USA > Illinois > McLean County > The History of McLean County, Illinois; portraits of early settlers and prominent men > Part 26
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125 | Part 126 | Part 127 | Part 128 | Part 129 | Part 130 | Part 131 | Part 132 | Part 133 | Part 134 | Part 135 | Part 136 | Part 137 | Part 138 | Part 139 | Part 140 | Part 141 | Part 142 | Part 143 | Part 144 | Part 145 | Part 146 | Part 147 | Part 148 | Part 149 | Part 150 | Part 151 | Part 152 | Part 153
DISCRETIONARY PREMIUMS.
SEC. 17. No discretionary premiums shall be awarded except by the Board, or on their order.
SUPERINTENDENT OF GROUNDS.
SEC. 18. The Board shall appoint a Superintendent of Grounds, whose duty it shall be to superintend the general arrangement, assign stalls and locate stock and other articles to be exhibited, and exercise a general oversight over same, and see that the articles and stock are placed where designated for them.
MARSHALS.
SEC. 19 There may be also appointed one or more Marshals, whose duty it shall be to superintend the exhibition of stock, and such other duties as may be directed by the President, or officer presiding.
MARCH MEETING.
SEC 20. It is understood that on the first Monday of March shall be a regular meeting of the Society.
REPEALING CLAUSE.
SEC. 21. All by-laws contrary to the foregoing are hereby repealed.
AMENDMENTS.
SEC. 22. All propositions for amendments to these By-laws shall be made in writing at a regular meeting of the Board or Society, and lie over until next regular meeting, when they may be adopted by a two-thirds vote of those present ; or the propositions may be amended and be adopted in like manner.
The foregoing By-laws were adopted unanimously by the regular meeting held at Engine- house No. 2 (agreeable to public notice), March 5, 1866.
253
HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.
SEC. 23. That the premiums awarded at any annual fair, if not called for before the 1st day of November following, shall be considered donated to the Society ; discretionary and other premiums awarded at other times than at the time of the fair, within thirty days thereafter.
Adopted November 5, 1866.
J. A. WILLSON, Secretary.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE SOCIETY.
It will be seen by Section Third of the Act of Incorporation that the Society was necessarily organized in March, 1853. Tradition says that the beginnings of the Society were humble and quite limited in the number of its attendants, and in the magni- tude of its operations, all of which is quite credible, and almost necessarily true from the nature of the enterprise and its early date. Tradition saith furthermore that Time's busy fingers, and the licking tongues of a fire have rendered the records of the proceed- ings of the Society for several years intangible-non sunt.
The new records of the Society commence with the annual meeting, March 5, 1866, held in Bloomington, William L. Bosworth in the chair and J. H. Loehr, Secretary.
A committee consisting of Cyrus Jones and W. R. Duncan was appointed to audit the books of J. E. McClun, Treasurer. Books reported correct, and balance in Treas- urer's hands, $473.98.
The President appointed a committee, consisting of A. J. Barnes and J. O. Davis, to examine the condition of the fair grounds, who reported that they had been damaged to the amount of $50.
O. Barnard reported on one-fourth acre of potatoes, seventy-seven and a half bushels. Premium allowed-$4.
The Board of the previous year having closed its business, R. H. Holder occupied the chair, and Jesse A. Willson acted as Secretary. The retiring Secretary, John H. Loehr, presented the minutes of the meeting, electing officers for the current year, as follows : At a meeting of the McLean County Agricultural Society, held at their fair grounds on the 13th day of September, 1865, the following-named persons were elected officers for the ensuing year: R. H. Holder, President ; George Funk, Vice Presi- dent ; James Kennedy, Vice President ; J. E. McClun, Treasurer ; Jesse A. Willson, Secretary.
On motion, the thanks of the Society were tendered President Bosworth for his untiring efforts in behalf of the Society.
The President then appointed the following Advisory Committee for the current year : William P. Withers, George Parke, H. Spencer, Cyrus Jones, J. F. Humphreys, W. R. Duncan and George W. Parke.
On motion, the President was directed to appoint delegates to the State Agricult- ural Society. Thereupon the following-named gentlemen were appointed such dele- gates: James Kennedy, Jesse A. Willson and William L. Bosworth.
On motion, it was agreed as the sense of the meeting, that the premiums for the next fair shall be paid in plate or money, at the option of the exhibitor.
At a subsequent meeting of the Board and Advisory Committee, March 13, it was agreed to hold the next annual fair on September 4, 5, 6 and 7, with Monday, the 3d, as a preparation day. The day was principally spent in reviewing and arranging the premium-list for the next fair.
254
HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.
M'LEAN COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
Fair Grounds, September 5, 1866 .- The Society met at the fair grounds on the second day of the annual fair, whereupon George Parke and James Allen, Jr., were appointed tellers, and the following officers were then duly elected to serve the ensuing year : R. H. Holder, President; William L. Bosworth, Vice President; James Ken- nedy, Vice President ; Ralph E. Brown, Treasurer ; John T. Didlake, Secretary.
The Board borrowed from John Geltmacher $1,000 for one year. with which to pay for improvements on the fair grounds.
Pursuant to adjournment. the Society met at the Court House in Bloomington. October 13. 1866. On motion, it was ordered that T. P. Bryan and J. P. Shough have duplicate stock issued to them for shares lost or destroyed.
On motion, a committee, consisting of Samuel Lander, George Hinshaw, A. J. Barnes, R. H. Holder and Jesse A. Willson, were appointed a committee to draw up an amendment to the charter, especially in regard to Section Third.
On motion, the President, R. H. Holder, was appointed to negotiate for additional grounds south of the present grounds, and report to the next meeting.
Pursuant to adjournment, the Society met at the Court House, November 5, 1866. The President reported the proposal of Mr. J. Y. Calhoun to sell the Society the ground south of the fair grounds and north of Washington street, supposed to be from eight to ten acres, for the sum of $165 per acre. The proposal was accepted, and the Board directed to purchase the same, and contract to pay therefor in three equal annual payments.
The Board then held a meeting, at which the Secretary reported having issued orders from March 5 to November 5, 1866, in detail, all amounting to $5,025.23. Of this sum, $1,720.45 were paid in premiums, and there remained uncalled for $148 of the premiums of the current year.
On motion, it was directed that diplomas be awarded as discretionary premiums on articles where appropriate.
The President reported the following Advisory Committee, Marshals and Super- intendent of Grounds :
Advisory Committee-J. A. Willson, W. R. Duncan, A. J. Barnes, Cyrus Jones, W. W. Taylor, William H. Mann and George Parke.
Marshals-Leonard Bosworth. Nelson Nichols, Harvey Karr.
Superintendent of Grounds-John O. Davis.
On motion. the Board rejected the proposition of J. Y. Calhoun to open a street along the east side of their grounds. Adjourned. John T. Didlake, Secretary.
March 4, 1867 .- Society met at Engine-house No. 2.
On motion, the fair grounds were put under the care of the President, who appointed William B. Young as Assistant Marshal.
At the meeting of the Board on the next day, it was agreed that the next fair should be held on the 3d, 4th, 5th and 6th of September next, with Monday the 2d, for making general arrangements. On the next day, it was resolved by the Society that the fire company as a body should not be allowed on the grounds.
June 22, 1867 .- At a special meeting of the Society, it was resolved that the Society ratify the purchase of the land situated on the south side of the fair grounds, and known as the Catholic Grounds.
255
HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.
On motion, it was resolved that the Society issue sufficient stock to pay for the recent purchase of land, and sell the same on the fair grounds at public sale, to the highest bidder for cash, on Monday, September 2, at 2 o'clock P. M.
Fair Grounds, September 4, 1867 .- The Society met this day, and Duncan Funk and James Allen, Jr., were appointed tellers, and the following-named officers were duly elected to serve the ensuing year : W. L. Bosworth, President ; A. J. Barnes, Vice President ; John O. Davis, Vice President ; Ralph E. Brown, Treasurer ; John T. Didlake, Secretary.
At a meeting of the Board, October 14, 1867, the Secretary was authorized to issue orders for discretionary premiums to the amount of $51.
On motion, A. J. Barnes was appointed a committee to examine hedges entered for premiums, and report at the November meeting.
On motion, the Treasurer was authorized to borrow $5,000 for one year, to pay premiums and elaims against the Society.
At the annual meeting of the Society, November 4, the Treasurer made his report showing an indebtedness of $3,500.
On motion of W. R. Duncan, the thanks of the Society were tendered President Holder and his associates in office, for their untiring efforts in behalf of the Society.
The President appointed the following persons as Advisory Committee : John E. McClun, E. Horr, Nelson Jones, W. H. Mann, James K. Orondorff and John Kelley.
Adjourned. John T. Didlake, Secretary.
At the meeting of the Society, January 20, 1868, it was resolved that the Treas- urer pay the Secretary $150 per annum as compensation for his services. At the meet- ing of the Board the next day, the 21st, it was resolved that the Society hold their next annual fair commencing on Tuesday, September 8, and continue four days, with Monday, the 7th, as preparation day.
On the 22d, the Society elected W. L. Bosworth, Cyrus Jones and A. J. Barnes, delegates to the State fair.
Fair Grounds, September 8, 1868 .- On the 2d day of the annual fair, J. E. McClun and Samuel Lander were appointed tellers, and the following-named officers were elected to serve the ensuing year : W. S. Bosworth, President ; Elijah Horr, James K. Orondorff, Vice Presidents ; R. E. Brown, Treasurer ; John T. Didlake, Secretary.
On motion, resolved that both political parties be allowed the use of the Grounds under control of the Society, during the present campaign.
At a meeting of the Society, October 3, it was resolved " That the officers of this Society be authorized to borrow sufficient money to pay present indebtedness, and to make the necessary improvements for the next annual fair, and if necessary, to mortgage the grounds to secure payment."
On motion, resolved that if the sum of $5,000 can be raised by private sub- scription, we make an effort to get the State fair for the next two years. For that purpose, J. E. McClun, C. Toms, J. W. Fell, Elijah Horr and John Kelley were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions.
At the annual meeting of the Board, November 2, the Secretary was directed to issue a duplicate certificate of stock, $200, to Isaac M. Pearson, the original having been lost.
256
HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.
The President appointed the following Advisory Committee: George Hinshaw, John O. Davis, R. E. Strimple, John Kelley, Nelson Jones, William M. Loehr and L. D. Haines.
Adjourned. John T. Didlake, Secretary.
January 11, 1869 .- The Board resolved to send E. Horr and Cyrus Jones, as del- egates to represent this Society before the State Board, at Springfield.
The Society resolved, at its meeting on the 13th, to hold the next annual fair on the 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th of September next.
Resolved, that the Secretary shall receive $150 as compensation for the ensuing year.
Fair Grounds, September 15, 1869 .- The Society met on the second day of the annual fair, to elect officers. John Kelley was appointed teller, and the following- named officers were duly elected for the ensuing year: William L. Bosworth, Pres- ident ; Elijah Horr and James Boulware, Vice Presidents; Ralph E. Brown, Treas- urer; Daniel Holder, Corresponding Secretary ; John T. Didlake, Secretary.
February 7, 1870 .- Board met at call of the President, and, on motion, it was resolved that the next annual fair commence on Tuesday, September 13, and continue four days. The President appointed the following persons to serve the following year as Advisory Committee: George W. Funk, R. E. Strimple, Nelson Jones, John Kel- ley, James K. Orondorff, L. W. Betts and William M. Loehr.
On motion, Messrs. Funk, Horr and Kelley were selected as delegates to the next State Fair at Decatur.
At the annual meeting of the stockholders, March, 1870, the Treasurer made his annual report, showing a balance on hand of $1,372.25.
Fair Grounds, September 14, 1870 .- At the annual fair of the Society, on the second day, George Parke and G. W. Funk were appointed tellers, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: W. L. Bosworth, President ; E. Horr and John Kelley, Vice Presidents; W. M. Loehr, Treasurer ; John T. Didlake, Secretary.
November 7, 1870 .- Premium on corn-five acres-awarded to John English.
November 26, 1870 .- At the present meeting of the Board, the Treasurer made his annual report as follows: Total amount of money on hand and receipts of the year, $7,574.67, of which the sale of tickets amounted to $4,759. The amount of pre- miums paid, $2,356.50 ; and after paying the expenses, there remained on hand, $3,438.99.
The President announced the following persons as the Advisory Committee for the ensuing year: Nelson Jones, Duncan Funk, George Parke, James Boulware, Ellis Dillon, O. M. Coleman and Isaac Lash. Adjourned. John T. Didlake, Secretary.
Court House, February 7, 1871 .- The Board fixed on September 12, to commence the next annual fair, to continue five days.
February 14, 1871 .- Board resolved to offer premiums for Alderney cattle, and make premiums same as crosses. The Treasurer was authorized to issue original stock to L. W. Betts, and certificate to George P. Davis.
Board met June 10, 1871, at fair grounds; and after looking around, resolved to have built, fifty additional pens for sheep and swine. Being convinced that the dining- hall was insufficient, the Chair appointed Messrs. Boulware, Funk, Kelley, Dillon, Parke, and Secretary Didlake to be a committee to present plans and estimates for building a new one near the same place, at the next meeting.
257
HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.
At a meeting of the Board, June 17, on motion, the President and Secretary were appointed a committee to have dining-hall built and other improvements made.
At the annual meeting of the Society, at the fair, September 13, 1871, J. E. McClun and George W. Funk were appointed tellers, and the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: John Kelley, President; James Kennedy and F. M. Funk, Vice Presidents ; W. C. Watkins, Treasurer; Daniel Holder, Corresponding Secretary, and John T. Didlake, Secretary.
Court House, November 6, 1871 .- At the annual meeting of the Board, the Sec- retary reported having issued orders on the treasury to the amount of $6,070.18, the amount paid for premiums at the fair, for the current year, being $3,709. On motion, the premium of $20, for the best five acres of corn, and $10 for the best one-fourth acre. of potatoes, were awarded to Jesse Brainard. Adjourned. John T. Didlake, Secretary.
Court House, January 9, 1872 .- On motion, the Board fixed on Tuesday, Sep- tember 10 next, to commence the next annual fair, and continue four days.
Fair Grounds, September 11, 1872 .- On the second day of the fair, the annual meeting of the stockholders was held on the grounds, and J. W. Funk and J. E. McClun being appointed tellers, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year : W. L. Bosworth, President ; Isaac Vanordstrand and J. L. Leckley, Vice Presidents ; W. C. Watkins, Treasurer ; John T. Didlake, Secretary.
At the meeting of the Board, December 16, the Secretary reported having issued orders on the treasury to the amount of $5,319.27, of which $2,856 were paid for premiums awarded at the fair of 1872. Adjourned. John T. Didlake, Secretary.
Court House, January 14, 1873 .- Board met pursuant to call, and the following- named persons were appointed as Advisory Committee: Daniel Holder, J. K. Orondorff, J. L. Shorthose and Isaac Lash. The President and the Secretary were authorized to execute a note to D. M. Funk, for $2,190, and give security on real estate of the Society. On motion, the 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th of September were fixed upon as the time for holding the next annual fair.
Fair Grounds, September 10, 1873 .- At the annual meeting of the Board, on the second day of the fair, F. M. Funk and Dr. W. A. Elder being appointed tellers, the fol- lowing officers were elected for the ensuing year : W. L. Bosworth, President ; J. O. Davis, William Karr, Vice Presidents ; E. B. Steere, Treasurer; John T. Didlake, Secretary.
At the annual meeting of the Executive Board, the private premium offered by Messrs. E. W. and A. M. Bakewell, for the best five acres of corn was awarded to Abram Harrison. On motion, the President was allowed $150, and W. C. Watkins, Treasurer, $100, for services rendered to the Society. The Secretary then made his annual report, showing that he had issued orders on the treasury to the amount of $4,413.36, of which sum $2,513 had been paid in premiums at the fair.
The President then appointed the following persons as Advisory Committee for the year : D. M. Funk, George P. Davis, Isaac Dillon. Daniel Holder, E. Horr, Isaac Lash and James K. Orondorff. Adjourned. J. T. Didlake, Secretary.
Court House, January 27, 1874 .- Board met and adopted a resolution instructing the President to borrow $6,158.23, and to execute notes for the same, giving real estate- security owned by the Society for the said amount, to pay off the indebtedness of the Society.
258
HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.
January 31, 1874 .- On motion, the time for holding the next annual fair was fixed for September 8, 9, 10 and 11. At the meeting of the Board, February 14, the follow - ing premiums were agreed upon : Stallion trotting in harness, best two in three, first premium, $50 ; second premium, $25. Gelding or mare trotting in harness, best two in three, first premium, $30 ; second, $20.
At the annual meeting of the stockholders, on the second day of the annual fair, September 9, 1874, Samuel Lander and D. M. Funk being appointed tellers, the fol- lowing persons were elected for the current year: W. L. Bosworth, President; G. A. Ross, J. A. Ewins, Vice Presidents ; Daniel Holder, Treasurer ; J. T. Didlake, Secretary.
On motion, the premium on flaxseed, offered by Waddle & Moore, was awarded to Edward Wilson ; and premium on five acres best corn, $10, to Joshua Sells. The Secretary was instructed to issue checks, as follows: To Ira Merchant, for surveying, $14; to W. L. Bosworth, services as President, $150; to E. B. Steere, for official services, $50; to D. M. Funk, to apply on note, $1,000.
The Treasurer made his annual report, showing orders issued on treasury to be $4,966.95, of which sum $2,619.65 were paid for premiums. The President appointed the following persons as Advisory Committee for the ensuing year : D. M. Funk, Daniel Holder, George P. Davis, W. M. Smith, F. M. Jones, W. H. Oglevee and E. Horr. Adjourned. J. T. Didlake, Secretary.
Board met at Court House January 12, 1875. Appointed J. Brewster, Treasurer, to fill vacancy, and John Peck, Superintendent of Grounds. January 19, Board fixed upon the 7th, Sth, 9th and 10th of September as the time of holding the annual fair for 1875. Messrs. Funk and Davis appointed Committee on Finance. Trials of speed to take place every day except Thursday ; gate fees, 50 cents, single.
Fair Grounds, September 8 .- At the close of the polls, the Judges of the election for officers, Thomas F. Mitchell, D. M. Funk and George P. Davis, declared the following persons elected : W. L. Bosworth, President ; G. A. Ross, John A. Ewins, Vice Presi- dents ; J. Brewster, Treasurer ; John T. Didlake, Secretary.
From the Treasurer's books we get the following item : Total amount of receipts for the current year, $7,139.63; amount paid in premiums, $3,682.63. Adjourned. J. T. Didlake, Secretary.
Court House, January 15, 1876 .- Board met pursuant to adjournment. John Peck was appointed Superintendent of Grounds.
On motion of Mr. Funk, a class was introduced for thorough-bred draught-horses, with same premiums as other classes of horses. The time for holding the annual fair was agreed upon-September 5, 6, 7 and 8.
Fair Grounds, September 6, 1876 .- At the closing of the polls for the election of officers, the Judges, Messrs. D. M. Funk, George P. Davis and Nelson Jones, declared the following persons elected : T. D. Hartsen, President ; G. A. Ross, John A. Ewins, Vice Presidents ; J. Brewster, Treasurer ; J. T. Didlake, Secretary.
At the annual meeting of the Board, November 6, the President and the Secre- tary were instructed to execute a note, payable to D. M. Funk, for $8,300, for five years, and to give security on the real estate of the Society, in order to borrow money sufficient to pay off the entire indebtedness of the association.
From the Treasurer's books we learn that the receipts for the current year, it being very rainy and disagreeable at the fair, were $3,369.39; the disbursements were
& Wakefield
261
HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.
$5,609.76, and the amount paid in premiums was $2,999.31. Adjourned. J. T. Did- lake, Secretary.
Court House, January 9, 1877 .- Board met pursuant to notice. The President appointed as Advisory Committee W. M. Smith, F. M. Funk, E. Horr, John Stubble- field, James Boulware and Isaac Lash. The time for holding the fair was fixed on September 4, 5, 6 and 7. Messrs. Funk, Horr and Ross appointed Committee on Speed. John Peek was appointed Superintendent of Grounds, B. F. Funk, Chief Marshal, and the Treasurer, to solicit private premiums for ladies' equestrianship. Gate fees as last year.
Fair Grounds, September 5, 1877 .- After closing the polls, the Judges of the election of officers for the current year declared the following-named persons eleeted : President, T. D. Hartsen : Vice Presidents, F. M. Funk, John O. Davis ; Treasurer, Jabez Brewster ; Secretary, J. T. Didlake.
At the annual meeting of the Executive Board, the Treasurer presented his report, showing the total receipts to have been $6,390.64, of which sum $5,038.24 was for tickets at the fair-the largest ever realized. The disbursements were $6,043.48, of which sum $3,168.19 was paid in premiums, leaving on hand $347.16.
The President appointed as Advisory Committee, William Karr, Isaac Lash, O. Barnard; I. G. Lane, Elias Brock, Ellis Dillon and Nelson Jones.
At the meeting of the Board, December 11, the time of holding the next fair was fixed for September 3, 4, 5 and 6, 1878, J. L. Keckley was appointed Superintendent of Grounds, and B. F. Funk, Chief Marshal, and Mr. Dillon appointed as delegate to the State Agricultural Board at Springfield. Premium on speed and gate fees as usual. Grounds leased to J. L. Peck for the season at $300. President's and Secretary's salary fixed at $50 each for coming year. On motion, separate classes and premiums were made out for Norman and Clyde draught-horses-the one to be classed as imported and full-blood Norman horses, and the other as imported and full-blood Clyde, English draught and Belgian horses. Adjourned. J. T. Didlake, Secretary.
At the annual meeting of the Board, March 4, 1878, the Secretary made his report for 1877, showing amount of orders issued on treasury to be $5,238.65 ; amount of premiums offered, $3,637; amount paid, $3,216.25.
On motion, it was resolved as the sense of the meeting that every species of gambling should be excluded from the grounds of the Society.
The polls being closed at an election held on the fair grounds, September 4, 1878, the Judges, W. M. Loehr and Isaac Lash, declared the following persons to be elected as officers of the Board for the ensuing year: President, T. D. Hartsen ; Vice Presi- dents, B. F. Funk, John O. Davis ; Treasurer, J. Brewster ; Secretary, J. T. Didlake.
The Treasurer made his report for the year 1878, showing the total receipts to have been $5,296.90, and the premiums paid, $1,676.80. Adjourned. J. T. Didlake, Secretary.
Court House, January 14, 1879 .- Board met at call, and the President appointed as Advisory Committee Elias Brock, John Stubblefield, I. G. Lane, Isaiah Dillon, George Tryner, James Rayburn and Samuel H. Lewis.
At the meeting of the Board, January 17, 1879, the gate fees were fixed substan- tially as last year, and the time of holding the next fair to be on the 23d, 24th, 25th and 26th of September, 1879. Adjourned. J. T. Didlake, Secretary.
E
262
HISTORY OF MCLEAN COUNTY.
INFLUENCES.
We have thus given the form of the McLean County Agricultural Society, and a hasty sketch of its skeleton history, as well as some idea of the persons who have taken leading parts in its operations ; but its inner life and its influences, its purposes and its claims upon public recognition and patronage, have scarcely been noticed. Like other institutions, the Society has been obliged to battle on its way, and to struggle, from small beginnings, up to its present proportions, until it is now one of the few leading associations of its kind in the State ; and it is pushing its rivals hard for the foremost rank. In some features it has already taken the lead. Other counties have done nobly. Some of them took prominent positions earlier in the field, but they have been obliged to struggle manfully to retain their relative positions. In stock-raising, Morgan County has been a noble rival. Logan County has taken the lead in corn-raising, and Greene County in some kinds of fruit ; but in general cultivation and productions, they can scarcely compete with McLean.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.