Category Archives: Lincoln, Abraham

Rev. Francis Springer

Posted on October 7, 2013 by editor

The Rev. Francis Springer (1810-92) is considered the father of Lutheranism in Springfield. A service he held in his home in 1841 led to the founding of the first Lutheran congregation in the city. That church later evolved into both … Continue reading →

Posted in Churches, Education, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures, Social services | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

John Todd Stuart

Posted on October 6, 2013 by editor

John Todd Stuart (1807-85) was Abraham Lincoln’s first law partner, a cousin of Mary Lincoln, a three-term U.S. representative and an influential resident of Springfield for 57 years. Stuart was born in Kentucky and moved to Springfield, already a lawyer, … Continue reading →

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Talisman steamboat

Posted on October 6, 2013 by editor

The Talisman, a “splendid upper cabin steamer,” left Cincinnati on Feb. 2, 1832, bound for Springfield via the Ohio, Mississippi, Illinois and — most importantly to central Illinoisans — the Sangamon rivers. The venture raised hopes that the Sangamon could … Continue reading →

Posted in Lincoln, Abraham, Sangamon River, Transportation | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Col. John Taylor (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 5, 2013 by editor

Col. John Taylor (1780-1849) was a pioneer merchant, land speculator and Sangamon County official, serving as the county’s first sheriff and as county treasurer during the 1820s. He was one of the four original proprietors of Springfield in 1824, along … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures, Sangamon County, Springfield | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Temple B’rith Sholom

Posted on October 5, 2013 by editor

Temple B’rith Sholom, Springfield’s Reform synagogue, began with 19 members in 1858. Originally called the Springfield Jewish Congregation, the group first met in a third-floor room at 216 S. Sixth St. It later moved to Hart’s Hall at 221 S. … Continue reading →

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Mariah Vance

Posted on October 5, 2013 by editor

Mariah Vance (1819-1904) is believed to have been a maid and housekeeper for Mary and Abraham Lincoln in Springfield from 1850 to 1860. She also was the alleged source of an inside look at the Lincoln family, published in 1995 as Lincoln’s … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Lincoln, Abraham | 3 Comments

John Williams (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 4, 2013 by editor

John Williams (1808-90) was an early Springfield merchant and later, according to his Illinois State Journal obituary, a banker, railroad developer, mine owner and farmer. A friend and political ally of Abraham Lincoln, Williams later was a member of the … Continue reading →

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Young gentlemen at cards, 1840s (photo)

Posted on October 3, 2013 by editor

The four card players in this photo, thought to have been taken between 1840 and 1845, are believed to be, from left: Zimri Enos, an engineer, attorney and surveyor who left personal reminiscences that are important to understanding Sangamon County’s pioneer … Continue reading →

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Erastus Wright

Posted on October 3, 2013 by editor

Erastus Wright (1779-1870) was a teacher, businessman, public official and farmer in a varied career spent mostly in central Illinois. He also was an early Springfield abolitionist and was one of Abraham Lincoln’s pallbearers. Wright was born in Massachusetts and traveled with … Continue reading →

Posted in Abolitionism, Churches, Early residents, Education, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures, Railroads | Tagged | 2 Comments

Edwards Place: Center of social life

Posted on April 18, 2013 by editor

In 1833, Dr. Thomas Houghan, an early Springfield physician, built a 1½-story brick house in a 14-acre grove of elm, walnut, and maple trees on the northern edge of Springfield. The home, greatly altered over the years, now is the … Continue reading →

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