Peter Cartwright
(1 Sept. 1785 – 25 Sept. 1872)
Known for helping to develop Methodism as a circuit rider in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois, Peter Cartwright was born three miles southeast. His library, which he carried in his saddlebag, included a Bible, a hymnal, and The Book of Discipline. Lacking formal education himself he encouraged it in others; several Midwestern colleges count him as a founder. In 1828 he was elected to the Illinois General Assembly. In 1832, he was one of four candidates elected in a field of thirteen; Abraham Lincoln ran eighth and lost. In 1846, Lincoln defeated Cartwright for Congress.
Marker is at the intersection of James River Road (U.S. 56) and Findlay Mountain Road (County Route 647), on the right when traveling east on James River Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
