Mercer County, Illinois
Encyclopedia
Mercer County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Illinois
. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 16,434, which is a decrease of 3.1% from 16,957 in 2000. Its county seat
is Aledo
. It is one of the four counties that make up the Davenport
-Moline
-Rock Island
Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
(1726–1777), a physician and general during the American Revolution
who died from wounds suffered at the Battle of Princeton
.
In May 1812, Congress passed an act which set aside lands in Arkansas
, Michigan
, and Illinois as payment to volunteer soldiers in the War of 1812
. Mercer County was part of this "Military Tract."
Seven years after Illinois became a state, Mercer County was founded. It was formed from unorganized territory near Pike County
on January 13, 1825. Although the county had been created, its government was not organized for several years; for administration purposes it was attached first to Schuyler County (until 1826), then to Peoria (until 1831), and finally to Warren County. The organization of the county government was finally completed in 1835, after a large influx of settlers following the Black Hawk War
.
As of the census
of 2000, there were 16,957 people, 6,624 households, and 4,915 families residing in the county. The population density
was 30 people per square mile (12/km²). There were 7,109 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.37% White
, 0.29% Black
or African American
, 0.12% Native American
, 0.17% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 0.35% from other races
, and 0.68% from two or more races. 1.27% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race. 25.4% were of German
, 14.1% American
, 13.0% Swedish, 12.3% English
and 11.3% Irish
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 6,624 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples
living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,893, and the median income for a family was $47,192. Males had a median income of $35,138 versus $22,227 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $18,645. 7.8% of the population and 5.8% of families were below the poverty line. 10% of those under the age of 18 and 8.4% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
:
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Illinois
Illinois
Illinois is the fifth-most populous state of the United States of America, and is often noted for being a microcosm of the entire country. With Chicago in the northeast, small industrial cities and great agricultural productivity in central and northern Illinois, and natural resources like coal,...
. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 16,434, which is a decrease of 3.1% from 16,957 in 2000. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Aledo
Aledo, Illinois
Aledo is a city in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,613 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Mercer County.-Geography:Aledo is located at ....
. It is one of the four counties that make up the Davenport
Davenport, Iowa
Davenport is a city located along the Mississippi River in Scott County, Iowa, United States. Davenport is the county seat of and largest city in Scott County. Davenport was founded on May 14, 1836 by Antoine LeClaire and was named for his friend, George Davenport, a colonel during the Black Hawk...
-Moline
Moline, Illinois
Moline is a city located in Rock Island County, Illinois, United States, with a population of 45,792 in 2010. Moline is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring East Moline and Rock Island in Illinois and the cities of Davenport and Bettendorf in Iowa. The Quad Cities has a population of...
-Rock Island
Rock Island, Illinois
Rock Island is the county seat of Rock Island County, Illinois, United States. The population was 40,884 at the 2010 census. Located on the Mississippi River, it is one of the Quad Cities, along with neighboring Moline, East Moline, and the Iowa cities of Davenport and Bettendorf. The Quad Cities...
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Quad Cities
The Quad Cities is a group of five cities straddling the Mississippi River on the Iowa–Illinois boundary. These cities, Davenport and Bettendorf and Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline , are the center of the Quad Cities Metropolitan Area, which, as of 2010, had an estimated population of...
.
History
Mercer County is named for Hugh MercerHugh Mercer
Hugh Mercer was a soldier and physician. He initially served with British forces during the Seven Years War but later became a brigadier general in the Continental Army and a close friend to George Washington...
(1726–1777), a physician and general during the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
who died from wounds suffered at the Battle of Princeton
Battle of Princeton
The Battle of Princeton was a battle in which General George Washington's revolutionary forces defeated British forces near Princeton, New Jersey....
.
In May 1812, Congress passed an act which set aside lands in Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
, and Illinois as payment to volunteer soldiers in the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
. Mercer County was part of this "Military Tract."
Seven years after Illinois became a state, Mercer County was founded. It was formed from unorganized territory near Pike County
Pike County, Illinois
Pike County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 16,430, which is a decrease of 5.5% from 17,384 in 2000...
on January 13, 1825. Although the county had been created, its government was not organized for several years; for administration purposes it was attached first to Schuyler County (until 1826), then to Peoria (until 1831), and finally to Warren County. The organization of the county government was finally completed in 1835, after a large influx of settlers following the Black Hawk War
Black Hawk War
The Black Hawk War was a brief conflict fought in 1832 between the United States and Native Americans headed by Black Hawk, a Sauk leader. The war erupted soon after Black Hawk and a group of Sauks, Meskwakis, and Kickapoos known as the "British Band" crossed the Mississippi River into the U.S....
.
Geography
According to the 2010 census, the county has a total area of 568.69 square miles (1,472.9 km²), of which 561.2 square miles (1,453.5 km²) (or 98.68%) is land and 7.49 square miles (19.4 km²) (or 1.32%) is water.Major highways
U.S. Highway 67
Townships
Abington, Duncan, Eliza, Greene, Keithsburg, Mercer, Millersburg, New Boston, North Henderson, Ohio Grove, Perryton, Preemption, Richland Grove, Rivoli, SuezAdjacent counties
- Rock Island CountyRock Island County, IllinoisRock Island County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 147,546, which is a decrease of 1.2% from 149,374 in 2000. Its county seat is Rock Island...
- north - Henry CountyHenry County, IllinoisHenry County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 50,486, which is a decrease of 1.0% from 51,020 in 2000. Its county seat is Cambridge...
- east - Knox CountyKnox County, IllinoisKnox County is a county located in the U.S. state of Illinois. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 52,919, which is a decrease of 5.2% from 55,836 in 2000...
- southeast - Henderson County - south
- Warren CountyWarren County, Illinois-External links:**...
- south - Des Moines CountyDes Moines County, Iowa-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 40,325 in the county, with a population density of . There were 18,535 housing units, of which 17,003 were occupied.-2000 census:...
, IowaIowaIowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
- southwest - Louisa CountyLouisa County, Iowa-2010 census:The 2010 census recorded a population of 11,387 in the county, with a population density of . There were 5,002 housing units, of which 4,346 were occupied.-2000 census:...
, IowaIowaIowa is a state located in the Midwestern United States, an area often referred to as the "American Heartland". It derives its name from the Ioway people, one of the many American Indian tribes that occupied the state at the time of European exploration. Iowa was a part of the French colony of New...
- west
Demographics
As of the census
Census
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 16,957 people, 6,624 households, and 4,915 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 30 people per square mile (12/km²). There were 7,109 housing units at an average density of 13 per square mile (5/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.37% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.29% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.12% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.17% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.35% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.68% from two or more races. 1.27% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race. 25.4% were of German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
, 14.1% American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, 13.0% Swedish, 12.3% English
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
and 11.3% Irish
Irish people
The Irish people are an ethnic group who originate in Ireland, an island in northwestern Europe. Ireland has been populated for around 9,000 years , with the Irish people's earliest ancestors recorded having legends of being descended from groups such as the Nemedians, Fomorians, Fir Bolg, Tuatha...
ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 6,624 households out of which 32.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 2.96.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.80% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 96.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $40,893, and the median income for a family was $47,192. Males had a median income of $35,138 versus $22,227 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $18,645. 7.8% of the population and 5.8% of families were below the poverty line. 10% of those under the age of 18 and 8.4% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.
Cities and towns
- AledoAledo, IllinoisAledo is a city in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 3,613 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Mercer County.-Geography:Aledo is located at ....
- AlexisAlexis, IllinoisAlexis is a village in Mercer and Warren counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 863 at the 2000 census.The Warren County portion of Alexis is part of the Galesburg Micropolitan Statistical Area, while the Mercer County portion is part of the Davenport–Moline–Rock...
- BodenBoden, IllinoisBoden is an unincorporated community in Preemption Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Boden is located on U.S. Route 67 east of Matherville....
- BurgessBurgess, IllinoisBurgess is an unincorporated community in Suez Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Burgess is south-southwest of Viola....
- CableCable, IllinoisCable is an unincorporated community in Richland Grove Township, Mercer County, Illinois, and is located south of Sherrard.-Geography:Cable is located at ....
- ElizaEliza, IllinoisEliza is an unincorporated community in Eliza Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Eliza is north of New Boston....
- GilchristGilchrist, Mercer County, IllinoisGilchrist is an unincorporated community in Greene Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Gilchrist is west of Viola....
- HamletHamlet, IllinoisHamlet is an unincorporated community in Perryton Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Hamlet is located on Illinois Route 94 west-southwest of Reynolds....
- JoyJoy, IllinoisJoy is a village in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 373 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Joy is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of , all of it land....
- KeithsburgKeithsburg, IllinoisKeithsburg is a city in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 714 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Keithsburg is located at ....
- MannonMannon, IllinoisMannon is an unincorporated community in New Boston Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Mannon is north-northwest of New Boston....
- MarstonMarston, IllinoisMarston is an unincorporated community in Duncan Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Marston is west of Reynolds....
- MathervilleMatherville, IllinoisMatherville is a village in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 772 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Matherville is located at ....
- MillersburgMillersburg, IllinoisMillersburg is an unincorporated community in Millersburg Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Millersburg is northwest of Aledo....
- New BostonNew Boston, IllinoisNew Boston is a city in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 632 at the 2000 census.-Geography:New Boston is located at ....
- New Windsor
- North HendersonNorth Henderson, IllinoisNorth Henderson is a village in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 187 at the 2000 census.-Geography:North Henderson is located at ....
- NorwoodNorwood, IllinoisNorwood is a village in Peoria County, Illinois, United States. The population was 473 at the 2000 census. Norwood, just outside of Peoria, is part of the Peoria, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
- PetersvillePetersville, IllinoisPetersville is an unincorporated community in Eliza Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Petersville is north-northwest of Joy....
- PreemptionPreemption, IllinoisPreemption is an unincorporated community in Preemption Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Preemption is west of Sherrard. Preemption has a post office with ZIP code 61276....
- ReynoldsReynolds, IllinoisReynolds is a village in Mercer and Rock Island Counties in the U.S. state of Illinois. The population was 508 at the 2000 census. Only a small portion on the south side is in Mercer County...
- SeatonSeaton, IllinoisSeaton is a village in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 242 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Seaton is located at ....
- Shale CityShale City, IllinoisShale City is an unincorporated community in Greene Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Shale City is west-northwest of Viola....
- SherrardSherrard, IllinoisSherrard is a village in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 694 at the 2000 census. Sherrard is home to the Sherrard Junior / Senior High School, home of the Sherrard Tigers.-Geography:Sherrard is located at ....
- Sugar Grove
- SwedonaSwedona, IllinoisSwedona is an unincorporated community in Richland Grove Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Swedona is north of Windsor....
- ViolaViola, IllinoisViola is a village in Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 956 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Viola is located at ....
- WanlockWanlock, IllinoisWanlock is an unincorporated community in Greene Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. Wanlock is west-northwest of Viola....
- WindsorWindsor, Mercer County, IllinoisWindsor, also known as New Windsor, is a village in Rivoli Township, Mercer County, Illinois, United States. The population was 720 at the 2000 census. The official name is the Village of Windsor, but New Windsor is also used by the village such as the New Windsor Fire Department...
Townships
Mercer County is divided into fifteen townshipsTownship (United States)
A township in the United States is a small geographic area. Townships range in size from 6 to 54 square miles , with being the norm.The term is used in three ways....
:
|
Mercer Township, Mercer County, Illinois Mercer Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 581 at the 2000 census. Mercer Township changed its name from Centre Township on an unknown date sometime before 1921. Mercer Township contains Aledo, the county seat of Mercer County.... Millersburg Township, Mercer County, Illinois Millersburg Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 777 at the 2000 census.Millersburg is named after George Abraham Miller, a Primitive Baptist who, with several families, settled in Mercer County, Illinois on the Edwards River in 1834... New Boston Township, Mercer County, Illinois New Boston Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 1,207 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... North Henderson Township, Mercer County, Illinois North Henderson Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 444 at the 2000 census. North Henderson Township was originally named Liberty Township, but the name was changed sometime before 1921.- External links :***... Ohio Grove Township, Mercer County, Illinois Ohio Grove Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 302 at the 2000 census. Ohio Grove Township changed its name from Ohio sometime after 1921.- External links :***... |
Perryton Township, Mercer County, Illinois Perryton Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 497 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... Preemption Township, Mercer County, Illinois Preemption Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 1,837 at the 2000 census. Preemption Township changed its name from Fairfield Township sometime before 1921.- External links :***... Richland Grove Township, Mercer County, Illinois Richland Grove Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 2,294 at the 2000 census.- External links :***... Rivoli Township, Mercer County, Illinois Rivoli Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 1,149 at the 2000 census. Rivoli Township changed its name from North Pope Township sometime before 1921.- External links :***... Suez Township, Mercer County, Illinois Suez Township is located in Mercer County, Illinois. The population was 685 at the 2000 census. Suez Township changed its name from Palmyra Township sometime before 1921.- External links :***... |
Climate and weather
In recent years, average temperatures in the county seat of Aledo have ranged from a low of 11 °F (-11.7 °C) in January to a high of 84 °F (28.9 °C) in July, although a record low of -30 °F was recorded in February 1905 and a record high of 113 °F (45 °C) was recorded in July 1936. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 1.27 inches (3.2 cm) in January to 4.43 inches (11.3 cm) in June.Further reading
- Ives, William C., “Abraham Lincoln in Mercer County, Illinois, 1832, 1834, 1858,” Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, 101 (Fall–Winter 2008), 329–47.