Saunemin Township

Saunemin Township

The village was platted and surveyed by County Surveyor D. J. Stanford, on September 24, 1879, for Thomas Braumley and George D. Paddock, the former being the owner of the southwest quarter of section 15 and the latter the owner of the northwest quarter of section 22, Ocober 3, 1879, Holdridge and Spafford laid out an addition, and on December 1, 1883, another addition was laid out by R. L. Holdridge. Although not so old as many of the towns in the county, Saunemin has had a remarkable growth, and is now recognized as one of the most thriving towns. It is located on the Wabash railroad, and one mile south from the crossing of the

Illinois Central railroad, It is a good trading point, and affords a market for grain that is unexcelled. The village numbers about 600 inhabitants. The first store was conducted by G. D. Paddock, who moved his building and dwelling house from the little hamlet of Bethel, located about one-half mile from here. Dr. H. E. W. Barnes arrived next from Fairbury, and besides being the first physician, he also conducted a drug and grocery store. B. E. Robinson opened a lumber yard and also engaged in the dry goods. business. A. W. Young moved his blacksmith shop from Bethel, Cording & Bennett engaged in the grocery and hardware business. This firin later dissolved, the former running a hardware store and the latter a furniture store. Samuel Lewis conducted the first boarding house and later built a hotel. At the present time the business houses are well represented, and most of thestore buildings are of brick. The churches are the Methodist and Christian. The school house is located a short distance southeast of the village. One feature of the school is the requirement that pupils pass the county superintendent's examination before graduation. Sunny Slope cemetery is located a short distance west of the school house. The village has a commodious town hall, with stage and auditorium, and is the scene of many social and public happenings. The secret societies are the Masons, Odd Fellows, Modern Woodmen, Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of Rebekah, Royal Neighbors and Grand Army of the Republic. The bank is owned by Ira M. Lish and P. H. Lannon. At one time a large tile and brick manufactory was located north of the village, but it has long ceased operations. All of the sidewalks in the village are of cement. It has two newspapers, the Gazette and Headlight, the former being published at Fairbury and the latter at Cullom. This is the home of State Senator Ira M. Lish.

Village Of Eylar Village Of Scovel

Scovel is at the junction of the Illinois Central and Wabash railroads. It is located one mile north of Saunemin. It has a grain elevator, but no stores.