The first Indiana historian was John B. Dillon, who was born at Wellsburg, West Virginia (1808), learned the printer’s trade, and removed to Indiana in 1834. While resident at Logansport he studied law and was admitted to the bar; but his quiet, studious habits and natural reserve unfitted him for the practice, and he never tested his powers. He turned, fortunately, to the study of Indiana’s history; and appreciating the importance of assembling data before the death of witnesses and participants, began collecting material, and published (1859) a “History of Indiana,” covering the period from the first explorations to 1856. This work represents many years of laborious research in a field that was practically untouched. It is the point of departure for all who study Indiana history, and it is as exact as diligent care could make it. Dillon published “Notes on Historical Evidence in Reference to Adverse Theories of the Origin and Nature of the Government of the United States” (1871); and at his death left the manuscript of a work called “Oddities of Colonial Legislation.” He received a number of minor appointments under the Federal government, residing at Washington from 1863 to 1875. He returned to Indianapolis at the termination of these employments and died there, in 1879. He was gentle, patient, modest, and industrious, a man of merit, faithful in all things. He never married, and had no interests save those of the student. His proper place was in the quiet alcoves of libraries; and it must always be remembered to his credit that with little encouragement, and for the love of the labor, rather than for any reward, he gave many laborious years to the task of establishing the State’s place in history. Jacob P. Dunn, who wrote “Indiana: A Redemption from Slavery,” in the American Commonwealth series (1888), employed critical methods that were not known in Dillon’s day. His work deals with a brief period, and with events that had not previously been viewed in their proper perspective. He brought to bear upon his subject a scientific analysis and an exhaustive research that show especial fitness for historical writing. His descriptions of the early French _habitant_ are delightfully written, and give a distinct impression of the first white settlers of the Wabash. Mr. Dunn has written also “Massacres of the Mountains” (1886), an account of the Indian wars of the West, which is noteworthy for its thorough treatment of the Mountain Meadows incident. It is a standard work of reference, and one of the most popular books catalogued in Western libraries. Mr. Dunn served a term as State librarian, and has been for many years tireless in promoting interest in libraries for rural communities. He was born at Lawrenceburg (1855), and was graduated (1874) from Earlham College.