Annotations

DE WITT COUNTY, situated near the central part of Illinois. Area, ----- square miles. Seat of justice, Clinton. Pop. in 1850, 5,002. (Fanning's, 1853)

DE WITT COUNTY   Is situated in the central part of the state, and has an area of 675 square miles. It is drained by the head waters of Salt creek, an affluent of the Sangamon river. The surface is generally level, and diversified with prairies and forests of good timber. The soil is highly productive and easily cultivated. Corn, wheat, oats, potatoes and pork are the staples. Wool is also raised to some extent. Coal is found in large quantities. The Illinois Central railroad is located through the center of the county. The name was given in honor of De Witt Clinton, a former governor of New York. Capital, Clinton. Population, 9,700.  (Hawes' Illinois State Gazetteer...,1859)

Total Population 1840
3247
Total Population 1850
5002
Total Population 1860
10820
Free Black Population 1860
6
Free Black Population 1850
1
Presidential Election Result 1840
Whig
Presidential Election Result 1844
Democrat
Presidential Election Result 1848
Whig
Presidential Election Result 1852
Whig
Presidential Election Result 1856
Democrat
Presidential Election Result 1860
Republican
Presidential Election Result 1864
Unconditional Union (1864)
Latitude
40.181499
Longitude
-88.901853
Railroads
Yes
Type
County
County
DeWitt
State
Illinois