Assumption is a small town in Christian County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,155 as of the 2020 census.

History

thumb|left|[[Illinois Central Railroad depot in Assumption, 1913]]

Assumption originally was called "Tacusah". The present name is after Assumption Parish, Louisiana. A post office called Assumption has been in operation since 1858. Assumption lays claim to the deepest coal mine (abandoned in the 1930s) in the state at over 1000' below the surface. First National Bank of Assumption (founded in 1900) claims to be the oldest bank in Christian County as it was the only bank in the county to remain open during the Great Depression.

In May 2017, news reached Assumption of the recovery of the remains of United States Air Force Captain Joseph S. Smith, a pilot shot down over Cambodia in 1971 during the Vietnam War. A large portion of the community turned out for his repatriation and interment in July 2017.

Geography

According to the 2020 census, Assumption has a total area of , all land.

Demographics

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, Assumption had a population of 1,155. The population density was , and there were 576 housing units at an average density of . Of the city's residents, 0.0% lived in urban areas and 100.0% lived in rural areas.

The median age was 42.1 years. 21.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 18.4% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males age 18 and over. which also includes the village of Moweaqua, as well as the nearby rural areas. Central A&M Middle School (grades 6–8) and Bond Elementary School (preK-2) are located in Assumption, as well as the school district office.

Enrollment at the middle school is approximately 170 students.

Assumption is also home to Kemmerer Village, a private Presbyterian childcare agency, named for donor Philip Kemmerer who willed to "the orphans and friendless poor of all denominations" in 1884. Originally known as Kemmerer Orphan Home, the facility opened in 1914. In 1930, the named was changed to Kemmerer Children's Home. Eventually the name became Kemmerer Village.

Notable people

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  • Lloyd Burdick, football player
  • James T. Carroll, Los Angeles City Council member, 1933, born in Assumption
  • John Dudra, MLB infielder for the Boston Braves, was born in Assumption in 1916
  • Brant Hansen, radio personality, graduated from Assumption High School, 1987

References

  • "Illinois Coal: The Legacy of an Industrial Society", sponsored by the Illinois State Historical Society includes an interview with Augustine Gobel, born in Assumption on April 21, 1909, who entered the coal mines at age sixteen.