Jefferson County Online A Statistical Review

The statistics of a people and of their work reveal the presence and the absence of changing conditions. In fact, they epitomize growth and decay, ventures, struggles, successes and failures. They measure both strength and effort. They are charged with meaning, but they are interpreted correctly only in the light of the happenings of the time with which they are connected.

These figures clearly indicate the rapid influx of settlers. The quick development of the county, in a comparative sense, explains in a measure its large influence in the forming of the characteristics of the state.

Population of Jefferson County in various years from 1860 to 1870:

Population of Jefferson County at intervals of five years from 1875 to 1910:

The fluctuations downward disclose the inborn desire to improve personal fortunes, to own property and lands, which found expression in the migratory instinct.

The noticeable feature in these figures is the steady growth of the city, due to the establishment of industrial enterprises.

Comparison of changing rural and urban population in Jefferson County at intervals of five years from 1895 to 1910:

Improved machinery in part and altered methods in farming in part account for the decrease in rural population. The occupational opportunities of Fairfield, Batavia, Packwood and Pleasant Plain account for the increase in urban population. The difference will be more marked with Abingdon, Libertyville, Glasgow, Lockridge, East Pleasant Plain and Linby are included in the latter.

Comparison of the population in the several townships of Jefferson County at intervals of ten years from 1840 to 1910:

Buchanan and Des Moines townships, without towns, have suffered the heaviest loss of inhabitants. That the number engaged in agricultural pursuits and directly supported by them has lessened about one-third since 1870 is perfectly obvious.

The number of acres in improved farm lands in Jefferson County in various years from 1850 to 1910:

It will be noted that by 1880 the arable lands were practically all under fence and tillable. The completion of this work connects closely with the departure of farm laborers.

The number of draft-oxen in Jefferson County in intervals of ten years from 1850 to 1880:

These oxen drew the big plows long used in breaking the tough prairie sod. As the plows fell into disuse, they disappeared.

The number of horses in Jefferson County at intervals of ten years from 1840 to 1890:

It is probable that up to 1880 there were many more horses in the county than were required to supply local needs. Since then they have been rasied to some extent for the general market.

The number of cattle in Jefferson County at intervals of ten years from 1840 to 1890:

Cattle raising in Jefferson County was given an impetus by the building, in 1870, of the Southwestern Railroad and, subsequently, by the bridging of the Mississippi River at Burlington. The reason for this lies in the fact that these things established "winter communication" over two lines with Chicago.

The number of swine in Jefferson County at intervals of ten years from 1840 to 1910:

A large increase in the number of swine raised in Jefferson County followed the opening of the way in the winter season to the packing establishments of Chicago.

The number of sheep in Jefferson County in various years from 1840 to 1880:

In 1867, there were more sheep than swine in Jefferson County. For a few years, sheep raising had been most promising and profitable.

The wool clip of Jefferson County in pounds for various years from 1840 to 1880.

In 1867, a woolen mill was started in Fairfield. After 1880 the production of wool in Jefferson County rapidly declined.

Bushels of wheat grown in Jefferson County at intervals of ten years from 1840 to 1910.

The bulk of the large yields of 1870 and 1880 was spring wheat, which has been discarded. The yields of 1900 and 1910 are winter wheat, which has been restored to favor among growers.

Bushels of oats grown in Jefferson County at intervals of ten years from 1840 to 1910.

The supply of labor and the character of the season materially affect the acreage and yield of this cereal.

Bushels of corn grown in Jefferson County at intervals of ten years from 1840 to 1910.

Corn has always been a staple crop of the county. It is not shipped away, but is used locally to fatten hogs and cattle.

The compilations are sufficient to illustrate the settlement, growth, and progressive development of the county's resources. They also may serve to suggest similar comparisons along special lines.