Liberty is a village in Adams County, Illinois, United States. The population was 519 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Quincy, IL–MO Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography

Liberty is located at (39.879948, -91.108137).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.4 square miles (1.0 km²), all of it land.

History

"Liberty Township began with the first settlement made on Section 28, by Daniel Lile, in the spring of 1822, and many old settlers followed about the same time. The first regular preacher was George Wolfe of the Dunkard denomination. First horse mill was built by Daniel Lile. The first marriage was that of Jacob Waggle to a Miss Hunsaker, by the Rev. George Wolfe, at the house of the bride's father. The first birth and death, was an infant child of Mr. Kimbrick. The first Supervisor was David Wolfe. The town of Liberty is nearly in the center of the township and is quite a flourishing little town. Liberty is inhabited by an industrious and intelligent people, who have fine farms and desirable houses."

An Early History of Liberty Township from 1875 atlas

In 2004 The Liberty Baseball Team won its first game of the season thanks to an extra inning walk-off home run by catcher Shawn Henninger. Henninger was a Quincy all area honorable mention and PCC Conference 1st team selection that year.

Home of the 1980-81 IHSA Class A Basketball 4th Place and 2004-05 IHSA Class A 4th Place teams.

"NEW HOME OF KLOPHJUY and Family"

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 519 people, 212 households, and 159 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,386.7 people per square mile (541.6/km²). There were 231 housing units at an average density of 617.2/sq mi (241.1/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 99.81% White and 0.19% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.19% of the population.

There were 212 households out of which 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.0% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.0% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the village the population was spread out with 23.7% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 25.4% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were males.

The median income for a household in the village was $36,417, and the median income for a family was $39,773. Males had a median income of $31,071 versus $20,962 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,565. About 10.7% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.8% of those under age 18 and 40.7% of those age 65 or over.

Reasons To Visit

Started in 1987, Mike's Place is a fine example of good, 'down home' cooking. Opened by the Brinkmeyer family - Mike, Colleen, Chris and Rob - it has become an integral part of the community. Famous throughout the Tri-state region for its homemade pies (with a meringue that's 7 inches tall!) and daily specials that are similar to the type "grandma used to make" -- staple meals for the surrounding farming community.

During the many Illinois hunting seasons (bow, rifle, etc.) Mike welcomes countless people in from all around the country to enjoy the Adams County abundance of white tail deer. Known for opening up "before the roosters do" everbody gets a large, wholesome meal in their belly - perfect for an all day walk in the area's wildlife rich woods. See this kind fella's blog (for a great review!) http://davidacrossamerica.blogspot.com/2007/05/day-20-quincy-ill-to-springfieldill-107.html -Shockwave-

See also

• List of one-room schools in Liberty, Illinois
• Liberty High School (Liberty, Illinois)

References

External links

• Official School Web Page January 2007
• History of Liberty School