In 1868, Nelson Jones (b. May 24, 1819, in Ross County, Ohio) bought two houses, two lots and a shop valued at $800; he was the first blacksmith in Grand Ridge Village. In 1870, the Fox River Division of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad was completed and put in operation. The first business house was built by E. Core the same year.The Past and Present of LaSalle County, Illinois, H. F. Kett & Co., 1877.
In 1868, Nelson Jones (b May 24, 1819, in Ross County, Ohio) bought two .houses, two lots and a shop valued at $800; he was the first blacksmith in Grand Ridge Village. In 1870, the Fox River Division of the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy (CB&Q) Railroad was completed and put in operation. The first business house was built by E. Core the same year.The Past and Present of LaSalle County, Illinois, H. F. Kett & Co., 1877.