Note 60 — Front matter (continued 3)

(page page 119).—John Dixon was born in Rye, Westchester County, N. Y., October 9, 1784. For several years he was a tailor and clothier in New York City; but in 1820 emigrated to the West for the benefit of his health. Settling near Springfield, Ill., he at first held several public offices. He went to Peoria County as recorder of deeds—Galena and Chicago being then included in territory attached to that new county for administrative purposes. Taking the contract, in 1828, for carrying the mail between Peoria and Galena, he induced Joseph Ogee, a French Canadian half-breed, to establish a ferry at the Rock River crossing (see Note 59). But two years later he bought out Ogee and settled at the ferry himself, trading with the Indians, speculating in wild lands, carrying the mail, and in general taking a prominent part in pioneer enterprises. He died at Dixon, July 9, 1876.