Timeline: 1872
“Emancipation Day celebration was held in Tolono. Citizens went there.” Champaign County Gazette, September 11, 1872.
Jethro Smith died. One of the oldest African American members of the community, he was widely known and respected and his funeral was attended by an unusually large number of mourners. He died on October 23, 1872.
November: “Baptists in Urbana are trying to raise money to build a church. Reception held Friday November 15, 1872, in Busey’s Hall.” Champaign County Gazette, Nov. 20, 1872, p. 1.
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