How fast one traveled by horse or foot depended on how intent they were to
get somewhere. In Illinois of 1830's era there were few roads, those that
existed were simple tracks going from place to place, bridges existed only
in or near towns, larger waterways sometimes had ferry service. There were
no railroads at that time.

How fast could a man travel when horse, wagon and foot were the only means?
My GGGrandfather William Wright was hungry for land as was his rival Eugene
Bland, both had their eye on a parcel in Todds Point Township and awaited
the land survey so that they could go to the county seat and file on it. The
day that the survey was completed both men started late in the afternoon for
the county seat (45+ miles as the crow flies). Eugene was on horseback,
William was afoot (he did not own a horse at the time), both men had to
cross multiple waterways. Eugene spent the night at an inn near the county
seat, arose the next morning and went to the court house to find William
seated at the front door. William had traveled a straight line distance of
45+ miles and forded multiple waterways, on foot and at night. The land he
took title to is still in the family.

What we call jogging today is how our ancestors traveled on foot, often with
a load on their backs.

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