Galena was founded nearly three-quarters of a century ago. It was the first city in the Northwest to organize under a charter. Its history is strange and interesting. Beginning at that early date it grew steadily in population and commercial importance until the middle of the '50s, when it began to lose its trade, which then was larger than that of Chicago. Up to that time its entire business had been done by steamboats running on the Mississippi river. Fever river, on which Galena is situated, was a narrow, crooked, but deep river, navigable at all seasons for the largest steamboats. As soon as railroad communication had been opened between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi river competition began and Galena lost much of its trade. Its immediate neighbor, Dubuque, by a direct line only twelve miles distant, started only a few years later and, although more favorably located, being on the west side of the Mississippi river, was kept in check by Galena for a quarter of a century, when it took a start, and before the civil war it had distanced its competitor in volume of commercial business. Now Dubuque has a population of 40,000 and Galena about 7,000, a little less than it bad in the '50s, when it was at the height of its commercial prosperity.

When Galena lost its wholesale trade it lost all. The mistake made, and it was a fatal one, by its capitalists was in keeping all their capital in trade. They might have reached out, (as they could easily have done in the '40s and '50s.) and have induced manufacturing establishments to locate there. Had that been done, after its trade had left they could have fallen back on their manufacturing industries. Dubuque began late, but its manufacturing interests are now very considerable and constantly increasing. Galena has endeavored within the past two decades to start various manufactures with little success. It is trying now with a better prospect of succeeding. Galena in the '50s had some forty wholesale houses, which commanded the trade of Western Wisconsin, Northeastern Iowa and Minnesota, and now has but five or six. Such a change is phenomenal and almost incredible.

And yet Galena is not a dead city nor a "deserted village." It has a good local retail trade, much wealth among its citizens, considerable culture, many churches, excellent public schools, a very valuable free circulating library, and ample railroad facilities. Its streets are lighted by electricity, excellent artesian well water is supplied to all by waterworks, and what must not be for- gotten, that aside from its immediate agricultural resources, it has what no other western city has to any great extent, mineral resources as well. Hence, it will always be a prosperous city. When Galena was at the height of commercial prosperity, a veritable "bee hive" of activity, the hills surrounding the business portion of the city were dotted with houses of uncouth appearance, without trees or shrubbery about them, giving to the hills a bare and bleak appearance. I now look out upon these hills, with shade trees and beautiful lawns and houses of modern construction, filled with everything that makes a modern home attractive, making the view a beautiful and picturesque one. The average citizen of Galena is well to-do There are comparatively few poor people. The bad element in its population is very bad, but not numerous. House rent is cheap, and all supplies needed by a family are abundant and obtained at little cost.

In the '30s and '40s the city of Galena, then the metropolis of the lead mine region, drew to it young and enterprising men from all parts of the country, especially from the Eastern, and Southern border States, mostly to engage in trade or to practice the professions. In time they removed to other places that offered greater inducements to them. These men, jurists, lawyers, physicians, mechanics and men of affairs, in very many instances became the leaders of men, and active and potent factors in everything that has marked the advance of the civilization of the last half of the Nineteenth century in the great West.

The moral and intellectual influence which they have exerted, directly or indirectly, to elevate and bless mankind cannot be estimated. Galena may well be proud of her past achievements in commerce and trade and in the development of the mineral resources of the region about her, and justly proud too of what her citizens and sons did in the late civil war to save the life of the nation. She had at the close of the war a general, a major general, two brevet major generals, a brigadier general and three brevet brigadier generals, and, including the county, out of a population of less than 27,000, over 3,000 brave and patriotic men volunteered and served in the army from one to four years. Sitting modestly on her five hills, she can point to objects within her limits which will always be of interest to the patriotic American citizen. There on West or Cemetery hill is the house in which lived the Great Commander before the war, and on the east hill overlooking the city is the house he occupied after the war and which the family still owns. In the public park is his statue in bronze, erected by the generous and patriotic citizen, Riverman Kohlsaat of Chicago, formerly a "Galena boy." Within the walls of the Custom house is the great historical painting by Thomas Nast, "Peace in Union," depicting the surrender at Appomattox, a gift to the city from the same generous citizen. These objects will ever invest Galena with historic interest and be valuable object lessons to the children of the nation for generations to come.

She can point also to such of her distinguished citizens and sons as the late Elihu B. Washburne, the diplomat and statesman of world-wide renown; to such jurists, dead and living, as Thomas Drummond, Moses Hallett, B. R. Sheldon, Orville C. Pratt, Van H. Higgins, C. C. Kohlsaat, J. M. Shaw, Arthur H. Chetlain, Jacob Fawcett, J. S. Baume and W. T. Hodson; as Governors, to Thomas Ford of Illinois, C. C. Washburn of Wisconsin, W. R. Marshall of Minnesota, W. H. Gear of Iowa, and W. A. Richards of Wyoming; as distinguished and successful men of affairs; to J. M. Douglas, Henry and Nathan Corwith, Ben H. Campbell, the Ryan Brothers, John Ross, Herman Kohlsnat, J. A. Packard, B. F. Felt, James W. Scott, L. 8. Felt, Thomas Foster, W. J. Quan, J. Russell Jones, Wm. H. Hooper, Russell Blakeley and Richard Brown; as distinguished lawyers to Ben Mills, J. P. Hoge, Thompson Campbell, S. M. Wilson, John N. Jewett, J. B. Wells, A. C. French, E. A. Small, C. W. Churchman, Wellington W. Weigley, R. H. McClellan, John A. Rawlins,David Sheean and Colonel E. D. Baker, the lawyer, soldier, United States senator and brilliant -orator,and to such noted clergymen as Rev. Drs. Arthur Swazey, S. G. Spees, George F. Magoun, A. C. Smith, Bishop J. H. Vincent and Elder Hooper Crews.

In looking back over the twenty-five years preceding civil war spent in Galena as a boy and young man, the last ten of which were devoted to active business as a merchant, I cannot but think of the men with whom I associated in church, in society, and in business affairs, many of whom were among my intimate friends. Most of them have crossed the river into the great beyond. Not a few were men of strong character, whose personalities impressed me so deeply that they can never be forgotten. Among those who have not been mentioned before in these pages is the Rev. Dr. Arthur Swazey, for many years pastor of the First Presbyterian church at Galena, a man of rare mental force and great loveliness of character who moved to Chicago, and for ten years was the editor-in-chief of the "Interior," the organ of the Presbyterian church of the northwest.

Warren W. Huntington, one of my most esteemed friends, for many years the business manager of The Galena Gazette, was by appointment of President Lincoln, postmaster at Galena, and held the office for twelve consecutive years. A man of much mental force, upright, public spirited, generous to a fault, intensely loyal to his country, and always true to his friends. The men who knew him the best, loved him the most.

John A. Packard, whose career in Galena as a wholesale merchant, and as a manufacturer in Chicago, was one of marked success, was recognized as a shrewd, far sighted business man of much positive strength of character, and of probity and honor.

L. S. Felt, for so many years a leading merchant in Galena, the intimate friend of Gen. Grant, a man of such marked ability in affairs, that had he been a merchant in Chicago or New York instead of Galena, he would undoubtedly have taken his place with the foremost merchants of either city.

William and James Ryan, early wholesale merchants in Galena and later extensive packers in Dubuque and Galena, were men of much brain force, clear sighted in business affairs, enterprising and successful. William, the elder, was a friend of Gen. Grant and conspicuously loyal to the Union during the civil war.

John E. Corwith, who died recently, a younger brother of Henry and Nathan Corwith, and for forty years a resident of Galena, was engaged in business, and for many years was the President of the "National Bank of Galena." He possessed a quiet force of character, was shrewd, conservative and discriminating in business affairs, with an attractive personality and kindliness of disposition. His judicious management in business secured for him a very large fortune. His cousin, David N. Corwith, an old resident and business man of Galena, its former City Treasurer, and now retired, has occupied the Gen. Grant house on East hill with his family for some twelve years, and is the custodian of many articles of historic interest owned by the General and, still held by his family.

James Spare, who came to Galena in the latter '30s was a builder and contractor, and a man of reliable judgment, much practical intelligence and conscientious in his dealings with others. I sat in his Sunday school class for some years and can bear testimony as to his moral worth and high Christian character. His brother, John C. Spare, who located in Galena about the same time is still there, highly esteemed by his fellow citizens. He is a shrewd student of events, has great practical intelligence, strong and decided convictions, with the courage to uphold and defend them.

Dr. Augustus Weirich, for so many years a successful practitioner in Galena, was highly learned and skillful in his profession, and a most estimable citizen, of whom it is related that some of his patients had so much confidence in his ability to heal all the diseases that flesh is heir to, that his presence alone without the use of medicine, would often effect a cure. His son, Dr. Augustus Weirich who succeeded him in his practice after his death, is a most highly educated and skillful practitioner, who stands deservedly high in the community.

Doctors J. S. Crawford and Charles W. Hempstead practiced in Galena for many years. Both had much natural ability and were thoroughly educated in their profession, and their skill as practitioners was generally recognized. Dr. Hempstead moved to Chicago, taking a high place among the medical fraternity. Dr. Crawford has a son, Dr. W. S. Crawford, who has taken up his father's practice in Galena and vicinity, and has won a high reputation as a successful practitioner.

Dr. E. D. Kittoe, surgeon of the forty-fifth Illinois Infantry, in the first year of the civil war, impressed himself upon the army of the Tennessee by his ability, skill and superior executive force, and later when in charge of important work in the medical department he maintained his high reputation. During his long term of service Dr. Kittoe, both as a surgeon and medical director, had no superior. Gen. Grant, on whose staff he served for some time as medical inspector, was much attached to him, and had great confidence in his skill, integrity and administrative ability.

Captain T. D. Connor, of the forty-tilth Illinois infantry, who lost his life in the battle at Shiloh, was an intelligent and brave officer, and greatly beloved by the men of his company. As a business man in Galena before the war, he was well known and highly esteemed, whose word was regarded as "good as his bond," and in all dealings with others, was the soul of honor.

Major U. G. Scheller de Buol, a topographical engineer, with a European education, entered the volunteer service in 1861 and by order of Gen. C. F. Smith constructed, in the fall of that year, the fortifications at Smithland, Ky., to command the mouth of the Cumberland river. I was in command of that military post, and while engaged in this work he was a member of my staff and one of my military family. In 1864, under Gen. C. C. Washburn, Commander of the District of Memphis, he improved and strengthened the extensive fortifications of Memphis, where he showed skill and excellent judgment, and for which service he was highly commended by the Engineer-in-Chief of the Department.

George M. Mitchell was an early settler in Galena and closely identified with all its interests for nearly two score of years. He was endowed with much natural ability, liberally educated, and had a genial, generous and kindly disposition. He filled many positions of trust in the city and county with fidelity and efficiency. When the civil war broke out his loyalty to the Union was conspicuous.

G. H. Mars, so well known and so highly esteemed by all old Galenians, had an attractive personality, much practical intelligence, a generous nature and a kind and sympathetic disposition. He filled several positions of trust in the city, and had he desired could have held many more. His was a strong and lovely character. Of such a man it can in truth be said, that the world is better for his having lived in it. W. H. Snyder, for many years the popular and efficient cashier of the Merchant's National Bank of Galena, and who was held in such high esteem by the community in which he lived so long, had much positive strength of character, kindness of disposition and stern integrity. Such a type of manhood, when known, is always appreciated by discriminating minds. His successor as cashier, Charles S. Merrick, is the son of one of my old-time friends and one of Galena's successful merchants, and has the reputation of being exceptionally efficient and reliable.

Augustus Estey located in Galena in the latter '30s, having come from one of the New England states. He soon engaged in superintending mining operations and smelting lead ore with marked success. He was a clear-headed, careful and conservative man of business. For many years previous to his death he was the President of the Merchants' National Bank of Galena. His quiet energy and judicious management in business affairs was only equalled by his piety and devotion to his Christian duty. His life was full of good works. Though dead, his works and his example remain and they form his fittest monument. His son, Eugene Estey, a prominent and popular citizen of Galena, has managed the estate of his father since his death.

Frederic Stahl, an early settler of Galena, and for a score of years one of its leading wholesale merchants, was a man of few words, but possessed quiet energy, sound judgment, conservative in business affairs, and of much force and probity of character. He held several positions of trust in the state. He was a politician, but never a partisan.

Nicholas Stahl, brother of Frederic Stahl and his partner in business, possessed unusual ability and discrimination in business affairs, admirable in detail, painstaking and a man of great practical sense, was a a sincere Christian, a public spirited citizen, having an exceptionallv kind and sympathetic disposition.

Nelson Stillman, for so many years a wholesale merchant in Galena, was a quiet and unassuming man of great force of character, far sighted, of excellent judgment in business affairs and successful. He was a sincere, active and consistent Christian and one of the most loveable men I ever knew.

Daniel Wann, who at an early day was of the mercantile house of Lytle & Wann in Galena, and in later years the collector of the port of Galena, which position he held with acceptance for nearly a score of years, was of a retiring disposition, had much practical intelligence and uprightness, and was a good type of the gentleman of the old school.

Colonel C. L. Stephenson was also for a few years collector of the part of Galena and a conspicuous figure, large bodied, large brained, large hearted, blunt at times in manner, but of a most kind and sympathetic disposition. A close and careful student of events, he was well informant hid great practical good sense. He was a Whig, and later an uncompromising Republican and influential in the counsels of his party.

Captain Smith D. Harris, not long dead, was the last of the mining pioneers in the lead mines of 1823-25. He was highly esteemed for his superior judgment of affairs, simplicity of character, generous disposition and genuine integrity. During his long residence in Galena he did much to advance its best interests. As a steamboat captain he had a wide and excellent reputation in the '30s and '40s. His loyalty to the Union during the civil war was intense. He served as a captain in the Blackhawk war of 1832, and nothing but his advanced years prevented him from offering his services as a volunteer in 1861.

Harvey Mann, an old, well known and extensive farmer and stock breeder near Galena, was for many years a member of the County Board of Supervisors and a politician of influence. He possessed rare intelligence, good judgment and sturdy integrity.

Ralph S. Morris, who made his advent in Galena in the early '40s was a strong character. He was a clerk at first, and then engaged in business on his own account. For nearly twenty years he was the Treasurer of the county and politically one of the most popular men. He married, the only daughter of the late Deacon John Wood soon after locating in Galena, who is still living on the farm near the city. Mr. Norris was one of Jo Daviess county's best citizens, public spirited, generous, intelligent, upright and kind-hearted. "To know him was to love him."

Thomas P. Pate located in Galena with his family in the early '40s.. He was born in England and was a practical gardener and a man o f rare intelligence and integrity. His two sons, Davey S. Pate and Alexander Pate, were educated in the Galena schools, and in the early '60s, soon after the death of their father, moved to Chicago. The older son went into the lumber business as a clerk, and in time began business on his own account. Having a thorough knowledge of the business, by judicious management he was not only successful, but became prominent and influential in lumber circles. The younger son engaged in the grain commission business, and is now a prominent operator in grain, and a banker at Wilmington, 111. All old Galenians will remember Mr. Pate, the father, as a dignified, courteous and unassuming Christian gentleman.

Reimer Kohlsaat, the agent at Galena, of the American Bible Society, for the Lead Mine region in the early '5Os, was the father of Judge C. C. Kohlsaat, Herman Kohlsaat and Ernest W. Kohlsaat, well known and prominent citizens of Chicago. He had much natural ability, was well educated, a leader in the Baptist denomination, and an active and efficient Director in the Galena Bible Society for many years. His zeal, good judgment and devotion to his duties as agent of the local, as well as of the parent society were recognized by all. In disposition he was courteous, modest, kind-hearted, sympathetic, and beloved by those who knew him.

Col. T. E. Champion, of Warren, III., of the ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, was before the war, a lawyer of learning in his profession, whose practice was for the most part at the Galena bar. He had in him the elements of the true soldier viz. intelligence, courage and devotion to his duties. As the commander of a regiment he had no superior. The record he made during his service was one of which any American patriot might well be proud.

Among the early merchants of Galena was A. M. Haines, who in the latter'40s opened a wholesale boot and shoe house. He had received a thorough training for his business, and was methodical, careful and conservative. His recent death was deeply regretted by his fellow citizens who always held him in high esteem.

J. B. Brown, the editor and proprietor of The Galena Gazette for many years, had much mental force, and was large hearted, genial, frank and companionable. As a writer he was vigorous and forceful. He was held in high esteem, not only by his fellow citizen? of the Lead Mine region, but also by all who knew him in the state. The "Gazette" under his management was unquestionably the best paper published in a city of less than 10,000 inhabitants in the northwest. As an old employee recently said to me, "he never had to look up to anyone, and never would look down on anyone, he was our friend." Mr. A. W. Glessner, the present able, genial and popular editor and manager, is maintaining the high character of the paper.

My old time friend , Joshua Brookes, who died recently in Chicago, came to Galena in the early '40s, as a clerk in the book store of A. H. Burley, who was then, and is still a resident of Chicago. He soon became the proprietor of the establishment, and for over forty years was one of the leading book sellers of the northwest. He was a born book man, an assiduous reader, and gifted with a retentive memory he became an encyclopedia of literature. Men of the legal profession, clergymen, or the ordinary student or citizen, when seeking for literary information difficult to obtain would go to Brookes, who was usually able to give all that was desired. He had a keen and well trained intellect, was courteous and kind in manner, and always a charming companion. His religious convictions were strong and he was an earnest consistent Christian, and for many years a ruling elder in the First Presbyterian church at Galena.

Darius Hunkins was a prominent figure in Galena nearly a third of a century ago. A quiet, forceful man of acute discrimination in business affairs and of splendid administrative ability. He was an extensive contractor on the early railroads constructed in the West; he was a man of thought as well as of action, and a citizen of which any community might well be proud.

Edgar M. Bouton, a noted farmer and stock breeder a few miles north of the city, was one of that well known group of men engaged in the same occupation, whose farms were all in a radius of a few miles, composed of S. S. Brown, R. S. Norris, Harvey Mann and Frederic Chotlain. Not only was he energetic, discriminating and successful in managing his affairs, but was also in disposition modest, generous and kind—a model citizen and neighbor.

Busnrod B. Howard, a lawyer of ability at the Galena bar, was postmaster at Galena during President Buchanan's administration. He recruited the second company of volunteers in Galena for the war in April, 1861, and was chosen its captain. He was killed two months later in a railroad accident while taking his company to the front to join its regiment. He had much will force, energy, persistency and a frank and cordial manner. His loyalty to the Union was great, and possessing the elements of a successful soldier, had he lived he would undoubtedly have made a highly creditable record in the service. His two sons, a few years after the war, were educated, one at the Military Academy at West Point and the other at the Naval Academy at Annapolis. They have made good records as officers in their respective positions.

Henry Green of Elizabeth, a man of rare mental power and great loveliness of character, served as a County Supervisor for some years and afterwards was elected a member of the State Legislature and served three terms in the house and two terms in the senate, where he became conspicuous for his sound judgment, general intelligence, efficiency and uprightness. He was a farmer, and also managed important mining operations for many years before his death.

About the middle of the '40s two young druggists located in Galena and were competitors in the prosecution of their business. Hector McNeill and Stewart Crawford were men of education and marked strength of character. They were "well up" in their profession as practical druggists, and were regarded by many of their fellow citizens, while under treatment for some of their ailments, as being as competent as the average physician. They were public spirited citizens and active and influential church members, who were ever ready to assist in any work to elevate and Christianize their fellow men. Thomas McNeill, a son of Hector McNeill, has succeeded his father in the drug business at Galena. He is thoroughly educated in his profession, has business qualifications of a high order and is a most estimable citizen.

William B. Green located in Galena in 1827. He was a practical surveyor, and at the breaking out of the Blackhawk war in 1832 joined and assisted in recruiting Captain Stephenson's company of Mounted Rangers. In 1836, when the settlers of the lead mine region lying within the state of Illinois, bought their lands from the government, Captain Green was chosen to represent them at the land office in Dixon as their agent. He performed his trust faithfully and to the satisfaction of all. In the '30s"and '40s he filled many positions of honor and trust in the county. Captain Green was a man of mental force, great energy, attractive manner and wielded great influence in the community among all classes. He died in Chicago a few years ago. I was always very fond of him.

Stephen Jeffers, an early settler at Hanover, fifteen miles south of Galena, was an active and influential man in his town. Soon after the civil war began he volunteered and was chosen quartermaster of the Ninety-sixth Illinois. He displayed great ability in his official position and was promoted to the quartermaster department with the rank of major. He made an excelled record, showing rare zeal, intelligence and efficiency. After the war he returned to Hanover, where he lived until his death in 18*>S, highly esteemed by all his fellow citizens.

One of my friends in the '40s and '50s was the Hon. Richard Seal, who for many years was Judge of the County Court. He was liberally educated, of sound judgment, and faithful and impartial in the discharge of his official duties. Of infinite good nature and kindness of heart, he was one of Galena's most esteemed citizens. To name him was to praise him.

Simon Alderson of Council Hill, whom I knew intimately in the '50s and '60s, once a clergyman, afterwards a merchant, a manufacturer and a farmer, possessed will force, tireless energy, and was resourceful. His loyalty to the Union during the civil war was well known He was an active and influential member of Simon Alderson of Council Hill, whom I knew intimately in the '50s and '60s, once a clergyman, afterwards a merchant, a manufacturer and a farmer, possessed will force, tireless energy, and was resourceful. His loyalty to the Union during the civil war was well known He was an active and influential member of the Methodist church, and wielded much influence for good.

Among my earliest friends in Galena was James M. Spratt, who died a year ago. We were schoolmates and intimate friends when young men. He was for many years a clerk in the mercantile house of L. S. Felt & Co. In the '50s he began business on his own account, and was for some forty years the proprietor of the popular dry goods house known as the "St. Louis Store." He was one of the best poised characters I ever knew. Unassuming and courteous in manner, he had rare intelligence, excellent judgment, quiet energy, a thorough knowledge of his business and always followed conservative lines. His integrity was never questioned, and his reputation for fair dealing was generally recognized. I esteemed him for his many admirable traits of character.

Among the prominent men now living in Galena and well known to me, not mentioned in preceding pages, is John Ross, the President of the National Bank of Galena, who for many years was the "right hand" man of Henry Corwith. He possesses superior ability in business affairs, is a good judge of men, energetic, of large and varied experience and of sound judgment. He is genial, generous and kind hearted, and stands high in the estimation of all who know him, and his integrity has never been questioned. Galena rates him as one of her millionaires.

Thomas Foster, the mentor of Galena merchants, was in the early '40s, the senior member of the wholesale mercantile house of Foster & Stahl, and is now the President of the Merchants' National Bank of Galena. He possesses cool and reliable judgment, much practical intelligence, long experience in business, is forceful and discriminating, a sincere and consistent Christian, and is of a kind and sympathetic nature. With two exceptions, he is the last member of that group of noted active and successful wholesale merchants who did business in Galena in the '40s and '50s. Although reared in the South, his loyalty to the Union in the days of the civil war was conspicuous. He is one of Galena's most highly esteemed, and best beloved citizens.

John Hellman, for two score of years was one of Galena's prominent merchants, of quiet manner, but of much business sagacity, who seems always to have done the right thing at the right time. He is connected with the management of the Merchants' National Park of Galena as a director, and is one of its most useful members. J. A. Burrichter, who for many years was his senior partner in business, but who died some years ago, had rare practical sense, simplicity of character, marked shrewdness in affairs and sturdy integrity.

Walter Ford, the efficient and popular cashier of the National Bank of Galena, whose service in that moneyed institution covers nearly the half of a century, has ever been courteous, painstaking, industrious and conscientious, a veritable "faithful servant." Mr. Ford may well be proud of the record he has made and the reputation he has achieved, for it is an unusual and highly honorable one.

John Fiddick, one of Galena's oldest retail merchants, has great ability, is clear sighted, conservative, and operates on Hues that almost always assure success. He has been one of Galena's most active citizens in carrying out measures undertaken for the public good. His older brother, William, and former partner in business, who died a few years ago, began business in Galena in the early '40s. He was a man of rare business capacity and great amiability of disposition.

S. 0. Stillman, one of the largest hardware merchants in the Northwest outside of Chicago, now retired, possessed in a marked degree the ability requisite to successfully manage such a business as his for so many years. His life of activity, probity and success gives him a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. He is an active director of the Merchants' National Bank of Galena.

The veteran bookseller, Joseph N. Waggoner, now retired, whose career as a bookseller in Galena for over half a century brought him in close contact with the people of the city and county, is a strong character. During all these years he has been a prominent member of the M. E. church, and his influence has been great in advancing the interests of that, as well as in assisting other denominations in the great work of elevating humanity to a higher moral and religious plane. His life has been a long, useful and honorable one.

Benjamin F. Felt, younger brother of Lucius S. Felt, who located in Galena in the early '40s, was a clerk and a few years later a grocery merchant, is a careful, industrious, far-sighted, conservative and upright man of business who has impressed himself upon the community in many ways, but especially by his generosity, manifested a few years ago in founding the Galena free circuiting library and by performing other acts of a benevolent and philanthropic character, which have endeared him to his fellow citizens. He has always been a sincere and active Christian, whose works will be appreciated long after he has gone to his reward.

James B. Young and D. F. Loveland, merchants for many years in Galena and now retired from business, did much during the active years of their lives towards making Galena what she was when at her best. They always operated on conservative lines, had keen and quick business perception,energy, industry and stern integrity. As a result they were successful.

Richard Barrett, long one of Galena's wholesale merchants, has in him as a business man the elements of success, viz: good judgment, intelligence, industry and persistency. Possessed of much will force and being of an unselfish nature, he has done much by his wise counsels, as well as by his generous deeds, in promoting the welfare of the community in which he has lived so long. He is a model citizen.

There is now living in Galena in retirement that veteran steamboat pilot so well known on the Mississippi river, Captain Thomas G. Drenning. During the civil war, as the pilot of the steamboat "Cricket," the flag boat of Admiral Porter, when it became necessary to run the boat down the Red river in close range of the enemy's batteries, after over thirty shots had struck it, one of which had carried away a portion of the pilot house, the Admiral getting within speaking distance asked the Captain, who was at the wheel badly wounded in the head by a piece of shell and bleeding profusely about the face and neck from the effects of splinters and broken glass, "how he was doing," replied, "I'm all right, Ad- miral, I'll stick to the wheel." The boat passed the batteries, although badly damaged and almost entirely disabled. Such an act of personal courage makes a man a hero. The incident is related in detail by Admiral Porter in his memoirs. Colonel George Hicks, an old-time "Galena boy" and a lawyer for a time, who, for many years before the civil war, was on the editorial staff of The Galena Gazette, entered the volunteer service as a Captain in the Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, and at the end of three years was mustered out as Lieutenant Colonel, with a record of marked excellence. His intelligence, bravery and devotion to his duties was recognized by all and received the commendation of his superior officers. After the war he took up his residence in Kingston, Jamaica, where he was appointed Assistant General Superintendent of Public Instruction, to perform all the duties of superintendent outside of Kingston. His former experience as county superintendent of public instruction was of service to him and he has proved a most efficient and valuable official. He is held in high esteem by the authorities of Jamaica as an advanced and able educator.

The 25th day of April, 1861, as the first company of volunteers for the civil war, the "Jo Daviess Guards," was parading the streets of Galena just before starting for Springfield, 111., there sat on a fence viewing the parade, a handsome, well-grown boy of 17 years of age, the eldest son of Dr. Thomas A. Livertnore, a well-known dental surgeon of Galena. He was greatly impressed with what he saw, and resolved that he would enlist as a volunteer as soon as he had a chance. The following year he was sent to an academy in Massachusetts. He soon left his school and enlisted as a private, rapidly developed fine soldierly qualities and became a commissioned officer. He rose in rank, and at the close of the war was a Colonel commanding a regiment and was brevetted a Brigadier General for gallant and meritorious services. He is now in Boston at the head of a large manufacturing establishment, and is regarded as having rare business qualifications. Gen. T. L. Livermore, of superb physique, courteous,genial and attractive in manner, is one of the best types of the intelligent, aggressive and successful "Galena boy."

Henry Fricke, the veteran jeweler of liaiena, wiaeiy known in the Northwest and now retired, is a man of great intelligence, clear-headed in business, urbane, honest, kind hearted and greatly esteemed by all his fellow citizens. His loyalty to his adopted country during the civil war was conspicuous.

H. C. Gann, the editor and proprietor of the "Sentinel," of Warren, III., whose admirable management and clean cut ability as a writer has made his paper one of unusual attractiveness, and it is a welcome visitor to many homes beyond the limits of Jo Daviess county.

Dr. B. F. Fowler has been a resident of Galena in the practice of his profession for nearly forty years. Well educated and of recognized ability as a practitioner, he has always been an unselfish public spirited citizen of attractive personality, genial and kindly disposition and held in high esteem by the people of the city and county. He has long been a high and influential Mason and Odd Fellow. His son, Hon. B. F. Fowler, after having studied law with Gen. D. B. Henderson of Dubuque, Iowa, and been admitted to practice, located at Cheyenne, Wyo. He at once took a high position at the bar, was appointed prosecuting attorney for the county, soon after received the appointment of attorney general for the territory of Wyoming, and later that of attorney general for the new state of Wyoming. Throughout he has shown himself a capable, efficient and honest official. He has in him the elements of success, viz: intelligence, industry, a genial disposition and an attractive manner.

William A. Richards, another "Galena boy," after having graduated from the high school, went*to Omaha, Nebraska, where he held a responsible position in the postoffice in that city for a number of years. Later on he was appointed Surveyor General of the territory of Wyoming, and subsequently was elected governor of the state of Wyoming. At the expiration of his term of office he was appointed by President McKinley Assistant Land Commissioner of the Department of the Interior at Washington, D. C.

William D. McHugh, a son of Prof. John McHugh, who was for forty years connected with the public schools of Galena, after having studied law and been admitted to practice, located at Omaha; Neb, where he soon developed exceptional ability in his profession. He was appointed by President Cleveland United States District Judge of Nebraska, but political complications arose and the appointment had to be recalled.

When I was the chairman of the Jo Daviess County Central Republican committee in 1860, in the course of my various tours through the county, I became well acquainted with many men who impressed me with their intelligence, intense loyalty to the Union and genuine honesty. I now recall an early settler, Abel Proctor of Scales Mound, a man of rare intelligence, energy and good judgment, and who had been an official in the county at an earlier period, and J. D. Piatt of Warren, County Judge for one term, a banker and postmaster at Warren.

Captain G. W. Pepoon, of the Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry, with a most excellent record in the civil war, afterwards County Supt. of Public Instruction for eight years, is broadly educated, of wide information and popular in the county.

J. W. White, a prominent citizen of Hanver, who for nearly fifty years has been an extensive manufacturer of woolen cloths, a man of much natural ability and culture, great energy good judgment, and unselfishly devoted to the advancement of the best interests of his town and its surrounding country. He is held in high esteem by the people of the entire county.

S. K. Miner was elected sheriff of the county in 1860, and at the breaking out of the war showed his loyalty to the Union by his untiring efforts in recruiting men for the army. His loyal fellow citizens recognized and appreciated the patriotic work he did during his two years of official life.

Dr. W. A. Little of Elizabeth, formerly a member of the Legislature, R. E. Odell and August Switzer of Dunleith (now East Dubuque), Josiah Conlee of Scales Mound, Frederic Rindesbacher, the extensive farmer and stock breeder, and Orange Gray of Stockton; William Passmore of Council Hill, E. T. Isbell, Samuel W. Hathaway and William Avery of Guilford, J. M. Hunter,, lawyer, afterwards a State Senator from the Mount Carroll district, and James Parkinson of Berreman, were all stalwart Republicans of influence, who performed efficient work in the notable Lincoln campaign of 1860. During the civil war they were actively patriotic. Mr. James Parkinson furnished four sons as soldiers in the Union army. Three of them lost their lives in the service. The surviving son, 1. W. Parkinson, is now the efficient postmaster at Stockton, in this county.

There are a few old soldiers of the civil war living in Jo Daviess county whom I know, aside from those I have already alluded to, such as Major George S. Avery, the popular postmaster at Galena; Captain William Rippin, the efficient clerk of the county court for many years; Captain William Vincent, one of Galena's prominent citizens and a successful merchants, and Captain Charles Meyer of East Dubuque, the last captain of the first company of volunteers raised in the Northwest in April, 1861. They were brave and patriotic soldiers, whose services in defense of the flag of the Union were most creditable to them, and for which they will ever receive the gratitude of their loyal fellow citizens. Also Dr. Henry T. Godfrey, a successful practitioner in Galena for many years, who was a surgeon of recognized skill in the civil war, where he served so long, so faithfully and so well. His son, Dr. Alfred Godfrey, in Colorado, as a practitioner has achieved much reputation for exceptional ability.

I was gratified not long since to meet the five members of my old company of April, 1861, now living in Galena. All served as enlisted men, who, after their three months' service re-enlisted for three years. No-one of them was seriously wounded or sick in hospital, and they all took active part in the battles of Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth and Altoona. They are William Scheerer, a manufacturer; Charles H. Miller, former editor of the "Galena Volksfreund," Charles Limper, George Salzerand Anton Bah well. All were brave and faithful soldiers and of the best types of the American soldier of foreign birth. There are many other soldiers in Galena and Jo Daviess county who served in the ranks in the civil war equally deserving of honor with the above named.

In the '40s and '50s three of the most extensive furnaces in the lead mines were owned and operated by Sam Hughlett, Thomas Leekley and the Spensley brothers, men of energy, good judgment and probity. All have passed away, but they have sons in Galena who are their worthy representatives: Thomas Hughlett succeeded his father in a business he had carried on for thirty years and is a successful operator; James F. Leekley, recently elected County Treasurer, was a gallant soldier in the civil war; William Spensley, for many years County Judge and one of Galena's most able attorneys, and his brother, R. M. Spensley, Clerk of the Circuit Court; all prominent and highly esteemed citizens.

During the last forty years there have grown up in Galena a large number of men who can properly be called the "second growth of the forest." Most of these "sons of Galena" have, after reaching manhood moved into other states. Many have located in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, and some have gone farther west. Chicago has over one hundred of them. As a general thing they have succeeded in life. Many have become prominent citizens, and a goodly number have become distinguished in business and in the professions.

The "second growth of the forest" now found in Galena are not numerous, but possess the elements of success. Among them, Jacob J. Jones, one of the oldest of the "boys," a lawyer who has made a reputation for ability, integrity and the successful management of the business intrusted to him, and Louis A. Rowley, the only son of the late distinguished Gen. W. R. Rowley, who has succeeded his father as a real estate and fire insurance agent. He has much of his father's vigorous mentality, industry, cordial manner and good nature. James M. Sheean, son of Thomas Sheean of the law firm of David and Thomas Sheean, has the reputation of being exceptionally able as a practitioner, and John Boevers, the prosecuting attorney; Martin J. Dillon, the city attorney; Hon. M. H. Cleary, member of the Legislature, Moses Rees, Paul Kerz, D. B. Blewett, C. S. Cook, John F. Jewell and Joseph Nack are young lawyers of excellent education, well versed in the practice of their profession and successful. The former mayor of Galena, Hon. T. J. Bermingham, a prominent lumberman and banker, is the son of an old-time Galenian. His successor, Hon. John G. Schmohl, a dealer in farming implements is the son of one of Galena's leading retail dry goods merchants in the '50s and '60s. The present mayor, the Hon. James B. Ginn, is the son of an early and prominent settler of the county.

Dr. Edward Kittoe, son of Dr. E. D. Kittoe, medical inspector on Gen. Grant's staff, and Dr. Alder Smith, son of Colonel Alfred Smith, U. S. A., and grandson of the late Gen. John E. Smith, are among the successful practitioners in Galena.

Two young men, reared on a farm in Jo Daviess county, after having received a common school education, studied law and were admitted to the Galena bar. These brothers possessed much natural ability, were well educated in their profession, and by industry and close application to business soon gained the reputation of being able and successful lawyers. The younger brother, W. T. Hodson, a few years ago was elected Judge of the County Court, and is rilling the position most creditably. He has several times been called to discharge the duties of County Judge in Chicago, where he gained the reputation of being able, impartial and efficient. Thomas H. Hodson, the older brother, and former Prosecuting Attorney, aside from being a good lawyer, was a gallant soldier in the civil war, and was for some time a prisoner at Audersonville.

In the '40s there was in Galena a unique character in the person of D'Arcy A. French, a learned and scholarly man, who conducted a select school for boys. His rare intelligence and charm of manner made him a favorite in the community. One of his sons, John B. French, a highly educated man of a quiet and unassuming disposition, has been connected with the city government of Galena, for nearly a half century, during forty years of which he was the city clerk. One of Mr. D'Arce A. French's daughters married Phil A. Hoyne of Chicago, a former Galenian, and another daughter married George R. Melville, who was one of Galena's prominent wholesale merchants in the '50s and '60s, and has recently died.

While writing of Mr. J.B. French's long service as city clerk, I was reminded of another instance of similar long service, that of Thomas L. McDermott, a "Galena boy," who lias filled the position of station agent for the Illinois Central railroad at Galena thirty-eight continuous years with ability and fidelity.

I have just learned that this great railroad corporation has retired its oldest conductor, William Thayer, who was in its employ in 1854 and ran the first passenger train through from Chicago to Galena. I remember Mr. Thayer in 1861, when he punched the soldier boys' tickets when on their way to the front. He has been a conductor on this route ever since, and it is stated that no one of his trains has ever met with a serious accident. Jo Brown, the faithful and popular mail carrier of Galena, began his service forty years ago transferring the United States mails to and from the depots. Before the civil war J. H. Barry ('Squire Barry) was elected Justice of the Peace in Galena and has continued to intense justice" ever since with ability and impartiality. His two sons, bright and enterprising young men, have been for some time leading retail dry goods merchants in Galena.

Before closing I desire to acknowledge my great obligations to Miss Alraira Fowler, the daughter of Dr B. F. Fowler, a lady of culture, and many accomplishments, who is a prominent member of the Illinois Woman's Press Association, and the able local correspondent of several of the leading daily newspapers of Chicago and St. Louis, and to Mr. Edward Grimm, for many years the intelligent and capable foreman of the Galena Gazette company, for many valuable suggestions in regard to the publication of this, my first effort at bookmaking.

For some months past I have lived in Galena, the "City of the Hills," where I have been surrounded by scenes so familiar to me in the days of my early manhood. Then I knew almost every man and woman in it. Today most of its people are comparative strangers to me. My friends and companions of the long ago have nearly all passed away, and I often, in the language of the poet,

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