General James Harbord Monument

The General Harbord monument sits about six miles southeast of Bloomington. I find this monument interesting because it is an example of how quickly history marches on and how easily our history can be forgotten.

In July 1937, General James Harbord revisited his birthplace. The farmstead was located about 6 miles south of Bloomington and just south of Blooming Grove, the first white settlement in McLean County. Harbord's extended family moved from the Blooming Grove homestead to Saybrook just a few months after Harbord was born.  Extended family moved to Twin Grove, several miles east of Danvers. Many of Harbord's ancestors are buried at Rosewood Cemetery.

Harbord had a distinguished military and business career. Harbord died in 1947 and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Harbor's Gravestone at Arlington Cemetery, Washington, DC

Harbord's 1937 Visit

Harbord's parents moved to Saybrook shortly after he was born. Harbord spent most of his youth in Kansas and eventually graduated from Kansas State University in 1886. Regardless, Harbord still had many fond memories of his childhood in McLean County. According to a July 1937 Pantagraph article, Harbord recalled sliding a stick across a wood fence at a house in Saybrook and visiting an Aunt in Heyworth. During his visit, Harbord also visited friends and relatives in Twin Grove and former Governor Fifer. 

Monument Ceremony

Prior to the monument ceremony at Harbord's birthplace, Harbord and an entourage of local citizens, leaders, and historians attended a luncheon at the Hotel Illinois. The ceremony was coordinated by the McLean County Historical Society. 

Harbord unveiling plaque on boulder at ceremony. Photo from Pantagraph, 7/6/1937.

Location of the Monument and Harbord Farm

The location of the Harbord farm was found through descriptions in the Pantgraph and historical atlases. 

James Harbord (the general's grandfather) came from Kentucky to Illinois in 1824. He moved on to Indiana, but returned in 1832 to Twin Grove, a few miles east of Danvers. After seven years, James moved to a Blooming Grove farm and deeded it to his son, George. George was General Harbord's father. 

The land changed hands several times and was eventually owned by James Armstrong, whose name appears on several plat maps of the area (including 1914). A June 1937 Pantagraph article also describes the township, quarter, and section of the farm. 

Triangulating the atlas and 1937 Pantagraph information with Google Maps and the University of Illinois Public Land Survey System (PLSS) provided an accurate location of the farmstead and monument. 

When I rode by bicycle by the site, I could see the rock behind tall weeds and trees. It's definitely not noticeable unless one is looking for it. But, sure enough, my prior research confirmed it's location. The status of the monument is described in more detail below. 

Harbord House at time of 1937 dedication.
Compare this photo to the ones below to see how the lot has changed.
Copyright 2019 McLean County Historical Society. 

Status of Monument

The Harbord/Armstrong house is long gone. It is now mostly covered with timber, tall weeds, and grass. The monument, however, still exists. The plaque is missing. I have been unable to find a photograph of the inscription. 

The plaque looks like it was bolted in. It could have been removed. Or, it could have fallen off over time and may be buried under the brush. The monument sits on private property, so it can't explored without permission of the owners. The photos I took were from the road. Perhaps the plaque is waiting to be discovered by a future archaeologist. Or maybe a farmer will discover it, if and when the lot is cleared and eventually plowed over. Or maybe it's sitting in a barn or shed somewhere, lost to history. 

The 1937 photo below depicts an unidentified child next to the monument. I assume the plaque is on the other side. The next two photos are of the same rock from the other side, taken in 2019.

Rock at the time of 1937 dedication.
Copyright 2019 McLean County Historical Society. 

Note the rock indentation where the plaque once rested.

References

• Britain Must Have More Material by 1942. (1941, May 29). Pantagraph, p. 3.
• General Harbord Visits Scenes of Childhood and Greets His Aunt at Heyworth. (1937, July 6). Pantagraph, p. 3. 
• Harbord's Birthplace to Be Marked in July by Historical Society. (1937, June 13). Pantagraph, p. 3.
• McLean County Historical Society, Pantagraph photo archives.
• To Succeed Pershing. (1922, August 23). Pantagraph, p. 5.