The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-11-23
FAMOUS ILLINOIS TAVERN.
where Lincoln. when q circuit Riding
Lawyer. snapped stories.
UTbdna oorrespondenee 81. Louis GLOBE
Democrat.

OH01uN oOrTe9p0ndence OF. LOUIS VeOOe-
Democrat.
With the demolition OF the old Kelley tav-
ern. torn down last week to make room for
q barn. there passed one Of the famous old
hostelries OF Illinois. Built in 1889. the old
tavern became the stopping place of all west
bound travellers. It being the only hotel be-
tween Dsnville and Urbsna on the State road.
For years IL enjoyed great popularity. espe-
cially during its ownership by Joseph Kelley.
who operated il from is4e until 1884. During
the sos IL was the regular stopping place OF
the old time circuit riding lawyers. among
whom were Abraham Lincoln and Judge
David Davis. Both Lincoln and Davis were
warm friends Of Kelley, whose ready wit
and great fund Of stories made him q favorite
with both men. Kelley was o great story
teller. and during the months intervening
between the April and September terms OF
court he searched aseiduously for new sto-
ries to tell Abe When Lincoln and the
retinue Of circuit riding lawyers and Judge
arrived Kelley was In bis glory. Gu on the
long porch Of the hotel or before the Immense
fireplace he and Lincoln would sit for hours
'swapping stories" to the delight Of the other
lawyers.
Often Lincoln's coming, being heralded
about the surrounding country. drew scores
Of farmers to the hotel. and not infreQuently
residents Of Urbana drove down to enjoy the
contest between the two great story tellers.
However well equipped with new material
was Mr.. Kelley he always found himself van
Quished by Mr.. Lincoln. whose fund OF anec-
dotes seemed i~nexhaustible. Old residents
say that the two champions frequently told
stories ALMOST all night. Lincoln sitting In an
immense armchair. with wide rockers and a
buffalo robe cushion. known to the household
as "Abe's chair" The old chair is still in the
possession Of the Kelley family. one OF its
most cherished heirlooms.
During the latter days Of his circuit riding
and while travelling from town to town on
his campaigning tours. the visits OF Mr.. Lin
coin became famous for impromptu political
gatherings Often Lincoln would sit for hours
in the barroom OF the tavern. expounding
his views to the crowds assembled to hear
him. Mr.. Kelley frequently asserted that
Lincoln was one OF the few guests OF the place
who never patronized the bar. TINS was
rare. for good whiskey, brought from the
Wabash country by an itinerant preacher.
sold over the bar for 37H cents a gallon. and
practically every man, including the minis
tiers and school teachers. took his dram"
The old tavern played an important part
In the social life OF the community. Here
during the winter months ~sembl all the
young people for miles around to dance and
enjoy themselves. In the yard were held
the turkey shoots on Thanksgiving and
Christmas. when the pioneers assembled to
prove their wonderful skin with their old
muzzle loading firearms. Whiskey on these
occasions flowed freely. and some famous
fights have occurred about the old building.
but for the most part the early settler was
good natured, even in his cups and no serious
damage was done In these eFounters.
With the coming of the railroads and the
passing OF the stage coach the old tavern
suffered a lsmentsble falling on in business,
and after A precarious existence 10 was closed
md fha hn m hA,.DaN eha -. ---A