James Butler "Wild Bill" Hicko

Pioneer of the Great Plains, born here May 27, 1837. Assassinated at Deadwood, August 2, 1876. Served his country as a scout and a spy in the western States, to preserve the Union in the Civil War. Equally great were his services on the frontier as express messenger and upholder of law and order. He contributed largely in making the West a safe place for woman and children. His sterling courage was aways at the service of right and justice.<br><br> <center>To perpetuate his memory</center> <center>this monument is erected by</center> <center>the State of Illinois</center> <center>A.D. 1929</center>