At the Session of the Legislature of 1836, the Internal Improvement act was passed, incorporating the Central Rail Road, which was subsequently located upon the same general route as is followed by the present Illinois Central Rail Road, crossing the river at Peru. Operations were commenced on both sides of the river in 1838. During this season very extensive improvements were made, large accessions of population took place, and the settlement began to assume the appearance of a town. In 1839 the whole country was on the top wave of prosperity. Large forces were employed upon both the Canal and Rail Road--numerous other works being contemplated, all terminating at Peru, of course--and the disbursements were large. The town shared the general prosperity. In this year H. P. WOODWORTH was elected [Transcriber's Note: Error, he was defeated, see Errata.] to the Legislature from La Salle County, which then embraced the present territory of Kendall and Grundy, receiving in Peru 528 votes, being the largest vote ever polled in the precinct, before or since. On the 6th of December 1838 the inhabitants assembled at the tavern of ZIMRI LEWIS, and organised a meeting by the appointment of H. S. BEEBE, Chairman, and J. B. JUDSON, Secretary, and voted to take the preliminary steps for organizing the town as a borough under the general Incorporation Act. At a census taken the same month there were found to be within the limits proposed to be embraced in the Borough, to wit: The South half of Section 16, the South East quarter of Section 17, and all that part of Section 20 lying North of the river--about one square mile. Males over 21 years of age 175 Females and minors 251 --- Total 426 On the 15th of December an election was held to decide upon such organization with the following result. For organization 40 Against organization 1 On the same day an election was held for Trustees which resulted in the election of M. Mott, F. Lebeau, C. H. Charles, Z. LEWIS and O. C. Motley. The Board elected Z. Lewis, President; T. D. Brewster, Clerk; Z. Lewis, jr. Constable; and James Myers, Assessor. On the 1st of April 1839, O. C. Motley resigned and H. P. Woodworth was elected in his place. D. J. Townsend was afterwards appointed Street Commissioner.