Village of Williamsville, Illinois 62693
Village of Williamsville, Illinois, established in 1853.
Historic Highlights:
1853
The Town of Benton was platted on land owned by Abraham V. Flagg.
The population of Springfield was about 5,000.
The population of Chicago was less than 30,000.
Stage coaches were still in use.
In Autumn, Jacob Flagg built the first house for his father, Abraham Flagg.
1854
Peter Earnest opened the first store.
Residents petitioned the government for a post office, but learned there was another town in Illinois named Benton.
Benton was renamed Williamsville in honor of Col. John Williams, a land owner in the vicinity, and received the post office.
1855
By the end of the year, Williamsville had 20 houses, a post office, three or four stores, a physician and a one-room school.
1857
On October 28, the people of Williamsville met to take their stand against slavery and Stephen A. Douglas.
1865
February 16, by a special act of the Illinois Legislature, the Town of Benton officially became the Village of Williamsville.
May 3, Lincoln's funeral train passed through Williamsville about 8:30 A.M. An arch, draped in black, spanned the track. The inscription read: "He has fulfilled his mission."
The above information is from the Williamsville Centennial Souvenir Program. To learn more on the history of Williamsville, visit the Williamsville Historical Museum in the railroad boxcars next to the Senior Center on Elm Street. The Historical Museum is open each Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. till 2:00 P.M.
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7.1.2009 9:55 PM
CHECK OUT THE 1973 PICTURES OF WILLIAMSVILLE
TAKEN BY CASEY FINLEY FROM THE TOP OF THE OLD WATER TOWER
Williamsville, Illinois
Village Hall
141 West Main
Williamsville, IL 62693
Phone: 217-566-3806
Fax: 217-566-2105
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
7:30 AM - 11:30 AM 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
You are welcome to attend Village meetings, 7:00 P.M. at the Village Hall on the 2nd and 4th Monday
VILLAGE BOARD
Tom Yokley 2013
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President
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217-306-0004
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Trustees
2013
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Finance
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217-553-6102
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2011
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Parks and Buildings
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217-566-3307 217-553-6495
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2011
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Streets, Alleys and Drainage
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217-566-3357 217-971-2636
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2013
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Public Safety
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217-566-2050
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2011
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Economic and Residential Development
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217-414-0197
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2013
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Water and Sewer
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217-566-3528
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Village Clerk
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Office Manager
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Director of Public Works
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Treasurer
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Heidi Dowell
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Director of Building and Zoning
Assistant Director
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Rick Smith 566-3812 W 566-3511
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