NEW LANCASTER.
New Lancaster was laid out May 31, 1836, by County Surveyor Butler, on the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 22. John M. Hopper was the owner. The town comprised eight blocks, with Pearl street running north and south; and Warren, Merchant, and Green streets running east and west.
A post office was established at this place early in 1850, but on the building of the railroad through Roseville township, and the establishment of the town at Roseville, the New Lancaster office was consolidated with the Roseville office.
New Lancaster at one time aspired to be the county seat, but success did not attend its efforts in that direction. Today the site is part of Richard Wilcox and James Johnson's farms. The first house built in the town still remains, and is used as a dwelling. A few other ruins stand, and are used for corn cribs and other sheds.
A Methodist church was built in New Lancaster about 1838 or 1839, but afterwards was moved to Ellison and converted into a residence.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois
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