Century-old Logan County Courthouse steeped in history and topped in beauty
Part 1: Logan County and its five courthouses

[January 16, 2018] 

LINCOLN

Century-old Logan County Courthouse steeped in history and topped in beauty
Part 1: Logan County and its five courthouses

One of the preeminent values in Logan County is our relationship to our prestigious and honorable 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

Over his adult years, Abraham Lincoln's works and presence in the county indelibly and eternally were woven into our fabric. He surveyed for the railroad coming through Lincoln and Logan County; later as a circuit-riding lawyer he practiced law throughout Logan County and forged many relationships; he argued as a legislator to create - and he named Logan County; he also christened Lincoln.

Four of the five earliest courthouses and the site of the current courthouse are all places where Abraham Lincoln is written deep into our history.

While running for the U.S. Senate, Lincoln gave a famous speech from the steps of an earlier Lincoln courthouse, which is on the same spot as the current courthouse. In the words of Lee Henson, “This 1858 rally-speech was one of Abraham Lincoln's most significant experiences in his many years of appearing in Logan County, from 1839 to 1860, as a well-respected lawyer, celebrated storyteller, and venerable politician who helped to found the Republican Party in Illinois and develop that party at the national level.”

The building is also recognized today for its historic architectural significance in 19th and 20th century neo-classical architecture of late Victorian and Italianate styles.

With its rich history, on December 24, 1985 the Logan County Courthouse Square Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2005, as its 100th anniversary was celebrated, Logan County was turning 166 years old. A booklet from the anniversary said, "up until 1904-1905, Logan County, Illinois had erected four earlier courthouses to serve its needs since the county was established in 1839."

The current Logan County Courthouse was the most substantial building erected and has lasted the longest.

Courthouses numbers 1 and 2

As the county was getting established the first two Logan County Courthouses were built where the highest population was expected to become established. Men with money, land and a development plan for Postville negotiated and won the first site. Logan County was one year old, est. 1839, when Postville Courthouse was built in 1840.

Later as the population of Mount Pulaski was surging, it was determined to move the county seat and that courthouse was built in 1848.

Shift back north

There is no arguing, there is something to be said for a good name. The city of Lincoln was established in 1853 with Abraham Lincoln himself christening the community with the juice of a watermelon, and with a name like Lincoln, the rest is history as to where the county seat would go and remain. 

The city of Lincoln burgeoning and there the third courthouse was built at the high point in town in 1856.

That structure burned down in April 1857, and another was built on the same spot in 1858.

By 1901, the county needed a fourth new courthouse with more space. According to an anniversary booklet, "During the June 1901, session of the Logan County Board of Supervisors, Jacob Bollin, a Supervisor from West Lincoln Township, introduced a resolution to the board. It called for the need of a new courthouse, better protection of county records and the submission to the voters of a proposition to issue $150,000 in bonds for the erection and completion of a new courthouse in Logan County."

The initial resolution failed 11 - 7.

In January 1902, a grand jury heard from Judge John H. Moffett about the condition of the old courthouse. After reviewing the courthouse's condition, the Grand Jury found it to be in a "state of decay" and recommended to Logan County's Board of Supervisors that a new courthouse be constructed.

By June 1902, the Board of Supervisors finally passed a resolution for a direct tax on "taxable property of the county" to help raise $50,000 a year for the next three years in order to build a courthouse that would cost $150,000.

In November 1902, voters approved the proposition for the additional tax with 3,250 votes approving it and 1,043 opposing it.

Construction of the courthouse began on June 15, 1903 with V. Jobst and Sons of Peoria doing the work.

Newspapers from 1903 say the cornerstone was laid without fanfare as a big celebration was planned for the completion.

November 1905, the courthouse was completed and a big celebration was held. The newspaper of that day says there was an electrical aerial artist who rode a bike with electric lights across a high wire and later walked blindfolded across it. Musical entertainment was provided by Barnard's orchestra and the Paragon Double Quartet. Fireworks ended the evening.

At the dedication ceremony, General Alfred Orendorff spoke of securing "a complete and accurate history of the early days of Logan County." The occasion was considered one of the most notable and important in the history of the city of Lincoln and of Logan County.

A historical review

Abraham Lincoln was licensed to practice law in Illinois in 1836. He began practicing law in the Illinois Eighth Judicial Circuit, which includes Logan County, in 1839, and while also a state legislator, he continued up to when he became President in 1860.

Logan County Courthouses:

1st - Postville Courthouse built in 1840

The county seat shifted to Mount Pulaski because population there was increasing.

2nd - Mount Pulaski, 1848 to 1855

The new town of Lincoln was established in 1853 and growing fast. The county seat was moved to Lincoln.

3rd - Lincoln, 1856 to 1857

Courthouse number three burned down. A new courthouse was built on the same site.

4th - Lincoln 1858 to 1901

Abraham Lincoln stood on the steps of this courthouse as it was brand new and debated Stephen A. Douglas in what was later termed a ‘stump speech’ for a seat in the U.S. Senate. His loss in that election allowed him two years later to seek the U.S. presidency, which he won in 1860.

5th - Lincoln, 1905 to 2017

The current courthouse is 112 years old and steeped in 128 years of Logan County's history.

It hosts memorials from all military conflicts and wars, serves as a tourist site for visitors, resource for adults and school children, and frequent field trip destination.

[Angela Reiners and Jan Youngquist]