There have been many bridges at Dayton over the years, as they were continually washed out by  ice and rain. They were usually replaced promptly, but at least once there was a gap of ten years with no bridge. There were several failed attempts to rebuild until this one was (eventually) successful.

Editors, REPUBLICAN:: Ten years ago the bridge across the Fox river at Dayton was carried off by high water. It had been very useful as a crossing for the public in general, and especially for farmers living in the north end of the township of Rutland, and many from the townships of Miller, Manlius and Mission on their way to and from Ottawa. Of course it was very important to the township of Dayton, and especially to the residents of the village of Dayton and vicinity. The bridge has not et been replaced. At the annual town meeting last April the voters of Dayton township authorized the commissioners of highways to borrow money to aid in building a bridge. The river is the line between Dayton and Rutland townships. Certain citizens of the village of Dayton were so desirous to have a bridge that they subscribed individually and guaranteed to the commissioners of Rutland $1,000 as an inducement to the voters of Rutland township to authorize their commissioners, at a special election, to borrow not to exceed $1500 to aid in the building of a bridge. An election was held yesterday in the township of Rutland. In the 2nd precinct, where the voters were more interested than in the 1st, the proposition was carried by a fair majority. But in the 1st precinct, which includes the village of Marseilles, it was lost by a majority sufficient to defeat the enterprise. We don’t want the public to think that we lay all the blame of our defeat at the door of Marseilles. We think the greater part attaches to certain farmers living in the eastern and southern parts of the township, who were frightened at a small increase of tax.

Let us look at the tax question for a moment. The assessor told me that the valuation of the township for the year 1884 was about $562,000. The average laboring man, so often referred to yesterday, is not assessed at to exceed $100. His share of the tax would not exceed 100-562000 of the $1500 asked for, or not more than 20 cents — about two hours work for a common laborer. The well-to-do farmer and manufacturer and capitalist would pay in the same proportion. We are unwilling to believe that the men who opposed us at the election in Marseilles yesterday would repeat it, after knowing the true situation, for such a paltry increase to their tax. We are grateful to the gentlemen who gave us their votes, and especially to those who gave us active influence. We thank those who opposed us for courtesy extended. The friction of life wakes life interesting. But unnecessary friction is expensive.
Basil Green.
Second Precinct, June 2, 1885¹

Dayton, Sept. Sept. 16. – At last it is settled that we are to have the bridge! The Board of Supervisors yesterday by a vote of twenty-seven to nine granted county aid to the amount of $5,000, and appointed Supervisors Anderson and Bubeck to look after the county’s interest. The bids will be opened next Monday and the contract let so that work may commence at once. The citizens are greatly rejoiced at the result and hope nothing serious may interfere with the completion of the work.
Our worthy supervisor, Mr. Basil Green, has been attending the meeting of the board at Ottawa, this week, and looking after the interests of our bridge.²

Dayton, Ill, April 1st, 1887. – Our bridge is finished at last and open for public travel. It is a very fine three span iron bridge, the neatest one on the river, and is a fine addition to our village. Of course every one will use it now that it is constructed, and it was noticed that about one of the first to use it was one who had fought the hardest.³

1. Ottawa Republican, June 5, 1885, p. 8.
2. Ottawa Free Trader, September 18, 1886, p. 5, col. 3
3. Ottawa Free Trader, April 2, 1887, p. 4, col. 6