Category Archives: Railroads

Erastus Wright

Posted on October 3, 2013 by editor

Erastus Wright (1779-1870) was a teacher, businessman, public official and farmer in a varied career spent mostly in central Illinois. He also was an early Springfield abolitionist and was one of Abraham Lincoln’s pallbearers. Wright was born in Massachusetts and traveled with … Continue reading →

Posted in Abolitionism, Churches, Early residents, Education, Lincoln, Abraham, Prominent figures, Railroads | Tagged | 2 Comments

Buffalo

Posted on April 7, 2013 by editor

Buffalo, founded as a station on the Wabash Railroad, was platted in 1854  and incorporated as a village in 1872. Entrepreneur Josiah Green built the first house in what later became Buffalo in 1848; it was used as a boarding … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Communities, Railroads, Transportation | 1 Comment

Riverton

Posted on April 7, 2013 by editor

Like many early towns, the village of Riverton’s proximity to the Sangamon River contributed to its beginnings. A ferry across the Sangamon, operated by Ezikiel Judd, was the first enterprise in the area. He later transferred the ferry to his … Continue reading →

Posted in Amusements, Coal mines and mining, Communities, Early residents, Lincoln, Abraham, Local government, Mills, Railroads, Sangamon River, Schools and school districts, Sports and recreation, Transportation | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments