PLYMOUTH Is a thriving post village, situated in the eastern part of Hancock county, on the Chicago and Quincy railroad, 16 miles from Carthage, the county seat, 42 from Quincy, and 100 from Springfield. This town is one of a good degree of activity, and enjoys a very healthy climate; is in the centre of a highly productive farming district, having wood, coal and water in abundance, and of the best quality.
Immense shipments of grain and produce are made at this point to Chicago, Quincy, and other points. The town contains two good schools and an academy, where the various English branches are taught, free of charge; four brick churches, two steam sawmills, one steam flour mill, two extensive brick manufactories, all of which are doing an extensive business. There are, also, excellent stone quarries in the neighborhood. On Crooked creek, a short distance from the village, there are two excellent steam mills, and also two carding mills.
The railroad from Springfield to Keokuk passes through this place, adding much to its business importance. The village contains two good hotels, the principal of which is the Plymouth House. Population of village and township, 2,200. Wm. M. King, Jr., Postmaster. (Hawes' Illinois State Gazetteer..., 1859)