Dr. Tim Roberts from the Western Illinois University History Department presented “Underground Railroad Ran Thru Western Illinois, Data and Debunking” to twenty- four members and guests at the Mon. Sept. 15 Colchester Area Historical Society meeting.
The Allison and Blazer homes were known underground stations in McDonough County. In 1922, David Blazer lectured about the county's Underground Railroad history at a McDonough County Historical Society meeting. The text can be found at https://timroberts.org/wiugrr/ items/show/11 More underground railroad history can be found at Dr. Robert’s website titled “Traces of Western Illinois’ Underground Railroad.” https://timroberts.org/wiugrr/ Julie Terstriep showed the Bicentennial ornament in honor of McDonough County’s Bicentennial – January 25, 2026. This ornament can be purchased through the McDonough County Genealogical Society.
Colchester District Library Librarian Debbie Sullivan gave an update of McDonough County bicentennial and America 250th anniversary planning meetings held in Macomb.
The next historical society meeting is scheduled for Mon. Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Colchester City Hall Community Room. The program is to be announced.
