History of Madison County Townships
Before the county was divided into townships, those living
outside of a town or city fell under county law. Talks began as early
as 1847 in regards to dividing the county into townships. It was
voted down by the people in 1865 and 1871. The Alton Telegraph made
the following statement in November 1871: “We believe it was safer
to be an old-time Abolitionist in the days of Lovejoy, than to
advocate township organization in 1871 at the county seat.”
Finally, in the election of 1875, the majority of the people voted
for the county to be divided into townships, which they felt
provided a more local government instead of at the county seat. The
favorable result was accomplished largely through the hard work of
Willard Cutting Flagg. Following the election, the county board appointed
commissioners to divide the county into towns or townships. The
officers to be elected in each township were a supervisor, town
clerk, assessor, collector, three commissioners of highways, two
justices of the peace, and two constables. The townships were to be
named with the express wish of the inhabitants of the area.