Category Archives: Politics

Ku Klux Klan, 1920s

Posted on March 5, 2014 by editor

The high point of Ku Klux Klan activity in Sangamon County probably was a parade from the Statehouse to the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Oct. 11, 1924. About 2,000 Klan members participated in the march, the Illinois State Journal reported … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Politics, Schools and school districts, Spectacles, State government | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

James Adams (1828 pioneers)

Posted on November 8, 2013 by editor

James Adams (1783-1843), was a New Yorker who arrived in Springfield in 1821, apparently in flight from a forgery indictment in his native state. Adams found himself involved in controversy — legal, political, and marital — in Illinois as well. … Continue reading →

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

Women’s suffrage in Illinois

Posted on November 4, 2013 by editor

A carefully calibrated legislative strategy in Springfield led to Illinois becoming, in 1913, the first state east of the Mississippi to grant women the right to vote. On June 10, 1919, the state then became the first in the nation … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois capital, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts, State government, Women | 5 Comments

Col. Otis B. Duncan

Posted on October 29, 2013 by editor

Lt. Col. Otis B. Duncan (1873-1937) was the highest-ranking black officer to serve in the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe in World War I. He was awarded the French Croix de Guerre for his war service. Duncan, who came from … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Military, Politics, Prominent figures, Race riot of 1908 | 1 Comment

Dr. Garret Elkin (1828 pioneers)

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

Dr. Garrett Elkin, who moved to Sangamon County from Kentucky in 1823, “was a man of considerable courage,” serving for six years as county sheriff and in the Black Hawk, Mormon and Mexican wars, according to the History of Medical … Continue reading →

Posted in Early residents, Law enforcement, Local government, Military, Politics, Prominent figures | Tagged | 2 Comments

Federal court opinion on commission government (1987)

Posted on October 28, 2013 by editor

U.S. Judge Harold Baker ruled on Jan. 12, 1987, that the effect of commission government in the city of Springfield had been to “submerge” African Americans as a voting minority and had made it practically impossible for a black person … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Ethnic groups, Law enforcement, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures, Springfield | Leave a comment

William Hamilton

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

William S. Hamilton (1797-1850), a son of U.S. founding father Alexander Hamilton, lived in Springfield from about 1822 to 1827. He worked as deputy surveyor in the land office and as a merchant and lawyer. As a surveyor, Hamilton was … Continue reading →

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Gen. James Henry

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

James D. Henry (1797-1834), gained the title of “General” via his acknowledged exceptional leadership during the Black Hawk War of 1832. Henry, who arrived in Springfield in 1826, was elected sheriff in 1827 and was operating a store on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Early residents, Maps, Military, Native Americans, Politics | Tagged | Leave a comment

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

Illinois governors (list)

Posted on October 23, 2013 by editor

Jay Robert “JB” Pritzker, a Democrat, took office as the 43rd governor of Illinois in 2019. Previous governors, with party affiliation and years in office (reverse order) Bruce Rauner (Republican), 2015-19 Patrick Quinn (Democrat) 2009-15 Rod Blagojevich (D), 2003-09 George … Continue reading →

Posted in Illinois capital, Politics, State government | Tagged | Leave a comment