Heyworth
Village
Country	United States
State	Illinois
County	McLean
Coordinates	40°18′53″N 88°58′40″W / 40.31472, -88.97778
Area	1.5 sq mi (4 km²)
- land	1.5 sq mi (4 km²)
Density	1,573.6 /sq mi (608 /km²)
Timezone	CST (UTC-6)
- summer (DST)	CDT (UTC-5)
Postal code	61745
Area code	309
Location of Heyworth within Illinois
Wikimedia Commons: Heyworth, Illinois

Heyworth is a village in McLean County, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1856. As of the 2003 census, the village population was 2,478.

Geography

Heyworth is located at 40°18′53″N, 88°58′40″W (40.314718, -88.977896)^[1].

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.5 square miles (4.0 km²), all of it land. 86-45

History

Before settlement, the locality now known as Heyworth was covered by a heavy growth of timber and underbrush which was inhabited by the Kickapoo Native Americans, and was supported a great number of deer, wild turkeys, and packs of large gray wolves.

As settlers began to move West, families such as the Rutledges, Funks, Passwaters,Bishops, Nobles, Karrs, Wakefields, and Martins settled in the immediate vicinity of the present Village of Heyworth as early as 1824. Campbell Wakefield was the primary founder of Heyworth. In the course of his achievements, Wakefield became the owner of a vast tract of land including what is now Heyworth. He continually added to his original tract until he obtained about fifteen hundred acres in one plot.

As the Western US population increased and industries began to spring up, railroads were becoming a great advantage. In 1852 and 1853, the Illinois Central Railroad was constructed through the Wakefield land. When the line became operational in 1855, the residents hoped to put a train station in the vicinity. Many property owners vied for the station, but Wakefield immediately donated a large tract of land for the station. Additionally he set aside adjacent land for the foundation of a town, a Presbyterian Church, and a district school.

The first post office was build in the municipality in 1856, when the new station was opened. The station was named “Elmwood,” but it was soon discovered that this name was already taken by a locality in Peoria County. The President of the Illinois Central Railroad proposed calling the new station “Heyworth,” after the name of an English director of the railroad.

After the establishment of the station, Campbell Wakefield made several donations to encourage trade and induce business men to locate in the new town. He became the proprietor of the new town, and the Village of Heyworth was incorporated on March 31, 1869.

Campbell Wakefield

Heyworth Today

While railroads brought growth during the 19th century, growth today is driven by recession-resistant business expansion occurring primarily in Bloomington-Normal, located just 10 minutes north of Heyworth on U.S. Route 51.

One of the most endearing characteristics of Heyworth is its small town values. Community safety, superior schools and social enrichment are top priorities. Heyworth boasts excellent local police protection, a volunteer fire department, local 24-hour ambulance service, local schools from kindergarten through grade 12, several churches of various denominations and a variety of social activities throughout the year.

Now, with a population of approximately 2,600, Heyworth is one of the fastest growing communities in rural McLean County. Residential living is as diverse as the community itself. Whether you prefer the seclusion of country living or the convenience of a home in town, Heyworth has affordable new construction opportunities and existing real estate available for home buyers with any stylistic preference or price range.

One of the largest draws to McLean County and the Heyworth area is that it offers easy access to more than 30 million people who live within 300 miles. Chicago, St. Louis and Indianapolis are each just over two hours away by car and twelve major metro areas are located within a 450-mile radius. The Central Illinois Regional Airport is just 12 miles away, with commercial airlines and jet service.

Looking east on Main Street in downtown Heyworth

Schools

Heyworth Elementary School services grades Pre K - 6. The school is located at 100 S. Joselyn St.

Heyworth Jr/Sr High School services grades 7 - 12. The school is located at 308 W. Cleveland St. See school report card at ISBE The Junior High offers the following sports for students: Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball and Track. The Senior High offers the following sports and activities for students: Basketball, Football, Golf, Soccer, Volleyball, Baseball, Softball, Track, Cheerleading, Marching Band, Speech and FFA.

Demographics

As of the census^[2] of 2000, there were 2,431 people, 898 households, and 687 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,573.6 people per square mile (609.5/km²). There were 956 housing units at an average density of 618.8/sq mi (239.7/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 97.82% White, 0.16% African American, 0.08% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.62% from other races, and 0.95% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.82% of the population.

There were 898 households out of which 42.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.0% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the village the population was spread out with 31.0% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 33.0% from 25 to 44, 19.3% from 45 to 64, and 10.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $53,043, and the median income for a family was $60,648. Males had a median income of $40,944 versus $26,708 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,655. About 2.9% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.

References

1. ^ US Gazetteer files: 2000 and 1990. United States Census Bureau (2005-05-03). Retrieved on 2008-01-31.
2. ^ American FactFinder. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved on 2008-01-31.

• Marker, Charles A., (1926) A History of Heyworth, The Heyworth Star

External links

• Heyworth, Illinois is at coordinates 40°18′53″N 88°58′40″W / 40.314718, -88.977896 (Heyworth, Illinois)Coordinates: 40°18′53″N 88°58′40″W / 40.314718, -88.977896 (Heyworth, Illinois)
• Village of Heyworth Web Site
• Heyworth Live Weather
• Heyworth School District #4
• Randolph Township Fire District (Heyworth Fire)

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