruitful of events, some 
 that were indeed sad, others that caused 
 much joy to many hearts. 
 1879-80. 
 By the then residents of Dwight the 
 discussions and addresses during the 
 winter of 1879 will probably never be 
 forgotten. The entire community was 
 aroused upon the question of temper- 
 ance as never before. The persistent 
 agitation of the temperance question 
 which had been kept up for several 
 months, and the new discovery of the 
 right of the village to control the sale 
 of alcoholic stimulants as a majority 
 voted, resulted in the election of a pro- 
 hibition Board, consisting of David Mc- 
 
 Williams president, J. C. Hetzel, Hugh 
 Thompson, A. McKay, John Tierney 
 and Spencer Eldredge. On these men 
 was imposed the unpleasant task of 
 seeking to make Dwight a temperance 
 town by the enactment and enforce- 
 ment of a prohibitory law. There was 
 a general feeling that at last the dark 
 night of drunkenness had dissappeared 
 and the day of prohibition had dawned, 
 and that it would be a long time before 
 its sun would set. 
 
 J. G. Strong was elected clerk, but on 
 moving to Yankton, Dakota, was suc- 
 ceeded by S. W. Strong. S. M. Witt re- 
 ceived the appointment of marshal, 
 Henry Eldredge, treasurer aud J. £. 
 Hutchinson that of poundmaster. J. 
 H. Coe was made night police, and was, 
 after a few months, compelled to resign 
 on account of poor health, and was suc- 
 ceeded by E. Collins. Saloon keepers 
 were officially notified that their li- 
 censes had, upon the organization of 
 the new Board, expired and that they 
 would not be renewed. A prohibitory 
 ordinance was passed and duly pub- 
 lished. 
 
 The year, it will be seen, was quite 
 eventful. Mr. Manning Smith occupied 
 the Slocum house. Fred Rhodes was 
 successful in passing an examination in 
 his legal studies preparatory to an ad- 
 mission to the bar, O. W. Pollard was 
 elected president of the Red Ribbon 
 Club and Albert Calkins secretary. D. 
 McWilliams added a two-story bay- 
 window to the south side of his resi- 
 dence. Silas Adams was made conduc- 
 tor of the accommodation. Wm. Fox 
 went to Lincoln to accept a position in 
 the land office of Wm. Scully's agent. 
 The Red Ribbon Club adopted a new 
 constitution and by-laws. Rev. J, N. 
 Hill was installed as pastor of the 
 Presbyterian church. Rev, Rabe de- 
 livering the charge. W. II. Bradbury
 
 Chas. L, Romberger. 
 
 Frank L. Smith. 
 
 Wm. H. Ketchain. 
 
 J. C. Lewis,
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 65 
 
 prepares the following poem for an en- 
 tertainment given by the Reform 
 Club: 
 
 In humanity's history and in our own lives 
 
 We liud tliere is sometliing tliat always con- 
 trives 
 
 To pierce thro' our armor, iu the slang of the 
 day, 
 
 To sell us for nothing or "give us away." 
 
 When Satan beguiled our grandmother Eve, 
 And told a false tale "with intent to deceive," 
 She longed to Ivnow secrets, like girls of our day. 
 And thus curiosity "gave her away." 
 
 When Abel's success roused the anger of Cain, 
 [Xo chance had poor Abel to rise and explain] 
 The murderer's hand was uplifted to slay. 
 And passionate jealousy "gave him away." 
 
 King Pharoah was greedy of slaves and power 
 Just as the South was and is to tliis hour: 
 Kut the water, went back on him one fatal day: 
 'Twas the avarice of tyrants that "gave him 
 away." 
 
 The noble and valiant had eacli their beguiler— 
 Cleopatra for Anthony— for Sampson Delilah; 
 Aspasia for Pericles— all fell a prey 
 To the sweet snares of beauty that "gave them 
 away." 
 
 The Romans who conquered almost the known 
 
 world. 
 From the top peak of fame to the bottom were 
 
 hurled. 
 Refinement and luxury with tliem liad full sway. 
 But indolent lu.xiiry "gave them away." 
 
 The (Jreeks and Egyptians, Assyrians and Jews, 
 The great Aryan races and ancient Hindoos, 
 Once proud in their might, now are prone in de- 
 cay; 
 'Twas the death of their virtues that "gave them 
 away." 
 
 But amongst our own folks: That young fellow 
 
 there 
 Is smart and good looking, and got up with care. 
 He is puttingon style— just mark the display! 
 For i)ride and conceit join to "give him away." 
 
 That young woman, too— (young lady I meani— 
 Is pretty— she knows it and likes to be seen ; 
 She dresses and powders, looks smiUug and 
 
 gay; 
 Alas! 'tis her vanity that "gives her away." 
 
 The business man also, is greedy of gain. 
 And nothing attracts that does not contain 
 A dime or a dollar, or a promise to pay; 
 We know it is avarice tliat "gives him away." 
 
 'the loafers we see are the other extreme; 
 They lounge about town or sit still in a dream, 
 With cigars in their moutlis every hour 'in the 
 
 day; 
 'Tis tobacco and laziness "gives tliem away." 
 
 But the eliief of all causes productive of ills 
 Is tl>e drinking of liquors that ruins and kills. 
 We may do wliat we please, or debate as we 
 
 may. 
 Yet whiskey's the worst thing to give us away. 
 
 And now my few verses approacli termination; 
 They have not come up to my own expectation; 
 But I shall feel satisfied if you'll only say 
 That they are not so bad as to "give me away." 
 
 On Sunday morning, June 8th, a 
 great fire occurred, destroying Diften- 
 baiigh & Co.'s elevator and every build- 
 ing frum Heizel's corner on East street 
 to Miller Bros, brick building. It 
 originated back of McKay's harness 
 shop, but how remains a mystery. The 
 total loss was put at .$43,350. George 
 KeppJinger started a new foundry. 
 Fred Rhodes accepted a position in the 
 freight office of the C. & 0. railroad, 
 Pueblo, Col. Fourth of .July was cele- 
 brated; S. T. K. I'rime acted as presi- 
 dent of the day, Rev. .1. X. Hill de- 
 livered an oration and Francis Carey 
 read a poem, which is here reproduced: 
 
 Let the flags unfurled to the breezes fly! 
 'Tis America's day--grand Fourth of July! 
 Birthday of a nation great and free, 
 Rocked iu the cradle ot liberty. 
 
 Let tile nation rejoice from east to west- 
 Home of freedom and land of the blest; 
 Tlie noi th and the south tlieir homage pay, 
 Unite to lionor this glorious day. 
 
 Let men of wealth and men of toil. 
 Where'er their homes on this fair soil, 
 Rejoice in the freedom our fathers gave. 
 That knows no master anil no slave. 
 
 Ah who can fitly words employ 
 To fully tell a nation's joy? 
 For pe()i)le meet this day to celebrate 
 In every hamlet, town and State. 
 
 With flags and drums and cannon's roar, 
 Th(^ crowds collect from sliore to shore. 
 With pealing bells and merry shout 
 The day's rtuig in and day's rung out.
 
 m 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS" 
 
 And thousands have met in other lands, 
 From Britain's Isle to Africa's sands, 
 To tell their friends round all the earth 
 Their love for this land of home and birth. 
 
 And cliildren's childreu in their day 
 Will join as now their love to pay 
 To those who e'er for freedom fought. 
 And untold blessings with it brought. 
 
 Thus we may prize what to us is given. 
 Best, freest land this side of heaven . 
 Our homage witli our tlianlts arise 
 Lllce sweetest incense to the slties. 
 
 On the same day the Presbyterians 
 gave a festival and the people were 
 favored with a presentation of "Pina- 
 fore " Eev. Rogers preached his fare- 
 well sermon. The Good Templars gave 
 a lawn social on the grounds of J. G. 
 Strong. The Pinafore Company visited 
 Odell and Pontiac upon invitation to 
 do so from leading citizens of those 
 places. Miss Mate Magee was invited 
 to a position in a store in Joliet. Frank 
 Chester returned from a visit to New 
 York, Jasper Philips sold his farm 
 and moved to Nebraska. Leander Mor- 
 gan made a visit to New York to greet 
 the friends of his youth. Wm. Estes 
 sold his stock of hardware to J. W. 
 Strevell. Howara Slauson, Edward 
 Adams, Thos. Mcllduff and Harry Dif- 
 fenbaugh attended school at Cham- 
 paign University. A. McKay occupied 
 a new brick harness shop. S. W. Strong 
 and L. G. Pearre formed a law partner- 
 ship. The ladies of the M.E. Church 
 gave a harvest home supper, Dr, Kee- 
 ley improving the occasion by tender 
 ing a banquet to the members of the 
 Pinafore Company. I. H. Baker & Son, 
 Miss Lizzie Burger and Thos. Liddi- 
 cott took possession of new brick 
 stores erected on the burnt district on 
 East Street. Rev. Dr. Hartley accepts 
 a call to the pastorate of the Congrega- 
 tional church. Rev. B. F. Tallman is 
 returned as pastor of the M. E. church. 
 Misses Stella and Mary Dow left for a 
 
 home in Cedar Falls, Iowa. An at- 
 tempt was made to burglarize the house 
 of J. Christman. A lyceum course was 
 arranged, consisting of ten or more en- 
 tertainments. Mrs. T. M. Wright re- 
 turned from a visit to Pennsylvania. 
 D. G. Henshaw, night operator, moved 
 to Streator. Mr. and Mrs, S, M. Witt 
 celebrated their fifteenth marriage an- 
 niversary and were made the recipients 
 of numerous presents, Alfred Miller 
 purchased the dwelling of Dr. Keeley. 
 J. C. Hetzel's brick stores are con pleted. 
 N, Mickleson occupying the one on the 
 north and E. M. Merrill the one on the 
 south. Francis Carey bought a resi- 
 dence of A. E. Gould. Rev. Dr. C. 
 Hartley delivers a series of lectures. 
 J. C. Hetzel opened a new bank. J. I. 
 Dunlop died of consumption. He was 
 a man of good natural talent, a lawyer 
 of no mean abilities, and, had he been 
 favored with early educational advan- 
 tages, would have risen to a place among 
 the most eminent of the legal profes- 
 sion. His death was regretted by many. 
 RoUa Calkins accepted a position with 
 Maxwell & Co., Bloomington. W. H. 
 Bradbury left, after a residence of sev- 
 eral years, for his new home at Topeka, 
 Kansas. His pen was a potent force 
 for good and his place has never been 
 filled in this community. A banquet 
 was given in his honor by the County 
 Bar Association. James Dunlop ob- 
 tained a clerkship in a store at Eddy- 
 ville, Iowa. S. T. K. Prime commenced 
 his valuable book entitled "The Model 
 Farmers and Their Methods, "doing the 
 work principally in Chicago. Joseph 
 Baker entered the employ of D. Mc- 
 Williams & Co. The marriages of Mr. 
 Frederick Gillispie and Miss Nellie A. 
 Lees, and Mr. Michael Kime and Miss 
 Eliza Schumm were reported. The 
 fortieth birthday of L. G. Pearre was 
 celebrated. William Ketcham cele-
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 67 
 
 brated his nineteenth birthday and 
 Misses Emma and Nettie presented 
 him with a gold watch chain. Wm. 
 Stitt moved r,o Kansas. Mr. B. C. Sin- 
 clair and Miss Melinda Lee were mar- 
 ried. The Dwight-Chenoa Mining 
 Company was organized. Leander Mor- 
 gan celebrated his sixty-fifth birthday. 
 Eugene Baker moved to Chatsworth. 
 This gentleman for a number of years 
 took an active part in village affairs 
 and his removal was much regretted by 
 the citizens. 
 
 1880-81. 
 
 The friends of temperance had a 
 strong desire to try, at least for another 
 year, the plan of prohibiting the sale of 
 liquors. If all had not been accom- 
 plished that was expected in demon- 
 strating the practicability of prohibi- 
 tion, yet it was reasonable to hope more 
 could be done in the year to come. One 
 short year, it was urged, was not a fair 
 trial of this method ot dealing with the 
 liquor traffic. The license party on the 
 other hand, argued that as under every 
 prohibition administration a good deal 
 of liquor had been sold clandestinely 
 in spite of all the efforts of the village 
 officials, to prevent the same, it were 
 tar better to license saloons outright 
 and secure thereby a handsome revenue 
 that could be used in building side- 
 walks, in paying the salary of a mar- 
 shal, the cost of litigation and the 
 usual expenses of a well regulated 
 municipality. Both parties made every 
 possible exertion to win and much ran- 
 cor and bitterness entered into the con- 
 test. As was the case the year previous, 
 many of the ladies became deeply in- 
 terested and on the day of the election 
 took possession of the fire engine room, 
 where free lunches were furnished till 
 near the time of closing the polls. The 
 canvas of the votes showed that Ilenrj 
 Fox, president, John Geis, Wm. Doug- 
 
 las, Geo. Z.Flagler, Orrin Gould and 
 Wm. Walker, trustees— the candidates 
 of the license party — had been elected. 
 Of all the defeats experienced by the 
 friends of prohibition this one was the 
 most dissappointing and galling. A 
 large audience gathered at the appoint- 
 ed time and place. Several addresses 
 were made, the aim of which was to 
 reconcile the afflicted to the situation 
 of affairs till the new year should close, 
 and to encourage them to hope that by 
 a patient and preservering use of proper 
 means their day of triumph would 
 surely return. 
 
 O. W. Pollard made a sarcastic ar- 
 raignment of the liquor traffic and in- 
 dicated how Dwight, by licensing sa- 
 loons, was to become responsible for a 
 share of its baneful effects by ironically 
 suggesting a series of open letters to be 
 authorized, properly signed and pub- 
 lished by the incoming Board as repre- 
 senting a majority of the voters of the 
 
 village. 
 
 1881-82. 
 
 The work of creating a temperance 
 sentiment in a community where the 
 liquor traffic has been legalized for 
 years sufflcientlv strong to warrant suc- 
 cess in an attempt to enforce a prohibi- 
 tory law. is one that requires time, 
 patience and perserverance. The first 
 efforts, as the experience of every lo- 
 cality where a temperance reform on 
 this line has been attempted shows, 
 will probably fail. There were four 
 trustees to be elected— one more than 
 there would have been had not Mr. 
 Wm. Douglas changed his residence. 
 Two of the old license board, Henry 
 Fox and .John Geis, held over in ac- 
 cordance with the provisions of a new 
 State law. O. W. Pollard, DeWitt 
 Scutt, Henry Eldredge and James B. 
 Parsons were the successful prohibition 
 candidates, receiving an average ma-
 
 •68 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 jority of 38 votes. C. J. Judd, on the 
 same ticket, was elected clerk. The 
 new Board organized by making O. W. 
 Pollard its president. S. M. Witt was 
 appointed marshal and E. Collins night 
 police. David McWilliams offering to 
 perform the duties of treasurer and 
 allow the village one-tenth of one per 
 cent on all disbursements for the privi- 
 lege, was appointed to this office. 
 
 The M. E. church built a new parson- 
 age, opposite the residence of O. W. 
 Pollard, on Prairie Avenue. S. T. K. 
 Prime established his Crop Bureau in 
 Dwight. M. Kern opened a grocery on 
 West Side. Miss Mary Dow took charge 
 of Prime Academy. The Commence- 
 ment week of the High school was 
 made unusually interestmg, Rev. G. 
 Huyser lectured on Sunday evening 
 and Dr. Adams on Tuesday evening; on 
 class day an original poem was read by 
 Miss Edith Kneeland; the graduate's 
 program consisted of an essay on "The 
 Difficulties of Life," by Anna Baker, 
 an oration on "Thrift," by John P. Mc- 
 Williams, an essay on "The Good and 
 the Beautiful," by Alice Rattenbury, 
 an oration on "Labor the Basis of all 
 True Progress," by Fred Wood, an 
 essay on "After Many Days," by Alice 
 Paul, an oration by Edith Kneeland on 
 "Student's Privilege," and an address 
 and presentation ol diplomas by Prof. 
 Hubbard. Miss Kneeland's class day 
 poem, written in view of a tree plant- 
 ing ceremony, is reproduced: 
 
 May these young roots grow deep and wide. 
 These branches spread on every side, 
 And year l^y year tlie perfect stem 
 Still liigher lift its diadem. 
 
 Here future birds on airy wing 
 Shall build their suiunier nests and sing; 
 Sunbeam and shadow play "hide and go seek" 
 Thro' the summer day— thro' the summer week, 
 Wliile soft June l)reezes shall join their play 
 And romp thro' the foliage the livelong day. 
 
 Not always, not always, the simbeam warm 
 Shall smile on these branches— in the cruel 
 
 storm 
 Of the lonely night they shall writhe and twist. 
 These boughs shall be drenched in the winter's 
 
 mist; 
 December winds go moaning low 
 Thro' branches loaded with ice and snow. 
 
 But where is the prophet, whose words shall re- 
 veal 
 The burdens of woe, and the treasures of weal. 
 Which the restless years in their flight shall 
 
 bring 
 To this young group? 
 They shall go as others have gone before 
 In youth, in mid-life and gray fourscore. 
 Some struggle with grief, some rise unto fame. 
 Some be loaded with honors, some die without 
 name. 
 
 When fifty eventful years are jiast. 
 And the one or the two who linger last, 
 With cheeks where time has laid his linger. 
 With heads where all the winters linger, 
 With tremulous hands and footsteps slow 
 Among life's early scenes shall go. 
 
 They will come to this memorial tree 
 And perhaps may remember you or me— 
 The eyes may be dim, but this group shall seem 
 As it stands to-day in this spring-time scene. 
 
 D. McWilliams having been appoint- 
 ed a delegate to the World's Conference 
 of the M. E. Church, which was to be 
 held in London, accompanied by liis 
 wife, visited England, Ireland and 
 Scotland and many parts of the Conti- 
 nent. H. T. Xewell offered to the pub- 
 lic his new and valuable book of "Sta- 
 tistics and Common Facts." John 
 Tierney tendered his resignation as 
 Road Master on the C. & A. R. R., and 
 was succeeded by Timothy Dnscoll. 
 Union meetings were held in the park 
 during the warm weather. Geo. Tay- 
 lor sold his Iligliland farm and pur- 
 chased a farm of Wm, Rhodes, one 
 mile south of town, paying 87,200. 
 Joseph Salzer accepted a position with 
 Miller Bros. Mr. James Goodman and 
 Miss Jennie Hess were married. Wm. 
 Prime attended school at Mt, Forrest, 
 John P. McWilliams at Evanston, and
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 69 
 
 Harry Diffenbaugh at, Champaign. A 
 memorial service was lield iu the West 
 Park in honor of the dead President, 
 James A. Gartield, the preparations 
 /or which were elaborate and in excel- 
 lent laate and the occasion drew to- 
 gether an immense audience, Col. R. P. 
 Morgan, Jr., acted as chairman of the 
 day. Miss Artie Pollard personated the 
 Goddess of Liberty, and Father Hal- 
 pin and Capt. J. I'. Rowell delivered 
 eloquent addresses. Ella Strong, of 
 Yankton, visited our place. Major 
 Paul s family occupied residence 'west 
 of Congregational Church. \'r. \Vm. 
 Eaton and Miss May Ross were united 
 in the bonds of wedlock. Mrs. Lewis 
 Keuyon spent the winter east. Rev. 
 Lee became pastor of the Congrega- 
 tional Church. .John Vickery visited 
 the home of his boyhood in England. 
 K. S. Sedgwick sold his residence to 
 Nelson Mickleson,- preparatory to his 
 removal to Kansas. Lucy Barnum took 
 charge of the Riling school. S. T. K. 
 Prime occupied one of the houses of 
 L. G. Pearre during the winter. J. H. 
 Turner was badly scalded by the blow- 
 ing out of a plug in a steam boiler in 
 Conrad's planing mill. The L. £. Kee- 
 ley Co. began shipping their cure for 
 drunkenness and the opium habit to 
 Australia. Evans Owens left for his 
 new home in Colorado. T. C. Cook re- 
 turned from a visit to Ohio with a new 
 wife. Mrs. Ilagerty spent the winter 
 among friends in the east. Thomas 
 Mcllduff returned home from Lead- 
 ville, Col. Mr, Edward Adams and 
 Miss Lizzie M. Baker were marriec;!. 
 Mrs, Mary Pay fair, an old resident, 
 was found dead in her bed, having lived 
 to the dge of 70 years. The marriages 
 of Mr. Corydon Gould and Miss Mary 
 E. Buren, and Mr. Chester Smith and 
 Miss Mattie Johnson were reported. 
 The small pox made its appearance, 
 
 which created great alarm, several 
 houses were quarantined and a pest 
 house was put in order on the out- 
 skirts of the village, there were several 
 victims, two of whom died. Col. R. P. 
 Morgan, Sr., at the ripe age of 9.S years, 
 passed away, he had in the course of an 
 eventful life been identified with nearly 
 all the great railroads of the country. 
 Nelson Cornell died, aged 62 years, he 
 came to Dwiglit in 1854 and occupied 
 a position, for a number of years, with 
 the C. & A. R. R., he took and com- 
 pleted successfully, several large con- 
 tracts for grading, the last one being a 
 contract with the 1. 1 & I. railroad, 
 the anxiety and li^bor attending which 
 probably caused his death. Mr. Wm. 
 Wykes and Miss Carrie Clarkson mar- 
 ried. Chas. Crandall receives injuries 
 by attempting to alight from a train. 
 I. N. Gray wrote a number of practical 
 articles which were published in the 
 D wight Star. Mr. Frank Gibbons and 
 Miss Ella Stapleton were united in 
 marriage. Rev. John Ker, of Ireland, 
 occupied the pulpit of the M. E. church. 
 E. Barr, of Goodfarm, died of heart 
 disease, he had been a resident of 
 Goodfarm for many years and had 
 taken a prominent part in its affairs. 
 His death was much regretted. Allen, 
 a promising lad, son of Mr. and Mrs. 
 •A. G. Potter, came to his death after a 
 short illness. Mr. Mart S, Hazleton 
 and Miss Jennie French were joined in 
 marriage. Eugene Seymour was seri- 
 ously injured by the accidental dis- 
 charge of a pistol in his own possession. 
 Col. R. P. Morgan, Jr., returned from 
 a business trip to Colorado and New 
 Mexico. Mrs. Theodore EUsessor was 
 removed by death. Mr, and Mrs. John 
 B. Weagley celebrate their golden wed- 
 ding. The community was plunged 
 into deep distress by the sudden and 
 accidental death of Wm. H. Ketcham,
 
 70 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 hfc was born in 1821, came toDwight in 
 1855, held offices of trust during nearly 
 all these years, was a prominent mem- 
 ber of the Odd Fellows and had a host 
 
 of friends, 
 
 1882-83. 
 
 The campaign preceding the election 
 which marks the beginning of this 
 year, was in a number of respects more 
 exciting and interesting than any for^ 
 mer ones had been. It was opened by 
 the publication of some circulars, suc- 
 ceeding each other at weekly intervals, 
 the design of which was to present in 
 the briefest manner possible some of 
 the reasons why prohibition, which has 
 been made silch a success in suppres- 
 sing liquor selling, preventing any pub- 
 lic exhibition of drunkenness and in 
 securing quiet and good order, should 
 be tried another year. Some persons, 
 in the interest of the license party, ven- 
 tured to publish a circular which was 
 intended as a reply to the little temper- 
 ance sheets, and to set forth some rea- 
 sons why prohibition should be aban- 
 doned and the liquor traffic reopened. 
 This printed document was entitled 
 "Common Sense," and was the first 
 venture of the kind the license party of 
 Dwight had ever made; and, as a mat- 
 ter of history, it may be stated the at- 
 tempt has never since been repeated. 
 This printed effort of the friends 
 of license incited the mana- 
 gers of the temperance movement to 
 publish a twelve column paper, bearing 
 the name "Good Sense." A number of 
 copies were issued, and during the week 
 prior to the election it made its appear- 
 ance daily. On the evening previous 
 to the day of election the license party 
 gathered at the hall to listen to an ad- 
 dress by Judge Lynch, of Lincoln, 
 while an audience filled the M. E. church 
 on which occasion addresses were de 
 hvered by F. M. Fanning, Ilevs. P. A. 
 
 Pool and W. E. Miller, and H. A. Ken- 
 yon, O. W. Pollard and others. C. J. 
 Judd, I. H. Baker and R. P. Morgan, 
 the prohibition candidates, were elected 
 by an average majority of 27 votes. O. ^ 
 W. Pollard, Col. J. B. Parsons and 
 Dewitt Scott having been elected for 
 the long term, held over. Hugh Thomp- 
 son, on the prohibition ticket, was 
 elected clerk, receiving twenty-six 
 more votes than the opposing candi- 
 date. The new Board organized, mak- 
 ing O. W. Pollard its president. S. M. 
 Witt was continued in theMarshalship 
 and Elwell Collins retained as night 
 police. David McWilliaras was ap- 
 pointed treasurer and L. G. Pearre was 
 employed as village attorney. Frank- 
 lin street was extended to the 1. 1. & L 
 railroad. An ordinance prohibiting 
 the use of toy pistols and percussion 
 caps for the amusement of children, 
 was passed. Measures looking to the 
 removal of the Lig elevator and thereby 
 lessening the fire risks, were adopted. 
 At a request of a majority of the tax 
 payers, Philip Weicker was allowed 
 .$200 as damages sustained by the tear- 
 ing down of his residence with a view 
 of stopping the further progress of the 
 great fire on West street. S. M. Witt' 
 resigning, in the fall, his position, E. 
 Collins was appointed to succeed hira. 
 During the winter the scarlet fever 
 prevailed, several deaths resulting 
 therefrom and its presence caused con- 
 siderable alarm. The extent of the 
 disease was greatly exaggerated in other 
 localities, and many persons were de- 
 terred, through fear, from coming to 
 the place to transact business, where- 
 upon the Board authorized the issuance 
 of 500 circulars setting forth the facts. 
 The expenditures for the year were 
 $3,119.64. Mr. Luther Benson, of Ind., 
 the author of "Fifteen Years in Hell," 
 and at that time a popular temper-
 
 HISTORY OF DWiGIlT, ILLOOIS. 
 
 71 
 
 anch orator, lectured in the M. E. 
 church. The Ladies Society of the 
 Presb> terian church organized, Mrs. S. 
 T. K. Prime, President; Mrs. Jas. Paul, 
 Sec; and Mrs. J. C. Lewis, Treasurer. 
 Union services of the several churches 
 were held in West Park on Sunday af- 
 ternoon during the summer months. 
 John P. Campbell married Mrs. Tait. 
 Lucy Barnum gave an exhibition at 
 the close of her school at Prime Acad- 
 emy. Edward Cline succeeded C. M. 
 Baker in the drug "business. Rev. 
 Father Halpui, after a residence of five 
 years, dissolved his connection with 
 the Catholic society of this place, his 
 departure was much regretted by all 
 our citizens. The 3-1 offices were 
 moved to Kankakee. An Archery club 
 was formed, quite a number joining. 
 Col. .J 13. Parsons resigned his position 
 in the army. Chas. Stevens' dwelling, 
 in Goodfarm, was destroyed by fire. In 
 August the a:reat fire on West street 
 occurred. Amos' hotel, Spey's bakery, 
 Kern's building, Kern & Scott's gro- 
 cery stock, Koehler's building, Dern- 
 bach's barber shop and Geis' cigar shop 
 were destroyed. Philip Weicker's store 
 and dwelling was torn down to arrest 
 the progress of the fire. The two ele- 
 vators and the freight ho ise, water 
 tank and depot of the C. & A, R-. R. 
 were all on fire at the same time. It 
 required great exertion on the part of 
 the citizens to save these buildings and 
 to prevent the destruction of all the 
 business houses of the village. The 
 Renfrews played a match game of ball 
 with the tleds, of Streator. Charlie 
 Fenn accepted a position with Miller 
 Bros L. G. Pearre was nominated by 
 the democrats for the office of county 
 judge. S. M. Witt was elected sheriff. 
 Chas. Payfare moved to Joliet. Fran- 
 cis Carey rented his house to Adam 
 Dernbach and with his family moved 
 
 to Chicago. Mike Kern erected a brick 
 building on the burnt district. Mr. W. 
 A. Chamberlain married Miss Emma 
 Ketcham. W. H. Amos and family 
 moved to Gliddon, Iowa. Edward and 
 Xellie McWilliams made a trip to Eu- 
 rope, spending most of the summer on 
 the continent. Johnnie Fenn, a very 
 promising young man, was accidentally 
 killed by the caving of a sand bank. 
 Co^. Wyatt, of Lincoln, delivered a tem- 
 perance lecture in West park. S. M. 
 Witt moved to Pontiac to enter upon 
 his duties as sheriff, and was succeeded 
 in the marshalship by E. Collins. John 
 Geis purchased the residence property 
 of T. W. Wright. Rev. Wm. R. Scott, 
 of the Presbyterian church, preached 
 his farewell sermon. Mr. Edward T. 
 Metz married Miss Buranna Losee. 
 Rev. Lee, of the Congregational church, 
 resigned his charge and moved to Jol- 
 iet. Mr. U. Gault married Miss Alice 
 Hamrick. Orrin Gould died at the age 
 of 73 years, he came to this place in 
 1855, was a man of industrious and 
 temperate habits, upright in all his 
 dealings, and during his residence here 
 held several offices. S. W. Strong re- 
 ceived the appointment of deputy 
 sheriff and changed his residence to 
 Pontiac. Col. J. B. Parsons sold his 
 coal and ice business to J. D. Ketcham. 
 Theodore Clark died of consumption, 
 J. H. Lloyd sold his farm and moved 
 to Missouri, where he engaged in a 
 general mercantile business. Pollard 
 & Buck dissolved partnership and the 
 latter continued the hardware business. 
 Eleven deaths resulted from the scarlet 
 fever scourge; Miss Nellie Gallup, a 
 beautiful and popular young lady, and 
 Miss Laura Thompson, a graduate of 
 our high school, and four of the family 
 of T. J. Johnson were of the number. 
 Mertie Clarkson, Sophia Hanson, Capt. 
 John Stafford, Mrs. Francis Carey and
 
 72 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Mrs. Mart Hazleton were removed by 
 death. The Methodists held a memorial 
 service in memory of the scholars of 
 the M. E. church Sunday school who 
 had died as a result of the epidemic 
 and other causes. The Good Templars 
 disbanded after several years of efficient 
 work in the interest of the temperance 
 cause. Mr. Lawrence .Roe married 
 Miss Gorden, and B. H. Groll married 
 Miss Hannah Kleppine. The firm ^f 
 Goi-e, Losee & Austin dissolved. The 
 National Fire Escape Co. organized 
 with a capital stock of iSlOjOOO, the ob- 
 ject being to introduce Dr. Payne's fire 
 escape. The Presbyterians gave an en- 
 tertainment, the principal feature of 
 which was the broom brigade, Dr. L. 
 F. Abbott located in Dwight. Levi 
 Reeder leased the Cornell house and 
 livery stable. Hiram Cornell took 
 charge of a hotel 'in Braidwood. The 
 marriage of Mr. Alvi Barnum and Miss 
 Nellie Stormer was reported. D. D. 
 Lewis retired from a position as clerk 
 in the store of D. Mc Williams after a 
 continous service of over 23 years. 
 Waters & Hawthorne dissolved part- 
 nership. I. H. Baker retired from the 
 furniture business after an experience 
 of a quarter of a century. John Gallup 
 purchased Mr. Huey's interest in the 
 tile factory. A. Dernbach purchased 
 Tierney's residence property on Frank- 
 lin street. J. A, Spencer introduced 
 his new hay press. Mr, and Mrs. D. 
 McWilliams visited the Hot Springs, 
 
 Ark. 
 
 1883-84. 
 
 The temperance party felt so confi- 
 dent of a victory at the spring election 
 for this year, that many public meet- 
 ings for the purpose of agitating the 
 question were thought not to be nfeces- 
 sary. It was assured that a large ma- 
 jority of our citizens were so well satis- 
 lied with the manner in which the 
 
 affairs of the village had been adminis- 
 tered, that no change wotild be desired. 
 The license party, on the other hand, 
 adopted the plan, from which it never 
 entirely deviated, save in one instance, 
 which was to make a quiet and thor- 
 ough canvass, yet at the same time to 
 appear to have no particular interest 
 in the results. They sought to keep 
 the temperance people quiet by appear- 
 ing indifferent themselves. The results 
 of the year previous, as set forth in a 
 former chapter, had convinced them 
 that in a bold and candid discussion 
 they had no shadow of success. The 
 sly and deceptive scheme came very 
 near giving them the victory. For 
 once, at least, the friends of temperance 
 were caught napping, and not till the 
 opening of the polls on the day of the 
 election did they begin to realize to 
 what an extent they had been deceived 
 by the seeming unconcern and inactiv- 
 ity of the enemy. One of the prohibi 
 tion candidates was defeated and the 
 other two, J. J. Gore and Hugh-Thomp- 
 son, were elected by bare majorities of 
 one and two votes. The license jjaity 
 achieved a partial triumph in ttie elec- 
 tion of C. D, Chalfant as village trustee. 
 Harry Diffenbaugh, who ran on the 
 temperance ticket for clerk, was elected. 
 The board, as organized, stood as fol- 
 lows: R. P. Morgan, Piesideut: C. J. 
 Judd, I. H. Baker, J. J. Gore, Hugh 
 Thompson, C. D. Chalfant, Trustees. 
 
 Elwell Collins was employed as Mar- 
 shal; A, McKay received tiie appoint- 
 ment as treasurer and L. G. I'earre w^s 
 engaged as village attorney. 
 
 The year's administration was a suc- 
 cess. Good order prevailed and no lit- 
 igation was found necessary. The big 
 elevator was declared a nuisance and 
 its removal was demanded. The ex- 
 penditures for the year were ^Sl,705.13, 
 the smallest amount of any other year.
 
 Ed. Mezget 
 
 Dwight C. Morgan. 
 
 Ed. Losee. 
 
 Orville Brown.
 
 HISTOBY OF DWIGHT, ILLIISUIS. 
 
 73 
 
 The treasurer reported cash on hand to 
 the amount of $2,035.64. Bert Adams 
 became cashier in People's Bank. L. 
 J. Trunnell took charge of the McPher- 
 son House. Henry Eldredge sold out 
 his business. Rev. P. Leenhouse 
 became pastor of the Presbyterian 
 church. The Star closed its fifteenth 
 year, only omitting six issues for this 
 Jong period. Mr. Wm. Spencer mar- 
 ried Miss Delia Morrison, John P. 
 Weagley came to his death, aged 73 
 years, having been a member of the M. 
 E. church over 60 years. Mrs. McGov- 
 ern passed away. A.B, Dunlap organized 
 the McDowell Cemetery Association. 
 L. G. Pearre was appointed Master in 
 Chancery. .las. Egbert Clarkson was 
 removed by death. Mr Freeman 
 Spencer married Miss Carrie Parker. 
 Henry Eldredge, after having resided 
 in Dwight twenty years, left the place 
 for a permanent home elsewhere; he 
 was a valuable citizen, had been school 
 director several times, a member of the 
 village Board, town treasurer, and was 
 an active and useful member of the 
 Congregational church and carried 
 away with him the best wishes of the 
 many who had known him. Mrs. Frank 
 Chester bade her friends adieu and 
 sought a home at St, Marys, Kansas. 
 Wm. Chamberlain occupiea a house of 
 Mrs. Wm. Ketcham. Prof. Hubbard 
 having closed his fifth year as principal 
 of our schools, departed to take charge 
 of the Washington schools. Carl Mil- 
 ler left for a trip to Europe, in search 
 of health. Prof. H. D. Fisk was en- 
 gaged to teach our youth. The Pres- 
 byterians gave a Gypsy Operetta, 
 Thos, Liddicott sold his residence prop- 
 erty to G. L. Kern. Henry A. Elkins, 
 the famous artist, made this place his 
 home for several weeks, giving a select 
 few the benefit of his marvelous skill 
 in painting, J. Knudsen purchased the 
 
 Ilibbard-Thompson property. A Mc- 
 Kay sold his harness business to Leach 
 & Reeb. The M. E, church celebrated 
 the Fourth of July on an extensive 
 scale; Rev. C. O. McCuUoch delivered 
 the address, Harry Diffenbaugh read 
 the Declaration of Independence and 
 the ladies conducted a fair and festival 
 during the day and evening, the gross 
 receipts amounted to $265. Mrs. Goe- 
 dart's house was burglarized of $25. 
 Mr. T. C. Chandler married Miss Lettie 
 Lewis. D. D. Lewis was summoned 
 from earth; he was born in Poughkeep- 
 sie, N. Y,, Oct. 25, 1819, came to this 
 place as early as 1857. "In him the com- 
 munity lost a good man, a sincere friend 
 and a valuable citizen." Thos, Liddi- 
 cott moved to Beatrice, Neb, Aggie 
 Mcllduff visited Denver, Carrie Smith 
 went to Pueblo, A. B, Dunlap was 
 suddenly taken from earth; he was 
 born in Steubenville, Ohio, Sept, 25, 
 1832, came to this locality in 1852 and 
 was much respected for his sterling 
 good qualities. Capt, Wm, Bartholic 
 celebrated his 27th wedding anniver- 
 sary and was presented with a gold- 
 headed cane by the members of the 
 Round Table. Henry Morgan visited 
 the east. Hugh Thompson and family 
 departed for Raymond, Dakota. John 
 Smith delivered a lecture which was 
 much praised as a literary and orator- 
 ical effort. The school directors and 
 their wives, and all the teachers visited 
 the Joliet prison. The Congregational 
 Sunday school held a picnic, clam bake 
 and fish chowder in Leander Morgan's 
 grove. Cora Walker and Edith Knee- 
 land attended school at Normal and 
 Wm. Gore and John Smith at Abing- 
 don, The remains of Cory Houston 
 were brought here for burial. A ban- 
 quet was given at the McPherson in 
 honor of H. T. Newell on the eve of his 
 departure, with his family, for a resi-
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 dence in Los Angeles, Cal.,he had been 
 a resident of the place twenty-five 
 years. Dr. Rabe purchased tne resi- 
 dence property of H. T. iSTewell. Wm. 
 Walker's planing mills were enlarged 
 for the manufacture of Spencer's hay 
 presses. Rev. Jameson occupied the 
 house of Mrs. S. Morrison. John Mc- 
 Williams accompanied the family of 
 H T. Newell to California. Rev. E. S 
 Wilson became pastor of the M. E, 
 church, Rev. P. A. Cool moving to 
 Galva, 111. Chas. Fallis, after studying 
 medicine at home for two years, attend- 
 ed lectures at the Physicians and Sur- 
 geons College, Chicago. Major Judd 
 and family took up their abode with 
 Mrs. Gardner at the Gray mansion. 
 Daniel Smith came to an accidental 
 death at Streator; he was 58 years old 
 and came to Dwight in 1857, and the 
 records show that he had been a mem- 
 ber of the village board; he was a 
 peacable, kind man and much respect- 
 ed. John A. Fikes sold his farm and 
 moved to Kansas. J. W. Watkins and 
 Bert Adams purchased the banking 
 business of J. C. Iletzel. Mr. Samuel 
 Wilkinson married Miss Maggie BaKer. 
 L. G. Pearre was killed by a collision 
 of railroad trains; his death produced 
 great sorrow, having been a popular 
 member of the county bar for several 
 years. The village records contain the 
 following preamble and resolutions: 
 
 Whereas, Our Heavenly Father has 
 taken from us our fellow-citizen and 
 friend, Lemuel G. Pearre. 
 
 His life, as a husband, father, citizen 
 and friend was characterized by those 
 sympathies and acts which are only 
 found in a good husband, a good father, 
 a good citizen and a good friend. He 
 had, at a comparitively early period of 
 
 his life, attained to high position as a 
 lavvyer and public officer, and also in 
 public estimation, for his professional 
 and ofiicial merit and personal worth: 
 Therefore, be it 
 
 Resolved, By the Board of Trustees 
 of the Village of Dwight this expres- 
 sion of our regard for him be placed 
 upon the Village records, and published 
 in the Dwight Star, and a copy fur- 
 nished the bereaved wife and family. 
 
 Rev. Leenhouse, of the Presbyterian 
 church, resigned his charge. The M. 
 E. church became lighted with a new 
 set of chandeliers. J. ^Y. Watkins 
 purchased the Judd cottage, on Morgan 
 avenue and J. R. Oughton ttie Little 
 property. Alvin Small died, aged 79 
 years. Charles L. Romberger, an at- 
 torney, located in Dwight. The Con- 
 gregational church held a series of pro- 
 tracted meetings. Mr. Samuel Boyer 
 married Miss Jennie Lower. Dr. M. 
 Palm became a citizen of this place. 
 Mr. WillE. Pringle and Miss Allie Rat- 
 tenbury were joined in marriage, also, 
 Mr. W. M. Mullen and Miss Maggie 
 Dunlop, also. Dr. Langhaus and Miss 
 Ollie Pearre. Samuel Lower, after sev- 
 eral years of residence in Cabery, re- 
 turned to this place. Joe Salzer severed 
 his connection with the firm of Miller 
 Bros. The remains»of Albert Calkins 
 were brought from Bloomington to this 
 place for burial. He was an exemplary 
 young man and his death -was the cause 
 of much sorrow to his acquaintances. 
 The remains, also, of William Kelagher, 
 an old resident who died in Texas, were 
 brought to tills, his old home, for inter- 
 ment. D. McWilliams was nominated 
 as Presidential Elector by the State Re- 
 publican Convention. AV. S. Metz, Esq., 
 of Odell, delivered a line temperance 
 lecture in the M E. church.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 <D 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 THE PAST TEN YEARS. 
 
 1884.85. 
 As the term of three corporation 
 trustees expired, and as two selected 
 for the long term at the beginning of 
 the year previous had moved to other 
 localities, it devolved upon the citizens 
 to elect five new trustees. C. J. Judd, 
 C. M. Baker, Edward McWilliams, J. 
 B. Parsons and O. ^y. Pollard, all pro- 
 hibition candidates, were elected by a 
 handsome average majority of twenty- 
 seven votes. C. L. Palmer was elected 
 clerk. The board organized by making 
 O. W. Pollard president. John G. Fox 
 was employed as village marshal. A. 
 McKay received the appointment as 
 treasurer. Some suits were instituted 
 during the year against parties for sell- 
 ing intoxicating liquors, though such 
 attempted violations were few in num- 
 ber. Under the supervision of J. B. 
 Parsons, chairman of the committee on 
 streets and alleys, a number of valuable 
 improvements were made. The old 
 fences about the two parks were taken 
 down and new ones erected instead. 
 The trees in the West Park were 
 trimmed. A fine lot of substantial 
 hitching- pAsts, with railings attached, 
 were put up at convenient places. The 
 town house was painted within and 
 without, several streets were graded, 
 and many new ditches made; !i?l,971.37 
 were expended on streets and alleys. 
 
 The total expenditures for the year 
 were .f 2,904.72. To Geo. A. Seymour a 
 permit was granted to sell intoxicating 
 liquors for medicinal and mechanical 
 purposes. The usual routine business 
 was transacted, outside of which noth- 
 ing or any importance was done which 
 has not been already mentioned. 
 
 T. C. Cook ended his earthly pilgrim- 
 age. He came from New York State, 
 had been a resident of Uwight for sev- 
 eral years, and was a man of indus- 
 trious and economical habits. John 
 Grosh also died. He was an old resi- 
 dent, haVing lived in this part of the 
 county thirty years, and in the village 
 twenty years. He was a German by 
 birth, aud possessed the frugal habits 
 characteristic of his race. E. L. Wil- 
 son accepted a position with Miller 
 Bros. Judd Williams erected a large 
 livery barn south of Water's brick shop, 
 J. C. Lewis' birthday anniversary was 
 celebrated by a surprise party gotten up 
 by his wife and daughter liertie. Rev. 
 .Jameson severed his relation as pastor 
 of the Congregational church and de- 
 parted for Huron, Dakota. Prof. H. D. 
 Fisk was engaged for the second year 
 as principal of the schools. Dr. Bab- 
 bage married Miss Amelia Simmons. 
 Sarah (Tarkson opened a select school 
 in the basement of the M. E. church. 
 The commencement exercises of the
 
 76 
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 high school were pronounced excellent, 
 equaling, if not surpassing, former ones. 
 The graduates were four in number. 
 Jennie Ilattenbury delivered the salu- 
 tary and an essay on "Beauty of Mind 
 Endures Forever." Annie Fox chose 
 for her subject, "He Helps the World 
 who Helps Himself." Effie Baker se- 
 lected as a theme, "The Mould of every 
 Man's Fortune Lies in his own Hands." 
 Jennie Payne discoursed upon, "What 
 Shall the Harvest be '?' ' Prof. Hubbard 
 delivered an address on "Our Public 
 Schools," and Prof. H. D. Fisk, as prin- 
 cidal, addressed the graduates and pre- 
 sented the diplomas. Dr. M. Houston 
 located permanently in the place. Mr. 
 D. D. Schott married Miss Addie V 
 Potter Chas. Koehnlein died while 
 temporarily residing in Dakota, and his 
 remains were brought here for burial. 
 Mrs. Silas G. Adams was suddenly 
 called from earth. She had many 
 friends, and her death caused much 
 sorrow. The remains of the wife of J. 
 B. Travis were brought here for inter- 
 ment. She had lived in the place at an 
 early day and was favorably known by 
 the first settlers of this locality. John 
 Vickery was injured by a runaway 
 team. Mrs. M. I. Txacy Cutler deliv- 
 ered a lecture in the M. E. church to a 
 large audience on "Women Under the 
 Christian Dispensation." The Fourth 
 of July was celebrated on a grand scale. 
 There was a liberty car containing thir- 
 ty-six young ladies, and several hand- 
 somely decorated wagons representing 
 the different business houses. A spacious 
 stand was erected on the grounds of 
 East school-house. Music was fur- 
 nished by the Dwight Cornet Jiand and 
 Glee Club. 
 
 D. McWilliams acted as president of 
 the day. Prof. H. D Fisk read the de- 
 claration of Independence, and Bev. E. 
 S. Wilson delivered the oration. The la- 
 
 dies of the Congregational church ran 
 a dinner and refreshment room, realiz- 
 ing as net proceeds .§100. The Odd 
 Fellows arranged for an excursion over 
 the 3-1 railroad to Kankakee. Mr. Wm. 
 Goldencrown married Miss Maggie 
 Banks. Henry Hollmeyer purchased the 
 Spencer residence. John P. McWilliams 
 returned from California after a year's 
 absence. Mrs. Dr. McLean was ad- 
 judged insane, and was taken to the 
 Kankakee asylum. A company was 
 organized to manufacture and sell 
 Iluey's patent pyrometer, an instru- 
 ment for registering the heat in either 
 tile or brick kiln. The Morgan Joint 
 Co. organized for putting on the mar- 
 ket Col. Morgan's patented rail coup- 
 ling. Rev. Barnes was called to the 
 Congregational church. Julia Gould 
 visited friends on the Pacific Slope. Dr. 
 Palm returned from a visit east, 
 bringing with him a new wife, and de- 
 cided to make the pla'ce a permanent 
 home. Mrs. Maggie J. AVilkinson, the 
 daughter of Isaac II. and Isabella 
 Baker, died after an illness of several 
 months duration. Mrs. E. D. Green, 
 after attaining a good old age, passed 
 into the beyond. Mr. W. T. Prime 
 married Miss Alice Paul. Chas. L. 
 Romberger entered the marriage state 
 and occupied a cottage on Seminole 
 street west of Prairie avenue. Mr. 
 John II. Biles joins in marriage Miss 
 lielle Cameron. Mrs. Delia Spencer 
 died in Chicago, and her remains were 
 brought here for burial. Mr. Wm. C. 
 JJartholic Avas married to Miss An- 
 geline E. Robinson. From the Star of- 
 fice the first number of the Congrega- 
 tional review was issued, under the 
 management of Revs. Longley and 
 Smith. Rev. Barnes preached the 
 Thanksgiving sermon, all the churches 
 joining in the service. E. D. (Jreen 
 terminated his long life. Frank J^ar-
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 nam, while out hunting, received an 
 ugly wound in his shoulder and breast 
 by an accidental discharge of a gun. I). 
 AVcWilliams, as a delegate, attends the 
 Baltimore Centennial of the M. E. 
 church. The Methodists provide a 
 Christmas entertainment for the Siui- 
 day school children. The Odd Fellows 
 gave an entertainment, part of which 
 consisted of an address by J. H. Funk. 
 The Dwight Chautauqua Literary and 
 Scientific Circle was formed, and O. W. 
 Pollard was chosen president and John 
 P. McWilliams secretary. The death 
 of Hannah Chester at Pueblo, Col., 
 was announced. Mr. Nelson Mickelson 
 was married to Miss Maggie Smith. 
 Chas. Fenn returns from Poughkeepsie, 
 after several mf)nths attendance at a 
 commercial college. The marriage of 
 Mr. Silas G. Adams and Miss Susan 
 Goedert was reported. The School 
 News, an educational journal, edited by 
 Professors Fisk and Tombaugh, was is- 
 sued from the office of the Star. Mr. 
 Joseph Salzer and Miss* Lizzie Christ- 
 nfan Avere joined in wedlock, and a 
 similar event happened to Mr. Edward 
 Darman and Miss Dunlap; also to Mr. 
 li. F. Doherty and Miss Bertie Lewis, 
 and to Mr. 1). P. Mills and Miss Sarah 
 C. Boyer, and to Mr. John A. Perry 
 and Miss Annie P. Cameron. 
 
 The winter was pronounced the cold- 
 est known in this latitude. The roads 
 leading into town and the railroads 
 were blockaded with drifts of snow to 
 such an unusual de])th as to make 
 traveling impossible for several days in 
 succession. The destruction of the or- 
 chards, as a consequence, was very 
 great. Edward Bunting and Miss Ann 
 Essington took upon themselves the 
 marriage vow. Mrs. Judd Williams 
 died of heart disease. AVm. E. Fenn 
 purchased the S. Eldridge property. I. 
 C. Magee and Bichard .Shapland. with 
 
 their families, sought new homes in 
 the West. The friends and members 
 of the Congregational society visited 
 Braidwood as the guests of Mrs. Hiram 
 Cornell. The Methodists conducted a 
 protracted meeting of several weeks* 
 duration. C. J. Judd rented the old 
 Strong residence. The roof of the old 
 stone tank was burned on Sunday. H. 
 A. Kenyon completed his sixteenth 
 year as postmaster. Rev. Barnes de- 
 livered a temperance lecture at a union 
 service held in the M. E. church. The 
 ladies of the Congregational society 
 tendered Mrs. Jordan, on the eve of her 
 departiu-e for Bloomington, a compli- 
 mentary banquet at the residence of E. 
 C. Adams, and presented her with an 
 elegant easy chair as a token of the 
 high esteem in which she was held. The 
 marriage of Len Hahn and Miss Sophia 
 Seagert took place at the German Luth- 
 eran church. David McWilliams and 
 wife visited in New Orleans. Eugene 
 Flagler and John Potter, Jr., purchased 
 the hardware store of John Potter. Dr. 
 H. G. Thole, after a long illness came 
 to his death. He had for a number of 
 years been a practicing physician of the 
 homoepathic school, and made a suc- 
 cess of his profession. The young peo- 
 ple, prior to the spring election, held 
 a temperance meeting, the several 
 churches joming. C. R. Tombaugh, 
 John Smith and Wm. II. Ketchem ora- 
 ted, and Misses Kelly and Conant read 
 appropriate selections. Several young 
 ladies organized an anti-slang society. 
 
 The successful candidates in the elec- 
 tion of village trustees for the year 
 18K5 r. were O. W. Pollard. A. Brubaker 
 and R. P. Morgan, Jr. C. L. Palmer 
 was elected clerk, and Spencer Eldredge 
 was elected police magistrate. O. W. 
 pollard, president; Edward McWil- 
 liams, Chas. Baker, R. P. Morgan, Jr., 
 ('..]. Judd. A. Brubaker and C. L. Pal-
 
 78 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 mer, clerk, constituted, the board for 
 the year named. John G. Fox served 
 as marshal, and Alex. McKay per- 
 formed the duties of treasurer. 
 
 The board granted Miller Bros, per- 
 mission to erect wooden buildings in 
 fire limits. A very strict amendment 
 to Chapter 50, regulating the selling of 
 liquor by druggists, was passed. The 
 fire ordinance was amended so that 
 wooden buildings could be erected on 
 lots from 1 to 12 in block 15, provided 
 they were covered by corrogated iron. 
 Eesolutions instructing street and alley 
 committee to keep the well back of the 
 Mc^'illiams block in good condition. 
 The appropriation for this year was 
 83,000. It was durmg 1885 that one 
 Jidius T. Edwin came to town, rented 
 the Gould store, now owned by Phillip 
 "Weicker, and opened a peddlers outfit 
 of jewelry, silverware, etc.. etc. Edwin 
 procured a license from the village 
 clerk. After thi^, however, the mer- 
 chants of the village came to the con- 
 clusion that their rights were being 
 trespassed upon, and they made a com- 
 plaint to the village board, who then 
 closed Edwin up. This seems to have 
 aroused Edwin's ire and he sued O. W. 
 Pollard, Richard P. Morgan, Jr., Curtis 
 J. Judd, Ed. McWilliams. Chas. L. 
 Palmer and John G. Fox, all village of- 
 ficers, for .S10,000 damages. The case 
 was tried in the circuit court in August 
 and the officers were beaten, but not 
 badly. Edwin got one cent damages, 
 and costs were put upon the defend- 
 ants. The defendants, however, were 
 virtually acting for the village, and the 
 village paid the costs, which amounted 
 to about SoO(). The occurrance caused 
 considerable excitement at the time, 
 and Avas the soiirce of m\ich amuse- 
 ment and chafiing at the expense of the 
 men sued. They only did what they 
 thought was for the best interests of 
 
 the home merchants — they were pro- 
 tectionists. 
 
 There was .S2,053.4y cents in the treas- 
 ury at the close of the year. The prin- 
 cipal local events we are forced to omit^ 
 being unable to find any record, the 
 files of all newspapers published in 
 Dwight. having been destroyed by the 
 fire of October, 1891. 
 
 Miss Minnie Cook, of Wilmington, 
 111., was united in marriage to Dr. C. H. 
 Barr, March 11, 1884, at the brides 
 home. 
 
 One happy marriage left out in the 
 regulay place occurred in 1879, that of 
 Miss Dora Carr to "Wm. Losee. 
 
 1886-7. 
 
 At the spring municipal election, the 
 no-license candidates were elected by 
 an average majority of about thirty. E. 
 T. Miller, .John Leach and Frank Ford 
 were elected trustees, Geo. Baker» 
 clerk; John Thompson, police magis- 
 trate. The newly elected officers were 
 qualified byXotary Public J. C.IIetzel. 
 The new board was composed of Presi-* 
 dent, O. W. Pollard; Trustees, Morgan, 
 Brubaker, Ed. McWillams. Miller, 
 Leach and Ford. A. McKay was elect- 
 ed treasurer again. Elwell Collins was 
 elected marshal for the year. The last 
 circus of any note visited Dwight in 
 August of this year. At a meeting of 
 the village board held August 18, extra 
 police were ajjpointed, on account of 
 the large amount of fruit and melons, 
 etc.. being stolen from our citizens. 
 82,000 was appropriated for the ex- 
 pense of the village this year. A. McKay 
 resigned Nov. 9, 188t), he having been 
 elected coimfy treasurer, and AV. IL 
 Ketcham was appointed in his stead. 
 The Edwin case, spoken of in the last 
 chapter was supplemented by a case 
 for damages instituted by Mrs Edwin, 
 the man's wife, for damages. This was
 
 HISTORY OF DWJCxIIT, ILLI^■OIS. 
 
 settled by paying her attorney's fees 
 and the costs of the case. In April L. 
 A. Xaftziger was appointed treasurer, 
 AV. II. Ketcham having moved to 
 Kansas. There was !i?2,2l)ii left in the 
 treasury this year. This was a remark- 
 ably quiet year. We are at a loss for 
 the local events for the same rea- 
 son as last year. 
 
 Mr. Isaac AVheatley died on Oct. (>, 
 188H. He was an excellent citizen, and 
 served faithfully in the 105th Illinois 
 ''Volunteer Infantry during the war. 
 
 1887-8-9-90. 
 
 At the spring election two no-license 
 aldermen were elected by only two ma- 
 jority—a very close call, and one of the 
 candidates, A. 13rubaker, was defeated 
 by Geo. X. Flagler by five majority. 
 The candidates were: Xo-license — A. 
 Brubaker, J. A. Spencer, C. M. Baker. 
 License — John Geis, John Dennehe, 
 Geo. N. Flagler. John Smith was the 
 no-license candidate for clerk and de- 
 feated Jas. Kelagher by 10 majority. 
 The board was composed of C. M. 
 Baker, president; trustees. Leach, 
 Ford, E. T. Miller, Spencer, Flagler. 
 This election was the closest for a num- 
 ber of years, and only spiirred the no- 
 license people on to renewed action. J. 
 11 Parsons was elected village treasurer 
 this year,and immediately qualitied and 
 presented his bond. James B. Austin 
 was elected marshall for the yea. The 
 ('. c^ A. road was granted permission to 
 erect their present water tank. John II. 
 Smith resigned as clerk to take effect 
 July 1, he moving to Kansa.s J. W. Bak- 
 er was elected by the Board to serve out 
 the unexi)ired term of Mr. Smith. This 
 year the 4th of July was celebrated in 
 a gorgeous manner. There was quite a 
 number of cases of scarlet fever in town- 
 in August and the board ordered the 
 names of the atHicted to be published 
 
 in the Uwigiit Stau as a precautionary 
 measure. The amount appropriated 
 this year was !?2,500. A tire company 
 of twenty members was organized this 
 year. Isaac Perry was elected lirst as- 
 sistant chief and Phillip Eyer second 
 assistant. During the year the present 
 hose carts and hook and ladder truck 
 were purchased, and one double crank 
 hand engine, 300 feet of hose, rotary 
 steam pump, and everything complete 
 for a very good fire outfit. The total 
 cost was !?1,945. 
 
 The handsonxe Ilagerty block was 
 built in 1889, which was certainly a very 
 valuable improvement to Dwight. The 
 first stone sidewalk in Dwight was laid 
 by the Hagerty brothers at this time. 
 
 During this year, our quiet village 
 was thrown into a frenzy by a murder. 
 Otto Boigk shot A. Strufe in the lat- 
 ter"s home in Dwight. Boigk was a^ 
 son-in-law of Strufe's, and he and the 
 father-in-law did not get on the best, 
 on account of family troubles. Mrs. 
 Boigk went home to live and Boigk 
 went to see her but was refused admit- 
 tance. He went away and purchased a 
 revolver at one of the hardware stores 
 and went to the house again. It was at 
 this time, during a quarrel, that Boigk's 
 anger overcame him, and he shot Strufe 
 in the stomach. From the wound re- 
 ceived Strufe died the next day. 
 Boigk attemi)ted to escape, but was 
 caught by John Lightholder near Odell 
 and brought back. Lightholder got a 
 reward of .S25. Boigk was given a pre- 
 liminary hearing before Squire Thcmip- 
 son and bound over to the grand jury 
 and taken to the county jail in Pontiac. 
 The trial was reached later, and lioigk , 
 was convicted of manslaughter and sen- 
 tenced to two years in Joliet peniten- 
 tiary. Some thought the sentence light 
 while others thought otherwise. 
 
 The vole in the spring election of
 
 80 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 1888 resulted in the election of C. J. 
 Judd, no-license, for president of the 
 the board, by a majority of four votes, 
 over Eugene Flagler— 12)5 to 122. D. B. 
 Stevens and Jessie Dieffenbaugh, no 
 license, defeated John Dennehe and 
 John Geis, and as between W. H. Tay- 
 lor, no-license, and Chas. Crandall, the 
 result was a tie— 125 each. The latter 
 was decided by drawing lots — Crandall 
 winning. For clerk L. A. Naffziger de- 
 feated J. C. Buchanan by eleven ma- 
 jority. The new board now stood four 
 no-license and two for license, with a 
 no-license president. This was the 
 closest call in a number of years before 
 or since. This was the first election un- 
 der the changed state law, and the 
 president of the board was elected di- 
 rect by the people instead of by the 
 trustees, and the board was increased 
 to seven thereby, and C. J. Judd was 
 the first president of the village. Jas. 
 B. Austin was again elected marshal, 
 police and night watchman, and he was 
 required to clean crossings and light 
 the lamps— all for $40 a month. J. B. 
 Parsons was again elected treasurer. 
 This year one of the excitable events 
 was the row the marshal had with John 
 Murphy. Murphy sued Austin and a 
 bill for costs of .$220.85 was not allowed. 
 $2,600 was the amount appropriated 
 for the year. During tnis year the li- 
 cense was given free in many cases 
 where the entertainments were given 
 iinder the auspices of home societies. 
 It was during this year that the present 
 license ordinances— Chapters 63 and 64 
 —were passed. There were $2,539.10 
 left in the village treasury at the end 
 of the fiscal year. 
 
 At the si)ring municipal election in 
 
 1889 the vote cast was larger and 
 showed the population of Dwight was 
 increasing rapidly. The total vote cast 
 was 272. C. J. Judd, no-license, and 
 
 Eugene Flagler, license, were the can- 
 didates for president again, the former 
 receiving 141 votes and the latter 128. 
 For trustees Jens Knudsen, F. A. 
 Lakin and L. H. Martin — no-license — 
 opposed Jared Williams, John Geis, 
 and "NVm. Walker — license. The 
 former were elected by from ten to 
 twelve majority. It was a hard fought 
 battle. The no-license candidate for 
 clerk, L. A. Naffziger, was defeated by 
 L. D. Plummer, the vote standing 133 
 to 136. The new board was as follows: \ 
 President, C. J. Judd; trustees, D. B. 
 Stevens, Jessie Diffenbaugh, Charles 
 Crandall, Jens Knudsen, F. A. Lakin, 
 L. H. Martin; clerk, L. D. Plummer. 
 This was really the last hard fought 
 election for license. The business of 
 the village went along about as usual. 
 
 It was during this year that L. D. 
 Plummer, who had been forman with 
 the North Star, started the Dwight 
 Herald, which liourished for a while. 
 C. A. Stuck had purchased the Dwight 
 Star the year before and had changed 
 the name to North Star, which was not 
 relished by many of our citizens, and 
 Plummer was requested to change the 
 name of his paper and he did. from 
 Dwight Herald to Dwight Star and 
 Herald, at the same time assuming the 
 original volume and number, it being- 
 claimed that Stuck had no right to it 
 after having dropped the original name 
 Chas. Palmer, the original owner and 
 founder of the Dwight Star, was of the 
 same opinion and wrote a long letter 
 requesting Plummer to make the 
 change and thereby pepetuate the 
 original name. As before stated this 
 was done, and thus the ])resent name. 
 We make this statement so that many 
 who have wondered at the C(mibination 
 of names may understand the circum- 
 stances. 
 
 L. A. NalTziger was a]ii)()inted village
 
 Hagerty Block, East Side. 
 
 Dwight Passenger Depot. 
 
 (Keeley ffall in ttje distance, )
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 81 
 
 treasurer, and James B. Austin was 
 again elected marshal, etc. During this 
 year the business of the Leslie E. 
 Keeley Co. forged ahead wonderfully, 
 and ])eople generally, after viewing the 
 results, began to have confidence in 
 the great discovery of our townsman, 
 which was destined to revolutionize the 
 world on the question of inebriety be- 
 ing a curable disease. The company 
 built a line fire-firoof vault and made 
 other improvements during the year. 
 Only 81,800 were appropriated for the 
 maintenance of the village this year, 
 there being a large balance in the treas- 
 ury. II. L. Ilagerty laid a stone side- 
 walk in front of the handsome Ilagerty 
 block, which was built the year prior. 
 ]Mrs. II. Cornell built an addition to her 
 hi)tel i)roperty on West street. The 
 question of electric lights was first 
 brought up this year. There were 
 !s;2, 181.55 remaining in the treasury at 
 the end of fiscal year in 1890. 
 
 As the time came around for the 
 village election in 1890, a daily paper 
 was issued under the management of 
 '"NV. (i. Dustin, who had previously edit- 
 ed the Dwight Star and IIe.iald with L. 
 I). Plummer. The paper was called The 
 Messenger and was condixcted on a more 
 conservative plan than muicipal election 
 papers had been in former years. The 
 management proved to the voters that 
 it was for their financial as well as moral 
 interests not to have saloons in our 
 midst. There was no personal abuse and 
 the paper received a warm support 
 from the business men. The result was 
 that there was a small landslide, every 
 no-license candidate being elected by 
 about sixty majority. C. J. Judd's care- 
 ful management of municipal affairs 
 made him the logical candidate for 
 president. John Geis was nominated 
 in op])osition. The former was elected 
 by fifty one majority. Jesse Diffen- 
 
 baugh, J. B. Bell and S&muel Lower 
 were the no-license' candidates for 
 trustees, against Ed. Dittus, Daniel 
 Morris and 11. E. Seigert. The former 
 were elected by 5t), 59 and 55 majorities, 
 respectively. Andrew T. Doherty was 
 elected clerk over Geo. L. Kern by 73 
 majority. This was the last village 
 election where the lines were tightly 
 drawn on the license or no-license ques- 
 
 . tion, many of the best men in the license 
 party acknowledging that Dwight was 
 much better oft' without saloons, and at 
 the present time many of our influen- 
 tial citizens who were formerly license 
 men, are now staid workers on the 
 other side, and never want to see 
 Dwight cursed with saloons. As soon 
 as this fact was apparent the no-license 
 men joined hands with them and a 
 number have served the city faithfully 
 and well as trustees. John Thompson 
 was again elected police magistrate. 
 His majority was 73. This board went 
 to work with a will. The village was 
 fast becoming a city and must assume 
 city ways. Improvements were needed. 
 The old fashioned oil street lamps didn't 
 give near as good lights as they used to, 
 and something had to be done. The 
 
 . new board was: president, ('. J. Judd; 
 trustees, J. B. Bell, Jesse Diflenbaugh, 
 Jens Knudsen, F. A. Lakin, Samuel 
 Lower and L. H. Martin. L. A. Naffzi- 
 ger was again appointed treasurer, and 
 Jas. B. Austin marshal. Decoration day 
 was duly celebrated, probably more 
 generally than heretofore on account of 
 a Post of the (irand Army of the Re- 
 l)ublic being organized; also a Sons of 
 Veterans Camp and Woman's Relief 
 Corps. The village board attended in 
 a body. Rev. Eignus delivered a s])len- 
 did oration, after which the procession 
 marched to the different cemetries and 
 decorated the graves of the fallen 
 heroes. The matter of sewers for Dwight
 
 \ 
 
 82 
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 first came up at a meeting of the tillage 
 board, July 22, 1890. A petition by C. 
 L. Rbmberger and. others, asking an ap- 
 propriation of $500 to defray the ex- 
 pense of surveys, etc., was read. It was 
 also about this time that the question 
 of electric lights and water works be- 
 gan to be agitated, and action regarding 
 the sewer matter was deferred. August 
 21, 1890, a public meeting was held, 
 which unanimously decided, "That it is 
 thfe public sentiment of this meeting 
 that an electric light system be adopted 
 for the village of Dwight." At a meet- 
 ing of the village board August 2r>, a 
 resolution was passed au.th'brizing the 
 judiciary committee to make a contract 
 for electric street lighting for five 
 years, the cost not to exceed .f 720 a 
 year. The resolution was passed. This 
 year .$2,900 was appropriated for the 
 city's needs. September 12 propositions 
 were received by the village board from 
 electric light companies. The Thomp- 
 son-Houston company got the contract, 
 and an ordinance was passed Sept. 23, 
 giving a franchise for five years. The 
 Star and Herald ofiice was moved 
 to the Zimmerman building on Mazon 
 avenue and the building from which 
 the office was moved was sold ,by the 
 Leslie E, Keeley Co., and moved to 
 Seminole street where it now stands. 
 Dec. 9 The Leslie E. Keeley Co. made 
 
 application to the board for a permit to 
 build a brick hotel on "West street (the 
 present Livingston ). The permit was 
 granted and work commenced almost 
 immediately, and hurried to a finish. 
 This might have been said to have been 
 the commencement of Dwight's first 
 and last "boom." A strong petition 
 was presented to the board to do away 
 with requiring home entertainments to 
 pay license, but it came to naught. The 
 franchise for electric lighting was as- 
 signed to II. E. Seigert, Feb. 10, 1891. 
 The balance on hand at the end 
 of the fiscal year was $2,445.35. At 
 this time in the "History of D wight," 
 we arrive at the time when all was ex- 
 citement and bustle. The remarkable 
 success of the Keeley tceatment was 
 known the world over, and our city 
 was filled with strangers. As we have 
 previously written, we were vinable to 
 get many of the local events of the past 
 fev/ years on account of all files of local 
 papers being destroyed by fire Oct. 10, 
 1891. In Nov. 1890 A. E. Zimmerman, 
 a printer who had been employed by C. 
 A. Stuck, got possession of the D wight 
 Star and Herald ofiice, and we have 
 the files from that time and therefore 
 give the principal local events from 
 that time to Jan. 1, 1895— certainly the 
 most important history of our city.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLIJJOIS. 
 
 83 
 
 CHAPTER Vll. 
 
 FROM NOV. 1890 TO JAN. I, 1892. CULLED FROM DWIGHT STAR AND 
 
 HERALD. 
 
 The tirst issue of the Star and 
 Herald under the management of A . 
 K . Zimmerman was Nov. 15, 1890. In 
 October 1S90 Dr. Houston and family 
 moved to Joliet, Dr. Qakshett buying 
 his practice in Uwight. The C. & A. 
 did a business of $74,000 from their 
 Dwight ollice. Robt. Mayes looses two 
 fingers while running a circular saw in 
 Joliet. The K. P. annual ball Thanks- 
 giving was a great success. The coal 
 shaft ghost stalked through Dwight. 
 Miss Jones gives an elaborate enter- 
 tainment under the auspices of theG. 
 A. R. John II. Finch, of Nevada, 
 half brother of Freeman Spencer, died 
 at the age of 22 . The Ys gave a very 
 tine entertainment consisting of fan 
 and maypole drill, recitations and 
 music. "NV. G. Dustin superintended 
 tlie drill, and after the entertainment 
 the young ladies presented him with a 
 liandsome rocker. Orrin Gallup sells 
 Ills Union farm to Matthew Ross. J. 
 (r. Strong sells 210 acres known as the 
 Ilurlbut farm. Steven Knudsen buys 
 the, Duesler farm in liound Grove. 
 Will Losee buys a three legged chicken. 
 (Jene Baker, formerly of Dwight, is 
 elected county treasurer. Frank Stuck, 
 brother of the editor of the North Star, 
 met a horrible death at the 8-1 crossing. 
 He jumped from tlie Hummer, which 
 
 was going about thirty miles an hour, 
 and was drawn under the wheels and 
 instantly killed. Miss Katie Williams 
 and W. H. Luther were married Nov. 
 25, 1-890. Rev. F. W. Merrell preached 
 the Thanksgiving sermon. Henry Turn- 
 baugh and family moved to Iowa. 
 John C. George luoved to Pontiac, hav- 
 ing been elected county clerk. Katie 
 Ida McCarter dies at the age of 15 
 years. A lecture course under the aus- 
 pices of the Y. P. S. C. E. was a fea- 
 ture of the winter's entertainments. 
 Dr. Hansen, of Chicago, ojiened the 
 course with a very interesting lecture . 
 Rev. Dr. McClish delivers his splendid 
 lecture on "Man" at M. E. church. 
 Henry C. Hollmeyer diedj at the age of 
 (55 years and 11 days. Mrs. Lillian Ray 
 Stuck, wife of the editor of the North 
 Star, dies at the age of 2t) years, John- 
 nie George goes to work for his father 
 in the county clerk's otlice. L. D. Plum- 
 mer tinds employment in Chicago and 
 moves to that city. Sadie Earnhardt 
 dies at the age of 5 years and 7 months. 
 S. T. K. Prime meets with a great re- 
 ception during liis visit east. James 
 Paul, an old and respected citizen, died 
 quite suddenly Dec. (>, 1890, at the age 
 83. Lillie Kate Harding dies at the age 
 of 7 years. N. N. Mickelson builds a 
 handsome new residence. The Christ-
 
 84 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLIXOTS. 
 
 mas holidays in 1890 were duly cele- 
 brated in Dwight, and prosperity and 
 good will seemed to predominate. 
 
 The year 1891 is one which will long 
 be remembered by the residents. It 
 was this year that the little prairie city 
 sprang into prominence the world over 
 on account of the great discovery of 
 Dr! Leslie E. Keeley. "Dwight" and 
 "Keeley" became household words and 
 the fame of our honored townsman was 
 great. The year was the time of 
 many of the substantial improve- 
 ments and remarkable growth in popu- 
 lation. Many sensible acts and many 
 foolish ones adorn the history of the 
 year. The results of the boom were 
 good and bad. Many people made mon- 
 ey, and some lost. The fault lay with 
 the "boom," and no individual should 
 be charged up with any bad results. It 
 was like all booms. Some people lost 
 their heads and their pocket-books, 
 others, more cool-headed and exper- 
 ienced, took advantage of circumstan- 
 ces and made money. The price of 
 property went away above reason and 
 still there were plenty of buyers and 
 sellers. The last owner got left for the 
 time being. After the boom subsided, 
 as it were, peoi)le began to count the 
 cost, but found it not great. "While a 
 few individuals lost, Dwight had about 
 700 more poptilaticm, and was much im- 
 ])r()ved by the addition of fine brick 
 blocks, an elegant depot, ojiera house, 
 hotels and many handsome, modern, 
 comfortable dwellings. Public impi'ove- 
 ments, such as water works, electric 
 lights, etc., were here to stay. So much 
 for 1891 in this line. 
 
 Among the many interesting items we 
 note the following. Col. and Mrs. J. li. 
 Parsons celebrated their tenth wedding 
 anniversary. J. ('. Lewis' mother dies 
 in New York. Leta Sheldon, of Cam- 
 pus, dies. "Xationa! Keeley Club" 
 
 organized, and constitution and by- 
 laws adopted. This was probably the 
 first real organization, although the pa- 
 tients had organized locally at "NV. M. 
 Weese's blacksmith shop some time be- 
 fore. The objects are to more closely 
 ally the patients and help in lifting up 
 fallen humanity. Under the name of 
 "Keeley League" it is now one of the 
 solid temperance organizations of the 
 world, and the membership numbe/s 
 about 25,000. Thus another national 
 organization sprung into existence from 
 our prairie city. The masonic installa- 
 tion and banquet was a g^eat affair this 
 year. Early in the year the electric 
 light was turned on for the first time in 
 Dwight, and it was highly appreciated 
 after using the old oil street lamps for 
 years. Howard Iluey was made agent 
 of the C. A. road liei-e. Mrs. Steven A. 
 Goodman died Jan. 12 of heart disease. 
 A successful revival was held in the M. 
 E. church in January. The first ])ublic 
 joint installation of the G. A..II., W. 
 Pi. C. and S. of V. took place in Jan- 
 uary and was very successful. The or- 
 ganizations . have followed the same 
 course since, and are in splendid condi- 
 tion at the close of this history. The 
 Star and Hekald publishes inter- 
 views with citizens regarding electric 
 lights and they are considered good. 
 Albert Fisk and Miss lowing were mar- 
 ried Jan. 23. Len Ilahn and Gus Keim 
 dissolve partnership in the meat busi- 
 ness, and the latter returns to his ohl 
 home in Ottawa, 111. J. C. Lewis buys 
 the lletzel ]iro]:erty. "\V. G. Dustin 
 purchased a half interest in the Stak 
 AND Heuai.d Feb. 15, 1891, and became 
 editor, which position he has held ever 
 since. Frank Punting and Gertrude M. 
 llaynes were united in marriage Feb.lo. 
 Thomas Gogley and Lizzie Hanlon were 
 married. D. McWilliams jmrchased 
 the .lames C. Spencer farm just in the
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 85 
 
 edge of Dwight, containing 473 acres, 
 for .$25,000 cash. It is known as the 
 "Prince of Wales farm." F. A. Haise 
 buys the Cleveland property and erects 
 a handsome residence. The order of 
 Eastern Star becomes an important so- 
 ciety of Dwight. Mrs. Anna K. Rutan 
 and "W. E. Finch were married in Chi- 
 cago. Miss Maggie Sloan dies Feb. 17. 
 Mrs. De Voir, of Bloomington, and Dr. 
 M. McLane were married. The first 
 annual "write-up" of Dwight appeared 
 in the Star and Herald of Feb. 20. 
 The issue consisted of twelve pages 
 and nearly every business man of 
 Dwight was represented. Five thous- 
 and of these papers were sent over the 
 country, and attracted much attention 
 to Dwight. The edition was illustrated. 
 The "Accommodation" only runs to 
 Dwight. Simon Nelson freezes to death 
 while intoxicated. Memorial services 
 to the memory of W. T. Sherman were 
 held in M. E. church in February. 
 Robt. Martin moves to town. B. A. 
 Buck purchases the Kenyon homestead 
 property. Losee & Brown purchased 
 the business of Will Losee. Albert 
 Barr and Chet Gould open a steam 
 laundry next to the Star and Her- 
 ald office. The Chicago Tribune be- 
 gan to open its columes to any one who 
 has taken the Keeley cure to testify to 
 the facts regarding the the cure. Dr. 
 Milton R Keeley and Miss Jennie 
 Buckingham were married Tuesday, 
 March 10, at the home of the bride's 
 parents at Decatur, 111. Annie Lower 
 and Kate Brown form a partnership for 
 dressmaking. Mr. Steven Parmenter 
 dies suddenly. Will Losee buys a half 
 interest in Hans Rosendall's cigar 
 store. Augusta Kern and F. B. Dough- 
 ty marry. "Daniel Gallup dies at l^omo- 
 na, Cal. Mrs. Leach, mother of John 
 Leach, dies March 27. Sarah Rielly and 
 Gus Lawson are married. Lida M. 
 
 Menaugh and T. E. Gillispie follow 
 suit. Roller skating was a "craze." 
 Mrs. Lizzie Travers, only daughter of 
 Geo. Kepplinger, dies. A public meet- 
 was held April 10 to agree or disagree 
 on a union ticket for municipal elec 
 tion, which was productive of much 
 good. W. G. Dustin was chairman. 
 Remarks were made by Col. R. P. Mor- 
 gan, Major C. J. Judd, Rev. F. W. Mer- 
 rill, C. A. Stuck, G. S. Baker, J. P. Mc- 
 Williams. A. R. Zimmerman, Jesse 
 Diefenbaugh, Dr. Rabe, John Geis, J. 
 B. Bell, James Kelagher and others. 
 The meeting resulted in there being on- 
 ly one ticket in the field, as previously 
 stated in this history. The spring 
 township election resulted in the elec- 
 tion of E. T. Miller, clerk; James Kel- 
 agher, assessor; Mr. Young, collector; 
 Geo. B. Ketcham, road commissioner; B. 
 A. Buck, school trustee. At the munici- 
 pal election the following officers were 
 elected unanimously: John Thompson, 
 president; W. H. Taylor, D. B. Stevens, 
 and John Leach, trustees; Andrew 
 Doherty, clerk. Dr. Palm was elected 
 president of the school broard and John 
 Pettett, John Geis and J. R. Oughton 
 members. Sam Lower demolishes the 
 old blacksmith shop on Mazon avenue 
 and erects the handsome Pennsylvania 
 House. Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Lakin 
 move to Sandwich, 111. W. H. Cool is 
 made C. & A. agent at Dwight. Thos. 
 Weldon purchases the Deale property 
 on Seminole street. Major C. J. Judd 
 retires from the village board, having 
 served faithfully in every capacity for 
 ten years. The first banquet ever given 
 under the auspices of the Bi-Chloride of 
 Gold Club was in an Alton dining car 
 April 20, 1891. Miss Kunigunda Euzner 
 and Carl Tock were married April 19. 
 Hetzel & Romberger dissolved partner- 
 ship, and the Hetzels, who were so long 
 residents of Dwight, left for their fu-
 
 86 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 ture home in Englewood, III. Geo. V>\ 
 Patton delivers the annual address to 
 the Odd Fellows . Real estate transfers 
 were made right and left at right and 
 left prices. Edward Kemeys Henry is 
 buried in Dwight April 28. Miss Em- 
 ma T. Patterson dies at the age of 20 
 years. Hershal Hagerty weighs mail 
 for the government. James Austin re- 
 tires from the office ' of marshal 
 and Robt. Orr took his place and occu- 
 pies the position yet. The handsome 
 "Livingston*' was opened in May. De- 
 Witt Miller and Ame Orr open a res- 
 taurant. Edward and James McWil- 
 liams cross the ocean. David McWil- 
 liams breaks ground for his handsome 
 residence. The Leslie E. Keeley Go's 
 offices are moved into the opera house, 
 which they purchased, and J. D. 
 Ketcham purchased the former office, 
 and ground was broke for the present 
 handsome laboratory. Dwight base ball 
 team defeated the Wilmingtons. The 
 Keeley League meets in Kepplinger's 
 hall in May. Mrs. J. M. Reeder died 
 and is buried in Highland township. O. 
 B. Stanton buys the lease of The 
 Livingston of L. J. Trunnell. The 
 graduating class motto tor "Itl was 
 '•Purity," and the names of the gradu- 
 ates were as follows: Misses Maggie 
 Kern, Mildred Gould, R. May Morris, 
 Minnie E. Rarr, Marcella Ferguson and 
 Mr. Fred de Clercq. Prof. Fisk was 
 principal and Miss Krohn assistant. 
 Rev. P. M. France presented the diplo- 
 mas. May 28 a business men's meet- 
 ing was held in the town house and a 
 permanent committee consisting of the 
 following gentlemen as representatives 
 of the people were elected: C. L. Rom- 
 berger, chairman; J. C. Lewis, S. T. K. 
 I'rime, R. A. I'.uck and David McWil- 
 liams. This committee accomplished 
 much good for Dwight, and their suc- 
 cessful efforts we;e highly appreciated. 
 
 The next evening a monster meeting 
 was held in Kepplinger's Hall presided 
 over by S. T. K. Prime. Among the 
 speakers were Dr. Keeley and Hon. O. 
 W. Pollard. This was the most en- 
 thusiastic meeting ever held in Dwight. 
 It's final results were good, but nothing 
 as to what was expected. A permanent 
 JJusiness Men's Association was organ- 
 ized in May. Another important meet- 
 ing was held about this time, the re- 
 sults of which will stand as monument 
 for all time to come. We refer to the 
 visit of the Chicago & Alton railroad 
 officials and a meeting of prominent 
 citizens with them in their private car. 
 The officials present were T. R. Rlack- 
 stone, president; C. H. Chappell, gen- 
 eral manager; T. M. Bates, superinten- 
 dent of transportation; K. F. Rooth, 
 chief engineer; O. M. Richards, superin- 
 tendent; John R. Drake, director. The 
 citizens of Dwight present were the 
 citizens committee as previoiisly men- 
 tioned and Dr. Leslie E. Keeley, Major 
 C. J. Judd, J. R. Oughton, Hon. O. W. 
 Pollard, Col. R. P. Morgan and W. G. 
 Dustin. Th3 permanent result of this 
 meeting is the handsome new depot. 
 There is none nicer in the state. Deco- 
 ration Day was duly celebrated. Rev. 
 P. M. France delivered the address. 
 Miss Edith Kneeland and Dr. O. P. 
 Hanson marry. Miss Kate Steichen 
 and N. L. Mamer do the same thing. 
 Friday night, June 12, was the great 
 "JoUilication" in west side park. The 
 citizens committee make their report, 
 tiie thirty one acre park was pre- 
 sented and the band played "Annie 
 Hooney," and everybody was happy. 
 Dwight had been in an uproar some 
 time. Outsiders tried every way to get 
 The Leslie F. Keeley Co. to move away, 
 but the company purchased the Ilahn 
 farm, the McPherson house i)roperty 
 and other places, and the people made
 
 HISTORY OF DWJGIIT, ILLI>J0IS. 
 
 87 
 
 up their minds the company would 
 stay. John Stern dies suddenly June 8. 
 At a meeting of the village board June 
 9, a resolution was passed asking (Jeo. 
 ('. Morgan to come to Dwight. He 
 came and presented his views on water 
 works, which would have been adopted 
 and saved the people lots of money, only 
 for the seltish motives of some of those 
 interested in making some money 
 out of the town. The Illinois legisla- 
 ture appropriated $2,500 to the Keeley 
 Institute for the use of afflicted people 
 who were unable to pay for treatment. 
 Eeligious services were held Sunday 
 mornings in June by the Keeley League 
 for the first time. This beautiful cus- 
 tom has been continued ever since. Dr. 
 and Mrs. Leslie E. Keeley sailed for 
 Europe June 24. Hon. J. C. Nicolay, 
 of Washington, D. C, visits Dwight. 
 The Keeley League occupy Presby- 
 terian church. Sam Boyer starts a liv- 
 ery. ( 'arl Miller and Ben Weber visits 
 faderland. The sub-district convention 
 Epworth League met here. Hamilton 
 Spencer meets sudden death in Chicago 
 by being struck by a cable car. Mrs. 
 Robert Mays died June 19, after a long 
 illness. Miss Delia Butler and Frank 
 Currier, Mrs. Kate Brown and F. L. 
 Evans, John Weicker and Maggie 
 Euzner get married all in one week. 
 Fourth of July was celebrated on a large 
 scale and the city was literally tilled 
 with people. Col. Nate A. Reed, Jr., 
 delivered a patriotic address. The 
 merchants display was the finest ever 
 in Dwight. Hunt Cutting opens a cigar 
 store. Miss Lula Harris and Everett 
 Kenyon marry in July. Mr. James 
 Chariton dies suddenly July 14 at the 
 age of 83. O. ^y. Pollard attends the 
 funeral of his mother in Rhode Island. 
 Bishop Merrill addressed the Keeley 
 League July 12. James (roodman erects 
 a fine residence on Mazon avenue which 
 
 was afterwards purchased by Rev. E 
 F. Wright, who resides there now. 
 Ketcham & Smith, two young Dwight 
 men, become large and enterprising real 
 estate dealei^. They moved into their 
 present handsome office in July 1891, 
 and have built up a large business in 
 real estate in all parts of the country. 
 John P. McWilliams lays out Renfrew 
 addition to Dwight into blocks and lots. 
 Elsie Potter and Harry Harrison marry. 
 Will Ketcham builds a handsome resi- 
 dence in Renfrew — his present home. 
 Andrew Baker dies in August. Walter 
 Scott goes into the ice business. W. E. 
 Fenn builds a tine residence on W^au- 
 pansie street. Mrs. Walter Maitland, 
 mother of Dan Shearer, and Samuel 
 Louden, died in September, the former 
 at the age of 72, and the latter at 92. 
 Rev, France leaves Dwight for Linden, 
 Whiteside county, where he accepted a 
 pastorate. He will do good wherever 
 he goes. Hahn Bros, sell their meat 
 business to Rowe & Horr. Morris' bar- 
 ber shop is burglarized in September. 
 Tuesday morning, Sept. 8, Prof. H. D. 
 Fisk passed away. He was a splendid 
 man. His widow and family reside in 
 Dwight yet. Mrs. Ellen Gould dies in 
 California in September. John H. Smith 
 marries Miss Lucy Aumann in Kansas. 
 A. T. Jones erects a fine residence on 
 Deleware street. Rev. A. M. Conard 
 comes to Dwight M. E. church, and 
 Rev. F. W. Merrill goes to Rock Island. 
 Miss Mary Weller and Frank Lower are 
 married in September. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Thos. Weldon celebrated their twenty- 
 fifth anniversary of their wedding Sept. 
 13. Rev. Flavius Brobst visits Dwight 
 and speaks to the Keeley League. J. D. 
 Bevans opens a clothing store for Mc- 
 Williams & Smith. James Harrison, 
 of Goodfarm, dies Sept. 19, at the age of 
 71. Miss Amelia Portz and Levi Mc- 
 Lane wed. Col. A. C. liabcock, of
 
 88 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Chicago, visits Dwight and the Keeley 
 Institute, and was very much pleased 
 with his visit. Harry Lawrence opens a 
 cigar store. The proprietors of the 
 Star and Herald purchase the Gardner 
 Journal. J. R. Oughton pays !$39,000 
 for the Mills section. Saturday morn- 
 ing, Oct. 10, the last great fire in Dwight 
 took place. The fire caught in the en- 
 gine hose back of the old Kepplinger 
 block about 9:30 o'clock, and as all the 
 buildings in the row were wooden struc- 
 tures, everything was gone in about two 
 hours. Following were the losers: Star 
 Herald, North Star, Geo. Kepplinger, 
 Thos. Perry, Barr & Dame, Mrs. 
 Koehnlein, M. Rinehart, Mrs A. Strufe, 
 John Crocker, Leslie E. Keeley Co., 
 Ketcham & Smith, Mrs. Gertie Kayler, 
 John Thompson, Jens Jacobsgaard, 
 Sam Lower. It was not long before the 
 present Kepplinger block, Mazon, Deif- 
 enbaugh, Mrs. Koehnlein, Strufe house 
 were erected, as at present — a grand im- 
 provement on the old tumble down 
 buildings. The Star and Herald moved 
 into Williams' carpenter shop, bought 
 a new outfit and never missed an issue. 
 Albert W. Barr died Oct. 11 at the age 
 of thirty-two. James Funk, the well- 
 known politician, moved to Iowa. Mrs. 
 Alice J. Carthy and Oscar Mulford, 
 Miss Hattie Garrett and AVm. Mikesell 
 are married in October. The Empire 
 Steam Laundry goes into business on 
 Mazon avenue. Martin Seabert erects 
 a fine residence on Mazon avenue, where 
 he resides at present. Major Mc- 
 Claughry visits the Institute. Dan 
 Morris' new home in Renfrew is finished 
 and occupied. Witt & McKay go into 
 the restaurant business. Miller Bros, 
 are robbed two consecutive Saturday 
 nights in November. J. R. Oughton's 
 brother dies in Chicago. The club 
 reaches the 2,000 mark in January. Tlie 
 
 Keeley League is incorporated. Robt. 
 Willmot erects a cottage on Delaware St. 
 The Star and Herald ottice is moved to 
 East Delaware street. Miss Katie 
 Doherty and Geo. E. Goebel are mar- 
 rie in Joliet in November 1891. Trustee 
 Jesse Diffenbaugh resigns at a meeting 
 in November. Miss Grace Kneeland 
 and T. W. Davis were married Thanks- 
 giving day. R. H. Mills suffers a pain- 
 ful accident by catching his hand in a 
 cornsheller. John Dunlap goes into the 
 laundry business. J^Irs. Dr. Broughton 
 and family arrive in Dwight in Decem- • 
 ber. Thos. Blair & Co. were a new 
 plumbing firm. Grandma Louden dies 
 in December at the age of 87. Patrick 
 Burke dies from the effect of injuries 
 received in a runaway. Mrs. Cynthia 
 Potter dies age of 75. McConnell »fc 
 Real purchase Judd Williams livery 
 business. C. A. Stuck moved to Odell 
 in December. Frank Reser moves here 
 from Gardner. The Keeley Co. erects a 
 handsome modern building corner of 
 Washington and Chippewa streets for 
 the accommodation of lady patients. 
 Mrs. Dr. Oakshett dies Dec. 12. Dr. 
 Keeley delivers an address at the Audi- 
 torium in Chicago Dec. 18. The last 
 Star and Herald in the year was a large 
 one and assisted greatly in advertising 
 Dwight. Wm. H. Gillispie died Dec. 12 
 at the age of 58 years. II. H. Cutting 
 sells his cigar store to Sargent & Bas- 
 sett. A brass band is organized. Lit- 
 tle Mary Ethel Adams dies. 
 
 The year we are about to close— 1891 
 — will be remembered by the residents 
 of Dwight as long as they live. AN'e 
 have included such news as was at our 
 disposal in as compact a form as pos- 
 sible, and if we have left out anything 
 of importance the reader will have to 
 forgive us and make the best of it, the 
 same as we have tried to do.
 
 
 Frank A. Haise. 
 
 Geo. N. Flagler. 
 
 D. B. Stevens. 
 
 John Geis.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 89 
 
 CHAPTER Vlll. 
 1892. 
 
 The year 1892 was ushered in with as 
 bright i)rospects as it was ever the for- 
 tune of any eity to possess. Business 
 was good in all its branches among our 
 merchants, and the business of The 
 Leslie E. Keeley Co. had become very 
 large, and there were over one thousand 
 patients here for treatment. The world 
 had become convinced of the genuine- 
 ness of the cure. Dr. Keeley had fought 
 the same battle that all advanced scien- 
 tific men have to fight, but not like 
 some of them, he had lived to realize 
 his dreams and see his great discovery 
 accomplishing the desired results. Dr. 
 and Mrs. Keeley came home from 
 Europe in November, and when they 
 arrived in Dwight a sight met the doc- 
 tor's eyes that we feel sure he never can 
 forget. Over one thousand m'en met 
 him at the depot and gave such a wel- 
 come as few men ever received. lie 
 had worked for years on his great dis- 
 covery and spent many anxious years 
 in watching its etfect. Let us draw a 
 curtain over his feelings at this time. 
 One tiling Dr. Keeley did discover very 
 quickly, and that was there was no 
 sewerage and no more prospect of any 
 ,than when he went away. And it was 
 ])]ain to him that with our ])opulation 
 almost doubled, with tl;e same sanitary 
 conditions in existence as before the 
 increase, that serious results would fol- 
 
 low. Something had to be done. Prom,- 
 ises had been broken. Shortly after 
 this branch institutes were started. An- 
 other citizens' committee consisting of 
 IL P. Morgan, Chas. L. Romberger, W. 
 H. Ketcham, C. J. Judd and J. C. 
 Lewis was appointed to co-operate with 
 the village board, and an elaborate re- 
 port was made which is undoubtedly 
 still on tile. Dr. Keeley and a party of 
 friends visit Bloomington. Among the 
 new residences in Renfrew are those of 
 M. r. Starrett,W. II. Howe, Jet Weller. 
 Phillip Miller erects a tine house on 
 Franklin street. Chas. L. Romberger 
 issues a very good map of Dwight. Dr. 
 L^bellar, dentist, locates here. Sewerage 
 and arc electric light ordinances are 
 passed by the village board early in 
 January. Miss Nora Grittith and N. 
 Portertield were married. W. E. Austin 
 purchases the meat market of Rowe & 
 Ilorr. The first test of the new water 
 works was made January 12. C. A. Hill 
 A: Co. go into the restaurant business- 
 Dr. Keeley lectures in Milwaukee. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Joe Miller celebrate the 
 eleventh anniversary of their wedding. 
 The 'Tlummer" commences to sto]) at 
 Dwight. ]SIrs. Nelson Cornell dies at 
 Moberly, Mo., Jan. 3, at the age of 68. 
 The Dwight express otlice is robbed of 
 .'#3,000 Jan. 20. Edward Young passes 
 away at the age of 73. A fire depart-
 
 90 
 
 HISTORY OF DVVIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 ment is organized with Dr. Milton E. 
 Keeley as chief. Fire districts were es- 
 tablished as follows: 1st. All that por- 
 tion of the city south of Mazon avenue 
 and east of Prairie avenue. 2nd. All 
 that portion west of Prairie and south 
 of Mazon. 3rd. North of Mazon and 
 west of Prairie . 4th. North of Mazon 
 and east of Prairie. The districts are 
 the same now. Miss Emma Clarkson is 
 married at Denver to Eugene Kreigh. 
 Dr. Keeley speaks in Kansas City . Wm. 
 Bartholic builds a handsome residence 
 in Renfrew. Captain Harry Insley 
 purchased the right of the Keeley reme- 
 dies for Colorado. Nathan Baker was 
 elected collector to till the unexpired 
 term of Mr. Young, deceased. Grand- 
 ma Martin dies in Indiana at the age of 
 7»>. Mrs. Ann Standen-Pettitt died .Tan. 
 26 at the age of 76. Miss Eva Brown 
 and Mr. Reed, of Chicago, are united in 
 marriage Jan. 26. Geo. Kern's store is 
 burglarized. Hill iS: McCabe get the 
 sewer contract. Mr. Henry Pettitt fol- 
 lows his beloved wife to the great be- 
 yond at the age of 78. An article in the 
 Star and Herald in February gives com- 
 plimentary notice of new residences on 
 Waupansie street: Philip Weicker, O. 
 C. Jensen, F. A. liaise, D. B. Stevens^ 
 Ed. Harrison, J. S. Fitield, W. E. Fenn' 
 the Typewriters Home and the Roe 
 and Wilson residences. They all added 
 greatly to Dwight's beauty. Keeley In- 
 stitutes were established in Russia 
 Sweden and Norway. Dr. Keeley si)eaks 
 in Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs.Wm.Mil- 
 ler lose a ten year old son by death. J. 
 R. Oughton buys the Durston and 
 Hinkey farms 760 acres. The Danish 
 society erect a new parsonage in Feb- 
 ruary, and Rev. Hekker is installed as 
 regular pastor anil is here yet. During 
 the week commencing Feb. 15, was 
 held the first national meeting of what 
 is now the Keeley League. The Dwight 
 
 Star and Herald, with commendable 
 enterprise, issued a daily paper during 
 the week, which was profusely illustrat- 
 ed and contained the report of the con- 
 vention and the usual local news. There 
 were present many brilliant men and 
 the convention was a success. Col. Nate 
 A. Reed, Jr., well known in Dwight, 
 establishes the Banner of Gold, a liter- 
 ary paper devoted to the Keeley cure 
 and Keeley League. A co-operation 
 creamery company, was organized. It 
 is still running under the supervision of 
 a competent man, Mr. Lowe. Miss 
 Carrie Kime and James Semark were 
 married in February. Dr. Palm and 
 family move east. They returned, how- 
 ever, and are now permanent residents, 
 Dr. Palm being health officer. S. T. K. 
 Prime was called to Washington, D. C, 
 in February to testify before the senate 
 committee in relation to dealing it fu- 
 tures. Mr. I'rime is acknowledged to 
 be one of the best posted men in Amer- 
 ica and his writings and crop informa- 
 tion furnished newspapers has made 
 his name and that of Dwight known 
 for years all cn^er this country. Sam 
 Houston leaves Dwight and never came 
 back. The Keeley League adopts the 
 present club button. The League com- 
 mences to give entertainments and 
 is ably assisted by home talent. This 
 feature is continued to the present time 
 with great success. Stevens & l^osee 
 erect a frame business building corner 
 Prairie avenue and Delaware streets. 
 The Leslie E. Keeley Co. receive favor- 
 able proi)ositions to move away. The 
 special assessment feature of the sewer- 
 age matter causes considerable dissatis- 
 faction. The Leslie E. Keeley Co. erect 
 a handsome two story brick business 
 block on West street, which is at i)res- 
 ent occui)ied by J.C.Lewis, Barr iV: 
 Davis, Dr. ]iarr and C. L. Romberger. 
 The Artesian Laundry, near Spencer's
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 91 
 
 hay press factory, is a new business 
 venture. It is at present owned by 
 Wright & C"o. .John Heimer and Mary 
 Comisky are married. Dr. Keeley lec- 
 tures at Joliet. August Michales and 
 Miss Barbara Junsie are married in 
 March. Lewis Pfefferman and Miss 
 Hannah Finnegan, of Hound Grove, 
 marry. Palmer & Smith buy out 
 Stevens & Losee's meat business. Rev, 
 II. M. Cole accepts the pastorate of the 
 Congregational church. The Benedicta 
 Literary society gave a fine literary en- 
 tainment at high school building. The 
 Star and Herald contains a complimen- 
 tary notice of the improvements on 
 different streets. The St. Louis Lim- 
 ited was put on the C. & A. road but 
 D wight was not in it. It never stopped 
 here. The North Star, owned by C. A. 
 Stuck, moved to Odell and since then 
 there has been but one printing office in 
 Dwight — the Star and Herald. The 
 authorities inspect the new passenger 
 station. The enterprising residents of 
 Mazon avenue extend water mains as 
 far west as the school house. II. T. 
 Loper leases the Mazon and starts a 
 very fine restaurant. Frank Haise 
 moves into his handsome new residence 
 in March. A. Brubaker builds a hand- 
 some home next to the liaise residence 
 and moves in later. E. D. Gregg, a pros- 
 I)er()us farmer of Round Grove, moves 
 to Dwight. Mrs. Elizabeth Wilson dies. 
 Dr. Florence Thompson graduates from 
 the Chicago dental college. She is now 
 having a prt)S[)erous practice in Dwight. 
 Mr. McCaulley goes into the jewelry 
 business. A. J. Diefenbach & Co. open 
 their new tonsorial parlors on Mazon 
 avenue. Mrs. Thos. Harford falls and 
 breaks one of her arms. Mrs. .Jno. W. 
 Northrop gives a concert in Kimball 
 hall in Chicago for the benefit of the 
 Keeley League. The money made did 
 much good and provided many a man 
 
 with necessaries while in Dwight. Miss 
 Johanna Crandall dies. She was a sis- 
 ter of Chas. Crandall. Miss Hattie Jef- 
 fries, aged 10, dies. The Dwight amuse- 
 ment club is formed. The township 
 caucuses were held with the following 
 results: Democratic— Supervisor, J. 
 Thompson; town clerk, Fred Liggitt; 
 assessor, James Kelagher; collector, 
 Nathan Baker; commissioners, Jacob 
 Christman, John Gammil; trustees, J. 
 M. Burnham and G . S. Baker. Repub- 
 lican—Supervisor, R. H. Mills; town 
 clerk, E. T. Miller; assessor, Roscoe 
 Gould; collector, Robt. Dunlap; com- 
 missioners AV. II. Taylor, Thos. AVeldon; 
 trustees, G. Brown and G. W. Boyer. 
 Following were the winners after a hot 
 contest: Supervisor, John Thompson; 
 clerk, E. T. Miller; assessor, Kelagher; 
 collector, Dunlap; commissioners, Tay- 
 lor and Weldon; trustees. Brown and 
 Boyer. Carl Reinmiller and Miss Ella 
 Butler are married at the residence of 
 O. W. Pollard. The question of a new 
 crossing occupied the minds of the peo- 
 ple. General Daniel Dustin, father of 
 the editor of the Star and Herald, dies 
 at Carthage, Mo., March 30. Albert 
 Bros, open a meat market. Harrison & 
 Curtis buy out Stevens & Losee's gro- 
 cery. The Dwight high school celebrate 
 Arbor Day. A lawn tennis club is 
 formed with Prof. C. E. Schlabaeh 
 president. The first anniversary of the 
 club was celebrated April 1. Rev. De- 
 Witt Talmage visits Dwight in com- 
 pany with Dr. Keeley, and speaks to 
 the patients April 20. Mr. and Mrs. F. 
 A. liaise celebrate the tenth anniver- 
 sary of their wedding. At the spring 
 municipal election two tickets were 
 j)laced in the field -a "Citizens" and 
 "Anti-license." Henry Fox headed the 
 former and Chas. L. Rombergerthe lat- 
 ter. Mr. Roniberger was elected by an 
 overwhelming majority and made as
 
 92 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLIINOIS. 
 
 good, if not the best president the board 
 ever had. He was an inveterate worker 
 and his work was well done. The can- 
 didates for trustees on the former ticket 
 were J. Kelagher, J. Stewart and E. T. 
 Miller. They were defeated byB. A. 
 Buck, John Geis and ({. N. Flagler and 
 F. A. liaise defeated H. McLane for 
 clerk. This was a splendid business 
 board throughout. A Brubaker was 
 elected president of the school board, 
 and N. N. Mickelson and E. T. Miller 
 members. J. Guardenier's jewelry store 
 was robbed in April . The Xorth Star 
 for a short time came to Dwight after 
 removal, but in the latter part of April 
 gave up the ghost. Dr. Barr moves into 
 the new Keeley block, and W. J. 
 Ilagerty and Alex. McKay start a fine 
 restaurant in the Ilagerty block. J . A, 
 Webster buys out Walter Scott's coal 
 business. The Star and Herald prints 
 the portraits of the mayor and new 
 board of trustees. The arc electric 
 lights are turned on and work like a 
 charm. Mr. Wheeler, republican can- 
 didate for governor of Iowa, visits Jas. 
 Brown's fine farm looking for blooded 
 horses. He found them. Mr. Reinhart 
 opens a pop factory. A. Brubaker is 
 elected village treasurer. Little Jennie 
 Mills, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. II. 
 Mills, died May 2. J. W. P^pperson dis- 
 appears. Dr. W. L. liarnes, dentist, lo- 
 cates here. The delegate train from 
 Chicago to the republican state conven- 
 tion stopped at Dwight about thirty 
 minutes and visited the Keeley Inst - 
 tute. and were much pleased with what 
 they saw. Dr. and Mrs. Leslie E. Keeley 
 left Dwight May 18 for a tour in Europe. 
 The fourth anniversary of the Y. AV. ('. 
 T. II. was celebrated at the home of the 
 Misses Filieid. A brilliant reception 
 was given at the new cliili hall and (he 
 Uahn residence the new home of the 
 Dwight Keeley League. Dr. H. Brougli- 
 
 ton is presented with a handsome 
 charm. Dr. Keeley lectures in Brook- 
 lyn just before sailing for Europe. Mr. 
 Addison Wood died May 14. .Jacob 
 L. Peterson and Miss Annie K. 
 Peterson wed in May. Chris. Skafgaard 
 was married in Chicago in May. Bailey 
 Gower and D. B. Walker announce 
 themselves as candidates for the nomi- 
 nation for legislature in the Star and 
 Herald. The contract for the present 
 handsome opera was let in May. Austin 
 (iibbons becomes a candidate for the 
 office of member of the state board of 
 equalization. The Leslie E. Keeley Co. 
 lent the new village board 84,000 to help 
 them pay running expenses, and charged 
 no interest. Frank L. Smith announces 
 himself a candidate for the nomination 
 as circuit clerk. He made a short, 
 hustling canvass, and was only defeat- 
 ed by a small majority in the convention. 
 Dr. W.H.Weld and Miss Millie WinkJer 
 are married in June. X.Nomenson opens 
 a grocery store in Frank Ford's build- 
 ing. A good male quartet take the 
 name of "Dwight Star and Herald 
 Quartet," S. T. K. Prime is banquet - 
 ted at the Mazon. J. C. Lewis moves 
 his jewelry store to Keeley block. 
 
 The 12th annual commencement ex- 
 ercises of Dwight high school are held 
 in M. E. church June 2. The grad- 
 uates were Misses Bessie Baker. M. 
 I'^tta ('aider, Fannie Connor and Clay 
 1). Parker and Chas. A.Simmons. Prof. 
 Schlabach ])resented the diplomas. The 
 motto was "Rowing, not Drifting." 
 The class day exercises were also very 
 interesting. Geo. Reed buys the Em- 
 l)ire Laundry from Dame i^ Dunlaji. 
 Decoration Day was duly celebrated in 
 Dwight and there was a large turn out. 
 Kev. Conaid delivered the address. Mrs. 
 Mary II. Hunt, the great temi)erance 
 advocate and W. C, T. LI", lady visits 
 Dwight ami sjjcaks to the League. \V-
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGITT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 93 
 
 (J. pustin, Frank Smith and A. K. Zim- 
 merman attend the national rejjublican 
 convention at ^linneapolis in June. An 
 ordinance was published in the Star 
 and Herald in .June creating and defin- 
 ing the othce of street commissioner. 
 J)\vight C. Morgan and Miss Minnie B. 
 Dart are married in California .June 20. 
 Col. K. r. Morgan and family were 
 ])resent. Mrs. .1. C. Lewis died June 25 
 after a long illness. P^ngineer Bellows 
 is killed by an accident on the branch 
 and Fireman James Reeder was badly 
 injured. The latter recovered and is 
 now residing in Lacon. The Star and 
 Herald issues a red, white and blue 
 Fourth of July edition. 
 
 The Fourth of July was celebrated 
 with great pomp in 1892. Hon. John I. 
 Blair was the orator, and the eagle was 
 tiunied loose in good old style. Col. R., 
 P. Morgan is engaged by the railroad 
 commissioners of California for an im- 
 ])ortant missicm. Howard W.« Kelly 
 and Miss Josephine M. Kennedy are 
 married at the residence of Joseph 
 Burnham in July. James Prickett and 
 Miss Gertrude Jeffries marry in July. 
 Mrs. Chas. M. liaker returns after a se- 
 vere sickness in Milwaukee and Chica- 
 go. The summer of 1892 was excessive- 
 ly warm, the thermometer often reach- 
 ing 100 in the shade. The Knights of 
 Pythias picnic at Wilmington in July. 
 Rev. R. Wilhelmsen, a progressive 
 Danish minister, organized a Danish M. 
 K. society in Lwight. and purchased 
 the old Presbyterian church. Tlie so- 
 ciety is in a nourishing condition and 
 Rev. Wilhelmsen is still the beloved 
 pastor. Hon. H. K. Wheeler, of Kan- 
 kakee, republican candidate for con- 
 gress, visits Dvvight. A. W. Kern and 
 Peter Kern i)urchase the grocery busi- 
 ness of Geo. L. Kern. The latter pur- 
 chases the restaurant business of Milt 
 Witt. Chas. L. Romberger, the enter- 
 
 j)rising real estate dealer, moves into, 
 his present handsome otlice in Keeley 
 block. Miss Calahan and Mr. McCarty 
 marry in July. The Renfrew Lodge 
 stock farm, owned by John P. McWil- 
 liams, becomes an imj)ortant business 
 feature of Dwight. A Cincinnati fea- 
 male base ball club play with the 
 Dwights and beat them. Frank Losee 
 hangs himself in J. D. Ketcham's barn 
 while temporarily insane. The Dwight 
 Investment Company was formed in 
 August by about a dozen of Dwight' s 
 enterprising citizens. They purchased 
 the buildmg owned by the Empire 
 Steam Laundry company and trans- 
 form it into a fine hall, which is still be- 
 ing used for dancing parties, etc. Mr. 
 and Mrs. John R. Oughton sail for 
 Europe August 19 and spent several 
 months abroad. John Pettitt goes to 
 Denver with the St. Bernard drill corps 
 and enjoyed a splendid visit. Zimmer- 
 man & Dustin sell the Gardner Journal. 
 R. C. Adams, an old and highly respect- 
 ed citizen of Dwight, died in August, 
 Frank L. Rozelle conducts a revival in 
 M. E. church in August. Professor 
 Schlabach moves to DeWitt, Iowa, and 
 enters a school there. He was subse- 
 quently elected couTity superintendent 
 of schools, which position he now occu- 
 j)ies. Chas. L. Romberger and F. W. 
 ^'ickery attend the Knight's conclave 
 at Denver with the Joliet commandery. 
 S. T. K. Prime addresses a hard roads 
 ct»nvention in Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. 
 Bennett, author of "Sweet Bye and 
 Bye,"' visits Dwight and gave the his- 
 tory of the beautiful hymn in Congre- 
 gational church to a large audience. 
 Mr. John Conrad dies in August at the 
 residence of his brother, W. II. Conrad. 
 McConnell and Real dissolve j)art- 
 nership, the former retiring. J. A. 
 Hayes commences injunction j)roceed- 
 ings against the Dwight sewer. The
 
 94 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILL[>;OI.S. 
 
 case was won and lost by the city and 
 finally Mr. Hayes came out ahead. 
 Among the improvements during the 
 summer, the Star and Herald of Aug- 
 ust 27 notes those of J. B.France, A. 
 Brubaker, Tock Bros., Peter Beuhler, 
 Miller Bros, store and W. H. Conrad. 
 H. T. Loper sells the Mazon restaurant. 
 Dr. and Mrs. Barr visit relatives in the 
 east. Mrs. J. P. Weagley, mother of 
 Mrs. D. McAVilliams, Mrs. C. M. Baker 
 and Mrs. F. Connor, passed away in 
 August at the age of 82. Miss Anna 
 Jeannetta Koehnlein and Chas. B. El- 
 liott, of Chicago, are married Sept. 1. 
 Miss Sophia Rhode and Geo. Sayers are 
 married at Verona. Miss Anna M. 
 Beier and Jens Knudsen were married 
 the latter part of August. Jas. B. Aus- 
 tin and family move to Nebraska in 
 September. Liggitt & Fenn dissolve 
 partnership. Dr. and Mrs. Leslie E. 
 Keeley arrive home from Europe in 
 September and receive a warm recep- 
 tion. 
 
 Sept. 15, 1892, the second meeting of 
 what is now known as National Keeley 
 Leagvie met in Dwight for a four days 
 session. The meetings were held in the 
 new opera house, it being the first 
 meeting ever held* in that handsome 
 building. S. T. K. Prime delivered the 
 welcoming address. Dr. Leslie E. Kee- 
 ley, Hon. John V. Farewell, Opie R^d, 
 Vol. Nate A. lieed, Jr., Albert Hyde. 
 Charles Eugene lianks, John I. Gillis- 
 pie, Judge Arnold and many other 
 prominent gentlemen delivered address- 
 es, and letters of regret were read from 
 Miss Frances AVillard, Gov. Jos. Fifer, 
 Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, Mayor Wash- 
 burne, R. W. McClaughry, (Jov. Peck, 
 of Wisconsin, and many others. The 
 Star and Herald issued a daily. 
 
 Col. J. B. Parsons attends the nation- 
 al G. A. R. encampment at AVashing- 
 ton, D. C. Miss Anna Nelson and Ed. 
 
 Hahn are married in September. The 
 Haney family had a reunion at the 
 handsome new residence of Geo. S. 
 Baker in August. Dwight Lodge Mod- 
 ern Woodman organized in September 
 and are nourishing at this time. John 
 Dillon opens the new opera house with 
 "A Model Husband." Every seat in 
 the house was taken. Hon. A. J. Les- 
 ter, of Springfield, delivers a republican 
 speech, and the republicans organize a 
 marching club and visit neighboring 
 towns during the campaign. The demo- 
 crats organize a campaign club. Miss 
 Kate Lyons and Cameille Ribordy are 
 married in October. The Congrega- 
 tional society purchase a new pipe or- 
 gan. Dr. H. S. Tanner, the world re 
 nowned faster, visits Dwight and speaks 
 to the Keeley League. The "Doll 
 Drill" was a very pretty home enter- 
 tainment in October. Senator J. G. 
 Strong, of Kansas, visits his daughter, 
 Mrs. Frank Chester. Mrs. J. L. Mc- 
 Kinley commits suicide while insane. 
 Francis Murphy, the great temperance 
 advocate, visits Dwight as a guest of 
 Dr. Keeley. Hon. R. S. Mcllduff, Hon. 
 C. Snow and C. S. Darrow deliver polit- 
 ical speeches in October in Dwight. 
 Congressman Payson speaks in Dwight. 
 Mrs. Blackmore, of Pontiac, inspects 
 the Dwight Relief Corps. Miss Lillie 
 Abbaduska and Frank Barnum were 
 married in Odell in October. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Walter M. Weese visit relatives in 
 Canada. Henry Slauson, who came to 
 Dwight in the fifties, passed away early 
 in November. Miss Jennie Simmons 
 and Chas. V. Herr are married in Chi- 
 cago in October. All was excitement 
 during the month of October and up to 
 election day in November. Both great 
 ]»olitical parties did their best and the 
 result was the will of the majority and 
 had to be satisfacory. Everything, al- 
 most, went democratic. Tlie Woman's
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 95 
 
 Auxiliary Keeley League was organ- 
 ized in Dwigiit in November. Miss 
 Delia Pearre and Theodore Hayes 
 were married Nov. 2. Miss Maud Smith 
 and Jas. McKay were married in No- 
 vember in Pontiac. Miss Kate Long 
 and John Thompson are married in 
 Joliet in November. Christopher Yates, 
 the well-known veterinary surgeon, died 
 in November. Steven Goodman's little 
 daughter, Ilattie, also died. Quite a 
 number of aspirants for the postotiice 
 commence operations. The 3-1 express 
 messenger is robbed of 82,000. P^ E. 
 Fenn iK: Co. and Sargent & Bassett 
 trade businesses. L. A. Nalfziger was 
 appointed special assessment collector. 
 S. T. K. Prime was made general west- 
 ern secretary of the National League 
 for good roads. Col. R. P. Morgan 
 makes a report on all railroads in Cali- 
 fornia and receives great praise from 
 the state authorities. The Star and 
 Herald issues a large holiday number 
 in December. A charming merchant's 
 carnival was given in the opera house 
 in December for the benefit of the high 
 school. Miss Mildred Kabe and Leon- 
 ard Ilowlett were married Dec. 23 at 
 the home of the bride. They still reside 
 here and Mr. Howlett is a valued em- 
 ploye of The Leslie E. Keeley Co. The 
 
 fire company was called out on account 
 of a fire in the coal houses back of the 
 Keeley League hall, which was quickly 
 extinguished. The "malt" cases at- 
 tract considerable attention. "Malt" 
 proved to be beer in disguise, and 
 Mayor Romberger and the town board 
 were elected on a strict no-license tick- 
 et. The parties selling the stuff were 
 arrested and the first cases were ap- 
 I)ealed, but the mayor kept right after 
 them until no bonds could be gotten and 
 the law breakers were glad to quit. L. 
 B. Rake and family move to Iowa. The 
 military drill given in the opera house 
 in December was one of the prettiest 
 entertainments ever given in Dwight 
 and was repeated later on. Mr. John 
 Ferguson, of Campus, formerly of 
 Dwight, died on Christmas day. Christ- 
 mas entertainments were given in Con- 
 gregational, M. E. and other churches, 
 and the holidays seemed to be happily 
 passed in Dwight. John Thompson's 
 house caught fire and was nearly de- 
 stroyed. Miss Eebecca Burkhart and 
 George Hoffman were married in De- 
 cember. Wykes & Co. go into the ice 
 business. M. H, Coole, fromerly Dwight 
 agent for the C . & A, railroad, died at 
 a hospital in Chicago. The year 1892 
 ended with the people of Dwight, gen- 
 erally, prosperous and happy.
 
 96 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 1893. 
 
 The year 1893 opened with bright 
 * prospects but no "boom" on. Although 
 there was not that wild demand for 
 property which there was previously, 
 the price was found to have increased 
 nearly double what it was three years 
 before, and for desirable property, re- 
 mains about the same to this day— 1895. 
 In two years our little prairie village 
 has blossomed into a city in importance 
 and the main business streets, with the 
 handsome buildings and new passenger 
 station presented a prosperous appear- 
 ance, and many were the compliments 
 paid D wight by people passing through 
 on the Alton trains. In the night the 
 streets were almost as light as day, and 
 the hundreds of electric lights in The 
 Leslie E. Keeley Co.'s buildings and 
 other business houses, gave our city the 
 look of prosperity and enterprise. The 
 effects of the '-boom" were still bad, 
 but those who were unfortunate braved 
 it through and during the whole time 
 there was not a business failure. 
 
 Among the more important things 
 which transpired in .January was tiie 
 great interest taken by the ])eople 
 in getting factories to locate here, and 
 encouraging some coal company to sink 
 a shaft here. J. A. Hayes, a ])rosperous 
 farmer living in the edge of (Jnuuiy 
 county, thought he had coal under his 
 land and the b\isiness men raised mon- 
 
 ey and assisted him in prospecting, but 
 it came to naught. Hon. O. W. Pollard, 
 who had been very sick for some time, 
 recovered so much that he was 
 able to be out, and his many friends 
 were much gratified. Early in the year 
 Col. and Miss May Morgan and Mr. 
 and Mrs. Dwight Morgan returned to 
 Dwight after a long sojourn in Cali- 
 fornia. The Dwight Star and Herald 
 otlice moves into the present commo- 
 dious quarters, adds an eighteen horse 
 power boiler and a steam heatmg appa- 
 ratus and becomes one of the leading 
 country printing plants in the state. 
 Mrs. Martha E. Dunlap dies in Chatta- 
 nooga, Tenn. Mrs. Wm. Khoiles, an old 
 resident of Dwight died at Eldorado 
 Springs, Mo. Miss (Jrace (ireg(»ry and 
 F. W. Liggitt are married at Normal. 
 111., the home of the bride. I\Irs. Ida 15. 
 Cole is appointed national secretary of 
 the national W. A. K. L. AV. J. Ilagerty 
 and Alex. McKay dissolve i)artnership. 
 Miss Maggie Lawler and Wm. Christian 
 are married. .James Hrown jiurchases 
 2."),(K)0 bushels of corn for feeding i)ur- 
 po-es. Erasmus (Joukl dies in Kansas. 
 The W. A. K. L. receive a benefit from 
 the production of "Young Mrs. Win" 
 tlirop." Peter (Intel is killed by an Al- 
 ton train about a mile and a half south 
 of Dwight. Early in .January about 
 forty witnesses from Dwight attend tlie
 
 Postoffice Force During the Boom. 
 
 Joe Miller 
 
 Carl Miller.
 
 TTISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 97 
 
 sewer trial at I'ontiac. A very heavy 
 snow storm the first week in January. 
 The sewer case was won by the village 
 for the time being. Miss Minnie Ahern 
 and Frank L. Smith are married Feb. 8. 
 The night before Mr. Smith was ten- 
 dered a reception at the Scott House by 
 many of his bachelor friends. Miss 
 Lizzie liurkhart and Martin Hoffman 
 are married Feb. 8. Louis Falk gave a 
 concert at Congregational church for 
 the benefit of the organ fund. Little 
 Mamie Lightholder dies. Mrs. Wm. 11. 
 (Jillispie dies Feb. h. L. Hake and fam- 
 ily move to Iowa. Aaron Prickett 
 moves to Iowa. Mayor Romberger 
 makes a successful stand against the 
 malt venders in Dwight and cleaned 
 tliem out in good order. After the 
 second arrest tliey could not get bonds 
 and were forced to get out of town or 
 settle uj) at any cost. McWilliams «.K: 
 Smith's store is burglarized. The 22nd 
 day of February is celebrated in a lit- 
 ing,i)atriotic manner by the high school. 
 Miss Maggie A. Austin and liobert 
 Mayes are married Feb. 20. John \\. 
 Oughton's tine imported dog. Heather 
 Lad, takes first premium at the Chica- 
 go Kennel Club bench show. This was 
 followed by a steady run of win- 
 nings in the dog shows of the country. 
 At the j)resent time -1895 Mr. Ough- 
 ton has one of the first and most valu- 
 able kennels in America in Dwight. 
 They are under the charge of Ame Ovv. 
 On another page we present a i)icture 
 of Heather Lad, the .'Sn.OOO dog. 
 
 The churches celebrate Temperance 
 Sunday api)ropriately the last Sunday in 
 February. Oregg ..^ Starrett go into 
 the feed business at the old Hart stand. 
 Later Mr. (Iregg sold out to Martin 
 Seabert, and at present— 1H95 the firm 
 is Starrett «.K: Seabert. George Fox dies 
 in Kansas. A barn in the rear of Dr. 
 Palm's house on Chippewa street is de- 
 
 stroyed by fire. March 9, in the 
 evening, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer El- 
 dredge tendered a reception to Mr. 
 Eugene \'. Debs, who was about 
 to leave for his home in Terra Haute, 
 Ind., after having taken the bichloride 
 of gold treatment. This was before Mr. 
 Debs was leader of the greatest railroad 
 strike ever known. One of the guests 
 of the evening was the acccomplished 
 literary light, Eugene Field, who was 
 here for the tobacco treatment. The 
 latter took part in an entertainment at 
 Congregational church and a club en- 
 tertainment about this time, reciting 
 some of his pretty poems. Col. Richard 
 P. Morgan and Dwight C. Morgan are 
 appointed consulting engineers by the 
 Railway and "Warehouse Commissioners 
 of Illinois. Miss Bessie Huey and H. 
 F. Adams are married March 22. Mar- 
 shall P. AVilder. the great lecturer, visits 
 Dwight and gives an entertainment. 
 
 At the township caucuses held the 
 following were nominated: Republican 
 —clerk, E. T. Miller; assessor, R. 11. 
 Mills; collector, Thos. Harford; com- 
 missioners, Frank Chester and AVm. 
 Christiansen; justices, M. Wilkison and 
 Henry McLane; constables, Thos. Jen- 
 kins and O. C. Jensen; trustee, Jno. R, 
 Radclitte. Democratic clerk, E. T. 
 Miller; assessor, James Kelagher; col- 
 lector, Benj. Bell; commissioners, Peter 
 Ileinen and AVm. Christiansen; justices, 
 J. B. BarthandAVm. Lester; constables, 
 Thos. Jenkins and Chas. Hearing; trus- 
 tee, Jno. R. Radclifte. Following were 
 the winners: clerk, E. T. Miller; asses- 
 sor, Jas. Kelagher; collector, Thos. Har- 
 ford; commissioners, Frank Chester 
 and AA'^m. Christiansen; justices, M. AVil- 
 kison and Henry McLane; constables, 
 Thos. Jenkins and O. C. Jensen; trus- 
 tee, Jno. R. Radclitte. The Star and 
 Herald publishes an interesting letter 
 from S. T. K. Prime from California.
 
 98 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Father Halpin dies at Odell. John 
 Stack dies. 
 
 Following were the nominations for 
 the municipal election in April 1893. 
 Citizens — H. Fox, president; J. AV. Sar- 
 gent, A. M. Bartholic, E. P. Hahn, trus- 
 tees; G. L. Kern, clerk. Anti-License 
 — Chas. L. Komberger, president; D. B. 
 Stevens, Roger Mills, Geo. S. Baker, 
 trustees; F. A. Haise, clerk. The cam- 
 paign was a hot one, and wiiile not 
 divided exactly on the license question, 
 there was a feeling that it would be 
 safer to elect the straight anti-license 
 ticket, and there were some men on 
 the citizens ticket who had been li- 
 cense men heretofore. The principal 
 question was, however, that of public 
 improvements and how they should be 
 made and paid for. Mr, liomberger 
 had made a splendid oflicial but the 
 taxes and special assessments had been 
 levied under his administration and he 
 was blamed by many who did not want 
 license but were simply dissatistied. 
 Mr. Romberger did not want the office, 
 but after accepting the nomination 
 made the run but was defeated by II. 
 Fox by twelve majority. The remain- 
 ing part of the anti-license ticket was 
 elected by good majorities. Miss Cora 
 McCarty dies. J. E. Schobey dies at 
 his home in Union Hill. X. X; Mickel- 
 son purchases the Dwight Art Com- 
 pany. John D.Ketcham dies. A.Row- 
 ley also dies. Miss Xora A. Taylor and 
 AV'm. H. Ketcham were married April 
 19. The Keeley League Club house is 
 burned. Rev. AVilson, a former ])ast()r 
 of Congregational clnn-ch, is frozen to 
 death in the west. Patrick Confrey 
 dies in May. Dwight Driving Park 
 Association organizes. An interesting 
 letter is published in the Star and Her- 
 ald regarding S. T. K. Prime's visit t<> 
 California. Miss Lavinia W. McKay 
 and J. A. Spencer were married May 17. 
 
 Mrs. C. A. Staley dies. Mrs. Jacob Bur- 
 ger dies. Mrs. Metske passes away. 
 
 May 1, of 1893. the "Great White 
 City'' opened in Chicago, and Dwight 
 people generally visited some time dur- 
 ing the six months. The Star and Her- 
 ald published many interesting articles 
 regarding the grand exhibit. Mr. and 
 Mrs. AV. J. Ilagerty lose a little girl 
 baby. Mrs. (reorge Short dies. Deco- 
 ration Day is duly celebrated. The 
 commencement exercises were held in 
 the opera house the evening of June B. 
 The graduates were Misses Addie Femi, 
 M. Mabel Thompson, Dora Kern, John 
 O'Malley and Frank Ford. The first con- 
 vention of Illinois State Keeley League 
 and Auxiliary meets in Dwight in June. 
 There were delegates present from all 
 over the state and an excellent time en- 
 joyed. Mrs. AV. AV. AVood died in June. 
 Miss Lucy Stockwell and J. C. Lewis 
 are married in June in Minneapolis. 
 The Keeley League conduct the Fourth 
 of July celebration this year, and it was 
 a grand success. Hon. Thos. AV. Golden, 
 of Janesville, Wis., was the orator of 
 the day. Miss Mattie E. AVright and 
 B. M. Chubb are married in July. Ex- 
 alderman Benj. Bell dies July 20. Rev. 
 J. A. Fisher becomes pastor of Con- 
 gregational church. Geo. Burns dies. 
 •Edward Murphy, son of Francis Mur- 
 phy, visits Dwight and sjieaks to the 
 League. Count Fr. Berg and son, of 
 Sagnitz, Riga, Russia, visits Dwight- 
 Miss Linna E. Seabert and AVillard S. 
 Brown are married Sunday. Aug. t), in 
 Chicago. Aliss Sarah M. Clarkson and 
 Dr. Chas. H. (rarduer are married Aug- 
 ust 13. Fred Steffin's barn burns for 
 the third time. Steven Knudsen, of 
 Round Grove, is accidently killed. Aug. 
 20, 1893, J. F. AVassell purchases the 
 interest of A. R. Zimmerman in the 
 Star and Herald, and the busmess con- 
 tinued to flourish under the lirm name
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 99 
 
 of Dustiu tlv: AVassell. Henry KIdriclge 
 (lies very suddenly in Chicago. The 
 third annual convention Keeley League 
 met at Central Music hall in Chicago 
 in September. They were welcomed 
 by Mayor Carter Harrison, and all vis- 
 ed world's fair on "Keeley" day. D wight 
 l)ostotllce was burglarized. Kev. C. W. 
 Ayling comes to the M. E. church in 
 J) wight in September 1893. Miss Mary 
 Terwilliger' and Orville Brown are 
 married Oct. 5. Miss Frances Costello 
 and Havid McKenzie were married Oct. 
 4. Miss Nettie Cunliffe and Frank 
 Stevens were married at the residence 
 C. W. Ayling. S. T. K. Prime and Major 
 C. .1. Judd make a tour of the east. Dr. 
 C. H. IJarr and Walter M. Davis form a 
 l^artnership in the drug business under 
 the tirm name of Barr & Davis. Col. K. 
 P. Morgan is appointed one of the re- 
 ceivers of the Northern Pacific railroad, 
 and took active management of the 
 l)roperty. Miss A. M. Anderson and O. 
 P. Anderson are married. October Ki 
 the horrible accident occurred at Em- 
 ington by the explosion of dynamite, in 
 which tive men lost their lives and sev- 
 eral were injured. Those killed were 
 Chris. Eyer, one of the well-knowii tirm 
 of Eyer Bros., deep well sinkers, and 
 and Dan Eyer, a brother, and Fred 
 Eyer, a cousin, and James Cornwall, of 
 Dwight, and C. E, Fowler, of Eming- 
 ton. Chris. Shearer, a cousin of the 
 Eyers, from Olney, John Brown, James 
 and ^\'m. AVylly and John Kennedy, of 
 Emington, were badly injured. Many 
 business houses and residences were 
 badly damaged. A recei)tion was given 
 to Piev. C. W. Ayling and family l)y the 
 M. E. congregation. Miss Nellie E. 
 .leffries and E.G. Philli])s, of Janes- 
 ville. Wis., are married Oct. If). Many 
 old Dwightites visit Dwight during 
 the summer, having come to Chicago to 
 visit the great fair, also many eastern 
 
 relatives of people here come west. 
 MissErminia Elfrieda Baker and Dr. 
 "William I^eonard Barnes were married 
 Oct 21) as the home of the bride. They 
 now reside in Syracuse, N. Y. Joel B. 
 Luther purchases the hardware busi- 
 ness of ^y. J. Sargent ilv: Son. Louis 
 Schaeifer, of Chicago, an experienced 
 hotel man, takes charge of the Living- 
 ston. He is still a resident of Dwight. 
 Miss Inga Jacobsen and S. S. Green, of 
 Chicago, are married November 4. 
 Word was received of the marriage of 
 Miss Estella Krohn, a former teacher 
 in the Dwight schools to E. J. Healy. 
 Rev. Fisher resigns the pastorate of 
 Congregational church. He is now pas- 
 tor of the First Congregational church 
 in South Omaha. Sunday, Nov. 19, the 
 Cohmibia hotel on Mazon avenue was 
 burned. It was the property of B. K. 
 Grithth. James Goodman gets his fin- 
 gers mashed while coupling cars The 
 "Temple of Fame" was given by the 
 ladies of Congregational church. John 
 Pettit had a piece of tin extracted frcmi 
 one of his legs, which had been imbed- 
 ded there for seventeen years. Miss 
 Josephine Lembrich and Anton Deifen- 
 baugh are married in November. The 
 AV. A. K. L. give a fair in December 
 one evening and cleared over )in200. The 
 Dwight Star and Herald issues a hand- 
 some holiday edition, presenting many 
 half-tone portraits of citizens and ])ic- 
 tures of residences and public buildings. 
 There was a geat demand for the paper, 
 and thousands of them were sent away. 
 Miss Anna McClary and W. O. Cook 
 are married Dec. 20. The Christmas 
 holidays were celebrated in a beautiful 
 manner by the churches and the W. A. 
 K. L. The usual trees and entertain 
 ments were given, and the W. A. K. L. 
 looked after the poor by having a tree 
 a( the club house and invited all the 
 poor children, and distributed hundreds
 
 100 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLi:sOIS. 
 
 of warm shoes, stockings, cloths, etc., 
 and the local members of the Keeley 
 League sent the little ones to the 
 Ketcham house for dinner. The Star 
 and Herald published a series of Christ- 
 mas stories for the little ones which 
 were of much interest. Philip Clover's 
 
 family have a re-union. Sad news was 
 received of the death of Mrs, P, M, 
 France, wife of a former pastor of the 
 Congregational church. The year 1893 
 closed with "Peace on earth and good 
 will to man."
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 101 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 1894. 
 
 This year opened with everyone in 
 our community as prosperous as could 
 be expected considering that the times 
 were what is termed "hard." The liber- 
 ality of Dwight citizens generally was 
 displayed during 1S93 and 1894 in a 
 manner very creditable. No one suf- 
 fered in our midst and never will if the 
 ])eople know it. As the writer has said 
 many times, "Dwight generally has the 
 most liberal people he ever saw." Mr. 
 and Mrs. (". M. Baker celebrate the 
 twentieth anniversary of their wedding. 
 Mr. Richards, of Streator, buys the 
 Payne farm. Hon. O. W. Pollard. Hon. 
 David McWilIiams, Miss Artie Pollard 
 and Mr. and Mrs. P. E. Miller visit in 
 California. Anton Deifenbach pur- 
 chases the Livingston tonsorial parlors 
 of (Jus Levi. An article was published 
 in the Star and lleiald showing that 
 The Leslie E. Keeley Co. was paying 
 one-third of the whf)le tax in Dwight 
 townshij). The Dwight Cornet liand is 
 organized with Prof. Evans as leader 
 and instructor. Miss Marcella Ferguson 
 and .John Kennedy were married Jan- 
 uary 31. The Dwight (1. A. R. Post 
 jtresented the Dwight Sons of Veterans 
 Cam]) with a handsome silk Hag in 
 February. Miss Susan Real and Ed. 
 Christman are married Feb. <>. Miss 
 Nora Burke and Simon Rhode Feb. 5. 
 S, Bergman, biother of Dr. Bergman, 
 
 died in February. Dr. Milton Keeley is 
 made surgeon of the Fifth Regiment, I. 
 N. G., with the rank of Major. Miss 
 Lulu Cole passes away Feb. 11, after a 
 long illness. Mrs. Henry Burke dies 
 Feb. 14. The Dwight high school cele- 
 brated Washington's birthday. Miss 
 Anna Chalmers and .lohn L. Burnham 
 are married Feb. 21. Dr. C. H. Jiarr is 
 appointed surgeon of the Alton road. 
 James Kelagher is appointed postmas- 
 ter the last of February. His portrait 
 will be found elsewhere in this work. 
 Peter Sands dies March 5. Miss Jennie 
 Briibaker and C. T. Ingraham are mar- 
 ried March 7. Dwight Morgan finishes 
 his first report of the railroads of Illi- 
 nois. The sad news is received of the 
 accidental death of Wm. A. Chamber- 
 lain in Kansas. The remains were 
 brought to Dwight for interment. Wm. 
 E. Austin is found dead in bed, sup- 
 j)osed to have died of heart disease. 
 Herman Overbeck dies suddenly. J.D. 
 Rutan dies in Iowa. Edwin Mezgar & 
 Co. purchased the elevator so long run 
 by Jesse Deifenbach. Edward O. Reed 
 annoiuices himself in the Star and Her- 
 as a candidate for the rei)ublican nomi- 
 nation for sheriff. He afterwards re- 
 ceived the nomination and was elect- 
 ed by a large majority. Hahn Bros, 
 make improvements in their elevator. 
 Miss Carrie M. Branson and James E.
 
 102 
 
 HISTORY OF DWiGiiT, illi:nois. 
 
 Gregory are married in Pontiac March 
 27. A new train is put on the Alton 
 between Bloorolngton and Jollet. Rev. 
 
 E. F. "Wright is engaged as pastor of 
 the Congregational church, which posi- 
 tion he still holds, and is beloved by his 
 tiock. 
 
 As municipal election time came 
 around there were two parties in the 
 held. Neither one was for license, but 
 one ticket was under the name of 
 "Anti-License," and the other "("iti- 
 zens"." The caucuses were held and the 
 following nominations made : Anti- 
 License— F. A. liaise, president ; Eu- 
 gene Flagler, John Oeis, L. A. Naffzi- 
 ger, trustees ; Frank L. Smith, clerk. 
 Citizens'-II. Fox, president ; Samuel 
 McLane, Ed. IIahn,M. Starrett, trustees; 
 Henry McLane, clerk. After a sharp 
 canvass the following were elected : 
 
 F. A. Haise, president ; Samuel Mc- 
 Lane, L. A. Naffziger, Eugene Flagler, 
 trustees ; Frank Smith, clerk. The 
 board was an t^xc^llent one and did 
 good work. 
 
 The township nominations were made 
 as follows : Democratic W. H. Ketch- 
 am, supervisor ; (ieorge Baker, town 
 clerk; L. J. Trunnell, assessor; J. 
 Diefenbaugh, collector ; Jacob Christ- 
 man, commissioner; J. Gammel. 
 trustee, liepublican— R. H. Mills, su- 
 pervisor ; E. T. Miller, clerk ; AVm. R. 
 Brown, assessor ; L. Heeder, collector ; 
 AVm. Christensen. commissi(Mier : A. P. 
 Conant, trustee. The whole liepublican 
 ticket was elected by an average ma- 
 jority of 118. Mrs. Mary Ivens. mother 
 of liert Ivens. died in Chicago and was 
 buried in Dwight. Claude ^V. Thomp- 
 son, son of Mr. and Mrs. William K. 
 Thompson, of Union, dies in April. 
 Nicholas Minster, father of Mrs. (ieo. 
 L.Kern, dies at his home in Ottawa. 
 James Kelagher takes the postottice and 
 appoints .lolui Dolierty chief deputy. 
 
 Dick Thornton goes into partnership 
 with DeWitt Miller in the restaurant 
 business. Capt. Geo. H. Wentz, former 
 sheriff of Livingston county, dies. Miss 
 Maggie Kelly and Joseph J. Ribordy 
 and Miss Lizzie Kelly and John F. 
 Comeford were married in April. Miss 
 Maggie Morrissey and James Haggerty 
 are married. 
 
 The spring school election in 1894 was 
 the tirst one in some time that had 
 caused much excitement. Two cau- 
 cuses were held, the tirst one nomi- 
 nating Col. R. P. Morgan for president 
 of the Board of Education, and .Mrs. C. 
 M. Baker and Mrs. A. (i. Iluey for 
 mem.bers of the board. The other caii- 
 cus nominated A. Brubaker for i)resi- 
 dent and John Pettett and AV. II. Doty 
 for members. Then some friends of V. 
 S. Wright nominated him, and there 
 were three tickets in the field. The 
 ladies took advantage of their rights 
 and turned out in great numbers and 
 voted. The result was the election of 
 A. Brubaker. John Pettett and Mrs. C. 
 M. Baker. There were 522 votes cast 
 in three hours. Some of the old mem- 
 bers of the town board were sued for a 
 bill by the Massac Iron company. The 
 case was afterwards settled. The Star 
 and Herald commences to publish the 
 contents of this history. The Dwight 
 Odd Fellows celebrate their seventy- 
 fifth anniversary of the order. Thos. 
 Morrissey dies in April. The Scott 
 House is moved to the grounds where it 
 is at present located. Dr. AV. II. Weld 
 located in Dwight for the ])ractice of 
 medicine. Later he moved to Council 
 IJlul'l's, Iowa. The Moody quartette 
 gave an entertainment in the Congrega- 
 tional church. The Dwight school gave 
 a very excellent exhibit of jiractical 
 work which was of very much interest. 
 At the first meeting of^ the new board 
 liohert Oi-r was' reappointed marshal
 
 HISTORY OF DWKHIT, ILLINOIS, 
 
 in:? 
 
 and street commissioner, "Wm. Miller 
 ni^lit watchman, Dwight Mills engineer 
 and }i. B. Buck village treasurer. 
 Commander Ayling. Comrades Wil- 
 liams, Parsons and Mesdames AV. (i. 
 Dustin, Williams and Austin visit 
 Kockl'ord as delegates to the state en- 
 campment of G. A. 11. and W. R. C. 
 The second-hand store is robbed. Mrs. 
 G. W. Boyer celebrates her sixty-sixth 
 natal day, May IL Prof. W. T. Wilson 
 resigned the superintendency of the 
 Dwight schools. Prof. J. H. Meneely 
 was engaged in his stead. He is the 
 present superintendent and is an excel- 
 lent instructor. His portrait Avill be 
 found in this book. 
 
 C. li. Tombaugh for county -superin- 
 tendent of schools, Col. J. B. Parsons 
 for county treasurer, Fred Duckett for 
 county clerk, C. M. Barickman for 
 judge, O. F. Avery for judge, C. H. F. 
 Carrithers for judge, announce their 
 wishes in the Star and Herald. "Ye 
 Okie Folks" ■■ concert, given at M. E. 
 church, was a very entertaining affair. 
 Decoration Day was celebrated as never 
 before in Dwight this year. Kev. E. F. 
 Wright i)reached the memorial sermon 
 and Rev. C. AV. Ayling delivered the 
 oration in Oak Lawn cemetery. There 
 were thousands of people present frcmi 
 miles around. Mrs. Robert Liggett 
 dies at her home in Normal, May 2. 
 The funeral was held in Dwight, her 
 home for so many years. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Henry Miller lose a little child by death. 
 The fourteenth annual commencement 
 of Dwight high school was held in the 
 oi)era house. ••Light" was selected as 
 the motto, and the graduates were : 
 Misses Alary Fitield. Marie K. Petersen 
 and Emma A. (Jroll. Pr(jf. Nilson ccm- 
 ' ferred the diplomas. ,].M. Owen dies 
 after a severe illness. Children's day 
 was appropriately celebrated by the 
 churches. Gen. Smith I). Atkins visits 
 
 Dwight. Dr. Leslie F. Keeley, Major 
 
 C. J. Judd, Mrs. Dr. Blaine, Mrs. Dr. 
 Barr, Mrs. AV. (i. Dustin, Mrs. AV. T. 
 Prime, Mrs. Anna Barr, Mrs. Gertie 
 Kaylor, Judge AV. S. Arnold, AV. T. 
 Prime, J. J. Miller, AVillard S. Brown 
 and AV. G. Dustin attend the state con- 
 venti(m Keeley League at Bloomington- 
 Mrs. Alf. Baker celebrates her tifty- 
 fourth natal day, June Ki. Mrs. Sarah 
 Sterrett dies sviddenly June 22. Her re- 
 mains were taken to Pittsburg. Jesse 
 Slyder visits his son in Denver. The 
 Star and Herald issues another patri- 
 otic, red, white and blue paper in honor 
 of July 4. A. B. Conant receives a very 
 severe kick from a horse. Bert Ivens 
 and family move to Chicago. The 
 great strike is on and for a few days no 
 trains moved. The whole country was 
 paralyzed, and the result was the great- 
 est strike ever known. The hardware 
 store of B. A. Buck was burglarized. 
 Miss Nellie Cunliffe and Alex. Cupples, 
 of Chicago, were married June 27. July 
 4 was celebrated in the grand old way in 
 1894. The city was crowded with people 
 and everybody stayed in Dwight whether 
 they wanted to or not, for the great strike 
 was on and no trains were moving. The 
 parade was very nice, there being sev- 
 eral hundred school children in line, each 
 carrying tiags. The president of the 
 day was Mayor F. A. Haise, Marshals 
 
 D. B. Stevens and Edr McAVilliams. 
 Misses Lizzie AVinkler, Emma Barr and 
 Myrtle AVheatley represented red, white 
 and blue, on horseback. Rev. C. AV. 
 Ayling was the speaker and delivered a 
 splendid address. The exercises jjassed 
 off' very pleasantly from early morning 
 to late at night. About 7 o'clock in the 
 evening John (Jeis's cigar store caught 
 lire, but was immediately squelched by 
 the lire company and the great worth 
 of the water works was once more dem- 
 onstrated. Miss Estella J. Flagler and
 
 104 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Everett B. Lewis were marriedJune 30. 
 Mrs. John Thompson passes away July 
 7, after a long illness. B. A. Buck at- 
 tends the Democratic congressional 
 convention at Streator, where Hon. 
 Robert Gibbons was nominated. The 
 Leslie E. Keeley Co. purchases the J. A. 
 Hayes farm for .S21, 000 and sells it to 
 J. 11. Ought on for .$14,000, and thus the 
 sewer question was settled forever. The 
 following gentlemen attended the Re- 
 publican county convention as dele- 
 gates : C. L. Romberger, R. H. Mills, 
 Ed. McWilliams, Will Bartholic, Thos. 
 Weldon, Joseph Burnham, Frank L. 
 Smith, J. C. Lewis, E. II. Kneeland, Or- 
 ville Brown, Ame Orr, Martin Seabert, 
 H.F. Adams, Lee Reeder,R. I). Gregg. 
 As is well known I) wight's candidate. 
 Col. J. B. Parsons, was nominated at 
 this convention and subsequently 
 elected county treasurer by a large ma- 
 jority. D. McWilliams, C. L. Romber- 
 ger and W. G. Dustin attend the con- 
 gressional convention at Streator. 
 Capt. T. C. FuUerton was nominated 
 for congress and afterward died sud- 
 denly, and Hon. Walter Reeves, of 
 Streator, was nominated and duly 
 elected. Col. Parsons, J. F. Wassell, 
 Frank Smith and W. (}. Dustin attend 
 the Republican State convention at 
 Springtield. Jacob Christman has two 
 horses killed by lightning. The Star 
 and Herald publishes a very interesting 
 Jetter written by C. J. Judd from Nan- 
 tucket, July 28. Mrs. Morrison, mother 
 of Mrs.C. (i. Barr, dies July 2t). Fol- 
 lowing were the delegates elected to the 
 Democratic county convention : S. T. 
 K. Prime, John Thompson, L. J. Trun- 
 nell, Peter Ileinen, J. Christman, I'hil 
 Shrimpton, D. C. Morgan, M. C. Star- 
 rett, Geo. N. Flagler, John (Jeis and 
 John Korrect. They were instructed 
 for H. F. Mcllduff forjudge and .John 
 C. fieorge for clerk, (two former Dwight 
 
 men) and carried their point, but the 
 candidates were defeated at the polls. 
 R. H. Mills and W. G. Dustin attended 
 the senatorial convention at Wenona. 
 Miss Louise de Clercq and Samuel C. 
 Jennings were married August 1. Miss 
 Louise McWilliams spends several 
 months abroad. Major ]Milton Keeley 
 is called out with his regiment during 
 the great strike. Dr. and Mrs. Leslie 
 E. Keeley enjoy a pleasant trip to 
 Alaska. II. A. Kenyon accepts the po- 
 sition of manager of the Leslie E. Kee- 
 ley Co.'s business. Mr. Leonard IIow- 
 lett erects a handsome house on Mazon 
 avenue. Mrs. Charles L. Romberger 
 comes home in August after a severe 
 illness in Chicago. II. W. Reed, son-in- 
 law of Mrs. Koehnlein, dies in August 
 in California. Dwight Mills resigns in 
 August and Freeman Spencer is ap- 
 pointed engineer of the water works. 
 Major R. W. Hendershot, the original 
 dnuiimer boy of Shiloh, visits Dwight 
 and gives an entertainment. Austni 
 Gibbons, W, H. Ketcham and PI T. 
 Potter attend the Democratic senatorial 
 convention at Minonk. Congressman 
 Thomas J. Henderson, of Bureau 
 coxinty, and Judge Henry Mayo, of La 
 Salle county, candidates for congress, 
 visit Dwight. The Dwight (iun Club 
 is organized August HJ, and the follow- 
 ing otlicers were elected : President. .1. 
 l\. Oughton ; vice president, H. F. 
 Adams ; secretary and treasurer, C. W 
 Bower ; executive committee, George 
 Tate, Robert Orr and the otlicers named; 
 ca])1ain. Doc llause. The club is in a 
 nourishing condition and hold regular 
 shoots. Prof. J. II. Meneely, of Dwight, 
 was granted a })er])etual certilicate for 
 teaching. Miss Fowler, of Evanstoii. 
 occupies the ]M. F. church pulpit with 
 ability Sunday, August I'.». .1. A. Web- 
 ster and family left for their old home 
 in New York to reside thei'e permu-
 
 
 
 ;ii 
 
 Robert Thompson. 
 
 Levi Reeder. 
 
 W. H. Taylor.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 103 
 
 nently. Col. R. P. Morgan makes val- 
 uable improvements in his beautiful 
 home. The Congregational Sunday 
 School picnic in Vickery's grove was a 
 very pleasant affair in August. The 
 Dwight Board of Education issue a 
 pamphlet of rules and regulations. 
 They have been a source of much good. 
 The Star and Herald presents views of 
 the Dwight school houses. They are 
 also presented in this work. Miss Artie 
 F. Pollard and Mr. W. N. Fisher were 
 married September 6, at the home of 
 Hon. O. "NV. I'ollard. They reside at the 
 home of the groom in Attleboro, Mass. 
 R. D. Gregg sells his farm one mile from 
 Dwight to Dr. Palm for $111 per acre. 
 Uncle James Smith visits relatives and 
 friends in the east, Jesse Slyder visits 
 his son in Denver; E. H. Kneeland 
 visits Niagara Falls; Thomas Fallis 
 visits his old home in Ohio; all old 
 and honored citizens. Dr. Leslie E. 
 Keeley, Major C. J. Judd, Judge W. A. 
 Arnold, J. J. Miller, and "W. G. Dustin 
 attend the National Keeley League con- 
 vention at Colorado Springs and enjoy 
 a splendid visit. A man named Sulli- 
 van, from Chicago, was run over by the 
 cars and lost an arm. The lllini Club 
 was organized September 11, and has 
 conducted a course of lectures since, 
 which have been a source of much in- 
 terest to the club and citizens generally. 
 Prof. J. H. Meneely was elected chair- 
 man and Will J. Leach secretary. The 
 Modern Woodmen of Dwight, Gardner, 
 Mazon and Verona have their lirst an- 
 nual picnic six miles north of Dwight 
 and enjoyed a very pleasant day consid- 
 ering the weather. State Chaplain E. 
 F. Wright, of Dwight, delivered a line 
 oration. Miss Jean Cantner and Judge 
 AV. A. Arnold were married September 
 19, at the home of the bride at Monti- 
 cello, 111. They reside in Dwight at 
 this time. L. A. Rutan, of Staplehurst, 
 
 Neb., visits his old home here. Frank 
 Travis, formerly of Dwight, is killed 
 by the cars in Chicago. Mrs. J. A. 
 Austin passes away September 18, after 
 a long illness. Miss Eliner Jensen and 
 Herbert Palmer, of Janesville, Wis., are 
 married September 18. They reside in 
 Janesville. Miss Kate Foersterling and 
 Henry Seagert are married September 
 16. They reside in Dwight. Dr. Keeley 
 lectures in Tabor Opera House in Den- 
 ver and meets with an ovation. Rev. 
 C. W. Ayling attends the M. E. confer- 
 ence and is returned to Dwight, which 
 was a gratification to his many friends 
 in Dwight. He is here at the close of 
 this history— 1895. A large number of 
 Dwightites go to Pontiac to listen to 
 Senator Cullom speak. Also a number 
 go to Peoria or Springtield and hear Gov- 
 ernor McKinley, of Ohio. The Dwight 
 Amusement Club give the "event of 
 the season" in Lyceum hall in Septem- 
 ber. Quite a number of Dwight Dem- 
 ocrats go to Chatsworth to hear Mr. Mc- 
 Veagh, of Chicago, speak, and to Strea- 
 tor to listen to Vice-President Steven- 
 son. John McWilliams takes some of 
 his best horses to the state fair and cap- 
 tures some prizes. The barbers decide 
 to close up Sundays. D. McWilliams 
 takes a pleasure trip to Maine and other 
 eastern states. He gives .^10,000 to the 
 church extension fund of the M. E. con- 
 ference. James xVustin visits Dwight 
 from his home in Nebraska. AV. H. 
 Bradbury, of Topeka, Kansas, visits 
 Dwight and meets his old friends. His 
 portrait will be found m this history. 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Lyle Saxon lectures in 
 Dwight in October. Mrs. Wm. Reeder 
 passes away October 8 after a long ill- 
 ness. Mrs. Paulsen and Patrick Coyne 
 wed in October. Miss Ellen O'Connor 
 and George Mullen are married in Chi- 
 cago October 7. W . G. Dustin was 
 elected one of the vice-presidents of the
 
 10 i 
 
 IIISTOllY OF DWIGIIT. ILLI^UIS. 
 
 Illinois State Eepublican League. Hev. 
 E. F. Wright is elected chairman of the 
 Congregational association of this dis- 
 trict. Mr. and Mrs. II. McLane visit in 
 Nebraska. The sixth annual reunion 
 of the 129th Illinois volunteer infantry 
 was held in Fairbury. Major Judd is 
 the historian and reads a splendid pa- 
 per. H. A. Kenyon and X. Riggs are 
 also present from Dwight. '1 he Star 
 and Herald published a full report. On 
 the evenmg of October 18 Thomas 
 Comeford, an old resident, lost his life 
 while crossing the Chicago & Alton 
 railroad tracks on Chippawa street. 
 He was in a milk wagon at the time. 
 The funeral was largely attended, the 
 G. A. R., of which the deceased was a 
 member, attended m a body, also the 
 Sons of Veterans and the Woman's Re- 
 lief Corps. Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Prime 
 celebrated the tenth anniversary of their 
 wedding October 15. Capt. Gibbons 
 speaks in the opera house. Hon. Wal- 
 ter Reeves and Hon. George Torrance 
 speak in the opera house. The C. &. A. 
 have quite a serious wreck near the hay- 
 press factory. A number of freight cars 
 are smashed. J. I). McCarty is quite 
 badly injured and dies October 20. The 
 family moved here from Odell. The 
 widow subsequently started the Home 
 Bakery in Dwight. Harry Diffenbaugh, 
 of Washington, Kansas, visits his 
 father and friends here in October and 
 November. The general election cam- 
 paign in Dwight was quiet and good 
 natured. The result was about the 
 same all over the country—a Rei)ubli- 
 can land slide. The village was divided 
 into two voting precincts for the first 
 time and nearly OOO votes were cast. 
 Major McClaughry delivers his cele- 
 brated lecture on "Crimes and Crimin- 
 als," November 8, under the auspices 
 of the mini Club. The grandest camp- 
 (h-e ever held in this part of the country 
 
 was held in Dwight, November 13. 1894. 
 It was held in the opera house, which 
 was crowded. National Commander 
 Thomas G. Lawler, of Rockford, and 
 Quartermaster (Jeneral J. W. Rurst, of 
 Sycamore. Capt. O. F. Avery and W. 
 H. .Jenkins, of Pontiac, and Mr. and 
 Mrs. I iickett, of Forest, were present. 
 The program was excellent and the 
 speeches full of patriotism. The camp- 
 fire was repeated shortly after with 
 marked success. After the camp-fire 
 the citizens of Dwight gave the distin- 
 guished visitors a banquet at the Liv- 
 ingston, at wliich one hundred plates 
 were spread. Col. R. P. Morgan acted 
 as loastmaster. 
 
 Miss Mary Triplett, of Budd, and 
 Emil Karmie, of Nevada, were married 
 at the M. E. parsonage November 10. 
 II. T. McLane sends the Star and Her- 
 ald an interesting letter from Nebraska. 
 The Congregational Association held a 
 fellowship meeting in I wight and meet 
 with much success. One of the nu)St 
 important transfers made in this local- 
 ity was brought about. Major C. J. 
 Judd purchased the well. known Ber- 
 tholy Home of S. T. K. Prime and son. 
 and they in turn purchase the elegant 
 home of Major Judd in Dwight, the 
 latter having moved to Chicago with 
 his family. H. A. Kenyon j)urchased 
 the handsome property known as the 
 "typists home." Spencer P^ldridge pur- 
 chases the G. S. Baker home on Chij)- 
 ]iewa street. The district convention 
 of the Epworth League was held in 
 Dwight in November, and many were 
 present from neighboring counties and 
 towns. The meeting was a very inter- 
 esting one. Among the distinguished 
 visitors was Bishoji Merrill. The fam- 
 ily of Henry Tonibaugh in Iowa sulTei- 
 from the effects of a cyclone. 
 
 The Star and Herald announces that 
 all the paper will be printed at home.
 
 IIISTOKY OF UWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 105 
 
 which is a sure sign of jjrospeiity. The 
 (iun Club held a very interesting shoot 
 Thanksgiving day. A township Sun- 
 day Scliool convention was held in 
 Dwight December 9, and was very suc- 
 cessful. Miss Martha McAllister and 
 Henry Christman are married in Odell 
 November 30. Mrs. Mary Foot and 
 Jared A\'illianis were married at the 
 bride's home in Missouri, November 27. 
 JMartni Wilks, an old and respected cit- 
 izen and (J rand Army man. dies No- 
 vember 27. Frank McAllister, of Odell, 
 formerly of L) wight, passed away in 
 Odell December 3. The Star and Her- 
 ald publishes a series of letters from 
 Pontiac. which create much interest. 
 Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Boyer return from 
 several months" visit to their old home 
 and neighborhood in Pennsylvania. 
 Rev. F. W. Merrill, a former pastor of 
 the M. l"! church, now (1895) at Roch 
 Island, delivered his lecture, "Dreams 
 and Dreamers," at .M. E. church. The 
 reverend gentleman received a warm 
 reception here. 'J he first annual tourn- 
 ament of the Dwight Gun Club was 
 held December 27 and 28 and was a suc- 
 cess. Miss Clara A. Hibner and Peter 
 J, Young are married at the home of 
 the bride December 17. The doll fair 
 given by the Y. W. C T.U. atM. E. 
 church, was a very pretty and success- 
 ful affair Freden Lodge, 1). B, give 
 tiieir anual masquerade with their usual 
 sjilendid succsss The Alton railroad 
 issue an order that no man who works 
 for them shall go in a saloon or drink 
 intoxicants Sarah Knudsen and Hans 
 C. Sorensen, Miss Anna K. Oleson and 
 and Andrew Rock, and Miss Jennie 
 
 Mahannah and Ed. Pfeff'erman are mar" 
 ried in December. '1 he 1. 1 & I com- 
 mence moving passenger trains and 
 carrying mail in December, and their 
 efforts meet with Mattering success. A 
 pretty cantata, "King Winter,"' was 
 given at the M. E. church for Christ- 
 mas The Congregational church also 
 had a very pleasant entertainment, and 
 all the churches celebrated the holi- 
 days for the children in some manner 
 I)leasing to all. Revs. Swanson, of 
 Odell, and Wright, of Dwight, Congre- 
 gational pastors, commence the publi- 
 cation of a handsome monthly news- 
 paper, called The Outlook. Miss Ste- 
 vens and Mr. H I). Gillispie are mar- 
 ried in December and afterwards visit 
 in Kansas. Many young people going 
 to school away and people employed in 
 other places, came home during the 
 holidays , and the "gladdest of the year" 
 seemed to be spent appropriately by all. 
 AVe now near the close of this history, 
 having given the important historical 
 facts as far as was in our power to do 
 so. It is not necessary for us to state 
 that we have not gotten everything that 
 happened encased between these covers, 
 or even all the important events. I here 
 were some years it was impossible for 
 us to get any reliable information, 
 and we simjjly repeat that we have done 
 the best we could, and submit our work 
 for your kind consideration Many in- 
 teresting •'])ersonal recollections"" will 
 follow, and other matter. 
 Yours truly, 
 Di SPIN A: Prime, 
 
 Publishers.
 
 106 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS. 
 
 ladies' benevolent society. 
 
 In Dwight, 111., ia the afternoon of 
 Tebruary 2, 1880, fifteen ladies met with 
 Mrs. Hetzel in her home to organize a 
 society to be known as the Ladies' Be- 
 nevolent Society of the Congregational 
 Church. The plan of organization was 
 this : A lady could become a member 
 of this society on the payment of an 
 initiation fee of 25 cents, and pledge 
 herself to assist in whatever work the 
 society should engage. Torecompence 
 her for three hours' work per week, 
 receive credit for five cents, and if she 
 should be absent, or present, and work 
 for herself, she must pay a fine of 5 
 cents to the society. 
 
 The object of this society in the 
 minds of all, was to do that work, 
 for aid of the church, which presented 
 itself. The first object in the minds of 
 some, was to raise funds to purchase a 
 bell for the church. The charter mem- 
 bers were the following ladies : Mes- 
 dames Adams, Brubaker, Cornell, Cad- 
 wallader, Cary, Eldridge, S. Eldridge, 
 Estes, Hartley, McClure, Newell, Jor- 
 den, Parsons and Pool. Mrs. Hartley 
 was elected president; Mrs. Jorden, 
 secretary; Mrs. Hetzel, treasurer. The 
 latter retained the office ten years, and 
 on her retiring Mrs. Adams was elected 
 and still continues in office. 
 
 In these years many ladies have 
 
 joined the society and have withdrawn 
 only to engage in work in new fields, 
 while but three have severed the tie to 
 join the society angels. For the first 
 years of its existence this society fol- 
 lowed so close the scriptural injunction, 
 "Let not thy left hand know what thy 
 right hand doeth," that they kept no 
 records, save of moneys raised and ex- 
 pended. Nothing was said of the 
 money given to buy back the cow taken 
 from a poor woman for debt, nor of the 
 boxes of clothing sent to sufferers from 
 fire, tlood and famine, and yet each box 
 represented money as well as hours and 
 days of weary work, and often a great 
 sacrifice of strength. Not one word as 
 to where applied. In 1886 the ladies, 
 believing their business policy to be 
 defective, appointed a committee to 
 draft a constitution. The report of 
 this committee, by a full vote, was 
 adopted. Since which time one hour 
 each week is devoted to business which 
 is duly recorded for future reference — 
 a great help to poor memories. Now, 
 the fifteenth year of this society's ex- 
 istence has nearly closed. Fifteen years 
 organized to aid tlie cause of Christ, 
 Let us see if it has, and how it has, met 
 its obligations. You will say, on lirst 
 thought, that it has failed in one of its 
 first objects. It has purchased no bell. 
 We declare that in these fifteen years
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 lo-; 
 
 it has purchased many bells, the tones 
 of which are not audible to human ears, 
 tor, only by God, and the angels, are 
 they heard. 
 
 These ladies seem never to shrink 
 from any strain to nerve or muscles, 
 but take up with clieerfulness what- 
 evei work is offered them, from the 
 scrubbing of the church to the tying of 
 eighteen comforts for one of our lead- 
 ing mercliants. During these years, 
 and by these means, have they been 
 enabled to help at different times to 
 pay the pastor's salary, and for six years 
 paid ail the incidental expenses of the 
 church, contributed quite a sum to the 
 organ fund, and last, but not least, 
 paid many old debts, of their own 
 choice, although in no way were they 
 responsible for them. The society's 
 membership has never exceeded thirty- 
 five, and yet it has raised in these years 
 $2,520.42. The greatest amount ever 
 raised in one year being $282 54, and 
 the least $72.95. Along with this hard 
 work has come much of brightness and 
 pleasure, as the vearly anniversaries 
 show, at which times the honorary 
 members of the society (namely, the 
 husbands) are invited to a great spread 
 and the hours are spent in feasting and 
 merriment. The present list of oflticers 
 are the following ladies : President, 
 Mrs. J. C. Lewis ; vice-president, Mrs. 
 B. A. Buck ; secretary, Mrs. John 
 Koehler ; treasurer, Mrs. A.E.Adams. 
 Executive Committee— .Mesdaraes Ba- 
 ker, Spencer. Doty, Adams and Buck. 
 
 Oa these ladies you may call if you 
 have any piece of work you want done, 
 from that of the artist to the cook or 
 nurse. 
 
 prosperous condition. It was organ- 
 ized in May, 1889, with a membership 
 of sixteen. Since that time the inter- 
 est has been constantly increasing, new 
 members being added until there are 
 now enrolled fifty-eight. Meetings are 
 held once a month, at which very in- 
 teresting and instructive papers are 
 read on different fields of missionary 
 work, and thus the members are all in- 
 terested in the work of helping send 
 the gospel to foreign lands, the purpose 
 of the organization' $l'i5 being sent 
 this past conference year. The officers 
 are as follows : President, Mrs. Man- 
 ning Smith ; first vice-president, Mrs. 
 Darwin Stevens; second vice-president, 
 Mrs. John Leach ; corresponing secre- 
 tary, Mrs. Frank liaise ; recording sec- 
 retary. Miss Luella Stevens ; treasurer, 
 Mrs. p'rank Bell. 
 
 MISSIONARY SOCJIETY. 
 
 The Dwight Auxiliary of the Wo- 
 man's Foreign >^Iissionary Society of 
 the M. E. church is at present in a very 
 
 EASTERN STAR. 
 
 Dwight Chapter No. 166, of the order 
 of the Eastern Star, was organized Oc- 
 tober 31, 1890, with thirteen charter 
 members. 
 
 This order was instituted to afford a 
 larger reign of peace and love upon 
 earth, to erect a shrine where the bur- 
 dened heart could pour out its sorrows 
 and distress find relief. 
 
 The Eastern Star is closely related to 
 the Masonic fraternity, and although 
 related to it by the dearest ties, yet it is 
 no part of the ancient order. But 
 woman's heart beats responsive to the 
 same inspiration that prompts man to 
 noble deeds, and seeks through the 
 Eastern Star to become a co-worker 
 with the Masonic brotherhood. And it 
 is for this purpose that we assemble in 
 our chapter room. 
 
 During the t\\e years of our exist- 
 ence many pleasant evenings have been 
 spent together, several banquets spread 
 and picnics enjoyed, each one binding
 
 108 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILH:N0IS. 
 
 the sisters more closely together. 
 
 The officers have secured for them- 
 selves an elegant set of robes, vehich 
 adds greatly to the Interest of the v^ork. 
 
 We congratulate ourselves upon hav- 
 ing in our number one proficient in 
 drill work as Brother John Pettett, 
 who, with untiring zeal, has taken 
 much pride as well as given much la- 
 bor in drilling a Floral Team, "second 
 
 to none in the state.'' 
 Death has entered our chapter room 
 
 and severed two of the ''links in our 
 golden chain." Thus twice has this 
 order been called upon to perform our 
 beautiful funeral ceremonies, the 
 floral star being formed at the graves 
 of Sisters Alice Oakshett and Johanna 
 Crandall. Two have gone from us by 
 demit to other fields of labor, making 
 the present membership forty-two, 
 with peace and harmony prevailing. 
 The stated time of meeting is the sec- 
 ond Friday of each month. The offi- 
 cers are. Worthy Matron Margret 
 Leach ; Worthy Patron, Rev. C. W. 
 Ayling ; Associate Matron, Emma Tay- 
 lor ; Secretary, Nora Goodman ; Treas- 
 urer, Delia Miller ; Conductress, Anna 
 E. Buck ; Assistant Conductress, Ella 
 Doty ; Warder, Matilda Pettett; Guard, 
 Mr. Petersen ; Adah, Anna Bovik ; 
 Ruth, Maggie Palm ; Esther, Rose Mil- 
 ler ; Martha, Estella Baker ; Electa, 
 Lucy Crandall; Chaplain, Nellie Rom- 
 berger. A Stak. 
 
 ILLINI CLUB, NO. 950, LYCEUM LEAGUE 
 OF AMERICA. 
 
 This society enjoys the aistinction of 
 being the latest organization, of a so- 
 cial or literary character, in Dwight. 
 
 The idea of having a boys' literary 
 society, modeled after those in our col- 
 leges and academies, originated and has 
 long been a pet project in the minds of 
 some young men of the village, and, at 
 the beginning of the present school 
 
 year, these boys, with the help of the 
 principal of the Dwight schools, suc- 
 ceeded in bringing together seventeen 
 young men who organized themselves 
 into a literary society, their purpose, as 
 declared in the preamble of their con- 
 stitution, being to give the members of 
 the order a thorough drill in parlia- 
 mentary procedure and the art of pub- 
 lic speaking, and to create and encour- 
 age among themselves an interest in the 
 principal questions of the day. Later 
 the society was organized into a local 
 lodge of the Lyceum League of Amer- 
 ica, of which the Hon. Theodore Roose- 
 velt is the national president, adopting 
 as their distinguishing title the old In- 
 dian name for lUiMois— Illini. 
 
 The Illini has met with nothing but 
 the best wishes and encouragement of 
 our people, the Sons of Veterans kindly 
 allowing them the use of their hall for 
 a month free of charge. In return the 
 society has given the people of Dwight 
 and vicinity a course of five lectures, 
 which, if not delivered by the most em- 
 inent men in the profession, has cer- 
 tainly offered, for the money invested, 
 extraordinarily generous returns. 
 Whether or not the society will realize 
 the hopes of its founders, it is yet too 
 early to determine, but certain it is 
 that, interfering with no other occupa- 
 tion of its members, it has given them 
 something to occupy their spare time, 
 and from which they may derive both 
 pleasure and profit. The ultimate suc- 
 cess of the project means a step for- 
 ward in the practical education of 
 America's future voters. 
 
 Following are the officers ; President, 
 John Goodspeed ; vice president, Chadz 
 Bell ; recording secretary, Charles J. 
 I*erry : corresponding secretary, Will 
 J. Leach; treas. Will Geis ; marshal, 
 Howe Parker. 
 
 All visitors are welcome. ^
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 109 
 
 Y. P. S. C. E, 
 
 The Young People's Society of Chris- 
 tian Endeavor of the Congregational 
 church, of Dwight, was organized Feb- 
 ruary 12, 1887. The late Prof. H. D. Fisk, 
 was the first president, Rev. Mr. Wil- 
 son, pastor. The Endeavor society has 
 for its motto, "For Christ and the 
 Church,'" and its object, to help young 
 people to live nearer to Christ, to assist 
 the pastor of the church in his work, in 
 every way possible and to promote the 
 principles of good citizenship. Also 
 seeks to cultivate a spirit of friendli- 
 ness and sociability among its mem- 
 bers, and kindness to strangers. 
 
 Our society now has forty members. 
 The officers are elected semiannually, 
 in January and June. Those for the 
 current half year are : Pastor, Rev. E. 
 F. Wright ; president, Mrs. J. A. Spen- 
 cer ; vice-president, Mary Nelson ; 
 treasurer, Mrs. J. L. YanEman ; cor- 
 resp-^-nding secretary, Bessie Baker ; 
 recording secretary, Alida A. Martin. 
 
 We welcome all to our meetings at 
 6:4,5 Sunday evenings. The society is 
 now organizing a good citizenship class. 
 All who will, who are interested in the 
 welfare of their country and in devel- 
 oping a higher degree of social life, are 
 invited to join, whether they are mem- 
 bers of the society or church or not, 
 
 REBEKAIIS. 
 
 Prairie (^ueen Lodge Daughters of 
 Rebekahs, Xo. .370, 1. O. O. F , was or- 
 ganized in Dwight, HI., January 29. 
 1895. 
 
 The officers of the current term are : 
 P. N. G., Henry Fox; N. G., Miss Nora 
 Goodman ;Y. G., Miss M.F. Pettett; Sec- 
 retary, Mrs. F. F. Starrett : Treasurer, 
 Mrs. N. A. Ketcham; Deputy for G. M. 
 Mrs. H. A. Fox; W.,Miss M. E. Reader; 
 C, Miss N. C. Taj lor; Chaplain, John 
 Geis : R. S. N. G., John Pettett ; L. S. 
 
 N. G., Mrs. E. Chamberlin ; R.S.V. G.' 
 Miss P. E. Fox ; L. S. V. G.. Miss E. 
 Baker ; O. G., J. K. Buff ham ; 1. G., W. 
 J. Taylor. 
 
 The object of the Rebekah Degree 
 Lodge is, to assist the Odd Fellows in 
 preparing and maintaining homes for 
 their widows and orphans, taking care 
 of the sick and to promote the fra- 
 ternal and social feelings among its 
 members. 
 
 This degree was presented to the 
 Sovereign Grand Lodge of the United 
 States by Schuyler Colfax and adopted 
 in September, 1851. 
 
 It has long been considered among 
 men that by far the best part of our 
 physically developed humanity, are the 
 women, and it is no wonder that a fra- 
 ternity like Odd Fellowship, recogniz- 
 ing women's great mission, and the 
 aptness of the association to her nature, 
 should pro v^ide a degree especially for 
 her. 
 
 The objects, aims, principles and 
 teachings of the order are such that, 
 when fully understood, they will cap- 
 tivate woman. Lodges of Odd Fellows 
 are formed, and in them men are 
 banded together to do what it is nat- 
 ural for women to do. The leading 
 principles of the order are but the in- 
 ate principles of women's nature. 
 
 The acknowledged motto of the or- 
 der of Odd Fellows is "Friendship 
 Love and Truth." The order teaches 
 that no one has a right to live simply 
 for himself. No one has a right to en- 
 joy the blessings of the common Father 
 alone. Selfishness, the great sin of our 
 humanity, should be avoided, and be- 
 nevolence, the great principle of the 
 fraternity, should be practiced. 
 
 The great corner-stone of Odd Fel- 
 lowship is fraternity, a true fraternity 
 in the family of man. On this corner- 
 stone, as a solid basis, the whole super-
 
 no 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLI2sOIS. 
 
 structure securely rests, and will con- 
 tinue to rest until time shall be no 
 more. The maxim of Odd Fellowship, 
 "We visit the sick, relieve the dis- 
 tressed, bury the dead and educate the 
 orphan,' has touched the feelings and 
 stirred up the tender hearts of women ; 
 and the work of the order has exhib- 
 ited to our American women and to 
 the women of the world, what our or- 
 der is accomplishing. 
 
 I cannot tell why the degree was 
 called llebekah, except it was because 
 of the circumstance recorded of Re- 
 bekah, so much like the practical work- 
 ings of Odd Fellowship. 
 
 EMBLEMS OF THE DEGREE. 
 
 As life is passing, we are taught by 
 the emblem of the "Beehive" indus- 
 triously to do the work of life, and for 
 the purpose of helping each other we 
 are banded together in our lodges. 
 
 The emblem of the "Moon and Stars" 
 is intended to represent good life which 
 does not come to anyone as a matter of 
 course, but is the result of divine favor 
 attending our earnest efforts to do 
 good. 
 
 The emblem of the "Dove" tells us 
 that we, too, may have the visits of 
 that comforting messenger typified by 
 Noah's dove. We may learn in its 
 blessed inlluence on our hearts that the 
 waters of Jehovah's wrath are as- 
 suaged, and that in the salvation pro- 
 vided, so beautifully typified by the 
 ark, the offender may be reconciled to 
 the offended. A Rebekaii. 
 
 woman's auxiliary keeley league. 
 
 The Woman's Auxiliary Keeley 
 League, No. 1, of Dwight, was first or- 
 ganized in February, 18'.»'2, by a few 
 earnest women who were at that time 
 taking treatment. It was then called 
 the B. C. of Gold Club of Dwight. Only 
 
 ladies who had, or were taking the 
 treatment, were eligible to member- 
 ship. Their object was to bmd to- 
 gether in one fraternal bond all the 
 women who had taken the Keeley cure, 
 and assist worthy applicants who were 
 unable to do so. Their motto was 
 "Charity," and the first money they ex- 
 pended was to pay for a berth in a 
 sleeping car for a patient who was re- 
 turning home and was unable to pro- 
 cure it herself. 
 
 The Ladies B. C. of G. Club, of 
 Dwight, was the first organization of 
 women in the Keeley work. In the 
 formation of the Woman's Auxiliary 
 Keeley League, the club was merged 
 into it, but retained the original Xo. 1, 
 three of its workers becoming charter 
 members in the Auxiliary. Of the 
 three one is dead, one withdrawn to 
 join elsewhere, and one is still an hon- 
 ored member. The first elected officers 
 were : President, Mrs. Kate Shaffer ; 
 vice-president, Mrs. Barber; secretary, 
 Mrs. Carrie Lounsberry. 
 
 In November, 1892, the present Aux- 
 iliary was organized by Mrs. Ida B. 
 Cole. Mrs. Dr. Blaine was elected pres- 
 ident and Mrs. Dr. Barr. secretary. 
 
 The object of the W. A. K. L. is to 
 further the cause of temperance, and 
 especially to aid in curing the inebriate 
 of the disease of alcoholism and others 
 in the use of opium and other drugs. 
 To teach the youthful of the land to 
 avoid the drink and drug addictions, 
 and by all means possible, with the 
 blessing of God, promote the purity and 
 good order of society. 
 
 The motto is "Not willing that any 
 should perish." 
 
 Since the organization in November, 
 18'.>2, there has been collected from dif- 
 ferent sources SfiSo.DO. There is at 
 present .i?1819 remaining in the treas- 
 ury. The balance has been expended
 
 Heather Lad. 
 
 J. R. Oughton's $6000 Gordon Setter, took first in every bench 
 show in the United States in 1893-94.
 
 IlISTOUY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 HI 
 
 for curing patients and defraying the 
 necessary expenses of running the Aux- 
 iliary. >[eetings have been held every 
 ■week until the present time. lleguJar 
 meetings the 2d and 4th Tuesdays in 
 every mouth in Odd Fellows' hall. 
 
 Every one is welcome. 
 
 Mrs. Dr. Barr, who has been an un- 
 tiring worker since the Auxiliary was 
 first organized, is the president. 
 
 avoian's kelief corps. 
 
 One of our eflicient philanthropic or- 
 ganizations is the Woman's Ilelief 
 Corps, auxiliary to the Grand Army of 
 the Republic. Its especial object is 
 to aid and assist the members of this 
 organization, to cherish and emulate 
 the deeds of the brave defenders of our 
 nation, and perpetuating the memory 
 of their heroic dead. To maintain true 
 allegiance to the United States, incul- 
 cate lessons of patriotism and love of 
 country among our children, and in the 
 communities in which we live, and en- 
 courage the spread of universal liberty 
 Hud equal rights to all. This is a plat- 
 form broad enough, not only for the 
 mothers, wives, daughters and sisters 
 of the Veterans, but for all loyal women 
 who would perpetuate the principles 
 for which the association stands 
 pledged. 
 
 D wight Woman's Relief Corps was 
 organized in 1889 with Mrs. Hattie A. 
 Fox as president. Their numbers were 
 few but their zeal was always alive and 
 much good has been done in a quiet 
 .way, not only in our own community, 
 but aid has been given to the various 
 Soldiers' Homes throughout the state. 
 The contingent expenses are met out of 
 the general fund, the "relief fund" be- 
 ing established for the benelit of the 
 Veterans. The "line of blue," each 
 year growing shorter, has tenderest 
 
 sympathy as well as aid in the Wo- 
 man's Relief Corps. 
 
 The olllcers for the ensuing year are : 
 President, Mrs. Kate A. Dustin ; vice- 
 presidents, Mrs. Ella Wheatley and 
 Mrs. E. L. Huey ; treasurer, Mrs. Lucie 
 Lewis ; chaplain, Mrs. Lizzie Ayling; 
 conductor, Miss Emma Buffham ; 
 guard, Miss Myrtle Wheatley. 
 
 YOUNG WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPER- 
 ANCE UNION, 
 
 This branch of the Y's, as they are 
 commonly called, was organized May 
 7, 1887, composed of the young ladies 
 of Dwight, and has ever been a flour- 
 ishing, prosperous society. The mis- 
 sion of this organization is to help the 
 needy, visit the sick and aged, cheer- 
 ing them with fruit and flowers, send- 
 ing money to hospitals, etc. The pres- 
 ent oflicers are : President, Miss Kittle 
 Martin , first vice-president, Miss Le- 
 narFifield ; second vice-president. Miss 
 Aline Ohenowith ; recording secretary. 
 Miss Nellie Hade : corresponding sec- 
 retary. Miss Mae Morgan : treasurer, 
 Miss Mary Fifleld ; superintendent 
 flower mission, Miss Lena Fifleld ; su- 
 perinrendent of literature, Miss Ella 
 Fenn. 
 
 EP WORTH LEAGUE. 
 
 The Epworth League is an organiza- 
 tion of the young people of the Metho- 
 dist Episcopal church. Its object is to 
 promote intelligent and vital piety in 
 the young members and friends of the 
 church ; to aid them in the attainment 
 of purity of heart and constant growth 
 in grace and to train them in works of 
 mercy and help. 
 
 Its motto is, "Look up, Lift up." The 
 Dwight Chapter of the Epworth League 
 was organized about five years ago, and 
 now has a membership of seventy-six 
 actiye, twenty-three associate and eight
 
 112 
 
 HISTORY OF DAVIGUT, ILLI^^OIS. 
 
 honorary members. The present presi- 
 dent is Mr. D. B. Stevens. 
 
 The work of the League is carried out 
 through six departments: 1. Depirt- 
 ment of Spirituil Work, Supeniiteiient 
 Mrs. D. B. Stevens. '*. Mercy aud ilelp, 
 Saperinteudent, Miss Xellie McWil- 
 liams. 3. Literary \Vork,Superiiite'id- 
 ent, Miss Louise Me Willi ims. 4. So- 
 cial Work, Superiulendeut Mrs. Man- 
 ning Saaith, 5. Correspon lence. Miss 
 Lilly Conrad. 6. Finaiice, Mr. OrviUe 
 Browii. Devotional rasetiugs are held 
 each Sabbath evening bffoe the regu- 
 lar preaching services. The regular 
 business meetings are held the first 
 Tuesday evening of each month and at 
 the close of each a literary progra n or 
 social is given. All are most cordially 
 invited to attend the different mee ings. 
 
 KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 
 
 Hebron Lodge, No. 175, K. P., was 
 instituted January 18, 1888, with 
 twenty-five charter members, as follows: 
 C. H. Barr, Eugene Flagler, John Geis, 
 John Leach, George L. Kern, Adam 
 Dernbach, L. D. I'lummer, G. X. Flag- 
 ler, James S. Goodman, John Matzen, 
 Frank Reeb, B. O. Goodman, W. 1\ 
 Prime, G. B. Goodman, A. W. Kern, T. 
 J. Graham, J. T. Buck. Henry Groll, O. 
 C. Jensen, I. L. Perry, Wm. C. Bar- 
 tholic, Dwight P. Mills, John Pettett. 
 The first Chancellor Commander elected 
 was Eugene Flagler. 
 
 The present officers are as follows : 
 C. C, Wm. T. Prime ; V. C, A. J. Dief- 
 enbach : Prelate, P'rank Reeb ; M. of 
 F., Simon P. Klitz ; M. of E., John 
 Leach ; K. of R. and S., Geo. L. Kern ; 
 M. of A., Chris. Skaifgard ; 1. G., L. II. 
 Martin ; O. G., Jack Hudson ; M. of 
 W., S. Jt»hns()n. 
 
 The lodge reached at one time a mem- 
 bership of eighty-seven, but owing to 
 one death and several moving away we 
 
 have a membership at present of sixty- 
 one. The lodge has paid out a large 
 amount for relief and sick benefits, as 
 that is one of the grand principles of 
 the order. The meeting nights are i 
 every Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock, 1 
 above treatment hall, and they extend 
 fraternal greeting to visiting brothers. 
 
 INDEPENDENT ORDER MUTUAL AID. 
 
 This mutual insurance organization 
 had its birth in Dwight, March 17, 1879, 
 when about thirteen among our best 
 citizens got together and decided to do 
 something to protect their families after 
 demise. Deputy Grand President W. 
 A. Halstead was present and installed 
 the lodge, and the following officers 
 were elected : C. D. Chalfant, presi- 
 dent ; A . M. de Clercq, vice-president ; 
 R F. Mcllduff, recording and financial 
 secretary ; Ed. M. Merrill, treasurer. B. 
 A. Buck was elected the first repre- 
 sentative to the grand lodge, and was 
 also elected the last one in 1894. We 
 understand there has only been one 
 death loss in the Dwight lodge, that of 
 Mr. de Clercq. Several original mem- 
 bers have died, but have let their pay- 
 ments lapse and lost then- insurance. 
 
 The officers elected at a recent meet- 
 ing in 1894 are as follows : W. G. Dus- 
 tin, president ; L. Reeder, vice-presi- 
 dent ; George 8. Baker, recording and 
 financial secretary ; B. A. Buck, treas- 
 urer. The lodge now has a member- 
 ship of thirty. J| 
 
 DWaaiT GUN C5LU15. 
 
 This organization came into existence 
 August Ifi, 1894, and has fiourishedever 
 since. The first meeting was held as 
 above in the town house, S. T K. Prime 
 in the chair, and C. V. Bower, secretary. 
 The objects of the club are principally to 
 promote field sports and protect game
 
 TII6T0RY OF DWKJllT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 113 
 
 birds, which is very creditable, indeed. 
 
 The officers elected, which are still 
 holding their positions, are : J. K. 
 (.)ughton, president ; II. F. Adams, vice- 
 president ; C. \'. Bower, secretary and 
 treasurer ; L. S. Hause, captain ; J. K. 
 Oughton, C. V. Bower, L. S. Ilause, 
 Geo. Tate and liobt. Orr, trustees. 
 
 The first shoot was held October 18. 
 November 21) there was a match shoot 
 between Henry Atkinson and Ame Orr, 
 the latter winning. The first annual 
 tournament was held iJecember 27 and 
 28. The weather was very bad and the 
 outside attendance small, but the club 
 cleared about $25. 
 
 In November a special meeting was 
 held and President J. R. Oughton 
 kindly oft'ered to erect a club house and 
 rent it to the club for .f 10 a year, which 
 was accepted. 
 
 There has been a constant improve- 
 ment in shooting among the members. 
 
 There is a membership of thirty the 
 1st of .January, 1895. The shoots are 
 held on the Oughton farm, just south of 
 town. 
 
 MASONIC. 
 
 The Masonic fraternity was organ- 
 ized in D wight March 1, 18t)2, when 
 Livingston Lodge, U. D., was formed, 
 with the following otticers, viz. : E. N. 
 Jencks, W. M. ; C.S. Newell, secretary; 
 AV. L. Gross, senior warden. October 
 8, 1862, the lodge received a charter, is- 
 sued by F. M. Blair, grand master of 
 Masons in Illinois, and countersigned by 
 II. G. lleynolds, grand secretary. The 
 lodge has a large and increasing mem- 
 bership of excellent citizens, and is one 
 of the solid orders of our city. The 
 following otticers were elected for 1895 : 
 W, M., Andrew Hansen ; S. W., A. Bo- 
 vik ; .1. W., G. Z. Flagler ; secretary, 
 Frank Ford ; treasurer, ,Ioe Miller. 
 
 MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA. 
 
 The above fraternal insurance order 
 was organized in Dwight in September, 
 1892, in Keeley hall, by Deputy Head 
 Counsel Griggs. There were thirty- 
 two charter members. The first otiicers 
 elected were W. G. Dustin, V. C. ; A. 
 Bovik, A. ; ,Jas. Ubellar, B. ; W. H. 
 Doty, clerk ; A. K. Zimmerman, W.; J. 
 Burns, S. The order has flourished and 
 new members have joined right along, 
 until the membership early in 1895 
 reaches nearly 100. Deputy Head Coun- 
 sel Martin, of Aurora, did excellent 
 work at this time. The officers at pres- 
 ent 1895— are John Leach, V. C. ; Wm. 
 Thornton, A. ; .[. France, B. ; W. H. 
 Doty, clerk ; A. G. Fisk, escort ; M. J. 
 Bagnell, watchman ; I. N. Peterson, 
 sentry ; W. G. Dustin, A. Bovik) 
 Frank Reeb, managers. 
 
 DANSKE BRODERSAMFUND, FREDEN 
 LOGE, NO. 34 
 
 The above lodge was instituted in 
 Dwight, October 12, 1889. They meet in 
 Sons of Veteran hall, and their organi" 
 zation is growing and is in excellent 
 condition. The first otticers elected 
 were as follovvs: E. P., J. Jacobsen ; 
 P., H. C. Hansen ; V. P., J. J. Smith ; 
 S., L. P. Klitz; T., Jens Schott ; G., 
 Chris. Skafgaard; I. G., F. H. Frand- 
 sen ; O. G., P. H. Gantzel. The pres- 
 ent officers are as follows : E. P., J. E. 
 Petersen ; P., J. P. Jensen ; V. P., P. 
 Johansen ; R, S., N. T. Nommensen ; 
 F. S., O. C. Jensen ; T. S. P. Klitz ; G., 
 N. K. Nelson ; I. G., P. Olsen ; O. G., 
 J . Jacobsen ; trustees, J. P. Hansen, F. 
 Frandsen, Ed. Smith. 
 
 PACIFIC ENCAMPMENT, NO. 120. 
 
 The warrant for the charter of the 
 above organization was issued on the 
 8th day of October, 1880, by AValter E. 
 Carlin, grand patriarch of the jurisdic-
 
 114 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLl^^OIS. 
 
 tion of Grand Encampment of Illinois, 
 attested by J. C. Smith, grand scribe. 
 
 Pacific Encampment was instituted 
 October It), 1880, by J, C. Smith, grand 
 scribe, assisted by Vermillion Encamp- 
 ment, No. 54, of Pontiac. The follow- 
 ing are the charter members, to-wit : 
 H. Fox, J. J. Gore, A. McKay, Benj. 
 Waite, by cards. By initiation, to-wit : 
 W. H. Ketcham, Sr., J. C. Lewis, Mar- 
 tin "NVilks, Moses Wilkison, Thomas 
 Liddicott, Chas. Stevens, M. J. Cullen, 
 John Leach, DeWitt Scvitt, W. H. Con- 
 rad. 
 
 The otficers elected were J. J. Gore, 
 C. P. ; A. McKay, H. P. ; DeWitt Scutt, 
 S. W. ; J. C. Lewis, scribe ; W. H. 
 Ketcham, Sr., treasurer ; Thos. Liddi- 
 cott, J. W. ; H, Fox, grand representa- 
 tive. 
 
 The officers elected for 1895 for Pa- 
 cific Encampment, No. 126, I. O. O.F., 
 are as follows : C, P., A. Comer; H. 
 P., S. A. Goodman ; S. W., G. L. Tay- 
 lor ; scribe, E. A. Radcliff ; treasurer, 
 W. H. Conrad ; J. ^\., Geo. Peterson ; 
 sentinel, Geo. Donigan. 
 
 Trustees— J. A. Pettett, S. A. Good- 
 man, M. Wilkison, M. C. Starrett, Geo. 
 Robinson. 
 
 Moses Wilkison, representative to 
 Grand'Encampment of Illinois. 
 
 ODD FELLOWS. 
 
 Dwight Lodge, No. 513, I. O. O. F. 
 was instituted in Dwight by Jas. S. 
 Hunter, of Odell, D. G. M., May 22, 
 1873, and is probably the richest and 
 strongest society in Dwight. The first 
 Noble Grand was C. C. Gilbert, and M. 
 W. Tambling, secretary. In October 
 of the same year a charter was issued 
 by G. M. Bross, grand master, to the 
 following charter members : C. C. 
 (Albert, W. S. Sims, M. W. Tambling, 
 John L. Clark, Thomas Weldon, Hugh 
 Stevens and K. P. l^tley. The society 
 
 afterwards purchased land and erected 
 the Dwight o'pera hou.se, now used for 
 a treatment hall by the Leslie E. Keeley 
 Co. They sold the property during the 
 boom for a good price, and have the 
 money well invested. The present of- 
 ficers are as follows : Deputy Grand 
 Master, G. L. Taylor ; Representative 
 Grand Lodge, J. Stewart ; Past Grand, 
 A. Comer; N. G., E. A. Radcliff ; V. 
 G., Wm. J. Taylor ; secretary, J. Knud- 
 sen ; treasurer, Chas. Waters ; R. S. N. 
 G., J. Geis ; L. S. N. G., S. A. Good- 
 man ; warden, Geo. Donigan ; conduc- 
 tor, J. W. Koehler ; R. S. S., Frank N. 
 Smith ; L. S. S., Geo. Peterson ; R. S. 
 V. G , Jos. K. Bufliham ; L. S. V. G., 
 James Seabert. 
 
 ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS. 
 
 The above organization was organ- 
 ized February 4, 1894. This order has 
 fifty members and meets the second 
 Sunday of every month. The officers 
 are as follows : President, John Den- 
 nehe; vice-president, James West ; sec- 
 retary, Thos. Dennehe ; recording sec- 
 retary, Lawrence Fay ; financial secre- 
 tary, William West ; sergeant at arms, 
 David Coughlin ; door keeper, Daniel 
 Ilurlay. 
 
 G. A. R., W. R. C. AND S. OF V. 
 
 The history of these organizations 
 Avill be found in another part of this 
 book. 
 
 A. P. A. 
 
 The above lodge was organized in 
 Dwight in 1894, and is said to have a 
 large membership. 
 
 KEELEY LEAGUE. 
 
 The organization of the Keeley 
 League and its advancement is noted 
 at length through the latter years of this 
 history.
 
 Miss Sarah Snyder. 
 
 (First Teact]er in Divigtit, 
 
 Prof. J. H. Meneely. 
 
 (Freserjt Priqcipal of Duuiqljt Schools ) 
 
 Hon. 0. W. Pollard. 
 
 John Leach.
 
 insTOIIY OF DWICIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 iirj 
 
 CHAPTER Xll. 
 
 DWIGHT PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 
 
 "While there has been much said in 
 this little work regarding our schools, 
 the improvements made and important 
 changes, the history would be unfin- 
 ished without giving the best record 
 obtainable of the teachers and members 
 of the school board from early times. 
 It is due the members of the board and 
 the teachers that to say our schools 
 stand second to none of the size of the 
 place in the state. There is one thing 
 that even those who were instrumental 
 in bringing about, now condemn, and 
 that is having two schools. The mis- 
 take was made in purchasing two build- 
 ing sites instead of one central location 
 where a building could have eventually 
 been erected that would be a credit to 
 the city. 
 
 By inquiry and through the kindness 
 of 1). McWilliams, E. T. Miller and 
 others, we have been enabled to get to- 
 gether considerable information regard- 
 ing our schools, which will certainly in- 
 terest all our citizens. 
 
 The lirst school liouse was built in the 
 fall of 1855 at a cost of .^275 and served 
 three years as a school house, church 
 and public hall. It was lC)x2i and stood 
 about tifteen rods east of the residence 
 of D. McWilliams and is now the L of 
 Col. .T. IJ. Parsons residence on Mazon 
 avenue. 
 
 The school directors were D. McWil- 
 
 liams, .leremiiah Travis and Xelson 
 Cornell. 
 
 Sarah Snyder was the first teacher, 
 followed by Clara Colister and Amerila 
 Crowel. The former is, January 1, 
 1S*J5, a resident of Streator and in ex- 
 cellent health. Her portrait is presented 
 in this work and we feel sure will be of 
 much interest to all who are acquainted 
 with the lady. 
 
 The town grew rapidly, and in the 
 spring of 1857 it was found necessary to 
 build a larger school house. All agreed 
 that the house must be built, but the 
 location cost many heated discussions. 
 At the election the "East Side" party 
 gained the day by three votes~-104 or 
 105 votes being cast. A person going 
 from the main part of town to the site 
 of the new house was obliged to wade 
 through slough grass as high as a man's 
 head. In 18(54 an addition to the east 
 side building was made. It was 2(5x28 
 and cost nearly !?1,500. The play 
 ground in which this building stands is 
 the best in the county. In 1870 the two- 
 story brick on the west side was erected 
 at a cost of about .'?5,0(X). Notwith- 
 standing the fact that it seats 150 pu- 
 I)ils, in 1880 the board of directors was 
 obliged to rent a room in the M. E. 
 church which served as a school room 
 for one primary grade up to the fall of 
 188(i, when a larger and more commo-
 
 lie. 
 
 IIISTUUY OF DWJGIIT, JLL1N.UIS. 
 
 dious, better lighted room was secured 
 in the Presbyterian church. A bell 
 weighing 304 pounds and costing .'i?r22 20 
 was purchased for the east side building 
 in 18t)l . 
 
 The following named men have filled 
 the position as principal of the Dwight 
 schools : 
 
 SALARY 
 PER MO. 
 
 1857-1858— Edwin Lathrop, 2 yr . ..$ 40 
 
 1858 — L. W. P. \Mlmot and 
 
 wife, 3 mo — 
 
 1859 — S. G. (xlenn, 5 mo BO 
 
 18(»0--18P)1"-D. S. Eyer, 1 yr. 4 mo. . . 45 
 
 18t)l-18»J3— O. F. Pearre, 2 yr 35 
 
 18()3-18()5— L. W. P. AVilmot, 2 yr. . 75 
 18(35-181)8— W. II. Gurney, 3 yr, $:;0, 
 
 $(55 and 85 
 
 18(58-1870— B. M. Moore, 2 yr 100 
 
 1870-1871— L. F. Walker, 1 yr 100 
 
 1871-1872— C. J. Gruey, 1 yr 80 
 
 1872-1874— W. S. Wilson, 2 yr 100 
 
 1874-1878— C. F. Biehl, 4 yr., $100, 
 
 $120, $120 and 95 
 
 1878-1883— Jesse Hubbard, 5 yr. . . . — 
 
 1883-1890— H. D. Fisk, 7 yr — 
 
 1891-1892— C. E. Schlabach, 1 yr . . . . — 
 
 1892-1894— W. T. Wilson, 2 yr — 
 
 1894-1895— J. II. Meneely, present 
 
 teacher, Jan. 1, 1895 — 
 
 Edwin Lathrop, after vvards super- 
 visor of Ptound Grove township, was 
 the tirst male teacher employed in the 
 schools of the town. He was informed 
 while attending an institute in Pontiac 
 that his salary ($40 per month) was the 
 highest received by any teacher in the 
 county . 
 
 S. G. Glenn received $(50 })er month, 
 but had to pay an assistant who heard 
 recitations in what is now the cloak 
 room of the east side primary.* 
 
 Mr. Glenn has since been president of 
 a Florida railroad, and afterwai-ds a 
 prominent man in one of the leading 
 insurance companies. (). S. M'escott, 
 principal of the North Division Higii 
 School in Chicago, was Mr. Glenn's as- 
 sistant, receiving a sahiry of $19 per 
 month. During the summer Mr. Wes-. 
 cott worked at Ihc carpenter trade and 
 
 never failed to attend Sunday School on 
 the Sabbath. The teacher of his class 
 happened to be the minister, and as 
 ministers are supposed to know more 
 or less about Greek, what more natural 
 than that the teacher quote a little 
 Greek occasionally for the benefit of his 
 class? One unlucky Sabbath the min- 
 ister, in order to prove a point under 
 discussion, a quotation as he said, from 
 the Greek Testament, whereupon to his 
 great disgust, Mr. Wescott drew from 
 his pocket a Greek Testament and pro- 
 ceeded to read. The minister was 
 never known to quote Greek again 
 while he remained in the place. 
 
 O. F. Pearre is still spoken of as an 
 excellent teacher, and he undoubtedly 
 did good woi'k. He was re-employed 
 at the end of his second year but re- 
 signed to accept the otlice of county 
 superintendent, to which he had been 
 elected. Mr. Pearre is a well known 
 lawyer of Pontiac and has gained no. 
 little local fame as a poet 
 
 W. II. Gurney is a brotlier-in-!aw of 
 Mr. Pearre's, marrying Miss Alden. The 
 lady of his choice was one of his teacli- 
 ers, but she gave up school work after 
 she was married. During Mr Gurney's 
 reign the anti-declamation disease 
 broke out with all the virulence of mod- 
 ern times. 
 
 Several of the boys, who are now 
 jtrominent business men of the town, 
 tried to throw the principal over the 
 bakister simply because he sought to 
 persuade them that declamations and 
 essays were a part of their school work. 
 
 C. F. Diehl continued in school work 
 and for two or tluee years was the prin- 
 cij)al of the Abingdon |)ublic schools in 
 this state. He was also i)rincii)al of tlie 
 Ashton schools in Lee county. 
 
 Jesse Hubbard, who carries oif tlie 
 ])rize for the greatest number of years as 
 l)rinci|ial at tluit lime, was the man who
 
 IIISTOllY OF DWICllT, ILLIXOI; 
 
 ir 
 
 jilaced the I) wight schools on a safe and 
 sure footing. During his administra- 
 tion the school was graded, an excellent 
 course of study adopted, teachers stim- 
 vUated to more thorough work, a library 
 was secured and last, but not least, the 
 boys and girls found that the teachers 
 must be obeyed. liisintluence was felt 
 outside of scliool, and after a year or 
 two, shade trees and picnet fences nour- 
 ished in the neighborhood of the school 
 buildings as they never had done before. 
 Mr. Hubbard was afterwards superin- 
 tendent of the Pontiac public schools. 
 
 Kobert 8. Mclldufi', one of the leading 
 lawyers in the county, and ex-states at 
 torney, served as principal two or three 
 different times, when sickness or a wed- 
 ding kept the regular principal away. 
 
 Prof. II. D. Fisk maintained the dig- 
 nity of the Dwight schools and was be- 
 loved by his pupils. His health failed, 
 however, and during the last months of 
 his principalship he was unable l,o at- 
 tend to his duties, although his last 
 thouglits were of the school, and only a 
 few hours before his death he requested 
 to be taken to the school His death is 
 spoken of in the history proper. Mrs. 
 II. 1). Fisk is a teacher in the schools 
 January 1, iSUo. Prof. Fisk was prin- 
 cipal longer than any other person. 
 
 Prof. V. E. Schlaboch, who succeeded 
 Prof. Fisk, only remained one year. He 
 afterwards moved to Iowa and was 
 elected county superintendent of schools 
 which position he held January 1, 1895, 
 
 Prof. W. T. Wilson succeeded Prof. 
 Schlabach and remained two years. lie 
 is at present, 1895, we understand, at- 
 tending s -hool .in Chicago. It is the 
 opinion of all that Mr. Wilson has a 
 bright future befoi-e him. 
 
 Prof. J. II. Meneely is the present 
 princijial. January 1, 1895, is a splendid 
 instructor, a public-spirited citizen. He 
 holds a i)erpetual certificate and is a 
 
 constant student himself and up-to- 
 date on all modern ideas in teaching. 
 He is ambitious and will some time, we 
 expect, occui)y a very high position 
 among the advanced educators of the 
 country. He is a young man and cer- 
 tainly has a bright future. 
 
 Names of those who have served as 
 teachers since 185('), and the date, show- 
 ing when they entered the school : 
 
 Sarah Snyder, 1857, taught (> years. 
 * Mrs. Lathrop, 1858, taught 1 year. 
 
 O S. Wescott, 1859, taught 1 year. 
 
 Miss Bennett, 1859, taught 1 year. 
 
 Miss Crist, 18iJ0, taught 1 year. 
 
 Mrs. Wilmot, 18(53, taught 1 year. 
 
 Hattie Newell, 18i)4, taught 2 years. 
 
 Miss Alden, 18!)5, taught 1 year. 
 
 Miss Hobbs, 18t)r), taught 2 years. 
 
 Miss F. J. Ketcham, 181)7, taught 3 
 years. 
 
 Miss J. C. Wright, 18f)7, taught 3 
 years. 
 
 George Winans, 18(58, taught 1 year. 
 
 Mai-y Whitlock, 181)8, taught 1 year. 
 
 Olive McClure, 18()8, taught 1 year. 
 
 Kobert S. Mclldulf, 18()9, taught 2 
 years. 
 
 Mary J. Paul, 18159, taught 2 years. 
 
 Emily Haney, 18l>9, taught 2 years. 
 
 Miss M. E. cMcClure, 1870, taught 4 
 years. 
 
 Lizzie Weagley, 1870, taught 2 years. 
 
 Alice Dwelley, 1870, taught 3 years. 
 
 Laura Rodman, 1870, taught 5 years. 
 
 Mary Sumner, 1872, taught 2 years. 
 
 Marietta Baldwin, 1873, taught 1 year. 
 
 Mary E. Haines, 1873, taught 3 years. 
 
 Miss Diehl, 1874, taught 4 years. 
 
 Franc McClure, 1874, taught 3 years. 
 
 Nettie Ketcham, 1874, taught 3 years. 
 
 Ella Mills, 1874, taught 3 years. 
 
 Emma Paul, 1875, taught 2 years. 
 
 Agnes C. Mcllduff, 1875, taught 21 
 years.* 
 
 Mrs. T. M. ^Vright, 187(5, taught 3 
 years .
 
 118 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Jennie Bradbury, 1877, taught 3 years. 
 
 Lucy M, Banks, 1877, taught 8 years. 
 
 Mrs. C. M. Cyrus, 1877, taught — 
 years. 
 
 Emma F. Baker, 1877, taught l'.» 
 years.* 
 
 II. Belle Mc(;innis, 1877, taught 8 
 years. 
 
 Emma Rodman, 1878, taught 2 years. 
 
 Clara Dunlop, 1871>, taught 1 year. 
 
 Sarah Crawford, 1879, taug'ht 1 year. 
 
 Mattie B. Paul, 1880, taught 7 years. ■ 
 
 Josie McHugh, 1881, taught 1 year. 
 
 Mary E Uow, 1881. taught 2 years. 
 
 Addle Northam, 1881, taught 1 year. 
 
 Georgiana Scott, 1883, taught — years. 
 
 Ilattie Strawn, 1884, taught — years. 
 
 Mrs. H. D. Fisk. 1883, taught —years.* 
 
 Isabel Phillips, 18S4, taught — years. 
 
 C. R. Tombaugh, 1884, taught 1 year. 
 
 Jennie Payne, 1884, taught 1 year. 
 
 T. J. Haney, 1885, taught 1 year. 
 
 Clara E. Fisk, 1885, taught 2 years. 
 
 Louisa H. Bartlett, 1885, taught 2 
 
 years. 
 John H. Smith, 18S6, taught 3 years. 
 
 Minnie Ahern, 188(i, taught 4 years. 
 
 Lucy Barnum, 188B, taught 2 years. 
 
 Lucy Banks, 188t), taught 2 years. 
 
 Samuel Houston, 1887, taught 4 years. 
 
 Minnie Ilollmeyer, 1887, taught 1 year. 
 
 Ella New, 1888, taught 1 year. 
 
 Lillie Conrad, 1889, taught (> years.* 
 
 Mrs. Hubbard, 18iMJ, taught 2 years. 
 
 Mrs. II. B. Rishell, 1891, taught 1 year. 
 
 Jas. T. Rishell. 1891, taught 1 year. 
 
 Mrs. 11. 1). Fisk, 1892.* 
 
 Mary H. (Joul(^ 1892, taught 2 yeare. 
 
 Nellie Hade. 1892.* 
 
 C. K. Swanson, 1892, taught 1 year. 
 
 Addie liarr, 1893.* 
 
 Miss Chenowith, 1893.* 
 
 ,]. II. Meneely, 1893.* 
 
 C.W. Allen, 1894.* 
 
 *Teaeliiii^'.Iiiniiiiry l. isor,. 
 
 JIKill SCllOOI. A SSI .SI' A NTS, 
 
 Alice (Jraves, 1879, taught 1 year. 
 
 Margaret Sudduth, 1880, taught 1 
 year. 
 
 Mary E. Bradford, 1881, taught 2 
 years. 
 
 Lidia A. Kelly, 1883. taught three 
 years. 
 
 S. Estella Krohn, 1889, taught 2 years. 
 
 Anna L. Glidden, ISiKJ, taught 2 years. 
 
 Miss Palmitier, 1892, taught 2 years. 
 
 Jean Pettett, 18W.* 
 
 *Teachini; January 1, 1895. 
 
 Agnes C. Mcllduff, Emma F. Baker, 
 H, Belle McGiimis, LucyM. Banks and 
 Mattie B. Paul have taught the greatest 
 number of years. The lir'st two named 
 are still employed in the school. 
 
 Names of those who have served their 
 country faithfully in the capacity of 
 school director and board of edu.cation : 
 D. McWilliams, J. B. Travis, 
 Geo. Whitlock, Nelson Cornell, 
 Oren Gould, Robt. Young, 
 
 Henry Eldridge, Chas. S. Newell. 
 W. H. Ketcham, S. L. D. Ramsey, 
 AValter Baladen, J. G. Strong, 
 John Sherrill. Dr. J. II. Hagerty, 
 
 James Mcllduff, W. S. Sims. 
 A. E. Gould, Jesse Diftenbaugh, 
 
 S. M. AVitt, Eugene Baker, 
 
 A. McKay, O. W. Pollard. 
 
 J. J. (k>re, C. J. Jvidd, 
 
 ]i A. Buck, R. P. Morgan, Jr.. 
 
 J. C. Lewis, John C. (ieorge. 
 
 Dr. M. Palm, E. T. Miller.* 
 
 John A. Pettett,* N. N. Mickelson,* 
 (reorge S. I>aker, John Leach, 
 John Dennehe. John Geis, 
 L. .I.Trunnell. .1. R. Oughtim. 
 
 A. Rurbaker,* Dr. C. H. Rarr,* 
 
 L. 11. Martin,* JNIrs. C M. Raker.* 
 
 ♦Board of Edncation .laniiary 1, 1805. 
 
 Mrs. C. .M. Raker was the first lady 
 ever elected on the board, and made a 
 splendid oflicial. 
 
 11 has not been custumai'y to re-elect 
 a man alter he served one term. In
 
 -»f^W 
 
 
 ■ i».»ji|ii I . ■ IT, ^^^.^W 
 
 ■VMMi-iJ. IMMAtMo. llTllBIM 
 
 Pf?^"^'^ '•"'■^*«st.«r iiiSi^jj^Kr- ■•'"-"* S( 
 
 mr-M 
 
 
 West Side School 
 
 East Side School.
 
 HISTORY OF DWKJIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 119 
 
 many cases the retiring director was 
 urged to allow his name to go before the 
 people for re-election, but he preferred 
 to draw his princely salary and mod- 
 estly retire. In thirty-two years but 
 three men have served two full terms. 
 
 The marked success of D. Mc Williams, 
 II. Eldridge, Jesse Diffenbaugh, Rich- 
 ard P. Morgan, .Jr., C. J. Judd, Eugene 
 Baker, S. M. AVitt, A. McKay, O. W. 
 Pollard and others, in business, or in 
 the held of politics, has led many to be- 
 lieve that the office is a guarantee to 
 wealth or fame, or both. 
 
 (JEADUATES 
 
 CLA.Sri 1880. 
 
 Allie Eldridge, Charles Fallis, 
 Charles Ehodes. 
 
 CLASS 1881. 
 Alice Kattenbury, Alice Paul, 
 Anna Baker, J. P. McAVilliams, 
 
 Edith Kneeland, Fred AVood. 
 
 CLASS 1882. 
 Nora Goodman, John Smith, 
 Mary Marshall, Frank Thole, 
 Laura Thompson. 
 
 CLASS 1884. 
 Effie E. Baker, Annie E. Fox, 
 
 Jennie Rattenbury, Jennie Payne, 
 
 CLASS 1885. 
 Erminie Ahern, Frank L. Smith, 
 Frank AVilson, Ella Conant, 
 
 Mary Longe, Mary Cusick. 
 
 CLASS 188f). 
 
 Louise McAA''illiams, Cora Adams, 
 A'erna Koehnlein, Eugene (ieorge, 
 Samuel Houston, 
 
 CLASS 1887, 
 
 Lilly B. Conrad, Nellie AVeldon, 
 Mary O'Malley, Julia O'Malley. 
 
 CLASS 1888. 
 
 Jennie Cad wallader, Alice Perry, 
 Lilla Koehnlein, Anna Dunlop, 
 Luella Stevens, Minnie Lower, 
 Aura Gallop. 
 
 CLASS 1889, 
 
 D. C. Morgan, 
 Fred Smith, 
 Louise de Clercq, 
 Nellie Jeffries, 
 
 Charles A'ickery, 
 Nellie Doherty, 
 Bessie Iluey, 
 Henry AVood. 
 
 CLASS 1890, 
 
 John George, AValter O'Malley, 
 
 Jennie Koehnlein, Alice Longe, 
 Dell Pearre, Mary Conrad, 
 
 CLASS 1891. 
 
 Minnie E, Barr, Mildred C. Gould, 
 E. May Morris, Fred B. de Clercq, 
 Marcella Ferguson, Maggie E, Kern. 
 
 CLASS 1892. 
 Bessie A, Baker, Fannie Conner, 
 Clay D, Parker, M. Etta Calder, 
 Charles A, Simmons, 
 
 CLASS 1893. 
 Addie B, Fenn, Dora E. Kern, 
 M.Mabel Thompson, Frank E. Ford, 
 John O'Malley. 
 
 CLASS 1894. 
 Mary Fifield, Emma Groll, 
 
 Marie PeterseiL
 
 120 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLIJ^OIS. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE DWIGHT GUARDS AND THE lOTH BATTALION, I. N. G. 
 
 RECOLLECTIONS BY COLONEL J. B. PARSONS. 
 
 June 20, 1874, an independent com- 
 pany of state militia was organized at 
 Dwight and was designated The Dwight 
 Guards . 
 
 J. B. Parsons was elected captain, S. 
 H. Kenney first lieutenant and S. M. 
 Witt second lieutenant. 
 
 The company was composed of about 
 forty men, quite a number of whom had 
 seen service in the late war. 
 
 The oflticers were duly commissioned 
 by John L. Beveridge, then gov- 
 ernor of Illinois, E. L. Iliggins being at 
 that time adjutant general of the state. 
 The Dwight Guards was the first mili- 
 tary company organized in the county, 
 in fact there were then but three or four 
 other companies of militia in the state, 
 but soon after this time considerable in- 
 terest was manifested in militia matters. 
 
 The first arms issued to the Dwight 
 company were fifty of the old muzzle- 
 loading Enfield muskets, with equip- 
 ments, all of which had done service in 
 the late war. 
 
 Our first quarters were in Smith's 
 hall over J. J. Smith's shop on Mazon 
 avenue. 
 
 At that time the state was without 
 militia law and without fiuids to pay 
 
 any expense in the militia line. During 
 the month of July, 1874, the company 
 purchased neat uniforms with their per- 
 sonal funds, and the ladies of Dwight 
 presented them with a very nice bunting 
 riag. The company took considerable 
 interest in their meetings and drill and 
 soon assumed quite a military bearing 
 and became somewhat proficient in 
 drill. 
 
 In August of that year the company 
 made arrangements for a military drill 
 and sham battle to be held in Dwight on 
 the 14th of that month. This being a 
 novel thing and other attraction being 
 added, all of which were well adver- 
 tised, the event was a great success as 
 to numbers and I think the crowd has 
 seldom been exceeded in Dwight. 
 
 The Fairbury military company, which 
 had been organized that month, was on 
 hand in force, a cannon was obtained 
 from Gardner and a quantity of blank 
 ammunition was secured. The Pontiac 
 fire dei)artment was kindly present with 
 their new fire engine. The cornet band 
 was engaged and the usual side shows 
 were on hand. The celebration was 
 held at the east side school grounds and 
 the sham battle took place (m the open
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 121 
 
 lield on the east side of the school 
 grounds. The day was splendid, and 
 everything went well unti4 afternoon, 
 then accidents seemed to be the order. 
 Seats fell and one man had a leg broken. 
 During the rapid firing at the time of 
 the sham battle Zane Turner had his 
 arm badly shattered by a premature dis- 
 charge of the cannon, he being one of 
 the gunners. A little later the lire en- 
 gine was withdrawn by the fire com- 
 pany from the school grounds to East 
 street to give an exhibition in throwing 
 water, the engine being placed at the 
 large well at the north end of Strong's 
 warehouse to procure water. The ex- 
 liibition was proceeding nicely, but the 
 water was such that it foamed and was 
 not properly indicated by the steam 
 gauge. Soon a loud report was heard, 
 the engine had blown up. The crown 
 of the engine was blown about forty 
 feet into the air, the tire fiew in all di- 
 rections, setting tire to the warehouse 
 and all was excitement. Fortunately 
 the result was not as serious as would 
 have been expected, but two or three 
 members of the tire company were 
 slightly burned or scalded, the tire at 
 the warehouse was soon extinguished, 
 and strange, to say, none of the crowd 
 was seriously hurt, but the accident 
 tended to dampen the festivities of the 
 day. While the day in many respects 
 was a great success still the accidents 
 were of much regret. 
 
 About the middle of May of the fol- 
 lowing year the Dwight (Juards were 
 invited and attended a soldiers" and 
 sailors* reunion at Chicago. We were 
 furnished quarters at the hotels and 
 had a very enjoyable time. 
 
 On Saturday, May 30, 1875, occurred 
 the first memorial services ever held in 
 Dwight, and I believe about as success- 
 ful as any that has svicceeded it. The 
 services were held in the ^Vest Park, a 
 
 large wooden monument nicely covered 
 having been erected on which was dis- 
 played the names of all soldiers who en- 
 tered the service from Dwight and who 
 had given their lives in defense of their 
 country. 
 
 A procession was formed at 2 p. m. 
 at Smith's hall on Mazon avenue headed 
 by the Dwight ct)rnet band followed by 
 the Dwight Guards escorting soldiers of 
 the late war, they being followed by the 
 secret societies of Dwight and many 
 citizens in the procession, the procession 
 movmg to the West Park with the band 
 playing a dirge, the Dwight Guards at 
 reversed arms. 
 
 The president of the day was liev. M. 
 M. Longley ; vice-presidents, Hon. J. 
 G. Strong, C. J. Judd, E. R. Stevens, 
 Mrs. W. H. Ketcham, Mrs. W. H. Brad- 
 bury, Mrs. I. N. Gray, Mrs. R. Springer, 
 Mrs. R. M. Gardner, Mrs. J. H. Coe, 
 Mrs. J. G. Strong and Mrs. J. M. Baker. 
 
 COMMITTEE OF AKRANOEMEXT8. 
 
 Capt, J, B. Parsons, Hon. J. G. Strong, 
 Joseph Baker, H. A. Kenyon, Mrs. W. 
 II. Ketcham, S. W. Strong, Capt. J. B. 
 Baker, Mrs. AV. II. Bradbury, Mrs. I. N. 
 Gray, Mrs. R. Springer, Mrs. R. M. 
 (iardner, Mrs. J. II. Coe, Mrs. J. G. 
 Strong and Mrs. J. Baker. 
 
 ORDjat OF EXERCISES. 
 
 Music— Old Hundred. .Choir and Band 
 
 Invocation Rev. C. II. DeLong 
 
 Reading of the Scriptures 
 
 Rev. M. V. B.White 
 
 Introductory Remarks President 
 
 Unveiling of Monument 
 
 Four Young Ladies 
 
 Music Band 
 
 Readingof Roll of Honor..!!. A. Kenyon 
 
 Music Band 
 
 Prayer Rev. M. M. Longley 
 
 Memorial Poem W. II. Bradbury 
 
 Music Choir 
 
 Address Rev. O . W. Pollard 
 
 Music Band
 
 oo 
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLI^NOIS. 
 
 Address Rev. W. Xeitz 
 
 Music Choir 
 
 Address Rev. C. H. DeLong 
 
 Music Band 
 
 Closing Address. . .Rev. M. V. B.White 
 
 The procession then proceeded to the 
 cemeteries and decorated the soldiers' 
 graves, the benediction being pro- 
 nounced by Rev. W. Xeitz. 
 
 On June 8 Gen. Ducaf, of Chicago, 
 was appointed brigadier-general of the 
 state militia. On July 14, 1875, the 
 Dwight guards accepted an invitation 
 from the Morris Grays to attend a 
 celebration at Morris. The visit was 
 much enjoyed by the D wight company. 
 The Morris Grays had been organized 
 in December prior. 
 
 In August, 1875, the Dwight Guards, 
 with the Dwight band, attended the 
 county fair at Pontiac and remained 
 over until the following day to attend 
 the soldiers' reunion which was ad- 
 dressed by (rovernor Beveridge, Col. 
 Fort and others . 
 
 A company was organized in Pontiac 
 in the fall of 1875 and assigned to the 
 tenth battalion, II. B. Reed, captain; 
 James Fenton, first lieutenant, and C. 
 Clary, second lieutenant. By December, 
 1875, about tifty companies of militia 
 had been organized throughout the 
 state, and it had become necessary to 
 consolidate them into battalions or reg- 
 iments, hence an order was issued on 
 the 21st day of December of that year 
 by tlie adjutant general forming seven 
 battalions and regiments. By this or- 
 der the First and Second regiments were 
 composed of the several companies 
 which had been organized in Chicago, 
 and the Third regiment was composed 
 of tlie following companies : The Ster- 
 ling City (Uiards, Rockford (Juards, 
 Sycamore Union (iuards. La Salle Light 
 (luards, Morris Guards, Dwight Guards, 
 Streator Veteran Guards, Boone County 
 
 Guards and the Bohemian Rifles of 
 Chicago, An election has held at Ster- 
 ling in January, 187(), which resulted in 
 the election of Captain J. "NV. R. Stam- 
 baugh, of the Sterling company, as col- 
 onel of the regiment. At this meeting 
 Upton's Military Tactics were adopted. 
 A committee on the style of uniform 
 for the regiment was appointed consist- 
 ing of the commanding officers of each 
 company, J. B. Parsons being named as 
 chairman. Also a committee on seciu;- 
 ing a proper and efficient militia law for 
 the state was appointed consisting of 
 Captain R. A. Smith, Captain J. B. Par- 
 sons and Captain J. B. Day. 
 
 In March, 187ti. the Dwight Guards 
 received from the state sixty new 
 breech-loading Springfield rifles, calibre 
 45, with proper accoutrements Tlie 
 company felt much pleased with them, 
 as they were a modern and superior 
 arm and the first received by the state . 
 The company purchased new caps and 
 made other additions to their uniforms, 
 which, with their new arms and excel- 
 lent drill, gave them a fine appearance. 
 In July the Dwight Guards went to 
 Joliet and took part in a sham battle at 
 the fair grounds. 
 
 August 1, 187H, an order was issued 
 by the adjutant general consolidating 
 the following companies which should 
 constitute the Tenth battalion : 
 
 Dwight Guards, Captain J, B. Par- 
 sons ; Streator A'eteran Guards, Captain 
 J. W. Landis; Pontiac (iuards, Captain 
 II, B. Reed ; Joliet Citizens' ('orps, Cap- 
 tain D. C. Hayes ; Odell (Juards, Ca])- 
 tain J . K. Howard. 
 
 All election of officers was ordered 
 held at liwight on the 15th of August 
 and the following officers were elected 
 and commissioned : .T. H. l^arsons, 
 lieutenant colonel ; L. C. Mills, major ; 
 L. C. Mitchell, surgeon ; J. F. Culver, 
 chaplain; and the following staff' offi-
 
 Col. J. B. Parsons. 
 
 John Pettett. 
 
 Chas. Waters. 
 
 Eugene Flagler.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 123 
 
 cers were appointed: J. B. Fithian, 
 adjutant, and C. J. Judd, quarter- 
 master. The several companies were 
 designated as follows : Company A, 
 Pontiac Guards ; company B, Joliet 
 Citizens' Corps ; company C, Streator 
 Guards ; company D, Odell Guards ; 
 and ccmipany E, Dwight Guards. Ad- 
 ams' cornet band of Dwight was as- 
 signed to the Tenth battalion. It was 
 an excellent band and always cheerfully 
 responded to calls from the Tenth bat- 
 talion. The band was then composed 
 of the following members : R. C. Ad- 
 ams, Eugene Flagler, C. M. Baker, John 
 Poole, Henry Morgan, Del Wait, E. 
 Foesterling, Lewis Williams, Ed. Ad- 
 ams, George Morgan, Ilerschel Hagerty 
 and S. M. Witt. 
 
 A battalion drill was held on Septem- 
 ber 28 at Renf re vv Lodge, Dwight, by 
 all of the companies of the battalion, 
 the adjutant general of the state being 
 present, the drill closing with a sham 
 battle. 
 
 During the fall of 1876 the Catholic 
 church of Dwight held a fair and of- 
 fered a fine silk flag, nicely mounted, as 
 a prize to the best drilled militia com- 
 pany. This flag was secured by the 
 Dwight Guards. 
 
 November 25, 1876, the Marseilles 
 Light Guards, Captain J. B. Preston 
 commanding, were assigned to the 
 Tenth battalion and designated as com- 
 pany F. 
 
 In the sprmg of 1877 the Dwight 
 Guards built an armory 22x50 on the 
 east side of AVest street, near Mazon 
 avenue, at a cost of about $400. Hav- 
 ing several carpenters in the company 
 they did the greater part of the work 
 themselves. This building gave them 
 a good room for their meetings and for 
 their drill in the manual of arms, stor- 
 age of arms, camp equippage, etc. 
 After the company was disbanded 
 
 the armory building was sold to Charles 
 Waters for a hardware store. 
 
 May 30 the Dwight company took 
 part in the memorial services at Joliet. 
 
 On July 1, 1877, a new militia code or 
 law went into effect. This law had 
 been passed by the general assembly of 
 1877 and duly approved by S. M. Cul 
 lom, then governor. The provisions of 
 this law were the first encouragement 
 the militia of Illinois had received. The 
 active militia was designated the Illi- 
 nois National Guard, each company to 
 consist of a captain, a first and second 
 lieutenant, five sergeants, eight corpor- 
 als with not less than forty nor more 
 than 100 non-commissioned officers and 
 privates. It provided for enrollment for 
 five years, annual parades and encamp- 
 ments, arms and armories, fines and 
 court martials and appropriations which 
 authorized a levy of one-twentieth of 
 one mill on a dollar upon all the taxable 
 property in the state, this to be set aside 
 as a military fund. At this time there 
 were about 5,000 men in the Illinois 
 State Guard, about one-half of whom 
 were well uniformed and equipped. 
 The law provided for brigade and di- 
 vision organization. J. T. Torrence 
 was appointed by the governor brigadier 
 general commanding the First brigade 
 to which we were attached, and Gen. 
 A. C. Ducat was appointed major gen- 
 eral to command the division. 
 
 About the middle of July Adjutant 
 J. B. Fithian resigned and Reed Jones 
 was appointed to fill the vacancy. 
 
 A general reorganization of the state 
 militia under the new law was ordered, 
 but about this time strikes and rioting 
 had become somewhat general through- 
 out the state, and during the last of 
 July, 1877, intense excitement existed 
 throughout the country. The people 
 then, for the first time since the war, 
 realized the necessity of armed bodies
 
 124 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 of troojjs. During the spring of 1877 
 the miners at Braidwood came out 
 on a strike, and by the middle of July 
 were carrying things with a high hand. 
 Trouble was expected there. Orders 
 were issued to hold the members of the 
 Tenth battalion well in hand and have 
 all armories guarded. A supply of 
 ammunition had been ordered for all 
 the companies, but the sending of the 
 same was delayed from day to day by 
 general headquarters. About the 22nd 
 of July the sheriff of Will county and 
 his deputies were driven out of Braid- 
 wood. Then the colored miners left 
 for safety,, going in a body, some to 
 Wilmington and some to Dwight. 
 
 On the 23d I received an order from 
 the adjutant general of the state to 
 have my command ready for duty, and 
 another dispatch the same day that am- 
 munition would be sent to-morrow. Ef- 
 forts were being made by the state to 
 procure a supply from Rock Island. A 
 vast number of orders was received by 
 telegraph until the 28th. In the mean- 
 time the trains had all stopped running. 
 The sheriff of Will county had called on 
 the governor for help and advised on 
 the 26th that not less than 1,000 well 
 armed men be sent to Braidwood. Fin- 
 ally, on the evening of the 27th of July 
 I received orders from Major General 
 Ducat to concentrate my command at 
 Dwight by noon on the day following, 
 and proceed to Braidwood, he" to leave 
 Chicago with six companies of the First 
 regiment and the Third regiment in time 
 to form a junction with me at that point. 
 Orders were telegraphed to the several 
 companies of my command to proceed 
 to Dwight by special trains which should 
 reach here before noon on the 28th. 
 This they did promptly. The Joliet 
 company was ordered to remain on 
 duty at the state prison to prevent any 
 possible trouble from the prisoners at 
 
 that place, and the Marseilles com- 
 pany was ordered to proceed to Joliet 
 and connect with the special train with 
 the troops from Chicago. 
 
 A special train Avas provided at 
 Dwight to take the Tenth Battalion 
 to Braidwood, but there was some 
 delay in getting started, one rea- 
 son being that our promised ammu- 
 nition had not arrived. One or two 
 of the companies had a few rounds, but 
 it could not be divided up to advantage 
 with other companies as their arms 
 were not all of the same style and cali- 
 bre. In the meantime the troops from 
 the north had reached Joliet and taken 
 on two guns of King's Battery, it hav- 
 ing been reported that the miners 
 at Braidwood, who numbered about 
 2,500, had procured a field piece. This, 
 however, did not prove true. During 
 the latter part of the afternoon we left 
 Dwight for Braidwood. We left the 
 train about one-half mile from the town 
 and proceeded to march toward the 
 place. We soon ascertained that the 
 troops from the north had preceded us 
 into the town and that the miners had 
 offered no resistence and that the hon- 
 ors of a bloodless victory belonged to 
 the troops which had come from the 
 north. We then marched to the rail- 
 road roundhouse, put on a camp guard 
 and quartered in the roundhouse for 
 the night. On Sunday, tlie day follow- 
 ing, the houses of the place were 
 searched and all arms found were con- 
 fiscated, receipts being given the own- 
 ers for the same. The colored miners 
 which had gone to Dwight and Wil- 
 mington wished to return tt) Braidwood 
 and asked protection from General 
 Ducat, which was granted them on their 
 arrival. 
 
 On Sunday tlje Joliet company was 
 Avithdrawn from the prison and joined 
 us at Braidwood.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS, 
 
 125 
 
 On Tuesday, the 31st, General Ducat 
 with his troops returned by special train 
 to their homes, he leaving me in com- 
 mand with the Tenth battalion. 
 
 The command was then divided, 
 some of the companies being encamped 
 in the town and others being withdrawn 
 to a coal shaft near the outskirts of the 
 place. Matters remained quiet and no 
 outbreaks occurred. 
 
 On the 2nd of August Governor Cul- 
 lom visited us. Matters were duly can- 
 vassed and he returned to Springfield 
 that evening. 
 
 That day the Pontiac, Streator, Joliet 
 and Marseilles companies were relieved 
 and returned to their homes. 
 
 In a few days the arms which had 
 been taken from the miners were re- 
 turned to them. 
 
 Tents were provided and a temporary 
 issue of blankets was made by Quarter- 
 master Judd to the Dwight and Odell 
 companies. 
 
 Matters continued quiet, the usual 
 guard and picket duty was performed, 
 and company drill was held daily. On 
 the 8th of August orders were received 
 for the command to return home leav- 
 ing Quartermaster Judd in charge to 
 report matters to the adjutant general 
 and adjust state accounts. This would 
 seem like leaving a comrade in the 
 hands of the enemy, but as usual he 
 proved eqvial to the occasion. 
 
 The following day the balance of the 
 command, consisting of the Dwight and 
 Odell companies, returned home. Thus 
 ended the "Braidwood War." Many 
 things had happened which at the time 
 or afterward seemed very amusing, but 
 this would not seem strange under all 
 the circumstances. Lieutenant Judd 
 attended to the detail work of adjust- 
 ing the quartermaster's account for the 
 battalion ; also the muster and pay rolls 
 for settlement by the state. This he 
 
 did in a very proficient manner, but, for 
 lack of funds, the troops were not paid 
 for their services until May, 1879. The 
 pay was the same as for troops in the 
 regular service. The pay for company 
 E was from July 23 to August 15 inclu- 
 sive, and amounted, for a private sol- 
 dier, to $11.35. 
 
 August 18, 1877, the La Salle Light 
 Guards, Captain W. G. Coulter com- 
 manding, were detached from the Third 
 regiment and assigned to the Tenth 
 battalion and designated company G, 
 but this order was soon afterward re- 
 voked by the adjutant general. 
 
 August 23 the Wenona Guards, Cap- 
 tain O. M. Southwell commanding, 
 were assigned to the Tenth battalion 
 and designated company H. On the 
 same date the Ottawa Guards, Captain 
 Edward H. Smith commanding, were 
 attached to the Tenth battalion and 
 designated company I. 
 
 The following roster will give as near 
 as I am able to obtain, the names of the 
 member of the Dwight Guards in the 
 fall of 1877. Many others had been 
 members of the company prior to this 
 and subsequent to this, but I regret 
 that I am unable to give a complete list 
 of such names : 
 
 Samuel H. Kenney, captain. 
 
 Silas M. Witt, first lieutenant. 
 
 James H. Lloyd, second lieutenant. 
 
 Frank B. Chester, first sergeant. 
 
 Sergeants — Richard Roe, Hans Mad- 
 sen, Samuel Foster, James Kelagher, 
 George W. Kyler. 
 
 Corporals— James M. Dunlap, George 
 W. Gaghagan, Levi Wood, Charles M. 
 Mackley, John M. Kenney, Charles 
 Kingman, Jonah G. Winters, Daniel D. 
 Lewis. 
 
 Musicians— James Riggs and Iler- 
 schel L. Ilagerty. 
 
 Privates— Isaac Alyea, Michael II. 
 Blair, John Byrns, John W. Baker,
 
 126 
 
 HISTOKY OF DWIGHT, ILLr:NUIS. 
 
 Eolla D. Calkins, Daniel F. Chariton, 
 John Cornlusen, Patrick Conefry, David 
 Duncan, Louis Engelbert, John S. 
 Gaghagan, Smith Gillen, Stephen A. 
 Goodman, James S. Goodman, Andy 
 Irving, Ole H. Jensen, Frank L. Lewis, 
 Jabez Luther, William Morris, William 
 T. Magee, Alfred Miller, Charles Miller, 
 Egbert Miller, Eli Mullen, James Mor- 
 ris, Henry T. Melhviish, George Mc- 
 Neill, Henry Parker, John Perry, 
 Charles Rice, Joseph Riling, Lawrence 
 Roe, Charles Staley, Arial R. Stevens, 
 Samuel L. Slyder, William Sherwood, 
 Henry C. Sims, James K. Short, Henry 
 Thompson, William Thackery, Marion 
 C. Wood, Steven W. Winters, Thomas 
 H. Walker, Ralph Walker, James N. 
 White, Charles Walso, William Wink- 
 ler. 
 
 Major L. C. Mills resigned and his 
 resignation accepted about the middle 
 of August. The batallion was now 
 composed of companies enough to be 
 entitled to regimental organization. An 
 order was issued to that effect and an 
 election ordered to be held at D wight on 
 the 3d day of September, 1877, to elect 
 field officers for the regiment. This 
 election was held with the following 
 results : 
 
 J. B. Parsons, colonel. 
 
 J. W. Preston, lieutenant colonel. 
 
 B. E, Robinson, major. 
 
 This election was properly certified to 
 and duly forwarded, but before com- 
 missions were issued the point was 
 raised that some of the ballots had been 
 cast by proxy. Up to that time the cus- 
 tom had been that where a company 
 was represented, three votes might be 
 cast by the officers present from each 
 company when they held proxies for 
 any commissioned officers of their com- 
 pany that might not be present. The 
 matter being brought to the attention 
 of the adjutant general, he then ruled 
 
 that by reason of these proxies the elec- j 
 tion was void and commissions were 1 
 withheld. 
 
 In September a company was again 
 mustered at Fairbury, L. J. Secrist 
 commanding. September 24, 1877, an 
 order was issued which revoked the 
 former order for a regimental organiza- 
 tion and restored again the Tenth bat- 
 talion with the following companies 
 consolidated : Dwight Guards, Odell 
 Guards, Pontiac Guards, Wenona 
 Guards and Fairbury Guards. An 
 election was called to be held at Dwight 
 on the 5th day of October, 1877, to elect 
 field officers for the same. This resulted 
 in the election of J. B. Parsons, lieuten- 
 ant colonel ; and Captam J. K. Howard 
 of the Odell company, major, and they 
 were duly commissioned. The follow- 
 ing staff officers were appointed : 
 
 H, E. W. Barnes, captain and assist- 
 ant surgeon. 
 
 J. F. Culver, Captain and chaplain. 
 
 C. J. Judd, lieutenant and adjutant. 
 
 Cadet Taylor, lieutenant and quar- 
 termaster. 
 
 The following non-commissioned staff 
 was appointed : 
 
 C. C. Strawn, sergeant major. 
 
 C. D. Parker, quratermaster sergeant. 
 
 Ricliard Roe, commissary sergeant. 
 
 Phillip Wade, hospital steward. 
 
 Geo. W. Kyler, color sergeant. 
 
 J. H. Gaff, ordinance sergeant. 
 
 E. W. Mcintosh, drum-major. 
 
 P. A. Trowbridge and T. A. Daniels, 
 principal musicians. 
 
 Letters designating the companies 
 were revised as follows ; 
 
 A, Pontiac company. 
 
 B, Wenona company. 
 
 C, Fairbury company. 
 
 D, Odell company. 
 
 E, Dwight company. 
 
 The commissioned officers in these 
 companies, as then or afterwards com- 
 missioned, were as follows :
 
 fOJI.(//V/r/^/^ f//( Cc cMf 
 
 The Leslie E. Keeley Co.s Office and Laboratory. 
 
 Livingston Hotel. 
 
 Women s Home.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 127 
 
 Company A — Captains, B. E. Robin- 
 son and F. J. Maxwell; lirst lieuten- 
 ants, D. M. Lyons, R. J. Johnson and 
 James Fenton ; second lieutenant, J. C. 
 Keach. 
 
 Company B— Captains, O. M. South- 
 well, S. B. Patch and Samuel Brown ; 
 tirst lieutenants, S. B. Patch, P. Beck- 
 with and R. F. Beecher ; second lieu- 
 tenants, P. Beckwith, Samuel Brown 
 and Cadet Taylor. 
 
 Company C — Captains, L. J. Secrist, 
 J. M. Wright. J. W. Morris and J. S. 
 De Wolf ; lirst lieutenants, J. M. 
 AVright. J. W. Morris, J. S. Ue Wolf and 
 Henry Bennett ; second lieutenants, 
 John W. Morris, J. S. DeAVolfand 
 Henry Bennett. 
 
 Company D — Captains, J. F. Trow- 
 bridge, F. N. Hossack and F. M. 
 Penny; tirst lieutenants, E. M. 
 Yaughan, A. R. Hoke and C. M. De 
 Yinney ; second lieutenants, J. L. 
 Trowbridge, F. M. Penny and P. A. 
 Trowbridge. 
 
 Company E — Captains, S. H. Kenney 
 and S M. Witt ; lirst lieutenants, S. M. 
 \\ itt and F. B. Chester ; second lieu- 
 tenants, J H. Lloyd and G. W. (iagha- 
 han. 
 
 The new militia code provided for 
 payment by the state for an annual pa- 
 rade and drill for three days, but owing 
 to the expense incurred by the state 
 from the recent riots, such parade was 
 not ordered, but an inspection was or- 
 dei-ed held by each company at their 
 headquarters. In April, 1878, forty 
 members of the Dwight company gave 
 a power of attorney to M. C. Lilly & 
 Co., Columbus, Ohio, for pay due them 
 from their Braidwood campaign for 
 forty national guard uniforms which 
 they received the latter part of May. 
 Several others were soon ordered, so 
 that the company spent at that time a 
 little more than 8*'»0() for uniforms. 
 
 The average attendance at each drill 
 of company E, as certified to by Cap- 
 tain Kenney, at their semi-monthly 
 drills from July, 1877, to April, 1878, 
 was fifty-one officers and men. 
 
 In June, 1878, the Livingston County 
 Agricultural Society, through their of- 
 ficers, invited the Tenth battalion to 
 hold their annual drill at their new 
 grounds, Yermillion Park, at Pontiac, 
 July 3rd, 4th and 5th, quarters, rations, 
 etc., to be furnished by them. The in- 
 vitation was accepted and the attend- 
 ance was large. A sham battle was 
 quite a drawing feature, the Joliet bat- 
 tery with their guns and the entire Tenth 
 battalion taking part. On July 13 a 
 social organization of company E was 
 perfected, calling themselves Parsons' 
 Guards. S. H. Kenney was elected 
 president ; S, M. Witt, vice-president ; 
 J, M. Dunlap, secretary ; C, M, Mack- 
 ley, treasurer. In October rifle practice 
 was ordered held by all the companies 
 of the command, Brigadier General Vt,\ 
 E . Strong being then general inspector 
 of rifle practice. Company E received 
 this year for hall rent, lights, fuel, in- 
 surance and for other expenses about 
 .S370 from the state. 
 
 November ly, 1878, the Bloomington 
 Guards, Captain A. L. Heywood com- 
 manding, were assigned to the Tenth 
 battalion and designated company F. 
 Their commissioned officers at that time 
 or during the service of this company 
 with the Tenth battalion were as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 Captains— A. L. Heywood and J. F. 
 Heft'erman. 
 
 First Lieutenants— John Roberts, I). 
 D. Butler, J. F, Helferman and L. C, 
 Garver. 
 
 Second Lieutenants— I). D. Butler, 
 (i. M. Lathrop and Henry Rieb. 
 
 February 21, 1871», Captain O. M. 
 Southwell, commanding company B,
 
 128 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 died. Captain Southwell was an excel- 
 lent officer and his death caused much 
 regret in the command. 
 
 .July 1, 1879, a new militia code went 
 into effect. This required that no com- 
 pany should be composed of less than 
 fifty and not more than 100 men. The 
 total number of national guards in the 
 state not to exceed 8,000 men. The en- 
 listments to be five years, levying a tax 
 of one tenth of one mill on a dollar on 
 all the taxable property of the state and 
 quite a number of other important 
 changes were made. 
 
 In July, 1879, Captain Kenney asked 
 for the discharge of forty-six members 
 of company E by reason of expiration 
 of term of service. The application was 
 forwarded, approved and the members 
 honorably discharged. During this 
 month Lieutenant Judd was commis- 
 sioned captain and adjutant of the bat- 
 talion. 
 
 Under the provisions of the military 
 code $500 was allowed this year to each 
 brigade headquarters and !$200 to each 
 regiment and battalion headquarters for 
 current expenses of the same. 
 
 August 23, 1879, Lieutenant S. M. 
 Witt was elected captain of the D wight 
 company, vice Captain Kenney, whose 
 time of service had expired. Captain 
 Witt was afterwards elected sheriff of 
 Livingston County in November 1882. 
 
 In August, 1879, orders were issued 
 from general headquarters for the First 
 brigade to assemble at South Park, 
 Cook county, on the 3rd day of Septem- 
 ber for a four-day brigade encampment 
 and drill. The brigade was then com- 
 posed of one battalion of cavalry, three 
 regiments of infantry, five battalions of 
 infantry and three batteries. This com- 
 mand, with which we were connected, 
 reported at Chicago at the old base ball 
 park on the lake front about noon on 
 the 3rd, then moved in regular order, 
 
 commanded by Brigadier General J. T. 
 Torrence, passing the exposition build- 
 ing where we were reviewed by Gov- 
 ernor Cullom, marching thence to South 
 Park where quarters and subsistance 
 were furnished by the state, transpor- 
 tation to Chicago being furnished free 
 by the various railroad companies. The 
 services of the men were without pay 
 for the four days" encampment. Com- 
 pany, battalion and brigade drills were 
 the order ; also a sham battle near the 
 lake front on a grand scale. The en- 
 campment was enjoyed by all and of 
 much benefit to the command. The 
 drill and sham battle took place on part 
 of the ground on which the World's 
 Fair has since been held. The follow- 
 ing named officers then constituted the 
 brigade staff : 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel George R. Can- 
 non, assistant adjutant general. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Elijah B. Sher- 
 man, judge advocate. 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel Samuel B. Apple- 
 ton, inspector of rirte practice. 
 
 ^lajor Wiley S. Scribner, assistant in- 
 sjiector general. 
 
 Surgeon Fernand Ilenrotin, brigade 
 surgeon. 
 
 Captain Frank G. Iloyne, assistant 
 quartermaster 
 
 Captain Elliott Durand, assistant 
 commissary of subsistance. 
 
 First Lieutenant Edward T. Sawyer, 
 aid-de-camp. 
 
 First Lieutenant James J. Ilealey, 
 aid-de-camp. 
 
 The following officers were in com 
 mand of the various organizations com- 
 posing the brigade. 
 
 First battalion, cavalry. Major D. 
 Welter. 
 
 Second regiment, infantry, Colonel 
 James (iuirk. 
 
 Third regiment, infantry. Colonel C. 
 I\I. Brazee.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 129 
 
 First regiment, infantry, Colonel E, 
 D. Swain. 
 
 Battery C, First artillery, Major M. 
 Young. 
 
 Battery 1), First artillery. Major E. 
 P. Tobey. 
 
 Battery A, First artillery, Captain E. 
 Winter. 
 
 Tenth battalion, infantry. Lieutenant 
 Colonel .T. B. Parsons. 
 
 Ninth battalion, infantry, Lieutenant 
 Colonel M. II. Peters. 
 
 Twelfth battalion, infantry, Lieuten- 
 ant Colonel J . B. Fithian. 
 
 Sixth battalion, infantry. Lieutenant 
 Colonel W. II. Thompson. 
 
 Sixteenth battalion, infantry. Major 
 S. W. Scott. 
 
 In October ten rounds of ammunition 
 was ordered issued to each man for tar- 
 get practice by Colonel .lames A. Shaf- 
 fer then inspector of rifle practice. 
 
 November 10, 1879, H. II. McDowell 
 was appointed and commissioned cap- 
 tain and assistant inspector of rifla 
 practice. The same date A. (i. Good- 
 speed was commissioned captain and 
 chaplain of the battalion. 
 
 March B, 1880, the battalion was in- 
 spected by W. S Scribner, major and in- 
 spector general of the First brigade. 
 The Dwight company was inspected on 
 Friday evening, March 20. Company E 
 was paid this year for expenses as pro- 
 vided by the militia code, .i?325. 
 
 In August, 1880, the Wenona Fair 
 xVssociation, through its proper oflicers, 
 extended aii invitation for the Tenth 
 battalion to meet with them at the time 
 of holding their fair in September, the 
 association to furnish quarters and ra- 
 tions for the battalion. Accordingly 
 orders were issued for the battalion to 
 meet at Wenona on Tuesday, Septem- 
 ber 28, for annual encami)ment and 
 drill. The battalion band accompanied 
 us and all the companies reported with 
 
 full ranks. We remained for two days 
 entertaining the crowd each day with a 
 sham battle. No expense to the state 
 was incurred other than the use of 
 about forty tents. 
 
 The levy of this year of one-tenth of 
 one mill on the taxable property of the 
 state raised about !B70,000, three-fourths 
 of which was apportioned to the Illinois 
 National Guard for militia expenses 
 under the provisions of the military 
 code. 
 
 In February, 1881, the battalion was 
 inspected at their various company 
 headquarters by Major Eliott Durand, 
 then inspector general, First brigade. 
 
 In April, 1881, company A, at Pon- 
 tiac, disbanded and all members honor- 
 ably discharged. 
 
 Early in July Adjutant General H. 
 Ililliard resigned and General Isaac H. 
 Elliott was appointed his successor in 
 otlice by Governor CuUom. 
 
 In July, 1881, the Fairbury and Bloom- 
 ington companies received new breech- 
 loading Springfield muskets. 
 
 On July 4, 1881, the Dwight Guards 
 went to Kankakee and took a promi- 
 nent part in the Fourth of July celebra- 
 tion in that city. 
 
 On the fith, 7th, 8th and 9th of Sep- 
 tember the Tenth battalion, by invita- 
 tion, attended the fourth annual en- 
 campment of the Illinois soldiers' and 
 sailors" reunion at Bloomington. This 
 encampment was attended by com- 
 panies B, 1), E and F, taking with them 
 the Tenth battalion band. On the 8th 
 the encampment was visited by General 
 U. S. Grant and other notables. A 
 sham battle was held in the fair 
 grounds ; also a so-called street fight 
 by all the tpoops present, through sev- 
 eral of the streets of the city. Trans- 
 portation and quarters were furnished 
 by the reunion committee. 
 
 In September orders were issued re-
 
 130 
 
 IIISTOllY OF DWIGIIT, ILLI^JUIS. 
 
 quiring the Illinois National Guard to 
 pay fitting tribute to our martyred Pres- 
 ident James A. Garfield, that all colors 
 be draped and all officers wear the usual 
 badge of mourning for thirty days. 
 
 In March, 1882, Adjutant General El- 
 liott issued an order which, with the ex- 
 ception of three regiments of infantry, 
 reorganized and consolidated the entire 
 Illinois National Guards. Prior to this 
 there were seventeen regiments and 
 battalions of infantry, one battalion of 
 cavalry and four battalions of artillery 
 in the state. This order placed together 
 the companies at Streator, Sublet, We- 
 nona, Dwight, Joliet, Ottawa, Bloom- 
 ington and Piper City, which should 
 comprise the Fourth regiment, infantry, 
 I. N. G. 
 
 An election for field officers was or- 
 dered held at Ottawa, with the follow- 
 ing result and commissions were duly 
 issued : Colonel, J. B. Fithian ; lieu- 
 tenant colonel, J. B. Parsons ; major, J. 
 F. Hetterman. 
 
 In August the following correspond- 
 ence took place which explains itself : 
 
 DwioHT, 111., Aug. 7, 1882. 
 I, H. Elliott, Adjutant General I. N . G., 
 Springfield 111. 
 
 General : — I hereby very respectfully 
 tender my resignation as lieutenant col- 
 onel Fourth regiment, infantry. 
 
 Having now served the state for eight 
 years at a considerable sacrifice as an 
 officer in the Illinois National Guard 1 
 beg leave to report that my business is 
 such that I cannot longer attend to tlie 
 duties devolving upon me as such. 
 Very respectfully yours, 
 ,1. ]i. Parsons. 
 Lieut. Col. 4th Reg., Inft, I. N. G. 
 
 Fourth regiment, infantry, I. N. G., 
 tenders his resignation on account of 
 imperative business reasons. It is ac- 
 cepted to take effect from this date. 
 
 Colonel Parsons has served in the 
 Illinois National Guards eight years, 
 and has proved himself well worthy of 
 the rank he bore. 
 
 It is with regret that the governor 
 and commander-in-chief accepts the 
 resignation of such an excellent officer 
 and tried veteran as Colonel Parsons. 
 By order commander-in-chief, 
 I. H. Elliott, 
 Adjutant General. 
 
 General IlEAD(irARTEKs, ) 
 
 Illinois National (J hard, [- 
 
 Springfield, 111., Aug. 14, 1882. \ 
 
 Special Order / 
 
 No. 57(5. \ 
 
 Lieutenant Colonel -T. 15. Parsons, 
 
 This severed my connection with the 
 Illinois National Guard. 
 
 The Dwight Guards were disbanded 
 and all members honorably discharged 
 from the service in November, 1882. ^ 
 
 During the organization of the 
 Dwight Guards I believe they retained 
 the confidence and respect of the people 
 of the community, and I am sure the 
 same feeling existed towards the other 
 companies of the Tenth battalion in the 
 communities in which they were lo- 
 cated. I think that the members of the 
 command and others had many reasons 
 to feel as they did, that the Tenth bat- 
 talion compared very favorably with 
 the best then in the state. I'ersonally I 
 have always felt under many obligations 
 to the commissioned officers and all 
 men of the command for their partial- 
 ity and cheerful performance of duty. 
 
 As memory goes back over the inter- 
 vening time I am made sad by the 
 thought that such excellent officers and 
 companionable gentlemen as Major 
 Howard, who died at Odell, July 12, 
 1882. and Captain Kenney, who died in 
 Chicago, September lit, 1887. and others, 
 and so many of the members of the old 
 Tenth battalion have since crossed 
 over the river.
 
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 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 131 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 DR. LESLIE E. KEELEY'S DOUBLE CHLORIDE OF GOLD. 
 
 The notable event connected with the 
 history of Dwight, 111., the one which 
 has given its name such an universal 
 iniblicity throughout the civilized world, 
 dates from April, 1880. 
 
 At this time Leslie E. Keeley, M. D., 
 a physician and surgeon in general 
 practice, and also surgeon of the Chica- 
 go & Alton railroad, announced to the 
 world that after years of scientific re- 
 search and practical experiments, the 
 fact had developed that drunkenness 
 and the use of opiates which had here- 
 tofore been recognized as vicious habits, 
 if not crimes, were diseases only, and 
 as such amenable to medical treatment 
 and cure. 
 
 He was fair to the world and ethical 
 to the profession, for he announced the 
 means he employed, to- wit : the chlo- 
 ride of gold and sodium ; and to show 
 his faith in his work and the honesty 
 of his purpose, he invited one hundred 
 physicians to test the worth thereof and 
 prove or disapprove his position by the 
 success with which they should meet 
 through its use in their own private 
 practice, he furnishing them his remedy 
 free, and enjoining only that it should 
 be used in such cases as in their judg- 
 ment were curable, taking all physical 
 and moral conditions into consideration. 
 
 During the year following this oifer 
 over BOO pairs of Dr. Keeley's remedies 
 
 were contributed for this purpose, and 
 their use was followed by reports of the 
 most favorable and flattering results. 
 At this time the remedy was only for 
 internal use by the stomach. Later, by 
 further experiments, he discovered a 
 solution to be used in connection there- 
 with, hypodermically, and which has 
 since been employed in his Institute 
 treatment. In addition to the diseases 
 above named. Dr. Keeley's remedies are 
 prepared for neurasthenia, or nerve ex- 
 havistion and the tobacco habit, and 
 have proved as effectual in such cases 
 as in those of alcohol and opium. 
 
 The method of treatment to-day is 
 conducted upon the same lines as orig- 
 inally claimed by him as the true and 
 practical method, with the exception, 
 of course, of the added improvements 
 that must necessarily come from years 
 of practice, study and the handling of 
 thousands of cases. Under his methods 
 the marked innovation of treating per- 
 sons afflicted with these diseases is at a 
 first glance startling. There is an en- 
 tire absence of every objectional fea- 
 ture of the old style inebriate asylum or 
 sanitarium, it being substituted by an 
 institute or home, where only voluntary 
 patients are received; where i)atient 
 and physician meet upon the ground of 
 a mutual concession of responsibility, 
 and where the afflicted one occupies the
 
 132 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 position of a temporary resident of the 
 city, wherein the institute or home may 
 be situated, free to go and come where 
 and when he chooses ; the only require- 
 ments being to observe regularity in the 
 taking of the internal remedy, as pro- 
 vided, and reporting punctually four 
 times a day at office assigned for the 
 hypodermic treatment. 'This mutuality 
 fixes the patient's earnestness on a cure, 
 and places him on the same basis as any 
 other invalid who may be sojourning at 
 a summer resort with his family physi- 
 cian, seeking quiet and freedom from 
 disaase, or rest for over-wrought nerves. 
 The theory is that the remedies, as here 
 administered, do what locks and straps 
 and straight- jackets and bars have 
 never done ; that a sick man needs 
 physical treatment, not physical re- 
 straint ; the invalid, the nurse and not 
 the jailor. Places of confinement, 
 .guards, hospital wards, etc., etc., are 
 unknown at Keeley Institutes, and in 
 the light of this great discovery, are but 
 relics of past barbarism. The object of 
 
 this treatment is not to confine a man 
 in the fear that he may do himself or 
 others bodily harm ; but to restore him 
 to immediate normal physical condi- 
 tion, capable of occupying position as a 
 man among men, either in profession, 
 trade, business or society. 
 
 The established success of the work 
 progressed, and in April, 1886, The 
 Leslie E. Keeley Co., was incorpor- 
 ated, with Leslie E. Keeley, M. D., 
 president ; John R. Oughton, vice-pres- 
 ident and chemist, and Curtis J. Judd, 
 secretary and treasurer, and these mem- 
 bers still retain their several positions. 
 During eighteen months of 1885 and 
 1886, the institute treatment at Dwight 
 was discontinued, and a thorough term 
 of experimental work was employed 
 under Dr. Keeley's personal direction, in 
 
 still further investigations, and in June, 
 1886, the Institute was reopened with 
 improved remedies and the added hy- 
 podermic, with such success and world- 
 wide results as have since been unpre- 
 cedented m any feature of medical 
 science. 
 
 The establishment of State Institutes 
 throughout the United States and 
 abroad, followed, and at present date 
 number more than one hundred, all of 
 which are under the supervision of com- 
 petent and experienced managers, and 
 in charge of physicians thoroughly in- 
 structed at Dwight in the methods and 
 administration of the remedies. 
 
 The remedies are a secret preparation 
 and will doubtless remain so, as Dr. 
 Keeley's devotion of an average busi- 
 ness man's lifetime to his work should 
 entitle him to a just consideration of 
 his wisdom in such protection from the 
 manipulations of inexperienced people, 
 as publicity of the formulae of this most 
 valuable world-discov'cry would endan- 
 ger. 
 
 The most wonderful results are ac- 
 complished by the use of his methods 
 and remedies. They, the company, owe 
 the world no apology, yet an explana- 
 tion for the purpose of information may 
 be in order. During the past fifteen 
 years, over 225,000 inebriates have been 
 cured of drunkenness and kindred dis- 
 eases, and to-day there is not a hamlet 
 in the land that has not its staunch sup- 
 porters of the cure in one or more Kee- 
 ley graduates or friends into whose 
 lives its blessing has not come. There 
 is not a scientist or divine, who has 
 given it his personal attention and ex- 
 amination, who is not its strong advo- 
 cate and su{)porter. There is not a re- 
 former of the day, who has gone into a 
 thorough investigation of its merits, 
 who does not hail it as the human 
 agency that is to lift up, carry forward
 
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 Dr. J. E. Blaine. 
 
 Dr. M. R. Keeley. 
 
 Dr. R. Broughton. 
 
 Dr. W. M. Brown.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 133 
 
 and save their impossibilities. There is 
 not a home in which its work dwells 
 that is not blessed, nor a community 
 that is not better for its coming. Our 
 government recognizes in it a protec- 
 tion for its wards, as well as a saving of 
 its wealth. Our veterans hail it as the 
 joy of their declining days. States have 
 adopted it as a corrective, if not a sani- 
 tary, measure ; and what speaks vol- 
 umes for it is that wherever it has been 
 introduced it has never failed in ac- 
 complishing all that is claimed for it. 
 
 As in all things that are directed by 
 human thought or controlled by human 
 judgment, we expect failures ; yet, in 
 this they are not in the cure, but in the 
 patient to maintain same. This asser- 
 tion has been proven in hundreds of 
 cases of alleged failures, that upon ex- 
 amination the patient himself admitted 
 that it was his own fault and that he 
 returned to the use of alcoholic liquors 
 or the drugs, not because he felt he 
 needed them or even craved them, but 
 from a foolish whim to test his cure, to 
 see what effect they would have upon 
 him, or to quiet the banterings of fool- 
 ish friends and prove to them that he 
 had not lost his manhood in taking the 
 treatment, that he was still a free moral 
 agent, etc., and could now indulge or 
 let it alone as he saw tit, with the inev- 
 itable result—failure— forgetting that 
 the wood, once charred, will take the 
 tlame quicker than that unburned. The 
 treatment, again, is not intended to 
 make men — only cure them. No sys- 
 tem of medication thus far discovered 
 can put a heart or soul or brains into a 
 man. This remedy can and does cure 
 the physical man of his physical malady 
 and leaves him normal— as he was be- 
 fore he ever indulged— barring added 
 age and mjuries brought on through 
 his excesses. If the patient is naturally 
 a mental or moral failure, this treat- 
 
 ment cannot correct this, and should 
 not be held responsible if such a man 
 acts out his nature and lives out his 
 narrow or vicious life. In the loss of 
 such, the world loses nothing, but gains 
 everything. When a man takes this 
 cure he owes it the same allegiance that 
 he does the Church or State. He must 
 obey and follow the lessons, teachings, 
 principles and laws if he would be a 
 sober man, a consistent churchman and 
 a good citizen. This treatment cures 
 beyond a question, yet a man can drink 
 again, even as he can sin again after 
 Divine forgiveness. He is still a free 
 agent to commit physical and moral 
 suicide if he so wills ; but the act must 
 be deliberate and premeditated. 
 
 It is eminently fair to judge a work 
 by its returns for good or evil. The 
 records of the different Keeley Insti- 
 tutes show that in the flf te en years last 
 past there have been 225,000 of our fel- 
 low citizens who have admitted their 
 inability to cope with the narcotic or 
 alcoholic diseases, or appetites, or 
 whatever you choose to call them ; that 
 they were enslaved by chains that all 
 earthly help had failed to sunder. Dr. 
 Keeley's discovery dawned upon the 
 world as a bow of promise ; as a forlorn 
 hope they reached out to it and found 
 relief. What if a small percent have 
 again fallen V They are only sufficient 
 in number to prove the general rule of 
 cure. The very large proportion who 
 are permanently cured are good, earnest 
 men, bread-winners to our nation, to 
 say nothing of the hopes and loves and 
 lives that are twined around theirs, of 
 souls that it has made possible to save. 
 Does this mean nothing to the world 
 from the economist's view? Does it 
 mean nothing to the Church and State? 
 There is food for thought here. The 
 structure that is being reared is to make 
 men stronger physically, better mental-
 
 134 
 
 HISTORY OF DWiGIIT, ILLI^NOIS. 
 
 ly and purer morally. The question is 
 not, are we working according to any 
 faith ; but are we saving men V If this 
 treatment had saved but one of the vast 
 number who have sought it, the world 
 would be the better for its discovery. 
 
 There is another fact that marks the 
 growth and success of this treatment 
 and of these remedies as something 
 phenomenal, and it is this : Since its 
 work has proven its worth, and within the 
 five years last past, hundreds of different 
 so-called liquor and opium "cures"' have 
 sprung into life that were never heard 
 of, or in fact existed, before ; yet claim- 
 ing to be "the original Gold Cure," or 
 an "improvement on the Keeley Cure," 
 or "the Bi-Chloride of Gold Cure," or 
 some such bastard growth that must 
 add to their illegitimacy, and to draw 
 the attention of their dupes to the words 
 "Gold Cure" or "Dwight" or "Keeley," 
 names that have become household 
 words the world over, synonyms of sal- 
 vation in thousands of homes, the 
 crowning halo of a student's life. What 
 a prostitution of sacred things to serve 
 a damnable purpose, giving poison in 
 the sacred chalice to the kneeling peni- 
 tent at the altar of his hopes. "What 
 lesson can we draw from this ? That 
 the Keeley work and the Keeley reme- 
 dies are genuine and all that is claimed 
 for them. Imitations are not copied ; 
 you never heard of a copying after or 
 imitation of one of these imitators, for 
 each recognizes in the other as great a 
 fraud as in itself, and yet while they 
 may liourish for a few days, or months 
 at most, their fate always will be as it 
 
 always has been, sure and certain, their 
 masks are being daily torn away and 
 the world is beginning to see them and 
 know them in their true light. Not so 
 with the Keeley work. For fifteen years 
 has it stood the test of trial, experiment, 
 sarcasm, vituperation and criticism. It 
 has built up the wealth of the land in 
 money and men ; it gives value received 
 in that you could not purchase from 
 the patient for thousands of dollars 
 what he pays one hundred for ; it has 
 made numberless happy homes through- 
 out our land, exerting an inrtuence 
 in harmony with all temperance or- 
 ganizations and churches, working for 
 the greater good to humanity. It places 
 men in physical condition to be morally 
 better ; it turns the fiow of money from 
 the saloon till into the home ; it gives 
 strength to the weak, courage to the 
 disheartened, hope to the hopeless. It 
 has not only made two blades of grass 
 to grow where was only one, but it has 
 made the barren desert of thousands of 
 lives to blossom as the rose. 
 
 The gentlemen who form the com- 
 pany known as The Leslie E. Keeley 
 Co., Dr. Leslie E. Keeley, Major 
 C. J. Judd and Mr. J. R. Oughton, are 
 all old residents of Dwight, and are a 
 prominent part of its history, both be- 
 fore and after the discovery and remar- 
 kable success financially and for man- 
 kind. There has been no perceptible 
 
 change in these men, except that they 
 are busier, but socially they are just the 
 same genial and interesting compan- 
 ions, and the old "History of Dwight" 
 will have no more interested readers 
 than they.
 
 H. A. Kenyon. 
 
 m]h'... 
 
 A. C. Lonergan, M. D. 
 
 Leonard Hewlett.
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 135 
 
 Personal Recollections, 
 
 BY GEORGE T. CONANT. 
 
 STARTING FOR THE WEST. 
 
 Jklarch 20, 1854, in the town of Roch- 
 ester, Lorain county, Ohio, at the home 
 of John Conant, a council was held by 
 .James Lynch, Geo. T. Conant and 
 Henry Conant, agreeing to go in com- 
 pany to the West and settle on the wild 
 prairie of Illinois. Having but a scant 
 knowledge of these prairies of the West 
 some wild speculations were made as to 
 how the prairie looked. Lynch, who 
 was fresh from the "ould sod,"' sug- 
 gested, if there were no stumps, 
 who -'tuck" them out? Did the Indians 
 pull them V "Shure" what would they 
 do that for? And were there any 
 fences, or the "loike"? "Be gob, 
 George," says Lynch, "are there any 
 houses on thepraires, or do they live in 
 holes in the ground T And, so, many 
 were the questions asked by one or the 
 other of the Gallant Three, who de- 
 cided to start the next week for the 
 AVest, if preparations could be com- 
 pleted. Each one must have a good 
 rifle for protection in that wild country, 
 for killing game on which to live, if 
 they must, until a crop was raised, as 
 they expected to be real farmer boys. 
 
 The mother of the Conant boys sug- 
 gested, "that we take with us some 
 sweet corn, lettuce and beets," and ihe 
 father said, "you had better take some 
 pumpkin seed and beans." Thus you 
 see he remembered his old New J]iigland 
 home— pumpkin pie and bean s()U[i. 
 
 Everything having been planned and 
 arranged, the route laid out and a letter 
 written to Mrs. Cutler, a sister of two 
 of the boys who lived in Grundy county, 
 111., and whose place is now occupied by 
 Mr. Louis Zauble, in Goodfarm, we 
 started. This was our point of destin- 
 ation. So, on the 5th of April we put 
 our traps in a lumber wagon and drove 
 twelve miles to the nearest railroad. 
 After waiting five hours the train came 
 in sight, and we were told to "hurry on 
 board," for they would not stop but a 
 minute. Well, we got off safely and 
 landed in Toledo sometime between 
 midnight and morning, tinding the train 
 for Chicago had gone, and that we must 
 wait until afternoon for a train. Such 
 waiting three green boys never saw ! 
 liut time passed and we finally got 
 started again. The next day at dark 
 we landed in Chicago. 
 
 After tramping for a time we found 
 a tavern, not a hotel as now, where we 
 stayed over night. At 10 o'clock the 
 next day we boarded the Rock Island 
 train for Morris, at which place we 
 landed safe and sound and were told the 
 best place to stay was a tavern down on 
 the canal, kept by Landlord Prindell, a 
 very talkative individual, who found 
 out all about us as fast as he could. 
 Lynch remarked : "He must be a rela- 
 tive he is so interested in us." And he 
 knew everybody in the county, where
 
 13(5 
 
 HISTORY OF DAVIGIIT, ILLI^'OIS. 
 
 they came from and what they expected 
 to do, and I guess he got the same from 
 us, for we spoke of going on that night. 
 "Oh I" says the landlord, ''that would be 
 impossible ; you would get lost, for to 
 get across the river you would not know 
 which path to take, and besides we 
 should stay and hear a woman lecture, 
 "one of the smartest in the state." 
 
 I thought, perhaps, the hotel bill was 
 what he wanted, but as he offered to 
 furnish us tickets for the lecture we 
 concluded to stay, finding the name of 
 the lecturer to be Mrs. H. M. T. Cutler, 
 our sister, whom I had not seen for six 
 years, but said nothing to Mr. Prindell. 
 He was so excited over the lecture, and 
 having strangers to escort, stopping to 
 introduce his young men to two or three 
 who were a trifle late, the lecture was 
 just beginning as we went in, and as 
 all the back seats were taken, we went 
 to the front, but were not given time to 
 take our seats before the lecturer got in 
 something not in the program, for we 
 got a free introduction to all in the 
 house, even the landlord had to shake 
 hands with his guests. The lecture 
 went on, but I heard some remark, "It 
 wan't as good as last night." Well, 
 all things have an ending and so did that 
 evening and night. 
 
 Early the next morning leaving our 
 belongings, except rifles and a few 
 traps, we started for the south part of 
 the county, twenty miles away. We 
 were to inquire for a man by the name 
 of Saltmarsh, after going a few miles. 
 We tramped on and on. Lynch said : 
 "We had gone ten good Irish miles, 
 shure, let the distance be what it is, in 
 this bare-headed country." 
 
 Then we tried our best to remember 
 the name we were to inquire for, but 
 with no amount of thinking could we 
 recall the name, but shortly we came to 
 a shanty house, and proposed we in- 
 
 quire and see if we could iind out any- 
 thing, but as we turned up to the house 
 a man came out. Soon as he turned 
 toward us Lynch whispered, "George, 
 his nose is smashed, shure ; he's the 
 man we could not think of." And he 
 was correct in his guess . 
 
 We received all the information nec- 
 essary, got a drink of water, devoured 
 our lunch, and after exchanging stories 
 with Saltmarsh, started on, and went 
 more than ten .of those Irish miles, be- 
 ginning to wonder where we should stay 
 that night. But as we skirted the tim- 
 ber along the river Mazon, we heard the 
 noise of some one pounding. We halted, 
 then went a short distance into the 
 wood. There we found a man shaving 
 shingles for a house. He said he was 
 going to build down at the new station 
 in Livingston county. That man was 
 Mr. W^est, who built a house In Dwight 
 and lived in it so many years. He told 
 us where to go, and went a short dis- 
 tance to point ovit Mr. Cutlers house, 
 and said to us : "Right over there lives 
 Eber Stevens, and next his brother 
 Erastus," and also said '"you have got 
 almost done • your tramp for to-day. 
 How far have you comeV"' "Morris." 
 "■'vhy," he said, "that isour postortice." 
 "Be gorry," says Lynch, "I don't want 
 any letter if I have to go after it." 
 
 Finally we landed at the Cutler man- 
 sion, three tired and homesick boys. 
 The next morning at sunrise from this 
 mansion we beheld the great ocean 
 prairies of Illinois for the first time, 
 and as a "quill" of the time has poetized. 
 
 "When lirst the vill;i;ie 1), was tlioiiglit, 
 Thii frieuds of 1>. some otliers fouglit, 
 To give a little name and birth 
 To homes of clay and joyous mirth. 
 
 This setlled, and a sii;n tliey i)laced 
 To ttnide the weary wanderer to rest ; 
 A hickory pole of twenty-two feet, 
 A rusty pail did j;racefidly o'erlea])."
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLI:N0IS. 
 
 137 
 
 BY Y\. ^. Kl>I"SYll.RliD. 
 
 The period of time covered by this 
 sketch begins in September, 1860. 
 Dwight was then a small station on the 
 C. & A. railroad. That artery of com- 
 merce had then, for some years, been 
 pulsating regularly between Chicago 
 and St. Louis. The spire of the Pres- 
 byterian church (now the Danish M. E.) 
 and the smoke from the iron chimney 
 of the stone mill could be seen from a 
 long distance, and the shade trees not 
 being grown, the village itself was also 
 visible far across the naked prairie. 
 Several farms near by were occupied, 
 yet in some directions the prairie was 
 open to the village streets. In nearly 
 all directions the houses of settlers 
 could be seen, but there were wide 
 stretches of open country between. 
 From' the tops of the swells of the prai- 
 rie, in clear weather one could always 
 see a human habitation, but on the 
 lower lands would sometimes travel 
 miles seeing none. In the spring he 
 would often see acres purple with wild 
 violets or spider lilies, or blushing with 
 wild roses ; while in autumn nearly the 
 whole landscape would be aglovv with 
 a variety of yellow flowers, in many in- 
 stances the stems rising eight or ten 
 feet. Beautiful, indeed, was the wild 
 prairie in summer. Imagine yourself 
 out on a treeless expanse, with few 
 signs of human occupation anywhere, 
 but a seemingly measureless sea of ver- 
 dure stretching away in all directions, 
 sometimes deer in twos or threes feeding 
 quietly or hurrying away at your ap- 
 proach, with occasionally grouse or 
 wild ducks springing almost from your 
 horse's feet, and you will have an im- 
 perfect idea of what might be seen in 
 the vicinity of Dwight in 18t)0. But the 
 
 first severe frost changed all this sud- 
 denly and completely. The landscape 
 put on a dull, monotonous hue of dead 
 vegetation. Then the hunter would get 
 in his work. During the day the (Jeer 
 lies close in his covert, usually in the 
 coarse grass around the sloughs. To 
 find him the hunter would stick a match 
 in the grass to windward of him, and 
 going himself to leeward of the slough 
 be ready to take the deer when the fire 
 drove him up. If one had no property 
 in danger the prairie fires were very 
 beautiful. 
 
 About 3 or 4 o'clock one afternoon in 
 the fall of 1861 a fire was started near 
 the middle of the line which bounds 
 Dwight and Union townships. A fair 
 breeze was blowing from a little north 
 of west. When a fire was started at a 
 single point it speedily took the form of 
 a capital letter V with its point for- 
 ward, the side fires burning more slowly. 
 The point of this fire drove across the 
 middle of section 8 of the town of 
 Broughton. 
 
 It passed about three-quarters of a 
 mile north of my house. "With the 
 snapping and crackling and hissing of 
 burning stems and weeds, mingled with 
 the roar of fiame, it sounded very like 
 the roar of a long train of cars. The 
 wind subsided at evening, and after 
 dark there were two nearly parallel 
 chains of side fire, each nearly ten miles 
 long, the riames leaping two to six feet 
 high on the uplands and of coxirse 
 higher in the lowlands where the grass 
 was ranker. In the morning the whole 
 wide prairie lay blackened and crisp 
 under the tread of the fire fiend. In 
 winter when the shelterless prairie was 
 covered with snow and ice it wore a
 
 138 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 look of bleakness and desolation no 
 where else to be found this side the 
 arctic zone, 
 
 I settled in Broughton in April, IStU- 
 There were inconveniences of course, 
 but for the young, the healthy and the 
 strong I could hardly say hardships. 
 Youth and health cannot be unhappy 
 long at a time. The breaking out of 
 the war increased the inconveniences 
 greatly. Take for instance the matter 
 of fuel. The issues of western banks 
 (west of Ohio) were largely secured by 
 bonds of the southwestern states which 
 went into rebellion. Of course western 
 money became worthless and went out 
 of use. In February, 1862, I drew a 
 load of ear corn into Dwight, and could 
 not get a cent of money for it. I could 
 get \2}4 cents per bushel in dry goods, 
 groceries or lumber, but that was not 
 fuel and coal was cash. One Thursday 
 morning, long before day, a neighbor 
 and myself started for Streator. Xo, 
 Streator was not then thovight of, but 
 for the coal banks at the Vermillion 
 river. There were no shafts sunk at 
 that time, but the coal was mined from 
 seams which cropped out from the 
 banks of the river and the creeks adja- 
 cent. We took plethoric lunch baskets, 
 plenty of horse-feed and blankets, for 
 we expected to be gone two days. AVe 
 also took an ax and matches and some 
 extra sacks of corn, but no money. 
 Arriving at the river, we found, after 
 gome time, a miner who wanted our 
 corn to feed the mules which he used 
 about the mine. By that barter we 
 each got a little more than half a 
 wagon-boxful of "slack." The miner 
 dealt fairly with us ; he brought out of 
 the mine an excellent quality of slack. 
 It was nightfall when we reached the 
 edge of the timber. AVe had no money 
 to pay a farmer for a bed and stable- 
 room so we turned into athick grove of 
 
 oaks where we found a large log, be- 
 side which we built a fire, fed our 
 horses, ate our suppers and spread our 
 blankets. There were plenty of stars, 
 and it was freezing some, but there was 
 an ominous whispering in the tree tops. 
 AA'^ith the first light we w> re on the road, 
 there was a brisk, chilly wind from the 
 south and the sky was angry. A very 
 few miles brought us to the prairie 
 which stretched, almost without a 
 house, nearly to the Alazon timber, two 
 miles west of Dwight. 
 
 Soon the rain began to fall, our ice 
 bridges became treacherous and our 
 progress was slow. By the time we 
 reached the school-house near the 
 Mazon timber, it was very dark, and, 
 driven by the south wind, very large 
 snow Hakes, feathery and soft, were fall- 
 ing thick and fast. AVe drove our teams 
 close in the lee of the school-house, fed 
 them well and put all the blankets on 
 them and went into the house. The 
 room was warm, for there had been 
 school and there was still fire in the 
 stove. AVe filled the stove with slack 
 and soon had it red. AVe lay down on 
 the seats in our wet clothes and waited 
 for daylight. 
 
 In the morning the sun shone bright- 
 ly and it was still thawing though the 
 wind was very chilly and our clothes 
 were damp. The ice bridges were badly 
 rotted and the work was severe on the 
 teams. A few miles southeast of the 
 village we came to what was then called 
 the Koadnight slough, a shallow stream 
 ten or fifteen rods wide. AVe broke a 
 roadway through the ice, doubled teams 
 and went through nicely with the first 
 wagon. Returning ft)r the second load 
 we perpetrated the folly of putting the 
 younger and sillier team in the lead. 
 About mid-stream i hey refused to go 
 further, began to "act up," got tangled 
 in their harness and soon all four horses
 
 Scene in Keeley Traetment Hall 
 
 Keefey League. 
 
 {Forn]er Club Mouse. )
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 139 
 
 were down at once in about two and a 
 half feet of water. There were some 
 very wet and chilly men and horses be- 
 fore Ave got out of tliat scrape. "We ar- 
 rived at home about 4 p. m. Saturday. 
 
 In the fall when the roads were dry, 
 the weather cool and the moon near its 
 "full," several neighbors would go to- 
 gether for coal and have a jolly time 
 even if they did "camp out," 
 
 In September of 1801 three gentlemen, 
 one of them a clergyman of my ac- 
 quaintance from La Salle county, the 
 other two young friends of his from 
 "down east," drove up to my door and 
 asked if there were any deer ni the vi- 
 cinity, saying they had been told there 
 were, but they had not seen one and 
 they had been hunting a week. It was 
 late in the afternoon and I told them to 
 come the next morning at 8 o'clock and 
 I thought I could gratify them with the 
 sight of one or two. They came at the 
 hour appointed, and I mounted one of 
 my horses and led the way. Less than 
 a mile from my house and a short dis- 
 tance northeast from where the village 
 of Emington now stands, I dropped 
 back a little and told them to look sharp 
 for they might start one almost any 
 minute. Not many rods further a doe 
 sprang up within a very few feet of 
 their off fore wheel, dashed ahead a 
 few bounds and started up a second 
 one. They together ran four or five 
 rods to the right and put up a third, 
 and the three went east. "There's 
 your deer, gentlemen," I shouted. Not 
 a shot was fired, and in a very few min- 
 utes we could see the graceful, beauti- 
 ful creatures tossing their white flags a 
 couple of miles away. 
 
 Deer soon became scarce, but ducks, 
 geese and "sand hiU" cranes tarried 
 longer, often in great multitudes. The 
 latter were fine game, keen-eyed and 
 warv as the wild deer himself. 
 
 Some of them spent the summers here 
 in solitary pairs, nesting (like the mal- 
 lard duck) in the tall grass in the vicin- 
 ity of the ponds. They got their food 
 mainly by wading in the ponds and 
 shallow streams. When the corn was 
 nearly ripe they would frequent the 
 fields, and were often very destructive, 
 especially in the '"sod corn." About 
 3 o'clock in the afternoon a solitary 
 flock of perhaps half a dozen would ap- 
 pear slowly fanning the air with their 
 solemn wings, their long necks thrust 
 straight out ahead, and their equally 
 long legs straight out behind. Select- 
 ing some part of the cornfield most re- 
 mote from buildings, they would ap- 
 proach perhaps within twenty rods, 
 slowly settle down and when about 
 twenty-five feet from the ground their 
 heads would go up and their feet down 
 and they would let themselves down 
 easily to the ground. Their motions 
 were awkward, certainly, but seemed 
 to answer their purposes very well. 
 Standing perfectly still their first busi- 
 ness was to reconnoiter ; they looked 
 keenly in all directions, especially into 
 the field for some lurking enemy. Very 
 slowly they walked back and forth 
 along the edge of the field, gradually 
 nearing it, till they reached it, then 
 they stripped down the husks in strings 
 and their strong beaks shelled off the 
 grains of corn with little ditficulty. But 
 before this time they were very likely 
 to be joined by other flocks which came 
 sailing over. If the first ones were in 
 or near the grain the newcomers would 
 omit the preliminary examination and 
 alight \Aith them. 
 
 Jiy 4 o'clock there were often several 
 flocks flying in the vicinity, and they 
 would alight directly in the field with 
 the ones already feeding Even when 
 thus feeding it wasdiflicult to approach 
 them near enough to get a shot. They
 
 140 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 stood lip so tall, and \\ ere so suspicious 
 and ever alert one must be adroit to 
 succeed. And, besides, their feathers 
 were very strong and quite a defense 
 against ordinary sized shot. Their 
 heads w ere perhaps their most vulnera 
 ble part, but they v\ ere tenacious of life. 
 A good way to get one shot was to go 
 about 2 o'clock into a field they fre- 
 quented and build an ambush by thrust 
 ing cornstalks into the ground very 
 near together and lie very still when 
 you sa V the first flock coming. To lie 
 in such a place and see a fiock of tv\ enty 
 coming straight for you, till you could 
 see the glitter of their eyes not five rods 
 a.vay, then rise, and while the air is full 
 of the clamor of struggling wings, as 
 they turned, rake the line. You might 
 call that sport. But I al « ays found the 
 "sport" seriously impaired by the 
 thought of the poor things which were 
 wounded and escaped. If a wing was 
 broken and a covert was near the bird 
 must be secured at once or he was lost 
 for he was a very crafty skulker. In 
 catching him one needs to be very care- 
 ful for he would let drive that long, 
 sharp bill straight for the eyes of his 
 enemy. One must grasp him by the 
 neck and break it at once. They v\ ould 
 w eigh from eight to thirteen pounds, 
 and in the fall when living on grain 
 were excellent eating. If a man of me- 
 dium height were to take a bird of av- 
 erage size by the feet and sling him 
 over his shoulder its beak would drag 
 upon the ground. In the spring or fall 
 they would often congregate in large 
 numbers upon some sunny slope and 
 have a general jubilee. There, very 
 often more than 500 and very likely 
 more than twice that number in a sin- 
 gle flock, covering in lose order, per- 
 haps, three or four acres. Suddenly a 
 few would spring up from the ground 
 several feet, then others and others. At 
 
 times the whole fiock would be in vio. 
 lent agitation, all jumping, flapping 
 their wings and shouting at once, and 
 the tumult could be heard for miles. I 
 never knew whether those occasions 
 were festive or political in their nature, 
 but to a looker-on some of the exhibi- 
 tions seemed ludicrous. But as much 
 might be said of the festivities of some 
 other bipeds. 
 
 The prairie wolf lingered till late in 
 the seventies, perhaps in some localities 
 even later. He was destructive to 
 poultry, young pigs and lambs, but I 
 never knew of his injuring a human be- 
 ing. 
 
 In the winter of IHtjO-Ol, near sun- 
 down one day, a wolf struck up a howl 
 perhaps forty yards from my door. My 
 wife, who was in the yard, mocked him 
 and he immediately howled again and 
 came nearer, she replied again and an- 
 other wolf turned up in another direc- 
 tion and she mocked iriM ; very soon a 
 third joined in and they made quite a 
 chorus. But they would not come 
 nearer than twenty rods, and my shot 
 gun would not reach them. 
 
 One winter I hung a piece of fresh 
 beef by the side of the chamber win- 
 dow outside to keep it fresh as long as 
 as we might. One night, soon after, I 
 was awakened by footsteps breaking 
 through the snow crust. I stepped 
 quietly outside and around the corner 
 of the house, and at the farther corner 
 I saw the head and shoulders of a wolf. 
 My gun stood just behind the d()or,both 
 barrels loaded with buckshot. When J 
 returned with it he was disappearing in 
 the cornfield several rods away. The 
 night was moonless and cloudy, but 1 
 let drive both barrels at the black spot 
 in the cornstalks. For an hour or more 
 at intervals he made night hideous. In 
 the morning I could easily track him by 
 his blood on the snow. About fifteen
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLI^JOIS. 
 
 141 
 
 rods away he had stopped to dress his 
 wounds. He bled considerably. I 
 tracked him nearly half a mile and then 
 he went upon the prairie where the 
 grass was burnt otf and there was no 
 snow and I could track him no further. 
 Perhaps the rattlesnake was about as 
 interesting as any animate thing we 
 had to deal with. It was spotted, of a 
 dark brown color, seldom more than 
 thirty inches in length, capable of some 
 very quick motions, yet a slow traveler 
 and terribly armed. AVe never knew 
 when or where to look for him, yet we 
 frequently met him. Our first buildings 
 were usually temporary ones. ]My wife 
 found and killed a rattlesnake on her 
 pantry tloor. When binding grain I 
 took one up with the bundle in my 
 hands A neighbor was once helping 
 me to stack hay. While I drove the 
 load to the stack he lay down upon it, 
 and when I got upon the stack he took 
 up a small forkful and there, just under 
 it, and under where he had lain, was a 
 very tine, large one. If there were any 
 in the fields we were very apt to find 
 them when plowing. In the spring of 
 18B2 I was plo.vingthe "breaking" of 
 the year before. The day w as vs arm, 
 my boots w ere burdensome and galled 
 my feet so badly I thre jv them in the 
 shade and w ent barefoot. It v\ as a great 
 improvement. The bottom of the fur- 
 ro -v v\ as moist and cool and soft as vel- 
 vet. There v\ as one place w here the 
 gophers and ground squirrels had 
 honeycombed the ground, and there I 
 heard the well knoAU alarm. The mid- 
 dle horse of the team in v\ alking over 
 him had disturbed him, and there he 
 lay in no amiable mood, not more than 
 a foot from my bare ankle I procured 
 a stick, dispatched him and v\ ent on 
 thinking I was glad that one was out 
 of the way. The very next furrow, at 
 about the same place, my plow dropped 
 
 down into a gopher's run, and the dirt 
 came rolling over the top of the mould- 
 board and a rattler sung out loud and 
 distinct. I stopped short with uplifted 
 foot, unvN illing to put it down till I 
 should see where. And it was well, 
 too, for it would have fallen upon a 
 splendid fellow nearly as large as my 
 wrist though not more than twenty 
 inches in length. I became suddenly 
 reconciled to my boots. Of course, it 
 w as a standing rule to kill every one we 
 found. One day I found one in the 
 grass and dared not take my eyes off 
 him for fear I should lose him. What 
 should I do? I had no stick nor gun. 
 How could I kill him? The only pos- 
 sible thing I could think of w as my 
 pocket-knife. I lifted my boot a little 
 side wise till I saw his head just at the 
 edge of the sole. I took my knife and 
 cut it off. It was convenient and ef- 
 fectual, and that was my usual method 
 of proceeding afterward. 
 
 The early summer of 1863 was full of 
 dark and gloomy forebodings. Grant 
 had long been hammering away at 
 A'icksburg, and many believed he was 
 overmatched and must retreat. The 
 scheme of a Northwestern Confederacy 
 w as talked of some a hat openly. There 
 ■n ere known to be sympathizers w ith the 
 rebellion in our midst. It was said 
 there w as a lodge of a secret disloyal 
 society called "Knights of the Golden 
 Circle" in Dwight. There were whis- 
 perings of an outbreak in Chicago, and 
 it was understood thatthat would mean 
 "business" throughout the state. A 
 celebration w as announced for July 4 at 
 Dwight. Things looked dark indeed. 
 Lee was at Gettysburg, a great battle 
 was in progress and reports of the re- 
 sult were conflicting. New York was 
 known to be under the feet of a dis- 
 loyal mob. Very many of those capa- 
 ble of bearing arms were gone with the
 
 ri2 
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 129th regiment from the vicinity of 
 Dwight, and the disloyal element very 
 thinly disguised their pleasure at the 
 prospect of disaster to the Union 
 arms. At the east side school house a 
 speaker's stand was erected, shaded by 
 green branches brought from the tim- 
 ber. The trees in the yard were but re- 
 cently planted. On the Fourth the 
 meeting assembled with a good brass 
 band in attendance. The day was 
 bright and pleasant. I do not remem- 
 ber who was orator or president or 
 marshal, but one thing I do remember 
 distinctly. "When the orator had been 
 speaking some time a disi^atch was 
 handed him which he immediately 
 read : 
 
 "Lee is in full retreat from Gettys- 
 burg.'' 
 
 The band struck up a patriotic air, 
 and after a few minutes, the speaker 
 proceeded. Soon he was interrupted by 
 another dispatch, this time announcing 
 that there was no doubt Grant that day 
 was taking his dinner in Vicksburg. I 
 shall not try to describe the revulsion of 
 feeling. The band played the Star- 
 Spangled Banner and every loyal heart 
 responded. With many the news was 
 received with caution and allow^ance, 
 as being "too good to be true." 
 
 The time covered by this sketch can 
 hardly be said to belong to the days of 
 the pioneer, yet the conditions which 
 beset the settler then, were very differ- 
 ent from those which surround the citi- 
 zen to-day. The furrow of the break- 
 ing plow, shallow and smooth as it was, 
 formed the boundary line between two 
 mighty epochs. From the gleaming 
 coulter it rose in a long and graceful 
 curve and fell inverted beside the plow- 
 man's feet — a new leaf turned in the 
 history of this state. The story of the 
 generations who trod these virgin 
 plains, what empires they reared and 
 
 defended, how they lived, where they 
 fought and when they died, that story 
 will never be read because it was never 
 written. 
 
 The pioneers are all gone, the early 
 settlers with whitening "lieads ai-e rap- 
 idly following. A few more years and 
 their labors, their methods, their diffi- 
 culties, their names will be forgotten. 
 But their's was a grand work. At their 
 coming the yells of contending savages 
 gave place to the laughter and shouts 
 of school children at their play. Where 
 they heard the dismal howl of the 
 coyote, we hear the voice of Sabbath 
 singing. Their footprints were the 
 seeds of empire, for, under the starry 
 flag America is destined by the force of 
 her beneflcient example to rule the 
 world. 
 
 Uufurl the flag and lift it high. 
 
 Tell the admiring natiDiis why 
 
 It is the hope of every heart, 
 
 The pride of every eye. 
 
 From cruel Asia ions exiled, 
 From Afric's desercs parched and wild. 
 From Europe huutea and pursued 
 Into the new world's solicuda 
 Behind the rami)artN of rhe sea 
 ■ Foiuiiug, despairing. 
 Freedom tinned at bay. 
 
 Slie took her bugle from lier breast 
 And blew a long, awakeniug blast— 
 If HERE none answered, 'twas her last. 
 Frem rocky slope and wooded glen 
 Sprang forth a band of patriot men ; 
 She fired tliem with undying zeal ; 
 They walled her round with bristling steel, 
 No craven heart, no nerveless hand, 
 Id all that strong, devoted band. 
 But they were hardy, true and brave 
 As e'er to kings defiance }.'ave. 
 Or struck the fetters from a slave. 
 And loud the virgin forests rang 
 Witli answering echoes as they sang. 
 
 The (ioddess looked wliere shone on liigli 
 The brightest cluster of the sky, 
 And saw across oppression's night, 
 The crimson streams of coming light. 
 New courage kindled in her eyes- 
 She tore the vision from the skies, 
 And cried in rapture "Tins shall be
 
 f 
 
 ^^ 
 
 1 
 
 
 4^ 
 
 Mw 
 
 S. T. K. P 
 
 rime. 
 
 Win. G. Dustin. 
 
 Wm. T. Prime.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 143 
 
 Hencefortn the ensign of the free ; 
 
 Beneath its folds shall freemen stand 
 
 For liberty, and native land ; 
 
 Nor leaden rain, nor iron hail, 
 
 Nor shrieking shot, nor screaming shell, 
 
 Nor all the eugln'ry of hell 
 
 Against their valor shall prevail." 
 
 O, patriots hope ! O, freeman's pride ! 
 In many a conflict torn and tried, 
 
 In blood of brave hearts sanctified. 
 Float on ! float on with ever widening sway. 
 Spread out thy fadeless splendor to the day. 
 Till every tribe its own tliy stars shall call— 
 Till every throne shall crumble— every fetter fall; 
 Till all mankind from wasting war shall cease, 
 And In thy sheltering shadow find perpetual 
 peace. 
 
 BYS.T, K. PRIME. 
 
 Why dig up the dead past V Still we 
 all do it in many ways. One of the 
 saddest things in life is reading old let- 
 ters. To a sensitive nature they are 
 simply harrowing and are nothing but dry 
 leaves. The reminiscences of Dwight 
 that I now write are mostly from mem- 
 ory. It is true that I have no end of 
 "records'" of what has been done here 
 in this beautiful village, and who 
 were the actors and the different parts 
 they have played . The History of Dwight 
 gives you that in all its details and I am 
 very willing to go down to posterity wi^h 
 the part in which I have played. 
 
 Let me tell you of one of my first 
 recollections. It was of "The Dwight 
 Flouring Mill Ball." Are you aware 
 of the fact that our stone mill 
 was erected by public subscript- 
 ions? Kichard P. Morgan was its 
 founder and one of the largest con- 
 tributors toward its erection. We (that 
 was the handful of people who were 
 then here) thought that it would be a 
 good idea to give a ball and incite all 
 the country around to see what the 
 founders and benefactors of Dwight had 
 done to help them develope this almost 
 unoccupied country. This was our first 
 "oasis" of a public ciiaracter. The mill 
 was finished in the spring. Tliere were 
 no sidewalks here and we generally 
 
 tried to "keep in the middle of the 
 road." Oh what a wet season that 
 spring was. Such mud! So deep! So 
 sticky! The only way you could get 
 around at all was in a box-wagon or a 
 buck-board In those days that was a 
 great vehicle. The night of the ball 
 came as nights do, irrespective of 
 Aveather(!)— you like it or not. Our 
 roads were simply impassable for pedes- 
 trians. "The managers" of the ball 
 were in despair. A supper had been 
 ordered at the "Cornell House " Music 
 from Joliet. We expected to see the 
 farmers pour into the town. The only 
 thing that did pour was the rain. It 
 was simply a sea of mud. We reached 
 the mill however. The people came, 
 but not "in carriages." AVe "pulled 
 up" to the mill in double box- wagon 
 dra \ n by four horses. The band 
 played "Annte Laurie." The grand 
 march was led by Mr. and Mr^. 
 R. P. Morgan. The dance went on 
 un'il midnight. The people all became 
 acquainted and voted that this was "the 
 best time they had ever had in Dwight." 
 They told the truth for it was the first 
 entertainment of a public or social 
 character ever held in Dwight. 
 
 DWKiirr AGIUCULTUKAL SOCIETY. 
 
 The next green spot in my memory of 
 the early days of Dwight's development
 
 144 
 
 TILSTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 Avas that of the "Dwight Agricultural 
 Society." Of course that had to be 
 green. That was the sole object of the 
 society to make green things and the 
 more we could induce to grow with our 
 then raw and crude methods the better. 
 The most of us that belonged to it were 
 quite green ourselves. Still we thought 
 we knew it all. The sequel was a sad 
 one. We were strangers to our callmg 
 and had to pay very dear for our experi- 
 ence. Still I would not have missed 
 those Saturday afternoons m the old 
 wooden school for all that I learned 
 since from an agricultural standpoint. 
 Henry A. Gardner was president of the 
 society. He was a tall, thin man with 
 a blue, piercing eye, and long straight 
 hair. He was a typical pioneer of the 
 west. He did not live long with 
 us or mingle much with the people. 
 Still he always seemed happy upon his 
 farm at Oak Lawn. One of the members 
 of the society was Jacob R. Reese. He 
 was a great worker, an odd genius, but 
 withal a good fellow. He lived opposite 
 the "Gardner Farm." He always made 
 farming pay for he would not spend a 
 dollar unless he dug it out of the 
 ground. Reese belonged to a rich 
 Philadelphia family, was a civil en- 
 gineer by profession, and only lingered 
 with us for a few years. He sought 
 other and more congenial pastures 
 which were more to his tastes and tem- 
 perament. JaredR. Moss, "Squire Moss" 
 as he was generally known, was 
 an active and valuable member. He 
 was a short, thick-set man, and lived 
 where "Bill" Taylor now lives. The 
 'Squire was the best practical farmer 
 that we had In those days. His crops 
 were always good, his hogs and cattle 
 were always fat and no one ever seemed 
 to get such good prices for his "^tuff" 
 as Squire Moss. Very few of us remem- 
 ber my old friend and neighbor, Alfred 
 
 H. Pavison, another valuable man who 
 never failed to be present with us. He 
 was the dearest male friend I ever had_ 
 We went to school together. We grew 
 up together. We parted in 1 858. The 
 dear fellow followed me very shortly 
 (in 1860) to Dwight and bought what was 
 known as the "MottFarm." Here he 
 lived and moved. He was greatly be- 
 loved by every one who knew him. He 
 was naturally a very delicate man, born 
 and reared in the lap of luxury the 
 privations and wants of his life here 
 came very hard upon him. He was a 
 model citizen. Honest, upright, a typi- 
 cal American gentleman. He delighted 
 in the improvement and cultivation of 
 the soil so far as his weak frame would 
 permit. I shall never forget "Pat 
 Fuge." He was a man of great 
 originality of character. Full of bright 
 Irish wit. It was no trouble for him 
 to make two blades of grass gro a where 
 one never grew before. We all looked 
 up to him as an oracle. When he 
 opened his mouth and spoke we all 
 swallowed his utterances without the 
 aid of any fluids. 
 
 Lewis Kenyon was another member. 
 An active, energetic and a useful man to 
 us in those days. He was an excellent 
 talker and always added vim and had 
 very good ideas of how and what crops 
 we ought to grow. Eugene R. Stevens 
 belonged in those days to what the 
 aborigines called, "city farmers " If he 
 could not make crops grow the way he 
 wanted them to it was not for want of 
 the money he spent for labor, machinery 
 tools and fertilizers. His farm , was 
 always in good order and everything 
 around him bore the look of prosperity. 
 "Capt. Stevens" was a character. From 
 one of the oldest and best families in 
 New York City, he literally left 
 all of his household gods behind 
 him, came AVest, and for many
 
 HISTOUY OF DWIGIIT, ILLII^OIS. 
 
 145 
 
 years spent his money like water 
 in the development and im pro vent of 
 this now one of the most fertile 
 and best farming areas in the world. 
 Modesty prevents me telling you 
 who was the secretary of the Dwight 
 Agricultural Society, but take pleas- 
 ure in chronicling the name of the 
 assistant secretary, Edward O'Neil. 
 And on this hangs a tale which 
 I think I have never told although 
 some of these reminiscences may prove 
 to be 1 ke the aroma of a moss-covered 
 bucket. One dark stormy December 
 night in the "<50's" 1 was trying to keep 
 warm out on the farm with coal that 
 had' been hauled twenty miles. In those 
 days coal was a luxury. AVe watched 
 the decrease of a coal pile something 
 akin to the anxiety of a man who is 
 always looking for something he never 
 gets. "Hauling coal" meant not going 
 down to "(i. Z. Flagler's" but going 
 "over to Streator."' Sometimes staying 
 several nights. Broken wagons, knocked 
 up horses, men cross, ugly and fatigued 
 and not fit for work for two days after 
 the trip. Often we could not go at 
 all on account of the roads. Then 
 we burned corn-cobs and anything we 
 could put our hands upon, liut to re- 
 sume. Dark night— coal scarce— knock 
 at the door. " v ho comes there V 
 "Stranger." "What do you want?"' 
 "Food and shelter."'— "Enter"— A tall, 
 gaunt, young man with pleasing man- 
 ners and smiling face stood before me. 
 The story he told was substantially 
 this: "I have been traveling for a long 
 time in search of work but as yet have 
 not found it. 1 am an Irishman, A 
 medical student graduate of a college 
 in London. 1 am hungry, houseless 
 and homeless. I could not refuse him 
 food or shelter. In the morning he was 
 anxious to work. In those days labor- 
 ers were very scarce, I soon found, 
 
 however, that he was unused to exposure 
 or the hard drudgery of the farm. But 
 the fellow was honest, willing and 
 anxious to work whatever his hand 
 could find to do. This he did to my 
 entire satisfaction. I soon discovered 
 that he was an educated man and it was 
 a hard job to know what to do with 
 him. In those days I wrote more or 
 less for "The Press" and he gave me 
 very valuable assistance in the prepara- 
 tion of my work. Poor fellow, he went 
 to the "war" served his adopted coun- 
 try faithfully and died from the effects 
 of disease and exposure while at the 
 "front." The minutes of the Dwight 
 Agricultural Society are all written by 
 Edward O'Neil, and whenever I look 
 over them they are among some of my 
 pleasantest recollections of Dwight. 
 
 Good old Robert Thompson was also 
 a member of our society. What a sturdy, 
 honest farmer he was. Always active 
 in every good word and work for the im- 
 provement of the town, v\ hat a to v\ er of 
 strength he was in the Presbyterian 
 church and this whole county never had 
 a more active and hard working mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party. His death 
 was a severe loss to this whole com- 
 munity. 
 
 Richard P. Morgan needs no eulogy 
 from me, was here from the found »tion 
 of the town to the present time. Was 
 there ever any good word or work in 
 which he v\ as not thoroughly identi- 
 fied? Morgan always took a very 
 active part in all of our doings. 
 I ought not to forget the name of Wm. 
 P. Chester, another member. Poor fel- 
 low, he died young. The model farmer, 
 the model man in every respect of this 
 whole region at that time . Look at the 
 farm he made and what a property he 
 left to his heirs. Jesse Slyder was in 
 those days a great and very successful 
 farmer. He sold his possessions long
 
 146 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 ago and has for many years lived and 
 enjoyed among us the fruits of his la- 
 bors. I also recall the names of A. B. 
 Case and Robert Young, Both labored 
 with us in the cause of improvement 
 for our country's good. The largest 
 proportion of the names I have but 
 
 briefly mentioned have gone to the land 
 of their fathers. I think I can truth- 
 fully say that all the members of the 
 Dwight Agricultural Society did not 
 live in vain but that the fruits of their 
 labors have and still do follow them. 
 
 BY. W. ^. BRRDB\3^Y. 
 
 The early settlers of Dwight will re- 
 member the singing school in 1859 and 
 1860, ably conducted by O. S. West- 
 cott, generally called "Professor," a 
 talented and well-educated young man 
 from Connecticut or Rhode Island, who 
 also taught classics and mathematics at 
 the frame school house east of the Ma- 
 zon bridge. The class consisted of 
 grown and married people as well as 
 young folks. Mr. and Mrs. Henry El- 
 dredge, Mr. and Mrs. Case and their 
 daughter. Major Judd and the Turner 
 girls, Mr. Bradbury, Mr. J. C. Hetzel 
 and Dr. Ilagerty were among the pu- 
 pils. Case & Hagerty at that time had 
 just started the stone grist mill, and Dr. 
 Hagerty was postmaster. The singing 
 book used was "The Jubilee." Miss 
 Case, a handsome and brilliant girl, 
 with a strong mezzo-soprano voice of 
 great purity, became quite proficient. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Eldridge also became good 
 singers, the lady having a very sweet 
 soprano voice. Some of these after- 
 ward formed the choir of the Presbyte- 
 rian church, then under the pastorate 
 of the Rev. Young, and had the honor 
 of singing at the morning service at- 
 tended by the Prince of Wales and his 
 suite in the summer of 18f)0, when Rev. 
 Young preached the sermon. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Eldridge were the most regular 
 members of the choir. Mr. Case, Mr. 
 
 Bradbury and Dr. Hagerty were also 
 members. Mrs. Graves played the or- 
 gan. A glee club of similar composi- 
 tion was organized under Prof. West- 
 cott, and practiced chiefly at the house 
 of Mr. Eldredge. At the presidential 
 contest in 1860 they did much of the 
 campaign singing on the Republican 
 side, being all members of that party. 
 
 At that time also a semi-military com- 
 pany of Republicans, styled "Wide- 
 A wakes," and ably drilled by Mr. Case. 
 They were partially uniformed, carried 
 torches and illuminated the streets on 
 dark evenings, with brilliant maneu- 
 vers and parades, winding up on one 
 occasion with an oyster supper at Mr. 
 Turners boarding house. In fact 
 oyster suppers, with palatable "trim- 
 mings" of all kinds, were frequent oc- 
 currences in connection with gatherings 
 and exhibitions in those picturesque 
 and happy days, as Major Judd can tes- 
 tify. "The Turners" came afterwards, 
 when Grant was first elected. 
 
 In 1859 or 18»)0 Mrs. H. M. T. Cutler, 
 the talented sister of George Conant, 
 gave a series of well attended lectures 
 on Physiology, illustrated by a manni- 
 kin, showing the interior of the human 
 body. 
 
 A lyceum or literary society was 
 formed in the autumn of 1859 or 18(50. 
 This was started and fostered, in a great
 
 Wiilard S. Brown. 
 
 (Secretary Keeley League,) 
 
 
 Senator Shelby M. Cullom. 
 
 Danish M. E. Church. 
 
 (Fornqerly Presbyterian. ) 
 
 Mickelson Block. 
 
 (Formerly Parsons Block. )
 
 i
 
 IIISTOIIY OF DWIGHT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 147 
 
 measure, by John Eaton, an original, 
 liumorous, comic story-telling genius. 
 He was a carpenter by trade and a man 
 of good executive ability in many di- 
 rections. Meetings were held in the 
 school house, speeches were made, de- 
 bates conducted, essays read by the 
 members, affording instruction and en- 
 tertainment to a promiscuous audience. 
 
 Not far from this time, and I think 
 in connection with this or some other 
 literary association, "The Lightning 
 Bug" appeared. This was a manu- 
 script periodical containing contribu- 
 tions from members on various subjects. 
 Its first editor was Miss Sarah A. Sny- 
 der, now of Streator, and I think Mr. 
 AV. II. Bradbury had charge of it after- 
 wards. At any rate, these parties, es- 
 pecially Miss Snyder, contributed, con- 
 tributed largely in prose and verse and 
 made the paper interesting and spicy. 
 It was read and circulated at the 
 weekly meetings. 
 
 There was another literary associa- 
 tion, or "Mutual Admiration Society," 
 as Prof. Westcott sometimes called 
 them, formed after the war, consisting 
 of Dr. Keeley, J. G. Strong, S. T. K. 
 Prime, AV. II. Bradbury, the young 
 Congregationalist minister, C. L. 
 Palmer, of '-The Star," and many oth- 
 ers, both ladies and gentlemen. Meet- 
 ings were held at private houses once a 
 week, when essays, readings, criticisms, 
 etc., formed the program. I think the 
 talented and cultured Mc lure girls 
 took a prominent part at those meet- 
 ings. 1 hey certainly gave many ex- 
 cellent readings and recitations about 
 this time. 
 
 The literary, dramatic, musical and 
 social tastes of the people found vent in 
 many other societies and exhibitions. 
 Mrs, Eldredge"s energy and ability, 
 among her other achievements, started 
 and conducted a "sociable," which was 
 
 held at private houses of Congrega- 
 tionalists principally. The meetings 
 were very pleasant and provided more 
 rational entertainment than was usually 
 to be found outside. The Eev. F. B. 
 Ilargreaves attended many of these 
 meetings, 
 
 AVe remember the musical cantata 
 of Queen Ester, given in excellent style 
 by local talent drilled by a traveling 
 professor. It was in 1873 that Dr. 
 Keeley conceived the idea of a dramatic 
 entertainment for the benefit of the 
 yellow fever sufferers in the south. In 
 this his wonderful organizing ability 
 appeared in selecting and drilling a lot 
 of green amateurs, of whom the writer 
 was one. The plays went off very well 
 and drew spectators from Odell and 
 Pontiac. The sum realized was about 
 8110. 
 
 AVe all surely recollect the immortal 
 "Pinafore," for the production of which 
 in very good form we were indebted to 
 Dr. Keeley. No one else would have 
 attempted either of these achievements. 
 He had the ability to select the per- 
 formers and assign their parts and the 
 patience to see that the whole business 
 was thoroughly mastered. The conse- 
 quence was the successful performance 
 of a brilliant operatta, reflecting much 
 credit on the singers as well as the 
 management. 
 
 The "Bound-Table" at the McPher- 
 son House was another social feature 
 of some interest, where the boarders, 
 especially at dinner time, were Col. Par- 
 sons, Dr. Keeley, Major .Tudd, Air. and 
 Mrs. C. L. Palmer, Reuben Potter 
 AV. II. Bradbury and Salmon Tuttle, 
 the banker. Bets won and lost at this 
 table were i)aid by the inevitable oyster 
 suppers, which were duly celebrated 
 "in song and story." 
 
 The writer does not remember that 
 there were more than two representa-
 
 148 
 
 HISTORY OF DWKIIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 tives of the colored race at Uwight. 
 
 Shortly after the war "Xigger Jim" 
 and John Cook the barber, appeared 
 among us. The former was a tall, stal- 
 wart, black fellow, who sometimes be- 
 came aggressive when he was a little 
 full and fancied his rights as a citizen 
 were infringed upon. He was a good 
 checker player, and on one occasion 
 beat the village champion two games 
 out of three. Kising from his seat he 
 exultingly exclaimed : "Twenty-six 
 years a slave, and cum to dis country 
 and beat a man at his own game !" 
 The champion's reply was more forci- 
 ble than polite. 
 
 Josh, the barber, was a character also, 
 and a very humorous one. He was a 
 good mimic, and his account of the hair- 
 cutting done for Mrs. W., the wife of 
 one of the resident clergymen, was "too 
 funny for anything." What the young 
 gentleman and lady said at this terrible 
 ordeal and the tones in which their 
 dread and final resignation were ex- 
 pressed would have been heartrending, 
 if Josh's imitation had not been so ex- 
 cruciatingly ludicrous. "The barber 
 knew his business," and he "cut it 
 curly," and thus redeemed himself from 
 being "the most cruelest man of the 
 age !" 
 
 Josh's narration of how he sold to a 
 very economic but wealthy gentleman 
 now living in California, an ordinary 
 hair brush at a good round figure, was 
 richly worth hearing. The gentleman 
 was smitten with the brush and Josh 
 worked him accordingly. He used to 
 regale his customers with these side- 
 splitting stories. He was a small, slen- 
 der fellow, a good barber and died of 
 consumption. Dr. Keeley attended him 
 professionally at one time. 
 
 ■•^■- ■ — - — 
 
 BY MISS SAKAII SNYDER. 
 
 Miss Sarah Snyder, the first regular 
 
 schoolma'm in the Dwight schools, has 
 kindly consented to furnish the follow- 
 ing. Miss Snyder's father settled in 
 Dwight in 1856, and was at one time 
 justice of the peace for twelve succes- 
 sive years. He svibsequently removed 
 to Streator, and was police magistrate 
 there until his death, Aug. 13, 1876. 
 Miss Snyder resides there now and fur- 
 nishes this interesting piece of history : 
 Perhaps it will be interesting to some 
 to know what kind of sleighs were used 
 in Dwight. It w as is in the winter of 
 1856 our broad prairies were covered 
 with the pure, beautiful snow, unbroken 
 for miles by not a tree or shrub. Invi- 
 tations were out for a social party at 
 Mr Nelson CornelFs. The gentlemen 
 were in a dilemma ; how should they 
 manage to get the ladies there V One 
 great, broad-shouldered, generous- 
 hearted fellow suggested they carry us 
 on their backs, for then there was not a 
 sleigh in all of Dwight, and there was 
 no time to order from Chicago. So this 
 time "necessity being the mother of 
 invention," dry goods boxes and crock- 
 ery crates were brought into requisition. 
 The gentlemen, with the aid of chairs, 
 most gallantly assisted us to mount to 
 the top of the sleighs, which were about 
 four feet deep, and down we sprang 
 among the robes where we were packed 
 almost as closely as the goods they for- 
 merly contained when sent from Bos- 
 ton or New York. I think there were 
 no runners to the sleighs, but they 
 seemed to glide over the glistening 
 snow like boys' barrel staves down a 
 toboggin slide. It was a jolly Metho- 
 dist crowd. At first we sang old-time 
 hymns, then "Uncle Tom," "Nelly 
 Ely" and other popular airs of the day. 
 In our hiliarity we were lost on the 
 great prairie, at night, without a com- 
 pass, not even a fence or road or stream- 
 let to guide us. Our host and hostess
 
 HISTORY OF D WIGHT, ILLIMOIS. 
 
 149 
 
 had given up all hopes of our coming ; 
 finally they said they heard noises in 
 the distance and could not distinguish 
 whether it was human voices or the 
 howling of wolves, I think it was both. 
 They immediately put out a signal 
 light to direct us, vvhich w^e soon saw in 
 the distance and was not long in reach- 
 ing our destination where a bountiful 
 repast was in readiness for us, to which 
 we did ample justice, for we had talked 
 and laughed, sang and hurrahed till we 
 were almost as hungry as the ravenous 
 wolves that, were following close on our 
 trail. Time sped quickly and jjleasantly 
 into the small hours of morn' when we 
 returned to our homes in much less 
 time than we v. ent. 
 
 Soon after elegant sleighs and bells 
 were seen and heard in our little village. 
 Yet no sleigh-riding party, I venture to 
 assert, was ever more thoroughly en- 
 joyed by all than the first wild and ro 
 mantic one in the winter of 1856 
 
 BY JAMES SMITH. 
 
 Mr. James Smith came to Dwight in 
 1801 from Rochester, N. Y. Was born 
 in Connecticut, April 23, 18 Hi. Farmed 
 around Dwight for a number of years. 
 Jos. McPherson and Jas. Smith built the 
 first warehouse in Dwight, which stood 
 nearly opposite the site of the present 
 C. & A. depot, east, where they did a 
 prosperous business. 
 
 Mr. Smith was a member of the first 
 village board of Dwight, which con- 
 sisted of two members for two years. 
 Henry Eldridge was his colleague, and 
 the board was straight temperance. 
 
 Mr. Smith moved into Dwight in 18*)(). 
 He says, as he looks around him at this 
 late date, he sees lots of temperance 
 people who were on the other side in 
 early days. Mr. Smith is about 80 years 
 of age, and two years ago took a trip 
 east which he enjoyed greatly. 
 
 Through the kindness of Dr. Leslie 
 E. Keeley we present the following: 
 
 The following dramatic programme 
 was handed us by an old settler who 
 has kept "tab" of Dwight doings for 
 more than a third of a century. It is a 
 treasure that will bring to mind one of 
 the most interesting times of the old 
 days, when Gerson's Hall was an entity 
 and its owner a very much pronounced 
 personage in our town affairs. The pro- 
 gramme will bring back a flood of mem- 
 ories to many who are now gray-haired, 
 but who at that time were filled with 
 "Life's ambition in young blood ex- 
 pressed." The dramatic person* were 
 all young farmers living in and about 
 Dwight. Mr. L. Bataille ( Duke of Glos- 
 ter) was a callow Frenchman who 
 worked for a Mr. Mathieson a few miles 
 southwest of Dwight. Mr. N. G. Skeels 
 worked on Mr. Nelson Cornell's farm 
 near by. Geo. Kyler (King Henry the 
 VII) worked on his father's farm close 
 to town, and afterwards on the C. & A. 
 R. R. braking, till he left some time ago 
 for the old home in Eastern I'ennsylva- 
 nia. George visited us last summer, 
 and his noble bearing showed kingly 
 
 stock. Mr. A. Wildman (Lord Stanley) 
 helped our only liveryman, Hiram Cor- 
 nell, as a general roustabout in his hotel 
 and stable. A. Matthews (Duke of Nor- 
 folk) worked with the (Earl of Oxford) 
 Cal. . I ones, on a rented farm of Mr. 
 McWilliams' a few miles south of town. 
 J. Jones (Lieutenant of the Tower) 
 worked ten miles northeast of town on a 
 farm. A. Kimberk, who took the 
 character of Tirrell, was also a tenant 
 of David McWilliams' a couple of miles 
 north of I >wight. E. J. Jackson andE. 
 Holmes (Catesby and Ratclifi) worked 
 on farms in Highland Township. 
 
 The programme is a chef-d';euvre of 
 skilled composition. Captain Stephens, 
 of old time memory, Charley Newell, 
 Mr. Moore, the school principal, and 
 Major .John Campbell worked hard upon 
 it to make it attractive, and as it stands, 
 with the materials to work upon, we
 
 150 
 
 IIL:?TOilY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 pronounce it unrivalled as a master- 
 piece: 
 DV^IGHX THEATRE! 
 
 MAN AGliRS, 
 L. Bateiille N. Q. Skeels 
 
 FIRST APPEARANCE OF 
 
 THE DWIGHT DRAMATIC COMPANY, 
 
 AT 
 
 OERSON'S HALL! 
 
 Tuesday Eve., June 23, 1868. 
 
 First /Appearance of L. B/fT/flLLE, 
 
 Who, after an absence of one year from the 
 stage, reappears before the piiblii; in tliree 
 great characters He has received the 
 most iiuboiinded applause and most 
 flattering encomiums from both 
 the pie>s and public, sup- 
 ported by tlie 
 
 Yourjg and Talaqted N. G. 8KEELS, 
 
 Late of Debar's Opera House. St. Louis 
 
 PROGRAMME— PART FIRST. 
 
 Selections from Sliakspeare's Sublime Tragedy 
 of '"Richard the Third." 
 
 Duke of Gloster (afterwards Richard the 
 
 Third) L. liATAILLE 
 
 Earl of Riclimoud N. G. Skkkls 
 
 King Henry the VII ft. Kyler 
 
 Lord Stanley A. Wildman 
 
 Duke of NorfolK A. Matthews 
 
 Earl of Oxford C . VV alker 
 
 Lieutenant of the Tower .J. Jones 
 
 Tirrell A. Kimberk 
 
 Catesby J. .Jackson 
 
 Ratcliff E . Holmes 
 
 Comic Song— "Paddy's Dream A . Kimberk 
 
 PART SECOND. 
 
 Tyrone Power Side-Splitting Farce of the 
 "OMNIBUS." 
 
 PatRooney L. BATAILLE 
 
 Mr. Ledger N. G. Skeels 
 
 Mr. Dobbs G. Kyler 
 
 Master Tom Dobbs C . Walker 
 
 Farmer Boy A. Wildman 
 
 Julia Ledger Miss Jones 
 
 > 
 
 The whole to conclude with BATAILLE'S great 
 
 Extravaganza, entitled, 
 
 "The Emancipation Jiil^ileel" 
 
 Black Syren, (with dance; L. Bataille 
 
 Pompey, (with song) A. Kimberk 
 
 Wool N. G. Skeels 
 
 And the entire strength of the company. 
 
 9 
 
 Doors open at 7 o'clock, i)erformaoce to com- 
 mence at 8. Front seats reserved for ladies. 
 Good Music in attendance. Tickets. iV) cents to 
 be had at the principal stores in town and at the 
 door. 
 
 Dwight "Courier" Print— Smith & Rutan. 
 
 D. McWilliams says: The first per- 
 manent residence was erected by Mr. 
 West, on lots 18 and l'.», block 7, 
 where the John D. Ketcham property 
 now stands. Mr. \N est died in 1889. He 
 was a brother-in-law of iviartin Wilks. 
 
 The house that Dr. Hagerty first oc- 
 cupied was on lot 8 block 18, where the 
 Hagerty block now stands. 
 
 Among the first buildings erected was 
 one by J. J. Gore on lot 17 block 6, where 
 Geo. Petersen's residence no \ stands. 
 
 Robt. Young, oneof the earlier timers 
 V. as a brother of Brighara Young, and 
 a quite popular man in his day. 
 
 Geo. Z Flagler and others of the set- 
 tlers of 1855, claim to have plo * ed the 
 first furrovv in this locality, and that it 
 was along near the' creek north of to n. 
 The histories we have had a cess to say 
 that 'Squire Mcllduff was the first to 
 plow any amount of ground. The ques- 
 tion of v\ ho v\ as first cuts no figure. It 
 w as surely done by some one and was 
 follow'. ed by others until nearly the 
 w hole country v. as under cultivation at 
 some time. 
 
 Mr. Seth Clover tells a story regarding 
 one of the hunting trips of the Frince of 
 Wales w hile in this section. The Prince 
 v\ as out w ith his party in Eound Grove 
 one day and were hunting along the 
 genuine Gooseberry creek w hen some 
 of the party spied a fiock of ducks in 
 the creek. As the party m ere out for 
 game somi one mimediately fired a shot 
 into the fiock. The ducks, ho v\ ever, 
 seemed more surprised than scared and 
 s vN am out of the w ater and scampered 
 up the bank. It turned out that there 
 v^ as a log cabin close by surrounded by 
 thick timber and not observed by the 
 Prince's party, and the ducks proved to 
 be tame ones. The lady of the house, 
 Mrs. Eunice Pratt, heard the shots and
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 151 
 
 came down to the creek with blood in 
 her eye. As soon as she spied the 
 royal party siie let loose at them and 
 gave them such a tongue lashing as they 
 never had before. Royalty was not in 
 it for once and the party took a good 
 look around before they shot into Hocks 
 of ducks again. 
 
 HY D. MCWILLIAMS. 
 
 The Chicago & Alton R. R. built 
 under a charter granted to the Chicago 
 & Mississippi R. R. was completed to 
 Springfield, 111., in 1852. The follow- 
 ing year it reached Bloomington, and 
 the year 1854 saw its completion to 
 Joliet, connecting by steamboat from 
 Alton to St. Louis, and rvinning on the 
 Rock Island Railroad from Joliet to 
 Chicago. The country was very sparcely 
 settled, Bloomington being about the 
 only point of any size north of Spring- 
 field. The second week in August 1854 
 the road was opened for through traflic 
 from Chicago to St. Louis. A few days 
 thereafter the writer passed through 
 Dwight, which was surrounded on all 
 sides with tall prairie grass, and but 
 few houses in sight. On the present 
 town site was a small depot, a small 
 16x24 1% story building, where the 
 Hagerty building now stands, a small 
 one story house on the corner north- 
 east of the Methodist church, the 
 house so long occupied by Mr. A. West, 
 and a blacksmith shop just west of the 
 Presbyterian church, was all there was 
 where Dwight now stands. Supper 
 was being served in the depot building, 
 as it served as a dwelling as well a de- 
 pot, and those connected with the rail- 
 road service lived there, and it was the 
 only place where a person could get a 
 night's lodging or a meal of victuals. 
 There were roads running to the west, 
 northwest, northeast and east to the 
 different settlements that had been 
 
 made previous to the building of the 
 railroad. 
 
 The following named persons are all 
 that constituted the actual settlers of 
 the village of Dwight previous to the 
 spring of 1855: 
 
 Augustus West and family. 
 
 John Rontzong and wife. 
 
 Simeon Lutz and wife. 
 
 James Morgan and wife. 
 
 Thos. C. Wilson and wife. 
 
 E C. Stevens and wife. 
 
 James S. Harrison. 
 
 The families who had settled in the 
 adjoining country to Dwight, especially 
 in Livingston county were as follows: 
 
 John Conant and family }{ mile 
 west. 
 
 Nelson Cornell and family }{ mile 
 northwest. 
 
 Thomas Little (unmarried) one mile 
 west. 
 
 R. S. Bishop on the farm now of 
 Peter Hansen. 
 
 Robt. Thompson on the farm now of 
 Peter Hansen. 
 
 John Rainey on the farm now of Jno- 
 R. Martin. 
 
 James George on the farm now of 
 John Stewart. 
 
 Thos. C. McDowell on the farm now 
 of Jas. Brown. 
 
 S. H. Kyle on the farm now of J. 
 Roirdan. 
 
 James Henry on the farm now of D. 
 McWilliams. 
 
 No settlement nearer than five mile- 
 grove south, none southeast except the 
 Broughtons in Broughton township. 
 To the east near Round Grove were 
 Stephen Potter, Wm. Cook, and Mr, 
 Gibson. To the northwest in Grundy 
 county Samuel Cutler on the farm 
 now owned by Louis Zabel. 
 
 Erastus Stevens on the farm now 
 owned by Nicholas Morrisey. 
 
 .John Henry on the farm occupied by
 
 152 
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLINOIS. 
 
 his son and widow. 
 
 Eber Stevens and mother on the farna 
 still owned by him. 
 
 Addison Wood on the farm now 
 owned by M. Cusick. 
 
 Wm. Mason where Michael Kime 
 now resides, and to the northeast were 
 some ten or twelve f amiles in the "Ger- 
 man Settlement." 
 
 Immigration came in quite rapidly 
 during 1855, and the growth and im- 
 provement of the country continued 
 steady after that period. The first two 
 seasons we had fair crops, and after 
 that for several years we suffered great- 
 ly on account of the great rain-fall and 
 "hard times" followed and a great many 
 who had purchased their farms upon 
 credit were compelled to give them up. 
 When the civil war began the enlist- 
 ments were so numerous, that help 
 could hardly obtained and a consider- 
 able amount of land that had been cul- 
 tivated remained vacant and unoccupied 
 for some time, as prices of grain were 
 so low there was no particular object 
 in raising it. 
 
 ILLT7SXRATIONS. 
 
 The publishers of the "History of 
 Dwight" have taken considerable pains 
 to get the portraits of many of our 
 prominent citizens of this neighbor- 
 hood. We have asked many more for 
 their photographs but have not received 
 them, for reasons best known to them- 
 selves. We also give many views of 
 business houses and the Chicago & Al- 
 ton Passenger station. 
 
 Among the portraits are the follow- 
 ing: 
 
 Geo. Conant. 
 
 Four generations of the Bartholic 
 family. 
 
 David Mc Williams. 
 
 Col. R. P. Morgan. 
 
 Dr. Leslie E. Keeley. 
 
 Major C. J. Judd. 
 John R. Oughton. 
 E. H. Kneeland. 
 David Riling. 
 James Bro a n. 
 John Vickery. 
 James N. Smith. 
 Col. J. B. Parsons. 
 James Kelagher. 
 S. T. K. Prime. 
 William T. Prime. 
 Wilham G. Dustin. 
 Frank L. Smith. 
 Wm. H. Ketcham Jr. 
 Wm. H. Ketcham Sr. 
 Robert Thompson. 
 Levi Reeder. 
 B. A. Buck. 
 E. T. Miller. 
 John Pettett. 
 Dr. C. H. Barr. 
 Dr. J. E. Blaine. 
 Homer Kenyon. 
 Dr. R. Broughton. 
 Dr. Wm. Brown. 
 Dr. A. C. Lonergan. 
 Leonard Howlett. 
 Frank A. Haise. 
 D. B. Stevens. 
 Geo. Z. Flagler. 
 Geo. N. Flagler. 
 Eugene Flagler. 
 Chas. AVaters. 
 Ed. Losee. 
 Orville Brown. 
 Wm. H. Taylor. 
 Jos. Miller. 
 Carl Miller. 
 Willard S. Brown. 
 Chas. L. Romberger. 
 Nathan Baker. 
 Prof. J. H. Meneely. 
 Miss Sarah Snyder. 
 Dwight Morgan. 
 W. H. Conrad. 
 Rev. R. Wilhelmsen. 
 Rev. E. F. Wright.
 
 HISTORY OF DWIGIIT, ILLI^^OIS. 
 
 153 
 
 Rev. C. W. Ayling. 
 
 Jacob Christman. 
 
 Ed. Mezger. 
 
 W. H. Bradbury. 
 
 Roger H. Mills. 
 
 Geo. W. Boyer. 
 
 Geo. L. Kern, 
 
 "Walter M. Weese. 
 
 J. C. Lewis. 
 
 O. ^Y. Pollard. 
 
 John Leach. 
 
 The portraits are most of them made 
 from late photographs and will un- 
 doubtedly be highly appreciated by the 
 buyers of the history. 
 
 The history is not as complete in 
 many parts as we desired, but we be 
 lieve all the readers will appreciate the 
 circumstances under which the work 
 was issued and give us credit for doing 
 the best we could taking all things 
 under consideration, especially the 
 price. The publication commenced 
 under the firm of Dustin & Wassel 
 and closes under the management of 
 Dustin & Prime. We close the volume 
 by returning our sincere thanks to the 
 many kind friends who have assisted us 
 in different ways, and extend our kind- 
 est wishes for your future welfare and 
 prosperity. Publishers. 
 
 [THE END.]

 
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