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Archiver > ILMCDONO > 1999-09 > 0938189512
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Subject: NOTED VISITORS AND RESIDENTS Part 1...the visitors
Date: Fri, 24 Sep 1999 11:11:52 -0500
While Macomb is but a small interior city, it has been honored with
visits from many men of national reputation. It would be difficult to
give dates, but the circumstances, which are of more importance, are
reproduced.
Ulysses S. Grant, Andrew Johnson, Rutherford B. Hayes, William McKinley
and Theodore Roosevelt, Presidents of the United States, have all made
short addresses at Macomb. On two occasions Abraham Lincoln addressed
large audiences here.
Colonel E. D. Baker, member of congress from this district and one of
the most brilliant men connected with the history of the country,
visited Macomb on more than one occasion. He was afterward United States
Senator from Oregon, and in 1861 resigned to enter the army, being
killed in action at Ball's Bluff.
Stephen A. Douglas, as a member of the Supreme Court, presided over the
Circuit Court of this county, his name frequently appearing in its
records. He was afterward elected to Congress and to the united States
Senate, and was Lincoln's opponent in the great joint discussion of
1858, as well as the democratic candidate for the Presidency in 1860.
Senator Trumbull was in the city on several occasions, when a candidate
for the United States Senate and the Governorship. Previous to the Civil
War he was a Democrat, was subsequently elected to the United States
Senate as an opponent of the Kansas-Nebraska Act and as a Republican,
and continued to support that party until 1872, when he again became
associated with the Democratic party.
Vice-President Schuyler Colfax twice visited the city, one of the
lectures which he delivered being his celebrated address on Abraham
Lincoln.
Hon. Tom Corwin, the "wagon boy", of Ohio and one of the most eloquent
and humorous members of congress, was here during a general election
campaign, and made one of his characteristic speeches to an immense
audience.
Gen. Phil Sheridan and Gen. William T. Sherman were in the city and each
addressed large audiences.
"Uncle Dick", Richard J. Oglesby, spoke in this city on several
occasions. With its people he was always the most popular candidate for
Governor, or any other office he desired. "Dick" was three times elected
Governor, once United States Senator, and was a General in the Civil
War, being wounded at the battle of Corinth. In every way he was a
stanch, loyal American, and thoroughly beloved by the citizens of
Illinois.
Richard Yates, Sr., the War Governor, was a visitor to Macomb. He was
elected to the gubernatorial chair in 1860, served one term and at its
close was elected United States Senator. He was also called by his
friends, "Dick", and proved one of the most loyal and energetic
Governors in the united States. He provided well for the Illinois
Volunteers, and often visited the soldiers in their camps and fields of
battle.
Senator Shelby M. Cullom has many times addressed McDonough County
audiences, and is much beloved by its people, who believe him to be a
man of great personal integrity and a statesman of the first class.
Governors Fifer, Tanner, Yates (the younger) and Deneen have often
addressed the citizens of Macomb and McDonough County, and have always
received the hearty support of its citizens.
Orville H. Browning, late of Quincy, and a member of President Johnson's
Cabinet as head of the Interior Department, practiced before the courts
of McDonough County. He was an elegant gentleman, always friendly and
polite, and at the same time a profound lawyer.
Robert G. Ingersoll, the noted lecturer and lawyer, attended the Circuit
Court, and was much admired for his professional ability.
William j. Bryan, Democratic candidate for the Presidency in 1900
addressed the people of this city during the campaign, and Senators
Hopkins and Mason have both delivered speeches on political issues.
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