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Greenup, Illinois

Greenup is a village in Cumberland County, Illinois, United States, along the Embarras River. The population was 1,365 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Greenup received its name from National Road surveyor, William C. Greenup who platted the town in 1834. He was one of the supervisors hired to oversee construction of the National Road in Illinois, surveying the original alignment from Marshall to Vandalia during the 1830s. The village of Greenup served as the Cumberland County seat from 1843 to 1857.

History
Greenup was platted in 1834, and served as Cumberland County's first county seat from 1843 to 1855.

Geography
Greenup is located southeast of the center of Cumberland County at 39.24722°N, -88.16222°W (39.247273, -88.162131). The Embarras River is a tributary of the Wabash River which runs past the northwest corner of the village. U.S. Route 40 runs through the village to the south of its center, while Interstate 70 runs through the northern corner of the village with access from Exit 119 (Illinois Route 130). Effingham is 22 mi to the west, while Terre Haute, Indiana, is 44 mi to the east.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Greenup has a total area of 1.75 sqmi, of which 1.75 sqmi (or 99.94%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.06%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,365 people, 735 households, and 381 families residing in the village. The population density was 779.55 PD/sqmi. There were 701 housing units at an average density of 400.34 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.26% White, 0.73% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 4.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 735 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.49% were married couples living together, 4.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.16% were non-families. 43.81% of all households were made up of individuals, and 26.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.21 and the average family size was 2.33.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.8% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 19.8% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $40,139, and the median income for a family was $72,598. Males had a median income of $47,143 versus $25,355 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,561. About 7.1% of families and 14.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.9% of those under age 18 and 9.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Students in Greenup attend Cumberland Community Unit School District 77. The elementary, middle, and high school are located in Toledo.

Notable people

 * Lincoln Bancroft, Illinois state representative and mayor of Greenup.
 * Abe ("Ab") Bowman, pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, born in Greenup.
 * James A. Peters, University of Michigan, herpetologist, Curator at Smithsonian Institution.
 * Bobbi Trout, pioneer aviator, born in Greenup.
 * Cy Warman, 19th century author; born and raised near Greenup.
 * Bill Wylde, Gun Smith; Inventor of .223 Wylde rifle chamber.

title: Greenup, Illinois


text:
Jewett, Illinois

Jewett is a village in Cumberland County, Illinois, United States. The population was 196 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Jewett is located in south-central Cumberland County along the route of the former National Road. U.S. Route 40 now runs through the northern part of the village, leading northeast 5 mi to Greenup and southwest 8 mi to Montrose. Interstate 70 passes to the north of the village, with access at Greenup and Montrose.

According to the 2010 census, Jewett has a total area of 1 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 196 people, 103 households, and 90 families residing in the village. The population density was 195.02 PD/sqmi. There were 89 housing units at an average density of 88.56 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.90% White, 1.53% Native American, and 3.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.53% of the population.

There were 103 households, out of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.82% were married couples living together, 5.83% had a female householder with no husband present, and 12.62% were non-families. 12.62% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.80% 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 2.73.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.9% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 19.5% from 25 to 44, 31.3% from 45 to 64, and 24.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 52.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.5 males. For every 100 females aged 18 and over, there were 96.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $48,393, and the median income for a family was $52,750. Males had a median income of $38,281 versus $14,063 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,848. About 10.0% of families and 13.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.7% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Education
Students in Jewett attend Cumberland Community Unit School District 77. The elementary, middle, and high school are located in Toledo.

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

title: Jewett, Illinois


text:
Montrose, Illinois

Montrose is a village in Effingham and Cumberland counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 210 at the 2020 census. The Effingham County portion of Montrose is part of the Effingham Micropolitan Statistical Area, while the small section that lies in Cumberland County is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Montrose mostly lies in northern Effingham County, although a small portion extends into southern Cumberland County. In the 2000 census, all of Montrose's 257 residents lived in Effingham County.

U.S. Route 40, following the route of the former National Road, passes through the village, leading northeast 13 mi to Greenup and southwest 9 mi to Effingham. Interstate 70 passes through the northern side of the village, with access from Exit 105.

According to the 2010 census, Montrose has a total area of 0.69 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 210 people, 91 households, and 61 families residing in the village. The population density was 329.67 PD/sqmi. There were 101 housing units at an average density of 158.56 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.52% White, 4.29% Asian, 0.48% from other races, and 5.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.81% of the population.

There were 91 households, out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.04% were married couples living together, 7.69% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.97% were non-families. 27.47% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.49% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 2.22.

The village's age distribution consisted of 15.3% under the age of 18, 16.3% from 18 to 24, 20.4% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,469, and the median income for a family was $49,688. Males had a median income of $35,179 versus $17,917 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,355. About 14.8% of families and 22.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.2% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Montrose, Illinois


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Neoga, Illinois

Neoga is a city in Cumberland County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,398 at the 2020 census, down from 1,636 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area. The current mayor of Neoga is Marty Hartke.

Neoga was incorporated in 1856. Neoga means "deer" in the Kickapoo language.

Geography
Neoga is located in northwestern Cumberland County at 39.32167°N, -88.45222°W (39.321769, -88.452109). U.S. Route 45 runs through the center of town as Oak Avenue, and Interstate 57 crosses the eastern side of town, with access from Exit 177, where it crosses US 45. Effingham is 14 mi to the south, and Mattoon is 13 mi to the north.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Neoga has a total area of 1.39 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,398 people, 557 households, and 337 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,005.76 PD/sqmi. There were 616 housing units at an average density of 443.17 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.92% White, 0.72% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.93% from other races, and 3.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.93% of the population.

There were 557 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.42% were married couples living together, 5.39% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.50% were non-families. 28.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.58 and the average family size was 2.70.

The city's age distribution consisted of 27.4% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 23.4% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 20.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,694, and the median income for a family was $82,813. Males had a median income of $44,881 versus $26,719 for females. The per capita income for the city was $23,353. About 9.5% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 18.9% of those age 65 or over.

Municipal government
The Neoga City Council, composed of four councilmen and the mayor, serve as the administrative authority for the Neoga municipal government.

The City of Neoga employs 3 full-time police officers and multiple part-time police officers. Neoga is afforded fire protection services through the volunteer efforts of the Neoga Fire Protection District. The city is currently classified with a fire insurance rating of 6.

Emergency medical care is available 24 hours a day through Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center located 15 miles northeast or through St. Anthony Memorial Hospital located 14 miles south of Neoga. The city’s medical needs are also served through the Sarah Bush Neoga Medical Center, which provides modern medical diagnostic testing and routine medical care for city residents. Emergency medical ambulance transportation is provided through the fire district.

Community facilities
Neoga is a community strongly tied to the early development of central Illinois’ railroad industry. A progressive community, Neoga hosts a variety of social events, with the largest banquet facility having a capacity of 150 persons.

Neoga hosts a strong banking and finance industry, with First Mid Bank and Trust and First Neighbor Bank having locations within Neoga. These locally managed, regional banks, with assets in excess of $600,000,000 are capable of assisting in any development projects requiring capital investment.

The Neoga News, a community newspaper, is published weekly and features news and sports coverage of interest to area residents.

The City of Neoga is home to a vibrant religious community with seven local churches.

The City of Neoga provides a variety of recreational facilities, with public parks featuring tennis and basketball courts. In addition to several area lakes with swimming, boating and water sports. For the avid outdoors person, nearby Fox Ridge and Lincoln Trail State Parks offer camping, hiking, snowmobiling, walking paths and horseback riding.

The Neoga District Library, located in downtown Neoga, affords residents with access to the latest resource materials, computers and technical services.

Education
Neoga is home to Neoga Community Unit School District 3 which contains a elementary school and a junior-senior high school. Sports teams have the nickname "Indians".

Lake Land College, located 12 miles north of the City of Neoga, offers access to higher education and workforce training programs.

Eastern Illinois University in Charleston (25 miles north-east) provides students access to educational programs leading to bachelor's and master's degrees in a variety of academic programs.

title: Neoga, Illinois


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Toledo, Illinois

Toledo is a village in and the county seat of Cumberland County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,161 at the 2020 census.

Toledo is part of the Charleston–Mattoon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Toledo is located in the center of Cumberland County. Illinois Route 121 passes through the village, leading southeast 5 mi to Greenup. Neoga is 14 mi to the west.

According to the 2010 census, Toledo has a total area of 0.91 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,161 people, 472 households, and 284 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,307.43 PD/sqmi. There were 556 housing units at an average density of 626.13 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.12% White, 0.09% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.34% from other races, and 2.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population.

There were 472 households, out of which 26.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.91% were married couples living together, 5.08% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.83% were non-families. 31.36% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.67% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.11 and the average family size was 2.44.

The village's age distribution consisted of 21.3% under the age of 18, 13.7% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 15.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,364, and the median income for a family was $69,107. Males had a median income of $36,875 versus $29,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $24,696. About 10.6% of families and 13.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.9% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Toledo is home to Cumberland Community Unit School District 77. The elementary, middle, and high school are located in Toledo.

Notable people

 * Grover Baichley (1889–1956), pitcher with the St. Louis Browns

title: Toledo, Illinois


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Clinton, Illinois

Clinton is the largest city and the county seat in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 7,004 at the 2020 census.

The city and the county are named for DeWitt Clinton, governor of New York, 1817–1823. Clinton Nuclear Generating Station is located six miles away on Clinton Lake.

Geography

Clinton is centrally located in the heart of Illinois, at 40.15222°N, -88.95917°W (40.152240, -88.959214), accessible from Routes 51, 54, and 10.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Clinton has a total area of 3.54 sqmi, all land.

History
The city was founded in 1835 by Jesse W. Fell of Bloomington, Illinois, a land speculator and lawyer, and James Allen, a representative in the Illinois State Legislature. The two men were on their way from Decatur, Illinois back to Bloomington after a business trip and stopped to rest their horses on the open prairie halfway between the two cities. It occurred to them that this was an ideal location for a settlement, as there was nothing else nearby. They named the town in honor of DeWitt Clinton.

Clinton is on the 8th Judicial Circuit, on which Abraham Lincoln traveled, along with Judge David Davis, for twenty years. Lincoln acted as lawyer because lawyers were scarce in the area at the time.

One of the two registered historical locations in DeWitt County, the C.H. Moore House, is located in Clinton. The house was purchased and improved by lawyer Clifton H. Moore in the 1880s, and is now the DeWitt County Museum. Moore's private library of more than 7,000 volumes was left to the city upon his death in 1901. These books would make up the first collection of the Vespasian Warner Public Library, founded by and named for Moore's son-in-law.

In 1858, Abraham Lincoln gave a speech in Clinton to which the following quotation has been attributed: You can fool all of the people some of the time and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. on Sept. 18, according to Carl Sandburg. However, there is no official transcript of the speech. Lincoln's collected papers has a version of the speech taken from a contemporary copy in the Bloomington Pantagraph which doesn't contain it. It has also been attributed to a speech by Lincoln in Bloomington, IL two years earlier, and there is controversy over whether or not Lincoln ever said it at all.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 7,004 people, 3,102 households, and 1,676 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,976.30 PD/sqmi. There were 3,384 housing units at an average density of 954.85 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 91.49% White, 1.06% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 2.60% from other races, and 4.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.15% of the population.

There were 3,102 households, out of which 25.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.78% were married couples living together, 13.25% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.97% were non-families. 42.94% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.67% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 2.18.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.3% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,741, and the median income for a family was $63,125. Males had a median income of $40,918 versus $26,554 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,368. About 9.2% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.2% of those under age 18 and 6.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The major employers in Clinton include the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant, Warner Hospital & Health Services, Miller Container, RR Donnelley, and HNC Products Inc., and Liberty Village of Clinton.

Recreation and entertainment

 * The annual Apple and Pork Festival draws ten times or more of the population to the city to visit, partake, and purchase items typifying the town.
 * Terror on Washington Street is an annual haunted house run by Clinton's Chamber of Commerce.
 * May Days is an annual festival that has carnival rides as well as live music and various other entertainment events.

Nature and wildlife

 * Clinton Lake (Illinois) and Weldon Springs State Recreation Area are nearby state parks.
 * There are seven small parks within the town which include facilities such as lighted tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball and softball fields, as well as other playground equipment.

Other attractions

 * The C. H. Moore House is the center of the Dewitt County Museum.
 * Mr. Lincoln's Square is one of the locations Abraham Lincoln delivered a campaign address.
 * Dewitt County Fairgrounds

Notable people

 * Al Atkinson, pitcher with the Chicago Browns, Baltimore Monumentals and Philadelphia Athletics
 * Keith Brendley, business leader and expert in active protection systems
 * Charlie Irwin, third baseman with the Chicago Colts, Cincinnati Reds and Brooklyn Superbas
 * Mike Overy, relief pitcher for the California Angels; born in Clinton
 * Doc Marshall, catcher with the 1908 Chicago Cubs and physician; lived and died in Clinton
 * William Querfeld, Illinois state representative, farmer, grain dealer, and farm implement dealer
 * Gene Vance, a member of the 1942–43 University of Illinois basketball team known as the Whiz Kids
 * Vespasian Warner, member of Congress, and later United States Commissioner of Pensions

title: Clinton, Illinois


text:
DeWitt, Illinois

DeWitt is a village in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 160 at the 2020 census. The U.S. Census Bureau and the USGS list the village's name as De Witt, although the name DeWitt (no space) is used locally and by the U.S. Postal Service.

History
DeWitt was originally called Marion, and under the latter name was platted in 1836. The present name is for DeWitt Clinton, governor of New York, 1817-1823.

Geography
DeWitt is located just off of Rt. 54.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, De Witt has a total area of 0.24 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 160 people, 85 households, and 59 families residing in the village. The population density was 675.11 PD/sqmi. There were 80 housing units at an average density of 337.55 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.88% White, 0.63% Asian, 0.63% from other races, and 1.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.25% of the population.

There were 85 households, out of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.18% were married couples living together, 3.53% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.59% were non-families. 30.59% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.29% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.31 and the average family size was 2.60.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.5% under the age of 18, none from 18 to 24, 14.6% from 25 to 44, 40.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 75.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,875, and the median income for a family was $59,688. Males had a median income of $54,167 versus $17,237 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,340. About 13.6% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.2% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: DeWitt, Illinois


text:
Farmer City, Illinois

Farmer City is a city in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,828 at the 2020 census.

Farmer City is part of Blue Ridge Community Unit School District 18 sharing facilities with nearby Mansfield and Bellflower, Illinois. Farmer City facilities include the District Unit Office, the Ruth M. Schneider Elementary School (K-3) and Blue Ridge High School. On May 30, 2018, the city declared itself a second amendment sanctuary.

History
The Kickapoo and Potawatomi Native American tribes lived on the prairie and woodlands around Salt Creek and other local streams. The westward push of traders and adventurers led to settlers around 1825. Dennis Hurley is believed to be the first white settler in the area. Hurley built a cabin in the area, which became known as Hurley's Grove, with other families settling nearby. Some of the founding families were the Kirbys, McCords, Clearwaters, Watsons, Johnson, Webb, Blalach, Weedmans, Coveys, Cummings, and Huddlestons. Hurley's Grove was just south of present-day Farmer City, with increased population by 1837, becoming part of DeWitt County in 1839.

The area to the south of Hurley's Grove was solidified as a permanent settlement, due to the safety of the area's wooded terrain. North of the primary area became known as Mt. Pleasant. Subdivision of the land divided the area into 14 blocks, with a central public square. The first residence built was that of Nathan Clearwater, and William McFall opened a store in 1837. Mail delivery was established in 1837, but with another Mt. Pleasant in the state, the name changed to Santa Anna.

Dewitt County was part of the Eighth Judicial District in the early 1850s, and lawyer Abraham Lincoln traveled in the area many times on his circuit; he was well respected by county residents. C. H. Moore House in nearby Clinton is the former residence of Lincoln's co-counsel in various cases.

The settlement grew in population and physical size, with the center of activity moving northward. The area became connected in 1870 by rail, prospering; that year's census listed 1276 people in the township, and 537 in Mt. Pleasant. The necessity of an official name arose in 1869, with Farmer City chosen after much discussion and debate. The business district was destroyed in 1879 by a major fire, but the town was rebuilt. The rebuilding process had to be rebooted after an 1894 fire destroyed the new business district.

The early years of the next century saw Farmer City grow into a bustling community. A newspaper, the Public Reaper, first printed on November 27, 1879. City fathers helped usher the area into a modern era, with utilities such as a water tower (1920). The new business district was joined by schools, churches, and fine homes. Interstate 74 was completed in the early 1970s. In 1980, an extensive study of the dialect of Farmer City was completed, making the city well known in the field of sociolinguistics.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Farmer City has a total area of 2.449 sqmi, of which 2.4 sqmi (or 98%) is land and 0.049 sqmi (or 2%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,828 people, 848 households, and 563 families residing in the city. The population density was 748.26 PD/sqmi. There were 884 housing units at an average density of 361.85 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.98% White, 0.88% African American, 0.05% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.33% from other races, and 4.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.02% of the population.

There were 848 households, out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.08% were married couples living together, 6.01% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.61% were non-families. 31.49% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.92% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 2.37.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.1% under the age of 18, 2.5% from 18 to 24, 17.6% from 25 to 44, 36.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $66,591, and the median income for a family was $84,625. Males had a median income of $36,750 versus $31,725 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,409. About 7.6% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.8% of those under age 18 and 10.0% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Interstate 74, which is paralleled by US 150, and State Route 54 intersect near Farmer City. They are paralleled by routes of the Norfolk Southern Railway and Illinois Central Railroad, respectively.

Education
Farmer City is home to Blue Ridge Community Unit School District 18, the sports teams have the nickname “Knights”.

Media
Farmer City is the home of WPEO-FM, an FM radio station broadcasting on a frequency of 98.3 mHz. Its programming consists of Christian radio.

Notable people

 * Samuel B. Garver, Illinois state representative, businessman, and farmer, lived in Farmer City.
 * Lott R. Herrick, Illinois Supreme Court justice, was born in Farmer City.
 * George Rock, American Singer, sung the popular song with the Spike Jones Band 'All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth'
 * Vespasian Warner, U.S. Representative 1895–1905, was born in Farmer City.

title: Farmer City, Illinois


text:
Kenney, Illinois

Kenney is a village in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 326 at the 2010 census. It was named for its founder, Moses Kenney.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Kenney has a total area of 0.3 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 311 people, 265 households, and 103 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,102.84 PD/sqmi. There were 147 housing units at an average density of 521.28 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 91.64% White, 0.64% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.64% Asian, 1.29% from other races, and 5.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.25% of the population.

There were 265 households, out of which 11.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 29.06% were married couples living together, 6.04% had a female householder with no husband present, and 61.13% were non-families. 61.13% of all households were made up of individuals, and 23.02% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 1.69.

The village's age distribution consisted of 10.1% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 20.2% from 25 to 44, 37.5% from 45 to 64, and 28.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 60.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 128.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,536, and the median income for a family was $61,964. Males had a median income of $34,500 versus $9,757 for females. The per capita income for the village was $35,790. About 3.9% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Del Howard, infielder and outfielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Beaneaters/Doves, and Chicago Cubs; member of 1907 and 1908 World Series champion Cubs
 * Ivan Howard, infielder with the St Louis Browns and Cleveland Indians; brother of Del Howard

Attractions

 * Annually, the village holds the Kenney Fall Festival on the weekend after Labor Day, to celebrate the founding of the village by Moses Kenney.

title: Kenney, Illinois


text:
Wapella, Illinois

Wapella is a village in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 513 at the 2020 census.

History
Wapella was founded in 1854, but settlers were arriving in Wapella as early as 1829 due to the dense timber and rich soil. The name of the village comes from Chief Wapella of the Musquakee Indian tribe. A group of settlers from Kentucky were the first Europeans to call Wapella home. A short time later a substantial group of Irish immigrants moved to Wapella to build and work on the Illinois Central Railroad. Wapella was laid out by David Augustus Neal, vice president and a surveyor of the Illinois Central Railroad Line. The village population was approximately 500 residents by the beginning of the Civil War.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Wapella has a total area of 0.55 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 513 people, 210 households, and 127 families residing in the village. The population density was 931.03 PD/sqmi. There were 247 housing units at an average density of 448.28 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.32% White, 0.19% African American, 0.19% Asian, 0.39% Pacific Islander, 0.19% from other races, and 3.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.75% of the population.

There were 210 households, out of which 26.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.33% were married couples living together, 8.57% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.52% were non-families. 35.24% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.05% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 2.26.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.4% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $60,625, and the median income for a family was $73,125. Males had a median income of $43,750 versus $19,583 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,993. About 3.1% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Wapella, Illinois


text:
Waynesville, Illinois

Waynesville is a village in DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 381 at the 2020 census.

History
Waynesville is one of the oldest settlements in central Illinois. The area was first settled around 1825, by Prettyman Marvel and his wife, Rebecca (Barr) Marvel. They cleared an area of land near the present location of the village and were followed shortly thereafter by several other settlers. As a result, a small settlement sprung up about a mile south of Kickapoo Creek.

In 1832, the first plats for the village were filed, and the name "Waynesville" (after the hero of the Revolutionary War, General Anthony Wayne) was selected. Town lots were auctioned off, and the sale announced in newspapers. However, economic circumstances meant that few lots were ever built upon. Within two or three decades, the village had reached a population of about 500, a figure where it would remain almost until the present.

Sadly, Waynesville, although one of the first villages in the area, never became a prominent one. When the new county of Dewitt was established in 1839, Waynesville found itself at the far northwest corner, and thus out of the running for county seat. As well, influential politicians in Bloomington and Clinton managed to have the Illinois Central Railroad routed through those cities and bypassing Waynesville. Finally, when the system of state highways was laid out, the village was once again bypassed.

In 1855, Waynesville suffered a cholera outbreak that killed some 50 out of the village's 150 residents: one of the worst outbreaks of the disease in central Illinois.

Today, Waynesville is a slowly shrinking settlement, as younger people move away and older people die off. It no longer has a school of its own, in fact. Many of the buildings in its "uptown" business district have succumbed to the ravages of time.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Waynesville has a total area of 0.32 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 381 people, 206 households, and 128 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,194.36 PD/sqmi. There were 194 housing units at an average density of 608.15 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.65% White, 0.52% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 1.05% from other races, and 4.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.84% of the population.

There were 206 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.34% were married couples living together, 3.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.86% were non-families. 28.64% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.65% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 2.41.

The village's age distribution consisted of 19.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 31% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $66,000, and the median income for a family was $84,167. Males had a median income of $42,273 versus $43,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $32,975. About 3.9% of families and 8.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Waynesville, Illinois


text:
Weldon, Illinois

Weldon is a village in Nixon Township, DeWitt County, Illinois, United States. The population was 369 at the 2020 census.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 369 people, 171 households, and 106 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,382.02 PD/sqmi. There were 180 housing units at an average density of 674.16 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.66% White, 0.27% from other races, and 4.07% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.27% of the population.

There were 171 households, out of which 23.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.27% were married couples living together, 15.79% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.01% were non-families. 35.09% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.20% 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 2.19.

The village's age distribution consisted of 19.7% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 25.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 131.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 116.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,688, and the median income for a family was $58,929. Males had a median income of $36,705 versus $34,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,537. About 8.5% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.8% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.

Local high school
De Land-Weldon is a school district that services both towns and the surrounding areas. It is the smallest public high school in the state with a total enrollment of 50.

title: Weldon, Illinois


text:
DeKalb, Illinois

DeKalb is a city in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 40,290 at the 2020 census. The city is named after decorated Franconian-French war hero Johann de Kalb, who died during the American Revolutionary War.

Founded in 1856, DeKalb became important in the development and manufacture of barbed wire, especially for agriculture and raising livestock. While agricultural-related industries remain a facet of the city, along with health and services, the city's largest employer in the 21st century is Northern Illinois University, founded in 1895. DeKalb is about 65 miles from downtown Chicago.

History
DeKalb was originally called Huntley's Grove, and under the latter name was platted in 1853. The name is for Baron Johann de Kalb, a major general in the American Revolutionary War. The first church in DeKalb was organized in 1844. Beginning in 1846, a stage coach traveled from Chicago through DeKalb and Dixon to Galena. A post office has been in operation at DeKalb since 1849. The first railroad reached DeKalb in 1853.

Barbed wire was a key product in DeKalb's history. Joseph Glidden (1813–1906), a DeKalb resident since about 1850, received a patent in 1874 for inventing the conventional double-strand barbed wire that remains in common use around the world today. Glidden and Isaac L. Ellwood (1833–1910) manufactured barbed wire in DeKalb, initially as the Barb Fence Company. Successor companies included the 1881 Superior Barbed Wire Company, which merged into American Steel and Wire in 1898 and finally became United States Steel. Between 1892 and 1898 Glidden and Ellwood played substantial parts in establishing the state teachers college that became Northern Illinois University.

DeKalb played a leading role in the development of commercial hybrid corn. From a base in the early county Farm Bureau, the DeKalb Agricultural Association produced large quantities of high-yield seed varieties, beginning in 1934. Until the mid-1970s, more American farmers planted DeKalb hybrid corn than any other brand. The DeKalb logo was a flying ear of corn. A series of joint ventures and mergers beginning in 1982 resulted in the DeKalb brand of agricultural products being owned by Bayer since 2017.

Geography
DeKalb is in northern Illinois, about 65 mi west of downtown Chicago and 30 miles southeast of Rockford. The South Branch Kishwaukee River flows northward through DeKalb.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, DeKalb has a total area of 17.12 sqmi, of which 16.95 sqmi (or 99.03%) is land and 0.17 sqmi (or 0.97%) is water.

On August 24, 2007, the Kishwaukee River at DeKalb crested at 15.27 ft (all-time record 15.8 ft), causing major flooding. This was only the second time the river has risen above 15 ft since the level of the river has been recorded.

Climate
DeKalb has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfa) typical of northern Illinois, with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot, while winters are cold and snowy. Precipitation is somewhat uniform year-round, although it can be heavier in the spring and summer when the area is prone to strong thunderstorms.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 40,290 people, 15,839 households, and 7,804 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,353.66 PD/sqmi. There were 16,629 housing units at an average density of 971.43 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 58.73% White, 18.48% African American, 0.76% Native American, 3.92% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 7.99% from other races, and 10.08% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 17.83% of the population.

There were 15,839 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.03% were married couples living together, 13.14% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.73% were non-families. 34.52% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.78% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.22 and the average family size was 2.45.

The city's age distribution consisted of 17.9% under the age of 18, 31.8% from 18 to 24, 24% from 25 to 44, 17.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 25.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,223, and the median income for a family was $67,155. Males had a median income of $32,306 versus $17,703 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,819. About 17.8% of families and 26.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.8% of those under age 18 and 6.6% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
DeKalb is home to Northern Illinois University, the city's largest employer and Illinois's third-largest campus. Other large employers include Northwestern Medicine, General Electric, Monsanto (originally as DeKalb Corn), the local school district, and a large retail district along Route 23 (shared with Sycamore).

DeKalb is also home to warehouses for several major companies, including Target, 3M, Nestlé, and Ferrara Candy Company, in part due to DeKalb's proximity to major highways such as I-88 and I-39. 3M's complex serves as the distribution hub for three of 3M's four business units and export operations to North America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.

In 2011, DeKalb was the broadcast base of Up and In: The Baseball Prospectus Podcast with Kevin Goldstein and Jason Parks. The town was also the filming location for the 2012 film At Any Price.

In June, 2020, Meta announced it would construct an $800 million data center on the south side of DeKalb.

Arts and culture
DeKalb is home to the annual Corn Fest, usually held in late August.

The Egyptian Theatre, built in 1929, is one of a handful of such theatres still extant in the United States. The Stage Coach Players, founded in 1947, have a theatre on 5th Street.

Parks and recreation
The DeKalb Park District is responsible for DeKalb's 44 parks and recreation facilities. Members of the League of Women Voters established the park district in 1935 to address the need for a public swimming pool. The City of DeKalb gave the first four parks to the District: Annie's Woods, Huntley Park, Liberty Park, and Hopkins Park.

In 2000 the district opened the Sports and Recreation Center, a multi-function facility that features an indoor field of over 1 acre, clear-span space with synthetic field turf. The park district provides year-round athletic and recreation programs including day camps, youth baseball and softball, adult softball leagues both indoors and outdoors, swimming lessons, golf lessons, karate, tennis, adult and youth basketball leagues, indoor soccer, fitness classes, and preschool.

The DeKalb Park District park system has 44 parks totaling over 700 acres: community parks, neighborhood parks, passive parks and linear parks. Notable parks and facilities include:
 * River Heights Golf Course
 * Buena Vista Golf Course
 * Hopkins Park Pool and Community Center
 * Nehring Center for Culture and Tourism
 * Ellwood House Museum and Park

Government
DeKalb has a council-manager government. Policy is developed by an elected city council and implemented by an appointed professional city manager. The DeKalb City Council is made up of a mayor, elected at-large, and seven alderpersons, elected by ward. Each serves a four-year term, with half the council elected every two years. A city clerk is also elected every four years to serve as the city's official recordkeeper. City council meetings are held the second and fourth Mondays of every month.

Education
There are 11 public schools, one private school, one university and one public library.

Primary and secondary
DeKalb is served by both public and private school systems. DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 operates eight elementary schools (Grades K–5), Clinton Rosette and Huntley Middle Schools (Grades 6–8), and DeKalb High School (Grades 9–12), which is the home of the Barbs.

Colleges and universities
Northern Illinois University (NIU) was founded in DeKalb as the Northern Illinois State Normal School in 1895. NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with total enrollment around 20,000, which makes NIU the third largest campus in Illinois.

Railway
The first railroad entered DeKalb on August 22, 1853. In 1864, the line became part of the Chicago and North Western Railway main line from Chicago to Omaha, which carried passengers until 1971. A depot between 6th and 7th Streets was built in 1891. The Union Pacific Railroad took control of the line in 1995. Since 2006, the nearest passenger rail service is at the Metra commuter system station in Elburn, 15 mi east of DeKalb, which is accessible by bus. In January 2023, the Dekalb City Council voted to fund a transportation study aimed at determining feasibility of extending Metra Union Pacific West Line commuter rail service from Elburn to the city. In May 2023, the initial key facts of the feasibility study were published, which showed that an extension to Dekalb was feasible based on commuter and daily ridership estimates. In 2024, Dekalb backed a regional feasibility study by federal officials to revive Amtrak service that ran as the Twin Cities Zephyr, the service was discontinued in the 1970s.

Road
The transcontinental Lincoln Highway was established through DeKalb in 1913. The first "seedling mile" of concrete pavement was built in 1914 at Malta, six miles west of DeKalb. The rest of Lincoln Highway across DeKalb County was paved in 1920. The highway is now part of Illinois Route 38. The main north-south highway through DeKalb is Illinois Route 23, which forms an unusual intersection of two state highways and a major railroad at the corner of Fourth and Lincoln. Interstate Highway 88, part of the Illinois Tollway system, was completed to DeKalb around 1975 and passes just south of town, where there are two toll plazas and a service oasis that includes restaurants and a gas station. Via the tollway, DeKalb is 30 mi west of Aurora and 65 mi west of downtown Chicago.

Bus
Scheduled local bus service throughout the DeKalb area is provided by DeKalb Public Transit, a joint effort by the city in partnership with Northern Illinois University. Routes extend through the university, the city, and Sycamore with extensions west to Kishwaukee College and east to the passenger rail station at Elburn. Schedules on the main routes vary depending on whether the university is in session. The system began in 1971 as the Huskie Bus Line under contract to the NIU Student Association. By 1982 the system served 3 million riders per year, second only in Illinois to the Chicago Transit Authority. In 2018, it merged with a smaller City of DeKalb bus system, which had been operated by the local Voluntary Action Center (VAC). Paratransit operations were added in 2021, also by transfer from VAC. VAC continues to serve a wider surrounding area with on-demand transportation for people with special needs and to out-of-town medical appointments.

Airport
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport (DTMA), serving the general aviation community, is on the east side of the city at 3232 Pleasant Street. The airport opened in April 1944 in association with a factory making Interstate TDR assault drone aircraft. The city took ownership in 1948. There is no commercial service directly to DeKalb, but the city center is 43.43 miles away from O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, making commercial air access relatively easy.

Notable people

 * George Franklin Barber, architect, known as one of the most successful American domestic architects of the late Victorian period. He was born in DeKalb.
 * A. J. Bramlett, former professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
 * Dennis J. Collins, Illinois lawyer and state legislator
 * Cindy Crawford, model and actress, appeared on hundreds of magazine covers throughout her career and in 1995 was named the world's highest-paid model by Forbes. She was born and raised in DeKalb.
 * Joseph B. Ebbesen, optometrist and Illinois state legislator.
 * Isaac L. Ellwood, rancher, businessman and barbed wire entrepreneur.
 * Philip Ewell, American professor of music theory at Hunter College and the CUNY Graduate Center.
 * Fred Eychaner, media mogul and philanthropist. He was raised in DeKalb.
 * Joseph Glidden, farmer who patented barbed wire in 1874, which changed the development of the American West.
 * Jacob Haish, one of the inventors of barbed wire.
 * Barbara Hale, film actress and Emmy Award-winning co-star of Perry Mason television series.
 * Mike Heimerdinger, assistant coach for several NFL teams including the Denver Broncos and Tennessee Titans. He was born and raised in DeKalb.
 * Richard Jenkins, actor, nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for his performances in The Visitor (2007) and The Shape of Water (2017) respectively. He was born and raised in DeKalb.
 * Mel Kenyon, racing driver
 * Alan and Dale Klapmeier, co-founders of the Cirrus Design Corporation and 2014 inductees into the National Aviation Hall of Fame. They were raised in DeKalb and graduated from DeKalb High School.
 * Doug Mallory, former coach of the Atlanta Falcons. He attended DeKalb High School while his father was coach of the Northern Illinois Huskies.
 * Karl Nelson, offensive tackle for the New York Giants. He played football for the DeKalb High School Barbs.
 * Mel Owens, linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams from 1981 to 1989. He played football for the DeKalb High School Barbs.
 * Richard Powers, author and winner of the 2006 National Book Award for Fiction for The Echo Maker.
 * Hellah Sidibe, former professional soccer player, ran across the United States in 2021.
 * Weekend Nachos, powerviolence punk band. They were formed in DeKalb.
 * Sue Vicory, writer, film producer and filmmaker
 * W. Willard Wirtz, United States Secretary of Labor during the Kennedy administration and Johnson administration. He was born and raised in DeKalb where his home is preserved on the campus of Northern Illinois University.

title: DeKalb, Illinois


text:
Genoa, Illinois

Genoa is a city in the north-east corner of DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. It is located on the historic Galena-Chicago stagecoach route. At the 2020 census the city had a population of 5,298, up from 5,193 in 2010.

History
Genoa was settled as early as 1835 by Thomas Madison, an American Revolutionary War soldier from Ashtabula County, Ohio. He named Genoa after a town of the same name in New York. Genoa was incorporated as a village in 1876 and as a city on September 9, 1911.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Genoa has a total area of 2.655 sqmi, of which 2.6 sqmi (or 97.93%) is land and 0.055 sqmi (or 2.07%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 5,298 people, 1,919 households, and 1,251 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,003.78 PD/sqmi. There were 1,993 housing units at an average density of 753.78 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 78.84% White, 0.91% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 6.70% from other races, and 12.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.89% of the population.

There were 1,919 households, out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.50% were married couples living together, 6.72% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.81% were non-families. 28.87% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.76% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.30 and the average family size was 2.65.

The city's age distribution consisted of 18.9% under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $72,795, and the median income for a family was $78,625. Males had a median income of $49,523 versus $28,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,563. About 6.8% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Genoa is governed by a mayor and eight-member City Council. The city is divided into four wards, with two aldermen representing each ward. The mayor and aldermen serve four-year terms. The terms of the City Council are staggered such that one alderman from each ward is elected every two years.

City Council Members
Term expiration indicated in parentheses
 * Mayor: Jonathon Brust (2025)
 * Ward 1: Christopher Pulley (2025)
 * Ward 1: Pam Wesner (2023)
 * Ward 2: Melissa Freund (2025)
 * Ward 2: James Stevenson (2023)
 * Ward 3: Charles(Chuck)Cravatta (2023)
 * Ward 3: Courtney Winter (2025)
 * Ward 4: Brent Holcomb (2023)
 * Ward 4: Katie Lang (2025)

A City Clerk is also elected at-large and serves a four-year term. The current city clerk is Kendra Braheny, whose term began in 2021.

Education
Genoa is part of the Genoa-Kingston (GK) School District with nearby village Kingston. The district has four Public Schools: Kingston Elementary School (Grades K-2), Genoa Elementary School (Grades 3-5), Genoa-Kingston Middle School (Grades 6-8) and Genoa-Kingston High School (Grades 9-12). The school district's mascot is a “Cog”, and the school sports teams are the G-K Cogs (Acronym for Community of Genoa Sports) with the colors being royal blue and orange.

Sports
Girls athletics include basketball, cheer leading, cross country, dance team, golf, soccer, softball, track and field, and volleyball. Boys athletics include football, baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track and field, and wrestling. The town has three state championships to its name: the football team in 1977, the girls track team in 1989, and the girls volleyball team in 2022. Genoa-Kingston High School competes in the Big Northern Conference (BNC), while Genoa-Kingston Middle School competes in the Mid-Northern Conference (MNC).

Notable Person

 * Edward D. Shurtleff, Illinois state legislator and jurist, was born in Genoa.

title: Genoa, Illinois


text:
Hinckley, Illinois

Hinckley is a village in Squaw Grove Township, DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,006 at the 2020 census, a slight decline from 2,070 at the 2010 census.

History
In the 1830s, a Mr. Hollenbeck, who lived near Ottawa, Illinois, was traveling the then-unsettled territory. He found a grove of trees west of the present-day Hinckley and named it Squaw Grove, after the Native American women who were tending camp.

In the spring of 1835, John Sebree built a log house. The following year, more families came to the area and a small town was started at the west edge of what is now Hinckley, which was named Squaw Grove.

Hinckley was conceived in the 1870s as the brainchild of Francis Hinckley, president of the Chicago and Iowa Railroad. The rail line was placed one-half mile east of the Village of Squaw Grove, which was then named Hinckley.

The first store came to Hinckley in 1872. By 1876, Hinckley had twenty businesses.

The Methodist Church began in 1835, and St. Paul's Church came in 1885. A volunteer fire brigade was organized in 1886.

In 1889, a tornado destroyed most of the village.

On January 7, 1927, the Harlem Globetrotters played their first road game in Hinckley.

Education
Hinckley is a part of the Hinckley-Big Rock Community Unit School District 429, which operates three schools:

 * Hinckley-Big Rock Elementary School is located on the west side of Hinckley on US HWY 30.
 * Hinckley-Big Rock Middle School is located in the center of Big Rock on US HWY 30.
 * Hinckley-Big Rock High School is located on the east side of Hinckley on US HWY 30.

Geography
Hinckley is located at 41.77139°N, -88.64056°W (41.771389, -88.640526).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Hinckley has a total area of 0.86 sqmi, of which 0.85 sqmi (or 99.06%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.94%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,006 people, 878 households, and 556 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,346.20 PD/sqmi. There were 830 housing units at an average density of 970.76 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.38% White, 0.55% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 1.89% from other races, and 7.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.18% of the population.

There were 878 households, out of which 27.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.61% were married couples living together, 12.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.67% were non-families. 28.47% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 2.49.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.9% under the age of 18, 15.4% from 18 to 24, 20.5% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $70,278, and the median income for a family was $79,667. Males had a median income of $54,028 versus $35,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $33,663. About 4.9% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.4% of those under age 18 and 5.7% of those age 65 or over.

Popular culture
In 1981, Hinckley served as a stand-in for fictional North Crawford in Jonathan Demme's film adaptation of Who Am I This Time? by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Christopher Walken and Susan Sarandon portray two painfully shy people who find one another through a community theater production of "A Streetcar Named Desire", in which they portray the tempestuous Stanley and Stella Kowalski.

title: Hinckley, Illinois


text:
Kingston, Illinois

Kingston is a village in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,108 at the 2020 census, down from 1,164 at the 2010 census.

History
Settled in 1835 by the Pottawatomie Indians, Kingston was one of the first townships in DeKalb County. The post office was established in 1837 with Levi Lee as postmaster.

The village of Kingston was founded in 1875 when the Chicago & Pacific railroad laid tracks through the township and built a depot on section 22 on a farm belonging to Lyman Stuart, an early settler of Kingston township. Lyman and his brother, James Stuart paid to have the Pleasant Hill church moved to the new site from its original location on Baseline road south of the new village. The Stuart brothers had the village platted in May 1876. The first major fire in the village occurred in January 1886 when several frame buildings were engulfed on the east side of Main street. A farmer, John Uplinger agreed to build a block of brick on the burned site if the citizens would vote to incorporate. An election was held in May 1886 with a question of incorporation on the ballot which resulted in a vote of 69 for incorporation and 17 against. A lumber yard was established by Lyman Stuart in 1876 which Mr. Uplinger purchased from the Stuart estate in 1882. Mr. Uplinger operated the lumber yard until his death in 1892 when control was assumed by his son, B. F. "Frank" Uplinger. The son built a grain elevator in 1892 and in addition to dealing in lumber and grain, he also sold coal & salt. Frank continued this line until 1921 when he sold to the newly formed Kingston Farmers Cooperative. Frank's brother, John H. Uplinger operated a hardware store and sold farm implements and also served as postmaster. Another brother, Charles Uplinger operated the meat market. The citizens voted for a public school house in 1879 which was opened in 1881 and was destroyed by fire in 1895. The second school opened in 1895 and it too was destroyed by fire in 1954. Telephone service came to Kingston in 1898. Indoor plumbing in 1910 and the village was wired for electricity in 1913.

With Kingston being a major "hub" for two railroads business flourished throughout the area. By the 1900s Kingston had many businesses including; a hardware store, department store, grocery, meat market, paint shop, hotel, bank, bakery, shoe store, barber shop, pool room, saloon, general store, creamery, undertaking parlor, saw mill, coal and lumber yard, two blacksmith shops, two livery barns, stock yards and two confectionaries. Kingston even had its own baseball team, The Kingston Tigers. Some of the businesses mentioned above were destroyed in the fire of 1908, which engulfed a large part of town on the west side of Main Street.

W. H. Bell, an early resident of Kingston, instigated the first Kingston Picnic while he was Village President. The picnic was held every year and in 1912, when The Kingston Township Park opened, the picnic had a permanent home. The annual Kingston Picnic was held for over 100 years and celebrated its centennial in 1976.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Kingston has a total area of 1.015 sqmi, of which 0.99 sqmi (or 97.54%) is land and 0.025 sqmi (or 2.46%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,108 people, 400 households, and 301 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,097.03 PD/sqmi. There were 412 housing units at an average density of 407.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 85.47% White, 0.81% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 4.33% from other races, and 8.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.92% of the population.

There were 400 households, out of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.75% were married couples living together, 6.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.75% were non-families. 20.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.25% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.37 and the average family size was 2.94.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.7% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 25% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $84,375, and the median income for a family was $92,228. Males had a median income of $46,696 versus $26,821 for females. The per capita income for the village was $30,270. About 5.6% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.9% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Kingston is served by the Genoa-Kingston Community Unit School District with nearby Genoa. The district has four public schools: Genoa Elementary School (Grades 3-5; Genoa), Kingston Elementary School] (Grades K-2; Kingston), Genoa-Kingston Middle School (Grades 6-8), and Genoa-Kingston High School (Grades 9-12). The GK School District's team name is the Cogs, an acronym created from the phrase "Community of Genoa Schools" that also evokes a feeling of teamwork not unlike the cogs in a machine, however some local history states that it stands for "Consolidation of Genoa Schools".

title: Kingston, Illinois


text:
Kirkland, Illinois

Kirkland is a village in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,650 at the 2020 census, down from 1,744 at the 2010 census.

History
A post office called Kirkland has been in operation since 1875. Kirkland was platted in 1876. The village was named for William T. Kirk, a local landowner.

Geography
Kirkland is located at 42.09139°N, -88.85028°W (42.091306, -88.850345).

According to the 2010 census, Kirkland has a total area of 1.232 sqmi, of which 1.22 sqmi (or 99.03%) is land and 0.012 sqmi (or 0.97%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,650 people, 573 households, and 369 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,330.65 PD/sqmi. There were 637 housing units at an average density of 513.71 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 86.67% White, 0.73% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 3.70% from other races, and 8.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.42% of the population.

There were 573 households, out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.29% were married couples living together, 13.09% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.60% were non-families. 26.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.12% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.25 and the average family size was 2.66.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.5% under the age of 18, 11.1% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 21.5% from 45 to 64, and 16.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $63,708, and the median income for a family was $67,159. Males had a median income of $50,938 versus $25,417 for females. The per capita income for the village was $27,281. About 10.3% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.7% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Kirkland, Illinois


text:
Lee, Illinois

Lee is a village in DeKalb County and Lee County, Illinois, United States. The population was 313 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Lee is located on the border of DeKalb and Lee counties at 41.79417°N, -88.94083°W (41.794240, -88.940951). Viking Vie, the main street of the village, follows the county line. It is 15 mi southeast of Rochelle and 17 mi southwest of DeKalb.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Lee has a total area of 0.20 sqmi, all land.

The Lee area is unique for a small village, in that the surrounding area is a part of four different watersheds. Northwest of the village is a part of the Rock River valley. Northeast of the village is a part of the Kishwaukee River valley. Southwest of the village is a part of the Green River valley. Southeast of the village is a part of the Fox River valley.

History
Lee is noted for its strong ties to Norwegian American culture. In fact, all of the streets in the village have Norwegian names. In 1974, in honor of the town's centennial, a contest was held to rename the streets and Mary Ellen Prestegaard's entry was chosen. She ran a shop in the village called the Hardanger Hus that sold Norwegian gifts. Many of the original citizens of the community came from the Hardanger region of Norway, and there are still many community members that can trace their ancestry back to that region.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 313 people, 138 households, and 107 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,580.81 PD/sqmi. There were 142 housing units at an average density of 717.17 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.01% White, 1.28% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 1.28% from other races, and 4.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.39% of the population.

There were 138 households, out of which 48.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.58% were married couples living together, 25.36% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.46% were non-families. 21.74% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 2.75.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.1% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 27.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $82,500, and the median income for a family was $75,625. Males had a median income of $52,188 versus $34,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,351. About 2.8% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.2% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Lee, Illinois


text:
Malta, Illinois

Malta is a village in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,143 at the 2020 census.

History
Malta was founded in 1855, under the name of Milton. Shortly afterwards, the name was changed to Etna, then Malta after the Galena Railway station that served the village. The present name is after the island of Malta.

Malta was the site of the first "seedling mile" of concrete pavement for the transcontinental Lincoln Highway in 1914. Seedling miles were built to demonstrate construction techniques and generate support for the highway. The pavement extended from the Malta cemetery at the west edge of town to near the present location of Kishwaukee College.

Malta struggled financially until the end of World War I, when an influx of new residents to the area arrived. Currently, Malta is a farming community and also supports nearby Kishwaukee College.

Geography
Malta is located at 41.92917°N, -88.86167°W (41.929243, -88.861743).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Malta has a total area of 0.64 sqmi, of which 0.62 sqmi (or 96.39%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 3.61%) is water.

Business
Malta has no large businesses. Most are small operations. Farming and the agriculture industry surround the town. Primary crops are corn and soybeans. Hog confinement operations are near the village. A bank, gas station/convenience store, excavating company, grain elevator, apple orchard, small restaurant, a few auto repair facilities, post office, a photographer, a plumbing company, and an auctioneering company make up the businesses in or near the village. A few individuals in the vicinity have their own businesses that involve carpentry, plumbing, landscaping, and animal control.

Schools
For many years Malta was served by Malta Community Unit School District 433. The District had what was originally a single school house (K-12) in Village limits and eventually a secondary school (7-12) off of Route 38, keeping grades K-6 at the original building. District 433 was absorbed into neighboring DeKalb Community Unit School District 428 in 2000.

Kishwaukee College, founded in 1968, is located 1 mile west of Malta.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,143 people, 475 households, and 322 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,791.54 PD/sqmi. There were 464 housing units at an average density of 727.27 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 85.39% White, 2.71% African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 4.55% from other races, and 6.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 10.06% of the population.

There were 475 households, out of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.58% were married couples living together, 3.79% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.21% were non-families. 23.16% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.89% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.55 and the average family size was 3.01.

The village's age distribution consisted of 27.4% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 122.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $73,250, and the median income for a family was $86,974. Males had a median income of $40,804 versus $36,023 for females. The per capita income for the village was $28,118. About 14.6% of families and 20.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.1% of those under age 18 and 0.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Malta, Illinois


text:
Maple Park, Illinois

Maple Park is a village in DeKalb and Kane counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 1,433 at the 2020 census, up from 1,310 at the 2010 census. Maple Park was formerly known as Lodi.

History
Maple Park was originally called "Lodi", after Lodi, Lombardy. The present name comes from a nearby grove of sugar maple trees. A post office called "Lodi" was established first in 1837, and the post office was renamed "Maple Park" in 1880.

Geography
Maple Park has the majority of the population in Kane County, but with more area in DeKalb County. Illinois Route 38 runs through the southern side of the village, leading east 15 mi to Geneva and west 8 mi to DeKalb. It is 52 mi west of downtown Chicago.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Maple Park has a total area of 2.16 sqmi, of which 2.15 sqmi (or 99.86%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.14%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,433 people, 530 households, and 404 families residing in the village. The population density was 664.35 PD/sqmi. There were 547 housing units at an average density of 253.59 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 89.46% White, 0.21% African American, 0.70% Asian, 2.37% from other races, and 7.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.96% of the population.

There were 530 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.15% were married couples living together, 9.81% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.77% were non-families. 15.09% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.37 and the average family size was 3.02.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.8% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 31.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $90,833, and the median income for a family was $105,714. Males had a median income of $53,092 versus $36,667 for females. The per capita income for the village was $34,935. About 1.0% of families and 2.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Kaneland Community Unit School District 302 operates Kaneland High School.

title: Maple Park, Illinois


text:
Sandwich, Illinois

Sandwich is a city in DeKalb and Kendall counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. Its population was 7,421 at the 2010 census and 7,221 at the 2020 census.

History
The town's history is tied to politician "Long John" Wentworth and his efforts to move the Illinois border with Wisconsin from being even with the bottom of Lake Michigan to its present location. If those efforts had not been successful, the state line would reside along the LaSalle-DeKalb County border, placing the incorporated community in Wisconsin. The community was established when Almon Gage sought a railroad stop on the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad that ran through town. Originally naming it Newark Station (not to be confused with the nearby village of Newark) he and Wentworth worked extensively to create the community and also to get the railroad stop created. In honor of his efforts, Wentworth was given the opportunity to name the town. He named it after his home of Sandwich, New Hampshire. The city's Wentworth Apartments and Wentworth Street are named after him.

Sandwich Fair
Sandwich is the home of the Sandwich Fair, which first started as an annual livestock show in DeKalb County. Originally known as the Union Agricultural Institute, it first opened in 1858. Since 1888, it has been held yearly on the Wednesday through Sunday after Labor Day. It is one of the oldest continuing county fairs in Illinois, drawing daily crowds of more than 100,000, with top attendance days reaching over 200,000. In 2020, the Fair was cancelled for the first time in its history due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Geography
As of 2021, Sandwich has a total area of 4.754 sqmi, of which 4.763 sqmi (or 99.62%) is land and 0.018 sqmi (or 0.38%) is water.

Features
Within the city limit of Sandwich, there is a network of creeks, which either connect to Somonauk Creek (Lake Holiday), Little Rock Creek, or to the Fox River. Lake Davis, which stretched from Veterans Memorial Park to what is now Gletty Road, was drained early in the 19th century to open up additional farmland. The Sandwich town site was built on a natural gradation due to a geological fault line known as the Sandwich Fault, so the city stands on a hillside. The southeast corner of the city is the lowest spot, roughly near the Harvey Creek Preserve, as well as near Little Rock Creek. The last earthquake along the Sandwich Fault was on February 10, 2010, with a previous tremor being reported in January 2007.

Climate
Sandwich's climate is typified by large seasonal temperature variances, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Dfa". (Hot Summer Continental Climate).

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 7,221 people, 2,548 households, and 1,672 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,518.93 PD/sqmi. There were 2,891 housing units at an average density of 608.12 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83.81% White, 1.05% African American, 0.50% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 6.52% from other races, and 7.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.78% of the population.

There were 2,548 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.02% were married couples living together, 10.71% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.38% were non-families. 24.41% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.91% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.34 and the average family size was 2.82.

The city's age distribution consisted of 26.4% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $70,563, and the median income for a family was $76,452. Males had a median income of $46,429 versus $26,841 for females. The per capita income for the city was $29,619. About 5.3% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.9% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is served by Sandwich Community Unit School District 430, which operates three elementary schools, an intermediate school, a junior high, and a high school. The schools are: Prairie View Elementary, Lynn G. Haskin Elementary, W.W. Woodbury Elementary, Herman E. Dummer School, Sandwich Middle School, and Sandwich High School. Although in past years, CUSD #430 would place some students in out of district schools. The mascot is the Indian, and the school colors are orange and black. Sandwich High School is an active member of the Interstate Eight Conference, and competes in IHSA regulated sports competitions. The high school also has a very competitive wrestling team, and in the 2010, 2011, and 2012 high school football seasons, the teams made it to state playoffs. Sandwich also takes advantage of being in the Waubonsee Community College tax district.

Industry
Sandwich is home to the Sahara-Pak heat-of-compression air dryer, a design patented in 1974 by Henderson Engineering, which is considered by many industry observers to be the most significant development ever made in the design of equipment for drying compressed air. Sandwich has a strong manufacturing history, which is evident by the presence of the Plano Molding Company factory, which makes molded plastic furniture, tackle boxes, organization equipment, and other various items. Sandwich is also home to Meadowvale, Inc., a dairy mix manufacturer that specializes in ice cream, frozen custard, and soft serve mixes that are distributed across the US. Although many factories in the area have been closed down or relocated, the community will continue to be a site of manufacturing for some time to come.

Notable people

 * Hugh Brannum (1910–1987), vocalist, arranger, composer and actor, who played the role of "Mr. Green Jeans" on the children's television show Captain Kangaroo
 * Latham Castle (1900-1986), judge and Illinois Attorney General
 * Garrett Gilkey (1990-), NFL offensive guard, attended school in Sandwich, native of Lemont
 * Paul Harvey (1882–1955), film and TV actor
 * Rufus B. von KleinSmid (1875-1964), former Chancellor and President of the University of Southern California

title: Sandwich, Illinois


text:
Shabbona, Illinois

Shabbona is a village in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. The population was 863 at the 2020 census, down from 925 at the 2010 census.

History
The village takes its name from Shabonna, the 19th century Potawatomi chief and peacemaker. Chief Shabbona traveled through the Fox Valley warning the white people about the approaching war Black Hawk was going to wage. He was hailed as the "Whiteman's Friend".

Geography
Shabbona is located at 41.7675°N, -88.87472°W (41.767381, -88.874677). Shabbona Lake State Park is located nearby.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Shabbona has a total area of 1.28 sqmi, of which 1.28 sqmi (or 99.92%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.08%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 863 people, 366 households, and 216 families residing in the village. The population density was 672.12 PD/sqmi. There were 394 housing units at an average density of 306.85 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.51% White, 0.46% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.70% Asian, 0.70% from other races, and 4.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.52% of the population.

There were 366 households, out of which 23.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.17% were married couples living together, 7.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.98% were non-families. 35.25% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.95% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 2.35.

The village's age distribution consisted of 15.0% under the age of 18, 12.6% from 18 to 24, 17.8% from 25 to 44, 30% from 45 to 64, and 24.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $66,250, and the median income for a family was $86,711. Males had a median income of $46,000 versus $22,167 for females. The per capita income for the village was $30,966. About 0.9% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.9% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Shabbona, Illinois


text:
Somonauk, Illinois

Somonauk is a village in DeKalb and LaSalle Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 1,786 at the 2020 Census, down from 1,893 at the 2010 Census.

The DeKalb County portion of Somonauk is part of the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area, while the small portion that lies in LaSalle County is part of the Ottawa, IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Early history
The name "Somonauk" is of Pottawatomie origin. The name is most likely derived from the phonetic phrase As-sim-in-eh-kon, which translates to "pawpaw grove", in reference to the vast groves of pawpaw trees that filled the area at that time.

The Second Treaty of Prairie du Chien, signed by General John McNeil Jr., Colonel Pierre Menard, and Caleb Atwater for the United States on June 29, 1829, references four sections of land being reserved for Chief Awn-kote and his band of 171 villagers "at the village of Saw-meh-naug along the Fox and Illinois Rivers". The Saw-meh-naug, along with the other Pottawatomie of the Illinois River (known as the Prairie Group), as well as the Sauk and the Chippewa, had aided the U.S. in the Black Hawk War. After the war, as a thanks to the Pottawatomie, the U.S. Government signed a treaty allowing the Prairie Group tribes to continue to hunt on U.S. land, outside of their allocated reservations. However, due to "rumors of the Pottawatomie being restless and committing depredations in the northern part of the state spreading to central Illinois", and white residents of the state feeling uncomfortable, the Governor "gave the Prairie Group an ultimatum to leave Illinois". By the end of December 1833, the Pottawatomie had left Illinois, and the settlements of the Pottawatomie were free to be claimed by white settlers.

A few months later, in the spring of 1834, the first white settler in DeKalb County had set up shop along a tributary to the Fox River, and the name Somonauk was moved from the area of present-day Ottawa, to where Chicago Road, Governor Beveridge Highway, and Somonauk Creek meet. This is the area known as present-day "Franks". The simple log cabin was used as a station house along the Chicago-Galena mail route between Aurora and Genoa, and would eventually become property of the Beveridge family. This cabin was the first post office in Somonauk Township, and the area both east and west of Somonauk Creek would eventually have 30 settlers, establishing a Presbyterian Church in the same area as the present-day church, and a school house directly across from it on the west side of Governor Beveridge Highway. It's also widely known that this church was a stop on the underground railroad.

Later, in 1836, the post office for the settlement of Somonauk was moved to the intersection of Chicago Road and Somonauk Road and the name would be changed to "Somonauk Crossing". Another post office was established in 1850 on Somonauk Road at present-day Buck Lake, and was known as "Buck's Branch". In 1851, the CB&Q railroad finally made its way through the township, and in 1853, built a station along the line 5 miles south of the early settlement (now known as "Franks"), just north of the LaSalle/DeKalb County border. With that, the name "Somonauk" would make one final move to its current location, being in platted in 1855, and incorporated in 1865. "Somonauk Crossing" then became known as "Freeland Corners". The name of Buck's Branch would change to "Somonoc Depot" for a brief time before the post office was moved to the actual Somonauk railroad depot in December 1855. The closing of "Freeland Corners" post office was such a hardship to the farmers of Freeland Corners and Somonauk Crossing, that they petitioned the Post Office Department to establish another office in the location of Frank Richey's creamers, and that it be called Frank's Post Office. A post office was established in November 1891, once again located in the area of Chicago Road and Somonauk Creek, this time, on the west side of Rimsnider Road, just north of the creek. The post office was discontinued in April 1902, lasting a mere 11 years.

Geography
Somonauk is located at 41.63278°N, -88.68639°W (41.6327194, -88.6865175). The village is situated along the boundary between DeKalb and LaSalle counties. In the 2000 census, 1,190 of Somonauk's 1,295 residents (91.9%) lived in DeKalb County and 105 (8.1%) lived in LaSalle County.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Somonauk has a total area of 2.49 sqmi, of which 2.49 sqmi (or 99.76%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.24%) is water.

Sannauk Forest Preserve serves as the unofficial boundary between Somonauk and Sandwich, which resides to the east. The forest preserve, owned and managed by DeKalb County, sits along Somonauk Creek, a tributary of the Fox River.

During the housing bubble of the mid-2000s, a few new subdivisions were planned to be built north of town. When the housing market crashed, the city had already incorporated a large portion of DeKalb county north of town ranging from the Sandwich Township border to Governor Beverage Highway, remaining south of Pratt Road. Since then, no talk has indicated that the subdivisions will be built.

The nearby Lake Holiday area includes a man-made lake created by the damming of Somonauk Creek. An old gravel pit was also flooded and is part of the lake.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,786 people, 721 households, and 518 families residing in the village. The population density was 716.12 PD/sqmi. There were 771 housing units at an average density of 309.14 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 90.71% White, 0.34% African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 2.13% from other races, and 6.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.55% of the population.

There were 721 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.50% were married couples living together, 10.96% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.16% were non-families. 24.55% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.96% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.29 and the average family size was 2.81.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.6% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 17.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $71,375, and the median income for a family was $87,667. Males had a median income of $50,000 versus $27,639 for females. The per capita income for the village was $32,921. About 3.7% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 5.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The village of Somonauk is served by Somonauk Community Unit School District (CUSD) #432 which offers grades Pre-K–12. The school's athletic teams are known as the Bobcats. School colors are blue and gold. The school's song is titled "Bobcat Loyalty", and is a basic spin-off of the University of Illinois' fight song, named "Illinois Loyalty".

The community adjoins a private community known as "Lake Holiday". Somonauk School District covers most of the west side of the lake as well as a section of the southeast side. Sandwich Community Unit School District 430 covers most of the east side and a two small sections on the west side of the lake.

title: Somonauk, Illinois