Category Archives: Early residents

The Kickapoo

Posted on October 21, 2013 by editor

When Europeans began moving into Central Illinois in the early 1800s, the Kickapoo were the dominant Native American tribe, holding sway from north of present-day Peoria to near St. Louis and east to west across Illinois. “I am a Kickapoo,” … Continue reading →

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Philip Latham (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 21, 2013 by editor

Philip C. Latham (1804-44) was listed as a clerk in James Henry’s store at First and Jefferson streets in 1828, according to John Todd Stuart’s later remembrances. (The store is No. 13 on the reconstructed map of 1828 Springfield.) However, … Continue reading →

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Lincoln Home neighborhood

Posted on October 16, 2013 by editor

Although the Lincoln family home at Eighth and Jackson streets in Springfield reflected Abraham Lincoln’s status as a prominent attorney and politician, the National Park Service points out that the neighborhood surrounding the home was a diverse one. The following … Continue reading →

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Charles Matheny (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 16, 2013 by editor

Charles R. Matheny (1786-1839), was a prominent political and religious leader in Sangamon County’s earliest days. Born in Virginia, Matheny was ordained a Methodist minister and studied law in Kentucky. He was elected to the Illinois territorial legislature from St. … Continue reading →

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Mechanics and Farmers Bank

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

Although it is mentioned briefly in Paul Angle’s Here I Have Lived: A History of Lincoln’s Springfield, little is known about the short-lived Mechanics and Farmers Bank of Springfield. The bank was created in the late summer of 1852, when … Continue reading →

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John Todd Stuart’s memoir of Springfield

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

John Todd Stuart (1807-85) was Abraham Lincoln’s mentor and first law partner. He served three terms in both the Illinois General Assembly and U.S. Congress. Stuart, who arrived in Springfield from Kentucky in 1828, described the community as he found … Continue reading →

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Zimri Enos’ memoir of early Springfield

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

Zimri Enos (1821-1907), the son of Pascal and Salome Paddock Enos, came to Springfield with his family at age two. He became a lawyer, engineer, surveyor and property developer and served as a Springfield city alderman and member of the … Continue reading →

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Mildred Park (Bunn Park)

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

Mildred Park had rides, a swimming, boating and fishing lagoon with a suspension bridge and other attractions. The area is now Bunn Park. The suspension bridge was the site of a near-tragedy on Aug. 16,1905, when one of its cables … Continue reading →

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Mordecai Mobley (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

Mordecai Mobley was an early merchant who had a store on Jefferson Street west of First Street, according to John Todd Stuart’s recollection of 1828 Springfield. (The store is listed as No. 11 on the reconstructed map of 1828 Springfield.) … Continue reading →

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Lucretia (‘Aunt Cressy’) Moore (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

Lucretia (“Aunt Cressy” or “Aunt Creecy”) Moore, “a woman of colour,” paid $25 to buy a lot at the northeast corner of Fourth and Washington streets from Elijah Iles in 1827. John Todd Stuart remembered her living there in 1828. … Continue reading →

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