Category Archives: Prominent figures

Franklin Life Insurance Co.

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Founded in 1884, the Franklin Life Insurance Co. remained an important force in Springfield’s economy into the 21st century. Franklin Life was founded  by a half-dozen central Illinois residents in 1884. They pledged to offer up to $3,000 in insurance … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Business, First Citizens, Prominent figures, Uncategorized | 103 Comments

Frank Godley’s Shoddy Manufactory

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

Frank Godley (1841-1922), proprietor of the Springfield Shoddy Mills, was born in Yorkshire, England, where he became involved in woolen manufacture starting at 10 years old. He emigrated to the United States in 1864 and reached Springfield in 1867. Godley … Continue reading →

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Grace Lutheran Church

Posted on October 27, 2013 by editor

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Springfield was formally organized in the home of the Rev. Francis Springer on Sept. 19, 1841. Springer, who was born in Pennsylvania, had arrived in Springfield with his wife and daughter in May of 1839, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buildings, Churches, Early residents, Lincoln Home, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures | Tagged | 3 Comments

Elizabeth Graham (First Citizen)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

Elizabeth Graham (1892-1982), though a Springfield High School English teacher and department head for nearly 40 years, is best known for her unswerving dedication to the poetry and memory of Vachel Lindsay. Graham. born in Galena, attended a Lindsay recitation … Continue reading →

Posted in Arts and letters, Education, First Citizens, Historic Sites, Lindsay, Vachel, Museums, Prominent figures, Women | 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 →

Posted in Early residents, Local government, Politics, Prominent figures | Tagged | Leave a comment

David Hammons (MacArthur Fellow)

Posted on October 26, 2013 by editor

David Hammons, born in Springfield in 1943, is an acclaimed New York-based artist, performance artist and sculptor who received a MacArthur Fellowship (sometimes called a “genius grant”) in 1991. According to artnet, “Hammons’s work speaks of cultural overtones; employing provocative materials … Continue reading →

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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

Hickox Mill

Posted on October 25, 2013 by editor

The Hickox Mill was located on Spring Creek, near modern-day Veterans Parkway north of Jefferson Street in Springfield. Abraham Lanterman submitted the first mill dam application ever in Sangamon County to the Commissioners’ Court in December 1823, but in May … Continue reading →

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Virgil Hickox

Posted on October 25, 2013 by editor

Virgil Hickox (1806-80) was a Springfield merchant, mill operator and bank and railroad investor. He also was a close friend of Stephen Douglas and managed Douglas’ successful 1858 U.S. Senate campaign against Abraham Lincoln. Hickox, a New York native, arrived … Continue reading →

Posted in Historic Sites, Mills, Prominent figures | Leave a comment

Ambidexter Institute

Posted on October 25, 2013 by editor

The Ambidexter Institute was a private “industrial school” that operated from 1901 until 1908 at 902 S. 12th St. (As of 2014, the building, generally known as the Judge John Taylor House, was in disrepair, but the Springfield Project, a … Continue reading →

Posted in African Americans, Education, Historic Sites, Prominent figures | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment