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The first black priest in the United States, Father Augustine Tolton, is laid to rest in Quincy’s St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery at 3300 Broadway. Augustus Tolton was born into slavery April 1, 1854, in Ralls County, Missouri. His father left the family to serve as a union soldier in the Civil War. In 1861, Tolton’s mother fled to Quincy with her three children to escape from the bonds of slavery. Tolton was raised in Quincy and developed a desire to serve in the Catholic Church. In 1880 he was admitted as a priest candidate at a college in Rome. Six years later Tolton was ordained and returned to Quincy to serve at St. Joseph Church. After three years, Father Tolton moved to Chicago to organize a new parish. His life was cut short when he suffered a heat stroke and died at the age of 43. There is an Illinois State Historical Marker at the corner of 7th and Maine Streets as well as a monument at St. Peter’s Church at 25th and Maine to commemorate the achievements and life of Father Augustine Tolton.
John Wood, founder of Quincy, was born in 1798 in Sempronius, New York. He left home in 1818 and headed West. After a series of stops, Wood settled in what is now known as Quincy. In the Fall of 1822, he purchased 160 acres, built a small cabin, and put the wheels in motion for a bright future. In 1824 he saw that Adams County was established with Quincy as the county seat. Wood was married in 1826 and spent the remainder of his life watching Quincy flourish as he served in several public positions such as mayor, state senator, lieutenant governor and Illinois’ 12th Governor. He also served in the Civil War. Wood died in 1880 and his history lives on in the John Wood Mansion at 425 South 12th Street. Call 217-222-1835 for additional information.
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