Illinois Township Sedgwick County Kansas Genealogy Trails

Illinois

Illinois Township was first settled by William Spencer, who located in 1871. In 1872, the Ralphs, William Dexter, James Dugan, E. E. Basher and J. R. Booth came; and in the spring of 1870, J. D. Nessly (who organized the township the same year), J. M. Lane, William Walton, James Sackett and Barnett. The majority of the first settlers came from Illinois, and gave the name of the township. The soil and products do not differ from the best uplands of the county. Wheat and corn do well, fruit also. The township is watered by Dry Creek, and numerous springs are a spontaneous offering to enhance the value as a stock raising region. The township was organized in 1873. Population, 359; valuation of property, $124,996. (William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, Sedgwick County, Part 2, Township Sketches)