Category Archives: Prominent figures

Ben F. Caldwell: politician, farmer, banker

Posted on February 7, 2017 by editor

Ben Franklin Caldwell (1848-1924) was a member of Congress and the Illinois legislature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He also was a farmer, banker and civic leader whose donations helped build schools in both Chatham and Thayer. … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Buildings, Business, Fires, Historic Sites, Politics, Prominent figures, Schools and school districts | 9 Comments

Women win civil service hiring rights in Illinois, 1920

Posted on January 23, 2017 by editor

Harriett Reid of Springfield placed first in the 1918 examination for arbitrator with the Illinois Industrial Commission. But when the commission decided to hire two more arbitrators in 1920, it advertised that it wanted men for both posts. That set … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Prominent figures, State government, Women | Leave a comment

Sangamon County Farm Bureau

Posted on December 16, 2016 by editor

The Sangamon County Farm Bureau was organized on Oct. 13, 1917, with a membership of 300 farmers, each of whom pledged to donate $10 toward the hiring of a county soil adviser. Sangamon County’s action was part of a wave … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Farming, Prominent figures | 2 Comments

Rural mail delivery begins, 1896

Posted on December 2, 2016 by editor

The first rural mail deliveries in Sangamon County – in fact, in all of Illinois – took place in the Auburn area on Dec. 10, 1896. Rural Free Delivery, as it became known, started as a nationwide experiment, one many … Continue reading →

Posted in Communities, Politics, Prominent figures | 9 Comments

‘Madame Brownie’ (bordello operator)

Posted on October 21, 2016 by editor

“Madame Brownie” (real name Augusta Kellogg) operated one of Springfield’s best-known houses of prostitution for more than 35 years. She was 80 years old when she died in 1915, possibly following an altercation with an intoxicated customer. Her Illinois State … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Law enforcement, Local government, Prominent figures, Women | 2 Comments

Tramping in Springfield, 1882

Posted on October 14, 2016 by editor

On March 12, 1882, “a rather dull day for the gatherer of items,” an anonymous Illinois State Journal reporter visited the Sangamon County Jail seeking news. He was directed to “an old thoroughbred tramp being entertained at present in our … Continue reading →

Posted in Journalism, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Italian immigration

Posted on October 10, 2016 by editor

More than 1,000 people paraded through downtown Springfield on Oct. 12, 1920, to celebrate Columbus Day. Floats depicted the Statue of Liberty, Christopher Columbus himself and Columbus’ flagship, the Santa Maria. Italian fraternal societies from Springfield, Virden and Decatur turned … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations, Coal mines and mining, Communities, Ethnic groups, Italians, Prominent figures | 12 Comments

Dineen family (hoteliers)

Posted on September 1, 2016 by editor

When Robert Dineen died in 1970, his obituary stated he had been an owner of the Palmer Hotel and the Illinois Hotel in downtown Springfield. Although not mentioned in the obituary, he also was the past president and a founding … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Hotels & taverns, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Olympics gold-medal winners from Sangamon County  

Posted on August 16, 2016 by editor

Olympics gold-medal winners from Sangamon County through 2016, as listed on Wikpedia, were: Ryan Held, Springfield: Men’s 4×100 freestyle relay (swimming), 2016. Graduate of Sacred Heart-Griffin High School. Andre Iguodala, Springfield: Basketball, 2012. Graduate of Lanphier High School, MVP of … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and vice, Prominent figures, Sports and recreation | 4 Comments

Alice Gilliland (Royal Neighbors of America)

Posted on August 14, 2016 by editor

Alice Gilliland (1863-1926) helped found the Royal Neighbors of America, the first “fraternal” benefit society to offer life insurance to women, and rose to become the group’s Supreme Oracle, its top post. Gilliland, who was among the first 500 members … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Prominent figures, Women | Leave a comment