Ford County Historical Society

Next meeting of the Society will be held at 6:30 pm on March 18, 2026 at the Water Tower Museum Brady Peters will present the history of railroads in Ford County. Brady Peters is a Ford County native and former Mayor of Gibson City. His career in the railroad industry spans 27 years and focuses on the engineering aspect of the business. He has an affinity of local history as well as research in the realm of railroad history across the United States. He currently resides in Indiana and still farms in Ford County.

Judge David H. Patton Memorial Fund Drive information can be found by clicking here.

About the Ford County Historical Society

In the spring of 1968 Dr. W. G. Raudabaugh of Piper City, a member of the Ford County Board, asked Dr. W. W. Sauer if he would attempt to form a county historical society. Each member of the county board agreed to invite 30 people to a public meeting which was held in the large court room of the County court house. About 150 people from all parts from the county attended and after an explanation of the aims of such a society, Judge Howard Benjamin made the motion which was passed unanimously to form The Ford County Historical Society.

Over the years bimonthly meetings have been held featuring programs dealing with many areas of local and area history. Each September a dinner meeting is held at which special program material is presented.

In addition to regular meetings the Society has honored county students who have taken part in special history projects. The Society has reprinted into one volume the Historical Atlas of 1884, 1904 and 1916 and reprinted The Prairie Farmers Directory of Ford County for 1917.

An archival file has grown over the years and contains much material which has been given to the Society by the public.

Purpose of the Ford County Historical Society

The Ford County Historical Society was created in 1968 to promote, through a museum, society activities & projects, a program of information, understanding and appreciation of Ford County, Illinois history and its role in our state, nation, and world. It is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is registered with the State of Illinois and maintains a membership program.

The Society’s Water Tower Museum is located at 145 1/2 Market Street, Paxton, IL, 60957. The FCHS maintains a collection and displays that tell the story of Ford County. With many artifacts on display it weaves the visitor through Ford County’s rich 167+ year history. The FCHS collects and maintains artifacts that help tell that story.

Through meetings in March, May, July, September, and November as well as public participation, the FCHS engages in activities that share the long history of the county. At the meetings the scope can be wide or narrow. Local history is shared in addition to themes of the County’s part of the narrative of our national and state history.

Projects which the FCHS engages in are focused on Ford County's history. It has published books and spoken to the public. It helps preserve artifacts that are unique to our history. It also engages in projects that remembers those who came before us.

Members of the FCHS receive in March, May, July, September, and November its newsletter “The Messenger”. Also to convey information to others, the FCHS maintains its own website and Facebook page. They share information about Society meetings, activities and history of the county. It does so using original written material, historic publications and items shared from the public.

Further information can be found at:

Ford County Historical Society website

https://sites.google.com/site/fordcountyhistoricalsociety/

Ford County Historical Society Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/FCHSIL

Ford County Historical Society Facebook & Water Tower Musuem Group page

https://www.facebook.com/groups/789270803838701

Ford County was named after Thomas Ford, the eighth Governor of Illinois from 1842 - 1846.

He was born December 5, 1800 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and died November 12, 1850 in Peoria, Illinois.

The present area of Ford county was formerly in the following counties: