Category Archives: Local government

City Water, Light and Power Lakeside Facility (Fever River)

Posted on October 30, 2013 by editor

Floyd Mansberger and Christopher Stratton of Fever River Research completed a study in 2012 of City Water, Light and Power’s Lakeside Facility — both electric and water plants — preparatory to applying for designation by the National Register of Historic … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Fever River, Local government | Tagged | Leave a comment

Desegregation of the Illinois State Armory

Posted on October 29, 2013 by editor

Springfield journalist and activist Simeon Osby  (1909-93) was among a group of African Americans who forced indifferent white officials to open all seating areas in the Illinois State Armory to anyone. Previously, blacks had been relegated to upper areas of … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Amusements, Buildings, Ethnic groups, Journalism, Local government, Prominent figures, Sports and recreation | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Dr. Garret Elkin (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

Dr. Garrett Elkin, who moved to Sangamon County from Kentucky in 1823, “was a man of considerable courage,” serving for six years as county sheriff and in the Black Hawk, Mormon and Mexican wars, according to the History of Medical … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Law enforcement, Local government, Military, Politics, Prominent figures | Tagged | 2 Comments

Andrew Elliott (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

Andrew Elliott (1792-1864) kept what John Carroll Power called the first hotel in Springfield. However, his main claim to (probably apocryphal) fame was as the guide who secured the county seat for Springfield. According to Power, Elliott, originally from North … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Hotels & taverns, Local government, Prominent figures, Sangamon County, Springfield | 2 Comments

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 →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Local government, Prominent figures, Women | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Federal court opinion on commission government (1987)

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

U.S. Judge Harold Baker ruled on Jan. 12, 1987, that the effect of commission government in the city of Springfield had been to “submerge” African Americans as a voting minority and had made it practically impossible for a black person … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Ethnic groups, Law enforcement, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures, Springfield | Leave a comment

The Grand Avenues

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Springfield’s four Grand Avenues — North Grand, South Grand, East Grand and West Grand — made their first appearance in Springfield city directories in 1866. (South Grand Avenue existed earlier, under the name “Township Avenue.”) West Grand Avenue was renamed … Continue reading →

Posted in Local government, Transportation | Tagged , | 2 Comments

William Hamilton

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

William S. Hamilton (1797-1850), a son of U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton, lived in Springfield from about 1822 to 1827. He worked as deputy surveyor in the land office and as a merchant and lawyer. As a surveyor, Hamilton was … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures | Tagged | Leave a comment

Archer Herndon (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Archer G. Herndon Sr. (1795-1867) was one of the “Long Nine,” including Abraham Lincoln, who are credited with persuading the Illinois legislature to move the state capital from Vandalia to Springfield in 1837. Archer Herndon also was the father of William … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Hotels & taverns, Illinois capital, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Maps, Politics, Prominent figures, State government | Tagged , , | 2 Comments