Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 Ashkum n Beaverville n Buckley n Chebanse n Cissna Park n Clifton n Crescent City n Danforth n
Donovan Gilman n Iroquois n Loda n Martinton n Milford n Onarga n n
Papineau n Sheldon n Thawville n Watseka n Wellington n Woodland n
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
WATSEKA STAFF
CLIFTON STAFF
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Page 3
HISTORY OF IROQUOIS COUNTY
(as published in the county’s yearbook)
Iroquois County is the only county Northwest Territory, in the year 1790, in the United States having the name we find Iroquois County a part of the “Iroquois,” a name originally applied to a county of Knox and so contained until confederation of tribes of North American February 3, 1801, when it became a part Indians. According to tradition, a band of of the county of St. Clair, belonging to Iroquois Indians was once surprised and the Indiana Territory. The Illinois Territory defeated upon the banks of the river now was established by act of Congress on known as the Iroquois, by a war party of February 3, 1809. Illinois Indians, hence the name of the This county continued to be a part of St. county and the river. Iroquois County is bounded on the north by the county of Kankakee, on the east by the State of Indiana, on the south by Vermilion and Ford Counties, and on the west by Ford County. Iroquois County in area ranks third in the state, being 35 miles long and 32 miles wide, and containing 1,120 square miles, only 130 square miles less than the state of Rhode Island. This county Old Courthouse Museum is exceeded in size only by McLean and LaSalle Counties in Illinois. Watseka, Clair County until the 14th of September, the county seat, is located a few miles 1812, when upon reorganization it east of the center of the county. became a part of Edwards County. In the The territory included within the presyear 1816 the Iroquois country became ent boundaries of Iroquois County was a part of Crawford County and there subjected to various states of political remained until Illinois was admitted into evolution before the present county the Union in 1818. organization was perfected. Under the When Illinois was admitted as a state, charter of 1609 and supported by General she had fifteen organized counties. One, George Rogers Clark’s request, Virginia Crawford County, embraced all the part laid claim to all the country north and of the state lying north of a line running west of the Ohio River and organized it east and west near the present site of as the county of Illinois. In the year 1784, Louisville, Illinois, the county seat of Clay Virginia surrendered her claims to the County. It also included the area east of territory to the government of the United the third principal meridian, which runs States. This vast domain afterward became due north from the mouth of the Ohio known as the Northwest Territory. While River. the Illinois country was still a part of the March 22, 1819, the territory included
within the present limits of Iroquois County became a part of Clark County. In 1823 Edgar County was organized and what is now Iroquois County was attached to Edgar. It remained thus until the county of Vermilion was organized in 1826, after which it continued until the formal organization took place February 26, 1833. The law made it the duty of the judge of the Circuit Court of Vermilion County, whenever he should be satisfied the new county had 350 inhabitants, to grant an order for an election of three county commissioners, one sheriff, and one coroner to hold office until the next general election. The special election for first officers was Monday, Feb. 24, 1834. Gordon S. Hubbard, while a representative for Vermilion County in the 8th General Assembly of Illinois 1832-1834 was instrumental in procuring the passage of the act creating Iroquois County. The county embraced all that territory lying north of its present south line and east of its present west line and extended north of its present south line and east of its present west line, forming a rectangle and about one-third of what is now Will County. As then established, Iroquois County extended from the north line of Vermilion to the then south line of Cook County. Will County was created in the year 1836 and extended south to the Kankakee River. The river, except for a short distance at the northwest corner of the county, became the northern boundary of
Please see HISTORY, page 38
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Page 4
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
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Iroquois County representation TOWNSHIPS Artesia, Ash Grove, Ashkum, Beaver, Beaverville, Belmont, Chebanse, Concord, Crescent, Danforth, Douglas, Fountain Creek, Iroquois, Loda, Lovejoy, Martinton, Middleport, Milford, Milks Grove, Onarga, Papineau, Pigeon Grove, Prairie Green, Ridgeland, Sheldon, Stockland COUNTY BOARD Chairman of the Board: Kyle J. Anderson Vice-Chairman of the Board: Daniel Rayman Clerk of the Board: Lisa L. Fancher District I Kevin Hansen, Clifton; Dale Schultz, Clifton, Daniel Rayman, Clifton; Lyle Behrends, Ashkum; Kyle J. Anderson,
Beaverville. District II Gerald “Jed” Whitlow, Gilman; Bret Schmid, Gilman; Ernest Curtis, Gilman; John Shure, Buckley; Dan Pursley, Loda District III Charles R. Alt, Cissna Park; Jean L. Hiles, Watseka; Donna Crow, Milford; Vince LaMie, Milford; Troy Krumwiede, Watseka District IV Adam Zumwalt, Sheldon; Donna Wasmer, Watseka; Larry Hasbargen, Watseka; Russell Bills, Watseka; Dan Joyce, Watseka County Government Officials Elected county officials County Clerk and Recorder: Lisa L. Fancher; Circuit Clerk: Lisa Hines County Treasurer: Mindy Kuntz Hagan
County Sheriff: Derek W.M. Hagen Superintendent of Regional Educational Services: Gregg Murphy States Attorney: James A. Devine Coroner: Bill Cheatum
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Ashkum (Above) Welcome of Ashkum sign (Below) Ashkum Coliseum
Iroquois County Genealogical Society 103 W. Cherry St. Watseka, IL 60970
Ashkum President of the Board: Paul G. Heideman Village Clerk: Donna K. Schmitz Village Treasurer: Krystal Alberts Trustees: April Lyons, Edward F. Tholen, Jeremy J. Beherns, Russell L. Hull, Shannon Meier, Jefffrey Hanson Population: 800 Electrical supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier/Comcast Water system: Village owned, sourced through wells, approximate pumpage ~60,000 gallons, treated with chlorine and florid Police department: two part-time officers Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Businesses: 10-20 Parks: 2 Churches: 4 Website: ashkum.net The village of Ashkum was named after a Potawatomi chief. It was laid out in 1856. It sits along U.S. Route 45. Ashkum has an Illinois State Police Department, District 21, within its borders. It has the Ashkum Coliseum, as well, which has played host to many weddings and family functions.
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Phone: 815-432-3730
Email: iroqgene@yahoo.com Twitter @ iroqgene Blog: oldcourthouse.blogspot.com
WEB: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~ilicgs Iroquois County Fact Book
105 North Second Street Watseka, Illinois 60970 Lee Elliott President
Phone: 815-432-4974 800-258-3375 Fax: 815-432-6002 Page 7
Beaverville
Beaverville: President of the Board: Kenneth R. LaFond Village Clerk: Chris Lareau Village Treasurer: Doris Duensing Trustees: Byron C. Fuelling, Marvin Mueller, Maggie Duby, Michael T. Emerson, Scott D. Johnston, (open seat) Population: 292 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier Garbage: Boomgarden Trash Haul Water system: Pressure system, run by ERH Enterprises, which pumps approximately 30,000 gallons a day, treated with fluoride Police department: county sheriff’s department Fire department: volunteers on township department Parks: 2 Businesses: 0-10 Churches: 1 Beaverville was once known as St. Marie, founded by several Canadian families in 1851. In 1905 the village had to change its name when it was realized there was another town in Illinois known as St. Mary. The Beaverville name was adopted from the number of beavers which were known to be in the area. Today, the village is known for having the “Cathedral of the Cornfields”. It was built in 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
(Above) St. Mary’s Catholic Church
(Right) Beaverville Community Center
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Iroquois - Main office 111 W. Lincoln Ave., PO Box 130 Iroquois, IL 60945 (815) 429-3337, (815) 429-3432 fax
Ashkum Branch 101 S. Bank St., PO Box 450 Ashkum, IL 60911 (815) 698-2346, (815) 698-2186 fax
Beaverville Branch 612 St. Charles Street, PO Box 213 Beaverville, IL 60912 (815) 435-2036
Gilman Branch 1381 S. Crescent St., PO Box 35 Gilman, IL 60938 (815) 265-4707, (815) 265-4722
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Buckley
The village of Buckley got its start in 1856 and lays over U.S. Route 45. Buckley is home of the Dutch Masters baseball team, a team in the East Illinois League, which has seen its share of professional and semi-professional players play on its diamond.
(Top) Welcome to Buckley sign (Above) Buckley Village Hall
Larry Mabbitt
Larry’s Haircut Store Open Tues. - Sat., 8:00 to 5:00 Closed Monday 159 S. 4th St. since 1972 Sheldon, Illinois
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Iroquois County Fact Book
Buckley: President of the Board: Evan Scott Shockley Village Clerk: Jim Biggs Village Treasurer: Linda Marquis Trustees: Terry Whitebird, Donald Jording, Shane Stachura, Ardell Goetting, Sheree Stachura, Becky Weisenbarn Population: 600 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/Internet supplier: Frontier Garbage: Arland Kaufmann, with recycling Water system: city owned, ERH operates, well system, with approximately ~50,000 pumped, with a septic system Fire department: volunteer served township fire department Police department: one full-time Businesses: 10-20 Parks: 2 Churches: 1 Website: villageofbuckley.com
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Chebanse Chebanse, believed to mean “little duck” in a Native American language, began as just an Illinois Central Railroad stop for supplies south of Kankakee. This stop became a town in 1854. The village lays over the border of Iroquois and Kankakee counties along U.S. Route 45, but the town began in Iroquois County. Today, the Chebanse 4-H Club proudly takes on the Little Duck name.
Chebanse: President of the Board: Elden Dubuque Village Clerk/Treasurer: Trudie Imhauser Trustees: Randy LaReau, Todd Perzee, Adam Beherns, Philip J. Snyder, Jason J. Mathy, Todd Kuntz Population: 1062 Electricicity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/Internet supplier: Frontier Water system: Water tower using Kankakee for sewer Garbage: Kankakee Sanitary, with recycling Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: county sheriff’s department Businesses: 20-30 Parks: 1, Civic Center Churches: 3 Website: chebanseillinois.org
(Above) Welcome to Chebanse sign (Right) Chebanse Civic Center
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Cissna Park (Right) Cissna Park water tower
(Below) Cissna Park’s first park
Cissna Park President of the Board: Michael McCray Village Clerk: Valerie D. Dannehl Village Treasurer: Douglas Bauer Trustees: Jason Redeker, Doug Luecke, Ellen M. Yergler, Michael McCray, Chad Geiken, Chad Verkler Population: 830 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier/Park TV Garbage: Kaufmann Disposal, recycling done by the Boy Scout troop Water system: village owned, ERH Enterprises cares for the sewage, treated with chlorine Police department: 3 part-time Fire department: volunteers from township department Businesses: 30-40 Parks: 3 Churches: 7
William Cissna owned many acres of land in the early 1880s. He along with a few other men with notable names - William Clayton, William Goodwine and J.B. Wilson - worked to get a railroad branch to connect with the CE&I railway. Cissna donated land for the city’s center park and financed several buildings to be built. The village was platted in 1882 and incorporated in 1891. Today, the village has its annual Old Settlers Days, and event which is one of the oldest consecutively conducted events within the state. The residents are also active in working to maintain and improve the village’s features, for example working together to improve the facilities at the center park.
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Iroquois County Fact Book
Iroquois - Main office 111 W. Lincoln Ave., PO Box 130 Iroquois, IL 60945 (815) 429-3337, (815) 429-3432 fax
Ashkum Branch 101 S. Bank St., PO Box 450 Ashkum, IL 60911 (815) 698-2346, (815) 698-2186 fax
Beaverville Branch 612 St. Charles Street, PO Box 213 Beaverville, IL 60912 (815) 435-2036
Gilman Branch 1381 S. Crescent St., PO Box 35 Gilman, IL 60938 (815) 265-4707, (815) 265-4722
Gilman Fertilizer Co. 108 S. Main St., Gilman, IL
815-265-4506 Page 11
Iroquois County offers recreation, history
Page 12
Each community has its own parks, and five have swimming pools within their boundaries. But there are still rivers to fish and boat, as well as wildlife to be visited. There are bike paths and walking trails. There are golf courses and shooting sports. Plus, driving through the area there are markers of history waiting to be examined. Within Iroquois County one can find at least one documented haunted house. More traditional entertainment can be found at the theater. Iroquois County has a movie theater, a concert theater and performance theater within its limits. And for those who just want to visit, hotels and bed and breakfasts can be found in the area.
1805 N. State Rt. 1 Watseka, IL 815-432-5284
Ardell Munsterman Bruce Westfall
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Clifton
The village of Clifton was platted in 1861. It is one of five communities in Iroquois County that has a swimming pool within its village limits. Today village residents are active in keeping the village looking nice to those who drive along U.S. Route 45. A project to improve the space between the railroad tracks and the highway has continued. This Greenway in Clifton is used by locals as a walking trail and a nice place to stop and visit with one another.
Clifton: President of the Board: Robert Berns Village Clerk: Mack Berry Village Treasurer: Sandra Tammen Trustees: Casey Hull, Jimmie Schoon, Jim Dundas, Craig Bull, Andrew Winkel, Mike Podowicz Population: 1468 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Comcast Waters system: Village owned, pumping 120,000 gallons a day, treatment type: chorine, floride, polyphosphate Garbage: A&J Disposal, with recycling Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: 1 full-time, 3 part-time Businesses: 30-40 Parks: Greenway, pavilion, pool, community building, parks Churches: 4 Website: cliftonillinois.com
(Left) Clifton pool (Right) Clifton Public Library (Below) Clifton Greenway
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Fax: (815) 432-6019 - E-Mail: iroqtitle@maxwire.net - www.iroquoistitle.com
Iroquois County Fact Book
RON ANDERSON
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Page 13
Iroquois County school systems Iroquois County Regional Office of Education 189 East Court Street, Suite 600, Kankakee, 60901; 815937-2950 www.i-kan.org Regional superintendent - Dr. Gregg Murphy Assistant superintendent - Frank Petkunas
Regnier, Eric Schmidt Donovan Elementary School (K-6): 2561 East US 52, Donovan Principal - Lucas Schroeder,
Donovan Nettie Davis School Community Unit School District #3 815-486-7321 PO Box 186, Donovan, Ill. Enrollment - 180 60931 Donovan Jr./Sr. High School www.donovan.k12.il.us (7-12): 600 North Street, Superintendent - Lucas Donovan Schroeder, Jason Bauer Principal - Jason Bauer, 815 School board members 486-7397 Joe Schultz, Dave Munson, Enrollment - 161 George Wisniewski, Joy Carlson, Todd Miller, Lacey Central Community Unit
School District #4 203 N. Third St., Ashkum; 818-698-2212 Superintendent - Tonya Evans School board members Paul Swanson, Doug Seibring, Debbie Peters, David Luhrsen, Kevin Hack, Tory Meier, Lisa Beherns Ashkum Early Literacy Center (PreK) - 203 N. Third St., Ashkum; 818-698-2212 Enrollment - 70 Chebanse Elementary School (K-4) - 475 School Street, Chebanse; 815-6972642 Principal - Andrea Lemenager Enrollment - 400 John L. Nash Middle School (5-8) 3100 North Central School Road, Clifton Principal - Victoria Marquis
Enrollment - 350 Central High School (9-12) - 3100 North Central School Road, Clifton Principal - Marc Shaner Enrollment - 400 Cissna Park Community Unit School District #6 511 N. Second St., Cissna Park, Ill. 60924 cpschool.org Superintendent - Dr. Dan Hylbert School board members Bud Petry, Mark Wilkening, Ashleigh Verkler, Jeremy Seggebruch, Jason Edelman, Brent Neukomm, Nutz Weber Cissna Park Elementary School (K-5) Principal - Bethanie Marshall
Please see SCHOOLS, page 18
Your Future Starts Here
Harold & Jean Miner South Extension Center
College Classes GED Preparation English as a Second Language Walk-In Services: Advising, Financial Aid Information, Accounting Services, Placement Testing, Class Schedules, Catalogs and other materials.
Page 14
GILMAN AUTO PARTS KRAFT, INC.
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Phone: 815-265-7737 “We Service & Repair All Makes And Models” 1488 East Walnut, Watseka 815-802-8780 | www.kcc.edu/sec
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Crescent City
The village of Crescent City was incorporated in Sept. 25, 1884. It made national news on Fathers Day of 1970, when a freight train derailed setting off a series of explosions in the business section and near a residential section of town. Eighteen businesses and 29 homes were lost. About 600 residents were ordered to evacuate by authorities as gas explosions from bursting tank cars threatened death and engulfed the community in flames. There were no fatalities, more than 60 people, mostly volunteer firefighters, suffered from burns and other injuries. There were more than 200 firemen, within 32 fire fighting units, who answered the call for help. There were also countless others who lent a hand in anyway they could. The village has a visitor stop near where the explosion happened dedicated to the horrible incident. The city since then has recovered and there are newer buildings dotting the downtown, which lies along U.S. Route 24. In fact, it was within a year before the town’s new post office was erected, and the first store within the new business district was ready for use. Local children attend Crescent City Grade School and there are parks on both the north and south side of town.
(Top) Crescent City Community Center (Above) Heritage Park (Right) Crescent City Village Hall and water tower
104 West Walnut St. Watseka, IL 60970
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Crescent City: Village President: James Ward Village Clerk: Ruth Boyer Village Treasurer: Carolyn Rapp Trustees: Scott Schroeder, Scott Dirks, Jim Sorensen, Beverly Stein, Mark Rabe, Steven M. Carley Population: 650 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/Internet: MediaCom Garbage collection: Central Illinois Disposal, with recycling Water system: village owned wells, operated by ERH Enterprises Fire department: volunteers of Crescent-Iroquois township firefighters Police department: county sheriff’s department Businesses: 10-20 Parks: 3 Churches: 3
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Danforth The village of Danforth was laid out in 1872, but a railroad switch had been put in in 1865, with a station soon after. The name Danforth comes from A.H. Danforth and George W. Danforth, who partnered to purchase land from the railroad company, enough land to develop into what is now Danforth Township. The land was wet, swampy land and the men invited Hollanders to help work the land as they would in their own country. The Dutch Reformed Church members became a neighborhood of their own, and Dutch mills dotted the area. Today, Danforth stays proud of its heritage, having formed its own historical society to help keep the past alive.
Danforth: President of the Board: Robert L. Swan Village Clerk: Gerald H. Rieken Village Treasurer: Gerry Lunt Trustees: Gene Tammen, Lloyd Anderson, Judy Legan, Larry L. Decker, Kyle Gray, Larry D. Schuette Population: 650 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/Internet supplier: Frontier Garbage: Waste Management, with recycling Water system: village owned wells, pumping approximately 50,000 gallons a day, treated with chlorine, rust treatment, and sand pits Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: county sheriff’s department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 2 Churches: 2
(Above) Danforth Historical Society
(Above) Danforth Village Hall
Iroquois Market
Page 16
106 W. Lincoln, Iroquois, IL 60945 (815) 429-3291
Open 7 days a week 8am-8pm “hometown store with hometown feel”
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ARIE INSURANCE 1916 East 1700 N. Rd. P.O. Box 43 Watseka, IL 60970 Office 815-432-4208 Cell 815-471-5569 email arieinsurance@gmail.com MPCI & CROP HAIL Insurance
Richard Arie, Owner
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Donovan (Right) Donovan Wildcats scoreboard
(Below) Donovan Post Office
Iroquois County Fact Book
Donovan: President of the Board: Ken Ward Village Clerk: Megan Parks-Webster Village Treasurer: Donna Arseneau Trustees: LouWonna Sondgrass, Scott DeYoung, Mandy Wilfe, Robert Redman, Lucille Clark, Adam Whitson Population: 295 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Waters system: Garbage: Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: county sheriff’s department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 1 Churches: 1
Donovan was platted in 1873. In 1882 a plot of land was donated by John and Anna Donovan to build the first church, the same building used today. The area was heavily settled by Swedish immigrants and the church offers several festivals honoring Donovan’s history and Swedish traditions.
MSL BENEFITS AND CONSULTANTS Member of Clemens Corp. Benefit Division
Michael S. Lynch 112 E. Walnut St. Suite B Post Office Box 303 Watseka, IL 60970
Bus: 815-432-2414 Fax: 815-432-2437 Email: michael@mslbenefits.com
Page 17
>>Schools, from page 14 Enrollment - 137 Cissna Park Junior High School (6-8), Cissna Park High School (9-12) Principal - Mark Portwood Enrollment - 87
Principal - Heather Gerth Enrollment - 162 Wanda Kendall Elementary School (2-3) - 535 E. Porter Ave., Watseka; 815432-4581 Principal Iroquois County Dawn Garner Community Unit Enrollment - 149 School District Woodland #9 Elementary School 1411 W. (4-5) - 200 Miner Lafayette St., Street, Woodland; Watseka; 815815-473-4241 432-4931 Principal www.watsekaDawn Garner u9.k12.il.us Enrollment - 142 Superintendent Glenn Raymond Milford High School - Kenny Lee Junior High School School board (6-8) - 101 W. members - James Bruns, Bob Burd, Mulberry St., Watseka; 815-432-2115 Donald Becker, Crystal Blair, Brenna Principal - Kyle Bielfeldt Johnson, Michael Kaeb, Kirk McTaggart Enrollment - 240 Nettie Davis Elementary School (PreK Watseka Community High School 1) - 495 N. Fourth St., Watseka; 815-432- (9-12) - 138 S. Belmont Ave., Watseka; 2112 815-432-2486
Principal - James Bunting Enrollment - 331 Iroquois West Community Unit School District #10 529 E. Second St., Gilman, IL 60938 www.iwest.k12.il.us Superintendent - Dr. Linda L. Dvorak School board members - Dave Haase, Mike Mansfield, Kyle Kraft, Rodger Bennett, Norma Classen, Domitila Garcia, Vicki Killus Gilman Elementary School (K-2) Principal - Jim Harkins Enrollment Danforth Elementary School Principal - Ashley Carlson Enrollment Iroquois West Upper Elementary School Principal - Don Keigher Enrollment Iroquois West Middle School -
Please see EDUCATION, page 19
117 E. Walnut Street Watseka, IL 815-432-1137
24 Hour Fitness At The Zone, 24 Hour Fitness we are committed to helping all individuals improve the quality of living through physical fitness. Our friendly staff is devoted to providing our members a clean, safe, and comfortable environment to ensure the maximum benefit of your workout experience. We pride ourselves on being the hometown club wth the industry’s best equipment.
Page 18
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
>>Education, from page 18
Prinicpal - Duane Ehmen Enrollment Iroquois West High School Principal -Joshua Houberg Enrollment -
Crescent-Iroquois Community Unit School District #249 600 South Street, Crescent City, PO Box 190, Crescent City, Ill., 60928; 815-6832141 Superintendent - James Mann School board members Steve Massey, Craig Massey, Carolyn Rapp, Becky Dirks, Nathan Janssen, Scott Klump, Tammy Kregel Crescent City Grade School (K-8) Principal - James Mann Enrollment - 73 There are 46 high school
age students within the district. These students can choose to go to Cissna Park High School (17), Iroquois West High School (11) or Watseka Community High School (18). Milford Area Public Schools District #124 Crescent City 208 S. Chicago St., Milford Ill. 60953; phone 815-889-5176 www.mpsk12.org Superintendent - Dr. Dale Hastings School board members - Mary Ronna, David Fox, James Kunce, Charles Leitz, John Schoolman, Jeff Mabbitt, Mark Tweedy
Milford Grade School - 100 S. Chicago St., Milford, Ill. 60953 Principal - Michelle Sobkoviak
400, Crescent City, Ill. 60928; 815-683-2662 Director - Jennifer Ernst Zion Lutheran 160 W. Concordia Dr. Chebanse, Ill. 60922 St. Paul Lutheran 108 W. Woodworth, Milford, Ill.
Grade School Enrollment - 402 Milford High School - 124 W. Jones St., Milford, Ill. 60953 Principal - Steve Totheroh Enrollment - 213 Iroquois Special Education Association 100 Miner Street, PO Box
60953 St. John Lutheran 206 E. Main, Buckley, Ill. 60918 Christ Lutheran High School 201 W. Lincoln, PO Box 8, Buckley, Ill. 60918
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Iroquois County Fact Book
Page 21
Gilman
The Illinois Central Railroad was built from Chicago to DelRey in 1853. A mile south of what is now known as Gilman was a section house named “Tarbox”. The Peoria and Oquawka Railroad was building east from Peoria to Indiana. City founders donated 40 acres for a town site. The name “Gilman” was the name of a large stockholder in the railroad company. The area was platted in 1858. A post office named “Douglas City” was established in March of that year, but a few months later it was changed to match “Gilman”. Gilman is one of two Iroquois County communities to be incorporated as a city. It sits along Interstate 57, as well at the junction of U.S. Routes 24 and 45 and at a railroad junction. Every five years it celebrates a welcoming home event called “Old Boys and Girls Reunion”, and has various other events throughout the year.
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Gilman: Mayor: Rick Theesfeld City Clerk: Michelle Fancher City Treasurer: Sheila Johnson Aldermen: 1st Ward: William (Bill) D. Kraft, Michael McGehee; 2nd Ward: Fred B. Voigt, Steven Fancher; 3rd Ward: Randy Eimen, John Elliott Population: 1814 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/Internet supplier: AT&T Garbage: Central Illinois Disposal, with recycling Water system: City owned, operated by ERH Enterprises, pumping about 200,000 gallons a day, treated with choline Fire department: volunteer firefighters Police department: 2 full-time, 1 part-time Businesses: 50-70 Parks: 1 Churches: 7 Website: gilman60938.com
(Above) Gilman Historical Society (Above, left) Mann Park (Left) Gilman Post Office
1401 W. Lafayette St. - P.O. Box 58 Watseka, IL 60970
Phone: 815-432-2685 Cell: 815-471-2685
Nathan & Heather Janssen Plumbing - Heating - Cooling Page 22
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Iroquois The village of Iroquois, some could say, is where it all began for Iroquois County. In 1822 Gurdon Hubbard was a fur trader who set up a post near the present town of Iroquois. He began the first farming operation in the county with 80 acres, at the site then called Bunkum. In 1836 Iroquois was platted, and its location along the Iroquois River was of great importance and use at the time. Unfortunately, there are no buildings erected before 1850 still standing in the community. Bunkum had always had a tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July. There are reports of the annual celebration going back to the early 1800s. One of the most publicized Fourth of July celebration was in 1914, when more than 12,000 people attended the event. The tradition of the Bunkum fireworks continued through the early 2010s, but there is continued talk of starting up the celebration again.
Iroquois County Fact Book
Iroquois: President of the Board: Jack Karr Village Clerk: Edward Armold Village Treasurer: Jacqueline Scurlock Trustees: Gary Scurlock, Joseph E. Vaughn, George Runkle, Everett L. Butler, Jr., Gary L. Strahl, Randy Luecke Population: 200 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier Water system: personal wells Police department: county sheriff’s department Fire department: volunteer township department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 1 Churches: 1
(Above) Dunning Park in “Bunkum” (Left) Welcome to Iroquois sign
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Loda
Loda was platted in 1855. The Illinois Central Railroad named its station Loda, but the post office took several titles, including “Mixville” and “Oakalla”. Those names never took and the post office officially was renamed “Loda”. The Loda Distillery, began in 1859, was a big money making business in Loda at the time. It made what was known as “high wines”. This business operated until 1873. Loda has one of the five National Register of Historical Places in Iroquois County: The A. Heer and E.E. Smith Public Library, public library which dates back to 1858. The building was completed in 1897. In 1954 a wooded area west of Loda, along Spring Creek, was turned into a residential area named Bayles Lake, with Lake Iroquois created just north of it in 1968.
Loda: President of the Board: Ronald L. Dudley Village Clerk: Sandra L. Zalaker Village Treasurer: Joyce Gharst Trustees: Jon Boone, Jeffery A. Johnson, Ronda R. Breeden, Carol J. Arseneau, Roy E. Hilgendorf, Patricia Allen Population: 401 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Waters system: Garbage: Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: county sheriff’s department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 1 Churches:
(Left) Loda Post Office (Right) Loda Village Hall
D & S EXCAVATING Watseka, IL 60970 815-992-8004 DEMOLITION SAND / DIRT / GRAVEL / SLAG DRIVEWAYS DRAINAGE / PONDS / LAND IMPROVEMENTS SEWER / TILE WORK FENCE ROW REMOVAL / SNOW REMOVAL
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NEW LOCATION
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Iroquois County’s church service listings ASHKUM: Ashkum United Methodist Church, 208 N. Third, Pastor Anita Munden. Worship Service 9:00 a.m., Fellowship Time 10 a.m. Zion Lutheran Church, Corner of Washington & 3rd. Pastor Don Gillespie.Worship services Sunday 9 a.m. Adult and Children Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Assumption B.V.M. Church, 815-698-2262. Rev. James Holup, Pastor. Saturday Mass 4:30 p.m., Sunday Mass 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Trinity Church Ashkum Campus held at Ashkum Elementary School, 203 N. Third, 815-432-5047. trinity@mytrinity.tv; www.mytrinity.tv/ashkum. Sunday Morning Worship; 9 & 10:45am. Nursery available. JAM (“Jesus & Me” Children’s Ministry Pre-K-5th grade 9am; Middle School Refuge Youth Ministry (Grades 6-8) 9am, Senior High Refuge Youth Ministry (Grades 9-12), 10:45am. Adult groups throughout the week. Campus Pastor: Todd Mikelson BEAVERVILLE: St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Priest Daniel R. Belanger. Sunday Mass 4:30 p.m. CHEBANSE: Sts. Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, 525 S. Chestnut St., 815-697-2654. Father Verm Arseneau, Saturday Mass 7 p.m. Sunday Mass 10 a.m. United Church of Christ, 187 W. First South, Pastor Marsha Collins, 815-697-3006-Church Phone; Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m., Communion - First Sunday of each month Zion Lutheran Church, 190 Concordia Drive, 815-697-2212, Pastor Keene Whybrew, Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m. Traditional, 10:45 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Contemporary; Sunday School 9:40 a.m. CISSNA PARK: Christian Bible Church, 3 Miles S. of Cissna Park. Pastor Silas Montgomery. Sun. Bible Study 9:30 a.m., Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday Evening Bible/Singing 6 p.m. www.cpcbc.org Grace Bible Church, Kellart Lake, Trey Scheffer, Pastor, Sunday School 9 a.m., Morning Worship 10:30 a.m., J.H. Youth Group 5 p.m., H.S. Youth Group 7 p.m., Celebrate Recovery Tues. 7 p.m., Awana Wed. Eve. 6:30 p.m. Immanuel Lutheran Church 996 N. St. Rt. 49. Pastor Tim Hahn. 6:00 p.m. Saturday Worship Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Pastor Tim Hahn. Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Classes 9:45 a.m. United Methodist Church, Pastor Janet Longtin, Mary Dulaney, Sunday School Supt. Worship Service 9 a.m., Sunday School 10:15 a.m. CLAYTONVILLE Claytonville United Brothern in Christ Church 815-457-2797. Lay speaker Ralph Butzow, Sunday School 9:30 am, Worship 11 a.m. Wed. Evening Bible Study 7 p.m. CLIFTON: St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 450 E. Third Ave., 815-694-2027. Father Vern Arseneau, Saturday Mass 5 p.m.; Sunday Mass 8:15 and 11:45 a.m. Confession Sat. 4-4:30 p.m. Zion Lutheran Church, 100 N. Maple Street, Rev. William H. Callister. Worship Service 8:30 a.m., Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sewing Day 9 a.m. every 3rd Wednesday. Senior Day Dinner noon every first Wednesday. Traditional Service at 8:30 a.m. Clifton Wesleyan Church, 175 W. 3rd, Clifton, IL, 694-2561. Rev. Daniel Shipton, pastor. Sunday School 9:00 a.m.; Sunday Worship 10:15 a.m. (With a blend of contemporary and traditional music.) Sunday Evening Study 6:00 p.m.; Mid-Week Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 p.m.; The Light Youth Group (5th grade and up) Thursday 6:45 p.m. Clifton Baptist Church, 390 Forrest Street. 6942183. Pastor Morris Baker. Worship 10:45 a.m.; Sunday School 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Evening 6 p.m.; Wed. night 7 p.m. CRESCENT CITY: St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Father Mike Powell. Sunday Mass, 9 a.m.
Iroquois County Fact Book
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Rev. Joel Brown. Worship 9 a.m. United Methodist Church, 600 Union Street. Rev. Kevin Nourie. 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 9:30 a.m. Coffee hour; 10:15 a.m. Worship; Wed., 6 p.m. Family night. DANFORTH: Danforth Reformed Church, Pastor Don MacDonald. Worship 9 a.m. & 6 p.m., Sunday School 10:30 a.m. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 308 N. Front St., P.O. Box 34. Interim Pastor Denis Meyer Services: Sunday 8:30 a.m. Education: Sundays at 10 a.m. (all ages) DONOVAN: Donovan United Methodist, Corner of Lyle and Third St. Rev. Bobbi Schultz, Minister. Sunday Worship Service 8:30 a.m., Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Donovan Community Church, 107 Raub Highway 52. Pastor Terry Thrall. Sunday Morning Worship 8:00 a.m.,Sunday Evening Service 4:00 p.m. Iroquois County Lunch Program Tuesdays 3:30-4:30; Wednesdays/Fridays 12:001:00 Serving free, hot meals to all residents of Iroquois County GILMAN: Camp New Horizon, The Unification Church, R.R. 1, Box 191. Bible Study Tues., 7 p.m. Life, formerly Gilman Fellowship, Rt. 45 South, Gilman, IL 265-4888, Pastor Jim Harkins. Sunday celebration at 10 a.m./children’s ministry for all ages. Weekly youth cells on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Life cells for college age and older on Wed., Thurs., Sat., and Sun. at 7 p.m. Gilman United Methodist Church, 129 N. Main St. Pastor Anita Munden. Sunday School 9, Fellowship 10 a.m., Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 224 N. Secor St., 815-265-7236. Father Rey Treyes. Mass times: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9:45 a.m., 11:30 a.m. in Spanish St. Pauls Ev. Lutheran Church, 116 N. Thomas, Pastor Pete Hinrich. Office 265-4133 Parsonage 265-7781 Sunday Worship 9 a.m.; Wednesday Worship 7 p.m.; Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Zion United Church of Christ, 503 N. Central, 815-265-4405 Interim minister Rev. William Krepps; Worship hours: 10 a.m., First Sunday/ month Holy Communion & food pantry. Gilman 1st Church of the Nazarene, 219 S. Central St., 815-265-4567 Church, 815-6832167 Parsonage, Rev. Paul Caldwell, Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday Shool; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service. Wednesday 6-7:30 p.m. Children, Teens, and Adult Bible Study. IROQUOIS: Iroquois United Methodist Church, Pastor Larry Houseman, Minister. Sunday School 9 a.m., Worship Service 9:45 a.m. L’ERABLE: St. John The Baptist Church, Rev. James Holup, pastor. Sunday Mass 9:15 a.m., Thursday Mass 8 a.m. MARTINTON: Martinton Church of Christ, Chauncey Lattimer Jr., Minister. Sunday Services: 9 a.m. Worship Service - Wee Worship (18 mo.-Kindergarten) and Children’s Church available (1st-4th grades); 10:15 a.m. Sunday School - all ages; 6:30 p.m. - Evening Services - (resumes January 16th) 3:45-5:30 p.m.; Wed. Evening Bible Studay 7 p.m. (resumes Jan. 16)Jr. Hi and Sr. Hi. Youth Meetings - 1st and 3rd Friday - 6 p.m. (resuming in February) MILFORD: Our Savior Lutheran Church , 209 W. Jones, Rev. Karl Gibbs, Pastor. Sunday Worship 9 a.m., Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Milford Nazarene Church, Axtel at Lyle. Rev. Robert Killion, Pastor. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Sun. Evening Worship 6 p.m., Wed. Evening Service 6 p.m. Milford Christian Church, Rt. 18 & Stockland Road, Ministers: Brent Zastrow-Sr. Minister; Gary Milton-Assoc. Minister; Cassandra Villegas-Student. Minister; Kyle Allen-Worship Minister;Ed Highfill-Jr. Worship Minister. Sunday
Worship, 8:25 a.m. & 10:25 a.m.; Sunday School, 9:40 a.m.; Area 52 Jr. & Sr.Hi meeting, 5 p.m.; Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. Milford United Methodist Church, 118 N. Axtel, Minister Gail Meyers. Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Church 10:30 a.m. St. John Lutheran Church at Schwer, 1812 E 1130 North Rd., 7 mi. NW of Milford/10 mi. SW of Watseka. Matt Steendahl, Pastor. 10:15 am Sunday School, 9 am Worship Service. ONARGA: Onarga Christian Church, 309 West Seminary, 268-4545. Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Onarga United Methodist Church, 109 E. Seminary Ave. 815-268-4320. Elizabeth Reis, Pastor. Worship Service 9 a.m. Children’s Church 9:15 a.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, West Seminary, Interim Pastor Michael Pointer. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church (Ash Grove) Vacancy Pastor Tim Hahn Sun. Worship Service 10:15 a.m., Sunday School 9 a.m. PAPINEAU: Immanuel United Church of Christ, 815-4287273, Pastor: Craig Forwalter, Sunday SchoolWorship Service, 10 a.m. PITTWOOD: Pittwood Christian Church, Charles Ballengee, Minister. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. for all ages, Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. SHELDON: Church of the Nazarene, 335 West Center Street, Pastor Debora White. Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Morning Worship 10:40 a.m., Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m., Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting and Bible Study 7 p.m. Darrow Church of Christ, 4 miles south & 1 1Ú 2 miles west of Sheldon. Chauncey Lattimer Jr., Minister. Coffee & Rolls at 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. .Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. First Apostolic Church of Sheldon, 205 S. Kennedy St., Pastor Ron Childress, Sunday School 10 a.m., Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m., Family Night- Tuesday 7 p.m. Bible Study Thursday 7 p.m. Sheldon Church of Christ, Fifth and Grove Streets, 815-429-3019, Minister Neil Larimore. Sunday School 9:15 a.m., Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Sheldon United Methodist Church, Fifth & Iroquois Streets. Pastor Larry Houseman. Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. STOCKLAND: Stockland United Methodist Church, Minister Gail Meyers. Worship 9 a.m. WATSEKA: Agape Fellowship, A Fellowship of Christian Assemblies Church, 425 W. North St., Christcentered, Bible-based teachings. Phone 4321182 or 432-6548. Pastor Ron Bogenschneider. Worship Service, Sundays 10 a.m. Prayer group weekly. Amazing Grace Church, Pastor Scott Killy, Sunday Services 11:00 a.m. at Watseka Train Depot, Wednesday Bible Study 6:00 p.m. “A mission church of the PCA” Please call for information and locations 815-216-8842. Calvary Ev. Lutheran, North Fourth & Hickory, 432-4136. Pastor Donald G. Love. Saturday 6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.,Sunday School and Adult Bible Class 10:15 a.m., Adult Bible Class Sat. following 6 pm Service. Holy Communion celebrated first and third weekend. Centennial Christian Church 720 South Third Street, Joe Hughes, Minister. Worship Service 9:15 a.m. & 5 p.m., Sunday School 10:45 a.m., Youth Group 5 p.m., Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. Cornerstone Ministries, at Celebrations, Sundays, 9:07am. 815-592-9550,Pastor Jerry Parker, 815383-8451. Nursery/Children’s Worship up to 3rd grade; Minsitry for 3rd grade - High School starting Sept. 11, Sunday nights at 5pm. cornerstoneiliana@gmail.com Faith Lutheran, 425 East Lincoln Ave. Pastor
Jordan Cooper. Worship 9 a.m., Sunday School 10:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School 10:30 a.m. First Assembly of God, 807 N. Jefferson St., Pastor Chuck Jones. Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship 10:30 a.m. & 6 p.m., Tuesday Community Prayer Time 11am-1pm; Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m. First Baptist Church, 100 N. Clarence Ave., Pastor Chad Myers. Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m., Sunday Afternoon 1:30; Wednesday Prayer and Bible Study 7:00 p.m.; Ladies Bible Study - Tuesday 10:00 a.m. First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 546 North Sixth Street, 815-432-4211, Pastor: Ben Stone, Worship 9 a.m., Fellowship 10:15 am, Sunday School 10:30 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, 215 E. Cherry St. Phone 815-432-3096. Pastor Tom McCann Worship Services 10:15 a.m.; Fellowship Hour after Church Service. First United Methodist Church, 301 South Fourth Street, 432-4903, Bob Sabo, Pastor; Sunday Informal Worship 8 a.m.; NO Summer Sunday School; Classic Worship (nursery provided) 10:15 a.m.; Periodic Youth Activities; 5th Sunday Coffee Fellowship 9 a.m.; Worship Broadcast on WGFA Radio, 94.1 FM 7:00 p.m. Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2243 E. 1760 North Rd. (east Courthouse Rd.) 815-4324594, 815-432-6409, or 815-432-3330. Sunday Services: Public Meeting and Bible Study 9:30 a.m.. Wednesday Services: Bible Study 7:30 pm, Ministry School 8 pm, Service Meeting 8:30 pm Living Hope Church, 563 E. Mulberry St., Watseka, IL 432-2028. Sun. morning services 10:15 a.m.; Wednesday Evening Service 6:30 p.m., at First Christian Church. St. Edmund’s Catholic Church, Fifth & Locust, Father Michael Powell. Mass Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 7:30 & 10:30 a.m., Holy Day Vigil 7 p.m., Holy Day 7 a.m. & 7 p.m., Confessions Sat. 4:30 p.m., Religion Classes Wed. 4 p.m. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2125 E 1730 North Rd. Branch President: Jim Anderson. Services: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Congressional Meeting 10 a.m. Sunday School: 11:10 a.m. Missionaires 815-473-4005. Trinity Church Watseka Campus 1658 E. Walnut, 432-4070, e-mail: trinity@mytrinity. tv web: www.mytrinity.tv/watseka. Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 & 10:45 AM. Nursery available all morning. JAM (Jesus & Me) Children’s Ministry for Pre-K through 5th grade, 9 AM. Middle School Refuge Youth Ministry (Grades 6-8), 9 AM. Adult Groups throughout the week. Sept.-May: Awana (Pre-K–5th Grade) Wednesdays 6:30–8 PM. High School Refuge YouthÊMinistry Sundays 6:30–8:30 PM Celebrate Recovery, 7-9:30 PM Tuesday, childcare available Lead Pastor: Marty Schoenleber; Family Pastor: Bart Koester; Worship Pastor: Mike Pueschell; Askhum Campus Pastor: Todd Mikelson. True Vine Ministry, 805 N. Virginia, 815-4324362.Pastor Elaine Daugherty.Worship 10 a.m. Bible Class 10:30 a.m. Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m. Wed. Night Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m. Watseka First Church of God, 800 W. Iroquois St., 815-343-9604, Pastor Ria Minard. Sunday Service 10 am, Wed. Bible Study 6 pm, . WELLINGTON: Prairie Green Church of Christ, 278 North 2800 East Rd., at Greer. 815-984-3910. Dustin Wells, Minister. Morning Worship: 9:30, Sunday School, all ages:10:30 a.m. United Methodist Church, Pastor Cathy Najmon, Sunday Fellowship 8 a.m., Worship Service 9 a.m. WOODLAND: United Methodist Church, Pastor Sandy Onken Worship 10:30 a.m. WOODWORTH: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Woodworth, 113 West Woodworth, Milford, Pastor Benjamin Meyer, Worship 9:00 a.m., Sunday School & Bible Class 10:15 a.m.
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Martinton (Left) Martinton Post Office and water tower
Martinton: President of the Board: Joe LaFond Village Clerk: Patricia Butler Village Treasurer: Michael Butler Trustees: Bruce Langellier, John Dutour, Jeffrey Webster, Dewana (Dawn) Brault, Chad Nesselrodt, Cory Butler Population: 370 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Waters system: Garbage: Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: county sheriff’s department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 2 Churches: 1
In 1856 John Martin and E.W. Beckett set up a trading point, calling the community Martinburg. The name was changed because of another community which had the same name. With the C&EI Railroad set up a depot about two miles south of the once Martinburg, businesses migrated to the new stop. The original settlement became known as “Old Martinton” or “Old Burg”. The new Martinton was plotted and incorporated in 1875.
(Right) Baseball diamond
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Milford (Above) Buzz Bomb and Mill-ford landmark (Below) Milford Village Hall/Old Depot
Iroquois County Fact Book
Milford: President of the Board: David Maro Village Clerk: Tricia Huff Village Treasurer: Mary Ann Kelly Trustees: Rick Highfill, Kevin Woodby, Adam Clutteur, Ernest L. McKay, Fred L. Hines, Jr., Cory D. Birch Population: 1306 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier Garbage: Area Water system: village owned, pumping approximately 100,000 gallons a day Police department: 1 full-time, 2 part-time Fire department: volunteer township department Businesses: 30-40 Parks: 1 Churches: 4 Milford was settled as “Mill on the Ford” in 1830, and it was platted in 1836. It lays along the Sugar Creek. The original mill was used by many in the early “neighborhood”, because at that time the nearest mill was 30 miles away. Milford was once the county seat, and it also welcomed the Iroquois County Fair at one time. Milford was also the home of the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, Jessie Sumner, elected in 1939 and serving until 1947.
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Onarga (Right) Onarga Library (Below) Onarga Pool in Durham Park
Onarga got its start in 1854. Its name comes from an Native American chief’s daughter by the name of Onarga. Onarga was the home of the Grand Prairie Seminary, a school sponsored by the Methodist church, from 1863-1918, replaced by public township high schools. The trustees of the school opened Onarga Military School in 1918, a time when World War I was upsetting homes, and closed in 1971. The village is also the home of Allan Pinkerton, a founder of a detective agency and former agent in charge of President Abraham Lincoln’s safety. In fact, his home, named “The Larches” welcomed the president, as well as generals McClellan, Grant and Sherman.
Iroquois County Historical Society Old Courthouse Museum 103 W. Cherry St., Watseka, IL 60970
Located 1 block south of Casey’s off Rts. 1 and 24 on the corner of Cherry and Second St.
Calendar of annual events
July-October
(call for dates & times)
Farmer’s Market every Wednesday 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Annual Woodworth Style Fish Fry 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, October 3, 2015
36th Annual Harvest Daze 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Opening Ceremonies with American Legion and VFW members
Sunday, October 4, 2015
36th Annual Harvest Daze 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Church Service at 9 a.m. by the group “BEHOLD”
Month of December
47th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Gingerbread Gallery Showcase
First Sat. in December
Sounds of the Christmas Season/ Christmas Open House
April - Last Sunday
50+ Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration
June
Garden Walk and Garden Faire
First Full Weekend in October Harvest Daze
Page 28
Onarga: President of the Board: Michael Tilstra Village Clerk: Mickey Kanosky Village Treasurer: Doris Hubner Trustees: Jerry P. Haynes, Angie Martinez (Ballard), Matt J. Clark, John Talbert, Austin Martin, Andrew McCann Population: 1330 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Waters system: Garbage: Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: city police department Businesses: 50+ Parks: 1, pool, ball diamonds, community center Churches: 3
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
(Above) Nash students (Left) Cissna Park schools (Left) Glenn Raymond School
(Above) Woodland School
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Iroquois County Fact Book
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Papineau (Left) Papineau Village Park
(Right) Papineau Post Office
Papineau: President of the Board: Michael Johnson Village Clerk: Dale Emerson Village Treasurer: Teresa L. Gash Trustees: Nicholas McFatridge, Randy Bowers, Myron Munyon, Dale Emerson, Jay Salm, William “Noble” Carroll Population: 257 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Waters system: Garbage: Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: county’s sheriff’s department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 1 Churches:
Once named “Jones Settlement” and “Democrat”, French Canadians began to arrive and settled along Beaver Creek near the present day Papineau. The original name for Papineau Township was “Weygandt” but the French requested the name be changed to Papineau, named for a French Canadian patriot who led an unsuccessful rebellion against the British in 1838. The village was platted in 1871 and incorporated in 1974.
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Find Your Watseka Park District Where Fun Begins
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Sheldon In 1860 a TP&W switch was placed in Sec. 2., T. 26N. R. 11W and it was called Sheldon. A village grew around that switch, with the beginning source of income being grain sales. The plat was composed in 1860, but the town wasn’t incorporated until 1871. There is a memorial marker long U.S. Route 24 noting the settlement of Jesse Eastburn, Sr., whose family was the first to settle in the area in 1832. Its downtown was once busselling with U.S. Route 24 paved through it. Now, the highway cuts right at the village limits on the east. But Sheldon did have a hand in organizing a country club in 1922. About 3 1/2 miles west of Sheldon lays SheWa-Mi, once a cooperation between Sheldon, Watseka and Milford. Today, baseball is on the minds of many local residents and there continues to be more and more improvements made to the ball diamonds on the westside of town.
Sheldon: President of the Board: Frank Davenport, Sr. Village Clerk: Leslie Banning Village Treasurer: Susan Eastburn Trustees: Jason Jackson, Jeff Mabbitt, Bill Milan, Larry Jones, Joel Davenport, Scott Demarse Population: 1350 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier Garbage: Kaufmann Disposal Water system: wells Police department: 1 full-time, 2 part-time Fire department: volunteer township department Businesses: 10-20 Parks: 2 Churches: 4
(Above) Sheldon Community Center (Right) Sheldon park (Left) Ball diamond Carma Anderson, Owner
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Iroquois County Fact Book
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Page 31
Thawville (Right) Thawville water tower (Below) Thawville Post Office
Thawville: President of the Board: Ray L. Johnson Village Clerk: Skylee Shule Village Treasurer: Jan Monk Trustees: Elizabeth Wilson, Casandra Jacobs, Brenna Hildenbrand, Robert Lange, Judy A. Wilson, Rachel Zick Population: 257 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier Waters system: Garbage: Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: county sheriff’s department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 1 Churches:
Thawville was plotted in 1872. It sits as the only village in Ridgeland Township, and it lays very near the county’s border with Ford County. The Illinois Central Railroad runs through the village and its sits off of State Route 54. Thawville is the home of Andy Freehill, who authored The Ontology of the Living Deity.
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Watseka
Watseka was named after Princess Wat-ch-e-kee, an Indian woman who had married Gurdon Hubbard, who is named as the first white settler in what is now Iroquois County. The area was incorporated in 1867. It is located at the junction of U.S. Route 24 and State Route 1, and is almost the physical center of the county. It’s the largest city in the county and has become the county seat. It also is the home to the county’s historical society and genealogical society within the county’s museum, the Old Courthouse Museum. The old courthouse and the Old Union Depot are two of the five places listed on the National Registry of Historical places. Today, the city hosts several annual festivals and makes use of the Watseka Theatre, a 1931 art deco structure. It has a chamber of commerce and an active park district, which cares for the city’s swimming pool.
Watseka: Mayor: Robert J. Harwood City Clerk: Sean A. Deneau City Treasurer: Carolyn DeLahr Aldermen: 1st Ward: Mark Garfield, Marvin Purvis; 2nd Ward: Charles DeWitt, Dennis Cahoe; 3rd Ward: Rick Elliott, Michael Marcier; 4th Ward: John Allhands, Mary “Monna” Ulfers Population: 5250 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Ameritec, MediaCom Garbage: Republic Services, with recycling Water system: city owned, ERH Enterprises services Police department: 10 full-time, 5 part-time Fire department: 25 volunteer firefighters Businesses: 200+ Parks: 6 Churches: 10
(Above) Watseka Park District and Watseka Area Chamber of Commerce building (Above, right) Watseka City Hall (Right) Lakeview Park (Below) Watseka Public Library
Iroquois County Fact Book
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Wellington (Left) Wellington Post Office
(Below) Wellington’s park
Wellington: President of the Board: Ronald Cappellano Village Clerk: Betty McClure Village Treasurer: Cheryl Gillins Trustees: Hiram Crawford, Darrin Brewster, Rraymond Puffenbarger, Laurence Thompson, Tyson Shreeves, Ray Langellier Population: 237 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier Waters system: Garbage: Fire department: volunteer township firefighters Police department: county sheriff’s department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 1 Churches: 1
Among the youngest communities in Iroquois County, the village of Wellington was organized in 1903. It was laid out in 1872, though. In fact, it didn’t have street signs until 1970. It sits in Lovejoy Township, and is about a mile from the main highway of State Route 1.
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
(Right) Prairie Dell Meeting House rural Iroquois
(Above) Sugar Creek Bridge between Milford and Stockland (Below) Old Stockland Town Hall
(Right, below) Roff House in Watseka
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(Above) Donovan Park in Watseka (Left) Clifford Bury Auditorium in Stockland (Below, left) Watseka pool (Below) Crescent City fire memorial marker
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
Woodland Woodland was platted in 1876. The village is known for having a large number of trains pass through, and stop within its boundaries, with sometimes an occasional train conductor getting out to get something to drink next to the post office. The still operational clay quarry was once a large part of Woodland’s economy. In fact, old steam equipment can still be found within the quarry. Woodland continues to look to improve itself, with great interest in continuing to make additions to its parks.
Woodland: President of the Board: Eric J. Morales Village Clerk: Lori Dodson Village Treasurer: Robin Bohlmann Trustees: Matt Ailey, Marleen Purdin, Becky Pries, Kathy Edwards, Alice L. Huffman, Warren T. Butzow, Jr. Population: 349 Electricity supplier: Ameren Natural gas supplier: Nicor Telephone/internet supplier: Frontier/Mediacom Garbage: Kaufmann Disposal Water system: city owned wells, pumping approximately 25,000 gallons a day Police department: 2 part-time Fire department: volunteer township department Businesses: 0-10 Parks: 2 Churches: 1
(Above, left) Woodland park (Above) Welcome to Woodland sign (Left) Woodland Village Hall
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Iroquois County Fact Book
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>>History, from page 4 River at Danville the county offices were located in a buildIroquois County. and the Iroquois River at Montgomery. ing on the northeast corner of Fourth and In the year 1853 Kankakee County was The land was never developed so Iroquois Walnut Streets, Watseka. On October 16, created from territory which had belonged County retained a share of either 40 or 1866 about 2 o’clock a.m. the building to the counties of Iroquois and Will. Thus, 80 acres (the record is 40 or 80 acres (the caught fire and many county records were Iroquois was limited to its present destroyed. It was thought that the boundaries. fire was set by disgruntled citizens In 1835 the town of of Middleport over the removal of Montgomery offered the county the courthouse to Watseka. The 20 acres of land on which to new courthouse was completed in locate a permanent county seat. Iroquois County Administrative Center 1866. Additions were made to it in This land was located just east of record is not clear). It was decided to sell 1881 and 1927. The new courthouse had Montgomery and was platted down as this land, and a representative was sent the county jail in its basement. One of a town site in 1836 under the name of to Danville to dispose of it. The best offer the original cell blocks can be seen there Iroquois. The offer was accepted, and the he could obtain was in trade for a horse. today. A new jail and sheriff’s residence county seat was established in Iroquois. The trade was made, and the horse taken was built in 1893. This courthouse is now No buildings were erected so space was to Chicago and sold. The records do not the site of the Iroquois County Historical rented for county offices and a courtsay how much this transaction added to Museum located at 103 West Cherry room in Montgomery. As no town ever the courtStreet. developed at Iroquois the plat was later house The present Iroquois County vacated. building courthouse and jail was given to There was general dissatisfaction with fund. The all the people of Iroquois County the county seat so far from the center of new buildby the late Katharine Clifton. Mrs. the county. In 1838 an act was obtained ing was Clifton’s bequest to the people of from the Illinois legislature to relocate completed this County is without doubt the first the county seat. The town of Middleport in 1847. time any individual ever gave the offered the county 52 lots to locate the In entire cost price for the construccounty seat there. The offer was accepted 1858 the tion of these units, together with and Middleport became the county seat Peoria and all appurtenances, furnishings and in 1839. Iroquois County Courthouse accessories necessary to its functionOquawka After the establishment of the county Railroad was building its line east from ing. The amount was over $1.5 million. seat at Middleport, the first county buildPeoria to the Indiana state line. The route Charles W. Raymond, then a Federal ing to be erected was a jail. It was made was surveyed through Middleport, but Judge at Muskogee, Oklahoma, Indian of hewed logs and was 16 x 20 feet in a dispute arose in regard to the town Territory, married Grace Matzenbaugh size. It cost the county $159.30. donating land for the depot ground. A Fisher, a young widow and mother of In 1843 it was decided to build a courtgroup of land owners to the southeast of our Katharine Clifton (nee Fisher), who house. This was to be a two-story brick Middleport offered a proposition to the was then 8 years old at the time of structure, 40 x 40 feet square. The downrailroad. This offer was accepted, and Judge Raymond and Mrs. Fisher’s marstairs was to be the courtroom with the route ran south of Middleport. A new riage on January 8, 1902, in Muskogee, offices for the county officials upstairs. town, called South Middleport, came Oklahoma. To defray the cost of the new building, into being about a mile southeast. The The land on which the new courthouse the sum of $1,506 was appropriated for name was changed in 1865 to Watseka; and jail are located at 550 South Tenth county funds. To this was to be added the and upon incorporation of Watseka, Street in Watseka was originally purreceipts from the sale of the remaining Middleport become a part of that town. chased by Mrs. Clifton’s husband, William town lots given by Middleport for locatThe old courthouse in Middleport was “Pete” Clifton, who had planned before ing the county seat there. Still another abandoned and a new one built in his death to construct a municipal airport source of funds was anticipated. The Watseka. All that remains of the old courton the site. county owned some land along the Salt house completed in 1847 is the square The new courthouse and jail held their Fork River west of Danville. This land had on which it stood. This is now a small open house and dedication ceremonies salt springs on it and was part of some park located one block west of the West on Saturday, September 17, 1966. similar land given by the federal governWatseka School. A picture of the court In 1833 Iroquois County had a popument to Vermilion County before Iroquois house appears in the large painting on lation of 350, in 1860 a population of County was formed. It had been hoped the north wall of the present circuit court 16,000, and in 1950 a population of that the salt springs would be developed room. 32,348. The 2000 population of Iroquois commercially, and the income was to be Until the new building was completed County was 31,334. used to build a bridge over the Vermilion
Page 38
Iroquois County Fact Book 2015 I
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Iroquois County Fact Book 2015