Category Archives: Uncategorized

First Baptist Church, New Berlin

See First Baptist Church, Springfield.

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North Baptist Church

See First Baptist Church.

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Central Baptist Church

See First Baptist Church. 

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Jesse Cormack (1828 pioneers)

Jesse Cormack was an early resident of Springfield, operating a tinner shop on Jefferson Street west of First Street in 1828, according to John Todd Stuart. In 1838, Cormack also was one of 101 city residents who pledged a total … Continue reading

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Early Springfield (Barringer map)

The map at right was created for Dr. Floyd Barringer’s 1971 booklet Tour of Historic Springfield. Fever River Research, in its  Aristocracy Hill  and Enos Park surveys, along with its archaeological survey prior to construction of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential … Continue reading

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Franklin Life Insurance Co.

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

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Nathaniel Van Noy

See First hanging.

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George Gregory

See First railroad engineer.

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Lanphier Park

See Robin Roberts Stadium.

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Illinois State Library, circa 1900 (photo)

The Illinois State Library was founded in 1839 by then-Secretary of State Stephen Douglas, who reserved space for it next to his new office in what is now the Old Capitol State Historic Site. Abraham Lincoln, who used the library … Continue reading

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