Founded nearly 154 years ago, the village of Minier has an interesting history all of which leads back to its founder, Rev. George Washington Minier. Born on October 8th of 1813, Rev. Minier was one of ten children. He was raised in Bradford County where he found his education in public schools and Athens Academy. He was so dedicated to his studies he would walk six miles to and from school. After Rev. Minier finished his college education, he taught for three years.

In 1839 Rev. Minier got a job as a civil engineer on the mainline of the Illinois Central Railroad. After resigning from his position after 14 months, he went on to teach again for another three years before he became a preacher of the Christian Church. He pastored at many churches in our local area, including Lincoln, Atlanta, Delevan, Washington, and Minier. In 1851 he moved to Tazewell County where he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land for eighty-three cents per acre. On this land, he worked to clear and farm, while continuing his work as a minister.

It is this land that became his home and his farm where he had 12 children with Sarah Ireland. Later on, the land connected to this was laid out by Rev. Minier, Charles E. Boyer, and many others to form the village of Minier in 1867. The first resident of Minier was James Edminston, Rev. Minier’s son-in-law and husband to Eliza Jane, Rev. Minier's daughter. James moved to Minier after being employed by the Chicago & Alton Railroad Company, his house being the first residence of the village. 

After 1867 the village continued to grow, becoming the town we know and love today. Rev. George Minier did a lot in his life, even contributing to the founding of Illinois State University. He died on February 18th, 1902 and was buried in Glenwood Cemetery in Mackinaw next to his wife, Sarah.