Mapping the Trail of Tears in Southern Illinois Exhibit
Trail of Tears in Union County - Jonesboro
Winstead Davie settled in Jonesboro in 1820 and became a successful merchant and county official. Davie was granted a license to keep a public house of entertainment on his premises in Jonesboro on Dec 3, 1838, about the time the Cherokee began arriving in Union County.
The court set rates which Davie could charge his guests:
- 25¢ lodging
- 50¢ breakfast or dinner
- 37.5¢ supper
- 50¢ to keep a horse overnight
- 25¢ horse feed
From Exodus Across Egypt
by Darrel Dexter
Near the settlement of Mt. Pleasant, another stopping place on the road between Golconda and Jonesboro.
"Friday and Saturday. [December 28th and 29th 1838]
It is distressing to reflect on the situation of the nation. One detachment stopped at the Ohio River, two at the Mississippi, one four miles this side, one 16 miles this side, one 18 miles, and one 3 miles behind us. In all these detachments, comprising about 8,000 souls, there is now a vast amount of sickness, and many deaths.
Six have died within a short time in Maj. Brown's company, and in this detachment. Of Mr. Taylor's there are more or less affected with sickness in almost every tent; and yet all are houseless & homeless in a strange land, and in a cold region exposed to weather almost unknown in their native country...
Wednesday. [January 23rd 1839]
We traveled again five miles, and camped two miles beyond Jonesborough. This is a pleasant little village, and its moral character much better than of any we have seen in the state..."
Rev. Daniel Butrick
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