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 Several years ago, the Civil War soldier monument that stood on
the Logan County Courthouse grounds for decades went down in a wind
storm. A statue committee was formed to get it repaired. When funds
had been raised, sculptor David Seagraves was contracted to do the
repair.
It was noted then that the courthouse grounds were lacking a
monument to the county and city's most famous forefather, Abraham
Lincoln. The committee looked at what might be possible, and then
determined to continue on in pursuit of another statue. They chose
to represent A. Lincoln from the day as he stood on the Logan County
Courthouse steps in a debate against Stephen A. Douglas in 1858.
Remaining funds from the Civil War soldier statue project were
rolled over to the new project and a campaign begun.
 Chuck Conzo of the Statue Committee said that the county and other
individuals and organizations purchased replicas in an effort to
help raise money to pay for the full-sized statue. All thirty
numbered miniatures were reported sold as of Friday last week.
A grant was also obtained from the Wood’s Foundation to aid with
costs for the display. Conzo said that efforts to have the statue
constructed began a couple of years ago. Conzo thanked the Logan
County Board and State’s Attorney Jonathan Wright for their
assistance in this project.
“We should have the statue completed later this year or early next
year,” said Conzo.
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While a legislator for the state of Illinois, Abraham Lincoln
was the foremost person instrumental in the establishment of
Logan County, a split from Sangamon County. This year, Logan
County is celebrating its 175th Anniversary.
In December 1864, 150 years ago, Lincoln, Illinois was chosen as
the site for Lincoln University, the first college to be named
for our 16th President during his lifetime.
Ground for the first building was broken on Feb. 12, 1865, the
President's birthday. University Hall has been preserved and is
still in use on the campus, now called Lincoln College.
April 15, 2015 marks the 150th Anniversary of the death of this
great President. A recreated funeral train will once again pass
through Lincoln, Illinois en route to the President's final
resting place, Springfield, Illinois.
This year or next year, a new statue in honor of Abraham Lincoln
would be a welcome and timely addition to our community.
[By DEREK HURLEY/LDN]
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