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La Harpe, Illinois

La Harpe is a town in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,175 at the 2020 census.

History
During the 18th century, French explorers headed by Bernard de la Harpe were forced to spend the winter just north of the present city of La Harpe. About 1896, four stone tablets dated June 15, 1715, and inscribed in French were reportedly found a few miles east of the old fortification built by the explorers. Stones were translated locally by the only French family in town as follows: "We are surrounded by indians and have no hope for survival unless help soon arrives." Said stone tablets were reported to be sent to the Smithsonian for authentication, and were ruled a hoax. Their whereabouts are currently unknown.

Soon after 1830, landowners in the area began to develop a town which they called "Franklin". In 1836, they applied for a post office and were informed another town in Illinois was already named Franklin. The first postmaster, Louis Rice Chaffin, suggested the name be registered as "La Harpe", for the Frenchman who spent the winter over 100 years earlier. The City of La Harpe was granted a charter by the Illinois legislature in 1859. The charter was amended in 1861 to change the size of the town, and the boundaries have changed through the years. Today the city has 22 streets and avenues. In 1867, the TP&W railroad line was completed through the town. In 1888, the city council bought the first fire engine, but a fire in October 1893 still destroyed nearly all the businesses in one block of Main Street. City Hall was built in 1894. The election of 1895 was the first election in which the women of La Harpe were allowed to vote on the issue of liquor licenses. (The women had a separate ballot box.) The La Harpe Carnegie Public Library was built in 1905, with local support and a donation from Andrew Carnegie. Today it is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. The City Park was donated by Marvin Tyron, one of the town's founders, as a public square.

In 1986, La Harpe celebrated 150 years of history. During that year, a sesquicentennial history entitled La Harpe, Illinois, 1836-1986 was published.

Each summer the town used to celebrate their Summerfest on the town square. The annual Fred Gibb Car Show is held in August. Gibb's claim to fame was as the sponsor of the original ZL-1 COPO Camaros and Novas during the pony car era of the early 1970s. Gibb's name has since been omitted from the car show.

Today, many of the surviving buildings in La Harpe's business districts, including the City Hall, are on the National Register of Historic Places. La Harpe had the only four-story building in Hancock County. The park district includes a community clubhouse, swimming pool, the LaMoine Valley golf course, and a complex of lighted ball fields. The city park has a lighted shelter house and stage.

Geography
La Harpe is located in northeastern Hancock County at 40.58293°N, -90.96877°W, south of the South Branch La Moine River. Illinois Route 9 passes through the city as its Main Street, leading east 25 mi to Bushnell and west 13 mi to Dallas City on the Mississippi River. Illinois Route 94 intersects IL 9 at the western edge of the city, and leads north 15 mi to Stronghurst.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, La Harpe has a total area of 1.36 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,175 people, 612 households, and 354 families residing in the city. The population density was 861.44 PD/sqmi. There were 568 housing units at an average density of 416.42 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.19% White, 0.51% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.17% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.94% of the population.

There were 612 households, out of which 19.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.67% were married couples living together, 7.19% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.16% were non-families. 41.83% of all households were made up of individuals, and 27.94% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 2.10.

The city's age distribution consisted of 19.3% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 19.4% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 30.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,361, and the median income for a family was $56,389. Males had a median income of $50,694 versus $19,464 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,743. About 9.6% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.0% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

Illini West High School

 * Home of the Chargers

In August 2007, La Harpe High School, as well as Dallas City and Carthage High Schools, were deactivated through the first school convergence to be approved by voters in the state of Illinois, with much regret. Former La Harpe students are now attending the newly formed Illini West High School in Carthage, Illinois.

La Harpe Grade School/Jr. High
The La Harpe Community School District #347 was formed with the dissolution of District #335. The former High School facility was renovated extensively.

La Harpe Elementary was recently named an Illinois Spotlight School. A Spotlight School is a high poverty school where academic performance is closing the "achievement gap".

La Harpe High School

 * Former home of the Eagles/Thunder/Cyclones

In 1996, the Northwestern-La Harpe Thunder football team was the first athletic team with La Harpe High School students to ever participate in the IHSA State Finals. They were defeated 35-28 by the Chenoa Redbirds. In 2000, the team once again made it to the IHSA State Finals and were defeated by the Carthage Blueboys 14–0.

In 1839, a log cabin was built to be used as a blacksmith shop. After a few years it became the first school house in La Harpe. The log cabin served as a school house until 1844, when it was sold and became a blacksmith shop again. The next school building was a brick building that had an enrollment of 98 students. This building served as a public school until the academy was built in 1857. The Academy was located on the present site of the elementary school building. A new building was built in 1898 for a larger student body. This building served as the high school and elementary school until it was destroyed by fire in 1927. A new structure was built in 1929. This building was in use until 2012 when it was dismantled in anticipation of grant funding for a new school from the State of Illinois, which never materialized. The school became La Harpe Community School District on April 20, 1942. In 1958, the current high school building was built. On May 2, 1961, the former La Harpe Community School District #335 was formed from the communities of Fountain Green, Terre Haute, La Harpe, and Durham. On May 27, 2007, the high school hosted its final graduation.

Park District

 * Lamoine Valley Golf Club
 * LaHarpe Community Swimming Pool

Notable people

 * Harold Arlin, radio's first salaried announcer, born in La Harpe
 * Charles Duryea, co-invented first gasoline-powered automobile, graduated from La Harpe's Gittings Seminary (1882)
 * Olive Oatman, pioneer Mormon teenager abducted by Native Americans who marked her with a chin tattoo. (1851)
 * Olan Soule, actor, born in La Harpe

title: La Harpe, Illinois


text:
Nauvoo, Illinois

Nauvoo (from the ) is a small city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States, on the Mississippi River near Fort Madison, Iowa. The population of Nauvoo was 950 at the 2020 census. Nauvoo attracts visitors for its historic importance and its religious significance to members of several groups: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; the Community of Christ, formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (RLDS); other groups stemming from the Latter Day Saint movement; and the Icarians. The city and its immediate surrounding area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Nauvoo Historic District.

History

The area of Nauvoo was first called Quashquema, named in honor of the Native American chief who headed a Sauk and Meskwaki settlement numbering nearly 500 lodges. By 1827, white settlers had built cabins in the area. By 1829 this area of Hancock County had grown sufficiently so that a post office was needed and in 1832 the town, by then called Venus, was one of the contenders for the new county's seat. However, the honor was awarded to a nearby city, Carthage. In 1834 the name Venus was changed to Commerce because the settlers felt the new name better suited their plans.

In late 1838, Apostle Brigham Young counseled Israel Barlow and 32 other Latter-day Saints to leave Far West, Missouri, to search for a place for more than 12,000 homeless Saints to find refuge. While journeying in exile, Barlow would separate from the group and eventually make the acquaintance of Dr. Isaac Galland, the owner of land near Montrose, Iowa, and Commerce, Illinois. After hearing of the dire plight of the Saints, Galland offered Barlow to sell the Saints the properties on good terms, an offer that Barlow relayed to Church leaders. The Church purchased the property from Galland in 1839 and the dispersed Saints once again began to gather together, particularly along the Mississippi River at Commerce.

In April 1840 Commerce was renamed Nauvoo by Joseph Smith, who led the Latter-day Saints there to escape conflict with the state government in Missouri. The name Nauvoo is derived from the traditional Hebrew language with an anglicized spelling. The word comes from Isaiah 52:7, "How beautiful upon the mountains..." By 1844 "Nauvoo's population had swollen to 12,000, rivaling the size of Chicago" at the time.

John C. Bennett, Smith's Assistant President and first commander of the Nauvoo Legion, was elected mayor of Nauvoo in 1841. He was replaced by Smith himself in 1842. After Smith's death two years later, continued violence from surrounding non-LDS members forced most Latter-day Saints to leave Nauvoo. Most of these followers, led by Brigham Young, emigrated to the Great Salt Lake Valley. In 1849, Icarians moved to the Nauvoo area to implement a utopian socialist commune based on the ideals of French philosopher Étienne Cabet. The colony had nearly 500 members at its peak, but Cabet's death in 1856 led some members to leave this parent colony.

After the departure of the Icarians, Nauvoo became the largest German-speaking community in Illinois and remained so for fifty years. German was spoken widely in town and in the Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches. During this period, wine-making and fruit production thrived in Nauvoo. Notable residents from this era included the Swiss memoirist Heinrich Lienhard. During World War I, most of Nauvoo's native-German speaking residents stopped using German in public, and the use of German had entirely faded away by World War II.

Nauvoo today
On the city's higher ground are the temple, residential areas, and the business district along Mulholland Street (Illinois Route 96), much of it devoted to the needs of tourists and those interested in Latter-day Saint history. The flatlands are occupied by a small number of 19th-century brick houses and other buildings that have survived the city's vicissitudes, with large empty spaces between them where houses and whole neighborhoods have disappeared.

The Community of Christ previously owned much of the southern end of the flatlands as well as several key historic sites in and around Nauvoo, including the Joseph Smith Homestead, the Nauvoo House, the Red Brick Store, the Mansion House, and the Smith Family Cemetery. On March 5, 2024, it was announced that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had acquired all of these properties with the exception of the Smith Family Cemetery as part of a larger transfer of historically significant properties and artifacts from the Community of Christ.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints also owns most of the other historic sites in Nauvoo, including the homes of Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and other early members of the church, as well as other significant buildings. Most of these sites are open to the public, with demonstrations and displays, and there are self-guided driving tours as well as wagon tours. These tours are free, as are the stage and riverside theatrical productions. There is a large visitors' center complete with two theaters and a relief map of 1846 Nauvoo.

The creation of Nauvoo as a historical tourism destination was largely a result of the work of J. LeRoy Kimball (1901–1992). Kimball was a descendant of early LDS leader Heber C. Kimball, and bought his ancestor's home in 1954 with the intention of restoring it. He was the president of Nauvoo Restoration, Inc. from 1962 to 1986.

A Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregation was established in Nauvoo in 1956, from its inception consisting largely of elderly LDS couples serving as missionaries and historical guides. The City of Joseph pageant, an outdoor musical produced by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began to run each summer in 1976. A stake was organized with headquarters at Nauvoo in 1979. In addition to the many homes that had been restored, the Relief Society Memorial Garden was dedicated in 1978, featuring statues designed by Dennis Smith and Florence Hansen.

In June 2002, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints completed construction of a new temple on the site of the original temple. The exterior, and much of the interior, is a copy of the original. The exterior matches the original exactly except in three ways: The temple was positioned 12.5 ft south to allow for parking on the north side, there are two new exterior doors (with an entrance on the north for disabled persons and emergency exits in the basement on the east) and there is a standing Angel Moroni as is seen on most modern temples; the original was an unspecified flying angel, also with a horn in hand but in a horizontal position with the compass, square and flame above.

The rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple was an occasion of great joy and enthusiasm for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the public open house prior to its dedication, 331,849 visitors toured the building. Following Church custom, the temple is now used only by Church members.

The work to renovate various sites of historical significance in the area is coordinated by Nauvoo Restoration, Incorporated. NRI is a nonprofit organization supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Community of Christ, as well as others interested in Nauvoo's history. Due to the work of NRI and its members, Nauvoo has been dubbed the "Williamsburg of the Midwest." In March 2007, Nauvoo was nominated to compete as one of the Seven Wonders of Illinois.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints sponsors numerous activities throughout the year in Nauvoo including The Nauvoo Pageant (July/August). The 2020 pageant was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The community sponsors the Grape Festival (Labor Day weekend) and Pumpkin Walk (October).

Because most of the city is well above flood level, Nauvoo has not historically had problems when the Mississippi river has risen. In both the floods of 1993 and 2008, very little damage was sustained within city limits. Topography maps show a unique feature of Nauvoo with main street starting at the edge of the Mississippi River on the south side of town and ending at the Mississippi River's edge on the north.

Nauvoo has many places of worship, among them: United Methodist Church, St Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Cornerstone of Zion Church, Living Hope Church (Non-denominational), a Community of Christ (Formerly known as The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and three wards of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Geography
Nauvoo is at 40.55°N, -91.36667°W (40.5446, −91.3803). Situated on a wide bend in the Mississippi River, Nauvoo has most of the historic district in the lower flat lands (called the flats) that are no more than a few feet above the water line. A prominent hill rises as one moves further east, at the apex of which stands the rebuilt Nauvoo Temple. Beginning with the temple, this elevated land (called the uptown) continues flat for many miles eastward.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Nauvoo has a total area of 4.83 sqmi, of which 3.39 sqmi (or 70.15%) is land and 1.44 sqmi (or 29.85%) is water.

Demographics
Non-census data indicates that the population of Nauvoo grew from 100 in 1839 to about 4,000 in 1842, 12,000 in 1844, and stood at about 11,000 in 1845.

2020
As of the 2020 census there were 950 people, 313 households, and 245 families residing in the city. The population density was 196.81 PD/sqmi. There were 645 housing units at an average density of 133.62 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 90.95% White, 0.32% African American, 1.16% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 1.26% from other races, and 6.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.84% of the population.

There were 313 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.41% were married couples living together, 7.67% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.73% were non-families. 17.25% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.27% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.15 and the average family size was 2.88.

The city's age distribution consisted of 25.4% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 10.6% from 45 to 64, and 28.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38.6 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $50,938, and the median income for a family was $53,224. Males had a median income of $38,500 versus $12,708 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,386. About 23.3% of families and 30.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
The Nauvoo Blue Cheese company began to produce cheese in the 1930s. It was discovered the cool, moist wine cellars in the area were ideal for aging cheese. The wine cellars, and the wine-making business originally started by the Icarians, saw a decline in use because of prohibition. In 2003 the Nauvoo Cheese company went out of business when Saputo food company purchased it and relocated to other facilities.

Nauvoo is also home to Baxter's Vineyards, a small family-owned winery begun in 1857 by Emile Baxter that is Illinois' oldest established winery.

Tourism is the major industry in Nauvoo, with Nauvoo Restoration Inc., employing approximately 30, while an estimated 200 missionaries (unpaid) from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints also provide a boost to local businesses during the tourist season.

Due to lack of sustainable industries, the city has lost several key businesses and services including the High School and multiple small businesses.

Government and politics
Nauvoo City government consists of the Mayor and five city council members. The position of City Clerk is also elected. Additionally, there are appointed positions for City Treasurer, Chief of Police, and Public Works positions. Tacy Nelson is the acting mayor with the councilmen as follows: Jim Boyles, Brenda Adkisson, Barb Schafer, Ron Grant and Scott Sumner.

Separate from the city are the Nauvoo Fire Protection District (FPD) and Nauvoo-Colusa School System. The Nauvoo FPD covers all of the city plus the surrounding five townships. The fire department currently provides both fire and EMS coverage for its district. In 1991 the Nauvoo FPD became a BLS non-transporting agency, relying on the county ambulance service to transport patients to local hospitals. Because of longer response times from county-run ambulances, the citizens of the Nauvoo FPD passed a referendum by 74% on April 17, 2007, for ambulance services that would transfer the ambulance tax money to the FPD that was being paid to the county. The Nauvoo FPD completed its fundraising efforts on November 30, 2007, to purchase its ambulance, which entered service in January 2008.

Education
The Nauvoo-Colusa Community Unit School District 325 runs the local elementary and junior high school. Prior to 2008 high school residents attended Nauvoo-Colusa High School from 1961 to 2008. Since 2008 residents have attended Warsaw Community Unit School District 316's Warsaw High School.

Nauvoo is also home to the private Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School, which provides a faith based education for students from preschool through 6th grade.

Parks and recreation
Nauvoo is home to three parks one of which is a state park.

 * Nauvoo City Park
 * Nauvoo Park District
 * Nauvoo State Park

Highway

 * Illinois Route 96 (Mulholland St.)

Healthcare
Nauvoo is serviced by Memorial Medical Clinic, whose main campus is approximately 24 miles (38.6 km) east of Nauvoo. There is a Walk-In Clinic located within the city itself.

Notable people
• Elijah Abel

• Israel Barlow

• Samuel Bent

• Lewis C. Bidamon

• Edward Bonney

• Anson Call

• George Q. Cannon

• Duncan Spears Casper

• Sarah M. Cleveland

• Ina Coolbrith

• Lorin Farr

• King Follett

• Robert D. Foster

• Isaac Galland

• Mary Field Garner

• Joseph L. Heywood

• Chauncey L. Higbee

• Francis M. Higbee

• Abraham Hoagland

• David Patten Kimball

• Hiram Kimball

• Martha McBride Knight

• Wilson Law

• Edwin T. Layton

• Heinrich Lienhard

• Lucy Smith Millikin

• Freeman Nickerson

• Stillman Pond

• Samuel W. Richards

• Miles Park Romney

• James Sloan (Latter Day Saints)

• Alexander Hale Smith

• David Hyrum Smith

• Elbert A. Smith

• Emma Smith

• Joseph Smith

• Joseph Smith III

• Julia Murdock Smith

• Daniel Spencer (Mormon)

• John Taylor (Mormon)

• Ezra Thayre

• Alice Willard

• Ann Eliza Young

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

title: Nauvoo, Illinois


text:
Talk:Esther

Ahasuerus
well, the Xerxes article mentions the connection, the Artaxerxes one doesn't. What is the basis for either identification? The Herodotus reference of course relies on the identification with Xerxes. dab (ᛏ) 07:36, 3 Mar 2005 (UTC)

 * The identification with Xerxes I is based on the fact that the most plausible explanation of the name Ahasurus is that it is derived from Khshayarsha as is Xerxes. Xerxes II is too late therefore Xerxes I. Artaxerxes II based on the fact that the Septuagint version of Esther calls him Artaxerxes as does Josephus plus the description of the extent of his empire which doesn't fit Artaxerxes I. Kuratowski's Ghost 14:33, 3 Mar 2005 (UTC)

 * Besides these most popular identifications there are several other theories including identifications with various Cyaxares, Cyrus, Camyses, Darius, Arses etc. The information from Greek historians is problematic and is by no means certain that they name the kings consistently, one historians Artaxerxes III appears to match anothers Artaxerxes II for example (can't remember the details off hand) the bottom line is that not enough information is known to be certain about which king was which in Greek sources let alone which king matches Ahasuerus. Kuratowski's Ghost 15:19, 3 Mar 2005 (UTC)

I have removed the POV comments that Esther's family didn't avail themselves of the opportunity to return under Cyrus' decree. Nothing like that is stated in the Book of Esther. Perhaps they were prevented from returning against their will. It is not even agreed that the events happen after the decree. If one interpets the statement about exile under Nebuchadnezzar as referring to Mordecai himself not to his ancestor Kish (as many do) then Mordercai is a contemporary of Nebuchadnezzar. If that is the case then Ahasuerus is most likely identical to the Ahasuerus mentioned in Tobit as an ally of Nebuchanezzar. This Ahasuerus is also called Achiachar generally considered indentical to Cyaxares (Akhuwakhshtra), placing the events long before Cyrus decree before the conquest of Babylon by the Persians in fact. Some will point to the description of Ahasuerus ruling from Cush to India which seems to contradict the idea that this occurs while the Babylonian empire still existed, but it is not certain which Cush this refers to - Cush in Sudan/Ethiopia or Cush in Iran. Even if Sudan is intended this could merely be a biased view of history in which Nebuchnezzar is being deliberately snubbed and portrayed as a vassal of his ally Ahasuerus. Kuratowski's Ghost 02:20, 11 Mar 2005 (UTC)

Reversing the edict
The antisemitic edict was never reversed per-se, as occurs with Daniel and praying to false Gods elsewhere in the Bible, Persian royal decrees were irreversible. Ahasuares simply issued a contrary, but not exactly opposite, decree. I have editted the article to note this.

Vandalims
There is a lot of vandalims. I have gone back about 15 edits and still haven't found where the last non-vandalism edit starts. Could an admin help out.

Quote box under "Esther's rhetoric in practice"?
Does anyone know why the box is there about the paragraph on Christine de Pizan and how to get rid of it?... — Preceding unsigned comment added by Tayloraapplegate (talk • contribs)

The term "Jewess"
There was pushback on my removal of the term "Jewess" so I'm placing my edit to align with WP:EDITCON and asking for discussion before we start an edit war. If an edit war(I see multiple reversions without some kind of *new* consensus) starts I will ask for administrative intervention.

Here's my case for removal of the term and replacement with "Jew, "Jewish prophet," or "Jewish woman"

WP:EDITCON - upon a cursory glance, ever other female prophet in Judaism is referred to as a Jewish prophet, a prophet, or a figure. Never "Jewess" - is there a strong reason to change this? I believe not.

Further, the term "Jewess" redirects to "Jews" and the article does not mention the term. In fact, I'm hard pressed to find the term "Jewess" outside of articles about art or literature. I am not finding it in many articles about Judaism or Jewish figures. I am not finding it in the articles, especially the introduction section, of any contemporary Jewish figures.

My interpretation of this is an implicit consensus that the term "Jewess" is to be avoided and "Jew" or "Jewish person/man/woman" are strongly preferred. I see no reason to change that.

WP:RNPOV - there is not a readon to use an outdated word that is widely viewed as offensive. Sure, that alone is not enough to merit removal, but it does make the term "Jewess" a Word To Watch.

From the policy: "editors should not avoid using terminology that has been established by the majority of the current reliable and relevant sources on a topic out of sympathy for a particular point of view or concern that readers may confuse the formal and informal meanings."

If we can agree that use of the term "Jewess" has "been established by the majority of the current reliable and relevant sources" as useful terminology for referring specifically to female Jewish prophets as "Jewess" despite its percieved offensiveness, I'm more than happy to develop a consensus in line with that.

MOS:IDENTITY - we should try to be using the terms in line with the majority of credible sources, not how Jewish people may refer to each other. That term is, to me, quite obviously "Jew." There are some sources that use the term *internally* - a Jewish writer, writing about Judaism and referring to Esther, a Jewish woman, as a "Jewess" - but the majority of sources are using the term "prophet", "Jew", or "Jewish queen"

I think we should align ourselves with the scholarly consensus, even if it seems implicit. Carlp941 (talk) 21:14, 26 December 2022 (UTC)

"If we can agree that use of the term "Jewess" has "been established by the majority of the current reliable and relevant sources" as useful terminology for referring specifically to female Jewish prophets as "Jewess" despite its percieved offensiveness, I'm more than happy to develop a consensus in line with that."

This paragraph may be confusing, rewording here: "If we can agree that use of the term "Jewess" has "been established by the majority of the current reliable and relevant sources" as useful terminology for referring specifically to female Jewish prophets despite the terms percieved offensiveness, I'm more than happy to develop a consensus in line with that. " Carlp941 (talk) 21:22, 26 December 2022 (UTC)
 * There is Mary the Jewess, of course. As for biblical prophetesses, it would be anachronistic to refer to Hebrew or Israelite prophets (like Deborah) as Jewish anyway. StAnselm (talk) 22:31, 26 December 2022 (UTC)
 * Mary The Jewess is not a Jewish prophet, and "the Jewess" is one of her given titles according to the overwhelming weight of scholarship. Are the other prominent Jewish figures who are referred to as "Jewess" in recent, established sources? One exception seems to make for a norm rather than breaking one.
 * Replying to your edit summary, is WP:EDITCON a weak argument here? I believe I am following the policy, and conforming to consensus reached himplicitly by the language used in other articles about Jewish prophets. Am I misapplying policy? I'm not super experienced so I am more than open to correction here.
 * If it's anachronistic, I think we should remove the term entirely and go with something like:
 * "Hadassah, who went by the name of Esther, is chosen to fulfill this role due to her beauty." Carlp941 (talk) 22:56, 26 December 2022 (UTC)
 * Yes, WP:EDITCON is a weak argument if you're arguing from usage across the encyclopedia. In fact, the consensus for this article is to use the term - your proposed change was reverted. Now, that consensus can change, but it will need to be via discussion and explicit consensus. Anyway, I wasn't saying it was anachronistic for Esther - just for earlier prophetesses. StAnselm (talk) 23:11, 26 December 2022 (UTC)
 * Thanks for the correction - I genuinely appreciate it! I'll respond more in depth to other points in the lower thread. Carlp941 (talk) 00:11, 27 December 2022 (UTC)
 * I also see this 2009 article from Nashim: A Journal of Jewish Women's Studies & Gender Issues (!) uses the term in the abstract. StAnselm (talk) 23:16, 26 December 2022 (UTC)
 * I don't believe that article is cited by this page, but it probably should be.
 * Anywho, I think we should align this article with policy and use alternatives to obscene terms because the alternatives would NOT cause the article to be less informative, relevant, or accurate, and no equally suitable alternative is available. For three main reasons, we should discard, from this article, the term "Jewess":
 * "Jewess" can reasonably be considered by the typical Wikipedia reader offensive.
 * The broad consensus of reliable sources is that "Jewess" is outdated and offensive
 * No understanding is lost by discarding "Jewess."
 * "Jewess" can reasonably be considered by the typical Wikipedia reader offensive. Multiple dictionaries consider the term dated and offensive. Wiktionary considers it "dated." Oxford calls it "usually offensive." Mirriam Webster says it is "sometimes offensive." I don't see the term "Jewess" in any recent news articles about Judaism, Jewish women, or any specific Jewish Women. To find the term, I'd probably have to read a dated piece of writing, and google it and I'd get a flag saying it is offensive.
 * The broad consensus of reliable sources is that "Jewess" is outdated and offensive. Most credible sources that use the term immediately describe the term as offensive.
 * Soliciting Individual Change in an Interpersonal Setting: The Case of Racially or Sexually Offensive Language in The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science refers to "Jewess" as "widely regarded as an ethnic slur"
 * A Labour politican was suspended for her use of the term, and Jewish News, who broke the story, referred to the term as a slur.
 * Additionally, see the dictionary links above.
 * I want to illustrate the point that "Jewess" has not been established by the majority of the current reliable and relevant sources as the preferred terminology for Esther, and alternative terminology is strongly preferred. Alternative terminology is either referring to her by name, as a woman, as a prophet, or a Jewish woman. I will use the bibliography as an unscientific test case to show that most relevant and recent sources do not use the term at all, much less specifically for referring to Esther.
 * Here's my tally of the sources in the bibliography using the term "Jewess" - I'll note when they refer specifically to Esther, and italicize the ones that do not refer to her, but just use the term. I'll directly quote any single instances. Lastly, I'll note the age of a source if it is relevant (ie the source is not recent). I've only read one of these sources (The Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible) in its entirety, these instances were found via "Ctrl+F".
 * Sexuality and Gender in Early Modern Europe: Institutions, Texts, Images- on page 42 - It's a quote about popular attitudes against interfaith relations, comparing Jewish women to dogs
 * A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: The Old Testament - uses it twice to refer to Esther.
 * The New Oxford Annotated Bible - not used in the actual text, but once in the index to refer to Esther
 * Character and Ideology in the Book of Esther - uses it to say Esther was not identified by her ethnicity in the Bible: "Esther, who is no less Jewish, is never identified as “the Jewess”"
 * Tobit, Judith, and Esther: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible - refers to Esther in footnotes as "a Jewess"
 * Jewish Encyclopedia - "The next day at the banquet, when Esther preferred her request, both the king and the grand vizier learned for the first time that the queen was a Jewess." from 1936.
 * Women of the Old Testament. - Esther is referred to by the term by Mordecai in quotation - not by the author directly. From 1936
 * The Religious Policy of Xerxes and the "Book of Esther" - uses the term in a general sense - "Xerxes could not marry a Jewess" From 1975.
 * The Dictionary of The Bible - From 1995. Gives the history of the name Judith
 * Veiling Esther, Unveiling Her Story: The Reception of a Biblical Book in Islamic Lands
 * Great Women of the Bible: In Art and Literature - "the story of the Jewess Esther"
 * Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther - tells the origin of the name Judith
 * The ones that don't use the term are the following. I'll note if the source is old.
 * "Has 'Esther' been found at Qumran? 4QProto-Esther and the 'Esther' corpus" - uses "Jewish woman" From 1996
 * Esther's Revenge at Susa: From Sennacherib to Ahasuerus - just calls her "Esther"
 * Esther before Ahasuerus - uses "Jewish heroine"
 * The Old Testament: An Introduction to the Hebrew Bible - primarily calls her "Esther" - calls her "heroine" once or twice
 * An Introduction to the Old Testament Historical Books. From 1993.
 * Historical Fictions and Hellenistic Jewish Identity
 * Esther and Additions to Esther - refers to her as a heroine, a Jewish girl, a Queen, etc
 * The Biblical Canon: Its Origin, Transmission, and Authority - refers to her by name
 * The Oxford Bible Commentary - refers to her by name, "heroine," and "woman"
 * Jews and Anti-Judaism in Esther and the Church - refers to her mostly by name
 * Esther 6: Person - refers to her by name and "Isrealite"
 * Ancient synagogues in Bar'am and Capernaum - from 2001
 * "The Samaritan Version of the Esther Story"
 * From the Shahs to Los Angeles: Three Generations of Iranian Jewish Women between Religion and Culture - mostly referred to by name
 * "Semitic Terms for 'Myrtle': A Study in Covert" - from 1998
 * Esther, a True First Lady: A Post-Feminist Icon in a Secular World - from 2001
 * The Oxford Companion to the Bible - from 1993
 * "Sad Fate of Iran's Jews"
 * The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls
 * The Subject of Botticelli's "Derelitta" - from 1940
 * Unveiling Esther as a Pragmatic Radical Rhetoric - uses "Jew" - from 2000
 * Sources with no access and/or no mention of Esther
 * "Esther", LXX, EC Marsh.
 * The Ancient Languages of Syria-Palestine and Arabia
 * "Les modèles Araméens du Livre d'Esther dans la Grotte 4 de Qumrān" - I don't speak French well enough to understand this.
 * Aspects of Esther: A Phenomenological Exploration of the Megillah of Esther and the Origins of Purim". Journal for the Study of the Old Testament - paywalled everywhere I checked
 * The Art of Italy in the Royal Collection
 * The Meaning of the name Esther
 * Persia and the Bible
 * "Historical Background of the Book of Esther"
 * "Notes on Esther"
 * A clear plurality of reliable sources refer to Esther as something other than "Jewess" - one even uses the term as an example of a slur (Sexuality and Gender in Early Modern Europe) . These are sources considered credible by the consensus of this article. They use a different term and lose no understanding of her as a Jewish prophet by avoiding "Jewess." No understanding is lost by discarding "Jewess."
 * Given this evidence, I think we should replace "Jewess" with "Jew." I also believe "Jewish woman" would be acceptable. Removing any ethnically specific language with something like ""Hadassah, who went by the name of Esther, is chosen to fulfill this role due to her beauty." would be okay as well, it's pretty obvious Esther is Jewish when reading the article. The infobox explicitly says she is Jewish. Carlp941 (talk) 03:30, 27 December 2022 (UTC)
 * you now present a strong argument, and I am happy to withdraw my objections to the removal. If we don't hear anything from User:Derrick Purdy (who did the initial revert), we can say the new consensus is not to have it (and change, for example, the Vashti article as well). StAnselm (talk) 05:09, 27 December 2022 (UTC)
 * A typical Wikipedia storm in a teacup.Achar Sva (talk) 10:41, 27 December 2022 (UTC)
 * excellent! thanks for hearing me out!
 * Would you like to make the edits? Carlp941 (talk) 02:42, 28 December 2022 (UTC)
 * ✅ StAnselm (talk) 06:09, 28 December 2022 (UTC)

"Jewess" can reasonably be considered by the typical Wikipedia reader offensive. That might be true but we do not cater for the average reader. We cater for the assumed reader, who is of no less than reasonably well educated. Roger 8 Roger (talk) 06:21, 28 December 2022 (UTC)

 * I'm following the guidelines set out by Offensive material, and am basically quoting them here. We generally do cater to the average reader of Wikipedia when considering the use of offensive material.
 * From the guideline:
 * Material that would be considered vulgar or obscene by typical Wikipedia readers should be used if and only if its omission would cause the article to be less informative, relevant, or accurate, and no equally suitable alternative is available. Carlp941 (talk) 06:32, 28 December 2022 (UTC)
 * The term might be seen as dated and even somewhat offensive by some readers, but that is not to the level of being vulgar or obscene. The word is a perfectly acceptable word with unambiguous meaning to an averagely educated reader. I think you are misunderstanding the guidelines. Roger 8 Roger (talk) 06:55, 28 December 2022 (UTC)
 * I am not misunderstanding the guidelines, I am following them faithfully, I quoted them directly. I'll quote them again. Here's the footnote to "typical wikipedia readers"
 * Here a "typical Wikipedia reader" is defined by the cultural beliefs of the majority of the website readers (not active editors) that are literate in an article's language. Clarifying this viewpoint may require a broad spectrum of input and discussion, as cultural views can differ widely.
 * I am not going to only consider the average educated reader because NOTTEXTBOOK, and we should not assume any level of familiarity with the study of Jewish prophets. I think we should consider what academics think, and weigh it heavily, but it's not the only people we should consider. And I think you'll find that the typical expert sees it as a slur. See my post above for more details. I am also considering the viewpoint of the typical english speaker who is very unlikely to be familiar with the term. I had not heard the term until I read this article. There is no scientific polling on the term, as there is for other terms that refer to ethnic background, so I can't assume popular familiarity with it. I can only guess what an average reader might do - which is to search for them online or in a dictionary. All of them note that it is dated, offensive, and/or a slur. Slurs are obscene. If we can replace them without losing important context, we should. I have written at length about this above, so I'll avoid rehashing.
 * Simply put, I believe you are being far too restrictive in your definition the typical reader, and assuming a level of familiarity and education that cannot be assumed. I think I've demonstrated its offensiveness. If there is context that is lost, I am open to hearing that. I am happy to change my mind if "Jewess" adds context I am not aware of.
 * Anywho, this point is now moot, the article does not include any terms in the intro that specifically say she was a Jewish woman. And I am okay with that, or the inclusion of less controversial terms. I am asking you to please not reinclude the term unless a new consensus is reached. I've made more than a mountain out of this molehill. Carlp941 (talk) 19:19, 28 December 2022 (UTC)
 * By misunderstanding I meant you are equating 'vulgar and obscene' with offensive: they are not the same thing. The word Jewess is neither vulgar nor obscene. It might offend your sensibilities but so what? Roger 8 Roger (talk) 19:47, 28 December 2022 (UTC)
 * I sincerely don't mean this as an insult, but this is really splitting hairs. The policy I linked is on offensive content, and uses the words vulgar and obscene to describe offensiveness. I think it is reasonable to use the words interchangeably. Telling me, essentially, "who cares that you think of the term" - when I have presented a strong case for why it's the broad view of academia and the general public that it is offensive - and that nothing of value is lost by its omission - is disrespectful to the time I spent researching this topic. Lastly, this is now a moot point, a consensus has been reached that I am happy with, can we please not drag this out? I do not wish to argue about the term for the sake of arguing about the term. If you have a strong case for changing this consensus, please present it, I'll happily hear it out. Otherwise I will stop replying to this thread. Carlp941 (talk) 20:57, 28 December 2022 (UTC)
 * One way the two terms differ (V+O and offensive) is that the second is open to opinion whereas the first isn't. What is offensive various hugely between people while what is obscene and vulgar far less so. Even those who use vulgar and obscene words know they are v and o.Roger 8 Roger (talk) 19:42, 29 December 2022 (UTC)

Esther’s mother
Abihail was Esther’s mother, not father 2603:7000:2405:E4D7:DD44:75D9:B9FD:7052 (talk) 11:05, 29 December 2022 (UTC)

 * Not. Abihail was the father of Queen Esther and uncle of Mordecai. (Esther 2:15; Esther 9:29) Rafaelosornio (talk) 14:49, 29 December 2022 (UTC)

 * Apparently there were five Abihails, three female and two male. Achar Sva (talk) 05:32, 11 January 2023 (UTC)

Historicity
To the assertions in “Historicity” and in the note c: “Persian kings did not marry outside of seven Persian noble families, making it unlikely that there was a Jewish queen Esther“ and „Xerxes could not have wed a Jewess because this was contrary to the practices of Persian monarchs who married only into one of the seven leading Persian families.“ - - - Claudius Aelianus reports: Aspasia, a Greek girl from Phocaea, became the wife of the Persian Prince Cyrus, son of Darius, and after his death she became the first of the wifes of his brother, the Persian King Artaxerxes II. 91.89.11.105 (talk) 22:33, 10 January 2023 (UTC)
 * Please use modern academic sources - using ancient sources like this is what Wikipedia calls original research, and is discouraged. Achar Sva (talk) 02:58, 11 January 2023 (UTC)

Opinion is presented here over logic.
It is not logically acceptable to claim without investigation that the Book of Esther is a "novella rather than history." There is no proof of this, or proof that it is not true. SO rather than claiming it as an absolute fact, it should have been presented as one belief as opposed to various others. For instance, "The Book of Esther is BELIEVED BY SOME to be more of a novella than history. THE REASONS FOR THIS VIEWPOINT ARE AS FOLLOWS:..." To claim outright that it isn't history is offensive and illogical. You need to examine other perspectives, as well. There are plenty of logical explanations for why it WOULD be history, despite APPARENT contradictions. There is always a way to represent BOTH sides of the argument. 73.1.239.131 (talk) 18:05, 19 April 2023 (UTC)

 * Proof is for math and whisky.
 * The opinions of WP:BESTSOURCES are what Wikipedia is made of. See WP:VERECUNDIAM.
 * See also WP:CRYBLASPHEMY and WP:NOTTHEOCRACY. tgeorgescu (talk) 18:47, 19 April 2023 (UTC)

title: Talk:Esther


text:
Plymouth, Illinois

Plymouth is a village in Hancock and McDonough counties, Illinois, United States. The population was 436 at the 2020 census, down from 505 in 2010.

Geography
Plymouth is located in southeastern Hancock County at 40.29123°N, -90.91713°W. A small portion of the village extends east into the southwest corner of McDonough County. Illinois Route 61 passes through the village, leading northeast 4.5 mi to Colmar and southwest 5 mi to Augusta. Carthage, the Hancock County seat, is 21 mi to the northwest of Plymouth.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Plymouth has a total area of 0.57 sqmi, all land. The village drains north toward Bronson Creek and south toward Flour Creek, both east-flowing tributaries of the La Moine River and part of the Illinois River watershed.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 436 people, 198 households, and 127 families residing in the village. The population density was 771.68 PD/sqmi. There were 224 housing units at an average density of 396.46 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.56% White, 0.92% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 2.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.92% of the population.

There were 198 households, out of which 20.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.52% were married couples living together, 7.07% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.86% were non-families. 30.81% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.13% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.79 and the average family size was 2.23.

The village's age distribution consisted of 18.6% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 13.8% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 32.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 50.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $47,083, and the median income for a family was $51,875. Males had a median income of $45,662 versus $38,333 for females. The per capita income for the village was $26,386. About 17.3% of families and 21.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 46.3% of those under age 18 and 14.1% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Residents attend Southeastern High School which is located in nearby Augusta.

title: Plymouth, Illinois


text:
Pontoosuc, Illinois

Pontoosuc is a village in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 99 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Pontoosuc is located in northern Hancock County at 40.62944°N, -91.20972°W (40.629520, -91.209603). It is bordered to the north by the Mississippi River, which forms the state border with Iowa, and to the east by Dallas City. Illinois Route 9 passes through the village, leading east into Dallas City and west 5 mi to the Fort Madison Toll Bridge over the Mississippi. Illinois Route 96 passes through Pontoosuc concurrently with IL-9 but leads southwest 13 mi to Nauvoo.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Pontoosuc has a total area of 2.07 sqmi, of which 1.41 sqmi (or 67.82%) is land and 0.67 sqmi (or 32.18%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 99 people, 50 households, and 24 families residing in the village. The population density was 47.76 PD/sqmi. There were 99 housing units at an average density of 47.76 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.96% White, 1.01% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 3.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.00% of the population.

There were 50 households, out of which 24.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.00% were married couples living together, 2.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 52.00% were non-families. 46.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.33 and the average family size was 2.18.

The village's age distribution consisted of 28.4% under the age of 18, 0.0% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 21% from 45 to 64, and 22.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $42,500, and the median income for a family was $51,250. Males had a median income of $50,000 versus $28,958 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,224. About 4.2% of families and 5.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.7% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, which operates between Los Angeles and Chicago, passes through the town on BNSF tracks, but makes no stop. The nearest station is located in Fort Madison, 6 mi to the west.

title: Pontoosuc, Illinois


text:
Warsaw, Illinois

Warsaw is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,510 at the 2020 census, a decline from 1,607 in 2010. The city is notable for its historic downtown.

History
The city of Warsaw began in 1814, when young Major Zachary Taylor founded Fort Johnson on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River across from the mouth of the Des Moines River. Fort Johnson was occupied only for a few weeks before it was burned. In 1815 another military camp, Fort Edwards, was built nearby at a different location. Warsaw became an important fur trading post and one of the earliest American settlements in northern Illinois.

During the 1840s, Warsaw was a center of opposition to Mormon settlement in Nauvoo and other areas in Hancock County during the conflict sometimes known as the "Mormon Illinois War". The local newspaper at the time, the Warsaw Signal edited by Thomas C. Sharp, was a vocal opponent of Mormon settlement and practices in western Illinois. The Mormons, led by Willard Richards, attempted to establish a settlement at a site just south of Warsaw during this period, but abandoned these plans due to local opposition and other problems.

The city is notable for its well-preserved downtown with a number of remaining historic businesses. Founded by German immigrants, the Warsaw Brewery opened in 1861 and operated for more than 100 years, ending production in 1971. The facility was renovated and reopened in 2006 as a bar and restaurant.

Geography
Warsaw is located in southwestern Hancock County. It is bordered to the west and northwest by the Mississippi River, which forms the state border with Missouri. The community of Alexandria, Missouri lies due west across the Mississippi, Keokuk, Iowa lies 3.5 miles to the northeast and the city of Hamilton lies approximately six miles to the east-northeast.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Warsaw has a total area of 7.47 sqmi, of which 6.52 sqmi (or 87.29%) is land and 0.95 sqmi (or 12.71%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 1,510 people, 691 households, and 435 families residing in the city. The population density was 202.17 PD/sqmi. There were 762 housing units at an average density of 102.02 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.50% White, 0.26% African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.73% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 3.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.26% of the population.

There were 691 households, out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.24% were married couples living together, 7.81% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.05% were non-families. 30.97% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.96% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 2.32.

The city's age distribution consisted of 24.9% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 21.1% from 25 to 44, 29% from 45 to 64, and 21.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.4 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $53,920, and the median income for a family was $73,092. Males had a median income of $53,472 versus $25,859 for females. The per capita income for the city was $31,066. About 5.3% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.1% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Warsaw Community Unit School District 316 is the community school district. It operates two schools, Warsaw Elementary School and Warsaw High School.

Prior to 2008 Warsaw CUSD 316 operated its own junior high school; as of 2008 students at the junior high level attend Nauvoo-Colusa Junior High School in the Nauvoo-Colusa Community Unit School District 325.

Notable people

 * William Harrison Folsom (1815-1901), architect who lived in Warsaw before heading to the California gold fields
 * John Milton Hay, statesman, diplomat, journalist, and private secretary to Abraham Lincoln, raised in Warsaw, served as United States Secretary of State (1838-1905)
 * Benjamin F. Marsh, congressman, buried in Warsaw

title: Warsaw, Illinois


text:
West Point, Illinois

West Point is a village in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. The population was 140 at the 2020 census.

Geography
West Point is located in southern Hancock County at 40.25567°N, -91.18324°W. It is 14 mi south of Carthage, the county seat.

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

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 140 people, 66 households, and 50 families residing in the village. The population density was 833.33 PD/sqmi. There were 67 housing units at an average density of 398.81 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% 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 0.71% of the population.

There were 66 households, out of which 42.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.55% were married couples living together, 10.61% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.24% were non-families. 22.73% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.09% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.88 and the average family size was 3.32.

The village's age distribution consisted of 35.6% under the age of 18, 2.7% from 18 to 24, 22.8% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.0 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $49,167, and the median income for a family was $50,714. Males had a median income of $45,625 versus $27,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,633. About 30.0% of families and 42.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 53.8% of those under age 18 and 46.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: West Point, Illinois


text:
Cave-In-Rock, Illinois

Cave-In-Rock is a village in Hardin County, Illinois, United States. Its principal feature and tourist attraction is nearby Cave-In-Rock, on the banks of the Ohio River. In 1816, the earliest known permanent white settlers arrived and started building a town near the cave. The town was originally known as Rock and Cave, Illinois, with a post office under this name. On October 24, 1849, the town was officially renamed Cave-In-Rock. Cave-In-Rock was incorporated as a village in 1901. The population was 228 at the 2020 census.

Beginning in the 1790s, Cave-in-Rock became a refuge stronghold for frontier outlaws, on the run from the law which included river pirates and highwaymen Samuel Mason and James Ford, tavern owner/highwayman Isaiah L. Potts, serial killers/bandits the Harpe brothers, counterfeiters Philip Alston, Peter Alston, John Duff, Eson Bixby, and the Sturdivant Gang, and the post-American Civil War bandit, Logan Belt.

Geography
Cave-In-Rock is located in southeastern Hardin County at 37.47°N, -88.16639°W (37.470050, -88.166297). It is bordered to the south by the Ohio River, which forms the state boundary with Kentucky. The Cave-In-Rock Ferry crosses the Ohio from Cave-In-Rock village to Crittenden County, Kentucky, at a point 11 mi north of Marion. Cave-In-Rock is the southern terminus of Illinois Route 1, which leads north from the ferry 326 mi to its northern terminus in Chicago.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Cave-In-Rock has a total area of 0.42 sqmi, of which 0.37 sqmi (or 90.12%) is land and 0.04 sqmi (or 9.88%) is water.

Cave-in-Rock is located in the driftless area of southern Illinois and features geographical differential erosions from the Upper Mississippian and Lower Pennsylvanian ages. Bluffs and ridges are generally sandstone, while valleys are from limestones and shales. Cave-in-Rock is near the Hicks Dome.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 228 people, 69 households, and 37 families residing in the village. The population density was 549.40 PD/sqmi. There were 171 housing units at an average density of 412.05 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 92.98% White, 0.00% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.88% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.00% from other races, and 6.14% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.32% of the population.

There were 69 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.58% were married couples living together, 7.25% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.38% were non-families. 43.48% of all households were made up of individuals, and 24.64% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.89 and the average family size was 2.88.

The village's age distribution consisted of 15.1% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 17% from 45 to 64, and 24.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $24,583, and the median income for a family was $49,583. Males had a median income of $20,357 versus $17,396 for females. The per capita income for the village was $37,208. About 21.6% of families and 23.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.3% of those under age 18 and 10.2% of those age 65 or over.

The Cave

Cave-in-Rock's primary feature is a striking 55 ft riverside cave formed by wind and water erosion and by cataclysmic effects of the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes. The cave is located at 37.46861°N, -88.15583°W, just upriver (east) from the village. The first European to come across it was M. de Lery of France, who found it in 1739 and called it "caverne dans Le Roc". Other names for the cave include Rock-In-Cave, Rocking Cave, Rock-and-Cave, House of Nature, The Cave, Big Cave, and Murrell's Cave. The cave is the main feature of Illinois' Cave-in-Rock State Park, established in 1929.

History
From the 1790s to the 1870s, the area around Cave-in-Rock was plagued by what historians as early as the 1830s referred to as the "Ancient Colony of Horse-Thieves, Counterfeiters and Robbers", and better known today due to Otto Rothert's history early in the 20th century as the "Outlaws of Cave-in-Rock".

In 1790, counterfeiters Philip Alston and John Duff (or John McElduff) used the cave as some type of rendezvous, though details are scarce. Although folklore printed in 19th century histories failed to establish a prior connection between the two men, both had lived in the area of Natchez, Mississippi, at the start of the Revolutionary War.

Duff was living upriver a few miles, either at Battery Rock or across the Ohio River at what would become Caseyville, Kentucky, when in 1797 Samuel Mason moved his base of operations from Diamond Island and Red Banks to the cave and made it the home of river pirates. Two of Mason's brothers had been business partners of Duff in Kaskaskia, Illinois, in the 1780s. Mason created a combination tavern, gambling den, brothel, and criminal refuge. His men lured in gullible river travelers and then robbed and killed them.

James Wilson, also known as Bully Wilson, may actually have been an alias for Samuel Mason, the next leader of the gang after Mason's hasty departure, or possibly the front man for Mason's operation. He may be the Wilson who married one of Mason's nieces. In 1799, he hung a sign over the cave's entrance saying "Wilson's Liquor Vault and House for Entertainment".

By this time, Duff and his associates had been making salt (or looking for silver) in the area around the Illinois Salines along the Saline River in southeastern Illinois. A detachment from the U.S. Army garrison at Fort Massac, down river from Cave-In-Rock, captured him and three of his men, Blakely, Hazle and Hall. The soldiers took their prisoners by boat down the Saline River to the Ohio River, intending to return to the fort. Old histories do not explain why they stopped at the cave. Subsequent events suggest it took place during the spring of 1799, when Wilson was in business, making it a stop for entertainment. Duff and his men escaped and overpowered the soldiers. They tied them up, put them in a boat, and pushed it into the river to float downstream to the fort. On June 4, 1799, the commandant of Fort Massac, Captain Zebulon Pike Sr., father of the future explorer of Pikes Peak, hired a French Canadian coureur de bois and three Shawnee warriors to assassinate Duff, which they did.

The infamous Harpe brothers also reached the cave region in the spring of 1799. They are associated with two separate stories at the cave and one at the infamous Potts Spring area to the north. The first story has them pushing a young couple off the top of the cliff above the cave. They survived. The second was an act of piracy in which only one man survived. Later, he was forced off the cliff as well, this time involving the man being tied down to a horse. Neither survived. The Potts Spring story is recalled as a murder of two or three hunters. This Harpe murder site within twenty years would become the future location of the legendary Potts Inn, which was presumed to be a human death trap for unsuspecting travelers along the Ford's Ferry High Water Road, an early frontier highway, who wanted to spend the night for food and lodging.

Mason and Wilson's time at the cave may have come to an end during the summer of 1799, when they were attacked by a group of bounty hunters/vigilantes under the leadership of Captain Young calling themselves "The Exterminators". No contemporary accounts attest to river pirates occupying the cave in the first decade of the 19th century. The Harpes retreated back into Kentucky, while Mason traveled downriver and began to focus on highway robbery along the Natchez Trace.

The next generation of outlaws in the region sprang either from the Sturdivant Gang, a group of counterfeiters based at Sturdivant Fort, on top of the bluffs overlooking the Ohio River at what is now Rosiclare, Illinois; or the Ford's Ferry Gang led by James Ford, based a few miles upriver from the cave at what became known as Ford's Ferry, Kentucky. Law enforcement officials led three raids against Sturdivant Fort in 1822 and 1823. Although it is not clear what happened following the raids, the gang had disappeared from the area by 1830. The Ford's Ferry Gang was broken up following the mysterious deaths or murders of James Ford's two sons, followed by his own assassination in 1833.

Even after the death of Ford, outlaws remained. Isaiah L. Potts operated Potts Inn on the Ford's Ferry High Water Road in Illinois north of the cave. Travelers checked in, but sometimes failed to check out. This presumed frontier hotel was very similar to the Bloody Benders' Wayside Inn, which appeared fifty years later in Labette County, Kansas. The legend of Billy Potts, the returning son who was murdered unknowingly by his father, likely took place in the months following Ford's assassination. This tragic story of poetic justice has taken on folklorish proportions. Records show the elder Potts and his wife separated in 1834 or 1835.

Eson Bigsby (the first name sometimes spelled "Eason" or "Enos" and the last name sometimes spelled "Bixby") took up counterfeiting in Hardin County in the decades following the Sturdivants. His attack on his wife Anna in an effort to find out where her first husband's money was buried dates to the early 1860s and led to the legends of Anna Bixby, her treasure and her ghost. She survived running off a cliff in the dark. She is the namesake of the Anna Bixby Women's Center in nearby Harrisburg, Illinois.

Although not completely connected to the "Ancient Colony", Logan Belt and the Logan Belt Gang terrorized Hardin County in the 1870s and 1880s, until Belt was assassinated.

In the middle of the 1800s, church services were being held in the cave. This earliest Christian congregation eventually formed the Big Creek Baptist Church. Founded in 1807, it was the first church organized in southeastern Illinois. Cave-In-Rock incorporated in 1839, in the same year that Hardin County was created from a section of Pope County.

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, "in 1929, the State of Illinois acquired 64.5 acre for a park that since has increased to 204 acres. The well-wooded, 60 ft hills and the rugged bluffs along the river—commanding expansive views of the famous waterway—became Cave-In-Rock State Park".

In popular culture
In Walt Disney's Davy Crockett and the River Pirates, Davy Crockett and Mike Fink anachronistically fight Sam Mason and his pirates. Also, at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, there is a scene called "Cut-Throat Corner" and "Wilson's Cave Inn" that can be seen on the bank of the Rivers of America while riding the Liberty Belle Riverboat around Tom Sawyer's Island. This scene is based upon the real life Cave-In-Rock and the activity of river pirates during that time period.

A scene of the MGM classic How the West Was Won was filmed at the cave as well as at Battery Rock. In 1997, The History Channel show In Search of History filmed at the site for an episode entitled "River Pirates".

The "ninth book" of Christopher Ward's 1932 novel The Strange Adventures of Jonathan Drew; A Rolling Stone is titled "Cave-In-Rock". The action is set in 1824. Jonathan rescues two slaves duped into running away and working for a gang of dangerous outlaws who use Cave-In-Rock as their base of operations.

The Gathering of the Juggalos was held in Cave-In-Rock from 2007 to 2013.

The multi-day heavy metal festival Full Terror Assault (FTA Open Air) takes place once a year at the Hogrock Ranch and Campground.

L. A. Meyer's novel Mississippi Jack features the heroine leading an anachronistic raid against river pirates as an homage to the aforementioned Davy Crockett episode.

In 2009, artist Greg Stimac photographed Cave-In-Rock's cave for his series of outlaw hideouts. In 2013, his photograph "Ancient Colony of Horse-Thieves, Counterfeiters and Robbers" was included in The Seven Borders, an exhibition curated by Joey Yates at the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft.

title: Cave-In-Rock, Illinois


text:
Elizabethtown, Illinois

Elizabethtown is a village in and the county seat of Hardin County, Illinois, United States, along the Ohio River. The population was 220 at the 2020 census. It is the least-populous county seat in the state.

History
One of the earliest settlers in the area of the future village of Elizabethtown was James McFarland who arrived around 1809. The village was later founded around the McFarland Tavern built in 1812. The tavern later became the site of the Rose Hotel named after the owner Sarah Rose. Up until the 1960s when it closed as a hotel the Rose Hotel was the oldest continuously run hotel in the state of Illinois and is now a state historic site. Elizabethtown was named after James McFarland's wife. The First Baptist Church located in Elizabethtown, is the oldest Baptist church congregation in Illinois and the oldest known Protestant church in Illinois, founded in 1806. Elizabethtown is referred to as "Etown" by the local population as the nickname is preserved in the name of the downtown E'town River Restaurant.

Geography
Elizabethtown is located in southern Hardin County at 37.44917°N, -88.30361°W (37.449136, -88.303748). It is bordered to the south by the Ohio River, which forms the state boundary with Kentucky.

Illinois Route 146 passes through the village, leading southwest (downriver) 15 mi to Golconda and east 9 mi to Illinois Route 1 north of Cave-In-Rock. Rosiclare, the only city in Hardin County, is reached by traveling 2.5 mi west on IL-146 then 2 mi south on IL-34.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Elizabethtown has a total area of 0.71 sqmi, of which 0.71 sqmi (or 99.30%) is land and 0.01 sqmi (or 0.70%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 220 people, 188 households, and 43 families residing in the village. The population density was 309.86 PD/sqmi. There were 173 housing units at an average density of 243.66 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.09% White, 0.45% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.45% from other races, and 4.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.91% of the population.

There were 188 households, out of which 13.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 16.49% were married couples living together, 5.32% had a female householder with no husband present, and 77.13% were non-families. 75.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 42.55% 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 1.55.

The village's age distribution consisted of 16.7% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 16% from 25 to 44, 24.6% from 45 to 64, and 34.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 59.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $17,143, and the median income for a family was $60,625. Males had a median income of $13,750 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,353. About 37.2% of families and 52.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 65.9% of those under age 18 and 21.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Elizabethtown, Illinois


text:
Rosiclare, Illinois

Rosiclare is a city in Hardin County, Illinois, along the Ohio River. The population was 980 at the 2020 census.

History
Some of the earliest settlers of the Rosiclare area were outlaws mainly counterfeiters from the Sturdivant Gang in the late 1810s-early 1820s. Rosiclare used to be the "Fluorspar Capital of the World". Andrew Jackson, in 1835, once owned a fluorspar mine in Rosiclare. Wholesale mining of fluorspar first began in Rosiclare in 1842. Mining ceased when it became cheaper to import fluorite from China. The Lead and Fluorspar Mining Company continued to process ore from mines in Hardin County but closed due to foreign competition in 1996.

Geography
Rosiclare is located in southwestern Hardin County at 37.425°N, -88.34583°W (37.424869, -88.345810). It is bordered to the southeast by the Ohio River, which forms the state boundary with Kentucky. Illinois Route 34 terminates in Rosiclare at the river and leads north 30 mi to Harrisburg. The next Illinois community upriver (northeast) is Elizabethtown, 4.5 mi via IL-34 and IL-146 or 2.5 mi by river, while the next one downstream (southwest) is Golconda, 15 mi via IL-146 or 11 mi by river.

According to the 2021 census gazetteer files, Rosiclare has a total area of 2.12 sqmi, of which 1.94 sqmi (or 91.59%) is land and 0.18 sqmi (or 8.41%) is water.

Demographics
As of the 2020 census there were 980 people, 354 households, and 241 families residing in the city. The population density was 462.92 PD/sqmi. There were 544 housing units at an average density of 256.97 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.47% White, 1.02% African American, 0.00% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.20% Pacific Islander, 0.20% from other races, and 4.49% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.45% of the population.

There were 354 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.80% were married couples living together, 11.02% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.92% were non-families. 28.53% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.58% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.51 and the average family size was 2.82.

The city's age distribution consisted of 17.5% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 20% from 25 to 44, 47.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49.1 years. For every 100 females, there were 120.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 145.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $55,208. Males had a median income of $41,402 versus $16,548 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,838. About 12.4% of families and 17.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.7% of those under age 18 and 13.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Jennifer Rhodes, television and film actress
 * The Sturdivant Gang, 19th century counterfeiters

title: Rosiclare, Illinois


text:
Biggsville, Illinois

Biggsville is a village in Henderson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 304 at the 2010 census, down from 343 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Burlington, IA–IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Biggsville is located in east-central Henderson County in the valley of South Henderson Creek. Illinois Route 94 passes through the center of the village, leading north 29 mi to Aledo and south 25 mi to La Harpe. U.S. Route 34 bypasses the village to the south, leading east 31 mi to Galesburg and west 14 mi to Burlington, Iowa.

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

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 343 people, 143 households, and 96 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,032.0 PD/sqmi. There were 161 housing units at an average density of 484.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.83% White and 1.17% African American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.04% of the population.

There were 143 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.2% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families. 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,714, and the median income for a family was $43,125. Males had a median income of $30,833 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,215. About 6.3% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Todd Hamilton (born 1965), golfer
 * Ora Smith (1884–1965), farmer and politician. Smith resided in Biggsville for most of his adult life and represented it in the Illinois General Assembly.

title: Biggsville, Illinois


text:
Gladstone, Illinois

Gladstone is a village in Henderson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 281 at the 2010 census, down from 284 in 2000. It is part of the Burlington, IA–IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Gladstone is located in west-central Henderson County. Illinois Route 164 passes through the village, leading north 5 mi to Oquawka, the county seat, and south 1 mi to U.S. Route 34. Burlington, Iowa, is 10 mi southwest of Gladstone via IL-164 and US-34.

According to the 2010 census, Gladstone has a total area of 0.39 sqmi, all land.

History
Gladstone grew from a Meskwaki village that was led by Taimah in the 1820s. Gladstone was originally named "Sagetown", after Gideon Sage upon whose land the town was platted. Gladstone is named after the English statesman William Ewart Gladstone.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 284 people, 139 households, and 82 families residing in the village. The population density was 722.1 PD/sqmi. There were 146 housing units at an average density of 371.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.30% White, 0.35% African American, and 0.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.35% of the population.

There were 139 households, out of which 25.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.0% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.3% were non-families. 36.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.04 and the average family size was 2.64.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 27.5% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $30,694, and the median income for a family was $41,429. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $20,972 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,245. About 11.5% of families and 10.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 23.1% of those 65 or over.

title: Gladstone, Illinois


text:
Gulfport, Illinois

Gulfport is a village in Henderson County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the village population was 54, down from 207 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Burlington, IA–IL Micropolitan Statistical Area. The village was completely submerged, save the roofs of some homes and buildings, by a levee break during the flood of 2008.

Geography
Gulfport is located on the western edge of Henderson County. It is bordered to the west by the Mississippi River, which is also the state boundary with Iowa. U.S. Route 34 passes through the village, crossing the Mississippi via the Great River Bridge to Burlington, Iowa. To the east US 34 leads 27 mi to Monmouth and 44 mi to Galesburg.

According to the 2010 census, Gulf Port has a total area of 2.424 sqmi, of which 1.5 sqmi (or 61.88%) is land and 0.924 sqmi (or 38.12%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 207 people, 89 households, and 62 families residing in the village. The population density was 137.5 PD/sqmi. There were 112 housing units at an average density of 74.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.65% White, 0.48% Native American, 0.48% Pacific Islander, and 3.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.45% of the population.

There were 89 households, out of which 22.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.1% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.3% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 20.3% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 29.5% from 25 to 44, 33.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,167, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $30,750 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,918. About 5.9% of families and 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

title: Gulfport, Illinois


text:
Lomax, Illinois

Lomax is a village in Henderson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 454 at the 2010 census, a decline from 477 in 2000. It is part of the Burlington, IA–IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Lomax is located in southwestern Henderson County. Illinois Route 96 passes through the village, leading east 5 mi to Illinois Route 94 north of Terre Haute and southwest 6 mi to Dallas City along the Mississippi River.

According to the 2010 census, Lomax has a total area of 1.04 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 477 people, 196 households, and 134 families residing in the village. The population density was 457.3 PD/sqmi. There were 213 housing units at an average density of 204.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.74% White, 0.21% Asian, 0.42% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.73% of the population.

There were 196 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.6% were non-families. 28.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 23.3% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $29,609, and the median income for a family was $36,736. Males had a median income of $30,875 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,066. About 5.0% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 16.1% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, which operates between Los Angeles and Chicago, passes through the town on BNSF tracks, but makes no stop. A station is located in Fort Madison, 15 mi to the west. The California Zephyr has a stop located in Burlington, which is 13 mi to the north.

title: Lomax, Illinois


text:
Media, Illinois

Media is a village in Henderson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 107 at the 2010 census, down from 130 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Burlington, IA–IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Media is located in southeastern Henderson County. Illinois Route 116 passes through the village, leading west and north 9 mi to U.S. Route 34 near Biggsville, and south and east 11 mi to Roseville.

According to the 2010 census, Media has a total area of 1.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 130 people, 56 households, and 39 families residing in the village. The population density was 76.5 PD/sqmi. There were 59 housing units at an average density of 34.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.69% White, 1.54% from other races, and 0.77% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 56 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.6% were non-families. 23.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 18.5% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 21.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $35,125, and the median income for a family was $36,500. Males had a median income of $30,625 versus $25,781 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,149. There were 5.9% of families and 12.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 29.4% of under eighteens and 9.1% of those over 64.

Origin of the village name
According to the common theory, the name of the village originated from the fact that the town is situated halfway between Chicago and Kansas City on the Santa Fe Railroad.

Transportation
Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, which operates between Los Angeles and Chicago, passes through the town on BNSF tracks, but makes no stop. A station is located in Galesburg, 34 mi to the northeast. The California Zephyr has a stop located in Burlington, which is 18 mi to the west.

title: Media, Illinois


text:
Oquawka, Illinois

Oquawka is a village and the county seat of Henderson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,371 at the 2010 census.

Oquawka is part of the Burlington, IA–IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the 2010 census, Oquawka has a total area of 1.859 sqmi, of which 1.47 sqmi (or 79.07%) is land and 0.389 sqmi (or 20.93%) is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,371 people, 627 households, and 378 families living in the village. The population density was 933.9 PD/sqmi. There were 721 housing units at an average density of 491.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.61% White, 0.07% African American, 0.36% Native American, 0.14% Asian, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.46% of the population.

There were 627 households, out of which 22.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.7% were non-families. 34.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 36.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 21.1% under the age of 18, 3.4% from 18 to 24, 21.2% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 21.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 males there were 98.4 females. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $28,750, and the median income for a family was $50,938. Males had a median income of $40,729 versus $25,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,703. About 12.6% of families and 19.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.4% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,539 people, 656 households, and 421 families living in the village. The population density was 1,051.8 PD/sqmi. There were 736 housing units at an average density of 503.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.38% White, 0.06% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.13% Asian, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.71% of the population.

There were 656 households, out of which 26.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 31.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,500, and the median income for a family was $38,152. Males had a median income of $29,333 versus $18,571 for females. The per capita income for the village was $15,254. About 8.4% of families and 12.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.6% of those under age 18 and 11.4% of those age 65 or over.

History
The Sauk and Meskwaki peoples once thrived on flatlands that gently fold into the Mississippi River. They called the area Oquawkiek, meaning “yellow banks.” White settlers arrived and kept the peace, thanks to Stephen S. Phelps, the founder of the village of Oquawka, who harbored respect for the native peoples. Phelps would befriend Abraham Lincoln, who was said to spend a lot of time visiting Oquawka. Here, long before his presidency, Lincoln supposedly met Jefferson Davis, then a faithful officer with the U.S. Army. And in 1858, Lincoln made a stump speech here, as did his rival and another Phelps family friend, Stephen Douglas, the first circuit judge in this seat of Henderson County.

That period saw the peak of commerce in Oquawka, as a mill and shipping concern. Civic leaders saw great promise for growth, but — in a familiar story from the 19th century — that went to the wayside when railroads went elsewhere. Still, Oquawka survives well as a village, with 1,539 residents and a half-shuttered downtown that supports locals as well as visiting boaters. In fact, east-west Illinois Route 164 stops in — not at, but in — the river, where the pavement slopes into the waterway to accommodate boat trailers.

Norma Jean
On July 17, 1972, the circus was in town. The main attraction of the Clark & Walter Circus was a 29-year-old elephant named Norma Jean. History records little of her background, except that she was born in the U.S. She was an Asian elephant, which have smaller ears and bodies than the African variety, and weighed 6500 lb.

As nightfall approached, head elephant caretaker "Possum Red" tethered Norma Jean to a tree at the village park in the center of town, using a metal chain to hook her up. Not long after, in rolled storm clouds. A bolt of lightning ripped through the sky and found Norma Jean’s tree — the only one in the park. The voltage fired through the tree, along the metal chain, and into Norma Jean. Possum Red, who was still on the scene, was thrown 30 ft by the electrical blast. Norma Jean thudded to the ground, lifeless. Possum Red and the rest of the circus scurried out of town. The following year, without its lone elephant — uninsured and worth the then-princely sum of $10,000 — the circus folded.

Townsfolk used a backhoe to dig a 6 ft hole, rolled the three-ton-plus pachyderm corpse into the grave and marked it with a plywood sign. After town druggist Wade Meloan had raised enough money to erect a memorial, he and a mason friend rounded up two tons of rock and cemented together a 5 ft tall wall stretching 12 ft over the grave. Atop the monument, they secured a concrete elephant statue and ringed the wall with flowers. They affixed a glass case to the wall with newspaper accounts about Norma Jean. The plaque on the wall proclaims:

"“Norma Jean Elephant, Aug. 10, 1942 to July 17, 1972. This memorial is dedicated in memory of an elephant named Norma Jean, who was killed by lightning at this location and lies buried here.”"

When they finished they invited hundreds of well-wishers to the dedication. They even rented a baby elephant to carry a wreath in its trunk to lay at the marker. Meloan became something of a sideshow barker for Norma Jean. He printed professional postcards of the memorial, selling them in Oquawka and beyond to drum up tourism. When reporters came calling, he’d gush over the lore of Norma Jean.

John Behnke, a graduate student from Southern Illinois University's cinema program, filmed a 15-minute documentary on the marker, which later appeared on Showtime. By the mid-1990s, the site averaged two visitors a day. Tourism would get a boost when Oquawka would host a yearly fest to honor Norma Jean, with an elephant walk, white elephant sale and a bake sale featuring elephant ears.

Meloan, Norma Jean’s biggest supporter, died in 2004. Norma Jean has gone from a headline to a footnote. Hardly anyone ever stops by the grave anymore. A few years ago, unknown vandals destroyed the original elephant atop the memorial. The village got a replacement, but locals otherwise no longer pay much notice to the grave.

1993 Flood
During the month of July, The Flood of 1993 turned Oquawka into an island. There was no getting in, and no getting out. Oquawka, which sits above the Mississippi, for the most part stayed dry. The roads didn’t. Due to flash flooding of all the creeks, the town was cut off from the outside world for at least a day and a half.

2008 Flood
On the early morning of June 14, the town of Oquawka, Illinois, was evacuated, due to a levee breach along the swollen Iowa River. The city council believed this would affect the flood waters in the already flooding Mississippi River. The same day, two levees broke near the town of Keithsburg, Illinois, flooding the entire town.

Notable People

 * Charles Lincoln Edwards, zoologist
 * Todd Hamilton, PGA pro golfer, 2004 PGA Tour Rookie of the Year
 * Charles M. Harris, U.S. Representative, Illinois 4th district (1863-1865)
 * James McKinney, U.S. Representative, Illinois 14th District (1905-1913)
 * Joyce Ricketts, AAGPBL pro baseball player (1953-1954)

Attractions

 * Delabar State Park

title: Oquawka, Illinois


text:
Raritan, Illinois

Raritan is a village in Henderson County, Illinois, United States. The population was 138 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Burlington, IA–IL Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Raritan is located in southeastern Henderson County.

According to the 2010 census, Raritan has a total area of 0.1 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 140 people, 59 households, and 44 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,411.7 PD/sqmi. There were 65 housing units at an average density of 655.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.29% White, and 0.71% from two or more races.

There were 59 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,917, and the median income for a family was $30,313. Males had a median income of $21,563 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,484. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

Founding of the village
Raritan was founded by settlers of Dutch Reformed Church who originated from Raritan, New Jersey.

“ In the southeast corner of Henderson county, the village of Raritan began in 1856 when a group of immigrants of the Dutch Reformed denomination from New Jersey came to what was then called Bedford Precinct. Since many of the settlers came from New Jersey towns located along the Raritan River, it was only natural for them to name their new community after the land they left behind.”

Tornado outbreak of 1995
{{see also| May 6-27, 1995 Tornado Outbreak} Raritan was hit with an F4 tornado in May 1995.

title: Raritan, Illinois