Belleville News-Democrat, Sept. 8, 1917
Illinois Historical Calendar

September 9, 1849-Mr. Cowan (of Sugar Grove, Menard County) has invented a plough which is really a very ingenious article. It is made without a weld, has two shares and two moulds, and can be changed from one horse into a two horse plough, all steel, including the bar-of course, very durable, and it is said very cheap. Mr. Cowan is about to establish a manufactory of this plough in this city (Springfield). He has applied for a patent.

Contributed by Kristin Vaughn

Belleville News-Democrat, Oct. 10, 1918
Illinois Historical Calendar

October 10, 1859-Tonica and Petersburg R.R. The Menard Index is jubilant at the receipt of news that Messrs. Yates and Green have purchased sufficient iron, chairs and spikes to lay the Tonica and Petersburg R.R. from Jacksonville to Petersburg, with a fair prospect of securing enough to continue the work to Washington. They have also purchased the iron to lay the road from Washington to Fremont.

Contributed by Kristin Vaughn

The Daily Inter Ocean, Sept. 27, 1891
New Corporations.

The Secretary of State to-day issued corporation licenses as follows:
Athens Driving Park Association, at Athens, Menard county; capital stock, $1,000; incorporators, G.A. Bell, W.A. Mudd and others.

Contributed by Kristin Vaughn

The Daily Inter Ocean, Oct. 18, 1892
Licensed To Do Business

------------
A Number of New Concerns Recognized by the State
-----------
Springfield, Ill, Oct. 17-the Secretary of State to-day licensed the incorporation of the following companies:
The Farmer's Point Cemetery Association, Menard County; incorporators, Franklin W. Duncan, Philamon Struble and Albert G. Nance.

Contributed by Kristin Vaughn