Monday, March 12, 2007

LINCOLN’S SPRINGFIELD

1838

Richard E. Hart


Springfield Government


Charles R. Matheny was President of the Board of Trustees in the year 1838.

The Town Trustees for the year 1838 were:

Samuel H. Treat
William Butler
Joseph Klein
Peleg C. Canedy
Philip C. Latham



The January 20, 1838 Journal reported that the heirs of Edward Mitchell were defendants in a chancery suit.[1]

On January 27, 1838, Abraham Lincoln spoke before the Young Men’s Lyceum on the topic of “The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions”. His theme, the danger of mobs and the value and necessity of law and order, was probably prompted by the Alton riot which caused the death of Elijah P. Lovejoy in November, 1837, though he makes only slight reference to it.[2]

On Monday, January 29, 1838, Abraham Lincoln filed the complaint in Cromwell v. Taylor.[3]

Estate of Frank Shelby: Report of Sale of Real Estate

On January 30, 1838, James Frazier Reed, administrator of the estate of Frank Shelby reported to the court that on January 19, 1838, he had sold Frank’s west half of Lot No. Six (6) in Block No. Twelve 12 on East Washington Street to James Keyes, the highest bidder at $552. The property must have been improved with a residence as the sale price of $552 was much more than the price of a forty-foot lot. Keys gave two promissory notes for $275 each, the one payable in 6 and the other in 12 months together with a mortgage on the lot to secure the payment of the notes.[4]

William Herndon Leaves Illinois College and Returns to Springfield

On my return to Springfield from college, I hired to Joshua F. Speed as clerk in his store. My salary, seven hundred dollars per annum, was considered good pay. Speed, Lincoln, Charles R. Hurst, and I slept in the room upstairs over the store. I had worked for Speed before going to college, and after hiring to him this time again, continued in his employ for several years. The young men who congregated about the store formed a society for the encouragement of debate and other literary efforts. Sometimes we would meet in a lawyer’s office and often in Speed’s room. Besides the debates, poems and other original productions were read. Unfortunately we ruled out the ladies. ... I have forgotten the name of the society--if it had any---and can only recall a few of its leading spirits. Lincoln, James Matheny, Noah Rickard, Evan Butler, Milton Hay, and Newton Francis were members. I joined also. Matheney was secretary. We were favored with all sorts of literary productions.[5]


On February 12, 1838, there was an election for justice of the peace and constable. Lincoln voted for Francis Taylor for justice of peace. Marvellous Eastham, Democrat, was elected 236 to 198. Lincoln voted for Edward Stapelford who was elected constable.[6]


On February 24, 1838, the Journal announced, “We are authorized to announce A. Lincoln, as a candidate for the State Legislature”.[7]



There are interesting 1838 documents relating to Elijah Iles and Isaac, the 46 year-old slave of Elijah Iles’ father, Thomas Iles of Bath County, Kentucky. Apparently Isaac was given his liberty by Thomas and in January of 1838 permitted to travel to Springfield to live with Elijah and his brother Washington. To secure safe passage, Thomas Isles wrote the following document, which was then filed by Elijah with the court upon Isaac’s arrival in Springfield.[8]

Please to let my Black Man Isaac pass on to Springfield, Sangamon County in the State of Illinois (in which place I have two sons living (to wit) Elijah and Washington Iles.

Given under my had this 1st day of January 1838.
Thomas Iles living in Bath County
and State of Kentucky.

Mon. Mar. 5, 1838. The following papers were presented by Elijah Iles and ordered to be spread upon the record.
Mathew Markland

Bath County, Ky.
Jan. 2, 1838

Dear Sir:

My black man Isaac is just about starting to Illinois. I have gave him his liberty, he will pass through Maysville and as he tells me he is acquainted with you I wish you to see the Capt. Of the Boat he goes on and let him know he is a free man and is going on to Springfield to my sons (to wit) Elijah and Washington Iles, if the boat should not be going on immediately from Maysville to St. Louis do speak to the Capt. To put him on some boat that will be going to St. Louis where he must land and take stage for Springfield. Isaac is very orderly honest fellow and has been as faithful a servant as ever lived for which reason I give him his liberty. Dear Sir, your compliance to this will ever oblige your friend,

Thos. Iles.

MB
Perhaps it would be well for you to give back to him this letter, it would strengthen his pass.

Maysville, Jan., 4 1838

This note from my friend Thos. Iles by his boy Isaac came to hand this day. It may be of service to boy Isaac to which allusion is made. I have known Maj. Thos. Iles for upwards of twenty years. I have seen him write and the within signature I believe to be his and the intentions of emancipating as expressed are his. I have known the bearer Isaac as long as I have known his master and also the sons of Major Iles (to wit) Elijah and Washington and know that they reside in or near Springfield, Illinois

Mathew Markland.

State of Kentucky ) Mayors office City of Maysville, to wit:
County of Mason )

I Chas. B. Williams, mayor of the city of Maysville do certify that the foregoing certificate of Mathew Markland is genuine and so acknowledged by him before me and I further certify that full faith and credit is due any statement that he has made relative to his knowledge of Thomas Iles. Given my hand and seal of office this 4th Jany. 1838,

Chas. B. Williams

Upon Isaac’s arrival in Springfield sometime in February of 1838, Elijah Iles filed the above documents with the County Commissioners Court and posted a bond to secure his promise to the State of Illinois that Isaac would not “become a charge to this or any other county in this state.”

Know all men by these presents that I Elijah Iles am held and firmly bound unto the People of the State of Illinois in the penal sum of one thousand dollars lawful money of the United States for the payment of which will and truly to be made I bind myself, my heirs, executors firmly by these presents. Witness my hand and seal this 20th day of February, 1838.

Now the condition of the above obligation is this that whereas I the said Elijah Iles have brought to the State of Illinois, Sangamon County, a black man by the name of Isaac about the age of 46 years who is now by the operation of the laws of this state emancipated now I do in pursuance of the 3rd Section of the Act of March 30, 1819 (GET THIS), bind myself that the said black man Isaac shall never become a charge to this or any other county in this state.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set
my hand and seal this day and year above written.

Elijah Iles.[9]


Moralists had not seriously challenged the amateur dramatics of the Thespian Society, but when professionals made their appearance there was consternation among them. Isherwood and MacKenzie, the experienced producers who fitted up the dining room of Major Iles’ new American House for a series of plays to commence in February, 1838, must have been aware of the criticism they would encounter, and doubtless had something to do with the newspaper puffs which began to appear-brief items calling attention to the way in which the theatrical company emphasized “the beauties of virtue and the hatefulness of vice.”[10]

To one such comment, signed “Philo Drama,” a writer in the Illinois Republican replied with an intemperate screed in which all the prejudices of the rigid moralists found expression. “I challenge Philo Drama to point to the spot where Christianity has looked with a tolerating eye upon the stage,” he proclaimed ... . . . it is a school of vice, a hotbed of iniquity, a pander to pollution and death. . . . Does Philo Drama wish Springfield to become what some of the eastern cities are-a sink of pollution, a hole of every foul spirit? The stage has always flourished in proportion to the increase of corruption and depravity in society. . . . The theatre, above all other places, is the spot where the bonds of virtue are first loosened, and finally dissolved.”

February 26,1838-March 24, 1838 Illinois Theatrical Company, Historical Journal, p. 160 Summer 2000

Mrs. Sarah Amos, born on June 13, 1793 in Washington County, Maryland,[11] first married Phillip Swingley. They had two children and Mr. Swingley died. Mrs. Swingley was married the second time, August 2, 1810, to James Amos. They had two children, and James died February 6, 1823, in Maryland. Mrs. Amos came with her children to Sangamon County, arriving on March 1, 1838 in Springfield. Her children arriving with her were: Barbara E. Swingley and Barbara’s daughter, Virginia.[12]


On March 1, 1838, Joshua F. Amos married Julia A. Hay, daughter of John Hay.[13]


The March 3, 1838 Journal reported that Jabez Capps’ lots had been sold for taxes.[14]


On March 3, 1838, the Journal reported that lots of Mack Shelby were sold for taxes.[15]

Legal descriptions and location.

Titus Kirkpatrick’s Lots Sold For Taxes

On March 3, 1838, the Journal reported that Titus Kirkpatrick’s lots, located on the west side of 11th Street between Market (Capitol) and Jackson Streets, were sold for taxes.[16]

Luke Mayberry’s Lot Sold For Taxes

On March 3, 1838, the Journal reported that Luke Mayberry’s lot, located on the north side of Jefferson Street between Eighth and Ninth Streets, was sold for taxes.[17]

Early March, 1838, upon returning from a short visit to Alton, Irwin recorded: “Since I left here the Reverend Dr. Jacob M. Early (a friend of mine) was Shot by H.(enry) B. Truett, it has caused a great excitement and it is generally thought he will be hanged.”[18]

The Early killing was the outcome of a political quarrel. Truett was a son-in-law of William L. May. Early was a physician and Methodist exhorter. Both were Democrats. Friction between them arose when a Democratic convention at Peoria passed a resolution disapproving of Truett’s nomination as Register of the Land Office at Galena. Truett blamed Early for the censure.

On the evening of March 7, 1838, Truett entered the parlor of Spottswood’s Hotel in Springfield where Dr. Jacob M. Early and several other men were sitting. One by one the others left. When the last had gone, Truett asked Early if it were true, as he had been told, that he was the author of the Peoria resolution. Early declined to answer unless Truett gave him the name of his informant, which he refused to do. Hot words followed, Early picked up a chair to defend himself. Truett drew a pistol and pulled the trigger. Early fell, mortally wounded.

Trial 6 months later see Winkle, p. 244

Popular feeling was strong against Truett. Nevertheless, at the trial which took place six months later, the skillful defense of Stuart and Lincoln secured his acquittal.[19] “The evidence against him was clear and conclusive, “ Jared Irwin noted in disgust.

On March 13, 1838, Andrew and Zilpha H Elliott had a son, William K.[20]

On ______, March 13, 1838, the Circuit Court selected a jury to try William Moffett for murder. On Friday, he was found guilty of manslaughter and ordered imprisoned for eight months.[21]

Get description from C. W.

On March 22, 1838, 101 citizens of Springfield signed a note for $16,666.67 to the State Bank to enable the town to pay the second installment of one third of $50,000 pledged in February 1837 to obtain the capital.[22]

It was thought by many to be unreasonable to require a little town of eleven hundred inhabitants, struggling with the disadvantages of a new country, to pay the $50,000 pledged. During that special session, Hon. Stephen A. Douglas, then a member from Morgan county, proposed to bring in a bill, releasing Springfield from the payment of the same. The sterling honesty of Abraham Lincoln manifested itself on this, as on all other proper occasions. He interposed his objections, although he fully appreciated the kindly feelings that prompted the proposal, but he insisted that the money should be paid. Arrangements were entered into for paying it in three installments. The two first payments were made without any great difficulty; but the third pressed more heavily, as the financial crash that swept over the whole United States, while the new State house was in course of construction, impoverished many. Under these circumstances, it became necessary to borrow the money to make the last payment, from the State Bank of Illinois. A note for the amount was signed by one hundred and one citizens, and deposited with the bank, the money drawn, with which internal improvement scrip or stock was purchased and paid into the State treasury, thus paying the last installment in the State’s own evidence of indebtedness. From that time it was a matter between the State Bank and the citizens who signed the note. Soon after the note was given, the State Bank failed, and some of the payments were made in the depreciated paper of the bank, for which it had received par value when it was paid out. The following is a copy of the original note:

$16,666.67. SPRINGFIELD, March 22, 1838.

One year after date, we, the undersigned, or either of us, promise to pay to the President, Directors and Company of the State Bank of Illinois, sixteen thousand, six hundred and sixty-six dollars and sixty-seven cents, for value received, negotiable and payable at the bank, in Springfield, with interest until paid, at the rate of six per centum per annum, payable semi-annually.

John Hay, Thomas Mather, C. R. Matheny,
L. Higby, Tho. Houghan, William Butler,
Joseph Thayer, D. Prickett, P. C. Canedy,
William Thornton, J. Calhoun, Jos. Klein.
M. O. Reeves, Josiah Francis, P. C. Latham,
W. P. Grimsley, Washington Iles, A. G. Henry,
William Wallace, Joel Johnson, Ninian W. Edwards,
John B. Watson, C. B. Francis, John T. Stuart,
C. H. Ormsby, Wm. S. Burch, Jonas Whitney,
Moses Coffman, James M. Shackleford, Erastus Wright,
Geo. Pasfield, B. Ferguson, John Todd,
B. C. Webster, Benjamin Talbott, E. D. Baker,
S. M. Tinsley, Jesse Cormack, A. Lincoln,
Ephriam Darling, B. C. Johnson, Garrett Elkin,
Jona. Merriam, Thomas Moffatt, John Capps,
Ira Sanford, John F. Rague, Alexr. Garrett,
Charles Arnold, Simon Francis, Gershom Jayne,
John L. Turner, Nathaniel Hay, T. M. Neale,
Joshua F. Amos, Robert Irwin, William G. Abrams,
Sullivan Conant Virgil Hickox, Dewey Whitney,
And. McClellan, George Trotter, M. Mobley,
Alexander Shields, Stephen T. Logan, Foley Vaughn,
A. Trailor, Robert Allen, Abner Y. Ellis,
C. C. Phelps, James R. Gray, Nathaniel A. Rankin,
R. B. Zimmerman, J. Adams, S. H. Treat,
William Hall, J (I.). S. Britton, Elijah Iles,
James L. Lamb, W. B. Powell, Henry F. Luckett,
M. L. Knapp, F. C. Thompson, James P. Langford,
E. M. Henkle, Henry Cassequin,
James W. Keyes, J. M. Cabiness,
Wm. Porter, James Maxcy,
Wm. H. Marsh, Z. P. Cabaniss,
W. Ransdell, E. G. Johns,
Joshua S. Hobbs, Amos Camp,
John G. Bergen, Thos. J. Goforth,
Benjamin S. Clement, Benj. F. Jewett,
W. M. Cowgill.[23]

From a footing up of the principal and interest on one side of the note, the final settlement appears to have been made February 19, 1846. The principal and interest to that time was $17,918.


When the predominant local sentiment was pro-slavery the Session admitted two freed slaves, Fanny and Harriett, into the membership of the church in March of 1838. They had come north with the Kincaid family from Kentucky. Session minutes reveal that the church contributed support for the Freedmen Society and also continued after the Civil War to help finance schools which had been established in the south for former slaves.[24]

In March of 1835, Lincoln surveyed land about three miles northwest of Athens, Illinois for brothers Archibald and John K. Kincaid.[25]


On ________, James Wright applied to the County Commissioners’ Court for a permit to build a mill dam on Brush Creek.[26]


On April 8, 1838, the Reverend John Livingston and 18 charter members organized the African Baptist Church in the home of Anderson Carter, located on West Washington Street then known as “Old Town” and often called “Vinegar Hill.” Livingston was an African-American missionary who at the time was also organizing African-American settlers into other area churches, including the Mount Emory Baptist Church in Jacksonville.[27] Reverend Luther Arnold was considered the pastor of the small congregation. Among the eighteen organizers were George W. Brent, Sr., Thornton Coleman, Maria Vance, Anna Butler, Frances Ellis, Saddie Demery, Winefred Huston, Joseph Huston, and Nancy Jackson.[28]

George Brent was born near Greenburg, Green County, Kentucky, July 2, 1821. His parents were both slaves, the property of Louis Patterson. George’s father secured his own freedom and later with the help of Reverend Brown raised enough money to buy George’s release. George by working in a blacksmith shop, paid the money back. He became pastor of the Zion Baptist Church in May 1865.[29] The 1881 History says he wasn’t here until 1857.

IS THERE A MEMBERSHIP LIST?


On April 28, 1838, Simeon Francis, then the sole proprietor of the Journal, retired.[30]


In April of 1838, the 38 year-old Reverend Charles Dresser came to Springfield to act as Rector of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Charles, his wife, Louisa Walker Withers, and their two sons, David Walker and Thomas Withers,[31] came from Halifax Court House, Virginia to Illinois because he hated slavery.[32]

Reverend Dresser was born in Pomfret, Connecticut on February 24, 1800, graduated from Brown University in 1823 and was ordained in 1829 after studying theology in Virginia with Bishop William Meade.[33] Louisa Walker Withers Dresser, however, was a Southerner, born in Dinwiddie County, Virginia, and perhaps influenced the attitudes of the children more than the father.[34]


In the summer of 1838 a Chicagoan asserted that real estate was as high as in his own speculative city, and cited as proof the fact that a lot on the public square, 20 by IS7 feet, had been sold at public auction for $1600 on the preceding day. Moreover, it was a boom which continued steadily, though not feverishly.[35]


Henry Van Hoff, born in 1804 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, came to Springfield in the Spring of 1838. He was a wagon and carriage maker in business with Obed Lewis.[36]


MAY

Jacob Divelbiss,[37] born on March 29, 1797, in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, married there to Catharine Shank,[38] who was born on December 3, 1791, in Washington County, Maryland. They had three children while living in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, namely: Catherine, born on July 8, 1822,[39] and Noah and Amanda, born on February 3, 1829.[40] In April, 1838, the family left their home in Pennsylvania, and traveled from Pittsburgh by water to Beardstown, Illinois. Jacob and his son Noah walked from there to Springfield, the family following in a haack, and arrived on May 1, 1838. After arriving in Springfield, Jacob rented for three years. Jacob learned the wagon-maker’s trade in his native county, and prosecuted the business in Springfield for many years.[41]

On May 1, 1838, Noah Divelbiss, born on November 28, 1824, in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania arrived with his parents in Springfield.[42]
Arrival of Samuel and Ann Rogers Grubb and Family
On May 10, 1838, Samuel and Ann Rogers Grubb and their family arrived in Springfield. Samuel was born on May 16, 1794, in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Ann Rogers Grubb was born about 1798 in Pennsylvania. They were married in Perry County, Pennsylvania, and had six living children there, and moved to Madison County, Illinois, in 1836. Their son, Henry B., born on July 31, 1820, arrived with them.[43]

On May 26, 1838, a month after Dresser’s arrival in Springfield, this son of New England and graduate of Brown University entered into an indenture for the domestic labor of a 15 year-old Black girl, Rhoda Jane. Rhoda had no parent or guardian in Illinois and was to be taught the “art and mystery of domestic labour” and to read. She was to be released from her indenture on her 18th birthday, August 25, 1840, at which time she was to be given a new bible and two new suits of clothes suitable and proper for summer and winter wear.[44]

Was Rhoda previously owned by Gershom Jayne, and thus her last name?
Did Rhoda Live In The Lincoln Home?

This Indenture of apprenticeship made this 26th day of May 1838

Witnesseth that Rhoda a girl of colour aged 15 years on the 25th day of August 1837 having no parent or guardian within this state of her own consent and agreement and by and with the approbation of the Probate Justice of the Peace in and the county of Sangamon herein endorsed hath put placed and bound herself apprentice to Charles Dresser -- of Sangamon county in the State of Illinois to learn the art and mystery of domestic labour ------ and with him the said Charles Dresser to dwell continue and serve from the date hereof until the said Rhoda shall attain the full age of eighteen years during all which time the said apprentice her said master well and faithfully shall serve his lawful secrets and commands shall keep and obey Hurt to her said master or his she shall not do nor suffer it to be done by others if in her power to prevent the goods of her said master she shall not embezzle waste or lend without her masters consent from the service of her said master she shall not absent herself without leave Taverns alehouses tipling shops or houses of ill fame she shall not frequent Matrimony she shall not contract But in all things -- shall well and faithfully demean herself towards her said master and all his as becomes an obedient faithful apprentice during all her term of service aforesaid.

And the said Charles Dresser---on his part agrees that he will during all the term of service of his said apprentice find and allow unto her good holesome and sufficient meat drink washing lodging and apparel suitable and proper for such an apprentice and needful medical attention in case of sickness and will cause her to be instructed in the best way and most approved manner of common domestic housework and will cause her to be taught to read write and the ground rule of arithmetic (stricken through) and at the expiration of her term of service will give unto her a new bible and two new suits of clothes suitable and proper for summer and winter wear

Witness our hands and seals the day and year first above written

Her
Rhoda Jane X
mark
Charles Dresser

I approve the above binding J. Adams, P.J. P. S. C.

Arrival of Obed Lewis

Bachelor Obed Lewis, born on April 25, 1812, in Galigerville, Chester County, Pennsylvania, came to Springfield in 1838.[46] He was the son of William Lewis, a farmer, and Margaret Lewis, natives of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Obed received his education in the common schools of Chester County. When Obed was fourteen years old, his father died. At the age of sixteen, Obed began to learn carriage making in New Holland, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and continued there four years; and then completed his trade in Philadelphia. He then worked at his trade in Chester, Pennsylvania, Wilmington, Delaware; then in Danville, Virginia, for one year, and Milton one year; and then returned to Philadelphia, in 1835, and carried on his business in that city and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, until May 1838, when he came to Springfield and pursued his business.[47]

Lincoln’s next venture in Springfield real estate took place on June 2, 1838, when he paid Elijah Iles and his wife $300 for Lots twelve and thirteen in Block seven, Elijah Iles’ Addition to the Town of Springfield. ...The lots were in the center of the block across the street from the property which Lincoln purchased in 1844 for his home. Both of these lots he retained for a number of years.[48]

George W. Chatterton, Sr. Arrives and Opens Jewelry Store
In June 1838, George W. Chatterton, Sr. opened a jewelry store on the west side of Fifth Street between Washington and Adams. George was born in Ithica New York and served an apprenticeship to the jewelry trade in New York City.[49]

The July 7, 1838 Journal reported that Dr. James R. Gray was vice president of the July 4th banquet.[50]


Birth of Hannah M. Lamb

Jason C. Henkle, born on October 10, 1820, in Pendleton County, Virginia, came to Springfield on July 8, 1838

Dr. Garrett Elkin and Abraham Lincoln Sign Letter of Recommendation

On July 25, 1838, Dr. Garrett Elkin signed a letter with Abraham Lincoln and others to Joseph Duncan recommending person for Commissioner of Public Works of Illinois.[52]

Dr. James R. Gray Chairman of Springfield Citizens Meeting

The July 28, 1838 Journal reported that Dr. James R. Gray was chairman of a Springfield citizens meeting.[53]

On August 6, 1838, Lincoln was re-elected to the legislature, leading the field of 17 candidates. He voted for Cyrus Edwards for governor, and for William H. Davidson against Joseph Anderson for lieutenant-governor. Neither won. John T. Stuart defeated Stephen A. Douglas by 36 votes in a total of 36,495 for Congress.[54]

On August 8, 1838, Peleg C. Canedy, who had arrived in Springfield in December of 1830, married in Morgan County, Illinois, to Sarah Camp, who was born January 1815, in Vermont.[55]

Henry S. Frazee, born on April 16, 1811, in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and Sarah Van Patten Frazee, arrived in Springfield on August 9, 1838 in company with Sarah’s father. They were married on November 5, 1836 in Somerset County, New Jersey. They settled 1 ½ miles south of Farmingdale.[56]

On August 10, 1838, George and Mary Ward Trotter had a son, John E.[57]

In August 1838, Thomas S. Little, born March 16, 1830, in Northampton, Massachusetts, came to Springfield.[58]

There are two most interesting indentures found in the Sangamon County Commissioners Records pertaining to Daniel Cutright and two of the slaves he brought with him to Springfield in 18__. The slaves are to remain indentured to Cutright for two more years, during which time Cutright is allowed to hire them out and is entitled to the payments for any such hire. At the end of the indenture term, they are to be free.

Springfield, September 4th, 1838

Court met pursuant to adjournment. Present as yesterday.

Daniel Cutright presented to the Court the two following indentures and requested that they should be spread upon the Record.

This indenture made and entered into this 31st day of August 1838 between Daniel Cutwright of the County of Sangamon and State of Illinois of the one part and Julia Ann a woman of Color, Witnesseth. That whereas heretofore Daniel Cutwright brought the said Julia Ann who was then a slave the property of Said Cutright to the State of Illinois and has since resided with said Ann in the said State of Illinois by reason whereof the said Julia Ann claims a right to her freedom. Now for the settlement of all controversy, it is agreed that the said Julia Ann shall serve the said Daniel Cutright for the term of two years as follows: She is to live with the said Cutright from now until the 25th day of December next and after that time until the expiration of two years from this date the said Cutright is to hire out said Ann at some good place where She may select provided he can at such place get fair wages for her and he to be entitled to her hire for that time. And at the expiration of said term of two years the said Daniel Cutright is bound to give her up and suffer her for the remainder of her life to go be and remain free and unmolested and the said Cutright binds himself not to remove said Julia Ann from Sangamon County.

Attest

Given under our hands and seals this 31st day of August 1838

S. T. Logan Daniel Cutright

her
Julia + Ann
mark

Tuesday Sept. 4, 1838

State of Illinois )
Sangamon County )

Before me the undersigned Clerk of the Sangamon County Commissioners Court personally came Daniel Cutright and Julia Ann a woman of Color who are known to me to be the real persons who and in whose name the foregoing instrument of writing was executed and acknowledged their signatures thereto to be their free and voluntary act and deed for the purpose therein expressed.

Given under my hand and seal of office this 1st Sept. 1838
C. R. Matheny Clk.[59]

Major Indentured to Daniel Cutright
Tues. Sept. 4, 1838

This Indenture made and entered into this 31st day of August 1838 between Daniel Cutright of the County of Sangamon and Major a man of color Witnesseth. That whereas the said Daniel Cutright heretofore brought the said Major who was then a slave the property of said Cutright in the said State of Illinois by reason whereof the said Major claims a right to his freedom. Now for the settlement of all controversy it is agreed that the said Major shall serve the said Daniel Cutright faithfully for the term of two years as follows, he is to live with said Cutright from now until the 25th day of December next and after that time until the expiration of two years from this date the Said Cutright is to hire out said Major at some good place if he chooses within the limits of Sangamon County and is to receive the hire for the time above specified and at the expiration of the said term of two years the said Daniel Cutright is bound to give him up and suffer him for the remainder of his life to go, be and remain free and unmolested and the said Cutright binds himself not to remove said Major out of the limits of Sangamon County.

Given under our hands and seals this day and date above written

Daniel Cutright

his
Major X
mark

State of Illinois
Sangamon County

Before me, the Undersigned, Clerk of the Sangamon County Commissioners Court personally came Daniel Cutright and Major a man of color who are known to me to be the real persons who and in whose name there foregoing instrument of writing was executed and acknowledged their signatures thereto to be their free and voluntary act and deed for the purpose therein expressed.
Given under my hands and seal this 1st Sept. 1838
C. R. Matheny Ck.[60]

Death of George Forquer

George Forquer died on September 12, 1838.[61]

Mormons Pass Through Springfield on Way to the West

September 15, 1838. Today a caravan or company of ‘Mormons’ with 67 wagons numbering about 800 Souls passed through this place on their way (as they say) to the ‘Promised Land’ west of Mississippi. The sight was quite imposing.[62]

Resolution of Sangamon Presbytery Re Slavery
September 23, 1838

Mr. Galt offered the following resolutions which were adopted. 1st That the system of Slavery as it exists in the United States, is a sin against God and therefore ought to be immediately abolished. 2nd That it be recommended to all churches under the care of this Presbytery to do all that is in their power by wise and prudent means to accomplish this object…[63]

The following appeared in the September 29, 1838 edition of the Journal:

Presbytery of Sangamon, at its late session, held in Irish Grove, passed the following resolutions--

1. That slavery, as it exists in the United States’ is a sin against God, and therefor ought to be immediately abandoned.

2. As amended by brother Whitney that the Presbytery recommend to all the Churches under their care, to do all in their power for the accomplishment of this object.

Mr. Editor--The above resolutions refer to a subject of deep interest to our churches you will therefore by publishing them in your paper, confer a favor upon them, and your’s truly
T. GALT.[64]

Potawatomi Indians Pass Through Springfield
On Saturday, September 29, 1838, “at as early hour as possible” over 800 Potawatomi Indians moved through the town of Springfield along “wayfares…crowded with anxious spectators”. The passed on foot, escorted by Federal dragoons, on a government–ordered march to Kansas. Known as the “Trail of Death” in the tribe’s history now, the trek was taking them from their homes in Indiana to be resettled well beyond the Mississippi. The march through Springfield was led by tribal chief I-O-Weh. The agent accompanying them and the chief persuaded the Potawatomis to dress as finely as they were able, and they passed through the streets with as much of “a degree of pride” as they possibly could.[65]

September 30. Today a remnant of the Tribe of Potawatomie Indians passed through town on their journey to their new homes west of the Mississippi. . . . The number was about 800 souls, each one having a horse (save the sick, they being in wagons.)[66]

On Saturday, September 29, 1838, two thousand Whigs and Conservatives celebrated John Todd Stuart’s election to Congress with a barbecue at Porter’s Grove. Speeches were made by Lincoln, Stuart, May, Hardin, Servant, Bond, Baker and Henry.[67]

“a meeting of the Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Springfield Station” was held on October 8, 1838 “for the purpose of assuming a name, and electing trustees, and doing other acts in accordance with the provisions” of the law. The Society took the name “The Methodist Episcopal Church in the Town of Springfield, Illinois.” The trustees, empowered to hold property (not more than five acres), were elected by the membership for five-year terms.

The first Board of Trustees elected in this manner consisted of Edmund B. Roberts, Charles R. Matheny, James F. Reed, John Dickey, Hosea J. Armstrong, Enos M. Henkle, and John A. Bennett. They chose Matheny for president, and Bennett as secretary, and Dickey as treasurer.[68]

The October 13, 1838 Journal reported that barbers Titus Kirkpatrick and William Butler had formed a partnership.[69]

BARBEROUS NOTICE

W. BUTLER & T. KIRKPATRICK.

HAVE formed a partnership for the purpose of carrying on the barbering business wholesale and retail. Mr. Butler is from Washington city, and is a practiced barber. The skill of Mr. B united with mine, will enable us to do justice to our customers. Our shop is opposite the Clerk’s Office and next door to R. H. Bea(ch) clothing store

September 19, 1838
Birth of Jacob M. Early, Jr.

On October 26, 1838, Dr. Jacob M., who had been murdered the previous March, and Catharine Rickard Early had a son, Jacob M., Jr.[70]

William Harrower, born on August 20, 1808, in Stirling, Scotland, came to New York City in 1833 and returned to Scotland in about three years. He then returned in the company of a number of Scotch people, including his future wife. On May 9, 1838, in New York City, he married Janette Blacklock, who was born on June 18, 1809, in Lockerbie, Scotland. They moved to Springfield, arriving in the fall of 1838. William was a stone mason and worked on the Capitol. He completed it by building the porticos. He was a minister of the Presbyterian church.[71]

Harrower had been born in Stirling, Scotland, on August 20, 1808 and came to the United States in 1838 to work on the State House. He was a stonemason and stonecutter by trade. He held membership in the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield and functioned as a trustee.[72]

In the fall of 1838, William C. Foley, born June 16, 1808, in Prince William County, Virginia, came to Springfield.[73]

On November 8, 1838, the first eight miles of track were completed on the Northern Cross Railroad running east out of Meredosia. The first locomotive west of the Alleghenies and north of the Ohio River made a trial trip with a ceremony.[74]

In 1838 Elijah Iles built the American House on the southeast corner of Sixth and Adams Streets. Its size alone created a sensation. When it was opened, on November 26, 1838, two hundred citizens dined with the manager, J. Clifton, “late of Boston.”

American House, considered finest three-story brick hotel west of the Alleghenies, was opened with a brilliant dinner attended by 200 guests. Lincoln probably attended.[75]

An Ohio editor wrote:

“Near the State House, he wrote, “is a gigantic building, called the American House, intended perhaps as the tavern proper for the Legislators.-Politics and politeness hover round this splendid affair. Everything inside puts you in mind of the Turkish splendor, the carpeting, the papering, and the furniture, weary the eye with magnificence. The building itself is distinguished more for the harmony and simplicity of its proportions, than the richness of its exterior. A fine place for those who are troubled with a superabundance of silver.”[76]


(GET PHOTO)


Arrival of John and Ann St. Clair Way and Two Daughters

John Way, born on September 11, 1793, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Ann St. Clair Way, born on August 16, 1803, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and their two daughters: Rebecca, born on May 11, 1828, in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and Rachel E., born on June 19, 1824, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, arrived in Springfield in November, 1838. In the Spring of 1838, Mr. Way took his family to Chester County, and left them there while he visited the western country. He decided to make Springfield his home, and wrote to his wife to come on with the family. She learned of a gentleman by the name of Clendening who was coming west to visit a married daughter. He drove a light wagon, and Mrs. Way made arrangements to come and bring her two children. John Way rode on horseback to Paris, Edgar County, Illinois, and met them there. The whole party arrived at Springfield in November 1838. Mr. Way was a plasterer, and the public buildings and other improvements here called for his services.[77]

On December 3, 1838, 21 year-old William H. Talbott married in Sangamon County to Matilda Enyart.[78]

Jared Irwin Resolves to Leave Springfield and Makes Observations About Natives

December 14. Today my Nephew M. V. B. Ash, returned again to Alton. He has been in my employment for 2 months past. I am now alone, without a relative in the place & have but very little respect for the Natives; for I prove many of them to be not very honourable in their dealings, & I have now made up my mind conclusively to leave here in the Spring. I love all persons with Large capacious souls; & in the society of such, I am perfectly at home; but there are many here whose souls appear to be composed of a piece of Nothing whittled down to a point, ---pride & ignorance combined, is a true characteristic of the succors, especially in the towns and villages, --yet there are a few exceptions & but few.[79]

Birth of Emma R. Bennett

On December 18, 1838, Reverend William T. and Rebecca J. Roberts Bennett had a daughter, Emma R.[80]

On December 25, 1838, Allen Francis, born in Connecticut circa 1816, married Cecila B. Duncan, born in Glasgow, Scotland circa 1817 and sister of David Duncan, who was drowned in attempting to cross the Sangamon river on horseback in 1837. [81]

Dec. 25 (Christmas) For 3 nights past, I have been greatly entertained with a course of lectures to the young by Rev. Dr. Perry, formerly of Phila. But now President of a college in this State. His lectures were very edefying –he was eloquent.[82]


Temperance Meeting

This being the last night of the year, we held a Temperance Meeting in town, address by Mr. Denman, Merchant of Phila. (being here on Business). It was good & I for the first time attached my name to a “Temperance Pledge.” The temperance cause I have always been favourable to & my objections to joining it hitertoo has been that however good in its original desighn, that desighn in great measure has been lost sight of, & I feared it was now intended more for “Political” purposes than for the extermination of this balefull practice, a\& again, the Church to which I have had the high privilege of being associated for more than 10 years, I consider in every sence of the word a temperance society, therefore useless to join another. But, perhaps I am in error, & knowing it can do me no harm (May be much good), & having a desire at all times to do good & believing good may result from the Popular Temperance Society, ---J. P. Irwin[83]

Departure of Alexander and _____ Graham

At the end of 1838, Alexander Graham and his wife went back for a visit to Marion, Alabama, his wife’s home, and remained there until his death.[84]

Lizette Abel Peabody, the daughter of Roswell and Betsy Mason Abel, was born on December 4, 1809, in Granville, Washington County, New York. She married on October 1829, in Essex County, New York, to Calvin Peabody. Charles P., a son was born on February 25, 1837 and a daughter Helen, born on January 28, 1835 in Granville, Washington County, New York. The family came to Springfield in 1838.

Oramel and Judith W. Davis Clark Move to Springfield

Oramel Clark, born on August 11, 1792, in Lebanon, Connecticut, was taken by his parents to Berkshire County, Massachusetts, in 1792, and from there to Cooperstown, New York. He enlisted and served as a non-commissioned officer in the War of 1812, and moved to St. Lawrence County, New York in 1817. He emigrated in 1818 to Kaskaskia, Illinois, and in 1819 removed to where Athens, Menard County, now stands. He was the third man who settled on the north side of Sangamon River. In 1820, he returned on foot to visit his parents in New York. On returning to his home in Illinois, he married Jane C. Stewart, on Fancy Creek, in Sangamon County. In 1821, he bought the preempted right to a farm from John Dixon (afterwards founder of Dixon, Ill.) on Fancy Creek, ten miles from Springfield. He remained here until the death of his wife, in 1832, when he again visited his parents in New York, returning to Illinois in 1834. Oramel Clark was married the second time on October 28, 1836, to Judith W. Davis, of Elkhart, Illinois. She was born August 12, 1802, in Union County, Kentucky. They moved to Springfield in 1838, and had five children.[85]

David G. Council, born on January 15, 1817, in Montgomery County, Tennessee, came to what is now Christian County, Illinois then to Sangamon County in the fall of 1830. He came to Springfield in 1838. David G. Council was the pioneer of stair building in Springfield, and foreman for Hannan & Ragsdale.[86]

Henry C. Myers, born on December 6, 1817, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, came to Springfield in 1838. He was a grocer and then changed to confectionery.[87]

In 1838 Lawrason Levering built a house, just south of Ninian Edwards’ house. With exception of the northeast corner of Spring and Edwards, where the Edwards school stood, the property comprised a full block on Second Street and extended back two blocks to Spring Street-one of the largest single residence properties in Springfield.[88]





Lawrason Levering Residence at Second and Edwards Streets- Built in 1838


Proposal For Resuming The Weekly Publication OfThe Genius Of Universal EmancipationSubscription Agreement

DATE?
A subscription agreement to The Genius of Universal Emancipation, an abolitionist publication edited by Benjamin Lundy, was found among the manuscript papers of Erastus Wright in the Illinois State Historical Library.[89] Carl Sandburg describes Lundy as “The meek, mild, soft-spoken little Quaker, Benjamin Lundy, editing a paper with the meek, mild, soft-spoken title, “The Genius of Universal Emancipation,” was beaten by a Baltimore mob.”[90] Apparently Wright was soliciting subscribers to the publication pursuant to the prospectus to which the subscriptions were attached. ,

One can only speculate as to the reason or reasons one would subscribe to this paper. One would assume that a subscriber would be sympathetic to the paper’s abolitionist creed. But there may have been other reasons. For example, friendship with the solicitor of subscriptions or just intellectual curiosity. Also, one might be on the other side of the issue and just be curious as to how the opposition presented its case in its official voice. Piecing together what is known of each of the subscribers helps to reach a conclusion as to which of these reasons motivated the subscription and gives greater insight into the position of each subscriber on the question of slavery and abolition. The subscribers were as follows:

C. H. Ormsby.
Joseph Torrey.
I. C. Bancroft. Isaac Bancroft.[91]
Geo. Strickland
R. Abel Roswell P. Abel[92]
C. C. Shelby.
T. Moffett Thomas Moffett[93]
J. B. Watson John B. Watson[94]
J. L. Lamb James L. Lamb[95]
Erastus Wright
L. Kirkpatrick
J. F. Amos Joshua F. Amos[96]
R. P. Abell
O Hempstrode
C. B. Francis Calvin B. Francis[97]
J. Francis Josiah Francis[98]
John E. Roll John Eddy Roll[99]
E. R. Colson
Robert D. Cannon
A. Summers Andrew Summers
Planck
Polk
Dean

Subscription Agreement to the “Genius of Universal Emancipation”Circulated by Erastus Wright.

Name
Age In 1838
Origin
Occupation
Religion
Residence
Joshua F. Amos
26
Washington County, Maryland

Isaac Bancroft
62
Boston,
Massachusetts
Didn’t arrive until 1839

Robert D. Cannon

E. R. Colson

Josiah Francis
34
Wetherfield, Connecticut
established Journal newspaper
county legislator-1840
sheriff
Mayor


L. Kirkpatrick

James L. Lamb
38
Connellsville, Fayette County,
Pennsylvania
pork packer
First Presbyterian Church

Thomas Moffett
41
Bath County, Kentucky
school teacher
lawyer
county judge
Second Presbyterian Church

C. H. Ormsby

John Eddy Roll
24
Green Village,
New Jersey
plasterer and brick mason
real estate; home building
boot and shoe trade


C. C. Shelby

George Strickland
26
Amherst, Massachusetts

Andrew Summers

Joseph Torrey
50
Connecticut
boots & shoes,
hotel keeping
pork packer with James L. Lamb

John B. Watson
38
York District,
South Carolina
teacher, county surveyor,
engineer, Great Western R.R.
Second Presbyterian Church

Erastus Wright
59
Bernardstown, Massachusetts
teacher,
county school commissioner
abolitionist
Second Presbyterian Church


[1] Journal, January 20, 1838, p. 3, cl. 1.
[2] Day by Day, p. 84. C.W., I, pp. 108-115. Lincoln and Herndon, p. 9.
[3] Weik Mss. Nos. 24. Day by Day, p. 118.
[4] Hostick Collection.
[5]
[6] Day By Day, p. 84. Election Returns.
[7] Sangamo Journal, Februray 24, 1838. Day By Day, p. 85.
[8] Manuscript File of Elijah Iles, Manuscript Division, Illinois State Historical Library, Springfield, Illinois.
[9] County Commissioners Court, v. 4, p. 2. March 5, 1838. IRAD.
[10] Angle, p. 80.
[11] (6/13/1793-2/15/1847)
[12] Power, pp. 16 and 81-82.
[13] Power, p. 82.
[14] Journal, March. 3, 1838, p. 2, cl. 7.
[15] Journal, March 3, 1838, p. 2, cl. 7.
[16] Journal, March 3, 1838, p. 3, cl. 5. Block 20 Lot 13 E. Iles’ Addition.
[17] Journal, March 3, 1838, p. 3, cl. 5. Block 30 Lot 6 Old Town Plat.
[18] Angle, p. 77.
[19] In the Illinois State Register for Nov. 17, 1855 is to be found a footnote to this episode: “H. B. Truett, formerly of this state, fought a duel with Ashton E. Smith, at San Francisco, on the 19th ult. Smith was slightly wounded, and Truett’s trousers were torn. This is the same Truett who, eighteen years ago, killed Dr. Early, in this city.”
[20] Power, p. 284. (3/13/1838-5/2/1865)
[21] Day By Day, p. 86.
[22] Day By Day, p. 87. C. W., I, p. 116.
[23] 1881 History, p. 49.
[24] The Sesquicentennial of The Indian Point United Presbyterian Church of Athens, Illinois, May 20, 1831-May 20,1982.
[25] CW, v.1, p. 37.
[26] Day By Day, p. 85. C. W., I, p. 116.
[27] Journal, April 28, 1995, p. 9, cl. 2, “African-American church to be commemorated.”
[28] Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 145th Anniversary, Bulletin, dated April 24, 1983.
[29] 1881 History, p. 737. Wood Manuscript, pp. 2-3.
[30] 1881 History, p. 215.
[31] Born in Halifax county, Virginia, January 11, 1837. Was educated principally at Jubilee College in Peoria county, Illinois, under the supervision of Bishop Chase, the founder of the school. When twenty-three years of age he attended two courses of lectures at Louisiana Medical College, and afterwards attended one course at the New York University, where he graduated with honors in March, 1864. He married Miss Margaret Dorenus, daughter of the Rev. Dr. John E.C. Dorenus, a graduate at Princeton College, and an intimate friend of Abraham Lincoln. They have one child, Katherine. After graduating in New York, the Doctor came to Springfield, established himself in his practice, and has remained ever since.
[32] Prophet, p. 393.
[33] Power, pp. 268-269. Charles Dresser (1800-3/1865). Home, p. 2. Hickey, James, Dressers of Springfield, Journal of Illinois State Historical Society-1982-4. 1881 History, p. 659.
[34] Prophet, p. 394.
[35] Angle, p. 88.
[36] Power, p. 740.
[37] (1797-2/11/1876)
[38] (12/3/1791-8/18/1875)
[39] Was married there April, 1838, to Richard Hodge. See his name.
[40] Power, p. 253. 1881 History, p. 658.
[41]
[42] 1881 History, p. 658.
Power, p. 253.
[43] Power, p. 345.
[44] I find no entry for the Dresser family in the 1840 census of Springfield. Were they here in 1850?
[45] See, page__.
[46] Power, p. 453.
[47] 1881 History, p. 689.
[48] Personal Finances, Pratt, p. 60.
[49] 1881 History, pp. 519, 651 and 635. Drawing of building. Three story. Two stories of the building, twenty by one hundred and forty feet, are occupied by his store.
[50] Journal, July 7, 1838, p. 1, cl. 7.
[51] Power, p. 436.
[52] C.W.: v. I, p. 121.
[53] Journal, July 28, 1838, p. 2, cl. 2.
[54] Day By Day, p. 93.
[55] Z. Enos: Snow Birds.
[56] Power, p. 317.
[57] Power, p. 724. Married Sept. 14, 1865, to Martha L. Slates, who was born July 19, 1844, in Zanesville, Ohio. They had six children, five of whom died young. Clara A. resides with her parents in Springfield.
[58] Power, p. 461.
[59] County Commissioners Records, 4th Vol. (1833-40) Vo. D 655 p.443-444. IRAD.
[60] County Commissioners Records, 4th Vol. (1833-40) Vo. D 655 p.443-444. IRAD.
[61] 1881 History, p. 80.
[62] Angle, p. 78 Jared Irwin’s Diary.
[63] Sangamon Presbytery (Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A.) Minutes, Vol. 1, 1831-1847, pp. 89-90. Presbyterian Historical Society, 425 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
[64] Journal, September 29, 1838, p. 2, cl. 7.
Thomas Galt was licensed to preach the gospel in 1835. He preached for a few months in Peoria and then accepted the call to become Pastor of the Farmington Church (now the Farmingdale Church) in Sangamon County, Illinois. He purchased a farm there at $2.00 per acre. One of the first things he did was to set apart three acres of ground for a church and cemetery. A church building, largely of oak and walnut lumber was soon erected and he mixed and carried the mortar for laying the brick. He remained pastor of this church for five years when, owing to the division of the Presbyterian church into what was known as the “old School” and “New School”, he resiged, and in July 1842 became pastor of the North Sangamon Church in connection with the Irish Grove Church. A Story of Ancestors That Tried To Serve The Lord, typed manuscript in the library of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Springfield, Illinois.
[65] Daly, John Removal of the Potawatomi, Sangamon County Historical Society, Historico, September1999.
[66] Angle, p. 78. Jared Irwin’s Diary.
[67] Day by Day, p. 152. Alton Telegraph, October 10, 1838.
[68] First Methodist Church, Piersel, p. 6.
[69] Journal, October 13, 1838, p. 3, cl. 4.
[70] Power, p. 613.
[71] Power, pp. 19 and 360-361.
[72] Temple, Capitol, p. 85. Power, p. 360.
[73] Power, p. 304.
[74] Day By Day, p. 97. Ihi—Journal, XXVIII, p. 6.
[75] Day By Day, p. 98.
[76] Angle, 87.
[77] Power, p. 756.
[78] (____-3/16/1855) Power, p. 702. They had six children, four died young.
[79] Jared Irwin Diary, Manuscript in the Illinois State Historical Library, Springfield, Illinois.
[80] Power, p. 111.
[81] 1881 History, pp. 217, 299 & 566. Power, p. 316.
In October, 1861 President Lincoln appointed him consul to Victoria, Vancouver’s Island. He left for that point on February, 1862, and resigned in 1871.
1860 census, p. 172 (Conn.)(44). 0/$100.
Collected Works: v. II, p. 61, 188; v. IV, p. 90
[82] Jared Irwin Diary.
[83] Jared Irwin Diary.
[84] Ministers of the First Christian Church, p. 40.
[85] Power, p. 204. Oramel Clark died Sept. 9, 1863, in Springfield, and his widow resides with her children.
Emeline (Ill.)(21). (1839)
Martha (Ill.)(19). (1841)
1860 C.D.: 80 S. 9th, cor. of Edwards Susan (Ill.)(19(4?).
1860 census, p. 124 (Conn.)(67). Caroline J. (Ill.)(15).(1844)
$6,000/$7,000.
Base Map, pp. 87-89.

[86] Power, p. 230-231.
[87] Power, p. 537.
[88] Brick L-house with wooden L tucked into brick L and three rectangular wooden outbuildings-name "W. Pope".
Lot 6, Block 4, Old Town of Springfield
Photo and description "Bishop Seymour’s Old Residence on Second Street": February 4, 1941, J.R.:

[89] Erastus Wright Manuscript File, Manuscript Division, Illinois State Historical Library, Springfield, Illinois.
[90] Sandburg, v. I, pp. 206-207.
[91] 1881 History, p. 902. ...Isaac Bancroft, who was born April 29, 1776, and Mercy Coburn, who was born March 12, 1781. Native of Massachusetts, where they were married March 5, 1799...In 1803, ...emigrated to St. Lawrence county, New York, being the first man that paid for his land in the county...In 1839, left his home in St. Lawrence county, New York, coming through with teams and making the trip in six weeks, and located in Springfield, where they remained until 1844, when he died. Previous to his death he purchased the land in section nineteen, Cantrall, Fancy Creek Township, Sangamon County, Illinois.
[92] Roswell Abell was born on July 23, 1785, on Sharon Mountain, Litchfield County, Connecticut. He was married on October 22, 1807, to Betsy Mason, who was born on October 22, 1790, at Fort Ann, Washington County, New York. The fathers of both Roswell and Betsy fought in the Revolutionary War. Roswell and Betsy Abell had three children born at Granville, Washington County, New York. They moved to Springfield, arriving on July 15, 1836. In 1876 they lived at Rochester, Illinois, seven miles east of Springfield. Power, pp. 75-76.
[93] Power, p. 528. Thomas Moffitt, was born April 13, 1797, in that part of Montgomery, which is now Bath county, Kentucky, and came to Springfield, Illinois, November 14, 1826. He married January 22, 1829, in Morgan County, Illinois, to Eliza A. Gatton, who was born July 26, 1810, in Kentucky, also. They had eight children in Springfield. Thomas Moffitt taught school when he came to Springfield, devoting all the time at his command to the study of law, and was licensed to practice in 1828 or ‘9. He was Orderly Sergeant in a company from Sangamon county in the Winnebago war of 1827, and in 1832 was captain of a company in the Black Hawk war. He served two years as county commissioner, and from 1843 served as Judge of the Probate Court. Under the constitution of 1848, he was elected County Judge for four years. He has for many years been a Ruling Elder in the Second Presbyterian church of Springfield.
1881 History, pp. 50, 77,78, 83, 84, 111, 274, 282, 298, 431, 439, 605, 849, 885, 164.
[94] Power, p. 753 John B. Watson, born Feb. 10, 1800, in York District, South Carolina, and came to Illinois with his father, settling somewhere in Randolph county. He was married in Kaskaskia, April 9, 1829, to Mary Gillis, who was born in Wilmington, Delaware, Jan. 31, 1814. They moved to Springfield, soon after they were married, Mr. Watson having been to Sangamon county in 1827, to look at the country. J. B. Watson taught school the first year he resided in Springfield. He was afterwards county surveyor and engineer of the Great Western railroad. He went to California in 1849 and returned in 1852. Mrs. Mary Watson’s mother, Elizabeth Gillis, belonged to the Society of Friends, and she resided with her daughter in Springfield from about 1830 until her death, which occurred in August 1852.
[95] Power, p. 435-436: LAMB, JAMES L., brother to George Lamb, was born Nov. 7, 1800, at Connellsville, Fayette county, Penn. His father, George Lamb, died wile he was quite young, leaving six children to be cared for by the widowed mother. The family were members of the "Society of Friends". James early desired to assist his mother in bringing up the family, and at twelve years of age went to Cincinnati, making his trip on horseback, and engaged as clerk with Hugh Glenn, a relative of the family, and a prominent merchant of that city. In 1820 J. L. Lamb removed to Kaskaskia, Ill., where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and pork packing, in company with Col. Thos. Mather and S. B. Opdycke, at that place and at Chester, Ill. This firm packed and shipped the first barrel of pork ever sent to New Orleans from Illinois. J. L. Lamb was married, Jan. 13, 1824, at Cincin­nati, Ohio, to Susan H. Cranmer, daughter of Dr. Cranmer of that city. She was born there, Aug. l3, 1803. They moved to Springfield, Ill., in 1831, and in moving his effects it was necessary to charter a boat at St. Louis, and take it up the Kaskaskia river to the village. This was the only instance of a steam boat ascending that stream. The goods were landed at Beardstown, and transported to Springfield in wagons. Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Lamb had seven children; two died young.
1881 History, p. 686: James L. Lamb one of the early merchants and for many years one of the leading business men of Springfield, was born in Connelsville, Fayette county, Pennsylvania, November 7, 1800. At twenty years of age he came to Illinois and located in Kaskaskia, formed a partnership with a brother-in-law, Thomas Mather, and I. B. Opdycke, and engaged in general merchandising, and also carried on beef and pork packing extensively, which they shipped south. This firm shipped the first cargo of barreled pork to New Orleans ever sent from Illinois. In 1824, Mr. Lamb, returned to Cincinnati, Ohio, and on June 13, of that year married Susan C. Cranmer, daughter of Dr. John Cranmer, of that city. They settled in Kaskaskia, where Mr. Lamb continued in business about eight years. In the fall of 1832, he severed his connection there and they moved to Springfield, and after a few months residence on Jefferson street settled on the site of Mrs. Lamb’s present large and beautiful homestead. The hazel brush were cleared away to make room for their primitive pioneer home, from which a cow-path lead up through where Adams street now is. Mr. Lamb assumed the mercantile business in Springfield on Jefferson street, opposite the present St. Charles hotel. From there he moved to the west side of the square, and later to the corner now occupied by Hall & Herrick, at the southeast corner of the square. A number of years previous to his death he retired from that branch of business, and devoted the last years of his life to buying and packing pork. He departed from this life on December 3, 1873.
Mr. Lamb was an extensive reader, especially of history and travels; possessed a vigorous, active mind, was very sociable and hospitable, and particularly fond of the society of the young. He was public spirited in a marked degree, and ready to contribute to whatever inured to the welfare and prosperity of Springfield. Descended from Quaker ancestry, the religious element was conspicuous in his nature. He was for many years a member and an elder in the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Lamb had one son and five daughters born of their marital union, namely, John C., proprietor of the AEtna Iron Works of Springfield; Mrs. Gen. John Cook, Mrs. W. J. Black, Mrs. G.R. Brainerd, and a deceased daughter. All the living are residents of Sangamon county.
[96] Power , p. 82. 1881 History, pp. 287, 461.
[97] Calvin B. Francis 1881 History, pp. 216, 287, 298. The Abraham Lincoln Encyclopedia, p. 116-117. Power, p. 314:
[98] Josiah Francis 1860 police magistrate, h.: south side of. Mason, between. 7th and 8th (Conn.)(55). Power, p. 315: 1881 History, p. 217:
[99] Roll, John Eddy. Plasterer .Southeast Corner of Second and Cook 1854 Hart Map: Name only-"J. E. Roll"; no structures. 1858 Sides Map: Name "J. E. Roll"-large wooden square on large tract from 2nd to 3rd along Cook and the north 2/3’s of the block.
Friend of Lincoln since 1831. Power, p. 628. Photo: house-Register, 12/10/1964-p. 20.
Wife: H.V--(f)(N.Y.)45). F.P--(m)(Ill.)(8). J.L--(m)(Ill.)6). 1860 C.D. 1860 census, p. 498 (N.J.)(46).
$100,000/$3,000.
Photo (1814-1901)
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