Franklin County, IL

FRANKLIN COUNTY, situated in the southerly part of Illinois. Area, 866 square miles. Face of the country generally level; soil productive. Seat of justice, Benton. Pop. in 1820, 1,763; in 1830, 4,083; in 1840, 3,682; in 1850, 5,681. (Fanning's, 1853)

FRANKLIN COUNTY  Is situated in the south part of the state, and has an area of 400 square miles.  It is watered by Big Muddy river and Salina creek.  The county is heavily timbered, and the soil fertile.  Its staples are corn, wheat and oats.  Tobacco and cotton are cultivated to some extent.  There are in it some 20 churches, several printing offices, and the means of education are of a liberal character.  Capital, Benton.  Population, about 9,800.  (Hawes' Illinois State Gazetteer...,1859)