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Benton, Illinois

Benton is a city in and the county seat of Franklin County, Illinois. The population was 6,709 at the 2020 census. In 1839, Franklin County was split roughly in half and the county seat was permanently fixed "at a hill at the south end of Rowling's Prairie", the site of the future city of Benton. Benton's namesake is Missouri senator Thomas Hart Benton. The village of Benton was organized in 1841 on 20 acre of property donated by John Ewing and Walter S. Akin. In 1902, the village became a city, and incorporated under the mayor/commissioner form of government.

The Franklin County Courthouse sat in the center of the Public Square. It was the fourth courthouse that served the people of Franklin County. The Italianate building was constructed in 1874–75 for $27,500. Much of Benton's growth in the past was due to an abundance of high sulfur coal, multiple railroads that pass through the town, fertile soil, and its industry.

History
On April 19, 1928, Benton was the site of the next-to-last public hanging in Illinois, when local gangster Charles Birger was executed on the gallows next to the county jail for the December 12, 1926 murder of Joe Adams, mayor of nearby West City. A replica of the gallows and hangman's noose were built by the late retired Old Ben Coal miner, businessman & carpenter, Birchard L. Wampler (March 9, 1938 – June 29, 2010) and his son Birchard Neil Wampler. They remain standing today next to the old Franklin County Jail turned Museum.

In September 1963, George Harrison of The Beatles visited Benton while on vacation, the first time any member of the group visited American soil. He stayed at the home of his sister, Louise, at 113 McCann Street. The bungalow used to be the Hard Day's Nite Bed and Breakfast. During his trip he traveled from Benton to Fenton's Music Store in Mt. Vernon, IL to purchase a Rickenbacker 425 that later sold at auction for $657k. Harrison also performed with a band called "The Four Vests" at the Veterans of Foreign Wars hall in Eldorado, Illinois. In an interview, Harrison's sister Louise said "his real first visit to America was when he came to the Midwest in September 1963 and he met these wonderful, warm, friendly, real warm Midwesterners... school teachers, retired miners and all kinds of just wonderful people... and a little band. He had a fantastic time. He thought they were just wonderful people."

In April 1995, a Ku Klux Klan (KKK) rally was held outside the Franklin County Courthouse in Benton that drew a crowd of about 400, though not all those in attendance were in support of the KKK. Two members of the KKK spoke negatively of Jews, Blacks, Gays, liberal politicians, and reporters. About 40 police officers were present for the event, and some were wearing riot gear.

In August 2017, a 16 ft commemorative mural of George Harrison was created and donated by California artist John Cerney. Cerney caught word of Harrison's memorable visit to the town on a Sirius radio program, which inspired Cerney's creation. The "highway art" can be found facing southbound traffic along Interstate 57. The project was completed just in time for tourists to admire it as they traveled through the city for the total solar eclipse of 2017.

In June 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, a Black Lives Matter protest was held at the Franklin County Courthouse in Benton. At the time of the protest, the courthouse was being prepared for demolition. The protest attracted a crowd of about 60 people. The protest came 25 years after the KKK rally (mentioned above) was held in the same spot.

Land and water area
According to the 2010 census, Benton has a total area of 5.66 sqmi, of which 5.48 sqmi (or 96.81%) is land and 0.18 sqmi (or 3.18%) is water.

Benton Public Library
Benton Public Library serves all residents of Benton High School District. www.benton.lib.il.us

The library has a program in which people can pay for brick to be engraved and used on its property, and the funds made go to the library.

The library contains about 48,000 materials, including Books, Audio books, Magazines, Large Print Materials, and Music CDs. Access to computers is also available at the library. It opened a reading garden behind the building which contains painted chairs made by the local high school and other donated play equipment, including a large handmade wooden ship.

Benton Public Park
The Benton Public Park has a few playgrounds, and picnic areas, as well as tennis courts, basketball courts, and ball fields. The Public Park also has a paved walking path that loops around the ball fields. The park is located near a railroad, and a red caboose sits at the entrance of the park.

Newspapers
Benton and surrounding areas are served by two weekly local newspapers, The Benton News and The Benton Gazette. Other newspapers such as The Southern Illinoisan serve Benton and much wider areas surrounding it.

Television news
Benton does not have any news channels broadcast from the city. Many news channels still do serve the Benton, Illinois area. WSIL (channel 3), KFVS (channel 12), and Fox 23 (channel 23) are among the most popular channels that provide some local news for Benton.

Internet access
Benton has multiple internet service providers that provide broadband internet. There are seven total internet service providers available for residential usage. Six of the internet service providers can offer broadband speeds (download of 25 Mbit/s). Six offer speeds higher than 100 Mbit/s. The fastest internet service available is offered by Frontier at 5 Gbit/s (5000 Mbit/s). Five connection types are offered: DSL, cable, fixed wireless, satellite, and fiber-optic internet.

Luann & Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake
Benton was the location of the 2023 season of Bravo's Luann & Sonja: Welcome to Crappie Lake, in which Luann de Lesseps and Sonja Morgan spend five weeks in Benton, sprucing up the town.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 6,709 people, 2,835 households, and 1,575 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,185.55 PD/sqmi. There were 3,360 housing units at an average density of 593.74 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.65% White, 0.52% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.78% from other races, and 5.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.59% of the population.

There were 2,835 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.79% were married couples living together, 11.68% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.44% were non-families. 37.46% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.08% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 2.34.

The city's age distribution consisted of 22.2% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 24.4% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,795, and the median income for a family was $57,305. Males had a median income of $40,025 versus $32,923 for females. The per capita income for the city was $27,932. About 10.3% of families and 14.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 14.5% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Charlie Birger, bootlegger during prohibition, hanged on 19 April 1928 at the Franklin County Jail in Benton
 * Lin Bolen, former vice president of NBC
 * Carl Choisser, Illinois state representative, lawyer, and newspaper editor
 * Doug Collins, NBA coach, player, broadcaster, and Olympic basketball player
 * William A. Denning, Illinois Supreme Court justice and state legislator
 * Gary Forby, Illinois State senator
 * Billy Grammer, Grand Ole Opry star
 * Richard O. Hart, Illinois state representative and lawyer
 * William L. Hungate, federal judge and congressman from Missouri
 * John Malkovich, actor
 * Shirley Marsh, Nebraska state senator
 * Rodney K. Miller, television host for Small Town Big Deal
 * Offa Neal, third baseman for the New York Giants
 * Ernest J. Odum, Illinois state representative and lawyer
 * Carl Scarborough, race car driver, born in Benton
 * Noble Threewitt, thoroughbred race horse trainer, born in Benton in 1911
 * Herbert L. Upchurch, Illinois state legislator and educator
 * Rich Yunkus, former basketball player

title: Benton, Illinois


text:
Buckner, Illinois

Buckner is a village in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 409 at the 2020 census. The current mayor is Aaron Eubanks.

History
The village was named after American Civil War Union veteran Moses Buckner (b. February 11, 1827, d. April 17, 1882), who served in the 15th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry.

United Coal Mine No. 2 opened in 1911 in Buckner under the ownership of the United Coal Mining Company (later the United Coal Corporation). The mine was sold to the Old Ben Coal Corporation in 1960, and renamed Old Ben Coal Mine No. 14. Eight men were killed in an explosion in 1915, and one man was killed in a gas explosion in 1931. The mine was idle in 1933. Its last production was 1960.

The opening of the mines attracted immigrant workers. A large number of miners arrived, many of them from Austria-Hungary, Poland, Czechsolvakia and many of Lemko and Rusyn origin. Many early immigrants trace their roots to the village of Myscowa in Poland.

The mining community built a Russian Orthodox Church in 1913, which burned down in 1918. A second church was constructed. This church, the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, still stands today. It was built to mimic the construction of St. Ioasaph's in Muddy.

Along with the still standing Holy Protection Church in Royalton, St Mary's Orthodox Church in Madison, this church in Buckner was among the first of several Orthodox churches built to serve immigrant mining communities in southern Illinois. Others included the towns of Benld, Grand Tower, and Dowell.

This village had a number of taverns and nightclubs and was known as one of the biggest entertainment areas of Franklin County from the 1950s to the early 1980s.

Geography
Buckner is located in west-central Franklin County at 37.98111°N, -89.01556°W (37.981131, -89.015693). Illinois Route 14 passes through the village, leading east 5.5 mi to Benton, the county seat, and west 2 mi to Christopher.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Buckner has a total area of 0.89 sqmi, of which 0.87 sqmi (or 97.65%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 2.35%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 409 people, 151 households, and 89 families residing in the village. The population density was 458.01 PD/sqmi. There were 211 housing units at an average density of 236.28 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.18% White, 0.24% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.49% from other races, and 7.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.98% of the population.

There were 151 households, out of which 23.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.03% were married couples living together, 12.58% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.06% were non-families. 35.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.56% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 2.30.

The village's age distribution consisted of 19.8% under the age of 18, 12.4% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $38,542, and the median income for a family was $45,938. Males had a median income of $35,938 versus $22,813 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,907. About 11.2% of families and 16.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.4% of those under age 18 and 2.6% of those age 65 or over.

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

title: Buckner, Illinois


text:
Christopher, Illinois

Christopher is a city in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 2,697 at the time of the 2020 census.

History
Christopher was founded in 1879 as a railroad stop, and named for Christopher Harrison, a grandson of prominent early settler Isham Harrison. A post office opened the following year. The community voted to become a village in 1903, and a city in 1910.

Coal mining
In 1906, the United Coal Mining Company No. 1 mine opened near Christopher. An explosion at the mine killed eight men on July 27, 1915. The mine was sold to the Old Ben Coal Corporation, and renamed Old Ben Coal Mine No. 1 in 1916. The mine closed in 1929.

On November 29, 1917, an explosion at Old Ben Coal Corporation's Mine No. 11 killed 17 men.

Mob vigilantism during World War I
On March 22, 1918, five men who were accused of being "pro-German" became victims of a mob numbering more than 300 people. They were:

 * Theodore Kunger, a grocer, had been judged by a local court of being disloyal, and ordered to pay a $100 fine. Having no money, he was put in jail. Later his cell was broken into by a vigilance committee. Kunger was carried by the mob to the city square where he was made to kiss the U.S. flag before he was tarred and feathered. He was then returned to jail.
 * W. R. Jones, Kunger's attorney, was abducted five miles outside Christopher on his way home to Benton, Illinois. He was brought to the square and compelled to kiss the flag and praise president Woodrow Wilson, but was spared tar and feathers. He was told to leave town.
 * Henry Timbrock and Henry Wheeler were also suspected of pro-German sympathies. They too were taken to the square, made to kiss the flag and tarred and feathered.
 * The Polish pastor of the local Catholic church, Rev. John Kovalsky, had been accused of making disloyal remarks. He was taken to the square where he was stripped to the waist and coated with tar and feathers.

Geography
Christopher is located 20 miles northeast of Carbondale, Illinois at 37.97222°N, -89.05278°W (37.972099, -89.052911).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Christopher has a total area of 1.64 sqmi, of which 1.62 sqmi (or 99.08%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 0.92%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,697 people, 1,181 households, and 616 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,647.53 PD/sqmi. There were 1,351 housing units at an average density of 825.29 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.66% White, 0.52% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 4.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.93% of the population.

There were 1,181 households, out of which 25.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.28% were married couples living together, 12.19% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.84% were non-families. 42.85% of all households were made up of individuals, and 21.17% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 2.20.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.2% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 23% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,184, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $28,194 versus $17,475 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,279. About 25.3% of families and 29.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.0% of those under age 18 and 26.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education

 * Rend Lake College
 * John A. Logan College
 * Southern Illinois University Carbondale

Notable people

 * Doug Collins, former NBA player and coach
 * Al Glossop, second baseman for the New York Giants, Boston Bees, Philadelphia Phillies, Brooklyn Dodgers and Chicago Cubs
 * Louie E. Lewis, Illinois state treasurer and speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives
 * John Malkovich, actor, producer, and director
 * Gene Rayburn (1917–99), radio and television personality, known for hosting the Match Game

title: Christopher, Illinois


text:
Ewing, Illinois

Ewing is a village in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 300 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Ewing is located in northern Franklin County at 38.09°N, -88.85361°W (38.089998, -88.853674). It is 9 mi northeast of Benton, the county seat.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ewing has a total area of 1.01 sqmi, of which 1.01 sqmi (or 99.90%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.10%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 300 people, 142 households, and 97 families residing in the village. The population density was 297.03 PD/sqmi. There were 127 housing units at an average density of 125.74 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.67% White, 1.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 5.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.67% of the population.

There were 142 households, out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.82% were married couples living together, 7.75% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.69% were non-families. 28.17% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 2.25.

The village's age distribution consisted of 20.0% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 27% from 45 to 64, and 22.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $61,250, and the median income for a family was $66,563. Males had a median income of $52,500 versus $24,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $30,748. About 6.2% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.7% of those under age 18 and 12.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ewing, Illinois


text:
Freeman Spur, Illinois

Freeman Spur is a village in Williamson and Franklin Counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 268 at the 2020 census.

History
Freeman Spur is rooted in several small communities that sprang up in the early 1900s with the opening of the Possum Ridge coal mine. These small communities voted to merge and incorporate as "Freeman Spur" in 1913. The village is named for James R. Freeman, who owned the land upon which the mine was located.

Geography
According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Freeman Spur has a total area of 0.40 sqmi, of which 0.40 sqmi (or 99.25%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.75%) is water.

The shaft of the Possum Ridge Mine, which opened in 1908, is located at Freeman Spur. In 1912, a tornado destroyed above-ground structures at the mine.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 268 people, 88 households, and 58 families residing in the village. The population density was 666.67 PD/sqmi. There were 127 housing units at an average density of 315.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 88.06% White, 3.36% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.12% from other races, and 7.46% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.75% of the population.

There were 88 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.18% were married couples living together, 9.09% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.09% were non-families. 31.82% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.83 and the average family size was 3.06.

The village's age distribution consisted of 25.3% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 17.4% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 25.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 118.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 123.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,750, and the median income for a family was $39,250. Males had a median income of $24,063 versus $13,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,086. About 37.9% of families and 44.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 55.9% of those under age 18 and 20.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Freeman Spur, Illinois


text:
Hanaford, Illinois

Hanaford is a village in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 320 at the 2020 census. Hanaford is also known as Logan.

History
Initially known as "Smothersville," Hanaford was renamed for land speculator John P. Hanaford. In 1916, the village was renamed "Logan" for the John A. Logan Coal Company, which operated a nearby mine. Since then, the names "Hanaford" and "Logan" have both been used by the village.

Geography
Hanaford is located southeast of the center of Franklin County at 37.9575°N, -88.83917°W (37.957485, -88.839177). Illinois Route 34 passes through the northeast corner of the village, leading northwest 6 mi to Benton, the county seat, and southeast 5 mi to Thompsonville.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Hanaford has a total area of 1.01 sqmi, of which 1.01 sqmi (or 99.41%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.59%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 320 people, 143 households, and 89 families residing in the village. The population density was 315.58 PD/sqmi. There were 151 housing units at an average density of 148.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.00% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.94% from other races, and 3.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.19% of the population.

There were 143 households, out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.55% were married couples living together, 12.59% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.76% were non-families. 32.17% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.99% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 2.27.

The village's age distribution consisted of 24.0% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 20% from 25 to 44, 29.2% from 45 to 64, and 20.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 76.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,250, and the median income for a family was $63,750. Males had a median income of $62,813 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $25,093. About 10.1% of families and 16.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.8% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hanaford, Illinois


text:
Macedonia, Illinois

Macedonia is a village in Franklin and Hamilton counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 30 at the 2020 census.

The Hamilton County portion of Macedonia is part of the Mount Vernon Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The village was named after the kingdom of Macedonia.

Geography
Macedonia is located at 38.05381°N, -88.70314°W. It is 15 mi northeast of Benton, the Franklin County seat, and 12 mi west of McLeansboro, the Hamilton County seat.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Macedonia has a total area of 0.28 sqmi, of which 0.27 sqmi (or 98.19%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 1.81%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 30 people, 18 households, and 14 families residing in the village. The population density was 108.30 PD/sqmi. There were 24 housing units at an average density of 86.64 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 83.33% White, 3.33% African American, 3.33% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 10.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.67% of the population.

There were 18 households, out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.78% were married couples living together, 0.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.22% were non-families. 22.22% of all households were made up of individuals, and 0.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 2.28.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.8% under the age of 18, 0.0% from 18 to 24, 41.5% from 25 to 44, 7.3% from 45 to 64, and 24.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 215.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 130.8 males.

The per capita income for the village was $26,993. About 14.3% of families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.0% of those under age 18 and 0.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Macedonia, Illinois


text:
North City, Illinois

North City is a village in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 509. North City is also known as "Coello". The current mayor is Curtis Overton.

History
North City incorporated in 1915. Its name comes from two nearby coal mines which were nicknamed "New North" and "Old North." A post office, known as "Coello" after its first postmaster, Pete Coello, opened in 1918. Both "North City" and "Coello" are commonly used in the village.

Geography
North City is located in western Franklin County at 37.99306°N, -89.06556°W (37.993129, -89.065547). It is bordered to the south by the city of Christopher. Illinois Route 148 passes through the eastern side of the village, leading north 2.5 mi to Valier, north 7 mi to Sesser, and south through Christopher 7 mi to Zeigler. Illinois Route 14 runs just south of North City, leading east 7.5 mi to Benton, the Franklin County seat, and west 12 mi to Du Quoin.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, North City has a total area of 2.23 sqmi, of which 2.17 sqmi (or 97.49%) is land and 0.06 sqmi (or 2.51%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 509 people, 312 households, and 192 families residing in the village. The population density was 228.56 PD/sqmi. There were 264 housing units at an average density of 118.55 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.73% White, 0.00% African American, 1.18% Native American, 0.39% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 5.50% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.59% of the population.

There were 312 households, out of which 14.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.13% were married couples living together, 5.77% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.46% were non-families. 25.64% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.05% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 2.19.

The village's age distribution consisted of 11.0% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 13.5% from 25 to 44, 39.9% from 45 to 64, and 26.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 55.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 118.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $57,500, and the median income for a family was $70,714. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $46,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $32,945. About 4.7% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.6% of those under age 18 and 4.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: North City, Illinois


text:
Orient, Illinois

Orient is a city in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city population was 327.

Geography
Orient is located in southern Franklin County at 37.91889°N, -88.97611°W (37.918839, -88.975973). It is 4 mi northwest of West Frankfort.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Orient has a total area of 0.75 sqmi, of which 0.75 sqmi (or 99.07%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.93%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 327 people, 199 households, and 95 families residing in the city. The population density was 434.84 PD/sqmi. There were 174 housing units at an average density of 231.38 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.27% White, 0.00% African American, 0.92% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.61% from other races, and 5.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.53% of the population.

There were 199 households, out of which 25.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.17% were married couples living together, 10.55% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.26% were non-families. 41.21% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.58% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.09 and the average family size was 2.18.

The city's age distribution consisted of 17.5% under the age of 18, 3.9% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 35% from 45 to 64, and 18.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.2 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $35,234, and the median income for a family was $50,625. Males had a median income of $24,167 versus $30,865 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,055. About 13.7% of families and 26.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.2% of those under age 18 and 19.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Orient, Illinois


text:
Royalton, Illinois

Royalton is a village in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,068 at the 2020 census.

History
According to the original surveys of Illinois, in the early 19th century the Lusk's Ferry Road ran through the middle of what is now Royalton, heading on a diagonal line toward the southeast. The Lusk's Ferry Road was an important early road connecting Fort Kaskaskia with Lusk's Ferry on the Ohio River. No trace of this road remains near Royalton. It is not clear whether the road figured in the early history of the town, or if it was long forgotten before Royalton came into existence.

Royalton was established in 1907.

On October 22, 1914, an explosion in the North Mine of the Franklin Coal & Coke Company killed 51 miners. This was the worst mine disaster to date in the coal fields of southern Illinois.

Geography
Royalton is located in southwestern Franklin County at 37.88028°N, -89.11361°W (37.880196, -89.113509). Illinois Route 149 passes through the center of town, leading north and east 4.5 mi to Zeigler and west and south 4.5 mi to Hurst.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Royalton has a total area of 1.12 sqmi, of which 1.12 sqmi (or 99.29%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.71%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,068 people, 540 households, and 311 families residing in the village. The population density was 951.02 PD/sqmi. There were 542 housing units at an average density of 482.64 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.98% White, 0.56% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.56% from other races, and 5.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.87% of the population.

There were 540 households, out of which 17.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.48% were married couples living together, 12.41% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.41% were non-families. 34.26% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.41% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.05.

The village's age distribution consisted of 13.4% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 31.5% from 45 to 64, and 23.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $33,750, and the median income for a family was $56,607. Males had a median income of $43,333 versus $20,859 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,733. About 10.6% of families and 17.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.7% of those under age 18 and 15.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable church
Royalton is home to the only remaining Russian Orthodox church in southern Illinois, The Protection of the Holy Virgin Mary Orthodox Church. The church was founded by eastern European immigrants, including Rusyns, many of whom worked in local coal mines  The three principal founders were Frank Derbak, John August and Paul Andrews. The church opened to parishioners in late 1914. It was built to mimic the construction of St. Ioasaph's in Muddy.

At one time, there was a Russian Orthodox church in nearby Dowell, but it has closed. A memorial to the Dowell church is located in Royalton.

On October 27, 1914, there was an explosion at the Royalton North No. 1 Mine, killing over 100 miners. Many of the miners who were killed in the disaster were members of the church. There is a memorial at the church, and many of the miners were buried in a cemetery dedicated to the disaster.

title: Royalton, Illinois


text:
Sesser, Illinois

Sesser is a city in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,888 at the 2020 census. The current mayor is C. Jason Ashmore.

History
In summer 1904, when coal was discovered at today's Sesser, the area was a prairie covered with wheat and corn fields. By 1906, the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad had extended its lines south from Centralia to Sesser, and the new town was named after railroad surveyor John Sesser.

The first mine in Sesser, the Keller Mine, was sunk in 1905-1906.

In 1906, Sesser was incorporated as a village. It re-incorporated as a city in 1909.

Old Ben Coal Mine No. 16, also called Sesser Mine, operated from 1905-1923.

Subsidence resulting from longwall mining at the Old Ben No. 21 mine, by Old Ben Coal Company, was a concern for some local homeowners in the 1980s. The No. 21 mine, opened in 1952, was idled in 1991.

The Sesser Opera House, built in 1914, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
Sesser is located at 38.09139°N, -89.05056°W (38.091251, -89.050608).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Sesser has a total area of 1.03 sqmi, of which 1.03 sqmi (or 99.90%) is land and 0.00 sqmi (or 0.10%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,888 people, 689 households, and 485 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,831.23 PD/sqmi. There were 932 housing units at an average density of 903.98 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.59% White, 0.32% African American, 0.11% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.79% from other races, and 5.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.60% of the population.

There were 689 households, out of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.81% were married couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.61% were non-families. 25.98% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.55% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 2.47.

The city's age distribution consisted of 25.1% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 25.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $54,375, and the median income for a family was $66,875. Males had a median income of $42,917 versus $32,875 for females. The per capita income for the city was $24,785. About 4.7% of families and 5.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Sesser, Illinois


text:
Thompsonville, Illinois

Thompsonville is a village in Cave Township, Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 486 at the 2020 census.

History
There was an early settlement started in the general vicinity called "Jordan's Settlement". It was founded in 1811.

Geography
Thompsonville is located in southeastern Franklin County at 37.91639°N, -88.76167°W (37.916443, -88.761564). Illinois Route 34 passes through the village, leading northwest 10 mi to Benton, the county seat, and southeast 21 mi to Harrisburg. Illinois Route 149 leads west from Thompsonville 9 mi to West Frankfort.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Thompsonville has a total area of 2.05 sqmi, of which 2.03 sqmi (or 99.22%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 0.78%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 486 people, 220 households, and 112 families residing in the village. The population density was 237.42 PD/sqmi. There were 261 housing units at an average density of 127.50 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.44% White, 0.21% African American, 0.41% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 4.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03% of the population.

There were 220 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.09% were married couples living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 49.09% were non-families. 45.91% of all households were made up of individuals, and 31.82% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.45 and the average family size was 2.40.

The village's age distribution consisted of 29.6% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 17.4% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 23.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 59.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 66.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,833, and the median income for a family was $63,611. Males had a median income of $43,417 versus $14,286 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,557. About 17.9% of families and 24.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.7% of those under age 18 and 24.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Thompsonville, Illinois


text:
Valier, Illinois

Valier is a village in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 554 at the 2020 census.

History
Valier was founded in the early 1900s and named for William Valier, who owned the land upon which the community was established. While a stop along the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad, the community didn't experience notable expansion until the opening of a coal mine nearby in 1917. The mine operated off and on until closing for good in 1960.

Geography
Valier is located in western Franklin County at 38.01583°N, -89.04111°W (38.015927, -89.041029). It is 9 mi west of Benton, the county seat.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Valier has a total area of 1.13 sqmi, of which 1.12 sqmi (or 99.29%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.71%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 554 people, 296 households, and 183 families residing in the village. The population density was 489.40 PD/sqmi. There were 281 housing units at an average density of 248.23 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.67% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.54% from other races, and 3.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.81% of the population.

There were 296 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.73% were married couples living together, 5.74% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.18% were non-families. 37.16% of all households were made up of individuals, and 25.34% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.28 and the average family size was 2.47.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.2% under the age of 18, 3.4% from 18 to 24, 21.4% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 24.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,500, and the median income for a family was $57,212. Males had a median income of $44,875 versus $24,327 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,703. About 9.8% of families and 13.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.3% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Valier, Illinois


text:
West City, Illinois

West City is a village in Franklin County, Illinois, adjacent to the county seat of Benton. The population was 656 at the 2020 census.

History
In the late 19th century, West City was a small settlement adjoining Benton on the west. In the early 20th century many immigrants from Poland, Lithuania, and England settled in the West City area to work in the numerous coal mines.

On March 29, 1911, 33 citizens led by John Mulkey and represented by attorney Robert Hickman presented a petition to Judge Thomas J. Layman of the Franklin County Court to incorporate West City as a village. At that time there were 350 inhabitants. An election was held on April 15, 1911, and six trustees were elected: Ed McIntire, J. J. Sanders, L. I. Tombly, Ben Fletcher, Marshall Moore, and Jack Adams. On June 1, 1911, Judge Layman declared West City to be duly and legally organized under the general laws of the State of Illinois as the Village of West City.

When Congress passed the Volstead Act establishing national prohibition in 1919, West City became notorious for bootlegging and gambling. The Birger and Shelton Brothers gangs vied for control of illegal activities in the area. In April 1923, 34-year-old Joseph A. Adams, a huge man of nearly 300 lb and a roadhouse operator, was elected mayor of West City. Leslie Reed was elected City Clerk. John Lairsey served as Treasurer and R. E. Neunlist was Village Attorney. The six elected trustees were Bruce Panchard, C. C. Gant, George Clinton, H. E. Stewart, W.R. Rogers, and R. N. Long.

Mayor Adams aligned himself with the Shelton Brothers Gang, thus becoming the bitter enemy of Charlie Birger and his men. On December 12, 1926, two of Birger's men knocked on Adams' door and told his wife they had a message for him. When Adams came to the door, they shot him in front of his wife Beulah and young daughter Arian. Sheriff Jim Pritchard gathered evidence and arrested Birger for the murder of Mayor Joe Adams.

Birger was tried in Benton and found guilty of ordering the killing, a charge he steadfastly denied. Birger was hanged in Benton on April 19, 1928, at 9:48 a.m., in the last public hanging in Illinois. A replica of the gallows was built in the 1990s by Birchard Wampler and his late son Birchard Neil Wampler. It stands today next to the old Franklin County Jail (now a museum).

After the sensational downfall of the Birger gang and the repeal of the Volstead Act in 1933, West City earned much of its income from legitimate taverns and nightclubs. During the 1940s and '50s this proved to be a very lucrative business.

Despite West City's notorious reputation during the 1920s, churches were established by the residents. Prospect, later called First Baptist, was the only organized church in the corporate limits of West City until 1921. Later Trinity Baptist and Harmony Freewill Baptist were established. Trinity Baptist is no longer in existence.

At one time there were three schools in West City limits: Old Jordon, Washington School and New Jordon School, located on South Central Street across from the present West City Village Hall.

On December 21, 1951, West City and all of Franklin County mourned 119 coal miners, who were killed in an underground explosion at C.W. & F. Orient #2 coal mine in West Frankfort.

In 1963, Interstate 57 split the village of West City down the middle from north to south. Preliminary work of buying homes and clearing the right of way began for the construction of Interstate 57 from Chicago to Cairo. Actual highway construction began in 1964, and its completion took nearly 10 years.

With the advent of I-57, Rend Lake Plaza was initiated in 1978. Wal-Mart and Big John's Supermarket were completed and in operation 1979. Many restaurants and various businesses soon followed, along with two big-city stoplights.

In 1978 a new Village Hall was built and West City expanded their police department, street and water department and the volunteer fire department.

Geography
West City is located at 37.99444°N, -88.94167°W (37.994564, -88.941639). It is bordered to the east and north by the city of Benton, the Franklin County seat. Interstate 57 passes through the center of West City, with access from Exit 71. I-57 leads north 23 mi to Mount Vernon and south 20 mi to Marion.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, West City has a total area of 1.63 sqmi, of which 1.61 sqmi (or 98.95%) is land and 0.02 sqmi (or 1.05%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 656 people, 250 households, and 137 families residing in the village. The population density was 403.69 PD/sqmi. There were 326 housing units at an average density of 200.62 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 87.96% White, 1.22% African American, 0.76% Native American, 1.07% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 1.07% from other races, and 7.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.35% of the population.

There were 250 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 31.60% were married couples living together, 19.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.20% were non-families. 37.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.35 and the average family size was 2.46.

The village's age distribution consisted of 29.1% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $37,813, and the median income for a family was $50,313. Males had a median income of $44,625 versus $28,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,148. About 24.8% of families and 29.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.6% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: West City, Illinois


text:
West Frankfort, Illinois

West Frankfort is a city in Franklin County, Illinois. The population was 7,275 at the 2020 census. The city is well known for its rich history of coal. The city is part of the Metro Lakeland area.

History
Although one might associate the name "West Frankfort" with the city "Frankfurt" in Germany, or Frankfort in Kentucky, the truth is far more local. Around 1810, early Tennessee settler Francis ("Frank") Jordan and his seven brothers began the construction of a fort atop a hill in present-day Franklin County. Completed in 1811, the fort was named "Frank's Fort," in Jordan's honor.

Frank's Fort was built in today's Williamson County, Ill., near Corinth. A few miles to the east, Francis' brother, Thomas Jordan, built "Jordan's Fort" in Cave Township, Franklin County, Ill., near the town of Thompsonville.

The construction of these forts was in response to the danger of attack during Tecumseh's War, which culminated in the Battle of Tippecanoe in 1811. Then-governor of the Illinois Territory, Ninian Edwards, actively encouraged the construction of these forts and offered the services of the Saline Militia in their erection. Thus, both Jordan family forts were built with the help of the Illinois Militia for safety of the civilians.

Since the Shawnee Trail, an important trading route linking Kaskaskia, Illinois and Old Shawneetown, Illinois, ran along the high ground in the vicinity of the fort, this area became an attractive destination for settlers in search of cheap land made available by the recently passed Bit Act of 1850. The resulting settlement took the name of the nearby fort, which was subsequently shortened to "Frankfort." Frankfort grew quickly during this period, with its population rivaling that of Chicago, at the time.

Frankfort was Franklin County's first county seat until 1839, when the lower half of the county was declared as Williamson County.

After railroad tracks linking Chicago, Paducah, and Memphis, were laid 4 mi west of Frankfort, many businesses and residents migrated to the new commercial center forming near the tracks. This new community became known as West Frankfort, for its location to the west of Frankfort. The two cities eventually merged and retained the name West Frankfort.

The area of West Frankfort formerly known as Frankfort is still sometimes referred to locally as Frankfort Heights or, more commonly, simply as "The Heights", due to its higher elevation relative to the rest of the city. A post office was maintained in Frankfort Heights until its destruction by fire in 2004, making West Frankfort one of the smallest cities in the United States to have two ZIP codes (the other zip code is designated as "Frankfort Heights, Illinois").

Beginning in 1904, the Deering Coal Mine Company took Franklin County and West Frankfort from no coal production in 1900 to being the #1 coal producer in Illinois by 1917. Once the mines opened, the population increased 3,500 in seven years. By 1927, West Frankfort's population had reached 19,896. In the late 1940s, four theatres and a minor league baseball team (see below) marked the downtown area.

1929 coal mine explosion
On December 1, 1929, an explosion at the Old Ben Coal Company's No. 8 Mine killed 7 people.

1947 coal mine explosion
The Old Ben No. 8 Mine exploded again on July 24, 1947, killing 27 people.

West Frankfort Cardinals
The West Frankfort Cardinals were a minor-league baseball team from 1947 to 1950, serving as a Class D affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.

1951 coal mine explosion
The Orient No. 2 coal mine exploded on December 21, 1951, killing 119 men. The mine, located outside of West Frankfort, was one of the area's major employers. According to lifelong residents, everyone in West Frankfort was affected by this tragedy, including grade schoolers of the time who remember their own losses or the suffering of classmates. Many residents had even said they could never celebrate Christmas again. After the catastrophe, the West Frankfort Junior High School became a temporary morgue for identification of the bodies, with many calls going out for funeral directors. The explosion received national attention from the wire services, newspapers and Life Magazine. Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson visited the site to support those mourning. The United States Bureau of Mines called the explosion "avoidable," with the disaster resulting in Congress passing the Federal Coal Mine Safety Act of 1952. In 2020, after years of planning and funding, locals unveiled a new $40,000 (~$ in ) memorial monument in Coal Miners Memorial Park, which reads the names of all 119 men killed in the disaster.

Eclipse crossroads of America
The area was in totality during the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, with Giant City State Park, approximately 25 mi to the southwest, experiencing the longest period of totality during the eclipse (approximately 2 minutes and 40 seconds). It will also be within the path of totality of the solar eclipse of April 8, 2024, making it one of only a handful of cities within the direct paths of both eclipses.

Geography
West Frankfort is located at 37.89861°N, -88.92333°W (37.898545, -88.923315).

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, West Frankfort has a total area of 5.02 sqmi, of which 4.98 sqmi (or 99.26%) is land and 0.04 sqmi (or 0.74%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 7,275 people, 3,204 households, and 1,950 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,450.07 PD/sqmi. There were 3,766 housing units at an average density of 750.65 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.60% White, 0.67% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.47% from other races, and 5.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.12% of the population.

There were 3,204 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.08% were married couples living together, 20.44% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.14% were non-families. 35.33% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.91% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 2.33.

The city's age distribution consisted of 22.3% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.9 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,938, and the median income for a family was $32,018. Males had a median income of $36,964 versus $19,228 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,268. About 30.2% of families and 32.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 48.1% of those under age 18 and 17.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Clyde L. Choate, politician, World War II Medal of Honor recipient
 * William A. Denning, Illinois Supreme Court justice and state representative, practiced law in Frankfort
 * Kenneth J. Gray, politician, World War II Victory Medal recipient
 * Tim Lee Hall, politician
 * Max Morris, athlete, played in both the NBA and AAFC
 * Hal Smith, member of the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series championship team
 * Joe Wendryhoski, athlete, former NFL lineman for the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints

Events, media, and recognition
Each year West Frankfort hosts the Old King Coal Festival. This four-day event is held every May. Now coinciding with Rend Lake Festival, held in nearby Benton. Formerly the Old King Coal Festival was held in the third week of September; to pay tribute to coal miners with a parade, concerts, pageants, carnival rides and a wide variety of food.

West Frankfort is also home to Candy Cane Lane, a large lights display featured every year around Christmas. The display involves several blocks of homes, including a large display by a local art teacher. In 2019, areas of Candy Cane Lane were featured on the ABC show The Great Christmas Light Fight.

West Frankfort is home to the Frankfort Area Historical Museum, which operates in a renovated 3 story Logan Grade School. The Society features a large research library, and maintains a microfilm of U.S. Census and local newspapers.

West Frankfort was formerly home to the Daily American Newspaper, which operated for nearly 100 years. The newspaper was replaced by the West Frankfort Gazette, and replaced again by the Franklin County Gazette as of 2020.

Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN), a Christian broadcasting network, operates their world headquarters outside of town.

WITM-FM on 88.7 will be 3ABN Radio Music Channel's first affiliate to play Christian music 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

West Frankfort was formerly the home of at least two radio stations, and local media source WFCN News operates outside of town.

title: West Frankfort, Illinois


text:
Zeigler, Illinois

Zeigler is a city in Franklin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,484 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1905, fifty men were killed in a coal mining accident in or near the town.

Zeigler incorporated in 1914 and was named for Levi Zeigler Leiter, the father of Joseph Leiter, the founder of the Zeigler Coal Company.

Geography
Zeigler is located in southwestern Franklin County at 37.89972°N, -89.05333°W (37.899856, -89.053429). Illinois Route 149 passes through the center of town, leading east 7.5 mi to West Frankfort and west 4 mi to Royalton. Interstate 57 is 6 mi east of Zeigler via Route 149. Illinois Route 148 follows the western border of Zeigler, leading north 5 mi to Christopher and south 7 mi to Herrin. The city is laid out in the shape of a wagon wheel, with the post office, library, and several shops concentrated around a circular park at the center, and streets radiating out from the center.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Zeigler has a total area of 1.37 sqmi, of which 1.36 sqmi (or 99.49%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.51%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,484 people, 662 households, and 400 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,086.38 PD/sqmi. There were 743 housing units at an average density of 543.92 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.00% White, 0.34% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 4.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.42% of the population.

There were 662 households, out of which 26.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.95% were married couples living together, 16.16% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.58% were non-families. 32.02% 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 3.13 and the average family size was 2.61.

The city's age distribution consisted of 21.3% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $44,342, and the median income for a family was $51,563. Males had a median income of $30,598 versus $20,793 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,721. About 15.0% of families and 20.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.3% of those under age 18 and 14.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Nick Holonyak, invented the first practically useful visible LED in 1962; born in Zeigler
 * Babe Martin, outfielder and catcher for the St. Louis Browns and Boston Red Sox; grew up in Zeigler
 * Mike Milosevich, shortstop for the New York Yankees; born in Zeigler

title: Zeigler, Illinois


text:
Pyroxene

The pyroxenes (commonly abbreviated Px) are a group of important rock-forming inosilicate minerals found in many igneous and metamorphic rocks. Pyroxenes have the general formula XY(Si,Al)2O6, where X represents calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), iron (Fe(II)) or magnesium (Mg) and more rarely zinc, manganese or lithium, and Y represents ions of smaller size, such as chromium (Cr), aluminium (Al), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), scandium (Sc), titanium (Ti), vanadium (V) or even iron (Fe(II) or Fe(III)). Although aluminium substitutes extensively for silicon in silicates such as feldspars and amphiboles, the substitution occurs only to a limited extent in most pyroxenes. They share a common structure consisting of single chains of silica tetrahedra. Pyroxenes that crystallize in the monoclinic system are known as clinopyroxenes and those that crystallize in the orthorhombic system are known as orthopyroxenes.

The name pyroxene is derived from the Ancient Greek words for 'fire' and 'stranger'. Pyroxenes were so named due to their presence in volcanic lavas, where they are sometimes found as crystals embedded in volcanic glass; it was assumed they were impurities in the glass, hence the name meaning "fire stranger". However, they are simply early-forming minerals that crystallized before the lava erupted.

The upper mantle of Earth is composed mainly of olivine and pyroxene minerals. Pyroxene and feldspar are the major minerals in basalt, andesite, and gabbro rocks.

Structure
Pyroxenes are the most common single-chain silicate minerals. (The only other important group of single-chain silicates, the pyroxenoids, are much less common.) Their structure consists of parallel chains of negatively-charged silica tetrahedra bonded together by metal cations. In other words, each silicon ion in a pyroxene crystal is surrounded by four oxygen ions forming a tetrahedron around the relatively small silicon ion. Each silicon ion shares two oxygen ions with neighboring silicon ions in the chain.

The tetrahedra in the chain all face in the same direction, so that two oxygen ions are located on one face of the chain for every oxygen ion on the other face of the chain. The oxygen ions on the narrower face are described as apical oxygen ions. Pairs of chains are bound together on their apical sides by Y cations, with each Y cation surrounded by six oxygen ions. The resulting pairs of single chains have sometimes been likened to I-beams. The I-beams interlock, with additional X cations bonding the outer faces of the I-beams to neighboring I-beams and providing the remaining charge balance. This binding is relatively weak and gives pyroxenes their characteristic cleavage.

Chemistry and nomenclature
The chain silicate structure of the pyroxenes offers much flexibility in the incorporation of various cations and the names of the pyroxene minerals are primarily defined by their chemical composition. Pyroxene minerals are named according to the chemical species occupying the X (or M2) site, the Y (or M1) site, and the tetrahedral T site. Cations in Y (M1) site are closely bound to 6 oxygens in octahedral coordination. Cations in the X (M2) site can be coordinated with 6 to 8 oxygen atoms, depending on the cation size. Twenty mineral names are recognised by the International Mineralogical Association's Commission on New Minerals and Mineral Names and 105 previously used names have been discarded.

A typical pyroxene has mostly silicon in the tetrahedral site and predominately ions with a charge of +2 in both the X and Y sites, giving the approximate formula XYT2O6. The names of the common calcium–iron–magnesium pyroxenes are defined in the 'pyroxene quadrilateral'. The enstatite-ferrosilite series ([Mg,Fe]SiO3) includes the common rock-forming mineral hypersthene, contains up to 5 mol.% calcium and exists in three polymorphs, orthorhombic orthoenstatite and protoenstatite and monoclinic clinoenstatite (and the ferrosilite equivalents). Increasing the calcium content prevents the formation of the orthorhombic phases and pigeonite ([Mg,Fe,Ca][Mg,Fe]Si2O6) only crystallises in the monoclinic system. There is not complete solid solution in calcium content and Mg-Fe-Ca pyroxenes with calcium contents between about 15 and 25 mol.% are not stable with respect to a pair of exolved crystals. This leads to a miscibility gap between pigeonite and augite compositions. There is an arbitrary separation between augite and the diopside-hedenbergite (CaMgSi2O6 – CaFeSi2O6) solid solution. The divide is taken at >45 mol.% Ca. As the calcium ion cannot occupy the Y site, pyroxenes with more than 50 mol.% calcium are not possible. A related mineral wollastonite has the formula of the hypothetical calcium end member (Ca2Si2O6) but important structural differences mean that it is instead classified as a pyroxenoid.

Magnesium, calcium and iron are by no means the only cations that can occupy the X and Y sites in the pyroxene structure. A second important series of pyroxene minerals are the sodium-rich pyroxenes, corresponding to the 'pyroxene triangle' nomenclature. The inclusion of sodium, which has a charge of +1, into the pyroxene implies the need for a mechanism to make up the "missing" positive charge. In jadeite and aegirine this is added by the inclusion of a +3 cation (aluminium and iron(III) respectively) on the Y site. Sodium pyroxenes with more than 20 mol.% calcium, magnesium or iron(II) components are known as omphacite and aegirine-augite. With 80% or more of these components the pyroxene is classified using the quadrilateral diagram.

A wide range of other cations that can be accommodated in the different sites of pyroxene structures.

Not all the resulting mechanisms to achieve charge neutrality follow the sodium example above, and there are several alternative schemes: In nature, more than one substitution may be found in the same mineral.
 * 1) Coupled substitutions of 1+ and 3+ ions on the X and Y sites respectively. For example, Na and Al give the jadeite (NaAlSi2O6) composition.
 * 2) Coupled substitution of a 1+ ion on the X site and a mixture of equal numbers of 2+ and 4+ ions on the Y site. This leads to e.g., NaFe(2+)0.5Ti(4+)0.5Si2O6.
 * 3) The Tschermak substitution where a 3+ ion occupies the Y site and a T site leading to e.g., CaAlAlSiO6.

Pyroxene minerals

 * Clinopyroxenes (monoclinic)
 * Aegirine, NaFe(3+)Si2O6
 * Augite, (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe,Al,Ti)(Si,Al)2O6
 * Clinoenstatite, MgSiO3
 * Diopside, CaMgSi2O6
 * Esseneite, CaFe(3+)[AlSiO6]
 * Hedenbergite, CaFe(2+)Si2O6
 * Jadeite, Na(Al,Fe(3+))Si2O6
 * Jervisite, (Na,Ca,Fe(2+))(Sc,Mg,Fe(2+))Si2O6
 * Johannsenite, CaMn(2+)Si2O6
 * Kanoite, Mn(2+)(Mg,Mn(2+))Si2O6
 * Kosmochlor, NaCrSi2O6
 * Namansilite, NaMn(3+)Si2O6
 * Natalyite, NaV(3+)Si2O6
 * Omphacite, (Ca,Na)(Mg,Fe(2+),Al)Si2O6
 * Petedunnite, Ca(Zn,Mn(2+),Mg,Fe(2+))Si2O6
 * Pigeonite, (Ca,Mg,Fe)(Mg,Fe)Si2O6
 * Spodumene, LiAl(SiO3)2
 * Orthopyroxenes (orthorhombic)
 * Enstatite, Mg2Si2O6
 * Bronzite, intermediate between enstatite and hypersthene
 * Hypersthene, (Mg,Fe)SiO3
 * Eulite, intermediate between hypersthene and ferrosilite
 * Ferrosilite, Fe2Si2O6
 * Donpeacorite, (MgMn)MgSi2O6
 * Nchwaningite, Mn(2+)2SiO3(OH)2*(H2O)

title: Pyroxene


text:
Astoria, Illinois

Astoria (formerly "Vienna") is an incorporated town in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 929 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Astoria is located in southwestern Fulton County. U.S. Route 24 passes through the center of town, leading northeast 18 mi to Lewistown, the county seat, and southwest 15 mi to Rushville.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Astoria has a total area of 0.59 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 929 people, 548 households, and 280 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,585.32 PD/sqmi. There were 478 housing units at an average density of 815.70 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 97.63% White, 0.11% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 1.83% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.05% of the population.

There were 548 households, out of which 33.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.11% were married couples living together, 16.97% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.91% were non-families. 36.13% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.13% 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 2.11.

The town's age distribution consisted of 26.9% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 24.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.3 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $38,068, and the median income for a family was $44,423. Males had a median income of $27,813 versus $21,103 for females. The per capita income for the town was $21,425. About 16.8% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 14.6% of those age 65 or over.

Major highways

 * [[Image:US 24.svg|15px]] U.S. Route 24

title: Astoria, Illinois


text:
Avon, Illinois

Avon is a village in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 704 at the 2020 census.

History
Ira Woods and his family settled in Avon in 1835. Avon was named "Woodsville" from 1837 to 1843. In 1843, the town became big enough to ask for a post office. The name was then changed to "Woodstock". On April 4, 1852, the United States Postmaster General gave the town the name of "Avon" to avoid confusion with another community in McHenry County, IL. Avon was once a thriving town, due in part to the railroad industry, by serving as a method of transporting cattle to the slaughterhouses in Chicago and also as a stop between Chicago and Quincy.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 704 people, 328 households, and 177 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,585.59 PD/sqmi. There were 371 housing units at an average density of 835.59 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.16% White, 0.85% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.43% from other races, and 2.27% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.14% of the population.

There were 328 households, out of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.49% were married couples living together, 7.62% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.04% were non-families. 43.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.29% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.74 and the average family size was 2.10.

The village's age distribution consisted of 24.8% under the age of 18, 3.8% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 28% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,833, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $26,635 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,257. About 26.6% of families and 22.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.8% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Geography
Avon is located in northwestern Fulton County at 40.66222°N, -90.43556°W (40.662254, -90.435485). A small portion of the village extends west into Warren County. Illinois Route 41 passes through the village, leading north 21 mi to Galesburg and southwest 10 mi to Bushnell.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Avon has a total area of 0.44 sqmi, all land.

Notable people

 * Ken Carpenter, radio and TV announcer

title: Avon, Illinois


text:
Banner, Illinois

Banner is a village in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 169 at the 2020 census.

The current President of Banner is Ronald Test. The former President of Banner for 28 years was Kenneth Fuller.

Geography
Banner is located in eastern Fulton County on the southwest side of Copperas Creek north of the creek's mouth with the Illinois River.

U.S. Route 24 passes through Banner, leading northeast 22 mi to Peoria and southwest 17 mi to Lewistown, the Fulton County seat. Illinois Route 9 leads northwest from Banner 8 mi to Canton, the largest city in Fulton County.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Banner has a total area of 1.29 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 169 people, 101 households, and 62 families residing in the village. The population density was 131.01 PD/sqmi. There were 95 housing units at an average density of 73.64 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.86% White, 0.00% African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 3.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.00% of the population.

There were 101 households, out of which 25.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.52% were married couples living together, 13.86% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.61% were non-families. 36.63% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 2.05.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.8% under the age of 18, 2.9% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 31.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,188, and the median income for a family was $54,167. Males had a median income of $44,375 versus $18,636 for females. The per capita income for the village was $35,152. About 12.9% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.1% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Banner, Illinois


text:
Bryant, Illinois

Bryant is a village in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 168 at the 2020 census, down from 255 at the 2000 census. The village was struck by an EF-3 tornado on April 4, 2023.

Geography
Bryant is located in east-central Fulton County. Illinois Route 100 passes through the village, leading northeast 8 mi to Canton and southwest 6 mi to Lewistown, the county seat.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 168 people, 86 households, and 63 families residing in the village. The population density was 677.42 PD/sqmi. There were 101 housing units at an average density of 407.26 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.43% White, 0.00% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 2.98% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.00% of the population.

There were 86 households, out of which 41.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.14% were married couples living together, 6.98% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.74% were non-families. 24.42% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.65% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.92 and the average family size was 2.62.

The village's age distribution consisted of 26.7% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 30.6% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 122.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,188, and the median income for a family was $95,750. Males had a median income of $50,750 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $29,394. About 6.3% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.7% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bryant, Illinois


text:
Canton, Illinois

Canton is the largest city in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 13,242 at the 2020 census, down from 14,704 at the 2010 census. The Canton Micropolitan Statistical Area covers all of Fulton County; it is in turn, part of the wider Peoria–Canton, IL Combined Statistical Area (CSA).

Geography
Canton is located in northeastern Fulton County at 40.55774°N, -90.03426°W. Illinois Routes 9 and 78 pass through the downtown together. IL 9 leads east 8 mi to Banner near the Illinois River and west 27 mi to Bushnell, while IL 78 leads north 10 mi to Farmington and south 11 mi to Little America in the Illinois River valley.

According to the 2010 census, Canton has a total area of 8.063 sqmi, of which 7.9 sqmi (or 97.98%) is land and 0.163 sqmi (or 2.02%) is water.

History
Canton was founded in 1825 by settler Isaac Swan, who believed his new town and Canton, China, were antipodes.

Swan, his infant child, and three other people died in the devastating tornado of June 1835. "Isaac Swan and his child were found in the wreckage of their cabin, the baby dying in its mother's arms," leading some to conclude that the tornado represented divine retribution for the city allowing a circus performance the previous week. The city was hit by a F-3 tornado on July 23, 1975. Two people were killed, and the storm, deemed the 1975 Canton Tornado, caused major damage to the downtown area.

Much of the city, particularly the northern portion, has been undermined by room and pillar extraction of coal that took place in the 1800s.

Central Illinois Energy, a locally financed cooperative, began planning for a corn-fermentation ethanol plant in 2002. Construction and finance delays resulted in its opening in 2007, approximately 4 mi south of the city. Beset by financial problems and construction delays on the plant, the cooperative declared bankruptcy. Central Illinois Energy's assets were bought by a private company. Construction was completed, and the plant began production in the summer of 2008. It was renamed Riverland Biofuels.

In December 2008, Cook Medical announced that it would open a new medical device factory at the old International Harvester site. Company owner William "Bill" Cook had grown up in Canton and wanted to do something to help revitalize his home town community. Some of the costs related to Cook Medical were planned to be paid for with state funds: a $750,000 Community Development Assistance Program grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and a $1.1 million grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements near the plant. Scott Eells, the chief operating officer for Cook Group, has said that the factory will eventually be 45000 sqft, with more than 300 employees. Bill Cook had previously announced he was buying and renovating several old Canton buildings, including the 1883 Randolph Building on the town square. Cook purchased four buildings in downtown Canton, a shopping center, the site where the International Harvester plant was located as well as constructing the new Canton Harvester Inn boutique hotel and another factory—COOK Polymer. The Lewis Pharmacy Building was purchased and restored. The Randolph Building is another Canton purchase made by Cook. The main floor offers store fronts and there are apartments for rent on the second level. Also purchased is the Fulton Square Shopping Center.

On November 16, 2016, A gas explosion killed an Ameren worker who was fixing a gas leak, sent 12 to the local hospital, and demolished an adjacent building on 1st Avenue that was attached to the Opera House. The next day the Opera House and two other buildings were declared beyond repair and condemned, an additional building declared uninhabitable until repaired, and 48 other buildings noted as damaged but repairable.

Media
Canton has a daily newspaper, The Daily Ledger, and three radio stations: WBYS and WPZA, and WILP, known as Q98.1. There is also a weekly newspaper, "The Fulton Democrat", and a weekly shopping publication, "The Independent Shopper".

Popular culture
On September 13, 1967, Los Angeles rock band The Doors played a concert at Canton High School. The Canton audience reportedly reacted with mostly shocked silence at Jim Morrison's stage antics.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 13,242 people, 5,154 households, and 2,871 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,652.15 PD/sqmi. There were 5,863 housing units at an average density of 731.50 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 84.93% White, 8.11% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.88% from other races, and 3.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.69% of the population.

There were 5,154 households, out of which 23.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.94% were married couples living together, 7.55% had a female householder with no husband present, and 44.30% were non-families. 37.23% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.52% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 2.21.

The city's age distribution consisted of 16.4% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 126.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $46,362, and the median income for a family was $61,528. Males had a median income of $44,583 versus $24,403 for females. The per capita income for the city was $30,144. About 14.5% of families and 19.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.6% of those under age 18 and 8.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Granville Barrere (1829–1889), U.S. Representative from Illinois
 * Ethan Blackaby (1940–), Major League Baseball outfielder for the Milwaukee Braves
 * Tony Blazine (1912–1963), NFL football player (1935–1941)
 * Burnett M. Chiperfield (1870–1940), U.S. Representative from Illinois
 * Silas B. Cobb, industrialist (born in Vermont)
 * William "Bill" Cook (1931–2011), medical device entrepreneur and historic preservationist, founder of the Cook Group
 * Dave Downey (born 1941), basketball player for University of Illinois
 * Tim Drummond (1941–2015), bass guitarist
 * Ralph Dunn (1900–1968), film, television, and stage actor
 * Charles Duryea (1861–1938), automobile manufacturer
 * Bill Edley (born 1948), Illinois state legislator and businessman
 * Lee Eyerly (1892–1963), civil aviation pioneer and amusement ride manufacturer
 * Jack Fisk (1945–), Academy Award-nominated production designer and art director
 * R. Thomas Flynn (1938–), retired president of Monroe Community College
 * James "Boomer" Grigsby (1981–), fullback with the Kansas City Chiefs (2005–2007) and Miami Dolphins (2008)
 * Mike Grzanich, pitcher for the Houston Astros
 * Harry Jacobs (1937–), linebacker at Bradley University and for the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills
 * Elizabeth A. Kovachevich, United States District Court judge
 * Elizabeth Magie (1866–1948), inventor of The Landlord's Game, the precursor to Monopoly
 * Louisa McCall (1824–1907), pioneer bank director
 * Barbara Mertz (1927–2013), mystery novelist
 * Steven R. Nagel (1946–2014), astronaut
 * Raymond Phineas Stearns (1904–1970), historian
 * Ian Wolfe (1896–1992), television and movie actor, poet

title: Canton, Illinois


text:
Cuba, Illinois

Cuba is a city in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,184 at the 2020 census.

History
Cuba was founded in 1837 when the two rival towns of Centerville and Middleton merged. The new town was named after the island of Cuba. A post office has been in operation at Cuba since 1837.

Geography
Cuba is located near the geographic center of Fulton County. Illinois Route 97 passes through the city, leading north 40 mi to Galesburg and south 20 mi to Havana on the Illinois River.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Cuba has a total area of 0.54 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,184 people, 457 households, and 227 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,180.48 PD/sqmi. There were 540 housing units at an average density of 994.48 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.95% White, 0.25% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.08% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 3.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.10% of the population.

There were 457 households, out of which 21.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 34.57% were married couples living together, 11.82% had a female householder with no husband present, and 50.33% were non-families. 43.11% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.79% 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 2.22.

The city's age distribution consisted of 19.4% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 15.1% from 25 to 44, 34.6% from 45 to 64, and 22.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.3 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $33,672, and the median income for a family was $60,313. Males had a median income of $34,375 versus $30,227 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,716. About 11.9% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 34.3% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Paul H. Landis, sociologist born in Cuba in 1901
 * Harry K. Newburn, educator born in Cuba

title: Cuba, Illinois


text:
Dunfermline, Illinois

Dunfermline is a village in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 262 at the 2020 census. Dunfermline is pronounced Done-ferm-lin.

History
A post office has been in operation at Dunfermline since 1887. A share of the first settlers being natives of Dunfermline, Scotland, caused the name to be selected.

Geography
Dunfermline is located in east-central Fulton County. Illinois Route 78 forms the eastern border of the village; the highway leads north 5 mi to Canton and south 6 mi to U.S. Route 24 at Little America. Lewistown, the county seat, is 11 mi to the southwest by Illinois Route 100.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Dunfermline has a total area of 0.15 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 262 people, 159 households, and 121 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,782.31 PD/sqmi. There were 131 housing units at an average density of 891.16 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.89% White, 0.38% African American, 0.38% Native American, 1.15% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 4.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.53% of the population.

There were 159 households, out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.38% were married couples living together, 5.66% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.90% were non-families. 21.38% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.58% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 2.39.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.9% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 22.9% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 32.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 48.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $51,250, and the median income for a family was $58,542. Males had a median income of $51,806 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $27,722. About 1.7% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 3.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Dunfermline, Illinois


text:
Ellisville, Illinois

Ellisville is a village in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 87 at the 2020 census.

History
Ellisville is named for its founder, Levi D. Ellis.

Geography
Ellisville is located in northwestern Fulton County on the west side of the Spoon River, a south-flowing tributary of the Illinois River. Ellisville is 19 mi northwest of Canton and 15 mi northeast of Bushnell.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ellisville has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 87 people, 40 households, and 31 families residing in the village. The population density was 321.03 PD/sqmi. There were 32 housing units at an average density of 118.08 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.85% White, 0.00% African American, 1.15% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 0.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.00% of the population.

There were 40 households, out of which 7.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.00% were married couples living together, 27.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.50% were non-families. 22.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 2.40.

The village's age distribution consisted of 6.3% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 17.8% from 25 to 44, 23% from 45 to 64, and 43.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 56.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $41,250, and the median income for a family was $43,125. Males had a median income of $7,292 versus $34,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $32,255. No families and 7.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Ellisville, Illinois


text:
Fairview, Illinois

Fairview is a village in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 426 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Fairview is located in northern Fulton County. Illinois Route 97 runs along the eastern side of the village, leading north 28 mi to Galesburg and south 20 mi to Lewistown, the Fulton County seat. Canton, the largest city in Fulton County, is 10 mi to the southeast.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Fairview has a total area of 4.29 sqmi, of which 4.22 sqmi (or 98.27%) is land and 0.07 sqmi (or 1.73%) is water.

Government
The town is governed by the Village Board led by Mayor Tim Harris.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 426 people, 211 households, and 111 families residing in the village. The population density was 99.32 PD/sqmi. There were 199 housing units at an average density of 46.40 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.18% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.70% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.64% of the population.

There were 211 households, out of which 19.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.39% were married couples living together, 5.21% had a female householder with no husband present, and 47.39% were non-families. 36.97% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.27% 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 2.16.

The village's age distribution consisted of 14.5% under the age of 18, 11.4% from 18 to 24, 18.2% from 25 to 44, 32.6% from 45 to 64, and 23.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $57,292, and the median income for a family was $76,875. Males had a median income of $43,472 versus $40,972 for females. The per capita income for the village was $33,033. About 2.7% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Fairview, Illinois


text:
Farmington, Illinois

Farmington is a city in Fulton County & Peoria County, Illinois, United States. It is north of Canton, west of Peoria, southeast of Galesburg, and northeast of Macomb. The population was 2,389 at the 2020 census. The public school system is Farmington Central Community Unit School District 265, which includes Farmington Central High School. Because it is in Fulton County & Peoria County, it is a part of the Canton Micropolitan Area and the wider Peoria Consolidated Statistical Area.

History
Farmington was founded circa 1827. The area was first inhabited by members of the Potawatomi tribe. The city is named after Farmington, Connecticut.

Before and during the Civil War, the city was involved in the Underground Railroad, and there are several remaining homes that were safehouses. In the early 1900s, many Italian immigrants settled in Farmington.

Geography
Farmington is located in the northeast corner of Fulton County. Illinois Routes 78 and 116 pass through the center of the city. IL 116 enters from the north as North Main Street, and IL 78 enters from the south as South Main Street. The two highways leave the city to the east on East Fort Street. IL 78 leads north 42 mi to Kewanee and south 10 mi to Canton, the largest city in Fulton County, while IL 116 leads east 22 mi to Peoria and west 22 miles to St. Augustine.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Farmington has a total area of 1.51 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 2,389 people, 827 households, and 517 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,587.38 PD/sqmi. There were 1,119 housing units at an average density of 743.52 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.94% White, 0.17% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 4.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.84% of the population.

There were 827 households, out of which 33.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.56% were married couples living together, 12.94% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.48% were non-families. 32.41% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.03% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.99 and the average family size was 2.34.

The city's age distribution consisted of 25.8% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 23.7% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $51,335, and the median income for a family was $59,181. Males had a median income of $44,464 versus $31,548 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,332. About 6.0% of families and 8.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.8% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Lewis Russell, actor born in Farmington
 * Bill Tuttle, outfielder for the Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, and the Minnesota Twins
 * Fred Venturelli, placekicker for the Chicago Bears, born in Farmington

title: Farmington, Illinois


text:
Ipava, Illinois

Ipava is a village in Fulton County, Illinois, United States. The population was 447 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Ipava is located in southern Fulton County. U.S. Route 136 passes through the village, leading east 17 mi to Havana on the Illinois River and west 6 mi to Table Grove. Lewistown, the Fulton County seat, is 12 mi to the northeast via US 136 and US 24.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Ipava has a total area of 0.27 sqmi, all land.

History
Ipava was platted in 1846, at the time called Pleasantville. It was renamed to Ipava in 1853 when it was incorporated.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 447 people, 243 households, and 172 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,667.91 PD/sqmi. There were 230 housing units at an average density of 858.21 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.97% White, 0.22% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.22% from other races, and 3.36% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.22% of the population.

There were 243 households, out of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.62% were married couples living together, 16.87% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.22% were non-families. 25.93% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.93% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 2.30.

The village's age distribution consisted of 23.5% under the age of 18, 8.6% from 18 to 24, 23.3% from 25 to 44, 23.1% from 45 to 64, and 21.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37.5 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $33,958, and the median income for a family was $60,833. Males had a median income of $38,583 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,226. About 19.8% of families and 22.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 39.1% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Jack Fisk, actor and director, married to actress Sissy Spacek; born to Jack Fisk Sr. and Geraldine Fisk of Ipava on December 19, 1945
 * Frank Lovell, politician with the Socialist Workers Party; born in Ipava

title: Ipava, Illinois