History:

The Village of Philo was laid out by the son of Philo Hale, E.B. Hale, in 1864 and included 80 acres. The Wabash Railroad in Illinois was based on the Old Northern Cross Railroad, as a part of the Internal Improvement scheme in 1837. The first section was operated for a time by mules, but it was abandoned as an enterprize ahead of the times and was unprofitable.

In 1847 the line sold and the Sangamon and Morgan Railroad reconstructed the part of the road, which opened for business in 1849.

It wasn't until 1856, when several Ohio and Indiana companies were consolidated as the Toledo, Wabash and Western Railroad, that the railroad was built through southern Champaign County. Philo, midway between Sidney and Tolono, was originally called the Summit by the railroad, because of the elevation; it sometimes took two engines to pull the train. In 1858, Philo settlers petitioned that the railroad station stop be called Philo.

At the Philo Township election of 1859 or 1860, which was held at "Hale Bowses Grove, it was decided to hold future meetings at the Philo Station on the Great Western.

In 1860, the village is called Philo in records. Also in 1860, J.D. Johnson was elected the first Supervisor and the township was still called Hale. In 1861, the township was changed to Philo Township.

In 1889, the Great Western became the Wabash, famous for songs and cannon balls. Tle "Cannon Ball" would stop in Philo for passengers, originating at or going to St. Louis or Detroit.