OLD  ABE  AND  US

                                          NORMAN  V.  KELLY

 

For quite some time folks thought that Abraham Lincoln had visited Peoria, Illinois but five times. Wonderful  research by early Peorian, Mr. Drowns tells us differently. In a nice compact booklet by Ernest East the truth comes out. Mr. East was the founder of the Peoria Historical Society and  was truly a remarkable Peorian.

 

Actually, according to these two historians Abraham Lincoln was here a total of 17 times. The first was when Lincoln was returning to New Salem after the Black Hawk War in 1832. He and a companion virtually walked here from up north because their horses were stolen from the army camp up there.

 

Once they arrived in Peoria they bought a canoe and paddled it to Pekin, Illinois. The struggle on the river was vividly described in East’s booklet.

 

1840:  Lincoln was here in 1840 having been invited to speak on behalf of William Harrison who was running for president. 

 

1848:  Abe came back to Peoria to make a political speech and praise the life of General Zachary Taylor also a presidential candidate. The local Democratic Newspaper tore into Lincoln, stating that he lacked any real substance in his speech.

 

1852: Lincoln came to Peoria again at the invitation of some local politicians. This time he came to praise General Scott who was running for President of the United States.

1854:  It was October 16, 1854 when Abe Lincoln rode in to Peoria alone on a horse. He was to debate Stephen Douglas, who was met by about 500 people, a brass band and a parade. Stephen Arnold Douglas, “The little Giant,” and United States Senator was always a favorite here. Later in the presidential race, Douglas would beat Lincoln here in Peoria County.