Timeline: 1865

The Illinois State Census showed that Homer, IL, had three Black males and six Black females living within the village limits.

Sidney, IL, had five African American farm families living in Sidney Township after the Civil War.

Five African American men worked as cowboys and farm hands, and five women worked as cooks and maids at the Broadlands Farm owned by Michael Sullivan. At the time, this was one of the largest cattle farms in the nation at around 26,500 acres and over 10,000 cattle.

Scott Foulks bought 40 acres in Sections 10 and 11 by the Salt Fork Campgrounds.

General Cass Lee, born in Missouri, moved to Somer Township north of Urbana, IL, at age eight to farm with his father, William Lee. In 1883, he settled in Urbana and established a six-chair barbershop at 127 Main Street, Urbana, IL. He was at this location for 21 years. He was the older brother of Albert Lee.

Springtown Community: In 1865, five African American families were recorded living in Sidney Township north the village of Sidney, IL, after the Civil War. By 1885, ten African American farming households comprised a loose community known to their neighbors as Springtown.

Tuesday, August 1: “The anniversary of emancipation in the British West Indies was celebrated by the colored population of this county in gala style. The streets of both towns were thronged with sable faces radiant with exaltation at the memories the day awakened in them. A grand ball came off at night with which the festivities of the day closed.” Champaign County Gazette, August 4, 1865, page 3