Category Archives: African Americans

Sangamon Ordnance Plant

Posted on July 7, 2015 by editor

Dozens of seemingly out-of-place structures dot farm fields west of Illiopolis, the last reminders of what once was one of the U.S.’s largest producers of World War II artillery ammunition. From 1942 to 1945, the Sangamon Ordnance Plant produced 24 … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Agriculture, Buildings, Communities, Disasters, Industry, Military, Transportation, Women | 47 Comments

Rebecca Woods (servant)

Posted on May 31, 2015 by editor

Rebecca Woods was a longtime servant of the Nicholas Ridgely family and is buried in the Ridgely plot at Oak Ridge Cemetery. See Ridgely family.

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Ridgely family

Posted on May 31, 2015 by editor

Nicholas Ridgely, a Maryland native who moved to Sangamon County in 1835, was the father of 13 children by two wives (both named Jane). Here is a look at several Ridgelys who played prominent roles in 19th-century Springfield. *Nicholas Ridgely … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Business, Industry, Local government, Prominent figures, Railroads | 6 Comments

Lewis Martin, 29th U.S. Colored Troops

Posted on May 11, 2015 by editor

This entry has been updated — ed. Lewis Martin (1840-92) was a free Black man who served in the 29th regiment U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War. He was severely wounded in the Battle of the Crater before Petersburg, … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Military | 4 Comments

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

Nelson Howarth (Springfield mayor)

Posted on March 7, 2015 by editor

Nelson Howarth (1911-91) was the colorful, combative mayor of Springfield for three terms between 1955 and 1971. During his administrations, Springfield was named an All American city, city boundaries were greatly expanded, and the city initiated construction of a new … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Crime and vice, Law enforcement, Lincoln Home, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures, Springfield | 7 Comments

Artie Matthews (ragtime composer)

Posted on November 7, 2014 by editor

Acclaimed ragtime composer Artie Matthews apparently got his start as a musician in the bars and bordellos of Springfield’s old Levee district. After composing such ragtime classics as Weary Blues — later recorded by, among others, Louis Armstrong, King Oliver … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Arts and letters | Leave a comment

William Washington (African-American history interviews)

Posted on September 21, 2014 by editor

Born in Springfield, William Washington graduated from Lanphier High School and Springfield Junior College.  He held various jobs until he started the Springfield’s Voice newspaper in 1972.  In an interview for the Springfield African-American History Foundation series, Washington talked about … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Journalism, Media, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Carmelita Hogan Washington (African-American history interviews)

Posted on September 21, 2014 by editor

Springfield native Carmelita Hogan Washington, a graduate of Feitshans High School and Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, worked in human resources at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and Sangamon State/University of Illinois Springfield. In an interview for the Springfield African-American History … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Education, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Peggie Senor (African-American history interviews)

Posted on September 21, 2014 by editor

Peggie Senor attended Feitshans High School and Springfield Junior College and married Clarence Senor in 1952; they had seven children. She later was ordained as an Elder in her church and served the ministry in various ways in Springfield and … Continue reading →

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