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Iroquois, Illinois

Iroquois is a village in Concord Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States, along the Iroquois River. As of the 2010 census the population was 154, down from 207 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Iroquois is located in eastern Iroquois County at 40°49'40" North, 87°35'1" West (40.827880, -87.583591). It sits on the north side of the Iroquois River, a west-flowing tributary of the Kankakee River and part of the Illinois River watershed.

U.S. Route 52 passes through the village, leading south 4 mi to Sheldon and northwest the same distance to Donovan. The Indiana border is 3 mi to the east via County Highway 31.

According to the 2010 census, Iroquois has a total area of 0.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
In the census of 2000, there were 207 people, 84 households, and 65 families in the village. The population density was 346.1 PD/sqmi. There were 94 housing units at an average density of 157.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup was 98.55% White, 0% African American, 0% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. 0% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 84 households, out of which 32.1% had children under18 living with them, 65.5% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 21.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size 2.83.

In the village, the population was 24.2% under 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 25.6% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 or older. The median age was 40. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 101.3 males.

The median income for a household was $35,781, and the median income for a family $40,250. Males had a median income of $31,875 versus $23,438 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,624. 1.6% of the population and 0.0% of families were below the poverty line. 0% of those under 18 and 3.4% of those 65 and older were below the poverty line.

title: Iroquois, Illinois


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Loda, Illinois

Loda is a village in Loda Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census its population was 407.

History
A post office called Loda has been in operation since 1880. The village derives its name from "Cath-Loda", a poem by Ossian.

Geography
Loda is located in southwestern Iroquois County at 40.51639°N, -88.07389°W (40.516400, -88.073975). U.S. Route 45 passes through the center of the village, leading north 6 mi to Buckley and south 4 mi to Paxton. Interstate 57 passes through the west side of Loda, but with no direct access.

According to the 2010 census, the village has a total area of 1.46 sqmi, of which 1.45 sqmi (or 99.32%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.68%) is water.

Bayles Lake is a freshwater reservoir located just west of Loda. The lake is an impoundment of Spring Creek, a north-flowing tributary of the Iroquois River, part of the Kankakee River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 419 people, 166 households, and 111 families residing in the village. The population density was 289.4 PD/sqmi. There were 183 housing units at an average density of 126.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.03% White, 2.63% African American, 2.15% from other races, and 1.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.49% of the population.

There were 166 households, out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,625, and the median income for a family was $42,708. Males had a median income of $32,750 versus $19,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,877. About 8.5% of families and 16.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.8% of those under age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people
Notable people associated with the village include:

 * Irene L. Beland, nursing educator
 * Robert D. Foster, physician and early member of the Latter Day Saint movement
 * Hugh Doak Rankin, artist

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

title: Loda, Illinois


text:
Martinton, Illinois

Martinton is a village in Martinton Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 381 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Martinton is located in northeastern Iroquois County at 40.91528°N, -87.72639°W (40.915315, -87.726289). Illinois Route 1 follows the western border of the village, leading north 8 mi to St. Anne and south 10 mi to Watseka, the Iroquois County seat.

According to the 2010 census, Martinton has a total area of 0.28 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 375 people, 135 households, and 102 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,492.8 PD/sqmi. There were 141 housing units at an average density of 561.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.33% White, 1.60% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.27% from other races, and 0.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.80% of the population.

There were 135 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.4% were non-families. 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% 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 3.21.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 32.0% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,583, and the median income for a family was $51,042. Males had a median income of $29,821 versus $23,214 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,208. About 4.6% of families and 4.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Martinton, Illinois


text:
Milford, Illinois

Milford is a village in Milford Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,306 at the 2010 census. The village's name comes from its location, where the Old Hubbard Trail forded Sugar Creek and where a gristmill stood in 1836 ("the mill at the ford").

Geography
Milford is located in southeastern Iroquois County along Illinois Route 1, which leads north 12 mi to Watseka, the county seat, and south the same distance to Hoopeston in Vermilion County. The Indiana border is 9 mi east of Milford via county roads.

According to the 2010 census, Milford has a total area of 0.64 sqmi, all land. Sugar Creek flows westward along the southern edge of the village, before turning north to flow to the Iroquois River near Watseka. It is part of the Kankakee River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,369 people, 616 households, and 391 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,166.8 PD/sqmi. There were 666 housing units at an average density of 1,054.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.20% White, 0.44% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.90% of the population.

There were 616 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.4% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,109, and the median income for a family was $40,750. Males had a median income of $29,583 versus $19,453 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,078. About 4.1% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over.

High school athletics
Milford High School, which also brings in students from nearby communities of Stockland, Wellington and Sheldon, fields varsity level teams in; golf, baseball, softball, football, volleyball, cheer leading, and basketball. Teams play under the nickname "Bearcats" (boys) and "Lady Cats" (girls).

Football cooperative agreements: In the spring of 2009 it was announced that Cissna Park and Milford would form a high school football cooperative to become more competitive. Previously, the football program had co-oped with Sheldon (from 1993 through Sheldon's becoming part of the Milford school district) and Donovan (in 1997 and 1998).

Gymnasium:  The school was also one of few nationally to feature a carpeted gym floor used for varsity level basketball and volleyball. The carpet was removed in the summer of 1997 and replaced by a plastic surface manufactured by Sport Court.

Night Football: The Bearcat football team took part in the first night football game in America. The contest took place on September 21, 1928, in Westville IL. Westville won the game 26-6. This is recognized by the Illinois High School Association as the first "modern" football game played under lights.

Notable people

 * Joseph R. Callahan, Illinois state representative, farmer, and businessman; born on a farm near Milford
 * Ray A. Laird, president of Laredo Community College in Laredo, Texas, 1960 to 1974; born in Milford in 1907
 * Eula Davis McEwan, geologist and paleontologist born in Milford, taught at the University of Nebraska
 * Claude Rothgeb, outfielder for the Washington Senators, college football, basketball, and baseball coach; born in Milford
 * Jessie Sumner, Iroquois county judge, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois' 18th district through the 76th to 78th US congress

title: Milford, Illinois


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Onarga, Illinois

Onarga is a village in Onarga Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,368 at the 2010 census, down from 1,438 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Onarga is located in western Iroquois County at 40.71556°N, -88.00694°W (40.715432, -88.006928). U.S. Route 45 passes through the center of the village, leading north 4 mi to Gilman and south 8 mi to Buckley. Interstate 57 runs along the western border of the village, with access from Exit 280. I-57 leads north 31 mi to Kankakee and south 46 mi to Champaign. Chicago is 90 mi to the north via I-57.

According to the 2010 census, Onarga has a total area of 1.33 sqmi, all land.

Climate
Onarga has a continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Onarga experiences cold winters, with frequent snowfall and temperatures that sometimes plunge to as low as -10 °F to -20 °F. Average late-December to late-February high temperatures average in the mid to upper 30s. Springs are generally mild, and often rainy, windy, and cloudy with high temperatures averaging in the 50s (late-March) to 80s (early-June). Summers are hot and humid, generally with brief periods of intense thunderstorms and rainfall. Average summer high temperatures are in the mid to upper 80s, with highs in the lower 90s also common. Falls are crisp and drier with first killing frosts generally arriving in mid to late-October. Onarga's typical summer weather is highly conducive to growing corn and soybeans, which dominate the rural landscape. On average, 40.44 inches of precipitation per year fall at Onarga.

History
Onarga was originally laid out in the mid-19th century alongside the development of the railroad from Chicago. Because of its close proximity to Spring Creek, Onarga was one of the first settled areas of Iroquois County. The town grew rapidly had population growth but it leveled off and it now maintains small population.

Onarga has tree and shrub nurseries that have been in business for over 100 years, earning Onarga the nickname, "The Nursery Capital of the Midwest." Many fields surrounding the town bear rows of trees and bushes rather than corn and soybeans, which are otherwise ubiquitous throughout the region. The prosperous nursery businesses have led to a great amount of ethnic diversity in Onarga, as many Mexican and Mexican-American migrant workers have chosen to maintain roots in the community.

Onarga celebrated its sesquicentennial with a nearly week-long festival in the summer of 2004, which included social events and a strong focus on the history of the community.

Onarga is the final resting place of Civil War spy and Pinkerton detective Timothy Webster. Onarga was also the location of Allan Pinkerton's weekend estate, The Larches.

Business
Onarga has a golf course, several restaurants, and Lake Arrowhead. The only movie theater in Iroquois County is in Onarga.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,438 people, 475 households, and 342 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,097.9 PD/sqmi. There were 525 housing units at an average density of 400.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 71.21% White, 2.23% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 24.41% from other races, and 1.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 35.26% of the population.

There were 475 households, out of which 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.2% 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 3.42.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 33.1% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,852, and the median income for a family was $46,016. Males had a median income of $31,146 versus $19,732 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,623. About 8.0% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.1% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Onarga, Illinois


text:
Papineau, Illinois

Papineau is a village in Papineau Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 171 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Papineau is located in northeastern Iroquois County at 40.96774°N, -87.71598°W. It is 15 mi north of Watseka, the county seat, and 16 mi southeast of Kankakee.

According to the 2010 census, Papineau has a total area of 0.23 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 196 people, 60 households, and 51 families residing in the village. The population density was 867.7 PD/sqmi. There were 66 housing units at an average density of 292.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.92% White, 3.06% African American, 0.51% Native American, and 0.51% from two or more races.

There were 60 households, out of which 50.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.0% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.0% were non-families. 13.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.27 and the average family size was 3.53.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 38.3% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,750, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $28,500 versus $20,313 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,730. None of the families and 1.6% of the population were living below the poverty line.

title: Papineau, Illinois


text:
Sheldon, Illinois

Sheldon is a village in Sheldon Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,070 at the 2010 census, down from 1,232 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Sheldon is located in eastern Iroquois County at 40.77089°N, -87.5648°W. U.S. Route 24 runs along the northern edge of the village, leading west 9 mi to Watseka, the Iroquois county seat, and east 6 mi to Kentland, Indiana. U.S. Route 52 intersects US 24 along Sheldon's northern border, leading north 3.5 mi to Iroquois and east with US 24 into Indiana.

According to the 2010 census, Sheldon has a total area of 0.75 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 1,232 people, 464 households and 333 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,635.3 PD/sqmi. There were 489 housing units at an average density of 649.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.05% White, 0.41% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.16% from other races, and 0.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population.

There were 464 households, of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 2.98.

27.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median household income was $35,463 and the median family income was $38,750. Males had a median income of $29,167 compared with $18,839 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,627. About 8.0% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.9% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Sheldon, Illinois


text:
Thawville, Illinois

Thawville is a village in Ridgeland Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 241 at the 2010 census. The town is 100 miles south of Chicago.

Thawville is named after Pittsburgh railroad magnate William Thaw Sr., who visited the town only once.

Geography
Thawville is located in western Iroquois County at 40.67389°N, -88.11333°W (40.673903, -88.113296). Illinois Route 54 passes through the southeast side of the village, leading northeast 6 mi to Onarga and southwest the same distance to Roberts.

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

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 258 people, 102 households, and 74 families residing in the village. The population density was 797.4 PD/sqmi. There were 111 housing units at an average density of 343.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.12% White, 0.39% Asian, 3.10% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.04% of the population.

There were 102 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.8% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $39,659, and the median income for a family was $43,906. Males had a median income of $26,667 versus $17,222 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,149. About 4.2% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 11.4% of those 65 or over.

title: Thawville, Illinois


text:
Watseka, Illinois

Watseka is a city in and the county seat of Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. It is located approximately 15 mi west of the Illinois-Indiana state line on U.S. Route 24.

The population of Watseka was 5,255 according to the 2010 census, which was a 7.3 percent decrease from the 2000 census.

History
Incorporated in 1865, the name "Watseka" derives from the Potawatomi name "Watch-e-kee", "Daughter of the Evening Star", the wife of early eastern Illinois settler Gurdon Saltonstall Hubbard.

The Old Iroquois County Courthouse was constructed in 1866, with two additions built in 1881 and 1927. In the early 1960s, an Iroquois County resident, Mrs. Katherine Clifton, bequeathed to the county in her will a large sum of money and a site upon which to build a new courthouse. It is the only courthouse in the United States built entirely with private funds.

The old courthouse was advertised for sale and fell into disuse. In 1967, during the Centennial Celebration of Watseka, the Iroquois County Historical Society was organized, and circulated petitions throughout the county not to sell the Old Courthouse. The petitions were approved by the County Board of Supervisors, and the Old Courthouse re-opened as a museum that same year. In 1975, the Old Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
Watseka is located near the center of Iroquois County, at the intersection of U.S. Route 24 and Illinois Route 1. The Iroquois River winds along the north side of the town and is joined by Sugar Creek on the west side of town. The south half of the town is in Belmont Township; the north half is in Middleport Township. According to the 2010 census, Watseka has a total area of 3.05 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,670 people, 2,314 households, and 1,483 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,165.4 PD/sqmi. There were 2,463 housing units at an average density of 940.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.75% White, 0.62% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.86% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.61% of the population.

There were 2,314 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. Of all households 31.2% were made up of individuals, and 15.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 21.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,440, and the median income for a family was $40,000. Males had a median income of $30,516 versus $19,680 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,638. About 12.7% of families and 15.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.1% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Fern Andra (1893–1974; birth name Vernal Andrews), circus performer, actress, early film director
 * Henry Bacon (1866–1924), architect of Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and other notable public buildings
 * Fred Bechly (1924–2004), electrical engineer and inventor in the field of color television broadcasting
 * Edward Bechly (1874–1945), editor, publisher, and proprietor of Iroquois County Times-Democrat
 * Craig Calhoun (1952–), economist and educator, Director of London School of Economics and Political Science (2012–2016); President of  Berggruen Institute (2016–)
 * Sam Campbell (1895–1962), popular author and nature enthusiast
 * P.C. Cast, young adult author (House of Night series)
 * Frank M. Crangle (1861–1934), Illinois state representative and lawyer
 * Rex Everhart (1920–2000), musical theatre and voice actor (Beauty and The Beast)
 * Mike L. Fry, original Happy the Hobo on the nationally syndicated children's television series Happy's Place
 * A.E. Henning, City Council member of Los Angeles (1929–1933)
 * Curtis Painter (born 1985), NFL quarterback 2009–2014; played collegiate football at Purdue University; formerly a starter for Indianapolis Colts
 * Harold Reetz (born 1948), agronomist and former President of the Foundation for Agronomic Research.
 * Sam Rice, Hall of Fame baseball outfielder, 1924 World Series champion
 * Vaughn R. Walker (born 1944), chief judge of United States District Court for the Northern District of California, noted for presiding over Perry v. Schwarzenegger
 * Mary Margaret Whipple (born 1940), former Virginia state senator
 * Gordie Windhorn (born 1933), former Major League Baseball player

title: Watseka, Illinois


text:
Wellington, Illinois

Wellington is a village in Lovejoy Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 242 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Wellington is located in southeastern Iroquois County at 40.54139°N, -87.68083°W (40.541261, -87.680772). Illinois Route 1 passes less than a mile west of the village, leading north 18 mi to Watseka, the county seat, and south 5 mi to Hoopeston.

According to the 2010 census, Wellington has a total area of 0.28 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 264 people, 111 households, and 82 families residing in the village. The population density was 954.0 PD/sqmi. There were 118 housing units at an average density of 426.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.62% White and 0.38% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.89% of the population.

There were 111 households, out of which 25.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.2% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.1% were non-families. 22.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.72.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.2% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 27.7% from 25 to 44, 32.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,083, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $30,250 versus $21,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,324. About 2.5% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.6% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

title: Wellington, Illinois


text:
Woodland, Illinois

Woodland is a village in Belmont Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 324 as of the 2010 census.

Geography
Woodland is located in east-central Iroquois County at 40.71389°N, -87.73056°W (40.713892, -87.730535). It is 5 mi south of Watseka, the county seat.

According to the 2010 census, Woodland has a total area of 0.46 sqmi, all land. Sugar Creek, a tributary of the Iroquois River, flows northward past the west side of the village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 319 people, 124 households, and 91 families residing in the village. The population density was 709.7 PD/sqmi. There were 135 housing units at an average density of 300.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.36% White, 2.51% African American, 1.88% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.39% of the population.

There were 124 households, out of which 37.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 12.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.7% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,115, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $16,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,707. About 17.0% of families and 21.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.0% of those under age 18 and 23.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Woodland, Illinois


text:
Ava, Illinois

Ava is a city in northwest Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 654 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Ava is located in northwestern Jackson County at 37.88944°N, -89.49639°W (37.889346, -89.496355). Illinois Route 4 passes through the town as Knauer Street, leading northwest 15 mi to Steeleville and east 10 mi to its end at Illinois Route 13. Murphysboro, the county seat, is 14 mi southeast of Ava.

According to the 2010 census, Ava has a total area of 1.069 sqmi, of which 1.06 sqmi (or 99.16%) is land and 0.009 sqmi (or 0.84%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 662 people, 282 households, and 192 families residing in the city. The population density was 622.0 PD/sqmi. There were 319 housing units at an average density of 299.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.94% White, 0.30% Native American, 0.15% from other races, and 0.60% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.76% of the population.

There were 282 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.35 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $24,750, and the median income for a family was $36,364. Males had a median income of $32,344 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,324. About 12.6% of families and 14.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 14.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Andy High, third baseman for the Brooklyn Robins, St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, brother of Charlie
 * Charlie High, outfielder for the Philadelphia Athletics, brother of Andy
 * Gale R. Williams, Illinois state representative

title: Ava, Illinois


text:
Campbell Hill, Illinois

Campbell Hill is a village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 309 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Campbell Hill is located in northwestern Jackson County at 37.92889°N, -89.55028°W (37.928964, -89.550350). Illinois Route 4 runs through the northeast side of the village, leading northwest 4.5 mi to Willisville and southeast 4 mi to Ava. Murphysboro, the Jackson county seat, is 19 mi southeast of Campbell Hill.

According to the 2010 census, Campbell Hill has a total area of 0.421 sqmi, of which 0.42 sqmi (or 99.76%) is land and 0.001 sqmi (or 0.24%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 333 people, 144 households, and 95 families residing in the village. The population density was 815.3 PD/sqmi. There were 147 housing units at an average density of 359.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.40% White, 0.30% Native American, 0.30% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.30% of the population.

There were 144 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.1% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 29.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.7% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $33,929, and the median income for a family was $48,750. Males had a median income of $37,083 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,009. None of the families and 5.5% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 20.0% of those over 64.

Notable people

 * Bucky Bockhorn, professional basketball player (Cincinnati Royals, currently Sacramento Kings - 1958-65)
 * Dean Ehlers, college basketball coach

title: Campbell Hill, Illinois


text:
De Soto, Illinois

De Soto is a village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,590 at the 2010 census, down from 1,653 at the 2000 census. It is named for Hernando de Soto, the discoverer of the Mississippi River.

Geography
De Soto is located in northeastern Jackson County at 37.81566°N, -89.22818°W. U.S. Route 51 passes through the center of the village, leading north 13 mi to Du Quoin and south 6 mi to Carbondale. Illinois Route 149 crosses US-51 in the village center, leading southwest 7 mi to Murphysboro, the Jackson county seat, and east 5 mi to Hurst.

According to the 2010 census, De Soto has a total area of 0.922 sqmi, of which 0.91 sqmi (or 98.7%) is land and 0.012 sqmi (or 1.3%) is water. The Big Muddy River, a tributary of the Mississippi River, flows to the east and south of the village limits.

History
De Soto was laid out in 1854 when the railroad was extended to that point. The village's name honors Hernando de Soto (c. 1496/1497–1542), a Spanish conquistador who explored the region in 1541-2. A post office has been in operation at De Soto since 1855.

De Soto was largely destroyed by the Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925. Sixty-nine people died in De Soto when approximately 30% of the town was destroyed, and of this total 33 were children at a local school that collapsed from the winds. The tornado affected Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana, killing 695 and injuring over 2,000.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,653 people, 673 households, and 444 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,752.4 PD/sqmi. There were 726 housing units at an average density of 769.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.58% White, 0.73% African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.57% of the population.

There were 673 households, out of which 33.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 33.3% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $31,563, and the median income for a family was $34,929. Males had a median income of $30,400 versus $22,632 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,526. About 10.1% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.7% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: De Soto, Illinois


text:
Dowell, Illinois

Dowell is a village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was estimated to be 385 at the 2020 census, down from 408 at the 2010 census.

History
Dowell was founded as a coal town and named by Du Quoin attorney George Dowell and William Lafont. They requested bids for property development as early as 1917. In 1922, the town's population was over 2,000.

In February 1920, the Dowell State Bank was opened in the town. Town founders George Dowell and William Lafont were among the first directors of the bank. It was the scene of a bank robbery on September 30, 1924. The bank closed in 1932 following embezzlement charges against its president, William Lafont.

In late 1920, construction began on a railroad depot serving the Illinois Central Railroad.

Coal mining brought many eastern European immigrants to the village, including Rusyns. At one time there was a Russian Orthodox church which is now closed. The area is still served by a church in nearby Royalton.

Kathleen Coal Mine
The town has supported miners from local coal mines. The Kathleen Coal Mine was located northeast of the village. It was opened and operated by the Union Colliery Company. It was the scene of a disaster in 1921 and again in 1936. In early 1937, it was the largest producing mine in Jackson county, producing over 5,000 tons of coal per day and employing over 500 men.

The mine was closed in November 1946 after the coal vein was no longer accessible. On the site as of December 2021 is Cobin's Salvage Yard. There are few remaining signs of the mine that once built the village of Dowell. A small concrete structure, the mine tipple, is the only structure that remains from the mine.

A second mine, known as the "New Kathleen", was opened in January 1946. This second mine closed by 1958., Land scars are still visible from this mine.

Baseball Team
The town hosted a baseball team that consisted of players who worked in the Kathleen Mine. The team was named the Dowell Kathleens. They occasionally played against the St. Louis Browns, a professional team, as well as the Belleville Stags, a minor league team.

Dowell today
With the departure of the Kathleen Mine, Dowell has become a quiet residential community. The mine has been suspected of causing sinkholes in the village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 441 people, 199 households, and 125 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,188.0 PD/sqmi. There were 217 housing units at an average density of 584.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.41% White, 0.23% African American, 0.91% Native American, and 0.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.45% of the population.

There were 199 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 12.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.7% were non-families. 29.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.5% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $24,750, and the median income for a family was $28,958. Males had a median income of $24,821 versus $16,719 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,464. About 10.3% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.7% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.

Geography
Dowell is located in northeastern Jackson County at 37.93944°N, -89.23944°W (37.939545, -89.239553). U.S. Route 51 passes through the eastern side of the village, leading south 9 mi to De Soto and north 5 mi to Du Quoin.

According to the 2010 census, Dowell has a total area of 0.391 sqmi, of which 0.39 sqmi (or 99.74%) is land and 0.001 sqmi (or 0.26%) is water.

Notable person

 * Rudolph Wanderone Jr. (a.k.a. Minnesota Fats), noted billiards player,

title: Dowell, Illinois


text:
Elkville, Illinois

Elkville is a village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 928 at the 2010 census, down from 1,001 at the 2000 census. As of 2018 the estimated population was 871.

History
The village was named for the elk which frequented mineral licks near the original town site. Harmon P. Burroughs (1846–1907), farmer and Illinois state representative, lived in Elkville.

Geography
Elkville is located in northeastern Jackson County at 37.91083°N, -89.23528°W (37.910851, −89.235198). U.S. Route 51 runs through the center of the village, leading north 7 mi to Du Quoin and south the same distance to De Soto. Carbondale is 13 mi south of Elkville via US-51.

According to the 2010 census, Elkville has a total area of 0.765 sqmi, of which 0.76 sqmi (or 99.35%) is land and 0.005 sqmi (or 0.65%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 1,001 people, 400 households, and 289 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,305.6 PD/sqmi. There were 455 housing units at an average density of 593.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.00% White, 2.90% African American, 0.80% Native American, 0.20% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.90% of the population.

There were 400 households, out of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.0% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,969, and the median income for a family was $30,417. Males had a median income of $25,833 versus $17,727 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,475. About 17.3% of families and 21.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.0% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education

 * Elverado CUSD No. 196

title: Elkville, Illinois


text:
Gorham, Illinois

Gorham is a village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 236 at the 2010 census. It is known locally for its near-annihilation during the deadly Tri-State Tornado of 1925.

Geography
Gorham is located at 37.71694°N, -89.48583°W (37.716897, -89.485804).

According to the 2010 census, Gorham has a total area of 1.231 sqmi, of which 1.22 sqmi (or 99.11%) is land and 0.011 sqmi (or 0.89%) is water.

Gorham is located in the middle of the Mississippi River floodplain, which is among the most fertile farming regions in the Midwestern United States. The village is at a particularly low elevated region of the floodplain known as the "Bottoms". This makes it more susceptible to flooding, as it was threatened in the infamous Great Flood of 1993 and the New Year's Day Flood of 2016.

In 1925, the powerful Tri-State Tornado struck the town at 2:26pm. Out of the 80 houses in the town, 60 were destroyed and the other 20 were damaged. The train depot and all the store fronts were also destroyed, as well as the top two floors of the school leaving only the first. 34 people were killed in the tornado.

Less than one mile south of Gorham is a large hill named Fountain Bluff. Though the bluff is not exceptionally well-known, its rock faces do attract occasional rock-climbers. Etched into cliffs on the north side of this landform are several Native American petroglyphs.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 256 people, 101 households, and 69 families residing in the village. The population density was 210.2 PD/sqmi. There were 116 housing units at an average density of 95.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.44% White and 1.56% Native American.

There were 101 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 28.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.3% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $22,750, and the median income for a family was $30,000. Males had a median income of $33,333 versus $15,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,739. About 19.1% of families and 26.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.0% of those under the age of eighteen and 15.0% of those 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Joe Grace (1914–1969), professional baseball outfielder for the St. Louis Browns and Washington Senators

title: Gorham, Illinois


text:
Grand Tower, Illinois

Grand Tower is a city in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 605 at the 2010 census. The town gets its name from Tower Rock, a landmark island in the Mississippi River.

History
Former names of this town include La Tour ("The Tower"), Jenkins Landing, Cochran's Woodyard Landing, and Evans' Landing.

The earliest inhabitants were a band of river pirates, who settled here after being driven off Spanish soil west of the Mississippi River, near the pirate ambush spot of Tower Rock. This outlaw settlement was destroyed by the United States Army dragoons in 1803. A subsequent settler was a man named Walker, who is the namesake of Walker Hill.

Severe flooding struck the town in 1947.

Geography
Grand Tower is located in southwestern Jackson County at 37.6325°N, -89.50194°W (37.632599, -89.501944). The city is bordered to the west by the Mississippi River, which forms the Missouri–Illinois boundary. The northern edge of the city borders Shawnee National Forest.

Illinois Route 3 runs through an eastern extension of the city limits, leading north (upriver) 32 mi to Chester, where the Chester Bridge crosses the Mississippi, and south 25 mi to Illinois Route 146, which crosses the Mississippi to Cape Girardeau, Missouri. There are no other road bridges over the Mississippi closer to Grand Tower.

According to the 2010 census, Grand Tower has a total area of 1.253 sqmi, of which 1.25 sqmi (or 99.76%) is land and 0.003 sqmi (or 0.24%) is water.

Immediately to the south of the city is a small portion of Perry County, Missouri, which is known as "Grand Tower Island". The island's sole road connection terminates in Grand Tower. The Grand Tower Pipeline Bridge connects a natural gas pipeline across the Mississippi River between Wittenberg, Missouri and Grand Tower.

Economy
The Grand Tower Energy Center is a 478 megawatt combined cycle gas-fired facility which produces power for the region. It is owned by Ameren Energy Generating Company, or Genco.

Community

Shawnee Elementary School, North - Once a public school, now (since 2015) a private residence.

A local post office with zip code 62942 provides mail service. Four churches, the First United Presbyterian Church, the Grand Tower United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, and Light House Christian Assembly Church offer religious services. A work of levees protects the community from flooding when the Mississippi River water levels rise. The Devil's Backbone Park, named after a limestone ridge which created a natural bottleneck in the Mississippi River, provided easy opportunity for river pirates to attack keelboats and barges. This park provides RV camping, playgrounds, picnic facilities, and a shower house.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 624 people, 268 households, and 169 families residing in the city. The population density was 496.0 PD/sqmi. There were 309 housing units at an average density of 245.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.24% White, 0.16% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.64% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.96% of the population.

There were 268 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.9% were non-families. 33.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,135, and the median income for a family was $40,000. Males had a median income of $34,375 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,525. About 11.3% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.4% of those under age 18 and 16.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Christine Brewer, opera singer
 * Ike Morgan, illustrator

Popular culture

 * The novel The River Between Us, written by Richard Peck, was set in Grand Tower.

title: Grand Tower, Illinois


text:
Makanda, Illinois

Makanda is a village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 547, down from 561 in 2010. In the early 20th Century it used the slogan "Star of Egypt."

Makanda is part of the Carbondale, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The village was named after Makanda, a local Native American chieftain.

After Lincoln’s inauguration, Theodore and Al Thompson flew the Union flag from a tree atop a hill between Makanda and Cobden in defiance of the Knights of the Golden Circle, a secessionist group that operated throughout the Midwest.

In 2019, citizens of Makanda rallied against the Illinois Central Railroad Company after an announcement of a tower set to be built in the downtown area and a registered flood plain.

After former U.S. Senator Paul Simon died in 2003, Makanda added a "bow tie" to the smiley face water tower to honor Simon.

Geography
Makanda is located at 37.61806°N, -89.22944°W (37.618190, -89.229545).

According to the 2010 census, Makanda has a total area of 5.341 sqmi, of which 5.29 sqmi (or 99.05%) is land and 0.051 sqmi (or 0.95%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2010 census, there were 561 people, 230 households, and 160 families residing in the village. The population density was 129.6 PD/sqmi. There were 262 housing units at an average density of 60.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 87.5% White, 3.6% African American, 6.6% Asian, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

Of the 230 households in the village, 28.7% had children under the age of 18. Of the 160 family households, 54.8% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present. 23.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% 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 2.86.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 20, 14.3% from 20 to 34, 20.9% from 35 to 49, 29.9% from 50 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.4 males.

2005-2009 American Community Survey data indicates the median income for a household in the village was $54,107, and the median income for a family was $72,222. Male full-time workers had a median income of $36,875 versus $43,594 for female full-time workers. The per capita income for the village was $31,898. 5.8% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18.

Arts and culture

 * Makanda Spring Fest, an annual two-day event featuring local artists and live music.
 * Makanda Vulture Fest, an annual two-day event held during the third weekend in October that celebrates the migration of the black vulture and turkey vulture to the region.
 * Total solar eclipses: The center lines of the paths of the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017 and the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024 crossed in Makanda. Tens of thousands of spectators were expected to flock to Makanda and surroundings to witness the 2017 eclipse.
 * Historic Boardwalk located downtown is home to local artisan retail shops

Notable people

 * Wayman Presley, Rural mail carrier and founder of the Bald Knob Cross
 * Jeanne Hurley Simon, Illinois state legislator
 * Paul Simon, U.S. Senator and 1988 Democratic presidential candidate
 * Sheila Simon, 46th Lieutenant Governor

title: Makanda, Illinois


text:
Vergennes, Illinois

Vergennes is a village in Jackson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 298 at the 2010 census, down from 491 at the 2000 census.

On February 28, 2017, a strong tornado, possibly the same as the one that struck Perryville, Missouri, narrowly missed the center of town, though no fatalities occurred.

Geography
Vergennes is located in northern Jackson County at 37.90306°N, -89.34°W (37.903152, -89.340111). Illinois Route 13 runs through the east side of the village, leading north 13 mi to Pinckneyville and south 10 mi to Murphysboro, the Jackson county seat.

According to the 2010 census, Vergennes has a total area of 0.352 sqmi, of which 0.35 sqmi (or 99.43%) is land and 0.002 sqmi (or 0.57%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 491 people, 120 households, and 93 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,357.6 PD/sqmi. There were 127 housing units at an average density of 351.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 73.32% White, 22.40% African American, 1.22% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 1.22% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.28% of the population.

There were 120 households, out of which 50.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.5% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 52.1% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 10.8% from 45 to 64, and 6.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 18 years. For every 100 females, there were 194.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,458, and the median income for a family was $39,028. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $18,333 for females. The per capita income for the village was $8,574. About 16.9% of families and 19.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.0% of those under age 18 and 31.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Vergennes, Illinois


text:
Hidalgo, Illinois

Hidalgo is a village in Jasper County, Illinois, United States. The population was 106 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Hidalgo is located in northern Jasper County. Illinois Route 130 passes through the east side of the village, leading north 7 mi to Greenup and south 12 mi to Newton, the Jasper county seat.

According to the 2010 census, Hidalgo has a total area of 0.34 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 123 people, 50 households, and 31 families residing in the village. The population density was 358.2 PD/sqmi. There were 62 housing units at an average density of 180.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 50 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 34.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.6% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 22.0% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $25,972, and the median income for a family was $26,875. Males had a median income of $25,417 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,167. 6.3% of the population was living below the poverty line. None under the age of 18 or over the age of 64 were reported below the poverty line.

title: Hidalgo, Illinois


text:
Newton, Illinois

Newton is a city in and the county seat of Jasper County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,849 at the 2010 census, down from 3,069 at the 2000 census. Newton is home to a large coal-fired power plant operated by Illinois Power Generating Co and is close to Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area and Sam Parr State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Newton is also home to the Drive 'n Theatre, formerly known as the Fairview Drive-In, which opened in 1953. It is one of ten drive-ins left standing in Illinois.

Newton has produced several notable natives. These include pro baseball pitcher Ross Wolf, Illinois state representative Norman L. Benefiel, folk singer Burl Ives, Illinois state senator Albert Isley, and Irene Hunt, who set the historical novel about the Civil War, Across Five Aprils, in and around Newton.

Geography
Newton is located at the geographic center of Jasper County on a bluff overlooking the Embarras River.

Illinois Route 33 passes through the center of Newton as Jourdan Street; it leads east 24 mi to Robinson and northwest 23 mi to Effingham. Illinois Route 130 enters Newton from the south on Van Buren Street and leaves to the east on Jourdan Street with Route 33; Route 130 leads north 19 mi to Greenup and south 20 mi to Olney.

According to the 2010 census, Newton has a total area of 1.85 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,069 people, 1,329 households, and 810 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,647.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,490 housing units at an average density of 799.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.99% White, 0.10% African American, 0.20% Asian, 0.23% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population. Among the White residents, the ancestral origin is primarily German with lesser contributions from England, France and Ireland. There were 1,329 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 35.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 21.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,280, and the median income for a family was $42,788. Males had a median income of $31,808 versus $17,877 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,363. About 8.4% of families and 11.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.7% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

History
Newton is the largest, oldest and only city (although there are several villages) in Jasper County. Because of its favorable location within the county, it was named county seat in 1835.

Jasper County was formed in 1831 and approved on December 19, 1834. The county was named after Revolutionary War hero Sergeant Jasper. He and his close friend, Sergeant Newton, were patriots that saved American prisoners of war from certain death at the hands of British soldiers. Thus, the county and town became their namesakes.

A post office was established in Newton in March 1883. The post office was not established in a building, but rather in a man's hat. A rider brought the mail from Vincennes, Indiana, made a stop in Newton once a week and then continued delivering mail on his route north of Newton.

By 1841 the town had increased to five families. Lawrence Hollenbock and Samuel Garwood built a saw- and gristmill, and Benjamin Harris opened the first grocery store in Newton. In 1855, Newton had Miller's Hotel and a small inn known as the American House that is now Yesterday's Pub and Dining.

By 1865, the population of Newton had grown to 300; a decade later the population had reached 400. In 1874 Joe Litzelman's Hack Express began traveling daily to and from Olney on what is now Route 130.

Today, Newton has a population near 3,000. The community is made up of local businesses, industry, a high school of around 500 students and several organizations and churches. Downtown Newton is thriving after the completion of new lighting and a streetscape project. There are many organizations that are keeping Newton moving forward including the Jasper County Chamber of Commerce, JEDI, 100 Women Who Care, Eagle For Life, and many more.

Education
Newton resides in the Jasper County Community Unit School District 1, which is geographically the largest school district in Illinois. The schools in the town include Newton Community High School/Jasper County Junior High, Newton Elementary and Saint Thomas Elementary School.

title: Newton, Illinois


text:
Rose Hill, Illinois

Rose Hill is a village in Jasper County, Illinois, United States. The population was 80 at the 2010 census.

History
A post office was established at Rose Hill in 1846, and remained in operation until 1967. The village's name is an alteration of "Roe's Hill".

Geography
Rose Hill is located in northern Jasper County. Illinois Route 130 forms the eastern boundary of the village; it leads north 11 mi to Greenup and south 9 mi to Newton, the Jasper county seat.

According to the 2010 census, Rose Hill has a total area of 0.63 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 79 people, 36 households, and 21 families residing in the village. The population density was 124.8 PD/sqmi. There were 50 housing units at an average density of 79.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.73% White and 1.27% Asian.

There were 36 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.4% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.9% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 17.7% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 26.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,938, and the median income for a family was $39,167. Males had a median income of $40,000 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,510. There were no families and 2.2% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Rose Hill, Illinois


text:
Ste. Marie, Illinois

Ste. Marie is a village in Jasper County, Illinois, United States, along the Embarras River. The population was 244 at the 2010 census.

Early history
In the early 1800s, some French had become greatly concerned and dismayed by the effects on the Catholic Church from the French Revolution and the attacks by unbelieving philosophers. Some families, including the Picquets, began to consider emigrating in order to establish elsewhere a new social order based on the principles of the Gospel. In 1835, 19-year-old Joseph Picquet was sent to the United States to "spy out the land" and report back to the family. Joseph landed in New York and worked for nine months in a business house in Philadelphia. In early 1836, Joseph began his exploration of the country. His travels took him to Pittsburgh; Lima, Ohio; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Indianapolis; Vincennes, Indiana; Vandalia, Illinois; and St. Louis. Instructed to stay away from large cities, he turned eastward and finally decided on the land in Eastern Illinois that is now Ste. Marie, partly because of its proximity to Vincennes, a strong French city with an availability of priests to say Mass. At that time there was not a single house between Newton and Olney. In October 1836 Joseph returned to France and gave a favorable report of the land.

On January 29, 1837, an association of five including Jacques Picquet, Joseph Picquet, Joseph Schifferstein, Charles Hoffman and Joseph Picquet was formed, with the intent of acquiring and developing land in the United States. A contract was written and signed by the members of the association. On June 20, Joseph returned to the United States with the nucleus of a colony, all related by either blood or marriage, 25 in all, on the ship Mogul. Because they were all related, the new settlement was to be named Colonie des Freres or "Colony of Brothers". On July 20, the new immigrants bought a small farm near St. Francisville where they stayed for several months. On October 1, the settlers left St. Francisville and came to begin their new settlement. They boarded with William Price who had a cabin nearby. On October 12, Ferdinand Hartrich, Etienne Lauer and Joseph Picquet went to Palestine and recorded approximately 12000 acre in the Land Office there.

Father Stephen Theodore Badin, a Frenchman, came during this time to bless this work of their own hands and celebrate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in their presence. Father Badin was the first Catholic priest ordained in the United States. A stone monument fashioned to look like a log cabin stands on the grounds of the University of Notre Dame as a tribute to him. There is also a mosaic on the east porch of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. in memory of him.

On October 28, 1837, the settlers gathered on a knoll south of the Embarras River and took formal possession of the land, dedicating the village to the Virgin Mary. The newly acquired land was called Colonie des Freres, or "Colony of Brothers". Eventually the name of the new settlement was changed to "St. Marie", with the name changing in 1892 to the French feminine version of the spelling.

Joseph Picquet made many more trips back to France to bring other family members to the new colony.

Ste. Marie quickly grew and erected its first church, free school, post office and store. It served as a cultural center amidst miles of wilderness.

Geography
Ste. Marie is located in southeastern Jasper County at 38.93139°N, -88.02528°W (38.931480, −88.025205). It is 9 mi southeast of Newton, the county seat.

According to the 2010 census, Ste. Marie has a total area of 1.11 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 261 people, 116 households, and 69 families residing in the village. The population density was 234.7 PD/sqmi. There were 122 housing units at an average density of 109.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.38% of the population.

There were 116 households, out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.5% were non-families. 37.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 28.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 16.1% from 45 to 64, and 29.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 74.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,500, and the median income for a family was $37,344. Males had a median income of $24,375 versus $15,833 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,479. About 5.6% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 15.4% of those 65 or over.

Civics

 * Churches
 * St. Mary's of the Assumption Catholic Church
 * Pilgrim Holiness Church

 * Government/School
 * South Eastern Special Education
 * Ste. Marie Post Office 62459
 * Ste. Marie Elementary

title: Ste. Marie, Illinois


text:
Wheeler, Illinois

Wheeler is a village in Jasper County, Illinois, United States. The population was 147 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Wheeler is located in western Jasper County. Illinois Route 33 passes through the north side of the village, leading southeast 9 mi to Newton, the county seat, and northwest 14 mi to Effingham.

According to the 2010 census, Wheeler has a total area of 0.58 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 119 people, 41 households, and 30 families residing in the village. The population density was 206.5 PD/sqmi. There were 48 housing units at an average density of 83.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.16% White, 0.84% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.36% of the population.

There were 41 households, out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 19.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.8% were non-families. 22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.43.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 34.5% under the age of 65, 11.8% from 18 to 65, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 14.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $24,250, and the median income for a family was $23,333. Males had a median income of $24,500 versus $14,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $9,425. There were 28.1% of families and 27.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 37.5% of under eighteens and 18.8% of those over 64.

title: Wheeler, Illinois


text:
Willow Hill, Illinois

Willow Hill is a village in Jasper County, Illinois. The population was 230 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Willow Hill is located in eastern Jasper County. It is 1 mi south of Illinois Route 33 and 9 mi east of Newton, the county seat.

According to the 2010 census, Willow Hill has a total area of 1.04 sqmi, all of it recorded as land. Hickory Creek, a tributary of the North Fork of the Embarras River, flows across the northeast portion of the village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 250 people, 82 households, and 65 families residing in the village. The population density was 240.9 PD/sqmi. There were 90 housing units at an average density of 86.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.40% White, 3.20% Asian, and 0.40% from two or more races.

There were 82 households, out of which 42.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.7% were married couples living together, 3.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.7% were non-families. 17.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.05 and the average family size was 3.48.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 36.0% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $26,429, and the median income for a family was $30,625. Males had a median income of $27,679 versus $17,188 for females. The per capita income for the village was $10,926. About 17.1% of families and 24.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.6% of those under the age of eighteen and 14.3% of those 65 or over.

Notable people

 * George W. Fithian, attorney and politician

title: Willow Hill, Illinois


text:
Yale, Illinois

Yale is a village in Jasper County, Illinois, United States. The population was 86 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Yale is located in northeastern Jasper County. Illinois Route 49 passes through the village, leading north 14 mi to Casey and south 7 mi to its terminus at Illinois Route 33 near Willow Hill. Newton, the Jasper county seat, is 16 mi southwest of Yale.

According to the 2010 census, Yale has a total area of 0.58 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 97 people, 37 households, and 26 families residing in the village. The population density was 168.7 PD/sqmi. There were 45 housing units at an average density of 78.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.97% White and 1.03% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03% of the population.

There were 37 households, out of which 40.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.5% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.7% were non-families. 27.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $21,136, and the median income for a family was $21,250. Males had a median income of $27,917 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,199. There were 24.0% of families and 29.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including 29.0% of under eighteens and 14.3% of those over 64.

title: Yale, Illinois


text:
Belle Rive, Illinois

Belle Rive is a village in Jefferson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 361 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
In 1852, Edmund P. Grant bought about 480 acre of federal land grants around what was to become Belle Rive. Grant was a wealthy land speculator from Montgomery County, Tennessee. At that time there was a corporation in Mt. Vernon that was attempting to build a rail line from St. Louis to Evansville, Indiana. It seems likely that Grant was buying land in anticipation of the construction of the railroad, intending to build a town. This early attempt at building a railroad failed during a recession in the mid-1850s. Grant died in 1863, after being chased from Mt. Vernon by a mob objecting to his Confederate politics.

Belle Rive was founded in 1871, coinciding with the opening of the St. Louis & Southeastern Railroad.

Belle Rive got its name from Louis Groston de Saint-Ange de Bellerive, who surrendered Illinois to the British in 1765. It is not clear if he was ever associated with the area near the village. See List of commandants of the Illinois Country.

Geography
Belle Rive is located in southeastern Jefferson County. Illinois Route 142 passes through the village, leading northwest 11 mi to Mount Vernon, the county seat, and southeast 15 mi to McLeansboro.

According to the 2010 census, Belle Rive has a total area of 0.87 sqmi, all land. The village is drained by tributaries of Auxier Creek, an east-flowing stream in the Little Wabash River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 371 people, 147 households, and 109 families residing in the village. The population density was 361.5 PD/sqmi. There were 164 housing units at an average density of 159.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.57% White, 0.54% African American, 0.81% Native American, and 1.08% from two or more races.

There were 147 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,292, and the median income for a family was $41,719. Males had a median income of $28,438 versus $18,036 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,221. About 10.3% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.4% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Belle Rive, Illinois


text:
Bluford, Illinois

Bluford is a village in Jefferson County, Illinois, in the United States. As of the 2010 census the village population was 688, down from 785 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Bluford is in eastern Jefferson County, 1 mi south of Illinois Route 15 and 9 mi east of Mount Vernon, the county seat. According to the 2010 census, Bluford has a total area of 1.458 sqmi, of which 1.45 sqmi (or 99.45%) is land and 0.008 sqmi (or 0.55%) is water.

History
The town of Bluford was named after Bluford "Bluf" Green (1868–1912) when he was a small boy by his father Wiley Green (1835–1878), who was the local justice of the peace. An extended story about Bluford by Mrs. Opal H. Wood states:

In 1881, before there was a Bluford, construction was started on the Air Line Railroad, later the Southern Railroad. George Evans, Mt. Vernon banker, laid out the town on 40 acres of land bisected by the railroad. In 1882, Rev. Z. H. Byard, a United Brethren preacher, built the first store building and dwelling. Byard also was the first postmaster in Bluford, and the first railroad station agent. Bluford was incorporated in 1925. Dwight Bressler was its first mayor.

Bluford spread on both sides of the railroad. The south section unofficially was called Tilford, and the north, Bluford, both being names of the sons of Minerva (Flint) and Wiley Green. When son Tilford died, all the town became Bluford. No reason was given why the boys should have been so honored.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 785 people, 283 households, and 223 families residing in the village. The population density was 539.1 PD/sqmi. There were 310 housing units at an average density of 212.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.09% White, 0.13% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 1.02% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.15% of the population.

There were 283 households, out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.2% were non-families. 16.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,250, and the median income for a family was $40,515. Males had a median income of $29,205 versus $16,641 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,537. About 8.8% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bluford, Illinois


text:
Bonnie, Illinois

Bonnie is a village located in the southern part of Jefferson County, Illinois. Bonnie had a population of 397 in the 2010 census, down from 424 in the 2000 census. It is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The first settlement in this area was Spring Garden, about four miles southeast of Bonnie. There were several springs in the area. Early in the 19th century, Uriah Compton walled them up and built a resort called "Compton's Springs". In 1848, the village of Spring Garden was platted next to the resort. Spring Garden grew rapidly, becoming the second largest settlement in the County, even having a high school by 1888. In 1905, however, the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad was built about three miles to the west. Spring Garden began a long decline as the business and population shifted to the rail depots at Bonnie and Ina. George Washington Hayes (1842–1927) donated some of the land originally making up Bonnie.

The Bonnie Campground is located to the west of Bonnie. This campground has been the scene of large religious outdoor gatherings since late in the 19th century.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Bonnie has a total area of 1.231 sqmi, of which 1.23 sqmi (or 99.92%) is land and 0.001 sqmi (or 0.08%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2010 US Census, Bonnie had 397 people. Among non-Hispanics this includes 387 White (97.5%), 3 African-American, 2 Native American, & 3 from two or more races. The Hispanic or Latino population included 2 people.

There were 177 households, out of which 39 had children under the age of 18 living with them, 98 were married couples living together, 4 had a female householder with children & no husband present, and 56 were non-families. 49 households were made up of individuals, and 49 had someone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.72.

The median age 45.4 years.

As of the census of 2000, there were 424 people, 177 households, and 129 families residing in the village. The population density was 343.8 people/mi2 (133.1 people/km$2$). There were 196 housing units at an average density of 158.9 units/mi2 (61.5 units/km$2$). The racial makeup of the village was 97.17% White, 0.0% African American, 1.65% Native American, 0.0% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.0% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Approximately 0.47% of the population was Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 177 households in which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 years living with them, 65.5% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.6% were non-families. Approximately 21.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.4 people and the average family size was 2.77 people.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18 years, 9.0% from 18 to 24 years old, 27.4% from 25 to 44 years old, 26.2% from 45 to 64 years old, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 years old and older, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,768 and the median income for a family was $29,554. Males had a median income of $31,389 versus $19,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,998. Approximately 9.7% of the population and 9.6% of families were below the poverty line. Approximately 6.0% of those under the age of 18 years and 11.8% of those 65 years old and older were living below the poverty line.

title: Bonnie, Illinois


text:
Dix, Illinois

Dix is a village in Jefferson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 461 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Dix is located in northern Jefferson County at 38.44056°N, -88.9425°W (38.440676, -88.942463). Illinois Route 37 is the village's Main Street, leading south 9 mi to Mount Vernon, the county seat, and north 13 mi to Salem. Interstate 57 passes through the western side of the village, with access from Exit 103. I-57 leads south 7 mi to Interstate 64 at Mount Vernon and north 55 mi to Interstate 70 at Effingham.

According to the 2010 census, Dix has a total area of 2.1 sqmi, of which 2.09 sqmi (or 99.52%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.48%) is water. Dix is located on high ground that marks the boundary between the Big Muddy River and its tributary, Casey Creek.

Today Dix is an exit on Interstate 57, a major north/south roadway. When it was founded, however, it was on the Goshen Road, which was the main east/west road in Illinois, running from Old Shawneetown on the Ohio River to near East St. Louis on the Mississippi.

History
Among the first settlers around Dix were two brothers named Andrews (Arba and Nelson?), who came from Rome, New York, around 1830. One of them established a post office called "Jordan's Prairie", the name already given to the grassland to the south. Later he platted out a village, which he called "Rome", after his home town in New York. The post office was moved into the village in 1852, and the name changed.

Hiram Milburn of Kell, Illinois, moved to Rome between 1853 and 1855. Milburn built a storehouse in 1853 and a hotel in 1854. It is said that during the construction of the hotel, a wind blew the structure down into a pile, while two men were on the joists, but nobody was hurt. In 1855 Milburn purchased Leuty's Mill and moved it to Rome.

Although Rome Township still exists, the name of the post office was changed to "Dix" in 1865. There was and still is another Rome, Illinois, and the Postal Service insisted that the name of this village be changed. The community incorporated as the village of Rome in 1873. The name of the village was not legally changed to Dix until the 1960s.

There are several stories as to the origin of the name "Dix". One is that the town was renamed in honor of General John Adams Dix. At the outbreak of the Civil War, General Dix sent a telegram to his agents in New Orleans stating: "If any man pulls down the American flag, shoot him on the spot." Although the telegram was intercepted by Confederate agents and never reached its intended recipient, the text reached the press, and General Dix became one of the first heroes in the North.

Dix is served by the Norfolk Southern Railway. This was built around 1890. The rail line comes from the St. Louis area and turns southeast at Dix. It follows the west side of Casey Creek down to Mt. Vernon.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 494 people, 274 households, and 116 families residing in the village. The population density was 235.9 PD/sqmi. There were 287 housing units at an average density of 137.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.38% White, 0.20% African American, 0.81% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.40% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.40% of the population.

There were 274 households, out of which 16.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.3% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 57.3% were non-families. 54.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 36.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.80 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 18.4% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 32.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50 years. For every 100 females, there were 77.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 69.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $12,222, and the median income for a family was $37,321. Males had a median income of $28,000 versus $19,306 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,463. About 10.6% of families and 22.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 29.5% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * George Corbett, running back for Chicago Bears 1932-38
 * Chuck Riley, Oregon State Senator, Senate District 15
 * Keith Stroup, activist, founder of NORML

title: Dix, Illinois


text:
Ina, Illinois

Ina is a village in Jefferson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,338 as of the 2010 census. It is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Ina is located along Illinois Route 37 which is the village's Main Street, and Interstate 57 runs through the west side of town, with access from Exit 83. Mount Vernon, the Jefferson county seat, is 11 mi to the north, and Benton is the same distance to the south.

According to the 2010 census, Ina has a total area of 2.45 sqmi, all land.

Ina is located on high ground between Casey Creek and Gun Creek, both tributaries of the Big Muddy River. The Big Muddy has been dammed to form Rend Lake, with arms of the lake extending up the two tributaries.

Ina is the home of the Big Muddy River Correctional Center. Rend Lake College, with an Ina mailing address, is outside the village limits to the southwest.

History
Many Cherokee families settled in Ina around 1840. They were apparently refugees from the Trail of Tears. In the 1800s, Ina was jokingly referred to as "the Cherokee Reservation".

The main settlement in this area was Spring Garden, about 3 mi northeast of Ina. Spring Garden prospered from 1848 until the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad was built in 1905. After that, the population and business shifted over to the depots at Ina and Bonnie.

Crimes
A famous murder case occurred in Ina in 1924, when Rev. Lawrence Hight and his lover Elsie Sweeten poisoned Sweeten's husband in July and Hight's wife in September. Autopsies revealed arsenic. Hight and Sweeten were both sent to prison. Elsie Sweeten was granted another trial and was later acquitted of murder and released from jail.

Over six decades later a quadruple homicide occurred outside of town. The victims were the Dardeen family, who lived in a mobile home on Illinois Route 37 just north of the Franklin County line. One evening in November 1987, the police came to the house since Keith Dardeen had not shown up for his job at the Rend Lake Water Conservancy District treatment plant that morning and did not answer phone calls. Elaine had not been raped, valuable items remained in the house, and police found no reason why anyone might want to have killed the family. Serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells confessed to the crime after he was arrested in Texas in 2000; however, police and the other members of the Dardeen family did not completely believe his accounts, which he changed three times, and he did not seem to know any nonpublic information about the crime. He was never charged before his 2014 execution, and officially the Dardeens' killings remain unsolved.

Demographics
The following population figures for Ina were greatly influenced by the approximately 1,850 male inmates who were included from the Big Muddy River Correctional Center, which had been annexed to the original village. (The population of the village outside of the Correctional Center was approximately 600 people.) As of the census of 2000, there were officially 2,455 people, 199 households, and 140 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,020.6 PD/sqmi. There were 233 housing units at an average density of 96.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 55.15% White, 41.79% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.24% Asian, 2.12% from other races, and 0.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.48% of the population.

There were 199 households, out of which 26.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.6% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 5.1% under the age of 18, 18.7% from 18 to 24, 54.9% from 25 to 44, 16.7% from 45 to 64, and 4.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 874.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 1,082.2 males. These last two statistics were heavily influenced by the approximately 1850 male inmates in the Big Muddy River Correctional Center.

The median income for a household in the village was $24,453 and the median income for a family was $32,500. Males had a median income of $33,950 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $8,596. About 10.4% of families and 19.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.4% of those under age 18 and 21.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Spring Garden School District 178 operates area schools, including Spring Garden Elementary School (with a Mount Vernon postal address but outside of the city) and Spring Garden Middle School in Ina.

title: Ina, Illinois