Category Archives: Mills

Darling’s Mill

Posted on October 29, 2013 by editor

Darling’s Mill was on the North Fork of the Sangamon River in Clear Lake Township, south of the modern Mechanicsburg Road crossing. One of the lesser known mills today, Darling’s Mill is actually well documented in the historical record. The … Continue reading →

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Levi Ellis: First resident of Springfield?

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

Several accounts suggest that Levi Ellis (c.1791-1857) may have been the first European to set up residence in what is now the city of Springfield, a designation often attributed to Elisha Kelly and his relatives. Ellis, born in South Carolina, … Continue reading →

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Fancy Grove

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

One of the earliest but least known settlements in Sangamon County was the community of Fancy Grove. Located along the headwaters of Fancy Creek about three miles southwest of Williamsville, Fancy Grove was unique in that most of its residents … Continue reading →

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Hickox Mill

Posted on October 25, 2013 by editor

The Hickox Mill was located on Spring Creek, near modern-day Veterans Parkway north of Jefferson Street in Springfield. Abraham Lanterman submitted the first mill dam application ever in Sangamon County to the Commissioners’ Court in December 1823, but in May … Continue reading →

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Virgil Hickox

Posted on October 25, 2013 by editor

Virgil Hickox (1806-80) was a Springfield merchant, mill operator and bank and railroad investor. He also was a close friend of Stephen Douglas and managed Douglas’ successful 1858 U.S. Senate campaign against Abraham Lincoln. Hickox, a New York native, arrived … Continue reading →

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Koke Mill

Posted on October 21, 2013 by editor

Koke Mill was on Spring Creek, near the present-day Koke Mill Road crossing. One of the best-known local mill names today, Koke Mill has one of the most complicated histories of ownership. It went through more than a dozen owners … Continue reading →

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Rauch’s Mill

Posted on October 12, 2013 by editor

Rauch’s Mill was on Sugar Creek west of Thayer and south of modern-day Foster Road. The operation was one of the earliest mills on Sugar Creek and also was the farthest upstream. On Dec. 9, 1829, Jacob Rauch petitioned the … Continue reading →

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Springfield Woolen Mills

Posted on October 6, 2013 by editor

The Springfield Woolen Mills produced woolen cloth and textiles for Central Illinois and consumers around the United States.  The mills operated from 1834 until 1906. For much of that time, the operation was housed in a three-story brick plant on … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, Industry, Mills, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

Torrence Mill

Posted on October 5, 2013 by editor

The Torrence Mill, one of the last watermills to operate in Sangamon County, was on the South Fork of the Sangamon River in Cotton Hill Township, north of modern-day New City Road. The Torrence Mill dates to the late 1830s. … Continue reading →

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Riverton

Posted on April 7, 2013 by editor

Like many early towns, the village of Riverton’s proximity to the Sangamon River contributed to its beginnings. A ferry across the Sangamon, operated by Ezikiel Judd, was the first enterprise in the area. He later transferred the ferry to his … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Coal mines and mining, Communities, Early residents, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Mills, Railroads, Sangamon River, Schools and school districts, Sports and recreation, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments