Category Archives: Early residents

Pascal P. Enos (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

Pascal Paoli Enos (1770-1832) was one of the four original owners of the land that eventually became the city of Springfield, and, as receiver in the Springfield land office, he played an influential role in the growth of the area. … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Local government, Prominent figures | 1 Comment

Salome Paddock Enos (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

Salome Paddock Enos (1791-1877), the wife of Pascal P. Enos, successfully managed her husband’s extensive land holdings following his death and became one of early Springfield’s most generous benefactors. At her death, James Matheny described how Salome Enos dealt with … Continue reading →

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Fancy Grove

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

One of the earliest but least known settlements in Sangamon County was the community of Fancy Grove. Located along the headwaters of Fancy Creek about three miles southwest of Williamsville, Fancy Grove was unique in that most of its residents … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Early residents, Mills | 4 Comments

First United Methodist Church

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

Early settler Charles Matheny had been an ordained Methodist circuit preacher in Kentucky, so it was only natural that he should start holding services in his home shortly after arriving in Springfield. Springfield’s First United Methodist Church considers that it … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Early residents | Tagged | 3 Comments

First Presbyterian Church

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

The Sangamon Presbyterian Church, now First Presbyterian Church, was founded by the Rev. John Ellis on Jan. 23, 1828. The energetic Rev. John Bergen soon became the church’s first permanent pastor, and he initiated plans to construct a church building. … Continue reading →

Posted in Abolitionism, Churches, Early residents, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Levi and Garner Goodan (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Levi Goodan captained a company of militia, part of the Fourth Regiment of Whiteside’s Brigade, in the Black Hawk War. Among the regiment’s other three company commanders was Abraham Lincoln. Levi and his wife, Garner , lived in 1828 in … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Early residents, Military | 1 Comment

William Fleurville (Florville)

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

William Fleurville (1807-1868) was a Haitian-born barber and businessman whose shop on Adams Street between Fifth and Sixth streets became a regular meeting place for Springfieldians, including Abraham Lincoln. The spelling of Fleurville’s last name is inconsistent; he often used … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Business, Early residents, Ethnic groups, Prominent figures | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

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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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

Groves

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Groves of mature hardwood trees figured frequently in the history of Sangamon County. Robert Pulliam, considered the first European inhabitant of  the county, set up his first encampment in a grove of sugar maples on what became known as Sugar … Continue reading →

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