“The Buel Institute

This is not only the oldest Agricultural Society in Central Illinois, but the first formed in the entire west.  … Ralph Ware of Putman…, were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and report.

The first officers were then elected and were: Ralph Ware… Vice Presidents; …”

Reference Data:

Records of the Olden Times; Or Fifty Years on the Prairies, by Spencer Ellsworth, 1880, pages 172-3