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The Money Value of Time "The entire township depends on the time with but 20 clocks and watches” quipped The Progress in 1925 when reporting on the O’Fallon Township assessment returns made public in June of that year. According to the tax assessment books, the full cash value of real estate and personal property in the township was $2,946,104 and the assessed value was $1,473,052. The full value amount consisted of $1,493,840 for farm property and coal rights, $679,380 for city property, and $772,884 for personal property. Which brings us back to the clocks and watches. Until 1973, when it was eliminated after the adoption of a state-wide income tax, personal property values were taxed each year. To determine the assessment, personal property was listed by kind and value. The resulting catalogue provides an interesting snapshot of O’Fallon 75 years ago. At the time, the city lay in the southwest corner of the township and, according to the 1920 census, consisted of 2379 souls. Besides the 20 declared timepieces (declared being the operative word here) valued at $250, it was reported that were 50 sewing machines ($710 value), 132 pianos ($7210), 50 organs and victrolas ($1540), and 5 billiard tables ($130). It was noted that autos continued their increase over horses and mules. 404 horses ($15,710), 165 mules ($8760), and 175 wagons and buggies ($3690) were reported. Automobiles, trucks and motorcycles numbered 553 ($95,720), and steam and gas engines numbered 59 ($24,260).
Township residents were listed as owning 734 head of cattle ($14,520), 157 sheep ($440) and 297 hogs ($2850). Possession of $580 worth of jewelry and diamonds was also reported. And there were 295 dogs.
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