Elections in 1843--Revenue--Efforts for dividing the County--Elections in 1844--Special Charter--Elections in 1845--Revenue--Return of Prosperity--Elections in 1846-- Establishment 1846--Establishment of the "Beacon Light"-- Name Changed to "Junction Beacon"--Formation of Hook and Ladder Company.
At an election held on the 20th of January, 1843, Churchill Coffing, John R. Merritt, Z. Lewis, Ambrose O'Conner and John Hoffman were elected Trustees. Whole number of votes 92.--This Board elected Churchill Coffing, President; and T. D. Brewster, Treasurer. The revenue arising from taxes on Real Estate was $262.
Peru, from her earliest history, had aspired to become a county seat. Situated upon the extreme western verge of the County of La Salle, she contemplated erecting a new one out of territory to be taken from La Salle, Bureau and Putnam. This scheme was strenuously resisted by Ottawa and the eastern portion of the county. A curtailment on the north and east was cheerfully submitted to, in order to assist in preventing the loss of the western jewel. Much acrimony was engendered by these contests; and all elections for county officers or State Legislature hinged upon this question. The Democratic party was largely in the ascendant; but the schemes of the politicians of that ilk were constantly baffled by the intrusion of this element. The completion of the Canal and Rail Road, furnishing facilities for travel between the two places, mainly put a stop to further agitation.
At an election held on the 25th November, 1844, Churchill Coffing, H. Whitehead, David Dana, Wm. Paul and S. W. Raymond were elected Trustees. Whole number of votes 45. This Board elected H. Whitehead, President; H. S. Beebe, Clerk; J. B. Lovett, Fire Warden; Isaac Abraham, Treasurer; O. C. Parmerly, Street Commissioner; Geo. Low, Collector and Assessor; and E. M. Moore, Constable.
On the 25th February, 1845, an Act passed the Legislature, extending the powers of the Trustees, and providing for their election in the following April.
At an election held on the 7th April, 1845, Churchill Coffing, David Dana, S. W. Raymond, Wm. Paul and H. Whitehead were elected Trustees. Whole number of votes polled 39.