This place is located on either side of Little River, not far from the center of the county. In 1870, it contained a population of 2,925, and has enjoyed a fair growth since. It grew rapidly from 1834 until 1840, after which time it was at a standstill until 1847; since that time, the increase in business and wealth has known but little interruption.

The town was incorporated by a special act of the Legislature, approved February 16, 1848. Abel M. Lewis was the first Mayor; O. F. Stewart, Recorder, and John Roche, A. H. Hubble, F. W. Sawyer and D. S. Myers, the first Trustees.

The town was incorporated as a city in 1873, with G. W. Stult as Mayor, and John W. Skiles as Clerk.

The city contains churches belonging to the Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran, German Reformed, Presbyterian, Baptist, Christian and United Brethren denominations, and has a fine union schoolhouse, erected at a cost of over $30,000.

There are four hotels, of which the leading one is near the center of business, and is known as the National. There are two banks, two steam elevators, a flouring-mill, gristmill, a foundry and plow works, bent wood works, and a stove factory, besides minor industries and numerous well-patronized business establishments.

The present city officers are: Mayor, George W. Stult; Clerk, Joshua R. Wagne; Treasurer, Patrick O'Brien; Marshal, William P. Beeber; Chief of Fire Department, William McGrew; Councilmen, William Berry, John Strodle, Cyrus E. Briant, William McClure, Samuel Buchanan and William I. Campbell; School Trustees, John Roche, William McGrew and William Ewing; Principal City Schools, James Baldwin.