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Macon County News Items -
Community/City News
Decatur
Illinois State Chronicle (Decatur, Illinois) Thursday, November 15,
1855
The Public Park has been graded and we suppose that at the proper season
will be fenced and treed. We hope that the good work will not be forgotten.
Illinois State Chronicle (Decatur, Illinois) August 28 1856
The meeting at the Court House last night for the formation of a Hook and
Ladder company, we understand was well attended, and the right spirit manifested.
A number enrolled their names as members of the company, and committees were
appointed to solicit subscriptions, draught a constitution &c, to report
at an adjourned meeting of Friday night next. We hope our citizens, men of
property, especially, will contribute liberally, and start the company with
a good out-fit. The Hooks and Ladders have been contracted for by the City
Council, but the Company will need one or more small wagons, and other fixtures.
Illinois State Chronicle (Decatur, IL) March 13, 1856
What They Think of Us
The selection of Decatur as the place of holding the Editorial Convention
on the 22d ult., was in itself a gratifying evidence of the importance of
our young city as a central point. This is the second time within six months
that we have been honored by the presence of a body assembled from various
sections of the State - the former occasion being the session of the Grand
Temple of Honor in November last. Although in neither case was there a very
large attendance, yet the character and position of the members of these
bodies was such as to exert a very favorable influence upon the prosperity
of our city, by disseminating a knowledge of our advantages and prospects.
On both occasions, the citizens of Decatur have manifested a spirit of
hospitality which is to their credit, and will redound to their advantage.
We have not space to copy the many favorable things that have been said of
Decatur y our editorial friends, who were present on the 22d, but give the
following from the "Rock island Advertiser" as a sample:
Decatur
This is one of the most thriving places in the state of Illinois. It is the
county seat of Macon county and has a population of some 2,500. It is situated
at the crossing of the Great Western and Illinois Central Railroads, both
of which are in operation, and the circumstances of its location favor the
growth, in time, of a large city. The surrounding country is most beautiful
and will contribute well to the extension and appearance of the place. Two
years ago Decatur had a population of 600, giving a favorable illustration
of railroads in bringing out cities in the interior of the State.
During our stay there we stopped at the "Taylor House" a first rate comfortable
hotel kept by a proprietor who named the house after himself. He is a capital
landlord, an honest man and renders his guests perfectly at home, the relish
of which is not lost even in the presentation of his bills - a great circumstance
with hotels generally. The "Cassell House" is also a capital hotel. They
live astonishingly well there, or at least, did, on the 22d inst. A supper
was given to the assembly of editors on that evening which surpassed anything
we have seen this season. At night an Odd Fellows Ball came off which was
glorious to behold.
We should judge from its appearance that everybody and his wife, and his
daughter, and sister and brother in that vicinity were Odd Fellows. At least
we think there could not have been less than five or six hundred of them
at this ball which kept up till daylight in superb order, without anybody
seeming tired.
We were indebted during our stay at Decatur for many kindnesses from our
friend Usrey of the "Chronicle," and Shoaff of the "Gazette." May they and
the beautiful little city whose interests they watch over, grow rich and
great together and fast enough to gratify the desires of both.
Illinois State Chronicle (Decatur, IL) March 13, 1856
The meeting of the "Literary Association" on last Friday evening exceeded
in interest any previous one. The address of Mr. Tupper and the essay by
Prof. Remsberg, both elicited deserved commendation. Mr. T's subject,
"Independence of Thought," was a suggestive one, and was practically exemplified
in the remarks of the speaker. He commented upon the proneness of mankind
in present and past time, to accept without reservation, the dicta of
acknowledged leaders in the various departments of mental research, and the
ridicule and denunciation which ever attaches to a departure from the beaten
paths and enforced the necessity of a thorough investigation of principle
by him who would be truly wise or famous. Some of the positions taken by
Mr. Tupper elicited quite an animated discussion, in which Messr. Chenoweth,
Boyd and Tupper, participated.
The Association meets again at Prof. Remsberg's school-room in the Baptist
Church, tomorrow (Friday) evening. Dr. S. T. Trowbridge is announced for
a lecture, and C. C. Post for an essay.
Illinois State Chronicle (Decatur Illinois) August 21 1856
Town Clock
At a meeting of the citizens on Saturday night, to discuss the propriety
of purchasing a Town Clock, the following gentlemen were appointed a committee
to solicit subscriptions for that purpose, viz: G. A. Smith, E. Tanner, W.
S. Crissey, James Shoaff, and J. P. Post. The cost of a good clock, we
understand, is only about four hundred dollars, and of this amount the City
Council propose to pay one hundred dollars. We hope our property holders
and citizens more particularly in the growth and prosperity of our young
city, will take hold of this matter, - and get the clock.
Illinois State Chronicle (Decatur, Illinois) May 14 1857
The new Post Office building has reached the third story and presents a fine
appearance. Smith and Stapp deserved great credit for their energy.
Illinois State Chronicle (Decatur, Illinois) June 25 1857
Brass Band
Twelve or more of our citizens have formed a Brass Band. This is one of the
(..?..) things in a city of five thousand inhabitants, and as a matter of
course the citizens will do the generous thing be(..?..) Band, in the way
of subscribing liberally to the fund for procuring instruments & c. Success
to the …(?)… Brass Band, may they exist a thousand years and be
ready on all public occasions more particularly on the 4th of July to enliven
the growing city of Decatur with their soul stirring music.
Illinois State Chronicle, Decatur, IL July 2 1857
One of the Editors of the Monticello Times was in the Rail Road city last
week and was enraptured with what he saw in the way of improvements and cheap
goods, but let him tell his own story:
"Last week we paid a flying visit to Decatur, and were agreeably surprised
to see the substantial improvements going on and the business activity and
hustle prevailing there. She is fast swelling into importance, and is destined
ere long to become a city of no mean pretensions, blessed as she is with
railroads, enterprising citizens, and a surrounding country unsurpassed in
fertility."
Our thanks are due Mr. Vaul for his flattering notice of ourself. We only
did as we would wish to be done by.
Decatur Republican (Decatur, Illinois) > 1877 > May > 10
The Opening of North Street
We understand that a petition is being circulated for the signatures of the
residents and property owners on North street, in which the council is asked
to open said streeet across the Illinois Central railroad and through the
lands of B. H. Cassell. This is a move in the right direction. For a half
mile east of the Ill. Central railroad, North street is thickly settled,
and all of its residents are compelled to got out of their way to get up
to the square. We understand that Mr. Cassell offers to donate the land,
or very nearly so; and now that Eldorado street is to be graveled, is the
time to make the fill at the North street railroad crossing.
Decatur Daily Republican, August 11, 1877 Council Proceeding, Regular Meetings,
Decatur, IL, Aug. 10, 1877
Berry H. Cassell presented a deed to the city of Decatur for extension of
East North Street, from the Illinois Central railroad right of way to Berry
H. Cassell's 4th Addition to the city of Decatur, which was accepted, and
a warrant for one hundred and fifty dollars ordered issued payment for said
land.
Decatur Daily Republican (Decatur, Illinois) > 1882 > April > 5
Mr. B. H. Cassell presented plats of His 5th and 6th additions to city of
Decatur, which were approved.
Decatur Daily Republican (Decatur, Illinois) > 1881 > May > 21
B H Cassell this week sold half a block of his pasture in the fifth ward,
fronting on East William street for a good round sum in cash. The purchaser
is a Swede who cannot speak a work of English, and who is said to possess
$250,000. The land adjoins the Beaman property. The purchaser, we understand,
will build a large house on two of the lots.
Decatur Daily Republican (Decatur, Illinois) > 1882 > March > 27
That big-talking Norwegian, who claimed to have purchased half a block of
residence property on East William street, from B. H. Cassell for $1700,
is a fraud. He made partial arrangements to purchase the land, but failed
to come down with the cash, so the sale if off.
Saturday Herald (Decatur, Illinois) > 1882 > April > 22
New Additions to the city are the order of the day. D. W. Brenneman is laying
off a new addtion on the west side of North Union street between Marietta
street and the old Dr. King property. W. J. Quinlan will lay out an addition
just west of his first addition on West Marietta street, and B. H. Cassell
will open his sixth addition on East William street. The town is growing.
Saturday Herald (Decatur, Illinois) > 1883 > March > 3
Berry Cassel contemplates enclosing ten acres for the convenience of circuses,
base ball games, shooting matches and other sporting events.
Review (Decatur, Illinois) > 1891 > January > 20
Sewer Right of Way
An instrument signed by B. H. Cassell was presented. It gives the city right
of way to build the Jasper street sewer across the land of Mr. Cassell, in
consideration of the payment to him of $250, and the further agreement on
the part of the city to build a fence to protect Mr. Cassel's premises and
keep stock both in and out; indemnify Mr. Cassell for any loss of rent that
may arise from time used in constructing the sewer; the work shall be prosecuted
will all dilligences, and it is once begun; the excavations shall all be
refilled, if they settle, after being filled once; the surplus dirt shall
be put in the water course, and the city will pay $10 a day for all failure
to do so. The city also agrees to be responsible to Mr. Cassell and his heirs
for all damage from breakage of the sewer or from poisonous gas arising
therefrom. The instrument was accepted by the council.
The Daily Review (Decatur, Illinois) > 1893 > March > 8
Berry H. Cassell intends to shortly plat the ground he owns just east of
the furniture factory and put it on the market.
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