History of Township 4 Range 5

Township 4 Range 5 Land Map from the 1875 Historical Atlas

Township 4, Range 5, occupies the north-eastern corner of Randolph County. It was one of the latest settled portions of the county. Grand Cote Prairie, lies in the northern and eastern part of the township, and the greater part of Flat Prairie is also embraced within its boundaries. in the year 1820, David Cathcart and John Dickey settled in the lower end of Flat Prairie, within the limits of Township 4-5. In 1822, James Coulter, John McKelvey, and Alexander McKelvey, settled in Grand Cote Prairie. James Dickey, Samuel Boyd, and James Strahan also came in the same year, and located in the immediate vicinity. These settlements were rapidly followed up by others. The prairie over which previous to the arrival of the first settlers, herds of wild deer had roamed, was soon occupied by fine farms and a thrifty population.

In the year 1850, James Coulter had a portion of his land surveyed into town lots, and offered them for sale. This was the foundation of the town of Coulterville. The town had a fine location, with a rich and fertile agricultural region surrounding it. Two churches were erected in the town in the years 1852 and 1853. Henry Taylor opened the first dry-goods store. The town is situated in a healthful locality, and the population of the township is principally composed of substantial and prosperous farmers. Coulterville was also the largest town, and presently located on Rt. 13 on the county border with Perry Co. It was originally named Grand Cote for the prairie, but In 1850 James settled there and the name was changed to Coulterville. The Post Office was opened in the store in 1854. W. W. was the first Mayor.

In the Coulterville Community Development Program by the History Committee:

The first village election under the new charter was held in the Alston home, on April 20, 1875. A. S. Dickey, W. W. Jamison, J. M. Elliot, J. M. Jones, Alex Milligan and J. S. Milligan were named trustees and S. M. East for clerk.; W. W. Jamison was the first Mayor.

Tilden is a small town located on Rt. 13 on the county border with Washington Co. The town was originally named Sadowa and the Post Office was est. in 1870.

1860 Census of T4 R5

• Township 4 Range 5 (Includes town of Coulterville)
  • 1860 Randolph County Illinois Census – Page 1
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1875 Business Directory