Category Archives: Lincoln, Abraham

The Bunn family

Posted on October 31, 2013 by editor

Grocer Jacob Bunn Sr. (1814-97) and his younger brother John Whitfield Bunn (1831-1920) began a family whose energy and initiative have helped mold Springfield for more than 150 years.  Their business interests have ranged from the original Springfield Marine Bank … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, First Citizens, Historic Sites, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Ebenezer Capps (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 31, 2013 by editor

Ebenezer Capps (1797-1877), a native of London, England, operated a grocery on Jefferson Street west of First Street in 1828 Springfield, according to John Todd Stuart’s later recollections. (Capps’ store is listed as No. 12 on the reconstructed map of … Continue reading →

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Jabez Capps (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 31, 2013 by editor

Jabez Capps (1796-1896), one of several energetic siblings who made their marks in both the U.S. and England, was a prominent merchant between 1819, when he arrived in Sangamon County, until 1836, when he moved away and helped found the … Continue reading →

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Cathedral Church of St. Paul

Posted on October 30, 2013 by editor

What became today’s Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Springfield began as “a handful of Episcopalians” and occasional services held by a Jacksonville pastor in 1832. The Parish of St. Paul’s was formally organized, with 19 parishioners, on June 19, 1835. … Continue reading →

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First Baptist Church

Posted on October 30, 2013 by editor

Central Baptist Church, 501 S. Fourth St. in Springfield, lays claim to the heritage of Springfield’s original Baptist congregation, which was formed by eight members on July 17, 1830. The church originally was known as First Baptist Church of Springfield. … Continue reading →

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Cook’s Hall

Posted on October 29, 2013 by editor

Cook’s Hall, at 122 S. Sixth St. on the east side of the downtown square, was Springfield’s main venue for meetings, speeches and entertainment from 1858 to 1863. It was also known as Illiopolitan Hall. Abraham Lincoln spoke there a … Continue reading →

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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

The Globe Tavern, 1886 (photo)

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

The newlywed Abraham and Mary Lincoln rented a room in The Globe Tavern, 315 E. Adams St., from November 1842 until the next fall. Their oldest son Robert was born there. The photo above, from 1886, shows only a portion … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Hotels & taverns, Lincoln, Abraham, Presidents | Tagged | 2 Comments

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

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