When Lincoln came to Princeton
PRINCETON — It was July 4, 1856, and a great and popular speaker addressed a crowd of an estimated 10,000 people at a political rally just south of downtown Princeton. The man, a lawyer, was a strong speaker, and people came from miles around to hear him.
Oh, and by the way, Abraham Lincoln also spoke in Princeton that day, following Joe Knox’s words to the audience.
Although Lincoln wasn’t the speaker most came to hear that warm July day, his speech was warmly received, and his presence in Princeton that day is the only known time the 16th president of the United States visited Bureau County.
To observe that visit, the Bureau County Historical Society will hold a Fourth of July Celebration in honor of the Lincoln Bicentennial.
According to Pam Lange, museum director for the historical society, just 80 years after signing the Declaration of Independence, many Americans were once again in a revolutionary mood. They felt the slave-holding states were becoming too powerful and feared that slavery would now be extended into the western territories.
“Lincoln was very strong on the Declaration of Independence and our Constitution,” Lange said. “He had great respect for the history and development of our nation.”
Lincoln was among those who were speaking out and urging citizens to vote for an administration that would restrict slavery. He told the crowd that a house divided against itself must fall, and thought it was equally true of a nation.
According to newspaper accounts, the public didn’t seem to mind back then, but there is one factor of Lincoln’s speech that might not have played so well with modern audiences.
“Lincoln spoke for two hours, so most people today would probably think his speech was too long!” Lange said.
The Historical Society’s Fourth of July commemoration of Lincoln’s 1856 visit will feature the reading of the Declaration of Independence, brief excerpts from speeches by Lincoln and Lovejoy, patriotic music, and activities for children. It will last about 45 minutes. People are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In case of rain, the event will be held at the Prairie Arts Center.
Following the program, the Dr. S.A. Paddock home at 832 S. Main St. will be open until noon. Owner Carol McGee will show visitors the room where Lincoln had dinner with the Paddocks on July 4, 1856.
The historical society has several items relating to Lincoln’s visit. There is an 1856 campaign ribbon from the 1856 election, and original newspaper accounts of the visit. There are also photographs, and an original thank you letter from Robert Lincoln to Mrs. Paddock for giving him a photo of his father that was taken that day.