Arthur is a village in Douglas County and Moultrie County in Illinois; Arthur's primary street, Vine Street, is the county line. The population was 2,203 at the 2000 census. The Arthur area is home to the largest and oldest Amish community in Illinois, which was founded in the 1860s. In 1877 the population was approximately 300 persons, with plans being made to incorporate as a village. This occurred in April in the County Court House in Moultrie County. The first village election was held on June 12, 1877 and C.G. McComb, Matt Hunsaker, W.H. Reeder, H.C. Jones, J.W. Sears, and Nick Thompson were elected trustees, and J.W. Barrum, clerk. The original town was laid out on the farms of M.H. Warren on the Moultrie side, and the Pendleton Murphy farm on the Douglas County side. Early additions to the town included those by Murphy, Reeves, Hunsaker, Gibson, Warren, Reeder, followed by Kensington, Campbell and Boyd, Bennet and Fitzjarrald, and more.

What is estate planning and probate law?

Estate planning is the process of anticipating and arranging for the disposal of an estate. Estate planning typically attempts to eliminate uncertainties over the administration of a probate and maximize the value of the estate by reducing taxes and other expenses. Estate planning attorneys advise clients on their options for disposition of real and personal property after death, and create any number of necessary documents pertaining to the estate and finances of the client -- including wills and trusts. Estate planning law attorneys also assist clients in setting out their end-of-life health care wishes through living wills and health care powers of attorney.

Answers to estate planning and probate law issues in Illinois

The law dealing with estates governs the passing of the property of people who have passed away as well as people...

In the administration of any estate of a person who has passed away, there may be significant tax consequences. An...

When a person dies, someone must step in to wind up the deceased persons affairs. Bills must be paid, property must...

An executor is the person you name in your will to handle your property after death. The executor--called a personal...

A trust is an arrangement under which one person, called the trustee, holds legal title to property on behalf of...

The federal government imposes estate taxes only if your property is worth more than a certain amount at your death...

Every adult should have a will. A will makes sure that your property goes where you want it to go, and makes the...