Untitled Document

ALEXIS.

This thriving little village enjoys the dis tinction of being situated In two counties, Warren and Mercer, and in four townships. Spring Grove and Kelly in Warren county, and Suez and North Henderson in Mercer county. The town as originally laid oat was on the northeast quarter of Section 1 in Spring Grove. It was surveyed September 7, 1870, by County Surveyor Thomas S. McClanahan, on land owned by Robert Holloway and J. E. Alexander. Schuyler Palmer originally owned the land, living in a house on the east side of where Main street now is, and near the county line. He sold to Thomas Lawhead, Sr., and he to Messrs. Holloway and Alexander. The town was named Alexandria in honor of Mr. Alexander, but in 1872 the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia visited the United States, and in his honor, it is said, the name of the village was changed to Alexis.

The first house was moved into the village November 20, 1870, and the first store was opened the same month by O. G, Chapman and Charles W. Gates.

The railroad was completed into Alexis about the first of January following, and upon the first train north J. E. Alexander moved his goods up from Monmouth and established the station. He served as station and express agent for a number of years, then studied law and was admitted to the bar, commencing his practice in Alexis, but removing to Monmouth to continue it in 1883.

The Alexis postoffice was established January 17, 1871, with O. G. Chapman as postmaster. He served until 1885, when he was succeeded by Charles E. Bellinger, who gave way to C. E. Johnson in 1889, and he to D. Shunick in 1893. The present incumbent of the office is W. A. McKnight, who was appointed in 1897. During Shunick's term the office was raised to third class, but dropped down to fourth, then in 1898 was raised to third again. It has also been made recently an international money order office. The office pays $1200 a year. Rural Route No. 1, from Alexis postoffice, was established Nov. 1, 1900.

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois

Submitted by W. Caudell

Illinois Ancestors

111206BMKF