"Flora, Illinois - Founded 1854"

Jeanie Briscoe, researcher and compiler of "Flora, Illinois - Founded 1854," has signed copies available for $20.00 + $5.00 S&H, additional copies $2.50 (in same shipment). Please contact library for more information during regular library hours. Contact information is listed on the right side of the screen.

Mrs. Briscoe has researched and collected information for this book for several years, in an attempt to preserve some of the history of the city of Flora.  This book also pays tribute to Flora's founder, Mr. Samuel White, and his many contributions to the community. 

The dedication gives special thanks to Vicki Payne, Amanda Gibson, and Ashli Davidson for their assistance in getting the book published.

Samuel White was born September 10, 1831 in Warren County, Ohio.  He and his family came to Clay County in 1852.  During that time, he purchased 85 acres of land from the State of Illinois.  His first wife, Sarah Ann Wall was born in 1833.  Sarah died December 13th, 1859 in Flora, and is buried in the family plot in Elmwood Cemetery.  In December 1860, Mr. White married Helen M. Riggs in  Flora.

The original town of Flora was laid out, surveyed and platted in February 1854 by Ethelred Nixon, County Surveyor; John Brown, Trustee for Songer, Camp & Company; and Samuel White.  It embraced eighty-five acres of the west half of Section 25, Township 3 north Range 6 east.  Samuel White who still owned the land, deeded one-half interest in forty acres to John Brown, Trustee, with a view of securing the town and depot.  An effort had already been made to establish a town one mile west called Mooresville, where over 100 lots had been sold and some buildings done.  After the collapse of that village, the principal house was moved to Flora, and was then known as the "Commercial House."

Samuel White also donated land to the City of Flora for several buildings and the city park.  The City Park, at that time called the Public Square, is present day Library Park where Flora Public Library is located.  White donated land for the 1st schoolhouse, the Baptist Church and parsonage.  Land was also donated for streets and alleys of the original town of Flora.  The city's founder died November 15, 1912 in Sterling, Colorado and was returned to Flora for burial in the family plot at Elmwood.

"Flora, Illinois - Founded 1854" also contains historic information about the B & O railroad, the history of various buildings, and obituaries of some of Flora's early citizens.