The Woolen Mill in 1870

January 15, 2025January 2, 2025Candace W Leave a comment

The Dayton Woolen Mills

La Salle County, and Dayton especially may refer with just pride to the factory of J. Green & Co., as turning out a quality of woolen goods, cassimeres, doeskins, flannels, etc., that is not excelled anywhere in the west. Although this firm has made no attempt to push the goods upon the market by puffing in the newspapers, depending entirely on the quality of the articles to effect sales, yet the Dayton goods are widely known, and the dry goods merchant need only, as many of them do, offer the article with the single remark, “Dayton goods,” to call the attention of the purchaser to the beautiful texture and finish of the cloths manufactured in this establishment.

The rapid strides made in the west, within the past ten years, is producing a superior article of woolen goods, is admitted even by the older establishments of the East, and no man, at this day, need look for any finer article than is made at home, as he surely cannot find a better. To show the public appreciation of the Dayton goods, it need only be dais that the agent of the firm recently took orders in the city of Davenport, in one day, for goods to the amount of $1500, and the sale is all the more important when it is considered that that city has mills of its own.

The present factory building is of stone, built in the most substantial manner, situated on the right bank of the Fox river just above the bridge. Its dimensions are 50 by 100 feet in the clear, and four stories high, besides the attic. It was built in 1864, when the old mill was found to be too small for the increase of the business. Entering on the lower floor, the wool is seen on the left hand, the dressing machines on the right, and the fulling and carding apparatus at the opposite end, while an addition beyond contains the steam works used in heating the building and furnishing the necessary hot water used in the various processes of manufacture.

The machinery is driven by a turbine wheel placed under this floor, and propelled by the water from the feeder that flows past the mill/ The floors above are used for carding, weaving and spinning, there being two sets of carding machines of three in each set, making nine in all, besides a machine that turns out the rolls that feed the housewife’s spinning wheel. The third floor contains fourteen looms in all, eleven of them for double fold, and three making cloth of treble width; these wide machines being a great saving over the loom making cloth, but one yard wide, since both require the same attendance. These looms, when in full blast, make a music peculiarly their own, the nail machine being the only contrivance that beats it in racket.

Of spinning machines there are six, four of them having 2540, and two running 216, spindles each, making an aggregate of 1,392 spindles, tended by six men. Just think how many women it would take with the old family concern to twist all this yarn, that is done so easily by these six men. And these machines can be set so as to make yarn coarse or fine, nor can they fail in spinning it absolutely even throughout. About fifty hands are employed, a dozen of them being females, the rest men and boys.

The factory will consume this year about 120,000 lbs of wool. The carding machine is supplied with teasels, imported from the State of New York, which seems to be unnecessary, as they might be produced here, and the transportation saved to the company or put into the pockets of our farmers. Why has this not been done?

The sales of the firm show that manufacturing efforts in the West are appreciated. Still the mill is not run up to its full capacity.¹

Ottawa Republican, Thursday, August 18, 1870, p. 2.

More Christmas Festivities

January 8, 2025September 27, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

Dayton

Miss Theresa Fullerton is staying at Mrs. Thomas Meagher’s.

Mr. Vet Canfield unloaded a new buggy at the Dayton depot this week.

Miss Anna Fleming is home for a short vacation. She spent Christmas at Kankakee.

Mrs. Edward McCleary has a beautiful new piano, the Christmas gift of Mr. McCleary

Mr. John Pyatt, who was home with his family Christmas week, returned to his work in Chicago Sunday.

Mrs. Edward McCleary gave a family dinner in honor of her sister, Mr. and Mrs. Winn Green, of Joliet.

Mr. and Mrs. Winn Green and little daughter, of Joliet, are visiting Mrs. Green’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Barnes.

Mr. Clarence Doran, who has sold his farm to Mrs. Gray, of Ottawa, and who vacates soon, held a sale Monday, December 30^th.

Mr. Lyle Green had the shredding machine at work at his place several days last week. The machine goes to Rush Green’s next.

Mrs. John Pyatt entertained at dinner Sunday. Her guests were Mr. and Mrs. John Breese and Mr. and Mrs. Hoxie and son Charles.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward McCleary were entertained by Mrs. McCleary’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Barnes, Christmas day at the family reunion.

Mr. and Mrs. J. McBrearty entertained their daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Emmons, and daughter Margaret, of Marseilles, at Christmas dinner.

There were nearly 24 hours of heavy rain Sunday and Monday. Roads are in a fearful condition, putting the coal diggers and haulers out of commission for the present.

Mr. and Mrs. Will Breese, of Aurora, and little daughter Marian took dinner Christmas day with Mrs. B’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Breese. They only stayed between trains.

Mrs. Lowell Hoxie and son Charles came up Saturday evening to visit her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Breese. They stayed until the noon train. Mr. Hoxie drove up for a few hours Sunday.

The Dayton school gave a delightful entertainment Christmas eve. A fine program by the pupils and a fine Christmas tree was presented. School closed for the remainder of the week, reopening on Monday.¹

Ottawa Daily Republican Times, 3 Jan 1908, p4

Happy New Year’s at Dayton

January 1, 2025August 12, 2024Candace W 1 Comment

The Green Family and Connections Hold a Reunion at Jesse Green’s Residence

The reunion of the Green family and connections at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Green, Dayton, on New Year’s was a much larger affair than was expected by Mr. Green. The occasion was the 73rd anniversary of his birth. It was not until the guests had begun to arrive that an inkling of what was intended entered his mind. His amiable better half understood more fully than he did what was to be, and made her preparations accordingly. She had eatables cooked in large quantities and great variety, and, when the hunger of all had been appeased, it was found that fully seventy-five persons — men, women and children — had sat at the table. A conspicuous object on the table was a large frosted cake, with the date of Mr. Green’s birth in raised letters and figures.

After dinner Mr. Thos. W. MacKinlay, on behalf of the relatives, presented Mr. Green an easy chair and Mrs. Green a table as tokens of their affection and esteem.

The following gentlemen were present with their wives: Ex-Attorney-General McCartney, now of Hutchinson, Kansas; L. C. Robinson, Rutland; Jos. Jackson, Millington; Frank Allen, Galesburg; Harry Green, T. E. MacKinlay, C. B. Hess, H. B. Williams, Wm. Bagly, Ottawa; O. W. Trumbo, Isaac Green, Dayton; also Mesdames J. Harris, J. Crum, Lavina Matlock, Yorkville, Craig, Jacksonville, and Bagley, Ottawa, Ray Harris and Myrtie Crum, Yorkville, Ella, Maud and Barbara Green, Dayton; and Messrs Ed. Jackson, Cincinnati, Kent Green, Chicgo, E. J. Hess, Harry Robinson, Theodore Strawn, W. E. and Don MacKinlay, Ottawa, and Basil and James Green, Dayton. The children numbered about fifteen.

The reunion will not be forgotten soon by any one of the fortunate guests of Mr. and Mrs. Green. May they continue to enjoy the evening of their lives and live to celebrate the 80th anniversary on a scale equally large and enjoyable.¹

The Ottawa [Illinois] Republican Times, January 8, 1891, p. 3.

A Christmas Night Dance

December 25, 2024September 17, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

Dayton

Fred Green left this morning for San Francisco, and will be absent about two weeks.

Miss Jennie Barends has entirely recovered from her recent illness.

Wm. Fleming left on Monday morning for De Kalb, where he will stay for a few days.

Mrs. Jas. H. Timmons furnished the supper for the patrons of the Christmas dance held at Woodman hall.

E. McClary and wife dined on Christmas day with Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Barends.

Christmas passed off quietly in our little burg.

Leroy McBraerty, operator at Ladd, spent Christmas with his parents.

The dance given by the Dayton orchestra on Christmas night was well attended, about 100 persons being present. Messrs. Breese, Hoxie, Warner, Breese and McGrogan furnished some very good music, and every one had a royal good time. Supper was served by Mrs. Jas. H. Timmons.

Winn Green and wife, of Joliet, spent Christmas at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Barends.

Miss Nellie McGrogan and Leroy Luce were married last week Wednesday at Ottawa by Squire Larkin. May you both live long and prosper.

Ellis Breese has just purchased a number of fine sheep from Jay Shaver, and expects to engage in sheep raising on a large scale, having fenced in 22 acres of fine grazing land on the river bottom.

George Wolf and wife entertained a number of friends at dinner on Christmas day.

George Galloway and wife were visiting in Ottawa on Tuesday.

John Rhoades and family were visitors at Mr. and Mrs. John Benoits.

Miss Drennan is visiting friends in Chicago for a few days.¹

The Ottawa Republican-Times, January 3, 1901, p. 6, col. 4

January 1891 -The State of the Village

December 18, 2024December 12, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

A RESURRECTION
At Dayton! — A General Revival of Business in Our Northern Suburb
C. B. Hess Practices What he Preaches — The Dayton Tile Factory Will Resume Operations Next Week

The little town of Dayton has again struck its gait. The grist mill is running at full blast, the collar factory has its hands full, the paper mills are behind in orders, and now comes C. B. Hess, one of Ottawa’s most enterprising citizens and to-day leases the brick and tile works for a year commencing Feb. 1st, with an option for further time and will open up on Monday next full blast with forty hands, the works to run night and day. The firm name will be Hess, Williams & Hess, and Ed. J. Hess, junior partner, will have full charge.

These works will put out paving brick, fire brick and drain tile, and will be run in a measure in connection with the Ottawa factory. The capacity will be 50,000 brick, or 10 car loads, and 200 tons of clay will be used every day. The works have six kilns, with every facility for increasing the capacity if found practicable. The water power used is of 200 hundred [sic] horse power. The firm will build a tramway across Fox river to its beds of fire clay, which are 7 foot veins, while the common clay will be taken from a 30 foot bank just across the feeder from the works. Probably an inclined railway will be put in from the works to the “Q.” tracks to increase the shipping facilities.

Hitherto the difficulty at these works has been in getting the clay properly united, but Mr. Hess has been experimenting with it for the past six weeks and is satisfied that he has at last found the right thing.

These works will make their drain tile for the local trade, but the paving tile and fire brick will, most of it, find its was to Chicago and Peoria.

Mr. Hess says he intends to make the a “go,” and we have no doubt but he will.¹

C. B. Hess was a member of the large Green clan. He was married to Clara “Callie” Green, the daughter of Jesse Green and Isabella Trumbo.

Ottawa Republican Times, January 29, 1891, p. 8.

The Old Plank Road Needs to be Upgraded

December 11, 2024December 12, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

An example of a plank road

The old plank road, which ran north out of Ottawa, was built in 1847; a direct line from Earlville to Ottawa, by way of Harding. It was in such poor shape by the 1890s that farmers in the north of the county were doing their trading in Earlville rather than in Ottawa. It was clear that something needed to be done. By 1895 the road from Earlville to Harding had been improved and Freedom township had graveled the road to the Dayton township line but the six miles through Dayton remained unimproved.

Ottawa Republican Times, 26 Sep 1895, p2

It was to the advantage of Ottawa to get this portion of the road completed and plans were made to share the work. The portion of the road to be graveled is shown below.

Residents of Dayton, Ottawa, Troy Grove and Wallace were asked to contribute money or labor to finish the final six miles of the road. The merchants of Ottawa contributed significantly in view of the increased trade they would see.

Ottawa Republican Times, 26 Sep 1895, p1

The joint effort appears to have succeeded. There is no further mention of the state of the road north out of Ottawa in the newspapers. It is hoped that the Ottawa merchants saw the increased trade they expected.

Of Industry – and Lack Thereof

November 27, 2024November 23, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

Fox river with dam in background

Dayton Items

Dayton, as a point where the finny tribe and fishermen do most congregate has long been celebrated in this section of the country. People armed with hooks and lines, buckets of bait and togged in old clothes, come daily and nightly from far and near. They arrive on foot, in buggies, in lumber wagons, and dumped off the cars, and are landed in every shape, all bent on the same purpose, i. e., that of catching fish, not by the dozens, or in fifties, but by bushels, bagsfull, wagon loads, and in other prodigious quantities. They arrive in lofty spirits, braced up by lofty expectations of astonishing the natives. They usually depart wet, hungry, tired, disgusted, and without any fish worth speaking of. To a man whose constitution requires a vast deal of resr – long continued and complete relaxation of every muscle and nerve – fishing is just the thing. Fish, as food, may be brain food, but catching them is certainly a brain softener. It does not require a very high order of intellect in a man to fish, that is, a man of very moderate brain power ought to know enough to outwit a fish, which stands rather low in brain development. In short, fishing, to an outsider, is a very languid, sleepy sort of work.

There never has been any employment so well adapted to the wants of a lazy man as that of fishing as they do it at Dayton. To see the anglers as they line the banks and cover the rocks like so many mud turtles is a sight fit to make a person yawn. To the man to whom any kind of exercise is a bore fishing is just about exercise enough. The fellow lands upon some sequestered spot, sits down to rest and meditate awhile, then baits his hook, summons up all his energies like a man trying to ward off sleep, gets the line in the water, and then the things fishes itself! When a man gets too lazy to fish they accuse him of having a softening of the brain, and soon after he becomes too tired to draw his breath, and this ends him!

Some of the fellows we saw fishing on Friday last were half a mile from the water, under a shade tree, three of ‘em asleep and the fourth studying the sun’s altitude and position of its spots through a “pocket” telescope! Though we were in sight of a score or more of fishers for an hour, we did not see a fish hauled out, nor even hear of one being captured, though a shoal of three or four minnows were reported to have swam up among the fishers early in the morning.

Dayton, however, has another point of view of far more importance to the business man and to the farmer. We refer to her woolen mills – as good as any in the state – built some years ago at great expense, and stocked with as excellent machinery as the Union anywhere could boast. Though under a cloud for a time, but now started anew by its original owners, the Greens, it will soon be working upon a large scale, and is daily turning out great quantities of yearn of various grades, also superior cloth.

Another enterprise is the collar factory, under the management of Mr. Dunavan. It employs a large force of hands, turns out the premium horse collars of the United States, and also a fine article of leather fly nets, the latter being its chief production during the summer months. The goods from this establishment find a ready market all over the country.

Another business, as yet young, but extensive and rapidly increasing in importance, is the Dayton tile works. When the factory was started it was not supposed that it would, in five years, reach the dimensions it has attained in a few months. The tile they manufacture is as good as any made in the west.

The large paper mill here next claimed our attention. This institution has long since become fixed and firmly established upon a substantial business basis. It runs exclusively on straw and manilla paper and consumes vast quantities of material. It has on hand an enormous stock of as good paper as is made anywhere. The recently senseless boom in prices of material used is happily subsiding, and the rather sluggish demand in this county for paper, has been rather unsatisfactory, but it runs ahead, looking for a fairer margin between its expenses for sock and the price of manufactured goods than has generally prevailed.

Besides, a good flouring mill and a local store and a “tavern” and good prices for farm products in general, all contribute to make Dayton a live business village.

Since the tile works were started in full operation a new industry has been developed, being coal mining operations, managed by Simpson & Welke, a couple of hard-working miners, who obtain a good quality of coal which lies on the level with the banks of the feeder, and is drifted and removed on hand card on a tramway and dumped below the woolen mills into wagons, or on the public roads as may be required.[1]

[1] Ottawa Republican, May 27, 1880, p2.

Fact or Fiction? History or Poetry?

November 19, 2024Candace W 1 Comment

POETRY VERSUS FACT
FICTION AND HISTORY

The following letter was written by David Green in reference to the wide-spread article about his brother Joseph, which was covered here previously in “He Wasn’t the One”. Apparently a collection of poems by a Nebraska poet, which referenced this event, provoked an article in The Platte Journal attempting to correct the story. Here is David Green’s response to the inquiry, as printed in the paper.

Dayton, Ill., March 31^st, 1871
J. G. Higgins, Esq., Columbus, Neb –

Dear Sir: — Yours of the 7^th inst. asking for information was duly received, in which you give some extracts from a poem written by the Rev. Orsamus C. Dake, entitled the “Raw Hide,” which is found in a recent publication entitled “Nebraska Legends,” with the following preface:

“A certain man, of a small company moving up the great plain of the Platte, in a spirit of bravado, said he would shoot the first Indian he met; which he did, having shortly afterward found a Pawnee woman a little separated from her tribe. But a band of warriors, pursuing, demanded from his companions the surrender of that man, which being refused, the Pawnees made ready to slay the whole company of whites, whereupon the offender being given into their hands, they flayed him alive. From this circumstance the little stream, on whose banks it occurred takes the name of the ‘Raw Hide.’”

The Rev. Mr. Drake has given in the above, the substance of a report which in 1849 found its way into nearly every newspaper in the United States, and no doubt but he together with many others, in good faith and very innocently believes that such a tragedy did really take place as stated, but the whole story is a base and unmitigated falsehood from beginning to end, as there never was the least foundation for said report. The hoax was gotten up in Magnolia, Putnam county, Illinois, in a bar-room to gull a gaping crowd, without any thought of its going any further, but someone present took it to be true and communicated it to the editor of a paper published in Lacon, Marshall county, Illinois, from which it was, as stated, very extensively copied.

On receipt of yours I wrote to Hon. Wm. E. Parret now of Winona, Illinois, but at the time the hoax was gotten up he resided in Magnolia, Illinois, and in reply he says, “That two men by the name of D. P. Fyffe and David Law, of Magnolia, got up the hoax out of whole cloth. The said Mr. Fyffe of Magnolia, over his signature of the 27^th inst, says “It (referring to said hoax) originated here and was known to be a hoax.” I merely give you the above that you may know where said report originated.

My Father, two Brothers and some twenty or thirty others from this county were the company referred to, and my brother Joseph Green was the reported victim, who would have been the last man in the world to make any such threat, or be guilty of any such rash act.

The said company went out to California in the spring of 1839 – he Joseph Green returned in 1851 – went out to California again in 1852, returned in 1853, and died in this place in 1855, with the consumption. A more noble, kind-hearted and generous man never lived, and I hope you will use your best efforts to correct this infamous slander upon his fair name.

I am, very respectfully,
D. Green¹

The Platte [Nebraska] Journal, April 12, 1871, p2, col2.

Dayton Cemetery Association Celebrates 10th Anniversary

November 13, 2024November 5, 2024Candace W 3 Comments

DINNER HELD AT CLIFFORD’S

The Dayton Cemetery Assn. held its annual meeting Sunday, with Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clifford of Dayton. After the morning work party had completed their task of mowing the grass, trimming trees and decorating the graves all met at the Clifford home for a picnic dinner and historical program. A display of family heirlooms was in charge of Mrs. Clifford, historian.

Mrs. Lewis E. Myers of Chicago was presented with a cake and ten lighted candles to mark the anniversary of the Association; for it was her idea that sparked the restoration of this beautiful old pioneer burial ground, which was started by John Green, who in 1829 led a party of settlers from Licking County Ohio to settle the community of Dayton.

At the business meeting Mrs. Mildred Summins of Ottawa was elected president. Other officers to serve with her for the coming year are Miss Dorothy Masters of Evanston, secretary; David Holmes of Oak Park, treasurer and Mrs. Myers, Care Fund Officer.

The following committees were named by the president.
Grounds: Charles Clifford of Dayton, Howard Baker of Leland, David Holmes of Oak Park.
By-laws: Mabel Greene Myers and Dorothy Masters.
Membership and Funds: Helen MacLoraine of Wilmette, La Vonne Gillman of Ottawa, and Eugene Pottinger of DeKalb.
Research: Candace Clifford Wilmot of Champaign, Mrs. William Temple of Serena and Mrs. Oakley W. Esmond of Ottawa.

Members and friends of the Association are from all parts of the United States. Those coming from the greatest distance at this meeting were Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth L. Green Jr. of Corbin, Ky.¹

The (Ottawa, IL) Daily Republican Times, May 31st, 1966, p. 11, col. 3.

The Contents of a Lady’s Stable

November 6, 2024December 7, 2024Candace W 5 Comments

Elizabeth Trumbo house

When Elizabeth Snyder Trumbo died in 1873, she was a well-to-do widow living in Dayton, near a number of her children. At her death her estate was inventoried and the list gives a good idea of her life style. Included in the list is the contents of her stable:
1 top buggy (single)
1 spring wagon
1 double wagon
1 pair bobs
1 single cutter
1 buffalo robe
2 horses, one brown, one sorrel
1 double harness
1 single harness

Here’s what they would have looked like.

a top buggy

A top buggy was a type of horse-drawn carriage with a folding top, also known as a “Jenny Lind”. It was a lightweight, four-wheeled vehicle designed for two passengers and was often pulled by a single horse. The top could be raised or lowered to provide protection from the weather, making it a versatile option for rain or sunshine.

spring wagon

A spring wagon was a four-wheeled vehicle drawn by draft animals, usually horses. It had a square box for carrying goods or passengers and was equipped with platform springs to provide a smoother ride. A single seat for two people was mounted in the middle of the box leaving room behind the seat for cargo. It was a versatile and popular choice for farmers and general transportation needs, much like a pickup truck or delivery van.

double wagon

A double wagon was a type of freight wagon designed to carry heavier loads than a single wagon. It typically had a sturdy, wooden frame with a large flat wooden bed mounted on four wheels, with high sideboards to keep the load secure. The wagon was drawn by a team of two or more horses and was equipped with springs to provide a smoother ride over rough terrain. The wheels were typically made of wood with iron rims. The front and rear axles were connected by a central beam, allowing for a bit of flexibility over rough terrain. It was often drawn by a team of two or more horses, with a driver’s seat at the front for steering and controlling the team.

bobsled

Bobsleds were used for transportation in the snow and for recreational activities. A snowfall and a hill could prove irresistible to children and even, sometimes, to their elders. Bobsledding eventually evolved into the Olympic sport known today.

single cutter

A cutter is a type of light, one-horse sled with a single seat. it is smaller than a sleigh, more streamlined, usually for one or two passengers, and has a more open design.

buffalo lap robe

If you had a cutter, then you had to have a buffalo robe. A buffalo robe is a cured buffalo hide, with the hair left on. They were made into lap robes and used as blankets and padding in carriages and sleighs Only hides taken in winter between November and March when the furs are in their prime were suitable for buffalo robes.

two horses, one sorrel, one brown

The standard harness of America

This illustrates many styles of harness, both single and double.

I like to picture Elizabeth and her daughter Mary Jane, my great-grandmother, going out on a chilly day in the top buggy, with a buffalo robe tucked around them.

The Better Farming Association – Dayton Branch

October 30, 2024October 21, 2024Candace W 2 Comments

DAYTON FARMERS MEET
ORGANIZE BRANCH OF BETTER FARMING ASSOCIATION
C., B. & Q. Agricultural Expert Delivers Talk—Other Fine Talks Heard

Thursday evening fifty representative farmers of Dayton township assembled at the Beach school house in that township for the purpose of organizing a branch of the Better Farming association. Great interest was taken in the proceedings and it proved to be a very enthusiastic meeting.

Mr. Sampson, agriculturalist for the C., B. & Q. Ry. company, which he represented at the meeting, spoke on ‘Why the Burlington Railway is interested in this work.’ The Burlington is the largest financial contributor in this work and the speaker gave his audience a very interesting talk as to the success of the new movement.

J. S. Brook, the La Salle County Farm Advisor, gave a good talk on “Soils and Their Treatment.” He showed how farmers could benefit themselves largely by using better methods and more scientific ideas in their farming. T. W. Esmond, president of the association, talked along the same lines. Both taking up the matter in detail and how much might be gained by using better farming methods. Mr. Esmond also told of the organization and what they hoped to make out of it.

J. F. Farrell, who was present, also made a few remarks.

After the discussions were completed the local organization elected officers with the following result:
President—Frank Beach
Vice President—Lewis Belrose
Secretary—Chas. Retz
Treasurer—Lyle Green¹

The Better Farming Association had a three fold purpose: to improve its members, making each a better and more satisfied citizen; to improve their farms, by making them more efficient and therefore more productive; and to improve the community, by better schools, markets, roads and whatever will make the community a better place in which to live.

Ottawa Free Trader, October 30. 1914, p. 5, col. 2.

Charles Green

October 23, 2024October 21, 2024Candace W 1 Comment

The house where Charles Green was born. His room was the top window on the right.¹

Charles Green was born August 4th, 1858, in Dayton, the sixth child and fourth son of David and Mary (Stadden) Green. He may have been injured in his youth, as the 1880 census lists him as crippled.

As a young man he produced a semi-monthly newspaper called the Dayton Enterprise, He had a small printing press and he was editor, reporter, printer, and publisher. Unfortunately, only one copy survives, but it is issue #4, so the paper ran for at least 2 months. It advertised that he would print cards, bill heads, letterhead, envelopes, tickets, and the like, with reduced rates for quantity.

In April 1879 Professor Newbury, a music teacher from Hinkley, Illinois, held a week long music class in Dayton, ending with a concert. The class was then organized into a Musical Union, with Charles Green as the leader. Charles later also organized and led a Glee Club, in addition to giving private lessons. His efforts were appreciated by all of Dayton:

DAYTON, Dec. 24, 1879 – Dayton, unlike many western towns, is blest with a number of good things, and one of the good things is the Musical Union, which was organized last spring by Prof. Newbury, and has since been conducted by our esteemed fellow citizen, Mr. Chas. Green. We also have a Glee Club in Dayton. And all feeling a high appreciation of Mr. Green, determined to make that feeling manifest by giving him a benefit. Hence a concert was agreed upon and given last Friday evening, which was well attended, not only by the village people, but by many from the country. All were well pleased with the entertainment and expressed a desire to come again. We certainly have good reason for anticipating a bright future for Charlie in his wisely chosen field of labor, knowing as most of us do that he is in a very large degree self-made in his profession. May success crown your every noble effort, friend Charles.²

In addition to leading the choral groups, he taught both vocal and instrumental classes, for children as well as adults. Charles was also active in the Literary Society, appearing in the plays they put on and willing to take a side in one of their debates. He supported the Library Association, serving as its secretary.

In 1882 he was elected town clerk of Dayton. He also went into business with his brother John, purchasing an interest in the Dayton Tile Works. A few years later they rented the old flour mill and fitted it up with new machinery,

He married Etta M. Skinner in DeKalb county, Illinois, on November 25, 1885. She was born February 14, 1865 in Leland, the daughter of Charles and Matilda Skinner. They had three children:

Guy, born October 25 1886 in Dayton, died April 22 1912, in Napa, California
Caroline, born February 25, 1891 in Benicia, California; died August 31, 1955 in San Rafael, California
Wilbur, born June 18, 1896 in Vallejo, California; died January 22, 1976 in Sonoma, California

Guy and Carrie with Charles’ mother, Mary Stadden Green

In 1889 the family moved to California, settling in Vallejo where Charles continued his musical profession. He taught music in the public schools, led the choir in the Baptist church, as well as continuing to give private lessons. He also had a sideline in tuning pianos. As his family grew, his income from music may have needed augmenting. He got a civil service job as a clerk in the Office of the General Storekeeper at the Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo. However, this did not put an end to his musical activities, as he continued leading the Baptist choir and offering private lessons.

The children married and moved away to other parts of California, but Charles and Etta remained in Vallejo, where she died in January 1936 and Charles in July of that same year.

Jan 1936 GREEN–In Vallejo, Solano County, January 19, 1936, Etta Skinner Green, wife of Charles Green, mother of Wilbur Allen Green of San Francisco and Caroline Green of Vallejo, grandmother of Cheryl Green Kennedy and Helen Marie Green of San Francisco, great-grandmother of Robert Emmett Kennedy of Vallejo, and sister of Mrs. Sadie Dickens of Wyanett, Ill., and Mrs. Mary Keyes of Manchester, Iowa; a native of Leland, Ill., aged 70 years. Funeral services were held in the Vallejo Episcopal Church to-day, with interment in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.³

GREEN—In Vallejo, California, July 24, 1936, Charles Green, dearly beloved husband of the late Etta Skinner Green; devoted father of Wilbur Allen Green of San Francisco, Caroline M. Green of Vallejo, and the late Guy Green; loving grandfather of Cheryl Green Kennedy of Vallejo, and Helen Marie Green of San Francisco; devoted great grandfather of Emmett Kennedy of Vallejo, and beloved brother of William S. Green of San Francisco and Ella Riley, Leland, Illinois. A native of Dayton, Illinois, age 77 years. Funeral services to which friends and acquaintances are invited, will be conducted at the Ascension Episcopal Church on Monday, July 27, 1936, at 11 o’clock A. M. Interment in Masonic and Odd Fellows’ Cemetery. Friends may call at the Funeral Home.⁴

You may wonder how I know which room belonged to Charles. My great-aunt Maud, who was eight years younger than Charles and knew him well, told me about his printing the newspaper in what was, at the time she told me, my sister’s bedroom.
Ottawa Free Trader, December 27, 1879, p. 8, c. 2.
Vallejo [California} Evening News, January 20, 1836, p. 8, c. 8.
Vallejo Evening News, July 24, 1936, p. 3, c. 1.

Illness, Visits, and a Telephone

October 16, 2024October 15, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

Mr. and Mrs. David Sisk, of Ottawa, spent Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Jas. O’Meara.

Mr. and Mrs. G. G. Galloway Sundayed in South Ottawa.

Quite a number of relatives and friends viewed the remains of the two youngest sons, Leroy and Sidney, children of Mr. and Mrs. G. L. Makinson, who died last Friday within ten hours of each other. Both were taken sick with the measles on Sunday, and on Thursday pneumonia set in and in a few hours both were dead. The funeral would have undoubtedly been a large one, but it was the earnest wish of the parents that it should be private. Both were buried at 11 o’clock on Saturday morning in the same grave at the Dayton cemetery.

Ottawa seems to be a ready market for our Dayton coal, and most of it is a superior quality. The people of our sister city know a good thing when they use it.

There seems to be no let up in the shipping of fire clay. The tile mill is kept busy every day shipping it to the cars.

Ice is forming on the Fox river here, much to the satisfaction of the small boy who owns a pair of skates.

J. McBrearty, agent of the C. B. & Q., is again troubled with the rheumatism.

Newton Connors is down with the measles.

Mrs. B. Jackson, of Millington, has been spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Trumbo.

Chas. Seward, becoming tired of our quiet little winter resort has moved his family to Ottawa, in which city he will make his future home.

Martin Wilkie had a narrow escape while mining coal on Monday. The bank caved in and he was warned by a passer by just in time to make his escape.

O. W. Trumbo is contemplating placing a private telephone at his residence.

The C. B. & Q. bridge over Nigger creek, just south of Dayton, is being repaired.

Miss Jennie Barends, who has been on the sick list for the past ten days, and has been taking baths at the mineral spring at Ottawa, is now much better.

Thos. Nagle, foreman of the Q. section, has laid off two of his men, as is customary in the winter.

AN election of the M. W. A., Fox River Camp, No. 6117, was held at their hall on Tuesday night.

QUINN¹

The Ottawa [Illinois] Republican Times, 13 Dec 1900, p4.

Grand Wolf Hunt

October 9, 2024October 5, 2024Candace W 1 Comment

It is proposed to have a general turn-out of all in the towns of Rutland and Dayton (the cooperation of the towns of Mission and Serena respectfully invited) who are desirous of ridding themselves of these pests — the wolves — which are becoming so numerous that they have been seen in droves of three and as high as five, to the great annoyance of sheep men, and others.

The plan of operations will be for Rutland and Dayton — with the request that Serena and Mission join them — to elect one marshal in each town, who shall have entire control, first and second lieutenants for every twenty men, who shall be subordinate to the marshals, the people of those towns to drive to Fox river, where the meeting shall be simultaneous, with a view of capturing every wolf, which is considered better than to meet on the prairie, as is usually the custom in such hunts.

Friday, the 27th day of February, is the time appointed for this grand turn out — for this grand raid on the wolves — for the organization and success of which the following meetings are hereby called: One at the Grove school house, Rutland; one at the Dunavan school-house, on Buck creek; and one at the schoolhouse in the village of Dayton, on Saturday evening, February 21st. The meeting at the Dunavan school-house to have the privilege of electing the marshal for the town of Dayton.¹

Hunts typically involved hundreds of men walking in a line with guns. In 1875, Illinois had a bounty for wolf scalps. Settlers could receive $20 for each wolf scalp they provided. There was also a smaller bounty of $3 for wolf pups.

Although the submitter of this report promised to provide a report on the success of the event, a search of the next few issues of the newspapers was unsuccessful. Maybe there wasn’t much to brag about?

The Ottawa Republican, February 19, 1874, p5.

Of Schools and Concerts and Burning Tile

October 2, 2024September 27, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

Tile factory in the background

Dayton, Sept. 11, 1879. – After a brief silence, again we are at our post ready to abuse and be abused. Not that we would willfully abuse any one, but some persons are so sensitive, you know, that even complimentary remarks are by them turned into abuse, and then they are “mad” at the writer.

Never – what, never? – yes, never, has the river been as low here as it is at present. But the mills are all running yet, thanks to our first right to the water.

Our public school has been reorganized and divided into two branches. One is under the supervision of Mr. Chas. Howard, the other being taught by Miss Ada Green. The attendance is quite large, and the board was wise in dividing the school.

Mrs. R. C. Stadden and family, of Wenona, are in town visiting relatives and friends.

Miss Kate D. Jordan, of Morris, who has been spending the past two weeks in Dayton, bade good bye to her many friends and returned home last Saturday.

A number of our young folks “took in” the theatre at Ottawa last week, and came home with sore sides. The Troubadours, they say, were immensely funny.

Mr. Wm. Dunavan is attending the Ottawa high school this year.

The concert given at the close of the musical convention last Friday evening was quite well attended, and was, without doubt, a success both musically and financially. Miss Jordan’s solos were very fine, and were greatly enjoyed by our people, by whom she was frequently encored. The class, under Miss J’s excellent leadership, rendered the choruses in a very pleasing and acceptable manner.

Green Bros. have just finished burning their third kiln of tile, and are now ready to furnish customers with a good quality of tile at the lowest market price. Great care has been taken in the burning, and the tile taken from the kilns are found to be of the same degree of hardness none too soft, but all alike. Some parties have been misrepresenting the tile by saying they are too soft, but to those who would know the truth, we must say, “visit the kilns and see.” Tile will be drawn to the top of the hill by the proprietors for those who will notify them of their desire. In fact, the firm will do everything to please customers, not only in market prices but in a good quality of tile.

We chronicle the following deaths in town since our last article: Miss Bula Timmons, died Aug. 3; Mr. Ransler Timmons, died Aug. 22; Mr. Hathaway’s child, Aug. 8.¹

The Ottawa Free Trader, September 13, 1879, p.8, cols. 1-2

Finding Birth Dates in a Probate File

September 25, 2024September 22, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

When William Stadden died in Dayton in 1848, he left 6 minor children. Because they had inherited from their father’s estate they needed a guardian to take charge of said estate. The mother of the four youngest children requested that David Green, the husband of her oldest daughter, be named guardian. In her petition she gave the birthdays of the children

William Stadden aged 14 on 25th of October 1849
Mariah Stadden aged 10 on 22d of March 1849
Aaron Stadden aged 6 on 22d of August 1849
Richard Stadden aged 3 on 28th of September 1849

The guardianship petition was filed January 22, 1849, so the birthdays listed for the children had not yet occurred. In fact, Aaron’s never did. He died of scarlet fever on February 28th, at the age of five.

The two oldest, Jonathan and Elizabeth, were over 14 and were thus legally able to select their own guardian. Unsurprisingly, they also chose David Green, their sister’s husband. In their petition, their birthdays were given:

That your Petitioner Jonathan Stadden will be Twenty Years old on the 12th day of October 1849 —
That your petitioner Elizabeth Stadden will be Sixteen years old on the 5th day of December 1849

Authentic Signatures

September 18, 2024September 16, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

When William Stadden died in Dayton on November 13, 1848, his widow, Judah Stadden, renounced her right to administer his estate and requested that David Green, her son-in-law be appointed administrator.

Stadden’s estate was large enough that David needed to file a bond for fifteen thousand dollars. In order to do this, his father, John, and brother, Jesse, joined in the bond.

It’s not always easy to find authentic signatures, which makes finding a father and sons combination even more delightful. It’s interesting to note the generational difference in the handwriting styles: the capital J and capital G in John’s signature show an older style of penmanship.

Obituary of Charles H. Hoag

September 5, 2024September 1, 2024Candace W Leave a comment

Our old friend and neighbor, Chas. H. Hoag, passed away peacefully at his home in Serena last Friday Morning, Sept. 2d. All his children were present except one daughter, Mrs. Clara Fread. Mr. Hoag was born in Delaware county, N. Y., May 18, 1821. He obtained his education in his native state and at the age of 21 came to Illinois. Before permanently locating he spent four years in Michigan, going to that state in 1845, and stopping in St. Joseph county, where he was married in 1847 to Miss Helen Robinson. They came to La Salle county two years later, by wagon, and settled on a rented farm in Dayton township. In 1853 he purchased his present home, and three years later his wife died. Of this union three children were born — Mary, wife of Leonidas Fread, and William, both deceased, and Mrs. Clara Fread, now living in California. Mr. Hoag’s second wife was Miss Mary Wells, who died in 1891. Their children were Lincoln, of Chicago, George, who died in Texas, Lillie, the wife of Walter Carted, now living in Yorkville, Cyrus, who died in Kansas in 1889, Franklin, Alvin, Adams, who married Josephine Beckwith, and Maude, The wife of C. B. Stockham. He leaves also eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mr. Hoag retained his faculties to the last, and it was a pleasure to hear him recount incidents relating to his long life. His death breaks the link connecting us with the sturdy pioneer past, which has made our country what it is. Last Sunday we laid him to rest in the Dayton Cemetery among the departed loved ones.¹

Ottawa Republican Times, 8 Sep 1904, p7.

Dayton and the Greens

John Green and the history of Dayton, La Salle County, Illinois

Author: Candace W