Category Archives: Prominent figures

Henry Stephens: miner, Carl Sandburg muse

Henry Stephens was an African-American coal miner in central Illinois from the 1890s into the early 20th century. Poet Carl Sandburg talked to Stephens sometime around 1917 and turned Stephens’ thoughts about racism in the mines and the need for … Continue reading

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Robert Lincoln’s letter regarding the Lincoln Tomb, 1901 (photos)

The letter shown here is part of an online exhibit, “The 100 Most Valuable Documents at the Illinois State Archives.” Robert Todd Lincoln, only surviving son of President Abraham Lincoln, wrote it to Gov. Richard Yates Jr. in June 1901, … Continue reading

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John W. Sturdy, Rochester’s Confederate veteran

This entry is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in the May 2025 edition of The Prairie Land Buzz Magazine. Copyright Raymond Bruzan. Published with permission. Contributor: Raymond Bruzan A Virginia-born soldier who fought for the Confederacy … Continue reading

Posted in Communities, Military, Prominent figures | 3 Comments

Henrietta Ulrich, businesswoman

Henrietta Ulrich, the story goes, sold her fabulous pearl necklace to buy what became the near west side of Springfield. Sadly, the story probably isn’t true. As a young woman, Ulrich (1797-1887) hobnobbed with Russian aristocrats and married into German … Continue reading

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Buraldine Crumly, Miss Illinois 1929

Buraldine Crumly was the toast of Springfield in 1929. Crumly, 19, a telephone operator, won the title of Miss Springfield in a hastily arranged beauty pageant on May 24, 1929. In Chicago the next day, she was named Miss Illinois. … Continue reading

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C.W. Post, creator of the breakfast cereal busineess

Springfield native Charles W. Post created the breakfast cereal industry and made a fortune. He was charismatic and innovative. He also suffered from lifelong illnesses, physical and mental, that both contributed to his success and eventually drove him to suicide. … Continue reading

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‘Mayor of Bronzeville’ election, 1939

This entry has been updated. See “Hat tip” below. The 1939 election for “mayor of Bronzeville” was designed to “encourage good sportsmanship and develop leadership among the young colored male residents” of Springfield, organizers said. The election was purely a … Continue reading

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Island Grove United Methodist Church

Island Grove United Methodist Church, located on Old Jacksonville Road two miles west of Berlin, was founded as a church by the Island Grove Society in 1822. In its earliest days, the congregation was serviced by circuit-riding preachers. According to … Continue reading

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Springfield city charter brawl, 1840

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

Springfield’s Ku Klux Klan legislator, 1920s

James H. Ashby didn’t mention his Ku Klux Klan membership when he ran for a seat in the Illinois House in 1924. But it was no secret – Ashby had already been identified in two lawsuits as one of the … Continue reading

Posted in Politics, Prominent figures, State government | 2 Comments