History of Sadorus

Sadorus, Illinois has a rich and colorful history. In April 1824, Henry Sadorus settled in Sadorus Grove on the Kaskaskia River. He was the first permanent white settler in Champaign County, Illinois. In 1835 he built one of the first frame houses in Champaign county, hauling the the lumber from Covington, Indiana.

In 1837, Henry Sadorus’ son, William, platted out the town of Sadorus. He deeded the right of way to the Great Western Railroad and donated lots for a city jail, churches, and a school. The remaining lots were sold for $10/each.

The former Sadorus Wabash Depot in 1955

The Great Western Railroad finally put through in 1857. It became the Wabash Railroad in 1889, and is now part of the main line of the Norfolk Southern, with 30 or more trains per day.

Agriculture is still the main occupation in Sadorus, starting with Henry Sadorus. A barn-raising for his family in 1832 was a major social event for the county. Grain elevators still dominate the town.

The 1893 plat of Sadorus shows the railroad depot, two grain elevators and a store on Market Street (main street), three churches, a Baptist Church on the corner of South and Vine, a Lutheran church on Front Street, and a Methodist church on West and Church Streets. The Sadorus United Methodist Church still stands on its original site.

In the 1913 Champaign County Atlas, advertisements from Sadorus businesses include Holl Brothers General Merchandise, Sadorus Lumber Company, C.A. Kelly Hardware, and Price-Evans, home furnishings and funeral services.

In 1929 the Farmers First State Bank listed capital and surplus of $32,000. Illinois Garage, A.J. Bialeschki, proprietor, who serviced Buicks, Chevrolets, sold Shell gasoline and Firestone tires. General Merchandise was sold by F.J. Holl and Sons.

Central Illinois is known for its dramatic weather to which Sadorus can attest. On April 22, 1963, a tornado hit the town and destroyed the sanctuary of the century-old Sadorus Methodist Church. Another devastating tornado ripped through the community in 1976, destroying many homes, barns, and buildings.