USA > Illinois > Logan County > History of Logan county, Illinois : its past and present.. > Part 21
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By reference to the map, the division by townships will readily be seen and understood.
The following is a complete list-furnished by the secretary of state-of the officers of this county from the date of its organization until the present time.
A LIST OF THE COUNTY OFFICERS OF LOGAN COUNTY, SINCE 1839.
[The dates, except where otherwise stated, are the dates of the Commissions. ]
County Judge .- Thos. R. Skinner, Nov. 19, 1849; Nov. 29, 1853. R. B. Ewing, April 27, 1857 ; Nov. 24, 1857; Nov. 30, 1861; Nov. 24, 1865. Wm. E. Dicks, Nov. 9, 1869 ; Nov. 19, 1873. S. A. Foley, Nov. 6, 1877.
229
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
Probate Justice .- Michael Mann, April 13, 1839. Colby Knapp, Aug. 17, 1839 ; Sept. 26, 1842. E. Bowman, Aug. 28, 1843. Wm. Stallings, Aug. 27, 1846 ; Aug. 18, 1847. :
Circuit Clerk .- Samuel Emmitt, elected Sept. 4, 1848 ; Nov. - , 1852. J. C. Webster, Nov. 14, 1856. Joseph C. Webster, Nov. 14, 1860. F. C. W. Koehnle, Nov. 17, 1864 ; Nov. 19, 1868. A. McGalliard, Nov. 29, 1872. Jas. T. Holton, Nov. 23, 1876.
County Clerk .- J. T. Jenkins, Dec. 4, 1849 ; Nov. 29, 1853 ; Nov. 14, 1857 ; Nov. 30, 1861 ; Nov. 16, 1865. J. T. Hoblet, Nov. 9, 1869. Wm. Toomey, Nov. 18, 1873 ; Nov. 6, 1877.
Sheriff .- John Deskins, April 13, 1839; Jan. 6, 1841; Aug. 29, 1842. John Lucas, Aug. 13, 1844. E. Bowman, Aug. 27, 1846. J. C. Hurt, Aug. 23, 1848. R. B. Latham, Nov. 19, 1850. E. Bowman, Nov. 19, 1852. Thos J. Larison, Nov. 14, 1854. Geo. Musick, Nov. 10, 1856. Thos. J. Larison, Nov. 6, 1858. A. B. Nicholson, Nov. 14, 1860. A. Mayfield, Nov. 13, 1862. Wm. G. Starkey, Nov. 17, 1864. T. J. Simp- son, Nov. 14, 1866. C. B. Jackson, Nov. 7, 1868. H. L. Pierce, Nov. 15, 1870. Wm. A. Schafer, Nov. 29, 1872. Solomon Morris, Nov. 20, 1874 ; Nov. 23, 1876.
Coroner .- Geo. B. Lucas, April 13, 1839. Sol. Wood, Oct. 19, 1840 ; Aug. 23, 1842. Jas. Primm, Aug. 15, 1843. Alfred Sams, Aug. 13, 1844. E. Lucas, Aug. 27, 1846. Geo. Snyder, Aug. 23, 1848; Nov. 19, 1850 ; Nov. 22, 1852. Luther Hill, Nov. 14, 1854. N. H. Foster, Nov. 10, 1856, T. Stryker, Nov. 14, 1860. J. F. Boy, Dec. 3, 1861. J. T. Hack- ney, Nov. 28, 1862. N. Sumner, Nov. 17, 1864. Ira A. Church, Nov. 24, 1866. P. B. Knight, Nov. 19, 1868. J. J. Greene, Nov. 29, 1872 ; Nov. 20, 1874. W. W. Houser, Nov. 23, 1876.
Recorder .- Jabez Capps, April 13, 1839. 'J. M. Handsley, Aug. 19, 1847.
Surveyor .- Thos. R. Skinner, April 13, 1839. Conaway Pence, Aug. 23, 1842; Aug. 15, 1843. Caraway Pence, Aug. 19, 1847. Conway Pence, March 30, 1850. Conaway Pence, Nov. 10, 1851. C. Pence, Nov. 29, 1853. Conaway Pence, Nov. 12, 1855. W. Skinner, Nov. 14, 1857 ; Nov. 16, 1859. J. W. Ewing, Nov. 30, 1861. L. L. Hatton, Nov. 13, 1863. D. L. Broucher, Nov. 24, 1865; Dec. 6, 1867. T. G. Gardner, Nov. 9, 1869; Nov. 11, 1871 ; Nov. 11, 1875.
School Comr .- S. C. Parks. David D. James. Wm. G. Starkey, 1859. A. Guthrie, Nov .13, 1863. J. G. Chalfant, Nov. 24, 1865. L. T. Regan, Nov. 9, 1869. J. G. Chalfant, Nov. 18, 1873. W. H. Derby, Nov: 6, 1877.
Public Admr .- John Primm, Feb. 19, 1844. James Primm, Feb. 12, 1851. G. H. Estabrook, Feb. 5, 1861. Geo. W. Edgar, Feb. 26, 1863. County Justice .-- Wm. Ryan, Nov. 29, 1852. Z. Cantrall, Nov. 29, 1853. Thomas Nelson, Nov. 14, 1857. Sheldon Parks, Nov. 14, 1857. Asa C. Barnes, Nov. 30, 1861. John Shoup, Nov. 30, 1861.
Treasurer .- Benj. E. Clark. M. McElheny, 1859. Peter J. Hawes, Nov. 13, 1863. Joseph Ream, Nov. 24, 1865; Dec. 6, 1867; Nov. 9, 1869 ; Nov. 11, 1871; Nov. 18, 1873; Nov. 11, 1875; Nov. 6, 1877.
State's Atty .- T. T. Beach, Nov. 29, 1872. J. T. Hoblet, Nov. 23, 1876.
230
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
THE COMMON SCHOOLS.
The first school taught in Logan County was " kept " in Mr. James Latham's house, by Mr. Erastus Wright. This, as were all schools then, was supported by subscription. Mr. Wright afterwards became one of the best known men in the state. Col. Latham well remembers that he would be taken on the teacher's knee, the letters pointed out to him with the teacher's pocket knife, and when he did not pay good attention the teacher would gently prick him in the forehead to retain his atten- tion, and to aid him in remembering the names of the letters. Soon after Robert Buckles settled, a stable on his farm was cleaned and a few rude benches placed therein, and school opened. The teacher was Judge Skinner, afterwards one of the most prominent men in the county. William Copeland, was also a teacher here. There was no window in this primitive structure, and a small door gave ingress and egress to the inmates. Cracks between the logs gave the necessary light. They were not bothered about the ventilation, as fresh air was abundant. Some of the lads and lasses were John Buckles, Mart. Turley, Amelia Cass, Isom Burks, and Leonard Scroggins. When Mr. Wright came to James La- tham's to commence his school, he wheeled his trunk on a wheelbarrow The first school house in the and took it away in the same manner. county was built on Lake Fork, near John Turner's. It was a log struc- ture, and to supply light a log from one side was entirely removed and window glass inserted. Pegs were inserted in the wall on one side of the room, on which a long board was placed ; on this the pupils learned" to write, standing during that exercise. The seats were always of slabs. with legs sufficiently high to keep the feet of the smaller ones from the floor, while the older ones were in an equally awkward position from the seats being too low. Gradation in seats or backs, was seldom thought of, and'scarcely ever adopted. Webster's Elementary Spelling Book and the Testament were the principal books used. The former was the. established authority on orthography, and in after years it was considered an honor attained by few to be able to spell all the words in that book. Many of the old settlers now greatly delight in narrating their experi- ences in these early spelling contests, commonly known as " spelling- schools," and look back with pride and pleasure to the evenings passed in this intellectual amusement. The spelling-school is now seldom con- ducted, as the profit derived therefrom is nearly always overbalanced by other considerations. Spelling by writing is much better, and more pro- ductive of good results, and is rapidly superseding the oral method.
There are, according to the late report of the State Superintendent of Instruction, in Logan County, 4,282 males, and 3,851 females, in all 8,133 persons of school age. To accommodate these there are 118 school dis- tricts, in which 125 school houses are erected and in which school is maintained an average of nearly eight months in the year. The whole number of pupils enrolled in 1875-6 was 6,204, of which number 3,291 were boys, and 2,913 girls. To instruct these, 121 male and 99 female teachers were employed. There are eight graded schools in the county, two public high schools, and three private schools. These latter enrolled 132 male, and 132 female scholars, affording employment for seven teachers. The Superintendent reports seven brick and 119 frame school
231
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
houses-126 in all. For the support of the common schools, the town- ship fund is now $49,317.96, of which amount $48,900.37 is loaned. The highest monthly wages paid to any male teacher in the county was $162.00 ; to any female teacher $66.66. The lowest monthly wages paid to any male teacher was $25; to any female teacher the same. The average monthly wages of male teachers is $53.65; of female teachers, $41.17. The tax levied in support of the schools was $76,005.25.
The County School Superintendent made during the school year of 1875-6, 162 visits, the fourth highest number of any superintendent in the state. He received for his services $1,160. He has also held six institutes during the same time.
Logan County reports eight males and three females-eleven persons- between the ages of twelve and twenty-one, who are unable to read and write. That number will undoubtedly decrease until none will be left.
The amount paid to teachers is now over eighty thousand dollars annually, and the total value of school property does not fall short of three hundred thousand dollars.
The first teacher's institute in the county was held in July, 1862, and was organized by Dr. Beidler, then school commissioner of the county. Owing to the small interest taken in the matter by those most interested, the enterprise was abandoned until 1867, when, under the direction of Mr. Chalfant, School Superintendent, a five days' session was held in March of that year. Seventy-eight teachers were present at the institute, and a lively interest manifested. In October of the same year, another insti- tute was held with an increased attendance, which resulted in the organ- ization of the Logan County Teacher's Institute, one of the permanent institutions of the county. One or two sessions have been regularly held each year since, continuing from one to four weeks, producing the best of results.
THE OLD SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION.
For several years the old settlers of Logan County have considered at various gatherings the desirableness of forming a permanent associa- tion, which should hold annual meetings, where old times could be remembered, and where a pleasant reminder of those "good old days" . would be heard. One or two meetings were held, but not until 1873 was the organization perfected. That year, on October first, a meeting of several old settlers interested in the subject, was held at Mt. Pulaski. It was called to order by Mr. David W. Clark, president of the tem- porary organization. Prayer was offered by Rev. John England, after which an address was delivered by Colonel Wm, M. Allen. He was followed by ex-Judge R. B. Ewing, and he by J. W. Randolph. These speeches were all concerning the pioneer days of the county, and told vividly of the trials these and others endured in the early settlement of the county. After these and other remarks, a sumptuous repast was served. On assembling after dinner, Mr. John Buckles moved for the permanent organization of the society, which carried, and the enrollment of members began. This being completed, the time for the next annual meeting was fixed, and the association adjourned.
Just one year from that time the old settlers again assembled at Mt.
.
232
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
Pulaski, in Clapp's Park, and a most enjoyable day passed. Many new members were added. It was suggested that all those coming to the county prior to the deep snow, should be classed as pioneers, and those who came prior to 1840, be classed as early settlers.
The third reunion was held at the Salt Creek bridge, on the Lincoln and Mt. Pulaski road. Mr. Clark presided, and several early settlers narrated their experiences in the settlement of the county.
In 1876, the reunion was held in the Court house at Lincoln. Quite a number were present, and " experiences " similar to those related the . year previously were again given. They will be found by the reader in that portion of the volume devoted to the early settlement of the county.
In the Autumn of 1877, the reunion was held in Gillett's Hall. Speeches were made here, and a number of reminiscences again related, which are also narrated elsewhere in these pages.
A partial record has only been obtained by the society of the pioneers and old settlers. Several are also on the books who located after 1840, but it is the aim of the society to secure as large a list as possible ; hence particular attention is not paid to the date of settlement.
The following is the list of those settling before 1840, as it appears on the records of the society :
NAME.
PLACE OF SETTLEMENT.
DATE OF SETTLEM'T IN ILLINOIS
REMARKS.
Clark, D. W.,
Sangamon County,
1830
Living.
Scroggin, L. K.,
Lake Fork,
1827
Living.
Capps, Jabez,
Sangamon County,
1820
Living.
Clarno, Stephen E.,
Linn Grove,
Living in FarmerCity
Knapp, Colby,
Middletown,
1836
Living in Lincoln.
Clark, C. W.,
Salt Creek,
1829
Dead, 1876.
Cantral, Z. P.,
Kickapoo,
Dead.
McGraw, John J.,
De Witt County,
1819
Living.
Mills, Alexander,
Sangamon County,
Birks, Isom,
Lake Fork,
Living.
Copeland, S. M.,
Probably born in Co., Kickapoo,
1829
Dead.
Lindsey, J. P.,
181.9
Living.
Lloyd, Hiram,
Elkhart,
Living.
Wright, Dorrel F.,
Lake Fork,
Living.
Weaver, Elijah E.,
Linn Grove.
1830
Dead, 1876.
Lindsey, Abraham S., Wiley, Henry,
Lake Fork,
1835
From Oregon.
Turley, David K.,
Lake Fork,
1825
Living.
Lanterman, A. J.,
Sangamon County, Salt Creek,
1819
Living.
Buchanan, George,
Living.
Turley. Wm. R.,
Lake Fork,
1840
Deceased, 1877.
Birks, Isaiah,
Born in County, ..
1839
Living.
Baldwin, Harper,
Lake Fork,
1828
Deceased, 1873.
McElhinney, Mathew, Sugar Creek,
1833
Living.
Buckles, Wm. R.,
Lake Fork,
Whitesides, George.
Sangamon County,
1833
Living.
Hoblit, John,
Sangamon County,
1819
Living.
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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
NAME.
PLACE OF SETTLEMENT.
DATE OF SETTLEM'T IN ILLINOIS
REMARKS.
Rowe, Horace B.,
Lake Fork,
1839
Living.
Cantral, C. S.,
Sangamon County,
1826
Deceased.
Ridgway, Anthony,
Lake Fork, ,
1827
Living.
Turley, R. E.,
Lake Fork,
1827
Born in the County, living
Turley, Samuel C.,
Lake Fork,
1836
Living.
Wade, Wm. J.,
Lake Fork,
1821
Dead.
Rankin, Isaac N.,
Menard County,
1837
Living.
Robinson, C. A.,
Lake Fork,
1828
Living in Mt. Pulaski
McCoy, Isaiah T.,
Lake Fork,
1821
Living.
Hueston, Andrew,
Lake Fork,
1818
Living.
Buckles, Andrew,
Lake Fork,
1827
Born in the County, living
Gillett, Mrs. Jemima,
Bald Knob,
1837
Living.
Whittle, Mrs. Almira,
Bald Knob,
1837
Living.
Carlile, Mrs. Marg't D.,
Lake Fork,
1836
Living.
Wade, William,
Lake Fork,
1819
Removed to Oregon.
Gillett, J. Davis,
Bald Knob,
1838
Living.
Turley, George W.,
Lake Fork,
1835
Dead.
Crane, William T.,
Lake Fork,
1832
Living.
Shery, David,
Bald Knob,
1838
Living.
Downing, John E.,
Born in County,
1826
Living.
Donan, William,
Salt Creek,
1834
Living.
Downing, James,
Salt Creek,
1821
Living.
Downing, Robert,
Salt Creek,
1821
Living.
Capps, Charles, Sr.,
Sangamon County,
1830
Living.
Dement, Mrs.Margaret,
Salt Creek,
1822
Dead.
Dement, John,
Salt Creek,
1840
Turley, Mrs. MarthaA.,
Lake Fork,
1822
Living. First child born in County.
Allen, Wm. M.,
Salt Creek,
1839
Living.
Allen, E. R.,
Salt Creek,
1839
Living.
England, John, Rev.,
Lake Fork,
1819
Living.
Scroggins, John,
Lake Fork,
1812
Living.
Foster, Squire,
Lake Fork,
1830
Living.
Brown, Robert,
Salt Creek,
1819
Dead.
Lucas, Jesse,
Lake Fork,
1827
Living.
Sims, David,
Lake Fork,
1830
Living.
Lanterman, A. J.,
Sangamon County,
1819
Living.
Hackney, Jacob,
Lake Fork,
1834
Living.
Matthew, William,
Salt Creek,
1838
Living.
Matthew, Thomas,
Salt Creek,
1839
Dead.
Buckles, James,
Lake Fork,
1817
Living.
Buckles, John,
Lake Fork,
1822
Day, Joshua.
Lake Fork,
1836
Living.
Scroggin, Russell,
Lake Fork,
1822
Living.
Randolph, Willoughby, Salt Creek,
1830
Living.
Forbes, Jesse,
Salt Creek,
1833
Living.
Downing, James,
Salt Creek,
1824
Living.
Turner, William,
Lake Fork,
1827
Living.
Buckles, Mrs. Mary, 15
Lake Fork,
1815
234
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
NAME.
PLACE OF SETTLEMENT.
DATE OF SETTLEM'T IN ILLINOIS
REMARKS.
Lindsay, John P.,
Lake Fork,
1817
Living.
Jones, Strothers,
Sangamon County,
1835
Living.
Stafford, O. C.,
Salt Creek,
1826
Dead.
Cass, Mrs. Elizabeth,
Salt Creek,
1824
Living.
Jones, J. L.,
Bond County,
1830
Living.
Laughery, David,
Salt Creek,
1824
Dead.
Capps, C. S.,
Mt. Pulaski,
1830
Living.
Horny, A.,
Kickapoo,
1838
Living.
Wright, James,
Mt. Pulaski,
1838
Dead.
Wright, Mrs. Cloe Jane,
Lake Fork,
1825
Living.
Lucas, Caleb,
Born in County,
1833
Living.
Lucas, Abram,
Born in County,
1833
Living.
: Laughery, Mrs. Louisa, Salt Creek,
1838
Living.
Hackney, Mrs. Mary,
Salt Creek,
1838
Living.
Cantral, Joshua,
Kickapoo,
1828
Living in De Witt Co.
Lake, Thomas,
Sangamon County,
1825
Living.
Mason, C. C.,
Salt Creek,
1839
Living.
Enos, Horace,
Mt. Pulaski,
1838
Living.
Dunmore, Peter,
Lake Fork,
1839
Living.
Robinson, J. W.,
Salt Creek,
1834
Living.
Talbot, R. A.,
Sangamon County,
1826
Living.
Crain, William,
Salt Creek,
1832
Living.
Turley, Samuel,
Lake Fork,
1834
Living.
Larrison, Thomas J.,
Kickapoo,
1830
Living.
Cass, G. W.,
Lake Fork,
1830
Living.
Laughery, John E.,
Salt Creek,
1824
Dead.
Robinson, Geo: A.
Sangamon County,
1829
Living.
Evans, J. P., .
Salt Creek,
1829
Living.
Donnan, Benj.,
Salt Creek,
1838
Living.
Bell, Benjamin,
Lake Fork,
1834
Living.
Bell, Mrs. Benjamin,
Lake Fork,
1829
Living.
Matthew, Mrs. Wm.,
Salt Creek,
1830
Living.
Copeland, Miller,
Lake Fork,
1829
Living.
Copeland, J. D.,
Lake Fork,
1829
Living.
Hueston, Mrs. Hannah,
Lake Fork, .
1827
Dead.
Mann, Jacob,
Lake Fork,
1827
Living.
Clark, John, M.D.,
Mt. Pulaski,
1829
Dead.
Clark, Ezra,
Salt Creek,
1838
Living.
Norton, Mrs. Sarah W.,
Salt Creek,
1837
Living.
Dement, Mrs. C.,
Mt. Pulaski,
1835
Living.
Clark, Mrs. Hannah,
Sangamon County,
1829
Living.
Myres, Mrs. Rebecca,
Lake Fork,
1830
Living.
Kline, Mrs. Nancy,
Lake Fork,
1835
Dead.
Scroggins, Mrs. Phœbe,
Lake Fork,
1826
Dead.
Burlen, Adam,
Mt. Pulaski,
1838
Living.
Whitaker, Thomas,
Salt Creek,
1837
Living.
Fletcher, Mrs. Thomas, Salt Creek,
1828
Living.
Laughery, Mrs: David, Salt. Creek,
1836
Dead:
L
235
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
NAME.
PLACE OF SETTLEMENT.
DATE OF SETTLEM'T IN ILLINOIS
REMARKS.
Patterson, Milton,
Salt Creek,
1834
Living.
Scroggin, L., Sr.,
Lake Fork,
1828
Living.
Matthew, Lafayette,
Kickapoo,
1830
Living.
Cass, F. D.,
Lake Fork,
1832
Living.
Buckles, Jerry, .
Lake Fork,
1820
Living.
Turley, G. W.,
Mt. Pulaski,
1835
Dead.
Whittaker, W. S.,
Salt Creek,
1836
Living.
Copeland, Mrs. Miller,
Lake Fork,
1823
Wiley, Thomas,
Lake Fork,
1835
Living.
Turley, Mrs. Anna,
Lake Fork,
1835
Corwin, Abrose,
Lake Fork,
1833
Dead.
Martin, Mrs. Samuel,
Salt Creek, .
1832
Living.
Martin, Samuel,
Salt Creek,
1830
Living.
Capps, E. S.,
Mt. Pulaski,
1834
Living.
Capps, O. T.,
Mt. Pulaski,
1836
Living.
Hueston, Jacob,
Lake Fork,
1840
Dead.
Smith, Roland,
Lake Fork,
1831
Living.
Meyer, George, Keagle, John,
Lake Fork,
1837
Living.
Laughery, Thomas,
Salt Creek,
1835
Living.
Fletcher, Thomas,
Salt Creek,
1834
Living.
Tomlinson, John M.,
Salt Creek,
1838
Living.
Lushbaugh, T. P.,
Sangamon County,
1838
Dead.
Fisher, Alexander,
Sangamon County,
1840
Living.
Shields, Mrs. Ann,
Mt. Pulaski,
1830
Living.
Kestler, John A.,
Mt. Pulaski,
1818
Living.
Buckles, Andrew,
Lake Fork,
1827
Living.
Sangamon County,
1835
Living.
RAILROADS OF THE COUNTY.
The railroad system of Logan County consists of the Chicago, Alton & St. Louis-length in the county, 28 miles ; its Jacksonville branch, 1 mile ; the Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur, 33 miles ; the Gilman, Clinton & Springfield, 18 miles ; Indianapolis, Bloomington & Western, 25 miles ; and the Peoria, Atlanta & Decatur, 15 miles. Total length of railroads in the county, 120 miles. Of these roads, the Chicago & Alton, one of the most important roads in the United States, is now operated by a company under a charter granted February 27, 1847, under the name of the "Chicago and Mississippi Railroad." Various amendments and re-organizations have been made, from time to time. The company and various portions of its line have had several dif- ferent names since that date, among which have been " Alton and Sangamon," " Joliet and Chicago," "St. Louis, Alton and Chicago," and " Alton and St. Louis " Railroad Companies. The last amendment of the charter, under which this company exists, was made February 16, 1865, and the company, at the present time, under the name of Chicago & Alton Railroad, are operating 675 miles, connecting Chicago; and St. Louis, both by way of Springfield and Jacksonville, also from
236
HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
Roodhouse, a point on the Jacksonville branch, 110 miles southwest of Bloomington, extending west to the Missouri River, crossing the Missis- sippi at Louisiana, Mo., on an iron bridge under their entire control. Thus will be seen the importance of this road to all portions of the county ; as close connections are made at all important crossings, with other roads. No road in the United States has a better equipment, or is operated with greater caution, thereby insuring comfort and safety to passengers and freight intrusted to their care.
The Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur was chartered in 1851, but no action was taken toward commencing the work until the charter was about to expire, when, in 1867, a re-charter was obtained. The company was organized and a survey made in the Summer of 1767, and a proposition for Logan County to subscribe $300,000 was submitted to the legal voters and defeated by seventeen votes. In 1869 the charter was so amended as to require at least ten miles of the road to be finished before any of the county bonds were to be issued, and the proposition was again sub- mitted to a vote, which resulted in favor of the subscription. A contract was made with the Pekin Construction Company to build the road, and the work was commenced and finished to Delavan in 1870. On the 4th of July, 1871, the road was completed to Lincoln, and in October, to Decatur. The lease was forfeited, and the road sold under a foreclosure of the mortgage bond-holders. They re-organized under the name of Pekin, Lincoln & Decatur Railway Company. The road runs to Peoria, and connects at Decatur with the T. W. & W. Railway.
The Havanah, Mason City, Lincoln & Eastern Railroad Company was incorporated by act of the Legislature of Illinois, approved March 27, 1869. It was sold to, or consolidated with, the I. B. & W. Railway Company, which company constructed the road. Work was commenced in 1871, and the road finished January, 1873. They are now running trains from Havana, via Lincoln, to Indianapolis, there connecting with Eastern roads.
The Peoria, Atlanta & Decatur road was chartered in March, 1869, and work commenced in June, 1870, but not finished until November, 1874. The name has been changed to "Illinois Midland." This road benefits the northeastern and eastern portions of the county, as it runs through the towns of Eminence and Atlanta, and very near the east line of Oran and' Ætna.
It will be seen that Logan County is well supplied with railroad communication-every township, except Corwin, having a road or roads running through some portion of it, so that every farmer, stock dealer, or business man, has the benefit of railroad transportation near him.
THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT
Is located in the northwest corner of the Court House square, and was erected by the County of Logan and City of Lincoln, in honor of their heroic dead. The lower base is composed of three blocks of limestone, the largest being five feet in diameter, on which rests the upper base, consisting of two blocks; of marble, the smallest being three feet in diameter, all octagonal in shape, and each about twelve inches in thick- ness. Upon this base is placed the first disc, of the same shape, on which
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HISTORY OF LOGAN COUNTY.
is engraved the names of 326 noble soldiers, once citizens of Logan County, who fell in the defense of our country, in the " War for the Union." On the top of this disc is a cap which supports the second disc, a plain block of marble three feet in height. On the top of the second disc is the plinth, on which stands the life-size statue of a soldier in full- dress uniform.
This monument was designed and built by F. C. Bushway, Esq., at a cost of $5,600, including the iron railing which surrounds it. The whole height, from the ground to the top of the soldier's head, is twenty- three feet, and it is a fine specimen of artistic skill which reflects much credit upon the genius of the artist, A. O. Baldwin, Esq., late of Lincoln.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The public buildings of the county are : 1. A Court House, situated on block sixteen, original plat of Lincoln, between Kickapoo and McLean, and Broadway and Pulaski Streets. It was built in 1858, at a cost of $13,000. The size is forty-five by seventy-five feet. The second story contains a court room and two jury rooms, and the ground floor is divided into offices used by the County Treasurer, Sheriff, Surveyor, and Super- intendent of Schools. There are also two fire-proof offices, one for the use of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and the county records, and the other for the County Clerk, in which are kept the books and papers per- taining to the Probate Court and finances of the county.
2. The County Jail, which was erected in 1868 at a cost of $36,000, is located on a block originally designed for a public park, bounded by Hamilton, Sherman, Broadway and Pekin Streets. The front, intended as a residence for the Sheriff, is of brick; and the rear of Joliet stone, and contains twenty cells, which afford a secure receptacle for those who violate the laws of the county.
3. The Poor House and farm are about three miles from the Court House. The farm contains one hundred and sixty acres under a good state of cultivation, and was purchased of C. H. Couch, Esq., at $62.50 per acre. In 1869, good buildings were erected on the same, which make it a comfortable asylum for the poor and destitute of the county. The whole cost of the farm, buildings and furniture was about $20,000, and tax-payers flatter themselves that no county in the state, of the size and population of Logan, can furnish more comfortable atcommodations for those for whom the laws require them to provide.
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