When Tonti was established, there were 4-5 families living here. 
The first settler in Tonti was William Pursley.  He also became the first road supervisory.  The first road laid out by the
County commissiioners was the Vandalia & Golconda Rd.  He was also a memeer of the first Grand Jury tha Conveind on
April 29, 1823.  His wife ws the former Lydia Little, who was the heroine of the rescue of a Thomas Higgins in an encounter
with Indians in the War of 1812.  She was the first white woman to live in Tonti and she remained in Marion County
for several yearsafter her husband's death and then moved to Texas, where she died.

In 1823 William Marshall came to settle here.  He was well educated and became the first school teacher.  He
was also the Justice of the Peace for many years as well as the Fiddler of the neighborhood.  William Marshall
was the first county treasurer, the first tax assessor and he also served as a  representative for Marion County
in the General Assembly from 1830-1834.  He lived in Tonti until about 1838. 

There were only about 7 families living in Tonti in 1828. 

In 1829, Butlor Smith came to Tonti. and was one of the driver's on the Vincennes to St. Louis Stage Coach Line.

The famous Borden family, of the Borden Condensed Milk fortune, bought close to 1000 acres in Tonti and built
one of the most impressive mansions in Marion County.  It was built in 1888 and it had 22 rooms.
With the house was a productive farm.  It had its own water tower, ice house and more than 40 bldgs.  The
Borden's were known for being very generous to their help.

In 1921 th emansion caught fire and was completely destroyed.  It was sold serval times after Mr. Henry Lee Borden
died and very little evidence of the mansion or the farm is left today.   One can only imagine.
What an amazing History Marion county has!!.. I'm learning new things about it all the time.