Monthly Archives: January 2025

Springfield city charter brawl, 1840

Posted on January 19, 2025 by editor

A brawl between two of Springfield’s leading citizens enlivened the 1840 election that converted the community from a town to a city. The fight was over who should be allowed to vote in the referendum. The combatants were Dr. Alexander … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures, Springfield | Leave a comment

Five-minute murder verdict, 1930

Posted on January 13, 2025 by editor

A jury turned in the fastest murder verdict in Sangamon County history on June 18, 1930. It took jurors only five minutes to rule that Ulysses Brazier, accused of murdering three men and then burning their bodies, was not guilty. … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Crime and vice, Law enforcement | 2 Comments

Springfield market house, 1832-1880

Posted on January 7, 2025 by editor

When residents of early Springfield wanted fresh meat or vegetables, the city market house was the place to go. But you had to get up early. City fathers decided in 1832 to build a market house, a central point where … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Business, Early residents, Grocery markets, Local government, Uncategorized | Leave a comment