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Jane Johns moved with her husband Dr. H.C. Johns and children to the hamlet of Decatur in 1849, although she absolutely did not want to leave Circleville, Ohio.
In her book, “Personal Recollections, 1849-1865,” she wrote, “Illinois is heaven for men and horses, but hell for women and oxen,” and this phrase may have prompted her husband to promise to Jane that within five years of living in Illinois, they would attain great wealth from fattening cattle off the land at no cost.

20 Years Ago

1997 - The Vandalia Main Street Board of Directors went to the Vandalia City Council to request $15,000, with the money to be used as startup funds for the program.
Eleven members of the Vandalia wrestling team advanced to die individual sectional tournament. Of the 11, six won regional titles – Shane Graumenz, Michael Mabry, Hank Stout, Nathan Graumenz, Chad Wilson and Nick Cocagne.
Gilbert Olive was installed is worshipful master of Vandalia Temperance Lodge No. 16 A.F.&A.M.

One of the earliest residents of Decatur was a woman named Jane Martin Johns. Born on June 28, 1827 in Circleville, Pickaway County, Ohio, she was married on Oct. 29, 1845, in Circleville, to Dr. H.C. Johns.
In May 1849, by pure chance, which included getting thrown from his horse 10 miles west of Decatur and breaking his collarbone, Dr. Johns chose that place as his new home. He had been on a deer hunt when his horse spooked.