The History of Peru

on of work on the Canal-Improvement in Busin

ar. Churchill Coffing was elected President; J. Bradford, Clerk; T. D. Brewster, Treasurer and Collector;

fy a record. The general stagnation continued. Illinois had become as stagnant

hn Hoffman, T. D. Brewster, and H. S. Beebe, were elected Trustees. This Board elec

t into operation for the completion of that great work. To Gov. Ford, Senator Ryan and Col. Oakley, is due the credit of devising the scheme which heralded to the people of Illinois the return of prosperity. This measure

ods, was caught upon the ear of some anxious and expectant listener, and forthwith the news spread with wonderful celerity throughout the town. All the men and boys gathered upon the landing; all the women and girls upon the hill-tops. When the boat hove in sight, conjectures flew thick and fast as to what boat she was; everybody had some theory founded upon the particular manner of her 'scape, the ball upon her jack-staff, the ornaments upon her chimneys, or some other distinguishing mark which each prided himself upon knowing and remembering. When she came within hailing distance, what a hurrah went up from the landing! What a waving of handkerchiefs from the bluffs! Then when her keel fairly grated upon the pebbles