| Springfield Home Attractions Famous Residents Recreation Restaurants/Hotels/ Bed & Breakfast  |
Abraham Lincoln, one of America’s most important
and beloved presidents, is undoubtedly Springfield’s most famous
resident. Lincoln was born on February 9, 1809, in Kentucky. He spent
his childhood in Kentucky and Indiana until his family decided to move
to Illinois in 1830. Just four years later, Lincoln was elected to the
Illinois Legislature where he served four terms. Lincoln studied law and
received his license to practice law in September 1836.
In April of 1837 Lincoln moved to Springfield when it replaced Vandalia
as the state capital. As a new lawyer, Lincoln opened a law office when
he moved to Springfield. For 14 years, from 1839 to 1853, he covered the
Eighth Judicial Circuit which included 14 Illinois counties. In 1853 the
circuit reduced in size and Lincoln served another six years, becoming
a very prominent Illinois circuit-riding lawyer. On November 4, 1842,
Lincoln married Mary Todd. They rented a home until they purchased a house
in 1844 where they raised their four sons.
In 1858 Lincoln ran for the United States Senate and lost to Stephen Douglas.
Just two years later he was nominated for President where he defeated
Douglas and two other candidates. Lincoln took office in the Spring of
1861. The Civil War broke out on April 12, 1861. As the 16th president,
Lincoln successfully abolished slavery while holding the states together,
an incredible feat. He was reelected in 1864 and on April 14, 1865 the
Civil War ended. Five days later Lincoln was shot and died the next day.
He was brought back to Springfield where he was laid to rest in the Oak
Ridge Cemetery.
Springfield’s second most famous resident might be Vachel Lindsay. He was born on November 10, 1879, in Springfield. Lindsay attended Hiram College, then went on to study art at The Chicago Art Institute and New York School of Art. After completing his studies, Lindsay made several extensive walking tours throughout the United States where he sold his poems for meals. He died on December 5, 1931, and is remembered for his poetry, art, and public speaking.
Julius Rosenwald was born on August 12, 1862, in Springfield. While successfully running his own business, Rosenwald was recruited by Sears, Roebuck & Company. He was Vice President for 15 years; then from 1910 to 1925 he served as president. Under his leadership, Sears became America’s largest retail store. From 1925 until his death in 1932, he was the Chairman of the Board at Sears. Rosenwald is best remembered for his philanthropy. In 1917 he established the Julius Rosenwald Fund which provided financial support to many religious, scientific, and educational institutions.
Lyman Trumbull was born in 1813 in Colchester, Connecticut. In 1837 he moved to Springfield and established a law practice. He served as a state legislator, Illinois Secretary of State, on the Illinois Supreme Court, and went on to serve three terms as a United States Senator. Trumbull was instrumental in passing the 13th and 14th amendments before his death in 1896.
QuincyNet
Home
Copyright© 2002- 2003 by QuincyNet, a division of
HCW Ltd.
All Rights Reserved