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Viola, Illinois

Viola (pronounced vy-OLA) is a village in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 869 at the 2020 census, a decline of 9 percent from 955 in 2010.

Geography
Viola is in eastern Mercer County at the junction of U.S. Route 67 and Illinois Route 17. US 67 passes through the village on 13th Street, leading north 22 mi to Rock Island and south the same distance to Monmouth. IL 17 follows 17th Avenue through the village, crossing 13th Street at the village's center. IL 17 leads west 8 mi to Aledo, the Mercer county seat, and east 7 mi to New Windsor. Galesburg is 27 mi to the southeast.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Viola has a total area of 0.85 sqmi, of which 0.02 sqmi, or 1.76%, are water. The village drains south to tributaries of Pope Creek and north to Skunk Creek, a tributary of the Edwards River. Pope Creek and the Edwards River are west-flowing direct tributaries of the Mississippi River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 956 people, 383 households, and 274 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,155.8 PD/sqmi. There were 401 housing units at an average density of 484.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.22% White, 0.84% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.78% of the population.

There were 383 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 26.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.5% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $41,161, and the median income for a family was $47,159. Males had a median income of $36,458 versus $20,556 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,127. About 7.4% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Viola, Illinois


text:
Windsor, Mercer County, Illinois

Windsor, also known as New Windsor, is a village in Rivoli Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 668 at the 2020 census, down from 748 in 2010. The official name is the "Village of Windsor", but "New Windsor" is the commonly used name, including by the New Windsor Fire Department and the US Postal Service (ZIP Code 61465).

Geography
New Windsor is located on the eastern edge of Mercer County at 41.20167°N, -90.44389°W (41.201643, -90.443996). The eastern border of the village is also the Henry County line.

Illinois Route 17 passes through the village as its Main Street. It leads west 7 mi to Viola and 16 mi to Aledo, the Mercer county seat, and east-southeast 8 mi to Woodhull and Interstate 74.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.44 sqmi, all land. It sits on a low ridge that drains south to North Pope Creek and north to a tributary of Parker Run, which continues north to the Edwards River. Pope Creek and the Edwards are west-flowing direct tributaries of the Mississippi River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 720 people, 307 households, and 217 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,628.5 PD/sqmi. There were 335 housing units at an average density of 757.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.75% White, 0.28% Native American, 0.28% Asian, and 0.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.50% of the population.

There were 307 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.3% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.9% 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 2.82.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.1% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $41,094. Males had a median income of $30,556 versus $18,594 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,811. About 6.1% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.

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

title: Windsor, Mercer County, Illinois


text:
Columbia, Illinois

Columbia is a city mainly in Monroe County with a small portion in St. Clair County in the U.S. state of Illinois, about 12 mi south of St. Louis, Missouri. The population was 10,999 at the 2020 census.

History
Columbia was first incorporated in 1859 as a small farming settlement, but had been occupied by various Native American cultures for 12,000 years. The earliest group encountered by European settlers were members of what became the Illinois Confederation, though they had moved to the area from the Great Lakes region only a few centuries before.

Geography
Columbia is located at 38.44917°N, -90.20861°W (38.449172, -90.208500).

According to the 2010 census, Columbia has a total area of 10.476 sqmi, of which 10.41 sqmi (or 99.37%) is land and 0.066 sqmi (or 0.63%) is water.

Columbia is bounded on the west by the Mississippi River. Running in a diagonal line just northeast of Columbia is the border of St. Clair County, beyond which lies Dupo to the north and Millstadt to the east. To the south is Waterloo. Waterloo and Columbia are expected to grow right up to the borders of the other, in effect extending St. Louis's urban sprawl from South St. Louis County across the Jefferson Barracks Bridge into the heart of the formerly rural Monroe County.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 9,707 people. 3,792 households and 2,692 families reside in the city. The population density was 932.5 people per square mile. There were 3,977 housing units at an average density of 382 per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 97.4% White, 0.4% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2% of the population.

There were 3,792 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.1% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% 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 3.03.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 25.0% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 20 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $67,333 and the median income for a family was $90,486. Males had a median income of $59,396 versus $43,594 for females. The per capita income for the city was $32,243. About 2.3% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Columbia is served by the public K-12 school district Columbia Community Unit District #4. District #4 includes Eagleview Elementary School (pre-k – 1), Parkview Elementary School (2-4), Columbia Middle School (5-8), and Columbia High School. Also located in the city is Immaculate Conception School, a private Roman Catholic grade school with grades from Pre-k to eighth.

Highways
To get to places in other towns and cities, Columbians rely mostly on the four highways located nearby. Illinois Route 3 is the only highway that runs through the city. It connects Columbia with Dupo and Cahokia in the northwest and Waterloo and Red Bud from the southeast. Illinois Route 158 has its western terminus just south of the city off of Route 3 and connects Columbia with Millstadt.

Interstate 255 and U.S. Route 50 overlap in St. Louis and continue over the Jefferson Barracks Bridge to Columbia, where they overlap again with Route 3 in an area just north of the city.

Airport
There is a small airport, Sackman Field, on the western edge of town, named for the former Columbia schools Music Director, Uhl Sackman.

Public transportation
A public bus service, provided by MetroBus, arrives in the morning and evening in Columbia and Waterloo and transports people to the MetroLink station in East St. Louis.

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Columbia, IL has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.

Notable people

 * Josh Fleming, pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays
 * Caden Glover, professional soccer player for Saint Louis City SC.
 * Nelson Mathews, outfielder for the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Athletics
 * T. J. Mathews, pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals and Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros
 * John P. Weinel, United States Navy Admiral

title: Columbia, Illinois


text:
Fults, Illinois

Fults is a village in the Renault precinct of Monroe County, Illinois, United States. The population was 28 at the 2020 census. It is located entirely within the American Bottom floodplain of the Mississippi River.

Geography
Fults is located in southern Monroe County at 38.16556°N, -90.21444°W (38.165688, -90.214395). It is 15 mi south-southwest of Waterloo, the county seat, and 9 mi northwest of Prairie du Rocher. The Mississippi River is 3 mi to the southwest, while the bluffs that mark the edge of the floodplain rise a quarter mile to the northeast of the village.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.05 sqmi, all land.

History
The village was named after Jacob Fults, born in Pennsylvania in 1793 to German immigrants. Fults, after leaving the service of the United States during the War of 1812 in 1817, settled on Moredock Lake. He then moved to the Renault precinct, first up Braun's Hollow, then in 1829 to the settlement known at the time as "Braunsberg", which would eventually take his name, until his death in 1841.

A site on the bluffs just north of Fults, overlooking the Bottoms, is known as Saltpeter Cave and took its name from the quantities of bat guano mined there for potassium nitrate, which was used in the local manufacture of black powder by the French at Fort de Chartres and later inhabitants. This cave, cut into the side of the bluffs and an excellent defensive position, was one of the last refuges for Native Americans in the region. It was a popular site in the area for rappelling and hiking, until access to it was restricted in the aftermath of the Great Flood of 1993 and several accidents at the site.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 28 people, 9 households, and 8 families residing in the village. The population density was 411.2 PD/sqmi. There were 10 housing units at an average density of 146.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 9 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 88.9% were married couples living together, and 11.1% were non-families. No households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.11 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.4% under the age of 18, 21.4% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 28.6% from 45 to 64, and 3.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 120.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,813, and the median income for a family was $48,438. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,389. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

title: Fults, Illinois


text:
Hecker, Illinois

Hecker is a village in Monroe County in the U.S state of Illinois. The population was 429 at the 2020 census, down from 481 in 2010.

History
Hecker was originally named "Freedom". The town was laid out on land of Theodore Hilgard. It was platted and surveyed by Thomas Singleton, county surveyor, December 18, 1840, the first home being built in 1849. In 1895 the citizens of what was then Freedom decided to incorporate, to facilitate improvements to the nascent town's infrastructure. Due to complaints from the Post Office, there being another town calling itself Freedom in Illinois, they were forced to change the name. Friedrich Franz Karl Hecker, a former German revolutionary, orator, and American Civil War colonel, whose farm was near Summerfield in adjacent St. Clair County, was known to and well respected by the town's inhabitants, and they decided to honor him by naming the town after him.

Geography
Hecker is in eastern Monroe County, with its northern border following the St. Clair County line. Illinois Route 159 passes through the village on Main Street, leading north 15 mi to Belleville and south 6 mi to Red Bud. Illinois Route 156 enters the village on West Monroe Street and departs to the north with IL 159; it leads west 9 mi to Waterloo, the Monroe county seat, and east 8 mi to New Athens.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village of Hecker has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, of which 0.003 sqmi, or 1.11%, are water. The village drains east to a tributary of Richland Creek and west toward Toole Branch, a tributary of Prairie du Long Creek, which itself is a tributary of Richland Creek. The entire village is part of the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 475 people, 188 households, and 134 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,993.8 PD/sqmi. There were 201 housing units at an average density of 843.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.16% White, 0.21% African American, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population.

There were 188 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 23.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.1% 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 3.02.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 106.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $43,333, and the median income for a family was $51,071. Males had a median income of $38,125 versus $21,447 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,423. About 2.8% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.1% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Hecker, Illinois


text:
Maeystown, Illinois

Maeystown is a village in Monroe County, Illinois, United States. The population was 150 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Maeystown is located southwest of the center of Monroe County at 38.22556°N, -90.23361°W (38.225552, -90.233486). It is 9 mi southwest of Waterloo, the county seat. It sits in the valley of Maeystown Creek, which flows into the floodplain of the Mississippi River 2 mi to the southwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.30 sqmi, of which 0.002 sqmi, or 0.67%, are water.

History
The history of the tract of land where what is now Maeystown is situated, began sometime after 1782, when a soldier of the American Revolution, one James McRoberts, staked a claim of 100 acre (Survey 704; Claim 316). He subsequently left the Illinois Territory for Tennessee, where he married Mary Fletcher-Harris, and returned in 1797, adding another 100 acre to his holdings. It was on this second tract that he built his home, from cedar logs, and here he raised his family. McRoberts fathered ten children, the eldest, Samuel McRoberts, being the first native-born Illinoisan to serve in the United States Senate.

Maeystown may be said to have begun its growth as a town in the year 1852, when Jacob Maeys built a sawmill on what had become known as McRoberts Meadow, which he purchased in 1848. For a year after its construction the mill remained idle, on account of there not being sufficient water to drive it. Steam engines were then put in place, and the mill successfully operated. The first store was opened in 1858 by Jacob Maeys in partnership with Judge Abraham Poston. By this time some half a dozen houses had been erected in the place. A town had been surveyed and laid off in 1856 by Maeys, and called "Maeysville". A post office was established in 1860, which changed the name to Maeystown, with Jacob Maeys appointed as first postmaster.

The entire village, save for a small strip of land on the northeast side, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Maeystown Historic District.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 148 people, 54 households, and 44 families residing in the village. The population density was 487.3 PD/sqmi. There were 60 housing units at an average density of 197.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.97% White, 1.35% Asian, and 0.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.35% of the population.

There were 54 households, out of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.4% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.5% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 111.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,417, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,432. There were 5.0% of families and 4.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 11.1% of those over 64.

title: Maeystown, Illinois


text:
Valmeyer, Illinois

Valmeyer is a village in Monroe County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,233 at the 2020 census. It was originally located in the American Bottom floodplain of the Mississippi River but now occupies higher land to the east.

History
After the Great Flood of 1993 the residents of Valmeyer decided to relocate the town 2 mi to the east, on land that is more than 300 ft higher than the floodplain. The town was rebuilt with financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The old townsite has been described as a ghost town with few inhabitants but still an important traffic artery. Valmeyer's successful relocation is seen as a potential model for other localities retreating from sea level rise.

Geography
Valmeyer is located in western Monroe County at 38.2999°N, -90.30833°W. Illinois Route 156 runs along the southern edge of the new village and passes through the center of the old village. IL 156 leads east 7 mi to Waterloo, the county seat, and west 5 mi to its terminus at Harrisonville, 1 mi east of the Mississippi River.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Valmeyer has a total area of 3.45 sqmi, of which 3.42 sqmi are land and 0.054 sqmi, or 1.56%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 608 people, 222 households, and 166 families residing in the village. The population density was 182.7 PD/sqmi. There were 241 housing units at an average density of 72.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.68% White, 0.33% African American, 0.33% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, and 0.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82% of the population.

There were 222 households, out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.0% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 24.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 3.29.

In the village, the age distribution of the population shows 27.8% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 87.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was US$53214 2000, and the median income for a family was US$58646 2000. Males had a median income of $38,500 versus $26,838 for females. The per capita income for the village was US$20420 2000. None of the families and 3.0% of the population were living below the poverty threshold, including no under eighteens and 10.2% of those over 64.

title: Valmeyer, Illinois


text:
Waterloo, Illinois

Waterloo is a city in and county seat of Monroe County, Illinois, United States. The population was 11,013 at the 2020 census, up from 9,811 in 2010.

Geography
Waterloo is located northeast of the center of Monroe County at 38.33528°N, -90.15278°W (38.335243, -90.152685). Illinois Route 3 passes through the west side of the city, bypassing the downtown; it leads north 8 mi to Columbia and southeast 13 mi to Red Bud. Downtown St. Louis is 24 mi to the north. Illinois Route 156 passes through the city on Park Street, South Church Street, West 4th Street, South Market Street, and Front Street, leading 9 mi to Hecker and west 7 mi to Valmeyer.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Waterloo has a total area of 8.31 sqmi, of which 8.18 sqmi are land and 0.13 sqmi, or 1.61%, are water. The city sits on a ridge that drains east to tributaries of Prairie du Long Creek and west to tributaries of Fountain Creek. Prairie du Long Creek is a southeast-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River, while Fountain Creek is a west-flowing direct tributary of the Mississippi River. Waterloo is along the historic trail that went from Kaskaskia to St. Louis.

French and British periods
Waterloo's history dates back to the 18th century, with the French being the first Europeans to settle in the area. The site was ideal because of its elevation; the proximity of the Mississippi River Valley brought frequent flooding to the lowlands. It was also close to Fort de Chartres, a French stronghold. They named their settlement Bellefontaine (originally La Belle Fontaine), meaning "beautiful spring". This name related to a spring of water a mile south of the site of Waterloo, a frequent campsite on journeys between Kaskaskia, Cahokia, and St. Louis. France had long since abandoned the area, as it had been ceded to Britain in the wake of the Seven Years' War in 1763 and had since been unoccupied. But while the outpost was included in the territory surrendered by France, Louis XV famously mourned the loss of Waterloo.

Post–Revolutionary War
The first documented English speakers came in the spring of 1782, when James Moore, Larken Rutherford, and James Garretson, of Maryland and Virginia, settled at or near Bellefontaine. Upon their arrival, they were the first permanent English speakers in the entire Northwest Territory. James Moore and many of the settlers that followed him had been soldiers in George Rogers Clark's Illinois campaign of 1778. Moore established himself at the site of the namesake spring, and the tract remained in possession of the Moore family for over a century. The kitchen of the Bellefontaine House, situated a short distance west of the southern end of Main Street, is believed to be Moore's original log cabin. It was restored and remains as a local landmark.

The Rutherford family settled in the vicinity, while the Garretsons selected a location a mile northeast of the spring. Judge Shadrach Bond, uncle and namesake of Illinois' first governor, was also a part of the Moore party of settlers. It had been assumed that when these immigrants left the country east of the Allegheny Mountains that the settlers would not come into conflict with the natives. However, it was not long before the new settlers began to feel threatened, and James Moore was elected captain of the company raised for the protection of the colony. At this point in time Illinois was considered a county of Virginia, and so the commission received by Captain Moore came from the governor of Virginia, Patrick Henry. He was directed to establish a military post and command the Illinois militia. Moore's company was one of four raised from Illinois, which along with six others raised elsewhere would later become the 17th U.S. Infantry.

A fort (or blockhouse) was accordingly built at Bellefontaine, and during the Northwest Indian War it was one of the most frequented places of sanctuary. Captain Moore made considerable effort to establish amicable relations with the Native Americans, and it was finally with the help of Gabriel Cerré, a wealthy merchant of St. Louis, that he achieved peace by establishing a trade agreement between the warring factions. One of Moore's sons, James B. Moore, would later be a delegate to the convention that framed the first Illinois Constitution and was eventually elected to the State Legislature. Other settlers came to the area, and by 1800 Bellefontaine's population had reached 286, making it the third largest town in Illinois and representing over a tenth of the then-total population of the territory.

Peterstown
In 1816, a man named Emery Peters Rogers arrived in the area from Massachusetts and, four years later, opened the first permanent store, mill, and quarry. Peters, as he preferred to be called, built a stone structure in 1830 at the north end of Main Street to serve as his store as well as a stagecoach stop. Now known as the Peterstown House, it is still standing, and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places on November 16, 1977. Due to his influence, the neighborhood around Peters' store came to be referred to as "Peterstown". As the years passed, the town was divided into two parts: Bellefontaine at the south and Peterstown at the north. The two communities were divided by a creek, and there was said to have been intense rivalry between them. Legend has it that in 1818, a man named Charles Carroll, an Irishman, came upon the scene, and to the astonishment of the Peterstown men and the Bellefontainers, ignored the rivalry and built his house on one side of the creek, his barn on the other and said "It won't be Bellefontaine, and it won't be Peterstown, but begorra, I'll give ye's both your Waterloo."

Emery Peters Rogers' brother, Dr. John Rogers, arrived in 1826 and would come to be known as the region's leading physician. David H. Ditch's log home-turned-hotel was converted into a courthouse in 1825, when Waterloo was declared the county seat. In 1836 the town contained no more than twenty buildings, including a small, two-story brick courthouse, a Methodist church, a log building used as a schoolhouse, a wind-powered mill, and a blacksmith's shop.

The town was inhabited by several notable residents throughout the 1800s. George Forquer of Pennsylvania purchased a considerable portion of land in 1818, working closely with Daniel P. Cook to plan out the rapidly developing town. Forquer would later serve as an Illinois state senator, the fifth Secretary of State of Illinois (1825–1828), the fifth Illinois Attorney General (1829–1832) and, most famously, an early political enemy of Abraham Lincoln. Cook was a prominent lawyer, and later a member of Congress, giving his name to Cook County. Forquer's younger half brother, Thomas Ford, would become the state's governor.

19th-century German settlement
The town experienced a marked population increase after 1840, and that is when the German population got its impetus, the original German settlers having arrived in the 1830s or even earlier. Some came from populations in the former colonies, but many came directly from Germany, either overland from the East Coast ports, or upriver from New Orleans. These came in search of their own land, and to escape the widespread political unrest in Germany at the time. Many of the city's buildings, its citizens, and especially its local character still reflect the heritage left by those German settlers. Many calques and idioms such as those found in Pennsylvania Dutch English persist, and there are a number of German words which commonly sprinkle casual conversation.

Bellefontaine renamed Waterloo
Waterloo received its charter as a town February 12, 1849, and the charter was amended in 1855 and 1859. It was chartered as a city on August 29, 1888.

20th century
On December 1, 1978, the Waterloo Historic District was recognized and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The city of Waterloo also has been recognized for its work through Sister Cities International. On October 2, 1980, Waterloo announced a Sister Cities partnership (officially recognized April 1981) with Porta Westfalica in (then) West Germany. Due primarily to the efforts of Vera Kohlmeier of Waterloo and Helmut Macke of Porta Westfalica, it came about as a result of genealogical research, which concluded that perhaps two-thirds of Monroe County's German population could trace their ancestry back to this region of northern Germany.Porta Westfalica itself came about in 1973 as a conglomeration of 15 villages into a city of over 40,000. Located on the Weser River in northern Germany, Porta Westfalica is situated in a valley between two large hills. Trips by large groups typically occur every two years, including visits by the Waterloo German Band and the Bläserkreis, Porta's 70-member youth brass band. Charitable donations have also been raised for East German refugees and the victims of the 1993 flood. This partnership, which goes by the portmanteau Portaloo, has since assisted other communities in the area to establish Sister Cities programs of their own, including Columbia/Gedern, Belleville/Paderborn, and Millstadt/Groß-Bieberau. "Portaloo" has been honored with seven coveted Reader's Digest awards for its Sister Cities program. Every summer this city holds it annual "Porta Westfalica Fest" or "PortaFest" in honor of its sister city. In 2017, Waterloo was named by Safewise.com as the 12th Safest City In America (with population over 10,000).

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,614 people (8,945 as of 2003 special census ), 2,912 households, and 2,076 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,367.8 PD/sqmi. There were 3,015 housing units at an average density of 541.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.78% White, 0.01% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.17% from other races, 0.42% from two or more races, and 0.68% of the population were Hispanic or Latino.

There were 2,912 households, out of which 37.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 9.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.7% were non-families. 25.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% 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 3.05.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,938, and the median income for a family was $57,894. Males had a median income of $40,892 versus $24,685 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,081. About 2.1% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 9.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Waterloo has a number of public and parochial schools. All public schools are a part of Waterloo Community Unit District #5.

Elementary

 * Zahnow Elementary School (Public K–1) Home of the Junior Bulldogs (formerly Bears)
 * Rogers Elementary School (Public 2–3) Home of the Bulldogs
 * Gardner Elementary School (Public 4–5) Home of the Bulldogs
 * SS Peter and Paul Grade School (Catholic K–8) Home of the Falcons

Junior high

 * Waterloo Junior High School (Public 6–8) Home of the Bulldogs (formerly Indians)

High school

 * Waterloo High School (Public) Home of the Bulldogs
 * Gibault Catholic High School (Catholic) Home of the Hawks

According to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, schools in Waterloo had a total combined enrollment of 3,284 students being instructed by 210 total teachers.

Registered Historic Places

 * Capt. James Moore Farmstead
 * Fountain Creek Bridge near Waterloo
 * Peterstown House
 * Waterloo Historic District (Illinois)

Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Waterloo has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated Cfa on climate maps.

Notable people

 * Albert Bollinger, Illinois state senator, lawyer, and businessman
 * Lee Eilbracht, All-America baseball player and long-time coach at University of Illinois
 * Olga Hartman, zoologist specializing in polychaete worms, born in Waterloo
 * Thomas B. Needles, Illinois politician and businessman; born in Waterloo
 * Alexandra Kay country singer, grew up in Waterloo

title: Waterloo, Illinois


text:
Butler, Illinois

Butler is a small village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 164 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Butler is in central Montgomery County, along Illinois Route 127, which runs along the east edge of the village center. IL 127 leads southeast 4 mi to Hillsboro, the county seat, and north-northwest 8 mi to Raymond.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Butler has a total area of 0.60 sqmi, all land. The village drains east to Cress Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Middle Fork of Shoal Creek, and west to Brush Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the West Fork of Shoal Creek. Shoal Creek is a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 197 people, 77 households, and 50 families residing in the village. The population density was 345.7 PD/sqmi. There were 84 housing units at an average density of 147.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.49% White and 0.51% African American.

There were 77 households, out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.8% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had individuals living alone who were 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.4% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $31,364, and the median income for a family was $32,500. Males had a median income of $27,500 versus $15,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,081. About 17.2% of families and 17.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under the age of 18 and 27.1% of those 65 or over.

Protected areas
Butler is the northwestern end of the Arches Rail Trail, a 3 mi trail that connects Butler with nearby Hillsboro.

title: Butler, Illinois


text:
Coalton, Illinois

Coalton is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 317 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Coalton is in eastern Montgomery County and is bordered to the northeast by the city of Nokomis. Illinois Route 16 runs along the northwest edge of the village, leading southwest 15 mi to Hillsboro, the county seat, and northeast 14 mi to Pana.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Coalton has a total area of 0.53 sqmi, all land. The village drains northwest to the East Fork of Shoal Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 307 people, 123 households, and 79 families residing in the village. The population density was 592.1 PD/sqmi. There were 132 housing units at an average density of 254.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.07% White, 0.33% Native American, 0.65% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 1.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.98% of the population.

There were 123 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 4.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 32.5% 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 2.50 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% 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 83.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $40,455 versus $15,938 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,901. About 13.5% of families and 22.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 38.1% of those under the age of eighteen and 12.2% of those 65 or over.

Coalton became significant during the early to mid-twentieth century with its shaft mining operations, hence its village name.

Notable people

 * Red Ruffing, pitcher for the New York Yankees and 1967 inductee in the Baseball Hall of Fame, was raised in Coalton.

title: Coalton, Illinois


text:
Coffeen, Illinois

Coffeen is a small city in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 647 at the 2020 census.

History
Coffeen was named after one of its founders, Gustavus Coffeen.

Geography
Coffeen is in southeastern Montgomery County, along Illinois Route 185 (Main Street). It is 8 mi southeast of Hillsboro, the county seat, and 20 mi northwest of Vandalia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Coffeen has a total area of 1.16 sqmi, all land. It is on high ground that drains east to a tributary of the East Fork of Shoal Creek and west to Coffeen Lake, a reservoir on a different tributary of the East Fork. The city is within the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 709 people, 292 households, and 202 families residing in the city. The population density was 687.2 PD/sqmi. There were 320 housing units at an average density of 310.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.87% White, 0.28% Native American, 0.56% Asian, and 0.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.14% of the population.

There were 292 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,375, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $35,938 versus $16,429 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,755. About 16.2% of families and 20.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.0% of those under age 18 and 13.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Coffeen, Illinois


text:
Farmersville, Illinois

Farmersville is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 689 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Farmersville is in northern Montgomery County, 25 mi northwest of Hillsboro, the county seat. Interstate 55 runs along the eastern border of the village, with access from Exit 72 (Mine Avenue / Main Street). I-55 leads north 23 mi to Springfield, the state capital, and southwest 74 mi to St. Louis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Farmersville has a total area of 0.70 sqmi, all land. Macoupin Creek crosses the southeast corner of the village, flowing southwest and then west to the Illinois River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 768 people, 313 households, and 210 families residing in the village. The population density was 777.7 PD/sqmi. There were 350 housing units at an average density of 354.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.18% White, 0.39% Native American, 1.30% Asian, and 0.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.52% of the population.

There were 313 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.5% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.1% 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 3.04.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,893, and the median income for a family was $41,417. Males had a median income of $35,263 versus $21,328 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,606. About 5.5% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 12.8% of those age 65 or over.

Irish Days
Farmersville currently has festival days entitled "Irish Days" which takes place the last weekend of May into June beginning on Thursday and ending Saturday night.

Education
Farmersville is one of four main communities that make up the Panhandle School District (also known as Panhandle CUSD #2). The district's junior and senior high schools are located in the same building in Raymond, which is located approximately ten miles southeast of Farmersville in Montgomery County. Farmersville itself is served by Farmersville Grade School (Pre-K through 1st Grade).

Notable people

 * Donald T. Barry, Illinois state representatives, nurse, and anesthetist; born on a farm near Farmersville
 * Daniel Curzon, author, raised as Daniel Brown in Farmersville
 * Milt Welch, catcher for the Detroit Tigers; born in Farmersville

title: Farmersville, Illinois


text:
Fillmore, Illinois

Fillmore is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 305 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Fillmore is in southeastern Montgomery County, 14 mi east-southeast of Hillsboro, the county seat, and 18 mi northwest of Vandalia. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Fillmore has a total area of 1.02 sqmi, all land. Lanes Branch flows through the west side of the village, running southwest to the Dry Fork of Hurricane Creek, part of the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 362 people, 144 households, and 103 families residing in the village. The population density was 467.5 PD/sqmi. There were 154 housing units at an average density of 198.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.62% White, 0.28% Asian, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.38% of the population.

There were 144 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 27.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the village, the age distribution of the population shows 27.6% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,313, and the median income for a family was $35,750. Males had a median income of $31,250 versus $18,333 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,363. About 18.2% of families and 21.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.4% of those under age 18 and 18.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Ray Richmond, pitcher for the St. Louis Browns; born in Fillmore
 * Walter Short, United States Army major general; born in Fillmore

title: Fillmore, Illinois


text:
Hillsboro, Illinois

Hillsboro is a city in and the county seat of Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 5,902 at the 2020 census.

History
The community was founded in 1823 and incorporated on March 26, 1913.

There is some doubt about the origin of the city's name. The local terrain is quite hilly, as a result of the drainage of the Shoal Creek watershed, causing widespread belief that this is the name's source. Alternatively, there is the belief that it was named for Hillsborough, North Carolina, the home of some of the early settlers, including Hiram Rountree and John Nussman.

Geography
Hillsboro is located south of the center of Montgomery County at 39.165°N, -89.48444°W (39.164973, −89.484572). It is bordered to the east by Schram City and to the south by Taylor Springs.

Illinois Route 16 passes through the city center, leading west 9 mi to Litchfield and northeast 28 mi to Pana. Illinois Route 127 enters Hillsboro from the northwest with IL 16 but continues south as Vandalia Road; IL 127 leads north-northwest 12 mi to Raymond and south 20 mi to Greenville. Vandalia is 27 mi to the southeast via Illinois Route 185.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Hillsboro has a total area of 10.4 sqmi, of which 8.7 sqmi are land and 1.8 sqmi, or 16.84%, are water. The Middle Fork of Shoal Creek passes just west of the city limits, flowing south toward the Kaskaskia River. Lake Glenn Shoals, north of the city, is a reservoir on the Middle Fork, and the Hillsboro city limits extend north more than 6 mi to encompass the lake. Lake Hillsboro is a smaller reservoir on a tributary of the Middle Fork, northeast of the city center.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,359 people, 1,800 households, and 1,189 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,214.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,944 housing units at an average density of 541.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.22% White, 1.10% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 0.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.19% of the population.

There were 1,800 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 30.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,075, and the median income for a family was $40,135. Males had a median income of $31,821 versus $18,668 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,458. About 14.3% of families and 17.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.9% of those under age 18 and 11.9% of those age 65 or over.

Protected areas
The Bremer Wildlife Sanctuary, north of Hillsboro, is the southeastern terminus of the Arches Rail Trail. The 3 mi rail trail connects the Hillsboro area with nearby Butler.

Notable people

 * Harry Bellaver (1905–1993), stage, film, and television actor
 * Stephen D. Canady (1865–1923), Illinois state legislator and businessman
 * John R. Challacombe (1845–1935), Illinois state legislator and businessman
 * Otto Funk (1868–1934), violinist
 * Brian Graden (born 1963), President of Entertainment, MTV Networks
 * Mary Hartline (1926-2020), early television star
 * Matt Hughes (born 1973), 2x UFC Welterweight Champion
 * Mark Hughes (born 1973), mixed martial artist
 * Ralph Isselhardt (1910–1972), football player
 * Wickliffe Kitchell (1789-1869), Illinois lawyer and politician
 * Jesse J. Phillips (1837–1901), Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court
 * Norman W. Ray (born 1942), United States admiral
 * John H. Rountree (1805–1890), Wisconsin legislator
 * John Tillson (1825-1892), Illinois legislator and lawyer
 * Stan Wallace (1931-1999), defensive back for Chicago Bears in 1950s
 * John Meek Whitehead (1852–1924), Wisconsin state senator

title: Hillsboro, Illinois


text:
Irving, Illinois

Irving is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 373 at the 2020 census, down from 495 in 2010.

Geography
Irving is in east-central Montgomery County along Illinois Route 16. Hillsboro, the county seat, is 6 mi to the southwest, and Witt is 5 mi to the northeast.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Irving has a total area of 0.90 sqmi, all land. The village drains west toward Little Creek, a west-flowing tributary of the Middle Fork of Shoal Creek, part of the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Demographics
The 2000 census showed a population of 2,484 because the inmates of the Graham Correction Center at Hillsboro were included in Irving's count.

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,484 people, 186 households, and 137 families residing in the village. The population density was 3,038.1 PD/sqmi. There were 204 housing units at an average density of 249.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 53.74% White, 41.91% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 3.86% from other races, and 0.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.60% of the population.

There were 186 households, out of which 39.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.8% were married couples living together, 11.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.3% were non-families. 23.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 5.9% under the age of 18, 20.4% from 18 to 24, 57.6% from 25 to 44, 13.0% from 45 to 64, and 3.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 889.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 1,191.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $24,583, and the median income for a family was $30,313. Males had a median income of $22,083 versus $16,563 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,144. About 24.2% of families and 29.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.4% of those under age 18 and 19.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Cecil E. Bryan, architect and inventor, born in Irving
 * Buddy Cole, musician and bandleader, born in Irving
 * John A. Graham, Illinois state senator and businessman, born on a farm near Irving
 * William T. Wood, U.S. Army brigadier general

title: Irving, Illinois


text:
Litchfield, Illinois

Litchfield is a city in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 6,605 at the 2020 census. It is located in South Central Illinois, south of Springfield, the state capital.

History
Litchfield was platted in October 1853, and was originally named "Huntsville",

Earlier, Hardinsburg, about 2 mi to the southwest, had been founded about 1850. Both towns were created in anticipation of the Terre Haute & Alton Railroad. Hardinsburg grew to about 50 people by 1854; but when it became clear that the railroad was going through Huntsville instead of Hardinsburg, many of the buildings in Hardinsburg were pulled across the prairie on runners to Huntsville beginning in January 1854, and most of the residents moved to the new site as well, becoming Litchfield's first residents. The railroad reached Huntsville in the autumn of 1864, and within two more years Hardinsburg had substantially disappeared.

The new town of Huntsville was renamed in November 1855 after Electus Bachus Litchfield, who with his brothers earlier that year had donated land and convinced the railroad of where to place its shops and terminals.

The residents of Litchfield first voted to incorporate as a village on April 4, 1856. However, the village trustees failed to complete the incorporation; the village charter was dissolved in autumn of 1857 and the trustees closed the books for that village government on January 22, 1858. The state legislature granted a new municipal charter to Litchfield on February 16, 1859, and the first elections under that charter were held on March 7, 1859.

Milnot Company, known for its namesake product, Milnot, an evaporated filled milk, was founded in Litchfield in 1912 as the Litchfield Creamery Company by Martin Jensen. In 1916, a new plant was built at 120 W. St. John St. and operated until 1990. As of 2019, it has been repurposed as an indoor sports training facility.

Geography
Litchfield is in western Montgomery County, 9 mi west of Hillsboro, the Montgomery county seat. Interstate 55 runs along the western edge of the city, with access from Exit 52 (Illinois Route 16). I-55 leads north 42 mi to Springfield and southwest 53 mi to St. Louis. IL 16 passes through Litchfield as Union Avenue, leading east to Hillsboro and southwest 10 mi to Gillespie.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Litchfield has a total area of 11.0 sqmi, of which 9.0 sqmi are land and 2.0 sqmi, or 18.38%, are water. The city drains east to the West Fork of Shoal Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River. Lake Lou Yaeger is a reservoir on the West Fork northeast of the city, and the Litchfield city limits extend north 5 mi to encompass most of the reservoir.

2020 Census
As of the census of 2020, there were 6,605 people in 3,104 households residing in the city. 7.7% percent of the population was under the age of 5, 22.8% under the age of 18, and 19.4% over the age of 65. The racial makeup of the city was 96.8% White, 0.8% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.6% of the population.

The median income for a household was $50,368, and the per capita income in the city was $26,746. 18.2% of the population lived below the poverty line.

2000 Census
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,815 people, 2,772 households, and 1,785 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,338.5 PD/sqmi. There were 3,011 housing units at an average density of 591.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.31% White, 0.37% African American, 0.18% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 0.65% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 2,772 households in 2010, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.6% were non-families. 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.97.

The population is distributed with 25.6% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,717, and the median income for a family was $34,139. Males had a median income of $26,238 versus $19,545 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,612. About 15.7% of families and 16.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.9% of those under age 18 and 11.2% of those age 65 or over.

Attractions
The Ariston Café is one of the oldest restaurants along the historic U.S. Route 66, commonly known as Old Route 66, though the café itself claims it is possibly the oldest. The Ariston Café was founded in 1924 in the town of Carlinville, Illinois, but was moved to its present location. The café was inducted into the Route 66 Hall of Fame in 1992. Another landmark is Litchfield's Lake Lou Yaeger, located northeast of town. The Sky View Theater is a member of the Route 66 Hall of Fame and has been in operation since 1950. It is among the last drive-in theaters still operating along Route 66. In 1934, the Belvidere Motel opened in Litchfield. It is one of the oldest motels around. The grand opening of the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center was June 1, 2013. The museum is located across from the Ariston Café at 334 North Historic Route 66. The museum is owned by the Litchfield Museum and Route 66 Welcome Center Association and is maintained mainly through donations.

Transportation
Litchfield Municipal Airport is located 2 nmi southwest of the central business district of Litchfield.

Litchfield is served by Interstate 55 and Illinois Route 16.

Two Class 1 railroad lines (Burlington Northern Santa Fe and Norfolk Southern) cross at the south edge of Litchfield after running parallel through town from north to south.

Notable people

 * Estella Bagnelle, county superintendent of schools in California
 * Stephen D. Canady (1865–1923), Illinois state legislator and businessman
 * Luke Epplin, sportswriter; grew up in Litchfield
 * Jackie Mayo, professional baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies; born in Litchfield
 * Paul Martin Pearson, author, professor, governor of Virgin Islands, father of columnist Drew Pearson; born in Litchfield
 * Ray Schalk, Hall of Fame catcher for Chicago White Sox; grew up in Litchfield
 * Harry C. Stuttle (1879–1947), Illinois state legislator, judge, and lawyer

title: Litchfield, Illinois


text:
Nokomis, Illinois

Nokomis is a city in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,142 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Nokomis is in eastern Montgomery County, along Illinois Route 16 (State Street), which leads southwest 16 mi to Hillsboro and northeast 13 mi to Pana. Nokomis is bordered to the north by the village of Wenonah and to the southwest by the village of Coalton.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nokomis has a total area of 1.3 sqmi, all land. The city sits at the headwaters of the East Fork of Shoal Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,389 people, 1,031 households, and 630 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,837.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,130 housing units at an average density of 869.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.46% White, 0.25% Native American, 0.04% Asian, and 0.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.17% of the population.

There were 1,031 households, out of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.8% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the city, the age distribution of the population shows 22.8% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 25.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,612, and the median income for a family was $36,850. Males had a median income of $35,106 versus $19,844 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,328. About 10.7% of families and 14.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.9% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Jim Bottomley, Hall of Fame first baseman who primarily played for the St. Louis Cardinals. He resided in Nokomis as a youth and attended school there as well.
 * Reid Detmers, major league pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels; raised in Nokomis
 * Bud Foster, defensive coordinator for the Virginia Tech Hokies football team; raised in Nokomis
 * Bill Mizeur, pinch hitter for the St. Louis Browns; born in Nokomis
 * Red Ruffing, Hall of Fame pitcher who primarily played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees; attended schools and raised in Nokomis
 * Charles Turzak, woodcut artist most famous for his Lincoln Wood Cuts; raised in Nokomis

Recreation
Nokomis is home to three public parks: Nokomis Community Memorial Park, Fred B. Johnson Nokomis City Park and the Shane P. Cole Memorial Park. Ramsey Lake State Recreation Area is 19 mi southeast of Nokomis. The park offers fishing, camping, group camping, horseback riding, hiking trails, and three playgrounds.

Media

 * Nokomis Free Press-Progress, Nokomis' longstanding print newspaper since 1918
 * Heartland Newsfeed, a digital news company based in Nokomis since 2016

title: Nokomis, Illinois


text:
Ohlman, Illinois

Ohlman is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the village had a population of 109, down from 135 in 2010.

History
The village is named for Michael Ohlman, a Civil War captain of a Mississippi River steamboat. The settlement was located on the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad.

Geography
Ohlman is in northeastern Montgomery County and is bordered to the north by Christian County. Illinois Route 16 passes through the village, leading southwest 4.5 mi to Nokomis and northeast 8 mi to Pana. Hillsboro, the Montgomery county seat, is 21 mi to the southwest via IL 16.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Ohlman has a total area of 0.32 sqmi, all land.<"CenPopGazetteer2022"/> The village drains northwest toward the South Fork of the Sangamon River, a tributary of the Illinois River.

Demographics
The census of 2000 showed there were no people living in the village; a recount in 2004 issued a revised population of 148.

title: Ohlman, Illinois


text:
Raymond, Illinois

Raymond is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 949 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Raymond is located in northwestern Montgomery County at 39.32083°N, -89.57444°W (39.320834, -89.574373). Illinois Route 48 passes through the village as O'Bannon Street, leading west 3 mi to Interstate 55 at Zanesville and northeast 22 mi to Taylorville. Illinois Route 127 passes through the west side of the village, going west with IL 48 to Interstate 55 but leading south 12 mi to Hillsboro, the Montgomery county seat.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Raymond has a total area of 1.26 sqmi, all land. The West Fork of Shoal Creek runs along the western edge of the village, flowing southward to Shoal Creek south of Hillsboro. The village is part of the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Demographics
At the 2000 census there were 927 people, 393 households, and 273 families in the village. The population density was 738.6 PD/sqmi. There were 434 housing units at an average density of 345.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.68% White, 0.11% African American and 0.22% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.22%.

Of the 393 households 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.3% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 26.5% of households were one person and 16.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.85.

The age distribution was 23.8% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.2% 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.

The median household income was $37,500 and the median family income was $45,341. Males had a median income of $29,750 versus $22,721 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,231. About 6.0% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Raymond is the base of the Panhandle School District (also known as Panhandle CUSD #2). The district's offices are located on Broad Street and the district's only high school, Lincolnwood Sr. High School (shares building with Lincolnwood Jr. High School), is located on the extreme east end of Prairie Street (although the town is laid out in a slightly irregular fashion, making this street North Prairie Street, despite the fact that it runs east–west).

Raymond also has its own grade school, also located on Prairie Street, serving Pre-K through sixth grade. The communities of Farmersville, Waggoner and Harvel are also part of the Panhandle School District.

title: Raymond, Illinois


text:
Schram City, Illinois

Schram City is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 563 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Schram City is in central Montgomery County and is bordered to the north, west, and south by the city of Hillsboro, the county seat. Illinois Route 16 passes through the village, leading west 2 mi to the center of Hillsboro and northeast 14 mi to Nokomis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Schram City has a total area of 0.67 sqmi, all land. The village is drained by northwest-flowing tributaries of the Middle Fork of Shoal Creek, part of the Kaskaskia River watershed. Lake Hillsboro, a reservoir on one of the unnamed tributaries, is just north of the village limits.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 700 people, 263 households, and 188 families residing in the village. The population density was 891.1 PD/sqmi. There were 287 housing units at an average density of 391.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.08% White, 0.46% African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.15% Asian, and 0.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31% of the population.

There were 263 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.0% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 26.2% 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 2.46 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $41,500. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,994. About 4.9% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.1% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Schram City, Illinois


text:
Taylor Springs, Illinois

Taylor Springs is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 724 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The village is in south-central Montgomery County and is bordered to the north and east by Hillsboro, the county seat. Illinois Route 127 passes through the east side of the village, leading north into Hillsboro and south 18 mi to Greenville. Illinois Route 185 crosses the northeast corner of Taylor Springs and leads southeast 26 mi to Vandalia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Taylor Springs has a total area of 1.09 sqmi, of which 0.03 sqmi, or 3.03%, are water. The village drains west toward the Middle Fork of Shoal Creek, a south-flowing tributary of the Kaskaskia River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 583 people, 250 households, and 162 families residing in the village. The population density was 677.1 PD/sqmi. There were 264 housing units at an average density of 306.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.80% White, 0.17% Native American, 0.69% from other races, and 0.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03% of the population.

There were 250 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 31.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.2% 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 2.91.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $29,773, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $37,361 versus $18,056 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,279. About 3.8% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Taylor Springs, Illinois


text:
Waggoner, Illinois

Waggoner is a village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 181 at the 2020 census, down from 266 in 2010 census.

Geography
Waggoner is in northwestern Montgomery County, 8 mi northwest of Raymond and 21 mi northwest of Hillsboro, the county seat. Interstate 55 passes just east of the village limits but does not have an exit for it. The closest access is 4 mi to the south from Exit 63 in Zanesville or 4.5 mi to the north from Exit 72 in Farmersville.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Waggoner has a total area of 0.24 sqmi, all land. The village drains south to tributaries of Horse Creek, a west-flowing tributary of Macoupin Creek and part of the Illinois River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 245 people, 93 households, and 65 families residing in the village. The population density was 929.8 PD/sqmi. There were 102 housing units at an average density of 387.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.18% White and 0.82% Native American.

There were 93 households, out of which 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 21.5% 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 2.63 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 13.9% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 13.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,938, and the median income for a family was $40,125. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $22,083 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,534. About 6.3% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.1% of those under the age of eighteen and 8.3% of those 65 or over.

Waggoner Centennial Play
The Waggoner Centennial Players hold an annual play that is made up of local citizens and is held at the Waggoner Centennial Building. The Waggoner Centennial Players celebrated their 25th anniversary with their 2013 production. More than 1,000 tickets are sold for the play in the town of 200 people.

title: Waggoner, Illinois


text:
Walshville, Illinois

Walshville is a small village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 61 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Walshville is in southwestern Montgomery County, 12 mi southwest of Hillsboro, the county seat, 10 mi south of Litchfield, and 6 mi east of Mount Olive.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Walshville has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all land. The village drains east to tributaries of the Lake Fork of Shoal Creek, part of the Kaskaskia River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 89 people, 28 households, and 23 families residing in the village. The population density was 348.1 PD/sqmi. There were 29 housing units at an average density of 113.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 28 households, out of which 53.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.9% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.3% were non-families. 10.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.18 and the average family size was 3.38.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 34.8% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 15.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 114.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $19,219, and the median income for a family was $19,375. Males had a median income of $80,102 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,080. There were 24.1% of families and 40.0% of the population living below the poverty line, including 65.5% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Walshville, Illinois


text:
Wenonah, Illinois

Wenonah is a small village in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 32 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Wenonah is in northeastern Montgomery County and is bordered to the south by the city of Nokomis. It is 17 mi northeast of Hillsboro, the county seat, and 14 mi southwest of Pana.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Wenonah has a total area of 1.51 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 44 people, 16 households, and 12 families residing in the village. The population density was 29.2 PD/sqmi. There were 17 housing units at an average density of 11.3 per square mile (4.3/km$2$). The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 16 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.8% were married couples living together, and 25.0% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% 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 3.25.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 63.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $34,375, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $45,417 versus $20,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,890. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

title: Wenonah, Illinois


text:
Witt, Illinois

Witt is a city in Montgomery County, Illinois, United States. The population was 785 at the 2020 census, down from 903 in 2010.

Geography
Witt is in eastern Montgomery County along Illinois Route 16, which leads 11 mi southwest to Hillsboro, the county seat, and 4.5 mi northeast to Nokomis.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Witt has a total area of 1.2 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 991 people, 438 households, and 261 families residing in the city. The population density was 710.9 PD/sqmi. There were 480 housing units at an average density of 344.3 /sqmi.

The racial makeup of the city was 99.50% White, 0.10% African American, 0.20% Asian, and 0.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.20% of the population.

There were 438 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.4% were non-families. 35.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 23.0% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,329, and the median income for a family was $32,344. Males had a median income of $31,927 versus $19,861 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,817. About 17.2% of families and 21.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.5% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Glen Hobbie, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals

title: Witt, Illinois


text:
Chapin, Illinois

Chapin is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 475 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Chapin was named for its founders, Charles and Horace Chapin.

Geography
Chapin is in northwest Morgan County along U.S. Route 67, which crosses the north side of the village. US 67 leads east 10 mi to Jacksonville, the county seat, and northwest 22 mi to Beardstown. Illinois Route 104 runs concurrently with US 67 through Chapin, leading east to downtown Jacksonville and northwest 10 mi to Meredosia.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Chapin has a total area of 1.00 sqmi, all land. The village sits on high ground which drains to three different stream systems. Lick Branch rises within the village limits and flows northeast to Indian Creek, a northwest-flowing tributary of the Illinois River. The northwest corner of the village is the source of one of the headwaters of Coon Run, which flows north then west to the Illinois River. The southern half of the village is drained by south-flowing tributaries of Mauvaise Terre Creek, which flows west to the Illinois.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 592 people, 227 households, and 168 families residing in the village. The population density was 607.1 PD/sqmi. There were 237 housing units at an average density of 243.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.16% White, 0.17% Native American, and 0.68% from two or more races.

There were 227 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.8% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.6% were non-families. 23.3% 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 2.61 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.2% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,143, and the median income for a family was $43,482. Males had a median income of $28,906 versus $26,607 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,972. About 8.2% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.4% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Chapin, Illinois


text:
Concord, Illinois

Concord is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 150 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Concord is in northwestern Morgan County, 12 mi northwest of Jacksonville, the county seat, and 5 mi north of Chapin.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Concord has a total area of 0.25 sqmi, all land. Most of the village drains southward to a tributary of Coon Run, which flows west toward the Illinois River. The northernmost part of the village drains to headwaters of Mud Creek, a north-flowing tributary of Indian Creek, which runs west to the Illinois River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 176 people, 69 households, and 52 families residing in the village. The population density was 670.2 PD/sqmi. There were 70 housing units at an average density of 266.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.30% White, 1.14% Native American, and 0.57% from two or more races.

There were 69 households, out of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 122.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,000, and the median income for a family was $32,250. Males had a median income of $29,750 versus $22,083 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,212. About 7.0% of families and 18.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 8.6% of those 65 or over.

title: Concord, Illinois


text:
Franklin, Illinois

Franklin is a village in Morgan County, Illinois, United States. The population was 610 at the 2020 census, unchanged from 2010. It is part of the Jacksonville Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Franklin is in southeastern Morgan County. Illinois Route 104 runs through the southwest part of the village, leading northwest 14 mi to Jacksonville, the county seat, and northeast 6 mi to Waverly.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Franklin has a total area of 0.83 sqmi, all land. The village drains southwest to the Left Fork of Apple Creek and east to Woods Creek. Both streams are tributaries of Apple Creek, a west-flowing tributary of the Illinois River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 586 people, 226 households, and 169 families residing in the village. The population density was 801.3 PD/sqmi. There were 241 housing units at an average density of 329.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.98% White, 0.68% Native American, and 0.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.85% of the population.

There were 226 households, out of which 41.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 21.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. the median age was 36 years. for every 100 females, there were 98.0 males. for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $39,375, and the median income for a family was $47,813. Males had a median income of $35,000 versus $21,923 for females. the per capita income for the village was $16,327. about 6.1% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 15.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Franklin Community Unit School District #1 provides education to the village and surrounding area.

title: Franklin, Illinois