Category Archives: Prominent figures

Rabbi Barry Marks (First Citizen)

Posted on October 16, 2013 by editor

Barry Marks, rabbi at Temple Israel in Springfield, was named Springfield’s First Citizen in 2011. (Image from award plaque, left) Marks was honored for more than 30 years of community involvement, including helping to found the Greater Springfield Interfaith Association … 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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Guy Mathis

Posted on October 16, 2013 by editor

Guy Mathis (1866-1932) was a ground-breaking photographer and automobile entrepreneur in Springfield. Mathis is best remembered today for his photography.  In addition to opening the city’s first camera shop in the late 18990s, Mathis took hundreds of photos himself, with … Continue reading →

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Gov. Joel Matteson mansion

Posted on October 15, 2013 by editor

Springfield’s most elaborate early dwelling was that of former governor Joel Matteson (1808-73; governor, 1853-57). Matteson had moved into the then-new Executive Mansion during his gubernatorial term, but found it to be “dull and unfashionable.” So, Paul Angle reported in … 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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Myers Brothers Department Store

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

“The Store That Quality Built” began with Morris Myers, an immigrant from Germany who opened a general store in Athens in 1858. Myers moved his store to Springfield in 1865. Morris Myers died in 1873, leaving sons Albert, Louis and … Continue reading →

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Albert Myers Jr. (First Citizen)

Posted on October 14, 2013 by editor

Albert Myers Jr. (1917-2005), part of the second-generation family management of the Myers Brothers Department Store, was named Springfield’s First Citizen in 1973. His award citation noted Myers’ leadership in both business and charitable activity. Myers served as president of … Continue reading →

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