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Altamont, Illinois

Altamont is a city in Effingham County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,216 at the 2020 census. Altamont is part of the Effingham, Illinois Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Legend says Griffin Tipsword came to live with the Kickapoo Indians, who were indifferent to the coming of a Caucasian man. Tipsword was white by birth and Native American by adoption. He was a pioneer, a missionary preacher, hunter and medicine man among the Native Americans. Tipsword's family name was Sowards. He called himself Tipsword after coming to Illinois. Tipsword was a veteran of the Revolutionary War, first fighting at Ramsour's Mill in the Carolinas. Griffin died in 1845 and was buried on the banks of Wolff Creek (Tipsword family cemetery, Effingham), leaving three sons, John, Isaac, and Thomas, who left many descendants in the area.

Altamont, the "City of Plain", was laid out in Mound Township, considered the richest and best township in Effingham County - being mostly prairies and farm ground - slightly rolling along Big Creek, Coon Creek, and Second Creek. Mound Township was settled early by German immigrants from the Rhine by way of Pennsylvania and Ohio.

The name "Altamont", like "Mound Township", was bestowed by J.W. Conlogue because of the elevation or "mound" to the northwest. The first part of the word means altitude, the second mount or mound. Conlogue was a romantic, naming his town from Latin.

In History of Effingham County, editor William Henry Perrin wrote in 1883: "The name of Mound Township was bestowed upon it in consequence of what is known as the neighborhood of Blue Mound, a slight elevation of Section 8, which is nearly all a kind of mound, the apex being in the center of the section, and having an altitude of seventy-eight feet above the bed of the Vandalia Railroad, which passes near it. Recently, the Government has erected a signal observatory upon it, some seventy-five to one hundred feet in height, from the top of which one may look across the States of Missouri and Arkansas and see the cowboys watching their herds on the prairies of Texas."

There had been a trading center called Montville on the bank of the creek south of what is now Altamont (Southmore Heights). The postmaster was G.H. Milleville and in 1871 the post office moved to this new place called Altamont. Altamont was organized as a town in 1871.

On August 8, 1872, Altamont adopted the village form of government, with a mayor and four council members. On April 16, 1901, the voters adopted a city form of government and became the City of Altamont.

Geography
Altamont is at 39.05694°N, -88.7475°W (39.0569861, -88.7474670 ). According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Altamont has a total area of 1.49 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,216 people, 993 households, and 621 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,488.25 PD/sqmi. There were 1,001 housing units at an average density of 672.26 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.04% White, 0.18% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 3.29% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.58% of the population.

There were 993 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.97% were married couples living together, 12.69% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.46% were non-families. 35.05% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.11% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 2.16.

The city's age distribution consisted of 18.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 18% from 45 to 64, and 25.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $48,359, and the median income for a family was $67,465. Males had a median income of $37,773 versus $26,037 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,534. About 7.7% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.9% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over.

Arts and culture
The painting, The Moaning Betty (by Andre Wolff), hangs in city hall.

Points of interest
Altamont is home to the Effingham County Fairgrounds, at which the Effingham County Fair has been held annually in the first week of August since 1945. Each year the Effingham County Fair hosts nationally known country singers, a touring rodeo, two ITPA truck and tractor pulls, a queen pageant, a talent show, Standardbred and Thoroughbred races, and a demolition derby. The fairgrounds were once host to the Illinois High School rodeo finals, and currently host the Mill Road Thresherman's gathering and the annual Schützenfest.

The Dr. Charles M. Wright House is a Victorian style home built in 1889 by Dr. C.M. Wright on a 5 acre tract on upper North Main Street, where there had been a two-story frame house that was the Wright family home. Wright planned the house himself but the final design (with Wright's approval) was by Edwardsville, Illinois, architect, C. H. Spilman. The builder was Charles Hanker of Toledo, Illinois, for a $17,965 with the owner furnishing the materials. The total cost, not including furnishings, was approximately $35,000. The house has 18 furnished rooms, including seven bedrooms. On May 8, 1986, the house was put on the National Register of Historic Places.

Ballard Nature Center is a 217 acre nature preserve and educational center located east of Altamont. It includes 107 acre of woodland, 15 acre of restored prairie, 10 acre of shallow water wetlands and 85 acre of agricultural land. Ernie Ballard donated 210 acre for the site of a nature center and the funds to construct a visitor center. He developed a non-profit 501 (C) 3 foundation, in August 1999, to oversee development and management of the center. Construction of the log building began in October 1999. It opened to the public in July 2000. In 2014, the Glen Mathias family donated another 7 acres of land adjacent to the original 210 acres.

Parks and recreation
Altamont has three parks. Gilbert Park, named after Ray Gilbert, Mayor of Altamont from 1971 to 1979, is the largest of Altamont's parks. It has four baseball/softball diamonds, an indoor batting cage, playground equipment and soccer field, and a nine-hole disc golf course.

Schmidt Park has picnic pavilions and playground equipment.

W.C. Klitzing Memorial Heritage Park, often called simply Heritage Park and known to some as "The Train Park," is named after former mayor, school board member, and City Attorney Walter C. Klitzing. It has play equipment, a skateboard area, several covered picnic tables, a basketball court, and restrooms.

There is also "The Triangle," a garden and pavilion space between North Second Street, North Main Street, and West Washington Avenue in downtown Altamont. The Triangle features benches, flower beds, a flagpole, and a covered pavilion which often hosts bake sales and cookouts for community organizations to host fundraisers.

Government
The City of Altamont is governed by an elected mayor and city council of four members. Most recent mayoral and city council elections were in April 2023, those terms all expire in 2027. Currently, Dan Milleville is mayor, and the council members are Terry White, Mike Walker, Jason Rippetoe, and Tayler Polk.

Education
Altamont Lutheran Interparish School (ALIS) is a private school serving grades K-8. Robinette Flach will assume duties as principal, beginning in July 2015. The cornerstone reads "Immanuel Lutheran School 1959", but the school is now a joint effort of Immanuel, Bethlehem, St. Paul (Blue Point) and Zion Lutheran Churches. Its sports teams are the Rockets.

In 1905, a school building was erected behind Immanuel. Later, in 1928, a school building was purchased for $250, rebuilt, and added to the existing school for a second room. The cornerstone for a new school was laid on July 26, 1959. This building was dedicated on Sunday, January 31, 1960. The cost, including land, was $200,000. The final payment was made in 1966.

In early 1973, St. Paul Blue Point and Immanuel, Altamont formed Altamont Lutheran Interparish School. St. Paul paid $40,000 to add two rooms. The school at St. Paul was discontinued and the students were taken to the Interparish School. St. Paul's school had been in use since 1910.

Zion Lutheran School was organized in 1887. In 1922, the Zion Church building was dedicated so the school was now used exclusively for school classes. In 1931, the Ladies Aid started a fund for a new school. The new school was dedicated in 1938, with electricity, which was also installed in the parsonage at that time. The school closed for a time but reopened in 1956 with Gladys Heiser as teacher. In 1972, Zion school closed and children began attending Altamont Lutheran Interparish School. Zion became a corporate member of ALIS in 1989.

In 1861, the congregation of Bethlehem Lutheran Church erected a church and school building, used until 1867 when the present church was built. In 1873, the school had 23 students. In 1940, English began to be used. The teaching of German ended in 1954.

In December 1958 Bethlehem school building failed a fire inspection. Voters improved the school to keep it open. In 1960 it was decided to build a new school. In 1961, enrollment showed 51 students and the congregation built a parish hall with the school.

On August 26, 1962, Bethlehem Congregation dedicated three classrooms, office, restrooms, parish hall/gymnasium and kitchen. In May 1987, Bethlehem Lutheran School closed and students began attending ALIS in August. In 1988, Bethlehem became a member of ALIS.

To accommodate the additional students from the Bethlehem and Zion congregations a major building project was undertaken in the summer of 1989. Four classrooms were added to the north end of the building and two classrooms, teacher lounge, and storage at the center of the building. The exterior look was completely changed with the addition of a pitched roof. Each grade now has its own room plus a computer lab and a band room.

In 1990, Dr. D. G. Huelskoetter gave the Frog Pond Pre-School to ALIS Frog Pond. Frog Pond is currently taught by Candace Wolff and Kathy Corder.

Altamont Grade School is a public grade school serving grades K-8. Enrollment at the beginning of 2011 was 546. Its sports teams are the Wildcats. Doug Hill is the principal.

Altamont Community High School is a public high school. The main section of the current building was constructed in the 1950s, and students first occupied the building in 1954. Enrollment at the beginning of 2011 was 285. Its sports teams are the Indians and Lady Indians. Peggy Bueker is the principal since January 2021.

Altamont Grade School and Altamont High School are part of Altamont Community Unit School District #10. Ms. Casey Adam is the superintendent of schools. The High School athletics compete in the National Trail Conference.

Transportation
Altamont is served by Interstate 70, U.S. Route 40, and Illinois Route 128, all of which pass through the city limits. What is now U.S. Route 40 was once known as the National Road.

Amtrak service to Chicago and New Orleans and all points in between can be accessed in Effingham, 12 mi to the east.

Community
Altamont Lions Club has been active since 1938. The Lions operate the youth basketball and soccer programs, have an annual fishing rodeo, sponsor a golf tournament, participate in Lions International Candy Day each fall, sponsor local youth for trips abroad and within the U.S., and contribute toward Ballard Nature Center and local parks.

The Altamont Garden Club has planted and cared for many areas around town, as well as pays for and waters over thirty hanging baskets of flowers throughout downtown the spring & summer months. The Garden Club also installed a few dozen lamp posts along the walking path in Schmidt Park.

title: Altamont, Illinois


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Beecher City, Illinois

Beecher City is a village in Effingham County, Illinois, United States. Beecher City is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 428 at the 2020 census. Beecher City was founded in 1872.

Geography
Beecher City is located in northwestern Effingham County. Illinois Route 33 passes through the village, leading east 15 mi to Effingham.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Beecher City has a total area of 0.90 sqmi, all land.

The village is home to the Beecher City Unit 20 School District. The district has a junior/senior high school as well as a grade school serving grades K-6 located in the town. Recently the neighboring town of Shumway housed a grade school for grades K-2, but it closed down at the start of the 2010-2011 school year. The town has a post office, bank, a village paper, and a popular gas station, known as "the station". This small village is also complete with a volunteer fire department, and several churches.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 428 people, 171 households, and 94 families residing in the village. The population density was 478.21 PD/sqmi. There were 204 housing units at an average density of 227.93 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 90.89% White, 0.23% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.23% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 8.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.34% of the population.

There were 171 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 29.82% were married couples living together, 8.77% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.03% were non-families. 36.26% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.54% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 2.18.

The village's age distribution consisted of 21.4% under the age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,679, and the median income for a family was $53,750. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $27,677. About 17.0% of families and 21.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.9% of those under age 18 and 25.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Beecher City High School made the Chicago Sun-Times "Top 100 High Schools in Illinois" in 2009 and 2010.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Beecher City, Illinois


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Dieterich, Illinois

Dieterich is a village in Effingham County, Illinois, United States. The population was 890 at the 2020 census. Dieterich is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Dieterich was laid out in 1880 when the railroad was extended to that point. The village was named for its founder, Michael Dieterich. A post office has been in operation at Dieterich since 1881.

Geography
Dieterich is located in eastern Effingham County and Illinois Route 33 passes through the village, leading northwest 10 mi to Effingham and southeast 13 mi to Newton.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Dieterich has a total area of 1.37 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 890 people, 325 households, and 209 families residing in the village. The population density was 651.54 PD/sqmi. There were 348 housing units at an average density of 254.76 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.40% White, 0.45% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.34% from other races, and 2.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.91% of the population.

There were 325 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.08% were married couples living together, 7.08% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.69% were non-families. 33.85% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.15% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 2.23.

The village's age distribution consisted of 22.6% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $61,417, and the median income for a family was $90,417. Males had a median income of $49,911 versus $35,682 for females. The per capita income for the village was $33,319. About 1.9% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Dieterich, Illinois


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Edgewood, Illinois

Edgewood is a village in Effingham County, Illinois, United States. The population was 398 at the 2020 Census. Edgewood is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Edgewood was founded in the 1850s when the railroad was extended to that point. The village was named from its location near the edge of a forest. A post office has been in operation at Edgewood since 1858.

Geography
Edgewood is located on the southern edge of Effingham County at 38.92333°N, -88.6625°W (38.923302, -88.662433). The village's southern border follows the Clay County line.

Illinois Route 37 passes through the village, leading northeast 3 mi to Mason and southwest 8 mi to Farina. Interstate 57 crosses the northwest corner of the village, with access from Exit 145 (Iowa Street); I-57 leads northeast 16 mi to Effingham and southwest 28 mi to Salem.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Edgewood has a total area of 1.02 sqmi, of which 1.01 sqmi (or 98.93%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 1.07%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 398 people, 198 households, and 152 families residing in the village. The population density was 388.67 PD/sqmi. There were 205 housing units at an average density of 200.20 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.71% White, 0.75% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.01% from other races, and 4.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.76% of the population.

There were 198 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.61% were married couples living together, 9.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.23% were non-families. 17.17% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.07% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 2.37.

The village's age distribution consisted of 21.5% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,000, and the median income for a family was $53,056. Males had a median income of $36,029 versus $22,813 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,469. About 3.9% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 7.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Franklin P. Buyer, member of the Los Angeles City Council (1933–1939), born in Edgewood

title: Edgewood, Illinois


text:
Effingham, Illinois

Effingham is a city in and the county seat of Effingham County, Illinois, United States. It is in South Central Illinois. Its population was 12,252 at the 2020 census. The city is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The city bills itself as "The Crossroads of Opportunity" because of its location at the intersection of two major Interstate highways: I-57 running from Chicago to Sikeston, Missouri, and I-70 running from Utah to Maryland. It is also served by U.S. Route 45, which runs from Ontonagon, Michigan to Mobile, Alabama, U.S. Route 40, the historic National Road, which stretches from Atlantic City, New Jersey to Silver Summit, Utah, and Illinois routes 32 and 33 also run through the city. It is also a major railroad junction, the crossing of the Illinois Central main line from Chicago to Memphis with the Pennsylvania Railroad line from Indianapolis to St. Louis. For this reason, Effingham has a much broader range of restaurants and lodging facilities than typical towns of its size.

Geography
Effingham is located at 39.12083°N, -88.54583°W (39.120903, −88.545909).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Effingham has a total area of 10.56 sqmi, of which 10.49 sqmi (or 99.34%) is land and 0.07 sqmi (or 0.66%) is water.

Effingham is served by a total of 5 highways, only 2 of them being interstates. Interstate 57 comes into Effingham County with Edgewood, Illinois. It officially comes into Effingham was a cross Directional T interchange with Interstate 70 west towards St. Louis. It runs concurrently with Interstate 57 as it goes through the city's southside exits. It makes its first with W Fayette Avenue and then takes a short curve east and makes a half diamond and half partial cloverleaf interchange with N Keller Drive and Illinois Route 33. After the interchange, it makes an interchange with U.S. Route 45 and the concurrency ends with a last Directional T interchange with Interstate 70. This time, Interstate 70 runs off east towards Indianapolis making Interstate 57 continue its route towards Mattoon, Illinois, Champaign, Illinois, and finally Chicago.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 12,252 people, 5,205 households, and 3,029 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,160.78 PD/sqmi. There were 5,862 housing units at an average density of 555.38 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.00% White, 0.85% African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.31% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.80% from other races, and 4.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.60% of the population.

There were 5,205 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.77% were married couples living together, 11.82% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.81% were non-families. 33.26% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.64% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 2.29.

The city's age distribution consisted of 22.9% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $52,551, and the median income for a family was $69,405. Males had a median income of $37,288 versus $26,182 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,029. About 10.8% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.8% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

History
Effingham was first settled in 1814, and was known from then until 1859 as Broughton. In 1859, it became the county seat with buildings relocated from nearby (now deserted) Ewington. The community was named after General E. Effingham, a local surveyor.

In the late 1880s, local citizens founded Austin College, which lasted for several decades, and ultimately was purchased to become the Illinois College of Photography, also known as Bissel College. That school closed due to the Great Depression in the 1930s.

On April 4, 1949, St. Anthony's Hospital caught fire and burned to the ground, killing 74 people. As a result, fire codes nationwide were improved. Due to extensive media coverage, including a Life magazine cover story, donations for rebuilding the hospital came from all 48 states and several foreign countries.

Effingham was a sundown town; daytime segregation was enforced until at least the mid-1960s.

Rail transportation
Effingham is historically important as a rail junction. The old Pennsylvania Railroad and the former Illinois Central Railroad crossed in downtown Effingham.

The former Illinois Central line was taken over by Canadian National in 1999, and the former Pennsylvania Railroad was taken over by Conrail, in turn this line is now operated by CSX.

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Effingham under the daily City of New Orleans route to New Orleans and Chicago, and the Saluki and Illini to Chicago and Carbondale. Until October 1, 1979, the station also served Amtrak's former National Limited line between Kansas City and New York City.

Education
Effingham has several schools, both public and private. The private schools are both religiously affiliated and include Saint Anthony and Sacred Heart. Saint Anthony Grade School (SAGS) serves grades preschool (age 3+) to eighth grade. SAGS has the Bullpup as its mascot. Sacred Heart Grade School (SHS) serves preschool (age 3+) to eighth grade. SHS's mascot is the Shamrock. The public schools include the Early Learning Center, South Side Elementary, Central Grade School, Effingham Junior High School (EJHS), and Effingham High School. The Early Learning Center serves preschool and kindergarten age children. South Side Elementary serves first and second graders. Aspire is a school for students who are likely to drop out or those who get expelled. Central Grade School serves third through fifth grade students. Central Grade school's mascot is the Mustang. EJHS serves junior high students in grades six to eight. EJHS's mascot is the Mustang.

Effingham High School (EHS) is the public high school. The new EHS opened in the fall of 1998, and has a current enrollment of 849. The former EHS building, built in 1939 as a WPA project and expanded in 1965, is currently the junior high, serving grades 6–8. The old junior high, Central School, is now a grade school serving grades 3–5. EHS athletics were originally known as the Warriors but the name was changed after Ada Kepley, a city resident, referred to Effingham as the "Heart of America" in a campaign to attract visitors to the city. The name stuck, with references in the city government and the downtown movie theater named the Heart Theater. EHS athletics are now known as the Flaming Hearts.

Effingham is also home to St. Anthony High School, a private Roman Catholic High School. SAHS athletics are known as the Bulldogs.

Monument

The Cross at the Crossroads, a 198 ft steel cross erected by the Cross Foundation is located in Effingham and was inaugurated in 2001. The cross is made out of over 180 tons of steel and cost over $1 million. The Cross Foundation claims that the cross is the largest in the United States, standing at 198 ft with a span of 113 ft.

Notable people

 * George J. Bauer, Illinois state representative
 * Jack Berch, singer and radio personality; raised in Effingham
 * Uwe Blab, center for the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs; attended high school in Effingham
 * Charles H. Constable, judge and Illinois state senator; died in Effingham
 * Nick Gardewine, pitcher for the Texas Rangers; graduate of Effingham High School
 * Chad Green, pitcher for the New York Yankees; graduate of Effingham High School
 * Ada Kepley, first American woman to graduate from law school
 * Jimmy Kite, driver with IndyCar and NASCAR
 * Miles E. Mills, Illinois politician
 * Mary Ann Brown Newcomb, Civil War nurse
 * Brian Shouse, left-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers in Major League Baseball
 * Daniel Winkler, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs; born and raised in Effingham, attended St. Anthony High School
 * Benson Wood, U.S. Congressman, 1895–1897

In popular culture
Comedians and authors have poked fun at the "Effing" portion of the name Effingham and its use in North American and UK slang as a minced oath for the word "fuck". For example, radio comedians Bob and Tom produced a segment on their national radio show referencing Effingham. Ben Folds's album Way to Normal uses a similar play on words in a track that was inspired by driving past Effingham, although the song refers to the city as "Effington".

title: Effingham, Illinois


text:
Mason, Illinois

Mason is an incorporated town in Effingham County, Illinois, United States. The population was 323 at the 2020 census. It was named after Roswell Mason, an official of the Illinois Central Railroad. Mason is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Mason is located in southern Effingham County. Illinois Route 37 passes through the town, leading northeast 6 mi to Watson and southwest 3 mi to Edgewood. Interstate 57 crosses the northwest corner of Mason, but the closest access is from Edgewood to the southwest or from Exit 151 4 mi to the northeast. Via I-57 it is 14 mi north to Effingham, the county seat, and 55 mi southwest to Mount Vernon.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Mason has a total area of 1.29 sqmi, of which 1.29 sqmi (or 99.61%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.39%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 323 people, 107 households, and 74 families residing in the town. The population density was 250.00 PD/sqmi. There were 154 housing units at an average density of 119.20 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 88.85% White, 0.93% African American, 0.62% Native American, 1.24% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.86% from other races, and 6.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.86% of the population.

There were 107 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.94% were married couples living together, 7.48% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.84% were non-families. 23.36% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.15% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 2.27.

The town's age distribution consisted of 18.5% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 31.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117.6 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $53,750, and the median income for a family was $58,000. Males had a median income of $37,292 versus $21,806 for females. The per capita income for the town was $22,940. About 9.5% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.7% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Lowell Bayles, air race pilot
 * Ada Kepley, author and first American woman to graduate law school, owned a farm in Mason township
 * Mason Ruffner, singer, songwriter, musician

title: Mason, Illinois


text:
Shumway, Illinois

Shumway is a village in Effingham County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the village population was 188. Shumway is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Shumway is located in northern Effingham County and Illinois Route 33 crosses the southwest corner of the village, leading southeast 8 mi to Effingham, the county seat, and west 7 mi to Beecher City.

According to the 2010 census, Shumway has a total area of 0.33 sqmi, all land.

Education
Shumway is in the Beecher City/Shumway School District., although in earlier years, rural Shumway residents in Summit Township have filed petitions to leave the district. Older residents of this area still hold allegiances to Effingham High School. The reason for this "allegiance" was because when Shumway High School closed, many students east and south of Shumway went to Effingham schools. When districts were drawn many residents felt Beecher City gerrymandered Shumway into the district. Today, many kids around Lake Sara and east Shumway attend Beecher City, although Effingham Community schools are much closer.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 188 people, 51 households, and 33 families residing in the village. The population density was 566.27 PD/sqmi. There were 90 housing units at an average density of 271.08 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.02% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 7.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.66% of the population.

There were 51 households, out of which 43.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.02% were married couples living together, 11.76% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.29% were non-families. 17.65% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.21 and the average family size was 2.59.

The village's age distribution consisted of 22.7% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $59,375, and the median income for a family was $57,083. Males had a median income of $43,750 versus $22,031 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,003. About 9.1% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 4.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Shumway, Illinois


text:
Teutopolis, Illinois

Teutopolis is a village in Effingham County, Illinois. As of the 2020 census it had a population of 1,618.

Geography
Teutopolis is located in northeastern Effingham County and U.S. Route 40 (National Road) passes through the center of the village, leading west 4 mi into Effingham, the county seat, and east 5.5 mi to Montrose.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Teutopolis has a total area of 2.04 sqmi, all land.

History
Teutopolis, "City of the Teutons", or Germans, was established in 1839 along the National Road, now U.S. Route 40. It is the only town in the United States with this name.

Clemens Uptmor from the Duchy of Oldenburg, and Kingdom of Hanover, Germany, came to the United States in 1834 along with his brother Herman H. Uptmor and a few neighbors. They settled first in Cincinnati, then the gateway to the west for German Catholics. In 1837 they formed a land company for the purchase of government land under the name of "Deutsche Land-Compagnie oder Ansiedlungsgesellschaft". John F. Waschefort, Clemens Uptmor and Gerard H. Bergfeld were named to find a location for settlement and then give their recommendations to the land company. The committee opposed settling in Missouri because of slavery and were discouraged from settling in the north central area of Illinois because of the swamps and the black soil. The northeast part of Effingham County was recommended because of the woodlands, well-drained uplands and plentiful game.

Gerhardt Meyer and Heinrich Roennebaum accompanied the original trio back to Illinois to inspect the proposed site. The location was approved, and in July 1839 in Vandalia the land was claimed for homestead purposes in the name of John F. Waschefort. 10000 acre were purchased at $1.25 per acre, with an additional 80 acre being purchased for $5.00 an acre. The town site was surveyed and platted by William J. Hankins. The plan of the town was very similar to the plat of the original town of Cincinnati.

Back in Cincinnati the land was allotted at a drawing held in a fire engine house. For each $50.00 a member contributed he received one "in-lot" and one "out-lot" or "garden lot" in the town and an additional parcel of farmland for a total of 40 acre.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,618 people, 759 households, and 499 families residing in the village. The population density was 791.97 PD/sqmi. There were 630 housing units at an average density of 308.37 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.34% White, 0.06% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.56% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 759 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.55% were married couples living together, 7.51% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.26% were non-families. 22.13% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 2.37.

The village's age distribution consisted of 22.3% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 28% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $72,404, and the median income for a family was $95,583. Males had a median income of $47,794 versus $27,292 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,393. About 1.0% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Teutopolis, Illinois


text:
Watson, Illinois

Watson is a village in Effingham County, Illinois, United States. The population was 668 at the 2020 census. Watson is part of the Effingham, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

The village was named after George Watson, a railroad official.

Geography
Watson is located in south-central Effingham County and Illinois Route 37 passes through the village, leading east 1.5 mi to U.S. Route 45 and south 3 mi to Interstate 57 at Exit 151. Effingham, the county seat, is 8 mi north via US 45.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Watson has a total area of 1.09 sqmi, of which 1.09 sqmi (or 100.00%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.00%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 668 people, 284 households, and 188 families residing in the village. The population density was 611.72 PD/sqmi. There were 283 housing units at an average density of 259.16 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.96% White, 0.30% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races, and 3.59% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.

There were 284 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.54% were married couples living together, 10.56% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.80% were non-families. 23.24% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.52% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.26 and the average family size was 2.80.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.7% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 22.4% from 25 to 44, 32.4% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $57,500, and the median income for a family was $60,000. Males had a median income of $35,114 versus $23,594 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,638. About 11.7% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.6% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Watson, Illinois


text:
Bingham, Illinois

Bingham is a village in Fayette County, Illinois, United States. The population was 60 at the 2020 census.

The village was named after Judge Horatio Bingham. A post office was established in 1883 but closed in 2013.

Geography
Bingham is located in northwestern Fayette County at 39.11389°N, -89.2125°W (39.113898, -89.212460), within South Hurricane Township. It is 16 mi northwest of Vandalia, the county seat.

According to the 2010 census, Bingham has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 60 people, 36 households, and 23 families residing in the village. The population density was 218.98 PD/sqmi. There were 25 housing units at an average density of 91.24 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.67% White, 0.00% African American, 1.67% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 6.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.33% of the population.

There were 36 households, out of which 22.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.67% were married couples living together, 22.22% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.11% were non-families. 33.33% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.89% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 2.39.

The village's age distribution consisted of 16.3% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 132.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 125.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,583, and the median income for a family was $50,938. Males had a median income of $15,000 versus $22,188 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,507. About 8.7% of families and 17.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bingham, Illinois


text:
Brownstown, Illinois

Brownstown is a village in Fayette County, Illinois, United States. The population was 690 at the 2020 census, down from 759 at the 2010 census.

Geography
U.S. Route 40 passes through the south side of the village, leading east 6 mi to St. Elmo and west 8 mi to Vandalia, the Fayette County seat. Interstate 70 passes just south of Brownstown, with the closest exit 3 mi west at US 40.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Brownstown has a total area of 0.76 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 690 people, 313 households, and 200 families residing in the village. The population density was 907.89 PD/sqmi. There were 299 housing units at an average density of 393.42 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.06% White, 1.01% African American, 0.58% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 3.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.

There were 313 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.62% were married couples living together, 8.63% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.10% were non-families. 31.63% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.25% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.37 and the average family size was 2.68.

The village's age distribution consisted of 24.2% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 31.6% from 25 to 44, 15.9% from 45 to 64, and 17.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,171, and the median income for a family was $52,250. Males had a median income of $41,023 versus $15,813 for females. The per capita income for the village was $28,772. About 16.0% of families and 26.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.

Points of interest
Brownstown is host to the annual Fayette County Fair, held each summer in mid-July. The fair includes livestock shows, fine arts and culinary exhibits, tractor pulls, stock car races, a talent show, and a queen pageant.

title: Brownstown, Illinois


text:
Farina, Illinois

Farina is a village in Fayette and Marion counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 540 at the 2020 census. It is the only community with the name "Farina" in the United States.

History
Farina was founded in 1867. The community was named after farina (food), from its location in the wheat-growing district.

Geography
Farina's limits extend southwest along Illinois Route 37 into Marion County. Interstate 57 passes through the northwest corner of the village at Exit 135, leading northeast 26 mi to Effingham and southwest 21 mi to Salem. Illinois Route 37 passes through the enter of Farina and runs parallel to I-57. Illinois Route 185 leads northwest 24 mi to Vandalia, the Fayette County seat.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Farina has a total area of 1.46 sqmi, of which 1.46 sqmi (or 99.52%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.48%) is water. The village is located at the headwaters of the East Fork of the Kaskaskia River, which drains the village to the southwest.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 540 people, 255 households, and 176 families residing in the village. The population density was 368.85 PD/sqmi. There were 236 housing units at an average density of 161.20 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.74% White, 0.00% African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.93% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 2.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population.

There were 255 households, out of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.80% were married couples living together, 16.08% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.98% were non-families. 30.98% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.29% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.49 and the average family size was 2.94.

The village's age distribution consisted of 24.6% under the age of 18, 13.6% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 23.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,313, and the median income for a family was $54,464. Males had a median income of $27,381 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,298. About 26.7% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.7% of those under age 18 and 17.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Farina, Illinois


text:
Ramsey, Illinois

Ramsey is a village in Fayette County, Illinois, United States. The population was 911 as of the 2020 census.

The village was named after Alexander Ramsey (1815–1903), an American politician, second governor of Minnesota.

Geography
U.S. Route 51 passes through the center of town, leading north 17 mi to Pana and south 13 mi to Vandalia, the county seat.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ramsey has a total area of 1.11 sqmi, of which 1.11 sqmi (or 100.00%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.00%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 911 people, 332 households, and 208 families residing in the village. The population density was 819.98 PD/sqmi. There were 426 housing units at an average density of 383.44 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.83% White, 0.33% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.11% from other races, and 3.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.10% of the population.

There were 332 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.25% were married couples living together, 17.17% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.35% were non-families. 24.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.24% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.11 and the average family size was 2.62.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.5% under the age of 18, 11.8% from 18 to 24, 23.5% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $31,875, and the median income for a family was $52,917. Males had a median income of $31,042 versus $23,077 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,526. About 14.9% of families and 19.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.9% of those under age 18 and 17.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Glen Hobbie, baseball player, resident of Ramsey at the time of his death in 2013
 * H. L. Hunt, oil tycoon, inspired the 1980s television series Dallas, born near Ramsey
 * John Staff, Sergeant of the US Army, shot in Berlin by East German police on November 25, 1949; born in Ramsey
 * Tex Williams, country and swing musician ("Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)"), born in Ramsey

title: Ramsey, Illinois


text:
St. Elmo, Illinois

St. Elmo is a city in Fayette County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,254 at the 2020 census. St. Elmo was established in 1871.

Geography
St. Elmo is located at 39.02667°N, -88.85194°W (39.026709, -88.852062).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, St. Elmo has a total area of 1.51 sqmi, of which 1.48 sqmi (or 98.41%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 1.59%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,254 people, 534 households, and 372 families residing in the city. The population density was 832.12 PD/sqmi. There were 565 housing units at an average density of 374.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.73% White, 0.24% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.56% from other races, and 2.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.28% of the population.

There were 534 households, out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.13% were married couples living together, 14.79% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.34% were non-families. 24.72% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.17% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.28 and the average family size was 2.67.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.1% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 20.7% from 25 to 44, 28.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $43,913, and the median income for a family was $50,662. Males had a median income of $31,528 versus $22,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,890. About 14.0% of families and 22.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 51.0% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
St. Elmo is home to St. Elmo Community School District #202, which consists of the St. Elmo Elementary School, located at 519 West 2nd Street and the St. Elmo Jr/Sr High School located at the far northern edge of town at 300 West 12th Street.

title: St. Elmo, Illinois


text:
St. Peter, Illinois

St. Peter or Saint Peter is a village in Fayette County, Illinois, United States. The population was 322 at the 2020 census.

Geography
St. Peter is located in southeastern Fayette County. Illinois Route 185 passes through the village, leading northwest 17 mi to Vandalia, the county seat, and southeast 6.5 mi to Farina.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, St. Peter has a total area of 0.52 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 322 people, 152 households, and 103 families residing in the village. The population density was 618.04 PD/sqmi. There were 144 housing units at an average density of 276.39 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.45% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31% of the population.

There were 152 households, out of which 36.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.24% were married couples living together, 10.53% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.24% were non-families. 25.66% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.76% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.45 and the average family size was 2.88.

The village's age distribution consisted of 33.1% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 15.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $50,938, and the median income for a family was $58,438. Males had a median income of $39,063 versus $26,875 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,471. About 15.5% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.1% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: St. Peter, Illinois


text:
Vandalia, Illinois

Vandalia is a city in and the county seat of Fayette County, Illinois, United States. At the 2020 Census, the population was 7,458. Vandalia is on the Kaskaskia River, and 60 mi northeast of the St. Louis area. The city served as the state capital of Illinois from 1819 until 1839, when the seat of state government moved closer to the center of the state in Springfield. In the early 19th century, Vandalia was the western terminus of the National Road from the East Coast. Since 1933, the Vandalia State House State Historic Site has sought to preserve and interpret the State House building and grounds, originally constructed in 1836.

History

Vandalia was founded in 1819 as a new capital city for Illinois. The previous capital, Kaskaskia, was unsuitable because it was under the constant threat of flooding. The townsite, located in Bond County at the time, was hastily prepared for the 1820 meeting of the Illinois General Assembly. In 1821, Fayette County was created, including Vandalia.

The history of the name Vandalia is uncertain. Different theories can be found in almost all of the books written about Vandalia over the years. In her book Vandalia: Wilderness Capital of Lincoln's Land, Mary Burtschi tells of a conversation between one of the original surveyors of the town and a Vandalia resident. The surveyor, Colonel Greenup, explained that Van was suggested by one of the men. He recommended this as an abbreviation to the word vanguard meaning the forefront of an advancing movement. Another suggestion was made for the term dalia, derived from the Anglo-Saxon word dale which means a valley between hills. Greenup takes credit in the conversation for connecting the two terms to form the name Vandalia.

Another possible source of the name is the Vandalia colony, a failed attempt to establish a fourteenth colony in part of what is now West Virginia and Kentucky. The Vandalia colony was named in honor of Queen Charlotte, who claimed descent from the Wendish tribe of Obodrites, also called the Vandals.

Another theory put forth is that Vandalia was named by those who located the state capital in the town; according to the story, they mistakenly thought the Vandals were a brave Native American tribe, rather than of Germanic origins.

The law under which Vandalia was founded included a provision that the capital would not be moved for twenty years. Even before the end of this period, the population center of the state had shifted far north of Vandalia. In 1837, the General Assembly voted to move the capital to Springfield.

On November 21, 1915, the Liberty Bell passed through Vandalia on its nationwide tour, while being returned to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.

In the early 1960s the sociologist Joseph Lyford examined the social structure of Vandalia in a book-length study that revealed the essentially corporatist nature of decision-making in the city; this work was recently revisited by the Economist newspaper.

Education
The city has a Board of Education. Among the public schools in the city are Jefferson Elementary School and former Central School, which was condemned in 1980. The city's first high school was established in 1858. Vandalia is home to the Okaw Valley Area Vocational Center, which trains high school students in vocational trades. It also serves vocational students from nearby high schools such as those in Greenville and Mulberry Grove. The building trades class at the center each year purchases property in Vandalia, builds a house, and sells the improved property. They have sold 33 homes constructed by students.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Vandalia has a total area of 8.116 sqmi, of which 8.1 sqmi (or 99.8%) is land and 0.016 sqmi (or 0.2%) is water.

Vandalia is situated on Interstate 70, U.S. Route 40 (the National Road) and U.S. Route 51.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 7,458 people, 2,253 households, and 1,247 families residing in the city. The population density was 913.63 PD/sqmi. There were 2,629 housing units at an average density of 322.06 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83.70% White, 10.24% African American, 0.86% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.98% from other races, and 2.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.91% of the population.

There were 2,253 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.21% were married couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.65% were non-families. 39.28% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 2.25.

The city's age distribution consisted of 16.2% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 29% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 144.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 148.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,862, and the median income for a family was $48,454. Males had a median income of $28,600 versus $23,833 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,994. About 16.8% of families and 20.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.9% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Vandalia is governed using the mayor council system. The council consists of eight members elected from one of four wards with each ward electing two members. The mayor along with the city clerk and treasurer are elected in a citywide vote.

Notable people

 * Alfred Elisha Ames, politician and physician
 * Josie Barnes, professional bowler and winner of the 2021 U.S. Women's Open
 * Henry P. H. Bromwell, U.S. Representative from Illinois
 * John J. Bullington, Illinois politician
 * Levi Davis, Illinois Auditor and lawyer
 * H. Joel Deckard, U.S. Representative from Indiana
 * William Lee D. Ewing, U.S. Senator and fifth Governor of Illinois
 * William M. Farmer, Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court
 * Ferris Foreman, politician and Army colonel
 * John W. Heavey, U.S. Army brigadier general, chief of the National Guard Bureau
 * Miles E. Mills, Illinois politician and educator
 * Frederick Remann, Illinois politician
 * June Squibb, Academy Award-nominated actress

In fiction and popular culture

 * The case of Frier v. City of Vandalia was a case decided by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on the issue of res judicata. The case originally involved a parking dispute in Vandalia but became a pivotal case in civil procedure.
 * Four US Navy ships have been named for Vandalia.

title: Vandalia, Illinois


text:
Cabery, Illinois

Cabery is a village located in Ford and Kankakee counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 231 at the 2020 census.

History
Cabery was founded about 1878 and was named after John R. Caberry, a Chicago merchant.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Cabery has a total area of 0.34 sqmi, all land.

The county line between Kankakee County and Ford County runs right through the middle of town on Main Street.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 231 people, 99 households, and 74 families residing in the village. The population density was 671.51 PD/sqmi. There were 115 housing units at an average density of 334.30 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.40% White, 0.00% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 1.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.16% of the population.

There were 99 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.47% were married couples living together, 17.17% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.25% were non-families. 19.19% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.09% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 2.63.

The village's age distribution consisted of 27.3% under the age of 18, 4.2% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $52,344, and the median income for a family was $52,188. Males had a median income of $48,920 versus $25,208 for females. The per capita income for the village was $31,818. About 16.2% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.6% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

Commerce
Commerce in Cabery includes a post office, a small hardware store, the Cabery Bar and Grill restaurant, and the Cabery Fertilizer Company. There is also a grain elevator located on the Kankakee County side of Cabery.

Recreation
Cabery has a park with basketball courts, a playground, and a lighted softball field with a press box.

There is also a small pond called "the Clay Hole," which, although unsuitable for swimming, is a popular fishing pond during the warm months. Both bluegill and largemouth bass have been caught there.

title: Cabery, Illinois


text:
Elliott, Illinois

Elliott is a village in Ford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 274 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Elliott has a total area of 0.50 sqmi, all land.

History
Elliott was named for the landowner of the village site, Samuel Elliott. The Elliott Post Office was established in 1871.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 274 people, 150 households, and 101 families residing in the village. The population density was 550.20 PD/sqmi. There were 131 housing units at an average density of 263.05 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.45% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.36% of the population.

There were 150 households, out of which 23.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.67% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.67% were non-families. 29.33% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.67% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.07.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.7% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 22.6% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 25.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 135.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $46,667, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $32,321 versus $28,929 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,593. About 16.8% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.9% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Elliott, Illinois


text:
Gibson City, Illinois

Gibson City is a city in Ford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,475 at the 2020 census.

History
The site of Gibson City was purchased and platted by Jonathan B. Lott in 1869. In 1870, Lott built a home and a post office there, and several stores and a grain elevator were constructed. Lott named the place Gibson after the maiden name of his wife, Margaret Gibson Lott, and City was added later by the post office department. Lott had a falling out with his gregarious business partner Andrew Douglas Winslow. Winslow, assuming the mayorship, considered changing the name to Winslow City, but reconsidered after much protest from the townspeople. Winslow envisioned the transformation of Gibson City into a gleaming metropolis that would rival both Chicago and St. Louis, a vision that has yet to be realized. Eric "Richard" Ryder succeeded Winslow as mayor. Ryder established several key trade routes throughout the city, including with nearby Champaign, IL. Ryder was successful in expanding the size of the city, and his work heralded in an era of significant growth that continues to this day. Both the Gilman, Clinton and Springfield Railroad and the Chicago and Paducah Railroad reached the town in 1871, allowing its population to grow. Gibson City was incorporated as a village in 1872. A third railroad, the LaFayette, Muncie and Bloomington Railroad, was built through Gibson City in 1874. In the same year, one of the railroads signed a contract that paid Augustana College, located in Paxton at the time, a commission of $1 per acre on all railroad land sold to Swedish settlers.

In 1883, a fire in the town caused $50,000 ($1,500,000 in 2023 dollars) in property damage.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Gibson City has a total area of 2.36 sqmi, of which 2.32 sqmi (or 98.47%) is land and 0.04 sqmi (or 1.53%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 3,475 people, 1,585 households, and 835 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,474.33 PD/sqmi. There were 1,664 housing units at an average density of 705.98 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.37% White, 0.78% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.81% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.15% from other races, and 4.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.31% of the population.

There were 1,585 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.01% were married couples living together, 9.59% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.32% were non-families. 44.92% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.19% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 2.05.

The city's age distribution consisted of 22.8% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,544, and the median income for a family was $68,977. Males had a median income of $47,443 versus $32,313 for females. The per capita income for the city was $28,872. About 7.2% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Illinois State Highways 9, 47, and 54 intersect on the edge of Gibson City.

The Norfolk Southern Wabash line runs through Gibson City.

Newspaper
The town's former newspaper was the Gibson City Courier, published from February 21, 1874 until December 30, 2015. The Courier was last owned by The Pantagraph out of Bloomington after being locally owned for several decades. Gibson City is also served by the Ford County Record based in nearby Paxton.

Radio station
WGCY is an FM station licensed to Gibson City Broadcasting at a frequency of 106.3 MHz. Its programming consists of easy listening music and local high school sports.

Notable people

 * Scott M. Bennett, member of the Illinois Senate, Gibson City native.
 * Thomas M. Bennett, current member of the Illinois House of Representatives, Gibson City native.
 * Dwight Eddleman, legendary Illinois Fighting Illini three-sport athlete.
 * Earl Hamilton, pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns, Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies
 * Russell Johnson, cartoonist
 * John Arthur Love, 36th Governor of Colorado and the Director of the Office of Energy Policy in the Nixon administration.
 * Frances McDormand, actress; winner of the Triple Crown of Acting, born in Gibson City
 * Larry Pratt, catcher for the Boston Red Sox, Brooklyn Tip-Tops and Newark Pepper

title: Gibson City, Illinois


text:
Kempton, Illinois

Kempton is a village in Ford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 176 at the 2020 census.

History
A post office was established at the site of Kempton in 1869 and called Sugar Loaf. The name of the post office was changed to Kempton in 1878, when the village was founded and named after its founder, Wright Kemp. Arthur R. Falter (1906–1979), Illinois state legislator and businessman, was born on a farm near Kempton. Jason Colclasure is a famous resident of Kempton. David Hatcher Childress, famously featured in over 100 episodes of Ancient Aliens on the History Channel lives in Kempton and Camp Verde, Arizona and is another famous resident of Kempton.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Kempton has a total area of 0.17 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 176 people, 127 households, and 60 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,066.67 PD/sqmi. There were 97 housing units at an average density of 587.88 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.02% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.84% from other races, and 1.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.84% of the population.

There were 127 households, out of which 25.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.50% were married couples living together, 7.87% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.76% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.32% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.02 and the average family size was 2.50.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.2% under the age of 18, 13.2% from 18 to 24, 38.8% from 25 to 44, 11.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 69.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 71.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,703, and the median income for a family was $77,857. Males had a median income of $41,250 versus $42,917 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,727. About 10.0% of families and 28.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 41.3% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Kempton, Illinois


text:
Melvin, Illinois

Melvin is a village in Ford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 416 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Melvin has a total area of 0.35 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 416 people, 158 households, and 104 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,202.31 PD/sqmi. There were 201 housing units at an average density of 580.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.90% White, 0.00% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.96% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.20% from other races, and 7.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.77% of the population.

There were 158 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.14% were married couples living together, 15.19% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.18% were non-families. 29.75% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.92% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.98 and the average family size was 2.51.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 24% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $46,071, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $39,500 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $28,528. About 23.1% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.9% of those under age 18 and 1.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Leslie Cornelius Arends, U.S. congressman
 * Horatio N. Boshell, physician and Illinois state representative
 * Josephine Perry, Illinois state representative
 * Lorinda Perry, economist, professor, lawyer

title: Melvin, Illinois


text:
Paxton, Illinois

Paxton is a city in and the county seat of Ford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 4,450 at the 2020 census.

History
The town was initially named Prairie City in the late 1840s, then Prospect City by an Illinois Central Railroad official in 1855. However, as Wilbur W. Sauer says that residents noted the town was "all prospect and no city." In 1859, it was renamed for Sir Joseph Paxton, architect of the Crystal Palace, who was a major shareholder in the Illinois Central Railroad, which in 1856 was the longest span of railroad in the world (Chicago to Cairo). It was rumored that Paxton was interested in organizing an English settlement in Illinois. The colony never materialized, but the town kept the name. Founded in 1859, Paxton celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2009.

Augustana College was located in Paxton from 1863 to 1875, aided by a community effort led by recent Swedish immigrants to fund educational and cultural opportunities for citizens.

An early public high school was established in 1872; it served the surrounding area for the next several decades, culminating in the formation of a community high school district in May 1920. The local school's mascot was the Paxton Mustangs until consolidation with the Buckley-Loda Rockets district in 1990 formed the current Paxton-Buckley-Loda School District, known as the PBL Panthers. The school is a member of the IESA and IHSA for interscholastic sports and activities.

The Ford County Courthouse in Paxton was built in 1906, and boasts many murals painted by the Works Progress Administration during the 1930s.

On June 22, 1919, former President William Howard Taft visited Paxton while on his way to Champaign. After disembarking from a long train ride, Taft delivered a speech in the Pells Park Pavilion in favor of U.S. entry into the newly formed League of Nations. Taft's appearance is a testament to the Paxton Chautauqua, which was held in Pells Park from 1905 to 1930, attracting musicians, speakers and entertainment from all over the United States. Taft is one of four U.S. Presidents to visit Ford County, joining William McKinley (Gibson City in 1897), Richard Nixon (Melvin as vice president in 1957), and Gerald Ford (Melvin in 1974).

From 1865 to 2007, the Paxton Daily Record was published in Paxton, making the paper one of the longest-running daily newspapers of its size in the state of Illinois. Today, the Ford County Chronicle, a digital publication managed by the former paper's staff, continues to publish local news, sports and other event information.

Due to Paxton having the highest elevation points in the area, the Illinois Central Railroad dug out ground so that the railroad could move at the same elevation, but underneath the city of Paxton. When the railroad was cut (around the 1920s), several bridges were built across the railroad to connect the east and west sides of Paxton. Presently, there are three vehicular bridges, which are located at Holmes Street, Pells Street and Patton Street, and a pedestrian bridge at Orleans Street.

The town also hosts the Historic Brick Water Tower & Ford County Historical Society Museum, which opened on July 4, 2007. The 80 ft tall brick water tower was built in 1887 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Paxton Foundation, a local historical preservation group, is currently restoring the Old Ford County Jail and Sheriff's Residence, built in 1871. Located on West State Street adjacent to the Courthouse, it will be turned into a museum. Another local building on the National Register of Historic Places is the Paxton Carnegie Library, which was built in 1903.

The community has many homes built in the late 19th century, some of which are now part of an historic homes walking tour. Many of the home owners have won awards from various preservation and restoration societies for their efforts in maintaining the architectural heritage of these important landmarks. The Paxton Area Chamber of Commerce and PRIDE in Paxton, a member of the Illinois Main Street Program, currently promote local businesses and events in the historic downtown district.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Paxton has a total area of 3.04 sqmi, of which 3.04 sqmi (or 99.77%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.23%) is water.

Paxton is directly served by three major highways (I-57, U.S. Route 45, and Illinois Route 9), the Illinois Central Railroad, and a municipal airport with a 3500 ft landing strip.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 4,450 people, 1,663 households, and 1,075 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,462.37 PD/sqmi. There were 1,999 housing units at an average density of 656.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.16% White, 0.83% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.75% from other races, and 6.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.08% of the population.

There were 1,663 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.07% were married couples living together, 13.41% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.36% were non-families. 33.61% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.89% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 2.34.

The city's age distribution consisted of 26.1% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,716, and the median income for a family was $71,359. Males had a median income of $47,169 versus $28,233 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,734. About 8.4% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.5% of those under age 18 and 1.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Charles Bogardus (1841–1929), lived in Paxton; Illinois state legislator. businessman, and farmer
 * Curtiss LaQ Day (1895–1972), born and raised in Paxton; an early pioneer of aviation.
 * Antoinette Downing (1904–2001), historical preservationist born in Paxton
 * Gustaf Johnson (1872–1944), three time mayor of Paxton and member of the Illinois House of Representatives from 1920 to 1936
 * Pete Larson, running back for the Washington Redskins; grew up in Paxton.
 * Lena Morrow Lewis (1868–1950), political activist, orator, and journalist, graduated from high school in Paxton.
 * Mush March (1908–2002), player for 1934 and 1938 Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, lived and died in Paxton.
 * Tom Meents (born 1967), champion monster truck driver; lives in Paxton.
 * Sid Mercer (1880–1945), sportswriter who covered mostly boxing and baseball in St. Louis and in New York City.
 * Gina Miles (born 2003), winner of season 23 of The Voice.
 * George E. Morrow (1840–1900), agronomist after whom the Morrow Plots at the University of Illinois are named.
 * William H. Plackett (1937–2016), born and raised in Paxton; the sixth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.

title: Paxton, Illinois


text:
Piper City, Illinois

Piper City is a village in Ford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 745 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Piper City has a total area of 0.56 sqmi, all land.

History
Piper City was laid out in 1867 by Samuel Cross of New York and William A. Piper (March 5, 1820 – July 6, 1896) of Philadelphia. The original plat was named Brenton. It was a station on the Toledo Peoria and Western Railroad, which had been completed ten years earlier. The present name of the town, which was adapted soon after the town was founded, comes from Piper who had extensive land holdings in the area. Cross lived briefly in the township, but little is known of his life. An earlier railroad siding and grain station known as Brenton had been established two miles to the east of the eventual location of the town. The new station was therefore briefly known as New Brenton. The Original Town lay on both sides of the railroad and the streets were aligned with the railroad, which was angled slightly away from true north–south. John Allen and W. C. Jones opened the first store in Piper City the summer of 1867. A second store called Piper, Montelius and Company was operated by J.A. Montelius, Piper's nephew, but it is unclear if Piper was actually a resident in the new town. The first Post Office was in the home of John R. Lewis, who had been a land agent for the Illinois Central Railroad. A Presbyterian Church was established in 1869, a Catholic church in 1880 and a Methodist church in 1881. In 1870, Montelius established a bank and was, for many years, the leading citizen of Piper City. In 1887, B.W. Kensey began the Piper City Journal. In 1924, when the people of Piper City learned that a new highway, soon to be known as U.S. 24, would pass a quarter mile south of the town, a delegation was sent to the governor to protest. They were unsuccessful. The town has been an important grain shipping point for the rich agricultural land of the pan handle of Ford County.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 745 people, 398 households, and 253 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,342.34 PD/sqmi. There were 357 housing units at an average density of 643.24 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 86.17% White, 0.13% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 5.23% from other races, and 7.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.80% of the population.

There were 398 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.66% were married couples living together, 22.86% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.43% were non-families. 31.66% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.06% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.03.

The village's age distribution consisted of 17.8% under the age of 18, 13.3% from 18 to 24, 18.9% from 25 to 44, 33.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,310, and the median income for a family was $40,987. Males had a median income of $42,000 versus $25,341 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,757. About 20.6% of families and 19.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.8% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Elmer Koestner, pitcher for the Cleveland Naps, Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds; born in Piper City

title: Piper City, Illinois


text:
Roberts, Illinois

Roberts is a village in Ford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 345 at the 2020 census.

History
Roberts was named for the first permanent settlers in the area, Jesse and Livingston Roberts.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Roberts has a total area of 0.48 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 345 people, 189 households, and 121 families residing in the village. The population density was 717.26 PD/sqmi. There were 182 housing units at an average density of 378.38 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.57% White, 0.58% African American, 0.58% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.90% from other races, and 6.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.25% of the population.

There were 189 households, out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.39% were married couples living together, 13.76% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.98% were non-families. 31.75% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.05% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.07 and the average family size was 2.49.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.7% under the age of 18, 11.3% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 32% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,250, and the median income for a family was $45,625. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,989. About 28.1% of families and 33.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.5% of those under age 18 and 25.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Roberts, Illinois


text:
Sibley, Illinois

Sibley is a village in Ford County, Illinois, United States. The population was 288 at the 2020 census.

History
The site of Sibley was laid out for Michael L. Sullivant, the namesake of Sullivant Township, in 1877. Sullivant sold the land to Hiram Sibley in 1878. The post office was established in 1873 under the name Burr Oaks, but was renamed Sibley in 1880.

Sibley was once cited on Ripley's Believe It or Not! as the home of the largest corn crib in the World with a capacity of 125,000 bushels. However, it was demolished in 1965.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Sibley has a total area of 0.49 sqmi, of which 0.48 sqmi (or 97.37%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 2.63%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 288 people, 111 households, and 58 families residing in the village. The population density was 583.00 PD/sqmi. There were 149 housing units at an average density of 301.62 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.24% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 2.43% from other races, and 8.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 111 households, out of which 19.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.95% were married couples living together, 5.41% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.75% were non-families. 41.44% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.82% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 2.01.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.8% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 14.8% from 25 to 44, 35% from 45 to 64, and 25.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 51.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 72.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $49,375, and the median income for a family was $70,500. Males had a median income of $49,250 versus $31,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $27,225. About 8.6% of families and 14.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.5% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Sibley, Illinois