Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1918-05-22
in STIRRING DAYS OF '6l
RESIDENT WRITES OF
HISTORICAL BUILDING
"reminiscences of Lincoln and Douglas
and That Critical Time in Our
National Life

Editor Censor: 1t was my privilege to
attend the dedicatOry services held in San
canon county court house some days ago
and as what l listened to held my attention,
II occurred TO me that some of the veterans
Of the Civil war who read the Censor M ght
be equally interested. have therefore writ
ten very briefly of the items which attracted
- +. ". BoEHMER.
Mr. Boehmer will be remembered by many
Viroqua people as a former resident here. ard
ason-in-lawof Veteran M.Y.B. Richards.- Ed. J
An event more than ordinary interest oc-
Cured here few days ago. and recalled the
stirring times of the Civil war period of our
country's history. 1t was occasion which
brought to light some interesting historical
facts in the lives Of some Of Illinois great
sons, who played an important part in the
crisis.
The occasion which called forth the Incl
dents of our past, was the dedication of the
historical paintings and decorations of the
circuit court room of the Sangamon county
court house The mere statement of this fact
may appear to have nothing in il TO excite
any but local interest, but when il is remem-
bered what transpired in this court room, and
in the entire building for that matter, il will
be seen that it IS of more than local interest
From the time OF its dedication in 1870 until
the present state capital was ready for occu-
pancy il was the capital building and in it
were enacted scenes which have had their
part in making the history Of the nation.
The first capital of the state was located at
eastoi Springfield. 1t was during session of TIE
legislature of which the celebrated Long
Nine were members, that the act providing
for its removal to Springfield was passed.
The Long Nine" were members from San
CANON, all of unusual stature. whose average
height was over six feet. One of the most
influential members was Abraham Lincoln.
The decorations Of this court room, form
ery the assembly chamber, consist of por-
traits Of Illinois great sons, Lincoln. Grant,
and Douglas. and are painted on the west
wall of the room Just above the judges bench.
The paintings are but a small part of the
great plan. which has been mapped out by
the commission having in charge the ceebra-
ton of the states centennial anniversary, which
takes place this year.
1t is interesting to recall that the corner
stone of this building was laid July Ath, 1887
the dedicatory address being delivered by E.
ID. Baker, then resident of Springfield and
close personal friend of Abraham Lincoln.
Some years later Col. Baker moved TO Ore
gon and during the first year of Lincoln S
administration represented that state in con-
gress. Col. Baker was killed at the battle
Of Balls Bluff in August 1861.
For almost thirty years-the most stirring
and important in the history of the state and
nation-this building was the center from
which radiated influences which to de-
termine the future policies of our government,
and which contributed to bring on the crisis
resulting in the Civil war.
1t was in the then assembly room, now the
circuit court room, that ten United States
senators were chosen Among whom We're
Lyman Trumbull-the latter two opponents
of Lincoln. Ten governors presided in the
building, and many men in lesser positions
who afterward became prominent in national
It was in this building that Lincoln deliv-
cred his great speech on June 16, 1858, in
which he made of the statement "a house
divided against itself cannot stand" Th,
great address IS most usually Tefcrred t. as
"the speech of June 18th ''the house d.
vided speech"
It was also in this building. in the same
room that Senator Douglas delivered a great
address on April %, 1851 The address was
Lincoln to whom the senator had rendered his
personal services after the attack on FtSum-
ter. 1t is well remembered that up to this
time Douglas had been the political Oppon-
ent of Lincoln, although at all times his per-
sonal friend. When Sumter was fired upon
Douglas threw the weight of his support to
the president and offered him his personal
services. The president, knowing the infiu-
encc he welded among his followers, request
ed him to go to Springfield and stir them to
his support. The results of that one speech
cannot be estimated. What the effect of his
powerful influence would have been. had he
been spared it is hard to imagine, but it is
safe to assume he would have been tower
of strent \ to his friend during the days of
agony which marked the four years of civil
strife. Some has aptly said that Doug
las really discovered himself in his defeat.
AS has been the case with others who have
persistently sought the presidency, Douglas
did not long survive the campaign. At the
time of making the address it was remarked
by many that he was far from well. Just
a few short weeks after he passed away.
While it is true that preceding the war he
was apparently willing to go tc almost any
length 70 placate the slave element, Il should
be remembered that when that element dis
played its real purpose none were more ready
to resist il than Douglas.
1t was also this rcont the present circuit
court room, which received the mortal remains
of the martyr president after the long journey
from Washington to Springfield.
III the southeast corner of the building, on
the second floor, is small room now occupied
by the master in ehancery court. From the
time Of his nomination until his departure,
Lincoln occupied this room. Here he received
visitors, friends and delegations, held his
conferences, and prepared his first inaugural
address. During the early period Of the war.
this same room used by Capt. u. S.
Grant as a recruiting and mastering office
The law office of Lincoln Herndon was
located a few doors west of the court house,
then the eapitol) on Washington street. 1t
was on the second floor Of a low two-story
building which was torn down some years ako
to give place r. large modern office building
The Lincoln nome is located at 430 South
Eight street, and is practically as it was left
by the president in February. 1861. save that
it is stored with relics Of the and his
time.
This brief sketch was written from an Office
within stone-throw of the place where he
boarded his train when he left to become
president. This spot has been marked by a
granite monument on the face of which is a
large bronze tablet containing his farewell
address. In beautiful Oak Ridge cemetery,
on the brow of hill, stands noble monu-
ment which commentaries his life and achieve
ments. Here his remains were finally depos-
tied some twenty odd years ago Here also
repose all the members Of his family except
his son, Robt. Todd Lincoln, the only surviv-
ing member Of the family.