Author Archives: editor

Earl Owen Fay (Lincoln Tomb custodian)

Posted on May 8, 2015 by editor

Earl Owen Fay was the fourth custodian of the Lincoln Tomb, a post held only from early 1949, when he succeeded his father, Herbert, until he resigned in mid-1950.

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Edward S. Johnson (Lincoln Tomb custodian)

Posted on May 8, 2015 by editor

Edward S. Johnson was the second custodian of the Lincoln Tomb, a position he held from 1895 until 1921.

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Lincoln Tomb custodians, 1874-1975

Posted on May 8, 2015 by editor

Five men served as custodians of the Lincoln Tomb in the century from 1874, when the still-incomplete tomb was dedicated, and 1975, when tomb management was reorganized. They were: *John Carroll Power (1819-94), a Kentucky native and failed farmer, was … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Histories, Lincoln Tomb, Museums, Presidents, Prominent figures | 3 Comments

Robert Irwin (Lincoln banker & friend)

Posted on April 30, 2015 by editor

On May 18, 1861, President Abraham Lincoln wrote to Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase about an “old friend who has served me all my life, and who has never before received or asked anything in return.” The friend, Robert Irwin, … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Historic Sites, Lincoln, Abraham, Politics, Presidents, Prominent figures, Social life | Leave a comment

Bobby Watson (movies’ Hitler)

Posted on April 24, 2015 by editor

Bobby Watson (1888-1965), born Robert Kuecher in Springfield, portrayed Adolf Hitler in movies more times (nine) than any other Hollywood actor. The most  colorful account of Watson’s show business career is his IMDB biography, which says Watson got his showbiz start at … Continue reading →

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Two days in May: The funeral of Abraham Lincoln

Posted on April 22, 2015 by editor

As the funeral train carrying the coffin of President Abraham Lincoln pulled into Springfield’s Chicago & Alton station the morning of May 3, 1865, dozens of special trains had already disgorged visitors from all points of the compass. Thousands more … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Historic Sites, John T. Stuart, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Railroads | 2 Comments

Church bingo controversy, 1949

Posted on April 15, 2015 by editor

Regular bingo games held by supporters of the former Cathedral Boys High School became the focus of a dispute between the Springfield Catholic diocese and newly elected Sangamon County State’s Attorney George Coutrakon in 1949. See George P. Coutrakon, prosecutor.

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J. Waldo Ackerman

Posted on April 15, 2015 by editor

J. Waldo Ackerman, later a federal judge, played major roles in the investigations of corruption allegations against state officials Orville Hodge in the 1950s and Paul Powell in the 1970s. See George Coutrakon, prosecutor. Also see Ackerman’s comments in the … Continue reading →

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George P. Coutrakon, prosecutor

Posted on April 15, 2015 by editor

Prosecutor George P. Coutrakon (1906-99) was a strict constructionist when it came to cleaning up vice-ridden Sangamon County following World War II – even when that meant challenging the Catholic church. Nelson Howarth, who was an assistant to Coutrakon in … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Greeks, Local government, Prominent figures | 1 Comment

Sgt. Joseph M. Hall (World War I)

Posted on April 12, 2015 by editor

Sgt. Joseph M. Hall, killed on Armistice Day, 1918, is co-namesake of Hall-Hagler Chapter 15, Disabled American Veterans.

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