53992114

Letter from Horace Hotchkiss, 1 April 1840

 
me by informing me at your earliest opportunity
The price of the balance in the tract near  Springfield

Settled by 1819. Incorporated as town, 1832. Became state capital, 1837. Incorporated as city, 1840. Sangamon Co. seat. Population in 1840 about 2,600. Stake of LDS church organized in Springfield, Nov. 1840; discontinued May 1841; branch organized, Jan. ...

More Info
, including an average proportion of  timber, and an average proportion of prarie,  will be, I should think 450/100 dollars per acre.  None of the prairie, alone has been sold less  than 3 dollars, and some at 3 and a half, and  I am cofident that four and a half dollars is for  timber and prarie is verry low, and espicially  as a credit except for a small amount would  be extended to the purchasers— The other tract  is nearly all prarie, but the finest selection of  that region— It is probably worth three and a  half dollars p’r acre— As my paper is out I  have only room to request my respects, presented  to all friends at Commerce

Located near middle of western boundary of state, bordering Mississippi River. European Americans settled area, 1820s. From bank of river, several feet above high-water mark, ground described as nearly level for six or seven blocks before gradually sloping...

More Info
—
I beg you to tell the editor of the Times  and Seasons that as soon as my health allows  me to go to the Bank, I shall send them $10,
Your obt. Servt.
Horace R. Hotchkiss

15 Apr. 1799–21 Apr. 1849. Merchant, land speculator. Born in East Haven, New Haven Co., Connecticut. Son of Heman Hotchkiss and Elizabeth Rowe. Moved to New Haven, New Haven Co., by 1815. Married Charlotte Austin Street, 22 Feb. 1824, in East Haven. Purchased...

View Full Bio
 [p. 125]

Facts

Editorial Title
Letter from Horace Hotchkiss, 1 April 1840
ID #
531