Alma
The Village of Alma was mapped out by John S Martin in 1854.
Additional lands were added shortly afterward by J S Martin,M French,
and Samuel L Tilden. It originally had the name Rantoul in honor
of an officer of the railroad. There was another town in Illinois
with the same name so it was changed to Grand Mound City. Later in
1855, it was changed to Alma.
The first house and store was built in 1853. The first post
office was established in 1854, with Dr. T. O. Hatton as the first
postmaster. Dr. Hatton was also the first Physician in
town..
Mr Hugh Moore was the first teacher
and the first Justice of Peace was
John S Martin.
Alma was
known for its produce and daffodils. The surrounding area was
full of flowers,orchards and melon patches. Alma had grown in size.
On Dec.28,1908, there was a fire and the entire business district was
lost. Those who rebuilt, did so in brick. Unfortunately,
Alma wasn't as big after that.