Author Archives: editor

‘Fort Taylor’ and Civil War prostitution

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

One of Springfield’s best-known brothels was operated by Harvey Taylor and his wife, Lucinda, during the Civil War. Known as “Fort Taylor” because of all the soldiers who briefly stationed themselves in this bastion, the Taylors’ establishment was just one … Continue reading →

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Philip Fowler (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Philip Fowler was a carpenter who lived in a two-room frame home on Third Street south of Jefferson Street in 1828, according to John Todd Stuart’s recollections. (The home is No. 19 on the reconstructed map of 1828 Springfield.) In … Continue reading →

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Francis Budinger (First Citizen)

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Francis Budinger (1899-1986) president of Springfield-based Franklin Life Insurance Company from 1961 to 1964, was named Springfield’s First Citizen for 1975. The awards committee cited his work with Springfield College in Illinois (now Benedictine University Springfield), St. John’s Hospital, the … Continue reading →

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Charles E. Becker (First Citizen)

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Charles E. Becker (1896-1968) was president of the Franklin Life Insurance Company in Springfield during the company’s years of greatest growth from 1939 to 1961. When Becker took over ownership, the homegrown firm had $178 million of insurance in force; … Continue reading →

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Franklin Life Insurance Co.

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Founded in 1884, the Franklin Life Insurance Co. remained an important force in Springfield’s economy into the 21st century. Franklin Life was founded  by a half-dozen central Illinois residents in 1884. They pledged to offer up to $3,000 in insurance … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, First Citizens, Prominent figures, Uncategorized | 117 Comments

The Globe Tavern, 1886 (photo)

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

The newlywed Abraham and Mary Lincoln rented a room in The Globe Tavern, 315 E. Adams St., from November 1842 until the next fall. Their oldest son Robert was born there. The photo above, from 1886, shows only a portion … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Hotels & taverns, Lincoln, Abraham, Presidents | Tagged | 2 Comments

Frank Godley’s Shoddy Manufactory

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Frank Godley (1841-1922), proprietor of the Springfield Shoddy Mills, was born in Yorkshire, England, where he became involved in woolen manufacture starting at 10 years old. He emigrated to the United States in 1864 and reached Springfield in 1867. Godley … Continue reading →

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Grace Lutheran Church

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Springfield was formally organized in the home of the Rev. Francis Springer on Sept. 19, 1841. Springer, who was born in Pennsylvania, had arrived in Springfield with his wife and daughter in May of 1839, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Churches, Early residents, Lincoln Home, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures | Tagged | 3 Comments

Nathaniel Van Noy

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

See First hanging.

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George Gregory

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

See First railroad engineer.

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