The daily Gate City and constitution-Democrat. (Keokuk, Iowa) 1916-1922, 1916-09-08
Pioneers, Explorers, Indians All Con
tribute to Titles by Which Sic
ter states Cities
Are Known. \
MANY ARE FOREIGN ONES
U. S. Geological Department. Aided by
the Town Historians, Succeed
In Getting at
Origins.

Perhaps the greatest contributing
influence to the place names of Illi-
nois is the names of pioneers and
early settlers of the region. The
various Indian tongues have given the
state many geographical designa-
tons. A large number of commune
ties have been named with reference
to some physical popularity of land
scape or to some event that took
place in the vicinity. Still other towns
have been given names transferred
from foreign countries or from other
states Of the union. The origin and
Significance Of these city names have
been traced by the United States geo
logical survey, with the assistance of
history students within the state.
Pittsfield was named after the city
of the same name in Massachusetts,.
whence many of its early settlers had
come.
Griggsvllle was named in honor Of
Richard Griggs. one Of three men who
laid 1t out in 1888. His two partners
were Joshua Stanford and Richard
Jones.
Barry was laid out by Calvin r.
Stone Of the form of Stone. Field &
Marks Of st Louis. and christened
Worcester" Mr.. Stone was killed
by the explosion of the boat Monte
yum, on the Mississippi 1t was
found that there was another town by
that name In the state, so Worcester
was changed to Barry. Thereupon a
Mr.. Brown, who lived IN Barre. VT,
suggested that it be called after that
town. A petition to this effect was
drawn up by DR.. Baker, who printed
the name Barre in large Roman let
ters. but the enrolling clerk spelled II
with final "y' instead OF an "e.
postmaster general under President
Jackson, so it was accepted.
Perry was first christened Boone
Vile, in honor of the famous Ken
lucky hunter. Many Kentuckians had
settled there in the early day. Sub.
seQuently the name was changed to
Perry. IN honor of Commodore Perry
of Lake Erie fame.
Hull (not Hulls) was named for
one of the early settlers Of the town
ship.
Baylis, in the early day, was known
as "Pineville," being named for the
old time Pine family: Later the name
was changed to Bay1fs.
The name of Chicago is from the
Ojibwa Indian form she-kag-ong. sig
nifying wild onion place" 1t is
from a root form implying a bad
smell"
Carriers or Packers.
Peoria has corrupted form OF an
oiO "pQ rrjarQp
packers"
Bloomington was named from
Blooming Grove, so-called from its
profusion OF flowers.
Elgin owes its name to the earl
of Elgin.
Evanston was named from John
Evans. a former governor Of Colo.
RADIO.
Joliet was first called Juliet. for
Juliet Campbell, daughter of the
founder. BY an act of the Illinois
general assembly, the name was
changed to Joliet, in honor Of the
famous explorer.
Quincy was named for President
John Quincy Adams.
Rockford was given It's name be-
cause of its situation on both sides
Of Rock river.
Rock Island was named from an
island in the Mississippi river. which
is form ed of limestone.
Cairo transferred its name from the
ancient city of Egypt. Fourteen
towns in the country have this name.
Danville was named for Dan Beck
with. an Indian trader, who donated
a part Of the townsite.
Decatur was so called In honor OF
Commodore Stephen Decatur. This
ia a very commonplace name in the
United States.
Galesburg was named for Rev.
George w. Gale, the founder.
Jacksonville was so called in honor
of a prominent colored preacher.
Moline is q Spanish word, some
times written molino. and meaning
mill"
Macomb bears the name OF Cen
eral Alexander Macomb of the war of
1872
Monmouth was so called in COM
memoration of the revolutionary
battle of Monmouth, fought June 2s,
177s.
Carbonate takes its name from its
coal mines.
Carlineville is namesake OF
Thomas Carlin. governor Of Illinois in
183442.
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